Chapter 17: Chapter 17

JUNE 2023

Marcus hummed to a musical note that played in his head. He was in the Adelade's art gallery. With a smile that defined the divinity within him. He studied the painting until his eyes fell on Mr. Williams. The same man who had offered him a chance to play in Dé Deluxe Piano Concerto. A famous concert every instrumentalists dreams to play in. All thanks to Doctor Roberts too, who had specifically invited them to the Metz Gala.   Although the Metz Gala had paved a way in his career, he was still puzzled as to why Doctor Roberts had invited them.

"Mr. Williams!" He greeted with faint excitement booming in his voice as he approached the Senator. Moderately guarded by icy looking men dressed in suits. They held him back sharply.

"Marcus I believe?" The Senator responded quizzically with a tiny smile complementing his face.

"Yes Sir!" He affirmed while the Senator signalled to his guards. He adjusted his suit briefly before inching close to the man. Whose cologne quickly basked over him.

"It's such an honor meeting you again and thank you for the other day." He added with a grin.

The Senator shrugged him off casually with a giggle.

"It's nothing, Marcus. I was totally intrigued with your style of play and I hope you impress me again at the forthcoming Dé Deluxe."

Marcus nodded yet again, mentally trying to contain his excitement. He never for once thought of gracing that highly respected occasion let alone play there. A chance for his music to be heard. But then, he was working for Doctor Roberts. A famous Billionaire, his life was destined to change.

"Pardon me but aren't you supposed to be in Rivernea. Considering the gravity of situation over there." He asked while the man's gaze remained glued to a painting.

"You just don't visit Republic of Africa for the Metz Gala alone." The Senator replied. "I'll be returning to my continent soon enough but not after I enjoy the taste of arts here."

Marcus smiled and then gazed to the painting. Mentally agreeing with the Senator. Republic of Africa was truly a continent blessed with arts.

"What do you think of this painting?" The Senator asked in his refined tone. He glanced between the Senator and back to the painting. He reviewed the oil painting that visualized the continent of Utopia. Beautifully advanced than the World's current status.

"The artist glitter of hope for a better world. A futuristic abode." He eloquently voiced while the man scoffed.

"Our views are different." The Senator remarked.

Marcus arched his eyebrows upwards for a brief moment.

"That is art. It expresses different meanings." He paused his lips. "What is your view Sir?"

The Senator heaved a sigh and then gazed at him.

"Absurd." He blurted with a profound frown. "This artist is obviously deluded by our shameful state of World Power."

Marcus arched his eyebrows in confusion. It was just a stunning painting of Utopia but the Senator had read a meaning so deep and puzzling.

"I don't understand you Sir." He gently answered.

The Senator grinned sinisterly.

"Why should Utopia be in the world's control? Don't you find it unreasonable for a continent to define the fate of others?"

"W-well well," Marcus stuttered, still taken aback by the strong words of the Senator. He studied the man carefully and from his intonation and countenance, the man looked overly serious. "We all can agree that Utopia is the only well built society capable of handling the others."

"That is the problem!" The Senator blared. "And since they've been handling other continents what has happened?. Area X is still the same where the explosion left it, my continent is under rebellious attack, as well as the others who are continuously facing one turbulence or the other." The man paused while Marcus stared dumbfounded.

"In three years, Utopia has revived remarkably well but what of the others?.

We're gullibly following them and I think it's time each continent gain independence." The Senator declared sternly. But before Marcus could react, some of the surrounding people suddenly went wild. Pulling out heavy guns beneath their clothes and shooting down the Senator's guards mercilessly. Innocent civilians screamed in agony while Marcus froze in horrific awe. His eyes exclaimed and the entirety of his body shivered.

"Everybody get down on your knees!" The leader growled in a thunderous voice. It shook every ounce of courage in him and he swiftly bowed to their orders. His heart started to race like sport cars as the score of assassins paraded in his direction. He squeezed his eyes shut hoping a bullet won't scatter his brain matter.

"Mr. Williams!" The leader growled as he roughly carried the Senator whose fear easily displayed. Marcus fearfully opened his eyes, studying the men who had now worn matching masks with their black suits. Their guns were all poised in one direction. Mr. Williams. He gasped while his body still danced in a trembly fashion.

"Your time is up!" The leader spat out icily again before raiding the innocent man with bullets.

The crowd screamed, all bending their heads under fear but Marcus watched. He watched in dismay how Mr. Williams danced horribly from the bullets phasing through him till he fell lifelessly to the ground. In his own pool of blood.

Only one thought scaled Marcus mind. He failed. He failed a life when he had the chance.

################

".... Yesterday. Senator of District AB of Rivernea, Mr. Williams Crooke, was shot dead alongside few others by a group of unidentified assassins in Lagos, Republic of Africa. The security forces have begun investigation and pr--"

"Service, pause." Doctor Roberts ordered to the Nano-led TV in The Shining's abode. He turned away from the Plasma and faced his team. Who all had worried expressions most especially Marcus.

"How are you feeling Marcus?" He asked solemnly while the others focused on the Pianist too.

"Horrible!" Marcus declared. His voice blaring out heavy doses of guilt.

"I can understand what you feel." Doctor Roberts heaved a light sigh as he inched closer to them. Worriedly seated on couches.

"No you can't!" Marcus protested with teary eyes. "None of you here can possibly understand the helplessness I felt!" He paused his lips glancing across everyone's faces.

"I watched Mr. Williams die. I had the power to save him but what did I do?. I cowered in fear and let the Senator die. I'm a failure."

Doctor Roberts heaved another sigh as he slipped his hands into his lab coat.

"I can't sweet talk you, Marcus, but neither should you deem yourself a failure." He soothed. "Bad things happen and sometimes you can't always be in the position to save the day. Assuming you had used your powers, do you know the risk you could be causing yourself and The Shining. You could have even died in the process."

"I could have saved a person yesterday but all you care about is The Shining." Marcus retorted.

"Need I remind you that The Shining is not an experimental lab for mutants but an agency established for the safety of lives. So I'll advice that you suck up your guilts and prepare yourself for the unknown coming in months."

Doctor Roberts clarified in an overly stern voice. Silence reigned for minutes before he spoke again.

"Now in light of my two weeks absence, I understand so much happened but I'm happy to see you all safe and sound." He beamed a smile at their weary faces. "And I'll also like to thank you all for attending my award ceremony."

Silence descended again.

"Also, today marks the end of our one month basic training. Tomorrow we shall begin the next phase."

"Which is?" Collins questioned dryly.

"Training."

"Again!" Michael blared disappointedly.

"As if one month of hell wasn't enough. Now you're torturing us again." Collins rolled his eyes and then hissed.

Doctor Roberts chuckled for a brief moment.

"Your basic training was intended for your physical body, getting in shape, you know. But this new phase is meant for your powers. Getting versatile with them and gradually overcoming your weaknesses." He explained. "I'm giving you all the day off and tomorrow we begin. 9am sharp." He had expected them to adorn a smile or jubilate but they still retained their coldness. Apparently still shaken by Marcus ordeal.

"That'll be all." He ordered.

"That's all?" Lola queried. "You're not going to explain Ariel's mysterious powers or her silence?"

"Or perhaps you can start with the pointless operation at the Metz Gala?" Theodore interjected icily.

"Yes!" Collins followed suit. "Cos rather than being a host, I could have simply enjoyed my date with Pearl Carson."

Doctor Roberts beamed at their faces once again.

"I have nothing to say at the moment."

"You're putting us in the dark too much, Doctor Roberts." Lola frowned while his smile widened.

"And you guys are getting impatient." He remarked. "Like I always say. With time, you'll get to know everything. As for now, you're all dismissed."

He watched them stroll out in silence except the Trainer and Rita, his personal assistant. Both of them joined him by the side with concerns imprinted on their faces.

"Something tells me that the Senator's death is linked to the Metz Gala." The Trainer voiced beside him.

"And you still haven't told us why operation stealth was carried out." Rita added but he heaved a light sigh.

"With time, you'll get to know everything. As for now, The Shining is closed for the day." He muttered before exiting the building.