We came back to the academy safely after the underground club debacle. They went to sleep and I stood guard. The next day we went down to the courtyard to be hosed by the army. One of the people I rescued was there. He saw me and froze. He didn't say a word. He watched as I was examined and I passed. He guessed I was hybrid so I wouldn't be harmed. He didn't say anything till I walked up the stairs. He approached me and asked me to be careful since there are those who want to exploit me. The people in lab coats are hoping to find a specimen. I made it clear, "Only if you expose me" he promised to keep me a secret to his dying day. He owes me for saving his life. He asked me not to show off. Because there are those who will happily hand me over. Or they will nab me for themselves. I need to find a way to practice without getting busted or do nothing. I promised to take his idea under advisement. He shook my hand and went down to observe the tests.
I extended my senses to hear a group of humans talk about a young girl with superhuman strength. She looked different from the monsters. Maybe they could use something like that to enhance themselves. They were a generation that says they are amongst those who will defeat death. They are the immortals and she was the key. They believe these girls were from a different town or city. These girls were just visiting so they had a very limited window to find her and make themselves immortal. They said that the others called her Sassy. I realised they were talking about me. I explained this to the girls and they agreed to practice my ability away from them. They agreed not to wander off in the city. The next morning we started practicing. They would chose a random room and I would have to find them without using echolocation. It was a pain practicing x-ray vision with constant interruptions from staff and other students.
Once I realise how my ability activates it was easy. Invisibility was triggered by fear. Flight was triggered by the desire to be away. X-ray vision was triggered by the desire to hunt. The thirst for blood meant I had to search for a beating heart. This allowed me to find people. First I saw them as beating hearts and pulsing veins. Before it was time for school holidays I was able to see who was on other side. Also they were fully clothed. This was without changing my outward appearance. I also practiced tracking people by smell. I got used my friend's scent. So I can find them if they are kidnapped or missing. Between practice I saw a magazine and thought out loud with every fiber of my being how I wish I was someone else. I immediately felt the change in my body. I looked in the mirror and wished to be me again. I was me again.
I waited till the girls were asleep to practice how to change my appearance. We chose to memorize the curriculum of the next semester. The supervisor was pleased so he allowed us to go out once the military gave the all clear. We were allowed to leave in batches but I wasn't written with my friends. I had to go alone or strangers. I chose to go alone. I wore a mask and a hoodie. I made sure to use two cabs. The first to get me to the convenience store on the outskirts of the city. And another one to get me to where I want to go. I told the girls to wear masks too since I was sure they will recognise the girls. They covered their faces except at checkpoints. They showed their faces and covered it up saying there is someone sneezing all over the place. They are infecting people left, right and center. The soldiers believed them so they were allowed to cover their faces. I got out and walked till I got a different taxi.
Then I paid the cab and walked to the ATM machine to collect some cash. Uncle J left me a decent amount. So I got the daily allowed amount before going shopping. I went into the diner and locked the bathroom door before changing my appearance. I went from straight red head that reach my waist to curly raven that reach my shoulders. Then my skin tone changed to a light brown. My eyes went from green to blue. I am able to stay in any disguise till I get bored. So I casually walked out without attracting attention. I sat in one of the tables in the diner. The waitress came and I ordered a burger and a chocolate milkshake. When she left I extended my senses to find them. They were actually discussing how to find me before the army does. They were sure I would show up if they got my friends. But they have no clue what they look like. One of them said they heard me say they will not be seen outside ever again. This was the last excursion.
The leader told them to keep looking. If they try they will succeed. They needs to persevere. After eating my brunch I paid and walked out. I followed the voice and found them. I simply called Nine one one and explained there is a gang of armed people trying to abduct kids so send help. The police took it seriously. They send men and women to apprehend them. They were taken by surprise when the door blew open and the police arrested them. The officers saw the plans to kidnap girls my age. They even saw the sketches of me. I had used temporary blue and blonde hair dye so they had assumed my hair was blonde. I was pleased that they had no clue what I look like. They were dragged out and shoved into the patrol cars. The forensic team took pictures and assumed these people were members of the biohackers. Those who wanted to replace their aging organs with healthy young ones so they can extend their life.
I followed them to the station and chose to look like me again. I took the mask and asked the clerk to call my mom. She gave me permission to go inside and I saw mom's desk didn't have my picture. Mom explained that she is investigating homicide so if she keeps my picture then her problems will double. I was grinning as she explained everything. I hid as they dragged the biohackers to interrogation. They were sure one of them was a traitor so they kept their mouths shut till they were free. I got out while the Q&A was happening. Mom asked me to be careful as I walked out to get the essentials. She came with me as I bought sanitary napkins, shampoo, soap and a few candy bars. Then she drove me home and asked me to stay safe. She is worried about these psycho child nappers. I chimed, "I got what I came for mom. I don't need to go out till next month." As she left I sensed that the biohackers were trying to find the traitor and failed miserably. One of them got impulsive and killed the other. The police arrived and arrested them. Problem solved.