The Seear summoned the Zeta Squad to the Regal Palace, in the early hours of Wednesday, 9th of August 2006. Marcus arrived rushing in at 7 a.m. As he entered the hallway leading up to the Seear's Hall, he saw Camille and Hugo waiting at the entrance.
He stopped for a moment. Hugo smiled and waved. The Sokidu stared in silence a moment too long before slowly walking up to them.
"You're early," Hugo said, giggling.
Marcus did not reply. He just dropped his head and stood silently with his hands in his pockets for a few moments then asked, "Master Seear not here yet?"
"Nope." Hugo looked away. "Busy man…"
As Camille chuckled, Marcus looked up. But his gaze dropped again quickly. A faint, awkward smile tugged at his lips as his shoulders slumped and he gave a small nod. His eyes flicked up at Hugo a few times only to fall away again. There was regret written all over his face. "Look, about the other day…"
The Zaatsu looked over. "What about it?"
Rubbing his palms together, the Sokidu finally looked up and said, "I'm sorry, Master Baylis. We were being jerks."
"Oh, it's fine." He turned away once more.
"No, really. You're our captain and my teacher, and we should trust you more." He paused. His jaw flexed, as though he wanted to speak more but could not quite form the words.
Hugo turned back to face him. "It's understandable," he politely said. "You guys were frustrated, even felt betrayed, and that's natural. I would've felt the same way."
"No, Master, that's not it! I don't know about the others, but I… I've been… I've been feeling wrong this whole time, man. If we were betrayed, then we were all betrayed. It's not like you knew about it, Master."
Embarrassment had softened his features, the usual sharpness in his eyes replaced by quiet remorse. "I'm sorry, Master Baylis," he said. "I look up to you and I never want to disrespect you like that."
Giggling, Hugo put his hand on the fire-breathing Sokidu's shoulder. "Relax, Marc," he said. "I'm not the kind of guy who feels disrespected by questions from my students. I prefer it when you guys speak your mind freely in front of me."
Squeezing hard, he added, "You're a good kid, Marcus. You've got a kind heart. Best keep it kind, alright? We need people like you. We need people to lead us out of the darkness." Tilting in, he chuckled and said, "Chin up, man!"
Marcus finally smiled and looked up. Hugo patted him twice and looked at Camille. "Where's your brother?"
She shook her head. "Don't know. He hasn't come home since we returned from the mission."
A few minutes later, they saw the rest of the squad – Ella, Gina, and Neil – entering the hallway. Camille moved a step closer to her brother.
"Hey, could you try and talk to him, please?" she asked, whispering. "He's upset, bro."
"Ah." Hugo looked down. "Not my strong suit…"
She gently elbowed him. "At least try!"
"Sorry if we're late, Master Baylis," Gina said.
Hugo shook his head. "Not at all."
Before they could converse further, the doors of the Seear's Hall opened and out walked the cream of the Eye – Seear Master Renekom Mujin, Primarch Master Obadiah Moore with four other Zaatsus, and the four most senior members of the Parliament.
While pleasantries were exchanged, Faris Naji also arrived accompanied by the Seredums Erina, Eila, and Eira.
The courtyard outside the Seear's Hall buzzed with restrained energy; operatives paused mid-step, their chatter dimming as the leaders of the Eye converged.
"I see we're all here," the Seear said. After a slight pause, he added, "Now, we must deploy on our next mission immediately."
Hugo's gaze widened. "Next mission?"
"Yes, son," said Michael Brown, one of the oldest Zaatsus still in service at the Palace. "We have too many loose ends here and they need to be tied immediately."
Upon Renekom's request, one of the strongest Parliamentarians, Dustin Flores, explained. "Our resources are already occupied by the renewed tension amongst the Cultists. Operatives must also strengthen the outposts, especially after the most recent attacks. So, it is up to us to bring this matter to a close."
"We will split up in groups and hunt down the absconder," the Seear added. "I will personally lead this mission to make sure no stone remains unturned and no operative goes rogue. Everything will be done by the book this time."
"What about the Palace and the city?" Hugo asked.
"I am leaving Hedish in charge here. Master Fiona Bennett will oversee the border security. Defences around the city have been strengthened and a Mystic such as herself will make sure the place remains absolutely impregnable."
Zaatsu Master Kenji Masaki looked at Hugo and asked, "Hey, Hugo. We were just discussing the Alchemist's abilities. Could you explain what you faced?"
"Basic alchemy," he replied with a shake of the head. "Nothing special. I am sure many of us here know at least basic alchemy-repelling techniques. So, no need to worry."
Renekom stared wide-eyed. "Then how come you couldn't defeat him?"
"Because he had worn the Minotaur pendant and bracelets with the Charms of Zeke stuck to them. The defensive charms had made him immune to all Ki-charged attacks and the pendant was giving him added strength by attaching atmospheric Ki to his body."
Faris chuckled. "And you know what they say about the Minotaur – he who uses its powers shall not live for seven days more…"
Everyone quietly observed the duo. When the silence grew too uncomfortable, Faris added, "But the information the Alchemist was able to acquire is what makes him dangerous. He knew the outpost was empty. I mean, had you not called me to spend the day there, it would have been curtains for these poor kids."
A murmur rippled through the small crowd that had gathered at a distance – scholars, aides, junior Zaatsus, Mystics, and Sokidus – all pretending to be busy but clearly listening.
"Yes," said Renekom. "And that is exactly why we need to wrap this up as quickly as possible."
"Agreed."
"Hugo." The Seear looked at the Zaatsu. "I want you to take your squad and look through the black markets. Take Faris and the Seredums along as well."
"What about you?" Hugo asked.
"We will go directly to the source." He looked at Obadiah and the others. "I believe Fallon's arcane establishments are the best place to start."
Erina, the eldest Seredum sister, stepped ahead. "Fallon?" she said, surprised by the Seear's answer. "Why would you go to him? Finding a trace of the Alchemist is most possible from the battleground itself."
"The Alchemist is not our priority right now, Miss Seredum."
"What?!"
Faris scoffed. "Unbelievable," he whispered before saying, "Then what in the blazes are you after?"
The Seear glanced at Hugo and then looked at Faris. "We have to clean the mess created by careless actions and blind trust – we have to find the White Bolt."
"Oh my God," Hugo whispered and looked away shaking his head.