2 TO THE 9TH: Keller Collab Comic

In random collaboration with @/doughblaster and @/turbosector on Twitter- I did this on my stream instead of commissions and I got a sexy Keller comic out of it so maybe it's not too bad. I do a breakdown of this comic on my stream! Check out the clip for some directors commentary on it here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=R7uB34ymFsE Twitter: https://twitter.com/2eeillustration Instagram: @2eeillustration Discord: https://discord.gg/3AFaFkSCDP

I just posted all my current chapters. Apologies for the inactive posting. I'll try to be on here, and post chapters more consistently, as they become finished. I have up to twelve chapters released at this time. Also, changed my art style, only slightly, so I'll post new art soon. Maybe post old art too I hadn't gotten to posting on here.

A successful takedown last night brought back exciting news the next day. Coming back to work, agents find themselve hearing about the latest mission, or sharing their experiences. Word started to spread about Eve's heroic deeds, especially. But, Eve seemed oblivious to the coworkers around watching her, curiously, and, or intrigued. Everyone goes on, rushing through the busy unit. 

Eve had gotten to work as usual. She sits at her desk, writing a report, as Grey left to get something for a mission. She was feeling good after last night. It was a lot better than her last few hectic encounters before that. Eve doesn't pay much mind to the office chatter. "Hi there. You're name's Maestro, right?" A voice calls out specifically to her, however. It was immediately unfamiliar, so she had to check who it was.

Eve turns, and gives a warm smile as two unfamiliar agents approach her. A male and female stand beside Eve's desk. They stood like night and day. Eve greets the contrasting pair. "Yes, that's me! Can I help you two with something?"

The male speaks up. He wore all black as his counterpart wore all white. He also has dark hair and skin. "Not exactly, but we were just wanting to meet you. I'm Sorlas, and this is Spirit. We heard about your work last night."

The female that was introduced as Agent Spirit speaks. Her silver bangs hid her ghostly pale face, but looked excitedly at Eve. "And, SAW too. Like seriously, amazing work."

Eve runs a hand through her hair, and light-heartedly chuckles. "Hehe, well I'm glad last night's mission was a success. Thanks."

Spirit gets in closer, almost like it was secretive, but she was too excited. "So, I heard from Blare you live with a tiger in your apartment. Is that true?- If so, like, how?" She said bluntly, but was curious. Most would naturally.

Blare must have passed on some tidbits around the office Eve's told her before. It's not like Eve's surprised, or seen it before. With her old life displayed online for all to see, even rebels could find out things about her. She shouldn't be surprised at this point what people know about her.

Eve giggles, waving her hands. "Oh, Sameer is actually super sweet and intelligent. He wouldn't hurt anyone, or even smaller animals. He's nice, and probably a little lonely with me not there all the time anymore. Heh, it's been a little sad not having him by my side, either."

Sorlas chuckles nervously, as he scratches his head, trying to be polite. "Aw, that's sweet. Probably for the best, though."

Eve chuckles lightheartedly. She couldn't contain her childish excitement, and her love for animals. "Hehe, of course. He looks like a tiger, but he has a heart of gold! He wouldn't do anything, just sit and watch me work." From experience, Eve knows Sameer's patience. He used to sit when she was heavily focused on a piece of music in the past.

Spirit looks curiously at Eve. Her voice goes excitedly in question. "So, are you, like, famous or something?"

Eve jolts and turns her head curiously. By the statement, she seems unsure she heard Spirit right. "Excuse me?" She asked, to make sure.

Spirit giggles, she didn't want to be wrong or bring up false information, but what she heard was too interesting to say the least to be normal gossip. "So, I keep hearing a bunch of things, and I'm wondering if they're true."

Eve looks away bashfully, but back at them, curious. "Um... Actually, what DO you hear about me." She wondered, not knowing what gets passed around, as people just talk about her, for whatever reasons.

Spirit thinks aloud, much less vaguely than before. She lists anything that sounded like it came from a few people. "That you're someone famous from overseas. You're a 'late bloomer', meaning you didn't get discovered, and learn about our existence till recently. You also have multiple powers, somehow. You also have a mysterious side with how you basically 'Indiana Jones'd' your way around the world, getting powers instead of treasures, and showing our research team, whatever that is..." The agent realized she was rambling and scratched her head, sounding more unsure at the end. However, it seemed fairly true. Just more vaguely put.

Agent Sorlas joins in by adding. "Oh! I heard you're super strong, and can basically fly." Whether from training perhaps, or the time she flew out a window, Eve can see that.

Spirit turns over to Sorlas, nudging him playfully, then turning back to Eve. "Bet she could do way more than that! You're, like, super powerful as is, Maestro."

The supposed gossip involving Eve appeared fairly accurate, given its vague parts, and creative description. "Well...." Eve draws out, thinking of what to say, or a way to explain herself. Others certainly wanted to know more about her. "Interesting way of putting it, heh. I'm not as famous as some think. I make music and post it online. If you look at my stuff, 'Starlight Night Eve', I'm just a very innocent singer and songwriter. I'm a child and young adult entertainer, mostly. I don't do much besides that in reality. Besides also going on hiatuses to explore the world and find what past ability-users were like." It was a more elaborate, summed up version of theirs.

A gruff voice cut in from behind them. One that was familiar to all the agents. "Maestro! Have you finished your report yet?" Grey's voice called out for her, as he stomped over, immediately eyeing the other agents.

The two agents go into a cold sweat as Grey walks over. Eve turns to her partner, and gives him a warm smile. "Yes, I did! Do you need to check it?" She cheerfully gleamed.

Grey walks closer and leans over Eve's shoulder to review her screen. "Yes, let me see it... What are you all doing, lazing around?" After a pause reading, Grey suddenly eyes the two agents again that were by his partner.

Eve innocently beams up at Grey. His glare was ineffective to her. "We were just talking about last night's mission. Getting to know each other better, since they recognized me." She responded, for the agents' sake.

Grey shoots daggers at the agents, who were sweating even more nervously. He then looks away, scoffing. "Hmph... You two are dismissed. Please get to work, and don't distract Maestro." He takes a seat at his own desk.

Eve giggles gleefully. "Awe, don't be grumpy. It doesn't hurt to have a nice chat with people sometimes, I was working after all." She teased her relentlessly cold partner.

The other agents take a step away from Eve and Grey, especially as Grey was intimidating them with his steely glare. Spirit nervously shoos away, waving her hand goodbye, then quickly turns and walks away with Sorlas. "W- we'll just see you later, Maestro. I'll check out your music on my break!"

Eve waves off, unperturbed. She calls out, in a friendly and slightly joking manner. "Heh, I might need subtitles, or an English cover. I know a few, if interested!" She smirks down, turning back in her seat to her desk.

Eve hums and turns back in her seat. She was about to check her files on her computer, but stopped in thought. "Hm, I really should make a song..." She was pondering aloud.

Grey turns his head to Eve scowling harder at her. "You really should be working. Don't space out now."

Eve playfully shakes her head to focus. She giggles to herself, then goes back to work. "Yes, yes. Work now, but I must make a song on my time off."

They go to work silently at their computers, but Grey shifts his eyes over and watches Eve instead. "... What would it be about?" He muttered.

Eve whips her head to Grey, not sure if she heard right. "Pardon?" He had spoken so quietly, she could had been mistaken. But, she heard right.

Grey coolly turns and asks Eve more elaborately. "What song do you want to make?" His voice was more shy and quiet than before.

Her curiosity then turns softer, as Eve looks down and sighs a chuckle. "Heh, I'd just let something speak from the heart, and see how it goes."

A curious day was planned ahead. The overall feeling was as if things were finally getting accustomed to. The idea of something greater, and the trust that's being built, was just what things needed to bloom. Cogs were turning in the agency, new plans head for the unit, of ability users alike.

______________________________

Knock is heard from inside of the director's office. He lifts his head over his computer to see Agent Grey, and Agent Maestro entering. They walk in, both had scheduled a meeting over future plans, and were right on time to meet with Oracle. Grey was gloomy and endpanned as usual, and Eve was a bubbling ray of light.

Director Oracle greets them, calm and cheerfully. "Welcome you two. I have a small rundown of our plan I want to ask Maestro about, for the trek. I have a map there. Also a list of what our team will possibly need." He takes a few papers from a clutter of documents and papers, handing it to Eve. She takes it and shyly looks it over.

The agents take a seat, and Eve observes the clutter, and a bunch of new materials on the desk. There were lists, small packs, first aid kits, a map of the world, and a big red marker. The map and marker seemed like they were together. Eve was especially fixated on the map.

Eve looks up at the director, eyes going wide. Although she was prepared for this already, she had some residual worries. She slowly draws out.  "And... you need the map marked?" She raised a brow from under her bangs. 

The director keeps his smile, but his eyes look a little worried as he scratches his cheek. "If you could, that would be appreciative. We just need at least some estimate of where the jet should land, what and how many supplies to bring. If you could give us something semi-accurate to go with."

Eve nods and closes her eyes. She knew this was needed, she prepared herself mentally for it. She leans out of her seat to grab the marker, and draws a line all the way from North America they were on, to the middle of the Middle East. Then she starts going over towns, and drawing the places they must visit firstly, before making their destination to the city of Uridian.

Eve starts explaining, writing a little more details as she spoke. "Yes, of course. It's a flight to the central city, then a car, then a bus... Later, we'll need to be on foot or animals for the most part. So, we can land, then spend a few days and nights on the trek."

Grey had his arms crossed, looking over at his partner. He taps his arm with a finger, with something bugging him he didn't quite understand. "I'm still curious how you just randomly stumbled onto a town that's days away from the next." He sounded plain, and in disbelief.

Eve pleaded that she was speaking with utmost reasons. Even if the reason wasn't something she, or even her mentor, understood yet. "I- I was really desperate, and just wandering at one point. I didn't have a reason, but just a feeling to go out, and then keep going. It's not like it's impossible for people to get there, they get imports, after all. But the desert can also reject people, and just never show itself to some...." She didn't know why she was accepted. Eve wasn't a merchant, or worker coming over. She was just a wanderer, without a purpose.

Director Oracle places a hand under his chin, and gives an inquisitive smile. "It's interesting to say the least. How many days will we need to pack for food, per person?"

Eve calmly answers, knowing the trek well enough to estimate with assurance. "It might be three days, unless we can make it to two. Depends how quickly the team can go, between breaks."

Grey scoffed from beside Eve in his seat. Eve turns as he's grumbling with his arms crossed. "Jeez, can we not take a less difficult route, or something?" He sounded very displeased with the idea of being out there that long traveling.

Eve shakes her head. "We can't take a jet, and we one-hundred percent shouldn't, anyways. Aircrafts can't see the town from above, it's hidden from the skies, apparently." She put it simply, since they couldn't just directly go there. They needed to go farther out to be able to pass through.

Grey looks away, still pushing for more ideas that might sound better. "Tch... Well, what about using a boat the rest of the way?"

Eve explains the best she could. She's only traveled by boat once, the time she rescued Sameer. Having a big tiger on a thin boat during the first half wasn't pleasant, especially to the oarsmen. She denies any other route than her own as the best way. "We could, but we'll have to fly farther, then it'll be just as cumbersome to maneuver to the town, and possibly dangerous. Locals are more fit and know a lot more than me for that trek. This is just the route I use."

Grey nods, and drops his head down. "I see. Sigh...." He slumped into his seat. It's not like he was lazy, but he couldn't help but feel drained already from the thought.

The director shifts a toying but innocent glare over at the cold agent. "Worried about this one, Grey?" The agent didn't seem much for being worried about a mission. He seemed more likely to complain about certain cases, than the latter.

Grey coldly glares at Oracle. He huffs, looking away again, speaking. "It's not like it'll go out of control, but the idea of being in the desert and possibly getting stranded sounds agonizing." And it was more of a complaint than fear. Eve didn't seem like the one to leave them stranded, or astray.

Eve smiles over at her partner. She's done the trek there and back from home many times. It would only be a different starting point to the central. "Hehe, you'll be fine with me. Sadly, if there's a group, that's a lot to care for if anyone has issues with the heat. I can only temporarily change the temperature of myself and another person at a time. We'll need lots of water, and electrolytes. Comfy shoes too, for lots of walking. We can only carry what we can travel with, so it might be limited." She got more serious but relaxed as she explained.

Oracle smiles, not worried in the slightest in his tone. "We'll have all the essentials and equipment you'll need to get there and back. We'll make sure there's nothing to worry about. As long as you can handle it once you've made it to the location."

Eve gives a thumbs up to the director. "Once we find my mentor, we'll be set. For however long we're there... We'll probably need thick tents, and a set of warm and cool clothes for everyone. The nights can be freezing if there's any wind. And, even when we get to the town, we can't exchange or use any currency for any inns. Only outside merchants will take dirham."

Uridian was a closed off, small, yet well off by using copper, silver, or gold coins. Also trading being highly regulated in a small town like theirs. The city is self-sufficient, with a ruler that still technically has money and power. Though little power to be renowned elsewhere.

"Also..." The director slowly drew out. "You said you'd contact your mentor before...." He said in an uncharacteristically serious tone.

Eve jolts up when she tries to remember her saying that. She must have spoken too honestly before. It could spell trouble if the director knew she was secretly talking to her mentor about the agency.

Oracle's drops back to his cheerful, but nervous voice. He smiles, but even Eve see's him practically sweating behind his kind smile. "Would you be willing to let us communicate before you leave? If you're going to have him able to get your message, I want to talk with them, as the leader here, after all. He'd probably want my word, than a message passed. Would he not?"

Eve looks down nervously processing her options. She plays with her hair, thinking things through on how it would go. If it was just a message, or she doesn't have them even meet or talk to her mentor, she thought about. But the honest route was to work together, so she'll have to hear the director out. "Err... You're right. I'll ask if he'll talk to you, when I tell him I'm coming to see him." She nervously agreed, but still not meeting any eyes, and looking away.

The director smiles radiantly. "Perfect. We'll discuss more with a team later about this. Thank you very much for your help. Is there anything else before you go for the journey?"

Eve places a finger to her cheek and thinks. Grey gets up, ready to leave, she watches, as she couldn't think of anything they might not know already. So, she gets up and just explaimes. "Hm... I take my breaks when it's the hottest. And, I assume we'll have a fire starter, and hopefully people who've started a campfire before."

Grey chuckles, crossing his arms and looking confidently with a smirk at Eve. "Heh, hopefully, we all have already." It would be concerning, or at a disadvantage, not to know a good basic skill, along with first aid and cpr.

Eve presses her fingertips together as she holds them close to her face. "If there's a bad wind, I can still keep fires from being put out..." She added. There wasn't much besides what was required in the moment, and what local supplies they got from the cities and towns before that long trek.

Both agents walk from the evaluator to their floor. Agent Grey was holding a file from the director in hand, while discussing with Eve about a current inspection around the city. Most agents at the S.O.U. were out patrolling the

They discuss over file as they make their way back to their desks. Grey asks after their brief reviewing. "Well, what do you think about this current report?" Showing Eve a list of details over the city, each district and it's possible whereabouts of past, present, and possible future rebel bases. It seems there was a surveillance recorded and notes on it for the whole city.

Eve scratches her cheek, not knowing what to come of it, but for different reasons. "Everything looks fine, I don't see any issues. Do you think we really need to cover over a fourth of the city? Is it like an inspection?" She turns her head from the report, to Grey in question.

Grey faces Eve, and holds out the report. He speaks very seriously, and gruffly. "Rebels are out there and constantly on the move. We do indeed, just as protocol. We have to find them, if they're planning something again."

Eve's eyes goes wide in curiosity, and slight concern. She still doesn't know a whole lot about rebels yet, besides the fact that they attack the their unit. But, one rebel she knows doesn't seems heavily sueded by them. "Well, there's that one shadow rebel. He might be able to spill some secrets. They could be of help to us." She figured Shadow would do anything, but in exchange, she would have to hang out with them again, or something, to do so.

Grey thinks about the idea, and scowls harshly at the thought. He didn't want his partner anywhere near the shadow rebel. He snaps his head away grumbling. "Hmph, it could, or it could become dangerous if he tells his group. You never know with rebels."

Grey leans over and glares at Eve before she speaks, or tries to disagree with him. "We still have housing facilities to look into. We should look for signs of how certain ability users decide to leave. Also where these people find their kind, since they pick them up randomly."

Grey eyes his partner, scanning her as if reading something. He speaks, plainly. "Well... You haven't identified your kind here yet, have you? People can make quick signs, like when we first met. It's a small thing one can do, if they suspect someone's an ability-user."

It's not like she hadn't known that before, but not from the agency. It was just a little surprising, seeing an old magician's trick, and how that still stuck with their kind to this day. That's how Eve's mentor knew she was special, like him. "That makes sense...." She just lazily put it, not wanting to get off topic.

Grey brings the folder to his head, reading the file. "We'll still check out the housing facilities, as part of the search. We can sign off as a mission to go. This is just on the outskirts of the city, so it'll be easily feasible. You'll even learn more about our kind, not in the agency setting...."

_________________________________

Both Eve and Grey take a work car to the housing facility, just within the outskirts of the city. He drives, as Eve watches out the window, till she sees a large, white building complex come into view. A field and large garden and farm also cause her view as they drive past them to the entrance of the facility. They park and she follows inside behind Grey.

Eve finally speaks up, curious. "This is it?" She turns to Grey.

Grey takes a step closer, standing next to Eve. He plainly bores out. "Yep, hopefully it's as normal and unalarming as it looks. Nothing bad usually happens here."

They walk into a brightly lit, and warmly colored, entry. A receptionist's desk was in the center by the door, with the rec room and living all round them. Grey casually leads Eve to the front desk. Immediately, it looked like a normal housing facility, but far from anywhere, and anyone. 

Eve shyly mutters, worried about what she's hearing. "And... have there been bad times, too?" She didn't know if she wanted to know, but maybe needed to.

Grey scratches his head, a little anxious to answer. He does, however, speak truthfully. "It's happened... I can't lie that people have tried escaping. Though I don't know the reasons, but it's usually personal."

Eve walks a little slower, suddenly feeling a chilling aura about the place. She looks around, then back to Grey, questioning. "What happens if they escape?"

Grey speaks coldly, and serious of the situations. "They're captured, or on a list till they return. When you sign up to be placed in the housing facilities, a lot of freedom to interact with the outside world is taken...."

"-?!" How it was phrased sounded terrible, and didn't help the situation. But Grey, and quickly Eve, face the receptionist that greeted them with a smile.

The receptionist greets the agents with a kind smile. Her voice, cheerful and sweet. "Hello, and welcome. Agents, please fill out this authorization form, and you'll be able to check the facility."

They follow as instructed, Grey doing most of the paperwork, and both signing into the guest list. They wait for a guide to come give them a tour. Eve turns to Grey patiently propped against a wall, waiting. Eve asks, still not done talking with him about rules there at the facility. "Can people really not go outside?"

Grey had his arms crossed, and eyes closed. He opens his eyes and turns his head to Eve. "There's lots of fields before hitting any roads around here. People can walk around the large facility, or request transportation to ability-user areas, like the ones around the agency, for example. The only thing they can't do is go outside where there's normal people." He plainly spoke.

Eve looks away and down to the floor. She nervously smiles as she speaks her thoughts out loud. "That's... better than nothing... I guess." Her face looked a little more worried.

A woman comes out dressed in a clean white workers attire, smiling as she greets the agents. "Welcome to our facility. I'll show you around, and wherever you wish to go. Follow me."

Agents follow behind the guide. The guide walks though, showing areas, and their purpose. There was everything that normal housing facilities had. Agents even pass residence, Eve even waves to some. Grey turns his attention to the guild, piping up after a small silence while walking to the next area. "Has anything happened recently that you know?"

The woman turns her head to Grey. "Nothing new, besides the expansion of a smaller facility farther out. It's gotten crowded, even if we extend more wings."

Grey quickly nods, reflecting on how crowded it could be. He gives a casual reply back. "Hopefully that'll help with the oncoming crowd of users."

They continue venturing around the facility, looking at all the rooms and activities available. It was like a normal housing complex, with a gym, pool, and many different club rooms. They also had a large infirmary with doctors available for sudden physical injuries and illnesses. 

They go into one of the rooms, the surveillance room, where security was. It was warm and looked like a break room. Most of the actual security were sitting around, on a computer, or talking to other staff inside. 

The guild walks in, and introduces the area. Agents filing in after her as she explains. "Our security room is not often active, but prepared. Most watch over the outside if anyone comes onto private property. There's a few cameras around but due to privacy, we of course don't have any surveillance in any of the rooms, bathrooms, and the like."

As brief as it was, the areas quickly went by. They weren't eventful for being part of an inspection. Nothing raised an alarm to the agents, except Eve personally. As bright as it was, something felt off to only her.

Next was slowly making their way back to the entrance. The guild talks more about their facility, excited and cheery. "We try to have hobbies, clubs, and various activities, for the people to enjoy and feel more homely."

They make their way all the way around back to the start at the entrance, finishing the tour. There were a few rooms that residents were in that surrounded the entrance. It was spacious and not too crowded. The guild turns back after completing the tour. "This is the rec room and our final stop, the hall to the exit is just through the door on the other side. That's all for our facility." She said, ending it, and letting the agents roam freely if they wished.

Grey chimes in with a quick nod, being cool and serious. "Perfect. Everything seems to be in order. Thank you for your time." And, they part ways from the guild.

Eve slowly stops as she passes a crowd passing by. Feet pass by her and a few sets spots as well. She turns to see a set of eyes staring at her, a brightly, awe-struck, and one grimacing at her. Two men stand beside Eve now facing one another, and she speaks up first. "Uh, can I help you?"

The shorter man, whose eyes were gleaming up at Eve, gasping at the moment she acknowledged them. "You're an agent? What unit? The main one? What's your ability? Do you get into fights with a lot of peop- ?!" They go on in an excited tangent. A hand waved in front of the stop the short man from continuing, as he was going to.

The taller man looks down at what seemed like this acquaintance, and huffs tiredly, looking back to Eve. "Don't mind Kassy here. He can't help but go gaga, whenever an agent stops by."

Eve chuckles, and waves a hand. "Oh, hehe, it's no worries. I'm Agent Maestro, a new agent. Do agents come by a lot?"

The taller man looks to his friend, emphasizing. "Maybe not as 'some' would like, but they pop in whenever they need to inspect something. What are you inspecting now?"

Eve's eyes went wide more a moment, she waves a hand. She didn't want this to sound like it was for something serious or secretive. More like, for their protection. "Oh, we're just here partly because I wanted to see the facility. It's my first time here."

The short man, Kassy apparently, jumps up and excitedly blurts out. "We hope you like it!"

Eve let's put a small, low chuckle. "Well, I'm not here to judge anything, but making sure you all are doing okay here."

The taller man speaks up, giving his opinion. "It's not the worst. Better than nothing, or obviously going to prison, or something." He seems to speak honestly, I'm his own opinion.

The short man nods at them, turning to Eve, and adding on. "It's still not bad. It's just like living in a dorm again."

Eve tilts her head dramatically, anxiously wondering. "Some can request to live elsewhere under observation, can they not?"

The taller man's eyes shift down to the floor and to the side. He looked back more sternly speaking. "Hmph, well... some. But, there's also those who CAN'T control their powers enough to be convinced to leave. Or, they showed off their powers, and are stuck here till the agency's not worried about them."

That was news to Eve, and didn't know how well other were with their powers. She had aids and training, so she no longer has her abilities come through randomly. She hadn't know others to have issues, but the agency taught them how to manage them in courses. "That's... I'm sorry. I don't know a lot about the agency, up until recently." She looks down speaking, feeling bad and helpless.

The taller man replies, tired and plainly. He didn't have much hope, like Eve did. "I can tell. But, it's not like it'll change anything...."

Eve's eyes gleam a bit of hope, and a bit of sadness. "Well, changes happen. And hopefully, and agency can change for the better."

The tall man lets out a small chuckle. "You're a pretty optimistic agent, heh. Well, good luck with making a change, Agent."

Eve waves off, giving a warm smile, then heading back to her partner. "I just hope you all take care."

Eve walks faster to catch up with Grey. He turns as she's right beside him walking. As she approaches, he tilts his head and asks. "Anything?" Wondering what Eve and the others were talking about.

Eve rubs her chin in thought, then looks over to Grey. "I feel like I understand why rebels exist, the more I'm here."

Grey suddenly was taken back by her statement. "-?! I- Pardon?" As if he heard wrong, he had no idea how she thought that.

Eve's expression was so light and innocent, but the words came so seriously. "This place is like a pretty looking ward. Many can't get out, so they try to make do, or suffer in captivity."

The agency wasnt blinded by that fact, but they found it in their power that couldn't change that. However, Grey felt like he was being blamed, for some odd reason. He clarifies. "I... The agency has their reasons, but I also understand your concern. No decision the agency could make would have everyone happy. This way... at least they're not considered dangerous, experimented on, or a use for the agency." He thought it was the best, as the agency did. But, Eve would differed.

Eve stressed in her voice how serious this was now. We waved a hand in explaining her view. "You try to cap the issues, it doesn't go away. Just build up, and explode if the agency's not careful. You can't hide the truth, forever. I've learned that from you."

Grey growled a bit, not out of anger, but how he couldn't prove her wrong exactly. "We try to keep it under wraps as much as we can. That's why we can't stress enough if something big were to go wrong."

Eve tilted her head and gave a worried look. Something in her eyes poured out compassion, rather than judgment. "And, what happens if it does, or is already in the process of it?"

Grey thought silently, glaring at his partner. "I'd only hope, for the agency's sake, it won't. But, the whole world would also have hell to pay." He gruffly spoke.

Eve brings a hand to her face. She drops her expression, in a sad tone. "Secrets... really are bad. It's difficult to see any secret or lie as better. You can't mask what people are. We didn't have a choice to be born this way."

Grey speaks in a heavy tone. "No one does... Or choose to live in a society like this willingly. Maestro, please... Just keep going along with things. None of us really have a choice in the matter, once the government's involved...." He extended a hand, almost wanting to comfort her slightly.

Eve drops her shoulders and tiredly scowls at her partner. "That's not very reassuring, Grey. But, alright. I'll promise you I'll try not to." And she walks off, Grey walking right beside her out.

The trip was slightly different than anticipated, but nothing was wrong with their visit. It was only how made them feel about it, especially for Eve. Once in the parking lot, it sounded like someone quickly shouted out from the entrance.

Eve turns around, questioning. "What's that?" The small commotion from behind them started to get louder as the situation was just being processed.

Quickly with that, a person flies past them, unexpectedly. Then a security guard came running after them. "STOP!" Security shouted.

The one that looked like they were fleeing didn't stop running. They turn their head back shouting. "I can't! I can't do this!!"

More security runs past. "They're escaping!" One calls out from the group.

The escapee had tears following their trail, with security close behind. They turn back with fear and sadness in their eyes, as they cry out. "I can't stay here, when SHE'S out there, alone!" They ran, clawing through the air in a panic, as if it were to help them move faster.

It wasn't effective, and security caught up with the escapee and apprehended them. They kicked and thrashed, pleading. "Please let me go! I need her! I can't live without her!" The escapee reaches a hand out, being dragged farther than where they were trying to reach.

Eve in this whole scene was in wide-eyed shock, and her eyes started to tear up the more the escape cried out. "I can't live like this without her by my side! She's more than a normal human! She loves me, FOR ME!!" They kept shouting and crying in utter despair.

Grey looks to Eve as she's frozen, watching the commotion. The escapee was being taken back inside, so Grey calls her attention back to the car. "Maestro, let's just go. It's been enough excitement for one day. We'll report all that we saw here." He walks off slowly, watching his partner.

The escapee shrieks in the background as they grab the doorway as a last resort before being swept back inside. "LET ME GO!! PLEASE!!"

Eve's eyes flutter down and she cups her mouth with her hand. "I... I think I'm going to be sick...." She wasn't nauseous exactly, but there was a painful knot in her stomach from the devastation. Her mouth was hidden as she bit on her lip, trying not to cry in a public setting.

Grey places a hand on Eve's shoulder, gently guiding her away from the scene. "They're going to be alright. They're not in trouble by any means. We still understand people's want to leave. Once they're calm, the heads here will try to reason with them."

Eve looks at Grey a bit more collected, so she could ask. "Would they ever get a way to see that person again?" They were shouting for someone, whoever 'her' was to them, like their life depended on it. It was sad to see them separated from their love.

Grey brushes his gaze away, back to the car as they head back. "I... don't know that myself. It's whatever the situation calls for."

The get in the car and drive off, leaving the scene behind. That was that, or the agents experience, and their conversations about it earlier. Nothing happened after that, as Grey and Eve go back to the unit, while other agents stay out on a search around the city.

It was a quiet drive back. Which wasn't new for Grey, but Eve was uncharacteristically quiet. She seemed lost in thought about what happened back at the facility. Knowing Eve, she was silent from the overwhelming thoughts and feelings she was having. Too much for her to process all at once.

Grey parks at the agency, and looks back at his partner, who was still out of it. "Still startled from before? I swear people escaping don't usually come about frequently. They must have been new, just not handling the situation fully yet." He tried to reassure Eve.

They sit quiet. As once debating on escaping before, Eve knew that feeling all too well. How saddening it feels, she couldn't help but feel their pain. "I... understand that." She didn't sound convinced that things were okay, however.

Grey leans slightly closer to get a good view of Eve's face, as he asks. "Are you okay?" He honestly sounded a bit worried.

Eve tries to quickly wave off Grey's worry, physically fanning her hand as well. "Why wouldn't I be? It's fine... it just brings back old worries." Her voice got lower at the thoughts of before. She could help but drop her expression naturally.

It's not like Grey wanted to push her, and his reassurance wouldn't be much help still, but he tried to be reasonable. "We really are trying our best in our efforts in these facilities. We try to make it the best we can." He couldn't stress enough on how hard they try to keep order around here.

Eve saw through it with her own fresh eyes, getting used to a society like theirs wasn't fun but for the best. Even so, she saw better options. "No matter how pretty you make it look, it still feels like a cage. A pretty prison, with little knowledge of its existence. They're just there because the agency placed them there."

With that, Eve gets out of the car and walks off quickly, leaving Grey behind to quickly follow. Things felt like their were unfinished, but Eve was the one hesitant to discuss it, and Grey not to bother for her sake. They stayed silent once again as they reached their floor. The director had just exited his office, and looked over at them. They walked over, as it was on their way to their desks.

The director waves at them, greeting them with a bright, cheerful smile, as always. "Welcome back, Agents. How was the housing facility?" He tilts his head, still smiling.

Eve doesn't say a work or look the director in the eyes. She looked pale and anxious. Oracle looks at her curiously, then turns his head to Grey, a little confused. Grey explains, replying to the question, as Eve stays silent. "There was an escapee, but was captured. Everything else was fine, nothing new." That explained everything.

Director Oracle now understood better. "How did you feel, Maestro?" He asked, facing her.

Eve sheepishly looks up and responds. "... Bad." She tiredly let out. She was the only one not used to the gloomy parts, and may not ever get used to it. She holds herself with her arms crossed. She speaks out loud at what she saw that was bugging her. "Someone was just trying to run to the person they loved. People just live with being a whisper. Free will is less of a thing for them, than a normal person, or even us."

The director thinks deeply at how Eve must have felt. He tries to console her. "I know it might seem a bit unfair. But, we try to make as many opportunities out there for our ability users. The facility acts for those who couldn't find any others to be placed in. It's still as homely as we can make it."

Eve took a step forward, waving her hands out. "But, how could they have anywhere else to go? They couldn't! You brought them into the agency. They can't control things that they, or even you, can't fully understand! They can't train up their powers to leave, if you don't have an option for them to grow."

Grey tiredly warned. Though he wasn't upset, his voice was worried and gave off a more serious tone. "Eve, careful getting too heated right now."

The director speaks, shaking his head in his hands. "No, Eve is right, and we fail our people in this way. We can't handle every need properly, so we took different measures, you could say. We can't help those who struggle, though we should. In a way, I apologize for that mess, and how we can't help our case."

Eve's voice peaks in question, and hoping. "Can we make an effort, if I can successfully teach the scientists magic, that we implement some more traditional training and practices for our kind? Can we bring back alchemy and herbal medicines? Even teaching our past history and biology. W- we should start finding more ways for our people. More options, that just the agency's. Or even for one that decided to band a rebellion. There must be another way."

Grey breathes a sigh. He intervenes, speaking before the director would give any kind of answer. "Just don't start getting ahead of yourself, Eve."

Oracle nervously waves a hand to calm the gloom mood. He didn't want to promise anything impossible, but feasible. "Please do give us some time, and we can try to find some better solutions. We still don't understand a lot. So, if you can help us in our efforts to do so, we'll try our best. For our kind."

Eve excitedly jumps at the idea. She clasps her hands together, speaking sporadically. Please, that's all I wish! Now that there's already a heavy system placed, mistakes don't go away, but they can be fixed. We can take this as a learning experience for ability users, and grow as a people. Not have our people silently wither away from existence."

Oracle smiles, glad. Something felt hopeful for them, like they could really start fixing things. "Fair point. I'll see that the next time we meet, it'll be planning for better options, or for meeting your mentor, who will also help with this."

Eve lowers her head, pulling a hand on her heart as it felt heavy with mixed feelings. "Thank you. Have a good rest of your day, Oracle."

Oracle nods briefly, then turns as he says farewell. "Take care, agents." He grins lightly, only as a natural response. But, it was a worrisome goodbye. One that hopefully won't compromise Eve's willingness with the agency.

Hurdles in the way, thing felt heavy like they did before. Grey, and even the director, didn't want to push Eve farther, but new recognition and people coming up to her, didn't help. Her praise started to make her have second guesses of what she was doing. She helped take down a illegal auction, that's good, but not every case felt the same. Like the kid in the alley, and changing their life forever. She didn't want to find herself in another case that makes her question herself again.

____________________________________________

The workday for the partner agents went on long and quiet, ever since the events at the housing facility. It's been a while since Eve had a quiet moment. Not since after the big blowout she had, and ran off once. Eve was feeling unsure about the agency again. She was having second thoughts if she was really doing the right thing to trust them, following directions, and even showing secretive discoveries with.

Once it was time to clock out, Eve gets up and grabs her bag. She was too mentally tired to stay any longer. She turns her head to Grey. He didn't seem to be getting up, or face her, and just keeps his focus on his computer for some time. 

Before Eve said anything, Grey briefly cocks his head and talks over his shoulder. "A moment, Maestro. Go on ahead, I'm going to stay for a bit longer." He typed away, staring at his screen, not making any eye contact.

Eve was curious but didn't pay much mind. It was to probably work more, so collects the rest of her stuff, then shifts her eyes to her partner. "... Don't stay too late. Have a good night, Grey." She plainly spoke and then walked away. Once she faced the other way, Agent Grey watched her with sad, tired eyes.

A few hours had passed, and it had gotten late, many employees had left, and the night crews were already clocking on. Grey had stayed in the building as it became late at night, as he used to on many occasions, just to keep working. Their floor became less crowded, and much more quiet. Oracle was still in his office working, even after hours.

A knock was heard at the director's door. Curious to see, Grey pops his head through the doorway, announcing his presence that way. Oracle greets him, speaking up over the small silence. "Hello, Grey. Heading out?"

Grey eyes the director sitting at his desk. He coolly walks in, answering hem. "I was working for a bit longer. I actually wanted to speak with you, on a more personal matter." He nubs the neck of his neck, feeling oddly and slight nervous. But, this face was fairly serious still.

Director Oracle turns from his computer to face Grey. He props his elbows on his desk, and rests his head lightly on the backs of his hands. "Oh? Been a while since we've had a casual chat. You rarely stop by my office, just to talk. Or, even grab some drinks together, like old times. It might be a good change." He beamed, calm and cheerful as always.

Grey pulls out a seat and chuckles lightly. "Heh, yet you don't need to go out of your office to drink. Or, really anything for that matter." He lounges into a seat, giving a grin with his light joke.

The director chuckles with a wide smile that closed his eyes. When he stopped, his eyes immediately fixed to his bottom desk drawer. "Ah, true. Speaking of which, scotch?" He brings a bottle from over the desk, swishing it around in his hand.

Grey didn't decline, but watched as the director quickly got up from his seat to grab glasses, and looked for if he had any ice. The director pours two glasses and hands one to Grey. He sits back down, getting adjusted again. He drinks, and Grey just holds his contemplating if he should. Whatever soon convinces him, Grey downs half of it in one gulp. He felt like he suddenly needed a strong drink to think about what's been plaguing his mind.

The director cuts the silence, getting back to business. "So, what's it you wanted to talk about?" Now that they were settled down to talk, he's all ears for Grey, as a friend, rather than a boss.

Grey keeps his eyes fixed down at his glass. "Eve. After the facility today, I'm worried she's having second thoughts, again." His voice gruffly sounded worried.

Oracle nods lightly. "That's more expected than not. It's partly good she seems to have an overly good conscience. It's not very good, if she turns on us." He takes a nervous sip. His eyes softened and his smile faded at the thought. It's was a worrisome thought to both, for different reasons.

Grey brings a hand to his face, still looking away and hiding his expression subtly. "It's more to it. She's supposed to help us, but what if she can't? What if our situation is irreversible?" His voice started to raise slightly from his normally hushed tone.

The director tilts his head and tries to give a sympathetic smile. "You're really taking this, and having a partner seriously. I'm glad to see you care about Eve."

Grey avoids Oracle's eyes when they speak. the agent didn't want to admit to anything other than serious speculation about work, even off hours. He keep averting his glare, trying to act coolly as usual, though it felt difficult somehow. "I'm... It's not like I had a choice anyways. I just found it wasn't terrible working with her. But, there's so much at stake now, and for what? This mission... sigh seems way out of reach." He let out a tired sigh then propped his head back, staring at the ceiling.

Oracle folds his hands on his desk, and nods his head thinking. However, the director was more optimistic than Grey. "Well, you're our best ally to her, as of now. She trusts you the most. Maybe she can help, we still have to give her methods a try." Oracle open-mindedly sought for the truth. Finding more about their people was crucial to their mission.

Grey darts his eyes back at the director. His grey eyes were becoming purple mist, cloaking what usually was a cold, steely expression. Now, Grey's eyes were wide and frantic, emotion pouring out like the misty glow as he spoke. "But, what if that trust is ever broken, again? What if she'll end up hating us? What do we do then?!" He blurted out, voice raising and sounding worried. He was going out of control, for someone who's always been so collected, even with their power.

The director was almost taken back for a moment. But, he sat very still and quiet, before bringing up the question. "Us... or you? You've never seemed to have cared about that before." He raises his brow.

Grey suddenly realized he was going haywire. Him, and his ability, was getting out of control. He kept his eyes glued to the director across the desk. He tightened his eyes to make everything stop. To stop himself. But then, he heard the director's voice in the back of his mind.

'You like her, don't you?'

Grey opens his eyes. He stumbles up out of his seat abruptly. Standing up, almost as if he was about to flee. He looks a the director, knowing it came from him. "What- ?! N- nonsense." Grey blurted out quickly. He was so in shock, but he didn't sound convincing to the director.

'You like her, Grey.'

The director narrows his eyes at Grey, and smirks wickedly. He didn't say anything, but Grey heard exactly what he was assuming. And, he assumed right.

Grey started to calm down a bit. He sat back down, and his eyes slowly faded back to normal. His face slightly flushed in a pink hue from embarrassment. His composure still wasn't there, but he answered. "It'll never matter, or be mentioned. She likes someone already...." Grey's voice drops in a saddened tone. He looked defeated, hunching over and averting his eyes.

Oracle plainly asks. "Are they together?"

Grey shook his head. He sighs as he briefly explains. "No... They have a complicated relationship, but they like each other." He kept his head down, knowing that his feelings were selfish, wrong, and would never come to be.

But, the director gave his own input. "Then, there's nothing that says you're evil for feeling this way. Who knows, I'd think you'd have a shot." He then smiled widely, chuckling happily.

Grey gave a short, pitiful laugh. He leans back, rubbing his head. "Heh, really... I find that so doubtful...." Grey's eyes looked as sad and lonely as he sounded.

Oracle gave a light sigh, and shook his head. "You always doubt yourself, Cain. When will you ever open up to someone, again? She's special to you, I can see it. You've definitely gotten more attached to her." His smile was still there, but what he said was more serious than his expression lead to believe.

Grey scoffed, crossing his arms, and acting aloof. "Well, it's hard to avoid my partner, or not be around her... It's just bad, because she's going through a lot right now. Even her personal life is wrapped in our mess. I can't add more worry to her list." His expression kept melting away the more he talked about Eve. It was like his act was fading. His cool was definitely far from what he was feeling.

Oracle looks away and coughs into his fist. He thought otherwise, even if he's not involved in any of this. "It might end up making things complicated between you two, so be careful with that." He gave input. He didn't think Eve could be pushed away from the agency, but it would stress working there, worst case being he believed.

Grey brings his hands to his face, sighing loudly into them. "God... I haven't liked someone in ages. Why her, of all people?" He whined in a gruff tone.

Oracle leans to one side of his chair, giving a big, toothy chuckle. "Heh, maybe because she's the only one that can break down your walls you've built up over the years." He slightly teased, but also meant it.

Grey laughed somberly. He never looks at the director, as he speaks in a gruff, but almost whimpering tone. "She's really good at letting herself in too... She may tease, but never harshly judges me. Never shied away, like some... So pleasant when she's around. I don't know how I'd feel, if she'd avoid me now." The words just came out. His heart felt heavy just at the thought.

Oracle quickly gave a response, knowing practically for certain. "She won't. Even if something happens, I don't think she'll give you the cold shoulder forever. You're the person she goes to, the only person she's gotten close to here. That's something." And he drinks a little from his glass. He could see it, everytime Eve mentions something new, Grey's heard it first. Oracle had a point.

Grey slumps in his seat. He huffs then sombers, putting his head tiredly in his hand. "And, it's because of a mere peaceful agreement we have, and how she's just so friendly. I'm just having to spend lots of time with her, more than most."

Oracle puts a hand to his face, thinking. After quick pondering, he shrugs. "Most, yes. But besides work, you don't often see each other."

If Grey agreed, it would have been a lie. He probably wanted to be honest, to really have Oracle understand that situation better. But, it was hard to admit as he nervously begged to differ. "... A- actually, we uh... hangout in her apartment sometimes, off duty. Usually have dinner, and chat together." He scratched his head, looking away. He wanted to brush off the fact.

Grey looks back, and the director had the most dumbly widest grin he could make, and eyes looking smugly at the agent. Grey huffs and crosses his arms, looking away. His face became a bit heated, but he growled in a serious and harsh tone. "Don't make that face. I don't even need to read what you're thinking." He disapprovingly looks back at the director.

Oracle laughs. He goes back to his usual, cheerful mood. He props his head on a fist, being more casual as he speaks. "You know me well, as old agents do. I may have been here for longer, but we've been friends for a long while now. Since day one you first started, even."

Grey lightly chuckled, but he slowly looked more lost in thought, and sad. "Heh, seems like a long time ago to remember... I still don't think about those times." Though, for Grey it was hard to forget.

Oracle beams regardless, and to move on from the touchy subject. "Well, there's always new memories to make, good ones. I'm sure your partner can help you with that." He then smirks.

Grey's eyes go wide and he blushes. "Cough- ?! I- I'll be going. Don't forget to clock off before you have an all-nighter, and sleep at your desk, again. I'll see you in the morning. Have a good night, Leo." He quickly gets up, and turns his head to the door.

The director waves Grey off as he leaves. "Try to take care, Cain." He smiled innocently, even as Grey left, he could hear it in his voice that he was. Both parties knew the director was going to have another long night cooped up in his office. 

For a whole workweek, Grey never left Eve's side. Which, for work-partners, seemed like they were just working together, but Grey had been watching his partner intensely. He even followed Eve to her door on a few late nights, just because he didn't trust her to behave when he took his eyes off her.

Eve was finally able to free herself from her partner, and have a day off for herself. She needed a break from Grey. Technically, a break from any work, rebels, rouges, and criminals at the very least on her day off.

Eve wanted to relax, in a way, that also involves performing, and spreading infectious smiles to feel better. She gets dressed in a princely attire, hugs Sam, takes a violin case in tow, and heads out to the city park. Right now, nothing could break Eve's stride today, not Grey, not the agency, nothing. It wasn't till walking past the large S.O.U. building, that something catches Eve, her stride, off guard.

"OH!! SUNSHINE!!" A voice called out as Eve's walking towards the park. She naturally turned confused, not even knowing if someone was calling for her. She was used to many nicknames, and 'Sunshine' sounded familiar to her, from something.

Eve goes wide-eyed as she stares at the figure that was running right to her. Their face was partly covered, but their large, tall frame, and voice she finally recognized. "Huh...-?! YOU!" Eve looks at the figure and points at him in shock. It was 'Mr. Gas Mask'.

That same nickname but different appearance. No gas mask this time but dark sunglasses and a beanie snug low on his head. His hair was more seen, or now down, long, and protruding out of this hat. It was a rebel, the same one she held off back in the alley. The one she chased into a trap.

He waves again, making sure he's got Eve's attention, or making sure she doesn't run. "Heeey! Recognize my voice, right?"

Eve gasped. "What are you doing here- ?!" She hushed herself, realizing she shouldn't be talking aloud to the rebel. But, she still wanted to know.

To others, they seemed normal, but to people like them, they were enemies. Eve was off duty as an agent, so she couldn't really do anything. It could become dangerous, just because she's interacting with him.

The rebel smirked. His smile was the only thing not covered. The man calmly raises his hands up, and shrugs. "Hey, can't a guy go out for the weekend? I just happened to see you walk by, and knew it was you... I was hoping to see you again, Sunshine. It must be fate." He smiled goofily down at Eve.

Eve stays silent and looks at him coldly, not as happy to see him than he is. She doesn't want to make a scene nor get him angry. But, Eve could physically stop herself from clutching on her case and bag tightly, while her shoulders tense up.

The familiar rebel looks Eve up and down, noticing her full attire. "What's with the cute get-up, Sunshine? You look like a character from a fairytale."

Eve turns away, brushing his gaze off. "Hmph!! I just dress like this! I was just going out for a bit."

The man looks over her shoulder to see a case for a small instrument. "Huh? Is that a violin or somethin'? Ya play instruments? That's cool. Could I maybe follow and watch you, then?" He asked so casually and nonchalantly.

Eve gets close to the guy so she can whisper-yell. "I should take you into the agency. You're still a wanted criminal." She cuts to the chase, since it was a tense situation with opposite sides interacting like this.

If she could see it, the rebel looked widely at Eve when she warned him. "Oh wow, you got so close to my ear, it's hard to listen if you-" He unintentionally got flustered by Eve, instead of worried or intimidated. It didn't seem like he even registered what Eve said to him.

Eve, fed up by his remark, shouts instead. The guy jolts, and Eve turns away frustrated. "Shut it! Nevermind! You're not a very good guy, but I do need answers from you." She crossed her arms in a huff, then glared over her shoulder coldly at the shadow figure.

Trying to make Eve sure Eve didn't get more upset, he smiles, and asks. "Answers? What do you want to know? You can ask me anythin', haha."

Eve asks what was on her mind the first time she met the group of rebels. "What do you want? You, and your gang."

She had spoken so seriously, the rebel was taken back by what Eve said. "W- Wha? I don't know what ya mean. I know we got off on the wrong foot, but you gotta understand where I'm comin' from, right? We wanna be free, like you." The tall shadow-user waved his giant hands protesting.

Eve looks down skittishly as she speaks honestly. "Well... I understand. But, I think it's best if things are taken with a diplomatic approach, rather than a rebellious one." 

Eve wanted to take some things seriously, like what abilities meant, and the practices their kind can could do. She also wanted to live rebelliously, by using her magic in public. If it weren't for the consequences, and the weight now placed on Eve's shoulder, she would've continued her old lifestyle, or just leave to where she could.

The shadow rebel seems convinced. He didn't see it counting as being brainwashed by the agency, which was definitely good. "Hehe, you're really smart too. That's why I think you'd help us, too. Right now, we don't really have much of a society. Just outlaws, running."

For a moment, Eve looked shocked, and a bit saddened. She shook her head and scowled at the rebel. "Oh-... S- still! You fought, and that can't be excused. I don't want any harm while I'm around, so you better be careful, or else!" She barked, clutching her fists together tightly.

The rebel chuckles with a deep, hearty laugh. "You're so cute and scary sometimes, Sunshine. But, ya got a good heart!" He lightly nudges Eve's shoulder, chuckling and beaming to himself.

Eve takes a step away and scowls upwards at the rebel. "Why do you keep calling me that?"

The rebel scratches his head, repeating in question. "Hm? Sunshine? 'Cause you're as bright and as beautiful as the morning sun~" He hummed.

Eve turns on her heels and starts walking the other direction. "Never mind talking to you, I must get going. Bye...."

The rebel walks briskly, with his giant steps practically doubling Eve's smaller ones. He waves his arm out trying to call out to her. "Waaait~ but where ya going? I want to follow you." He whined.

Eve whips back about to snap at him, as the rebel fumbles his footing to suddenly stop in front of her. "Oh my galaxies... You're so annoyi- ing?" Eve impulsively pushed his face away from hers, knocking his sunglasses off on accident. His beanie slid back and something moved on his forehead, covered by a bit of hair and shade. She then sees his eyes were black and voided, looking widely at her.

He closes his eyes tightly after looking at her surprised, and feels for his glasses blindly on the ground. He tries his best to put them back on his face without seeing. Eve sees a better, a line across his forehead, bulged out, and slightly scrunching up. And, if Eve was mistaken, she saw what looked like eyelashes, like it was another eye. He gets his glasses back on and hat covering over his head fully. She didn't fully get to confirm her suspicions.

The rebel kneeled, facing away from Eve. He sighs loudly, not wanting to look back. He slowly peers over his shoulder, somber. "You saw, didn't you?... Just don't scream, 'kay?..." He hugged his beanie lower on his face, worried.

Eve looked at him puzzled, but not because of his look. More that people would freak out if someone was different, being abnormal a bit physically, but still. She's been numbed from the sorcery, and working at the agency, to fear the unknown. "Sigh... Seriously, my life is anything but normal You don't scare me in the slightest. But, you'd be useful if you'd just turn yourself in, now."

The shadow rebel points at himself, and mouth wide in shock. "You don't mine my eyes? Do... ya think I'm handsome, then?" He holds his hands to his cheeks like a child, but an 'annoying' child at that.

"-?! Enough. I don't have time for this...." Eve uses a cloaking spell, which no one notices, though it was still prohibited to do in public. She desperately wanted to leave the situation, stepping into a sea of ongoing citizens, and disappearing away in a crowd.

Eve was able to get to the market, and run off to the park, hopefully alone. She didn't want to run into the shadow rebel again. But, if she could corner him, she could use her light powers on him if he pestered her too much. She eventually takes a small break before performing to sit on a park bench, and set up. She has bags and flowers placed around her sides. 

Eve sighs, and her usual smile lessens as she looks down. She places her arms crossed on her knees. "... You're here, aren't you?" She said aloud, looking down at the concrete below her.

The outline of Eve's shadow shook at the vibrations of a voice that mysteriously came from the ground. "Heh, how'd ya know? You're so clever~!" A voice hums delighted. An 'annoying' voice, Eve would say.

Eve mumbles tiredly as she props her head on her fist sighing. "Jeez, can't you leave me alone? We're at a truce for today, no fights, no illegal activities. You following me, when I kept telling you not to, and using your powers, are not making me happy right now..."

Eve sees her shadow twitched, and the bushes behind her suddenly shakes. She turns to see the man from before, popping out of a bush to sit next to her, and her stuff on the bench. She uses the bags as a way to push him further away. He just leaned in closer.

The shadow rebel was practically stuck to Eve like her own shadow. Eve spoke calmly, and slowly as she tried to keep her anger from affecting her attitude. "Again... I wanted you to leave me be."

The rebel stood tall and unmoving from Eve's side. He was so eager to follow her, after trying to shake him off with her cloak. Eve huffs and whips her head away. He hums, oddly pleased as he stares at Eve pouting. "Oh, well getting to know you isn't so bad, is it? It wouldn't hurt, right?" He inched closer.

Eve slides farther away, the more he came closer. "Well... if you'd stop being a flirt, I would be more forward to getting to know your side. But, I want to learn it from someone else...."

Eve gets up, which the rebel quickly gets up as well. He didn't want Eve to try to disappear. He called out, coolly speaking though he was practically sweating. "Okay, I'll stop... Only if you agree to hangout with me first."

Eve looks at the rebel, at her wits end. "Sigh... I have stuff I need to put in the fridge, so it can't take too long."

The rebel walks along with Eve. "We could drop that off-?!"

Eve whips around and holds a hand out to stop the rebel. "No. You are not to find out where I live... We can talk for a bit, but I'd like to not stay for too long. So, deal?"

The tall rebel wraps an arm around his waist, propping his other arm upright, and tapping a finger to his lips, thinking it over. "Hm.... hmm- Alright, it's a date." He's quickly gave a thumbs up agreeing.

Eve snaps loudly from shock. "IT'S NOT A DATE!" Eve hissed with fiery in her eyes. She whips her head and huffs shortly and is annoyed. "Hmph! I'm regretting this already... Sigh, let's just get this over with." She walks off briskly.

The rebel perked up and walks beside Eve, as they start walking around the park. "Heh, no problem. So, where would ya like to go first?"

Eve just moved her eyes to look at the rebel unsure. "First? I just went out, and was about to perform. I don't have any plan of action in this situation."

The shadow rebel faces Eve, unlike her. He scratches his head, while keeping his cap securely on him. "Hm... Well, a stroll to get to know each other wouldn't hurt, right? Maybe we'll see somethin' along the way." The rebel walks on ahead, as Eve then trails behind him. 

"Well, before that..." Eve tried to reach the tall rebel's head, and paint him in a camouflage charm. He stopped, feeling tingling and sparkly, which was interesting.

He looks at his clothes and arms as they go from shiny, back to formal in an instant. "What did you do? Make me bright and glittery like you, hehe?"

Eve looks away and speaks in a hushed tone. "Just a bit of camouflage, in case we're spied on, or you use your power again. 'Course, I just used some power, but it's not my light power..." Eve shrugged.

The rebel looks down at the body again, more just amazed at the magic he can't see. He didn't need to hide in shadows to be practically invisible now. "Cool~!" He looks at Eve in awe of her ability.

Eve waves him off, and turns to him seriously with a hand on her hip, leaning. "Yeah, yeah... What's your name, or something to call you?"

The rebel thinks for a moment, pondering with a finger to his chin. "Mm... Shadow~?" He gave a goofy smile.

Eve shrugs, unamused. Even she could come up with that one, easily. The shadow figure chuckles, proudly at his own nickname. She scoffs, then responding in an annoyed tone. "Hm, yes it's fitting. You're an inky invisible darkness, and I'm a blinding bright light. We're polar opposites in power, all the more making us enemies." Eve twitches her finger, insinuating how it looked when his shadow form was hit with light.

Shadow turns abruptly, leaning his face close to Eve's. "Or... star-crossed lovers." He hummed.

Eve jumps back sporadically with her arms clutched close to her chest. She stutters and flails her arms dramatically in frustration. "I- I mean, POWER-WISE, we cannot work well! I hurt you the first time, remember? Touching you with light hurts, right?" She put her hands on her hips, while proving a point.

Shadow nervously chuckles, but smiles still. "Ah, well... I see that. Yeah, you got me pretty good... twice. The sun's also a lot hotter and blinding for me. I'm light-sensitive. The glasses and hat are more than just for looks, heh." He scratched his head, remembering it was actually quite painful. More painful than just standing in the summer sun-rays without any cover, for him.

Eve walks faster so she passes in front of the rebel, scowling at him. "Well, you have a problem sticking around me. I could just burn you till you're a twitching, inky goo, again." Eve waves, shooing him away, and huffs tired.

Shadow slumped his shoulders down and pouted his lips. Eve could just assume his eyes were looking like a sad puppy. Shadow didn't want to be looked at as a gross pest, so it seemed. But, he was a pest, in her eyes. Regardless, Eve crosses her arms and then mutters annoyed. "Don't make that sad face. We're at a truce today. I won't try to do anything with light, on purpose. I'm off the clock and power usage should be limited. I'm not even allowed to perform with powers anymore. That sucks for me!"

Shadow goes back to the chuckling and smiling. He couldn't help but tease Eve before. Now, he's getting close to her, melodically cooing. "Aww, you could play for some outlaws, like my group! Then, you can use powers all ya' want."

Eve crosses her arms and huffs while looking away. "Tempting, we'll have to see what the future holds. Also! It might be good to mention, not now but someday I will want to know your side's perspective. I'm an advocate of sorts, and right now I'm just trying to find out the agency's plans. Peacefully, I might add."

"You're very interesting, Sunshine, y'know that? So determined and strong, I don't think I've never heard of anyone like you, especially working for the agency. And here I thought they were all a bunch of lap-dogs, heh." He chuckled, hugging his arms crossed around his giant frame.

Eve whips her head and scowls at them. "Hm, some. I see so many personalities and people. Work is work, many groan about it, but it's their lives. Not to mention, you do get paid, and not be tested on like a poor lab rat. I'm lucky it wasn't the worst, as I feared...." She looked away in thought, surprised herself it wasn't so bad than it was different.

Shadow chuckles, causing Eve to look up at him oddly. "Hehe, you're really cute, Sunshine."

Eve's lips scrunch up and her eyes wide. She crosses her arms and looks away, scolding Shadow. "Hmph!! If I'm so cute, you better not look down on me. I could fight you, and don't you DARE THINK THIS IS A DATE!! Truce and future alliance!" Eve barked, turning back to him.

Shadow smiles and nods, but it was like he didn't listen or brushed it off quickly. "Hehe, wanna get some ice cream? I want to repay you, somehow, for havin' to put up with me." He acted cool and beaming. At least he knew he was a bother.

Eve looked upset but still was trying to be reasonable. Regardless of wanting nothing more than to blast this rebel with the strongest light she could make. She just shrugs, not wanting to help the situation she didn't want part of.

On the way strolling around the sidewalk, Eve changes to gathering more information. "Tell me something, what's your side like?" Eve turns her head over to Shadow walking beside her.

Shadow pauses, and then shrugs while looking back at Eve. "Mm... Heh, hoodlum stuff. We have a small crowded base of sorts, that's also our home. We take in superhumans that we find. Mostly a shelter. We're like family."

Eve hums while trying to imagine what it was like. It didn't sound the best, but there had to be its perks too. "Hm, and do you like it?" She wondered.

Shadow shrugs again, a little more unsure. "It's okay. I'd say better than having someone breathing down your neck all the time." He gives a tired smile.

They end up finding themselves back at the park. After the time spent away, it was less crowded. Coming back was different than before, now that Eve is less tense about the rebel following her.

Shadow stops suddenly, and walks a bit backwards. Eve turns curiously to a frozen treats stand. It seemed he was able to coax them to getting ice cream. Eve hesitantly goes over, they order, and she quickly goes to get out her wallet and pays for both. The man working at the stand simply takes her payment, and hands them an order of chocolate, and strawberry ice cream.

Shadow whips his head face back and forth from the stand, to Eve, shocked. "Wha- Wait! I was supposed to pay." Shadow felt even more guilty for bugging her, had he known Eve would be so quick and sly.

Eve eyes the rebel, and chuckles at his attempt to be the one that pays. "It's not a date, remember? I just thought I'd pay, since I'm pretty set with my income." She calmly goes to eat hers, since she was treating herself as well.

Shadow chuckles deeply under his breath. He stares at Eve with a carefree smile plastered on his face. "Oh yeah, being an idol and all?"

Eve stops focusing on ice cream, back to Shadow, alarmed. "-?! Di- did I ever say I was an 'idol'?" Her eyes looked widely at the rebel. He wouldn't, and shouldn't, know that detail about her personal life.

Shadow quickly looks around after realizing what he said. He tries to keep his smile, and voice from acting suspicious. "Maybe...? I would assume being an amazing performer, you must be an idol! It was just phrasing, I guess, heh...." He chuckles, loud and nervously.

Shadow was hoping it was a lot more convincing the more excited and frantic he was. Eve however, did not look convinced as she scowled at him angrily. The back of her hairs stand up, getting tense from worry.

Shadow could even fill Eve's gaze as she burns circles into him. "Haha, I guess I'm busted...?"

Shadow raises his hands as if surrendering. "I might... have tried to look you up, and surprisingly found a lot about you. Nothing bad though! Just that you're ah... 'Starlight', not Sunshine." He waved his hands, trying to explain himself to her, but he made it worse.

Eve gets straight to the point, questioning the same thing she's practically asked the whole time. "Why? Why are you stalking me?" She still couldn't think of the real reasons herself.

Shadow waves his arms out trying to protest. He didn't want to be seen as a creep. Even if he was, but still explaining his actions. "E- eh, I don't really mean it to stalk. Seeing you was a coincidence. I just wanted to know what you're like. And, before asking why, again, it's because I think I've fallen for you." He went back to dumbly fawning over Eve.

Eve exhaled quickly, getting her frustration out. She scoffs and spoke harshly. "Well, don't be so forward. I've never dated someone, never kissed, never a CONSENSUAL romantic date. I've never done stuff some people find so natural, or rush into relationships...." She thinks of her personal woes, suddenly looking shyly away. 

Shadow tries to lean close to Eve's face, almost startling her. "I didn't know... Heh, you're naturally hard to chase, but someone has to win your heart."

Eve shouted while walking away. "That's absolutely not the case-!" She halted suddenly, realizing she didn't have to explain herself. Especially to someone who's considered a dangerous criminal.  Her eyes scowled at the shadow rebel, so disgustingly.

Shadow also drops his tone, but it sounded a little tired. Surprisingly not so cheery as before. "... Who is it? Is it the one guy that ran in to help you from before?"

Eve assumed his question exactly correct. In an outburst, Eve protests furiously. "No!! I just met that guy not long ago! The one I'm in love with- ! Er- ?! I- I just don't do romantic things... That's why you're wasting your time! And, I'm wasting mine being here...." Eve walks away leaving, having the last straw from the rebel. First he bugs her, follows her, researches her, and even asks about her personal matters. Eve can't put up with it anymore.

Eve, had no shot at gaining a way in with Shadow to the rebel side. He was just acting as a waste of time. She didn't have to stay, and she shouldn't have acknowledged him in the first place. The situation couldn't get any worse with an annoying enemy still hovering around Eve.

The rebel didn't want to let Eve go. It was like he needed her attention so badly. "Wait- stop! Starlight!" He ran towards her protesting.

The rebel accidentally collided into her. Fumbling his large hands out that knocked Eve's arms as he tried to stop, and braced Eve from being almost knocked off her feet. She almost dropped her violin case. But, in her other hand, she crushed her ice cream cone and it fell all over her. Ice cream got on her jacket, shirt, and painted one of her gloves. Pink, and buts of red splotches covered the clean white that was now underneath.

Eve turns and looks down at the cold mess that was sticking to her. She groaned tired and highly frustrated. If she made her drop her violin, she would have made him pay for the damage.

The rebel backs away now, realizing what they just did. "Gosh, I'm so sorry, Starlight." He said quickly in a panic. He leaned in, worried about her clothes.

Eve just whips her body away from him, but keeps her eyes burning holes again into the sunshades of the tall rebel. "Shut up already!!" She hissed venomously. She didn't care about anything but leaving.

The rebel continues to try to face Eve. He turns to her, his voice surprisingly saddened. "No, wait.... this." He lightly held Eve's jacket in his hand, which held most of her lapel that was stained.

He sighs worried. "I ruined your cool jacket. Oh no... I owe ya big-time..." He stared at the stains, worried. It was a fancy outfit, and no way he could get her a new one just like it.

Eve flings his hand away from her. "Don't touch me! And, don't call me Starlight, either...." She huffs and takes off her jacket. Her shirt that was stained, but her vest, pants, and one glove were intact.

Eve looked perfectly fine, apart from being angry. Still well-dressed even without the jacket. Shadow couldn't take his eyes off of her. Eve drapes the jacket over her arms and holds it. "My designer would kill me if I ruined this... This is why I don't wear my fancier stuff when I'm at work. Luckily, it's a thick material, so it's not super absorbent. But, I'll have to go get this cleaned immediately...."

Shadow lets the issue go, not wanting to make it any worse. "Oh, okay. Sorry again for the disturbance and ruining your jacket..."

"Oh well. Headache aside, I'd like to go now." As if she couldn't stress her frustrations enough, Eve should have found an excuse to leave much sooner. It would have spared the headache and ruined outfit.

Shadow looks at Eve, chuckling nervously. "Heh, will I be able to see you again? I want to make it up to you, somehow." He drew his question out, perking up slightly.

Eve stresses the importance by repeating herself to Shadow. She assumes it takes a lot to convince him. "Not alone... My goal is learn from your side too, but I need more people to talk to. If we ever meet again, you or I must have accompaniment. And, no more stalking."

Eve nagged on, and Shadow just nods at everything excitedly. "Yes, yes of course! Heck yeah! I'll promise to behave and do as you ask. I'll be a good boy~!"

Eve sighs annoyed and places a hand to her the bridge of her nose. "Ugh... Please don't do anything to make me regret this. I beg you, a million times over..."

"Mhm- Got it! Promise, promise, promise!" Shadow trips over his own words from talking fast, with hyper excitement. He really wanted to see Eve again.

It was good enough for Eve, given the real purpose at hand. She'd want to find a way to talk to the rebels, without alarming them. And, Eve would definitely prefer someone else to talk to, than the giant pest before her. "'Kay, I'm going to clean up. Don't follow or look for where I'm going. Good day, and sure to see you, Shadow..." She turns away and tiredly waves behind her, walking off.

Shadow waves his arms in the air sporadically, even though Eve couldn't see him doing so. "Yes, hope to see you soon~!" He called out, smiling widely, then lowering his sunglasses.

The rebel's lips started to quiver, and his smile grew as wide as it possibly could. He mutters to himself giddily in thought. "Mm~ Starlight, my Sunshine. She let me see her again, yes... This will be my lucky break. A way out!- ... Heh, getting too excited just thinking about it~."

Shadow looks up, not seeing white hair but looking at the direction she went. "I'll be seeing you... Starlight... Eve..."

___________________________________________________________

Eve swings her door open, greeting Sam at the same time. "I'm back, Sam."

Eve drops all her stuff on the kitchen counter, and places her flowers in a vase on the dining table. "Hi Sam. Everything go alright holding down the fort for me? You're the best. Let's make you dinner." She looks at an empty large dinner bowl she turned into Sameer's food dish. He already ate his late lunch when Eve stopped by. She didn't want her friend to be hungry.

Wanting to get through the last thing left of her day to do, Eve just goes straight to the kitchen and grabs food prepared for Sameer. Also grabbing cloth and detergent for her stains. As she sets food out for Sam, she hears a knock at her door.

Eve walks over to her door quickly. She peers out and then opens the door to none other than Grey to see her. He stood, coldly at Eve's door. He monotonously spoke. "Good evening. I just wanted to check on you. I got the rundown for work already, and wanted to run it by you to prepare."

Of course, this was more just Grey wanting to check on Eve. Purpose or not to see her, he was going to watch Eve, even on her day off. Though, it may have been a bit too late. Eve didn't even get to change out of her ruined clothes from today's endeavors.

Regardless, she opens the door wide for Grey to come inside. "Oh, sure. Come in, I was about to make some food."

"A little later than usual, is it? - Hm...." Grey eyes the vase full of flowers. Eve had never filled it so much before.

Grey turns to Eve remarking it. "Were you performing today? It seems you kept all the flowers this time."

Eve didn't look at Grey, but brushed Sam's fur, trying to act calm. "Oh- Actually, I had to cut that short." She sheepishly let out.

"Ah, I see." Grey eyes Eve then looks back away coolly.

"... Grey?" Eve wearily broke the silence. She wanted to ask something she knew he would get angry over.

Grey's eyes narrow at Eve, being serious. "What is it?" He got straight to the point, clear and brooding.

Eve knits her hands together tightly. "I saw a suspect outside. A rebel, from before that we couldn't identify."

Grey goes from calm and stern, to gawking with his eyes peering wiring at Eve. "What?! Why didn't you call me, or something?" Grey walks closer to Eve, he towers over her staring her down wildly.

Eve crosses her arms and leans a bit backwards so Grey wouldn't be so close, yelling in her ear. She tries to speak calmly to wind Grey down. "I didn't want any possible fighting or alarm, but he wouldn't leave me be. I found out they've been stalking me since our encounter with them in the alley..."

Grey pictures the masked face he saw in the alley with Eve that escaped. But, no idea why he's after Eve except that she had dealt with them on duty. "Hmph!... This is bad." He growls. If the rebel follows Eve everywhere, he could be planning a threat.

Eve looks away, not wanting to discuss, but feeling it was important to. "Well... His intentions seem harmless, but still not very good. They just found my music channel... It's not like that's a secret. The only bad thing he did was annoy me to no end..."

Just hearing more, Grey became more and more tense. "He's still a threat! He's a wanted criminal!"

Eve mumbles, getting short and annoyed with Grey. She didn't need to lecture, since she was trying not to interact with a criminal in the first place. "Yeah, I told him I wasn't going to cause a scene in broad daylight, especially off duty. I tried to get away, but he wouldn't leave me alone. I spoke nothing, but defended the agency. I made it clear that I want to know his side's story too...."

"Don't just decide this solely! You needed to tell me these things as soon as you got back!" Grey barked in Eve's face.

Eve got even closer, more fiery, and shouting. "I JUST got back! I haven't even gotten to change into less ruined clothes, for galaxy's sake!"

Grey looks down at Eve, as if he hadn't noticed her outfit, but definitely now sees the stains on her. "What is that? Is that... blood?" He points down to something red, eyes now wide worried.

Eve shook her head frantically, and then stares down at her shirt as a small piece of strawberry was still on her. "It's ice cream! That's a strawberry, ugh!! I'm getting changed. YOU, STAY HERE AND SHUT UP TILL I GET BACK!!" Eve throws the strawberry pulp at Grey, and turns her heels to her bedroom.

Grey was furious, but maybe not as much as Eve was. She apparently had a tough day, and her partner knew that freaking out was only making it worse. Grey waited patiently for Eve, reflecting on the last few moments. Still bitter, still angry, but reflecting.

Eve huffs as she strides out of her bedroom, in a dark blue buttoned shirt. Her sleeves were already folded, and she changed into black, small gloves, but her shirt was unbuttoned slightly so she could breathe. Her hair was no longer tied halfway down her back. It was able to fall forward, and to her sides.

Eve hops into a reading chair, sprawling out on the armrests. She finally felt better, now that she was home, and cleaner. Eve sighs deeply, rubbing her temples with one hand.

Grey walks beside the chair, and places his shadow over Eve. He had his arms crossed, and eyes scowling coldly at her. "Eve, I need you to tell me EXACTLY what happened, or else..."

Eve scoffs. "What? Or you'll look at my memories? I don't care about your pointless threat! See for yourself how my time was fruitlessly wasted, fearing the guy was going to do something for the rebels. He was just playing around..." She reached her hands out to Grey, having nothing to hide.

"What do you mean by that?" Grey takes her hand lightly, eyes glowing mythical as he reads her.

Eve is in a state of reliving her recent memories, but she seemed used to the sensation. She talks through what happened, then the memory would play as proof at the same time. "It's embarrassing to admit, but the guy was acting like he had a thing for me... He tried to make us go on a date. I refused to call it that. Nothing evil, but rather stupid... I told him I wanted to make peace with both sides. I was honest to tell him his company was not helping my mission, but he was really annoying me."

Grey could see Eve was being honest, again. As unexpected as her adventure went, he saw the shadow she was yelling at, him being too close to her, for both Grey's and Eve's comfort. Him calling her 'Starlight' on a dime after admitting to it all, and his unjustified reason for stalking Eve, really set Grey off.

Grey's blood started to boil, and he felt something, but he couldn't explain what. It must have been from Eve's discomfort, he thought. His partner being harassed made him angry, Grey could feel it. He could tell this rebel was going to be more trouble down the road. Maybe to the agency, but definitely to Eve specifically.

Eve was not phased after the flashes of memory, yet Grey seemed out of it. She tries to wave in front of his face and get his attention. She keeps waving her hand up sitting, which met him at eye-level. "Grey..? Grey!!"

Grey jumps, realizing he's spaced out. He looks down at Eve, sheepishly. "H- huh?"

Eve brushes her hair away from her eye and fixes it over her shoulder. She's staring at Grey, still annoyed. "I thought you were going to talk about work anyways. Let's talk about the suspect with the shadow power later, and get ready for work now."

Grey clears his throat, trying to get back to his serious tone. "Right... I have reports of the lists of black market trading of girls with special abilities from Mr. Moore. This would help clear out more of the bad roots we can find." He doesn't look at Eve directly, but she wasn't paying much attention to her oddly skittish partner.

Eve does however look at her partner questionably. "Oh good, are we going to try to infiltrate the black market, too?" She said a bit sarcastically.

Grey shook his head. "No no, not exactly, but a secret auction. Teams will be out, taking down a few across the city."

Eve looks over, raising her brows, and tilting her head wondering. "What about elsewhere?"

Grey coolly looks down and away. He speaks in a hush monotone. "We don't have anything but it's a good start. And, New York City has a large crime population. It takes out quite a bit, at least."

Eve pouts her lips and keeps her head tilted. "Hm... Shame, but alright. How's a team going through?"

Grey summarizes the current operation. "We'll be filling in as bidders in the audience. Halfway through, we'll make a full arrest of everyone, and take back the girls, and belongings to safety."

"Easier said than done?" She raises herself slightly in her seat.

The edge of Grey's lips raised slightly as he kept his cold eyes peering down at Eve. "Heh, just expect an uproar and crowd trying to leave. We'll have all the exits locked till we get vans in to take in all the suspects, quickly. We're there to make sure no one gets away, we'll put an end to that."

Eve drops her head, leaving her legs and arms to dangle over her chair. "Ne~ I have such a headache. I'm too tired for this."

"You've had enough for one day. I'll order us something to eat, if you haven't yet. Having a lazy day is good every one and a while... Chinese sounds good?" Grey mumbles aloud as he searches on his phone, and turns it to Eve at a restaurant close by that Eve might like.

Eve shifts in her seat, till she's in a ball upright. She hugs one arm around her knees, and extends out to pet Sameer. "Mhm..." She hums into space, lost in a tired trance. Sam even looks up worried about her. He didn't like seeing Eve blue.

Grey doesn't look at his phone, eyes are glued to his moping partner. She looked sad, and for the times he's seen her sad, it wasn't filled with worry. Somehow, Eve looked sick, paler then she already was, eyes heavy and tired. It seemed like his partner was dealing with more than just today. Grey murmurs, aloud enough for Eve to hear. "I have some medicine, if you need it."

Eve just moves her eyes to Grey, leaning down more to hug Sam. "It's fine. I always just tough it out. Just need water and maybe... more sugar."

Grey smirks and shakes his head at Eve, astounded. "Heh, lay off the sweets for a moment, or you'll ruin your appetite. It would give you more of a headache, too."

Eve jumps in her chair so she sits up right, bubbly and cheerful. "I already fed Sam, so I should be fine having some sweets for dinner! I'm built off sugar, hehe~!" She held her hands to her face and smirked innocently.

Grey didn't look thrilled at the idea as Eve was. More glaring disapprovingly, than her bright smile. "You have to eat- Oh, or are you not hungry from your forced-date with that guy?" He teased, but it was more mocking than as a joke.

Eve dramatically flails her arms and legs over her chair again. "Ugh~ Don't make my headache worse!... I could eat, of course. Since when have I not been hungry?" Eve giggles, taking herself out of the moment. Grey just looks at her, then chuckles as well. He turns back to his phone and scrolls through menus.

Grey props himself leaning on Eve's chair with his phone. "Take a look and see what sounds good." He passes his phone to Eve.

They both take a look at dishes and sides to order. Eve was practically drooling over everything on the menu. Both partners settle and place their order. Grey makes the call, and Eve gets a second wind and slowly walks over to her kitchen.

Grey turns back after hanging up his phone. "Alright, order is in." He looks back at his phone, going back to usual 'poker-face' cold stare. He turns to the movement going on the opposite side of where Eve once was sitting.

"I'll make refreshments. Want anything?" Eve eyed Grey, tiredly but it seemed a lot more cheerful again. It was as if she got a second wind. Eve goes to a tea cabinet, and reaching in another to get cups out.

Grey walks over, and sets a hand in front of Eve on a counter-space, so that she would turn her attention to him. "I think you should relax more."

Eve smiles up at him, but her voice sounded slightly worried. "I'll just make some tea! That helps a lot, then I can relax till the food's here." Eve walks around Grey, and sets water to boil with two cups ready.

Grey looks down at his phone at the time, uttering over his shoulder. "I'll just pick it up when it arrives."

As they waited, now with no work, or incident to discuss, a dead air fell on everyone. Even Sameer didn't interact in the awkward moment. It laid silent till the blaring sounds of the kettle filled the air. Eve, Grey, and even Sam stay silent again as they wait for Eve to brew cups.

Once tea was served and Grey goes to sitting in silence, drinking. Eve hovers around, slightly nervous. "Grey...?" Eve called out, and Grey just shifted his eyes up to his partner.

Eve stands in front of him, shifting around. She doesn't look at him, but asks. "Why do you put up with me so much? I mean, I'm sure you'd want some peace and quiet again, on your time off."

It would worry Eve a bit whenever Grey came over, since he was typically all business. She didn't mind his company. They still had times where they also chatted about more trivial things. But, Grey rarely stopped by without a purpose first. Grey turns fully to Eve now, face emotionless when speaking. "Because you're so reckless and ambitious, I feel like I need to watch over you. You clearly can't go outside without something possibly happening."

Grey could tell by the silence that followed, Eve couldn't deny it. He leans over closer, gesturing his hand to Eve. "But... You're also pleasant. You're kind, and think about others so fondly. Your mind is always elsewhere, thinking about things most people don't. You're not bad company either really...."

Grey looks down, mentally somewhere else. He didn't talk for a moment, till he mustered looking back at Eve. "If you go out again, bring me along, and we can go together. It'll be good to go out in case you're stalked again, for protection...."

Eve shrugs and chuckles a bit. "Sure. I mean, you don't want to listen to my music, right? Would you really want to hangout with me when I perform?"

Grey stays deadpan but raises a brow to Eve in question. "I never said that, did I? Might not be one for it, but I don't mind waiting. So, yes, we can go out..."

Grey goes to look back at his phone as a notification appears. "And, I don't mean it like a da- Foods here... I'll be back..." He suddenly stops from correcting himself.

Grey quickly got up, without looking at Eve, or saying another word. Grey went straight out the door and stopped outside. He huffs once he's in the hallway, combing a hand through his hair mentally panicking to himself. He looked at his phone, seeing a notification that the food was almost there, but he didn't want to go back in.

Grey held his mouth tightly, as if something were to spill out. He could hear and feel his heartbeat in his ears. His hand falls to his pounding heart. Once it felt calmer, Grey finally muttered to himself, frustrated. "What the-... What was I even going to imply?!"

Grey grabs his hair and hunches over wide-eyed, confused. He was losing his cool over the sense of regret, and fear of something Grey couldn't explain. His heart, suddenly aching in pain. He had to stop whatever thoughts were randomly appearing. But, something kept appearing in particular, something Grey's mind wouldn't let go of. A 'date'. That unfinished word from before felt like it was being replayed over and over in his mind. It was like a hollow echo haunting him.

Grey goes down to the lobby area, and waits for the food. He comes back, opening Eve's door, and trying not to act suspicious. He had time to cool down a bit waiting for the food. Grey eyes Eve, still sitting with Sameer as he came in.

Both agents wash and eat. Eve takes a bite, and her eyes light up as she holds a hand to her cheek, happily. "Mm~! Grey, this is delicious! Thanks for making my day better!"

Grey holds his head on a propped hand, relaxing his shoulders, and leaning to gaze at his partner so joyous over simple takeout. "Heh, you're such a handful. At least, this way I can keep an eye on you."

And yet, it didn't sound like Grey minded keeping an eye on Eve. He liked talking to her, sometimes. Other times, Eve was hard to handle, but also insightful. Grey even opened up a bit to Eve while working together. And, Eve did just the same.

Grey knows deep down he couldn't ask for more. They already have enough, sometimes checking on Eve, and giving him food and company. It was enough for Grey, but now, maybe too much. But, the idea of not seeing Eve was also difficult, for countless reasons. He conflicted with new feelings, and knowing who her's belonged to.

Eve was foreign to the new lifestyle. Grey was out of touch with his team personally. Both seemed pretty distant people in their own ways, but not to each other. For them, it seemed natural somehow.

______________________________________________________________

Since the interaction with the rebel, the next work-night rolled around. The mission was a large-scale takedown of sellers and participants of illegal biddings. Also to rescue any people and evidence in their possession. Near the outskirts was a large, older theater that the bidding was apparently at.

The building was dark and worn down. Members were able to go in with a special letter, or knew a name that does. As large shag curtains move out of their way, Eve and Grey walk into a dark theater full of people in the audience. Not many were looking at them coming in. Bidders, were more focused on seeing the latest items.

Grey whispers, as he turns his head slightly to Eve beside him. "Alright. Follow my lead and don't do anything, please..."

They wore hoods, but most were wearing some sort of cover over them. So many dark figures shuffled in seats, filling the whole theater.

'Lots of people...'

Eve tapped Grey long enough for him to read.

Grey doesn't look at Eve but hums and nods. "Mhm, we got it covered, under half will still be just disguised agents as we come in..."

The lights turn on around the stage, illuminating it amongst the darkness. A man was standing in the center. As the auction started, he proceeded to announce over the crowd. "Welcome one and all, we will start off this auction with an interesting piece. Cursed swords, sworn to have dark magic from the many lives and souls they've taken..."

People in the crowd start bidding, even though it is said to curse the wielder and victims at one point. It wasn't what they were originally looking for, but it didn't seem good getting into the wrong hands either.

'What's this? There's no people...'

Grey hushed as he faced forwards. "That comes later. They must be saving that for last..."

The announcer's voice over their microphone drowns out others from hearing Grey muttering quietly. "And, on the docket next, a beautiful woman. Well kept and fit...." They kept adding onto details about the woman. Nothing struck as the girls Eve and Grey were looking for.

'Are they not ability users?'

It's not like Eve is able to check, without making a scene, that is. She didn't know if Grey's been to any secret auctions before, or dealt with anything like this.

Grey whispers aloud for Eve to hear. "We'll wait to see. If not, they'll need to be taken in to the police then. Now stop 'talking' to me..." He hissed shortly.

The announcer waves out another, a giant. "Next is interesting. A man with abnormal strength. He's locked so even his fingers won't move..."

"Jeez...." Grey gawked disgusted by the brutal restraints the man had.

People for some reason were bidding for the strong giant. As the biddings eventually stopped, another was rolled out in a sturdy cage. The whole outside had metal bars and thick, metal mesh. There was a woman, sitting with her head down hidden by her arms and knees.

The announcer cleared his throat and boomed louder and excitedly, before going to the next. "Another abnormal one. Here, we have a young woman with the ability to grow larger or smaller in size..."

'When do we get a que?'

Given, Eve never stopped tapping Grey and mentally asking him things. It was getting a bit of Grey's nerves that, even in thought, Eve couldn't keep her mouth shut. "Wait till we get a sign. They have to take the first gent to the exit before we do. Doors are about to be locked...." Grey answered.

Few people go on and off stage, till the lights go out. Everyone shuffles and panics. Even Eve looks around confused in the nearly pitch black room.

Grey quickly turns fully to his partner, and gets up from his seat. "That's the que. Want to illuminate around us?" Even if he can barely see Eve, they're facing each other now.

Eve does so and jumps high above the crowd in a glowing, weightless flourish. She sees others are also causing a big commotion. Lighting, fire, water, random items flying around the room had caused people to run to the closed exits.

Grey runs off to one direction with his retractable bo staff, and shouts over to Eve. "Maestro! Help get a group contained by the exit doors."

"Right!" After hearing Grey's instructions, Eve then immediately jumped up on one of the seats, and leapt over to the opening walkway up to the doors and large curtain entry.

Eve starts to create strands of light, weaving them in small knots till they become bright, golden nets. She jumps up and tosses one onto a group of people crowding the door. As they tried swarming agents, trying to break down the door. Some auctioneers suddenly fell tangled under Eve's nets.

Eve was able to capture everyone trying to get out from the front. She made more rope from thin air. Eve ran into the whole crowd, and threw nets till she was in front of agents suddenly. She kept weaving and throwing, now passing and explaining quickly. "I have nets!" She explained quickly, hoping people would help contain people with them.

They were bright, and very warm, but people were able to handle the crowds with them. They just had to make sure they didn't get tangled themselves by its magical ability. "Here!" Eve shouts over all the buzz and panic and best she could.

Eve sees a fast blur from the corner of her eye. She turns to see a man trying to escape through the dark corners, away from Eve's bright nets.

Eve spins around and runs after them. She leaps as she becomes illuminated, with a glimmering trail falling at her feet. She even lands on the escapee even as they try to run. In a thud into the ground, Eve kneels on the man, and holds one arm behind his back tightly. "You're not going anywhere! Don't you DARE try to fight back, or else...." She hisses intimidatingly.

The man couldn't move out of her grasp or kick her off. He quickly stops fighting Eve, laying defeated as Eve creates a rope to tie him with. "I- I give, I give...." The man drops his head to the ground, and Eve gets up once his hands are tied behind him. Two agents rush over to pick him up.

As so much was happening, Eve moved through agents and suspects as she wandered over to the back of the stage. Agents were picking locks off all the victims. Eve looks over and sees the muscular giant from before, with two people trying to take his locks off. It seemed there was little progress made in little time. So, Eve comes up with an idea to help.

Eve opens the door and kneels to the concrete. She was going to use magic, but normal people were around too. Eve didn't think it mattered since they've probably seen a lot already. So, Eve gets to work, placing her hands down. Everything glows around her as she whispers. "Please, Gaea, tell me you're here... Able me stronger..."

Once rock, now a mixture of materials. While, all that could be used was like a giant compressed slab of sand. Many small connections reached her, even when weak. It was barely heard, Eve couldn't hear what was said, but a response back.

Suddenly, Eve's arms slightly quiver, as well as the ground below her hands. Cracks started to form, and two slabs of concrete mistakenly formed around Eve's hands, like stone gloves. Although she couldn't move her hands, they were perpetually close fists that could still work for it purpose.

Eve turns and steps back into the backstage. People make way naturally, and Eve is able to reach the trapped man. Eve held the giant man's hands out, trying to use her bulky stone hand to hold one lock. Then, she smashed it and the lock broke. Eve did this to all the many locks this man had, and some chains tying him to cuffs. Then, she tries to carefully smash a lock that held a metal mask over his mouth. Besides being loud, it falls to the ground in a heavy thud with ease.

Eve hops in front of the giant. She stares at the wild, bloodshot eyes peering into her gentle, sympathetic ones. Eve breaks the silence, after breaking all the man's chains and locks. "You're free. We're here to help you guys."

The man stares at her silently, then strode widely to a group of people he stood much taller behind the agents, holding out his arms to help contain people. It appears he decided to help now that he was free. Now, the agents backstage were able to get everyone else out of their restraints, much quicker now that the giant male's locks were taken care of.

"Show off..." Said a voice behind Eve. She turns as Randle, Agent Bolt, gawks in passing. Eve rolls her eyes and tries to ignore him.

Eve looks for Grey, and spots him across the way. It was a man next to Grey that spoke over the crowd quickly. "Alright, everyone. Out to the vans."

Then everyone dispersed out through the exits. Grey quickly followed the sea of people out. Eve follows Grey, trying to go with people in his direction. She looked out at the scene outside, as more agents stood, and barricades kept the theater temporarily locked down.

Specialized armored trucks had appeared some time as the light went out. Now, people from the auction were being placed under arrest, to be transported to the S.O.U. Everyone was able to be placed in the armored trucks and were sent off the scene as quickly as they came.

A voice rings in Eve's ear, and everyone else's, telekinetically. "Clear. Great job everyone." Someone then cheers over the large crowd. A few people join in celebrating, and people gather around.

"Where's Agent Maestro? Where'd she run off to?" One asks, as Eve was trying to run over to her partner again. People turned as well and started to murmur to others about what they saw or hear Maestro do during the capture.

Eve quickly stops from overhearing, curious, with a smile towards her cohorts. "All done here, right? Just need to get these guys in cells?" Eve points her thumb over to the armored vehicles. As she's preoccupied, Grey turns his head to her as he places a suspect into the back of one of the vehicles.

A familiar face appears from the crowd, and Blare runs up to Eve, almost into her. "Agent Maestro! That was AMAZING!! You absolutely kicked-butt rounding up people!" She cheered, jumping into Eve with arms wide open.

Eve chuckles briefly. She surprisingly relaxes more, now that it was over, successfully it seemed. "Thanks Blare, heh. I was just improvising a bit."

Agent Valkery jumps in and greets them. "Hey, you are the most skilled ability user I've seen. I've been here for a while, but that was the first time I've seen your abilities. It was some impressive stuff."

Grey walks over, and Blare automatically lets go of Eve. Eve was thankful to at least be able to have her personal space back. Grey just whips his head away from the mischievous pair, Blare and Valkery. He coolly speaks to his partner. "Hmph. Don't mind them, but indeed good work today."

Blare puts her hands on her hips and snaps feistily at Grey. "Can't others talk to your partner, Grey?!" She then waved her arms around as Grey had killed the mood.

Eve looks between the other agents amused. They could never stop butting heads, even after completing a mission together. "Hehe, you guys are a riot, but I think we should head back. Great work everyone!" Blare and Valkery say goodbye, then walk away to leave in their car.

Things seemed a lot more successful this mission. Eve didn't burn anything down, and she was seen doing an impressive job with multiple abilities. She helped out capturing, and rescuing in no time. Vans appeared in and out quickly thanks to Eve's nets. This time, Eve had kept control over the situation, and her temper. At least one mission with Eve actually went according to plan.

After going to the sanctuary the next day rolled around quickly. Eve comes into work with a pleasant ray to her. She greets everyone on her floor with a smile, and makes her way to see Grey already working. Eve pulls out her seat. Grey turns at the movement.

Eve gives a big smile to Grey as she seats herself beside him. "Good morning, Grey~!" She cheered as she looked at him.

Grey seemed almost unaffected by it. He casually looks away, so he can hand her the morning brief of what was on the agenda. "Ah, morning Maestro. You seem cheery from the sanctuary, still. That's good... Got a mission to prepare for tonight. We just got word."

Eve looks at the list of what they had written for any leads or new cases. "Alrighty! What's the mission?"

Grey turns in his seat. He leans to one side facing Eve and looks down at the paper, pointing out to Eve parts. "Remember the one hacker from the previous base with the 'bug' problem? We also found where this information was going. Luckily now, all we have to do is catch this last rat. We'll have to interrogate this one further to see how they knew about the facility."

Grey pulls up from his screen a file with the name and information to show Eve. He turns his monitor a bit so Eve could see better. "Suspect is Victor Moore, you could certainly call him a small 'crime boss'. Moore was in a family business till he was removed for reasons unknown. He's got money and now influencing a gang that deals with a lot of bad stuff. Drugs, weapons, anything illegal, and in high demand. This information could be dangerous in the hands of a guy like him."

Eve's cheerful expression became wide-eyed worry. "Not good at all... What are we going to do to stop him?"

Grey knew when he told her, she'd ask that basically. "Good question, indeed. We can go about this in a few ways. We could try to infiltrate a bar he runs. He was recently spotted there, and that's how we found him. Think you can talk to him?"

Eve tilts her head curiously. "Okay... do you really trust me to talk-it-out with a bad guy? Is he normal? I can't fight him with powers, right?"

Grey oddly looks away, also not really favoring the idea. But, they had to. Grey needed Eve's help for something he's not the best with, surprisingly in their field. "Well... Ahem, it's not to put you on the spot, but you're at least going to be a lot more approachable than me for this. Maybe you could undercover. Act like you're a singer that wants to perform at his bar, then get him alone for a second to arrest him. Just dress in a disguise, and don't give them your name. I'll be able to reach you, if you get into some trouble."

It sounded like Grey couldn't be beside Eve to help, as he's usually been. Now, he's distanced, and Eve will have to handle leading the investigation. She'll have to use her improv skills, and charm, to survive on her own.

Eve slumps into her seat and sighs tiredly. "Sigh... Why do I have to go to a bar?" She pouts, since she definitely wouldn't want to be alone either. Eve didn't go to bar's or drink. She also was a performer for a younger audience, her personality just didn't fit the bar seen. Bars were only fun for her if there was a band, or if she'd perform.

Grey turns more deadpanned. He walks through a small plan, so his partner gets more of that jist. "Just get in, spot the target, get or follow him to where there's less people. Don't act like yourself. You naturally act like a disney prince. Where black instead of white and light colors. Don't act so kind and righteous, you don't want to become an easy target. You'll see characters at the bar from formal, to even grimy. So, just don't look too inconspicuous with that...."

Eve surprisingly sounded excited and focused. She raises her arms, and balls her fists together determined. "Okay! I'll dress dark, and pretend I've got problems I can't handle, and I want to sing about it! Yay~!" Eve then cheered as she flew her arms up excitedly.

Grey feels like he's regretting this idea already. "Definitely hope you can act the part too, quietly...."

Eve chuckles at her partner's remorse. "I'll try my best!"

Grey will just have to take Eve's word for it. This was Eve's expertise. "Good. We'll have earpieces, so we can partially communicate. I can help you, if you hesitate at all."

This was pressure on Eve to perform and act, but that's her skill set. She won't use her usual gimmicks. Eve's going to channel something she's not shown in front an audience. Eve was going to go dark.

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(Warning; Strong language)

The two finish the rest of their work, and prepare for Eve's undercover mission that night. A new an anxious task ahead, and crooked people to follow, but Eve had to disguise herself amongst them to find out what they were planning. They had plenty of time to strategize first, and know when, where, and who to look for.

Grey is in Eve's apartment, hanging out with Sameer in front of Eve's bedroom door. Though Eve and Grey weren't off the clock yet, the two outside had been waiting patiently for Eve. She was just needing a moment to change for the mission.

Eve opens the door after some time. "'Kay, Grey. Do I look ready?" She hushed her voice in a low and calming tone.

Both Grey and Sameer look widely at Eve's transformation. Her hair was slicked down with gel, and bangs slightly parted to one side. She leans on the doorframe with her elbow that barely holds on a large leather jacket. Her other hand out on the door.

Eve threw on whatever black articles, and celestial jewelry she had from different costumes. Although very covered, under her jacket she rolled her shirt sleeves, and hints of white ink showed on Eve's pale skin. A rare detail to see, which was something interesting about her that fit the look. Grey lands his gaze back at Eve's face. Her eyes were done with a smokey, wet look, she wore a glossy sinister smile, along with heavy raised eyelids peering at Grey from under her lashes.

Since Grey laid silent, Eve speaks up again, almost sounding bored, or annoyed. "Got something to say, or are we just standing around?" She chuckled at her own joke, using the fake persona.

Eve strides out and idles in front of Grey. She gives him a thumbs up, and presses a hand to her ear. "Earpiece is already in, let's go." Eve turns to the door, and Grey snaps out of his silent glaring, and follows behind.

As Eve goes to head out, she spins around, waving and smiling cheerfully. "Bye Sam~! I'll be back later! I'll miss you!!"

As Eve turns back around, Grey eyes her sternly. His cold eyes peer light into Eve's after she locks up her door. Even with the makeup and a different outfit on, Grey just sees Eve through it all. "Okay, start acting now. You're too loud for looking like that right now. All I see is your goofy self still."

Eve tilts her head innocently, still smiling sweetly. Even with dark makeup on she was radiant as she giggled out the door. Grey leads her down to where a car was parked outside the apartments. They head to the bar. They talk about the plan, and if anything were to happen. After looking and going over all the exits, Eve heads in, while Grey hangs outside in case the suspect leaves.

The bar was dimly lit, pool tables being played filled the bar with clatter and ambiance. An empty stage was on the opposite side of the entrance. And for decor, despite being a bar, it was decorated like a casino room just with shady deals in the corner booths, rather than people on slot machines. Eve walks in, the checkered tile making her steps much louder in boots. She goes straight to the bar, and takes a seat.

"Hmm...." Eve scans the small drink list. It held the specials she's never heard of. She doesn't know any drink names besides obvious ones. She tries not to, but couldn't help but be a little nervous, especially out in the open alone.

Eve sits at a bar owned by the suspect. It was a smaller crowd occupying the bar, since it was early in the weekday. It wasn't because of her outfit, but her natural looks caught a few eyes coming in. She would burn her glaring eyes at anyone that looks at her pass, as part of the act.

Eve waves at the bartender. She speaks shortly, and tries to have less character in her voice. "Hey, I would like to order but I'm bored of some drinks. Do you have anything that won't hurt my voice? I'm a singer, I don't want to be with a trashed voice in the morning...." She lies, at least about the drinking ordeal.

The bartender nods, then the corner of his lips perk upwards. "I could also give you something not so strong maybe. We have a few cocktails that don't sting goin' down."

Eve bangs on the counter with her hand, acting excited at the idea. "Perfect, then I can drink a lot of them, right? Heh heh, just kidding. Surprise me!" Her look and act, fitting enough as a punk rocker.

The bartender takes a moment to prepare a drink. They soon hand Eve a small glass of a colorful liquid. She idles it, while she brings out a burner phone, pretending to act distracted.

The bartender doesn't leave, but just leans on the counter facing Eve. He eyes her, looking oddly at her. "So, a singer, ya' say? Would you sing somethin' then?"

Eve gives a bored scoff, and chuckles. "Heh, like what? Anything? I'm from overseas, so my music originally wasn't in English. But... Give me a guitar, or something to play, and I got you."

The bartender looks over Eve's shoulder and shouts directed over to a booth in the corner. "Hey V! Can I spare an instrument from the stage? This girl's gonna play somethin'."

Eve slowly turns her head to one of the corner booths. She spots a man, also a woman by the man's side. His face looked like the suspect she was looking for. It was the one who the hacker tried to give secret information from government facilities to. He glares at Eve coldly, but then chuckles.

Eve stares at the suspect from the counter of her eye. The suspect, Victor Moore, stares coldly at Eve. Then, he waves a hand and acts nonchalantly. "Hm, why not, but it better be good then."

Eve raises her glass to the suspect, trying to act like she doesn't know who he is. "You'll have to be the judge. Don't worry, I can sing, my genius however, is a little out there..."

Eve brought the drink to her lips after toasting to 'Mr. V' in the corner, as thanks for his permission. She didn't drink it, but tasted it and pretended to drink. It still left a terrible taste in her mouth.

Eve is handed an acoustic guitar moments later and was ready to rock, acoustically, that is. "Thanks." She at least tries to keep a bit of politeness for allowing her request. Her plan had just worked out perfectly, finding and calming getting the suspect's attention.

Eve starts to play something, a few chords and then she used her voice as a harmony till she found some lyrics to sing towards the end.

Victor had gotten up shortly after Eve stopped with her playing and singing. He eyes Eve wildly, then tries to act unamused as he spoke. "Good enough. Got to say, you're mighty beautiful in appearance as well..."

Eve's ear buzzed instantly after the suspect's statement, and Grey's voice spoke into her earpiece.

'Please don't you dare fight him, Maestro. Change the subject.'

Eve mentally nodded to herself as she eyes around the room nervously. Her eyes fall to the woman in the corner, and Eve points her thumb towards her. "... I'm more interested in the innocent thing over there, bud." It was impromptu, but hopefully a good end to that conversation.

The man looks behind him, and looks back, oddly smiling at Eve. "Her? Heh, you got a fine eye, we can certainly share, huehehe. Thing is... she's one of my 'special' girls, I can't just leave my belongings with others. She's got a pretty price for that head of hers... Unless you're still interested...." He raises a curious brow.

Eve raises a brow, curious but she didn't think she wanted to know what she meant. However, something didn't feel right when looking at the young woman. She didn't not look happy to be there. She even looked scared as she hid in the booth only peering over occasionally with a worried look.

Eve decides, despite her worry, someone else there seemed more scared and out of place than Eve. She'll play along for now till she finds out who that woman is. "Well, can the girl come up here? She's got legs, doesn't she?"

The suspect quickly snapped his fingers and waved the woman over in a quick notion. The woman hesitantly gets out of the booth and stands by the man. Grey speaks again. This time, Eve spots small movements from a window, likely Grey hiding.

'What's going on? I'll try to find out who that woman is....'

With a bit of security even outside, Grey was most likely behind something out of sight. He had his work laptop if they needed information to help Eve. But, he still tried to be close, as much as he could on the sidelines. Grey was on alert for Eve in case of an emergency, and if he needed to pull her out.

Eve places a finger under her chin and narrowed her eyes, staring at the woman. "Hm... Yeah, her looks could drive anyone crazy, but I don't get what's so special about her." She dropped her hand and shrugged. She looked away unamused with her head in the air.

Moore nods and smirks, seemingly understanding. But, he immediately goes emotionless and serious. "Heh... I think it's best if you don't ask anything else. She's here, you can look, but not touch." His brows furrowed closely together, scowling at Eve. He'd be best to stop talking, or rid her from the bar already.

Eve teased in a sinister, yet teasing tone. "Dawww, I'd buy her a drink first if I was going that far~. It's a girl, you can spot those anywhere outside." Eve's voice went deadpan at the last part.

Moore goes red with anger as he snaps at Eve. "SHE'S NOT JUST A GIRL- She's got a lot more to her for her price! Want to know more, you pay a fee. Interested still?" He presses on, waiting for Eve to back down as she should, or see if she'll regret trying to push his hand.

Eve just waves her arms up and shrugs. "Hmph, well I got money from being a singer, traveling overseas, and all. Cash for a girl, I'll buy into it if it's that special." She sounded disgusting to herself, which worked with her persona. Eve didn't want to make a deal, but she'd figure some way to get either Victor, or the girl alone.

'Maestro! You don't have to get involved in a private matter. I'll figure out who she is! We'll handle that! You need to not provoke, or make any deals with them!"

All while Agent Grey spoke, Eve took her time rummaging in her bag. She sighs aloud. "Mmm... sigh. I only have some cash right now, but it's yours, if I can see something worth my while..."

Moore just quickly glances at how much she had, then tosses it back to Eve, and scoffs. "This... is barely enough to even bribe with..."

Eve complains in an outrage, trying to purposely provoke him. "Well that's all I got on me. You think I'd carry all my cash on me?! How'd I go home if I don't have money for a taxi? Or pay for my drink?!"

Moore shook his head disapprovingly. It felt like a waste of his time discussing private information. Especially, if it's just because someone likes one of his girls, and not because of whatever they could do that was special. "Whatever... it's not enough. I'm done here..."

Eve tires to keep Moore attention. She couldn't give up now on know more about whatever this deal was involving the woman. "W- wait! What's a girl gotta do to get your lips to run? You've already intrigued me. Why back out now, after telling me all about it?"

'Stop this, Maestro.'

Grey's voice cut through like a doubtful inner-voice. Eve shouldn't be angering the suspect, or anything else she's doing.

Moore annoyingly waves off Eve and turns his attention away. He gave his last word before going back to the booth with the girl under his arm. "You're just a girl. This is nothing for you to meddle in. Think you can weasel into my business, because you're wanting something out of it?"

Eve flat out did. More than that suspect imagined. Trying to think of what she could give, besides the amount of money, Eve's eyes lit up with an idea. "Oh! How about a trade of sorts. I'll sing and work at your bar for free, for the girl. How about it?

You know what they say, curiosity killed the cat. And, Moore might not let Eve go, if he showed her. Seeing that this girl won't stop bugging him, the suspect finally gives in to Eve's demand. He just lets his fiery eyes ignite a sinister smirk on his face again. "Hm... Fine. I need more than just your word, but I'll give you a sneak peek, as interest..."

Moore gets close to the woman. He places a hand firmly on her shoulder, and leaning over the other shoulder speaking. "Ever hear about people with rare abilities?"

Eve's eyes light up, shocked. Of course, she would know about abilities, out of anyone there. But, the suspect also knew perhaps. She tried to play along to see where he was going. "Ah- abilities? I'd have to see it to believe it...." She lied.

Moore still felt annoyed, though he figured Eve to have not heard what powers, let alone have them. "Okay, fine. See here, then... You know what to do." He growls the last part in the woman's ear, she fidgets and shakes in fear.

'This is not good... If he's selling that girl, he's selling abilities....'

It seemed something much more sinister was happening. Moore has his hands on a lot of rare stuff, and making illegal businesses with a lot of secret items, information, and people too. Making his business far more dangerous than normal gangs.

The woman holds out her shaking hands slowly and Victor grabs them both tightly with one hand. He takes out a knife, and Eve jolts. He proceeds to cut the wrists of the scared woman. When Eve was expecting her blood to come out, it was a blue, shiny liquid oozing out. As the woman holds in her tears and a yelp, she brings her hands to her and cradles them as something feathery falls off of her. She then unraveled her hands and blue, crystal-like flowers and petals bloomed.

The suspect puts the knife away, and chuckles, looking over for Eve's reaction. "Isn't she beautiful?" Victor said.

Eve mutters quietly in shock. "Magic... crystal flowers?" Seeing what was exactly going on now, Eve's eyes twitched as she arose and waltzed up to them. She leans over to gaze at the woman closely, and with traces of sadness in Eve's eyes.

"Hmm... yes, very." Eve says plainly and unamused. She wasn't looking at the flowers, but at the girl. Eve's cover starts to break the more she gets angrier, but she tries not to show.

Eve had a new plan come to mind. One that was not her original mission, but a mission to help this woman. "Alright then... How much?"

'What?! MAESTRO, REFRAIN!! Don't accept ANY deals from that criminal!'

Grey tried to rebuttal, but Eve ignored him.

Moore smiles wickedly. "Heh, hundred thousand." He knew the price was way more than what Eve would have. It would be almost impossible for her to pay.

Eve's eyes went wide for a moment, hearing the price. Eve couldn't go through with it, only figure out another way to free the girl. "Psh, so expensive for a girl who's got a choice of her own too."

Eve scoffs, she pushes the man's shoulder and takes the woman's arm to bring her closer. "Can't she choose too?"

The suspect flings Eve's hand off the woman's, and pushes her away. He gets in her face, while he yells. "Hey! She can't, so get the hell away from her!"

Eve bravely goes back to the lady, this time holding her tightly so they wouldn't be parted so easily. She lifts the woman's chin to focus on Eve solely, and smirks, as if satisfied. "Hey, princess. Are you scared? Do you want me to help you out?" Eve paid no mind to the suspect, or anything, besides the woman.

The girl takes a large gasp and whispers, "P- please....", as softly as her trembling voice could allow.

'Maestro? Can you hear me?'

Eve did hear him, but she wasn't going to let him stop her. Moore tries to free Eve's grip from the woman to no avail. Eve chuckles to herself, then looks and smirks at the suspect. "Heh... It's settled. This woman... is coming with me." Eve said simply and plan, for such a tall order.

Moore had enough of Eve's nosy questions and ridiculous ideas. "Like hell, you're gonna take her. You're getting on my last, fucking, nerve." He pulls out a gun and points it at Eve's forehead. She looks at him with the same plain and cold expression.

Even when staring down a barrel pointed to her head, Eve was calm. Rather annoyed, but calm given her life being threatened. "I'll be taking her with me no matter what..."

Eve looks down, and then throws a stool at the suspect. She also throws one over the bar at the bartender. While they try to evade it, Eve grabs the woman a bit forcefully, so that she's embracing the woman tightly. Then, suddenly disappearing into a flash of light that darted across the room. She tucked the woman hostage under a table for protection, then darted back.

Moore regains, and looks around for Eve. She just then ran along the edge of the bar, acting as a diversion for the innocent girl. The suspect aims his gun, but then Eve dives behind the bar. The bartender rushes over to her huddled, but gets immediately kicked over to the other side of the counter.

The suspect yells at top volume. "What the-?! Everyone! Over here, and kill this stupid bitch!"

As if she hadn't already drawn attention to herself, now security and thugs are rushing over to them. She couldn't use too much magic, or her abilities. At least normal patrons were fleeing, with a few left a part of Moore's gang. Still, she could only try to fight with whatever she had up her sleeve.

In that case, Eve reached for her utility belt and grabbed a few fire capsules. A group of thugs ran behind the bar and saw Eve hiding. Eve ran out from behind the counter and threw fire capsules onto the ground. The flames roared up, and the suspect, along with a few others rushing Eve, then retreated away from the vibrant fires.

The suspect aims again through the flames, but Eve lunges out, fluidly taking out a bo staff and disarms him quickly. The fires move around Eve, even though they had no effect under her control regardless. She didn't want to ruin the act yet.

Commotion and uproar are as loud as the roaring flames. Eve swiftly spins and dodges at ongoing attacks, along with a swirling fire around her like a barrier. Fire twirled around her staff, and Eve combated the onslaught of people.

Eve got a blow to the face that left her dazed for a moment. She couldn't regain her stance. The fires disparate as Eve suddenly stops her control. After a few missed dodges, Eve kept getting hit and knew she needed to take control quickly.

One goon unfolded a pocket knife and swiped repeatedly at Eve. Eve threw a capsule right between her feet, and she was able to draw the others away again. With Eve outnumbered, dozens to one, and with little magic she was using. Eve tried her best to hold her ground. At least everyone was so focused on her, the hostage was slowly fleeing, whenever the coast was clear. At least Eve was saving the girl.

Moore yells, with something oddly in his enraged eyes. "ENOUGH!!"

Moore didn't have his gun out, but he ran and tried to make a break for Eve. She bats a fist away from the suspect, when suddenly his hands turned black, and the sleeve she was holding practically melted away in her hand.

Eve leaps away, shocked. Looking at the suspect, his arms were uncovered, turning black, with dark plumes of dark smoke coming from his eyes. They stand apart, till Victor decides to make another try at attacking Eve. She can just tell, she didn't want to touch his arms. Or, her gloves and appendages would burn right off. She makes sure to attack lower, so she won't get badly injured.

Eve also couldn't hold out without using her powers now. In a flash of light, any swipe or punch Victor threw, Eve dodged. She swipes down low at the suspect's feet, and he falls. Eve was about to knock him unconscious, till footsteps sounded too close behind. She turns as more of Moore's thugs come running in to help their boss.

Eve quickly jumps back and holds out her hands. She suddenly glows, and her hands make a ring, and blast a grouped-up pack following. They all fell to the ground, but we're still conscious. Eve fans her hands away from each other, sending light-beams around the bar.

Victor Moore exhaled a tired and fed-up gasp. He sits, then stagers up. Eve suddenly flashed by him like a shooting star. Moore processed what was going on, then baffled. "What... THE HELL?!"

Eve looks back and scoffs at the suspect. "Ha! You have a power too? I got unlimited... You won't stand a chance."

Moore grit his teeth, venomously spouting. "One touch and your whole arm will disintegrate! Fucking try me bitch!" He tries to run after Eve, as she's flying around the room.

'MAESTRO!!'

Grey finally interrupts, seeing that Eve's getting way over her head challenging the whole bar and bar owner. He was about to run in, or leap through the window. something, anything to get Eve out. Eve wasn't responding to Grey, he couldn't be much help with her ignoring him.

The suspect rushes at her with his toxic arms. Eve suddenly halts and confidently stands her ground, challenging him. "Oh, try to touch me. Fat-chance you can get near me." She then throws out her stone figures, and they all form a wall in front of her, along with a bit of smoke.

Moore continues to run in, grabbing at a tall stone figure, and watching it stay motionless. Its reactionless state initially shocked him. He kept his hands gripping the statue's shoulders as it slowly started to decompose thin layers of the stone's surface. Till, the stone statue grabbed the suspect suddenly, and held him up by his shirt collar.

The suspect became scared, grabbing the stone figure's wrists with his hands so that they would let go. But, it didn't easily till the wrists Moore was making contact with started to crack. Then, the statue threw Moore as far as it could across the bar.

The group of statues disburses, charging and attacking thugs. Eve jumps onto a table still standing upright, and calls out the suspect, as he's achingly standing back up. "Hey!! So you like flowers? Why don't I show you more!!"

Eve takes a leap and topples onto one guy and runs off. She slides on the floor, wiping a petal that was in a small pile on the ground from the woman. Eve halts, and places it on the ground again. She suddenly feels a large surge of power and places both hands on the floor. The ground beneath her shook slightly and a layer of blue crystals sheeted the ground and trailed into a curved tree-like figure sprouting from the ground up. It suddenly continues to cover the floor in a bigger circle around the base of the tree, trapping feet and anything on the floor around it.

Eve screams angrily, and it's as if her voice was cracking and shattering the tree, shards of crystals were sent as projectiles toward enemies. Eve roars in outrage. "How DARE you trade this girl. She's not an object! I'm taking you all in. You'll be arrested for buying information from hackers, and selling girls with powers!"

The gang started to lessen, given most were running away. A few people ran up to Moore. It seemed to Eve that they were trying to get the suspect to leave.

Eve ran after them, screaming as she tried to catch up. "You're not going ANYWHERE!! Get back here!"

Eve throws more fire capsules onto the ground, then disburses the flames far to form a large circle around the group. Everyone inside the circle, including the suspect, was trapped. No one could escape the colorful hellfire, moving statues now surrounding them, or Eve running in the center of the ring, who was controlling it all. She was throwing all her tricks out to fight. She keeps her statues close so that their brute strength could take on the crowd if she was getting swarmed in a tight ring.

With all the enemies still remaining, people started attacking, multiple at a time. Eve and her statues try to fight them off. Unfortunately, Eve got hit a few more times, with everyone too close to the counter. She swipes at one, but another punches Eve right in the face, again. She took a step back and had a statue behind her protect her as she was falling back a bit. She spits out an iron taste from her mouth coming from a now open cut on her lip.

Eve crushes a capsule in her hand so that flames swirled around her, so she was untouchable. Eve taunts them by spinning around to dodge, and weaving through enemies while setting them aflame. Eve yells, with the bitter fiery in her veins. "... You make me sick. Criminals like you should be locked up!" Surprisingly, it seemed just a lone, ability-user single-handedly overthrew the whole gang slowly. The gang now fought a downhill battle.

The flames grew, a bit too much. Fire started on the ground, then traveled to curtains, chairs, and the whole structure, till it was burning up. Everyone was or had run away. Many shouted and panicked. One voice here from a thug yelled. "RUN!! Bust the windows before this place burns up!"

The smoke and flames had caused everyone to escape to safety. Eve couldn't chase them all, but she could at least try to arrest the main suspect. Eve's eyes glowed and her heartbeat slowly stopped. Suddenly, she wasn't breathing, yet she was still functioning as if normal. As if breathing was no longer required, and she didn't need to breathe in the contaminated air.

Eve was about to run after the main suspect when a small voice caught Eve's attention. It was the hostage that the suspect had around them.

The same woman was behind the bar as everything around her was on fire, the flames threading closer to her. She couldn't get off the ground it seemed. The smoke and heat were causing her to almost blackout. "H- help...." The woman closed her eyes after using all her strength to speak.

Eve halts and spins right back into the raging fire, flying over to the woman. Eve crouches down and bats the flames away with a powerful gust around them. Eve lifts up the girl slowly. The woman couldn't move or even properly breathe.

Eve didn't breathe as she kept using her power to lack the need for air. Eve could still speak a little, which only sounded like a whisper against the flames. "I'm sorry for getting you in harm's way. Please, Miss. Hold on just a bit longer."

Eve decided to pick up the woman and carry her in her arms. Looking at the surroundings, the exit door was trapped in fallen debris. She had to look for another exit or any route out like the others. She charged for the closest window, which sadly wasn't an already broken one, but it was the quickest way out. Eve crashes through and lands on the ground. She tried to make sure the woman didn't get the ground's impact. The woman started to cough, and gasp for clean air. Luckily she was okay, Eve was relieved.

As Eve tries to get up, along with helping up the woman that was on top of her. Eve continues to carry the woman. She walked around to the front of the building with the suspect in her arms still, as the building was slowly going down in flames. She hears footsteps running over as she turns the corner of the building. It was Grey. He gasped, and let out a relieved, tired sigh. "Oh my GOD, Maestro!!"

Eve didn't process fast enough, as she stared blankly for a moment till Grey rushed over to her side. Backup had arrived and surrounded the scene up front, thanks to Grey's doing. Vans rounded up affiliated suspects. Hopefully an ambulance was on sight as well. With the hostage weak in her arms, Eve needed to get the woman immediate medical attention.

Grey puts a heavy hand on Eve's shoulder, and lowers his head down. "You're alright...." He let out another relieved exhale.

Eve looked down, she went against Grey's warnings, yet he wasn't yelling at her. "I'm so sorry, Agent Grey. I put myself and a victim in danger. I promised not to-" Eve looks over the woman's head to see Victor restrained and sitting on the ground.

"Oh... you caught him! Thank the stars!" Eve beamed, happy, and relieved herself. She had worried the suspect was going to get away.

The suspect looks up at Eve, highly annoyed, as he's suddenly forced up by S.O.U officers, and walks to the squad cars. Outside the flaming building, backup had waited and was gathering all the escaping suspects. No one ended up being able to escape after all. It ended unexpectedly alright. With only property damage, no fatalities, and all were being arrested on sight.

Grey glares at Eve impatiently, with his tension building up. He snaps at Eve. "Grr... Put the girl down already!! I need to make sure you're both okay!" Grey couldn't think about anything but Eve's condition right now. His partner had just been cornered by bad guys in a burning building, and she's acting as if nothing happened.

Eve blinks surprised, indeed seeming oblivious to her own injuries. "Oh... sure. I feel fine though. How about you, Miss? Can you stand?" She asked the woman facing her. Eve wanted to make sure the lady was alright first, before trying to stand. Eve didn't check for anything broken yet.

The woman's face became flushed, wildly blushing, and stumbles in her words. Her eyes were now wide, staring at Eve. "Ye- ahem- yes..." She coughed, from the aftermath of the smoke in her lungs. Her voice sounded a little irritated and dry.

Eve carefully put the girl down. The hostage wobbled, then stood. With the woman out of Eve's arms, Grey's able to get close to his partner. He grabs Eve's shoulders to face him. "Look at me... You're lucky you got out particularly unscathed besides some cuts and bruises... Jeez! Don't do that again, you hear me?!" Grey looks at Eve's disheveled state, and the more he did, he got more snappy.

Whether it was the adrenaline, or that it was over with, Eve giggles. She decided to give a wide, toothy smile. "I'll try, I'll try~ Luckily, everything worked out in the end!"

Eve felt something trickle down her face. She presses a hand to her cheek and sees a bit of blood. She did hurt and ache everywhere, but it was like she was able to tolerate it. It just became uncomfortable, and worth the sacrifice of her own well-being.

Grey rubs his face tiredly, then stares back down at Eve and wipes her cheek, and cleans her lip with his shirt sleeve. Grey huffs frustrated. "God, you're so unbelievable... Listen to me next time. And, get out when it's too dangerous!"

Grey frees Eve's cheek, and she blinks widely, flashing her big blue eyes. "But! I'm so 'unbelievably' good at my work, right? Hehe, just trying to lighten the situation." Eve smiles like an innocent child. Grey tries his best not to have his head burst from frustration.

The woman that had been around the suspect came up to the partner agents. "Um... Miss? Th- thank you, f- for saving I- me. I- I can't thank you enough or... pay you back for it. B- but, I'm so sorry for getting myself trapped there...."

Grey focuses back at the girl, coolly. He responds, sternly asking the woman to explain. "Could you tell us a bit why you were there?"

Getting nervous again, the hostage jolted at Grey's question. She sheepishly answered still, being honest, though she didn't want to reflect on it. "He was keeping an eye on me, so I wouldn't escape. I heard the man sold women, some had powers like me... He then kept threatening me to be sold off, or have my arms burned off, if I misbehaved... Like others that tried to run..." Her eyes go into pure shock as they flush with tears. Her tears were a special wonder too. They looked like blue pearls that floated down weightlessly and bubbled on the ground.

Eve looks down at the pearls, then back up at her. Eve tried to give her a smirk, but it physically hurt a bit too. "Well, you're too good for a man like that, now aren't you? You truly do have a beautiful power. You have the ability to make Crystal Philiris flowers, also known as soul flowers. You make a natural ingredient for spells and potions, it's hard to find those naturally, nowadays. Also, I don't think they saw how purposeful you really are. No one knows how to use those flowers besides 'magicians'."

The woman looks utterly confused. Although she heard her clearly, she didn't understand what Eve meant. Of course, the woman knows nothing about magic or what she can make exactly. "A... what flower? F- for who?"

Eve realized she was getting too excited, and over her head. Eve nervously waves her hands frantically, explaining. "Sorry, probably confusing to spout random stuff... It's rare and very useful for good things. They missed that part when seeing your ability, just how special you TRULY are."

The woman gets close to Eve, almost pleading. "I- I can give you as many flowers as I can make, I- if they're that important!"

Eve jolts back a bit surprised. She then scratches the back of her head and thinks aloud while looking off into space. "Oh, my... I might ask you for 'one' if I need it for something. They are really expensive, or daunting to make... B- but regardless, what I mean to say is that we don't need flowers, but a moment of your time. We need you to come with us for questioning regarding what happened. This information and event are part of a classified case, since this is secretive information from most of the world. Powers are to be hidden, because they can cause, or attract dangers. You're not in trouble, but maybe you'll have to start a new life, to prevent this ever happening again..."

The woman was speechless. She stood there as more pearls streamed down from her eyes, not from fear, but from finally being free again. The overwhelming events had gotten to her. Finally able to process things, but still scared of the unknown of what will happen next. She was freed, but what was after, the woman had no idea.

To Eve, and Grey's surprise, the woman suddenly stumbles close to Eve again. The woman held her chest tightly, face lit up at Eve's. "I- I'm so sorry you were h- hurt because of me... Y- you're my hero." She sweeps, although afraid, there was relief in her sad sighs.

Eve's eyes go wide and mouth agape. She shakes her head suddenly and then coughs into her fist, trying to act cool. "-?! I- it's nothing. You looked so scared back there... You're just an innocent bystander that didn't deserve any of this. I'm sorry you had to experience all of that."

Even Grey looks weirdly between them, feeling like a third wheel to something. But, all three went to the first responders to get aid for both Eve and the woman. All the thugs and the suspect that ran were contained and quickly fled the scene silently in squad vans and cars. Grey took a work car they used to take the woman to the hospital, to talk further about what happened.

___________________________________________________

The agents had interrogated the witness, she easily complied with Eve, before dozing off after an eventful evening. The woman from the incident was already asleep, and recovering quickly in a special agency hospital for the night. After questioning Victor Moore, they take him to a containment cell, in the prison ward below the building.

Although this case was coming to a close, Eve didn't hear the last say from Grey about her actions. Both Grey and Eve just clocked off from a late shift, leaving the unit back to the apartments.

Grey shouts, even though Eve was right next to him, he wanted her to feel his fury. "When I say refrain, that means refrain! Don't you ever pick a fight with another suspect alone! You hear me?! What if you died?! You could have gotten burned to death, or paralyzed!..."

Grey went on, and on, walking back as they reached the elevator inside their apartment. Eve chose to not use run to the stairs like she usually does. She could walk up to the higher floors, not well, but she contemplated as Grey kept scolding her.

Eve tiredly replied, combing her hair with her fingers so that it was less gelled. "Again... I can control flames, but yes, I completely understand..."

Grey looks away and crosses his arms as he huffs angrily. "The building could have, bloody, collapsed on you! And also!... I'm so sorry that this was my fault..." He looked down as his voice became saddened, and his gaze dropped.

Eve whips her head to Grey. "Huh- what?"

Grey faces Eve, even though a part of him didn't want to. His expression was also dreary as he spoke. "It's my fault you were there in the first place on your own. I pushed you to go...."

Eve gawks surprised but then waves her fist angrily. "Wha- THEN WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME?!"

Grey waves his arms out ironically the same. Shouting at the same volume. "BECAUSE YOU STILL COULD HAVE DIED!!"

They argued to Grey's floor, Eve held the door open for them to keep yelling at top volume, even departing.

Eve lightly places a hand on her heart, and the other waves away from her. "LOOK!! I'M FINE!! SO LEAVE IT FOR NOW!!" She didn't look fine, but it might have been the adrenaline that was still running through her.

Grey just left it at that, so that they could stop standing around arguing. "Your- you- grr... FINE! But be ready for tomorrow, because you're not leaving my sight till further notice." He practically growled the whole time with his teeth grinding in frustration.

Grey had a deadly presence to him. Anger, now brooding on their whole fight. His voice was raspy and snarling as if he were a wild animal. His eyes were cold yet so full of anger. A look any other agent, or anyone besides Eve, would be cowering terrified. She wasn't and had never been afraid of her partner. Besides his order for her to leave Japan, nothing he did intimidated her.

Eve scoffs, and then shouts at Grey, mimicking him as a child would. "FINE! I've had enough of you nagging for one night. I need to check on Sam. Goodnight...." She mumbled a lot quieter. Then, Eve stopped holding up the doors, and she crossed her arms annoyed. At least she can get Grey off her back now.

Grey realized something after her last statement and turned facing the elevators again. "Oh-? W- wait!" Grey lunges quickly and catches the door from almost closing. He instantly slides it back open, to Eve's discretion.

Eve looks at him surprised. But, Eve then became annoyed and snapped. "What?!"

Grey doesn't snap back, but his voice drew out a bit sorrowful again. "Sam... will see your bruises and will know something happened. You're still hurt."

As if she had forgotten, Eve took a beating. "Oh, right..." Eve assumed, Grey could tell she doesn't like worrying Sameer. She had almost forgotten about her visible injuries.

Grey turns back around. He doesn't look away but just starts walking. "...Quickly, I'll just patch you up, then be done with for tonight."

Eve steps out of the elevator and follows Grey. Grey stops halfway through the hall, and Eve halts suddenly. Eve didn't know what room, or even floor until now.

Grey unlocks his door and holds the door out for Eve. Eve looked around when entering. Of course, there was a lot of grey. But, most of his furniture was white and black, with a grey kitchen, and grey wallpaper.

Eve turns to Grey, also not knowing where to go or sit. She makes light conversation, which didn't really seem appropriate given the circumstances. "Oh. First time being in your apartment. It's nice...."

He wasn't looking to show Eve a house tour. He just wanted the quickest place to patch his partner up. Grey walks to his kitchen and searches a cabinet under his sink. Grey spoke as he was occupied with getting her a first aid kit. "Well, thanks... I guess. Here... I'll just sterilize and ice. Cover it with bandages at least for the night. I'm sorry, but please take off your jacket and roll up those er-... weird sleeves..." Grey walks over, looking at Eve again in her torn up disguise.

Eve luckily didn't have many cuts on her body, mostly just lots of bruising all over. Some were open and bleeding slightly. First responders only cleaned her face up and checked her for anything severe. Yet, after some time Eve's skin opened back up and was bleeding much less than before. It still was enough to be contaminated by the open air. Grey starts by cleaning up Eve's face. He tries to move to Eve's jaw, lightly turning her head. Something loud pops, and she sneers in pain.

"Jeez...." Grey sighs, now just ghosting his hand over Eve's jaw to check her. "Are you sure you're okay...? We can check with a doctor if you might have a concussion..."

Eve closed one eye cringing from the sudden pain. It wasn't that bad compared to her injuries, however. "Yeah, I'm fine. Things are just throbbing like crazy."

Grey tiredly scoffed at his partner. It was her reckless decisions that got her hurt. "Seriously, be more careful next time. I was this close to running in there after you at so many points, but with backup, and you causing a ruckus-... Please, Eve. Just don't try that again." He sighed, and moped the last part, looking away.

Eve jumps up from her seat, and cheers happily. "I will~!"

Grey takes hold of Eve's chin lightly, then tries to speak. "Hold your face still... you're making this difficult." Something, or someone, was making it much harder to clean her up as she moved around.

Eve moves from Grey's hand and attempts to grab the antiseptic, and gauze from him. "Hehehe, I'll just do it. You're tickling me too much, with how gentle you're being."

Grey huffs, pulling the cotton and kit away from Eve. "Well, I was TRYING to make sure it didn't sting too much."

Eve rolls her eyes at Grey, and chuckles doubtfully. "Heh, please... I just got ganged up in a fight to save a girl, I've dealt with machines knocking me down so many times, and rebels have cornered me before. A little bit of stinging is nothing, and you can do whatever you need..."

Eve then closes her eyes, sitting as still as she could with her lips relaxed, and head tilted upwards. Of course, she's positioning her head still so she can get help cleaning the bleeding on her face. Grey took a moment, observing her soft yet bruised features. He spends a moment longer looking at her hurt cheek, her cut lips, and her heavy lashes that covered her eyes.

Then, Grey goes back to thoroughly cleaning and dressing Eve's wounds. He puts a patch on her cheek, and leaves the one on her lip, hoping she won't open it anymore. Grey keeps his hand under Eve's chin, looking at her fair face contrasted with smeared makeup, and dark welts under cuts and bruises. Eve had been through a lot tonight.

Grey suddenly gets up and walks off to the other side of the room with the first aid. "Oh- okay. Get some rest, and we'll talk in the morning...." And with that, they were finished.

Eve didn't seem to mind her cautious partner, and sees herself out. She turns and a small smirk forms on one side of her face. "Thanks, Grey. I'll use a healing water when I get back. Goodnight...."

Eve walked up the stairs slowly at her own pace. She passed a few floors till she got to hers, and thought. She wondered how the mission would have gone differently. She didn't know if what she did was good, or bad.

Eve opens her door and Sam is right there to greet her. Before he could really tell, Eve instantly greets him, a bit raspy and tired even though she was being cheerful. "Hey Sam... I kind of had a crazy day, but I'm alright! Got in a bit of a fight with an enemy but we got him." She smiled at Sameer while watching for his reaction.

Eve sits down so she could pet Sameer's head. He suddenly got on his back two legs and sat upwards and onto Eve's shoulders gently. He licks Eve's face and one of her hands that was bandaged from being cut by some broken glass.

"Sam?!- hehe, ahaha! Stop, that tickles! Haha, cut it out! I'm alright Sam, I'm right here, all in one piece!" Eve smiles and brings her furry friend into a big hug.

Time had passed, days gone by, and little by little Eve's been adjusted to most of her work. Still head-strong, and vocal as she is. Eve was getting along with others. People sometimes flocked to her, having questions, and wanting to know interesting stories about Eve. She started to feel deja vu from being a music idol, just about her powers. And, her partner Agent Grey, could tell by how many people try to distract her from working.

Luckily for Grey, they get some time out of the office, and around coworkers, for a special occasion that'll take the full work-day. Eve had been getting excited, seeing that information about the sanctuaries had been popping up more recently. Today was the big day, and Grey only hoped for no troubles.

One was indeed excited to go. Another, not as much, especially now. Waiting in front of Eve's door, Grey could hear singing, running, and galloping from the other side, as he knocked on her door. Eve opens the door, and Sameer pops his head out from beside her. She looks up to meet Grey's eyes in surprise, then smiles warmly.

Grey's expression stayed cold and emotionless. He spoke just as monotone. "Ready for today?"

Eve hugs the edges of the doorframe with her hands and nods. "Mhm! Although... You're early, right? I thought we weren't flying till later?" She tilts her head to the side in question.

Grey shrugs slightly. He cleared Eve's wondering, and spoke. "Right, I just wanted to stop by earlier, make sure you and Sam are prepared. And, I hope you'll both be on your best behavior."

Eve opens the door more, acting coy. "Aww~ Don't trust us~? Hehe, don't worry. I'm just excited to go. Sam will be fine with me the whole time."

Grey observers them fully now. Eve put a large bandanna around Sam's neck in a similar color to her blue button-up. For a grown white tiger, he looked and acted like a big domesticated cat. Though, with his experience, Sam's definitely a ferocious tiger when it comes to attacking intruders.

Eve waves Grey in as he's looking between them. Eve closes the door as he slowly walks in. Grey wasn't doubting Eve fully, but he knows she's unpredictable sometimes. "Well, I wanted to see for myself. I suppose you aren't too nervous about seeing a new facility, even different creatures and plants?"

Eve shakes her head and smiles bluntly. "Nope! Heh, I'm trying to keep my excitement and hopes up so that if it goes wrong at least we tried being prepared. Not much, but if they try anything, one angry tiger, and one angry magician, doesn't 'spell' a quiet fight, heh."

And, the unpredictable worry came again. Although Grey was hoping it's just his worry, he really has to make sure she doesn't. "Uh, I think it'll be fine, Eve... Please don't try to fight anyone. I've only been there a few times, just briefly for missions. It's not like it's a bunch of small cages in the dark corner of a small facility."

Eve keeps a grin permanently on her face as she walks off behind Grey. "Funny, I thought they'd be like that, or at least some places in the government."

He stops looking at Eve and just coolly looks around, as if he hadn't seen Eve's place a few times before. "Well, sadly I've been to a few that do, they're not associated with the secret council, and sectors we're in. That's what the other part of the government does that we can't control their decision making. The one we're going to, they know of powers, odd creatures and flora. They try to keep them safe and hidden, away from the public that could use them for dangerous reasons."

"That's still sad for those sections that keep things in cages and tortured... But, hopefully that could be changed one day...." Eve mumbled as she lowered her hand to her heart, as it ached a bit.

To get the bad facilities out of her head, Eve changes the subject, and goes back to smiling. "Hey, want some tea or coffee? We have lots of time." Eve had already been walking before Grey even responded.

Grey looks away aloof and responds, as Eve watches him off to the side. "Just give me black tea. Nothing added."

Eve turns to her kitchen, looking for a kettle and strainer. She peers over occasionally as she's talking to Grey. "Sure thing! So... you've been to this place before. How would you describe it?"

Grey leans on Eve's dining table, imagining the facility they'll see soon enough. "Well, it's a large building, so large there's a big indoor garden where everything is mainly kept. Most track the stuff there, analyze them, keep them healthy... Mm, stuff like that."

Eve passes Grey a warm cup and he takes in the moment to drink to wake up. "Thanks." He hummed.

Eve tilts her head innocently and gives a big smile to Grey. She hops into her kitchen counter and swings her feet. "You're welcome. Fancy anything to eat? It's probably best to eat something light now before we go."

Grey snapped his attention up at Eve, idling on her counter, then down at his cup. Grey was acting almost nervously. He was originally hoping to pay back the past meals, coming early to ask her. But then again, Grey's never seen Eve eat anything but her own meals, some snacks excluded however. Grey ponders, and still asks Eve. "A- actually, is there anything you're craving right now? Could be anything, not just from your fridge."

Eve thinks, then looks past Grey in a trace as she draws out, melodically. "Mm... Chocolate~."

Grey cocks his head instantly at Eve. "That's not exactly a meal- Sigh... Never mind...." Grey just resorted to drinking his tea, moping.

Eve leaps to one side with her hands knit behind her back. She giggles lightly. "Hehe, I'm perpetually craving sweets, but I could also go for some food. I have stuff that doesn't take long to cook up." Eve jumps from the counter, heading to the fridge.

Eve immediately started to rummage around her fridge and cabinets. Grey pops up beside her as she closes the fridge door. "May I help with anything?" Grey at least wanted to do something for Eve. She was hard to do things for. She was like that for a lot of people and reasons.

Eve smiles as Grey, and now Sam follows her over to the counter space. "Peel stuff for me?" SHe innocently askes.

Grey gave Eve a skeptical stare. He taps on the countertop, then drops his hand down, sighing. "Alright, but I can do a lot more once I'm done."

It took some time convincingly, but Eve let Grey help. He was able to prepare with Eve, and watch the stove when Eve didn't. No matter the handful of times eating together over the few months, Eve's opened up, but not to other's help. Like, every time she offers to cook solely.

"So...." Grey starts off, calming speaking over the stove, beside Eve. "How'd you get so good at cooking for yourself?" He asks her.

Eve gives a light, hearted chuckle. She looks down smiling as she speaks. "Since I was young, I wanted to help make food for me and my father. He was always at his desk ever since he changed to working at home. He stopped cooking and bought takeout all the time."

Grey shifts his eyes, just glancing at Eve. "Ah, I see... Did you learn by yourself?"

Eve answers Grey's questions. "Mostly, after a while. I remember trying to 'help' my mom cook when I was really little. After that, it took time, and a few bad dishes to learn how my mom was able to make such delicious food for me and my dad. I never saw my dad cook, so I thought I'd help out. He was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was young. He didn't have much motivation. I took up a lot of the cooking and cleaning to support us." She thought through memories, pleasantly, with a bittersweet feeling felt behind.

Grey seems to watch what he says next. "Oh, I see... You really loved your father." He didn't want to bring up anything she wasn't comfortable with. But, she did bring up some more information about her old life, outside of her music.

Eve hums, closing her eyes for a moment thinking back. "I still do, and my mother. They're not physically here, but they're still part of me... and I'm here because they were truly in love. Both were mostly outcasted by their families because of it, especially my father's side. I'm still happy for the time I had with both of them, even if it was brief... They were really the only family I had, but they showed me what love, and kindness was.

Eve noticed a somber silence from Grey. She didn't want Grey to be saddened by her past.Eve wanted to emphasize why she started to cook. Because people cared for her, and she cared for them. She didn't know if Grey had anyone like that growing up. She never heard much from Grey's past besides the accident with his last partner. He 'did' care for them, maybe still does. "Was there... anyone you had around you, that you cared for?"

Grey thinks, but surprisingly says a new fact about them. "Oh, my Nana. She passed when I was younger, but she was the only person who cared about me. In her poor health, it seemed I was the only one that cared for her back."

It was something both could relate to a bit, but Eve felt a bit awkward with the odd heart to heart they were having. "Aw, I'm sorry. At least you had each other." Her eyes wandered as she spoke, looking at Grey, or somewhere cooking.

Grey tries to go back to focusing on the food, and on lighter things. "It's alright. Moving on to something more positive, hopefully. Remembering the past still and all, what got you into music?"

The past was the past, and everything felt the same no matter what memory, besides the ones from the desert. Eve still kept it light and peaceful, closing her eyes, humming calmly. "I was always dancing to tunes and singing as a child. I took ballet and orchestra, later jazz and then self-teaching a lot. I didn't do choir with my tight schedules, but took up singing lessons later on for a while. I just wanted to post music and dancing. Much later, I started showing who I was other than a person posting videos. I ended up seeing myself grow a career, and a musical journey out of it."

"It must have been nice having a job like that. Doing something like that, and enjoying it so. S- Sorry, we may have cut that short, and all. I hope you can forgive us for that... Eventually." Grey stumbled, awkwardly speaking.

Eve acts like she's contemplating in thought. "Hm... I can only adapt, than say the agency's more fun than making music, for me. But, for what seems important, I don't know. The agency's important, as much as I think making people smile is too. It's good to ensure safety, so, it's okay, hehe." She toys.

Grey understands more of what Eve was like before the agency, and not in the desert. Family was an unspoken thing she cherished. Things like how she had some practice cooking for her father growing up. A lot changed after her mother, then father's death. She had to learn, and make mistakes all on her own, till she became good at certain skills. She loves to cook for people, and cooking for Grey reminded of the times with her father.

Eve had very young memories of her mother, but she kindled a lot of what Eve grew passionate about. Her mother was the one who introduced her to cooking, music, and ballet. It was probably how Eve got into a career in music, because her mother loved it too.

Grey learned more about Eve, and Eve learned a little about him slowly too. This time it felt more personal than asking about her music and things related to that. That's something she'd put out there herself, and the entertainer she was, everyday. But, she never mentioned family, even long distant relatives, or many interactions besides people online, or with close ones. For acting so extroverted, Grey sees Eve was an introvert at heart. Or, she was so much in her own little world, she was untouchable to many. The untouchable pair, one stone cold, the other a bubbly idol.

After cooking together, they sit and Grey sits across from Eve. Sameer, as always, sitting by her. Everyone had their favorite places to sit at the dining table together. They continued to eat and chat, till it was time to leave. With some time to spare they all casually hang around Eve's apartment. Grey explains to both of them the rules and what to expect. Now Grey's back to business, but his tone and talking earlier was much softer now.

_______________________________________________

Eve, Grey, and Sameer had all made it to the unit's rooftop next. They board on a jet that was set for taking them to the sanctuary. It wasn't long till they reached their destination, but the scenery had changed drastically. They were in a partial desert landscape. The ground was mostly hard, dry earth, with only tall grass around. But, beside the plane as they exited was a gated, large, similarly colored earthy building with a large glass dome on top. Looking through the glass, there were treetops that peered over the building.

Eve stops once her feet are on the ground, observing the big facility. Both Grey, and Sameer stood by Eve's side, looking as well. But, Grey takes his attention back to Eve, before he walks off to the security at the gate entrance. Eve and Sam follow quickly behind. Eve snapped out of her glazing quickly. Back to discovering exactly what 'this' was.

Inside, it was bright like a giant hospital lobby. Eve's boots seemed to echo to endless halls wrapped in a circle. There were many doors, and one big double door in front. From the looks of greenery from the other side, it was the main enclosure.

A woman in a white coat appears from the halls, and keeps walking towards Eve, Grey, and Sam. She looks at them, and both partners turn and face her. The woman holds out a hand to Eve first. "Welcome, I am Doctor Corer. I assume Sam is him." She looks down at Eve's furry companion beside her. Sam nods, to speak for himself. He assumed he should get it out of the way.

Eve shakes her hand, trying to combat her nervousness, and nods. She raises her head a bit, observing the woman meeting them. Age showing under her eyes and in her originally dark, curly brown hair. But, she stuck as serious, and beautiful in her confident stature. This was the lead doctor the director had been in contact with about their case.

Eve places a hand lightly to her heart. "Yes... I am Agent Maestro, Sam is my friend. And, this is my partner, Agent Grey." Eve waves both arms pointing to Sam, then Grey's direction when speaking.

Grey shakes the doctor's hand and they both observe Eve and Sam. Sam looks between everyone curiously. When he stopped at the doctor, he lifted a paw, and tried to say hello with a small wave. Eve watched unfazed, but Grey cocked his head slightly at it. Doctor Corer understood, in a way, and made note of it. She would be observing how Sameer behaves and acts through this whole meeting.

Doctor Corer looks back to Eve, and calmly speaks. "Alright. If you'll allow me, I want to ask a few questions, and evaluate him. I'll also give you a tour of the sanctuary, and what we're protecting here before we start."

Eve nods sincerely. At least it was being handled much better than the other facilities they could have gone to. Goes to show that the S.O.U, and others, weren't as cruel and restrictive. "Alright, please show us the way."

The entry was normal white, so was the hall. But, once they passed the two large doors, it immediately became a jungle. The trees Eve saw outside were part of a lush indoor garden, packed heavily with trees and bushes, along with a tall, heavily enforced fence that was to each side of them.

Immediately as Eve looks around, something makes a zapping noise, and she looks past the fence. An odd plant has sparks coming out of the drooping buds, and a small, odd, lizard-like creature was trying to zap it right back using its tail. Eve is amazed, and looks back at the group. Sameer saw it, but everyone else hadn't heard the noise, and was walking away. Eve and Sam pace quickly behind them again.

There was a narrower path straight through the center, gated in parts so that workers could come in to feed and care for the creatures on the other side. As they started to walk further along the path the doctor was leading them, Eve heard and saw a bit more of the active life around them.

Eve's eyes couldn't help but light up as she was marveling at the scenery. "Wow~... This is beautiful." Eve said her thoughts aloud.

Doctor Corer chuckles a bit, and turns to Eve, still leading them. "It is, isn't it?"

Eve cutely tilts her head and brings a finger to the other cheek. She questions, bubbly and surprisingly unafraid. "Do any get aggressive?"

Dr. Corer shakes her head as she continues walking ahead. "Not many on hand, some however are a bit more hostile. Due to protocols, we have to cage aggressive creatures in separate enclosures. The rest can be fenced off, with no hostility towards the others."

Eve looks around, and listens into the subtle rustling and sounds. Eve imagines what it must be like, taken to someplace new. Hopefully protected, but was similarly to her situation. She could imagine them scared, but hopefully not for long. Eve's face furrowed in worry.

Grey adds, reassuring his partner, since it was her first time there. And, Grey noticed the silence and expression Eve was making. "Maestro, it's okay. They still get well fed and cared for."

Dr. Corer nods facing them, then faces forward again and walks on. "Indeed. As we are constantly learning about these creatures, we use part of that information to find their suitable needs. New ones have trails of foods, exercises, and comfortably to see what works. We constantly write down observations and track how they behave."

Eve's relieved to hear. The endangered creatures definitely needed the right care. They all go deeper into the sanctuary, where they can see more movement from behind the gates. Some things started to get closer to the fences the more they ventured.

After passing a few creatures Eve's never seen, and stopping at any that stood in front of her. It was unlike anything. Plants she's never seen, sadly she doesn't know if they're magical. But, from the first plant she saw near the entrance, some have abilities, which seemed like it could be used as a magical ingredient. Some animals had abilities, but a very slim few. Some creatures looked like sentients to normal animals, and some looked like nothing from this earth. Some flew, hovered, had antlers, glowing eyes, tendrils, and other strange details.

After sometime walking along the fence, Eve makes another stop, as a small creature has her undivided attention. "Wow~...."

Grey grunts annoyed in Eve's direction. He stares at his partner tiredly. "You've been saying 'wow' to everything you see." He quoted vaguely and rolled his eyes. He wonders how she keeps up all that excitement.

Eve holds a hand close to a fence with an odd, furry, yet shapeless-like creature that was jumping in circles in front of Eve. Its body weirdly stretched as it spun around. She turns her attention away from it, and giggles at Grey. "It's just so beautiful here. The sunlight and forestry is fantastic. There's so much space and biome... We don't know if they're happier here, it's still better for being in a new home."

Eve turns back to the cute creature that's now looking up at her, wiggling around. It seemingly wanted to play, or get her attention back again. Eve pressed on its nose lightly through the fence. The furry creature ran around in a circle excitedly, stretching its body. Then, it faced back to her again, body shrinking back to its normal, fluid-like state.

Eve looks back, after getting distracted by the creatures, over to Doctor Corer. "I must ask, about Sam... Have you found any creatures that appear like animals we normally see?" She gets back to the task at hand, which Grey is relieved about.

Doctor Corer looks uncertain at Eve, not the most reassuring sign. The doctor tries to elaborate her explanation. "That is where we don't have any creatures that fit that specific type, that we know of yet. I will have to run a small test to see. Maybe his DNA would tell us anything."

Eve tenses up hearing the word 'test' and Sam's 'DNA'. Grey noticed his partner tense up. He knew that face she was making that she was getting worried. Grey knows not to have Eve get too much in her head. She becomes unpredictable for Grey. "Maestro, it's okay. She just wants to see if it'll prove any more to your question."

"Yes, and if you don't want me to run everything with machines, I can check something now...." After speaking, Dr. Corer's eyes then glowed a bright white. To Eve's surprise, the doctor was also an ability-user. Dr. Corer looks at Sameer. Sam, and both agents watch the doctor. Eve felt something a bit, like a breeze just whispered to her for a moment. It felt, and sounded familiar.

Eve looks between Sam and the doctor curiously. Although she didn't see anything change, she knew something was going on that she just couldn't see. "Oh? You did something, I felt that too."

The doctor keeps their glowing gaze at Sam, but explains. "Indeed. I'm checking his 'soul' of sorts."

Eve curiously observes Dr. Corer. She's been wanting Yamehl to check Sam's soul. It was a topic Eve had asked about with her mentor, but their escape made it challenging for Sam to come back to the place they were imprisoned.

Maybe Corer would help see his soul instead. She was curious once and checked Sam's aura. Sam had a white aura like any other animal, but it was big, and bright like Eve's almost. She only saw his aura once and had been waiting to ask her mentor about what it meant. He'd be able to see both, and know more about it.

Eve goes wide-eyed, surprised and excited. She gasps and waves her hands frantically. "His soul? Neat! I can see the outside aura! Can you see auras, or just the souls?"

Grey interjects, facing his partner a bit nervously. "Maestro, calm down...."

Although her voice sounded just the same, Dr. Corer chuckles a bit. She calmly spoke. "You have a similar power too?"

Grey now turns back to the doctor. "N- no, she doesn't exactly. She's a special case, and can perform many abilities. You could say, she has multiple...."

"Oh. I've never heard of that before." Dr. Corer turns to Eve curiously. Her face was often relaxed, but the doctor gave a small smile, still calmly speaking. "You and your friend, Sam, are the most interesting pair I've met."

Eve definitely took that as a compliment. She was happy to explain her magic, as simply as she could. "Hehe, it's understandable. My ability is starlight. However, I'm able to do a few other things, alone or with a tool. Like aura-reading. I can tell you what your aura looks like! May I?!"

Doctor Corer chuckles at Eve's excitement, and nods. "Heh, sure. It'll be the first, since it doesn't work in a mirror." For Eve, she understood why the doctor couldn't, because mirrors don't reflect their spiritual form.

Eve excitedly jumps, then closes her eyes. She stomps her foot lightly and a wind flows from her to the doctor. Opening her eyes again, they glowed, and Eve saw Corer's aura. "Oooh, so pretty~! You have a colorful ring! It's very interesting, there's a small ring just round your heart too." Eve cups her face, and marvels at the sight.

A colorful spectrum of light was around Corer. It gleamed, as well as a smaller ring that was wrapped around her heart indeed. Corer took her word for it, as she couldn't be able to check herself. She does however, look to see if she could see the one on her heart. She placed a hand on her chest, and she could see the glow from the light and shadows on her hand. "I've never noticed the small circle around my own heart before. Hm, interesting."

As new discoveries and revelations, Grey scoffs, breaking the cheerful atmosphere between shared ability-readers. He crosses his arms and looks away from them. "Hmph, it's odd how you two can talk so casually, like it's nothing out of the ordinary to see 'souls' and 'auras'..."

Dr. Corer chuckled. She speaks, which surprised Eve, once she started explaining. "We might try matching his DNA, and soul, with other creatures. I was informed that it might be too much to ask, but there might be a chance we'll need a small sample of blood. We'll try with the saliva and hair tests first. That will hopefully be enough to analyze, so we don't have to do the former." It seemed they were already informed by the director of Eve's protection over Sam. Which may have been an 'over-protected' nature.

Eve nods nervously, just from wondering what will and could happen. "Okay, that'll be alright."

Now that the agreement was settled, they could start looking into research of what makes tigers capable of understanding languages. "Alright, it'll take time for the full results. But, I'll check something quickly in our lab, before you go. Follow me."

The group follows Dr. Corer to a door, inside was a makeshift lab workshop, and emergency care station. Corer sits down at a computer and brings a microscope connected to it close to her. After collecting a saliva sample, Dr. Corer inspects it under the scope, and pulls up something to her computer. "Hmm... Looking at his cells, and comparing it to species of snow tiger, they're fairly similar. We'll have to run more tests. See if he's an intelligent tiger, or something more. Once we get more results."

Eve tries to be polite, questioning softly as she was still nowhere close to figuring out what Sameer was. "Is there anything you'd make a guess of?"

Dr. Corer props a fist to her chin and ponders. She shakes her head, not confident in the answer. "It's hard to imagine rare things... But, I do know there's a rescue for rehabilitated lab experiments. Sometimes we get a few animals that have been altered beyond its normal species. Maybe Sam was tested on by other agencies."

That made Eve's heart drop. For the reason that places like that exist, and if Sameer was ever in one. Eve's eyes go wide and she bumbles through her words in shock. "T- that's terrible!..." She couldn't imagine why people would alter peaceful lives, for research, or any purpose.

Dr. Corer nods slowly. She couldn't agree more. "Yes... I don't see any alterations in his cells, but maybe it's something deeper in his DNA. Even if he's not an experiment, he still has an interesting case. We'll see what we can find, even if some animal minds can become more cognitive."

Eve nods, processing all her worry, and thoughts. She turns to Sameer, slightly unnerved by the conversation. He looks up at her. Eve tilts her head to him, questioning. "Sam? Are you... a government experiment, maybe? I don't really see that."

Sameer looks confused and shakes his head, but then shrugs his shoulders. Sam didn't, nor couldn't know what he was. If he did, then he couldn't explain it to them either. It seemed impossible to get any information this way.

The furthest of Sam's memories, and most of his life before Eve, could possibly have been in cages. It would have been difficult to end up in the desert, being an experiment overseas, if that was the case. She'd have to learn who sold off Sam to a distant emperor, and why. He was a rare breed of tiger, but a breed that understood humans was still unheard of. Eve thinks deeply into the possibilities still. It seemed like no matter the creature, Sameer was nothing like anything she saw in the sanctuary.

Dr. Corer looks one more time at the DNA through the microscope. She speaks, turning back to the partner agents, and tiger companion. "And, for a moment, if you'd please. The director wanted me to show a couple of samples of plants also reigned here."

Eve knows this is for her. "Oh? It's the director's order?" As a reminder, the director wanted Eve to look at the creatures and plants, comparing it to the things she's learned previously.

Dr. Corer nods. "Yes. Follow me." She turns to the doors, and the group then follows her out into the hallway again.

They were led to a room that was a little dimmed. The lights were off, but all the windows shine in, along with several UVB and ultra lights. Inside, plants and things that resemble it were growing in small rows in planter boxes, or glass chambers singled out. Some grew different colors. Some were just oddly growing from the soil in spiraling or sharp, jagged stems outward.

Everyone files in the room, and Dr. Corer goes to a side room, where storage shelves full of contained jars with air pumping through to each one. Eve sees her take tubes out of glasses and carries the jars out. Walking back out, Corer speaks. "We have many record materials, but the director had asked for a few in specific. He asked for your knowledge of rare minerals and herbs."

Eve nods and excitedly beams. "Oh! Sure then! Seems interesting enough...." Dr. Corer sets a few plant samples out, and immediately something catches Eve's eye. Corer goes to take all the plants and a stone out of their containment with crucible tongs, and organizes them on a lab table, for Eve to observe.

Eve picks up a dark blue flower from the center. Smaller, but looked like it was frozen over, with yellow, glowing polyps on the stems. Immediately it gave a chill that quickly went through her gloves and flushed her in a cold wave. Then, still holding on, it became warmer than it was originally in the room. This strange flower, a similar ingredient that she has seen before. ".... Where did you find this one? The Atlantic?" She twirls the flower in her hand, looking it over thoroughly.

Dr. Corer nods, as plainly but she looked nervous for some reason when Eve held the flower. And, how it was still in her hand, and Eve was just fine. "Yes, actually. You've seen this before?" She eyes Eve and the flower.

Eve didn't want to mention how she would get it, and from where it winds up, but she explains. "It's used for changing the weather temporarily. I've come upon a few in my life, and used them."

A familiar ingredient found in the agency's possession. This could be expected, but still a surprise to everyone in the room. Corer verifies with Eve. "Interesting. A research team found a small patch of these in an Atlantic forest on a trek. I heard it was difficult to keep as cargo, it zaps all the heat from anything it touches. That's all we really know about it. We keep all of our plants for research, and care for them. One that creatures eat or like, we keep in the main room to grow naturally."

Eve looks up from the flower at Dr. Corer. Eve was acting uncharacteristically serious. "I know someone who can handle them. That's good, at least you're finding a purpose for it. I assume the ones unfamiliar to me haven't been used or able to be in the areas I've worked in...."

Eve's eyes glow a bright blue, she looks at the flower that way. She inspects it again, this time sharing some of her power with it, making the polyps burst a small golden mist around it. "The only thing these plants have in common is that they have a power, like us. We can even connect to different, and new forces." As she was, and it was responding in a way no one else in the room had seen before. It looked like the flower was blooming, growing taller, buds sprouting, and a mist covering it like golden, small clouds.

Dr. Corer couldn't recall a moment the plant behaved like that. "Fascinating... How did you do it?" She could see Eve use her power, but she didn't know it wasn't her star-power. It was just like using energy, like when identifying their kind to one another. The next step was the connection, something magicians practice.

Eve let's out a chuckle. She couldn't give a full explanation, as she's tried with Grey before, but still puts it simply. "Heh, I don't think I can explain it, if you haven't experienced it already. If you hear and feel something, you feel your ability wanting to make a connection."

Eve walks around the table and hovers a hand over the objects. "But... All of these here have different essences. I see the director picking out these specific elemental powers."

Eve's eyes glow again. As before, now just activating each plant and stone in a row. It was like a show of different lights, and they grew slightly as they did. Some did things like flash red, have plums of mystic smoke appear, or the stone flashing a bright green. "... This one is hot, though nothing's burning. This one, I feel like I'm in a lucid dream. This stone flower seems like it needs more dry soil to grow, than a container full of air. A stone that helps grass grow. A flower that breathes, ironically it's filtering the air. That seems like a good one to plant."

Dr Corer keeps a serious tone, as she looks down more focused on the changing of plant specimens that had just changed just then. "We know some insight to these but nothing that we can't observe. Some plants seem to be sporadic. Seeing you handle and control them just now, was unimaginable." She looks back at Eve, more curious to what this agent exactly was.

Grey pipes in, as Eve would start boasting about magic and things they wouldn't be able to comprehend. "Maestro has the power to connect with substances like this. Even use plants like these as ingredients. So, she's a natural in this field." He coolly explains.

Eve giggles, nodding at Grey's statements. She places a hand to her heart, offering the idea. "I can also have a friend see if they know anything. I know an expert that knows almost all rare substances on earth, maybe beyond too."

Corer smiles happily. It was mentioned Eve could help offer new techniques, and new research performed. As promised, it was like questions that had, or didn't know they had, were being answered. "Ah, identifying some of our plants, and whatever else, would be great help. However we can form help in our research, we talk more later. I'll also be finding out anything about Sam here, for the time being."

Grey nods plainly and seriously to the doctor. "Let us know of any results you find. We'll be on our way."

Dr. Corer shakes both partner's hands again, and Sam's paw, as a farewell. "Of course. Thank you again for coming."

Eve faces Dr. Corer, and bows and a hand to her heart. Eve liked the sanctuary, the doctor, and being able to come in the first place. "Thank you very much for your help. I appreciate your time helping us."

Sameer sits calmly, and also bows his head as they say goodbye. The agents, and tiger, all leave. Corer shows them out and gives them a final wave goodbye through the gates. They take off again back to the unit, as they all hopefully get results soon in time.

____________________________________________________

It's late and Eve's already ate and freshened up after a day at the sanctuary and traveling. Work was short, just having the trip for the day to do. She uses a key to go up to the rooftop, so she could have some time with Sameer under the cloudy night sky. The stars in the city were even more hidden from sight from the clouds. A plume of grayness partly enclosed the moon beneath its glow.

In an act to calm her racing thoughts, Eve sighs heavily, and then looks up to the sky, and a flourish of her arms to follow. She takes a slow stride and waves her arms from side to side. She then spun, swishing her arms around, sending glimmers of light.

Eve circles her arms around each other, and then reaches up high with one hand. She twirls her fingers to grab hold of golden webs of light that stick to her fingertips from the air. Small bright dews of liquid glimmered, sliding from the strands and onto Eve's hand. She brings her hand closer to inspect. The dewy threads extended from her hand, to the endless connection it had with the night's gray and grim sky above.

She hums to her, and Sameer, who was laying down watching her. "Hmm, it looks like there will be heavy rain soon. I guess we'll have to head inside."

She turns her attention to Sameer in the corner laying down relaxing. Yet she looks back to the moon and thinks off to herself for a moment more. "So much information this world has, yet so much is unknown... Ugh... My head's spinning just thinking about it." After cradling her head, Eve inhales deeply. Something in her head was pounding, yet somewhere over her head felt like it was aching too.

Eve reaches out to the sky again, and exhales deeply. She then closes her eyes, and smiles. "Ah~ bless the light that fills the universe... May all hear the hopes of Elder in the wind's whispers. Polaris... please give me your strength and light. Let the world shine as bright as you, one day...." Eve opens her eyes to meet the night's atmosphere again. She then opens both her arms and raises them, as if going to embrace the sky.

"... Amen? Do you normally do that, or some sort of ritualistic prayer?" A familiar, gloomy voice from behind Eve, suddenly interrupts.

Eve quickly whips her head to see Grey leaning on the door. He'd been off duty for a while, yet he just ditched his tie and untucked his shirt and sleeves. His hair was also more to the side, less neater than before. Eve was a bit curious as to why he was still up. Even Eve had changed hours ago and was relaxing on the roof in her pajamas and a sweater.

She had no idea when he got there. She was taken back, surprised. "W- what? No, I'm not praying... at least I don't think so. I don't know what I do exactly, I just talk, and sometimes something happens. If not, I still have my thoughts protected into space, hehe."

Grey rolls his eyes and sneers mockingly at Eve. "Har har, very philosophical, if you intended for that. Well, what are you doing up here so late? You said it'll rain soon."

Eve scoffs in a joking manner, crossing her arms and shaking her head at him. "Gotta be around me once I step foot out the door? Besides when you're at my door? Hehe." She teased, with a bit of sass.

Grey answers plainly. "No, surprisingly. I actually wanted to get some air up here, to clear my head. I was just waiting till you noticed, but I haven't been here for long. So, what are you doing besides 'projecting'?" He used air quotes to emphasize his question again.

Eve toys a bit. Her voice sounded animated, but it was a calmer tone. Rather than excitedly higher pitched. "Hehe, that was a spur of the moment, but I was also just getting some air. I was just thinking about... a lot, and I needed a second to compose myself." She drops her head a bit, and softly cradles it in a palm as she turns away from Grey. Eve was tired, but she didn't want it to show.

Grey, too monotone and work-centered, observes Eve, and her recent troubles as a result. "Hm... seems the added work you're taking on might be weighing on you. I know everything has been a lot to take in, so I can be an ear for you. I will not use you for work anymore, or make it seem like I don't care. You can also talk to me about whatever's the matter."

Eve tiredly chuckles. She tilts her head and looks over to Grey. "Well, I was thinking about my entire life, but the work also ties to everything. I'm still getting adjusted, though it's not so bad, I guess. I just have a LOT of questions. With what I thought I knew, and what I know now... What happened when I first discovered my powers, or when accidentally showing 'Mehl... Or, wondering... what would have happened if I was brought up into the agency, like you...." She turns away, not looking Grey in the eyes.

Grey sees Eve's attempt to hide her expression. Yet, he could hear it in her voice how somber and bothered she was. "It... it's different for everyone. You maybe would have been the same, ran away, or never found your true potential. I'm not sure you'd be as powerful if you were taken like me. So, don't worry about that...."

Eve scrunches her face confused at Agent Grey. "When were you taken?"

Grey scratches the back of his head and looks away. He then thinks critically, and lowers his attention down at the rooftop. "I was... young. Maybe... 14? Younger? Still, old enough to go to school and I learned from private schooling as well as lessons about random abilities and our secret society. And, most were around my age or older...."

Eve tilts her head curiously. "What do you remember from before that?"

Grey slightly shook his head. He didn't face her as he grimly spoke. "... Not good memories, and I remember the secret unit was my escape route...."

Eve down her gaze and speaks sincerely. "I see... Apologies, if it's rude that I asked."

Grey eyes Eve, and tiredly bores out. "It's fine. It's not something that defines me, but I learned from it. It's nothing I ever have to worry about but it's so... beneath me now, that I don't want to even think of it as a part of my life. Or... talk about it, since it seems so foreign to me."

Eve looks at Grey, more sorrowfully. She places a hand to her heart, as if it ached. "I'm sorry it seems like you have a troubling past..."

Grey changed his tone a bit exaggerated, yet tired still. He wanted to correct her statement. "As I've said before, I'm unlucky. Not a lot of luck has been on my side, misfortune always comes...."

Eve leans to the side over to Grey, and smiles. "As an optimist would say, good fortune comes after, or eventually. They both do, and that is life. I hope you'll have some better luck one day, then you won't curse yourself as misfortunate."

Grey raised one side of his mouth slightly. "Heh, I hope so too, then." He breathed out. Definitely hoping one day to feel what having luck is like.

A trickle of rain falls on Eve's head. She jolts and looks up. "Okay, Sam definitely needs to get inside, before he gets cold and wet."

Eve buzzes closer to the Grey, and the door. He was kind enough to step away and open it. "Alright, after you two." He holds the door for Eve to rush Sam back in, and then he follows.

Grey closes and locks the door. He swirls the keys with his finger, then places them back in his pocket walking down. Eve and Sam start to walk again down the stairs, so Grey could follow.

Eve leans over with her fingers intertwined together and holding just below her chin. She gives a small, awkward grin. "I'm sorry you didn't get some alone time on the rooftop."

Grey shrugs slightly. He tried to act aloof. "I still got to distract my thoughts, so I'll be fine."

Eve beams a warm smile up at him as she turns a corner of the stairwell. "Well, good! Hopefully you can sleep tonight."

Grey brushes his hand on the wall and pauses as he looks at her. "Hopefully, and you too...."

They reach Eve's floor first, Grey follows Eve until they are in the warmly lit hallway, when Eve turns to him. She smiles, she pats Sam's head softly. Grey was the first to speak, very softly. "So... See you tomorrow, and have a good rest of your guy's night." He says to Eve directly.

Eve beams up at him again with a very calm and sincere look. "Hehe, we will, you too. Nighty-night, Grey."

Eve closes the door to her apartment, and she waits by the door. She hears Agent Grey's footsteps go down the hall. Then, as an old custom, she put a magic seal around the door. Sounds and sights of a flash from the cracks of the door. Eve goes to her room with Sameer and sits beside her bed. She takes out the crystal communicator necklace, and activates it in her dimly lit room. The light from the living room creeping from the door was the only light in Eve's room.

Eve sees the crystal flashing, then staying a small glow. She speaks through the crystal, hoping to reach her mentor. "Yamehl! How are you? Are you okay?!"

And, as Eve was hoping in anticipation, her mentor speaks. Yamehl speaks calmly and cheerfully. His voice pressed more tired and deep as he mentioned his ongoing work.

'Heh, I'm well. Nothing's happened, so not to worry. Things over here are still taking time. I'm targeting the location of your soul, from having never been or seen the place you were taken to. Forgive me, as I need more time. I hope you've been better.'

Eve shakes her head, like she was shocked. Her mentor's disappointment in his searching wasn't an issue he needed to have. After how long she's been working, and putting up with the new scenery, it wasn't as bad. Life had changed, but it wasn't so bad that she needed rescuing. It was more like she was slowly needing to rescue the agency, for whatever they need her so much for. "I've been getting adjusted to life here, but it's not the same, nor does it feel like home. It's alright for now, since I'll soon be able to come to you."

That was something they've both been holding onto, being able to see each other again. Both Eve and Yamehl were happy. The worry of being torn apart was something they feared, when Eve was taken to the S.O.U. headquarters. Yamehl was almost reminded, as Eve mentioned before, that the agency would want to meet with him directly. Eve didn't want him to leave for that reason, when they could come to them.

Yamehl wavers in a cheerful thought, then an anxious one. For a moment, Eve could at least hear him smile as he spoke a little more excited. But, then it faded.

'Oh? If the time is drawing nearer for me to permit a team to come with you, we could wait till then. I can put a tracing spell on you, and be able to travel to you, if ever needed. I'm worried something will happen, and I can't get to you.'

Eve tries to combat her mentor's worry. She spoke truthfully, as it would ease him the most. "I'll be fine, and I've been eased into working alongside the large agency. Things will be fine and we can prepare in case something DOES change for the bad."

'If you need a way out, if anything happens that you're not comfortable with, tell me. I will do all in my power to take you out of there....'

Eve didn't really know what else he would do, but she didn't want them to have to result to it. All she knows is when he showed up, to her or to get ingredients, it would be on occasion. If she moved, he wouldn't show up soon after, but later on. Since this was a different continent, it would be highly plausible it would be longer than before, Eve can only assume.

But, Eve saw no threat, as different as things are, for the time being. Even with what new rules she follows now. "Thank you, 'Mehl. I promise, I will. I'll be fine, from what I've gathered, I'm important to keep alive. They're not wanting anything crooked, other than abruptly making me help them."

Given, it was true, and just their strict way of containing people with powers. It may be unfair for some, but many take it as a way to have a normal life again. Even if Eve's experience was now more pleasant, her mentor still saw some things not quite right with how they handle situations. Especially if Eve was involved in that thought. He tries to let out the worry with a sigh, and clearing his mind. He sounds happier again.

'Please be safe, reach me if something happens. I'm excited to see you soon.'

Eve fidgets sitting on her bed as she excitedly jumps speaking. "I am too! I miss you so much! It'll be so nice to see you again! A- a and the town! I can't wait to see everyone again. And! You get to meet Sam more, this time!" She quickly adds more to avert any sudden slips she might make.

Yamehl chuckles, the crystal picking up and flashing at his merry tone. He chimes a farewell, as they had to end at some point. Their brief talk made both of their days better than before.

'I shall be anticipating both of your arrivals. I can't wait to meet him. It's late for you, is it not? We'll hear from each other again. Talk to you soon, Eve. Goodnight to you both.'

Eve goes giddy, though her heart hurts a bit, soon not able to hear her mentor speak again for a while. She didn't want their talk to end. She wanted to talk about his day, ask what he was up to. But, it was late, and she didn't want to take up any more time if he was busy. "Take care, 'Mehl... I'll let you know when we plan to meet you. We'll hopefully have a date set soon... - And p- please take care, a- again. Goodbye, 'Mehl." She rambles on, practically forcing herself to say goodbye.

The crystal goes back, and Eve sits with her thoughts, and Sameer by her side. It was a good day, and after talking to Yamehl, it was a good night. The sounds of rain, now catching her senses. She lays onto the bed, now looking at the rainy window with the crystal gripped above her head. She slowly drifts to sleep, and Sam cardles around her carefully.

The next day arose, bringing a new day full of opportunity. Everything seemed normal, and no rebels set off alarms again, but the idea of them returning was on most people's mind at the secret unit. Without rebels, the agency had many more threats to handle as well.

Even so, Eve was working on investigating files, with her partner Grey to assist. He gets goes to grab some lists they need, and comes back hands full of case files and with warm mugs. He sits down at his own desk with a stack of files. A chai in a ceramic mug clanged lightly on Eve's desk. Grey nonchalantly placed it there. He casually sips a cup of his own. 

"Let me see what you've been working on." Grey nonchalantly glosses over the drink and scoots his chair closer to Eve's computer. He sets his tea down and leans over, propping an arm on her desk. She didn't have to move, but she did out of courtesy.

Eve gestures in a flourish, like she was showing off a car, jokingly. Grey just rolls his eyes and goes back to reviewing. He grabs his cup and grumbles. He shifts his body to use his free hand to point at the report. "It's not bad, but use less details in the top half and put it in the description boxes. That way it's easier to find what we're looking for and have less repeating details. Just don't leave anything important out in the overall report."

Eve's eyes widen, then shift between the written report, and her hands on the keyboard. "Oh, right. Got it...." She concentrates, correcting her report. She fixes where Grey had pointed out, and smiles again once it's complete. Clutching the mug Grey gave her, Eve brings it to her face to blow the steam. 

Some time passes looking at files and random activity of rare abilities. Things for the agents seemed like they were going accordingly. Nothing too out of the ordinary, and they had people and anomalies to check. But, not before a mandatory break.

After some silence that fell from concentrating at their own desk working, Grey spins his chair to Eve. "Got a green light on all your records?"

Eve turns her head, and with a giggle she presses a finger to her cheek innocently. "Yup! Everyone we have on file looks like they've been being good on our watch, hehe~!

Grey gets out of his seat with a tired huff. "Alright, let's take our break. How about lunch, and I cook?" He eyes Eve curiously, waiting for her response.

Eve tilts her head over and widens her eyes. "Oh? Sure. You can use my food and kitchen. I might have everything you'll need." She cheerfully smiles and waves a hand talking with it in vague gestures. She looked like an excited child.

Grey waves and moves out his chair. "You really don't have to go to such lengths or agree, it's fine. I just wanted to offer."

Eve tries to give Grey her reason, agreeing. "I don't mind, but is it alright if we go to mine? I still want to hangout with Sam on my break."

Grey just peers over to Eve. He then looks down coolly, crossing his arms. "Yes, that's perfectly fine. I'll stop by mine, just to get some things."

Eve chuckles softly, and warmly. "Hehe, deal."

Grey grabs his few belongings, and both empty cups of tea they had earlier that morning. He gives a small smirk, and walks off. Eve follows as he leaves. They enter the elevator with a few other workers and agents. Grey sternly adds, still conversing. "Another thing, I owe you for previous meals. We can go to the store together sometime, and I'll get it. Or, I'll pay you back another way." Not letting that go, Grey reminds Eve he's going to be even with her.

It was taking a while to pay Eve back, which only Grey minded. Then again, it's not like they hung out often, especially after the big argument. Eve really didn't mind. It has been a while since she's cooked for other people, in general, and she loves doing it.

Eve brushes it off, lightly joking with Grey. "Making the food helps make it even. Right, hehe?"

__________________________________________________

Eve goes to the apartments and Grey goes to his for a moment, and he shows up to cook at Eve's. Her and Sam hangout in the kitchen as she decides to use one burner to boil herbs and flowers in a pot of water. It wasn't anything magical, but it made the room smell nice. Assuming he wouldn't mind, that is.

Eve, surprisingly or not, knew very little about Grey, and less about what he liked. Grey had been hanging out with her, more than anyone had in a while. Yet, Eve didn't know if she'd call him a friend, they were merely 'work-partners'. Eve didn't know if many spent breaks, or hangout after hours, but they have been on occasions. Eve doesn't even know how Sameer feels about Grey coming over sometimes. He didn't really favor Grey, but maybe now tolerate, and watch him.

Eve peers over Grey's shoulder on occasion to ask if he needed any help, till he finally gave in, and let her help. She hums to herself, and to Sam, petting him as they all crowd in the kitchen together. It was peaceful, with little conversing here and there. They ate, and Grey was surprisingly, or not, a good cook too.

Half the day already passed, and all seemed calm. Coming back from their break, the agency starts working again. Looking through possible group affiliates, any threats, or abilities exposed outside of the unit.

Back at their seats, getting along, and working together, Grey asks Eve something. "So, would you tell me more about what magic is?" He asked bluntly, tapping his finger to his desk, like it's been on his mind for a while.

"Hm... you'd have to be more specific. What my mentor would probably say to generalize, it's connecting to the currents of power with your own. Or... something like that."

Eve shrugged for a moment, because that was at least how Yamehl described it the first few times. It was the simplest thing to say about magic. It was definitely a feeling-based understanding, however. Much more than what words could describe.

Grey stayed hushed. He barely looked at Eve as he kept looking down to process the vagueness. With the little he's seen and done, he couldn't understand it in the slightest. How Eve could understand this was ballialing, and impressive she keeps such an odd lifestyle. Eve could even see how lost he was getting.

So, Eve tried to explain more. "How magic is different from the special abilities, one uses spells and casting to do more, we've established that part. Meaning, soon, some people are about to 'understand' how creating other abilities works. It's more to just think but also feel. Believing makes us stronger too. It was a lifestyle, many people lived that way once. They understood, long ago, when powers were as strong as magician's belief systems on earth."

Grey contemplated the idea once more. But, no matter how hard he tried, Grey couldn't quite grasp magic. "... Okay, I did want to know a bit more of the meaning. Also, how the hell have you not remembered telling me about magic in interstellar-space, and seeing things I can't see. Like, whatever the freaky aura and connections were...."

"Right, I remember. Magic isn't just on earth. Powers are everywhere in the universe, and they are everywhere, in different forms. It's a universal thing, that's also why it's otherworldly. Then, there's the belief of the afterlife..." Eve moves her hand up and holds her palm out. She made a small figure of glimmer and constellations, floating in Eve's hands.

She continues talking as she spins and plays with her starry configuration, till it looks like a milky-way. "Our minds and bodies will become part of ethereal beings that are given powers by the stars far off past our galaxy, and, or be different forms of matter that create the space itself elsewhere. We'll be able to feel, see, and be a part of something way more than earth itself. There's also a story of long ago, people's souls helped fill the sky with stars, whether really true, or not. Our souls are a very interesting thing we, as magicians, can see. Which might prove a question humankind has had. Magic opens doors, and leaves many new questions unanswered. We have only some different beliefs and questions than others, heh."

The agency was definitely much different than working with her mentor. The universe is far more than infinite, it would be hard to see overall if souls became stars. Even within other realms. Grey looks down, processing it all. Eve flowed through that explanation, but it was too quick for him, however. He looks at her with his brows scrunched and head tilted in questioning.

Grey takes a moment to process and clear this throat. "That's... Ahem, okay. I understand this is quite a lifestyle. It would also be a life-changer for people to learn. This is going to take a while to digest. Feeling things, seeing things, believing things... It's really compelling to think it's just insanity." He intentionally scowls at Eve as he thinks.

Eve giggles, though she couldn't argue. Although she understands, anyone else would find it insane. "Hehe, it is. I know my mentor showed me a lot of visuals to help understand. I can't do all that he can do yet, but we can try to simplify an understanding. Maybe with time, he might help teach more people too, just 'maybe'. It also helps going in with an open mind, humans like to find answers, after all, but you can't go in with a lot of preexisting notions. You might not ever learn anything."

Grey might not know exactly what Eve meant then, but she would soon enough. Answers only gave him more questions, which would create a cycle. Curiosity was the first step for a magician. It will make or break Grey's next steps in following Eve's understanding.

_______________________________________________

The weekend went well and filled with Eve answering many questions Grey would ask. He stopped by Eve's more often to hear more about spells and magic. She even showed off a few simple spells, also trying to practice teaching. Grey at least got to learn a lot about space, just from hearing and seeing Eve's power.

The two agents went to start the next work week off at the lab for another lesson. Grey wasn't the happiest when Dr. Green was buzzing around him, eyeing him like some subject. She kept asking about what he does on the field, or if he or Eve's gotten into anything dangerous recently. It was a bit of a distraction from the task at hand, however.

Eve claps to get everyone's attention. Everyone from the lab all sit or stand behind a long work-island, now watching her silently. "Alright everyone, time for a lesson in spells! My partner, Agent Grey, will be with us, as well. Let's see how we do with a wind spell!" She points out Grey and he nonchalantly waved. They've all seen each other before, but Grey's presence in the lab was a surprise to them.

Eve pulls out materials and a book from her bag, showing everyone what she's brought. "So! There's a few different wind spells. Some can be done if you have the mental practices to bend the elements around you. We'll do an easy spell using a few different materials, physical and non. We'll take some northern-alderwood, a yellow precious sun-stone, leaves of various tree entities, and then cloud mist to dampen the wood and leaves. Everything but clouds are here, of course, heh. Normally there's bottles of cloud mist in a shop where I practiced, or can be stored with some magic for another day. But, since I don't have any cloud mist, we can go outside, or I can make my own. Either will work for this experiment."

Dr. Green took a wide glance at everything, it wasn't anything out of the ordinary-looking. Most of it was just plants and stones.

Morax pops up with her usual screams with questions. "Wait! How are we going to make clouds here? We don't know how to do all the steps yet!" She waves her fist at Eve and pouts.

Eve gives a confident sigh and smiles. "It's okay! It's because none of you can use the mental spells yet. They are the foundation of magic, beyond just performing just your special ability. So, if you can't do those now, it will take time for you to do ANY spells. I'm still teaching you all that, but I also wanted to move forward with a fun practice lesson today~! Even if we went outside, I would have to take some parts of the sky and bring them down myself, because I can cast many spells with my years of experience. Right now, we can only work with what I have, and know."

Morax just crossed their arms and pouts more. "Hmph!... When can we do stuff like that?"

Eve chuckles with her fist masking her smiling a bit. "If you work hard, study the translated text enough, then in a few years you'll be as powerful as me!"

Eve's characteristic enthusiasm was radiant and maybe too optimistic. It was almost draining to some, mainly Grey and the confused Morax. "Eeeh... so long and daunting. How the heck did you do any of this?" Morax argues slightly with her tired and annoyed tone.

Grey whips his head to Morax and glares down at her. "Pay attention to Maestro. You can't learn anything, if you don't focus." He orders, crossing his arms as he watches the group. He keeps his eyes on them and Eve, standing by the far edge of the island.

"Eep-!! Y- yessir..." Morax hunches down and hides a bit so only the top of her head could still peak out. Just enough to feel like she was hiding from Grey's mean glare. He scared her, and many, often.

Eve brings a hand to her face so she wouldn't outwardly laugh, seeing Grey act scary to others. Though, he didn't have the same effect on Eve. "Hehe, thank you, Grey. Don't be too intimidated by it. It takes time, like all things. You can pick it up easily, or it might take some practice. I had a mentor that was given the knowledge and powers of his predecessors. I'm a patient person and thought all of it was pretty fun! Now, let's hurry to the fun part then, casting the spell!"

Eve places all the materials, packed materials on top of each other. She places a bowl of water next to it and hovers her hands over it a bit. She makes a circle with the back of her hands and white fluff appears. Eve kept on fluffing the air till a mist was pushed out into the area around her, with visible glimmers of dew forming on the counter and lab-ware. A golden glimmer sparkled as she condenses the small less translucent cloud onto the stone and plants, making them immediately damp and glistening. She let go of her phantom-like grip and the cloud dissipated like a gas emitting into the room. It vanished completely off the counter space.

Eve continues to explain, patting everything together and then holding her hands out a foot away to create space. "Earth is our foundation, water gives us life, nature is our distant cousins that share likeness in the powers provided, together we symbolize harmony. And, with the magician's hand to guide them, all in unison...."

Eve lifts a hand up, letting her fingertips be dragged heavily up into the air, till it was curved into a fist with a roll of her hand. The leaves suddenly jumped, jostling on the table, till the sticks under it began to shake. Leaves scattered to Eve's feet, then a whirlwind of current and leaves swirled around Eve. A wind appeared at a gentle, yet powerful blow.

Eve's hair barely moved, compared to the others who were not protected in Eve's bubbles like she was. Their coats and jackets flowed, as if they were outside on a slightly breezy day. The glassware was being slightly pushed back till they were picked up by Grey and the scientists. Leaves were everywhere, the whirling winds now dancing around the whole room, and creating a gust into the hallway to other's labs. Onlookers from outside started watching Eve, who just spun around in a circle and swept her arms out in a flourish with the current she was guiding.

Eve waves a finger in pointing out a section from the book on wind spells. There was the recipe, instructions, and the effects. Luckily, it was listed as an easy, and safe spell in the book to perform. "The winds have blessed us as a guide to the earth's whispers. It is the air that we can't live without. Many different wind spells help find direction, give purpose, another part to giving life and breath. We need the air to live, just as we need a purpose. The earth's purpose is the same...."

Molaris lifts his hand and asks, waiting for the right moment when Eve is done with her speech. "Okay, can we ask questions now? How DID you do the magic part?"

It was an odd question, that only an odd answer could explain. Eve tried her best to educate them nonetheless. "Hehe, by feeling. And, believing I think helps too. It's second nature to me, you just have to imagine what the wind looks and feels like at that very moment. The materials help give power, they also sort of... make you feel something, and the best way is to fulfill the actions. You'll hear a call almost, then you feel the power within yourself try to respond."

Morax lays her head on the desk and flings her arms out in front of her. "Still so confusing~...."

Molaris joins, not as dramatic as Morax was. He still looked uncertain, but gave a small chuckle. "Heh, I sadly don't follow much either."

Eve jumps up, she knows one way to help explain it, and it was to just do it. Questions would only go so far to actually practicing. "We can try this spell together! You can step up and take my hand. You must make a connection with me, and you'll be able to feel it too!"

Morax finally goes silent, remembering the last time she volunteered. The room, even the hallway, was quiet. It seems everyone was hesitant to try. Green was just smiling happily, also silent, for once. So, Eve will have to call for a participant.

Eve moves her eyes to each one, then stops at her partner. "Agent Grey? Would you like to try first, for everyone?"

Eve watches Grey give a sigh. "Alright..." Grey steps up and nonchalantly places a hand in Eve's, unfazed by her crazy antics like the rest. "Now what?"

With their hands just lightly touching on another, their powers were able to connect. Eve was able to pull his energy, he just needed to match hers. She instructed him, in a way her mentor would. "Think of a beautiful breeze on your face, the wind blowing your hair slightly, the crisp smell of something the wind is carrying...."

Grey exhales tiredly to show he's following. "Okay..." Grey starts to close his eyes to get a better visual.

"Got it?" Eve lifts their hands higher, and waves with her other arm as the leaves shake again. It was working so far.

"Yes, now what?" Grey turns his head to Eve as he keeps his eyes closed.

"Keep imagining with your senses, now... how does it feel?" It was moment after asking, she felt something around her shift. It wasn't physical, but a sudden disturbance.

Grey suddenly shivers a bit in response. "C... Cold... and lo- ?!" The wind picked up again, much more powerful. Eve feels Grey's hand suddenly tighten around hers, in fear of being ripped apart from her.

A large, chilling gust blasted everyone partly back from them. Eve and Grey both take a free hand to their face to see better, keeping clasped hands still together. The agents were just getting a small bit of the wind, yet it was blowing hard around the room that they couldn't escape the whirlwind.

"WHAT THE HECK MAN?! THAT'S TOO MUCH!!" Morax is the only one able to scream loud enough for them to hear, as the wind grew louder. Eve snatches Grey's other hand, taking both to clasp together in a ball tightly. Grey snaps his attention at her. The wind was not in Eve's control, but Grey's. He was unable to stop the spell, concerned about the situation.

Eve yells and tugs on Grey's hands. "Contain it a bit more!" Eve brings their hands down and the violent wind disappears abruptly.

Everything felt like time had suddenly stopped. Some things take their final fall onto the ground, after being pushed and pulled all about. Scientists and the people outside of the room look around, the Agents do the same. Starting to observe the aftermath. Papers were scattered everywhere from who-knows-where, tools and materials were knocked around, it looked like a small tornado had come through.

Eve let go of both Grey's hands to brush stands of her hair that had become disheveled. She then waved her hands nervously, smiling awkwardly. "Are we all okay?... So sorry everyone for the scare. I guess these need to be practiced... in a better, controlled environment."

Morax pops her head up from behind a counter. She gasps for air dramatically and falls into the hard surface. "Ya think?! Phew... I thought you were going to destroy the lab!"

"You definitely destroyed some of the glassware that blew to the ground." Molaris pointed out, with very little assurance.

Grey holds his hands back, not wanting to cause anymore damage. He didn't want to worsen it by touching a single thing even. "I- I'm so sorry...."

Eve didn't see Grey to blame. It was a rough trial of their experiment. They did manage to do the wind spell, but the results were expected. "It's okay, Grey. I think you went too powerful in thought. Next time, really try to imagine more of a gentler breeze."

Grey stared at Eve, listening intensely, and wondering what went wrong. "Right... I wasn't thinking quite clearly...." He places a hand to his face and rubs his brows tiredly.

Eve tries to reassure her partner. "It's okay. Practice makes perfect, this was a good lesson to learn too. You can't be too weak, OR too powerful for some spells. There's a balance. It takes mental balance as well."

Grey heavily sighs. "... Ah. Then, I will try to have more of a stricter mindset when thinking...."

Eve lowers her voice to be more stern, and she shakes her head. "That doesn't mean strict, Grey. It means having a healthy balance. Be strict, but also lax. Be vulnerable even, and know not every spell will work perfectly at first."

Green slaps the back on one of Grey's shoulders. They loudly jolt Grey. "Grey!! That was so scary, but wonderful! How did you feel?!"

Grey rolls his eyes and sighs into his cupped hand. "Like crap, Green. I just screwed the whole spell up. I also feel much more freezing than I ought to be right now...." He rubs his arm lightly, trying to see the temperature difference.

Eve looks at him with wide, concerned eyes. She places herself between Dr. Green and Agent Grey, tapping both of their shoulders as she gives a tight grin at them. "Oh! Let's take a break and get you warmed up...." Eve turns fully to Grey. Her hands glow as she quickly rubs them together, and then hovers them over him. Her hands were radiant as a heater directly ghosting over him.

Grey could feel himself suddenly burning up from the dramatic change in temperature. He shivers the residual chill off of him. Grey feels weird out, but better. Now better, he wants Eve to stop her weird magic trick. "It's fine now, thanks. I probably won't volunteer as your assistant for a while, however." He crosses his arms, and spaces more distance between Eve and himself.

Dr. Green hummed, chiming in. "Hm... I guess no one, besides Maestro, can do a spell properly. We'll have to practice more of the basics. And maybe... get a testing facility for practices in the future. Oh! We'll bring notes and whatever needed for the experiment! Maybe bring our lunches, that sounds nice!" Green jumps between Molaris and Viper, draping her arms around their shoulders, and going off in planning.

Grey mutters to Eve as he leans over with a scowl. "That was a lot different than feeling a tree..." He looks at her deadpanned, serious about his small confusion. It was a lot harder than Eve was putting it, she may just have higher knowledge now, that she can't instantly simplify everything for someone who's not used to the feeling.

Eve just shrugged her shoulders and arms. "Well, were you just as concentrated on the tree in the park, than you were in here today?"

Grey scowled, then diffused his eyes that were burning at Eve for a moment. Knowing, she was right. "No. Sigh... Okay, I get it. You may think it's simple, hence why you were so easy to grasp this. Not everyone is at the same pace, or understanding as you...."

It may have not been that offensive, but Eve was always frustrated, being one of the rare people with an overly-open mind. Yet, that did get her places, with people all coming together from. It's not her fault she can understand both logically with her head, and sympathetically with her big heart. The best thing for magic was the gift she was naturally given. Her powers did wonders, but her mind and openness took her places.

Eve couldn't help but cross her arms, and pout at Grey. "-?!... Well... that's why I was originally just showing it in healthy, small ways. You have to do things slowly and gently for others to understand. Maybe you'll just have to observe more, before trying it again."

As Eve gathers all her belongings back up, mostly from the floor, she calls off the exercise the rest of the hour, to clean and reflect a bit on what happened. Spent a lot of the time of Eve and Green conversing about spells. The agents finally make their way out into the science hall.

They continue their workday at their desks again. The wind incident, now behind them, at least for Eve. Both agents were at least able to look at files and an investigation underway. A set of brisk and almost silent footsteps started making their way closer to Eve. But, it was noticed a bit too late.

A head suddenly pops up from behind Eve, startling her, and even Grey. All Eve got a glimpse of was a set of eyelids in front of her closely as they spoke. "Hi there! Are you Agent Maestro?"

The tall man never opened his eyes to see her but he kept inching closer. Eve leans back a bit in her seat, creating space. "Y- yes? Can I help you?"

The man straightens himself and smiles. He wore a casual grey suit, and naturally fluffy black hair. "I'm actually an assistant in operations, under the board leaders, and Director. I've seen you just from my desk in passing, but haven't introduced myself. I'm Echo! I have some papers for you, but wanted to take them to you myself! I wanted to meet the new hot topic around here!"

Eve slowly grabs the files he had brought. She meekly looks at them and then back up. "Oh... Thank you for these."

Grey groans sternly at the figure. "Echo... I get you're excited to meet her... but don't just get so close to someone's face like that!!" He then snapped, which definitely got the message across.

Echo raises his eyebrows in surprise. "Sorry, sorry! I just wanted to get a good 'look' at her. I never get a chance to recognize her face, because she's a quick blur. I have to get this close to memorize it quickly before it's gone again!" He then proceeds to get closer to Eve as he oddly analyzes her as if she was about to run off. Which she might want to. She eyes between him and her partner, wondering if this was an ordinary thing.

The assistant straightens himself, giving Eve space. He points to himself with his hand, and answers the question on Eve's mind. "My ability is hyper sense, but I can't actually use sight. My eyes are weird. Wanna see?" He asks, almost in anticipation. Grey jolts up and looks between the two. Echo peers over at him, bringing a finger up to his lips, and grinning with a sly intention.

Eve just smiles brightly, unbothered. "Sure, I'm curious." Her acceptance was predictable, but peculiar. Eve had no sense of unease by things. Only new recruits might have got spooked by things at the unit, even though she's fairly new herself.

Echo slowly lifts one eyelid, then heavily parts both halfway open to reveal complete white membranes underneath. No pupil or anything besides white. He bats his eyes then opens them widely, facing towards Eve. "Nothing's there, right? Isn't that pretty freaky?" He giggles, closing his eyes again, grinning widely.

"Oh! That's so cool! And, still found me perfectly fine, hehe!" Eve giggles and smiles warmly back.

Echo points out to Eve, and points to her explaining. He emphasizes her habits just being attentive to her work. "Mhm! I was able to hear your humming, and feel the vibrations of a breathing, moving body in your seat, just from entering the room. I can feel everything, without needing to see it."

Eve looks up and down from Echo, to the files in her hand. She holds the file close to her chest as she idles to one side of her chair, happily giggling and beaming. "Amazing! Thanks again for delivering these to me. I appreciate you coming all the way here."

Echo smiles back and jumps up excitedly. "Of course! It was a pleasure to actually get to meet you, the new, mysterious agent in our unit's division! Stop by my desk a few floors down, and I'll be happy to help if you have any questions. Or, just to chat, heh." He adds at the end, more excited about just talking to Eve.

Agent Grey rolls his eyes. "Okay, ya done with the sappy introductions now? We still have work to do...."

Echo plops his hands on the desk and lifts himself up. "Hehe, right! Pleasure to meet you! Take care, you two!" Echo trots off and waves to the two agents. They both wave back, but Eve's was energetic and cheerful, where Grey's was brief and with an annoyed look on his face.

"Now, let me see this..." Grey takes the files and paper from out of Eve's hands. He starts reading it over, muttering. "This is for the both of us, and really, I have to look over this first. So why's he got to use it as an excuse to give something to you? Sigh...." If Echo was still in the room, he probably heard that and laughed to himself. It still was true, however.

Grey takes a moment to look at the files before placing them on Eve desk, and showing them. He points at their objective and findings. "Here's the mission... We're finding someone responsible for an unknown power usage. Someone like you once. So, maybe you'll be a good help for this, in case."

"What?" Eve's eyes lit up for a moment. "We- we're hunting down an innocent person?..." Eve looks down blankly in thought. She shivered slightly and a shadow from her bangs covered the worry in her eyes. Eve flashed the memories when 'an agent' contacted her. It was as if she didn't realize she was in Grey's position too now. Doing the same things he did.

Of course, she's seen so many files, not everyone seemed relatively bad. Most were part of listing all the ones outside of the agency. She now has to monitor, or take innocent lives into the agency. Not just the bad ones, even though those were monitored by prison sentences like any other crime. And, many kept there were quite bad.

Grey holds out the file of a person in question, then places it gently on Eve's desk. "Alright, now I know you're a bit upset by this, but we're not even certain they're innocent, or if they might be part of the rebels, or some-other. We just want to know what happened. We have our main suspect to question, and we are certain. We have to be before interrogating anyone, for our cover. Ice appeared this morning, and it's not even winter. But, just one spot was frozen over. Our suspect is just a 17 year-old. So, we won't do any harm, but they still need to be interrogated."

Eve narrows her eyes scanning the papers attached. She suddenly looks wide in shock confirming what Grey described. She retorts dramatically. "They're not even an adult yet! Why are we interrogating someone who probably has a family?! They would know their child was abducted!!"

Grey knows they'll have to go out and question the suspect, no matter the condition. He grumbles as he folds the cases files closed. "If you remember, using powers around civilians is an issue... You'll just have to trust us that our reasons are good. Just follow along and... you can speak up whenever something's not right. However, not everything can be helped or fixed."

Eve waves a finger, and gives her partner a stern warning. "... Fine, but don't you DARE go near them if they're scared!"

Eve snatches the files in Grey's hands a little forcefully. She opens it up fully and turns it to Grey, pointing aggressively. "... This says they have live parents, and the oldest of two. They have a family, friends, their lives, don't take that away from them!"

Grey creaks his chair, leaning closer to Eve. He scowls down at her as he plucks the file away, and neatly closes it again. "Okay. Relax, Maestro... We get stuff like this quite often. Give me a second without any outburst, so I can explain... If their family and friends don't know of their power, we give an option to take courses we provide to eventually plot them joining the force by choice to their peers, or just the general for help handling their powers. Or, we rarely might make a full transfer immediately. Not many occasions have the option to not join, or be monitored, in some way. Anyone that meets an agent has to join, or be protected in time...."

Eve takes a moment to process everything, also how it fits with her own file. Her eyelids draw heavy, in a cold disturbance. She too was bound by a devilish contact by an agent she met. The very one she's working with. It didn't help that Grey made it sound like a curse, especially since she's aware of most curses and charms. They've now been stuck together, like a curse.

Grey watches as Eve stays silently in thought. He takes a breath and continues showing more calm composure so Eve feels the same. "... As our job is as high operatives, we handle powers from being discovered, mythical creatures from being extinct, advanced knowledge getting into the wrong hands, and protecting our people. We have a very difficult, but important job. It's difficult, because not everyone has the same morals either. With, or without powers."

It didn't do much for comforting, but it was stating the facts to Eve. She doesn't look in his eyes, only looking down, and quietly speaking. "Grey? Just promise me one thing...."

Agent Grey cocks his head at Eve in subtle surprise. "H- hm?"

Eve slowly looks up at Grey, unintentionally pouring worry from her doe-like eyes at him. "Please tell me everything, don't hide anything. I want to know the honesty here, so I can truly help."

Grey shook his head in surprise. He darted his eyes downwards, away from Eve. "Of course, Maestro. I won't hide anything from you anymore. You deserve to hear everything, you are... tasked to help out a lot, you also need to catch up to our society too. It won't be as great of a life as your desert home probably, but I hope you'll see our ways as well." He spoke the last part more somber than he'd normally sound. Eve didn't know what to think of it.

They had to continue with the task at hand, and not something for down the road. At least she had time to think, but she was occupied with the current mission. They set off, but Eve was a bit more nervous than other missions. They were to patrol around and question the suspect, simple. Eve couldn't side with how she was feeling about it.

________________________________________________

In midtown, people make their way to their destinations on the sidewalk. Few passed through the day-lite alleys. Though, it seemed some were weary to walk in some alleys, at any point of day, one unlucky high schooler was taking a usual route home right through one.

Heels tap from a set of boots behind the reported suspect. As they keep walking, they peer behind, seeing no one. They sigh relieved as they turn around. Eve halts then suddenly in their tracks as she's now right in front of them in the middle of the alley. The young suspect jumps startled by her sudden appearance.

Before the suspect could regain themselves, she excitedly jumps up, and greets them with a smile. "Oh, it's you! Hi there, I need a word with you. I hope you'll understand what I have to say." Eve extended her hand.

The innocent suspect almost ignored the greeting as they were too startled. "Huh? What do you want, lady? I- I think you've got me mixed up with someone...." They try to walk past, but Eve quickly turns herself, and leans over curiously. She obstructed their path again slightly.

Eve's still confident she doesn't have the wrong person. It was the same person she saw on file, and lived in the area they were in. "Maybe? Are you Alex? Really, I'm just here to talk. I'm glad I caught up to you before my partner found you first." She confessed.

Everything only confused the suspect more. They nervously try to process and speak through their thought process. The suspect, Alex, trembles. "Your- what? L- look, I d- don't know what you're even talking about."

As they try to pass Eve, again, a large hand is placed on their shoulder, and they stop in their tracks. "Sorry, we know we got the right person. We NEED to talk to you." Grey talks in a monotone voice, but emphasizes the word 'need'. The adolescent turned their head sharply to Grey. His eyes bored on the suspect, with one eye festering a menacing purplish glow on them.

Eve takes Agent Grey's hand off the suspect's shoulder. She scoffed, "Agent, please don't be so rough with an innocent person." Eve places her fists resting on her hips and slightly glares at Grey. As if leaning over to act intimidating, but has to look up at him.

Grey leans over to Eve, speaking in a hush tone. "Sorry, I needed to see if they were lying to you. You need to be less weird when confronting people, Maestro...."

Eve turns to Grey, whisper-yelling a bit to him. "Same goes for you too, do you always have to scare even the innocent suspects?"

Grey shrugs at Eve. He couldn't deny that he did it for safe measures. Yet, as they were talking amongst themselves, the suspect decided to make a break for it, and run as the partners were distracted.

The young ability user ran. Eve whipped her head to them and ran after them. She passed Grey before he did or said anything, and ushered. "-?! Shoot, I got this!- One second please! We just want to talk!" She yells out to the innocent suspect. She didn't want to have to chase them, but she knew she'd be the fastest to.

Eve proceeds to glow and then jump. She leaped into the air, flying over the young suspect, and landing right in their path.

The suspect fell to the ground trying to stop before getting close to any of the agents. The cowered, looking up at Eve and pleading. "P- please! Please don't hurt me!"

Eve noticed as they touched the ground, the suspect's hand suddenly was frosting over, along with the ground below.

Eve waves her hands in protest as fast as she possibly could. Her panic was a bit high, and unintended their powers showing out of reflex. She tries to calm them. "What? We're not going to hurt you! We're special agents, we just need a moment of your time. You don't have to fear. We want to talk to make sure everything is okay." She then takes and holds out her badge.

Eve then places a hand on her heart and bows like a prince. She gives a dramatic introduction, which makes Grey's eyes roll. "I'm Agent Maestro, we are part of a special organization that helps with the special powers some people have. Surely, you understand what powers are, right?"

"Wait-... There's more?!" They point between Eve and then whips and points to Grey. Realizing, there's possibly more than just those two to be pointed out as well. Their assumption was correct.

Eve nods her head confirming. She smiles at the high schooler sympathetically. "Mhm! We both have powers. I'm still new to it, but there's a society for people like us. We work, or live closed off from being hurt or hurting others. Not like everyone is evil, or good, but the unknown is feared by many." Although Eve did exactly agree with how the agency dealt with it, she understood why they kept secrets.

Grey coolly crosses his arms, nodding as he adds. "Yes, we teach many and build lives around our kind. We can still go out and be with our loved ones, but cannot disclose any information about our powers."

Eve cocks her head innocently, showing threat. She clasps her hands together and keeps them idled. "Could we ask to come with us for a few questions? Again, I'm new to this too but sadly, there's rules on using powers. A little sucky to hear, right? But, it'll be fine, and for your protection."

The said 'suspect' breaks into a nervous meltdown. "Di-... I'M SORRY!" They look at the two agents and tremble out of guilt now. They know of the ice that was accidentally left.

Grey puts a hand on their shoulders again. "ShhhhSHH!! It'll be alright, I also know your innocent." He looks away muttering, "Surprisingly, you're not as loud in-thought as Maestro is...."

Eve eyes the ends of the alleyway, and turns her attention back to the two. "Um... Please, we just want to talk to make sure you and others will be safe. You're not in trouble but you have to come with us so we can talk more freely. Can't do that in broad daylight, heh."

The suspect jolts in the realization. He nodded meekly. "Oh- okay...."

_______________________________________________________

They all make it to the S.O.U. The agents take the suspect to a brighter lit interrogation room. their were different floors for some suspects, more dangerous ones were kept underground in case of escaping. The ones Grey and Eve were going to were close to their office floor, so it was as bright as their floor high up.

They gather in a secure room, Grey sits in front of the young ability user. Eve stands right beside Grey, watching over him at the scared suspect. She watches Grey go through his normal questions, running through their background, and confirming everything they already had on the individual.

Grey observes the suspect's file, name, age, ability, and their records of the incident before they met. Everything seemed clear. Family knew nothing, whereabouts clear, no links to meeting any rebels. Their reaction back in the alley also confirmed, along with Grey's interrogating, and Eve's help for calming the suspect. Before Grey could clear the suspect, and have them go, he finishes with a few questions felt they were for the future.

Agent Grey holds out a current file of the suspect that they were filling out a report of the incident. His cold, grey eyes stare down at the paper, till they peer up at the suspect. The young high schooler slightly jumps out of his seat as Grey looks at them. "Okay... Everything's in order. Just a few more questions to make sure." Grey proceeds, waiting for a moment for confirmation, but going along no matter what they responded with.

The suspect, Alex, nods. They were starting to feel drained from being so stressed the whole time talking the the gloomy, intimidating agent.

Grey, monotone, gave Alex two options. "Would you like to be on our list to be placed in a community for ability-users? Or, be in contact with an agent on occasions for updates?"

The suspect thinks to them for a long while. The silence, and keeping Grey waiting, making them more nervous. They just settle on something and finally speak. "... Can I please be contacted? I don't... I don't know yet...."

Grey gives a short nod. He jots details down, then close his file. "That's fine. If you like to change at any time you can, even if you ever wanted to work with users. You have some options down the road."

Alex doesn't look at Grey, but to the table. "Oh- Okay... Th- thanks...." They, of course, don't feel assured.

Grey adds, unintentionally not helping the situation, but keep overloading them. "You'll still have to learn a bit about our society, and rules. You'll be given a test in over a year's time. You can take as much time as you need till then."

As Grey finishes speaking, Eve looks between them, and adds with a warm smile. "It won't be so scary... We're here to help! Surely, there's people you care about that don't know. It's hard barring your troubles on your own. So, you can talk to us about powers, or questions about them, anytime!" Eve saves a bit of hope in the young suspect. It helped at least a little in reassurance.

The suspect is able to meet Eve's eye. "Thank you... Things feel hard as is, randomly freezing things has been... the most unbearable thing that's happened..." They speak honestly, since they've already been questioned about it.

Many there might have had a similar situation at first, before the agency. Eve also knows how scary, and alienated one might feel. "D- do you want to talk about how you felt, other than just what happened? This is a safe place. You're not in trouble, but we want to help make it more bearable then." Eve couldn't help but be 'Starlight', and not 'Maestro'. caring, and wanting to stop everything to help, and hear their story.

They talk for some time. At first it started with the suspect, Alex's coming of powers, then Eve even shared her with them. There was a similarity in their strong emotions that awakened something in them. Strong emotions were the only way nowadays for powers to sporadically happen. It was very common with fear, and anger.

Their conversation transitioned to much deeper talks. Eve was naturally being very supportive. With her previous career, and her also knowing of powers existing. Not only that, she was going to be the one that the suspect met with. There, they can learn more about powers, rules, and how they've been doing in general.

Eve swings the door out and walks out with the suspect. "Hehe~! You're cool, Alex. I'll send you some English cover artists I like! I saw one do a nice rock cover from a song a few months back."

Eve giggles with her phone out. She gleefully beamed after talking some time for small-chat. Mostly to finally calm the suspect down, Eve started sharing about her personal life. They both exchanged some stories. Family woes, music, then getting comfortable enough to talk about how they felt when they discovered their powers.

They've already exchanged numbers, since Eve will be in touch, till they're out of high school. "We'll meet up every now and again, about your abilities. Thanks for staying strong and keeping it hidden for so long. I remembered my freak accidents, it scared me too. Try your best to stay calm, it will be alright. Let us know if you ever have your powers randomly happen again, and if anyone saw."

Eve, and maybe even Grey, remembers her experience when she was first staying with Yamehl. Grey only could see parts of memories, but she remembered exactly what happened when her mentor saw her glow for the first time. The worry, the fear of being casted out, and having to run away and hide.

Grey didn't know the first time she experienced her glowing. But, she only mentioned it to the suspect that it happened after losing her father. He never pushed the question, but he could see her and the suspect were no different. Learning you have powers is a terrifying thing to many at first. Getting emotional, then accidentally activating your powers. Eve sympathizes with the suspect that it was all just an accident.

The suspect nods. Their mouth twitches nervously as they try to speak, and not tear up. "I will, Miss Maestro. S- sorry again, I really didn't mean to freeze the ground. I wasn't trying to, on purpose. I got a little emotional after a call from my dad...."

Grey places his hand on the suspect's shoulder, and unexpectedly scares them. "It's alright there, please try to stay clear of anyone if it suddenly happens. If it happens again, even if no one saw, call us."

Alex doesn't look Grey in the eyes but looks up towards him stuttering nervously. "R- right mister...."

Eve walks around Grey, and jumps in front of the suspect and Grey. She gives her partner a disapproving glare. "Can you please stop interrogating them? Sorry, he's good at telling if you're lying, don't mind him. I'm sure he's just making sure you're not going to cause him trouble, heh. I know you just had a power surge overtake you, it happens. We've probably both been there, I know I have." Eve elbows Agent Grey, and he rolls his eyes.

"R- right, sorry...." Alex just nervously replied, just to show they understood.

Eve nods and waves a hand to follow. It was time to get going before anyone suspected their absence. "Okay~! Let's take you back home safely! Let's go~!"

The three walk on to the direction Eve was taking them. Grey stays behind the suspect so he can see the suspect and his partner. Alex watches as they pass a small part of the S.O.U. It was all very new, but better then they could even imagine it to go. They try to break the small pause in silence. "Thank you, and I'm sorry again for causing trouble... I'll try to not have it happen again."

Whether another accident were to happen again, or not, Eve understood. She didn't mind the suspect's difficulty controlling their newfound powers. Eve was once in that same boat too. "Don't worry so much now. We'll help you make sure you still live your normal life, with handling your powers. We're going to get our stuff. We'll be right back, then take you home."

Alex nods shyly and the agents turn to walk to the elevators. Eve ushers Alex to get in once the doors opened. They wait at the elevators as Eve and Grey grab their belongings. It was a brief walk to their desks while still able to be seen by Alex.

Grey turns his head to Eve as she's putting things in her bag. "Maestro?"

Eve stops what she's doing and turns. Grey seemingly averted her eye-contact. "Hm?"

Grey continues to turn off his computer and grab his keys. He calmingly spoke while readying himself. "Good work. Of course, you have a way with younger people."

Eve idles a finger that then sends a small bit of shimmers as she points outward. She giggles innocently and winks. "Hehe~, having a child-like wonder helps!"

Grey chuckles deeply under his breath. "Heh, more like being a child...."

Although it was making fun of, Eve didn't seem bothered by the remark. "I can be a child, or be a cool adult. I can manage a lot, and be responsible when I want to." She then giggled at her joking remark.

Grey acted surprised in a bit of a mocking tone. "Really? I have yet to see you act like an adult, heh."

Eve puts her hands on her hips and confidently scowls at Grey. "I'm just not as cold, I'm more passionate about things. Being an adult is just a developmental stage and lifestyle. I'm surprisingly responsible, as 'childish' as I am...."

Grey gave a monotoned remark. "I was merely joking with you." Although, his voice lacked any humor.

Eve gives a short snicker and crosses her arms. "Well, I doubt that was fully intended as a joke."

Grey looks away and raises a small smirk. "Heh, perhaps..."

Eve was turned to Grey, but she looks over to Alex waiting by the elevators. Eve kept looking between the two. "Well, I've got a question for you."

Grey turns his head to his partner curiously. "What's that?"

Eve knows Grey would understand, and at least have a guess for her. "Could I have been monitored, rather than joining?" Like Alex, Eve would have wanted to live her own life again. It's not easy to give up everything, even if she didn't have a family, or at first, friends that knew or could understand.

Grey answered as he contemplated. He spoke honestly, only from what he knew. "Well... Depends on if you were able to promise not to show powers to others, or online anymore. It would be a lie to say it's a greedy thought, but the director wanted you to stay with us hopefully...."

Eve looked at Grey surprised almost. Yet, it had to have been the director's doing for her to even be her, and in her position. She was trying to fully understand what for other than what she was told. All it seemed like it was for information, she thought.

Grey got serious, more heavy in thought and tiredly adding. "Director Oracle had read your file, he evaluated you, and already knew it would have gone two ways. You helped us, or... you would have run away already...."

Eve tiredly chuckles, but smiles warmly. But, it faded as she turned a bit dull. "Heh, he knows too well. I've really wavered between both options, but I know I must choose. Truthfully, I wanted to take some time. I wanted to see how much I'll miss the desert after some time...."

Grey sets his hands tiredly on his hips. He raises a brow to Eve. "You can take trips, like any job on your vacation time. Maybe you can use a jet, however far it can take you to the town. Don't think you can't go, just for work purposes now... But, I still understand... I hope you help us, but we'll keep you on our list if you decide to go. You know the catch." He then shrugged, but his voice at the end was somber, and he averted his gaze.

Grey walks on towards the elevators to send the suspect home, and Eve then follows right behind. She was a bit disappointed in the fact that she'll never be truly free. Maybe the town of Uridian she might, only there. Also kept from the harm of the outside world. At least there was one thing that Eve kept hope on. It was peace.

Peace was in the town, peace was kept by her, and the people she made smile. The agency was waiting to be at peace, and understand exactly what they were. And, to hopefully understand some other anomalies that were left a mystery to them.

A few, quiet days pass. Eve had been uncharacteristically calm the whole time. She had been more cautious, but more preparing for what to come. Everything seemed like it was quiet, till one morning an emergency signal was set off from the base.

As the day began, speakers from the hall started to ring. People start to make way to the elevators and stairwells. Eve looks around curiously and sees Agent Grey bounding toward her. His face seemed more serious, yet Eve couldn't figure out what was going on.

Grey helps Eve's confusion and grabs his stuff from his desk, already starting to move away slowly. "Maestro? We got a problem. There's a hacker trying to access our database. That alarm means an outsider just tried to get in our systems. We have to all evaluate to a lower level of the unit."

Eve gets up, and rushes without her coat. She just takes her belongings and stuffs them into her tactical belt, with all her spells and ingredients. Eve catches up to Grey and she calls from behind him. "What do we do?"

They keep their pace and wait in the center elevators that lead further down than the main elevators in the hall. They wait with other agents, and Grey explains. "Since this is a threat on the unit, we must be the ones to find out who it is as outfield agents. And, stop them from further action."

Eve tilts her head. "But, how?!" She uttered, confused.

The doors open and Grey grabs Eve's arm and leads them inside before the elevator was full. "Hurry up, and follow me. Our tech and specialists are working on it right now, let's go down to the underground control room, and find out what they've got."

Once the doors opened, they were in a large room, full of controls, monitors, along with a giant center monitor. On the main screen, countless surveillance was broadcasted. People all crowd in the wide and spaced room, able to fit so many decently. Seas of people wave the partner agents into the center of the room. Eve walks towards the screen, and sees the director looking up at it in front of them. Grey walks over to him, she follows and stays slightly behind.

Grey points out while looking at the alert. "They used an EMP to hide from the first alarm, but the control room still locked them out. It seems they're using an odd encrypted device, or ability to come and go without a trace. It seems we might have some rebels or anarchists."

Eve whips her head to Grey. Her eyes go wide and she holds her fists to her cheeks. "Why would we have that?"

The Director steps in closer, hearing Eve's outburst from behind. He stands before the agents with a small smile still. "I can answer. Different viewpoints. We never know what they want, but it's usually never good. We don't know who they are, but we have this surveillance and the few security guards they tried to take out. They don't seem well planned out, or possibly though they could storm in here." Which was near impossible to do. And just a few people in masks didn't seem like enough at all.

Grey sternly breaths out. "What's the captain's orders?"

The director looks back at the monitor speaking, calmly and confidently. "We'll look at street surveillance and see if they go through any."

The surveillance lessened to just the area around the building, and a few blocks out. They go back to the time the alarm was set off, sped up to now, and the director's eyes glow as he observes. He points out to one of the monitors. Someone zones in at the camera footage Oracle spotted and projected it across the screen.

"Looks like we found one. A male just appeared, he wasn't there till a crowd past an alleyway and he took off running there. His hood fell off so I can see it's one with a gas mask still on. He's off in the east, agents. Go try to find them, but be inconspicuous." Oracle then turns back to the partner agents with his order.

Eve turns to Grey urgently. She pours an invisible bucket of glitter onto her and ushers closer to him. "Grey! Quick, let me do a cloak spell on us."

Grey huffs shortly. "Okay, fine. Just hurry."

Eve does her cloaking spell on Grey. He felt like she just poured goo all over him. Then, it was soon gone. Grey tries to brush it off and turns behind to the elevators. Still, he couldn't shake how weird it felt at first, with a guttural response. "Bleh... The hell?- Let's just go...."

_____________________________

They head out of the unit and they start to run. The agents follow a signal from Grey's log where the suspect's recent activity was spotted from surveillance. They make it right on where their tracker had placed it, but looking around, the agents couldn't find the man in the gas mask, or any resemblance of his description.

Grey decides for them to widen their search, while he goes another way from Eve. They were set to meet together a few blocks away if they haven't found anything. Grey also makes sure Eve uses her work log, if she runs into trouble.

They turns around a corner, and sees a man in a hood walking away. His mask peeked out from the sides, it was the suspect. Eve starts to run and shout. "Hey, you! I need a word with you!" Just by her voice, the man starts running away. She shouts to the man again. "Don't run!!"

The man starts to fade into a black mist and indeed, stops running. He lunges into a plume of smoke flying away faster than his legs carried. Eve gets even, becoming lighter and radiant. She uses her powers to try to catch up to his speed. She felt like she was just within grasps of touching the smoke, till it bounced across the alley to avoid her. The smoke steers itself into a back alley. Eve runs up a wall to jump into the another alley, going down a set of trucks and supply stops.

Eve still remains cloaked. Unseen even as she's fast as a flaming arrow, chasing a dark gas. She calls out to it as she veers into another alley with a gate blocking in the middle. The gas phases through it. Eve makes an effort to jump onto the wall and leap over gracefully with one foot pointing out, over the gated fence. She lands with ease and continues to run after. "Heh, you can't run forever! I need to talk to you!"

The man takes a moment to reappear and land back on the ground running. He turns his head and shouts. "Whatcha' want? I can keep this up allll~ day!"

Eve shouts angrily at the suspect. He should know exactly what's going on, because she still didn't fully. "Grr!! I need you to tell me why you're snooping around private property! And what are you and the others using?"

The suspect peers behind at Eve. He tries to get a decent look at her. She was still glowing, almost angelically, and intimidating. Her eyes pouring out like blue flames. The man turns forward again and yelled aloud into the alleys. "Huh?- You're one of them! An agent!!"

Eve suddenly hears something behind her. She turns her head and sees blue and green lightning form then teleports two other suspects behind her. Now she's surrounded but keeps running. She turns back to the first suspect in a mask. He notices his comrades trapping her as planned. He stops by sliding with one knee and pivots his body back around to face Eve.

Eve is unintentionally the center of the rebels' attention. Figures in masks and dark clothing surround Eve's exits. Two on one side, the biggest and tallest along that Eve was chasing a moment ago, on the other. Eve looks around, seeing them trying to get an upper hand on her. Of course, Eve wasn't thinking of the alleyways and downwards paths she was running in, she was going farther away from the unit's precinct, and into their trap. "We don't have to fight, you'll regret it...."

Eve stands her ground as the rebels get closer. Her voice, still confident and unwavering of her mission. "As a federal agent, I think you'll need to be taken in for questioning. I only ask for that, not to have to get physical. We don't know if your intentions are for good or bad, we need to talk."

One of the two paired, gawked, "Talk? We don't want to talk." He oddly wore a thin, black sack over his head, his accomplice only wore a mask over their eyes.

Eve looks to him and ushers. "Well what do you want? I bet things could be a lot nicer if you didn't try to do something illegal." She gives a brief smile.

The sacked man responds, behalf of his cohorts, and maybe all the rebels as well. "We 'want' something you can't do! A revolution, for other superhumans. We don't want the damn organization to tell us what to do any longer! You can all go to hell!"

Eve awkwardly looks down at the ground. "Well... I would agree with you, however, I find them... okay?" Eve looks back up, but not very sure of herself.

The same man outbursts. "Just okay? I was stuck in the ward they locked me in, till I was driven mad! That's NOT okay!!" The man in the sack-mask argued.

Eve jumps to her surprise. She didn't know what it was like, but was told of how some facilities operated, if the information was honest. "?!- Well, I'm definitely going to have to check that out, and whatever else they might just say to please. I've been recently taken. So, I also don't know much about them yet...."

The man in the gas mask breaks the two's tension. We waved his hands up and laxed. "Heh, so, do ya wanna join us instead, maybe? Learn what it's like from the outside?"

Eve jumps again and protests with her arms. She points with her whole hand to herself and exasperates. "What? But, I AM from the outside. I wasn't taken as a child like many! I still don't know if they're good, but I have to find out for myself! We can't have chaos and uproar to keep moving people to change, that's not the plan...."

The one in the gas mask chuckles and points at himself. "I was a child taken once I got my powers. But, I got out young, and joined a revolution. You could join, if you'd prove you're not so loyal to the agency."

Eve raises a brow to the man speaking. "Why listen to you either, again, you're doing something illegal. I don't like that either, and would have to see for myself all the terrible stuff you BOTH do. So, why don't you all tell me about it....?" Eve smiles, tilting her head. She leans and places her hands behind her back innocently. She acts non-threatening, hoping it'll persuade them.

"Stop talking, don't give anything away! Just take her as a hostage!" The man in the sack turns to the man in the gas mask. The silent suspect also nodded in agreement. All of their eyes were now directed to Eve.

Eve smirks, and creates two small rings with two fingers. She points her fingers out to shoot the suspects. The one alone she was chasing dodges, just nearly. He makes a break to charge at Eve. While the one that was more hostile gets a direct hit in the chest. His partner, still silently beside him, watches and dodges away from the blast in surprise.

A quick plume of smoke moves and the man in the gas mask appears right in front of Eve. She defends herself, grabbing a kick sent at her and sweeps his feet from under him. She grabs a fire capsule and claps her hands together, breaking it and sending a swirling flame from her shoulder, to hand. She uses the flame to swipe at the two standing, and the one on the ground, trying to scoot away to get back up.

They try to ambush Eve, after each took a turn to rush her after countering the blasts. Eve grabs capsules from her belt and throws them on the ground. She spins a fiery kick onto the ground, then jumps up and swings a foot to counter a rebel. "Heh, I said you'll regret fighting me. I'm different from them...."

Rings in a spherical fire protected Eve from getting touched and grew so they would corner the group. One body suddenly zipped from spot to spot, getting closer to Eve. She sweeps a foot back behind her and prepares herself for an attack.

Eve starts to glow, and ready to dodge. When suddenly, the taller one in the gas mask swipes at her, then appears right behind her again. Eve stomps her foot and then turns to send a wave of light to counter as she sweeps her leg up. When it was about to touch the man, he vanished. He didn't instantly come back or poof into smoke, just disappeared. It was as if he teleported, without the same electricity the others used.

"H- huh?" Eve felt like she just blinked and he was gone. She backs away into the wall as protection from the other two still present.

They both run towards her, after murmuring to each other. She takes from her belt two different capsules, and clashes her hand together in front of her. A fan of violet and green fire shoots towards them, and they back away. Eve waves her hands, and fist, at them as they were caught unbalanced. She sweeps a kick with the two flames twirling around her. The rebels hall to the ground with small burns all over them from her attacks.

Eve tries to finish them off till they surrender. She kneels and presses her fingertips onto the pavement. She creates a large ring around her, when suddenly inside of it, a dark, shapeless sludge appeared from the ground and tried to fight Eve's light. It twitched, shot back down and up from the ground sporadically.

Eve stands up hunched, and breaks the circle as everything slowly stops glowing. "What... was that?...." Eve looks back up after the odd occurrence. Holding just her fists up preemptively, not knowing what to expect at first. The two rebels still present tried to get back up and use the opening to attack. Suddenly, something pops up from the group between them and Eve.

'Someone' in a gas mask pops up, their head phasing from the ground. "Aaahh- oouch!!... What did you do?! Ffff- jeez!!... That stings so much!" The man in the gas mask fidgets and rubs his aching head with his hands profusely. Eve sees his torso is turning black and disappearing into her own shadow.

Eve tried to back away. Even with her shadow not on him, a squiggly dark line still attached himself to her. "H- huh, you have a shadow power?"

The man waves his arms as he's still halfway into the ground. "And what on earth did you use?!" He cried bitterly.

Eve breathes a confident chuckle. "Heh, light. Your ability can't withstand mine."

'Mr. Gas Mask' holds his head and rubs it a bit sorely. "Ouchie... No fair~ That really burned like no other, ya' know? Imagination paper cuts and lemon juice all over your freakin' body! My head felt like it was burning up..." He shimmies himself out of Eve's shadow and sits on the ground with a loud and exhausting 'plop'. For such a bigger guy than the other two, he was kind of like a giant child.

Eve clenched her fist together and stomps one foot down, sending a light to flash suddenly. She gains their attention as they stop fighting. "All of you! Last chance to come with me nicely. I don't want to hurt any of you but I must, if you resist."

Eve hears a sigh and verbal pout from the gas mask. "Aww... you don't HAVE to hurt us." He opposed.

Eve holds a fist close to her, hiding a capsule inside for safe measures. "Then, come with me for a moment, and don't try to hurt me as well."

"Fat chance...." 'Mr. Sack' gawked. He ran towards Eve, and suddenly he took some shiny out of his pocket. Eve dodges backwards as he swipes a knife towards her. Eve whines up a fiery spin-kick into the man's stomach, with his knife in the opposite hand she swung from. He drops it, stumbling back.

As he tries to quickly bend down to grab for it, Eve points up, using her finger to let off a firework up to the tops of the buildings above. This is hopefully something Grey could see, he would hopefully know it was hers.

The sack man jumps up and turns around wildly. He pushes his partner to run as they try to make a break for it, before backup comes. "Let's get out of here!!" He shouts as he turns to the shadow-rebel.

The lone rebel waves them off and shouts back. "You guys go on head! I'll hold her off."

The two just quickly got together and on his command, they huddled and took off in an electric flash. The one with the shadow power watched them and turned back to Eve.

Mr. Gas Mask turns back to Eve. "Now, where were we?" He tilts his head, giving the same harmless act Eve did.

Eve looks down at him and coolly answers. "Hmph, you coming with me for questioning." She then smirks.

The man gets up and starts to walk closer. "Right, sure, but can I ask questions too? You said you weren't 'really' working for 'em. What are you then? Were you taken? Also, are you single by chance-?"

Eve interrupts sternly and waves an arm to silence him. "No more questions. What are you doing here?"

The lone rebel shrugs, kneeling on the ground. He showed no signs in fighting. He might have not wanted to. "Heh, just wanting to see what the big hub was about the agency. We're part of people who've escaped or hid from the power-militia. If you've never heard about us, you must have not seen other superhumans before them, have ya?"

Eve nervously shakes her head. She had, just different, since she's been learning about her kind for years now. "I'm new, and not fully sided with the agency's, but another. I also assume you don't know anyone in that building do you? I think, if we just show each other our different point of views, we'd not need to fight. If you talk to me, we won't need to do anything further than that. As long as you don't try to harm anyone."

Gas Mask coos contemplating. He scratches the back of his head, but not to mess with the straps of his mask. "I don't know, heh I don't want to fight ya either but... We're on opposite sides, for now."

Eve scoffs and corrects him. "Hey, I'm on my side. That doesn't mean the agencies, they just need me for some reason..."

The man gets up. Eve didn't notice till he was still and in front of her, the suspect was even taller than her partner Grey. He really seemed harmless however, just trying to make conversation. "Why? Maybe you don't need 'em?"

A loud clash, followed by shouting interrupts the two. "MAESTRO!!" Eve, and Mr. Gask Mask, turn to Grey, turning around a corner at them.

Gas Mask takes a step away from Eve, then makes a full turn, and tries to run off the other way. "Welp! Gotta go! Bye, Sunshine. Hope we meet again!"

Eve quickly turns back to the suspect. "Hey! We're not done here!" She tries to reach for him but he disappears in a dark swirling trail down to the ground.

Eve looks down and around at her shadow, following it as it casts down the alley, closer to Grey. Eve shouts, but Grey still didn't understand. "Grey! Watch your shadow!" As he's still running toward Eve.

Eve quickly places her fingertips onto the ground and glows. She hoped the light could protect Grey from a possible attack from the shadowy figure. She gently breathes and a circle appears around her and starry orbs float all around the entire alleyway.

Grey finally starts to halt, halfway across the way from getting to Eve. At least she made him stop at a safe proximity. "Maestro! What are yo- ?!"

Suddenly the fidgeting, thick mist popped from the ground, and proceeded to stumble to Grey. No matter how fast the shadow moved, it couldn't escape from a light orb hitting his shapeless figure. "Aaaahh!! Goddangit!! Again?!" The man shoots up from the ground behind Grey.

Shadow user goes to attack Grey. Grey quickly turns, using his arm and shoulder to push him away. Once Gas Mask was in his normal form and stumbling from his counter, Grey strikes at him. He sends a shoulder right into the other man and knocks him back. Grey takes out a small cylinder, and with a click of a mechanism, it launches into a steel stick. He swings at the rebel a couple of times till he was able to shift again, and reappears behind Grey in a dark mist.

Grey doesn't turn but swings the back of his weapon. Like a fool in a trap, the gas masked man gets a blow to the face. Grey turns, and he swings at staff, till he sweeps and foot and knocks the rebel down. Gas mask grunts falling onto the cold, hard ground. "Oof- !! Okay, now I REALLY gotta get out of here...." He kicks his legs out and runs as fast a he could from off the ground, till he was in a sprint.

Gask mask ran away from Grey, Eve tried to catch up from the other side with her power. "Stop!" She shouted, getting lighter and faster so she could make ground.

The suspect ran out of the alley and collided with a few civilians outside. As a few people fell or were suddenly looking. From the quick commotion, the man in the gas mask had vanished. Eve and Grey look out of the alley, and around investigating.

Eve takes a step out of the shadows and Grey grabs her arm. "Don't follow... We already lost him. Let's just head back and give word." Grey undoes the mechanism, and brings the pole into a small cylinder again.

Eve points to it as he puts it away. "What's that?", she asked. Grey looks down at his hands and takes it back out to show.

Grey holds his palm out with his weapon cradled in his hand. "This? It's a mechanical bo staff, a perfect non-lethal, self-defense tool."

Eve jumps up intrigued, and excitedly cups her cheeks. "What? I want to train with one! I don't want to use the guns or stuff as is...."

Grey quickly shrugs and nods. He walks closer to the end alleyway, as he puts his weapon back in his pocket. "Certainly, you may. I'm not a fan of lethality if the situation doesn't call for it either. You can keep it too, versus checking out a gun each day."

Grey looks out to the street. "We want them alive, of course we wouldn't just try to kill them. Follow along, we've been here for long enough." Grey turns away, back to the direction of the S.O.U. Eve follows behind and eventually catches up. Grey kept silent walking back, and Eve never spoke up to break the silence between them.

____________________________________

It wasn't until they arrived back at S.O.U. headquarters, Grey was the first to speak. As soon as they passed through the doors, his temper finally erupted. He turns to Eve, cold and harshly. "What happened back there?!"

Eve waves her arms, frantically explaining to her partner what had happened through words and hand gestures. "I was chasing one guy and two teleported with the same flash they used before behind me. We fought a bit, they said they're part of a revolution and some had escaped the agency. I'm assuming they're part of a resistance group, and hate anything the agency does. The one stayed so his friends could escape. He tried to convince me to go with them." She was still shocked about the events that happened.

Grey worries, and questions Eve. "Maestro? You're not thinking about going to join them, are you?"

Eve purses her lips tightly. She then flailed her arms up and down shouting. "Grey! If I could, wouldn't I?! You saw my signal, I didn't follow along with them. I'd be doing anything to get me to the desert, if that was the case!"

Grey clears his throat into his fist and coolly brushes off his worry. "Okay, okay. Making sure... I know you don't really like the agency, but the rebels are another thing. They're a whole new type of 'chaotic' society... I can't have you getting hurt where I can't protect you." If only he was the one to find them first, and not Eve. She could have gotten hurt. She didn't mention to him that one had a knife, because he might flip out.

Eve scoffs childishly. She then waves Grey off. "Protect? I think hide is better but, yes I already know that. I just take no side to any agency, or rebels. No one beside those I've known for so long... I see no one side is in the right, or wrong."

Grey, for a moment was about to each out to Eve. He realized and stopped, whipping his head away before he tried to console her. "E-... Okay, let's just get back to the control room. We'll have to find out more, another way...." With that, they both head back to the lower level.

The two agents make their way back to the lower level clearance. While they had been gone, the unit followed another safety test on the systems, and everything was cleared. No threats were near, thanks to Eve chasing off the rebels. While, also going a far distance away, so that it was deemed clear in the unit's facility to go back to their normal business.

Eve and Grey walk up to the director, who was still there, overseeing a smaller monitor. Him and two others were seated, looking through information.

Eve announces, lowering her voice to sound sincere, but somber. "Director? If I may... I had failed to catch the perpetrators when they were all there. I take responsibility, as we've come back with nothing."

Grey looks at his partner, a bit taken back at her blaming herself. The director turns from a computer and gives Eve a smile. "On the contrary, Maestro, you did just fine. With you, we were able to catch which way they were going. It's at least not completely empty handed. And the bright-side, no data was taken, and everything's fine. Now that we've scared them off."

The director turns and points to the big screen, which had no more warnings. It was street surveillance, and on the lower corner two profiles. One looked very familiar to Eve. The director's words only slightly comforted her. She couldn't forget the one rebel, dead set on getting revenge on the S.O.U.

Eve raises the question on her mind. "I'm curious. This group exists most likely because of the agency. So, what happened to them? One person said they were driven mad. Were they criminals, or hostages? Are some of the sanctuaries safe to live in?"

Grey scoffs and growls annoyed. "Jesus, Maestro. One question at a time...."

Eve peers at Grey, then back. She tries to find the right question that could answer it all. "I mean to say... What drives those people to want to destroy the secret unit?"

The director just sighs and explains the best he could. "Lots of things... just like any system. I'm afraid I couldn't give you a straight answer or short explanation, it's more in-depth than that."

Eve persists on knowing, not getting short answers, but to get real proof of the director's claims. "Well, I would like an explanation, and to see the facilities, given some time. I hope to ensure everything is peaceful enough. I may just be an agent here... but my higher purpose is outside of that. I want the old and new societies to get better at keeping magic and abilities from harm. The creatures and earth included."

Eve hoped she seemed needed, or acting outright of what she actually needed to do for them. It was honest, but she felt like it needed to be stressed more. It wasn't an idea already thought about. Oracle believed Eve could bend and build their rules, for the better. She could make a great higher operative, as she was placed to be. But, the director would give her more room to grow, when, and if, she was ready. Eve was already wanting to be more involved. Her fresh and righteous mind, he plans her to lead their unit alongside them, for something greater.

The director grew more sincere. "Yes, if you'd like to be a part of it. We'll just have to go through some things first. You'll see our rescue for our creatures, then you'll have a lot more treks lined up after. In our and your places. You'll always have access to other government services and facilities for your work, but can give a request form for permission to go see them, if it's not for a mission. For now, your speculation and special guidance is crucial work for you, your partner, and the agency to work on."

Eve nods, face serious with her soft features. "Okay, hopefully I can be of help for the greater good... It seems not all think the unit is so kind." The whole agency too, than just their unit perhaps.

The director breathes a sympathetic sigh. "You're correct, of course. Not everyone gets along with us, you would understand from your experience. So they often plot out attacks on the agency bases. We might have another underway."

Grey adds again. He walks close, and shrugs his shoulders and arms casually. "Maestro said they were rebels. She doesn't know much, but she tried to get more information from them."

Director Oracle nods. He turns to Eve, in question. "Anything particular they wanted?"

Eve looks between the two, then shrugs. "Well... All I heard was that they were trying to get revenge." She wasn't able to get much intel. But, she did personally learn a bit from the rebels about the agency. She hoped to not be tricked by the agency, or even the rebels. She saw no side as favorable, especially if one was apparently violent.

Oracle chuckles almost ironically. "Heh, that's always the main reason they claim. We want our people heard, but no matter how hard we try, not everyone is happy with the results. That's why we also trust you not to be like them. We want your help after all. You have the mind to shape some things that the agency might not grasp fully."

Eve brings a hand to her face meekly. She used to be a threat to them, exposing magic. Yet, they somehow needed her, and her trust, now. "Why me? I- I'm just curious, if I may ask..."

The director speaks a bit more serious. However, he was still kind, and critically thinking. "After reading your case, and our first talk, you Eve, hold a lot of power. A lot of knowledge and skill. It could shape ability users, their livelihoods, our system, and well-being. One person couldn't do it alone, so your help will give us more actions to put forth. You also have a great way at making yourself heard as well. Not many hold such a unique mind and power. And..."

The director paused, looking straight at Eve when speaking, to emphasize. "... You thought to use its purpose for good, like you did before coming here. Heh, you did get some fame. Not for you exactly, but for magic." The director's been trying to prepare her to be the voice of the people this whole time, yet Eve's been hesitant. She needed to hear his idea, to really think about helping them grow. Not for evil, but for their people.

Eve places a hand to her heart, and a princely bow to the director. "Really... Well, as an advisor for magic, I'll make sure the people's voices are heard, even the whispers. Those people...."

Eve then points to the large screen at the suspect list. Three pictures taken from surveillance, the three she encountered. Only two identified in the files below. She only assumed the last one left was Gask Mask to be identified. "... I must see their views too, to not be biased."

Eve's forward thinking brings an idea to the director. "Well, that's perfect. We could also use you to go undercover, if they're up to something dangerous. Sometimes their threats can be a problem. We could find a way if you need to get into a rebel base. Maybe, you could also learn a bit from them. You're the most honest and curious, but it serves you well for this mission, heh."

Eve leans to one leg and looks doubtful. "You're not worried I'd just leave?" She questioned plainly.

Director Oracle shakes his head. "Not exactly, I'd only hope you wouldn't go and attack us. Sure, you can run and hide, but we won't force you to come back. We would monitor you if you ever show abilities off to any normal people again, however. Then, you might expect a visit from us." He smiled and spoke friendly, but the last part sounded eerie, and a bit threatening for sounding so cheerful.

Eve looks around and thinks. She gives her honest feelings. And, her hopes. "After coming here, if I could leave, I'll go to one of the places where magic is part of normal life for everyone. But... I suppose I should try to change things for the better here before that idea. You wouldn't have to fear me exposing anything anymore. I just want to live a peaceful life, if I could. But, I want overall peace too of course..."

Eve gives a soft grin. As much as she love music, I can just stick to that and connecting with others. Or, go abroad to study spells in secluded areas, and beautiful oases. Wherever Eve could try to find the peace.

The director understands her completely. Eve always seeks what's right, a blessing and cursed trait to hold. A lot of weight falls on her shoulders with all the power she possesses and protects. Yet, even Oracle is hopeful in her success. "Maybe one day we could all be at peace, but for now, we have our ways and will try to make it right."

Eve nods and agrees. "Yes, I will help with that as long as you use the knowledge to better societies."

Director Oracle smiles. He holds a hand to his chest, as if pointing. "We'll try, that's part of our mission too."

The director then turns back to the screens in front of him, showing reports coming in. "Well, two of their identities are found from previous attacks, and they most likely have a lot more coming. We'll have to keep this investigation open, till this all settles down."

Grey turns and starts to walk back to the elevators. Eve waves goodbye and she runs off to catch up to him. She stares at him wide-eyed. "Does this happen a lot or something?"

Grey plainly answers. "Surprisingly, yes. It's not the first time dealing with this group. If they're abilities wielders, it's the same group we're familiar with. They looove to plot attacks on us..." he said unamused.

More people come in the elevators before they reach their floor. While Eve and Grey stay close to one edge, Eve brushes Grey's shirt sleeve, and keeps the back of her fingertips touching. She taps him with one finger.

'Grey, I need your opinion on something important if you can hear me... Can I really trust the Director about telling him about my mentor?'

The interaction, followed by the question made Grey think. He leans over and speaks in a hushed tone. "I... Maybe? I don't think he'll cause any harm if you explain it to him. Whether he'll want to contact him will be another thing. It'll be good to mention that before you go adventuring there. Finding out now would be better than later."

'Okay... I need you to talk to him first, are you able to use your power on the Director?'

Grey raised his shoulders, and quickly whipped his head to Eve. He tries to regain and whisper. "What?... I can, but he'll know."

Eve sighs exhausted, bringing both hands to cup her face. She muttered quietly. "Never mind... Sigh, I'll talk to him and hope he doesn't do anything. If he does, he'll never reach him without me anyways. Grey, will you come too?" She rubs her cheeks tired, then looking up at him softly.

Grey nods, and quietly speaks towards Eve's ear. "Of course... I know this will be a sensitive topic for you, since you're so protective of your beloved..." He leans closer, drawing out the last part. He then grinned, taunting her by saying nothing else after that.

Eve whips her head to Grey. She tries to be vocal, while hush in an angry whisper. "?!- I hope you know there's a word after that, and it's a secret civilization... You saw the lives there, you saw him, I love them all."

Grey draws out a toying, and doubtful breath. "Sure you do...."

Eve snaps at Grey annoyed, only fueling his teasing. "Shuddup!"

They step out of the elevator, not before others around them turn at Eve's sudden outburst in confusion. They try to go back to work, as if nothing happened. Eve however keeps her mind full of questions. And, she needed the answers to them.

___________________________________

It was just getting late, around the time Eve and Grey went off duty. However, they had one last thing to do for the day, and Eve was dreading it the most. The director was in his office, typing away at his computer. A knock at the door stops him and he looks to the door.

Eve pops her head in after a moment. "Director? Sorry to bug you, but I was hoping to have a serious talk about some information... I am hesitant, but hope I'm making the right decision in meeting with you."

The door fully opens, not because of Eve, but Grey behind her making their way in. He didn't want to be standing the whole time as Eve was avoiding going in.

The director watches them with a small, inquisitive smile. He waves Eve, and Grey, in to take a seat. "Well, you ask for a small meeting, and you mean with us three? Is there something I should know?" Oracle looks between the two smiling. Confident, yet for once a bit confused. Grey sits down with no hesitation.

Eve however, nods, slowly and cautiously moves closer to the seat to sit next to Grey. "Yes, if you haven't suspected... I have a lot of skill, for someone who's never seen powers before. I actually have met someone, before the agency. A powerful, but peaceful, one. I have come to learn a lot from them..." She admits, but it was hard for her to.

The director rubs his chin and thinks where Eve was avoiding mentioning a mentor before. "Ah, I see. They taught you all of your spell books?"

Eve nods hesitantly. "A grand magician, one that is needed in a secluded place, had shown me the way of what they call 'magicians'. A place where it wouldn't be good if he wasn't there, the civilization would die off, magic there will too. So... I once wandered, till I met him. That definitely was just by great luck, and he taught me everything he knows. He knows a lot, it could be information to bring peace and understanding here, maybe development...."

The director rests a fist under his chin and nods. It all made sense to him, even Eve protecting its identity. "Fascinating, everything you know, truly is from this man?"

Eve nods, but mopes. "Yes, but please don't blame him for my use of it in modern life- It was my decision after all, and didn't plot anything that-." She begged, then a loud scoff interrupted her.

Grey cuts in, for Eve's sake. "Breathe Eve, breathe. I'm sure he's not in trouble for that."

The director nods in agreement, and smiles at the two. "He's not, don't worry. If he knows a lot, we might want to have our researchers meet with him, with your permission and guidance, of course."

Oracle may already know, but Eve still emphasizes. "Okay, as long as he's safe and I WILL contact him first. I need to tell him everything to prepare for our arrival."

Now that it's no longer hidden, it's being stressed as much as she did with Grey. Even Eve knows, and had hid from the director previously, her mentor was also a key to discovering what the ability users were, and what their powers meant.

The director makes a mental note of it, and gleams. He was happy to hear Eve's agreement. They would keep their plan to learn from places Eve traveled, and hope her mentor could teach them a thing or two. "Definitely, we could also definitely use the help. We will try to be mindful, when we start our long trek to them. We could use all the help from him that we can get."

Eve nods slowly, looking down. It was what she wanted, but scared if the agency might do something. "He most definitely would give things that can't be used for evil. He may try to judge the agency's character to see if he can teach them more than a few things, however."

Oracle can see Eve's not hesitating, now talking about this new person of intel. He could suspect such, and wants both Eve's, and her mentor's trust. "Ah, well we will try to prove our intentions are just for help. We don't know what we'd learn from him, but we will use it for good, not in vain."

Eve eyes the director, and confidently speaks. "Good... my mentor's one of few real magicians felt, few wonders felt out there. There's possibly more places like that all over. Shops there carry unique imports for magic. Although incredibly expensive, it's for the magician to use, normal people cannot use it the same way after all."

Grey chimes in, leaning in his chair and arms crossed. He speaks calm and deeply. "Heh, I would also like to add that I saw Eve's memories, of course. Many actually, and she is quite honest. A lot of the things I don't exactly understand but could see its purpose. I would possibly trust this person, as Eve has been with them for years learning under him. She even tried to keep him safe and secret up until now."

Eve give Grey a side eye. She questions his rephrasing, shaking her head. "Wait... just 'possibly'? He understands a lot more about powers than you, he also just understands a lot in general. He's a scholar, a wise teacher, and a protector of a small city." She confidently spoke.

Grey explains, to both the director, and Eve. Pointing out the differences. "He lives in a place where powers can be seen as a gift, not every place is like that. He does know a lot but he doesn't have every answer to shaping a whole system in modern-day life."

Eve pouts at Grey. She still insisted on their help. "Well... that's why we must learn his perspective too, to better ours, and learn what could be a solution to some of our problems. Waters tainted, gardens dying, animals from extinction...." She trails on a small list of what many wonders it could bring. Seeing the town would help others see first hand how it helps a society.

Oracle chimes in, also hoping the two won't make this an argument in front of him. Yet, he smiles, and knits his hand together on his desk. "So, we will meet with your teacher first, then scout for other places for more answers. This information will help the current systems placed with old ones. Hopefully, they can help us as well."

Eve turns back to the director, and nods. "Sure, as long as we are peaceful anywhere we go."

The director waves a hand, laxed. "Of course, not to worry. We'll talk more about where and when later. More of the other details soon. Have a good rest of your night's, you're dismissed."

Eve gets up, bringing a hand to her heart and bowing her head to the director. She's zoned in her heroic acting with her genuine personality. She's relieved, and grateful for the director's word. She will hold him to it, not to break their promise. "Thank you for your time, have a good night."

Grey gets up and only turns his head to Eve. "A moment, Maestro. I want a word with the director, alone."

Eve meekly backs away and turns to open the door to leave them. "Oh- okay. I'm just going to get my stuff..." For some reason Eve was worried, like they were going to talk about her. And somehow, she was worried about that.

Eve leaves the two alone. Now, Agent Grey and Director Oracle stare each other down. Grey, serious, and the director smiling.

Grey finally breaks the silence, and exhales deeply. "I'm glad you're doing all of this, for the agency, but also for Eve. She's been very nervous about coming here, knowing only what her mentor taught her about powers, and their own people. She knew of no others like us, other than the them, and apparently other remaining magicians in the world. Why Eve calls it 'magic' and was taught the history of all that stuff. It was her mentor, and she cares a lot about him."

Oracle brings his hands up slightly, and shrugs. "But, spell-casts are still a cast of something. Either magic or ability, it's the same thing. Like different sides of the same coin. We learned the logic, but there's also the mystic portion. Sadly, we don't know the full story of the past of our kind. Eve has made this aware to us, and the possibility of something greater."

Grey eyes the director and away awkwardly. "Ah, you see it too. The weird part."

The director was only making an observation, but chuckles at Grey response. He can tell he's heard, maybe even seen a fair share already. "Haha, yes, I think so. This is definitely a breakthrough for our kind, we all could benefit from this. Eve could also see herself taking part in helping us, just with time."

Grey crosses his arms and chuckles. He waves with a finger. "Hopefully... Heh! She's a bit of a wild card, that one. She's uncertain of our true motives, she's hesitant to trust us...."

Oracle joins in a small laugh, agreeing. He can see it in Eve's eyes the fire and confidence she had at times. "Haha, as I've been well aware of. You'll have to keep an eye out for her. In case she runs into some troubles. Trust or none, protect her, if you can. She's too valuable to get in harm's way."

Grey eyes Oracle and smirks. "Of course, as it's sure to happen."

Oracle chuckles, cheeks brimming his eyes. "Heh, let's just hope not. You're dismissed, if that's all."

Grey briefly walks away to the door and leaves. He turns as he opens the door. "It is, goodnight, sir."

Oracle waves him goodbye, and smiles till the door closes. Then, everyone was back to their own vices.

_____________________________________________________________________

After a long day at the agency, Eve closes the door to her apartment and takes a heavy sigh, leaning on the door. The day was very confusing, and scary. She turns to the door and puts a seal around it, so no one could enter. The bottom and cracks of the doorframe glowed, knowing the protection charm was set.

Eve and Sameer walk into Eve's bedroom. She unbuttons her shirt a bit and takes out her communicator she's kept hidden. She holds it in her hands and waits as the crystal in the center starts to glow. It flashed for a moment, and Eve brought it in close. "Um... 'Mehl? Are you there?"

A slow flash responds to Eve.

'Of course I would be. Hello, Eve.'

Eve could hear her mentor's voice again. She jumps ups up, cheering gleefully. "Hi 'Mehl~! I wanted to check up on you again! How have you been?" She cradles the crystal and sways left and right in excitement.

'I'm well, and hopefully you are too. Just been so quiet when you're gone. I do miss hearing you sing in the shop.'

Eve blushed idiotically as she gushed over her mentor. "Hehe~, I miss you too! Telling Sam all about you has made me dying to get you two properly introduced!" Eve giggles and infectiously made Yamehl chuckle too.

'As before, I would love to. How has everything been with the organization?'

Eve slumps onto the floor, but speaks still excitedly. Not like she acted relaxed when working, all the time. "Been better! Thankfully, I think we got to resolve some things. But, I've encountered another group now. They hate the agency, so I want to know why. But otherwise, I've been able to live a decently normal life still, in part to having a weird job now."

Eve then pouts and talks in a childish moping. "I've been following their 'no magic in public rules', grrgh! It makes me so upset, but I'm behaving!..." She grumbles childishly.

Yamehl chuckles again, and then speaks sincere and kindly.

'Just hang in there, sorry you're being constricted of your powers. I know you do very well on your own. I have much certainty you could help them if you wanted.'

"Well, I might be. I'm training for a high level operative, or... am, but I've just been following someone around. They've been helping me not rebel against them sometimes, heh...."

Eve jolts and remembers her reason for contacting Yamehl. Her voice got much softer, and worried. "A- actually... I had to come clean about you today. I was worried about them finding you out themselves, and what they might do. I gave them warning, though. I definitely won't allow them to get to you easily. I told them if they ever needed to contact you, that it would be through me. And, if they ever need to go to Uridian, they won't know the location unless they remember it by foot. Unless they need a map, I won't be using one..." She whispered, panicked, but her mentor reassured her.

'It's okay, Eve. You might not have to worry about that. I'm sure as long as they've been treating you well, they will be fine. If I can't reach you, they must come here, if I were to really settle on things with them. You have not to worry about that. I will see their intentions for myself, soon. They will be granted a visit, if they comply.'

Eve sulks into her floor by her bed, she cuddles up to Sam, and sighs heavily. Sameer rests his head on Eve's lap to comfort her. Yamehl continues to try to calm her, as well.

'I'm glad you spoke freely of me, you don't have to be afraid. I don't want to burden you with any troubles...'

Eve gasps, she couldn't fathom her mentor ever being a burden. She however, could argue she's a burden to him. "But! I don't want you to be in trouble... I'll be fine... They live as a new form of magicians, only knowing their own affinity. Nothing about the past, as it was wiped away almost completely...."

Eve whimpers a bit. She knows if secrets are out there, someone's going to try to find it. With Eve being able to be tracked, compared to a secret desert oasis, it could possibly put the civilization at risk. She doesn't want the last bit of hope destroyed.

'Of course, it is still rare and different. Those things tend to be taken or destroyed, but not all have been lost. The earth never lost all of its power. Till the day it ceases to, magicians still coincide.'

Eve draws out, her tone in understanding but nervous. "True...." She twirls the sting of the necklace with her finger. Eve never breaks eye contact from the crystal. It flashes, with the calm, reassuring words of her mentor.

'Heh, I'll leave the rest to you there. I'm sure you'll know what to do. I'll find you, and them. I shall also grant them to visit, whenever it's time. Maybe they could learn some things to better the earth.'

Eve's head perked up. She could use the agency for good, of course with the right teachings. "Yes, yes! That's exactly what I hoped too!! If not, I should see if I could try to teach them a few. I just need some more materials, I've used up too much of my resources for the agency recently... And, it's impossible to get ingredients here! So far, I would also say being a mentor is hard work, hehe." She rubs her head awkwardly as she giggles. Yamehl could practically see her doing it, just from hearing and knowing her.

'Haha, the student becomes the teacher, you grow so quickly. I feel like there's not enough spells and magic in the world that you couldn't learn.'

Eve mopes as brings the crystal closer. "Yet, I still can't do every spell, or have everything I need sometimes. That's a bit of a bummer not being able to come see you... Hopefully if they let me see you for work, I can learn and practice more!"

'Heh, I miss teaching you very much as well. I don't know much else I could really teach... Ah, I'd have to come up with a list if you want one, heh.'

Eve giggles, a moment after, her feelings gave way in her voice. "'Mehl, I miss you so, so much..." Eve drops her head again as she looks at the crystal, only seeing it glow brighter as Yamehl would talk. It flashed, and she heard his response.

'We will meet again, if fate allows it. I'm sure it will, soon. I've missed you too.'

But, Eve didn't know if he missed him as much as she did. Or, feel the way that she did. "...." She goes silent, unable to try to forward the conversation with what she wanted to say. Yamehl noticed, and said.

'What's on your mind?'

As response, Eve blushes and panics as she couldn't tell him the truth. She started to ramble embarrassed. "N- nothing! I was just thinking if I could see you soon. Have breakfast again, make potions and remedies, go out- and stuff! Heh! Galaxies! I miss it so much, heh heh...."

Eve internally screams, she couldn't sound more blunt. She couldn't even talk to him without feeling like it could be their last, everytime now. She almost couldn't hold it in any longer. Her years of interest, finally overcoming her. Her words couldn't keep her deepest secrets forever.

Her mentor didn't seem to notice, or just didn't bring it up. Yamehl only replies to Eve's response, and her hopes.

'We shall. You're always welcome here at any time. Even if the Emperor looks for you, however, I suspect he's forgotten all about you.'

Eve jokingly chuckles. "Heh, I'm sure if he sees my face, he'll remember. I'll just have to make sure I'm not by the palace."

'We shall see, then. I'll always try to help you, if that man tries anything. I promise not to get myself thrown in prison, but I will make no exception to the emperor if a sword is directed at you again....'

Eve giggles and sways to one side. She waved Sam over, so that she can pet, and speak to her friendly freely. "Don't worry about me~ I'll be okay! If anything, I've been trained to fight now! I can protect myself in many ways, hehe! The heroes always prevail!"

If Eve's a hero, she was indeed getting stronger. But, for what? She was getting stronger, physically and ability-wise regardless. Eve was practicing enough, and gaining more strategy at the S.O.U. Eve even exhausted her powers at times, a rare thing for her to feel.

Yamehl was supporting Eve's journey, as scary as it was at times. But, her mentor can tell somethings different.

'Heh, you've changed a bit, haven't you?'

Eve straightens her posture, surprised. "Eh? Well... considering I've been very temperamental, scared, training to be a bit of a weapon... I'm still 'Eve', no agency will change me so easily. I still know what I do this for...."

'You have much to show for yourself, you've come a long way. Just from entering my shop, to how you are now. All these years, each trail, you've gotten stronger from.'

Eve wipes her hand under her eye, feeling her vision getting blurred. "G- goodness, 'Mehl... Heh, you're making me emotional. I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm crying, it's happy tears..."

'Oh Eve... If you wish it, I'll always be by your side. You wouldn't have to face this alone in the beginning. You can always call to me...'

Eve thinks deeply, she tries to be logical. Yet, her heart gives way. "... You're better where you are, even for your sake. You have much to do... and so do I... I will always communicate with you, by your side, or not. You're also always in my heart, and not a day goes by that I don't think about you..." She huffs with a tired smile.

'Please get some rest. It'll be a new dawn for you soon. We will talk soon enough, have not to worry about that, heh.'

Eve softly but gleefully cheered. "Talk soon, 'Mehl. I hope that your day goes well."

'Thank you, Eve. I'll also keep our ties close to my heart, you have been my dearest companion. Do rest well.'

"You're my dearest as well...- ah I mean to say likewise, heh! You and Sameer are the greatest thing in my life. I wish you all well." Eve chokes and rephrase her words, looking at Sameer with eyes widened. Yamehl assumes she was having a hard time saying goodbye, as it was always hard to, even more now.

'Take care of you two.'

Eve smiles warmly, petting Sam in the process. "We shall."

Eve waits for the crystal to fade and become a normal-looking crystal again. Their conversations had ended. She holds it there, then puts it around her arm, and puts her hands to her face, tiredly. "I need to shut my mouth..." She lays her head on her knees and rests the crystal on her head in her fist. "Why is love so scary!" She kicks out and scrambles with her hair, becoming more messed up and frizzy as a result. Sameer looks at her curiously and a bit concerned.