LAPIS :Chapter 18:

The past few days of Maggie's Soul Weapon training have been rather rocky. The first day at the Weapons Training Facility, I saw firsthand that Maggie wasn't doing too well. We were in a separate room than the day before, this one being a shooting range very similar to the one in the Jeweloid Sector of Gelus that I saw on my first day. Maggie was to create her Soul Weapon, quickly aim and hit as many targets as she could. The idea behind this simple looking test was, well, simple. Atterson had already tried for too long to get Maggie to form her Soul Weapon in a controlled situation, so he thought if he put her under a bit more pressure, out of instinct, Maggie may be successful in forming the formidable weapon she wielded in the Power Processor. Unfortunately, the attempt only made Maggie confused and for an odd reason; angry. In her eyes, as she explained to me later on, she felt that Atterson was teaching the method in a way that made her out to be stupid, ranting on the fact that she didn't understand the idea behind the method. Considering that she couldn't form her Soul Weapon to begin with, her thought is what’s the point behind bring her to a range if she has nothing to fire?

It’s that point that made me see a major problem; Maggie looks at things in a literal sense. Or, should I say, she only sees a top layer of what she's taught. Either way it's looked at, the traits say the same thing. Maggie doesn't understand the intention of the training. When I relayed that to Atterson, he seemed puzzled by the revelation. But, after a moment or two of speculation, he quickly went over to Maggie and nonchalantly began intertwining his usual instruction with an actual explanation of the reasoning behind the exercise he was having her do. The result was that Maggie seemed a bit more relaxed as she continued to repeat the training. Now knowing the reason behind being at the range instead of in the usual room seemed to push Maggie to try a bit harder.

But, even with her new determination, she hardly progressed and day two was no better.

Day three passed without any improvement, and Maggie was at her wits end, shouting at Atterson, “Nothing is working you idiot!”

“Miss, I don’t know any other way to help you unlock your powers-“ Atterson started.

“You’re full of it!” Maggie scoffed.

It seemed that Atterson was done with Maggie’s harsh tone, stepping up to her and yelling in her face before I could intervene, “You’re the one that can’t do anything right!”

“Hey-“ I said.

“You can’t teach! That’s why I can’t do anything!” Maggie interrupted, pushing him away. I grabbed Maggie’s wrist, pulling her away from Atterson before I met her eyes. She was crumbling under her failure, shaking, and it was easy to see that just a little more push would send her over.

And that’s just what happened. A final comment that I wasn’t able to make out sent Maggie into a full on power melt-down. With a shrill yell, she let out a power shock on similar levels as the ones she released her first day, shaking the structure even as it seemed her Soul Weapon seemed to be released, but in its raw state. Atterson was instantly down, thrown back into the closest wall before falling to the ground. I, being right in front of her, was blown off my feet and sent flying about ten feet before I skidded to on the padded floor. I strained to stand back up, looking to see that the blue fire, electricity, lava, whatever she said it was, was dripping in odd wisps off her arms, her eyes sparking with unsettling levels of power before it seems her power imploded on itself. The raw energy suddenly attacked Maggie herself, causing her to scream in agony as she let out another sharp power shock. That one sent me to the ground, causing me to black out for a minute. When I came to, Maggie was crouching in front of me, sparks flying off her body as she shivered, tears falling down her bruised face. Her eyes slowly opened, and she looked straight at me as I tried to prop myself up, the strength and power that once shined replaced with fear and self-hatred. Her voice . . . it was just as frail as her body, shaking as she muttered, “Why can’t I be normal?”

I wanted more than anything to attend to Maggie to make sure she was alright, but before I could manage to stand, I was surrounded and escorted out by the red guards. Atterson was brought out with me, and those who went to retrieve Maggie were armed. I tried to talk myself back in, but to no avail, I was made return to my barrack since I was “no longer needed.”

Now it’s day four, and just as it has been the past few days, Maggie is at a standstill, and at a point of giving up. Atterson spent the entire morning going over methods with Maggie and me to see if any had a glint of promise, but to our dismay, none of us came to a decision and we went on break. As regroup time approaches, I walk quickly from the staff room, where I’m now ordered to go when we're not training. I only recall where it at because it’s down the main white hall that leads to the training room that I was taken to the first day. Occasionally I glance up to look at the inscriptions I never had the chance to read, to find that the majority of the quotes are Latin, leaving me clueless to what they may say.

"Isugoro?"

I blink, turning around at hearing my name to see a face I had forgotten; Anyola. She looks happy as can be as she realizes it’s in fact me, dropping her normally dreary countenance as she skips towards me, a broad smile formed on her face. Her blonde locks bounce around her shoulder at one side, but on the other they dance around her waist, as she has a diagonal cut to the end of her hair, contrasting with her straight bangs across her forehead. I manage a grin, strangely not as warm to see her. "Hello Anyola," I say politely.

Anyola giggles, looking down at the papers she holds close to her chest, doing so that it appears that she is avoiding my gaze. But, she quickly returns to look up at me, meeting my eyes. Her eyes are dark green, resembling emerald under the light. "It's good to see you Isugoro. It's been a while since I last did," she says innocently as I've ever heard.

"Yeah," I answer simply, "About three weeks ago, I believe."

She chuckles, "Oh, Isugoro, you're good with time. That's always a good trait to have."

Dear God.

"Yes, well, I'm actually on my way to something, so I need to-" I start.

"Are you meeting Major GOLD?" she interrupts. At first, I don't know who she's referring to. Though, I quickly make the connection that she's talking about Kasami, and I nod vaguely. In reply, her smile somehow brightens, before she takes my arm without warning and begins to pull me in the direction I was already traveling in. "Well, that works out! I'm going to meet him too!" she says with the cheesiest smile.

My brow furrows as she leads me against my will, not very content with her misunderstanding of our relationship. It is this point that I clearly infer that Anyola is interested in me. Not to make myself sound like I'm some amazing guy that deserves to create interest, but it's just very obvious that that is how it is. Normally, guys my age are very dense when it comes to girls and their emotions, but there are times when the densest guy can clearly see what a girl's intentions are, especially when she's so forward about it. Anyola doesn't seem to know that she's making it very obvious that she likes me, so I guess I'll keep quiet, and spare her of any embarrassment at this point.

"Isugoro?"

My eyes widen as I hear another's voice; Maggie. She must have come looking for me, considering I normally don't arrive so close to the designated time, with only a minute or two to spare. I've been returning about ten minutes early since day one.

At the sound of her voice, Anyola steadily becomes more rigid, the look of happiness on her face faded back into her sunken glare. I gulp, trying to figure a way to warn Maggie. But, I don't have to think long.

Isugoro, where are you?

Maggie's voice is calm as it plays through my mind, though it startles me as it's been quite some time since I've heard her trail my thoughts. But, I bounce back immediately.

Go back in, Anyola is here.

It's at this moment I hear scampering ahead of us, trailing off until a mild click sounds. I grin bitter sweetly. It seems Maggie is still a bit uneasy about Anyola too.

"That girl, of course she has to be here. . . ." I hear Anyola trail, catching me off guard.

"What is it Anyola?" I ask, "Why are you tensed up about Mag-"

"Jeweloid 009 to you, Isugoro!" Anyola snaps, looking back over her shoulder at me, her glare abrupt. Her dark green eyes look grey now that she's lost her luster of joy, seemingly lifeless in a way. I don't get long to make any other inferences, as she whips her head around quickly after her initial connection that I find it hard to believe that she did not get whiplash from such a fast movement. Her grip on my arm tightens and she quickens her step, causing us to arrive at a much quicker pace. She only releases my arm to open the door, pushing it open before reaching back to grab my wrist, thrusting me forward as she pulls me into the room ahead of her. I stumble as I enter, causing Maggie to giggle as she watches from the far corner of the room. I quickly connect my eyes with hers and give her a faux sneer, causing her to stick her tongue out in rebuttal.

Though, her quirky expression vanishes as Anyola enters, her gaze quickly finding Maggie and locking itself on her. From there she starts a b-line right for her, but I intercept her before she even makes it halfway.

"Weren't you here for Kasami?" I question, looking her dead in the eye as I take her shoulder and turn her back to the opposite direction. Anyola doesn't answer, but before long she does walk away to the spot where Kasami stands with Atterson, the two discussing some alternate methods they could enact so to help Maggie.

That was actually the main discussion that he carried with me today at lunch. And, now that I recall, he did mention that he was going to have someone visit us today. Was he talking about Anyola?

Upon meeting the two men, Kasami greets Anyola with a warm smile, only to be given a shaded frown in return as she holds out the papers she had been carrying to him. Kasami, as if blind, brightens as he takes the documents, thanking her before excusing himself from the other two. Atterson doesn't even notice though, as he's too busy gawking at Anyola.

I roll my eyes as Atterson tries to play off the obvious intentions he has by engaging Anyola in small talk. I mean, I won't lie and say Anyola is pretty. In fact, she's an attractive young woman. But, even so, her looks have been overshadowed by her even bigger attribute; her less than outstanding attitude and manners.

Mom taught me not to start anything with girls that couldn't even look happy after the dumbest confrontation. She says "If the girl can carry a grudge for such a small mishap, than a serious wrong will bury her in a hatred much deeper than six feet." My mom may be a bit ditsy, but she's not stupid, especially when it comes to the emotions of women. Mom has a great knowledge of many emotions, some I've never tried to imagine.

Or want to for that matter.

After a few more minutes, Anyola seems to become bored of Atterson, walking away. By this time, I have already regrouped with Maggie, trying to change the topic on my mind to something much lighter as Anyola joins us.

"So, you're having issues I hear," Anyola questions Maggie, staring her down like a lion may when about to pounce on its prey. Maggie tenses, surprised by Anyola's sudden appearance at my side.

Though, unlike before, Maggie quickly relaxes herself, her eyes cooling as she returns Anyola's stare. "Yes, I'm at a plateau at the moment," Maggie replies, her voice calm yet strong, "Though, with a bit more work, I should overcome the obstacle soon enough."

A sly smile creeps onto Anyola's face, and she chuckles, stepping a bit closer to Maggie. It's at this point I begin to reach to pull Anyola back, but for a split second, Maggie breaks her stare down to look at me, somehow signaling me to halt. Though, she quickly returns her eyes to Anyola, keeping herself reserved.

"What other things have you been told?" Anyola questions.

Maggie’s expression doesn’t falter, but something about the way she stares at Anyola changes. I glance back at Anyola, seeing that her eyes are strangely glazed over. "I'm a Class Zero," Maggie answers quickly, catching my attention, "Apparently one of the strongest types of “Jeweloids” around."

"Haha. Heh, why do you say Jeweloid like that?" Anyola chuckles, "Are you having issues with understanding what you are? What your place is?"

"No, but why don't you enlighten me," Maggie says, "Since you seem to know much more than me."

It's at this point that Anyola leans over slightly, speaking directly into Maggie's ear so that no one but her can hear. Though, whatever it is seems to spark something in Maggie I haven't seen before.

Rage.

I have seen Maggie mad, angry, even hysterical out of frustration and irritation, but rage is an entirely separate level. You can sense it in the air, it's gone from calm to electric in mere seconds. Her eyes are glowing; not just sparking, they’re lit up in a way I’ve never seen.

Hell, there's an aura of light blue beginning to spark around her body that has me both intrigued and freaked out at the same time. Unlike her meltdown yesterday when her power was gushing out without restriction, now it’s focused, strong electric like pulses dancing excitedly about her. Instinct causes me to retreat a bit, stepping a few steps back and turning to alert Kasami, just to find him already aware, and on guard. Atterson stays in place as Kasami starts towards us, but without warning, he stops, surprising both of us.

"K-Kasami, what-" I start.

"Really?"

My eyes widen as Maggie suddenly pushes past me, making a beeline for the door. The aura around her is still sparking, the way it reflects in the light making it appear that her hair is ablaze. The armed guards on duty move to stop her, but she won’t have it. With no warning, she lets out a power shock, paralyzing the guards, Atterson, and Anyola, who I hear fall behind me, before walking out, the door slamming shut behind her.

“M-Maggie!” I shout. Without thinking, I hurry after her, worried of her intentions by leaving the room. I hear footsteps following after me as I turn out the door way, though I'm too devoted to keep Maggie within my sight to really notice who is tailing me. It's not long before I know where she's headed, recognizing the pathway as the way toward the range she's trained at before.

Upon entering, I see Maggie standing in front of the cubby she's been in before, staring down the range toward the targets. My eyes trail down to see Maggie's hands clenched in fists, shaking as the aura begins to grow and spark around her grasp. The sight causes my breath to catch, recalling yesterday’s chaos. If she shorts out again, she could seriously injure herself or destroy this part of the building.

I need to calm her down-

Don't do anything.

I jolt as I hear the new voice in my mind, the tone unrelated to any person or Jeweloid I've ever met. Though, I quickly make a connection as I see movement out of the corner of my eye, looking over slowly to find that a person stands in the shadow of the room, leaning against the wall. After a longer evaluation, I come to the simple realization; the being is a Jeweloid.

How I'm able to tell is easy. Once I notice their presence, the Jeweloid lets out a bit of its power.

I fall to my knees instantly.

After a moment, the Jeweloid moves into full view. The being in front of me is in fact a woman, looking to be in her late twenties, maybe early thirties. Unlike the other Jeweloids I've seen who have very simplistic tattoos on their cheeks and a few locations across their bodies, this woman has very complex tattooing that curves and twists down both sides of her cheeks. They remind me of the Orien scrolling I've seen on books from some of the earliest periods that was saved from being destroyed in the Continental Apocalypse. But they're not the only ones, as a few other markings grace her pale skin, each design mirrored perfectly on the other side of her face. Her eyes and hair are the same metallic gold, a rectangle pendant that seems to match perfectly with her unique traits hanging from a short chain around her neck. Her ear lobes are large, gauged, and her cartilage is repeatedly pierced, matching the two eye brow piercings latched to the right brow, giving an even greater edge in her appearance.

Her uniform is a different as her looks are, the collar open and continuing into a steep v neck, ending at her natural waist. The look reveals parts of her breasts and stomach, but besides that, the rest of her body is covered, looking like an advanced version of what Sammy wears. The colors of her uniform match the colors of her tattoos, the main parts a rusty red, the under parts a matted blue, and the trim looking like a mix of silver and black. Though, that's only speaking of her top, the bottoms are simply a black pant, and a pair of heeled matted blue combat boots.

But, her amazing look barely compares to the look on her face. She's strong. And that is something I don't mean lightly. If she wanted to, I sense this woman could break me in half with only her stare if she decided to look me straight in the eye.

The new Jeweloid ignores me, her attention on Maggie, who to my amazement, wasn't even phased by the woman's power. The woman turns so I can no longer see her face, stepping closer to Maggie.

"She called you something so simple," the woman says, her voice smooth as velvet, "But it seems that was right to say, since you've now advanced to stage two."

I blink in surprise. Wait, what?

Maggie sneers a bit, still staring forward at the targets. But, suddenly, the power welling up around her fists vanishes, and the air goes still. I find myself holding my breath, unaware of what is happening. The woman's head nods, and she takes another step, the echo deafening against the silence set. "Your power will only respond if it feels you are deserving to wield it," she continues, "Up till this point, you've looked at it as a thing, an object used simply to carry out someone's bidding."

At once, Maggie's expression changes, softening into a serious, but focused frown. Her eyes close, and her head falls a bit, as if she has come to a realization.

The woman chuckles, "You couldn't be more wrong."

After a moment, Maggie's head rises, and she looks over her shoulder, meeting the woman's eyes, her own fired, but controlled. The woman's head bounces a bit as she connects her stare, "Why, you're eyes are quite intriguing . . . Young Class Zero."

For a few seconds, Maggie just stand there, before she finally responds, "You were the one that said that. You used your Abilities of Mind to take over Anyola's actions."

The woman breathes in oddly, though her tone doesn't change, "You catch on quickly. It's that kind of advanced observance that tells that you are one of now seven Class Zeroes."

Maggie gulps, speaking cautiously, "You're one of them."

My eyes widen in shock. This woman is another Class Zero?!

The revelation causes the woman to chuckle, before she starts to play with a strand of her multi-layered locks, long in front, but gradually shorter until it's as long as mine in the back. She steps back a bit, turning her pose so now she's standing parallel to the walls at our sides. I see a small grin form on her lips, and she disconnects her eyes from Maggie's looking at the ground. "Yes," she says coyly, "I am one of the other six. I am known as HERA."

"HERA?" Maggie repeats, "Is that your real name, or is that the name they made you take?"

HERA looks up, but not back at Maggie, too caught up in laughter. My brow furrows a bit as I begin to feel a bit uneasy by the woman. "Made me take?" she repeats, "Don't be daft! These cowards would never dare force me to do anything!"

Maggie's expression finally breaks, her countenance making her out to be confused. "Why? The people here control us," Maggie starts. Her statement causes HERA to whip her head around to stare her down. Maggie draws into herself a bit under HERA’s sharp eyes, her voice bit shakier as she speaks, "I mean, they do, right?-"

"Are you stupid?!" HERA yells, "If you wanted, you could wipe out all of the people in the base!" Maggie's eyes widen, startled by HERA's words. HERA, still staring at her, breathes heavily, then sighs after a moment. "I chose my own name. No, it may not be the name my mother gave me, but it is the name I wanted to be known by for a long time," HERA finally answers, "The Commander didn't want to start any beef with me, so he gave me the decision from the beginning."

"Oh. . . ." Maggie trails.

HERA watches her for a moment, then shakes her head. "You're soft," HERA states bluntly, "You may try to give off a strong vibe, but your actions are empty. You're over a thousand years old, but you're still wired to think like a seventeen year old girl."

Without warning, HERA is only inches from Maggie, causing her to jolt in surprise. HERA pushes her sharp nail into the fabric of Maggie's shirt, pointing toward her heart. "You possess more power than anyone here, even yourself, can imagine. I can sense it because I am a greater power level than you . . . well, at the moment," HERA states, implying Maggie's capabilities between her words, "To be honest, if you wanted to, once you completed your full training, you could simply leave and those idiots couldn't say no. I could do it today if I really wanted to."

"Then why don't you-" Maggie starts.

"Because if I did, then those who can't would be the victims of their wrath," HERA interrupts, power in her tone, "Everyone but the seven of us is under the power of Gelus. It is our duty as Class Zeroes to be ambassadors, and to protect our own. If we were to disappear, than there would be no one to keep the Commander and the other higher-ups from doing worse than they already are to our comrades."

I see the color in Maggie's face beginning to fade as HERA's words sink into her mind, realizing just how extreme her position now is within this new world. HERA seems to notice Maggie's change, and groans as if she's annoyed.

She slaps Maggie across the face.

It's so sudden that I don't even react, too stunned to truly register what has happened. And it seems the same happened with Maggie, in so much shock that she doesn't move her face from the position it took after impact. HERA simply stands there, looking irritated as she did before. "You don't have the pleasure of comfort here in this world. We are simply weapons; tools for the expulsion of Noxcus," HERA says, "The sooner you accept that, the easier you'll adjust to being their puppet-"

"Stop."

I don't know what just came over me, but I'm now really regretting letting myself speak without thinking. HERA hasn't tried to look at me yet, but as soon as the word leaves my lips, she becomes rigid. Maggie instantly connects eyes with me, her eyes reading shock and immediate worry. I gulp as I feel a lump beginning to form in my throat.

Suddenly, I hear HERA beginning to move, and I quickly look away from Maggie, concentrating on keeping my gaze away so I don't pull her into this. As I suspected, HERA walks to me, kneeling to be at eye level with me. Hesitantly, I connect eyes with her after a few moments, surprised at how alive they seem to be, sparking metallically like melted steel. Her eyes widen a bit, then a sly grin forms on her face as she comments, "Well, aren't you a brave one. Normally a Human won't look me straight in the eye, but you dove in in only a few seconds. I'll commend you for that."

I keep silent, which seems to agitate her. Her head tilts, her eyes still locked on mine. "What? Too scared to say anything?" she questions, "Just a moment ago you were fine with speaking. Were you upset by what I said to her? My actions?"

"Isugoro, please-" Maggie starts.

"Oh, you two know each other well?" HERA interrupts, her grin becoming more devious. Maggie instantly freezes, catching her breath. I surprisingly don't waver too much, which seems to amuse her. She stands, turning to look back at Maggie. "Well then, I think I know the best way to get you to phase three," HERA says.

Maggie's eyes widen, her expression becoming more frightened, "What are you planning?"

With that, I find myself standing up, though, I'm not the one that decided to do so. My brow furrows as I find I’ve lost control of my body, and I instinctively look up at Maggie. As soon as our eyes connect, the light in her eyes vanishes. "HERA, wait!" she yells.

At that moment, my body goes limp. As I fall to the floor, my vision goes dark, the only thing remaining being my hearing. I hear the thud of my body hitting the floor, and Maggie gasping in shock.

"I-Isugoro!" she yells. I hear her beginning to come towards me, before a crash sounds through the room. Unknown to me, HERA has thrown Maggie into the wall, irritated by her actions.

"You are weak," HERA spits, "I was able to look through the boy's memories. To think, you kissed a despicable Human!"

"I-I was in my Insanity State!" Maggie retorts, stumbling to stand, "I wasn't in my right mind!-"

"We speak our true thoughts in Insanity State!" HERA snaps, "You told him that you cared for him, you kissed him out of true affection!"

Maggie doesn't answer, prompting my mind to cling to HERA's words. Suddenly, HERA chuckles, “Heh, he’s still mentally aware, how interesting.”

I try to understand her words, but before I have the chance, my mind goes blank, and the world goes mute, leaving me totally clueless to what may happen.

. . .

“There, that’s better,” HERA says, glancing back at Maggie with a smirk, “Don’t need a Human listening in.”

“What did you do to him?” Maggie says, her face pale as she stares.

HERA turns to look at her, sighing, “Easy; I turned off his conscious.”

“Turned off his conscious-“ Maggie repeats.

“Yes, you fool, I turned it off,” HERA says, rolling her eyes, “Dear God, I hope you remain this dull.”

Maggie doesn’t reply, grunting slightly as she stands straight. HERA watches her a moment longer, before her eyes fall back down. Without warning, the air takes on strange feeling, the atmosphere heavier. Maggie’s eyes dance around the room, before her eyes find HERA. Gracefully, HERA moves her arm across her body, a metallic gold mist following her fingers as a large spear-like weapon forms in her grip, both ends fitted with sharp blades; one a simple spear head, the other appearing more like a scythe.

She looks over her weapon for a moment, before meeting Maggie’s eyes. Maggie’s heart almost stops as she watches her step closer to the prey, positioning herself above in a stance of preparation. She looks back up at Maggie, scaring her as her eyes look dead, devoid of feeling. "This man shall vanish, and then you'll move on as a Class Zero," she says, her voice flat as a still pool.

Maggie’s mind halts, watching dumbstruck as HERA begins to place the scythe under the neck of her prey. As she begins to pull it closer, something in Maggie's mind shatters. Her eyes still, and the air follows. HERA stops, looking up to see what has happened. Though, her curiosity is met with the shock of Maggie's powers beginning to spark around the room, even though her eyes seem lifeless. Her brow rises, though it's not 'til Maggie's hands begin to rise that she realizes what's really happening.

A bright blue light sparks at Maggie's finger tips, Maggie closing her eyes as she begins to grip her hands in tight fists. She breathes a deep breath, then in a mere second, her eyes flash open, burning with the same blue flames that now emanate from her hands. HERA's eyes widen in surprise, smiling as Maggie steps forward, her power staggering on levels far beyond the power shocks she was giving before. The scythe fades off as she begins to chuckle, "I told you that you were wrong."

Maggie doesn't respond, stepping closer still. HERA's look becomes confused for a moment, before she sighs, seeming to become content.

. . .

With what feels like an electric jolt, my body returns to life, my vision returning and the numbness retreating. I jerk slightly as I blink a few times, and I try to prop myself up, but fail under the intense pressure of power. The only thing I'm able to do is turn my head some, shocked to see Maggie holding HERA up by her neck with one hand, and in the other . . .

The same pistol that I saw last in the Power Processor, pointed at HERA's head.

My eyes widen, totally confused. Just how long was I unconscious? What happened between HERA and Maggie that allowed her to finally pull her refined Soul Weapon?

"M-Maggie. . . ." I trail.

Maggie doesn't respond, still as she stares down HERA, who in return still seems quite confused by what just happened. Then, Maggie speaks plainly, "Don't involve him in your backwards teaching."

HERA's eyes widen in surprise, as do mine. I gawk up at Maggie, dumbfounded, and hoping that if she turns back, she’ll meet my gaze and give me some sort of hint. But, to my dismay, she doesn't move, watching HERA as she begins to laugh, her countenance suddenly pleasing.

"You connected the dots once your powers unlocked," HERA states, finally returning Maggie's striking stare, "But still, you allowed your powers to take control when you felt that you had no choice but to yield to them in order to protect that young man."

Her comment throws me for a loop, my brow furrowing slightly in concern. Whatever I missed must have had to do with me, but they're so vague that I still can't understand.

Why do women do that?

HERA grins, her eyes dangerous as she leans her head forward a bit to make the air between the two even more electrified. She chuckles, "You get it? Your powers aren't simply something that you control; you're under the control of them. No matter what you think or say, you can't deny that."

Maggie doesn't make any movement.

"You aren't the master. . . . The ice that captured you is, and now all you are is a slave. All you can do now is simply perform its bidding," HERA says, her voice dark.

For the first time, Maggie flinches. She sighs, lowering her pistol some as she speaks, “You saying that doesn’t help anything.”

HERA’s eyes widen some, before she looks slightly irritated. “What? Just because you were finally able to connect with your powers, it doesn’t mean you can speak to me like we’re on the same level,” HERA says.

“We’re both Class Zeroes-“ Maggie starts.

“You haven’t even been able to master your Soul Weapon, don’t even try to say shit like that to me,” HERA says as she narrows her eyes.

Maggie doesn’t reply, turning around to face me. Her face is stone, but as soon as she meets my gaze, her expression warms some. She steps over, her Soul Weapon fading into blue mist when she extends a hand out to me, grinning as she speaks softly, “You ok?”

I’m unable to answer immediately, still a bit speechless as I watch her. Though, I do find my voice after a few moments, clearing my throat as I take her hand, “Y-Yeah, I’m fine.”

She grimaces some as she helps me to my feet, her expression hardening again as she looks back at HERA. HERA’s eyes look from Maggie to me, almost glaring as she speaks, “Humans are such weak creatures.”

My brow furrows, my expression immediately turning serious. HERA just watches me a moment longer, before she appears confused, trailing softly, “Interesting. . . .”

“What?” Maggie questions, stepping slightly in front of me.

HERA looks back at her, grinning slightly as she crosses her arms, “Miss, I am your last chance. I was called forward to be your mentor.”

Maggie raises an eyebrow as she speaks, “Mentor?”

“Yeah, don’t look so excited,” HERA says as she steps closer to us, “Normally Class Zeroes work on their own before Introduction, but considering how well your . . . progress is going, I was called from my relaxing residence near the Capital to help whip your sorry ass into shape. Don’t want to give the Class Zeroes a bad name, now do we?”

“Why you?” Maggie asks, her eyes narrowing.

HERA looks at her like she’s an idiot, and promptly slaps her upside the head. Maggie stumbles, falling into me a bit before HERA takes her collar and pulls her close. Suddenly, HERA raises her power, the air becoming thick with her power. Maggie’s tough expression falls apart, fear showing on her face. HERA speaks quietly, her tone sharp, “Because, I won’t kiss up to your ass. I don’t give a shit whether you like me or not, so I will push you to the very edge to get the results I see fit.”

Maggie just stares at her with fear, making HERA apparently amused enough that she allows her venomous smile to rise on her lips. “Good talk,” she says with an eerie perkiness. She releases Maggie, and purposefully pushes past me on her way to the door. She pauses right before the threshold, turning to look back at us with a laugh, “See you tomorrow.”

With that, she’s gone. Maggie and I don’t say a word, both of us probably overwhelmed by HERA’s menacing presence. Though, Maggie seems more irritated than anything, slowly starting to shake. I watch her for a moment, before I reach out to her shoulder. “Maggie-“ I start.

“I’m not on the same level.”

I blink as I respond, “Huh?”

Suddenly, Maggie walks over to one of the cubbies, looking down at the same targets that Atterson set up days ago. She clenches her fists, before she snaps her right arm up, a very familiar mist coming off her fingers as a form morphs in her grip. I’m shocked as I see her create her Soul Weapon for the first time, even more so by the fact that as soon as it solidifies, she aims at the farthest target, and pulls the trigger.

The shot is the most astounding sight I’ve ever seen. The loud bang basically blows out my eardrums, an almost blinding blue light soaring through the air and splintering off. I look away for an instant, hearing two more bangs before things finally die down. I pause a moment, before I look up, shocked to see while Maggie shot only 3 times, all of the thirty targets are completely destroyed, turned to dust. I slowly turn to look at her, the pistol still tight in her grip as she stares down the shooting range. After a moment, she lowers her arm, the gun dissipating as Maggie comments to herself, “I will be.”