Apotheosis (Song of Sophangence Book 3)

by E. I. McAllistair

  “So you are a Juggernaut?”

  “That too, but just that isn’t all. I’m a Quintessence too. I can sense and manipulate vibrations in pretty much anything. You know everything vibrates at a certain frequency, right? Well I can change that to either speed it up or slow it down, or change the intensity.”

  “That is so cool Shonny! How do you use it to fight?”

  “Since people’s bodies vibrate too, I can affect them, though it is hard to know just what to do. The more people around, the harder it is to target. Plus everything is always vibrating, so sometimes trying to tune everything out get on your damn nerves.”

  Peter nods with understanding, “Yes it makes sense. You would be a Controller or a Disruptor then. Could be useful, especially as you learn how to use it better. What about you Wu?”

  “Earth Affinity, Titan, Fortifier.”

  “You are a Quintessence then?”

  “Yep, I can make stuff really durable. Sucks because I can only do it on one person, including myself, or just a small area of stuff.”

  “That could be helpful though. Professor Offerdero said Fortifiers and Juggernauts go really well together meaning you and Shonte are perfect for one another.”

  As the table seems impressed by the synergy between the two, they finally come to look over at Leo who is running his finger along a plate to get the last bits of food from it. When he notices it has become extremely quiet, he looks up to everyone starting at him in disgust.

  “What? I was hungry.”

  “You act like your mama didn’t ever feed you boy! You got a halfway decent body. You aren’t just skinny like Wu, so it can’t be that. We are waiting. Everyone else has said what they could do. Your turn.”

  “Oh it is nothing fancy, I generate energy.”

  “Then you are an Artillerite?”

  “Yeah. That is why I eat so much. Even though Fire Affinities metabolize pretty fast anyway, that is where I get my powers from. I can shoot blasts, or just kinda let it radiate out around me, but it sends my mitochondria into overdrive. I think because of that I have some kind of heat resistance because I get super hot when I use my powers. If I am hungry, or I use too much of my power, it starts to feed off my body. Luckily it takes the fat first, but I was told by the doctor I have to be careful because it eats up visceral fat too.”

  Genny gasps with the realization of what that means, her status as a Medic no doubt giving her greater insight into the situation. “That means you are even more fragile than normal people because you have less cushion for your organs!”

  “You got it. Now do you see why I eat so much? If I want to be able to use my powers without killing myself, I have to be constantly eating.”

  “Are all Artillerites like that?”

  “No, most have some sort of energy bank that just gets depleted over time. They also might be able to absorb energy. The doctors said I might develop that at some point, but for now this is what I have to deal with.”

  “Y’all, did anybody realize this was the most coherent string of thought we have ever heard from Leo?”

  Though they expected him to be embarrassed, or even upset, Leo as he is apt to do, seemed to be completely unfazed by Shonte’s comment and the subsequent laughter from everyone. With the serving period for dinner over, Leo was not happy he could not make another trip before they left, but he mentioned he thought he was nearly back to a state of equilibrium. Since they had finished and there were not many other things for them to do, they decided to walk over to The Rack to celebrate their first day of classes.

  Unfortunately for them, it seemed like every other Freshman on campus had the same idea because the place was overflowing, even though it was so massive. They were able to score a bowling lane right away since laser tag was booked up for a while. This sparked Shonte to begin threatening everyone with how bad she was going to beat them. As the night passed on they learned alcohol was available even to students their age, which made the night take on a completely different atmosphere.

  Some point during the night Shonte almost got into a with a random girl who she felt was intentionally disrespecting her. Somewhat slurring, she proved much more difficult to contain thanks to her overwhelming strength advantage.

  “I’ma whoop her ass! She know damn well that ain’t how you pronounce my name! She just tryin’ to be funny since the teacher kept fucking it up! I told that bitch she could call me Shonny or Tay Tay, but no, she just kept on with her bullshit! Matter of fact, where that bitch at? I’ll beat her ass too!”

  Since all four of them were still no match for her strength, Genevieve took a chance and tried something she had never tried before. Crossing her fingers, she laid her hands on Shonte’s neck and did her best to purge the alcohol from her system. Immediately sober, she stopped struggling and looked back at the rest of them in shame.

  “Why did y’all keep pouring shots?! What if I would have really beat that bitch’s ass?! Y’all trying to get me expelled before my first week is over!”

  Peter not one to miss an opportunity, “Shonte, you are the one who was pouring the shots…”

  “Oh… Well why didn’t y’all drink more?! If you would have not been sipping over here, I wouldn’t have had to finish this bottle! Genny, I see you though girl! We can get fucked up all we want with you around!”

  Shaking their heads in disbelief, the four others found it was well past midnight so as Shonte was now sober, it would be best to make their way back to their rooms. Saying goodbye to one another for the night, they parted ways and headed home so they could get some sleep before starting the cycle of their new life all over again.

  4

  Dropped into places unknown, Annar looks around at the still bustling nighttime street. Remembering his last trip to France and the revelation of how far forward in time he jumped, he figured not much would be accomplished on his first night. Seeing his Vizer change accordingly to accommodate the time, he decided to ask more about his surroundings.

  Hobb where are we?

  Appearing in Anaar’s vision, nestled in a bed looking quite comfortable, “I am quite peacefully passing my time at home in Central Technology.”

  Hobb you know what the hell I mean. Where did James, or better yet Ixnes send me?

  “Did it not occur to you asking for more information about your destination before leaping into a portal would be prudent?”

  Did it not occur to you being an ass right now would not be prudent?

  “I understand Mr. Ingraham’s situation has you quite upset, but you have done all you can for now. It is not healthy for you to obsess over the matter.”

  Hobb, this is where your lack of humanity really fucking shines. How am I not supposed to be worried? Did I do everything? What I could have done was not get him involved in whatever shitstorm I’m likely in now. What if he does not recover? What if he dies? I just left him there because Ixnes said so!

  “Would being by his side do any more to prevent any of the aforementioned items you have listed?”

  Yes! What if I could have healed him more!?

  “Is that all you can come up with?”

  What is that supposed to mean?

  “You wield power on an incredible scale, and have accomplished many feats with barely any effort. The amount of energy and power you expended on Mr. Ingraham caused you to lose consciousness with fatigue. This alone should be an indicator you have done everything for him you can.”

  You just don’t get it. At times like this it does not matter if it is pointless, you still do it. That is what you do for people you love.

  “Then why did you leave him?”

  Why else?! Ixnes made me!

  “Anaar, you and I both know mother does not truly pose a threat to you. If you desire to pretend, it would be best to do so with anyone else other than me.”

  I… What if…

  “You are afraid Mr. Ingraham will no longer want you if he awakes? You are concerned about the reports which indicate you ar
e responsible, which could very well be corroborated by Mr. Ingraham?”

  Perception is reality Hobb, at least for humans. If everyone thinks I did this, then I am the one who was responsible. It does not even begin to take into account this no doubt was my fault in some way I just don’t know yet. The last thing we did was fight. I called him stupid. What if I lose him and that was how we ended things?

  “I do not believe you will be losing Mr. Ingraham, his vitals look much better.”

  That’s not what I mean! We were just getting to a point where we could find some balance. The constant fighting and troubles in our relationship seemed like they were finally over. Just when I think it was all good, this shit happens. Master Shin has made it clear there are things in life worse than death.

  “I am willing to offer all the support in this matter I can, but perhaps it would be a good idea to find lodgings for the night? Standing out on the street in a daze is likely to attract unwanted attention.”

  You are right… You still haven’t told me where I am.

  “Geolocation tracking puts you in Strasbourg, France.”

  Can you pull it up on a map please?

  “Certainly.”

  A map appears in his overlay, which to his shock shows he is right on the border of Germany and France. Cocking his head, he now can distinctly hear conversations in German from passersby which gives him a small leap of hope for the mission.

  I guess Ixnes was right about it being a good chance the girl will speak German. This close to the border it is an absolute must. This will make things a little easier at least.

  “Even if you were in a place that did not have such a close proximity to Germany, I very much doubt communication would have proven much of a problem.”

  Why is that?

  “You must still be quite fatigued if you have not already understood my meaning. I am capable of translating a large majority of languages in the world with precision, including colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions. With your intellect and our connection, I believe it would quite simple to pass you off as a native speaker.”

  Huh, that actually makes a lot of sense. You mean to tell me this whole time I didn’t need to study Farsi because you could just walk me through it?!

  “You make it seem as if learning it was a challenge for you.”

  Well no, but still…

  “I shall repeat my prior statement. It would be well advised to seek proper lodgings and nourishment for the night. We can continue our conversation later.”

  Alright already! Do you at least have suggestions?

  “Of course. I shall bring up a number of suitable options now.”

  Thanks. And will you get out of the damn bed like you even sleep! Actually it isn’t even nighttime back home!

  “Perhaps I could be taking a nap.”

  Whatever. Just give me the locations.

  “I shall also cross reference places to obtain clothing.”

  Not this again…

  “Did you plan on being disheveled and wearing the same clothes this entire trip? Mr. Harston is not here to take care of you.”

  I’d be much more offended if you weren’t right.

  Checking into his hotel proved to be quite easy. Because essentially everyone spoke German, and the documents and credit card he had received from Ixnes were perfect, he had no problems posing as a European tourist. Though he had a few missions before where he was required to take on an alias, this was the first time he was really needing to put it to the test.

  Having secured a place to stay, he figured it would be best to find food before the night became too late. Though he was rapidly recovering, Hobb’s words about him using more power than he had ever done before had been no exaggeration. Once he found a good restaurant with Hobb’s assistance, he sat down to eat, remembering his last time in France. He had gotten there by way of James that time as well, but he had no clue where it was now a year later.

  Something about the setting and the timing almost felt to him as if it were scripted in some manner. Never in his life had he imagined the things that would happen to him on his first day, and now almost exactly a year later he was back in the same place. He was not one to believe much in coincidences, but he could not help but get the sense this mission was more important than he realized.

  Eating his food, he engaged in idle conversation with Hobb, trying his best to seem as normal as possible. Late night dining alone made him feel like a serial killer stalking his next victim. At least with the banter between Hobb and him, he felt more at ease. His return to the hotel brought the full weight of his listlessness to bear as he laid in the bed, wishing Phavian was by his side. With that thought, he dove into the dossier he had received, his reasoning being the sooner he was done with the mission, the faster he could get back home to Phavian.

  Seles Beauvié, 9 years old, going on 10. This poor kid, she is not much older than I was when I manifested. It says here she is an orphan now because her powers killed her parents and none of her family will take her because they are afraid. I have scars from the people I killed, but I can’t imagine what she must be going through since it was her parents.

  “I do believe this is why Mother found you particularly suited for this mission.”

  I’m not good with kids though! What am I supposed to say to her? ‘Hi, I’m Anaar, I killed people with my powers when I was your age too. Not my parents though.’

  “That would be ill advised.”

  No shit Hobb. Not to mention this little girl is Black, I’m not. I can’t exactly go grabbing her forcefully and running off with her. Talk about red flags. Then I would just look like some sort of pedophile. That isn’t even taking into account what would happen if her powers activated in her struggle.

  “Mother’s intentions were for you to convince the girl to come along willingly. It would not bode well if you simply kidnapped her.”

  Do you understand how insane this is?! I am here to what, convince a 9 year old I have a better life for her so she should come with me?!

  “Affirmative. This is why Mother’s faith was placed in you.”

  Hobb, I feel for this girl, I really do, but this just seems wrong. With nationalism at its strongest, and most of the world hating us, this just reeks of scandal if it is found out an American citizen and student of Sophangence abducted a child with extraordinary abilities from their home country, orphan or not. I’m already responsible for putting the world on the brink of war with that Cuba incident, I can’t keep being involved in this!

  “Such is the price you pay for being a Sophangence student.”

  Oh no. No you don’t. You will not bullshit me. No one else’s life is like this. Other people get to be as mediocre and uninvolved as they would like. This has nothing to do with just attending Sophangence.

  “It was worth the attempt. You are constantly wishing to be normal, when that simply is not the case. Even when put next to superbly extraordinary individuals such as your friends you make them appear hardly more than the most mundane people in existence.”

  Nice to know how you feel about by friends.

  “This has no reflection on them. I have grown to be quite fond of them thanks to your influence. Though they still do not acknowledge my existence as anything other than a tool to be used, your perspective allows me to formulate different opinions on them outside of my own direct interactions. You often find yourself annoyed by your own grandeur. Though it makes for a tiring conversation, I will admit it is one of the things I find most endearing about you.”

  You find my whining to be endearing? I think there is supposed to be a compliment somewhere in there…

  “I find your staunch resistance to arrogance and inflated self-importance endearing. I have a wealth of data which indicates by all accounts you should be a narcissistic megalomaniac bent on world domination.”

  That was a joke, right?

  “Negative. Historical accounts detail many people with barely a fraction of your power being
controlled by their own supremacy over their peers. This is would appear to be how the concept of Water attuned elitism first came about.”

  Hobb, all of this is nice, but it doesn’t change anything. I’m still a supermagnet for anything troublesome, and I only get those close to me hurt. So far it is Phavian, or mom, what happens if Maggie, or Stefani, or Dan become targets next?

  “Then you will put down those threats as well.”

  Don’t you see?! That is the problem! There should not be any threat to them! They are young and have the rest of their lives ahead of them! They should not be forced to deal with the shit I have been through.

  “I do believe you are the one who constantly reminds others they have no right to dictate what happens in someone else’s life. Perhaps your friends would be happy to stand by your side.”

  Just like Phavian, that is what terrifies me! I know they would! This pain in my chest I feel every time I think of them even offering to get embroiled in my messes is enough to split me in two.

  “Anaar, we find ourselves in this conversation quite often. It has yet to go anywhere or change anything. Worrying about it will only cause you more pain. For now, we should focus on how we intend to save the girl.”

  Does she even need ‘saving?’ From this information all I see is another kid who is finding out having power outside the normal scope of others is not nearly as fun as it is made out in comic books.

  “I have no answer to your query. Perhaps you will fail in your mission, meaning she will choose to stay here. Mother at least would like to provide her a different path in which she may tread.”

  Ixnes is not a saint. Her motives are not as altruistic as they seem. I would rather you not try to paint it as her helping a poor hapless soul out of the goodness of her heart. She understands the dynamics of power. What is better than having one Demolitionist under your thumb and indebted to you? Two of them, or even more.

  “I can find no faults in your logic. I will not press it further.”

  You aren’t going to stand up for Ixnes?

  “Am I required to do so?”