“Maybe,” she said weakly. “Or it could be someone else. There are lots of people who could rescue us.”
But inwardly, she wasn’t at all certain about that. A lot had happened over the past year, and now Bethos had his hands full fighting Zero Grade. Marli had prayed for the peace talks to succeed, but they had failed. No one was quite sure who had bombed the hamagogue in Dokiu, but Morovia’s new president was content to blame both sides. As far as the current administration was concerned, all super-powered beings not working for them were the enemy.
Up until recently, the citizens of Seraphim City had been lucky to escape the ravages of war, but now the horror was upon them. Privately, Marli felt the end could very well be at hand. She couldn’t say that to her daughter, though, so she did her best to keep the girl’s spirits up.
“I hope Ev Banner comes back. He’s nice,” Neena said.
“Yes, he is. He saved us from the bad men.” She neglected to mention the fact he was possibly dead now. Lots of casualties had been reported throughout the war, and he did report to Bethos (at least, according to what he had told her), so he had probably ended up fighting Zero Grade.
Suddenly there was a loud noise above them. The sound of something heavy being moved reached their ears. Before Marli knew it, the sizeable rubble had been removed, and she found herself looking up at the sun.
A young man stood over them. He reached down to help her up. “Are you all right?”
She hugged him. “Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!”
“My pleasure, ma’am. Is Neena all right?”
She looked down at her geemam. “I’m not sure. She—wait, how do you know her name?”
He looked away sheepishly. “Well, uh… you see… the building manager gave me your names. Yeah. That’s it.”
She examined his face. She was positive she had never seen him before, yet something about him seemed so familiar. “Who are you?”
He shrugged. “Me? I’m just a guy trying to help out a city in need.”
But Marli wasn’t satisfied with that. “How did you lift all that rubble? I don’t see anyone with you, and you don’t have any equipment.”
“We should really get you to a hospital,” he said.
Sighing, she said, “Fine. I can’t complain too much. You did rescue us, after all.” She then added, under her breath, “Mr. X.”
Chapter XVI
Ev dropped Marli and Neena off at the nearest hospital. They had recognized him, but that was OK. He just hoped they kept it to themselves for the time being. He had done a terrible job concealing his identity before the war started, and with the new administration’s decidedly negative feelings on gods, recognition was the last thing he needed right now.
Minerva, Hercules and their group had all dispersed to do their part to help the city. They could cover more ground that way. It was probably small consolation to those whose lives had been destroyed by this, but Ev decided it was a hell of a lot better than nothing.
It was about time to rendezvous with the others, so he headed to Spritzer Park as they had agreed. The park was still mostly intact, having barely escaped the devastation caused by the Titan (the massive gash from the main cannon was mere feet away from the park’s perimeter).
The others were already there (even Priscilia had stuck around to help out). “You’re late, mate,” Jaysin said playfully as he walked over. The sun was setting in the distance.
“What can I say? Heroes don’t keep the best time. What with saving lives and all that.” He turned to Maya. “How are you feeling?”
“Better. Helping out today has helped take my mind off of Daryn’s death. I managed to redirect my feelings to something worthwhile.”
“What all did you do?” Ev asked.
“I mostly ran supplies between hospitals. They were too grateful to ask how I was able to do it so quickly.”
“That’s great,” Ev said. “What about the rest of you.”
“I put out fires,” Jaysin said.
“I volunteered at a makeshift triage tent,” CiCi said.
“I kicked the asses of looters,” Priscilia said. OK, not the most benevolent action, but at least it benefited the city.
“I’m glad we were able to give back,” Ev said.
Jaysin nodded. “Me too. But it’s getting late. Same time tomorrow?”
“Hold that thought,” Priscilia said, pointing to the north. Helicopters had been flying over the city all day, but now one was headed straight towards them. It wasn’t a news chopper, either; it was jet-black. Military.
It hovered over them and a dozen dark figures dropped from it, landing gracefully despite their bulk. They proceeded to fall into formation in front of the students. They knew exactly who it was.
“Exodus Squad,” Maya said. Sure enough, it was Morovia’s fully-armored soldiers wearing exo-suits stolen from Zero Grade.
One of them, who was apparently the leader because of the many stars on his suit, stepped forward. “Ev Bannen and Maya Brünhart. Security cameras picked you up an hour ago, and facial recognition software quickly identified you. Both of you are wanted for questioning in the death of President Joe Lambda.”
“We had nothing to do with that,” Ev said.
He pointed an accusing finger at them. “You were the last people to see him alive.”
“Yeah, but we didn’t kill him,” Maya protested. “That was Carnaval.”
He cocked his head. They couldn’t see his face behind the mask. “What is Carnaval?” They explained to him about the insane gods aboard the Midgard and the God Games. When they were finished, he said, “That’s quite a story. But we need to investigate it to find out if it’s true. In the meantime, President Ganz has signed an executive order that all superhumans are to be sent to a secure detainment facility. I apologize for this, but we have to take you in.”
“Oh, hell, no,” Ev said. “Jaysin!”
“Got it, mate.” Jaysin conjured his staff with lightning speed and struck the ground beneath the soldiers. With all of them clustered together, they instantly went flying into the air.
The students then beat a hasty retreat—they were too tired to fight these guys. Their good-will mission to Seraphim City had just been cancelled.
* * *
They flew south to Upton and decided to spend the night at a cheap (and conveniently deserted) motel. Ev refused to go back to his childhood home because he was still haunted by the memory of his mother’s mutilated body hanging from the wall. That, and Exodus Squad probably knew about that place by now.
In the morning, they convened out front to discuss their plans.
“I think it’s time we headed back to the Academy,” Ev said.
“Agreed,” Maya said.
“Yeah, I wanna see everyone again,” CiCi added.
“No place like home,” Jaysin smiled.
But Priscilia said, “Count me out. I didn’t exactly leave on the best terms. They think I’m dead, and I’d like to keep it that way.”
“But where will you go?” Maya asked.
She shrugged. “Probably back to the caves.”
“All right,” Ev said. “Take care, Priscilia. And thanks for everything.”
She rolled her eyes. “It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, that’s all. You don’t have to thank me.”
Ev smiled at her. “Whatever you say.”
“Bye,” Jaysin said.
“Take care of yourself!” CiCi added.
Priscilia reluctantly nodded and turned her attention to Maya. “It was…”
Maya cocked her head. “‘It was…’?”
Priscilia looked away, embarrassed. “It was fun, OK? Hanging out, kicking ass, exploring the moon.”
Maya smiled. “It was, wasn’t it? Except for all the times we almost died. I could have done without that. Anyway, do you really have to go back to the caves? I’m sure we could get you back into the Academy. Bethos would understand.”
She shook her head. “I was
never meant for that place. Besides, even if you can sway Bethos, the student body wouldn’t be so forgiving. I should know; I was one of them. I can easily imagine someone trying to kill me. It’s not as hard to go to that dark place as people think. We both know that, don’t we?”
“Will we ever meet again?” Maya asked her.
“Who knows,” Priscilia replied. “If the world is threatened again, you just might run into me.”
She gave a half-hearted wave before flying off into the distance.
“I never thought I’d say this, but I’m going to miss her,” Maya said.
They all nodded.
“I guess it’s time to head back to where we belong,” Ev said.
And with that, they returned to the Academy.
* * *
Upon arriving, they briefed Bethos and the rest of the faculty members in the conference room on what had happened (leaving out the parts involving Priscilia). When they were finished, Bethos whistled. “That’s a hell of a story.”
“It’s the truth,” Ev said.
“We believe you,” Brandon said. “We saw the tail end of it on TV.”
Freya was crying. “Daryn…” As a goddess of love, she took it harder than most of the Academy.
“He died a hero,” Maya said.
“We’ll make sure everyone knows that,” Bethos said.
“Someone will have to tell Joss,” Brandon said.
Freya stood up. “I’ll go tell him. He’s been very concerned about Daryn.”
Brandon looked at her with concern. “Are you sure? It doesn’t have to be you. Someone else could do it.”
She shook her head. “As a goddess of love, this is my duty.”
When she left, Bethos said, “We have important things to discuss,” Bethos said.
Jaysin lifted an inquisitive eyebrow. “Such as?”
“Well, with the Flawless Few destroyed, the citizens of the moon have no leadership. They have a long road ahead. What are they going to do from this point on? They’ll need help sorting things out. That’s where you four come in. We want you to be our liaisons to the moon. You’ve already established contacts there, contacts we feel would make strong leaders. Minerva, in particular, has all the makings of a leader from what I’m told.”
“I can’t argue with that,” Ev said. “But how are we going to get back there? The Midgard was destroyed and so was the Titan.”
Bethos replied, “We’ve decided to build a new ship.”
“Can you do that?” CiCi said.
Brandon chimed in. “We’ve always been able to. But the Ultros Pact barred their creation. That, and we didn’t really have a reason to. However, now that the Pact is void, there’s nothing stopping us.”
“Except for the loss of your powers,” Ev said.
In response, Bethos suddenly levitated up off the ground.
“But how?” Maya gaped.
Freya explained, “When you blew up the Titan, the Ultimus Point was dispersed around the planet. We all got our powers back.”
“In full?” Ev said.
“In full,” Bethos grinned. “Hence our ability to make a ship.”
Atlas nodded. “It’ll take months. A ship isn’t just something you can throw together. But we’ll get it done.”
“Awesome!” Ev declared.
“And until we finish it, we’re going to build a satellite array on top of Mt. Orleia to communicate with them. That will allow us to get a head start on the transition.”
“The transition to what?” Maya said.
“An alliance,” Brandon said.
Bethos gave everyone a broad grin. “For the first time in billions of years, there will be peace among the gods. That’s our hope, anyway.”
“Sign me up,” Ev said. He looked to Maya, Jaysin and CiCi who all shared his enthusiasm.
“Excellent,” Bethos said. “Now, then, I think it’s time we rewarded you four for your hard work.”
* * *
The following evening, the Academy held a party for the five students who had saved the world. All the chairs were cleared out of Hercules Hall (Ev could finally appreciate the name now that he had met Herc) and tables full of food were sat up. Colorful balloons adorned the ceiling and the whole place had a festive feel. Everyone was in attendance, and everyone lined up for a chance to personally thank their saviors. Ev, Maya, Jaysin and CiCi stood for a solid hour shaking hands and accepting statements of gratitude.
About halfway through, a tall, lanky student with close-cut sandy hair and glasses made his way to the front of the line. Ev vaguely recalled seeing him around campus. They shook his hand. “Thank you for everything,” he said. He sounded tired. His eyes looked puffy.
“You’re welcome,” Ev said for the hundredth time that night.
“I wish I could be happier about this, but… Daryn… was my roommate.”
“Oh, Maya said. “You must be Joss. We know. I’m so sorry for what happened. I wish there had been another way.”
“Me, too,” Ev said.
Joss’ eyes drilled into him. “Tell me! Tell me there was no other way. Tell me he died for a reason.”
“There wasn’t,” Ev said. “And he did. If he hadn’t sacrificed himself, a lot more people would have died. He saved so many lives.”
Joss began making a sound that was half crying, half laughter. “That was Daryn. When all is said and done, he had your back. That’s why I fell in love with him.”
“Believe me—if there was any other way, we’d have taken it.”
Joss wiped away his tears. “I know. I’m sorry if I sounded accusing. It’s just… I believed with all my heart he was the one for me. When you devote your body and soul to a person, and then they’re gone…” He broke down completely at this point.
Maya hugged him. She didn’t say anything. She just held him for several moments. Then he mumbled something heartfelt and walked away.
They continued to receive thanks for another half hour, but to Ev, everyone dissolved into a blur as he tried to come to terms with what he had just experienced. Knowing a recently deceased friend had a loved one was one thing; meeting him and having to face up to what had just happened was another.
Later, when the party died down, Maya took Ev behind the stage for some alone time. “I’ve been wanting to do this ever since you came out of your coma,” she said, holding him close.
“Me, too.”
“After going through all that and meeting Joss, I realize now how fragile life is. I could lose you at any time. Or you could lose me.”
He shook his head. “I won’t let that happen.”
“It’s not that simple, Ev. Next time, it might be me who has to sacrifice myself. Or it might be you. I love you, Ev Bannen, and I don’t want to wait anymore.”
“Wait for what?”
She found his lips and began kissing them deeply. She then whispered in his ear, “Take me.”
“I think I can manage that.”
Epilogue
There was a knock at the door. “Come in,” Bethos said. The newest member of the faculty then entered his office. “Nabu! Welcome!”
“It’s my pleasure,” Nabu said. The god of knowledge, he wore a horned cap and brown robes. He had a long-braided beard and also wore his hair long in the back. From a mortal’s standpoint, he appeared to be in his early fifties.
“Thanks for coming,” Bethos said as they shook hands. “We’re a little short-staffed after the war.”
Nabu sat down. “I am sadly aware of that fact.”
Bethos nodded grimly. “We lost some good people. Your agreeing to be the new history teacher is a godsend, if you’ll forgive the pun.” He wanted to lighten the mood if he could.
Nabu obliged him and smiled. “Pun accepted.” He then got serious again. “I’ve been asking around. You still haven’t told the students about the Incidents. They had to learn about their existence from Zero Grade.”
Bethos sighed. “I’m not as smart as I look. I never
know how much to tell them.”
“We should at least tell them about Serika.”
“Serika,” Bethos said softly. “The woman who destroyed the universe. Incident Zero. Ev knows the end of the story, but none of the students know the beginning.”
“They have to know the damage one person can do. Had the students known, maybe we could have avoided all this.” Nabu cautioned.
Where Gods Dare (Divine Protector Book 4) Page 18
