Thalia had never been lost for words a day in her life. There is a first for everything. Thalia felt her heart skip a beat when she saw the Katana hit the ground in front of the vice captain's feet. When she realized who the Katana belonged to, her heart skipped a beat. It was already insane enough that she got to see him in front-row seats at graduation. However, seeing him here in person, standing next to her, was like a dream. Thalia has always been a huge fan of the Legends and has followed all of their achievements. She envied them and wanted to imitate them so badly as a 13-year-old girl.
Thalia envied and idolized one member above the rest. The 17-year-old super rookie. The youngest and most powerful contractor in all of Apex's history. She even has a poster of him still hanging on her closet mirror at home. She imagines hundreds of other adolescent girls had his picture on their wall at that time, too, because of his strong cheekbones and clear brown skin. Thalia begged her Tia to convince him to return home, but she always brushed her off, saying, "In time, Chiquita."
Thalia wonders if this is what she meant all those years ago. It was surreal seeing her idol so close and in the flesh. She watched his every move, mesmerized by his pretty brown eyes and cute nose. Thalia prayed that no one could hear how fast her heart was beating. She could vaguely smell his cologne from where she was standing. It was tantalizing her senses. She had to resist every urge to step closer to him as he was talking.
"Like I said, I'm only giving you an hour to discuss a strategy." Dante blinked back to the tree branch he descended from and laid down with his hands behind his back.
"Well, kiddos, I think you should each share your newfound relic and describe what your strengths and weaknesses are to one another," Alexander said, pushing Thalia, Theo, and Tyler in the opposite direction of the tree. "I will give you a fighting chance by disrupting any attempt to hear what is said amongst you," Alexander said, stomping his foot on the ground. A bright gold glow began to shine underneath his eye patch. Thalia pretended not to notice because the thing still scared her a bit.
Alexander clapped his hands and placed his index finger against the ground, drawing a white chalked circle around the 4 of them, large enough for each of them to lay down and sprawl out in all directions. "What is this circle you drew, vice-captain? How does it keep someone from hearing us?" Alexander flashes a crooked smile,e rubbing his finger along the lining of his hat.
"I have just created a sound barrier that traps all sound inside. Or, to be more specific, I have changed the way others can perceive sound inside this circle." Theo scratches his head.
"What, you can use magic?" Alexander snorted and scoffed at the question, folding his arms in disbelief. "There is no such thing as magic, my boy. This is science! Or, to be more specific, it is alchemy." Alexander said with a whim of arrogance. The thought of anyone comparing his powers to magic truly irritated him to his core.
"Why do we need a noise-canceling barrier in the first place?" Thalia said, bending down to touch the white chill. "Dante does not seem to worried about our plans I doubt he will spy on us. "Oh, child, you are too naive. Dante is always listening and observing. You should never let your guard down around him, or it will cost you dearly." Thalia looked up at where Dante was lying. She was having a hard time believing someone as powerful as him was interested in snooping on their strategies.
"I am going to let you in on a little secret. Dante has no intention of letting you join our unit." Alexander says, shaking his head.
Tyler interrupts Alexander. "What do you mean? I thought this test was a way to evaluate each of our skills and teamwork." Alexander sighs. "Well, yes, that may be a piece of it, but in all honesty, Dante never wanted to expand our little team. So he is going to use this test not only to break your spirit but also to prove to the director that adding new members would be a liability."
Thalia couldn't believe what she was hearing. That couldn't possibly be true. Why were they even assigned to this unit? If Dante didn't want them on his team. Thalia would not let her dreams pass her by, whether this test was real or fake. She is going to pass and join the Predators. Alexander briefly looks at Dante before continuing. "If you ask me, you should surprise him by passing. Even if it costs you your lives, but then again, that's my opinion." Alexander says before spinning around and whistling. He walks outside of the chalk circle, still whistling, but as soon as both feet are on the other side. Thalia could no longer hear the vice captain's whistling.
The three of them exchange looks of nervousness, each of them processing the vice captain's warning. Tyler broke the silence. "We don't have time to second guess our abilities. All we can do right now is put our minds to the task at hand. Each of us needs to share our relic and the gift we were given through our contract." Tyler's words seemed to snap Thalia and Theo out of their feelings of doubt. " I will go first and then Theo and then Thalia." Tyler's voice helped calm and reassure Thalia and Theo.
Still lying on the branch relaxing, Dante couldn't help but feel uneasy. It felt like someone was staring at him. He opens his eyes to see Valerie standing over him, her heel right next to his family jewels. "Please tell me you didn't make up this dumb test to get rid of those kids." Dante now understood why he felt so uneasy. "What are you talking about, Val? I just set up a training test for them. As their captain, how could I not have something set up for our first meeting." Dante tries to hide his grin but couldn't help showing a sinister smirk.
"I'm warning you now. Do not go overboard with this test." Valerie looks over at Alexander working with the three of them. "What are you so worried about? When have I ever done something without a discernable reason?" Dante closes his eyes again. " I just need you to stand by and be ready for anyone who would accidentally be injured." Valerie exhales. "There is something you should probably know about those siblings." Dante peeks one eye open, irritation building from her persistent nagging. " Valerie, will you stop bitching for one moment and relax. I have everything under control." Valerie's snow-white cheeks flare up red with anger. She stomps her heel, which is in between his legs.
Dante jumps back. That could have been really bad if he were to move even a second later. "Do you know how many girls would kill you if you were to damage my family heirlooms?" Dante said in a hoarse voice.
"Hmpf, that's wishful thinking. It's more like they would thank me to prevent you from creating any more bastards like you!"
Valerie jumps down from the tree branch, creating a crater around her feet. Dante gulps and scratches his head.
"I need to stop playing with that woman. One of these days, she won't miss!"