CHAPTER 132: CHAPTER 132: BOOK ONE EPILOGUE (2)

[Gary/Gracey Gray]

"So... how were your first ten days in the Academy?"

"Heh. Funny you should ask that. Ten days might seem like a very short time, but in reality... it’s 240 hours. Now, that’s a very long time for a lot of things to happen."

"..."

"I think like you’re in this with me. Right, teach?"

"I mean—"

"And a lot of things did happen. I just feel sorry that it all had to happen, you know? This is the curse of being around the Dragon Monarch. Well, only Baby Monarch for now. But yes, that is the curse of being in the presence of a main character. We are riddled with tragedies, events, and all sorts of random things to progress the plot. Honestly, those Dark Millennium fools were lucky that I was unconscious the entire time I was on their ship. Because if I wasn’t... well. Let’s just say it wouldn’t have ended like that. I would’ve infiltrated their organization straight through the anus. They wouldn’t even expect it."

"...So, how were your first ten days?"

"Oh. I guess if I had to describe it in a single word, then it would be... insane."

"And have you made any friends?"

"I make friends wherever I go. Such is the charisma needed for one born filled with burdens. It would be more surprising if I didn’t make any friends. I’m just... cursed with popularity. Anyway, I have this group called the Baby Crew, which is where all the babies from our names come from. Weird, right? But do you know what’s even weirder...? I feel like I’ve known these guys for years."

"Does anyone from your group of friends stand out?"

"...Why would you even ask that? I mean, they’re all equally unique for me. We’re all main characters. But I guess if I really have to pick one aside from myself, then it would definitely have to be Tomoe. I mean, on the surface it’s Riley, that’s already a given—but I feel like deep down, Tomoe’s the one who stands out the most for me... for the same reason that she doesn’t stand out at all. She’s the most beautiful one in the group, and yet she doesn’t stand out. What’s up with that? I feel like... she’s hiding a lot of things."

"Really? That’s what someone else also said about you. That you’re hiding a lot of things."

"What the, who said that?! Who’s snitching on me? Is it Pauline? Because I swear, that girl acts very demure, very mindful—but she’s very, very naughty. And she likes to gossip."

"Sorry, I value the privacy of each individual student."

"What the—then why even tell that information to me? Wait a minute, are you teasing me? That doesn’t seem right. There’s like a hierarchy in power between us that prevents me from striking back.

"I’m sorry. It’s been a long day, and I just wanted to change up the routine questions. So... let’s continue. After spending ten days with your instructor, as well as other supers like yourself. Has there been any change in your thoughts of becoming or not becoming a superhero?"

"...You ask that after putting me on a list?"

"..."

"Well, I kinda understand why I was put there in the first place. But I assure you, I’m not going to become a villain... I’ll kill myself before that happens. Whew, that suddenly turned dark. But seriously, I’ve read a lot of main characters go down the wrong path—it doesn’t end well for anyone involved. But anyway, that answers your question. I don’t know if I still want to be a superhero, but I sure as hell am not going to be a villain. I swear on... my mother."

"Okay then. That ends our short survey interview. Can you call Riley Ross? He’s the last one in your group."

"Ack! He beat me again in terms of main character energy."

"...You do know that’s more of a negative term nowadays, right?"

"Only if you want it to be."

"Oh, also. One more thing—I’ve been hearing rumors that you’re actually a girl?"

"Sorry, but why are you even bringing this up? And... is it Pauline who’s spreading the rumors?!"

[Riley Ross]

"So, how were your first ten days in the Academy, Mr. Ross?"

"A lot of things have happened, Ms. Wilder. Do you mean in general?"

"...In general."

"I do not really know how to answer that properly. I have no basis to compare it on, as I have been homeschooled before entering Mega Academy. But I suppose it is rather different than anything I have ever done in my life—but then again, I am only twelve years old, Ms. Wilder."

"Then just give me like a word you would use for everything you’ve experienced in the Academy so far."

"Lucrative."

"How so?"

"I have learned a lot by being here, and have experienced a lot of awakenings. I am currently undergoing puberty, so I am expecting a lot of changes to happen to me in this new environment. I have also grown an entire inch since the first day. Mother told me she is expecting me to go through my growth spurt any second now, maybe as we speak."

"That’s... good. And have you made any friends?"

"I am afraid not, Ms. Wilder."

"...What about the Baby Crew? Aren’t they your friends?"

"No. Then it would be called Baby Friends, Ms. Wilder. They are my crewmates, as the name already suggests."

"Right. And... what can you tell me about your crewmates?"

"I believe you can answer that better than I, considering you have just interviewed them, Ms. Wilder. But since you asked me—I think Sister really likes them, and therefore I believe they are good."

"And... do you feel like you’ve known them for a very long time now?"

"No. I have only met them, Ms. Wilder."

"Huh...and who amongst your crew stands out the most for you?"

"Gray. I believe he is a very complex individual despite his autism. We tend to be very simple individuals."

"I... don’t believe Mr. Gary’s on the spectrum."

"He is not? That was my mistake, then. Perhaps I should apologize to him after this. But my answer remains the same—Gray stands out amongst the others, Ms. Wilder."

"Okay... and are you having fun in the Academy?"

"Yes, Ms. Wilder. I believe I am having fun, in all the definitions of it. I previously believed myself incapable of it—but I was wrong."

"And what do you find most fun?"

"All the new people that I get to meet, Ms. Wilder. There are so many ways to dissect and stretch them to their limits."

"O...kay? Now, for the last official question—After spending ten days with your instructor, as well as other supers like yourself. Has there been any change in your thoughts of becoming or not becoming a superhero?"

"Sweet Snowy Little Baby Boy is already a superhero, Ms. Wilder."

"That’s true. You’re actually the youngest ever recorded superhero in history—but my question is still relevant. Being a superhero and wanting to be one is different."

"That is true. I do not have any thoughts on the topic whatsoever. But I believe we rarely get to choose what we are and what we will be."

"You believe that our path is set for us?"

"No, I believe there is no path at all, only cages. I mean that metaphorically, just in case you thought I was being literal, Ms. Wilder."

"...And what do you mean by that?"

"That all of us are trapped in cages."

"And what do you mean by that...?"

"Nothing else, Ms. Wilder. I mean... nothing else."

At the same time, somewhere in the outskirts of New Jersey, within the Pine Barrens—no. Not within, but somewhere underneath the miles of nothing but trees, Replica Ricky was resting.

Resting inside a clear crystal cage.

And watching him... was Darkday—no. Riley Ross, or perhaps someone in between, as he wasn’t wearing his helmet at all.

And maybe that was wrong too, as this wasn’t necessarily Riley Ross, but his very first clone of flesh and blood.

This clone, Riley One, stared at Replica Ricky for a few more moments before turning around and pointing... at another Riley.

"I think we should dig more there—the Boss said he wanted a large space for recreational activities," Riley One said.

"That makes sense," one of the clones responsible for designing this underground bunker nodded and proceeded to shave off a large chunk of earth with his mind.

A bunker, perhaps that was the most appropriate thing to call it for now. As there was nothing else there at all.

"Indeed, it does..."

Nothing else... other than the dozen more crystal cages lined up next to Replica Ricky’s cage, that is.

"...I have a feeling we’re about to get busy very, very soon."

[Riley Ross - Book One: END]

***

"...Alice."

Up above, beyond Earth, was Diana, standing in front of a grave on the moon—Alice’s grave, inside the colossal dome of Hope Guild’s HQ.

She held Riley’s picture in her hands and placed it on her golden stone.

"My—our son’s all grown up now. He’s... been a real blessing in our lives, and I’m really sorry that you’re not here to see that. Bernard and I, even Hannah, have been doing our best to take care of him."

Diana chuckled, wiping the tears threatening to escape her eyes as she sighed.

"He’s growing, and so is his... powers. His body’s become immune to Bernard’s serum. We can’t stop his powers from developing now. Telekinesis, just as they said. Same as you. I just...

...hope that’s the only thing he inherited from you, old friend."