section of the base, whilst a very normal looking scientist in a white coat had performed all manner of tests on me. Finally, after tapping an alarming number of buttons on a Biomote and rescanning me, he had concluded that my body had the capability of regenerating cells at a rate far superior to even those of a Chosen. He’d admitted with a slow stroke of his chin that I appeared to have the unique sixth ability of healing.
I’d tried to contain my excitement as we had made our way to the Temple to tell Faru the news. We had found him sitting on the grand chair, deep in meditation — his two guards standing either side, heads bowed as if copying the action. Gabriella had told him the news regardless. He’d given a simple, slow nod. Then without the need for words, the notion that he would speak to me about it after the joining ceremony flashed into my head. It was followed by the idea that we should take the opportunity to unwind until it was time to get ready.
Agents weaved their way past the team, barking orders through their wrist microphones and pressing their fingers against their ears. Midnight frowned. “This ain’t normal,” he grunted, as Iralia tottered past him, carrying a bowl of floating candles. “Maybe they’re trying to raise the mood,” suggested Delagio. “It’s been tough on everyone lately.” “Don’t they do this for all new Guardians?” I asked, savouring the smell of spices that wafted from the kitchen. Rachel shook her head. “No, this is too grand. Something big is going on, and I want to find out what. You okay with that Ella?” Gabriella narrowed her eyes. “I’m curious too. Go find out.”
Rachel peeled off from the rest of the team and disappeared behind one of the silver curtains. Midnight stopped near the base of the main stairs and scratched a huge finger against the nape of his neck. “As much as I love hangin’ out with new kid here, I promised pint size she could practice some new spells on me the Coven taught her next time we had a moment.”
Sophia’s eyes brightened. “Can we Ella? I want to make Midnight walk through a wall!”
Gabriella laughed. “I’m pretty sure he can do that anyway, but go on, have fun. Make sure you’re not late for the feast though. And try not to turn him into a brick or something!”
“Thanks!” Sophia grinned and the two raced one another up the stairs. Midnight pretended to trip at the top, so that little girl could win. Gabriella turned to Delagio. “I suppose you probably have things you want to do too.” He patted the pouch at his side. “Well I was kind of hoping to get a couple of hours in at the target range.” Gabriella rolled her eyes. “Go on then. We’ll see you later.” Delagio tipped his hat. “Thanks boss. See you later Alex, try not to kill anything while I’m gone.” I smiled and watched as he called an elevator and was swallowed into the depths of the nexus.
“So what now?” I asked stepping to the side, so a man in a white apron could roll a glass keg of what looked like blood between us. “I get the impression we’re in the way down here.”
“We can go and check out your apartment if you like. It’ll probably be ready by now.”
“Lead the way,” I said.
I followed Gabriella up the stairs and along the balcony. We slipped through one of the silver drapes, which felt as light and soft to the touch as gossamer. As we passed the door that lead to Gabriella’s apartment, I noticed the little plaque with her name on. Even her name is beautiful.
We headed a few doors down and then she stopped. There was a backing plate with my name on it.
“Put your thumb on the scanner there.”
I did as she said. A wave of light ran down the small pad and then there was a low click as the latch opened. Gabriella swung it open and gestured inside.
The layout was similar to Gabriella’s apartment, but the style was completely different. The walls were ocean blue — my favourite colour. The hallway was home to a bookshelf packed with novels. I glanced at a few of the titles. Alice in Wonderland, The Enchanted Woods, The Dark Tower, Lord of the Rings, American Gods. Copies of every book I had treasured growing up were present and accounted for. What surprised me even more was that the shelves included books I’d wanted to read but hadn’t managed to get around to.
In the lounge, a hulking plasma screen hung on the fireplace wall. Below, a cabinet was filled with a selection of video game consoles and games. A leather U-shaped sofa filled the sunken area. On the wall to the left of the opening, was a giant canvass of artwork done by Ryan Lloyd of Soulfire and signed by the artist himself. My mouth fell open in disbelief. On the other side was a perfect recreation of the peaceful beach from my mind journey with Faru.
The kitchen was stocked with all of my favourite foods. The bathroom was a giant wet room, containing numerous water spouts and a Jacuzzi bath.
The bedroom was stunning. A king-sized bed sat on top of a thick chocolate carpet and in the middle of an array of dark wood furniture. A further plasma television hung from a contrasting white wall. A selection of my favourite films stood on a unit below. Hanging from a wardrobe handle was an expensive looking suit bag.
I turned around to Gabriella. “I don’t know what to say. It’s…perfect. How did-“
“Faru,” she said tapping a finger against her temple. “Okay, I’m going to head back to my apartment. Why don’t you get yourself ready and then come find me when you’re done. The ceremony doesn’t begin for another three hours, so no rush.” She pointed a finger towards the suit bag hanging from the wardrobe.
“Everything you need is in there.”
My heart hammered in my chest as I unzipped the suit bag. Even though I was pretty sure I knew what was inside, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of anticipation. The rich scent of leather filled my nose as I pulled the sides of the bag away. Inside was my very own HASEA uniform.
The sense of acceptance I’d felt before came flooding back times ten. This is me. I belong here.
I pulled on the black t-shirt, followed by the leather trousers. I smiled to myself as I put them on. If these were by themselves, I’d look like some sort of nerdy rock star. I removed the slim leather jacket and shrugged it on. It felt comfortably heavy. There was an indented area over the heart, where the HASEA badge would normally be. I traced the outlines of it with a finger. Next came the odd metal belt I’d seen the rest of the team wearing. As I lifted it out, I could hear a dull hum — as if it were conducting electricity. I noticed strange symbols etched on the inside. Shrugging, I wrapped it around my waist. The buckle was made of solid brushed metal and clicked into the other end like an airplane seatbelt. The last items at the bottom of the bag were a pair of boots which laced up to the shins, a pair of fingerless gloves and a duel sword scabbard which slipped over both shoulders and connected at the back. Everything fitted perfectly.
I zipped up the jacket and walked over to the full length mirror by the bed. I drew in a sharp breath. I looked like I’d been ripped from the pages of comic book. Like an actual superhero.
As I stared at my undeniably badass self in the mirror, I noticed a button on the side of the belt. Taking an instinctive look around, I pressed it.
My reflection disappeared.
“What the hell?” I cried out, stumbling backwards and knocking a shelf load of DVDs to the floor. I looked down and with a huge sigh of relief realised I was still there. I faced the mirror and pressed the button again. A silvery wave rolled from my feet upwards and my reflection re-appeared.
Like an excited child, I clicked the button a few more times and watched in amazement as I vanished and materialised in the space of a few seconds. Okay, I’m definitely asking Gabriella about this one, I thought as I headed out of the bedroom.
Not wanting to seem too keen, I wasted a bit of time playing on a PlayStation in the lounge. I couldn’t concentrate properly and the character I was playing as kept dying. I gave up and switched the system off.
The door of my apartment clicked shut behind me. I headed over towards Gabriella’s room and pressed the bell. I hoped from foot to foot as I waited for her to answer.
The door swung open and Gabriella was framed in the light, wearing what appeared to be a ceremonial version of the uniform. The black leather jacket was trimmed in gold. Ornate pads made from what looked like real gold sat on both shoulders. Her hair had been fixed into place using numerous hairpins and ran down her back. She looked me up and down and made an impressed face.
“Well don’t you look dashing in uniform Mr Eden?” she said with a cheeky smile.
I felt my face grow hot. “Yours is nice too.” I said in an awkward voice.
“You mean this old thing?” she mock simpered. “It’s something the squad leaders have to wear whenever a new recruit joins the team. Come in.” Gabriella opened the door further and ushered me inside. Music was playing softly from the lounge speakers. I recognised ‘Destiny’ by Zero 7. There was of bottle of champagne standing in a bucket of ice on the coffee table, along with two glasses. I sat down on the coach by the roaring fire. Gabriella picked up the bottle. The label looked worn.
