Everyone was engaged in their own activities within the warehouse. Arnold was going over reports on the computer, Sumato was reading a book while pushing Temari away, and Alister was just lounging in his rabbit form. Marco entered the scene with a pleasing smile on his face.
“What are you so happy about?” Arnold asked.
“What do you mean?” Marco replied.
“With Ana gone, we’ve figured you’d be pacing around in a nervous fit.” Sumato chimed, not removing his gaze from the book. “Happiness is the last feeling we would suspect you of having.”
“I’ve been meaning to ask about this for a while.” Temari stopped pestering Sumato and turned to Marco, “What is up with this little girl you have taken in. I know she helped you and all, but every time she’s mentioned, you look frantic like a mother. I don’t want to put you out there, Marco, but there are some red flags popping up.”
For as long as the Prodigies have known Temari she has had a tendency of speaking whatever’s on her mind. Sometimes her questions were too brash and straightforward, but Marco could appreciate them because it was proof that she was honest. However, he didn’t like how Temari would often make accusations about his character, but it was all in good fun…sometimes.
“Don’t get the wrong idea!” Marco quickly defended, “When I found Ana, she was hurt. Not just physically, but mentally too.” Marco began to speak somberly, “It was evident in her eyes that she has repelled a great deal, yet she kept moving forward. She desperately wanted to find the Prodigy 5 and open up the truth for everyone. Even when Ana knew that she could be killed at any moment when she followed us, she continued to offer support at her full capacity. Especially when our fates were in the hands of a greedy crook.”
The two other Prodigies thought back to their encounter with Darci who became Killcount. They were certain they were about to die until Ana appeared offering a healing light as if she was an angel sent from heaven. With everything they’ve seen, they could put that theory on the board.
“Ana’s an innocent girl with a hero’s heart that could put us to shame. I won’t ever leave her to suffer again.”
Everyone saw the determination in Marco’s eyes. When he declared something, he would go through with it even if it cost him his life. That heroic will of his has broke each of the Prodigies’ walls and convinced them to follow him without question. Both Arnold and Sumato could tell how serious he was with protecting Ana and figured he may end up getting in trouble if something were to happen to her. The two Prodigies made a mental agreement to look out for Marco if he were to ever get caught up in a fight he couldn’t win.
“Wow!” Temari bluntly spoke, “I just suspected she was secretly your daughter or something.”
“Interesting!” Alister hummed.
Arnold snickered along with the reflection of Scorch while Sumato was simply amused.
Marco was retort until, suddenly, the entire warehouse was engulfed in a blinding white light and disappeared.
***
Termek gave a hateful glare to Eric while Life just analyzed him.
“Just because you got more meat on you, doesn’t change your situation.” Termek snarled, “You’re going die.”
“Even the way you speak is truly vulgar.” Eric said, completely unfazed by the cyborg’s intent.
“What did you say to me, boy?” Termek threatened.
Eric replied with a light punch to the gut. The impact was powerful and sent Termek crashing into a wall. Rio awakened with a fully healed form and rushed to the counter. He saw Eric in his muscular form, staring down a cyborg with a dent in his mechanical stomach. The sight caused him to grin. Termek quickly stood and charged to slash upon Eric’s torso. He struck with his mechanical fingers, but no damage was made. That didn’t make sense to Termek. His strikes were capable of cutting steel, so how couldn’t they pierce flesh.
“Eat this, Freak!” Termek shouted before swinging his proton blade.
The cyborg’s goal was to use his enhanced proton energy to cut his foe in two, but to his shock, the blade didn’t make a dent. Termek decided to release a series of slashes upon Eric’s torso and face. When he backed up, he noticed that Eric hadn’t moved an inch and there was no damage upon his body. Not even scratches.
This irritated Termek.
“WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU!!!???”
“I believe that I already implied that I am a demigod of the sun.” Eric replied, “Such mortal attacks have no effect on me.”
“DON’T MESS WITH ME!!!”
Termek’s body began to shift. He grew taller and more muscular. His joints radiated proton energy, especially the indigo orb that was now displayed on his chest. Termek projected a blade that was larger and brighter than before. His very presence was too powerful to the point where even Rio started to shake. The half-Arzodian held onto both Ana and Mara, preparing to shield them from what could go down.
Termek gave out a dark chuckle at the power surging through his body. He was itching to destroy something that challenged his own power. Life shook her head, disappointed at the fact the tall cyborg was planning on using his full power.
With an animal-like scream, Termek swung at Eric. The impact of the blade upon Eric’s side created a powerful burst of energy that destroyed the entire bar along with damaging a few neighboring buildings. When the energy calmed itself, Termek was shocked to see that Eric was still standing with an impassive expression. He looked at his blade to see that it has imbedded into Eric’s arm, but not enough to draw blood. The tall cyborg tried to force his blade to make a cut, but no damage could occur. He immediately leapt backwards, terror evident in his human eye. The muscular man took a look at the small amount of damage and merely swiped at it.
“I hope I still have some band aids left.” Eric said to himself.
What he said sent Termek to his knees. He loaded almost everything he had into that attack and all the being in front of him needed in the aftermath was a BAND AID.
Eric glared at Termek, causing the tall cyborg to flinch. He raised a fist and readied a punch. In Termek’s eyes, Eric was a titan and one punch could destroy the world.
“I will make this swift!” Eric nodded.
“NOOOOO!!!!”
Everyone was shocked to see the tall cyborg screaming in terror. Termek’s screams slowly became static as his robotic body began overheating. Both Ana and Mara were in utter disbelief seeing the enemy that almost killed Rio suddenly breaking down. Termek’s screams came to an end when his entire form fell lifeless with smoke rising from his core.
Life was disappointed once more.
“Termek was always more boastful about his enhancements. It’s no surprise he breaks down when he meets a foe more powerful than him.” Life glared at Eric. “This will be troublesome.”
“Now what about you?” Eric glared at Life.
“I was just leaving!” Life gave a nervous smile while creating a portal behind.
“You best cease your corrupt offence against the people of this realm, or I will make it my mission to hunt you down.”
“We’ll see!” Life smirked before entering the portal and disappearing from the scene.”
Rio walked up to Eric, smirking at the event. Ana and Mara were behind them, still stunned by the ‘fight’ they wittnessed.
“You’re still a walking a pillar of power.” Rio greeted while playfully punching Eric’s arm.
Eric gave a soft chuckle.
“It’s nice to see that you’re well, my friend.”
“Are you really…” Ana stared in awe at the muscular man before her, recalling his introduction from before.
“Ana,” Rio declared, “this is the last member of 5. Say hello to Eric Jacob: Our resident demigod.”
***
Marco opened his eyes to see that he and the entire group were standing in an unknown area. It appeared that they were in a set of plains and were surrounded by stone pillars that were carved in a language that couldn’t be scratched. There were also yellow and purple flowers scattered around and the sun shined brightly, combining with the environment to create a beautiful setting.
“When did the outdoors become so beautiful?” Termari questioned in amazement.
Out of nowhere, Alister bowed at an invisible presence.
“It is good to finally see you again, my Prodigies.” A beautiful and gentle voice spoke out.
The entire group recognized the voice and immediately bowed on one knee in a single file. In a flash of light, a figure appeared before them. It was a tall beautiful woman with blazing blond hair and golden eyes. She donned a white dress decorated with orange gemstones that appeared to be miniature suns when reflected by the light. She held a positive smile as she saw all the familiar faces before her.
“It’s the goddess!” Arnold gasped while accidentally puffing out tiny flames.
“Lady Reila: Goddess of the Sun/Avatar of Joy.” Alister declared respectably, “It is an honor to bask in your holy light once more, Milady,”
“I thank you, Alister for finding them.” Reila nodded, “You have done well.”
“Milady, what is going on?” Marco questioned.
“I have called your party here to warn you.” Reila answered, “There is a threat that is plotting against the holy world. The Council is worried.”
“The Godly Council!” Sumato exclaimed, “Only an entity with immense power can possibly challenge the gods and goddesses.”
“It isn’t the Alto Zhoul or anyone from the Nether, nor is it a power from the cosmos. It is a creation from a madman who sought to destroy the Council. His mortal name was Antonio Darci.”
Everyone flinched at Reila’s declaration. They knew Darci wanted to destroy the Godly Council, but didn’t think he possessed the means to do so. It also set them on edge at the thought of Darci’s plans still engaging even though the geneticist was dead.
“Hold up!” Temari interrupted, “Shouldn’t Rio and Eric be here to listen to this.”
“There is no need.” Reila shook her head, “My champion should already be relaying the information needed.”
***
When night came the group got away from the small town to avoid the public. They decided to campout in the woods, using whatever Eric could grab from the bar to sustain themselves. Ana had stars in her eyes when meeting the final Prodigy, but was deflated when he shrunk down into the skinny boy he was earlier.
“During the day, Eric is mightiest man alive, but when night falls he’s…whatever this is.” Rio chuckled at Eric who shivering in the cold.
“I would appreciate it if you didn’t make fun of my circumstances, Rio.” Eric nervously defended.
“But it’s so fun. How can not. The others aren’t here to ride me about, so I have free reign.”
“You’re so mean!”
“This is a complete character switch!” Ana thought.
She then decided to speak.
“You were so awesome back there, Eric. That robot man couldn’t even scratch you.”
“Yeah.” Eric scratched his neck, “I’m sorry if I seemed a little pompous back there. It’s a habit.”
“You’re always arrogant in the sun, Eric.” Mara spoke bluntly, “But you saved us and I’m grateful for it.”
“By the way, Rio, why is Ana traveling with you and Mara? Weren’t you hiding out in Cuba.”
“Superheroes are now legal again. Didn’t you hear the news or at least read a paper?”
Eric froze.
“I….I didn’t!”
During his time with the Prodigies, Eric has always been the last to catch on to the latest events. The embarrassment made Eric speechless and caused Rio to snicker.
“Oh Eric~” Rio playfully disciplined Eric with a flick to the forehead. “Always such a dummy.”
“That’s so mean!”
Both Ana and Mara laughed at the predicament. Mara stopped and became serious.
“Who were those guys back there? Could they have some beef with the Prodigy 5?”
“They said they wanted to open a gate to The System.” Rio recalled, “This has to be related to the Godly Council.”
“But why attack us?” Ana questioned, “What are they after?”
“The red cyborg was Termek: An experimental cyborg equipped with unrevealed EHF weaponry.” Eric spoke seriously. “The hooded woman was a sorceress who calls herself Life. Her skills in the magical arts are frightening.”
The other three gave Eric skeptical looks.
“How do you know that?”
Eric didn’t answer Rio’s question right away and gave the group a frightened yet determined stare.
“I need to tell you about the Enhancement 8.”
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