Attack?

security, Commander Net, paced before them, his expression worn but considered. "So, you're saying to expect an attack…within the next few days?" he asked slowly and let out a groan of annoyance when Exodus nodded. "It is too soon. I fear we will not be able to cover every inch of this building with security," Commander Net said, tiredness and frustration creeping into his voice. "Then I am afraid I have more bad news," Exodus said, and Commander Net looked up, surprised. "We are not covering this building in security. We're covering the entire Capital in defensive measures. Commander Net's eyes widened, and he immediately shook his head. "Absolutely not!" he half-shouted, his eyes narrowed at Exodus with something like disapproval.

"If they're coming for you, then you are out priority. I am your chief of security!" Commander Net demanded, and Exodus sighed, now rising to his feet, and staring directly into Net's eyes. "Do what you want in protecting me, I don't mind. But I will not allow the people of the Capital to be injured or killed because we were too careless to think about them!" Exodus retorted, and he felt like he had finally broken through, because Net sighed and leaned against the wall, rubbing his eyes. "I will see what I can do with the Council…but no promises," he murmured, and Exodus grinned, a sense of relief washing over him. "I will do what I can to help get people to safety even if the Council refuses to assist," he said, and now Net stood tall, a dark look in his eyes as he glared at Exodus.

"If people are coming to attack, from any of the Houses, they will have Powers! As I recall, the final battle between you and Catastrophe deprived you of your ability!" Commander Net said sharply, and Exodus stared in surprise. This was the first time anyone had mentioned the final battle, mainly because neither Exodus nor Rachel had told anyone of what happened. "What did you just say?" whispered Exodus, and Commander Net froze, a look of realisation passing over his features as Exodus stepped closer, fists clenched by his sides. Net looked down, took a deep breath, and then looked up again. "There's a reason no one questions how your brother died, or why you don't have a Power," he said flatly, and the shock passed over Exodus like a wave. He had never noticed. "Did you really think we wouldn't be watching?" Net asked.

Then he walked to the TV on the furthest wall, turned it on, put in his own access code, and began flicking through files seemingly at random. Exodus waited with bated breath, and then Net clicked onto a file. The large TV was instantly filled with sound and colour as it displayed the centre of the Capital, overcrowded with people as they all stared upwards at a large screen on the side of a building. It zoomed in onto the screen, and Exodus let out a quiet gasp. It was Nathaniel, his right arm broken, and the arm of his suit burnt away as he jabbed a glowing elbow into Catastrophe's chest, forcing Catastrophe to stumble back so there was distance between them. The crowd began roaring and cheering as Nathaniel's body began glowing, and he rose into the air, floating like a God. "YOU WANT MY FULL POWER?" COME AND GET IT THEN!" Nathaniel roared, and then he shot forward, streaking down to Catastrophe.

Catastrophe leapt up to Nathaniel, his large form glowing brightly as he raised a fist. Nathaniel's right arm snapped into place as he rushed forth, the very sky lightening as the crowd screamed "COME ON!" Then, as Exodus had watched before, Nathaniel slammed a fully charged fist into Catastrophe's chest. Commander Net paused the screen, turned off the TV and turned back to Exodus, sighing as he did so. "You see? We watched that moment. When Nathaniel perished, everyone was devastated. But then you, of course, showed everyone what you could really do. We know everything, as do everyone in the Capital." Exodus did not know what to say. He was shocked and amazed, and he glanced at Rachel, who wore the same look of surprise. "We know what you're like with your Power, but as you have lost that, you are not powerful enough to take on people with Powers!"

Exodus did not reply, but sat on the chair behind him, feeling winded as Rachel reached forth and gently took his hand in hers. "I will give you time to think," Commander Net said gently, and then he was walking out the room, letting it snap shut behind him. "What is it?" whispered Rachel, and Exodus looked up to meet her eyes, feeling his face burning. "There is something I have not told you…or anyone," he murmured, and Rachel cocked her head to the side in confusion. Exodus did not say anything more, but raised his right hand, lifted his thumb and forefinger together, and snapped. His fingers glowed slightly, and an aqua-coloured electricity sparked around his hand. Rachel let out a gasp. "Is that…" she whispered, and Exodus nodded, knowing what she was going to say.

"How?" she asked, and Exodus shrugged, "I have a theory," he said, and when Rachel raised her eyebrows, he quickly explained. "Nathaniel transferred some of his Power to me just before the Hunt because I hadn't been gifted the Power of Hope naturally, so when Catastrophe took it in our final match, he took the remnants of what Nathaniel had given to me…but this is new. I think that this is the Power of Hope that has finally been passed onto me, through natural time instead of being gifted by another person. It will take me much longer to gain strength with it than Nathaniel's Power, but I do believe that this will become just as powerful, or maybe even more." Rachel listened intently during Exodus' explanation, looking as though she were also trying to piece it together.

Finally, she slowly nodded, her eyes wider than usual but not by much. "Are you going to tell anyone else?" she asked, and Exodus firmly shook his head, giving a small smile. "I am sure people will discover it sooner or later, but for now, to keep us both safe, I want it secret." Rachel understood Exodus' reasoning and promised that she too would keep it secret.