Chapter 9: The Fractured Path

The group stood in silence, the gravity of Jessy's confession settling over them. The evening air was crisp, and the streetlights flickered on, casting long shadows over their small huddle.

"We can't go back to normal after this," Ace said finally, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "We need to start figuring this out. Together."

Alice nodded, her mind already spinning with theories. "I've been doing some research," she admitted, pulling her tablet from her bag. "There's nothing that directly explains... this," she gestured vaguely at the group, "but there are cases—stories—about people experiencing... unexplained phenomena. Some of it is tied to places, events, even genetics."

Jimmy scoffed. "You think we inherited this? Like it's some family curse or something?"

Alice gave him a sharp look. "I said some of it. But the connection doesn't have to be genetic. It could be environmental. Or something else entirely."

Jessy crossed her arms, the frustration from earlier still simmering beneath her calm exterior. "We don't have time to sit around guessing. Whatever this is, it's dangerous. We're dangerous. If we can't control it..." Her voice broke slightly, and she looked away. "I don't want to hurt anyone."

"We won't," Ace said firmly, stepping closer to her. "That's why we're going to figure it out. One step at a time."

"Okay," Jimmy said, throwing up his hands. "But where do we even start? Are we supposed to just, what, Google 'how to deal with superpowers'? Because I don't think there's a WikiHow for this."

Alice smirked despite herself. "Actually, there are forums. Paranormal sites. People post about strange experiences all the time. I've already started gathering info, but... it's a lot of noise to sift through."

Jessy frowned. "So, we're just going to rely on internet theories? That doesn't sound like much of a plan."

Ace shook his head. "It's not just about research. We need to figure out what's happening to us. Not just what's out there. We've all felt it, right? That... pull. Like something's pushing us toward—" he paused, searching for the words, "—something bigger."

Alice's eyes lit up. "That's what I mean when I say we're connected. It's not just coincidence that this happened to all of us. There's a reason. We just have to find it."

Jimmy leaned against the bench, his arms crossed. "You're all talking like this is some grand destiny or whatever. What if it's just... random? Like some freak accident or a glitch in the universe?"

Jessy's gaze snapped to him. "Then we still have to deal with it. Whether it's fate or a fluke, we can't just ignore it. Not when it's already affecting us."

The group fell silent again, each lost in their own thoughts. The weight of the unknown pressed down on them, but there was also a spark of determination—an unspoken agreement that they wouldn't face it alone.

Finally, Alice spoke up. "There's one thing I haven't told you. I've been... testing my powers. Quietly. I didn't want to say anything until I was sure, but... I think I can control it. At least a little."

Jimmy raised an eyebrow. "You've been experimenting on yourself? Seriously?"

Alice ignored him. "The point is, it's possible to learn. To adapt. If we work together, we might be able to figure out how to control what's happening to us."

Ace nodded. "That's a start. We'll need to find somewhere to practice. Somewhere safe, away from—"

"—people," Jessy finished, her voice soft but resolute. "We can't risk anyone getting hurt."

Jimmy pushed off the bench, his expression skeptical but resigned. "Fine. But if we're doing this, we do it smart. No crazy stunts or reckless experiments. Agreed?"

"Agreed," Ace said, looking at each of them in turn. "We'll meet tomorrow. Same place, same time. Bring whatever you think might help."

As the group began to disperse, Jessy lingered, her eyes on the ground. Ace noticed and paused. "You okay?" he asked gently.

She nodded, but her voice was hollow. "Yeah. I just... I don't know if I can do this. What if I lose control again?"

"You won't," Ace said, his tone firm but kind. "We won't let that happen. We're in this together, Jessy. All of us."

For the first time that evening, Jessy allowed herself a small, tentative smile. "Thanks, Ace."

He nodded, then turned and headed down the street, his silhouette disappearing into the growing darkness. Jessy stayed for a moment longer, the swing of hope and fear still warring in her chest, before finally heading home.

Tomorrow would be the start of something new. Something terrifying. But maybe, just maybe, they could face it together.