Chapter 29: The Bubble Weaver and The Hidden Ace

I had one day left. Just one day to find one more team members, and I was running out of time—and hope. The only person in Angeles worth considering was Zack, and he wasn't enough. I needed someone different. Someone with something special.

To clear my head, I took a drive through the city. Neon lights flickered through the evening haze, and for a moment, it felt like the city was holding its breath. Then I saw them—kids. Floating. In the air. Like bubbles.

Laughter echoed above the streets. Dozens of children drifted in the sky, giggling as if the world had no gravity, no worries. Their bubbles shimmered with a soft pink glow. I parked the car, got out, and walked toward one. As I reached out and touched it—pop—it burst instantly. But why didn't they pop when the kids touched them? And how were they even floating?

That's when I saw her.

A group of kids had gathered around a woman with short brown hair and pink-tipped bangs. A delicate necklace hung around her neck, and inside its glass pendant, a single bubble shimmered faintly. A little boy shouted, "Give me one!" She grinned, playful but calm, and said, "At your service."

With a motion of her hand, a bubble enveloped him, lifting him into the air.

I stepped closer, intrigued. She turned, locking eyes with me like she'd been expecting me all along.

"I'm not the one you're looking for," she said, flatly.

How did she know?

Before I could reply, she added, "Talk to me later—when I'm done with the kids."

So I waited.

Hours passed. The sun dipped below the skyline. One by one, the kids floated down and went home, until the street was empty.

And then she ran.

I chased her. She summoned a bubble and flew, rising swiftly. But I wasn't about to let her slip away. I reached out with my power, and as my energy touched the bubble—pop—it vanished, and she plummeted to the ground.

She landed hard but safe, eyes wide with disbelief. "How did you—?"

She raised a hand toward me, and I tensed, ready to counter. She didn't attack. Instead, she touched the pavement, and instantly a shimmering barrier rose around me—thick and solid. I hit it once, nothing. Again—still no give.

"You'll never break that," she whispered, confident but shaking.

I was observing the barrier and ignited my palm with a green flame.

The next punch shattered the barrier like glass.

She stumbled back, her eyes full of fear. "Please don't hurt me!"

I looked at her gently, raising both hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I was joking."

Her expression didn't change. Still guarded.

I placed a small black card on the edge of the barrier shards and said, "Meet me here. Tomorrow. Same time. There will be cash, of course."

"Innocent voice and all," 

She narrowed her eyes. "Who are you?"

"You'll see tomorrow."

Then I was gone—back in my car, vanishing with a burst of speed. As I drove, I thought back to what I'd seen. She could read minds, shape energy into shields, and craft constructs from pure force. Definitely interesting.

I was glad that i drove here. 

When I got back home, I couldn't shake the feeling. Today had been different. For the first time in a while, I saw real potential—someone who might actually fit. I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but I was still half-asleep when a knock came at my door.

"My Lady, your guest has arrived," said my father's assistant, calm and respectful as always.

I rolled out of bed and muttered, "Coming."

By the time I stepped outside, she was already there—seated at the dining table like she owned the place, sipping tea with both elegance and chaos.

"Long time no see, my friend," she said with a smirk.

"Don't call me 'friend,'" I snapped automatically.

She gasped dramatically, holding a hand to her heart. "Ahhh! She doesn't consider me her friend, JACOB, what should I do?"

I didn't hesitate. I flicked a kunai at her.

She leaned to the side, catching it with two fingers just beside her face. "You're so mean," she pouted. "As always."

This was Caitlyn—Jacob's best friend... and, whether I liked it or not, one of mine too. We'd met after Jacob's funeral. She was one of the only people who stuck around when everything else fell apart.

When I sat down at the table across from her, I didn't waste time. "You're going to pretend to be the leader of my team," I said, tone flat and direct. "You'll guide us during the mission."

Her brows raised. "And how many weeks should I pretend?"

"Until I say so."

That made her grin. "This'll be fun."

"You'll be excused from your own missions for a month," I added. "I already requested it from the agency."

At that, she stood and leaned across the table to hug me. "You're so sweet."

I shoved her gently back into her seat. "Don't get used to it. Treat me like the others. Every night, we'll meet like this. You'll act like you created the group. If they ask about the girl with the envelopes, just say she's a friend helping out. Make something up—you're good at that."

"Roger that," she replied with a wink.

Caitlyn wasn't just anyone—she was one of the best agents the agency had. Master of disguise. Queen of trickery. If anyone could sell the story, it was her.

We went over everything. Mission details. Team dynamics. I introduced her to the current members. She studied them all with that sharp gaze of hers, then paused.

She nodded slowly, her confidence unshaken. "Then I'll be ready."

And with that, she left to prepare for the mission.

I leaned back, watching the door close behind her. My heart felt heavier and lighter at the same time.

Zeff. Yuki. Just wait. I made you a promise—and I intend to keep it.