The gymnasium echoed with the screech of sneakers on polished hardwood as Boon, like a predator stalking its prey, closed in on Zack. Sweat dripped from their brows, muscles tensed with determination. The competitive fire burned fiercely in Boon's eyes, reflecting Zack's growing unease with just how aggressive Boon was playing.
"Come on, Zack! Is that all you got?" taunted Boon, shoving him roughly.
Zack gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the provocation. He knew Boon was just trying to show off because he thought he should be the rookie star, but he couldn't shake the nagging fear that if Boon kept this up he could lose control. With an uneasy glance at his own hands, he recalled how his powers had manifested - claws, telekinesis, and those unsettling pink-tinged eyes.
"Stay focused," he muttered under his breath, attempting to regain his composure.
But Boon, letting his envy get the better of him, shoved Zack again – harder this time. Zack lost his focus for only a moment, but that was all it took. In a split second, a telekinetic pulse burst from Zack's palm, as he tried to push Boon away, and the sound of Boon's pained cry filled the air as he clutched his elbow.
"Boon!" Zack gasped, horrified by what he'd done, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.
"Coach!" called one of the teammates, gesturing frantically for assistance.
As the coach rushed over, Zack hung back, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He couldn't let this happen again. He couldn't risk hurting someone else. "Coach," he said, forcing a cough, "I don't think I can play tonight. I'm not feeling well."
The coach eyed him skeptically but eventually relented. "Alright, take it easy. But remember I only allow five sick days so use them wisely." Zack nodded and left the scene as quickly as he could.
-----
Later that day, Zack found himself partnered with Ahmed in biology class. He should have known better than to think he could fool his perceptive partner.
"Come on, Zack," Ahmed whispered as they huddled over their lab assignment. "You seriously expect me to believe you're too sick to play tonight?"
"How did you..." Caught off guard, Zack hesitated unable to create a valid response. "I... I just don't think it's a good idea, alright?"
Ahmed furrowed his brow, concern etched across his face. "You know the team will suffer without you and Boon both playing. We might lose, and if you think Boon is angry now just wait till he loses."
"Boon could use the lesson in humility," Zack muttered, avoiding eye contact.
"Zack, why won't you just tell me what's going on?" Ahmed pleaded, frustration evident in his voice.
"Please, Ahmed," Zack said, his voice barely audible. "Just...trust me on this one, it is better for everyone if I am not at the game."
Ahmed sighed, recognizing that he wasn't going to get any answers from Zack at the moment. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong. And as much as he wanted to respect Zack's wishes, he couldn't help but worry about the consequences of Zack's silence – for both the team and Zack himself.
"Fine," he conceded reluctantly. "But if you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me."
"Thanks, Ahmed," Zack replied, his voice heavy with the weight of secrets. As they returned to their lab work, he couldn't help but wonder how much longer he could keep up this charade.
-----
Rob paced the hallway, his eyes scanning for Lindsey. He had tried to shake off his concern for Ethel, but the nagging in the back of his mind wouldn't relent. She was involved in what happened to Zack somehow, he just knew it. Spotting Lindsey reviewing some case files near her office, he approached her with a determined stride.
"Hey, Lindsey," Rob said, his voice betraying his worry. "I've got something I need you to look into."
Lindsey looked up from her files and concern etched across her face. "What's going on?"
"Ethel," Rob replied, glancing around to make sure they weren't overheard. "She's been hanging around where Joanna was killed a lot lately, and is following Zack around, it is giving me a bad feeling." He knew if nothing else, being investigated by the police would slow Ethel down and buy them time.
"Alright," Lindsey agreed, closing her file folder with a snap. "I'll see what I can find out. But you should know, things are getting pretty intense around here with no leads on who killed Joanna. Don't be out after dark if you can avoid it."
"Thanks, Lindsey," Rob said gratefully. "and I will try not to go on any late jogs of my own through abandoned parks."
"You always have a sarcastic comment," she replied, her eyes softening. "I will look into Ethel, thank you for the lead."
As Rob left Lindsey for her investigation, he thought about what would happen if she found out about Zack and vessels. He knew she would never believe it but he also knew that she would see them as dangerous and could end up locking them away or worse.
-----
Meanwhile, Zack returned to his dorm, his thoughts still swirling from his conversation with Ahmed. As he entered, Kenzie greeted him with an excited grin.
"Hey! I heard all about your incredible tryout!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I took the night off work just to come watch you play tonight!"
Zack felt the weight of her expectations pressing down on him. His chest tightened as he forced a smile and said, "Oh, uh, thanks, Kenzie. That means a lot."
"Are you feeling okay, Zack?" Kenzie asked, her excitement dimmed by concern as she noticed his strained expression.
"Uh, yeah," he lied, attempting to brush off her worry. "I'm just a little tired, that's all."
"Alright, well, make sure you get some rest before the game," she advised, her eyes still searching his face for any hint of distress. "You don't want to disappoint your fans!"
Zack chuckled nervously and nodded. "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind."
As Kenzie left to give him some space, Zack raced up to his room and sank onto his bed, his thoughts racing. The pressure to play was mounting, and he couldn't help but feel cornered. He knew that if he didn't find a way to control his powers, he could put everyone at risk - including himself.
But Kenzie's excitement and Ahmed's concern weighed on his conscience. Could he really let them down? As much as he wanted to protect himself, he also knew that they weren't dumb and it was only a matter of time before they noticed the weirdness surrounding him.
His mind continued to swirl with these thoughts until his phone buzzed, Deb had texted him -MEET ME AT SWEET DREAMS?- Zack smiled to himself before quickly texting back -ON MY WAY-
-----
Zack stepped into Sweet Dreams Bubble Tea shop, the scent of exotic fruits and warm spices enveloping him like a comforting embrace. The cozy shop was filled with students enjoying their small escape from the pressure of class, which was just what he needed to take his mind off the mounting stress. He spotted Deb at a corner table, her short black hair framing her face as she sipped her large taro bubble tea, lost in thought. She seemed so at peace that Zack took a moment to take it in before approaching.
"Hey, Deb," he greeted her with a smile, the sight of her instantly easing his anxiety.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
"Zack!" She beamed, setting down her cup. "I'm so glad you could make it. How are you feeling?"
"Better now that I'm here," he admitted, sliding into the booth across from her. "Everything's just been...a lot lately."
Deb nodded sympathetically. "I can only imagine there is a lot of pressure on the first game of the season. But hey, there's something fun happening tonight after the game. Ahmed, Boon, and I are heading to a board game café. You should come! And bring Rob along too – it'll be a great way to unwind."
Zack hesitated, weighing the pros and cons of playing in the game. If he lost control then he could end up caught by those exorcists but on the other hand, his team needed him and there was no guarantee he would lose control. Seeing Deb's hopeful expression, overwrote his logical thinking skills. "Yeah, that sounds great. Count me in."
"Excellent," she said, sipping her bubble tea again. "I can't wait to see you out on the court tonight. I've loved watching you play during tryouts."
"Thanks, Deb," Zack replied, feeling a renewed determination to play. He couldn't let her down.
-----
Meanwhile, Lindsay approached Ethel's house on Hazel Street, her senses on high alert. Most of the leads they have been given were false so it didn't hurt to check out one from a friend. As she neared the front lawn, she noticed a dark, crimson stain marring the grass. Her heart pounded in her chest as she drew her weapon.
"Waterloo region police department," she announced as she knocked on the door. There was no response, she knocked again but this time the door creaked open.
"Ethel?" she called out, her voice tense. She cautiously entered the home and began going from room to room. She found Ethel hunched over her computer with her headphones in, seemingly unaware of Lindsay's presence.
"Ethel!" she barked, causing the other woman to jump in surprise.
"Detective Lindsay? What are you doing here?" Ethel asked, her face a mix of confusion and concern."Joanna's murder, someone says you have been hanging around the crime scene," Lindsay replied, gesturing towards the front lawn with her weapon. "Also there's blood outside your house."
"Wait, I can explain—" Ethel began, but Lindsay cut her off.
"Save it for the station. You have a lot of explaining to do."
Ethel's eyes widened in shock, but she didn't resist as Lindsay helped her to her feet and led her away. The truth would have to wait.
-----
The deafening roar of the crowd filled the arena as Zack dribbled the ball across the polished wooden court. His heart raced with adrenaline and anticipation, the energy of the game coursing through him. He did feel his control slipping at all during warm-up and felt pretty confident. In the stands, Ahmed, Deb, Kenzie, and Lindsey cheered him on, their voices blending with all of the excitement.
"Go, Zack!" Ahmed yelled, his face flushed with enthusiasm. Deb clapped her hands vigorously, her eyes sparkling behind her glasses as she watched Zack move in perfect sync with his teammates. Kenzie and Lindsey exchanged impressed glances; they knew how much this game meant to Zack.
"Come on, guys! Keep up the pressure!" Zack shouted to his team as they closed in on the final minutes of the game. They were ahead, but just barely. Each basket felt like a small victory against the formidable Laurier University team.
As the seconds ticked down, Zack's muscles tensed, a flicker of unease beginning to seep into his veins. He could sense his powers stirring within him as his heart rate rose, threatening to break free and wreak havoc on the court. Panic bubbled up in his chest as he tried to keep his powers at bay while maintaining focus on the game.
"Zack, watch out!" Adrian's voice cut through his thoughts, snapping him back to reality just in time to dodge an opposing player. With newfound resolve, Zack pushed himself harder, sinking one final basket to secure their lead. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
But as Zack landed back on the court, he saw the ball had what looked like claw marks on it, as he looked down at his hands his breath caught in his throat. Desperation clawed at him as he sprinted off the court, making a beeline for the changeroom. He had to get somewhere safe before he lost control completely.
"Zack!" Deb called after him, worry etching her features, but he couldn't stop to explain. His heart hammered in his chest as he burst into the changeroom, a wave of relief washing over him as he found it empty. With trembling hands, he turned on the shower and stepped under the ice-cold spray, hoping it would help him regain control.
"Come on," he muttered to himself, gritting his teeth against the freezing water. His breath came in shallow gasps as he tried to steady his racing heart, his powers still reeling dangerously close to the surface.
"Zack?" Deb's voice echoed through the changeroom, her footsteps hesitant as she approached the showers. As she pulled back the curtain, concern etched across her face, Zack finally managed to wrestle his powers back under control before she could catch him.
"Deb, I... I'm sorry," he stammered, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I didn't want you to see me like this."
"Zack, it's okay, everybody has their off days," she said softly, her hand reaching out to touch his arm. "You don't have to explain, the pressure of varsity can be a lot. Just know that I'm here for you, no matter what."
He looked into her eyes, his heart swelling with gratitude and something more, something that made him feel both excited and nervous at the same time. "Deb," he whispered, unable to find the right words to express his feelings.
"Shh," she murmured, leaning in closer. Their lips met in a tender, electrifying kiss, sealing the bond between them.
As they pulled away from each other, Zack knew that even amid chaos and uncertainty, one thing was clear: he could face anything with Deb by his side. Hand in hand, they left the changeroom together, ready to get back in the game.
The dim gymnasium lights cast long shadows across the wooden floor, with Rob sitting alone on the bench, lost in thought. His eyes scanned the empty stands, still feeling the echoes of the game that had just ended. The door creaked open, and Lindsay entered, her face a mixture of concern and resolve.
"Hey, Rob," she said, taking a seat beside him. "We need to talk."
Rob looked at her, noting the seriousness in her voice. "What's up?"
"Ethel... we had to let her go." She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. "The autopsy revealed it was some kind of animal that killed Joanna, not her."
"An animal?" Rob furrowed his brow, trying to wrap his head around this new information.
"Yeah, I don't know what to make of it either." Lindsay glanced around the empty gym before continuing. "But listen, there's going to be a curfew put in place on campus to protect everyone. That animal is still out there."
"Of course," Rob agreed, processing the implications of this revelation. "But are you sure it is an animal, what in a city would be big enough to kill someone?"
"Leave the investigating to me," Lindsay instructed. "All you need to do is focus on your studies and the whole university experience."
Rob looked out over the court, "Ryan would have loved it here." He felt a sudden wave of emotion and leaned against Lindsay.
"Yes, he would have." She responded, holding back tears.
As they spoke, Boon entered the deserted changeroom, his footsteps echoing through the silence. The tension from the game still hung in the air, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He made his way toward the showers, and his eyes widened as he spotted what appeared to be claw marks etched into the tile. He traced the grooves with his fingers, trying to make sense of the scene.
"Boon?" Ahmed's voice startled him, and he turned to see his friend standing in the doorway. "Are we going or not?"
"Ahmed, look at this," Boon said, gesturing towards the claw marks. "What do you think did this?"
Ahmed approached cautiously, examining the marks for himself. After a moment, he shook his head. "I don't know, Boon. But honestly, does it really matter? Maybe someone left the door open and a raccoon got in."
"Sure a raccoon did this," Boon muttered, frustration clouding his thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, but Ahmed's calm demeanor helped temper his emotions.
"Let's go, it is getting late and we have an eight-thirty class tomorrow," Ahmed suggested, placing a reassuring hand on Boon's shoulder. "We'll figure this out later."
Boon nodded, reluctantly stepping away from the claw marks. As they left the changeroom, the unsettling mystery of Boon's discovery lingered in the air.
-----
The night had settled like a shroud over the campus, and the moon cast eerie shadows through the stained-glass windows of the University chapel. Jessica hesitated at the entrance, her hand on the heavy wooden door. She knew she would find Father Bill here, seeking solace in prayer after the tumultuous events of the year so far.
"Father Bill?" she called softly as she stepped inside, the scent of burning incense lingering in the air.
"Ah, Jessica," he replied, his voice echoing against the high arches. The bulky man stood near the altar, his blonde hair neatly combed and his blue eyes holding a mixture of sorrow and determination.
"Can we talk about Joanna?" she asked, her heart aching. "I need to understand what happened."
"Of course," Father Bill agreed, gesturing for her to sit in one of the pews. As they sat down, the weight of their shared grief filled the space between them.
"Joanna was an exceptional exorcist. One of the best I've ever known," Father Bill began, his voice tinged with pride. "She was relentless in her pursuit of evil, never wavering in her faith or her mission."
Jessica nodded, remembering her friend's unwavering courage even in the face of unspeakable horrors. "Then how could something like this happen to her?" she asked, her brown eyes filling with tears. "What kind of creature could have done this?"
Father Bill sighed heavily, his hands clasped together in thought. "I've been asking myself the same question, Jessica. The truth is, I don't know yet. But whatever it was, it had to be powerful enough to overcome Joanna's considerable skills and defenses."
"It had to be something more powerful than a vessel, right?" Jessica's mind raced, piecing together the scant evidence they had. No animal tracks at the scene of the murder, at least two supernatural beings spotted in the woods, and now the revelation that Joanna had been killed by something more formidable than any vessel they had faced before. "We need to find out what we're dealing with, Father before it decides to increase the body count."
"Indeed," he agreed, his eyes narrowing with resolve. "We must exercise caution and remain vigilant. The safety of everyone on this campus is our responsibility."
"Joanna would want us to carry on her work," Jessica said, her voice cracking with emotion. "We can't let her death be in vain."
"Of course not," Father Bill replied, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Together, we will uncover the truth behind this tragedy and bring justice to those responsible. We owe it to Joanna and ourselves."
As they sat there in the dimly lit chapel, surrounded by the silent echoes of their faith, the mystery of Joanna's death loomed like an oppressive shadow. For Jessica, the quest for answers had become personal, and she vowed to face whatever darkness lay ahead in honor of her fallen friend.