Trent King was taking Judy’s statement. He had heard disturbing news from Jian Chan. Jian suspected someone was poisoning power fighters to make them Unstable and explode. There had been only one case till now, Judy Trout, who was sitting on a hospital bed in front of him, but Jian Chan believed this was a threat based on the word of Marcus McKnight.

Trent needed to talk with Marcus too. It seemed that he had saved Judy’s life, stopped her from dying when she exploded as an Unstable. The result was Judy was alive, but she was not a power fighter anymore. Trent wondered how Judy was taking all this. Right now, she was answering all his questions.

She did not know who wanted to poison her. She did not know if such a poison existed. She did not even know how, when or where she had been poisoned. The doctors had found a needle mark on her neck, but she did not even remember being injected in the last few weeks.

This was all very confusing, and Trent was at the end of his thinking capability. His partner Dorian did not have much to comment regarding this too. After they finished questioning Judy, they thanked her, her parents and left.

Dorian asked, “So what now?”

Trent replied, “We go talk to Marcus.”

“And this will help how?”

“Maybe he knows something. Remember about the explosion in the plane. He knew it was the work of Dark Hand.”

“Whoa there! Do not just throw that name around.”

Trent shrugged, “I rather doubt they would be listening to each and everything every power fighter is saying. Although, do you think it would be them again?”

Dorian thought for a moment and said, “They are powerful, but they work for the power fighters, not against them. This feels like something different.”

“Do you think Marcus and Jian are right? More power fighters are going to get infected.”

“You have to admit how dangerous this is”, said Dorian gesturing in the direction of the hospital, “A power fighter turned Unstable. That does not happen. And it was because of a poison which no one can identify and it has not even left a trace in her system. Also, she does not even remember being injected. You know what this means right?”

“I can tell you about the memory thing. It had to be a powerful Illusion master. Only they can do something like this. Level three definitely. However, about the poison, we need to find something about it fast. Either find a way to stop it or stop the person doing it.”

Dorian shook his head and said, “We are detectives Trent not scientists. We need to find the person behind this. Let the experts take care of the poison. But first we need to find the poison.”

“And this all boils down to our visit to Marcus. Come on. Let us check his home”, said Trent.

Dorian nodded and both the detectives entered the car. They were going to pay Marcus a visit.

***

Marcus was currently sitting in Musings with Brock, Forum and Evana. He was telling the others about what had happened with Judy. They were not taking it well. Especially the part where they found out that Marcus could talk with his Angel. Brock knew because Marcus had told him most of his secrets regarding his power, but the girls did not know.

“Wait a minute”, said Forum, “You can talk with your Angel. How is this possible?”

“Ask your father”, said Marcus, “He knows.”

Forum threw up her hands, “Why did he not say anything? Why didn’t you?”

Marcus took a moment before replying, “As I explained, talking with your Angel requires a higher level of harmonization. To harmonize to that extent, you have to take the initiative on your own. Your Angel appreciates that. The Angel does not appreciate you taking guidance or short cuts. Harmonization with your Angel up to this level is basically realizing your true potential. And there are no shortcuts for pure hard work.”

Forum did not say anything to that. However, Evana said, “So, what you are saying, that if we want to get stronger, we need to harmonize with our Angel up to a level that we can talk with it?”

Marcus nodded, “It is not easy, however. You have the knowledge now. This would make your Angel think that you are not worthy as you did not seek the initiative on your own. You would have to work extra hard, empathize with your Angel, to reach a level of harmonization where you could talk with them.”

“Then why did you tell us?” asked Evana.

“There was no way I could explain everything by keeping this a secret. Do not worry. This does not mean you won’t be able to harmonize with your Angel up to the same level as me. Just that you would have to work extra hard.”

Both Evana and Forum tried to say something, but Brock cut them off, “Enough. We are getting off topic. We need to know one thing though. Did you manage to find out what it was which made Judy unstable?”

“I detected a foreign energy in Judy’s body. I did not know what it was. Judy’s Angel called it poison of some sorts. I was not able to do much before the Angel exploded”, replied Marcus.

They were all sitting in silence for some time. Their drinks lay untouched for some time now. The door opened and Marcus’ gaze went towards the entrance. Juran, Wizard and Tisane had walked in. They took a table some distance away from where Marcus and the others were sitting.

Forum said, “Urgh. Tisane is here. Come on. I don’t think we can discuss much over here now.”

They started to debate whether they should stay or finish their drinks and leave. Marcus, however, was looking at Wizard keenly. It seemed to Marcus that Wizard looked a bit under the weather. But his instinct told him something different. When Marcus saw Wizard’s hand tremble a bit when he called the waiter, Marcus stood up and walked up to Juran, Tisane and Wizard.

Wizard had his back to Marcus while the other two saw him approach and waved. Marcus ignored them and grabbed Wizard’s arm.

Wizard said, “What the…”

Marcus said, “Shh. Let me examine you.”

Marcus immediately called White Angel.

“What are you doing?” asked Wizard.

Marcus said to White Angel, “WA I think Wizard is in the same predicament as Judy. Although at an earlier stage. Could you examine him?”

White Angel sighed and said, “Let me check.”

All conversations of Marcus with his Angels occurred inside of him and no one outside could hear it. So, Marcus said to Wizard, “I need to check something Wizard. Just give me a minute. I am sorry about this but it’s important.”

Marcus closed his eyes and grabbed both of Wizard’s arms now. White Angel made a connection with Wizard’s Angel.

Wizard’s Angel said, “Why have you invaded my power fighter, brother?”

White Angel quickly explained the situation to Wizard’s Angel.

Wizard’s Angel said, “So you think my power fighter is infected with this foreign energy?”

White Angel replied, “Can you detect anything foreign in his system? Because my power fighter feels like something is wrong.”

Wizard’s Angel sighed and focused on Wizard’s energy. He shuddered in a few seconds.

Wizard’s Angel said, “What is this? I feel it, brother. Go ahead. You feel it too. It is small, but it seems to be steadily growing, making its way towards me. What is it? I have never felt anything like this before.”

White Angel probed Wizard’s energy and Marcus and him both felt it. The poisonous energy making its way towards Wizard’s Angel; on its way to corrupt him.

“What is to be done?” asked White Angel to Marcus.

Marcus said to Wizard’s Angel, “Can you take over his system and purge out the foreign energy.”

Wizard’s Angel said, “I could but Wizard here has not harmonized to that level.”

Marcus said, “Forget harmonization. If this energy reaches you, Wizard shall become Unstable and you shall explode.”

Wizard’s Angel thought for some time and then said, “Please leave brother. I need to talk to my power fighter. For healing him I shall do so. But it will also reveal to him that he needs to harmonize further. But I understand the need. Better a knowledgeable power fighter than a dead power fighter.”

Marcus and White Angel closed the connection and let go of Wizard’s hands.

Wizard said, “So, what’s the diagnosis doctor? Am I going to live?”

Marcus said, “You will get your answer soon.”

Wizard’s eyes suddenly widened. Marcus knew what was happening. Juran and Tisane tried to ask him what was happening, but Wizard raised a finger and stopped them. He closed his eyes while Juran and Tisane turned towards Marcus.

“What is happening Marcus?” asked Tisane.

“All right, long story short”, said Marcus, “Wizard is infected the same way Judy was, but it is a very early stage of infection. So, Wizard has realized and is trying to fight it.”

“And how is he going to do that?” asked Juran.

Before Marcus could answer, Wizard opened his mouth and a ball of light came out. The ball of light exploded, a minute explosion, and fizzled out.

Pops shouted, “Hey, take your power fighting tricks outside.”

Marcus said, “Sorry Pops, it was an emergency”, and to Wizard he said, “Was that the foreign energy?”

Wizard nodded and said, “What the hell is happening?”

And for the second time that day, Marcus sat down and explained to people about Judy’s poisoning and harmonization with Angels.

***

Marcus looked at Jian Chan as he approached him. Jian had just come out of Wizard’s room. After Marcus had explained, as fast as he could, to Juran, Tisane and Wizard as to what was happening, Juran had insisted on taking Wizard to the hospital. Wizard had been thoroughly examined and the doctors had not found anything wrong with him. Still, the doctors had insisted on keeping him for 24 hours for observation.

Jian had come to visit Wizard and now he was coming for Marcus. Marcus was still there because Tisane had said she had further questions for him. Marcus could see Tisane trailing behind Jian. Brock, Forum and Evana were also nearby. They were curious about what was happening and did not want to be felt left out.

Jian approached and said, “Wizard is all right. He said you are the one who healed him.”

Marcus nodded, not wanting to tell Jian that it was actually Wizard’s Angel. He was tired of explaining. He knew Jian knew about the levels of harmonization for Angels. Jian continued, “I am impressed. This was a job better than Tyra Strong and she is one of the best power fighter energy healers I know.”

Marcus did not say anything. The others had surrounded Marcus and Jian now. Jian looked at the others and sighed.

Jian said, “I heard about what is happening. Judy and Wizard are not the only ones. Two other power fighters were also suddenly found unstable. They were saved though, by Tyra.”

“Who were the others?” asked Brock.

“Roger Cairn and Stuart Child”, replied Jian, “They are team members of teams Havoche and Valhalla.”

There was a moment of silence and Tisane said what everyone was thinking, “Someone is targeting the winners of the Qualifying Tournament.”

“Keep that down Tisane”, said Jian looking around, “We do not want to start a panic.”

“Then should we be discussing this in a hospital?” asked Tisane.

Jian nodded and said, “All of you come to my office in the evening. We have a lot to discuss.”

Jian left after that. All the others looked at each other. Marcus, Brock, Forum and Evana left after that. As Marcus walked, he thought of something. He excused himself from the others. He needed to talk with Chen.

***

The meeting, according to Jian, had not gone well. He had invited all the managers of the winners of the Qualifying Tournament along with Marcus, Brock, Forum and Evana as he had extended his invitation to them. He has also invited the Shadow Council, seven members including himself, Tyrin Redd, Kazin and Tyra Strong, Doug Young, May Walsh and Tempest Angel.

They had discussed in length regarding what was happening to the fighters and the managers of the winners of the Qualifying Tournament and what the next step should be. Jian had already thought of what he wanted to do but had taken everyone’s opinion. Then he told the others what he had planned.

Jian wanted to keep all the teams at one location. There was a hotel near the outskirts of Los Angeles; Hotel Tall Oaks. He considered it to be a secure enough location. He would be providing additional security via the police too. He wanted the teams to stay there till this matter was resolved. Tyra would also stay as she was a good healer and knew how to take care of the poisonous energy affecting the power fighters.

There were many who did not like the plan. Even Kazin, Tyrin and Doug opposed it. Everyone had their own opinion. However, Jian considered this to be the best course of action and had convinced the others to the best of his abilities. The decision had been made when no one else had been able to come up with a good plan.

Thus, it was decided. The teams and Tyra would be staying at Hotel Tall Oaks till the police finished their investigation. The training of the teams would be affected but Jian had said that the lives of the team members and their managers and statisticians was more important than training.

So lost was he in thought regarding the meeting that he did not even feel the shift of power in the room; did not even feel the presence of the person who had entered through the window and had shrouded himself completely; did not even feel the prick of the injection on his neck. The shrouded person smiled as he exited. He had just given Jian a large dose. Soon, Jian would be no more.

***

Marcus packed quickly. He did not pack much, only the bare essentials. He thought about Chen and how he was going to contact his friend. Marcus would do it tonight from the hotel. Hopefully they would all be given their own rooms.

He exited his room to find Brock already packed and waiting downstairs. For some reason, Selena was also present. She had her packs with her. There were three of them. She looked as Marcus came out of the room.

Selena said, “We need to talk.”

Marcus grinned and said, “Oho, why does it sound like you are going to break up with me?”

Selena grinned back and said, “Shut up idiot. I want to talk about my training.”

Marcus said grimly, “I am sorry, but we shall need to wait. Let this all get sorted out. You are not the only one concerned about their training.”

Selena huffed but did not say anything. The doorbell rang and Brock opened the door to Taylor. She rushed up to Marcus saying, “I heard. I came to say goodbye for the time being.”

Marcus kissed her and said, “I am sure this will all get sorted out soon.”

Taylor said, “I am worried about you.”

Brock and Selena snorted at that and Taylor glared at them.

Marcus smiled and said, “You do realize that I have the power to heal this poison. This means that the poisoner shall not be able to affect me much.”

Taylor nodded but still looked a bit apprehensive. The doorbell rang again, and Brock opened it to one of Jian’s representatives. They checked and entered the car that had come for them. Taylor looked a bit tearful and Marcus kissed her before getting in.

He said, “Take care of yourself Taylor. I will be back soon. How did you get here? Will you be able to go back?”

Taylor nodded and gave Marcus a kiss goodbye. Then she waited at the porch till the car disappeared from her sight. She turned towards her own car, feeling fear, not for her, but for Marcus.

***

Marcus looked at his small room and sighed. He was not going to enjoy living here, even temporarily. He had finished unpacking and was wondering what to do when he remembered. He called Chen on the phone.

It was some time before Chen picked up.

“Hello”, said a groggy voice.

Marcus looked at the time and swore internally. It was about 2 pm in Los Angeles. It meant that it was around 5 am where Chen was. It would be one more hour before everyone woke up at the Chinese academy.

Marcus said, “I am sorry to wake you up, but this is urgent, Chen.”

Chen replied, “I am awake.”

Marcus explained to Chen what all had happened. Chen was silent for some time as he digested the information.

Then Chen said, “We could study the poison here Marcus if we could get a sample, but that way does not seem feasible. Moreover, the way the people are being attacked, it feels like a high level of illusion mastery. Warn the other fighters. Maybe they would have a fighting chance. I will talk with my father. Learn if something like this had happened before. I will get back to you soon.”

Chen cut the call. Marcus put his mobile phone on the bed and walked up to the window of his room. He had a view of the swimming pool. He could see some of the power fighters already lounging around the pool. That was fast. He went in search of Brock. He hoped the power fighters would be safe here.

***

Brock opened the door to find that it was Marcus who had knocked.

“Hello there Marcus. Come on in”, said Brock.

Marcus entered and said as Brock closed the door behind him, “I do not like this Brock. I want to help catch whoever is doing this and not stay here.”

Brock said slowly, “You did not say anything about this earlier. Why the sudden change?”

Marcus looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, “I was already doing my own investigation in a way. And I saw that Jian Chan had made up his mind. There was no other alternative. Protesting would not have helped.”

“So, what do we do?”

“We?” Marcus raised an eyebrow.

“Of course, I am helping, you idiot.”

Marcus grinned and said, “We go and meet Tyra then. I have some questions for her regarding the poison.”

Brock nodded and the friends left in search of Tyra. At the reception desk they found out her room number. She was on the third floor, room 310. Marcus and Brock went up and knocked at her door. She took some time opening the door.

“Oh! Marcus and Brock. To what do I owe you boys the pleasure?” asked Tyra as she opened the door.

Marcus smiled and said, “Mrs. Strong. Can we talk?”

Tyra invited Brock and Marcus into her room. Marcus observed that it was the same size as his or Brock’s. Tyra took the only chair in the room while Marcus and Brock sat on the edge of the bed, trying to get into a comfortable position.

Tyra laughed and said, “It is all right. Lean back. Lie down if you want to.”

Brock said, “That would be weird.”

Tyra said, “So, what do you boys want to talk about?”

Marcus said, “About the poison that has been affecting the power fighters.”

Tyra was thoughtful for a moment. Then she said, “What do you want to know about the poison?”

Marcus said, “I want to understand exactly what it is. I know that is a form of energy which corrupts the Angel inside of you, but how is it made? What is it made up of? And how in the world does it fit inside an injection for I assume that is the method of delivery considering the prick marks on the victims.”

Tyra raised her eyebrows, “These are some serious questions Marcus. Tell me why should I give you an answer?”

“Because I can heal them as well as you. I also have reached the level of harmonization with my Angel that I can talk to him. I also do believe the way to stop this is to understand the poison. We can get to the source through understanding only.”

Tyra considered Marcus for some time. Brock was apparently forgotten. Tyra soon turned to Brock and said, “And what is your stake in this Mr Young?”

Brock simply pointed at Marcus and said, “I am supporting him.”

Tyra nodded and said, “I was not able to recover much of the poison while treating my victims and I believe you were able to recover nothing. As a result, we have a very small sample to study. I have sent it to the labs at the Unstable Detention Centre but they have not identified its contents yet. They keep asking for a larger more initial stage sample and you should know how hard that is to obtain.”

Marcus and Brock both nodded at that. It seemed that they were at an impasse and there was nothing new that they could find out from Tyra.

Still Marcus asked, “Do you have any idea who could have made such a poison?”

Tyra said slowly, “That is a matter for the police and it is not right to interfere in their investigation.”

The message was clear. Marcus should not get involved. Marcus and Brock thanked Tyra and left her. Tyra took a deep breath as they left. Their involvement worried her just as much as the security of all the power fighters in the hotel right now. She did not even feel it. The shift in her room. The shadow approaching her. The prick on her neck. She had now been infected.