The Unusual Occurrence Of Mote

The next day at school, Alice took her new position as the teacher's aide, always keeping an ever-watchful eye on the 'good' professor.

The day began like any other, with Professor Maxwell delivering a grand, theatrical speech. Today's lesson focused on protective abilities, a subject of great importance given the recent events.

Maxwell looked toward Eary and asked for his assistance. Eary, with a nod of agreement, stepped forward, ready to contribute to the lesson.

Maxwell announced, "Today, we delve into the realm of protective abilities. These powers are not only essential for your own safety but also for the protection of others. In a world where unseen threats can lurk, knowing how to defend yourself and those you care about is paramount."

With that introduction, the class embarked on a journey into the world of protective abilities, a subject that would become increasingly significant as they delved deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Scions and the super gems.

As the lesson on protective abilities progressed, Eary found himself drawn into the topic. He could feel the magic within him, a response to the recent events and the looming threat of the Scions. As Professor Maxwell explained various protective techniques, Eary couldn't help but experiment with his own powers.

With a focused mind and a subtle gesture, Eary conjured a shimmering yellow magic circle that enveloped him and his classmates. It was a newfound ability, one that he hadn't even realized he possessed until now. The circle emitted a warm, comforting glow and exuded an aura of safety that everyone inside could feel.

Professor Maxwell, initially engrossed in his lecture, was taken aback by the sudden appearance of Eary's magic circle. He paused, his eyes widening in astonishment. The class fell silent, and all eyes were on Eary.

After a moment of silence, Maxwell stepped closer to the magic circle, carefully examining it. He muttered to himself, "This is remarkable. It's a protective barrier, but unlike any I've seen before."

Eager to learn more, Maxwell gestured for the students to remain inside the circle as he conducted various tests. He summoned small magical projectiles and sent them towards the circle. They harmlessly dissipated upon contact with the barrier.

Maxwell's astonishment grew as he continued his experiments. He finally concluded, "This is indeed a unique ability, Eary. I believe you have awakened what is known as the Circle of Protection.'"

Eary, still somewhat surprised by his own newfound power, looked at Maxwell and asked, "Professor, do you know anything about Technopathy?"

Maxwell's expression shifted from astonishment to one of deep concern. He hesitated for a moment before replying, "Technopathy is a highly specialized and dangerous power, Earhart. It allows individuals to manipulate and control technology with their minds. It's a power that can be easily misused."

Alice, who had been quietly observing, felt a pang of unease at Eary's question. She knew the significance of Technopathy in the current situation, but she also understood the potential risks.

As the school day drew to a close, Alice approached Eary with a serious expression. "What part of 'Don't tell Maxwell anything, DON'T you understand?" she scolded him, her frustration evident.

Eary, feeling regretful and confused, immediately apologized, seeking clarification. Alice sighed, her frustration mixing with concern. "Dude," she said, "he now knows that we know about Technopathy. That's going to raise questions. Shit!"

Eary's discomfort deepened, and he spoke up, "I didn't think. I was just curious, I guess."

Alice, trying to find a solution to the problem, groaned but then came up with an idea. "Alright," she said, "I've got an idea. First, I'm going to tell him I read someone's mind and heard the word 'Technopathy,' and we talked about it. That should be good enough."

Eary, grateful for Alice's quick thinking, nodded and said, "Thanks, Alice. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Alice patted his shoulder reassuringly. "Just remember, some things are better kept secret for now. We don't know who we can trust." With a plan in place, they hoped to keep their knowledge about Technopathy hidden a little longer.

Alice, Eary, and the rest of the Star Gazer Institute's students made their way to the resort's café, after class.

After taking their seats, Alice began to inform them of the goings on of the previous night.

Hannah replied to the news, "Holy shit, so we're all like soldiers in some supernatural war for our world?" Alice nodded."At least that's how Mote and the other motelings put it."

Maggie piped in, "So this 13,000 year cycle has started again? And last time, the world ended?" Eary gave an awkward smile as he replied."Yep! That about sums it up."

Decan, whose concern had washed over him, asked, "What's the plan then?" He continued as he put his arm around Earhart."I can't lose Eary, so whatever it takes, I'll do it!" Eary's eyes misted up at Decan's declaration.

Alice sighed. "I get it. And no, we're not gonna lose Eary. We can't, actually. It sounds like if we do, we all lose our powers." Alice then added,"I also promise you, I won't let anything happen to him. But we're gonna have to take the fight to them." Decan replied nervously."What do you mean?" Alice pulled out the large purple gemstone. "Remember this? Finding these is paramount right now. They are the remnants of the powers of the first group that saved our world from the Scions. Denby and the guys are getting us a list of potential area's there might be more of these, but it'll be dangerous." Decan nodded."Then I'm coming with you every time. I'm lucky, give me a gun, and I don't even need to aim." Alice smiled."Good to hear, ladies?"

Hannah and Maggie looked at each other, their gaze exchanging a knowing exchange as they replied in unison. "We're in." Hannah announced."You already know we'd be down..." Maggie continued."And it doesn't sound like we have a choice either."

Alice smiled. "Good to have you on board." Alice glanced around."Where's Ben?" Maggie replied."I'm not sure. He seems to spend a lot of time alone." Alice closed her eyes and a moment later exclaimed."He's with Maxwell. Let's move."

As the group followed Alice through the Star Gazer, she escorted them through the halls to the back exit. Marching through the snow, they made their way to an amassing of shipping containers.

Once on the scene, Alice bee lined to the nearby mountain side. As the group, who had been trudging through the snow after her, finally caught up. Mei, shivering and huddled together with the rest of the group, called out, "Alice! I don't think Ben is out here!"

Alice once again closed her eyes. As the group stood and watched in frozen anticipation, Alice walked several meters to the right. And with and extended and walked straight into the wall, and disappeared from sight.

The group stood in awe at the sight. After a quick collaboration, they decided to follow her inside.

Passing through the cliff side proved to be effortless, as the rock was merely a hologram. Eary turned around to observe the many blinking lights and strange technological structures surrounding the entrance of the cave.

Once inside, the group was met with unreasonable warmth. Making haste to find Alice, they came into a large oasis, a vast garden dug straight into the cliff. Large trees, plants, and flowers of a wide , mysterious variety were etched into the cavernous landscape. The ceiling of the cave stretched on forever, as only darkness was visible. The flowers emited a strange light, enough to see three figures standing in the center of the foreboding paradise.

Reaching the trio, the students found themselves in the presence of Alice once more. She was speaking with Maxwell and Ben.

Maxwell smiled as they approached, an uneasy feeling graced them as he spoke, "Ah, students. It looks like you've all found young Benjamin and I's secret.

Ben, his eyes wide with enthusiasm, turned to Alice. "So, you wanna see what we've got in here?" Alice, attempting to mask her curiosity and unease, nodded in agreement.

Without hesitation, Ben called out into the lush forest that surrounded them within the cavern. Unusual creatures, unlike any the students had ever seen, began to emerge. Among them was an elephant-sized creature with long, droopy ears and an extended tongue from beneath its trunk, a large aquatic bird with iridescent plumage and a formidable raptor's beak, and a group of turnip-shaped creatures that emerged from the ground, their tiny bodies bobbing.

"There are so many of them. There are too many to count." Eary thought as the large heard approached.

Ben cheerily stated, "These are all my friends. I help the professor take care of them."

Maxwell, sensing their curiosity, finally spoke, "These creatures are part of the unique ecosystem that thrives within this hidden world. It's a sanctuary of sorts, carefully preserved and protected by Benjamin and myself."Alice, unable to contain her wonder any longer, added, "It's astonishing, but it also raises even more questions. Like, why is it so warm in here? Where did these creatures come from? And how are you hiding this place?"

Maxwell nodded. "I can see that you are a curious one, Ms. Pickering. These animals came from expeditions into the Nocopo ruins. The ecosystem there was once run by these generators." Maxwall explained, pointing to large devices, as tall as trees, that littered the landscape.

Mei, brow furled, asked, "So you took them all? Why?" Maxwell reassured the girl."It's fine, Mei. We transported the entire ecosystem to this cave. And with the help of a few other supers, namely a technopath and one who could control nature."

Alice looked at the professor. "A technopath?" Maxwell nodded."Yes, our organization has several. And as it was, the generators were dying in the ruins. When we brought them here, we saved the entire ecosystem." Maxwell proudly boasted.

Ben, taking Alice's hand, brought her to one of his 'pets'. He proudly exclaimed, "This one is a cockatrice. They can turn things into stone. But don't worry, he's pretty nice."

Ben smiled as he pulled the frazzled girl to the next creature "Thisbis a Nocopoian Cave Elephant!" He gestured to the small creature."Watch out for the tounge. They eat anything."

Alice smiled and asked about the small winged reptile following along at Ben's feet. The boy excitedly replied "Oh that's just my dragon, Riyoley!" Alice stunned replied "A real dragon?" Ben nodded ecstaticaly."Yep, I hatched him and everything!" Alice, still trying to regain her composure from meeting a real-life dragon asked."Where did you come up with a name like 'Riyoley' anyway?"

Ben smiled. "It's a portmanteau. I combined two names that mean dragon." Alice praised the boy "Well that's pretty good, buddy. Super smart!" Ben nodded back."Thanks! I read a lot!" Alice pushed further."So how long are you here usually?" Ben replied,"Almost always." He giggled as he replied.

Alice nodded but insisted on Ben returning with them. After a few minutes of Alice's requests, the boy agreed and followed the group back to Eary's suite.

Opening the door, the group was met by a familiar scent. The much missed Mote had been busy preparing a meal. Luke, Sakile, and Denby were already seated when the group walked in.

Alice stared at Luke for a moment, then spoke, "Hey, sorry we're late. Got held up. What's cooking, Mote?" Mote in a flurry of blue lights zipped out of the kitchen. In a dazzling display, the moteling replied, "Nothing too fancy. Just some mouth waterin' ribs, and a suculant roast duck, made by yours truly!"

As Mote spoke, Ben couldn't contain himself. "Hi! Who are you? Don't be surprised. I can talk to animals." Mote with a tinge of sarcasm replied."Yeah, me too, kid! I can talk to Nocopo descendants like you, too! Names Mote, I'm a moteling, and you are?" Ben, in shock, replied."I'm Ben." He looked over to Alice."How long have you had him here?" She smiled and replied,"Ask Eary. He's the one Mote follows around."

Eary looked at Ben and stated, "12, I've had him since I was 12." Ben was confused by the news."But how is that possible?" Eary explained his past to Ben and how he came to know Mote.

Ben then replied, "We gotta tell the professor about this!" Alice placed her hand on Ben's shoulder. She told him she didn't trust the professor and would like it if he kept Mote a secret. Also, she insisted that he stay close to them from now on. And if he's going to the cave, to bring at least another member of their group with him, Ben agreed.

The makeshift family enjoyed another meal full of conversations and laughter. Once the meal was over, they all settled down for a film.

After Ben and most of the group had fallen asleep, Alice asked Luke, "Did you get the list?" Luke slowly nodded."I did. I'm just not feeling the greatest about it. Kinda nervous." Alice replied."I get it." She sighed."I don't really talk about it, but I used to have a little brother." Luke inquired."What happened to him?" Another deep sigh and Alice explained. "We were at the beach one day, and he wanted to play by the water. We played in the sand, got our feet wet. I was 13, and he was 6." Luke stared back as the girl unpacked her heart. Alice continued. "I looked away for a second. That was it. Tide took him. I ran in after him, but I needed to be saved, too." Alice stared off until she finally concluded."He drowned, and I let that happen. So now my brother is gone. I'm not going to let anything happen to yours or Ben."

Luke looked over at Eary, who was nestled up to Decan. "Thank you, and I'm sorry. Wasn't your fault, though." Alice groaned."I've heard it. But thanks." After a pause, she continued."So tomorrow, after you guys get back, we hit one of these labs. Right?" Luke nodded."Looks like it."

The two lamented their choices, then after a bit, joined their comrades in slumber.