Genius of the Generations (A Project: Eden's Garden x OC Story)

Prologue: Old Places, New Faces

Matteo POV

I had caught up with the others who were all waiting by the door leading to the courtyard.

"Would it it kill you to walk any faster?" Grace asked.

"Sorry 'bout that. Just wanted to have a private chat with blonde boy," I told them.

"That's hella suspicious. What you need to talk to him in private about?"

"Nothing to do with you, that's for sure. In case you don't know what privacy means, do you want a dictionary?"

"Tch. Smartass kid." 

"That's enough, Grace," Wolfgang muttered trying to calm the situation down.

"Why'd you decide to wait for us anyways? Not that I mind but it would be faster if we joined you while you started your investigation," I asked.

"It was only 'cause the gremlin insisted it. I didn't even realize the two of you fell behind until she pointed it out," Grace responded.

"Unfortunately... I must admit the same..." Wolfgang said, scratching his cheek with a sheepish expression.

While the others were talking, I heard footsteps behind me and saw Damon.

"You're late," Toshiko scolded.

"You're waiting?" Damon questioned.

"They decided to wait for us while we were talking. Now that you're here we can leave this area," I explained.

"By the way, what are the others doing right now?" the uniformed girl asked.

"Exploring something else...probably," Toshiko answered.

"You don't sound very sure of yourself," Damon said.

"Hmph. They had the nerve to tell me to 'stay put' while they inspected the area. If they don't want me exploring, then I suppose I'll explore by myself!"

"Who cares about that? They're both here so let's go already!" Grace redirected the conversation back to our current objective.

"Yes... and then the others will realize their foolishness," Toshiko proclaimed with a smirk concealed behind her fan. She struck a pose of triumph before speaking again.

"Onwards, to the great outdoors!" 

After that proclamation she turned towards the door and reached to turn the lock open.

*Click*

Turning the knob of the door, it opened with long creak as we had proceeded towards the courtyard.

A bright light gleamed in our eyes as I was met face-to-face with a familiar scenery.

"Finally, some sunlight!" Grace spoke.

"This courtyard... I wonder if we can escape by climbing over the hedges." Damon suggested. "The hedges are tall, but if we try looking for a rope..."

"I doubt it's that easy. The devices we're wearing will probably shock us," Wolfgang warned.

"Hmph. Let's see if you're right." Grace turned to face Damon.

"Go on, soybean. Climb the hedge."

"What the—" Before Damon could snap at Grace, Toshiko interrupted.

"Unfortunately, it's pointless to climb the hedges."

"How do you know?" Grace asked.

"Look at the sky and then you'll see why," I told her.