World's Requiem

9 - Deception & Devotion

**Chapter 9: Deception & Devotion**

Kyler sat at the edge of his bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the past few weeks had been nothing short of tumultuous. The loss of Siobhan had hit everyone hard, but life at Haven continued. The new arrivals, particularly Megan and Sam, had settled in well, though Alex having gone missing consistently generated anxiety. Something still nagged at the back of Kyler's mind. He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Megan's earlier suspicious behavior had been dismissed, but he couldn't help but keep an eye on her. Sam, on the other hand, seemed genuinely friendly and helpful, but Kyler knew better than to take things at face value."Kyler, you alright?" Katy's voice broke through his thoughts."Yeah, just thinking," Kyler replied, sitting up. "Something doesn't feel right.""You're still thinking about Megan?" Katy asked, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You need to let that go. We checked, and it was just a silly gadget.""I know," Kyler sighed. "But I can't help it. I've got a bad feeling about this."As if on cue, Rayan knocked on their door and entered. "Hey, Kyler, Katy. Got a minute? There's something you need to hear."Kyler and Katy exchanged a glance before following Rayan to a meeting room where Markus, Alyssa, and a few other wonderkids were gathered. The air was thick with anticipation."We've come up with a plan," Markus began, looking around the room. 

"Alyssa concluded that the spy is Megan. After discussing with the trainers and the staff, we've decided to fake an emergency to lure them out." Kyler listened intently as Markus explained the plan. They would simulate a breach in the facility's security, causing a lockdown. The spy would be led through a dark tunnel, where an ambush would await.

"The spy won't be able to resist the opportunity to gather intel or escape," Markus continued. "We'll be ready for them."

As the meeting ended, Kyler's unease grew. This plan was risky, but it was their best shot at unmasking the traitor. He only hoped it would work.

---The next day, the plan was set into motion. Alarms blared throughout the facility, and lights flickered ominously. The wonderkids played their parts, running around in simulated panic. Kyler, Katy, Rayan, and the others positioned themselves strategically near the tunnel. "Alright, stay sharp," Kyler whispered to Katy. "We can't afford any mistakes."

The tunnel entrance was dark, and the flickering lights cast eerie shadows on the walls. Kyler's heart pounded in his chest as he waited. Minutes felt like hours, and then he saw a figure approaching.

Megan.

She moved cautiously, glancing around nervously. As she neared the tunnel entrance, she suddenly stopped and laughed maniacally. "I've always been afraid of the dark," she said with a sinister smile. "Guess I'll have to pass on this one."Before anyone could react, she turned and bolted, her laughter echoing down the corridor. "Go, get her!" Kyler shouted, leading the chase with his superior physical ability. They sprinted after her, but Megan was fast, darting through the halls with surprising agility. As they rounded a corner, Alex appeared, jumping out of the ceiling and into the way, his crystal blades shimmering in the dim light. His veins glowed with a bright orangish-red hue, and his eyes were wild with rage. "He's been drugged!" Alyssa shouted, recognizing the symptoms. "They've enhanced his abilities!" Alex swung his blades, causing walls and barriers to crumble. The group scattered to avoid the deadly crystals, but Kyler kept his eyes on Megan. "We have to stop her!" Kyler yelled, pushing forward despite the chaos. Just then, Sam emerged, his hands and eyes glowing with a dark greenish light. Vines sprouted from the ground, forming a thick wall that blocked their path.

"Sam, what are you doing?" Kyler demanded, his voice filled with disbelief. Sam was stoic, his eyes cold. "Just following orders." 

Megan, Alex, and Sam slipped through the vines and escaped from the facility. Rayan's fury boiled over as he realized they'd been outmaneuvered. "Three innocent kids," he muttered, shaking his head. "How could we have missed this?" Kyler, struggling to catch his breath, placed a hand on Rayan's shoulder. "We'll get them, mate. We'll figure this out. "The group regrouped, the realization of the betrayal sinking in. The facility was in shambles, and they were left with more questions than answers. But one thing was clear: the GPA was far more insidious than they had ever imagined.---In the aftermath of the escape, the facility went into high alert. Security was tightened, and an emergency meeting was called. The remaining wonderkids were gathered in the main hall, their faces reflecting a mix of shock and determination. "Listen up," Markus said, addressing the group. "We've been infiltrated, and we've lost three of our own to the enemy. This is a setback, but it's not the end. We need to stay strong and work together to find them and bring them back. "Kyler felt a surge of resolve. They couldn't let this betrayal break them. They would regroup, plan, and strike back. The fight was far from over.---Over the next few days, the facility focused on recovery and investigation. Kyler found himself unable to rest, his mind racing with thoughts of the escape. He spent hours poring over surveillance footage, looking for any clues they might have missed. One evening, he sat with Katy and Rayan in the common area, discussing their next move.