Mutant Teenagers

The normal one

The team was gathered in the common room, finalizing their preparations for the mission. Melina was adjusting her newly reinforced gear, Morena was testing the flexibility of her metal-manipulating bracelets, and Spiros was tracing his fingers along the edge of a glowing portal he'd conjured for practice. Sofia stood close to him, occasionally glancing his way with a small smile.

Nikolas and Kwstas were whispering in a corner, their voices low but their expressions unusually light, as if a weight had lifted between them.

Just as Leonidas entered to brief them, the door creaked open again, and a familiar voice broke the focus of the room.

"Uh...so...where are y'all going?"

Everyone turned to see Spurik, Melina's recent acquaintance, standing awkwardly in the doorway. His hands were shoved into his hoodie pockets, his nervous expression contrasting sharply with the energy of the team ready for action.

"Spurik?" Melina asked, startled. She stepped forward, trying to act casual. "What are you doing here?"

"I was just in the area and thought I'd...stop by," he said, scratching the back of his neck. His eyes drifted across the room, taking in the sight of everyone geared up like a superhero task force. "Looks like I came at an interesting time. What's going on?"

Kwstas exchanged a quick glance with Nikolas, who crossed his arms. "It's kind of...classified," Nikolas said, his tone a mix of protective and brusque.

Melina frowned at Nikolas before turning back to Spurik. "We're heading out for...something important."

Spurik tilted his head, his curiosity evident. "Something important? Like...saving-the-world important?"

"Something like that," Sofia said with a slight grin.

Spiros chimed in, shrugging nonchalantly. "More like saving Thessaloniki. No big deal."

"Thessaloniki?" Spurik's eyes widened, clearly intrigued. "Can I come? I mean...I'm not exactly sure what's happening, but it sounds serious. And cool."

Leonidas stepped forward, his authoritative presence filling the room. "Spurik, this isn't a game. The missions we take are dangerous, and everyone here is prepared to risk their lives. If you want to be involved, you need to understand what that means."

Spurik hesitated, glancing at Melina. Her expression softened, and she nodded slightly, as if giving him silent encouragement.

"I understand," Spurik said finally. "I don't know if I can help, but I want to try. I don't want to just sit on the sidelines while...whatever's happening out there keeps happening."

Leonidas studied him for a moment before nodding. "Fine. But you'll stay in the back and follow orders. If things get dangerous, you focus on keeping yourself safe."

Spurik's face lit up with a mix of relief and determination. "Got it. Thanks."

As the team finished their preparations, Spurik gravitated toward Melina.

"You didn't have to back me up," he said quietly.

Melina smiled. "I didn't back you up. I just told Leonidas the truth-you're not the type to run away from a fight. Besides..." She gave him a playful nudge. "It'll be nice to have someone normal around for a change."

Spurik chuckled. "Normal might be a stretch, but I'll take it."

With everyone ready, the team gathered in a circle, Spiros opening a portal to Thessaloniki. As the shimmering gateway expanded before them, Leonidas gave one last instruction.

"Stick together. Watch each other's backs. And remember-this is about stopping Vesper, not proving a point. Let's move out."

The team stepped through the portal, Spurik trailing behind, his nerves clear but his resolve even stronger. Whatever awaited them in Thessaloniki, he was ready to face it alongside them.