Mutant Teenagers

Tensions Rise

The aftermath of the mutant attack on Athens left the city in ruins and the world in uproar. News channels replayed the destruction endlessly, accompanied by sensationalist headlines: “Mutant Menace: Are They the Real Threat?” and “Who Will Protect Us from These Superhuman Dangers?”

It didn’t take long for the government to take a hardline stance. Politicians, under pressure from frightened citizens, called for swift action. “Mutants are dangerous,” one prominent figure declared on live television. “They must be controlled. For our safety, they must be detained and monitored.”"These recent events have shown us the reality of mutans among us. While not all of them are dangerous, the risk they pose  cannot be ignored. We are instituting new protocols to identify and monitor mutant activity. Those who refuse to cooperate will be detained for the safety of the public."

The team watched the broadcast in silence, the tension in the safehouse palpable.

“This is insane,bullshit!” Nikolas muttered, pacing the room. His knuckles, still bruised from earlier fights, clenched and unclenched as he tried to contain his growing anger. “We saved those people. We stopped that mutant. And this is how they repay us?”

“It’s not surprising,” Sofia said calmly. “Humans fear what they don’t understand.”

“That doesn’t make it right!” Nikolas snapped, his voice rising. “We shouldn’t have to hide or apologize for what we are. We’re mutants—it’s who we are.”

Kwstas, sitting on the couch, rubbed his temples. “Maybe we shouldn’t draw more attention to ourselves. Staying under the radar seems like the safest option right now.”

Nikolas stopped pacing and turned to him, his expression incredulous. “Are you kidding me? You, of all people, want to stay hidden? This isn’t just about us, Kwstas—it’s about every mutant out there. If we don’t stand up for ourselves, who will?”

Kwstas sighed, his voice measured but firm. “And what would standing up even look like, Nikolas? Fighting the government? Protesting in the streets? All that’s going to do is make them come after us even harder. We have to be smart about this.”

---

A Heated Argument

Nikolas’s frustration boiled over. “So, what? We just sit here and let them paint us as monsters? Let them lock us up?”

Kwstas’s light energy flickered faintly around his hands, a sign of his own rising emotions. “I’m saying we don’t give them a reason to. Lying low isn’t the same as giving up.”

Nikolas’s eyes narrowed, his voice cutting. “This coming from the guy who gave me endless speeches about not hiding who I am. About how I shouldn’t be afraid to show people the real me. And now you want us to pretend we’re something we’re not? You’re a hypocrite, Kwstas.”

Kwstas stood, his posture tense. “That’s different, and you know it. This isn’t just about you or me—this is about keeping everyone safe. If we draw too much attention, people will get hurt.”

Nikolas laughed bitterly. “Oh, so now you’re worried about safety? You weren’t worried about it when you were pushing me to accept myself, were you? You told me I shouldn’t hide who I am, that I should be proud. But now that it’s you on the line, suddenly hiding is okay? Suddenly it’s the smart choice?”

Kwstas clenched his fists, his voice rising. “Because this isn’t just about us, Nikolas! It’s not about pride or identity—it’s about survival. If you can’t see that, then maybe you’re the one being selfish.”

The room fell silent, the weight of the argument hanging heavy in the air. Nikolas stared at Kwstas for a long moment, his expression a mix of hurt and anger, before turning on his heel and storming out.

---

Melina and Spurik’s Moment

In the quiet aftermath, Melina sighed dramatically. “Well, that was tense.”

Spurik, who had been sitting awkwardly on the edge of the room, chuckled nervously. “You could say that again.”

Melina turned to him, her usual playful grin returning. “You know, for a guy who’s good with numbers and science-y stuff, you’re surprisingly bad at diffusing tension. Where’s your witty comment? Your brilliant solution?”

Spurik laughed, relaxing a bit. “I didn’t think witty comments would help much there.”

“Fair,” Melina admitted. She leaned against the counter, her gaze softening. “You’re pretty calm for someone who’s been thrown into all this mutant craziness.”

“Calm? Not exactly,” Spurik replied, scratching the back of his neck. “But I guess being around you guys makes it a little easier.”

Melina raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Is that a compliment, Spurik? Are you saying you like being around me?”

Spurik’s face turned red. “I mean—yeah, I guess. You’re...uh, fun. And brave. And...you know, kind of amazing.”

Melina’s smirk turned into a genuine smile. “Well, aren’t you sweet?”

For a moment, they just looked at each other, the usual banter giving way to something quieter, more sincere. Then, almost without thinking, Melina leaned forward and kissed him.

Spurik froze for a split second before kissing her back, his awkwardness melting away.

When they finally pulled apart, Melina grinned. “Guess I’m not the only brave one.”

Spurik laughed, his cheeks still flushed. “Guess not.”

---

Sofia, Morena, and Spuros’s Conversation

Meanwhile, Sofia, Morena, and Spuros were sitting in another room, their own conversation unfolding.

“I feel like things are falling apart,” Spuros admitted, leaning back in his chair. “Nikolas and Kwstas are at each other’s throats, the government wants to lock us up, and I’m...well, I’m still figuring out my portals.”

“You’re not the only one,” Morena said. “We’re all figuring things out. None of this is easy.”

Sofia nodded. “But that’s why we have to stick together. If we let the pressure tear us apart, we’re giving the government exactly what they want.”

Spuros sighed. “I just wish I could do more. My portals are useful, sure, but they’re nothing compared to what you guys can do.”

“Don’t sell yourself short,” Morena said. “Your portals have saved us more times than I can count. And besides, it’s not just about powers—it’s about heart. And you’ve got plenty of that.”

Spuros glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Thanks, Morena.”

“Anytime,” she replied warmly.

Sofia, watching the exchange, smiled knowingly. “You two are cute, you know that?”

Morena rolled her eyes, but there was a faint blush on her cheeks. “Let’s focus on keeping this team together, okay?”

“Deal,” Sofia said with a laugh.

---

A Fractured Team

Later that night, Kwstas sat alone on the rooftop of the safehouse, his thoughts heavy. He replayed the argument with Nikolas in his mind, guilt gnawing at him.

“Maybe he’s right,” Kwstas muttered to himself. “Maybe I am a hypocrite.”

He didn’t notice Nikolas watching him from a distance, his own expression torn between anger and regret.

As the team faced growing threats from both outside and within, their bonds would be tested like never before.