Mutation

Chapter 15: Another Close Call

Leo

The cafeteria was in chaos. First, we were being threatened by Dr. Evansby, and threatened us by declaring war if he didn't get what he wanted. And what he wants is either me or Hazel. We knew we weren't letting that happen. All he wants to do is kill any mutant with more power than him.

The ground shook violently beneath my feet. The building felt like it could crumple right on top of us if we didn't escape soon. Pieces of the ceiling fell to the floor, some crushing mutants who stood in the way. It didn't look like it could do much damage to them, so I wasn't concerned. I was running all around the collapsing room like a maniac trying to find Hazel. I couldn't spot her through all the panicking people and white dust from the ceiling.

Then I saw a large part of the ceiling beginning to crack and break off. It wasn't just a tiny piece of tile, but a huge chunk. As I looked closer, standing directly under the falling ceiling was Hazel. She was frozen in place, with a look of shock and fear evident on her face. Without a second thought, and any regards of my own safety from the falling ceiling, I used my powers and zoomed over to Hazel.

I smacked straight into her body, causing her to hit the wall with a loud thump. She looked stunned, but she was out of harms way. As for me, the chunk of the ceiling landed hard on my body, but I managed to lift it into the air. It was light, but the impact affected my injured back, which causes me to have difficulties. My back throbbed and burned as I tried to keep the ceiling from crushing me. I gritted my teeth to keep from screaming.

Suddenly, I feel the heavy ceiling piece being lifted off my shoulders. At first, I thought it was just a burst of strength coming from my failing muscles. Then, I glanced over at Hazel, who had her arm stretched out and her palm facing out. She was levitating the ceiling chunk off of me. I swore I let out a big sigh of relief as I got to relax my muscles. Thank goodness my best friend is telekinetic.

Hazel didn't even flinch as she levitated the ceiling chunk with her mind, and threw it onto the floor with a thump. Her eyes were that unique shade of purple they were when her powers were especially strong. It was like she was in an entirely different world when using her powers, and she couldn't be controlled or stopped. I, on the other hand, aren't as invincible as I thought I was. All because of a back injury?

"Are you alright?" Hazel called out, her eyes still blazing with shades of violet. I didn't know I was to the point of collapsing.

"Yeah!" I gasped, carefully stepping up to my feet. The entire building was shaking around us, which was a sign that we probably needed to get out. Most of the other mutants had fled already.

"Come on!" Hazel says, running towards the door. I followed her, trying to ignore the aching pain in my back, that was spreading throughout my entire body. Then I noticed that the front entrance was completely blocked, and tangles of electrical wires and lights dangled from the ceiling. If we got near that, we'll get electrocuted. But that didn't stop determined Hazel.

"Hazel!" I screamed at her, causing her to stop in her tracks. When she turned around to look at me, the look on her face reminded me of something. It reminded me of the day when all this madness started. When I saw Hazel running towards that door, with the bomb attached to it, fear surged through me. It was unlike any fear I've experienced. I knew we were going to die. And now, in this moment, I didn't want to experience that feeling I had that day. Ever.

Out of frustration, Hazel screamed and threw her hands out in front of her, blowing a hole straight through the wall. I shielded my face from flying debris and dust, hoping Hazel wouldn't cause an explosion or something. Hazel called my name again, but I couldn't see her through the smoke. The building was on fire now, for some odd reason. I kept running though, until I could breathe fresh air again. We must have made it out.

Outside, the town square was in more chaos than it was inside the cafeteria. People were running around, terrified that they lost their friends or family members in the building collapse. Luckily, I didn't see anybody inside the building while I was in there, so the deaths may be slim. There was really no way to tell though. Some bodies could still be in there. I cringed at the thought.

"Thank God you made it out. I thought I lost you," Hazel says from behind me. I spin around and I'm immediately held in her embrace. My heart beats faster for a second at the touch of her, but I calm myself. It's just Hazel. My friend. My sister-like friend.

"That was close, huh?" I tell her, faking a chuckle. I was in no mood to joke around. I was too busy thinking about that day when we were almost killed by the bomb. It would never leave my memories, no matter how hard I tried.

She chuckles back, obviously faking like I did. Then we hear voices near us, so we pull away from our embrace. I almost didn't want to.

"Hazel! Leo! We were so worried!" I heard Maxine squeal. She runs over to us and pulls us into her arms, forcing an uncomfortable hug. Even if the hug did cause me to lose precious oxygen for a few seconds, it was the thought that counted.

"Does anyone know exactly what happened?" Hazel asks her. I watched her clench her fists and her eyes turn purple, obviously angry because of Dr. Evansby. He's the one who caused us to almost die. For the third time.

Maxine nods, her eyebrows knit together in concern. "As you know already, it was indeed caused by Evansby. I've heard from Dr. Baker that he used strong bombs to blow up parts of the forest above us, creating powerful shock waves that caused the earthquake. It's quite fascinating, actually." Maxine smiles proudly of her explanation.

I just stared at her. All I can think about is Dr. Evansby. Why was he so angry with Dr. Baker, who's the spy he sent to live in the colony, and who else is possibly working for him? What were his plans for destruction, and where and when would his next attack take place? I had to find out. Hazel grabbed my arm and we started walking towards City Hall, where Dr. Baker must be right now. She's already read my mind, so I expected, and wants to find out answers too.