The Indigo Children

All the King's agents and all the King's men couldn't put 002 together again.

"Carmin, you're up first." The operating doctor called out from the door, and I gulped the biggest lump of fear I've ever had my whole life. Jared gave me a shaky thumbs up, his puffed, red eyes trying to give me encouragement-- but how, since he was the one bawling his eyes out?

I stood up confidently, but that confidence didn't last long. I waved the other Indigos as if I'm going to die anytime soon, but my gaze was locked at Lance. His violet eyes showed the darkest shade ever, he stared at the wall behind me with his fists clenched.

Taking a last opportunity, I punched his steel stomach, causing his to double in pain. He glared at me. "What was that for?!" He rubbed his stomach in irritation. I only gave him an apologetic smile, and he understood it immediately.

As if he's going to regret doing it, he sighed, ran a hand through his hair and stood up. His next move drived me to a two second shock. He wrapped his cold arms around my shoulder, pulling me into a first and last hug from a leader. I hesitated before encircling my own around his body, patting his back awkwardly.

Remember when I'd said that he smelt like men's aftershave? The scent hit me like bam! on my senses. So much for being 12.

From behind us, I heard soft coos from the other Indigos, this might be the first time they saw their leader show respect to the second leader. Though everytime in a mission, he would never hesitate to ask me for my help if it wasn't his profession.

This is the day. The day I turn normal. The day the microchip is to be inserted somewhere in my body. I had hoped a last minute cancellation, but no. Nothing came. No one bursted through the door saying, "Abort the operation! The Head of Department cancelled the plan!" Nope. No one.

"Thanks for the encouragement, Woods." I said sadly after pulling away. Lance remained standing in front of me, tucking his hands into the pockets of his black jeans. "Go." Was all he said.

He returned my smile, but instead of a smile for sadness, it was a smile of encouragement. He pushed my back towards the operating room when I hesitated, telling me that he just couldn't wait to see me emerge weak.

That cruel beast.

After entering the operating room, a sharp smell of medication almost knocked me out cold. My overly advanced IQ listed the names of the smells in my head as I bring myself to lay on the operating bed. Squinting at the bright light above me, I started calculating how much voltage was needed to light it up. What material was it made of. In easy words, I was testing my IQ whether it's still there or not.

"Now, Carmin, We're going to put something in your system, we're going to need you to sleep, alright?" The doctor's muffled voice, what tone was he showing? Was it fear? Nervousness? Confidence? All was in my head. I nodded.

"Okay, Carmin." Was the last thing I heard after a pinching pain hit a spot on my arm and drifted me into unconsciousness.

★★★

"She's awake!"

"Carmin!"

"002?"

"Minerva!"

My eyes fluttered open, and a throbbing sensation thumped somewhere in my arm. The blinding light I saw before wasn't there: I wasn't in the operating room anymore. What I saw was the dreamcatcher, familiar in my eyes, hanging above me.

I was in my room. My bedroom.

"Hello, honey. How are you feeling?" The voice belonged to Lance's mother, Melissa, and I shot up from my laying position. A sharp pain on my arm made me shriek in surprise, my hand flew to where the pain hit me-- bandaging.