I'm in Marvel 11

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Garion had always been an inquisitive and kind child who impressed the adults with her beauty and orderliness of thought. She was often thought to be much older than her age, and was greatly surprised when she learnt the truth. Regular lessons with the girl's mother also contributed to this. She was a teacher and helped Garion in her studies, prophesying to her daughter the future of a world-renowned scientist. It was only necessary to give the girl an acceptable base for that. Perhaps she wanted for her daughter the future she herself desired. Perhaps she sincerely believed it would be better. It didn't matter now.

And all was well until Garion's mutation awoke at the age of seven. When she showed her mother how to hold various objects with her telekinesis, the latter almost fainted. She feared mutants with some irrational fear. Perhaps the xenophobes on TV were to blame, perhaps it was something else. But from that moment on, her mother's attitude towards Garion changed. Instead of her beloved daughter, she saw a dangerous beast that at any moment could claw its way down her throat. This was not to say that such an attitude towards her mutant children was a frequent occurrence, rather the opposite, but the girl was not lucky enough to be in that small percentage.

Garion was able to notice the cooling of her mother's attitude and decided to try harder. But new successes did not help. And after a while, the girl's mother got pregnant with the help of artificial insemination and gave birth to another girl. From that moment the woman began to give all her attention to her youngest daughter.

Garion was hurt by this attitude, but she tried not to show her feelings. She's an adult, after all, and adults don't hurt or offend little ones. These words she heard on TV and she tried to follow them. But nothing lasts forever and one day Garion's mum took her for a walk. Naturally the girl was very excited, as the last time they went for a walk was a long time ago. Maybe her mum would finally start treating her like she used to?

Except that it wasn't much like the past walks. Mum and her daughter got into an unremarkable car, after which they took a long drive somewhere in the not-so-wealthy parts of town. Once outside, Garion, like a polite child, said hello to the woman who was there and began to scrutinise the surrounding houses, ignoring the conversation between the adults.

- So this is her? - The stranger asked, looking at Garion carefully.

- Y-yes," the girl's mother replied a little nervously.

- Good," the stranger said, handing the envelope to the woman. - 'Here, this is the full amount. You can count it.

- I-I believe you.

- That's fine. All the formalities are settled, there's no more information about her anywhere. It's as if she never existed. But you'd better move somewhere else so the neighbours won't suspect anything. 

- Y-yes, of course," said Garion's mother, nodding frantically. - 'Daughter, go with that aunt. She'll take you to an interesting place, you'll stay there, and then I'll come and get you. Okay?

- Oh yes! It's very interesting! - said the woman mockingly.

- Can I stay? - Garion asked pitifully, as she didn't want to go anywhere with a stranger.

- Believe me, you'll have fun there! Besides, there will be your peers there....

Of course, one could try to do everything by force, but the executors were instructed not to do that. And trying to twist a child with mutations could be dangerous. There was no need to risk it. In the end, the girl's mother spent another ten minutes of persuasion and managed to convince her child. The whole situation was very strange and Garion was capable of realising that nothing good was in store for her. It was only worth thinking about it a little deeper. But could a beloved mother wish her daughter ill? Of course not! That's what the girl thought, agreeing and not doubting that they would come for her.

Meanwhile, already another car brought Garion to some strange place. Inside a giant room, without windows, there were people in medical gowns and a lot of small children who had different abilities. Some controlled fire, some flew, and some glowed like a light bulb. And these were just the first ones she saw. This interested the girl very much. Would she really be able to communicate with others like her?

While Garion tried to memorise every detail, she and her attendant reached a small room with a bed, a nightstand, a cabinet and a table.

- Okay, a little later, they'll explain to you how to behave and all that. You'll live here. Well, at least until your mum comes for you," the woman said with a wry grin and left without waiting for an answer.

The girl sat down on the bed and waited for them to come for her. Luckily in ten minutes a cheerful woman with pale skin and a remarkable red diamond on her forehead came into the room.

- Well, well! Hello, my dear! - she said in a pleasant voice. - Your name is Garion Black, isn't it?

- Y-yes," the girl squeaked embarrassedly.

- Very good! And my name is Natalie Essex. Let's get acquainted. And so my dear, this complex is built for unique children like you! We try to maximise your abilities and teach you to control them so you can't hurt anyone. Especially your loved ones. You don't want to hurt your mum and sister, do you?

- N-no!" the girl answered fearfully, shaking her head vigorously.

- Good for you.

- When will my mum come for me?

- As soon as you can control your telekinesis. Now let me tell you what's going on here!

Since Garion wanted to meet her mum as soon as possible, she decided to learn to control her powers as soon as possible. The complex taught her to master not only her abilities, but also her body, complementing her strengths or covering up her weaknesses. After a couple of months, the girl was able to reach an extremely high level, becoming one of the strongest mutants in the complex. 

For this she received various rewards, which although brightened her life, but could not replace the love of her mother. But with successes came envy. Many children who quietly, and who openly expressed dislike for the girl. She was lucky to have strength enough to defend herself. This was frustrating for the girl, as she was unable to make friends.

This went on for almost six months until Natalie Essex came to Garion with a small dark brown spaniel puppy.

- Garion, darling, hello! Look what I've got! 

- Oh, how beautiful! - said the girl with admiration, having broken away from studying the subject of maths.

- Do you like it? 

- Very much!

- Do you want me to give it to you?

- Really, can I?!

- Of course you can! How could I not please my best student?! - Essex asked with a kind smile. - But on one condition.

- On what?! - Garion asked eagerly, clenching her fists.

- You will clean up after her yourself. All right?

- Deal! - Garion replied cheerfully. She knew that a puppy or kitten was a big responsibility since she had had pets in her house before. That was why such a condition was not a fearful one. 

- 'Here you go then,' said the woman, handing the puppy to the girl.

- It's so soft! I wish I could show it to my mum," Garion said happily and then sadly.

- Well, well, don't be sad, my dear," Essex said sympathetically. - Believe me, as soon as you can fully control your power, you will meet right away. She calls every day, by the way, and asks how you're doing.

- Really?! - The girl asked hopefully.

- Of course she does! And very happy about your success. So don't worry. Everything will be fine. By the way, what will you name the puppy?

- Hmm... Oh! Let's call it Chocolate!The girl became very attached to the spaniel over the next couple of months, as it was the only living creature she was always together with. Chocolate could talk to her at the same time. So what if she doesn't talk. But she listens! Chocolat helped the girl to keep her spirits up, brightening up the not so happy everyday life with her cheerful disposition. Garion even slept with the dog. The only disadvantage was the great anger of the remaining mutant children that did not receive such gifts.

So gradually passed the time of Garion in studies, training, all sorts of tests, the use of all sorts of medicines and a little leisure time. Until the girl was told to go to a new lesson of mastering the forces with Chocolate. Natalie was already standing on the small training ground, thinking about something with a faint smile. As soon as the girl entered with the dog, the woman turned her head towards them and spoke:

- Hello, Garion!

- Hello, Miss Essex! - replied the girl cheerfully.

- I see you're in a fighting mood. Keep it up. Have you regretted getting a dog yet?

- No. Chocolate's so nice. If it wasn't for her, I'd be so sad and lonely. Didn't Mum call? - the girl asked hopefully, stroking the dog's head.

- She did. She said she was waiting for you and loved you. She told me about your sister growing up," Essex said with a smile as she watched Garion cheer up. - Today you will have an important psychological test. It will determine how soon you can meet your mum. Are you ready my dear?

- Yes!" replied the girl, nodding her head.

- Well, good. Then here's your assignment. Kill Chocolate.

- W-what? - The girl asked confused, thinking she had misheard.

- Kill that slobbering thing," the woman said with a sweet smile.

- W- are you kidding? You're kidding, right?!

- ... - but the woman only shook her head negatively with a smile.

- But I can't! - Garion exclaimed, hugging Chocolate. - It's not right! You can't do this!

- Do you want to meet your mum?

- Y-yes, but...

- Then if you kill the dog without me, you'll go straight to Mum.

- N-no. I won't do that," she said firmly, holding the quiet dog close to her. - Mum said you can't do that!

- Why do you have to make it so difficult? - Essex asked, playfully sad. - Well, it can't be helped, we'll have to do it the hard way.

And at the same moment, the girl seemed to be restrained, and her mind was filled with unspeakable horrors that strangled, bit, tore into pieces and did God knows what else. At that moment, as if sensing that her mistress was unwell, Chocolate whimpered and fidgeted at her feet, trying to draw attention to herself. Alas, the influence of telepathy could not interrupt the doggy.

But at last the exorcism was over, and the girl's mind cleared. From such a sharp transition from one state to another Garion could not stay on her feet and fell to the floor. A whimpering Chocolat was waiting for her there, trying her best to cheer up her mistress. But the girl felt so bad that she couldn't even pay attention.

- Are you going to persevere now, too? Mind you, it was only mild stimulation,' Essex said in a sinister tone.

- I, huh... - Garion wheezed trying to catch her breath. - I'm not doing that!

- You're not so sure this time. Then perhaps you need a little more motivation, then? - The woman asked, pointing her hand at the girl in a pictorial manner.

As soon as she finished, she began to torture Garion with telekinesis, using all her medical knowledge. In tremendous pain, the girl couldn't even move, held firmly in place by Essex's power. This time the pain was many times worse. Experiencing half a minute of this torture was more intense than Garion could even imagine. She cried, begged for it to stop, but her body was still torn apart by the pain.

When the exertion was over, the girl didn't even realise it right away. After a few seconds, she was able to come to her senses a little, ignoring Chocolate fussing at her. It was so bad that Garion could barely sit up.

- And now? You're not going to do it either? - Essex asked with scholarly interest.

- Please, Miss Essex stop it! - cried the girl, looking at the woman.

- 'If you won't start, then I will continue the coercion,' said the woman with a kind smile.

And then Garion trembled. She didn't want a repeat of the torture. So much so that she contemplated doing Essex's bidding. And apparently wanting to resolve the matter more quickly, the woman began to exert herself on the girl's body again, albeit not to her full strength. 

- Aaaaaaaaah! - Garion screamed and gave in to her weakness and tore the whimpering Chocolate Girl apart with her telekinesis, thinking only of making it stop.

- Finally! Oh, it's so tiring," Natalie said, wiping the imaginary sweat from her forehead as she stopped torturing the poor thing.

Garion, on the other hand, was looking at her own handiwork. The killing of the animal was bloody, and as a result she was completely covered in scarlet liquid. In addition, it just so happened that Chocolate's head had fallen in front of the girl and one eye was pointed precisely at her. Garion could sense the mute reproach in the dog's gaze. Lowering her gaze to her hands covered in blood, the girl shook.

- No... How could this be? NO! - she screamed, covering her eyes with her hands, not wanting to see such a horrible picture.

At that moment, Garion unknowingly struck everything around her with her telekinesis, nearly killing Essex. The woman was barely able to defend herself, expending a lot of energy at once, causing her eye and nose to bleed as a result of the strain. Looking around in surprise at the ruined situation, Natalie first smiled, and then laughed out loud

- Aha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Amazing! What power! Garion, what a good girl you are! - Essex praised the girl. - You have an amazing future!

But she didn't care. All she could do was cry herself to tears as she sat on her knees over the torn pieces of her favourite. 

A little later, another interesting thing came to light. The girl not only became stronger as a result of the monstrous stress, but also managed to awaken another ability. Now she could see certain "auras" and thus determine whether a person has superpowers. With some luck and knowledge, Garion could even determine the ability itself. But she wasn't interested in any of that. For another month, the girl didn't say anything at all. At first, all kinds of instructors and teachers tried to get answers from the girl, but at some point they stopped. It was probably a compulsion to make Natalie come to her senses. Or maybe it was just another experiment.

- When will I see my mother and sister? - she asked Essex, a little recovered from killing Chocolat. Those were the first words spoken after what had happened. Garion didn't want to be in that place anymore.

- Not for a while yet my dear," the woman said sympathetically. - You couldn't pass the exam on your own, so I can't let you go. You will have to study for a long time to get back to your family.

At that moment all the girl's hopes came crashing down. Like an epiphany, she realised that no one was going to let her go. She wanted to use her power to try to break free, but the realisation that no one would let that happen kept her from making the mistake. Perhaps if Garion hadn't been so clever, she would have tried. She should have waited for the right moment. And she would.

Trailing off, Essex ordered the girl to spar more often with the other children. Boys were few and far between, and they were to be spared. This meant that if one of them got hurt, there were a few doctors standing by to provide immediate aid in case of a life-threatening injury. There were many more girls and they were not so much taken care of. 

Garion was the strongest in the complex. Sometimes several opponents were put up against her. But even then, she came out victorious. Her enhanced telekinesis and ability to see her opponents' abilities helped her a lot. But now every child shunned her for various reasons ranging from fear to jealousy.

All except the girl Jennifer Long. She was a blonde girl with shoulder-length hair, cheerful green eyes and a small nose. The girl herself was capable of creating all sorts of energy constructs and making them tangible. This gave her the ability to both defend and attack, allowing her to defeat an absolute number of other mutants. But not Garion, whom the unflappable blonde was firmly determined to befriend. That being said, the sullen brunette and the cheerful blonde created a contrast.

It took Jennifer a month and a half to make friends, but in the end her persistence was rewarded. The unsociable Garion fell under the spell of spontaneity and surrendered to the mercy of the winner. 

Now every night the girls gathered in the brunette's room, trying their best to relax after hard training and studies. This one was no exception.

- I've always wanted to tell you that you have a beautiful name, Garion," the blonde said with a wide smile.

- It means protector. In my case, protector," Garion said. But she immediately frowned, which did not escape her companion.

- Is something wrong? - Jennifer asked worriedly. - Did I say something wrong?

- Nothing's wrong," the brunette mumbled, trying to smile. - I just remembered my mum, who gave me that name. I want to meet her so badly...

- You will! Now come here and stop looking like a cloud! - said the blonde and hugged her companion tightly, eliciting a half strangled squeak. - Besides, you're not alone! You have a friend with you!

- Are we mates? - Garion whimpered, not trying to break free.

- Naturally! - Jennifer replied with a playful, befuddled expression. - Friends are the ones you don't get bored with! Well, I heard that from an adult. Are you bored with me?

- No," Garion replied with a smile of seriousness on her face, shaking her head in a negative way to make sure.

- And I'm not bored with you either! And that means what?

- That we're mates? - With the same expression on her face, the brunette replied questioningly.

- Exactly! By the way, will you tell me what you're going to do when you get out of here?

- For starters...

It had already been a year since Garion had come here, when she had been summoned to take the final exam. Though not really believing in the veracity of that statement, the girl hadn't completely shed her naivety. She still hoped with a part of her mind for a quick reunion with her family. Garion spent the entire day on pins and needles. Either this would be another lie or she would be released. 

But the things she had seen and heard over the past year were gradually planting seeds of doubt in Garion's mind. Especially the incident with Chocolate, which the girl had not forgotten, contributed to this. Even though they had been told that some children had returned home, they were all very mediocre at managing their powers. Garion surpassed them many times over, so why wasn't she let go? Alas, the girl could not find answers to her questions. Periodically there was a sharp urge to throw a tantrum, but something stopped her from doing so. And then she decided to wait. And maybe today would be her last day in this place.

Having somehow calmed down by the appointed time, Garion went to the arena, where fights between mutants took place. They were always being watched by various adults with mostly no powers. At the same time they made unpleasant and sometimes rather strange comments for a girl of no age. Garion didn't like their looks either. It was the way one looked at an animal that, although it was your property, could bite you. Even though she was smart, she was still a child who didn't understand many nuances, but the feeling that it was all wrong didn't leave the girl. And some heard talk about using mutants as soldiers or in fights to the death caused rejection.

True, there were far fewer spectators this time, which pleased Garion somewhat. Taking a deep breath, she tried to detach herself from all the problems and looked at the door at the opposite end of the arena, waiting for her opponent. The girl didn't worry about the result, as she was the strongest, but the interest in who would be put up against her still slipped through. 

And she didn't have to wait long. Half a minute later the door opened and Jennifer came out to the arena. The two friends had sparred together before, but Garion had never liked it. And she didn't like it even more when the girl came out all twitchy and pale-faced, as if she'd seen death. Something was clearly wrong.

Before the brunette could even say a word, the signal to start sparring sounded. Jennifer immediately created defences all over her body and began firing materialised sharp projectiles. Garion was barely able to defend herself as she didn't expect such a fierce attack. Intercepting all the projectiles with her telekinesis, she launched them back, but the blonde's defences made it impossible. For a short period of time, a delicate balance was formed where both girls couldn't get an advantage. Garion didn't want to hurt her friend, so she decided to play from the defence, while Jennifer couldn't surpass her opponent's telekinesis.

But everything stopped as soon as the blonde looked over to where Natalie Essex was sitting. Shuddering with her whole body, she built up more spiked defences and ran towards Garion. It was a gesture of desperation, as the brunette could easily telekinesis the force shields and twist her friend that way. But this time it was different.

Jennifer was able to overpower the telekinesis and nearly smashed her entire body into Garion. She was saved by the martial arts skills taught here. Because of her general diminutiveness, she was taught techniques related to counterattacks and redirecting energy against the enemy. They taught her well, so her body reacted independently of her mind and threw her friend over herself. The brunette ended up with a few scratches, but it was a small price to pay for whole bones and flesh.

- Janie, what are you doing?! This isn't sparring anymore! - Garion exclaimed indignantly as she watched her friend rise to her feet.

- I can't lose... Please give up! - The ever cheerful blonde replied with horror in her voice and tears on her face. - If I lose, She will do it again! I can't take it anymore!!!

- Are you going to keep talking like that or are you finally going to do what we're all here for? - Essex asked coldly, watching the girls.

Jennifer immediately trembled like an aspen leaf and looked at Garion and tried the attack again. Only this time the brunette was ready and used all her strength to stop her friend. What she didn't expect was that the blonde dispelled the force defence, instantly breaking free in the process. Converging Jennifer created a sharp projectile in her hand in the shape of a stake and tried to stick it into her friend. Garion barely managed to stop it a few centimetres from her stomach. 

Looking at a crying Jennifer, whose face expressed animal terror, the brunette realised what was happening. Essex had done something to her. Shifting her gaze to the woman, the girl could see the woman smiling a nasty smile. And for just a second, she lost control out of anger.But with her strength, even that was enough. The force projectile held by her telekinesis ripped out of Jennifer's hands and pierced her chest. 

- Bleggh! 

The blonde looked at Garion in surprise, swayed and fell to the floor. The brunette, after standing in a stupor for a few seconds fell to her knees and began to apply her first aid skills.

- Oh Goddess! Jenny, now! I-I'll-I'll be right there...! Get the doctors! Miss Essex please! 

- I'm sorry kha... I got scared and..." Jennifer began to mumble as she looked at Garion. - Because of the pain, kha-kha....

- All later! Now the doctors will come and...!

- They won't," Natalie said as she walked over, smiling contentedly. - Jennifer is no longer needed. I already have her clones, so the original is no longer relevant. She will be replaced by stronger and more obedient copies.

- Wh-what are you w-what are you g-what are you saying? - Garion whispered, looking at the woman in horror.

- The truth," Essex replied proudly with her arms spread apart.

- About... Kha-kha! I'm sorry, Garion! I-I just-" the blonde wheezed in the girl's arms.

- 'I'm not offended Jenny! I'll help you now! Just hold on a little longer! - Garion muttered quickly, lifting the girl's body with her telekinesis.

- It's no use. She's almost dead already,' the woman said boredly.

- So save her! I'm begging you Miss Essex! Save Jenny! - screamed the brunette with frantic hope.

- N-don't Garion..." the girl moaned faintly, trying to look into her friend's eyes.

- And what are you ready for? - Natalie asked with a little interest.

- Everything!

- Hm, you know, the offer is interesting. And I'm even inclined to agree, but... Our dear Jennifer has already died," Essex said sadly, but continued cheerfully. - May she rest in peace!

- H-how can that be? It can't be... Jenny can't be dead..." Garion mumbled, trying to feel for a pulse. And all her knowledge said that this time Essex wasn't lying. - How could it be?

- Your procrastination killed our little Jennifer! What a cruel girl you are! - Natalie said judgementally. - Besides, it was you who inflicted that wound! You killed her, just like you killed Chocolate! You're a murderer Garion! 

- ...

- Nothing to say? You're not even going to justify yourself? - the woman asked in surprise.

- 'Yes, I'm the one who struck the blow. I'm the killer," Garion said in a calm tone, cradling her first friend's dead body against her chest as tears streamed from her eyes. - But it was you who made Jenny fight to the end by scaring her with something. Why?

- 'To release your power,' Essex replied, shrugging her shoulders. - 'Your potential is extremely great, but your mind holds it back. Even today, it was worth it for you to get a little angry to gain immense power. After all, you were weaker before. And now I can clearly see that with the right male, you can give birth to a super mutant whose strength is beyond imagination. I get to be the godmother!

- So all that stuff about the house was a lie?

- That sounds too harsh! It's more like I exaggerated a bit! - replied the woman, overly-embarrassed.

- What about my mum's calls? - Asked the girl trying to keep the picture of peace.

- Oh well, all right, all right! That was a lie. There were no calls. Your mummy didn't call once. In fact, she's the one who sold you out. 

- No. That can't be..." Garion muttered disbelievingly, squeezing Jennifer's body tighter.

- Yes, it can. Your mother sold you for fifty grand," Essex said dismissively. - So much potential for so little. What fools people are.

- No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no...

- Denial? What's next? Anger?

- No! You're just lying to slander my mum!

- Heh, stage two. What about this one? - Natalie asked, pulling out a small box with her telekinesis and pressing a button on the case.

- ...I agree to give you Garion for fifty thousand. But what about the state? - came the voice of the girl's mother from the device.

- Everything will be sorted out. The girl will be removed from all registries. You don't have to worry.

- Good... I hope you take her away so we never meet again," Garion's mother's voice came again. - I don't want a creature like that in my family....

- Peak! 

Essex switched off the device and watched the girl curiously as she leaned over her friend's body, shuddering silently.

- So it was all a lie... Even my mum.....

- Yes! She's the one who sold you first for just a piece of paper! - Essex began to speak emotionally, leaning towards the girl. - I'm more your mum than she is!

- ...

- What's more, do you think any of the common people will accept you?! - Essex continued to press. - Not only are you a mutant and a brat, but now you're a murderer! And only I will accept you as such!

- Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! - Garion laughed madly. - Ha-ha-ha-ha, damn you!

- It's actually rude to speak in first name to an adult," Essex said judgementally, shaking her head. 

- I won't forgive you!

- And what will you do? - The woman asked with interest. 

- 'I'll do what a murderer should,' Garion replied as she let go of Jennifer's body, rising to her full height and smearing the blood on her hands over her face. - 'I will.

- Ho-ho-ho-ho! Girl, you should spend many more years polishing your powers and maybe then something will come out! - Natalie said smugly, gesticulating vigorously. But she was still prepared to fend off the attack. - And now you don't have a chance... W-what?! H-how?! 

- Is something wrong, Miss Essex? - Garion asked the woman with keen interest, tilting her head to her shoulder and smiling slightly.

- Guards! Stop her! W-live! - yelled as Essex slowly and tastefully bent at unthinkable angles.

At that, the mutant herself tried to attack the girl with telepathy, trying to slow her down at least a little. Except Garion had faced telepaths before and had learnt to tell when she was being affected. Since her powers were from the same section as this type of mutant, it was possible. And her second mutation only helped with that. And when she felt her brain being invaded, the girl, having given up the desire to torture the woman, simply twisted her body like a wet rag, regardless of all attempts to defend herself. The blood from this splattered all over the arena. Body parts, however, Garion scattered around her.

The guards appeared and reacted quickly, for everything happened in a couple of seconds. But all they found was their own death. The girl simply twisted their necks. Next she turned her attention to the onlookers who had just realised what had happened. There were a couple of mutants among them, but they had no time to do anything before their quick but bloody demise along with the common people. Even now, after what she had experienced, she didn't want to do it, but she couldn't forgive these masters of life for allowing such a place to exist.

After one last look at Jennifer, Garion wiped away a tear and ran for the exit, killing any scientists or guards who tried to stop her. As she did so, alarms sounded throughout the complex. Since the girl had learnt the internal architecture well over the year, the best route had been chosen. It took Garion a few minutes to reach the massive door that closed the only exit she knew. Now it was necessary to get outside.

For a moment she wanted to help the other mutant children escape, but remembering how they tried to bully her, she dismissed those thoughts. Let them get out on their own.

Even with her increased strength, Garion had to work as hard as she could to make a hole to fit through. In doing so, she had to hurry, as the guards were already close. After a few more seconds, the stubborn gate gave in and began to crumple with a heartbreaking creak. Having made a hole large enough for escape, Garion climbed through, ignoring the torn skin. She wanted to leave this horrible place as quickly as possible.

In the arena, however, at that moment Essex's body began to reassemble. It wasn't a quick process and caused serious pain, which the woman's trained mind ignored.

- Wow, Garion is really something! - The newly assembled woman said with delight. She was overcome with emotion and could not keep silent. - I didn't do it all for nothing. Now all that's left is to give the girl a free hand and see what she can achieve! And at the same time create her clones, as I have enough genetic material. Hmm, maybe create a clone of myself with her DNA? Then I could improve my telekinesis. Oh, well, that's for the future. And thank you, Jennifer. After all, it was your sacrifice that gave my work a boost!

Essex looked at the dead blonde with gratitude. But no sooner had the woman launched into another self-righteous tirade than one of the guards ran up to her.

- Miss Essex, the girl's escaped! She managed to break through the door and get out!

- Well done! Well, it's to be expected. Cease pursuit. Now begins a new phase of the experiment. Tell that to the others.

- All right," the guard replied and turned round and ran out of the room.

- But still I will have problems now. Why did you have to kill this rubbish, my dear? - Essex asked rhetorically, looking at the place where the spectators were. - However, what won't you forgive your almost-daughter! Ha-ha-ha!

And the girl at that moment being outside saw that there were brick walls around and a road that led somewhere upwards. Without a second's hesitation, Garion rushed forward. After running through the maze of abandoned communications and avoiding the attention of the guards, the girl found herself, from the looks of it, on the shore of Newark Bay.

First she should have washed off the blood and changed her clothes for something more civilised. And if the first was easier to do, then with the second had to be tortured and stole telekinesis jacket and trousers that were drying on a small balcony. The further wanderings were an adventure for a child, even if she was smart beyond her years. 

Garion wanted to look her mother in the eye, but remembering in detail the conversation during her sale, she abandoned the idea. In a city as huge as New York, finding someone for a little girl was nearly impossible.

As a result, she had to wander around, trying not to be seen by the authorities. Garion was afraid they might turn her in to Essex. And there was also hunger, which nobody cancelled, and the girl with a squeak decided to new acts of theft. She strongly disliked it, but after wandering around for a few days without food, she had to reconsider her attitude.

At the same time, she decided to discard her name, given by the woman who had betrayed her. Change the form, but keep the meaning. So Garion became Gerda. The meaning of the name also meant protector, though now it seemed a wicked irony to the girl. But perhaps it was the only thing left of her past.

How long thus Gerda had to wander all over New York she did not remember. But summer gave way to autumn and winter. Everything changed the day the girl decided to steal some money from a seemingly rich woman. Gerda looked at her and felt a pang of envy. She was simply beautiful, both in appearance and in the way she carried herself. It was as if a real queen had descended into a small alley at some unknown whim. And the rich white clothes and a small chic handbag in her hand only completed the image.

Gerda mentally waved away these strange feelings and waited until the woman was alone and tried to telekinesis the contents of the purse. But everything went abruptly wrong. When the girl almost succeeded, her body stiffened. So much so that she could only move her eyes. It was as if space itself had shrunk around her.

- Well, well, well, well," the woman said in a stern voice, looking at the girl. - And who do we have here? A thief? Didn't they tell you that stealing is bad?

Gerda did not answer, but tried to break free of the mutant's grip. And it was her. Carelessly not checking the woman with her ability to belong to the supernatural inhabitants of the city, the girl paid the price. But it was too late to sprinkle ashes on her head and it was time to break out of the trap. Trying to grab the woman with her telekinesis in response, Gerda encountered a strange resistance of space. This was something new. Her telekinetic probes were blurring literally a metre away from her body. 

- I've dealt with telekinetics before, and I've been able to work out countermeasures," the woman said ironically, watching Gerda's efforts. - And stop it, you won't get anywhere.

But Gerda did not think of giving up. She decided to use all her strength and grab this dangerous woman. And in the first moment it even came out, but not having time to do anything the girl sprawled on the pavement from the multiplied pressure. 

- Wow," the woman said in shock. - To have so much strength at such an age? What's your name and where are your parents?

- Gerda. And there are no parents, - answered the girl, having stopped all attempts of resistance. 

On the final push the remaining strength, which was already scarce, was spent, from which she resigned herself to losing. Perhaps if she had been fed and had the opportunity to fully rest, everything would have been different, but history has no subjunctive mood. It must be her destiny to be back in the Essex cage. This woman was definitely working for her, otherwise how could such a strong mutant end up in this backwater?

- Gerda, then? It's a pretty name. My name is Victoria," the woman said a little softer. - But I think you should be washed and fed, and then decide what to do next.

So Victoria put the girl into the salon of her expensive car, not paying attention to the smell and Gerda's dirty clothes. Next was the arrival home and washing, trying on new clothes bought on the way and the most delicious dinner with tea in Gerda's short life. The crying girl was immediately hugged tightly by Victoria, who began to comfort her.

This was the turning point in their so tumultuous beginning of their relationship, after which the woman offered Gerda adoption. The girl agreed, but at any moment she expected betrayal. She could no longer trust anyone, so she decided to live by the principle: if you do not rely on anyone, then you can not be afraid of betrayal. Besides, she simply did not have the strength for further resistance to fate. Let it be what it would be.

But to Gerda's surprise the day changed from day to day and from month to month, but no one was in a hurry to return her to Essex, and Victoria herself did not even mention it. In addition, the woman tried to understand what happened to the girl, hired psychologists and other specialists. But nothing worked, Gerda kept silent like a partisan. But her mental health slowly began to change for the better, helped by Victoria's sincere attitude. Gradually, by small steps, the woman succeeded in breaking the ice of Gerda's distrust.

After that, the girl began to sincerely call her mother and tried to copy the aristocratic behaviour. True with some peculiarities and old-fashioned turns read out of books. Such things amused and pleased Victoria. Even if in such a strange way, but her dear daughter gradually began to relax and become more like a normal child. True, there was still a lot of work to be done, but the first step had already been taken.

The only problem was her unwillingness to socialise with ordinary people. Her mother had given her away because she was a mutant. That moment was a turning point in the girl's life. That's what nurtured her dislike for ordinary people. That's how Gerda lived until she met Kyle Smith. At first she wasn't interested in him, but the girl decided to look at him with her ability. What she saw surprised her. Then she watched the boy for a while until she decided to talk to him. And that's what changed her life. But that's another story...

The end of the digression.

Oh, yeah. I can't say it enough. You don't want to live like that. To know you've been sold by your own mother is just horrible. She was unlucky enough to be one of the small percentage of children who were willing to be abandoned by their parents. And not just abandoned, but sold as a commodity. And what happened next was a living hell. Perhaps Gerda hadn't gone completely mad only because of the malleable mind of a child. But now I could understand her a little better.

When I took off the device and looked at the girl, I noticed how nervous she was. Apparently afraid of my reaction. In fact, I was surprised at her courage. Would I be able to show such a thing to my friends and family? I don't know.

- You are very strong Gerda, - I said, hugging the girl. After a couple of seconds I felt her body gradually relax. 

- I was very afraid how you would take my past and the fact that I'm just a frightened girl-killer. You know, I really want your opinion," Gerda said, looking into my eyes. At that moment there was such a jumble of emotions coming from her that I cut off my empathy for fear of "floating". There was fear, and hope, and sadness, and what I'd felt from Aki during our kiss. Hopefully it was all my inexperience and I was just wrong.

- It's okay. You have nothing to worry about. But let's talk about it later. Right now, it's time to get to work on saving you.

- What are you--?

Before she could finish, I tilted my head and touched my forehead to hers. I used the Light and our minds were dragged into Gerda's inner world. I had hoped to see what it was like, but I was a little disappointed. There was a thick, greyish fog that obscured everything around us. At the same time it was nasty-micro-cold and gave me large goosebumps when it touched my skin. But you could see something through it. Some lights here and there. You could also see a big silver plaque on top. I didn't understand it, but it was very interesting.

- Where are we?" asked Gerda, looking round warily.

- This is your inner world. Here is your doppelganger, with whom you were talking, - I explained to the girl, having felt the appearance of a shadow. - There she is.

- Hello Kyle," the doppelganger said, coming out of the fog. - Can you explain why you're preventing Gerda from finally casting off her weaknesses and getting the power to kill Essex? 

- I can. It's not the only way. And Gerda is strong. She doesn't need to sink into despair to defeat that thing. Besides, she doesn't want to, or she'd have turned a long time ago.

- Gerda doesn't realise the big picture! Essex was torn apart and yet she survived! It takes something stronger than telekinesis to defeat her!" said the shadow expressively.

- You should have hit her on the head, as one of the classics said. Apparently she's very resilient, but can this Natalie survive being turned into mincemeat? You think she's invincible, but she's not. There's no one with absolute power, except the Goddess. And Essex is no exception," I said, looking at Gerda. - You shouldn't choose based on fear. It will only make things worse. 

- How am I supposed to choose? - The girl grinned bitterly, looking at her hand, which was turning more and more into a bird's paw. - That's all I have to do.

- You're not alone. I can do something myself now, and I'm ready to give you my power. Don't throw everything away in the pursuit of revenge! You already have great power!

- You're wrong..." said Gerda, shaking her head.

- I don't think so," I interrupted her. - I have seen your past, and I realise that you are capable of more than indulging your despair.

- So you couldn't make sense of our memories, Kyle," the shadow said grudgingly. - I was hoping you would understand us, but instead you're talking Gerda out of it. She's like a caged bird. Only by agreeing to make hatred and suffering her weapon can she be set free!

- ..." Her friend remained silent, thinking hard. 

- Well, then, let me say something else. If this does not convince you, I wash my hands of it," he said, looking at Gerda. I could try to make more arguments, but I think I will use the one that will make the most sense to her. - You may, of course, forget Miss Wright's feelings and those of the four of us. But are you really willing to lose to Aki?

- What? What do you mean? - Gerda asked perplexed.

- Aki didn't give up and got the E.G.O.. So you're weaker than her? - Asked the girl curtly.

- No way! I'm stronger than the red monkey! - Gerda replied with a frown, and I noticed with satisfaction that the Distortion had slightly decreased. - Even during our fight, I should have been the one to win!- But by giving in to the Distortion you automatically lose! - He said, waving his hands to the sides. - And what kind of revenge Essex can talk about if you couldn't even overcome such a nonsense? For the worst enemy of all is yourself. Without overcoming your own weaknesses, no-one can be defeated! Your word. Are you ready to surrender?

- No such thing," the girl replied after a short thought while the feathers on her body disappeared. - It is my destiny to win against the red one, and then to take revenge on that creature. And nothing can stop me from that endeavour.

Well done! Appealing to her pride was the right choice! A few seconds after her words, the Distortion left her body completely, and her irises turned yellow with a few black rings around the pupil. Wow. I hope she's not going to say everyone should know Pain? Although the girl's emotional state had stabilised, even better than before, so hopefully she'd be fine. 

I also noticed the fog had disappeared. It was hiding the European-style city at night. The lights I could see were the lights beaming from the windows, and the plaque above was a large silvery moon. Beautiful, though.

- And you think that's enough to defeat the pale monster? - asked the shadow in a disgruntled voice. 

- Yes. Sleep well, my power is enough for anything now," Gerda replied, as she watched her double disappear.

- I hope so," the shadow said sadly and then turned its glowing eyes to me. - Kyle, you said that friends help each other....

- Don't worry, after what I've seen, I'm going to help Gerda. Be calm," the shadow replied with a smile.

- Gerda and I are lucky to have such a friend. Thank you. You keep an eye on her," she asked, finally dissipating.

- I will.

- I can manage on my own," she said grudgingly. - You don't have to look after me.

Without saying anything, I walked up to her and slapped her on the head with the palm of my hand.

- Ouch! Why?! - Gerda asked offended, apparently having forgotten a little about her usual behaviour. But at least it was nice.

- For not calling at once. Honestly, like a little child," I answered her irritably. - Well, we'll talk about that with your mother. You better tell me what kind of E.G.O. you have.

- I'm not going to tell you! - exclaimed the girl, showing her tongue. What a number! But when she saw that I didn't react, she gave up and began to say proudly. - I do not have any new powers, but only strengthen the existing ones. The main principle of E.G.O. is as follows. What you see can be learnt. And what you can study, you can subdue. A subordinate I can control as I please. Simply put, it is within my power to understand what I see and then control it. Increased ability to see various supernatural things and telekinesis capable of grabbing even intangible things at that moment. Something like that.

- Impressive," I said thoughtfully. Yes, Aki, Ben, and Gerda all have impressive abilities. - Are there any limitations?

- Brain and eye strain. The more powerful the phenomenon, the harder it is to control. But you can do more than just control it. Everything has a structure. And sometimes all you have to do is hit its weakest point to make it fall apart like a house of cards.

- That's cool.

- You want to see what I can do? - the girl asked with a sly smile.

- Go ahead. Just don't ruin anything.

Only I agreed, as I felt the touch of something weightless to Pluto's book in my soul. Wow! She can do that?! That's crazy! I was about to fight back when it stopped.

- What do you think of this ability? - With one eye closed, the girl asked, pleased with my dazed look.

- Impressive! It's really something. But let's talk about it later. It's time to calm your mum down.

- I really do. Let's not make her nervous," the slightly pale girl agreed.

Nodding, I pulled us out of Gerda's subconscious. Well, the mission of rescuing Private Wright can be considered accomplished. All that remained was to talk to her mum.

***

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