chapter 4 :the meeting

Marcus nodded gravely. "I know why we're gathered here – because of what's happened recently. Our priority is keeping our children and people safe."

Brian Voss spoke up, "Agreed. We've been preparing for this. The Voss and Ashcroft kids will need training to control their powers, especially with... the threats out there."

Paul Ashcroft added, "The new place is more secure, with layers of protection. We'll work together to train the kids – Keran, Kia, Alex, Lex, Ethan, and Sydney. They'll need to learn fast."

Sadie Voss nodded. "We'll start with basics – understanding their powers, learning control. Diane and I will work with the girls, Brian and Paul can take the boys."

Diane Ashcroft smiled. "Sounds like a plan. The sooner they learn, the safer we'll all be."

Ethan's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, seeing a message from Kai : "Dude, how's the meeting with the Founders?"

Ethan slipped into his room, deciding to call them instead. Kai answered, "Yo, Ethan! What's up? How was it?"

Ethan flopped onto his bed. "It was...weird. The Founders are here, and their kids are...different."

Owen chimed in, "Different how?"

Ethan described Keran and Kia Voss, Alex and Lex Ashcroft. "The twins are crazy, man – white hair, blue eyes. And Kia's cool, I guess."

Kai laughed. "Sounds like you're crushing already."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Shut up. Anyway, we're gonna train with them – learn to use our powers."

Owen whisted. "Whoa, powers. That sounds awesome."

Ethan chuckled. "Yeah, if we don't blow ourselves up."

Just then, a voice behind him asked, "Are those your friends?"

Ethan turned to see Marcus standing at the door. "Uh, yeah. Kai and Owen."

Marcus nodded. "Say hi."

Ethan put the phone on speaker. "Guys, my dad."

owen and kai's voice came through. "Hey, Mr. Marcus! Congrats on the new house!"

Marcus smiled. "Thanks, Kai. How's school?"

Owen jumped in. "Good, sir! We were just hearing about Ethan's new...abilities."

Marcus chuckled. "Ah, yeah. We'll get him trained up."

The conversation flowed – Kai and Owen asking questions, Marcus answering, Ethan chiming in. Finally, Kai said, "Alright, gotta go. Later, Ethan!"

Ethan hung up, turning to Marcus. "Dad, can I ask you something?"

Marcus leaned against the doorframe. "Shoot."

Ethan's expression turned curious. "The Ashcroft girl... Lex. I think she's the one who was looking at me on the bus."

Marcus's expression turned thoughtful. "Interesting. But they're an hour away, Ethan."

Ethan frowned. "I know, right?"

"Dad, I'm saying Lex isn't like...she's not gonna hurt us or anything," Ethan said. "She's just the type who likes to check things out before others do. See things before people show 'em. She's weird, but in a cool kind of way."

Marcus nodded. "Alright. Sounds like she's just curious. Don't read too much into it."

Ethan nodded, understanding. "Okay, got it."

😊

Dinner was a mix of conversations – the adults talked about training plans, Kia Voss chatted with Lex, Keran and Alex discussed something in hushed tones. Sydney and Ethan exchanged a brief look, then Ethan glanced at Lex...and she looked away quickly. Ethan stayed frozen for a bit, then let it go.

The meal ended, everyone headed off. Ethan went to his room, took a bath, and flopped onto bed, thinking about the day...and Lex's stare. He drifted off, sleeping claiming him.

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