The Zetta Sonic
Black Opals

A few hours have passed since Alex called Jayden. His sleep is not good. There were no nightmares, only that his body was too tired to rest. The contradiction made his mood even worse. He repeatedly yawns. Even so, how hard his efforts to rest did not bear fruit.

Maybe his mind is too full. Perhaps his conversation with Jayden had unknowingly made him rethink things. Maybe he shouldn't be too late in the data search. Indeed, after calling Jayden earlier, Alex had to push data on the computer in the room. Unfortunately, nothing meant he found it. It seems that the ICPA data of other continents will not be as easily accessible from there.

Alex pulled both of his hands behind his head. His eyes were watching the boring ceiling. His breathing was slow and regular. The pain that had approached his body was now gone unceremoniously. He feels pretty normal. And, that's where it's weird. Alex remembers the times when he ran out of energy and fainted from it. He even missed those days.

******* slow out of his lips. His mind is full. Had he been able to get it all out and make his head lighter, it would have been nice. As if answering his wish, Alex saw the computer screen in the room twinkling. A message has come in.

Alex jumped out of his bed. He immediately sat on a swivel chair. His eyes were watching the screen. With a little experimentation, Alex managed to open the contents of his message. A crime report was supplemented with video aimed at Jayden. A robbery.

A heist?

Alex frowning. He used to deal with high-class criminals who use advanced technology, or killer robots, or monsters — he means, the villain is a monster. Nadira won't give them a robbery mission. Of course unless the robbery was done by a monster.

In the video, Alex realizes his expectations are not too high. He saw a famous jewelry store in the capital of a neighboring country. His mother even bought a ruby necklace there. He knows the shop. He also knew the store's security system. He also tried to check the surveillance cameras there and failed when he first tried out the expertise of Killer Bee. Alex knew the store was safe. It feels weird that the store is now a robbery.

Again, unless the robbery was done by a monster. The video lasted less than two minutes and occurred during the day. Look how the jewelry in the storefront floated. The officers looked confused. Next, the glass cabinets opened, releasing all the jewelry inside out just as the birds flew out of the cage. This made the officers hysterical. Alex knows why. Not only did they lose precious jewelry but also because there was no culprit.

Possibly, ghosts?

Alex tiptoed as a loud ringing rang out from that computer. Incoming call from Jayden. The notification obliterated his conjecture faster than his logic. He doesn't believe in ghosts or aliens or monsters, at least until he joins the ICPA.

[You shouldn't have stolen my data!] Jayden sounds unfriendly. The video call showed her still-shattered hair as well as her beard growing uneven. Jayden enjoyed his time in the hospital. He ignores his appearance or decides to keep a beard, Alex doesn't know which one.

“You should sleep.”

[So is you. It's already six and a half!]

Alex glanced at the clock on the computer. In the windowless basement left Alex unaware of how much time had passed. He immediately changed the topic. “So, this is a new mission for Zetta Sonic?”

[No, I mean not yet. That's just an extra file I asked for from the center. That was the latest robbery that happened last night.]

[Three consecutive days in three different countries. If you see, this isn't even happening here. Why did he do it in three different countries? In order not to get caught? Yeah, of course you are. In addition, according to observations, these criminals want to make fun of law enforcement. He does all the work during the day.]

“He'll be here,” says Alex. He remembered the many invitations coming to the house. Charity party invitations, store or restaurant openings, as well as exhibitions. More precisely, a jewelry exhibition. “Opal black.”

Jayden can guess. [Exhibition organizer invited your mother.]

“My book is not coming.”

[Of course, she's having a photo session with the latest cosmetic line.] Jayden saw Alex's countenance change when talking about his mother. Not only did the boy look unhappy, he looked angry. Not something that happens usually. At least as far as Jayden knows, Alex is only in trouble with his father not his mother. Not wanting to drag on with his own talk, Jayden continued. [I don't think you'll like it when you go back to town hall.]

Alex rolled his eyeballs. The last time he was there, he was confronted by a killer robot, dealing with Gavin, then almost drowned. “Indeed not, but—”

[But Nadira will send you there. Clever!]

“The exhibition is tonight,” Alex added.

[Exactly. I can imagine Dr. Vanessa arguing with Nadira about this. According to Dr. Vanessa, you still need rest. Unstable condition—]

“I'm fine!” Alex interrupts Jayden's speech. His tone was rising unconsciously. Then Alex took a deep breath. Suddenly, he misses his school and is dealing with homework instead of the obvious villain like that. Alex tried to melt the mood. “But, I don't think Zetta Sonic can deal with ghosts,” he said in a relaxed tone this time.

[You know it's not a ghost.]

“She doesn't wear a green screen either. What's the trick?”

[That's what I'm looking for, too. Maybe some kind of magic.]

Alex gnashing. “Wait. We're dealing with a witch?”

[No. Let's hope it doesn't happen.]