The Zetta Sonic
Frenemies

When the situation is calm enough, Alex himself has to admit that he was a little surprised. He arrived on Saturday without any problems. To be more precise, he arrived at the swimming pool without any problems. There are no missions for the Zetta Sonic, no exams and scary homework.

Alex, for a moment, glared from behind the sunglasses while lying on the sunbed.

The swimming pool was rented for a private event. No stranger will go in there. It was just him and his friends. Some friends did invite their brother, but Alex was an only child. He came alone.

In the pool, some of his friends were swimming. On the other hand, busy girls are in style and taking pictures. The place not only has an Olympic-sized pool, but also a charming outdoor decoration. Each side is covered by tall trees, colorful flower pots, and neatly cut grass. There are many tables complete with umbrellas as well as sunbeds that they can wear.

Cold drinks are available in the refrigerator. Snacks are neatly arranged on a row of long tables at the end. If they need anything, they just call the pool guard. The place is perfect for spending the weekend. Surprisingly, Alex felt something was lacking.

“Nih!” said Willy.

Alex flinched, realizing Willy was already beside him while thrusting a can of cold orange soda.

“Thank you.” Alex pulled himself up to sit up straight. He took the can and opened it easily. Willy sat on the sunbed next to the empty one.

“So, this is definitely not a girl problem,” Willy said again. He also held a soda can in his hand. “If this is a Leta problem, you definitely do not want to come here or now you are even asking him to chat.” Willy pointed at the few girls who had just walked into the pond. Leta is one of them.

“I'm just not in the mood.”

“You often do not go to school also do not focus lately. What exactly are you sick with?” ask Willy.

Alex shrugged his shoulders. “Nothing. Just need a break.”

“You checked with the doctor? You can come to the hospital. My father had many good doctors. They can help.” Willy reminds Alex of his family's efforts.

“Already, really. Just chill. I have a doctor I can trust.”

“Did your doctor forbid you to swim? You haven't even changed your swimsuit.”

Alex chuckles. Willy's words were not entirely true. He's changed his swimsuits, he just hasn't taken off his shirt yet. Alex put the can on the table next to the sunbed and lay back down. “I'll swim. Later.”

Willy looked at her, as if at a loss to respond how.

Alex asked back. “Your condition also seems to have recovered. No swimming?”

“Yes, therefore we are here. Enjoy a sunny Saturday while the weather is still friendly and the exam season is yet to come. No pool party in winter, remember?”

Alex just laughed.

“You're usually excited at parties like this. You usually make the party more lively. I'm just. What's changed? If there is a problem, you can tell.”

Alex nodded. “I'm fine. Really am. After finishing this drink, I will swim.”

“Ya, yes. Up.”

Willy took a long breath. He sounds bored. Maybe also upset. The boy put down his can of drinks as well before finally jumping into the pool.

That night, Alex asks Jayden to help her again. He contacted Cody, who is still in ICPA prison. Nadira has spoken to Fergus but no one knows how it turned out. Alex felt sorry for the boy and felt bad for him.

“Hei, Cody.”

[You want to make fun of me again?] Cody sounded unfriendly. His voice sounded weak as well as annoyed.

“I just want to ask how you are doing there.”

[Huh! Fucking liar. Just laugh. I've wrongly believed you. No one cares about me. You're just like Willy. The bullies.]

Cody disappointed. Alex doesn't blame him. He himself would probably feel the same when he was in his position. Cody was alone with no access to the outside world at all. Feeling forgotten and frightened. He was angry at the situation also on Zetta Sonic who put himself in such a state.

Alex was silent for a moment. He does not like to be called a liar even though he knows he can lie easily. Maybe that's a good sign. Alex wouldn't usually take the trouble. “I thought you wanted a friend to talk to.”

[I want to get out of here. Please.] Cody's voice turned to a beat again. [I'll help the ICPA. Really.]

The boy seemed to have really been deterred. He may have created many troublesome problems for the ICPA but Alex also questions that maybe Cody's punishment could be changed. Cody is still the same age as him. They are fifteen years old students.

“I've spoken to the leader.”

[Nothing happened, Alex.]

“Really? Then, just be patient for a minute. There are a lot of things that they have to talk about in meetings. So, yeah, just be patient for a second. Trust me, I'm trying to help you.” Alex doesn't want to lie, he just wants to try to calm down.

Alex himself knows how Nadira nags at him as well at Jayden. What he did had an impact on him. According to him, it also clearly had an impact on Fergus — and should have been Cody. Alex just guessed that maybe those guys had a lot to talk about.

[You took my soldiers away. You can recreate it. And, at that time, you will kill me.]

Alex shakes. “Don't think that far. They won't kill anyone.”

[Maybe they don't, but you're different. A liar will always be a liar.]

Alex can't believe Cody cut his phone. Cody must not have expected the risk Alex would have to take just to talk to him. Alex sighed while pulling himself back.

Peace was strange to him. Maybe that opened up a little bit of his heart for the better. He wants to help Cody even if he fails. In fact, all this time Alex was sure that he did not want to be a hero.

Alex asked Nadira's question. Reasons fighting. When you close your eyes, the memories go back and forth there. His encounter with Damon, the killer robots, the bloodlust, then the Kloster tribe, and it ends with his mother and father.

Why is he fighting? Why does he want to help people?

Alex could not find the answer. He glanced at his phone. There was a new message coming in. Message from Willy. Tomorrow night, they'll attend the gala dinner. Willy may just want to confirm his presence. It reminds Alex of something else, her father. I'll be at the gala dinner too. There will be a mother and a father.

So, what's worse than that? The presence of Baron and Caitlin. If things can go bad and get worse, tomorrow is the right time. Alex looked towards the bedroom. From his position, he could see Jason perched on the nightstand. If the Baron is in action tomorrow, he has to be ready.