Chapter 57 - a changes within me

As I stepped into the warmth of our home, I was greeted by Sylvia's unmistakable voice, louder and more energetic than ever.

"Darling!! Hurry up and wake up! Breakfast is ready!!" she shouted from downstairs, her enthusiasm bordering on frantic.

I smiled, knowing that Sylvia's morning zeal was just a sign of her love and dedication. And it seemed that her infectious energy had spread to the rest of the household. Priscilla, now a valued member of our team at Meow Cafe, was busy setting the table alongside Hana, who was bursting with ideas for Melissa's own restaurant venture.

Speaking of Melissa, our talented student president at SIGMA, she was not only excelling in academics but also proving to be a shrewd business leader as the boss of Meow Cafe. Her ability to balance responsibilities and get things done was truly impressive.

Just then, Sylvia called out to me again, "Darling, we're heading to the restaurant soon. Can you look after Sam for us? Mom will send us to the restaurant." It was clear that they had a busy day ahead.

Mom chimed in, "Alex, can you look after Sam for me? I've also got to work today." I nodded, realizing that New Year's Eve celebrations would have to wait – it seemed like they had other plans today.

As the chaotic household emptied out, I was left alone with Sam, a tiny ball of energy who was still blissfully unaware of the peaceful atmosphere that had descended upon us. The sudden stillness was like a warm hug, enveloping me in its soothing embrace.

I flopped onto the sofa, my eyes fixed on Sam as he played with his toys, his giggles and coos filling the air. The morning sunlight streaming through the window cast a warm glow over the scene, making it feel like a serene dream.

But amidst this tranquility, I couldn't shake off the feeling that it was all just a brief interlude. Like the calm before the storm, or the quiet moment before the next epic adventure. My mind began to wander, replaying the wild events of the past year like a montage of crazy moments.

"Looks like you're used to being left alone, aren't ya, Sam?" I said with a chuckle, as he gazed up at me with a blissful smile. He toddled towards me, his little hands outstretched, and pointed insistently at something behind me.

Curious, I followed his gaze and walked slowly towards the back of the house. That's when I noticed it - my bike, covered in dust and canvas, lying abandoned outside. It had been ages since I last rode it.

But Sam wasn't done yet. He pointed again, his eyes sparkling with excitement, as if urging me to follow him further. I obliged, wondering what other surprises he had in store for me.

As I followed Sam's gaze, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Before us lay the flower my mom had planted as a favor, its petals surprisingly blooming in the early morning light. I thought it only bloomed at night, but here it was, its colors subtly different from the ones I remembered.

As I watched, the flower began to wither slowly, as if it had been waiting for me to witness its final moment. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Was I going crazy? I thought I saw someone in the distance, but when I looked again, I saw two girls running together. A memory from my time in the USA flashed back - Mr. Hawk's mention of Lilith.

My inner voice, Frederica, whispered, "I've always had these dreams, and they always lead me to this moment." There must be a reason for this. But where were we?

A soft voice spoke to me in old French, "She was the world to me, but they...those bastards took that from me." Lilith's words seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. "I promise, Madeleine, I'll make them pay for what they've done.”

Ever since my encounters with the clone and Frederica's constant whispers in my head, I'd felt like something was off. Like I wasn't myself anymore.

My curiosity is piqued, and I need to test my limits. Since that encounter with the clone, I've felt a strange confidence in my abilities. I ask Sam to stay put and hand him some toys to keep him occupied. He sits down, eyes wide with excitement, as I prepare to push myself.

I sprint towards the gate, my legs coiled like springs. I launch myself into the air, soaring higher than I ever thought possible. Time seems to slow as I crest the top of the gate, my body arcing through the air with ease. I land with a soft thud, my knees absorbing the impact.

But I'm not done yet. I take off again, this time using the nearby walls to propel myself upward. I leap from one surface to the next, my movements fluid and precise. Sam watches in awe, his giggles and cheers fueling my momentum.

I bound across the yard, my senses heightened. I can feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins, my heart pounding in my chest. I'm no longer just testing my limits – I'm embracing my newfound abilities.

I ponder the reason behind my newfound abilities, but Sam's infectious laughter and gleeful shouts distract me. He's thoroughly enjoying the show, and I can't help but smile. I decide to push myself further, testing the fighting skills I honed in America under Soro's guidance and my own relentless training.

I throw a few punches, feeling the satisfying impact as my fists connect with the air. I execute a series of swift kicks, my legs moving with precision and power. I weave and dodge, imagining an opponent in front of me. My movements are fluid, a testament to Soro's expert instruction and my own dedication.

As I continue to test my skills, I notice something remarkable. My reflexes are faster, my strikes more precise. I can sense my surroundings, anticipating potential attacks. It's as if my body has developed a heightened sense of awareness, allowing me to react with lightning-quick speed.

Sam watches with wide eyes, his tiny hands clapping in excitement. "ah! ah!" he squeals, urging me on. I chuckle, feeling a sense of pride and wonder. What's happening to me? And how far can I push myself?

A creeping sense of dread settles in, but I'm determined to keep my cool. A whisper within me cautions against letting anger take the reins, instead guiding me toward calculated and precise decisions.

As I head back inside to check on Sam, I sit down at the computer to catch up on my emails. It's been a while, and I'm surprised to see a flood of messages, especially from Nat. I've missed this.

Baby Sam is by my side, looking at the computer with me. But then, I stumble upon a mysterious email from someone named Cipher. The message is in Latin: "invenire veritatem, est invenire principium" - "to find the truth is to find the source." Another message follows, instructing me to locate and identify clandestine cloning facilities codenamed "Designation Alpha, Beta, and Theta" and report back to HQ.

I'm skeptical - is this a forwarded message? The source only says Cipher. Suddenly, my phone rings. It's Soro, calling from an unknown number.

"How's your break?" he asks, but I'm cautious. I don't trust voices easily, not since the incident.

"Yeah, right," I reply, unsure if it's really him. That's when I see a red dot on my chest. "Now you believe me?" Soro says, confirming his identity.

"What do you want?" I ask, trying to avoid this conversation.

"This is my mission... all of them are targets that need to be taken out... be wary... for now," Soro warns before hanging up.

I need advice, and since Mr. Marcus is away, I decide to consult Mr. Hakeeb next door. I take Sam with me and greet his wife, who offers to watch Sam while I speak with her husband.

I find Mr. Hakeeb in the yard, looking out at the forest. He asks about my trip to LA, and I fill him in on the incident with the clones. He seems to know more than he's letting on.

"Borneo Foundation... Brotherhood of Mason... this is getting much more dangerous," he mutters to himself before explaining his involvement in a raid on the foundation years ago. He reveals that he's part of INTERPOL, tasked with overseeing the risks of the foundation's research. He also mentions that I have a special ability, one that makes me a candidate for the Shariful Ahmad head family.

Mr. Hakeeb's words leave me with more questions than answers. What does he know about my family's past? And what does this mean for my future?

"I've been skeptical about Mom's involvement, and I'm starting to understand why Dad is the way he is," I explain to Mr. Hakeeb, who nods thoughtfully, indicating he grasps the situation.

"Let's keep this between us for now, okay? Be extra cautious, as this isn't over yet. The clone incident at your house means you're either a target or they're trying to protect your family. So, what's your plan?" Mr. Hakeeb asks, his expression serious.

"I just want to be a normal student again; I'm tired. But there's one thing I'm sure of - I want to train again," I reply.

Mr. Hakeeb's advice catches me off guard: "Learn from Maruk. He knows more than you think, and it pains me to say this, but he's the only person you can trust right now - not even your friends, if you want to protect your family.”

I'm taken aback by his words, realizing that Mr. Hakeeb is implying that Maruk's knowledge and expertise are crucial to my family's safety, and that I should be cautious about who I trust.

"Regarding your father, it seems he's returning to his normal self now that your uncle is looking after him. He's also started working like a regular government employee, likely because someone has taken care of the loose ends," Mr. Hakeeb explains, but I suspect I know who's behind it - Mr. Maruk and Soro.

"Speaking of Soro, I believe he's your best bet for a mentor. He's not what you'd expect; he's been in this line of work since he was very young, which makes him far more experienced than Mr. Marcus. I'm confident he can provide valuable guidance," Mr. Hakeeb continues, revealing his trust in Soro's abilities.

I've always known that Mr. Hakeeb is the best person to turn to for guidance. And as if sensing my thoughts, he places a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

"Remember, son, 'We are Muslims, and Allah is always with us.' 'You are alone in this, but Allah knows and sees all, and He is merciful in all things.'" He speaks in Arabic, and I'm reminded of my own identity as a Muslim.

"I understand and I know, God willing..." I reply, and he envelops me in a warm hug.

"You're like a son to me, and I don't want you to face these challenges alone," he says, his words filled with compassion. I feel a sense of relief wash over me, but at the same time, I want to assert my independence.

"Then what do you want to train for?" Mr. Hakeeb finally asks, curious about my intentions.

"I need to retrain my shooting skills, but not as a gangster - as a soldier," I reply, emphasizing my desire for a more disciplined approach. "And I want to keep this a complete secret, no matter what.”

Mr. Hakeeb nods understandingly. "Fine, I have a contact in Lok Kawi who can help you. When do you want to meet him?" He mentions the army base near my house, and I sense an opportunity.

"Is it okay if we go now?" I ask, eager to get started and take control of my situation.

I know it's selfish, but after everything that's happened, I'm not taking any chances. I want to be prepared and protect myself and my loved ones.

"Follow me, my wife has taken a liking to Sam and will watch him while we're away," Mr. Hakeeb says, leading me to his car. We drive towards Lok Kawi, entering the base through a rear entrance. As we arrive, he's greeted by a familiar face.

“Master Sergeant Hakeeb, welcome back," the guard says, addressing him with a military title. This revelation raises my curiosity.

At the shooting range, I'm surprised to see Soro and Maruk waiting for us.

"Not as much time as you thought, kid," Maruk says with a knowing glance.

Soro remains silent, instead handing me a list of weapons and pointing to a Glock 19. "Get the gun, aim, and target confirmed. Stand by to fire," he orders.

I pick up the handgun, but Soro immediately corrects me. "That's how a gangster holds a gun. Regain your posture, you're not an amateur." He demonstrates the proper stance, holding the gun with both hands and aiming. His shot hits the bullseye from 50 meters away with precision.

"Try it," Soro orders, and I attempt to replicate his stance. My shot hits the target, but slightly left of center.

"Not bad," Soro says, turning to Maruk. "Impressive progress in a short time. He's adapting quickly.”

Soro hands me a new weapon. "Next exercise: assault course. You have 2 minutes to complete the obstacle course.”

I survey the available weapons and choose an MP5 submachine gun, a Glock 19, a flash bang, a knife, and an M1014 shotgun. Soro and Maruk raise an eyebrow, and Mr. Hakeeb comments, "Interesting choice. I thought you'd opt for the M4.”

I explain my tactical reasoning, and Soro nods. "Gear up!" He outfits me in full military gear, and we begin the exercise.

"Go!" Soro shouts, and I sprint towards the first obstacle: three targets. I take them down with multiple shots, but Soro corrects me. "Conserve ammo! One bullet at a time, soldier!"

I adjust my approach, switching to single-shot mode, and my aim improves.

The final obstacle is a crowded area with a sniper rifle. I take the AW sniper rifle, loaded with a single bullet, and hit my mark from 250 meters.

"Exercise terminated!" Soro signals, and I return to Mr. Hakeeb, who regards me with a serious expression, along with Maruk.

"What's your assessment, Maruk?" Mr. Hakeeb asks, and Maruk nods in approval, glancing at Soro, who remains silent.

"You have 48 hours to decide," Soro tells me. “Understood?"

I nod, and they depart the base. Mr. Hakeeb places a hand on my shoulder.

"Impressive for a 15-year-old. You may be young, but you've got potential.”

"What was the purpose of that test, Mr. Hakeeb?" I ask, seeking clarification.

"It was your request, after all," he replies. "Soro was simply assessing your skills. But it seems he's awaiting your decision... I've arranged for you to have exclusive access to the base, Alex. You're the only one I've cleared for entry. No one else will be allowed in.”

I nod, understanding, and respond with a smile, "Understood, sir.”

Mr. Hakeeb's expression turns serious, his eyes locking onto mine. "Remember, this is a privilege, not a right. Don't abuse it. And don't use this training as an excuse for recklessness. Got it?”

I nod solemnly, acknowledging his warning.

"I'm doing this because I believe in you, Alex. Don't let me down," Mr. Hakeeb adds, his voice firm but encouraging.

"May I practice again?" I ask Mr. Hakeeb, seeking permission.

He nods, and to my surprise, begins to demonstrate the proper handling and usage of various weapons, from handguns to sniper rifles. His expertise is impressive, and I find myself eager to learn more.

As we train, I become curious about his background. "Mr. Hakeeb, what's your story? How did you become so skilled?”

He pauses, looking away for a moment before responding. "I'm a veteran of the Grup Gerak Khas, the GGK. And I was also part of the VAT69 jungle commando unit.”

My eyes widen in surprise. "I had no idea. No wonder you're able to handle situations that I can't even begin to comprehend.”

Mr. Hakeeb's expression turns serious. "It's not about being able to handle situations, Alex. It's about being prepared and trained to face them head-on. And that's what I'm teaching you.”

I nod, grateful for the opportunity to learn from someone with such extensive experience. "Thank you, Mr. Hakeeb.”

We continued training until a soldier approached us, eyeing me with surprise. "Not bad for a kid...where did you find him?”

Mr. Hakeeb snapped to attention, saluting the soldier. "Tuan General, he's a special case. He's under police jurisdiction…"

The soldier, revealed to be a General, smiled. "Well, I hope he'll consider joining the army. He'd be a valuable asset.”

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "Sorry, sir...I'm only doing this to improve myself. I want to be an anthropologist when I grow up.”

The General burst out laughing. "Master Sergeant, you've got an interesting one here!

Most kids want to join the army or something bigger...but an anthropologist?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "Carry on, Master Sergeant. I trust your judgment.”

As the hour drew to a close, we decided to head back to Mr. Hakeeb's house. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a commotion - my family had gathered, including Mom, Priscilla, Hana, Slyvia, Tama, Sam, and even Mr. Hakeeb's son Habeeb.

Habeeb approached us, eyeing me curiously. "Well, well, Dad, is he any good?”

Mr. Hakeeb downplayed my abilities, waving his hand dismissively. "So-so, just average."

We joined the group for dinner, and Slyvia approached me, concern etched on her face. "You okay?”

I nodded, still trying to process the sudden gathering. Priscilla sat beside us, chatting about the restaurant, seeming more like a normal person than a princess.

I wondered what was really happening, and why Soro had given me a time limit. It seemed he expected me to choose between joining them or going solo. The girls seemed less aggressive than usual, and I couldn't help but wonder why.

After dinner, Hana, Mom, and Sam retired for the night. I stepped out with Slyvia and Priscilla, who shared a cryptic conversation at the podium.

"Remember the deal, got it, Sil?" Priscilla said, her tone serious.

Slyvia nodded. "Fine, don't go overboard, or the deal is off!”

I was lost. "What did I miss?"

The two girls smiled mischievously and kissed my cheeks. "Nothing, dumbass," they chimed in unison.

I gazed up at the night sky, still puzzled, wondering what had transpired. Siti was absent, staying with Uncle Usman to care for Aunt Salima, who was unwell.

We retire to our rooms, and I step into the serene bedroom, enveloped in a sense of tranquility. I lie down on the bed, gazing up at the ceiling fan as it spins lazily, its gentle hum lulling me into a state of relaxation. As I close my eyes, the soft whirring becomes a soothing melody, and I let out a deep breath, feeling the tension melt away.