Chapter 1 New Semester, New Chaos! (Part 2)

Without hesitation, I leap off the 35-foot roof, my parkour skills honed from intense training with Mr. Marcus and Soro's secret missions. I land smoothly, like a superhero. Mariam and Amin follow suit, their eyes wide with amazement. "Whoa, bro, that's some crazy stuff!"

Amin exclaims. Mariam teases, "Kukuku...must be something that happened in LA, right?"

I play it cool, "Uh...later, guys." But Mariam's not letting me off the hook. "Okay, promise to spill every detail - I mean, everything - got it?" I nod, knowing I owe them an explanation...but some secrets, like my missions with Soro, will have to remain under wraps...for now. We sneak towards the gang, ready to take action and rescue the kidnapped person!

As we creep into the deserted museum area, the silence is eerie. Suddenly, we stumble upon a chilling scene - a group of shadowy figures surrounding a person, possibly a girl. My mind races, "Wait, is that...the scientist I met with Mika? What's going on?”

Mariam whispers urgently, "Hey, what's the plan?" I assess the situation, my instincts on high alert. "We need to extract that person and get out, pronto! These aren't your average goons...they're pros.”

I observe their tactical gear, their movements precise and calculated. This is no ordinary kidnapping. I signal to Mariam and Amin, "Let's move in, stay sharp!" We creep closer, our hearts pounding in unison.

We creep closer, our hearts racing like jackrabbits, as the conversation becomes clearer. Spanish words hang in the air like a deadly challenge. "Dónde están los datos?" The cartel? Here? My mind reels like a punch-drunk boxer.

The scientist's voice trembles like a leaf, "Como dije, todo está siendo destruido...uno de ustedes es lo suficientemente descuidado como para ser derribado por alguien..." Mariam translates, her voice barely above a whisper, "They're hunting for data, and it seems something went down last night.”

My gut tightens like a vice - I was there, stealing those files. I glance at Mariam and Amin, my eyes screaming warning. "Wait, something's off...they're in cahoots." The air thickens with tension like a noose.

Amin whispers urgently, "What's the plan?" I scan the area, my mind racing like a high-performance engine. Three men, but not just any men - mercenaries, like Soro. My instincts scream warning. "We need to be careful; they might be packing heat.”

I signal to Mariam and Amin, "Let's move in, stay sharp!" We creep closer, our senses on high alert, ready to take on whatever comes next. But I know we're in for a world of hurt...

"So, we need to extract that girl - there's a connection to the LA incident..." I whisper urgently.

Amin and Mariam's eyes widen in unison, "You kidding me?!" they mouth in shock, their voices barely audible. "A crazy clone, battlefield, and warzone?!?"

I nod grimly, my mind racing with strategy. "I'll take down the three mercenaries while you two grab the girl. Then, call Mr. Habeeb - we need the police to handle this.”

Mariam's confidence surges, "Time to get things done! It's been a while since we've had a mission like this." But I'm cautious, my instincts screaming warning. I glance at Amin and Mariam, my heart racing with concern. "Stay sharp, I don't want anything to happen to you two. You're annoying, but you mean everything to me.”

Amin and Mariam exchange a look, their faces set with determination. We know the risks, but we're in this together - as a team, as friends.

I hand Amin and Mariam facemasks to conceal their identities. They nod, cooperative, and cover their faces.

Suddenly, one mercenary raises his gun at the girl. "Es hora de seguirnos" That's our cue.

I spring into action, leaping towards the gunman and knocking his arm away. The other two mercenaries charge at us, one whipping out a knife. Mariam unleashes a lightning-fast roundhouse kick, sending him crashing to the ground, out cold. Amin grabs the girl, and I signal them to escape.

I take down the remaining mercenaries with swift CQC moves, countering their gun attacks with precision. "Quién carajo es este tipo!?" one of them shouts, stunned by my skills. I'm glad Mariam and Amin got the girl to safety.

My CQC training, honed by Soro's tips, proves effective against these military-trained opponents. One of them lands a solid punch, but I counter with a knee strike to his chest, feeling the impact on his body armor. These are no ordinary foes - they're the real deal.

The last mercenary suddenly speaks in English, "This is out of your league, boy...just leave it alone...we'll forget what happened here..." Yeah, right! I've heard that one before. I'm not buying it. I'll wait for Mr. Habeeb's reinforcements to arrive.

Just minutes later, I hear the police arrive - no sirens, just Mr. Faruq and Mr. Habeeb showing up. "Son!!! Mashallah, that was a dangerous move you made here..." Mr. Habeeb says, a mix of concern and pride in his voice.

"But at least they're down...and they're...Spanish special forces? What the hell is going on?" I'm shocked by this revelation. Mariam and Amin are holding the girl, and it seems like we've got some unexpected allies.

"Hey bro, seems like they're the good guys...this girl is their target..." Whoa, looks like I owe them an apology.

"Sorry about that..." I say, and the guy smiles.

"So, Habeeb, this is what Maruk told me about, eh?" he asks, and Mr. Habeeb bursts out laughing.

"Hahaha, he whipped all your asses, eh?" Mr. Habeeb teases, and it's clear they know each other.

"But what I'm impressed by is the girl's capoeira skills...who taught you that?" one of the guys asks Mariam.

"Well, I think his name is Baba Afro...I think...I still need to go back to New York to learn more...he said I haven't mastered it yet..." Mariam replies, and they're all surprised.

"BABA AFRO?! Geez, no wonder you have those mean kicks...I mean, that's a legend even in Rio...or Madrid…"

“Well that old coot is somewhat had screw loose in his head I mean I’ve been throw off a building before trying to climb down the alley…” never knew Mariam had that kind of training before.

“Well that is typical of Baba, he had a bad sense of humor even among us special forces..he is our former instructor…”

What a small world. I turn to face the girl again, and she smiles at me, her eyes sparkling.

"We meet again, child..." I say, trying to sound calm, but inside, I'm seething. Every time I see her, I'm reminded of that fateful day.

"You've improved a lot since we last met...I believe you managed to kill her, didn't you?" she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm. The clone incident still haunts me - I know I had no choice, but the guilt lingers.

"A lucky accident involving fire and acid..." Mariam and Amin try to comfort me, their hands on my shoulders.

"Is that what happened that time?" Mariam asks, concern etched on her face.

"Yeah...but I'm safe, right?" I reply, seeking reassurance.

"You better be!!!" Mariam exclaims, a tear welling up in her eye.

Mr. Faruq clears his throat, a warm smile on his face. "This is my future daughter-in-law. My son may not be the strongest, but with her by his side, I know our family's future is secure.”

Amin looks embarrassed, while Mariam's expression turns comically incredulous, her long, pointed nose scrunching up in distaste.

The female scientist's eyes lock onto mine, her voice laced with urgency. "Seems someone beat us to it...they've noticed that..." Mr. Habeeb and Mr. Faruq's expressions turn grave, and I know exactly what she's implying.

"Although someone's been taking down our clones with ease over the past week, we've been wondering who..." Her gaze pierces through me, and I know she's thinking of Soro and Maya.

Mr. Faruq's voice cuts in, his tone firm. "There's much to discuss at the station..." He ushers the scientist away, leaving me with the beaten mercenaries.

One of them claps my shoulder, a hint of a smile on his battered face. "If you're looking to work with us, call us...we need people like you..." I've got a reputation now, it seems.

Mr. Habeeb turns back to me, his expression stern but proud. "Son, get back to school, but thanks to you, we've got a lead..." I nod, knowing this is far from over. The shadows have taken notice of me, and I'm ready.

As they return, Mariam, Amin, and I exchange a look, our faces screaming "this is too funny!”

Amin bursts into laughter, "HAHAHAAHAH!!!! That's the most epic fail I've ever seen!!!"

Mariam teases me, "You know you missed a spot, right?”

I chuckle, "Yeah, yeah...my bad..." At least nothing bad happened. We rush back to school, realizing we've missed the bell. We sprint towards class, and I remember I chose Cultural Studies. And then I see her - someone I remember.

"Welcome...seems like you're late," Phylis Natalie's big sister says with a warm smile. I'm surprised to see her here - I knew she was a teacher, but not at this school!

Phylis's smile is infectious, and I'm reminded of Natalie's bright grin. The class is small, with only five students, likely due to the unconventional subject matter.

"Now, what are you waiting for? Get in!" I take a seat, eager to learn, but wonder if Mr. Hawk or Natalie have other plans in store for me.

After class, Phylis approaches me. "Hey, how are you?”

"I'm fine...but I didn't expect to see you here, Phylis. Mr. Rahim mentioned a teacher from NAU, but…"

Phylis chuckles. "Small world, eh? Rahim's an old friend from our archaeological adventures in Lembah Bujang. He's got a bit of an Indiana Jones vibe, doesn't he?”

I'm intrigued by this new side of Mr. Rahim. "So, where do you live now?”

"With Mr. Rahim's girlfriend...she's also a teacher," Phylis replies.

Before I leave, Phylis drops a bombshell: "Nat's got her sights on you...heard from Dad that you're quite the playboy now.”

I cringe at the mention of my reputation. "Uh...I'd rather not...Nat's always on my mind…"

Phylis smiles knowingly. "Then I'm glad. You've got choices now, and Nat's not giving up easily…"

I nod, leaving the class with a mix of emotions. The rest of the school day passes in a blur, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of Nat and Phylis's words.

As the bell rings, the school descends into chaos - aka club activities. It's like a marketplace, minus the free samples. Most students are stoked, but I'm just hoping nothing crazy happens. Oh wait, Mr. Rahman wants to see me after school. Joy.

When I arrive, I'm surprised to see Mom already there. Mr. Rahman's question catches me off guard: "So, how is it?”

I'm taken aback, unsure what he's referring to. But then he drops the bombshell: "Alex, remember what I said before? The principal of MCKK has taken an interest in you. You've been chosen.”

It's time. The plan is set in motion. "In two days, we'll align with their curriculum, and you'll represent our state and country in their international exchange program. Be prepared for a month-long adventure.”

Soro's words echo in my mind - training will be everywhere. I nod, determination rising within me. "What do I need to do?”

Mr. Rahman smiles. "All the paperwork is settled, but Melissa might not be thrilled about your absence." I chuckle, knowing that's an understatement.

"Son, don't worry about a thing - Sylvia's here with me. And speaking of which, I heard Phylis is around, teaching Cultural Studies. I think it's time I paid her a visit... right now." Mom's voice is laced with a mix of reassurance and determination, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement.

Mr. Rahman nods, a knowing smile on his face. "Got it, senior. I'll take care of things here with Alex. You go ahead and... 'accidentally' run into Phylis.”

Mom's face lights up with a sly grin, her plan set in motion. "Hehe, exactly. See you later, Rahman. Meet back at home, Alex. We'll have a lot to discuss... and maybe a few guests to entertain."

“Well then, here is the assigment for you when in MCKK…” he pass me the files which contains instruction and activity dosier. Seems like a busy month for me although at least its all boys school anyway.

“Alright…well then we’ll see again Mr Rahman…or should I say Proffessor” I tease him

“Yeah, yeah that damn Amin always exagerating…”

I leave the office only to see Sylvia is with mom and Phylis instantly I could see something is about to happen. Knowing the look in Sylvia’s eyes and Phylis expression is something worrying about right now, I think its a good idea for me to book an early flight to MCKK or else this is not gonna end well for me!!!