Déjà Vu

2023, March 5th.

9:05 PM.

Jinn and his father were now both in his dad's car. After talking with his mom for a bit, all three decided that it was for the best for the two to leave for A.C.T.P., and that she would be fine for a while by herself.

The whole car ride, Jinn was filled with a lot of emotions. Some of those being either nervousness, discomfort, and a tiny bit of excitement, because he finally gets to revisit that place, years later.

Given that his dad had no idea how much the A.C.T.P. program extends, and that Google wasn't helping much either, he just hoped that it didn't go over to highschool years. He couldn't see everyone again after all these years. After all, he never even tried to get in contact with them after he left. He was happy with just meeting Sam.

Though, a tiny bit of him hoped that it did extend over to highschool years. Anyone wanna guess why? I'll give y'all a hint. Starts with a C...

Alright, leaving Jinn's pathetic love life aside, his dad's car was only getting closer and closer to it's destination.

And eventually, after about 20 minutes of driving, they arrived. A place Jinn hadn't seen in 7 years. The A.C.T.P., in all it's glory... Wait, no, where... Where's the glory again? This place sucked. Even though it wasn't that old of a building, it looked extremely run down. I guess that's a side effect of teaching and training kids with literal superpowers.

At this point, it was about 9:10 PM, on a Sunday. Was... This place even open?

Oh, wait, I can actually answer that question.

Here's a paragraph from the official A.C.T.P. rulebook.

Uhh... Article blah blah blah... Page whatevs whatevs... Paragraph who-gives-a-shit... Ah, found it.

'Every and all A.C.T.P. buildings can and will be used on Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 AM to 12 PM, to hold supplementary lessons and training for those in need, while also providing every and all trainees with food and water portions.'

It, uhm, goes on for about 100 more words with all the rights that the kids have, but I just read out the important part.

Short answer: Yes, it's open at 9 PM on a Sunday... And while I was busy searching a 1000 page rulebook, I lost track of the reason why we're here... Ah, my bad, nevermind. Found him. He's looking through the window at some kids that are training, like a sad puppy. Jesus Christ dude. Pull yourself together.

His dad called out to him, and after a few seconds of mental preparation, they went in.

I made that sound very simple. It actually wasn't. They had to talk to security, to prove that his dad's a gateling, explain the situation and reason of visiting... Fuckin' hell.

Anyway, back on track, inside, his dad started looking for the principal's office, and was considering asking a staff member where it was.

"Dad, it's fine. I know where it is."

"Oh? After so long?"

"Yes. I remember it clear as day. Follow me."

After not even two minutes of walking, they found themselves at the door of the principal's office. Jinn knocked, and after hearing a faint "Yes?" from inside, they went in.

"Ah, hello there, gentlemen. How can I help?"

"Good evening, sir."

"Yo."

Try to guess which one's Jinn and which one is his dad. I guarantee that you'll be right.

"Yes, indeed... Yo... Again, how can I help?"

"Mr. Principal, sir, I think my son's dying."

...Mm? Come again?

"Dad, what the...?"

"This, umm... Isn't a hospital, Mr...?"

"Well, yeah, it isn't one but-"

"Dad, just... Let me do the talking. We're both Kinko."

"I see. So, Mr. Kinky, what's the problem?"

Jinn whispered.

"Never change, Alfred, never change."

"I didn't catch that? Come again?"

"Nothing at all, sir. Anyway, here's the deal. I was in this program as well, a few years back. Kinko Jinn, look me up. You'll find me."

"Were you? Alright, let me check..."

After a few quick clicks, Jinn's profile finally appeared on the principal's screen, and in big, bold letters, right above his photo, said 'Expelled'. The reason was left blank, though. They never bothered to add an 'Agiless' option because Jinn was one of a kind.

"Ahh! I see! Welcome back, young man! What brings you here?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm getting there. Alright, so basically..."

Jinn then explained everything that happened and everything that he could remember. He was hoping that the principal would have at least an explanation or something, but instead...

"...Sir, I think your son's dying..."

Please, God, if you're out there, send a meteorite on our planet, we need a reset. ASAP.

"So he is dying?!"

"Dude... No one's dying. I'm just experiencing some weird phenomenon."

"Yes, so it seems... When did this all start?"

"Well... I honestly don't remember. It was just one random day... I threw my phone into a lake only for it to reappear in my pocket later, completely dry."

"Anything else? Before this?"

Jinn thought long and hard, and then, he finally had an answer.

"Wait... Yes, actually. That same day, I met up with Sam. Uhm, Sam Hicklestone?"

"Oh, you met Mr. Hicklestone? I see... But how's that relevant to your condition?"

"Well, when I met up with him, I didn't recognize him, so he pulled a prank on me. He set me on fire."

"He what?!"

"It's fine, it's fine. Not actual fire. It didn't burn at all."

"Oh... Just illusionary fire?"

"Uh, I guess? Anyway, after that, I got on my train to go to school, and an itchiness started spreading in my arms... From my shoulders to my fingertips."

"How dare he pull such a pran- Wait. Can you repeat that?"

"Ah, umm... I got on my train to go to school?"

"No, no, no. A bit further."

"Bit further... Ah, an itchiness started spreading in my arms?"

"Yes, right there. What kind of itch was it?"

...Interesting questions to be asking a minor, Alfred... But since you seem to know something, I'll let it slide. This time.

"Well, it was kind of weird. It seemed like it was more of happening inside my arms rather than on them. I couldn't quite scratch it. And it didn't go away for a while. Actually, I don't even remember when it did go away."

Maybe... You should check up with a doctor. Just maybe.

"Jinn... Do you have any idea what you just described to me right now?"

"An, um, very weird illness that has no cure and that will kill me within a week?"

"Um, n-no? Where did that come from?"

"Sorry, I've been watching too many doctor dramas. Go on."

Suddenly, the principal's mood changed completely, and he had a serious look on his face.

"Jinn, what you just described to me were the symptoms a hybrid has before awakening their Agily."

"W-Wait... There's no way. I'm 17. I mean, sure, if an Agily is late for like a month then sure, whatever, but 7 years?"

"I just told you what I know Jinn. Those are the exact symptoms of a hybrid."

"That's..."

"Mr. Principal. Are you sure?"

"Quite so."

No, wait... How was this even happening? Hybrid symptoms, 7 years late? Jesus...

"...Christ..."

"Mr. Principal. Do you have the time to listen to a suggestion of mine? In private, if you don't mind."

"Sure. Let's go talk outside. I need a smoke, anyway."

"Jinn, wait here for 10 minutes, alright?"

"Yeah, got it. Not like I got anything better to do anyway."

After that, the principal and his dad left to talk outside, while Jinn was left alone to process the information he just received.

Ah, wait. Information processed already, apparently. Jinn got up, sat down at the principals computer, and started typing away. Two minutes later, a long, long list was pulled up. It was full of Agilys. So Jinn started scrolling.

They were all in category's. Fire-based? Nope. Water-based? Still a no. Rock-based? Definitely not...

Nothing matches his description. Of course, his description was something along the lines of 'object appearing in hand' and 'human magnet', so nothing really worked.

A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

"Mr. White? I brought the papers you asked for."

Ah, shit. Jinn was in a very suspicious position right now. Think, Jinn, think!

"He's uh, not home right now."

...Bravo, Jinn. Bravo.

"What? Who are you? I'm opening the door!"

"Uh, wait, don't!"

The person on the other side pressed on the handle, but the door stood closed.

"Hey, unlock this door! Right now!"

Locked? When?

"It's not locked though...?"

After Jinn said that, the person pressed on the handle once more, and the door began to open.

"Mr. White? Are you here?!"

"Uhm, yup, that's me. Mista' White."

Jinn said that and put his feet on the desk, like some kind of bad boy.

"So, how can I help..."

In the door, now fully open, stood a relatively short girl, with short, white hair, that reached her shoulders, and that had a hint of yellow. She had light brown eyes, but the good vibes emitting off her were a bit lower now that she was a bit pissed.

"...Y-You?!"

Jinn, who was leaning back in the principal's chair, fell down after experiencing the biggest shock of his life.

"Uh... You good? Wait, who cares! Who are you, and why are you here?! Where's Mr. White!?"

Jinn, still shocked, and still on the floor, blurted out whatever came to mind.

"Wait, wait... Chloe, I can explain..."

"Why do you know my name? Are you a stalker?! I'll beat you up! You realize where you are, right?"

Uh, a place filled with little SuperMan's? Yeah, he knows.

"Yes, yes... Just... Give me a second... Or two..."

"You're lucky I'm holding this box with important papers inside! Otherwise I'd beat your..."

Jinn finally put one hand on the desk, and then suddenly sprung up. His hair was a mess, and his black hoodie wasn't entirely clean right now because of the floor. While they were more or less the same height when they were 10, Jinn was now about 20cm's taller than Chloe. Talk about growth, huh? I'm jealous.

Keep in mind that, the only light source they had was an overhead lamp and a simple office desk lamp on the principal's desk. And yet, thanks to those two, Jinn's green-ish eyes were now in full effect, going to an emerald green from the usual washed green. Wow, I think even I might fall for Jinn at this point. Are we sure this isn't a full-on romance?

After he stood up, the two quickly made eye contact, and both Jinn and Chloe were surprised at how tall he was. After said eye contact was made, a number of things happened. I'll just... Let everything speak for itself.

Chloe's face turned bright red, and she dropped the box with, and I quote, 'important papers inside'. After that, she finally got to finish her sentence.

"...aaaaaasss?!"

...Y'all better be happy you couldn't hear how loud that was. You. All. Better.

"U-Uhm... So... Long time no see?"

"J-Jinn?! Is that you?!"

"Y-Yeah..."

After the word left his mouth, Chloe suddenly disappeared. Poof!'d out of existence. Ok, just joking. Hyperspeed, remember? She just ran over to Jinn, hugged him, and started spinning in circles. Fortunately for Jinn, at a normal speed.

"Ohmygodit'sbeensolonghowhaveyoubeen!"

Wow, she even talks fast.

"Woah, woah! I've been good, I've been good! Can we... Stop spinning?"

"Nopeabsolutelynever!"

"Oh, man..."

Despite those words, they eventually did stop spinning, and Jinn sat down.

"Jesus Christ... How much stamina do you even have?"

"Infinte, obviously."

"Yeah, I've noticed... My head's still spinning..."

"Sorry, sorry!"

"Haven't I heard that at least a hundred times before?"

Both of them chucked at that. Because he was right. This wasn't the first time Jinn couldn't keep up with Chloe's stamina and/or speed.

"Wait, but, why are you here?"

"Uhh, long story. For real."

"Tell me the short version."

"Umm... I'm a late bloomer, I guess?"

"Woah. Like, you're a virgin?"

"Says miss 'saving myself for marriage'..."

"That was years ago y'know!"

Stop flirting already, I might cry of loneliness.

"But no, that's not what I meant by late bloomer. I meant my Agily."

"Ah, I see, just your Agily... Wait, your Agily?!"

"Yes, yes. My Agily."

"When did you get it? What can it do? Are you coming back to A.C.T.P.?!"

As I said, she talks fast.

"Tooo many questions Chloe... My head can't keep up..."

"Sorry, sorry!"

"Sigh... Well, first off, I still... Kinda haven't gotten it. Second, I don't know. And third, I once again don't know."

"Hmm? I'm confused."

Yeah, me too. Not because of the whole Agily thing, just confused about how you two managed to revive a dead 7 year old friendship in five minutes. I'm honestly proud.

"Yup. Same. As I said, long story."

"Wait wait wait... So, basically... Nope, nevermind, I don't get it."

"I wonder why I'm not surprised. Look, long story short, my Agily has, apparently, finally started developing."

"...So basically-"

"No more 'so basically', please."

"Sorry, sorry. But like... What can you do?"

"Uh... Attract water bottles?"

Of all of the things that happened to you, you chose to tell about the water bottle. Incredible.

"...Eh? What do you mean by that?"

"I don't know how to explain it myself to be honest... I guess that, sometimes, stuff does something that I want...? I donno..."

"Like, mind control but on objects?"

"Do you ever hear yourself speak?"

"Nope."

Again, who's surprised?

"But, uh... I guess so?"

"So I was right!"

"Barely, but yeah. Good job."

"Is that all? No prize?"

"Y'want a head pat or something?"

"W-Well, no..."

Again, are we sure this isn't some cheesy romance? Like, 100% sure...?

"Wait, nevermind me being here, why are you here?"

"Oh, just to deliver some pap- Oh my God the papers."

"Still on the ground, aren't they?"

"They were, until one second ago."

"Ah. Right. You're fast."

"I sure am. By the way, where Mr. White?"

"Alfred's smoking and talking with my dad outside."

"Woah, first name basis?"

"Oh, I don't know his name. I just call him Alfred."

"Wait, are you psychic? His name actually is Alfred."

...Maybe we found Jinn's true Agily after all this time. The power to guess people's names.

"Oh. Lucky guess. Does everyone in the school call him Mr. White?"

"Yeah, kinda."

"Hmm, I see. Ah, by the way, I meant to ask-"

Before Jinn could finish his question, his dad and Mr. White came back from outside. Mr. White looked at Chloe, then at the papers on his desk.

"Ah, that's right. Thank you, Chloe. Getting in touch with the French Government must've been rough."

...Excuse me? The who now?

"...French Government, huh? You fluent?"

"Nope, but Google Translate is."

"You're telling me that you spoke with the French Government using Google Translate...? That's pretty dope. High five."

"Hehe."

They high fived, then Jinn suddenly realized.

"Wait, you went to France?! How?"

"I ran."

"...You ran?"

"I did."

"...On water?"

"On water."

"...High five me again."

"Sure."

They high fived. Again.

"I see you're already making friends, Mr. Kinko."

"Wow, you got my name right. This is rar- Wait, already?"

"Yes, Jinn. Mr. White here and I decided that it's best if you start attending the A.C.T.P. for a while until we're sure what's going on."

Jinn looked over at Chloe, who was just radiating with happiness. So much that she was about to jump in for another spin-hug.

Then Jinn whispered to her.

"Don't you dare."

She whispered back.

"Aww, why not?"

"Sigh... Later."

"Hehe, I win in the end."

"When have you not?"

The two chuckled again, then Jinn looked at his dad and Alfred.

"Alright then... When do I start?"

"Hmm..."

Alfred checked his watch, then joyfully exclaimed.

"Right about... Now! Chloe will be your partner for today since she's already here. Please head over to gymnasium number thre-"

"Hold your horses, Alfred! Now?!"

"Yes. That a problem?"

"Well, not entirely, but I slept the whole day. Can I warm up or something?"

"What, you think you're going to the gym, to get big? We're just gonna test your physical capabilities for today."

"C'mon Jinn, you'll be fine."

Jinn looked over at Chloe, who, once again, was smiling and radiating happiness.

"What, you don't wanna be my partner, huh, Jinn?"

...That's definitely foul play, you know?

"Sigh... Let's go."