COLE AND JOHN

The atmosphere at the table shifted as each member processed their predicted lifespans. Dylan's frown deepened, reflecting a mix of disbelief and discomfort.

Denise, sensing his unease, hastily interjected, "It can change, it depends on your decision."

Myra, seemingly unperturbed, stated, "Well, mine is at ninety-five, old age."

Ashley, trying to lighten the mood, added, "Looks like I outlive you; mine is a hundred years, old age."

Thomas, reveling in the moment, declared, "A hundred and five, old age."

Josh and Dylan, however, remained silent, their eyes meeting as if silently communicating. Then, almost in unison, they tore their predictions to shreds.

"What's wrong?" Myra asked, her concern evident.

Dylan, attempting to downplay the situation, responded, "Nothing. I make it to ninety."

Ashley looked at Josh, silently pleading for an explanation. "I got a hundred years," Josh stated with his usual stoic demeanor.

Despite their efforts to conceal the reasons behind their reactions, it was clear that both Dylan and Josh were unwilling to share the details. The group, choosing not to delve into the matter further, shifted the conversation to lighter topics, chatting and enjoying their well-deserved day off.

---

The next morning, the base was buzzing with activity as the group prepared for another day of joint training. However, Myra received an early summons to the general's office, diverting her from the usual routine.

As the others engaged in training, midway through the session, their attention was drawn to Myra's return. She wasn't alone; two unfamiliar figures trailed behind her. Dylan, ever the outspoken one, couldn't resist asking the obvious question, "Who are they?"

"Sorry, he didn't mean that," Ashley interjected, attempting to smooth over Dylan's bluntness.

But one of the newcomers, unbothered, acknowledged the truth in Dylan's words. "He did mean that," he said casually.

This prompted a groan from Myra. "This is Cole and his brother John," she said, introducing the duo.

As Myra delved into the introductions, she revealed, "Cole can read minds." The disclosure hung heavily in the air, prompting a collective silence.

The revelation cast a hush over the conversation. Josh, breaking the silence, offered a deadpan suggestion, "Please start with that next time."

The memory of how the general practically threw Cole and John at her, coupled with the soldiers' reluctance to tour them around the base, lingered in Myra's thoughts. The reluctance was understandable; who would willingly be around someone capable of intruding into their minds at any moment?

Myra, perhaps feeling the unease in the air, sighed and went on to reveal John's ability – the power to swap the souls of people. A heavy silence followed.

Cole, sensing their guarded thoughts, reassured them, "You can relax. I'm not interested in your thoughts."

Though the group eased a bit, a lingering sense of wariness remained.

Myra, with a note of caution, added, "Don't trust him; he's lying."

Cole, amused by their guarded reactions, chuckled in response.

However, before the conversation could delve further, Dylan pulled Myra aside, addressing a different matter. "They're having mock battles, and I have mine tomorrow, so I was hoping—"

Dylan's words were abruptly cut off by a boisterous declaration from Cole, who yelled out, "He wants to kiss you." The sudden intrusion caused a shift in the atmosphere, and Dylan responded with a deadly glare directed at Cole.

Undeterred, Cole dared to delve into Dylan's thoughts. However, the smirk on his face disappeared as he absorbed the contents of Dylan's mind. Taking a step back, fear etched across his features, Cole realized that perhaps he had ventured into territory he should have avoided.

Observing this exchange, Myra couldn't help but smile. Cole had been reading her mind all the way to their current location, an intrusive act that had genuinely annoyed her.

Addressing Dylan, she made her preferences clear: "I'm not sure what you thought about, but if he reads my mind, could you please carry it out?"

Dylan's response was a confident smirk, accompanied by a casual, "With pleasure." Cole, now looking at Dylan with a mixture of horror and fear, hastily retreated from the scene.

As Cole departed, John waved to Myra before following his brother. The relief among the group was palpable. "Thank goodness he's gone," Ashley expressed, mirroring the sentiments shared by Josh and Thomas.

"So mock battles. What's up with that?" Myra inquired, seeking clarification.

"They want to test our battle skills," Thomas explained.

"Dylan and Josh have theirs tomorrow," Ashley added, offering additional context.

"Best of luck," Myra wished them, a supportive sentiment.

"I have mine the day after tomorrow," Ashley mentioned, initiating a new topic.

"You weren't on the list, Myra," Thomas pointed out.

"Thank God," Myra responded with evident relief.

Ashley, acting as the bearer of additional information, disclosed, "Thomas already had his today."

"Really? I wish I could have been here," Myra expressed genuine regret, prompting a bashful response from Thomas.

"It was nothing," he downplayed.

As they watched the remaining mock battles together until the end of the day's training, the camaraderie among the group solidified. They reconvened at their usual table during lunch, joined by Denise.

However, the group's initial hesitation was palpable when John, Cole's brother, approached and asked, "May I sit here?"

Despite the apprehension, Myra extended an invitation. "Don't worry; he's not like his brother," she reassured them. John took a seat and quietly began to eat his food.

"So, his ability is the soul-swapping thing," Ashley observed, initiating a conversation about John's unique skill.

Myra nodded in confirmation, but Ashley seemed to be formulating a plan. "I was thinking—" she began, only to be abruptly cut off by Myra.

"No, don't even think about it," Myra cautioned.

"Why?" Ashley inquired, puzzled by Myra's preemptive restriction.

"This is exactly what you did with the death calendar chick," Dylan interjected with a sardonic tone.

"You mean Denise," Ashley corrected, earning a glance from Denise, who seemed to become aware of the discussion revolving around her.

"Don't mind them, eat your food," Thomas advised, attempting to steer the conversation away from potentially sensitive territories.