January 03, 2020. Friday. 6:16 AM
J.P. Rizal, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
The day after.
A new day.
(The first rays of dawn painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, filtering through the gaps in the blinds and casting stripes across Sus's tired face.)
Sus: (internally) …
(He stood by his window, noise-canceling headphones covering his ears, a cigarette dangling from his lips, the ember glowing like a malevolent firefly in the dim light.)
Sus: (internally) Ahh, silence. Just what I need after last night.
(He takes a long drag, savoring the feeling of the smoke filling his lungs, the city sounds muted by the headphones.)
Sus: (internally) Can't hear a thing. Perfect. Just me, my thoughts, and this smoke.
(He glances at the cityscape below, still shrouded in a hazy slumber.)
Sus: (internally) Another day, like every day. Same old grind. But hey, at least it's peaceful.
(He reaches for his phone, the screen illuminating his face.)
Sus: (internally) I should catch up on the news. See what's happening in the world. Might be useful for work.
(He scrolls through the headlines, his brow furrowing as he reads updates about a possible pandemic.)
Sus: (internally) Hmm. It seems like this is going to really happen. This may make moving things a bit challenging here. I should note that.
(He switches to a comic book app, his eyes scanning the vibrant panels and dramatic dialogue.)
Sus: (internally) Whoa. That's a fun issue but these guys have it rough. All that fighting, all that chaos? No thanks. I'm good here.
(He closes the app, a wave of fatigue washing over him.)
Sus: (internally) Maybe I should just stay in bed today. Call in sick.
(He glances at the clock – 6:38 AM.)
Sus: (internally) Nah, can't do that. Big meeting today. Gotta be there for her. Besides, I finished the plan yesterday anyway.
(He flicks the spent cigarette butt out the window, watching it spiral down toward the awakening city.)
Sus: (internally) Damn. Last stick. Need to pick up a new pack later. Can't function without my smokes.
(He stretches, his joints popping in protest. Looking at his ID card, laid out beside his ashtray, Jesus Magno - Financial Analyst, it says with his picture above it.)
Sus: (internally) Alright, time to face the music. Just gotta get through it.
(He heads towards the bathroom, the events of the previous night still a blur in his mind.)
Sus: (internally) What was that all about anyway? A hooded guy, the voices... Maybe it was all a dream. Yeah, that's it. Just a bad dream. At least my head's back now.
(He pauses, a flicker of doubt crossing his face.)
Sus: (internally) Or maybe... maybe it wasn't. Nah, couldn't be. Just gotta focus on work. Focus on the meeting. Everything will be fine.
(He enters the bathroom and turns on the shower, the sound of rushing water filling the small space.)
Sus: (internally) Alright, time to really wake up now.
(As he steps into the shower, he removes his headphones, the world suddenly rushing back in with a cacophony of sounds.)
Sus: (internally) (a bit surprised) Whoa, that's loud. Guess I got used to the silence.
(He starts to lather his hair with shampoo, but then he pauses, a strange expression crossing his face.)
Sus: (internally) Wait a minute... what's that?
(He cocks his head, listening intently.)
Faint Voice 1: Hello!
Faint Voice 2: (hissing) He's back!
Sus: (internally) What the...? Who's there?
Faint Voice 3: (gurgling) He can hear us...
Sus: (internally) This is... weird. Really weird. My mind's really losing it.
(He shakes his head, trying to clear his thoughts.)
Sus: (internally) Must be the hangover. Or maybe I'm still dreaming.
(He continues his shower, the faint voices swirling around him, a chorus of whispers and murmurs that he can't quite decipher.)
Sus: (internally) Just gotta ignore it. Focus on getting ready for work. Everything will be fine. Just work, home, and another good night's sleep. That's life for me. (slightly smiling)
(But deep down, a nagging feeling tells him that things are about to change. He's not sure what's happening, but he knows that his life will never be the same.)
Faint Voice 2: Be mindful.
(Sus exits the bathroom, a towel slung low around his hips, water droplets glistening on his skin. He walks over to his closet, his eyes scanning the neatly arranged rows of clothes.)
Sus: (internally) Alright, time to get dressed. Work clothes it is.
(He reaches for a dark grey cardigan and a crisp white shirt, laying them out on the bed.)
Sus: (internally) Good enough for another day at the office. Like everyday.
(He slips on the clothes, adjusting the collar of the shirt and smoothing down the fabric of the cardigan. He glances at his laptop on the nearby desk.)
Faint Voice 4: Watch out. Listen.
Sus: (internally) Might as well check those emails while I'm at it. See what kind of mess I need to clean up today.
(He walks over to the desk and opens his laptop, the screen casting a pale glow on his face as he scrolls through his inbox.)
Sus: (internally) Meeting agenda, budget reports, the contingency plan... The usual. Nothing too intense. Just the way I like it.
Faint Voice 5: Be ready.
(He continues getting dressed while reading through the emails, his brow furrowing slightly as he scans the contents.)
Sus: (internally) Hmm, some concerns about P and L. I'll have to address that in the meeting. And a couple of client requests that need immediate attention. Always something, isn't there?
Faint Voice 6: Remember.
(He finishes dressing, slipping his feet into a pair of well-worn black leather shoes and tying the laces with a practiced flick of his wrists.)
Sus: (internally) Alright, almost ready. (pauses) Whoops. Don't forget Kevin's headphones, Sus.
(He grabs his noise canceling headphones from the corner of the room, and once again, silence.)
Faint Voice 7: Re… (muted)
Sus: (internally) Okay, I'm ready. Time to face the day. Just another day in the life of, slightly hungover, and very normal. Normal and boring life, just the way it has to be. (smiling)
(He takes a deep breath, a splash of contentment in his eyes.)
Sus: (internally) Let's do this.
(He exits his apartment, locking the door behind him. He walks down the hallway, his footsteps echoing in the stillness. As he reaches the stairwell, he pauses, a hint of unease crossing his face.)
Sus: (internally) Hmm. Am I really going crazy? (recalls something) Why did I borrow Kevin's headphones though?
(He shakes his head, dismissing the thought. He descends the stairs, his mind returning to the mundane tasks ahead.)
Sus: (internally) Just gotta focus on work. Get through the day. Life will be fine.
(He reaches the bottom of the stairs and steps out onto the street. He glances around, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. He spots a convenience store across the road.)
Sus: (internally) Right, cigarettes first. Then coffee. Then work.
(He starts to cross the road, but then he stops.)
Sus: (eyes widening in surprise) Huh?
(A sleek, black car is parked at the curb, its engine idling. The driver's side window rolls down, revealing a familiar face. A tall cleanly-dressed and relaxed chinese-filipino 29 year-old man, his best friend Kevin Chen)
Kevin: (Smiling) Hey, bro! (inaudible because of Sus's headphones)
Sus: (internally) Kevin? What's my best friend doing here?! (surprised)
(Sus stares at Kevin, his mind reeling. He removes his headphones, the world exploding back into a cacophony of sound.)
Sus: (internally) Whoa! What the—
(A torrent of Faint Voices floods his senses, overwhelming him with a chaotic symphony of whispers, shouts, and murmurs.)
Faint Voice 8: (Whispering) They are here...
Faint Voice 9: (Excitedly) Sound Shifter!
Faint Voice 10: (Whispering) He can hear us...
Faint Voice 11: (Loudly) Look!
Sus: (stumbling back) What the—?! It's happening again!
(Kevin leaps out of the car, his movements swift and decisive. He rushes towards Sus.)
Kevin: (to Sus) (concerned) Whoa, easy there, bro! You're overloading!
(He gently but firmly places the headphones back on Sus's head, the world abruptly falling silent.)
Sus: (internally) But… I can't hear anyone.
(Kevin fumbles with the headphones, pressing a small button on the side. Suddenly, Sus can hear Kevin's voice clearly, cutting through the silence like a beacon.)
Kevin: (voice amplified through the headphones) Bro, you okay? Can you hear me?
(He whistles a sharp, piercing tune that seems to echo directly into Sus's mind.)
Sus: (internally) Kevin? What's going on? What is this?
(He stares at Kevin, his eyes wide with confusion and a growing sense of unease. The world around him feels both familiar and utterly alien, and he starts realizing that what he thought was a dream may actually be real.)
Kevin: (whistles) Don't worry, bro. I got you. (winks) Just take a deep breath and try to relax.
(He opens the car door, gesturing for Sus to get in.)
Kevin: Come on, let's get out of here. Boss Maria and Rach are not gonna believe this. (eager)
(Sus hesitates for a moment, his mind still swirling. But then he nods slowly, a sense of curiosity and trepidation battling within him. He climbs into the car, sinking into the plush leather seat.)
Sus: (internally) What is happening to me?
(He glances around the car, his eyes taking in the immaculate interior. A rosary hangs from the rearview mirror, and a small crucifix is attached to the dashboard. The faint scent of incense lingers in the air.)
Sus: (internally) So last night… (trying to remember) It's all real?
Kevin: (chuckling) Sorry about the mess, bro. I just came from church.
Sus: (stammering) No, no, it's fine. It's just... Why are you here? You know I just walk to work, right?
Kevin: (laughing) Haha. Of course, you've been like that since you started at Metro!
(He starts the car, pulling away from the curb.)
Kevin: Pretty neat, right? The headphones I gave you last night? They're custom designed for Sound Sensitives.
Sus: What? Last night?!
Kevin: (further explaining) They have an adaptive feature that filters out all the noise except for human voices. That's why you can hear me now, but not all the other... well, you know.
Sus: (internally) Sound Sensitives? Adaptive feature? What is he talking about?
Kevin: (curious) Hmm. You don't remember last night, do you? I know, bro. It's too much. Let me refresh your memory a bit.
Sus: (internally) This is some real scary shit here. I'm not sure what to believe anymore.
(He stares at Kevin, his mind racing with questions. The world around him seems to be tilting on its axis, the familiar suddenly strange and unfamiliar.)
Sus: What happened, Kev?
(Kevin takes a deep breath, his expression turning serious.)
Kevin: Alright, bro. Buckle up. It's story time.
(Sus leans back in his seat, his heart pounding with anticipation. He's not sure what to expect, but he knows it's going to be a wild ride.)
Kevin: So, last night... you were in trouble. Big trouble.
(He pauses, his eyes meeting Sus's in the rearview mirror.)
Kevin: You were cornered in that alley by a Sense-Stealer. A Touch Sensitive, too. Strongest types. He was about to absorb your Sense-Core, and... well, let's just say it wouldn't have been pretty.
(Sus shivers, the memory of the hooded figure sending a chill down his spine.)
Sus: (internally) So it wasn't a dream...
Kevin: Luckily, I was on patrol. We've been tracking these Sense-Stealers for months now. They've been popping up all over the city, preying on unsuspecting Sensitives.
Sus: (internally) Sense-Stealers? Patrol? What is this, some kind of anime?
Kevin: Anyway, I saw you there, cornered like a rat in a trap. And you know I won't let anything happen to my best bro!
(He grins, a hint of pride in his voice.)
Kevin: So, I did what any best friend would do. I whistled.
Sus: You whistled? (doubtful) That's it?
Kevin: (laughing) Hey, don't underestimate the power of a good whistle, bro. How do you think I close my deals?
Sus: (internally) What is he talking about?
Kevin: I focused on his breathing and heartbeat, they were so loud it was like a siren. Then I sensed his emotions, looking for a weakness. Finally, I amplified my own calmness and spread it through the alley.
Sus: (internally) Man, Kevin really loves explaining stuff. (rolling eyes)
Sus: So that's how you did it...
Kevin: It's called Serene Serenade. It's my signature move. It's basically a customized whistle that overwhelms the target with feelings of peace and tranquility, rendering them incapable of violence.
(He pauses, his eyes twinkling.)
Kevin: It's pretty effective, if I do say so myself. (winks)
Sus: No kidding. You saved my life.
Kevin: Anyway, the Sense-Stealer went down like a sack of potatoes. I was about to apprehend him when you suddenly snapped out of shock and started freaking out. I had to put those headphones on you to block out the noise and calm you down.
Sus: (internally) So that's what happened…
Kevin: Which I told you not to take off until we meet again. You might get Sensory Overload, that's really bad.
Sus: (internally) What's this now? Sensory Overload?
Kevin: I should've just invited you to my house, bro. I'm so sorry I didn't think of that.
Sus: (feeling a bit of guilt) Hey, man. No worries. You helped more than enough. Thank you, really.
Kevin: But here's the thing, bro. I didn't know you were a Sensitive.
Sus: (internally) Me neither.
Kevin: You never told me.
Sus: Because I didn't know!
Kevin: (frowning) That's... strange. Most Sensitives are aware of their abilities from a young age.
Sus: (internally) Well, I'm not most Sensitives.
(He shrugs, a wave of confusion washing over him.)
Sus: Maybe this is all a misunderstanding? Let's just forget about it?
Kevin: (nodding slowly) Maybe. But we need to make sure.
(He pauses, his eyes narrowing.)
Kevin: We'll figure it out, bro. Don't worry. We'll find out at The Metro.
(They continue driving in silence as they travel to their office, the only sound is the hum of the engine and the faint whisper of the tires on the asphalt. The sun climbs higher in the sky, bathing the city in a warm, golden light.)
Sus: (pointing towards a side street) Isn't that...?
(Kevin follows Sus's gaze, his eyes widening in alarm.)
Kevin: Oh, crap. It's him!
(The Hooded Man is standing in the shadows of a narrow alleyway, his eyes seemingly glowing with an eerie light. He seems to be waiting for someone.)
Kevin: Hold on tight, bro!
(Kevin slams on the brakes, the car screeching to a halt. He throws open his door and leaps out, gesturing for Sus to follow.)
Kevin: Come on, Sus! Let's go!
(Sus hesitates, his mind still fazed from the revelation that he is a Sensitive. But the sight of the Hooded Man, a figure of fear and danger from his nightmare, jolts him into action.)
Sus: (internally) Okay, this is really happening.
(He scrambles out of the car, sprinting down fast the alleyways to chase the Hooded Man. Kevin can hear the man's heavy breathing getting closer, the pounding of his feet echoing off the narrow walls.)
Kevin: (to Sus) Almost there... I can hear his heartbeat, his ragged breaths... He's scared. Good. Keep up, bro! (smiling)
(They reach the abandoned building, Kevin quickly pushing open the decaying door and pulling Sus inside. The Hooded Man nowhere to be seen, hiding among the many layers of garbage around them.)
Sus: (internally) This place is creepy as hell. Maybe I can help (lowers his headphones)
(The building is dark and dilapidated, the air thick with dust and the stench of decay. Windows are boarded up, allowing only slivers of daylight to penetrate the gloom. The faint voices of the building itself whisper around them, a chorus of creaks and groans.)
Faint Voice 12: (Whispering) They're here...
Faint Voice 13: (Groaning) Intruders...
Faint Voice 14: (Sighing) So much pain…
Sus: (scared) Agh! I can't with these voices! (wears his headphones again)
Kevin: (to Sus) Time to end this. This guy's been terrorizing our territory for too long.
(He closes his eyes, a determined expression on his face. He takes a deep breath, focusing his ears, listening to every sound he can hear around him. Searching and searching until he found…)
Kevin: Gotcha! Your heart's beating too loud, Sense-Stealer.
(He explores and analyzes the Hooded Man's emotions, sensing a deep-seated loneliness and a yearning for connection.)
Kevin: (whispering) You should stop doing this…
(Kevin taps into that yearning, expanding his own sense of empathy and compassion, projecting it outwards towards the Hooded Man.)
Kevin: (deep breath) Come out. (whistles)
(The Hooded Man suddenly comes out from a hidden corner, his eyes widening. He looks around the dilapidated room, a flicker of confusion crossing his face.)
Hooded Man: (muttering) Where...? What...?
(Kevin continues to focus his powers, whistling, amplifying the feelings of empathy and connection, weaving them into a soothing melody of sounds.)
Kevin: (whistles low pitch) Peace... Calm... You are safe...
(The Hooded Man's eyes flutter closed, his body relaxing as if a heavy weight has been lifted from his shoulders.)
Hooded Man: (sinks to his knees, a peaceful expression settling on his face) I am calm...
Sus: (internally) Whoa... He just... sang him to sleep?
Kevin: (straightening up) It's not exactly singing, bro. It's more like... guiding his emotions. Helping him find peace.
(He turns to Sus, a gentle smile on his face.)
Kevin: That's the power of a Sound-Shifter, bro. We can manipulate sound to influence emotions, to heal, to protect.
(Sus stares at Kevin, his mind almost exhausted. He's just witnessed real-life powers in action.)
Sus: (internally) Why can't my world be really normal. Why?
Kevin: (kneeling) I've already sent an alert to The Enforcers. They should be here soon to pick him up.
Sus: (still catching his breath) Good. Good.
Kevin: (to Sus) Give me a hand here. We need to tie him up before he regains consciousness.
Sus: (moves closer to Kevin) Sure.
(Sus finds some rope in a nearby corner and helps Kevin secure the Hooded Man's hands and feet.)
Kevin: (wiping his brow) Thanks.
Sus: No problem.
Kevin: (turns to Sus, a reassuring smile on his face) Come on, let's head to the office. Maria and Rachel are waiting for us.
Sus: (eyes widening) Maria and Rachel? They know about… all this?
Kevin: (nods) They're Sensitives too. Basically, Metro is owned by Sensitives.
Sus: (feeling a surge of emotions) Wow. I… I don't know what to say.
Kevin: (clapping Sus on the shoulder) You don't have to say anything. Just come with me.
(Sus and Kevin walk out of the abandoned building together.)
Sus: (looking at Kevin) Wait, so what is Sensory Overload?
Kevin: (worried) That's when a Sensitive gets too much input and… well… gets "overloaded" with senses. It's dangerous, bro. Very. Some even end up being null or crazy because of it. Imagining unreal things.
Sus: (scared) I don't want to go crazy, man. Or at least I don't want to be aware of it.
Kevin: (reassuring) That's why we're going to get you tested at the office. For now, always keep those headphones on.
Sus: Okay… (hesitates) Wait, what about my report? The contingency plans? I was supposed to submit them to Maria today.
Kevin: (understandingly) Don't worry about that right now. We'll figure it out. The important thing is that you're safe.
Sus: (nods slowly) Okay.
(Despite the surreal events of the past few hours, a part of Sus still clung to the normalcy of his old life. He wanted to believe that he could go back to his routine, to his reports and deadlines, as if nothing had changed. But deep down, he knew that things would never be the same again.)
Sus: (internally) When will things ever end?
(The sleek black car pulls up to the curb in front of the imposing glass-and-steel facade of Metro E-Finance Corp. headquarters. Sus stares up at the building, a sense of disbelief washing over him.)
Sus: (internally) This is where you work, Sus? Really?
(Kevin throws open the car door and gestures for Sus to follow.)
Kevin: Come on, bro. Welcome back.
Sus: (internally) I've been working here for two years and now suddenly it feels… different.
(They enter the building, the cool air conditioning a welcome contrast to the humid city streets. The lobby is a whirlwind of activity, with employees rushing back and forth, their faces glued to their phones and computers.)
Sus: (internally) How come nobody ever noticed they are different?
(Kevin leads Sus through a maze of corridors and elevators, finally arriving at a large, open-plan office. In the center of the room, a striking woman with long, flowing black hair and piercing brown eyes with half-moon glasses sits behind a large desk. She's dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, her every movement radiating authority and elegance. Maria Hernandez stuns as usual.)
Kevin: Boss Maria, we're back. This is really something.
(Maria looks up, her eyes narrowing in surprise as she sees Sus. Holding a small and sealed soda-flavored lollipop.)
Maria: (to Sus) My boy, how come we never knew you were on of us? Why didn't you tell us?
Sus: (to Maria) (panicking) Boss, Maria… I… I really didn't know!
(Before Sus can answer, a small, energetic woman with short, spiky hair pops up from behind a nearby cubicle. The 28 Year-old Rachel Tuazon enters, a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity.)
Rachel: Oh my god, it's Sus! You didn't tell us you're a Sensitive! This is so exciting!
(Sus stares at the two women, his mind reeling. He's just been thrust into a world he never knew existed, a world where his ordinary life seems like a distant memory.)
Sus: (stammering) I... I don't understand. What's going on?
(Kevin taps Sus on the shoulder and smiles reassuringly.)
Kevin: Don't worry, bro. We'll explain everything. But first, let's get you settled in.
(Maria stands up and walks over to Sus, her eyes twinkling with a mix of concern and intrigue.)
Maria: My boy, we need to understand this. Late blooming is possible. I've read about it before, but...
(Sus's eyes widened. He's not sure what to make of this. He's still trying to process the fact that he's a Sensitive, and now he's being told that his late blooming is unusual?)
Rachel: (enthusiastic) This is incredible! We couldn't believe it when Kevin told us. A late bloomer! I have so many questions for you!
(Sus looks from Maria to Rachel, his head spinning. He's not sure what to say or do.)
Sus: (internally) This is insane. I'm a Sensitive? And a late bloomer? What does that even mean?
(Maria smiles gently and places a reassuring hand on Sus's shoulder.)
Maria: Don't worry, my boy. We're here to help you understand everything. But first, let's get you something to drink. And then we can start filling you in on all the details.
(Maria signals for Sus to take a seat at a small table in a quiet corner of the office. A seemingly vintage cassette tape with a red casing resting atop it. Sunlight streams through the expansive windows, illuminating the intricate details of the room.)
Sus: (internally) This place has always been really a remarkable place.
(The walls are adorned with a harmonious blend of modern Filipino art and ancient Chinese calligraphy, creating a sense of timeless elegance.)
Sus: (internally) I mean, just look at all the details. I see this everyday and it keeps fascinating me.
(Sleek, minimalist furniture is juxtaposed with intricately carved wooden screens, and vibrant tapestries hang alongside minimalist light fixtures. The overall effect is a space that feels both grounded and ethereal, a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation.)
Sus: (internally) Yet, I'd still really pretty much want to have my normal life back now. I don't need all of this. Please.
(Kevin and Rachel pull up chairs, their faces a mix of excitement and curiosity.)
Sus: (internally) Even the lights seemed to have been well placed here.
(Sus notices the way the sunlight catches the intricate patterns on Maria's jade pendant, the faint scent of sandalwood emanating from Rachel, the quiet hum of energy that seems to permeate the room.)
Rachel: (handing over Sus a cup of what seems to be tea) Take this, Sus. It should soothe you. Take a deep breath.
(He tries to maintain his composure, but Maria's presence is undeniably captivating. Her elegance and authority have always been alluring, but now, with the revelation of her Sensitivity, she seems even more intriguing.)
Sus: (internally) Okay, play it cool, Sus. She's everything but focus! This is serious business.
Maria: (leaning forward) Now, my boy, let's talk about what it means to be a Sensitive.
Sus: (still a bit dazed) I still can't believe this is happening. It's like something out of a comic book.
Rachel: (giggles) It's real, alright! And it's way cooler than any comic book.
Kevin: (to Sus) So, basically, Sensitives are people with the ability to use their senses to experience the world in ways that normal people can't even imagine. We can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell things that others can't perceive, and we can extract a lot of information from those senses.
Sus: (to Kevin) Like how you used your voice to stop that guy?
Kevin: (to Sus) That's a bit more advanced, but yeah, we can use our senses to influence the world around us.
Maria: (to Sus) It's important to understand that Sensitivity is about connecting with the world on a deeper level. It's like having a conversation with the universe, listening to the whispers of the wind, the rustling of leaves, the rhythm of the rain.
Rachel: (to Sus) It's like having a superpower! You can perceive things others don't even know existed. The world becomes a vibrant tapestry of memories and experiences. Isn't that cool?
Sus: (eyes widening) So, I can do what Kevin did too?
Kevin: (to Sus) It takes practice and training, but you can learn to control and enhance your senses.
Maria: (to Sus) There are five types of Sensitives: Touch, Sight, Sound, Scent, and Taste. Each type has its own unique way of experiencing the world.
Rachel: (to Sus) Like, I'm a Scent Sensitive! I can smell the fear in a person's sweat, the history etched into ancient stones, the secrets hidden within a leaf.
Sus: (trying to grasp the concept) So, it's not just about smelling things stronger?
Rachel: (to Sus) No way! It's about understanding the stories that scents tell, the emotions they evoke, the memories they hold.
Kevin: (to Sus) I'm a Sound Sensitive. Hearing gives me awareness of things eyes can't see. We think you might be a Sound Sensitive too, Sus, but we need to test you to be sure.
Sus: (mind blown) That's incredible.
Maria: (to Sus) We don't know what type you are yet, Sus. We'll need to test you for that. But whatever your Sensitivity is, it's a gift.
Sus: (feeling overwhelmed) It's a lot to take in.
Maria: (to Sus) It is, my boy. But you'll get there. Just remember, Sensitivity is a way to connect with the world on a deeper level.
Sus: (thinking out loud) So that's what we do? We have the ability to… Talk to the world?
Kevin: (to Sus) Basically, yeah. We have been around for centuries, secretly shaping the world and keeping it running. We're the guardians of balance. We've been behind many of the world's greatest achievements, working hard to guide humanity towards a better future.
Sus: (nodding slowly) So all this time… The whole world… It's run by Sensitives?
Maria: (to Sus) Guided, my boy.
(Maria leads Sus, Kevin, and Rachel towards a restricted area of the office, a place Sus has never been before. His heart races with curiosity and a touch of fear as they approach a high-security door with an eye scanner and keypad.)
Sus: (internally) Whoa, what's this? I've never been at this part of the building before.
(Maria gracefully steps forward, her captivating eyes locking onto the scanner. For a fleeting moment, Sus is lost in their depths, mesmerized by their rich brown hue and the intelligence that shines within. He quickly averts his gaze, feeling a warmth creep up his neck.)
Sus: (internally) Focus, Sus. This is not the time to get distracted!
Rachel: (sniffs) Boss Maria's perfume really gets me everyday. (whispering to Sus)
Sus: (to Rachel) (laughs awkwardly) Hehe I wouldn't know. (looks sideways)
Kevin: (listening intently) Hmm. I'm sensing there's just 3 to 4 people there right now, the tester should be there too.
(The scanner flashes green, and the door slides open with a hiss, revealing a gleaming white corridor bathed in soft, ambient light.)
Maria: This, my boy, is where the real work happens.
(Sus's eyes again widen as he takes in the scene before him. The corridor is lined with state-of-the-art laboratories, research facilities, and training rooms, all humming with a quiet energy. Scientists in white coats scurry back and forth, their faces illuminated by holographic displays and glowing monitors. Sus feels a sense of awe and wonder, realizing that there's so much more to The Metro than he ever imagined.)
Sus: (internally) This is incredible. It's like something straight out of science fiction.
(As they walk down the corridor, Maria continues to explain the world of Sensitives.)
Maria: Every Sensitive is dependent on their Sensitive Energy to harness their powers. It's the life force that allows us to connect with the world on a deeper level and use our senses in extraordinary ways.
Kevin: It's like a muscle, Sus. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. But you also need to be careful not to overexert yourself, or you could risk draining your energy and harming yourself.
Rachel: That's why we train, Sus. To learn how to control and focus our energy, and to use our powers for the mission.
(They pass by a training room where two Sensitives are sparring, their movements fluid and graceful as they deflect each other's attacks with a combination of physical and sensory abilities. Sus recognizes them as two of his co-workers from the accounting department, David and Emma, and his jaw drops.)
Sus: (internally) I had no idea they were Sensitives! David and Emma? Seriously? They always seemed so... normal.
Maria: The Metro is just one of the many different arms of The Sensitive Council that help enact our mission to "Protect Reality with Our Five Senses". We have Sensitives working in all sorts of fields, from finance and technology to education and healthcare.
Sus: (internally) It's amazing to think that Sensitives have been secretly shaping the world for so long. But I still just want to go back to my normal life, my normal job, my normal sleep schedule… Normal…
(They reach a large, circular room with a panoramic view of the city. In the center of the room, a holographic display shows a map of the world with various points of light blinking, representing Sensitive activity.)
Maria: The recent rise of Sense-Stealers is a threat not just for Sensitives, but for the world in general. They aim to collect Sensitive Energy from innocent Sensitives and use it for their own selfish goals, disrupting the balance and potentially causing chaos.
Sus: (concerned) Sensitive Energy can be stolen? What will they do with it?
Maria: We'll find out soon. That's where Enforcers like Kevin and other brave Sensitives come in. They patrol the city, using their powers to protect innocent Sensitives and apprehend Sense-Stealers.
(Sus glances at Kevin, realizing that his best friend is more than just a fun-loving colleague. He's a protector, a guardian of the Sensitive world.)
Maria: Kevin is a top-notch Sound-Shifter, one of the best we have. He's apprehended more Sense-Stealers than I can count.
(Kevin shrugs modestly, but Sus can see the pride in his eyes.)
Kevin: It's just what I do, bro. Someone's gotta protect the world, right?
Rachel: Wow. I still can't believe we finally have a lab in the Philippines. We usually needed to go abroad for Sensitive Tests.
(The laboratory is a stark contrast to the warm, inviting atmosphere of Maria's office. The walls are a sterile white, the air is cool and crisp, and the only sounds are the hum of machinery and the distant murmur of voices.)
Kevin: (with concern): Whether you're a Sensitive or not, we need to understand what happened last night and make sure you don't get Sensory Overload. You are family, bro.
Sus: (internally) Fuck. (worried) I can't even begin to imagine all those sounds bombarding me again. I'd really go crazy.
Maria: (placing a reassuring hand on Sus's shoulder) We just want to make sure you're safe, my boy.
Sus: (trying to maintain his composure) I understand. But I still don't see why that Sense-Stealer attacked me. I'm just... me.
Rachel: (eyes wide with curiosity, but a hint of uncertainty in her voice) It's so strange... I mean, late bloomers are almost unheard of.
Maria: (nodding in agreement) It's highly unusual for someone to become aware of their Sensitivity at your age, Sus. It's a genetic trait, passed down through families.
Kevin: (casually) Did your family ever mention anything about Sensitives, bro? Any stories or hints?
Sus: (hesitates, a shadow crossing his face) No, not really.
(The others exchange curious glances, but Maria subtly shakes her head, signaling them to drop the subject. Sus seems to relax slightly, but a sense of mystery lingers around his family background.)
Kevin: (to Sus) It's possible that your Sensitivity was dormant, waiting for the right trigger to activate it. Or maybe...
(Kevin trails off, exchanging a knowing glance with Maria and Rachel. Sus feels a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach.)
Sus: (internally) What aren't they telling me?
(A lone figure stands in the center of the room, his back to the entrance. He is tall and imposing, with broad shoulders and hair styled in a bowl cut. This is Marcus Lee, an Enforcer.)
Kevin: (to Marcus) What's up, Marcus. Training next week?
Marcus: (to Kevin) Hey, Chen. I'll take you down next time. (teasing)
(Marcus turns around, his gaze piercing Sus with an intensity that makes him flinch. Marcus's eyes are a startling shade of violet, and they seem to bore into Sus's very soul.)
Marcus: (voice laced with skepticism) So, this is what you called me here for? Magno, is it? Maybe he's a spy!
Sus: (internally) What's up with this guy? Why's he being such a jerk?!
Maria: (firmly) I trust him for now, Marcus. Please just proceed with the test.
Sus: (remembering his duties) Boss Maria, what about the contingency plans for the possible lockdowns? I was supposed to report them to you today.
Maria: (placing a reassuring hand on Sus's arm) There will be time for that, my boy. Right now, we need to know the truth about your Sensitivity.
Marcus: (scoffs) Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. If he's not a Sensitive, we should just erase his memories and send him back to his normal life.
Sus: (eyes widening in alarm) Erase my memories? You can do that?
Rachel: (giggles nervously) Well, it's possible with Sense-Shifting. But don't worry, Sus, we wouldn't do that to you... unless we had to.
Sus: (feeling overwhelmed) Sense-Shifting? What's that?
Kevin: (soothingly) We'll explain everything later, bro. Just focus on the test for now.
Maria: (to Marcus) Please take care of Sus and make sure he is tested thoroughly. We will report this to the council immediately. This is a very unusual case.
Marcus: (sighs dramatically) Fine, fine. Let's get this over with.
(Sus feels the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He's not just been introduced to a whole new world he never wished to be a part of, but he's also an anomaly, a wild card in a community that seems to have everything figured out.)
Sus: (internally) Things are never going back to normal aren't they?
(Marcus gestures towards the testing chamber with a flourish, a smirk playing on his lips.)
Marcus: Welcome to the proving grounds, Magno. This is the Sensory Chamber. This is where we separate the wheat from the chaff, the real Sensitives from the pretenders.
(Sus eyes the chamber with agitation. It's a sleek, white room with minimalist furnishings and an array of strange devices lining the walls. He feels a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach.)
Sus: (internally) Great, just what I need. Another test. As if my life wasn't complicated enough already.
Marcus: (continues, oblivious to Sus's apprehension) This facility is state-of-the-art, designed to assess the skills and energy levels of Sensitives. We use it to determine their potential, assign them to missions, and even qualify them for higher positions within the council.
(Sus's eyes open wide in surprise. He had no idea there was a scoring system and a hierarchy within the Sensitive community.)
Sus: (internally) A scoring system? Higher positions? Wow these guys really thought about this, huh.
Marcus: (smirks) Don't get too excited, Magno. You're a late bloomer, an anomaly. You might not even register on our scales.
(Sus bristles at the condescending tone, his internal dislike for Marcus growing with each passing remark.)
Sus: (internally) I'm starting to really hate this guy.
Marcus: (activating a holographic display that shows a swirling mass of interconnected particles) Now, pay attention, Magno. Sensitives believe the world is built on Molecular Memory. It's the foundation of everything we perceive and interact with.
Sus: (internally) Molecular Memory. I know I heard that somewhere before. Hmm. (curious)
Marcus: It's the idea that memories and information are stored within the very molecules of our being, within the cells and tissues that make up our bodies and the world around us.
Sus: (internally) So we're surrounded by data, basically.
Marcus: We can see the memories held within the walls, the echoes of laughter and sorrow, the whispers of conversations long past.
Sus: (internally) And Sensitives has the ability to access all of that data.
Marcus: We can taste the history of a place in a single raindrop, feel the emotions of a crowd in the vibrations of the ground beneath our feet.
(Sus stares at the mesmerizing display, his mind struggling to comprehend the implications. He feels a sense of wonder and disbelief, as if the world has suddenly become a much larger and more mysterious place.)
Sus: (internally) This is... incredible. I never imagined that something like this could be real.
Rachel: (unable to contain her excitement any longer) And don't forget about the Sense-Core, Marcus! That's a Sensitive's essence, the source of their power! Where Sensitives derive the power to connect to the world. Sense-Core acts as the main communicator between the Sensitive and molecular memories.
Marcus: (glares at Rachel) Don't interrupt me, Ms. Tuazon. I'm trying to educate Magno here.
Rachel: (shrinks back, her enthusiasm momentarily dampened) Sorry, Marcus.
(Sus felt a pang of sympathy for Rachel. He understands her eagerness and insecurity, and he appreciates her attempts to be helpful, even if they sometimes backfire.)
Marcus: (continues his explanation, gesturing towards the holographic display) As I was saying, Molecular Memory is the key to understanding Sensitivity. It's the hidden language of the universe, the code that underpins all of reality. Sensitives have the unique ability to decipher this code, to read the stories etched into the very fabric of existence.
(Sus's mind reels at the implications. He's starting to realize that Sensitivity is not just an ability, it may be the key to unlocking the deepest secrets of the universe.)
Sus: (internally) This is... huge. I never imagined that something like this could be real.
Marcus: (continues) And the Sense-Core, as Tuazon so eagerly pointed out, is the conduit through which Sensitives access this Molecular Memory. It's our essence, their connection to the world. It allows them to perceive, interpret, and even manipulate the very building blocks of reality.
(Sus feels a shiver run down his spine. He's starting to grasp the magnitude of what it means to be a Sensitive, the immense power and responsibility that comes with it.)
Sus: (internally) This is way beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Why can't life be normal
(Marcus points towards the sensory chamber, his voice taking on a more serious tone.)
Marcus: Alright, Magno. Time to see what you're made of. Get in.
(Sus hesitates, his anxiety growing. The chamber looks like a futuristic isolation tank, its sleek white walls and pulsating lights creating an unsettling atmosphere.)
Sus: (internally) This doesn't look good. What exactly are they going to do to me?
Marcus: The objective is twofold: first, to locate your Sense-Core, if you even have one. That will determine your Sensitivity type. Secondly, we need to assess the capacity of your Sense-Core, your raw potential as a Sensitive.
(Before Marcus can elaborate, Kevin's phone rings, a jarring interruption in the tense atmosphere. He answers it with a nervous glance at Maria.)
Kevin: (voice tight with concern) Hello?... Yes, this is he... What?... (He pauses, his eyes widening)...I see... I understand...
(The others watch Kevin with concern, sensing the urgency in his voice. Maria steps forward, her expression unreadable.)
Maria: Kevin, what is it?
Kevin: (lowers his voice) It's about this morning's Sense-Stealer... He's talking.
(Maria's eyes flash with surprise and determination. She turns to Sus, her voice firm.)
Maria: Sus, we have to go. Something urgent has come up. Marcus, take care of the test. Update me on the results immediately.
(Maria, Kevin, and Rachel hurry towards the exit, leaving Sus alone with the imposing Marcus.)
Sus: (feeling abandoned) But... What about me?
Maria: (calls over her shoulder) Someone will come get you after the test, my boy. (smiling) Don't worry. Here, have this. (hands over her soda-flavored lollipop)
Sus: (confused and worried) Uhh… Thanks, Boss Maria?
(The door slides shut behind them, leaving Sus in the eerie silence of the laboratory with Marcus.)
Marcus: (smirks) Well, Magno. Looks like it's just you and me now. If you survive this, that is.
(Sus gulps, his heart pounding in his chest. He's never felt so alone and vulnerable.)
Marcus: (continues, his voice devoid of warmth) Now, as I was saying, the purpose of this test is twofold: to activate your Sense-Core and to measure its capacity. The sensory chamber will amplify all of your senses to an extreme degree. It will push you to your limits, forcing your Sensitivity to reveal itself and allowing us to gauge your potential.
(Marcus motions towards the chamber, its pulsating lights casting an eerie glow on his face.)
Marcus: For trained Sensitives, this is a standard procedure. But for someone like you, untrained and potentially not even a Sensitive, it could be... overwhelming. Take off the noise-cancelling headphones.
(Sus feels a chill run down his spine as he removes the headphones. He remembers the chaotic voices he experienced during his almost Sensory Overload, the feeling of his mind teetering on the brink of madness.)
Sus: (voice trembling) What do you mean, overwhelming?
Marcus: (smirks) Let's just say that for non-Sensitives, this test can be... lethal. It takes less than a minute to get Sensory Overload. And that can be… permanent. (smirks)
(Sus stares at the chamber, his heart pounding in his chest. He's never felt so much fear and uncertainty in his life.)
Sus: (internally) Did he say permanent?! (shocked) I didn't even want to be in this… this world.
(Marcus closes the chamber door with a resounding thud and activates the power.)
Sus: (internally) Oh boy here we go. Can I just get my normal life back?
(The lights inside begin to pulsate rapidly, and a low hum fills the room.)
Sus: (internally) Is it starting? Hmm. I'm not actually feeling anything. Maybe it's gonna be just fi…
(Then, a barrage of faint voices erupts, whispering and murmuring from all directions.)
Faint Voices: Hello! Hello! Hello!
(Sus's eyes widen in terror as the voices grow louder, swirling around him like a vortex of whispers.)
Sus: (internally) Oh my. I'm feeling everything! (painfully)
(He clutches his head, trying to block out the overwhelming sound, but it's no use.)
Sus: Agh! Make it stop! (screaming)