Copy anomalies in the XCP association

Chapter 3: I give you two options

"Understood, Miss V8. We'll take care of this."

The designated agents replied in unison to the woman, each opening a briefcase with cold, mechanical precision.

Despite its wild appearance, the XCP was not stupid. It knew exactly when it had the advantage and when it didn't.

Its instincts screamed just one thing:

Run.

And that's exactly what it did—bolting down the hallway in the opposite direction without a second thought.

"Well, looks like we're getting some cardio today," the woman in the middle said casually, launching into pursuit with her team close behind.

"Perfect. Then I'll take care of the human-looking one," another agent said, turning toward Jasper.

Jasper could barely process anything. His arm was still stretched out like it was made of rubber. It didn't hurt, but it wasn't normal. None of this was.

"They're from the XCP Foundation!!! I knew it! They really exist!!!"

Michael, who moments ago looked ready to pass out from fear, now spoke like he'd hit the lottery.

A short girl, identified only as Agent 6790, jumped impossibly high and caught Michael in midair with one hand.

"Hostage secured," she said in a monotone voice, reaching into her pocket.

Michael stared in awe, wide-eyed and stunned.

"You guys are incredible! I've read everything you—"

Paf!

He dropped unconscious. A small device on his neck lit up with a bluish glow.

[Target located]

[Altering memories…]

"What are you doing?! What are you doing to Michael?!" Jasper shouted, furious.

Everything was happening so fast his brain couldn't catch up.

Before he could even take a breath, a loud buzz hit him.

Zzzt!

An electric shock surged through his body. He collapsed to his knees, and his outstretched arm snapped back to normal.

"XCP neutralized," reported the agent who tasered him, walking over to place glowing green handcuffs on his wrists.

"Argh... What the hell is this?! Why do I feel so... heavy?!"

Jasper dropped to the floor, every muscle betraying him at once.

"Hey, take it easy, he's one of my students! He didn't come next to the tall XCP." William, no, Agent 3887, I reproach.

He was being attended to by his partner.

"Really? And why don't you ever say that before, 3887? You always pull this crap," the girl replied, glaring at him.

"Relax. I realized he couldn't control his powers. His arm didn't retract on its own, so I let them act just in case," William answered with a mocking smile.

"Master William, what's going on?! Who are these people?! Who are you?!"

Jasper was still on the ground, trembling, a storm of emotions brewing inside him.

"They're the XCP Foundation. We handle anomalies. Creatures, events… and people who don't belong in the normal world."

"But what about me?" Jasper's voice cracked. "I'm not one of those monsters!"

The answer came from further down the hallway.

"Because you're an XCP too, kid."

The voice of the woman known as V8 echoed as she approached, holding the decapitated head of the defeated XCP like it was nothing.

"What the hell...? That fast?" Agent 7899 asked with a smirk. "Must've been one of the weak ones."

("That... was weak?") The thought hit Jasper like a blade of ice.

If that thing was weak... what the hell did a strong one look like?

He had to object. He had to defend himself.

"No! I'm not like them! This is wrong... I'm human, I'm normal, I...!!"

A sharp kick from V8 shut him up mid-sentence.

"Hey, V8! Take it easy! He's one of my students!" 3887 snapped.

"Look, kid. You seem like one of those who has to see to believe, huh? So here—look."

She pulled out his crimson tablet and shoved it in front of Jasper's face.

[Location information:]

[Unidentified XCP in area: 2]

[Currently 26 cm away from XCP]

"No... This can't be..." Jasper whispered, head hanging as if his soul was crushed.

"Sad for you. But whether you believe it or not, you're an XCP now. Even if you were human five minutes ago—even if your powers are barely waking up—none of that matters. What matters is what you are now."

V8 drew a strange pistol and aimed it directly at his face.

"And our job... is to take care of you. I'll give you two options."

"One. You die here. No one will remember you ever existed. Every record of your life—gone. As if you were never born."

"No! I don't want to die!" Jasper screamed instantly.

"Yeah, I figured. So here's option two: You get locked up in a containment cell at our facility. We'll study you, test you, you'll go through all kinds of crap... and still, no one will remember you. But hey—you'll be alive."

"I... I don't…"

Jasper wanted to resist, to shout, to protest. But deep down, he knew the truth. He had no choice. If he wanted to live... this was the price.

"Wait." The voice of 3887—William—cut through the tension. "There's a third option now for Human XCPs. Or did you forget?"

V8 glared at him for a few seconds. Then she scoffed and turned back to Jasper.

"Right... I forgot. Option three. Become a weapon for us. The Association recently formed a task force made entirely of Human XCPs. It's called NEO X Squadron. If you agree, you'll train in our facility. Complete enough missions… and maybe you'll get your life back."

Jasper's eyes lit up. Even if it meant being a weapon—there was hope.

"But listen up, kid. If you say yes, you're the Association's dog for life. Even if you live like a normal person someday... you'll still be working for us."

"I... accept!" Jasper shouted without thinking.

"Good. Then it's settled." V8 holstered her weapon and turned to the others.

"The others already retrieved the XCP body. Have we spoken to the media and government?"

"Yes, Miss V8," replied Agent 6790. "A minor earthquake was reported at the school. No injuries. All students safe. One girl nearly fell, but was rescued."

She pointed at Jasper.

"Jasper Stone. Due to his bravery, he's been granted a scholarship to a classified military facility. He accepted the offer. Tomorrow, he says goodbye to his family and classmates."

The explanation dropped like a bombshell in Jasper's mind. Not only were they powerful, but they were above the government.

"Alright team. Finish the memory wipes. Mission's done. 3887, take care of your students—and let's pray no more XCPs show up."

V8 turned and walked away, clearly annoyed.

***

Just as 6790 said, every news channel talked about an earthquake. Parts of the school were destroyed to sell the story. William publicly praised Jasper's courage.

He barely had time to say goodbye to his friends.

"Goodbye, sweetheart. Take care. Mommy will be waiting for you." His mother hugged him tightly at the driveway. His suitcase was ready.

"You're a brave man, my funny-haired son. I'm proud of you." His father smiled, ruffling his white hair.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. I'll come visit."

Jasper never liked emotional moments, so he kept it short.

"I promise we'll take care of your son. Thank you for trusting us," said a woman in a black suit and dark glasses, waiting by the car.

"Please get in. We're leaving."

Jasper gave a quick wave and climbed in.

"I'm sorry, Mom... Dad... I might never see you again... No. I have to. I'll come back." He thought, staring out the window.

"Where is the Association?" he asked as he settled into the seat.

"I don't know. No one knows," the woman replied flatly.

Suddenly, Jasper began to feel drowsy. Heavy. Sleepy.

"Have a good trip," the woman said, putting on a mask.

"Wait... what's—?"

And everything went dark.

[Time to wake up. XCP Association wishes you a good day.]

"Huh...? Where...?"

Jasper slowly opened his eyes.

[Time to wake up. Time for breakfast.]

"What the fuck is this?"

He was inside a sterile room bathed in carmine red lights.

Now fully awake, Jasper understood one thing.

He was inside the XCP Association.