Shade: Unbound

In front of the massive, ornate metal gate, Finn felt out of place, and these clothes weren't helping.

Dressed in a suit, complete with dress shirt, shoes and a tie, he thought he looked ridiculous. But his mother had insisted on it as soon as she caught wind of this upcoming party.

Since he wasn't going on missions as Shade today, he hadn't seen a need to deliberately hide his exit. This was a grave error, Finn had come to find out.

When she saw him about to leave, she extracted the whereabouts of this party from him and proceeded to drag him upstairs to “properly get him ready.”

She had even gelled his hair, of all things. He never did anything spectacular to his hair. He barely even kept up with his haircuts, let alone styling it. But now it was slicked to the side, making him resemble a movie character. And not the handsome male lead, more like the quirky, awkward sidekick.

By this point, he would have thought there would be some indication of someone acknowledging his presence, like some guard or intercom, but the gate simply opened on its own.

While Finn had wanted to bring his costume, or at least some form of protection, he had no doubt this place would be riddled with scanners of all shapes and sizes. He was sure he already passed at least one check walking through that gate.

Having been permitted to enter the Wardell family's property, he saw what Jack meant when he talked about how big it was. Finn couldn't tell if it was bigger than their school building, because he couldn't see all of it. One part of the mansion encompassed a large, white square, which was in turn built around a large, circular patch of grass with a fountain in the middle.

The water in the fountain was being replenished by a marble swan. Its wings were spread wide as if it were about to take flight, the eye on its forehead facing the sky.

Above the first story near the front of the house were gardens. Gardens on top of a house, Finn didn't even know that existed. And that was just the visible part from where he stood. Finn wondered how far the property went. He guessed the only distinction between their front and backyard was that collection of trees looming over the rooftops on either side.

Even the grass was perfect length. As if they specifically had automated robots tracking and maintaining the uniformity of all the greenery.

…Did they?

A soft glow from the ground distracted him from that thought, and he looked down to see a holographic arrow hovering in front of him, pointing in the direction he had to walk.

Suffice to say, Finn didn't like his chances of infiltrating this place even if he and his whole team were given a month to prepare. And now he was doing it on a day's notice and absolutely nothing to protect himself with. Wonderful.

According to Jack, the estate had been constructed generations ago, predating the establishment of Apexia. Over the years, it had undergone numerous fortifications to protect against the ever-increasing threats facing humanity. The rise of primebeasts vying for dominion had resulted in territorial losses for many countries.

As the population density surged due to the forced retreat of civilians, conflicts arose within the surviving communities. Once the threat of primebeasts was curbed, the absence of a common enemy led to civil unrest and eventually civil wars across the globe, until united forces of powered individuals emerged to quell the chaos.

Western Europe was one such area. After the supernatural fauna reclaimed Great Britain, English became the standardized language here, and Apexia, a megacity, became the foundation for a new nation. In terms of size, it rivaled an entire country, with each district akin to a city in its own right.

From its inception, this grand estate had witnessed the triumphs and tragedies of both ordinary people and superhumans, each passionately pursuing their own causes. Their collective existence was a tempest of diverse convictions, and this estate had weathered it all.

Walking through the open entrance of the premises, Finn felt like he was becoming part of that narrative. In what way, he wasn't sure yet.

“Allister, you're one of the first,” Casey greeted him, prompting him to look back down. Her attire showcased a stunning forest green dress, its hue shimmering elegantly as it caught the light. The sight ignited a spark of curiosity within Finn, prompting him to contemplate experimenting with his powers to recreate that captivating effect on various materials.

Complementing her ensemble, her lips boasted a glossy pink shade, while her eyelids were adorned with a subtle, muted eyeshadow that accentuated her captivating green eyes. Honey blonde curls cascaded around her round face, enhancing her natural beauty. Without a doubt, she exuded the enchanting aura befitting a birthday princess.

Finn was more surprised by the fact that she'd deigned to welcome him. He glanced into the stair hall beyond the foyer and saw some of their classmates sitting on a luxurious couch; one taller boy was talking to them, saying something and making them laugh.

Finn kept all those thoughts to himself, nodding and handing her a present.

“Much appreciated,” she accepted it graciously, adding it to the growing pile of presents she had already gathered. Finn wasn’t sure what had brought on the sudden change in attitude. Perhaps it was her family’s presence causing her to act this way.

“Happy birthday, Casey,” Finn said, his tone neutral.

Casey thanked him and directed him to the rest of his classmates, then turned her attention back to the main door, where another pair of guests arrived.

Upon entering the hall, Finn spotted a statuesque man at the top of the stairs, overseeing the event. He knew from pictures Jack had shown him that this was Cyrus Wardell, Casey’s father. His well-groomed beard emphasized his chiseled jawline, and his piercing gaze revealed the striking resemblance between him and Casey, particularly in their eyes. A smile adorned Cyrus’ face as he waved a hand in Finn's direction, prompting Finn to offer a hesitant wave in return.

Finn's gaze shifted from Cyrus to the rest of the room, taking in the grandeur of the occasion. The hall was adorned with elegant decorations, with shimmering chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow. Soft music played in the background, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and celebration.

“There’s the dodgeball king!” he heard from behind him. He turned to see Ines pointing at him from the aforementioned couch, which he now saw was only one of many seats. Going over there, he saw some of them had been supplied with drinks.

“Ready to show off your dodgeball skills on the dance floor?” Ines teased, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

“I don't know about dancing, but I'll be ready to dodge any obstacles that come my way,” Finn replied, eliciting laughter from the group. Why was that so funny? He wasn’t joking.

“Be careful with making such bold statements, lest someone take you up on your challenge,” sounded a smooth voice beside him. Finn turned his gaze towards the young man standing beside him, taking in his appearance. It was the boy he’d observed before, and up close, the family resemblance with the other Wardells was clear. His hair might have been a shade lighter, but he still retained the same striking features as his sister. The lighting of the room accentuated the pronounced lines of his jaw, giving him a distinguished and slightly mysterious presence. His voice, like velvet caressing the air, held a hint of playfulness, as if he knew something others didn't.

From his unthreatening-yet-fit build to his inviting and relaxed posture, he exuded an effortless charm that drew people towards him. There was an air of confidence in his demeanor, a self-assuredness that commanded attention without being overtly demanding.

“I’ll be sure to stay on the lookout, then,” Finn said, meeting his eyes. For just the right amount of time, the older boy let a pause linger, and in that fleeting moment, his intense gaze appeared to explore the depths of Finn's very essence. A subtle smirk played on his lips, as if Finn had passed some sort of test.

"Indeed, one must always be prepared to navigate the unexpected," the young man acknowledged. "Especially in a place like this." Without breaking eye contact, he held his hand out. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Finn. I’m Aiden, Casey’s older brother.”

Finn took Aiden's hand. His mind raced to find the right words to say, aware that the purpose of his presence here was to gather information discreetly. Yet, it seemed that the entire Wardell family had swiftly noticed his arrival, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable. The expectant gazes of the other guests only added to the pressure, like they anticipated a clever remark or a captivating story.

Collecting his thoughts, Finn managed a polite nod and replied, "Same to you, Aiden. It's good to meet you." He kept his voice steady, masking the subtle unease that swirled within him.

Aiden's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, a subtle spark of curiosity glimmering within their depths. As he leaned forward, his body angled towards Finn, it revealed an unspoken invitation to delve deeper into the depths of their connection. The corners of his lips curled upwards, forming a knowing smile that betrayed his keen awareness of the situation. His head tilted ever so slightly, as if trying to catch the hidden truths lingering behind Finn's facade.

What in the world was this guy’s deal?

"So, Finn," Aiden began, his voice laced with genuine interest, "how did you find yourself drawn into the realm of dodgeball? It's not the most conventional passion, I must say."

“I don’t know what my classmates said about me before I got here,” Finn said, giving them a pointed look, “but passion is a strong word. I just played out a match, like any other game.”

“Ah, a modest player,” Aiden remarked. “I take it there is a more general element to the sport that you enjoy, then? Such as aiming and dodging or perhaps competition as a whole?”

At this point, Finn wanted to lie his way out of the conversation. And he would have, if he thought Aiden would fall for it. “It wasn’t anything special, I was only trying to see how far I could go.”

“Quite far, evidently, and if you are searching for your limits, have you tried your hand at any other fields of human endeavor?”

“I tried some combat sports when I was in elementary school, but I quit after I moved to this district,” Finn answered.

“Really? I think that’s a shame, Finn. You seem like you would be very talented at martial arts. The philosophy in most of them might even interest you. It's not just about physical combat; it's about cultivating inner strength, finding balance, and honing your mind as well. It might be worth exploring if you're open to it. Discipline and self-improvement are good values for you to espouse, if your motivation is to go as far as possible.”

“And you seem to know a lot about martial arts,” Finn observed.

Aiden's laughter danced through the air, a melodic rhythm that resonated in perfect harmony. “Yes, that is true. My father was adamant that I train to at least an appreciable level of mastery. Casey, too, even if she doesn’t act like it. You should ask her to throw an overhand right; the look she will give you is hilarious.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” Finn said, internally questioning the possibility of Casey ever hitting a punching bag.

As the conversation with Aiden reached a natural pause, Finn's attention was drawn to the commotion near the doors where the party was being held. By now, there was quite a crowd, and Finn could see some were already being led through one of the doors to where the party would actually be taking place. He saw Jack over there, too.

Behind Cyrus, all manner of personnel walked to and fro, preparing food and beverages and other tasks. Some were even hovering past the guests with trays full of hors d'oeuvres.

The anticipation in the air grew palpable as guests started to make their way into the main event. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for Finn to discreetly gather information and navigate the mansion.

"I think I should head inside," Finn said, glancing toward the doors. "But it was... interesting talking to you, Aiden."

Aiden picked up a cranberry endive from a tray and raised it, as if to toast. "Likewise, Finn. Enjoy the rest of the party. And don't hesitate to seek me out if you need anything or if you simply want to continue our conversation. I'm sure we could explore some interesting topics together."

“Alright,” Finn offered a brief nod of acknowledgement before turning his attention to the doors and joining the stream of guests making their way into the party.

Once he entered the other room, the first thing that stood out was the difference in lighting. It was a lot darker in here, making it easier to sneak around unnoticed. The second was the different areas where some adults were already gathered. Casey had invited not just her classmates, but also what he presumed to be business partners of her father and some of his other connections.

That was good for his objective, but he would need to get close first. And after reconvening with Jack, he was set to engage both the guests and the staff in conversation. It did not go swimmingly. Without Aiden to lead him through the dialogue, Finn wasn’t adept enough at social interaction to gain more than superficial information from basic talks. He was starting to see why his usual behavior didn’t get him much attention.

When he approached a food table with two businessmen talking to each other, they halted their conversation when they saw him. Finn leaned over the table with two hands to get some food on his plate, then walked away.

As he was walking away from the table, he felt like he was forgetting something, but he knew that wasn’t the case. His phone was missing from his pocket, but that was intentional. Instead, it was hidden behind one of the bowls on the table he just left.

One might have wondered why Finn would leave it out in the open there, but he hadn’t. At least, no one was able to see that he had, because he had used his power to make his phone invisible as it recorded the conversations of all the guests near that location.

His power had developed to a point where he was able to make smaller objects completely blend in with the environment. Plus, his range had increased to a level where he could maintain their invisibility throughout this whole room, spacious though it was.

He would have Jack collect his phone later so as not to look too suspicious going to that table twice. When he was done eating, he would do the same with Jack’s phone at one of the other tables in order to cover more ground.

Finn wished Lyra were here. With her power, she would be able to complete this task in minutes.

He sighed and looked down at his plate. He had not been paying attention to the type of food he scooped up, and he had no idea what this was, but it smelled really good. And it tasted good, as well. He’d have to ask Jack later. Assuming it wasn't poisoned.

For the first few minutes, he took his time eating and observing the dances people were practicing; it wouldn’t do for him to be suspected of being in a rush for wolfing down all his food in one go like some maniac.

The music shifted between music suited for the different age groups, and music friendly to all ages. Finn watched them go through the steps as he tracked the rhythm in his head and tried to predict where they were going to move next, and how. It was easy to get lost in, he found.

It seemed he wouldn’t be able to spectate undisturbed, however, because he saw someone walk up to him in his peripheral vision.

“You’re already eating?” Ines said when she found him standing on the sidelines. “You can dance with a full stomach?”

“Who said I was going to dance?” Finn narrowed his eyes at her.

“Our entire class? Everyone is waiting for you to get up there.”

He doubted that. But this girl was really persistent, wasn’t she? Though for info gathering, Finn might be able to spark up more conversations if he showed people a good dance. The problem was, he had never danced before. And he also didn’t want to. It was embarrassing to think about.

To his dismay, Jack had also crept up in his field of view and was signaling for him to go. Finn reluctantly set his plate aside and followed Ines and Jack toward the dance floor.

“You know I haven’t practiced this,” he said to Jack.

Jack put a hand on his shoulder and said, “Finn, just think of switching between stances for training.”

Despite Finn wanting to object, Jack pushed him into the middle of the crowd. Finn, having been shoved into the deep end, looked around. Some people glanced his way, but he wasn’t drawing too much attention.

Amidst the ongoing dance, Finn caught Aiden moving across the floor, effortlessly transitioning between dance partners. Aiden's charismatic presence drew the attention of those around him, and his interactions revealed his extensive network and the respect he commanded among the guests, as though he were shining.

Unfortunately for Finn, he would soon be illuminated by this moving sun, and he didn’t see an easy route of escape. Aiden glided toward Finn with a knowing smile on his face. Finn's eyes widened as he realized he was about to be swept into the dance.

"Finn! We meet again so soon, what a coincidence. Shall we embark on a rhythmic journey?" Aiden asked.

There was nothing for it but to follow Aiden’s lead. To fall into his orbit.

Other guests parted to make room for them. Thankfully, the dance wasn’t anything intimate, leaving a healthy distance between them. Finn accepted, feeling a mix of trepidation and curiosity. As they took their positions on the dance floor, Finn did his best to match Aiden's graceful movements, looking at the frame of his posture and matching it as best he could.

When that wasn’t working properly, Aiden had positioned himself to guide Finn further into the dance, leading by example. Aiden's effortless lead and reassuring presence made Finn feel at ease, as if they were gliding through the motions as friends rather than strangers. Finn had no choice but to respect Aiden's skill and natural charm, understanding why he was such a popular figure among the guests.

Even so, Finn wasn’t content being carried through the dance without learning anything. Instead of trying to match the older boy and constantly missing the timing, he started tracking the beat in his head again. The fluidity and timing of Aiden’s movements became more apparent to him from this lens.

He began to notice the patterns in the techniques his counterpart was performing, and with each passing moment, Finn's trepidation transformed into determination. He needed to unravel the secrets of Aiden's dance, to understand the intricacies that made it so captivating.

As Aiden twirled and spun, Finn absorbed every detail, committing the steps to memory. He observed the subtle shifts in weight, the precise placement of each foot, and the gentle sway of the body that added a touch of elegance to every movement. Aiden's movements held a hidden language, waiting to be deciphered.

Driven by newfound insight, Finn mirrored Aiden's steps to the best of his abilities. Though there were moments of stumble and misstep, Finn persisted, guided by his hunger to grasp the essence of the dance. He allowed the music to flow through him, synchronizing his movements with the rhythm, matching the grace of his partner, yet never touching.

Surprisingly, Aiden acknowledged Finn's efforts, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. It was a silent encouragement that fueled Finn's resolve to improve. He no longer felt like an outsider, but rather a student eager to absorb the wisdom of a master.

With every spin and nuanced movement, Finn felt a growing sense of assurance. He started relying on his gut feelings, shedding doubts, and finding comfort in the liberating act of self-expression. The dance floor became a space of infinite potential, where restrictions faded away, and boundaries became less defined.

As the music swelled to its crescendo, Finn and Aiden found themselves in perfect harmony, their movements merging seamlessly. The onlooking guests couldn't help but be captivated by their synchronicity and the beauty of their shared dance.

In that transcendent moment, Finn realized that the dance was more than just steps and techniques. It was an embodiment of connection and understanding, an unspoken dialogue between two souls. He was communicating with someone who had spent years of his life refining himself, becoming better and better to reach this point. Aiden had unknowingly become more than just a dance partner; he had become a catalyst for Finn's growth.

As the final notes of the music reverberated through the room, Finn and Aiden concluded their dance with a seamless elegance, eliciting a thunderous applause from the captivated audience. Finn, out of breath, locked eyes with Aiden. He wasn’t on the older boy’s level yet, but Aiden had made sure to accommodate him and made the movements easier to follow.

While Finn wasn't a superstitious person, in that instant, he realized that this dance marked the inception of something greater. Almost as if he had just met a kindred spirit. Which sounded insane. He and Aiden were nothing alike. Right?

Jack playfully nudged him, pulling Finn back out of that otherworldly atmosphere. “Care to tell me where the hell that came from?”

Aiden had moved on, and Finn glimpsed some movement from the sidelines. The music transitioned to a slower tune.

“I… have no idea,” Finn admitted. What had come over him, back there?

“Either way, I don't think you're done for the night just yet,” Jack pointed ahead, to his classmates coming through the crowd.

The forest green dress clued Finn in on who was at the front before he could see her face. Casey stumbled forward, throwing a glare back at Ines.

Guests on the dance floor slowly made room for the birthday girl. Her eyes were on her brother, who just inclined his head. Some silent message passed between them. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Opening them again, she regarded Finn.

How had he gotten to this point? He was supposed to be earning credits, not dancing with the richest teenagers in all of Apexia.

Casey scrutinized him. Finn knew what he had to do.

Mentally vowing to make Jack pay for this later, he faced the music—literally.

A soft, enchanting melody filled the air, wrapping around Finn like a comforting embrace. Swallowing his reservations, Finn closed the distance between himself and Casey, his steps slow and measured.

If someone had told Finn three days ago that he would be asking Casey Wardell for a dance at a party in her own mansion, he would've looked at them like they were crazy, because they were. Finn was just crazier now for actually going through with it.

He held his hand out, regretting his attendance of this party in his head. The things Jack was making him do...

The girl stood for a time, then her hand began to rise, only to stop. Finn stared into two green orbs searching his own bluish ones, and he just waited there, leaving his unspoken question in the air.

A barely perceptible nod and a raised hand later, they touched. Casey's skin was cool, and her fingers were delicate. He grasped it just firmly enough.

They started their dance holding each other's hands but with a decent amount of distance between their bodies. Casey rigidly went through the steps. Her technique was fine, but she wasn't focusing on the movements. She was more preoccupied with the noise around them.

The music picked up, but she still didn't seem to have her head in the moment.

“Listen to me,” Finn said.

Casey's eyes darted towards him, a note of caution lacing her voice as she responded, "What is it?"

“Throw an overhand right.”

Casey gaped at him in shock, utterly mortified. Aiden had been right.

“Allister, I swear to G— Ah!”

Finn swiftly shifted their bodies, guiding Casey into a dramatic dip. Her words were cut off, replaced by a surprised yelp as she found herself balanced over his arm. A beat passed, then time stood still, and the noise of the party faded into the background.

His hold on her remained steady, and she glanced at his arm, then back at him, her eyebrows easing into a lighter expression.

Lifting her upright, they continued their dance, this time flowing more easily. However, it wasn't effortless. Finn barely knew this dance after seeing it a few times and reading Casey's next moves from her stance and rhythm, but he was taking the lead. This became easier as the dance went on.

There was also the style Casey danced with. It was quite a bit harder to work with than Aiden's. Finn tried to adjust his style to match hers, then realized that wouldn't work if he was leading.

He needed to complement her, not match her, so he did. Like two opposite colors on the wheel, their shared presentation of grace and strength created a captivating contrast on the dance floor. Finn found himself attuned to Casey's every move, their dynamic improving with each step. He adapted his steps to harmonize with her style, finding the perfect balance between leading and responding to her subtle cues.

By the end, both of them were being showered with applause, and Casey initiated a bow, which Finn joined. Idly, he realized Casey was the second girl whose waist he'd ever held.

“Not bad, Allister,” Casey said. “You really are a boy of many talents. Like, nobody would have expected that from you.”

“You weren’t terrible either, once you forgot you weren't alone in the room,” Finn shot back.

Casey huffed. “I guess I owe that to your unexpected ability to dip me out of nowhere.”

Finn shook his head. “Doesn't that just mean my ability to surprise people is a talent?”

They went back and forth a while longer before their classmates rushed up to them. Fielding the wave of enthusiasm and teasing, they disengaged and went back to their respective places when all was said and done.

Leaning against a wall, Finn stared up at the ceiling for a second, but was soon interrupted. Jack, moment ruiner of the day, came to remind him of his tedious task: espionage.