Seohwa crossed her arms, “What do you mean by ‘your will’?”

  “Simple. You inherited my legacy. In simple terms, I seek something from you in exchange for my power. Until it’s been fulfilled, your Hidden Stage is incomplete.”

  Seohwa raised her brows, “What is it that you seek from me? And why me?”

  Medusa chuckled at her curiosity, “Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what I seek. Fate decides these rules. Oh, but I can tell you why you were chosen. Though, I think you do know why.”

  Seohwa clenched her fists, “Is it because we were both wronged?”

  “…” Medusa didn’t reply but Seohwa counted that as a yes.

  Why? Just because of that?

  It doesn’t make sense.

  Wait…

  “Were you the one that whispered during my rampage just then?” Seohwa looked up.

  “If you mean the whisperers, it’s not me. They merely use my voice. They will stay with you until you complete your revenge.” Medusa yawned.

  “What?”

  Medusa hummed, “The whisperers are a kind of test of some sort. They will only whisper your deepest darkest desires. How you handle them is up to you. But as I said, it won’t end until you complete your revenge.”

  “Do all awakeners of the Hidden Stage have whisperers?” Seohwa worriedly asked when she thought of Jiho.

  “…” Medusa could tell why she was thinking that as she replied almost too softly, “… No. Your friend won’t be hearing it due to the nature of his myth.”

  Seohwa breathed a sigh of relief.

  That’s good.

  But that means different myths seek something different from each awakener.

  Seohwa observed Medusa as best as she could and her surroundings. It was a ruined temple dedicated to Athena and all the stone statues were probably followers of Athena.

  What is it that she wants?

  She kept emphasising ‘revenge’.

  Is there really nothing else?

  Medusa could hear the wheels turning in her head as she chuckled, “That’s enough, now. It’s time for you to go. I believe it’s ‘see you later alligator’ in your time’s terms.”

  Seohwa felt her body being pulled out of the temple. “WAIT!”

  When she jolted, she sat up from her bed as she cursed.

  Crash!

  When she turned, Mantis had fallen off his chair to the ground.

  Mantis had baggy eyes as he groaned, “It’s good that you’re awake but can you do it subtler?”

  “… Sorry.”

  ***

  Living Room.

  Viper was supported by Mantis as she sat down on the couch. Everyone was worried about her as she smiled, “I’m fine. It wasn’t as bad as back then since Monkey stopped me before things turned bad.”

  Bear then asked, “So? What’s so urgent that you had to come down as soon as you woke up?”

  “I’ll tell you when Junkie is here. I believe he has the right to know as well.”

  “What do I need to know?” Junkie entered through the door as he brought a plastic bag full of sleeping medication.

  “It’s about my Hidden Stage.”

  ***

  After telling everyone what happened, they all went silent.

  Junkie rubbed his head, “So all this time, the reason for activating the Hidden Stage was because they were chosen to inherit their myth’s will? And if they don’t, their power remains incomplete? If that’s the case, why did no one else hear something about this from their myth?”

  “Perhaps the amplification formula?” Tigress pondered.

  Viper nodded, “Dr 8 did mention that the Hidden Stage was the core of the experiments. Perhaps, the amplification formula may have something to do with it.”

  “If that’s true, then Monkey also?” Mantis glanced at Monkey curiously.

  Monkey shrugged, “I haven’t heard anything from my myth.”

  “I think different myths seek something different. But since your myth is Wukong…” Viper trailed her words but everyone knew what she wanted to say.

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  Wukong is known to have a chaotic neutral personality…

  What would he honestly want?

  Crane placed a hand on her hip as she teasingly smirked, “Well, don’t mind, Monkey. It seems your Hidden Stage will remain incomplete.”

  “HEY!” Monkey growled at her.

  “As for Viper, Medusa told you to complete your revenge.” Tigress exhaled sharply, “But if that’s as a result of you rampaging, it might be better not to.”

  Bear munched on some chips as he argued, “No, I think she has to.”

  “Why?” Tigress frowned.

  “Didn’t you hear? She has to complete her revenge so she doesn’t rampage any more. What would you prefer? Viper rampaging once for her revenge? Or for Viper to be a high-risk rampager during our jobs due to an incomplete revenge? Those ‘whisperers’ could still stay with her for the rest of her life if she doesn't get her revenge.” Bear reasoned.

  “…”

  He had a good point. Either way, Viper would still be at risk of rampaging.

  Junkie listened to their thoughts as he hummed contemplatively, “Guess that means Viper just needs to control her rage.”

  “How? It’s not that easy.” Viper incredulously looked at him.

  Junkie pointed to himself arrogantly, “Ya just need to get used to it. I’m an illusionist. I can handle faking a few whispers.” He then whispered to Viper, “But on another note, was Medusa really that hot?”

  Viper’s brows furrowed.

  Slap!

  Junkie stumbled on the floor as he twitched at the powerful slap.

  “P-point… proven…” Junkie groaned.

  Viper exhaled sharply.

  He’s right.

  I need to learn how to get used to the whispers…

  And control my rage…

  Simple enough, right?

  As the others discussed how to help her, Viper’s hands clasped together tightly as she hid the faint tremors of her hands.

  Monkey noticed this as he placed his hand on hers assuringly, “You can do it.”

  “…” Viper glanced at him and saw his warm, supportive smile, “… Thank you.” Viper’s lips curved up.

  I just need to try and try again…

  For them.

  Junkie stood up from the ground as he rubbed his throbbing cheek, “Anyway, we still have half a day left. Let’s train. Now that I know yar fears and all.”

  “Right. What was the purpose of the fear test anyway?” Crane raised her brows.

  Junkie smirked shamelessly, “I wanted to see if ya could overcome your fears to reach the goal. But only Monkey could do that.”

  “…” Mantis frowned, doubting his words, “You sure it’s not because you wanted to find our weaknesses?”

  “…Why would I need to do that?” Junkie averted his gaze suspiciously.

  Crane squinted her eyes as she raised her hands and formed an ice sword, “Spill it or…” She swung her sword and the wooden coffee table split in half, “Get sliced.”

  Junkie felt cold sweat on his back as he shook his head vigorously, “Either way, I’m going to die!”

  “Oh? So you did do something wrong?” Tigress began to crack her knuckles.

  Bear, who was watching the chaos ensue, stayed quiet. Viper looked at him, “You’re not going to stop them?”

  “Why?” Bear crunched on a chip much more aggressively than usual. Viper saw his jaw had tightened as she realised he was pretty mad.

  Viper nudged Monkey, “What did Bear see for him to be so mad?”

  Monkey chuckled helplessly, “He saw a world with no tasty food, no snacks and no chefs. Just hard, stale bread.”

  “Ah, I see. No wonder.” Viper nodded in understanding.

  ACK!

  After being beaten black and blue, Junkie whimpered, “Your test was recorded.”

  “Delete them.” Mantis immediately ordered.

  “Wait. Give us Monkey’s recording before you do.” Crane shook Junkie’s shoulders.

  Monkey flinched, “WHAT?! Why?”

  “Fair enough. None of us know what Monkey’s fear is.” Mantis agreed.

  “NO! Junkie, don’t you dare!” Monkey screamed, panicking. But Junkie was listless at this point so he gave the USB to Crane.

  Crackle.

  Monkey began to use his lightning on his hands as he glared at Crane, “Give it to me now.”

  “No way.” Crane stuck her tongue out, “Hold him!”

  Mantis grew vines around Monkey as Bear embraced him.

  “No fair!” Monkey struggled as Bear held him so he couldn’t use his lightning to escape since he might hurt Bear.

  Crane used this chance and connected the USB into her laptop.

  The Furies then watched Monkey’s test.

  ***

  A few hours earlier (before Viper’s rampage)

  Monkey entered the hall and all he saw was a pitch-black space. Similar to Viper, a letter popped up with the same instructions and when he looked up again, he saw…

  A fire camp.

  “What the… that’s it?” Crane frowned.

  Monkey didn’t say anything as they continued to watch.

  Monkey walked closer to the fire camp and saw it was his team, he excitedly waved at them, “Guys! When did you come in? I thought you were outside…?”

  But when he saw them glare at him, he froze, feeling something amiss.

  Every one of them wore the Grey Agents’ official dark grey uniform.

  Fake Crane had screamed, “It’s the traitor! Get him!”

  An ice arrow was thrown at him as he dodged.

  Monkey began to run away as his friends attacked him.

  “Guys! It’s me!” Monkey panted as he dodged Tigress’ fireballs and Bear’s gravity crush.

  Monkey closed his eyes shut, thinking this was a nightmare.

  Stop…

  I don’t want to hurt you…

  Monkey opened his eyes once more as he saw the scene changed into a battlefield. His friends were bleeding on the ground and had lost their colour.

  Bear, Tigress, Mantis, Crane…

  Th-they’re dead?

  What about Viper?

  Monkey grew pale as he frantically tried to find Viper amidst the fighting agents. Just as he did, he felt something stab him from behind.

  He looked down and saw it was a familiar dark green blade. He turned back as tears trickled down his face, “Why…?”

  It was Viper behind him as she sobbed, “You promised! You promised we’d escape together… Why did you leave me behind?! You traitor!”

  No. No.

  NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

  Monkey wailed as a large amount of lightning discharged from his body and destroyed the illusion. He panted, cold sweat dripping off his body as he finally saw the blue flag. He picked it up as he bit his lips with red eyes.

  ***

  After the video was over, everyone stayed silent.

  Viper glanced at Monkey and loosened his clenched fists to assure him, “I would never think that.”

  Monkey’s voice trembled, “I… know… but, what if I run away when it matters?”

  “We would never blame you.” Bear ruffled his hair, “We’d be glad if you did, especially, if we were in a dangerous situation. At least, you would be able to live for all of us.”

  Tigress agreed, “That’s right. So don’t ever think we will abandon you and hate you for it.”

  Monkey sniffled as his eyes went blurry.

  Crane then teased to change the mood, “But to think little Monkey here would be afraid of being abandoned, are you a child?”

  Monkey’s brows twitched, “Oi. Out of everyone here, I won’t be sad about your death.”

  “Is that so?” Crane’s eyes turned cold, “You dare talk to your noona like that?”

  “What type of noona bullies her dongsaeng?” Monkey huffed.

  “Just come here! And feel my ‘love’ then!” Crane aggressively hugged him.

  The two began to fight as the rest chuckled helplessly at their bickering.

  Mantis raised his arms, “Let me join too!”

  Then Bear and Tigress joined in to embrace him as Monkey panicked, “Stop! Don’t come closer!”

  Monkey realised then.

  I didn’t need to worry after all…

  These guys would stick with me no matter what.

  Viper watched the affectionate display as she smiled.

  He looks happy.

  Monkey laughed brightly despite his whinging as he got fussed over by his team.

  Viper looked out the clear blue sky as her lips curved up. She was then yeeted by Bear and joined the rest for a group hug.

  “Careful! She’s a patient!” Mantis went pale as Bear aggressively pulled her in.

  “Ah, sorry.” Bear realised as he worriedly looked at her, “Did I hurt you?”

  Viper chuckled as she shook her head, “No. I should thank you instead. I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”