Chapter 7

"Three powers is the rule. But every now and then you get people who have four. The only ones who have ever had more than four have what we call the Gift and it's very rare. Throughout their lives they accumulate powers. Oh sure it takes years to accumulate them, and I have only ever met one mutant with the Gift who actually lived long enough to have a huge collection, but still. Your brother might just have the Gift. Which would mean there's two possibilities." Zella said, her voice getting solemn. "Either my first thought is right and Gretel did forget to do her homework. Or rescuing you has been a decoy and Isaac is the real target. And I wouldn't dismiss either idea. Get me my phone."

Zac handed it to her and she dialed a number.

"Trinity? This is Z. Keep an eye on Isaac. I have reason to believe that this whole Zac thing may be a decoy job, and the brother is the real target... Yep... Ok... bye."

"Z?" Zac questioned.

"All the personas I create have a name that starts with 'Z' or has that letter in it. So that's what people who meet more than one of them call me." She replied simply.

There was quiet.

"It would make sense. Ike's stronger than the rest of us."

"Well, whether Goblin knows it or not, I don't doubt that Isaac is the true target." She gave Zac a wry smile. "I almost wish she had succeeded in having your child Zac, just so I could see the look on her face when she realises that the father is not the most powerful."

"Thanks a lot."

"No offence intended."

**********

At around lunchtime Zella, oh sorry, 'Z' had to get some more petrol.

"Stay in the car." She told Zac.

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"Look, I'm been stuck in here for hours, I'm going to stretch my legs. And go to the bathroom. And I just might get something to eat." He paused. "If I have any money with me."

"I'll get the food." Z informed him, sounding a little miffed.

"Thanks you."

Z went back to filling up the car and Zac wandered over to the toilet.

"Hey, hey you're... you're Zac Hanson!" a voice said from behind.

Zac tried to ignore the girl, but she tapped him on the shoulder.

"Hey, don't ignore me."

He turned around.

"Umm, look, I'd love to stay and chat, but I... uhh... I really need to go."

"Oh sorry. Could you just give me an autograph?"

"Can you wait for me to come out?"

"Yeah, ok."

Chapter 8