Sound.
It is the most overlooked aspect that which accompanies nearly all motions within what is known as well as perhaps what is unknown. Nearly every energy when in motion is subject to loss to both heat and sound. Drop a feather on the grass and even though ears may not perceive it, there is made a sound.
In a world where one can wield the might of fire with one's own mind and set a field ablaze, where the mind has the might to tell the mountains to move, and where the seas will do one's bidding, is there tyranny in making those same endeavors pay penance for the sounds they make? If one can be the mighty conscious that collects and directs that payment, is that being a tyrant? What of that being's costs to do that? What if that being's senses are so overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of that energy that they may never succeed in ever becoming that tyrant? What if?
These statements and questions had long since been theorized upon by many in this world. But I? I never paid attention to this hog slop in the many lessons I'd attended before now. Sure, it sounds lofty to believe that someone might be able to wield such power, even crazier to believe that I should ever be concerned with it. Congratulations to me, I was wrong.
Acoustikinetic... wow... so many emotions behind that title... I was supposed to carry on a lineage. I was supposed to be a fiery fierce warrior. I'm probably a disappointment in my father's eyes. I know that any moment I could decide to push myself to become conscious, but I'm terrified of what awaits me. Nothing will be the same. Yet, can I just force myself to sleep forever that I might forsake the facing of reality? Unfortunately, I know I can't. Oh Eshalha! Bid me thy mercy...
I chose not to open my eyes at first, but I did reluctantly let myself hear with intense apprehension. To my surprise there was nothing. Or rather there was so little to hear that I suspected something to be amiss. So I opened my eyes...
I saw a glass roof. Nothing special which made me even more curious, so I decided to sit up and have a look around. Boom... it hit me... not quite as bad as that night, but I was instantly aware that I had generated some sound. Immediately, I heard a whisper. At least I would call it that considering the texture of the voice, but I heard it all the same as if it came at normal speaking volume.
"So glad to see that you have awoken." A woman said from a chair from across the room.
Upon further inspection, I was in a glass house that seemed to block all outside sound from penetrating its walls. It was set in a small field like area outside of what looked to be a medium sized estate. Thanks to my memory of having visited this place once, I knew exactly where I was, well approximately. I was within the grounds of the Royal Centius College of Kinetics.
"I know you probably have questions." she sighed as quietly as possible.
"Let's start with your name." I stated but was astounded by the sheer might of the volume behind my voice. It was like I had released an insane amount of energy. I immediately covered my mouth in shock and looked at the woman in concern.
She intelligently had covered her ears as soon as she'd predicted that I might speak. After the shockwaves seemed to be absorbed by the curious material that the room was made of, I waited for her response.
"My name is Professor Margaret Felsen, but most call me Maggie. You are at the Royal Centius College of Kinetics. This is a room that has been designed especially for you. I am a leading researcher in Kinetics and I am also a Professor of Beginning Kinetic Usage here at the College. I have tasked myself to not only study your unique Kine, but hopefully also to help you in controlling and perhaps even wielding your... uniqueness."
"I noticed you refrained from calling this a gift like other Kines are considered." I responded this time in a whisper.
"Gift, Curse, nothing is for certain. You are the first of your kind. Being Unique is the best way to describe your situation at the moment."
"What happens if I leave this room?"
"My best guess is you'd probably be crippled by the sheer force of all the sound that the world makes."
"Sounds like a curse. pun intended."
"Don't... do that..." She smiled, "I may can whisper a sentence. Not sure I can muffle laughter."
"So what do you suppose is the answer?"
"Well, there is a procedure that we have had to use for those who are exceptionally sensitive to the materials to which their Kine is comprised of, but, I must warn you. It is not a guaranteed fix. At best it may be a way to keep you from being destroyed by a person speaking to you directly in a normal volume."
"Whatever it takes. I'll do it. What is it?" I asked excruciatingly sincere.
"An insignia that takes the form of the owner's kine that grows as it becomes empowered."
"Give it to me straight." I quoted my father.
"A very specially designed tattoo." she said not liking the simplicity of her answer.
Me? I was so excited that I was going to get a tattoo that I completely forgot what I was up against.