Lloyd POV
Seated at the table, I surveyed the spread before me, a mishmash of dishes whose edibility was open to interpretation. Master Chen's culinary preferences remained a mystery to me, yet I resigned myself to sampling whatever seemed remotely palatable. With a cautious eye, I selected a few items, their appearance failing to inspire much confidence.
As I contemplated the dubious contents of my plate, my attention wandered to Noah and his companions seated nearby, engaged in a hushed conversation. Their whispered exchanges piqued my curiosity, though the subdued tones suggested a discussion of a personal nature. Their dialogue delved into matters beyond the superficial, shrouded in a veil of confidentiality.
Reflecting on their presence in the tournament, a perplexing question lingered in my mind. What had compelled them to participate in the Tournament of Elements, particularly in light of their recent departure from school following Zane's tragic demise? The decision seemed incongruous with their previous actions, prompting speculation about their underlying motivations.
Observing Noah and his companions, I speculated on the incentives that might have lured them to Master Chen's tournament. Their being here wasn't merely an extension of their affiliation with EAA; rather, it hinted at the allure of some enticing offer extended by Master Chen himself. What exactly had he promised them to entice their participation? The mystery remained elusive, shrouded in the enigmatic dealings of the tournament organizers.
As I contemplated their motivations, my gaze drifted to the school uniform adorning our group. Despite its familiar appearance, the sight of the EAA attire stirred a disconcerting sense of unease within me. Mister Glasses' rationale for donning our school uniform- something about bolstering the school's reputation- seemed flimsy at best, and I couldn't help but find the entire notion absurd.
The notion of wearing our school uniform for combat purposes felt particularly incongruous, a jarring juxtaposition of academia and warfare that left me feeling distinctly uncomfortable. Yet, as I reluctantly adjusted the collar of my uniform, I resigned myself to the peculiarities of our circumstances, uncertain of the deeper significance behind Mister Glasses' decision.
The exchange between Jay and Mr. Pale piqued my interest, stirring a mixture of curiosity and wry amusement within me. It was ironic, to say the least, witnessing individuals who purportedly championed the cause of good behavior in a manner that bordered on rudeness. Despite the entertainment value of their altercation, I couldn't help but feel a growing inclination to unravel the underlying tensions between them.
Seizing the opportunity to intervene, I extended an invitation to Mr. Pale, hoping to foster some camaraderie amidst the brewing conflict. "Mr. Pale," I called out, gesturing expansively. "You're welcome to join me here. Plenty of room to spare."
The empty seats surrounding me underscored the sincerity of my offer; indeed, I found myself in solitary repose at the table, making Mr. Pale's company all the more welcome. Casting a measured glance at Jay, who bristled with visible indignation, Mr. Pale deliberated his response before acquiescing and settling into the seat opposite mine.
"I appreciate your gesture," Mr. Pale expressed his gratitude, his tone tinged with genuine appreciation, "You've spared me the hassle of finding a place to dine."
I waved off his thanks with a casual gesture. "No need for gratitude. It's only right to offer hospitality to those seeking a seat at the table."
Mr. Pale's gaze flickered towards Noah and his companions' table, where a subtle tension seemed to linger. "Some individuals might beg to differ," he remarked, his voice laced with a hint of reproach.
I offered a diplomatic explanation, seeking to shed light on the situation. "They're going through a tough time. A close friend of theirs recently passed away- Zane, you might have seen it in the news."
Recognition dawned on Mr. Pale at the mention of Zane's name, prompting a solemn nod of understanding. "I see," he murmured, acknowledging the gravity of theirs. "Nevertheless, it doesn't excuse discourtesy."
As Mr.Pale delved into his meal, I mulled over his observation. While I fabricated the excuse of sensitivity surrounding Zane's passing, there was a kernel of truth in Mr. Pale's assessment. Perhaps Noah and his friends consequences, but I doubted it would significantly impact me.
A sudden rush of air caught my attention, and I turned to find Griffin, seemingly materializing beside me. His presence was as unexpected as it was unwelcome, but I maintained a polite facade.
"You certainly surprised me in the first round," Griffin remarked, his tone laced with a begrudging admiration. "When I first laid eyes on you, I couldn't help but wonder if you were out of your depth here."
I offered a tight smile in response, concealing my annoyance at his condescending tone. "Navigating through the maze while fending off attackers was no small feat," I replied, downplaying the intensity of the situation.
"That true but when you made yourself fly up and grab the Jadeblade was insane," Griffin points out. "You even gave away a Jadeblade twice. You're such an interesting guy."
Griffin's commentary on my actions in the first round prompted a smirk to tug at the corner of my lips. "Well, I've always had a knack for the unexpected," I quipped my gaze drifting to the untouched food on my plate. "Why play it safe when you can make things interesting?"
His enthusiasm was palpable as he mulled over my words. "You've got a point there," Griffin conceded with a nod. "Taking risks is what makes life exciting."
As he expressed his admiration, I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. "I appreciate the sentiment," I replied, though a part of me remained guarded. "Who knows? We might cross paths in the arena someday."
With a final nod, I pushed my plate away, signaling the end of our conversation. "Until then, may the best man win," I add, a note of challenge underlying my words.
…
Lying on my back, I gazed up at the ceiling, lost in thought as I contemplated my newfound ability, Experiment Weilder. It was a fascinating power, one that allowed me to adapt and manipulate various abilities by simply observing others. As I flexed my fingers, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement coursing through me.
The prospect of winning the tournament didn't hold much appeal to me. After all, I had already tasted victory in my past life, and it left me feeling content. Instead, my focus lay elsewhere- on the opportunity to learn and grow.
I had compiled a mental list of individuals with abilities I found intriguing, each one offering a unique lesson waiting to be absorbed. With this knowledge, I could unlock new potentials within myself, pushing the boundaries of what Experiment Weilder could truly achieve.
As I closed my eyes, I made a silent vow to myself: to remain a keen observer, a diligent student of abilities, and to seize every opportunity to expand my repertoire. After all, in this tournament of elements, knowledge was power.
As I sat in my room, a movement at the edge of my vision drew my attention. I turned to see Jay, leaping from one balcony to another, his antics seemingly aimed at sneaking into a particular suite. However, his attempts were thwarted by Kai, who intercepted him with a firm shove, preventing him from being seen by Skylor.
Watching Kai's interaction with Skylor, a wave of frustration washed over me. His carefree grin grated on my nerves, a stark reminder of his obliviousness to the lessons learned from Zane's demise. If only they had approached things with more rationality, perhaps Zane would still be among us today. Instead, their impulsive decisions had cost them dearly.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of hypocrisy, recognizing that I, too, had succumbed to rash actions in the past. Yet, observing their repeated mistakes only served to fuel my irritation. If only they could see beyond their emotions, perhaps they would understand the gravity of their choices. But alas, it seemed that rationality had taken a backseat once again.
As Skylor retreated into her suite and Kai discreetly ushered Jay into his own, I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity mingled with annoyance. What were they up to, sneaking around in the dead of night? The uncertainty gnawed at me, threatening to unravel my composure. In weakness- it was a potential death sentence.
With a determined resolve, I scanned the room, searching for a solution to appease my restless mind. My gaze settled on the large fish tank occupying a corner of the suite. Without hesitation, I reached in and retrieved a fish, holding it out in my palm.
Moments later, the unmistakable flutter of wings announced the arrival of the young dragon, drawn by the scent of the offering. With a grateful swoop, it descended upon my outstretched hand, devouring the fish with eager relish. As I watched the creature feed, a sense of calm washed over me, momentarily alleviating the weight of my concerns.
I gently lifted the baby dragon, affectionately dubbing it Eclipse as I cradled it in my arms. "Hey Eclipse, how about that for a name? Now, could you do me a favor?" I whispered, feeling a strange connection with the creature. "I'm curious about what those boys are up to, but I'd rather not get directly involved. Could you follow them for me?"
Eclipse blinked at me, its intelligent gaze seeming to understand my request. As I fastened a collar around its neck, complete with a discreet camera attachment, the dragon's form shimmered and vanished from sight, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. With a silent nod, it darted off into the darkness, carrying out its covert mission.
Satisfied that Eclipse would keep me informed, I turned to return to the bed, but a sudden knock at the door shattered the quiet of the night. My heart skipped a beat- who could be seeking me out at this late hour? With a mixture of apprehension and curiosity, I strode over and flung the door open to find my father standing on the threshold, his expression unreadable.
"What brings you here at this hour?" I inquired, my voice tingled with a hint of weariness. "It's rather late, you know."
His sudden, firm grip on my arm sent a shiver down my spine, his urgency palpable. "You must not trust Master Chen under any circumstances," he insisted, his tone grave.
I stood there, momentarily stunned by his unexpected warning. Why was he bringing up Master Chen now of all time? A deep sigh escaped me as I grappled with conflicting emotions. It was a strange sensation, longing for the days when my father was still consumed with darkness. Back then, our interactions were limited to what was necessary, and he showed little inclination to mend relationships beyond repair. Part of me couldn't help but regret saving his life.
With a deliberate effort, I extricated myself from his grasp, my expression a mask of feigned indifference. "I never had any intention of aligning myself with Master Chen," I fabricated, mustering a semblance of conviction. "My presence here is solely to represent our school."
As I moved to shut the door, he intervened, planting his foot firmly to prevent its closure, and then barged in uninvited. Annoyance prickled at the back of my mind. Why was he intruding into my space? It seemed evident that he had no intention of departing anytime soon. Resigned to his presence, I sank onto the bed, bracing myself for whatever interaction he had in mind.
He strode across the room until he reached the balcony, but rather than stepping outside, he remained within the confines of the chamber, his gaze fixed upon the star-studded expanse of the night sky.
"Lloyd," his voice carried a weight of solemnity, his back turned to me, veiling his countenance from view. "Why did you extend your aid to me in the Realm of Madness and on the Island of Darkness?"
I remained silent, taken aback by the revelation that he retained memories of his deeds during his time of darkness. I had assumed that those memories would have been eradicated with the dissolution of evil influence, but evidently, they persisted. Now aware that he remembered my assistance, he likely harbored suspicions about my true nature, recognizing that I wasn't as innocent as I purported to be. It seemed like he intended to keep a vigilant eye on me henceforth.
"I was stupid back then. Ever since I was in Darkly, I kept telling myself that my dad was the greatest person alive, so I decided to help you since I was your son. But I was a stupid kid back then," I admitted truthfully, referring to my actions in my past life. "I've grown since then. Everyone matures at their own pace, but remember, I was only ten back then, blinded by bad role models."
My father didn't speak, but it seemed like he was satisfied by my answer. I glanced at the fish tank in my room, contemplating the scene. Even though the fish looked content in their environment, they were still trapped behind the glass walls of the tank. They were never truly free, just like me.
"That doesn't explain why you killed people," he said, causing me away from the fish tank in surprise. How did he know that?
"I'm afraid I don't know what you talking about," I replied, trying to maintain my composure. "Are you talking about the incident at Sapphine Heights? I apologize, but that was necessary."
"Lloyd, I'm not stupid. I know you've killed a lot of people before that," he said, his words piercing through me. "I even know that you have a dual ability which you keep hidden. You even have my ability, Destruction." When he turned to face me, his expression was unexpectedly sad. "I know you're Abaddon, and you even tried to kill Noah and his friends once." His anger was palpable as he uttered those words. "What went wrong, Lloyd?"
As I gazed into his eyes, filled with both sorrow and rage, a torrent of emotions surged within me. I knew exactly what went wrong. It felt like everything had been unraveling since the day I was born. The world turned its back on me simply because of my lineage, holding me accountable for crimes I never committed. They treated me like a monster, and I struggled to comprehend why.
The truth unfolded in a twisted narrative. Koko's decision to send me to Darkly was shrouded in mystery. It wasn't until later, during Christmas, that I learned the reasons behind her actions. But the atmosphere in Darkly was far from festive. The other children made it clear that I didn't belong, their animosity making my time there unpleasant, to say the least.
The revelation cut deep, slicing through the very fabric of my identity. Koko's confession shattered the illusion of maternal love I had clung to. My true mother, Misako, had instructed her to ensure my enrollment in Darkly when the time came. It was a heavy blow, delivered on the same day I received a letter from the school- a damning rejection, declaring me unfit to walk the path of a future evil mastermind.
The weight of rejection bore down on me, crushing my spirit. At just nine years old, I was engulfed in a maelstrom of pain and humiliation. The loneliness was suffocating, a constant companion in the darkness of my despair. That day etched itself into my memory as one of the worst I had ever endured.
The journey to find my true mother was fraught with hardship and uncertainty. For six long months, I traversed through desolate landscapes and unfamiliar territories, driven by an insatiable need to uncover the truth behind my existence. Each step was fueled by hope, a beacon guiding me toward the answer I desperately sought.
Finally, I stood before her, my heart pounding with anticipation. But the reunion I had envisioned was nothing more than a cruel mirage. She regarded me with indifference, her eyes devoid of warmth or recognition. At that moment, the chasm between us widened, swallowing my hopes and dreams whole.
Her rejection pierced me to the core, leaving me adrift in a sea of anguish and disbelief. How could she turn her back on me so callously, casting me aside like a discarded toy? The pain of her rejection echoed through my soul, a relentless reminder of my worthlessness in her eyes.
It wasn't until I encountered Noah, a mirror image of myself born from another father, that pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. The realization hit me like a sledgehammer, shattering the illusions I had clung to for so long. She had chosen him over me, preferring his existence to mine, and at that moment, I was consumed by a potent mix of rage and despair. How could she forsake me for someone as insignificant as Noah, someone I deemed unworthy of her love and affection?
The path I chose was paved with darkness and despair, a relentless pursuit of power and vengeance born from the depths of my pain and rejection. As I walked among the shadows, consumed by bitterness and resentment, I stumbled upon the Hypnobrai, hoping to wield their might for my ends. Little did I know, it would be a decision fraught with betrayal and agony.
Captured and betrayed by those I sought to control, I found myself alone and vulnerable, abandoned by those who claimed to be allies. With no one to rescue me, I was forced to claw my way to freedom, a harrowing escape that left scars both physical and emotional.
Refusing to succumb to defeat, I forged ahead, determined to carve out my legacy of terror and dominance. The Outcasts became my instrument of chaos, a means to an end in my quest for supremacy. Yet, even with the power at my fingertips, I remained haunted by the specter of my inadequacy.
In the end, my ambitions crumbled beneath the weight of my hubris. I met my demise at the hands of Noah and his friends, and my dreams of greatness were reduced to dust. In death, I became nothing more than a footnote in the annals of history, a cautionary tale of ambition run amok.
The wounds inflicted upon me were not just physical, but a deep-seated humiliation that gnawed at my soul. I was cast aside as a mere pretender, a shadow of the father I so desperately sought to emulate. If not for the final blow that ended my life, the shame of my failure would have been my ultimate undoing.
The weight of my own emotions bore down on me like a heavy burden, each breath a struggle against the rising tide of despair. I unclenched my fist, fingers trembling with a mix of frustration and resignation. The sight of blood, stark against the pallor of my skin, sent a shiver down my spine. I hastily wiped it away, hiding the evidence of my turmoil.
My father's presence loomed large before me, a silent witness to the chaos raging within. His gaze bore into mine, seeking answers that I was not yet ready to give. I could feel the weight of his expectation pressing down on me, a silent demand for answers.
"I don't know," the words escaped me in a whisper, barely audible above the sound of my heartbeat. Each syllable was laced with uncertainty, a reflection of the turmoil raging with it. I gestured towards the door, a silent plea for him to leave me to my solitude
As he turned to go, I couldn't help but feel a pain of guilt. Despite everything, he had tried to reach out to me, to offer solace amid my despair. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to accept his help, too lost in my turmoil to see the path to redemption.
Alone once more, I sank onto the edge of the bed, the weight of my failure pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket. In the silence that followed, I could hear the echoes of my regrets, a constant reminder of the mistakes that had brought me to this point.
With each pass of my hand through my hair, I couldn't shake the nagging thought that consumed my mind. What if things had been different family, with different circumstances guiding my path? The possibilities seemed endless, each one a tantalizing glimpse into a world that could have been.
Would my life have been easier if I had been raised by my father, surrounded by the trappings of power and prestige? Or perhaps my mother's love would have offered me the warmth and comfort that had always seemed just out of reach. Even Noah, with his seemingly idyllic life, held a certain allure, a sense of belonging that I had always yearned for.
I couldn't help but wonder how different things would be if I had been born into a different family. Would I have followed the same path, or would my life have taken a different turn entirely? The uncertainty gnawed me, a constant reminder of the roads not taken and the choices left unmade.
But as I stared into the void of possibility, I couldn't help but feel a sense of resignation wash over me. The past was set in stone, a series of events that had shaped the person I had become. No amount of speculation could change that, no matter how long for a different reality.
With a heavy sigh, I let my hand fall to my side, the weight of my thoughts pressing down on me like a suffocating blanket. In the end, the only thing I could do was accept the path I had chosen and forge ahead, no matter where it might lead.