Now if I'm being honest I didn't care that I had hurt him. But I worried about my mental state. I wasn't angry or lashing out in a fit back there. It felt like I was high or maybe the correct word was ecstasy. It was a rush of happiness to the highest degree. All I wanted to do was fight, I tried to push the limit, and all I could hear were waves rushing in my head, it was very tranquil. I couldn't control it still. All this time and private training to maintain my ability still haven't been recognized. All I can see on my "Terminal" is my name, age, and bio stats like my height. But as for stats I can't see them and I still can't see my abilities. I'm not weak but then if I'm not weak then what am I? Because the power I had back there was immense.
I was born with a core already formed in my body. Or I assume so since you only get access to basic Aether Manipulation after one is formed and I never needed to train to create one I was always able to use it. So possibly because the Genisis Grid still hadn't registered me it's the possible reason for my lack of control. It's said that the Genesis Grid or G.G. helps monitor, control, and understand one's powers and abilities. It's supposed to help anyone who has formed a core which I thought I had already since again I can use and focus my aether!
But regardless I did cause a commotion on my last day while my uncle was inside…again. He'll be upset later. I followed the Headmaster into the building to his office. It was your standard office. He had very few pictures only two on his desk and wall, one of a little girl and the other of the same girl with a woman, I assumed it was his wife and daughter plus he wore a locket and a pendant in the shape of a harp I think. Then there was his computer and nameplate which read "Head Master Jean Paul Lyricus Solari."
"Hello, Headmaster how are you?" I asked slightly nervous.
"I'm doing well Lucian I would ask the same but I assume you have another matter you'd like to speak on?" He closed the door and walked behind the desk taking the seat. I got to get a better look at his expression which was confusion.
"Jean looked so young back then HAHAHA, this Jean Paul Lyricus Solari looked youthful and composed. His deep brown skin and well-groomed beard gave him a distinguished appearance. His hazel eyes were sharp, giving the impression of someone who could see right through you. He dressed in a neatly tailored suit, exuding calm professionalism with an air of quiet authority. Let's just say he is always like this, huff."
"Listen they started it now did I use it after saying I wouldn't yes. But honestly, I didn't think it would be that bad…it's getting worse. Even when I leave…it's getting bad Head Master," I looked down at my hands and clenched them.
"Then again it felt so great to let it out! When you wave a red cape in front of a bull or give a kid candy you don't expect them to not charge and go crazy right?" Looking straight at him he did nothing but sit there and said nothing.
"This…I understand what your saying but you knew this would happen didn't you? I had warned you this would happen and told you once you start getting that feeling surrender. But you didn't why?" He raised his voice not to the point of yelling but enough to shake me.
"I wanted to let off some steam. If I'm going to be honest and since we're already here I wanted to let off some steam. So why not choose the people who annoyingly tormented me because YOU told me to have restraint? Maybe this wouldn't have happened if I had used it more. You and I are both lost when it comes to my Gift's actual nature, but we do know for one I need to touch a being with Aether with my body, weapon, and or Arts to even start to absorb them. Which you forbid me from doing. All I train is Aether control and basic arts, and you assigned me to all the combat classes. None of which have me using any form of my abilities or arts besides Combat Duels. Oh wait I have to lose those too. Grade A bullshit." My rant went on for I'd say about a minute but I feel like I got my point across.
"Your ability is very powerful and to be frank I've never even heard of anyone with an ability like yours in any records in the Grid. So yes it's new and maybe your right but then again. You in each of your outbursts have displayed no signs of remorse or care for those you've harmed. It's like you have no empathy for those around you." He looked pissed now. I ran across a minefield tapping bombs while he was protecting the people right behind me.
"I do care but then again when I was getting bullied or messed with to the degree that I was they all just stood there and I had to take it. So no I don't care for what I did to them. But I do understand that I did just probably messed up a lot of them just now and or they got mentally scared so I guess I could have shown restraint. Or at least tried to but it felt too good once it started. A "Harvest Fest" it was exhilarating. You don't understand." I was looking and my hands again smiling.
"I remember he told me they found 'one' around the Delwit Park woods I was against it at first but after today and since I'm leaving tonight is my only chance anyways."
"Lucian I can't make sure you won't get targeted anymore nor can I stop you anymore from restraint since you move away but please do keep in mind the promise at least. I will still have to report this to the Academy since there was a fight on Academy grounds but you know the routine. I do wish you well out there," He stood up with a solemn look and shook my hand. I could tell that he was worried but I also forgot something important.
"So you got into another fight Lucian? You just couldn't help yourself." Uncle Jamie was standing in the doorway looking very unbelievably pissed.
"Yep, I'm going to the woods, sigh."
"It's not what you think uncle they came after me first I was defending myself. I don't think it's fair to say that," I said l voice stern, eyes solid.
"So you're saying you had to fight? There was no other option? Like I don't know get someone of authority? No, you didn't you got hot-headed and ran into another fight and beat up and or injured a lot of people again!" He shouted staring upright and crossing his arms I already knew what that meant.
"I'm going Head Master… thanks for everything and sorry for the headaches," I let out a fake smile trying to conjure as much radiant joy as I could to assure him… I don't think it worked though.
"Farewell Lucian… please be safe out there but most of all remember—" I cut him off.
"Always protect my freedom and my peace even if that means taking a couple of defeats," I responded walking away waving. I do hope I can remember that.
Now it's not to say my Uncle and Aunt were terrible on the contrary they gave me a lot of things like my Frog Leap console thing that was hooked to the computer, and the Wii, and my Cousin dominated Michael Jackson. But when things got bad they got bad. Any form of a hiccup from me and I'm toast.
Given my record of pretty much delinquency thanks to these wonderful "friends" of mine all these fights and things outshine my academics in their eyes. I've aced classes back-to-back high marks on all my report cards. But then things like this happen and all of that goes down the drain.
"Sorry Uncle… you're right there are other ways. Then again I was also raised to defend myself if need be and to me in that situation it was necessary," I looked him in the eyes even back down to the ground, walked around him then got myself into the front seat of the car.
He followed wrapping around the front of the car, then before he got in he and The H.M. exchanged looks like they both agreed with each other. I acted like I didn't see and slid one ear but in my right ear before he could see. Once he got into the car everything was silent. The ride was equally as quiet, no one spoke, and all we could hear was the sound of the car in motion and maybe running over a few bumps in the road.
He was the first to break it.
"So would you like to explain yourself? Or will I have to?" His eyes never left the road but I could feel pressure. Uncle was an Expert Ranked Tide Raider and his role was a Guardian. When you get to a certain rank and level you'll acquire what's called "Kings Roar" where a person can emit their aura to dominate weaker-willed or powered people. As of the moment I was currently being pressured by this force.
"They constantly messed with me and all you "Adults" keep telling me to do is– 'Oh ignore them. Bullies hate it when you ignore them and if you do it enough they'll stop.' Lies, they just continue or make it worse!" The words rushed out of my mouth with fury.
"So yeah I fought them… I fight them whenever they push my buttons because I refuse to let people just talk and treat me this way as I be the bigger person and take the high road. I don't feel bad for them. I don't care." My heart was racing. Uncle stopped emitting his aura, The car went silent again.
"I taught you to defend yourself yes but not at the expense or harm of someone else Luci… You– you're not the same as others so things will get difficult for you if you can't control that temper of yours." He looked genuine in his response. Very sincere.
"I don't buy it. He may seem like he gave a touching response but you have to remember we are still on school grounds. And he wasn't the issue…completely."
"We'll finish this at the house. I understand your points but you know that's not how we go about things. Plus I was told some things from your Headmaster that me and your Aunt also have to talk about so when you get to the house just go finish packing." With that, he put the car in drive and we made our way home.
HeadMaster Jean's POV:
HeadMaster Jean's POV:
"Sir, I know you asked me not to press the issue, but about the child Lucian. What happened today? Do you think it has something to do with what the disciples of Delphe's Eye spoke about?" A woman, dressed in a red blazer and burnt orange shirt, with suit pants and sun pendant earrings, stated seriously.
"Rose, listen to me and do it carefully. Send word to him that 'Raziel Delmar has started to open their eyes and they're on the way to Vesperia. Be on watch.' Oh, and Rose, how's the kid? Must be hard watching a kid as gifted as them and them not be yours." I looked at Rose and forced a smile, though my mind was clouded with concern.
"Fuck you, Jean. And you're one to talk. You let yours walk away with a wolf in sheep's clothing. We all can see that wasn't his uncle, which means his aunt was the one we were looking for, isn't that right?" She stood crossing her arms, her eyes blazing with a mix of frustration and accusation.
"You're going to let that kid fall into the wrong hands because the higher-ups said to leave it be? What's the kid's deal anyway? Why go through this?" Rose pressed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
I sighed, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on my shoulders. "Look, all we know is that somehow he's connected to the prophecy The Eye spoke about. As you know, The Crones Eye is like the secret messengers of the gods and beyond. They receive prophecies or messages from higher beings and relay them to us so we can prepare or stay informed. This prophecy was told to us 10 years ago and was retold this year on the first of January. They said, 'Beware the Salt Queen's faltering flame, For only the true king, reborn from despair, Can seal the breach or cast all into the endless night.' This was all they told us."
I paused, my thoughts racing. Did I make the right call? The question gnawed at me, the uncertainty a constant shadow in my mind. "But there's something they're not telling us either. Today, Lucian displayed a lot of power for someone his age. There was... for a moment, I believe that his fingers started to sharpen like talons, and his teeth and tongue stretched and coiled. Akin to a monster, a beast was coming out. But this beast loved to fight, Rose… Whether that's his uncle or not, that is the only thing right now that both he and that 'woman' aren't up to any good but they haven't made any moves yet either. If we were to raid them like you plan, I fear unknowns with present themselves in ways we can't counter. That kid…He was smiling happily earlier through all that…He's some kind of sadist, that kid isn't normal."
I glanced out the window, the weight of my choices hanging in the air. What have I set in motion? The thought haunted me. Lucian's potential, his dangerous allure to power-hungry forces, and the prophecy all converged into a storm of uncertainty. And yet, what if he truly is meant for something greater?
Rose looked at me, her expression softened slightly, perhaps sensing my internal struggle. "Jean, we need to do what's best for everyone. But I get it. It's not easy."
"Yeah," I muttered, the gravity of the situation pressing down on me like a physical weight. "Little did I know… I started it."
Lucian's POV:
As we pulled into the driveway, the sight of our familiar house brought a mix of relief and dread. The house, with its neat facade and welcoming exterior, was deceivingly ordinary. From the outside, it appeared to be a typical suburban home, a place of comfort and security. But I knew better—this was a stage for the twisted play that unfolded behind closed doors.
Inside, the atmosphere was always deceptively calm. The living room, tastefully decorated with warm tones and cozy furniture, felt more like a carefully curated set than a lived-in space. The photographs on the walls, depicting a happy family, were just props in the charade of normalcy.
My room, adorned with red and black decor and a racing theme, was supposed to be a reflection of my interests, a sanctuary of sorts. Yet, even here, the sense of safety was an illusion. The real me, the one who decorated this room with dreams and hobbies, was overshadowed by the ever-present tension in the house.
Uncle Jamie, standing tall and imposing, was a figure of authority. His military background was evident in his posture and the cold discipline he exuded. He was the enforcer, always expecting perfection and quick to reprimand any deviation from his expectations. Tonight, he was dressed in his usual casual attire, a polo shirt and jeans, looking every bit the stern disciplinarian.
Aunt Sarah, with her graceful demeanor and sharp intellect, played the role of the loving caretaker with chilling accuracy. She was impeccably dressed, as always, her outfit stylish yet modest. Her dark hair was neatly styled, and she wore her signature glasses that added to her air of sophistication. Her smile was warm, but her eyes never softened, revealing a hint of the calculating mind beneath.
As we sat down for dinner, the conversation started with mundane topics—school, sports, the weather. Aunt Sarah served the meal with practiced ease, her tone light and cheerful.
"So, how was school today, Lucian?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.
I shrugged, trying to keep my answer neutral. "It was okay, nothing special."
Uncle Jamie glanced at me, his expression inscrutable. "I heard there was a bit of excitement today," he said, his tone carefully measured. "Something about a... scuffle?"
I stiffened, my fork pausing mid-air. "Yeah, there was a little fight. But it wasn't a big deal."
Aunt Sarah's eyes narrowed slightly, her smile unwavering. "Fights are never just 'little,' Lucian," she said softly. "They have consequences, don't they?"
I nodded, feeling the familiar weight of their scrutiny. "I know. It was just... I don't know, it got out of hand."
Uncle Jamie leaned back in his chair, studying me. "You need to learn to control your temper," he said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You're not like other kids, Lucian. You have to be better."
I swallowed hard, the words hitting me like a blow. Not like other kids. It was a phrase they'd used often, a reminder of the invisible standards I was supposed to meet. I didn't know what made me different in their eyes, but it was clear that anything less than perfection was unacceptable.
Aunt Sarah reached out, placing a hand over mine. Her touch was gentle, but it felt cold. "We're just worried about you, sweetie," she said, her voice dripping with concern. "We want you to succeed, to be the best you can be."
I pulled my hand away, not wanting the false comfort. "I know," I mumbled, staring down at my plate.
The rest of dinner passed in tense silence. They didn't press further, but the weight of their expectations hung in the air. Once the meal was over, I excused myself and retreated to my room, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere.
As I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, I tried to push away the nagging thoughts. The words they said, the way they looked at me—it all felt off, like a play where everyone knew their lines except me. But I dismissed the unease, convincing myself that this was just how families worked. They were strict because they cared, and harsh because they wanted the best for me.
But deep down, a small voice whispered doubts. Was this normal? Was this how love was supposed to feel? I shook my head, trying to silence the voice. This was my reality, my family. I had to accept it.
As the night stretched on, I felt a strange sense of detachment, as if watching my life from the outside. The events of the day replayed in my mind—the fight, the conversation at dinner, the uneasy silence that followed. Something was wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it.
Unbeknownst to me, the people I called Uncle Jamie and Aunt Sarah were not who they seemed. They were actors in a cruel game, their roles dictated by forces beyond my understanding.
It was almost time to head out. I texted one of my friends who's also moving to Vesperia. "This is the only one I can say is my true friend."
"Yeah, he's still here now even though he's blind and short, can barely get girls…. Love ya, bro.,"
"I'll Text him so he knows I'm on the way. Let's hope this is a normal dungeon. The last one almost killed me. Sigh." I turned off my lights and rolled over in my blanket because they came to 10 minutes after I turned off the lights since they abide by science. Studies show on average it takes 10-20 minutes for the body to fall asleep.
"Too bad I'm good at faking it now." As the 10 minutes passed as I said they came into the room
As I lay in the dark, the only sound was the faint hum of the central air system and the occasional creak of the house settling. The faint glow of my phone screen briefly illuminated my face as I texted my friend, the only person I felt truly understood me. He was already in Vesperia, a place we both longed for, a city of new beginnings.
"Hey, heading out soon. Let's hope this dungeon isn't another death trap. And are they coming this time?"
The last one had been rough, a close call that left me shaken. But this was our thing—exploring these mysterious anomalies, challenging ourselves, and testing our abilities. Despite the dangers, it was the one thing that made me feel alive.
As I shut off my phone, I knew the routine well. Uncle Jamie and Aunt Sarah would check in on me about ten minutes after lights out, just to ensure I was asleep. I rolled over, pulled the blanket over me, and closed my eyes, slowing my breathing to mimic the rhythm of sleep.
Right on cue, I heard the soft click of my door opening. Their footsteps were almost silent, a testament to how often they did this. They whispered, thinking I was already lost in dreams.
"Do you think he knows?" Aunt Sarah's voice was low, but the edge in it was unmistakable.
Uncle Jamie sighed quietly, the sound barely audible. "I don't think so. But we can't be too careful. If he finds out... it could ruin everything."
There was a pause, filled with tension. "And what if he does find out?" she asked, her tone darker. "Do we... take care of it?"
My heart nearly stopped. Take care of it? My mind raced, trying to process the implications. Did they mean... kill me? The thought sent a jolt of fear through me, but I fought to keep my body still, maintaining the facade of sleep.
Uncle Jamie's voice was steady, cold. "We have our orders. If it comes to that... we do what we must. But for now, we keep watching. The others are keeping an eye on him too. He hasn't shown any signs... yet."
Aunt Sarah shifted, the sound of her footsteps moving closer to my bed. I fought to keep my breathing even, to remain as still as possible.
"He's a heavy sleeper," she whispered, a hint of frustration in her voice. "It's creepy how he can sleep through anything. But we should make sure."
I felt her hand touch my shoulder, gently shaking me. I made sure not to react, keeping my muscles relaxed. It was something I had practiced over the years, an unfortunate necessity in this household. I continued to breathe deeply, pretending to be in the deepest of slumbers.
"See?" she said, a hint of relief in her voice. "Still out."
Uncle Jamie let out a quiet breath. "Good. Let's not discuss this further here. We have to be cautious."
They left my room, closing the door softly behind them. I waited, straining to hear their footsteps receding down the hallway. My heart was pounding in my chest, the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I counted the seconds, trying to calm the rising panic.
Once I was sure they were gone, I slowly opened my eyes. The room was dark, but I knew it well enough to navigate by touch. I quietly slipped out of bed, my mind racing. They had spoken about killing me if I found out the truth. But what truth? The real identity of my "guardians"? The strange, almost robotic nature of their behavior made a sick kind of sense now.
I grabbed my backpack from the corner of the room, moving swiftly but silently. I stuffed it with a few changes of clothes, my sketchbook, and the art textbooks I'd been studying. My mind flashed through my options. Running away was risky, but staying here after what I'd overheard felt like a death sentence.
I reached for the window, lifting it as quietly as possible. The cool night air rushed in, a stark contrast to the warm, oppressive atmosphere inside. I paused for a moment, listening for any sounds from downstairs. Satisfied that they were unaware, I slipped through the window, landing softly on the ground below.
The night was still, the only sounds were the distant rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. I crept through the backyard, sticking to the shadows, and made my way toward the woods. The dense foliage would provide cover, a place to hide and think.
I moved quickly, my heart still racing, the fear of being caught driving me forward. As I entered the forest, the darkness enveloped me, but I felt oddly comforted by it. The trees were tall and thick, their branches creating a canopy that blocked out the moonlight. It was quiet here, the kind of quiet that was both eerie and peaceful.
I kept walking, deeper into the woods, towards the location my friend and I had agreed upon. It was one of our secret meeting spots, a small clearing near an old, abandoned structure that we suspected might house a dungeon portal.
The air was cool and damp, and as I walked, I tried to process everything that had happened. The truth about Uncle Jamie and Aunt Sarah—or whoever they were—was too much to fully grasp. But I knew one thing for sure: I couldn't go back. Not until I figured out what was going on and why they were so desperate to keep me in the dark.
As I approached the clearing, I saw the faint glow of a lantern. My friend was waiting, his familiar silhouette a comforting sight amid all the confusion. For the first time that night, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe together, we could uncover the truth. Maybe we could survive whatever was coming.
And so, with a final glance back into the darkness of the woods, I stepped into the clearing, ready to face whatever lay ahead.