Tobi lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts a tangled mess. Hiki's words echoed in his mind: "What you see, Tobi, is a gift. But it comes with its own burdens." The artificial sunlight filtering through the window painted patterns on the walls, resembling the shifting forms of the otherworldly.
Why me? Tobi thought, clenching his fists. Why can't I just be normal?
Friend floated in the corner of the room, his form translucent but ever-present. He watched Tobi silently, his glowing eyes betraying an expression that was neither pity nor indifference.
"You're overthinking," Friend said, breaking the silence.
Tobi rolled his eyes. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one stuck in this mess."
Friend chuckled. "Stuck? Kid, you've been chosen. That's not 'stuck.' That's destiny knocking on your door."
"Destiny?" Tobi scoffed. "What kind of destiny involves seeing things no one else can and getting dragged into some war I don't even understand?"
Friend floated closer, his tone softening. "It's not about understanding everything at once. It's about taking the steps, one at a time. Hiki will help you figure it out."
Tobi sat up abruptly. "Hiki. What's her deal anyway? One minute she's cryptic, the next she's—"
"Powerful," Friend interrupted. "And she's here for a reason to help you.. help us "
Tobi sighed, lying back down. "I'm tired of reasons. I just want answers."
The sounds filtered into Tobi's ears, gently pulling him from his uneasy slumber. He stirred awake and began searching for Hossam.
He felt both hungry and exhausted from the journey he had undertaken.
Tobi barely had time to sit before Hiki shoved a metallic cylinder into his hand. Its surface was cold, smooth, and heavy. A single engraved rune glowed faintly, pulsing like a heartbeat.
"What's this?" Tobi asked, examining the strange object.
"A testing rod," Hiki said, her tone flat. "Standard issue for Awakened training. Hold it tightly and focus on channeling your energy into it. We need to know what we're dealing with."
Tobi frowned, glancing at Hossam, who gave him a reassuring nod. Friend leapt onto the table, his glowing eyes fixed on the cylinder.
"You'll be fine," Friend said. "Probably."
"Helpful," Tobi muttered under his breath.
Taking a deep breath, Tobi closed his eyes and tried to replicate the feeling from the market and the fight with the hounds—the electric current surging through his veins. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a faint hum emanated from the cylinder, growing louder with each passing second.
Suddenly, a jolt of energy shot from the cylinder, crackling like lightning and lighting up the room. Tobi's eyes snapped open in panic as the energy spiraled out of control, scorching the edges of the table and sending sparks flying.
"Stop!" Hiki barked, snatching the cylinder from his hand.
The energy dissipated instantly, leaving Tobi breathless and trembling.
"Well," Hiki said, inspecting the now-smoking rod. "You're not just Awakened—you're unstable. Without proper training, you're a danger to yourself and everyone around you."
"Great," Tobi muttered, slumping back into his chair.
"Don't take it personally," Friend quipped. "Everyone's terrible at this in the beginning."
Hiki looked at Hossam. "He's got raw power, but no control. If we're keeping him here, he'll need intensive training. And that's not negotiable."
Hossam folded his arms. "Can't argue with that. What's the first step?"
Hiki gestured for Tobi to follow her out of the room. "The training grounds. If he's going to survive out there, he'll need to learn discipline—and fast."
The compound's training area was vast, a mix of open spaces and obstacle courses designed to push its occupants to their limits. Groups of people sparred with weapons, while others practiced manipulating strange, glowing constructs.
"This is where you'll spend most of your time," Hiki said, leading Tobi to a secluded corner of the grounds. She handed him a small disc-shaped device. "This is an energy stabilizer. It'll help you focus your power during training. Activate it."
Tobi stared at the device, unsure. "How?"
"Figure it out," Hiki replied curtly.
Grumbling, Tobi examined the disc. As his fingers brushed over a series of etched runes, the device whirred to life, projecting a shimmering barrier around him.
"Good. Now channel your energy into it—controlled bursts only," Hiki instructed.
Tobi tried again, this time keeping his emotions in check. A faint glow spread from his hands into the stabilizer, causing the barrier to flicker and stabilize.
"That's better," Hiki said. "Now maintain it while moving."
Tobi began walking, then jogging, all while keeping the energy steady. It wasn't long before sweat dripped down his forehead, his focus wavering.
The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted the session. Tobi turned to see a young man with fiery red hair and a cocky grin.
"Another stray, huh?" the stranger said, twirling a knife between his fingers. "Hiki, you really are a magnet for trouble."
"Moritaka," Hiki said without looking at him. "Not now."
Moritaka ignored her, stepping closer to Tobi. "So, you're the Awakened everyone's whispering about. Let's see if you're worth the hype."
Before Tobi could respond, Moritaka lunged, his knife flashing. Instinctively, Tobi raised his hands, and a burst of energy flared out, sending Moritaka stumbling back.
"That's enough!" Hiki snapped, stepping between them.
Moritaka laughed, sheathing his knife. "Not bad, kid. But out there, hesitation will get you killed. Remember that."
Tobi glared at him, his hands still trembling. "What's his problem?"
"Moritaka is a survivor," Hiki said. "He's been through hell and thinks everyone else should too. Don't let him get under your skin."
As the day wore on, Tobi continued his training, slowly gaining confidence in controlling his energy. By nightfall, he was exhausted, his body aching from the strain.
Back in his room, Friend curled up beside him, his glowing eyes softening.
"You did good today," Friend said. "For a first-timer."
"Doesn't feel like it," Tobi replied, staring at the ceiling.
"It's a start," Friend said. "But you'd better get stronger, fast. Hiki's right—there are worse things than the hounds out there. And they're coming."
Tobi shivered, the weight of those words settling over him. Sleep didn't come easily that night, but when it did, his dreams were filled with fire, shadow, and the sound of distant growls.