A frail, pale-looking child clad in a plain tee and shorts with a light brown backpack, stood at the doorway of a classroom. His head hung low as if bothered by invisible weight.

His deep burgundy hair, falling to the length of his neck, was straight with subtle curves at the ends, featuring a few layers to enhance its texture. Parted in the middle, it framed his face to conceal his features just enough.

The warm light from the hallway, streaming through open windows, melted into his hair, casting a soft glow that made it seem almost otherworldly.

Seiya gripped the straps of his backpack tightly, his nervousness palpable. He hesitated before sliding the door open and stepping inside cautiously as if bracing for something inevitable.

As expected, two kids appeared on either side of him, emptying their water bottles on him with practiced precision.

Seiya reflexively shut his eyes behind his square-framed glasses. A gale of laughter echoed through the classroom as the children mocked him. After a few moments, he opened his eyes, revealing soft, doe-like amber eyes that shimmered beneath the light, radiating warmth and innocence with water clinging to his long lashes.

Without a word, Seiya removed his glasses and wiped his face with the back of his hand. He shook his hair, sending droplets flying, but paid no heed to the laughter, seemingly accustomed to such treatment. Gripping the hem of his shirt, he cleaned his glasses before slipping them back on.

His oval-shaped face, marred by plasters at the corner of his left eye and under his chin, exuded a quiet sorrow. He pressed the plaster back in place and quietly walked to his seat. The taunts and thrown objects were met with indifference.

It was Friday, a day meant for outdoor activities and fun—though Seiya would hardly describe it that way.

At 2:30 P.M., the final bell rang. While his classmates hurried out to meet their parents, Seiya lingered, reluctant to leave.

"Seiya" a soft voice called out. A female teacher approached him with a gentle smile. "Is your mom coming to get you?"

Seiya hesitated, then nodded slightly. "Mn," he murmured.

In truth, he knew his mother wouldn't come. She had a prior engagement, but he preferred to wait rather than face more bullying.

The teacher busied herself around the classroom before pausing. "Seiya, earlier today, was it an accident?" she asked gently.

Seiya recalled her earlier inquiry about his wet clothes. He had lied, saying he spilled water on himself.

Without answering, he suddenly sprang from his seat. "I forgot! Mama can't make it today. Bye-bye!" he said hastily, dashing from the room.

As he ran, the teacher called after him, reminding him to be careful.

Walking home alone wasn't new to Seiya. Their house, though secluded, was quite a few blocks away. He stayed close to the wall as he walked, passing a grimy alleyway.

Despite the bright afternoon sun, the alley was shadowed, filled with the stench of overflowing trash bins. Flies buzzed, and insects scuttled across the damp ground.

A roach began to crawl toward the busy road, just as a bike sped down the street, Seiya darted forward, scooping up the insect and stepping back.

His movement startled the biker who swerved sharply, barely avoiding a collision with a lamppost.

Furious, he approached Seiya. "What's wrong with you, kid? Did I almost run over your pet or something?" He growled, his voice rough with irritation.

The man's gaze fell on the roach in Seiya's hand, his face contorting with disgust. "You risked your life for a pest? Kids these days. Unbelievable!" he spat before storming off.

Seiya sighed in relief, squatting down. "That was scary" he whispered. Looking at the roach, he added, "But I knew I could save you."

Gently, he placed the roach back in the alley. "You're just trying to survive too," he said softly. "I'm glad I could save you."

_ _

When Seiya arrived home, he hesitated at the door, like he had earlier at school. 

"I'm back" he announced softly in his tiny voice, the silence confirming his mother's absence. A weight settled on him, making it hard to breathe.

With heavy steps, he made his way to his father's office.

His father, a man with hair and eyes the same color as Seiya's, sat rigidly behind his desk, immersed in work.

Without looking up, his father asked, "What did you learn today?"

"It's Friday, so... we… had activities," Seiya stammered.

Seiya spoke, his voice strained as though the simple act of speaking was a battle.

"You can't even say what you learned at school. Useless!" his father snapped.

Holding up a crayon, he demanded, "Whose is this?"

Seiya's anxiety spiked. "It's mine" he admitted, his head hanging low.

His father clicked his tongue in disdain, dropping the crayon. Seiya moved to pick it up, but pain shot through his hand as his father's shoe came crashing down.

Seiya bit back a scream. After a moment, his father lifted his foot. "Out of my sight!"

Seiya grabbed the broken crayon and rushed to his room, collapsing onto his bed. Staring at the bruise forming on his hand, he whispered, "It hurts."

As he drowned in quiet sadness, he caught sight of a calendar on the wall, a date marked in red: Monday—his birthday. A smile broke through his sadness. "My birthday!" he cheered.

His siblings had promised to visit. Though rarely seen since becoming Humanity Saviors, Seiya idolized them. 

His sister, Hye Rin, now 13, was a prodigy, having awakened her powers very early. 

His brother, Ozai, now ten, had awakened at the normal age.

Seiya could barely recall the short time they had spent together after they left to pursue their paths as Humanity Saviour and could only pay him a few visits.

***

On Monday morning, Seiya awoke excitedly, skipping school for his birthday.

His heart raced with excitement as he leaped out of bed, his previous troubles momentarily forgotten.

"Mama!" He called out, his tiny feet pattering across the floor as he bolted into the kitchen.

"Cake! Where's the cake?" he asked, bouncing with energy.

His mother pointed to the table. "Over there."

Seiya's eyes lit up. "Wow! It's perfect! Thank you, Mama!" He rushed to the door, eager to greet the day.

"Sei~" His mom called after him, her voice soft and tender.

"Your siblings will be late, Let's celebrate first?"

Seiya paused, glancing back at her.

Though she smiled, a trace of uncertainty lingered in her voice.

Despite their promises, she worried that Hye Rin and Ozai, busy as they are with their duties, might not make it.

But Seiya, ever hopeful, giggled. "It's okay, Mama. I can wait."

Hours passed until the early evening when the front door finally opened. 

"Seiya!" Hye Rin swept him into her arms, squeezing him tight.

"Née-chan!" Seiya called, beaming.

"Call me 'Noona,' not 'Nee-chan!'" she corrected, nuzzling her face against his.

Her dark hair, almost at the length of her waist with well-trimmed bangs, swayed left and right as she nuzzled her face against his.

Being half Korean, and half Japanese since their Japanese father is married to their Korean mother, Hye Rin leans more to the Korean culture despite living in Japan.

"Oh my pumpkin, forgive these worthless beings acquainted as your siblings," she said, showering him with kisses.

Ozai grinned, greeting their mother before turning to Seiya. "Me too! Hug me too!"

"No, he's mine!" Hye Rin declared, holding Seiya tighter.

"Oh my, Hye Rin, let's be mindful of time" Their mother reminded with a gentle laugh.

The family, except their father who was out for work, gathered for cake, Seiya was overwhelmed with happiness, especially when Hye Rin and Ozai presented their gifts: figurines of Humanity Saviors, including one of hers.

Being the first to awaken at a younger age contrary to the accustomed age, Hye Rin had already made a name for herself, becoming a renowned Humanity Saviour—a prodigy. 

Seiya admired her more than words could express.

Later after the festivities settled, Seiya tugged at Ozai's sleeves. "Tell me now!" He insisted, his curiosity piqued.

Ozai smiled. "Alright, alright! I promised, didn't I?"

He began to explain the intricacies of their world—the classes of demons, the roles of Awakeners, and the delicate balance between heroes and villains.

Seiya listened intently, absorbing every word with wide-eyed wonder.

"I'll tell you more next time" Ozai assured him after a while, ruffling his younger brother's hair.

Seiya pouted but accepted the promise. "Okay!" He said, content for now.

Just then, Hye Rin called out, "It's time to go to the park!"

"Let me carry him!" Hye Rin scooped up Seiya 

"But I want to carry him as well" Ozai protested.

"I carry him better!" With that, Hye Rin walked away with Seiya and Ozai followed behind.

"Come along with water" Hye Rin announced before they got far and Ozai had to go back for it before joining them.

With excitement bubbling anew, they headed out together, ready for more fun.

***

The sun was setting as they reached the park, its golden light casting long shadows over the playground.

Since it was late on a Monday evening, the park was empty, leaving the space entirely for the siblings to play.

"More space for us!" Ozai declared, setting down the pack of bottled water on a nearby bench.

"Right!" Hye Rin echoed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

She and Seiya began playing immediately, laughing as they chased each other around the playground.

Ozai joined them soon after, and for a while, the siblings enjoyed a rare moment of carefree joy.

At Seiya's request, Hye Rin used her awakened power: water manipulation, to lift him gently into the air.

"I'm flying!" Seiya giggled, his small arms spread wide as he hovered above the ground.

"You are!" Hye Rin laughed, her heart swelling with affection as she controlled the ring of water that held her little brother aloft.

Hye Rin's awakened power: Water Manipulation. Though not very unique and rare, she takes pride in it.

As the evening wore on, Seiya asked for a snack and Hye Rin sent Ozai to the nearby convenience store.

Though he protested, demanding Hye Rin be the one to get the snack so he could spend time with Seiya, he relented and set off to buy the snack after Hye Rin gave him a deadly glare—leaving Hye Rin and Seiya alone.

With the way they both fawned over Seiya, it was pretty obvious they were quite obsessed with their little brother.

They continued playing, Hye Rin making funny faces and gestures to amuse her brother but in an instant, everything changed.

Appearing out of Hye Rin's line of sight without warning, something sharp sliced through the air— a weapon moving too fast to see, aimed directly at Seiya.

Hye Rin didn't have time to react.

The war-quoit, otherwise known as a chakram, plunged deep into the crook of Seiya's neck, cleaving down in a slit to his torso, in a straight diagonal line and splitting him in half.

Blood sprayed across Hye Rin's face, her eyes widening in shock and horror.

Time seemed to stop as she froze, unable to comprehend the sight before her. Seiya's body or what remained of it, stood motionless for a moment before collapsing.

Hye Rin's breath caught in her throat, her mind refusing to process the sight of her brother's lifeless form lying at her feet.

The world around her faded, leaving only the sound of her heartbeat pounding in her ears as she stared.