"Leodonis, welcome." The tatted up bald man greets as I step through the doors. I smile when I see it's the bad guy with the tattoos on his head and the eyeliner.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPoEsW1nIz
I look around and see it's like any other classroom, but unlike public school I'm used to, this one was well kept and posters on the wall of planets and different constellations. Floating around the class are small objects that mimic the solar system, all orbiting a sun that emits a soft yellow glow.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifaqinH0Ay
I look up in absolute daze before looking back to Professor Eternus.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QsWZCrGTI
He tilts his head a little and the seat opposite his desk moves for me to sit. I don't think I'll ever get used to all this magic stuff.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowaRRzvqyU
Nonetheless, I walk over and sit opposite him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzN6xjSLSG
"I feel the sense that you have a lot of questions." He says, his voice humorous which kinda surprises me because by his appearance he seemed very intimidating.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPttS0zEMi
"Uh yeah, I have a few." I say tentatively and he nods.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM5DjQ8EIj
"Ask away."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVWPOiOldU
Now that I'm put on the spot, I have no idea what I should start with.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlsE4QKGEG
Oh!
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl4ltNHG1O
"Could you explain to me where we are?" I decide to ask.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSBZW7EpO4
He hums. "There are two distinct realms. There's the mortal realm, where you are from, and the spirit realm. In the spirit realm we have things like the celestial realm and the infernal realm, heaven or hell. That leads to where we are. The First Veil, a little pocket between time and space. A Great Powerful spirit created this as a safe haven for creatures and bodies of flesh bound to the spiritual realm. When we hear stories of mythical creatures and other mythologies, this is where they occurred." He says, his mouth moved slowly and his hands moved in gentle gestures. It was almost serene hearing him speak.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKehJbSd8i
"Okay...so we are in another dimension." I says more to myself.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguX0xp2Tqs
Professor Eternus laughs slightly. "That conclusion may work as well."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgVwE4zn52
I nod, still trying to wrap my head around everything. "Now could you explain the whole Essence thing please?"
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWPXNVilvO
The professor nods. "It is a bit complicated so you have to pay very close attention." He says to me and I nod getting myself ready to pay closer attention.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqflj7sGQk
"So what we've learned is that magic originates from a universal life force known as Essence, which binds all living and non-living things. Essence exists in a spectrum of textures and variations, with each variation tied to a distinct magical effect. These different forms of Essence are called Strains, each representing specific magical abilities and qualities. Are you with me so far?"
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6FBGCYDzj
I nod, still listening intently.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVFMPlALy3
"Okay so firstly there is Luminis , a Silver color– it represents knowledge and illumination. Used for insight, telepathy, light manipulation, and vision beyond physical sight." He says and I nod at that.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ2yuBBi4K
Okay so Silver, basically you know stuff and see stuff, rightio, next.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqViqw7WXjN
"Then there's Umbrus, Void Essence– Represents shadow and concealment, used for stealth, illusions, and obscuring memories." He says I nod at that.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MWWxvWhTB
"Next is Ferax, Life Essence: Represents life and growth, used to manipulate organic matter and enhance physical abilities. Then Aetheris, Astral Essence. It represents energy and movement, used for teleportation, telekinesis, and cool things like energy blasts." He says with a small amused smile which I find myself reciprocating.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oyYPXHMUZ
He continues. "Then there's one we don't use at here at C.A.A because of its danger. Mortis, Nether Essence. A rare and dangerous form, represents decay and endings, used in necromancy, entropy, and curses. Accessible only to the most disciplined and is heavily restricted like I've informed you." He says to me, his voice more quiet and cautious.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyHvh1Fnbo
"Why is it so dangerous?" I ask him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAjEh9tGot
"Mortis is dangerous because necromancy comes with many consequences. Firstly a sacrifice is needed. And secondly, most times when corpses are reanimated, they're corrupted and violent. They cause everything around them to decay as well, that's why necromancy was banned a long time ago." He says to me, his tone grave and low.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Pr86aEl9G
I nod, to be honest all of this is so much more interesting than I thought it would be.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyv3CGWoWs
"Now that you know what Essence is and what Strains there are, we move into the conduct of Essence manipulation. Firstly Essencers don't simply "cast" spells, we must attune to the Essence around us, forming a brief connection that harmonizes our souls with the selected Strain. Each spell takes a toll on the user, especially if it isn't aligned with their Affinity Strain." He says and I make a mental note of that.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlFQIMS6Px
"Each Essencer has a Resonance Limit, a threshold for how much Essence they can safely channel at once. Overstepping the limit results in Resonance Burn, a state where the user's life force is depleted and their body and mind begin to break down." He says and my eyes widen at that.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4F2Lzi38c
"We die?" I ask him in shock.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfT7EGUSWHJ
He laughs. "Now now, don't fret. In most cases it's not fatal. But it can happen, so keep that in mind."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFCUH1ug3q
"Then there's Conduits. Essencers channel Essence through Conduits, a unique, personalized items that act as anchors for power. Conduits might be family heirlooms or personally crafted objects and are carefully guarded by their owners. A Conduit breaking means losing the ability to control Essence safely, sometimes permanently. Many at C.A.A don't require or use conduits until their last year at this institution." He says and I nod again.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwdHF7VIC6
"Wait, I have a question." I'm sure he could see the gears spinning in my head and how painfully stupid I looked right now.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSN97nIAxcm
He nods. "Go ahead."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP55a96yNLK
"From what you've explained; I've already used multiple Strains. When our family pet got ran over, I was really upset and from what I remember, I just saw a really bright light and then Tom was okay, I know now that that's bad because I used Mortis. He was a bit off, he didn't eat and he was a bit more violent, so Craig had to put him down. Other than that, there was a time I didn't know what to write on a test then all of a sudden I just started writing and I got a hundred percent for that test, which now I know means I used...Luminis. How is it possible for me to use more than one?" I say and he nods almost excitedly with a smile on his face.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWXP5wKIyeG
"That's why we've spent a millennia looking for you Leodonis. You can use any Strain without a binding ritual. You are the incarnation of Essence." He says to me.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllowuFSqWf
You know that look puppies make when they hear a strange sound?
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgeesVfe7I
That's probably how I looked right now.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn8LBvwhsS
Welp, for everyone expecting some grand reveal like my parents are some king and queen of some secret world, sorry to disappoint you.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlx08BzuyF
"Wait...sorry, what do you mean? Isn't Essence like a life force?" I ask him in confusion.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMm205QK4O
"It is. And what better way to be a life force than be living, breathing person." He says simply.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTjRkzmFKx
"So...I'm...Essence?" I ask.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyn9BnSwA9
He laughs. "That is an accurate conclusion, but let me try explaining it more. I know this is confusing. You see how plants can reproduce asexually. They pollinate themselves and produce offspring identical to themselves. That's the case. In the First Veil, stories of 'the Golden Child' have become popular for hundreds of years. The 'Golden Child' or 'Jïlar Grufaas' has been prophesied to be star born or 'One with Essence'." He explains and I nod, my head again is flooded with information.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1Q5nEvXDh
"So what I'm hearing is I'm a part of this huge, massive, giant, thing in the universe?" I ask him, still pretty confused.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnq5XIX9tQ
He laughs and nods. "That's a good way to put it."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqHeuNHGFB
"Okay, and you spoke about Conduits? I don't think I have one."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2LySuZhdWp
"You in fact do, it was forged out of the bones of Kronos." He says to me and my eyes widen.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO8AMDrsot
"The guy that eats babies?" I ask him in slight horror.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90cKu18XDj
He laughs. "Take a deep breath Leodonis, he's not in this realm." He says. "But yes, your Conduit, well at least from what is said in the legends, your Conduit is formed by the bones of Kronos, blessed by Ra, the Egyptian God of the sun and kissed by Apollo." He says.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DUqqKICGX
I nod. "Okay...but I've never seen it before." I tell him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUmDbTfANZ
"It will make itself known to you in good time, for now you just have to keep learning and keep working."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ99AIDe4l
"Okay...and also I've been having really bad dreams about things happening where I think might be here. Is there some sort of conflict here?" I ask Professor Eternus.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaf4URI2GsC
His features turn solemn. "The First Veil is plagued by a great terror. A man who was once apart of the Devine Council, known as Nepheros connived with other members to over throw the council, many many years ago." He says, his voice quiet.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeAIS9WsPD
"Why did he try over throw the council?" I ask.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJC7p10hho
"Nepheros was a troubled young man. He often got in trouble at school for his art of necromancy." He says. "As he grew older, he broke another rule which is to not get involved with a mortal. But he did and impregnated her. Birthing this sick and dark evil child, that the council had to deal with. The woman died during child birth and Nepheros accused the council of killing her. He tried to reanimate her many times, but he failed. So he started to connive to kill the council members, when they found him, they banished him. The night of his departure he tried to join his lover in the spirit realm, but the council cursed him with immortality." He explains.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXzdj6S49u
My heart immediately twists in sadness, but not for the council. But for Nepheros in a way, it seemed he lost a lot. But I keep those thoughts to myself.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpzzwbD9vQ
"With that, Nepheros left and started to craft his own dark monsters with the remains of dead creatures he found. He reanimated them, they started to reproduce and kill, these creatures terrorize surrounding areas. Over his many years he's managed to recruit armies worth of warriors and destroy towns and cities with his monstrosities. C.A.A is becoming the only safe haven in the First Veil." He explains, his voice not cracking, steady but it was forced steadiness. Something I know well.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmvwi8uI3F
"So he doesn't have a goal, he just wants revenge?" I ask him softly and he nods.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWqlqfThhO
"Yes. Quite a tragic story this is." He says with a sigh. "But now that you're alive, now that you're you. We have some hope, for the first in a very long time." He says to him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMkl7h227Q
I feel myself slightly panic at that, but instead of spiraling I fidget and pick at my fingers on my lap.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNbp7vC3nq
"I really don't think I am who you guys think I am." I say softly, feeling very ashamed that these people have been waiting for someone who clearly isn't me.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaaZympz13
"Leodonis, from the moment you stepped into our school I knew you could be who you need to be. We have that faith in you, you should have some of that faith in yourself too."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2LnGB5dMe
I look up and give him a soft smile.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGwfkhVn8C
"Now, onto next task at hand." He says. "Essence rules and code of conduct." He explains.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNiFzdIKl7
I'll explain how he said, then put my own understanding. From what Professor Eternus said there's a group of people called the Harmonists, who make sure Essence is being used ethically and monitor access to the Mortis Strain. But no one knows who they are, they just kinda hover around secretly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHmKjp0KUa
He then says there's these tests students go that identify their Affinity Strain, basically what Strain aligns with their gifts. And only people who have licensed Strains can practice openly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7w7Zz8dz5m
Then there's the Oath Of Resonance. Basically an oath saying you won't over do yourself and not take Essence from a life force because that would hurt them or be fatal.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaJ3mQh6Jg
"Now you need to pay close attention for this one." Professor Eternus starts. "These are forbidden and restricted magics. Firstly, Vincere , Domination Essence: Allows for manipulation of others' minds and actions by binding their Essence to the caster's will. It's forbidden due to its power to corrupt and its use in dominating others. Only the highest members of the Guild have been known to use Vincere in emergencies."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaOli5bCQL2
That kinda scared me, mind control was stuff from movies, hearing this in real life is terrifying.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezhGv1SfXF
"Then there's Sanguis, Blood Essence. It taps directly into the Essence within blood, drawing power from the caster's life force or that of others. While powerful, it is outlawed due to the lethal risks it poses and the devastating Resonance Burn it leaves behind."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B9WdELGRy
I nod, soaking up all this new knowledge. God, Tony would think I'm in a looney bin.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4CmRSxKmp
"Fatum, Fate Essence. A legendary and mythic form, Fatum Essence allows users to influence probabilities, luck, and even destiny. It is feared because it often backfires, causing great misfortune. Many believe using Fatum Essence incurs the wrath of ancient entities known as The Weavers of Fate. You'll learn more about them in Ancient History class." He says. It's amazing how he doesn't even have a book where he's looking at all of this. Or maybe he's using Luminus.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzy727vZWCB
See? I'm getting a hang of it already.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqfLSOnoKJ
Yay me!
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AXrCmg0LN
"Then there's Umbra-Vincere Fusion, Essence of Chains. A dark hybrid between Umbrus and Vincere, Void and Domination, this allows for physical or mental binding of souls and memories. It has been banned after causing permanent memory and personality fragmentation in test subjects."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjd6Aaf4ypi
"You guys tested that on people?" I whisper in shock.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQFcYH2RqY
He heaves a heavy breath. "Not a proud moment of ours. But we did."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6GjwpLRJG
"Were they able to live normal lives?" I ask him softly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9cNAYWmUU
He nods. "Most. Others simply killed themselves because of the madness." He says casually.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdGLog2Evd
My mouth flies open in horror.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMX1VWqYaHl
He just continues like he didn't just casually say he and other members didn't drive people into madness and eventually off themselves.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT55pYYgte5
"Then there's Mortis Rebirth, Soul Inversion. Involving Mortis and Ferax, Soul Inversion manipulates Essence to raise or reanimate the dead by reversing life energy. Banned not only for its unnatural nature but because reanimated beings are corrupted, often hostile, and draw Essence from their summoner,like your reanimated cat, leading to inevitable Resonance Burn. This is what I explained to you earlier about Nepheros." He says and I nod but my face twists slightly in confusion.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW9CbJ3E1Y
"But isn't Ferax, life and Mortis, death? How can those- oh never mind I got it now. Mortis Rebirth uses reanimating and Ferax breaths life into the reanimated corpses right?" I ask and Professor Eternus looks at me with a proud smile.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1bpZIZma8
"You see, you're getting a hang of it already." He says.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaQSuQjtFx
Then a loud clock chimes a few times and I look around in confusion because where the heck do all these sounds come from.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFX7xWcmB6
"It's nearly dinner time." He says and my eyebrows furrow. I fish my phone out of my pocket and look at the time to see it was four.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHGQgffJZk
"Could you tell me some more please?"I ask him and he smiles.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdlH0InDFC
"So eager to learn. Admirable quality. But we may continue until dinner time." He affirms and I smile.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWduaAhgT2
"Oh what is Essence Dampening?" I ask.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dfQMgRyzH
"Repeat offenders may be subjected to an Essence Damping curse, limiting the Strains they can access and permanently weakening their Resonance Limit." He explains.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKusPua2zH
"That's a little harsh," I say softly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO1d2NaSZH
He nods. "It is. But we need to send a message so people do not hurt other students, or themselves."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQNpSmOkrr
"Reasonable I guess. Okay and also the giant circle with symbols on my back? I've had to swim with a shirt on my whole life. Whats up with that?"
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZBAtTp27z
"That is the Ordeiga Seal. It placed on you by the Harmonists to keep your powers in check. It was a very complicated and long process," He explains and I nod in understanding.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzigOQh0dZ
"So what would happen if I like took it off?" I ask.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlufcdc8F1r
"You'd probably implode." He says casually and my mouth hangs open.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnhHdyALeeV
"Why would I implode?" I ask back with widened eyes.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXzc1cDkYh
"Because you don't know how to control your gifts. I understand you can shapeshift successfully, and you're an empath. But those just scratch the surface of the things you can do with your gifts."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZFoTLuP86
"So...how do I learn to do more?" I ask him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rTwD7hyvr
"The educators here were trained on the soul basis of the possibility of you arriving at our school. So you will work closely with your teachers to get a better handle of your gifts." He says to me. "Since the Seal doesn't stop you from channeling and manipulating Essence, you'll be able to do a lot, even with that Seal."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNENAPZqQA7
I nod at that and let out a sigh. Which I'm not sure is of relief because I finally have some of the answers that I've been asking for a really long time, or it's of shame and frustration because now I'm expected to be some big hero when I don't really play the part.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeSpJvai0q
"Okay, but could you just explain the symbols? I have tried to google and find what they mean but I have had absolutely zero luck." I huff.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUIHbN8pwZ
Professor Eternus seemed more than amused, his dark eyes gleam. It was startling but in a cool way.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxu3ZIXu0be
"Of course. The symbols in the outer ring are primarily for containment. Keeping your powers under control. Then the second ring if for stabilization, so if your powers do overwhelm you, your seal stabilizes them. Then the inner circle divided with pizza like slices are The Sigils Of Ordeiga. Or the Sigils Of Gods. There are eight sigils in that circle, each rule an aspect of god-like abilities." He explains, and I try not to giggle at how he says pizza. He says 'pitza'. Hehe. Sorry.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLncVGl5gF
Wow, I'm gonna disappoint all these people huh?
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BaHZCabHV
"Leodonis, stop worrying. You'll do great." He says to me and my eyes snap back to him in surprise.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxjjiinZD6
He smiles. "Can you guess how I know what you're thinking?"
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlSy2VKl6c
"Uh...luminus?" I ask sheepishly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDvJJC9lRg
He lets out a laugh, which kinda makes me smile because the laugh is like a chorty cackle. If you had you to imagine what a hen laughs like, it would be what Professor Eternus laughs like, that's the best way I can describe it.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZkR0gk7hU
"Didn't need to. Your face said all I needed to know." He says and I give him a smile.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTfGXjlOZq
"Sorry, it's just a lot. It's kind of overwhelming." I say, albeit softly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3a7MK7AzB
He nods in understanding, sympathy on his face.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5IcJf37ME
"I can imagine. But you have every teacher here to help you." He says with a kind smile and I nod, feeling reassured.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdrCTYXrmP
"Is there anything else I need to know?" I ask him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV11cgbdHE7
He nods, his face seeming more serious. "There's one last thing, and you may not like it." He says.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8OIDj86d3
I already start to brace myself a little.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhqG7wYKwF
"Every grade goes through Trials before moving onto the next grade. Usually, the freshman have two, one at the the beginning of the year and one at the end. After freshman year, students have one test at the end of the year. But with you it's a little bit different. Since you are a Caeles, we have to deal with you differently. So this year you'll have a total of eight trials. Known as the Ascension Trials. One every month and a half." He says to me.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EzlEMNSEY
I wait a second to think.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO56febVodT
"What does Caeles mean?" I ask him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHb1WBWsfCv
"It's a rough translation to a God." He says to me and my brain freezes for a moment.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUghT4k0Bb6
Wow.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCiLPWcvQo
That's kinda cool.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCXPa3tf3o
I nod my head, processing. "Okay...and what are the Trials?" I ask him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJVaVZqUM3
Professor Eternus paused for a second before continuing.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8e2rIeQkHN
"I'll only tell you about the first two, so you can prepare yourself. First is the Trial of Shadows. This trial requires you to enter a pitch-black labyrinth beneath the school, called The Twilight Zone. Here, you must confront manifestations of your greatest fears, each more intense than the last." He says, his voice low and almost cautious.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4Mdu7yjXJ
I feel a lump form in my throat and I swallow it down.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUE6WdurKwn
"But do not fear, you just need to prepare yourself efficiently and effectively. And I'll be sure you are ready." He says and I nod, feeling slightly reassured.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhMzQByw0c
Sorry, I've been nodding a lot, my head just does that.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo1Hf1nUc2
"Then there's the Trial of Blood." He starts and I already feel dread settling in my stomach. "Also known as the Crismon Rite. Here you are lead into a ritual chamber with someone you must sacrifice into the Gods Mouth." He says and my heart drops to my stomach.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI3afQsptf
"I- I have to sacrifice someone?" I whisper in dread, my breathing becoming labored slightly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxY5FUdTbu
"Leon, take a deep breath. The person you are sacrificing volunteered to be the sacrifice. They know it is a great honor. And they do not know you as the Jïlar Grufaas, they only know that they will be sacrificed by someone important. But they won't know its you. Everyone will only know your identity after some time."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrhXufOoe9
"So...someone has to die for me to do this trial?" I ask him in at most horror. "I don't think I can do that." I say softly, my eyebrows furrowed.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzAfUTJvTA
"Leon, it's for a greater purpose. We aren't the ones that determine or create these Rites of passage. Powers beyond the council curated these for the greater glory of your Ascension." He says, his voice soft and empathetic.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wFClJadgf
Oh Lord.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwgdLi1qQx
"Leon we need you. Many many innocent people die everyday at the hands of this war. Children, mothers, fathers, all of them. Many hostages have been taken, many people have been slaughtered, so much destruction and you can stop it."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWaha5epo3
I look up at him. "I don't think I can." I say, his eyes dropping to my lap.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXzBg1FLf6
"But you can Leon, and you will. We'll make sure you become the best version of yourself. So don't worry, you have a support system."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6qsSYY5jR
I let out a heavy sigh. "So I have one month and half before my first trial?" I ask him and he nods.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7HlN5dG7g
"I guess I should start getting ready now." I say, getting ready to leave because it was almost dinner.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIArqpelvcJ
Professor Eternus nods and gives me a smile. "You need your textbooks and class work books." He says before he waves his hand, the door behind him opens and a trail of books wafting on an orange shimmery cloud float onto his desks.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWILc2GGnA
Holy cow.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcbyhDU8UL
I stand up and grab some of my books, and right before I could start to panic about how I was gonna carry all these books on my own, there was a knock at the door.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5nqqvSFV6
The door opened and in came Raphael.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorvhHBVzgX
"Good afternoon Professor." He says politely.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTLHCCdShA
"Ah Raphael, good afternoon. Done with my assignment?" He asks and Raphael gives him a sheepish smile while nervously scratching the back of his neck.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk5oHlKiQl
"Almost there, sir." He says and Professor Eternus lets out a chuckle.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVdKz0nS8q
"Please assist Leodonis with taking his books up to his dorm." He says and Raphael nods.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6UkKCTCPN
"Yes sir." He says walking over to the monstrous pile of books and helping me by grabbing a few.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaoew0NS8I
I grab some as well before smiling at the professor. "Thank you for answering my questions, Professor Eternus. And thank you for your help. I'll do my best," I say and he smiles.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLgBXgqnqK
"It was lovely speaking with you Leodonis. Now you boys hurry back to dorm before you're marked late for roll call. Leon, your timetable is in you school diary." He says and I nod then Raphael starts heading out and I follow.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡauDU7diZA4
As we walk Raphael turns to me. "How was your talk with the professor?"
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQ1iqfp4QM
I huff slightly. "Uh it was okay I guess. There's just a lot I have to remember and a bunch of stuff I didn't know."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPtAg8u2Px
Raphael hums. "You understand Essence and all that stuff now?" He asks.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZAkc0Rb3L
"I think so...? I'm not sure, but I do get the concept of it."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1nig6R15Z
We continue to walk until we get back to our dorm. We make our way up to our room and I almost panic when I see Seraphim just casually lounging on my pillow, then I remember the charm doohickey and let out a sigh of relief.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36rT05As9r
We put down my books on my desk and I take this time to look out the window. We were ways off the ground, the sky was in perfect view and I could see the the sports fields from here.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezfuRCrXlx
"I don't think I'll ever get used to how cool the sky looks." I say more to myself and I hear Raphael laugh.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90Nvr2ycPq
"What's the sky in the mortal realm like?" He asks.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz3EPVv7am
I turn to look at him and lean back on my desk.
"It's not as cool as this one. We just have it blue during the days, then it's like yellow, blue and pink in the evening. Then almost black at night. And we also only have one moon." I reply.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoqO2PisDX
"Technically it's like that for us too. But because we're between realms we have a clear look of mortal celestial bodies and spiritual celestial bodies." He explains.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0FvZ1smwF
I smile at that. "You're really smart."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulnaapDpDI
He laughs and waves his hand. "Stop trying to get in my pants." He says and heat immediately rises to my face.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqv9qlyQr7
"I wasn't- I didn't mean- I just-" I rush out and Raphael laughs loudly, his back even hunched over as he laughs at my embarrassment.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0pWBfR9DK
"I was kidding, jeez Leon." He says and I groan at that and pats my cheeks trying to get them to cool down.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SBXskrcZ1
"Not funny." I grumble out and he smiles at me.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaowdFh7UI
Luckily, I was saved by the bell. No, literally the bell for dinner started ringing. I let out a sigh of relief and Raphael opens our door.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWhA8U26Uq
"After you." He says with an exaggerated bow. I laugh at that before grabbing the lunchbox on my bed and made my way out and he follows.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRPyfFWAYe
The lunchbox is to for Seph by the way.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEB0XYZIKQ2
We walk down our hall and down the stairs again and into the common room. We head out of the big double door and everyone was waited there with Michael at the front holding a clipboard and two other older men. One caught my attention, and it seemed I caught his too. He had one eye. Yep, one HUGE orb of green bam-smack on right at the center of his forehead. I looked away quickly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFLnIAEduN
Michael reads out names and ticks off everyone, when it comes to me he reads my name out and I respond by saying 'Present' he moves on the list until everyone was ticked off.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQb2kzDUYc
Then everyone headed to the cafeteria. I stuck close to Raphael, and by the time we got our food and went to the table Cassius and August were already there.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6CzZJTuZh
August gives me his— what seems to be his default smile. "Nice to see you again." He says to me charmingly.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxfbQr8twM
I give him a smile. "Uh you too." I say before sitting down next to Raphael while August and Cassius sat on the other side.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNgBgmct02
"Apparently from next week we have to start sitting with our forces." August says and that makes Raphael surprised.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGCoJx5n6K
"Really? Why the fuck would they do that?" He asks in soft outrage, it was almost funny.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1a9yU2g3S
August shrugs as he continues to eat his food, after swallowing he responds. "No idea, they're changing a bunch of stuff all of a sudden." He says.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmqej9dzQ6
They continue back and forth for a bit. Cassius not really saying anything expect a small quippy comment before returning to burying his nose in whatever book he's reading.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwv0i3gB3T
Again I have no idea what Raphael and August are talking about. So I keep quiet and just eat my dinner. It was beef stew, I think. If they even have cows here. Oh lord what happens if I'm eating an endangered animal?
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJBMDYrkJ7
This is why I want to become vegetarian.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh0eGfy3rI
My mind stops racing for a second when something August says peaks my interest.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVmmM194AK
"Did you see him Katia? It's like she wasn't in a relationship with Michael two seconds ago." August says, with some edge in his voice.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2vikCiIKT
"Of course he's with Katia now. They're both sick and twisted, and Katia is a fucking Aether too. She makes us look bad for going out with someone like Deimos." Raphael spits.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡild5V8z1oE
Aether? Where were these conversations when I needed to ask questions.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH9Zxb5dif
"Raphael, what exactly is an Aether?" I ask him softly and he smiles brightly, his eyes beaming with pride.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC4XVP8H4I
"Aetherborn. What do you guys call it? Oh, an Archangel, is what you guys call us." He beams, almost gushing.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8kQflV0fM
I nod at that, the gears slowly moving in my mind.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeA9QyC3Hh
Ohhhhh.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVutjAqJwBU
Michael and Raphael. Huh.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkrFbO9jFx
The two get back to their conversation while my head was still spinning with trying to make sense of this whole thing. Not Raphael, okay that too, but being chucked into an environment where pigs can actually freaking fly would throw even Einstein through a loop.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujGWTfered
My attention zeros back into the conversation when I hear something about a seven-some?
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVOSTrADfZ
Jeez.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNBaOk3w3x
"He did WHAT?!" Raphael says in shock, not really loudly but enough to kinda startle me.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL3rtQY4cQ
"Yeah, I heard he had like six guys up in his dorm room last year and everyone in the hostel said they heard weird noises coming from his room." August says and my head tilts at that in confusion.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jy0fNdy0u
"What if they were doing like a group project or something?" I catch myself saying and I kinda regretted it as soon as I heard it.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiqrZrqszL
Raphael and August laugh, loudly, a stomach clutching, knee smacking, eye watering type of laugh.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLjfatp0fF
I slightly shrink into my seat, not because I was necessarily embarrass- actually no, I am very much embarrassed.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R7unMDerI
I even saw Cassius's lip tug a little, just a tiny bit.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bA36H9ctV
Raphael pats my shoulder, their laughs dying down a bit.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIl6PIX5jCy
"You're funny and hot? Must be my lucky day." August smirks in my direction.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKLcCF3mdJ
"Down boy." Raphael says and I smile a little.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvSgbhfYPq
Raphael turns to me. "Now back to what you said— Deimos has been known to be a bit..."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhrZUrUPbM
"Adventurous." August finishes.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmE1B8VE98
Cassius scoffs. "More like promiscuous." He says under his breath, but everyone heard him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjWrBLKWPQ
"Once last year, he almost got suspended cause he was caught with two girls in his bed, naked." Raphael says to me and my eyes widen at that.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0g9EFn58jj
"Maybe he's just...lonely?" I offer but they laugh slightly at that again.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHq2Yl7k2y
"And to make it worse, he's a complete asshole. Like the dude is just a piece of shit." August says and I feel bad. I would probably cry if I found out people had such strong feelings towards me.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRz3gF7WQ8
Maybe he deserves it?
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqkxeLsimL
I'll have to find out eventually I guess.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgQfYoZ9hH
The bell rings and the loud deep voice, Laemon, speaks.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbCWRAtdIO
"A moment of silence for prayer." It commands and everyone does so, bowing their heads in a silence as some whisper words of prayer while others just keep their mouths closed.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawz7x2xVmm
I bow my head as well then the bell rings again and everyone starts talking again.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95qWUgIZSc
I turn to Raphael. "What happens now?" I ask him.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed6ogxRrAu
"We have about thirty minutes until prep, which is like time to do homework and stuff, until then you can do anything. You can walk around outside, go to the library, go to the computer lab, chill with friends. It's your choice." He explains and I nod along.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0db7Me4pZz
"But for today you are coming with us, we just chill outside until we have to head back to dorm." He says and I smile at that.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30LjwKC2cr
"I'll be in the library." Cassius says standing up. "See you weirdos later." He says before leaving.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrGksPxX9g
That was kinda sweet, but I know he's not talking to me so I won't get excited.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLWvjfWOUG
Wait, what if he's calling me an actual weirdo?
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi0NB0b7eo
That would be sad huh?
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGDRIiUUIl
Oh lord that is sad.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9XLMsPMeD
I hear Raphael laugh. "Leon you terrify me when you go quiet and stare off into the distance."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhWQePCx1T
I turn my head to look at him and give him a sheepish smile. "Sorry."
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsCThlqy0E
He laughs. "No worries man, let's go." He says getting up and I follow and so does August.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT49Ur9e0Bw
We walk to the food scraps bin and I put the food I didn't eat in it. After everything that had happened today and what I know, I'm surprised I ate at all.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKVh1kMEtE
Raphael looks at me in confusion. "You saving for later?"
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8yhKRlxkj
I panic. "Uh....yes! Exactly, I'm totally saving for later. You know...growing boy stomach and all," I say and he laughs, shaking his head and starts to lead us out of the cafeteria.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmn6HdMEo0d
That was a disaster.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uNlhBcc98
We make our way through the halls, Raphael and August chit chatting away while I continue to marvel at the architecture and art.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlxSvSZjAX
This is the type of art I'd want to eventually make. My art wasn't bad, it was pretty good actually but this is a whole different type of beast. Raw, vivid and dense with culture and history.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQcSWN9wow
I wonder what happened in these, like actually.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkkj87xukv
Aiaiai, when I'm not with professor is when these questions come up.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe1ZPPX889
We get to this huge wooden double door that opens widely showcasing the sports fields.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWCO331MXe
"Tomorrow Leon, I'm gonna give you the grand tour of this place." Raphael says, he puts his hand on my shoulder and with his other hand he gestures to the school, as we stop to just look at the view.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TXQQ1LtuA
Holy cow.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8prNcxVGi
We continue walking and I look around the fields, small groups of people are playing around. I get startled as a girl flies over heads with a cheer. People are sat together, I hear some music playing from a speaker, honestly the vibes right now are good. For them at least, my brain is spinning.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfxVAzHQ8O
The sky is almost like the one back home, the pinks and yellows, the oranges and purples with the gradient of blue at the bottom. But even with the same colors in our skies, this one puts ours from home to shame. The planets were so visible here, the moons so much closer and the sun so much brighter, it was honestly so breathtaking.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnKUJEbbPh
A ball gets thrown in our direction and right before it hit me square in the face, August caught it.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMehWsdwAj
I let out a breath of relief. "Thank you so much." I say, not even realizing my breathing was labored.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBohiauNJtm
August flashes me a wink before throwing the ball back to whoever threw it.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jBRMsZrFt
We walked around the field a little bit. My mouth still closed because I was just taking in my new surroundings and not really paying attention to what August and Raphael was saying.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmskGIM4sHl
"Shit, Leon we have to get back." He says to me.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWadq5l2poL
"Oh okay," I reply.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgJWmKiMsM
August waves at us as he starts to leave, instead of waving I just smile at him and he shoots me a wink before leaving.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2Xm4DTQUr
"He's not in our dorm?" I ask as we start to head back.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmjWoAlkxh
"No, he's in Hermes. There's Apollo, our dorm. Hermes, Hades and Ares. And then for the girls there's Hecate, Hera, Athena and Aphrodite." He explains more and I nod. I'm sure he is tired of explaining and babysitting me at this point.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4a2KxpLm0
We make it up back up to the dorm in time, but the house master was waiting at our door and he gave us the stink eye. Well to be honest it felt like he was just giving me, the stink eye. His singular stink eye.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ849bgBzwlo
Huh.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfWPHCm4YK
That will most definitely cause me problems in the future, but for now, I will not care.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoZjqgNHLo
I have bigger things to worry about, like that fact that I have to freaking sacrifice someone in three months.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t4CTZaGjk
Gosh darn.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVy1qW4jSe
We eventually get to our room and close the door, Seraphim was still lounging on my pillow. I smile at him before walking to my bed.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwf5LIGZa31
Time to unpack I guess.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT3eKnDvlt
Raphael settles at his desk and puts his earphones in. I put the lunchbox in the space between my bed and wardrobe so Raphael didn't see that food was just randomly disappearing. Seraphim hastily climbs off my bed and goes to eat.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy68TskMqNh
I put my earphones in and with Pink Pantheress blasting in my ears, I unpack.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOetyi5dPk4
I finished about right when prep finished and Raphael was heading to the bathroom for a shower. I tagged along because I didn't know where the bathroom was.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UBby8fmLy
There were five showers, divided by walls and a sliding door that is concealed with this canvas like fabric that made sure no one could see into the shower.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tQ6j1RyOm
While I was showering, loud music starting playing and it sounded like more people were showering.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdhudxvUAM
I was done not too long after that. I put my towel around my waist and put a shirt over my wet chest and walk out the bathroom.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELEw8tC6SD
Some of the other guys were showering without sliding their doors closed, luckily they weren't fully naked and no one really cared about me being there, and for that I'm glad. Also the guy with heaves was there too, he gave me a small smile and I reciprocated.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGB3t9Bg7lZ
I walk to the sink and brush my teeth before heading back to my room where Raphael was already, funny enough he was in a panda onesie.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNS4mamTSw
I stifle a laugh, and he looks at me from his position in bed with a mock glare.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOx8t5gdd8
"Rude." He mutters and I laugh again.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lFAfbewBd
"Sorry." I laugh before sitting on my bed, grabbing my lotion and moisturizing the heck out of myself.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe595SDzm3I
I stand by my mirror and do my hair stuff before getting dressed into my pajama pants and a different over sized shirt then packing my backpack for my first day of classes tomorrow.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoVfQOOcO5
After which, I was suddenly feeling really really tired. Maybe jet lag? Is it even jet lag if we didn't fly? I mean we did fly when we went over that gorge.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvMixHUzHI
Anyway—
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMHlArZYR7
I walk to the door where the main light is. "Can I turn this off?" I ask Raphael and he hums, giving me a thumbs up as he scrolls on his phone.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcLusaLr5B
I wonder who makes the phones here. Is it possible they get it from the mortal side??
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yDoD6Hx8x
Cause his phone looks newer than mine.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tsqMvrJWT
Oh well!
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbjziIGiyX
I turn off the lights and walk to my bed and get in, Seraphim comes and nuzzles in my side as I lie down.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9NRtEkroGB
I grab my phone and text my parents to see if they got home and they said they did.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOtGANZoVt
With that, I answer some texts from my siblings. A few from Sarah and Tony. And one from October.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFk7GXwHplg
After that, with a small smile I close my eyes.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFZYxwRlTx
"Goodnight roomie." Raphael says gleefully and I smile.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aLO9Tt20P
"Goodnight Raphael." I reply.
38Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMAqAvvfnI
And with that, I drifted a lot faster than usual.
ns216.73.216.13da2
and then Add to home screen.