Standing Up

Seth took his time making breakfast and didn't rush, after he was done he went to the dining table and sat on a chair. "You eat that? How does it taste?" Thally curiously asked as she looked at the pancakes.

Seth smiled cut off a small part of it and gave it to her. Thally examined the piece of pancake before taking a tiny bite. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Wow! It's so sweet and fluffy!" she exclaimed, her tiny mouth working quickly to devour the bite-sized morsel. "Is this what you humans eat all the time?"

Seth chuckled, enjoying her reaction. "Not all the time, but pancakes are a special treat. I'm glad you like it."

"Wait you don't have a nose or ears?, so how do you hear me?" He then realized Thally is a plant parasite, maybe that's why she doesn't have ears or a nose.

Thally wanted to hit him right now. "…do I look like a human"

"You surely don't act like one" He replied with a small teasing smile. Thally gritted her teeth and moved towards his finger giving him a hard bite.

Seth winced as Thally's tiny bite pinched his skin. "Ouch! Hey, that wasn't necessary!"

Thally scowled, her tiny arms crossed. "Well, you're the one who's teasing me about not being human. I'm just trying to make a point!"

Seth chuckled despite the sting. "Yeah maybe I should stop teasing the carnivorous plant parasite"

Thally's scowl softened, and she let out a small sigh. "Good idea. I might not have a nose or ears, but I can sense things through you. Your senses are my senses now, remember?"

Seth nodded thoughtfully. "Right. Our connection. It's still pretty amazing and weird at the same time."

Thally then went into his hair and hid there. "Okay, Hurry up and go to school I'll hide in your hair and talk to you if you are bored"

Seth finished eating his breakfast and went outside and was immediately hit with the light of the morning sun. "Why does the sun feel awfully good today?" he wondered aloud.

Thally's voice chimed in his mind, "That's because you're part plant now, remember? Sunlight feels good to you, and it energizes me too. So soak it up."

Seth smiled, enjoying the warmth on his skin as he made his way to school. The morning walk was usually a time of dread for him, knowing he'd face more bullying, but today he felt a bit more hopeful with Thally by his side.

He went to class early and took his seat. 'This place doesn't seem bad' Thally said in his mind.

'I mean if you ignore the discrimination, sure' He sarcastically implied to her.

'hmm, don't worry you have me now don't you~' Her voice was soothing to his mind, he placed his head on the desk and closed his eyes for a moment, letting Thally's presence calm him. The classroom slowly filled with students, and the usual chatter began.

Seth was sound asleep when the teacher walked in and called the class to order. "Alright, everyone, settle down. Today we'll be continuing our study on the history of ability users."

Seth jolted awake, realizing he had dozed off. He rubbed his eyes and sat up straight, trying to focus. Thally's voice whispered in his mind, 'Don't worry, I was keeping an eye out for you.'

'Thanks,' he thought back, grateful for her vigilance.

"Emily can you explain how abilities came to be" Seth glanced at Emily who confidently stood up. "A hundred years ago after the theory of hyper-dimensional space travel, Seven blue beacons lit up enveloping the skies and marking the dawn of a new era. These beacons, now known as the 'Source Points,' released a unique energy that interacted with the Earth's atmosphere and began to alter the genetic makeup of the human population. This is how abilities, or 'powers,' as we call them, came to be."

The teacher nodded approvingly. "Excellent, Emily. And what were some of the initial effects of this energy on humanity?"

Emily continued, "Initially, the changes were subtle. People began to exhibit minor enhancements in their physical and mental capabilities. Over time, however, these enhancements became more pronounced, leading to the diverse range of abilities we see today. It also led to significant social and political changes as society adapted to the presence of ability users."

The teacher nodded her head in satisfaction. "Seth, can you tell me how beasts on other planets are ranked and their theorized reason for existence"

Seth took a deep breath, still feeling a bit groggy from his nap, and stood up. "Yes, Ms. Walker. Beasts on other planets are ranked based on a system that classifies them by their threat level and power capabilities. The ranking system usually includes categories such as Class E, D, C, B, A, and S, with Class E being the weakest and Class S being the most dangerous."

He glanced around the classroom, seeing everyone's eyes on him. Thally's voice whispered reassuringly, 'You've got this.'

"Class E beasts are generally harmless and often used for training by novice ability users. As we move up the ranks, Class D and C beasts are more dangerous and require skilled individuals or teams to handle. Class B and A beasts are often considered major threats, capable of causing widespread destruction if not contained."

Seth paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "Class S beasts, however, are in a league of their own. They are extremely rare but incredibly powerful, often possessing abilities that can rival or even surpass those of the most powerful humans. These beasts are usually the subject of extensive research due to their unique traits and the potential insights they can provide into the nature of abilities and energy manipulation."

Seth then continued. "But there have been rumors that new ranks of beasts have appeared and are ranked differently and are divided into five categories "

Seth paused, feeling the weight of the class's attention on him. "The new ranks are divided into five categories: Omega, Delta, Gamma, Beta, and Alpha. These categories are believed to be based on a combination of their inherent power, intelligence, and the level of threat they pose to humanity."

Ms. Walker nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"Omega-ranked beasts are similar to Class S in terms of power but are noted for their extreme adaptability and intelligence. Delta beasts, while slightly less powerful, exhibit advanced tactical abilities and often work in packs. Gamma beasts are known for their specialized abilities that can counteract human powers, making them particularly dangerous in combat situations."

Seth glanced at Thally's hidden form for reassurance. "Beta beasts are rare and are considered one of the highest threats due to their ability to control or manipulate other beasts and sometimes even humans. Lastly, Alpha beasts are theorized to be the apex predators, with abilities and intelligence far beyond our current understanding. They are almost mythical in their rarity, and few have ever been encountered."

Ms. Walker nodded approvingly. "Excellent, Seth. That was very thorough. Now, can anyone tell me about the role these beasts have played in shaping our current society?"

As the class discussed the impact of these powerful creatures on their world, Seth felt a renewed sense of confidence. With Thally's support and the knowledge he was gaining, he started to believe he could handle whatever challenges lay ahead.

Thally's voice softly echoed in his mind, 'You did great, Seth. See? You're capable of more than you think.'

Seth smiled to himself, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the sunlight. 'Thanks, Thally. With you around, I feel like I can take on anything.'

During lunch, Seth went to his usual seat and ate his food. "Are you hungry Thally" He opened his hand looking at her small form.

Thally shook her head. "No the sunlights provide both of us with enough nutrients but if we didn't have sunlight, insects and probably blood would die"

As he was chatting with her, Emily sneakily appeared behind him. "Are you talking to yourself?" Seth immediately closed his hand and turned to look at her.

"Can you not scare me like that?" He said a bit irritated.

Emily then sat near him with a mischievous smile. "Come on, cheer up in a month we are leaving school and finally entering the Academy, You may even find out if you get abilities by then"

He rolled his eyes but still smiled. "I wonder why you bother with me, don't you have other friends"

Emily frowned and sighed. "…No frankly everyone I meet seems to just want to be with me just because of my dad, well except both you and unfortunately Jake, he may seem a bit..bratty but I'll talk to him to at least be friendly with you"

Seth raised an eyebrow at Emily's candid confession. "Jake? The same Jake who bullies me every chance he gets?"

Emily nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, that Jake. He's… complicated. But he listens to me sometimes. I'll see what I can do."

Seth was skeptical but appreciated the gesture. "Thanks, Emily. I guess it wouldn't hurt to have one less person gunning for me."

Emily smiled. "That's the spirit. Just keep your head up, okay? And remember, the Academy is a fresh start for all of us."

Seth nodded, feeling a bit more hopeful. The thought of the Academy was both exciting and daunting. It was a place where ability users and non-users alike trained and studied, preparing for their roles in a society constantly evolving due to the presence of abilities and beasts.

After lunch, the rest of the day passed in a blur. After the day was over, Seth took his bag and was about to leave the school Jake came towards him with an angry expression. "You ?!, where do you think you're going"

Seth sighed and looked at him, Thally peeked out from his hair to look at what was happening. "is that your bully?" 

Seth rubbed his eyes. "Unfortunately yes" 

Finally reaching his place small flames danced on Jake's arm. "Your girlfriend came to me earlier and told me to stop bullying you?, Are you that much of a pussy to let a woman stand up for you, You are weak?!"

"Yeah I am weak, I am not as gifted as you are Jake, I have no abilities, I am just absolutely weak, But here's the thing" Seth's voice was calm yet there was a side of it that felt sad.

He continued. "You say that I am weak when it is you that is the weakest, A person who claims to be strong, does not attack someone weaker than him."

Jake's face twisted with rage, his small flames flaring up. "You think you can talk to me like that? I'm the strongest guy here, and you're just a pathetic nobody."

Seth met Jake's gaze with quiet resolve. "Strength isn't just about power, Jake. It's about how you use it. Bullying someone who can't defend themselves isn't strength, it's cowardice."

Jake's anger seemed to reach its peak. "You think you're so special? Just because you've got some rich parents doesn't mean you're anything."

Seth looked at him with a bitter smile. "Yeah you are right, I am nothing, let me introduce myself, My Name is Seth Williams, a weak defenseless nobody being treated worse by society because of something I can't control," he said, his voice steady despite the tension. "But that doesn't mean I have to accept being pushed around."

Jake's expression wavered between anger and confusion. "You're just trying to act tough. But you know what? You're still weak."

Seth took a deep breath. "Maybe I am weak now. But weakness doesn't define me. I have my strength, and it's not something you can measure with just power."

Jake's flames flickered erratically, his anger still boiling. "…Whatever" he finally gave up and left.

"ugh. That was scary" Seth complained and Thally moved to his shoulder. "Yeah but you handled it well, good job partner, Now buy me my throne" She harrumphed.

Seth chuckled and made his way into the city. "Fine let's go get you your pot"