the truth(29)

The school was theirs.

Michael and his friends walked through the hallways with an undeniable presence—a mix of confidence and dominance that made others either admire them or fear them. Conversations quieted as they passed, heads turned, and envious eyes followed their every move. It wasn't just their strength or reputation that commanded attention—it was the way they carried themselves. They weren't just students. They were legends in the making.

Michael led the group, his hands shoved in his pockets, a lazy smirk on his face. Ethan walked beside him, his usual cocky demeanor on full display. Emily, Alex, and Marie followed, each of them perfectly fitting into this elite circle.

They had fought, they had reconciled, and now? Now they were back. Stronger. Unshakable.

Michael:

"Feels like we own this place, huh?"

Ethan chuckled, stretching his arms behind his head.

Ethan:

"Because we do. Look around—no one dares mess with us anymore."

Emily smirked, crossing her arms.

Emily:

"It's funny. Before, people underestimated us. Now? They just step aside."

Marie flipped her hair, rolling her eyes playfully.

Marie:

"I mean, it's expected. We're just that good."

Alex snorted, shaking his head.

Alex:

"Marie, you talk like we're in some mafia movie."

Michael grinned, looking over at his friends.

Michael:

"Mafia or not, I say we enjoy this while it lasts."

Ethan raised an eyebrow.

Ethan:

"Oh? Got something in mind?"

Michael slowed his pace for a moment, then smirked.

Michael:

"Yeah. Hey, let's hang out today."

The others glanced at each other before nodding in agreement.

Emily:

"Sounds good to me."

Ethan:

"Hell yeah, let's do it."

Marie:

"Where we going?"

Michael shrugged.

Michael:

"Anywhere. Let's just go out and have fun."

And just like that, the plan was set.

The sun had barely begun to set when the group met up outside of school. The city streets were alive with energy—bright lights flashing from billboards, the chatter of people filling the air, the distant hum of cars passing by.

It had been a while since they had a night like this—just the six of them, free from responsibilities, from fights, from all the chaos that usually followed them.

They stopped by a café first, grabbing drinks and teasing each other. Ethan kept nudging Lisa, who acted annoyed but never really moved away. Marie and Alex, meanwhile, had their own little back-and-forth, their chemistry obvious to anyone watching.

And then there was Michael and Emily.

Michael leaned back in his chair, his eyes on Emily as she sipped her drink.

Michael:

"You know, you could at least pretend to enjoy my company."

Emily smirked, setting her cup down.

Emily:

"Oh? And what makes you think I'm not?"

Michael shrugged.

Michael:

"Just a feeling."

Emily leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady.

Emily:

"Maybe you're just overthinking it, Michael."

Michael chuckled, shaking his head.

Michael:

"Maybe."

The others were too busy with their own interactions to notice the subtle tension between them.

As the night went on, they moved from one place to another—visiting an arcade, stopping by a park, just doing whatever they felt like. It was one of those rare moments where nothing else mattered—no fights, no drama, just them being teenagers.

And for a brief moment, Michael allowed himself to believe that things would stay like this forever.

But deep down, he knew better.

The flickering fire cast long shadows on the cave walls, its warmth barely enough to push away the dungeon's lingering chill.

Dakota sat with his back against the wall, arms crossed, his expression unreadable as he listened to the conversation happening around him.

Lucas rubbed his temples, his face twisted in discomfort.

Lucas:

"I don't know what it is, but… I keep getting these weird headaches. And every time I try to remember something, it just slips away."

Ava frowned, holding a hand to her forehead.

Ava:

"Same. It's like… something is just outside my reach, but I can't grasp it."

Liam exhaled sharply, leaning forward.

Liam:

"It's not just you two. I've been feeling it too. And it's not just some random headache. It's something else. Something… familiar."

Mia, who had been quiet up until now, finally spoke.

Mia:

"Familiar. That's the word. I don't know why, but I feel like I've been here before. Or maybe… I've met you all before, in another time."

The fire crackled, filling the silence that followed her words.

Lucas looked at her, his expression conflicted.

Lucas:

"That's exactly how I feel."

Ava:

"Me too."

Liam ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident.

Liam:

"What the hell is this? Why do we feel this way?"

Dakota, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke.

Dakota:

"Because the past never truly dies. It lingers, waiting for the right moment to resurface."

The others turned to him, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.

Lucas:

"What do you mean?"

Dakota smirked slightly, his golden eyes reflecting the firelight.

Dakota:

"You'll figure it out eventually."

His words only deepened the mystery, but no one pressed him further.

Because deep down, they already knew—

Something was coming.

Something big.

And whatever it was, it wouldn't be stopped easily.

Dakota thinking: ah I remember moments like this back in my past life, when we cared nothing about except for having fun, I loved day's like that. And I still do, after this war is over I will definitely have the most fun in my entire two lives. And I will guarantee that... Well first I'll have to deal with my former friends getting their memories back, then fighting in the war and having to kill blazer. And hopefully I can somehow survive and not get killed by blazer in the meanwhile, well Henry and Mia are going to be there to help me so at least I'm not alone, yeah thank god I'm not alone, or I would have been fucked. Well as long as my plan goes right I will defeat blazer and win the war... Hopefully.