Unraveling the Unknown

Tson froze, gripping the strap of his bag as his mind raced. How could he have forgotten? He had spent the entire night making sure Grayson was stable, ensuring the containment pod would suppress any unexpected power surges. But what if something had gone wrong? What if Prime's influence had left behind something he hadn't accounted for?

A sharp nudge to his shoulder yanked him out of his thoughts.

"You good, man?"

Tson blinked and turned to see Darren—a classmate who sat behind him on the bus—raising his eyebrows in curiosity.

"Yeah," Tson muttered, forcing his expression into something neutral. "Just tired."

Darren scoffed. "Aren't we all?" He slung his bag over his shoulder as the bus pulled up to the school. "See you in class, genius."

Tson barely registered his words. His thoughts were still locked on Grayson. He had two choices: skip school and go back home or wait until lunch to check remotely through his tablet.

Skipping wasn't an option. Not again. He had already missed too many days because of his side projects. His teachers were watching him more closely now, and the last thing he needed was more suspicion.

Lunch break it was.

With a sigh, he stepped off the bus, moving through the chaos of the hallways until he reached his locker. As he spun the combination, his mind kept running simulations. Worst-case scenario? The containment pod had failed, and Grayson had a power surge. Best case? He was still unconscious, resting.

His tablet buzzed in his pocket. His stomach twisted.

Security Alert: Unauthorized Movement Detected — Medical Bay.

Tson's breath hitched. Grayson.

He shoved his books into his bag and slammed the locker shut. He needed to get to the computer lab. Now.

Slipping inside, he dropped into a chair, fingers flying across the keyboard as he hacked into his home security system. The live feed flickered on.

The containment pod was empty.

A sinking feeling settled in his gut. He switched to another camera—one aimed at the hallway outside the lab.

There.

Grayson was awake. Moving. His steps were unsteady, his hospital gown barely clinging to his frame. His hair was a mess, his expression dazed. He looked… wrong. Not just exhausted. Disoriented. Conflicted.

Then he stopped.

Slowly, he turned toward the camera.

And he smiled.

Not a tired, relieved smile. Not even a confused one.

It was knowing.

Like he could see Tson watching. Like he had expected it.

Tson's blood ran cold.

Then, before he could react, Grayson spoke.

No audio came through, but Tson didn't need it.

He could read the words on his brother's lips.

You should have killed me.

A tap on his shoulder snapped Tson back to reality.

"Sleeping in class again, I see," his teacher said dryly.

Tson blinked, realizing he was still sitting at his desk. His heart was racing, his hands clammy. He quickly wiped his face and muttered, "Nooo," though even he didn't sound convincing.

Mr. Parker was unimpressed. "You're staying after class. We have a lot to discuss, considering you've been slacking all year."

Tson sighed. "Okay."

He sat up, resisting the urge to check his tablet. What was happening at home? But Mr. Parker's gaze was sharp—he wasn't getting away with anything today.

The minutes dragged on painfully slow.

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Then, at last, a holographic notification materialized in the center of the classroom.

This message has been brought to you by the school's personal artificial intelligence. Class is now dismissed.

The students wasted no time filing out. Tson, however, remained seated, waiting as Mr. Parker approached.

The teacher took a deep breath. "Tson, you know I wouldn't be talking to you like this if I didn't see potential in you, right?" His voice softened, but his tone remained firm. "You're gifted. You could be helping people—saving lives, changing the world, working in any field you want. But instead, you're skipping meetings, missing opportunities, and burying yourself in whatever side project you think is more important."

Tson lowered his head. "I know, sir."

"Then apply yourself," Mr. Parker said. "Think of all the people you could help."

Tson nodded. "I will, Mr. Parker. I promise."

The teacher studied him for a moment before sighing. "Alright. Get out of here."

Tson didn't hesitate, making his way out of the classroom. But just as he stepped into the hall, something clicked in his mind.

Kevin.

He hadn't seen Kevin all day. He wasn't worried—probably—but still…

Tson headed toward the dojo to check.

Sure enough, there Kevin was, sprawled out on the ground like he had all the time in the world.

Tson exhaled. Good.

The last thing he needed was another person to worry about.

Before he could leave, Kevin stirred and sat up. "Oh, hey. Thanks for covering for me, man," he said with a lazy grin. "Telling my mom I was at a sleepover? Genius."

Tson smirked. "Well, you only got in that mess because you were trying to look out for me. Call us even."

Kevin stretched, yawning. "Fair enough. Oh, by the way," he glanced at Tson, suddenly more serious. "How's Grayson?"

Tson hesitated. The image of Grayson's eerie smile burned in his mind, the words still lingering in his thoughts.

You should have killed me.

He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "He's... awake." He paused, then added, "I think he should be."

Kevin sat up straighter. "And?"

"And I don't know what's going on with him," Tson admitted. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing around the dojo. The last thing he wanted was to talk about this out in the open. "I need to get home."

Kevin studied him for a moment before pushing himself to his feet. "I'll come with you."

Tson frowned. "Kevin—"

"Not up for debate," Kevin interrupted, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "If something's wrong, I'd rather be there than hear about it later. Besides, you're acting weird. Weirder than usual."

Tson opened his mouth to argue but stopped. Maybe having backup wasn't the worst idea.

"…Fine." He turned toward the exit. "Let's go."