EgoPlex

"Gordon! Why are you late? The awakening ceremony is right now!"
Jessica said urgently when she saw Gordon come through the doors of the awakening center.
Shrugging Gordon didn't say anything. The last thing in the world that he wanted to do was tell this beautiful girl that he had been tripped and beaten on the way to school today. 
It was times like this that he wished that he bruised more easily. Then maybe he could get some attention. But this thought was fleeting in his mind. Gordon actually preferred to deal with his problems in his own way. 
And awakening to become a beast tamer and maybe even have his own talent would be the first step. Once he had a powerful beast the bullies wouldn't dare pick on him. 
"Come on, let's get in line."
Jessica whispered to Gordon when she realized that he wasn't going to tell her what had happened.
Together they went to the back of the arena type auditorium to wait for their turn to awaken.
They had been friends since childhood and had been there for each other through thick and thin. Jessica had been the only friend that stuck with him despite all of his quirks.
Slowly the line inched forward. Occasionally some people in their class would cheer if in addition to becoming a beast master a student also awakened a talent.

Lichen Tree Beast Tamer

The tiny little tree in his hands was so cute. The same crystaline trunk structure that the main tree up in the [Home Ship], with branches that ended in gorgeous clumps of dark green leaves was actually pretty light in his hands. On the other hand while he looked carefully this little guy didn't have a face like the tree up above had.

[Master! It is so good to see you!!]

Suddenly Portensa's voice echoed in his head.

Stunned Gordon could only ask what he knew in his heart already.

[Yes! I am here! Thank you for creating a clone down on the surface. I was really missing you!!]

Portensa said and the little sapling shivered a little as if it was trying to reach out to him.

Carefully Gordon brought the tree in close, the crystal surprisingly was not as rigid as a person would have thought. At least at the ends of the branches it was possible to bring the tree in close.

Akio's Plight