Awakening Shadows

What defines power? Is it the ability to protect oneself or the potential to protect others? And when that power awakens, is it a blessing—or a curse?

A few days had passed since the encounter with the PAO agents, but the weight of that moment lingered. Adrian's left eye, his newly awakened power, remained a mystery. Despite Lucas and Nova's unwavering support, Adrian couldn't shake the unease in his chest. What had truly happened to him in the void? What did it mean to wield a Calamity Class power? And most importantly, how could he control it?

The trio had fallen into a routine as life slowly adjusted to its new normal. Lucy, though still hesitant about returning to school, had begun to open up. She spent time with Nova, finding comfort in the older girl's unfiltered honesty and quirky sense of humor. Still, Lucy avoided any talk of school, leaving Adrian worried but choosing not to push her.

At school, the dynamics were shifting. Whispers about Adrian's "mystery awakening" spread like wildfire. Rumors of the PAO visit and the ominous black glow of the orb fueled speculation among students. Most were too afraid—or too uninterested—to confront Adrian directly, but one person couldn't resist.

Matthew Carver, a notorious bully known for his Uncommon Class Fire Manipulation abilities, had always found joy in tormenting Adrian. Normally, Lucas or Nova's presence kept him at bay, but whenever they weren't around, Matthew saw an opportunity to reassert his dominance.

"Hey, Clarke!" Matthew's sneer echoed through the hallway as Adrian shut his locker. "Still pretending you're one of us now that the PAO gave you a pity visit?"

Adrian ignored him and began walking toward his next class.

"Oh, don't walk away from me." Matthew's voice was taunting as he quickened his pace, cutting Adrian off. "What's the matter? Cat got your tongue—or did you lose that along with your pride?"

"Leave me alone, Matthew," Adrian said quietly, trying not to draw attention.

"Leave me alone," Matthew mocked in a high-pitched voice, smirking as a few of his cronies laughed. "You're such a coward, Clarke. You couldn't defend yourself if your life depended on it."

Adrian tightened his grip on his bag strap, his heart pounding. He scanned the hallway for Lucas or Nova, but they were nowhere in sight.

The day dragged on, and Adrian did his best to avoid Matthew. By lunchtime, he managed to find a quiet corner of the library to retreat to. Lucas and Nova were busy with club activities, leaving him to navigate the day alone. As much as he appreciated their support, he hated feeling dependent on them. He had to find a way to stand on his own.

By the end of the day, Adrian thought he had successfully dodged Matthew, but fate had other plans. As he walked toward the dorms, the sound of footsteps behind him sent a chill down his spine.

"Going somewhere, Clarke?" Matthew's voice was laced with malice. Adrian turned to see him flanked by two of his friends, their smug expressions amplifying his unease.

"I don't want any trouble," Adrian said, backing away.

"Oh, but trouble wants you," Matthew said, igniting a small flame in his hand. "You think you're special now, don't you? The powerless freak suddenly gets attention from the PAO, and we're all just supposed to bow down?"

"I didn't ask for any of this," Adrian replied, his voice shaking.

Matthew advanced, the flame growing larger. "Doesn't matter. I think it's time someone put you in your place."

Adrian's pulse quickened as he glanced around for help, but the alley they were in was deserted. There was no Lucas, no Nova—just him and the simmering rage of Matthew Carver.

Matthew lunged forward, the flame in his hand roaring to life. Adrian barely dodged, the heat grazing his arm. Pain shot through him, but he stumbled back to his feet.

"You're pathetic," Matthew sneered, closing the distance. "Let's see how much more you can take."

Adrian braced himself as Matthew prepared another attack, the flames swirling ominously. But before the blow could land, something deep within Adrian stirred. A sharp, searing heat radiated from his left eye, and his vision blurred momentarily.

"Stop it!" Adrian shouted, his voice echoing unnaturally.

The air around him shifted as a golden glow erupted from his left eye, blinding everyone in the alley. The energy coursed through him, raw and untamed, like a dam breaking after years of pressure. Matthew froze, his flames extinguished, his face pale with fear.

"What the—" Matthew stammered, stepping back as the golden light intensified.

Adrian felt the power surging, but he couldn't control it. His hands trembled as the golden glow grew brighter, enveloping the alley in an otherworldly radiance.