Chapter 2: Word Travels Fast

As the bus slowly approached the school, the students began to gather their things. An elegant sign that read Luminary Academy could be seen as the bus came to an abrupt halt.

Xavier descended from the bus, his heart racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Beside him stood Jessica Vice-land, a girl of remarkable poise and beauty, who had just extended her kindness to him in a manner he could scarcely comprehend.

"Why did you help a weak guy like me?" he inquired, his voice laden with uncertainty. Xavier had always viewed himself as an outsider—someone who lacked the fortitude that others possessed.

Jessica turned to Xavier, her gaze penetrating yet gentle. "Strength is not merely about physicality, Xavier. It lies in compassion and understanding. Everyone deserves help, regardless of their circumstances."

The school loomed ahead, a fortress of social dynamics, but the moment remained suspended in time. Suddenly, to the astonishment of onlookers, Jessica stepped closer and leaned in. She pressed her lips against his in a bold kiss, a gesture that reverberated throughout the courtyard.

Gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd, but all Xavier could feel was the warmth of her affection. In that fleeting moment, he transcended his self-doubt. Perhaps, he mused, he was stronger than he had ever believed.

Recalling his daydream, he asked Jessica, "Why did you call me your future husband? And what did you do to me?" But Jessica just awkwardly bowed to him and stated, "In time you will know. I will train you starting tomorrow, my love." Jessica said, winking before she turned to leave.

Xavier waited a few seconds before heading up the steps collecting himself for the troubles that lied ahead. 

In the bustling halls of Luminary Academy, where each student wielded extraordinary abilities and spiritual energy, Xavier York felt the weight of his mundane existence. Surrounded by classmates like the fire-wielding Aiden and the telepathic Sophia, Xavier's lack of special abilities rendered him an outcast. 

On this particular day, the sun shone brightly, yet a shadow loomed over Xavier. In the cafeteria, Aiden ignited flames in jest, expertly weaving through laughter, while Sophia pretended to read Xavier's thoughts, eliciting snickers from their peers. "Hey, Zero," Aiden taunted, "what's it like to be ordinary?" The derision of his classmates echoed in his mind as he slumped over his lunch, feeling invisible amidst their radiant auras.

As the day unfolded, Xavier faced a relentless barrage of ridicule from groups led by Cassie, the gravity manipulator, and Theo, the illusionist. By the end of the day, Xavier sought refuge in the library, surrounded by books, where he discovered the strength of his own spirit hidden within the pages. 

In that quiet corner, resolve began to bloom. The world may not see his worth, but he would wield knowledge and resilience—a power even the extraordinary could not diminish.

Xavier was a very smart young man though he lacked in every other category. As the fifth bell rung, an announcement came over the intercom. "Today marks a special occasion. In over one hundred years, a grudge match hasn't been proposed on the very first day. In three days, our beloved champion, Colby, will be battling Xavier York. May the dark horse win or will our beloved Colby slay yet another challenger? Please stop by admissions to place your bets in three days' time. All bets will stop thirty minutes prior to the grudge match." Headmaster Dean exclaimed before signing off.

Xavier got up from his seat and made his way out of the classroom, feeling the eyes of every junior gazing upon him. Though they continuously mocked him and bullied him, his classmates grew up with Xavier and somewhat felt sad for him. 

In the gloomy hallways, onlookers could be seen talking about the upcoming grudge match. Whispers echoed like the haunting refrain of a distant storm. Xavier York, in his Junior year at the Academy appeared in the middle of the crowd with disheveled hair and weary eyes, as he moved through the throng of students who cast furtive glances in his direction. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, for rumors had spiraled into a tempest surrounding an imminent clash between him and the formidable Colby.

Colby, a senior with a reputation for ruthlessness, loomed over the student body like a specter of foreboding. In hushed tones, students speculated about the outcome of their confrontation, asserting that Xavier stood little chance against Colby's brute strength and spiritual energy. "He's going to get killed," they murmured, "I heard his Sun wavering blade technique has reached the intermediate level. I just know Xavier will die within two strikes." eyes wide with incredulity.

Friendships and alliances fractured as loyalties were tested; some rooted for the underdog, and by some only two people one who's name was Lance while others savored the spectacle of impending doom.

Despite the weight of their contempt, Xavier felt an ember of resolve igniting within him. He had long been a target of mockery, yet the notion of defeat spurred him forward. Perhaps it was not merely a fight; it was a confrontation with his own fears. And so, he prepared—not just to survive, but to reclaim his life from the shadows that threatened to consume him.

Lance, Xavier's steadfast friend, seized the moment to pull him into the sanctuary of the library. "Xavier," he said earnestly, "you've always stood your ground. This match doesn't define you." Despite Lance's well-intended optimism, worry flickered in his eyes, revealing his own trepidation regarding the outcome.

As their conversation faded into soft murmurs of encouragement, the bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Students surged toward the exit, excitement palpable in the air. As Xavier approached the bus, Colby materialized from the throng, a smirk plastered across his face. "Don't forget to tell your mother you love her, Xavier," he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.

Laughter erupted around them, a cruel melody that pierced Xavier's resolve. Yet, amidst the mockery, a flicker of determination ignited within him. He would confront not only Colby, but also the doubt that had long stayed hidden in his heart.

Before Xavier could respond Jessica wrapped her arms around Xavier ushering him onto the bus. 

As the bus rattled along the worn-out streets, the rhythmic hum accompanied Xavier York's fervent plea. "Jessica," he began, his voice punctuated with a tinge of reverence, "I cannot attend school tomorrow. I require your expertise in cultivating my spiritual energy." His earnest gaze met hers, a blend of determination and youthful hope.

Jessica Vice-Land, a figure of both grace and strength, raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his bold request. "You desire to awaken your god-like soul ability?" she replied, her tone carrying an air of challenge.

"Yes," Xavier asserted, his heart racing with ambition and weariness of the unknown. "I believe my potential exceeds mere academic pursuits. I wish to harness the very essence of my being."

A silence enveloped them, as the bus lurching ever so slightly if to underscore the weight of his words. Finally, Jessica nodded, a smirk forming on her lips. "Very well, but understand: the path to mastery is fraught with trials."

Xavier's spirit soared at her acceptance, for he knew that this journey would not merely be about honing abilities, but entwined with the discovery of himself. As the bus approached their destination, a newfound resolve ignited within him, illuminating the route ahead.

Xavier York stepped off the bus, the cool autumn air contrasting sharply with the tension that enveloped him. As he approached the weathered front door of his home, he found his mother standing resolutely, arms crossed and brow furrowed. Her expression spoke volumes, a silent storm brewing within her.

"Xavier," she began, her voice tinged with a mixture of concern and disappointment. "I am at a loss for words. You placed yourself in a life-or-death confrontation with the Reyes family. Do you not comprehend the gravity of your actions?"

Xavier, taken aback by her intensity, opened his mouth to speak, but words eluded him.

She continued, unyielding in her resolve. "These matters are not trifles to be dismissed. The entire neighborhood is abuzz with tales of what transpired. You must realize that word travels faster than you can fathom."

His mother's admonition hung in the air, heavy with truth. He had acted impulsively, forgetting the fragile line between bravado and recklessness. As he stood before her, shame washed over him.

"I'm sorry," he finally whispered, a solemn promise forming in his heart—he would confront the shadows of his choices with new found wisdom.