The Awakening Ceremony

When he opened his eyes all he could see was darkness. Not the darkness of a night sky or an unlit room. No stars. No flickers. No end.

Just… nothing.

A black, smothering nothing that swallowed time, sound, and sense. It pressed in on him from every side, cold and thick, like a suffocating weight that wasn't quite heavy—but infinite.

Silence. Oppressive and deafening. The kind of silence that screamed.

His breath caught or would have, if he had breath. He tried to move. Nothing responded. No limbs. No heartbeat. Not even the comforting rhythm of a chest rising and falling.

Only awareness.

"…Where… am I?"

The question didn't come from his mouth. It spilled from his thoughts, raw and trembling, bouncing into the black, only to be swallowed whole.

But something shifted.

Then, came the voices.

Not loud. Not whispered. Felt.

Like wind brushing through the corridors of his mind.

"You were too blind to see."

"She played you."

"You trusted them."

"Fool."

"Failure."

"Dead."

"No…" he whimpered. "No, that's not—"

"She laughed when she pulled the trigger."

"She took everything."

"Your work. Your children. Your life."

Each word struck like lightning in a storm.

And with every bolt, came a flash:

Eleanor's cold, contemptuous smirk. The click of a safety going off. The barrel of a gun. Her voice like venom. "They're not yours." The burning pain.

"No! No!" Varick cried, his mind spinning, thrashing, reaching for something... anything to hold onto. "I didn't deserve this! I didn't—"

"You were weak."

"You let her in."

"You ignored the signs."

"She destroyed you."

"I loved her…" his voice broke. "I loved her and she... she—"

"Destroyed you," the voices whispered again, in unison. "And you let her."

Silence again. But this time, it pulsed.

The void wasn't empty anymore.

Something was coming.

A flicker.

A glow.

Like a candle refusing to be snuffed out by the wind. Distant. Gentle. But growing.

And then it arrived.

The light surged, warm and golden, coalescing into a form that hovered in the void. Not male. Not female. Not human. Just… power. Ancient. Timeless. Compassionate, yet impossible to fully comprehend.

The very essence of the being hummed with life, vibrating through the fabric of the nothingness. The light didn't just illuminate, it filled.

Varick recoiled, overwhelmed. "W-What are you?"

The being didn't speak with a mouth. It didn't need to. Its voice sang within him, layered with age and clarity, like a thousand souls speaking in one harmonic chorus.

"I am what remains when all else fades. I am what sees when all others turn blind. I have many names… but here, I am merely Truth."

Varick's essence trembled. "Am I… am I dead?"

The being drifted closer. "Yes. In one thread of time… your body is gone. Your heart stopped. The betrayal you suffered ended your mortal shell."

"So this is Hell?" Varick murmured. "Or purgatory?"

"No," the being said. "This is between."

Between?

The word echoed strangely.

"You are not at rest, Varick. And not just because of how your life ended… but because of what you still carry."

"I carry pain," Varick whispered.

"Yes. And regret. Rage. Confusion. Questions with no answers. Love that was never returned. Dreams that were never fulfilled."

Varick clenched inwardly. "She… she lied. She took everything from me. She said the kids weren't mine after she pulled the trigger."

"I know."

The voice was soft now. Gentle. Not judging. Just… listening.

"I worked for everything. I bled for them. I gave her everything. And in the end, I was just a stepping stone she could shoot off of. A fool."

"Not a fool," the being corrected. "A man who trusted. And that trust was shattered."

"Then why am I here? Why not let me fade? Why not let me disappear into whatever nothing comes after this nothing?"

The being moved closer, extending a glowing hand, its fingers like strands of sunlight.

"Because I have seen your truth, Varick. And it is not weakness. It is strength misused. It is love misplaced. And it deserves a second chance."

Varick didn't respond. The ache inside him roared too loudly.

"A second chance?" he finally whispered.

"A clean slate," the being nodded. "A life anew. But this is no gift. It is a mission."

"A mission… to do what?"

"To rise… and make things right. For what was stolen. For what was broken. For what you couldn't finish in the life you left behind."

Varick floated in silence for a long moment, suspended in thought, hovering between darkness and glow.

"If I go back…" he asked cautiously, "what do I become? Me again?"

The being shook its head. "You will not return to what was. That path is sealed. You will be reborn… as a new form, in a new world. Your memories, your truths, they will remain with you. Hidden to others. Known to you."

"Then I want it," Varick said firmly. "I want the chance to make them pay. I want to protect what's left. If anything is left."

"There is."

The being smiled, if such an energy could be said to smile. It reached out.

"Then rise, Varick."

Its fingertip brushed against what could only be described as the core of him, his soul, his essence, his being.

Light exploded.

Not blinding but purifying. It didn't burn; it healed. The void cracked.

The darkness tore apart.

A loud rushing sound filled the space like wind, like life, like birth.

He was moving. Falling. Rising. Becoming.

And the voice whispered one last time:

"Live. Remember. Rewrite your fate."

------------------

The world came crashing back, loud, chaotic, real. A sudden pressure in his chest. A sharp gasp. Cold air flooding new lungs.

Crying.

His crying.

Blurred shapes moved above him, colorful and shifting. A man in scrubs. A nurse with gentle eyes. The room reeked of antiseptic and life.

"Congratulations, it's a boy!" a voice announced brightly.

Varick's eyes blinked rapidly, trying to focus, trying to understand.

A woman leaned in, sweat on her brow, tears in her lashes, and a radiant smile. She kissed his cheek, cradling him close.

"He's so adorable," she whispered. "Our little miracle."

Her voice… wasn't Eleanor's. It was soft, genuine, filled with untainted love.

Varick's panic spiked.

What the hell is going on?!

He tried to sit up... nothing. He tried to speak, "Gah… uh… mah…"

The sound of a baby's babble.

His heart or whatever part of it had returned plummeted. No… no no no no, this isn't right.

He looked down, or tried to. Tiny limbs. Soft blanket. Cradled in arms that weren't his own.

The full weight of it crashed into him.

"I'm a baby… I've been… reborn?"

He wanted to scream. To demand answers. But all he could do was cry and not even out of will, but instinct.

His new mother hushed him gently. "Shhh… it's okay. Mommy's here."

The warmth of her arms was disarming. He felt safe. That terrified him even more.

Because he'd felt this once before.

And she had pulled the trigger.

From the corner of the room, a doctor scribbled on a clipboard. "Healthy lungs. Good weight. Full-term birth. He's perfect."

Varick's mind reeled. He scanned the room. No familiar faces. No threats. Not yet.

But the whisper of the glowing entity echoed in his soul.

"This is your second chance. Rise… and make things right."

He was alive. Again. And somewhere out there, they were too. But this time, he wouldn't be blindsided, this time… he would be ready.

-------------------

"Tag! You're it!"

Kade's laughter rang through the sun-drenched field like music. His feet kicked up tufts of grass as he sprinted after Liora, his best friend with wild curls and the energy of a hurricane.

"Too slow, Kade!" she teased, dodging expertly.

"I'm just warming up!" he grinned, speeding forward with a burst of speed that left the others gasping.

From a distance, their parents watched beneath the large willow tree that overlooked their massive garden. Kade's mother, Eliara, had her hand shielding her eyes from the sun, a warm smile playing on her lips. Beside her, his father, Darnell, stood tall and proud, arms crossed, eyes locked on his son with a quiet pride that spoke volumes.

"Kade's really something, huh?" one of the family members commented nearby.

Darnell chuckled, his voice deep and filled with pride. "That boy… ever since he could crawl, he's been unstoppable. Curious as a fox, sharp as steel. Mark my words, he's going to make waves one day."

Back in the field, Kade tagged Liora and declared, "Ha! Got you. Told you I was warming up."

Liora pouted dramatically before bursting into giggles. "Yeah, yeah. Just wait till the next round."

Kade spun in a circle, arms outstretched, face to the sun. "Let's do one more round, then we head back for training!"

"Training? You like training?" one of the other kids, Joren, whined.

"Of course! One day, I'll awaken a power so strong, I'll need to train every day just to keep up with it!" Kade beamed.

They all groaned in playful unison, but followed him back anyway, because somehow, when Kade led, everything felt brighter.

Later that evening, the scent of warm bread and roasted meat filled the house. The Wilson home, though wealthy was glowing with love, was alive with conversation and laughter.

"Kade, come on! Sit!" his younger sister Tessa tugged at his sleeve.

"I'm starving!" his older brother Alden added, already halfway through a roll. "Don't make me eat yours!"

"Try it and you lose a hand," Kade shot back, plopping into his seat as his mother kissed the top of his head.

"How was training with your father today?" Eliara asked as she poured soup into his bowl.

"He pushed me harder than usual," Kade replied, "but I broke through the third form of energy movement! He said I might hit advanced flow by next week."

"Advanced flow? At ten?" Tessa's eyes widened. "You're gonna be unstoppable!"

"He already is," Darnell said from the doorway, entering with the quiet strength of a man who saw the world clearly and held it firmly. "I've never seen a child master the sword form and elemental attunement this fast. He's going to shine during the power test."

Kade tried to hide his grin behind a spoonful of soup, but it was impossible. His cheeks puffed with pride.

"I just… I want to make you proud."

His mother cupped his face gently. "You already do, sweetheart. Every single day."

Nights were always peaceful. After dinner, Kade would curl up by the fire with a book, his curious mind always thirsty. Tonight, it was "The Heart of Ether: A Guide to Awakening."

He turned to his younger sister who had fallen asleep on the rug next to him, clutching her stuffed fox.

"I'll protect you," he whispered. "No matter what. Always."

He didn't know why he said it.

But the words felt necessary.

As if something old and quiet in his soul knew… not all stories had happy endings.

That night, he dreamt of fire and betrayal. Of a woman with a cold smile.

But when he woke, sunlight was streaming in, and his mother was already singing in the kitchen.

--------------------

"Kade! Wake up! Wake up!" Tessa's excited shriek broke through his dreams.

He sat up with a jolt, blinking groggily.

"You're twelve now! Today's your power test!" she squealed, bouncing on his bed.

"I'm aware," he grumbled with a sleepy grin. "You only reminded me… twenty-seven times last night."

"Thirty-two, actually," she beamed.

The door burst open as Alden barged in, tossing a bundle of clothes onto the bed. "Get dressed, golden boy. You've got a legacy to fulfill."

Downstairs, the house buzzed like a festival morning.

Pancakes sizzled. His mother was humming an old melody passed down generations. His father leaned against the counter, sipping tea, already dressed in his ceremonial uniform.

"Kade!" Eliara called. "We made your favorite, berry pancakes and crystal syrup. Today's a big day."

"I feel like I'm being spoiled," he said, kissing her cheek as he passed.

"You are," Alden teased. "Enjoy it while it lasts. Once you awaken, no more babying."

"Unless your power turns out to be floating spoons," Tessa giggled.

Everyone laughed, but Kade couldn't help noticing the glances his parents exchanged. They were proud… but there was also hope in their eyes. Expectation.

"Do you think…" he hesitated, "…I'll awaken something strong?"

Eliara bent to his level, smoothing his hair. "Kade, love… you're brilliant. Whatever you awaken, it will be a reflection of who you are. And we already know that's something special."

"You're going to blow the evaluators away," Darnell added. "I trained you. I know."

Kade stood taller, chest swelling with pride.

"Alright, alright!" Alden clapped his hands. "We're coming too, you know. Can't let you hog the glory."

"And we've got a surprise waiting when you come back!" Tessa said, bouncing again.

Kade raised an eyebrow. "What kind of surprise?"

"Wouldn't be a surprise if we told you," Eliara said with a wink.

The door opened to the morning sun, golden and bright. As Kade stepped out, his heart thudded hard in his chest. Not from fear. But from purpose.

He looked back at his family, his father, his mother, his siblings.

They were smiling. Believing in him.

And though he couldn't explain it, he felt something stir deep inside him and he clenched his fists.

This time… I'll protect it all.

--------------------

"Good luck, young master," said Harven, the family's long-time driver, as the sleek black car pulled to a stop before the towering gates of Solheim Academy. His weathered hands remained on the wheel, but his eyes softened with a grandfatherly warmth.

Kade gave him a grin, gripping his satchel. "Thanks, Harven. Don't go snooping in my room while I'm gone."

Harven chuckled. "If I find that half-eaten sweetroll under your bed again, I might just burn the whole room down."

"I was saving that for a midnight snack!" Kade laughed, stepping out.

The academy grounds were alive with excitement. Banners fluttered, the smell of blooming starpetals wafted through the air, and hundreds of students buzzed around in their tailored uniforms, black trimmed with silver and house emblems pinned to their lapels.

Kade adjusted his own... House Caelum, the soaring falcon stitched in gold.

"Kade!"

He turned at the voice, catching the blur of chestnut curls as Liora ran toward him, arms wide.

"Did you grow taller again?" she demanded, skidding to a stop and poking his chest.

"Or did you shrink?"

Behind her came Joren, tall and lanky with his ever-present half-eaten apple, and Mina, quiet and sharp-eyed, flicking through a book even while walking.

"Kade the Prodigy," Joren drawled. "Ready to finally explode the power scale and make the rest of us look like peasants?"

"I plan to awaken the power of perfect hair," Kade replied, flipping his own in mock grace. "The world needs it."

"You wish," Liora said with a smirk. "You're going to awaken something insane like time-bending fire or light manipulation. You were basically born glowing."

"You guys have way too much faith in me," he said, rubbing the back of his neck with a bashful grin. "What if I awaken the ability to... talk to squirrels?"

"I'd still be jealous," Joren said. "At least squirrels are cute. What if I get the power to summon cheese or something?"

They laughed as the bell rang, echoing through the towering marble halls.

Class One: Theory of Arcane Potential

Professor Lenwin, a cheerful man with wire spectacles and a cane that doubled as a wand, tapped the board.

"Who can explain the difference between innate magical affinity and inherited essence?"

Several hands shot up. Kade's was among them.

"Kade," the professor nodded.

"Innate magical affinity is the unique connection a person has to magic from birth, like a fingerprint. Inherited essence, on the other hand, is passed down genetically, like a bloodline's signature magic," Kade explained confidently.

"Perfect," Lenwin beamed. "Ten points to Caelum."

Liora leaned in and whispered, "Showoff."

"You're just jealous I used all the big words."

Class Two: Combat Forms & Energy Movement

They sparred with practice blades and controlled bursts of energy. Kade's fluid movements, sharp timing, and effortless redirection of force earned the admiration of peers and the nod of approval from Master Irien, a stern, battle-hardened veteran.

"Impressive," Irien said. "Your channeling is precise. That kind of control doesn't come easy."

Kade smiled, bowing lightly. "I had a great teacher. My dad."

"Then thank him. He's trained a future champion."

--------------------

The quad was buzzing with whispers. Rumors had already begun circling.

"They say the nobles from House Damaris are attending the Awakening ceremony…"

"Did you hear that girl from last year awakened a B-class shadow beast? That's crazy…"

"I wonder if Kade Caelum will break a record today. His father was S-class, wasn't he?"

Kade sat under a tree with his friends, playing with a mana-reactive leaf, making it glow in different colors.

"You nervous?" Mina asked without looking up from her book.

"Yeah," he admitted. "A little."

Liora nudged his shoulder. "You've got this."

Joren added, "Even if you awaken squirrel-speak, we'll still hang out with you."

"Gee. Thanks," Kade muttered with mock dryness, then smiled. "Let's go make history."

The hall stood like a cathedral carved from magic itself. White marble veined with glowing blue, floating candelabras, and a domed ceiling that shimmered with illusions of stars.

At the far end, on a raised platform, stood the Crystal of Veritas, a radiant monolith pulsing with ancient energy.

Nobles sat in high balconies, murmuring amongst themselves.

"He's the pride of House Caelum."

"They say he spoke his first words before walking."

"He'll awaken at S-class. Maybe even higher."

One noblewoman with red lips and sharp eyes leaned back. "Let's see if he lives up to the hype."

Kade stood among the students, heart thudding as names were called.

The first person was Elira Wynth, a tall girl from House Wynth stepped forward.

She touched the crystal.

Flash~~

A brilliant blue light surged.

"Wind Manipulation. Class A."

Gasps of admiration filled the room. The evaluators nodded approvingly.

The second to be called was Hal Dorn, a boy with a swaggering step strode forward, smug.

He placed his hand on the crystal.

Flash~~

A small spark of green.

"Plant Growth. Class D."

The crowd stifled chuckles. Hal's face reddened as he stepped back.

"Well, he can grow your houseplants," Joren whispered, and Kade snorted.

Third, Mila Rehn

A shy girl approached next.

Light.

"Emotion Reading. Class C."

She looked relieved. A few nobles nodded in approval.

"Useful in politics," someone murmured.

The fourth to be called was Doran Vesht, the moment his name was called, a hush fell. A descendant of warlords.

He marched to the crystal, head high.

Crackling red.

"Pyric Wrath. Class A+."

Excitement rippled. Even the nobles sat straighter. This kept going on and on until it remained one person.

Silence.

One name remained.

The murmurs began.

"It's him."

"Kade Caelum."

"He's next…"

His legs felt heavy as he walked. The light above dimmed just slightly, as if sensing the importance of the moment.

He climbed the steps. Slowly. Surely.

And stood before the Crystal.

He placed his hand.

The stone began to hum.

Bright flash. A golden shimmer filled the room.

The crowd gasped.

And then silence, the glow vanished.

Gone.

No sparks. No energy.

Nothing.

Just the boy, standing alone, his hand still on the crystal.

Confused.

Hope draining from his eyes.

The room went deathly still.

A nobleman whispered, "…Is it broken?"

The head evaluator frowned, stepping forward.

"No…" he said slowly. "It's not."

"Try again"