Chapter XXVI

(6 Years Ago)

Year 2048

"Hello, boy," the voice was low, almost a whisper, laced with a chilling familiarity that sent a shiver down Yoki's spine. The air around him seemed to drop in temperature, the fog thickening as if to trap him in this strange place.

Yoki's eyes snapped open, but the world around him was a swirling haze, a mist that blurred everything beyond recognition. The vast white void stretched infinitely, blurring the line between reality and dream. He felt weightless, untethered, the chill of the fog biting into his skin, his senses dulled yet hyperaware.

"So glad we can speak again, face to face."

The voice resonated from everywhere and nowhere, echoing inside his skull. A massive winged silhouette materialized within the fog—a familiar and utterly alien figure. As it drew closer, the mist clung to it like tendrils, refusing to reveal its complete form.

"Painkiller," Yoki breathed, dread knotting in his stomach. The name tasted bitter on his tongue. "It's you."

He glanced down at his hands and recoiled. Instead of fingers, he saw elongated talons gleaming wickedly, their edges sharp enough to cut the air. Panic surged as he realized unfamiliar muscles twitched along his back. With a tentative flex, he felt something protrude—two somethings. Wings.

Cold fear mixed with a strange thrill. Wings. He was changing, evolving. But was this really him?

"Wings, Yoki. You're evolving, at least here," the Painkiller said, a hint of amusement coloring his tone. "You know where 'here' is now, don't you?"

Yoki's mind raced, trying to find an anchor amidst the disorienting void. This place—the oppressive emptiness, the sense of being torn from reality—he recognized it. It was the Rift—the same void he'd been trapped in two years ago before waking up at Stonegate. The realization made his stomach twist.

"The Rift," he whispered, his voice trembling.

"Indeed." The Painkiller stepped forward, the fog peeling away just enough to reveal crimson eyes boring into his own. Yoki felt a sudden chill ripple through him as if the very air had turned to ice, and the soft rustle of the Painkiller's wings made Yoki cringe. Yoki's breath caught. The figure wasn't just familiar—it was him. His face was twisted, warped by a malicious grin that stretched far too wide.

"What the fuck?” Yoki stumbled back, his heart pounding like a drumbeat. Before he could react, his doppelgänger lunged, moving with an unnatural speed. They collided, the impact sending them both tumbling through the void. Yoki hit an invisible ground hard, pain lancing through his ribs as the wind rushed from his lungs. He gasped, thoughts spiraling in panic—was this it? Was he going to be stuck here, broken and vulnerable, with no way out? Like polished stone, the surface beneath him felt strangely firm yet cold, adding an eerie sense of solidity to the otherwise intangible void. The Painkiller pinned him effortlessly, his weight as immovable as a mountain.

"Such vulgarity is beneath you," the Painkiller chided, his voice dripping with condescension. His clawed hand struck Yoki's face with a sharp crack, the sting blossoming across his cheek. Stars burst in his vision, a disorienting mix of light and pain.

Gritting his teeth, Yoki struggled beneath the crushing weight of his other self, his muscles straining, his breath coming in ragged gasps. But the Painkiller was unyielding. Then, as suddenly as he'd attacked, the Painkiller vanished, leaving only a wisp of laughter behind.

Yoki scrambled to his feet, his legs trembling, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Show yourself!" he shouted, his voice echoing into the emptiness, fading as the immense void swallowed his words.

A light tap on his shoulder made him whirl around, fists raised, only to find nothing—just the endless white.

"Why don't you calm down?" The voice dripped with mock concern. "You have the chance to earn info on one of three subjects: your parents' murder, the Lapis Cruciatus, or—the compass."

Yoki spun again, his heart pounding, to find the Painkiller lounging on an ornate chaise that hadn't been there a second ago. The sight was almost absurd, the rich fabric of the chaise contrasting sharply with the sterile emptiness of the Rift.

Memories he had tried to bury surged forward—the aching loss of his parents. He could still hear his mother's soft humming as she cooked, the comforting warmth of her presence that made everything feel safe. That warmth was something he'd never truly felt again. The scent of her favorite lavender soap lingering in the air, and the reassuring weight of his father's hand on his shoulder when things went wrong. The emptiness that had followed their deaths was a void he could never seem to fill, a constant ache that only grew sharper with time. The mention of his parents tore at a wound that had never truly healed, and his stomach clenched.

"Tell me about my parents' murder," Yoki demanded, his voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside.

"So quick to choose!" The Painkiller's grin widened, revealing jagged teeth that gleamed in the dim, sourceless light. "Such a tragedy is irresistible, even if irreversible, for a human." He examined his clawed fingers, the talons glinting with a casual menace.

"Do I get to know or not?" Yoki snapped, his fists clenching so tightly that his talons dug into his palms.

The Painkiller's eyes flicked up, gleaming with a twisted delight. Without warning, a searing agony ripped through Yoki's body. He dropped to his knees, his mouth opening in a silent scream, every nerve ending ablaze. The pain consumed him, a fire that seemed to burn away his very soul.

"Ah, it's wonderful, isn't it? Give it to me," the Painkiller purred, his voice reverberating as he watched Yoki writhe, his eyes alight with predatory fascination.

Just as suddenly, the pain vanished. Yoki collapsed, gasping for air, his limbs trembling, every inch of him drenched in cold sweat. He looked up and, to his shock, saw the Painkiller doubled over, shuddering as if sharing in the torment.

Cautious but compelled, Yoki pushed himself up, his legs unsteady. He took a tentative step forward. "Are you... feeling it too?"

The figure stopped convulsing and straightened, a sly smile curling his lips. "That was refreshing. Thank you for that." He stretched languidly, his wings unfurling to their entire span—dark, imposing, and disturbingly beautiful, each feather seeming to pulse with a life of its own. "Your wings are coming in nicely, I see."

"Enough games," Yoki growled, forcing steel into his voice. "You promised me information."

The Painkiller's expression hardened, his gaze locking onto Yoki's with an intensity that made his skin crawl. "We're running out of time. You asked about your parents, so listen carefully." He stepped closer, his eyes boring into Yoki's. "You'll meet someone in your future who was involved in their murder—someone you haven't met yet. This person will become dear to you."

A cold chill settled over Yoki, his stomach twisting. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that when I told you to ally yourself with Doc at Stonegate, that wasn't me speaking. There was... an interference." He paused, his eyes narrowing as if reliving a memory. "Just as I was manipulated then, the one who killed your parents was also interfered with. What appears on the surface isn't the whole truth."

"Who interfered? Why?" Yoki's mind raced, possibilities flashing through his thoughts, each more unsettling than the last.

The Painkiller shook his head slowly. "That's all I can tell you. For now." His form began to blur, the edges dissolving into the surrounding void. "Take care of yourself, Yoki. You can't be dying on me now."

"Wait!" Yoki reached out, his heart hammering, but the world around him was already fracturing, giving way to a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that swallowed him whole.

"Dude, you gotta stop dozing off."

Yoki jolted awake, blinking rapidly as the familiar sights of the classroom swam into focus. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting warm patterns across rows of wooden desks. Enrique grinned at him from the next seat over, his expression one of amusement.

Yoki's heart pounded as he tried to get his bearings. His back ached, a strange sensation rippling through his shoulder blades—muscles twitching beneath the surface as if something were trying to push through. Panic surged again as he remembered the wings in the Rift. He shifted uncomfortably, trying to ignore the unsettling feeling.

"Gross, stop with the creepy smile, man. Oh shi—"

"Enrique, Yoki, do you have something you'd like to share with the class?" Professor Thaler's voice cut through the murmurs, his gaze stern beneath bushy eyebrows.

Yoki's heart was still racing, his cloak clinging to his back, damp with sweat. He forced himself to sit up straighter, willing the panic and confusion to settle. The Painkiller's words echoed in his mind, the lingering chill of the Rift still present in his bones.

"Apologies, Professor," he managed, his voice steady, though his hands still trembled slightly. "It won't happen again."

Professor Thaler narrowed his eyes, his stare like a hawk's, unyielding. "Not only are you disrupting my lecture, but now you're daydreaming? Detention for both of you. One more slip-up, and you'll earn demerits for Umbra."

"Yes, sir," Yoki and Enrique echoed in unison.

As the professor turned back to his notes on the chalkboard, Enrique leaned over, keeping his voice low. "Thanks a lot, man. Now we've got detention."

"Sorry," Yoki whispered back, rubbing his temples, the pounding in his head slowly easing. The strange twitching in his back hadn't stopped, making him feel like something was wrong—something more than just a bad dream. "I'll make it up to you."

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Enrique studied him momentarily, his playful demeanor fading, replaced by genuine concern. "You look like you've seen a ghost. Everything okay?"

Yoki hesitated, his gaze dropping to the desk. "Just a rough night. Didn't sleep well."

"Maybe lay off the late-night library runs," Enrique suggested a hint of teasing creeping back into his tone. "You could pass for an extra in a zombie movie."

Yoki forced a laugh. "Maybe. But I don't think even zombies feel this weird."

"Fair enough. But seriously, Yoki, take care of yourself." Enrique's tone softened, and a rare moment of seriousness caught Yoki off guard.

They spent the rest of the class scribbling notes to each other, Enrique's doodles becoming increasingly elaborate. One depicted Yoki asleep at his desk, drool pooling on his notebook. Despite himself, Yoki cracked a smile, the tension in his chest loosening ever so slightly.

When the bell rang, they gathered their things and joined the students spilling into the hallway.

"So," Enrique began, slinging his bag over his shoulder, "since you got us both detention, how about you introduce me to Lila?"

Yoki raised an eyebrow. "That's your big plan for forgiveness?"

Enrique nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! You've been hogging all her time. It's only fair."

Yoki chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. I'll see what I can do."

"That's more like it." Enrique's grin returned, though he eyed Yoki's shoulders curiously. "You've been moving weirdly all day. Are you sure everything's good? Not gonna sprout a second head, are you?"

Yoki smirked, though his eyes were serious. "Trust me, if I could tell you, I would."

“Mysterious much? Just don't go full monster on me, alright?" Enrique's grin widened. "I'd hate to have to put you down."

Yoki snorted. "Yeah, like you could even if you tried."

"Hey, I can be pretty resourceful," Enrique shot back with a mock offense.

Before they could continue their banter, a familiar voice called out behind them. "Yoki! Enrique!"

They turned to see Troy and Lucia approaching. Troy's easy smile was in place, but there was a hint of hesitation in his eyes. Lucia gave a small wave, her gaze darting between the two boys.

"Oh great," Yoki muttered under his breath. "Here comes awkwardness."

"Play nice," Enrique whispered, elbowing him lightly.

"Hey guys," Troy said as they caught up. "Been meaning to catch you."

Yoki forced a neutral expression. "What's up?"

Troy rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Lucia before meeting Yoki's eyes. "Look, about that sparring match... I wanted to apologize. I overreacted and said some things I shouldn't have."

Yoki was caught off guard. He'd expected tension, maybe even hostility, but not this. He studied Troy's face, looking for any trace of sarcasm, but found none. "Uh, yeah... it's alright. I wasn't exactly in control either."

"So we're good?" Troy extended his hand, his expression earnest.

Yoki glanced at the hand offered momentarily, hesitation flickering in his eyes. He thought of all the anger and betrayal he'd felt and how exhausted he was from holding onto it. It may be time to move forward. He clasped Troy's hand firmly. "Yeah, we're good."

Lucia let out a sigh of relief. "Finally! I was starting to think you two were destined to be arch-nemeses."

"Arch-nemeses?" Enrique echoed, grinning. "That's a bit dramatic, don't you think?"

She shrugged playfully. "Maybe a little."

Troy chuckled. "Anyway, we're getting a group together for some training later. Thought you two might want to join."

Yoki raised an eyebrow, curiosity sparking. "What kind of training are we talking about?"

"Earthworking Pre-Trials are coming up," Troy explained. "Daniel's been working on some impressive stuff. Figured we could all benefit from a joint session."

Enrique's eyes lit up. "Count me in. Been itching to show off my moves."

Yoki nodded. Training sounded like exactly what he needed to get his mind off the strange sensations in his back. The physical exertion and focus would be a welcome distraction, giving him something tangible to concentrate on instead of the unsettling changes. "Sure, I'm down. When and where?"

"East field after classes," Lucia said, her eyes brightening. "Spread the word if you can."

"Got it," Enrique replied, giving a thumbs up.

As Troy and Lucia headed down the corridor, Enrique nudged Yoki with his elbow. "See? That wasn't so painful."

Yoki exhaled, realizing he'd been holding his breath. "Yeah, I guess not."

"Maybe you'll actually make some friends this year," Enrique teased, giving him a side-eyed grin.

Yoki rolled his eyes. "One step at a time, man."

They continued down the hall when Enrique suddenly darted ahead, grabbing Yoki's protein bar from his cloak’s outer pocket.

"Hey!" Yoki protested, narrowing his eyes.

Enrique waved it teasingly. "You snooze, you lose! Or maybe those reflexes just aren't what they used to be, huh? All those late nights must be catching up with you, grandpa.""

"Oh, you're asking for it now." Yoki lunged, catching Enrique in a headlock, rubbing his knuckles into Enrique's scalp until he let out a high-pitched yelp.

"Uncle! Uncle!" Enrique laughed, squirming to break free.

Students around them chuckled at the spectacle, some cheering them on. Yoki released him, both of them grinning.

"Childish," Yoki said, feigning seriousness.

"Says the guy who just gave me a noogie," Enrique retorted, smoothing his tousled hair.

──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ────

The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the east field, the grass swaying gently in the breeze. Yoki and Enrique arrived to find the others already gathered. Troy was stretching while Lucia practiced intricate hand movements, tiny sparks flickering at her fingertips.

"Glad you guys could make it," Daniel called out, adjusting his glasses. His sandy hair was windswept, and a smudge of dirt was on his cheek.

"Wouldn't miss it," Enrique replied, clapping Daniel on the back. "Heard you've been cooking up something special."

Daniel's cheeks reddened slightly. "I've been experimenting, that's all."

"Well, let's see it," Yoki encouraged, genuinely curious.

Taking a deep breath, Daniel stepped forward. He closed his eyes, centering himself. The ground beneath them began to hum softly, pebbles vibrating before lifting into the air as if weightless. Daniel guided them into a swirling orbit around him with a fluid motion of his hands.

The pebbles merged into larger stones, which then combined to form boulders. In a graceful sweep, he molded them into a towering golem. The earth construct stood at least ten feet tall, its features remarkably detailed—defined muscles, articulated joints, even a face with glowing eyes of molten amber.

"Wow," Lucia whispered, her eyes wide in awe.

The golem moved, mimicking Daniel's subtle gestures. It took a few lumbering steps before bowing theatrically.

Enrique let out a low whistle. "That's... that's some next-level stuff right there."

Daniel opened his eyes, the golem dissolving back into the ground. "Still ironing out the kinks," he said modestly, brushing his hands off on his trousers.

"Don't be humble," Yoki said, clapping Daniel on the shoulder. "Your control and precision are amazing."

Daniel smiled shyly. "Thanks. I've actually been studying your adaptability, Yoki. The way you integrate different elements is inspiring."

"Me?" Yoki was taken aback, blinking. "I feel like I'm just fumbling around half the time."

"Not from where I'm standing," Daniel replied. "Your progress is incredible. You're like a Sphaeram prodigy."

Yoki rubbed the back of his neck, warmth spreading across his cheeks. The twitching in his back intensified slightly as if in response to Daniel's words. "Well, maybe we can help each other out. Share techniques and stuff."

Daniel's face brightened. "I'd like that."

"Hey, don't leave me out," Enrique interjected, his grin returning. "I could use some pointers, too."

"Then it's settled," Troy said, clapping his hands. "Group training session. Let's see what everyone can do."

They spent the next hour showcasing their abilities. Enrique demonstrated his skill by creating intricate earth sculptures—a castle with turrets and flags fluttering in an imaginary breeze. Lucia conjured shimmering illusions that danced around them, leaving trails of light.

Yoki focused on blending his shadow manipulation with earth elements. He crouched low, pressing his palms to the ground, feeling the rough, cool texture of the soil against his skin. The shadows moved like liquid, merging with the earth, their dark tendrils seeping into the soil as if drawn by an unseen force. Tendrils of darkness seeped from his fingers, merging with the soil. With a deliberate motion, he pulled upwards, and a column of shadow-infused earth rose, solidifying into an obsidian-like pillar.

"That's wild," Helena remarked, her fiery hair glowing in the waning sunlight. "It's like you're bending darkness itself."

Yoki shrugged lightly. "Still experimenting."

"Don't be modest," Hannah said. "Your control has improved significantly."

A spark of friendly competition ignited between Yoki and Daniel. They pushed each other to attempt more complex feats—Daniel crafted a series of moving earth constructs while Yoki wove shadows through them, animating the figures unexpectedly.

"Alright, alright," Troy called out. "I think it's time for a little challenge."

"What did you have in mind?" Enrique asked a mischievous glint in his eye.

"An obstacle course," Troy announced, his eyes gleaming. "We'll set it up ourselves. Timed runs, with points for creativity and skill."

Helena grinned, her eyes flashing. "Now we're talking."

They quickly constructed a course using the terrain—a series of walls, trenches, and hurdles. The rules were simple: navigate the course using their abilities in the most innovative way possible.

Daniel went first. He glided over obstacles by raising the ground beneath his feet, vaulting gracefully. He manipulated the earth to create stepping stones and even used a stone slide to speed down a slope.

Enrique followed, opting for brute strength. He punched through walls, reshaping them as he went, and used rock pillars to catapult himself forward.

Yoki took a different approach. He cloaked himself in shadows, melding into the environment. At one point, he disappeared entirely, reappearing on the other side of a barrier. He summoned a shadowy ramp for the final stretch, sliding down with a controlled descent.

The others took their turns, each displaying a unique skill—Lucia's illusions created decoys, Helena blasted through obstacles with controlled flames, and Hannah shifting her body throughout her run, shrinking and growing it wheneever necessary.

Damn, Shifters are out of this world!

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of pink and orange, they regrouped to tally up the scores.

"Drumroll, please," Lucia said dramatically, tapping her fingers against her thigh.

"After careful consideration," Troy began, his voice teasingly formal. We've determined that it's a tie between Yoki and Daniel."

"Called it," Helena laughed, shaking her head.

Yoki extended his hand to Daniel. "Looks like we'll have to settle for sharing the spotlight."

Daniel shook it firmly, his smile genuine. "I can live with that. Great work today."

"You too."

Enrique threw an arm around both of them, his grin infectious. "Guess I'll have to up my game. Can't have you two showing me up."

"Plenty of time to practice," Hannah said, her eyes reflecting the fading light. "The Pre-Trials are just around the corner."

As they began to pack up, Daniel approached Yoki. "Hey, I was serious about training together more often."

"Me too," Yoki replied, nodding. "Iron sharpens iron, right?"

"Exactly." Daniel's earnest smile was bright, and his eyes were wide. "Maybe tomorrow after classes?"

"Sounds good."

Once Daniel had joined the others, Enrique sidled up to Yoki. "Look at you, Mr. Popular."

"Jealous?" Yoki teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Maybe a tad," Enrique admitted with a chuckle. "But it's good to see you opening up."

"Thanks. Feels... right."

They walked in companionable silence, their friends' laughter echoing softly in front of them. At this hour, the campus was serene, its pathways illuminated by gentle lantern light.

"By the way," Enrique said casually, breaking the silence, "don't think I've forgotten about that introduction to Lila."

Yoki laughed, shaking his head. "Persistent, aren't you?"

"It's one of my many charming qualities."

"I'll see what I can do," Yoki promised. "But no guarantees she'll fall for your antics."

"Antics? I prefer to think of them as endearing quirks."

"Uh-huh."

As they approached the dorms, Yoki glanced up at the night sky. Stars were beginning to peek through the twilight, constellations forming patterns he found comforting. His thoughts drifted back to the Painkiller's message. The idea that someone he hadn't met yet, someone who would become dear to him, was involved in his parents' murder weighed heavily. The notion of interference—both with the Painkiller and the murderer—added layers of complexity he wasn't sure how to unravel.

"Everything alright?" Enrique asked, noticing his pensive expression.

Yoki took a deep breath, his gaze still on the stars. "Yeah. Just a lot on my mind."

"Well, if you ever want to talk about it..."

"I know. Thanks."

They reached the Umbra dormitory, the warm glow from inside spilling out onto the steps.

"Guess I'll see you at detention tomorrow morning,” Enrique said with a mock salute. "I'm heading up for the night. Got some classes I gotta study for.”

"Looking forward to it," Yoki replied wryly, rolling his eyes. "I'm off to the library to research with Lila."

"Research, righttttt." Enrique joked.

Yoki sighed deeply, smiling nonetheless. Yoki felt a strange mix of emotions as they parted ways—uncertainty about the future and a budding sense of hope. He wasn't alone in this. With friends by his side and new connections forming, maybe he could face whatever truths awaited him.

But for now, Yoki would focus on the present. He would work on sharpening his skills, earning trust, and perhaps finding answers about his parents, about himself. Unbeknownst to him, however, the Veilseekers were poised to strike.

A sudden, icy sting pierced his neck. His hand shot up instinctively, but it was already too late. His vision blurred, darkness seeping in from all sides. Panic surged through him, but his legs buckled, and he crumbled to the cobbled pathway. Rough hands caught him as his body sagged inevitably onto the ground. The last thing Yoki saw were a group of hooded blurs against the night. He fought—he tried—but the world slipped away as his body went limp, the night swallowing him whole.