The gentle rustling of trees and the soothing breeze created an environment conducive to deep slumber for Klaus. It was a restful sleep, a rare respite from the usual headaches and nightmares that plagued him. As he lay down, the absence of these disturbances provided a comfort he hadn't experienced in a while.
Time flowed silently, minutes melting into hours, and what began as a brief nap extended into a profound slumber. For the first time in ages, Klaus awoke without the usual pounding in his head or the weight of haunting dreams. The sensation of normality surprised him as he sat on the bed, taking in the unusual feeling of restful sleep. Gazing out of the window, he confirmed what he had suspected: the eternal daylight of Higher World.
Stepping outside, Klaus contemplated how long he had slept and whether anyone was still around. Mia's presence caught his attention as he noticed her sitting on a nearby bench. He had no intention of engaging in conversation, his aversion to chatter clear, but Mia's call for his attention was clear.
"Hey, gloomy boy. Can't even spare a 'hello'?" she quipped, her voice carrying a playful tone.
Klaus, however, remained uninterested, continuing to walk past her without acknowledging her presence. This only served to ignite her frustration, prompting her to raise her voice and address him once more.
"Can you at least TRY to respond? Don't be so shy!"
Halting in his tracks, Klaus turned and walked towards Mia, meeting her gaze head-on with a straight face. His deep yellow eyes locked onto her light brown ones, an intensity radiating from his gaze as he leaned closer. The momentary contact sent a shiver down her spine, her cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and unease.
"You're too loud," Klaus muttered, his words carrying an undertone of mild irritation. With that, he turned his attention forward and resumed his stride.
Stunned by the encounter, Mia was momentarily speechless. It took her a few seconds to regain her composure before she snapped back to reality. Determined not to be dismissed, she swiftly got up from the bench and hurried to catch up with Klaus. Positioned in his path, she stood her ground and faced him directly.
CONVERSATION
Mia: Okay, fine, I'm sorry. But can you at least BE a little less harsh? Gosh.
Her tone had shifted significantly from its initial playfulness, adopting a more measured and tolerable quality. Considering this change, Klaus saw no immediate reason to continue ignoring her.
Klaus: What do you want?
Mia: Mia. My name's Mia, remember?
Klaus: *sighs* What do you want, Mia?
Mia: Nothing. Just trying to get some information.
Klaus: That doesn't sound like 'nothing'.
Mia: Anyway, you were the first person who met with the Gods, right?
Klaus: Sure?
Mia: Well... according to that first God guy, he said that we were supposed to meet up with our fathers. Did you?
Klaus felt a sense of confusion. He had assumed that everything should have been concluded by that point, and Mia should have experienced what he did. However, lacking complete information, he chose to set aside his concerns for the time being.
Klaus: I guess.
Mia: Wow. And it's been almost six hours since then.
Klaus noticed the concerned expression on Mia's face. While he wasn't particularly concerned, he couldn't help but wonder if her worry might be an opportunity to gather information from her without her realizing it.
Klaus: You seem worried. Why?
Mia: So you do care about little ol' me. How adorable.
Klaus felt a bitter taste in his mouth but chose not to react as she carried on.
Mia: Well, we were all sent back to our rooms and informed that we would be called one by one. But that was around five hours ago. It doesn't seem like it should be taking this much time to get to my turn.
Klaus was taken aback by the fact that they hadn't finished by that time. However, he remained curious about what had transpired before he woke up.
Klaus: So you haven't met your father yet?
Mia: No. Though, they're probably saving the best for last, to be fair.
With no more information to gain from Mia, Klaus decided it was time to head back to the apartment. Lying on his bed, he mulled over the events of the day. The supernatural occurrences, the revelation of gods, and the mysteries of his own powers all swirled in his mind.
"The current ability you possess is quite unique. Unlike many other demigods, your power extends beyond mere conjuring or summoning."
Klaus couldn't shake Sol's words. He pondered the uniqueness of his abilities and wondered why he was different from the rest of the demigods.
His situation, however, wasn't exactly enviable. He had witnessed extraordinary abilities in people like Lance and Ace, as well as a mysterious aura in individuals like X and Quinn. Meanwhile, his powers didn't come at his beck and call, with the constant illumination in Higher World making things worse.
Although he comprehended the logic behind the dimming of his powers in the day and their brilliance at night, he wasn't content with being practically powerless during the day.
As he lay there, Klaus stretched his hand toward the ceiling, his thoughts focused on the idea of creating light from his palm. It was a task that wasn't as straightforward as walking or eating, so he understood that it would require substantial effort.
Concentrating intently, he pictured a scenario where light emanated from his hand. A peculiar phenomenon unfolded before his eyes – the area around his palm seemed to brighten slightly compared to the surroundings. The light was faint, almost imperceptible, yet Klaus felt a surge of accomplishment. It was a small step toward unraveling his true potential.
Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He stood and answered, finding Shade and Rose on the other side before inviting them in.
CONVERSATION
Shade: Hey, bro. how're you doing?
Klaus: I'm okay... I guess.
Shade: I stopped by to see how you were doing after I met with my dad, but you were sound asleep, and I didn't want to disturb you.
Klaus: Yeah, I haven't had a good night's sleep in a while.
Rose: Or rather, a good day's sleep.
Klaus: Hello to you too, Rose.
Rose: *smiling* Hey, Klaus.
They entered the room, with Shade taking a seat at the desk near the door, and Rose settling onto the bed beside Klaus.
Shade: By the way, you ended up finding out who your dad was too, right?
Klaus: *sighing* Yeah.
He reclined on the bed, with his feet remaining to the sides, and both of his palms resting behind his head.
Klaus: Sol, the God of Light.
Shade: Light?
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Rose: Wait, what? How?
The shock in both Shade and Rose's eyes spoke plenty as silence filled the room.
Shade: How does that even make sense?
Klaus: "The current ability you possess is quite unique. Unlike many other demigods, your power extends beyond mere conjuring or summoning.". Those were the exact words he told me.
Rose: But why is that? Does that mean you're unique, or something?
Klaus closed his eyes in silence for a few seconds.
Klaus: I don't know. But I sure as hell don't feel unique.
He proceeded to recount all the information that Sol had shared with him about his abilities and the reasons behind their limitations in Higher World.
Shade: Wow. Well, at least it makes sense, somehow.
Rose: You should've tried to get more information about it.
Klaus: I would, but given the circumstances of just meeting my father for the first time, I don't think it would be quite appropriate to bombard him with unnecessary inquiries. At least, that's what Siege suggested.
Shade: Oh, he was there with you too?
Klaus: Unfortunately.
Shade: Yeah. He really is an intimidating being.
Rose: Well, He wasn't around during mine, so I guess I got lucky.
Klaus: Speaking of, who ended up being your fathers?
Rose: Mine was as Quinn said. Zeal, the God of Emotion... or something like that.
Shade: Same for me. The God of Darkness, Abyss.
Klaus: Oh, I actually met Abyss during my meeting.
Shade: Now that you mention it, Sol was there for mine as well, alongside Siege.
Klaus: Huh. Maybe they're close.
Rose: Wait, why was my dad alone when I met him? That's kinda unfair.
After a few moments, a heavy silence settled in the room. Klaus shifted, sitting up and gazing down at the floor before he finally voiced his thoughts.
"Do you both feel alright about the fact that they left us behind and now expect us to simply welcome them back into our lives?"
The room became thick with tension as both Rose and Klaus exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring the unease in the atmosphere.
"Well, we can't exactly defy literal Gods, can we?" Rose replied, her voice reflecting the complexities of the situation.
Words seemed inadequate to capture the emotions that hung in the air; they all shared a sense of something difficult to articulate. Fortunately, the tension was broken when an announcement echoed throughout the building. XVII's voice resonated throughout the area, compelling the demigods to assemble at the central meeting place, an arena situated not far from where Klaus had arrived.
As the demigods congregated, taking their seats, XVII stood before them, a figure of authority. His words carried a weight that was felt by everyone present.
"By now, you should have all met your biological fathers, who are here with us. However, we understand that you may also desire to know the other Gods beyond your immediate parentage. Therefore, the Gods have decided to present themselves to you."
With his statement concluded, a spectacle unfolded that seemed almost surreal. Beams of light pierced the air, converging in front of the demigods. In an instant, multiple Gods materialized on the stage, their presence dazzling and overwhelming.
Klaus was overcome by the sheer magnitude of their existence, his body immobilized by their mere presence.
Each God possessed distinctive features, yet a shared resemblance bound them together, like a clan of brothers. Their attires varied, with some adorned in formidable armor while others appeared in casual attire as if they had come from a relaxed gathering. The demigods, including Klaus, were left speechless, confronted by the most powerful entities in existence.
"Your introductions have shown your compliance and your willingness to gather here in Higher World despite the challenges it posed. We are cognizant of the tensions born from our absence in your lives. We do not ask for your forgiveness, but rather your understanding of our roles in the grand tapestry of existence. As an expression of gratitude for your cooperation, we wish to introduce ourselves to you, not just as parents, but also as guides and mentors."
As Zenith completed his statement, he walked forward and continued.
"I am Zenith, the God of Nature and Higher world."
After him, the rest of the Gods continued.
"I am Sol, the God of Light."
"I am Abyss, the God of Darkness."
"I am Siege, the God of War."
"I am Blur, the God of Motion."
"I am Zeal, the God of Emotion."
"I am Sage, the God of Mind."
"I am Siris, the God of Sight."
"I am Sonar, the God of Sound."
"And I am Ultion, the God of Retribution."
With fluidity, ten Gods introduced themselves to the gathered demigods. The air was filled with a mix of awe and curiosity as each deity revealed their identity.
Yet, something seemed amiss. Klaus's memory resurfaced Quinn's mention of thirteen Gods in total. This meant that three of them were conspicuously absent from this presentation.
"Regrettably, Nekro, the God of Fire, and Torrent, the God of Water, could not join us currently due to their duties. They extend their regards despite their absence," the announcement from Zenith clarified.
While this accounted for two absences, the other lingered in the air, causing Klaus to feel an itch of curiosity. He hesitated to voice his question, assuming Quinn might have been mistaken about the count.
However, his assumptions were challenged by an unexpected interruption.
"Uhh, excuse me, God people?"
Klaus's attention shifted to Mia, who had managed to find her voice amidst the presence of the Gods.
"I don't know if you've noticed, but I haven't had the pleasure of meeting my father yet. So who is it?"
Initially, Klaus presumed this to be a minor oversight, easily explained by the chaotic nature of the event. Yet, as he observed the Gods exchanging glances, he realized there was more to the situation than met the eye.
Klaus had come to believe in the authenticity of the Gods' words, despite his recent introduction to their existence. He recognized that their response would be an honest one, and the truth behind Mia's situation was about to be unveiled.
Zenith stepped forward, taking the role of explanation upon himself.
"Initially, we intended to handle this matter privately, but circumstances demand that we address it openly."
Zenith's gaze rested upon Mia, a weighty expression adorning his features.
"Mia Brown, your true birth name is Mia Woods, and you are the daughter of Flage, the God of Hunting."
A mumble from Shade prompted Klaus's acknowledgment.
" Flage? As in camouflage?"
"I guess so," Klaus quietly replied.
Curiosity lingered on Mia's face as she surveyed the Gods.
"Alright then, where is he?"
Zenith's demeanor betrayed a certain unease as if he were navigating a conversation that held unanticipated challenges. He continued, driven by the necessity to reveal the truth.
"Your father is not among us. To clarify, his whereabouts are unknown to any of the Gods at this time."
The shockwave of revelation rippled through the gathered demigods.
"Seventeen years ago, when you were born, your father departed Main World in response to the untimely passing of your biological mother. Since then, no God has been able to locate him across the expanse of the universe. It was, in part, his own request that we did not pursue his location."
The words hung in the air, a blend of complexity and uncertainty. Klaus's mind whirred with questions and thoughts as the truth of Mia's lineage, shrouded in mystery, was finally unveiled.
Mia was left utterly speechless, her confusion etched across her face as she absorbed the shocking revelation. However, Zenith had more surprises to unveil, ensuring that the waves of astonishment continued to wash over the demigods.
"But you are not the only child of Flage," Zenith declared, his voice carrying a sense of gravity that mirrored the magnitude of his words. "You are also the separated but biological twin sister to the one you all know as X."
The arena was thrown into a state of unparalleled shock. Every gaze pivoted toward X, who had maintained his head-down posture, his mask concealing his emotions. Although his facial expressions remained hidden, the intensity of his eyes revealed that the news held little significance for him, and he continued to focus on the floor from his seat at the back.
"Ar-are you s-serious?" Mia stuttered in disbelief, her eyes shifting from Zenith to X.
Zenith affirmed with a nod, confirming the unexpected truth.
Following this revelation, Zenith expressed gratitude to all the demigods for their cooperation and announced that they would soon have the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones in Main World. With that, the Gods departed from the arena.
The news of X and Mia's connection left everyone at a loss for words. However, X remained an enigmatic figure who kept to himself, making it difficult for anyone to approach him for further insight. Consequently, the demigods dispersed from the arena without incident.
Ace leaned in to whisper to Klaus, finding some levity in the situation. "At least now we know his last name is Woods too."
Then, something unexpected occurred. Mia approached X, who was still seated, and initiated a hesitant conversation.
"Um, h-hey there... um... brother. I-I'm Mia, and I hope we can become c-c-close to each other."
Klaus watched in astonishment as Mia's typically confident demeanor dissolved into shyness. Her cheeks reddened, and her fidgety fingers betrayed her nervousness. She appeared like a child seeking approval from a parent or an idol.
Klaus had a sense of what X's response would be, and it didn't bode well for Mia. As X stood up and walked away without acknowledging her, Klaus felt a pang of sympathy for Mia.
A sense of helplessness washed over the onlookers as they watched Mia standing there, still flushed with embarrassment.
Klaus decided to give her some space, instructing Rose and Shade to leave her be as they departed the arena, leaving Mia to contend with her feelings.
As the demigods reached their expected destination, XVII bid them farewell and led them to a platform that would teleport each of them back to the location they had been transported from in Main World before venturing to Higher World.
One by one, the demigods descended back to the familiar planet, Earth, and their respective homes.
Klaus found himself back at the alleyway with the palm poster he had touched before ascending to Higher World. With no one around, given the time of night, he took the opportunity to make his way back home.
As he approached his front door, Shade appeared shortly after. Together, they walked in, and their mother, seated on the couch despite the late hour, noticed them. She swiftly rose, rushing to embrace them both with profound love.
"You're both back, I'm glad," she exclaimed, tears of joy in her eyes.
"Did you both meet them?" she asked Klaus and Shade after more seconds of embrace.
Both nodded, answering her question. Natalie's expression shifted as tears of regret rolled down her cheeks.
"I'm sorry for lying to you all these years. I've let you guys down."
Klaus turned to his mother, speaking with sincerity, "You never let us down. You've always been there for us no matter what. We should be apologizing for leaving without saying anything."
Klaus' words were surprising to both Natalie and Shade. It was uncommon for Klaus to express his feelings openly, making their impact all the more meaningful. Natalie embraced him tightly, touched by his heartfelt words.
"I'll always love you, Klaus," she whispered.
Shade privately mused how much Klaus had changed recently, becoming more open and communicative with them.
"I guess Rose is somehow having a positive influence on him," he reflected, acknowledging her role in his transformation.
Gazing up at the night sky, a sight they hadn't experienced for a long time, they eventually retired to their respective rooms. Klaus settled on his bed, reminiscing about the surreal events that felt like a dream or a movie.
As he lay there, contemplating the prospect of drifting into slumber, his phone rang.
Initially hesitant to respond, Klaus realized that his recent sleep had left him surprisingly refreshed and not very exhausted. With a reluctant sigh, he approached his table and cast a quick glance at the name of the caller.
"Karma."