The reaction was immediate. As soon as Aura finished speaking, my parents stood up almost simultaneously, as if the reality of her words had triggered an alarm in their hearts.
—Do you really think we’re going to let you take our son just because you say he has “potential”? —my dad exclaimed, his voice filled with indignation and fear. Mom nodded, her eyes nearly brimming with tears as she stepped closer and placed her hands on my shoulders.
—Ángel, you’re our son, do you understand? —she said, her tone barely containing the mix of love and desperation—. It doesn’t matter what abilities you have; I’m not going to let you expose yourself to something so dangerous. We don’t even know who this person is or what she really wants.
—Listen to your mother, Ángel —my dad added, his lips pressed tight as he glared at Aura with a mixture of disbelief and defiance—. She shows up out of nowhere, just like that, and expects us to believe her... And you? Do you really think we’re just going to let you leave so easily? With a stranger offering you…? —He gestured vaguely but with such tension that his frustration filled the room—. This isn’t a game!
I felt their worry like a suffocating embrace. I could see the fear, the uncertainty, and their instinct telling them they couldn’t even consider letting me go. They were confused, as if they had just realized how far I had come without them being able to do anything about it.
I took a deep breath, and with the firmest voice I could muster, I said:
—I know this sounds crazy, and that you want to protect me… but I’ve thought about this a lot, more than you can imagine. —I looked at Aura, then at my parents, trying to reassure them—. She’s someone I can trust. If she wanted to hurt or deceive us, she could have done it already, and yet she’s here being honest with us.
My words seemed to pause them, though disbelief still lingered on their faces.
—It’s not that I don’t appreciate everything you’ve given me or everything you do for me —I continued, trying to ease the tension but keeping my conviction—. But I can’t deny who I am or who I want to become. With what I know now, with what I’m capable of doing… I don’t want to spend my life suppressing it. And besides, at the academy, I’ll learn to control what I carry inside. It’s a chance to ensure not just my safety, but also the safety of those around me.
My mom took my hands, looking at me as if searching for any doubt, any sign that I was rushing into this decision, but I held her gaze firmly.
—I know there are risks, and I’ve considered them. I know this isn’t easy for you, but I need you to trust me… trust that this is truly what I want. I want to become someone who can rise to the occasion. I promise I’ll come back and be the person you want me to be.
My dad dropped his shoulders, resigned, though his expression held a mix of pain and pride. Mom swallowed hard, and though her eyes filled with tears, she slowly nodded.
—If this is truly what you want… then we’ll trust you, Ángel.
Aura stepped forward with a calm smile, raising her hands in a peaceful gesture.
—I know this is overwhelming —she said gently, addressing my parents with patience—. I’m not here to take your son away or impose anything on you. My role here is to ensure that both Ángel and you are well-informed about what this entails and what it can offer him.
My parents exchanged worried looks. My dad crossed his arms, his gaze never leaving Aura.
—How can we trust you? —he asked, still frowning.
Before Aura could respond, I stepped forward, determined.
—You can trust her, Dad, Mom. I promise you everything will get better from now on. I know this sounds strange, but since I met her, I’ve felt… —I paused to collect myself, overwhelmed by emotion— that with her help, I have a chance to understand myself, to be safe.
My words seemed to ease some of the tension in their expressions, though worry still lingered. My mom took a deep breath, her eyes wet, and nodded slowly.
Aura waited a moment before continuing, her tone turning more serious and assured.
—As I mentioned earlier, we belong to an organization that remains anonymous, not just for precaution, but because we work closely with the government and other agencies. Our purpose is to maintain the balance between this world and those phenomena that most people cannot see or understand. The ‘anomalous,’ like us, exist to prevent those energies or creatures that only Ángel has seen from causing harm. That’s why our organization is highly confidential.
My parents looked at me, still with tears in their eyes, trying to process everything. The idea that all of this was real, that there was a hidden side to the world, left them in shock. But seeing my determination and Aura’s assurance, they gradually nodded, as if understanding that this decision was for the best.
—I know it’s not easy for you to accept this —Aura said softly—, but I’m here to make sure Ángel is protected, prepared, and that along the way, he has the support he needs to become who he wants to be.
Aura gave them a conciliatory smile and, with a professional tone, explained the next step of the plan.
—To ensure no one suspects and to protect the confidentiality of all this, you’ll tell everyone that Ángel has received a full scholarship to a prestigious private school abroad. It’s the story we use for all who join our organization as apprentices —she said calmly, as if everything was perfectly calculated.
At that moment, my dad’s phone buzzed, interrupting the tense atmosphere. He frowned as he checked the notification, and upon seeing the message, his eyes widened.
—E-eighty thousand dollars…? —he whispered, incredulous, looking between me and Aura, trying to grasp if this was real.
Aura nodded slightly, as if expecting the astonishment.
—That’s an advance payment for his first role as an official anomalous, even in his apprentice status. I apologize if it seems modest compared to other ranks, but I assure you that as he progresses, his earnings will increase. Additionally, this will cover any extra expenses you may need for his preparation. All I ask is that you consider the impact of keeping this secret and the security we can offer.
My parents were utterly stunned, their gazes darting between Aura, me, and the phone. Their teary eyes now held a mix of surprise and confusion.
Aura turned to me.
—Well, Ángel, you’ll need to pack your things and be ready to leave early tomorrow morning. Bring whatever you want, but remember that where we’re going, you’ll have everything you need.
My parents exchanged one last look. Although it was still hard for them to accept everything, the sense of responsibility they saw in my eyes gave them the reassurance they needed to finally nod, accepting the opportunity.
Aura rose from the couch and, after giving my parents a look of respect and gratitude, bid them farewell with a calm smile.
—Thank you for your time and for listening. I know it’s a lot to take in, but I assure you, you’re making the best decision. We’ll be in touch, and if you need anything, just ask.
With that, she walked to the door and left without another sound, as if her presence hadn’t changed anything in the room when, in reality, it had changed everything.
My parents and I stayed in heavy silence, each of us trying to process what had just happened. The surreal nature of it all, mixed with the gravity of what it implied, made it difficult to absorb. I could feel their eyes on me, each glance filled with unspoken questions and concerns that none of us had ever had to confront in this way before.
Finally, my mother broke the silence, her voice low and hesitant.
—Are you sure about this, Ángel…? Do you really want to leave like this?
I nodded, trying to convey the certainty I felt.
—Yes… I know it’s hard to understand, but I need this. For the first time, everything I’ve experienced feels like it has a purpose, like I don’t have to keep hiding it. I’ll be okay, and so will you.
My father sighed, his expression a mix of pride and sadness.
—We’re going to miss you, son. But if this is what you want… and if this can give you the life you deserve, then… go ahead.
We stayed like that for a while, knowing that any additional words would feel inadequate. And although we were all trying to be strong, there was a melancholy in the air that connected us.
Dinner that night was a little strange, the atmosphere shifting between excitement, nostalgia, and nervousness. We ate mostly in silence, each lost in our own thoughts, until my parents broke the stillness by offering to help me pack. Together, we carefully filled a suitcase with the essentials I had decided to take with me. My mom folded each piece of clothing meticulously, while my dad offered advice here and there, though he could barely finish a sentence without his voice breaking a little.
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That night, I barely slept, and at dawn, a gentle knock on my door woke me.
—Ángel, it’s time. I made you something for breakfast —my mother said softly.
The three of us sat together in the kitchen, where she had prepared one of my favorite breakfasts. The familiar taste brought back memories of so many normal mornings that now felt like they belonged to another world, so distant from what lay ahead. Time flew by, and before we knew it, there was a knock at the door.
Aura was there, her calm smile unchanged, but this time she was accompanied by a tall, well-dressed man standing by a black car parked in front of our house. The man approached and, without saying much, began loading my luggage while my parents stepped closer to say their goodbyes.
I felt the warmth of my mother’s embrace, and she couldn’t stop the tears from filling her eyes.
—We’re going to miss you so much, my boy —she said, gently caressing my face—. But we know you’ll do great things.
My father, with a look of pride and sorrow, gave me a firm handshake before pulling me into a hug.
—Take care, Ángel. Always remember where you come from and how much we love you.
I nodded, trying to hold myself together as I felt the weight of their emotions blending with mine. With one last look at them, I turned and got into the car, knowing that this marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life, one filled with uncertainty but also endless possibilities.
The drive was long, and the scenery slowly changed as we left the city. Nearly two hours passed with barely a word exchanged, the silence in the car broken only by the soft hum of the road.
Finally, Aura glanced at me from the front seat and broke the silence.
—Nervous? —she asked, her playful smile still present.
I took a moment before responding, staring out the window into the void.
—Nervous? I guess… a little —I said, clasping my hands as a small smile crept onto my face—. But, really, more than that, I feel determined. More than nervous, I’m… happy. This is what I want.
Aura nodded, as if my answer was exactly what she had expected. Her smile widened slightly, and at that moment, I felt her confidence in me, which gave me even more trust in the path I was about to take.
After a while, we arrived at a gated residential area, surrounded by tall walls and camouflaged by trees. As we passed through the entrance, the atmosphere became more mysterious and serene. We entered an underground parking lot, and when the car stopped, Aura stepped out first and gestured for me to follow.
We walked through a softly lit corridor to an elevator that took us directly to a small complex of buildings. The place was modern yet welcoming, and everything was impeccably organized. We walked in silence until Aura glanced at me and asked:
—What do you prefer, an apartment or a private house?
I thought for a second before replying without much hesitation.
—An apartment is fine, something comfortable and practical.
—Perfect, this way then —she said, leading me toward one of the buildings with a discreet yet elegant appearance.
We took a small elevator and soon stopped on the floor with the door marked 28. As she handed me the keys, I couldn’t help but look around, intrigued, and my curiosity spilled into a question:
—How many of us are there? It doesn’t seem like many…
Aura let out a small laugh and nodded.
—That’s true; there aren’t many here, and not all of us live in Mexico. There are apartments and houses like this in various places around the world. It’s part of the system to keep us connected while maintaining secrecy —she explained—. But feel at home; you’ll have everything you need here.
With a mix of excitement and nerves, I opened the door and let the reality of this new life wash over me.
Aura and I stepped into the apartment, and as I took it all in with fresh eyes, she sat on the couch and gestured for me to join her. Once I settled in, she watched me with a blend of interest and professionalism before speaking in a serious yet kind tone.
—Ángel, before we start your training, I need you to be completely detailed about everything you’ve been able to do so far. Don’t leave out a single detail, even if you think it’s irrelevant or small. To guide you properly, I need to know every single thing you’re capable of.
I nodded, understanding the importance of what she was asking. I took a moment to organize my thoughts and began recounting everything from the beginning. I told her about my dreams, the times I felt trapped and out of control, and how that had turned into an obsession to conquer my fears. I described how I started flying in my dreams, the initial difficulty, and how, over time, I had improved until I gained full control of my movements and the scenarios around me.
Then, I explained how I began bringing objects from my dreams into reality, initially unintentionally and with small items, but with practice, I managed to do it consciously. I admitted that my greatest ease had always been materializing objects tied to my nightmares, which emerged effortlessly due to the intense fear I had experienced in the past. I spoke about the effects it had on me, how the strain increased with the size and duration of the objects, and how I had to train my body to endure it.
Aura listened in silence, never interrupting, occasionally nodding to show she was following every detail. When I finished, I sighed, feeling as though I had unloaded a heavy weight. She remained quiet for a moment, processing all the information, before finally looking up with a slight smile.
—You’ve made great progress on your own, and that’s already an impressive achievement. But what’s coming next will be different. We’re going to take those abilities to the next level, and I believe you’re more than ready for it.
As she finished speaking, I couldn’t help but voice a question that had been circling in my mind since the day before. I leaned back against the couch and looked at her, a mix of curiosity and suspicion in my gaze.
—Hey… Aura —I said, trying to sound casual, though the question had been burning inside me for a while—. How did you know about her? How did you know about… the person I’ve been searching for?
Aura observed me for a moment, as if weighing how much to tell me about her abilities. Then, with a somewhat mischievous look, she began to explain.
—Well, Ángel, my ability is as unique as yours —she said, giving me a slight smile—. I have the ability to summon anomalies. I basically have a pact with entities from a dimension we call "The Sky."
The way she said it was so natural that it felt almost surreal, but it kept me fully attentive.
—Just as there are dangerous anomalies, there are also embodied beliefs that originate from good things —she continued—. Not all anomalies are born from fear or negative feelings. Some are based on aspirations, desires, or human kindness. They’re less known because people rarely fear them, but they’re there, and I have access to them.
Aura paused, as if carefully choosing her next words to explain something more specific.
—There’s a particular anomaly —she said, a mysterious glint in her eyes— that has the ability to see a person’s greatest desire. And it was thanks to that anomaly that I learned about your search for… that person you long to find. Of course, the information isn’t very detailed. It only showed me that, for you, this desire is essential. So, here I am.
Her response left me with a mix of awe and gratitude. The idea that there could be good anomalies, even ones capable of seeing such profound desires, made me see the world of anomalies in a new light. Aura watched me silently, waiting for me to process her words.
—So… does that anomaly know more than it reveals? —I asked cautiously.
—It knows enough to point me in the right direction. From now on, it will be your effort that brings you closer to that desire. I can only guide you and provide resources —she replied with a confident smile—. Ready to seize this opportunity?
—But… could you tell me more about that dimension? —I asked, genuinely amazed.
Aura’s expression grew a bit more serious, though she didn’t lose the carefree touch that characterized her.
—You want to know more about "The Sky"? —she said, crossing her arms—. Then you’ll have to train hard, Ángel. Don’t think I’ll make it that easy for you.
I accepted without hesitation, determined to improve. Upon hearing my answer, she smiled and nodded.
—Perfect. Then we’ll start right now. Come, I’ll take you somewhere.
She led me to a wide green space, a sort of park with perfectly trimmed grass, clean and open air. There was no one else around, just us and an immense open field.
—I want you to show me everything you can do —she said, watching me with expectant eyes.
I took a deep breath, focusing all my energy on the desire to show her my true potential. Closing my eyes, I concentrated on the image from one of my nightmares. It was the perfect scenario to challenge myself and let her see everything I had achieved so far.
When I opened my eyes, the scenery had completely changed. We were no longer in the park; in the blink of an eye, we found ourselves in a long, shadowy hallway, dimly lit by flickering lights. The walls and floor were smeared with dried blood, creating an oppressive atmosphere that was all too familiar to me.
At the far end, I could see a creature lurking. Aura, unfazed, watched me with curiosity, carefully evaluating every detail. She glanced at the creature, a spark of interest flickering in her eyes, before turning back to me.
—And that? Does it move?
I shook my head, feeling a pang of frustration.
—No, I haven’t managed to bring them to life that way yet —I admitted, trying to catch my breath—. I can only materialize them in detail, but they remain... inert.
Aura nodded, her gaze lingering on the figure for a moment before it began to dissolve, along with the rest of the hallway. The scene faded like mist in the wind, leaving us once again in the open courtyard. The sudden shift left me drained, and I fell to my knees, panting heavily.
—That’s my limit —I muttered, gritting my teeth in frustration—. I did my best, but I just can’t sustain it for long.
Aura knelt beside me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. Her usual playful demeanor had softened, and her voice was warm and reassuring.
—Ángel, you’ve done an incredible job for someone who’s come this far on their own. What you’ve accomplished is remarkable, and it’s only the beginning. With time and training, you’ll achieve things you can’t even imagine yet.
She paused, then added with a sly grin:
—And did you know? You’ve got an unusually strong aura.
I looked up at her, confused, and couldn’t help but smirk as I replied:
—Are you saying I have "aura" because, well… you’re literally here?
She laughed softly, shaking her head.
—I’m not referring to me, but to "aura" itself. Everyone has aura; it’s like the very essence of the soul, a fundamental type of energy needed to live. However, not everyone has the same amount. —Her gaze grew a bit more serious—. You have quite a lot, that’s undeniable. But it’s still not enough to accomplish everything you aim for, and that’s why you end up exhausted after just a little of this.
Her explanation left me feeling both proud and frustrated. I had given it everything I had, yet it still wasn’t enough.
—So what are you saying? First, you praise my abilities, and now you’re telling me they’re not enough?
Aura chuckled at my reaction, her expression turning serious but still kind.
—Don’t take it the wrong way. What you’ve achieved is extraordinary, and I’m genuinely impressed. But to grow, you need to understand your own limits. They’re not weaknesses; they’re opportunities to push yourself further. That’s how you’ll reach your full potential.
Aura watched me with that look I was starting to recognize: she had an idea in mind, and it didn’t seem like just any idea. After a few seconds, she let out a sigh, as if weighing the possibility in her head.
—I have an idea… a bit crazy, I must admit. But it might work —she finally said, a small spark of excitement lighting up her eyes—. Considering that your ability to materialize comes from your dreams, it’s possible you could achieve unlimited aura… if you also dream of it.
I stared at her incredulously, trying to process her suggestion.
—You mean… create aura within my dreams and use it as if it were real? But how can I generate aura using more aura? —I asked, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in my tone.
She smiled and nodded, as if she had anticipated my question.
—Exactly. The key is that, just as you can duplicate objects in your dreams, you could also duplicate your own energy. Think of it as making "one equal to two." If you focus your aura on duplicating itself, like a projection, you could expand your limit and keep building it up consecutively.
I thought about it for a moment. It seemed illogical, and yet, what part of everything I had experienced so far had ever been logical? I nodded slowly, feeling a tingle of excitement and anticipation.
—I suppose it makes sense. Calling it illogical doesn’t really fit anymore after everything I’ve seen… and lived through —I agreed with a smile, starting to grasp the infinite possibilities of her plan.