Chapter Twenty-Nine: Little Lies

S.T.A.R.S Base

(As Yozora and Rexx face off)

Back at the S.T.A.R.S headquarters, the atmosphere was heavy with tension, though far removed from the chaos that was unraveling elsewhere. In a small, dimly lit room, Blair sat cross-legged on a table, tapping her fingers against her chin as she eyed Selene. The silence between them was thick, until Blair finally spoke up, unable to hold back her curiosity.

"Selene," Blair began, her voice slightly teasing but laced with genuine confusion, "I’ve got to ask… why did you tell Yozora his abilities were below average? I mean, when he was just a kid, he used to use Captain as his personal warm-up routine." She grinned at the memory. "Even back then, the kid had raw power. So why downplay it now? What’s your game?"

Selene, leaning back in her chair, appeared calm, but her eyes flickered with a deep, unspoken complexity. She let out a slow breath, crossing her arms before responding.

"Blair," she said softly, her voice measured, "there’s more to Yozora than raw strength or potential. Telling him how 'great' and 'amazing' he is, especially now, wouldn’t do him any favors. It might even hinder him."

Blair raised an eyebrow, clearly unsatisfied with such a vague answer. "Yeah, but still… the kid deserves to know what he’s capable of. He’s always been stronger than most of the others."

Selene’s gaze darkened slightly, her eyes focusing on a point far beyond the room, as though seeing something distant—both in time and space. "Telling Yozora the full extent of his abilities would only fuel his arrogance and pride. He already carries an enormous weight, the burden of everything he’s lost. But Yozora’s greatest enemy has never been anyone outside himself. It’s always been his self-doubt and the fear that he’ll fail those he cares about again. I didn’t tell him because knowing the truth too early would push him into a state where he’d think that power could solve everything."

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Selene uncrossed her arms, leaning forward slightly. "Yozora’s strength, his true strength, doesn’t come from his Toro or his Class. It’s his heart—his drive to protect those he loves, even if it means pushing himself to the limit. But that drive is a double-edged sword, Blair. If I’d told him how powerful he really is, he would’ve leaned into his abilities recklessly, thinking that sheer force could prevent loss. He’s not ready to face that kind of truth, not with how much he still has to learn."

Blair’s expression softened, beginning to understand. "So, you’re saying... you withheld the truth because you want him to grow into his power, not rely on it as a crutch?"

"Exactly." Selene’s voice was firm now. "Yozora’s been through enough pain to fill a lifetime. If he knew the full extent of what he’s capable of—without the proper mindset—he would crumble under the weight of his own expectations. He has to come to that realization on his own, through his experiences. Only then can he truly wield his power without letting it destroy him."

Blair leaned back, a newfound respect in her eyes. "I see. So it’s not about keeping him in the dark—it’s about helping him grow into his own truth, on his own terms."

"Precisely," Selene replied. "There’s a delicate balance when it comes to power. Too much knowledge too soon can lead to arrogance, and arrogance can lead to fatal mistakes. He’s already carrying the guilt of Mara’s death, of every failure he feels responsible for. If I told him just how special he is, it could push him to make reckless choices to live up to an ideal he's not yet ready for."

Blair nodded slowly, her playful demeanor now replaced by something more serious. "So, you’re letting him discover his true strength through the battle with Rexx."

"Yes," Selene said, her tone resolute. "He needs this confrontation. Not because of the enemy he’s facing, but because of the enemy within himself. Yozora is learning to confront his own limitations and come to terms with who he is and what he’s capable of. That’s something no amount of power can teach him."

A quiet fell over the room once again, but it was no longer heavy with tension. Instead, it was filled with a sense of understanding.

"Well," Blair said after a moment, flashing a grin. "Guess I underestimated you, Selene. You’re playing the long game, huh?"

Selene smiled faintly, a rare moment of warmth crossing her features. "It’s the only game that matters, Blair. Yozora will find out the truth in time. But when he does, he’ll be ready."

Blair hopped off the table, giving Selene a playful salute. "Let’s just hope Rexx doesn’t do anything too stupid before then."

Selene’s smile faded slightly, her gaze hardening once more. "Rexx doesn’t know what he’s up against," she said quietly. "But he’ll find out soon enough."