Voices, lost echoes, silence, that was all he could hear. “Kassius.” one voice said, and then another, and another, and so on. Many voices coming from everywhere and nowhere. “Kassius.” The name continues to be said by many voices. “Wh–Wha?” Kassius said, looking around for where the voices were coming from. He saw nothing, felt nothing, sensed nothing. “Who are you? Where are you?” Kassius asked out, but he received no answer.
He was lost in a void, until a light appeared in front of him. He stood still, squinting at the light seeing if there was someone at that end, but he saw no figure. The longer he looked at the light, the closer it seemed to get. As it grew closer and closer, the light became bright, so much so that he couldn’t see anything due to the blinding light. He closed his eyes, and for a while the light kept shining bright until he heard a familiar voice. “Kassius.” the voice called. Kassius felt warm and comforted from the voice. “Kassius, I’m here, it's alright.” the voice said calmly and softly. “Miss Jean?” Kassius said. As he opened his eyes, he found himself in an embrace, him hugging a woman he seemed to be familiar with.
“It’s alright, nothing will hurt you. Not while I’m here.” the woman said. Kassius looked up and, indeed, it was Miss Jean, his first friend, his mother. He stood speechless after seeing her for the first time since he left. Instead of saying anything, he continued to hug her tighter, he didn’t want to let go. He was overwhelmed with joy and happiness to see her again, so much so that tears fell uncontrollably. If this were a dream, he would rather stay here than wake up to the real world.
“I thought I’d never see you again.” Kassius said, sniffling. “I told you remember, as long as I am around, you will always have a home.” Miss Jean said.
“And no matter where you are, home is a place you always come back to.” The words were like the warmest thing on earth in Kassius’s heart, at this moment he had everything he could’ve wanted.
He enjoyed this simple moment with his mother, he looked around and saw that it was even in his favorite spot in the park, with the sun shining and the leaves rustling and the birds in the trees chirping happily, a very peaceful time.
Until, he saw the sky begin to darken, from a bright blue into a dim dark gray. A drop of water fell on Kassius’ head and then more droplets of water, shortly after a heavy rain began pouring. The wind began to blow stronger and stronger as if a hurricane had engulfed the park.
“Miss Jean?” Kassius said. He pulled back from the embrace and watched his surroundings get enveloped into a storm, then his attention turned to Ms. Jean. She stood there, with that warm smile on her face like always. A red mark began to appear on her chest spreading through her body. Before Kassius could comprehend what was happening, he saw a blade impale Miss Jean where the red mark formed. “K–Ka–ssius.” Miss Jean gargled, as she began to drown in her blood.
She dropped to her knees and fell to the ground, lifeless and the blade in her chest. Kassisus knelt down and took Ms. Jean into his arms, begging for her to stay awake, to stay alive. He begged and begged, to no avail as he saw her smile fade away and her eyes slowly become empty.
He looked up to see the face of the person that killed his most cherished friend and family, what he saw shocked him to the core. In the dark of the storm, he saw a dark figure, the very same figure that he saw in the smoke the first time he met Auralius, and the very figure he saw at the Altar, the leader of the Forgotten. The same overwhelming dread rushed through his body, consuming him until all went dark.
“Kassius….” a voice whispered in the darkness. “Kassius…” the voice getting louder each moment. “Kassius!” as the voice grew louder it became clear who it was.
“Kassius! Wake up!” the voice yelled. A bright light filled his vision as Kassius opened his eyes. He looked around and saw that he was in a room full of beds, surprised to see himself in one of the beds.
He found himself covered in sweat, and out of breath. What he saw, what he experienced, must’ve been a dream, he thought. “Kassius.” the same voice called to him softly. He looked up again and saw his friends at his bedside. Fenris, sleeping in the bed next to him, and Eva and Gwin at each of his sides. He even saw Hazel and Peony at the edge of his bed.
“Hey guys.” he said, taking deep breaths. Without a word, Gwin and Eva immediately hugged him tight, to the point that he couldn’t grasp any air. He could barely tell them to let go before they did on their own. “You had us worried, you dumbass.” Gwin said.
Kassius let out a quick chuckle, causing something to hurt. “You were hurt in the fight against Adonis.” Eva said with a serious expression. “I bet I was. Got knocked out early, I didn’t stand a chance.” Kassius said with a chuckle. The room fell silent, Kassius looked around to them confused, wondering what was wrong.
“Guys?” he asked, looking at each of them hoping for an answer from any of them, though he didn’t know exactly what he was hoping to hear. Hazel looked around the room, seemingly to check if it was empty. When he was done, he let out a deep sigh and looked at Kassius, and started to speak. “Do you not remember anything during the fight with Adonis?” he asked Kassius. Kassius that hard but he couldn’t remember anything after being knocked out by Adonis.
“Well, Kassius after Adonis attacked you, you……changed.” Eva began to explain. Kassius, still confused, and a bit concerned by their tone.
“You weren’t you.” Fenris said, freshly woken from his sleep, as he stifles a yawn. “And before we go any further, you can pay me back later.” he said jokingly.
“What’s he talking about? Can someone please explain to–” Kassius bursted with frustration, until he was interrupted by Gwin. “You became something else, someone else, Kassius!......” Gwin yelled to counter Kassius, and the room fell silent.
Gwin took a deep breath after her outburst and began to speak in a more calmer tone. “While Fenris and I were waiting for you and Eva, we saw Adonis and Vivian first.”
“And then you came out of the forest….only you were different…. darker.” Gwin explained. “Darker?” asked Kassius. “You were a psycho. You didn’t just want to hurt, you wanted to kill.” Eva said, looking at Kassius with concern in her eyes.
Kassius tried his hardest to remember some inkling of what they were saying but nothing came to mind. Then, he remembered the voice, the mysterious voice telling him to release it. He then pieced it together and realized what might’ve happened, which built his regret and remorse. “Damn.” Kassius said with a strong frustration.
“What happened to you?” Fenris asked. The group perked up, eager to hear the explanation to the unexpected unfortunate events. Kassius sighed deeply and spoke. “I honestly don’t know what happened.” “When Adonis overwhelmed me with that lightning spell, I thought that was it and then…”
“It spoke to me.” Kassius paused, and the group watched him with interest and concern.
“A voice , telling me to “release” it. I didn’t really know what it meant.”
“When I got hit by the lightning and was nearly passing I just said “I release you” then nothing.” Silence remained in the room and the expressions on the group were only worrying.
“Has this ever happened to you before?” Eva asked, breaking the silence. Kassius shook his head, to everyone’s relief. “Did I….kill anyone?” said Kassius, expecting a grim answer.
To his relief, everyone shook their heads. “Fenris, Hazel, and Eva were able to stop you before you hurt anyone.” Gwin said, overwhelmed with relief and concern all at once.
Kassius was glad to hear that he didn’t hurt anyone, he was even glad that Adonis was alive much to his surprise. “So I guess I’ll be kicked out after that.” Kassius said, frowning.
Another wave of silence filled the room before a sudden burst of laughter spread among the group, confusing Kassius. “Why are you laughing?” Kassius asked, slightly frustrated.
“You won't be kicked out, idiot.” Fenris said, putting his arm around Kassius. He sat confused and wondering. “Our little bookworm over here was able to find a way to make it seem as though we won fair and square.” Fenris reassured, Kassius remained confused.
“I altered the memories of Adonis and Vivian, they don’t remember you going berserk and all that.” Gwin said with a proud smile on her face. “Always there to save the day eh, Gwin?” Eva said smugly and teasing Gwin, making Gwin blush intensely.
“Wouldn’t they be watching us the entire time? They would’ve seen everything, wouldn’t they?’ Kassius asked. “We…didn’t really need to do anything about that,” said Hazel.
“When you came to the flag spot, whatever they used to watch us just broke.” Kassius remained confused, trying to process what had happened. “W-we were asked about it, b-b-ut we had n-nothing to do with it.” Peony said, breaking her long silence.
“Whatever happened, I’m just glad we got out of it free.” Fenris said letting out more laughter. “Wait.” Kassius said, interrupting Fenris.
“We…..won?” Kassius asked processing what they had just said. Another burst of laughter spread through the group, and Kassius could feel nothing but overwhelming joy at the thought. They won. They actually won. For the rest of the day they celebrated their victory as a team. This would be a memory that Kassius will cherish for all his life.
—-
A week has passed since the conclusion of the war games, and their triumph over it. Kassius and his friends sat in the dining hall relaxing and eating. They have been the most talked about group in the school after their victory. Every team seemed to be eyeing them individually, if not the whole team. The attention has made it difficult for them to enjoy private time, even for studying.
Kassius, familiar with the feeling of being invisible in the school, gained an unfamiliar popularity which scares him more than it does make him happy or full of himself. Fenris was more feared than ever, especially among students their year. Students would be afraid to pass by him let alone be in the same space as him. Gwin has gained a lot of attention, mainly for her intelligence rather than herself. Most students would go to her for their school work and such. To their disappointment, however, she was less than willing to say the least, they would’ve been lucky to get a simple “no” for an answer. To no one’s surprise, Eva has become even more popular, even among the older students. Her beauty in normal situations is enough to get their attention. After her show of skill and elegance in the games, they were mesmerized. By the time the game was over, members were already clamoring to convince her to join their team, especially the Rose Golds and the Crimson Drakes.
Stolen novel; please report.
“I swear if I get asked to do school work one more time, I’ll booby trap the entire castle to get them off my back.” Gwin said, frustrated, and tearing a page from her book. “I have no objections.” Eva sighed. “With you on that.” Kassius said, putting his head on the table. “I, for one, feel no change whatsoever.” Fenris shrugged.
“I can’t believe I missed being avoided like the plague.” Kassius said. “Well buddy, we could easily switch if you want?” Fenris sarcastically suggested, and Kassius responded with a slap at the back of his head, gaining a chuckle from the girls. “Speaking of attention, have you guys given any thought on where they would be putting you?” Gwin asked. “What do you mean?” Kassius asked.
“Teams?” Gwin clarified. “I’m sure Eva has had…….a few offers to join some teams.” Gwin said. Eva sighed in response with exhaustion at the thought. “Don’t remind me.” Eva groaned. “Some students from both Rose Golds and Crimson Drakes have asked me so many times just yesterday.”
“I wish they’d just leave me alone.” she sulked even more. “At least you got choices, I only got one choice.” Fenris complained.
“Well, it’s entirely up to the teachers isn’t it?” Gwin said, trying to reassure the two, to no avail. Kassius tried to distract himself by eating some more of his food. He hadn’t thought about the teams after the game, especially since he couldn’t stop thinking about his dream every downtime. A dream he wished he could easily forget. He wondered why he had that dream, or if it even was a dream. He wondered what it could possibly mean, what seeing the figure meant. He spaced out for a moment before being startled from feeling something on his shoulder.
“Are you alright?” Fenris asked. Kassius only nodded in response, still distracted from his thoughts. The girls and Fenris looked at him with concern but they didn’t pry, respecting his privacy.
“Uh guys.” Fenris said, gesturing to what was in front him. The three turned to see Professor Kalahan walking towards their table. “I sense trouble.” Fenris said, preparing for the worst. As Professor Kalahan arrived at their table, he spoke in his usual deep, monotone voice.
“Mister Kassius, Miss Lavellyn. The headmistress wishes to see you in her office.” he said formally. The group looked at each other, shocked and somewhat confused.
“If you would please follow me.” Professor Kalahan said. Kassius and Eva stood up and went with professor Kalahan out of the dining hall.
Kassius and Eva followed Professor Kalahan into the staircase maze and climbed numerous staircases. An awkward silence stayed between them, as they anxiously wondered what the headmistress would want with them. To distract himself, Kassius’ eyes wandered to many different parts of the tower. From the library, to several empty hallways, Kassius saw many things he never noticed running around the tower, both when he was lost and when he knew where he was going. They reached the end of the staircase and began to walk towards a bronze door. Adorned by a bird surrounded by flames. The sight seemed vaguely familiar to Kassius, but he shrugged the feeling off. Professor Kalahan knocked in a certain pattern and stood back, as the bird lowered its wings and the door opened on its own.
“Go right in, I shall be waiting for you here.” Professor Kalahan said, as formally as ever. Kassius took a short but deep breath and prepared himself to enter, Eva did the same.
As they entered the room they saw a relatively large circular room. At their immediate sides were trinkets of all sorts. Some seemed mundane, while others seemed interesting enough for it to spark curiosity within the two. They walked up the steps into the inner part of the room and saw shelves filled with books, some were new and fresh, most, however, were old and ragged. A staff stood beneath the shelves on their left. It had a dragon figurehead at its top and a blade at the bottom.
“Do you think we’re in trouble?” Eva said, trying to keep her composure. “I really hope not.” Kassius responded, only causing Eva to lose most of her composure.
At the corner of his eye, Kassius noticed a bright red light shining. He turned and saw a crystal sitting in the middle of the desk with papers and quills. Kassius’ curiosity got the better of him and he walked towards the crystal. As he grew closer he began to hear whispers. The whispers drowned out the surrounding noise, Kassius could not hear anything else. He was in arm’s reach of the crystal before it quickly grew dim and lost its light. At the same time, the voices disappeared and Kassius heard Eva’s voice whispering loudly.
“Kassius!” he turned and saw Eva urging him to look up. He looked and saw Miss Irene, standing on a steel balcony above him.
“Careful, Kassius. How did the saying go? “Curiosity killed the cat?” was it?” Miss Irene said formally, and in a somewhat intimidating manner.
She raised her hand and a whirlwind of flames enveloped her and she disappeared. She quickly reappeared in between Kassius and Eva, without them noticing, startling them. She smiled as if nothing out of the ordinary happened and proceeded to walk towards the desk, where the crystal remained.
“Both of you can relax, I’m just having a little fun.” she said, chuckling at Kassius and Eva, who were anxious and still slightly so.
“Don’t worry, none of you are in trouble. In fact the reason I summoned you here is for an entirely joyful reason.” Miss Irene said with sincerity.
“What might that be, miss? If I may ask?” Eva asked politely. “In light of your victory during the war games, many were impressed with your performances as a team.” Miss Irene said, smiling.
Kassius and Eva were overwhelmed with joy being acknowledged and recognized by the headmistress herself. They did their best to keep it hidden to avoid being embarrassed in front of the headmistress.
“The school staff, myself included, have discussed this outcome and we have decided that you two are capable.” Miss Irene continued. Kassius and Eva looked at each other then back at Miss Irene. “For what, miss?” Kassius asked.
Miss Irene raised her hand again and waved it around, summoning a blank white tapestry and let it float behind her. “You, Kassius, and Miss Lavellyn, will be forming a new team, and the both of you will be leading this team from this day forward.” Miss Irene said with a proud and warm smile.
Kassius’ jaw dropped at the news, Eva covered her mouth and gasped and let out a few breaths. The both of them couldn’t believe it, and they couldn’t contain their joy and excitement.
“As you well know, you will be a very new team, entirely composed of first years. Sadly, you will not be participating in any more games for this year.” Miss Irene explained.
“Starting next year, however, you and students of your years will be able to participate in games against your years, as well as the upper years.”
The news only increased their joy and excitement, to the point that they couldn't help but move around the room to let it all out. After a few moments of pure excitement between the two, Miss Irene coughed to catch their attention.
“Now before making anything official, you would have to decide on a name for the team. You may have the day to decide on it.” Miss Irene said.
“You may as well choose students whom you would like to join you in this new team, as well as a teacher to be your representative.” she continued explaining.
“Now, before you leave, you must take this.” she said. As the tapestry behind her rolled itself and flung itself to Eva’s hand. “You will need it for your banner.” “Now off you go. Best of luck to the two of you. I will expect great things from your team.” she said, smiling brightly and proudly. Eva and Kassius thanked Ms. Irene for everything, said goodbye and proceeded to the door.
“Kassius? A moment.” Miss Irene called. Kassius and Eva paused and turned to her. Ms. Irene gestured to Eva to proceed without Kassius, and Kassius walked back to Miss Irene.
As the door shut, Miss Irene began to speak. “Do you know what this is?” she gestured to the red crystal. Kassius shook his head. “And yet you felt urged to take it were you?” she continued.
Kassius didn’t know what to say, he didn't know how to say what he experienced, like most of his weird circumstances.
Ms. Irene walked towards Kassius and put her hand on his shoulder. “Do not be afraid of Kassius, I am only trying to help one of my students.” Miss Irene said with sincerity.
Kassius almost felt a lot calmer than he did when he walked through the door. He wasn’t sure whether to tell her about what happened at the game or what he had experienced with the crystal, or about the dream he had, or about the forgotten.. He didn’t even know if any of it seemed relevant enough to tell the headmistress. He didn’t even know if she would believe him, let alone help him or give him an explanation to it all. When he just stood there in silence and in contemplation, Miss Irene spoke.
“The crystal is a source of immense power.” she began to explain. “It is said to have come from the source of all magic itself, chaos.”
“This one crystal is the only physical evidence that chaos ever existed.”
“It has many effects on different people, enhancing abilities, foresight, and so on.” Kassius listened intently, trying to look for an answer to his many many questions.
Miss Irene paused for a moment as she looked at the crystal and hovered her hand over it.
“After the war, this crystal became the only one of its kind, as the remaining crystals were used to create the relics of the six lords.”
Miss Irene paused for another moment, giving Kassius the chance to speak. “Uh miss?....” he began, struggling to find words to say.
“When I saw the crystal….I heard voices…” Kassius finished, and his words caught Miss Irene’s attention.
She slowly walked towards him, and gave him her full attention. “What did they say?” Miss Irene asked. “I don’t know… I couldn’t understand them.” Kassius said.
Miss Irene gave a straight expression as she walked around the room. “What does that mean miss? What does it mean, miss, when I can hear these voices?” Kassius asked, showing his desperation for answers. For a moment, Miss Irene was silent. She, then, turned to Kassius and gave him a warm reassuring smile.
“The crystal holds great power, Kassius. Some even believe that the crystal itself may be alive.” Ms. Irene said casually. “Alive?” asked Kassius, Miss Irine nodded in response.
“As it is a product of chaos itself, the same creator for the six lords, it would be safe to conclude that the crystal must be alive. Isn’t it?” Miss Irene explained. Kassius stood silent, trying to process all that she had said.
“It spoke to you, Kassius.” Miss Irene continued. “Only those who have a deep connection to the crystal’s energy are able to hear it speak.
Those rare few are those that claim it to be alive.” Miss Irene said, looking at Kassius with curiosity in her eyes. Kassius remained silent and speechless, he didn;t know how to respond to that.
“I apologize for taking up your time with my intrigue, Kassius.” Miss Irene said, walking back to Kassius. “It’s about time you went back, don’t you think?” Miss Irene suggested. Kassius nodded in response.
She walked Kassius to the door and opened it for him. “Remember, Kassius. If you need any help, or are in any trouble, I am always here to help my students. Hm?” Miss Irene said with a warm smile and sincere tone.
“I’ll be sure to remember.” Kassius said with a small smile. They bid each other goodbye. For a brief moment, he heard a whisper and in the coroner's eye, he saw the crystal, and stopped himself. “Um, miss, what is that crystal called?” Kassius asked, pointing at the crystal.
“It has taken many names over the years, although many who know of it used one word to describe it.” Miss Irene explained.
“Due to its effects, many have dubbed it as a “catalyst”.” Miss Irene continued. Kassius felt his heart drop at the mention of the word. That day in the woods with the people known as the Forgotten, came rushing back into his mind. “Kassius?” Ms. Irene said, trying to catch Kassius’ attention.
Kassius was brought out of his thoughts and saw Miss Irene, looking at him with concern.
“It’s nothing, it’s fine. Thank you for the information, miss.” Kassius said sincerely.
They bid each other goodbye and Kassius rejoined Eva and Professor Kalahan. With his departure from Miss Irene’s office, he was eager to tell his friends what he had found out, both the news of their new team, and the catalyst.