Lucifer's POV

I woke up, to the birds chirping outside my window, their cheerful melodies coaxing me out of my slumber. The next thing that greeted me was the gentle warmth of sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains, painted soft patterns on my walls, inviting me to start the day with a sense of calm. A gentle breeze intruded through the open window carrying the scent of fresh blooms, and I couldn't help but smile.

Stretching lazily, I savoured the comfort of my bed for a moment before finally swinging my legs over the edge and planting them on the cool floor. With a contented sigh, I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the soft strands tousle under my touch. The events of yesterday still lingered in the back of my mind, but the new day held the promise of a fresh start, a chance to let go of worries and embrace the present.

Pushing myself up, I stood and walked towards the window, drawn by the serene scene outside. The world seemed to be waking up alongside me, bathed in the soft hues of dawn. The light breeze carried the scent of dewy grass, and I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the crisp morning air.

After a moment of quiet contemplation, I decided it was time to face the day

As I made my way downstairs, I was greeted by the comforting aroma of breakfast. My mom, bustled around the kitchen, a gentle smile on her face as she flipped pancakes on the griddle. Dad sat at the table, sipping his morning coffee. But, I noticed a change in my parents' demeanour. My mother wore a softer expression, her eyes filled with a silent apology and my father, greeted me with a gentle smile, a hint of remorse evident in his gaze.

"Good morning, Luc," mom greeted me, her eyes bright with warmth. "How are you feeling today?"

I forced a smile, trying to push aside the lingering unease from the night before. "I'm okay, Mom. Just a little tired."

Dad glanced up from his coffee, concern etched in his features. He cleared his throat, his eyes filled with regret. "We just want you to know, Luc, that we never meant to push you too hard. We were blinded by our own ambitions and dreams, and we forgot that you're just eight years old."

His words struck a chord within me, a mixture of understanding and forgiveness. I knew they had always wanted the best for me, but what could I have done if these things made me feel that way?

"I know, Dad," I said softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. The air between us seemed to lighten, a silent understanding passing between parent and child.

Mom tucked me aside, her expression softening with maternal concern. "Luc, why don't you take a day off from school today? Just to rest and we could enjoy today together?"

I hesitated, not wanting to seem weak or scared. But her eyes held nothing but love and understanding, and I relented with a nod. "Okay, Mom. Thanks."

"Luuucifeeer!" a voice echoed outside, announcing the arrival of Leo and Canary, my trusted companions in mischief and adventure. They burst into the room, their expressions a blend of worry and relief. Leo's eyes widened as he took in my tired appearance, while Canary offered a comforting smile.

"Hey, Luc, how are you feeling?" Leo asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"I'm okay, guys, really," I assured them, though a part of me appreciated their concern.

"We're heading to school. You wouldn't come?" Canary asked, tilting her head.

I shook my head as I said, "No...I want to rest today"

"Alright, take it easy and don't be a crybaby our baby Luc!" Leo teased, trying to lighten the mood.

As they left, their laughter fading down the hallway, I couldn't help but smile. Leo and Canary always knew how to lift my spirits, even on the toughest days.

"Seriously, though, I don't cry that often," I muttered to myself, a small smile playing on my lips. "Well, maybe just a little yesterday...ugh, who am I kidding?"

As we sat down for breakfast, the atmosphere was surprisingly light-hearted.

"Well, I was thinking we could go for a hike later," Dad suggested, pouring syrup over his own pancakes.

I beamed. "That sounds awesome!"

Mom smiled at us, her eyes twinkling. "It'll be nice to get some fresh air and stretch your legs."

Throughout breakfast, we chatted about all sorts of things. Dad cracked jokes, Mom shared funny anecdotes from her day, and even I found myself smiling and laughing along. It was as if, for a brief moment, the worries and tension from the previous night were forgotten, tucked away in the corners of our minds.

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After we finished eating, Dad and I got ready for our hike. I slipped on my favourite sneakers, and Dad packed a backpack with snacks and water.

As we walked through the forest, Dad pointed out different plants and animals, teaching me about nature along the way. We talked about everything from school to my favourite games, and I felt like I could tell him anything. But I couldn't help but notice that occasionally, Dad seemed uncomfortable with his right hand. He would subtly flex it or clench and unclench his fingers, but he didn't say anything about it, so I didn't think much of it and just ignored it.

"This is incredible," I said as we reached a clearing with a stunning view.

Dad nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Nature has a way of making us appreciate the world around us."

We sat down on a fallen log, munching on our snacks and taking in the scenery. It was peaceful, just the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze.

"Thanks for taking me out today, Dad," I said, feeling grateful for the special time together.

Dad ruffled my hair affectionately. "Anytime, buddy. It's important to enjoy these moments and make memories together." His gaze softened as he looked out at the panoramic view, and I knew that this hike meant just as much to him as it did to me.

As evening approached, the house was filled with the comforting scent of dinner cooking. Mom hummed a tune as she moved around the kitchen, and Dad sat by the fireplace, flipping through an old book. It was moments like these that reminded me of the warmth and love that surrounded us, a stark contrast to the shadows that lurked in the corners of my mind.

When night descended and everyone retired to bed, I found myself restless. The events of the previous night crept back into my thoughts, casting a dark cloud over the peace and tranquillity of our home. I tossed and turned, trying to push aside the lingering unease.

The unresolved questions still haunted me, my mind refusing to shut down. The face of the man is engraved in my mind, the emotions still vivid.

'Ah! I couldn't sleep a wink' I muttered as I turned my body, now facing the mattress. Putting a pillow over my head, I began counting backwards.

'100, 99, 98,......,3,2,1' Surprisingly my eyelids became heavy and my mind relaxed.

'Finally, some sleep' I thought to myself while lifting the pillow off my head and gently placing it on the edge of the bed.

It was then that I heard it—a soft, slithering sound that sent a chill down my spine. At first, I thought it was just my imagination, a trick of the mind born from exhaustion and fear. But as the sound grew louder, more distinct, I knew it was real. My heart raced as I turned my gaze towards the source of the noise.

Glistening with an eerie sheen under the dim light, oozed slowly across the floor like a creeping shadow. And there, standing before me, was the black slime. It had returned, its form shifting and undulating like a living shadow.

As I stared at it, I noticed distinct facial features forming on the gelatinous mass.

The mouth, twisted into a menacing grin, was jagged and uneven, as though carved by unseen hands. It opened and closed in a silent mockery of speech, revealing rows of tiny, pointed teeth that gleamed dully in the darkness. Above the grotesque mouth, two eyes emerged from the depths of the slime. They were orbs of pure darkness, devoid of any pupils or irises, yet they seemed to stare directly into my soul with an unnerving intensity. Set between the eyes, a nose-like protrusion formed, albeit distorted and malformed, with nostrils that flared and contracted rhythmically, as if the creature were sniffing the air for prey. The entire entity exuded an aura of otherworldly mystery.

I couldn't believe my eyes, and a gasp escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"What... what are you?" I stammered, my voice trembling with a mixture of surprise, confusion, and fear.

The slime seemed to regard me with a curious gaze, its mouth contorting into a semblance of a smile. Before I could react further, it reached out with a tendril-like appendage and gently covered my mouth, silencing any potential scream.

"Shhh, Master," it whispered in a voice that echoed with an otherworldly resonance. "I mean you no harm."

I tried to pull away, but the slime's grip was surprisingly gentle, almost comforting in a strange way. "Master? What do you mean?" I managed to mumble against its grip.

The slime shifted, morphing into a form that resembled a humanoid figure, albeit made entirely of shadowy substance. "I am the shadow being that appeared in the forest," it explained, its voice a whisper in the darkness. "I have been with you a little more than seven years."

My eyes widened in disbelief. "Seven years? what are you?"

The shadow being seemed to ponder my questions for a moment before responding. "I am a being of shadows, released from the confines of a cave by someone. I do not have a body like yours; I am merely a manifestation of darkness given form."

I struggled to comprehend the creature's words. "But why have you been following me? And why now? Why reveal yourself after all this time?"

The shadow being tilted its head, a gesture that seemed strangely human in its curiosity. "I do not remember who I was before leaving the cave. I exist in the shadows, in the corners of your perception. You were not ready to see me until now until your emotions that is your envy awakened my presence."

I raised an eyebrow, unable to contain my amusement and couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Envy? Really? And what exactly do you want from me, Mr. Envy?"

The slime hesitated, as if unsure of its own purpose. "I... I don't know. Master's emotions made me stronger, but I'm still figuring out my role in all of this."

The room fell silent again, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air like a tangible thing. I couldn't deny the strange connection I felt with this shadow being, nor could I fully trust its intentions. But one thing was certain—it had been a part of my life for far longer than I had realized, and its presence was intertwined with mysteries that begged to be unravelled. But one question was still unanswered.

"WHO are you? and...who released you?"

"I am....I am your shadow and you are my light, Master and the being that released me was a ****** "