Chapter 6: Orion Siblings

The dim ceiling light flickered on Noel's face as he sat on the dusty couch, his eyes reflecting the warm glow.

"Well, first of all, how much do you know about your heritage?" Noel questioned, studying the mistrustful gaze of the black-haired boy before him. Nico shook his head, his grip tightening on the frayed edges of his worn-out shirt.

Sighing, Noel leaned forward before continuing "Hundreds of years ago, during the first extinction war, there was a powerful fighter named Kaspian Orion. He was an incredible 8-star fighter known for his powerful Desolate Fist style. And you, little Nico, as well as your sister, are his last descendants"

Nico's eyes widened in shock, his heartbeat quickening at the revelation. But within moments, he steeled himself, unwilling to let down his guard so easily. "Even if that is true, what does that have to do with you?" he demanded, his voice laced with suspicion.

"I plan to inherit the Desolate Fist style. But in order to succeed, I need a few drops of your blood"

Nico's frown deepened, as his anger started to bubble. "So, you just want to use us?"

Noel remained calm, giving the boy an apologetic look. "Yes and no" he replied, causing Nico's frown to deepen further.

"I do plan to use your blood, but it won't be for free. Also, if I simply wanted to steal a few drops from you, I could've done it in the alley with no problem."

Nico's mind raced, weighing the truth in Noel's words. He couldn't deny that Noel could have taken his blood by force earlier if he had wanted to. But could he trust this stranger not to harm him or his sister? What guarantee did he have that Noel would keep his word?

As if reading the boy's thoughts, Noel added, "I promise I won't do anything to hurt either of you. I’ll start by finding a better place for the two of you to live”

Nico mulled over Noel's words, the possibility of a brighter future was tantalizing, but the fear of betrayal held him back. In the end, however, the hope for something better outweighed his fear.

"Alright, I agree" Nico muttured, his voice low yet stern.

Noel's smile returned, as the weight of the decision lifted from the room. The two locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between them. They were bound together now, their fates intertwined by blood and promises, setting the stage for a new chapter in their lives.

A spark danced in Noel's blue eyes as he nodded. "First, I'll send you and your sister to a safe place. No more hunger or fear of thugs. And once you're old enough, I'll teach you the Desolate Fist style"

Nico hesitated, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. But before he could respond, Noel added, "And I'll help you get revenge"

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Revenge?" Nico echoed, confusion clouding his face.

"Your family had money and power that should've lasted for centuries" Noel explained, a grin forming on his lips. "Do you really think your decline was natural?"

Nico's frown deepened, his brow furrowing as he weighed the implications of Noel's words. "What are you saying?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

"Your family has long been targeted by an enemy of Kaspian Orion, the Letris family" Noel started, his tone darkening.

"Revan Letris despised Kaspian due to his commoner background. The Letris family is extremely prejudice against those they deem inferior, when a young Kaspian showed up in the same generation as Revan he quickly overshadowed him”

“Eventually Kaspian completely surpassed Revan by reaching the rank of 8 stars. Knowing he couldnt target Kaspian himself anymore, well I'm sure you can guess the rest” Finishing the story, Noel grabbed a spoonful of soup while letting the young boy digest this new information.

Nico's face twisted with rage, his hands shaking as the truth sunk in. A few tense seconds passed before his heart calmed once more. With the important stuff settled, Noel handed Nico a plate piled high with food, urging him to eat.

“It’s still too early for you to worry about any of that, for now just focus on getting healthier and taking care of your sister” Noel stated in between mouthfuls, getting a nod from the Nico.

As the two began their meal, little Grace burst into the room, her laughter filling the air like music. Noel chuckled warmly, scooping her up and settling her on his lap.

"Grace" he said, smiling down at the bewildered child, "you and your brother will be moving soon! You’ll be living in a safe place with lots of food"

At first, confusion filled her eyes, but after seeing her brother silently nod, Grace happily accepted the potential change.

As the last bites of the hearty meal vanished, Noel cleared the plates and took a piece of paper from the worn table. He began scribbling words onto it, writing a letter to the only people he could trust with these little siblings, his own parents.

"Here" Nico muttered, handing Noel a small kitchen knife, his red eyes showing a slight trace of fear due to the idea of having to bleed. “Please, be careful”

"Trust me, I will" Noel reassured him, taking the blade with a nod. He gently pressed the knife to Nico's fingertip, drawing forth a few drops of blood. As he filled the small glass vial, Noel was shocked by how tough the boy's skin was. A testament of how powerful a lineage passed down from an 8 star master could be.

"Alright, let's clean this up" Noel said softly, guiding Nico to the sink to wash the tiny wound.

The hours seemed to pass in a blur, as the siblings packed the few belongings that they owned, ready to start their new life. Before they knew it, they found themselves at the train station, standing before a platform filled with unfamiliar faces.

"Remember, when you arrive, give this letter to my parents" Noel instructed, pressing the folded paper into Nico's hands.

"Are you sure about this?" Nico asked, his voice wavering slightly as he glanced at Grace, her wide eyes filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

"Absolutely" Noel replied, offering him a light chuckle "With how adorable little Grace is, I'm sure my parents won't be able to resist"

As the train approached, its whistle cutting through the air like a promise of change, Noel watched the siblings board, their small frames swallowed by the sea of passengers. With the letter tucked safely in Nico's grip, they disappeared from view, leaving Noel standing alone on the platform.

.

Turning away from the train, Noel slipped the vial of blood into his pocket. Turning away, his eyes focused on the nearby mountains outside the walls of Heliko.