Lou's eighteenth birthday was heralded by a sky streaked pink and orange, visual fanfare that seemed almost too grand for just another Thursday. After the insomniac night of jumpy waiting and restless anticipation, Lou's eyes had shrunken into slits and were squeezed shut. His breath hitched in his throat; a low thrumming vibrated in his chest. He was chased by a thrill of excitement, accompanied with a wave of nervousness rushing over him.

Not just a day, this day he would finally inherit his power. Each teenager in Gonenia expected their eighteenth birthday with both thrill and anxiety, but for Lou, the weight felt doubled. He had seen the astounding powers others had received, and the peculiar duels that were conducted. His expectations lay heavy in the air.

He tumbled out of bed and walked over to his window. From there, he looked out onto the peaceful street of his neighborhood. A row of houses was in a neat line all the way down the street, a kaleidoscope of colors and styles. A bright yellow Victorian with a lopsided porch was next to a neat gray colonial. Across the street, a sprawling ranch house was a riot of bright color in its flower garden, flowers bursting with color.

The thwack of a basketball, rhythmically attacking some early morning game in a garage nearby; laughter punctuated with an occasional delighted squeal from a child drifted through a window a few houses down.

He wondered, not for the first time, what it would be like to step out there with a power that could make a difference. Would he be respected? Feared? Or would his power be something laughable? Derek's taunt from the last day was looming in his mind.

The early morning dragged on as Lou tried to distract himself. Eventually, he moved away from the window and decided to get some physical exercise to clear his head. He dropped to the floor to start a set of push-ups, but his body felt unusually heavy, each movement sluggish and strained.

As he counted under his breath, his arms trembled from fatigue—not just from the exercise, but from the entire sleepless night he had endured. His mind kept wandering back to the possibilities of the day ahead, each thought punctuated by a silent prayer for a power that wouldn’t embarrass him.

Midway through a push-up, his arms gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, his body demanding the rest it had been denied. There, on the cool floor of his room, exhaustion finally overcame anxiety, and Lou drifted into a deep, much-needed sleep.

When he awoke, the sun was high, signaling late morning, or perhaps even early afternoon. He pushed himself up, feeling groggy and disoriented, the realization of the time sending a jolt of panic through him. Today of all days was not one to squander, lying around in bed. He scrambled to his feet; his thoughts raced to what needed to be done before the day slipped away entirely.

He dressed mechanically, lost in thought. He wore a simple, comfortable outfit; today was not the day to think about fashion. In fact, today he was not even considering clothes.

Lou's heart pounded as he raced down the stairs, the individual steps nearly a blur. The house was full of sounds, bustling with preparation for a party. Sweet smells of pastry just baked mixed with the clean smell of polished wood. In the kitchen, his mother, Julia, was conducting movements between the pans and pots like an orchestra of old.

"Afternoon, birthday boy! Sleep well?" George's voice floated from the living room, layered with a hint of amusement.

"Not really. Why didn’t you guys wake me up?" Lou asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"I told Mr. Whiskers to wake you," his father replied, a smirk evident in his voice.

Lou rolled his eyes. "Obviously, he didn't Dad. And squirrels don’t do wake-up calls. Is it really that hard to come upstairs and wake me up?"

George looked out the window where Mr. Whiskers was happily playing in the yard, oblivious to the human concerns. "Mr. Whiskers! We talked about this!" he shouted mildly disturbed.

The squirrel paused, gave George a glance that seemed remarkably unconcerned, and continued his frolicking.

"Not this again," Lou sighed, the corners of his mouth twitching in a reluctant smile. "I need some air," he declared, heading towards the door.

"Wait, aren’t you having breakfast?" his mother called out from the kitchen, turning around with a worried look. Her apron was dusted with flour, and her hair was neatly tucked away, yet her brow furrowed with maternal concern.

Lou responded, shrugging slightly, "No appetite, really. And remember, I don’t want a big party. Just us, okay? No big crowd."

Julia paused, a spoonful of batter in hand, her expression puzzled. "Really, Lou? Just family?"

"Yes, Mom, keep it small," Lou insisted, his tone firm but gentle.

Julia still looked uncertain. "Are you sure, honey? Just a small gathering?"

Lou's patience frayed a bit. "Yes, I'm sure," he said, a bit sharper this time. "Just keep it small. We've talked about this."

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"Okay, honey," she nodded slowly, her expression shifting to one of acceptance as she turned back to her task, the clatter of the kitchen filling the space between them.

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As Lou walked down the familiar street, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The houses, each with its own personality, seemed to nod in silent encouragement with every step. The rhythmic crunch of his shoes on the pavement and the scent of freshly cut grass in the air were comforting constants in the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside him.

Just as he rounded the corner, a familiar figure popped into existence a few feet ahead with a soft whoosh—his cousin Nate, grinning widely. Nate's ability to teleport never ceased to amaze Lou.

"Hey, Lou! Thought you might need some company," Nate chirped, falling into step beside him. His casual ease with his power made Lou wistfully envious.

"Thanks, Nate. Could use the distraction," Lou responded, his initial tension easing into the rhythm of their stride. Together, they walked towards the park, the morning light casting a hopeful glow on the path ahead.

With their approach into the park, though, Nate couldn't resist being just a little playful with his own abilities. He sidestepped Lou, still not looking back at him, to walk in front with a mischievous grin. "Consider the possibilities, Lou," he laughed, walking back so he could keep eye contact.

"It's easy for you to say," Lou shot back, trying to keep it light despite the little knot of anxiety in his stomach. "You already know what it's like to have a cool power."

"True, but remember, it's not just about the power itself, it’s how you use it," Nate said, rejoining Lou and clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever you get, you'll figure it out. You're clever, man."

Lou managed a half-smile. "I guess. Honestly, I just hope it’s something that doesn’t make me even more of a 'Lou-ser,'" he muttered, the nickname stinging a bit even in jest.

Nate nodded, his expression turning serious for a moment. "Whatever happens, I've got your back. You’re not in this alone, remember that."

Reassured by Nate's words, Lou felt a little of his tension ease. "Thanks, Nate. Really."

"Hey, with cool power or not, you’re still my cousin," Nate said, punching Lou's arm lightly. "And hey, if it's something awesome, you thinking about the Dojo Hunt? Could be epic, right?"

Lou’s eyes widened at the thought. "That would be... actually pretty amazing. To compete, be part of something big."

"Exactly!" Nate exclaimed. "You could be smashing through challenges, collecting tokens, making a name for yourself. You've never been quiet about this since you were a snotty brat."

Their path took them past a row of blooming cherry trees, petals fluttering down around them like snowflakes. It felt surreal, talking about futures that seemed as distant and untouchable as the stars.

"How about we make a pact? You know, I have been working on how to use my power well for months. Now it's time for me to get into the game, what do you think?" Nate suggested, stopping under a tree. "Whatever power you get, we hit the first dojo together. No backing out."

Lou’s heart thrummed with a mix of excitement and nerves. "Deal," he agreed, a genuine smile breaking through his usual reserve.

Grinning again, Nate looked ahead and pointed towards the park's central fountain. "How about we take your mind off things? First one to touch the fountain gets a free lunch next time!"

"Huh? Sure! But don't use your power, okay?" stated Lou with fire in his eyes.

But when he looked around Nate already vanished, reappearing near the fountain with a triumphant laugh.

"Cheater!" Lou called out, breaking into a run. His worries about today's uncertainties faded into the background, replaced by the immediate challenge of catching up to his cousin. Right now, at least, he could enjoy the moment.

Lou's laughter with Nate faded as they approached the park's exit, his steps slowing. Ahead, Aunt Mary, Nate's mother, was packing up her flower stall, her hands expertly arranging bouquets in preparation for a special delivery. She was instantly growing the flowers she needed from the ground. That was her gift.

"Hey, let's help Mom before we head back," Nate suggested, veering towards the stall.

"Hi, Aunt Mary," Lou greeted as they drew closer. She turned, her expression brightening at the sight of them.

"Look at you two, helping out without being asked," she teased, her voice warm and inviting. "Lou, Happy birthday, dear!"

"Thanks, Aunt Mary," Lou replied, accepting the hug she offered. Her presence, always a comfort, seemed especially welcome today.

"I've got something for you," she said, reaching into her flower van to pull out a small, potted plant shimmering with dew. "A 'Morning Dew,' it thrives on positive energy. Thought it might keep you company on your big day."

Lou accepted the plant, its leaves glinting in the afternoon sun. "It’s perfect, thank you."

"Just a little something to brighten your day," Aunt Mary smiled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "And remember, whatever power comes your way, it's yours to shape and grow, just like this little one."

Lou nodded with a really low voice he murmured. "Yeah everyone keeps saying that to me... To be honest this is bothering me more."

Nate loaded the last of the flowers into the back of the van. "We're all set, mom. Should we head to Lou's now?"

"Yes, let's go. I need to help Julia to set up for the party," she replied, securing the back of the van.

Together they ride toward Lou's home, through the friendly streets that restored ease to both. They talked of the day. Aunt Mary had a manner of quieting Lou that made possible his best self-assertion.

"Ready for whatever today throws at you?" Nate asked, when he turned the car onto Lou's street.

"I'm getting there," Lou admitted, feeling a bit more centered with each step closer to home.

"Right," said Aunt Mary with a firm yet soft voice. "Today is the big day, but remember, it's just the start of a new journey of life."

They walked towards Lou's home, with the warm smells of baking and the noise of known voices, giving a background of festive cheer. Lou could hear the bustle of activities within the house—friends and family moving around, setting up for the celebration.

Aunt Mary, in her effusive style, flung wide the front door.

"Surprise!" erupted from the crowd as Lou's relatives filled the room, their faces alight with excitement.