Chapter Zero - Closure
Air blew past my me. The brisk wind carried the smell of wet soil after rain, making my senses relax. It was soothing, a contrast to the nerve wrecking 15 years I spent here, or more specifically in this world.
I am not sure how I arrived here. The last thing I remember was getting admitted to a college of my own. I was happy, ecstatic that I finally achieved my goal- my life purpose. My memory was still hazy, like watching through a glazed window. The next thing I remember was getting drowned in the puddle of my own life blood, my soul slowly and steadily leaving my body as I felt myself drift in the cold embrace of death.
I never had a special attachment to my life. Even achieving this acceptance in a prestigious college was mundane for me. Like a chore, I continued with this life, going in the flow my parents had directed my life in. I had no lingering feelings with the world... maybe that's why I didn't felt bad at loosing my life. At least I could rest easy now. However, I had a regret.
A regret of wasting my life and living my life according to the decorum set by others. I lived that life like a puppet- tied to strings, every action a result of someone else's whim.
When I thought all was over, something happened. I don't remember exactly if the one who sent me here was a GOD, someone or something entirely else. It felt surreal.
When I opened my eyes again after my supposed 'Death', and my meeting with the entity, I found myself in a compact place. Everything felt so wrong. From my immobility- wriggly movements to my next to no motor control over my own limbs and body. A slight rustle and a soft cry captured my attention. Looking to my right I saw two baskets. A pair of hands appeared from the basket, a soft cry emanating from it.
It took me a while but I got it. I was reincarnated and in the body of a new born no less. I never knew if it was possible but yet, here I was.
After that I started my new life as 'Rayn'. I don't think names matter too much so I have no particular problem with it. The two baskets with me were like me too- in terms of family, orphans or maybe abandoned.
Ever since I turned 3 I have been getting headaches. And with headaches came visions- premonitions, glimpses of future. Sometimes all of this seems like a story I read, but then again I couldn't put my finger on it. It was like I was conflicted by the very reality around me.
This world like many fantasy stories was fueled with mana and everyone had an individual elemental affinity. I could feel the surge of explosive mana inside me, yet I was unable to determine the nature of my magic. All I knew was that I had red lightning that could change properties entirely, like changing the very composition of matter, almost like reality-bending.
Taking in a deep breath, I stood up, dusting the slight dirt that managed to stick to my pants. I stood straight, my face towards the setting sun as I looked over the horizon while standing on ancient skull.
"Its almost dinner time, Ray." Looking back, I saw Sister Lily, a pristine smile over her kind face.
"I'm coming", I replied. It was good to have someone as a family in this world. She was like an older sister to me, always looking after me. I felt her nimble steps behind me as we strolled our way back to church.
"MADAA MADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA" A scream I was too familiar with reached my ears, carried by the wind. Looking over my shoulders to the right I saw my brothers- Asta and Yuno, racing their way back home. It was always nostalgic looking bicker and fight.
"They're at it again, aren't they?" I chuckled, as I continued my stride back. She followed closely behind me,
"All three of you have grown so much. I can't believe you'll be getting your grimoires tomorrow." Sister Lily said excitedly as she picked up pace, matching my own. My eyes remained glued to my brothers as I saw the brute and the prodigy engaged in a furious race.
This world was fuelled by mana. Everyone had some mana, no matter how meagre it was. Yet... Asta, he had no mana. An anomaly, but somehow my heart said otherwise. It was like another one of those deja vù moments.
Yuno on the other hand was one of a kind mage. A prodigy born once in a hundred or even thousand years. A massive pool of mana and an unusually high aptitude with his affinity. Despite his pool being smaller than mine, I never showed my ability to anyone, acting oblivious.
"Yeah, I'm excited." I replied back to her as she smiled brightly at me. We finally reached the church after a short walk. Reaching there I saw Asta panting while Yuno was standing with a neutral expression over his face,
"Hello Asta, Yuno." I greeted both of them. Yuno's scrutinising gaze narrowed on me. For some reason he always acted like this in front of me. Suspecting something. Getting no response I walked passed by him,
"When are you going to stop hiding things?" Yuno spoke from behind me.
"I don't know what you're talking about." I replied back. His attitude was annoying. Yet, I still used to keep up with him just for Father Orsi and Sister Lily's sake.
"I will get whatever secret you're hiding out of you", Yuno said, wind flaring around his body. I let out a deep breath, my frustration soaring. I felt my blue eyes gleam behind the veil of messy white hair, arcs of red lightning coursing through my body,
"I'd like to see you try", I challenged him. Everyone's eyes widened as they saw lightning crackle around me. Yuno and Asta were my brothers. But my main purpose was to live a life where I am in control. If anyone was going to make trouble and disrupt the flow of my life, I'd kill them... be it my own brothers.
Beads of sweat rolled down Yuno's face as my magic intensity increased. It was a way for mages to show their supremacy over another. And Yuno had realised it too. He bit his lower lip, at a loss for words.
Retracting my mana pressure I tucked my hands back into the side pockets of my pants and walked inside, leaving the baffled trio outside.
I still had no idea about my magic type. However, everything will be answered tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day I'll get my grimoire. A new journey will begin. And I'll finally get some closure.
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(A/n Comment if you saw some issue. I'll try to reply)