Chapter 1

In this world, metempsychosis isn't a gift from the heavens above but a curse from the depths of the gods' sadism. We, humans, are nothing but their plaything for their amusement. They have made a "holy" scripture known as "The Tome of the Eternally Omniscient." Now then, enough about that. It's time for this story to begin. This story starts with my death and then my birth.

A baby comes out into the world, and for some reason, there is a strange familiarity. The mother says, "he's so beautiful, isn't he, Mason?". " Yes, yes, he is," Mason says, staring intently into his wife's eyes. Then there was silence and a long beep of the monitor. Fifteen years later, Lucid wakes up in bed to see a very drunk, outraged father standing over him. "Well, good morning, my most beloved son." The second his dad said this, he knew he was about to get a beating. It happens every day, whether day or night, morning or afternoon. It didn't matter when he just knew it would happen.

As he arrives at school, he sees Ashten and Grant walking together. He quickly runs up and tackles Ashten to the ground. After getting up and apologizing, he pulls out a sucker and asks if either of them wants one. Grant says, "I'd like to keep my teeth, thanks -- unlike you." Lucid says in return, "What're ya talkin' about? Nothin' but pearly whites up here," as he gives a huge toothy grin. Ashten looks at Lucid with his usual soft expression, which suddenly hardens. He lifts Lucid's baggy shirt to see at least five bruises. "damn it, Luci, I'm gonna kill him," Ashten says as his eyes fill with rage. Lucid grabs Ashten's shoulders and says, "Ash, calm down, I'm okay. Most of these are just me falling; you know how clumsy I can be." Ashten rebukes, "The fact you have to say most of them, and not all of them, is why I'm so angry."

Angel walks up to them as they are arguing, "Hey, what's going on?", "Oh, ya know, just Luc's dad back at it again," Ashten says, venom lacing every word. "Calm down, Ash, it's not as bad as it looks." Angel comes to Lucid's side and suddenly jabs into his hip as hard as possible. "Ow, what the hell Angey" Lucid exclaims with a sharp pain stabbing at his side. "Well, I guess you shouldn't have downplayed how bad it truly is!" Angel exclaimed, "... I was really worried about you." Angel spoke softly, with red slightly tinting her cheeks. As Lucid stands back up he lightly pats Angel's head saying,"Don't worry, I'll be just fine." He turns to show a large toothy grin. Ashten suddenly butts in saying," okay lovebirds come on we're going to be late for class." Just as he says this the bell suddenly rings. They all collectively yell, "SHIT!!" and sprint off towards their first period.