CH #2 - Rosé Red

That was a quiet place. The sound of permanent silence rested over all that space, carried by both space and time like waves on the sea. Light streamed through the glass window, revealing its slightly grayish glow. Clouds covered the sky, representing the little hope that resided there.

Everything was calm, literally standing there, stagnant like nothing in a nonexistent universe, something metaphysical. There was no movement, and not a single speck of dust dared to disturb that revolution that happened in silence.

There, perfectly contemplative, a young man stared at his own image in the mirror. He noticed the immensity of the forest of trees typical of that cold climate, which extend beyond the visible horizon, giving way to its total end to the mountains. A vision as still as the inside of that house.

His face was translucently displayed by the glass. Pale skin, contemplative and quiet facial expression of its surroundings, hair as black as a stone of coal, where almost no shine was reflected by them, being somewhat disorganized, however, in a harmonious way.

The eyes. From whom did he get those eyes red and glowing like two ruby ​​stones? This question cannot be answered, at least not in a logical way, as any explanation would be rather questionable, to say the least. Those two lenses were the reflection of the soul, a mirror that, when carefully analyzed, could reveal the interior of its structure. The eyelids relaxed, letting themselves be absorbed in the calm there rested.

Tall and thin, the boy couldn't take his eyes off the window, watching as small birds, of different colors, took the few electrical wires that ran through Elderlog, singing their melody without the slightest fear.

However, something was able to get him out of his state. The almost adult young man felt something in his hand — a sensation rather warm and wet. That alone was enough to wake him up, making him return to reality, far from whatever daydreams his mind imposes.

He unconsciously brought his hand up to stroke that soft fur, before he even reacted anyway. The young man turned his vision to the small animal that is there — a pet cat.

His rubies came into direct contact with the little being's sparkling sapphires and sharp pupils. Straight black fur, not too dense, ran over his hands, and its ears sharpened, pointing up in a sign of excitement. He slipped his hand under the little animal's chin, which happily accepted all kinds of care, purring.

That smile. White met black, red met blue, human and animal sharing the same feeling, living the present moment. Two polar opposites occupied the same space, enjoying each other's presence.

The boy smiled. An entirely spontaneous smile, which appeared there and defined that spot as its place. Nothing would take him away, at least for the moment.

The cat lay down on that soft bed, keeping his best friend company, and by turning its belly up, already knew what to expect from him.

The answer was not long in coming, and he patted and rubbed its belly, fully understanding the message.

No words were needed on his part. No words would be needed for any reason. The silent dance of memories and feelings filled souls, and the minds danced, in a completely different place, a universe in which both assumed a different form, where those two figures could finally interact in a greater way, leaving in the past limits only touches and gazes could provide.

Somewhere, they both knew that it was true, and that such place exists.

The moment of connection, as always, was unfortunately broken by the cruel passage of time, which although impartial, was detrimental to both of them. The master of all existence has never made an exception to the rule it has set for itself since the beginning of time: to end moments like this so abruptly.

The touch was interrupted, as was the exchange of looks. The clock on the wooden dresser indicated the time of 6:40 am in greenish lights. He must leave, as painful as it was to do it.

The boy got up, giving up all fantasy moments. Reality called him to his ordinary and exhausting mission, which was almost the same every day.

Before finally leaving the room, he once more looked at the cat figure. The animal looked back at him, snuggling into his bed. The tiny being's almost human behavior always surprised him, and in a way, it was as if it understood everything that was being said and felt, and wanted to respond to it all.

He waved his hand, raising it up. Time once again for a goodbye.

"See you in a little while, Emi."

His voice filled the room for the first and only time that day, and leaving the door ajar so his company wouldn't feel trapped, he left the house cat's field of vision. A new day had begun in his unique life.

Leaving there, he again let himself fall into the eternal sound of emptiness, something much bigger than his ephemeral being. Looking at himself on a reflective surface, he analyzed the dark circles under his eyes, black marks that consolidated below his vision. That was a common reality, usual for him since a few years in the past.

Not making the slightest noise, the boy left the dusty house. He made his way in slow steps. Contemplative, many were the things he thought about, things that most people are not in the habit of thinking about; unique things, pertaining only to him. Only him.

The wind ruffled his hair. The gale created a whirlwind quite close to his feet. Pamphlets from old newspapers were taken by it. A newspaper was even attached to the window of a house.

Everything was too quiet, and that didn't necessarily bother him. The boy liked moments of peace, where nothing could be heard, where no thoughts echoed, being mere gaps of time that are missing, that do not corrode, hurt or feel painful.

What is he thinking about? Only he knew. He alone had the right to know.

At the pace at which he walked, he didn't even notice time passing. Half an hour's walk through empty woods and a city center just a few blocks long was enough to automatically reach his destination.

He could have chosen to use the bicycle, but chose to walk and contemplate.

When crossing the gates of the place, an immediate change of figure took the boy, as well as the reception of those who saw him. The young man now wore on his face the deep expression of confidence, of someone capable of doing essentially anything, as after all, this place we were talking about was nothing but his living realm.

His first steps of the day at Elderlog Academy attracted the eyes of others. The students who saw him pass smiled at him, waving. Groups of all kinds knew this young man, could count on him for a great number of situations, and felt, for the most part, highly assured by his presence, as if they had nothing to fear.

He approached an ordinary group of students, waving at them from a distance.

"Yo, guys!"

He was immediately greeted positively by those people.

"Yo, Cast! Something's up?"

"Just the old same, guys! You know the drill… See you in class, folks!"

Young Cast Cravache laughed. A seventeen-year-old boy, quite fearless and sure of himself, being well liked by the other students, especially for his great charisma. Cast was a nice figure to have around, unless certain very specific things were done around him.

The reason for this? What drives all this trust? The answer was not far from where he was at the moment.

Walking through the hallways of the school, he made his daily routine of pulling the day's books out of his locker, the one of number 117. Despite who he was, Cast still considered himself a diligent student. He figured as one of the brightest students in his class, only sharing that position with another student, a girl.

However, that didn't make him sad. In fact, the boy felt good to have the ability to share his title with someone... Or at least that was the way he preferred to see his victories. For him, he was "generous" about his achievements.

Having all the books in hand, Cast set out for another ordinary day, on every possible level.

"I already said I don't have any more money! I can't give you anything else!"

"So you only have this, wimp?! Well, it looks like we're gonna have to make you tell us where you hide the rest..."

The conversation was accidentally overheard. Cast turned right into one of the locker aisles, and ended up finding a space almost entirely devoid of students, with the mere exception of a group of three who were there.

Two students, tall and strong, made the hell out of the third's life. Just the fact that those two were blond said enough for Cast. The third student, much shorter and weaker than the others, with brown hair in a bowl shape, held his books tightly, trying to somehow resist the harassment.

They were trying to coerce him into giving the precious lunch money. Nothing more than a light stare was enough to see that. The two strong, blond students with somewhat unusual haircuts wouldn't let him go unless more than five dollars were given away.

That's the perfect time. Cast called for a random student.

"Hey you!"

The boy, who simply walked by, was startled by Cast's call, and pointing to himself in complete doubt, questioned him in return.

"Me?"

"And who else would it be? Come here. Hold my books."

"Uh... Hey...!"

Cast simply handed his textbooks to the boy, who, unable to say anything, was delegated to just watch, appalled, as Cast made his way towards that scene.

"Come on! You'd better tell us where you hide the rest of the money... Unless you want a black eye in compensation!"

One of them threw a punch, threatening the smaller one with more impetus.

That would be the end for him. One more black eye and his mother would make a fuss. He shouldn't allow himself to be treated that way by those bullies.

But there was nothing the small, rickety boy and his bowl-shaped cut were capable of. He was just supposed to hide his newest wound and the fact that he was starving for losing his parents' lunch money, as he's been doing for several weeks.

"Won't you say anything? I see how it is... You asked for it!"

The bully set out to punch him, and noting how, over the course of the milliseconds, the distance between his fist and the boy's face was gradually decreasing, the boy closed his eyes... That should help him with the pain.

... ... ...

"Huh...?" The voice of one of the tormentors was heard.

Nothing. There was not even a spark of pain. Fearful, he allowed himself to see what was going on.

He couldn't believe what he witnessed… Would "He" be here? "The" Cast Cravache...? His eyes must have already been hit and they were deceiving him... That could just be imagination!

"Huh… What's your problem with my little buddy here, huh? Come hit someone your size…! Come here and show me!"

Cast's voice spread. Not just his eyes but his ears were deceiving him too! It was impossible that just "He" was there to protect him!

Cast held the bully's fist firmly in place with his right hand. He didn't need more than that.

Immediately, the two turned their attention to that fourth person. Cast looked at the boy, indicating a gesture with his head, one that wanted to say "get out of here." That order was answered without the slightest hesitation, and the little boy distanced himself from the others.

Everyone in the hallway watched. Cast's posture was always misplaced, and it could be seen in his clothes. The young man always wore warm clothes, whether cold or hot, along with black jeans that were a bit shabby at the knees and some beaten up shoes, and he was as casual as was unconcerned with the consequences of his words and gestures.

"What the hell do you want now, damned Cravache? Aren't you tired of making it rain on our parade?!" One of the bullies asked.

The tone of voice was recessive. Something about this boy was intimidating and cold, and enough of a haunting presence to suppress even the most violent in the place.

"Heh… Interesting of you asking if I'm not tired, 'cause let me tell you... I never get tired of planting nice kicks in those faces." He replied, chuckling a little with the side of his mouth.

Cast closed his eyes, taking in some air. Opening them, he walked in slow steps closer to the two.

"Look, I don't feel like wasting my saliva on you trashcans. Give me back the money and I'll let you get away with it. Enjoy that I'm in a good mood today."

His order was simple and clear. The aura of that young man was authoritative and demanding, and soon he had the first of the stalkers remove the bills from the pocket of his pants torn at the knees. Even so, the mocking element of that line was even stronger.

Each of them felt slighted for the way he treated them there, but there wasn't much they could do. Incredibly, the "damned Cravache" was truly fearsome.

"...Here..." He tried to hand over the notes.

However, the second stops him, getting in the way of his hand. He looked Cast in his eyes, before saying something brave… As ​​well as potentially suicidal.

"You're going to pay dearly for playing the hero, Cast... You'll be dealing with me and the whole gang of delinquents!"

He didn't waste his time, trying to punch Cast in the face with all his might, who in turn performed an impossible, almost magical detour.

"So it's gonna end up like that, I see. I really wanted to get my hands a little dirty!" Cast says. A smile broke across his face. "Just taking the money would be too easy."

The delinquent was surprised by the diversion. Cast literally bent his spine in half, making half his body head backwards, and assumed the original position again after that, without the slightest sign of imbalance.

"I figured we weren't just going to talk, so I got here sharp. Want to see?"

Cast's movements were superhuman. There was no time to react, and the boy had already landed three powerful punches in the sides of the bully's face, then immediately taking advantage of his stun to knock him to the ground. There was no response from the tormentor other than the moans of pain.

"Damn... Damn Cravache...!"

"Yeah, that's my name." He landed another kick, right in the face. "And now? Guess you can't do anything other than calling me names, right?"

Having completed his work with the first, Cast approached the second stalker, who only trembled as he witnessed all the action. All that one-sided beating and the knockout took less than ten seconds. The same reaction was seen by the rest who observe, however, in a different polarization. Everyone was surprised in a positive way.

After all, Cast was the one who manifested what they would never have the courage to do for themselves.

"Here... Here's the money... Please... Please don't hit me!"

He literally begged for his life as Cast made his way to him. The young man carefully removed the notes from his palm, putting them in his own pocket.

"Very well. I think you can go."

The bully opened his eyes, in a more confident posture at that.

"I... can I?"

Cast moved a little closer.

"Wait just a second... What is this? Is it a little bug in your uniform? ... Let me take it for you!"

"A beetle...?"

"Yeah, and from what I see, it seems to be one of the poisonous ones. Don't move, as any movement will make it sting you..."

Cast then touched the bully's uniform to the right shoulder region, and slowly slid his index finger up to the left shoulder region.

"Did you... take the bug?"

"Sure thing. It has already flown away. Now, outta my face."

"... For real? It's... Wait a minute! I shouldn't thank you!"

And that was when Cast's true thoughts were revealed. He used his hand that gently touched the boy's left shoulder to apply a strong blow to his cheek; a single punch, powerful enough to make him fall to the ground.

"Of course not! I want all the money! All of it!"

Cast's posture again became aggressive, and he raised his voice to speak to that student.

"Empty your pockets! I want it all! Hand over all that money you took from others! Don't go thinking you can make a fool of me!"

Cast's way of speaking was all demanding. He ordered in an entirely imperative way while pointing at him.

"Now what Make your damn choice already? Are you giving it or not? Or is it that you actually want to get that black eye you promised?"

Hesitantly, the stalker who had just been knocked down withdrew another large amount of bills from his pocket, all low-value ones, reluctantly handing them to Cast.

"Thank you very much!" Cast replied wryly, taking the money.

He got up, and joining the new bills to the previous set, put everything in the right pocket of his pants, starting to walk away from the scene.

"Moving on, folks... Moving on!"

Cast waved his hand at the audience, and it wasn't long before the answer came. The crowd gradually broke up, returning to their routine activities. When he was already five steps away, he heard a threat.

"You bastard… Damn bastard…! When she finds out about it... Hah...! Wait until this reaches her ears!"

"Huh…" Cast said, in a relaxed tone. "Whatever! You can tell her everything. Ask me if I care! Run under your leader's legs like you always do, little puppies."

So he left those two muttering to themselves. Cast would seek for the real owners of the bills later and return the money.

"Thanks for holding the books. Here is five."

Cast took his books back from the boy who held them, pulling out a five-dollar bill from another pocket. The student's reaction could not be different, after all the very own and singular Cast Cravache spoke to him!

A proud smile accompanied by a determined look filled the boy's face. That was Cast Cravache, a young man with great convictions. From a young age, he always learned to possess strong ideals, working only on them, and as a person endowed with bold goals, his dedication to ideals was not misplaced.

There are no perfect ideals, although, Cast was striving for what he believed in and was not in the least afraid of facing great danger if it was for his goals. He wouldn't hesitate to even use other people as steps, swords and shields to achieve what he was aiming for. In short, a natural born authority figure.

He entered the classroom, greeting all his classmates.

" Bonjour, guys!"

Everyone's response was enthusiastic and immediate. Cast was much admired as a person.

"Good morning, Cast!" Thomas said.

"Say, Cast!" Harold said.

A girl shyly approached Cast, moving her fingers frantically, expressing her nervousness and anxiety.

"Oh hey Cast... I wonder if we can... You know... Have lunch together today?"

Cast lifted the girl's face as he gently placed his bent index finger under her chin. He looked at her with an honest smile, the young woman with short brown hair, black eyes and a small nose.

"Sophia, I appreciate the invitation, but unfortunately I have plans for today... Maybe at some other time it would be better? I'm also waiting a lot for this opportunity!"

His manner of speaking was calm and directed especially towards her. He didn't want to show himself as a threat to anything that didn't need to see such side. The girl named Sophia just smiles in response.

"Oh, sure... It could be another day!" The girl's response is so spontaneous that it's scary.

Cast had a knack for dealing with people, and that was what defined him as an individual. The way he positioned his words was able to repel any negative feelings.

A special talent. Everyone there knew that Cast was blessed in some way, after all, how can someone be so conquering and charismatic, as well as a born leader? Thing is that outside of a vague idea, the vast majority of them were ignorant of what most made him unique — a feature invisible to the eye.

The vast majority did not know it, but still someone else had this notion, and that person was there, a few steps away.

They exchanged looks. Sitting in the chair, that girl had around her a powerful atmosphere. Her gaze was sharp, as menacing and intimidating as her facial expression. She always seemed to have a huge dislike of everything around her, as if every single thing was equally disgusting.

Cast approached that figure. Unlike the others, she wasn't in a group, talking to others about trivia and commonplace events. Her mentality was on a completely different level, and she was alone there, being unique among the plurals.

Without saying a single word, Cast pulled out the wooden chair that was to the left of the girl, sitting there. He placed his books on the table, and they exchanged a constant look.

Fair skin and a face almost entirely devoid of any expression lines or imperfections. Lips small and thin, a little darker in tone than her skin. Thin, shaped nose, cheekbones that guaranteed her the look of a strong, independent woman, the "successful corporate leader" type. The way the glasses rested there was magnificent; her eastern eyes slightly pink, magnified by the large lenses held in place by the bright red plastic of the frame.

Her dark brown hair was harmoniously disorganized, held back in an elegant ponytail; her gestures, always calibrated and coldly calculated to be beautiful and classy.

"What's up!" Cast started the conversation.

Of all there, the boy was the only one who really had the courage to speak to her.

"You're late." Her response was immediate and sharp, as wicked as a newly sharpened blade.

Cast just chuckled a little to himself, to lighten the mood.

"Let's say I had an ugly mess to sort out…" He referred to the incident with the delinquents.

"It makes no difference. Anyway, there's something I need to tell you. I saw something earlier, and you'll want to hear too."

Lira changed the direction of her body to be completely towards Cast, sitting sideways in the chair, but even so, the girl didn't let go of her diligent posture of keeping her back straight.

"Cut this suspense and tell me already!" Cast never had much patience for mysteries, though. "What was it that you saw?"

Lira brought her face close to his, and Cast unconsciously mimicked the movement. When they were close enough, Lira turns Cast's head with her hands to the side and speaks something in his ear in a low tone.

"It was about ten minutes ago. A new student arrived here, a boy... So far so good, the point is... "

She stopped, and pulling her head away from Cast, they looked at each other.

"What is the matter with our 'Mr. Newbie' now?" Cast asked. "It is quite rare seeing you worried about commonplace stuff like that."

"Well, he did a weird thing... That's just a hypothesis, but I have a suggestion... We can call it a theory." She responded without delay.

When Lira stopped, Cast presented his attention somewhat violently.

"Don't stop halfway! What is most important? What do you think you saw, girl?"

Lira focused her vision on Cast in a still specific way, looking into his two eyes.

"… He did something to a guy in the hallway. He made him forget what he saw and ignore the fight completely. And after that, he was confused... As if his memories had been erased."

Lira's words moved Cast in a surprising way. What kind of power is this? The ability to erase memories was a very frightening thing. Cast trusted the hypothesis. It was unusual for Lira to be wrong.

All of a sudden, Cast's calm was replaced by apprehension, and sliding his right hand over his hair, he said.

"Let's take action on this… Right now…! He might oppose us, and that's a scenario I don't even want to remotely think about!"

Both got up. Serious, determined faces took over their faces. The boy and the girl knew what they were capable of and that they had to stick to their goals. First the school, then beyond the great gates. The youth were blessed with great talents, and intended to use them to the fullest, putting in their place anyone who dared to challenge them.

That is to say, this equally special invader threatened that stability.

"Lira, get the Quantum Physics book. That goddamn thick one." Cast spoke, fidgeting in place.

"Are you planning to do what I'm thinking? But now?"

"That's right. Now. And after all, how did you know what I was talking about?" He asked. "Are we really that intimate, to the point you can read my mind?"

"Ugh." She answered. "It's just that you're too stupid and shallow to understand."

There was a big difference between these two students and the rest who attended the school. Cast and Lira kept a secret they didn't tell anyone: Each of them could use extraordinary abilities, things that no other human could do.

... That is, until the time of that revelation.