Chapter 2: Crew

As Dune listened to his mother's response, a heavy silence settled over the room. "And him? Where is he?" Dune asked quietly, his voice tinged with bitterness.

Lina's gaze fell to the floor, her expression troubled. "He's out too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

A surge of resentment washed over Dune as he heard his mother's words. His father, Sam, was a constant source of frustration and anger in their lives.

A drunkard who cared little for his family, Sam's presence was like a dark cloud hanging over their home, casting a shadow over their happiness.

With a bitter scoff, Dune pushed back his chair and rose from the table, his mind consumed with thoughts of his father.

As he made his way out into the garden, the cool evening air offering little solace from the turmoil within, Dune's thoughts turned to the man who had caused him so much pain.

What angered him even more was his mother's unwavering loyalty to Sam, despite all that he had put them through.

It seemed incomprehensible to Dune that she could continue to protect and defend a man who had brought nothing but misery to their family.

Daniel, his eldest brother, had once confided in him that their father had changed after Dune's birth. But the details remained shrouded in secrecy, a painful chapter of their family history that no one dared to revisit.

Lost in his thoughts, Dune decided to visit his friends. And as he made his way through the familiar streets of Fein,Dune couldn't help but wonder if the answers he sought lay hidden in the shadows of the past.

Dune navigated the less crowded streets of the city's outskirts, a sense of unease prickled at the back of his neck.

Here, amidst the dilapidated buildings and darkened alleyways, the air was heavy with the scent of desperation and decay. Crime ran rampant in these parts, and danger lurked around every corner.

But Dune was undeterred. Despite lacking any supernatural abilities, he possessed a strength and resilience that set him apart from the average person.

Thanks to his mother's genetics, His keen intellect, honed through years of study and his older brothers' teachings, served as his greatest weapon. And though he knew he was no match for those with powers, Dune refused to let fear dictate his actions.

As Dune approached the hidden entrance to the basement, hidden away from prying eyes, he reached into his pocket and withdrew a small metallic shard. Crafted in the shape of a circle, the shard glinted faintly in the dim light, its surface etched with intricate patterns.

With a practiced hand, Dune placed the shard against the door, aligning it with a small indentation hidden amidst the worn wood. As he pressed the shard into place, there was a soft click, and the door swung open soundlessly before him.

As Dune stepped into the dimly lit basement, a wave of familiarity washed over him. The faces of his friends greeted him warmly, their smiles a welcome sight amidst the darkness. And standing amongst them was his brother Ned, his presence commanding respect and admiration.

Ned's grey hair and black eyes mirrored Dune's own features, yet there was a strength and confidence in his demeanor that set him apart. He exuded a sense of warmth and kindness, his aura radiating with a quiet strength that drew others to him.

As Dune made his way further into the room, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at the sight of his brother. Despite the challenges he faced as a Zeten, Ned had remained steadfast in his resolve, his determination unwavering in the face of adversity.

Dune settled into the chair, he greeted the twin brothers with a warm smile, his eyes lighting up with amusement at their antics. Ezra and Liam, with their fiery-colored hair and mischievous grins, were a constant source of energy and laughter in their group.

"Hey, guys," Dune greeted , his voice laced with affection. "Sorry I'm late. Had to take care of something."

Liam chuckled loudly, his voice carrying across the room. "Took you long enough, Dune! We've been waiting for ages!"

Before Dune could respond, Ezra interjected, his tone playful yet firm. "Ignore him, Dune. We've got important matters to discuss, and we need your input."

With a playful smack to the back of Liam's head, Ezra silenced his brother's protests, their mock scuffle drawing laughter from the group.

Despite their bickering, it was clear that Ezra and Liam shared a strong bond, their camaraderie a testament to the enduring friendship that bound them together.

As Dune made his way to the fourth person in the room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence wash over him. This individual, stronger even than his brother Ned, commanded respect and admiration from all who knew him.

And as Dune approached, he greeted the figure with a nod of acknowledgment, his expression one of quiet reverence for the power that emanated from him.

A smile tugged at Dune's lips as he greeted him with familiarity. "Hey, Atlas."

Atlas, the leader of their small crew, returned Dune's greeting with a nod of acknowledgment, his expression stoic yet welcoming.

Alone in the world, Atlas had forged his own path, his only family found within the bonds of their tight-knit group.

Tall and imposing at sixteen years old, Atlas also possessed Zeten, His dark black hair and piercing purple eyes spoke of a strength and resolve that set him apart from the others.

Clad in clothes of purple and black, he exuded an aura of authority and power that left no doubt as to his status as the strongest member of their crew.

Dune and the others settled around the table, anticipation hung heavy in the air, each member awaiting Atlas's guidance with bated breath. They knew that whatever reason had brought them together, it was sure to be of the utmost importance.

And as Atlas prepared to address them, his gaze sweeping over each of their faces with a sense of determination, the gravity of their situation settled over them like a shroud.

But then…Atlas's words cut through the air like a thunderclap, jolting them all to attention.

"We need to get out of this city as soon as possible," he declared, his voice grave and urgent. "Or We will all DIE."