Gifts and Curses

The air grew thick as dark clouds gathered, hinting at an approaching storm. A faint rumble of thunder echoed in the distance. Looking out the window of Sacred Virtue's Orphanage was Kai, a thin teenager with pale skin, black eyes, and unruly jet-black hair.

Kai had always been different from the other children. While most disliked the rain, he found peace in watching the gray skies and the downpour. His quiet, thoughtful nature always set him apart.

"Kai, Sister Agatha's calling everyone for dinner," said a young girl named Minny, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"I'll be there in a minute," Kai replied with a small smile.

As he made his way downstairs, the sound of children's laughter filled the hallway. A group of older kids, around Kai's age, huddled around the television. These familiar scenes always brought a smile to Kai's face. But his expression changed as he saw the breaking news on the TV.

"We regret to inform you that infamous criminal and serial killer, Richard Norman, has escaped from North Valley Penitentiary earlier today. Reports say he killed three guards and escaped with several other inmates. He is now on the run."

Jeremy, a boy wearing glasses, trembled, his face pale with fear. "Wait, isn't North Valley really close by?"

Brad, another boy, quickly tried to calm him. "Don't be such a chicken. Yeah, it's close, but he's probably trying to flee the country."

"Yeah," chimed in another child, "he's not coming here."

Kai, however, spoke with a serious tone. "I read about him. They say he's one of the Awakened."

***

Long ago, portals appeared all over the world, releasing monsters that couldn't be defeated with normal weapons. Humanity nearly went extinct. But then, some people awakened with strange powers. These Awakened became humanity's protectors, fighting off the monsters and sealing the portals.

The most powerful Awakened formed Guilds to defend against future threats. With their bright blue eyes and special abilities, these heroes became known as 'the Gifted.'

But over time, a new kind of Awakened appeared—ones with powers that didn't fit the usual rules.

***

Jeremy's voice wavered. "Is that serial killer... cursed?"

Kai nodded. "Yeah, they say his eyes glow red like blood."

A heavy silence filled the room. The children knew about the Cursed—Awakened with crimson eyes, their powers tainted by darkness. Unlike the Gifted, who used their abilities for good, the Cursed gave in to evil, driven by their darkest desires.

The mention of the Cursed sent a chill through the room. It was a reminder of how easily someone could fall from grace.

Just then, a beautiful woman in her early thirties entered the room, and her presence immediately lightened the mood.

"Good evening, Miss Agatha," the children greeted her in unison, their faces brightening.

"Good evening, everyone," she replied with a warm smile. With her golden hair and kind brown eyes, Miss Agatha had a way of easing any tension.

"Let's put those scary thoughts aside for now," she said, crossing the room and gently patting Jeremy's head. She pinched his nose, causing a wave of laughter from the children.

"You're too young to worry about such things," Agatha reassured them. "That's my job."

"Now, how about we all sit down for dinner?"

The children eagerly gathered around the large dining table, their fears forgotten for the moment.

Kai admired Miss Agatha deeply. After losing his parents, she had become like a mother to him. Though she came from a wealthy family, she gave it all up to open this orphanage. For that, Kai respected her immensely.

"Oh, Kai," Agatha said kindly, "would you lead us in prayer?"

Miss Agatha believed strongly in faith, and the children followed her example. Kai started the prayer, "Our Father, who art in heaven..."

He was just about to finish when he reached the line, "deliver us from evil." The room grew silent.

Then, a cold voice echoed from behind them.

"And all of God's children," sneered Richard Norman, "said Amen."