Awoken

Kaden was surprised to awake in his room. A place he rarely stayed in. It was a typical bedroom with a desk, dresser, wardrobe, and a twin-size bed. The lack of a closet did not take away from the size of the room as he could easily move around it. Sitting in two chairs next to his bed was his parents. Both focus on Kaden's well-being.

"Ah, I see you're up son. We have much to talk about." His father said with a smile. "Hon, are you feeling alright," his mother asked. "I already told you, Lisa, that our son is fine," His father told his mother. "Can't I baby him just a little now that he got his blessing?" She said in a knowing tone.

"Yes, about that. Son, please stay still." Kaden's father said as he reached his hand over, placing it on Kaden's head. "Sorry if that hurt a bit but without knowing your chant, recovering this book would be quite difficult." His father said. "Chad, do you have to be so ruff, you know that's part of his soul you just forcefully yanked out," Lisa said as she glared at her husband.

The bickering of his parents went over Kaden's head. The moment his father's hand had touched his head. Kaden felt pain and dizziness a lot like the other day but not as severe. He could not hear nor did he see what his father had removed. His mother was quick to act as she placed a cup of water in his hands. Holding it steady for him she ordered him to "Drink".

The water went down smoothly and it helped him to clear his head. He took a couple more sips before he turned his attention to his parents. Both of them had big grins on their faces as if Christmas had come early. It was still a week away, Kaden thought to himself.

"Son, we are so proud of you right now. Look, see this book, it's called a grimoire and it's yours." His father said as he handed Kaden back his bronze book. "Go ahead and open it to the first page," his mother encouraged.

The little bronze book was as plain-looking as it was the other day. It no longer held any special glow. The lack of a title on the cover made Kaden think it was a journal. Kaden nodded his head for a second before turning to the first page of his Grimoire. To his surprise, it held a picture of himself along with some of his personal information.

"See son, the first page is the binding page. It was deemed that after the second world war all Grimoire would need this page added. That was a bloody war and almost an end to our family's line. Your grandfather fought as a Highborn in that war and he, like many other Highborns, lost his book in the fight. After that tragic event the Elder Counsel that rules over us Highborns changed the Grimoire law. They include that intro page in hopes that the books could be returned to their owners." His father explained.

On the first page of his grimoire, it read:

Lord Ruler of 108 Stars of Destiny

User: Kaden Perseus Flanagan

Title: Untrained, Heir to the Flanagan Estate

Rank: none

Age: 12

Born: December 31st, 1980 AC.

"Turn the page to see your blessing," Lisa said and Chad nodded. Kaden was confused. But figured his parents would tell him in detail what was going on. Once all the excitement calmed down. He did as his mom had asked and turned the page. On the top of the second page in bold print read:

Just Heart:

A strong will to see that justice is served, and a kind soul to help those in need. Never turn from your path or forsake what makes you, you.

Favored By the Stars of Destiny:

A special blessing by the star of destiny granting its bearer the abilities of their summons. Able to strengthen one's body and soul by bathing in starlight.

Star Bearer:

Able to summon the 108 stars of destiny to fight by the summoner's side. (Once a contract is made)

Currently 0/108

Star Hunter

Guide by instinct to find the 36 Heavenly Spirits and the 72 Earthly Fiends.

"Stars of Destiny hmm, dad has a book about that. I'll be right back" Said Chad and with a shimmer of light, he was gone from his seat. "Always the overexcited one," Kaden's mother Lisa said as she shook her head. "Anyways son, don't mind your father he will be back soon. I'm sure you have a lot of questions. But do not worry we are here for you" She added then patted Kaden on his head.

"A lot of questions, that is the understatement of the year." Kaden huffed under his breath. His mother giggled at his expense. Before she could retort, Kaden's father popped back into the room with a large thick book that was titled 'The Collect Lore of the 108 Stars of Destiny.'

"This book is probably the best for what your Grimoire is focused on. Dad wrote it a long time ago when he toured China." Chad mused before handing it to Kaden. "It's what gave me my love for Chinese culture. It's one of the reasons I was so attracted to your mother. It's probably because of her family line that you are blessed with an Asian Mythos." Chad added before being smacked on the head by his wife.

"Yes, well I think now there are no more arguments about sending Kaden to my grandmother now, honey," Lisa said with an innocent smile that sent shivers down both Kaden and Chad's spines. "Before all that Mom and Dad can you both please tell me what on earth is going on." Kaden pleaded. He subconsciously pushed the thought of having to spend time with that dictator of a woman out of his mind. "I think your father should explain. I'll go now and make us some breakfast. I'm sure you're hungry." Lisa stated as she stood up to make her way to the kitchen.

"Well, the world that you know is way more complicated than what you have been taught." Chad paused for a moment to make sure he had Kaden's undivided attention. "You see this universe is way more complex than you may think. We live in a multiverse full of infinite possibilities. All these other planes for a better word start from a single point. Here," Chad pointed to the ground. "In the Prime Universe. Here on earth, we prefer to live. Even if mankind is slowly destroying this planet. We continue in our lives not interfering in their affairs. Earth is after all just one small drop in a vast ocean full of life. Though our family and many others prefer earth to other places. It is after all our home planet."

Chen held up his hand to stop Kaden from interrupting him. "As to why we distinguish between us and them. As to why we never bothered to tell you about this till now. Well, not everybody can awaken to be a Highborn. Even if he was born between two Highborn parents. Your mother and I just wish for you to have a normal life. If the gift chose to pass you by. Binding a Grimoire is what we call the gift. Grimoires are as old as time itself. It's a Highborn job to keep the Prime Universe in balance. To govern the infinite planes of existence." He then waved his hand and a large platinum-colored book popped into existence.

"This is my grimoire Ljosalfheim, it connects the realm Álfheimr and it's of the Norse Mythology. I'm able to summon elemental spirits beside powerful Light Elves to fight by my side. It also has many different spells that I have mastered over the years. It grants me different abilities." Chad explained.

"Fire is my blood, running through its course Eldr, I summon thy. " Chad chanted and a small flame shot out the palm of his hand. He closed his hand into a fist and the flame disappeared. "It's one of the first chants I learn in school," Chad said with a smile. "That was so cool, dad will I be able to do that too," Kaden said excitedly for the first time since he woke up.

"Haha, I'm sure you will learn something similar to its effect. But we are of different mythos so your chants will be very different from mine," Chad told his son. "Grimoire follows many different Mythologies. Mine is from the Norse Myths. Your mother's Grimoire is from Chinese Lore like yours. Hers is based on the Journey to the West. She can summon Sun Wukong beside many other beings from the Jade Palace. But I digress. Back to the main topic. Grimoires each have a name. By knowing its name you're able to unlock its full potential. You see each Grimoire is a Key that unlocks a door. These doors lead to different realities. Its powers represent those places. With my grimoire, I can go to the elven realm and your mother with hers can go to the Jade Palace. We can make contracts with the beings that reside there. To be our partners. Some are willing, and some demand tributes of different types. Some are raised from young by the Grimoire holder."

Chad paused to make sure Kaden was still paying attention. To Chad's pause, Kaden nodded indicating he was listening. "You can say I'm the overseer of Álfheimr. Not its king or anything like that. I'm just a hidden guardian that preserves its survival. Once you graduate from Edensburg. The school me and your mother went to. You will gain access to your realm. For now, just read your grandfather's book to better understand your grimoire. Everything else will be explained when you start school." Chad said and started to stand up.

"Dad," Kaden spoke up and grabbed his father's hand. "I do have one question though. What age will the students be in this new school?" Kaden asked. "Haha, it's a High School. Son, what age do you think the others will be? You have another year before you can even enter it. That's why your mom said we will be sending you to her Grandma.

Grandma Ma, the thought sent shivers down both Chad and Kaden's backs. Somewhere in an Ancient Chinese mansion on the Himalayas Mountain Range, a young-looking beauty sneezed. "Wonder who is thinking about me," she pondered before going back to the stew that was slowly cooking on the stove.