Chapter 4: A Father's Love and Flashbacks

Previously, on 1 Month to Confession...

JOHN: (mockingly) Oh, I didn't realize that I bumped into you, Your Highness. But may you please excuse me? I'm kinda in a hurry right now.

ZEKE: (smugness in his voice) That will teach you not to talk back to me, you Cripple.

JOHN: Do you really think that just because you have more power than most people, they will respect you? Well, you are DEAD WRONG.

WILLIAM: So how's my son coping up here in this school?

KEENE: Well, in his first year here in Wellston, he was able to cope up well. Except for the fact that he asks us---the staff---to not tell the students about his ability and to treat him as a Cripple. So even if I don't always watch over him---especially since I need to watch over the school's security---I can already tell that he's often bullied a lot. However, these days, it seems like he's on the verge of exploding.

WILLIAM: Why do you have to pretend that you do not know me? Is it because someone might hear us? Like Keene, for example?

VAUGHN: (sipping his coffee) ... That's right. Besides, no one in this school knows yet that we know each other. And I would like to keep it that way for a while.

ATHENA: (assures) Will, don't worry. I'll make sure that nothing really bad happens to him.

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[4:30 pm; Room 305 Girls' Dormitory...]

<Elaine's POV>

I'm more worried of Seraphina. She's becoming more gloomy since last night. And while she returned here in the dorms 30 minutes ago, she just greeted me with a cold look. And even during classes, I noticed that she's been giving John a cold shoulder. She even went as far as ignoring his entire existence, or making excuses so as to not hang out with him. I wonder what happened to the two of them? If John hurts her in any way, whether powerful or not, he'll regret ever being her friend, I'll make sure of that. But, how can I even do that when he's extremely terrifying? He even went as far as hitting me so hard when I got mad at him for accusing him of what happened to Seraphina when she got stabbed by a knife [A/N: Refer to Rage Arc].

Curiosity got the best of me, I go to her room, only to find her lying on the bed while staring at the ceiling with a blank look on her face. Concern, I approach her. "Uhm, Seraphina? Are you alright?"

SERAPHINA: (facing me with a blank look) ... I'm fine.

(a little nervous) "It's---it's just that, I've noticed something's troubling you. Tell me, are you and John fighting? I've noticed how you avoided him a while ago."

I can see her flinch at what I said. Well, that pretty much answers a portion of my question. But why would they even fight though? The last time I checked, those two are extremely close to the point of being almost inseparable. Whenever one of them is in trouble or hurt, the other one rescues or comforts. Hesitantly, she answers my question with a pained look on her face.

SERAPHINA: (hesitant) ... Yeah. We did. He's---he's been lying to me the entire time. At first, I thought that he's being genuine, but... But after THAT incident, I realized that he's been keeping a huge secret from me. Why would he do that to me? (tears starts to fall down her eyes)

Not knowing what to do, I just put my hand on her back to comfort her. "S-Seraphina? Perhaps he was really genuine with your friendship. I may not be friends with him seeing as to that he is a... (hesitant) Cripple but from what I've observed, he really values your friendship."

SERAPHINA: (looks at me w/ tears in her eyes) Elaine? About that, can I tell you something? You might freak out from what I have discovered about John.

"S-Sure."

SERAPHINA: *sigh* The truth is, the reason why we fought is because I found out that he's not a Cripple. He has an Ability. In fact, he's a High-tier.

Now that surprises me. No, not because of the fact that he has an Ability since I already know that fact, but because he decided to reveal it. Why would he decided to reveal it at such time as this---when Seraphina still lost her Ability? Doesn't he know that revealing it to her in her current condition would only worsen their relationship, especially due to the lack of trust?

SERAPHINA: (laughing a pained laugh) Hehe. Can you BELIEVE it? He HAS an Ability. AND a High-tier as well. Ha! He even had the nerve to tell me that we'll be powerless together!... Elaine, what do you think should I do?

In all honesty, I really don't know what advice I should give her. But, I just answer her as best as I can. "M-Maybe you should h-hear him out. I don't think he's the type to hide something from anyone without a good reason. Listen to his reason first, then you can decide whether to break off your friendship for good or not. Plus, I think the reason why he's hiding such a huge secret from you is that he's afraid of what you'll think of him when you find out about it."

After saying those things, I can see her expression changes. Just judging by her look, I can see that she's considering my advice.

SERAPHINA: You're right. John's never the type to keep something from me without a good reason. I don't think he meant to hurt me emotionally. You know what, I'll apologize to him.

"Now that's the spirit."

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[9:00 pm; Room #7018 Wellston Hospital...]

<William's POV>

It's been almost 5 hours now since John has been "operated"* in the ER and until now, he still hasn't woken up yet, even after I've already finished my dinner. He's already been moved to his own private room which is where I am right now. (brushes his bangs away) Why did you have to make that choice? Pretending to be a Cripple in order to expiate for your wrongdoings? Because of your choice, this has happened to you.

I can still remember the conversation a while ago, between Vaughn and me.

[ABILITY: Flashback Activate...]

Both of us stared intensely at each other, an array of emotions present in our eyes. We may not have seen each other for at least 17 years, but that doesn't mean that we're not worried for each other's safety.

VAUGHN: It has been 17 years since you last called me that. During those years, you broke contact with us, completely getting rid of yourself from our radar.

I only laugh in embarrassment. "Haha. Sorry for not trying to at least contact you."

VAUGHN: (changes the topic) I was surprised that John is your son. Why did you not at least tell me or mother?

My face turns serious at his question. (face turning serious) "You know the reason. I tried telling you but I stopped myself from doing so."

VAUGHN: (looks at me seriously) ... Right. Father will find out about him and will do whatever it takes to turn him into the "puppet" he always wanted. And it will be worse since he inherited the same ability as him, much more made it stronger than his level. (changes the topic again) Anyway, why do you wish to transfer John out of the dorms right now? I'm sure you have heard of what happened to them and the reason why I moved him here.

"Ah yes. John did tell me a while ago that his apartment has been targeted by an unknown organization and that they were attacked with the purpose of kidnapping Sera. I know that you only did it in order to protect him from something like that. As the headmaster, you only did your job to ensure the safety of your students. However, the reason why I want to transfer him to the apartment of MY choice this time is that so I can take care of him. Besides, the apartment that I'm renting is just near this school and Wellston Hospital so you wouldn't have to worry about him in terms of security. The apartment is just w/in your range. However, if not, then you can just mark it on your radar.

VAUGHN: (thinking and considering) Hmmmmmm... I might agree to those reasons, but why though? Why do you need to take care of him when he can perfectly take care of himself? (realization hits him) Unless his condition has gotten worse to the point of having to transport him to the hospital when his cancer attacks again.

I only chuckle in response. "That's right. Your still spot on as always, brother. (expression turns sad) Athena said that his cancer cells have been spreading abnormally fast, possibly due to the amount of stress in his body as well as the constant exposure to physical bullying. Normally, those with Stage 4 Lung Cell** Carcinoma can live up to 5 years at most but in John's case, it's different. You know how her ability works so she'll know about something like that. However, even with her ability, she won't be able to reverse*** something like that."

VAUGHN: I... See. Well that's true. It must have been hard on him.

Even if his face shows indifference, his eyes tells otherwise. I know that he's worried for my son. For a minute, we both stay silent. Then, I decided to cut the tension. "Sooooooo... Are you alright with John transferring to the apartment of my choice?"

Having no other choice, he only sighs.

VAUGHN: *sigh* Alright. I'll let him move out. I'll ask Keene to help you move his things.

With his decision, I beam in excitement and appreciation. "Thank you very much brother. I really appreciate it."

VAUGHN: (chuckling in amusement) You still act childish whenever I let you do what you want.

An irk mark appears on my head. (pouting in annoyance) "Hey!" Vaughn only laughs at my reaction. In the end, I'm laughing along with him. Even though it's been so long now, it seems that nothing's changed between us.

"Anyway, I'm going out now, brother. I need to take John back to the hospital for his check-up. I'll get his things later once we're finished."

VAUGHN: (smiles warmly at me) Alright.

So then, I leave the room. Before I can even open the door, my brother tells me something.

VAUGHN: It's great to see you again, William. (expression turns serious) And also, you need to watch out. Father might have sent some spies here in Wellston and he might found out about John once he knows that you're here. Besides, he doesn't know yet about his existence and you know how he'll react when he finds out that you've been keeping an "extremely powerful puppet" of a grandchild from him.

At this, my expression turns serious. "... I know. That's why I'll have to be careful. But, if in case he ever finds out about me and John, I'll make sure that he won't take my son away from me. If that can't even happen, then I have no choice but to warn John about him. I'll let him decide then once he knows. (expression changes into a soft smile) I'll see you around then, brother. And please give my regards to mother."

VAUGHN: Will do, Will.

W/ that, I leave the room in order to go look for John in the Boys' Dormitory---Keene already pointed the direction of the dorms and told me his room number and floor. However, once I'm at the entrance of the dorm, I can see a black-haired boy lying on the ground with blood and bruises all over him.

[ABILITY: Flashback Deactivate!]

Thinking about it makes me happy while at the same time, makes my blood boil. Happy that I met my brother finally after 17 long years and mad about what will happen once father discovers John. My father... He's one of the people that I really hate in my life. He made my life a living hell just because I'm a Cripple. However, I couldn't bring myself to completely abhor him. Even though I am a Cripple, at least he let me train in martial arts so that I'll be able to defend myself. Also, he was giving me a roof over my head and gave me the necessities needed in order to survive, even though he did it begrudgingly just so that I'll be at least useful to him in some prospect. If he finds out about John, then he'll make his life 10x worse, seeing as to that he wants a perfect child.

Ignoring the thoughts forming in my mind, I fold my arms on his bed, my eyes slowly drooping off. Before I fully drift off to sleep, I stare at John's peaceful sleeping face. I hope you wake up, son.

[11:00 pm...]

<Third Person's POV>

*cough* *cough* *cough*

After hearing a fit of coughs, William jolts himself up awake, only to find John coughing so much that blood starts to spurt out of his mouth, staining his breathing mask.

WILLIAM: (panic and worried) John!!!

Knowing what happened to him, he immediately presses the button on the heart monitor, calling the nurse in charge immediately. Not knowing what to do, he just wipes off the sweat already forming on his face with a clean white towel. Seeing his son in such a state breaks his heart.

WILLIAM: (sad and worried for his son) 'Why does this happen to you? You're only young. Why do you even have to inherit Rodrigo's sickness?' (continues to wipe off the sweat on his forehead) 'If only your mother would be here...'

[ABILITY: Flashback Activate...]

ATHENA: Aphrodite is alive, Will.

This revelation had surprised him. Not knowing what to react, he stammered out his surprise.

WILLIAM: (shocked and surprised) W-What? S-S-She's alive?

ATHENA: (giving a sad smile) Even I was surprised as well. Imagine to my shock when I found out that she's alive the entire time.

WILLIAM: (snapped out of his shock) But how could this be? I saw her body! We all saw her body!

ATHENA: I know. But a month ago, when I just finished operating on a patient, she appeared right at my office. I thought that she was a ghost! But then she told that the body that we saw that time was nothing more than a clone made by someone's ability mixed with some of her blood.

WILLIAM: (sits down on a chair in disbelief) This... Can't be. If she's alive the entire time, then why won't she appear in front of us? In front of ME? In front of OUR son?!

Athena just stood there, sadness and empathy evident on her face.

ATHENA: ... She told me that she can't.

WILLIAM: (a little angry) And why's that?

ATHENA: Because the one who saved her life is...

William can see the hesitation. Getting impatient, he asked again. Athena then looked around to see if anyone is trying to eavesdrop on their conversation. Then, she whispered to him some words that eventually surprised him.

ATHENA: (leaned towards him and whispered) It's EMBER.

WILLIAM: (whispered back) What?!

ATHENA: That's right. Even I can't believe it. But then she showed me the emblem imprinted on her back, signifying that she's been kept as their "property". She warned me that you need to protect your son and that your father is coming here in Wellston. Also, she told me that she goes by a different name now.

WILLIAM: A different name?

ATHENA: Yeah. Her name now is...

[ABILITY: Flashback Deactivate!]

William shakes his head, trying to clear away those thoughts. Soon, a nurse comes in to tend to John.

WILLIAM: (eyes burning with resolve) 'Even if she's not here, I won't leave you alone, my son. I'll take care of you and I'll try to fill in the void that your mother has left behind you. I don't want to lose you. I love you, my dear son.'

[Next day, 5:40 am...]

William wakes up from his sleep.

WILLIAM: *yawn* (stretches a little) Man. My back hurts from sleeping on that position for long. (looks at John)

Seeing as to that his son is still asleep and after checking the time, he decides to go for a run. While he was running, he pass in front of Wellston High's gate.

WILLIAM: (looks at the school) 'Right. I forgot that John's gonna transfer at my apartment. Better pack his things while I'm still here.'

He fumbles on to his pocket, searching for his phone. When he got it, he searches through his contacts for a name, Keene. He remembers that he gave him his number just in case he needs help in packing up John's things. Plus, he told him yesterday that Vaughn also asked him to give him his number for that purpose and knowing the headmaster, he already gave his number even before he asked him to.

*ring* *ring*

KEENE: (answers the call) Hello. This is Keene of the Wellston Security. To whom am I speaking?

WILLIAM: Morning Keene. It's me, William.

KEENE: Oh, William! So you need my help in packing up John's things?

WILLIAM: Yeah. That would be great, actually. I'm in front of Wellston's gate right now.

KEENE: Alright. I'll let you in. Wait for me at the Boy's Dormitory.

WILLIAM: Sure thing.

(ends call)

As soon as the call ended, he goes inside and goes straight towards the dorms. Once he got there, he sees Keene waiting for him.

KEENE: Morning, William.

WILLIAM: Mornin'.

The two of them head straight to John's (and Blyke's) room. While they were walking, the two engage in a conversation.

WILLIAM: You're pretty early, you know.

KEENE: (nods) Yes. I was actually near here when you called me. And YOU yourself are really early as well.

WILLIAM: That's right. I'm usually an early riser just so that I could run or jog early before starting off to work.

KEENE: Makes sense. I can tell that you're the type to start things off early. Also, I wanted to ask you something.

WILLIAM: Go ahead.

KEENE: I was wondering. Why did you decide to transfer John to an apartment of your choice?

WILLIAM: (silence) ... You know about his condition right?

KEENE: (eyes widen in realization) You don't mean... He's getting worse over the minute?

WILLIAM: (nods slowly) That's right.

KEENE: Well that explains as to why the last time I saw him, he's getting paler. (suddenly stops) We're here.

Keene then proceeds to knock the door. The two can hear someone grumbling angrily. After 5 minutes, the door opens and a guy with red hair and yellow eyes is seen, standing with a tired and annoyed expression on his face. Just judging from his face, you can tell that he just woke up.

BLYKE: (rubbing eyes) *yawn* What---oh, Mister Keene. Do you need something? (looking beside Keene) And, uh, who are you sir?

KEENE: Sorry for disturbing your sleep, Blyke but is it alright if we enter in? This guy here is William, John's father. We're here to pack up John's things.

BLYKE: (a little surprise) Packing John's things? Is he moving out?

KEENE: Well, you can put it like that. Apparently, William wants John to transfer to an apartment of his choice and Headmaster agreed yesterday.

BLYKE: (a little surprised) 'John? Moved out? I wonder why his dad wants him to move out though.' Oh. Sure. (opens the door)

[Timeskip after they moved John's things...]

After the two moved all of John's belongings, Keene goes back to the school. Checking that it's already 6:30 am, he set out to eat breakfast, then head back to the hospital to check on his son.

[Meanwhile, somewhere in New Bostin...]

???: (stuttering nervously) S-Sir, I've got n-news that you might want to h-hear.

The mysterious person can be seen, watching through his window, drinking coffee. Hearing one of his servants speaking to him nervously, he turns to face him.

???: (serious expression on his face) Stop stuttering, Cain. (authority in his voice) What is it?

The now called Cain look up to him with a little fear in his eyes. He has short red hair with an undercut, violet eyes and is wearing a business formal attire.

CAIN: (putting on a brave face) Your son, William, is currently in Wellston. And apparently, it seems that his son is also in there, enrolled in Wellston Private High.

???: (stops drinking coffee) ... William? That useless son of mine... Has a son? (crushing his mug with his bare hands) That damn Cripple! (eyes glowing silver, dangerously) He DARES keep a potential grandson from ME?! (turns to Cain) Cain, I want you to cancel all my meetings. We're going to Wellston immediately.

CAIN: (bowing) Yes sir.

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To be continued...

Next chapter: Sera's Resolve and John's Awakening

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Clues for Athena's Ability:

"Operated"* = One of the main assets of Athena's Ability

Cell** = Clue for the name of Athena's Ability

Reverse*** = Another one of the main assets of Athena's Ability