The Spider's Nest (1)

I only felt cold. My body ached all over. My eyes feel heavier than usual, opening them proved too difficult. I can only remember the fight, me mercilessly injuring Argent McKenna, almost hurtling a psychic infused meteor at Vann... Even Elios' horrified face.

'You're awful...' Elios' voice said in the darkness.

'We never expected you to be that bloodthirsty... were you pretending to be a kind person?' Conner's face materialized in the darkness. His fear and worry was so uncanny I gulped in nervousness.

'N-no! I'm not like that!!' I reasoned out but my voice was carried off by the dream.

'Big red... You... You're scary. We don't want to be your brother anymore." Keith's voice said as it fades in the darkness.

"NO!"

I sat upbolt, surprising Elios and Halcyon. Elios was still in a wheelchair and his face was still covered in a bandage. His expression was one of deep concern. I suddenly hugged him, my whole body shivering from fear and relief.

"B-big red... are you okay?" Elios asked, his voice quivering from my sudden embrace.

"I'm sorry... I'm very sorry please don't leave me alone." I repeated that sequence for two minutes before I calmed down. I told him of my nightmare, the voices seem real, and the feeling of being abandoned, it made me sick to the core.

"Marc... please tell me what's wrong? You're scaring me." Elios said, his voice quaking from my tears.

I kept apologizing to him, until he realized that I was talking about making him see my angered state.

"Big red... To be honest, it was shocking for me to see you make that face. Your actions, it was so out of character. But... Keith did say that keeping your anger so pent up will break your mental state." Elios said, his leg was healing but he still needs the wheel chair. He and I sat by m bedside, my feet still felt numb and cold from the frostbite. Vann's power is not to be trifled with.

"After your duel, Doctor Belforma was ballistic to the damages done to Argent, he even scolded Vann and your unconscious body for doing something so stupid."

So it was a good thing I was out cold. Doctor Belforma would love to give me a huge earful. I can already picture his scowl and near popping veins.

Hal said he would bring dinner for us and left hurriedly, but I colud hear his thoughts loud and clear.

'What's the best poison to use on that McKenna boy? I must consult my brothers regarding this.'

"What on earth happened with you and Argent?" I asked Elios and he sighed.

"You know our position in the current aristocracy right?" Elios whispered.

We never brought up the Noan's prestige, but history said that the Noan Orphanage was established by those of the Scions of Fallen and unwanted Aristocrats. The whole of Deus Alma knows that the Government gave the special title of aristocracy to the name of Noan, but only to powers befitting a viscounty. The McKenna's are a clothing industry, and their scope led them to become armor makers, hence they were given the titles befitting a county.

"So he made a fuss because of our lineage?" I asked, McKenna's reasoning was beyond childish.

"No... I could resist his provocations. But he just assaulted me out of the blue when I ignored him." Elios said.

"So it was a good thing I beat him up for you huh?" I joked and he scowled. "Sorry, poor joke."

"No doubt the student council will make a fuss over this." Elios sighed. And I was a bit worried. My anger made me do something so vicious. Merciless violence would be the least of my problems.

Hal arrives with our food and I felt a bit chipper. Mainly because we were treated with care and no nonesense from our ward. He was eyeing us like a hawk when we insisted we can eat fine.

"To ensure your fast recoveries, Master Elios should stay here for the night in your room Master Marc." Hal suggested. And I agreed, back at the orphanage, All four of us shared a room. So it won't be different.

When we got to bed however, we never expected to be laying next to each other.

"This is awkward." We said in unison and laughed. Then I turned to Elios, he still a bit bruised up but other than that he's fine.

"Hey... E?" I began.

"What is it?" He looked at me, his red eyes dull and sleepy.

"Did I scare you a while back?" I asked. I was afraid of his answer but I wanted to know, what I did was no joke. My anger just burst.

"Yeah you kinda did... Keith did say that you don't get angry too often. I can see why." Elios joked and I pinched his cheeks in response.

"And by the way, stop apologizing. I know you weren't used to express your anger, and I know you only did that to protect me." Elios comforted me and pats my head. Now I feel like I'm the little brother. "To be honest, I should be the one who should apologize to you. I gave you a job so suddenly. I should've been the eldest."

"Think nothing of it E. I kind of enjoy being the one responsible for you guys. I mean, sure, Conner rarely follows my instructions, but I wanted to ease your load and let you enjoy the simple joys." I said and he smiled.

"Still... I'm sorry."

"You and I really are brothers... Ones who can't stop apologizing."

The two of us laughed it off and fell asleep. I had a dreamless sleep last night, and when I got up for the morning, Elios was still snoring peacefully. His leg still hasn't fully recovered so... I used my ability to 'hasten' and activate his cells to repair faster. It was tough work and really difficult, but I could only give him some moments of respite. He doesn't need to suffer anymore.

I could feel my lower body again, though I still have the occassional chills every now and then. Halcyon has prepared my breakfast as usual, with the exception of a cold meal, I was greeted by toast, eggs, and black coffee.

"Breakfast is spot on Hal. Many thanks." I said.

"You flatter me young master, though I suppose the usual will be in order for young master Elios?" Hal inquired and I pondered.

"Treat him with something that would make his recover bright. Give him his favorite Breakfast special."

I told Hal Elios' favorite meal, Fluffy pancakes with rich butter that is glazed with maple syrup, a bowl of fresh fruit and a squeeze of orange juice.

"I shall pour my heart and soul to this menu. Now off you go sir, you might be late." Hal said while looking at his pocket watch and I skeddadled.

The first dawn in Clandesca was certainely a pleasant one. With the neon lights evaporating from the misty morning sun, the stars that shine brightly still twinkled and burned. And the sweet smells of the lavender flowers from the gardens of the residantial area wafts non-stop. Even the streets of the shopping district weren't as hectic as it is during the day.

Once I reached the School gates however, I could already feel all eyes were on me. Their whispers, both from their mouths and their minds, seem to direct on me.

'It's the devil.' One student said.

'That's him? I heard he broke Argent McKenna's whole body and laughed like a psychopath.'

'What? The rumors said he was out to drink his blood, y'know like a vampire.'

What kind of rumors were floating around that incident?! But still, one thing that always repeats in their minds and mouths were calling me: "The Devil of Lune". Seriously, it takes one angry episode to make me the center of a raving rage-crazed pariah.

When I got to the Lune Building, everyone parted themselves from the entrance, as if I was some dude splitting up the sea or something?

The classroom was no better either, if stares could kill and words could cut, I'd be a cold platter.

"Hey sea pup... You feeling okay?" I jumped from Vann's voice when he spoke behind me, my head collided with his chin and we were both writhing in pain. A collective few were laughing silently, but it was good to disperse the stares and the whispers.

"Are you feeling okay now? I had to freeze you solid back there in our last little dance." Vann said while rubbing his chin.

"I am... I've cooled down. Literally and Emotionally." I said and he laughed.

"So the sea pup does have a sense of humor." He joked.

"Ack less of the sea pup thing, it's annoying." I brushed him and he laughed it out. For once, I wasn't too annoyed with Vann. He did save everyone by stopping me, but his sea pup nickname needs to stop.

A few minutes later, Lady Emma comes in with an extremely foul mood. When she sets her files on her desk everyone fell silent.

"As per the Director's Orders, Student Argent McKenna will not be attending in Lupus Alma and has transfered to Reus Fenix Academia." She glared at my direction but didn't say anything. Some were whispering that he got scared or something, but they all know. I was the reason why he left.

"Now that we have one seat missing, a new student will be joining our class. You may enter."

And I was not even surprised at this point that it was Theodore Scifios, my little brother, who would join us. His was smiling quite nervously to see a lot of faces and made an awkward greeting. Making everyone giggle a little. He then took a seat at the middle of the line, about five seats away from me.

'Great... Yet another headache.' I told myself and focused on the lesson.

Lady Emma was teaching us the base principles of Light Affinity powers. Whatever that could produce heat, friction, and spark, it all falls to this category.

"Most abilities that fall here are combustible and are properties that produce light. Most notable families include the Narukami family, the Mathis family, and the Daymore family." Lady Emma explained. "Now tell me, how do you manifest your abilities? Mr. Diego Narukami."

Diego sighs and stands up, instead of talking, he showed. He aligned his fingertips together, and purple lightning begins to crackle. It then arced around him, creating a circle of lightning blades that dance around him. Everyone made a collective round of applause and Lady Emma was mildly impressed.

"Thank you for the demonstration Mr. Narukami, but that information is a bit vague. Well no matter, as Mr. Narukami demonstrated, placing both fingers to create a conduction line, sure, he doesn't have a specific negative and positive line, but the air around him, makes it possible for him to generate power." Lady Emma said. "The air around Deus Alma is surrounded by charged particles we call 'Ether'. It's thanks to the ether that we could use our abilities. And also, please pay attention Mr. Alencon!"

Lady Emma demonstrated the existence of ether by creating threads of light and making Vann sit-up straight, his eyes bulging from bewilderment.

"As I was saying, ether is a very essential component for us superhumans. But keep in mind, there are some who can't utilize nor absorb ether. And to them, it's a poison. But that is a lesson for another time. Now then, back to the topic at hand."

Lady Emma kept on how Ether easily influences the more dynamic forces of the elements, and how a single friction can turn into an inferno or a supernova in a blink of an eye. After a few more minutes, the lesson was done and my notebook was already filled with meticulous notes about Light-based powers and their relation with the Ether.

"That will be all for today, now please proceed with your next lesson. Oh and the Thaumaturgy class later, Mr. Godwin passed on a message. He says its a self study session. Okay? I'll see you all on Thursday."

Lady Emma left briskly and so did the others who are not part of the Thaumaturgy class with Professor Godwin. It was stiffling to say the least. Blake and Eula were discussing something serious, and Diego and the girl who never bothered giving her name were exchanging notes. Vann on the other hand... was fast asleep.

"Hey, Marc. Got a minute?" Theo walked up to me and was appearing... meek?

"Sure, I've got time." I said, even though I don't want to. But I keep telling myself that Theo had nothing to do with Randolph's disownment and the wager.

Theo led me to the Cafeteria, where he ordered Hot chocolate. I order a simple decaf black coffee and we sat down. The silence and atmosphere was so thick you can slice it open.

"So... What's your reason to call me out here?" I asked. And Theo's face morphed into something what I think was fear.

And if someone is afraid... Their thoughts are easier to read.

'I'm sorry Marc... But I don't want to cause trouble for my family.' He said in a panicked voice. 'Where are they? They said they'll pick him up by now.'

"Picked up by who?" I asked as I set down my coffee. "Theo... What is going on?"

But before he could answer, I felt the familiar tug of a psychokinetic grip. Red energy was wrapped around my whole body. Theo then stands up and retreats to the back.

"I-I'm sorry Marc... I have no choice!" Theo said in a shrill voice, panic and fear... Why are you doing this Theo? No, don't get mad... Theo is being used. But who...?

"Good job Master Scifios, you've finally made yourself useful. Good thing St. Binah won't crumble today." A voice came from behind and I was face to face with a red haired individual. His baby blue eyes flashed menancingly, and his smile was wicked and impure.

"Nice to finally meet you Marc Callahan Noan. I'm Kaiser Ysvelt Daymore, I'm sure you know who I am." He asked, his eyes flashing with hot light.

Of course I know who you are... You're the current holder of the Strongest Student. In other words, you're the Student Council President. This day won't end well.