FSE

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Chapter 5: Important techniques

Arising early I feel like my hunger awoke me more than anything. It was five in the morning according to my clock, but I refused to sleep. Hell even if Hiromasa wasn't awake, I would rather fly around for fun! It was quite cold this morning so instead of my half coat, with the short sleeves, I got my winter jacket. It was denim, it had fake fur lining, and a broken zipper. One of my other fathers gave it to me but he wasn't a very nice guy... Still it is a nice jacket! Flying out of the porch window I left it unlocked in the hopes I could come back extra late. God I wish I had some money, I'm starving! Flying actually hurt a little bit, which made it less fun to do. Smelling the fresh dew on the tall pine tress I felt a bit invigorated! Now that I think about it, my sense of smell has become more acute since I learned about my powers, as well as my hearing capabilities! Cool! With a small front flip I dispersed a lot of speed and landed in the woods near his house, though I aimed for his front yard. Walking and hopping over some bushes my sore body carried me to fence, which I jumped lazily. Moving up the steps my knuckles clacked the door three times and I heard motion within. Quickly the door was unlatched, unlocked, and unchained before being opened.

"Heya Vyon!" Hina greeted me in a loud whisper, peeking her head out before opening the door. "Hiro isn't up yet so..." She trailed off as I had began speaking.

"Hello Hina do yo... wait what? Really?" My face shrunk with disbelief and I lifted an eyebrow confused.

"Yeah!" She giggled a bit. "Come on in!" She waved me in with a big smile.

Entering the strange home I was actually much happier seeing it this time. The wood floors and old wallpaper gave it a retro look. Quickly I moved to my backpack, which was on the couch, and checked my phone. I had a few missed calls and a few new texts, but I planned on seeing the guys later so I wasn't worried. They have gone longer without hearing from me, but damn it feels nice to know people care. My eyes widened as a delicious smell moved through the air! Bacon! Looking to Hina she returned to the kitchen, half her body vanishing behind the island. A small whimper came from my closed mouth, as I felt it quiver slightly at the sight of her cooking. As if angels asked for me Hina turned around and set a plate on the counter.

"Eat up!" She smiled closing her eyes for a second.

"Oh no please! You eat this... I can make something for myself if that would be alright? I don't want to take your food... you made it!" Stumbling over word after word, I pushed the plate a tiny distance toward her, but she only chuckled.

"Oh please, that was for Hiro." She said turning half around to push some eggs and sausage. "Go on Vyon!" She said pushing it an equally small distance back toward me, which caused a small chuckle from me.

"Thank you!" I replied eagerly taking up the fork and knife.

She returned to her cooking, humming a small tune and tending to all four pans of glorious food! My god! There was so much! Eggs, bacon, toast both buttered and jammed, sausage, and hasbrowns! My god I think I may cry! After completely destroying that plate of food Hina offered me more, which like a dog begging for scraps I accepted graciously. She ate her food while I enjoyed the leftovers, not plated for Hiromasa. Instantly a love grew for Hina, nothing like Lyra of course, but anyone, male or female, who cooks for me is a good friend!

"My, my, you're early!" Hiromasa said raspy, his booming voice a lot hoarser than normal.

Turning around I saw him in a purple robe that was barely tied closed. It really removed the mystic master image, seeing Hiromasa in slippers, boxers, and a t-shirt. He had an empty coffee mug in his hand and he rubbed his chin a few times as his flashy violet eyes adjusted to the morning light. A big smile came across my face, but I hid it by biting my lower lip.

"Good morning Hirmoasa." I responded with a lift of my arm.

"Mornin' Hiro." Hina muttered as she flipped through the newspaper.

"So Vyon, are you prepared to train your ass off today?" Hiromasa's sluggish voice proved he had just awoke and he probably didn't think the question through very well.

"Yeah totally! I have been practicing flying, or at least I did a little last night!" My voice began to excitedly shout, but he piped me down with a groan and a wave of his hand.

"Alright... Yeah, I'm excited too!" He replied groggy and bleary eyed, sipping his coffee with a single hand, the other leaning him on the counter.

I couldn't help but laugh a little to myself. Considering what they... we do, I am surprised he has any energy at all. Hina is always perky, how the hell does that work? Hiromasa began to eat breakfast at the island instead of the table as Hina and I did. After four cups of coffee I understood how Hiromasa gets through his day. He was working on his fifth when he turned to me with a small smile. Sliding off the stool, he retired to his room at the end of the halls right side. After a few moments he returned in a more typical outfit and shoes.

"Let's go." He said pointing both pointer fingers at the door.

Following him outside I watched him finish his coffee and set the cup on the railing of the porch. Trotting down the stairs I followed closely to the center of the lawn where he turned to me and landed a solid palm strike to my chest! Now I am a tough guy, regardless of how thin I am, but that hit sent me back further than it should've. Landing in the dirt on the other side of his yard I rolled forward to my feet and got up with a ferocious quickness. He had taken up a fighting stance, a strange one, but I was unsure what to do.

"What the hell was that old man?" I asked dusting myself off, annoyed with his blind side.

As he appeared before me I arched my back in fear, narrowly avoiding his punch. Ducking down, I watched his foot sweep up and around, attempting to hit me in the head! Rolling backward he planted his foot in a strong stomp right where I just was. What the hell is this? As I stood he attacked with a small flurry of quick punches. I managed to avoid many of them, but two got through regardless. They were love taps, but I still felt them pretty good, which made me angry. Shuffling around he tried to kick me again, laughing as he missed. I darted in as he put his leg down and punched him in the side with all my might. At first the solid blow against his ribs felt effective, but he shrugged it off like nothing. With a whipping motion he snapped both hands around, striking the back of my head and lower spine. Flying forward I hit the grass and slid a short distance on my face, before turning over.

"Okay... what did I do wrong?" My voice was strained by pain, but I still managed to get sarcasm through.

"Oh kid, nothing!" Hiromasa chuckled spreading his arms to the side before returning to his unique stance. "This is training! You need to learn how to fight!" He playfully danced around me throwing little punches as he did. "Come on, get up!" He laughed jumping back a short distance, however he traveled much further than normal.

"Alright... fine!" Shouting this back at him I felt a strange sense of rivalry developing.

Removing my jacket, I tossed it aside and watched it flutter open before hitting the ground. Putting my hair up quickly I prepared to fight. He appeared from a blotch of flame to my left and I leapt away, seeing his leg slice upward through the air. Counter attacking I threw two punches, but only landed one. Though I was much less skilled with my legs, I attempted to kick him like a fireman would kick down a door. My leg sailed passed him and planted hard on the ground. I used this strange stance to kick off the ground and vanish across the yard. Hiromasa's fist disappearing from view as he swung at nothing but air and fire. Launching toward him I swung a wide hook punch, but my arm hit his shoulder and he deflected me effortlessly. Hiromasa unleashed three heavy handed punches, which I only managed to push one away. His other two strikes landed against the side of my head and my right shoulder. As disorienting as being hit was, I managed to keep going as he attempted to kick me again. His form and the technique of his snapping leg broke my offensive attitude. Using both my arms to defend against his leg I was able to guard myself, but not for very long. Before Hiro even put his leg down he recoiled and kicked straight outward to the side, toppling me to the ground. Rolling over my back, all four limbs hit the ground and pushed me back up into standing position.

"You've got good drive." Hiromasa said bouncing in place like a boxer. "But your form needs work!" He finished dropping into a low kung fu stance.

Returning to my feet I got ready as he continued circling me. This is not what I had expected today, getting my ass kicked around some strangers lawn. Yet... I was having fun! He wasn't hitting me that hard, just enough to sting and keep me alerted. In my mind I was still a bit upset at him for attacking me out of nowhere, but another part of me understood this procedure. My heart was somewhat envious of his incredible accuracy and power, but I knew I could not match that. Shooting my hand out as he got close, I managed to keep him away by attacking only when he advanced. This only worked for a short while because he quickly began teleporting around and striking. I could tell he was holding back... just something about the way he smiled and occasionally made silly karate noises. He appeared next to me and threw a long straight side kick, but missed since I leaned my head back and stepped to the left. Using the technique I saw from him, I swung my leg around and snapped it open as the momentum carried me forward. Slamming my leg into his gut he coughed and stumbled back, but quickly recovered by grabbing my leg. With one quick motion he stepped forward and slung me to the ground, as I attempted to land a punch. Crashing hard on the grass he looked down toward me and smirked holding out a hand to help me stand, but I just sat up.

"Can't I learn a cool power or something now?" My whimpering voice and my fake frown paired together made him laugh heartily.

"Not yet..." Hiro lifted his arm and checked his wrist watch. "Got about fiffteen more minutes of ass whoopin' to endure!" Hiromasa laughed again, but I grunted angrily.

Rising to my feet quickly I put my fists up and looked at him with a scowl. A short chuckle escaped his lips and he bent both knees and leaned away, making his hands like claws. This isn't fair! I get beat up at home and I can't fight back... Now I'm getting kicked around here, where I hoped to escape all that. Well at least I can take out some frustration here! Hiromasa appeared throwing an over telegraphed hook punch and I was there to take advantage of this time. With the few seconds he used to bring his arm back, I landed a quick upper cut into his gut. When his now uncoordinated punch swatted by I juked it and landed a jab right to his jaw! Damn, I feel bad... My hands burst open as I saw a bit of blood on my knuckles! Looking up with empathy in my eyes, it quickly turned to shock. Before my eyes fully returned to Hiro he had slugged me across the jaw and then backhanded me as he unwound from the punch. The shock of getting hit in the face was intense, considering it was directly next to my eye. Tumbling to the ground I managed to land on my feet and rise as he approached. Throwing a few weak strikes I tried to keep him away as I cleared my dazed head. Whipping a roundhouse kick toward me he barely missed and stopped with perfect timing facing me. From his stance after the kick, he simply stepped toward me once and brought his other leg in, then straight out into my chest. The impact sent me sailing for a few seconds, but luckily the grass was soft. Hitting flat on my back I slid, yet again, away from him groaning. A small beeping began to go off and I sat up looking over as Hiromasa he tapped his watch, turning it off.

"Alright, not bad Vyon!" Hiromasa replied returning his gaze to me. "Hope I didn't hurt you that much." He stated this almost like a question as he held his hand out once more.

"Nah, I'm good!" Acting nonchalant I grabbed his arm and used his sturdy frame to lift myself.

"Good to hear!" His eyes shut saying this and a sincere smile was given to back up his words. "Now I want to start teaching you about the split soul today." His voice grew more structured as he began to walk across his yard, signaling for me to follow. "Honestly, you should never try to fight a Fuzen unarmed." Hiromasa lightly swatted me in the chest, as he said this in a type of friendly warning tone.

"Hell yeah! Split soul is that... weapon thing, right?" Though I lacked poise in my way of speaking, Hiromasa didn't seem to judge me.

"Yes, Vyon." Hiro chuckled lightly patting me on the back. "Each sin splitter has a weapon thing." He patronized me playfully using a childish voice. "It isn't an easy thing to pull off right away, so don't expect to get it today." As he stated this his aura slowly lit around him.

"Still, I'll try my hardest!" Exhilaration poured out through my words, as I also created a veil of flame around my body.

"I bet you will." Hiromasa replied in a funny encouraging way.

Stepping away from me he signaled for me to stay back. Watching closely I saw and felt his energy begin to focus. Using both hands Hiromasa compressed a large amount of fire against his chest. His hands struggled to move any further, as the exploding ball of purple fire constantly seemed within an inch of escape. With a soft shout, his hands met and this sphere of fire burst into sparkling ash. Dust and grass blew away furiously as purple light formed within his grasp, growing upward and downward in two columns. This shining violet column crackled with electricity and distorted as he held it steady in front of him. As it shifted around he released a small shout and pushed the rod of chaotic energy forward causing it to shatter like otherworldly glass made of light. What he held in his hands caused my jaw to drop open and my eyes to widen to the point it hurt...

Within his grasp was a tall spear unlike any I have ever seen. The pole was a dark colored wood and the base had a large metal knob, with a brass colored cuff decorating the edge of it. A few inches below the blade was a thick crosspiece that appeared to be made of stone. This mantle below the wide blade was somewhat reminiscent of a war hammer you see in Norse mythology. Speaking of the blade it was huge and gleaming polished steel! The best way to describe its shape was like a flattened shovel head... of course it was perfectly constructed in shape and width! Words could not form in my brain, causing me to simply gaze, astonished and speechless... This power was more than I could have dreamed for! Beyond anything I could have ever expected or wished... My eyes slowly shifted from the ornate broad spear to Hiromasa's smirking face.

"This is my split soul, Vyon. It is my ancestral power given physical form." He broke the silence holding the spear out toward me.

My mouth shifted from shock to happy as I eagerly grabbed the weapon with both hands. It was heavy and I had to set it on the ground just to hold it with both hands! Examining it further I saw that this weapon was glowing, it radiated a thin aura of purple light! Examining it closely, I saw small thorned vines etched into the corners of the hammer portion, which matched the decorations around the knob on the bottom. The blade was almost gleaming white and the razor edge was actually quite wide when turned sideways.

"We all can do this?" Muttering these words half to myself, I scanned the weapon once more and gasped as it vanished in a flash of violet light.

"Yes, it is your main weapon against Fuzen threats." Hiromasa replied sharply. "No two split souls are exactly alike. So don't get comfortable with the idea of a spear." A chuckle followed the end of this statement.

"No way..." Rubbing my head I pondered this idea. "Alright lets do it! How do I start?" Unable to control myself, my amped up mind led me to jump in place slightly.

"Wait, you need to remain calm. Just... chill." He said this uncomfortably, like he doesn't use that word in that context very often.

"Ok, ok... ok." I shook myself out a bit to relax.

"I am going to repeat. This isn't easy when you first try! Flying and teleporting are one thing, but this is way different." Hiromasa paced a bit saying this.

"I don't quit easy!" Replying smugly, I grinned widely at Hiro.

"Start by clearing your mind completely, easy to do I'm sure..." His short laugh stopped my meditation and I looked at him squarely. "Alright being serious, focus as much power as you can on your chest." His stern voice recaptured the moment.

Shutting my eyes I took a few deep breaths, as I felt the power circulating around within me. The outside sounds, smells, and feelings began to drop away, as I heard only my breathing. With a deep concentration I felt the deep rooted pressure rise and spread across my body. Fighting to contain it, the inner fire scattered and I exhaled loudly as I felt my aura fluctuate. Hiromasa clapped a few times to show praise and to get my attention.

"Alright, now when you have a lot of energy under your command try to imagine yourself holding it." Hiromasa put his hands out in strong fists. "Try to physically hold it, Vyon."

“Uhh, alright…" I kept my response short due to overwhelming eagerness.

As I re-centered myself and began concentrating my energy, I imagined a bombastic sun within my grasp. I wielded this orb of searing fire in my hands with endless might! Quickly realizing I had gathered no real energy I began again. Alright focus, Vyon, you got this! Energy radiated all around me, but I quickly gathered it to my chest and put both hands up. A steady building energy sound began radiating from me, but quickly died as I fell over panting. Whoa that takes it out of ya… I feel like I just spent a days worth of energy right there, but I needed to keep trying! That is simply to badass a feat to not try and try again. This went on for a long time. Building energy, concentrating it in one spot, trying to bring it to the surface, only to fail and be left exhausted. After about, six or seven tries I was a bit frustrated and my aura dissipated...

"This is pointless..." I muttered after falling yet again breathless.

"Hey!" Hiromasa snapped in a funny joking way. "I said it would be hard, don't quit on me so easily!" Repeating similar words to mine, he gave me more encouraging than I deserved.

"Yeah... can I have some water please?" Releasing the main thought on my mind I smiled with pleading eyes.

"Sure!" Hina cried flying from her seat on the porch.

"Vyon, you don't have to ask..." Hiromasa stated in a strange almost shocked voice. "You're my student! I know it sounds pretty weird, but I'm here for you, kid." Hiromasa was sincere, but shortly after saying this a smirk appeared and we both laughed a little.

"You're right, that's really weird." I began still laughing. "Like weirder than some of this magic hero stuff!" Laughing harder after this Hiromasa only smiled.

"Here ya go Vyon!" Hina handed a glass of ice water toward me.

"Thank you so much!" Rushing the words I downed the water as quick as my body would allow.

"No problem! May I say, good work man!" Hina playfully punched my aching arms, but I just laughed.

"Thanks!" A short laugh followed this, but then I remembered something incredibly important! "Thansk for breakfast too!" I wanted to hug her, but I instead returned a small jab to her shoulder.

"Oh nothing to mention at all! It's really exciting having a new sin splitter to be honest!" Hina was blindingly excited as she said this.

"Yeah I can't lie boy this has been really fun..." Hiromasa said smiling and patting me on the shoulder.

"Well of course... you just beat me up!" Raising my tone to a comedic height I got them both to laugh.

"I get to do that tomorrow!" Hina replied to my comment eagerly raising a fist and standing on one foot.

"Wha-what? I..." No words came to mind, I don't really want to fight a girl...

"You'll take that ass kicking when you come to it. Now, finish your water and try again!" Hiromasa was very blunt at first, which made Hina laugh, but he finished on a more demanding tone.

Hina took the glass, but stayed. "Shall I expect you for breakfast tomorrow?" She asked with a cat like smile.

Words could not do justice to the joy I felt at that moment. "Yes. Yes, please." I replied very humbly wanting to hug her.

"Great, I'll refill this and put it on the porch. Good luck Vyon!" Hina replied simply as she vanished toward the house in a blur of green flames.

Hiromasa tapped his foot awaiting my continued effort, but I was still lost in the joys of free food! When you live like I do, for as long as I have, anyone offering a free meal is a god send. Many of my friends and there families have gifted this to me, but as I aged I didn't dare ask out of shame. Shaking my head I refocused on the task at hand, split soul! Charging more and more fire within myself I centered it on my chest and held both hands against my chest similar to Hiromasa. Feeling a resistance between my hands I opened my eyes to find a small sphere of flame, roughly the size of an apple. Disappointed, I allowed myself to lose grip and with a small sigh I looked up at Hiromasa.

"Did you feel that resistance? Was it hard to push your hands together?" Hiromasa asked swiftly when my gaze met his.

"Yeah... should I try to put my hands together?" Light confusion set in as he never told me to do that.

"Yeah, but be careful. Don't hurt yourself." Hiro replied, pacing around me slowly.

Careful of what? This time was different, I channeled the energy quickly but failed to "grasp" it. Using my power is easy now, just focus on the warm feeling within myself and it will spread. Yet when I tried to focus it into my chest, where it originated, I felt as if it just died off and became nothing. After several more tries I managed to force a sphere of golden flame from my chest, I felt it dragging sparks of power all the way from my heart. Holding a basketball sized ball of flame now I smiled and began forcing my arms together. To my amazement it was near impossible to move my body at all! With a rising growl I clenched my fingers and compressed this orb as best I could. As if my hands were opposing magnets, I felt them shift and slide unevenly. It was soon a struggle just to contain the blazing expanse of flame. Growling again I felt it disperse with a blinding burst of force, which sent me to the ground. It was hard to clear my vision as I kicked around on the ground whining in pain. It felt like both my eyes had been poked out and I was incredibly hot, sweat forming around my body. Rolling onto my back I groaned loudly and wiped my tear spewing eyes.

"Damn, I felt like I had it!" I shouted to Hiro, my face darting around blinded.

"You were doing great kid! Just gotta try over and over!" Hiromasa seemed very pleased, but I think he was just being nice.

This went on for a while. Me attempting to create a split soul and failing many times to even conjure the orb containing it. Several cups of water later I felt like this was going nowhere, but Hiromasa insisted I continue. This sucks... it's so tiring and I can hardly seem to do it! It is understandable that this should take practice, but seeing him do it effortlessly was almost insulting at this point! Trying as hard as I could to bring my hands together I felt my fingers burn and my thumbs felt like they were going to break off. With another blast of light I was sent backward into a seated position with a shout of frustration.

"Don't worry Vyon! It took me a while to get my split soul too!" Hina cried from the porch as I sat there grumbling.

"Yeah relax kid. Why don't you head home for now." Hiromasa put his arm down to help me up. "Practice when your alone but, just go rest." With a pat on my shoulder I felt a signal light go off in my head.

My friends! I have to go see them! I... can't tell them any of this though... "Alright! I promise tomorrow, we'll have a real fight!" I put up one fist and took a sort of karate stance.

Hiro laughed and put a hand to his stomach. "We'll see boy... we'll see..." He replied skeptical, but with hope.

"Bye, Vyon! See ya tomorrow!" Hina called to me from outside, as I went in to get my bag.

"Hiromasa... I sort have a problem." I said as I returned to the yard and walked passed him.

"You see, I have to go to school, how do I learn about being a sin splitter?" The question was sour in my mouth, I hate school.

"You haven't been going to school!" He exclaimed. "Go to school! Come here after, they are both important." This was paired with both his hands raising in shock.

"What did you think, I went at night?" I muttered, well there goes my breakfast...

"Didn't think about it at all really. Just make sure you go!" He muttered his response dismissively. "Hina get ready, we have work to do." Hiromasa shot his attention to her and she leapt from her chair.

"Have a good day Vyon! See ya tomorrow!" Hina replied peppy as before she rushed inside.

"Don't push yourself to hard Vyon, but keep trying. You'll get it!" Hiro replied with confident caution.

"Okay, thanks! Goodbye Hina!" After replying to Hiromasa, I called into the house.

Igniting myself I took to the skies with barely any effort. You cannot imagine how liberating it feels to be able to go anywhere you want ever! Anyone who walks now receives all of my sympathy, as I refuse to walk anywhere, ever again! After a short flight I landed on a tall building near downtown and set my bag on the gravel rooftop. Flipping open my phone I listened to the newest message that Lyra had just left.

"Howdy stranger! Would love to know where you are! Call me you jerk!" Listening I could hear Zen and Max bickering in the background.

Hearing the voices made me want to be there. God I want to show them! I want to fly Lyra around everywhere so she is never in danger! Zen would definitely find a way to have fun with this, maybe even Max too! Well no use thinking about it since it wont happen, better go find them! Slipping my phone in my pocket, I leapt from the roof and flailed through the air as I fell. Seeing a widening street below I let out a small scream before bursting into flames and arching into the sky like a rocket! Dashing swiftly to the sides I dodged various roof objects as my speed lessened. I have found it better to simply slow down, rather than attempt a dead stop. Landing atop a rusted water tower I peered through the roof of the factory, but saw now one within. Flying low as I headed toward the park, I spotted them near a liquor store with a few bags in hand. With a rather loud boom I slammed the ground with both feet and stumbled forward. Still not perfect, but getting better!

"Hey guys! Hey!" I called running after them after making sure the coast was clear to de-cloak.

"Vyon!" Lyra cried turning around and rushing toward me, Zenex tailing.

"Where the hell have you been?" Maxwell and Zenex asked in unison, then looked at each other in a funny way.

"School wasn't the same without ya." Shio stated as a greeting, as his approach was the last.

Lyra threw herself into my arms and made a small grunt of anger. "You suck dude!" She shoved me away playfully after only a few seconds.

"What?" I replied innocently, shrugging my shoulders in defense.

"Ditched, two days, and didn't tell your friends?" Lyra replied, putting her hands on her hips.

"Yeah man where ya been?" Zenex asked waving one hand slightly as he spoke.

"Honestly, been feeling kind of sick of school." The faces they gave were priceless. "But I'll go for you guys!" I said this in a type of fake dissapointment, which made them laugh.

"Wait, no! Ditch all you want, just tell me!" Zen replied seeming to be really upset, but his smile blew the jokes cover.

"So what ya been up to the last few days?" Lyra asked as we all continued walking together.

"Oh you know same old stuff... Killing time... being invisible..." The tiny joke made them laugh, but I knew the deeper meaning.

"Well, I missed you!" Lyra replied hanging off one arm off around my neck.

The conversation ranged from what I was doing to a fight that happened at school while I was away. Figures... only fun stuff happens when I'm gone! They were headed to the park, which was fine by me since it was close to my apartment. It is kind of funny, I was just saying that I would never walk again, but I would for my friends. It is severely different then walking alone where a monster could snatch you or loneliness can creep up when you least expect it. Listening to Zen talk about the fight in class was hard in a way... I had so much on my mind. Split souls, and sin auras, Fuzen, and fighting! It was hard to show shock and enthusiasm when he told me the cops had to come to our school. Sliding by easily, I simply commented how often the cops are at our school! Everyone laughed, but Zen continued to insist this fight was particularily brutal even after we reached the park. Finally getting to relax was incredible! My entire body ached and I felt so drained I could have slept instantly. Lyra shared her chips with me graciously and I thanked her by taking as few as possible. While Maxwell was trying to explain a recent breakthrough in space travel my mind was suddenly overwhelmed by a searing pain. Clutching my head I felt my gaze shoot across the yard and lock onto... a Fuzen. It was hard to make it out in the dying light, but I was certain the slinking figure was one of those monsters. Returning my gaze to Max I realized he had asked me a question, but I was totally lost!

"You alright Vyon? You got a headache man?" Zenex asked as I scanned the concerned faces.

"Yeah, outta nowehere!" I replied grunting lightly and appologizing to Max.

Glancing over there I could not see the creature. Something told me I was the reason it fled... the power I now have. Listening to the continuing conversations I felt a swell of pride being the watch dog of my family! Soon the night grew darker and I my thoughts shifted toward two things. One, my friends would have to walk home unprotected, and two... I would have to go home... As Lyra rose and stretched out, her voice peeping up, I jumped to my feet ignoring the aching. I will fly and make sure they get home safe! Wait... they have made it this far... am I being paranoid? No, now that I know... I have to protect them. The crowd dispursed and Zenex and Shio had the shortest walk, so I followed Lyra and Maxwell. Though I was afraid of being spotted it was really fun. Just floating by above my friends listening to them talk randomly. Intellectual stuff too, damn Lyra's smart! After discussing a type of magnet induction, whatever, they parted with a small hug and I was torn. Darting my gaze between the two of them I felt obligated to both my friends...

"Sorry Max..." I muttered under my breath as I followed Lyra.

Maxwell is a guy after all... I mean that has to matter, right? My hopes went out for his safe arrival and that he would be awaiting me at the street corner tomorrow. Turning over in the air I set my gaze upon Lyra. She walked with a quickened pace and I was grateful for this, I needed to get home! Once I knew she was home free I muttered a goodbye to her and then flew upward toward home. An idea struck me and I stopped flying to just hang in the air. Closing my eyes, I focused on already being home then leapt forward. Feeling the burst of power surge me forward I opened my eyes to find myself roughly halfway home... lame. But with a bit of focus I kicked downward and landed inside the complex with a muffled thud. Though that tired the hell out of me... I was getting good at this! Quickly rushing down the path and up to the door I gulped as I reached the top step and was forced to knock.

"Get in here. Now!" My fake father said calmly at first but then shouted his last word.

Stepping inside I saw my fake mother sitting around the coffee table, a glass of wine heavily stained with use. "The school called today..." Fake mother said as she eyed me with sinister intent.

"Let me just try to explain-." My meek words were cut off by a strong slap to the back of my head.

Bowing forward I rub the back of my skull, sighing in displeasure. "Don't interrupt!" My fake father shouted.

"Why aren't you going to school?" My fake mother burned these words through her teeth.

"I did!" My response caused scoffs from them both. "Listen, I was late to my first class so my teacher marked me absent. That gets carried to the office, I was there all day I swear!" Though I hate lying, it was easy with these people.

"I don't believe that shit. You're fucking lying." My fake father shouted crossing the room in a storm of movement.

"If you are not there tomorrow or if I get any phone calls... you will never step foot out of this house again. Do you understand me?" My fake mother took a sinister warning tone as she pointed at me with two fingers.

"Yeah..." I replied sighing.

"Go away." She replied waving her hand and scrunching her face.

"Don't come out of your room tonight, either!" My fake father shouted as I entered the hall.

You know, I don't need this shit... Not going to school a few days should not create this level of anger! They show nothing toward me, but hatred and anger. Yet I am supposed to depend on them and turn to them with my problems? They were good people for a while, but they seem to have just got sick of me... How fucking sad is that? Sighing, I pulled out my cellphone and began texting my friends. I just wanted to know if they were all alright. Tossing the phone on my bed I rose to my feet and took a deep breath. As I released it I felt powerful waves of blazing forced rise through my body until I burst into golden flame. Watching these fires encircle my body I smiled allowing the warmth to coat my aching body and repair the minor wounds I had sustained that day. Hopefully my fake parents don't hear anything or come in unannounced, because I am not stopping until I pass out or get my split soul. Unfortunately for me, the coin would land on unconsciousness...