Jack and Black stepped outside to find that Gara had prepared breakfast and set the table. When he saw them, he called out:
Gara: Come eat.
Gara expected Jack to be stubborn and refuse, but he was surprised when Jack quietly walked toward the table, pulling Black along with him, trying to convince her to eat and encouraging her. Gara realized Jack was forcing himself to eat for her sake.
She looked exhausted, and her eyes were swollen from crying so much.
He glanced at Jack too, whose eyes were lifeless and face drained with fatigue.
After they finished eating, Gara told them to clean the dishes they had used, and they did. Then they approached him, ready to hear what he had to say.
Jack (raising an eyebrow): Are you waiting for a special invitation to talk?
Gara (surprised): Huh… My God! Boy, do you have a split personality? A minute ago you were like an innocent angel, and now you're a devil!
Jack (unbothered): Enough nonsense. Speak.
Gara: Listen, boy… Ugh… I won't waste time hitting you. What do you know about those men?
Jack: I know nothing.
Gara: What do you know about your family?
Jack: After what happened, I don't think I know much at all.
Gara turned to Black.
Gara: And you?
Black: I don't think I know anything either.
Gara sighed and used the water element to manipulate water in front of them.
Gara: Do you know what this is or what I'm doing?
Jack: No. This is the second time I've seen it—first when my father and uncle used it, and now this.
Black: Same for me.
Gara: Damn you, Edmund and Caesar. You went too far in protecting the children.
Jack (angrily): What did you say?
Gara: Listen to me… I'll tell you what you need to know. The rest, you'll have to learn yourselves.
He took a deep breath and continued:
Gara: The people you met yesterday are not just some gang or something similar. They are an organization, with specific goals, and a well-structured and organized way of working.
Jack (with a seriousness beyond his age): What are their goals?
Gara (mocking): They have two completely opposing goals... One is to preserve the Anderson bloodline, and the other is to wipe it out.
They looked shocked, unable to comprehend it.
Gara: The one you faced last night is called Simon. That squad is among the weakest. What happened yesterday was a grave mistake. You weren't supposed to see what you saw or hear what your mother told you when she warned you. Mistakes like that have consequences far greater than you can imagine. In fact, your family's escape after your birth was the beginning of their downfall.
He turned to Black and continued:
Gara: Caesar was a real mastermind. He figured out how they track the Anderson family. He was the one who suggested not using your powers no matter the cost. He even suggested sealing your powers, Jack, and then sealed Black's powers too.
Jack (confused): But… did Uncle Caesar know they would kill him?
Gara: Yes, he knew. He was smart enough to realize that anyone who knows the secret of the organization would be killed once the child is born, so no one would remain to tell the secret. Tell me, what would someone do if they knew they'd be killed the moment their child was born?
Jack: They'd never have children… That's why you said it was a grave mistake. But what does the organization gain from this?
Gara: That answer, you'll have to find yourself.
Jack: So Black now...
Gara: Yes, she knows about the organization like you do. So, when the child is born, she'll be killed too.
Jack shot him a fiery glare.
Jack (shouting): Let's go, Black. We're leaving.
Gara: Fine, goodbye…
As Jack turned to leave, ignoring the rest of the story, Gara added:
Gara: And good luck trying to fight them.
Jack stopped and looked at him.
Jack: Do you think I can't fight them?
Gara: I'm sure you can't.
Jack: Then I'll find someone to train me.
Gara: Do you really think, if such a person existed, your father and uncle would've hidden in the mountains? Listen, boy—do you really think someone out there will help you fight them? Do you know anyone in the outside world? If you search every inch of this planet, you won't find anyone who can train you except me. You'd be risking her life too.
He froze. They really didn't know anyone out there. And if this man was telling the truth, then no one knew about the organization. So how could they find someone to train them? Would Black's life be in danger because of him? What should he do?
Jack: And why do you want to help me?
Gara: I'm not helping you. I'm helping someone else.
Jack: What?! Who are you helping?
Gara: None of your business. All you need to do is learn how to fight them. I don't like arguing. If you want to stay, be silent. But if you say one more word, I'll throw you out immediately.
Jack stopped talking, trying to figure out what to do. He looked at Black, who clung to him silently.
He remained quiet, and Gara understood that he had chosen to stay.
Gara: Tomorrow morning, in the garden. We'll begin your training.
Jack: Can I ask you for a favor?
Gara: Go ahead.
Black: Can we go to our home?
Gara: What?
Jack: We want to bury our families.
He added in a quiet, sorrowful tone:
Jack: My father once told me that if anything ever happened to them, I should at least make sure they're buried… and not left for scavengers.
Gara felt the sadness of the two kids.
Jack: You said what happened yesterday was a mistake. They won't try to kill me or Black until a new child is born, right? So we can go alone—you don't need to come with us.
Gara told them to come closer. A thick fog surrounded them. When it cleared, the children found themselves in front of their homes—now burnt ruins.
They noticed four graves beside the houses and stared, shocked. Who buried them? They looked at Gara to ask, but he didn't answer. They understood—it was him.
Jack: Thank you.
They rushed toward the graves.
Jack (sadly): I'm sorry I couldn't protect you. But I promise I'll get revenge for you. Don't worry, Uncle Caesar. I'll take care of Black from now on.
Black (crying): I miss you all… Mom, Dad, Uncle, Aunt…
Jack gently patted her head and wiped her tears.
Jack: Black, we can't cry anymore. We have to become stronger—strong enough to protect ourselves. Then our families can rest in peace, okay, Bee?
She nodded.
Black: Yes, Jack. Let's become stronger. Don't worry—I won't let them kill you. I'll protect you.
She added innocently: Next time, I'll beat them up if they try to hurt you.
He smiled, realizing he hadn't lost his whole family after all. He swore to himself that he would kill anyone who tried to hurt her.
Jack: Alright. I'm counting on you.
Black: Mhm!
Black went to pick some flowers to place on the graves. Meanwhile, Gara approached Jack.
Gara: Do you want to protect her that badly?
Jack (surprised): How do you always know what I'm thinking?
Gara: It's part of my abilities. Something I'll teach you soon.
Jack: I don't want Black to go through harsh training.
Gara: And how do you know I'll train her harshly?
Jack: It's part of my abilities.
Gara smiled, deciding not to reveal the full truth. They needed rest… and they needed to uncover the rest of the story themselves.
After some time, they all returned home. Gara decided to give them a lesson about energy and abilities before testing them the next day. He brought out a book and called them over.
Gara: Listen closely... There are six primary energy elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Air, Darkness, and Light. Then there are secondary elements, like Lightning, Ice, Wood, Iron, and others. These elements vary in how common or rare they are. There are also abilities—physical and mental—and skills. Some people can fight without even seeing, relying solely on their sense of hearing and other techniques.
Of course, Jack, you use the Fire element, which is extremely rare—so rare, in fact, that it hasn't appeared in over 600 years. It was nearly removed from the Book of Elements because no one believed it existed anymore, except for a very few. It holds a great advantage in combat and offense.
And you, Black, we haven't discovered your element yet. But we will now. Try to gather some energy in your hands—the seal that was suppressing your abilities has been broken.
Black: But... I don't know how to do it.
Gara: Don't think. Just do it.
He kept encouraging her again and again, while Jack cheered her on. Eventually, she managed to form a small amount of energy in her hands.
Black: I'm not succeeding…
Gara: You did it… Your element is Water.
Black: What?! How do you know… Master?
Gara was surprised when he heard her call him "Master."
Gara: What... What did you just call me?
Black: I called you Master… Aren't you teaching us?
Gara: Hmph… Alright. I knew because your energy was very balanced. That's a clear sign of the Water element. Even when the user knows nothing about energy, Water remains balanced.
Water is an important element. Only about 5% of people possess it. Those who do usually excel in healing, so your training will be different. You may go rest now.
But he noticed the two of them still staring at him.
Jack: Hey, old man, give us the book. We want to read it a bit.
Gara raised his eyebrows.
Gara: Alright, take it, you little dwarf.
Gara went to his room while the children stayed up all night reading the book, trying to practice the techniques within. They learned many basic things, driven by Black's excitement and Jack's curiosity. They didn't notice the figure silently watching them throughout the night.
When they finally fell asleep, the figure stepped forward and carried them to their rooms. He carried Black first and laid her gently in her bed, then returned to carry Jack and placed him in his room.
He looked down and saw Jack fast asleep. He approached, gently pulling down his shirt to see his mark. He was shocked when he saw it.
Gara (whispering): Two heads…?!
That night, Gara didn't sleep. He just stared at the sky, lost in thought about Jack's mark
To be continued....
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