Nal: What do you mean it's complicated? You're going to have to try harder than that if you want me to believe your story. I'm sixteen, not six. I know when someone's messing with me.
Apparition: Hm… You've inherited your mother's charming temper. If I had to explain everything, I wouldn't have enough time to tell you the most important part.
Nal: What are you talking about? Since when do ghosts talk to the living? Didn't the Celestial Being prepare a special place for you, the dead?
Apparition: You just answered your own question...
Nal: Damn it! Will you stop with the riddles already, by Jamaniel?! You're getting on my nerves! If I already have the answer, then you're saying… you're not dead, right?!
Apparition: My own blood, my own flesh… Yes, my dear Nal, I am still alive. But where I am, it's difficult to return… at least for now.
Nal: What?! What's your deal? What do you mean "difficult to return"?!
Apparition: I have to go now, my son. Just remember this: I will always watch over you…
Nal: Wait! We're not done! You haven't answered me! …Father!
Nal opened his eyes abruptly. His forehead was drenched in sweat. That dream again... the same one as the night before. The figure, the face… It was his father. And this time, he had said it clearly: he was alive.
"If my father is still alive, my mother would know… So why would she keep it from me? And this dream… it felt so real…"
He looked at the digital clock placed next to his bed, made in Yddas. 03:00. Sleep wouldn't come back. Nal remained awake, lost in thought, trying to understand what was happening… in vain.
As soon as day broke, he was already dressed, in uniform, bag on his back. He didn't even touch the breakfast his mother had made. When he walked out the door, the sun was just starting to rise over Murnia. His mother, Sophia, kissed him on the cheek, a bit surprised but happy.
Sophia (thoughts): Nal is always full of energy when facing a mystery. I wish I could be a support, a resource… but he does everything on his own. He won't let me take that place, and now, I've come to accept it.
The residential neighborhood of Lehm was bathed in a golden light, rare for spring. The facades, windows, walls… everything reflected the first rays of sun. The inhabitants were already up, and the streets were awakening.
That morning, Nal was more restless than ever. It had been years since he'd felt so… alive. He finally had a mystery to solve, a reason to go to school. Even school, which had felt boring for so long, now seemed full of possibilities. He was thirty minutes early.
On his way, he passed by the neighbors. Helena, his classmate, was also heading to school. She greeted him with a nod. Her brother Diego was walking her to the car. Just another day in the neighborhood.
...
10 a.m. Break time.
Usually, Nal stayed in his classroom until the end of the day, but today, he felt the need for fresh air. As he came down the stairs, a few students passed by, staring at him insistently. Something was off. He ignored them and continued his way.
Reaching the courtyard, he sat on a bench under the shade of an old apple tree, a bit far from the center. He looked up at the sky, the sun's rays peeking through the leaves. He took a deep breath… and didn't even get the chance to exhale before someone sat next to him.
Nal: You again, rich girl? Don't you ever get tired of wasting your time with me?
Lysha: Huh?! How did you know it was me? Were you spying on me?
Nal (annoyed): I've got better things to do than follow you around. I'm not as perverted as…
Lysha (offended): Did you just call me a pervert?!
Nal: Aren't you popular? Go find your fans. Ever since I got here, everyone's been looking at me. Now that you've come over, it's worse. They're probably wondering why the most popular girl is sitting next to a guy like me. Find another bench before things escalate.
Lysha: Well, it's not my fault I'm popular. Wait a sec… You knew I was popular? So you are paying attention after all!
She blushed a little and gently touched her cheeks.
Lysha: Anyway. I don't care what they think. I came here because I want to understand how you knew I was the Vice-Lumis's daughter… and to thank you again for last time.
She grabbed his arm and rested her head on his shoulder.
Nal (irritated): Are you serious with these cuddles?! Let go of me!
His voice echoed through the courtyard.
Everyone turned toward them. Some whispered, others stared in shock.
Lysha (smiling): Geez, what kind of manners is that?
She pinched his cheek, then… gave him a kiss on it.
The whole courtyard went silent. That kiss… All the guys in school dreamed of it. And Nal was the one who got it.
Student (furious): Hey! What's this circus?! You yelling at my Lysha?!
Lysha: Your Lysha? Since when am I yours, Sven?
Sven (mocking): Oh come on, don't be like that, my Shasha.
Lysha: Don't call me that!
She punched him hard in the head. Sven dropped to his knees, crying out.
Lysha's phone buzzed. She answered quickly, exchanged a few words with the guard, and then ran to her car.
Sven (groaning): You scared her away! She's mine!
Nal remained calm, eyes lowered.
Sven, furious, raised a fist. But Nal dodged easily. Sven's punch hit the tree trunk instead.
The bell rang. Break time was over. Students returned to class. Nal followed quietly, still lost in thought, haunted by the dream.
...
The school day ended. The students were leaving for the weekend. Nal walked quietly, eyes empty.
As he neared the school gate, a soft female voice called out behind him.
Voice: Mister Handock! Mister Nal Handock, wait up!!
He turned around… and came face to face with a girl. Literally. Their lips brushed from the sudden impact.
Voice (nervous): I-I'm so sorry! This was the only moment I could talk to you…
She wore the same uniform. Her hairstyle, the elegant hair clip… she was clearly from a noble family.
Voice: My name is Celia, from Second Year, Regular Class[1]. I… I need help with an assignment about war heroes. I was told your father, Mister Dan Handock, the Savior of Celesta…
Nal: Alright. No need to recite your history lesson. I'm really sorry, but I don't think I can help you. You see, I never knew my father.
Celia: Oh! I'm so sorry! But I already knew that. That's why I'd like to meet your mother. I believe she might be able to help me.
Nal: Hmm, I see. You're not wrong. I believe she'll know how to help you. However, I still don't understand why your royal education forbids you from directly approaching the person involved... and forces you to go through intermediaries. Anyway, I'm in a hurry. You can meet my mother at her place. Ask Principal Draggo for the address. I'll be going now, Princess Celia.
Celia: Wait, how do you—
She didn't get the chance to ask how he knew her title—Nal was already far away. She watched him walk off, lost in thought. Her finger touched her lips as the memory of their accidental kiss came back. Her cheeks turned red, and a small smile appeared on her face.
On the way home, Nal's mind raced. His father, the dreams, Lysha, Celia, the stalker… Everything was tangled.
He reached the street entrance… and froze. That place… It was there that he had met that strange man. The one who had whispered:
"Next time, don't make me mad when the cult begins."
Nal (thinking): He's no better than my dad's ghost… But… a cult? Next time? Wait… I think I get it…
Nal entered the place of worship. A large, silent hall. His heartbeat quickened.
At the very back, on the right-hand bench… he was there.
He slowly walked forward. The closer he got, the heavier the air felt.
He stood behind the man.
Unknown Man: A few more minutes and you'd have interrupted me during the cult.
He hadn't even turned around.
Nal: You knew, didn't you? You knew I'd come looking for you. That's why you told me where to find you—and at the exact time.
The man slowly turned his head, his dark gaze sliding behind his tinted glasses.
Unknown Man: Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. Who knows? All I know for sure is that you're here… and so am I. Now, what are you here for, kid?
Nal gathered his courage.
Nal: I want answers. You're the one giving me those absurd dreams—why would my father still be alive?
The man smiled, as if he'd been waiting for that question.
Unknown Man: Hmm! You figured it out? Yes, I'm the one who gave you those dreams. You needed to know the truth, at least.
Nal: What truth? My father died years ago. And now, fifteen years later, you want me to believe he's still alive? Even my mom never said anything!
Unknown Man: Your mother said nothing because she just wanted to protect you, kid.
Nal clenched his jaw.
Nal: Don't call me that! And protect me from what? Who are you, anyway?
The man stood straighter, his tone more serious.
Unknown Man: All in good time. For now, what matters is your answer.
Nal: I don't have an answer for you except that I want to know more about my father. I've tried looking him up, but history books don't say how or under what circumstances he disappeared.
The man's face darkened further.
Unknown Man: Good. So that's a yes then.
He suddenly stood up.
Unknown Man: Follow me, kid.
Nal: Are you deaf? I told you I'm not following you anywhere. I just want the truth about my father.
Unknown Man: You're starting to get on my nerves, brat. If you want to know everything about your father, you'll have to follow me, that's all.
He adjusted his glasses and headed for the exit.
Nal: …But where? My mom's going to worry…
Unknown Man: Don't worry about that. She already received a note from the school saying a field trip is planned this weekend.
Nal: The whole weekend?
Unknown Man: And anyway, a surprise is waiting for you there…
Nal frowned, puzzled.
Nal: So you planned all this. (He took a deep breath.) Fine, but why do you need me? Take it or leave it.
The man stopped, turned around, and faced Nal.
Unknown Man: I don't want to tell you everything today, but here's a briefing. Haven't you noticed you're not like the others? That you think differently? That you notice details no one else does? That you were able to predict the actions of three armed men attacking a girl in an alley? All of that, kid, is a gift. We call them Gifts, and you are a Gifted. Me, I'm what you'd call a Gifts Guardian. But I guess you already knew you weren't an ordinary child, right?
Nal: A Gift? I've read books about that. Are there really people like me?
The man paused, slightly amused.
Unknown Man: Thankfully not. There aren't many pains-in-the-neck like you.
(Nal frowned.)
Unknown Man: You're as unique as every Light Gifted. Your Gift is one of a kind. Only you have that nature. Each Gift has its own properties.
Nal: Light Gifted? And what's my type of Gift?
Unknown Man: You don't know yet? I thought you were smarter than that. But all in due time.
Nal: If you've been watching me all this time, you should know I'm not patient.
Unknown Man: With me, you'll have to be.
Nal: So if you're the Gifts Guardian, what's my role in all this? Why do you need me?
Unknown Man (sighing): If it were up to me, you'd stay quietly in your corner. Can't stand kids who think they know everything—I always feel like giving them a good slap. But the Director wants you, so...
Nal: The Director? You're his envoy?
Unknown Man: For a gifted teen who keeps to himself, you sure talk a lot.
(He shot Nal a dark look, and Nal stiffened.)
Nal (hesitant): …I'm just trying to understand. And I don't even know your name.
Unknown Man: Hans Landman, Deputy Director of the Gifts Guard. And I'm not here to reassure a precocious kid I'm supposed to recruit.
Nal (surprised): Are you kidding me? I'm sixteen!
Hans: Can a normal sixteen-year-old stand up to three men armed with knives? In any case, you have no choice if you want the truth. It's up to you: follow me or look for answers on your own.
Nal: I'm still in high school, remember?
Hans: Everything has been arranged. Your mom already got a note.
Nal: And my mom?
Hans: You'll see.
Nal: Will you answer my questions?
Hans: If they're justified, yes.
Nal: Then tell me about my Gift.
Hans: By Orlas! I told you—you'll get all your answers later. Now shut up, we need to go.
Nal: And the worship place? You came here because of the worship, didn't you? You picked this place to avoid being seen and disturbed, right?
Hans (sarcastic): You pray?
Nal: I don't see how that's relevant to my question.
Hans: Same here—with me and worship.
Nal (exasperated): You're being difficult on purpose.
Hans: Maybe I'm like a kid we both know too well.
They exited the place of worship and walked side by side. A car passed in front of them, and inside, a familiar figure to Nal watched them closely.
...
The car stopped in front of Nal's house. Celia got out, wearing a golden yellow dress adorned with angel and flower patterns, her hair carefully styled, her makeup suited for a reception. Her driver waited by the door.
She rang at the gate. Moments later, Sophia opened it. She was dressed as if she was about to go out—a simple suit, elegant on the graceful woman she was. When she saw Celia, her eyebrows rose in surprise.
Celia (respectfully): Good evening, Ma'am. My name is Celia. I'm a friend of Nal's.
Sophia: Excuse me? You… You came for Nal, didn't you?
Celia shook her head, a faint, apologetic smile on her lips.
Celia: No, I didn't come for your son. I came for you.
Sophia eyed her cautiously.
Sophia: For me? How could I help you?
Celia took a deep breath.
Celia: I have a school assignment, about war heroes. I chose your husband, Mr. Dan Handock, but I couldn't find any information about his disappearance. Your testimony would be valuable.
Sophia was silent for a moment, then replied in a soft but firm voice:
Sophia: I'm really sorry, but I have to get back to the restaurant and I'm already quite late.
Celia didn't let herself be discouraged:
Celia: Oh, no worries at all. My car is at your service. We could go together to your restaurant and I'll wait until your shift ends. That way, we'll have time to talk. What do you think?
Sophia frowned slightly, as if weighing her options.
Sophia: Hmm… Well, it's not a bad idea, but I might be working very late tonight if the restaurant's full.
Celia gave her a warm smile:
Celia: It's absolutely no problem, Ma'am. I've got all the time in the world. Besides, I'm starting to get a little hungry. So I'll hit two birds with one stone…
A silence followed, then Sophia nodded.
Sophia: Well then, alright.
Celia opened the door and helped Sophia into the backseat. The driver closed the door behind them, and the car drove off gently, sliding through streets lit by the last glimmers of dusk.
[1] "High school is divided into two parts. The first part lasts four years—this is the level Diego, Helena's younger brother, is currently in. The second part lasts three years. Celia is in her second year, while Nal is in his final year, the third.
A 'Regular Class' means that a student is following the standard three-year program to obtain a diploma. However, there are also special classes, like the ones Nal and Celia are enrolled in, which follow a different structure."