Aethelos: The Bastard of Light

From the top of one of the academy buildings, Joseph Ville Light watched the forest. Down in the courtyard, Brock raised his eyes and the two of them locked gazes for long seconds. No words were spoken. Only a clear signal. · Brock turned to Yana and Lygar. · “We’re going to Eli. He needs us.” · Before they could answer, Professor Lito appeared with quick steps, his face full of feigned urgency. · “I’m coming with you as well. We have to protect our students from these animals.” · The entire academy was agitated. Everyone had felt the overwhelming presence coming from the forest. Students murmured, teachers exchanged tense looks. The fear was palpable. · In the forest, Zakrom observed Eli with an almost nostalgic expression. He slightly tilted his head, dark eyes studying the boy’s face with slow attention. · “You have her eyes.” · Eli didn’t understand. His heart was racing out of control. Without hesitating, he tried to run. He knew he stood no chance against that man. · Zakrom straightened his posture. The nostalgia vanished. His voice came out cold and sharp. · “You should never have existed. I warned them.” · He raised his hand. · “Shadow Roots.” · Black roots exploded from the ground, advancing like living tentacles toward Eli. He turned, saw the darkness closing in on him, and felt his body lock up. · Is this the end?! · He closed his eyes. · The impact he expected never came. · He opened them just in time to see the roots being sliced apart in mid-air by a fast blade. Standing beside him was a familiar figure, his posture far more serious than usual, staring directly at Zakrom. · Ninjespeed. · The young man turned his face toward Eli, made the peace sign with his fingers, and gave a sideways smile. · “Didn’t see me arriving again, did you?” · Eli, still on the ground, could only stutter: · “Ninjespeed… th-thank you…” · Ninjespeed held out his hand and helped him up. His smile didn’t fade, even as Zakrom’s black aura continued to press down on the air around them. · “He’s really strong. · I think we’re both going to die. · Ahahahah.”