Pain was a familiar friend to Zane. The kick that slammed into his torso, the pain that shot up his skull as it was slammed against the wall, he welcomed it all with detached interest. His only reaction was a silent smile no one noticed.
After all, today was the day his perfect plan would begin. He just had to endure the usual bullying one more time.
Then, as if to mock his efforts, the heavens spoke into the bones of every living being. The ground itself trembled, and the sky changed its color to that of fresh blood.
The words that came were not that of the language he was familiar with, but it sounded like a long lost ancient syllables put together.
However, he understood it all too clearly.
"Lend me your ears, subjects of a smaller world. You have been deemed unworthy to attain rebirth. Yet we shall grant you another chance. We're sending Geminis. Elite grade Geminis. If even one third of you survive before the sun blinks, we will reconsider your fate. I give you permission to breathe the energy of the world. Tongues are hereby united, and words will find their purpose. Death is released, voice of the void is learned. Do not waste your breath in prayer, for whichever God you pray to, will have to get past me."
Screams erupted as the entire school descended into chaos. No one could verify the source of the ominous voice which made the entire situation more unsettling.
Zane slowly picked himself up. Unlike the others, what he felt wasn't fear, it was intense, soul-deep annoyance.
"Just which idiot thought today of all days was a good time to set the world ablaze?"