After a week of grieving and endless questions from city knights to detectives, even whispering neighbour's. Aoma couldn't stay home anymore. He needed to escape.
So he returned to school.
That morning, every eye turned toward him. Whispers followed.
"I heard he killed his mom and buried his dad under his house."
"Idiot how could he do it alone?" Another student whispered.
"Shut up! What if he hears?"
"Oooouuu, watch out he might kill you next!" The bully replied sarcastically.
Aoma stopped before the school building. He stared at the sky tired, empty then smiled.
"Today is going to be a beautiful day, guys," he said, grinning. "I can feel it."
The bell rang. Students scattered, pretending not to stare.
"Freak!" one shouted.
Aoma ignored it, took a deep breath, and ran to class.
The principal sat deep in conversation with one of the king's knights.
"Old friend," the knight said, "I wish we could've met under better circumstances. Things are getting worse in the city."
"Always an honor, Guard of the City," the principal replied. "But what brings you here today?"
"I'm here to ensure the agreement with the court holds," the knight said firmly.
"Why now? It's been peaceful so long..."
"Sorry. Can't disclose. Just following orders."
"Move on like nothing happened?" the principal snapped. "You're serious?"
The knight looked down. "We all have roles. You know nothing could've stopped this."
"Now this boy. No trouble, right?"
"Dull kid," the principal said, leaning back. "Talks about 'beautiful days' nonstop. He won't be an issue."
"Good." The knight turned looking outside through the window. "Send everything on him to the palace. Files, papers, notes. King's orders. Don't leave anything behind."
The principal's face darkened. He then covered his with his hands as if he was wiping away the stress that's about to be unfold. As his hands slowly falls down towards the table he replied "Understood."
The knight exited the office and bumped into Aoma.
"Oh sorry, little one," the knight said kindly.
"Sorry, my fault but forgive me I'm in a rush!" Aoma smiled. "There's something special happening in class today... oh snap look at the time, don't want to be late for class. Today's special!"
Aoma then dashed off. The knight watched, muttering, "so its him..."
In the Classroom
The teacher started the lectured on the Hero. Aoma's favorite topic.
"Where did the Hero originate?" The teacher questioned the class.
Aoma's hand shot up. "Yes, Aoma." Aoma shouted with excitement. "He was summoned from another world! That's why his powers were unique he came to defeat the demon king hidden within ours world!"
"Correct." The teacher smiled.
Aoma beamed, sinking back then drifted off.
Daydreaming about Himself as the hero, soaring through clouds. Crowds cheered and even the bullies worshipped him. Parents waved proudly. Then suddenly, Darkness fell. Thunder roared. Clouds parted to reveal... glass tubes. People walking around. Scientists in hazmat suits. Alarms blaring.
"Aoma! AOMA! AOMA!"
"Wake up! Not in my class!"
The teacher's voice snapped him back.
"Aoma, go to the office," the teacher sighed.
Embarrassed, Aoma apologized and left.
The principal waited. "Rough first day back?"
"Yeah... sorry."
"No need. Take another week off. No rush."
"No home left, sir," Aoma said quietly.
The principal sighed. "Let's walk."
Sunlight filtered through garden trees.
"Heard your dream is to becoming a hero," the principal said.
"Yes! One day everyone will look up to me!" Aoma replied.
"The World has changed. There is no need for heroes and besides magic don't exist no more you need to start looking at the bigger picture Aoma."
"That's wrong," Aoma insisted. "Magic's out there, beyond the walls. I'll bring it back even if it's gone."
The principal smiled. Something sinister flickered behind it. "Very creative. Maybe one day."
They stopped. Air grew heavy.
"What happened in class?"
"Daydreaming," Aoma admitted shyly.
"Take the week off. For your health."
Aoma blinked, confused
A dark ripple crossed the garden.
Masked figures emerged from shadows cloaked in black mist. The principal's goons.
One appeared behind Aoma, He struggled a heavy blow to his skull.
Black.
They disappeared right back into the shadows after.
From behind the principal another shadow appeared, the second in command air rippling like smoke. "What would you want me to do next master" the shadow said.
The principal grinned devilishly. "Lab E."
The ninja bowed. "Understood."
Then vanished in dark mist.
The principal stood alone, wind brushing his coat. "At last... it begins."