Chapter 10: Dark Energy

"Most of creatures in this universe are so-called dark creatures, or creatures that possess dark energy. It doesn't mean that all are evil just because of the word 'dark'," Nemumu explained. He was introducing Zeroro and his friends to assassin magic.

Zeroro thought it is weird how just a few days ago he had learned about Nemumu's soft side and past and now it felt like that had never happened. Nemumu was calm and at ease, and he acted the same way as before.

"Zeroro?" Nemumu called.

Zeroro scratched his head and quickly replied, "I am sorry!"

"Stop day-dreaming. So anyway, everyone possess a different level of dark energy and varying ability to summon and use those energy. It is mostly hereditary, though sometimes mutations occur as well," continued Nemumu, "All assassins must have a higher than usual amount of dark energy and the ability to use the energy, in order to do assassin magic.

"However, those two qualities are not enough. Personality must match as well. Assassins must be calm, patient, observant, cautious, and sly. They also must possess an innate concealment of energy. Or in other words, they lack existence without trying. Not a great thing in the real world but very useful in assassin's world." Nemumu then stood up and said, "Now, today, we are going to learn to form an energy ball in our palm. This is a basic thing that most of Keronians, if not all, can do ... " and he continued to explain how.

Yeroro, Yororo, Zeroro, and Zoruru were told to stand in a circle with Nemumu. Then they began to concentrate hard as soon as Nemumu said to start. Nemumu's energy ball flared up in his palm the second he said "begin." Yeroro, after a few seconds, was able to form an energy ball as well. Soon, everyone was able to do so and was excited and amazed. Everyone except Zeroro. He stood there, not knowing what to do, his head hung low, looking down at his feet. Nemumu noticed him and assured him, "It's okay. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get it." He patted his shoulder, encouraging him to try again.

Zeroro concentrated hard, as hard as he can, for about a minute. Nothing happened. He opened his eyes and looked at Nemumu for help, his eyes shiny and watery. Nemumu reassured him and told him to not to get frustrated and to be patient. Then he asked Zeroro to practice until he gets it, and he went on to teach other students.

Zeroro watched his teammates wistfully as they learned new skills everyday. He was lonely to practice by himself. He felt forgotten, invisible, but sometimes Zoruru turned around to look at him and cast him a friendly smile or wave at him. Then he knew that he was remembered. Occasionally, other instructors came by to watch. They would always ask him if he was alone because he had gotten in trouble, and he would shake his head in embarrassment. Some instructors were more curious and would went on to ask him for the real reason. He would then tell them that he could not do the basic yet, feeling more and more humiliated each time another instructor asked him.

He practiced every night on the rooftop with Zoruru. Zoruru accompanied him voluntarily, and Zeroro was thankful for that.

One afternoon, Zeroro and Zoruru were on the training ground of first year students, staying after their training with Nemumu was over. Zeroro tried and failed many more times. Then he sat down on the floor, defeated. He said to Zoruru, "Maybe I just don't have the innate ability to do assassin magic."

"But Nemumu said every Keronian can do that," Zoruru said, refering to forming an energy ball.

"Maybe I am different."

"Zeroro, are you going to continue training or not? It's getting late."

"No. You can go. Thanks anyway."

Zoruru looked at Zeroro one more time, waiting for him to come with him. After a few seconds or so, he left, realizing that Zeroro wanted to stay.

Zeroro sighed and muttered to himself, "I am just no good. Maybe I am not the right material for assassins."

"Maybe you think too much. Maybe you need to let go of those negative emotions you harbor in your mind," a low, cold voice came from behind. Zeroro jumped up and swerved around quickly. The owner of the voice was watching him, three glowing red dots piercing through him and scanning every inch of him.

"C-Captain Jirara?" Zeroro stuttered and saluted in surprise.

"Maybe you should believe in yourself, Zeroro," Jirara said quietly. His big, black cloak float gently with the gentle breeze. The leaves rustled in the background, protesting at the awkward silence. It was quite unnerving to see Captain Jirara, with his penetrating and glowing red "eyes" and sharp metal claws. One cannot read Jirara because he does not have real eyes, he wears a mask, and his voice cold enough to give any living creature a chill.

Zeroro nodded rather stiffly. Then Captain Jirara just stood there, watching. Zeroro froze, thoughts racing through his mind. He didn't know what he was supposed to do and why Jirara had stayed. He shifted his feet awkwardly. Jirara, sensing that the youngster felt unease in his presence, disappeared out of sight. Zeroro sighed in relief, unaware of the fact that Jirara had concealed himself on the dense leaves of a tree.

Zeroro took in a deep breath and tried once more. This time he followed Jirara's advice. He stretched out his right hand, opened his hand with his palm facing up. He gazed at his palm, waitig for a miracle. After a few, unusually long seconds, a blue energy ball flared up spontaneously, taking Zeroro by surprise.

"You did it."

Zeroro turned toward Jirara and smiled under his mask. His face glowed with pride and happiness. He blushed and stuttered, "Th-Thank you!"

Then in a blink of eye, Jirara disappeared, leaving the youngster in awe. Zeroro later wondered how Jirara had learned his name. He slowly walked to the cafeteria, his tummy growling loudly. He felt accomplished today.


About aliens being dark creature, I remember it being mentioned in the episode in which Alissa Southerncross first appeared. However, I do not watch the English dubbed version so I am not sure if there are some differences. Letting you know what is coming ahead: this story takes on a more serious tone and will get sadder as it progresses.