CrazyQuilava: Thank you for reviewing! :) I don't want to spoil anything, so we'll just have to see what happens…. ;) Thank you! I'm not really experienced in playing Yugioh, so hearing people saying my duels are good means a lot to me! Thanks, stay safe and wash your hands too! ;)

Well, it's about time this chapter arrived. Originally, I was planning to do the episode with Lorenzo today instead. However, I figured Serena couldn't do anything there. Her meeting a fellow Italian would have been nice… It just wouldn't fit my plans for the story though. Besides, I think it's about time Serena stopped being in the dark about some things…

So, here it goes! This chapter takes place during 'Source Of Strength'.

I only own my OC's!

"Dear, can you come over here?" A woman asked. "Coming, Auntie!" The girl's voice exclaimed. "Who… Who are you?" It then asked in surprise. "Serena, manners." The woman reminded in a scolding tone. "Sorry, Auntie." The girl apologized in embarrassment. "Leave it be. She's just a little girl." Another woman's voice spoke up gently. "She still needs to show some manners, or else she won't learn them." The first woman replied firmly.

"These people are my friends, dear," She then said. "They'll look after you from now on." "Mama and Papa won't come home?" The girl asked on the verge of tears. "They're quite busy, sweetie. And I can't look after you anymore. Luca and Ben are waiting for me in California." "But I don't want you to go!" The girl cried.

"Sorry, but I have to." It was silent for a few moments. "How about I introduce you to my friends? Trust me, you'll like them!" She then whispered. "Auntie, I'm scared. I don't even know those people!" The girl replied, only for the woman to shush her due to her loud tone. "Please just come with me." "But…" "Please, Serena." The woman repeated. "Fine…" The girl sighed.

After other few moments of silence, the woman spoke up. "I'd like to introduce you to my niece. Go on, dear." "I'm Serena." The girl spoke up shyly. "Serena." Another woman repeated. "That's a pretty name." "Quite similar to hers, in fact." The first woman pointed out with a chuckle. "Really?" The girl asked in surprise.

"Yes." The other woman chuckled. "What's your name then?" The girl asked curiously. "Sarina." She introduced herself. "Oh..." The girl trailed off before laughing. Two women joined her in laughter. "There's no need to be nervous. Come over here." The first woman suddenly told someone encouragingly. "Who's that?" The girl asked. "That's my older brother." The second woman replied gently.

Sun rays were shining into the room through the open window. I was sitting on the bed and looking at the picture in my hands. It showed Ben and me when we were both eleven. Both of us were smiling at the camera.

I let out a sigh and brushed off brimming tears from my eyes. This picture was taken back when my cousin didn't hate me…

It's been two days since most of the Obelisk Blue dorm joined this 'Society Of Light'. Ben and Alexis were among those people. Since then, Ben had started acting rude to me. He didn't call me 'cuzo', or 'cugina' anymore. Instead, those words were replaced with 'wench' or 'wretch'. Every time I would try to come closer to him, he'd either push me away violently or start shouting at me to get away from him. Whenever I tried to talk to him, he ignored me. He even moved out of the Slifer Red dorm. I tried to talk to him yesterday again, which ended unsuccessfully.

I had a huge bruise on my back by now. Yesterday, Mrs. Fontaine said I was damn lucky I didn't break anything during that fall. That meant Ben had pushed me with full intention of causing me actual harm…

Knowing that hurt… Two days ago, we were hugging each other, and now, he was looking at me as if I were his worst enemy! What could have caused him to change so much in such short time?! Benjamin I knew hated white, yet was now wearing only that… Benjamin I knew was kind, considerate, not angry or violent…

Seeing how I could have got even worse damage, I decided to stay away from my cousin for a while. There was no point in going after him if he was only going to hurt you… Then I really wouldn't be able to do anything! However, that didn't stop me from worrying. From what I had figured out, all members of that society lost their duels and then joined it, but I hadn't seen Ben dueling at all… He had said he'd go check out that day's headlines! What could have happened during that time?

Without Ben around, I started feeling rather lonely. I still wasn't over his behavior, nor could I forget about what happened to Aunt Maria… I was feeling rather lost and helpless all of a sudden. Usually, at least someone would be there to guide me, or help me… Now there was no one. Uncle Luca was most probably in depression since he didn't answer my calls. Even though I didn't count much on my parents, I tried calling them. They told me they were extremely busy and that they had no time for nonsense. It made me feel rather bitter…

Aunt Maria was missing, and Ben was acting strange… And they referred to it as nonsense?! Actually, they didn't make it clear what exactly they were referring to, but it was obviously one of those two things.

"If I were Sarina and Sartorius, what would I say to my problem?" I then asked myself aloud while putting the picture away.

Standing up, I started pacing in the room back and forth. I was trying to imagine what those two would say at the current situation I was in. Whenever I had a problem, they usually gave… Used to give best and most reasonable advice. However, I had no luck in thinking about what they'd say. I guessed it simply wasn't my day, since I usually had no problems like this. That, or not seeing those two for more than a year did its work…

Suddenly, I could hear knocking on the door. I yelped in surprise and jumped back a bit. After a few moments, I sighed in relief and went to open it. I was greeted with Jaden and Syrus looking at me from outside. "Hey, Serena." The former greeted with a smile. "Hey." I responded simply, not knowing what else to say.

Ever since Ben started acting weird, I've pretty much avoided talking to other people. That way I could grieve in peace…

"How are you doing?" Syrus asked me with a sympathetic look. "Why?" I raised an eyebrow at him. "We heard about what happened to your aunt." Jaden explained. "We also didn't forget about Ben's behavior." The short guy added. I was looking between them back and forth for a few moments.

I haven't talked to anybody for two days (Ben's behavior didn't count, since he ignored me), and those two were wondering whether I was alright… One part of me thought about how they probably had better business than to snoop into my personal problems… But the other one thought how it was a kind gesture. I just couldn't treat them badly after they had showed worry for me… Even though I didn't understand why they were worrying. I wasn't exactly friends with them, no matter what Jaden thought…

"Fine, I guess." I finally responded with a shrug. "I'm sure they'll find out about what happened at the Industrial Illusions." Syrus said reassuringly. "Hopefully." I commented coldly. "Anyway," Jaden spoke up. "We were wondering if you'd like to keep us company to the shop?"

I stared at him for a few moments. "Why are you going there?" I asked shortly. "Jaden says the Golden Gen finally laid an egg after a few weeks. He wants to try to get the Golden Eggwich." Syrus briefly explained with a sigh.

At the mention of the Golden Eggwich, my stomach started growling. I had to admit, I hadn't eaten much since what happened with Ben and Aunt Maria… Now I was so hungry I could eat a horse!

"Besides, a bit of fresh air would do you some good." Jaden added cheerfully. "What makes you think that?" I gave him a questioning look. "It's obvious you're upset about Ben and your aunt, that's why." Syrus responded instead. "While what's happening with Obelisk Blue is worrying, there's no point in sulking or feeling bad all day. You have to lift your spirits." The brown-haired guy added.

His positive attitude never ceased to surprise me…

I kept looking at them. As much as I had this urge to stay and keep being depressed, I knew that wasn't exactly a solution to my problems… It was just that, with Ben and Aunt Maria gone now, I've been feeling rather lonely. A feeling that was very familiar to me…

"A person can't function properly if they're always by themselves." Those words were echoing in my head. Sartorius definitely had a point when he said them. Here I was, feeling lonely yet again due to certain circumstances. Sometimes, when I was alone, I felt like silence would eventually lead me into insanity. He was definitely right; I was just too dumb to realize it back then… There was no point in trying to stay away from Duel Monsters lovers if I ended up alone. It just wasn't worth it.

Seeing Ben wasn't willing to talk to me, I had to talk to at least someone here. Since Jaden and Syrus were so nice to me, I finally made my decision. I decided to suck it up and go with them to that shop. They may have liked something I hated, but I couldn't ignore them completely because of that! It was as if Ben decided to ignore me just because I was so obsessed with nature…

By now, I couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't keep ignoring those people because of my parents isolating me as a kid… That feeling of hatred and revenge felt nice and satisfying at times… But if I kept doing it, I'd be completely alone. Now that people I cared about were gone, I was desperate not to end up like before; lonely… I couldn't let it happen! It was one of worst feelings in the world. I wouldn't let it appear in my life again.

"Fine, why not?" I finally spoke up with a shrug. "Then let's hit it!" Jaden cheered while Syrus let out a small smile. I put on my boots and closed the door. We then started running towards the main building.

If I ever saw Sartorius again, I owed him an apology for being such a freaking idiot… It was advices like this that always got me out of trouble!


"Remind me, is the shop open this early?" Syrus asked while were walking through the building. "It's supposed to be. Dorothy usually wakes up earlier than others." Jaden replied. "How long does the shop work anyway?" I asked curiously.

Not that its working time really mattered to me right now, I just wanted to say something

"Until eight, I think." Syrus explained. "Oh." I simply nodded in understanding. "Veo, veo, que ves…" I then sang to myself quietly, not knowing what else to say. "Una cosita, y que cosita es? Empieza con la 'A'… Que será, que será, que será…"

"Is that Italian?" Jaden's sudden question brought me back to reality. I looked up with a yelp. "No, it's Spanish." I quickly said. "You know Spanish too?" Syrus asked in surprise. I shook my head. "Only basics, and from songs like this one. Aunt Maria used to sing them to me when I was little." I explained. "Ben and Aunt, on the other hand, speak it fluently." I then added.

"Ben never said that." Jaden looked at Syrus questioningly. The latter shook his head. "He most probably didn't in order not to have all of you confused. Italian and Spanish are similar languages, since they come from same group." I stated. "Really?" Jaden rubbed the back of his head. I nodded. "I can understand some things in Spanish thanks to Italian, and in French. All of them have both their similarities and differences." "Bonaparte literally meant it when he said you were neighbors." Syrus pointed out in realization. "Pretty much, yes." I rolled my eyes.

Finally, we walked into the card shop. The moment that happened, Jaden ran to the cart filled with draw bread. "Jay, slow down!" Syrus ran after him. I walked up to the cart as well. While Jaden took ton of them in his hands, I took three of them. Hopefully, that would be enough to calm my appetite…

"Well, I'm not surprised you're the first customer." A female voice spoke up in amusement. We turned around to see Dorothy walking up to us. "I have to try to get that Golden Eggwich!" Jaden responded simply and dropped the draw bread into the cart. He started looking through it. Dorothy let out a laugh while I walked up to her with three sandwiches. "How much do three of those cost?" I asked her.

She told me the price and I immediately paid for them. "You're trying to find Golden Eggwich too?" The woman then guessed. I shook my head. "I just want to eat because I'm extremely hungry." I explained. "Three sandwiches?" Syrus was staring at me in surprise. I could feel a bit of red appearing on my cheeks. If he said it in such way, then that meant I took more than an average person was supposed to for one meal…

However, right now, I didn't give a damn. The only thing that mattered was not being hungry anymore.

"I haven't eaten much for those two days." I said after clearing my throat. "Oh." Syrus nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry about what happened." Dorothy told me sincerely. "Thank you." I simply nodded to her. "Hopefully they'll be able to find them…" I then trailed off while looking at sandwiches in my hands.

"That's what I told Ben as well. However, he didn't react to my words at all." Dorothy frowned. "What?" I asked surprised. By now, Jaden, Syrus and I were staring at her. "He walked in this morning to check out today's newspapers. For some reason, he was completely dressed in white." She explained a bit confused.

Honestly, I was surprised. Ben had changed so much for those two days, but he still came here to see newspapers? That was something he had done before entering that society… And that didn't change? It was quite weird…

"When I told him that, he completely ignored my words and walked out." Dorothy then said. "Any idea what happened to make him act so unusual?" She then asked curiously. "He apparently joined this organization called 'the Society Of Light' along with Chazz and Alexis." Syrus let out a sigh. "That's why all of them are wearing white?" Dorothy presumed. "Yes." I nodded.

That was when I decided to walk over to the newspaper stand. I quickly took some newspapers and started looking through them. Unfortunately, there was nothing new concerning Industrial Illusions.

By the time I turned around, Jaden was buying two bags of sandwiches. He spent all that money just to get that Golden Eggwich… He surely had guts. My parents would never allow me to buy so much because of one sandwich, no matter how delicious it was. They'd claim how it was a waste of money.

"Serena, are you coming?" Jaden asked while taking one bag in his arms. Syrus took the other one. I shook my head. "Go ahead. I'll catch up with you as soon as I check all newspapers." I told them. "Fine." The two guys chorused and started walking out. "The newest ones are at the top." Dorothy told me. "Thanks." I nodded. She smiled before walking out as well.

I just had to see whether there was at least something new in any of those newspapers…

By the time I looked through all of them, my hope for good news vanished. There was absolutely nothing new in here… I would just have to come back every day to keep up with the news. I made it my mission to check every newspaper that day. Hopefully, looking for good news would also help me stay sane…

That was when my stomach started growling yet again. It was then I realized I still hadn't eaten those sandwiches. I quickly unwrapped one and started eating it. It had bacon and an egg inside… And it was delicious!

Seeing I ate fast, I was soon done with it. I then unwrapped the second one and started eating it on my way outside the shop.


By the time I finished eating all three of them, I was in front of the Slifer Red dorm.

Jaden, Syrus, Hassleberry and Dorothy were talking between themselves. Once I got closer, I noticed Hassleberry had a Duel Disk strapped to his arm. "Serena, you won't believe us what just happened!" Jaden then said, being the first one to notice me walking up to them. The other three turned around as well.

Suddenly, Pharaoh walked up to me. It looked like the cat was in a rather bad mood about something… Didn't know what got him so upset. I kneeled down to pet it, only for the cat to jump into my arms. Letting out a small chuckle, I stood up.

"Try me." I then told them while petting the cat. I could hear him purring, which meant he finally calmed down. I had to admit, I was a bit curious what Jaden was talking about… "Hassleberry just had a duel with Aster Phoenix's manager!" Syrus exclaimed. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

Aster Phoenix's manager? What was he doing here? Who was that in the first place? I didn't know professional duelists even had managers…

"And who won?" I asked. "Mr. Tall, Pale and Gruesome, unfortunately." Hassleberry rolled his eyes. "Gruesome?" I raised an eyebrow at his description of the unknown man. Unknown to me, actually, since I didn't get to see that duel… "Yes, gruesome!"

"Isn't that a bit insulting?" I questioned with a sigh, this time playing with one of Pharaoh's ears. "Well, you should have seen what he looked like. You'd have changed your mind instantly." Hassleberry frowned at me. "He's right, that man looked so scary…" Syrus trailed off. "I've never seen anyone like him." Dorothy spoke up.

Looking at all of them, I realized this 'gruesome' man really left an impression. "Fine, what makes him so gruesome?" I decided to bite. "His skin was as white as a bone." Jaden spoke up. "And his eyes looked scary…" Syrus added. "Not to mention his whole appearance and those weird spinning cards!" Hassleberry added.

I was looking at them in a bit of surprise. Spinning cards? What in the world was he talking about?!

"Thankfully you weren't brainwashed too." Jaden then told Hassleberry who nodded. "If that creep shows around here again, he'll see!" He declared firmly. "Wait, how come you're not in that society if you lost?" I asked him confused.

"It's thanks to my Dino DNA." He responded with a proud look. "Dino DNA?" I raised an eyebrow perplexed. "Hassleberry had an incident while digging in which he nearly broke his leg in two. In order to save it, the doctors replaced the broken bone with a dinosaur one he had found earlier." Jaden briefly explained while the guy lifted up his left trouser leg.

I looked down at it curiously. A scar was across a part of his leg… The whole story sounded quite interesting too… "Good to know you're still sane." I looked up at him. "Agree, soldier." The guy nodded with a smirk.

I still didn't understand what business Aster Phoenix's manager had with this society… Nor did I have time to think about it because I looked up and gasped. The door to my room were left wide open… How come I hadn't noticed it earlier?!

"Did one of you enter my room?" I quickly asked them while still gaping. "No." Jaden, Syrus and Hassleberry shook their heads. "I think they had been open before I had a duel with that creep…" Hassleberry rubbed the back of his head.

Without another word, put down the cat and raced to the room.

Once I was at the door, my jaw dropped to the floor. My bed was in complete mess, with pillow lying over the disorganized sheets. The door of the wardrobe was wide open. Someone must have been snooping through my room…

A quiet growl escaped from my mouth as I quickly took off my boots and threw them inside. Normally, I would have put them away, but right now, my blood was boiling so much… Whoever that was, how dare they invade my privacy?! Didn't they have decency to know that was just rude?!

I quickly walked over to my table. To my even bigger fury, the herbarium and album were lying there wide open…

"Why in the world doesn't this Academy have room keys?!" I screeched furiously. I was so angry right now, that I was probably near to losing it… I quickly took the herbarium to see on what page it was. Jasmines were lying on it. Those were the same ones I had found when my parents forced me to go to the Academy…

I closed the herbarium with a glare and put it on the table. Grabbing the album, I stopped to look at what page it was on. Even more anger washed over me once I saw it. That was the page with pictures of Ben and me as kids, Aunt and Uncle, Sarina reading me a book and Sartorius spinning four-year-old me around in the air.

By now, I felt like someone had literally ruined all of my privacy. This album couldn't be a personal thing if someone just looked through it without asking me… What gave them the right to do so?! What gave them the right to snoop through my personal life?!

"If I ever find out who did this," I started while shaking from anger. "I'll make sure they pay." That was when the pillow on the bed caught my attention. With a feeling of dread washing over me, I raced to it. I was hoping it wasn't what I thought it was…

However, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find it. It wasn't under the pillow where I usually kept it. It wasn't even on the bed… Whoever that person was, they took Sartorius' tarot card without even asking me… "You're so done for once I get my hands on you, Mister Gruesome." I growled while curling my hands into fists.

I didn't believe any student did this. Nothing had happened before, and I believed at least they had decency to respect someone's privacy… It must have been Aster Phoenix's manager.

"Serena, what happened?" Syrus asked once he, Jaden and Hassleberry were at the entrance of my room. "Someone was snooping through my things. They even stole something from me." I responded while folding my arms. "It must have been Mister Gruesome." Hassleberry declared. "I think so too." I nodded while getting off the bed.

"What makes you think that?" Jaden asked him. "He was literally sitting in front of me on a chair once I fell off my bed! He even asked me whether that was your room." The guy replied. "Really?" The brown-haired guy asked in surprise. Hassleberry nodded.

If that man had the audacity to walk into someone's room uninvited, then I was sure he was the one snooping through my room… There was no doubt anymore.

"There you are!" Bastion's voice made all of us turn around. The Ra Yellow student ran to the room's entrance. "Haven't you heard the news?" He asked. "What news?" Syrus wondered. "Crowler told all students to come to the main classroom right away." The British guy explained. "Why? We're not supposed to have any classes today." Jaden pointed out. "No one knows." Bastion replied.

"Fine…" We chorused with sighs. After I had put on my boots, I ran with the guys towards the main building.


Once I entered the classroom, I looked around. Ben was sitting with Alexis and Chazz in the left, sixth row. Once he saw me looking at him, he glared at me. I quickly looked away with a sigh. I used to sit next to my cousin, but it was obvious I couldn't do that anymore…

"Serena, what's wrong?" I looked up to see Jaden walking up to me. "Nothing," I quickly shook my head. "It's just that… I usually sit next to Ben, but that obviously won't be the case anymore…." I then trailed off while glancing at Ben's sitting form. Right now, he, Chazz and Alexis were whispering something to each other.

A small smile appeared on Jaden's face. "Then come sit with us." He suggested. "You don't mind?" I asked in slight surprise. "Why would I?" He gave me a questioning look. "It doesn't matter. If it's alright with your friends, then lead the way." I quickly said.

With a grin on his face, Jaden grabbed my left hand. He started leading me towards the center, fifth row. Bastion, Hassleberry and Syrus were already sitting there. "Guys, could you make some room so Serena could sit with us?" The brown-haired guy asked. The three of them looked at each other before looking at two of us.

"Sure." Syrus nodded. Bastion nodded as well, but without saying anything. "Why not?" Hassleberry asked. The three of them then moved for one seat. Jaden sat in a seat next to Syrus. I sat in the one right next to Jaden quietly.

A small feeling of pleasure washed over me. While I wasn't friends with any of them, I definitely wasn't alone like this… That was all that mattered.

"What do you think this is all about?" Syrus then spoke up. "Your guess is as good as mine." Jaden shrugged. "Crowler could have been a bit clearer about what on Earth is happening…" Bastion spoke up with his arms folded. "Agree." Hassleberry nodded.

Just as he said that, Crowler walked through the right door of the room. He was holding a microphone in his hands.

"Settle down, students!" He said through it, instantly silencing everyone in the room. "I have an important announcement to make, so pay attention!" My eyebrows furrowed in thought. We were here just for an announcement? What could have been so important not to wait until tomorrow?

"A new student has joined us. Now, make friends with him and play nicely!" Crowler continued talking through the microphone. "Come on… What does he think, that we're in first grade?" Jaden asked quietly in amusement from my right. "Actually, one of us is." I looked up to see Hassleberry smirking. "I'm gonna ignore that!" Syrus frowned at him, making the taller guy laugh.

A smirk appeared on Bastion's face after hearing their words. I, on the other hand, looked up. I just wanted to see who the new student was and get over with this. The sooner Crowler introduced him to us, the sooner we could get out of this classroom…

"I give you Duel Academy's newest pupil!" Crowler suddenly pointed at the left door. The door opened. Someone walked out, closing the door behind in process. Finally, my eyes landed on the student approaching Crowler.

My eyes widened once I saw familiar, long, dark blue hair. That detail alone made me realize who this person was.

Suddenly, I felt like I couldn't breathe at all. Hell, I felt like I couldn't even move! It was as if every part of me froze. I couldn't even think properly at the moment…

"But that's…" "I can't believe it." "What?" I could hear others next to me saying something. "Sartorius will be entering as a first-year student!" Crowler declared as the man finally looked up.

That was when the screen turned on, showing the man's face. I looked up at it in utter astonishment. At that moment, I should have been feeling happy, but…. I wasn't. Instead, I was feeling even more shock, and some nervousness.

It may have been more than a year since I've last seen Sartorius… But, right now, looking at him didn't feel like it was the same person. It was as if I were looking at a doppelganger instead… I couldn't figure out why at that moment, it just did!

"He's a bit older than our average freshman, but he's an eager learner! And our evaluation committee has determined that he has great potential!" Crowler continued his speech.

However, I zoned out immediately after those words. I kept looking at the face on the monitor until it suddenly turned off. Seeing students were slowly getting out, I realized we were dismissed.

Finally, I was able to get a bit back to my senses. I was still feeling shocked, but I had no time for that right now. My eyes landed on Sartorius who was currently talking to Crowler. At that moment, a plan formed in my mind.

I had to see whether that was truly Sartorius or not. I mean, Crowler introduced him of course, but something just didn't feel right there. My guts were telling me so, and I couldn't ignore it…

Before guys could ask me anything, I raced outside the classroom. I quickly hid behind a nearest wall and kept watching the students passing. I was waiting for the right moment…

Finally, after five minutes, I could see Sartorius walking through the hallway past me. I started walking after him at distance, trying to see where I could talk to him alone. To my surprise, he walked out of the main building. It looked like he was going towards the forest.

A sigh of relief escaped from my mouth. No one would go into the forest, which meant no one could interrupt me… Thankfully, Sartorius never turned around to see whether someone was following him.

By now, we were on a clearing inside the forest. It was away from the main building, and from other dormitories. I finally decided to grab the chance, despite my huge nervousness.

"Sartorius!" I exclaimed. The moment those words came out of my mouth, the man stopped walking. "Is that you?" I then asked. There was no answer for a few moments. I bit my lip nervously, not even knowing why I was doing that.

This person has looked after me since I was four. This was the person who's been there for me more than my own father ever has… There was no need to act anxious!

"I knew you'd follow me right here." A cold voice spoke up, making shivers run down my spine. Finally, he turned around. I took that moment to observe him more closely. He was dressed in what seemed to be Obelisk Blue uniform, with the blazer going down until his feet. Along with the blazer were dark trousers and long, white boots. A grey box was around his right leg.

That was when I realized why looking at Sartorius felt like looking at a completely different person. I finally realized what my guts were trying to tell me.

There was this strange smile on the man's face I had never seen before. It looked somewhat smug… Then his voice. There was something cold, almost icy about it. I had never heard it coming from him… Looking up at the man yet again, another detail dawned on me. I quickly lifted up my pale, yet freckled arm while looking at him.

Sartorius' skin was as pale as a bone, even paler than mine. From what I remembered, that didn't use to be the case… Having such pale skin was unnatural, or unhealthy. One last detail I noticed was his eyes. There was something weird about them, I just couldn't figure out exactly what at that moment…

All in all, with those differences, it truly felt like I was looking at someone else instead. However, I tried to ignore them for now. I had to say something! Besides, I had to ask myself whether those differences really mattered at that moment. I finally saw Sartorius after more than a year after all!

"I can't believe it's really you." I finally spoke up with a smile. I was trying to reassure myself how my doubts were about to go away as soon as I hugged him…

"Do you have any idea how much Aunt Maria and I were worried?!" I then demanded. Without a second thought, I ran up to the man and hugged him… Only to suddenly be pushed away rather harshly. I looked up in utter astonishment. "Don't touch me." He hissed with a glare.

A pang of hurt washed over me. Sartorius never pushed me away in such manner…

"Where have you been all this time? And where's Sarina?" I then demanded, trying to ignore feelings of hurt welling up inside me. "That is none of your concern." Sartorius replied coldly.

I stayed quiet for a few moments. Wind started blowing around us. I was looking into the man's cold purple eyes, which were looking right back at me.

At that moment, I was just trying to piece everything together. Sarina and Sartorius may not have been my family, but they definitely felt like one to me. After all those years of them looking after me, I've grown to care about them as if they were my parents… They've done more things for me than my own ones ever had. So why was Sartorius so harsh to me now? What did I do to deserve such harsh treatment from someone I looked up to as a father?

"Why are you acting like this? Do you have any idea how much I missed you and Sarina?!" I asked while trying to prevent tears from brimming in my eyes. The response I got was a cold look from the man. It only made me feel even worse…

"Master Sartorius!" A voice suddenly shouted. Feelings of shock washed over me. "Master Sartorius? What in the world are they talking about?!" I shouted to the man who simply smiled smugly. Ben ran up to him.

"Master Sartorius, what are you doing with that wretch?!" My cousin asked while glaring at me. "Calm down, Benjamin. I'll handle this on my own." Sartorius told him, much to my disbelief. He was perfectly fine with Ben calling me that… "Tell the other members of the Society Of Light I'll be there soon." With a simple nod, Ben ran out of the forest.

I let out a deep breath, trying to process everything. If they called him 'Master Sartorius', then that meant he must have been the one behind this 'Light' thing… Five minutes ago, I would have found it hard to believe in that. It was still hard, but not impossible after the way Sartorius had just treated me… He was completely fine with Ben treating me like this as well?! He was completely fine with Ben acting so unlike him?! I was feeling like everything I knew was falling apart…

"Does this mean you're behind what happened to Ben, Alexis, Chazz and the others?!" I demanded with a frown. "I haven't done a thing to them. They chose to join my society with their own free will." Sartorius replied calmly. "Society filled with aggressive people obsessed with light?! What's got into all of you?!" I shouted incredulously.

"They saw the truth, that's what happened." He was still calm as if what had just happened was no big deal. "Sartorius, what happened to you?" I asked a bit more quietly now. "Why are you looking at me with such pitiful eyes?" He frowned at me instead, completely ignoring my question. "I'm just worr…." "I don't care about what you think!" He growled at me, making me feel even worse.

The man then walked up to me. I could see some white-dressed students looking at us from behind nearby trees. "If you know what's good for you, then you'll stay away from me. Consider this a warning." He whispered in my right ear, making shivers run down my spine. At that moment, I didn't have courage to look him in the eyes. I just couldn't…

After those words, Sartorius started walking away from me. The rest of the students walked after him.

I was looking at his disappearing form. He had just threatened me…

Finally, everything I knew finally crumbled. I wasn't sure what to think about this anymore. I had been feeling lost before, but now it was even worse… I was feeling lost, and hurt.

Tears started streaming down my cheeks.

Well, about time Sartorius himself arrived! Took him, I think, 11 chapters? I've been looking forward to writing this chapter pretty much since the story started. I kind of feel bad for doing this to Serena… But it's necessary for the story! Besides, it's about time she found out he's the one behind this, she literally found it out at the last moment while everyone else already knew. Things should start getting interesting soon, I'm looking forward to them…

The song Serena was singing to herself is actually a famous Spanish song for kids in case anyone's wondering. The reason she sang it to herself is to remember good memories with her aunt. Maria knows that language because her paternal grandmother was Spanish, so she learned it from her father.

Anyway, I hope you liked it and until next time! :)