Chapter 17

"This has gone on for long enough!" shouted Devon, shaking the entire meeting table as he loudly slammed his fist on it, "I've had enough of your petty squabbling! In this entire day, none of you got anything finalized for discussion. And you call yourself the world's best!"

Glancing throughout the room, the piercing stare of the Solaris Emperor could not be challenged by any other gaze. The other members of the meeting looked shocked at the outburst, then more cautious and weary. Their hearts may be hardened by years of economic experiences, but none were stupid enough to prolong the Emperor's rage any longer.

"Bill! Get your things ready! We are leaving!" roared Devon. With a swift hand gesture, he added, "This meeting is dismissed! You may report to my personal assistant when, and only when, all of you have your projects sorted out."

There was a long and silent pause in the room, before a mighty uproar of complaints arose from the members. They all shared one collective thought. Surely if they all started talking at once, the Solaris Emperor couldn't possibly leave matters as it is, right?

Wrong.

Devon calmly whispered into his assistant's ear before rushing out the large meeting room without even a second glance. Kyle, in turn, adjusted his glasses and flipped down his laptop cover before grabbing up the expensive business jacket that his boss had forgot. Hurrying after Emp, Kyle turned back to the rising voices in the room, and added one last word.

"Please, everyone. You are all fine gentlemen and ladies here. Such accusing and obnoxious tones are not befitting to people of your stature. The Emp and myself will excuse ourselves from this meeting today, but we hope that once all of you have your real business attitudes with you, then we can continue this discussion. However, from today on, I will be acting as a representative for the Emp in further meetings."

The room went completely silent. Kyle smiled guiltily and opened the door.

"Thank you, and have a lovely evening."

The business assistant hurried out of the room and closed the door before the people inside could react to what he just said. As he fast-walked down the corridor trying to find his boss, Kyle distinctly heard the heightened voices inside the room.

"Oh! Did he just have the nerve to call ME, obnoxious?"

"He thinks WE were the ones who were 'unprofessional'!"

"Now the 'Solaris Emperor' thinks he's so mighty that he doesn't even have the time to attend the GBM*, so he sends in his ASSISTANT to deal with us?"

"I can't believe it! He's worse than his father!"

People gasped.

Then the room suddenly hushed into complete silence again. Kyle laughed to himself. That last comment was out of line, and the elite entrepreneurs knew it. The Solaris Emperor absolutely hated people mentioning his father, or in any way relating his father's name to his. The person who said it must be hoping he/she could melt into a puddle of water right now. Noting down the voice's name, Kyle finally found the Emp, just getting ready for the limo. Smirking, the business assistant once again adjusted his glasses and wondered about how Devon could make that person eat his words. What will it be this time? Compromising photos? Family blackmail? Nah, how about complete and utter economic bankruptcy?

"You think Daren's going to be okay?" said Devon, leaning on the car's window. "I can't believe those blubbering loud mouths stretched the meeting till now! Look! It's almost midnight! What if that stupid scientist forgot to make something for him to eat, and Daren still hasn't eaten his dinner yet?"

Kyle swiftly replied, "No worries. When I called Daren, he said he was buying barbecue and coming home to eat dinner with a friend."

Devon's tired eyes lit up. "What? A friend? Was it that acquaintance he mentioned today?"

"I believe this was a different friend."

The Solaris Emperor nodded. "I knew he was going to be popular! Look! He made so many friends on the first day!" Then sighing, Devon added, "I promised I was going to eat dinner with him today. I wanted to meet his friend. Argh! I just broke the first promise I've made to him in seven years!"

The mighty business man rubbed his eyes in frustration. How could he be a good brother to Daren like this? Why do things always turn out wrong involving Daren and himself?

"-However, Daren does report that he damaged his motorcycle."

"Oh, just get him a new one."

"Yes, Emp."

Devon was still wallowing in self guilt until something snapped.

"Did... you just say he damaged a motorcycle?"

"Yes, Emp."

"Was it the motorcycle that he wanted to ride to school today?"

"Yes, Emp."

"...How did he damage it?"

"I believe he crashed it into the school wall, Emp."

"..."

"Daren also adds that he will take responsibility for all damages and asks that you not to hurt Dr. Theodore."

"...I'll make up some excuse. Daren will believe me, won't he?"

"As nice as that might sound, I'm sure Daren's already onto your plans."

Devon tensed his fists. Damn! His little brother's one step ahead of him. But just imagining the expression on Daren's face if he ever found out what happened to Theodore... Oh, he can't take it. Never mind. Killing Theodore was out of the question. Sighing, the Solaris Emperor shook his head in contemplation.

"Bill, remove all the motorcycles in the underground parking lot. Then have the rest of the drivers on standby tomorrow morning. Daren can pick for himself which ride he wants for school."

"Yes, Emp."

Dark Sun's microchip rang loud and clear.

6AM

Time to get up.

In a blur of wind, he brushed his teeth, made his bed, showered, and was about to dress himself for school. However, he was surprised at the sudden change of clothes in his wardrobe. Yesterday morning it was empty, and now it was full of different types of jackets, jeans, and shirts. Overwhelmed at the sudden range of choices, Dark Sun gingerly picked up the same set of clothes he wore yesterday, and put them on. He didn't want to complicate things too much.

Heading downstairs, his eyes first met an enthusiastic Devon, who was busy putting maple syrup on a stack of pancakes. After a second glance, that was a lot of syrup. Then again, maybe Devon just really liked sweet things. Kyle the business assistant was wearing an apron that read, "Kiss the Cook" and making more pancakes. Theodore the scientist was busy snoring away, head leaning back on the chair, limbs spread out like a sea star.

Dark Sun shook his head and joined the unusual group for breakfast. And Ezart thought he was 'different'. He should come take a look at this scene every morning.

Upon seeing his little brother's face, Devon jumped up and swallowed the teen in a tight embrace.

"Good morning, Daren! Come! Sit down and enjoy some pancakes!"

Dark Sun nodded, and immediately sat down.

Devon was perturbed at Daren's lack of a response, but decided not to pursue the matter. Maybe he's just tired.

"So," continued Devon, taking a seat next to his little brother, "I've been dying to ask. How was school yesterday?"

"Good."

"Did you like the teachers?"

"Mhm."

"Did you like the school?"

"Yes."

"How were the students in your class?"

"Fine."

"The food. Was the food there any good?"

"Great."

Now Devon was really disturbed by the lack of detail in any of his little brother's responses.

"Did you make any friends?"

"A few."

"Can I meet them sometime?"

"If they would like to come over."

'Maybe Daren's mad that I didn't keep my promise from yesterday.' thought Devon.

"Are you mad that I couldn't make it home in time for dinner last night?"

"No, I was fine with it. I understand you had other matters to attend to."

"You didn't care at all that I wasn't home?"

"Am I... supposed to be?"

Devon was shocked. Mentally, he was already weeping with a handkerchief. Kyle in the back was quite amused with the flow of conversation, and Theodore was still snoring loudly.

Dark Sun didn't understand why Devon had such a shocked expression on his face. Was it something he said, again? Or was it a trick question? As long as he knew where Devon was, Dark Sun's microchip never told him that the master needed to be at home.

A delicious smell suddenly wafted under his nose. Dark Sun looked down to see a fresh plate of pancakes ready to eat. He saw Kyle smile warmly, and said, "Enjoy your meal, Daren. You have a long school day ahead of you."

Turning his head around, Kyle addressed Devon. "It is past 7:00, Emp. We have an important news interview to attend at 7:30. Please hurry and finish your food so we can get you dressed and on your way to the station."

Devon was still struck speechless. Perhaps... Perhaps... Could this be the rumoured 'rebellious stage' in every adolescent's life? Could Daren be turning rebellious already? Oh, they grow up so fast.

Kyle sighed. Knowing his boss, the Emp is going to have that mental breakdown for at least a few minutes. He was already reaching for his laptop set up on the kitchen counter to email the news station that they were going to be late.

"Oh yes, Daren. I believe it isn't such a good idea to drive the motorcycle today. We have prepared many other rides for you though, from the BDT Sugaru to the 560-7 LD. You may take your pick downstairs in the underground parking lot," added Kyle.

Dark Sun sighed. But it really was his own fault for breaking a motorcycle on the first day.

"That's alright, I'll walk."

Kyle adjusted his glasses. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," confirmed the silver haired teen.

Looking over at Emp's direction, and finding the blonde entrepreneur genius still frozen in time, Kyle decided to let Dark Sun have his way.

"Okay, then you'll have to leave a bit early. The school is at least a 30 minutes walk from here. I trust you know the directions?"

"Yes."

"Have a good time at school then. I have to take Emp to his dressing room."

"Good luck," answered Dark Sun, pitying the poor business assistant.

Halfway to the school, Dark Sun saw a familiar face.

Ezart was walking, drinking Coke and chewing toast as the same time. The orange haired teen seemed to notice Dark Sun's presence and waved for him to come closer. As he neared, Dark Sun noticed dark eye bags and several dark bruises and wounds on Ezart.

"I never knew you walked to school."

"This is my first time."

"What happened to your fancy motorcycle?"

"You broke it, remember?

Ezart laughed. And burped. "Yes, I did, didn't I? But mind you, you crashed it into a wall first."

Dark Sun shrugged. "I could've still fixed those damages."

"Stop being such a bad sport."

"I'm not a sport."

Ezart looked at the latter weirdly. "...You sure take things literally don't you?"

"Why are you all bruised up?" asked Dark Sun.

"Eh, part of my job, that's all. I won, that's all that counts," shrugged the orange haired teen.

"Won? Is your job a game?"

Ezart burped again. "Sort of. I'll show you sometime if I remember."

And so their conversation idly continued till they arrived at school. Upon reaching their classroom, Dark Sun was surprised that the wall was repaired without a hint of damage, and all the desks were replaced. The D-Class students froze like usual when they saw Ezart step into the room, but when followed by a silver headed teen, some were flustered enough to move from their vigil. But one hard glare from Dark Sun silenced them all. The students haven't forgotten the fate of their fellow classmate from yesterday, who is, in fact, still lying unconscious in the hospital now.

Noticing that there was an empty desk next to Ezart, Dark Sun took a seat and watched as the orange haired teen completed his morning ritual by falling asleep as soon as his head hit the desk. Shrugging, Dark Sun took out a piece of paper and a pencil, then fell asleep on his desk as well. Perhaps this was how all students acted in school. As long as his microchip was awake, he can jot down the notes while asleep. No problem at all.

Three frustrated teenagers sat on the rooftop of the school. In front of them was a stack of documents, mostly blank, but contained several pictures of a peculiar, silver haired boy.

Eli groaned. "I can't believe it. Even I can't find out anything about this guy."

His teammate on the left, sporting a head of flaming red hair, added, "It's like he didn't even exist until a few weeks ago! No birth certificate, no health records, no legal document of any kind!"

"Maybe Daren just lived in a really, really remote place before coming here," countered Eloise, trying to defend her silver haired boy, "Or maybe our government leaks just aren't to be trusted."

"But I searched through all of their minds!" said Eli, "I made sure none of them were lying to us! You've gotta believe that there just aren't any records on this 'Daren'..."

"Maybe a really, really, realllyyyyy remote place?"

Two unamused faces turned to look at Eloise.

Eloise pouted. But its true. She should know her teammate's the best. If Eli the mind reader says he can't find out something, then its going to be pretty damn hard to find someone who could. But still, she couldn't imagine Daren being someone this suspicious.

Taking a deep breath, Elian sighed. "It seems like this mission wasn't going to be as easy as I thought it was. That sly old principal. I thought he was finally giving us a break for once, but no, he tricks us into researching someone who in all legalities shouldn't even exist!"

A grim silence fell over the three ECS members.

"I guess we could just go the long way," said Eli, "We could get to know Daren better, maybe go to his house once or twice. Meet his father and move on from there."

"Meh. I guess that's the only way now," shrugged Elian.

"I'll be in charge of asking him out!" shouted Eloise excitedly.

"Remember that this isn't an opportunity to ask him on a date," warned Eli.

The pink haired girl 'hmph-ed', "I know that!"

"Alright. That's decided then," concluded Elian, "Eloise, hurry. It's gonna be lunch break in a few minutes. Now's a good time as any."

"Roger that!"

"Darreennn!"

"Daaaaaareeeeeeen!"

"Daaarrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeennnnnn !"

Dark Sun slowly opened his eyes, and tried to blink the sleepiness away. The sunlight, too harsh, blinded him for a few seconds until he managed to get up. Was it already lunch time? Taking a look at the person beside him, Ezart was still sleeping, so who was it that was calling his name?

"Hey there! You awake?" Eloise smiled warmly at the silver haired teen.

Eloise? Dark Sun tensed up. He wasn't prepared to meet Eloise yet. So many things to tell her. So many things to apologize for. And more things to ask.

The facial expression on the pink haired girl stiffened. She expected Daren to be excited at seeing her, not nervous and tense. What did she do wrong?

"Hello, Eloise," said Dark Sun, managing a smile, "Fine weather we're having, isn't it?"

"Haha," laughed the latter, "When did you start making small talk to me?" Grabbing Daren's arm, Eloise half dragged him out of his seat. "Come on, I wanna show you some of my friends!"

Dark Sun knew better than to resist. "But what about Ezart?"

"Oh he sleeps through lunch. He always does."

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see."

Sighing, Dark Sun soon found himself up on the rooftop with Eloise and two other familiar faces. One red haired teen had twin energy swords strapped to his hip, and the other green haired teen had multiple daggers hidden away everywhere on his body. Instinctively, Dark Sun jumped away from Eloise and got ready for combat.

Ignoring the gesture, both teens approached with no sign of threats. Raising his hand, the red haired teen introduced himself, "Hello there. I do believe we've met before, but I never got the chance to say hello. My name is Elian, and this is Eli. We are A-Class students from Yelan Academy. What's your name?"

They're lying. Dark Sun knew that. All three of them, including Eloise, were part of the ECS. He had at least confirmed that much from yesterday's simulation. But then again, he was no better. He had to lie as well.

"Daren Avery, D-Class student."

Elian smiled. "We heard a lot about you from Eloise. We're going karaoke tonight. Wanna join us?"

*GBM: Global Business Meeting (literal name, i know.)

Sorry for the slow chapter. Consider this as your introduction to Dark Sun's daily lifestyle. Things will definitely start speeding up next chap though. People die. Devon gets mad. It'll be funny. Just wait, it should only take a couple of days. Maybe less than three if I feel happy.

Hint: Reviews=cookies, and cookies make me happy :)