ORION.

https/i.postimg.cc/Kz7PJC7z/Screenshot-20240713-124430-Gacha-Life-2.jpg

After realizing my error, I groaned loudly, feeling the weight of my responsibilities settle heavily on my shoulders. The sun had to rise, and it had to rise now. I drew in a deep breath and channeled all of my power, focusing on the horizon. Slowly, the sun responded, ascending more quickly than usual.

...

...

Shit! The strain was immense. Sweat fell down my face as I pushed harder, feeling my energy drain with each passing second. Finally, the sun reached its proper position in the sky, and I collapsed to my knees, utterly spent.

"Dammit," I swore, wiping the sweat from my brow. "Next time, I'll set an alarm." Exhausted but resolute, I rose to my feet. I knew I couldn't afford to rest.

"Okay. I should go back."

I stretched my arms and felt the warmth of its energy flow through me. With a deep breath, I took to the skies, my flight real sluggish, but I tried.

I decided to return home and recover my energy.

I am Orionus... Yeah, no freaking way i'm spelling my whole name out. Anyway people just call me Orion. As the son of Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun, I've always felt a deep connection to its power. It's a responsibility I was told to take seriously, as the sun is apparently pretty important to the human world. even if my methods and temperament sometimes clash with the expectations placed upon me. According to dad.

It was the start of another day, and as usual, I found myself outside, training with my sun principle. I channeled the energy of the sun, feeling its warmth surge through me as I practiced controlling its power. Firecrackers made of pure solar energy burst into the sky, illuminating the dawn with brilliant colors.

Principles are basically like... i guess powers that come from a god's purpose. If i tried to explain i would be here all day. Anyway, its power range is pretty polarizing. Principles can be destructive or not so much. For example, a Magnet god can magnatize stuff and maybe make something cool. While a medicine god probably only possesses vast knowledge from how to treat an injured person. So yeah. That's how it works.

Since, i'm a sun god. Mine is too manipulate Solar energy which comes in the forms of the things you're seeing right now. Its pretty good to break stuff, but unfortunately i seem to be stuck with moving the sun every single day. Which is hella tiring. When mom said that it would become a 'cakewalk' when I reached adulthood, I really hope she's right.

"Lyra might have enlisted in the school too," I muttered, focusing on creating intricate patterns with the firecrackers. The thought of this brought a smirk to my face.

It all started with that damn project. I had worked tirelessly on it, pouring all my energy and creativity into making it perfect. That was back when I actually gave a shit to School.

But that bitch with her infuriatingly calm demeanor, had ruined it right in front of everyone. The teachers and other students had turned a blind eye, pretending not to notice. I had seen everything and reported it to the Principal, but because I was always picking fights those idiots didn't believe.

That was the beginning. Since then, Lyra and I had been locked in a constant struggle to outdo each other, each trying to prove we were better. But we never really did anything. But that will change for this year.

"Moonlight bitch," I muttered affectionately, a scowl spreading across my face.

I didn't care much about the school itself. The classes, the teachers, the endless rules—it all seemed trivial compared to me. But settling the score with her seemed far more important to me.

"I should probably focus right now." I said as I focused on my training, creating firecrackers that exploded brilliantly in the sky.

However I then heard a familiar voice call out to me.

"Orion!" My little sister lyria's voice rang through the air, sharp and insistent. She flew up to where I was training, her face set in a determined scowl. "Train me in my principle. I need to get stronger."

"Oh. It's just you." I said dismissively which she predictably didn't do well.

"Don't just 'you' me you lazy asshole. How dare you say this to your fragile and powerless Ani-chan." She yelled at me defensively. I don't even need to explain how contradictory is that first line when you look at exactly what I'm doing.

"Tsk. What do you want?" I asked going straight to the point.

"Oh! That's a shocker! The Ill-tempered Nii-san actually using his ears like any god should?! What great character development!" She said snarkly with her hands on her hips. "Nii-san! You gotta train me Principle! Stronger thy must become!"

"I'm busy," I said curtly, continuing to manipulate the sun's energy. "Go ask Mom or Dad."

Her scowl deepened. "They're always too soft on me. I need real training, and you know it." For a bit of contest Lyria has just become 95 years old, meaning that she is five years from evolving. Even if its still gonna take a while she has lately really trying to get her principle any level higher of execution.

I clenched my fists. "I said no. Can't you see I'm in the middle of something important? "

Her eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms defiantly. "Oh! I get it! You're just scared I'll get better than you," she taunted. "Typical Orion, always worried about his precious reputation. Don't worry Nii-san i won't compeltely overpower you too quickly. I'll give you a chance to try to reach me."

"Go away, if you don't want to get slapped sis." I threatened half-truthfully.

"Hehe! You want to hit me! Then you gotta train with me to do that. Wouldn't that be your best chance to do it?" She scoffs almost as if she doesn't care.

..

...

"Nah, now that I think about this. It ain't worth it." I quickly give up and turn around which certainly shook her. I know your weaknesses as much as you do for mines you little skank!

"W-What!? That's not fair! You totally played me, you jerk!" She yelled in a agitated manner.

"Yup I sure did." I smirked at her before continuing my work. What's your rebuttal now miss Solarius?

"You're such a jerk, you know that? All you care about is yourself and that stupid bitch."

"You're damn right about that at least." I commented.

"Fine!" she spat. "I'll train myself, then. I don't need your help."

"Bye Bye, miss potato head!" I said jokingly in order to make her less 'pissy' well it's not really a great way to do it but come on i'm trying.

"That's contradictory. The only one with a potato head is dad!" She giggled at me almost in a scolding way. And then flew off to her home.

"Damn right!" Even Mom talks about it. And the miraculous part is that he never suffered bullying when he was our age. Talk about luck!

A FEW MINUTES LATER.

After a long morning of intense training, I decided to head back home. The sky was now fully illuminated. As I approached our floating home, I could see the familiar glow of our mansion.

I landed softly on the front porch and made my way inside. No sooner had I stepped through the door than I was met with a tight, warm hug from my kimono dressed mother, Amaterasu. Her embrace was filled with the kind of affection every mother could give. Its also pretty good at causing me unintentional physical pain!!

"Orion, my star! I missed you," she said, squeezing me tightly.

"Mom, come on," I groaned, feeling my cheeks heat up with embarrassment. "I was only outside for like 40 minutes."

"I know, I know," she laughed, releasing me but still holding my shoulders. "But I realized I only hugged your sister this morning, and that's simply not fair. My two shining lights deserve equal affection."

"Whatever." I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, well, I'm here now."

She smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling like the sun itself. "Come inside and have some breakfast. You must be exhausted after all this training. You must refill your energy if you want to give a full impression at SOTW! Otherwise, You'll look stiffer than the God of death itself.

I followed her into the kitchen, where the table was laden with a fat spread. Despite my earlier annoyance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort being back home. As much as I prided myself on my independence, moments like these reminded me of the bonds that held my family together.

The dining table slowly filled with my family. My father joined us first, giving me a nod of approval, followed by Lyria, who was still pouting from our earlier encounter. Despite our differences, mealtimes were a family affair, and we always came together for them.

As we all began eating, I couldn't help but think about the rice. My mom's rice was legendary. She took it very seriously, treating each grain with almost sacred reverence. It was a staple at every meal, and we ate it a lot. I had to admit, it was pretty good.

"We're having rice again, huh?" I said casually, scooping a generous portion onto my plate. "I swear, we eat so much of this stuff, it's a wonder we don't turn into rice ourselves."

My dad chuckled. "It's a tradition, Orion. Your mother puts a lot of love into making it."

Lyria, who had once grown sick of it a few years back, now ate it with a surprising amount of enthusiasm. "Yeah, I remember when I used to complain about it," she said between bites. "But honestly, it's kinda grown on me."

Mom beamed with pride. "It's not just any rice, it's made with the best grains and cooked with the perfect balance of heat and time. It's an art."

I couldn't help but smile at her passion. "Yeah, yeah, it's the best rice in all of Astralium. We get it, Mom."

"Don't you forget it," she said, ruffling my hair affectionately.

As we continued eating, the casual conversation flowed, touching on various topics but always coming back to the rice in some form or another.

As we ate, my dad decided to bring up the topic of CNII, pretending he didn't know about it. "So, Orion, I hear you're finally going to CNII this year," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

I decided to play along, smirking. "Oh, really? I hadn't noticed."

Mom laughed softly, and my dad continued, "Well, I guess it's no big deal then. Just one of the most prestigious schools in all of Astralium. No pressure, right?"

"Yeah, it's just another school," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "No big deal."

My dad leaned back in his chair, his expression turning serious but supportive. "You know, Orion, it's very difficult to graduate from that place, let alone get in. They have some of the toughest standards. It's something to be proud of."

Mom nodded in agreement. "Your father's right. It's a huge achievement. We're very proud of you."

I shrugged, trying to hide the warmth I felt from their words. "Thanks, but I'm not worried. I can handle it."

Dad chuckled. "Well, I hope so. I remember my time there. I was held back four times when I was your age. It's not easy, even for the best of us."

"Four times, huh?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe I'll break your record." More like definitely. If some punks try their luck on me!

He laughed heartily. "Let's hope not. Just remember, we're here to support you, no matter what."

"Yeah, yeah," I said, taking another bite of rice. "I'll be fine."

Lyria, who had been quietly eating, suddenly spoke up with a hint of jealousy in her voice. "Aren't the classes at CNII way more physical and exciting. Like they have a fighting tournament for the gods with fighting principles and stuff. But All we get in preschool are boring lectures."

I smirked. "Yeah, well, you'll get there eventually, squirt. Enjoy your nap time while you can for the time being."

She rolled her eyes. "It's not like I actually sleep in class or anything."

Mom and Dad both looked at her with raised eyebrows. "You what?" Mom asked, trying to hide a smile.

Lyria's eyes widened as she realized her slip. "I-I mean, of course I pay attention! Mostly..."

Dad chuckled. "So, you're saying those boring lectures are putting you to sleep, huh?"

Lyria pouted, crossing her arms. "It's not my fault they're so dull! Sometimes I just... close my eyes for a minute."

I laughed, shaking my head. "And here I thought I was the lazy one."

Mom joined in, her laughter light and musical. "Well, at least you're honest about it, Lyria. Maybe we can work on staying awake together."

"Great," Lyria muttered, her cheeks flushing. "Now I'll never hear the end of it."

Dad reached over and ruffled her hair. "Don't worry, kiddo. We all have our moments. Just try to stay awake, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," she grumbled, but there was a hint of a smile on her face.

I was the first to finish my food, pushing my plate away with a satisfied sigh. "Alright, I'm done. Think I'll rest a bit. Then i'll go to SOTW."

Mom gave me a warm smile. "Oh i see. That sounds like a good idea."

Dad nodded in agreement. "Take your time, Orion. It's important to be well-rested for your first day."

Lyria looked up from her plate, her earlier pout replaced with snark. "Try not to oversleep, big brother. You don't want to be late."

I ruffled her hair playfully. "Don't worry, I won't. I mean sleeping doesn't really do anything anyway. You, on the other hand, better stay awake in class if you don't want to chalks raining from the sky."

She stuck her tongue out at me, but there was a twinkle in her eye. "Yeah, yeah. Have fun at your 'exciting' school."

I laughed and got up from the table, stretching my arms. "See you all in a bit."

Heading to my room, I couldn't help but think about what lay ahead. The first day at SOTW was going to be a new chapter, and I needed to be at my best for when 'that' moment comes. But for now, a bit of rest wouldn't hurt. I sit down on my bed and thought of what i could do to kill time.

First idea: more training. But I'd already done plenty of that this morning, and besides, I didn't want to overdo it.

Second idea: read a book. I snorted at the thought. The only books I had were the ones assigned by my instructors, and they were the last thing I wanted to spend my free time on. To give you an idea, I never even opened them. Not even to remove dust.

Third idea: talk to my sister. I glanced at my door and quickly dismissed that thought. Lyria was probably still sulking about our earlier exchange, and I wasn't in the mood for another round of insults.

Fourth idea: go for a flight. I could stretch my wings a bit, get some fresh air. But then again, I might run into someone I didn't want to see.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Come on, there's gotta be something to do..."

As I sat there, contemplating my limited options, I realized that killing time was harder than it seemed. Maybe I should just head to SOTW early. At least that way, I could get a feel for the place and avoid any last-minute rush.

"Alright, screw it," I muttered, standing up. "I'm heading out."

As I headed out of my room, I walked back into the dining area where my family was still lingering. They looked up, surprised to see me up and moving again so soon.

"Orion?" my mom said, eyebrows raised. "I thought you were resting."

"I'm heading to SOTW," I replied nonchalantly, grabbing my bag.

My dad blinked in confusion. "Already? It's still early."

"Yeah, well, figured I might as well get a head start," I said, shrugging.

Lyria perked up, looking worried. "Wait, if Orion's leaving now, I need to go to my preschool too! Remember that we have the same school schedule."

But I was already halfway out the door, not really listening to her. "See you guys later," I called over my shoulder.

"Orion, wait!" Mom started, but I was out the door before she could finish. I heard her sigh and say, "Alright, Lyria, let's get you ready."