"Life is unfair, But sometimes, a simple act of goodwill can have long reaching effects"

The world of Aurensal, One much like earth with a few extra continents, Modernised for the most part Although with some areas slowly still catching up. One thing that divides this world are two categories. "Gifted" and Normals. Gifted embodies those with unnatural abilities, which comprises most of the population. Gifts can range from run of the mill superpowers, to even Abilities more on the arcane side of things.

Yet Normals. Are a small portion of the population. Those without abilities they were marked with a visible tattoo on their neck to signify them as such at a young age, Ostracized, cast out into squalor while the Gifted live normal lives most often in course this is on a country by country basis, Some treat Normals…..slightly better, while others treat them as indentured servants, or criminals for simply just existing.

Elias was thankful he lived in the more….. Lenient country, Veralis. But right now he was regretting it immensely considering he was on the ground in pain. Felt like his nose was broken ... .What a joy. Looking up he saw the Perpetrator Kinlaw. The third year student sneered down at him. His hand parting with small motes of light. Ever since he stepped foot into Seras Academy it has been hell on earth for him and the "normal" students.

While Seras academy was meant to foster camaraderie and good relationships between Normals and Gifted. That could have been farther from the truth, Normals were still segregated from the Gifted students when it comes to eating, and other leisure activities. The only times this was not the case is during travel in the hallways, and classes.

While the staff of the academy "tried" to prevent the bullying of Normals….it was an effort wasted considering how intelligent the Gifted students could get in their pursuit to inflict their brand of "deserved" justice towards the Normals.. Doubly so for Elias since he was not the most healthy of persons. Singled out on Day one due to his appearance. His hair messy, brown in coloration, His eyes just a light blue. His weight a bit up there due to the lack of proper nutrition.

Seras academy - 12:34 PM

Elias let out another grunt of pain, feeling a wave of pressure crash down onto him, barely able to even move his head, his gaze fell upon Kinlaw once more seeing him clutching his fist it glowing lightly. "I can't keep teaching you this lesson Eli, Come on now buddy." Kinlaw spoke in an overly sweet tone as he upped the pressure on elias. A pulse of gravity crushing down even more onto him.

"Over here Pendejo"

Kinlaw stopped using his gift and turned his head slightly to face the new voice, only for a straight jab to greet him on the nose. Kinlaw reeled back clutching it in pain, blood pooling between his fingers. "You fucking Norma, AH!"

Another jab greeted Kinlaws face sending him into a locker, The perpetrator a somewhat stocky teen wearing a simple t-shirt and cargo shorts. Slightly tanned skin, Messy black hair, and teal eyes. His face contorted into a snarl. "What the do you think you are doing huh Joto"

Elias felt a grin broach his face. "Carlos…."

Kinlaw felt a surge of anger as he pinched his nose, His unoccupied hand glowing slightly, him ready to activate his gift again, only for another gifted student to grab his arm. "Instructor William is coming," She whispered. Kinlaw stopped and looked back down at Elias then to Carlos. "Not even worth the effort…..let's go Zeril, You'll both pay for this, I swear" Kinlaw mumbled out, stepping away from Elias, before walking down the hallway.

Elias wiped the blood from his nose and slowly tried to get up from the ground. Yet Carlos grabbed his right arm wrapping it over his shoulder helping him to his feet. "I got you Hermano, He did a number on you this time."

Another set of footsteps was heard rapidly approaching them. A lanky girl with soft features, wide rimmed glasses besetting green eyes, wearing a black beanie covering her brown hair, her clothing somewhat punkish in nature. 'Elias…I got his other arm carlos"

"Hey Mei…" Elias gasped out as she grabbed his left arm assisting Carlos with lifting. "Don't you hey me, God Elias it looks like you got hit by a truck"

"Feels like it to, Who knew increased gravity hurt like hell"

"Well considering falling from a small height can kill most, I think everyone Hermano" Carlos replied back shifting Elias's arm slightly, walkin in step with him and Mei.

Mei sighed. "I can't believe the academy still hasn't done more to stop this bullying. It's supposed to be a place for unity, but it's only getting worse." She adjusted her beanie, pushing it up slightly.

"My ribs agree with that statement."

"Just don't start coughing up blood on us Hermano, Would be a bad start to the break from this hellhole" Joked Carlos. Elias let out a pained laugh, grimacing. "Yeah, it hurts to laugh….dammit Carlos your jokes are gonna kill me."

"I earn to please Companero"

"Hey Carlos, less talking, more moving, I can see the nurse's office sign" Mei spoke out, quickening her pace slightly, yet not enough to exacerbate Elias's condition further.

"C'mon can't you just splint it, I mean we don't have to take that drastic of measures!" Elias spoke out from the examination table. Nurse Himiko simply sighed and gestured for both Carlos and Mei to grab ahold of him. "Elias your nose is bent at a 90 degree angle, It has to be reset" She spoke out, frowning slightly.

Mei and Carlos exchanged a look, then moved to either side of the examination table. "Sorry Elias, but you need to do this. It'll heal wrong if she doesn't fix it," Mei said softly, placing one hand on his shoulder to keep him still.

Carlos gripped Elias's other shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Be strong, Hermano. You can take it. Just think, it'll be over quickly, and you won't look like you got punched anymore." He flashed Elias a crooked grin.

Elias whimpered as Nurse Himiko approached, placing her fingers on both sides of his nose. "Atleast give me a co-"

CRACK

"AHHH!"

Nurse Himiko stood back glancing over his nose for any issues, Nodding her head satisfied with the result she placed a cast over it. While also handing him a bag of ice. "Keep the ice on it for 15-20 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day for the next day or so to reduce swelling and pain. Also, avoid any strenuous activity for a week to give it time to heal properly."

Nurse Himiko then looked at him, an apologetic expression on her face. 'It was better to just get it over with than let it go on further, Realignment was necessary to make sure you would have proper breathing in the future"

"She is right Hermano, Although it would have been funny to see you with a crooked nose"

"Carlos!" Mei exclaimed, hitting him in the shoulder lightly, not really deterring his laughter. Him batting away her strikes. "Okay Okay, I'm only joking!"

"Could have warned me" Elias mumbled out, blinking away a few tears

Nurse Himiko shrugged at this. "Better you not expect it, I would give you painkillers but unfortunately due to the Board, they are only allowed to be given to Gifted students" Her face then took a stern edge to it, The word gifted leaving her mouth like a curse.

Seeing the unease from the three students, it moved back to a more calm expression, a smile returning slightly to her face.

"But you three run along now, and try not to get into any more trouble, Last day of the semester, so at least you all will get a break before coming back" she then ushered them out of the nurse's office. And once the three exited it, the door closed behind them. The bell ringing overhead signaling the end of the day.

"Two whole months away from this hellhole, At Least we get to hang out more!" Mei spoke out cheerfully, as the three walked through the hallway past the multitude of other students. Elias gave a small nod and hiked up his backpack slightly.

"And I can also rest and heal my nose as well, alongside my ribs…..I'm just glad I won't have to deal with Kinlaw, the bastard" Carlos patted his back, causing him to stumble forward slightly. "Enough about the pendejo, We are finally free!"

At this Elias let out a smile, deciding to listen to carlos. "Yeah your right…..I guess I'll message you guys when you want to hang out alright"

Carlos and Elias Fist bumped, Mei following suit hugging the both of them. "And hopefully you can start dropping that weight Elias, might have to roll you out of here if you keep getting bigger' She teased out.

Elias let out a mock gasp. "Why I would never, abscond from my sight wench"

A few more laughs echoed from the trio, before they separated heading out of the school and to their homes.

Breven - 3:21 PM

The city of Breven was somewhat busy during the late afternoon, Especially with all of the Gifted going about their afternoon. Enforcers. Gifted with abilities that are rather powerful going about doing their jobs of keeping the peace. At Least for the gifted, they never really do much for Normals, and often outright ignore them whenever normals are getting assaulted and or stolen from.

Elias made his way down the sidewalk past a few buildings, his gaze occasionally landing on graffiti, segregated spots for normals, Passing by a few gifted elicited a annoyed huff from them. Yet he did not pay them no mind either, simply wishing to get home as fast as he could.

A few thoughts went through his mind, mainly in the past semester, He did not really know how much more he could take. But….he couldn't exactly leave Seran, His mother used most of her savings to send him to the academy, if only so he could secure a better future for himself after graduation.

"Lies and Fallacies ... .as Ardyn would say" Elias mumbled out a frown etched on his features, as he moved around a pair of gifted people engrossed in their conversation. It was a bitter pill to swallow but…..He knew he would never get a good job after Seran. Not with the discrimination-

"Excuse me madam if you would just,-"

"Sir, It will only take but a moment, I just need some assistance with-"

"Piss off normal!"

Elias stopped in his thinking, as he viewed the scene in front of him. A man covered head to toe in purple bandages, wearing a bartender suit approaching Gifted. For what reason he had no Idea. But he was curious about it.

"Um…..sir" Elias mumbled out approaching the man. Curiosity finally overtaking the young man.

The bandaged man turned to see Elias approaching, and a slight air of hopefulness seemed to appear around him. "Yes young man?"

Elias fidgeted with his bag for a moment and decided to just ask the question. "I noticed you trying to ask people about something earlier, If you need any help can I do it?" Before the last word even left Elias's lips, the man was in front of him shaking his hand.

"Yes of course!" It is something rather simple. You see a young man. I have opened a cafe and am in need of someone to try a few items from the menu."

Elias raised an eyebrow at this and decided to ask his next question to the man. "Is there a catch for this?, Some kind of experimental recipe ... .will it give me like…a crab arm or something?" Elias usually would not trust eating or drinking anything from a random stranger, even if they said they owned a place of business.

Most business's outright refuse to serve Normals, and even if they do they always tamper with the food.

The bandaged man paused for a brief moment as if to process Elias's word, before letting out a chuckle shaking his head. "No, no, nothing like that, young man. I assure you, the recipes are quite ordinary and safe. I merely need an honest, unbiased opinion from someone... not of the Gifted community."

Elias mulled over his decision, and after a few minutes of deliberating he made it. "I'll help…..who would turn down free food and drink" A smile graced his lips as he looked up at the bandaged man. "Can I ask your name?"

At the question, the bandaged man let go of Elias's hand and backed up slightly. He then gave a slight bow towards the young man. "Johnathan, lucius moor. At your service my young compatriot and I own Faded lies cafe"

Faded Lies cafe - 4:34 PM

The interior of Faded lies was rather homely in appearance, It was as if Elias stepped into someone's home, instead of a Cafe, sure there were tables and chairs scattered about, including the barista table tucked away at the opposite end of the cafe….yet something about this place made him feel….at peace.

And now here he was, sitting across from Mister moor. Munching on a pastry the man provided for him to try, He had been tasting the numerous dishes and giving his opinion to the man, some were not all that great. But others were rather amazing. He especially loved the affogato that the man prepared.

Jonathan wrote down his opinions on the other previous items, and even gave his own input. Some items remain, others simply being marked down as a possible introduction later on, and a few others being crossed out completely from the menu.

"Tell me Elias, how do you feel about your place in all of this? Living in a world where your worth is so tangibly less than those around you?" Jonathan spoke up, gaining his attention. Jonathan himself not looking up from his clipboard as he wrote down a few things onto it.

Elias thought over the question, The hardships, the pain he endured, the pain his friends endured. Hearing the stress his mother went through each night, the bills piling up so high. Elias looked down at the empty plate, his lips trembling as he tried to formulate an answer to the question. And eventually he did so.

"It's hard. For me ... .for my friends, For my mom. Barely scraping by each day, having to deal with the ostracization, the bullying, the ... .injuries."

Elias's voice trembles slightly as he takes in a breath to calm his emotions. "I, Sometimes I wonder if there is more to this Mister Moor, more to this than just surviving. Getting by while they get to thrive"

The bandaged man looked up from his clipboard and set it down, He then clasped his hands together leaning forward. A solemn nod echoing from him. "Ah, the age-old question of fate and agency. You're right, it is a cruel reality for Normals - born into a body and circumstance that condemns you to struggle."

The man then leaned back slightly glancing up at the ceiling. Or at least it seemed that way. "Enforcers, criminals, Normals…..we don't choose our fate. Nor do we decide what happens in the future. But sometimes simply remaining in the present is the best thing that can be done. And sometimes most need to understand that Inner strength, and will is simply just not enough"

Elias nodded slightly at this, a downcast expression upon him. "I have a brief curiosity for you young man, Grace this old man with a hypothetical, if you had the power to change the very fabric of society, to reshape it in a way that valued and uplifted all people equally... What would you do with such power? What sort of world would you envision for yourself and your fellow Normals?"

Elias lifted his eyes to look at Johnathan, the question ringing in his head, yet under the patience of Johnathan, he allowed himself some time to think. Going over his life so far, those around him as well. Each and every day up until now. And finally he arrived at a consensus.

"I...Don't know..." Elias spoke out into the quiet cafe. Jonathan letting out a hum, as if surprised by the answer. Yet he waited for the boy to continue. "If I had the power to change things, I...would help my family and friends first, and just...live my life, If I change the world I change the world, If I don't I don't""

The bandaged man remained silent for a moment, longer, He then reached over clasping Elias on the shoulder, the bandages around his mouth upturning in a faux smile. ""Your answer is refreshingly honest and unpretentious, Elias. Most people I've asked that question speak of grandiose plans and lofty ideals, but you... you keep it genuine and honest. Focusing on your loved ones, on living your life - that's a rare and admirable perspective."

Elias felt a chill run up his arm, slight goosebumps as he felt something strange wash over him for a moment, yet instead of being afraid, He smiled, a genuine one at the praise from the man. "I ... .thank you Mister moor. I know it's a selfish ideal but…"

Jonathan gave Elias's shoulder a slight squeeze before letting go, leaning back into his chair. "Nonsense boy, Caring for oneself is not selfish at all, It's a necessity and a foundation to care for others, One cannot pour from an empty cup after all"

The bandaged man then leaned in close, whispering to him. "Believe me, Elias, your honesty and authenticity are a rare and invaluable trait. Never lose sight of that, for it is the key to a life truly lived."

Jonathan glanced out the window seeing the sun beginning to set casting the cafe in a dull orange glow, a rather beautiful one at that. Getting up from his seat he walked over to the pastry counter grabbing a box and putting a few into it. He then walked back over to Elias handing the box to him.

"And I believe you have given me something to contemplate on young man, And I daresay, I may have given you a small boon in return - a little something to help you navigate the trials ahead. Use it well."

Elias looked at the box of pastries and took them from the man putting them away into his bag. He then got up from his own chair. He felt his mind was a bit clearer. The smile is still there. Looking up at Johnathan he extended his hand which the bandaged man took, shaking it. His voice carried a slight tint of easiness to it. "Thank you Mister moor, this was… a good talk"

Jonathan shook Elias's hand firmly, a flicker of something akin to pride could be felt from the bandaged man even if his face could not be seen. As they released their grip, He gave Elias a single curt nod. "The pleasure was Entirely mine Elias, Now i think you should head on home, If what you had told me about your mother is of any merit, she will probably be very worried"

Elias let out a slight gasp and swung his backpack onto his shoulder rushing to the entrance of the cafe. "Oh shoot your right, Thanks Mister moor, Appreciate the food and stuff!"

"Think nothing of it young man, Have a good evening." Jonathan watched the young man pull open the door and step out into the streets of Breven, leaving him alone in his cafe. The door shutting with a resounding click

"And simply enjoy your life"

Morrison residence - 8:23 PM

Elias stepped into the well worn home he and his mother lived in, despite the outside being rather horrible, the inside they tried to make the best of, patchwork repairs and other types of Diy remodeling done to make it more livable.

"I'm home!" He spoke out into the house, His mother soon peeking out from the kitchen, her auburn hair slightly frayed, and upon seeing Elias's face, her green eyes widened in worry and she stepped fully out into the hallway rushing over gently grabbing his face and looking over his nose. "It happened again didn't it"

Elias nodded and gently hugged her. "Kinlaw's the one who did it. Luckily Carlos stepped in before things got worse Mom, But ... .if he hadn't of-" Elias did not really want to think about how much worse the damage would have been.

Louanne frowned at the mention of the boy, but was happy that Elias's friend stepped in. She gently hugged her son, and then held him at arm's length looking over his nose again. "Well at least you are okay, Your nose is swollen but, luckily, I have some ibuprofen."

She then ushered her son into the kitchen making him sit at the table, fetching the medication for him while also setting a plate of food out for him to eat. They then talked, Louanne telling him about her day at work, and Elias telling his mother about how is day went, and his meeting with the strange bandaged cafe owner.

"Well he sounds rather kind, and wise in his words….Somewhat unusual, But he did give you some good advice" Louanne spoke with a smile patting her son on the head. "Now, it's getting late. So I think its time we both head off to bed. Make sure to keep your nose Iced young man!"

Elias gave his mother a salute and walked upstairs to his room changing into his sleepwear. He then climbed into the bed and gazed up at the ceiling, the thought of what occurred today going through his mind. "A boon huh….thanks mister moor"

Elias slowly closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, not noticing his body feeling weird and hot for some reason.

and yet when he awoke the next morning What greeted him was a holographic window. He blinked for a moment and rubbed his eyes thinking it still a part of his Drowsiness yet it still remained there.

Welcome User Elias, Morrison. To the OTS. Omniversal travel system.

Elias looked at the holographic screen and stared at it not really believing his eyes. So he did the only viable thing in a situation when greeted by something unnatural. He freaked the fuck out.

His scream echoing through the early morning quiet of the home.