The two guards stood behind their boss's desk as Lukas stood adjacent to his team. "Lukas, I have spoken with your team. Before we continue, would you like to explain yourself? Why have you gone against my directive?"
Lukas's eyes flitted about the room before settling at his feet. "I don't need all this. Training, classes, all that misplaced pride they hold on that damned hill. All it amounts to is people like her-"
"That is your mother you're speaking of" his father curtly reminded him.
With a slight flinch, Lukas nodded. "All it is is self-righteousness and ineffective grandstanding." Lukas turned and looked his father in the eyes. "You never needed any of that. I mean look where you are now, you practically run the underside of Vale and Ma, she's just another huntress. I want to do something like you, make history here, where it counts."
The father sat forward placing his arms atop the desk. He slowly shook his head, causing Lukas's hopeful face to falter. "Son, she's saved more lives than I ever will. I have taken more innocent lives than she even knows."
"Dad that was over a decade ago! You did what you had to! Ma just doesn't understand because of the crap they teach at schools like Beacon! Hell, they brainwash their students just like him!" Lukas's extended finger fell upon Caelum, who this time remained calm despite the insult.
The father raised an upwards palm and gestured at Caelum. "He is your leader for a reason. Or do you think he was chosen for nothing? You said that they were ineffective. We saw the footage of them fighting. My security may not be Huntsman but some are ex-military and many are professionally trained. Your leader alone took on half of them and managed to incapacitate them without killing. Out of the time you've known him, has he ever been ineffective? Inefficient?"
Caelum's eyes stayed firmly on the older man as his team turned to him. There were no disparaging remarks to be made.
"I thought not. The boy doesn't even brag, he remains polite and as professional as one can in this situation. Rather than holding him and your team, your own partner to false misconceptions, have you tried meeting their standards?" Again Lukas fell silent as he bit his lip.
"As for Alice, your mother, this only came about because she sparred me a life sentence. I betrayed that trust of hers and that's why she can't forgive me. She is not just a huntress. She is the huntress who gave me all of this and gave me you. You know this."
Lukas seemed to have had enough. He felt that his father was only against him and wished for him to not inherit his work. Lukas turned to leave as a hand reached after him. He lashed back violently when the next thing he knew, he was spun around with his arm wrenched behind his back and his face slammed against his father's desk. Grunting and resisting, he saw the glowering face of his team leader, staring down at him the same one would a pest.
The guards and even Lukas's father lurched forward to intervene as Caelum began chastising his peer. "You're nothing more than some discount demon. Good for nothing but sin and indulgence, yet you have a father and mother who loves you. Don't spit in their faces at their efforts. Face them."
Lukas fought, angered at his words, as he resisted he saw his father lower a hand, signaling the guards to stand at ease. "Son," said the man, vulnerability showing in his voice for the first time in Lukas's memory.
Lukas's resistance slowed to a halt. Caelum slowly pulled him upright and released him. Jerking his arms free, Lukas released a snarl before turning to his dad. He struggled to maintain eye contact and though barely audible, apologized.
"I love you, son. I want the best for you. These boys are bright, they can look after you even when I cannot. With them, you can be more prepared for any situation than being a simple executive here could."
Lukas struggled to look up, embarrassed he fought to speak. "I-I… love you too Dad." His eyes shot to his teammates who watched with surprise. He felt they would have laughed at him if it were not such an unusual atmosphere.
"Please take your seats, gentleman." urged the man. Caelum nodded and sat again with Lukas complying as well.
"I'm sure everyone's emotions will take time to settle but-" the man raised an eyebrow at Caelum who raised a hand. "Yes?"
"I feel as if we glossed over the fact no one objected to the statement that I am brainwashed."
The man fought to stifle a laugh as the boy's teammates slowly turned to stare at him. The father waved a hand dismissing the claim. "Yes, yes I see. I apologize but one cannot say you've been indoctrinated by something, no?"
Caelum lowered his hand with a dissatisfied frown, perhaps the first time since arriving he had no refutation. Clearing his throat the man continued where he left off. "I will now lay down the rules. I will take no other alternatives, understood?"
Lukas obediently nodded as Raiden and Niel followed along. Caelum, defiant as ever, made no sign of agreement.
"First, I shall forgive you all for the damages you caused tonight. I understand it was out of worry for my boy and to be honest there are huntsman and students who have done crazier in the past. Although, you young man were a bit excessive." The man pointed at Raiden, who frantically looked at Caelum and Niel in defense. Both averted their eyes and let him silently take the fall to his dismay.
Ignoring the panic on Raiden's face he continued. "No one here wishes to see my boy fail his studies. As such you three shall all do whatever you can to help him pass by legal and legitimate means." The man's tone took on a more sinister sound as he leaned forward, glaring over his hands, fingertips pressed against each other.
"Should Lukas fail, he will be disowned and lose any right to inheritance here in the syndicate." An expression of shock and horror took Lukas by force as his father turned to the other three.
"As for you, I will personally see to it that you can never live a peaceful life in any major city on Remnant."
Caelum to the surprise of none was unaffected by the threat. "This is how you ask for help?"
Again their eyes stared firmly at each other. The older man smirked and delivered Caelum's own words. "Without hesitation."
Caelum clicked his tongue and leaned back in his chair. "Very well, it was our intention to intervene anyways."
The father smiled and flicked a hand to the side at his verbal victory. "Of course, I am an amiable man. Do this for me and my boy and you will be rewarded handsomely, if need be I can even provide you assistance in your endeavors so long as it does not endanger his enrollment."
Caelum seemed interested in the prospect, raising an eyebrow. A glance over at Raiden and Niel proved that they themselves had a few ideas. Begrudgingly, however, Caelum raised a hand. "Wouldn't that render our actions towards our teammate insincere? Profiting off him and all?"
Lukas glared at Caelum, unsatisfied with his own thoughts being voiced by him. The father noted this and dismissed the notion. "This is my own decision, humility is a wonderful trait but one does not refute a gift from the Coil syndicate nor keep us indebted. We ensure fair compensation. In fact, I have an idea for your initial payment." The man then typed something on his terminal and sent the message. Nothing happened but he ensured it was a "good start."
"Now onto the matter of his graduation. Lukas only needs to graduate. He does not need to pursue a career as a huntsman and may inherit the syndicate if he chooses. No extracurriculars nor top-rate grades are needed aside from your after-school scrimmaging and anything your leader dictates as necessary." The father emphasized the latter half, seeing his son's hopes rise at shirking his tasks.
Lukas directed another dirty glare at an apathetic Caelum as his father continued. "My son is not used to direction apart from me and his mother, with that I suggest you all start anew." He stood and walked over to his son. With ease, he turned his chair and clamped two large hands atop Lukas' shoulders.
"Lukas takes after me in almost every way except for his attitude, he got that from his mother." Lukas grumbled to himself, confirming the statement. "You know of his weapon, fighting style, capabilities, talent, and origin. I doubt he's told you his semblance, however." Lukas tensed at the claim, a look of fright in his eyes.
"My boy's semblance is not combat oriented, rather it is a more potent version of mine." The other members of team CRLN suddenly realized why Lukas had always been so upset in training and avoided revealing his ability. To many huntsman, a non-combat-related semblance was akin to a liability.
The father observed the boy's reactions and seeing no condemnation continued. "My ability is 'Suggestion.' Through speech, I can implant an idea and sway another's actions to an extent."
"That's how you achieved so much in such a small amount of time" blurted Raiden.
"I thought it was strange how you became such a large war chief here in Vale in only two decades" agreed Niel, spouting his own thoughts.
The man took the words as flattery and smiled. "My boy here is of another level. His can simply be described as 'Charisma.' I'm sure you've all felt it without even realizing it."
Raiden and Niel gave the man confused looks as Caelum spoke up. "He uses it almost involuntarily doesn't he?" The father nodded as Lukas abashedly looked away. Caelum turned to his peers who still did not understand. "He's used it on us at school. Every time he tried to weasel out of practice or convinced one of you to let something slide. It's his silver tongue."
"Exactly," said the father, pointing at the silver and emerald emblem on his suit. My boy may not be able to fight with it but he has the capability to influence another to the extent that they would think it was originally their idea. He's used it to sneak into nightclubs as a twelve-year-old and get himself out of trouble as well as others into trouble. The only exceptions to his ability are people like me with similar abilities with a strong grasp on it's capabilities or-"
"People who dislike him?" asked Caelum.
The man's mouth shifted to a smile again. Lukas gave a piercing glare at Caelum. "Yes" acknowledged the father. "If the target has strong negative emotions towards him, they have little to no effect. I'm guessing that's why you were never affected."
Caelum hummed at the revelation. Lukas's clear discomfort was well understood. His secrets he had fought to conceal were now all laid bare. Caelum's eyes shifted to the guards standing adjacent to them, behind the desk. A large mirror behind each on either side of the large crest embellishment on the wall.
"Before I say anything here, how well do you trust your men?" asked Caelum.
The father turned to the two masked guards. Both pointed their rifles upwards to their heads, showing their loyalty. Proudly the man turned to Caelum who kept his eyes firmly on the guards, as if he was waiting.
"Young man?" asked the elder.
Caelum shifted his eyes away from the tense guards. "Oh, I thought they would follow through, apologies." Ignoring the surprised stares he received at his response Caelum took a short breath and called Lukas's attention.
"I am not from Atlas. I was born and raised in Mantle." The reveal garnered some looks but Lukas solely held an expression of surprise with a tinge of confusion.
"As for my semblance-" Caelum shoved a hand into his pocket and pulled a silenced pistol with a red dot atop it. As he spun it in his hand, playing with it, one guard frantically searched his holster to see his sidearm absent.
Bewildered looks were thrown his way but all he had to say was, "I will tell you more in private. For now, with others I do not trust, this is the most I will reveal."
Caelum placed the pistol back in his pocket and the firearm clattered at the feet of its owner who picked it up in an instant.
As eyes shifted to the man, eyeing his pistol as if it were haunted, the father gave an impressed laugh of disbelief. "I can see why you're a huntsman with such skill."
"It's not quite what you think but thank you regardless" nodded Caelum politely with a somber tone. "Lukas" called Caelum catching a pair of distressed green eyes. "I never hated you. I hate your personality."
"Isn't that the same thing?!" Lukas snapped disbelievingly.
"No" stated Caelum firmly. "The personality can change but the individual is the same. With this agreement your father arranged, we'll see who you become."
Lukas failed to form a response, his father however was eager to act. Slapping the back of his son's head he encouraged Lukas to reciprocate the sentiment. Begrudgingly Lukas bowed his head and gave his thanks for the opportunity. With that Niel and Raiden's expressions lightened as the surprises for the day seemed to be at an end.
At the behest of Lukas's father, the boys were given a ride back to Beacon. An awkward silence prevailed over them as they returned to their dorm, each boy sifting over to their beds. Caelum however, began to unpack a suitcase.
The others paid no mind until he kept unpacking. Soon five minutes turned to ten, then twenty. The boys were left in awe as Caelum had unpacked a small arsenal from the compact case.
Seeing their expressions Caelum began organizing his equipment and gave a rather brief question. "No need to hide it anymore, is there?"
The others had no response before Lukas, surprisingly realized what he meant. "Your semblance?"
Caelum nodded as he stored a few articles of clothing. "It'd be simple to show you this way." He reached into a pocket and with a barely audible click, a small mirror emerged from within. Like lemmings, the three boys cocked their heads. Caelum raised a gloved hand and slowly pressed it against the mirror. As his fingertip touched the reflective surface, it passed through.
His teammate's eyes widened into dishplates. Not finished Caelum tilted his head to his left, gesturing to the mirror he had on the wall. The three sets of eyes followed to see the same gloved hand waving at them.
Seeing his performance the boys finished each other's thoughts.
"What"
"The"
"Fu-"
"My ability is essentially teleportation. Not really useful for immediate combat but I've found alternate uses for it." The remark was clearly meant for Lukas who was still too impressed to think upon it.
"That's not all either. I can see through them and transport anything, inanimate or alive so long as I can provide aura and move it through." He then pulled his hand back through and pulled out a single pistol bullet. Flicking it into the air like a coin, he held out the mirror like a beggar would a hat. The boys watched as the casing connected with the mirror and disappeared with a ripple akin to a still body of water. A small 'plink' then came from the floor by his bedside mirror.
"The drawbacks are it's limited to reflective surfaces and places I've been."
The three boys rushed towards him asking questions along the way. "This is incredible!" exclaimed Raiden. "Is there a limit?"
Caelum reeled at the sudden proximity and attention but obliged their questions. "To times of use or distance?"
"Both!"
"So long as I have aura and I've tried long range, it works but becomes unstable. I can end up in a random location if so."
Niel then pushed Raiden aside. "Is this how you carry so much equipment?! How do you compensate for the range issue?"
Caelum pulled his scroll out and activated the camera function. Placing the device through the small mirror he clicked the button and pulled it back. The boys leaned in to see the image and were in awe. On the other side was a small room packed to the brim with equipment. Grenades on shelves, belts of ammo stacked high in open boxes, and spare weapons parts and rations organized along walls. Above each pile and no more than an arm's reach away from every single piece was a mirror of varying size.
"To compensate for the range I built that armory within Vale. It's in an undisclosed hole out in the woods. I try to make one with essentials in any major city I travel to or live in. That's how I tracked Lukas, a glass shard glued on his heel. I've even resupplied mid-fight like earlier in the nightclub."
The boys were amazed and lost for words. As Raiden and Niel began to lose themselves to their hype, Caelum deleted the picture as Lukas posed an ominous question. "What happens if the mirror shatters while you're moving through it?"
Caelum's expression darkened slightly. "I remain intact, albeit it shears through my aura which is what I assume keeps me intact. I've never tried with another living being but I presume whatever else is going through when it shatters, doesn't."
With an equally dark answer, Lukas asked another. "Does this have something to do with how you act in the mornings?"
For once, Caelum was momentarily stunned. "You noticed?"
Lukas nodded and hiked a thumb at their teammates who joined him. Caelum gave a bitter snicker at the revelation. "I thought my acting was good." With the depreciative remark, he sat atop his bed.
I discovered this semblance rather late in life compared to most. I'm sure you all know when you found yours, care to share before I do?"
"When I was on a hunt with my father at eight" declared Niel.
"I was ten and shocked myself in my parent's lab" recalled Raiden.
With a mumble, Lukas was barely audible enough to be heard. "When… I was seven and convinced my guard to not tell my father I ate dessert before dinner."
A few muffled chuckles came from Raiden and Niel as Caelum nodded his head. "I was twelve. My father had returned from a rather dangerous profession, permanently injured. I was left to defend myself and my family in a matter of sorts. My perception of life quickly changed.
Soon I didn't know what the value of life was. What death meant. Why it seemed to persistently chase me. I was rather sheltered those first twelve years. Within a matter of months, I'd nearly lost my life half a dozen times."
His team listened in shocked silence, unsure how to respond as he continued. "Every time I looked at myself in the mirror I couldn't recognize who I was looking at. Eventually, I couldn't see myself at all. Then I started to see other places, other views. Beautiful verandas, canals, and streets of warm lights."
He shook his head with a cynical laugh at the memory. "No one believed me obviously. No one could see what I did. One day, I just wanted to escape, and I stared longingly into that mirror. Pressing my forehead against it… I just fell through. Opened my eyes in some bakery up in Atlas. There was hell to pay when I was found and returned. Eventually, higher authorities believed my story but it only worsened my predicament."
Caelum suddenly stood and shook his head. "But that's another story. After I lost my reflection, my mother told me how to style myself and act as if I could still see it."
'Run you hands this way and let it settle. You'll look just fine son' he recalled her words from seemingly so long ago. "It must have been a transparent act to you all because when I do it in the mornings I'm looking at home."
"Home? Why don't you just call?" asked Raiden.
"Circumstances, always circumstances" confessed Caelum. "Atlas is a few timezones ahead so I usually see my siblings eating breakfast with my mother. My father is sometimes there as well."
The expressions on his teammates were grim. Seeing them he gave an exasperated sigh. "Go to sleep, all of you. No use lamenting over my past. We're all here and we all know each other now. Just focus on improving."
Niel raised a hand catching the other's attention. "Um, it's a bit awkward to say it now but I haven't explained my semblance either."
"Do you want to?" asked Caelum indifferent to his answer.
"I-if it's not too inconvienant."
With a wave of a hand from their leader and some encouragement from Raiden, Niel explained quickly. "Maybe it has to do with my tribe or the fact I was hunting but I can channel my aura into three different forms when I focus. That of a bear for strength, a wolf for speed, and an eagle for agility." He ended with an embarrassed expression despite feeling relief at now being on even ground with his peers.
Glad to be done with the day, Caelum turned into bed first. Raiden and Niel followed as Lukas slowly went last, turning off the lights. The day had been a flurry of events and revelations for his team yet he was the one left awake at night, unsure of how to feel.
-Chapter End-