Beginnings of the Modern Mage

Chapter 12 -13: Conflicted (Alyson’s PV)

No…I place the old photo back in my drawer. It’s all in the past.

I get ready for school and go downstairs to see Nell cooking.

Nell: “Good morning honey.”

Alyson: “Good morning Nell. How’s…work?”

Nell: “You don’t have to worry about it. We get by and I can handle it.”

Alyson: “Why don’t you tell Nao? If all three of us-”

Nell: “I’m not blind, I know that there’s something going on with Nao. I don’t know what it is but won’t burden him with this too. I didn’t want to do that to you either but…*smile* you just don’t take no for an answer.”

Alyson: “Don’t worry Nell, when I graduate at the top I can help out.”

Nell: “You shouldn’t burden yourself Alyson. You should focus on what you want to do with your life, we’ll be fine.”

Alyson: “That won’t last forever and besides…it’s the least I can do.”

Nell: “Will you…stay for breakfast.”

Alyson: “No I…okay.”

She beams a tired smile and I return the gesture as best I can. We eat a quick meal together, just the two of us. I don’t know why I don’t do this more often.

I really have been focusing too much on work and my image. But it’s for a good cause, I should do more. I enjoyed that relax day with Alphon and sleeping in but I can’t make it a habit.

I finish up and head to another normal day at school. I ace every class but I can’t be too careful.

Always look at the bottom of the class, don’t be like them.

Always look at the bottom of the class, don’t be like them.

Always look at the bottom of the class, don’t be like them.

Yes, where Nao used to be….

No! He’s still down there, it’s only a matter of time before he realizes his mistake. People can’t escape from where their born abilities put them. That can’t…otherwi-

“Excuse me class, I have an announcement. You’re seniors and you’re about to graduate so it’s time for you to start thinking about university or a job.”

“Here’s a paper that you’ll give to your counselor. Place down your top 3 universities and top 3 dream jobs. Afterward, your counselor will help you achieve those goals so be truthful.”

I look down at the paper and know exactly what to put down. Whatever makes the most money.

Class ended shortly after and it was time for lunch. I took some study materials, can’t be wasting time so close to the finish line.

I look around and notice that Nao is gone again. He’s off the black list so why is he still with those bottom dwellers? Didn’t he learn his lesson with Anton, stop trying to shake the boat idiot.

???: “Hey Alyson, how’s it going.”

For God’s sake.

Alyson: “Trevor, don’t you have more important things to do?”

Trevor: “Nothing is more important than getting your number. Besides, I’ve been hearing disturbing rumors.”

Alyson: “Oh, what rumors?”

Trevor: “Someone, I mean can you believe this, said that you were with a guy at the Crimson Battlefield.”

Alyson: “…Do I look like someone who would waste time at a kid’s game?”

Trevor: “No, but I had to make sure. I’ll remember to pay back those lairs later.”

*Sigh*

Alyson: “Why do want me so much anyway?”

Trevor: “Haha, you always ask the same question babe.”

Alyson: “Because I still find it hard to believe a battle junkie like you would care about dating.”

Trevor: “You’re hot, I’m hot. You’re the queen, I’m the king. I never dated, you said you never dated. It makes sense to me.”

Alyson: “Yeah, and compatibility means nothing in a relationship right?”

Trevor: “Right!”

Sarcasm Trevor, will you ever learn it. As I cup my head in annoyance, I notice Nao running outside the cafeteria like a mad man. What is he doing now?

Alyson: “Sorry, I have to go check on my brother.”

Trevor: “Oh, then I’ll come with.”

Why can’t you take a hint?

Trevor: “I have business with him anyway.”

What does he…

Whatever, it’s between them. As long as he doesn’t fight Nao I don’t care. I leave the cafeteria with Trevor in tow following Nao’s trail.

Trevor: “I’m surprised you care all of sudden.”

Alyson: “He was ineffectual before but him acting up now would ruin my image.”

Trevor: “Yes yes, perfect queen must remain perfect. I wonder if university would even care about your queen status.”

Alyson: “Staying queen, a real one, says volumes about my academic and athletic ability.”

Trevor: “If you say so. I’m sure they’ll still see you like Deanna but who am I to judge. All that stupid stuff annoys me anyway.”

If it wasn’t for your ridiculous strength, you’d be like just like those bottom dwellers. You have no right to insult my hard work.

I try ignore his presence along the way to wherever Nao is. Eventually, I follow the likely trail outside and to…a group of students. I push past them a bit worried if those bullies went too far but…it was worse.

Nao was covered in blood, but not his own. The Black Listers and 3 bullies. All bloody and broken with only Nao standing. Despite the mumbling crowd, Nao doesn’t stop what he’s doing. As if the outside world didn’t exist.

He was on top of one of the bullies and beating him into…nothing. Could that even be considered a face anymore? There was only a mound of flesh and bone where a human face should be. I feel…sick.

Alyson: “Nao…”

At the sound of my voice, he finally looks back and his eyes…I can’t stop shaking. The anger and hate are tangible from all the way here. It threatens to consume me if I look any deeper.

What the hell happened here? What have I…let happen?

Suddenly, the anger in his eyes slips away after a moment. Now he’s shaking too, on the verge of tears.

Trevor: “What’s this?”

His words break our eye contact. I look to Trevor and I instantly know what’s about to happen. I…can’t watch anymore. I run away from the bloodbath not knowing what to do.

I travel aimlessly, not knowing what to make of what just happened. Nao looked taller and actually beat up those bullies? How did this happen and why?

Was he pushed too hard? I never wanted it to come to this. I didn’t know it would go this far. Did I make a mistake? If Nao could do that then maybe-

NO! REMEMBER MY TEACHINGS ABOUT THOSE WITH THE GIFT AND THOSE WITHOUT!

Well, maybe he does have the ability? Yes, that’s it! I just misjudged him, I had to have made a mistake. Just because Nao was lazy before doesn’t mean he’s a failure, he hid his ability. He’s even doing better in class.

NO! HE’S A DESTINED FAILURE LIKE THE REST OF THEM. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO HER WHEN SHE TRIED TOO HARD.

…You’re right mam. Your words are always right. That was just a fluke. But even so…I won’t let Trevor break my brother.

I run to the nearest teacher and force them to come stop the fight. I rally more nearby teachers along the way just in case Trevor doesn’t back down.

When we get back to the fight, both Trevor and Nao are hurt. But Nao…he’s much worse off. As soon as Trevor backed off, Nao collapsed hard. I watch the teacher carry the wounded to the nurse’s office and disperse the crowd.

I follow them all the way to the office where they laid Nao down. They patched everyone the best they could but the wounds were severe. The one Nao was on top of had to be sent to the hospital.

But the one I really cared about right now was still here. He’s wounds are terrible but apparently Nao is quickly healing.

Alyson: “Can I stay with him?”

“Of course. Hey, are you his sister?”

Alyson: “Y-Yes.”

“You must be so disappointed. Sorry you had to have a delinquent brother.”

Alyson: “…Yeah.”

I sit down beside the bed and wait for the nurse to look away. I push Nao’s hair away from his eyes and caress his face.

Alyson: “I’m sorry….I’m so sorr-”

YOUR IMAGE AND SUCCESS, LEAVE HIM!

NO! Not yet. Just once, just once! I want to forget about constantly aiming for the top.

After everything I did back then, I finally got a family. I don’t want to lose it now.