Class Incognito

A Psion's Attrition (1)

6:45 pm... I got to the gym 15 minutes too early. The Alley Ring, despite its crude name, it lives up to its reputation as a perfect training ground for underdogs. Still... Vann was making a weird face when I accepted the invite. Still I entered the building, and was immediately greeted by a blast of red lightning. Fortunately, it missed me by an inch, but it did frazzled my hair a bit.

The person who shot that blast was wearing a black sleeveless training gear. His golden hair was cut in a pixie style, and his crimson eyes crackled with energy. He looked like he was in his mid-20's.

"Woah, sorry about that! I guess the barrier was turned off!" He said with an apologetic grin. Why does he look familiar?

"It's alright. I should be the one to say sorry, coming in 15 minutes early is a wee bit much ain't it?" I shook my head and he extends his hand for me to shake.

"I'm er... Seth. Yeah, Seth. Nice to meet you." He said.

'Almost gave away my real name.' His mind said, he must be really nervous when he almost gave away his name. I wonder why?

"I'm Marc. Nice to meet you Mr. Seth." I said and he shakes his head.

"Just Seth kid. I'm not THAT old. You're 13 right? You're quite short I'll give you that." Seth said and I sighed. I was used to being called short my entire life.

"Yeah, I am. Though I am in a bit of bind lately. Some stuck up president is out for my blood and forced my little brother out." I said, slipping back and forth from my old way of talking. I don't know why, but it felt good.

"I see. Wait, are you the Noan kid?" Seth asked with wide eyes.

"That I am. My proper name is Marc Callahan Noan." I said

'Cripes, I'm not done warming up yet.' Seth said internally. And I could hear him with perfect clarity because he was so flustered.

"I'd like to warm up first, if that's okay?" I asked and his face brightened.

"Great! Uh do you have your training gear with you?" He asked and I shook my head.

"Oh right... You're not a member yet. Come with me, we'll get you fitted in." He drags me in before I could say anything.

The fitting room was automated, the machine scanned my whole body and spoke in a judgemental tone.

"Body fat is a bit high." It said as if advocating it's state of the art body assessment feature. "Adjusting tight-fit for extra toning for Class efficiency."

'Class efficiency?' I thought to myself and wondered. Is this place also a part of the organization the others are?

The machine finished my work-out clothes in a split second. The obsidian fabric was soft yet sturdy, and it fitted my body perfectly. I could see the layers of small fat jutting out and it made me a bit self-conscious. Eventhough I never ate too much sweets, I still don't have a balanced exercise.

"Suits you rather well right?" Seth grinned and I smiled a little.

"Y-yeah it does." I said meekly.

"Hmm... You're physique isn't bad. But it's not good either." Seth assessed. "But with your stature, you can pull off the missions quite well. Tell me Marc, what's your ability?"

"Mostly Telekinesis, but I think it's changing." I said. Whenever I use my ability, the sky blue aura always envelops it, as if an extension of my limbs and my thoughts.

"Care to give me a demonstartion?" Seth asked and he gestured on the gym equipment. And I obliged.

I extend my hands and gestured with my fingers, and sky blue energy wrapped around the weights and gets lifted to the air. But I was straining, I never used my ability on multiple weights at once. I could feel my self sweating.

"Yeah that's not telekinesis anymore Marc." Seth said and pats my shoulder, telling me to stop and I dropped the weights and they fell with a huge clang on the floor.

"What do you mean?" I asked and he pondered for a bit.

"When you use your power, does it always do that? The misty sky blue thing?" Seth asked.

"It does. And I can feel a strain in my whole body whenever I lift something heavy." I told him.

"Then that's not Telekinesis, Marc. That's Psychokinesis." Seth told me. "But you're not only limited to Psychokinesis right?"

I nod but I didn't tell him anything. I want most of my cards unrevealed.

"Then we'll leave it at that." Seth said and he and I went to our work out.

He told me that I should work on my stamina, so Seth gave me a lot of stamina related exercises. About an hour in, I was sweating and breathing felt like inhaling daggers. He worked me like a dog.

"You okay Marc? You look a little winded." Seth said as he hands me a canister of water.

"I'm totally winded..." I admitted to him, my lungs feel like it was on fire.

"Well, at least we have three weeks for you to prepare for the Simulation Exams." Seth reminded me.

"I do have a question Seth... How do you know I'm participating in the Simulation Exams?" I inquired and he looked at me as if I was kidding. And when he saw my face being absolutely serious, he stopped smiling.

"Truth be told. Vann and Mr. Auron told me that you need help. And it so happens that the others are busy training the other kid unfairly, I was called in to tip the scales." Seth said.

"And the other kid, I suppose you won't tell me who they are?" I asked and he nods.

"I know it seems disadvantageous, but it will work out well for you." Seth promised and he beckoned me to do another set of crunches. I almost wanted to cry.

We finished at around 9 and I was completely winded. Who knew I needed to build my stamina to actually have the capacity to lift heavier objects.

"Hey Marc! Do you have any plans tonight?" Seth asked me, he was wearing a white tank top, a pair of black sweatpants and his workout shoes.

"I do have pending homework to finish back at home. But its due until next week." I said, Lady Emma's class was difficult, and I would be in trouble if I don't keep up with my studies.

"Great, come with me! After exercising, its good to replenish one's energy with a meal! Come on!!" Seth didn't even let me say no but he took me on an authentic meal of grilled meat and vegetables.

"Seth... Can you be honest with me?" I asked him while we were digesting our food.

"Sure... What is it?" He said while pouring soda for himself.

"Why are you helping me instead of helping Diego?" I really said it. He almost dropped his cup when I mentioned Diego's name.

"H-how did you know Diego's my brother?" He asked.

"I didn't. You confirmed my suspicion just now. And I wasn't asking if you two are related, I just asked why you weren't helping him." I smirked and he sighs in defeat.

"I should be really careful when I'm dealing with you Marc." Seth laughed and chugs down the soda. "I just don't want to lose to my little brother. That's all."

I can relate with him. Younger siblings always look up to us older siblings, like some walls they need to overcome and leave. We set the standards, and if they surmount us, that means it was their time to shine.

I never admit it, but I was jealous. So jealous at Conner, Keith, Elios... And even Theodore. They all have their heads together when it comes to their goals and their control with their lives. I, on the other hand, am still lost. Granted, I always wanted to protect and keep them self, but that isn't what you can call a goal.

"I guess you and I are in the same boat." I said and chug down my soda clean.

Seth and I parted ways and I was contemplating on my own. What did I want to be in my life? Is it enough for me to be just my family's protector? The thoughts never left me as I got home.

Home... Now it felt empty eversince Elios left. I wondered if he ever got home safe.

'I promised Elios I will do my best to never let him worry about me. So... I should do my darnest!' I slap myself off from the plaguing thoughts and dedicated myself to self-improvement.

The next few days were a blur, apart from the usual classes and the constant annoyance in the form of Vann Alencon, it was relatively peaceful.

Kaiser and his posse weren't back from Ros Ursa, which I was glad to hear, I didn't want any incident concerning him for a long time.

My academics was so and so. I wasn't doing too bad, but I wasn't standing out in class too. My grades were decent, playing around A- to just plain A. Vann was a solid B+ student with A+ in terms of combat related studies and physical activities.

The achievers, or the ones with the highest grade, were all from the Class-A. Blake, Eula, Diego, Phoebe, and Theodore were all solid S+ students in all subjects, and they were all getiing along swimmingly. I didn't feel envious, but I was glad that Theo wasn't thinking about how he should always be the perfect son for the Scifios Family. But still, it was gnawing me that he was led to believe that he was the first born son.

My nights were the only thing that was giving me a sense of urgency. The Simulation Exam is fast approaching, and I was running out of time. But I must say, Seth was proving to be a great teacher. His approach was thorough and completely flexible, he knows when and what I should exercise in, and he understands my ability more than I could ever could.

Three weeks was all it took to put in a condition where I could use a powerline pole as a club with my Psychokinesis, and lifting multiple objects at once wasn't as straining as before. Seth also gave me some close quarter combat exercises, in which he totally wipes the floor with me.

"Hey Marc, wanna make a bet?" Seth asked on the night before the Simulation Exam. We were taking a break from our sparring session, in which the record was now 14-25.

A bet... I never want to hear that word as much as I could, especially since it was the reason I was tossed aside. But this was Seth, and I trust him.

"What are the stakes?" I asked and he grinned.

"If you pass the exam, I'll teach you something cool. Something only descendants of the Narukami Family can only learn." Seth said and I floundered around. Sharing a family technique?! Why would he stake something that sacred to the Narukami family?

"Won't your folks disown you for doing that?" I asked and Seth snorted.

"I just learned from Vann that Diego and Erika were teaching their potential recruit our ways of fighting. It's already personal now." He said. "But hey, I'll teach you once you become a full fledged Incognito member."

'Incognito member?' I asked myself but I didn't ask Seth. He might get too flustered to say anthing else.

"Okay but if don't pass, assuming I won't since I clearly have no idea who the new recruit is, I'll tell you my real identity." I said. If he was willing to share his family secret, might as well come clean with him. But Seth frowned.

"I already know you're Marc Callahan Noan. There's nothing secret about that." Seth said and I was amazed on how he is Diego's older brother. Considering Diego has a huge ass skeptical bone in his body.

"Heh... You'll be surprised." I told him and that got him really thinking. Stories found in my personal file was dubious and broken at best, so of course Phoebe and the others will never trust me fully.

"All right then... I'll accept that condition." Then he and I shake on those terms and the bet was set.

That Night. I dreamed of my older self again. Big me was alone, sitting underneath a peach tree. His navy blue uniform and scholar's band was neat, his medium black hair was a bit unkept and was standing in spikes.

"Hey there little me, no time no talk." Big me said and I sighed.

"Hey big me... Yeah, it has been a long time." I said and he gestured me to sit beside him. At closer inspection, I saw his face... My face. It was older, I think i'm around 18 years old that time, am I in my fifth year? Big me has a huge scar that goes from the chin up to the left cheek. His red eyes was like darker almost to the point of scarlet. And I saw him wearing what appears to be a ring.

"How's life for you now little me?" Big me asked, his voice was a bit deep but I could hear my own voice.

"So-and-so." I said and he laughed.

"Yeah... That was what I said when I had a conversation with an older me your age." Big me said.

"How are we even talking? I don't think this is recorded in any books!" I asked, the past and the future talking. Talk about a conundrum.

"Heh... So that was what I sound like when I first spoke with older me. Anyways to answer your question, I guess it's our power. As the eldest Scifios, we were blessed by the founder. At least that is what older, older, older us said." Big me.

"And we've established our first connection at? What age exactly?" I asked and he just laughed.

"Let's not go there yet Little Me, your perception of time is a bit different from mine. In any case, our conversation always happens when moments of nervousness affects our dreams. Your first experience, was when Uncle Reginald, or... Dad, offered to be our foster dad. And now... I think you're nervous about the Simulation exams, right?"

"Yeah... That's right." I said. "So how did we do?"

"I better not say. It all depends on how well Seto taught you. You've met Seto right? Tall, blond hair, crimson eyes and crimson lightning? Diego's friendly yet dense older brother?" Big me made a spot on description of Seth, but Seto?

"You mean Seth right?" I asked and Big me just laughed.

"Right... right. Seth. Keep him close little me, he's a great mentor and friend. Just don't drink with him. Or else." He shuddered and clutches his right arm. I know what he means, Seth is a person who is happy to lock you in an armbar any chance he gets.

"I suppose I got very close to him huh?" I pondered.

"Well, he didn't gave any choice, plus... I'm grateful for his support too. Just, cut him some slack and don't tease him too much." Big me said.

"But won't that affect our relationship in the future?" I asked and he laughs.

"Heh, I wish. Even if we change a menial thing, the flow of time will simply flap its butterfly wings and everything goes back the same. So don't worry mini me. Plus, this isn't even time travel, think of it as... A Memory Message." Big me winked and I smiled.

"Just promise me one thing little me." He began as the surroundings began to dissipate, am I waking up?

"Yeah?" I asked.

"Tell Seto everything. That way... You'll gain more than just a companion." He said and the memory message ended.

I woke up slightly refreshed. The Saturday morning was a bit chilly and the weather was overcast but I could feel the sun will peek in just a bit.

"Young Master, you have a visitor." Hal knocked on my door and I got up and saw myself in the mirror.

At first, I was a bit chubby and easy to tire, but now. My whole body became lean and slightly well-built. Granted, I didn't bulked up too much, but I wasn't as easy to tire as before. My hair went from short and neat to a spikier complexion, and my red eyes was slightly becoming brighter. I still needed to wear my glasses of course, but seeing Big me, and the scar that will appear on my face. I wonder... Will I be as confident as he is now?

I shook off the question and head downstairs to find Seth reading a tabloid and Vann wolfing down on the food Hal prepared for them.

"Nice to see you two making yourselves at home." I said and they smirked.

"Ready for the Simulations Exam?" Seth asked  and I nod.

"Ready as I'll ever be." I said with confidence. And all three of us head for the venue. The Mathis Mansion located at the western part of the residential section.

"So do you have a clue on who you're gonna face?" Vann asked and he was smiling nervously.

"I don't. And I don't care if they already know I'm one of their opponents." I told him.

"Okay, the Simulation Exam is simple. Pick a door and wait. Three Doors will lead you to a battle with a member of the group. Two doors will lead to a fight with one of the recruits, and one door will lead to no confrontation at all." Seth told me.

"Okay, so Three means Hard, Two means Medium, and One means Easy. But don't you need one person for your group?" I asked.

"Not exactly. All of you have a chance to become our members, only the best of the best will be out in the open with us. A sixth seat is already open in the hideout."

"Marc... I do hope you become our 6th member. Honestly, it will be a breath of fresh air." Vann said and I smiled. For once, he wasn't that annoying.

The three of us got inside the mansion, and I immediately felt a familiar pressure. It was the same pressure I've felt in the headmaster's office. Adn sure enough, he was standing there, sipping tea by the foyer.

"Ah, so you've arrived. The other candidates are all but waiting for you Marc." He said.

"Mr. Auron, it's been many years." Seth said with a smile, he doesn't seem to be affected by the pressure. I looked at Vann, it seems he doesn't seem to be feeling it too.

"Are you feeling alright Mr. Noan?" He asked.

"A-actually no... No offense sir, but... Are you the one exuding this pressure?" I asked and I saw him raised an eyebrow.

"So even your acquity is remarkable. Very well, I shall look at your performance very closely. The door is open to you. Should you choose to enter, you will either face a worthy adversary, a chance encounter, or insurmountable luck. Give your all, and ad astra." Mr. Auron said and the pressure was lifted.

Seth and Vann cheered for me as I took a step forward and faced the door.

'Elios, Keith, Conner. Give me strength.' I told myself and took a deep breath.

I then opened the door leading me to a very long corridor. I saw a familiar light and got out, the are was wide open and there were numerous things for me to use as weapons and things to defend at. And sitting by the large stone, teal eyes burning with anticipation, Blake Anthony Mathis greets me with a snap of his finger. And the door behind me closed.

"Seems like you're one of the unlucky ones Marc. And my trial is the only one left, those who passed, are all but watching now." Blake pressured me and I took a deep breath.

"How's this going to end Blake?" I asked and a wave of fire greets me in response. Blake's fist were burning with azure flames.

"Time for talk has passed Noan. Let your power and fist talk for you."