Past of Nuri and Rin.
They were 16, few days passed after both of them entered the mountain of light. They were headed to school. They looked a bit different, they changed their appearance after leaving the mountain… (Before they entered they looked completely the same, having brown hair, brown eyes… now Rin’s hair was white, his eyes very very light blue, almost white. Nuri’s hair was orange, wavy, his eyes orange too, and both of them got something like a scars on their faces on each side of their noises, and scars had different color too…
Nuri: Do you think others will know?
He was nervous because they entered the mountain and they didn’t tell anyone.
Rin: We won’t use our powers so we don’t have to worry about anything.
Nuri: But we look differently…
Rin: So we died our hair, big deal, that is the story.
Nuri: But why would we do that?
Rin was getting slightly annoyed.
Rin: So that no one would mix us up anymore, how about that?
Nuri: Well… that sounds believable…
Rin: Just don’t do anything stupid, we don’t want for anyone to see us differently…
Nuri: You just said that is the reason we “died” our hair….
Rin looked at him annoyed.
Rin: You know what I mean.
They came to school. They were in the same class, but Nuri had his own friends he hanged out wth while Rin was more as a lone wolf. As they entered the classroom, everyone stared at them because they looked different. Rin couldn’t care less, he just walked inside and sat in his own seat. Nuri’s friends looked at Nuri.
Jacob: Nuri my man, is that you?
Nuri laughed nervously.
Nuri: Of course I am, who would it be?
He throw his bag on his desk and came to his group of friends.
Allie: What did you do with your hair?
Nuri: I just wanted a bit of change… I was tired of everyone mixing me with my bro over there.
Rin was sitting at his desk, reading a book.
Lu: Yeah, it was not that hard to tell the difference…
Jacob: I mean when was the last time you held a book?
They laughed, he laughed with them.
Nuri: Yeah, yeah, very funny.
Allie: You look good by the way.
Nuri: Thanks…
They continued to mess around, Rin was just there silently observing. Another guy went inside the classroom, his name was Jordy, and he was pretty popular. Rin could not stant the guy, that’s why he always ignored him, but Jordy loved to get on his nerves.
Jordy: Look at the twins, some change ha? Which one is which again?
Nuri: Oh come on man, you got to know.
Jordy looked at him, like he was scanning him.
Jordy: I am not sure… why don’t you say something more so I can guess.
He was teasing him, Rin rolled his eyes, but he didn’t even look at him.
Nuri: Oh, let’s see… oh! I know! I learned to cook your favourite meal, the one you said I could not do it. I even brought you some.
He took it out of his bag. Jordy smiled and he took it.
Jordy: Oh of course I know which twin brother are you… the dumb one, but thanks for the food man.
Jordy pat his shoulders, and Nuri laughed, trying to hide the fact that he was hurt by his words, but he was used to it. He mostly hanged out with people like him, who only knew how to be rude and not really how to be friends.
Nuri: Good one…
Others laughed too, and Jordy walked towards Rin’s table, Rin still ignored him. Jordy took a chair and placed it in front of his desk. He sat reversed and he leaned his hand on the back of the chair that was now in front of him. He looked at Rin.
Jordy: Class didn’t even started and you already have a book in your hand. Nerdy much?
He teased him, acting like he was doing that in friendly way.
Rin: I would rather see what this books have to offer than listen to any words that comes from your mouth.
Jordy: Wow, wow man, I was just joking around.
Rin looked at him.
Rin: Like you joked with Nuri a second ago?
He talked serious, and cold.
Jordy: Of course, that is what friends do…
He turned his head towards Nuri.
Jordy: Is that right big guy? No hard feelings right?
Nuri: Of course man.
Jordy turned around again to look at Rin.
Jordy: See?
He was smiling and acting friendly but his eyes were telling the whole truth.
Rin: What do you want?
Jordy: I just wanted to see what are you doing after school?
Rin: No.
Jordy: Won’t you ask why?
Rin started to read book again, not looking at him.
Rin: Don’t really care.
Jordy laughed a bit but Rin was starting to piss him off. Jordy couldn’t realize why was he the only person in this school who didn’t cared for him at all. Why he didn’t follow his steps blindly like everyone else did? Jordy saw a threat, while Rin just couldn’t care less. One of Jordy’s friend stepped up.
Den: No one talks with Jordy that way…
Rin looked at him unbothered. But Jordy stood up.
Jordy: Chill man, it is okay… we need to respect his wishes. I am sure he has something important to do.
Rin: Not really, but I bet anything is more important than whatever you had in mind.
Den looked like he was about to attack him, Rin stayed calm, and Jordy stopped Den by placing his hand on his shoulder. Jordy looked at Rin , and Rin looked at Jordy. Everyone noticed and Nuri looked at them, and decided to approach.
Nuri: My bro is just kidding, I am sure he didn’t mean it.
He talked nervous.
Jordy: I am not sure about that.
His face turned more serious.
Rin: Oh come on, I was just messing with you, like you do with my brother every day… That is what friends do, right?
He was being sarcastic, and he even smiled sarcastic.
Jordy: Of course, good one.
He smiled but then they returned to their seat. Nuri sat at Rin’s desk.
Nuri: What the hell man? What are you trying to do? You don’t want to mess with him… He is the most popular kid in school! You should be glad he wants to talk to you at all.
Rin: You should find new friends.
Nuri: What is that supposed to mean… they are my friends.
Rin: Those people are not your friends, the sooner you realize that, the better.
Deep down Nuri knew he was telling the truth, but he couldn’t admit it.
Nuri: Whatever man, at least I am not alone like you.
He stood up and returned to his friends. Rin sighs and continued to read a book.
...
Past of Ace (15) same timeline.
She was hanging out with group of guys she trained with, they played a sport, where they are trying to hit one another with an objects they made, circle, triangle, cube and so on... different meaning of object - for example ball will make you froze, cube switch team... triangle gives a person to choose a teammate from another team and so on… Aaron leaned on tree he didn’t play he just watched from far. They were all trying to hit one another.
Some dodged some get hit. Ace hit one of them, Wren.
Ace: Got you!
He needed to stay still.
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Wren: Oh come on...
Another one, ran to him to try unfroze him.
Yuri: Not going to work pal.
They played, one of them throw the object harder and more far away and hit some random girl that was walking with other girl. Since Ace and her teammates didn’t good to public school, thy didn’t know many other kids, but sometimes they played sports near the school, like they were doing now.
Girl1: Ouch!
They stopped to play.
Yuri: Oh shit, you okay there?
Ace ran towards her.
Ace: My friend is really sorry, you okay?
Girl1 looks at the group.
Ace: Apologize, damn it...
She looked at Yuri.
Yuri: Sorry...
He laughed nervously and the girl saw a guy she liked among them.
Girl1: Oh, no worry about that...
She picks up the cube and threw it to the guy she liked, Levi.
Levi: Thanks.
Ace smiles. And turns to leave.
Girl1: What are you guys playing?
Ace stops and looks at her.
Ace: Oh, just some game we made up...
Girl1: It looks fun.
Ace: Well if you want you both can join us.
Girl2: I don't think so...
Girl1: Oh come on it will be fun.
Ace smiled.
Girl2: I think I am just going to sit there and watch. Sports aren't really my thing.
She sat on bench.
Ace: So you are in?
Girl1 nods.
Ace: Great, I'll explain the rules, come on...
Ace isn’t used to hanging out with girls, doesn’t have girlfriends.
Ace: What is your name by the way?
Lola: Lola, and you?
Ace: Acacia... but you can call me Ace?
Lola: Nice to meet you Ace.
She smiled. After game they all laughed and hanged out a bit.
Ace: Not bad Lola, you are a fast learner.
Lola: Well thank you...
Levi: Yeah, not bad for the first timer.
She blushed.
Lola: Thanks.
Aaron stood up, Ace noticed.
Ace: Okay guys, it is time to go.
Yuri: Can't we stay a bit longer?
Ace: Don't you see that our clock is moving?
She looked at Aaron, and Yuri laughed.
Yuri: Yeah, we should go.
Lola: Oh that is too bad...
Ace: Tell me about it.
Lola: Where are you guys going? Maybe I could come with you?
Ace: That would be amazing but this is basically like our curfew...
Lola: Oh right, you guys are the Eligor's chosen one's...
Ace sighs.
Ace: I can't believe they still call us that but yes.
Wren: Well until next time.
He smiled and they waved and started to walk.
Lola: Hey Ace.
Ace stopped and looked at her.
Ace: Yes?
Lola: How do you feel about breaking the curfew?
Ace: Well, it wouldn't be the first time I will tell you that...
Lola smiled.
Lola: So what do you say? Want to hang out with me and Gina?
Ace was surprised.
Ace: You want me... to hang out with you guys?
Lola: Yeah... why not? I mean it was really fun with all you guys but how about some girls time now?
Ace was surprised and confused.
Ace: There is such a thing as girl’s time?
Lola laughed.
Lola: You are so funny... come on, let's go.
She started to walk, Ace looked towards the guys that were almost all gone, and then at her, she shrugged her shoulders and just followed her. The rest went to their cabins, Aaron noticed she was gone. He stopped Yuri.
Aaron: Where is she?
Yuri looked around.
Yuri: I don't know man, maybe she stayed with that Lola girl.
Aaron’s expression cold.
Aaron: What?
Wren: Come on man give her a break, she is the one that needs that the most of all of us.
Aaron: We talked about rules...
Yuri: Well you guys are best friends right? You can cover for her.
He said calm and went inside.
Kiro: Don't worry man she is safe. She is the strongest among us after all.
Aaron looked at all of them cold but angry.
...
Past of Nexara. (17)
Nexara making notes, working on a new project. Around her are people. In a huge lab.
Nexara: I think this might work.
She was smiling.
Troy: So you really think this could help people?
Nexara nods.
Nexara: Yes, it will help them to connect better, work on their issues with others and themselves.
Troy: That sound like a lot of work.
Nexara looks at the blueprints.
Nexara: And it is. We will only have the best people on this.
Troy: And what if something goes wrong?
Nexara: Nothing will go wrong...
Troy: Well, to me it seems someone could use it for other purposes, opposite of the one you have in mind.
Nexara: If we have a person qualified enough for this, nothing will go wrong.
Troy calm, cold.
Troy: What is this project called again?
Nexara: Nexum, it is called Nexum.
Few moments later.
Nexara working on Nexum project, they were at the huge light room, working on it, more people there, working on simulation. She was behind glass, managing everything (in a way Merlock does in present), they could hear her but not see. In hidden room was her, and 3 more people including Merlock, she was showing them how they should manage Nexum project, she was trying find right people for that.
Nexara: That was a great job guys, now you have few minutes to spare before going to the next stage. Wait for the following instructions.
She was talking through the microphone, and she turned herself off. She turned to the three people standing there, 2 guys (Merlock and Isaac) and a woman(Zia). They were taking notes, not Merlock.
Nexara: Any questions so far?
Merlock: Yeah, what is the deal with giving them few minutes to spare? Why don't they just go to the next stage after the other? That would speed things up and make it harder for them to pass.
Nexara: The idea of this project is not to speed things up or to make things harder for people who decide to follow this challenge. The idea is to make connections, stronger bond, to learn more about yourself and people around you. That's why is important to give them some time between stages, so they can talk and share what they learned or how they feel.
Merlock rolls his eyes.
Merlock: Well that is just wasting time.
Nexara: If you think that, maybe you are not cut for this position. You are here to learn about this project so you can know how to manage it, if you get that position, you are not here to change it.
He stayed quiet.
Nexara: Anything else?
He was annoyed, she talked calm and cold.
Merlock: No.
Nexara: What about you two? Zia?
They looked at her, Zia spoke.
Zia: I don’t have any questions so far…
Nexara: Isaac?
Isaac: I have one question… Why are they all separated at the beginning?
Nexara: That is a good question. You see, before any of us work at connections with others, we first need to find connection with ourselves. We need to conquer our fears and make sure we know who we are, and who we want to be.
Isaac: And what happens if one of them doesn’t conquer their fears? If one stays behind and other passes?
Nexara: That is a great question, instead of answering, I will just show you. Make sure to take some notes, you will need it.
She looked at Merlock specifically. Nexara turn on the microphone again.
Nexara: I hope you are ready for the next stage, the next door will open in a few seconds, make sure to stay together and work together, good luck.
...
Past of Rin and Nuri
Rin was in the hallway, waiting for his brother. Then he noticed Jordy and his gang bullying another student. He couldn’t take it so he approach them.
Jordy: No money today ha? You rich kids sicken me. You know we had a deal? You need to pay for your safety here…
Scared kid: I… I will have it tomorrow! Please don’t hurt me…
Jordy: I don’t know can I trust you…
Kid was more and more scared.
Jordy: You know what, I think I will trust you… I know you wont disappoint me twice…
Kid sighs in relief.
Kid: Thank you…
Jordy: But… I think you should learn your lesson first… so there is no mistakes in the future.
He raised a hand to punch him but Rin caught his wrist. Everyone looked at Rin. Rin looked at Jordy, then at kid.
Rin: Leave.
Kid was scared but he nodded and left. Rin released Jordy’s wrist. Jordy laughed but he was pissed.
Jordy: Rin… my man… what do you think you are doing?
Rin: Me? What about you? Picking on someone weaker.
Jordy: I had a deal with a kid, it is not my fault he didn’t respect it.
Rin: A deal? You mean forcing him to give you all his money?
Jordy: Forcing? No… it is more, I do something for him and he makes sure to show me he appreciate that.
Rin looked at him calm, but angry.
Rin: How about we make a deal? Every time I see you hurt someone in any way, I will hurt you for them, how about that?
Jordy’s gang started to fire up.
Jordy: Why don’t you worry about yourself, or better yet, about your brother? Where is he anyway? Oh wait, I know the answer, do you?
Rin raised an eyebrow and before he could say anything explosion was heard. Jordy’s was surprised like the rest, and they immediately started to run.
Before you knew it, everything was in flame, their school was burning, students and teachers were running towards the exit, Rin was running in opposite direction, through the hall, searching for Nuri.
Rin: Nuri!
He screamed, fire was strong. He didn’t know what happened, but he knew one thing, he used his powers. He decided to try and do the same. With his powers he managed to cold off some of fire, but he still wasn’t very good at using his powers.
He walked in the each classroom until he walked in right one, everything was falling apart. Nuri was trying to help a student that got stuck. Rin runs inside, Nuri looks at him, in tears
Nuri: I didn't mean to do it, I swear...
Rin calm down the fire with his powers and helped Nuri to move part of ceiling that fell on student.
Rin: We will talk about this later...
Rin picked up the student.
Rin: Get him outside, I will take care of the rest.
Nuri took the student that was unconscious.
Nuri: But...
Rin: GO!
He nodded still in tears and ran away with student.
...
Past of Ace.
Ace comes back she was happy, relaxed, she climbed quietly to her room, it was high, she went inside trough the window. Aaron waits for her in the dark. Ace jumps a bit.
Ace: Shit Aaron, you scared me!
Aaron looked at her with cold expression.
Aaron: Where were you?
Ace: Actually you won’t believe this, I was at my first girl’s night! Can you believe that?
She seemed more happy than usual. His face softening.
Aaron: You were?
Ace: Yeah, I can't believe that either... hey sorry about being late again... I know you hate it because we all could get into a trouble, and we did a couple of times, but don't worry, I think I finally figured that one too.
She lay on her bed.
Aaron: So, you just learned how to sneak around a bit better?
He smiled a bit.
Ace: Well I haven't been caught, so, yeah I would say I am starting to be pretty good at that.
She talked proudly. Aaron stepped closer to her bed, she had her eyes closed.
Aaron: You are forgetting something.
She opens her eyes and looks at him.
Aaron: You did get caught.
Ace: Well... that doesn't count, better you than Eligor.
Aaron: So you can't beat me in that either? That is all I am hearing.
Ace gets annoyed and sits up.
Ace: Oh you want to say you can do it better?
Aaron: Well, you tell me.
He looked at her, then she realized, she never even once could escape him, not for long.
Ace: Well, at least you lost me for 2 hours, which counts for something.
Aaron gets a bit serious.
Aaron: About that, don't do that again.
Ace: You know I can't promise that.
Aaron leans back.
Aaron: It doesn’t matter, I will always find you.
Ace: Yeah yeah…
She spoke calm.
Ace: But I had an amazing night though.
Aaron: Just be careful.
He started to leave her room.
Ace: Why do you say that?
Aaron: That girl Lola is in love with Levi since forever, it is always a possibility that she is using you to get to him.
Her face darkness.
Ace: You know... not everything has to a battlefield.
He stops.
Aaron: Maybe, just be careful that is all I am saying.
She stayed quiet, thinking.
Aaron: And one more thing.
She looked at him.
Aaron: You cannot escape me, don’t ever forget that.
He went outside, she stayed alone.
…
Past of Nexara.
They were still working on the project called Nexum, Nexara was testing it. She showed them what happens if one person stays behind and others get a chance to go forward.
Zia: Oh I see… If someone stays behind, others get chance to help them out…
Merlock: Or he can just go forward and win.
Isaac: Yes he can go forward… and left the person behind but, how would he win in that situation?
Nexara: You all are right. There is a choice given, either to help the person that stayed behind, or to go forward leaving that person behind.
Merlock: Ha! Told you.
Merlock looked at Isaac.
Nexara: However, this is not a game, so there is no winning or loosing.
Merlock: So what is the point? I mean why shouldn’t he go right forward, he would reach the goal faster.
Zia: I would like to apologize for my language that I will about to use miss Nexara but…
She looks at Merlock.
Zia: What the hell is wrong with you? Why would anyone left their friend behind?
Merlock looked shock and he looked like he was about to say something rude.
Nexara: I would advise you to keep your mouth shut.
Merlock was pissed but he stayed quiet.
Nexara: Isaac, can you tell Merlock what is the main goal here? Since he doesn’t get it.
Issac: Of course…
He turns to Merlock.
Isaac: The goal here is to make better connections, with yourself or someone close to you. Family member, friend… any person that decides to accept this challenge.
Nexara: Excellent, and Zia, can you tell Merlock what this is not?
Zia: My pleasure. This is not a game.
Merlock looked at them pissed but he knew his position, so he stayed silent.
Nexara: Excellent. Merlock, do you have any questions?
She talked calm, and cold. Merlock looked at her angry, but he knew his place.
Merlock: No ma’am.
Nexara: Well, since there is no more questions, how about we take a little break? See you in 20 minutes.
She got up, and left the room, Troy followed her. They were walking through the hall, towards her bathroom.
Troy: I don’t like that Merlock guy.
Nexara: Mister Troy, you don’t speak if I don’t ask.
Troy: You still gonna play the boss? Fine, I will play along.
She looked at him slightly annoyed but he was right, she didn’t have much authority over him as she liked to believe she had.
Nexara: I do not like him either.
Troy: Then why are you considering him for position in this project?
Nexara: I am not, he is my test subject.
Troy raised his eyebrow.
Nexara: You will get it, I need to use the lady’s room. If there is any chance, do not wait for me.
She said sarcastic and opened the door. He smiled a bit.
Troy: I love it when you joke, it is rare.
She even smiled a bit, then she went inside. She looked herself in the mirror. Her shirt started to bother her, so she took of her white coat, and her tight shirt with long sleaves. The scars on her body were now the reflection in the mirror. She started to remember of the days she was tortured. Some scars still hurt. She slowly started to loose her breath and to have panic attack. She was trying to calm down. She reached for some pills (red one) but they fell on the floor. Troy knocked on the door.
Troy: Is everything okay in there?
Nexara calmed down a bit.
Nexara: Yeah, I'll be right in the second.
Troy: You don't sound...
Nexara: For God's sake can't I have 2 minutes for myself!
He stayed quiet for a bit.
Troy: Fine.
He waited for her outside, he didn't ask her anything. She needed help but she didn't want to ask for it. So she calmed down and after few minutes she opened the door and walked outside, wearing her shirt and white coat again. Her expression cold, like nothing happened.
Nexara: Let's go, I have a lot of work to do.
He didn't say anything he just followed her.
…
Rin and Nuri’s past.
After the incident, they decided that it was safer for them to disappear. Some students got injured, some more, some less, but no one died. They walked trough the forest, moving far away from their school and the place they lived. They walked in silence for a bit.
Nuri: Don’t you gonna say anything?
Rin stopped walking, just like Nuri.
Rin: I asked you what happened, you didn’t want to share… Now we can’t go back there because God knows what they will do if they find out that some teenagers have powers because they walked in the T.E.I.R.B.T.W.I.A.C. We can just hope no one will realize it and that no one will look for us.
Nuri: So this is it… We are just leaving?
Rin: And you have better idea?
Nuri looked down.
Rin: If you don’t plan to tell me what happened, I suggest we continue to walk.
He turned to leave, but then…
Nuri: You were right… they were not my friends.
Rin stayed still not sure what to say… He looked at him.
Rin: You will find a better one’s, I promise.
Nuri stayed quiet.
Rin: Do you want to talk about it?
Nuri shook his head.
Rin: When the time comes, I am here. Now, we should keep moving.
Nuri nodded and followed his lead….
…
Past of Ace, Aaron.
Ace was sleeping in her bed, while Aaron sneaked out, and went for a walk. A bit later he walked on the beach, seeing a group of people drinking and having fun. Among them was a girl Lola. Aaron approached her.
Aaron: Are you Lola?
She looked at him, a bit confused, but then she remembered him from earlier.
Lola: Yes… Oh wait, I remember you… You were there earlier with Ace right?
Aaron: Right. Can we talk? In private?
Lola: Is everything okay… Is this about Ace? Is she okay?
Aaron: Why don’t you just come with me, I just have a few questions, that is all.
Lola: Oh… well sure… No problem.
She smiled and she disappeared in the darkness with him.
