The Saionji Group, led by the formidable Reijirou Saionji, was thought to be a dynasty that could not only predict success but could also shape it.
Revered and feared alike, Mr. Saionji was known for his uncanny ability to be one step ahead in business, politics, and society — as if fate itself was holding his finger, subtly guiding him.
That he himself was Quirkless mattered little on the stage he played.
Unlike him, though, his family members' Quirks were well known.
Misaki Saionji, Reijirou's wife, was a beauty to behold, having the Quirk — Future Sketch!
She could subconsciously sketch events that were about to happen in the next 24 hours.
However, the sketch differed too much from anything remotely discernible and was always related to her. Sometimes, it took days to interpret a sketch, only to find out later that it was of her drinking tea.
Their son, Rikuya Saionji, had the Quirk — Dream Walk!
Their daughter, Aina Saionji, had one of the most desired Quirk by the Hero Agencies across Japan — Snapshot Prophecy!
The twins had recently become first-year students at UA High School.
Even if some people questioned the nature of the children's Quirks, given Mr. Saionji was Quirkless himself, they kept their mouths shut.
However, despite such a lineup of Quirks at their disposal, what people question was Mr. Saionji's decision to adopt a Quirkless child five years ago.
The only explanation the media received from the Saionji Group was that Mr. Saionji wanted to support a Quirkless orphan, remembering his struggles as a Quirkless child.
Of course, the very act garnered worldwide praise for the tycoon.
…
Saionji Mansion,
Tokyo, Japan
"Ah! Marvelous tea, Mr. Saionji!" Nezu, the principal of UA High School commented. "Excellently brewed. As always."
In the dining hall, the Saionji family was hosting dinner for Mr. Principal, who had arrived seeking donations for the School's Support Department.
Mr. Saionji had seated himself at the head of the table, with Nezu on his right.
His wife was to his immediate left, followed by his son and daughter.
At last, seated next to Aina, was Luke, his head down.
Only today they had returned from the Blue Site, the underground network of secret labs, hidden in Northern Hokkaido's vast, rugged wilderness.
Luke had undergone only one experiment. But, as it was centered around a complex mutation, it had left him beyond exhausted. They had patched him up pretty well, of course. Still, there was no cure for the stamina drain, yet, reflected by his sluggish actions.
Nezu looked at the boy from the corner of his eye while sipping tea.
Renji Saionji, the adopted son, had dyed his hair black and was wearing contact lenses, making his eyes look black as well. It was an oddity impossible to hide from him, Nezu knew. That meant, Mr. Saionji didn't want to hide it, to begin with.
Hmm… Mr. Principal finished his tea and was just going to ask for a private audience, when it happened.
The spoon fell from the boy's hand.
His eyes rolled back into his head, a spasm coursing through his body, making it rigid.
With a jerk, the boy fell off the chair, making the plate, full of food, fall on him as well, the sound of metal striking the floor ringing across the dining hall.
"Luke!" Mr. Saionji almost flew to the boy. "SAND!!"
Nezu had run around the table when he saw a wave of sand flying in, taking the shape of a brown-haired and brown-eyed, bearded man, wearing a brown uniform.
Sand — Mr. Saionji's personal bodyguard.
Nezu looked at the boy who was experiencing a seizure.
But it was the expressions of Mr. Saionji's face that surprised him. Never had he seen such a dread on someone's face. Never. Much less needed to be said about seeing one of the most powerful people in the world when it came to financial, political, and societal influence.
Nezu's cold reasoning also reminded him that the boy wasn't even blood-related to the man.
There's something here… Mr. Principal noted as both men held the boy.
Then, the bird arrived.
"Luke!" Nyx cawed, fluttering down from above. "I told you! I told you! You piece of sleek-haired shit!!"
She lunged at Mr. Saionji's face, trying to claw out his eyes.
But a fistful amount of sand surrounded it, holding it midair.
From the sides, Ms. Saionji frowned at the bird along with her children.
Just like that, just as Reijirou had picked Luke up to take him to the hospital, it was over.
…
Luke opened his eyes, carrying the weight of ten years' worth of memories.
For a moment, it felt like everything had been a dream. The loneliness… the sadness… the cleanliness… anger and madness… love… Momo… their daughter…
Everything felt like blurry events from a vivid dream.
Then, he saw figures taking shape in his vision.
His father was bent over his face, panic overflowing his eyes. Next to him was Sand, the cold man who did everything his father wanted without question.
There was a white mouse, too, with Nyx held up in the air, surrounded by sand.
Nyx… "Nyx!!!" Luke shouted, not in panic, but with a strange, conflicted joy. No. It wasn't a dream.
He had died, his family had been betrayed and killed — that wasn't a dream!
He had gone to the Gray Castle of Mr. Fool — that wasn't a dream!
He had returned to the past with purpose — that wasn't a dream!
Tears began flowing out from Luke's eyes as he reached out toward Nyx… the last image of her lying dead between him and Momo vanishing from his mind.
He wanted to touch her.
He wanted to return the Spirit Particles of her from the future.
Suddenly, as if struck by a bolt out of the blue, Luke held himself back, calming himself down.
No… he wasn't a 14-year-old boy…
The memories were still settling down, his personality, knowledge, and experiences superimposing with his current, childish self.
And with that came prudence.
He remembered the meeting his father had with Mr. Principal. It was some 11 years ago.
It was also the night when his father had dreamt of All For One and then three days later had taken him to the Blue Site… never to return.
"Has this ever happened before?" Nezu asked, eying Luke weirdly.
Before Mr. Saionji could reply, Luke opened his mouth. "Father…" he said, sitting up, "… I am alright."
It wasn't the time to act out and do something rash, Luke knew.
He needed some time to wrap his mind around everything. Not to mention, his head was pounding. Also, if he wanted Nyx to regain her memories, he needed to do it at a place where others couldn't see them.
At this point, if he were to touch her even for a few seconds, it would get reported.
Nyx being Nyx, was bound to make a fuss upon remembering everything.
Reijirou looked up and nodded at Sand, who held Luke's hand saying, "Come. I will get you looked up by a doctor."
Luke nodded, keeping his head down, trying to recall how he used to behave.
However, he had underestimated how thorough this resurrection was.
With his memories, knowledge, and experience, the traumas he had yet to face had returned as well.
So, when Luke stood up and saw himself covered with juices and bits of food, his entire face contorted.
He slammed his hands at himself, trying to get it off.
There was such madness about Luke's actions that, in moments, he ripped off his shirt.
And, with his head already bombarded with pain, this time when his eyes rolled back, he truly passed out.
*********************
AN: Image of the family portrait of the Saionjis is available on my P -atre0n
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