Hours ran like seconds, Lona gazed at the dimming sun as it glowing ass kissed the end of the horizon. Staying at home all day alone was probably something suicidal but no other options stood in his favor.
He tried so hard not to remember that the woman who had raised him forgot his birthday. Life has always been unfair.
He gazed at the window, looking at a few children embracing and playing around. Lona was brought up inside the house, barely going outside. He didn't even attend school instead he was home tutored together with his sister Kelly whom he called 'K'
The strange apocalypse that exists for centuries calmed the life of over 60% of humanity leaving the world almost scanty. Even creatures of the myth emerged to help humanity and their people who were also affected. Leading to availability to access different worlds and landscapes.
You see, some people claim that it is all made up, no such thing as the apocalypse, no such thing as elves or beasts. They see it as a way for the scientist to put fear into everyone to reduce the outrage of corruption, political issues and the likes but Lona won't agree with that.
His father and sister Kelly turned to this ferocious beast right before his eyes, losing two people you love at once isn't something to take lightly and it had an effect on his mum and him.
Lucky for Lona, the 'Righteous' came on time and put the two broken souls to rest before causing harm and traumatic events made Lona dream to become a righteous burn profusely.
"Could I even make it to the Reom Academy, I am just a regular human with no special features." He looked at his palm which clung together.
"Lucky for me I am not hungry, did that strange fruit kidnap any form of hunger for the day?" Lona wondered. He knew it was time for his mum to get back and she definitely will get something for him to eat.
Speaking of the devil, Lona could hear someone trying to get through the front door with the keys.
"Honey are you home?" The familiar voice tuned up. Lona rushed to see if she needed help.
Just as he arrived, his mum stood in front of him, with a roughly made cake which was wrapped like a contraband item with burning candles igniting the already lighted corridor.
"Happy birthday my love" her smile knew no bounds. This was one of the few moments she had smiled since the incident of losing her Daughter and husband.
"So you didn't forget? Thank goodness!" Lona couldn't hide his joy. He didn't have friends or people to expect gifts from, he only depended on his mother for that and if she actually forgot, it would break him even more.
"Why will I forget? Let's go to the dinning" She handed the large cake over to Loba while she dropped her bag on the couch.
Lona was overjoyed but he knew the limit. "Don't think of it too much Lona, please"
"Alright mum, don't worry" Lona assured her. Still locking eyes with her son she hurriedly took off her shoes and joined him at the dinning.
"I got you some food from the restaurant downtown". Lona froze for a moment, expecting more "Thanks mum".
Lona's mother was happy but that didn't last for long and Lona noticed it. "You don't have to think of it mum, K and dad are probably happy wherever they are, seeing that we never miss birthday celebrations even when it is not really allowed since the Apocalypse."
Lona held his mother's hand to ease her growing tension. She quickly practiced a slow breathing technique before her emotions got out of hand.
"Now you are 18, the long awaited day has come. You are now a full adult"
"That's true mum, I remember all those promises you made to me when I was younger" his eyebrows raised to its peak. His mother knew exactly what he was talking about.
"Yes son, I remember and I will keep it"
"Yes!!!" His tightened fist and closed eyes showed how happy he was. The truth is, now that he is a full adult, he will get certain freedom in doing lots of things which includes going out, getting a good job. Possessing a weapon for any emergency situation and the likes. He was more interested in that.
He looked around to see if his mother brought in anything out of the ordinary but he was disappointed. "Yh so...." Still expecting. His curiosity only grew.
"I know what you are looking for" his mother blocked his sight with her face, Lona smiled worried, feeling disappointed once again.
"I have something for you."
"R-really!!"
His face turned emotionless in the next second. His mother just smiled and reached for her bag.
Deeping her hands into it, she brought out a pack of Tarot cards with it writings all in gold.
"Ohh my" Lona couldn't express himself. He must have expected a Katana or a gauntlet due to his mastering of close range combat which his mother grounded him on right from birth. Though they lived a normal life, Lona's mother didn't fail to teach him how to fight.
"Mum you got me Tarot cards?" He asked in surprise.
"It's a good weapon son, you used to be good at it when you were little" she said gently but Lona wasn't getting it.
"Yh but that was a long time ago, dad taught me how to use it but the moment he died, it died with him" he sounded cruel but gifting him something that would always remind him of his dad, to him, that was way crueller.
An awkward silence fell upon the room, his mother dated not looking into his deep violet eyes.
"I know you were expecting a sword or something that aids close range combat but you could use this Tarot for lots of things dear"
"Just say you don't want me to go into battles with the monsters of Emotions. Just say you don't want me to gaze at the outside world" his words carry lots of emotions and if care isn't taking, things will get out of hand.
"Son!!" His mother spoke up to ease his grief. "Don't say that, it's not about getting you a good weapon. You know how expensive it is now and it's also double to get a professional to teach you. Try and understand Lona"
Lona hated to admit but she was right, she could spend a lot to get a weapon and yet he won't know how to use it. It was a wise choice to get a rare tarot card which he already has a clue on how it is used.
His dad was a professional Tarot cards fighter, he was even called the Joker. People who even use Tarot cards as weapons are extremely rare due to how hard it could be. It dawned on him that if he wants to get into the Reom Academy and he doesn't have money or a noble name, at least he should possess an incredible talent.
"I know your determination to get into that Academy hasn't died down, I got you this card so it could be your touch of uniqueness. You were raised by a Joker. That alone should be your ego"
Lona smiled, knowing who his dad was during his prime. "You are right, mum. I think I need to get a hold of this gift once more." He grabbed the deck of cards and pulled out one card.
"What does it say, son" even Lona was anxious. He pulled the card and the results shocked him.
Facing the beautiful card to his mother, "it's TOWER." He sat still, trying to understand it all.
"That means Change of life and Awakening." She smiled as she knew what that meant. Lona wanted to ask but decided to pull another card.
"Wait... How do you know about the words of the card?"
"Your dad was my husband and he also taught me a few things about foretelling" she made her point clear, Lona could not even question further.
"Mum I want to pull a good trick, please beware because I haven't fully mastered it." He warned beforehand so she won't get attacked.
"Alright go on..."
He pulled out all the cards from the pack and started shuffling while muttering words. "I hope I still remember" he murmured even his mum didn't catch that.
He let out a calm breath upon the cards as it began to fly in a pattern. His mum was amazed at the sight of it.
The cards finally paused in the air, facing Lona at first but suddenly the edge of each card now pointed at him.
"What are you doing Lona?" His mother sensed something was wrong, it didn't look normal. Without even responding Lona just continued.
His left fingers folded except the index and middle waiting for his command and in one swipe it happened.
"Lona!!" All the cards dashed towards him at once, Naturally a Tarot card looks weak but specific people who could use it are considered as clown. Jokers are those who mastered it to the peak and even found fighting styles and they are just lesser than five. Sadly it is believed that none still breathe.
All the cards went straight to Lona but none made a cut on him, instead he ceased the opportunity and grabbed one of the cards.
They almost hit the ground when it suddenly moved in a spontaneous motion and rested on Lona's palm one by one. The only card that didn't participate was the Tower and now the cards in his hands were only 19.
"I knew I wasn't perfect in it." He turned and saw one of the cards stuck to the ground. Without looking at the message, he pulled it out and joined it with the deck in his palm.
"That was incredible but I don't understand the purpose of that action" his mother's hands curled around her breasts expecting an answer.
"Well... That was the pull out a card of perfection. I pulled out a card that says awakening and change of life. I have to use that action to pull out the next card."
His mother was surprised, she never expected such deep understanding of the cards from Lona. "He is getting smart"
"Ok then, let's see what the cards say" she calmly asked. Lona didn't hesitate, he placed the card on the table and this left the two of the stunned.
"No way... It's the... DEVIL" Lona's jaw dropped, of all cards to expect. Out of twenty-two the card to stand out was a Devil, unbelievable.
His mother expression changed, her eyes widened in horror. "So truly, the cards doesn't lie" she calmly said as her vioce began to loose it elegant tone.
"What do you mean mum, I don't understand what you are saying. This card means Temptation, seduction. How is it related, tell me what I am not getting right"
His mother looked defeated, her eyes locked to the cake.
"Yes you are right, temptations and seduction. Temptation to let your emotions cloud you after hearing what I have to say."
Lona looked confused, his eyes still craving attention.
"It's time you hear this son, no matter how it sounds but it's the truth."
"Tell me mother!!"
"..."
"I am not your real mother!!"