📔Chapter 1📔: The Beginning
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The hum of machinery was the first thing that pierced the veil of unconsciousness. It was a low, rhythmic drone, like the heartbeat of some colossal beast lurking in the shadows.
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His eyelids fluttered open, heavy and reluctant, as if weighed down by invisible chains. His vision blurred at first, shapes swimming in a sea of sterile white light. He tried to sit up, but restraints,soft, padded ones—held him gently but firmly in place on a contoured bed that felt more like a cradle than a prison.
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"Where... am I?" His voice emerged as a hoarse croak, scratchy and unfamiliar, echoing faintly in the enclosed space like a whisper lost in a cavern. He blinked rapidly, forcing his eyes to focus. The room was a high-tech chamber, walls lined with glowing panels displaying streams of data in holographic projections.
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Graphs pulsed with energy readings, numbers flickering like fireflies in the night. At the center of it all was a massive pod-like device enveloping him partially—the Nexus Pulse Chamber 7, or NPC-7, as the scientists would later call it. Tubes and sensors snaked across his chest, monitoring every heartbeat, every spike in what they termed "supernatural fluctuations."
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Panic clawed at the edges of his mind, but it was dulled, muffled. He reached inward for memories—anything to anchor him—but found only a void. A vast, echoing emptiness where fifteen years of life should have been. No faces, no places, no names except his own, which felt like a whisper from a dream. In his hand, clenched tightly as if by instinct, was a dark flute, its surface etched with intricate patterns that seemed to shift when he wasn't looking directly at them.
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"Subject's vitals stabilizing," a crisp female voice announced from beyond the pod's glass enclosure, laced with a hint of clinical detachment.
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A woman in a white lab coat peered in, her face illuminated by the glow of a tablet, eyebrows furrowed in concentration. "Fluctuations are off the charts—stronger than any Supernatural we've scanned. But no manifestation yet. Noting anomalous energy signature... it's unlike anything in our database. This kid's a walking enigma."
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Another scientist, a bald man with wire-rimmed glasses perched precariously on his nose, nodded furiously, his excitement barely contained. "This could be it—the special kind Doctor El theorized about. Hell, it might rewrite our protocols. Notify him immediately. Protocol Alpha-7—stat!"..
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Shanu's heart raced as the restraints retracted with a soft whir, the sound like a sigh of relief from the machine itself. He sat up slowly, the flute still gripped in his fist like a lifeline, its cool weight grounding him amid the chaos.
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The door to the chamber hissed open with a pneumatic whoosh, and in strode a man who exuded authority without uttering a word. Early fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair cropped short and a face etched with lines of wisdom and weariness, like a map of battles fought in silence. His eyes, sharp and knowing, locked onto Shanu's with an intensity that made the boy straighten involuntarily.
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"Doctor Elias Mensah," the man introduced himself, his voice a smooth baritone, calm and measured, carrying the faint, melodic accent of someone well-traveled—perhaps from distant shores Shanu couldn't remember. "But you can call me Doctor El. Welcome to Falcons Agency, young man. You've been through quite the ordeal, haven't you? Take a breath; you're safe now."Doctor El Said with a Scientist Smile.
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Shanu stared, his mind a whirlwind of confusion and fragmented thoughts. "What... what happened to me?" he stammered, his words tumbling out in a rush, laced with desperation. "I don't remember anything. Who am I? Where did I come from? It's all... blank. Like someone erased me."
Doctor El gestured sharply for the scientists to leave, his hand cutting through the air like a command from on high.
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They filed out quietly, sealing the door behind them with a final click that echoed in the sudden silence. He pulled up a stool, sitting at eye level with Shanu, his posture open yet authoritative. "Your name is Shanu,or at least, that's what the identification we found on you suggests," he explained patiently, his tone laced with empathy but underlined by a scientist's precision. "Our Secret Agents discovered you in the Sahara Desert during a special reconnaissance mission. You were unconscious, dehydrated to the brink, but otherwise unharmed. No signs of struggle, no companions—just you, sprawled in the sands,clutching that flute as if your life depended on it."Doctor El Said Stealing a brief glance at the Flute.
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Shanu glanced down at the instrument, its dark wood cool against his skin, almost pulsing with a hidden rhythm. It felt familiar, yet alien, like a forgotten song on the tip of his tongue.
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"The Sahara?" he whispered, disbelief coloring his words. "How did I get there? My memories... they're gone. Sealed away, like a door I can't open. Please, you have to help me."The Boy grunts as he Held his head tight in confusion.
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Doctor El's expression softened, but there was a flicker of something deeper—regret, perhaps, or the weight of secrets unspoken. He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a confidential murmur.
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"We've run every scan we can, including neural mapping right here in this chamber," he said, gesturing to the pod with a sweep of his hand. "Your memories have been deliberately suppressed, likely by a supernatural force or entity far beyond our current understanding—something ancient, powerful. We've tried everything: hypnotic regression, energy infusions, even experimental neural probes. But we can't break the seal without risking your mind getting shattered, For now, it's safer to let it be. Perhaps in time, as your powers manifest, the truth will surface on its own. Rushing it could destroy you, Shanu. And we need you whole."
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"Powers?" Shanu echoed, his voice cracking with a mix of awe and terror, the word hanging in the air like a challenge. He shifted on the bed, his silver dreadlocks swaying gently, catching the light oddly and shimmering with an otherworldly sheen that made Doctor El's eyes narrow thoughtfully.
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"Yes," Doctor El affirmed, his tone shifting to one of quiet intensity, as if revealing a sacred truth. "You're what we call a Supernatural,A special kind that we term as "Chosen". Humans who've begun manifesting supernatural abilities in response to the dark happenings plaguing our world"
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"demons slipping through the cracks from Potalis, the gate to Hell itself. It's changed everything, turned the ordinary into the extraordinary.Our Falcons Agency exists to protect the physical realm from these extraterrestrial threats. We have the most advanced technology, the most skilled agents, and now, Superhuman recruits like you to prepare for the imminent return of the Apocalypse,a cataclysm prophesied to scorch the earth"Doctor ell Explained as Shanu squints his eyes.
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"Your readings in the NPC-7? They're unprecedented"Doctor El continues. Fluctuations stronger than any we've seen. A special kind... one we've never witnessed before. It's like your energy is something profound, something... revolutionary."
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Shanu absorbed the words, a mix of awe and terror washing over him like a tidal wave. The world outside this chamber sounded like a nightmare woven into reality, full of shadows and flames. "So, I'm staying here?" he asked hesitantly, his voice trembling. "On this... island? What if I don't want this? What if I'm not ready?"
Doctor El nodded, standing and offering a steady hand to help Shanu down from the pod, his grip firm and reassuring. "Falcons Island," he confirmed with a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Our fortified headquarters, hidden from the world like a fortress in the mist."
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"Underground networks connect us to cities across the country for swift operations—tunnels that snake beneath oceans and earth, faster than any jet. Come, let's get you settled. There's much to learn, Shanu. And whether you're ready or not, the world needs you. Let's walk—you'll see."Doctor El elucidates.
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As they walked through the agency's corridors—sleek halls buzzing with activity, agents in black tactical gear nodding respectfully to Doctor El, their eyes flicking curiously to the boy at his side—Shanu felt eyes on him like pinpricks. Whispers followed in their wake, sharp and envious. "The Doctor himself escorting a newbie? Must be some kind of prodigy." "Never seen the Doctor do that before—kid's getting the royal treatment." Jealousy simmered in those glances, unspoken but palpable, thickening the air like smoke.
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" Doctor El personally accompanying a recruit to the Glade? Unheard of",a female scientist Glared at Shanu.
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. Shanu's cheeks burned under the scrutiny, but he kept his head high, clutching the flute like a talisman against the unknown.
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They emerged into the Glade, a breathtaking expanse on the island's surface that took Shanu's breath away. Lush greenery stretched under a simulated sky dome that mimicked a perfect twilight, dotted with modern dorms that blended seamlessly into the landscape like hidden gems. Training arenas hummed with energy, Chosens practicing in groups—sparks of thunder crackling like fireworks, swirls of water twisting like living serpents, bursts of chaos rippling the air. The air carried the scent of salt from the surrounding ocean, mixed with the faint ozone of supernatural power, invigorating and electric.
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"Lara!" Doctor El called out in a commanding yet warm tone to a young girl nearby, her dark hair tied back in a practical ponytail as she manipulated a stream of water into intricate, flowing shapes that danced like liquid art. She was eighteen, with a kind face framed by soft features and eyes that held the vast, mysterious depth of the ocean, reflecting both calm and hidden storms.
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She turned, her concentration breaking with a splash as the water collapsed into a harmless puddle. "Doctor El?,Good day sir" She greeted.
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"Who...Who's he?" she asked, wiping her hands on her training suit, her voice light and friendly, with a hint of respect and curiosity bubbling underneath.
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"This is Shanu," Doctor El introduced, placing a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder. "Show him around, introduce him to the others. He's one of us now—treat him like family."
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Lara's eyes lit up with genuine warmth as she extended a hand. "Of course, Doctor El. Hi, Shanu! Welcome to the Glade. This is our little slice of paradise on the island—where we live, train, and try not to blow each other up with our powers. Come on, I'll give you the grand tour. You look like you could use a friendly face after whatever brought you here."Lara Appears to be the Talkative type which amuses Shanu.
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As Doctor El departed with a final nod and a murmured "Be good, all of you," Lara led Shanu through the area, her steps energetic and her voice animated, like a tour guide eager to share secrets. She pointed out the dorm clusters—eco-friendly pods with holographic windows that could simulate any view from starry nights to bustling cities—the central arena for sparring where grunts and cheers echoed, the tech labs where Instructor Mike tinkered with gadgets that whirred and sparked like mad inventions, and the shadowed paths leading to underground access points that hummed with latent power. "We have three Instructors, they're not Chosens or Supernaturals like us,just pure skill and smarts,the very best of the bests," she explained enthusiastically, her hands gesturing vividly. "Instructor Blade,He is our combat expert, tough as nails with that pirate eye patch covering a scar from some epic demon skirmish. He's all 'drop and give me twenty' but with supernatural twists.
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"There's also Instructor Shadow,she is the spy and lore master, sneaky as a ghost; she knows every myth and weakness about those hellspawn. And Instructor Mike is the genius behind our tech, always babbling about circuits and enhancements. 'This gadget will amp your hydrokinesis by 200%!' he says. Total nerd, but in the best way."She Quote His usual line mimicking his voice in a funny way which made Shanu smile.
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She paused near a fountain, her hydrokinetic abilities making the water dance playfully in response to her mood, swirling in joyful loops. "Come on, meet my friends first,The Mystery Twins, Kai and They're Siblings, sixteen, and their powers? Total wild cards. You'll love 'em... or at least, learn to dodge 'em."
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They approached a pair lounging under a sprawling tree, its leaves rustling softly in the breeze. Kai, with tousled black hair and a perpetual scowl that could curdle milk, stared at the ground, arms crossed tightly. Maya, his twin with the same sharp features but a beaming smile that lit up like sunshine, waved enthusiastically, bouncing on her toes. "Lara! Who's the fresh meat with the killer dreads?"Maya asks.
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"Shanu, meet Kai and Maya—the Mystery Twins," Lara said with a grin, her voice teasing yet affectionate. "Kai here's got White Chaos Magic,explosive energy that can reshape reality in bursts—but it only kicks in when he's happy. Which is why he's always moody like a storm cloud; keeps it locked down. One smile from him, and boom,bad things happen in the best way."
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Kai grunted a hello, his voice a low rumble, barely looking up as he muttered, "Yeah, whatever"
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Maya, undeterred, hugged Shanu impulsively, her laughter infectious and bright. "Ignore Mr. Grumpy! Welcome aboard! I'm Maya,I am the Dark Chaos Magic queen,I can create destructive voids that swallow everything if I get sad. So I stay jovial 24/7! Last time Kai got happy? He accidentally grew a tree that ate Dele's shoes. Hilarious, right? Just don't bum me out, or poof—black hole party."
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Lara chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement, then grew serious as they walked on, her tone shifting to a conspiratorial whisper. "There are about twenty of us Chosens here, each with our own baggage and blasts. The elites are led by Akin,he's nineteen,he has thunder powers that shake the ground like a god's wrath. He's not super friendly, keeps to himself mostly, but everyone's got mad respect for him. Noble to a fault, always protecting the group like a big brother you didn't ask for but totally need,and he's also handsome"Lara chuckles with a wink.
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"Then there's Wura, she's sixteen, the most talented female around—controls wind like it's her personal orchestra and has this extra sight for things others can't see, Dele's the Rainbow Archer, shooting spectral energy arrows;he's a total mischief magnet, always pranking and stirring the pot. Fatima's enchanting—mind influence and charms that can twist your thoughts if you're not careful. Dada's our brute strength guy, super strong,like he could bench-press a mountain, but he's a total nerd at heart, geeking over comics and gadgets"
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"Roy has earth powers, grounding everything—literally shapes the dirt into shields or traps. Oh, and watch out for Ronnie; she's a Seer,always seeing visions and all that spooky stuff. And that's Jade"Lara pointed out a young boy about same age as Shanu,with Jade like hair as she sighs helplessly
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"... well, you'll meet him. Silent type, moody, but top-tier Chosen. Lost his whole family to Demon Madness—a demon possession that drove them insane. He's vowed to hunt that demon down, no matter what.But he Keeps everyone at arm's length."Lara Elucidates.
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Shanu nodded, absorbing it all like a sponge, his mind racing. "Sounds intense," he admitted, his voice tinged with wonder and a touch of apprehension. "Like a whole world I never knew existed. What about roommates? Do we pick, or...?"Shanu Scratches his head,slowly brushing his silver dreadlocks as he steals a glance at Lara.
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Lara grinned mischievously, punching his arm lightly. "Roommates are Assigned by management—fate's cruel joke. You'll find out soon enough.Just hope you don't get stuck with Dele; his pranks would drive you nuts."Lara sighs.
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As the day wore on, the whispers of jealousy grew louder, more pointed, slicing through the air like hidden blades. "Doctor El walked him here himself? Who does this kid think he is, some VIP?"One of the kids said.
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"Special treatment much? We've been here months, and the Doctor barely nods at us." Shanu ignored it as best he could, focusing on Lara's tour, but the undercurrent was there, festering like an open wound, turning casual glances into glares.
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That evening, as dusk fell over the Glade in a cascade of simulated oranges and purples, the Chosens gathered for their nightly camping ritual—a tradition to build bonds under the stars, Small cycles of four or five formed around crackling campfires, the flames dancing like captive spirits, sharing stories and snacks amid laughter and the occasional spark of power. Shanu joined Lara, Kai, and Maya in theirs, the group settling on logs with blankets and marshmallows, the air thick with the scent of woodsmoke and camaraderie.
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After some light banter—Kai grumbling about training drills, Maya cracking jokes.
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Shanu pulled out his flute on a whim, the dark wood gleaming in the firelight. "I... don't know how I know this," he confessed softly, his voice hesitant yet compelled, "but I can play. It's like the notes are just... there, waiting."He Held the Flute To his mouth with both hands on either side.
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He blew softly, fingers dancing instinctively over the holes with a grace that belied his amnesia. The melody poured out—"The Broken Melody," as he silently named it—the first note, a Note that calms the Mind, weaving through the air like ethereal smoke, melancholic and profound. It touched something deep within each listener, making them sober, emotions turning inward as if influenced by an external force, a gentle yet insistent pull that hushed the night.
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Around the fires, reactions varied like ripples on a pond. Some, like Lara, sighed in admiration, her voice soft and reverent. "Shanu, that's... beautiful. Haunting, like it's pulling at my soul. Where'd you learn that?"
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Maya nodded, her usual joviality tempered to a quiet awe. "Yeah, dude. Made me feel all... reflective. Kinda nice, actually."
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But others scowled, their voices sharp with resentment. "Show-off," one muttered bitterly, venting deeper hatred born from Doctor El's favoritism. "Thinks he's special 'cause The Doctor babysat him? That melody's just creepy—weirdo."Another Kid Spat.
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Then, Ronnie,The Seer girl with piercing eyes that seemed to glow in the firelight—stood from her cycle, her voice rising like a prophet's decree, trembling with the weight of foresight. "I saw you," she declared, pointing a finger at Shanu, her tone laced with ominous certainty. "In a vision. Standing unscathed while the world burns behind you—flames devouring everything, and you... untouched" Ronnie Declared with confusion and firm Certainty evident in her voice.
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Tension crackled like the fires themselves, murmurs rising into a cacophony of fear and accusation. "What the hell? Is he a threat?" One said.
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"Ronnie's Visions don't lie maybe he's bad news!"
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Akin,the Leader and the most powerful of the Chosens rose from his cycle with deliberate calm, his presence commanding like a thunderhead on the horizon, thunder rumbling faintly overhead in a subtle show of power that silenced the group. "Enough," he commanded firmly, his voice deep and resonant, protective as always, carrying the weight of leadership. "We're all on edge with the trainings ramping up, but cool it. Tomorrow's a big day, we've got drills with Instructor Blade that'll test every one of us. And Friday? Is Christmas. Doctor El promised to take us all out to Emerald City for celebrations,The lights, festivities, a break from this island prison.dont that sound nice,But any stupidity, any fights or drama? It'll fuck everything up. We're a team, remember? Act like it."He glares at every single one of them before Throwing a Glance at Shanu as he sighs and went back to his seat.
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The group quieted under his gaze, Akin's nobility shining through like a beacon, diffusing the storm. Shanu glanced at Akin's cycle: Akin himself, sitting With a beef in hand, Wura with her flowing hair catching the firelight like silk, her eyes wide and curious; Dele grinning mischievously despite the tension, twirling a spectral arrow between his fingers; Fatima whispering charms under her breath, her voice like a sultry murmur; and Roy shaping earth into mini-sculptures absentmindedly, his gruff laugh cutting through.
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Wura met Shanu's gaze briefly, staring with a mix of intrigue and something softer, before looking away shyly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. He smiled back Lightly,amid the chaos, warm and unexpected.
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Lara leaned in closer to Shanu, her whisper conspiratorial and supportive. "Wura's incredible, you know? Most talented girl here,she whips wind around like it's nothing and sees things we can't, like invisible threads connecting everything. Akin's cycle is the powerhouse: him, Wura,Dele Roy And Fatima,be sure to stay at arm's length from them okay".
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As the fires died down to embers, assignments were called out with a mix of groans and excitement. Shanu discovered his permanent roommate: Jade, one of the top Chosens, silent and moody with hair that gleamed like polished jade under the dim lights, handsome in a brooding, sculpted way that spoke of hidden depths.
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Lara had whispered earlier: "Jade's story is rough,he lost his whole family to Demon Madness, a possession that twisted their minds until... well, you know. He's vowed to track that demon and end it.he Stays alone mostly; don't take it personal."She warns as she left
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Their dorm was cozy but sparse—a single-room setup with one large bed for "bonding efficiency," as management decreed, the space feeling both intimate and claustrophobic under the low ceiling lights.
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Jade entered, stiffening at the sight of Shanu like a cat spotting an intruder, his discomfort radiating in waves. "This is... management's will," he muttered under his breath, his voice a low, gravelly timbre laced with resignation, as he unpacked his few belongings with precise, economical movements.
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The introvert in him screamed for solitude, but he couldn't argue against the higher-ups.
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Shanu tried to break the ice as they prepared for bed, his tone light and hopeful despite the awkwardness. "Hey, Jade. Lara mentioned you're one of the top guys here. That's cool."Shanu starts but gets no response.
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"And... I'm sorry about your family. Sounds brutal. If you ever want to talk, or vent, or whatever—I'm here. Roomies, right?"
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Jade shot him a cold glance, his jade-like eyes narrowing slightly, voice flat and unyielding. "Don't. Not your business."
Undeterred, Shanu pressed on gently, sitting on the edge of the bed with a wry smile. "Okay, fair. The flute thing earlier—did it bother you? I didn't mean to stir up drama. Just... felt right, you know? Like it was calling to me."
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Jade paused, his back turned, shoulders tense. "It was... fine," he conceded grudgingly, the word dragged out like an admission of defeat. "Weird, but fine. Now shut up and sleep."
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They climbed into the shared bed, the space awkward and vast yet too close, the mattress dipping under their weights. Shanu shifted, accidentally brushing Jade's arm with his elbow. "Whoa, sorry! This is.....weird, huh? Like, sharing a bed on day one?"Shanu rolls his eyes.
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Jade sighed deeply, turning away to face the wall, his voice muffled but tinged with reluctant amusement. "Just... don't hog the covers. And if you snore, I'll freeze and throw you out the window."Jade Said as he closes his eyes.
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Shanu chuckled nervously, the sound light in the heavy silence. "Deal. No snoring from me,I promise. You?"
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No response, just a soft huff that might have been a laugh. Silence stretched, broken only by the distant hum of the island's generators, a lullaby of machinery.
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Shanu stared at the ceiling, the flute on the nightstand casting long shadows, wondering what tomorrow held. The world outside burned with threats and prophecies, but here, in this uncomfortable quiet laced with tentative Beginnings.
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His story had truly begun.