Later that day, after his duel against Chris, Ace's eyes fluttered open as he slowly regained consciousness in the Association's infirmary. He was wrapped in bandages as his body lay on a narrow bed. Holding back his groan and discomfort, he shifted to see Chris in the same condition, sitting on his bed, looking worn but refreshed in a way.
Realizing that Ace had awoken, "You're awake. How are you feeling?" he asked.
Ace's mouth opened up, though his body seemed uncomfortable. "I'm… okay. Just a little sore."
Chris's face lit up with a gentle smirk. The unnoticeable light in his eyes was palpable, and he reached out, patting Ace's head who felt an odd feeling of fullness in his chest.
"You should rest and sleep for now," he urged as Ace nodded in agreement.
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Countless days passed and Shaw, one morning, woke up Ace in a most rough way by jumping on him. "Good morning!"
Ace groaned in pain as he awakened.
"T-this fucking brat," he thought, the pain immense as he momentarily had the eyes of a killer. "Should I just kill him?"
"Shaw?" Chris called, opening the door as Ace flinched a little.
"Calm down me. You shouldn't resort to the extremes just yet," Ace regained his composure as Chris came looking for them.
"Good morning," said Ace, hiding his pained expression.
Chris seeing this sight, "I-I'm sorry."
Ace understood immediately that this wasn't a rare occurrence but a usual one
Shaw, oblivious of the silent conversation between the two and with his usual energy, "Come on! Come on! Today were going at the attraction park so we need to get ready early!" he said completely excited.
"Oh yeah. I had completely forgotten about that," thought Ace remembering about the time Chris proposed that they have a family outing at the attraction park. "Guess I ain't getting out of this one easily, huh?"
For breakfast, the family shared sandwiches, fruits and fresh juice, the simple meal becoming a feast. Laughter and animated conversations filled the room, while Ace felt distant and indifferent about the overall atmosphere.
2 hours later, the air buzzed with the energy of visitors that came to enjoy a day at the park. The family also joining the frey, went on an attraction spree as they spent their time together.
As hours passed, the family shared a wonderful moment yet their foster son hadn't smile even once compared to his younger companion.
As they sat in a nearby bench to regain their energy, Ace wandered through the premise, where children like adults had fun and played.
"Must be nice and easy to be so happy," Ace thought, rethinking on himself and the darkness he carried inside of him.
Ellie, wondering what was up with Ace approached him. "You don't seem to be enjoying yourself. Is something the matter?"
"Huh? I-it's nothing," replied Ace, taken by surprise as his thoughts had clouded his perception.
"It might be hard now, but remember that you're also part of our family now. So if you ever have something that's gripping your heart and want to talk about it, remember that were here for you," she said as she hugged him warmly.
"I want to ask her why she let me, a complete stranger, live with them. Why is she so considerate? Why are you giving me the same affection as your own flesh and blood when we're not even related? I want to ask but I can't," his thoughts raced as he struggled to open his lips. "The words won't come out. They're stuck in my throat but I can't bring them out. Why is that?"
While Ace struggled with his own thoughts in Ellies's embrace, Shaw with a bright smile, "Hey! Mom! Big bro! Come back! We still have lots of fun place to see!" he yelled.
"We're coming!" Ellie responded, unwrapping her arms as she turned back, waving at her son and husband while behind her back, Ace though unnoticeable seemed to have let a tear run down his cheeks.
As they regrouped, Chris, stealing glances at the quiet Ace, "I wonder if he feels better now. I'm really not cut out for this," he scratched his head as he then placed a hand Ellie's should her and gave her a peck on the cheek with a "Thank you."
"No problem."
After the family had sat down at a café and enjoyed a delicious feast, they went back home, a satisfied and fulfilled Shaw sleeping on Ace's shoulder while Chris and Ellie shared their opinions on how the day went.
Ace on the other hand, looked outside the window, contemplating what this new feeling of fullness that he had felt once before was.
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The days turned into weeks and months and finally the promised day arrived. The morning with the sun rising and casting an extraordinary view on the horizon, had arrived with a crisp, clear sky.
Ace, a red tie tied tightly on the collar of his white shirt which was itself covered by a gray-black jacket with a red emblem of a golden rose with a cross behind it embedded on it, and pants of the same color as his jacket, packed his belongings with meticulous care as the anticipation and curiosity of his next destination mingled with a certain tinge of sadness.
At that moment, Chris knocked on the door.
"Did you finish packing everything?" Chris asked, his voice tinged with a lingering sense of concern and hapiness.
"Yeah," Ace said, closing his suitcase which contained essential items: a sturdy water bottle, clothes, a few day-to-day tools, and a small first-aid kit. "I'm ready to go whenever you are."
Walking inside the living room, at the doorstep of the house, the family was gathered to say their goodbyes to their son who was leaving for the academy. Ellie, and Shaw stood together, their expressions forming a duo of sadness and happiness.
Ace was given a necklace as both a souvenir and a charm by Ellie while Shaw skirmished around.
Finding this situation comforting and soothing, Ace, with a deep breath, embraced each of them and proceeded to depart. "Goodbye, everyone. I promise to return on holidays," he said, his voice resolute despite the lump in his throat. He waved as he stepped away, his hand lingering in the air as if to hold onto the moment just a little longer.
He had gotten attached to them. His heart that only carried darkness he inherited from a past he has no clear recollection of, was eased by the light and warmth the Blakelords had offered him.
Entering the car with Chris who was driving him towards the academy, "Well then, time to go," Ace felt excitement at the new step he was taking.
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Within a certain classroom, while everyone was enjoying their break period, two girls were chattering away.
"Have you heard the rumor?" said the first girl, her short blonde hair accentuating her lightly tanned skin and bright amber eyes.
"You really love your gossips, Mira. So, what is it about?" the second girl, a beautiful 12-year-old with dark shoulder-length hair and beautiful blue eyes, responded while still reading her book with an indifferent expression that was quite reserved.
"C'mon Emi. Just for once, can't you put down your book and listen to what I have to say?" said Mira who seemed to be pouting at her classmate's total indifference.
With a sigh, "Okay, I get it. So what's this about?" she put down her book and listened intently.
"Apperently, there's a new student that's transferring in,"
"And so? What's so surprising about it?"
"Hehe~" grinned Mira. "Dear Emilia, you're not ready for what's coming for you."
"Sure, sure. If that's all you have to say then-" started Emilia before being interrupted by Mira who revealed another piece of information.
"Rumor has it that he's a Special Admission student."
Emilia was completely frozen. "A Special Admission student? Only a handpicked few chosen by the Dean himself get the honor of enrolling as Special Admission students."
"Hehe~" giggled Mira. "I knew that one would pick your interest."
"Fine, you win. I'm completely beaten."
"Nice. But still, I wonder what that transfer student is like. Aren't you also curious?" asked Mira, as the bell signaling the end of break period rang throught the corridors and hallways of the academy.