The Smith residence wasn't just a home. It was a fortress of prestige and history. Gleaming marble floors stretched from room to room beneath a sprawling chandelier imported from Switzerland. Polished mahogany doors framed high-ceilinged halls, and walls were adorned with art collected from across the world. Floor-length windows bathed everything in warm natural light. A grand spiral staircase connected three floors, each one more luxurious than the last.
Outside, the garden looked like something pulled from a magazine—lush hedges, a koi pond, and a fountain shaped like a phoenix mid-flight. The scent of roses and lemon trees floated in the air. This place wasn't just rich. It screamed legacy.
But inside, it was just us. Siblings and cousins. Chaos and laughter.
Higher. Faster.
My voice echoed through the courtyard as I lounged on a beanbag, playing a game on my phone. Jordan was out in the yard, struggling against the gusts conjured by one of the training bots.
Lighten your stance and keep your eyes on your opponent, I added, trying to sound wise.
Ugh, Jordan groaned mid-swing. Why do we need to do this? It's Saturday. I should be watching cartoons, not fighting wind.
Discipline, young one. You must crawl before you walk, I smirked, half-distracted. Besides, you're doing great—getting thrashed, that is.
He squinted at me. None of that wise sage crap suits you.
Hey hey, watch the language, I warned. You want Mom to hear you cussing again?
He winced. Yeah yeah. Lesson learned. I still have flashbacks.
From inside the house came a shout.
Tyrone! Enough training—come help us prep. Naomi just landed.
That was Vanessa—our fourth cousin. Effortlessly pretty, playful as ever, and currently reigning over the reunion decorations with a terrifying amount of glitter.
Thank God, Jordan said, bolting inside like he hadn't been complaining five seconds earlier.
Five hours later, the house buzzed with life.
Naomi had arrived. Fresh from her internship with the United Nations, she walked in with that grace that turned heads. Tall, dark-skinned, poised, and every inch the diplomat she trained to be. Her Tactical Projection power hummed faintly beneath the surface, like a lioness choosing not to roar.
The living room had transformed into a party zone. No adults. Just me, my siblings, and five cousins.
Marcus—our oldest cousin. Big-built and average height, close to tall. He had a quiet authority, the kind you listen to without question.
Darius—light-skinned and average height. Calm, collected, but always at odds with Lena.
Lena—tall, dark-complexioned, and motherly. Always fussing over Jordan like he was still five.
Vanessa—fair-skinned and stunning. Teasing everyone, especially me.
Kai—short, dark-skinned, and cocky. My youngest cousin and Jordan's partner-in-crime. Arrogant, but fiercely loyal.
Food filled the table. Music filled the air. Laughter filled everything else.
So, Ty, Naomi leaned in over the table, resting her chin on her palm. I heard what happened. With Sage.
My eyes darted to Vanessa, who perked up like a cat hearing a can open.
Before I could speak, Kai flashed a mischievous grin.
Don't worry about it. Ty's been busy—with other girls.
I gave him a deadpan look and leaned in close.
Keep talking, and I'll remind you about prom night. You and that girl behind the stadium.
He froze.
You can't. Not with Vanessa here. She'll kill me if she finds out.
I smiled and leaned back.
Just reminiscing, right?
Kai stiffened.
Yeah. Right. Nothing important. Just old memories.
Vanessa's eyes narrowed.
Would you like to share those memories with the group?
Yeah, Kai, Jordan added gleefully. Do share.
Before Kai could teleport out of shame, Marcus clapped his hands, loud and clear.
Alright. Enough. Let's get down to business.
That was Marcus for you. He didn't shout. He didn't need to.
Lena sat beside him, arms folded.
Everyone, we've been discussing Tyrone's journey to Jupiter. We were waiting for everyone to get here before bringing it up.
My smile dropped.
Yeah… about that.
I had another dream, I began.
Darius groaned, handing Lena his phone.
You mean those weird dreams again?
Yes. But this time, it spoke to me.
I explained how, after touching the strange light in the dream, I felt myself transported into space. Only it wasn't ordinary space. It was something deeper. Somewhere vast. Sentient.
I found a being there. Looked like Igris from Solo Leveling but made entirely of stars. His body was a galaxy.
I knew you'd work anime into this, Vanessa rolled her eyes.
Moving on, I said. Cosmic Igris bowed and said, Master, it's almost time. Then he hurled a giant energy ball at me. I panicked. Woke up in cold sweat.
Jordan raised an eyebrow.
Sounds more like too much game time than divine prophecy.
I'm serious, I insisted. Something's calling me from Jupiter's moon. I can feel it.
I believe you, Naomi said softly. Because this world has never followed the rules. Not when it comes to you.
Kai scoffed.
And yet the dude has no powers. Go figure.
He may not now, Naomi replied, her voice firm. But things change.
Marcus leaned forward.
Still, something's off. That guy David who's supposed to take you—he gives me a bad vibe.
Agreed, Lena added. You need to stay sharp. And keep your comm on.
Later that evening, as the party wound down and night blanketed the estate, I found Naomi and Vanessa on the balcony. The stars above twinkled with silent promise.
Are you scared? Naomi asked gently.
Yes, I admitted.
You don't have to act strong for us, Vanessa added, her voice uncharacteristically soft.
I don't know what's waiting on Jupiter. Or why that being called me master. Or why the President even wants me.
Naomi smiled faintly, brushing my hair back like she used to when we were kids.
You're not just our little brother, Ty. You're something more. Something no one's figured out yet.
Vanessa nudged my shoulder.
Just promise you won't get yourself killed before I finally see you use a real power.
I smiled, shaky.
I'll try.
And in that moment, surrounded by stars and family, I felt something I hadn't in a long time.
Hope.