Raya Marin
"The Sun helps humanity." My ass. The only thing aether has ever done to humanity is torment it. No matter who it is. Aether frightens me more and more with every passing second. Doctor James Zoe said this was freedom, but it was all a massive lie. They don't know about the existence of aether. But I do.
We all stared at Grey with curiosity, anxiety, and fear. Suddenly appearing in front of us, Grey wore nothing but a scowl.
"Fuck!"
Grey's voice carried no fear—only anger. Klein stepped closer to him. I thought he was going to speak gently, but something completely unexpected happened. Klein raised his hand and punched Grey in the face. Rain reached out for Grey in concern, but I grabbed her arm and pulled her back. She looked at me with worry. To calm her, I smiled, then crouched beside Grey, who was touching his bruised cheek on the floor. Grey shot me an annoyed look, but I said nothing. I placed my hand on his reddened cheek and squeezed lightly. Grey winced in pain.
"Okay, okay, stop already."
I let go of the soft cheeks of the boy I loved and smiled at him.
"Klein hit you pretty hard."
Behind me, Nico snickered mockingly.
"Serves him right."
I took a deep breath and stood up. Alora was watching us from behind Rain. Klein was staring sorrowfully at the hand that had just struck Grey. I extended my hand to help Grey up, but he shoved it away. He stood on his own, dusted himself off, and leaned against the wall.
"Thank you very much for that punch, Klein."
Klein hid his right hand behind his back and locked eyes with Grey's sharp, soulless gaze.
"It's not my fault, you deserved it. You can't just shove me onto Nico like that. And why did you even did something like that?"
Grey turned his eyes toward Nico.
"No reason."
For a long time, silence reigned. Grey looked out the window behind him, while we all stared at Grey. Finally Alora stepped out from Rain`s back and moved one step, then two, towards Grey. Only one step separated the golden-eyed boy and the golden-haired girl. That alone was beyond Alora's shyness and fear. Grey looked at her. Her eyes were cast down, mumbling something, but when she didn't speak up, Grey turned his gaze back to us. His eyes met Klein's.
"I mean… it wasn't such a big deal. Just a little… irritating."
Klein exhaled.
"I shouldn't have hit you. I'm sorry, Grey."
Grey sighed and looked at Alora.
"No need to apologize. I know I deserved that punch."
His voice carried no emotion, yet still sounded sorrowful. Alora lifted her eyes and looked at him. Grey waited.
"You… shouldn't push people."
Her words were like a whisper, barely audible. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a small but proud smile on Rain's face. Nico and Klein looked around, they didn't understood that it had been Alora who spoke. And than a tiny little smile formed on Grey's lips.
"Alora… I'm sorry too."
He sighed again, then added:
"I was a fool for not remembering you. And for pushing you aside at the school entrance."
Alora's eyes rose from the ground. She giggled, fidgeting with her fingers.
"You and Sunny must really love playing with those aetheric particles."
Her smile widened, but Grey's vanished. Not only his—Klein's and mine disappeared too, replaced by confusion and shock. Rain and Nico didn't know what Alora had just said. But we did. The problem wasn't that Alora could see aether. No, the problem was that she knew its name. Aether. We had given it that name because I thought it fit. We weren't even sure if it was its real name. But now… now everything was starting to fall apart. How could Alora possibly know? She wasn't even with us. So how? Why was everything spiraling out of control? Why now?
"Aetheric particles?"
Nico asked, his tone curious—but with something else lurking beneath it.
"Those purple particles, you mean?"
Rain asked too. For a second my vision went dark. How was this possible? Alora, Rain, and Nico… how many more? My eyes met Grey's, blazing with fury. He inhaled deeply. His eyes said exactly what I understood: This shit is getting worse by the second!
"What's wrong? Why are you all looking at me like that?"
Alora's innocent voice might have calmed anyone at another time, but not now. Everything was moving too fast for me to keep up. Just when we thought we'd solved one problem, another appeared. When did it all start? Was the first time I saw aether really in the bathroom? Or had it been before that? My thoughts wandered back to that dusty, old dance book I'd found years ago in the local library. Since then, I'd been wrapped in aether without even knowing it. I had only ever wanted to be a little girl who danced freely. To dance until my last breath. That book had once saved my life… aether had always been here, never gone. From beginning to end. Space and time, life and death, destruction and creation. Was it aether that gave birds their wings? Aether that gave dogs their keen nose? Aether that made humans human? Those beings… they knew what we didn't. Were they gods? Monsters? Or once human, who rose to another dimension as they understood aether? Was the thing living on the Moon connected to aether too? Questions. Endless questions. Hundreds of them, never ending.
I took a deep breath. Tried to think of other things. A baby bird. Or myself, flying with wings. Those thoughts calmed me—though only slightly.
"Children, children, what's the reason for all this tension?"
We all turned toward the lively, aged voice coming from my right. Doctor James Zoe was walking toward us, wearing a broad smile.
"What the hell is he doing here?"
Nico muttered.
"Could you be a little calmer?"
Rain scolded him softly from the other side.
"Your eyes are truly fascinating."
Doctor James Zoe pushed past us and walked up to Grey. Grey frowned.
"Thanks, Doctor, but I think you chose the wrong field of medicine. You should've been a Ophthalmologist." Grey said with annoyance in his voice. The doctor shook his head with a chuckle.
"Believe me, I've never loved anything as much as the profession I chose."
A lie. Even from his unsettling expression, it was obvious.
"Sure you do, Doctor."
Grey's face carried nothing but disgust. Alora stepped back, retreating to Rain.
"What's your name, young man?"
The doctor's eyes swept the room as he asked. Grey hid his palms behind his back, looked at me for a second, then back at the doctor.
"Grey."
His voice was indifferent, unhappy. James Zoe smiled—an ugly, unsettling smile.
"Sir, may I ask you a question about your lecture?"
All faces turned toward "The Hero of The School" Klein. The doctor laughed, his smile twisted.
"Of course. Ask me anything, young man."
Klein smiled back.
"If someone really lives on the Moon, how could they possibly breathe there?"
The doctor's smile faltered.
"Interesting question. But I am no god."
He glanced around.
"None of us are. To reach the secrets of the universe, we must first be free. Without freedom, human will can achieve nothing."
Klein smiled and bowed his head. Grey and Nico scowled at him.
The doctor turned his eyes to me. He looked at me just as he had looked at Grey—with that unnerving smile. Instinctively, I stepped back. Aether already terrified me; I didn't need more fear.
"I came here because this is the best school in Lineage City. But the students hardly ask questions. Truly, it breaks my heart."
Nico snorted mockingly.
"So sorry, Doctor Emotional."
Rain giggled at his remark, but when everyone stared at her blankly, she blushed and hid behind her black hair. Alora approached Rain and oddly placed her hands on her hair. James Zoe's eyes swept over all of us, one by one.
"You're all so different. Then again, aren't groups like this all the rage now?"
I ignored him. Grey did too, turning his face to me. His golden eyes screamed: Please, someone kill this man already! I was never the type to chat with teachers, and I certainly didn't want to talk to this stranger. He terrified me. Grey noticed my unease, sighed, and covered his face in despair. He was clearly fed up. He'd never liked talking to people anyway.
I exhaled, my eyes drifting toward Alora. She noticed me looking. When I said nothing, she tilted her head like a curious puppy. That made me smile despite myself. Like Grey, she wasn't very open. But seeing her like this, I wanted to know her more. Maybe that way I could grow closer to Grey too. I shook my head quickly. Focus.
"Raya? Are you okay?"
Alora was suddenly face to face with me. I hadn't even noticed her coming. I stepped back, inhaled sharply.
"Y-yes. I'm fine."
She smiled, then silently returned to Rain. But then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I flinched, only to see it was Grey. Relief washed over me. I pouted at his surprise gesture, but he wasn't even looking at me. His golden eyes were fixed on Klein and Nico, who were speaking with Doctor Zoe.
"There's something wrong with that man."
I continued to pout.
"You're only just realizing this?"
Grey rolled his eyes and smirked.
"Lulu and Maki think I'm your boyfriend."
"M–what?"
I felt my face flush to my ears.
"W-why would they even say that?"
His smirk widened.
"Maybe because they already knew I liked you."
I stepped back, flustered. My face was burning. I wanted to see his face, but his golden eyes were already locked on mine. Not a hint of blush on his cheeks. I had always hoped he'd confess, but never imagined it like this. For a second, I thought he was teasing me. But his expression was serious. Dead serious.
"A-are you serious?"
A pointless question, I knew, but I had to be sure. Grey smiled.
"What? You think it took me long to notice you like me too?"
"Wha—what? How? Why?"
His smirk widened:
"All you have to do is to ask. If you want it gone, I'll destroy it. If you want us together, then we'll be together. Just tell me what you want, Raya. And let it be."
"What the fuck?"
Where had this confidence come from? Just a minute ago, he'd been begging with his eyes. Did aether get him high or something? Ridiculous.
"Raya, Grey, I might have accidentally overheard your little chat."
Rain looked at us with a mischievous smile. That sad, shy demeanor was gone. Knowing she also knew of aether, I was certain she was high on it too. But why and how?
"Wow! Grey, I never expected a confession from you. Right, Alora?"
Alora smiled and nodded.
"The future is… uncertain, after all, isn't it?"
Grey stammered. I buried my face in my hands, ashamed.
"Please, someone kill me."
"Hey, guys!"
Klein called from our back.
"The doctor wants to show us some new discoveries about space."
I lifted my head, first at Klein, then at Doctor James Zoe. The doctor smiled. Grey placed his hand on my shoulder and frowned at me.
"Don't worry, Grey. You won't have to frown much longer."
Rain gave him a strange smile.
"Whatever."
Grey grumbled.
We followed Doctor Zoe one after another. Klein in front, then Nico, and me at the end. My eyes were fixed on Grey's long blond hair. I could see everyone's face. Each one bore a different emotion: Klein's excitement, Nico's laxity, Raya's happiness, Alora's shyness, Grey's frown. I sighed. Why was everyone acting so strangely today? Grey and Klein didn't seem to care that the others could see aether. Alora, Rain, and Nico hadn't even pressed the issue. Was I missing something? I must be…
I pulled my eyes away from Grey's back and scanned the surroundings. Not a single aetheric particle in sight. I tapped Grey's shoulder to tell him what I noticed, but when he turned, his face was anything but pleased.
"That bastard man is controlling us."
He whispered.
"And by the way I have to assure you, I'd never confess my feelings in such a lame way."
The golden-eyed boy frowned. A smile crept onto my lips.
"I've known your feelings for a long time."
Grey froze, raising one eyebrow.
"How long?"
I giggled.
"Since the time I gave you that chocolate box."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"I like you too, Grey."
My voice was so quiet it was almost inaudible. My face burned. Was this really the time or place? No matter—I'd said it. His smile grew wider, rare for him.
"How about a quiet date once all this is over?"
His cheeks flushed as he asked me out, making him even cuter. I smiled.
"I'd say yes in a heartbeat."
Grey chuckled, scratching the back of his head.
Than thats a promise. I smirked. Grey`s eyes moved away from mine`s.
"Thanks. Again. But I have to ask…"
I tilted my head curiously.
"Why the hell do you even like me?"
Both my brows shot up. I opened my mouth to answer, then closed it, smiling instead. I looked straight into those frightening, otherworldly golden eyes.
"You're sweet… and I like sweet things."
"Eh? S-sweet?"
We both flushed red. For several seconds, we just stared at each other in confusion. I said something like that because it sounded better in my head.
"Hey, lovebirds! Don't fall behind!"
Rain teased from ahead. I exhaled deeply and followed Doctor Zoe. Grey was now at the back, trying to compose himself.
My eyes drifted briefly to Nico.
"Did he hear us?"
Just this morning I'd rejected him, and now I was with Grey. I hadn't liked Nico that much, but seeing him try to better himself today had made me happy. Maybe I should have rejected him alot earlier.
Doctor Zoe suddenly stopped, and we all bumped into each other. A strange moment. I pushed away from Rain's back and looked at the doctor. For a split second, I saw his eyes pure white. Shaking my head, I prayed it had only been my imagination. Yet a part of me knew it hadn't.
The doctor opened the door to the chemistry lab, waiting by the side as we filed in one by one. Before entering, I glanced once more into his unsettling green eyes. This time, no abnormality. Klein stood at the center of the lab, inviting us in with his calming green eyes.
"Know this—you're the reason we're here."
Nico quietly rebuked him. Klein only smiled.
"Hey Alora, I forgot to ask. Why were you so late today?"
Rain's voice came from another side. Normally I didn't eavesdrop, but today I too was curious.
"Well… my mom wasn't feeling too well today, so… I was late. Sorry."
Lie.
Rain smiled proudly, then frowned.
"I was so bored without you. If it weren't for Raya and Klein, I would've gone crazy."
Alora lowered her eyes, but when she saw Rain smile again, so she too smiled.
A deep sigh next to me startled me. Grey was staring blankly around. Across from him, Doctor Zoe was examining a worktable. When Doctor Zoe noticed me watching, he met my gaze. His face emotionless.
"I hate that man."
Grey muttered, next to me. No matter how cheerful or indifferent he seemed, his sadness showed. I extended my hand. Waiting. After a few seconds of staring at my small hand, he reluctantly accepted it.
"Your hand is warmer than I expected."
"Eh?"
I froze, blushing.
"W-were you imagining what my hand feels like?"
Grey shrugged.
"Not a daily routine, don't worry."
I glanced at his soft, flawless hand. Not a scar, not a blemish. Thinking about it, his only flaw was his personality. But I believed I could make him better. How hard could it be?
"Something catching your attention, My Lady?"
My face flushed, and I pulled my hand back.
"Don't call me that."
He smirked.
"Whatever you want, Raya."
I folded my arms, looking away.
"What?"
"Is this how you treat your girlfriend?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"And how should I treat you then?"
I froze, unsure what to say.
"You know what? I think I like you better when you frown."
He only smiled and turned back to Doctor Zoe, who was still staring at me, emotionless. His face changed when he saw Grey—into a scowl. He approached us. Klein and Nico stopped arguing, turning to watch him intently.
"Yes, children, I want to share a new discovery about Earth's atmosphere."
His voice was calm, but I sensed impatience beneath it.
"Sir, before you begin, may I ask a question?"
Klein's eager voice. The doctor only nodded.
"Why are you sharing this discovery only with us, out of all the students?"
The doctor scowled:
"Don't worry, Klein. I have my reasons."
Klein? I didn't remember him ever saying his name aloud to the doctor. Grey must have noticed too, because suspicion filled his face. The only name the doctor should have known was Grey's.
Grey sighed and walked toward Klein. The doctor's eyes stayed fixed on him. Klein stepped away, smiling at Grey.
"Finally decided to join us?"
His tone playful, but only on one side. Grey ignored him, pushing past. Klein flinched and pouted, muttering to himself. Nico frowned at Grey and looked away. The doctor's eyes flicked briefly from Klein to me.
"Seems like one of you is still missing."
Grey raised a eyebrow.
"Missing?"
Doctor James Zoe smirked and turned his back to us. Grey, angered by the man's movement, grabbed his shoulder.
"Speak you old bastard."
The doctor let out a disturbing laugh and glanced sideways at Grey.
"You taught the Humanities Shadow a good lesson. But the rabbit will follow."
Grey stepped back, standing beside Nico. Nico first looked up at the ceiling, then sighed and glanced at Grey.
"How do you feel?"
Grey asked Nico with annoyance.
"Why? So you can mock my life choices?"
Grey scowled, brows furrowed.
"Just answer the damn question!"
Everyone's eyes immediately turned to Grey—everyone except Doctor James Zoe. Grey sighed deeply, still scowling. Nico looked at me. Grey's outburst didn't shock me too much, but the others clearly felt differently. Alora had hidden behind Rain. Klein's brows were furrowed as he looked between Grey and Nico.
Silence filled the lab. Long, heavy silence. No one spoke. It was so quiet, I could hear the wind outside. The stillness began to gnaw at me, reminding me of the Void. Like a bird trapped in a cage, allowed only the movements its master permitted. Stripped of freedom. I couldn't bear it any longer and slowly walked toward the doctor. He sat at a desk, observing the silence with a devilish grin. When he saw me approach, he smoothed his smile and stood. Behind me, my friends watched—some curious, some scowling.
"Is there a problem, Raya?"
I smiled sweetly.
"I'd like to ask you something important, Doctor."
He nodded. For a few seconds, I debated what I should or shouldn't ask. But then I realized there were no such limits.
"Is it possible to control someone with aether? And if it is… why use such power on us? What kind of control was that?"
I kept my smile as innocent as possible.
"If you wanted something, all you had to do was ask."
I tried to keep my tone calm and gentle, but I could still hear the anger bleeding through my own voice. The doctor grinned. His eyes turned completely, pure whiteness. My own eyes widened, and I stumbled back. My smile vanished instantly.
"In the rising light, there is only destruction. In the fading hope, only death. All of you, and none of you. The dawn of ruin is the end and the beginning."
"Eh… what?"
I couldn't comprehend his words. Confused, I backed away completely, hiding behind Grey's shoulder. I placed both hands on the golden-eyed boy's shoulders.
"Yes… So now it's your turn, my awsome boyfriend."
Grey frowned, glancing at Klein. Klein met his gaze, and the two opposites nodded at one another.
"This time, more of you have awakened earlier than you should have. That's a problem."
Nico glared at the doctor while taking small and silent steps to Rain and Alora.
"This time?" Nico asked. His voice carried anger in it.
Doctor Zoe ignored him. His eyes locked on me and Grey. Grey didn't speak—thankfully. Because I knew if he opened his mouth now, he wouldn't stop.
"You know? Your being here is no coincidence. Nor is it fate. You're here because I want you here. Because I organized it so."
We're screwed. My mind raced, desperate to find a way out, but nothing came. This man could do anything to us if he wanted… yet hadn't. My fear and fascination with aether twisted into hatred.
"Grey, can't you do something?" I whispered to him.
Grey gritted his teeth and took a step forward.
"You're him!" Grey roared. "The one who gave me these runes and the Eye of the Void that day!"
His tone was sharp, terrifying—but James Zoe was worse, he malevolently grinned.
"I am no mere being, Grey. I am the Organizer. That is my name. That is my purpose."
Grey aimed the rune of destruction at the Organizer. I had no idea how to help. How could I? We were facing someone who could probably bend space and time, and many more... Against him, we were nothing. Not gods, not teenagers—nothing. Klein silently walked to us, his green eyes fixed on Grey with fierce resolve. Nico, Rain, and Alora watched from a little further back. Grey took another step toward the Organizer. His golden eyes blazed with pure hatred.
"Why?" Grey's voice was steel. "Why did you choose me… us?"
The Organizer gave no reply. I didn't even want him to. I was terrified of what he might say. Grey exhaled and stepped back. Behind him, Klein spoke:
"All these things we've experienced so far… was it you? Are you responsible?"
Klein's tone was calm, unlike Grey's, but his cold green eyes betrayed something far darker. It chilled me. For the first time, Klein scared me.
"What about us? Did you do something to us too?"
Rain's anxious voice trembled. The Organizer turned to her, but instead of answering, he only smiled. Rain's blue eyes went wide, brimming with fear. Just like mine.
"You're all still only at the beginning of the story. The mystery of aether, the game of Fate, and more… You are the beginning. And we… are the end."
"We?" Grey asked, concern in his voice.
The Organizer smiled at him—not a malicious smile, but one brimming with joy. What kind of joy, I didn't know.
"Ah… you have no idea."
His smile faded, but he said no more. He raised both hands toward us. Fear rippled through everyone, forcing us to step back—everyone except Grey. What the hell was he doing?
"What's wrong, Masterpiece of Fate? Do you think yourself brave? Do you think you're different from them? Let me tell you the truth: you're not."
The Organizer burst into manic laughter. Grey clenched his teeth, brow furrowed, but stepped back. Behind us, Nico struggled with the laboratory door.
"Damn it!" Nico shouted in fear and frustration. "There isn't even a door here!"
Klein yelled from his side. Alora cowered behind us all, Rain frozen in shock, Klein and Nico paralyzed with indecision—and Grey beside me, staring into the Organizer's white eyes. I was no different from them. Terrified. Maybe even more so. But no matter what, I knew I wouldn't die like this. I wouldn't let this thing steal my freedom. From the moment I could remember, it was all I had ever wanted. Freedom. I didn't want to live by the demands of others—mother or father, teacher or police. Only I could decide my life. Because I had always known the truth: in this universe, only those who are truly free hold control.
I inhaled deeply, exhaled, and stepped toward the Organizer. One step, then two. Grey reached out instinctively, but stopped, pulling his hands together and closing his eyes instead. I didn't know what he was doing, but I prayed it was something useful, because terror consumed every inch of me.
"The daughter of freedom…" the Organizer chuckled. "Just as I expected. A liar."
My eyes widened, and I froze.
"Liar?"
He giggled.
"You're just a brat fooling herself. A brat who convinced herself she was free."
He smiled, raising one hand toward the air.
"As long as they exist, you will never be free."
He laughed again, louder this time. But I stood there frozen, trembling, eyes on the ground.
"Hey, motherfucker!"
Grey shouted at the Organizer with a laugh of his own.
"You're the one who taught me this."
Grey aimed the rune of destruction at the ground and laughed manically.
"Hope you don't die."
The Organizer's grin twisted unnaturally, and Grey snickered arrogantly. His golden eyes blazed, his hands glowing with the color of aether. And then—
I don't know…
The world was swallowed in violet light. No sound. No smell. Nothing—except aether. I couldn't feel my body, yet I knew it was there. It was as if my soul had slipped free, liberated at last. But when the light faded, so too did that freedom.
Standing before me was a girl. Her long, translucent blue hair shimmered, her eyes violet, and the rest of her body composed entirely of aether. She was there from the beginning. She was the reflection I had once seen in the mirror. The Enigma I most longed to solve.