Path of Lightning: Origins

Chapter 11: We all have scars

Liz was sitting in Aiko's office as the latter did some tests. She could hear the rain outside, and she couldn't help but feel bitter.

The pitter pattering of the rain always brought an unpleasant feeling. A feeling of loneliness, and sadness. She never truly understood why.

Aiko noticed.

"Stop being so grumpy, that won't help hide those veins." Aiko scolded her. "Apparently your demon energy depends on your emotions just like Penergy. So relax!"

"It's raining." Liz said and sank into her chair. "I hate rain."

Aiko sighed, knowing that she couldn't reason with her. She showed her a familiar device. She figured that Liz was connected to it. "Do you know what this is?"

"That's..." Liz's eyes widened as she looked at the device the illusionist used months ago. This device was the reason she found out her true nature. "How did you get that?"

"That doesn't matter, what matters is that the blood right here is yours." Aiko said.

"So what's your point?"

"I guess I'm asking for permission." The teacher said and crossed her arms as she rested her back on the wall. "I wanted to use your blood to find a way to make some kind of medicine or even provide others with a way of healing. So now that I know whose blood it is, I'd like your permission."

"Most people would use that blood to gain demonic powers, not to heal others." Liz commented, remembering once again her encounter with the illusionist.

"I'm not interested in those powers. I don't need them." Aiko said with a serious expression that was rare to see on her. "I am a genius. I've been one ever since I was born. I thought that with my knowledge of energy I could do anything. That was until my mother died. This is the least I can do to make up for being so helpless."

Liz was at loss, since this was the first time she heard her talk about her family or act seriously. While her expression or tone didn't say much, Liz couldn't help but wonder. Did Aiko feel guilty over her mother's death?

The blonde found herself relating to her a bit, because she lost a parent too. Jack was the father she never had.

"So?!" Aiko's malicious smile came back to her as fast as it left, completely changing the mood and surprising the blonde. "Am I allowed to use it?"

Liz felt a chill going down her spine. Something told her that she wouldn't accept no as an answer. "Sure, whatever. Can I leave now?"

"You're delusional. No one ever left this room alive."

"Huh?!"

"Joking." Aiko laughed and pushed her outside. "Have a nice day!"

Liz rolled her eyes and headed to the cafeteria. She couldn't have a nice day as long as it rained. She took a seat next to Yuki who was staring blankly at nothing. She rested her head on the table and let out a heavy sigh.

Can this day be over already?

"What's up?" He asked, still clearly distracted.

"I hate my life right now." She said. "You?"

"I'm in love." He said.

"Love is mean and cruel. Only fools fall in love. Your life officially sucks." She said in a monotone voice, while the boy turned to her offended.

"Hey! That's not how you reassure someone!" Yuki said with a frown.

"Life is cruel. Deal with it." Liz answered. This really wasn't her day.