"Xenon!!! Time for school!"
His mom's voice echoed through the house.
"Mom!! I'm coming!! My dad is giving me something!"
Xenon shouted back from his room.
"Babe, be quick!"
She called again, a little louder this time.
"Mom, I'm 15! I can clearly take care of myself!!!"
Xenon replied, slightly annoyed.
A moment later, Xenon stepped out of his room… looking completely badass.
His mom froze for a second, then smiled brightly.
"Wow… see my badass baby boy."
She rushed toward him and wrapped him in a tight hug, snuggling him over and over again.
"Mom… Mom—"
Xenon struggled, trying to free himself from her grip.
Before it got more embarrassing, Zytherion stepped in calmly.
"Come on, babe… he's late."
His mom finally let go, though reluctantly. She looked at Xenon with soft eyes.
"Be careful."
"Okay, Mom."
Xenon replied, this time more gently.
Outside – On the Way to School
Xenon walked out with his dad.
When they got to the school gate, Zytherion stopped.
"I'll pick you up by 5."
he said.
Xenon nodded.
Zytherion turned and began to leave…
"Hi, Xenon!"
Xenon turned to see Xavier approaching.
"Xup, niggar. So what of your results?"
Xenon said casually.
Xavier smirked, and the two began talking as they walked into the school together.
Behind them, Zytherion paused for a brief second…
He felt something.
Something… off.
But after a moment, he shook it off and continued walking.
(School Hallway)
"So… have you told Layla you like her?"
Xenon asked, glancing at Xavier.
"Nah… it'll be useless, actually."
Xavier replied, hands tucked in his pockets.
"But what if someone snatches her?"
Xenon teased.
Xavier sighed lightly.
"Then I guess I'll accept fate… but I'm still thinking about telling her."
Suddenly—
A pair of hands landed on Xavier's back.
He flinched and turned quickly.
"Jeez! You scared me!"
Layla stood there, smiling mischievously.
"I love scaring you."
Xavier smirked, a spark of challenge in his eyes.
"Game on."
Layla then turned to Xenon, her expression softening.
"Wow… Xenon, you're finally back."
"Well… I'm back actually. I'll gist you about it."
Xenon replied.
Before anything else could be said—
RIIIIIIING!!!
The bell rang loudly across the hallway.
"Ahh—class!"
They all rushed off together, laughter and footsteps echoing as they disappeared into the classroom.
Somewhere…
Universe 1000
"Jeez… finally…"
A voice spoke, sounding completely drained.
"I need to tell Atheris…"
There was a pause… like the speaker was catching their breath.
"Reversing back a universe… is pretty exhausting."
Silence followed.
To be continued…