His mother looked happy about his return at least, on the surface.
But beneath that smile, Chronos could see it: the quiet worry tugging at her expression, the hesitance in her eyes. She wasn't thrilled about him going back to the academy.
"Must you go back, though?" she asked quietly, her head bowed as she stared at the floor.
"Come on, Mom, really?" he muttered, half a sigh in his voice. "I applied for it. I've got to follow through."
She didn't look convinced. Her hands clenched slightly at her sides.
"But… what if the same thing happens again?" Her voice trembled. "What if you disappear again?"
"Don't worry, Mom. It won't happen again," he said gently, his tone calm and reassuring. "I promise."
"Come on, Mom. We have to get going now," Charles called from the doorway, watching the exchange with crossed arms and a faint scowl.
She stared at the ground for a long moment, her eyes scanning invisible patterns in the tiles before finally lifting her head. Her voice was low and firm.
"Fine. But if anything happens to you… I'll skin you alive," she said with a cold, piercing stare.
Chronos felt his soul twitch. He gave a soft, nervous laugh. "Nothing will."
Charles rolled his eyes. "Let's go already."
Chronos walked over and pulled his mother into a hug—tight, almost desperate, like it could somehow make up for lost time. "Bye, Mom," he whispered into her shoulder.
She hugged him back, tighter still, like she didn't want to let go. "Bye, son," she said softly.
She held on longer than expected, reluctant to release him, and when she finally did, her eyes shimmered with barely held tears.
"Take care of yourself," he said with a smile, waving as he stepped out of the mansion.
She waved back, tear drops slipping silently down her cheeks.
The loud roar of a power bike's ignition cut through the air like a beast waking up.
"Come on," Charles muttered.
"Behind you?" Chronos asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Where else?"
Chronos smirked. "Nah. I'll take the car Mom got for me."
Charles looked confused. "When did Mom get you a car?"
"I don't know. She said it's in the side garage."
"The side garage?" Charles blinked. "That place has been locked for over two yea—ohhh." Realization lit up his face. "So that's why it's been locked."
"Yep. And she gave me the key." Chronos dangled it playfully. "Keep your bike. Give it to someone who doesn't have a car."
Charles groaned, then revved the bike and headed toward the gate before skidding to a halt. "Let's race!" he shouted turning around.
Chronos turned. "Huh?"
"I said let's race—see whose ride is faster!"
"But I haven't even seen the car yet."
"We both know it's not going to be something lame."
"Let's go check it out then," Chronos said, grin widening.
"Alright," Charles agreed, hopping off the bike.
They approached the side garage. The exterior was dusty and worn, vines creeping across the corners. It looked like no one had touched it in years.
"Two years, huh?" Chronos asked, eyeing the rusty hinges.
"Yep," Charles replied, arms crossed as he stared at the iron door.
Chronos knelt and inserted the key. The lock groaned in protest. "It's old. Tough to turn."
"Here, let me—"
"Nah, I got it," Chronos insisted, ego kicking in.
After a struggle, the lock clicked. The metal slab of a door creaked as it lifted, revealing something unexpected: a sleek high-tech panel.
"You've got to be kidding me," he muttered.
Suddenly, a blue light flashed across his face.
[Retinal scan complete] an automated voice announced.
With a soft hiss, the high-tech door slid open. Dust and smoke rolled out like fog. Both boys coughed and waved the air away.
"Yeah… definitely two years," Chronos said between coughs.
Inside, something large was hidden beneath a thick white tarpaulin.
"Nice," Charles exhaled sharply.
"Let's see what it is," Charles said, stepping forward.
"Chill, hermano. It's my car. Let me do the honors," he said, pulling Charles back.
"Fine," Charles grumbled.
Chronos grabbed the edge of the tarp and pulled.
Beneath it sat a sleek black beast—a Dodge Demon. Midnight black with crimson accents, the car looked like it could tear the sky apart.
"Damn…" Charles breathed. "A Dodge Demon."
Chronos stared, keys dangling from his fingers. His jaw dropped slightly. He was frozen.
Softly, almost to himself, he whispered, "No way… This—this is mine?"
Charles leaned casually on the railing, smirking. "Damn right it is. Better not cry, bro."
Chronos began circling the car, eyes wide with disbelief, the grin on his face growing by the second.
"Yo, shut up—I'm not crying!" he laughed. He turned back to the car. "Bro… It's a Demon. A freakin' Dodge Demon."
He walked around it again, slower this time, like he was afraid it might vanish.
"Seven hundred horsepower… launch control… this thing could fly. And she just gave it to me? Just like that?"
Charles chuckled. "Guess she figured you were ready."
Chronos shoved him playfully, still grinning like a kid on Christmas morning. "This is insane. Wanna ride?"
"You think I'm letting you take this beast out alone on day one? Hell yeah, I'm in."
Chronos opened the driver's side door, paused, and looked up at the sky.
"Thanks, Mom... You're the real MVP."
He slipped in, turned the key and the engine roared to life like a thunderclap.
Chronos was already hooked.