Cineraceorum - Chapter 1 Gray Fireworks

All I hear is screaming and all I smell is blood. I cannot see where I am, but I know it all the same. This is where I was born; a nightmare. I open my eyes and I seemy parents? I’m not really sure but all I remember is them reaching for me moments before they’re slaughtered before my eyes, their blood on my face and in my mouth. I feel fear as something that I can’t comprehend is happening before my eyes. As always, the nightmares ends before I can learn anything useful.

I wake up to rays of golden sunlight pouring into my window. The blue color of my walls is still throwing me off. They were gray until yesterday, when a certain somebody decided they were “too dreary”. Now that I think about it, the amount of sleep I’m getting is suspicious. I turn my head to look at my alarmHOLY SHIT! I’M GONNA BE LATE!

“DAMIAN GET YOUR ASS DOWN HERE, WE’RE GONNA BE LATE”

It’s annoying to be yelled at so early. If I wasn’t fond of the woman yelling at me, I’d probably be an asshole and say something rude.

“I’M COMING YOU HAG!”

What? Maybe I’m still tired.

“WHAT WAS THAT YOU BRAT!”

“NOTHING, IM COMING!”

Pulling myself out of bed I pull on my school’s uniform, A gray shirt and pants with a black helix emblem on the left breast. I look back at the neon green digits and see about five minutes have passed. I walk downstairs and smile when I see her standing in the kitchen holding a folder in her hands.

“What I don’t get any breakfast?”

“I made you some breakfast, but you took too long so I ate it all. Now shut up and take this” Lana says jokingly, while shoving the folder at me with an impatient look on her face.

“Uh what the hell is this?”

After smacking me with the folder she begins speaking again.

“Are you serious right now? It’s an info packet for your first day at helix academy. Read through it before we get there, now come on get in the car.”

“Yea, yea I know. Give me a second.”

I grab a juice box and a bagel and take a quick satisfying bite.

“Alright let’s get going.”

I walk over to the front door and hold it open for her. Following her outside, I hop inside her two-seater and start chowing down on my makeshift breakfast.

I take another look at the woman driving me to school. Lana Rimura, a short woman about 5’2 with immaculate alabaster skin, dark black hair and deep sapphire eyes. I might even dare to say she’s beautiful. Who am I kidding? She IS beautiful. Very. Like insanely beau-

“Damian, can you not stare at me like that? It’s kind of intense. Now open your packet and read we’ll be there soon.”

Snapping out of the trance I found myself in, I realize I was staring kind of hard. Hehe, my bad.

“Yes mam.”

Looking at the packet I see the school’s logo, a helix, on the front cover followed by a welcome message.

Introduction

By opening this booklet, you have started your journey at the wonderful Helix academy. This school is a haven of learning that welcomes all students, regardless of race or creed. Being such a welcoming environment there are some rules that must be adhered to in order to provide a safe and fun learning environment for the entire student body.

Rules

1. Fighting on school grounds without permission will not be tolerated. An official duel request can be submitted to any teacher. Only after both parties have accepted and the conditions for the duel have been established can said duel take place.

2. No prejudice of any kind will be tolerated on school grounds.

3. Students must remain on school grounds for the duration of the school day unless permission is given.

4. Students will

As I get to rule four my attention starts to wander again. I put down the boring ass rule book and I take another look at Lana. Now that I think about it I don’t really know that much about her.

I’ve known her since I was at least eight; that’s about as far back as my memories go. She’s been taking care of me for the past seven years as well. Everything I do know is limited to after I met her. I do know that she’s one of the few vampires that live in Valoria and that she was also a captain in the royal guard here, the Valorian Sentinels. She’s also gonna be a teacher at the academy starting today. She’s also strongand at the same time kind , almost like a big sister. But I don’t intend for us to stay this way forever.

I turn my attention to the city around me. There’s not too much traffic, probably because we left a little late. There’s the typical hustle and bustle you’d find anywhere. Shops and assorted buildings line the streets, as various citizens traverse the sidewalks. Humans and elvesmight even be a couple of vampires in the mix. One of the things I love about this city is its diversity. Here, people don’t really care who you are or where you’re from. We’re all in this together; struggling, laughing, crying and just trying to do the best we can. Before I know it, we turn left through a massive gate and follow a road up to the large complex that is Helix Academy.

“Well, we’re already here. Did you at least learn something from that thing?” Lana asks looking slightly concerned.

“Um…yea. I learned the most important thing, as long as I get permission, I can fight whoever I want!”

A large smile creeps over my face while imagining all the strong fighters waiting inside.

SMACK.

“Yea real funny smartass. Try to avoid getting into fights, the people at your new school aren’t gonna be the same pushovers your used.”

Lana pulls into a parking space while giving me a mini lecture.

“Yea, yea whatever. I’ll see you after school Lana.”

I don’t get ten feet from the car before she calls out to me.

“Hey Damian.”

“Yes Lana?”

“It’s bold of you to assume you won’t see me for the rest of the day”

A minute later as we’re walking toward Class 1-A I find myself thinking “why is she my teacher?”

“You really are a dumbass, aren’t you? You do realize this is my first-year teaching here, right?” Why do you think I agreed to take this job here?”

Damn is she a mind reader or something?

“I thought the Magus Imperius just strong armed you into it. Wanting someone who was used to me and could keep an eye on me, or something like that.” I reply.

“Well you’re half right, our relationship IS the deciding factor for why I was allowed to take this job when I asked.”

I start smiling a little bit after hearing that.

“What’s that look for Dami?”

“When you say it like that, it makes me oddly happy.”.

“Why’s that?”

“Well ya know”

I don’t know why but I’m feeling embarrassed for some reason. Scratch that, I do know why.

“It’s just thatits nice. It’s nice to know that you actually went to them and requested this job, for me.”

“Of course, I did. I couldn’t spend that much time with you these past few years cause of my work in the sentinels, so now I get to make up for lost time. Besides, I care about you kid. You know I’d do anything for ya.”

She grabs my hand and squeezes tightly for a second before letting go.

After a couple minutes of walking in silence, we finally arrived at the classroom. Opening the door, I take stock of my classroom. Only 15 other students, 6 male and 9 females. The classroom itself isn’t anything special. Lana takes her place behind the lectern and I walk up next to her.

“Hello students my name is Lana Rimura and I’m going to be your teacher this year. Go on Damian, introduce yourself.”

“So, you’re my class mates huh? Nice to meet you guys. My names Damian, Damian Grayscale. Now tell me which one of you is the strongest?”

From the back corner of the classroom I hear a resounding “YEAAAAAAAAAAA!”

“NOW THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!”

The voice belongs to a boy with light brown hair wearing a gray hoodie and a red medallion on a gold chain. He looks strong and he’s giving off an impressive aura.

“Oh yea? What’s your name buddy?”

“My name’s Leone Coruscare. I was asking these guys earlier if anyone wanted to fight but no one was feeling up for it. That’s messed up isn’t it? We’re supposed to be enjoying our high school lives to the fullest right?”

“I completely agree with you. See Lana? This guy is awesome, he gets it! I feel like we’re gonna be good friends, do you wanna be friends Leone?”

I didn’t think I’d find such a cool dude in the first ten minutes.

“Of course, we can be friends! So, to celebrate the start of a beautiful friendship, let’s fight right now! Whaddya say?”

“Oh yea, I almost forgot! Hey Lana, I’d like to submit a duel request for my new friend Leone.”

“Welp, there goes any chance of a normal homeroom. Alright the request has been acknowledged. Leone, I already know your answer, but do you accept?” Lana asks.

“Of course, I’ve been waiting all morning for the chance to fight someone strong!”

“Alright then, lets take this outside. Don’t want you guys blowing up our precious class room. Follow me kids.”

Lana leads the class to the inner courtyard. After doing a quick head count, she shoots off a bolt of green energy. The bolt travels through the air and bursts causing an explosion of light in the sky.

“Alright kids here’s the deal. That bolt I shot off symbolizes the official beginning of a duel. Now let me set up a barrier and then you two can go wild.”

With that she places her hands on the ground and a wave of blue energy washes over the courtyard surrounding all of us in a cube.

“Is that going to be strong enough to hold them Ms. Lana?” one boy asks.

“Oh don’t worry, that was a level 8 barrier nothing below it can even make a dent.”

“A level 8, without using Zero Point? That’s supposed to be almost impossible for humans!” another girl yells out.

“Yea, besides there’s no way these guys are that strong, they’re first years like us!”

“Alright kids follow me, we don’t wanna be in there when these guys get started.”

Lana then opens a hole in the barrier and ushers everybody out.

“Alright everybody’s out, you guys can start whenever you’re ready!”

As soon as the words leave her mouth Leone and I start to build up our energy. His aura is fierce, it’s almost like a raging inferno! All around him is a deep crimson glow and I find myself wondering how the hell he was holding all this in.

“How do you like that Damian? I’m not the kind of guy to take it slow so you’ll have to forgive me for going all out from the start!”

So that’s how you wanna play it Leone? Fine I’ll show you what I’ve got too! I start to pour out more mana to match Leone’s output, causing a swirl of black and white energy to surround me.

“What the hell?! The energy these guys are giving off is insane! Is that barrier really gonna hold?”

That voice belongs to the same boy from earlier. I don’t really blame him for getting scared.

“Um Ms. Lana why are their energies different colors?”

“Well when a mage releases their mana like this it takes on the color of the attribute or attributes, they have the highest affinity with. As you can see Leone’s is a bright red meaning he has a high affinity for fire magic, while Damian’s is a mixture of black and white showing he has an affinity with both Light and Void magic.”

“Wait but isn’t that supposed to be impossible?” another girl asks.

“Yes, you’re right. While a mage can use both light and void magic, according to our oldest records no one has ever been born with an affinity for both these attributes. Even the Aspects themselves claimed it impossible, but here Damian is in the flesh. That’s part of the reason he’s in class 1-A, it’s where the school usually dumps all the special cases and prodigies.”

“Hey Damian! You gonna make a move or what?!” Leone calls out trying to provoke me.

“No, no go-ahead Leone, seeing as I’m the one that challenged you the least I can do is give you the first move”

BAM!

At that moment I feel a fist collide with my face. What the hell? When did he move? I feel my body leave the ground and I go flying headfirst towards the barrier. Before I hit it, I spin my body in midair so that my feet are aimed towards the barrier.

“Salire!”

As I shout out the name of my spell, I pour void energy into the soles of my feet.

Once I collide with the barrier I bounce off and go flying towards Leone. Covering the distance in an instant I pour light energy into my right hand.

“Vi (Lux)!”

Using my momentum and the force of my spell I slam my fist into his smug little face.

“OOF!”

Leone takes the blow and goes flying backwards a good five meters or so. He starts to get back on his feet and he starts…smiling?!

“That was a good hit Damian! I wasn’t expecting you to counter attack that fast! You’re pretty good!”

“You’re not too bad yourself Leo. I didn’t expect you to blitz me like that How the hell did you do that anyway? I didn’t even see you cast any spells.”

“Ah well, I don’t have any cool explanation, I’m just pretty fast, I guess. Speed is one of the deciding factors in a fight after all. If you were weak, I could have ended this fight with that first attack.”

As much as I hate to admit it, he’s completely right. I always considered myself fast, but I haven’t focused on my physical training as much as my magical studies. If I take my eyes off this guy again, I’m gonna be in serious trouble. Focus Damian, focus!

“Alright Leone you are pretty fast I’ll admit it. What do you say we continue?”

“Fine by me lets do this!”

His body starts to take on a crimson glow as he starts to gather his mana.

“Salire!”

He jumps high up into the air and then screams.

“Alright Damian take this! IGNIS PILA LEVEL 6!”

A ball of fire about 40 feet in diameter starts coming toward me.

Are you serious?! What the hell is wrong with this idiot?!

“What the hell you idiot?! Are you trying to destroy our precious school?”

“Eh, who cares? That’s what the groundskeepers get paid for right, to clean up our mess!”

Dammit I CANNOT let that thing hit me. Think Damian, think! Wait I’ve got it! Tapping into the power of the void I start to focus on the feeling. Cold, dark emptiness, but the most important feeling hunger. Like this energy can’t wait to devour all things in the universeincluding me.

“TRANSIET!”

As I speak the words, I spread my arms and open a rift in front of me to intercept the fire ball.

Before my eyes the flames enter the opening I made. Before the flames are all gone, I open another rift in the air behind Leone, allowing the flames to strike at Leone from behind.

“YAH! WHAT THE HELL?!”

Leone is caught off guard but he’s quick on his feet. Before his flames can engulf him, he thrusts his hands forward, almost as if trying to shield himself from the incoming attack. Then I feel a surge his mana.

“IGNIS PRAESIDIUM!!!”

A dark red glow surrounds Leone’s body, as the flames wash over him leaving himunscathed. Dammit. Leone lands on the ground and turns around to face me with a smile on his face.

“That was a good try Damian! Using my own fire against me was smart. If I hadn’t been able to react in time, you might’ve won right there!”

From outside the barrier I hear Lana’s voice. “HEY DUMBASS! THAT FIRE SPELL WAS A LEVEL 6 AND IF DAMIAN HADN’T COUNTERED IT EVERYTHING IN THAT BARRIER WOULD BE ASHES RIGHT NOW!”

“Why am I the only one getting lectured here?”

“Gee, I don’t know Leo. Maybe because you just tried a powerful spell that would’ve caused serious damage to school grounds?” I replied.

“Hey, I didn’t give you permission to call me Leo!”

“Well yea but I figured it was ok. You know, on account of you ALMOST TORCHING MY ASS!”

“Fine, fine good point. What’s next, it’s your move this time.” Leo says.

The hint of his smile is still there, but I can tell he’s finally starting to take this seriously. That’s good, because I’m starting to feel the same way. This really is one intriguing guy!

“Alright then, lets see how you like this Leo. Lux Hastam!”

I stick out both of my hands and form spears of light in each hand. Leo’s watching me closely, that’s good but I don’t think it’s going to help him. I take the spears and slam them into the ground next to me.

“Salire!”

I switch to void magic for my leaping spell. I kick off from the ground at an angle, so I go flying directly for Leo.

“Oh, so you’re coming right at me huh? Alright then bring it Damian! Vi (Ignis)!”

Leo coats both of his hands in fire preparing for my attack. That’s right stay focused on me.

I draw into his range and he launches a right hook at me. I twist my body and manage to dodge the first hit. Now that he’s extended and off balance

“Transiet!”

I open two more rifts moving one of the spears right under Leo.

He notices the spear, but not soon enough. It nails him in the foot pinning him in place.

“AGH! DAMMIT!”

Leo tries to pull himself free and while he’s doing that, I open another rift so I can grab my other spear in my right hand. I spin it around in my hand and lunge out to stab Leo. He looks up and before I can reach him, he pivots on his stuck leg allowing him to twist his body and avoid being run through. Before I can pull back and regain my stance, I’m hit in the ribs with a powerful kick. The blow knocks me sideways and I tumble along the ground a good distance from Leo.

“You sneaky bastard, you almost got me with that one!” He calls out to me.

My head starts to throb painfully and my concentration wavers for a moment, causing the remaining spear to dissipate freeing Leo.

“Well if you’re done, that means it’s my turn. Get ready Damian, I’m ending this right here!”

Before I can get my bearings, Leo’s running right at me. I can see him coming butI’m sluggish. Dammit I won’t be able to react in time!

I feel a barrage of blows against my body. I can’t keep track of how many, I stopped counting at twenty. The blows angle upwards lifting me slightly off the ground and then they stop for an instant. I look at Leo’s face and see more fire engulfing his hands. Dammit, he really is planning on ending this! His final punch starts flying toward my face

“TRANSIET!!”

I open another couple of rifts. One in front of his fist and one on the right side of his head.

Leo’s face turns to shock, but he can’t stop himself as his on empowered attack strikes him squarely in the jaw. His head rocks violently to the side and knocks him off balance. Good now that I have some room to breathe, it’s time for my counter attack!

“Transiet.”

I open more portals, five in front of me and five in various locations around Leo. This is going to take a lot out of me, but I have to do something to put this man down.

Now then, it’s time for your curtain call Leo!

“Vi (Lux), Vi (Tenebris).”

I empower my left hand with light and my right hand with darkness.

“Don’t hate me for this one Leo.”

With no words left to say, I begin my assault. I punch through my different portals to launch an onslaught of blows he can’t predict. I launch a jab through the portal in front of me that catches him in the back of the knee causing him to drop. With him near the ground, I launch a blow through the portal second most left from me. This punch connects to the portal near his face’s current position, catching him dead center. Blood starts to spill out of his mouth, but I’m not going to let up. I continue to pummel him, hoping the mix up will get him to finally go down for good. After about 15 hits though, I’m starting to breathe heavily. I’m not used to having to keep portals open, and the strain of wielding both Light and Dark enhancement spells is starting to get to me. I can see my flesh starting to tear and bleed almost like my hands are peeling. Dammit!

My grip on all the spells I’m maintaining fades and I hope to see Leo has gone down with them. Unfortunately, I have no such luck.

“How the hell are you still standing Leo?! Those punches I hit you with were enhanced by level 6 magic, they had enough force in them to bring down a building!”

This man’s stamina is absolutely astonishing. I’ve never met someone who’s lasted this long against me in a fight.

“Don’t worry I’m well aware of that! I can feel it alright, but that said I don’t plan on losing to you!”

He’s staggering, but he’s not done fighting, I can see it in his eyes.. A dim red glow starts to form around him as he gathers the last of his power. Damn he really plans to make this go down to the wire, doesn’t he?

“Well guess what Leo? I don’t plan on losing to you either!”

Raising my energy in response I start to run towards him.

He’s faster than me and both of us know it. I cast another force spell on my left hand choosing use light this time. Leo corresponds by wrapping his own left hand in fire once more. The distance starts to close between us, and I realizeI’m not going to make it. If I just keep running at him, he’ll reach me and strike before I can react. So, I decide to cheat a little. I throw out one last left hook when the distance between us is a little under five meters, well out of both of our ranges. Under normal circumstances anyway.

When the gap closes and there’s only about 2 meters between us, I open one last rift in front of my fist allowing it to reach the right side of Leo’s head. Just before my blow lands Leo’s attack comes at me fast and hard. The impact takes the last bit of consciousness I have left, but as I go under, I see the same happen to Leo. I would smile but, I don’t have the energy for that either.

That’s the last thought I have before everything fades to black.