8 Chapter 8 - Peaceful Life(Part 2)

"Okay, I think that's enough for today," Remarked my father, shutting a book.

"Finally! I'm beat!" I sighed dramatically, laying my head on the table.

It's the 2nd of December, 2007, I'm twelve years old now. And I'd just gotten done with a study session with my father, both regular subjects and my studies towards learning more languages.

My parents take turns teaching me, four hours each day except on weekends. I'm totally free the rest of the time, but I never feel bored or anything.

I used to be allowed a maximum of three hours of TV, which I could spread out across the day as I pleased. But as of my most recent birthday, they got me my own computer, and I can basically use it as much as I want, so long as I keep up with my studies.

It's only the learning new languages part that's really tough, I had a decent level of knowledge in basic subjects thanks to my aunt, and the subjects that are different here, like history and geography, are fascinating to me, so I don't have trouble focusing on those.

"Oh, before I forget, your mother and I will be attending an important event for our organization in a bit, we might be back late," He remarked, as I put away my pens.

They never take me along for these events, they're probably afraid of putting me in danger. And I'm fine with that, I've come to enjoy staying at home and relaxing for most of my time.

Still, I do occasionally ask them to take me with them, but only because it seems like the kind of thing a kid my age would do. It's been a while since I asked, maybe I should...

"Can't I come with you? I never get to go with you to these events," I sighed, putting on a look of disappointment.

"Maybe when you're older," He responded dismissively.

"You always say that, though," I frowned as I stood up.

"Listen to your father, Ario, it's for your own good," Chimed in my mother, as she entered the room with a couple of steaming mugs on a tray, adding as she set down the tray, "I know you must be feeling cooped up, we hardly ever take you out of the house. But it's to keep you safe...the situation in the country is really bad these days."

"Then why do you go out? Aren't you afraid that some bad people might attack you?" I inquired in response, genuinely curious.

"Oh, don't worry, we're always sure to be careful. And besides...it's all to make the world a better place. We hope that, by the time you're all grown up, you'll get to live in a world where such awful things never happen," She explained, as she handed me one of the mugs, which was filled with hot chocolate, while my father sipped on his coffee.

That's a little bit too optimistic, if you ask me...but I'm guessing she probably chose to say it optimistically for my sake.

"That's right, we don't want you to do what we do...or rather, we want to make it so that no one has to do what we do anymore, for organizations like ours to no longer be necessary," Added my father.

"I think I get it...and I hope you accomplish that goal, then we can live together peacefully forever," I remarked with a smile.

I'm not just saying that, I genuinely hope this world becomes a better place. Because then, the chances of me getting to live a peaceful, happy life become so much more likely.

"Aw, aren't you just the sweetest?" Grinned my mother, kneeling down and hugging me as she ruffled my hair playfully.

"Hey, that tickles, cut it out," I muttered awkwardly.

"We hope to become people that, when you're older, you'll be proud to call your parents," Remarked my father, as he placed a hand on top of my head.

"I'd say I already am," I responded honestly.

It's true, I have nothing but respect and admiration for them.

"We're so lucky to have such a great kid like you. I'm sure you'll grow up to be someone amazing," Said my mother, as she kissed my forehead.

"Uh, I don't know about that," I replied with a wry smile.

Yeah, no thanks, I just want an average, comfy life.

"Well, we should get ready and head out now, Jane, it's almost time to go," Chimed in my father, as he glanced at his watch.

"Sure, I'll get dressed and let's be on our way, dear," Nodded my mother, before adding to me, "I've left your dinner in the fridge, warm it up in the microwave before eating, okay?"

"Yeah, okay. Be safe out there," I replied with a smile.

They got ready and headed out before much longer, as I put on a movie to watch on my computer, after getting some soda and chips from the kitchen.

As I sat down on my computer chair and began to get comfortable, I let out an exasperated sigh as I felt the need to go to the bathroom...come on, why now?

I don't have to go that bad, I can probably just hold it...but if I do that, I'll probably need to go halfway through the movie. Might as well get it done with now so that I can enjoy the movie uninterrupted.

I got up with a reluctant sigh and headed for the bathroom, flushing after I was done and then going to the sink to wash my hands.

Oh, the handsoap bottle is empty. I opened up the medicine cabinet next to the sink and reached up to the top shelf to try and get a new bottle of handsoap.

Damn it, it's just out of reach, I'm standing on my tiptoes. I could go get a stool or something...but that's too much work. I then bent my knees and sprang up as high as I could...and striking the ceiling with the top of my head with a loud thud.

Fucking...owww!!! Holy crap...this body's legs have got some serious springs. As I fell back down, the soap bottle appeared in my line of sight. I reacted quickly, snatching the bottle as I managed to grab hold of it.

But as I pulled it out of the cabinet, it struck a scissor that was next to it, which fell out and plummeted down. I reflexively reacted and tried to grab it, letting out a hiss of pain as the tip of the scissor hit my left index finger, drawing out a trickle of...blood?

Huh? I stared in bewilderment at my finger, a dark black liquid dripping out of it. What the hell...? Why...why is my blood black? And the pain...I can't feel it anymore. And I feel a strange sensation coming from the blood...it's really faint but I'm definitely feeling something.

I then turned on the tap and ran my finger under it, washing away the blood...it feels strange, it's like I'm washing away a small part of me. Well, literally speaking, that is the case, I suppose.

As I turned off the water and looked at my finger, my eyes widened in disbelief. There's no wound...my finger is perfectly fine.

Oh, no...am I an Alter? No, no, no...this can't be happening. A small part of me is excited that I have powers, but a much larger part of me is alarmed at this turn of events.

I'm, uh...I'm just gonna pretend like I didn't see this. Y-yeah...there's no telling what could happen to me if people find out that I'm an Alter. I'm...I'm just not gonna think about it...

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