Realm One

The Manor

       Taking one last look at the festivities inside, he grabbed his horse and took off towards the manor. On the way he tried to think of how to introduce himself without making them suspicious of him. He sighed, not thinking of anything and just decided to wing it. As he looked ahead to the large house in front of him, he tried to keep his thoughts level and not think of the worst case scenario.

       Soon enough, someone came out of the house to meet him. He couldn’t tell what their expressions were but he tried to think positive. “Hello there,” they smiled as he rode closer to them. “What brings you out this way?”
 
      “I was trying a shortcut to the other side of town and I didn’t realise there was a house here,” Caleb put innocently.
   
    “I see, I see,” they thought aloud. “Would you like to come inside and check out the place? I have few visitors and I have someone around your age inside. They’d love to meet another kid I’d bet.” Caleb nodded as they led him over to an area to tie up his horse. Dismounting he saw another child watching him before taking off somewhere where he presumed to meet him. Caleb followed them as they walked inside and saw the same child standing politely ahead of him. Caleb gave them a shy wave to which they smiled. “Guess I don't have to introduce you two. Go on, have fun. They’ll probably tour you around as you play anyways.”

       They nodded and started off to the second story, “well I guess I have to show you around then. Always wants to show off how much wealth they’ve acquired.” Caleb laughed assuming it was a joke while they seemed more annoyed. “Well at least I might get a new friend out of this? I always have to tour around old people because they love to smile at the cute kid. Wish I had another sibling or something so I could have a break. Hey, maybe you could-?”
 
      “I already have my own family sorry,” Caleb said looking away, not good at saying no. “Four brothers already and that’s too much for me sometimes.” Caleb’s mind wandered to the last time he saw them. He missed them but was terrified of being taken back to the lab he only just escaped from.
 
      “That’s a big family then,” they responded, trying to get him out of his thoughts. “I was kidding anyways. But there is always another way to add someone to a family.” They laughed as Caleb tried not to show how flustered he was. “Well here is the main area with the office over there, my room here, and this room which you never want to find yourself in.”
 
      “Huh? Why?”
 
      “This room is like a bunker, but only for keeping supers. I know that if they ever find someone with rare powers, they would probably keep them indefinitely, almost like a trophy.”

       “Good thing I don't have any powers. I almost wish I did though but all this makes me happy I don't. But it would be cool to… I don't know… swim or run fast maybe? It would come in handy for sports!”
  
     “I know right!? That’s the only reason why I’m not completely against the testing of supers, but completely against the way they do it. Having powers doesn't make you any less human, but they treat them like animals or property. Maybe make there be a way to offer yourself up for tests either by volunteering or… a new plushie!” Caleb smiled knowing that if the parent couldn’t be trusted, the child could; at least for the time being. “Speaking of plushies, want to see my collection?”
  
     Both of them played together for a while in the room before heading outside where there was a pool, a large orchard, and a hedge maze. Caleb didn't know why, but he felt somewhat safe with them even though he was inside an enemy’s home. He knew he couldn’t let himself get too comfortable though. Immediately after he realised why he shouldn’t.
 
      “Hey you two,” their parent decided to speak up. “Having fun?”
 
      “Yep!” the younger one responded before Caleb could respond. “Caleb’s really fun to play with! Can he come over more!?”
  
     “Of course! That’s if his parents are fine with it too. I mean we haven’t met them yet. You can invite them over anytime too since my little one is so taken with you already.”
  
     “Yes! And your brothers too!”
   
    “Ooh brothers? How old are they, Caleb?”
 
      Caleb didn't really know what to say since he wanted to keep as much personal information hidden as possible, “they’re six and three.”

       “I thought you said you had four brothers?” his friend piped up.
   
    “I do. Triplets that are six and my youngest who is three.”
  
     “It would be nice to meet the parents of that many and see how they do it. I mean I wanted more kids before I found out that- oh that’s not something you kids should worry about. Well other than that, I think you should play more in the orchard. There’s a ball you can play with already there.”
 
      Caleb felt something off about the way they said it but nodded following after the other who was already making his way over. He looked over the ball they picked up and brought over and got a bad feeling from it. “So what should we play?” they asked him with a smile.
   
    “Why not soccer?” Caleb suggested thinking that it would be a good way to avoid touching the ball with bare skin. He didn't know what could happen if he did, but the feeling he got was enough for him to be wary. Soon enough they started a game using a few trees as goal posts. While running he always caught a glimpse of the parent looking at him intently whenever he touched the ball, yet always seeming downcast a moment after. He hid his smile knowing that he was right but knew it would be harder if they finished their game without touching it. He also had a feeling that they would most likely try to press it against him. His mind started racing trying to find a way to touch it without touching it. “Air barrier? Nah, that might still count as an ability. No way to turn invisible or teleport, too obvious. Duplicating things might not be good either. Just need a piece of clothing since that is- maybe a thin glove? I can do that!”
 
      He immediately set to work while he slowed a bit pretending to catch his breath. Looking through his mind, he thought of the thin gloves his brothers made him try on and the atomic structure of it. He forced his mind to make it thinner and thinner until he had a viable pattern to bring into existence. He gave a thumbs up before continuing to play and focusing on making the gloves. The only thing he worried about was where to put the excess energy that would be created. He couldn’t summon a gem and his body couldn’t handle the input yet. He was also worried that if he pushed it into the trees or the ground, there would be noticeable effects. Then an idea popped into his head, pushing it between him, his friend and the ground. Just have to trip themselves well enough at the right time and it would explain away everything else. 
 
      As the gloves were being completed, he decided to charge at them making sure he turned a little too tight to remove his balance. As expected, their first reaction was to catch him but ended up falling as well. Using the confusion and the slight vision block from their parent that their bodies gave, he pushed the energy through them to the ground leaving a small mark on the ground. He got up fairly quickly though, helping them up and picking up the ball and holding it out to them, “Sorry I didn't think I would fall. Thought I was making a cool play. You take a penalty kick.” He looked up at the parent as if to make sure they weren’t angry but really to check if there was something set off that he didn't see. Luckily there seemed to be a disappointed look on their face which he presumed meant nothing happened.
 
      “Are you sure you are both ok?” the parent asked before walking over and taking the ball from them. “Maybe it's this darn ball, not you.”
   
    “Nah, I think it was just poor control on my part.”
  
     “Either way, I think you both should play something else for a bit. Maybe go swimming again for a bit? Maybe some card games? I know you love Uno.”
  
     “Sure, why not?” Caleb agreed to which the other reluctantly sighed. “Come on, It’ll be fun! Unless you're afraid I’ll beat you.”
   
    “Beat me?! I’d like to see you try!” And with that, they were off inside while the other presumably went off to check the ball for any signs that he was a super. A few hours passed and Caleb had won most of the matches even though he hadn’t played since he was with his brothers. He soon realised that it was starting to get dark and that he should get back. He didn't want everyone worrying about him too much. His new friend begged him to stay for a sleepover but he refused not wanting to overstay his welcome. He grabbed his horse and waved goodbye before riding off towards the headquarters.