Acronius

Chapter 7: Kalvin

"What's going on Alvin?"

"We need to have a discussion regarding Eudon and Cedrik."

"And what's there to talk about again? Eudon is locked up and Cedrik is Emperor."

"It isn't that cut and dry Kalvin! We need a plan if Eudon escapes. As far as Cedrik goes, he more than anyone knows how dangerous Eudon is, but as his brother, he will protect Eudon as long as he can."

"Well great advisor, what do you propose?"

"Don't you smart off to me! And that's why I came to discuss with you. The cookie cutter answer would be to execute Eudon, but there's no way we can do that. Even if I didn't feel wrong about it, Ryia, Bryce, and Cedrik would kill me for even suggesting it."

"You know, you're the smartest idiot I know brother. Listen to your heart for once. We aren't executing Eudon first of all, and second, as his friends there is only one thing we can do."

"Which is?!"

"Talk some sense back into him. Do whatever it takes to get him back to normal. If it was one of us, then that's what he'd do."

"I hate to admit I'm wrong, but you're right brother. Maybe you should be the head advisor. My superior intelligence doesn't compare to your superior instinct sometimes, just like our powers."

I watch my brother Alvin walk out of the room with his head down. This situation with Eudon is really getting to him. His intelligence is both his greatest strength and his greatest downfall. He's panicking and overthinking the situation. Me personally, I like to live for the moment, and like my brother said, my powers reflect that. I have enhanced reflexes, meaning I can dodge and respond to most attacks without a thought. And even though my brother calls me an idiot, he knows I am the only person within the Equos Undecim whose brain power could come close to his own. The way my power works, it mainly only helps me with defense and counter attacks, but not offense. Of course my attacks are still faster than normal, but those I have to think out.

"Hey slow poke!"

I look down beside me to see Alice. I'm currently in the Terita Oculus office that is right down the hall from the Rectio throne room. Seeing as how this room is one way in and one way out, I'm guessing she used her speed to slip in.

"Slow poke?! You sure about that Alice?!"

"You didn't even notice me come in, so yeah you."

"Don't have to notice you, had you attacked, I'd have dodged."

"I wouldn't attack you though. Unless this kiss counts as an attack."

Me and Alice have been dating for about a year now. It's a little odd, I always saw her as one of my biggest rivals, my speed versus hers. But now she's my closest friend. I remember when I first found out she liked me.

—

"Checkmate!"

"What?! Come on Alvin I know you're good but that was barely a game! Teach me some of your moves please!"

"Figure them out idiot!"

Alivin walks away laughing. He calls me cocky, but when is come to chess, he is to cockiest person I know.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"I'm coming."

I open the door to see Alice of the Fortis bloodline

"Umm Hey Kalvin. I wanted to know if you wanted to see if you wanted to hangout, maybe go get something to eat."

"I mean this is different coming from you but alright."

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Normally when I see you, you want to spar to test our speeds, and now you want to eat. It's not a bad thing, just a change."

"Oh, well, I uh, just thought it would be cool to sit down and eat for once."

"Alright, let's go then."

Alice is acting more jittery than normal. But other than that I'm enjoying myself. We walk through town a little, and just have some casual conversation. I think this is the first time I actually got to see Alice without her being a blur for an extended period of time. Normally when I see her, were sparring or racing. Seeing her in this moment has me taken aback. She's absolutely beautiful. She's the same dark brown color as her brother, but she has these big silver eyes, short black hair, and a beautiful smile. Right before she catches me staring at her, some huge body nearly takes me out. I'm thankful for my power in this moment, as I find myself front flipping over that huge body, to see it's Bryce frantically running from something. As I land I see Alice dodging Jasmine, who seems to be the person who is pursuing him.

"Sorry love birds, trying not to die here, hehe!"

"Bryce you get back her this instant!"

As they slowly disappear I just realized what Bryce said.

"Did he call us love birds Alice?"

"Umm..."

I look over to see Alice nervous staring at the ground. That's when it hits me.

"So, uh, do you like me Alice?"

"Well yeah, your the last person to figure it out, even Eudon called me out on it, and he normally doesn't even care about that kind of stuff."

"Ouch. Well since we're out, we might as well just call this a date."

"Wait really?!"

"Yeah, of course!"

"Yes! You know you're not bad for a slow poke."

"Neither are you, ya slug"

We both laugh as we go off to enjoy our first date.

—

After talking with Alice for a little while I figure I'll tell her about Alvin. I have a bad feeling that he'll make a bad recommendation soon, and it will create a divide in the Equos Undecim.

"Alice, I'm worried about my brother. He's been acting colder than normal."

"What do you think is wrong?"

"He's stressing himself out about Eudon. He's looking for a way to solve this issue with brain power alone and he won't find it. It's like his brain and his heart is fighting within him."

"How do you know all of this?!"

"He's my twin, I just understand him like that."

"So what do you think he's going to do?"

"He's going to drive himself crazy and come up with the worst, but most logical solution possible."

"Which is?"

"I fear that Alvin will recommend that we execute Eudon!"