O R I G I N

CHAPTER 5

Miles POV

Coach's words echo in my mind, his revelation about the memories of hatred weighing heavily on Axel's expression. It's a look I can't quite decipher, a mixture of fear and confusion etched across his face.

"It is of he who hasn't been birthed from his mother, and whom does not experience the new time," Coach says aloud, his voice resonating across the serene pond where we sit, facing the enchanting koi fish. Each of us, backs straight, legs crossed, hands resting on our knees, ruminating over the cryptic riddle before us.

"Not born from their mother? What is this, Shakespeare?" I jest, eliciting a chuckle from the group.

"Well, from the quote, we can already tell the person is male, since they referred to the new member as 'he'," Maia adds, her tone matter of fact.

Our eyes shift to Coach, silently urging him to reveal more. But he remains silent, disappearing behind the waterfall, a ritual he often performs in moments of contemplation, leaving us with a sense of foreboding.

"Did he go to—" Maia begins, but Axel cuts her off.

"Yeah, he went to Lynn's tomb," Axel interjects, his voice tinged with melancholy.

"Lynn, short for Lewellyn, right?" Sarita clarifies, and we all nod in unison.

Lewellyn, Coach's son, met his tragic end at the hands of his father. He attempted to wield Coach's deadliest power, succumbing to its overwhelming force. Lynn's memory lingers in the fragments of his spirit scattered throughout this land, from the lion wanderer near the castle to the sacred enchantress koi fish. Coach's bond with these fish runs deep, a testament to his enduring grief and love for his son.

"If a chosen one loses their power, they will die," I remind the group, the weight of our responsibility settling upon us.

As Coach's powers wane, so too does his life force. We pleaded with him to preserve his strength, but he knew his time was drawing near. I recall the moment he shared this revelation with us, how Axel's demeanor shifted, a subtle yet profound change.

"Doesn't experience time? What's new time?" I ponder aloud, my mind grappling with the riddle's elusive clues. Hour's pass, our thoughts scattered and unyielding.

"Guys, my time control is nearing its end. We have approximately thirteen minutes until fourth period ends," Sarita announces, her voice breaking through the silence.

Sarita's ability allows us to traverse dimensions, bending time to our will. We rise from our meditation, awaiting Coach's return.

"You geezer, why did it take you so long to walk around the damn lake?" Axel teases as Coach approaches, a rare smile gracing his lips.

"Wow, you really are getting old, aren't you?" I jest, attempting to lighten the mood.

Coach's eyes twinkle with amusement as he addresses us, imparting his final instructions with a mixture of pride and sorrow.

Tears well in our eyes as we embrace Coach, the weight of his sacrifice bearing down on us. Axel's stoic facade cracks momentarily, a whispered exchange between him and Coach going unheard.

"To the start of a new team," Axel declares as we step through the warp gate, Coach's gaze following us with a mix of pity and pride.

As we walk towards our next class, Kayden's infectious energy lifts our spirits, his banter drawing laughter from the group.

"Man, it feels like I was without you guys for AGESSSSS!!" Kayden exclaims, his mood shifting from somber to jovial.

"We were only gone for like an hour," Axel retorts, teasingly wrapping an arm around Kayden.

"Really? It felt so much longer. I hate bio class with every ounce of me!!" Kayden complains, prompting laughter from the girls.

Our banter continues as we enter our next class, the teacher's exasperated tone failing to dampen our spirits. Kayden and I share a knowing glance as we tackle the riddle together, his analytical mind proving invaluable in our quest for answers.

With the bell signaling the end of the school day, we part ways, Kayden and Sarita opting for a leisurely walk home.

"Wait, Kay, do you want to walk home today?" Sarita suggests, her offer enticing Kayden with promises of McDonald's and a visit to the treehouse.

"I'm sold, let's go now," Kayden declares, his excitement palpable as they depart.

The rest of us head home, our minds still consumed by the mystery before us. Exhaustion washes over me as I collapse onto my bed, only to be jolted awake by Sarita's urgent call.

"Everyone's waiting for your gates," she informs me, her tone urgent.

I hastily set up the warp gates, the strain of my powers taking its toll. Collapsing in the treehouse, I listen as Sarita reveals her discovery.

"I've figured out who the last member is," she declares, her eyes alight with determination.