Dream Beyond Life's Edge

The Purple Eyed

"Byee!" After waving his hand as a goodbye, Blaetis left with his father. His glowing pink eyes shone brighter than ever before. When previously, the glint could only be seen at night, now it could be perceived even when sunlight struck it directly.

Now that Blaetis had turned eleven, it was finally time for him to take on a job. Because of his father's recommendation and his pink eye constitution, he easily got one. His work would be to hunt in the forest and supply the store with meat.

Leo stared at the closed door with an expression that betrayed his jealousy. "Why is he always the one that gets everything...?" he complained to his mother, Lilay.

"Hmm?" Lilay patted Leo's head, comforting him. "He's just older y'know. Don't worry, you'll be able to work too when you reach eleven."

"I know. But it'll still take four years and he would've gotten even better then." Leo pouted. "Like, I want to be an esper too. It's unfair that he can do everything without even trying. Bweeh!"

Lilay crouched and squeezed Leo's cheeks. "Your brother is trying hard too. Don't discredit him. Although, the difference between you and him is that he has found his talent while you simply haven't. It takes time, so you don't need to be in such a hurry."

"Sure..." Leo paused for a second and made a decision. He was going to play with his friends. "Can I go to Jesse's house? There is going to be a meet up there."

Lilay gave a nod. With that Leo left the house.

Time passed in a flash and afternoon had come; it was time for him to come home. Lilay came to pick him up and Leo left the group.

"Hey. Since we're already near the marketplace, wanna check out your brother?" Lilay suggested.

"Yes! I want to see it!" He jumped in excitement at the idea. Maybe he could even participate if he proved himself there. But a thought passed through his mind. "But won't we bother them if we come?"

"Don't worry, it'll be a fun surprise. And it would be good for you to know what you're getting into later when you start working."

Leo's eyes lit up and he enthusiastically agreed. So instead of taking the usual route, they made a detour. It had only been a few minutes since they decided on it when—

For a mere moment, a blinding light enveloped the whole marketplace, dyeing the world white.

Leo and Lilay froze. The shock was one reason, but the other one was because the flash came from the store where Blaetis and his father worked.

"Th-that's Blaetis' telekinesis right?" Leo's question seemed to snap Lilay out of her daze. She gave no response; all but confirming Leo's suspicion. She took him by the arms and rushed to the market. The closer they got the louder the screams went, and so did their worry. Finally, the two saw him. In the middle of a giant pool of blood and skin and hair and cloth and guts, Blaetis silently stood, bathed in red. His eyes shone bright purple; a horrifyingly beautiful purple.

A pair of hands covered up Leo's vision but it didn't matter. He'd seen enough.

"I... S-sorry..." Then came Blaetis' voice.

#####

The news spread quickly.

"A newly awakened purple eye killed 22 people and injured hundreds more."

It felt like everyone knew about the incident in a few hours.

"We're leaving the city! Leo, help me pack things up!" Lilay hectically grabbed a dozen clothes for each of them and threw them in three bags. "Quickly!"