The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

Dwindling Light

March 12th, 1810

Four days had passed since the incident.

Xavier and the others had finally located Teslaine. The gemstone he had given her before the chaos had activated, teleporting her to safety. They found her deep within a forest, beside a quiet lake, asleep beneath the swaying trees. She was unharmed.

She'd been admitted to the nearest hospital shortly after, diagnosed with only minor injuries—a few cuts, light bruises. Her true ailment was exhaustion: a severe lack of rest and proper nourishment.

Xavier, however, had not been so lucky. He had taken the worst of it—stab wounds, shattered bones, bruises that turned skin black and blue. And yet, he stood. Bruised, bloodied... but unbroken. He had been partially healed by Elowen after reuniting with his friends, but the healing session was cut short. Xavier insisted on fighting Reginald alone. It was something he had to finish, a decision driven by the weight of guilt and the fierce need to protect those he loved.

His body had been pushed beyond what any nine-year-old should endure. Even after Alcmena and Elowen's joint healing, Xavier's skin still bore the map of battle—scars from this most recent ordeal layered over the very first one he earned in the fight against Adam during the Gladiator Grand Festival.

The scene shifted to the hospital. Inside Teslaine's room, sunlight spilled gently through the half-drawn curtains, casting warm hues over her bed.

Xavier wasn't alone. His entire group had come to visit. They gathered around, laughter and soft conversation filling the space like light music.

Xavier stood by Teslaine's bedside, introducing her to everyone with a grin wider and more relaxed than they'd seen in weeks. Teslaine, shy but smiling, laughed quietly at nearly everything he said. Her cheeks flushed pink, and every now and then, she looked away from Xavier's gaze, clearly flustered.

On a nearby couch, Jasmine sat with her chin resting on her palm, watching.

The breeze from the open window gently played with strands of her hair. Her eyes, distant yet focused, followed Xavier and Teslaine. Something stirred in her chest—something foreign, unfamiliar, and undeniable.

She didn't understand it fully. She just felt it.

The girls seated around her noticed the far-off look in her eyes. They exchanged knowing glances.

Sophia leaned in with a mischievous smirk. "Is everything alright, Princess?"

"Huh?" Jasmine blinked, coming out of her trance. "I'm fine. Why?"

Sophia tilted her head. "Oh, no reason. It's just... you haven't moved in minutes. You've been staring at Xavier and Teslaine like they're the only ones in the room."

Realizing what they were insinuating, Jasmine immediately bristled. "Whatever you're thinking, it's wrong. You've all got the wrong idea."

Misaki grinned. "Oh no, we've got the right idea."

"You don't," Jasmine shot back, folding her arms.

Elowen's voice was gentler, more careful. "Princess Jasmine... do you, perhaps, have feelings for Xavier?"

"What!?" Jasmine nearly jumped. "Why would you ask that?!"

"Because," Elowen said kindly, "you seem a little jealous. And jealousy usually stems from something... deeper. Especially when it's over someone like Xavier."

Jasmine shook her head, firm. "Why would I be jealous? I'm just happy he's smiling again. After everything... after running from his family, being alone... seeing him laugh again makes me happy. That's all."