The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

The Devil in the Fog II

Gently lifting Jupiter by the shin, Percival peered into his eyes with a softness that cloaked the venom in his words. His voice was smooth, eerily comforting, soaked in false sincerity.

"I know many things about you, Jupiter. About who you are... and what you're destined to become."

His smile widened as he tilted his head slightly. "You said it yourself, remember? 'I need more power.'"

He let the words hang in the air, like bait in still water.

"And that, I shall grant you."

Percival's voice dropped to a gentle whisper. "All your heart's desires... I can give them to you. Whether it's unimaginable power to fill the emptiness you feel, or... the chance to see your mother again."

Jupiter's eyes twitched.

"You blame yourself, don't you? For being too weak to protect her from your father. You've replayed that moment over and over, wishing—no, begging—for a way to change it."

He leaned closer, barely audible now. "That's impossible... unless you have me by your side."

"So, Jupiter," Percival said, slowly extending a hand, "take it. Everything you long for will be within reach. All you have to do is trust me. Be with me."

"Because I see in you what no one else does. Potential. A power worthy of standing next to Xavier—not beneath him. You could be his equal. A rival... maybe even became the brother you wish you were."

He gently opened Jupiter's left eye, which had remained shut until now. Darkness pulsed within it—a swirling, void-like corruption.

Jupiter stood frozen, lips parted but unable to speak. Percival's words dug deep, stirring wounds the boy didn't even know still bled. He was only nine, after all. Too young to carry the weight of loss. Too young to be the target of such manipulation.

Yet... he raised his hand, trembling. For a brief second, doubt wavered in his gaze.

Then he slapped Percival's hand away.

"I will never betray my friends for power," Jupiter spat, voice cracking. "And I won't hurt Xavier more than he already has been."

His small fists clenched. "I don't need anything from you. So get lost."

Percival's smile never faltered. "Is that so?" he murmured, voice honeyed with amusement. "Very well. But remember—I'll be here. Waiting. With open arms."

He stepped back casually, glancing up toward the sky. "It seems our conversation is being... interrupted."

A faint glimmer streaked across the sky—a lightning bolt, descending with blinding velocity. It struck Percival, who caught it mid-air like a thrown spear. The force sent a violent gust ripping through the street as it dragged him backwards, feet carving through the ground.

Moments later, Misaki, Elowen, and Jasmine arrived atop a massive tree root, conjured by Elowen.

Far off, Percival casually shattered the bolt of lightning in his grasp, his grin unwavering. "Oh, look who decided to join us."

He chuckled. "The two princesses and their loyal friend, come to rescue their dear ones. Took you long enough."

Tree vines erupted from beneath the stone, coiling around Percival's limbs. Elowen's power held him, at least for now.

Misaki leapt down from the vine, eyes blazing with fury. "You'll pay for what you did to Xavier, you devil bastard!"

"Misaki, wait! Don't rush in without a plan!" Jasmine called out, but it was too late.