The GATE Academy [Please read description]

Chapter 47: The Departure

I can't remember the last time I slept in to 9am. 1st period started at 8 for us, and I didn't have a zero period, which started at 7, so I would wake up at 7 every day with ample time to get ready for the day. Even on the weekends I wake up at 7, although during times of stress, I occasionally wake up earlier to take a walk in the forest to take some time to think things over. However, that was not the case today.

My alarm didn't go off because, well, I don't use one. I checked the time using my phone that sat besides me on a nightstand and spent a second wondering why I woke up so late. I pushed aside the curiosity and instead started my morning routine, rather thankful for an unexpectedly extra nice, long sleep. I normally wake up with a clear mind, but today, in addition to it, I felt... Refreshed.

Even though it was winter, I still slept in my boxers because the cold never bothered me anyways. And besides, the island was semi-tropical and the weather was always comfortable. After rolling out of bed, I walked over to the bathroom, where I began to brush my teeth. I hooked up my phone to the Bluetooth speakers in the shower and started to play some music from a rap playlist I was following on Spotify. "Chill Bill" by Rob Stone came on I enjoyed the soothing melody that somebody was whistling as I finished up with my teeth. As the beat dropped and the verses came, I couldn't help but start to feel a little more aggressive. I don't mind this type of music when I'm doing things that require intensity, such as working out or training, but now wasn't the time for that so I switched the playlists and entered a more soothing one that I made myself simply called "Chill." "Too Good" by Drake came on and I smiled lightly as the much more relaxed music eased me.

I slipped into the shower and set it to a mildly warm temperature to start. Throughout a shower, I normally work my way up to the hottest temperature  that the shower can go to because that is when I find it the most relaxing. I cracked open the window above the shower to let out the steam, but it filled the bathroom quickly anyways and clouded most of my vision. Funny short story, but one time my freshman year, somebody called the fire department on me because they thought my room was on fire.

After my brief, relaxing shower, I walked across my room to my closet, where I pulled out and put on another pair of black boxers. I didn't have to worry about being wet because I dry myself off by dramatically increasing my body temperature until the water is all gone. I appreciate being able to use my powers on a daily basis, even in small situations such as drying myself off or heating up water when needed.

A rapid three-knock signaled the presence of someone outside of my room. I slipped on a pair of dark blue jeans and walked the remainder of the short distance to the door.

I opened the door and the blood drained from my face. Abraxas stood at the doorway.

"Abraxas!" I yelled out as I immediately put on my golden aura to launch a golden fire-emblazoned fist at the demon.

"Shizuo," Keita's voice said calmly as Abraxas stepped back to avoid my assault.

I blinked and came to the realization that it was actually Keita, who had two duffel bags in one hand, not Abraxas, that stood in front of me. Why had I seen Abraxas?

"Control yourself," he commanded, "You're letting him consume you."

I stared down at my ignited hand and then down to the floor, allowing the golden aura to fade away, taking the fire with it.

"Keita," I said lowly. He didn't reply, but I knew he was listening.

"I can't do it anymore... M-" I choked up.

"... My mother was a Bukai..."

I felt a swell of emotion rise up into my chest, and then my throat. I was choking on nothing all of a sudden as tears welled up in my eyes.