Elements: Age of Creation

Keeping Up the Act

Hikaru forced himself to focus as he led Mei and Hikari through the festival, doing his best to distract them while Teshii talked to Haruto.

He could still feel that strange tension in the air from earlier. That guy he bumped into–who looked exactly like Haruto–it wasn't a coincidence.

But for now, he had to keep things normal.

Mei, still somewhat suspicious, raised an eyebrow. "You sure you're okay, Hikaru? You're acting weird."

Hikaru let out a nervous chuckle. "Weird? Nooo, I'm fine! Let's go play some more games?"

Hikari squinted at him. "You're acting way too eager."

Hikaru internally screamed.

Teshii's Offer

Meanwhile, back near the festival stage, Teshii leaned casually against a wall, arms crossed as he studied Haruto Setsuna.

"So," Teshii started, "you're probably wondering what the hell just happened."

Haruto narrowed his eyes. "You ran up to me like some weirdo, and now my name is on some 'Chosen One' list. Yeah, I'd say I have questions."

Teshii smirked. "Fair."

He straightened up. "I'm part of a group called the Order of the Elements–an organization dedicated to finding and guiding people like you."

Haruto raised an eyebrow. "Like me?"

Teshii nodded. "People chosen by the Elements."

Haruto crossed his arms. "Let me guess. This is about my little water tricks?"

Teshii grinned. "Bingo."

Then, without hesitation, he pointed at Haruto's chest.

"You're the Element of Water."

Haruto blinked. "Come again?"

"You heard me," Teshii said. "You're one of ten people in the world chosen by the Elements. That wasn't just some mutant ability or a cool trick up there on stage. That was raw elemental power."

Haruto scoffed. "That's ridiculous."

Teshii smirked. "Is it?"

Haruto opened his mouth to argue–but then, he paused.

Because deep down…

Something inside him knew.

It makes sense, doesn't it?

His entire life, his control over water had been unnatural.

Too precise.

Too easy.

And if what Teshii was saying was true…

Then I'm not just some guy with powers.

I'm something more.

Haruto exhaled, regaining his composure. "So, let's say I believe you. What exactly do you want from me?"

Teshii shrugged. "Simple. Join us."

Haruto narrowed his eyes. "And why would I do that?"

Teshii smirked. "Because you're gonna need guidance. The world isn't gonna ignore what you are forever."

Haruto looked away, thinking.

But before he could reply–

Interrupted by an Older Brother

A new voice cut through the conversation

"No."

Teshii turned, his smirk faltering slightly.

Haruto sighed. "…Of course you'd show up."

A man stepped forward, his presence commanding.

He looked like an older version of Haruto–same sharp silver eyes, same dark blue hair, but his build was more muscular, his stance firm like a trained fighter.

He wore a long black coat over casual clothes, and his expression?

Completely unreadable.

Teshii immediately felt something dangerous about this guy.

Haruto sighed, rubbing his temples. "Teshii, meet Mamoru Setsuna. My older brother."

Mamoru's sharp gaze landed on Teshii. "And you are?"

Teshii smirked. "Teshii. Just Teshii."

Mamoru's eyes didn't leave him. "I heard everything.

Haruto groaned. "Of course you did."

Mamoru folded his arms. "You want my little brother to join some cult?"

Teshii snorted. "It's not a cult."

Mamoru's eyes narrowed. "Sounds like a cult."

Teshii smirked. "If it was a cult, I'd be wearing robes."

Hharuto pinched the bridge of his nose. "Can we not do this right now?"

Mamoru, however, wasn't backing down.

He took a step forward, his presence heavy. "Listen, I don't know who you are, and I don't care. But I'm not letting my brother get involved in something dangerous."

Teshii's smirk didn't waver, but his eyes sharpened slightly.

"Oh? And what makese you think you can stop him?"

Haruto groaned again. "Teshii. Stop antagonizing my brother."

Teshii shrugged. "What? I like the guy."

Mamoru's gaze darkened.

Teshii grinned.

This was going to be fun.