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Chapter 18 - Pulsar

The cafeteria buzzed with chaotic energy—laughter echoing across the walls, trays clattering, and the low hum of a hundred different conversations all at once. Kite slid his tray onto the far side of a table near the back corner—his usual spot. Close enough to not look suspicious, far enough that no one sat too close.

William was already there, shoveling fries into his mouth like he hadn't eaten in days. He waved a greasy hand. "Took you long enough."

"I got held up by Mr. Calder," Kite muttered, dropping into the seat across from him. "Nothing bad. Just… interesting."

William looked up, eyes sharp. "Interesting in the 'you finally joined a club' kind of way? Or 'you just found a clue to some criminal conspiracy' kind of way?"

Kite leaned in a little, lowering his voice. "I think I found a lead on the Rose Syndicate."

William froze, a fry halfway to his mouth.

"No way. Already?"

Kite nodded. "Keith sent a message this morning—somehow. Through the Stone. He said one of the Syndicate's enforcers, a guy named Vance, was last spotted in Blackstone."

William's eyes narrowed. "That's not far. Like... less than an hour away."

"Exactly," Kite said. "And here's the kicker—Blackstone's where Blackwood BioLabs is based. The place I just got recommended to intern at."

William leaned back in his seat, rubbing his chin. "Okay, that's weird. Too weird to be a coincidence."

Kite glanced around to make sure no one was listening. "I don't think it is a coincidence. Ai said the name Blackwood has popped up before in old files. Stuff tied to Syndicate funding—shell companies, offshore accounts."

"Are you saying that this lab might be a front?"

"I don't know," Kite admitted. "But if it is, and I get in there… I might be able to dig something up."

William's face turned serious for a moment, rare for him. "Just be careful, alright? If this really is Syndicate-connected, we're not talking street-level goons anymore. We're talking suits. Influence. The untouchables."

Kite exhaled through his nose. "Yeah. I know."

Before William could respond, a familiar voice cut through the noise.

"If you two are done talking about whatever secret club you've formed," Ava said, sliding her tray down beside Kite's, "maybe you can say hi like normal people."

Julian flopped down next to William, already unwrapping a sandwich. "Hey. I've decided I'm skipping school spirit week. No one can stop me."

Ava rolled her eyes. "That's because you have no spirit."

"I have plenty of spirit," Julian said. "It's just chaotic and deeply sarcastic."

William threw an arm around Julian's shoulders. "You are the spirit of this school, man. A haunting one."

Ava turned to Kite, noticing the tight look on his face. "You okay? You look… tense."

Kite blinked, then forced a small smile. "Just tired. Still catching up on sleep."

William jumped in, casually steering the conversation. "Kite got a biology internship, by the way."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "Wait, like actual job stuff?"

"Blackwood BioLabs," Kite said. "They're taking interns this semester. Mr. Calder recommended me."

Ava leaned in, interested. "That's awesome, Kite. Are you gonna take it?"

"Yeah. I think I will."

She smiled warmly. "Good. You've been all wrapped up in... whatever lately. You deserve something good."

Kite gave her a small, grateful nod. "Thanks."

As the group fell into easier banter—arguing over spirit week themes, mocking the cafeteria's idea of "pasta," and betting whether Julian would survive gym next period—Kite allowed himself a moment of peace. Just a normal lunch with his friends.

——

The late afternoon sun beamed through the gymnasium's high windows, turning the scuffed hardwood floors into a golden checkerboard. Students milled around, some half-heartedly dribbling basketballs while others leaned against the walls, clearly checked out.

Kite jogged out onto the court, tugging at the sleeves of his gym shirt. His hair was still slightly damp from washing his face after his last class, a move that barely masked how tired he was. Still, he managed a small grin when he saw Julian casually spinning a basketball near center court.

Julian looked up and tossed the ball to him with a lazy underhand pass. "Took you long enough. I was starting to think you were sneaking out early."

"Tempting," Kite replied, catching the ball and passing it back. "But I figured I'd give you a chance to lose at something today."

"Ouch. Bold talk for someone who nearly got benched last week for talking during warm-ups."

Kite gave him a crooked grin. "Coach just doesn't appreciate my running commentary."

Julian laughed, falling into an easy rhythm beside him as the two drifted toward the side of the court, away from the louder clusters of students. They started casually passing the ball back and forth, half-listening to the chaos around them.

"So, uh…" Julian said after a minute, eyeing him curiously. "I heard from Ava you're up for some kind of internship thing? At a lab?"

Kite blinked. "Oh. Yeah. Calder—our bio teacher—he pulled me aside and said he's recommending me for a spot at Blackwood's local lab. Apparently, they're looking for student interns."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "Blackwood Industries? Isn't that, like, one of those mega-tech companies that makes fancy microscopes and overpriced medical gear?"

"Among other things," Kite said with a shrug. "I mean, yeah, it's a big deal. Biology's kind of my thing, and Calder thinks I've got a shot. So… I'm thinking about it."

Julian nodded, spinning the ball slowly in his hands. "That's awesome. Seriously. I mean, you've always been good at that science stuff. It's cool seeing you actually go for something."

There was a pause before Julian added, more softly, "My dad actually brought it up the other night."

Kite looked up, caught off guard. "He did?"

"Yeah. Apparently he's been consulting with some Blackwood execs lately. Heard your name on a short list for the internship and was like, 'Kite Vale? That Kite Vale?' He was kinda surprised."

Kite let out a soft chuckle. "It's been a while. Last time I saw him, I think I was like ten and trying to sneak cookies from your house's catering tray."

"Pretty sure he still remembers that. He actually smiled when he mentioned it. Said your dad used to do the same thing during meetings."

The words hung in the air for a second, quiet and heavy. Kite's expression softened.

"I didn't know he still talked about him."

Julian nodded. "All the time. He always said your dad was one of the few people he trusted in the room. Thought he was sharp… but more than that—honest."

Kite looked away, focusing on the floor for a second. His fingers curled around the basketball.

"He was."

"I know," Julian said, nudging him with his shoulder. "And my dad thinks you turned out a lot like him."

Kite let out a breath, then smiled a little. "Not sure about that… but I'm trying."

Julian gave him a half-grin. "He wants you to come by, by the way. For dinner. Says it's been way too long since you've been to the house."

Kite raised an eyebrow. "Dinner at Castle Julian? You sure I won't trip over some priceless sculpture in the foyer again?"

"I'll bubble wrap the statues," Julian said, laughing. "But seriously—come by. I think it'd mean a lot to him."

Kite was quiet for a second, then nodded. "Yeah… I think I'd like that."

Coach Ramirez's whistle blew, snapping the class to attention. Groans rippled through the gym as students shuffled toward the bleachers for roll call.

As they started walking over, Julian tossed the ball to Kite one last time. "Also, I told the chef not to make anything weird this time. No eyeball fish or whatever that last dish was."

Kite laughed. "Still not over that, huh?"

"I have nightmares, bro."

"Then I'll be there," Kite said with a grin. "Can't miss that drama."

The two of them filed into line as Coach started barking names, joking and nudging each other like they had since they were kids. For all the stress and chaos of the world beyond the school walls, this moment felt easy. Familiar. Real.

——

Kite's footsteps echoed down the cracked sidewalk as the sun dipped lower, casting long shadows that tangled with the roots jutting up from the pavement. His backpack bounced lightly against his side with each step, but the weight of the Nexus Stone resting against his chest was far more present—always there, a quiet, steady pulse beneath his shirt like a second heartbeat. He could almost feel it sometimes, a faint warmth against his skin that never really left.

The streets of their neighborhood were quiet at this hour, a few scattered voices drifting from backyards, the distant bark of a dog. A car passed, its headlights flickering across Kite's path, but he barely registered it. His mind was still half on the conversation with Julian—on the strange familiarity of it, the easy rhythm between them.

It had been a while since someone brought up his dad like that. Julian's words had stuck in his head, bouncing around in a way he couldn't shake:

"He always said your dad was one of the few people he trusted in the room… Thought he was sharp… but more than that—honest."

Kite tugged absently at the chain around his neck, his fingers brushing over the smooth surface of the Nexus Stone. It thrummed faintly in response, like it was listening.

By the time he reached his street, the last of the sun's rays had faded, leaving only the dusky glow of porch lights flickering on across the neighborhood. The familiar creak of the front steps greeted him as he climbed onto the porch, pushing the door open with a low groan.

The house smelled faintly of grilled cheese and some kind of sweet tea—Aunt Mel's go-to dinner combination when she was feeling lazy.

"Kite? That you?" her voice called from the kitchen, light and warm, carrying over the quiet hum of a TV playing somewhere in the background.

"Yeah, it's me," Kite answered, dropping his bag by the table and wandering into the kitchen.

Aunt Mel stood at the stove, her hair a riot of purple waves pulled into a messy bun, apron streaked with flour and butter. She glanced over with a grin as she flipped a sandwich in the pan.

"Survived gym class, I see," she teased.

"Barely." Kite leaned against the counter, watching her work.

"Your mom's still at the hospital. Said she might not be back 'til late."

Kite nodded. No surprise there. Another double shift. It was becoming the norm.

"You eating with us?" Mel asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Later, maybe. I've got some… stuff to do first."

She gave him a look, one that hovered somewhere between curiosity and concern, but let it slide.

"Alright, kid. Don't forget to breathe, okay?"

Kite smiled faintly. "I'll try."

He retreated to his room, closing the door softly behind him. The space was dim, lit only by the faint glow of the streetlights filtering through the blinds. Posters lined the walls—old movie prints, band posters, a faded star chart peeling at the edges. The air felt still in here, like the world had paused outside these walls.

He reached for the Nexus Stone, letting it fall into his palm. It pulsed softly, like a living thing, the warmth of it steady against his skin. He could never quite explain how it felt—like holding a breath that wasn't his, a heartbeat that hummed in a different rhythm.

He took a breath and focused.

The comm system crackled to life, and after a beat, Keith's voice chimed in, warm and a little breathless like he'd been in the middle of something.

"Kite? What's up, man?"

Kite let out a breath, grateful to hear his voice.

"Hey. You got a sec? Something weird happened today."

"Define weird."

Kite leaned back in his chair, drumming his fingers on the desk.

"Her name's Veyra. She showed up at school—just, like, out of nowhere. And she knew about the Stones. About me. Said she's been…She—" Kite paused, the memory flashing sharp in his mind. "She tried to fight me, Keith. In the hallway. Middle of the day, like it was nothing."

There was a long pause on the other end.

"Wait. Hold up. Veyra? You're telling me someone showed up at school, threw hands, and knew about the Stones? That's… seriously bad, man."

"Yeah," Kite muttered, his voice low. "She's not just some random. She knew what the Nexus Stone was. She was looking for me."

Another pause, then Keith's voice came back, a little slower, more careful.

"That's not good. Not good at all."

Kite exhaled, scrubbing a hand over his face.

"I don't know what she wants, but it felt like a warning, you know? Like… she was testing me. Seeing if I was ready."

Keith's tone shifted then—calmer, but edged with something quieter, something deeper.

"I… there's something I need to tell you too. Something that's been eating at me."

Kite stilled.

"What is it?"

Keith's voice dropped to almost a whisper.

"I had a dream. Or… a vision. I don't even know what to call it. It felt real, man. Like it wasn't just in my head."

Kite sat up straighter, the weight of the Nexus Stone cool and solid in his hand.

"Keith, what kind of vision?"

Keith took a shaky breath, and then his voice drifted into the quiet, the words unfolding like a memory pulling him under.

——

The night air was sharp and cold, cutting across Keith's skin as he stood on the rooftop, the city below stretching in a blur of lights and motion. The wind howled past, tugging at the loose edges of his hoodie, but Keith barely felt it. His heart pounded in sync with the dull thrum of the Eclipse Stone at his wrist, the faint glow pulsing beneath the skin like a barely contained storm.

He'd been pushing the suit's limits all week—running faster, hitting harder, feeling the strange surge of power at his fingertips—but it wasn't enough. He knew it wasn't enough. There were things happening beneath the surface of all this—the Syndicate, the Stones, Kite's powers—and he was tired of waiting in the dark.

That's when it happened.

The air around him thickened—dense, electric, like the moment before a lightning strike. A faint pressure built in his chest, and the shadows on the rooftop shifted, warping like liquid.

And then Pulsar stepped out.

Massive. Towering. The sleek black armor gleamed beneath the faint glow of the city lights, segmented plates moving with an unsettling smoothness, like the joints of some massive machine. Veins of deep red energy pulsed along his form, flowing beneath the surface like molten lava trapped beneath glass. His helmet—a smooth, obsidian-like shape with a single vertical slit of blue light—locked onto Keith, that thin beam of light burning into him, sharp and unyielding.

Keith's breath caught in his throat. He'd seen Pulsar before—once, in that dream, that warning. But this time, Pulsar felt closer, more real. The weight of his presence pressed down on Keith like gravity itself.

The voice came low and steady, rumbling like distant thunder, each word landing like a strike against stone.

"The Stones are fractures... corrupted by greed, by hunger… by them."

Keith's pulse spiked, the words ringing sharp in his ears.

"I remember," Keith breathed, barely above a whisper. "You told me that before… about the Corrupted Stones. About how they're feeding off something."

Pulsar's gaze didn't waver.

"The Stones are not merely power. They are keys—shards of a locked gate. When left unchecked, they bleed. They poison. They consume."

Keith swallowed hard, fists clenched tight at his sides.

"Then how do we stop them?" he demanded, voice sharp with urgency. "How do we cleanse them?!"

For a moment, the rooftop was silent—just the distant hum of traffic below, the soft whistle of wind between buildings.

Then Pulsar spoke, slow and deliberate, as if every word was etched in stone.

"The Paladin Suit is the vessel. The stones bind to its core. To cleanse the corrupted, you must engage the fracture. You must override the infection—purge it with the energy the suit was forged to contain. The suit is your sword… and your shield."

Keith blinked, mind racing.

"Override? What does that even mean? How do I do that?!"

Pulsar's head tilted, a subtle motion that felt strangely calculated.

"Light counters dark… but the Paladin's light is not passive. It is an act of will. Engage. Confront. Channel the suit's energy—become the fracture's end."

Keith stared, barely able to breathe, the words searing into him. He wanted to ask more—to beg for clarity—but Pulsar's voice shifted, deepening, the glow in his visor flaring brighter.

"The corrupted Paladins will reveal themselves. They will emerge… and one is already among you. In plain sight."

Keith's blood ran cold.

"What? Who is it?" he demanded, voice cracking as his mind scrambled through possibilities.

But Pulsar didn't answer. His form flickered, the edges of his body warping like static on a broken screen. The weight of his presence seemed to peel away, the energy in the air crackling once before vanishing, like a storm retreating into the clouds.

Keith stood frozen, heart pounding in his ears, the city lights blurring in his vision.

"One is already among you…"

The words echoed, bouncing in his skull like a haunting bell.

He clenched his fists, the energy of the Eclipse Stone buzzing faintly beneath his skin, and his breath came hard and uneven.

——

Keith's voice snapped back into the present, low and serious.

"So yeah, he was right after all. One of them ended up showing their face. I'm gonna move to Blackstone in like a week, to make sure I'm right there when everything happens."

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