“Boom!”

  “Aaaa, kill ittt!!!”

  “Rooaar!”

  “Haaah… ugh… aaah…”

  After gaming and messing around for a while, Aaron, Luther, Paul, Kevin, and Wilson sprawled across the plush seats in Kevin’s home theater and watched a series. Kevin’s house had a full high-end private cinema, so it was everyone’s favorite place whenever a new movie or series came out. Tonight they were watching the newly released Netflix show The Twelve Labors.

  “Man, I bet Hercules is the strongest demigod ever,” Kevin said.

  “Wow. Thanks for that insight, Captain Obvious,” Wilson said with a smirk.

  “Heracles, not Hercules, please. According to Greek mythology, even though he was only a demigod, he was stronger than many gods. He even wounded Ares, the God of War, once,” Paul said, pushing his glasses up his nose.

  “What kind of suck ass God of War is that?” Kevin said.

  “Hmmm, honestly, Ares really isn’t that strong. He gets beaten all the time,” Paul said.

  “Hey… if you’re going to talk nonsense about gods, don’t mention their true names,” Aaron warned.

  The chance of Ares caring about this kind of nonsense was small, but it was not impossible. If a Major Being wanted to punish a mortal, it took only a thought. The Pact of Sacred Fire could stop divine punishment from striking the world outright, but it could not stop a god from twisting a mortal’s fate. A punished one might face a long run of bad luck, or watch their whole life turn in a bad direction.

  Many people in the Origin had suffered this kind of punishment without ever realizing it started from just a simple joke.

  Well, at least they did not get turned into a spider or some snake-haired monster.

  Cases like that were rare anyway. Across countless worlds and living beings, in every moment, there were always those who called a Major Being’s true name. Some prayed. Some cursed. Some cried for help. Some spoke in ignorance. Some did it on purpose.

  Only the truly unlucky ones got noticed.

  “Since when do you believe in that stuff?” Wilson said, rolling his eyes.

  “Better to believe a little than not at all. Just listen to me. Please.”

  “Alright, alright. Still… you’ve been acting weird lately.”

  Paul glanced at Aaron. This guy used to be the boldest among them. He never cared about “superstitious nonsense.” Paul wondered what had changed him.

  The boys kept watching the series, and Aaron’s lips twitched as the TV showed a muscular man wrestling with a boar the size of a car. The creature could only charge, bite, and spit fire.

  What an insult, Aaron thought, his patience wearing thin.

  The Erymanthian Boar, an arch being that once alone threatened a powerful sand realm, had turned into nothing more than a giant monster pig.

  Still, he kept quiet so he would not ruin the others’ fun. Deep down, he swore never to watch another show about Greek mythology again. Relief washed over him when the final episode ended.

  “Wanna watch another movie? I heard The Incredible Nun is supposed to be really good,” Kevin said.

  “You guys go ahead. It’s almost midnight. Luther and I are going to sleep,” Aaron said as he lifted Luther, who had been dozing off, eyes half closed.

  Paul’s eyes lit up with mischief. “Oh shit. I think Kevin’s room only has space for three more mattresses. You should sleep in the room on the left and let Luther stay with us.”

  Wilson turned away to hide his grin.

  “You’re joking, right? My room is huge. And you’re saying we can’t fit one more mattress?” Kevin frowned.

  Paul gave him a playful wink.

  “What’s wrong with your eye? Something stuck in it?” Kevin asked.

  Paul and Wilson:

  “…”

  “Three mattresses are enough,” Aaron said.

  His brows pulled together.

  What’s wrong with those guys lately? They’ve been acting strange. Did they find out that we can use magic?

  When the other three entered the room later, they found Aaron and Luther already asleep.

  They cuddled each other tight under the same blanket, sharing one mattress.

  “Whoa, I didn’t think these two were this close. No wonder Aaron always calls them best bros,” Kevin whispered.

  “Kevin, you’re just as clueless as they are,” Wilson said, covering his face.

  “Clueless? What’s that supposed to mean???” Kevin shot back and kicked Wilson in the butt.

  “Damn! You big block of violent muscle!”

  While brushing teeth in the bathroom, Paul leaned closer and spoke in a low voice.

  “Wait… are those two a thing now? I don’t remember them ever coming out.”

  “I’m not sure either,” Wilson muttered with a frown. “They kind of look like they are, but at the same time… not really. They don’t try to show it off, but they’re not shy or awkward about it either. And knowing Aaron, he’s not the type to chicken out over something like that. If he had figured it out, he’d already be bragging to everyone.”

  “Don’t tell me they still think they’re just ‘best bros,’” Paul said, raising his hands to make air quotes.

  “Hahahahahahaha.”

  The next day was Serenity Eve.

  Luther slipped back home to pick up the three pumpkins and Acher. After that, the whole group went ice-skating together. Later, they had lunch, stopped by a special Serenity market in Manhattan, went to see a supercar exhibition, and then returned to Kevin’s house and began exchanging gifts.

  Kevin gave each of them a pair of shoes, Paul bought everyone super-fast wireless phone chargers shaped like magic wands, and Wilson gave each of them a leather belt.

  “Here are Luther’s presents for you guys,” Aaron said as he pulled a stack of wrapped boxes from his backpack.

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  Luther had chosen a pair of shoes for Kevin, a limited-edition set of trading card game cards for Paul, and a wallet for Wilson.

  “My god! Thank you so much! I’ve wanted this deck forever, but I could never find it!” Paul said, clutching the cards.

  Kevin and Wilson also looked very pleased with their gifts.

  “And here’s mine,” Aaron said as he handed over small rectangular boxes.

  “Oh, these look interesting,” Paul said as he opened his.

  Inside each box were two items: a statue of a lion with the head of a bird carved from some kind of sky-blue gem, and a necklace with a black claw about the size of a thumb strung on it.

  “This statue will bring luck to your homes. And the necklace has a protective enchantment on it, so make sure you wear it all the time,” Aaron said with a wink.

  “A protective enchantment? That’s awesome! What kind of spell is it?” Paul asked. He clearly treated it like a joke. “And this is a… gryphon! The craftsmanship is incredible. Even the feathers are carved with so much detail!”

  His face lit up. He loved anything related to myth or magic.

  Aaron did not tell them that, besides bringing good fortune, those gryphon statues could also shield their homes from evil creatures. They could also calm the minds of those nearby, ease negative emotions, and help people feel at peace.

  The necklaces were even more useful. They could form a barrier in the face of danger and protect the wearer from serious accidents.

  Aaron had given one to each of his family members as well. Acher had warned him that Tarisel might not let things go so easily.

  “Wait, you two didn’t get each other gifts?” Wilson asked.

  “Of course we did. But they’re at Luther’s house. It’s better to open them tomorrow, you know,” Aaron said with a bright smile.

  “You two are way too cheesy,” Kevin teased.

  “Cheesy my foot!” Aaron laughed.

  …

  That evening, at the Attenborough home.

  As usual, both sides of the family had gathered there for Serenity's dinner.

  “Cough, cough, cough…” Aaron let out a few coughs and said, “God, my head hurts. It feels like this cold is getting worse. I’m going upstairs to lie down. You guys can eat without me.”

  He had been coughing ever since he got home.

  Paul: “???”

  This guy was fine all day while we were out. How come the moment he gets home, he turns like this?

  Paul glanced at his cousin with clear suspicion and did not even try to hide it.

  “Try to eat some more steak. You’ve barely touched anything,” Sophie urged.

  “Grandma, I’m too tired. I don’t want to eat anything,” Aaron said.

  “Michael, can you call Doctor Meyer and ask him to come check on Aaron?” Sophie said.

  “Mom, it’s probably just a small cold. Tonight is Serenity Eve. Let’s not bother Doctor Meyer,” Michael replied.

  “In that case, go to bed early and get some rest. And don’t play games or use your phone, it’ll make your headache worse,” Sophie reminded him.

  “Yes, I know, Grandma. My head hurts too much anyway. I couldn’t play even if I wanted to,” Aaron said.

  “Let me get you some medicine. You’ve been out too much lately. Gone since last night and only crawling back home this afternoon! I don’t even know if you still live here or if this house is just a hotel to you,” Helen scolded with a frown.

  “Do you have a fever, Aaron? Let me grab the thermometer,” Joseph offered with a wink.

  “No need, Uncle Joseph. I think it’s just a small cold. I’ll be fine after a good sleep. Thanks, Mom.” Aaron took the medicine from Helen, swallowed it in one gulp, and ran upstairs.

  Joseph watched him and gave a soft chuckle.

  “The boy’s really growing up, isn’t he, Mike?” he whispered to his older brother.

  “Yeah, he’s growing up. That’s why I already locked every window, every side and back door. I also shut off the Wi-Fi and blocked the cellular data in his room. If he wants, he can just ‘sleep’ until morning,” Michael said.

  Paul:

  “…”

  “Come on, don’t be so strict with him! He’s fifteen already. You had your first girlfriend when you were twelve, dude,” Joseph said as he tried to defend his nephew.

  “Shut your mouth,” Michael hissed when he saw Helen’s ears perk up.

  Paul stayed silent, not daring to make a sound.

  It definitely isn’t a girlfriend!

  …

  Ravenswood House

  “Sorry to keep everyone waiting,” Aaron said as he sat down at the dining table.

  “It’s fine,” Luther said.

  The table was full of dishes and drinks that they had ordered.

  “Hurry up already!” Acher grumbled from his seat.

  “Eat! Eat! Please! I’m hungry!” Jack-O squealed.

  “We have to pray first.”

  Aaron led the traditional blessing before the Serenity meal.

  “We give thanks to the blue moon and to the Flow for the peace we have received…”

  “…and we wish everyone a joyful Serenity!” they all said together.

  “Alright, let’s eat! I’m starving!” Aaron shouted.

  “Yayyyy!” the kids cheered.

  …

  Attenborough House, after the Serenity dinner.

  Knock. Knock. Knock.

  Helen stood outside Aaron’s room and knocked with patience. In her hands was a tray with a bowl of warm chicken soup and a glass of hot milk. After a moment of silence, she called out in a soft voice.

  “Aaron?”

  Still nothing.

  She frowned and took out her phone to call him, but there was no signal. She did not know that Michael had already blocked Aaron’s wifi and cellular data.

  “Aaron!” she shouted, pounding on the door.

  No answer, only silence.

  Helen’s hands shook, and the tray slipped from her grip, the soup and milk spilling across the floor. She did not even look down. Instead, she ran downstairs and shouted:

  “Mike! Mike! Something’s wrong with Aaron! I’ve been knocking for a long time, and he won’t answer! I think he passed out in his room! Where’s the spare key?”

  “What??!”

  Michael grabbed the spare key at once, and the two of them rushed upstairs. The noise drew the rest of the family from the living room.

  When the door swung open, they found an empty bed.

  Michael and Helen searched the room, but Aaron was nowhere to be seen. Michael unblocked Aaron’s cellular data and tried calling him again, but there was still no signal. It was as if Aaron had gone somewhere without reception. Even the tracking app did not work.

  “This boy…” Michael clenched his fist.

  “Calm down, Mike. Boys that age are all like this,” Joseph said, trying not to laugh.

  He still remembered the beating he got in high school after sneaking out at midnight and getting caught. Though that had not been on Serenity Night.

  You’ve got guts, Aaron!

  Joseph said a silent prayer for his nephew when he saw the look on his sister-in-law’s face. Meanwhile, Paul let out a quiet sigh. He had a vague idea where Aaron might be.

  That damn boy-crazy idiot!

  “Paul, do you know where Aaron went?” Michael asked.

  “No idea.” Paul shrugged.

  Michael and Helen stared at him, but Paul kept his mouth shut. No way he’d sell out his best friend!

  “Let me call Wilson’s and Kevin’s houses and ask,” Helen said.

  Paul frowned in confusion. Why don’t they guess Luther’s house? That would be the first place anyone should think of. Aaron could hardly go five minutes without talking about Luther.

  What Paul did not know was that, after Michael and Helen began to notice Aaron locking himself in his room every night after eight and grew suspicious, Aaron had used Luther’s cloak to blur some of their awareness about them. Because of that, the couple’s sense of Luther’s existence had faded quite a bit.

  “Don’t. It’s Serenity today. Don’t bother other people. Let’s wait and see when he comes home. Maybe he just stepped out for a bit and be back right away,” Michael said, stopping Helen.

  He had a feeling Aaron had not sneaked out with Wilson and the others.

  What the couple did not know was that their precious son was all the way in… Europe.

  …

  Golden Wheat Valley.

  The group was staying in a small wooden house built on a steep cliff not far from the Nightcall Temple. They had taken one of the guest rooms. The room was small but had everything they needed. There was a bed, a TV, a bathroom, and even a small kitchen.

  Outside the window, snow fell across the land, turning the world white. Far below, the city of Sicily shimmered with lights.

  “Squeak squeak!”

  The Jack-Os were playing a board game with Fifi on the carpet. The little deer had grown used to Luther’s group, so when she heard they were here, she came over for a sleepover with the pumpkins.

  Acher was on the table and browsed Nymphnest on his EPhone. Beside him sat a glass of wine and a plate of dried meat. From time to time, a vine from one of the Jack-Os stretched over and stole a piece.

  Aaron and Luther lay on the bed and watched TV. Most Gaian worlds used the same calendar, so many places were also entering the hour of Serenity.

  “The number of visitors attending the Serenity celebrations in Zestia this year has reached a new record. Special events will take place every day until the New Year…” the host on TV announced.

  “Holy crap, that crowd is insane!” Aaron said, staring at the screen with his mouth open.

  “Too crowded,” Luther agreed.

  Both of them came from New York, so their idea of “too crowded” was not normal. On the screen was a city so large it was hard to imagine. The streets and even the sky were full of creatures celebrating together. Music, cheers, and voices filled the air. The drone camera had flown for half an hour, yet the crowd below showed no sign of thinning.

  They sipped hot chocolate and watched TV as they waited for midnight.

  When the clock struck twelve, a beam of blue moonlight flashed through the thick clouds. For a brief moment, it lit up the snow-covered Golden Wheat Valley below. It was the blue moon that appeared every year at midnight on Serenity.

  “Happy Serenity!” Aaron said.

  “Happy Serenity!!”

  “Squeak! Happy Serenity!!!”

  Luther looked into Aaron’s eyes, which always shone bright like sunlight. It had been a long time since he last spent time with Serenity with someone else.

  Thank you, the Flow, for bringing everyone into my life.

  Lord of Thymos. ??????

  Silver Oath.