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Early morning today greeted people with its coolness after the evening and night rain. Clouds were still gathering over the city, but with every minute they began to disperse in different directions. A good opportunity to sleep. But not for Tristan.
The young man had one task for today: to find these psychics. Yesterday's search yielded results, albeit little. He still did not understand at what time this sect was gathering, but at least the meeting place was more or less clear. Graffiti was a very poetic decision. The sun had not yet set, and Tristan was already in town. A little sleepy.
Tristan: Gosh, why did they choose this particular morning to meet? That is, I understand why, but still, why torture people like that. Moreover they even chose such a dirty place. Terrible. But it is what it is.
Thinking to himself, the young man surveyed the territory. The street seemed deserted, as if no one lived here. Maybe it's just that people haven't all woken up yet. Some people need to wake up early in the morning, some later. You always envy those who take their time. Or those who don't care. In addition to the large beautiful graffiti, the walls were covered with various inscriptions and numbers. Most likely, this street was a meeting place for various treacherous people. This scared Tristan a little. They knew what to choose. Suddenly, he felt a powerful force near one of the walls.
Tristan: Strange. Something is wrong here. A secret hiding place? Maybe it has something to do with this sect.
He tried to disperse what was hiding behind the wall with his own powers, but it did not work. Something was in the way.
Tristan: What? It shouldn't have been so difficult.
The psychic tries again. And again, and again. In vain. He had heard about the existence of secret hiding places, but he had never come across them in his life. They are reliable in themselves, but not always due to the existence of common symbols for sealing caches.
Tristan: Damn it, most likely a personal symbol was used here, which is attached to the psychic. I heard that my grandfather used to do the same thing when he hid his things. A very effective method, but it also has its drawbacks. If the owner of this symbol dies before it is dispelled, it takes the power of at least five of the strongest psychics to unlock the cache. Or if someone has a very close connection with that psychic and they have passed that symbol on to them. Trust in these cases is as fragile as glass, so psychics often choose solitude. It's a shame.
The morning breeze enveloped the psychic, making him cross his arms against the cold.
Tristan: It’s sure very cold here. I should definitely have taken a sweater or a jacket.
He looked around for a place to hide in case the psychics arrived much earlier. Unfortunately, there was no suitable alley to hide, only walls.
Tristan: Great, now what, do I need to disguise? Haven't done it for a long time. The last time it was when, as a child, I wanted to eat something sweet in the kitchen. I hope the chameleon skills haven't disappeared yet.
A few movements of his hands and Tristan's color changed to the color of the wall he was standing next to. All that remains is to convince others of the authenticity of this disguise. Suddenly, the young man hears footsteps. Quiet. Fast.
Tristan: I think it's them!
The psychic muttered to himself, clinging tightly to the wall. The sun was beginning to rise a little, and the first shadows appeared. Five silhouettes appeared over the horizon. All in crimson robes. One was ahead of the others, it seems he was the leader. Tristan was a little surprised by the number of people, he expected more people. On the one hand, it gave him some hope that not all people were so prone to the manipulative words of this sect. On the other hand, he was frightened by the fact that these could be some of the strongest psychics that the leader had chosen for himself. Maybe they were even the ones who can open the secret hiding place. On the robes the symbol was painted that Tristan and Nebi saw during the broadcast.
Tristan: No doubt about it, it's them. One of them must definitely be their leader, unless it can be his most loyal subordinates.
Suddenly the group stopped. They looked around. The leader's gaze was directed to the wall where the chameleon Tristan was standing. The young man was nervous.
Tristan: Don’t tell me that –
He thought to himself, until suddenly the leader looked back to the other wall and ran his hand along it. On one of the bricks appeared the same symbol as on the mantles. A door formed on the wall. A secret hiding place.
Tristan: I thought so! I have to hurry, otherwise I won't be able to get to them!
The young man pondered while the sectarian psychics entered the secret hideout. The door was beginning to open, and Tristan quickly jumped in. The click of his heels made the whole group look around, but they saw nothing. Or rather, Tristan was still in a chameleon state, but in his mind he regretted wearing heels. The group looked around again and moved on.
Tristan: Well done, Tristan. You almost betrayed yourself!
He scolded himself mentally as the group continued on their way down. Tristan tried to walk on his tiptoes, but it was challenging. The stairs were long, but fortunately not as long as in medieval palaces. Finally reaching the hall, Tristan could sigh with relief. Finding the nearest wall, he hid behind it. The five psychics took their positions. They stood for several minutes. Waiting for something. Or someone.
Tristan: I must at least see the leader's face.
Looking carefully, the young man sees that they have begun to remove their robes. The people appeared to be ordinary teenagers who were either just finishing school or already studying at a college or university. Such a set made Tristan a little angry, for this is a very impulsive age that is difficult to teach, even to the most experienced master. But surprisingly they were all calm. Their eyes were blindfolded with the same symbol. Some even had tattoos on their shoulders or hands.
Tristan: Are they in a trance? From the beginning? But why didn't I feel anything? And those bandages...probably this way the leader controls them through this symbol or something. Or it is a kind of loyalty to the leader, like a tattoo. I wonder who helped them make such a tattoo.
???: I am glad to see you all here. All who are with us and not, all the children of the Universe. And the Universe is always watching over us. ~
Suddenly, the same leader who opened this door enters the center. Unlike the rest, he stood out with an interesting outfit. A short cherry-burgundy or wine-burgundy short-sleeved jacket with the same symbol as the robes and bandages. A purple, most likely gymnastic suit with a white pattern on the left sleeve. Deep brown shorts with a belt, fishnet stockings and high heeled silver boots. Around his neck was a dark choker with a silver ring in the middle, and on his right hand was a claw-like ring on his entire middle finger. The hair was bright yellow and short. For some reason, the hairstyle was familiar to Tristan.
Tristan: Wait, I have the impression that he is familiar to me. But I'm not sure, the eyes are covered with this stupid bandage. And this voice... on the radio, it didn't seem as familiar as it is now.
???: I understand that you are all tired and would like to take another walk in the world of dreams, but today I have gathered you all to tell you one piece of news that may change our world radically. And maybe it will even help us get closer to our dream even faster. ~
???: Really? Will we finally be able to help everyone become psychics?
???: But didn't you say that it would take years of effort and conviction?
???: Yeah, because the Elder Families stand firmly on their views, we cannot convince them.
A cold sweat rolled down Tristan's back as he heard the phrase. He had heard of the existence of certain psychic families to whom the universe entrusted the powers of psychic, and from generation to generation the powers were passed down. But he had never heard of such a thing as Elder Families. Were they somehow divided into separate hierarchies? Is this how they separate those who are the strongest of all existing families? No matter how they divided them, it was still not a very good sign.
???: These ancient chantera pases still haven't realized our world's capacity for more. I'm sure some of the Younger Families will agree with me when I meet them again, already with a very iron argument. ~
Rage filled Tristan's entire body, he already wanted to have a "preventive conversation" with these sectarians, but the situation was too tense. He is one against five. Not very fair, is it? But what worried the young man more than insults was the fact that one of the psychics could be together with sectarians. And in general, how were these people able to learn the powers of a psychic, if they did not turn to certain masters?
???: Aren't you one of those families, Master Oculus?
And now the name of the leader was revealed, or rather the name of the psychic. No wonder the radio wave has that name, Tristan thought. It was his personal. The fact that he belongs to one of the families of psychics, on the one hand, was not entirely surprising, because an ordinary person needs a lot of practice and effort, and on the other hand, perhaps the creation of this sect was somehow influenced by the conflict in the Oculus family. And to what family he belongs to, Tristan mused.
Oculus: Was, my little star. I was once. But it won't hinder our idea, don't worry. ~
???: And what kind of argument are you talking about, master?
???: Yes, and what news exactly?
The psychic did not answer. There was a moment of silence. At first Tristan did not understand what was happening, but suddenly he began to panic. Oculus just smiled.
Oculus: Regarding the news, one of the Younger Families has agreed to cooperate with us. As for the argument, you will learn everything in time, my darlings. Now, I suggest you to practice. A psychic's skills should not rust. ~
Tristan's eyes widened in shock, while this leader's disciples rejoiced at the news. He couldn't believe that one of the powerful psychics had succumbed to the gossip of some sect. An unexpected melody played in the hall. The same as yesterday. Tristan felt that pain again. He tried to hold back, but the pain was worse than that day. The eyes turned red-pink.
Tristan: Not again! Where does this melody come from??
He tried to look around, but suddenly he was enveloped in a dark mist. Or rather, his mind was clouded. The young man felt that he was no longer in the hall with the sectarians, but somewhere beyond the limits of reality. Frightened, Tristan tries to touch the ground, but his legs felt a certain lightness. Weightlessness.
Tristan: Wh-What's going on? Where am I?
"I didn't expect to see a representative of one of the Cypher families here. It seems that today the Universe personally brought us one small step closer to our dream. ~»
An unexpected voice echoed around the young man. The face was covered with shock.
Tristan: How did you-
«How do I know about your family? It's not such a big secret, my little star. Almost all psychics, Elder and Younger, talk about Cyphers. Especially about the fact that in their family there are descendants of psychics without any power. And as you know, rumors fly faster than any light. ~»
Tristan: Why do you need people without the gift of a psychic? You know that we have no right-
"To teach people without their consent. Do you really believe in this delusion, sunshine? Ask yourself, if this power is so dangerous, then why give it to us humans? And not just humans, but only the chosen ones. I think it's a little unfair to deprive everyone of that opportunity. ~»
Tristan: You can't just give people psychic powers, it'll just create chaos! Anyone with evil intentions can use them against you! And it will no longer be a question of preservation, but a question of survival.
"That's why we will be the ones who make this world perfect. Those who will enable people to become absolute, to become better, above earthly laws. All misunderstandings, conflicts, they will all disappear if people learn to understand each other at the psychic level. They will even be able to communicate with those who are no longer among us. ~»
Tristan: Haven't you seen the first results of your actions?? People almost got hurt because of it!! These are not even large-scale actions.
Suddenly, the young man felt a light touch of a hand on his shoulders, but when he looked around, there was no one around.
“You are so cute, young man. And a little naive, albeit with boring worldviews. Not all actions have to be perfect, my star. I believe that one day you will understand. ~»
Tristan: And all these people who are with you… do they also share your opinion?
The young psychic again felt the touch of a hand, but again there was no one around. Only a small smoke enveloped Tristan. Most likely, the smoke played the role of Oculus's hands.
"They are the ones who heard the voice of the Universe, heard its desire, its call. They realized what they really wanted, realized that they could be something more. ~»
Tristan: Somehow I doubt very much that the Universe has exactly such a desire, to deprive people of their individuality and the right to live as they please for the sake of such an evolution.
"And I do not take away this right. People themselves feel this need. Subconsciously. And this pushes them to take such a step. Even you...feel this need. ~»
Suddenly, a giant image of Oculus appears behind Tristan. The young man tries to do something, but weightlessness does not allow him to stand still on his feet.
“Isn't that right…Tristan Cypher? ~»
Tristan's eyes are wide open. This cultist knew that Tristan was watching him from the moment he set his eyes on the wall. At that moment, the leader was able to read his name. Panic gripped the young man even more, but it was necessary to act quickly. Suddenly, a loud siren sounded from outside. It was a police siren. The signal was so loud that it brought everyone present in the hall out of a trance, even the leader himself. Once again feeling the ground under his feet, Tristan was finally able to use his strength to escape from the enraged sectarians.
???: Trespasser in the hall!! Grab him!!
Everyone tried to stop Tristan from escaping. They threw sharp objects, moved the earth, built walls. They even tried to take control of his body. But the attempts were in vain. Suddenly the entrance to the hiding place was opened. Without further hesitation, Tristan took advantage of this to get out of the hall and escape this street.
???: Gotta catch up with him!!
Oculus: Don't waste your powers, darlings. ~
Everyone looked back at their leader.
???: But he- Why did you let him go??
Oculus: Those that have not formed from stardust into a star will not be able to do anything to us. Besides, I think he will consider our proposal. ~
???: Did you talk to him, master?
Oculus: You can say that. The important thing is that the first step has already been taken. Everything else is a matter of time and our actions. Let's go, my children, before the so-called police put their shackles on us. ~
???: And what to do with the hiding place?
Oculus: Same as the previous one. ~
Realizing the tension, the four psychics packed up all their belongings and turned the hall into an ordinary basement, leaving no hint of their presence. After that, they disappeared from the scene. As Tristan sprang out onto another, wider street, he paused to catch his breath. The legs were still shaking, almost falling.
???: Tristan!
A familiar scream recovered the boy from his shock.
Tristan: Nebi?! What are you doing here?? I told you not to follow me!!
Nebi: I'm sorry, but I couldn't sleep well at night knowing what could happen to you. And as I see, I did not come for nothing.
Tristan: So you were the one with the police flasher?
Nebi: Cool, huh? Frightens anyone, even psychics.
Tristan: Do you realize they could have guessed your trick?? They are not stupid!!
Nebi: And what other option do you offer me? Knock out a wall from a run? I'm not that strong and pumped up.
Tristan: Yes, but still-
Suddenly, the young man felt that his legs could no longer support him and he fell to his knees, scaring Nebi.
Nebi: Tristan?? Are you okay??
Tristan: I'm fine, just a little tired. We have to get home.
Nebi: You are pale as if you have seen a ghost! Maybe you'd better stay at my place? It's a long way to your house, mine is a little closer.
Tristan: What if they suddenly follow me?
Nebi: I don't care, better let me help you. I will call my friends for a meeting.
The psychic wanted to argue, but it was always difficult to argue with Nebi because of his stubbornness. Maybe it was for the best, because if it hadn't been for him, who knows how much longer he would have spent in the subconscious of Oculus. And sooner or later his friends would find out about it.
Tristan: And how did you get to this street? Almost no bus goes here.
Nebi: I asked Shinji to drop me off. His car must be nearby. By the way, he is already aware of your case, although at first he did not believe in the existence of this sect.
Tristan: I see…
Tristan sighed heavily, he couldn't figure it out on his own. But even if he had managed, there was no guarantee that he would get out of there unscathed. At least he has clues to unravel: the Elder and Younger Families of psychics, Oculus's true name, his family affiliation…and why he seemed familiar to Tristan.