-Kaden's POV-
Something's wrong, and it bothered me because I couldn't for the life of me figure out what.
The calm before the storm was still in its mists and I was content to enjoy the calm while I could, for now anyway, but then what was this I was feeling? A sense of unease? Paranoia? It was like I was missing something, something that should be so obvious, but for some reason, it wasn't.
I sighed as I walked into class an hour late, as usual.
The teacher didn't say anything as I walked to my desk beside Cameron, who looked up with a soft smile when he heard me approaching. I returned the smile, taking my seat as the teacher continued her lesson.
This was normal, we had Soul Wakers working at the school for this reason, I was allowed to come and go as needed, and even the human teachers had finally stopped questioning it, except Tom, but he's new, eventually he'll get used to it too.
My file explained that I had family problems that I needed to attend to from time to time, so I was given permission to come and go as I please, just as long as I keep the principal informed.
Which most of the time I didn't end up doing, we had some Soul Wakers working higher up that oversaw that for me, and for the most part, it all went smoothly, and nobody questioned me further.
As long as I was keeping my grades up, they didn't care.
"Everything go okay?" Cameron asked through our mind link once I'd pulled out my notebook and started taking notes.
"Yes, thank you. All is good," I confirmed, seeing him nod from the corner of my eye.
Most mornings went smoothly in Galtolga, and that was the way I liked it.
After the brief encounter, I tried really hard to focus in class, but it didn't come as a surprise when I found myself spacing out, once again. It was an irritating habit I had gotten myself into, and it was proving to be quite the habit to shake, especially when most of the time I wasn't even aware I was doing it.
The bell rang above my head, almost making me jump in my seat, and succeeding in snapping me out of whatever the hell that was, I looked down at my notebook, but of the course the pages that stared back were empty.
With a sigh, I shoved the book back into my bag, trying to not let my frustration show as Cameron and I walked out of the classroom.
"Hey, Cameron?" I caught his attention before we could get too far ahead, letting the crowd of students disperse.
"What's up?" He asked with a blank expression.
I didn't know how to word it, maybe it was a stupid question, but I had to know.
"Do you...sense anything...off?" I thought carefully about my words, watching Cameron closely as his face morphed into confusion.
"Um...no?" I could tell he wanted to ask more but he didn't, so I shook my head and forced a smile.
"No, it's okay, I was just curious." I shook it off, wishing Cameron a good day with a promise of meeting for lunch later, before we separated for our next class.
The feeling in my stomach grew the closer to the classroom I got, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of agitation, though I hoped I hid it well.
"Hey man!" Adrian grinned from his seat beside Zach, who smiled and waved when he followed Adrian's eyes.
"Good morning," I greeted, taking my seat behind them, and immediately forcing my eyes down on the desk, I didn't feel like talking all of a sudden.
But...
Maybe?
"Adrian."
"Yeah?" He responded in our mind link but didn't turn to look at me as he kept his attention on Zach.
"Do you sense anything off?" Cameron was still in the mists of getting used to everything, so maybe there was something he missed that Adrian wouldn't.
"What do you mean?"
I don't even know what I mean.
"Does something feel wrong to you?" I tried again.
"No."
Damn it, maybe I was just imagining things, either way I was driving myself crazy and I didn't like it.
"You sure you're okay, man?" Adrian asked, concerned.
"Yes, thank you, just tired," I lied, letting the conversation drop.
Adam walked in looking exhausted, he slumped down in the seat next to me, and even though he looked drained and annoyed, he still shot me his usual grin in greeting.
I smiled back politely, though I still didn't feel like making conversation.
Things got quiet as the teacher started their lesson, and the more I tried to pay attention, the more I got annoyed at myself for not being able to, what on earth is wrong with me?
I didn't realise I'd groaned aloud until the teacher called my name.
"Is everything okay, Kaden?" He asked with a raised eyebrow, looking annoyed at the fact I had disturbed his class.
"Yes, sir, my apologies."
He got back to his class, and I had to reassure Adrian again that I was in fact, okay.
The teacher continued his lesson, and I tried not to draw any more unnecessary attention to myself.
"What's up?" I heard Adam ask quietly, his attention still on his work. "Need help?" He offered, glancing at me from the corner of his eye.
I looked down at my empty work sheet, wondering when it had even been placed on my desk.
"No, it's okay." I knew the answers, I just couldn't seem to pay attention long enough to actually answer them.
I managed to scribble an answer down quickly before I undoubtable spaced out again.
"I just can't seem to pay attention." Why on earth did I tell him that? Maybe I really was tired, a good night's sleep does sound good.
"Bored or distracted?" He asked, catching my attention once more as I watched him in curiosity.
I didn't think I was bored; I mean this happened in every lesson and some of them classes I did actually enjoy, it didn't seem to matter where I was.
Which would leave me with distracted, but if I were distracted, I didn't know with what, it's not like I was actually thinking about anything in particular when it happened.
"I don't know," I sighed quietly, staring down at my sheet once again, which was suddenly pulled out from underneath me.
Adam took the sheet and quickly scribbled down the answers he had got, before returning the sheet with a small smile, going back to his own.
I didn't know what to say, it wasn't like I needed help with the answers, but I think he read into that, and didn't say anything else for the rest of the lesson.
"Thank you," I finally said as we walked down the corridor together, the uneasiness had lifted in my chest slightly, making it easier to catch my thoughts.
"Any time," he grinned, sending me a wink before he walked away, and I found my gaze remained on him for a little longer than usual.
*
Thankfully, lunch had rolled around quickly, and I was soon sitting in the cafeteria, pushing the food around on my plate as my friends talked around me.
We were early, so for now it was just me, Adrian, Zach, Cameron and Gabriel. Adam, and his friends yet to make an appearance.
"Kaden."
I looked up with I heard Adrian call my name, to find all eyes on me.
"Yes?" I asked, feigning ignorance.
"Are you sure you're okay, man?" He asked, everybody looked at me in concern, and I couldn't help but sigh quietly.
"I am okay, just a little distracted, I am sorry to worry you all." I forced a smile.
Adrian grinned and I instantly wanted to leave, I knew my friend too well, that face, he was about the bring up my keeper.
"You know what an awesome distraction would be?" He smirked.
Here we go, I rolled my eyes, but said nothing and stuck a fry in my mouth.
"You could take your guard down for five minutes max, who knows, it might be the best decision you ever make," he grinned as Zach shook his head.
"Or it could be the worst," I counteracted.
He kept talking about my guard, it worked as a shield, it hid my aura and in doing so it made it practically impossible for our enemies to find us.
I was the king, it made my aura strong, but when on Earth it put other's at risk, and I was not risking the lives of my people, and the innocent humans at this school for such a selfish reason, no matter how badly I wanted to find my keeper.
Plus, I'd done it once earlier this year anyway, and the whole time I was on edge just to get nothing out of it.
I took a sip of my drink, trying not to think about the fact that it was possible I didn't have one.
"Maybe it's one of the new guys," Adrian grinned, his eyes looking behind me.
I choked on my drink, Gabriel slapping his hand against my back, as he glared at Adrian who keeled over laughing.
I finally stopped choking as said guys joined us at the table, watching us in amusement.
"Thank you, Gabe." I cleared my throat, trying not to glare at Adrian who continued laughing.
"What are you talking about?" One of the guys asked as they all sat down around us.
"Yeah, why are you trying to kill Kaden?" Adam joked, but I could see the concern in his eyes as they raked over my face.
It was weird to have someone you barely know show concern for you, but I ignored it, chalking it up to him just being a nice person.
"I was just teasing him," Adrian chuckled before greeting everyone, and friendly chatter filled the table once again.
I watched everyone as they engaged in casual conversation, happy to just be in the moment, enjoying the time they had with their friends, and I envied them, why couldn't I do that?
Why couldn't I just let loose and enjoy myself for a bit? Engage is meaningless conversation, laughing and joking with my friends? Why couldn't I just relax?
It took me a while to realise Adam was staring at me, I locked eyes with him, raising an eyebrow in question, but he just smiled and looked away.
That was another thing, these new guys, it was like they knew something we didn't, I don't usually bother myself with strangers, especially humans, but there was something about them that I just couldn't place my finger on.
I didn't have much time to think about it before the bell was ringing again, announcing the end of lunch. Had time really passed that quickly? I feel like I'd just sat down, my tray was still pretty much full, and I didn't like the idea of now having to go hungry, but there was nothing I could do about that now.
Next class was History with Adrian, and he wasn't too keen on having to go his separate ways with Zach, but he finally joined me in the classroom, grinning as per usual.
Tom entered the class with a smile, greeting the students, and sending Adrian a warning look that had him smiling brighter.
This was getting repetitive now, and I was debating just giving up on even trying to pay attention, but then I'd risk my grades slipping even more, which would only cause complications, and I didn't have the time to be held back.
But no matter how hard I tried; it just lead to me being infuriated with myself.
And the teacher noticed.
Most don't bother, but like I said, he was new, and he was extremely interested in my lack of participation.
"Kaden, a word please," he called as everyone raised from their seats to leave, Adrian shot me a sympathetic look and I smiled.
Tom waited until the classroom was empty, typing away on his computer before he finally spoke.
"You're distracted," he simply said, it wasn't a question.
"Sorry, I don't know what has gotten into me lately." I didn't deny it, hoping he'd just take pity on me and let me leave, but instead he turned to me with a smile.
"I don't usually recommend this, but I just found out we have an onsite counsellor, might be something worth checking out. You're only eighteen, Kaden, I don't know what it is you're going through, but it's okay to ask for help from time to time, don't try to carry it all by yourself."
I nodded, taking in his words, I was surprised by just how intelligent the guy was.
"Just a thought," he smiled, turning back to his computer.
"If there's nothing you want to say, you're free to leave."
I walked away, stopping near the door.
"Thank you." The words came out so quiet, I doubted he heard me, but I didn't repeat myself as I kept walking.
Counselling? Was it that obvious I was struggling? That felt pointless though, my problems weren't exactly normal, but that wasn't the problem at the moment.
I sighed once again before I fought my way through the rest of the day, just wanting to go home, but when the last bell of the day rang, I didn't feel much relief from it.
I hurried back to Galtolga for the guards' reports, nothing out of the usual, good.
I was thankful to learn there wasn't a lot for me to do, Adrian and Zach were spending time together, as were Cameron and Gabe.
So, I guess that meant I had a free night, I was debating going back to my house on Earth, craving the feeling of normality, but I always felt extra lonely when I was there alone.
I could just sleep; God knows my body and mind could use it.
Wandering back into my office, I fell into my seat, throwing my head back with a groan.
I was too restless to sleep, now it felt like something was missing, I had to figure this out before I go crazy.
My thoughts drifted back to what Tom had said to me earlier, maybe talking would help?
We actually had our own personal counsellor who I sometimes worked closely with, two of them actually, one collaborated openly with the people of Galtolga and the other more personal, mostly for the people who worked closely with me.
I didn't even realise my legs had started moving until I was standing in front of his door.
Well, I guess that's my answer. I glanced around, almost paranoid, not wanting people to think I was here, I didn't need anyone doubting my capabilities.
But I quickly shook my head, I could be here for any reason, after all.
I probably stood there staring at the wooden door for ten minutes before I manged to talk myself out of it, turning around, just as I heard the door behind me open.
"Sir?" He asked in surprise, and I forced myself to hold back my sigh as I turned around.
"What can I do for you?" He asked politely.
"Are you with anyone right now?" I asked, still uncertain on if this was a good idea.
"No, sir." He shook his head, his eyes riddled with curiosity.
"I am looking for some advice." I swallowed my pride, John was a good man, he'd been at his job since before I was even born, and my parents used to swear by his loyalty, it's said he's really good at his job and I never doubted him.
"Come in." He smiled softly, opening the door to let me enter, I thanked him as I did so.
We sat in a rather empty room, which surprised me, I thought he would have at least decorated a bit more.
"Too bland?" He smirked, as he watched me look around in distaste.
"A little," I admitted.
"I agree, but it helps people concentrate, nothing to distract them in here." He smiles, and I couldn't help but return the gesture, smart man.
"So, what's on your mind, sir?"
"You can call me Kaden in here." I half smile, letting my mind wander, how on earth do I explain this?
"Thank you, Kaden, you seem distracted," he observed and I nodded.
"I have been struggling to pay attention at school," I admitted, biting my tongue.
"You can be open with me in here, Kaden, no judgement and nothing leaves this room." He can tell I'm hesitant, but his words help a little, so with a sigh, I finally let it all out.
"I can not concentrate, no matter how hard I try, I just space out and before I know it class is over and I have done nothing, I spaced out through lunch today, didn't even end up eating because of it.
I tried to ignore it, but it just keeps getting worse, people around me are noticing, and there is only so many times I can tell them I am just tired.
Something feels wrong, off, no, I can not even think of how to describe it, let alone figure out what it is, and then I find myself getting annoyed, my chest feels heavy, I feel like I can not breathe and I am pretty sure I am losing it.
I thought maybe I was managing too much at once, but everything is pretty calm at the moment. The workload is nowhere near as bad, and I now have Cameron working alongside me as well as Adrian.
Things are the calmest they have been in months so I have no reason to be feeling this way and yet I can not escape it, following me around like a bad smell.
If I could only find out what is wrong, I could handle it, or find a way to at least, but I am clueless and it makes me feel like I am being taunted."
A long sigh left my lips after I finally got everything out of my system, and I had to admit just saying it made me feel quite a bit better.
John waited until he could see I was done talking before saying anything.
"If you don't mind me saying, Kaden, this kind of behaviour seems awfully familiar." He hummed to himself, and my eyebrows raised high in surprise.
"Do you know when this all started?" He asked, seeming to have a private conversation with himself.
"Probably about a week ago," I thought aloud.
"And was there anything different that happened around this time? Meet anyone new? Go somewhere different?"
I started to shake my head but stopped myself.
"We went to the mall, me, Adrian, Zach, Cameron, and Gabriel. There is a group that have just joined our school and Adrian was making it his job to get to know them, we met that day at the mall and hung out for a bit, but I don't see how that would be relevant. Other than that, we have a new history teacher," I shook my head.
"He is actually the reason I am here, guess he picked up on the fact that I was...distracted." I didn't want to use the word struggling, it felt weak, and I didn't like that.
"Smart man. So, these new kids in your year, anything different about them?"
"Not really...why, do you think they could be a threat?" I was instantly on guard, but my shoulders relaxed when I saw John laughing.
"I think I may have a diagnosis for you, Kaden."
I waited in curiosity, frowning at all the thoughts that ran through my head, what it could possibly be he would say next.
But nothing could have prepared me for what he did say.
"I think you've found your keeper."