Grey skies and barely any colour tinged the academy buildings, but nonetheless the day brought a nice and cool afternoon. Perfect for students to have a peaceful lunch in the company of their friends or, in this case, a quick spar session during lunch between two brothers. More specifically, James and Caleb.

"Did you go and improve without me?" James asked. "Your stamina is a lot better now."

Caleb leaned over, his hands on his knees as he took a moment to catch his breath. "Say that again when you're also tired during our sparring sessions."

Of course, not all schools would just let their students attack each other out in the open (it would be concerning if they did). This specific academy catered to exorcism, so it goes without saying that there were proper precautions and facilities outside the classroom buildings. Only a few select academies were like this. James and Caleb happened to attend one of them because, if it wasn't obvious enough, they had profound talent for exorcism.

James chuckled. "I'm the older brother. There's no way I can get bested by my younger sibling! How am I supposed to protect you if I do?"

Caleb stood up straight and exhaled slowly, having already recovered. "Yeah, yeah. You just don't want to get teased by the others."

"Hey––well, okay that plays some part. But only a very small, miniscule, insignificant part," James said the last part quickly. "Anyways! Time for some advice from your beloved older brother. It's only recently since you've developed your special ability, right?"

"A year later than most. Usually by fourteen people would've figured out whether they had a special ability or not in addition to their exorcism," Caleb said with a shrug. "Guess I just suck."

"Ehh. It's fine, it's fine. You've already surpassed everyone in your grade anyways. Chin up! You should be proud of yourself."

"I know I'm good~ I don't need the encouragement."

James gasped. "My younger brother is growing more rebellious by the day. You used to be so cute back then."

"You say that every year." Caleb playfully rolled his eyes. "Anyways, where's the amazing advice from my beloved older brother?"

"Right!" James dramatically cleared his throat "So! Your ability has some resemblance to mine, which is the emphasis on power. Meaning, you shouldn't perform consecutive shots recklessly. Think of it as... a canon! You need time to prepare a powerful shot. Of course, with more training the time will decrease. There's also the fact that you don't always have to exert an immense amount of power, but you should be mindful that's where your strong suit lies. So, take advantage of it as much as possible! Like me. With practice, it all becomes natural."

Caleb groaned. "There's so much to think about."

"I'll treat you to sweets if you keep working hard."

"Deal."

From a distance, the brothers heard a sudden boom! Followed with flames igniting out of nowhere, painting the grey skies with orange for a brief moment. They exchanged knowing glances at each other.

"Definitely Finn and Elias sparring," James said.

"Let's head over there, I wanna see!"

Caleb ran ahead and James followed close behind. Somewhere along the lines, it turned into a race. The brothers laughed as they jumped over walls, skilfully avoided bumping into people, and ran away from the teachers telling them off. Students knew of their antics; some ignored them, others laughed and cheered them on (a few random high fives were exchanged), and a few groups of girls (and some guys, too) gushed about how attractive the brothers were. Yes, James and Caleb had fanboys and girls. They were somewhat of a chaotic duo, but that only made them more admirable to many. Their presence gave life to the academy and that made them quite popular.

In another section of the training grounds, Finn and Elias were sparring. Both were sweating profusely. Small bits of flames were scattered across the field and the air was humid despite the cooler weather.

"Hah! I knew it was you two!" James exclaimed. "Uh, isn't it kinda dangerous to have flames around?"

"Tell that to the walking fire hazard," Elias panted, wiping the back of his hand across his forehead before glaring at Finn. "Do you have no control?"

Finn laughed. "Hey now, no need to get heated."

"... Was that an attempt at a fire pun?"

"Was it good?"

Elias looked ready to throw hands right then and there.

James quickly intervened. "Alright! You two look tried, take a break! We're only half way through lunch, so freshen up and we can eat. Last time we forgot, Caleb got in trouble for sneaking in food during class."

Caleb shrugged. "At least I wasn't on an empty stomach."

"You were sent to the office," Elias said.

Finn clarified, "But he wasn't on an empty stomach."

Elias glared at Finn, who smiled sheepishly back at him.

"Kay~ Let's go eat now. I'm starving," Caleb said. "James and I brought food this time!"

Finn nodded. "Elias and I will quickly change our clothes and we'll meet in the classroom."

It didn't take long for the four boys to meet up in one of the classrooms, one where Elias, Finn, and James had most of their classes in. Caleb always dropped by during breaks despite being two grades below, but everyone was used to it by now.

At the back of the classroom, they settled down on the tables.

"Guess what? This time I made the cupcakes!" Caleb exclaimed.

"I did a taste test and they're amazing," James said, ruffling Caleb's hair.

Finn took a bite and his eyes lit up. "They are! You've been improving."

"They're not bad," Elias followed up. "The first time you made them, I had concerns for my health."

"Okay, you didn't need to add the last part," Caleb said. "But yeah, I'm probably better than James now."

James sighed, the back of his hand dramatically placed on his forehead. "I hate to admit it, but that's slowly becoming a reality."

The four chatted idly, talking about things such as rumours and horror stories circulating around apparitions, how sparring sessions during class was too easy against other students, James and Finn's overwhelming popularity and how the hell they managed to become something akin to a celebrity figure in the academy, Elias's concerningly growing addiction to coffee, how Sara managed to unintentionally start a mini business on doing nails for students, etc. Eventually, the conversation drifted to the topic of graduation.

"Time flies by way too quickly," James said. "We're already graduating this year! Goodbye exams, goodbye assignments, and goodbye homework."

"There's more work to do in the AEI, though. Don't get your hopes up," Elias added.

"But are there exams? No. Exactly. Your words are invalid," James responded. "Feels bad leaving Caleb behind, though."

"I have other friends, you know," Caleb said, taking another bite out of the cupcake. It was already his fourth one. "Oh! What force are you guys planning to apply to?"

Those who attend the academy are expected to immediately try out for a position in the AEI. Some earn positions beforehand based on academic and practical performance, others are recommended certain positions and have a higher rate of getting employed on that, whilst some simply have to apply and pass the test just like everyone else. Those from other schools can try for the AEI as well, but attending this academy was your best bet, especially since the classes specifying in exorcism would give those attending these academies an advantage over others.

"Offence," Elias responded.

"Probably offence as well," James answered.

Finn thought about it for a moment. "I've had my heart set on defence for a while."

"It suits you," Caleb said. "But aesthetically, offence would work better. Flames and the red highlights on the uniform are a good combo."

"By the way, Elias already got secured a position, right? Want me to sing you a song as congratulations?" James eagerly asked. It didn't even seem like a question at this point, he really wanted to sing.

"No."

"Aw."

Caleb patted his brother on the back reassuringly and handed him a cupcake for comfort.

"Once we all start working in the AEI, I hope we still remain close friends and don't drift away," Finn said, almost wistfully.

"Nah~ I'll annoy Elias with any chance I get," Caleb mused.

Elias did not look amused. "I'll make sure you get fired."

"Bold of you to assume that's enough to stop me."

James snapped his fingers. "I have an idea, what if we all become a team together? The seven of us. You, me, Elias, Sara, Finn, Rose, and––"

"How would that even work?" Elias asked.

"Uh––we can figure it out when everyone graduates."

Finn chuckled. "Yeah, if Rose stops getting suspended."

"She'll be fine~ You have Sara looking out for her," Caleb said. "Anyways, the idea sounds great. We'll be the strongest team in the AEI."

Elias was quiet for a moment. "That won't work. We're all top of our classes, I doubt they'll put all of us in the same dispatch."

"But having a specialised team sounds good, doesn't it?" Finn asked. "Even if we're busy with our own things, having that makes me still feel close with you guys."

"Aw, like a special bond," Caleb gushed.

James smiled brightly and grabbed a water bottle, raising it dramatically in the air. "Shall we make a toast as a promise for all of us to be in a team together?"

Elias groaned. "That is so cheesy and unrealistic."

"Fine, fine. Stay boring, then."

Caleb playfully collided his water bottle with James. "That's a promise that we will be the best duo in the AEI."

James grinned. "Obviously. As your older brother, I need to look out for you 24/7."



===



"Hey, I have a proposal! Struggle a little more, okay? Then, come back as an apparition," James cheerfully suggested. "Who knows? Maybe that way we can be brothers again."

Caleb felt incredibly hopeless at the fact that the idea seemed good to him for a moment. Just the lines we can be brothers again made him wince. Someone who Caleb held significant respect for, someone who he cared so much for, someone who he truly and naively thought would never leave his side; and now he was trying to exorcise that exact someone whilst that exact someone was trying to kill him.

Caleb wondered what made James come back as an apparition? Was he resentful because his death was caused because he was protecting Caleb? Did James always have these feelings of hatred and Caleb just didn't realise it? If so, when did those feelings start manifesting? Was it as early as when they were in school or was it much later?

"Oh dear, that's not good. You lost all the fire in your eyes. It looks like you're ready to die right then and there if I told you to." James stood up, hands on his hips. "Alright~ Then, I'll spark some motivation in you! C'mon, keep your chin up. My little brother is the strongest, after all. Though we couldn't be the duo we dreamed of, I'm happy that you managed to make a name for yourself. So, get up! You can exorcise me."

Caleb gritted his teeth. His body acted on impulse and he gathered all his strength in one arm. A pale green light sparked from his palms before it exploded, aiming for the apparition. Though a little caught off guard, James swiftly dodged as an amused hum left as smoothly as his movements.

"That was a little bit of a surprise. But, dear younger brother, why aren't you wearing your gloves?" James asked. "Now that I think about it, if those were invented back then maybe I would've not died. Wow, unlucky for me, huh?"

Don't listen to him. Caleb shakily exhaled. I need to exorcise him as soon as possible. Having James around would only endanger others. Having him around would only prolong his suffering. After all, the most logical conclusion was that James was some form of a vengeful apparition. His lifespan would be short, he might lose himself into vengeance, or someone else might exorcise him.

Caleb chuckled bitterly. There was no happy ending for this. But at least he will make sure that he was the one to do the exorcism.

Finding a resolve cleared Caleb's mind a little, it provided him with a distraction and he could discard his emotions––the ones that made him vulnerable. Running away from things again, huh? Caleb was well aware that it wasn't the healthiest action, but if it works then it works. Right and wrong didn't matter to him as of right now. Whatever distracted him the best would do.

"There we go! You look a little livelier now." James clapped. "Good, good. Now this won't be so boring."

The air became heavy and ravens began swarming around Caleb again.

Just focus on the exorcism. Concentrate.

Back when James was... alive, the special ability he developed along with his exorcism skills was the manipulation of wind. Though, unlike his apparition, James wasn't able to control the environment and focused on executing powerful blows. It was similar to Caleb. Of course, this time it was different. Not only does he have ravens under his control, but the environment was under his control. Not to mention, James had a clear grasp on Caleb's ability from the tricks he used to what his strengths and weaknesses were.

And James knew that consecutive attacks wouldn't allow Caleb the opportunity to use his ability to its full potential. Ravens constantly swooped in and his movements felt like a heavy blanket made out of iron was weighing him down. Caleb was able to launch attacks towards James, but each blow wasn't powerful enough. At this rate, he'd run out of stamina.

I need to get closer. Caleb took in a deep breath and sprinted towards the apparition. Every raven that dove towards him, he avoided skillfully. James tried counter-attacking with a torrent of wind, but Caleb swiftly dodged it.

There! I see an opening.

However, when Caleb prepared to fire, for a fraction of a second a sting shot through his arm. It felt as if someone had impaled several sharp needles into his palm. That small moment of hesitation allowed James to dodge. The apparition scoffed, amused or irritated Caleb didn't know. Twirling his finger, James directed a tsunami of wind to slam into Caleb.

He was knocked back and violently crashed through the wall of a building. Caleb gasped for breath and blood was coughed out. His hands clutched his chest as he tried to maintain his composure. I need to get up. Using his hands to push himself up, he noticed that they were trembling. Caleb clenched his fists. Ignore the pain. If his hands became paralysed after this, he didn't care. If he became useless to the AEI and got cast away, he didn't care.

A sudden thought crossed his mind. Is Miss Support okay? He didn't know what happened after the building collapsed, but he hoped that you were safe. The fight with James caused him to stray very far away from where he initially was.

"Close one~ Nearly got me there. You really have improved. But don't you remember my advice?" James cleared his throat and forged a friendly and encouraging tone. "Remember, your ability has an emphasis on power. So, you shouldn't perform consecutive shots recklessly. Where you went wrong was that you executed too many unnecessary blows."

Unwanted nostalgia plagued Caleb's mind.

"So quiet, that's unlike you." James sighed. "You don't usually make mistakes like this as well. I––"

CRASH.

Cutting James off, someone crashed through the roof and landed right behind James. Giving no time for the apparition to react, the individual dashed to him and landed a physical hit, and it was heavy. The apparition was knocked back and lost his balance for a moment. Once the dust cleared up, Caleb realised who the individual was. His eyes widened in surprise and his lips went asunder as he uttered out quietly,

"... Miss Support?"

James's usual cheerful and amused grin turned into one of annoyance; a rare sight. "You sure love playing dirty, Miss. Another kick to the face, huh? Though, this one packed a lot more strength."

You didn't respond, your expression indifferent. Then, you closed your eyes and took in a deep breath. Caleb wasn't sure if it was because of the faint fatigue he was feeling that caused him to see this, but you didn't look like yourself for a moment. But that thought was quickly dismissed when you gaze fell upon him and your expression conveyed nothing but concern.



===



Earlier...

Disquiet lingered in the silence as you observed the area. Well, you were trapped. Minimal light squeezed its way through and dimly lit the area, debris blocked the path, and the place was super dusty. You tsked in frustration. You needed to get out of here as soon as possible and get to Caleb.

"So, what's the plan?" Alastor appeared in front of you. His red eyes sent a cursory glance around the area. "The place is pretty crammed."

Since Alastor was an apparition, he could wander around without a care. When you took even the smallest step, you'd crash into something. There was the option to carefully slither around the debris and eventually find an exit, but the area was a maze and the process would take far too long. Maybe you could summon Mochi? But recklessly breaking your way out of here might cause something to collapse on you.

"Big sister, are you okay?"

"You're not hurt, right?"

The apparition twins appeared and hurried to your side, concern on their face like an open book. You ruffled both of their hairs and smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine."

They beamed and nuzzled into your touch and you basically melted on the spot because of how cute they were. Copper appeared soon after. He looked at you then turned away with a huff.

"Want a head pat as well?" you asked.

His eyes widened. "What? No! That's gross."

You laughed. "If you say so. More for Alec and Sam, then."

The apparition twins shouted 'hooray!' in unison at your words.

"Alright, we're getting off track," Alastor said. "You're worried about Caleb, right? There's the option of us making sure he's safe while you figure out a way out of here."

"That leaves me uneasy, I'd prefer if we stuck together," you said.

Well, it was more like you would feel uneasy if you weren't there because one wrong move could create more conflict. The interaction between the two brothers was inevitable, it was essential for Caleb to confront his past and overcome his challenges. If you carelessly intervened by sending the apparitions over to subdue James, then it would do more harm than good.

"Is he a good person?" Sam asked her brother.

Alec shrugged. "If big sister wants to protect him, then I think he should be okay." He turned over to you, eyes glistening in determination. "You can trust us, we're strong."

"I know, I know. It's just––I don't like the idea of you guys facing off against James without me there," you said. "Plus, our cover will be blown. Since I don't have a full grasp on my abilities, showing it off so readily doesn't sit right."

Copper and Alastor both crossed their arms and said 'fair enough' at the same time. You stifled a giggle at the annoyed glares they gave each other after that. Alec and Sam didn't seem like they understood it fully, but they didn't protest and simply nodded. The trust they have on you was crazy.

Alright... Now how are we going to get out of here?

The presence of the apparitions helped mitigate some of your nerves, but knowing that Caleb was facing off his older brother alone caused panic to slowly set in. A small and naive part of you hoped that your connection to Caleb would somehow make a difference in their encounter, that he wouldn't risk paralysing his arms to exorcise James. But you knew that was only wishful thinking.

An idea came across your mind.

"... Alastor, can you try possessing me?"

This was a good opportunity to see what you could and couldn't do with Alastor. Unlike with Copper, Alec, and Sam, Alastor's abilities were known to not only exorcists, but also to the general public. He was incredibly powerful, but you couldn't take advantage of his abilities to its full potential without raising suspicion. People would put two and two together and a mountain of new issues would arise.

Well, one day I'll be exposed, but preferably not too early on. Not until I have established a solid foundation in the AEI.

Alastor cocked his head to the side. "Possess you? I mean, that works. I can get you out of here in a split second and get to Caleb. But it's obvious when I'm in your body and I'm assuming you don't plan on spilling the secret this early on."

"My eyes glow red, right?" You furrowed your eyebrows in contemplation. "Do you think that's the case because you were using a lot of power at the moment? Think of it as this. At the time you took possession of me, you were controlling the environment as well as the apparitions around you. Your output was high, your presence was prominent."

"So, you're saying if I hold myself back, it wouldn't be obvious that I'm possessing you?"

"Exactly that."

He shrugged. "Well, it wouldn't hurt to try."

And that's how you managed to land another kick to James's face. Well, technically it was Alastor, but you probably looked hella badass so you'd take the credit.

When Alastor was in possession of your body, it felt like you were going in and out of sleep. It was odd. You couldn't see anything at first and could only hear, but even then it was muffled. However, when you truly concentrated, you could see and hear clearly what was going on. To sum it up, you witnessed everything as if you were still in your body, but you didn't have control. Alastor could still communicate with you via thoughts and you could do the same back.

Alright, he's all yours.

"You sure love playing dirty, Miss. Another kick to the face, huh? Though, this one packed a lot more strength."

For a moment, your head was dizzy. Closing your eyes, you took a moment to take in a deep breath and steady yourself. Recovering didn't take long and you clenched your hands to confirm that you had full control over your body again. Trippy. This will take time getting used to. You ignored James and immediately tried to find Caleb. When you spotted him, you rushed over.

"Caleb, are you okay?!"

There were splatters of blood on the ground, which most definitely alarmed you. Scratches were on Caleb's face as bits of blood dripped down and his suit was tattered and dirtied; it was clear that he had taken some heavy hits. Instinctively, you grabbed his hands and checked them. They felt hot. You glanced around to find his gloves, but couldn't spot them. Thankfully, you brought spares. You pulled the gloves out of your pockets and slipped Caleb's hands into them. Then, you breathed a sigh of relief. Since you were so panicked, you didn't realise that Caleb was just quietly watching you the entire time.

"Wow, your nickname suits you. A person fitting of the support position," James mused.

You narrowed your eyes. "Are you just going to stand there? I'd love for you to leave, so if you're going to attack just do it so I can kick you out myself."

Your words were laced with venom; you didn't mean to sound so hostile. But seeing what James did to Caleb struck a chord. You remained on guard, ready to protect Caleb if James were to attack. However, you weren't too worried about James killing Caleb at the moment. According to the plot, he spares Caleb for certain reasons. Said reasons were complicated, so the easiest and simplest explanation you could come up with was because James felt unsure of something.

And just as you suspected, James shrugged. "Guess I'll just leave you two to it."

He snapped his fingers and a small tornado of wind surrounded him as ravens began flying around haphazardly. Suddenly, Caleb pulled you back and shielded you. Your eyes softened at the gesture. Even when he was injured, he didn't hesitate to put your safety before his.

Once everything settled down, James was gone and silence suspended in the air. You hesitantly glanced over to Caleb. His eyes were pinned to the front, an unreadable expression on his face.

You quietly spoke up. "Caleb?"

He didn't respond. And for a moment, you heard his breath quiver. Your heart tightened. Making yourself more comfortable, you settled next to him quietly. But then, suddenly, Caleb stood up. A slight bounce in his steps, he turned over to you with a cheerful smile.

"Welp, that was that. A shame the apparition got away, though." He chuckled and extended a hand out. "Thanks for the save, Miss Support! I'll treat ya to dinner after the trial is over. Quick, stand up! The ground is dirty."

Instead of responding back with just as much enthusiasm, your eyebrows furrowed in concern as you accepted his hand.

"Caleb, do you want to rest for a while? I don't sense any apparitions nearby and I can bring out my wolf to guard us if you need."

"It's fine, it's fine~ I appreciate the offer, though!" Caleb grinned, but it faltered for a moment. His cheerful tone was forced and he spoke a little faster than usual. He was desperately trying to make sure there was no moment of silence. "The apparition didn't do that much damage. Nothing to worry about." Caleb went quiet for a moment and his voice came out a lot softer, "Just don't worry about me, okay?"

You didn't want to raise questions that made him uncomfortable, you didn't want to force him to open up, but you couldn't just smile and move on like that. Maybe if you didn't know his past, maybe if he wasn't a character you've grown to cherish, then things would've been different. Maybe his exuberant act could have fooled you. But that wasn't the case and you'd drown in an ocean of guilt if you just left things as it was.

Showing him a gentle smile and speaking in the gentlest voice you could, you said, "Caleb, it's fine. There's no need to push yourself like that. I... I don't know the full story and I won't pry. But I do know that no one can remain cheerful and brush things off as if it was nothing after encountering an apparition of a family member." You opened your arms out a little. "I can't provide much because I don't know what's going through your head, I don't want to assume anything. But hugs always help, right?"

You might not be able to solve everything with a few magic words, but you hoped that you could at least lend him your support, allow him to feel comfortable in your presence, let him see you as someone he could feel relaxed around. If he wanted to, there was the option to open up to you. But there won't be the pressure to.

Caleb was silent and he averted his gaze away for a moment. He seemed to be contemplating something, eyebrows knitted together slightly in conflict. His bright expression fell and a sad look was in his eyes. Then, he turned to you and smiled softly before suddenly accepting your embrace. At the impact, you stumbled back a little. Caleb was hesitant to wrap his arms around you fully at first, but you quickly wrapped your arms around him and he found the confidence to properly hug you. A shaky sigh left him.

No one said anything. And you hoped that your gesture, even if it was small, could bring some comfort to Caleb.

"... Thank you," he mumbled, voice quivering; it was quiet and vulnerable. Unlike anything he ever displayed. Caleb hugged you tighter and you felt him trembling. "I..."

"It's okay, just relax."

You felt him nod and you smiled in relief. Even if you weren't able to stop major plot points that caused Caleb's internal conflict or figure out a way to solve everything, maybe that was for the better. Maybe the best thing you could do was be there for him at the right time and provide support.