The Alpha university and the portal

After the death of Xena's father,

Xena,

A few hours ago, as I was packing my belongings, I was assaulted by an onslaught of intense emotions. I was navigating the painful grief of losing my father just a few days ago, while also grappling with the strange joy of being invited into a new family.

My mother informed me that her husband has agreed to let me live with them. Although he is currently away on a business trip, I had a brief conversation with him on the phone earlier today. I could infer his genuine warmth from his voice. To my surprise, he was more than inviting, hoping that his two sons and I would become friends.

What astonished me further was the newfound knowledge that I have a half-brother on my mother's side. Perhaps, due to the increasingly infrequent visits my mother made to the hospital as my grandfather's health deteriorated, she never found the right moment to share this revelation with me.

However, what leaves me perplexed is why my own father remained silent about this familial connection throughout our interactions. The recent events have opened up a whole new chapter in my life that I am equally apprehensive about and eager to explore.

As I stood there, caught between a mix of emotions, I couldn't help but feel a whirlwind of conflicting feelings. There was a hint of happiness tinged with sadness, a blend of fear and delight. It was an overwhelming blend of emotions.

No matter what transpired next, I hoped that my father, watching over me from above, would be proud of the choices I made.

Letting out a sigh, I looked at my mother and immediately sensed her serious, no-nonsense demeanor. She was not one to engage in playful banter or jests, always maintaining a stern countenance. Perhaps that was the reason she and my father grew apart. While my father disliked being surrounded by perpetual frowns, my mother seemed to always carry a poker face.

As we arrived at the grand gate, adorned with golden accents and guarded by majestic lion statues, my gaze was drawn to the imposing mansion before me. However, my attention was suddenly diverted to a woman standing in the shadows. It unnerved me to notice her unusually large ears, but I quickly brushed it off. Ever since my father and I moved to this town, I had become aware of my sixth sense, perceiving things that others couldn't. Nevertheless, I chose to ignore these anomalies, pretending not to see them, as I realized that what I beheld was far from ordinary.

Turning my focus back to my mother, I heard her instruct the maids to take care of my belongings and lead me to the room they had prepared. I released a sigh. This was it—the moment I had longed for. Finally, I would have the family I had always yearned for, even if it meant sacrificing my father's presence.

As my mother signaled for me to exit the car, I followed suit, ensuring not to betray any hint of fear despite her strict persona. To my surprise, a maid, who appeared slightly worn down in her uniform, opened the massive doors of the mansion, revealing an extravagance that surpassed even the grandeur of its exterior.

From the opulent artwork to the towering vases, from the regal staircase to the magnificent chandelier, it was evident that my mother lived a life of luxury. I couldn't hold my father accountable for my mother's departure; his wealth simply couldn't afford such a lavish lifestyle.

Without a doubt, my mother's warning to call a servant if I needed anything carried a thinly veiled threat. I nodded and smiled, playing the part of a dutiful daughter. She fit the stereotype of a strict, haughty, and sharp-tongued mother, the kind whose mere disapproval over insignificant matters could send kids quivering. I often imagined what it would be like to have my mother scold me over trivial things like dirty clothes or arguments with other children. It was nothing more than a dream. What if I had been with my mother during those moments? I smiled internally, lost in my own musings.

Suddenly, the sound of a familiar voice shattered my reverie, bringing everything to a halt. When I recognized Seth's voice, time stood still, and my heart seemed to skip a beat. All thoughts evaporated from my mind. I turned around, only to see him entering through a side door. My eyes widened in surprise. Seth, the boy I had admired in secret. What was he doing so early in the morning at my mother's house? Could he be a friend of my mother's sons?

"Looks like you're already acquainted, my dear," my mother interjected, her words punctuated by the racing of her heart. I almost blurted out that Seth was my crush, but I paused, caught in a moment of hesitation.

As Seth and I were classmates, his brother Zimon became the sole person I despised. Every school day, Zimon would taunt me, proclaiming his affections while simultaneously bullying me.

"My ex-husband and I have mentioned our daughter to you before. Take the time to get to know her better," my mother expressed as she turned to Seth. "Please show her to her room. I have other matters to attend to today, Seth, my dear."

Suddenly, applause resonated through the room, capturing everyone's attention. Their gazes shifted towards a man gracefully descending the staircase. It was the mighty Zimon, considering himself the king, but in my eyes, he was the King of Idiots.

"Wow, so my favorite girl in the world is staying in our house. Did I hear correctly?" Zimon remarked, sarcastically claiming me as his half-sister. "No way in hell, baby."

"Zimon, enough with the mockery," my mother interjected sternly. "Regardless of biology, you should not treat Xena with such disrespect. As your stepmother, I command you to cease your rude behavior. If you had any intentions of pursuing her romantically, I advise you to put an end to it now that you know she is my daughter. Instead, I would appreciate it if you could take care of Xena."

Zimon was not my mother's biological son, and she spoke to him with a softer tone than she did with me. Seth, on the other hand, seemed uninterested, while Zimon returned to his cheerful, albeit demonic, smile. As my mother left the room, it left the three of us standing there.

"Sister, um," Seth began hesitantly.

Zimon tilted his head and replied, "Now I can wake up every day with a smile on my face."

After uttering those words, Zimon let out a giggle. Seth stepped onto the stairs but paused in front of Zimon, exchanging a glance that seemed to carry tension. Meanwhile, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was heading towards an inevitable catastrophe.