What is Left of Me

The dawn broke with hues of orange and gold, casting long shadows across the city. Lee Geon stood on the rooftop with Capricon, his wings tucked neatly behind him. After the encounter with the Alternate, Capricon had doubled down on their training. Lee's movements in the air had become sharper, his confidence growing with every loop, dive, and hover.

"Good," Capricon said, watching as Lee landed softly beside him. "You're getting the hang of it. You've got potential, kid. Now it's time to take the next step."

Lee wiped the sweat from his brow, his expression resolute. "What's the next step?"

Capricon's usual easygoing demeanor faded, replaced by a rare seriousness. He stepped closer, placing a hand on Lee's shoulder. "There's something you need to understand, Lee. This power you've been given—it's not just some accident. It's part of something much bigger."

Lee frowned. "What do you mean?"

Capricon looked out over the city, his gaze distant. "The Twelve Zodiacs aren't just random individuals with power. Together, we form the Celestial Circle, a force meant to protect this world from destruction. You, as the Ophiuchus, stand at the center of it all. The Vertex."

"The Vertex?" Lee repeated, confused.

Capricon nodded. "You're the anchor, the one who connects us all. But after the great war centuries ago, the Vertex's influence shattered, leaving the Zodiacs disconnected from one another. To regain your full power as Ophiuchus, you'll need to realign your soul with ours, one by one."

"Realign my soul?" Lee asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.

"It's simpler than it sounds," Capricon said, his tone softening. "When we connect, you'll gain access to more of Ophiuchus' true strength. Not just power, but knowledge, guidance... everything you'll need to face what's coming."

"And what's coming?"

Capricon's wings flared slightly, the glow of his feathers reflecting his intensity. "War, Lee. The kind of violence that will make what you've seen so far look like a game. The Alternates are just the beginning. If we don't stand together, this world doesn't stand a chance."

Lee felt the weight of Capricon's words pressing down on him. "So, I have to find the other Zodiacs?"

Capricon smiled faintly. "They'll find you, or you'll find them. Either way, you'll know when the time comes. For now, you've already made the first step with me."

"What do you mean?"

"Your training wasn't just about flight," Capricon explained. "We've already realigned, Lee. You just need to trust in it. If you ever need me, focus your energy, and you'll feel the connection—it'll lead you to me."

Lee's eyes widened. "You're saying I can find you, no matter where you are?"

Capricon nodded. "Exactly. And it'll be the same with the others, once you realign with them. You're not alone in this, Lee. Remember that."

As the sun rose higher, it was time for them to part ways. Lee packed the few supplies he had, feeling a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty.

Capricon watched him with a steady gaze. "You've grown a lot in such a short time. I'm proud of you, Lee. But this journey is yours to make. You'll learn more with every step—and every Zodiac will teach you something unique."

Lee hesitated. "What if I'm not ready?"

"You'll never feel ready," Capricon said with a gentle smile. "But you'll find strength in the moments when you need it most. Trust yourself."

Lee nodded, determination replacing his doubt. "Thank you, Capricon. For everything."

Capricon stepped forward, placing a hand over Lee's chest. For a brief moment, a soft glow emanated from where they stood, a warmth spreading through Lee's body.

"This is our connection," Capricon said. "Don't forget it."

With that, Lee leapt into the air, his flight now steady and sure. As he soared above the city, he glanced back one last time to see Capricon standing on the rooftop, wings shimmering in the sunlight.

The path ahead was uncertain, but Lee knew one thing for sure: he wasn't flying alone. His journey to unite the Zodiacs had begun, and with each step, he would come closer to unlocking the full power of Ophiuchus—and facing the darkness threatening to consume the world.