A World Of Decree: And The Seven Laws

Atlas woke up in his bed, his mother by his side ready to greet him. His eyes slowly began to bloom open into the fresh light in his room, almost like a flower adjusting to the early days of spring.

His mother hugged him tighter than ever, "Atlas." Saying his name like a parent would when first giving their child a name.

"Mom… Are you okay?" He hugged her back, sitting upright as his memories came rushing back.

As soon as she let go of him, he could see the yellow mark on her shoulder, realizing it wasn't a dream after all.

His mother went silent, unable to look her own son in the eye for a moment. "Atlas, sweetie, I think there's something you should know. It's about your father." She sniffled quietly, swiping her eyes of any tears that might show. Her throat seemed to tighten and breaths became rapid. "Your father left me when you were born, Atlas." No matter how hard she fought through the tears, they escaped her eyes like a river from a dam.

17 Years ago, when Atlas was born, his father made a deal with the devil. The devil was no more than a monster underneath the skin of a normal looking human. His name was Lucifer, nothing more, nothing less.

Draymond Bright, who was Atlas' father now, asked for strength to protect his newly born family from danger and harm. Lucifer granted Draymond the power of Dynamism for his favor, an incredibly strong form of magic. He gave him what he d.e.s.i.r.ed, but forbidding him from ever coming in physical contact with his family ever again.

Despite the restrictions, Draymond agreed, and left his family alone for years on end. That is, until one day he visited Atlas and his mother about 4 years after his departure. He told her the whole story, making sure he doesn't come in contact with her or his son. However, the pain in his heart grew strong, stronger than his promise to the devil.

He had to give his son at least one kiss on the forehead, and a single night with his beloved wife. He didn't care what it cost, but his human emotions were much stronger than a promise can hold.

Lucifer was at their doorstep the following day, greeting Draymond and his family with a glistering smile, and a blaze of heat emitting from his eyes. Drayomnd knew this outcome couldn't be avoided, telling his wife to go back inside and hide with Atlas beside her.

"I'm afraid you destroyed the favor I granted Draymond. It is now time to give me yours." Lucifer began at his front porch.

Draymond stepped down, kneeling to him like a king. "I don't care what you do to me. But please, keep my family safe."

"Draymond my friend." The devil flung his hands in the air dramatically, "Your family will perish into the depths of my playground. Burning like steak on a skewer!" He lied, wanting to make sure Draymond showed his anger and rage with his power.

Just like the Devil predicted, Draymond went berserk, attempting to fight Lucifer with his powers. However, he failed miserably, no matter how strong he truly was. But the devil didn't see it as a loss for Draymond, he saw it as a sin. The frustration and rage that was built upon revenge and vengeance inside of Draymond broke the sin of Wrath. Making him b.a.r.e that symbol for eternity.

The devil bound him as one of the seven sins of purgatory, making him the sin of Wrath under his command. This not only made Draymond never see his family again, but also binding him to Lucifer's life force and command.

He was granted one last farewell to his family, and was never heard from again since then.

Atlas' mother finished rubbing her eyes until they were red and swollen. She sniffled once more, and got up from her son's bed. "I never wanted to tell you because I thought you would go chasing after him… I'm sorry, but I can't lose you too sweetie. I just.." She left the room cautiously, embarrassed of the secrets she kept for so long.

Atlas remembered her story by heart, repeating every word of it in his head until a sudden knock on the door was heard.

*Knock *Knock *Knock.

Atlas got up from his bed, walking downstairs slowly as he saw his mother open the door. A few words were said that he couldn't hear, and Grandmaster Selvis suddenly came into his home.

Atlas quickly rushed down the remaining stairs, greeting Selvis like he always did on school grounds, "Grandmaster Selvis! I-"

"Mr. Bright." His loud voice interrupted him, "I am well aware of what has happened. Professor Hellsgate has told me all about it. Please, if you would be so kind, there are some things we should discuss." He gestured Atlas to sit down on the living room couch.

Without hesitating, Atlas and his mother both took a seat, and the Grandmaster followed. "The important thing is that you're safe, and it seems like Osiris is indeed alive." He sighed, almost like he's given this talk before, "Miss. Bright, you are more than welcome to stay at Princewood as long as you'd like until this ordeal is finished."

"I truly appreciate the offer, Grandmaster. But I wouldn't want to stir any trouble at the Academy. Besides, I have a lovely house here, and wonderful neighbors that will help me if needed." She was lying, but sounded too convincing for the Grandmaster to question. She was hiding Osiris' mark on her shoulder with a piece of clothing, knowing the Grandmaster wouldn't allow her to stay if he saw it.

"Very well then," He glanced at Atlas, "Mr. Bright, if you are well prepared, I will escort you back to Academy grounds. On the condition that you do not spread the word of Osiris." He raised an eyebrow.

"Of course sir." Atlas gulped.

The Grandmaster told Atlas to wait outside for him. A few extra words needed to be said between Atlas' mother and the Grandmaster.

Atlas tried to listen closely on what they were saying, only able to hear parts of unfinished sentences and slight pauses in between replies. "Osiris will indeed be back, there's no…" Atlas stuck his ear to the door, "Please protect him…. I can't do…." he circled his hands around his ear to block any outdoor noises that might interrupt, "Pride is one of the strongest professors…" Atlas couldn't hear any more, going back down the porch and patiently sitting himself on the wooden steps.

A few minutes passed, and the Grandmaster walked out with Atlas' mother behind him. He waited until they said their farewells, and placed his wrinkled fingers on Atlas' head right after.

Atlas seemed puzzled, struck with a realization of the Grandmasters incredible magical ability. In Atlas' field of view, the front porch, along with his mother was suddenly warped into hundreds of different colors until they all rearranged themselves into new ones.

The two of them were now standing outside of Atlas' dorm room, and the Grandmaster took his hand off Atlas' head. "A simple spell. And yet, takes years to master. Teleportation."

A sudden headache hit Atlas like a bullet, dropping him to his knees as the world spun in circles around him.

"Ah yes, you'll get used to that." The Grandmaster chuckled, remembering all the fellow magic users that experience the same thing on their first teleportation trip.

Atlas slowly picked himself off the ground, trying his best to beat the dizziness, "That was…" He knew the words he wanted to say, but couldn't properly arrange them in his mind.

"Don't worry," The Grandmaster opened the door with a wave of his hand, making sure his coat didn't fall in the process,"This will be the least of your worries. Mr. Bright."

Atlas returned to his room, followed by the Grandmaster returning to his own headquarters. The night was still young, so sleep wasn't on anyone's schedule just yet. Only homework or other conflicts that needed their resolutions.

The Grandmaster called on Alastor to meet him in the headquarters. He agreed, knowing there was no other choice regardless.

"You wanted to see me Grandmaster?" Alastor appeared through a faint haze of smoke that quickly vanished on his arrival.

"Yes… Please, take a seat Professor." He gestured to an open chair in front of his desk. It was small, but cushioned with a leather touch that almost masked the size of it. "I think you know why I called you in." The Grandmaster raised an eyebrow, "Atlas Bright has returned to Academy grounds after… Well, you should know."

The usual grin on Alastor's face faded, "Grandmaster. I did everything I could to stop Osiris from taking the boy." He lied, "However, the mother of the boy was held hostage. I couldn't risk dangering an innocent life."

The Grandmaster looked him up and down for a moment, unable to detect a lie or even a slight nudge of telling one. "Very well. Please write me a description of exactly what happened. I'll want in my mail by tomorrow."

Alastor's grin returned, he bowed, and made his exit.