Gate Hunters

When did I get here?

This was Neon Hospital...how did I get-

I felt a sharp, lingering pain in my jaw.

...I remember now, I was battling that creature and then... it knocked me. The door swung open. "Hey bro, how are you doing?" one of my brothers came to visit.

His name was Zero Williams, a sixteen-year-old high school student. His mother, a French woman, was one of the ladies who slept with my father.

Just like me, he is a gifted.

"Hello Zero, came to check up on me." I asked.

He casually sat in the chair beside me, gazing out the window. "Of course, the others and I are grateful. We can live normal lives thanks to you and Aunt Jade... but we also feel a sense of responsibility for not contributing to the effort you are making. So, I want you to know that I'm going to help you defeat our father," Zero declared.

I sighed and averted my gaze, "You're going to get yourself killed. Hunting is dangerous and not for you. I'm an exception because I can defend myself, but you—" I attempted to warn him of the perils involved in hunting.

"Aunty Jade is in a coma." Those words completely silent me and made almost jump out of the bed.

Zero continued to gaze out the window, attempting to hide his saddened face. "We came to check on you, but instead, we found Aunt Jade unconscious in her bed. When we delivered her to the hospital, they told us that the trauma she received to her head had put her in a coma, and they warned us that she might remain in this state for a very long time."

...

Why didn't I check on her?

After she got hit, I assume she was okay and just needed to sleep it off, but she was in an actual coma.

Why did my obsession with becoming stronger blind me to those around me? Was it when I became my father's punching bag, or when I declared to everyone that I would defeat him?

By the gods, what if she never wakes up... what can I do-

"Hey Amari, I've got news. Earlier today, a man approached me claiming he could teach me to become a hunter. I believe I've made my decision." With that, Zero rose from his seat and exited the room.

In a fleeting moment, I caught sight of all my siblings gathered outside the room, just before the door was shut behind him.

Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably as I whispered, "Mother, I'm sorry for being the cause of your coma. I'm sorry you have to endure this pain. I'm sorry... so very sorry... I thought I could protect them from him and provide you with the life you deserve." I no longer had the will to continue.

Am I allowed to quit...am I allowed to run away and live a normal life away from him.

With the money I have, I can probably move my mother and myself to another country where we don't need to worry about my father anymore.

I simply cannot do this anymore.