Code Nexus

Cassian took a deep breath, looking at the marble palace in front of him. He couldn't believe this was the place he had spent most of his life. He also couldn't believe he had infiltrated one of the most guarded locations.

He had been hiding from this place for six years, so now that it was time to go back, he couldn't help but feel a stir of emotions. Because no matter how and why he had cut ties with them, it was still his family.

He may have had some adverse experiences, but it was because of the AU's rules and regulations, not because his family didn't have love.

As he thought about all the things he had to do, he formed a series of tasks in his head.

With one last breath, he started walking toward the main entrance of the grand marble palace. His steps were precise and calculated, not daring to look nervous or frightened.

He needed to look like he had come back after achieving something outstanding and that his escape from this was just a facade for a greater plan. He needed to act fearless against the mightier beast.

The concrete road changed into blocks and then marble tiles as he neared the front entrance. Last night he was an intruder, but today he was the son of the head of AU, ready to take his rightful place in this world.

"Finally," he thought as he took the last step at the glass entrance of the HQ.

He was about to enter when a guard stopped him. "Wait, sir, you would need to give an ID or your badge to enter."

Cassian turned and looked at the guard. He tilted his head and then nodded. He dug into his jacket pockets and handed the guard his ID.

"Here is my ID."

Old as it was, he had taken his ID out after so many years, it almost felt foreign in his hand.

The guard examined it for a moment, then looked back at Cassian. "Cassian Black. Alright, you're clear to go." He handed the ID back.

Cassian raised his eyebrows in slight surprise but said nothing. As he walked through the entrance, he heard the guard muttering in shock and confusion behind him, likely piecing together who he was.

"Stupid," Cassian thought with an amused smirk as he made his way toward the elevator, not bothering to look back.

He saw the employees and employers all over the place. This place was called the busiest place for others. Everyone comes with a purpose, and Cassian was one of them today.

"Sir!" A high-pitched voice stopped him. "Sir Black, wait!" Some heads turned their way, but Cassian feigned ignorance as he stopped for the person who was calling him.

Cassian turned and looked at the huffing girl. "Yes?" he simply said to the girl while she straightened herself and looked at him.

Cassian looked down from her face and read her badge, "Lola."

"Sir, I would request you to kindly follow me." She looked around for a bit then continued, "The head would like to meet you. It's urgent."

"Fine." Cassian nodded at the girl as she led the way to the back private elevator, which leads directly to the main head's office.

Cassian's mind started having flashbacks.

They entered the elevator, and it started with the robotic voice that announces the floors. On the 30th floor, the elevator chimed and the doors to the floor opened, expanding to a grand open space filled with places to sit and equipped with everything a person could need.

"Come on, Mag, you know we can't do it like that."

The familiar, warm voice of his mother entered Cassian's ears, making him halt unconsciously. He didn't know about his father, but he had dearly missed his mother when he had run away. A flash of brown hair and that motherly smile on her face filled Cassian's mind.

After taking another deep breath, he left the elevator and headed to his parents. Lola bowed as she pressed the elevator button and made her way back down after finishing her job.

What felt like forever was just mere seconds as he arrived outside the main office doors. He curled his fingers and knocked twice.

"Enter," the familiar commanding voice came from within.

Cassian placed his hands on the cold door knob and twisted it open. The door made no sound as it revealed the inside of the head office, which stood as the center of ancient forever.

Cassian glanced at his parents, who looked the same from his memories but with additional wrinkles and… scars. Both physical and unseen.

Cassian stood frozen for a moment, taking in the sight of his parents. His mother, Yara Black, still carried an air of grace, but her once-smooth features now bore subtle lines of worry.

His father, Magnus Black, remained as imposing as ever, his piercing gaze unwavering beneath the added scars that now etched across his stern face.

The room, with its high, vaulted ceilings and dark wood furniture, felt suffocating—just as it had in his childhood. What drew Cassian's attention was the unfamiliar family photo on his father's desk.

"That is… from the trip to Celestine's royal capital visit."

"Cassian," his father's deep voice broke the silence, bringing him back to the present. "It's been a long time."

He nodded, stepping inside, closing the door behind him. His mother's eyes softened the moment they landed on him, and she stepped forward, her hand outstretched as if reaching for something familiar.

"Cassian," she whispered, her voice filled with a tenderness that made his chest tighten. "You're back."

"I am, Mom," Cassian's gaze softened for her. He let her caress his face to make her feel that he was really back.

"Cassian." His father said it from behind his desk, pointing at the chair in front of it. Then he commanded, "Sit."

His mother patted his back and said, "Go, I will bring some snacks for you." She understood that both Cassian and Magnus needed to talk, so she gave them space.

Cassian nodded at her as she left. He turned to his father, taking his seat on the chair.

"You have grown," his father said as he placed his hands on the desk, his eyes softening just an inch.

"I had to. Six years in the outside world will do that." Cassian said as he finally looked his father in the eyes with confidence.

"Six years. What exactly have you been doing out there, Cassian? You left everything behind. What did you hope to find?" Of course, his father cared about what he achieved then about his well-being.

Cassian paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts, and then said, "I found a lot more than I expected. I've been gathering information. About bands and bandits."

Magnus started tapping the table, showing that he was interested in the subject: "Go on."

He started rolling up his sleeves, showing him his newly acquired band.

"I've learned things AU hasn't uncovered yet. And I've even got a band for myself," he said.

"You acquired a band?" his father raised his eyebrows, not doubting him in the slightest.

"I did," he honestly answered. "If you're wondering how I got it, I found it during my time away from home. It works, and I have tested it myself."

His father studied the band for a moment, then locked eyes with Cassian. "You expect me to believe that, after all these years, you've suddenly gained the knowledge and strength to wield something like that? Just because you've been out there on your own?"

"I'm not the same person who left six years ago. I know I made mistakes, but I've learned. I can handle this. After all, I was praised by grandfather and the higher-ups in AU on multiple occasions for my abilities," he said as their eyes clashed for dominance.

Magnus, being the stern and strict he is, was not persuaded by Cassian.

"I'm not convinced. You've always been reckless, acting like you know everything. The threats we face are greater, and we don't have time for strong people."

Cassian's jaw clenched, frustration rising. "I can prove myself. Give me a chance."

Magnus sighed. "Very well. If you're so eager to prove yourself, I'll give you a mission. It won't be easy, but if you complete it, we'll talk."

"What's the mission?" Cassian leaned forward, eager for whatever challenge awaited him.

This conversation was totally not normal between a father and son who have united after six years, but the Black family was never known to be typical. After all, they have been the strongest since the start of the Band era, and they just continue to grow.

They are the reason AU has survived against Libra and rebels for this long.

"Rogue Bandits have been causing chaos in the outskirts of Velthoria. Track them down, assess the situation, and neutralize the threat." Magnus said as he picked up some documents and handed them to Cassian.

"Consider it done," Cassian said, taking the documents and nodding at his father.

"Don't get ahead of yourself. Prove to me you can handle this, and maybe you'll earn your place here again."

"Don't worry, father, I am not here to disappoint," Cassian said with such confidence, after all he had spent six years for this exact moment.

Now he can finally initiate his plans for securing the world.