What is Left of Me

The wind carried a strange calm, an unusual contrast to the storm brewing in Lee Geon's mind. He stood on the edge of the rooftop where Kuran had brought him, the city sprawled out beneath a canopy of stars. Kuran had been uncharacteristically tight-lipped about why they were waiting, only saying, "You'll see soon enough."

Lee sighed, his impatience growing. "Are we just going to stand here all night?"

Before Kuran could respond, a shadow swept across the moonlight. Lee felt a rush of air as a figure descended gracefully from above. The figure's wings stretched wide—each feather shimmering faintly, as though catching the starlight itself. The landing was soft, nearly soundless, as if gravity dared not challenge him.

"Looks like I'm right on time," the newcomer said, his voice warm and steady.

Lee stared, momentarily stunned. The man before him was calm, his sharp features framed by dark, slightly wind-tousled hair. His wings folded neatly behind him, as natural a part of him as his hands. A sheathed sword rested at his hip, but it was his smile—a mix of kindness and quiet authority—that stood out.

"This," Kuran said, gesturing toward the winged figure, "is Capricon. One of the Twelve."

"The Twelve..." Lee echoed, still processing the celestial's serene presence.

Capricon chuckled softly. "You must be the Ophiuchus. Lee Geon, right?" He extended a hand. "It's good to finally meet you."

Lee shook his hand, still slightly dazed. "You're one of the Zodiac?"

"I am," Capricon replied. "Though I prefer my life far from all the madness. Unfortunately, it seems I can't avoid destiny forever." He gave Kuran a mock glare. "You just had to pull me into this, didn't you?"

"We need you," Kuran said simply.

Capricon turned his attention back to Lee. "I hear you've awakened but are still figuring things out. Mind if I ask you something?"

"Uh, sure," Lee said hesitantly.

"What does power mean to you?" Capricon asked, his expression calm but piercing.

Lee blinked. "I... don't know yet. Right now, it feels more like a curse than a blessing."

Capricon nodded thoughtfully. "Honest. I like that. Power is a tricky thing—it can free you or shackle you, depending on how you use it. But for someone like you, with so much potential, it's all about learning to balance the two."

Lee frowned. "Balance?"

Capricon smiled, unfolding his wings slightly. "Let me show you something." With a single leap, he took to the air, his wings carrying him effortlessly. He soared high above the rooftop, performing a slow, deliberate loop before descending back to land lightly in front of Lee.

"Flight isn't just about strength," Capricon explained. "It's about understanding the winds, the currents, and trusting yourself to navigate them. If you rely too much on force, you'll lose control. The same goes for your powers. If you fight against them, you'll only make things harder. Learn to work with them, and you'll find freedom."

Lee looked at him, something stirring within. "You make it sound so simple."

"It's not," Capricon admitted with a grin. "But that's why I'm here. To help you figure it out."

***

As the night deepened, the three of them sat on the rooftop, the city below glowing like a sea of stars. Capricon spoke of his life in Celesthaven, painting a picture of peace and simplicity that felt almost alien to Lee. He talked about the townsfolk, his quiet days spent tinkering with kites, and the joy of teaching children how to fly them.

"You don't seem like someone who enjoys fighting," Lee observed.

Capricon nodded. "I don't. But when the time comes, I'll do what's necessary. Sometimes, protecting what you care about means stepping into the storm."

His words resonated with Lee, a quiet strength hidden beneath his easygoing demeanor. For the first time in a while, Lee felt a spark of hope.

***

Before they left the rooftop, Capricon stood and stretched his wings again. "One last thing, Lee," he said. "When you're ready, I'll teach you to fly—not with wings, but with your power. It's going to be tough, but trust me, it'll be worth it."

Lee nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes."

Capricon smiled. "Good. Let's start with learning to trust yourself. The sky's a big place, Lee. You'll find your place in it."

As Capricon took off into the night, his wings catching the wind, Lee watched in awe. For the first time, he began to understand what it meant to truly soar.