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We’ve finally made it, Dear Traveler. We have reached the part where the spider spirit reunites with the rest of Sun Ritsu’s cadre. How did she manage to find him? Well, it seems that you’ve finally learned how to ask the right questions.
Though Anari was a skilled tracker and huntress, there was really no need for her to rely on any of that sort of expertise. The annual Peach Festival was so popular, she was bound to run into an advertisement or twelve. Once she saw the details of the event, she figured that it would attract any and all sun clones in the area. Therefore, the odds were in her favor that she should run into Sun Ritsu.
Let me tell you, Dear Traveler, the spider was more than pleasantly surprised when she happened to pass by a typical gaming booth and spot her benevolent monkey waiting in line to test his strength . . .
~
~ Anari ~
Sun Ritsu caught Anari’s attention at a time when she hadn’t really been looking for him. He stood in a line, towering above half a dozen other spirits. He was dressed casually, too casually for a festival in fact.
Anari herself wore a cornflower blue robe tied in the traditional way. An even pattern of finches and berries stitched with fine golden thread stretched across the seams. The hem of the robe brushed her at mid-thigh, making her stand out among those whose robes dropped down to their ankles. For shoes, she had to forgo her usual boots for a pair of wooden platforms.
This morning she had felt confident in her attire, but after seeing Sun Ritsu, it made her second guess everything.
Pull yourself together.
Sun Ritsu’s golden brown gaze wasn’t even focused on her and she was already losing her head. As he edged closer and closer to the booth, she felt his mere presence pulling her toward him. But she had no idea what she would say to him. She tore her eyes away from the monkey, if only to clear her head.
That’s when Anari actually recognized the premise of the gaming booth. And the prizes.
In a booming, sonorous voice, the rock spirit running the booth said, “The spirit mighty enough to bend this bamboo into a full arc will be rewarded with an artifact better than any trophy. They shall receive the monkey god’s staff!”
The prize was most definitely a toy replica, nothing more. No one in the line except Sun Ritsu seemed to even care what the rock spirit was going on about. Most of them were already tipsy and simply there for the fun of the challenge.
That’s right. He did say he was looking for his staff,
Anari remembered.
Before she lost her nerve, she made her way towards the monkey. This was it. Only a few more steps –
“Ay! No cutting!”
A burly sun clone blocked Anari from getting any closer to Sun Ritsu. She caught her balance and glared at him. “I wasn’t cutting. I just needed to talk to him.” She pointed to make herself clear.
Someone else pushed her. “Get in line like everyone else!”
Anari stumbled again. “Watch it!”
That’s it. If another one of these ugly baboons touches me –
A hand closed around her bicep. Falling back on instinct, the spider clapped her hand over the intruder’s and held it in place while she spun and drove the flat of her palm towards their skull.
She blinked in disbelief at Sun Ritsu, who was on the ground with an arm over his bleeding nose.
“Sun!” she gasped.
The other spirits looked on with a mixture of interest and intrigue. The burly monkey from earlier muttered, “What an idiot.” He shook his head in admonishment. “How could he just give up his spot like that?” |
~ Anari ~
They were not standing at the entrance for very long before Ritsu wandered over to the far end of the Jade Pool.
“What are you doing?” Anari asked. The enclosure was large and from where they stood, seemed vacant. But she could hear the distinct signs of a crowd gathering near one of the walls that ran adjacent to the garden filled with nobles.
Ritsu knelt at the pool’s edge and stared at the fully blossoming trees running parallel on either side.
“I get the feeling that I’ve been here before. Only instead of pear trees, there were peach trees.”
Anari joined him. Swimming in loops at the water’s surface was a cluster of rainbow koi. She thought back to how the guards had hesitated earlier.
“Let me see your staff, Sun.”
When he handed it over, she used it to knock down the lowest branch. A fat pear easily broke from the tree and sank in the pool. When it bobbed back to the surface, it had transformed. Anari used the staff to drag the new fruit to them before the koi could devour it.
“Great Sage,” Ritsu whispered as he fished a glistening peach from the pool. It looked identical to the ones in Ham Song’s barf.
Anari handed back his staff. “Here you go.” She fought to keep her temperature cool as his awe shifted from the peach to her.
“An enchanted pool?” Ritsu looked back at the water in uncertainty.
Anari nodded. “I don’t think we’re supposed to know. You should hide that peach.”
He stuffed the holy fruit in the pocket of his hoodie. Anari wanted to ask him so many questions. Starting with,
why are you traveling with a pig and a wayward monk?
She was also curious about his fascination with the butcher earlier. It was no secret that the nobles capitalized off of the local spirits in nearly any way they could. The skeleton’s story was nothing special. So why had Sun Ritsu pretended like he’d given a damn?
Maybe he wasn’t pretending.
Relaxing a bit and drawing circles in the shallow pool, Anari said, “I wonder what would happen if you dropped that staff in here.”
Ritsu held up the wooden replica and angled his head to the side. Despite his glamour, his movements gave away his feral nature. It also made Anari want to reach up and scratch behind his ears. Instead, she gently nudged him with one of her elbows.
“You should try it.”
His ears reddened at the contact. “Alright. Let’s see what happens.” He held the staff upright and carefully dipped it in the pool. Anari sat up straighter when the water around the base of the wood began to bubble. The fish started behaving differently too. They turned into something more like a swarm, creating a tight orbit of multicolor scales around the pole.
Ritsu let go, but the staff stood upright on its own, slowly sinking into the bubbling rainbow blur. He and the spider leaned forward over the pool, following the staff as it melted into the tie-dye whirlpool. It descended until it disappeared under the knot of color and bubbles.
Anari wasn’t sure when it happened, but one of her segmented arms had slipped through her glamour and wrapped itself loosely around Ritsu’s hip. He was too preoccupied with the magical pool to notice.
Anari narrowed her eyes at her disobedient limb.
Get back here. Now.
Like a contrite child, her leg unraveled from the monkey and curled back inside the glamour.
“Where did it go?” Sun Ritsu’s question drew Anari’s attention back to the pool. He was leaning so far over the water that he cast a shadow.
“Sun, maybe you shouldn’t –”
“Ow!”
The pool burped up something shiny and small and spat it right at Ritsu’s face. To Anari’s surprise, he did not lose his balance. She supported his back as he leaned away from the surface and studied the bejeweled object.
He held it up in the light. “It’s my staff, but . . . prettier?”
The staff was indeed more ornate than the wooden toy replica from before. However it was also so much . . .
“Sun, the pool shrank your staff.”
Ritsu pinched the trinket between his index finger and thumb. Then he dropped it on the ground.
Anari reached out her glamoured arm and rubbed his back. She tried to distract her brain from registering the cords of lean muscle flexing just under his hoodie.
“It’s all right. At least you tried. Plus, I was the one who talked you into it.”
Ritsu shook his head. “No, it’s fine. I’m sure we’ll find it. I just . . . don’t think I’ll ever understand how this place works.”
Anari chuckled. “What? The Jade Pool? We just got here. And this place is ancient anyway.”
“No, not the Jade Pool.” He dragged a hand through his crown of thick, dark hair. “The Ninth Heaven.”
It was common for spirits who recently regenerated from the Lake of Ninefold Darkness to suffer from some memory loss. But it usually came back after a few weeks. Anari remembered Ritsu making some comment in his Immortal State indicating that he hadn’t been in the spirit world for very long.
“How long has it been since you came back from the Lake?” Anari asked. She picked up the miniature staff and noticed that it dangled from the end of a short chain. She glanced at Ritsu and spotted a plain iron stud in his left lobe.
“I didn’t come from the Lake,” he said. “Uh. What are you doing?”
She was on her knees, fitting the ornament to his earring.
“Hold still.” She straightened his head so that he was looking out at the water. “Go on. If not by the Lake, then how did you get here?”
Ritsu gazed at the pool as it extended farther than any pool should. His shoulders relaxed and the usual dazed look in his expression shifted into something more contemplative.
“I remember being on Earth with the humans. I was Radiant,” he started. “And then I cloud-somersaulted in the direction where I heard spirits calling. The last thing I remember was waking up in someone’s onion field. The next day I was outside of a noodle house, begging Gong-jon for a job.”
Anari shook her head. “Even in the Immortal State, that would be impossible.”
She was done fashioning the staff ornament into an earring. Now all she had to do was back off without massaging her fingers into his hair.
<Oh, but it’s so dark and disheveled. I’m sure it wouldn’t be weird if you just mussed it back into shape.>
Anari shut down the saboteur.
It would most definitely be weird.
<Not as weird as the way he’s looking at you right now.>
Anari settled back onto her heels as she tracked the sun clone’s gaze. She liked the way his eyes admired her without making her feel like an outsider. It was a refreshing change from the usual looks.
Smoothing her dress over her thighs, she teased, “Do you always stare this much, Sun?”
He blinked. “I . . . don’t, actually. I’m sorry.”
The spider was tempted to say that there was nothing to be sorry about, but instead she said, “It looks good on you. The ring.”
Ritsu reached up to where Anari had attached the tiny staff to his stud. “Thank you, Anari.”
“And hey. Don’t worry. We’ll find your staff. Also . . . shouldn’t we be looking for a way to rescue your pig?”
Ritsu jerked his hand away from his ear. “Ham Song! Right. Um . . .” He got to his feet and held out his hand for Anari. She allowed him to help her to her feet, but kept her eyes averted.
Before she could thank him, a familiar sourness accosted her senses.
“Thought I might find you two here.”
They both turned to see the monk, who appeared a little less swaggering, but still reeked of cheap wine. Anari crossed her arms. When this was all over, she would need to find a way to shake this misfit from their party. |
Dear Traveler, I have a confession to make. Despite what I told you last time, we will not be going to the Peach Festival just yet.
Why?
Because our three heroes first need to find a place to sleep. Bodhi, don’t forget, is still covered in urine and alcoholic backwash. They need a bath more than anything.
Why of course all of this matters! Every part in the story matters. Trust me!
I promise that by the end of this, you will have a better understanding of why patience is valued as one of society’s seven virtues.
~
~ Bodhi ~
The streetlights were on by the time Bodhi and their new companions left the snack depot. The three of them had a plan, but still no money to rent out a place to sleep. The pig claimed that he was still short on Luck and not enough time had passed for it to replenish.
Ham Song said, “We’re going to end up sleeping on the streets if we don’t figure out something.”
Such a thing would not be new to Bodhi, but judging by the looks on the spirits’ faces, Bodhi could assume that their companions had never been this desperate.
Bodhi glanced up and down the street to make sure that no one was coming. When the coast was clear, they beckoned Ham Song and Sun Ritsu to follow them down the narrow alley running parallel to the snack depot.
The concrete walls practically hugged the two spirits and the monk as they edged their way to the back of the building. Bodhi bit their lip to keep from saying something nasty to the pig, who wouldn’t stop complaining to Ritsu about how untrustworthy of a monk they were.
When the three of them emerged from the tight space and into the empty back lot with the dumpsters, Ham Song said, “This is where we’re camping for the night, monk? Well, I must say, you really have posh taste. How many stars does this one have? Five out of five?”
Bodhi shot him a cold look before going over to one of the dumpsters, lifting the hood, and clambering inside. They could still hear the pig blabbering on as they searched for something useful.
“Look at that. She’s back in the trash. As if she didn’t smell bad enough already.”
Bodhi heard Ritsu correct him. “You mean
they.
And Ham Song, I think they are trying to help us.”
The sound of the monkey coming to Bodhi’s defense brought a smile to their lips. Shortly after, they came upon what they had been looking for.
The smile dropped from their face while they were climbing out of the dumpster and overheard the pig say, “I don’t care what
it
is trying to do.
It
stinks to high heavens!”
Bodhi couldn’t ignore how the pig’s inelegant use of their pronouns felt like a whip cracking against their insides. Without alcohol to numb such things, they had to make a deliberate effort to keep their features cool and unfazed.
“You do realize that
it
can hear you,” Bodhi said icily as they held up the origami crane they had fished from the guts of the dumpster.
Ham Song’s beady eyes widened and he snorted in excitement. “What’s that you’ve got, monk? A
paper space
? It looks like it hasn’t even been used! What’s that doing in the trash?”
Bodhi wasn’t surprised when Ritsu’s glamour flickered in what was obviously confusion. He tilted his head and scratched it like the monkey he was. “A paper what?”
Ham Song drew a little closer. Bodhi lowered their hand so the pig could get a better look.
“A paper space, Ritsu,” Ham Song patiently explained. “They’re apartments that you can carry around in your pocket. For the spirits on the go. It’s my understanding that they’re very expensive. Even more so than glamour.” He looked up at Bodhi. “So how in the Ninth Heaven are you holding one right now, monk?”
Bodhi smirked. “It’s ironic that you don’t know,
pig
. Your kind sells modified ones off the market for outrageously cheap. Spirits buy them, use them for maybe one night and then toss them.” They began to carefully unfold the crane. “Which means, of course, that there is a catch. These spaces are only good for a couple of uses. Their walls are significantly thinner than the legitimate models. There’s a chance they could collapse under minor outside disturbances. And if that happens while we’re inside, we’ll all be calling the Lake our new home.”
Ritsu shook his head as he approached. “This is not making sense. How in the blooming lotus are all three of us supposed to fit in there?”
Bodhi chose not to comment on Ritsu’s stupidity. “You’ll have to ask a snake or a rat spirit when you see one. They have all the answers to that particular riddle.” They held up the half-opened crane. “Just stand near me, Ritsu and I’ll do the rest. We’ll be fighting over whatever beds are in this thing in just a moment.”
Ham Song stomped his hoof. “Hold it right there. Shelter or not, I refuse to cram myself in
any
sort of space with this filthy monk!”
Bodhi looked down at themself.
Right. I still smell like piss . . . and shit.
“Hold on,” Ritsu said. He dug into his pocket and produced something flat and hexagonal. Then he held it out before Bodhi.
“Here, Bodhi. Take this.”
Bodhi blinked. “A bathhouse token?”
Ritsu shrugged and grinned boyishly. “Yeah. Sometimes Gong-jon paid us with those instead of real money. I only got one left.” He thrust the coin forward. “Go on, it’s yours.”
Still confused, Bodhi slowly took the token.
Ritsu added, “There’s a bathhouse a couple of blocks from here. I think they serve at least one complimentary drink, so there’s that.”
Ham Song grunted at Ritsu’s feet. “Benevolent monkey, you must stop being so . . .
benevolent
! We could have sold that bath token for some money!”
Ritsu gently freed the paper crane from Bodhi’s hand and steered the pig away from them.
“I know that, but come on, Ham Song.”
It took Bodhi a moment to realize that they had been dismissed. Their fingers folded around the token. They wanted to thank the monkey, but he was too preoccupied with the pig. Besides, Bodhi didn’t trust themself to be so vulnerable in front of that cursed hog. So, without another word, they stole out of the lot and headed towards the bathhouse.
Once they had gotten checked in and comfortably soaking in a private bath, they allowed themself to take a moment to think. They judged it would only be a few minutes before that complimentary drink arrived, so they had to make the most of their sobriety.
Great Sage,
Bodhi thought,
too many emotions for me in one day. This is why I travel alone.
The more they thought about the monkey, the more they struggled with deciding how to feel. Back in the noodle house, the monkey had behaved like any other in his Immortal State – swaggering, boastful, and downright up to no good. But outside of that state, he was no ordinary sun clone. Against the – Bodhi had to admit – rather reasonable advice of the pig’s, Sun Ritsu had saved Bodhi from slipping into the Lake of Ninefold Darkness. Then Ritsu had fed Bodhi, invited them to share a shelter, and now . . .
The damn ape is giving me a bath.
Spirits,
especially
monkey spirits, did not give out things unless they wanted something in return. So far, Bodhi had been able to stay out of spiritual politics as much as possible. They only did what they had to do to maintain their drinking habit. But there was something about this particular clone, Sun Ritsu, that made them suspect that the monkey did not care about debts.
“Miss?”
Bodhi sat up a little straighter at the new arrival. The goose spirit’s eyes widened at the water pearling down their flat chest.
She tried to correct herself. “Ah, pardon. I mean,
sir.
Your complimentary drink. Enjoy.” She lowered a tray to the stone rim of the bath before running another puzzled gaze over Bodhi’s form and dashing away.
As soon as she was gone, Bodhi’s hand shot out and rendered the shallow ceramic cup from the tray. They threw the shot back faster than lightning and braced themself for that familiar liberating burn.
But no such thing came.
Bodhi growled and hurled the cup against the bamboo wall.
“What am I supposed to do with this weak cup of shit?”
They sank as low as they could while still being able to breathe. As they made bubbles across the surface of the steaming water, they wondered if Sun Ritsu’s Immortal State could possibly have the answers to the questions they had buried deep all this time. |
~ Anari ~
Sweet immortal peaches, what have I gotten myself into this time?
Ritsu quickly introduced the monk to Anari on their way to the butcher’s stand. Once she was acquainted with their pronouns, she took the time to assess them more thoroughly.
The monk had a lithe, yet strong body that was evident in their plain gray garb. The deep cut in the collar revealed a fair amount of their chest. Had it not been for the light smattering of freckles, their face would have been forgettable. It was the monk’s shifty facial movements and arrogant swagger that made them stand out. And, Anari hated to admit, granted them a sort of reckless allure.
She followed behind Sun Ritsu and Bodhi, listening to them squabble. The two attempted to carry on a heated argument, but failed at it due to Bodhi’s inebriated flippancy and Ritsu’s overall confrontational incompetence. It was like watching a toddler try to rationalize with the densest of sheep.
Finally, they reached the meat vendor, a skeletal spirit with deep sockets that, despite their hollowness, seemed to miss nothing.
Something that could perhaps pass as a friendly grin stretched across his features as soon as they approached.
“Ah, my esteemed monk. Back for another deal? How much will you take for the spider? I’ve always wanted to have a foreign delicacy on the menu.”
Anari knew he was teasing, but she bristled all the same. It wasn’t uncommon for spirits this side of the Ninth Heaven to either mock or “compliment” her otherness.
She braced herself for the monk to reply with their own scathing, tasteless comment. Instead, they narrowed their eyes ever so slightly and said, “She’s not for sale.” They shot her a glance and added, “Besides, something tells me you take one bite of her and you’ll find she’s full of poison.”
Anari couldn’t tell if that was a slight or just the monk’s strange way of defending her.
Bodhi’s expression shifted back into something more cheery. “We’re here about the pig. You know, the fat juicy one?”
The butcher started sharpening his tools. “Don’t tell me he’s poisonous too. I just sold him to the nobles for their feast.”
Ritsu bulldozed past the monk and slapped his hands on the surface of the butcher’s work station.
“Feast? You mean the one in the Garden of Immortal Peaches?”
Keeping his eyes on his knives, the butcher snickered. “Yes. Where else would the nobles gather? Here in the dirt with the common folk? No, they have no problem buying out our most valuable wares for their satisfaction, but they would never mingle anywhere below the altitude of the Jade Pool.”
Ritsu took a step back. “They forced you to sell to them.”
Anari regarded the monkey with mild puzzlement. She caught the gaze of the monk, who looked just as perplexed.
The skeleton paused in his sharpening. “Not the nobles themselves. Just their detainers. I was behind on a few debts. The only way to start a business these days is to take out a loan. And even though I work from the crack of dawn until the drunks leave the gambling dens, it’s been hard paying off what little I owe.”
Ritsu stood with rapt attention. Under their breath, the monk said, “Uh, Ritsu? We know where the pig is, so can we go now?”
Their question went ignored.
The butcher prattled on, “I would have made a lot more money if I could have kept the pig and barbecued him for general admission.” He shrugged. “But how can I say no when representatives of the Nine Luminaries, the Twenty-Eight Constellations, the Five Elders of the Five Regions, and numerous other gods of the Milky Way give me less than two hours to deliver meat only fitting for the divine palettes of the nobles? What other choice do I have when they say ‘two hours or you can say goodbye to your little business forever’? They might as well threaten to banish me to the Lake of Ninefold Darkness. I stood here, thinking that this would be my last Peach Festival when I saw your pig, ripe and unglamoured as the day he was born, oinking in the dirt just across the street. Luck has its own sense of humor, wouldn’t you say?”
Before Ritsu could respond, Bodhi reached up, grabbed his collar and practically dragged him away from the butcher’s booth.
“Come on, Legs,” they said, beckoning Anari to follow, “we’re wasting time. I’ve got an idea on how to get the old porker back.” |
~ Bodhi ~
“Cute.” Bodhi gestured to the personified peach pillow resting by Anari’s feet. She said nothing, but rather regarded them warily through oversized pupils. Bodhi wondered what shape her spidery essence took behind all that glamour.
The monk shifted their attention to Ritsu and admired the new jewel hanging from his ear.
“Bodhi!” Ritsu waved toward the wall on the other side of the compound. “They’ve got us separated from the nobles.”
The humanae spirit tucked their arms into their sleeves. “I know. I’m going to sneak in and get the pig. You two should wait here.”
Anari arched a suspicious eyebrow, but Ritsu caught Bodhi by the shoulder before they could wander off.
“You shouldn’t be doing this alone. Those nobles have guards.”
Bodhi couldn’t help but smile. “You’re worried about me, aren’t you? That’s sweet.” They shrugged Ritsu off. “But really, I can handle a few guards.”
“Bodhi, wait.”
There was a desperation in Ritsu’s tone that Bodhi found a little baffling. They paused and looked back with a rather exasperated expression. The sun clone wrung his hands together, his golden brown eyes aimed at the ground.
“Last time I left Ham Song with you . . . . What I’m saying is, the nobles will probably have wine and . . .”
Guilt lanced through Bodhi’s chest. They freed their face of all traces of annoyance.
“I’m a messy monk, I know. I can get like that when I go too long without a proper drink.” They sighed. “But I’ve had my medicine and I’m feeling a lot better now. So it’s only fair that I clean up the mess I’ve made.”
Without another word, Bodhi turned on their heels and ran for the wall. They stole into a cluster of bamboo and used it as cover as they easily vaulted over the stone barrier. A rush of adrenaline spiked throughout Bodhi’s nervous system as they shimmied down a tall stalk of bamboo. They made almost no sound when their toes touched the garden floor.
The aromas were much richer and more savory on this side of the wall. Peach trees were everywhere, creating aesthetic archways over the long stone benches. For now there was no food across the linked table tops. Only kettles of tea and an abundance of accessories. It was enough to make any tea enthusiast salivate.
But then the conversation became more lively and the attendants straightened their spines when cooks clad in white and starchy aprons brought forth several trays, some of which were so long that they needed four spirits to carry at once.
Bodhi studied the procession carefully, noting that the trays held an array of fresh vegetables and marbled meats. Beads of water clung to the platters of deshelled onions, fresh leeks, daikon radishes, and a perplexing abundance of cilantro. There were baskets of eggs. Thousands of them. Drum after drum of steamed rice. And amidst all that was slaughtered, plucked, and uprooted was a bound and upturned pig. Alive and primed for the inevitable barbecue.
Despite the number of nobles present, Bodhi didn’t hesitate. They used their distraction to calmly stroll out from behind the safety of the bushes. Still, in order to minimize the turning of heads, the monk anchored their form like those of the servers even though they weren't dressed at all like one. The nobles, so detached from the lives of anyone who wasn’t one of them, didn’t turn away from their prim and pompous head nodding and chin-lifting.
When Bodhi was close enough to the overly-dressed stone table, they snuck under the end that was the least populated, and crawled several feet to where that fresh, plump porker was carefully deposited for all to admire until the course was prepared.
Bodhi could hear Ham Song whimpering as they approached. Over the sniveling, there were more coherent voices. As Bodhi crawled and drew closer, they were able to piece together the threads of a very new sort of discussion.
“This is the first year Next Dimension Inc has sponsored this event. What do you think they might be up to?”
Someone, a spirit who was very clearly speaking with their mouth full even though Bodhi couldn’t see to confirm, said, “Who knows and who cares? Whatever this Next Dimension’s agenda is, I’m just glad that they finally let us use that wall over there to herd out the riff raff. Nice to know that VIP means something to that organization.”
Another spirit titterd in agreement. “Indeed. The Garden of Immortal Peaches should always remain an exclusive reprieve for nobles. Not a tack-on exhibit for a select few bedraggled spirits that managed to cheat their way through a gauntlet of gaming booths. Designed by the swine most likely.”
At that last jab, there was collective laughter. Ham Song’s squeal rang out over the nobles.
“Come now, fellow spirits. We pigs are not all that bad. I mean, what have I ever done to you personally?”
A noble snorted. “Exist.”
They broke out in another round of shrill laughter.
Bodhi used the cover of that eruption to knock on the underside of the table where they believed the pig to be and say, “Doing all right there, Ham Song?”
Up above, Ham Song made a sound crossed between a grunt and squeak. The plate rustled as his weight shifted. “Monk? Is that you?”
Bodhi opened their mouth to reply with something witty and refreshing, but Ham Song cut them off with a derisive snort.
“Sweet immortal peaches, of course it is.”
Bodhi snickered. “Whatever gave me away?”
“Please. Your breath could fertilize a mushroom faster than fresh shit.”
Bodhi was ready to bite back with something as equally crass, but once again, their reply was cut off, this time by one of the nobles.
“Pig, who are you talking to?”
Ham Song’s response didn’t matter because several hands reached under the table and forcibly dragged Bodhi out. Though they chose not to resist, they weren't about to let these nobles fling them about this garden similar in the way they had let those shark spirits from the noodle house handle them.
Now that Bodhi’s blood itched and burned with a healthy dose of rice wine, they were slippery and strong enough to take back their limbs and flip onto the table without disturbing a single kettle or cup of tea.
Ah yes.
Bodhi made themself breathe calmness into their twitchy limbs. This was what it felt like to be alive again. They adopted an angular and crooked position that still managed to maintain a level of grace. The nobles gave them some space, mistrust and suspicion creeping across their powdered, glamoured faces.
“Crane style?” One of them gasped, his mouth overflowing with flaky crumbs and sugary dust.
Bodhi made a sweeping gesture, adjusting their stance into one that created an even more protective, elegant cage over Ham Song.
“That’s right,” they crooned, “so you better stay back. Unless you want your nose to be butter in my palm when I pluck it from your face.”
Bodhi was about to go on about how all of them should feel ashamed of themselves for humiliating a pig, (whose very existence was already humiliating enough) but one of the nobles shrieked at the top of her lungs, “Guards! Guards! Someone call the guards!” |
~ Sun Ritsu ~
It was Anari’s idea to stand outside of the entrance to the Garden of Immortal Peaches and sell all of their prizes to the children of the nobles on their way to the feast.
They were getting close to meeting their goal, but they still had a giant mound of peach plushies behind them. The stuffed peaches were stitched with twinkling eyes and dainty mouths, making them look positively irresistible.
The parents of the noble children were thrilled about the prospect of fulfilling the insistent demands of their offspring without having to descend to the level with the gaming booths and general admission.
Ritsu made sure to hide his staff behind the mound so no one would think it was for sale. Anari had been right. It was just a toy, but Ritsu wanted to keep it. He had won it fair and square.
“Did you see the look on that spirit’s face when you wrecked his whole contraption?”
Ritsu lowered his eyes. “I didn’t mean to. He told me to pull as hard as I could.”
Anari nudged him in his side. “Guess I gave you a little too much Luck, huh?”
Ritsu smiled at her. At least
she
was impressed. Everyone else thought he was a freak of nature. Outside of the Immortal State, sun clones were usually not that remarkable.
Anari looked at the dwindling pile of toys behind them.
Correction, Dear Traveler. All that was left was a single peach pillow and the staff replica.
“We’ve got enough money to get into the Garden now.” She picked up the toys and offered the stick to Ritsu. “Here’s your staff.”
Ritsu accepted the toy as if it were indeed the most sacred and ancient of all time.
Then the spider looked down at the pillow. “But what to do with this?”
Ritsu said matter of factly, “That one’s for you.”
Anari’s glamour flickered. She hugged the peach to her chest. “. . . Thank you, Sun.” Her eyes darted from side to side. “So, should we wait for the monk or just go inside?”
Ritsu set his sights on the glossy bamboo gate. “Let’s go. The feast is in a few hours, and they still have to cook the food. So we don’t have a lot of time.”
One of Anari’s glamoured arms connected with his. “Sun, what are you going to do if . . . if we’re too late?”
Ritsu tore his eyes away from the gate. Any other spirit might find the sensation of her bristled claw unnerving, but he could tell by the gleam in her oversized pupils that she was concerned.
He placed his hand over hers. “Ham Song’s still alive. I can feel it. We just have to hurry.”
She nodded and tugged him towards the gate. The spirits guarding the entrance to the Garden reluctantly took their money and escorted them in.
“This way, please.”
Once they were on the other side of the giant bamboo walls, the guards took them on a path that ran parallel to an inner wall. This one was made out of stone instead of bamboo. It was carved into a chunky latticework of abstract lotus flowers and cloud formations. Through the openings, Ritsu could easily see the great garden and the silky pastel gowns of the nobles.
“Um, sir? Aren’t we supposed to be in there? With them?”
The guards snickered to each other. One of them looked over their shoulder and gave a falsely encouraging nod. “Don’t worry, monkey. You’ll get your chance to tour the garden. Just as soon as the nobles finish up their feasting. In the meantime, you two will have unlimited access to the Jade Pool. That’s where we’re going now.”
“But –”
Anari, who apparently was still holding his hand, gave him a cautionary squeeze. Ritsu bit back his protest and glanced at her. She was not looking at him, but forward, with a serene smile on her regal face.
“The Jade Pool? How exciting,” Anari said with a cadence that Ritsu had not heard before. “Can you tell us more about it?”
The guards exchanged puzzled looks before one of them began to explain, “Well, it’s directly next to the Garden of Immortal Peaches. You’ll be able to hear the live music for the nobles and smell the entrees of the feast.”
“Delightful,” Anari crooned.
Ritsu noted that the snideness had practically dissolved from the other guard’s face as he eagerly added, “Oh! And the Jade Pool has trees with immortal peaches just like the garden. But they’re disguised to look –” He stopped when the first guard gave him a conspicuous shove.
He quickly covered his coworker’s blunder. “We have arrived. Enjoy the rest of the evening at the ethereal and pristine Jade Pool.”
Anari gave another oddly formal indication of gratitude before they stepped inside of yet another grand enclosure.
Behold, Dear Traveler, exactly what the monkey and spider witnessed when they entered the Jade Pool:
Merely three feet wide, but the length of a mile
This pool has no circular edges, no deep basins
Rainbow koi in flight, constant light bouncing off their scales and onto the smooth tiled walls of their shallow domain
Bouncing back again in prismatic radiance
Creating living spotlights for the fruit trees overhead
They bend so low, nearly kissing the pool
So heavy with divine fruit.
A thousand years to ripen. Ten thousand more to deepen the sweetness.
The koi try, but even their prehistoric muscles
have no chance against unhinging these swollen divine gifts
Only a monkey god has the right
To pluck the the fruit and drink a nectar
Ten thousand years in the making
~
So, what did you think about that little poem, Dear Traveler? It’s a reimagination based on the original translation. Not too shabby for a humble bard like myself, don’t you think?
Er . . . I’m
aware
that it doesn’t rhyme. Not all poems rhyme. In fact, the majority don’t. I daresay that your exposure to this artform does not exceed beyond simple nursery rhymes.
You think you can come up with a better poetic description of the Jade Pool? Go on, be my guest, Dear Traveler.
Be my guest. |
How now, Dear Traveler?
It’s been some time since we touched base, and we both know what a struggle it can be for you to keep up with this cheap excuse for a monkey god tale.
So then, tell me what’s on your mind.
Nothing? You mean to tell me that you have no questions at all?
Not a question, but an observation, you say? Let’s hear it then.
Mm-hmm.
Yes, I noticed that too. The nobles mentioned that an entity called Next Dimension was responsible for sponsoring the event. The very same entity that Anari the Spider works for. And based on that last phone call with her chief employer, we know that New Dimension Inc is managed by a very powerful sun clone. Clones such as he are also known for financially backing community events like the Peach Festival.
What does it all mean?
Dear Traveler, how the hell am
I
supposed to know? It’s all speculation at this point and I’m nothing more than a humble traveling bard. Honestly, you give me far too much credit.
Still, I see what you mean. It does seem strange that Anari would walk right into one of her company’s own events, especially when we got the impression that she wanted to distance herself from work for the time being. Perhaps the spider did not know. Next Dimension is massive and involved in a number of projects across the Ninth Heaven. I get the sense that Anari does not spend much time at headquarters. Naturally, she may not always be updated on the company’s current affairs.
Based on the imbecilic expression on your face, I’d say that this is enough detective work for now. Wouldn’t want your head to explode, now would we?
~
~ Anari ~
Anari tried to not look like she was panicking, but Dear Traveler, you could guarantee that she most certainly was. The group of sun clones was closing in on her and Ritsu. She knew that if she could somehow get past the monkey barrier and to the stone wall that separated the pool from the garden, she could disappear into one of the trees with Sun Ritsu in tow.
However, the longer the spider and the monkey stayed huddled together while the greedy clones advanced on them, the less likely of a possibility that was becoming. There was one way they could possibly have a chance at breaking through the monkeys. But that was only possible if Ritsu…
“Eat the peach,” Anari whispered.
Ritsu backed into her. “What?”
Another sun clone barked over them, “Don’t you dare, small fry! Hand that peach over to me.”
Anari dug her elbow into Ritsu’s side. “Eat it now!”
Ritsu flinched, but obeyed. This in the end, did not bode well for him. The rest of the clones burst into a cacophony of snarls and shrieks as they launched themselves at Sun Ritsu all at once. Anari knew she would regret it later, but she was not going to let herself get pummeled. So at the last moment, she leaped high and gracefully backflipped to a safe distance.
Sun Ritsu, unfortunately, was brutally tackled by his greedy brothers and sisters. It didn’t take much for them to wrestle the peach from him, but then they started fighting amongst themselves. One clone seized Ritsu before he could get away and demanded, “Tell us where you got this, baby brother.”
The term of endearment seemed so out of place considering how roughly they were handling him. Ritsu didn’t hesitate to give them the answer they wanted to hear.
“The pool,” he wheezed through the clone’s iron grip, “it turns the pears into peaches.”
A few of the clones shot him suspicious looks, as if he was some thief of ancient knowledge. In the end, they were more concerned with boosting their strength with immortal peaches. As soon as the mob released Ritsu and stampeded towards the Jade Pool, Anari ran up to him and briefly assessed his physical state. A few bruises, but he would be fine. She took him by the hand and tugged him towards the currently vacant wall.
“Come on, Sun. This way.”
The way that Ritsu was limping concerned Anari, but there wasn’t any time to fuss over him.
And even if there was,
she thought,
I wouldn’t be caught dead being anyone’s mother hen.
In the back of her mind, she heard the saboteur scoff at her.
<Something tells me that for the handsome monkey king, you absolutely would.>
Anari pretended like she hadn’t heard the jab.
When she and Ritsu reached the cluster of trees hugging the stone wall, she let go of his hand and searched the
canopy.
Without looking at him, she said, “Grab hold of me, Sun.”
To no one’s surprise, Ritsu hesitated. Anari continued to scan the upper layer of the trees and the branches that skimmed the top, flat surface of the wall while Ritsu worked up the nerve to do as he was told.
“Uh, like this?” His hands rested tentatively against her hips. Even under the rich fabrics she wore, Anari’s skin tingled at the added pressure.
Once the spider settled on her mark overhead, she said, “Sure. If you want me to drop you.”
Ritsu made a sound of understanding. “Oh. Like this, you mean?” He tugged her backwards until their hips connected. Then he looped his arms more securely around her waist and tucked his chin over her shoulders.
“I’m ready now.”
Anari thanked the Great Sage that Ritsu could not see her face. It took a fair amount of effort for her to ignore the solid, warm abdominal muscles hugging her spine. Or the way Ritsu snuggled his sideburns against her cheek, which felt equal to heaven despite the roughness.
Anari bent her knees, latched onto a trace of singular focus and leapt off the ground. She sprang high, just past the treeline before floating down towards a favorable branch. From this position, she and Ritsu could witness the events play out on both sides of the wall.
The spider heard the monkey gasp in her ear while they descended through the sky like a feather on the breeze. Anari couldn’t help but give a little chuckle. She reached back and scratched the hair flaring out from Ritsu’s temple.
“We’re just riding the air resistance. Perks of hanging with an arachnid.”
Only when they landed on the wall did the tension leave Ritsu’s body.
“Right. Unfortunately I’m easily excitable,” he said as he disentangled himself from her while trying to stand steady on the wall. With a self-deprecating snort, he added, “Perks of being a monkey.”
Anari was well on her way to getting lost in his honeyed gaze and easy smile when the wall under their feet began to shake. One of her glamoured arms shot out instinctively to save Ritsu from toppling over the side. She yanked him back and righted him in place, which of course only resulted in them clinging to each other yet again.
Anari sighed and looked away. There was no point in trying to hide her bashfulness. The monkey had to see it by now – the way her body reacted whenever he touched or,
Sage
, even looked in her direction.
“Anari, look!”
She turned to see what was causing the wall to tremble. The floodgates had not opened, but the horde of sun clones did not care. They were tired of waiting. A wave of both glamoured and unglamoured sun clones crested over the wall. The spirits guarding the Garden of Immortal Peaches could not hold them back. Some fled while others were merely trampled.
It was clear that all of the clones had claimed a pear and used the Jade Pool to transform it into an immortal peach. Eating those peaches would explain why they had grown so bold and strong enough to overrun the barrier between the Garden and the Pool.
Anari and Ritsu’s eyes followed the stampede of sun clones as it traveled to the extended dining table where the nobles were. A familiar figure crouched near the end of the table.
Correction, Dear Traveler, I meant to say
two
familiar figures. One stood on the table at about five feet, four inches. Their body was shaped like a bird guarding their nest.
The words left Anari’s lips before she realized it.
“Bodhi.”
The next words came from Ritsu, identifying the second recognizable spirit.
“And Ham Song!” |
~ Sun Ritsu ~
The hollow eyes of the skeleton spirit waxed as Sun Ritsu approached his booth with an ornate serving tray of roasted duck.
Collecting himself and sharpening his knives with a little more gusto, the skeleton grunted, “So I take it you found your sweet little ham alive, then?”
Ritsu nodded with a smile. “Yes. We were able to save him in time. Truthfully, I had nothing to do with it. The monk that sold the pig to you was the hero in the end. They swiped this on their way out.”
Ritsu offered up the plate, but the skeleton spirit did not reach for it right away. In fact, he seemed to recoil at the boon. He did, however, pause in the sharpening of his knives.
“What are you holding that up for, monkey? I’ve had my fill of debts. Don’t need another one.”
Ritsu chuckled. “This isn’t a deal. Just a gift. No strings, I promise.”
The skeleton spirit snorted. “You expect me to believe that a sun clone would just hand over a fully intact caramelized barbecued duck for me to slice up and sell to the general public? With that I could make a tiny fortune. Surely you’ll want a share.”
Sun Ritsu sighed. “I wanted to get my pig back, Mr. Skeleton Man. And I did. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice so much to earn the right to stand here and butcher meat. That’s not fair.” Tired of arguing, Sun Ritsu dropped the plate on the spirit’s work station. Then he added, “It’s your duck now. Enjoy the rest of the festival.”
The monkey turned his back on the gawking butcher.
“Strange, benevolent monkey.”
Ritsu looked over his shoulder.
The skeleton set down his knives and sighed. “Pardon my rudeness, but your actions betray your essence. Never have I seen one of your kind go so far to help someone else. You know not the gratitude I feel for you and your humanae friend. This act of kindness is more than you can even…” He struggled to find the right words. “Sun,
you
are... Equal to Heaven.”
Ritsu grinned softly as he shrugged. “No, sir. I’m just a monkey.” |
~ Sun Ritsu ~
Ritsu was less interested in the Jade Pool and more at the prospect of holding Anari’s hand again as they strolled through the tranquil enclave. Well, almost tranquil. There was still the knot of sun clones gathered at the wall that divided them from the Garden of Immortal Peaches.
As they walked on in companionable silence, following the aimless yet roughly linear paths taken by the rainbow koi in the pool, Sun Ritsu focused on the peach doll Anari clutched gently to her chest and the weight of the new piercing dangling from his ear.
The monkey edged closer to the spider, wondering how he might find a smooth, effortless way to disengage her glamoured hand from the peach and into his when she came to a stop to admire a turtle on a rock.
“How many provinces in the Ninth Heaven have you been to, Sun?”
He nearly ran into her. “Oh! I – er,” collecting his balance and adding to the space between them, he mumbled, “I’m not quite sure.”
Immediately, he wished he could take the words back. How could a spirit not know where they’ve been? But thankfully, Anari did not hold his lapse in memory against him.
“When you were in the Immortal State,” she said, “you told me that you didn’t know your way around the Ninth Heaven like you used to and that everything here has changed so much.”
Sun Ritsu reached for the peach in his pocket, pulled it out, and rotated it between his fingers. He grunted. “Sounds like something I might say, but I can never tell when I’m loaded up on holy peaches like that.”
Anari’s open, dark gaze left the surface of the pool and settled on him. “Then where would you go in the Ninth Heaven if you had the choice?”
Ritsu let the words out before he could second guess himself. “I’d want to go wherever you go next.”
The spider blinked at him and her glamour flickered.
Hastily, Ritsu added, “What I mean is… do you have a province that you would recommend? Which ones have you been to?”
A band of color faintly darker than Anari’s rich skin tone, edging towards magenta clung just below her eyes as she flicked her wrist and said, “I’ve been all over. For work.” She faltered to carry on the discussion, for which Ritsu wholly blamed himself. He was rotten company.
Before he could apologize for his failure to bring anything to this conversation, the background noise of the sun clones became very urgent foreground noise that demanded all attention.
“What are they getting all worked up for?” Anari muttered under her breath.
The clones, who were already hovering near the gate, were now practically trying to climb over it. They hollered and clobbered each other for purchase up the wall. It was quite the scene watching the outnumbered guards try to hold them back.
The most decorated guard roared at them, “Stay put, you insufferable clones! That side of the gate is for nobles only!”
One of the clones protested, “But we heard them yelling for security! They need our help!”
It was obvious that the clones hardly gave a care for the well being of the nobles. They were intent on proving themselves, using the challenge of a fight to increase their rank.
Some of the shorter clones broke from the crowd to try to find a way around the guards. They spread out across the enclosure, searching for a way to bypass their keepers. One strutted in Ritsu and Anari’s vicinity, stopped, and pointed at Ritsu.
“You! What’s that you’ve got in your hand?”
Ritsu looked down at the glistening immortal peach that was a pear just minutes ago.
Anari elbowed him in the ribs. “Hide that!”
But it was too late. The rogue clone’s eyebrows shot up in recognition. “Where did you get that peach?”
Ritsu froze. Although the other clone did not speak very loudly, somehow the mere mention of an immortal fruit attracted more and more Suns. The fuzzy peach in his possession was blood on the wind and the monkeys were nothing more than starving wolves. |
~ Sun Ritsu ~
Sun Ritsu hadn’t noticed that Anari had left the group to order a cute consultant at the nearest welcome booth. He was still holding a half-conscious monk while he stood before a construction site that was mostly taped off from the public.
Ham Song whimpered at Ritsu’s heels. “Don’t get too close, Ritsu. Something about that bridge doesn’t smell right.”
“It’s only half a bridge,” Ritsu said under his breath as he scanned the area. The structure was not made of wood or stone, nor did it branch off from the main landing deck where the tourists gathered right before they crossed over onto the next giant. The material that made up the bridge could probably be a metal, but something about it was incorporeal. As if it didn’t entirely exist on this plane.
The heart of the construction site was oozing something that did indeed stink. It also gave off a neon, putrid sort of aura. There were a few spirits with hard hats picking their way around the debris. Most of them looked like dog spirits, but unlike the canines Ritsu had encountered so far, none of them appeared to be of a recognizable breed.
Ham Song called out to the closest worker. “My good mongrel!”
The dog spirit of an indiscriminate breed ambled in their direction. He stopped where the yellow tape divided the construction site from the paved pathways.
With a low chuff, the dog said, “You two should move it along.”
“What’s that smell coming from under the bridge?” Ham Song asked without missing a beat. He looked up at the dog expectantly and nudged Ritsu a little closer to the tape.
The construction worker’s eyes darted from left to right before he finally said, “If anyone asks, they were
volunteers.
Unfortunately for them, they weren’t really skilled enough to work on this project. They got trapped under the bridge. That’s their essence you’re smelling. The spirits are rotting there.”
Ritsu raised an eyebrow. “Volunteers? What’s that supposed to mean?”
The dog lowered his voice, his lip coming up over his canines in a snarl. “It means, Mr. Monkey, that the victims were actually prisoners. Cute offenders of the worst sort.” Ironically, he added, “You know how it is around here. You gotta pay the price if your behavior’s not up to code.”
Ham Song stomped his foot to get the dog’s attention. “How could their essence possibly still be attached? Those spirits should have moved on to the Lake of Ninefold Darkness by now.”
The dog’s snarl dissolved into something more pitying. “You would think. But that bridge isn’t a normal one. Some big shot organization is behind the whole thing. They want to build highways all over the Ninth Heaven. Standardize the way of travel between the giants and all that.”
Ham Song blinked. “It makes sense.”
Sun Ritsu, who, don’t forget, was an idiot, admitted that he didn’t understand.
The dog sneered, “What kind of sun clone are you? I thought monkeys were supposed to be clever.”
With that, the construction worker returned to his duties. Ham Song and Sun Ritsu put some distance between themselves and the tape before they were approached by any tourism personnel.
While they waited on a bench for Anari, Ham Song explained, “Benevolent monkey, as of now there are many ways to cross the void and travel from giant to giant. Some methods are more convenient than others, such as the ferry we came on. But some giants, such as the one home to the Ox and Tiger Provinces are notoriously difficult to reach.”
Ritsu understood now. “Building a highway would make traveling simpler and easier for everyone.”
The monk, Dear Traveler, was still cradled in Ritsu’s arms. Groggily, they interjected, “It would also make whoever was controlling all those bridges very, very rich.”
Ham Song added, “But never mind the implications of the final product. One of the reasons why this has never been done correctly is because the void has a mind of its own. I’ve seen it eat bridges before. Once you stretch a toe outside the protection of a giant, there is no telling how kindly the void will treat you.”
“But even if you have an accident in the void, won’t you just go to the Lake of Ninefold Darkness regardless?” Ritsu asked. “Those spirits shouldn’t be trapped like that.”
“A mystery for another day, lawful monkey,” said Ham Song. “Here comes the spider with one of those dyed corgis. Monk, pull yourself together, will you?”
With a compliant yawn, Bodhi stretched and shimmied out of Ritsu’s lap and onto the empty spot beside him.
“Right.” They pointed at the corgi. “Wouldn’t want to embarrass myself in front of our insurance policy.” |
~ Sun Ritsu ~
“If you look over to your left, you can see through the crystal clear waters of the Heavenly River that there is a deep and very wide chasm running along the riverbed. We call this deposit of sediment the ocean treasury. Though most of the treasure that was once here is long gone.”
Someone from the crowd asked the tour guide why it was called the ocean treasury when they were nowhere near the ocean.
The guide held up a finger as if they were expecting this question. “Astute observation, my good goose. The answer and the truth is that no one knows! What we do know is that the high dragon immortals were the ones who named most of these territories. I imagine that if anyone questioned them at the time, they would be promptly roasted.”
Sun Ritsu and Ham Song listened to the tour guide continue their description of the ocean treasury and the origins of the chasm. They had gone into some history lesson of the Great Sage commanding a large deposit of iron to shrink into something small and narrow enough to be lifted with one hand.
The tour guide’s voice had faded into the background as Ham Song and Ritsu struck up a conversation of their own. The two spirits stood on the ferry’s outer deck overlooking the shimmering, clear river current. They leaned against the railing while they speculated what Kawaii Village would be like. Ritsu mentioned that he had heard a rumor once that all the dog spirits that lived there got cosmetic surgery to make themselves resemble Pembroke Welsh Corgis.
Eventually, Ham Song gave a tired grunt and asked, “Lawful monkey, I just… I can’t understand why you choose to keep Bodhi in your company when they have been nothing but unreliable and disrespectful.”
Ritsu leaned back, holding the rail at arms length so that he could look down at where Ham Song sat by his ankles. The wind rustled his rough, dark waves. It flared out his sideburns into an asymmetrical silhouette.
After a long beat, Ritsu said, “Bodhi doesn’t strike me as the type to disrespect someone without being prompted.” The monkey turned his golden brown eyes back out at the water and squinted them against the glare. “Back when Bodhi was finding a paper space for us to stay, you called them
it
, even though you knew that was wrong.”
Ham Song blew air out through his flared nostrils. “They tried to have me killed!”
Ritsu narrowed his eyes more before fixing them onto the pig. “Bodhi has an
addiction
, Ham Song. They can’t help it.”
“So what?”
Ritsu tilted his head. “What do you mean,
so what?
Bodhi fixed their mistake. They
saved
you yesterday and then last night, you attacked them for no reason.”
Ham Song opened and shut his jaw several times. Then he abruptly shook his head, looking as if he was ready to dive into another protest.
Ritsu suddenly crouched before his porky companion and cradled his pink head between his hands.
“Ham Song, hear me.” The way Ritsu held and looked at Ham Song so earnestly made the pig unable to look away. “I
understand
that you want respect, but you’re never going to get there by being so harsh with Bodhi.”
Suddenly the monkey let go of the pig spirit. He stood up and carded his hand through his shaggy waves, clenching his jaw in a way that undermined his glamour. The pig glimpsed the profile of the handsome rhesus macaque, which stretched all the way past the tip of Ritsu’s ear. His sideburns briefly edged towards a furrier, golden brown texture. His conical canines strained against the seam of his lips, and the tips of his ears elongated and widened into that signature triangular silhouette.
“I can’t force you to treat Bodhi the same way I would, but... you respect
me
, don’t you, Ham Song?”
Ham Song squirmed on the spot. “There’s no question about that, fair monkey. You know I do!”
Ritsu’s glamour fell into place. Only his canines were noticeable as he challenged Ham Song with a firm, “Then show me. Don’t go hurting the spirits I choose to keep in my company.”
Dear Traveler, I shall now give you a closer look into the pig’s mind. For Sun Ritsu never has a damn clue how he comes off to his companions. And it’s something you should be aware of before we move forward.
Our bewitched, and at this time,
bewildered
Ham Song wasn’t sure how the sun clone could make demands without sounding angry or entitled. The resolution in the monkey’s expression came from somewhere unconditional and blameless. Ham Song could barely grasp at what it was, but whatever internal blessings that governed Sun Ritsu’s attitudes and allowed him to see the good in godless spirits, Ham Song had to
honor
it.
Or else he would forever be alone and never rid himself of this curse.
Ham Song bowed his head in deference. “Benevolent monkey, you’re right. I… apologize.”
Sun Ritsu had a mind to tell the pig that Bodhi was the one who deserved an apology, but truthfully, he wanted Ham Song to figure that out on his own. |
~ Anari ~
When Bodhi showed up at the spot where they left their barrel, Anari was waiting for them.
“I didn’t want to accidentally spook you,” the spider greeted as the monk came limping up the hill, “so I just decided to meet you here.”
Bodhi plopped down on the lid of the barrel and eyed Anari warily. “I’m very tired, so tell me what it is you want, Legs.”
Anari glanced below the monk’s neckline. “I want you to lift up your shirt.”
Bodhi chuckled. “Sorry, but that invitation has expired. I’m flattered though.”
Anari came closer and knelt by the barrel. “You know I’m not here for that. Just lift your shirt up.”
Bodhi hesitated, but eventually obeyed and tentatively pulled the hem of their undershirt up to their ribcage.
“Easy, Legs!” They hissed as Anari probed the bruised area with her fingers.
“The pig got you good,” she said. “You’re lucky he didn’t gouge you with his tusk or crack a rib. Hold on while I get something to put on this.”
The spider ignored the owlish look in Bodhi’s eyes as she went to retrieve some first aid supplies from her paper space.
Clearly this monk isn’t used to having their wounds tended to,
Anari thought as she rummaged through her things. When she came back to apply the salve and bandage the area, Bodhi asked, “Do you share the same sentiment as our dear old, wise Ham Song?”
Not breaking her concentration, Anari replied, “What do you mean? Speak plainly.”
Bodhi hissed against her firm touch before elaborating, “Do you think that I’m a worm?”
Anari paused to look up at them. Bodhi wasn’t meeting her eyes, but she could tell that they had been watching her this whole time.
“I think,” she began, “that you are very good at making people mistake you for a worm. And I’ll admit that for a moment, you had me fooled too.”
Bodhi finally made eye contact, looking a bit smug. Anari briefly admired their gray irises before returning to applying the first aid.
“But I saw you fly today and now I know you’re more like a bird than a worm.”
A shadow darkened over Bodhi’s features as they leaned a little closer. “Stick around and you’ll see me become all sorts of things. Tiger. Eagle. Snake…
Dragon.
”
Anari pulled her gaze up Bodhi’s folded but lean frame to find their tongue sneaking out to wet their lips.
Feeling bold, the spider said, “Based on what I saw today, I’m already impressed.”
Bodhi didn’t say anything, but the look in their hooded gaze suggested that they appreciated Anari’s attention.
Then Anari placed her hand very gently over Bodhi’s wrapped bruise. Suddenly the monk’s heavy gaze morphed into something more vulnerable. They covered the back of Anari’s hand with their own.
Bodhi swallowed before saying, “What the pig did… I don’t want Sun Ritsu to know how much it hurts.”
Not needing an explanation, Anari nodded once. “You can trust me. I won’t tell.”
Bodhi exhaled and smiled. “Now that I’m all patched up, would you care for a drink?”
Moments later, Anari and Bodhi were passing back and forth a shallow cup that Bodhi refilled periodically. The spirits sat side by side with the barrel wedged between them, creating a respectful barrier. The valley stretched down the slope, grass tilting to and fro with the direction of the nighttime breeze. Fireflies burned their candle prosthetics as they courted each other.
The two spirits enjoyed stretches of silence as well as light conversation. Bodhi had reached the end of recalling their fight against the monkey horde when they said, “Hopefully we’ll be able to slip off this giant without attracting too much attention. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if Next Dimension put a bounty on our heads. We did completely crash and ruin the feast sponsored in their name after all.”
Anari set down her shallow cup. “What? Did you just say Next Dimension? As in Next Dimension, Inc?”
Bodhi, whose face was eclipsed in a permanent band of boozy blush, leaned over the lid of the barrel and grinned impishly. “Yeah, that’s exactly who I meant. I have no idea who those big shots are, but if they want a piece of me, they’ll have to catch me first.” They winked.
Anari shook her head and shot to her feet, almost knocking over the barrel.
“Whoa, whoa,” Bodhi sputtered, “where ya going, Legs?”
Anari barely heard the monk’s question. Her mind was racing at the speed of light.
“Goodnight, Bodhi,” she said without much thought. “Thanks for the drink.”
Without waiting for a reply, Anari stole down into the valley until she came to a more secluded grassy knoll. Then she quickly set up her paper space and disappeared inside. |
~ Anari ~
Anari tried the line again. They put her on hold for the hundredth time. She couldn’t even get through to Tabitha.
The spider had been up all night at this. Stagnant call lines were not something new in the Ninth Heaven, but Anari had
clearance
. She was a Next Dimension
agent
. There was no explanation that she could think of that would excuse so much of this inconvenience.
All Anari wanted was some answers.
Why are we throwing garden parties for the nobles?
These were the same people who protected the gangsters and extortionists that Anari was tasked with bringing in or
taking out
when directed. There must have been a reason behind that event in the Garden of Immortal Peaches. But Anari would never know until she got through to Sun Bai.
(You’re on vacation. You’re on vacation.)
Anari shook her head as she cut the line.
Be that as it may, it would not automatically revoke me of my priority when the front office is taking calls.
And the office was open, that much was clear.
The spider was torn. What if she abandoned Ritsu to investigate and it turned out that there was nothing wrong? If she was being honest with herself, she did not want to go back to work. Yet she kept finding all of these ways to make excuses to return.
(Face it, sweetie. You’re incapable of letting yourself have a good time.)
Anari snorted at her inner saboteur’s jab, but in the end, she found that she couldn’t come up with a retort. Refusing to acknowledge that the saboteur’s words had any truth to them, Anari remained torn. By the time she had made up her mind, the sun had already been up for a few hours.
A part of Anari had
hoped
that Sun Ritsu and the rest had been impatient enough to leave her behind. But when the spider emerged from her paper space, she found the three spirits
waiting
for her. She was so caught off guard by the relief and soft satisfaction in Sun Ritsu’s expression as she stepped out into the valley, which currently looked like a bus stop.
So taken was Anari by Sun Ritsu’s morning greeting that she let him take up her hand in broad daylight. She didn’t let go of him even as all four of them made their way towards the ferry to cross the Heavenly River.
All night Anari had been on edge, but Ritsu’s warm inner radiance immediately settled her nerves.
“Sun,” Anari bowed her head as they walked together, “I didn’t meet you to watch the sun come up. I know you wanted to—”
“The sun will come up tomorrow,” Ritsu said without much thought. He gave Anari’s hand a little squeeze until she looked up. He smiled at her. “And the day after that. We’ll have plenty of chances.”
When the four spirits reached the ferry boarding front desk, Anari was surprised by the spike in the fees to cross the river. She was even more surprised by their new policy — all spirits must be registered with the Divine Highway Association in order to purchase tickets to ride ferries.
“We’re not rolling out the policy until next season,” the rabbit spirit at the ticket booth explained, “but you’re going to want to start registering early. As it will be required by law.”
Anari asked if they could have the paperwork to get started. The rabbit told them to wait. When he came back, he only had three forms.
“The pig is one of us,” Anari explained before Ham Song could go off the rails. “He’s just unglamoured.”
The bunny leaned over the side of the register, tilted his head, and wrinkled his nose at the scowling, huffing pig spirit down by Ritsu’s ankles.
“Even without glamour, I’ve never seen a pig walk on all fours.”
Ham Song bristled. “Well, have you ever seen a pig write a strongly-worded letter? Fetch me one of those registration forms!”
The rabbit’s expression went from curiosity to disapproval. “I’ll have to talk to my supervisor about this.”
Ritsu came up to the counter and pointed to something on the form. “Says right here that we can bring attendants as long as they are registered under our name.”
The rabbit paused, his dark shiny eyes glancing back and forth between Ritsu and the pig.
“Well-meaning Sun, are you saying that this pig is under your service?”
Ritsu nodded. “Yeah, I don’t go anywhere without him. He’s my holy peach factory.”
Anari’s eyes darted around as she prayed that no other sun clones were near. She would later warn Ritsu against broadcasting Ham Song’s barfing potential so flippantly like that.
Ham Song snorted unhappily at Ritsu’s description, but Bodhi crouched, yanked him by the tusk and whispered something harsh in his ear.
Whatever it was that Bodhi said got Ham Song to promptly shut up.
The rabbit took a moment to consider. “That should be all right.” He handed over the forms and requested their payment for the ferry.
Before Ritsu could retrieve his wallet, Anari took control and brought out enough to cover everyone’s fee.
The monkey fixed her with stunned, wide brown eyes.
“Anari.”
The spider quickly dismissed her kindness. “It’s the least I can do since you waited for me this morning.”
Ritsu opened his mouth to reply, but he was distracted by the rabbit leaning over the side again to call out to Bodhi.
“Excuse me? My good monk? You cannot bring that wine onto the ferry.”
Bodhi said something in return, to which the rabbit gave a hard shake of his head.
“I’m sorry, but that won’t be possible. Kawaii Village is a dry municipality, as is the entire Rabbit Province.”
Anari and Ritsu paused to register Bodhi’s reaction. Things escalated fast enough for both the spider and the monkey to realize that this ferry ride would be anything but normal or easy. |
~ Anari ~
“You didn’t have to make such a scene, Bodhi,” Anari said as she and the monk took their seats at the bar. “They serve imperial wine here on the ferry.”
Bodhi grinned slyly as they waved down the pug spirit tending the bar. “You say that as if I’ve spoiled my appetite. But I didn’t mean to embarrass you back there, so this first one’s on me.”
Behind her glamour, Anari folded several of her arms. “I can pay for my own drink.”
Bodhi rolled their eyes. “Well
can
you let me apologize, Legs? That's why I offered.” They leveled their gray gaze with the spider’s black, slightly enlarged irises. After a beat, Anari clicked her tongue and slipped on her shades. “Fine.”
Once the spirits had been served and the wine was flowing between them, Bodhi said, “Don’t get me wrong, I’d rather have overpriced imperial wine any day over the cough syrup I was lugging around in that barrel, but tell me, why wouldn’t they let me bring it here when they’re serving alcohol anyway?”
Anari peered at them over the rim of her purple sunglasses. “Think about it. It minimizes the chance of someone smuggling wine into Kawaii Village. Plus they don’t want to give you a reason to not drink what they’re selling. Local shipping companies pay an arm and a leg for the licensing required to bring any alcohol in the vicinity of the Rabbit Province.”
Bodhi absently licked their lips, already on their second pour. “What’s up with that decree anyway? Are they trying to keep tourism as family friendly as they can or something?”
Anari snorted. “No. The reasons for the laws are…” She made a face. “They’re not what you think. I don’t know if you’ve ever met a rabbit or a dog spirit before. Overall, they seem pretty normal, until you meet one from
this
province. The spirits here have an addiction… to cuteness.”
Bodhi’s smattering of freckles danced as they tried to hold in a laugh. “Addiction to
cuteness?
What does that even mean?”
Anari explained, “Anything that doesn’t meet their standard of cute, is outlawed. You won’t see any cars for example. Only bicycles and trolleys.”
Bodhi leaned back and scrutinized their cup. They rotated their wrist so the contents swished around, threatening to overtake the smooth lip of the cup, but never actually spilling.
“So let me get this straight. Drinking isn’t allowed because it’s not…
cute enough?
”
Anari smirked as she went to pour her second glass. With a slow nod, she said, “Even the packaging matters. They all drink from milk cartons, juice boxes, and select soda cans. Portable glass and plastic bottles are prohibited.”
Bodhi reached over Anari to stop her. They easily unhinged the bottle from her hand and poured her drink for her. “Legs, I don’t think I’m going to like this place very much. What if I’m not cute enough and they decide to arrest me? I mean, even when I’m not drinking, the smell tends to stick to my robes.”
Anari didn’t remember asking Bodhi to pour her drink, but she didn’t fuss. Instead she lowered her shades just enough to scan Bodhi’s youthful band of freckles. Their lips were rosier than usual from the wine. The only reason Anari noticed was due to Bodhi’s habit of rolling them in and licking them whenever they were in the middle of conversation.
“I don’t think you’ll have any problems with the cute police,” the spider said as she accepted her cup and pushed her shades back up before the monk could notice.
For a moment, Bodhi appeared as if they didn’t know where to look. “So, uh…” They mumbled into their cup. “What took you so long this morning?”
Anari felt her glamour give a little bit. She hadn’t been expecting to be asked that question, but it shouldn’t have come as a surprise. She
had
kept them all waiting.
“Work stuff.”
And then… the spider just let everything out. She touched on all of those annoying concerns and frustration that had been building up from not being able to get through to her boss. The spider never went into too much detail about her employer, but she did confess that she wanted to believe that as harsh as Sun Bai could be, he was still good. It wasn’t possible for him to be wrapped up in some slimy, bureaucratic scandal. She
wanted
to believe this at least.
Eyes flitting over to the now empty wine bottle, Bodhi looked as if they wanted to reassure Anari somehow. They knocked the bottle on the wood a few times to alert the bartender first.
“We need more.”
The pug, who was only half-glamoured, sniffed the air and said gruffly, “It’s a two bottle limit on the ferry.” Her jowls wobbled as she spoke.
Bodhi made an exasperated sound. “Good grief. Whatever –
fine
. This is our last round and then we’ll be going.”
When Bodhi was sure that the pug would take care of their order, they turned their attention back to Anari and bumped her stool with their knee.
“Everything is going to be okay, Legs.”
Anari gave a wry smile as she shook her head. “Bodhi, no offense, but you have absolutely no evidence to back that up. You don’t know anything about my job or my boss.”
Anari saw the monk shift in their seat, but she didn’t move to stop them. Her protests were soon muffled by the interruption of soft, wine-soaked lips. The contact was brief as much as it was unexpectedly sweet. The spider fought the urge to chase the monk’s lips as they drew back.
Eyes clear despite the wine, Bodhi gently reassured her. “Let’s say that you get those answers you think you want so badly. Then what, Legs? You’ll just have more questions, you know you will. So you should forget about all of that right now. You’re on vacation. Focus on helping the monkey find his staff. What’s the point of all of this unnecessary stress?”
Anari’s hand floated up to her face. She hid her mouth behind her knuckles to distract the monk from seeing her reaction. The tingling sensation in her lips made the spider very aware of how much she already missed the feeling of Bodhi’s against them.
“You kissed me.”
Bodhi sighed into their cup. “I did… I’ve been wanting to.” Instead of taking a sip, they set the drink down and turned their light gray eyes back on Anari. “I apologize for the lack of impulse control. I won’t do that again if you’re not into it.”
Anari tore her gaze away from Bodhi’s. She dragged her finger over the rim of her cup and whispered,
“I’m into it.”
Then she looked up. “But I’m not here for a relationship. Let’s make that clear.”
“Legs,” Bodhi chuckled, comfortable enough now to handle their drink. “We’re on the same page there. I’m just looking for a respectful drinking buddy. No offense to Ham Song or Sun Ritsu, but they simply can’t hang… and I’m not just saying that because you know your way around a web.”
Anari giggled when Bodhi’s features bent towards something more comedic. She scooted a little closer to the monk and poured some more wine for them.
“I mean, you’re not wrong.”
A thought suddenly came to her as one of her true eyes took a peek down the cut in Bodhi’s robes while her glamoured ones focused on pouring. Anari acted on it and inquired about the state of Bodhi’s bruised side.
The monk made a curious sound. “It’s funny you should ask. I’m pretty certain I was healed by an immortal’s song this morning.”
Anari raised her eyebrows. “Then you were Lucky.”
Bodhi, it seemed, had finally consumed enough to make them grow bolder in their flirting. The monk batted their eyelashes and replied, “Lucky that
you
were there last night to see to my wound. It’s a shame that we have nothing like that to bond over anymore.”
Anari mused, “I could fetch Ham Song for you. I’m sure he’ll be happy to damage your body again for a good cause.”
Bodhi rolled out their shoulders and fired back with, “I was thinking
you
could rough me up a little, Legs.” They clinked their cup against the side of hers. “But only if you were feeling generous.”
Anari knew that Bodhi was joking, but her predatory instincts fluttered at the suggestion. She smirked and laughed it off. There was no denying that this monk was pure trouble. Still, Bodhi was a very nice distraction for the time being.
Part of Anari wondered if the humanae came off as such because of the wine or…were they just that determined to help her stop thinking about her job and simply relax? |
~ Anari ~
Once the two spirits and the monk had found privacy in the shade of a wishing tree, Bodhi gestured to the colorful booths behind them.
“The new plan is the old plan. We’re still Lucky. We’ll simply win the games and sell the prizes.”
Ritsu’s eyes scanned the monk. “You said you bought an entire
barrel
of wine? Where did you put it?”
Bodhi snapped their fingers. “Ritsu, focus! That’s not important right now. And besides,” they sniffed, “I hid it.”
Anari, who wanted to get as far as away from the monk as she could, latched one of her arms onto Ritsu’s wrist and tugged him in the opposite direction.
“Let’s go. We probably have until sundown before they eat your pig.”
Moments later, she and the monkey were back in line at the strength game from before.
“You know that wooden staff prize is just a toy,” Anari pointed out when they were about halfway through the line.
Ritsu’s glamour flickered. “Seriously?” He chewed the corner of his lip. “Oh. I thought . . .”
<
Great. You hurt the poor thing’s ego. You might as well have stripped him of all his Luck.>
Anari hated to admit it, but the saboteur was right. They needed those other prizes. Though she didn’t particularly care what happened to the pig, she didn’t want his blood on her hands. And for some reason that was lost to her, he mattered a lot to Sun Ritsu.
The monkey stood with his head hung and his fists at his sides. He forced a chuckle. “Of course the prize is fake. Why wouldn’t it be?”
Ritsu was next in line.
Anari thought fast. “Sun.”
He lifted his chin in response. With her more feral set of limbs, she squared his shoulders so they were face to face. Then she seized him with her primary arms, embracing him in a way that left zero space between them. She closed her eyes and pressed her profile into his rough sideburns.
“For Luck. Ham Song is counting on you.”
When she drew back, Ritsu looked more rooted than before. Only this time, a peachy band of color stretched from sideburn to sideburn. She tried to convince herself that the tingling sensation she felt came from the Luck passing from her body to his.
“Sweet immortal peaches, another ape?” The booth manager growled. “Look monkey king, I haven’t got all day. You ready to test your strength or what?”
Ritsu held Anari’s gaze for a beat longer before he finally turned to face the platform.
“I’m ready.”
While the booth manager showed Ritsu how to test his strength against bending a densely engorged stalk of bamboo, Anari was questioning if her intervention would make any difference.
But then Ritsu stepped up, fitted his hands in the net contraction tied to the end of the stalk, took a breath, and with a single jerk . . .
“Sweet immortal peaches.”
All the spirits swore in unison.
Whispers erupted from all sides.
“Did he just break it? It’s broken, right?”
“I want my money back!”
“Typical monkey. Always gotta be the center of attention.” |
~ Sun Ritsu ~
Sun Ritsu hoped that Ham Song would stop talking soon. He wasn’t sure how much longer he could stay awake. What he was sure about was that Ham Song was not ready to forgive Bodhi.
“Pardon my choice of words, benevolent monkey, but I
hate
that drunk bastard.”
Ritsu bit his lip. Maybe
forgive
had been too generous of an action for Ham Song in the near future.
The pig was also disappointed that after everything, Ritsu had “rewarded” the skeleton spirit. When Ritsu tried reminding Ham Song that the butcher only did what he did because of pressure from those detainers, Ham Song’s response was, “Is that supposed to make me feel better? To the Lake with the butcher
and
that wretched monk!”
Before Ritsu could come to Bodhi’s defense, a familiar presence appeared out of the cloudy darkness.
“Tell me how you really feel, pig.”
Bodhi appeared wearing the same gray monastic robes, but this time, the top layer was peeled down and wrapped about their waist. Their undershirt was white, sleeveless and still a little damp from what Ritsu assumed was water from a nearby spring. The scent of rice wine still clung to Bodhi, but it was not nearly as pungent as before.
Ritsu got to his feet and told them, “The skeleton spirit was very grateful. He wanted me to make sure that you knew.”
Bodhi scratched the back of their neck. “Really, it was nothing. You probably could have pummeled those clones into soup if you wanted. That’s how pathetic they were.”
Ritsu blinked slowly before letting out a bark of laughter. “Me? Are you kidding? I couldn’t do anything like what you did. Not without any immortal peaches at least.”
Ritsu noted that Bodhi and Ham Song shared similar reactions. They both tilted their heads to the side. Bodhi narrowed their eyes.
A new voice broke the silence.
“Immortal peaches infuse clones with strength and endurance. Not skill.”
All three spirits jumped at Anari’s sudden arrival.
How does she always do that?
Sun Ritsu wondered as he suppressed a shiver.
Bodhi also rolled their shoulders in what appeared to be an effort to free themself of goosebumps. Then they said, “Legs is right, Sun Ritsu. You’re already fairly learned in the art of wushu. You demonstrated that back at the noodle house. Otherwise your performance there would have never played out the way it had. Even with the Radiant State activated.”
With all three of his companions’ eyes on him, Ritsu was tempted to fidget. Instead, he fiddled with the ornamental staff dangling from his ear.
“I don’t know any kung fu. I’m pretty sure no one taught–”
Bodhi moved, but it registered more like a flash. Gasps from Anari and Ham Song came from both sides, but Ritsu didn’t realize why until he noticed a tight fist hovering just millimeters from the tip of his nose.
“See?” Bodhi relaxed their stance. “You didn’t even flinch just now. Face it, Sun Ritsu. You know kung-
fuck!!!
”
A blur of pink crashed into Bodhi’s side and sent them sprawling chaotically in the grass.
Ritsu gasped, “Ham Song!”
The pig moved defensively in front of Ritsu’s ankles, ignoring his protests.
“No, benevolent monkey. I’ve had enough of this worm.” Ham Song’s voice became shrill as he addressed Bodhi. “You touch my friend again and I’ll split your spine open next time, see?”
Anari had gone to help Bodhi to their feet, but they dodged the spider’s offer and roared back at the pig, “I wasn’t going to hurt him!”
Ritsu tried to intervene. “Ham Song, chill out.”
The pig snorted in defiance. “My friend, when are you going to realize that this monk is no good? They were
there
at the noodle house! They could have done back then what they did just now and helped us against the trolls! But what were they doing instead? Probably getting drunk and helping no one but themself.”
Bodhi finally scrambled to their feet, protectively cradling their side. “Ever the plucky one, aren’t you, pig? Yes, you are correct. And just so we’re clear on exactly the sort of
worm
I am, I was stealing booze from patrons that were too mystified by
your
misfortune.”
Ham Song grunted in satisfaction. “See, monkey? Nothing but a selfish, slimy worm, this one.”
Grinning madly, Bodhi added, “Sun Ritsu, it looks like you have everything you need to find your staff. I’ve got more than enough wine and Luck, so I’ll be going now.”
Ritsu nearly tripped over Ham Song as he chased after the monk. Bodhi was fast, but the monkey managed to catch up to them.
“Bodhi, wait.
Wait!
”
With what Ritsu could tell was the utmost reluctance, Bodhi stopped and wheeled around.
“Just let me go,” they groaned. “I’ve created enough chaos for your little quest as it is.”
There was a very painful sort of desperation that Bodhi could not hide even with that mad grin they wore. Ritsu knew that if he said the wrong thing, the monk would leave and never come back. He considered their reaction back when Anari had tried to help them off the ground.
Choosing his words carefully, the monkey said, “At least stay until the morning.”
Bodhi’s grinning mask slipped. “Why.”
Ritsu glanced past Bodhi’s shoulders at the mountain’s peak. “So we can watch the sun rise together.” Then he met their gaze and was pleased with the consideration, however small, taking place across their features.
“The giant will roll over and take the mountain with it, I imagine. The buildings will return. This whole valley will become concrete again.”
Bodhi didn’t appear impressed, but they didn’t look like they wanted to run away anymore.
“What, were you a poet in a past life?”
The compliment felt more like a bite, which ironically, eased Ritsu’s nerves.
The monkey shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Bodhi’s freckles danced as they broke into soft laughter. After a beat, they said, “I’m going back to my barrel. Can’t promise that I won’t be too hung over to watch the dawn happen or whatever,” they scratched the back of their neck, “but I’ll stay.”
Ritsu allowed himself a smile. He hoped it didn’t come off too warm, lest he scare Bodhi off again. He only let it linger for a second before turning around and making his way back to Ham Song. |
~ Bodhi ~
Bodhi did not wake up for the sun or even for their friend Sun Ritsu, no matter how hard the monkey had rattled them. The monk was drawn forth into consciousness by an immortal song. Their body responded to the ancient voices blanketing them, becoming one and unbecoming into many again and again.
Bodhi yawned as they rolled over to breathe in the morning air. They stretched their lithe, petite muscles and braced themself for the pain in their side from where the pig had bulldozed into them. But no such pain came.
With a grunt, Bodhi sat up and wiped their eyes so that they could assess the damage. But when they pulled back the bandages and peered down at their skin, they found no bruising. When they poked the area with the tips of their fingers, it did not hurt in the slightest.
The immortal song was coming to an end. Bodhi looked up. They could hear something familiar in the voice as it faded from the air. Oh well. Perhaps it was Luck that lured a high immortal out from wherever their kind hid to walk through the valley and heal an unsuspecting monk with their song.
Bodhi stood up and adjusted their robes, realizing that the place where they stood could hardly be called a valley anymore. There were sidewalks now and street lights. The place where Bodhi had slept was nothing more than a stretch of grass running behind a bus stop.
The monk gathered up the barrel, looped their arms through the straps and hoisted it onto their back like a bookbag for daycare. They figured Sun Ritsu and the pig couldn’t be far. So they started marching in the general direction where they last saw them.
It took a while of meandering, but Bodhi eventually found Ritsu and Ham Song standing around a floating origami lotus blossom. This one was about the size of a rice bowl.
“I take it the spideress is still catching up on her beauty sleep,” Bodhi said as they unhinged the barrel from their back and set it down. They produced a shallow cup from the inside of their robe and opened the lid on the barrel to get a bit of breakfast. Bodhi had a feeling it was going to be a while.
They could tell by the sound Ham Song made in his throat that he did not approve of their timing with the wine. As always, the monk could care less.
“Bodhi, do you have any idea why Anari would take this long to come out?” Ritsu asked. “I thought I saw her walking back from where you camped out last night.”
Bodhi schooled their features into something neutral. Last night they had been sober enough to remember that Anari did seem a little
off
towards the end of their conversation. She had left in such a hurry.
Something – call it intuition or what you will – gave Bodhi the impression that Anari wouldn’t want Ritsu to know that something was bothering her. Based on the timing of her strange behavior, the monk would have guessed it had something to do with the company that hosted the feast in the Garden of Immortal Peaches during the festival.
So Bodhi followed their instincts and shook their head, trying to fein as much innocence as possible.
“She seemed fine last time I checked. Perhaps she’s sleeping off the wine.”
Ritsu turned his gaze back on the floating paper space and sighed. “Perhaps.”
Yeesh,
Bodhi thought as they scanned the yearning in Ritsu’s features.
He’s already crushing hard on Miss Daddy Long Legs, isn’t he?
Bodhi didn’t know why they were surprised. Anari had this quiet magnetism about her that most spirits did not possess. Like Bodhi, she seemed a bit of an outsider. Everywhere you looked in the Ninth Heaven, you saw geese galore, as well as pigs, sheep, monkeys, and star-beings – all manner of spirits. But spiders? Bodhi had never met a spider before.
Before last night, they had never been touched by a spider.
And it wasn’t until they registered how the longing on Ritsu’s face reflected the same sharp
tug
they felt in their own heart that it became clear… they had never wanted to
kiss
a spider before now.
The lotus blossom paused in its rotation. Bodhi held their breath as they watched it unfold. In seconds, Anari was stepping out. She was back in her leather jacket with the fringe dangling down to the waistline of her black shorts. Her long box braids rested over one shoulder and cascaded down her chest.
Bodhi tried not to stare too hard. When they glanced at Ritsu, it was quite plain that
he
wasn’t trying at all.
“I overslept,” Anari said in what Bodhi was sure had to be the first apologetic tone they had heard from her.
Anari glanced between the three spirits and went about adjusting the sleeves on her jacket and checking the zipper along the side of her thigh-high boots. “Thank you for waiting for me.”
Ritsu, it seemed, had collected himself enough to approach the spider and take her hand in his. The way he looked at her made Bodhi suspect that he simply forgot that there were other spirits around.
“We would never leave without you.” Ritsu said, holding Anari’s hand up near his chin and dragging his thumbs along the back of her knuckles.
The spider’s glamour flickered and for a moment Bodhi saw all eight of her glossy black eyes.
“Sun.”
Anari’s breath rushed out of her as she took a step back and lowered Ritsu’s hand down to his side. Bodhi noticed that she didn’t let go.
“We should get going,” the spider said after clearing her throat. “The lines at the ferry can get very long,
very
fast.”
Ham Song snorted, “Especially after a festival.
Great Sage
. Let’s hurry this up!” And with that, the pig trundled on ahead of the group.
Bodhi noticed the way Anari shifted her stance to hide her and Ritsu’s linked hands behind her back. They tore their gaze away before either of the spirits could notice and shrugged the barrel back over their shoulders.
“Wait up, Ham Song!” Bodhi called, pressing forward. “You know they’re not going to let a pig hop on a ferry boat unattended!”
Ham Song only glanced back to shoot an ugly scowl at the monk. Bodhi winked right back at him and grinned. They had their booze and thanks to the immortal spirit’s song from earlier that morning, their side was completely healed. There was nothing Ham Song could do or say to darken Bodhi’s spirits.
At least, not for the time being.
~
You know, Dear Traveler, had you not kept pestering me with your interruptions all this time, our spiritual cadre would have probably made it out of the Horse Province a long time ago. It absolutely baffles me that we are just now getting to this point in the story.
Sorry, what were you prattling on about just now?
Go on, speak up!
Oh,
that?
You want to talk about the obvious?
What surprises you more, Dear Traveler? That Bodhi and Ritsu are both taken by the spider spirit or that she can somehow manage to find common ground with a drunkard
and
a dumbass without leaving us wondering if she’s right in the head?
Oh dear... I am going to stop you right there. Sweet Immortal Peaches, the things you tourists project onto these stories sometimes. There was
nothing
in my retelling to suggest that Bodhi is jealous of Anari and Ritsu’s mutual interest in each other. The monk was merely
observing
and comparing their own feelings with what they were seeing.
Not every story with romance between three or more involved morphs into a monstrosity of jealousy and rivalry. And don’t you
dare
ask me for hints about what this all could mean. Just shut up and wait to see what happens.
The monk
. Jealous? As if.
Can’t you see by now that they are no different than the pig or the spider?
Whether Bodhi realizes it or not, when it comes to Sun Ritsu, all they want is to see him happy and radiant. |
Get excited, Dear Traveler. We’re finally going to experience something eventful since the days of Bodhi’s flashy rescue in the Garden of Immortal Peaches.
If you pay close attention, you might be able to develop some theories. Trust me, it will give you something interesting to think about during the less exciting gaps in the tale.
Why would someone want to actively develop theories, you wonder? Dear Traveler, I believe the better question is why
wouldn’t
you? Besides, haven’t you been doing so already? I’m simply encouraging more of that.
Who knows? You just might be able to get some of the theories that you already have to connect with the new ones that you’ll hopefully form going forward.
Now, let’s get back to the story.
Our spiritual cadre had a rather smooth and uneventful trip across the Heavenly River. Their ferry parked at a waterfall that overlooked the shores of the Rabbit Province…
~
~ Sun Ritsu ~
The Heavenly River poured down into the Heavenly Waterfall, which fed right into the ferry’s destination. From the top of the fall, it was easy to see a full overview of Kawaii Village. The landscape was much hillier than where Ritsu and his companions came from, but these slopes were lower and broader.
Through the blanket of green, our spirits could see pockets of complex residential areas. Even in the more central, urbanized centers, the buildings did not rise more than two stories. The roads were peppered with cyclists and wire systems that moved around yellow trolleys.
Ritsu, Anari, Bodhi and Ham Song stood at the railing as the ferry docked over the roaring falls. Each of them took in the view, breathing in some much needed fresh air.
Sun Ritsu’s miniature quarterstaff earring danced like a wind chime in the breeze, its cylindrical jade surface catching and tossing the light.
Anari’s rich leather clothing absorbed the sun rays while her round shades shielded her many sensitive eyes from overexposure. The soft set of her jaw did not indicate any strong sort of emotion. Perhaps the feeling of content was the closest one could come to deciphering the spider’s mood.
Bodhi wasn’t looking out at the wondrous view, but rather leaning against the railing with their eyes closed and groaning gently with the rocking and bobbing of the ferry.
“I think I’m going to be sick.”
Bodhi’s confession was so soft that Ham Song was the only one who caught it. The pig snorted, “Heedless monk, what did you expect? After the amount you–”
“Hhhrrkk!”
The view for the next few moments was suddenly not so pleasing to the eye. Luckily for our cadre, there were no village officials around to see how blatantly un-cute Bodhi was behaving.
And no. It does
not
matter if the monk couldn’t help it. Weren’t you paying attention earlier, Dear Traveler? If a spirit is caught with or doing anything that does not follow the Cutest Code of Conduct, then they will risk arrest in the worst case scenario and be issued a warning and a heavy fine at best.
Barfing illegal partially-digested wine into the Heavenly River would have
definitely
earned Bodhi a trip to the closest courthouse. Luck was on their side today, perhaps from being in such close proximity to the pig, who still had most of his Luck from the Peach Festival.
Still, Bodhi’s companions had good reason to fear being noticed. So Anari was kind enough to use her spidersilk in order to establish a protective perimeter. Meanwhile, Ham Song and Sun Ritsu supported Bodhi and helped them clean up after themself.
Sun Ritsu found it perplexing that Ham Song was willing to help without complaining
too
much about it. He supposed that their last conversation together had actually left an impact on the pig.
What was also perplexing, Ritsu mused as he carried Bodhi, was how light they felt in his arms. The monk grumbled some kind of protest when Ritsu scooped them up like a watermelon and held them securely against his chest. Ritsu simply assured Bodhi that he would put them down as soon as they could walk straight.
“F-fine,” Bodhi murmured, their eyes shut tight. Most of their face was buried in the lumpy folds of Ritsu’s hoodie.
Thankfully, the personnel at the docks thought that the way Ritsu was carrying Bodhi was very cute and did not look too closely at the green sheen coating Bodhi’s features or the way they hiccuped every now and then to suppress the urge to burp up imperial booze all over Ritsu’s chest.
Since the ferry parked at the top of the waterfall, its passengers had to descend along the face of the forested cliff and cross a series of bridges before officially stepping foot onto the Rabbit Province. The spray from the waterfall created a constant shower over most of the descent, so passengers were granted complimentary ponchos to help keep them dry.
Of course, the ponchos came in various adorable designs. Usually, Bodhi wouldn’t be caught dead in something with a triceratops hood, but today they were grateful for the cover.
Anari’s poncho came in the form of a purple personified mushroom cap. And let me tell you, Dear Traveler, that brainless monkey god of ours thought she looked damn cute in it. He even tried to tell her such as they trailed behind the rest of the passengers.
“They gave you a really good one, Anari.” Ritsu said to her, nearly missing a step on his way down. One of Anari’s unglamoured limbs reached out to steady him.
“Careful,” she said, “you’ve got Bodhi in your arms, remember.”
Sun Ritsu, who was wearing a personified cloud poncho, blushed slightly.
“Right.”
Anari retracted her arm and reached out with her more human one to rub the center of Ritsu’s back.
“Do you want me to take them for a while?” The spider asked with an understanding smile.
Ritsu tried to focus on putting one foot in front of the other and not jostling Bodhi around too much. He shook his head. “No, it’s okay. They’re not heavy and besides, I think if I move them around too much, they might… um.”
“Explode?” Ham Song grunted from just up ahead.
Now the pig, Dear Traveler, was not wearing any sort of protection against the waterfall mist and the occasional heavenly shower. The ferry personnel couldn’t find one to suit his primitive anatomy and didn’t want to risk him tripping over the skirts of one, so they donned his tusk in attractive beads and dangling charms instead.
When Ham Song asked how
that
was going to keep him from getting wet, the two lop-eared rabbit spirits reassured him that the adornments
absolutely would not help at all
, but that wouldn’t matter because they increased his cuteness by a whole factor of ten.
This was the only time Bodhi had lifted their head from Ritsu’s chest to say, “Look at this way, pig. Now you actually
look
like a Lucky charm.”
And then Anari, to everyone’s surprise, had agreed. “The charms
do
look cute on you, Ham Song.”
Ritsu’s heart grew light at the sight of his three new friends somewhat getting along. His mind began to wander off in many directions as he considered the possibilities in this leg of their journey. As the details of Kawaii Village came more into focus, so did all of the ways Ritsu could potentially spend more time with his companions.
The spirits drew near the bottom of the waterfall, where the cluster of signs and advertisements grew ever thicker.
Buy a Corgi Glamour Today! First Installment Comes with 0% Interest Rate!
Don’t End Up in Hell! Come to Bon Bon’s For All Your Favorite Pastels!
Tourists! Get Yourself a Cute Consultant ASAP! They Won’t Let You Down, Drown, Or Get Lost Uptown!
Ritsu noticed that there was an overwhelming amount of advertisements for the latter. So he asked, “Anari? What’s a cute consultant?”
The spider’s glamour flickered. Groaning a little, she replied, “Damn, I forgot about those. They’re highly recommended for new parties of up to three or more. And after the close call we had on the ferry, I’d say that we’re going to need one.”
Ritsu arched his eyebrow at the pictures of Corgi spirits in what appeared to be nautical-inspired school uniforms. In all the shots they were deliberately waving and winking.
“But what do these consultants actually
do?
”
Anari sighed. “They keep tourists from getting arrested, to put it simply. Although if you asked a cute consultant, they would never admit that. Generally, they are fairly nice and accommodating. Not as annoying as you’d think. The consultants are, however,
very
expensive.”
“Sounds like a racket,” Ham Song grumbled. “Especially considering the obvious when it comes to dog spirits!”
Ritsu looked down at the pig. “The obvious?”
Anari explained, “They’re slippery, Sun. Dogs interact with Luck strangely. When they’re around, spirits tend to drop more of their Luck than they would otherwise.”
Ham Song added, “The effect eventually wears off the more time you spend around the same dog. I suppose their essence gets used to you or something like that. But in a village
full
of them? With everything being so rutting expensive and spirits practically being forced to engage in goods and services under the threat of violating crime laws? Surely you can see the sneakiness going on here.”
While Ritsu was still processing things, Anari said in a low voice, “Ham Song is right. The monopoly on tourism in this province is wrapped up pretty tight in the legal justice system. And none of it is by accident.”
Ritsu shook his head. “But… why? Why is it like that?”
Ham Song reached the very bottom of the natural staircase first. He looked back at his sun clone companion, his gummy bear-shaped charms glistening in the heavenly shower.
“Why else, beloved monkey king?” The pig gave his coat a good shake. “Greed. That’s all it is.”
If I’m to be honest with you, Dear Traveler, Sun Ritsu found this to be
quite
unsettling. The word
greed
itself put a bad taste in his mouth. For as long as he had been in the Ninth Heaven, it always had. In fact, back when our monkey king was just a server in the noodle house, he suppressed every suspicion that his employer was taking a cut of his earnings. Though part of him had always suspected this, it wasn’t until the spider Anari gave it to him straight that he finally opened his eyes to the reality of his situation.
Sun Ritsu had always feared that he would see how deep the greed in the spirit world went if he ever stepped outside of the Horse Province. And now he was here. With friends, to his relief, but still… he could not ignore certain realities any longer.
The sun clone’s mouth went sour again when he lifted his golden brown eyes and noticed something rather awful oozing out from under one of the bridges that arched over the waterfall basin and into the cutest territories of the Ninth Heaven. |
I sojourn now in the blessed lands of the Rawesan for a time, the birthplace of Her church. Many are the prophets who venture into the deep deserts in search of guidance, but few ever return with the divine scripture. Those who do are often blessed with the gift-spark and write on parchment, paper, or vellum the instruction of the divine that others may know greater communion with Her.
- The Fanciful Travels by Beron de Laney 376 A.C
As suddenly as my soul torture began, it stopped. I sensed a shift and I was no longer there, but elsewhere. With a sudden sense of vertigo, I fell face forward into what felt like earth and grass. Curled in a fetal position, I whimpered as the aftershock of pain played across my mortal body. Shadowy purple tendrils continued to whip across my consciousness, yet fainter now, slowly replaced by a plethora of error messages. I kept on begging for the agony and torment to end before exhaustion finally claimed me. I fell into a nightmare-fuelled sleep filled with visions of the deaths of everyone I had ever loved or known.
*
I awoke naked, gibbering nonsense to an uncaring universe. Dull sunlight mercilessly pounded my senses as I tried unsuccessfully to raise myself on fever-drunk feet, retreating instead to curl on a soft bed of grass. Rocking back and forth to a rhythm known only to the mad, I chanted “Not real...not real,” to myself. Over and over, a litany to a world that did not care.
Looking across the sea of green I saw that it was a gray and dark day, clouds pregnant with rain on the distant horizon. At the edges of my vision, the hint of shadowy things scuttled back into the recesses of my mind. Across from me in the semi-distance, I saw a picture from what felt like a lifetime long past; the imposing tree on the hill. I was vulnerable, naked, and alone in a place known only to my madness.
Memories from another place smashed into my consciousness, a high trilling of sound flooding my senses. I wrapped my head in my hands and closed my eyes, willing the world to go away.
As inexorable as time itself, a message played across my inner eyes in a bold script;
CHOOSE YOUR CALLING
Flustered I could not help but be drawn to the message, and as my awareness brushed against understanding new text was shown to me;
INITIATE and below another choice STUDENT
Just as I was musing on the incongruity of ‘Student,’ the text flashed static across my vision and there was a ringing in my ears. The ‘Student’ option had changed to display ‘Acolyte.’ Could I get any crazier? I felt instinctively that I had to choose quickly or there would be dire consequences. I knew in my gut that the ‘Acolyte’ must be some sort of hidden class. Those were usually harder to play but tended to have some real endgame advantages if you could master their skills. With nothing else to go on, no wikis, guides, or even friends to explain the choices in front of me, I mentally chose Acolyte.
I heard a rumble from within as text blazed and imprinted across my mind. A rushing sense of power filled me, a feeling of completeness.
STATUS
Calling: $%^& Level 1 Acolyte (v@ri%
Strength: 8
Dexterity: 8
Constitution: 8
Intelligence: 8
Wisdom: 8
Charisma: 8
Luck: 8
SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES
Pain Nullification (lvl.1)
SPELLS & MAGIC
-
GIFTS
-
Experience to next level 0/100
It looked like the user interface, or UI, of one of the many games that I would often play. What was this? Pain Nullification!? Shock and indignation rose to the fore of my mind with this notification of a skill. Before I could fully comprehend this, new numerical markers blossomed in the lower-left corner of my vision;
Health: 5/6
Stamina: 16/16
Mana: 2/6
Feeling vulnerable with my nakedness, I pinched myself to make sure this was no dream, then pinched again harder to draw a little blood. "This must be a game, this can not be real..." I felt my mind teetering once again on the brink of insanity, sibilant whispers reassuring me that it was real, followed by a far-off scream of a distant divinity. At the edges of my vision, I could sense the impression of dark shadowy tendrils, ever-moving just out of sight.
The pain proved this was genuine, I must be here. Was this really the place of my dreams? An escape from the meaningless doldrums of a pedestrian life? The idea both disturbed and thrilled me. Looking at my hand, I curled my fingers into a fist before straightening them again. What power awaits me in such a world? Love? Immortality...?
As I contemplated the bewildering scale of my circumstance, the next message appeared;
New Quest: First Steps
My being was once again hammered by the importance of the message. Finally forcing myself to my feet, I drew with leaden steps to the tree on the hill. Barefoot, step by painful forced step I made my way to the place of revelation. Arriving after what seemed an eternity, I drew a long breath and looked at the scene before me.
A majestic tree that looked like some sort of acacia but with bladed green leaves, with branches that rose from its great trunk like an accusation against the heavens. A smell of strong pine mixed with lemon blossoms saturated the air around it. Beneath its generous boughs stood a crude stone altar. At its foot, fallen from its place, lay a stone carving of a female figure, a crude facsimile of the goddess. “Avaria...” I croaked, somewhere between desperation and joy.
There was no answer. Yet I thought I heard again the screaming of a distant female voice. Shaking my head I wondered what madness on top of madness was possessing me.
There, an echo. A tinkling echo of joyful laughter.
“Who are you?” I asked in a quiet hopeful voice to no one.
“
I am Power Strike.
”
Impressions of a female voice tickled my mind, a resonance close to my ear that left me shivering. Renderings of war and conflict, the press of the melee, an image of a peasant bringing down a cruel warlord, and an unsung hero alone atop the battlements unleashing savage blows against unspeakable horrors.
A solemn note entered my mindscape. A soft choir of angels. A cry of anguish and salvation. The music built up to a crescendo until there was a new voice.
“
I am Heal,
” spoke a gentle authoritative voice, with all the kindness of a mother.
New images were brought to my mind. A man bleeding by the road only to be saved by a blue light, a dying man coughing blood only to rise again. A hope to rectify a little of the pain and hurt of the world.
I felt the budding feeling of real, true hope. Like a game I was being given my initial class skills, I enthused to myself, my heart growing a little lighter. With these I could grow to be a mighty paladin, slaying all who stood before me, advancing in strength, and making the world a better place.
Then something very wrong invaded the last notes of tranquillity. A sense of uncaring, of change and hunger that knew no bounds. Shadowy tendrils once again played against the edges of my mind, but this time demanding attention as they pressed firmly against my consciousness.
“
I am Rust...
” a voice uttered in a sibilant gravelly voice behind me.
I turned around finding nothing, met only with dark hollow laughter. Images assaulted my senses, violating my sense of self. A sword forlorn, rusting as a grave marker to a forgotten soldier. Its serrated blade marked red with blood, corrosion failing to cut through the hide of a majestic beast.
Then a pause, pregnant with all the future of a dead promise.
Shaken but undaunted, I optimistically chose not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Another skill, this one a little more dark and edgy, probably a debuff that reduced enemy weapon damage I thought to myself as I applied my gamer logic.
“
But first...you must look...must look!
” thundered the voice, now sounding a thousand strong. I felt the shadowy tendrils force my attention to the places at the edges of my vision.
Curse of En^r*<y
-20% all starting attributes.
Gilt in black was an error message, the name of my curse.
“
What is my name?
” demanded the voices, insistent and wheedling.
I coughed blood as I was struck by a blow as sharp as any saber.
“
What is my name?
” the legion cried again in savage demand. They had grown ever more unrelenting with a wrath that spoke of the last death throes of a supernova, the echoes of the silence of the grave. Visions of the dead, rotting flesh and the slow decay of alien civilizations filled my consciousness.
“I don’t know!” I wailed to the uncaring voices, my voice harsh as I screamed with all my might.
“
What is my name? What is my name? What is my name?
” again and again, each utterance a hammer blow to my psyche. New visions now of the cosmos, explosions of light, the scattering of the stars, the cruel end of all things. The heat death of the universe.
I saw that my Health was failing as it plummeted. A flash of inspiration struck me then, fuelled by utter desperation. “...An endless spiral of lost energy to chaos”, a fragment of a half-remembered communion with the ultimate end of all things.
“Entropy...you are Entropy!” I cried in a last gasp bid to live.
Impressions of a smile, a tear in reality a galaxy-wide, as the true name of my curse was revealed;
Curse of Entropy
-20% all starting attributes.
A myriad of new system messages then flashed across my vision with the cessation of the pain. Finally, I saw a simple line of text at the end that made me smile in satisfaction as darkness once again claimed one of their own;
Quest Complete
STATS BY THE END
STATUS
Calling: $%^& Level 1 Acolyte (v@ri%
Strength: 8
Dexterity: 8
Constitution: 8
Intelligence: 8
Wisdom: 8
Charisma: 8
Luck: 8
SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES
Pain Nullification (lvl.1)
Power Strike (lvl.1)
SPELLS & MAGIC
Heal (lvl.1)
Rust (lvl.1)
GIFTS
-20% all starting attributes.
Health: 5/6
Stamina: 16/16
Mana: 2/6
Experience to next level 0/100 |
When facing a manticore it is prudent to note that the beast has little to no blind spots. The scaly hide is dense and thick and will repel most non-magical weapons, though across the belly one’s weapon may find purchase. One must also observe that despite being a beast it has some capability with the arcane, with an ability to cast elemental magics from the fire and ice domains. I would recommend a party of at least five highly skilled adventurers to best one of these fearsome creatures.
- Monsters of the Mortal Realms by K. D. Fidditch
Groggily I woke to the night. Above, stars shone in the sky like a sparkling beautiful tapestry gilt with shining pearls. My eyes wandered to the heavens and I saw a single oversized blue moon through the boughs of the tree. Squinting, I fancied I could perceive great craters on the large moon’s surface. Its light bathed the world with a soft ethereal glow in blues and silver, and the grass rustled to the chilly night breeze.
I pulled my thoughts from the stunning beauty that surrounded me. Slowly I hugged my knees to my chest, trying to draw some warmth from the bitter cold. Shivering, I forced myself to look across my notifications, confirming the changes to my character. I noticed that despite gaining one Wisdom my maximum Mana had not changed yet. Still, I was standing now at the full six points of Mana. Perhaps the Wisdom attribute affected Mana regeneration? More importantly, I breathed a sigh of relief as I noticed my Health had climbed to an eight after my indeterminable rest and the painful healing spell. I had also gained a mystery skill ‘Endure’ in my sleep which was at level one.
STATUS
Calling: $%^& Level 2 Acolyte of Avaria
Strength: 8
Dexterity: 8
Constitution: 9
Intelligence: 9
Wisdom: 9
Charisma: 8
Luck: 10
SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES
Pain Nullification (lvl.1)
Power Strike (lvl.1)
Endure (lvl.1)
SPELLS & MAGIC
Heal (lvl.1)
Rust (lvl.1)
GIFTS
Curse of Entropy -20% all starting attributes.
Experience to next level 100/220
Health: 8/13
Stamina: 14/16
Mana: 6/6
I was hesitant to try ‘Heal’ once again. In some games, the system punished you if you ever reached zero in a statistic. A lack of Stamina would mean you lost the ability to move, depleted Mana stymied your ability to cast spells, and having zero Health meant, most obviously, that you died. I didn’t want to die and I was willing to brave the pain again. I tried to think of it as having a very painful injection shot. I hoped the pain from the previous time was a side effect of bottoming out my Mana.
Wincing at the expected suffering to come I gingerly said “Heal,” and willed the spell to restore me. Once again I felt a shift of some sort of energy and an uncomfortable pulling sensation. Expecting daggers to assault my mind, I scrunched up my eyes and closed my fists tight. A comforting warmth filled me, but there was no pain. Looking down at my status I saw that my Health had risen a further two points to a much safer ten. I breathed deeply as tension fled my body. My Mana had fallen to one; I felt a little woozy but there was no hateful pain.
Fighting a wave of mental fatigue I tightened my robe and rose to my feet. No doubt that if this was a game world, then this robe represented my pathetic starting gear. The mystery skill was to be investigated later. A growling in my stomach and dryness in my throat reminded me of my immediate and more pressing needs.
Searching around the stone shrine I was prompted with another Quest;
Restore the Shrine of Avaria? Yes/No
"No," I thought to myself, dismissing the notification from my inner eye. I owed nothing to the ‘goddess’ who tore me from my comfortable life and thrust me into a world filled with pain and suffering. I needed to find food, water, and some form of protection. I shivered as I remembered my encounter with Avaria in another life. The cold realization that she had all but stripped me of my will with feelings of forced adulation; deigning to mold me as a mere instrument of her awful indomitable will.
With the moon high in the sky, there was more than enough light to see. Searching around the altar I found a broken spear. It was split and broken about halfway up the haft. The spear point seemed to be made of sharp stone bound to the half by sinew. I had one of man’s oldest and most trusted tools as a weapon. Buoyed by my discovery I searched more of the area, revealing a rolled-up piece of leather parchment tied with what looked like rawhide string.
Untying the cord I noticed that there were further knots on the string at varying points down its length. I slowly unraveled the cloth under the moonlit sky, wondering if there was enough light to see by. I was not to be disappointed.
Written across animal hide, esoteric symbols glowed a dull red. Fractals and other mind-boggling geometric shapes writhed and changed across the surface. I traced my fingers across the shapes awed by what I saw, feeling an electric sensation playing across their tips. A smile unbidden rose to my face as a voice whispered and a notification flashed across my inner eye;
Learn the spell Identify? Yes/No
“Yes!” I shouted with joy, the inner child and gamer within me feeling a rush of accomplishment.
Another presence made itself felt with images of moldy tomes in a forgotten library, an explorer holding a torch searching the dark ruins of a long-lost civilization, and a wise sage pouring over a mountain of scrolls.
“
I am ‘Identify’. Call and the mysteries of this world you will know,
” whispered an echo of a scholarly voice fading into nothing in the recesses of my mind.
The esoteric symbols stopped moving, their glow fading as the scroll began to crumble to dust.
You have learned Identify (lvl.1)
Finally a success in this inscrutable new world. I dared not cast this new spell, memories of my previous agony still haunting me. I decided to wait until I had achieved full Mana once again.
Giving myself a mental pat on the back, I began humming the victory tune from my favorite game. Though I knew my night was far from over. I needed to explore my surroundings more.
Walking behind the altar I saw a sight that brought relief to my weary soul. At the foot of the hill, I saw a small pond glistening silver. "Water," I thought as I licked dry and parched lips, before noticing small shapes moving around the shore and moonlit waters.
I clutched both halves of the broken spear to my chest as I cautiously moved down the hill at a half-crouch. My heart beating in my chest, I stopped perhaps forty paces before the pond. There I saw dark fish-like shapes about half a meter high and two meters long with high crested dorsal fins. On the far side, some were swimming lazily in the pond, while others basked in the moonlit glow making odd yet undeniably musical gurgling mating calls. The creatures reminded me of mudskippers that I once saw in a nature documentary.
So alien was the scene in front of me that I took pause. As quietly and as silently as I could, I lowered myself to the ground. Crawling along the soft moist grass I edged ever closer to the pond. Thirst drove my actions as I finally reached its edge. From earth and grass, my hands quested forwards and found fine-grained sand before the water.
Resisting the all-conquering thirst for a moment, I peered at my reflection in the water, hazy in the moonlight. Wild frazzled short hair framed a gaunt clean-shaven face. It was hard to see, yet everything felt even more real than my old world. It was as if everything was set to a higher resolution. Gingerly I touched my face before a small wave disturbed my crystalline reflection.
Snapping out from my reverie, hands cupped I drank from the silvery water. Slurping quickly, uncaring of the world, sweet blessed relief as I slaked my thirst. I continued to drink heavily as another small wave lapped against the shore of the pond, this time one not of my own making.
A few paces away from me two googly eyes on miniature stalks rose up from the water. Bubbles formed where its mouth would be before a ball of water shot with great speed toward me. I flinched and ducked down to the ground, making myself as small as possible as the solid ball of liquid passed over me. A moment later I heard its splash as it landed somewhere behind me. Adrenaline flooded my system, my fingers gripping my scavenged weapons.
This close to the creature I felt an equal mixture of sudden surprise, wonder, and fear, which was soon overridden by another scathing hot emotion. Perhaps it was the constant agony that I had been suffering, or possibly the frustration against an uncaring universe, but at that moment I felt a rage I had never felt before. Hot anger boiled within me screaming for an outlet as I scrambled to my feet, launching myself at the oversized fish. My eyes rapidly scanned over the piscine form, the size of a large wolfdog, looking for places to attack. I loudly splashed into the waters, breaking the serene tranquillity of the night as I struck, stabbing with the half-spear in my left and swinging the broken haft like a club with my right. As I engaged the strange creatures I noticed new bubbles had formed again just below the surface.
A part of me registered the surprise drawn infinitesimally slowly on the fish’s face as my twin blows hit it with a force filled with all of my desperation. The fish creature made a gurgling scream as it reactively launched another ball at my midsection. At this range, the creature could not miss and it felt like a cricket ball had impacted my chest. The pain only spurred my frenzy to greater heights as I repeatedly stabbed and clobbered the creature with both halves of my scavenged spear. A dark purplish film stained the roiling waters as the creature turned tail to flee as I gave a last savage twist with the spearhead.
Panting heavily I noticed more of the foul creatures making their way toward me, entering the pond and swimming with considerable speed. I ran with desperation from the water, drawing rapid panicked breaths. My robes were cold, sodden and heavy. I heard splashes on the ground to my left and right, before one of the water balls clipped me on the left shoulder, almost making me drop the half-spear. I doubled my pace as I struggled up the hill, sparing a glance at my status within my inner eye. My Stamina was around half and my Health stood at just under two-thirds. A final dash led me to hide behind the tree as I peered down at the ugly fish creatures below.
I gave silent thanks that they moved slowly on land. They seemed to have stopped near the bottom of the hill, a scant few meters from the shore. Panting I continued to look at them, willing them to withdraw. After what seemed like an eternity, but what could have been mere minutes, they turned back as one towards the pond, slipping once again into its silvery waters.
I cried, breathing a long sigh of relief before new notifications flashed before me, bringing a sly grimace to my lips;
You have slain ??? 10 experience gained
You have gained 1 Dexterity
You have gained 1 Strength
You have learned Stealth (lvl.1)
It seemed that today I did get the one that got away. |
The war had started at the behest of the elves when they were still one people. The First Children spoke of the great devourer, the herald of the end that would consume all things and leave this world a shriveled, cold husk of rock. They predicted that Mana, the god-gift which flowed through all things, the giver of life and the hope of the future, would be ended by this grave new threat.
- On the Cataclysm by an unknown Quassian Scholar circa 103 AC
The place between dreams and control is one where the imagination is free to run riot. In my dream state, I had flown over vast endless plains of grass filled with giant majestic animals, walled cities filled with stout armored knights, and a great blazing desert populated by worms that could swallow small suburbs whole. A cold breeze played across from the open window, bringing with it the sounds of an awakening city. The radio blurted out the morning news, the announcers' sonorous voice filling the emptiness of my small single room.
Lately the dreams have been growing more vivid, more real, I mused as I forced myself to get out of bed. I almost tripped over a pile of books in my rush to the sink to brush my teeth, only correcting myself by flailing my hands to keep balance like some demented cartoon character. Staring into the mirror I turned once more to the dreams, how stimulating would it be to live in a world like that?
After my morning toilet and getting dressed, I had a quick search in the mini-fridge in my room. The investigation revealed a half-eaten chocolate bar and a loaf with mold merrily growing on it. I quickly scarfed the bar down while hurriedly placing the moldy loaf in my bag along with some books that I would need for the day.
Moving to the door to leave, I noticed a new letter from the management company of the building. I already knew it was going to be asking me to pay this month’s rent which was two weeks late. My last job didn't pay as well as it had promised, so I would have to beg or borrow money from friends this month, or heaven forbid from my parents. Always I wondered how the management could charge so much for such a terrible room. There was a leak in the roof and the room was permanently damp in winter.
Making sure to lock the door, I decided to take the long way to school through the park. I passed a jogger going the opposite direction who was determined on destroying their eardrums with the loud music blaring from her headphones. For a moment I could be sure that I heard the sound of an army marching to the beat of war...when the wild neigh of a warhorse was abruptly replaced by the harsh honking of a car in reality as a stray cat crossed the road.
Snapping out of my episode, I crossed into the park and was greeted by familiar birdsong. Few people used the park at this time in the morning, and for a few precious moments it felt like this section of the park was truly mine. Lately I had the recurring notion that my life had been spiraling out of control. My recent break-up had done more damage to my confidence than I cared to admit, and it had started to affect my studies and my part-time job. I replayed in my mind the phone conversation with her again, my curt "Okay," before putting the phone down. Should I have begged instead? Bought a present with my non-existent money? Round and round the scenarios swirled.
Torturing myself with these thoughts I continued walking through the park until I reached a small pond. Ducks swam lazily across the brown surface, quacking and occasionally diving down to feed, tufted bottoms in the air. I noticed a few indistinct shapes of fish lurking in the murky depths. Reaching into my bag for the moldy loaf, I began feeding the ducks and fish.
A frenzy of activity whirled wherever I threw the bread, and I smiled as two birds squabbled over a larger piece. I was just about to throw another piece when a large shadow appeared beneath the birds, a shape growing so suddenly I was forced to step back in surprise. Something flew towards me and I instinctively closed my eyes. I could have sworn I felt water graze my cheek, but when I opened my eyes there was nothing but the peaceful scene of ducks and fish. Shaken, I quickly threw the rest of the loaf into the pond and took off.
Feeling disorientated I hurried to my lecture, making it with a little time to spare. I had few friends and none of them had chosen this particular course, so I found my customary corner near the back and sat down to prepare. My mind began wandering again to the dreams and my encounter in the park. Overactive imagination, I thought to myself. Too rich a diet of video games and fantasy books.
The history lecturer’s sonorous voice, as it had done so many times in the past, brought me back to reality. I loved the subject and had already looked over the section of the text we would be studying, but the lecturer on the podium’s voice was just so monotonous. Ever since primary school, I had been gifted with great teachers who made it one of the more enjoyable subjects taught, but it seemed that I had lucked out in higher education. It required memorization of facts and dates, but the main difficulty was giving these things life through good prose that answered the limited number of questions that could be posed in a concise manner.
Here again, my mind was wandering. An errant thought drew me to picture fields of the most brilliant emerald grass, a viridian sea swaying softly in the wind...
Grass...? I could hear the whispering susurration of each individual blade dancing to the cool spring breeze. The taste of the crisp clean air pervaded my imagination, a striking contrast to the acrid aftertaste of the city. I saw a small hill with what looked like a large acacia tree overlooking it, a vision that would make for the most perfect of landscape pictures. I yearned to go there, and one step later I was...back in the lecture hall as the lecturer continued listing the reasons for the fall of an empire.
I listened with half an ear to the lecturer, occasionally casting a glance at a girl a few seats away on my right. Hair like burnt gold cascaded around her shoulders and framed a heart-shaped face with eyes of cornflower blue. A cute button nose, a little upturned, was perfectly positioned above blossom soft pink lips. I knew her name as I had heard her friends greet her once before, but I never had the courage to introduce myself. Sighing, I entered an almost zen-like autopilot for the rest of the lecture, my subconscious taking in all the relevant data.
After the lecture finished I checked my timetable on my phone. The next one would be in the late afternoon, providing me a little time to carry out a few errands in town. With a smile, I was reminded that I had scheduled to play a game online with a friend later in the evening. It was so difficult recently to find time to do things together as we both lived in different time zones. But first I needed to go to the post office to pick up a package.
Whistling an off-key tune I made my way to my next destination to find a long lunchtime queue had already formed. Patiently, I waited in line, part of the tune on endless repeat in my mind. Finally, my turn had arrived. The cashier was a bespectacled mousy woman of middle years, hair tied in a tight bun with small streaks of gray just beginning to appear. She pretended to carefully check over my details before handing me a small brown package and an invoice for import tax. I grudgingly counted out the necessary money. As an aside, I asked her the cost of sending a package back to its country of origin.
With a sigh, clearly already irritated by my presence, she replied, “Well, you will have to choose between...”
“
Choose!
” a voice thundered somewhere behind me. Eyes wild, I turned searching for the source of the voice.
“...will be more expensive but faster...” I half-heard the post clerk continue.
“Choose!”
the voice thundered even louder, and this time there was a burning sensation in my heart and lungs. It felt as if chains were constricting them, squeezing ever tighter. I leaned against the counter for support as I tried to desperately breathe. “I did take my medicine this morning, didn’t I...?” I panicked before remembering my rush to leave early. Screaming a silent "No," as my eyes glazed over and I began to fall to my knees. Some of the people in the queue behind me rushed to help. The last thing I remember was the clerks' change of expression from annoyance, to worry, then to perturbing awe. As the pain became too great, I felt something important give way inside.
This is what death is, I thought to myself, as I felt a sensation of falling. I was traveling through a place filled with a bright incandescent light before I was wrenched into a brand new reality. Suddenly next to me was...the girl from the lecture hall? Cornflower eyes once so warm and soft now seemed cold, and the lines of her mouth and lips had become hard and unyielding. A wave of disorientation passed over and I could hear a ringing in my head before her features fully shifted. In front of me now was the perfect ideal of classical female beauty, like the ancient Greek statues of yore. It felt so strange, yet somehow absolutely right. As if this was fated, like the final piece of a puzzle finally slotting into place.
A perfect veiled symmetry of face and form. Piercing cobalt eyes both familiar yet utterly alien under sheer cloth were framed in a delicate, now oval face. Her loose gown, similar to a roman stola, billowed slightly as if floating in the water around a more luscious figure. Beneath a lovely high nose, sensuous lips stained crimson hinted at the beginning of a playful smile. With a rising sense of panic in my throat, I began to question what this experience truly was. The encounter was so distant from anything I could have ever imagined in any vapid daydream.
“
You have been chosen,
” the figure intoned with the lightness of an angel, yet carrying an ominous echo of ages long passed.
Through some intangible power, I sank to my knees, overwhelmed by a mixture of absolute reverence and adoration. I could not bring myself to raise my head. I am not a religious man, but a small corner of my heart communicated that I was in the presence of absolute divinity.
“
I am justice and you shall be my herald. All that you do will be in my name. You will be the avatar of my will,
” the goddess proclaimed, for there could be no doubt that she was indeed a goddess.
My heart missed a beat with every exclamation, and I could do nothing but bow under that divine gaze. Still, where bravery failed, panic and fear rallied.
“Why?” I croaked under the weight of the holy countenance.
“
You have been judged and have not been found wanting. A life lived without sin and in service to your fellow man. A soul that is compatible with our needs. Forged anew to be a tool of the righteous. This will be our covenant,
” she stated in a voice filled with total control. I felt a burgeoning sense of excitement and forced adulation invading my inner being. But still, the fear remained in the leftover hollow places of my soul, crying against the wrongness with every beat of my heart.
A soft warmth spread throughout, every fiber of my being was filled with purpose, and every word struck my soul with the force of a hammer.
A look of puzzlement crossed her face for a fraction of a fraction of a second, as if she was analyzing all that stood before her. A hesitant smile tinged with sorrow grew across her face and once again I felt my soul rise with joy as tears tracked their way across my face.
Lifting my face she spoke unto me, “
But, let it not be said that there is no justice without mercy. Though it will cost me greatly, you will be given a day to face the trials to come. I am Avaria.
”
The last utterance was said with such lament that I was filled with nothing but a deep shame; a feeling that a being such as myself was unworthy of such benevolence. Slowly I felt the warmth start to fade from my soul as my dream began to fade back to reality. The peace was followed by a sudden and jarring sensation of falling...
The idyllic dream and sense of complete fulfillment were then utterly shattered as tendrils of shadow ripped through what felt like infinite universes…stabbing into my very soul, drawing me into a gaping void of utter darkness. Flailing my arms and legs around, I sought a way to escape whatever dire fate awaited me. The tendrils originated from a giant maw that grew ever closer as it drew me steadily in. I struggled more, howling animal noises as I devolved into an absolute panic. I sought the calm within the storm. A flash of understanding swept across my mind as the tendrils bored ever deeper into my being; I was Avaria’s chosen. 'The goddess would surely not abandon me...' I clutched to this fleeting hope before it was swiftly snuffed out as I was finally pulled with a sudden force within the maw.
My being was stretched and compressed before finally being spat again into the void. Darkness was so absolute that it was more than just the absence of light. As primal fear finally overcame me I sensed a consuming presence. I could feel it breathing behind my neck, yet suffusing all around me; a paradox of being. Yet the embers of divine revelation still flickered, and somewhere I found it utter the word,
“Who...?”
A voice rumbled with laughter which betrayed an infinite slowness of eons and the volume of a meteor impact.
“What are you...Are you a god?” I squeaked as fear once again ruled my soul.
Laughter sounded again that evoked images of barren deserts and the death throes of dying stars.
“
I am not a God,
” it intoned, followed by a pause which held the time of the rise and fall of empires. “
I am a higher Truth. The final Truth of all things.
” It spoke as I felt my very sense of self shredded, rewritten and analyzed again and again.
“
Avaria is a mere mortal and flawed concept. She has Chosen and Claimed, but in her mercy broke the Rules. She thought to prepare you from my brothers and I, to gift you enough sweet precious time to ready yourself for the great trials. What a foolish child, to think that we would not notice. No respite can be given in the rules of the great game. I claim you now, child of Earth,
”
the voice exclaimed with all the dread of a dying world.
Sibilant whispers skittered across my mind intruding upon my consciousness, shaping it so that I might better understand the being and prevent my mind from shattering against the cliffs of insanity I now stood upon.
The whispers, echoes of the great being, spoke directly in my mind with voices like sharpened glass. Every word was a lesson in pain.
“
We will gift you nothing but our curse. We care nothing for your success or failure. We will simply try again as this moment will fold into itself once more. Know utterly the futility of your existence. However, we will curse you with that which so often shapes mortal existence. I give you pain, as a small reminder that here you exist for a blinking of an eye to the eternity of the cosmos. Take this and know a fleeting joy, mortal. The pain I give to you, you will give to others, as is the nature of your being. The pain will guide your growth in your new world, guide your understanding. An endless spiral of lost energy to chaos. As it once was, so shall it all be again,
” intoned the being.
Then an agony filled me across long moments, flaying the fibers of my soul. All thoughts of the goddess burned away. A moment stretched across infinity. And all I could do was hear the hollow laughter of a thousand uncaring gods. |
The diviners and the truth seers of the elves called for war against a small country far to the west, across the Untouched Sea, ruled by a mage-king they divined would bring about the end-times. The High King of the elves, acknowledging the words of the prophecy, sent his envoys to the realms of man and throughout the civilized lands.
- On the Cataclysm by an unknown Quassian Scholar circa 103 AC
I awoke still naked, sodden, and shivering. Teeth rattled in my skull as I futilely fought against the cold. My earlier joy at being transported to a new world had now mostly evaporated. This world was full of pain and suffering greater than anything I had known in the old world. My discomfort demanded that I look with my inner gaze at the notifications;
100 Experience gained.
New Skill: Power Strike (lvl.1)
New Spells: Heal (lvl.1), Rust (lvl.1)
Level 2 attained - 3 unassigned attributes have been distributed automatically.
STATUS
Calling: $%^& Level 2 Acolyte of Avaria
Strength: 8
Dexterity: 8
Constitution: 9
Intelligence: 8
Wisdom: 8
Charisma: 8
Luck: 10
SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES
Pain Nullification (lvl.1)
Power Strike (lvl.1)
SPELLS & MAGIC
Heal (lvl.1)
Rust (lvl.1)
GIFTS
Curse of Entropy -20% all starting attributes.
Experience to next level 100/220
I scrambled closer to the tree, sitting against its hard trunk. Gathering myself, I closed my eyes and tried to draw a deep even breath. Gazing to the bottom left corner of my vision where my Health, Stamina, and Mana were represented, I scanned my new status;
Health: 5/13
Stamina: 14/16
Mana: 4/6
My thoughts scattered as I realized my Health was just over a third, really more when I thought about it...no, just under half. This must be responsible for the stabbing pain that throbbed all over my body. It was incomparable of course to the banquet of agony that I had gorged on previously. I noticed the irony that two of my randomly assigned points were allocated to Luck. This was my new reality it seemed. I was stuck in a cursed game that felt like a thousand other games I had played across my life.
I could not stifle a manic laugh that possessed my body. Great shakes filled me with pain as the madness tore through my being. My hysteria ceased abruptly when I realized my Health had dropped by one point. I was going to die here. Ripped across time and space to die to exposure under a tree in this unknown and alien world. I needed to think rationally before insanity overtook me again.
I needed to regain Health. My eyes darted, panic drove a manic scramble of my thoughts as I desperately sought something to save me from this predicament.
“Heal!” I desperately shouted, willing something, anything, to save me.
A pulling sensation shifted energy through my body, followed by a hint of soft warmth, then nothing. Echoes of absolutely nothing. It would appear that my spell had failed. I cried tears of frustration at the futility of it all. Magic was tantalizingly out of reach. "What can I do?" I puzzled to myself as despair began to rise again.
Unbidden returned memories of a mathematics lesson once long-forgotten. My mind reviewed the calculations involved with factoring, polynomials, and double-decked equations. I smiled brusquely; I was never good at mathematics but was surprised about how much I could comprehend in my new mental state.
You have gained 1 Intelligence
The message floated across my vision. Incredulously I looked at my status, noticing that despite no change to my maximum Mana, I had increased a point of my available Mana to five. "What did this all mean?" I wondered to myself as another dull wave of pain hit me.
Shivering I rose on shaky legs, leaning against the tree to survey my surroundings. Under the tree lay the familiar sight of the dilapidated altar with the fallen statue of the goddess. Yet as he looked down at his feet he noticed something unfamiliar; a bundle of rough-spun cloth.
"The third person, I must be losing it..."
I gathered the bundle to myself and opened it. Inside was a coarse robe of a similar fabric to the cloth bundle. Hastily I scrambled to put the robes on my still-shivering body, ignoring the itchy sensation that reminded me of sackcloth. Finally tying the robe closed, an immediate sense of security stirred me. A tear tracked down my face as the constant hum of vulnerability finally lessened, if only moderately.
I grit my teeth and forced myself to focus. The world I was in resembled a game, and I had played many games. There were rules and I needed to find and test every aspect out as soon as possible. I wanted to live, in defiance of all the suffering I had experienced. Hands still shaking, I whimpered in pain.
My available Mana had risen to five now from four. Perhaps I needed more Mana to cast the spell or was the earlier dull pain the result of a miscast? Some games I knew had a chance of spell failure, especially for novice magic users. Last time I definitely felt something when I tried to cast Heal, and I refused to give up. “Heal!" I shouted out to the world, willing myself to be made whole. Once again I felt a power shift slowly and flow sluggishly through me, yet this time an unpleasant ripping sensation coursed through my insides. A pleasant sensation of healing warmth followed this. My Mana had bottomed out to zero, but my Health had increased by two points. I now had about half of my Health.
Everything felt like such a burden, my earlier enthusiasm was fleeing from me as I was assaulted by a painful attack on my mind. Stabbing needles beat against my brain as I wearily struggled back to the tree and sat. My breath began to slow. I fought against closing eyelids that weighed like a mountain, remembering a platitude from a previous life before they shut.
“The serenity to accept the things that you can not change,” I whispered as a troubled sleep came over me. How apt...
You have gained 1 Wisdom
STATUS
Calling: $%^& Level 2 Acolyte of Avaria
Strength: 8
Dexterity: 8
Constitution: 9
Intelligence: 9
Wisdom: 9
Charisma: 8
Luck: 10
SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES
Pain Nullification (lvl.1)
Power Strike (lvl.1)
SPELLS & MAGIC
Heal (lvl.1)
Rust (lvl.1)
GIFTS
Curse of Entropy -20% all starting attributes.
Experience to next level 100/220
Health: 6/13
Stamina: 14/16
Mana: 1/6 |
"Yes, Alice. Join our little group!"
...
"No." I replied flatly. "HELL. Fucking. No."
The elf man blinked, then laughed softly,
"Oh come on! Don't be so stubborn. You were quite eager a month ago."
I raised my head to look him in the eyes, "I'll be dead weight if I do, you fashion eyesore," I continued, turning to Lori, "Look, I'll fess up."
She looked at me seriously and expectingly.
I took a deep breath, "After the incident in Rivershire, I haven't been able to use any high level magic. Any. Magic, in fact."
Technically true.
Lori's eyes widened, and she frowned , "Alice wait, that's..."
"I said it was complicated on the road," I insisted. "Truth is, it's...like all the spell formulae were wiped from my mind. My large mana reserves are still there, which is why I started practicing Mana Bolt. Who knows, I may have gotten cursed for all I know."
Technically true also.
Lori turned pale, staring at me in horror, "Oh gods. That's...I can't imagine how..."
That probably had very different connotations for Alice's sister than it did for me. The magic would have been Alice's one calling card and her pride and joy in life.
To me, this might be my ticket out of danger.
"Yeah," I agreed quietly. "You heard me. That's the truth."
The elf sighed heavily, shaking his head, "I knew it was too good to be true. A teenaged human on the cusp of attaining an Archmage title."
"You're really not helping right now," I said crossly, folding my arms. "Not one bit."
"I'm sorry," he apologized sincerely. "But we do need your help, Alice."
"I don't want to join your stupid gang," I growled angrily.
The elf bristled, staring down at me. "Gang? Listen here, we are esteemed heroes of the land, not some common thugs."
Lori stepped between us protectively, "Alice, calm down-"
I waved her off angrily, stepping away.
I snarled, and couldn't help but ooze malice as I glared at her. Everything had sucked. Really sucked, since I'd woken up here. Lori dragged me off to get roughes up by bandits, and put me into high pressure situations one time after another.
And I just took it.
All that pent-up frustration I felt towards Lori boiled over in an instant. She had the gall to give me shit for my magic after putting me through all that.
"You know what? Fuck you, Lori. Fuck you for putting me through the grinder this week. I hate you! I hate your fucking antics, and all the fucking danger you've been dropping on my head. Constantly."
"Alice!" Lori yelled, shocked.
"And fuck you too, old man!" I spat at the elf. "You think you can just waltz in here and recruit me while I'm under duress? You're an asshole."
"Alice, I know you're upset and frightened right now," the elf began slowly. "But please hear me out before you make a decision."
"No!" I shouted. "No more! Fuck this shit!"
I turned around and ran down the street, only to see another one of the demon-beast things standing there. It roared loudly as it lunged towards me.
"Alice!" Lori called out behind me.
I spun around, and saw her running down the street as well. She pulled something small and white from her pocket, and threw it at the beast. A ball of light exploded into existence, enveloping the creature in a bright glow. It let out a high pitched squeal before dissolving into particles of light.
"Please!" Lori called again, catching up with me.
I glared up at her, and she gave me a sad, conflicted smile.
"Sis," she repeated softly. "Please..."
I took a deep breath, and shook my head.
"No. Fuck off."
She looked like she wanted to say something else, but she didn't get a chance. The air suddenly grew thick and heavy, and my vision blurred. I could barely breathe. I dropped to my knees, gasping for breath. There was an oppressive feeling in the air. Like, someone wanted us to die.
"What...the hell?" I muttered, looking up at Lori in confusion.
Her eyes narrowed, and she began to sweep her eyes across the street again. She stopped when she noticed something in the distance. I followed her gaze and spotted several black shapes moving closer to us. They were three large, vaguely humanoid creatures with long arms that ended in claws. Their skin was dark greyish-black, and they had glowing red eyes. A man in black robes was at the forefront, waving his hands in a strange pattern. He wore a heart-shaped red mask, obscuring his face.
"What's that?" I asked Lori nervously.
Lori took a combat stance, staring at him seriously. "Some sort of ritual magic. He's pouring a ridiculous amount of mana into it."
"Ritual magic?" I echoed uncertainly.
"That's what I said," she replied impatiently.
"I'm not sure I want to find out," I murmured uneasily.
"Probably not." Lori deadpanned.
The mage raised his hand, and pointed it towards us. There was a flash of blue light, and the ground beneath our feet began to shake violently. Several cracks appeared along the road, and we both fell back onto the pavement as the earth split apart. The two halves of the street cracked further, and began to crumble away. We scrambled backwards to avoid falling into the yawning chasm below us.
"Fuck!" I screamed angrily.
I stared down into the crevice as it widened, and then swallowed hard when I realized how far down it went. It seemed to go on forever, until finally it reached a point where I couldn't see the bottom anymore.
"Oh gods," I whispered hoarsely.
Suddenly, a plane of pure light popped into existence beneath us. I looked up, only to see a...tall bird-man in blue priest's robes holding his hands in a prayer, approaching us from the side. His eyes were closed, and he was muttering something under his breath, and he was holding on to some sort of necklace.
"What's happening?" I asked Lori frantically.
"Dodgson!" she answered with a smile. "Glad you could make it!"
The avian opened his eyes, and smiled a giant bird smile at us. "I am glad you are alright, Miss Liddell."
One by one, the members of her adventuring party ran up beside us, staring down the masked mage, and the three humanoid shadow monsters surrounding him. Dinah - the catgirl with a bow, the elf with the orange hair and tophat, the avian cleric, the rabbitman who I assumed was some kind of trickster, the shapeshifting woman.
I was still furious at her, but Lori and I huddled together almost out of instinct as the creatures approached us.
"Are you okay?" Lori asked me worriedly.
I nodded slowly, still staring at the hole in the ground. "I think so."
"Good." She sighed in relief. "Look sis...let's have a heart to heart after. Please. I...I honestly just want to keep you safe. And our family safe too."
I gave her a flat look, "You know what? No."
"Alice..." she asked quietly.
"Because," I said coldly, "I don't care about your stupid gang. If you can't keep me safe without it, then fuck off. If you want me to be safe, you've had one hell of a funny way of showing it this week."
The creature looked like a mix between a snake, a bat, and a humanoid body with glowing red eyes. Its mouth opened wide, revealing rows of razor sharp teeth that dripped with black ichor. The largely muscular yet serpentine, humanoid body was covered in shimmering scales. Its head was largely bat-shaped, with two gigantic bat wings that spurted out from its back.
t was horrific, like a monster out of my worst nightmares and night terrors. Its mouth was surrounded by over a dozen claws that clicked, chittered, and gnashed as their tendrils swayed in the unnatural mist that surrounded us.
The worst part about it? It looked distinctly off from the art style of this world. Like, we were all cel-shaded 2.5 dimensional anime characters out here, but this thing was shimmering with a distinct, distorted, uncanny valley shimmering CGI. It twisted and cracked, and then it turned to face us. I felt my stomach churn as it shifted and chittered in an eerie slithering motion.
I took another step back, stricken by sheer terror.
No, no, no. Fuck this!
"We need to stop him!" Lori yelled suddenly. "Now! We can't let him summon another greater hellspawn."
"Lori! Take point!" the elf with the tophat shouted, tossing a potion into the air.
"You got it Chief!" She surged forth, and it looked like she was teleporting towards the mage every step. Lori caught the potion in midair and hurled it towards the crowd of monsters. It exploded in midair, causing some kind of liquid to shower down on the monsters below.
A cloud of white smoke began to fill the street. The elf clicked a button on his belt, and suddenly we could see the monsters perfectly through the smoke.
"Moving to flank!" Dinah shouted immediately. She jumped to a nearby rooftop.
The avian priest rushed forward next to us, "Following up!" he declared eagerly.
He closed his eyes, and began to rapidly chant something under his breath. His hands started to glow bright blue, and he was muttering faster than I could follow.
Dinah jumped down from her perch and charged across the gap below. A pair of claws lashed out at her from above, but she pulled up at the last second and slammed right through the beast's head. There was a loud crackle as electricity arced along her arms for several seconds before fading away completely. She landed lightly on a rooftop, smiling confidently.
The rabbitman who had been silently observing everything burst out in laughter. Then, he disappeared in a pop in the chaos.
The serpentine creature reached behind it to draw a dagger which it threw straight at the catgirl on the roof and jumped at her. Dinah sidestepped easily enough and weaved into an agile butterfly kick as it closed the gap in an instant. Faster than I could blink, it began to slash at Dinah as she bobbed and weaved, trying to desperately avoid its claws.
The avian raised his hands, and a dome popped up around Dinah as the creature swiped at her, causing it to recoil against a glancing hit. She regained her stance in an instant, and fired three arrows back through the dome. The snake-bat demon shrieked, and Dinah jumped into it with a double kick with her steel boots. It twisted backwards over it as it fell to the ground. Her boots connected with the bat-winged monster's chest, sending it skidding across the pavement until it came to rest against a building with a loud crash. It flailed uselessly around on all fours for a few moments, and then turned to face us once again.
Its eyes burned brighter red than ever before.
Lori charged through the smoke forward towards the main target, leaping into the air without any sort of warning. She slammed her legs into the mage with her sword raised high above her head. The masked mage was thrown backward through the air where he crashed into a nearby building, followed closely by Lori and the shapeshifter, who had turned into a wolf again. The three horrifying, humanlike creatures moved to flank Lori and the Shapeshifter as they charged in.
"Focus the mage first!" the elf yelled, rushing in front of me with an intricate-looking crossbow drawn. "Dinah! Support Lori! Dodgson, with us! Defensive posturing!"
My heart was pounding wildly now. I felt like my entire body would collapse, and I would sink down helplessly to my knees trembling if I wasn't careful. I breathed hard, hyperventilating. I was getting more used to these situations than I'd have liked, but I still didn't feel completely comfortable being surrounded by a bunch of monsters right out of my nightmares. I clutched my staff with bone-white knuckles as I braced myself for whatever would come next.
I turned over to look for a moment at the brawl between the masked mage and the creatures with the slender limbs on one and the shapeshifting woman. Lori blinked around the battlefield a few times, parrying blows as the woman shifted from her wolf form back to a humanoid. She waved her hands, and then roots burst forth from the ground, capturing all three creatures at once. The rabbit man suddenly appeared behind one of them, stabbing a pair of daggers through its heart and throat at once.
In my single, split second of distraction, I created an opening for the monster.
"Child! Get behind me!" Dodgson called to me urgently, his hand extended toward me palm up and glowing.
The demon screeched loudly and rushed forward faster than any of us could react. I stepped back, eyes widening in terror.
The elf man fired his crossbow rapidly, filling its body up with six bolts, but it wasn't enough to stop its momentum.
Dodgson threw up a barrier, but this time, the creature smashed directly through it. It swung its limbs, slicing the elf man across the stomach and throwing him into a wall. I screamed, scrambling to cast a mana bolt, but my mind blanked from the sheer terror at the unnatural, otherworldly creature and the spell fizzled in my hand.
I could only stare at it in horror as its claws reached for my face while its teeth latched onto my neck at the same time. I jerked back out of instinct, but the creature was too agile, and the blinding pain hit me immediately.
It pulled its head back as it ripped open my throat.
The blood began flowing freely from my wound, and my vision started to go dark around the edges as I gurgled and struggled desperately not to pass out and well, die. I flailed, stumbling around as blood began to spurt out of my torn neck.
It hurt so much, worse than anything that I had ever experienced before. I had broken my leg before in my old life, and I'd had some nasty cooking accidents. Nothing compared to this. The creature's horrible gnashing teeth chittered victoriously as it reared itself back onto its legs. The image of the horrible, disjointed, unnatural CGI movements etched itself into my rapidly-fading mind. I could dimly make out Lori stopping her assault on the mage head to turn to me.
She dropped her sword in shock as the world began to blur and fade away from me, and I saw her began to shamble in my direction. Then, she threw her head back as she let out an anguished wail of pure despair.
I staggered, struggling with all the willpower I had to stay conscious.
So, this is it... I didn't even have a chance to react.
Heh...
"and I beseech thee, Mother of all life, all that is sacred. Lay thine hands of soothing on this childe."
...and a white light washed over me as the avian priest muttered something under his breath. The wound on my throat closed in a snap, and I felt fatigued like I'd just rolled out of bed. My throat burned with a phantom pain, and I could still feel the creature's razor-sharp jaws on my bare throat.
My vision instantly refocused, and I reflexively drew the symbols for Mana Bolt in my head. Adrenaline pumped while I sloppily poured everything I had into the crystal of my staff.
My heart was racing like never before when I felt something in my mind stir. A memory. I pushed harder, trying to get closer to a feeling my soul remembered. Time seemed to slow down to a crawl.
The sensation grew stronger, and I suddenly recalled the time I'd met Lori. In the Liddell estate within this very town. I had been constantly annoyed, but at some level amused by her antics. Why was I thinking about that?
I focused on my magic core, and began to channel energy into it rapidly.
I suddenly felt very alone, so alone that I wanted nothing more than to run away and hide somewhere safe where nobody could hurt me...but here I am.
I snapped back to reality as the power swelled inside of me uncontrollably, and a ball of blue light exploded from my staff as a large Mana Bolt formed and shot forth point blank, slamming directly into the creature in front of me. I had pumped everything I had in the tank into this one.
The monster screeched loudly again, and it was launched into the air by the blue ball. The blue ball rapidly expanded as the creature was lifted higher and higher into the air in an erratic, oscillating pattern.
The ball grew larger and larger until it was the size of a multi-story apartment building, and the creature was launched over two hundred meters into the sky before my mana bolt
exploded
. There was a blinding flash of light which caused everyone to flinch instinctively as an explosion filled the sky, and a pressure wave rippled out from it.
I barely managed to keep myself standing upright against the blast as I shielded my eyes with my arm. I heard someone let out an angry yell behind me while another person yelled for us to fall back and regroup. My vision began to blur as my eardrums pounded, and I could hear a wail that registered to me as despair.
My vision started to clear up, but I saw double for several seconds until finally...
I fell over.
My vision blurred again, and then, everything went dark. |
Things didn't really start off all that weird, but boy - that sure didn't last.
My eyes fluttered open as normal. A slow, gradual build-up to waking up. I savored the sensation of being in bed, and kept my eyes closed, tossing and turning around. It was a nice, chilly day, but not too cold.
I reached over to the side of my bed where I normally kept my phone.
And, uh, it wasn't there.
So, I opened my eyes, and I was suddenly worried that I'd gone blind, until I realized it was just my hair.
Wait a minute.
There was no way I had bangs... and my hair was blue?!
So, turns out I wasn't in my room. That's one thing to worry about right away.
But what really yanked my chain was... well.
I don't know how to explain it, other than this.
It was anime.
Not that I woke up in a room full of figurines and posters, and whatnot. I mean it was literally
anime
. I was...god dammit, I'm in an actual anime?!
I even did that cliche thing where you rub your eyes to try and restore some normalcy to reality.
Nope! Still anime.
My heart was thumping, but I barely even noticed it. I held my hands up and looked at them: they were nothing like any normal person's hands.
They were cel-shaded!
God dammit, don't look in the mirror, don't look in the mirror....
I looked in the mirror.
I was looking at a young anime girl with blueish-purple hair and purple eyes. A girl who was about fourteen or fifteen stared back at me.
Okay, okay, calm down. Calm down!
I slowly put my hands down and took a deep breath. The air smelled different. There was something about it that felt more like... home?
"Ugh," I groaned, "what's going on here?"
This isn't real. This isn't real. This isn't real.
Okay, that doesn't make it feel any better. But still.
The first thing I needed to do was figure out what had happened. Was this some kind of dream or hallucination? Maybe I was still asleep, and I just couldn't remember.
I looked around. I was in a white room with cream walls. The floor was made of wood, and there were a few windows in the far wall. On the left side of the room was a door leading outside, and on the right was a window with curtains behind it. There was also a table with a chair next to it, and a small cabinet against the wall.
I reached up to my head, the reflection following the same.
I had an ahoge. A goddamned. Ahoge!
One of those dumb swirly hair strands that anime characters sometimes have. The one with the little swirls going around the middle.
I'm not sure why, but I started giggling hysterically. There was something so surreal about it all. Like waking up after a crazy dream or hallucination, except... there was nothing else. No dreams. No hallucinations. Just me looking at myself in the mirror. And laughing.
After a few minutes, I stopped laughing. My breathing slowed down.
Okay, now I was freaking out. What the hell was happening here?! Was I dreaming? Had I lost my mind? How come my phone wasn't here? Where was here? Why was I in an anime world?
"Goddammit," I muttered to myself. "This has to be a dream."
But it felt too real. Everything felt natural, and normal.
What if this was my life now? I wondered. I pinched myself, and winced in pain.
...Ah fuck no, I can't do this! I can already feel the existential dread bubbling up my spinal cord.
I did the classic exaggerated pose where you slap your hands to either side of your face.
And I screamed as loudly as I could, with the high pitched voice of an anime girl.
The sound echoed through the room and reverberated off the walls and ceiling and....
the room shook?
What?!
I froze.
Then the door swung open as another anime girl strode through.
"Whoa!" she cocked her head to the side as she passed by me and stopped next to the window next to me, "What's going on?"
Her eyes went wide.
The girl had short, light blue hair and lavender purple eyes, and she was wearing a white shirt with a red skirt. Her shoes were cute little sandals with red bows on them, and she wore a mischievous smile. She looked like she was either in her late teens or early 20s, but it was hard to tell with anime.
"Wh-what? Wh-wh-why are you screaming?!"
I pointed to my face, "I'm an anime character! This is a dream!"
She stared at me blankly for a moment before laughing. "Oh my god, you're hilarious! I haven't laughed like that in forever."
"Huh?" I blinked, "Why do you say that?"
"Because you're so freaking adorable!" she smiled at me, "Come on, let's get you out of here. I love your quirky sense of humor, Alice-chan. And what in the seven hells is an ah-nee-may?"
I didn't know what to say. I was just staring at her. She seemed so familiar. But I couldn't place where I'd seen her before.
"Alice-chan?"
"So, so silly," she giggled.
"I-I'm sorry, but what?"
"It's okay, you'll understand soon enough. Come on, we've got some exploring to do today!"
"Exploring?"
"Yeah, it's a surprise," she said, "but trust me, it's gonna be awesome."
I nodded.
She reached out and grabbed my hand.
"Let's go, then," she smiled.
We walked out into the hallway.
"Wait," I turned to her, "who are you?"
She smiled and waved her hands dismissively.
"You're such a silly little goose, you know, Alice-chan?"
I frowned, "No, I mean, what's your name? You know, what I call you. Your name. So, what's yours?"
She tilted her head at me and shrugged.
"Well, you are getting to that age where you should probably stop calling me Onee-chan, yeah?"
Onee-chan? Wasn't that... Japanese for older sister?
I shook my head, "I don't think so. I just meant...I'd like to call you something other than that?" I stated carefully.
She chuckled, "Look at you trying to act cool again." She rolled her eyes and sighed, "Fine, fine. We're adventurers now anyway. Call me Lori, then."
"Lori...?"
"Yep! Now, let's get you geared up and outta here for a big first day!"
"Geared up?"
"Sure, why not? We've gotta show our faces around town, after all. Right?"
I blinked.
"Alrighty, follow me, I'll take care of everything."
We entered the bedroom area and she pulled clothes out of the closet and dresser. I watched her curiously, wondering what exactly she would pick out.
I blinked, and suddenly, she was in a full set of french style breastplate and half gauntlets, a matching mailed skirt with a puffy waistband, and high plated boots. She had a sword on her hip that shimmered with some ornate-looking runic carvings.
Woah.
I stood there awkwardly while she changed into her outfit. Then she helped me change mine. I felt her yank my pajamas off over my head, and in a blur of motion, I was fully dressed.
I looked like a mage. I wore a simple black robe over a simple dress. I had a belt with two pockets, which contained a wand and staff. In addition, there was a bag slung across my shoulders; I could see inside of it when I tilted my head slightly upward and backwards. It appeared to contain scrolls and potions, all kinds of odds and end like rings and small gemstones, and an oversized wizard hat.
When Lori saw me, she gasped and clapped excitedly, "Wow! Look at you! You look great!"
I scowled at nobody in particular. "Thanks, I suppose?"
"Don't worry," she grinned, "Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature."
She winked, "Now hurry up, we're running late!"
"Huh?" I asked, confused.
"Yes," she replied impatiently, "Now come on, we've got a big day ahead!"
"Wait just a minute..."
"Time awaits for no-one!" she slapped both of her palms together and gave me a thumbs up.
I furrowed my brow.
She continued on with her exposition, "Look. Our group has gotten pretty popular lately! We take on the biggest and meeeeeeaaanest of monsters out of people's nightmares."
Lori pumped her fists in the air, and suddenly her lavender eyes were replaced by stars. I could see sparkles coming off her entire body as she
squeed.
"And with my little sister, the prodigy mage, our party is complete! We can stop our spiraling finances, and get mother and father out of debt in no time. Maybe we'll get to keep the house!
And steak on our tables!"
Her countenance shifted away from her....sparkling gushing, and her eyes were suddenly hidden by a dark shadow.
"Maybe....maybe we'll finally be the ones to take down the Demon Lord! Those beasties won't know what hit 'em!
Fufufufufufu!
!!"
I stared at her, and I could feel my right eye twitching involuntarily.
Oh. Hell. No. |
Lori rushed forward with a roar, swinging her fist at Zlatan's midsection. Her arm swung faster than any human should be able to move, and she threw a strike at him.
It hurt my neck just watching her punch that guy. But apparently, Zlatan was expecting that and dodged it easily. He caught her wrist in his own hands, pinning her arms against her body while twisting around to bring one knee up between her legs. She fell backward onto the ground with a thud, groaning loudly.
The catboy stepped forwards, grabbing the hilt of a short sword hanging from his belt. He drew it smoothly, pointing the blade directly at Lori's throat.
"You're making quite a mess," he said calmly. "Are you planning on cleaning this up yourself, little missy?"
I swallowed hard. This was bad...really, REALLY BAD!
If I hadn't known better, I might have thought this was part of some sort of trap.
I decided to try and help out anyway. Maybe I can distract him somehow?
I coughed, clearing my throat loudly so he'd notice me. "Um, excuse me..." I called out in a girlish voice, stepping closer.
His head snapped towards me. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of me in the shadows, and he started to speak, but I interrupted him. "Uh, sorry to bother you sirs, but I think you may need medical attention. Soon."
I stepped out of the shadows and glared at Zlatan.
Oh shit! Why did I say THAT?! Now he's going to kill me too!
I crossed my arms and tried to project as much confidence as possible. My arms just started trembling. I could feel my heart racing away from me as my pulse picked up.
Even if it was on a reckless, unbalanced attack, there was no way I could defend myself against them if Lori got taken down that easily.
The elf and brown-skinned looked at each other confusedly, and Zlatan paled visibly.
"Men. That's the girl from Rivershire Crossing..."
The elf stared at my arms, trembling. "T...This bloodlust..." he muttered, staring at my trembling arms.
At that statement, all three of them took a step back.
"Well, if you insist, I guess I don't mind helping you clean up your mess," I continued. I gave my best impression of a serene anime protagonist and flicked my stupid ahoge while walking forward.
I took a deep breath and held it for several seconds before letting go, exhaling forcefully, and staring at them. Hard.
"Stealing from the Adventurer's Guild...is strictly forbidden."
The background started ghoulish red and hazy. Everything distorted and twisted. Wait, was that me doing it?!
It was clearly a group hallucination, but ghosts and ghastly creatures began screaming in our mind's eyes. A witch's laughter went off, and my face projected into an abstract, laughing face with a cut-out mouth, empty cut-out eyes, and a matching hat.
My heart continued to pound in my chest. I was scared stiff, but I refused to show it. I was determined not to give them any reason to suspect that I wasn't a threat.
I focused my will on my staff, focusing on the enchanted crystal core. I only had the one levitation spell, but I focused on it with all the energy I had.
"Ahahahahahah AHAHAHAHAHA!" I laughed as the hallucinatory caricature of my face with a witch's hat cackled.
All the crates began to levitate in the air at once, and the dumbfounded catboy watched his loosely-held sword lift into the air.
And then I heard it. And smelled it. The sound and smell of the men collectively pissing themselves.
In a flash, Lori grabbed the catboy's sword out of the air and turned to wrap Zlatan in a chokehold.
"Hah! That's my sister!" Lori smirked.
Then she brought her elbow down sharply into his jaw. With a loud crunch, his head snapped back, knocking him unconscious.
The catboy stood still for a few moments, staring blankly ahead. Then, he slumped onto his knees before collapsing entirely to the ground, sobbing and pissing himself.
That was the first time I ever saw someone pee themselves like that.
I turned back to Zlatan. He was lying on the ground, clutching his bleeding mouth with both hands. Blood trickled through his fingers and soaked the dirt beneath him. He stared up at me in sheer terror.
"Wh-what are you?!" he cried out, trying desperately to stand up.
Lori stepped up beside me, glaring down at him. "What does it look like she is?"
She smiled and then offered me a fist bump.
My heart was pounding so fast I thought it would explode out of my chest. I was terrified, but I couldn't allow myself to show weakness. I put on my poker face, stared coldly down at Zlatan, and painstakingly returned Lori's gesture.
"Good work," she whispered. "Let's turn him in."
I nodded silently and winced as Lori kicked Zlatan in the ribs, sending him slamming into the alley wall. She dragged him by his arms to the front door of the Adventurer's Guild.
I leaned down to look the catboy square in his heterochromatic eyes. My lips twitched as anxiety almost overwhelmed me entirely, but I held it in.
"You'll be a good boy for us, won't you? Your friends too? Yes?"
I asked softly, tilting my head.
"Y-yes," the three of them replied weakly. The catboy wiped tears from his eyes with his shirt sleeves.
"Thank you very much."
With that, we walked inside and handed the unconscious Zlatan over to the receptionist. Seeing us walk in with Zlatan's unconscious body in tow, the imposter manager immediately began to try and run, as well as all the (presumably) Picaroso gang members in the crowd.
They quickly scattered when they realized who was there. Chaos erupted as officials and adventurers alike began to chase them down.
We sat at the bar and ordered drinks. Lori seemed particularly happy about something, but she didn't tell me what was happening. Instead, she told the bartender to buy everyone that caught a Picaroso member a round. I sniffed the mead here and was definitely tempted, but I thought better. I stuck with some floral tea instead.
As the chaos died outside, the mood inside gradually shifted to a celebration. Everyone cheered, drank, danced, and sang songs together. We stayed until the sun came up, celebrating our victory. After that, Lori and I retired to our rooms for the night.
After waking up late the following day, I headed straight to the guild office to see if anything new had come up regarding Zlatan or the case. When I arrived, I found out that Zlatan had been formally arrested by a pair of guards, along with a dozen other Picaros, after being caught breaking into the Adventurers Guild. There were a lot of witnesses to testify that he'd stolen some items.
I sighed in relief and let out a small laugh. It felt good to know that one of the ringleaders of the people that roofied me was locked up safely. Hopefully, he wouldn't escape jail.
When I finished talking with the receptionist, I left the guild. As soon as I stepped out of the building, I spotted a familiar figure waiting patiently.
"Hey there, Alice-chan!" Lori grinned at me cheerfully, waving excitedly. Her face lit up even more when she noticed my bag.
"Where'd you get those?" she asked, pointing to my bags.
"Oh, these? Well, uh...I got some basic spellbooks," I said sheepishly. "I figured I'd retrace some of my fundamentals, you know?"
She gave me an odd look before flashing me a bright smile.
"Yeah right. You're probably planning to sell them on the market at home for a quick profit aren't ya?" she teased, smiling brightly. "Don't worry, I'm not mad at you."
I shrugged noncommittally and started with her towards the carriage service.
"So...whaddya think of yesterday?" she asked casually.
I stopped walking and turned to her. "Why do you ask? What did I miss?"
Her smile grew wider, and she answered with a cheerful tone. "Nothing really big happened last night. But apparently, Zlatan and his crew is officially indicted now. That was quick!"
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow skeptically. "How many charges did they throw at him?"
That was....a little too quick for my comfort. What was the criminal justice system in this place like? That gave me a very uneasy feeling.
Lori shook her head. "They say he broke into the Adventurer's Guild and stole a bunch of stuff. But that's nothing compared to the news coming from the capital today!" Lori exclaimed happily.
A chill ran down my spine. I don't know; I just had a gut feeling. "News from the capital? Is everything okay?"
She giggled, shaking her head. "Not exactly...but it seems like the king's finally decided to take mobilized action against the Picarosa Gang next month."
"Is he mobilizing the army to arrest them already?!" I gasped in surprise.
Lori shook her head again, grinning mischievously. "Naw, they're not taking any direct military actions yet. Just arresting their known leaders and money movers. Hopefully the whole gang might end up getting wiped out without anyone actually dying."
"Huh...so that's good, isn't it?" I asked curiously.
Lori gave me another smug grin. "Yep! Low casualties, low bloodshed Hopefully. If anything happens, it'll just be a few head honchos."
"Right..." I muttered uncomfortably. "Well, thank you for letting me know."
"Sure thing! Oh yeah, the two of us are getting formal public credit for this whole crackdown because we brought in Zlatan. Can you believe it?"
She swept her hands across the air and began to do her rambling thing again.
"The Liddell sisters. Responsible for finally initiating a crackdown on the Picarosa Gang! Dealing a fateful blow to one of the most sinister and notorious organized crime syndicates in the Kingdom of Cheshire! I mean, they gave me the option to opt out, but I felt like we could use the rep boost. Especially with my little sister just coming on as an adventurer."
I just stopped walking and stared at her. The implications of pissing off what she just did came crashing down on me. She'd just flipped off a giant middle finger to the Mafia.
"Lori..." my eyes darkened, and that ghoulish miasma I had been leaking last night came back.
"A-Alice-chan?!" she shrank away.
"Are. You. For. Fucking. Real?!??!?!" |
I spent the entire morning and early afternoon filling out forms and signing documents at the Adventurers' Guild in the Royal Capital.
When I finally finished, I realized I still needed to eat lunch. Since I had nothing better to do, I decided to wander through the city until I found somewhere to eat. Lori had gone out to run some errands for her adventuring party, and we were supposed to meet back at the inn.
"Excuse me miss..." A voice interrupted my thoughts.
A middle-aged Orcish-looking man wearing an official uniform approached me cautiously, his hand held out palm upwards. His hair was graying but cut neatly short and parted down the center. He wore a crisp white shirt under a brown leather vest over a blue tunic, which seemed quite fashionable compared to the raggedy outfits worn by most civilians. Despite being older than average, his physique remained strong.
He was tall enough that I needed to crane my neck to meet his gaze. After a few moments, he spoke again. "...are you Miss Alice?"
"Yup." I nodded politely. "What do you want?"
His eyes narrowed suspiciously but widened in surprise when he saw my Rank C insignia. "Oh! Congratulations on formalizing Rank C!"
"Yeah." I shrugged indifferently.
"I hope you won't mind answering a few questions," he began hesitantly. "First, may I ask where you hail from?"
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Ahh! Oh dear." He took a deep breath and straightened his spine. "I apologize. Of course I meant 'where are you currently living'. Please forgive my rudeness."
I chuckled lightly. I thought about it for a minute, but suddenly I remembered the signs I'd passed. "I umn, live in Halton, one of the capital's large suburban towns?"
"Halton!" He exclaimed delightedly. "Do you know Lord Garth Duskswain? He used to be the leader of our local branch of the Adventurer's Guild."
Garth Duskywind?
I shook my head. I knew next to nothing about this world or my body's existing relationships.
"I see." He frowned slightly. "In that case, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Colonel Garenna Rufus, commander of the Royal Army garrison stationed in the Royal Capital. May I have a moment of your time?"
"Sure," I agreed noncommittally.
We briefly discussed my background, how long I'd lived in Halton, and whether or not I had any family members who were still alive back home. Then he asked if I wanted to join the military.
"Huh?" I blinked. "Why would I do that?"
Colonel Rufus smiled apologetically. "My apologies for asking such a bold question, but I assure you that joining the army as a commissioned adventurer will greatly improve your standing among the locals. You'll gain access to many privileges and benefits unavailable elsewhere."
"Like what?" I tilted my head curiously.
"For instance..." He glanced around furtively as though someone might overhear us. "If you choose to serve in the military, your rank and status will automatically increase to match that of an officer. If you are willing to become a soldier, you will receive additional pay and training to prepare you for combat against the looming Demon Invasion threat. In addition, you will be provided with housing, food, clothing, medical care, and even a stipend for travel expenses. On top of these perks, you will also earn respect from everyone else in society."
Wait, wait, wait, hold up, Demonic invasion threat? What is going on? Is there a demon invasion going on in this world? Lori mentioned something about a Demon Lord, but...
"This is a very exciting opportunity for anyone interested in serving their country and protecting others," he enthused. "But I understand that not every person is suited for active duty. For those who wish to contribute without risking life and limb, we have several positions available. Our Intelligence Corps is always seeking volunteers with special skillsets and well. you can see I am here at the Adventurer's Guild searching for young talent personally. Members will be treated as reserves, and will be able to continue as active-duty adventurers."
I considered his offer carefully. It sounded interesting. Not only did it involve a lot less danger than combat, but I wouldn't have to worry about getting hurt anymore. Should I give it some consideration?
This guy really reminded me of all the US military recruiters at home and all the horror stories I'd remembered about people signing their lives and sanity away.
"I think I'll pass," I replied slowly.
Rufus bowed deeply. "Of course. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. My door is open anytime you change your mind."
He handed me a metal card stamped with the crest of the Royal Army, then turned and walked away briskly towards another group of soldiers waiting outside the building. As soon as they spotted him, they saluted and followed behind him.
I watched them go silently for a bit before turning my attention back to the cityscape around me. The Royal Capital looked pretty nice, actually.
Compared to Halton, the town I'd come from with Lori, it felt almost futuristic. Like, 1800s London.
Buildings were taller, cleaner, and brighter than anything I could remember seeing in the town. They weren't all built out of stone either; there were buildings with visible metal components and concrete, but most appeared to be constructed from brick or wood. There were some old-time 19th-century complexes, and the architecture was very reminiscent of European design from that time period.
No large roads ran through most of the city proper, but instead, wide boulevards lined with trees. Gondolas floated down canals and rivers that ran through the entire city, and the water shimmered against the late-afternoon sun. Most buildings were multi-story affairs, but a few smaller shops were located on the ground floor. The Royal Capital was a port city by a gulf, so I could see boats that reminded me of Spanish galleons docked at a pier near the central square.
They had cannons mounted on their decks, but they also seemed to have ornate-looking anti-air ballistae pointed to the sky, which made me wonder just what the technological level of this world and country was at.
However, there was little traffic because everything was moving fast. People ran everywhere, carrying loads or pushing carts filled with goods. Spotted zebra-like horses pulled carriages loaded with passengers while other pedestrians rode odd-looking bicycles or those bird-horse-like creatures. I blinked as I saw something like a modern-day hoverboard zoom past me, powered by what looked like steam.
As far as I could tell, none of these things existed in my world with a direct, 1:1 comparison.
I wondered if I was looking into a mirror dimension where my own world had been transported. That would explain why I recognized the language spoken around me—but it didn't help answer the bigger mystery: how I ended up here in the first place.
After a few minutes, I noticed a small shop off the side. It was painted bright red, and its sign read "Café." Curious and hungry, I made my way over.
The inside was tiny, crowded with tables and chairs crammed together tightly. The walls were decorated with framed paintings depicting landscapes similar to the ones I'd seen in the castle town. One painting showed a waterfall surrounded by lush green forest, while another pictured rolling hills covered with colorful flowers. Another featured a field of white flowers stretching across the horizon.
There were lots of people walking around, too, dressed casually in whatever style they liked best. Some wore robes like mine, while others favored leather jackets or ...jeans? In any case, this looked less like a proper café than an art gallery serving coffee. Not a single baguette in sight.
I poked my head back out of the café and continued to walk around.
So many people were milling around that I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Wherever I stepped, people moved out of my way instinctively. At least half of them were women. Everyone was friendly and polite, smiling at me whenever we passed each other on the street. Even though I was new here, people kept giving me weird looks. Was it because of the outfit? Either way, I definitely wasn't comfortable yet.
My stomach grumbled in hunger again, and I frowned, rubbing it thoughtfully. I had been thrown for a loop since I'd woken up in this world. Lori was perfectly happy to just keep dragging me from place to place, from one situation involving dangerous criminals to another. Yet again, I was left hungry from official adventuring work and documentation.
After wandering aimlessly for a while longer, I ended up in front of a... large high fantasy shopping mall. I stopped to look inside and gawked at a four-story building in shock. It looked like a modern roadside shopping mall, but it was packed with all kinds of odds and ends.
A massive clock tower displayed the time in big numbers atop the roof over a glass ceiling. Like my original world, it was separated by twelve numbers and thirty-degree angles. It struck midday when I arrived, and the bells rang loudly throughout the entire building.
People milled everywhere, browsing racks and shelves full of clothes and accessories. Everything from jewelry to swords and shields hung on display, and the store clerks stood ready to assist customers with any questions. I looked around in wonder as I passed through the mall.
I was passing by a store full of various gemstones and jewelry when I heard a bell ringing somewhere overhead as an elf sales clerk beckoned to me excitedly.
"Hey! Hey, hey!" She waved enthusiastically at me. Her blonde hair fell past her shoulders, tied in two neat pigtails. A red ribbon adorned the tips of both braids, and she wore a green dress underneath a matching jacket decorated with golden embroidery.
She smiled at me, and I felt the room light up in sparkles and happiness. Literally.
The girl was gorgeous, and I stared at her with a blush for a second.
"Um..." I cleared my throat nervously. "Can I help you?"
Her smile faltered slightly, but then she quickly regained her composure. "Oh yes, hello there. Are you lost, dear? Do you need directions?"
"No, um..." I stammered. "Actually, I'm looking for food. Can you direct me to somewhere nearby?"
She furrowed her brow in confusion for a moment before shaking herself free from whatever thoughts were occupying her mind.
"Oh! Right. Yes, sure thing." She pointed across the road at an eatery sign across the mall. "Over there, you can find anything you're hungry for."
"Thanks," I said gratefully, then turned and headed to an establishment that looked like a tavern in a mall.
I walked a few steps toward it, and I just...stared. My eyes darted left to right, trying desperately not to let the sheer amount of stuff get the better of me.
It was a tavern, but...the place was absolutely massive.
There's so much stuff here; I don't even know what half of it is. There were shelves full of weird-looking food: loaves of bread, vegetables, and even meat! Wait, is that chicken? And look at those big fish in tanks!
I paused for a second, feeling overwhelmed, then I turned back to stare at the elf.
The elf behind the counter looked at me curiously but offered no input. She didn't seem too bothered by my confusion, either.
Oh right. What kind of store was this anyway? I could see a lot of books here....were those magic wands?
The elf girl spoke up with a smile as if reading my mind. "What can I help you with today, miss?"
"I'm..." I took a deep breath and closed my eyes briefly. "Erm, what kind of store is this, anyway?"
She blinked in surprise. "A... store for magical reagents?"
I looked around again. The shop's interior had a lot in common with other places I'd been inside recently, but there was one crucial difference. Maybe I could stop feeling so helpless with the goods here?
"Yes, that's correct. We specialize in gemstone catalysts."
I tilted my head quizzically. "Gemstone?"
The elf looked back at me questioningly. "You know of these gems that some people use in sorcery and artificery?"
I thought about it. Magic, sorcerers... sorcery... Well, I'm supposed to be a magic user, but I don't exactly have my memory. It could have been anything. I shrugged and tried another approach. "So are these gemstones the kind I need to practice with?"
She gave me a confused frown. "No. They're very expensive. Only for very advanced practitioners. Even this garnet catalyst would run you 20 gold pieces."
I gawked in surprise, running through the numbers in my head. If 6 silvers could purchase a whole night's worth of room and board for one person at a trading town. That's well over two thousand dollars of purchasing power!
She noticed my expression and hurriedly explained. "But you wouldn't be able to learn how to use it effectively without years of guidance from expert mages."
It seemed like the price would get much worse the more complex the spells and the intended goal of the reagents. "So umn. Do you have any beginner's magic books here?"
Her expression lit up in relief. "Of course!" She grabbed one from a shelf behind her, and I saw it was about 3 inches thick. It looked cumbersome too. "Here, try this. '
An Introduction to Household Utility Spells
' - the price of this book is eight silvers."
I accepted the book with gratitude. I had money to spare with my cut of 100 gold in the bank, and the elf started to read aloud as she demonstrated a basic spell.
"This spell allows you to levitate objects around you that aren't resisting. Memorize these runes, then visualize them in your head in your mindspace. Then, orient the frame of your mind towards your intent and channel your mana through the rune path."
She reached behind the counter and withdrew a black wand. "Here, use this. Vocalizing your intent after helps you channel the core mana focus. I wouldn't expect you to get it on the first try, though. If you're a beginner, your body won't be used to channeling and wielding mana."
I closed the book after she finished demonstrating the chant. I closed my eyes and tried to do as she instructed, focusing on myself. The next thing I knew, I was hovering above the ground. The sensation made me nervous. It wasn't exactly fun, feeling myself falling helplessly towards the floor. I flailed my short, stubby limbs out.
"Whoa there. You should always move slowly when learning new spells, and definitely don't use it on yourself!" the elf reprimanded me. "But good job! You definitely didn't look like a beginner there!"
She helped steady my descent, then took her hand back.
The elf smiled proudly. "All done. Now, try it again!"
This time, I put the wand down and concentrated harder. This spell looked simple enough that even someone who couldn't remember what sorcery was supposed to be could still cast it. All I had to do was picture a bunch of magic symbols floating into the air around me, trace the flow of mana, then, focus on someone or something.
But it still didn't work.
I opened my eyes with a start. "What? Oh no!"
"Oh, it didn't work did it?"
"It's just..." I looked around me. I felt dizzy and lightheaded for some reason.
She sighed, looking disappointed. "You have to visualize the mana pathway of the spell, that is, the abstractions provided by the symbols perfectly to properly channel mana into it. Mages use catalysts like wands to give them a much wider margin of error. There can be recoil for failed attempts, sometimes."
"Woah!" I gasped, suddenly understanding. My head was spinning again. "But that means... Oh no! That means I can't cast spells wandlessly unless I understand exactly how they work!"
Her smile wilted as she nodded solemnly. "That's right. I've heard rumors of highly talented mages such as a recent young, prodigious graduate of the Royal Academy using high level magic without a staff or wand, but they're extremely rare. Staves are engineered to allow a mage to focus more mana into a spell though, and they allow for even faster casting and increased mana output. Some individuals have affinities for certain schools, such as illusionism, conjuration, evocation, or even specific elements."
I slumped against the wall and pouted down at my feet. "I guess it's time to start with the basics, huh?"
She gave me an awkward shrug. "Well, we have all kinds of books on basic spellcasting here. Why don't you start there? I suggest finding a good teacher to teach you how to use magic though."
I thought about that for a moment. "So then why would I need a wand? Isn't it better for beginners to focus on getting used to the concept first?"
"It depends entirely on the person, of course. But wands are generally easier to handle and less prone to error." She pointed at the shelves, where various types of wands were lined up along the walls. "We have some basic wands available for beginner-level magic users. If you're starting out, it's best not to tax your mana reserves heavily."
I looked over at a small display of wand-like objects. Each one was about 10 inches long, made of wood with a simple design.
I was pretty sure whatever Alice had blew theirs out of the water. My bag back at the inn had a wand, staff, a bunch of scrolls, and gemstones in them as it was.
I shrugged, "I think I'll take the book....and this 'Introduction to Self-Defense Spellcraft' book. I'll be back for sure Miss...?"
She nodded. "Just call me Elenor, dear."
I gave her a curt nod, then left the shop with my purchases in my traveling bag.
There were more shops than I expected nearby, but they seemed like they sold little of interest to me. My stomach growled, so I decided to try the eatery across from the store. I found a bench outside and settled down on it.
The eatery itself had two main rooms. A large dining hall at the front and another smaller dining room on the opposite side. I could see several people eating from both. There were also quite a few tables lining the hallway to my right. There was a lot of noise coming from inside, too.
"What the hell is going on here?" I muttered as I approached the window.
The entire place was filled with all kinds of weird-looking people, some dressed like they were heading into the wilderness while others were wearing full suits. Some had armor, and some weren't even carrying any weapons at all.
This is like an old-fashioned inn. Or like...an adventuring tavern! It's got the same kind of decor and smells similar to the one at Halton.
The smell of food made my stomach grumble in anticipation, but there was something else I couldn't quite put my finger on...
A young girl was sitting at the bar in the corner. She looked a bit like a waitress, wearing a red apron over her... schoolgirl uniform with matching red hair and red eyes? I figured I could get my meal to-go and eat it somewhere out of the way, but then she turned to look at me.
She was looking straight at me. "Huh? Are you the one who just got certified?" she asked curiously.
Her expression was curious but pleasant. And I was confident that the voice was familiar. "Who are you?" I asked cautiously.
"I'm Suzuki. The one who certified your magical proficiency last month? Anyway, welcome to the Waystop Tavern."
She came over and sat next to me. Her outfit wasn't quite so strange when she sat down. "Do you want something to drink or something? We have tea, coffee, juice, soda, milk..."
"No thank you," I replied. "Are there any seats inside? I just want something hot and savory right now. I'm faaamished."
"Sure, if you'd like."
I opened the door and followed her into the dining room. Two people were sharing a table in the back. I walked over to them. "Excuse me, may I take the seat here?" I asked politely.
They seemed to be eating a large amount of meat, but they smiled pleasantly at me as they waved for me to sit.
I sat down across from them and ordered some breaded steak sandwiches. I couldn't help but listen to the conversation next to me as I waited for food.
The two were clearly adventurers, judging by their outfits and equipment.
One was an elf with silver hair and brown eyes, and the other was an orc with brown hair and green eyes.
"So what's been going on?" Silver-Hair asked.
Green-Eyes shook his head. "Not much. It hasn't been too hard to find work."
Silver-Hair nodded, looking down at his empty plate. "I've seen quite a few people with weird stuff going on around town." He paused for a moment, then added, "Well, we all know that the royal capital is full of people with unusual abilities yeah?"
"Mmhm," Green-Eyes agreed.
Silver-Hair looked down at his own empty plate again, then glanced up. "There's something that's been bothering me... Have you guys heard about all the disappearances lately?"
"Yes..." the silver-haired adventurer replied quietly.
"Disappearances?" I asked, "Like women and children?"
"No," Green Eyes responded, "A bunch of pretty reputable C rank and B rank adventurers just...fell off the grid."
They both went quiet, and then Green-Eyes continued eating as he spoke. "I had a party member get killed by a group of thugs recently too. They took out his legs before he could fight back.
Silver-Hair looked down at his food and sighed deeply.
I frowned, shivering at the grisly thought. But then I perked up as my sandwiches arrived. It smelled so good, and I finally dug into my food.
My mind wandered back to what they were talking about.
These kidnappings didn't have any connection to the stuff at Rivershire Crossing, did they?
Nah, that was too big of a stretch.
...At least, I hoped so. |
The kitchen had a nice warm light shining through its glass panes, making everything seem cozy despite the dark storm outside. It smelled terrific: bread, fruit, meat. My stomach rumbled suddenly at the smell of bacon cooking in the brick oven, but Lori gave me a reassuring smile before turning her attention to the food in front of us instead. We sat in silence, eating quietly as we stared at the wall clock above our dining table.
I wish there was internet here...or even television... or radio...some kind of entertainment to take my mind off things for a bit...
Lori finished her meal first, wiping her lips with the edge of her sleeve. Then she leaned back against her chair and gazed thoughtfully across the table at me.
"We managed to gravely injure the masked mage and force him to leave," she explained. "We all knew it was him because...he has this weird dimensional magic where he can pull people in certain strength brackets into parallel planes temporarily. I'm not sure how it works, exactly."
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow curiously. "But why did he come after us?"
She bit her lip, "We almost killed him four years ago, and we killed his brother in that quest," she answered simply. "He's a drow mage named Micarlin, and he's apparently quite mad about it."
I blinked. "A drow?"
"Yes," she replied, nodding slowly, "A dark elf. A race of elves who are born from the shadows rather than birthed by mothers. We are fairly sure he's sworn to serve the Demon Lord, and his attack yesterday was personal."
I gasped, "So he came after us because of revenge?"
She shook her head, "No, it wasn't purely that. He was also trying to kill us because of what we are. He was assassinating high-level adventurers when we started investigating him, and it looks like he's started again based on the guild's intel. Micarlin is currently wanted as a Rank A Hunt target by the guild."
I paused, thinking about that for a moment.
"Wait, so...he's killing people just because they're adventurers?"
She nodded, "Yeah, that's what we've gathered. The higher level you are, the bigger of a target you are to the demon lord. Rank S and Rank A adventurers are usually suicide missions for anything other than their champions and generals, but I would be a prime target as a Rank B Swordmaster, along with the rest of the crew."
"That makes sense, I guess," I muttered, "I mean, if you're going to try and stop a demon invasion, wouldn't it make sense to start with the strongest adventurers?"
"Exactly." She nodded vigorously. "It's pretty much a given that if you're going to fight the demons, you'll probably eventually die doing it anyway. That's why most people don't want to do it - even though there's no shortage of us crazy enough to take those jobs. Still, all of us will have to stand up to that tide someday."
I frowned slightly.
"But enough about that, what are you planning to do, Alice?" she asked gently. "About your magic, about this whole situation..." She trailed off as she picked at her own cutlery absent-mindedly.
"Well..." I began hesitantly, "I've been trying to think about what's best for all of us - what's going to be safest."
Lori raised an eyebrow curiously, "Safest? You mean like avoiding danger?"
"No," I shook my head, "I mean safe for me. Like...safe for my heart, for instance."
That was a bit hard to admit, almost as hard as saying what I'd really felt earlier.
Lori pursed her lips together and furrowed her brow as she listened intently.
"I don't want to leave this house," I told her bluntly. "I don't want to abandon the family, but I've thought about just leaving and going off on my own."
Lori tilted slightly, "What does that have to do with your magic?!"
"I don't know," I admitted sheepishly. "But, I've felt so much pressure about it...like if I'm known for my magic, and I've forgotten it all, then I'm useless to everyone here. Everyone in this family and everyone in this town."
Lori blinked slowly, "So you're afraid you won't be useful anymore?"
I nodded silently.
"That's silly," she said with a laugh. "You have nothing to worry about! You're not useless, Alice," she insisted firmly.
"You're the smartest person I know. You're always helping everybody out. Heck, even without magic you'd be the most important member of this family."
My eyes widened as I gaped at her in shock.
"Really?" I breathed softly.
Lori nodded emphatically, "Of course! You're the family baby, and we love you very much!"
I let out a quiet sigh and smiled at her awkwardly.
"Thank you, Lori..." I murmured softly.
I felt guilt for a moment, knowing I had stolen Alice's life. I'd felt like I didn't belong, but I hadn't asked for this, and she did comfort me.
She shrugged shyly, "It's only right. And hey, I've told the Chief to piss off about trying to recruit you. For now, at least. If you ever want to join up, he's left an open door."
After a moment of silence, she cleared her throat and spoke again, "So, how are we going to solve this problem? Your magic thing?"
I frowned and chewed my lip before answering, "I planned on studying every day once we got back. Maybe with utility spells first. Then maybe move onto the self-defense stuff when I finish up there."
Lori nodded slowly, "Yeah...that sounds good. And I'll help you study too, alright? If that's what you want, at least. I'm not as smart as you and I'm sure you've figured it out, but I can be there to keep you fed and hydrated and nudge you to take breaks when you're stumped!"
"Th...thank you," I mumbled quietly.
We both fell silent after that for several minutes. Eventually, Lori looked up from her plate and met my gaze. She seemed to be thinking carefully about something.
"Alice," she started slowly, "Are you still...feeling weird about me? About how I was hunting for danger and erm, trying to make you take the stage?"
I winced and bit my lip nervously.
It made too much sense in hindsight.
She'd taken all the roadside brigands down in an instant but sat back to see what I'd do with the last one before intervening. She did it again when we pursued the thieves, slowing down as I navigated the foliage.
Lori had spotted Zlatan immediately, and she had let me take the initiative to sniff out his heist attempt. She could have probably taken down him and his men at any time, even at the point of the catboy henchman's sword. None of those people along the way were a threat to her whatsoever.
But it didn't change the fact that it really wasn't cool to me, and it was both stressful and nerve-wracking that she'd put me through that.
"I'm sorry," she apologized immediately. "I really didn't mean to make you so anxious..."
"It's fine," I assured her quickly, waving my hand dismissively. "I just meant, you know...it's okay if you do hunt for danger. That's what adventurers do. It definitely was too much at multiple turns. I'd like to avoid unnecessary danger, if possible. The behavior really wasn't cool."
Lori gave me a small smile, "I'm sorry. You're...more than valid, Alice."
She paused for a few seconds, then added, "But, Alice...you really should consider getting stronger in your own way. We need to protect each other more than ever now. The world is dangerous, and we can't afford to be weak. I...hate to say it, but the masked mage busting up Fourth Street was far from the worst thing that could have happened to this town."
I opened my mouth to ask about the masked mage but closed it again and nodded slowly instead.
I knew she was right. I couldn't be careless or reckless, but I couldn't be complacent in a world as dangerous as this. But...I wanted to feel safe too. To have peace of mind.
I sighed softly and shook my head.
"I guess I'll go get more books," I muttered finally. "I can start with utility spellbook I bought, and work my way up from there."
"That sounds great!" Lori replied happily.
We finished eating in relative silence after that. After cleaning up our dishes, we left the kitchen together and walked back upstairs to my room.
I pulled out my
Introduction to Household Utility Spells
spellbook and began flipping through its pages while Lori watched curiously.
"This is the first book on the list," I explained as I flipped to the second page. "It's a basic introduction to spells used for everyday life."
Lori raised an eyebrow, "Like what?"
"Oh, well..." I trailed off as I glanced over the first couple of spells listed. "Like...preserving food, washing clothes, things like that."
Lori blinked slowly as she read the list. "Huh...so you can actually learn these yourself?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "They're pretty simple, but useful."
She shrugged nonchalantly, "Well, it doesn't hurt to try."
I continued reading, "And here's the next one: Lighting a Fire."
Lori tilted her head slightly, "Fire? Like wood fires?"
I nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess so. I don't know much about it though, so I'll look into it later."
Lori turned away from me and leaned against the wall with a thoughtful expression.
"What are you thinking about?" I asked curiously.
"Hmmm..." she hummed thoughtfully. "Well...I think maybe we should build a fire pit in the backyard. It might be nice to have somewhere warm to sit outside during winter."
I smiled at her and nodded eagerly, "That would be wonderful! We can use magic from this book to make the bricks too!"
"I'll get started on that tomorrow," she promised with a grin. "I'll tell dad to let us borrow the tools from the smithy when he's back from the capital. Er, what's left after the bankruptcy auction, at least."
"Thank you, Lori!" I gushed gratefully.
After that, we spent several hours studying together every day for the rest of the week. Every morning, Lori woke up early to make breakfast while I studied inside my room. Then after lunch, we'd learn together until dinner time. She also picked up a couple of the spells in the process. As it turned out, Alice did have a bunch of more advanced books left, and her traveling bag was full of spells that were too complicated to memorize and sight-read. Those spells ranged from temporary short-range barriers that could probably tank a nuclear bomb to a thesis paper on anchoring pocket spaces to reality that went over my head.
Lori was always eager to help me learn new spells and seemed to enjoy watching me practice them. She'd coach me on improving my mental framing and give sage advice for overcoming hurdles.
She may not have much magical talent, but she was a master swordsman and practiced her sword swings several hundred times outside whenever she had free time. You didn't reach her level without learning how to practice.
We practiced most of the spells in my spellbook, and in a week, I learned most of the spells in the book. My memory had improved since coming here too, so I could easily recall everything I'd read. I wondered if that was because of how Alice clicked and processed things. How much of this was me, and how much of this was Alice?
I wasn't sure yet, but I figured I'd find out eventually.
I learned how to summon a basic light I could use as a flashlight, enchant brooms to sweep the room, grab small objects telekinetically, project my voice over long distances, shape water, suck dirt and sediment up from things, light and put out fires, and manipulate ropes & knots. That wasn't all, there were all kinds of subsections about manipulating stone, metal, plant matter, and all kinds of things you would encounter daily.
All in all, the book was handy, and I learned to do all of this wandlessly by the end of the week.
Lori and I were still working on making the fire pit for the backyard, but we still needed to get around to building it. We decided to do it once we had some free time before winter set in.
The weather was still quite pleasant, but it would only last a while. Winter came fast to this kingdom. Its culture split the calendar into ten thirty-five-day months and seven-day weeks; winter and summer lasted three of them. The other four months were spring and fall.
So, winter would come soon enough. I hoped it would be mild.
I finished reading the book with the utility spells and closed it with a sigh. Lori was sitting on her bed, reading a book of her own. She looked up at me when she noticed I was done.
"What did you think?" she asked curiously.
I shrugged, "I'm glad I bought this book. I can see why people say it's essential for adventurers and domestic mages alike."
She nodded, "Yeah, it's a good one. Not many books are written like this anymore."
I stretched, letting out a high-pitched yawn, "I feel a little tired," I said softly. "Maybe I should go to bed."
"Oh yeah," Lori agreed absently. "You've been studying for hours every day."
I nodded and yawned again. "I guess I'll just take a bath first. I'll wash your clothes tomorrow."
"Okay," Lori replied with a nod. "Goodnight then."
"Night," I murmured as I climbed upstairs to my room.
I removed my robe and washed quickly in the bathtub before climbing into bed.
I stayed there for a few minutes, staring at the ceiling and listening to the sounds of the house settling down for the night. The clock ticked steadily as it counted the passing seconds away.
I sighed quietly and closed my eyes as I tried to relax. It was hard to sleep, though. There were too many thoughts running through my head.
I wanted to learn more about magic and spells, but I had to stay focused on surviving this place.
I thought back to my conversation with Lori earlier in the week.
I needed to protect Lori, too...but how could I do that? If she got hurt, I might never forgive myself. As new as it was to me, she and I had formed a genuine sisterly connection.
I could tell she cared for me, for Alice at least, but there was a chance I would be Alice for the rest of my life. I might as well embrace this girl's identity now and get used to it.
And even if I did get out of this town and leave, where would I go? I didn't know how to survive on my own in this world.
The memories I had of another world. Of a lifetime of hard work only to end in muddled tears and regret.
Who was I, even? Am I Alice Liddell? Was I doomed to repeat that here? Was my past life the true hallucination and delusion?
I had no idea how long I stayed there thinking of thoughts like that. Eventually, I drifted off into a restless sleep. |
I woke up early the following day to the sound of a knock on the front door. It was still dark outside, but I dressed quickly and ran downstairs while Lori snored soundly in her room.
I opened the front door and found something wrapped in a bundle of what looked like sheepskin on the floor and some bottles. I picked it up and saw a neatly scribbled note inside.
"Fresh cat-ch for lunch or dinner! Wishing you a purr-fect day!" - Dinah ♥
I blinked and unwrapped the sheepskin. It looked like a cut of game meat, some kind of venison brisket by the looks of it.
The note and gift put a smile on my face, and I walked back inside toward the kitchen. I staggered and nearly lost my balance from the weight of the cut immediately, so I gently put it down.
I picked up the bottles and sniffed them. It smelled kind of like goat's milk.
Looking at the bottles thoughtfully, an idea came to mind, so I decided to go for it.
I waved my hands and visualized the symbols I needed. I floated a cut of some venison-like meat Dinah had brought us for lunch into the air, and then I moved a large mixing bowl onto the kitchen counter before floating the venison into it.
With an exaggerated twirl, I made a scooping motion toward jars and cans of salt, spices, and marinades and popped their lids open. Then, I drew the exact proportions of herbs I needed and compressed them into a glob in midair. I sent it gently into the mixing bowl and delicately blended the spices evenly with the meat.
Humming to myself, I floated some wood over to the oven and pointed at it. I visualized the 'Light a Fire' symbols in my head and started up the stove.
I reached into a bag of oats and waved my hands, steel-cutting many oats perfectly with magic. I poured my freshly-made oatmeal with honey into two bowls and added some dried fruits. Then, I snapped my fingers. In an instant, the milk started boiling over. In a minute, the oatmeal was cooked to perfection.
Just as the oatmeal was finished cooking, Lori walked downstairs with a yawn.
"Morning," she yawned as she walked into the kitchen. She blinked and sweatdropped, "Did you cook all this yourself?
"Mmhm!" I smiled sweetly at her as I walked over to the mixing bowl.
I floated the cut of venison next to me as I walked over, opened the hatch, and put the perfectly marinaded shoulder in. Then, I vacuumed up all the blood and marinade goop and bacteria in the mixing bowl in a single 'woosh' sound to a floating blob above my hand and tossed it into the oven on top of the meat.
Giant explosions and lightning bolts? Screw that! Stuff like THIS was the best part about learning magic!
Still, I frowned to myself. I had to be careful with abusing this. I could see how the original Alice got so out of shape if she defaulted to this with anything heavy.
Lori sat at the table and stared at the food with wide eyes. Her mouth was hanging open, and she started poking at the oatmeal with a spoon.
"What is this?" she asked quietly.
"It's breakfast," I replied simply.
She looked at me with a blank expression on her face, "Is it good?"
I nodded, "Yeah. Nutritious too!"
Lori took a bite of oatmeal and chewed thoughtfully. Then, she swallowed and looked around again.
"Where did you learn to do all this?" she asked curiously.
"You spent a week helping me learn all those household spells ," I explained. "Dinah brought us some meat and milk, so I thought I would try putting those spells together and cook breakfast and lunch with them."
Lori stopped eating for a moment to stare at me, "You're joking right?"
I shook my head, "Nope."
She giggled, "You're definitely my adorable genius sister alright," she muttered.
Was I, really? Ah, I'll save those existential questions for later.
I rolled my eyes and shrugged, "I'm just trying to help out here. You know, make sure we don't starve or get eaten by monsters while you're gone on a quest."
Lori snorted, "You're going to have to work harder than that. Remember, we have nearly eleven thousand gold to pay off."
I looked suspiciously at her, "What are you planning?"
She smirked evilly, "Oh nothing. Just making sure you don't waste your time doing stupid things."
I huffed and turned back to cooking.
"So...what should we do today?" I asked as I swirled my fingers in the air, fanning the oven's flames.
My sister sighed and stretched, "Well, since you're such an expert in housework now, maybe you can teach me how to cook some stuff later...other than that, I think I'll look for a job."
I smiled widely at her as I finished cooking breakfast and lunch.
After that, Lori went out to the Adventurer's Guild to pick up a quest while I took the time to take a break from my studies and finally explore Halton. It was a large town or small city that was part of a larger metropolitan area around the Royal Capital, depending on how you looked at it. A satellite city like New Haven and Bridgeport, Connecticut, are for New York City or Oakland and Berkley for San Francisco.
The main street was lined with shops selling everything from weapons to potions to armor and other equipment. There were also several taverns, restaurants, and even a few brothels. The streets were packed with people walking around and chatting happily among themselves.
I walked through the crowded street and found myself stopping every once in a while to watch a show or listen to someone play an instrument.
I heard something that sounded like a violin playing beautiful music in one corner of the square, and I couldn't help but stop and listen for a minute. It was more of a cross between a Chinese erhu and a violin, but I loved listening to instruments played on city streets, especially stringed ones. They reminded me of home.
I walked over to the musician and tapped him on the shoulder when he was done playing. He jumped slightly before turning towards me.
He was a halfling who was probably no older than twenty-two or twenty-three years old. His dark green hair was tied back in a ponytail, and his bright red eyes twinkled merrily as they met mine.
"Hello there!" he greeted me cheerfully, "What's your name?"
I swallowed for a second before giving him a fake name, "Amy."
The halfling laughed at me, "That's not very original."
I shrugged, "It's better than 'Alice' right?"
He grinned, "Very true! What brings you here?"
"Just looking around," I replied casually, "Do you mind if I ask where you got that instrument from?"
Then, he nodded and pointed behind me, "I bought it from a traveling merchant last week."
I tilted my head curiously, "Really? How much did it cost?"
The musician shrugged, "I dunno, like eight gold or so? It's a rare model though; I only saw two others in all of Halton."
I whistled quietly, "That is expensive."
He nodded, "Yeah. I guess the man said it was made by a famous master craftsman from the country of Yue."
I blinked, "Yue? That sounds familiar."
"Anyway, he said this guy used magic to craft it."
I furrowed my brow in thought, "Magic? So does that mean it has some sort of magical element to it?"
The boy shook his head, "Nah, I think it's just a really good instrument. But I've never seen anything like it before. It's definitely different from any instrument I've ever heard before."
I nodded slowly, "Yeah. It's pretty cool."
Then, smiled at me, "Thanks. Anyway, do you want to hear me play something else?"
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
The musician pulled out a small piece of paper and quickly scribbled something down. Then, he put his left hand on the strings and started playing a simple tune.
It wasn't very complicated, but it was still fun to listen to.
I hummed along quietly as I watched him play. After a few minutes, he stopped and handed me the paper.
"Here," he said as he gave it to me, "I wrote down the notes for the song so you can learn it if you ever pick up music."
I frowned slightly, "You didn't have to do that."
He shrugged, "No problem! I'd be happy to teach anyone who wants to learn."
"Thanks."
I looked down at the paper and looked at the notes. I was familiar with music notation at home; surprisingly, the system was the same. I think, at least. It looks like something in B minor. I folded up the note and tucked it into my pocket. Then, I turned around and waved goodbye to the halfling.
A string instrument crafted with magic, huh? That gave me some ideas. The original Alice apparently had a potion brewing business, and I wonder how that wound up going bust, given all the things I could do with precision in the kitchen this morning.
◆◆◆
After I spent some time exploring Halton and doing some grocery shopping, I decided to meet up with Lori at the Adventurer's Guild. Lori returned with a Rank C quest to hunt some bandits that she thought about accepting. Apparently, a child had been kidnapped by bandits when she went outside to look at the stars one night.
I sighed as I looked at the map.
Lori sat down next to me and leaned against my shoulder.
"What's wrong?" she asked curiously.
I rolled my eyes and sighed, "Nothing...just thinking about our current situation."
She raised an eyebrow, "Our current situation?"
"Yeah. We're both working hard to pay off the family's debts, and we need money to survive in this world."
Lori let out a soft sigh, "Yeah, you're right. But there's nothing we can do about it. They took your lab when dad went bust. You know that."
Well, that explains a lot, but still.
I shook my head, "There are always ways to make more money. There must be something we can do."
Lori laughed softly, "Oh yeah? Like what?"
I thought, "Well, maybe we could try making some items and selling them? Or even start a shop somewhere?"
She tilted her head quizzically, "What kind of things would we sell?"
"Anything really. I don't really care. Maybe we could use your swordsmanship skills to teach people how to fight or something."
Lori snorted, "That's not really a profitable idea."
That made me respond to her with a sweet smile, "Why not? You're pretty good at it."
She huffed, "I'm good at fighting, but I don't have the patience to teach other people how to fight. I can help you practice because you're my little sister. I would scare them all away."
I rolled my eyes, "Whatever."
We spent the rest of the afternoon talking about different things, throwing ideas at each other, and just walking around town.
When it got dark out, we headed back towards the house. As we were walking back through town, I noticed a large crowd gathered in front of the Adventurers' Guild.
"What's going on?" I asked Lori.
She shrugged, "Dunno."
We walked over to see what all the fuss was about. When we reached the square, I noticed several adventurers standing around a table. They had a map spread across it, pointing at various locations on the map.
One was a tall highlander man with long brown hair and sharp features. He wore leather armor with a red cloak draped over his shoulders. He had a sword strapped to his waist, holding a piece of parchment in his hand.
"What's going on here?" I asked as I approached him.
He looked up at me and smiled, "Ah, Alice! How are you?"
I blinked at him in surprise, "How do you know who I am?"
He chuckled lightly, "You're famous, Alice. Don't worry; no one will bother you while you're here."
I rolled my eyes. And this is why I use an alias when people don't recognize me off the bat here.
Then, I looked back at the map and frowned slightly.
The man pointed to one spot on the map, "A lot of us are going to check out this dungeon that was recently discovered by the local miners. We've heard rumors that it's filled with treasure, so we want to get in there before anyone else does."
I scratched my chin, "What do you mean by 'recently'?"
He scratched his chin thoughtfully, "It was only found about two weeks ago, and nobody has been able to explore it yet. The entrance is hidden deep underground, but it looks like it leads into a very large cave system."
Nodding slowly, I responded, "Well, I guess that sounds alright then."
I returned his smile with a sunny one of my own and walked away with Lori toward the town gates.
Then, I started giggling.
"You okay there, Alice-chan?" Lori asked me quietly.
I gave her a sunny smile, "Yeah. I think I might have an idea about we can earn some extra money."
Lori raised an eyebrow, "Really? What did you have in mind?"
Giggling evilly, I flashed her an even bigger smile, "Well, there's that dungeon that just got discovered by the local adventurers. It's supposed to be full of treasure, so I bet we could find a way to make money off this."
Lori's eyes widened, "Are you serious? You want us to go after a dungeon? Isn't that dangerous and umn, bad for your mental health given what you just went through?"
Shaking my head, I responded, "No Lori, quite the contrary. This is exactly what we need right now!"
I closed my eyes and focused on a plant matter manipulation spell from the Household spellbook. I bent down, feeling the billowing grass beneath me.
Then, I channeled mana into the spell and focused on pulling as many fibers as possible from the grass near me. After that, I weaved and spun it around in the air. The work was precise and mentally exhausting, but I was able to get it done quickly.
In about a minute, I turned around and passed Lori a yard of brittle, grass-spun rope.
"Oh." Lori gasped softly.
I grinned at her.
Now I just needed some better raw materials and ideas. |
Arc 2
I woke up screaming, desperately clawing at my throat.
The sensation of the horrifying creature's sharp teeth ripping out my bare neck was still prominent in my mind. I could see its red eyes glaring at me through the fog as well as the awful, otherworldly the sounds of the horrible shrieks it made.
The horrible, unnatural motions it made as it rampaged through the streets and rooftops flashed through my mind.
It was the first time in my life that something had actually frightened me enough to make me panic in this way.
I screamed and trembled violently, tears rolling down my cheeks.
I cried harder and harder as I felt a pair of soft but strong arms wrap around me, stroking my hair.
It helped calm me somewhat and quieten my crying, and after a few minutes, I was able to regain some composure. I continued to sob, hugging the other person tight for dear life.
"Shhh," Lori said softly into my ear. "It's okay it's okay... You're safe now."
She tightened her grip ever so slightly, and then continued to rub the back of my head gently.
I slowly pulled back from the embrace, wiping the tears from my face and looking up at my sister through teary eyes.
Lori smiled at me warmly. She reached up with one hand, and brushed aside the ahoge hanging across my forehead before kissing me on the top of my head.
"How are you right now, Alice??" she asked me carefully. "Can you speak yet?"
I desperately moved my hands to my neck, only to feel soft, smooth, intact skin. There was a dull, persistent phantom pain there that echoed the sensation of having my neck torn apart.
I nodded, forcing myself to swallow past the lump in my throat as best I could.
"Y-yeah..." I muttered quietly, voice cracking a little bit as I tried to sound more confident than I really was. I pushed myself to sit upright, untangling my legs which were wrapped around my sister's waist. I looked around: It was early morning, and we were in my personal bedroom.
I sobbed, shivering in terror as I thought about the monster's gnashing teeth and claws again. My hands were shaking uncontrollably though I was trying desperately not to let it show on my face. My hands moved up to my throat again.
Tears rolled down both of our faces, but they came slower this time, for different reasons. Lori leaned in to hug me again, and we just held each other closely and cried until we couldn't anymore.
"Thank goodness...I'm sorry," Lori finally said after several minutes of holding me. She looked up at me seriously with watery lavender eyes that seemed too big for her face. Her light blue hair was a mess, sticking out every which way like she'd been running her fingers through it while crying. Her eyes were dark and puffy.
It was clear she'd been crying and not sleeping.
"Lori..."I sobbed, "That thing...that monster..."
She wiped away the tears with the back of her hand and sniffled softly, clearing her throat. "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry for everything little sis."
I started to tearfully shake my head, starting to cry again despite being relatively calm now. Lori put one hand on my cheek, stroking my face lovingly as she spoke in a soft, calm voice.
"Look, I know you said you didn't want that heart to heart, and I'm sorry for being selfish again. But by the Mother Goddess, when it smashed through Dodson's barrier, I...I really thought I was going to lose you."
Her voice trembled slightly as she choked back sobs before continuing to talk, getting herself under control.
"The truth is, I've never seen anyone do magic in the way that you did before. It was unbelievable. And all without using a single word! You'd wield the heavens and earth itself without even any movement or chanting or anything! I....even though I'm the older sister, I really admire you." She took another deep breath before continuing.
I just stayed there, silently. I was a little ball of emotions and I didn't know how to react.
"It doesn't make how I handled things better, but that made me lose sight of what's really important. I was so concerned with getting you ready for a group that deals with large scale threats, that I didn't take your needs and wants into consideration when we left on our trip. So...I want to apologize for everything i said and did during that time." Lori paused to wipe away some more tears. "And most importantly...I want to be friends again. And sisters, before anything else."
I looked at her closely, wiping the tears out of my eyes with the sleeve of my pajamas. Her eyes were moist again, and she looked like she might start crying at any moment, if she let herself.
I swallowed hard once again, letting out a trembling sigh as I pulled back from Lori a little bit. She wrapped both arms around me, pulling me close as she hugged me tightly. We sat together in silence for a long while after that.
"Lori," I whispered eventually.
"Yeah?" she replied quietly in response.
"Can we....can we just take things easy for a bit? Just stay at home for a while." I felt my voice shaking as I said this, but I still forced myself to speak calmly. "I can't get those images out of my head right now, you know? Not to mention, you have no idea how scary it was...and it'll probably haunt me until I find out how to fix it or something...so..." I struggled to finish the sentence before trailing off weakly.
Lori stared at me intently and then nodded slowly and smiled.
"Yeah..."
We stood up together and walked hand-in-hand towards the bathroom. My heart beat rapidly, and my stomach felt sickly. But despite all that, I tried to act calm and collected on the outside.
"I'm going to wash your face, okay?" Lori asked softly.
I wiped away some tears on the sleeve of my pajamas and nodded. "...Okay."
Lori stepped behind the vanity in the corner of the room and took down one of my towels, dampening it with some water from the sink.
I wasn't sure exactly what the tech level of this world was, but I figured it would be all over the place like a typical fantasy world. Still, it was nice that we had running water.
She gently wrapped it around my neck like a makeshift scarf and dried my hair with another towel before starting to clean my face with a warm, wet cloth. "Shhh," she whispered into my ear.
"How's the pain?" she asked quietly.
"Mild," I whispered back through a shaky voice. I reached up to my throat again. The dull phantom pain was definitely still there.
"Do you want medicine?" she continued in a gentle tone as she began wiping my face again. "It won't hurt anything."
"No thanks. I'll be fine."
"Okay... You know what, it's just so frustrating, though. I don't understand why you have to be so tough sometimes. If only... you'd talked about your magic problem or problems in general, I could have helped. Can help. I'm your sister - I wouldn't have judged you. It's you and me against the world, and I mean it you know?"
Lori stopped to stare at me seriously, sighing slightly before continuing to wipe away at my eyes with a soothing expression on her face. She held me tightly, almost crying herself as she spoke.
"I'm really sorry for everything, Alice... I feel bad for pushing you and forcing you into doing things you didn't want to do."
I sniffled and rubbed the sleeve against my nose before nodding slowly.
"I'm sorry too... I should have been far more proactive about voicing my discomforts," I mumbled softly. "And I'm sorry about lashing out at you and your companions the way I did. You were right in a way, I guess..."
I turned away quickly after that, still holding onto the towel around my neck with both hands. My heart felt like it was going to pound itself through my chest, so intense was the pounding in my head.
Lori took a deep breath through her nose and then sighed loudly. Her shoulders drooped slightly as she walked back over towards me. "How are you feeling?" she asked in a calm voice.
"I-I'm okay now...Thanks." I forced myself to smile even the tiniest bit.
She shook her head, "Let's try this again: How are you really feeling?" she asked me. "Please, it's okay."
I bit my lip, took a deep breath, and closed my eyes. There was a lot weighing down on me, and I'd bottled it all in.
"I....I honestly feel terrified. Like, a fish out of water, like I'm in a body that isn't mine...coming into debts that aren't mine..."I admitted to Lori, "I feel like there's a train crash about to happen with me in it in slow motion. There's a financial time bomb ticking down on this household, and we're about to get shunted onto the streets. There's apparently a looming demonic invasion out gods knows where, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing. I have all these massive, massive expectations placed on my magic, and all I have are Levitation and Mana Bolt to show for it right now."
"I'm so sorry," she murmured softly, but firmly, as she wrapped one arm around my waist. "I didn't know how you felt, and I should have asked sooner."
"You couldn't," I mumbled into the towel as I buried my face into her shoulder. "I was just so confused, and stressed out. From the second we left until we returned I was just going along with it. I was afraid to say anything. I'm scared, Lori. I'm scared of dying a horrible, violent death like I almost did, and I don't know if I want to be an adventurer."
Lori rested her head against my forehead, stroking my hair gently with her fingers. "It's okay to be afraid. It's not weakness if you can admit your fears to someone else. We'll work together to solve it," she promised.
"You're right...Thank you, Lori... For everything... despite everything, thank you for being here as my...sister" My voice cracked slightly on the last word.
I was an only child in my original life, and I had no idea how to handle a dynamic like this. A part of my being had finally accepted that she was actually my sister here. Who else did I really have in this world?
"I love you too, Alice-chan" she replied softly before leaning in and kissing me on the cheek and pat me on the head.
She just held me tight, not saying anything and stroking my hair.
I started crying again then, and after some time I could tell that my eyes were starting to dry up. I rubbed them quickly and sniffled loudly once again. I stood still for several seconds afterwards as I tried to calm down. Finally, I felt like I'd managed to do it enough, so I took another deep breath and pulled away from Lori's embrace.
She wiped my cheeks again gently with her towel as I turned back towards the mirror, adjusting myself so I looked more presentable.
I honestly felt far better now, and it no longer felt like I was walking around this world on autopilot.
There was something about being able to talk about it all that helped. As long as I was honest with myself, I could get past this.
"Well, umm..." I began awkwardly. "Let's just go downstairs, okay? Have some breakfast?"
Lori nodded slowly and beamed at me gently, "Okay."
We walked out of my room together holding hands. |
The first thing I did the next day was visiting the Adventurer's Guild again. There were more adventurers than yesterday but fewer than there would be during peak hours. They were all clamoring excitedly around a map that'd been posted up in the main hall.
"Good morning, Alice," said a short, halfling woman with light purple hair tied back in a ponytail.
I waved at her, "Morning! Are these people all here for the new dungeon? What's the rush?"
She sighed and shrugged, "Well, most of them are here for the dungeon, but there are also a lot of jobs going up about another group of bandits terrorizing the local villages."
I nodded, "Yeah, I heard about that. That's pretty bad. The crowds for the jobs have gotten pretty large, huh?"
Lori did plan to hop on a quest to find a missing child, but I'd managed to talk her out of it as there was a swarm of adventurers in town to take up jobs with the bandits.
Truth be told, I was also being very selfish about it. My personal sense of security just...wasn't there anymore after my near-death experience.
The halfling woman let out a soft sigh, "I know. If they catch the bandits, maybe the villagers will stop complaining so much about how little protection they have."
I tilted my head curiously, "Protection? I didn't realize that there was anything wrong with their security."
The halfling woman laughed softly, "Well, you know how it goes: everyone wants to live in peace and harmony with each other, but nobody really wants to pay taxes or fight for the kingdom if they don't have to. So, the king makes sure that the villages are protected by having guards patrol the area regularly. Every country on the continent has been sending annual garrisons to the Ukidian front in preparation for what's coming, so we've been stretched thin. "
I frowned, "Makes sense."
"So, what are you doing here today?" she asked me with a curious look.
That drew a smile out of me, "Say, you wouldn't happen to have an inkling towards how the potions I used to sell are remembered by adventurers today? You know my family fell on some pretty hard times and I lost my sourcing and lab, amongst other things, so I haven't been able to supply the guild in the last eight months."
The halfling woman nodded, "Yeah, I heard about that... Truth be told, your potions were pretty useful! We had a few of them when I was an apprentice burglar joining my first Rank E party."
I blinked, "Really?"
She chuckled, "Yeah, the Gaseous Form, Climbing, and Water Breathing ones were a real hit with my crew! They made climbing walls easier and gave us a way to sneak past guards without being seen. The water breathing one helped us avoid getting caught while swimming around underwater to escape pursuit. Your prices were really good for what we got too."
I scratched my chin thoughtfully, "What if I were to come back to market with....more mundane things, like high quality tents and rope? Would you buy those?"
The halfling woman looked thoughtful, then nodded, "Sure, I guess? It might not be as flashy as your old potions, but we could always use more supplies. The Liddell brand still has some weight in the Cheshire Capital region, although your pops did his best to overextend and blow up a good thing."
That caught my attention, and I nodded slowly in response, "Okay, well, I'll see if I can make something happen before the big rush."
The halfling woman smirked, "You do that. But, remember: don't go overboard! I'll trust you not try to pull one over on us."
I flashed her a brilliant smile, "I definitely won't. See you later!"
I walked out of the guild hall and headed towards the Adventurer's Guild storehouse. Several people were waiting outside the building. Some seemed to be talking about what they wanted to purchase, and others were just milling around.
I approached a young man wearing simple leather armor and carrying a sword strapped to his waist. He had dark brown hair and light green eyes.
"Excuse me," I said politely, "Do you mind if I ask what you're looking for?"
He turned towards me and smiled, "Well, I'm here to get some new equipment since I just finished my promotion to Rank D."
I nodded, "Ah, congratulations! What kind of things are you interested in purchasing?"
He thought for a moment, then shrugged, "Well, I do want to get on that dungeon rush, so I guess the usual? A flint, lamp and oil, a ten foot pole, rope, and the usual food and drink."
"Gotcha. Do you have any particular preferences for material, weight, size, and so on? For example, would you prefer a rope that's more flexible and elastic, or one that's coarser and harder to break?"
He thought about that moment, then replied, "I'd say a coarser rope. Something like this."
The boy pulled a rope out of his pack and tossed it to me. It was about four feet long and very thick. It felt rough and prickly.
I grinned at him, "Nice choice. This is perfect!"
I tied off the rope's end and handed it back to him. Then, I reached into my bag and pulled out a small pouch filled with dust.
I held the pouch towards him, "This is a special powder I've been working on. If you find runes, a map, or riddles, you can turn them into a paste and use it to take a clay imprint.
The young man took the pouch, opened it, and sniffed it curiously. He glanced at me and asked, "Is this stuff safe?"
"Yeah, it should be fine. Just don't breathe in too much of it," I warned.
He nodded, "Alright then, let's see what happens."
"Hey!" he shouted, running excitedly towards the crowd, "Anyone have a map of a cleared dungeon?"
A couple of eyes turned in our direction, and some adventurers raised their hands. One was a tall, muscular human with short blond hair and grey eyes. The other was a dwarf with black skin and white hair. They had a Rank C and Rank D insignia, respectively, and the blond man looked like he was in his thirties.
"Here," said the blond-haired man, "I've gotta map of a dungeon that we went through two months ago here on a stone tablet we kept as a souvenir. What's it to ya? You looking to see the new dungeon, kid?"
The young man nodded eagerly, "Yes indeed! That sounds great! Can I borrow this map?"
The blond-haired man shrugged, "Sure thing kid, what's the interest though?"
I waved at the man shyly, and he finally noticed me, blinking in surprise, "Little Alice? Ya wouldn't be comin' back to the potion biz by any chance?
I heard ya family got caught up in some kinda trouble..."
I shook my head as I walked up to him, "Nope! Probably not for a good while! But I've come up with some nifty things that could be useful for you guys soon."
He blinked at me in confusion, "What kind of things?"
I smiled brightly before I picked up a small canteen on my belt. I poured the putty dust all over my hands and got to work kneading. Then when I was satisfied with the consistency, I pressed it firmly down on the tablet. Once it hardened, I peeled it away and handed it to the young man.
Then, I created a ball of fire in my hand and held it underneath the paste.
"This is Dungeoneer's Paste," I explained to the group, "It's made from crushed up quartz crystals and other minerals, and I'll be bringing in a batch in compact, portable pouches. It'll harden up if you heat it up for a few seconds."
The young man took the newly minted map and stared at it with wide sparkling eyes. He seemed impressed.
"Well, thanks Alice!" said the blond-haired man thoughtfully. "That sounds like something we definitely need! Let's talk about a price later!"
I watched him go until he disappeared into the crowd waiting outside the storehouse. I turned to the young man, whose eyes had literally turned starry-eyed, "Hey, would you be okay if I took that back as a sample?"
"Sure thing!" I smiled at him and handed him a free sample pouch for his trouble.
I sighed softly, "I wonder how many more people will be interested in this stuff after today."
Hopefully, they'd spread the word around town and help me get more money for my goods. I thought about including a free ten-foot pole with each one I sold, and I planned on pricing it at one or two silvers in a pouch. The cost of making it was a bit of cheap quartz and some mana from me, and with no competition, I could come away with a couple hundred gold from this.
I turned to head into the Adventurer's Guild, trying to think about what else I could come up with that would be unique for these adventurers.
◆◆◆
As I walked past the counter, I saw the same halfling woman who had helped me earlier. I approached her and said, "Hello again! How are you doing?"
She smirked at me, "Well enough. What can we do for you, little Alice?"
I grinned, "I didn't know you worked behind the counter! Umn, I just wanted to ask you some questions about the guild's rules and regulations regarding...supply sales?"
The woman leaned forward on her elbows, "You're serious about going through with it?"
I nodded slowly, "Yeah, I'm very serious. I've been thinking about coming back here to sell some supplies, but I don't want to cause problems for anyone, or upset the system too much."
The halfling snorted, "The system? Don't worry about that! It's pretty easy to make money here without breaking the rules. Especially for a Rank C adventurer and past prolific seller like you. You'd get bloody fast-tracked."
"So, what should I do?"
She looked up for a moment, pursing her lips, then replied, "Well, first off, we need to find out what kind of items you're selling. Are you talking about Rope? Runes? Maps? Equipment? Or something else entirely? If your product is approved by the Guild, it'll be available at the storefront so long as you meet demand quotas. The house takes 10% for any high ticket items like enchanted equipment and 20% for common consumables such as potions, torches, and glowstones."
"Okay, so what kinds of things are allowed?"
"Anything that doesn't harm others inherently is okay. So that means food and drink, bedding and other personal effects, clothing, weapons, armor, and so on. Anything that can be used as a weapon or tool is also permitted. However, anything that has an effect on magic users is forbidden unless specifically stated otherwise."
I scratched my chin thoughtfully, "Got it! So if I were to make a burn salve or something along those lines, that'd be fine right?"
She nodded, "Sure! But if you have any ideas for new products, bring them in and we'll see if they're worth considering."
I smiled brightly, "Thanks! I'll be sure to let you know! I do have one today that I'd like to get approved."
She raised an eyebrow curiously, "Really? What might that be?"
I pulled a small leather pouch out of my bag and handed it to her. She opened it up and sniffed suspiciously. Then, she reached inside and removed a pinch of the silicone dust.
"This," I explained, "Is Dungeoneer's Paste. I'll be bringing in a batch in compact, portable pouches if you could send it in for approval."
I demonstrated how it worked by pouring some onto my hand and pouring some water on it. I handed it over to her, and she started kneading it around in curiosity.
Then, I placed the tablet with the map on the counter and gave the same explanation I had given to the adventurers earlier.
"Well," she said after staring at the paste for a while, "Niche, but nifty. Seems like a no-brainer to add in the consumables section!"
I grinned happily, "So, does this mean I'm all set?"
She laughed softly as she replied, "Yup! Also, my name is Calphina Summereye, for future reference. Good to finally meet you in person."
I extended my hands towards her and took hers gently into my palms as I shook them lightly, "It's nice to meet you! Alice, just for formality's sake."
We shook hands, and I left a few pouches before departing for my home.
◆◆◆
I walked back through town, thinking about other easy ideas I could come up with that would sell well in this world. Getting minerals was pretty easy for us. Charles had that supply chain set up, and I'd rummaged the product out of literal junk from the basement and garage.
I'd learned that the Liddells were in the equipment and supply business, and Charles - well, my father, I guess, had made a classic mistake many successful businessmen made. He'd found success after he retired from adventuring, and then he'd gotten overzealous and overleveraged himself to the hilt, not bothering to have a backup plan if something terrible happened. He hadn't even looked at ways to cut back his risk. When a bad product launch built up like that, it almost always blew up hard.
Now the family business was on its last legs, and his company was worth almost nothing, or rather it had just about been sold off to satisfy creditors. The land his minor noble family had grown on for generations now belonged to a merchant, who had basically gouged it for as much as he possibly could. Charles Liddell had hired most of our family and our relatives into his business to create something for us. Unfortunately, with all this borrowing and equipment buying, there weren't any assets to fall back on when the company began to go belly up.
The whole family was just staring down the barrel of being kicked out of the only place that was left of a budding empire, our modest three-bedroom house in the equivalent of Berkley or Bridgeport.
I sighed. Maybe if we took in enough to buy a house with a foothold in some more rural village? With a stable source of income, I thought we might be okay for a while, but we would have to work hard to improve our fortune, and there would be some difficult changes ahead.
Well, time to go back home. It had been a long day, and I still had plenty to do in terms of brainstorming.
Suddenly, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and a familiar prickly sensation in the small of my back.
I looked around the street and noticed the shadows stretching out along the ground. It was a beautiful late afternoon for a walk. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. I slowed to a stop. The hairs on the back of my neck continued to itch with the same sensation, and the tingles ran across the small of my back.
My body stiffened, and the urge to flee took over.
It was probably just a random passerby walking by that triggered it; nothing sinister about it at all
...
But somehow, I knew that wasn't true.
As I walked through town, I realized that even in this city which had always struck me as calm and laid-back, many people actually carried weapons. But there were far more than usual here. A lot of people wore leather armor with various designs painted on them. Their faces bore tattoos and scars, and they moved with purpose as they stalked down the streets with their daggers and short swords.
They made no effort to hide from view, instead strutting down the main thoroughfares boldly with menacing stances. There must have been ten or fifteen of these types moving slowly through the crowds. They definitely added a lot to my paranoia.
I picked up my pace, running towards my house while I still could. The instinct that I was being watched or followed got stronger, and I started sweating and feeling nauseous.
I didn't know why I was so scared, but I had this odd, nagging feeling like something terrible was about to happen. I quickened my step again and suddenly found myself tripping on an uneven stone in the middle of the street. I tumbled forward headfirst into the cobblestones wit-
A strong arm caught me in the fall and gently pulled me back onto the ground before helping me stand back up. I heard a giggle behind me as I tried to catch my breath.
"Hey there, sport." She spoke softly, "You alright?"
"Uh...yeah," I gasped out between gulps of air. It felt like every part of my body was tense and ready for flight at any moment. I looked around frantically at all the people, shops, buildings, and streets I had passed.
I turned around with a gasp, only to see a familiar redheaded catgirl with aquamarine eyes standing there with her arms folded, eyes full of mirth as she helped me off the road.
Her body language screamed friendly and safe, but there were definitely a lot of people nearby chasing me who carried weapons. And those people were following me right now. My heart raced, and it seemed like I had been holding my breath this time until just that second when it came pouring out of my mouth as I took a massive gulp of air.
She held her position with a slight smirk on her lips, watching me breathe in and out heavily with a look of amusement on her face.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" She asked teasingly, with another little chuckle in the end.
The catgirl pulled out an arrow from her quiver. Then she turned around and shot her bow up over the roofs of the houses.
The arrow flew into the sky where the setting sun gave it a crimson hue glow, and the bowstring snapped loudly through the quiet early evening air.
I heard a cry of pain, and then a man fell off the roof. I cringed as he hit his head hard against the cobblestones below him when he landed awkwardly to a thudding sound. She was already in motion, nocking another arrow.
"Get ready. Me-nyeow!"
...
I groaned. Loudly. |
The cold wind was blowing through their faces.The air in their lungs got harder to breathe with every passing second as both of them were looking at eachother with bulging eyes.
In a quick moment,a light appeared in Takada's eyes and a smile on his horrid face.That was the starting signal for the black assassin.He started the engine of some sort of jetpack on his back and let himself fall from the roof.
Takada,confused,didin't know where to look,but still pushed Key back as defence.As she fell she saw the assassin up in the clear sky.The glowing moon was reflecting on his helmet as he took a sharp sword out of that jetpack of his and rapidly flew towards them.
The speed he had was insane.In mere seconds he got close to Takada and both of them engaged in a fight.
Takada took the knife from earlier out of his pocket and started swinging at him.He was blocking every attack with his sword as fire started to blow out of his boots.
He was propulsating himself with them, swinging his sword with every move.Takada could only hear their swords colide as he was incredibly fast too as a human.
Key could only look in horror as Takada was getting cut every second,but she decided to man up and join the fight.
As she shouted "Hey!Look over here dumbass!" the assassin stopped and rose his sword up to his chin and pointed it directly at Key.
She took a deep breath,clenched her jaw and ran straight to him.
Takada shouted "No!Get back!" as Key got cut in mere seconds by the man.The weird smell of blood was so infuriating.
The black hand appeared behind her back again and she struck the man with it ,but he dodged the attack without a problem.She struck him more times after that and even rocks were flying left and right,but it was useless.He dodged it all with no sweat.
Key's face turned red,her eyes had only the sent of anger in them.She rose her right arm as electricity was coming straight out of it.In a second she was right behind the assassin and struck him with a powerful punch he didin't see coming.
The punch didin't do much damange but he was pushed right into Takada.
Takada kicked him with his leg and started going all out on him.Key and Takada were working like a team,Key punching him with her electric hand and Takada stricking him with his knife.The sounds "Slash,slash,creak,creack" could have been heard as the assassin was getting hit from two sides.
The assassin shouted "Enough!" as he propulsated himself backwards and sent 4 rockets from his shoulders.Takada dodged the two of themt that flew towards him but Key couldn't,so she got knocked out.
Takada moved his view to the man and started laughing maniacally.Black crows started to surround them.They all flew to the assassin's helmet blocking his view.Takada got close to him really fast and got a good blow on his armor.
He did that again as more birds started to fly to the assasin's head even if the blood of their comrads started flying everywhere.
Two dogs jumped out of nowhere and struck the assasin's armored.They got sliced up pretty quick,but this gave Takada another opportunity to strike him and this time multiple hands grew behind his back and picked up some of birds clashing them onto his helmet.
The Assassin had enough,so he formed a flame tornado with his sword as fire was bursting from his boots and killed all of the birds,but Takada was nowhere to be seen.
For a mere second everything went silent,but then Takada jumped from behind and struck the man's jetpack with his knife.
It didin't take much damange and the knife got stuck,but it made the man giggle a bit and put his sword back in the jetpack.He said with a formal voice "You are really interesting.I think you are quite the opponent.I look forward to our next fight!".
Takada smiled back at him as the assassin rose into the air and flew past a few buildings.
For some reason he sent some rockets to the random buildings and fire started to spread.
People started to panic and Key heard all the screams of agony.She rose back up and looked at Takada.He was looking at the chaos,doing nothing.
Key pushed him and jumped to the top of one of the buidlings that were burning.
"What the hell are you doing Key!"
"I can't hear them.I don't want to hear them anymore.I don't want to hear the screaaams!" shouted Key with tears of anger in her eyes looking painfully at Takada.
"Then save them.If you truly don't want that,you should just save them."
"...You are right,but...but you aren't going to help me?"
"This ain't my fight.I am sorry,but i will get involved only if i need to protect you.Other lives are your priority if you really care about them."
"I see...I will save them myself then.I will save them all, so they won't have to go trought pain.Their pain is our fault after all..."
After their conversation Key got into the bulding.She was going to every floor protecting herself with the dark hand from her back.She found a family in the fire as one of the kids started screaming and crying.She couldn't take it anymore.With tears in her eyes,she blocked all the fire and made a way for them to escape.
At another floor,she found an old lady that seemed quite calm.She asked with a worried face "What are you doing lady?!We need to get out of here fast!"
"Oh,my dear.I think my time has come.Why should i try."
"No!Don't say that.Every life is important.This is my fault!You shouldn't have to pay for it!This is not your time!If anything it is mine!"
"Don't be so silly.Stuff like this always happends.It is just God's will."
"Aaah.Just take my hand" said Key angrily as she took her weak hand leading her to the exit.
Key left the building and got to the next one and then the next,saving a whole lot of people thanks to her power,but for some it was not enough.A lot already died from the impact of the rockets or the fire when she got to them.She wasn't fast enough for a lot of them and not even for the last building as it exploded right in her face and the only thing she could have done is watch.
"Damn it!Damn it!Damn it!!!Why...why did that bastard do this.He wanted us,but got all of these people involed and for what.He was human,but a...a monster too!" shouted Key as she watched the building burning to the ground.
At that moment a family approached her and thanked her deeply.
This made Key smile a little bit as she was able to atleast save some people.
She saved a lot of lives that day,but it was her fault that even happend,so was it really her saving them or her wanting to not live in pity that she took their lives.
The police and firemen were already at the place and Key's dark hand dissapeared after she left the last building she was in,even if she was still having emotions of rage and pain,she felt like she could control it better and commanded it to dissapear.To her surprise it actually did,like it had his own will and could actually hear her,but it was probably the fact that she had way to many emotions at that time for the hand to comprehend them.
She still had to run from there pretty fast so she wouldn't be seen by the police.The people were still looking for her so they could thank her,but she was already gone.
Key ran to an alley and she sat on the floor.
Tears started falling from her eyes,but a little dark hand started to clean them up.She could truly control it a little bit now.
"You know.You don't actually have to always feel strong emotions for it to appear.You can control it just by thinking about what it should do or what would make you feel better.The is the key to control your power." said Takada coming out of the dark of that alley.
"Oh,you are here.I didin't even see you,but i guess you are right.From what i have done today it made me feel better to attack that guy,but it also made me feel better to save those people or wipe my tears away i guess... ." said Key showing a little smirk on her face.
"Either way,I think you have been through a lot,so we should call it a day."
"Yeah...You are right,but the police might come to my apartment again or that robotic assassin!"
"Don't worry.I will be there for you.From this point on I will protect you!Mark my words!"
"You are really weird you know that,but also sweet in a way.You might not be the best person,but i will take your words for now."
"That makes me feel a lot more relieved.Well then!Let's go back to your apartment."
Key got up and Takada took her hand and they both sneaked back into the apartment.They could finnaly rest a bit,but for some reason when they got back Takada opened the rusty TV Key got and turned on the news.
It said widely on it "2 US governamental agents killed by a so called Terrorist Angel."
"Interesting... ." affirmed Takada with a pleased look. |
"People are always afraid of what they don't know.They fear the unknown more than anything,that is why they hate me if i show who i truly am.This is my fate now thanks to just one bad day." says the girl with a tired face as she starts to sleep on the table.
That girl is Key and she had just 14 years when the most horrific event in human history happend.Not only her life changed from that point on,but the whole world changed.
On that day a place of horror with creatures that only desire to kill named Tartarus has risen above the capital of Japan,Tokyo. Those creatures were said to be dark angels,but they were only myths found in books until that day. The day she lost everything...
The military created a defensive bubble for the situation in no time.It was like they were prepared for this.It was like they knew what was going to happen,but one thing they didin't know till later was that the whole place was just a prison for the worst types of dark angels and it was guarded by something on the inside but it was not enough as some of those dark angels that were imprisoned in there have escaped.
In those myths it was said that those monsters had the powers to posses humans to create a dark archangel.A devil with a human mind that has the first instinct to kill if they are angry,sad,scared or feel any other emotion and they have special powers to control,destroy and create.
"I never belived in those myths,but like most kids i still loved to think what it would be like if they really existed and enjoyed the stories about them.
...I don't think i will ever enjoy something like that now...because on that night as i was staying in my bed trying to fall asleep,one of those horrific beeings came into my room.I was so scared i didin't know what to do,feel,think.I remained unphased,but my parents heard the noise that monster made and came into my room.As i stood there unable to do anything my parents were getting masacred by the beeing.As i stood there doing nothing the angel killed the most important persons in my life. I somehow had the power to move my eyes and after i saw them covered in blood on the ground i almost fainted,but out of the blue the angel approached me and started to strangle me with his gigant shadowy hands but then he sudenly stopped and opened my mouth .He entered it little by little as i stood there unable to move.He entered my mouth... .I could feel him... inside me.After all that i fell on the floor of my room from my bed.I closed my eyes...and that was it.Everything that happend that night remains imprinted in my memory, but i can't remember well what happend afterwards. I might have went on a killing spree,when the police came into my house, the day after that to check on the residents of the city that could have been hurt.The only thing i truly know is that i was left on the streets at just 14 running from everyone. I never finished my education and never went to school again.All of the people i knew...i couldn't see them again,because i knew that what i have become is a dark archangel... a monster." remebered Key as she was laying down on the table.
That was 3 years ago.Key's life was changed forver and just like right now, she falls asleep and remembers the events of that day,she remebers it all like it was yesterday.Now she can't even show herself in the world,so she wears a mask and says that she has a disease to everyone that asks about it.She also has a work place now,because she needs a place to stay and food to eat.She works at a coffee shop and tries everyday to not attach herself to other people,because she doesn't want to hurt them or even worse,kill them. She has to live in fear...
"Wake up Key! You fell asleep at work again! It is the third time this week" said a tall girl with blond hair that was looking down at Key. "Aaaa!I am so sorry Chisata!"
"Oh! You don't have to be sorry silly! I can guess you might have not slept this night at all.That is just a tought tho." said Chisata with a big smile on her face.
"No no! You got it wrong i was just day dreaming and i guess i fell asleep. You don't have to worry about me!"
"I will still worry tho!After all we are great friends and that is what friends do! Either way we both now gotta get back to work!"
"I understand,i understand.I am on it!"
Even after all that happend and even if she tried to not attach herself to people she still failed.Chisata is just her friendly partner with blond hair and blue eyes at the coffee shop and they talk all the time there.Key needed someone to comunicate with and Chisata was always there to take her mind off of things and talk with her,but she never got really personal with her.They never talked about what they really do after work or where they live and Key always left work 10 minutes early so she could get home without no one following her or knowing where she really lives but today it was different as Chisata wanted to go home 10 minutes early too and hang out a little bit with Key.
Key tought that maybe Chisata got really attached to her now and she wants to know more about her and not be just work partners but friends.
As they were walking down the street Key and Chisata started taking about their usual stuff like books and movies.Chisata loved mistery novels and Key loved fantasy ones as her life is pretty much a fantasy to most.At one point Key asked "I think we have been walking for some time and it's starting to rain.When are we getting close to your home?".
"We should be close very soon,but is your home even in this way or do you want to spend more time with me too? If that is so it would be really cute of you."responded Chisata with her sparkling eyes.
"Well if i want to be honest i also want to spend more time with you even if i shouldn't really get attached to others... but my home is also this way"
"Why that?Are you afraid of something if you get attached or..."
Chisata didin't even finish that sentence as a man covered in black cut their way,pulling out a knife he started making demands like "Give me all your money!Give it to me now!Right now or i slice you both!" with a scary looking face.
The girls were frightened and didin't know how to react.The man was so impulsive so Chisata started taking out her purse,but right at that moment Key snapped.
Her eyes lit up with a red flame and her mind became all chaotic.In a second a dark hand appeared from her back and sliced the robbers body in half.Chisata that just witnessed all of this got so scared she wanted to run but in a moment of rage the hand severed her head.
Key didn't even realize what she had done ,until she saw on the ground,the bloody head of the woman she wanted to call a friend.
It started to rain.The dark violet hand dissapeared leaving Key all alone looking at the head of Chisata and the sliced body of the robber.Tears started pouring down from her eyes just like how the water started to pour from the clouds.She couldn't believe what she had done.This was worse than a nightmare for her.All of the good moments she had with Chisata at the coffee shop,every conversation they had,the relationship that was made, it was all gone thanks to a moment of rage.
"I am truly a monster... and i am afraid...afraid of myself" murmured Key with a wheezy voice through all those tears. |
Darkness.
Blinding lights.
Vague shadows moving across a blurry white background.
The steady beating of machines.
Then…
Open.
At first everything seemed blurry, indistinct patches of light and dark shifting into and out of my vision. Then shapes appeared, and the world around me resolved into a scene both easily recognisable but completely unfamiliar.
I was in a hospital bed. The room around me was sparsely furnished, and mine was the only bed in it. There was a potted plant sitting across from me, standing atop a low wooden dresser on the wall opposite to me. Turning to my left I noticed a small cloth armchair beside my bed, standing between it and the room’s single window. The blinds were drawn, leaving only a small gap that was difficult to see through from my angle, but it was clear that the window took up almost all of the left wall. A thin beam of white light shined across the room ahead of me, wavering, as if unsure if it should be there or not.
I started suddenly as I heard the click of a door handle, and I swivelled my head to find the room’s door swinging open on the far right. I could feel my pulse quicken and my heart begin pounding at the unexpected noise.
Calm down
, I thought to myself as a woman stepped through the entrance and started towards me. She was wearing a set of blue medical scrubs and she smiled kindly at me as she made her way across the room.
“Good to see that you’re awake, love,” she said as she lifted up a clipboard at the foot of my bed. I hadn’t noticed that earlier. I nodded mutely as she glanced at the clipboard and then back at me. There was a slight crease between her eyebrows for a moment, then it was gone and her expression returned to what seemed more and more to its default cheery state.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, but it felt as if there was something more behind that question than just politeness. I bit down on my lower lip and shrugged.
“I’m feeling fine,” I said, raising what I hoped was a smile on my face. I felt sluggish, as if my muscles had decided they were tired and didn’t want to fully wake up today. Coordination felt a bit strange too. “What am I doing here?”
The nurse (she seemed to be acting as one, and had the right uniform on besides) nodded at me. “You’ve been in a coma, dear. It’s been two weeks already, so it’s good to hear that you’re feeling okay.”
She took the seat at my beside before continuing. “Now, I know this might sound silly, but could you tell me your full name and your birthdate?”
I felt the corners of my lips twitch upwards slightly at that. A wave of laughter rippled through me - I managed to keep it silent but it would’ve probably been pretty obvious to her. She smiled patiently as she waited for my response.
“Yes that’s alright, that’s completely fine,” I said, composing myself. The nurse nodded encouragingly at me to go on. I straightened up in my bed, shaking my head as I firmed my lips together to stop myself from giggling. What was that? It was unexpected, though I suppose it shouldn’t really have been, but either way it definitely wasn’t of the humour-esque variety. The nurse slapped a hand to her forehead suddenly and looked sheepishly at me.
“Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Louise. I’m the nurse who’s in charge of looking after you and making sure you’re all fully recovered before we let you go home. It’s nice to meet you.”
She brushed a lock of hair aside and I saw the name tag it had hidden behind it. LOIUSE GORDON, RN, it read. Then on the next line, in regular writing; Registered Nurse. I grinned back at her and held out my hand.
“Nice to meet you Louise. My name is Cecilia Wang, and my birthday is on the 17th of September,” I said. I realised I hadn’t said which year I was born in, but I figured that this would be all they needed from me anyhow.
“It’s a pleasure, Cecilia.”
Louise was pretty, I thought. She looked like she was somewhere in her late twenties, with long, flowing black hair that went all the way down to her middle back, waving a little in the slight breeze coming in from the window. Her figure was slender in a way that most people would probably find alluring, and she had on a pair of small dolphin earrings which I found endlessly cute. I spent a brief moment wondering what I looked like right now and my mind drew a blank. Guess I wasn’t great at visualising then. Her voice floated up at me and I snapped out of it.
“Do you remember how you got into your accident?” Louise asked. I shook my head.
Accident?
I guess that explains why I was in a coma. Was two weeks a long time to spend in a coma? I wasn’t sure. Louise nodded and noted it down on the clipboard.
“That’s alright,” she said. “It’ll probably come back to you soon enough. I’ll let you know now so you won’t be in for a shock later, but two weeks ago you were involved in a car accident.”
I nodded. That seemed to track. I mean, car accidents happen frequently enough, right? And they were definitely more than enough to be able to send people into a coma. Probably. Louise glanced back up at me.
“What’s the last thing that you remember, dear?” she said.
“Ummm…”
I thought back to the first thing I thought of when I awoke. Had I been remembering something from before my accident? I couldn’t remember. I frowned and kept searching through my mind. I mean, worst comes to worst, anything would do right? So long as it wasn’t too far away from the time of the accident, in which case it would prove that my memory was intact. This situation felt so familiar I almost had to laugh. But why did it feel like that? I’m sure I had never been in a coma before. Probably from a show somewhere, I figured, though I couldn’t remember which. I shook my head. These thoughts were not helpful.
“Sorry… just trying to find something, haha”
A worried look entered Louise’s eyes. I ignored it and tried to smile.
“Aha ha, umm…. errrr…”
I tried not to panic as a deep sense of dread rose up within me. This couldn’t be happening, could it? I felt my breathing grow rapid and I worked to slow it down before speaking. This really couldn’t be happening. There’s no way. I glanced towards Louise, who was looking increasingly more concerned. I tried a reassuring laugh, but it made me feel even worse. I swallowed before I spoke.
“I don’t remember anything,” I said. |
Who am i? A simple question. Most people would usually state their name along their hobbies and what they're living for.
A very simple, it's so simple, yet i have no answer to it.
I don't exist at all, i might be present physically however i'm an empty shell.
For the past 5 years, i've lived not knowing who i am or who i was.
I have no memories of my past whatsoever. For the past 5 years, i've gone by the name Yuu.
I need atleast something to be referred with and went with that.
Despite living for 5 years, i've done nothing but repeat the same thing everyday.
I wake up as just like any other normal person, i eat, but i stay up all night over thinking my existence.
Grown bored, depressed over it.
I decided to find answers.
In this world, just like any other fictions that people have read. It's world filled with magic.
There are groups that utilizes then uses of it.
First are Sorcerers, a group revolving around soldiers serving the country.
Fight for it and defend it.
It is made up of ranks.
The lowest rank, Cadet.
Although being a part of sorcerers already, they're still under trained.
Gaining experiences.
The second rank, Knight.
A respectable rank of people.
Commanded to fight and defend.
The third rank, Paladins.
A much higher rank that revolves around the higher parts of the country.
Captain Rank, they're mostly known to command small units of Knights and Cadets.
Commander, the highest rank.
They're the ones to give commands literally, and have authority over a whole army dedicated on several cities.
And the one commanding all of it, Supreme Commander.
Specializing on large strategies and movement, the top of sorcerer ranks.
Commanding every armies and ranks on all cities.
The called Legendary Hero Misaki was the previous Supreme commander, however after dying, it was changed.
That's the Sorcerer.
And the other one, Adventurers. Unlike the sorcerers that is a military serving the country, adventurers are global.
It is made up of different ranks.
Bronze Class
Silver Class
Gold Class
Diamond Class
Platinum Class
Zarantium Class
(Note: Zarantium is an inside verse element created on special occasions born after a death of a star, the energy from it forms new kind of material which later on landed on the planet)
Master Class
Adventurers revolved around exploring dungeons and collecting informations around the planet for the country it's serving. Although separated, Sorcerers and Adventurers are somehow connected.
The information collected by adventurers are later on explored through a mission by Sorcerers.
I've decided to become a part of Adventurers. I never had any knowledge of these until recently, i was told about it by a guy who called himself Mitsuki.
I just met him a few months ago, apparently i piqued his interest, it was also him who suggested that an answer might lie there.
Tomorrow, I'll visit the Guild of this country.
I lied on the bed and let the night pass. It's the day.
I got up, changed and kind of got ready.
I left the house and looked up on the clear blue sky.
"The sky is so bright yet my future seems to be dark"
Walking through the city, it seems to be a lively city. Each people have a smile on their faces, it must be weird to be the only one looking all serious here.
After a few minutes of walk, i reached the guild. I entered the place, inside it were some people discussing about their findings, next stop and etc.
I approached the master of the place.
I told her what i'm here for.
"To register? Sure, this way" she lead the way to the counter where contracts are formed.
From there, she asked me details about myself, Name, Age, Gender.
"Name is Yuu, just Yuu. Age is 15, Male"
She wrote it all down as she repeats what i said, perhaps a habit.
And so, my registration was done,.
I was charged a bit for registration fee but what matters is that it's done.
All that's left was to check my Magical aptitude.
[Clairvoyance] a common skill, it lets someone check small details on an individual, be living or not.
The lady started using [Clairvoyance] on me.
" Magical Power: C "
Turns out i'm not that impressive.
" Class: ??? "
I asked the lady why it shows nothing, she answered that it is because I'm barely fit for any class.
However my registration is over.
All that's left was to wait for a day for my license to be forged.
And so another day passed, I'm back on the guild to fetch my license. Immediately after gaining a license, i should be able to join parties and start now.
I'm a bit asocial though so it's kind of hard to ask just anyone.
But turns out i didn't need to, someone approached me. Apparently they needed another member to take a certain task.
He told me that i didn't need to do anything, they just need another member. The payment for it seems to be really high and he told me that I'd get a share of it.
Well isn't that obvious? I'm still taking a part so. I thought to myself.
I took the offer, we'll take off later night.
The party seemed to be bunch of amateurs who just started recently as well.
I took a walk around the town to pass the time, i have nothing else to do anyway.
On my way, i bumped on a person
Golden hair with crimson eyes, a noticeable cowlick and mole on his chin, that person was Mitsuki.
" Oh! Yuu! I didn't thought i would see you here " Mitsuki said.
" Oh, Mitsuki — "
While talking, i got interrupted by him. I should just call him Tsuki, he said. And so i did.
" Right, Tsuki, what are you doing here? " i asked.
" i'm here for my registration " Tsuki replied.
Apparently he's here to sign up as a Sorcerer and join the force. I see why he brought that up to me the other day.
He then asked me why i was here too, which i replied that i registered as an adventurer and that my first task was tonight, i was just walking around to pass time.
As i chatted with Tsuki, i noticed that he was with someone. A mysterious looking guy, green hair and golden eyes, fair skin, and a noticeable mole on the left cheek wearing a cloak.
And with that, Tsuki remembered that he was with someone.
"oh wait, let me introduce you to someone!"
It's like the thought just crossed his mind and snapped on him, he stepped aside a few and introduced the person he was with.
" This a friend of mine, his Name is Sora "
The boy named Sora stepped forward to personally introduce himself.
" My name is Sora, from the Arashi family. Arashi Sora, Pleasure to meet you "
A well mannered person? I suppose.
" likewise, my name is.... Yuu, just Yuu "
A bit hestitant on introducing myself, after all Yuu was never my actual name. I just started calling myself that as i needed a name to adress myself however i have no memory of what could my actual name have been.
It seems like they don't have that much spare time so Tsuki and Sora left immediately, both of them are entering the ranks it seems.
I remained on the same spot for a few minutes until i decided to continue my walk again. I probably have walked through the whole city already by the time the night falls.
I went to the meeting place, apparently i am a bit earlier. I sat down below a tree as i waited, but it didn't took that much time before they arrived.
A figure of a tall man approached along few people with him.
" oh you're here already " said the person who invite me earlier.
They're panting, it seems like they rushed running here.
They spent a moment to catch their breath before making any conversation again.
" allow us to introduce ourselves, we're the night fang party, my name is Kou. "
He introduced himself and the party members one by one.
The girl on a support caster mage get up was Mira.
The Guy with archer get up was Gen.
And the Leader on Swordsman get up, Kou.
Apparently their fourth member is currently unavailable but they already have accepted the task so they were desperate for a substitute member, fortunately i was there they said.
Kou then asked for my name.
I introduced myself the usual way i do, just Yuu.
" so Yuu, what can you do? "
Now that i think about it, I've never really done anything.
I guess I'll be just a burden to this party.
" i can do... Mana Control atleast "
Just when i was expecting a dissapointed response, they were instead amazed.
" Mana Control? That's great " Kou commented with an amazed face.
Is mana control that impressive? I didn't know it was an actual thing in the first place, i just made it up.
" Mira should learn from you then, she's our mage, she's fine at spells but not on control "
Mira then commented that she's looking forward for it if i would.
" well... Sure "
What the hell, i think i just put myself in trouble, how come i didn't refuse.
" well then, enough chit chat team. Let's proceed now! "
Kou lead the way, we walked a long way.
Apparently our destination is a newly found cave which used to be a castle, however it was piled by dirt and turned into a mountain overtime.
Our task was to map it and return the map to the country order for later exploration.
Days passed. I didn't know it'd be that long of a journey.
We stumble upon the entrance of said destination.
But before engaging, the leader decided to camp first and have a dinner.
It was 19:00 of night.
A fireplace was built, seems like they were ready for it.
They even brought raw ingredients.
I helped on preparing and cooking it, after all I'll have a share.
And so we ate together, have some conversation.
They're a fun and friendly kind of people, for the first time i felt like i actually want to live this moment. I guess it's not bad at all.
Perhaps I'll try joining their party as an official member, That'd be fun i guess.
They are amateurs, but that's why it would be fun to venture with them.
I cut my thoughts as we finished and cleaned up, a few more moments and we'll enter the entrance.
Back to the capital city of Cerez.
We all got back to the front of entrance as we entered it.
The feeling on the air suddenly changed, it became heavy.A lot of pressure can be felt on the air.
However i still moved forward with them.
Mira casted a light based spell to illuminate our paths.
We explored every paths and marked them down as we draw it on the map.
" I wonder what kind of loots i can get here " Said Kou.
" we should focus on our main objective here you know! " Mira scolded.
" i know i know, but we might find treasures that might just make us millionaires with ease " Kou replied as he made a silly expression in a jokingly tone.
" even if we do, the treasure will be claimed by the whole country for it's own sake anyway. " Said Gen.
Kou understood that part, it will be always the country itself to claim whatever treasure is found by it.
" you're right, i'm just joking "
Although he said he was joking around, his face seemed really dissapointed.
An expression that says "ah what a let down"
Until we opened a certain door.
Chills ran through my spine, I also noticed that they also stopped moving.
Whatever kind of creatures might've been inside just got disturbed and is now aggressive.
The fight or flight senses kicked in, as the creatures inside roared, we all ran.
The roars were so loud it shaked the entire place as they broke through their room.
It was Wyverns.
I've read about these on books.
They guard territories of dragons as a minion. If that's true then we just dug our grave by entering this place.
Desperately running for our lives, we were taking random turns on hopes to get away, but that's impossible.
Wyverns have special senses that can see even in pitch dark places.
And we entered another room. This one is a very hot area.
There are pools of magma around, shrieking sounds were heard above.
" why these creatures are here? " i muttered.
A bunch of large spiders, about as large as humans chased us.
Glowing yellow on contrast of it's black skin resembling that of magma.
They were [Infernal Spiders]
A kind of spiders that has mutated to the harsh conditions of volcanoes.
Once again we ran, the Wyverns seems to have stopped ever since we entered this area though.
Weird but it's a good thing, if we can only get away from these arachnids.
[Infernal Spiders] are known for their fiery webs unlike normal spiders, they can also produce magma instead of venom.
And this time, we entered another area again.
Much larger than any of previous areas.
The whole party are out of breathe.
But thankful that we weren't eaten alive... So we thought.
Suddenly the the whole party aside me got feeling sick and started vomiting and then fainted.
I was about to ask them what's wrong until i heard a grunt.
" what purpose hast thou humans visited this place for? "
A loud voice spoke.
An enormous figure, this place was probably a nest for it.
Black shaded scales with glowing blue claws and eyes.
It was a dragon.
A dragon was standing proudly above a pile of treasures, artifacts and weapons.
The whole room lit up, every corner was illuminated with lights, but there was no source of it.
I see, it must've been the dragon's presence that started making them feel sick. But why am i unaffected?
Being the only one standing, the dragon has turned it's attention to me.
" you're.... " the dragon seemed dumbfounded.
" no way, is it finally... " the dragon muttered.
The dragon glowed all over and started becoming smaller, it was shaping into a humanoid figure.
Black short hair and a horn, blue glowing eyes. A pretty lady.
" it is you " the formerly dragon lady said.
She bowed down.
" my lord, i am filled with pleasure for the time has come "
I was dumbfounded, the creature which i thought would be my end bowed down infront of me.
The dragon lady standed up and approached me then held my hands.
I was astonished by the current situation.
However before i could react, i started doing the glowing thing all over my body too.
" well then, i shall now restore your memories and core " the lady dragon stated.
A huge sphere glowing on seven colors was formed from her as it slowly entered me. I was engulfed by a large energy.
My mind then suddenly went blank or perhaps white.
My ears started ringing, it was as if I'm sinking into darkness or being engulfed by it.
Am i disappearing....? No.... No.. I don't wanna disappear.
NO I DON'T WANT THAT! DON'T TAKE ME AWAY!!!
It felt like my whole existence was melting.
I WANNA KEEP ON LIVING! I DON'T WANNA DISAPPEAR!
just when i felt like i finally was able to live something for, I'm going to disappear.
AAAAAAAAAA
My head started hurting as it flashes memories.
5 years ago.
Thunder claps, rain pours, the wind rages.
A group of mysterious people dressed in a way to conceal their identities, a cloak which hood's covers almost the entire face. Wielding weapons. A chase is happening on the roof of houses.
The chased not knowing what she's being chased for runs for her life, perhaps for the chasers.
The girl who was being chased pulled out a sword out of thin air and decided to fight back clashing with the chasers.
"who are you people, what exact reason are you chasing me for?"
The girl asked calmly as she stands on a pose while she holds her sword infront.
" Hero Misaki, you are marked to be assassinated tonight"
The girl was named Misaki and was indeed the hailed hero of the country.
A long black hair on the contrast of her pale skin, deep purple eyes.
Below there was a small child watching everything happen, a child about 10 years old.
She witnessed everything.
The Hero, Misaki getting murdered by unkown people.
Misaki's dying body fell on the ground, the spear which impaled her chest has disappeared.
The child then rushed towards her as she begun to cry.
She couldn't accept the reality that's infront of her.
Misaki's last words were asking the Girl, Miku. To keep on living.
She couldn't accept it still. The said small girl apparently excels at Magic and Skill usages.
Born from her deep desires, her body started glowing.
<<Accepted, the process shall start now>>
A sphere glowing on seven colors emerged from her.
As it spreads through the country.
The girl then fainted.
Fast forward to the day after.
A 10 year old boy woke up, having no memories of his past.
5 years earlier prior to Hero Incident.
Another Rainy day.
A small girl somewhere age of 5 was wandering around the city drenched in rain.
Cerez is a wealthy country, no signs of poverty is shown on it's capital.
Which is why it was strange for an abandoned girl to wander around it.
That girl bumped on someone, it was the same Hero, Misaki.
Hoshino Misaki.
The two had a conversation.
Misaki took the girl back on her house.
She took care of her, fed her and gave her a place to stay in temporarily.
Hoping to get her back to her home, she asked the girl about herself to narrow down where she came from, unfortunately it was negative.
The girl did not know either, all she got was her name, Miku.
Misaki was never the person to let a child wander around alone, she's also got a soft spot for them as she always wished to have a younger sibling.
A month passed, yet she still haven't found her parents or where she came from.
But at the same time, the child Miku has grown to be quite affectionate towards Misaki.
When she first came into the place, she barely talked or reacted. But that has changed.
She started being talkative, curious and lively.
After a few more months, Misaki gave up on finding parents and decided to adopt Miku as her sibling.
(in this world, adoption works differently, not only you can adopt someone through paper but through blood as well.
Lore wise, developments of magic was able to create one that lets an individual change blood relativity through it, Miku and Misaki became siblings both paper and blood)
The two of them spent years together with fun.
Miku lived on the name Hoshino, Hoshino Miku for 5 years.
(Back to Present)
My mind has gone completely blank, however the process was over.
<<Core Restored>>
I opened my eyes.
Weird feeling, it feels like i woke up from a long dream but it's not.
Should i say I'm back?
I walked to the mirror on the corner.
It's my face.
A mismatched color of eyes, Blue right eye and Golden left eye.
A long black hair, fair skin.
The process seemed to have disintegrate my clothes as well.
I walked towards the wardrobe in the room and took some clothes.
I took a pair of black boots, high thighs socks that are thick and as durable as dragon scales giving of blue hue of reflection.
Black skirt paired with golden belt.
White Blouse like shirt with golden tip at the collar part, a hole that leaves both shoulders exposed.
A pin that resembles a white wing for my hair, and lastly a black cloak.
Weird, i might've retrieved my memories but i have no memories of these yet i know they're mine.
I took a sword that stands at the top of the piled treasures, i called upon it's name.
[Zhaqiel]
The sword glowed, A large sword with black blade and golden tip. Sword guard on both sides of the handle and the cross guard resembles wings painted on glowing yellow color as if it was made of crystal.
The sword was larger than me in size generally but i altered it enough to be carried by hand.
I stabbed myself on the chest with it.
[Zhaqiel] is a strange sword, rather than having a sheathe.
It's sheathe is the user itself, it becomes intangible and vanishes when sheathed on the wielder, calling upon it's name will summon it back.
I walked infront of a mirror.
Seems like i've gotten smaller too
(From 178CM to 160CM)
" Aoi " i called for the lady dragon earlier.
" treat these people and drop them off to their homes, oh and make sure to erase their memories of this " i commanded her.
" understood " she responded and immediately went to obey my words.
Funny how i thought i was disappearing earlier for gaining back my memories, a bit embarrassing now that I'm thinking about it, heh.
It's time to drop the Yuu identity.
My name is Hoshino Miku. |
Lucky’s sniggering manages to break through the anxious illusions of Genkei’s negative thoughts that created a fake reality of everyone insulting and degrading him. This brought Genkei back to reality.
“Hahahahahahaha!” Lucky couldn’t control himself to stop sniggering.
Everyone had perplexed expressions on their faces as they all found it rude and disrespectful for Lucky to laugh at someone’s else insecurity. Ren became triggered in anger and grabbed Lucky by the shirt.
“Oi, Lucky! You're taking the piss right now! I know you have a sharp tongue but this time you're going over the top!” as her angry eyes lock into Lucky.
Lucky wasn’t even fazed by Ren and continued to laugh which even caught her off guard.
“Genkei, you’re really funny. Do you know that?” Lucky had a fat innocent grin.
Genkei, who was overthinking about scenarios that never happened was speechless to hear Lucky’s words. Lucky stretched out his hand to pull Genkei from his knees.
“I can tell just by meeting all of you today, that our time at university is going to be super, super fun! Imagine all the stuff we're going to experience and can’t wait to share it with all of you guys!” Lucky expresses himself with happiness.
This happiness spreads along with everyone else and they all started to crack small smiles at each other.
“This guy…” Dai said to himself as he was impressed by him.
“Your too weird Lucky, you know that?” Ren releases him and puts her hand on her head as she’s getting tired.
Lucky giggles in response.
“Anytime, I’m starting to feel sleepy too, so I’m heading to bed. Since I don’t know Yoko’s room, I’m just gonna let her sleep with me but anyway goodnight numbskulls.
Ren leaves the kitchen with Yoko leaning on her while she’s sleepwalking. Yoko then slightly opened her eyes and noticed a slight smile from Ren.
“Ren-ren, you look happy, what did I miss?” Yoko yawns as she’s beginning to wake up.
“Ren-ren? Do I look happy? Maybe just like Lucky, I’m also looking forward to this year with those numbskulls. Doesn’t seem like it will get boring around here. Anyway, for our first night, do you want to do a sleepover in my room?” Ren replies with a smirk.
“Yayyy, sleepover, I call dibs on the bed.” Yoko sluggishly said.
“Oi! That’s my bed you numbskull!” Ren said.
As only the boys remained in the kitchen, Lucky came up with an idea.
“Hey, I know! Let’s create a boy's group chat! With only us four involved! What d'ya think?“
“I’m liking that idea!” Dai was high-strung about it.
“According to my calculations, having a group chat will allow us to communicate with each other efficiently about the latest news on campus,” Nerdy explains.
“Aren’t we group chatting right now?” Kaito said.
“But what are we going to call the group chat?” Genkei asks.
“We can just call it something simple like… ‘Mandem GC’” Lucky said.
“ ‘Mandem GC’? What does that mean?” Kaito asked.
“It literally just means a group of guys and ‘GC’ stands for group chat.” Lucky explains.
“Wow, that
is
very simple!” Kaito seems impressed.
“ I also think that’s a very nice and easy name.” Nerdy agrees.
“The name sounds like it can ring,” Genkei said.
“ I love the name! I love it! I love it! Everyone, give your phone numbers to Lucky. He will be the admin of this group chat.” Dai couldn’t hold himself back.
“Nah, you can be admin Dai.” Lucky rejects.
“What!? Are you sure?! Thank you dadd-”
Quickly as the scene changes… phew, I don’t even want to know what Dai was going to say next.
Anyway, moments later…everyone is in their room. Ren and Yoko are sleeping together on a bed in Ren’s room. Nerdy is using his laptop while his legs are curled up. Kaito is doing push-ups while his suitcase is on his back, Genkei is playing video games, Dai is pulling weird expressions while he’s on the toilet, and finally Lucky is lying on his bed while using his phone.
BING!
A notification sound that Lucky, Genkei, Nerdy, and Kaito have received at the same time. They all look to see where it came from on their smartphones,
Notification: Mandem GC created by DAI-DAI.
DAI-DAI: Hiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!! Kiddos! 🙈
Genkei: I thought this is a boys' group chat only?
Nerdy: I was thinking the same. I haven’t seen any boy using the monkey emoji… according to my calculations. ¯_( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)_/¯
Kaito: Maybe someone has Dai’s phone?
Lucky: 😂
Lucky: What a bitch.
DAI-DAI: Shut up lucky! And it is me! I am Dai!
Genkei: Why is your font like that? Change it.
DAI-DAI: No. I like it!
Nerdy: And he also calls himself DAI-DAI…Weirdo ( ͡❛ ͜ʖ ͡❛)
DAI-DAI: Who here also saved Junichiro as Nerdy.
Genkei: ✋
Kaito: ✋
Lucky: 😕
Lucky: What was his real name again?
Nerdy: SCREW YOU GUYS! AND THAT’S NOT FUNNY LUCKY! DAI JUST TYPED IT IN THE CHAT!! ᕙ( ︡'︡益'︠)ง
DAI-DAI deleted a message.
DAI-DAI: Type what?
Nerdy: (ㆆ_ㆆ)
Lucky: 😂😂😂
Lucky: Why do you use punctuation for your emojis? Your really a nerd😂
Nerdy: Be quiet! It’s the creativity that counts!
DAI-DAI: Anyway guys I think we all know the real purpose of this group chat being formed, right?
Genkei: Obviously.
Lucky: Of course.
Nerdy: Whatever, go on.
Kaito: Isn’t the group chat made so that we can keep check-ups on each other.
DAI-DAI: What girls are you guys after? I know all of us went to the campus party today, so I won’t hear any excuses from anyone! Which girl is your target? |
As the sun began to set, a lone samurai wandered the plains of feudal Japan, though he could barely be called a samurai. A samurai serves a lord, yet this swordsman serves a lord no longer. He was a Ronin, a samurai without a master. It was a rare sight, but certainly a saddening one, like watching a stray roam the streets, or to see a bird without its flock. The Ronin didn’t mind it all that much, however. He could take the glares of civilians when he passed through towns, and he could get by easily enough on his own, yet there was one aspect he couldn’t stand, and that was what everything else had to say to him about his situation.
As he walked, he came across a rabbit. It was small, white, and defenseless, yet it didn’t run when it saw him. He pulled out his katana and pointed it at the creature, or at least, what remained of his once brilliant weapon. It was now just an edged stub on a handle, and though he knew it, he still held it strong, like a warrior would. To the rabbit, though, he was nothing more than a fool.
“I see through you,” it started, yet the man remained still, unflinching. “You lack purpose. You won’t kill me, for salvation isn’t what you seek. You want a master.” It said, and the Ronin, without so much as a look towards his scabbard, sheathed his sword and glared towards the rabbit, his gaze as cold as ice. The rabbit, on the other hand, began to hop away, yet it continued to talk, as if it expected him to follow. “You were one of the greats, once. I’m sure you liked it. You seemed like you did, yet you left. Now, you’re hated, cast off, and known only as an outsider. Tell me, why did you do that? You want a master, yet you left your own. Why are you a fool?” the rabbit asked, yet the Ronin did not respond, and only walked along the path he was following, and the rabbit hopped ahead. Before it spoke again, however, a second voice appeared.
“Is it a foolish act to defy those that are corrupt?” it asked, and the rabbit turned to look towards the sheathed blade, where the voice emanated from. “Is it not foolish to strike down those that do you no harm? Is it foolish to leave the one that opposes your beliefs?” the blade asked, and the rabbit continued to hop along.
“It is if it goes against what you claim to want. What if you found a new lord, and they were worse?”
“Then we would leave yet again in search of one better.”
“And what if the world becomes only filled with evil?”
“Then we will rid it of such corruption.”
“And what if-” The rabbit started, but the Ronin held up his finger to silence them both.
“I’ve known you both since I was born, yet you both lack an understanding of me. If anyone is the fool, it is the ones that claim to know that which they do not. Since you are both fools, I’ll give you an answer that is correct, but will not please you: I left because I like the way that freedom tastes in my unbound mouth, sounds in my open ears, and feels on my unarmored skin. My morals aren’t for you to decide, nor is my goal. I’ll do as I please, regardless of what you think I will. And thus, I cast off my past completely, killing two birds with one stone.” He stated, walking away from his sword, which was now stuck into the gut of the rabbit, and was beginning to shatter to dust as the Ronin stopped holding such a title, now only a man, though a man uninhibited by loyalty, expectations, and presumptions. |
The Three Deaths
"Right through that door, Zina," the voice said into Zina's earpiece.
"Got it." She said, taking point while walking through the abandoned building. The smell of death and rot filled the air. It was hard to distinguish if the stench was from dead animals or dead people; the fact of the matter was that it was disgusting. Zina was used to it, though. This wasn't new to her; it was just another day on the job.
"Be ready, Bao," Zina said to the 6 foot 2 inches Chinese woman with long black hair.
"I have your back, Zina," Bao said with a deadpan tone and no feeling whatsoever. Zina could tell that Bao was used to this as well.
"I hear you out there! Freedom won't be stifled!" A voice yelled from the other side of the door. Zina could hear the sounds of movement behind the door. It was clear that the person who yelled at them was looking for some sort of weapon or shelter.
"I guess I owe you twenty bucks, Aisha," Zina said into her wireless earpiece. She was completely unfazed by her current situation, and what annoyed her more was losing the bet to Aisha.
"You should never doubt your wise leader," was all the voice in her ear said. She also heard a small adorable laugh; it was clear she was trying to stifle it, unsuccessfully.
"In we go, Bao." Zina brushed the laughter aside and got her game face ready for what was about to come.
"Right," Bao said, standing behind Zina with her M-4 rifle at the ready.
"Remember, wait until I'm done," Zina told Bao.
"Right," Bao confirmed. Zina was used to her emotionless and curt responses at this point.
Zina kicked the door open and walked in.
A fat, little man stood there shaking with his M-1911 .45 pistol pointed awkwardly at her.
"Come any closer, and I'll shoot you!" He yelled at her. Zina could tell that his hand was shaking, and he was scared, despite his best efforts to hide it.
"Go ahead. It's not gonna make a difference." Zina walked toward him with all the calm and composure of a Buddhist monk.
"You're crazy! Who walks into the range of a loaded gun?!" The man asked, shaking even more uncontrollably than before.
"I'm not crazy. My sister, Bao, on the other hand... She's always talking about how great a hippie's live intestines feel in her hands. To be honest, I'm pretty sure that's the only time she ever shows emotion. She's a serial killer, by the way. She's right outside. She's waiting for her turn."
"What?!" The man was very visibly shaken and confused at this point by what he had just heard. Zina could see his eyes darting all around the room, trying to find an escape route. Little did he know that there was only one way out of this.
"Hey, don't tell him what's coming. That ruins the thrill for me." Bao yelled from outside the room. Zina turned to respond to her, and the man took this opportunity to try and make his escape.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Bullets ripped through Zina's body. One to her head right above her left eye, three into her chest, and one into her shoulder.
"Ow! That shit hurts, you know? I may already be dead, but getting shot never feels good." Zina said, walking towards the man, brushing the bullets aside. They were as effective as dead flies pelting a windshield.
"What the hell?!" The man fell to his knees and almost dropped his gun. He was shaking uncontrollably and had no idea what had just happened. Zina could smell the faint odor of urine, and she looked down and noticed that the man started pissing himself.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Click! Click! Click!
Three more bullets tore through her body. The indistinguishable click of an empty clip reached Zina's ear. She could see the puddle of piss growing more pronounced around the poor man's legs. There was nothing funnier to her than a guy pissing himself in desperation.
"Hehe! He's out of bullets, Bao. You can come in now." Zina turned towards the door to speak to Bao, peeking her head into the room from the doorway.
"Awesome!" Bao said with uncharacteristic joy. Zina knew that this was her favorite part of their missions.
The sizable Chinese woman skipped into the room like a giddy schoolgirl who was just confessed to. The only real difference was that Bao had a scalpel in her hand. Although Zina had seen plenty of yandere anime, this was normal for her.
"Remember, you can't kill him. Daddy needs him alive." Zina says, pointing her finger at her giant of a sister's face. The man dropped his gun and just stared in terror at the giant towering over him.
"Right," Bao said with a smile on her face. The man knew that was the face of a true psychopath, the last thing their victim sees before it all ends. All Zina saw was her sister getting ready to enjoy herself.
"I'm gonna go find something sweet to eat or drink. Did we pass any vending machines on our way up here?" Zina asks Bao. For this poor man, this was the most terrifying day of his life; nothing will ever compare to the fear he would feel that day. For Bao and Zina, this was just Tuesday.
"I remember seeing a soda machine on the second floor," Bao said, bending down to inspect the man who was now cowering on the floor in fear and covered in his own piss.
"Okay, thanks," Zina tells Bao as she skips out of the room.
Zina walks out of the room and heads back down the hallway they came. Body after body littered the floor as Zina skipped all around them. Some girls skipped through a field of flowers, some through a field of dead soldiers. Bao made short work of them on their way up. She rarely showed emotions, but when she had her "fun," she went all out.
"Hmm. Seems to be more than usual." Zina thinks to herself as she heads towards her sweet reward.
Zina walked through the now-dead hallway of the once thriving Presidential Palace. Everyone was either dead or had abandoned the palace as soon as the fighting started. Zina realized she was terrible with directions; she chalked it up to being shot in the head one too many times.
"Hey, Aisha, where's the cafeteria in this place?" Zina asked her brave leader, who couldn't even bother to be there with them.
Zina waits patiently but receives no response.
"HEY, AISHA! GET OFF YOUR FUCKING PHONE!!" Zina yells into her communication device.
A second later, she hears faint static as a voice speaks into her ear, "Sorry, what was the question?"
"I need my sweets to heal. Where's the damn cafeteria?" Zina asks her, a bit more annoyed.
"Let's see. Walk about two hundred feet straight down the hall, then take a right, and you'll see the cafeteria entrance on your left." Aisha explains the route to Zina.
"Got it, thanks," Zina responds and skips gleefully down the hall.
"Oh, tell Bao to remember the laptop this time. Dad got pissed when she forgot it last time." Aisha tells Zina.
"Sure thing." Zina is more concerned about getting her sweet fix than helping her sister from getting punished.
"Tell me when you're done so I can summon you and Bao back here," Aisha tells Zina as she signs off.
Zina takes a right and sees the door to the cafeteria, "Okay, will do." All she cared about at this moment was getting her sugar levels up.
Zina walks into the cafeteria and heads straight to the kitchen.
"I love these industrial freezers," she tells herself. She was wondering if she could order one for personal use and write it off as a business expense.
"I hope they've got Vanilla ice cream." Zina was already making plans for all the ice cream she would hoard in her room with one of these freezers.
Her dead body had slowly started to regenerate, but she wasn't fully healed yet. The wound above her eye was almost completely healed, the hole was barely visible.
Zina opens the freezer and walks in. "Oh, there is vanilla! Yay! Eew, it's next to the pistachio, though!"
She picks up the giant ten-gallon vanilla ice cream container and walks back toward the dining area. She sits down, placing the spoon she picked up on her way out on the table. She opens the giant container of ice cream and digs in.
"Ohh! It's so good!" She flashes her vanilla-covered smile to the empty dining room. This was bliss, this was paradise, this was worth getting countless bullet holes all over her body.
Zina makes short work of it as she chows down on the vanilla ice cream like a monster possessed. She finally reaches the bottom of the container and tosses it aside.
"Aww, no more? I better get back to Bao then," she tells herself.
"How's it going, Bao?" She says into her communication device.
"I did a bad thing," Bao says, emotionless, like always.
"It's all right. We all make mistakes. Some more than others." Zina knows full well that the man is no longer among the living.
"I'm gonna get Aisha to summon us back to HQ. Remember the computer." Zina knew there was no point in even trying to scold her; it would have no effect.
"Okay," Bao replies.
"Did you get that, Aisha? Go ahead and summon us back." Zina hopes Aisha is not playing on her phone again.
"Got it. Give me about ten seconds." Aisha responds.
After a quick ten seconds, a summoning circle surrounds Zina. What looks like blood-red fireflies encompass Zina. A strange pulse shakes her body, and it feels like she just got a straight punch to the stomach. Then a bright flash of light washes over Zina as she collapses.
She opens her eyes and sees her sister Aisha standing over her, still playing on her phone. Aisha was from Kuwait and the de facto leader of their group; Zina herself was from Japan. She thinks back to her life before she met her father, Grant Shipman.
After her mom died, Zina became somewhat of a recluse. All she did was sit at home reading manga, light novels, and watching anime. She was the quintessential weeb.
After years of being a female otaku, her depression finally got the best of her. It really shouldn't have come as a shock with all the anime and manga she consumed. She had become delusional about reality and figured if she died, she'd end up in a fantasy world as an overpowered main character. Truck-kun; that was the only answer. Sadly for her, things don't work that way in the real world.
She doesn't remember much after jumping in front of the box truck. Someone later told her what had transpired after her death. Her father, Grant Shipman, stole her body from the morgue and put her back together.
She was later told that he spent about 6 billion dollars and used classified alien technology to bring her back from the dead. Well, he can do what he wants. He's technically the ruler of half the universe. Rules here on Earth really don't apply to him.
Zina remembered when she was a newly born-again zombie and had a craving for brains. Her mind was right after being brought back, but she needed brains as a food source to survive. Her father came up with a pretty simple solution: Cow Brain Hamburgers. At first, she couldn't get used to the taste of them, but after some time, she couldn't tell the difference. At the end of the day: brains are brains.
Her father sent her to his patented Knowledge Centers, and over the years, she learned many new skills and gained lots of knowledge. She did so by using the Learning Machines (LM) found at the Knowledge Centers; what a horrible name. She learned a vast array of things, ranging from every known language to every form of martial arts from across the known universe. She could drive or fly any vehicle, from Queen Cobo's starships to personal submarines. She was taught how to use every kind of weapon, but she never had the talent for weaponry her sister had. Her aim is always completely off, no matter how hard she practices. She prefers to leave that shit to Bao.
"How'd it go?" Aisha asks as she helps her up to her unsteady food.
"Ugh, good," she tells Aisha. She always felt groggy and dizzy after teleporting.
"Looks like Bao had too much fun," Aisha tells Zina. Aisha was looking at Bao standing next to her.
Zina looks over at Bao and sees her covered in blood from head to toe.
"Looks like she got the laptop this time, though. So that's something." Zina tells Aisha. She was barely getting her feet under her and didn't have any strength to try and reprimand Bao, not that it would do any good.
"Good job on the laptop, Bao!" Zina joyfully yells at Bao, who is ten feet to her left.
"Thank you," Bao says emotionless. As soon as she was done killing, she went back to being the emotional robot she always was.
Any man looking at Bao would automatically fall in love. She is Chinese, tall, and gorgeous. Under different circumstances, she would probably be a world-famous supermodel. But alas, that wasn't the case; being born to a Chinese prostitute and having been physically and mentally tortured daily by the Chinese Communist Party to turn her into the perfect killer had caused something to snap in her mind. Bao did turn into a serial killer, but a serial killer with a taste for hippie blood. Bao had a collection of hundreds of blood-soaked tie-dye t-shirts that she had slowly been collecting from her victims over the past few years. From drum circles to liberal protesters, they were her ultimate prey. She carried a scalpel with her everywhere she went, just in case. You never know when you'll run into a hippie.
"Why don't you two take a shower and get out of your nano-outfits?" Aisha instructed them. Of course, she was clean as a whistle, perks of being a leader and conducting the mission from HQ.
Aisha was the total opposite of Bao. Her mother is part of the Kuwait Royal Family. Grant, has always been in her life. Aisha's mom and Grant weren't married or anything; Grant didn't like sticking to one woman. He was always more of a wandering nomad, impregnating women all over the universe; as a result, he had a lot of kids. Some are just nourished and loved more than others. Being the richest person in the universe and a madman to boot has its advantages.
Through Grant's teachings, Aisha became one of the world's most brilliant military minds alive today. She was always reading every book about war and tactics she could get her hands on. That is why she now leads "The Three Deaths."
"That's a good idea," Zina said to Aisha. The world stopped spinning around her so she could take a shower without fear that she would fall on her ass.
Zina and Bao walked out of the war room and headed towards the locker room down the hall.
"Was there anything left of him when you were done?" Zina asked Bao as their nanosuits fell to the ground. The nanosuits automatically crawled their way into a small box on the floor. They had a mind of their own; they were truly technological wonders.
Zina inspected herself in the mirror to make sure there weren't any injuries left on her. Zina was short, about five foot six inches only. She had somewhat small perky breasts, a downside of being an undead zombie. She had her hair in a short pixie cut and was bright silver. Her eyes were silver as well. They had a metallic glow to them; another side effect of being a zombie.
"Not really. I tried to see how many organs I could remove without him dying." Bao said to Zina.
"What was the final count?" Zina was genuinely curious to find out.
"Four," Bao said as they walked into the shower.
The water turned on automatically as they stepped into the shower. It splashed off their naked bodies. The warm weather felt great on Zina's skin. She might be undead, but she could still enjoy the little things in life. There was nothing like a nice hot shower after a busy day of getting shot.
"I figured it wouldn't be much," Zina says to Bao. Bao might seem uncaring because of her tone, but Zina always tried to make conversation with her. They were sisters, after all.
After the shower, they got dressed in their pantsuits and high heels.
"I am going to my office to reflect on this experience," Bao said to Zina.
"Okay. I'm gonna go find Valentina," Zina told her.
Zina walked down the long, endless corridor, going from bulkhead to bulkhead. Definitely the headquarters of an evil madman. She walked past countless numbers of clones; they were the worker bees of her dad's organization. They were all clones of people from her dad's enormous distant family, cousins, nieces, and shit like that. The one clone she could tell Grant liked the best was this cute little tomboy with short red hair. Grant always treated her differently from the others and almost seemed to dote on her as if she were one of his many daughters. Zina had heard Grant refer to her as Charlie.
Zina walked up to a huge oak door that had the words "Executive Vice President" emblazoned in gold trimming on it. She put her hand on the doorknob without any hesitation and opened the door. There was no need for her to knock, and she just walked in.
"Hey, are ya here?" Zina asked as she confidently strode into the office.
"Hey, you're back," replied a tiny aqua-green-haired loli sitting behind a desk that was way too big for her. Valentina was undead like Zina. She was the clone of a great vampire named Nauaiasa. Valentina wasn't a full-blooded vampire, though. Because of this, she didn't need to drink blood to survive. She was somewhat allergic to the sunlight. After ten years of UV light therapy that Grant had been giving her, she was able to withstand five hours of sunlight without dying. Valentina was twenty-four years old but looked like she was about twelve. A lot of folks didn't take her seriously because of her demure size. Zina knew from past experiences that you shouldn't mess with her. She was extremely strong, deceptively strong. She's able to lift over seven times her own weight. Zina actually saw her lose her temper once; she ripped a clone's arm straight off without any effort whatsoever. Grant also appreciated her strength and even stronger business acumen, and he made her third in command at Shipman Enterprises.
Shipman Enterprises is Grant's public aviation company. He uses it as a cover-up, along with his countless other shell companies, to make the world think that he is just rich. They have no idea that, in reality, he rules the world with an iron fist.
"I want a milkshake. Do you want to go with me? You can get some coffee." Zina says to Valentina.
"Yeah, sure. I'm almost out anyway, plus this spreadsheet is pissing me off." Valentina says to Zina. Even if they were members of an evil organization, they still had simple everyday office issues. "Where you thinking, Shake Shop?" Valentina powered off her computer and stood up to stand next to her undead companion.
"Definitely," Zina says to Valentina. Even though she had just put away 10 gallons of vanilla ice cream, she could always go for more.
Valentina had become Zina's best friend since returning to the land of the living and moving to the United States. She was the one who helped her when her craving got really bad and was always there to cheer her up when she was sad. Plus, she's a loli vampire. There was nothing else that needed saying. Zina had read about a lot of them in her manga and light novels; she never thought she'd become friends with one, though. How her world has changed.
Valentina and Zina walked out of her office and headed straight for the elevator. They took it all the way to the ground floor.
"I swear, even though this elevator goes like 125 miles per hour, it still feels like it takes so long to get to the surface," Valentina said.
"I know, right? It is smart to have the HQ underground, though." Zina said to Valentina. Zina felt calm being so far underground; perhaps it could be because she was a zombie.
"That is true," Valentina replied. She shared her friend's love of being underground.
*DING!* The telltale sign that they had reached their destination. The two undead friends had made typical small talk during their long elevator ride. Your usual teenage girl's small talk, their favorite color of nail polish, the latest fashions, and how to get blood and guts out of your favorite dress.
"Ah, here we are," Zina said. She enjoyed chatting with her best friend, but her sweet tooth was overpowering her.
The doors of the elevator opened, and they were left standing in the middle of a field. It was just your normal, everyday, unassuming country wheat field. The elevator rose out of the ground into a wheat field. It was the perfect hiding spot for Grant's headquarters.
"I hate having to walk," Valentina says to Zina. Zina wondered how someone so small would have any issues walking around anywhere.
"It ain't too bad. The car isn't too far away. Just think of it as a really huge parking garage," Zina tells her. It could be because of her penchant for sweets, but Zina had a very sweet and friendly disposition as well.
"Fine. I just don't see why I just can't fly? There is no one around. Besides, if there was, we could just kill them." Valentina grumpily says as she looks at her feet.
"You can always just hover above the ground a pretend you're walking, Val," Zina says smugly. Since they were best friends, she knew just how much she could tease her and get away with.
"You know what. That's what I'm gonna do," Val says. It seems her plan had backfired on her, and she ended up encouraging her friend's laziness. Oh well, she was already dead, so what's the harm?
Valentina begins hovering about an inch from the ground, and the two "walk" out of the field. Zina walks about half a mile to a megachurch called Persistent Christ Church as Val giddily floats next to her. Of course, Grant owns this megachurch; the most diabolical and cynical man in the universe needed to control the masses somehow; what better way than through religion? He let his good friend, Luci, pretend to be a preacher there. In reality, the main purpose of this megachurch was the same as any other, to take all of its followers' money. Zina always found it ironic that her dad let the Devil himself pretend to be a preacher. Luci was the nickname Grant and his employees used to refer to Lucifer.
"He is a nice guy," Zina thinks to herself. She knew personally how quick society was to jump to conclusions. They see a demon or a zombie and are quick to label them monsters and evil.
Zina and Val walk up to a jet-black 1967 Chevrolet Impala. She loved the show "Supernatural." Zina might have been an otaku, but was very much obsessed with western pop culture too.
"Hey, Baby," she says as she pulls a set of keys out of her purse. The lewd bunny girl key chain didn't go unnoticed by Val, nor did the fact that she named her car Baby.
"I'm glad you didn't forget them like last time," Val says to her. They loved to tease each other; they did it all in good fun. Deep down, both of them knew they loved each other dearly.
"That happened one time," Zina replies. She makes a mistake once, and she's never allowed to live it down.
Zina unlocks the car door and gets in. She reaches over and unlocks Val's door. Val plops down into the seat with a sigh of relief; her feet must be killing her after floating through that wheat field.
"Okay, seatbelt!" Zina says as she puts hers on. They might be undead, but Zina knew that wasn't any excuse for not following proper safety precautions.
"I still don't understand your fascination with things that keep people alive when you're already dead," Val says to Zina. Zina didn't have to take her eyes off the road to know that Val was rolling her eyes at her.
"Agh, it's nostalgia! Plus, I don't want to get a ticket." Zina replies with a smile on her face. Every ticket she got meant less money for Nendoroids and anime figures.
"Dad owns the police, court, and the district attorney! You're not gonna get a ticket." Val replies. She sometimes wondered if Zina's brain was too far gone; maybe they left her dead for too long.
"Just put your damn seatbelt on, my car, my rules," Zina yelled at her. She hated when Val used facts and logic to poke holes in her extremely convoluted reasoning.
"Fine," Val said as she put on her seatbelt. She knew there was no point in arguing with her. Once Zina got an idea in her cold dead head, there was no getting it out.
Zina put the key in the ignition and turned Baby on. The 327 engine and four-barrel carburetor engine roared to life. "VROOOOM" Zina knew that the purring of the engine was better than any orgasm.
"I still can't get over the sound of that engine," Zina thinks. She loved the car almost as much as she loved her dad.
Zina backs the car out of the parking spot and leaves the church parking lot; she rolls onto the streets of the small town of Carboner, Ohio.
Carboner, Ohio is a small blue-collar town in the northwest part of the state. There was nothing there but farms and farmers. They were about thirty miles away from Fort Wayne, Indiana; just across the border. Carboner was also the last place you would expect the headquarters for the biggest evil organization in the universe to be, hence why it's there.
Almost no one in town knew that just below their feet were some of the most fiendish and evil group of people they could ever possibly imagine. In fact, Carboner was such a small town that Zina and Valentina knew most of the people in town, and they knew them. They don't know what they do for a living, though. If they knew, they might freak out and want nothing to do with them. The tight community of Carboner was a god-fearing one; it was just too bad that the devil was hiding among them.
Bao and Aisha live in Fort Wayne, but Zina and Valentina live here in the small town of Carboner. Zina wanted to try living in a small town after being brought back from the dead. She was used to the big city life of Tokyo; she wanted a change in her life. She was physically, spiritually, and emotionally reborn. She had to do shit differently. She didn't want her life to end up like it was before; that part of her was dead, just like the rest of her. She looked at the Rudias Greyrat bobblehead on her dashboard and smiled. Even if that part of her life was dead, one thing remained for sure: she's still an otaku.
After driving two miles down the road, they pull into the small parking lot of your average mom-and-pop brick building. Zina knew they were in the right place as she saw the neon red milkshake on the side of the building. Right below the giant milkshake was a sign with the words, "Billy's Shake Shop." Billy's Shake Shop is the oldest continuously running restaurant in Pauling County, Ohio. It got its name because it was situated right next to the railroad tracks, not because of the delicious milkshakes. When the Norfolk Southern trains go by, they shake the entire shop. Of course, back when this place was built it was the Nickle Plate Railroad. It makes for a great dining experience for any tourist making their way through Ohio, but it was hell for the workers.
"Trains are cool," Zina thinks to herself. She was from Japan, so her love of trains was ingrained into her very soul. So was her fear, and slight arousal, at the sight of cephalopods.
One of the cool things about living in Carboner was seeing the Nickle Plate Road 765 heading to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and back in the fall. The NKP 765 is an "S-2" 2-8-2 "Berkshire" Steam Locomotive built on September 8, 1944. It was world-famous; even those not obsessed with trains would know about it. One of the reasons Zina loved this small town was the fact that she was always trackside when she traveled anywhere. She knew Japan had some nice vintage steam locomotives, but they couldn't hold a candle to what the United States had. A couple of years ago, Zina drove Baby to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to see the King of the Trains run for the first time since the '60s. It is one of her fondest memories of her undead life. The King of the Trains went by many names, including being called the Big Boy. It was a 1,198,500 pounds, 117ft, and 7in long 4-8-8-4 behemoth. The largest steam locomotive ever built, the Union Pacific #4014. It was definitely a sight to see. She will never forget the view of that gigantic machine. She couldn't understand why more people weren't into trains; standing in the shadow of such a colossus left her in awe and admiration for the perseverance of men.
Zina knew that if she didn't snap out of it, they would be here all day, and Valentina might get a bit perturbed at seeing her friend moan as she stared at the train tracks. Zina brushed her fantasies aside and stepped out of the car. She and Valentina walk into the Shake Shop and are quickly greeted by their friend Caly.
"Hey, girls. How's it going?" Caly says to them. She had grown accustomed to seeing the pair walk into her restaurant every day.
"Hey, Caly. Doing good," Zina replies, waving to her. A dark thought quickly went through her head, what would Caly think of them if she knew just who they were?
Caly's family went all the way back to the frontier days of western Ohio. They've been here for as long as Europeans had been in the county. Her dad is the local police chief. Caly herself is a mom of two rambunctious boys and is married to a town councilman. She's tall with brown hair and brown eyes and in her mid-30s. She's pretty well known in this town of only three thousand. The locals were very much set in their ways; once they found a restaurant they loved, they would not deviate.
"As usual, just sit anywhere. I'll be right with ya." Caly says, walking over to attend to two tough-looking men in flannel and ball caps. They were definitely truckers; it was easy to spot them. They made up all of the tourism and outsiders around these parts. Route 24 went right through the county, it wasn't an Interstate Highway or anything, but it was still a pretty busy road. It was four lanes wide, like a regular highway. These middle-of-nowhere roads saw a lot of truckers moving products across the country. Places like the Shake Shop survived on these truckers, the bloodline of America.
"Hey, Zina!" A man in the back of the kitchen yelled to her, waving a steel spatula. He seemed happy to see some of his favorite regulars.
"Hey, Ben! How's it going?" Zina yelled back at him.
"Doing good. Just cookin', cookin', cookin'." He replied, laughing at his own terrible lines.
Ben was in his forties. He was fat and balding. He had worked as the cook here for about twenty years. Zina knew he had a crush on her; he made it obvious. Retarded folks aren't her type, though. Okay, maybe he's not full-blown retarded, but he is really slow. All that shaking from the passing trains couldn't be doing him any help. Fast cook, though.
"You want your special meat today?" Ben asked her. She could see a twinkle in his eyes; she could only guess what he was imagining and what type of meat he was thinking of giving her.
"Please. Thank you," she replied. Zina knew that she couldn't kill him, and besides being a bit lecherous and having a wandering eye, he was mostly harmless.
"You've got it!" He said joyfully. He thought he could win his way to her heart through her stomach.
Most restaurants in Carboner carried her special meat. She could eat regular meat just fine, but every now and then, she got a craving for cow brains.
"Hopefully, no one else orders it by mistake. They'd be disgusted," she whispers to Valentina. All the businesses around here were told to carry the special meat, but they weren't told exactly what it was.
"I think they'd find it interesting," Val replied. She had been living among humans for a long time and had seen way too much FoodTV and food porn. She knew that humans would put absolutely anything into their mouths.
They sat at their regular booth, with a window view facing the railroad tracks.
"Vanilla milkshake for ya, Zina?" Caly asked as she walked up to the pair, ready to take their order.
"Yep," Zina replied, smiling. "You know the routine by now, just keep them coming one after another."
"You have heard of diabetes, haven't you?" Caly says jokingly. Zina and Valentina had been regulars for a while now, but she was always amazed by how many milkshakes the small girl could put away.
"Yeah, I wouldn't worry much about her health. She's pretty fit," Val tells Caly. It might not be very believable, but it's easier to tell her that than to explain to her that she's already dead.
"Okay," Caly replies, smiling. Caly was the quintessential southern belle with a smile and attitude as sweet as the apple pie she sells. "What about you, Val? Cappuccino?" She was also an adamant professional and had already memorized all of her regular's usual orders.
"You know me so well," Val says to Caly.
"I still say that a twelve-year-old little girl like you shouldn't be drinking coffee," Caly says to Val. Zina could see that she was trying to put on a concerned look, but it quickly gave way to giggles as she couldn't keep a straight face.
"Yeah, yeah, I look like a kid. Yes, it's funny," Val replies. She had to temper her bloodlust and resist the urge to rip her throat out.
"I'm just pulling your leg," Caly says. "Quad caffeine shot?"
"You got it," Val says a bit curtly.
"Well, I'll bring you your drinks shortly; I'll let you gals decide on what you're gonna eat," Caly says.
She quickly turns around and heads towards the main counter to get their drinks ready.
"Thanks, Caly!" Zina says to her as she walks away. Caly almost seems to gracefully glide across the restaurant.
"So, how'd the mission go?" Val asks Zina.
"It went okay," Zina replied, shrugging. All her missions seemed to blend together to her. It could be due to all the headshots she had incurred or the fact that she paid little attention to her work.
"Did you girls remember the laptop this time?" Val asks her. She hoped they had forgotten so she could poke more fun at her friend.
"Yep, now we have all the nuclear codes. No more nuclear weapons on Earth." Zina replies. She was more occupied people-watching than going over the minute details of her mission.
"Awesome. Just conventional weapons from now on," Val says. She turned her attention to Caly, trying to see if she finished making their drinks.
"Yeah. Dad may be a crazy madman, but he does help the world when he can," Zina says. She stared at the imposing-looking truckers and wondered where they were heading. Were they picking up cargo on the west coast or delivering to the east coast?
"I mean, he is evil, but still, he can do some good," Val says gleefully. For all of Grant's many faults, she admired and cared for him deeply.
"Right? He's done more good for this world than 95% of most of the old world leaders combined," Zina says. She might not show it very often either, but she loved her dad and all he had done to bring her back.
"I know. I wish we could tell everyone," Val says. She joined her friend people-watching; it was the same group of people as always. The weather-beaten locals who were here every day and the odd collection of truckers making their way through the country.
"Quiet is king and helps with peace, dad always says," Zina replies, shaking her hand at Val. She tried to mimic her dad's mannerisms to really drive the analogy home.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. I just wish we could get some recognition from the world once in a while," Val says, looking down. Zina knew that Val's small frame always bothered her, and she craved the attention and adoration of others to make up for her shortcomings.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
"Hold up," Zina says to Val, reaching into her purse to get her phone.
"GOOD JOB ON THE MISSION. TAKE A FEW DAYS OFF AND RELAX. I'LL CONTACT YOU WHEN YOU'RE NEEDED." Speak of the devil, her dad just texted her. Zina realized that saying doesn't really work once you met the actual devil. She quietly snickered at the thought.
"I WILL RELAX ON YOUR ORDERS. THANK YOU." Zina replied back.
BEEP!
"WHY DON'T YOU GIRLS GO TO THE BEACH? SUMMER IS ALMOST OVER. TAKE VALENTINA WITH YOU. I'VE GOT A NEW EXPERIMENTAL SUNSCREEN SHE CAN USE SO SHE DOESN'T BURN. TELL HER NOT TO WORRY, IT'S BEEN TESTED THIS TIME." Zina hadn't been to the beach in a long time. Grant was right; they really did deserve a nice relaxing break.
"GOOD IDEA! WE'LL DO THAT. THANKS, DAD." Zina responded.
BEEP!
"NO PROBLEM. I'LL HAVE IT DELIVERED TO YOUR HOUSE. HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND."
Zina puts the phone back in her purse and looks up at Val.
"Dad says he has a new sunscreen for you to try, don't worry, he said it was tested this time. He also says we should go to the beach. What do you think?" Zina asks Val.
"Awesome! Let's go," Val says joyfully. Even if she was a creature of the night, she wasn't averse to such creature comforts as a nice day at the beach.
"Wait. What about work?" Val asks. She got excited at the prospect of spending some fun in the sun; she almost forgot she was actually an adult and had to work, no matter what her body led others to believe.
"He told us to take a few days off. He'll call us when we're needed." Zina tells her.
"Oh, okay. Cool." That was another perk of the job: you could take some paid time off.
"Okay, here ya go. One vanilla milkshake with extra whipped cream," Caly says, putting the gigantic milkshake in a beer mug in front of her.
"And here is your Jumbo Cappuccino, Val." Caly places the humongous coffee on the table in front of her.
"Yes!" Val says happily, pumping her tiny fist in the air.
"I still can't imagine how big your bladder must be, Val. You know, for someone so small." Caly couldn't resist the change to needle Val some more.
"It's big," Val replies. She didn't care if Caly tried to make fun of her right now; her only concern was enjoying the delicious rich nectar of the gods sitting right in front of her.
"I'm sure it is," Caly says. "So, what do ya two want to eat?" She pulled out her pen and notebook to take down their order.
"Your normal double cheeseburger and cheese sticks, Zina?" Caly asks Zina, writing down the order before she even has a chance to respond.
"You got it," Zina replies, in between mouthfuls of milkshake.
"Ketchup, mustard, and extra cheese?" She asks without even looking up from her notebook as she jots it down. She was saying it out loud more for herself than anything else.
"Yep," Zina says to her as she almost polishes off her first of many milkshakes today.
"What about you, Val? You're always different." Val was one of the few regular customers that always threw her for a loop.
"Hmmm..." Val thinks for a second.
"Grilled cheese with tomato soup, crackers, and apple slices," Val tells her after a few seconds of examining the menu.
"Do you want me to peel the skin of the apples, too?" Caly jokingly asks. It brought back fond memories of her two boys growing up.
"Actually, yes," Val smugly replies.
"See! That's what a twelve-year-old would say!" Caly says, pointing at Val. She couldn't hold back her laughter at the unexpected response.
"No, they wouldn't! They'd ask for french fries," Val says with her arms crossed. She looks away from Caly, trying to hide her blushing cheeks.
"Actually, modern twelve-year old's would ask for apple slices. They're much more healthier than the previous generation." Zina says to Val. Caly is surprised she even had time to breathe, let alone speak, as she slurped down her milkshake.
"Seriously?" Val asks Zina with her arms still crossed. Zina could feel her staring daggers into her, but her sublime milkshake demanded all her attention.
"She's right. They would. My two kids love peeled apple slices," Caly says to Valentina. She joked with her a lot, but she reminded her so much of her kids and she had an inane instinct to mother her and tease her.
"Hmm. In that case, two fried Twinkies instead of apple slices." Val says with two fingers up. Caly had to resist the urge to point out to her that using her fingers to point out the numbers was such a childish thing to do.
"Okay. Y'all ain't gonna make it to the age of thirty, but okay." Caly says walking away laughing. The girls were always a highlight of her day, and she enjoyed talking with them.
"Damn. Caly can be a bitch sometimes," Val says to Zina. It didn't escape her that Zina basically threw her under the bus back there.
"I think it's just your small stature. She can't help but tease you." Zina says as she puts a bendy straw in her milkshake, trying to suck up every last drop of it.
"It's not my fault vampires grow slower," Val says, still pouting.
"It's just funny to see a tiny girl like you with a gigantic grown-up drink. It's hilarious." Zina says, smiling at Val.
"This coming from the zombie girl drinking a massive milkshake bigger than her head?" Val replies.
"Hey, I've got a medical reason for eating and drinking sweets. Dad gave me a health card and everything. Sure, he might have forged it, but it still counts!" Zina says.
"I think he did that to make fun of you," Val replied. She takes a sip of her coffee; unlike her friend, she was more civilized and took her time enjoying her drink.
"Seriously?" Zina asks.
"Yeah. I hear the clones joke about it all the time. Aisha finds it pretty funny too." Val responds, sipping her coffee and enjoying the warmth it provides.
"Damn it!" Zina says, her mind blown. A part of her doesn't want to believe her friend, especially since she appears to be in one of her moods, but she also wouldn't put it past her dad.
"Have you actually read what it says?" Val asks her.
"No," Zina says.
"Why don't you read it?" Val responds.
Zina reaches into her purse and pulls out the health card from her wallet.
NAME: ZINA SHIPMAN
OCCUPATION: SOLDIER
REASON FOR HEALTH CARD: SHE'S A LITTLE PIGGY
"DAMN IT, DAD!" Zina yells. Everyone stops what they're doing and looks over at the pair.
"Sorry," Zina meekly replies. She's not sure what's more embarrassing, the scene she just caused or the fact that it took her so long to realize she had been tricked.
"I thought the cartoon pig hologram in the background would have given it away," Val says, smiling. She had to use all her strength not to burst out laughing right now; she would just end up spilling all her coffee if she did.
"I thought it was the company logo!" Zina says to her. She can't believe her daddy would trick her like that.
After a few minutes of Zina explaining how her dad is a jerk, but she still loves him, Caly comes back with their food.
"Alight, here ya go, sweeties," Caly says as she puts the three-fourths pound double cheeseburger in front of Zina and the grilled cheese on Texas toast and soup in front of Valentina.
"It's a shame both of y'all gonna die of a heart attack before you turn thirty, but enjoy!" Caly says jokingly in her sweet, dulcet voice as she walks away.
"Yum," Zina says as she digs her teeth into the massive burger. There was nothing quite like a nice, bloody cow-brain burger.
After eating, Zina and Val order another drink and then pay and leave. Zina drops Val off at her home, an old farmhouse on six acres of land. Valentina had taken to the quiet small-town life just like Zina had. She enjoyed the calm and tranquility that came with living in the middle of nowhere.
"You want to come in? We could watch some TV." Val says, holding the door open. There was nothing better than relaxing in front of a TV after a hard day of work and a nice meal. It doesn't matter if you're a human or a vampire, that was just the best way to relax.
"Nah. I need to get home and get some sleep. The nightmares are back," Zina tells her. She would love nothing more than to spend more time with her best friend, but she knew how bad her nightmares could get and just how comfy your own bed can be.
"Oh, shit. I forgot it's that time of year again; I'll let you go. Unless you want me to come over? I can help you through it." Val asks. She knew this was a tough time for her friend and wanted to be there for her. Val also knew that Zina might not show it often, but she had a lot of pride and didn't want to rely on her too much.
"Nah, I need to face them on my own. You've helped me too much already. Thanks for the offer, though." Zina says with a smile. She knew Val would always be there for her, but she didn't want to take advantage of her kindness. There were some things she needed to do on her own.
"Alright, but if you need anything, call me. It doesn't matter what time it is, day or night." Val tells her best friend.
"I will," Zina says to Val; glad to have her support.
"Well, I'll see ya this weekend then. Bye," Val says, waving to Zina as she closes the door of the Impala known as Baby.
Zina waves and drives off. It had been a long day of getting shot and eating sweets; she couldn't wait to get home and just relax. She knew that relaxing wouldn't be easy around this time of year.
The nightmares come around the same time every year, just like clockwork. What made this time of year so special? It was the anniversary of Zina's death. Death is the most traumatizing thing a person can go through. It was supposed to be the ultimate finality, but Zina knew that wasn't the case for her.
The thing is, the longer your body stays dead, the more traumatic the resurrection will be. Most people who have had near-death experiences aren't dead for long; a few minutes at most. Zina had been dead for three days and is still technically dead. Grant had used repurposed alien technology and supernatural powers to bring her back from the grasp of death. Some aliens that Grant was friendly with and the Devil himself had helped in bringing her back to life. Grant had said the Devil could have done it on his own, no problem. Grant was as prideful as she was, though, and wanted to do it himself. He just needed a little help to get things started. He spent two billion dollars on three hundred and seventy-two gallons of ectoplasm. He also spent a quarter of the world's gold reserves to pay an alien named Jerry, for some experimental artificial blood his species had created.
After a small zombie outbreak in Nevada, and two years of being unconscious, Zina was finally back. She was almost like a wild animal at first, but with the help of Grant and Valentina, she was eventually able to adjust to being a normal teenage girl. Well, as normal as someone can be being the daughter of a megalomaniacal madman. But the first week of September is always hard on Zina.
Zina pulls up to her home, a dark blue barn that had been converted into a house on 3 acres of land. She parks Baby next to her house and gets out and walks to the front door. She heads inside and takes off her shoes, a habit that she carried over from Japan. She takes a moment to admire her little home again.
Even if she hadn't been back to Japan in a long time, some hobbies were hard to shake. This was the house of a neet. Zina's salary is twelve million dollars a year; half of that goes to Japanese anime, manga, and light novel memorabilia. Zina took her hobbies seriously and didn't mind spending some cash to live in Japanese luxury. She had a handmade leather Sailor Moon inspired couch as the centerpiece of her living room. Her kitchen was custom painted with characters from Mushoku Tensei and she had katana and kunai adorning the walls. She also had a smattering of random Japanese collectibles all over the house. Anybody who walked into the house would believe it was actually a museum or shrine dedicated to Japanese culture.
Zina puts her keys and purse on the Berserker hallway table and walks upstairs to her bedroom. On the wall to her right, going up the stairs, is a custom-painted mural of most of the characters of One Piece, in a Last Supper pose with Luffy as Christ.
"Ugh, so tired. Must sleep," Zina says to herself as she walks down the hall to her bedroom.
Her bedroom is the same as the rest of her eccentric house. Anime figures packed tightly in multiple bookcases, anime posters adorning the walls, and a closet full to the brim of sailor uniforms and kimonos. Even her bed sheets are anime-inspired, adorned with images of Zero from The Familiar of Zero. Zina was a weeb right down to her core.
She groggily fumbles her way towards her bed, acting more zombie-like with every step. The weariness of the day finally caught up with her tired, dead bones. As soon as she reaches the edge of the bed she collapses on it and instantly falls asleep. |
"What happens when someone dies?", something simple that doesn't have an answer. I was one of those who would never believe that there was something after death, I've always been a person who needs proof to accept something, however, something changed after that shot.
I opened my eyes and woke up in a kind of ship, it wasn't something that would exist in the moment I lived, I thought I was in a dream after death. In front of me there was a mirror and...
“Who is this hottie over here?”
Apparently, I was younger, my old "I" from +/- 25 years ago.
I was impressed and thought I was in an area that was going to send me to heaven, even though I thought I deserved to go to hell.
-Where is the harem I always dreamed of?
Behind me I heard footsteps and a deep voice came out of the mouth of the person who was walking towards me…
-Name: ***.
-Nickname: Coma.
-Age: 42 years old.
-Profession: Hitman for Hire.
-Professional Activities: Psychology, Medical Surgery.
-Hobbies: Chess, Casinos, Bars.
-A person with an unknown past.
-But unknown only to the public. A war strategist with infallible assassination tactics, an unusual agility and an otherworldly stealth, despite the strength not being so much, you have been named one of the highest risk people of your old world. Impressive for a lesser being. From the moment you were chosen by ***** to be his apprentice we had the pleasure of following and spying on you throughout your life, I heard that you performed several miracles, such as saving Winston or...
I got chills hearing that name and for a moment I stopped listening to what I was being told, the person referred to wasn’t someone I looked up to, nobody knew my connection to him, so...
-W-Who are you?..
-We? AHAHAHA! We are the owners of this country, powerful people, much stronger than the owners of your old world.
I was trembling, but I needed to intervene, he wasn't exposed like that by any person.
-Ahahaha, is this some kind of joke? How do you know *****? I asked you... HOW THE FUCK DO YOU KNOW HIM?
-Hey, lower your voice insect.
For a moment I thought my head was going to explode, the sound of concentrated energy took over the place, the weapons were being charged towards my head, the technology was very different from what I knew.
-Bang.
With a simple word bombs fell from the sky and the view I had from the outside was completely devastated and transformed into a huge cloud due to the explosions.
-We called you into this world to give us victory, but we can always discard you and go look for someone who wants to take over.
I calmed down a bit and questioned them.
-Ehhh, first you spy on my life and then you pull me a "we can always discard you"?
-HMMM… INTERESTING AHAHA!
A strong wind was felt on my arms and legs, leaving them immobilized, and a small dagger went towards my leg. It was such a high speed that my eyes couldn't keep up.
The moment the wind stopped, the scythe dug into my leg.
Grrrr
.
I was able to contain the pain a little, but I never expected such a friendly welcome.
-Hey Althea! Don’t kill our salvation yet.
-Ohhh… this is our guest of honour. Nice to meet you Coma.
It seems that there is no one who doesn’t know me.
She reached her hands close to my leg and yanked the dagger off, saying only one thing.
-Heal.
Green particles sparkled around me and I was surprised by an enchanting sight, in a few seconds my leg was normal, without any cut marks.
The deep-voiced man headed for a door, while Althea followed.
-Let’s go Coma!
"Hmmm, I have a bad feeling about this."
-I'm going to show you something you'll like, don't get tense.
-Understood Captain.
-Call me Sprinkler.
"What? Was he serious? Sprinkler... He..."
Althea burst out laughing at the name. It was normal. Who in their right mind would call themselves a Sprinkler, especially someone serious like him.
-------------
After walking a while and listening to Althea making jokes with his name, we arrive at a room full of screens around it.
The screens turned on one by one and what was projected amazed me.
"They really know everything."
Several photos of individuals appeared and there was one thing they all had in common. They were killed by me in my previous life. Of course, I couldn't remember all the faces I killed, but most of them I recognized, and they were victims of high-risk missions. In short, they were important people.
Sprinkler turned to me.
-Do you know anyone from here?
-Impressive, people I killed in my life, but… why are you showing me this?
Althea looked troubled by all of this and I couldn't say why.
-Most people here were reborn into this world with only one purpose…
-Kill you Coma. That man knew he would see you again in another world, we don't know how he deduced that, since he had already prepared everything before he died.
I'm sure "that man" was referring to my teacher, he was known as Aamon[1] and I only discovered his real name in his last words, expected of the person who caused the destruction of a continent.
-Well, I think it's time to be useful Coma, I hope you enjoyed your days of freedom well, because they are over, we have nothing personal against you but we are in a war against a neighboring nation, luckily the leader is one of the people who is looking for you, if we don't hurry our country will be destroyed.
Althea winked at me and walked towards the exit of the room, the doors closed and the interior was covered by curtains that appeared to be steel.
So this is what they meant by “you are our salvation”.
Sprinkler pulled out an energy weapon and hit me in the chest.
A background explosion was heard and I passed out.
-------------
I opened my eyes and I was on the ground being carried by someone.
-Awake Coma?
-Wh-where are we?
-Can you walk?
-Wh-what happened?
My head was confused and I couldn't figure out what was happening. Where is Sprinkler? How long was I unconscious? Why am I being carried by Althea? And why are we on land? There were questions that flooded my head.
-We’re going to run away, I came to save you Coma.
-
'Don't worry, I'll save you *****'
“
Sophie
...”
For brief moments Sophie’s image came to my mind.
-We are almost there.
-For there? Where? What happened?
-Do not let your guard down, we are still in enemy territory.
It looks like she doesn't want to answer me.
-Hey?!
-Shhhh, we'll talk when we get out of here... take it.
Huh? It was a small metal bar.
I looked at Althea and made a weird face as if I was questioning her actions.
-Throw it in the air let's go... But watch out for the fall.
What do you mean in the air, what's the point of this?
-Hurry up!
-And what about no?
-WE HAVE ENEMIES NEAR US! IF THAT'S HOW YOU WANT IT, IT'S OKAY.
She took the metal bar from my hand and threw it in the air.
-CATCH THIS!
-Incredible...
The small bar increased its size to +/- 2 meters height and a black curve blade with red strokes came out from the side.
Holy Shit...
I tried to pick up the scythe it had turned into, but the moment I tried to grab it my hands burned.
-It seems that she doesn't like you, try to dominate her, she has a certain will of her own.
-Huh? An object with a will of its own?
-Do as I tell you, but hurry up.
I grabbed her again but this time with all my strength. A figure of something big and frightening passed in front of me and soon disappeared, despite the time having been almost zero my guard increased to an extreme level.
-You don't know anything about this world, but you're really amazing Coma.
Althea told me with a smile.
When I found myself the burns disappeared and I was able to pick up the scythe normally.
-Well, it's time to fight.
I looked at her and a big smile filled my face.
One, two, three, it feels like I'm really in the prime of my life. Because I "got" younger my agility improved compared to when I did my last missions, age costs lol.
As we advanced more people were decapitated by my weapon and as for the bullets fired at us, the scythe absorbed them whenever they came close.
Althea was formidable too, she wielded daggers and dodged bullets like it was nothing.
-------------
Enemies appeared less frequently until reaching a point where they no longer appeared.
-Hey!?
-Something wrong?
-Who are you? Why did you save me?
-Oh... Yeah... Hmmm... I think there's time to explain everything to you until we get home.
-Home?
-------------
(Althea's vision)
16 hours ago
-Hey, he's about to reincarnate, don't you forget what we agreed to, did you hear?
-Of courseeeee!
Looks like I have to hurry with the preparations.
I went towards the ship's main engine and there I began my work.
Install the micro-bomb, check!
How will he be? I heard they call him "Coma". He looked a little old in his pictures, but also elegant... hmmmm... I think I'm going to have a good time partnering with him so when the time comes we'll see.
*
phone rings
*
"Huh? There is a few minutes left before he arrives. What do they want?"
-I came to take a look at the storage, I'm on my way there.
-Okay, but hur-
*
end call
*
"Okay, that's all I need. I think they were going to discard it as being of no use, stupid."
"I found it! The Hell Bar, I'm sure he can use it."
"Time to see him eheh."
I went towards the ship’s main room.
"Uhhhh guards at the door, he's really special."
-Lady Althea, our salvation has arrived, Sprinkler told us to stay at the door because they had to talk about something confidential, but as front line you must join them.
-Understood.
"Will I give him a friendly welcome?"
As soon as they opened the door I saw someone sitting in the middle of the room. I used wind to immobilize his limbs. He will be important to me, that’s why I have to welcome him. I threw a small dagger at his left leg, at least I avoided hitting him in some ligament, well, he should thank me.
Time passed and what Boss told me started to make more and more sense, he really was taken to an isolated place with Sprinkler. I winked at Coma and left the isolated room before the curtains closed.
"I've waited so long for this day. It's time for my moment."
*BOOM!*
The bomb exploded the main engine and soon Sprinkler went to see what happened, the cameras were also deactivated and it’s impossible to have any suspicions since at almost all times I was in the blind spots of the base.
Almost 2 minutes passed, and he finally appeared.
-Hey, Sprinkler!
He looked at me and I shot a bullet towards him, it wasn't just bullet, but one imbued with magic to make him immobile.
-Well, time to talk.
-Wh-what do you think you're d-doing?
-After these 3 years I worked with you, I saw the kind of person you really are. At first I didn't know very well why we were at war with our neighboring country but now I understand... what Boss told me was true.
-Boss? Neighboring country?
-You're smart for some things but not for others. Remember when you found me for the first time and called me a prodigy? I was "wounded" and "lost" in the middle of the border. You barely thought that I was a spy from Encers. Our nation’s Boss, the one you said that if Coma was handed over the war would end, you were right, the war will end, and just as he predicted, from the moment I set foot in here and gained your trust, it was a matter of time before you fell into ruins. I assume you stunned him and left him in that room, I'm going to run away with him and that way we don't need to fight. You don't know anything, you don't know how important Coma was in Boss’s life, you thought he was just one of the victims but no, it wasn’t like that, you think the 'Life System[2]' is perfect, but, nothing is perfect, that thing is full of errors and half of the things you supposedly know about Coma's life are not how you think.
-You are truly a prodigy...
*gunshot*
-------------
-After that I went to get you in that room and ran away with you while you were unconscious, they were all naive so I don't know if anyone there survived.
-And... those were his last words?
-Yes. Well, now it's time to see your friend, we've arrived ‘
home
’.
-Friend?
-Angel Reaper.
Coma looked at me with a twinkle in his eyes and I smiled at him.
Let's see if he can handle living in that place.
*
Aamon[1] - (Also known as
Amon
and Nahum), in demonology, is a Grand Marquis of Hell who governs 40 infernal legions, and the 7th spirit of the Goetia. He is the demon of life and reproduction.
Life System[2] – The so called “Perfect System” where new world’s people use to watch previous lifes. |
The pleasant smell of caffeine woke Haruhiko from a not so peaceful slumber, giving him his usual morning spark. As he dusted away the sleepy dust from his eyes, he heard the voice of his loving mother calling out to him from downstairs. “Haru! Are you up already? It’s almost time for school. If you don’t get up now, you’ll be late!” she says in a stern, calm voice.
“Yeah, I’m up ma! I will be down in a sec.”
As he lay in bed, scenes from his recent nightmare played in his head. The night he lost his best friend. It’s been almost exactly five years ago since then. If only he had not told her about his secret mission, then she would of still been alive today…
“Haru! if you don’t come down this instant i will throw your coffee down the drain.”
“No, don’t! I’m coming, I’m coming.” ‘sheesh that woman. She knows how much I love coffee.’ Is what he said going down the stairs scratching the back of his head.
“Huh? You say something?” His mother Cherami narrowed her eyes and gave him a little stare.
“No,” ‘slurp’
*******
While Cheri was preparing breakfast, Haruhiko scanned through some channels on the TV, taking sips of coffee. He ended up watching the news.
‘You know, I don’t think having the Manjushage around is a bad idea.’
‘I get what you saying, but they are still breaking the law. Enforcing justice is what the police are being paid to do.’
‘they doing a sucky job if you ask me.’
‘even so vigilantism is a crime. Calling these people heroes has a negative impact on the children of our city.’
The two reporters went on debating on the issue.
“Someone order a Takase special breakfast?.”
Cherami posed like a cute waitress
“oh, wow! Ma, you really outdid yourself this time.”
“well of course i did. Who do you think I am?”
That was her reply. She also gave him a little flick on the head as she made her way back to the kitchen.
“Oh, Haru dear?”
“yeah… ma.”
He replied with a mouthful of food.
“Hey, don’t talk with food in your mouth…and eat a bit slower would you.” Cherami sighed before continuing to speak.
“I want you to deliver that parcel on the table to Chiyoko for me.”
“Oh, yeah, sure.” Haru replied as he was scraping the last bit of food into his mouth.
Chiyoko is one of Cherami’s best friends. And chiyoko's son (Taichi) is one of Haru's best friends. It’s the same with Cheriami's other best friend’s son, Yousuke. They have been close for as long as they can remember.
Oh, and make sure to throw your uncles cigarette ashes out once you done. ok?" She gave him another stare, this time with her right hand placed on her hip.
"Honestly when is that idiot going to get himself a house."
******
Lazily Haru put his school uniform on. As he fixed his tie, he thought about the conversation he had with his uncle last night. This conversation is most probably the reason why memories of that night five years ago came flooding back to him.
THE PREVIOUS NIGHT
After browsing through his social media feeds on his smartphone. His eye lids could barely stay open, He yawned a long yawn just as the digital clock on his nightstand read 02:55am. He changed into his night wear and dove straight into bed, not even brushing his teeth before bed.
I'll brush them when i wake up.
He said to himself before closing his eyes.
“Back to school tomorrow huh.” Haru said this a loud laying in bed, getting ready to fall into a peaceful slumber. But then…
“sniff, sniff”
The smell of cigarettes snuck in through his open window.
“Haru, are you awake?”
the voice of a man on the balcony reverberated through his ears.
“Uncle Kazuto, is that you?”
“Yeah, come on out for a smoke. I got some intel you need to hear.”
By the sound of his voice, whatever he is about to tell him should be serious. Haru hopped out of bed and walked over to his mini fridge next to the computer desk, He grabbed a can of maxxed coffee and He then went over and opened the sliding door. And there he was, his uncle relaxing against the balcony with his back facing the city lights.
“Hey there, little nephew, long time no see.” A piece of burning ash fell from the cigarette, swept away by the breeze It's color changed from bright orange to white.
“hey, uncle Kazuto. did your mission end in success?”
“I guess you could say that…”
Before Kazuto laid out the details of his mission, he took a puff on his cigarette.
“We did not get any information about where Minato Bushida is now or what his motives are. it’s like the damn bastard vanished from the planet...”
Minato Bushida. a name that should not be spoken of lightly. This man is considered the most dangerous person in the Kagawa prefecture. And he is also the leader of a notorious gang that started spreading out to other Prefectures in the country. He is also on Japan’s most wanted list. He has a huge bounty on his head.
“… but we did however get some very interesting intel on two people we should be wary of.”
“Oh, really. This should be interesting.” Haru said as he took a gulp from his coffee.
“First off, we have received word that lady Kaguya will be released from prison next month.”
“That’s impossible! She should be in prison for another ten years.” the shock and disbelief showed on Haru’s face.
“It’s quite possible, actually. We don’t know how, but there is a good chance she will be released.”
Haru clenched his left fist tightly, as he thought of the person his uncle just mention.
Kaguya Bushida. Wife of Minato Bushida. just thinking about these two people makes him want to punch a wall. You see, these two hurt a few of people close to Haru. And because of them one of those people is... she was a dear friend of Haruhiko. ‘and it’s all my…' Haru was about to say something but Kazuto spoke despite of that.
“So you ready to hear the name of the next person?”
“Oh, yeah. sure."
Haru put his emotions in check.
“You see, we also received intel that a certain somebody will be transferring back to Takarametsu.”
Haru thought about it for a second but could not come up with a name. As if realizing this, uncle Kazuto told him the name.
“Lieutenant colonel Ken Kobayashi.”
When Haru heard this name, It's as if he saw a ghost. in the moment he dropped the can of coffee. It rolled off the balcony where it spilt the rest of it's contents.
“No, that can’t be true. I...
Haru took a step to the back
...I thought he retired.”
“Well It seems the famous Colonel has decided to fight crime again. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. We believe he got some leads on who killed your friend that night. Since you were involved in that incident. I want you to lay low for a while. If he catches on to you, it won’t be long till he finds out that you are part of the Manjushage.”
“Yeah, I understand.” Haru did not argue and accepted. Kazuto is the Grandmaster of the Manjushage after all. Haru is just a Major.
“I already informed your mother. I guess that’s about it for now. We will have a meeting with your squad in the clubroom tomorrow after school. Don’t be late.”
“Yeah roger that.”
"Oh and one last thing..."
Kazuto climbed up the railing and looked at haru over his shoulder.
"Yeah, what is it?"
"...Don't let what i just told you rile you up. Take it easy."
"Yeah, whatever you say Grandmaster Takase."
"Attaboy boy! Now go get some rest kiddo."
uncle Kazuto put on his trademark mask and jumped off the balcony vanishing into the darkness. every Manjushage member is required to where this mask during working hours and each one is unique.
Haru closed the sliding door and took in the city's view. Then, noticing his reflection in the glass, he banged his head against the glass twice. If it were not for me, He clenhed his fists. Kohaku would still be alive right now.
******
On his way to school, he couldn’t stop himself from thinking about what happened five years ago. The night of his secret mission. You see, Haru belongs to a vigilante group called the Manjushage. They fight crime during the dark hours. Without a doubt they have made a lot of enimies with many of the criminals around their area. The biggest enemy they have is the most dangerous gang in the Kagawa prefecture. They are not like any normal gang you used to they involved with almost everything. In fact, a lot of the smaller criminal groups work for this gang. They do a job for them and get a payed.
I remember that night so clearly, the blood spilling, the sounds of her screams. and all i did was watch, i'm pathetic! It should of been me who died that night!
Haru stopped walking when he reached the halfway point of the bridge. The railing he was looking at had cuts and dents in it. Haru knew the reason for these being here. It's as if he can taste and smell the blood they both shed that night.
******
[past memories]
‘I wonder what that nicotine-addicted uncle of mine wants to discuss with me now. I’m supposed to be having a meeting with my squad.’ by meeting the 14 year Haruhiko meant playing video games with his friends.
(knock, knock)
“You may enter”
As he entered, he saw Colonel Ichika, Grandmaster Takase’s personal bodyguard. She stood beside him.
“Hey, now what’s with the serious expression on your face? First lieutenant Takase.”
“You sure as hell know why. Why did you call me here?”
(SPLAT!!) “HEY! THAT IS NO WAY TO SPEAK TO A SUPERIOR OFFICER, AND TO THE GRANDMASTER OF ALL PEOPLE. KNOW YOUR PLACE! RELATED TO HIM BY BLOOD OR NOT YOU SPEAK TO HIM WITH RESPECT!!!”
“Now, now, Colonel Ichika. We are behind closed doors, and it’s understandable why he is upset and he gets this attitude from his father.
Colonel Ichika just clicked her tongue and looked away.
“Now then, first lieutenant Takase. I called you because of something really important.”
“Well, if that is the case, then leave a note more serious looking, not with colorful emojis and rainbows.”
colonel Ichika slapped her head and let out a sigh when she heard what He said.
“ok, ok, sheesh…”
“...Now then, let’s get down to it. There is a mission i need you to do.”
“Is that so? Then where is Major Karuizawa? you usually team the two of us together when there is a serious mission you need taken care of.”
“This is a mission I need you to take care of alone. Major Karuizawa will take over your squad.”
“I don’t like it when someone has to take over my squad, but if it is her, then I don’t mind, really.”
Haru took a seat on the couch on the right hand side in the middle of the room.
“Now then, as for your mission, First Lieutenant. The spy we sent in to infiltrate the basilisks of purgatory notified that they have gathered more than enough evidence about the leader of the group, and are ready for extraction.”
“YOU SENT A SPY IN!!!” Hearing this infuriated Haru.
“Calm down, First Lieutenant. let the general explain.” Colonel ichika stepped in
“To hell with that Colonel. What if they find out?”
“Colonel please excuse us.” Said Grandmaster Takase
But Grandmaster Takase...
Kazuto stood up and sat on the couch next to Haru.
knowing what he meant by this action, Colonel Ichika reluctantly exited the room.
“Haru, I know what…”
“Sorry for being so rude, Grandmaster. It’s just the thought of what they would do to this person if they found out about them… I have seen the violent ways they go about their executions. especially of people who are either part or affiliated with Manjushage."
“The reason you finding out about this now is because I feared that you might secretly take upon that task yourself.”
“I think that might have been the case if i did.”
“Now then, as for your mission, Haru. You are to meet with the spy at this location..."
Kazuto took out a map from the inside pocket of his jacket and pointed at the location marked with a red pen
...and bring her back to headquarters.”
“Are you sure this is something I should do alone?”
Haru asked a little bit confused.
“Having a group might look suspicious…”
Kazuto lit a cigarette
“...If you run into trouble, notify my me immediately. I will have your squad dispatched to your location.”
“Understood Sir.”
Haru saluted the Grandmaster and took off.
*****
After the meeting with the general, he headed home. It felt as if he was being followed on his way home earlier. He had a good idea of who it might be, but their presence disappeared when he passed the convenience store.
He was busy getting everything ready for the mission later tonight. Took out his special black hoodie and Katana out from his secret closet. then…
(bzzt, bzzt)
The sound of his phone vibrating stopped him from what he was doing. When he checked who the caller is, the caller id read (Yousuke) so he answered.
(Hey Yousuke, what’s up?)
(So you taking on a solo mission?)
(Yeah, sorry but i can’t go into detail about it.)
(That’s fine. The rest of the team and I just wanted to make sure…)
(So what about the job you guys are doing tonight? Will it be difficult?)
(nah should be a piece of cake. we got major karuizawa with us so no problems on our end)
(That's good to hear.)
(Hey yousuke! gimme! gimme! gimme!)
(Ah, looks like taichi wants to talk with you.)
(Fine, hand him the phone.)
(Solo tonight huh? Is that the truth or is it just an excuse to hang out with a hot chick?)
(It's not what you think? kukuku)
(Yeah Major Karuizawa is totally missing you right now. She keeps saying things like
i wonder if Haru is doing alright and stuff like that.)
(Ok, I am gonna hang up now. Good luck.)
(Yeah, good luck to you too.)
After the call, he fell down on his bed, facedown.
As he laid on the bed, he heard the sound of the sliding door open. Then heard footsteps inching closer and closer to the bed slowly and with a thrust the person jumped up into the air and landed on his back and shouted “gotcha” with slightly uncontrollable giggling.
“Kohaku, you know you should not be here.”
“I know that. But it’s been so long since I last saw you, I just had to come see you.”
This is Kohaku, Haru's close friend. They have been friends for a short while, but they get along so well it feels as if they have been friends for ages.
“So, when did you return from vacation?”
“About two hours ago. Did you miss me?”
She asked with a little giggle
“Yeah, I guess so”
“Whadya mean you guess!? Just admit that you spent everyday I was gone thinking about me.” She threw her hair back as she said this.
“Yeah, you got the wrong guy. Jotaro missed you so much. I mean, you are his girlfriend, after all.”
Jotaro is Haru's cousin, they grew up together. And he is also a member of the vigilante group.
“Hmph, I could not care less about that jerk.”
“What did you two get into an argument again?”
"Enough about the lame brain. I brought snacks"
Kohaku lifted up a bag of (snacks) she kept hidden behind their back.
“Oh sorry Kohaku, I can’t right now. I got something to take care of.”
“Whaaaat!? But I just returned from a weeklong vacation.”
She pouted so cutely Haru could not help but head pat her.
“You know, head patting me will not help.” and she pouted again.
She says that, but she seems to be enjoying it.
“Just stay here till I get back, OK? Then we can chat all night long. Ok?”
“Yeah, ok I guess that is fine.”
“So by business, do you mean crime fighting business?”
“Yeah.”
"So then you going to meet up with the others right now?”
“No, I am going on a solo mission.”
“A solo mission? So it must be something serious then. Will you be ok on your own? You know I can always…”
“No, Kohaku! You know you can’t. You are not part of the vigilante group and your dad is a high-ranking police officer who wants my whole family locked up in prison, he is determined to rid this city of crime. Especially the Basilisks of purgatory and the Manjushage. It’s too risky. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Yeah sorry Haru.”
She covered her head with a pillow, and just laid there. twiddling with a few strands of her coffee brown hair.
“Ok, I will be back in a bit. See you later.”
TO BE CONTINUED... |
Elias sat in the waiting room, one foot tapping restlessly against the vinyl floor. He hated the sterile smell that filled the room, hated the eyes he could feel on him from the few other people sat around him. He held the puppy in his jacket a little closer, rocking it slightly, not knowing if it was in an attempt to comfort the dog or himself. The walk to the veterinarian practice had felt like torture, and to say he was shook up would be an understatement.
He had hoped that with it being midday Monday in his suburban town that the streets would be empty, but that hadn’t been the case. Every time someone had walked past him he had tried to call out, wanting to ask if they knew anything about the dog, only for the words to get lodged in his throat. In return for his efforts he had received odd stares, and one particularly cold glare from an elderly lady who was walking her own dog. He wasn’t exactly dressed in a respectable manner, and with the puppy whining almost constantly he probably looked like he’d stolen the pup. The worst thing was, there hadn’t been a lost dog poster in sight.
“Coffey-sama, Yoshimura-sensei is ready for you.”
Elias started, before nodding and standing up, allowing himself to be led to one of the examination rooms. He swallowed heavily before walking in, knowing exactly what kind of reception he was going to get. His heart in his throat, he watched nervously as the nurse closed the door behind him, sealing his fate.
“What the hell have you done.”
Elias scratched the back of his arm nervously, one hand still cupping the messy pup bundled up in his jacket. He had known it would happen, but being lectured still wasn’t a pleasant experience. He glanced up at his long-time friend, eyes filled with guilt. Takumi Yoshimura was the only real friend Elias had made since he came to Japan, and he knew him better than anyone. Elias watched as he raised an eyebrow, dark brown eyes flickering between Elias and the puppy in his arms.
“I don’t see you in three months and now you bring me a stray dog?”
“I-”
“You, the guy who can’t even pick up the goddamn phone, picked up a dog. You?”
“I know, okay?”
The other man shook his head in disbelief. “You’re lucky we’re not busy on weekdays… So? Spill.”
Elias explained what had happened, leaving out the bit about the excruciating walk to the clinic. As he reached the end of his story, he realised, “Crap. I didn’t go to the convenience store... I don’t have any money on me.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Takumi sighed. “You owe me drinks - oh no, don’t think you’ll get away with just that. You’ll be paying me back in full, too.”
“I will.”
“So, what? You want me to check this mutt over?”
“I was hoping you could check if it’s microchipped first… I read that’s what you’re supposed to do in this situation. And please give it a general check-up, I don’t think it’s a healthy weight and its fur is all matted and god knows what else is-”
“Okay.” Takumi replied, cutting off what he knew would become a long ramble otherwise. “Hand it over.”
Elias did as he was told, hands still slightly shaking from the wait in reception. He wasn’t exactly comfortable being around groups of people, especially when they were all staring at him. He felt like they were judging him as some terrible person who couldn’t look after his dog - or shut it up, for that matter. With the puppy now safely in the vet’s hands, Elias shook out his arm, realising it was slightly numb from being in the same position for so long. He watched as Takumi pulled out a scanning machine, searching the dog’s neck, or at least trying to as it relentlessly wiggled around.
“Nope. No microchip. Could you hold it still while I look it over?”
Elias nodded, moving forward and gently grasping the puppy by the sides of its stomach, the feeling of dried mud under his hands making him feel sick. The dog was still shaking, whining as it tried to wriggle free from his grasp. He watched on as Takumi shone a light inside the pup’s ears, pushed his fingers into its mouth to look at its teeth, checked its eyes, nose, and each of its paws. He then moved Elias’ hands aside, smoothing his own hands down the dog’s ribs.
“Well, you’ve got a pretty unhealthy girl right here.” Seeing the panic in Elias’ face, Takumi changed his tone. “Don’t worry, she’s not on the verge of death or anything. I’d say she’s been outside for a while though, and considering she’s only a few months old at most… Here, hold her again while I get the scales.”
Elias held the dog in place, her soft whining suddenly making his sinuses sting. She’d been alone for so long, and with no microchip… Had she been abandoned?
“Don’t cry, she’s going to be fine.” Takumi stated bluntly, signalling for Elias to hand back the dog so he could weigh her. “Have you reported this to the police?”
“I read that most dogs that are taken into shelters are exterminated.” Elias blurted out, a part of him wanting to cover the dog’s ears. Seeing Takumi exasperated expression, he looked to his feet, his fingers gripping the dog’s sides a little tighter. “No, I haven’t.”
Takumi sighed for what felt like the millionth time. “You have to report this. What if she’s lost and someone is looking for her? Knowing you, you couldn’t ask anyone on the way here if they recognised her. You don’t have to hand her over but… Don’t tell me you’re planning on keeping her?”
“I…”
“Do you have any idea how much of a responsibility that is? This is a dog, Coffey. Taking care of a dog is like having a kid. You can barely take care of yourself, how do you expect to take responsibility for another living thing?”
Silence hung heavily in the air.
“I’m not taking that back.”
“You don’t have to. I know you’re right. I understand that, but-”
“This isn’t about you, Coffey.” Elias flinched, eyes still on the floor. “Look, the bottom line is, you have to report the dog. You have to look for her owner, even if she’s been abandoned. But that doesn’t mean you have to hand her over. You can take custody of her while you search, but you have to be prepared to take responsibility of her until the end. If you end up abandoning her… It’s just too cruel. You can’t take in an animal with half-hearted feelings.”
Elias nodded, taking in the gravity of his friend’s words. It wasn’t as though he hadn’t thought this far. If anything, he’d already imagined all of the things that could possibly go wrong several times over. There was so much risk involved, so many things that could happen… But from the moment the puppy had pushed her head into his palm, a part of him had known he wouldn’t be able to let go. He watched as Takumi lifted the dog from the scales and placed her back on the examination table with one hand, making a quick note with the other.
“She really won’t quit whining, will she?” Takumi said in a light-hearted tone, trying to clear the stifling atmosphere. He scratched behind the puppy’s ears. “You must be hungry, huh?”
Elias watched as Takumi set the dog down on the ground. She started sniffing around, exploring.
“I’m going to go get the dog food, you stay here and watch her. You’ve got a lot of thinking to do.”
“Yoshimura!” Elias blurted out, making the other man stop before he reached the door. Takumi turned around, one eyebrow raised, waiting for Elias to continue. “...Thanks.”
Takumi laughed through his nose before shaking his head and opening the door.
“Shut up.” |
The Three Deaths Chapter 2
The darkness engulfed her; it was heavy and thick. Black as ink. Everything around her felt murky and ominous, yet it somehow felt safe as well. Zina had grown accustomed to the darkness; it served to soothe her tired and aching bones. A side effect of dying is that you quickly get used to living in darkness. Zina knew that people had it all wrong. Just because darkness could hide any matter of baddies; that doesn't mean that's always the case. In an environment where anything can sneak up on you, Zina knew that nothing ever did. Zina found great peace and tranquility in the comfort of the murky darkness. Nothing could bother her here; nothing could hurt her.
Zina was suddenly snapped from her reverie by a voice ringing out through the vast emptiness.
"Are you okay?" the girl's voice asked.
"I think so," said Zina. She was startled by the unknown voice. She quickly regained her composure, though, and started assessing her situation. "Where am I?"
"The Void," is all the voice said.
"The Void?" Zina asks. It was different from when she died; it didn't feel the same.
"The place in between Life and Death. Some people call it Purgatory. It goes by many different names." The girl's voice rang out and seemed to fill the void left by the darkness. It was both comforting and timid, as well as demanding and daunting.
"And who are you?" Zina asks, trying to mask the trembling fear in her voice.
"Don't you know? I'm God. I'm kind of new at this, so sorry if I mess up. I was just voted in five hundred years ago," the voice echoed out across the vast darkness.
"The Afterlife is a democracy? Go figure." Zina says, slightly mockingly. Even in the face of God, she couldn't hide her sarcasm.
"Basically, yeah," she responded. If she noticed the sarcasm in her tone, she didn't show it.
"Cool. Hey, while I have you here, who the fuck was the guy who cucked Joseph and knocked up Mary?" Zina couldn't miss the opportunity to try and answer a question that had been nagging her for ages.
"Yeah, that was Earl. He was impeached shortly after that," the girl's voice said. Zina could note a hint of shame in her voice.
"Wait. Jesus' dad is some dude named Earl?" Zina asks incredulously.
"Yep. He's a meth dealer now. Mostly sells to demons," the deity's voice explained.
"Oh my God," Zina says to herself.
"Yes?" The voice asks.
"Sorry, I was just using your name in vain," Zina replies.
"Ah, no problem. I don't really mind that. Some of the old-guard really hated it, though," the young deity told her.
"So, what's your real name?" Zina had lost her fear, and her curiosity had fully taken over.
"I can't tell you that because... How can I say this? Let's just go with I can't. Also, remember that time is not fluid," she says with a snicker.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Zina asks, completely confused.
"Don't worry about it. Oh, by the way, keep an eye on Valentina," she tells her. Zina couldn't see where the omniscient voice was coming from, but she knew that the person behind it was grinning.
"Why? What do you know that you're not telling me?" Zina asks. She started to worry, wondering what her friend could be capable of.
"She's not what she seems; I mean, she is a great friend and will never betray you, but remember not to play with fire," the voice boomed out all around her.
"Why are you speaking this way? Just tell me!" Zina yells. She was not happy about being jerked around like this.
"I'm sorry. I can't. She has to learn slowly. I'm just giving you a hint," the voice says.
"Okay. I don't like it, but I'll take it," Zina says. She was annoyed but knew that battling with God wouldn't end well for her.
"It's not really gonna matter. You're gonna forget all of this in a little while. You will dream it over and over again, but when you wake up, you'll just remember having a terrifying nightmare," the voice told Zina.
"Well, that sucks," Zina replies.
"Yeah, being brought back from the dead really fucks with you mentally," the voice tells Zina. Zina could make out a hint of sympathy and sadness in her voice as she said this.
"Wait, am I going back to Earth?" Zina asks. She still had so many questions she wanted to ask. Even if she would not remember any of this afterward, she needed to know.
"Yep. In about five... Four... Three... Two... Bye!"
"AAGGGGHHHHH!!!" Zina yells as she shoots up in her bed. Covered in sweat, she looks at the clock next to her bed. It read 7:07 AM.
"I guess it's time to get up," she tells herself. Her mind was foggy as she tried to recall what woke her in such a fright.
Zina has little time to worry about her nightmare as the morning light falls on her body. She quickly jumps out of bed and heads toward her bathroom. She rushes past the countless anime wall scrolls that adorn her hallway. She reaches her bathroom and flings the door open. She is immediately greeted by the sight of a traditional tsunami drawing adoring her bathroom wall.
She runs into the bathroom and drops her pantsuit bottoms as she sits down to urinate. Her fancy tech-heavy Japanese toilet and bidet combo whirs to life in a mechanical hiss as it greets her good morning in Japanese. It's connected to her home WiFi, of course, so it also reads out her notifications and appointments for the day; in Japanese, obviously. Zina's mind is elsewhere as she empties her bladder. The shock of her nightmare is still racing through her veins, and she can feel her heart pounding in her cold, dead chest. She doesn't remember exactly what the nightmare was about, but she knows that it terrified her.
She's bathed in a cold sweat from tossing and turning all night. She can feel her dress shirt clinging to her, and it's starting to make her uncomfortable. Zina knows that no matter how hard she tries, she won't remember any pertinent details about her nightmare. She decides that the best course of action is to start the day off right.
Zina peels off her shirt and tosses it into the dirty hamper next to her. She foregoes the bidet, no matter how much the automatic toilet tells her to use it. Instead, she groggily makes her way toward her shower and pulls back her 'My Bride is a Mermaid' anime-inspired shower curtains.
"God, I hate this time of year," she says as she turns the water on. The shower comes to life as the warm waters of her showerhead pelt her head and wash away her sweat and fears. She lets the water roll down her body as she stands there with her hands against the wall for support. She watches as the water circles the drain at her feet and wash away the worries of the night before.
Zina reaches out and grabs the special soap her father Grant had specifically made for her. He manufactured it to not only leave her smelling like roses and not as if she were pushing up daisies, but it also kept her skin from falling off. She quietly hums 'Renai Circulation' as she showers and tries to scrub herself clean to the beat of the song. After going through the song a few times, she finally decides she's clean enough and steps out onto her Naruto shower mat; she enjoyed stepping on Sakura's face after a shower. She grabbed her Spy X Family Anya-adorned towel off the tower rack and dries herself.
Once she feels sufficiently dry enough, she wraps the towel around her hair and walks back to her bedroom, naked. She heads toward her dresser, which is decorated with more anime stickers than any sane person should ever have. She pulls open her underwear drawer and picks out a matching set of bra and panties. She decides on her special 'One Punch Man' underwear for the day; Saitama's face would adorn both her breasts and crotch for the day.
"This will do perfectly," she says to herself, smiling.
She slips her weeb underwear on and admires herself in her bedroom mirror for a second. After checking herself out for much longer than she should, she finally decides to get dressed and heads downstairs for breakfast. Zina's kitchen is somewhat normal: compared to the rest of her house. It is the only room not covered in anime memorabilia. It is painted a bright yellow with blue trim all around. It has that Southern Comfort feel to it, your typical Americana-styled kitchen. The only thing missing to make it a true cliché is to have an apple pie cooling on the windowsill.
Zina chuckles to herself at that thought and walks toward her refrigerator. Unable to fully hide how much of an otaku she is, she noticed her small collection of anime kitchen magnets as she got her breakfast ready. Zina pulled out a two-liter of Coke-A-Cola and a blue Tupperware container containing some leftovers.
She makes her way across the room to retrieve a frying pan from the cupboard. She places it on her electric stove and turns it on as she reaches for some olive oil. She coats the frying pan with a generous amount of oil, and empties the contents of the Tupperware container into it. She then reaches for the two-liter bottle of Coke and proceeds to chug the entire bottle in less than fifteen seconds.
"Ahhhh. So fucking good," Zina happily says to herself. She tries to hold a small burp back but is unsuccessful. Before she could excuse herself to absolutely nobody, she is stunned by a sudden sound.
DING DONG, the doorbell rang.
"Who the hell could that be before 8 AM?" Zina thinks to herself. She wasn't expecting any company this early in the morning.
Completely forgetting that she is not wearing anything but her underwear, she walks to the front door and looks out. Valentina is standing out there wearing a pink shirt and bleached-blue jean shorts.
Zina smiles at her and opens the door.
"Hey... You do know that you're in your underwear, right?" Valentina says, pointing at Zina's lower half.
"Ah, shit! Just... Just get in here before anybody else sees," Zina says, covering herself with her left hand and pulling Val in with her right.
After closing the door, she looks at Valentina and asks, "What the hell are you doing here so early in the day?"
"Well, it's that time of the year for you; I wanted to make sure you were okay," Val tells her. Zina could see the worry in her friend's eyes. It made her feel bad. She didn't want her problems to be her friend's problems as well.
"You could have just called," Zina says to her. She appreciated everything Valentina did for her, but she didn't want to bother her too much.
"You know me. I'm just nosy," Val says, smiling at Zina.
"Whatever. You want some scrabble?" Zina asks. She might have forgotten to put on her clothes, but she didn't forget her manners.
"You're never gonna make me eat that shit, you sick fuck. I'd rather eat the brains," Val says disgustedly. She never understood how her friend could put that garbage into her body: dead or not.
"Hey, scrabble is great! It's the best fucking food in the world. Okay... Maybe not as good as rice, but it's definitely a close second!" Zina says gleefully. The thing she missed the most about living in Japan was all the great rice dishes.
"Oh, please don't go on one of your rice rants," Val groans, turning her head away, annoyed. She knows that if Zina gets started on one of her famous rice rants, it is almost impossible to stop her.
"Rice is the food of the Gods!" Zina yells. She does not understand how people can not see how great rice is.
"You Japanese worship rice too much; it's weird. News flash, the rest of the world thinks you're crazy." Val tells her delusional friend.
"Shut up. Rice is the shit!" Zina exclaims. She loved Valentina but couldn't allow her to continue insulting the best food in the universe.
"I'm sorry to say, but chocolate is the real food of the Gods," Val says smugly.
"Whatever. We'll find you something to eat," Zina says. She walks back toward the kitchen with Val following closely behind her.
"Don't worry about it; I already ate. Sugar Smackers, of course. I could go for a snack, though." Zina wonders, if Valentina wasn't undead, would she have died because of diabetes by now?
Zina decides to make a quick omelet for Val and finishes frying her scrabble. She then grabs two sakura flower-adorned plates from her cupboard to plate their food. They both decide to take their meal in the living room. They make their way to the Sailor Moon couch and sit down.
"I will admit, your omelets are fucking great, Zina!" Val says with a mouthful of egg. She makes sure not to spill any on Zina's couch; she knows how much her crazy friend loves her anime memorabilia.
"Yeah, you can thank dad for that one. He taught me how to cook a lot of shit once I was somewhat back to normal," Zina explains.
"Yeah, dad is a huge supporter of assimilation," Val says while shoving more eggs into her mouth. "What are we watching?"
"Oh, hold up. This is just Jerry Springer. Let me turn on HiDive." Zina grabs the controller and points it at the TV.
"Okay, so what have I not watched yet?" Zina rhetorically asks as she goes through the menu of the anime streaming service.
"Oh, season two of Peter Gill is out! This show is so fucked up! I love it," Zina says joyfully.
"What's it about?" Val asks as she continues to shovel food into her mouth.
"Well, the first season was about this guy who was the top fighter in the world and consonantly cheated on his fiance. It's funny as hell, though. I'm sure you'll love it," Zina says. She enjoys sharing her love of anime with her friends. In her mind, the perfect world would be one full of weebs.
"Oh, okay. Sounds good, let's watch," Val replies.
After three hours of watching Peter Gill...
"We should head to the beach soon," Val says to Zina.
"Yeah, you're probably right. Let's turn this off. We'll watch the rest later," Zina says as she turns off the TV. Zina grabs Valentina's plate and heads toward the kitchen.
"You do realize you are still in your underwear?" Val tells her oblivious friend.
"God damn it! Why didn't you tell me earlier?!" Zina screams at Val. She's masking her embarrassment with rage. Zina could see that Valentina was throwing to hold back her laughter.
"You've had way too much head trauma, Zina. Go get dressed, you simpleton." Val grins as Zina saunters toward her bedroom.
"I am not a simpleton!" Zina yells back at Val as she makes her way to her dresser.
"Just go get dressed. Remember to put your swimsuit on. You don't want to go topless, do you?" Val can no longer hold back her laughter as she chides her friend.
"Shut up! That was your fault!" Zina huffs as she storms up the stairs.
"Just go get dressed already." Val sighs. She loves Zina, but sometimes she feels that she's more trouble than she's worth.
"Fine," Zina growls as she reaches the top of the landing. Before she heads to her room, she turns around and yells down to Valentina, "Will you wash the dishes?"
"Yeah, sure." Val gets up and heads toward the kitchen sink.
"Thanks," Zina responds as she slams her bedroom door shut.
After Zina finally gets dressed, the couple leaves the house and climb into Baby, ready to enjoy their vacation. Zina spends a few minutes talking to her car and annoying Valentina before she finally turns the ignition and pulls out of the driveway. Their destination, Benton Beach on the edge of Lake Erie, is an hour-and-a-half drive through mostly empty highways. Valentina turns on the radio to help pass the time and is blasted by a peppy high-energy anime theme song. After a few seconds of some random idol belting out mushy cliché lyrics in Japanese, Valentina has enough and shuts off the radio. She instead looks out the window watching the landscape race by her as they make their way to the beach. She feels her eyes getting heavy as she can faintly make out Zina going on one of her famous rice rants.
When Valentina finally wakes up, she can see the sun high over their heads and blasting down on them. She turns to look at the dashboard clock and realizes it's already past noon. As she rubs the sleep from her eyes, she looks out the window and sees the lake in front of them. It seems she woke up just in time; Zina is pulling into an empty parking spot.
"I'm surprised the campground still has so many empty openings," Val says as she gets out of the car. She stands next to the car as she looks out over one of the biggest lakes in the world.
Lake Erie is one of the five Great Lakes in the Midwestern United States. It is almost 10,000 square miles or a little over 16,000 square kilometers. It is the second smallest of the five Great Lakes. Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Ontario make up the other four. Lake Erie, at its deepest, is 599ft or 173m deep. In the winter, it can completely freeze over. It is one of the most popular vacation spots all year round for any of the local inhabitants.
Benton Beach is in the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area in the southwestern area of Lake Erie. It is located southeast of Toledo, Ohio. It is almost always packed to the brim with tourists and vacationing locals, except for today.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure dad had something to do with that," Zina says, stretching her tired legs and looking over the endless expanse of water.
"You're probably right," Val says to her. "Come on. Get the towels out of the trunk."
Zina pops open the trunk so they can retrieve their supplies. She grabs a couple of towels and a beach umbrella. She tells Valentina to take the beach chairs and sunscreen. They make their way to the beach to pick out a good spot. They soon find the perfect location and set up their towels and beach chairs; they then make their way back to the car to get the cooler. They drag the cooler back to their towels and finally settle in and enjoy their day.
"Okay, time to test out the new sunscreen," Val exclaims to Zina.
"Fine. But I'm not touching your ass," Zina says. She grabs the bottle from her friend's hand and plops out a sizable dab of sunscreen on hers.
"Why would you say that? We're both wearing shorts," Val says. "Plus, we've done worse than that." Zina notices the small mischievous grin on her pale friend's face.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Zina says. "Okay. Applying Advanced Sunscreen!"
Zina proceeds to rub the sunscreen on Val. She starts on her shoulders and works her way toward her back. Her nimble fingers make sure to coat Val's entire back. As she applies the sunscreen, her mind wanders back to what her friend mentioned. Zina and Val have had plenty of physical interactions in the past. Zina would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy them. She gets too excited as her mind wanders and decides to focus on the task at hand.
"I still don't understand why he made it taste and smell like chocolate," Zina says as she licks the sunscreen off her fingers.
"Dad's a pervert; what did you expect? He probably wants us to do naughty things while we're here. That or it's probably some repurposed sex lube," Val snickers at the thought. She noticed Zina grinding herself on her leg as she applied the sunscreen.
"Or it could be both," Zina says as she puts more sunscreen on her finger and eats it.
"I wouldn't be surprised," Val says, sitting up.
At this point, Zina is eating the sunscreen straight out of the tube. Val flirted with the thought that maybe the sunscreen was actually an aphrodisiac before chastising her voracious friend.
"Damn it, Zina! Stop it!" Val grabs the tube of 'sunscreen' out of Zina's hand. She screws the cap back on and tosses it into the cooler.
"What? It's nice and yummy," Zina mumbles with a mouthful of sunscreen. Val wonders if their dad made it white, on purpose, for situations like this.
"I know it's good, but people are starting to stare," Val tries to hide her embarrassment as onlookers walk by, gawking at the awkward couple.
Zina looks up and sees at least ten people staring at her in abject horror and total shock.
"Oh," she says, embarrassed as 'sunscreen' slowly drips out of her mouth.
After spending some quality time at the beach, the sun starts to dip below the horizon. The girls pack up their things and make their way to the campground. They arrive just as the sun fully sets, and they set about setting up their tent before darkness fully surrounds them. Just as they are about to light their campfire, they are startled by a flash of lights coming from the woods, first red, then blue.
"Ah, shit," Zina says.
"Damn it," Val responds.
"Twenty bucks says it's Kiki," Val says with a small sigh.
"Nah, I bet it's Xixi," Zina responds with a sigh of her own.
There's some rustling in the woods as a cute girl with light blue hair walks out. She is wearing a leather bodysuit adorned with eight shiny and sharp knives. She makes her way toward the girls who have finished setting up their campfire. They are now in the process of roasting some marshmallows.
"I'll pay you when we get back home, okay?" Zina says dejectedly to Val.
"That's fine with me," Val says as she eats her marshmallow off the stick.
"Hey, Kiki. Want a marshmallow?" Zina says, pointing her marshmallow-laden stick toward her.
"Why the hell don't you ever answer your phone, Zina!?" Kiki yells at Zina. Even in her anger, she reaches out and plucks the stick from her hand. She stares at the burnt white object at the end of it.
"Oh, shit," Zina says, looking frantically around. "I think I left it in the car, sorry." Zina's cheeks flush red in embarrassment.
"You're such a simpleton," Val says, smiling at Zina as she roasts a brand new marshmallow.
"Shut up!" Zina yells back at Val.
"What do you need, Kiki?" Zina asks.
"My mom needs Bao and you on the ship tomorrow," Kiki continues to stare at the marshmallow, curious as to what its purpose could be.
"Aww. We were going to go fishing tomorrow," Zina says. She knows there's no point in arguing with her. Her vacation was already ruined. "What time?" She asks with a sigh.
"Around 9 PM, your time," Kiki hesitantly pokes at the marshmallow, worried that it might explode at her touch.
"Oh, cool," Zina says joyfully. "We can still go fishing!" She grabs a stick and a marshmallow, seeing as Kiki has absconded with hers.
"Want to join us, Kiki?" Val asks, in between bites of marshmallow.
"What are you girls even doing here?" Kiki asks curiously.
"Camping and roasting marshmallows, can't you tell?" Zina says as she leans back on her chair and enjoys the night breeze.
"What are these, by the way?" Kiki asks as she points at the marshmallow.
Kiki is an alien-human hybrid from the Alpha Centauri Galaxy. Her mother, Queen Cobo, is Grant's lover, and they have two twin daughters together, Kiki and Xixi. Kiki looks human, but her twin sister, Xixi, has ancient alien DNA that makes her look alien. Kiki could easily fit in perfectly here on Earth. She has short light blue hair, but apart from that, she has typical human qualities. In fact, if you were to slap some hippie clothes on her, she'd fit in perfectly at an all-white BLM rally. Just like her sister, Kiki is extremely cute.
"That is a marshmallow," Zina says to her confused friend. "Eat it."
"It's not something disgusting like when you tricked me into eating a bug, is it?" Kiki is hesitant to eat the marshmallow. Zina and Val had tricked her once before, and she swore to never fall for it again.
"No. Here I'll eat it if you want," Zina says as she reaches for the marshmallow.
"You did the same thing with the bug!" Kiki says suspiciously.
"Zina! What the hell?!" Val yells at Zina.
"What? It was hilarious. I made Bao laugh. You know how rare that is," Zina giggles as she remembers that day.
"Okay, if it made Bao laugh, then it's okay," Val relents. "Here. I'll eat one." She quickly devours the marshmallow she just finished roasting.
Val then reaches into the bag full of marshmallows and pulls out two more, one in each hand. She eats another one of them and hands the other one to Kiki.
"See. They're good," Val says through a mouthful of marshmallow.
"Okay," Kiki says as she reluctantly takes the marshmallow out of Val's hand and hesitantly puts it in her mouth.
Her eyes widen in surprise as the sugary taste hits her taste buds.
"Oh my God!" She says, shocked by the taste. "This is really good!" She reaches for another marshmallow to roast.
"Right?" Zina says.
"Come on, sit down with us," Val says, patting the log they are sitting on.
The three girls spend the night talking and roasting marshmallows. After the marshmallows have finally run dry, they groggily make their way to the tent. They settle in for a good night's rest, with their bellies full of marshmallows and hearts full of joy.
Val's 5 A.M. alarm wakes them from their deep slumber. She rubs the sleep from her eyes and reaches over to her phone to shut it off.
"Why do we have to wake up so early?" Kiki asks. She gets up from her sleeping bag, her hair is a mess, and her eyes are closed. She doesn't want to meet the glare of the sun just yet.
"You've got to get out early to catch the fish," Zina says to her. Zina seems to be in a chipper mood despite it being so early in the morning.
"Why do THEY wake up so early?" Kiki asks grumpily.
"I don't know. They just do," Zina responds. She's getting her gear ready to go fishing.
"Fish are stupid," Kiki says. She tries to curl up into bed again, but her friends drag her back out.
"I'm not gonna argue with that," Zina says as she drags her by the leg out of the tent.
"Yeah, fish are pretty stupid." Val says.
Kiki decides it's not worth trying to get some more sleep, so she begrudgingly gets up to face the day. She's wearing shorts and a t-shirt that Zina had let her borrow the night before. Surprisingly, Zina and her are the same size, so they fit her perfectly. She peels off her impromptu pajamas and puts on her bodysuit again.
"Come on, we've got to go get some breakfast in us first," Zina says to her angry friend.
"Halos Pancake House?" Val asks the pair.
"Fuck yeah!" Zina replies ecstatically.
They finish packing up their gear and put it in the trunk of Baby. Once they have finished packing everything up, they get in and drive to Halos.
The girls spend the short trip talking about the weather and how obsessed Zina is with rice. They soon pull up to an antiquated, weathered, wooden shack with the words "Halos Pancake House" emblazoned on top of it. They park Baby and make their way into the restaurant to enjoy their breakfast.
The only other people up this early are the local fishermen getting ready to face the day and the waves.
"Ugh, he's here," Zina says, disappointed. "Let's just sit down." Zina and her friends make their way to an empty stall.
"Maybe he won't see us," Val says, trying to avoid eye contact.
A tall crusty old man in his late 50's wearing a Kid Rock shirt and Budweiser baseball cap stands up and walks over to the girls.
"Zina. Val. How are you gals doing?" The lecherous old man says, smiling at Zina.
"Hey, Ben. Going fishing?" Zina tries to remain civil.
"Hell yeah. The walleye are biting like hell this week." Ben says with a chuckle.
"Awesome," Zina says, trying not to sound too curt.
"I am going to beat you this time! You're State Record will not stand! I am gonna catch one that's way over your 16.24 lbs!" Ben exclaims.
Three months ago on a fishing trip, Zina made an enemy out of Ben Jensen when she beat his State Walleye Record. He has vowed revenge ever since.
"Sure. Sure you will, Ben. I believe in you," Zina says to him mockingly. "Now, will you let us sit down and eat in peace?"
"Fine. Enjoy your meal, girls," Ben says as he stomps away.
"Thank you," Zina says, gritting her teeth.
As soon as Ben is far enough away, they all breathe a sigh of relief and reach for their menus.
"Hey, girls," a spunky woman says as she walks up.
"Hey, Barbra," Zina replies warmly.
"Hey, Barb," Val says with a smile.
"Who's this?" Barbra asks, pointing at Kiki.
"This is our sister, Kiki. She's from out of town," Val says to her.
"You ain't one of them Antifa fucks are ya?" Barbra asks, chewing her gum loudly.
"I don't know what that even is," Kiki says, perplexed.
"If you don't know who they are, then you're okay with me. The blue hair worried me for a second. Just so you know, they're fucking Commies. I wish they'd all die," Barbra chews her gum even louder as she continues with her diatribe.
"You'd like our sister Bao," Val says to Barbra. "She's got your same state of mind."
"How many sisters do y'all got?" Barbra asks while pointing her pencil at Val.
"A lot. I'm really not sure about the number, though," Val replies. There's no point to lay out their entire family tree for her.
"Your daddy is a whore," Barbra says in a motherly tone.
"You are 100% right on that," Zina laughs.
"Caffeine Milkshake for you, Zina?" Barbra asks.
"Yep," Zina says.
"And a cappuccino for you, Val?" She quickly jots down Zina's order as she turns to Val.
"You got it," Val responds.
"What about you, sweetie?" Barbra turns her attention to Kiki.
"Me? Umm..." Kiki takes a look at the menu.
"Get her a large orange juice," Val responds for her.
"Okay," Barb says. "Be right back." She struts away to the counter to get their drinks.
"What's orange juice?" Kiki asks Val.
"It's a drink. Trust me; you'll like it. You really need to spend more time here on Earth." Val tells Kiki.
"I've been too busy. Mom's got me in charge of a battalion of star ships. Even on my days off, I'm running errands for her. It's exhausting." Kiki sighs as she stares at the menu.
"Yeah, you definitely need this day trip. You're really gonna like fishing. Japan, where I'm from, fishing and rice are life." Zina never misses an opportunity to bring up her roots.
"Don't you bring up rice again, Zina!" Val glares at her and hopes she doesn't go into another one of her rants.
"Fine," Zina says, huffing.
"I like rice. Fried rice is really good," Kiki says.
"Ahahahaha!" Zina laughs.
"Wait? You've had fried rice but not orange juice? Where did you have fried rice?" Val asks Kiki. She's always amazed at the life Kiki has had here on Earth.
"Dad taught mom how to make it years ago. It's a universal holiday now. Everyone eats it." Kiki says with pride.
"I'm never gonna let you forget this, Valentina," Zina says smugly.
"Shut up, Zina," Val responds.
After five minutes of Kiki and Zina talking about the greatness of rice, Barbra finally arrives with their drinks.
"Thank God," Val says with a sigh of relief.
Barbra hands each of them their drinks.
"You gals ready to order?" Barbra asks as she pulls out her pencil and notepad.
"Yep. Three short stacks all around," Zina says.
"Okay. Coming right up." She strolls back toward the kitchen to place their order.
Kiki stares at her orange juice.
"I've never tried anything orange. It seems strange," Kiki says.
"Trust me, you'll like it," Zina tells her.
"Okay." Kiki brings the drink up to her nose to smell it first.
"It's got a good smell, at least," she says.
"Just try it. Trust us." Val tells her.
Kiki puts the glass up to her lips and takes a sip. Her eyes widen again. She chugs the entire glass in seconds.
After finishing breakfast, the three girls make their way to the dock. Val and Zina focus on prepping the boat while Kiki scurries towards the bathroom to relieve herself from the fourteen glasses of orange juices she drank.
"Maybe we shouldn't be introducing her to all these sweets," Val tells Zina as she dumps the ice into the cooler.
"Ah, she'll be fine. Can aliens even get diabetes?" Zina asks as she makes sure they have all their gear.
"Well, she is half human, so I'd say there's a chance?" Val says, a bit worried.
Kiki makes her way to the boat after emptying her bladder.
"Wow. I've never had to piss that bad in my life," Kiki says.
"Yeah, orange juice goes right through you," Val giggles.
"You ready, Kiki?" Zina asks.
"Yep," she replies. She sits on the boat as she watches the duo finish the preparations.
The girls take the 18-foot outboard to Zina's favorite fishing spot. A place just outside Sandusky Bay. It takes them about twenty minutes to get there.
"Catch me some fish, you little shad!!" Zina yells as she casts her line out.
"Using fish to catch fish? Very war-like, I approve." Kiki says as she tries to cast her line the same way Zina did.
"It very much is," Val says, reclining in her seat. "Remember, Zina is from Japan, and they are very war-like people." She adds another coat of sunblock to her fair skin.
"Fuck you, Val. We technically haven't been to war since World War 2. We're pretty peaceful now." Zina yells back at her friend as she keeps her eyes locked on her bobber.
"It took... You know what? That's too mean." Val bites her tongue.
"You were gonna mention the bomb, weren't you?!" Zina bellows.
"I'm not gonna respond to that," Val says.
"Yeah, you better not." Zina finally turns to glare at Val.
"Your little floaty thing just went under the water." Kiki points to the little ripples forming where her bobber used to be.
"Oh, shit!" Zina yells, pulling back on her rod.
After a short fight, Zina reels in a four-inch yellow perch.
"First one of the day!" Zina exclaims with joy.
She takes the fish off the hook and throws it back.
"Are you not gonna eat it?" Kiki asks, confused.
"Nah. I always throw them back. I just fish for sport, not food." Zina says as she casts her line again.
"Ah, I see." Kiki says.
"Can you swim in this water?" Kiki asks her sisters.
"Yeah, sure. Go ahead if you want to take a dip. Just swim in the back, so you don't scare away the fish." Zina tells her as she keeps her eyes on her line.
"That's the first really good idea that has come up on this boat." Val stands up and heads toward the back of the boat.
"Yeeeeaahhhhh!" She yells as she cannonballs into the water.
"GOD DAMN, IT'S COLD!!" Val yells as she pops her head out of the water.
"What did you expect? It's September in Lake Erie, idiot." Zina laughs as she makes sure not to avert her gaze from the bobber in front of the boat.
"Fuck it. I'm staying in. Come on in, Kiki." Val tries to encourage her sister to join her.
"Okay," Kiki says as she jumps in.
"It isn't too bad," Kiki says.
"Oh, yeah. I forgot your species has a higher body temperature than humans do." Val says, shivering. "Zina wouldn't feel shit if she jumped in here. Her body temperature is higher than normal, too." She's getting used to the temperature but is still shaking a bit from the cold.
"Damn straight. All thanks to that artificial alien blood your mom's husband created." Zina yells back at them.
"Jerry is a cuck," Kiki says with a grin.
"The biggest in the universe," Val says to Kiki, her teeth chattering as she grins.
After spending the day fishing and swimming, the girls head back to Zina's house.
As they walk into the house, Val turns to Zina and says, "Well, I had a lot of fun today. I better head home now."
"All right. Give me a hug first, though." Zina spreads her arms open to embrace her.
Zina and Val share a deep and warm embrace.
"Give me a call when you get home, okay?" Zina tells her.
"Will do," Val says.
Zina and Val finally let go of each other.
"Well, I'll see you all later. Nice to see you again, Kiki." Val says, waving goodbye to her as she walks out the door.
"You too," Kiki says as the door closes.
Zina looks at Kiki and says, "Let's head out to the shed."
Zina locks up her house, and the two head to the shed out in her backyard.
She keeps her trusted tractor and yard tools in it. Being Japanese means that she must also ensure to keep her yard well tended.
"You ready?" Zina asks.
"Just do it," Kiki replies.
Zina puts her finger behind her right ear and presses down.
"Where to?" A woman's voice crackles in her head.
"The USS Jerry is a Cuck, please," Zina replies.
"Permission granted," the woman's robotic voice responds.
A summoning circle begins to light up around them. The same red flame fireflies surround them, and the punch to the guts hits. Blackness engulfs them...
"God, I fucking hate that," Zina says as she stands up groggily.
"You're a little early," A tall blueish-green woman with dark blue hair wearing the same nanosuit as Zina is there to greet them.
"Early bird gets the worm, Queen Cobo," Zina says as she walks up to her. She takes a look out the window. She stares out into the endless expanse of space. She takes a moment of silence as she stares out the bridge of the starship USS Jerry is a Cuck.
"That it does. That it does." Queen Cobo turns to her with a smile. |
Subsets and Splits