Nell: “It will be okay….it will be okay.”Nell repeats that through tears but I can’t help but stare down the barrel of those guns. Magic? Murder? It’s all too much to take. What’s even real anymore?Sever: “We got it, move out.”Alyson: “Na-”I try to get up but the rifles move to freeze me in place. Nell: “What are you going to do to my son?”Sever: “…You don’t need to know.”Nell: “…”No…Sever: “Be sure to go to school tomorrow Alyson. We need everything to move as usual. Low suspicion and all that.”I-I’m too scared to move. I couldn’t do anything as Sever dragged Nao out of my life. With a slam of the door, everything starts to settle. A day that was supposed to heal us is instead one where we’re damaged beyond repair. And it’s not even over yet.Alyson: “N-Nell, I need to know what you meant by Nao being a mage.”She’s still holding me in her arms and shaking trying to hold back a flood of tears.Nell: “Alyson…I’ll try to explain. But I don’t know what good it will do….Nao is
…Where…am I? Arc: “Ah, you’re finally awake.”What’s happening? Did the spells stay active? Why am I tied up on this super uncomfortable chair?Arc: “Yes the spell is still active. We’re currently at some kind of warehouse.”Hopefully, it’s not too far from home. *Door Open*Arc: “Keep appearance. Don’t let them know you’re awake yet.”I do what Arc says and keep my head down. I can’t see anything but I can hear it.Sever: “That’s what he said. Maybe you’re just incompetent. I knew keeping alive for something like this would come in handy. If we did what you suggested we would have no leads.”I can feel it too. There’s a movement in the edges of my vision, the shadows shift and squirm in the background.They’re speaking but I can’t understand a word they’re saying. I try to block it out but every time I try, I feel blood flowing out my ears. As if they want me to listen. Fear begins to build inside my throat. The nightmares, the all-consuming void, and burning skin. Breathe.I ste
Fuck!*Punch*I try my best to block or dodge Trevor’s blows but…I’m getting overwhelmed. The only reason why I’m still conscious is because of the lightning shock. Damn it, Nao had to fight this monster? How am I supposed to win without magic!“You seem to be struggling love.”Yeah, but I can take it. If Nao can, I’ll push through this new pain. I’ll find a way to fry this bastard. “Awwww, that’s my husband. Undying will and strength. But you might need some help.” What do yo-Trevor: “Come on Anthony, I had more fun with Nao. Stop shooting those fireworks and fight me like a man.”Anthony: “Ahhh, my lover’s body feels soooo good.”Trevor: “Wow, your voice. Why do you sound like a girl now?”Anthony: “Don’t worry about that. You wanted a real fight right, how about you play with me for a while.”My body is moving without my will now. It’s a puppet now, moved by the star I made vows with. She beckons Trevor to fight in a somewhat provocative way. I rather fight him myself, but I’ll
Arc: “Be careful, this is your first mage battle. Not only that, Anthony has an artifact.”What’s that?Arc: “A true magic item, among the strongest of their kind.”A magic item huh? I search through my pockets and hope I still have them. Inside I feel two pens and take out the scan one. I need to know what I’m dealing with. I point it at Anthony who’s waiting for me to deliver the first blow. Good thing, this gives me time.Anthony(With Artemis): Strength: 10Endurance: 10Intelligence: 21Charisma: 20Agility: 14 Magic: 35 VSNao(Base/No Shape Shift):Strength: 21Endurance: 17.5Intelligence: 19.5Charisma: 18.5Agility: 16.5Magic: 24Oh, that not too ba-Arc: “Focus!”*CRACK*Purple lightning snakes forwards threatening to cook me but I place a shield up just in time. In spite of the warning, I barely could catch it on the shield. It even pushed me back.Arc: “Idiot, it’s the magic stat you have to be careful of. Even mages who neglect their body can level cities. Close the g
Anthony: “Your voice…”Anthony: “So, you’re our predecessor. I don’t know how you possessed Nao without Arc but I don’t care. Me and Artemis can take you.”Alphon: “Artemis? Ha! That crazy bitch found herself another replacement for her dead husband. Poor ma-”*Boom*Artemis: “Shut up…”Alphon: *Whistle*Alphon: “Good thing you’re a terrible shot.”Anthony: “I already can guess her circumstances. There’s no way someone this powerful would willingly marry me.”Artemis: “Oh honey, you’re so understanding. I love you even more.”Anthony: “…Sure.”Artemis: “Don’t pout love. I know what will make us happy, how about some more murder.”Alphon: “Man, stop switching so much. It’s creepy.”Artemis: “Tch.”Anthony: “I rather not kill you when you’re possessing Nao. But I’ll do what I must.”Alphon: “So you’ll fight me first?”Anthony: “…Why not. Despite her protests, I want to see how strong you were.”Alphon: “I see. Well, don’t be blown away too quickly.”Alphon teleports, actually teleports,
Nao: “Buy me some time Velo.” Velo: “Got it.”Transform, book form!Anthony: “No you don’t!”Velo activates his shield ring and blocks the bolts of lightning ripping through the ground towards us. Velo: “Ugh…”Swap control water for minor illusion. *Break*Velo: “The shield is down!”That’s fine I get between the next bolt and block it with my shield. I shoot 4 air bullets behind the shield that chases the fleeing Anthony.Anthony: “You’re not the only one with magic items.”Anthony takes out that paralysis water gun and fires the 3 shots at the black listers. Tallow: “Nice try!”Before Anthony even pulled the trigger, Tallow got everyone out of the way of the attack.Anthony: “What?”Tallow: “Nao, watch out take a step back.”I do as he says and narrowly dodge a strike of lightning. Anthony: “Mind reading huh?”Tallow: “You won’t be able to catch anyone off guard now.” Anthony: “That won’t last forever.”I take the chance and blast more air bullets at Anthony while closing the
I walk out of the gym carrying my mother. Police, newsmen, and students fill my vision. I ignore their questions, camera flashes, and stares. I move through the crowd with my friends and last family member close behind. Tallow is sent to the hospital and Anthony goes to jail.My world is crumbling, so why is the sky so clear and serene? The days start to blur together after that moment. All of it grieving, all of it ignoring the press and preparing for the funeral.The presence of magic is now known to the whole world, but how could I care? My world is the one that matters and it’s shattered. The only thing I can remember is her coffin being lowered into the ground. The only thing I could feel are the tears dripping off my face. The only thing could hear was Alyson’s sorrow contrasted with the cicadas. Why? Why does the sun shine so brightly? Of all days.We return from the funeral and open the door to a broken home. Without mom taking care of us…what do we do? What happens to me a
A month since that day and 1 week since the funeral. I’ve been trying my best to keep up appearances. I’ve always dreamed of having a job and supporting my family. But I never wanted it like this. At least today is Friday, I need some rest. Alyson: “Nao, I’m home!” Again…nothing but silence. Aside from leaving at odd times, he’s always been up there. I understand the feeling, I wish I could just…forget it all. But this is our new normal and I will adjust. We have to. I scroll through my phone and follow a recipe for dinner. Alyson: “…Mom made this seem so easy.” I push through it and come up with…something. I’m sure it’s edible. I knock on Nao’s door and leave his food on the floor. I go back down to the kitchen and eat my own meal before relaxing with the TV. *Knock* *Knock* Or I was. Alyson: “I swear if it’s another reporter wanting Nao, I’ll break his camera.” *Door Open* Alyson: “Deanna?” Deanna: “Hey Alyson, I know it’s out of nowhere but can I come in.” Alyson