*Knock*
*Knock*
*Door Open*
Alyson: “Come in.”
I follow Alyson to her room and to the bed. Despite my hesitation, Alyson pulled me to sit with her. A few minutes passed with no words flowing. Only an awkward silence filled the air. Only Alyson would have the strength to break that silence.
Alyson: “Your less…animated than usual. Did you have a bad day too?”
Nao: “…You can say that.”
Alyson: “Do want to talk about it?”
Nao: “I came here for you so lets start there.”
Alyson: “…Fine, I’ll go first.”
Alyson: *Sigh*
Alyson: “My brother got into a fight today, a really bad one. It’s partly my fault but I wish he wouldn’t put himself in these situations.”
Nao: “You’re fault?”
Alyson: “I shouldn’t have put him on the black list at the time. I was mad and…scared of Nao’s aggressive sudden improvement.”
Nao: “That’s a…bad thing?”
Alyson: “Not entirely but doing that is only going to hurt in the long run. What he’s trying is just not possible.”
Why does she keep saying that!
Nao: “Why do you say that? How do you know he’s not capable? Maybe you’ve underestimated him.”
Alyson: “I…”
She cups her and closes her eyes tightly for a moment before answering. It was at this moment that I mentally slap myself. How could I forget to swap in mind reading? Whatever, this is going well anyway.
Alyson: “I just know. That’s how he’s always been and it doesn’t make sense for him to get so good all of sudden.”
Alyson: “It just can’t be possible…”
Nao: “Do you even like your brother? Sound like him succeeding makes you mad, not a good look.”
Alyson: “…I do.”
Yeah right.
Nao: “Doesn’t sound like it.”
Alyson: “It would come off like that huh? My feelings for Nao are… complicated.”
Nao: “We got all day, I’m willing to listen if you’re willing to talk.”
Alyson: “Thanks, I…always wanted to get my feelings off my chest, to sort them, but I had no one to turn to. I’m glad you’re here.”
Me too, so I can finally get some answers.
Alyson: “Before I was adopted by Nell, I was in an orphanage that taught me how to survive. One of the biggest lessons was there will always be losers and winners.”
Alyson: “The losers inspire winners to win and if they try to win themselves…then only disaster follows.”
Nao: “Who told that bul…idea?”
Alyson: “…Someone important and I say it happen first hand. Unaware losers would only make situations worse and disappoint everyone.”
So that’s how you see me…
Nao: “I assume Nao falls under losers for you?”
Alyson: “Yeah, I figured out his place a few years after Nell adopted me.”
Alyson: “On one hand I’m proud of him for trying. Finally, he’s not a lazy waste of space. But on the other hand, I know that he’ll face disappointment if he attempts the impossible. If only he can find a balance, then we’d be okay.”
Nao: “I get that but why don’t you trust me, I mean Nao more.”
Alyson: “Because I used to know someone like Nao. Someone who wasn’t talented but tried hard anyway.”
Nao: “W-What happened to them?”
Alyson: “…They…died. No matter what happens to Nao, it can’t be worse than that.”
Nao: “…”
Alyson: “So you can see why Nao’s actions make me both proud and irritated. Then there’s the possible murder charge and…other annoyances from the past. Today is just…a headache.”
Nao: “…I…don’t know what to say.”
Alyson: “You don’t have to say anything just…help me forget about it all. Just for one night.”
Nao: “Huh?”
Before I could react, Alyson grabs my face and kisses me. She passionately makes love to my mouth while placing herself on my lap. She cups my head and increases the intensity of the kiss. Eventually though, we have to come up for air.
Nao: “Alys-”
Alyson: “Shhh, let me have this. I’ll go back to being who I’m supposed to be but for tonight, I just want to let it all go for once.”
She sticks her tongue back in my mouth and pushes me down onto the bed. Is this really about to happen? Am I about to make love to my sister? No, it’s Alphon…not me.
Wait a minute, aren’t I suppose to break her heart? Is this not a great time? But does she deserve that? Yeah, how does this even help our cause? Is Alyson really the enemy after everything I know now?
What about me? Should I really do this with my own step-sister? Do I like her like that? And if so, I should tell her the truth. I should be the one to kiss her not Alphon. But what if she rejects me like mom…
These ideas violently clash in my mind and along with the building pleasure I’ve only dreamed of…I’m blanking.
Alyson guides my hands further down her smooth body. All the way down to the place I shouldn’t touch. I…I…can’t do it!
I regretfully break our kiss and gently push her away. Despite my lower body begging me to continue, I just can’t. There’s too much surrounding this moment, corrupting it, for me to continue.
Alyson: “W-What’s wrong?”
Nao: “I-I…don’t think I’m ready for this yet.”
Alyson: “After all that flirting, what do you mean you’re not ready?”
Nao: “It’s…complicated.”
Alyson: “If you’re going through even half of what my family is going through, it’s even more of a reason. Just sleep it all away with me, just for tonight.”
Alyson straddles me again and stares down at me with moist eyes. Her clothes are disheveled and her hair is wild. Her lips are begging to hold something and it whispers for me to give it to her. This is a look that I never thought she could ever have and it’s…driving me mad.
I grab her waist and the thought of abandoning reasoning flashes in my mind. But it’s only for a moment. I lift her up and move her aside on the bed.
She’s too shocked to try to stop me. I don’t blame her, I lead her on, and when it’s time to deliver…I choked. In the end…I guess it’s a mission success…
Nao: “…I’m sorry. I don’t think this…will work. Goodbye, Alyson.”
I leave the room before she could try to convince me again. I don’t know if I can resist a second time.
I go to the front door, open and close it before going to my room. I transform back to who I am before collapsing on the bed.
Nao: “You did Nao, you just broke your first girlfriend’s heart. Can today get any worse…”
Better go to sleep before the word answers my questions. As I drift, I promise one thing to myself.
I’ll prove to Alyson that losers can win and then maybe we can go back to how we used to be. Before queens, magic and the harshness of pre-adult life.
I look at my stats and points.
Points: 6
Strength: 17.5
Endurance: 11.5
Intelligence: 15.5
Charisma: 18
Agility: 12.5
Magic: 18
…I have to take that risk. This is the first step. Add 4 to endurance and 2 to agility.
Points: 0
Strength: 17.5
Endurance: 15.5
Intelligence: 15.5
Charisma: 18
Agility: 14.5
Magic: 18
I close my eyes and rest with that promise in mind. Hopefully, I have no nightmares like last time.
It’s been 2 days since Nao left school but he left a noticeable impact. Trevor, has been training for the rematch, bullies are a bit scared to approach us, and most importantly…Mat: “Man, Alyson has been out of it these days. Her test scores have taken a nose dive.”Anthony: “Nao is still helping us even while suspended.”Velo: “Yeah, he even infused a shield spell onto this ring I got from a cereal box.”Tallow: “But she’s still among the top 20 students in the school both athletically and academically.”Anthony: “It’s enough, soon someone is going to challenge her place as queen.” Mat: “And when Nao comes back, he’ll take the position of King. After what you told us he was fighting evenly with him. I’m sure after a month of training, he’ll be way stronger.”Anthony: “…We’ll see.”I still remember when we went to see Nao yesterday. The focus, the new power, and improved body…he’s even taller now…Anthony: “Hey guys, do you want to try exercising.”Everyone: “No way.”Mat: “Look at
Tonight, Hillview is getting lucky with a meteor shower. Couples of Hillview, be sure to take advantage of this to-”I change the channel. Why does everything remind me of him? Now I know what Nao felt like back he was rejected for the first time. I shouldn’t have made fun of him, this feels terrible. I look at my phone and the desire to call him consumes me again. No, I’ve called enough. At this point, I’m probably coming off as a stalker. I lost my chance at a love life.Look at me, I can’t even gather the strength to go to school early anymore. But I still have to go. I leave my room and go to the bathroom. At least, I try to but Nao is still inside taking a bath.*Knock**Knock*Alyson: “I still have to go to school Nao, get out already.” *Bathroom door opens*!!Nao: “H-Hey Alyson.”Holy….he…actually looks…hot? How did he get so tall and…well built? I actually have to look up a bit.Nao: “Are you…blushing?”Alyson: “N-No! Your growth spurt just caught me off guard. Out of the w
I say goodbye to my friends and head back to my room. Nao: “Well, that’s all my points gone. Hey Arc, am I ready for virtual reality training level 0?”Arc: “No.”Nao: “Wow, that’s…ridiculous.”Arc: “The function was designed for mages who have transcended peak human levels.”Nao: “I’m…really working up to that point huh? When you say it like that I have to ask what’s even the point of power like that.”Arc: “Don’t remember the shadows?”My heart rate spikes as my mind touches the edges of that memory. Nao: “Y-Yes…but why are they even here? I wish things can go back to normal…kind of.”*Knock**Knock* I go to the door and open it to see Alyson standing at the entrance. She looks a bit…shy.Alyson: “Nao.”Nao: “Alyson.”Alyson: “I can’t be your friend. We’re too different and I don’t expect you to keep this successful run. You should stop before you hurt yourself and disappoint us all.”Nao: “Did you come here to just make me mad?”Alyson: “But! I can be and should’ve been your sis
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,
[Perspective Shift: Nao]I wake up.But little has changed. I’m still numb from the news from yesterday. No, I’m not numb. I’m just suppressing the urge to do what must be done. I force myself up and-Alphon: “Not so fast kid, I still need to help Trevor. One more treatment should do.”Nao: “…Alright.”I give up my body and try to recollect my emotions again.[Perspective Shift: Alyson]Alyson: “Mmmmm, Nao?”Prisha: “Think again sweetheart.”…Oh yeah, we slept in the same bed. But I don’t remember being in…this position.Alyson: “Did you do this on purpose?”Prisha: “No, maybe you just needed someone to really hold. I for one have no issues.”Alyson: “Of course you don’t.”Before Prisha can get any ideas, I untangle our bodies and get ready for the day. The…very stressful day. Before freshening up and savoring the last moments of peace I’ll have, I take a look at Deanna. She does look a bit better. Hopefully, she’ll wake up soon. After enjoying my time getting ready for the day with
Notice:I know we just started but due to severe problems at home, I will no longer be able to write for the foreseeable future. I'm sorry, but I'm putting this on hiatus until further notice. If you don't hear back from me within a year, probably means I'm dead or worse. It's been a fun ride, hopefully I'll see you later.In order to reach the 100 word mark, I'll just repeat the notice.[ I know we just started but due to severe problems at home, I will no longer be able to write for the foreseeable future. I'm sorry, but I'm putting this on hiatus until further notice. If you don't hear back from me within a year, probably means I'm dead or worse. It's been a fun ride, hopefully I'll see you later. ]
[Perspective Shift: Nao] Nao: “Don’t worry guys, you’re doing well.”Mat: “Says…*Pant*…you.”Velo: “Gathering mana…is…hard.”Nao: “Baby steps.”You’re sure this is the correct way to teach them?Arc: “Yes, they’re not you. They’ll need to start with meditation and feeling mana before anything else.”I didn’t think that would tire them out this much.Arc: “I hope this puts in perspective how lucky you are to have me.”Right, lucky. Nao: “I think we should stop here, it’s getting late.”Mat: “Thank you.”Velo: “Are you sure?”Nao: “Yeah, we all need to rest after all.”Velo: “…Alright, I’ll do better next time.”Mat: “Yeah m-me too.”Nao: “Great, I’m looking forward to it.”*Ding*Points: 30 Continue Teaching (+5) [Daily]Nice, that’s a nice bang of daily points. I go lay down on my bed and watch my students leave the room. Heh, students. Who would’ve seen that coming? Mat is the first to leave and Velo gave one last look before motioning for the door. Velo: “Nao?”Nao: “Yeah?”Vel
We stare each other down. Despite having the field advantage, I’m sure Vale will find a way to surprise me. I take a mental check over the magic items I have.Magic Missile Gun [9 Shots]Invisibility Cap (Tallow) [1 Charge, for 1 minute]Magic Shield Gloves (Tallow) [1 Charge]Not terrible, I can do this. Vale: “Let’s test this out.”Vale creates 2 dozen across the entire room and commands them to attack me. But due to the environment, they’re not fast enough. I raise my hand and flash-freeze them while imprisoning the main one.Vale: “Yeah, I thought so. Plan B it is.”Eira: “Watch out!”!I see a bright light burst to life behind the ice prison. Instantly, I know what he’s doing. But the target…I move in front of the wall where Victor is slumped against outside. I create several ice walls in front and activate my magic item. Tallow: “Magic Shield!” A bright blue translucent shield appears right in time for the world to turn white.Vale: “Mini-Magic Cannon.”I can’t see anything,
Victor: “We’re in, nothing weird so far.”I take a step through the door and scan the area. The inside of the building is old, dirty, and damaged. Plates, glass, and dust litter the cracked floor. Moonlight weakly slips through the windows to my sides. Chairs and tables are flipped over and scattered across the area.Victor: “Watch your step.”Tallow: *Nod*We creep along the scarce few smooth sections of the floor. My eyes dart to every dark shadow of the room. My frozen arms tremble, ready to freeze whatever may jump out to get us.Victor takes out his magic missile gun while leading me deeper into the building. Through the hallways and corridors, much of it was the same. Empty rooms, destroyed materials, and an awful smell. Probably to deter the few people snooping around.I know this is a temporary safe house but I can’t believe this place has the materials necessary to keep Trevor alive. That was until Victor brought us to a seemingly normal door. He looked back at me and nodded
*Knock* *Knock*Nao: “…Huh?”I look at the clock, I notice that it’s 7:30 PM. Not an awful time to wake up. I hope this is worth it.I look at Alyson’s cute sleeping face.Nao: “I’m glad you still have that same look while sleeping.”I kiss her cheek before getting out of bed and opening the door. At the doorway is Mat who tries to say something before seeing Alyson’s sleeping figure.Mat: “Bro, did you-”Nao: “No.”Not yet.Nao: “What’s up?”Mat: “I wanted to tell Alyson that Victor is back with the info we need. I was going to tell you afterward but since you’re both here…”Nao: “Okay, I’ll tell her. Is…Tallow still insisting on being the only one going with Victor?”Mat: “Yep, it’s times like this where I feel the most useless.”Nao: “I’m…sorry. I wish I had more artifacts for you.”Mat: “It’s fine, I’ll just continue spreading the message online. It’s all me and Velo can do after all.”Before I could say anymore Mat closed the door. *Sigh*I look back at Alyson’s sleeping figure
“Oh my god…did that really happen?”Alyson: “Yes, I hope you understand the threat that Hiroshi presents. If he’s willing to do that to his men, imagine what he would do to us or…you.”“I think I get it Ms.Redfern, I’ll make sure this gets to the right people.”Alyson: “Please, call me Alyson. Since we’re on a first-name basis, can I have yours?”“Of course, the name is Ruby.”Alyson: “And what about you cameraman?”Ruby: “Sorry, Kevin is mute.”Kevin: *Nod*Alyson: “I understand. Prisha will stay near you just in case anything happens.” Prisha: “Aww, I just woke up and already I’m put to work. Oh well, I’ll do my best. I’ll also throw that invader bootlicker in jail while I’m at it.”Ruby: “Thanks, for everything. I’ll be sure to put in the good word for you and…you’re brother.”Alyson: “I’d appreciate that.” With that, Prisha led the reporters and the surviving spy out of the house. I watch them leave while keeping my distance from the group. Alyson, Mat, and Victor are still in t
[Perspective Shift: Nao]*Door Open*Finally, I’m back home. At least, back at base. I don’t think this will ever feel like home. *Hug*?!Suddenly, I feel something soft and warm envelop me. I start to focus and notice Alyson hugging. It’s a bit uncomfortable due to the size difference though.I grow to acceptable sizes and hug her back. We stayed like that for a few moments before breaking apart. Alyson: “You didn’t have to grow on me like that. It doesn’t bother me.”Nao: “Maybe, but I prefer being tall.”Alyson: “…Alright. I want you to know that I’m proud of you for what you did. It could have been much worse if your killed Sever.”Nao: “…Thanks, I mean it. But I…”Still feel that desire deep down. Nao: “If you don’t mind, I would like to go to sleep.”Alyson: “I understand but…you should know what happened while you were away.”Nao: “W-What happened?”Alyson: “Follow me upstairs and I’ll explain.”I do as she says while listening to the story. I try to swallow any destructive
[Perspective Shift: Nao]Sever: “My employer knew you would be too impulsive to stay still after your home is invaded. Clearly, you want to end this quickly but we have other plans.”Nao: “Tch, you’ll regret healing me. I’m much stronger and wiser than before. Now that I can move, I’ll be sure to kill you this time.”Sever: “You’re not the only one that’s grown. Even If you somehow kill me, I’ll make sure to delay you long enough to shut down that shield of yours.”Nao: “What?!”Sever: “Yeah, afterward we’ll make a bigger bloodbath than what happened with Astral.”Nao: “…Fine.”I bite my lip and stuff the pain coursing through my body. It’s not as bad as I expected but it will never be pleasant to shapeshift.This is where all my practice pays, I transform into a form that will inspire fear and horror. Nothing too crazy but enough to force a reaction. My body breaks apart and reforms into a form resembling a werewolf. But the form is more…grotesque than normal. I grow pure black fur