Shock and bewilderment all around. I knew this would-
Mat: “Cool!”
Tallow: “I can’t believe magic actually exists.”
Velo: “What kind of spells can you do?”
Anthony: “…”
Nao: “Slow down, I’ll explain how this happened.”
So I did and they listened with bated breath. They hung on my every word like I was really someone special. Ha, I guess I am. But I did leave out what happened with Anton and kept to the story I told Sever.
After I finished explaining there was a period of silence and contemplation. I starting to get nervous again, say something.
Anthony: “I get the gist. I’m glad to hear you got this only a few days ago. If you had this power for months didn’t do anything...”
Anthony: “Anyway, I understand why you hid it until you got stronger.”
Tallow: “But it’s a bit disappointed the loser hero we thought beat the bullies against all odds used OP magic.”
Velo: “Man, some people are just…lucky.”
Mat: “Yeah, this is cool and all but why even show us? I feel…even more pathetic.”
No, No, No! This is not what I….Arc!
Arc: “Calm down, repeat what I say.”
Anthony: “I should have known. People like us can’t stand up to bullies like how you did.”
Nao: “Don’t you want this power?”
Everyone: “!!?”
Nao: “I have the power to create magic items and give them to you. All I ask is that you help me when the time comes.”
Nao: “Those were Arc’s words, not mine.”
Anthony: “You mean we can use magic too?”
Nao: “It’s not fair that I’m the only one who gets to fight back and be important. It’s time for people like us to crawl out of the hole life through us in.”
Mat: “Yeah!”
Anthony: “I can’t believe this happening, this is beyond all my expectations.”
Velo: “So what kind of powers do we get?”
Nao: “Well, I’m sure that’s up to Ar-”
Nao: “No wait, it’s my choice. So in other words, what do you want?”
Everyone: “Awesome!”
Nao: “But I have to learn to actually make magic items so you’ll have to wait till tomorrow.”
Everyone: “Awwww.”
Anthony: “Well, at least we have something to look forward to.”
Mat: “This does give me time to think of the perfect ability I want. X-Ray, invisibility, or maybe I can even shave off this fat!”
Anthony: “Let’s slow down and refocus. We’ll have plenty of time to think about this over the weekend. For now, let’s plan out Alyson’s downfall.”
Mat: “Oh yeah, almost forgot about that.”
Anthony: “I actually thought of the perfect plan. Nao, do you remember when Mat asked Alyson if she has a boyfriend?”
Nao: “Yeah?”
Anthony: “Was it just me or did she seem sad about the fact she’s single?”
Nao: “You’re right, I did notice some disappointment.”
Anthony: “Few things bring down a man more than a broken heart.”
Nao: “So that’s your plan?”
Anthony: “Make her fall in love and break her heart. Don’t you have the perfect ability for it, a chad form to sweep her off her feet?”
Nao: “Let me get this straight, you want me to date my step-sister?”
Mat: “Pretty cool right? I’d do it in a heartbeat.”
Anthony: “You don’t have to bring real feelings into it, just get her to fall for you. That’s it, no need to get physical.”
Nao: “I…guess. But what about the King? He has a massive crush on her. If he can’t do it what chance do I have?”
Anthony: “I’m sure Nao, the great mage, can defend himself against a mere bully and surpass his ability to court the queen.”
Nao: “I don’t know, he scared even Anton and his super attractive. Is he just a mere bully?”
Anthony: “I’m sure you’ll think of something. I rather us get stronger and deal with the King instead of using the bullies against each other.”
Anthony: “It’s unnecessary now that we’ll have magic.”
Nao: “I guess, I’ll trust your judgment.”
Anthony: “Then we have a plan for tomorrow. You make us magic items and find time to flirt with Alyson.”
Mat: “Lucky bastard.”
Anthony: “We’ll tell you what kind of powers we want in the afternoon so tell your mom about us visiting again.”
Nao: “Got it, only thing left today is to spend these points.”
Tallow: “I suggest spending points on charisma to help on your date.”
Anthony: “Mind reading might come in handy.”
I spend 10 points on charisma and buy mind reading. I go into the magic book and swap out scan for mind reading.
Nao: “Still 8 left, I’ll spend the rest on my other stats. Just in case of…problems.”
Anthony: “Cool, better get some rest then. The more time your body has to absorb the stats the better.”
Mat: “Yeah, I don’t want to wake up to you screaming.”
Velo: “It’s hard enough to sleep in a new environment.”
Nao: “Speaking off what are you going to sleep on.”
Anthony: “Damn, I knew I forgot something. Why didn’t you remember for me Tallow?”
Tallow: “I’m not your mental backup.”
Nell: “Good thing I thought of it.”
Nell gently pushes open the door with some blankets.
Velo: “You’re a lifesaver.”
Anthony: “Thank you for this Nell.”
Nell: “No problem, but I’m sorry I don’t have anything big enough for Velo though.”
Velo: “It’s fine, I’m used to it. No need to worry about me.”
Nell: “Are you sure.”
Velo: “*Nod*”
Nell: “Alright, goodnight you guys.”
Everyone: “Goodnight.”
*Door Closes*
Anthony: “I’m glad your mom is so nice and thoughtful. We might’ve had to sleep in the cold.”
Nao: “Yeah, she’s great.”
Anthony: “Me and Tallow will try hard to not forget something so important. Right, Tallow?”
Tallow: “Yeah.”
Mat yawns and picks a corner to sleep in. We all do the same, there’s nothing more to say. We know what to do tomorrow, we’re ready.
I close my eyes with a slight smile on my face. We’re going to make it.
…
…
Darkness…
Pitch black, an all-consuming nothingness.
How am I floating in this void? My eyes are gone yet I can see it coming. My heart has been ripped out but I can still feel beating. My arms and legs…I can’t feel them.
Do I even have a body to move? I can do nothing but sit in the deafening silence and wait for the indescribable to come for me. The void starts to move, even though that shouldn’t be possible.
My mind shatters at the sight of its full vestige. The writhing mass of the unknown seizes the self. It consumes what’s left of my sanity and who I am. _______ is coming.
Who are you?
Nao’s Current Stats and Spells:
Strength: 16
Endurance: 10
Intelligence: 14
Charisma: 18
Agility: 10
Magic: 12
Spells:
Scan
Minor Illusion [Active]
Magic Missile
Control Water
Acid Blast
Shape Shift [Active]
Mind Reading [Active]
…Wake Up……Nao……Arthur……Alphon……Wake Up…My eyes explode open and I feel fire boiling my flesh causing me to scream in agony. Blood pours out of my mouth and my lungs burst open only to reform again.This pain is…too much. Why am I going through this? What is happening? Instantly, I feel bugs slithering on my legs and arms, holding me down. Forcing me into the flames.I fight back, struggle, and push away the bugs but their grip on me tightens. Not again, I don’t want to die again. “Nao!”*Door flings open*“What happened?!”“Sorry, he’s just having a really bad nightmare.”More bugs crawl into my mouth eating up the blood flooding it. No, please don’t crawl in there! NO!“Let me through!”No! Not another one! Get bac-“Nao, wake up! Please honey, wake up.”Nao: “Huh?”Another bug consumes my form but it’s…warm. My body cools and the flames subside. The skin that was torn and burnt returns. My vision clears and I see bodies without faces. My eyes slide over to the girl hovering a
Alyson: “Alphon, nice name.”Nao: “Not as good as Alyson but I do like how our names begin and end the same way.”Alyson: “Sounds like you believe in destiny.”Nao: “Not fully, but I understand some things are set in stone. Few things are in our control.”Alyson: “You have a good head on your shoulders.”Alyson: (Nice to know I’m not the only one who thinks like this.)Nao: “So what do you do for fun around here?”Alyson: “I don’t really do fun.”Nao: “Come on, we’re young. If not now then when?”Alyson: (Don’t tell me he’s a party junky.)Nao: “As long as it’s not parties or loud noise I’m fine.”Alyson: (Dodged a bullet there pal.)Alyson: “So what kind of fun are you looking for?”Nao: “Some place I can relax with someone interesting. Up for it.”Alsyon: “When you put it like that, I do have some areas in mind. I haven’t…really been before but there’s a first for everything.”Alyson: (I’ve been letting Nao get into my head too much. I guess I do need a break and this guy seems cool
My eyes slip open to a bright day filled with warmth. I breathe a sigh of relief that the only pain I feel is a slight headache.I complete my morning routine mixed with my daily exercise.*Ding*Points: 10Today is the first real date with Alyson but I don’t know how to do this. Should I call or should I wait?*Ring*It’s Alyson! Guess I don’t have to rip my hair out over this.Alyson: “Sorry if I woke you up Alphon.”Nao: “No, I’m fine.”Alyson: “Are you okay, you sound…different.”Shoot!Nao: “Sorry, morning drowsiness messing up my throat. Give me a minute.”Alyson: “Take your time, I’ll call back in 15.”*Hangs up*Really?! Do I have to live as Alphon even in my room just in case she calls? No, all I need to do is change my upper body. I’m fine, I can do this. I calm down and close my eyes. In a few moments, my face and neck look and hopefully sounds like, Alphon. But it feels weird to look like this without the whole package. Oh well, I’ll play some games until sh-*Ring*Oh,
He stands over us covering the moment with oppressive shadows. Seemingly oblivious to where he is, the man emits intense killing intent. Even if help were to come they would be too frozen by fear to step up.I instinctively put my arm in front of Alyson which earns a raised eyebrow from Sever. Sever: “And you are?”Nao: “Alphon, what does such a dangerous guy want from my friend.”Sever: “You seemed more than friends.”Alyson: “Relax Alphon, I got this.”She moves my arm away and stands up against Sever. Usually, Alyson commands any ring she steps into against this guy, she looks as small as me.Alyson: “What do you want with my brother?”Sever shoots me a glance but quickly returns to Alyson, meeting her glare with his own.Sever: “I rather we discuss this away from strangers.”It’s my turn to get up and stand up against Sever. I might be taller by a small inch but I still feel like I’m still the young kid in the situation. Despite that, I puff up my chest and enter the fray.Nao: “
*Ding*Points: 4Everything went normal today. Ran to school, did my easy school work, went to lunch, and then to the library. People even acknowledged my existence and new height but that didn’t ease my worry. The Black Listers are missing and I’m searching everywhere before lunch is over. Was it Sever?The King?Or…something worse. I even swapped out mind-reading for paralysis. I thought about magic missile but…I rather not risk it.Eventually, I come to find the truth at the last place I wanted to be. The place where I did the unthinkable.Anthony: “GAH!”“That’s what you fuckers get.”“We went too easy on you guys. Napoleon may be off the Black List but you’re not.”Right before me, my friends are being beaten to an inch of their lives. All…because of me. Because I fought these 3 and got off the black list. I won’t let this happen!Nao: “Stop!”Everyone: “!!”“Shit, almost gave me a heart attack. Thought it was a teacher.”“Yeah, it’s just Napoleon.”“We’ll let you off if you j
The air sparks from that revelation and I instantly get up. He’s…the king? He’s….Nao: “Y-You actually shorter than I thought you would be.”……Trevor: “Hahaha, yeah. But I like the fact I’m only 5’10. The faces of 6-foot guys getting crushed by me are priceless.”Nao: “Lucky you.”Trevor: “I actually didn’t believe that Anton’s plaything beat those same 6-foot guys. But look at you! I have to say, you’ve got my attention. I’ve been dying to fight someone interesting. No one else has the guts to step up to the plate.”Nao: “I rather not. As you can see, I’m tired.”Besides, I don’t want to go through…that again.Trevor: “Yeah but you see-”Trevor appears in front of me with a crazy grin and followed up with a punch to the gut. The blow forces me onto my knees coughing. That…blasted the air out of my lungs.Trevor: “I’m not that patient. I’m sure you’ll pull something out if I push you to the brink. Yeah, show me that look you had when you were beating down that poor bastard.” I loo
Today was supposed to be a good day. We got our magic weapons, Nao’s getting more powerful and project heartbreak seems to be going well.But of course, I underestimated these creatures. Of course, they would retaliate after Nao dealt with them. I knew I should have brought my shotgun.“What’s this Polly? You going to shoot us with your toy gun?”Mat: “Back up dude, I warning you.”Mat is in front of us with his magic gun aimed at our oppressors. Despite everything, he’s shaking like a leaf and can’t pull the trigger. I hold back the urge to rip the gun out of his hands and do it myself. But…Mat has to be the one to do this, to face his fears.I have faith in him. “Or what? You going to pellet us with Styrofoam?”Mat: “Why wouldn’t you just leave us alone?!”“Because someone has to pay the price for what Nao did to us. Lucky you!”*Punch*Mat: “Gah!”Valo & Tallow: “Mat!”“How was that fatty.”Valo: “Heal.”*Heal*Anthony: “No you idiot, don’t waste it on a single punch!”Valo: “But-
No…I place the old photo back in my drawer. It’s all in the past.I get ready for school and go downstairs to see Nell cooking. Nell: “Good morning honey.”Alyson: “Good morning Nell. How’s…work?”Nell: “You don’t have to worry about it. We get by and I can handle it.”Alyson: “Why don’t you tell Nao? If all three of us-”Nell: “I’m not blind, I know that there’s something going on with Nao. I don’t know what it is but won’t burden him with this too. I didn’t want to do that to you either but…*smile* you just don’t take no for an answer.”Alyson: “Don’t worry Nell, when I graduate at the top I can help out.”Nell: “You shouldn’t burden yourself Alyson. You should focus on what you want to do with your life, we’ll be fine.”Alyson: “That won’t last forever and besides…it’s the least I can do.”Nell: “Will you…stay for breakfast.”Alyson: “No I…okay.”She beams a tired smile and I return the gesture as best I can. We eat a quick meal together, just the two of us. I don’t know why I don
[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