ã€ŠInfernal Gems: Diamondã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Normal Work Day

    I stared blankly at my computer screen with my fingers poised over the keyboard. My mind was devoid of all thought and my screen was empty of any words. It was a problem seeing as my supervisor needed this report by the time I went home today which is in, I glanced at my cheap plastic watch, only 20 minutes.

    Dropping my idle hands to my lap, I sighed. If I was late on another report I¡¯d no doubt get fired. It wasn¡¯t such a big deal seeing as I had other sources of income but this job served me well over the years and it would be¡­ inconvenient to lose it. Although, I was getting incredibly fed up with the raging sycophant that I worked for..

    I glared at the screen with squinted eyes, willing the report to write itself. I¡¯d much rather be out on the town looking for my next target. Some fat, complacent, rich bastard who takes his money for granted and is just waiting for me to come along and redistribute it into my own swiss bank accounts.

    ¡°Lena.¡±

    I jumped in surprise at the voice that spoke from over my cubicle divider. Speak of the devil and he shall appear. It was the sycophant. His comb over was especially hideous today and his greasy face was extra shiny.

    ¡°Hey there Charley. I see you finally managed to pull your head out of the CEO¡¯s backside. You didn¡¯t have to pay me a visit, I¡¯m not in the mood for your bullshit today.¡± I returned my gaze to the screen and began typing nonsense hoping he¡¯d go away if it looked like I was doing something.

    ¡°Ha ha, very funny.¡± He said.

    ¡°Speaking of shit, you have a little something on your nose. Its some sort of brown smudge. I¡¯d go wash that off if I was you.¡±

    I glanced at him when he didn¡¯t reply. This wasn¡¯t how the game went. Usually I insult, he insults, I insult again then he gets angry and stomps away.

    I glanced at him. Why did he look so...happy? I squinted in suspicion.

    ¡°Mr. Connely wants to see you in his office.¡± He smirked at me.

    ¡°...The CEO? Why?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Hell if I know, but he looked angry. Real angry. I¡¯d probably start packing if I was you.¡± He said with a shrug. There was a bounce in his step as he sauntered away.

    Jackass.

    I swung back to my computer screen. I had written out the lyrics for the song ¡®I¡¯ll make a man out of you¡¯ from the disney movie mulan but still had nothing for my report. With a sigh I pushed away from my desk, stretching as I stood up.

    The elevator ride to the top floor of the building was uneventful but I did make up a cheery tune to the generic elevator music. When the doors opened I smiled at Janet, Mr. Connely¡¯s secretary as she typed away behind her desk. Looking awfully like I do when I¡¯m pretending to work.

    ¡°Hello Janet. I was told Mr. Connely wanted to see me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course Lena. Go right in he¡¯s expecting you.¡± She only looked up for a second before going back to what I guessed was a riveting game of solitaire.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    I stopped outside the double doors that led to his office. Taking a deep breath I straightened my suit jacket and smoothed out my skirt before pushing open both the doors.

    Mr. Connely stood in front of his desk leaning on it slightly with his arms crossed. His black hair was smoothed back professionally and he wore a perfectly tailored black armani suit. But what stood out most about him were his eyes. They were so black you couldn¡¯t differentiate pupil from iris and his gaze was deeper than the darkest depths of the ocean.

    In other words the man was exactly my type in the looks department. To bad he¡¯s rich which means he¡¯s most likely a snob and if there¡¯s one thing I can¡¯t stand it¡¯s a rich snob that I can¡¯t fleece. I try not to go after the unnecessarily smart ones you see. Stupid and rich is a con woman¡¯s dream!

    ¡°You asked to see me Mr. Connely?¡± I asked sweetly.

    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve been looking over your records since you¡¯ve worked here and I must say it¡¯s subpar. You rarely turn in your assignments on time and when you do they are poorly written and unorganized. Honestly I¡¯m wondering how you¡¯ve managed to continue working here all this time. The last proposal I received from you pertaining to the plot of the new rpg game we¡¯re planning to release was cliche and uninspired.¡± He frowned at me.

    ¡°Now wait just a minute!¡± I said angrily, ¡°I may have trouble writing my reports sometimes but I always do my work properly! I organize the data according to the criteria you set! Also the plot proposal i submitted was one hundred percent original and interesting. Who ever heard of a anthropomorphic cat teaming up with a sentient pair of glasses to become the greatest alchemist in order to defeat the evil gerbil demon lord?! No one, that¡¯s who!¡±

    I ended up glaring at him and pointing my finger, making fierce poking gestures toward him. This may not be a job I need but when someone insults something I work extremely hard on even I¡¯ll get pissed!

    ¡°Then what is this?¡± He threw a folder of papers at me that I managed to catch somehow.

    I flipped open the folder and read some of the papers inside. My confusion and anger only grew.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t mine!¡± I looked up at him angrily and threw the folder back. ¡°You made a mistake.¡±

    I crossed my arms and glared at him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t make mistakes.¡± He glared right back.

    I scoffed at his arrogance, ¡°Then someone that works for you made a mistake cause those aren¡¯t mi-¡± I stopped mid sentence as an idea formed in my head, my eyes widened in surprise. He wouldn¡¯t¡­ would he?

    ¡°Do you have the folder for Charley Parne on your desk?¡± I asked.

    ¡°I have the folders for all of my employees right here.¡± He gestured beside his desk where a stack of boxes stood, ¡°Why do you want Parnes?¡± He walked over and searched through a pile of folders on his desk. He grabbed a file and perused it for a bit. ¡°His work is high quality. Organized and well written with a bit of sarcastic flair that¡¯s refreshing considering how boring most of these papers are...Hmm his most recent plot proposal is very similar to what you just described.¡±

    ¡°Can I just see it please?¡± I held my hand out.

    He closed the folder and rubbed his chin with a frown.

    ¡°I really shouldn¡¯t show you this¡­¡±

    I ran forward and snatched the folder out of his hand.

    ¡°Hey!¡± He made a grab for it but I danced away while reading it.

    ¡°That bastard!¡± I yelled, ¡°This is MY work! These are my reports and my ideas! He stole my fucking work! I bet he replaced mine with his own. I always knew he was a low down dirty sonnovabitch that didn¡¯t know the difference between shampoo and grease but I never thought he¡¯d sink this low. That pompous son of a shit eating nazi!¡±

    I stood there breathing heavily and clutching the papers angry as a hornet. My boss looked utterly shocked yet amused at the same time.

    ¡°Are you sure? That¡¯s quite an accusation.¡±

    ¡°Feel free to look at my computer. I always save everything I write. Now if you¡¯ll excuse me,¡± I threw the folders onto his desk, they were slightly crinkled from my angry grip, ¡°I have a sycophantic asshat to punch in the face with a keyboard.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sending someone down to verify your story. If it¡¯s true then I¡¯ll pretend I didn¡¯t hear that last part.¡±

    I ignored Janet when she wished me a good day and muttered profanities the entire elevator ride.

    As soon as the doors opened with a ding I was stomping across the carpeted floor straight to Charley¡¯s office. I threw open the door and smirked at his shocked face. I marched right up to him, grabbed his keyboard off the desk and smacked him across the face. Then I silently marched right back out grabbed my purse and left the building. As I was leaving I heard laughter, cheering, and loud clapping. My lips tilted up in a satisfied smile.

 Chapter 2 - Always Be Suspicious of Free Stuff

    I sat on the bus staring apathetically out of the window. There were no other passengers so it was a pleasantly quiet ride. Gray buildings and boring pedestrians flashed by as I stared out of the window.

    "Ow!" I yelled as something smashed into my forehead and fell into my lap. Rubbing my forehead in frustration, I glared at the object in my lap.

    I could only stare in shock at the beautiful diamond necklace that rested on my leg. The diamond was shaped like a small pyramid and was set in a strange silver setting that looked like roots that had snared the diamond in their grasp. A small vine design on either side of the setting held it to the delicate silver chain. It was the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen.

    How had it gotten here though? She was alone on the bus except for the driver but why would he chuck an expensive looking diamond necklace at her forehead? None of the bus'' windows open so it couldn''t have come from outside.

    Well whatever. Who am I to say no when something expensive is literally thrown at me? I smiled slightly and slid the jewelry into my pocket. Finders keepers.

    I couldn''t wipe the smile off my face the entire bus ride. Finally we pulled up to my stop. I glanced around a few times hoping no one would come up to me and demand the necklace back but no one did, not that there was anyone around anyway. So I scuttled off the bus and walk/ran all the way back to my crappy apartment.

    I took the stairs two at a time, unlocked my apartment door and flung it open in excitement. "Marble! I''m home!"

    A fat white cat with black and gray swirling patterns waddled majestically across the hall and glanced at me with disdain as if my boisterous behavior personally offended him, before he disappeared into my bedroom. "Glad to see you too." I said with a sigh. I kicked the door shut behind me.

    Today was pretty interesting. I met the CEO for the first time only to find out he''s not someone I can swindle. He seemed too confident and he looked pretty smart as well. I probably wouldn''t be able to overwhelm him with big words.

    Not to mention the douchebag Charlie had been passing my work off as his own. I sighed again, what a day. Perhaps I should take a few days off and find some fat sheep to shear. There was nothing like indulging in ones hobby when one wanted to relax.

    I collapsed on my sofa sinking into its soft fluffy depths and pulled the necklace out of my pocket. I held it by the chain so the pyramid shaped diamond would spin and catch the light. It really is a beautiful piece. I slowly undid the clasp and fastened it around my neck.

    Suddenly the world went dark. I couldn''t see anything, I couldn''t feel anything and I couldn''t hear anything. "What the hell!" I screamed into the blackness at the top of my lungs.

    "There''s no need to shout. We''re right here." Said a disembodied voice near my ear. It was a deep male voice with no inflection. The accent sounded Asian though.

    "Who''s there? What''s going on?" I screamed into the darkness again.

    "As I said there''s no need to shout." Repeated the voice.

    "Oh we have a new one here! She must be a strong soul if she''s able to speak here! Hey what''s your specialty newbie?" Another voice sounded from the darkness this one also male but with a Southern accent.

    "Do shut up Troy, can''t you see the poor girl is scared and confused?" Yet another voice, but this one a smooth and soft female voice with an African accent.

    "Don''t be such a spoilsport Kadee. She''ll get used to it eventually. We might as well talk while she adjusts right? Anyway it''ll be nice to have another female around. With only Kadee it was becoming a bit of a sausage fest." Said the voice called Troy with a chuckle.

    "All of ye stop yer bloody tongue waggin''." Yet another new voice echoed out from the darkness. This voice was a male voice with an irish accent that sounded slightly husky as if he yelled a lot. The voices quieted down.

    "Wh-who are you people? What''s going on?" I still couldn''t feel any part of my body. I couldn''t see anything in the darkness and it was scary. I felt as if the shadows could crush me at any second. If the voices weren''t there I probably would have gone insane.

    "Don''t panic dear," said the Kadee voice, "I am going to ask you a few questions okay? Then after you answer I''ll explain a few things. Alright?" She spoke gently and slowly as if coaxing a child.

    "O-okay..." My voice came out in a whisper.

    "Good. Now tell me, do you have some sort of skill or talent?"

    I was hesitant to answer but figured what the hay? Who are these hallucinations going to tell?

    "I''m a con woman. A swindler. I trick stupid rich jerks out of all their dirty money and I''m very, very good at it. I''ve always had a knack for lying you see. I started when I was a teenager. Now I have enough money in offshore accounts to pay off at least one fifth of America''s national debt." I rambled. The voices were quiet for a moment but I think I might have heard one whisper to the other asking if that''s a lot. "That''s at least several trillion dollars." I said proudly.

    Several voices oo''d and aah''d. I felt kind of exhilarated at being able to boast of my exploits. Even if it was only to several disembodied voices in my head.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    "I see. The diamond chose an interesting host this time. Next question, do you believe in ghosts?"

    I frowned at the question Kadee asked. I don''t put any stock in that kind of thing after all. "No I don''t," I answered honestly. But something she said bugged me more than that, "what do you mean ''the diamond chose''?"

    I heard Troy guffaw from somewhere to my right. "Ha! You''re in for a treat then lady!"

    "Be quiet Troy!" Commanded Kadee fiercely, "ahem, you see dear, we are all ghosts." She hesitated for a moment, " Well not exactly ghosts. We are spirits. Souls bound to that diamond you put on."

    "Eh?" Was my less than intelligent response.

    "The diamond appears before someone it has chosen as its host. Usually someone with an impressive skill it deems worthy of the era. For example, Troy here was the best gun duelist to ever come out of the wild west. He was an expert marksman with a lightning fast draw. I was a slave brought to America from Africa. My skill is what the ignorant slavers of my time called witchcraft. I was the best shamaness for miles around when I was with my people."

    "Eh?" It seems this ordeal was really eating away my brain cells since once again that was the only thing I was capable of articulating.

    "The diamond came to each of us in different ways. As soon as we wore it our souls became bound to the gem. When our bodies died our souls remained within the diamond. We don''t know why or how and I''m sorry to say that your soul too has become bound to it. You will never be able to take off the necklace. When you die, your soul will remain inside with us."

    "No way..." I whispered in dismay. I wanted to cry but I don''t think I could in this place.

    "Welcome to the club sister!" Said the ever obnoxious Troy with a cackle.

    "Is that where we are right now? Within the diamond? Am I a...soul right now?" I asked quietly.

    "That''s correct and I must say you are handling this situation remarkably well." Another new voice from the darkness responded. This one another male with a posh British accent.

    "Ah well, I''m a professional con women after all. Controlling my emotions was the first thing I mastered. This is really a good test of my control though. I feel like I''m about to go insane." I said tiredly.

    "A trial we all overcame. I''m confident you will as well miss. My name is Samuel Brightly. Please just call me Brightly. May I enquire as to your own name my lady?"

    "It''s a pleasure to meet you. I''m currently known as Lena Dwight. But my real name is Wither Holt, my friends call me Wit. You all can call me Wit" I responded politely due to habit. Since Brightly was being extremely polite it would have felt awkward to do otherwise.

    "The pleasure is mine I assure you Miss Wit. Miss Kadee, allow me to explain the rest to our newest resident."

    "Of course." Kadee''s voice resounded from somewhere behind me. Everyone seemed to float around freely in this place. Or maybe it was just me.

    "Thank you. Now Miss Wit I have to tell you that in a few minutes you will return to your body. After which you will not be able to enter the gem again until you die."

    "Why?" A shiver ran down my spine thanks to that ominous word.

    "It is because this diamond acts as a body for us. Since you still have a body there is no need for you to enter. The only reason you are here now is because the diamond is in the process of binding your soul."

    "Is that so? But does that mean I won''t be able to talk to any of you anymore?" Oddly enough I seemed to have become slightly fond of these probably-not-so hallucinations.

    "Of course not. We are all connected through the diamond now. You will always hear our voices. Whether you want to or not."

    That...doesn''t sound good. I don''t think I''d like walking around with a ton of voices burbling in my head. Wouldn''t that be distracting?

    "Hmm, the binding should be done soon. There are a few more things to explain but I think that can be done later. One last thing before you have to go Miss Wit. Please do not be shocked when you wake up." Brightly sounded a little anxious.

    "What? Why would I be shocked?" Confusion seemed to be my default state as of late.

    "It''s just...your body might not be exactly where you left it. Don''t be alarmed. It is shameful and cruel to new residents and he will be punished for it."

    His voice suddenly started to become strangely muffled. As if I was listening to him through a door. I began hearing other noises like the sound of traffic and the distant chatter of a television talk show.

    "Wait! What do you mean my body won''t be where I left it? Who''s punished and for what? Brightly?!"

    Light returned to the world just as I yelled Brightly''s name. My neighbor banged on my wall shouting for me to be quiet and the television got louder as if he turned it up.

    I found myself lying on the floor below my liquor cabinet which was wide open. In my hand was an empty bottle of whipped cream vodka. I''m pretty sure that was a full bottle before I blacked out...

    "Nostrovia! Such sweet vodka I have not tasted in a hundred years! I thank you for the use of your body girl, ha ha ha ha!" Said a boisterous Russian man in my head with a thunderous laugh.

    Whaaaaaat?! Was all I could think before I blacked out again.

 Chapter 3 - First Time for Everything

    I awoke to a throbbing pain in my head and a disgusting taste in my mouth. My body felt stiff from laying sprawled on the floor before the open liquor cabinet.

    Somehow I had ended up curled in a ball clutching the empty vodka bottle like a child clutching a beloved stuffed animal. I slowly sat up, allowing the bottle to roll away. It stopped against the cabinet with a dull thunk.

    The sky outside was still dark so I knew it hadn''t been long since I passed out but my head was throbbing so painfully I didn''t feel like figuring out exactly how long I''d been unconscious. I must have been really drunk. That was one crazy dream.

    I somehow managed to stand up while clutching my head and stagger to the bathroom to brush my teeth and take an hour long shower.

    I stood in front of the mirror attempting to smear toothpaste on the brush with shaking hands and squinted eyes when a glint from around my neck caught my attention. It was a beautiful pyramid shaped diamond clutched within a silver root like setting hanging from a delicate silver chain.

    I stared at it for a moment clutching my instruments of dental care trying to remember when I got such a beautiful necklace when suddenly it all came back. I accidentally squeezed the toothpaste, causing it too miss the brush and shoot onto the counter.

    "It... It wasn''t a dream!" I shouted at my reflection.

    "Are you alright dear?" Asked the gentle voice of Kadee, "Ivan shouldn''t have taken over your body like that. The bonding is already disorienting on its own and now you have a hangover as well. We are truly sorry. He has been punished with silence for a few weeks. He can''t hear us and we cannot hear him."

    I jumped and fumbled my utensils. I stared wide eyed at the diamond reflecting in the mirror.

    "Take over my body? You guys can ta-take over my body?" I clutched my head and crouched down. This couldn''t be happening. It was supposed to be a dream. Why wasn''t it just a dream?

    "It''s not that bad. We can only borrow your body when you''re asleep. We could borrow when you''re awake but we would need your permission. Another part of Ivan''s punishment is that he is not allowed to do either while enduring the silent treatment." Kadee sounded a bit worried, probably because I had started giggling quietly.

    "Ha ha ha this can''t be happening. I am an intelligent and logical human being. Supernatural occurrences like this don''t happen. I must still be dreaming. Wow this is my first lucid dream ever. So amazing. Yeah, really amazing." I was mumbling to myself. Still kneeling and clutching my head.

    "Ah man did she break? Are we gonna have another crazy one?" Piped in Troy with his southern drawl.

    Brightly added his two cents as well, "Please be silent you barbaric man. Miss Wit is in shock. She only needs a few moments to calm down."

    They continued to bicker as I pinched myself in an attempt to wake up. Of course it didn''t work. Maybe a shower would help. Is it even possible to take showers in dreams? It felt a little odd to get naked when I have several males bickering in my head., but if this is a dream it shouldn''t matter. With that thought I turned the cold water on, not bothering with the hot. I threw off all my clothes and jumped into the biting cold stream.

    I yelped when the water touched my skin but still stuck my face in the water. It was so cold that it hurt, and I was still here. I didn''t wake up. Which must mean I''m already awake. It''s reality that I''ve been soul bound to a cursed diamond necklace. I sat on my bed wearing my most comfortable pajamas, afraid to go to sleep. "Kadee, are you...there?" I asked hesitantly.

    "Of course I am dear." I flinched slightly at the sound of her soft voice in my head.

    "I''m a little worried." I twiddled my fingers nervously, "If I go to sleep, will I be possessed by one of you?"

    "I''m afraid so. We are always stuck in the gem you see. To finally have a chance to escape even if only temporarily, there''s no way we would miss it. I''m sorry if it makes you uncomfortable but you will understand when you become one of us."

    The twinkling lights of the city spilled through my window. I could see the soft light of the moon and barely visible scattered clouds in the sky. Truly a beautiful sight. I guess I could empathize with them a bit. But still, to have someone steal my body...

    "Will I be aware?" I asked.

    "Only if you are awake and give us permission to take over. At that time your spirit will vacate your body but stay conscious. You will float around your body as whoever has control goes about their business. You will be able to see and speak. But the only one who will be able to see and speak to you is us." That sounds interesting. It''s like astral projection.

    "Who will take over tonight?"

    "According to the rotation, since Ivan was out earlier it should be Tomo''s turn." She replied, "After that would be Brightly, V, then Finn."The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    I wanted to try being conscious first as I''m understandably a little scared to just blindly pass my body off to some stranger. It''s the only one I have after all. "Who''s Tomo?"

    "It''s me." A deep male voice resounded through my head. Calm, but sharp like a knife. It was the man with the Asian accent I heard when I first put on the diamond. Just how many souls are actually stuck in this diamond? I asked my question aloud. Brightly is the one who answered.

    "Too many to count, my lady. But very few are sentient like us. And even fewer are able to speak to you and possess you. It depends on the mental acuity of the host. Miss Wit your mental faculties are admirably acute. Thus the weaker of us are unable to possess you. Only 9 of the thousands of spirits within the gem have that power. If you had less willpower and intelligence then even the weak spirits might be able to take over your body."

    I nodded absently, my mind occupied with Brightly''s explanation. I wonder if I should be flattered? I fiddled with the diamond, spinning it and rubbing it with my thumb. I attempted to lift it over my head but it wouldn''t move, as if it was hooked into something somewhere around my chin. I viciously tugged it upward and for some reason I felt an agonizing pain in my lower abdomen. It felt as if I''d been stabbed .

    "Please don''t try that again miss. Your body would become vegetative and you would still be stuck in the diamond. I would never wish to scare you my lady, but the last time someone forcefully removed the diamond their body went into a coma and the screams of his spirit resounded through the void for days."

    I dropped the necklace and shuddered. "Thank you for the warning Brightly." I whispered quietly. My voice shook slightly.

    "It''s my pleasure. I do not wish for you to go insane." His sonorous voice sounded concerned.

    I smiled wryly. "I''ll be fine. It''ll take a lot more than having my everlasting soul forever bound to a cursed diamond and having my body forcefully possessed by spirits to break me."

    I heard a few chuckles from the voices in my head. I''m at least glad that none of my permanent guests seem to be mean people. Except maybe Ivan, damn him.

    "Um... Tomo...was it?" I asked tentatively.

    "Yes." The male Asian voice replied. Okay, so he''s not really the gregarious type I guess.

    "What do you plan to do when you take over tonight?" I was really curious.

    "Train. Your body is beyond pathetic." A terse reply but I could only grin from the truth of the statement. My last visit to the gym was when I was in high school p.e. and I love donuts far too much.

    "And after you train me to an acceptable level?"

    "Take jobs." Another terse reply.

    " What kind?"

    "The covert kind."

    Geez, getting answers from this guy is like trying to pull good healthy teeth from the mouth of a uncooperative mouse.

    A new voice abruptly interjected into our conversation, "Tomo was a ninja when he was alive! It''s so cool, he told me a story once! It was awesome! He killed guys like bam! And infiltrated places like woosh!" This voice sounded high and clear like a child''s.

    "Who are you?" I sighed in my heart. I''ve counted at least 7 different voices now. I might develop a migraine problem if this continues.

    "I''m V-2-30! But everyone just calls me V! I''m a super uber mega genius computer hacker! When it''s my turn to walk I''m gonna beep boop the crud outta some idiots." The kid laughed happily.

    "It''s a pleasure to meet you V...did you say...beep boop?" I wasn''t scared to ask or anything...really.

    "It''s how I say I''m gonna hack into something. Ha ha! That''s how Dr. Dorothy said it. She said it was a code so the other doctors wouldn''t know what we were talking about. She told me I was made to beep boop." He giggled.

    "V...may I ask how old you are?"

    "I am exactly 7 years old!" He said with pride, "Or at least I was when I died. I''m actually somewhere around 10 now I guess? I was the host before you, and the others say it took the diamond a lot longer than usual to find a new host. I wonder why that is?" His voice sounded surprisingly cheerful and bright for a child that died well before his time.

    "I-I see. Well it''s good to meet you." I needed to change the subject. Just talking to this kid was depressing me. And what kind of name is V-2-30? I think it would be rude to ask so I opted instead to continue my conversation with Tomo. "Tomo...I''m really nervous about tonight. I would like to be aware when you...um, take over."

    "It makes no difference to me. Do you grant me permission?" Asked Tomo indifferently.

    I gulped nervously. My hands had practically worn a hole through my shirt with all the anxious twisting I''d put it through. I can do this. I''m handing over my body semi-willingly. It''s going to be fine. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

    "Y-yes. I grant you permission."

 Chapter 4 - Tomos Night Out

    -Tomo-

    The woman, Luna, with the squishy and weak body reminiscent of rice dough closed her eyes and lay upon her bed.

    ¡°It¡¯s not going to hurt or anything, right?¡± She asked.

    Before the others could offer her any assurances that would further delay his outing he quickly seized control. He saw no point in answering her question. She needed to learn to adapt to new situations as she would soon be encountering a lot of them. He would not hold her hand.

    He snapped open his eyes and almost smiled at all the wonderful sensations he¡¯d been missing. The feeling of a breeze blowing across skin, soft blankets¡­ breathing. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Truly wonderful.

    Tomo sat up and was disappointed with exactly how unfit this woman¡¯s body seemed to be. He felt as if he¡¯d bound his limbs with bags of sand and carried a pack of rocks atop his head. Her arms were thin with barely any muscle, her core was weak, and she had the legs of a haron. He sighed in his heart. A lot of work lay ahead of him, starting with her diet. He stood from the bed. It took him a second to get used to walking with the new body but he mastered it quickly and by the time he was heading to the kitchen he moved with more grace than Luna herself had ever been capable of displaying.

    ¡°Hey!¡± yelled Wit¡¯s spirit that floated around her body. The spirit was connected to the body by a thin silver string that extended from their chests, ¡°How could you do that so suddenly! I wasn¡¯t ready!¡±

    ¡°I received permission.¡± Wit was shocked at the voice that escaped from her bodies lips. It was the same but slightly lower and had an asian accent which didn¡¯t really suit her obviously caucasian face.

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point, Tomo!¡± She said, ¡°I asked a question. You could have at least answered before you took over, it¡¯s jarring and how the hell do I steer this thing!¡± Luna found herself upside down and spinning in circles.

    Tomo didn¡¯t bother to answer her.

    ¡°Miss Wit, your spirit body is controlled through your will. You have to consciously picture each movement you wish to make. You no longer have muscles or even a brain to help you. Gravity has no hold on you, walls and doors cannot bar you, and the laws of physics no longer pertain to you.¡± Brightly¡¯s calm voice gently instructed her.

    While she worked on that, Tomo looked through the kitchen. He opened the cupboards and the fridge and became more and more dissatisfied as he searched. She had a lot of unhealthy food. He saw barely any vegetables or fruits. He found a box of doughnuts and some cereal, a jug of milk and several cans of soda. He threw out everything that wasn¡¯t a vegetable, fruit, or grain. He also found some chicken in the freezer which he allowed to stay. Marble the overweight cat gazed from his perch on the windowsill but ultimately decided to ignore the odd behavior of his slave. He waddled elegantly to wherever it is cats go when they''re refusing to deal with the stupidity of humans.

    ¡°Stop! What are you doing! My doughnuts¡­¡± When Wit noticed what he was doing she tried to stop him by floating in front of him and spreading her arms, ready to defend her snacks with her life, but he just continued doing what he was doing as if he couldn¡¯t see her. He even reached through her a few times.

    ¡°Unhealthy foods are now prohibited.¡± He tossed the strawberry jelly she loved into the trash.

    ¡°No! Leave my doughnuts alone! And why did you get rid of my strawberry jelly? That¡¯s fruit!¡±

    He paused and looked at her. One of his eyebrows lifted incredulously before he turned back to the fridge. He threw away her ice cream.

    ¡°Nooooo!¡±

    When he was done he went back to her room and started looking through her closet.

    ¡°What are you doing now?¡± She asked, her spirit body looking oddly defeated.

    ¡°Need black clothes. Something easy to move in.¡± He pawed around in her clothes and managed to find black leggings and a tight black long sleeved sweater. He also unearthed a pair of black leather gloves Wit thought she¡¯d lost. She didn¡¯t have a black mask but he settled with a dark blue scarf that he wrapped around his lower face. He tied her brown hair in a ponytail and tucked it into the scarf. He also didn¡¯t manage to find any shoes that were to his liking, he would have to go shopping or at least make V do it. The kid had been talking about wanting to try ¡®online shopping¡¯ for a while anyway. For now he had to settle for the only type of shoe Wit owned¡­ high heels.

    He found the lowest heel he could and strapped the unstable death traps to his feet. Even with his superior balance he only managed a few wobbly laps around Wit¡¯s bedroom before he decided this was a bad idea. There seemed to be something extremely incompatible with the way he walked and the way the shoes needed him to walk and he could not decipher the correct method. Also not only did they clop noisily, they also had zero traction. All around they seemed unsuitable for his line of work. Perhaps he could use them for training though...  He removed the shoes and placed them neatly at the foot of Luna¡¯s bed. Instead he decided to just wrap some cloth around his feet.

    ¡°Now you¡¯re ripping my sheets. You¡¯re like a silent hurricane Tomo.¡± Wit watched him but didn¡¯t argue anymore. He obviously wouldn¡¯t listen to her. ¡°Those are egyptian cotton.¡±

    ¡°Where is your plastic card that distributes currency?¡± Tomo enquired.

    ¡°You mean my debit card? It¡¯s in my wallet which should be in my purse. Why?¡± Wit slowly orbited around Tomo while reclining sideways in the air. She picked up the technique for incorporeal movement remarkably quick.

    Tomo dug around in her purse, wondering at the strange and unnecessary items that populated its depths. ¡°There is a fee for using the services of Mystro. It''s an organization that acts as a sort of middleman. It is a place where those of my profession gather to request and take jobs without actually joining a particular organization or working for a private party.¡± He finally located her wallet among a jumble of gum wrappers, pens, and a spilled box of jelly beans. He placed the card next to Wit''s computer. He could apply for Mystro online when he got back. He also took her house key which was a hunt in and of itself considering how many keys she had on her keychain. He removed it from the chain and when he left the house he locked the door and slipped the key into his pocket.

    ¡°If we¡¯re gonna do illegal stuff we need a burner phone!¡± piped in V, ¡°and weapons!¡± he sounded really excited.

    ¡°Why would we burn a phone?¡± Asked Tomo. He didn¡¯t understand. Did people of this era not treasure their communication devices? Dr. Dorothy from V¡¯s time as the host had mentioned as much.

    V giggled, ¡°A burner phone is a phone you don¡¯t need to buy a plan for. It¡¯s untraceable. We can use it as a work phone! We should probably get two or three just in case we need to dispose of one. We also need multiple dummy emails and maybe a shell company. Oh! We need-¡± Tomo tuned him out at this point ignoring Wit who mentioned already owning several shell companies and burner phones. He preferred to leave that complicated stuff to others. He wasn¡¯t planning on accepting jobs yet anyway. Wit¡¯s body needed a lot of work before he would even consider it.

    He wandered down the stairs of the apartment complex ignoring mysterious stains and the poorly maintained¡­ everything of the building.

    Wit had mentioned she had a lot of money. Tomo wondered why she would tolerate living in such a place. Brightly voiced the question in Tomo¡¯s place.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Miss Wit, I believe you mentioned being rich. May I ask why you live in such a place. It can¡¯t be sanitary.¡±

    Wit¡¯s ghostly body looked around at the dilapidated interior. ¡°I guess because I¡¯m more comfortable in places like this. It¡¯s similar to where I grew up you know?¡± she shrugged, ¡°besides why would I want to live like the people I hate and steal from? I¡¯m not a masochist.¡±

    Tomo understood her feelings somewhat. Long ago, before the appearance of the black ships that brought the foreigners to his land, he¡¯d been an orphan on the streets of Edo. Ever since then he always felt more comfortable in the shadows. It was almost a blessing when he was snatched in his sleep to become a shinobi. He would have been happier with less beatings and punishments though, preferably none at all. Perhaps he wouldn¡¯t have later annihilated the clan that kidnapped him. Maybe.

    He leapt past the last couple of stairs and quickly exited the building. He couldn¡¯t help but stare at the night sky. The moon peeked over a building, shining bright enough that it cast faint shadows in the surroundings. A few wispy clouds framed the glowing orb and the stars twinkled like scattered drops of water frozen in time. A cool breeze tousled his hair. He closed his eyes briefly just to enjoy being alive.

    He decided to begin his first training session with a few stretches and then a gentle jog around the neighborhood. He could exercise and scout at the same time. It only took him 5 minutes of jogging around a few blocks before he was wheezing and sweat was dripping down his face but he persevered for at least another hour until just before he felt Wit¡¯s body really couldn¡¯t handle it anymore.

    ¡°Tomo! Be more careful with my body! You know it¡¯s out of shape. Full on sprinting like that out of the blue can¡¯t be good for me.¡± spoke an irritated spirit in his left ear as he jogged.

    ¡°...That...wheeze...was...wheeze...a gentle...wheeze...jog.¡± Tomo refused to give up. He would beat this body into shape!

    ¡°Bullshit!¡± She yelled, ¡°For the past 5 minutes you¡¯ve been doing your best impression of an olympic gold medal sprinter and I have to tell you my body is not that qualified! Try impersonating a partially deflated football flopping down a slight incline and that¡¯s more my speed.¡±

    Tomo soldiered on until about 10 minutes later when he found something that peaked his interest. An obstacle course. His master used to make all the apprentices run through courses like this for days on end. They even had pull up bars!

    ¡°What are we doing at a playground?¡± Asked Wit.

    ¡°Playground? Is this not a training ground?¡± Tomo wandered over to the pull up bars and peered warily at the highest one. In his original body this would be an easy activity but now¡­ He glanced at Wit¡¯s noodle like arms that looked like they couldn¡¯t even lift a sword.

    ¡°Nope,¡± said Wit with a chuckle, ¡°this is a children''s playground.¡±

    ¡°You mean you do not force your children to run this course until their feet bleed? You do not shoot arrows at them if they fall behind? You do not punish those who come in last?¡± Tomo removed his black gloves. He tossed them to the ground and jumped to the bar above his head He hung there for a few seconds, waiting to hear Wit¡¯s answer.

    ¡°Um...no? It¡¯s not really a course...¡± The glance she shot him was one of concern, ¡°Is¡­ is that what happened to you?¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Tomo didn¡¯t answer her question. He attempted to do a pull up but he couldn¡¯t even do a half of one which was frustrating. He attempted to pull his legs up to the bar so he could hook his toes over and do some upside down hanging curls. His attempt was wildly unsuccessful and he promptly fell on his back. Sit ups, push ups, and weightlifting were silently added to his training regiment.

    The normal exercises could be accomplished at Wit¡¯s home but the weightlifting and a few other things he had in mind, required equipment. He added everything he thought he¡¯d need to his mental shopping list. He spent another hour or so attempting to train around the playground, but the only really useful thing appeared to be the pull up bars that he¡¯d already deemed overly ambitious for the moment.

    He jogged back towards the apartment building with Wit whispering in his ear telling him to slow down but before he could make it back to the apartment, he was distracted by noises coming from an alley. Tomo recognized the sounds. A woman''s voice and several men. The woman sounded highly distressed and the men sounded quite happy. Such situations were not rare in the slums of Edo. Was it strange that he found the similarity comforting?

    He stepped into the alley still appreciating the feeling of nostalgia. As he expected he came upon a woman with ripped and disheveled clothes being pinned on the ground by several men with a few more standing around and watching the show. Or perhaps waiting their turn? One kneeled between her legs as he attempted to remove her pants.

    ¡°Bastards!¡± Yelled the posh voice of Brightly, ¡°Scum! Miscreants! Tomo, it is fine to kill them! They are trash! Despicable!¡±

    ¡°If you let me take over, there will be no bodies for the authorities to find.¡± Whispered Kadee and her voice usually so calming and kind echoed strangely, carrying a mysterious feeling of power that seemed to weigh down on Tomo¡¯s shoulders. Wit seemed to feel it as well. Her spirit body looked somehow paler.

    ¡°Kadee.¡± Said an unusually serious sounding Troy, ¡°reign it back a little.¡±

    The oppressive feeling vanished. ¡°Apologies.¡± Said Kadee in her normal polite and friendly way. Wit still looked shaken.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We all feel the same way. Well most of us probably. I¡¯m talking to you Hjordis.¡± Troy¡¯s usual playful tone had returned.

    ¡°Shut your flappin¡¯ lips! I was a Jarl when I lived. I didna¡¯ have ta resort to methods such as tha¡¯!¡± A gravelly male voice that Wit hadn¡¯t heard yet bellowed out, ¡°Women came from all o¡¯er just to throw their selves at meh.¡±

    While the others were chatting Tomo had continued walking towards the would be rapists. His steps were silent and the shadows seemed to stretch of their own will to cover his approach. He picked up a piece of broken glass from a garbage bin he passed. Normally he wouldn¡¯t need a weapon to deal with this kind of scum and he again lamented the state of Wit¡¯s body.

    He snuck behind one of the fellows watching. He was about to grab the man and slit his throat when Wit interrupted him.

    ¡°You can¡¯t kill him! I still have to live in this neighborhood you know! What if I get caught? Just call the police!¡± Her ghostly eyes were wide with fear and she attempted to smack the glass out of his hand. Alas her incorporeal hand passed right through.

    Tomo was slightly annoyed that she thought him so amateurish as to leave evidence. He may be ancient but that didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t keep up with the capabilities of modern forensic science. He always researched everything that could impact his work. He even learned how to use a gun a few hosts ago. Though he wasn¡¯t as good as Troy when it came to such things. He still preferred bladed weapons and bows.

    Tomo decided to acquiesce to Wit¡¯s wish. If only to preserve her mental stability. He knew the first kill was difficult to stomach for most people. He knelt and placed the glass gently on the ground. Then he leapt up and placed his hand over the mouth of the man in front of him. He attempted to pull the man backwards so his struggles wouldn¡¯t alert his friends. Unfortunately Tomo was weak, he was unable to completely suppress the man. The man managed to make enough noise that the others noticed. Tomo clicked his teeth in irritation. This wouldn¡¯t have happened if he¡¯d killed the man. It was too late now though. He¡¯s already stepped aboard the ship so he might as well sail it.

    ¡°You¡¯re still going to fight?! Did you forget what kind of body you¡¯re using? And the fact that it doesn¡¯t actually belong to you? Ack!¡± Wit clutched at her hair.

    Tomo ignored her. He pulled the man backwards keeping him off balance, then stomped the heel of his foot into the back of his knee and chopped him at the base of the skull. The man went slack and passed out. The others watched their friend crumple then gazed stupidly at Tomo.

    ¡°Hey, that lady just knocked out Manny.¡± Spoke the man holding onto the woman¡¯s arms. The woman was still crying and struggling but the men weren¡¯t really paying much attention to her at the moment.

    ¡°She¡¯s pretty. Lets do her instead.¡± Said one of the stupider ones. They smiled and leered disgustingly. ¡°Hey girl. We¡¯ll forgive you for what you did to Manny if you get over here and entertain us.¡±

    Tomo felt revulsion ripple through every bit of his soul. This was one of the things he disliked about using a female body. Especially a pretty female body. He barfed in his mouth a little but didn''t let his utter disgust show on his face as he began to walk towards the group. The men smiled thinking Tomo was accepting their disgusting proposition. So the man kneeling over the woman didn¡¯t expect it when Tomo lashed out with his foot. Tomo landed a solid kick straight to the man¡¯s family jewels. He collapsed and curled up like a shrimp with the face of someone who just drank lemon juice. It was pretty much an invitation to get his head stomped on. An invitation Tomo kindly accepted.

    ¡°Next.¡± Said Tomo quietly with his foot still resting atop the cranium of the fallen idiot.

    He rammed his foot against the man¡¯s skull and surged forward as if being pushed by some invisible force straight towards his next victim. He took the next one down with a simple punch to the nose. The other men went down just as easily. They were standing around too shocked at seeing a barely 5¡¯4¡±, doughy little woman walloping their friends, to even attempt to fight back. The fact that they were all pretty smashed didn¡¯t help them. It was actually rather anticlimactic.

    Tomo glanced at the woman. She was sitting up now, clutching her ripped shirt to her chest and staring wide eyed at him. He checked his scarf and was relieved to find it still in place, obscuring half his face.

    Tomo didn¡¯t go to help her. Instead he rifled through the pockets of the drunk men. He found that one had a wicked looking curved pocket knife and another had a strange detachable hood that had a built in face mask. If he was capable of making facial expressions he would have smirked. How perfectly convenient as he just so happened to need an actual mask. He confiscated both.

    ¡°Call the police.¡± Tomo told the woman before he turned around and left the alley.

    ¡°Th-thank y-you.¡± Stuttered the woman as she scanned the ground around her. Probably looking for her cell phone.

    Tomo arrived quickly to Wit¡¯s apartment. It was very late and the body still needed to rest.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t so bad.¡± spoke Wit from somewhere over his head. ¡°You managed to train for the olympic 100 meter dash and also save a girl from a pile of scumbags all in one night.¡±

    ¡°Just wait until I get out!¡± Said Troy, ¡°Then we¡¯ll really have some fun.¡± He cackled, ¡°and how does it feel Hjordis to see Tomo kicking the snot out of your brethren?¡±

    ¡°$#8&# *^@!#* #%22 @*@*( 6*(@*&9#*62 @^820$&$(#*)(@!!¡± Hjordis responded angrily in his own language. He called it Danish. Tomo had never bothered to learn as it had nothing to do with his work but Kadee, Brightly, Ivan and Troy had.

    ¡°Enough teasing Troy. You know as well as I that Hjordis was quite a gentleman when he was alive.¡± spoke Kadee, ¡°Well as much a gentleman as a viking could be. He was at the very least not a rapist.¡±

    Tomo arrived at the apartment door and removed the key from his pocket. He entered and relocked the door behind him. The apartment was just as they¡¯d left it. Tomo stripped as he walked toward the bedroom. He vaguely heard Wit complaining but he ignored her. He was very tired after the night''s activities and he found it difficult to sleep with clothes on. When he reached her bed in nothing but underwear he dived under the inviting covers and wrapped himself in the blanket until he resembled a caterpillar. His eyes drifted shut and he experienced sleep for the first time in years.

    Unfortunately as soon as he fell asleep his soul popped right out of Wit''s body. He found himself awake and once again stuck in the never ending blackness of the diamond.

    Ah! I forgot to apply to mystro...

 Side Story: Troy - Part 1

    Troy twirled his gun on his finger as he waited for his opponent to get into position. It was finally that time. Will he die this time or will he win? Either way he was looking forward to the results. His bloodshot eyes gazed blankly at the man across from him who was yet another irate husband, face red from his righteous anger. The man¡¯s wife stood off to the side looking worried at her husband while still sending flirtatious lash flutterings his way. Troy regretted his decision to spend one more night with her before he broke it off but there was no one else available and he hates to sleep alone.

    ¡°You¡¯ll pay for dishonorin¡¯ my woman Troy!¡± The man crammed his revolver into its holster after the judge had checked it hadn¡¯t been tampered with.

    Troy forced a smarmy grin onto his lips, ¡°Now see hear, sir. If anyone was dishonorin¡¯ anyone here it was her.¡± He squeezed one of his eyelids shut into what he hoped was a flirty wink that he aimed at the woman. What was her name again? ¡°And she can dishonor me all night long.¡± The judge came to Troy to check his gun as the man¡¯s hateful glare tripled in intensity. Troy flipped the gun so he was grabbing the barrel and passed it to the judge who fiddled with it a bit before passing it back. Troy took it with a smirk and slid it into the holster. He kept his hand on the guns handle while his thumb caressed the hammer.

    ¡°Everything seems to be in order.¡± Called the judge who took his place between the two duelists. ¡°Hands off your belts gentlemen.¡± He yanked a feather out of his hat. ¡°The match will begin when this feather hits the ground. Are you ready?¡± He glanced at both men and received their nods.

    All the gathered crowd thought the husband had a strangely confident look on his face considering he was up against the best duelist in the city and possibly all of America. Troy however, still wore the same old cocky smile on his face that everyone here was familiar with.

    ¡°Alright. Here we go!¡± The judge dropped the feather and backed off quickly. The feather twirled in the breeze and slowly descended. It danced and fluttered until it finally gently came to rest on the dusty ground.

    BANG!

    As soon as the feather slid to the earth a single gunshot cracked through the air like lightning. People rubbed their ears and furrowed their brows. The smell of gunpowder permeated the area. A red flower bloomed on the chest of the husband who fell to his knees looking mighty confused. He shot a glare to the judge looking betrayed before he spat out some blood and completely collapsed face down. He didn¡¯t even have a chance to see the judge also fall to the ground but with a shot in the hand instead of the chest. He was screaming in pain.

    Troy kissed the barrel of his gun and spun it once more before dropping it into the holster again. The crowd cheered for him and the wife whose name he couldn¡¯t remember ran to her husband whose name he never learned and dropped down next to him looking sad. He sauntered over to the man screaming and clutching his bleeding hand. Troy kneeled and gave him a pat on the shoulder.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°This is the price of being an idiot. I can¡¯t believe you really tried to trick a professional duelists with sleight of hand. Especially since that sleight of hand was used to sabotage my gun. Do you really think that I, a veteran duelists really wouldn¡¯t notice if something was wrong with my gun?¡± Troy was genuinely perplexed by the stupidity, ¡°If that¡¯s not being an idiot I don¡¯t know what is. Consider this a lesson. If it happens again I won¡¯t be so kind.¡±

    Troy sent one more strong pat to the mans back before he stood up and walked away. So he managed to survive again, he sighed. It will be awhile yet before he can see her again. He kept his eyes on the ground as he dragged one foot in front of the other. If only he could drink himself into oblivion, but she hated it when he drank.

    ¡°When will I find someone who can beat m-OOF!¡± An abrupt impact to the back of his head interrupted his quiet muttering. He crouched down and held the back of his head. He was frustrated that something interrupted his serious moment. ¡°Hey! That fucking hurt!¡± He turned around planned to give whoever hit him a good wallop but no one was there. A glint caught his attention so he looked down to see a diamond ring. A pretty silver band shaped like twining roots clutched at a small pyramid shaped diamond. His eyes widened. That ring looked familiar.

    He reached out a shaking hand and gently clutched the delicate ring between two fingers. This...this was his sisters ring. The one he had placed on his sisters finger when he buried her a few months ago. Where did this come from. He curled his fingers into a fist over the jewelry and shot to his feet while anxiously swinging his head in different directions. He didn¡¯t really know what he was looking for, perhaps a grave robber? Or maybe the one who murdered his sister? Maybe his sister herself. Whatever it was he was disappointed on all counts.

    He glared at his clamped fist. He could feel the ring digging into his skin. His eyes unknown to him slowly softened as he looked at his hand. He continued on his way but this time taking long strides instead of a slow saunter. He very quickly reached the inn where he was currently staying. He informed the innkeeper not to bother him and ran to his room. He pulled the door open then slammed it shut.

    Troy slowly uncurled his fingers. The ring glistened from the small amount of sunlight that managed to find its way through the partially closed shutters of the window.

    ¡°Willa...is it you?¡± He whispered with his back against the door, ¡°are you trying to tell me something?¡± He twirled the circle between his fingers, back and forth. ¡°You¡¯re probably angry with me right? For trying to die¡­¡± He walked over and sat on his bed. ¡°But what else should I do? I have nothing else. After mom and dad died I gave it my all to raise you, but then you were taken away from me too. What do you want me to do?¡±

    Troy held his breath as if expecting an answer then let it out again after a few moments when nothing happened. His lips curled up into a small smile full of self pity and ridicule. ¡°I¡¯m such an idiot.¡± He slipped the ring onto his thumb, he only had a second to marvel at how perfectly it fit before he fell into a world of pure darkness.

    ¡°Oh hello, we weren¡¯t expecting to see you so soon. Who knew a manly cowboy such as yourself would be willing to instantly wear such a feminine piece of jewelry?¡± said a woman¡¯s voice with a strange accent from the void.

    ¡°What do you mean feminine? I used to own many similarly beautiful accessories. Such elegance is very much appreciated in china, by both genders.¡± Spoke another voice but this one male with a chinese accent.

    ¡°What the hell is happening?!!¡± screamed Troy.

    A voice with a high class british accent spoke next. ¡°Well you see, it¡¯s really a funny story¡­¡±

    To be continued?...

 Chapter 5 - Ancient Chinese Secrets

    I woke once again to a terrible ache. Except this time it was in my legs instead of my head. I sat up and attempted to swing my legs over the side of the bed but I could barely move my jello-y muscles.

    ¡°Thanks a lot Tomo,¡± I groaned, ¡°I feel like there was a stampede and I was the road.¡±

    Of course Tomo didn¡¯t respond. I tried massaging my legs but it didn¡¯t help much. I continued doing it anyway until I glanced at my window. The sun already sat high in the sky. My eyes opened wide in shock.

    ¡°Oh no, what time is it?¡± I fumbled for my cell phone. 10 o¡¯clock?!!! I¡¯m going to be so late!

    I attempted once again to fight through the pain and swing my legs around. I somehow succeeded but when I tried to stand I felt my legs instantly fold as I collapsed under my own weight.

    ¡°Dammit! Tomo!!¡± I slammed the floor with a fist causing my downstairs neighbors to yell angrily. Alas, it didn¡¯t elicit a response from Tomo.

    ¡°Excuse me. Perhaps we could come to a deal.¡± A new voice that I hadn¡¯t heard before sounded in my head. This voice also had an Asian accent but it was slightly different from Tomo¡¯s. This new voice was deeper and smoother.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± I asked.

    ¡°My name is Ye Bai Chen. When I was alive I was known as Yao Huang. In English that would be translated as Medicine Emperor.¡± The male voice whose accent I now assumed to be chinese, if his name was any indication was very beautiful to listen to. That was a huge red flag in my book. Usually people that had a beautiful voice were good at talking people into doing things they wouldn¡¯t normally do.

    ¡°Okay Ye Bai Chen. What deal?¡±

    ¡°You may call me Chen. Saying my full name would quickly become a bother. Plus we are already so close, it would be odd to talk formally.¡± Chen chuckled quietly, ¡°As for the deal, it¡¯s simple really. I wish for the use of your body. A few hours will do. It is so monotonous to remain in the darkness for so long. I wish to see the flowers, I wish to drink delicious tea, I wish to feel the sunlight on my skin. Allow me at least 5 hours during the daylight today and 3 hours everyday henceforth and I shall heal your body of all it¡¯s ailments.¡±

    Before she could reply Troy broke into the conversation, ¡°Hey Chen! How come you never offered that deal to me! Especially after that one bar fight with Big Malley! I was in a lot of pain you know!¡±

    ¡°I feel that pain brought about by your own misdeeds needs to remain to provide the proper lesson. It was unfortunate that the lesson did not take. Was Big Malley¡¯s wife worth it?¡± asked Chen.

    Troy quieted down after a bit of grumbling. I was shocked that someone other than Kadee was able to control Troy. Chen even seemed a bit better at it.

    She considered the deal for a moment. It didn¡¯t seem so bad. ¡°I guess I could call in sick today. I am feeling pretty shitty. (Dammit Tomo.) Make it one hour a day after today and I believe we have a deal.¡± I negotiated smoothly.

    ¡°Acceptable. Call in sick to your place of employment and then I shall take over for 5 hours today.¡±

    I nodded but then I realized he couldn¡¯t see me. ¡° Alright. Hey before I call, I was wondering exactly how are you going to heal me? You don¡¯t have magical powers that¡¯ll just zap me to wellness...do you?¡± She sounded unsure. Considering the diamond itself existed, it was not impossible in her mind that such an ability would exist.

    ¡°Not exactly. I am what the people of China today would call a traditional chinese medicine doctor. Only I am much more capable and my methods are much more effective than any of those currently being practiced in your era. I use herbs, acupuncture, and an inner energy that you would probably know as Qi to achieve certain things. One of those things is being able to heal and augment mortal flesh. Make no mistake, it is not magic.¡± Chen tried to explain something of his capabilities to her in a way she could understand. It was all a lot more complicated than he made it sound.

    ¡°So¡­ all that ancient kung fu master tai chi stuff is real? It actually works? I thought that was all a bunch of supernatural bullshit...no offense.¡± I replied while trying to adjust my legs into a more comfortable position.

    ¡°None taken. You¡¯ll find that there are many extraordinary things in this world of which normal humans remain blissfully unaware. There are very few genuine practitioners, what we used to call cultivators, still alive today. Those that are alive prefer to remain anonymous. They reside in hidden areas in remote locations where no one will bother them. I have a friend who had remained in meditation so long in a cave that water dripping from the ceiling onto his head turned him into a stalagmite. It took forever to chisel him out.¡± Chen snickered.

    ¡°He was still alive?¡± I asked incredulously.

    ¡°Of course. It would take much more than being encased in a little bit of sediment to kill a true cultivator. We have augmented flesh to such an extent that most human needs are no longer necessities. We can subsist on the ambient energy in the air and no longer have a need to eat, or defecate, or in this case breathe.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing! Will I ever be able to be like that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. Most cultivators begin their practicing at the age of 5. I¡¯m afraid to say, even if you begin cultivating now, at most you would only be able to live another couple hundred years and you would only be able to go a long time without dealing with your human needs instead of being able to go completely without.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± I was slightly disappointed until I processed what he said about being able to live another couple hundred years even if I only began cultivating now. I briefly wondered how long I would live if I had done it since young¡­ exactly how old was stalagman? I decided that was a conversation for another day.

    I fiddled with my cell phone a bit until I found Charlie¡¯s phone number. But right before I hit call I remembered that I probably didn¡¯t have to answer to him anymore. The CEO must have fired him right? Or at least demoted him. After the stunt he pulled I wouldn¡¯t be surprised. So who should I call about taking a day off. I hesitated over the touch screen for a moment before deciding to simply call Charlie anyway. It was his work number anyway and went straight to his office not his personal phone. Maybe Mr. Connely had already hired someone else. The phone rang a few times before someone answered.

    ¡°Ms. Dwight¡¯s office. Sarah speaking. How may I help you?¡± A cheerful bubbly voice answered.

    ¡°Um¡­ I think there¡¯s been a mistake I am Lena Dwight and I don¡¯t have an office.¡± In my head I heard Troy whispering, ¡°I thought her name was Whither Holt?¡± Brightly quietly replied, ¡°She already said she¡¯s using an alias you inattentive clod.¡±

    ¡°Oh! Hello Ms. Dwight! There is no mistake. My name is Sarah Climb and I am your newly appointed secretary.¡± the girl giggled, ¡°I am answering the phone from your brand spankin¡¯ new office! You didn¡¯t get the email?¡±

    I didn¡¯t have the energy to be shocked anymore after everything that¡¯s happened to me. I politely bid farewell to the almost too cheerful girl on the phone and immediately checked my email. I found a few messages from a few of the information dealers I worked with and an email from one of the people I occasionally partnered with during a con. Oops, that was the wrong email. I logged out and relogged into Lena Dwight¡¯s work email. There I found a message from Mr. Connely, CEO of ConLabs waiting in her inbox. She clicked on it.

    Ms. Lena Dwight

    Due to Charlie Parne¡¯s sudden demotion. It¡¯s been decided that you will become the new manager of the Writing Department of ConLabs. Congratulations.

    C.E.O. Argus Connely

    P.S. You will be taking over Charlie¡¯s latest project. I looked it over and it¡¯s terrible. I refuse to send out a game with such a horrendous scenario filled with plot holes. Fix it.

    A smile stretched across my face. ¡°Yeeeeeees!¡± I yelled while thrusting my hands into the air in a victory pose. My outburst startled some of my hangers on.

    ¡°What has got you so excited dear?¡± Asked Kadee.

    ¡°I got a promotion! I don¡¯t have to answer to that jerk whose hair always had enough oil to lubricate a car engine! Who wouldn¡¯t know a good game scenario if it popped out of a console and punched him in the face. Who is now MY employee because he tried to pass off my work as his own! I¡¯m management now baby!¡± I would have stood and done a happy dance but my legs were still out of commission so I settled with waving my arms around my head as if I were at a rock concert.

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful. I¡¯m glad things are going well at your work, but don¡¯t forget you still have to call in sick today.¡± Kadee helpfully reminded me.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    ¡°Oh yeah. Thanks Kadee.¡± I called my secretary (hee hee it felt good to say that) back and asked to be connected to Mr. Connely. He answered rather quickly.

    ¡°This is Connely.¡± What is he too good to say hello?

    ¡°This is Dwight.¡± Two people can play that game. I coughed noisily into the receiver. ¡° I just got your email. Thanks for the promotion. Unexpected though it is.¡±

    ¡°No problem. You¡¯re qualified. Obviously more than that other guy was. I¡¯m seriously wondering how he got the manager position in the first place. I have some people looking into it but haven¡¯t heard anything back yet. I might have to do some serious reshuffling in my company. If my employees are hiring incompetent people for reasons other than skill then things are not going to end well for them.¡± His voice was low and vibrating with anger. It was palpable even over the phone. This dude really has some presence.

    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best to meet your expectations but unfortunately it¡¯ll have to be tomorrow. I¡¯m really not feeling well today. I wasn¡¯t really sure who to ask for a day off now that I¡¯m the manager so I just decided to call you.¡± I cleared my throat and coughed a few more times.

    ¡°No problem. Sarah,your secretary can take care of things until you can come back to work. If you ever need anything don¡¯t be afraid to contact me. I put my work and personal number in that email I sent you. I have to go. I¡¯ll call you later.¡± He hung up.

    I looked confused at my cellphone. Why is he gonna call me? I already settled the business I had with him. Is that what managers and CEO¡¯s do? Talk on the phone? I thought they only interacted at meetings and stuff like that. I shrugged to myself, no point thinking about it now. I¡¯ll discover all the in¡¯s and out¡¯s of my new job eventually.

    ¡°So Chen, I¡¯m ready. How about you?¡± I threw my phone on the bed.

    ¡°I cannot even begin to explain to you the extent of my readiness. It has been so long since I¡¯ve seen the sun. Many of the others did not like to grant permission so I could only go out when they slept or passed out which was usually at night. And V who was the host before you was not allowed outside ever.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡±said V¡¯s sweet childish voice, ¡°I never saw the sun before I died so you have to give me permission one of these days okay? I wanna see the stars and moon too! And also i wanna roll in the grass! And I want to pet a dog! And-¡±

    ¡°V,¡± interrupted Chen, ¡°You will get your chance. I¡¯m sure Wit would not deny you. But please allow us to continue.¡±

    ¡°Oh right, sorry. You have to promise though okay?¡±

    I smiled sadly at the life the poor kid must have lived, to never have any of the experiences that most children took for granted, and to die so young...just what exactly happened to him?

    ¡°I promise you V. I will definitely let you do all the fun things you can think of. We could even go to an amusement park and a zoo! I will let you take over for the entire day.¡± I said.

    V cheered and giggled happily as he allowed me and Chen to continue our business.

    Chen made a sound as if clearing his throat, though as a spirit it must have been more habit than anything. ¡°I am ready, but before we begin, could I trouble you to use your computer to purchase some things for me? I can cure your muscle aches using nothing but my Qi and a massage but for any more serious illnesses as well as augmenting your body I would need tools and various herbs. All of which would be slightly expensive.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡± Luckily my laptop was directly next to my bed. I dragged it over and accessed the internet. ¡°Is there a specific site I should use to purchase this stuff?¡±

    ¡°Yes. One of my friends who is still alive has actually acclimated quite well to the current era. He started his own online business catering to cultivators such as myself. Its extremely useful for those of us who are particularly reclusive. He offers an instant delivery service as well. He¡¯s done very well for himself.¡±

    Chen directed me to a site called Bygone Era Botany and Supplies, a site that seemed to contain numerous articles on ancient plants and old pottery. Chen had me type ¡®Sword Monarch Great Storm¡¯s General Shop¡¯ into the search bar. A few links popped up and he told her to click on the one that said Cultivators only. When she did it went to a screen with a large box asking her to input a password.

    ¡°Each cultivator has their own password. When they use it the shop will automatically sign them into their own account. Everyone has their own online username too. Mine is Medicine Emperor. It¡¯s pretty simple compared to others. Take Sword Monarch Great Storm for example. Such a long name. One of my other friends called themselves Great Master Tiger Lord of All Hells.¡± He laughed. I giggled with him. ¡°Anyway, my password is a few different types of tea that I like.¡± He quickly listed them out.

    Finally they managed to access the shop. Along the top of the page in fancy blue and gold letters it said, ¡®Welcome to Sword Monarch Great Storms General Shop! Your one stop shopping spot for all things cultivation!¡¯ Below it was listed a few categories to choose from. On the side of the screen was a chatbox that never left the screen even when Luna scrolled down. In the chat box it said that 28 people were currently signed in. The words ¡®Medicine Emperor Online¡¯ popped up in the chat box. Immediately a bunch of people started blowing up the chat.

    Champion White River: OMG It¡¯s actually Medicine Emperor! Long time no see! It¡¯s been about 15 years since we¡¯ve heard from you.

    Supreme Expert of Golden Snake Sect: PLZ SELL ME CULTIVATION PILLS!! NEED HELP ADVANCING MY LEVEL!! *begs on knees*

    Sword Monarch Great Storm: HEY! Don¡¯t steal my business! Expert if you''re not buying anything go away!

    Supreme Expert of Golden Snake Sect sent you a private message: My email is AwesomePowerfulExpert@*******! Send me a message when you finish concocting some medicinal pills! I¡¯ll buy! Trade or money I¡¯m alright with either!

    Supreme Expert of Golden Snake Sect has left the chat.

    True Immortal Ancestor Beyond the Sky: Medicine Emperor! Thanks for helping me a while ago! I was pretty weak when you found me. I probably would still be stuck there if you hadn¡¯t helped me!

    Great Master Tiger Lord of All Hells: You don¡¯t have to speak so vaguely Sky, we all know what happened. I¡¯m sure you made a handsome stalagmite! ROFL

    Champion White River: Handsome Stalagmite! +1 LOL

    Sword Monarch Great Storm: Handsome Stalagmite +2

    Dragon Lord of The Floating Mountain: Handsome Stalagmite +3!!!

    Medicine Emperor: You¡¯re welcome¡­¡­.Handsome Stalagmite +4!

    I was laughing out loud at the conversation. How old were all these people and they acted like all the other netizens I¡¯d ever interacted with. It tickled me.

    ¡°We should get to shopping. I¡¯d like to finish it as soon as possible.¡± Said Chen. He sounded amused. ¡°It¡¯s good to chat with everyone again. Perhaps when I take over I can talk to them more. Go to the Furnace and Jar category please.¡±

    I did as I was told. The page it took me to contained many interesting looking cauldrons. Some shaped like normal pots, others shaped like animals. Many were shaped like drums or bowls with legs. Chen had me scroll through for a while, reading the names and descriptions of the different furnaces. Apparently these things were used to concoct pills that could help people absorb Qi or cure ailments or increase strength and stamina as well as many other things. Chen eventually had me add a furnace called the ¡®Moon and Sun All Enhancement Furnace¡¯ to the cart. It had the ability to enhance the efficacy of all pills made within it. He had me buy a few spare furnaces as well but they didn¡¯t have any special functions. He said it was for me to practice on my own as amateurs had a tendency to blow up their furnaces due to inexperience. Not that I had any intention to try. Also from this section he had me buy about 100 small jade bottles and 100 small porcelain bottles.

    The next category was Needles. He had me get 1000 silver acupuncture needles, plus 25 jade needles and a strange device that looked like a bangle that seemed to be for launching needles from a person¡¯s wrist.

    They then moved onto the herb section. Chen spent a lot of time going through each page of herbs meticulously. Some of the herbs were so expensive that even I who was obscenely rich did a double take. Luckily there was a bulk section where they could buy 100¡¯s of herbs at a time for a discount.

    Chen also had me buy some clothes. A few pairs of ancient chinese clothes, both male and female as well as a few that looked like a mix between ancient chinese and modern that I found quite stylish. I went through on my own and bought a lot of those and decided to throw away a lot of my old clothes and partially replace my wardrobe. Chen explained that these clothes, as they were all completely made by cultivators out of incredible materials that they were all extremely durable and amazingly comfortable.

    They also checked out the accessories section. Chen only had me get a pretty green ring called a storage ring and a necklace that was a small flask.

    ¡°Last but not least we need to buy a sword.¡± Chen sounded excited, "Go to the weapons section.¡±

    After a few moments of searching nothing managed to catch Chen¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Hmm...I¡¯m gonna need you to chat with the others for a bit. I need to talk to someone.¡± He said.

    ¡°No problem. Those old guys are funny. While we were looking through the swords I was also reading the chats. We¡¯ve gotten to Handsome Stalagmite +120 with Master Tiger leading the charge. Ancestor Sky has responded by revealing one of Master Tiger¡¯s secrets. Did you know he once got drunk and hit on a shapely pillar during one of Ancestor Sky¡¯s moon viewing parties? He actually proposed marriage to it and tore it out of the house intending to take it to his home. Then when someone called Virtuous Lord Demon Wolf tried to stop him Master Tiger actually thought he was trying to steal his new wife and started to fight him. Ancestor Sky recorded the whole thing and just posted the video on the chat. Ha!¡± I was engrossed with the chat. I loved watching them bicker and the stories they told were interesting.

    ¡°I was there actually. I remember Master Tiger and Demon Wolf almost leveled Sky¡¯s entire manor. He banned Master Tiger from his parties after that. Good times.¡± Chen sounded wistful. ¡°I need you to ask if Enlightened Sword Sovereign is online.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± I asked curiously.

    ¡°She is the best swordsmith of everyone I know and she just so happens to owe me a favor.¡± Chen explained.

    Medicine Emperor: Is Enlightened Sword Sovereign online?

    Enlightened Sword Sovereign: I¡¯m here.

    Sword Monarch Great Storm: You better not be planning to do private business in my shop again! Use the regular chat! Stop stealing my business! I¡¯ll ban you!

    Sword Monarch Great Storm: Seriously.

    Sword Monarch Great Storm: Stop it.

    Sword Monarch Great Storm: Please...

    Enlightened Sword Sovereign: Medicine Emperor?

    ¡°Tell her we¡¯ll talk in the regular chat. I would feel bad if I made Storm cry. He¡¯s a sensitive guy. He cried as if mourning the death of a relative when his daughter got a paper cut once. He almost banned all paper from entering his manor afterwards. Luckily his wife put a stop to it though.¡± Chen chuckled, ¡°Buy all the stuff in the cart then you can leave the site. Do you have skoope on your computer?¡±

    ¡°I have it but...ancient powerful beings use skoope?¡± I asked incredulously. I bought all the items and selected instant delivery.

    ¡°Why not? Most of us may be reclusive but that doesn¡¯t mean we don¡¯t keep up with the latest technology and trends. It¡¯s quite useful. We have phones and some of us even have driver''s licenses! Now we¡¯re done buying stuff so hurry and let me take over before our items get here.¡± Chen sounded incredibly excited. His voice was shaking slightly.

    I nodded. ¡°Ye Bai Chen I grant you permission.¡±

    Immediately my soul once more floated free, connected to my body only by a ghostly silver thread extending from my chest. My body crumpled to the side.

    Ye Bai Chen took a stuttering breath and opened his eyes. He almost cried at all the beautiful colors. The warmth of the sunlight. The feel of the carpet on his cheek. Even the pain in his legs was a welcome sensation after the eternal numbness of the diamond. Perhaps the smells wafting in from the window weren¡¯t entirely pleasant but that was okay. He could smell again! Chen pushed his body back into a sitting position. Focusing on the computer he opened up skoope. He logged into his own profile and found Enlightened Sword Sovereign in his contacts.

    Medicine Emperor: Sword Sovereign.

    Enlightened Sword Sovereign: What do you need?

    Medicine Emperor: I require a special sword. Made to my usual specifications.

    Enlightened Sword Sovereign: Didn¡¯t you just buy a sword from me not 80 years ago? I was quite proud of that work. What happened to it?

    Medicine Emperor: You know my situation. It was stolen during a transition. I know it¡¯s location though. I will retrieve it when I am able but I need a sword now. I would like to call in the debt you owe me.

    Enlightened Sword Sovereign: Hmm...It¡¯s no problem then. I will be happy to no longer be in debt. Expect it in 2 days.

    Medicine Emperor: Thank you. I must go now. Delivery should be arriving soon. Be well.

    Enlightened Sword Sovereign: To you as well.

    Enlightened Sword Sovereign has left the conversation.

    Medicine Emperor has left the conversation.

 Chapter 6 - Chens 5 Hours

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-Ye Bai Chen POV¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Chen turned to the window as he sensed his orders arriving. A tapping at the window confirmed that.

    ¡°Chen, there¡¯s a sword flying outside the window carrying a package. Its tapping on the window.¡± observed Wit impassively as she lopsidedly levitated around the room.

    Chen gazed at the sword outside of the window considering how he was going to let it in. While he could force himself to stand it might not end up too well. It had been so long since he¡¯d had to walk, much less in a completely new body crippled with pain. Wit couldn¡¯t open it, she wasn¡¯t strong enough as of yet to interact with the corporeal world in her incorporeal form.

    As he thought about it the sword decided to take matters into its own hands...um handle? The tapping got louder and more insistent. Finally as if the sword had lost its patience it reeled back and slammed into the window, shattering it. The glass broke with a loud crack followed by the clatter of broken glass cascading to the floor. The sword leisurely drifted to Chen, it stopped in front of him with celebratory bobbing as if awaiting praise. Chen¡¯s brow crinkled in guilt.

    ¡°I apologize about the window. I will pay for it with my own funds.¡± Chen fixed his eyes upon the ceiling with a new thought. ¡°Would they accept yuan?¡± He wondered out loud. He grabbed the sword by the hilt, removed the paper wrapped package and chucked it back out of the broken window.

    Wit¡¯s awe filled gaze panned to the slightly sad looking sword (Don''t ask how a sword is able to look sad, just know that this one somehow managed it) on its path back through the sky. ¡°Is this what to expect from that sword you commissioned?¡± She asked.

    Chen hmm¡¯ed affirmatively as he busied himself unwrapping the parcel. ¡°If we can accumulate enough qi, it¡¯s definitely possible.¡± He revealed a beautiful red-lacquered wood box. A crest cut from bronze decorated the top and a clasp of the same material held it shut.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the rest of it?¡± Asked Wit as she hovered curiously above the box. ¡°We ordered a lot.¡±

    Chen held out the box proudly, ¡°This is all of it. Sword Monarch Great Storm specializes in creating strange dimensional relics that even I do not fully understand. His understanding in the workings of the world are far beyond my own. I merely have to place my hand within the box and think of what I want. The box will supply it so long as the items are in stock.¡± He opened the box revealing nothing but a shadowy interior, no bottom could be seen. Chen gently reached his hand into the inky darkness. Wit was surprised to see his hand disappear then reappear a moment later carrying a handful of long silver needles. He reached in again and this time his hand came out with a bundle of herbs. Once more and he had a change of clothes.

    ¡°Sounds familiar, like the Tarbis from that show Professor What!¡± exclaimed Wit.

    ¡°I believe Great Storm mentioning something like that. I am surprised that you¡¯ve heard of it.¡± Chen replied absently as he began sorting through the needles he¡¯d pulled from the box. ¡°We really should cleanse these before use but...ah well.¡± He inserted a needle smoothly into his leg. One by one he continued to apply them until at least twenty needles protruded from ankles to hips. He left them there for a bit, occasionally wiggling one here or two there. He then grabbed the bundle of herbs surprising Wit when he viciously tore them to shreds; he kept tearing until they were nothing but a juicy pulp in his fingers.

    Immediately after he¡¯d turned the leaves into a pulpy green viscosity he pulled out all the needles and applied the poultice to where they had been, eating the leftovers afterward. The poultice dried in about 10 minutes, at which time he peeled it off. Chen tested out his legs with a grin. He easily stood up and shook his limbs about, satisfied with the performance of this new body he attempted to get dressed as fast as he could. He was still pulling on his shirt when he exited Wits bedroom and grabbed her purse. He was almost out the door when he realized he had no shoes. The same problem that plagued Tomo now did the same to him for Wit only owned high heels. He frowned at the few pairs he could see scattered around the door. Should he abandon his dignity as a civilized human and go barefoot¡­ or abandon his dignity as a man and wear the shoes? Why did he forget to buy shoes while he was shopping?

    He decided to go with option C, an uneasy compromise. He looked around for Wit, finding her occupied with looking at the box he quickly chose a plain black pair and tore off the heels. He glanced back at Wit only to become paralyzed by her freezing glare. Arms crossed, she opened her mouth wide to match her passionate anger for the choice words she had in mind for him.

    ¡°Those...were my favorite Yucci Laton heels. They were limited edition.¡± Her voice seemed to chill the whole room. Chen tucked the shoes under his arm and pressed his hands together in apology.

    ¡°...I¡¯ll buy you another pair?¡± He opened his eyes wide and tilted his head.

    ¡°Limited. Edition.¡± She said slowly apparently unaffected by his remorseful look.

    Chen decided it was safer to ignore her. He stuffed his feet into the mutilated shoes and practically threw himself out of the apartment to escape the following profanities. He did remember to lock the door behind him though. He tried to run down the stairs but after he almost face planted a few times, decided it would be better to walk. He finally arrived at the door to the outside. His hand shook slightly in anticipation. He placed his palm against the cool metal of the handle and twisted. The door fell open with a squeak. Mild sunlight filtered into the doorway falling just short of his feet. He took a deep breath and stepped through.

    He closed his eyes and looked up, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face. Chen took a deep breath and opened his eyes.

    ¡°So beautiful.¡± He whispered. The sunlight glistened off the windows of the various buildings and shone through scaffolding creating interesting shadows on the ground. Chen started walking aimlessly. He wandered through the city streets, slowly taking in the sights and sounds of the people and scenery. He finally came to a park where many people had given into their wanderlust just like him. They sat on benches feeding birds, or walked their dogs (he even saw someone walking a cat). He saw people jogging, fast walking, biking, and riding around on small devices consisting of only two wheels and no handles that he was unfamiliar with. He felt that this was his place and found himself a comfortable patch of grass beneath a tree where he took off his shoes to feel the grass. Divine. Chen began to go through the forms of his favorite meditative dance. It consisted of exaggerated movements, executed as gracefully and slowly as possible. He spread his feet shoulder length apart and brought his hand in a lazy arc above his head then slid his right foot ever so slowly behind him and thus began the first steps.

    He could feel his Qi or in this case, Wit¡¯s Qi begin to move around their body. The sudden movement of their energy created a faint whirlwind as Wit¡¯s body absorbed the ambient energy of the world and the sun. The whirlwind affected leaves in appealing colors of red, yellow and brown causing them to scatter and swirl around the ground as Chen swung his arms and slid his foot in a circle around himself at the speed of a snail. He felt the power ripple through his body as he stood up on one leg and bent the other to rest his foot halfway up his thigh. The leaves suddenly seemed to be pushed about a foot away from his body before they came to rest quietly on the ground as if they hadn¡¯t moved in the first place. Chen took a deep breath as he ended the dance and lowered himself into a seated position, but was broken out of his relaxed state by a round of applause. He was very surprised to find a crowd had at some point formed around him.

    A man came up to him, ¡°Hey I wanted to give you some money but you don¡¯t have a hat or anything out. So here.¡± the man attempted to hand him a 5 dollar bill.

    ¡°You wish...to give me money?¡± exceedingly confused, Chen merely looked at the man.

    ¡°Well, yeah?¡± The man returned an equally confused smile.

    Chen wanted to ask why but he was distracted by Wit pantomiming at him excitedly to just take the money. He was wondering why she wasn¡¯t speaking. Did she forget that no others could hear her? He took the money.

    ¡°Thanks?¡± What just happened? He thought to himself. Did they think me a beggar? He surreptitiously glanced at his clothes. They were the clothes he just bought so they were clean and unwrinkled with no visible signs of wear. As the crowd dispersed Chen noticed a long time had gone by. It was now late afternoon and his 5 hours were almost up.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Wit, could you explain the exchange that just took place?¡± asked Bai Chen as his baffled gaze landed on the 5 he held.

    ¡°Sure,¡± said Wit who was orbiting around her body positioned as if sitting in a reclining chair, ¡°as soon as you tell me what that breeze was. And that weird warm current I felt run through my body...uh, I mean spirit? Spirit body? I don¡¯t usually feel anything in this form. It was strange.¡±

    ¡°It was only Qi that I absorbed from the environment. I created a center in your body where the energy you absorb will be stored and basically jump started the pathways within your body that the energy can use to move through you. It will take a long time for the energy to permeate through your bones, muscle and skin though. So don¡¯t expect any significant changes for a few years at least. I¡¯ll teach you how to meditate and move the Qi around later. The more you cycle it through the pathways, the faster it will become a part of you. Now it¡¯s your turn, please explain why that man gave me money.¡± Chen explained this as he left the park. He decided to take the long way home so he could experience more of this strange new land. It looked very different from when he was last out of the Diamond.

    He marveled at the height of the buildings and the amount of people. The automobiles were also very different from what he had seen before. The last time he saw them was during the time when Brightly was the host. Back then they were more like glorified three wheel bicycles with a motor. He smiled and was glad that there were so many new and interesting things to experience.

    ¡°I see. So after a few years my life span will increase?¡± Asked Wit bringing Chen out of his thoughts.

    ¡°Yes. Among other things, but not by any significant margin.¡± Chen nodded and stared at a woman across the street. Although she looked like a woman she seemed...odd. She was dressed very flamboyantly but had the musculature of a man. So was that a man or a woman? Chen felt it would be impolite of him to ask so he ignored...her, and continued on his way.

    ¡°The man gave you the 5 dollar bill because he thought you were a performer. Maybe you didn¡¯t notice but there were a few other people in the park around you playing music and such. They perform and people will give them money if they like what they see. It¡¯s quite a common sight especially in big cities like this.¡±

    ¡°So professional beggars?¡± Piped in Troy.

    ¡°No! They¡¯re working. They are providing a service in the shape of their skill and people can pay them. Personally I think it¡¯s great. I also started out as a conwoman as a hobby. It became my main job after I experienced a few unfortunate events though.¡± Wit changed positions to look like she was leaning on Chen¡¯s shoulder with her chin in her hands and her feet crossed and dangling in the air behind her.

    ¡°Miss Wit, it may be rude of me but may I ask what unfortunate event befell you?¡± Asked Brightly with a hint of concern coloring his posh british accent.

    Wit considered it for a moment. She¡¯d never shared her past with anyone but talking about it with a bunch of spirits probably wouldn¡¯t hurt. Plus she was also curious about their stories. ¡°Sure thing. I don¡¯t really mind telling you as long as you all promise not to mention anything to anyone when it¡¯s your turn to take over. The me that everyone here knows is Lena Dwight and not Wither Holt afterall.¡±

    ¡°Of course, dear. We would never share any of your information without permission. We actually prefer not to interact with the hosts friends, family and coworkers anyway. It¡¯s too easy for them to notice inconsistencies in the way we all act.¡± Kadee explained calmly.

    Wit nodded. ¡°Good. Hmm, Guess I should start when I was a kid. I along with my twin brother were basically raised by the butler. Simon was his name. He would teach us a lot of interesting things. Like how to manipulate people and beat them at games. My mother had died giving birth to us and I¡¯m pretty sure our father hated us. Maybe Simon thought we could manipulate our father into like us, I don¡¯t know but if that was the case it didn¡¯t work. It was around the age of 10 when he decided he was sick of looking at us and he abandoned us at a church. Simon would drop by to give us gifts and teach us things. But mostly it was just my brother and I.

    Sol, that¡¯s my brother, decided to become a priest even though he doesn¡¯t believe in god anymore than I do. He runs an orphanage now. He¡¯s a good guy. He wants to help people, you know? I on the other hand left as fast as I could. I lived on my own and I really tried to get by normally. I got a job and made friends- at least, what I thought were friends. In the end I was cheated and tricked and lied to and eventually learned that to survive on my own I also had to cheat and trick and lie. So I took everything Simon and life had taught me and became a conwoman. I have multiple aliases, quite a few different bank accounts all under different names, as well as several accomplices that help me out. I¡¯ve actually gotten caught a few times but my buddies bailed me out and I always learn from my mistakes. I haven¡¯t been caught in ages. I¡¯m actually quite famous in the underground community. They call me The Pike, you know like the bird? Also it seems most people think I¡¯m a guy. Ha!¡± Wit was proud of her accomplishments but she didn¡¯t feel the need to explain exactly all the many ways people and the world in general had beat her down. Why depress herself by explaining the gory details?

    ¡°Your story is fairly similar to all of ours. We all have survived through adversity and come out on top. It has made us who we are.¡± Brightly explained. ¡°It is my belief that the Diamond chooses people not only based on their skills but also their personality.¡±

    Chen only barely paid attention to their conversation. He was still slowly meandering back to Wit¡¯s apartment. He¡¯d had a wonderful day. The sun was warm on his head and the breeze jostled his hair which tickled his cheek. He had missed those simple things. It was far too soon when he arrived back at his new place of residence. He frowned at the squat brick building. It was not a pretty thing. Its walls were dirty and covered in creatively painted words and garbage lay in small piles around its base. An old man dressed in shabby mismatched clothes smelling of alcohol and sweat sat between it and the building next to it.

    ¡°Wit I request we move to a nicer place. I do not think this environment is good for your future training.¡± Spoke Chen as he entered the building. His eyebrows came together in distaste as he had to touch the filthy door that led into the building. He hadn¡¯t noticed when he left as he¡¯d been enamored with the sky.

    Wit was about to reply but someone else beat her to it.

    ¡°I object. This area is good for finding sparring partners.¡± Surprisingly it was Tomo that spoke.

    ¡°I agree with Chen. There are other ways to find someone to fight besides beating some thugs in an alley, no matter how much they deserve it.¡± Said Kadee followed by agreement from Brightly.

    ¡°I agree with Tomo! Street fights are the way to go!¡± Troy also tried to get involved but everyone seemed to ignore him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move. We can¡¯na forget dere¡¯s also a yoong lad among us.¡± The voice that spoke was one Wit hadn¡¯t heard yet. It was a male with a heavy irish accent. ¡°One what hasn¡¯t seen da light o¡¯ day eden befar da carse. Dis ain¡¯t da best place for da wee one¡¯s forst look o da¡¯ warld.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Yelled V, ¡°I can handle it! I say we don¡¯t move ¡®cause I¡¯m a man! I¡¯m strong and smart and super awesome so there!¡± You could almost hear him sticking his tongue out.

    ¡°Ye are but a lad. We¡¯ll be protectin¡¯ ye wheder ye want it or no.¡± The irish man sounded slightly amused. ¡°By da way, me nems Finn. I was a pirate when I lived. I dun tink ye¡¯v heard fra me yet lass.¡±

    Wit returned his greeting and let them argue amongst themselves. She didn¡¯t actually care where she lived so she decided to let them choose. By now Chen had arrived back at the apartment. He slipped his shoes off and left them at the entryway. Then he sat cross legged in Wit¡¯s living room.

    ¡°Could you all be silent for a bit? I wish to speak to Wit.¡± The others quieted down thanks to Chen¡¯s request. They had just decided to move to a better area and were in the process of deciding where that area would be. ¡°So I want you to meditate every night for at least 1 hour before you go to bed. Women benefit more from the energy of the moon after all. Mornings are optional but encouraged. Within a few weeks your bones will begin to ache. That means the Qi has been absorbed into them and has strengthened and healed them, this includes joints and marrow, which in turn affects your blood. Next your muscles will ache and occasionally spasm. It will stop eventually but this means that the Qi has finished with your muscles. This will make you stronger, faster and more flexible. After that your skin will begin to tingle and sometimes itch. The Qi by this point will be done tempering your body and will begin on the details. Those being your six senses. It will take a long time but as long as you remember to meditate then by the end of this process your entire body will be optimized. For your meditation do half an hour of sitting and circulating Qi through your body, for the other half you will perform a few movements while circulating your Qi.¡± Chen demonstrated the movements in the middle of the living room. Wit would like to say it looked like a slow and graceful dance, similar to what he did in the park. But it didn¡¯t at all. It looked like a crab walk with hands in pincers above her head then changed into some kind of bunny hop motion before it switched to a prancing horse kind of walk then changed into a flamingo stance, with arms curled into chicken wings and head arrogantly looking at the sky. He repeated the movements several times.

    ¡°This is called the Four Almighty Beasts Meditation Technique. FAB technique for short. I will walk you through it later if you weren¡¯t able to memorize that. I will now return your body. Tomorrow for my 1 hour I will create some pills that will help detoxify your body.¡± Chen sat and closed his eyes. Wit¡¯s body slumped to the side as her spirit body got sucked back into her chest.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ªWit''s POV¡ª¡ª¡ª

    I slowly opened my eyes and the first thought that popped into my head was, Nobody must ever, EVER see me do that technique! I shuddered.

    ¡°Chen...are those strange movements absolutely necessary?¡± I asked hesitantly.

    ¡°They are not strange! They are a legendary meditative technique that I had to pry from the greedy hands of Great Master Eternal Bamboo after I won them in a game of wits where we had to compose poems on the spot praising the scenery. I worked hard. They are definitely not strange.¡±

    ...Why do you sound like your trying to convince yourself? Most of the others asked themselves.

    ¡°Ahem, well, I was wondering is anybody going to be taking over tonight? Wasn¡¯t it supposed to be V¡¯s turn?¡± I asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ve all agreed to skip V until we move and then give him a few days in a row. Next in line should be Brightly who will be in charge of finding us a new house.¡± I gave a thumbs up in my head as Kadee smoothly cooperated with me in changing the subject.

    ¡°He will? How?¡± I wondered if he could use a computer.

    ¡°I am a man of science. I have studied many modern technological marvels thanks to when V was the host. He has also been teaching me some programming. I believe I am at least better with a computer than most normal people. It is no problem to enter my search parameters into the Googly which I have been told is a vast library full of knowledge and cats. Though what exactly the cats have to do with it I cannot seem to understand.¡± Said Brightly.

    I didn¡¯t want to even attempt to tackle the task of explaining the internet''s obsession with cats. So I simply told him that he could take over when I fell asleep as I didn¡¯t really feel the need to be awake for a house search and I was rather tired anyway. I trusted V could explain anything Brightly didn¡¯t understand.

    The voices in my head started to banter about why the cats were so important to this thing called the ¡®internet¡¯ and I listened quietly. It was a calm and relaxing evening with pleasant company and a lively atmosphere. I suddenly felt that my life had just become a bit less lonely. Maybe I should visit my brother?