《Gray Heroics: Book 1》


 Where You Come From 1

    "TodayCaptain Righteous, head of theAmerican Deeds Association, has yet again saved countless lives from certain death! Just moments prior to his arrival, a handful of armed aggressors in masks opened fire on pedestrians promptly after exclaiming how they were no longer going to accept, and I quote, "being cogs in the mundane system of society."The Democratic hero showed up just before fatal harm and severe damage could be done; swooping in like lightning and subduing the unhinged group within mere seconds. We''ll now head on over to our on-the-scene reporter, Jesse Long. Jesse." Thechannel 666 NewsAnchorwoman transfers focus to the mentioned individual after providing the raw details of the story of the day. However, by this point a particular young man''s skepticism accumulates to a point where he can''t bring himself to entertain another second of what sounds so surreal to his ears. With the push of a few buttons he changes the channel on his grandmother''s TV, flickering over to the NetworkCartoon program. His questioning expression eases into his usual stoic stare as a genuine feeling of content settles in.


    Despite going on sixteen, this young man''s interest leans toward the simpler things in life. Cartoons happen to be one of those things. He''s at the height of 5''10 with skin of a smooth, rich coffee-caramel color. A lean physique with a head of shoulder-length straight hair, brushed over and styled to where his left eye is almost entirely covered by his raven bangs. His eyeballs themselves are an unnatural white, and their lack of pupils gives them a resemblance to twin spotless plates laying in oceans of white - or twin full moons, as some would say. His attire consists of a simple tee shirt underneath a thin hoodie, a wristband on each arm, fitted jeans messily tucked into a pair of high top converse sneakers, and a pair of shin high socks underneath - all of which are black, as well as an accurate representation of his nonchalant tastes.


    Unlike him, however, his grandmother has an eye for more colorful clothing.


    "He should be here any minute. Are you excited?" The elder woman asks from the bathroom, presently looking in the mirror while putting on a pair of earrings.


    "Uuh. I guess so. Kinda'' nervous." He answers honestly.


    "Don''t be. You''re just like your father, you know. Calm and simple. Doesn''t say much or do much. Kind, too."


    "Doesn''t say or do much?" The youth repeats under his breath, somewhat frowning in reaction. Not quite sure how to feel about the comparison.


    "I see." He speaks up this time.


    "Uh huh. Not sure if he''s a church man, but--"


    KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK!


    The grandmother''s notion is interrupted by someone knocking at their apartment door. Naturally, and before she could even ask, the young man rises to go answer it.


    "Can you get that, Galvin?"


    "Yeah, I got it." He answers from the kitchen, soon extending a hand to grip the doorknob.


    "Who is it?" The boy asks.


    "Gale." A masculine voice answers dryly from the other side. It''s a name the teen isn''t familiar with at all. Briefly looking over his shoulder, he calls out to his legal guardian.


    "Hey, Bibi? It''s someone named Gale. You know him?"


    "That''s him, that''s him! That''s your father." She answers, now frantically rushing to finish getting ready.


    That very answer hits him with a wave of nerve trembling anxiety. His chest begins to feel heavy as he reaches for the locks. Meekly undoing both top and bottom before holding his breath. He peels the door open and lays eyes upon a tall man dressed formerly under an open trench coat. 6''5 in height, minor yet rough facial hair upon a fairly strong jawline, a head of raven shoulder-length shaggy hair, and skin of peanut butter complexion that''s just a shade and a half lighter than the boy''s. Identical features; eye shape, brows, eye color, and hair color. There''s an air of grayness and simplicity to him. A man with a look of stoic honesty in his eyes, and jaded softness behind his words. There was no mistake that the two are definitely related.


    "Can I come in? I don''t want to be a nuisance and leave her door open." Gale asks.


    "Sorry, yeah." Galvin responds and steps back to give the older male space to enter. Which he does, and then politely shuts & locks the door behind himself. The two soon find themselves staring at each other.


    "Hey." Gale greets.


    "Hey..." Galvin responds. Silence creeps in and lingers for a moment. A feeling of uncertainty eats at the teen from the inside out. He chews at the inner region of his bottom lip while his heart thumps uncomfortably behind his chest. Both pairs of his thumbs and point fingers clench intensely until he finds the courage to break what feels like minutes of painful quietness.


    "Are you my... dad?"


    "Are you... Galivinth?" The question surprises the teen. Eyes going wide and lips parting a tad. No one had ever really been able to say his actual name, especially on the first try.


    "Y-yeah. I am. That''s my name."


    "Then I undoubtedly am your father. You''re my son." Gale states rather stoically.


    Silence seeps in again, and for much longer this time. The two look as if they''re studying each other, trying to read the moment. It''s difficult for them both to process. Then, simultaneously, they budge toward one another with the intent of hugging. There''s a stutter in movement and brief pause, though the two eventually close off the distance between them and embrace one another. Galvin''s heart rate increases in the moment. The two stay like that for a little over a minute.


    Then? The father finally brings forth a concern of his.


    "By the way--" Gale trails off, moving his hands to palm the sides of his son''s face and tilt the boy''s head back for a better look at his eyes.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "Are you blind?" He asks with narrowing eyes, noticing the boy''s lack of pupils.


    "...No. I can see fine." Galvin answers, grimacing as his father''s thumbs press over his high cheekbones and just below his eyes.


    "Uh huh. That''s why you have trouble seeing far away, right?" The grandmother chimes in teasingly as she comes strolling into the kitchen in a tidy white blouse and lengthy black skirt.


    "It''s not that bad..." The teen assures.


    "Oh, so his vision is impaired?" Gale asks, shifting his eyes toward the grandmother briefly.


    "Hardly. I''m not colorblind or anything." Galvin argues.


    "He needs glasses, but he refuses to wear and keep up with them." She insists.


    "I see. Why is that, Galivinth?" The father questions.


    "I don''t really need them." The son answers.


    "What he means is, he''s too busy worrying about what the other kids at his school think to bother with them." The elder woman corrects.


    "Bibi..." Galvin utters in disapproval.


    "Do you truly not like wearing glasses?" Gale asks of his son.


    "I don''t really need them." Galvin answers.


    "He really needs them. Maybe you can talk him into finally wearing them consistently." The grandmother counters.


    "I can try." The father offers.


    "It''s really not that bad..." Galvin persists.


    "Anywho, I was actually planning on attending church this morning. I don''t mind you two spending time together, but all I ask is that you don''t keep him out until the middle of the night." The grandmother finally drops the topic and informs them of her expectation.


    "That''s completely fair and fine by me." Gale tells her, now finally lowering his hands back to his sides.


    "You have your key, right?" She asks, looking toward Galvin.


    "Yes."


    "Good. Be sure to lock the door on your way out if you''re not leaving with me. I''m heading out after I grab my coat." She informs the youth before heading back to her room to fetch the mentioned item.


    "Did you want to sit and talk for a bit, or something?" Galvin softly offers, tucking his hands into the depths of his pockets as he does.


    "I want to take you somewhere and talk, actually. There''s some important things we need to take care of. Things you need to know."


    "Oh. Yeah, okay. I''m... I''m up for it. Whatever it is."


    "Good. We''ll leave now, then." Gale turns to unlock the door upon those words. Stepping out and waiting by the stairway leading down.


    "We''re leaving now, Bibi." Galvin calls out. However, his grandmother comes hustling out of her bedroom in the far back and toward the front with them.


    "Alright, go ahead. I''ll lock the door." She tells him. They both step out; she proceeds to lock the entrance while the other two begin their descent down and out of the building.


    "Hey, let me do something right quick?" Galvin asks, stopping his father mid-walking.


    "Hm? Sure, go ahead. I''ll wait." The older male obliges. Not too long after, the grandmother emerges from the building. Slipping on her leather coat as the cool open air meets her brown skin. Once she has both arms through their respective openings, Galvin approaches and hugs her. Smiling, she returns the gesture.


    "Oh, glad you didn''t forget about my hug!" She tells him with sheer delight. Despite his near stoic expression, he leans in and begins laying kisses along his grandmother''s forehead. At least a dozen before he fortifies the hug.


    "I love you." He tenderly tells her. It earns him a chuckle from her.


    "I love you, too. And be good, okay?" She responds while rubbing at his back. Promptly, another barrage of kisses are spread all over her face again right after.


    "I will. Have a good day at church." Galvin responds.


    "I will, I will." And with that, the two finally break apart and go their separate ways. She heads down to the opposite end of the block where the religious building is located. And him, toward his awaiting father.


    "Alright, I''m ready now."


    "Hmm. I''ve nearly forgotten how affectionate people here are on Earth. It''s fascinating, yet also nice." Gale comments before beckoning his son along with a hand.


    "Let''s be on our way, shall we?"


    He adds. The teen follows behind on a short walk toward a1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe-- stainless black. Sleek and in mint condition. Gale makes his way around to the driver''s side while Galvin takes a moment to ogle.


    "Interesting car you''ve got. Didn''t think I''d ever see one of these in person... It''s pretty cool." The two settle inside and close their respective doors. Gale places his left hand on the steering wheel while his right reaches for where the key slot should be. He presses his point finger over the small circular panel there, allowing it to read his finger print. Then--


    "Identification confirmed." A female AI voice speaks out, and a purring sensation ensues.


    "What kind of car is this again?" The teen asks while lifting a brow.


    "A Ford Coupe on the surface."


    "Who built it? Some high-end company?"


    "No. I did. I built everything that lies beneath and inside." Gale answers.


    "Oh... wow. Okay, that... that''s interesting." Galvin comments and buckles in. His father does so as well, but only after seeing him do so.


    "That''s what you do for a living? Building cars?"


    "Not quite. But, I am glad you like the car. Built it from scratch myself." They pull off from the parking space and begin heading down the street.


    "The technology that I work with far exceeds what you''re used to here on Earth. We landed here by chance, but our mission remains the same, nonetheless. To learn, adapt, and improve life wherever we go." Gale explains.


    "I...we?" Galvin arches a brow.


    "We.Ourpeople, son." And with that, Gale reaches for the gear stick and shifts it into his desired mode.


    "You talk as iiiiiifffff!?" Panic comes pouring into the youth as the vehicle begins to not only tilt back, but also ascend skyward. Terrified, the teen desperately grabs onto anything his hands can grip. He also grits his teeth as they move closer and closer to the clouds above.


    "OH MY GOD, WHY!?"


    "Huh? What''s wrong?"


    "Heights... I hate heights! Stop going up!" Galvin admits.


    "It''s fine. You''re not in any dang--" The father tries to reassure the boy.


    "No, please! I really hate high places!"


    "Galivinth..."


    "I think I''m going to die of a heart attack..." By now, the car straightens out and begins flying smoothly. Still, the young man was breathing with exaggerated breaths through clenched teeth, wheezing in the midst of it all.


    "Everything is fine, son. Calm yourself." The father attempts to get through his son. Extending a hand to rest it over one of Galvin''s with a gentle grip, stroking delicately over the teen''s straining knuckles with his thumb.


    "Where are we going?"


    "We''re heading to the humble little town we''ve built on this planet. A place where we steadily grow in peace.''


    "Does it have a name?" The teen prods.


    "The town of Cryon. OrCryon Kingdom, as some prefer."


    "I-- I don''t know where that is. Is it Greek?" The son asks.


    "No. A place between the US and Canada." The father answers.


    "Oh, alri-- Wait, how far are we going?"


    "Much, much further than you''re probably thinking." Gale tells him. Galvin isn''t quite too sure what to make of such an answer, but he decides against prodding further. Instead, he directs his attention elsewhere. Outside the window at his side; it''s anxiety inducing at first, but something catches his eyes below. Superheroes flying over Downtown Chicago and heading toward a business building that''s lit ablaze. He leans closer and squints, but his nearsighted vision doesn''t help him identify any of the band of four. But, it doesn''t take much to realize they''re charging into danger without hesitation. A thunderousKROOM!Rings out as the leading figure smashes through concrete and barges inside the burning structure with raw strength, while the others follow inside right after.


    "Man, that''s so cool..." Galvin murmurs as they pass by.


    "Might want to brace yourself." Gale casually advises.


    "Wha-AAAAAAAAHHHH!?" Before the teen could get out the question, his father presses down onto the accelerator and increases their speed by 3.5x.


    The flying car fades into the distance in mere seconds.

 Where You Come From 2

    A little over twenty minutes pass on their trip. Though still uneasy about being so high up, Galivinth has grown accustomed to the feeling by now. Playing some music has definitely helped settle his nerves a bit, too.


    "So, this uuhh.. This we thing you mentioned earlier. Were you implying something? Like... You know. We''re somehow different from other people around us?" Galivinth asks, glancing over at his father with a look of skeptical curiosity.


    "Yes. Yes, I was deliberately outlining us, our kind, from humans." Galelith stoically answers.


    "Come again...?" The teen raises a brow.


    "We''re among lesser beings."


    "Wow, dad... What exactly is that supposed to mean?"


    "You''re a genetically superior lifeform. That''s what I mean. You''re not human, Galivinth. At least, not entirely."


    "I''m not sure I follow 100%, but it doesn''t sound too promising thus far. What do you mean I''m not human? What about you and I makes us inherently better than the average person?"


    "I''m not entirely sure what you''re not comprehending. We''re not humans. By standard definition, we''re aliens here." Galelith thinks on it for a moment. Looks to Galivinth briefly, then faces forward again.


    "Well... I suppose not you exactly. You''re native to Earth, but you''re not the same as the average Earthling." Galelith adds.


    "You''re telling me I''m genuinely of a different species?"


    "Yes."


    "And my genetic makeup is superior to humans?"


    "Yes."


    "...Are you racist?" Galivinth questions with furrowing brows.


    "By the literal definition? Yes." Galelith, still, answers with a deadpan tone.


    "Wow. I''m both fascinated and unconformable right now." Galivinth comments with shock written on his face.


    "I think there''s a misunderstanding, honestly. You''ve been conditioned to hold a stigma to the word. If you''re indirectly asking if I hate humans, then my answer is no."


    "Ah, okay. Okay... So what exactly makes us none-human?"


    "Have you not noticed any distinct differences between yourself and the others around you?"


    "I... Kind of?"


    "Your eyes. Your blood. Maybe even your level of strength? No normal humans can share those traits with you. You''ll even outlive them." Galelith informs.


    "I just thought I was different." The teen sheepishly replies.


    "You are. You''re a Cryonean."


    "Wha--? What is that?"


    "Hang on, we''re arriving at the town. I''ll tell you more in a bit." The flying automobile begins to slow and descend at an angle. Finally observing his surroundings, it''s only then that Galivinth notices the soft drizzle of snow around them. Though, before his brain could even think to question the unusual weather, a breathtaking sight comes into view. The only way he could really describe it was as a grand onyx kingdom. It was something torn out of a medieval tale. A navy blue brick road leading up to a city built of stone, steel, and wood holding shades varying from dark blue to royal blue. Sophisticated in design, even if dated in appearance. The wheels soon touch down with unexpected care and without hindering momentum. The teen stares in awe the entire time, speechless as they drive up to the guarded giant gateway up ahead. No wooden door or draw bridge, but some kind of blue transparent material. Looks to either be really thin glass or silk. At either side stands two figures in steel-blue knight armor, light in design and integrated with tech. No helmets, but they were armed with lances.


    Soon, they ease into a stop in front of the gateway. The two guards approach just as Galelith begins rolling down the driver and passenger side windows, letting a chilling breeze inside.


    "What have we here, hm?" The male of the two guards asks, though merely rhetorically. His complexion is dark, like chocolate. Hair trimmed short and slicked back with a thick spit curl hanging over his right brow.  A small holographic display projects before his eyes as he studies the two inside, starting with the father.


    "Galelith, Aero-engineering director of the Science Committee. Welcome back, by the by. And--" he trails off, directing his gaze toward the teen inside. Assessments were finished within seconds.


    "And a halfling, eh?"


    "Would you look at that." A woman''s voice speaks up from the opposite side, one Galivinth turns his head toward. There stands a woman of a pale complexion and long silk-like hair, dark as the night. Bent down and looking him directly in the eyes. Apparently not too versed in the concept of personal space, she reaches to cradle his jaw within the palm of her gloved hand. Instilling a minor upward tilt as a small grin forms upon her lips.


    "He certainly is one, Maverayne! His eyes are like the night sky moon. A twin set. He''s handsomely cute, too." She comments gleefully.


    "I''m sure he is, Laylith." Her peer, Maverayne, responds rather dryly. All the while, Galivinth was nervously enduring. Silently. Not too sure how to respond or react.


    "Yes, indeed. Ahem." She clears her throat, releasing the boy''s face and places her hand upon the door instead.


    "I''m sure you''re aware that he may not take up residence here, yes?" She goes on to ask.


    "You may do whatever you please outside these walls, but here, intentionally defiling the cryonean gene pool during our crucial time will NOT be tolerated." The male adds, meeting Galelith''s eyes directly.


    "I''m aware. He''s not staying, only visiting for the day." Galelith informs.


    "Ah, I see. No harm in that. In that case-- Laylith, if you''d be so kind as to properly brand our guest."


    "Of course, of course. I wouldn''t mind at all." The guardswoman reaches for Galivinth''s right bicep, using both hands to grip around it before uttering a phrase.


    "Manifest protocol." And with that, a shine of pale-blue light comes forth and forms a red armband bearing a bland white circle on it. She releases him and nods at her handiwork.


    "All set."


    "Wonderful. You may proceed, sir." The two guards step away to return to their post. Maverayne takes a moment to swipe his palm left, motioning at the gate to momentarily remove the blue construct. Galelith gently presses his foot down on the gas and heads within those giant walls.


    "I''m so confused. What kind of place is this, again?" Galivinth asks.


    "A nation of cryoneans. We haven''t been here for very long, but we''ve managed to established order and a way of life here." His father answers.


    "Is there something wrong? They were talking as if I was a nuisance of some kind."


    "No, no. It''s just that our population is rather low. Many of us died after crash landing years ago, and we''ve just only begun to accumulate beyond a population of 300 after 20 years. The council wants to keep us pure-blooded for a little while longer. Earthlings aren''t permitted inside, but small compromises can be made with having some level of influence." Galelith explains.


    "I... I see. Is that what this armband is for?"The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "Yes. A visitor''s pass."


    "How can you tell who''s pure-blooded or half, though?"


    "You haven''t noticed? Hm. I suppose this is a lot to take in for you. The human half of you may be hindering your brain..." Those words from his father bring forth a wary look upon the teen''s face. A sense of ridicule creeping in.


    "You can tell by looking at their eyes or scanning them with a DNA decoder. See, every full blooded cryononean has a certain eye type. Think of it as a three layer bullseye; a ring around a smaller ring, both monochrome, and a black dot in the center of the smaller ring. There''s no varying eye color among us. Never has been. However, half bloods like you, are notably different - as stated in biological research reports that I myself submitted after your birth.  At the very least, your eyes are monochrome like mine, so it''s a telltale sign that you''re a descendant of our nation."


    "Oh... Is that all there is? No other difference?"


    "There is, actually. To keep it simple: You''re defective."


    "Defective?" Galivinth repeats.


    "Yes. But I plan on fixing you, or at least patch up the flaws that ail you to the best of my capabilities." His father answers. Galivinth couldn''t bring himself to prod for a second more. Every answer was surreal and disheartening. He knows he''s receiving full-on honesty, but it''s not quite so easy to swallow so abruptly.


    His father drives mindfully on the brick road, avoiding the citizens walking about and going about their day normally in snowy weather. Rarely do other vehicles come into view. On top of that, the residents are abnormally tall and dressed fashionably posh. No casual wear. Some walking on ground, some being carried by levitating platforms to their desired location. It was as if several time eras blended into one to create something so interestingly bizarre.


    Besides those details, they resemble every day folk around his own neighborhood. Like Humans.


    The car eventually drives up to a large premise, one that gives the impression of a university. In the center lies an enormous transparent dome, and from a distance, it looks as if there''s people running around inside.


    "We''re here." Galelith informs upon parking near the sidewalk. The two exit the vehicle and head toward the large facility.


    "Where are we?"


    "A research facility for societal advancement. It''s where members of the science and magic committees usually reside when they aren''t consulting with the King in meetings. They, some of us, mentor the future generations of potential members. This is also where my lab is."


    "King? You live under a king?" Galivinth questions.


    "Yes. The title is reserved for royal bloodline. It''s.... A bit similar to the US'' presidential position of power, but instead of checks-and-balances, the King''s decree is incontestable. He may choose to listen to advisors on the councils, but in the end, his word is law." Galelith explains.


    "Isn''t that unsettling?"


    "No. We do our best to do what''s best for everyone, no matter where their political positions may land."


    "Oh. I see."


    "What about you? Do you find it unsettling when your government makes decisions on your behalf, as well as the masses as a whole?" The father questions in turn.


    "I never really thought about it. I don''t know, but things seem fine so far. But I think I''d be against a noticeable and dramatic change." Galivinth replies. His attention shifts toward the sphere, and from there, he''s swept up by what he sees inside of it. He pauses to observe those within the impressively towering and wide dome. Two opposing sides facing each other in a bout. Elemental projectiles, some the size of cars, flying from both directions. Fireballs, waves of water, streams of electricity, and even violent gushes of wind. Strangely, he could hear no sound from it. He surmises the dome has some sort of noise cancellation ability.


    "Galivinth?" The father calls to his son upon noticing the teen lagging behind.


    "Yeah?"


    "Oh, the sport caught your eye?"


    "Sport? How are they even doing that?" The teen questions with a contemplative frown.


    "Magic."


    "You''re serious?" Galivinth asks as he raises a brow toward his father.


    "Yes, I am. This is a sport from our homeworld. I don''t particularly care much for it, but the magesouls are usually heavily invested within it."


    "Magesouls? Like, people born with magic or something?"


    "Not quite. If that was the case, we''d all be considered one. They''re the ones of us who are blessed with the Goddess'' favor, allowing them to achieve higher tiers of magic. What you''re seeing now is a display of 2 and 3 tier spells. If you think that''s something to behold, then just wait until you see tier 6, the highest of them all." Galelith explains.


    "Huh. So, how do you even win in this sport?"


    "It''s a game of conquering. Right now, there''s two opposing sides with their own three gate-towers and a single castle. Teammates are identified by their designated colored jackets - which also have protective properties to severely reduce the chances of injuries. The goal is for a team of five to attack and defend. Destroying a tower could remove a force field, IF the right or left tower are the targets. Destroying the middle will only result in the left and right forming a wide force field that still protects the castle entree point."


    "I see. So, is invading the other team''s castle the only way to win?" Galivinth asks.


    "No. There''s also a 12-minute timer in place. If neither team succeeds in invading, then feats will be considered to judge a winner. Attacks landed on enemy players, teamwork displayed, strategy, tower damage, and some other details. It''s also a best of 2 out of 3 rounds." Galelith finishes explaining. The subject of the matter - the sport - seems as if it were concluding. One of the ten players inside breaks off from the rest to approach where the father and son are spectating. A male around 6''0 in height, olive skin, athletically lean physique, hair trimmed into a neat and stylish low cut with a fade in the back and flame-like designs along his temples. The stranger also bears a small grin on his lips. The two watch as the individual seems to literally draw a rectangle opening upon the glass surface with a single finger until he''s content with his handiwork. Galivinth blinks with a look of shock as the male pushes it open like an actual door and steps out to greet them.


    "Hey, you''re back already, huh? Did you find him?" The adolescent asks, eyes settling upon Galelith for the time being.


    "Yes, I did. He''s standing right in front of you, Naeth." He responds, then places a hand onto his son''s shoulder.


    "Galivinth, this is - by Earth customs - whom you''d be able to consider a cousin of yours. A relative."


    "Wait, this is him? Your son? But he looks just as old as me." Naeth comments, studying the other teen with a look of confusion.


    "Have you been to this planet before?"


    "No, not at all. It''s the human half of his biological makeup. It''s causing him to age rapidly, just like the average human. I brought him here to help with that." Galelith answers.


    "Oh, you don''t say! That''s pretty scary to think about for sure. I thought he looked a bit interesting..." Naeth replies before presenting another warm grin. His eyes calmly peering into the pupilless pools of Galivinth''s eyes. The latter frowns somewhat, looking away to avoid the awkward eye contact. The reaction earns a soft chuckle from the male.


    "You''ve got honest eyes. So different and surreal, too. I''m a little jealous, honestly. Still, you look awfully simple. No real charisma to your style at all. Unlike me." Naeth outwardly examines his relative with a tone of fascination and ego. Galivinth, however, couldn''t help but to stare silently with an unamused look on his face.


    "I like you already. I can see potential in you, despite your fragile presence. Also, here on Earth the concept of family ties holds a deep emotional value, yes? How about we keep in touch? As family. Surely you feel lonely being the only one of your kind out there and I wouldn''t mind having an excuse to visit humankind''s society." Naeth adds, casual and chipper in speech.


    "...Sure. I guess... Family is family." Galivinth reluctantly agrees.


    "Great! What''s your personal contact number?" One sidedly, Galivinth provides his number. During, Naeth lifts left arm and rolls up his sleeve to reveal a watch-like device on his wrist. When every digit is given, the device makes an affirming sound.


    "Contact method recorded and saved." A robotic and female-like voice announces, drawing a baffled look from Galivinth.


    "I''m glad you two are getting along, but I''m anxious to get things done. Every second counts, I feel. Come along, son."  Galelith chimes in. Nearly immediately after, a few of the others inside the dome call out for Neath. He too takes his leave with a farewell.


    "Got another round or two to do. I''ll be seeing you, cousin." And with that, they go their separate ways. The dorm shutting and sealing up as if no cut was made prior after Naeth enters again. The father and son pair resume their journey to enter the building. From within, the son finds himself almost breathless, but certainly in awe. The inside was much larger than he thought it''d be. It was also a mixture of modern and futuristic, belying the dated exterior he saw outside. It was all so unreal and unpredictable. Heading up a flight of stairs made of solid energy wasn''t something he was expecting to see coming to this side of the world.


    "This is it." Galelith informs, pushing into the doorway of a lab. On the other side stands a man at a worktable, tampering with some sort of device. He speaks without turning around. At least, not until he''s done with his touch-up.


    "Welcome back, Galelith. How was your trip to the human city!?" The man asks, static can be heard from his general direction.


    "It was fine. All there''s left to do is administrate the serum."


    "Hm? So soon? Is it not still untested?" The man inquires as he promptly stops what he''s doing to face the two, lifting his protective goggles, as well. He was a man of ivory skin, his hair a pure raven black color and neatly parted, and a trimmed beard and goatee occupies his features. He looks to be around the same age as Galelith.


    "It''ll work, Tonithy. I have faith in it."


    "I don''t know. I wish I could believe that, but it seems more like to me that you''re desperate."


    "I am, but I know what I''m doing."


    "Well, you do have a credible reputation. I''ll take your word for it."


    "Good. Galivinth, take a seat over there in that chair." Gale instructs. His son obliges whilst Galelith himself heads toward a small fridge containing filled tubes. He opens and pulls out a small steel briefcase before gently kicking the door shut again. As Galelith preps the injection at a nearby tool utensil table, Galivinth watches with anxiety in his chest and worry on his face. Unsure what to make of what was going on. His father assembles a syringe and slips a small tube containing some sort of black liquid with bits of tiny glowing dots inside of it. Naturally, the teen speaks out in curiosity as his father approaches.


    "What exactly is that stuff?"


    "A compound given electromagnetic properties to boost its effects. In theory, it should amplify the Cryonean half of your DNA and somewhat suppress your human half." Galelith answers, now taking hold of the teens right forearm and proceeding to push up the sleeve of his hoody. Quick and smooth in motion, he injects and pumps the substance into his son''s bloodstream. Besides a grimace, there doesn''t look to be any immediate side effects. Still, Galelith makes sure there''s no complications.


    "Let me know if you feel any discomfort."


    "...Kinda'' feel a chill spreading a bit. Besides that, nothing but the sting from the needle."


    "I see." Galelith moves to retrieve bandages and such from a cabinet nearby. During this entire time, Tonithy stood watching keenly. Finally, he asks the question on his mind.


    "He shares a resemblance to you, especially in the expressions he makes. Is he your son?"


    "Yes, he is indeed my son."


    "We... Haven''t been here for too long. I can only assume he''s a product of your outings into the human-world."


    "He is, Tonithy. An outcome I hadn''t actually intended, but one I want to make right."


    "Got a bit careless, huh? I suppose it''s easy to get swept up in moments when you''re in a new fascinating environment. Even so, I wouldn''t have thought a half Cryonean would age just as fast as a human."


    "Neither did I. But it''s fixed now. It should be." Galelith responds, now using a small cloth to brush a dab of alcohol over his son''s arm, and a band-aid follows soon after. During, he notices the teen averting his eyes the whole time.


    "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine. I think... I''m just trying to digest this situation. I feel like I shouldn''t be here."


    "Technically no, you shouldn''t. But I''m exploiting my position in the council to override that to a certain degree. You''re entitled to be here so long as I''m within the city." Galelith assures.


    "I... Sure. Whatever you say."


    "Are you still uncertain about something?"


    "No, everything is fine. Are we done here? I think I''m ready to go back home now."


    "...I see. Just one more stop, then I''ll take you back home." And with that, Galelith puts away his utilities. The two bid farewell to Tonithy and silently make their way back out into the hallway. Galelith guides his son into a nearby library students typically make use of. Today, no one else is present. Galelith begins sorting through specific columns of bookshelves and stacks a small collection of books into Galivinth''s hands.


    "I want you to read up on the history of Cryoneans, as well as our native tongue. Laws, family households, and physiology of our species."


    "What about magic? Is there a book for that, too?" The teen asks.


    "Magic...? You''re truly interested in such a thing?"


    "...Yeah. Yeah, I am. But uh.. Is there, like, a book just filled with spells? I don''t really need to know the history of it. At least, not as of now."


    "Very well. I''ll oblige." Galelith sighs, going to retrieve the ideal book and returning with it shortly after. It wasn''t as thick as the others, but it looks to have around 100 or so pages worth of magic spells. It gently joins the top of the pile in the teen''s possession. As promised, Galivinth is taken back home for the evening.


    The teen makes his way inside the apartment building. After a bit of struggle to retrieve his key from his pocket and open the front door of his home, he enters while announcing his presence.


    "I''m home!"


    "Oh, welcome back." His grandmother responds as he heads into his bedroom. He places the stack of books onto his study desk and moves to practically toss himself onto his bed. His guardian arrives to stand within his doorway.


    "How was it?"


    "I''m not too sure. It wasn''t like anything I was expecting at all."


    "Is that good or bad?" She asks.


    "Both." He answers.


    "Was it hard getting along?"


    "No. He''s just kind of weird. It''ll take some getting used to."


    "Ha! I know that feeling all too well. Nothing particular to talk about at all? Anything positive?" She asks, internally hoping the boy was able to bond with his father to some degree. Galvin thinks on the question for a moment, nonchalantly looking up at the ceiling. Then he turns his head toward her softly smiling face again.


    "Well... I think I''m immortal now."


    END.

 Where You Come From 3

    Night comes and goes, giving way to the passage of an ascending sun and its fresh morning. At this time, Galivinth is laying sound asleep in bed. Unaware of the surprise presently climbing up the side of the apartment building where his bedroom window can be found. With immaculate timing, knocking strikes at the glass exactly when the teen''s digital clock hits 8:00am.


    Yet, Galivinth doesn''t even fidget in his sleep. Another knock shortly follows up, one much louder than the previous attempt.


    Still, the male sleeps in absolute peace. The unannounced visitor arches a brow at how much of a heavy sleeper Galivinth is, though is far from conceding. With the bottom of a fisted hand, the individual bangs on the window several times with enough force to cause the entire frame to quake.


    Yet, it also proves to be ineffective. The one viewing in from outside blinks with dumbfounded awe.


    "He''s in a much deeper slumber than I though--"


    "Who-What!?"


    "UT-!?" THUD!!!


    Before the individual could finish his thought, Galivinth snaps awake and shoots up like a bullet, looking to his left and right for the source of disturbance. In that same instance, the person at his window was startled and had lost their grip, falling with a harsh sound of a body meeting concrete ground with a resounding echo.


    "Was.. Was that somebody outside?" Concerned, Galivinth hustles out of bed and over to his window, unlocking and lifting it to stick his head out for a look. Immediately noticing someone getting up from the ground while patting their clothes down.


    "Dude, are you okay!? Was that you just now?" The young man asks, catching the individual''s attention upon doing so. The masculine figure looks up at him, and Galivinth''s eyes widen with disbelief. It was Naeth, the guy from the previous day.


    "Yes, absolutely. You caught me off guard and I lost my footing, is all." The other responds with a carefree tone, resuming brushing his attire off until he''s satisfied.


    "You just fell from two stories... You sure? I can get you a ride to the hospital or something." Galivinth offers.


    "I am one hundred percent sure. Didn''t feel a thing, honestly! I''m not some fragile being, you kno-" Naeth pauses entirely, promptly turning his attention up toward Galivinth with a contemplative frown.


    "You are aware of our biological differences, right?"


    "I... Y-yeah. Yeah, I know. It''s been ingrained into my mind since leaving that city."


    "Ah, good! Then don''t be too concerned about my well-being. I''m far, far more durable than any human, and very likely twice more resilient than you."


    "Uh huh." Galivinth responds dryly.


    "Now that we''ve covered that..." Naeth trails off, solely for the purpose of climbing back up the side of the building with swiftness and apparent ease. As the foreign lifeform reaches his window ledge, Galivinth instinctively backs off to stand a foot away with a surprised look on his face.


    "Can I come inside?" The peculiar male asks.


    "How did you just do that?"


    "Hm? What?"


    "Climb the building, dude! What else?"


    "Oh. I just dug my fingers and shoes into the wall. The material is pretty easy to crush."


    "You can crush bricks with your bare hands?" Galivinth questions.


    "Can you not?"


    "Uuhh... Never thought to try."


    "Huurm.... Hopefully you''re not so weak that you share trivial struggles with the average human. But then again, that''s why I''m here! To learn more about you and see how short you fall as a halfling." Naeth informs.


    "It''s really too early for this..." Galivinth mumbles under his breath while lifting his hands to cup his entire face and rub his eyes with his middle finger and thumb.


    "So, do I have your permission to enter?" Neath presses.


    "Yes, dude. Yes. Climb in."


    "Much obliged, kin." Naeth enters and eventually comes to stand inside the bedroom. Today, he''s dressed in urban clothing. A red polo shirt over a black turtleneck sweater with its sleeves neatly rolled up above his biceps. Fitted dark blue jeans on his legs and high-top white and red sneakers on his feet.


    "Galvin? You''re awake? Is someone else in there with you?" Bibi calls out from the kitchen.


    Sighing with a heavy breath, her grandson responds nonchalantly."Yeah, there is..."


    "Oh, well bring whoever it is out with for breakfast!" She tells him. Surely enough, the teen soon exits his bedroom with his guest, and the two of them take a seat at the square table in the kitchen. Within a few moments, the table is set and three plates are served with a meal of two pancakes, eggs, and four small sausages each. After taking a seat is when the grandmother prods Galivinth about his guest.


    "Didn''t know you were having someone over. You didn''t think to tell me about it beforehand?"


    "It''s not like that at all. He sort of just showed up a few minutes ago. I didn''t even know he was coming over."


    "Oh? Well, introduce him! Who is he?" The elder woman presses, leaving Galivinth feeling obliged to do so. But before he can, Naeth does the honor instead.


    "No need, miss. I''m not so meek that I couldn''t speak up for myself. I''m Naeth! Adequate dabbler in sorcery, an athlete, and a relative of this interesting fellow right here. We''re cousins in fact!" He explains, gesturing toward Galivinth, who pauses mid way of bringing a fork full of eggs to his mouth. The grandmother and grandson exchange stares for a few seconds. Then, Galivinth confirms everything.


    "Yeah, he''s my cousin on my father''s side. Met him yesterday when we were out. He''s... As he''s stated, a practitioner of magic. Somehow." A silent pause creeps in, filled with only the skeptical look on his grandmother''s face and the carefree grin on Naeth''s.


    "I''m serious. He was shooting fireballs and dodging all sorts of stuff. It''s super weird where my dad lives." Galivinth explains further, hoping she didn''t think he was making it all up.


    "Uh huh. You sure it wasn''t some sort of light show?" His grandmother remains unconvinced.


    "I''m almost very certain of it." Galivinth assures as confidently as he can, then turns his attention toward Naeth to validate his words.


    "Dude, it was real, right? Tell her I''m not crazy."


    The conversation draws out an amused outburst of laughter from the cryonean.


    "This is all too funny. The magic you saw yesterday was absolutely real. Every last incantation. Is magic and sorcery truly foreign concepts here?"


    "Bah, younglings and their silliness. If you boys want to talk about your little games, at least have the decency to separate reality from it." The grandmother dismisses the topic, feeling it was likely nothing more than some trending notion from present day youths.


    "But ma''am--" Naeth attempts to speak another point, but finds himself being cut off.


    "No, it''s alright. We''ll talk more about it later." Galivinth tells him. Pretty soon, the three finish their breakfast. Galivinth offers to do the dishes, which he does while his grandmother heads back into her bedroom to watch TV. Naeth sits observing them the entire time. Afterwards, Galivinth informs his relative that he''ll need some time to shower and then they''ll continue their discussion outside. The American alien heads back inside his room briefly to fetch a change of clothes, takes them into the bathroom with him, and emerges 19 minutes later. 10 minutes spent showering, another 9 spent drying off, getting dressed, taking care of his hygiene, and combing some order into his hair. He dresses in his simple and usual fashion: tee shirt, jeans, high socks, sneakers, and a sweatband on each wrist. All black.


    His discarded clothes were placed within a laundry bin inside.


    "Alright, let''s go talk." Galivinth offers, adjusting his left wristband during.


    "Lead the way." Naeth obliges and rises out of his seat.


    "Hey, Bibi! I''m heading out for a bit!"


    "Okay, be safe!" The grandmother shouts from her room in turn. And with that, the two boys head outside. Eventually coming to stand at the front of the building. Galivinth is the first to break the silence with a concerned question.


    "By the way, how did you know where I lived?"


    "Simple. I traced the number you gave me back to where you usually use your phone." Naeth answers honestly.


    "You hacked my phone!?" This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "What? No. I said I traced the typical place you use it. I didn''t rummage through your data or device. Only followed the signal associated with it using my own communicator." Naeth explains, lifting his right arm and pointing to the monochrome device on his wrist.


    "Oh... Is that legal?"


    "You''ve got something to hide?" Naeth questions with an arching brow.


    "No?"


    "Then I find it odd you''d question my method of finding you. It''s a very common thing to do back on Cryon."


    "Hm." Not quite too keen on discussing social norms with the Cryon native, Galivinth merely gives a skeptical look. Without too long of a delay, he changes the subject.


    "So the magic. What is that? How do you even do it?"


    "You seriously have no idea?" With wide eyes, Naeth counters with a question of sheer disbelief.


    "Nnnnope."


    "Huh... I''m aware of how primitive this planet is, but to think that not even YOU would know of magic''s presence. It''s funny and shocking to me. I suppose I shouldn''t underestimate how much of a lesser being the average Earthling is."


    "Dude, just tell me how to use the Goddang magic..." A sense of annoyance laces Galivinth''s usual monotone speech.


    "Alright, alright. Listen up, because it''s not as accessible as you may be thinking. There''s actually multiple sources of magic in existence. Some exclusive to a race of people, some technically available to all, and even some you can con your way into tapping in. What I use is STRICTLY Cryonean magic, which comes from Yvetal, the Goddess of magic. It is said she blessed all cryonean blood with the gift of magic since the beginning of time and life on our home planet. It is an endless source our kind can tap into." Naeth begins his informative lecture.


    "Oh... Even more religious stuff, huh?" Galivinth comments under his breath.


    "Are you a non-believer?"


    "No, I believe in a higher power. I lean toward Christianity, I guess. But I don''t really claim it or any other religion as my own. It''s all too muddy and complicated." Galivinth explains.


    "Ah. Well, all of us give thanks to the Gods. Especially Yvetal and Trivisty, the latter being the God of knowledge. Both are associated with the political parties of magic and science. Anyway, Yvetal may have blessed ALL cryonean blood with the usage of magic, but only half of our race are bestowed with greater potential for it. I''m one of those who are. I''ll explain more soon, but first I''d like to see where YOU fall. Do you have Yvetal''s or Trivisty''s favor, I wonder..." Naeth tells him.


    "Hey, I''m down to find out. What do I do to determine it?"


    "Hold out your hand, like this." Naeth instructs, his example being his right hand extending out in front of him with his palm facing upward. Galivinth does the same right after.


    "Good. Now, focus on your palm. I want you to make a claw-like gesture and strain the muscles in your hand and fingers."


    "Okay..." Following orders, Galivinth does just that. A solemn stare fixed upon his straining hand that looks as if it were desperately clutching onto an invisible object.


    "Now imagine a vacuum forming in the middle of your hand and pulling in energy."


    "Energy?"Galivinth repeats.


    "Just pretend there''s something in the air itself you can pull from. Pretend your hand is pulling at it with the vacuum." With those provided steps, the half cryonean does as he is told. Almost immediately something begins floating into the corners of his vision. Tiny glowing white orbs begin gathering at his palm at a steady rate, combining to form a single large sphere of radiant energy.


    "Hey.. Hey! I think I have it! This is supposed to be happening right?" Galivinth excitedly speaks out. In the moment, the visual he sees fades until it''s completely gone under his broken focus.


    "Wait, no.. It''s gone?"


    "Settle down and keep focus. It''s still there, but you have to keep your focus to see it again." Naeth calmly advises, to which his cousin follows through with. The visual of the orb of energy returns almost immediately.


    "Okay, I see it again. Now what?"


    "I pass judgment, of course. And I have to admit that I''m not too surprised. Your accumulated magic energy seems to have struck its limit already... That''s barely enough to cast tier 2 spells." Naeth explains, noting that the sphere in his relative''s palm was roughly the size of a softball. Maybe a tad larger.


    "Oh... Is that like, really bad?"


    "Bad? It''s atrocious. The average cryonean without Yvetal''s blessing can gather enough for at least tier 3 casting. Truth be told? I didn''t think it could be so small.." Naeth casually ridicules.


    "Well, show me a comparison. How big is yours?"


    "Watch and be amazed." A smug grin abruptly forms across Naeth''s lips as he positions his hand beside Galivinth''s. In a similar fashion, though far faster, he begins drawing energy to his palm. However instead of white, the coloration of the tiny orbs were a deep radiant blue. By the time he finishes gathering to his limit, his sphere grows to the size of a basketball. Shimmering with a crystal blue light that Galivinth can''t help but to wince from.


    "Jesus Christ, that''s bright¡­ But also pretty cool!"


    "Very impressive, isn''t it? I''m capable of tier 5 sorcery thanks to the blessing. But admittedly, I''ve no ambition with this potential. I''ve mostly been learning to manipulate the element of fire on various scales and in many ways. Haven''t bothered with much else."


    "Oh, that sounds kind of interesting. Why fire, though?" Galivinth questions.


    "Because it''s fierce and effective, especially in combat. It just feels satisfying to burn something. I''ve also learned to integrate it within my Muay Thai training. Something I do when I need to pass the time." Naeth answers.


    "Ah, I see. The more I learn about you, the less I understand about you..."


    "Well, there''ll be time for elaborating later. At the time being, let''s focus on getting you familiarized with casting. We''ll start with a tier one fire spell." Naeth proposes and shuts his hand, dispersing the collected energy upon doing so.


    "Try Fi-Ah."


    "Fi-ah?" Galivinth repeats, initiating the process of casting. The orb of energy within his palm morphs. Flattening to take the form of a rotating red neon ring, one that shoots out a baseball-sized projectile skyward, startling the teen.


    "Guh!? I wasn''t expecting that!"


    "Relax, it was one of the easiest incantations. Don''t get so worked up. And as you can tell, casting is relatively easy for the most part. You just need to remember incantations. A lot of them, or a select few. Depends on what you''re hoping to do."


    "I''m just curious of what the tier 2 version is like. What''s the incantation for it?"


    "Already ready to explore the next level, huh? Just be mindful not to accidentally set yourself on fire. Repeat the first step of drawing magic." Upon Naeth''s instruction, Galivinth focuses on his palm once more and accumulates all that he can into it.


    "Alright. Now be careful, okay? It''s at least three times larger than Fi-Ah. The incantation is Fi-Ara."


    "Got it." And with that, Galivinth adjusts to aim his open palm in a random direction. Right arm extended, left hand bracing its forearm.


    "Remember... Be care--"


    "Fi-Ara!" Galivinth exclaims, neglecting his relatives'' warning with a misguided sense of thinking he knows better. With a roaring and trembling eruption, a flaming projectile the size of three cannonballs combined into one discharges from the teen''s palm. Nowhere near as fast as a bullet, but easily capable of covering more ground quicker than a sprinter on foot.


    The caster observes with a delighted smile, while Naeth watches nonchalantly with a brow raised. The latter of the two boys can already see how it''ll end.


    Then, with a thunderous impact, the large fireball strikes a parked car in the distance with great force. Enough to cave in the side and shatter every single window, and also send it tumbling on its side before it''s cut off by the surface of the old abandoned building that sits at the corner of the block. The totaled and burning vehicle settles upright on the sidewalk - all much to Galivinth''s horror.


    "Oh my God..." Galivinth breathes out as the depth of his chest fills with dreadful guilt.


    "I tried to warn you."


    "I didn''t think it''d go so far... I am in so much trouble."


    "Possibly. I don''t think anyone saw what happened, though. We can feign ignorance and leave elsewhere for a bit." Naeth suggests as the natives of the neighborhood begin stepping out of their homes to investigate the source of the explosive commotion.


    "No... No. I... I''d rather be up front about it. I didn''t know what I was doing, but I still did it." Galivinth nervously reasons.


    "Very admirable of you, cousin." Naeth praises. As incoherent murmuring begins and gradually ascends in volume, an older man comes rushing out of his home. A veteran who lives across the street in one of the single floor houses-for-rent beside the abandoned building. Short brushed over blonde hair, the bit of wrinkles and creases in his face give a hint he''s at least forty. He stands at 6''1 in height, his complexion fair, and his demeanor typically uptight and influenced by his lengthy time in the military. A friendly old man, but one known for his habit of rambling about stories from his time serving the country.


    He, unfortunately, was the owner of that wrecked burning chunk of metal everyone was staring at.


    "Those Godda-... AAAUGH! Dang ole flippin'' filthy Russians!!" The old man bellows at the top of his lungs while gripping the tongue of his baseball cap and tossing it angrily down to the ground. As he glares daggers at his former vehicle, the two boys cross the street and pass through the crowd to confront him. Galivinth approaches until he''s just a meter away from the old timer.


    "Mr. Ankerts..." Galivinth reluctantly calls out to get the veteran''s attention. He does so without fail. The blonde elder immediately turns toward him with a silent stare.


    "I... Was the one who blew up your car."


    "Eh!? How do you figure?" The old man questions with a skeptical frown.


    "I kinda''... Hit it... With...a fire...work?" Galivinth answers with a distorted truth, believing any mentioning of magic wouldn''t be taken remotely seriously.


    "Bah! You? What''d ya use?"


    "A-A fire rocket, I guess?"


    "A fire rocket? Do you even know what you had in your hands? Do you even know where to buy illegal and highly dangerous fireworks?"


    "No, I don''t. Never bought any, never thought to either. But still--"


    "That''s just it, boy! You''re not the type to do anything outlandish like that. THIS was a psy-op and warning! It was rigged to blow! The Russians wanted me to see this." The old man interrupts to explain, and rather confidently so. It leaves a stunned look on both of the boys'' faces.


    "Wha...?" Galivinth expresses his dumbfounded confusion.


    "In my days of old, I served on the frontline and as a spy for the US. The things I discovered during the Winter War were unbelievable. I knew they''d come back to take me out one day. Darn crimson coats must''ve found out about the shops I frequent... Had someone on the inside of Jimmy''s Auto-Fixer who rigged my car with a bomb, I bet." The old man explains. However, the theory doesn''t do anything to dismiss the confused look on Galivinth''s face.


    "No, Mr. Ankerts.. I saw it. Literally and in real time. My firework accidentally hit and destroyed your car." Galivinth insists.


    "That''s what those ruthless scum want us to believe, son! But I know better.. Adam Ankerts is NO fool! I''ll be ready for those crimson coats next time!" The old timer was unable to be convinced otherwise. He picks up his cap and storms off to head back inside his home. Or at least, he would have if not for the sounds of police sirens nearby. He''d have to explain the situation before anything else, thus he lingers outside for a while longer. Meanwhile, the two boys break off from the large gathering of people to head in the opposite direction.


    "Well, that was convenient. He was so quick to convince himself of such an absurd conspiracy about Russian Red Coats targeting him... Whomever they are." Naeth comments, unable to deny the amused grin taking shape on his face.


    "I think that was a firsthand experience of what it means to have dumb luck. I''m glad for it, but I still feel awful about what I did." Galivinth responds with a pitiful tone.


    "As you should. You just destroyed someone''s private property, after all."


    "Yeah, I know. I''d like to avoid doing that again. I know of a spot that''s usually empty. It''s actually pretty close by."


    "Lead the way, then." Naeth encourages, and Galivinth obliges. The latter guides the other to the opposite end of the block and passes the large church that sits on the corner, heading out onto a large grassy field near it. One that sits between the street Galivinth''s home resides on and a neighborhood of town homes. To the far right however, lies a public park. A location occasionally used for gathering and events, but not too often due to how generally dangerous the area was. Nonetheless, it''s ideal in size.


    "Here." Galivinth states as they reach the center of the park.


    "More than good enough. I can probably put up a protective dome here, as well."


    "Sounds good. We can come here any time, usually."


    "What''s your schedule looking like? Do you have plans any time soon?" Naeth asks.


    "No, none. I have summer vacation, so I''m free everyday for the next three months and a half."


    "Perfect. You can expect frequent visits and plenty of training, then. I''ll get you properly familiarized with using magic. At least, with the bit you can use from the select bunch I''ve studied. I''ll have to bring a list of spells next time."


    "Actually, I have a book of spells back in my room. I asked my father for it before he took me back home." Galivinth informs.


    "Oh? That''s convenient! Bring it with you next time. I''ll let you pick your desired elements. I also hope you bring your diligence, because I''m going to be pushing you to your limits." And true were Naeth''s words. The two would be spending the majority of the summer together.


    End.

 Where You Come From 4

    Days and days go by. Time Naeth and Galivinth spend trading simple cultural knowledge, honing magic accessibility, and enjoying the simple things in life together. Though, their forming bond wasn''t quite at a level where either of the two could call the other a ''friend'' just yet.


    "You know..." Naeth begins, currently waltzing over to take a seat beside his relative on the grassy space of the park. Before uttering another word, he hands a chilled bottle of water to Galivinth - who doesn''t hesitate to accept and proceed to take a big swig from it.


    "You''re more terrible at this than I thought you''d be." Came his raw honesty.


    "Hnnn... I had a feeling you''d say that." Is Galivinth''s response after swallowing down his drink. He''s sweating underneath the sun from training, his heart rate only beginning to ease down upon deciding to take a break.


    "Don''t get me wrong. You''ve definitely made visible progress. You''ve graduated to that of a casual dabbler, at least." Naeth admits, taking a moment to open his own water bottle and help himself to a fresh drink. Then, he continues.


    "You''re able to tap into the source of magic without trouble now, but that''s when you''re not in the heat of a moment. You can barely cast while running, let alone remember half of the incantations you wanted to learn."


    "Yeah, I know.. It''s tough. I am trying my best, though." Galivinth responds.


    "I don''t doubt it. However, I think you just need to be sculpted within the fire. Learn under a different pace."


    "Alright, but how do you figure I do that? I know I can shoot lightning and water out of my hands now, but I''m no Captain Righteous or Alexecute."


    "Who?", Naeth asks with an arching brow.


    "They''re superheroes. You don''t know who Captain Righteous is? Alexecute I could understand... She''s still relatively new."


    "Oh. Now that I think about it, I think I''ve heard of that ''Captain'' individual before. Not much at all, but still. Anyway, that''s irrelevant. Comparing yourself to others doesn''t deflect the responsibility of improving yourself. I can help and be there with you during the process, but you''re the one who has to put himself in motion to achieve the next level. Are you prepared to keep pushing?" Naeth lectures, ending with a question of resolve.


    "Yeah.. Yeah, I''m definitely prepared to keep pushing. I want to get better at this." Galivinth answers.


    "Good. Then I''m going to have you participate in Conquest Bout with me."


    "Conquest Bout?" Galivinth repeats.


    "The sport I was playing when you came to visit Cryo Kingdom City. It''s a very competitive sport, especially back on our home planet."


    "Oh, yeah. My father told me a bit about when we were watching. Sounded pretty simple enough."


    "I''m glad you think so, because there''s little time to think once you''re engaging the opposite team. It''s strategy and almost constant action." Naeth informs him.


    "I see... Should we do some kind of practice match or something first?"


    "Indeed! I''m going to be bringing along four associates of mine who are well versed in the sport here with me next time. I''ll give you a day or so to rest up, and for them to clear up their schedules." And after speaking those words, Neath rises to stand.


    "In fact, I should head back now and get that sorted out as soon as possible. Besides, we''re done here for today."


    "Oh, alright. Yeah, I think we did plenty of training for today. I definitely worked up a sweat." Galivinth agrees, also now rising to stand. Stretching his arms skyward after doing so.


    "I''m heading back, then." He adds before treading off toward his apartment. With little hesitation, Naeth follows behind him. Eventually coming to walk beside Galivinth.


    It''s also Galivinth who speaks up again;


    "So, how are you liking human society thus far, by the way?"


    "It''s always fascinating, I must admit. It''s so different from what I''m accustomed to. It seems to possess far more variety than what is typical back at the Cryonean Kingdom. Still, I don''t think I particularly envy it. More progress could certainly be made." Naeth answers.


    "I see. Doesn''t sound like you dislike it exactly, so that''s an upside." Galivinth comments.


    "Heh. No, I couldn''t honestly say that I dislike it at all." Naeth admits. For the rest of the walk, silence blankets the atmosphere around. Just until they finally reach the foot of Galivinth''s apartment building.


    "I''ll see you soon, Naeth."


    "Without a doubt. Be well, kin." And with their farewells bid, the two go their separate ways.


    After heading up and retiring to his bedroom, Galivinth passes the rest of the afternoon enthusiastically thinking about the potential of what he was learning. He particularly pondered on the possibility of becoming adequate enough to be an actual Superhero. Much like America''s most beloved hero, Captain Righteous. The God who lives among mortals. Well, perhaps that was setting the bar awfully too high. He at least wanted to be seen as worthy enough to join the Silver League. The side-kick league of Superheroes. Age wasn''t particularly a limiter, but the majority of them were adolescents. Maybe he''d even get to meet Righteous Lad.


    On the side, he also spent 1/ 3rd of that time reading through one of the books his father gave him. Just until 7:02pm strikes on his alarm clock, and a sudden craving for something sweet and cold comes about.


    With that in mind, he closes the book shut and carefully places atop of the others that sit at the left corner of his study desk, and stands to head out and for the front door.


    "Hey, Bibi, I''m heading out for a bit to get something from the store!" He calls out while twisting the locks.


    "Okay, don''t stay out too long and be safe!" She responds within the same volume.


    "I will." He assures and makes his way out after locking the door behind him via his own key. Out in the summer night, he treads along the sidewalk and stops at the corner. He surveys the road left and right for incoming cars, and happens to spot shady figures at the latter side. A drug deal taking place right in front of the old abandoned church. Though he couldn''t see himself entertaining such lifestyles, he''s mindful to keep from staring. Nothing that was really any of his concern. It wasn''t as if he was some sort of superhero, after all.


    After a few cars pass by from both directions, he crosses the street when it''s absolutely safe. He heads left once on the other side. His destination was somewhere around 30 meters away- that being the entree point of the supermarket''s large parking lot.


    His visit is a pretty short one. He heads through the lot and into the stores. Picks up a bag of spicy chips and a bottle of chilled apple juice from the mini fridge near the front of the grocery store. Goes to the checkout to purchase the items and proceeds to walk out with a plastic bag in hand. He comes to lean against a pillar outside the store, and pulls out his phone to check through a few of his social media feeds, articles included. However, this wasn''t some typical night. He, as well as the other pedestrians about, were in for a spectacle. And it begins with a roaring--


    DHOOOM!!


    Eyes all around snap toward the sight of a car caved-in and destroyed beyond recognition, and someone laying atop of it.


    "Ah-H''OWW... THAT definitely hurt." A young female teen muses, rising to sit up as she rubs at the back of her head with one hand, and her spine with the opposite limb to soothe whatever mild pain she was feeling. There''s a brief visual of tiny crackles of electricity flickering around her body before she finally proceed to stand. Before she finishes, another crash landing hits the scene. This one much louder and intense enough to send a tremble throughout the ground. The next thing Galivinth knows, the two are in a stand-off.


    A young girl who looks to be around 15 or 16 years old, skin a mocha shade, hair nothing short of a black shaggy mullet, and eyes holding an illuminating glow of white. Her attire consists of a sleeveless latex top, a pair of motocross gloves, baggy pleather cargo pants, and a pair of high-top boots made of leather and rubber. Every piece shares a color scheme of majority royal blue with white V-shaped patterns stylishly placed throughout.


    Her adversary, the towering 15 foot tall green mech suit is bulky and especially round at its center. Its limbs are thin, yet made of resilient metal of some sort. Toeless flat feet, and steel claws for hands. At the very top, at its head, is a glass-like dome, and inside, the head of the pilot. A middle-aged ginger man. Fiery orange hair styled into a military cut, and his fair skin covered in freckles.


    "I don''t particularly get a kick out of beating up on kids, but you''re a problem, kid. And Machineson doesn''t leave his problems unattended!" The pilot barks and aligns his claws to take aim at the teen-heroine. Barely a delay before those pinchers fire off like a shotgun blast aiming at her ankles. However, the young girl is quick to react preemptively. She jumps back and lands at the other side of the car she utterly destroyed upon her rough landing earlier as the claws strike the ground where she once stood.


    "I totally get that. Wish I could be a lil'' more like that. But honestly?" She trails off-- Trsssszzz! Is the sound of her willing electricity, focusing buildup at her hands.


    "I''m a total procrastinator!" The heroine concludes, baring pearly white teeth behind an enthusiastic grin as she thrusts her hands forward and discharges a burst of electricity from her open palms. Hitting her mark and emitting a bright display of electrifying the mech suit for a moment. But, it reveals no desirable effect.


    "Hey, is that Alexecute?" Galivinth murmurs to himself upon seeing purple electricity spark from the girl''s hands. Squinting as he does.


    "Haha! Oh, sorry, little lightning-bite. I can absorb all of that. Goes right to the battery, and I think you just supercharged me for the next two days." Machineson taunts.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    "D''aww fudge..." Alexecute murmurs under her breath. That giddy expression of hers simmering to a look of childish annoyance.


    She isn''t given much time to ponder in the moment. Machineson retracts his claws via the sturdy rope-like material extending from the hollow space they dispersed from, and immediately fires his left at the heroine. This time imbuing it with currents of electricity.


    Yet again, Alexecute evades. A simple swaying hop to her right before she retaliates on impulse. Almost simultaneously, Machineson fires his right claw at her again.


    The extending metal simply phases through the blast of electricity, absorbing the energy as it comes not only latching around the heroine''s midsection, but also forcefully pushing her with immense momentum. She''s swept off her feet and sent thrashing through two cars before meeting an echoing impact at the rear end of a truck, caving it in devastatingly.


    "G''uuahk!


    Jeeze Louize! Okay, that''s i-IIIIIIIT!?" She cries out as that very same claw begins pulling. Jerking her along and high up before plummeting hard, smashing her right through yet another vehicle and into the ground yards away.


    Every observer, Galivinth included, winces on impact. That fall looks awfully painful, after all. Even Machineson felt it was fairly excessive.


    The mentioned villain relieves the heroine of his grip and begins reeling in both claws again. However, something unexpected catches him off guard.


    "What the--" Is all he can get out before Alexecute, who''s holding onto the retracting line of the right claw, comes soaring in like a cannonball with a determined look in her gleaming eyes. With all the momentum she could need, she releases the line and topples the villain over with an explosive magnetic burst from her extended palms.


    "Ooof!"


    "Missed me?" Alexecute smugly muses after sloppily rolling a short distance away.


    "Why you little--!" A snarling Machineson operates his mech suit into pushing itself up to stand again. And just as it rises to its full height again, Alexecute turns, takes a small skip-hop, and then leaps on top of the dome of the robotic body with an even greater jump.


    "Sorry, but here''s where I cut this little song n'' dance short." She chimes in. While laying upon the glass, she begins visibly leeching power from the mech.


    "Knock it off! Damn, brat. You think you can bleed my power dry?" Machineson begins flailing while stomping about, trying to get a grip to pry the heroine off the protective helmet of his suit.


    "So long as you rely on electricity, I definitely do." She retorts. And along with that remark, her absorption intensifies. Pulling three times the rate than just a second ago.


    "Give it up, kid! I''ve got more juice than you could possibly know what to do with!" Machineson barks. He begins charging forward toward the street, aiming to smash himself and Alexecute into the building on the other side.


    Realizing she''d have to use a more restraining method, the heroine carefully lets herself slide down the back side of the mech suit. Just as they run into the middle of traffic, she creates magnetic latches at the shoulders of the machine made of pure electricity. She leans far back while adjusting to plant her feet flat against Machineson''s spine, manipulating her power to stretch her attachment to him like a stretchy substance. Just enough to where she could put pressure on the torso.


    "C''mon, c''mon!" Alexecute grits her teeth and pulls continuously with all her might. Unfortunately, super strength wasn''t in her arsenal. Thus, Machineson carries on without issue. And with a sinister grin, he maneuvers his mech suit to simultaneously leap and turn 180 degrees, slamming and imprinting the heroine into the side of a gas station building. Civilians panic and scatter to get away from the bout.


    "Guuahk!!"


    "Give. It. Up! You can''t win this fight, brat." The mech pilot taunts. Emphasizing his point by taking a step forward, then thrusting his entire suit backwards to give her another dose, nearly smashing through the wall as he does.


    When he eases off to check to see if the heroine had gone limp, a violent buzz of electricity erupts with a bright display. Before he even has time to form another sentence, Alexecute begins draining his suit''s powercore again. Though this time, it was at an alarming rate. His systems were going haywire and critical.


    "Gimme.... hah... give me ALL OF IT!!" She bellows, and her draining goes up another notch. The young lass was practically depleting the very soul out of that machine. And just under 10 seconds, she bleeds the mech dry. As a result, the deprived husk of metal falls forward and lands with a harsh thud.


    "Damn it, damn it, damn it!!" Machineson curses in anger, pushing and pulling at anything he could to get his mech responding again. Nothing comes of his efforts.


    Meanwhile, Alexecute begins trembling involuntarily. Through it, she pushes herself to tread forward and pass the villain.


    "T-too... Too.." She stutters, a look of horror upon her soft features as even the muscles on her face twitch.


    "Eh!? Kid, what''s up with you?" Machineson raises a brow, confused by the fact that the heroine just passed him by and was walking as if she was having a malfunction of some kind. Though, realization dawns upon him as he sees the thick sparks of electricity crackling around her body. His eyes go wide.


    "H''ah crap, you soaked up everything my suit had! And that was the equivalent of nearly two nukes... Can you even properly store all that energy?" He asks with fright burning at the forefront of his scowling.


    "I... Ah.. A-ah..." She was on the verge of being overwhelmed by all that energy she absorbed. So difficult to keep down, that just talking was becoming a chore. The sparks were getting a tad out of hand, also. Luckily, only the ground was targeted by those sudden and brief outburst, and not one of the gas pumps. She keeps walking on and heads out onto the street. Incoming cars honk in annoyance and swerve at her presence. However, the apparent danger she poses becomes clear as day when those whips of electricity lash out and shatter their headlights. Only after does the traffic cease and vehicles give her space. An opportune moment for her to ease her arms skyward. Visibly struggling with her quaking, but she does manage to get her arms straightened out and palms facing up.


    Cautious eyes all around watch her carefully. Waiting...


    Then--


    Kra-KROOOOM!!


    She dispels a roaring eruption of lightning from her hands. The emission is absurdly wide in girth, giving the appearance of an enormous white-purple-ish pillar puncturing through the fresh night sky. The brightness is too much for anyone around her, and even those miles away. Galivinth is no exception. He too has to grimace, look away, and shield his eyes.


    Along with it, is an ongoing flow of energy that drowns out every other sound. Echoing fiercely as she tries to deplete her excessive intake.


    This goes on for nearly two minutes before the size of that neon pillar dwindles in size. Gradually and steadily slimming down until Alexecute comes to a complete stop.


    The heroine collapses onto her knees, taking deep breaths as she tilts her head far back. Unaware of the looks she was getting, nor the sweep of silence in the air.


    "Hey, are you okay?" A young masculine draws her attention.


    "Yeah. Yeah, I''m fi--" Alexecute pauses mid thought when she shifts her focus onto the owner of the voice. She blinks as she meets a pair of eyes similar to hers. Though, the boy''s own were like moons. No pupils at all.


    "Fine. You... Uhh..." She takes a moment to rise to her feet, revealing to stand at 5''3.


    "You from the Lab, too?" She finishes the question.


    "The Lab?" Galivinth responds.


    "Eh, never mind. Forget I said anything about it. Just don''t see many people with eyes like yours around. You a hero, too?"


    "No. I kinda'' want to be, but I don''t think I''m really ready for a leap like that. I can''t even climb a ladder without freaking out about the height. Maybe one day, though." Galivinth answers honestly. One of his hands moving to rub at the side of his neck.


    "Oh, I get cha''. Needed a couple of years of training before I got into the real deal. It can definitely be t--"


    "Alexecute!" A voice calls out from above, cutting into their chat. The pair on ground level shift their gaze to see none other than Righteous Lad descending down toward them. He lands nearby with slightly bent knees. Almost seamlessly, he jogs up to the two.


    A male with ivory pale skin, jade green eyes, short jet black hair styled with immense care, and a height of 5''11 & 1/2. His attire, his costume, consists of what looks to be thin and fitted charcoal black leather-like armour with a cyan utility belt around his waist, which gives it the impression of being a one-piece suit. It outlines his above average muscular and lean frame, while the center of his chest bears a transparent emblem of the American flag outlined with gleaming cyan blue. The sleeves of his top reach nearly to the back sides of his hands, bearing edges with that same green-ish blue. The neck of the top has the same design. In addition, he''s wearing a thin black hoodie over it. One also bearing a decal of the American flag in vibrant cyan.


    On his feet are charcoal black boots that reach just beneath his knees. A couple of cyan colored straps on both that keep them secure. The soles are also cyan.


    "That was a pretty radical show you put on there. Saw it from all the way back in the inner city." Righteous Lad informs. Pausing for a moment to study the area.


    "I see you managed pretty well, though! Mr. Ambers seems to be subdued with little environmental damage done. Top notch as usual." Righteous Lad praises.


    "Thanks, Boss. Was kinda'' cutting it close there, but I managed. Just wish I could''ve taken him down before those people''s cars got wrecked in our scrap." A sympathetic tone laces Alexecute''s words as she rubs at the back of her neck, briefly looking across the street where she first landed in the area.


    "It''s not always easy, and I feel bad about damages, too. But! That''s why we try to do the best we can. It''s already admirable of you to help out as you do already, so don''t be too hard on yourself. Who''s your friend, by the way?" Righteous Lad asks, gesturing toward the other male with a nod.


    "Oh, this is... Uhh.." And just in a second, she realized she had no idea at all.


    "Hey, I''m Gali-- Galvin. I''m Galvin Carrenmale! I, Uhh... I''m a fan, if that''s not too lame to admit?" Galivinth answers for her.


    "Oh. Well, it''s very much a delight to meet you, Carrenmale! Never lame to meet a fan of mine. I''d even go so far as to say that you have pretty good taste, my good civilian!" The heroic male responds with a warm smile, extending his hand out for a handshake. One that Galivinth almost immediately accepts enthusiastically.


    "Cool, cool. Can I get a picture with you two? If it''s not too much of a bother?" The half cryonean asks.


    "You betcha!"


    "Yeah, it''s cool." The heroes answer. Galivinth pulls out his cellphone and snaps an overhead picture of them smiling for the camera. Afterwards, they go their separate ways and Galivinth heads home. The night goes on until it passes and sunlight reclaims the sky the next day.


    As it begins and ticks away, it''s pretty uneventful for the most part. The only thing abnormal to happen just as the next evening begins settling is Galivinth receiving a phone call from someone he wasn''t expecting.


    Right beside him on his bed, as he flips through the pages of his comic book while sitting, his cell phone begins to vibrate intensely. His attention is easily stolen by the device and he reaches to pick it up, holding it up so that he could view the caller I.D.


    "What...?" His brows furrow in confusion at what he sees. Across his screen is the repetitive number 999-999-9999. Below it is the word ''Unknown''. His curiosity leads him to accept the call and lift the phone up to his ear to speak.


    "Hello?"


    "Evening, son. I wanted to call and see how you were holding up." The voice on the other end informs.


    "...Dad?"


    "That is my relation to you." The deadpan response the teen receives clears up most of his doubt. Definitely seemed like something his peculiar father would say.


    "Right... How''d you get my number?" Galivinth asks.


    "I accessed the data and information from your device the same day I came to pick you up." His father answers.


    "You... Did you hack my phone, too?"


    "Define hack."


    "Intrusively gathered information directly from my phone without warning me beforehand."


    "Ah. Then yes, I definitely did." Galelith answers with his usual unwavering nonchalant tone.


    "Do you guys normally do stuff like that?"


    "Of course. How else would we have gathered information on this world? It was easily accessible, and it was all beneficial in helping us adapt to an unfamiliar environment."


    "Oh man..." Just thinking about the implications of what his father just told him had his imagination running wild. His impression of cryoneans was becoming unsettling, much like how the lot of them already made him feel.


    "Is there an issue?" Galelith prods.


    "No, no. It''s fine... I rather not think about it anymore. You said you were calling to check up on me?" Galivinth shifts the topic of the conversation.


    "Yes, something very identical to that phrasing. What have you been up to lately? Have you been studying up on those books I''ve given you?"


    "Uhh. Studying? Yeah, I took time to read a bit. I''ve mostly been spending time with Naeth." The teen answers as honestly as he could.


    "Neath has been visiting you?" Galelith questions a mild touch of surprise behind his words.


    "Yeah. We hang out together almost daily. It''s been pretty frequent, I''d say. In fact, he''s suppose to be coming back tomorrow or so to help me learn how to play Conquest Bout." Galivinth elaborates.


    "I had no idea at all. Interesting. In that case, I think I''ll come by again when he -- if he plans on going tomorrow." Galelith informs.


    "Oh, you don''t have to do that."


    "Normally, I''d agree with that literal notion, but I believe it''s different here on Earth. I believe it''s a necessity within the human race for a father to be visibly present in his son''s life. I don''t mind adopting that custom for your sake... And so I will wholeheartedly." Galelith''s sincere response strikes his son at the core, ridding of any coherent thought in the moment. Thus, brief silence lingers.


    "...Galivinth?" Galelith calls out finally.


    "Y-yeah, I''m here. I''m just... Surprised, is all. I didn''t know what to say, but I''m glad you want to be around me. I''d like that, if it''s fine." Galivinth answers.


    "It''s absolutely fine, son. I''ll be there. You have my word."


    "I appreciate that."


    "I''m glad. With that said, I''ll let you go now. Conquest Bout is a very active sport, so make sure you''re well rested and ready for the physical strain. Naeth is usually one to tend his training early in the day."


    "Right, I kind of noticed. I definitely should try to get as much sleep as I can. I''ll see you soon, dad." Galivinth agrees.


    "Likewise, son." With their parting words, the phone call comes to an end. The remainder of his evening carries on without another interruption. The sunsets after sometime, the teen retires earlier than he usually does, and the hours pass silently.


    The next day, just as 9am was about to strike and Galivinth was finishing off a cup of refreshing apple juice he had along with his breakfast, the teens phone audibly vibrates on the kitchen counter. Naturally, he reaches over to check for new notifications. There''s just one. A message from an Unknown source that reads: Meet us out within the field.


    He figures it''s likely from Naeth, but also possibly his father. He would''ve probably asked, but he learns he''s not even able to send a message in return upon trying to respond with ''On my way now''.


    Regardless, he cleans his dishes within the sink and puts them away before heading out, dressed in his typical fashion of all black.


    He reaches the field in just a few minutes and decides to wait at a picnic table.


    Fortunately, his wait is a short one.


    The sound of a running train gradually bleeds into Galivinth''s range of hearing. He doesn''t think much of it until it actually grows uncomfortably louder, and only then does he turn to pinpoint where it''s coming from. What he sees leaves him speechless.


    Overhead treads a stylish onyx train engine with a single cart attached to it, moving on what appears to be ever materializing and de-materializing train tracks made of sheer white energy. It begins dipping toward ground level and charging within his general direction. But before it gets too close, it makes a sudden heavy curve to the right and circles around the entire perimeter. Just once. It slows to a stop nearby before those inside begin exiting the steel transportation. Six people in total; Naeth, Galelith, and four more others whom Galivinth has never seen before.


    "Morning, son!" Galelith calls out from the cart before stepping back inside to retrieve something.


    "I hope you''re ready to go to bed sore for the next few days. The real Magic Training begins today, and you won''t have ample time to think in a live skirmish of Conquest Bout." Neath informs with a toothy grin on his face, standing tall with his hands at his waist. In contrast, Galivinth stares with a look of disbelief from where he''s sitting.


    "Did... Did you guys really just ride here on a flying train?"


    End.

 Where You Come From 5

    "AND.... BEGIN!!" Upon Galelith''s command from the sideline, the skirmish match begins.


    "Fi-Ara!" Raice, one of the four associates Naeth has been bringing along to the training sessions, starts things off with a tier 2 fireball aimed at the weakest link on the opposing team - Galivinth.


    The male in question is startled, but manages to instinctively throw himself out of the way and onto the ground. In doing so, he leaves one of his team''s makeshift ''towers'' vulnerable to the attack. Well, Galivinth may have - but Naeth?


    "FI-HARA!!!" He swiftly dashes over and fluently shifts into delivering a flaming roundhouse kick to that incoming ball of heat, sending it flying right back to the other side and at one of Raice''s teammates twice as fast. Rayson, the new target of the burning projectile, only has enough time to raise his arms in an X-formation to defend himself before taking an explosive-like impact that sends him flying and landing roughly on his back with a grunt.


    The astounding athlete was already on top of his game, even if it was just a mock match.


    "Don''t let yourself get swept up in the heat of the moment, cousin. Keep moving and think fast." Naeth reminds Galivinth.


    "Yeah, I kn-OOAH!?" Galivinth tries to respond, but there''s barely seconds to spare in an active match. The other team is going on the attack again. The third member of the opposing side, Daevan, casts a tier-2 Earth spell ¨C a pillar-like structure of stone extending from the ground at angle. Continuously stretching outward with the intent of striking Naeth''s chest with a thrust, yet the latter is more than prepared for it. Naeth sways aside with a hop and avoids the blow that stops just above his cousin''s head, then dishes out a counterattack.


    "Ligh-To!" Along with shouting out that incantation, Naeth throws a swift right boxing jab that sends out a tier 1 purple lightning bolt at Daevan. Too quick for the target to react, the bolt strikes its mark and sends the male staggering and briefly tumbling on the ground.


    "Sharp as always, eh Naeth? Fi-Hara." Qoreman, the third member of Galivinth & Naeth''s team muses and follows up on the attack with the same fire spell used earlier, only instead of discharging it with a kick, he sends out a tier 2 wave of fire by using his right hand to swipe widely in front of himself. But--


    "Aqurmia!" Rayson steps up with an overwhelming counter attack; extending his hands outward and releasing a powerful tier 3 burst of water that''s both great in size and pressure. It''s more than enough to outright neutralize the incoming flame, as well as send Qore soaring over 10 yards away upon reaching him.


    Seeing this, Galivinth adopts a kneeling position and places his right hand flat against the grassy ground.


    "I-C¨¦!" He shouts and promptly begins freezing over the ground before him in a linear path using a tier 2 ice spell, one that extends with the intent of freezing Raice and Rayson''s feet in place.


    The two effortlessly avoid contact by backing off horizontally as it passes by vertically. However, Naeth is swift to apply more pressure. He merely recites the tier 2 fireball incantation within his own mind and casts the spell with a spinning thrusting side-kick, discharging the projectile from the sole of his sneaker and right for Raice.


    "Don''t let them exploit anything, let alone a supposed opening!" Naeth instructs firmly. Meanwhile, Raice acts upon the only option she has and leaps out of harm''s way and into a roll. By then, Naeth is throwing out a leaning right jab as he casts the tier 2 fire-wave spell again. Save this time, he sends it out at Rayson like a flamethrower instead of a ball. The latter has little choice but to turn away and brace under the scorching presence of the flames.


    Galivinth recoils with concern at such a display, and hesitates just enough to where when he goes about taking his next action, Raice is also about to take hers.


    "Uuuhh.. Uh-- L-ligh..? Ligh--" For a moment, Galivinth forgets the incantation. And when it JUST comes back to him, Raice cuts him off.


    "Fi-Ah." And upon that spoken spell, she shoots a tier 1 fireball from her left palm that strikes Galivinth directly in the face and knocks him onto his back.


    "Guaah!?" The teen instinctively reaches to cradle his face. However, he''s more startled than in actual pain. There was a bit of a stinging sensation and an abnormal feeling of warmth all over his face, but nothing even remotely serious. While he takes a bit of leisure to settle down and recover his wits, an all-out brawl of spells ensues between the others. The opposing team is pushing to take advantage of the moment.


    Qoreman, Raice, Daevan, Naeth, and Rayson were suddenly on a whole new level! The sounds of spells rapidly and explosively going off from both teams fills the atmosphere in seconds.


    Tink!


    One spell gets past the struggling duo during the 15 seconds it takes Galivinth to raise to his feet again.


    "We got one! Keep pushing, they''re probably panicking right now!" Raice enthusiastically shouts after knocking down her opposing team''s far right ''tower''.


    "Tch... Hold the line, Qoreman. They''re getting ahead of themselves. Cousin, are you managing all right!?" Naeth asks without tearing his focus away from the onslaught of spells coming at them. In order to protect the two remaining towers, he''s forced to stand his ground and repel them using a hybrid of Muay Thai techniques imbued with magic. Fire, water, piercing lightning - whatever he needs to keep cutting them down and stall for an opening.


    "Yeah... Yeah, I''m up and fi--!?" Galivinth cuts off mid sentence when he turns around.


    "Up and going down!" There to greet him is Raice, grinning mischievously while placing her hands upon his shoulders. He¡¯s at a loss. However, he didn''t have to think about it too much, because in the next moment she promptly hikes herself up with the elegance of a gymnast and wraps her legs around his face and practically throws herself backwards, dragging him off balance and along with her motion. The momentum is used to throw & flip him onto his back with a thud behind her.


    A display Naeth catches a glimpse of in the midst of the chaos. He knows something has to be done immediately. Just before Raice can get back into helping her team apply pressure again, Naeth takes quick initiative.


    While prepping a spell, he rushes forward with a great ducking stride. Not to avoid, but to rise up with a lightning-imbued elbow that cuts through the very next fireball Rayson casts. It evaporates on the spot, taking his opponent by surprise. Continuing on with his rush down, Naeth gets two tier 1 spells ready, one in each hand as he runs forward and leaps, kicking off Rayson''s shoulder first, then Daevan''s, to not only throw them off balance, but also jump seven feet into the air before he takes his shots. Both fire-ball spells hit with precision and knocks over two of the enemy team''s ''towers''.


    But he isn¡¯t done just yet.


    "Galivinth, get to their fortress! They''re venerable!" Naeth shouts just as he lands. And when he does, he quickly snaps around to run up and drop kick Rayson''s legs from underneath him just as the opposing team realizes what he''s done. Raice is quickly kept in check with a tier 1 fireball from Naeth to her midsection that sends her falling over. Daevan is too preoccupied with doing his best to avoid taking a blow from Qoreman.


    "Huh? Oh--!" And with that, Galivinth hustles toward the other side, nearly tripping over himself as he does. But it''s all set and done. With no obstacle in his way, he sprints beyond the knocked over metal rods that serve as towers and lays his hand on the stack of crates that serve as a representation of the enemy''s ''tower''.


    "And that''s the match." Galelith announces as he approaches the center of the field. The others all come together to gather around him with Galivinth being the only one who¡¯s a bit tired and sucking air.


    "That was definitely as interesting as the other matches... But I''m starting to feel like this is a sport that requires more energy than I have to give." Galivinth complains as he begins slipping his protective cloak off.


    "Ah, you did--... Well, no.. Your performance was subpar, but you at least did the bare minimum to help us win." Naeth comments casually, also taking a moment to take his cloak off.


    "Yeah-yeah... I''ll keep trying to improve." Galivinth responds, hardly bothered by his relative''s bluntness anymore.


    "You do seem awfully out of your league, but I think you did okay for the most part!" Raice comments with a warm smile, drawing Galivinth''s attention. She''s a full-blooded Cryonean just like Naeth. 5''6 in height, short black hair styled in a pixie cut, ivory colored in complexion, and possesses a rather interesting build to her. She isn''t quite all too slender, yet neither high in body fat or muscle definition. Just toned & curvy under an outfit consisting of a tucked white t-shirt, fitted blue denim shorts, and a pair of high-top black sneakers. Truth be told, Galivinth finds her pretty attractive. She¡¯s sweet, cute, and upbeat. Much like every other Cryonean he''s met, she''s also quite honest when sharing her thoughts. But unlike Naeth, she''s fairly more kind about her bluntness.


    "...Thanks. It does help a bit to know that you think so." He responds, now folding his cloak and placing it between his waist and right arm.


    "You know, it''s still unbelievable how these cloaks can protect you from fatal harm. I can''t imagine what these skirmish matches would have been like without them."


    "Well, they''re essentially to the sport. Have been for most of the sport''s lifespan." Naeth informs.


    "Indeed, it''s strongly advised that an individual does not participate without having one on. With that in mind, I''m curious as to how much it helps you, Galivinth. Any noticeable level of pain during our match or even now?" Qoreman asks in the midst of folding up his own cloak. He¡¯s a Cryonean male with fair skin, long and parted blonde hair that reaches just past his pectorals, 6''0 in height, lean in build, and dresses in a navy blue tracksuit with a simple red t-shirt under his open jacket and a pair of white sneakers on his feet.


    "Hmm... Not really. I mean, that fireball to the face I took was kind of painful and hot, but it didn''t really linger. I don''t feel any pain at all right now." Galivinth answers honestly. Though, he does think back to the day his father injected him with a syringe filled with a peculiar liquid that was meant to "improve him" and suppress the human half of his genetic makeup. He considers the possibility that it may have truly made him nearly if not just out right as physically tough as the average Cryonean.


    "That''s good. I suppose there was nothing to truly worry about, then." Qore concludes.


    "Can''t be too cautious, though. Humans are pretty fragile, and I''m not too sure how much that affects him." Naeth chimes in.


    "So don''t hesitate to let me know of any injuries you get inflicted with during our matches, cousin." He continues, initially speaking to Qore before shifting his focus toward Galivinth.


    "If it''s serious, then sure. But I''m not going to whine over a few bruises and a little soreness. I''ll be fine." Galivinth assures.


    "I''ll take your word for it, then. Just be mindful. And since you feel that way, maybe now is a good time to transition to more accurate mock matches back at the Cryon Kingdom." Naeth proposes.


    "I''d welcome the change to a more familiar and comfortable scenery. The weather this far out is a bit too warm for my liking." Rayson chimes in to express support of the notion. Another Cryonean male, one who stands at the height of 6''1, possesses a lean physique, fair skinned, and short silver hair that''s trimmed low in the back while neat short tufts hang over his forehead. A snug, sleeveless, white and thin turtleneck wool shirt on his torso - a pair of black accessory sleeves that reach from his defined biceps and down to his wrists, white skinny jeans with cuts littered along the left thigh on his lower body, and a pair of black converse gym-shoes on his feet.


    "Ehh.. You get used to it. I felt it when I initially began visiting here, and I thought it was uncomfortable, too." Naeth shrugs his shoulders.


    "Regardless, this''ll be the last time we use this location for practice. So with that said, cousin, I want you to be up and ready to head out by 10am in two days." Naeth continues as he points a finger at Galivinth.


    "Oh, alright. That''s fair. I can manage that." The teen obliges his relative''s terms.


    "I''ll provide the means of transportation again, if that''s alright. He''ll actually need clearance from me to pass through the gate again, anyhow." Galelith informs.


    "Sounds good. I have no issue with that at all. Of course, I''ll still come along for the ride." Naeth agrees.


    "By all means, Naeth. Do what you please."


    "I shall. Alright, let''s start storing away the equipment. Daevan and Qore, you two grab the rods from the left side. Rayson, with me to the right. Raice, grab whatever''s left." Naeth instructs the group.


    "On it." Daevan replies. He''s the last of the bunch chosen by Naeth. He¡¯s about 6''1 in height, as well. Dark brown hair styled in a bowl cut, and fair skinned. Unlike the others, he came dressed in his usual formal fashion of a white button up shirt with a black bowtie, black slacks, and a pair of simple black boots.


    It takes less than four minutes for the group to finish, and upon doing so, Naeth walks back with Galivinth to the latter''s home. After a farewell handshake, Galivinth heads inside while Naeth hustles back and takes his leave with the rest of the group on the ''flying'' train they came on again.


    For the next two days, Galivinth on and off spends short durations memorizing spell incantations. The majority of his time is used reading comics, watching television, and mostly playing video games - all of which devours his free time faster than he realizes. On the day he''s to be picked up, he just barely steps outside in time, dressed in his usual fashion and carrying a backpack. The timing is immaculate. Just as he reaches the front of the building, a peculiar bus comes down from flying and lands in front of his apartment building. Surprising him and shocking the people out and about in his neighborhood.


    The bus is something out of a steampunk novel. Silver and gold all over, and with its inner mechanisms exposed on the exterior. Triad of cogs near each wheel, pumping pistons at the center of the sides, and several pipes extending above the vehicle at the ''temples'' of the font. Some expelling pale smoke, while others Galivinth surmised are used for--


    Honk-Hooonk!


    The sound of the horns blowing bellows through the air, snapping Galivinth out of his gawking stillness and startling others.


    The entree door peels open just as one of the windows is being opened. Sticking his upper body out of that opening is none other than Naeth, grinning while arching a brow questioningly at his relative.


    "Do you plan on standing there till noon? You can board the bus any time, you know? Now would be especially great to do so." He teasingly informs before settling back inside and into his seat.


    "How did my life get so weird, so fast?" Galivinth murmurs under his breath as he hurries up and into the bus, immediately spotting his father in the driver''s seat when he does.


    "Oh, hey, Dad."


    "Morning, son. If you''d be so kind as to take a seat and buckle in, I''d appreciate that." Galelith responds. And upon that request, the teen moves to claim a seat right across from Naeth.


    "Galvin? What the-- Did I just see this bus land after flying here?" Adam Ankerts, the veteran from across the street, questions as he approaches Galivinth''s window.


    "Uuuhh.... Probably?" The teen responds, unsure of how to even remotely explain the situation.


    "But don''t worry, sir. It''s my Dad''s bus. He came to pick me up for... Practice." Galivinth adds.


    "Your Dad? Where did he even get this contraption from?" The older man asks, looking over the bus'' design with absolute confusion on his face.


    Just before the teen answers, it finally begins moving forward. His father drives toward the end of the block they were facing.


    Briefly, Galivinth sticks his head out the window to give his parting words.


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Ankerts! I know it''s weird, but it''s totally cool! I''ll see you soon, have a good day!" The teen shouts out as the distance grows. It''s only then that he finally straps his seatbelt on.


    "Was that the old man who ranted about Russians and a conspiracy about being targeted by them?" Naeth asks with a brow arched.


    "Yeah, that was Mr. Ankerts again."


    "Oh, sounds like he''s been getting along just fine." Naeth comments with a grin.


    "Galivinth, my son?" Galelith calls out from the front.


    "Yeah, Dad?" The teen responds.


    "Brace yourself for elevation and keep calm. We''re going to ascend now." The father warns. And just as the bus begins tilting back and ascending, Naeth speaks up again.


    "What''s with the forewarning? You make it sound as if--" Naeth pauses abruptly in the middle of his comment when he turns toward Galivinth and sees just how incredibly tense his relative looks.


    "...Hey, are you fairing all right over there?"


    "I''m fine." Galivinth breathes out while gripping at the bottom of his seat for dear life.


    "He has a fear of heights." Galelith stoically informs.


    Before too much longer, the vehicle straightens out and begins moving smoothly straight ahead.


    The entire ride from then on out was calm and easy. It more or less takes about the same time to arrive there. And just like before, they go through security protocol where Galivinth is given the appropriate branding before being allowed to continue inside. Galelith pulls up to the facility where his office resides and parks beside the sidewalk before the three step off to head inside. Treading along the thin blanket of snow that covers the entire ground as an endless gentle drizzle of it falls around them.


    "Huh... Looks different without that giant dome being here." Galivinth comments.


    "It''ll be back up soon enough. First, I want to introduce you to the others who''ll be joining us today." Naeth informs him as they enter through the front entrance. Inside, Galelith speaks up.


    "I''ll need to take my leave for the time being. I still have obligations back at my lab, but I will see about sparing time to spectate your training session later."


    "Not an issue at all, and it''s understandable. You''ve got all week to catch at least one or a few of our sessions." Naeth responds.


    "That I do. And Naeth? While I''m aware it''s... Unusual to ask you to do such a thing, but can you stick close to Galivinth for a time? A few days or so of him visiting here. Just until he''s comfortable among them." Galelith requests, earning a look from his son.


    "I''m not a toddler, Dad. It''ll be fine." Galivinth chimes in.


    "Of course, son. I know you''ll be."


    "No need to dwell on it. I''d be more than glad to oblige your wish, Galelith." Naeth speaks up just after hooking an arm around his younger relatives neck and reeling him closer, much to the little annoyance of Galivinth.


    "Now, let''s get going, shall we? I want to take some time in honing your casting." Naeth shares, guiding Galivinth into heading left with him.


    "Be well." Galelith gives his parting words and goes to the right.


    "You too."


    "As I hope you will, as well." The two boys reply while heading down the lengthy hallway before them. The echoes of their steps upon the navy blue marble flooring fills in the momentary silence that comes about.


    "So, would you say you''re bonding well with your father?" Naeth inquires just after removing his arm from the other''s body.


    A bit taken aback by the sudden question, Galivinth looks over at him for a moment.


    "...Yeah, I think. Getting to know him has been a bit weird, but I think we''re making progress. How about you? Are you and your father close?"


    "Close? No, that''s actually quite unusual at my age. He''s more like a peer to me, unlike what is normal here on Earth." Naeth explains.


    "Huh? How old are you, exactly?"


    "Development stage 4. Same as you, I believe."


    "What? I have no idea what that even means..." Galivinth states with a puzzled frown.


    "Ah, right. Earth estimates. Let me think here... Going by what you''re used to, my exact age would be 51." Naeth informs.


    "51!? But you barely look older than me. I thought you were 17 or something."


    "You forget that cryoneans age much, much slower than humans, cousin. From my perspective, you''ve undergone a hyper aging process. How old are you?"


    "I... I turned 16 last month in June." Galivinth answers.


    "And already you''re but a few measly inches shorter than me. It''s unfathomable. I''m almost surprised at how long humans have managed to preserve for so long, truth be told." Naeth comments.


    "Maybe that''s one of the reasons why humans are more emotionally attached to one another." He adds.


    "Because our lives seem short? That has definitely been said more than occasionally. But, are you all really so detached from each other? You don''t love each other? Someone?" Galivinth prods further.


    "Love isn''t commonly used in cryonean society. That''s not to say that we don''t care for one another, and there are certainly household lineages here, but self sufficiency is strongly advocated here. By the time we''ve reached development stage 3, we''re expected to take some initiative and find a path that allows us to contribute to the kingdom in some way. With our numbers rather short, it helps." Naeth elaborates.


    "Wow, things are so different here... But, what do you mean about your numbers being short?" Galivinth asks as they approach a door. After some time of walking and turning a few corners, they were finally at their destination. Naeth steps forward to open the door into the room.


    "Most of us died when we crash landed on Earth 20 years ago. There''s not even half a thousand of us on this planet." Naeth answers.


    "Wha-- Dude, what happened?" Galivinth''s tone was laced with concern.


    "Another time, cousin." The two enter and proceed further into what appears to be a gymnasium, though one lacking any basketball rims and design on its hardwood flooring. No bleachers either. Just large double doors at the opposite end that seems likely to lead into a storage space, and right beside it is another set of steel doors that one may surmise leads outside.


    Within, a group of 8 were gathered around a stationary bench at the right side of the ''court'', waiting for their arrival.


    "I''ve returned. We can finally begin training." Naeth calls out, immediately drawing their attention to him. The bunch rise from their seats and approach the two.


    "Welcome back, Naeth. And hello, Galivinth. Doing well since last time?" Qoreman greets, extending an arm to offer the latter a handshake. One that Galivinth obliges without hesitation.


    "Yeah, definitely. Hope you are, too, Qoreman."


    "I certainly am, my friend." Words spoke from the blonde with a warm smile upon his face.


    "It''s really nice to see you, Galivinth!" Raice speaks out this time, moving in shortly after the handshake between the two males came to an end, and wraps her arms around his neck to give a hug. Her head resting right beside his.


    "U-uuhh.. It''s very, very nice to see you again too, Raice." He responds with a nervous smile on his lips that he just couldn''t fight away. Though hesitantly, he does embrace her in kind and returns the friendly gesture. Just as they break apart, new voices make themselves heard.


    "...Are you three mental? I thought it was just a jest... I thought it was just a one-time thing. I THOUGHT you people would know better. But lo and behold, you''ve shown just how scandalously daring you are, Naeth." A male with sunny beige skin and amethyst colored hair styled in a military trim part speaks up.


    "What is your grievance, Nathaniel? He wouldn''t be here if he wasn''t allowed to be." Naeth retorts.


    "That''s just it-- He''s not supposed to be." Nathaniel responds.


    "He''s right, Naeth. Why did you bring-- No.. Better yet, why did you strong-arm an outsider inside the Cryo Kingdom? Do you believe you''re above the King''s ruling now?" A female speaks up this time. One with fair skin and hair like the midnight sky. Long and styled within a high ponytail in the back, a part in front that allows her lengthy bangs to drape neatly down past her jawline - a deep blue at top that fades into an onyx black midway down.


    "I''ve always thought you were a confident soul, but I never suspected that your ego and audacity would go this far." A third voice speaks up. A male with very low trimmed hair and a mocha complexion also gives his thoughts.


    By now, Galivinth is feeling a wave of guilt shifting behind his chest. Unsure of how to even respond in the moment.


    "Hmm... I suppose it is bizarre that he''d be given special privilege to bypass such a strict decree from the King..." As much as it bothered him to do so, Qoreman comments honestly.


    "That''s true, but is it truly harmful in any way? He''s merely one outsider, after all." Raice chimes in.


    "All it takes is one before more get the same idea. It''s bad for public perception, and Naeth is fully aware of that." Nathaniel informs snidely.


    "Enough. This isn''t up for dispute. You may feel however you wish about it, but he''s been given clearance to be here. If you feel that there''s some sort of foul play taking place here, then by all means... Take it up with the King himself and waste his time with your trivial complaints." Naeth firmly rebuttals.


    "Fine then, be the stubborn fool. Just don''t go expecting the majority of us to give the halfling a warm welcome. He''s still not and never will be one of us." Nathaniel concludes his thoughts on the matter.


    "I won''t. I''m not here to lecture you on why you should, either. Now, can you bunch go grab the cloaks and do some warm-ups? And don''t wait up for us, I''m going to be aiding him for the most part today." And with those words from Naeth, the group heads off to grab the equipment and head outside.


    Just as the exit doors audible shut behind the last individual to step out, Galivinth speaks up.


    "...I''m sorry. You know, for all that arguing I caused. I didn''t come to make trouble for anyone."


    "I know you didn''t. I was the one who invited you back, so I don''t blame you. But neither can I fault them for their point of view. I share it to some degree. That''s not to say that I regret bringing you here, but if you were anyone else, I likely would have been scolding at your presence here, too." Naeth responds honestly.


    "I see..." Was all Galivinth could say within his uncertainty.


    "You recall when I said most of us died when we crashed here? Well, we''re repopulating and... Having outsiders come in and dilute Cryonean genetics would be a fatal flaw. You can understand that, can''t you?" Naeth asks.


    "Yeah, I think. The guards at the entree gate said something similar. That they were in a crucial time."


    "Yes, exactly. I''m attempting to be sympathetic toward you, but I feel downplaying the circumstance of you being here would be a disservice to you. As my friend -- my relative, I feel you deserve better, and I know you''re capable of adjusting accordingly. You''re not weak willed, despite how much you doubt yourself at times." Naeth continues, pausing briefly to take a second to place his hands upon Galivinth''s shoulders.


    "I cannot stop people from speaking their minds, nor can I so easily sway the opinion of even a fraction of the masses. In fact, I will not deliberately try to. Just know that the symbol on your arm is all the proof you need that you''re free to walk among us here, even if it is just until nightfall. Develop an internal endurance for harsh words and conquer it. Treat it as if it''s another aspect of your training here." Naeth goes on to advise.


    "Okay. Okay, I can do that. I can do that for sure." Galivinth affirms with a nod and a new found sense of assurance.


    "Good. Now, let''s get you out there and practicing." And with that, Naeth lightly pats at his relatives shoulders before finally lowering his arms to his sides again and turning to head for the exit doors.


    "I haven''t forgotten your slip up in our last skirmish match. We''ll start by sharpening your memorization of a handful."


    "Fine by me." Galivinth follows behind the other and steps out into the everlasting cold weather of the city. After leaving through the side of the building, the two make a right to join the others at the rear side of the building. There, they see the rest of the group setting up target stands in the far back near the onyx wall that formed a spacious rectangle around them, as well as serving as indication of boundary of property.


    "Wait right here, I''ll return shortly." Naeth instructs. While he jogs off toward the equipment and group, Galivinth takes the moment to take in his surroundings. It seems like it was designed for lounging and outside studying. It was mostly grassy for the most part, with stone pathways dividing the center and surrounding the edges. Several trees about. One to the far right and two to the left. Then, there were the navy blue bench tables that look to be made of polished wood near the trees. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    The sound of magic casting draws his attention to his left, and his eyes shift toward the others who are now standing far from the targets they''ve set up. His eyes narrow with curiosity, as well as due to his nearsightedness, at the different gestures some used when discharging spells. Within a moment, he also took notice of how the targets didn''t disintegrate on impact. It was as if their spells were met with an immovable force. He thought it was quite odd, considering he''s seen plenty of them send people and objects flying with tremendous impact.


    "Alright, let''s get underway and YOU up to par." The sound of Naeth''s voice grabs Galivinth''s attention as the former jogs toward him.


    "I want you to memorize at least two tier 2 spells, and three tier 1 spells. Your arsenal of spells should vary and be wisely chosen. We''ll start off conditioning you into using two spells for offense. Do you have any particular preference in mind?"


    "Water and ice, I guess." Galivinth answers with a shrug of his shoulders. From there, his training commences. Naeth starts off by having him repeatedly cast the tier 1 ice spell in the form of a softball-sized projectile at the target he set up 50 yards away. By his 20th casting, Galivinth was a bit fatigued. Breathing as if he was engaging in physically taxing movement. It was also when Naeth instructed him to start casting without speaking the spell out loud, and instead speak the incantation within his thoughts.


    And just as another round of the repetitive task was beginning, one of the others from the group yell in his direction to inform him that they were planning on heading to the front for a skirmish match. He encourages the bunch to head off without him, expressing that he was more focused on helping Galivinth improve. And they do just that.


    Naeth continues giving instructions, including repeating the process with the tier 1 water spell at some point. This goes on until a little after 30 minutes have passed.


    "Enough." Naeth finally declares, sated with the progress thus far. Within seconds of him saying such, Galivinth''s shaky knees finally give out and he collapses onto them, as well as his hands. Panting and sweating in the cold weather.


    "W-why... Why am I tired? I didn''t do much of anything!" The teen breathes out.


    "Well, of course. You''ve been casting spells for a little while now. It''s only natural that you''d be taxed from doing so." Naeth tells him.


    "What? Why?" Galivinth asks while tilting his head to look up at the other.


    "The same reason you get exhausted when you''re in active motion. You''re demanding effort from your body. Just imagine how you''d be feeling if you had to follow my instructions WHILE running laps. Conquest Bout tests and potentially evolves your physical capabilities."


    "Ah, man. You''ve probably been at this for years, huh?"


    "Not too long. Just eleven years so far." Naeth answers just before offering a hand to Galivinth. Once it''s accepted, he helps lift his relative up onto his feet again.


    "We''ll conclude your training for today. For now, I want you to spectate the skirmish the others are participating in with me. Study the crucial elements of the sport. Wits, strategy, efficiency, and teamwork."


    "All right, fine by me. I think it''s pretty interesting to watch. Beats watching all of the sports back home." Galivinth admits. From there, another hour was spent spectating and discussing the matches between them while drinking from water bottles Galivinth along with him inside his backpack. Then, he was taken home by his father, accompanied by Naeth. They bid him farewell for the rest of the day and took their leave shortly after.


    Hours pass by rather quickly and the next morning arrives. Same as before, Galivinth gets up and ready to head out again. Same time, same means of transportation that takes him back to the Cryo Kingdom for more practice. On their way there, Galivinth strikes up a conversation.


    "Hey, by the way. Why is that research building always empty? I never see anyone roaming the halls." The teen inquires.


    "That''s because it''s not typically busy until well into the afternoon when lessons begin. I don''t think you''ve ever stayed long enough to see it. Along with that, we''re still growing in numbers." Naeth explains.


    "Oh. Makes sense. Is that building like a college or something?"


    "College?" Galelith repeats from the driver''s seat. Then it suddenly dawns on him.


    "Oh, that. Yes, I suppose that''s what you could call it. It''s a facility meant for research and turning students into scholars of science and magic. It''s a direct pathway into our city''s political space, which isn''t quite too... Sought after. There may be just around 50 students all together who attend the lessons. There''s no fee to enroll, though. The only requirement is a diploma of basic learning, which you could think of as a high school diploma equivalent."


    "That''s a pretty big building for just 50 students, don''t you think?" Galivinth asks.


    "An overestimation of interest. However, the surplus of space is good. More opportunities to house individual projects away from each other. It''s easier to conduct research without any cluttering. Also, we''ve arrived." With that response, Galelith lowers the bus down and their morning goes on normally. Same meeting space, though a different method of training this time around. One Naeth only initiates when they''re left alone in the back.


    "Alright, next--" Naeth trails and begins doing motions with his hands that make Galivinth narrow his eyes with confusion. With his point and middle extended out in front of him and pointing skyward at an angle, Naeth begins drawing an invisible circle and tracing upon it countless times. It''s not until a sudden aggressive flow of wind makes itself heard seconds later that Galivinth realizes something peculiar was happening. That wind was a vacuum, drawing in every bit of falling snow within its reach and manifesting a growing sphere of white that keeps afloat in place. Exactly where Naeth was pointing. Once content, Naeth ceases the motion and then forms a tight fist, squeezing as if he was crushing the life out of something - along with that gesture came the crackling sound of the gathered snow solidifying into crystallized ice until it was formidably sturdy. It was the size of a beach ball by the end.


    "I want you to practice on a moving target today." Naeth finishes.


    "How did you do that? How are you making it float like that?"


    "Sorcery. Different from magic. I can manipulate my surroundings and change any property of it I want at will. It''s floating because I''m using magic energy as a tether. I also gave it the property to defy gravity." Naeth explains, both youths unaware of the group approaching from behind.


    "Giving a course on the subject of sorcery, are we?" A young boyish voice questions from behind the two. Turning to face the origin, it''s there the two adolescents see various people. Some regal individuals, but most are peers of Naeth - the bunch that curiously stands behind two knights in onyx armor adorned by navy blue garments. The long cloth hanging vertically over the center of their bodies bears the symbol of a white sphere that resembles a planet with four bridges extending from it that lead to less detailed spheres.


    In front of those two stands a young boy who looks to be about twelve years of age, around 5''1 in height, has a rich mocha complexion, and short black and brushed over hair. Atop of his head rests a platinum crown with amethyst jewelry embedded around it, and upon his shoulders was a black cape with white fur that coils around his neck completely. Just by looking at the boy''s eyes, he was able to discern that this fashionably pretentious kid was a full-blooded cryonean.


    "No way..." Galivinth murmurs under his breath as he looks skeptically at the boy.


    "My King." Naeth greets as he humbles himself before the crowned youth before him by taking a knee. At seeing him do so, a bit of panic arises within Galivinth. He eventually decides to swiftly take a kneeling position similar to Naeth''s.


    "I was only giving him an explanation behind what I was doing. My only aim is to help him develop into an adequate player for Conquest Bout." Naeth goes on to explain.


    "And that in of itself is such a curious notion, don''t you think?" The King responds. Then, he shifts his eyes toward Galivinth while arching a brow, especially upon noticing the armband.


    "And YOU, outsider. You are no subject of mine, nor do you appear to be anyone of importance. Spare me your allegiance and stand." He demands. And, though taken aback by it, Galivinth obliges and rises to stand again.


    "Uh. Sorry.." Galivinth murmurs while averting his eyes in embarrassment.


    "And you may rise, Naeth. Tell me of your fascination with this outsider if such claims of your involvement are true." The King then commands the other. And he obeys.


    "This is... My relative, my King. I met him the first time his father brought him to our city, specifically to this building. I had heard rumors of the outside world, with one of them being a sentimental closeness among relatives. I used it as an excuse to sate my curiosity of human society." Naeth answers.


    "And now? Why does he suddenly dwell here at your behalf?" The King presses.


    "I wanted to share a bit of our culture with him in turn after the many things he''s shared with me. Even if it was only meant to be magic and a sport, I felt it was better than nothing. Having him experience it for himself was my intent."


    "...Sentimental indeed. Foolishly so, as well." The king comments with disappointment lacing through his words. Then he suddenly begins approaching Galivinth, stopping just a meter away as he stares up at the teenager.


    The latter uncomfortable exchanges stares, but hardly for long. His anxiety was making it quite difficult to maintain eye contact.


    "It''s just as the scientists have said. You''re practically an abomination. You have defiled blood in your veins." The King finally comments, pausing shortly before continuing aloofly.


    "I hear your aging process is like that of the humans on this planet. A blessing to your curse, I''d say. A mistake that''ll die out before too long."


    At such words, Galivinth blinks in disbelief. The King''s words were tactless, much like the typical Cryonean. It wasn''t necessarily surprising, but it was still awfully outlandish. In truth, it left him speechless.


    Naeth extends a hand partially and opens his mouth as if he intended to speak out, but he holds his tongue and retracts his hand.


    "From your own tongue, outsider, tell me why do you come here?" The King proceeds to ask.


    "To hang out with Naeth, I guess. He seemed enthusiastic about getting me to play the sport with him, and I didn''t want to let him down." Galivinth answers.


    "Hang... Out? That''s... Deceitfully morbid contrast to your further elaboration."


    "It''s a phrase that means to spend time with someone else, or somewhere enjoyable."


    "Ah. Strange... Very strange, indeed. So, how do you like Conquest Bout, abomination?" The King casually asks.


    "...It''s fun. I enjoy watching it, too. Maybe fairly more than playing."


    "Good enough! Because I''d like to play a match against you. And because I prefer to keep things interesting, I insist that we put forth stakes between you and I. A sense of urgency, if you will. Is there anything you''d like to receive should you win the wager?"


    "Uhm... No, not... Not really." Galivinth answers with a shrug of his shoulders.


    "Then I shall decide on your potential reward. Hmm. If your team somehow wins, I''ll grant you legal citizenship and one request of a favor from me."


    "Oh. That''s kind of cool, I guess." Galivinth comments.


    "However, when you undoubtedly lose, I will forbid you from ever stepping foot in my kingdom ever again, have you killed on sight should you ever be spotted near the city''s walls, and in addition I will have your father locked away for the rest of his life." The King informs.


    "That''s.. That''s definitely not cool. Seems unnecessarily crue. even..."


    "I know! Isn''t it exciting to think about?" The king comments with a grin that seems eerily out of place.


    "No... I can''t agree to that. I''d rather just not play and stay out of the city forever."


    "So you forfeit, then? In that case, I''ll grant you that proposal... And have your father executed."


    "What!?" Galivinth blurts in horror.


    "Was there a misunderstanding? I said I will grant you the option to not play and leave. And also--


    "And also kill my dad!?" Galivinth finishes for the Cryonean royalty.


    "Precisely."


    "But why that last part? My dad hasn''t done anything."


    "Ha! Surely you know better than to think that, don''t you? Or are you truly so mentally inefficient that you fail to realize the audacity of you frequenting this city, let alone just being here? I''m actually being more than reasonable and generous with my approach to Galelith''s questionable behavior. I''m giving you an opportunity to become a legal citizen and absolve him of my scrutiny. Do you wish to reconsider your forfeit?" The king arches his brow again.


    "Yes, I reconsider. Just please don''t kill my dad, all right?"


    "Splendid. Then it''s settled." The king concludes and extends a hand to Galivinth.


    "Yeah, it''s a deal..." Galivinth reluctantly agrees as he reaches out to shake the King''s hand in agreement.


    "Your highness, if I may be allowed to speak on the matter..." Naeth speaks up with concern.


    "Have you no shame, citizen?" A masculine voice from one of the guards rhetorically asks before both approach to physically withdraw Naeth away from the other two. However, a hand signaling for them to desist comes from the boyish King.


    "I will entertain your input. Speak clearly and directly." The royalty demands.


    "More time is needed to better prepare him. He wouldn''t be able to provide much of a challenge at his current level, so I humbly want to request a few days to train him further." Naeth responds.


    "Ah, well that won''t be an issue. I don''t have the time to play today, honestly. I''ll grant you no more than five days to prepare, though. I expect to see you both at the coliseum on the fifth day, or else. Am I understood?"


    "Yes."


    "...Yes." Both Galivinth and Neath answer.


    "Satisfactory arrangement, then. I shall leave you two to your affairs now." And with that said, the King, knights, and whom Galivinth could only surmise were high standing members of their society, take their leave through the building.


    "Dude, what the actual hell!? That was your king?" Galivinth aggressively questions at a near whisper.


    "Settle down... And yes, that was him." Naeth answers.


    "Was he joking about that stuff? Killing and locking my dad away?"


    "Probably not."


    "Probably not? This is crazy... This is- this is a mess. My DAD could be locked away if we lose, man!" Galivinth exclaims in distress as he brushes his hands through his raven hair.


    "I know. Which is why we should make certain that we don''t lose." Naeth comments with a determined look on his face as he folds his arms across his chest.


    It''s then that two of Naeth''s peers approach them.


    "That was more than fairly unnerving... Are you okay, Galivinth?" Raice asks with gentleness behind her tone as she moves to stand at the latter''s side and place a hand upon his shoulders.


    "Yes, that wasn''t anything I, or any of us, could have foresaw coming. Are you feeling alright?" Qoreman also expresses his concern.


    "I... Don''t know. I''m nervous and worried about what''s going to happen to my dad." He answers without tearing his eyes away from the ground.


    "I can''t imagine how you must feel right now, but you have my sympathy." Raice attempts to soothe his nerves, even going so far as to move to stand in front of him and wrap her arms around his neck to hug him. In turn, he coils his arms around her waist and rests his chin upon her shoulder.


    "I shouldn''t have kept coming here. This is all my fault..." Galivinth murmurs.


    "Well, partly yours. Naeth shares the blame, too. You two were fully aware of our cultural stipulation, yet chose to neglect it." Raice, despite her upbeat tone, chides the two.


    "She''s right you know. You two brought this on. I wish it was otherwise, but reality has dictated the actuality of the situation." Qoreman comments in agreement.


    "Unfortunately true, but we can''t afford to dwell on the what ifs and the misfortune of the predicament. We have to be focused and battle ready. The King will not be thwarted by our dismay and complaints." Naeth firmly responds.


    "I guess you''re right. It still sucks, though." Galivinth responds, still embracing Raice within that oddly lingering hug. And just as he was beginning to unwrap his arms from around her, she stops him with just a simple few soft spoken words.


    "Just a little longer?" She asks, briefly bringing forth a look of surprise upon Galivinth''s face before he obliges.


    "...Just a little longer." He speaks just before the both of them re-fortify their cozy hug. A display that draws questioning looks from Qoreman and Naeth.


    "Hmm... Well, anyway... We should resume your training today, and maybe prepare a real match on the third day as a means to introduce you to more experience. We should also work on building team synergy around you, too." Naeth advises, once more immersing himself within his thoughts as he looks up at the gray sky overhead.


    The two youths, Galivinth and Naeth, do eventually go on to resume their scheduled training focused on improving aim with the two previous spells chosen the other day. An hour and a half passes before they conclude the session and Galivinth is taken back home. However, just as the teen was stepping down to exit the bus, he pauses in his tracks and looks over his shoulder.


    "Hey, Naeth?" He calls out. And without hesitation, the mentioned individual rises to lean his upper body into sight.


    "Yes?"


    "Would you be up for hanging out today? You can stay over for the night too, if you want."


    "...Sure. Yes, I''d be more than willing to do so." Naeth answers after a brief moment, initially taken aback by the sudden request. And with that, the two exit the bus.


    "I''ll arrive tomorrow at the usual time to pick you both up. Enjoy your afternoon." Galelith tells them. Though before he closes the door, his son places a foot upon the bottom step.


    "And Dad..."


    "Yes, Galivinth?"


    "I... I appreciate what you''ve done and do for me. Thank you for being in contact with me."


    "...I''m a tad embarrassed. I wasn''t expecting that, but I am glad you''re pleased. I know this may have been a cultural shock for you, but you''re managing quite well. I''m glad you''re capable of adapting so well."


    "It just took a bit of time. Having you and Naeth around has made me more accustomed to that city, too. Anyway, I hope your day ends well, too. See you tomorrow."


    "Indeed you shall." And with that, Galelith shuts the door and heads back home, leaving the two boys alone on the sidewalk.


    Shortly after his departure, Galivinth reaches to pull his wallet out of this pocket.


    "Did you ask me to stay, because you seek my counsel?" Naeth asks, watching as the other inspect the confines of his wallet.


    "You could say that. Aaaand... This is enough for pizza and a dozen or so games, I think. Let''s go." Galivinth responds, shutting and tucking the item back away into his pocket before turning to head toward the corner of the block.


    "Go where, exactly?" Naeth asks as he moves to walk beside his relative.


    "To an arcade that''s not too far from here. It''s a place where you can play video games on cabinet machines within a public space. There''s a pizza store right across from it, too."


    "I see. Though, what sort of goods does a pizza shop sell?" Naeth genuinely asks.


    "It''s- it''s food, dude. Steamy, cheesy, meat covered goodness. Or veggie, or just cheese, if that''s your preference." Galivinth answers.


    "A place to purchase cuisine, then. I''m looking forward to seeing it for myself."


    The two adolescents make a left at the corner and carry on in lingering silence. It remains as such all through their little trip and until they reach the parallel businesses. The walk-in pizza shop, Mama Jane''s, just to their left - and Arcadem Max, the local arcade, across the street to their right.


    "Hmm... I think we can play first before grabbing a bite. I''m not too hungry at the moment." Galivinth muses, taking a short moment to look both ways of the street afterwards.


    "So this is the location, huh?" Naeth questions as he takes a moment to observe his surroundings, noting the names of the establishments Galivinth informed him of. The two head across once it was safe, as well.


    "Yup. Now, let me introduce you to another side of gaming culture." Galivinth responds as he peels open the arcade''s front door by its handle, leading them inside to a cool interior with a myriad of sounds filling the entire establishment. It was a fairly busy afternoon, but not too many roaming people around that they''ll spend too much time waiting to play the most preferable game machines. In fact, one of the better ones was currently vacant.


    "It''s... Comfortably cold in here. Though, it''s also obnoxiously noisy." Naeth comments with an observing frown on his face.


    "Yeeeah... You get used to it eventually. Took me three visits before I did. But uh, follow me a second?" Galivinth requests and leads Naeth over to a quarter dispenser, where he takes a moment to retrieve bills from his wallet and inserts his first dollar. In turn, the machine rattles out an equivalent exchange of four coins into an open pocket where they can be retrieved easily.


    "What is the purpose of this device exactly?" Naeth questions.


    "To give you the equal amount of money you put in back as quarters. Quarters that we can use to play anything here." Galivinth answers and hands over all four coins to his cousin.


    "Here, try a game or two out while I get more for us."


    "Very well. My curiosity is piqued." From there, Naeth ventures off while Galivinth stays behind to finish his objective. The cryonean surveys the entire room and its bountiful selections as he mindful treads through it. There was a sense of indecisiveness within him. At least, until he spots something peculiar to his monochrome eyes. A ramp structure with half a dozen or so orange spheres and a rim adorned by a thin net of some kind. There were two beside one another, with one currently being occupied by someone else. He sees the individual make attempt after attempt after attempt to throw the balls through the open net as many times as he could before his time limit is up. By the time the clock hits zero, he sees the player has obtained a score of 12 points, and hears the machine''s fuzzy voice announce that no new record has been beaten. It asks if he''d like to try again, but the individual had already turned his back to it and began walking away.


    Wanting to give it a go, Naeth approaches to take his place. He examines the instructions at the slanting foot of the machine. How to start the game, the conditions of winning, and even the explanation of its built-in leaderboard. Once he finishes, he feels he''s ready to begin. He inserts the asking price of twenty-five cents and almost immediately, the machine becomes audibly active again.


    [ "Welcome! Can YOU beat the number one baller?" ] The machine''s automated voice asks as the screen above the backboard of the rim momentarily displays the leaderboard, with 26 points being the highest of a list of eight three letter names.


    [ "35 seconds on the clock, champ! Ready?. . . GO!" ] The machine exclaims and releases its basketballs into the large open pocket that''s easily accessible to the player.


    Naeth blinks curiously and reaches to pick one up at his leisure, not too concerned with the time limit at hand.


    "I think it''s done like this--" He murmurs to himself and lofts the ball at the rim. However, the ball doesn''t quite go anywhere near the basket and roughly bounces off the backboard due to the unintended excessive amount of strength he put behind it. The orange sphere ends up flying past his face and skipping along the carpet floor until it hits the back of someone''s calf.


    The individual does his best to keep aware of his active game while also peeking down to see what hit him.


    "Hey, you dropped this, dude." The teen informs. Eventually managing to pick up the ball, briefly turn toward Naeth before tossing it over.


    "My apologies, and thank you." The latter catches it with ease and shifts his focus back to his own game, as well. Eight seconds had been wasted. Still, Naeth uses his time to stare at the rim contemplatively. Calculating the adjustments he''ll need to make in order to grasp some form of working method. After another six seconds, he takes another experimental shot. Giving the ball a very careful overhead launch from the palms of his hands -- Just a gentle jolt to send it flying and plummeting to his liking.


    BRNK!


    Even though the ball doesn''t go into the net, the cyonean male manages to at least hit the rim this time.


    "Better, but I can do far better." Naeth muses softly to himself, his features still wearing a solemn expression as he focuses. He picks up another ball and shoots.


    BRNK!


    Another rim contact, another miss. He shoots again, coincidentally just as the buzzer goes off. Yet again, all he hits is the rim.


    [ "Only 0 points! Better luck next time, champ!" ]


    "Well, that''s absolutely unacceptable..." Words stoically spoken by him. Without wasting time, Naeth grabs another quarter out of his pocket and inserts it. The game starts up the same way as before and Naeth stands ready with a ball in his hands.


    [ "...GO!" ] And with that, he takes his first shot of the second round. Which happens to be a complete miss. Nothing but air struck before that sphere lands and comes rolling back down to rejoin the pile of balls.


    He exhales a breath of air and takes his time with the next one. Analyzing his potential trajectory once more, briefly, and then lets it fly--


    KWOOOP.


    He makes the shot and the ball goes almost absolutely cleanly through the net, earning him 2 points on the scoreboard.


    "Hmm..." He hums flatly in thought, not entirely convinced he''s cracked the formula just yet. 12 seconds pass by. He picks up another ball and lets it go up and down in the same fashion as the last.


    THHMB...


    It barely grazes the rim this time. With that result in mind, he makes a little more adjustment to his posture and the positions of his hands. Maintaining that form onward, he takes his next three shots. One after another.


    KWOOOP.


    KSSSH.


    S W I S H !


    All three go in without a hitch. A satisfactory grin curves the corners of his lips upon realizing he''s found the ''sweet spot'' - one that turns into a mischievously smug one just seconds later. Just as he was prepping his next shot, the buzzer goes off. His score was 8 points in total by the end.


    "Bah.. Again!" Naeth demands, plucking out another quarter to insert into the machine.


    "Why am I not surprised? Should have known you''d go to a game like this." Galivinth banters with a grin, approaching to use the rim beside the one Naeth was using. He inserts a quarter to begin his own game.


    S W I S H!


    "Ah, glad to see you''ve finished. And I''m not quite sure what it is about this game--" Naeth begins his response, briefly pausing to take another shot. Simultaneously, Galivinth takes his first one, as well.


    S W I S H.


    THOOOM.


    "But I find it compelling. The natural competitive aspect of it is one of its qualities that draws me in." Naeth finishes after making another shot. Galivinth, however, grazes the rim with a miss.


    "Makes sense for sure. When you''re invested in something, you do get pretty competitive. It''s something I find admirable about you." The latter replies and picks up another ball.


    "It''s pretty inspiring. It makes me want to do better."


    "Oh?" Naeth pauses completely for a moment and looks over at the Galivinth with a faint look of surprise on his face, watching as his relative takes another shot. He grins again, fond of the notion. His attention shifts back to the game at hand afterwards.


    "That''s good. Truth be told, I see it when it occurs. How you step out of your passiveness and comfort to face adversity. It makes me feel as if our camaraderie could conquer anything or anyone that stands in our way." He continues, tone radiating with a sense of pride before he takes another shot.


    KOOSH.


    . . . . .


    S W I S H.


    Both adolescents make it into their respective net this time.


    "I feel that, dude. It''s a mutual feeling, and one I couldn''t have worded better myself." Galivinth responds with a toothy grin and a following soft chuckle. With both having under 17 seconds left, they shift their focus onto scoring. Landing as many shots as they could before the buzzards went off.


    At the end, Neath achieves 18 while Galivinth hits 12 points worth.


    "I''m already getting close. I''m determined to beat the top performance of this machine." Naeth speaks to no one in particular and proceeds to slip in another coin. More in sync this time, Galivinth does the same.


    "Go for it, dude. I think you got this." The latter encourages before they both pour all of their attention into trying to earn a high score.


    It initially seems like a back and forth, but partway into it, a gap forms and continuously grows. Unlike Galivinth, Naeth doesn''t miss any shots this time around. The two match pace the entire time and until the machines give off a dual buzz. Naeth ends up with 26 points, while Galivinth barely manages to make 18 points.


    "One more time... I''ve matched the top scorer''s record, but I can still do better. I''ll just have to be much faster." Naeth reasons to himself, retrieving the last quarter in his pocket to feed into the machine''s coin slot.


    "I already beat my usual score, so I''m good. I''ll watch you, though." Galivinth informs before moving to stand off to the side a few feet from the other. However, it''s almost immediately then that someone approaches him from behind.


    "Galvin? Is that you, dawg?" A masculine voice addresses him, drawing his attention. Turning his head to look over a shoulder, it''s there he sees a lean redhead male approaching to stand beside him. He squints, staring as he tries to recall who the individual is.


    "...Shurman?" He asks after a moment.


    "Yeah, boy! Big Red is in the building to-DAY. How ya been, G?" The latter answers with a toothy grin. In turn, Galivinth couldn''t help but to stare with a wide-eyed dumbfounded look on his face.


    Shurman, who typically went by ''Big Red'' around the neighborhood, had undergone a mind-blowing transformation. He wasn''t chubby anymore, and now was comparably built like an athlete. If it wasn''t for his height of 6''2, the nickname wouldn''t quite fit, but now the ginger had flipped the concept behind it to something quite admirable. The guy wasn''t skinny, but sculpted. Broader than Galivinth in physique in a healthy way.


    Shurman is an individual who is a year older than Galivinth. A young man with an ivory complexion, hazel eyes, low trimmed bright red hair, and an outspoken nature. A guy Galivinth knew to not let the weight of other''s words drag him down.


    Shurman''s attire is made of a white sleeveless jersey with ''Dungun'' and the number 96 below laid out on the torso and back in bold blue characters. A white sports wristband on his right wrist, and a blue bandana tied securely around his left. Black loose jeans held up by a red belt, shin high socks, and a pair white & blue high top sneakers make the rest of his outfit. His head of red hair is low, but it looks as if the last time he had a haircut was about two months ago.


    "I''ve been pretty good, but maybe not as good as you, man. Just look at you." Galivinth responds with a grin, extending a hand to share a mutual hand shake with the other.


    "Yeeeeeeaaah, buddy! Been working on myself for a little while now, and now I''m almost cut enough to be a diesel motherfucker." Shurman responds while taking up the hand shake, giving an added shoulder bump in the midst of doing so.


    "Yeah, no lies detected at all. I''m happy for you, man."


    "Appreciated, bro. Also, that dude right there, that a friend of yours?" Shurman asks, motioning a pointing finger at the male who was currently taking shot after shot without missing.


    "Yeah, that''s my cousin Naeth. He''s from Canada, I think." Galivinth answers as he returns to spectating the mentioned individual. Around the 16 second mark, it''s then Naeth drastically changes up his method. The Cryonean goes from taking traditional shots, to using a hand under ''water splashing'' motion, lofting ball after ball, back to back, at an absurd pace. Not a single one misses, either.


    "Goddamn... He is going HAM right now. I don''t think I''ve seen him hit a brick yet."


    "Yeah... It''s.. It''s... I don''t even know. I didn''t know someone could do something like that." The two comment as they stare all the way through, unable to look away from the display. When the buzzard finally goes off again, the scoreboard shows Naeth had not only beaten the previous old score, but also belittled it tremendously. NOW Naeth was satisfied.


    "You actually hit 46 points. I''m honestly amazed."


    "Yo, for real. Big respect right there, man."


    "Nothing beyond what I was capable of, but the praises are definitely welcomed. Are you an acquaintance of Galivinth, by the way?" Neath asks as he settles his attention toward the new face.


    "That''s right, we go way back. Like, back in Kindergarten. Name''s Big Red, but you can call me Red. Good to meet you, homie." Shurman greets, extending a hand to offer a handshake. One that Naeth indulges almost immediately.


    "Homie, you say? That is an endearment, yes?" The cryonean asks curiously.


    "Yeah, it''s a friendly acknowledgement. Anyone G. is cool with, is cool in my books, too. He''s the closest thing we got to a boy scout around these parts." Shurman answers, grinning as he gives Galivinth a light push of his elbow.


    "A boy scout? Hardly, man. I just prefer not to fall into those kinds of lifestyles." Galivinth responds.


    "I know, and same here. But you''re unfazed by all of it. On top of that, the way you... You know, uhh-- Articulate yourself. That reaches people, man. It helped me, too. I was sort of on the fence about it. The street shit, I mean. But after listening and hanging with you, I gave up on all that noise. I hold a bit of a rep down, but I''m chill. Ain''t messing with all that negativity too much." Shurman goes on to explain.


    "I''m glad for that, Red. You seemed way too smart for that stuff, anyway." Galivinth comments approvingly.


    "As I said since the day we met, there''s great potential in you. Seems like it''s just as easy for anyone else to see, as well." Neath chimes in.


    "You guys are killing me here... Enough about me, alright? We came here to play video games, not start a support group. Let''s play something." Galivinth promptly changes the subject at hand, his wry expression making it quite clear he was over being at the center of discussion.


    "Very well. What other machine here would you recommend?" Neath asks.


    "I''ll just tag along with you guys and play the winner." Shurman cuts-in with an informing statement.


    "In that case, I think we should introduce Neath here to King of Iron Fist 3 next." Galivinth announces and heads for the cabinet immediately.


    "3? We have KIF Tag and 4 here now, you know? You don''t have to take the man that far back." Shurman jokingly points out.


    "Ah, it''ll be fine. Besides, he''ll have a chance to learn the basics before playing versions with game changing elements." Galivinth reasons as he plucks out two coins and inserts one into each slot below the pad table.


    "By the way, I''m going to give him two turns to let him learn the ropes, if that''s alright with you, Red."


    "I ain''t gotta'' issue with it. Go for it, man." Shurman replies as he proceeds to lean against the cabinet behind him, lifting and folding his arms as he does. By then, Neath steps up to stand beside Galivinth.


    "What sort of game is this?" Neath asks.


    Before answering, his relative pushes the start button on his side. Resulting in a sound of confirmation as the screen jumps to the game''s character selection.


    "It''s a fighting game. One of my favorites and probably the only one I''m actually somewhat good at. It''s pretty fun. Go ahead and hit that white button on your side." Galivinth instructs while taking a moment to point at it. Upon Neath doing so, a second cursor and character display shows up on screen.


    [ "Kin Jazama." ] The in-game announcer calls out upon Galivinth''s selection.


    "You''ve got about 50 seconds. Take a look over the characters and pick whichever that stands out to you the most." Galivinth tells Neath. And so the latter does just that - cycle through a horizontal list of various characters. It takes nearly the entire countdown for the Cryonean to choose, but he makes the choice with absolute clarity.


    [ "Raunhwao." ]


    "Interesting pick! He kind of reminds me of you, too." Galivinth comments.


    "Oh? He seemed stylish and disciplined in nature. Of course, I''m just going by his facial expression and hairstyle." Neath responds as the match loads up.


    "I see, I see. Alright, so the top left button is for left punches, the top right is for right punches. Bottom left is left kick, and bottom right is for right kicks."


    "Hm. Surprisingly direct." Neath comments as he pushes each of the buttons one after another, testing out the inputs himself.


    "Yeah, it usually is. Pressing certain buttons together will either give you an unique power attack or a grab. Pressing both left buttons together, or the right buttons, will always get you a grab."


    "Like this?" Neath asks as he presses both right buttons on his side, successfully initiating a grab animation on Galivinth''s character.


    "Oh. Looks as if I managed to do it."


    "Yup. Grabs are decent ways to get through someone''s guard."


    "That and kicking people''s ankles in!" Shurman adds with a cheeky grin.


    "A-heh-heh-hah... Freakin'' Gink players..." Galivinth retorts disdainfully after giving a dry and feign bit of laughter.


    "But yeah, low attacks are also a reliable way to get damage in, too. For some reason, everyone kind of sucks at guarding their legs."


    "Oh? Why is that exactly?" Naeth asks.


    "Dunno'', honestly. It''s weird." Galivinth answers.


    "And easy wins for ya boy." Shurman chimes in. Something Galivinth couldn''t help but to halfheartedly roll his eyes at.


    "Anyway... The goal of this game is to K.O. your opponent three times before they do so to you. You can also win rounds by having more health than your opponent when the timer on the screen hits zero." Galivinth goes on to explain.


    "Sounds simple enough." Neath states, taking a bit of time to mess around with the controls.


    "Yeah, pretty simple. As you can see, there''s more inputs you can do with your character. Not everyone can do the same things, so it''s best to stick with a single character first and try to memorize the moves you learn while playing."


    "A very reasonable suggestion. I''ll follow it."


    "Nice, nice. Go ahead and mess around with the buttons. Hope 3 minutes is enough for you to learn a few good moves. Oh! And you block low by holding down on the stick." For the next three minutes, Galivinth lets his relative practice freely while he himself spends that time on his phone. Casually leaning and resting an elbow on the control board as he aloofly looks over weekly news and article titles.


    [ "Time up-- Raunhwao wins!" ] The in-game announcer informs at the end of the third round, drawing Galivinth''s attention almost immediately.


    "Oh, alright. Let''s try playing a match this time." He inserts another coin and hits start. The two repeat the process of selecting their characters and the game begins the same way as last time. During, Galivinth decides to go easy on his relative. Usually attacking with light damage when Neath makes mistakes, which he intends to keep doing the entire game. From this method, Galivinth sees his relative learning from it. By the third round, Neath wasn''t just carefully placing his attacks anymore, but also experimenting with counterattacks. Still, Galivinth ends up winning all three rounds with minimum effort.


    "It''s almost like actual combat. Very interesting."


    "You were definitely getting a hang of it. Even surprised me a bit at the end. If you want, you can play again after Red has his turn."


    "I certainly would like to try again. Maybe I can learn a bit from watching you two play, as well." Neath muses, moving aside to allow Shurman to take his place afterwards. He decides to stand beside Galivinth to watch the screen.


    "Alright, lemme'' show ya how it''s done. I''m about to show G. that all that fancy karate don''t mean a damn thing to the King of Grab City." Shurman confidently declares as he inserts a quarter of his own and pushes the start button.


    "Yeah, okay." Galivinth retorts dismissively. The two swiftly pick their characters and load up into the match. As soon as they''re given the cue from the in-game announcer to start, the two begin pressing buttons immediately. Naeth witnesses a flurry of attacks and a back & forth between the chosen fighters on screen.


    "Look at you, already trying to do that dried up combo you like so much." Shurman teasingly jabs verbally.


    "Hey, just don''t press any buttons when it''s not-- Oh Caught you pressing buttons! Yeah, you like throwing out those wild attacks when it''s not your turn, don''t ya? Yeeea-ha-ha, take another ONE. MMM! One-two, three, FOUR. BOOM! The round''s mine."


    "Ooohh, so that''s how we''re playing, huh? I got somethin'' for you. I got somethin'' for you. M''hmm!"


    "Playing like what, bro? You''re just getting out played." Galivinth cheekily retorts.


    The combination of banter and fluent gameplay Neath finds himself observing is something that takes him by surprise, especially when it comes to Galivinth. To him, the energy behind the erratic sounds of buttons being pressed, the sound effects from the game, and the competitive nature it brought out in the other two was rather contagious. The excitement and anticipation to see who''d come out on top was washing over him like a tsunami storm.


    "A-yo! How many times are you going to break my grabs? I swear nobody else does it as much as you." Shurman comments in amusement.


    "As many times as you keep trying. Just stop, you''re NOT getting one." Galivinth retorts.


    "A''ight, fine then!"


    "Oh, here we go with that ridiculous low kick..."


    "Darn damn right, boy. Time to play my favorite guessing game." And with adjustments to his strategy, Shurman begins turning the tide of the match in his favor. For the next two rounds the two have a back and forth struggle, but the redhead ends up winning both and concluding the game.


    "I hate playing this with you sometimes..." Galivinth mutters in annoyance.


    "What can I tell ya? Shouldn''t have been doubting my skills." Shurman smugly responds with a shrug of his shoulders.


    "Yeah, yeah." Galivinth uses the next moment to insert another coin before pressing the start button.


    "Here, Neath. You can play him next." He offers his relative before moving out of the way.


    The three adolescents carry on playing various games all through the afternoon. By the time they finally take their leave, the evening begins drawing very near. As planned beforehand as well, the trio stop by the pizzeria across the street. Another hour passes, after spending time bonding with lighthearted conversation and tasty food, they head back home together. With Shurman living down the next two blocks down, he gives the other two a farewell and heads right for his house, while Neath & Galivinth continue on to the next one. Eventually turning at the corner on the opposite end and heading directly to Galivinth''s home.


    They settle in soon after. Galivinth sitting on his bed and playing a home console game, while Naeth lays on several layers of blankets on the floor and reads through Galivinth''s collection of comics.


    "Hey, Neath?" The teen finally speaks up after some time.


    "Hm?" A nonchalant response as the elder of the two turns a page. It''s seconds after that Galivinth decides to pause his game before continuing.


    "I just want to say that... I don''t blame you." A string of words that grab the cryonean''s attention and leads to Naeth turning his head.


    "And I appreciate--... Eh.. Your positivity helps in dealing with things."


    "I''m glad that''s the case. I''m not one to dwell on less fortunate details. Though ironically as I say that, I have wondered if I had imposed upon your life." Neath responds, shifting to turn his body and sit up.


    "Well... It''s nothing I''d never think to ask for, but I''m not upset or anything. I mean, I feel kind of guilty because my dad could be in danger, but things are


    .. Mostly fine. I''m still glad we met."


    "That''s good to know, and likewise. We''ll get past this before you know it."


    "Yeah, I hope so. I also should really tell my dad about it... I don''t know why I didn''t. I wasn''t thinking. He should definitely know about this whole thing. It directly affects him, after all." Galivinth comments with a solemn expression.


    "A fair point, indeed. You can tell him when he arrives tomorrow morning." Naeth concurs.


    "Yeah. Yeah, I''ll do that. Thanks, man."


    "It''s no trouble at all. As the Earthly saying goes, if I''m not mistaken; What are family for?"


    End.

 Where You Come From (Finale)

    The following morning after a day of hanging out, Neath and Galivinth await Galelith''s arrival outside in front of the apartment building. Within just a little over five minutes, their ride arrives. However, it''s not the steam blowing bus they''ve rode on since the start of this arrangement that shows up this time. It''s that ebony old timely car his father showed up with the first time they met, which lands from a descending flight. And without delay, the two adolescents move to enter the backseat of the vehicle.


    "Good morning, you two." Galelith greets before advancing the car forward to take his usual method of exiting the neighborhood.


    "Morning." Naeth responds.


    "Morning, Dad. What happened to the bus?" Galivinth greets in turn before following up with a question.


    "Nothing in particular. It was a prototype side project for something far more ambitious, is all. I learned what I needed to from it." Galelith answers.


    "Oh. You''re making a better bus?"


    "No. A flying city, actually." Galelith corrects.


    "A flying city?" Galivinth repeats, brows furrowing with skepticism.


    "Yes."


    "A city.... That flies?"


    "That''s definitely what I''m aiming to build." Galelith stoically responds.


    "How?" Galivinth questions with doubt utterly disrupting any notion that doing such a thing will ever be possible.


    "With science and my vast knowledge of engineering. The foundation is dated, but the bus was my reassurance that it can indeed be done very effectively." Galelith explains.


    "Why are you building something like that?" Galivinth prods further.


    "It''s a task I was assigned to follow through with. It was a proposal I made years ago in hopes of uprooting from the land we occupy despite US and Canadian governments'' protest. For self-sustainability, we couldn''t oblige them initially. But maybe in the next ten or so years, we can entertain the request without issue. But regardless, it''s not ultimately up to me. It may just end up serving as an additional asset rather than a place to migrate to." Galelith answers honestly.


    "Oh. I see... sounds complicated under the surface."


    "It all comes down to a matter of perspective, but I understand where you''re coming from." With that response from Galelith, silence overtakes the atmosphere. Just until Neath lightly nudges Galivinth with an elbow, and gestures toward Galelith with a tilt of his head. Assuming his relative would catch the hint.


    "Oh! Right, right. Uhh, dad?" Galivinth calls out.


    "Yes, Galivinth?"


    "I.... There''s this thing... There''s something I need to tell you." The teen struggles expressing his thoughts and ends up stalling a bit.


    "I''m listening intently as I possibly can, son. Tell me whatever is on your mind."


    "...You might go to jail if I lose a game of Conquest Bout against the King." Galivinth finally gets those words out, wearing guilt upon his features as he does.


    "I''m aware of that stipulation in your wager with the king."


    "You are?" Galivinth questions while arching a brow.


    "Yes, I am. He told me about it directly. A... rather unfortunate predicament, yet also an amusing one." The elder responds, grinning a tad.


    "Amusing? Dad, you could end up in a cell because of me! I didn''t want to take the wager, but he said... that he''d execute you if I didn''t..."


    "Then I''m glad that you agreed to the wager. Truth be told, I was sure you wouldn''t put my life on the line if you didn''t have any other choice."


    "You''re taking this way too casually... You can tell me if you''re angry. It''d be totally understandable if you''re upset." Galivinth assures.


    "But I''m not. Maybe a bit uneasy about it, but I''d only be lying to myself if I said this wasn''t exclusively my fault. I have been testing my luck by frequently bringing you back with me. There''s still a potential positive side to this whole ordeal, though. You could gain full citizenship, removing the burden of worrying any further." Galelith explains optimistically.


    "...I... just have to win..."


    "Yes. You have to win in order to achieve the far more favorable outcome."


    "Yeah... easy-peasy, I guess." Galivinth murmurs as he leans back into his seat and tilts his head far back.


    "By the way, why do you guys have a kid for a King?"


    "It is quite unusual, but he''s the only heir to royal bloodline among us. His predecessor, who happened to join us on the trip, died in the crash, thus he''s entitled to the position of power. He''s undoubtedly young, but he''s been given the best education possible, along with the advisory of the science and magic council."


    "Oh, I guess that makes sense." Without further exchange of dialogue, Galivinth spends the rest of the trip submerging himself with his own thoughts. Thinking of just how different cryoneans'' social norms were a contrast to what he was used to. To him, they seemed mentally potent in every sense of the concept. They were quite admirable as a race and society.


    When they arrive at their destination, the three go on about their routine. Galelith heads to his lab, while Naeth and Galivinth make their way to the gymnasium to train with their teammates. It''s there Neath announces that they''ll be working on strategies as a team and coordinated maneuvers.


    For the next more or less two hours, the group undergoes drills of Naeth and Qoreman''s design that assesses everyone''s strengths, weaknesses, adequateness, and shortcomings. Though it was no real surprise to anyone, Galivinth was revealed to be the weakest link in every category and exercise. Nothing Naeth was honestly bothered by, though. They were here to train and improve, after all.


    While the group takes a rest before continuing further, Naeth approaches Galivinth, who happens to be sitting on the grass and catching his breath.


    "Hey, I''ll let you rest for half an hour. Why don''t you take a walk and go see your dad?" He offers with the intent of distracting his relative from possibly dwelling on demoralizing thoughts.


    "I''m fine..." Galivinth responds before pausing to huff out a couple of breaths of air.


    "I''m fine. I swear." He assures again.


    "I know, but we''re still taking a break. Besides, I don''t think you can keep going when you''re drawing heavy breaths like that. You should consider my suggestion and refresh yourself for when we begin again. There''s still a bit more to do today." Naeth insists, turning to leave the other be and head toward the others nearby.


    It''s a proposal Galivinth sees no true reason not to entertain. Thus, after a moment of thinking on it, he rises up from where he''s sitting and heads back inside the building, all the way back near the entrance. From there, he does his best to recall the path he and his father took the last time he was taken to the lab. Surely enough, his memory serves him well and arrives at the entree door in under two minutes.


    "Dad?" Galivinth calls out as he pushes the door ajar and peeks his head inside. Who he finds inside, curiously looking back at him, is not Galelith, but instead Tonithy by his lonesome.


    "Ah, Galelith''s son! He''s away for the time being, likely tending to matters in relation to the council." The older Cryonean informs.


    "Oh, I see. Then--"


    "But! You should step inside, anyway. I''d like pick your atoms a bit." Tonithy chimes in enthusiastically before the young man could finish his thought and retreat back into the hallway.


    "What?" Galivinth questions, pausing in place as he shoots the other a puzzled look.


    "I want to learn more about you. You''re an unusual specimen that should be studied. There''s no telling what sort of insight and groundbreaking details that''s just waiting to be discovered from you!" The elder better clarifies... To some degree.


    "Ehh... You''re not going to stick needles in me and cut me open, are you?"


    "No, there''s no need to! There''s plentiful resources at hand that''ll allow me to study your innards without performing a vasectomy on you."


    "Oh. Well, alright." With that reassurance, Galivinth proceeds to enter completely before allowing the door to shut behind him.


    "Great! Now, if you''d be so willing to take a seat here, we can begin immediately." Tonithy responds enthusiastically as he reaches for one of the two mobile seats within the lab by its back support and positions it right in front of himself. With little hesitation, Galivinth approaches and takes his appointed seat - and with no delay of him doing so, Tonithy moves to retrieve the tray-on-wheels nearby.


    "Mind telling me how long ago you were born?" The elder asks as he moves the tray over near the counter to lay utensils neatly across it and one by one.


    "Sixteen years ago, I guess." The teen answers with a nonchalant look on his face. Pausing briefly in what he was doing, Tonithy arches a brow and looks over his shoulder at the youth.


    "You guess? Are you saying you''re unsure of when you were?"


    "Huh? No. Uh-- Right, right.. My bad. I was definitely born 16 years ago." Galivinth assures with certainty. And with that clarification, Tonithy resumes collecting a few more tools from one of the counter''s drawers.


    "Much better. Be as direct as you can. Any birth complications? Asthma, neural issues, diseases, mental disorders - those sorts of things."


    "No, not at all. Haven''t been diagnosed or born with anything."


    "Height?"


    "Five.... ten, I believe." The teen answers.


    "Weight?"


    "157 pounds, I th--.. Yeah, one-hundred and fifty-seven pounds for sure." Galivinth corrects himself midway of answering.


    "I see, I see." The cryonean finishes laying out objects across his mobile tray and shifts his direct attention to the teen again, rolling his utensils over to a convenient spot nearby. The first thing he grabs is an ophthalmoscope.


    "Look up and stare straight ahead for me." Tonithy instructs, though doesn''t quite wait for the order to be obliged. Wielding the optic observation tool in his right hand, he uses the fingertips of his left to press underneath Galivinth''s chin and guide it to an ideal angle - one that the teen goes along with without any resistance. Tonithy shuts his right eye and views through the scope with his left as he examines Galivinth''s optics intently.


    "Are you a doctor, too?" The teen asks while maintaining both a solemn expression and his task of staring at the upper wall beyond Tonithy''s shoulder.


    "No, not at all. However, some physical examination procedures are beneficial for studying specimens in the field of science. I have enough knowledge to recognize and diagnose more obvious illnesses, but I do not have the means to treat the majority of them. Haven''t bothered dedicating too much time into studying many curatives." The elder answers honestly before a ''click'' could be heard, and Galivinth suddenly has a source of light beaming into his eye. There''s a bit of an involuntary twitch and blink, but the teen adjusts quickly and resumes idly staring forward.


    "Hmmm... Int-ter-rest...-ting. Not even a hint of a pupil. It''s just purely an iris." Tonithy comments before shifting the focus onto Galivinth''s other eye with more or less the same scrutiny.


    "How''s your vision? Any level of blindness?"


    "No. I can see just fine." Galivinth answers.


    "Are you sure? No color blindness? Blind spots? Blurriness? Low awareness of light? Maybe even a high level of contrast in light?" Tonithy presses.


    "No, none of those. Well... maybe a tiny bit of blurriness. I''ve been told I''m near-sighted."


    "I see. Hang on a moment for me..." Another sound of a single click could be heard before the older male sets down the object in his hand and onto the tray nearby. He steps away to the lengthy counter again and retrieves something from the cabinet on the wall that''s positioned near the opposite end. What the scientist ends up returning with is a tube rack containing half a dozen filled tubes - of which he holds up within Galivinth''s line of sight.


    "Alright, can you tell me what color you see here?" Tonithy asks just after plucking out the one holding some sort of crimson liquid.


    "Red."


    "Alright, good." Tonithy carefully sets the tube back into its slot and picks up a different one, this time a tube containing an autumn color.


    "How about this?"


    "Orange."


    "Good, good." With another completed, Tonithy swaps it out for another one. This time presenting a cyan color.


    "Now?"


    "A...green-ish blue color? Not really light blue, but not light green either... Hard to say." Galivinth answers as honestly as he can.


    "Fair and close enough! I don''t particularly fault you for that one." Another swap occurs, and this time the older male holds up a tube containing an amethyst liquid.


    "Last one."


    "Purple."


    "Alright, alright. So you don''t have any issue seeing colors of any kind. But now let''s test just how nearsighted you really are." Tonithy takes a moment to set the tube rack onto the counter before moving back to grab a different device. This time it was something that resembles a flashlight. He presses his right thumb down onto a certain area of the body of the light and peels open a compartment that hides a small keyboard of some kind and pushes a few keys before sealing the compartment again.


    "Lab, lights off." He commands and in an instant, the lights shut off and gives way to near pitch-black darkness. The bit of light from the several machines in the room illuminates in the darkness, but nothing that makes any detail clear to see. With a shift of the switch on the red device in his hand, a ray of light emits and shines on the wall 9 yards away. It displays a circle of white with Galivinth''s name sitting at the center in large bold red letters.


    "My name?" Galivinth questions while arching a brow.


    "Is that a question or your answer?


    "Both. I can see it clearly, and it definitely shows my name on the wall."


    "Good! Now, how about--" Tonithy trails off as he peels open the obscuring compartment again and pushes in different keys, but also adjusts the small dial beside them this time. The result is display of a number 1/3 the size of the text previously shown.


    "And now?"


    That''s..." Galivinth pauses, deciding to at least try to make out what was on the wall before he gives an answer. Alas, no matter how much he squints and leans forward in his seat, he just can''t make out the blurry message.


    "Yeah, that''s way too small for me to see." The teen admits, resorting back to his original posture within his seat upon giving up.


    "I see! Lab, lights on, please." At his command, the lights flick on and illuminate the room once more. Setting the device in his hand back down onto the tray, he abandons it for a stethoscope.


    "Why don''t you tell me a bit about your upbringing here on earth? Even if it''s just the most memorable things that come to mind." Tonithy requests while placing the tool appropriately upon his person.


    "My upbringing? Well, I grew up in an apartment on the same street for all my life. I''ve been bullied. Called weird... blind kid, lame, and... And a pussy... because I don''t like fighting." Galivinth finishes with evident annoyance.


    "Pussy? That one in particular seems to draw out more of a reaction out of you. According to the English dictionary, it''s a term for felines. Well-.. pussycat was the precise word. Is that a way of calling someone nimble?"


    "No. It''s a way of calling someone a coward. It''s also a word for female genitalia."


    "Aaaaaahhhh. I see. Take a deep breath for me, by the way." Tonithy instructs as he presses a small flat steel surface against the teen''s chest. The latter obeys with a deep inhale and exhale through his nostrils.


    "Hm. Interesting! Buuuut I should definitely double check that, just to be certain." Tonithy muses to himself before ridding himself of yet another tool and picking up a different one.


    "You know, I thought for sure you''d have something more advanced." Galivinth comments.


    "Fair statement. Then again, I''m not a certified doctor. Some of these were collected out of curiosity and research purposes. Though, I think this one in particular will sate your expectation." Tonithy assures as he holds up a royal blue hand-sized device to Galivinth that resembles a translucent clipboard. A light soon begins projecting from it and scanning the teen from head-to-thighs, then vice-versa. When it finishes, the light shuts off and a holographic screen expands from the side that isn''t obscured by Tonithy''s palm.


    "Let''s see here. Heart rate is at 76 bpm, blood type is B+.... Whatever that is. 76% Cryonean and 24% human? Wow, that concoction really did force override your genetic makeup! Guess I had no reason to doubt him." The scientist muses out loud as scrolls lower on the interactive display.


    "177 centimeters in height, eye color white, development stage 4, and undoubtedly male."


    "That thing was able to figure all of that out just by scanning me? How come you didn''t start with that?" Galivinth questions while arching a brow.


    "I wanted to see how adequate my own observation would be compared to it. Honestly, only a few of them were just very slightly off, so I think I did quite well!" Tonithy answers, then moves to retrieve the other available mobile seat in the room before settling into it near Galivinth.


    "So, what do you think of Cryonean culture thus far?"


    "It all feels so formal in nature. It''s like... being surrounded by librarians."


    "Interesting. Could I get you to elaborate on that for me?"


    "Well, you guys are incredibly different from humans. Every one of you I''ve met so far are well-spoken, dignified, and honest. Everyone here seems more driven by logic than emotions, and it''s a shift in atmosphere that leaves me in disbelief sometimes. It''s admirable, but it makes me feel... lesser, I guess." Galivinth answers.


    "Well then, I guess I should also ask how you usually perceive humans. Are they truly such a contrast to us in regard to social norms?"


    "They are. Humans vary far more greatly expressive than cryoneans. Some for the better, some for the worse. It can also depend on the area they''re in, as well. For example, people in West Illinois are fairly different from those in South Illinois. But an entirely different state would likely seem completely different compared to Illinois as a whole. It''s very different from how things are here, I think. I don''t know for sure though, because I''ve only been within this part of the city."


    "Sounds quite similar to what I''ve been able to pick up through the vast entertainment that gets streamed from different regions here on Earth. There is a difference to spot clear as day amongst them." Tonithy concurs with a nod of his head, his arms raising in unity to fold across his chest in the meantime.


    "What was your homeworld like?"


    "Mine? Well, I cannot deny the structure of society varies on the region back home, as well. Fashion and political leaning were the signs of different Kingdoms. Some places heavily lean on magic while the local fashion was commonly green, some are science focus while the local fashion is primarily white. My particular region leans towards magic, but thankfully science wasn''t reduced to a minor role. Besides that, I wouldn''t say it''s difficult to move and adjust back on Cryon. Mannerisms didn''t really change all that much."


    "Oh, so you guys just have Kingdoms on your planet?


    "Yes. A legacy monarchy works well enough. The King or Queen doesn''t usually have their hands full with a lot of responsibility. Nothing needs to be fixed if it''s not broken. It''s usually just occasional grandstanding activities. You know, longest household names, most fashionable, Kingdom sports teams, and even architect design." Tonithy takes the liberty of answering with elaborating details.


    Hm. So not so different, but still different."


    "Yeah. Funny enough, that makes the most sense to me too, kiddo. By the way, if you don''t mind me prying, was there something you were hoping to receive aid in when you came here?"


    "No, not really. Naeth suggested that I take a break and talk to my father for a bit."Galivinth answers.


    "I see. You were practicing for Conquest Bout, right? How''s that been going so far?"


    "It''s been going alright, I think. I''ve learned a lot from Naeth teaching me for several months, but I''m not sure if there''s been any big changes between the beginning and now. I mean, there is visible progress, but probably not enough to be a good teammate." Galivinth explains.


    "Sounds like quite the endeavor! This is merely my personal observation of your person as a whole, but you don''t strike me as the athlete type at all. I have a hunch Trivisty favors you. You seem like a young scholar in the making, so I''ll ask: Is it the physical aspect that you''re particularly struggling with?"


    "Who is Trivisty? And more so both. Casting and physical requirements. I have about three spells memorized, but it''s hard casting in the heat of the moment. Everyone else seems to be thinking at the speed of sound, and I barely know how to react to someone just looking in my general direction."


    "Hmm! Maybe what you need is a method to act preemptively. A little handicap for a dabbler such as yourself." Tonithy reasons while bringing his right hand up to his face and immediately begins stroking his digits over his thin facial hair.


    "You mean something that''ll help me think faster? Like a mental training exercise?"


    "No, something that''ll allow you to act faster. Like a gadget made specifically to accommodate your casting output. I can craft something that''ll give you an edge where you need it, just until you''re used to the pace of the matches."


    "Oh. That kinda'' sounds cool, but isn''t that also kind of like cheating?" Galivinth asks.


    "Technically, yes. Without a doubt it is. However, I think some sort of argument can be made for someone in your position. Possibly. My opinion holds no sway over the rules of the sport, but maybe it can be a convincing enough argument to get all participants to empathize with your situation and overlook the aid you''re getting." Tonithy answers.


    "You really think they''d make an exception for me?"


    "No. I strongly doubt everyone would be open to it, BUT! The answer still lies within the shadow of the unknown. We won''t know until someone makes the inquiry. Seeing as how I''ve got the free time and invested interest; I''ll voluntarily be the one to ask." The elder cryonean announces with a smile and nod of his head. Tonithy then rises from his seat and heads over to the large steel storage cabinet within the room and peels it open to reveal what lies within. Various accessories and objects such as several goggles, a couple of vests, half a dozen staffs of various lengths, and a couple of boxes fill the interior - from them, Tonithy leans down to grab one of the three feet tall metal boxes and carries it over to the counter to place it down.


    "You don''t have to do that. If anything, I should be the one to speak up about needing or wanting accommodations."


    "Consider it a mutually beneficial and friendly gesture. It''s my excuse to build something unusual, and you get a new gift from yours truly. Shouldn''t take too long to finish, so unless there''s anything else you''d like to discuss--" Tonithy pauses as he turns his head to settle his eyes on the teen again.


    "I''d like to get started on it immediately."


    "Oh. No. No, I''m good. I''ll just... get out of your hair for the time being." Galivinth responds and rises to stand. He heads toward the exit door, deciding it was a good time to return to the group.


    "Excelente! We''ll talk again soon, Galivinth!"


    "Yeah, I look forward to it, sir." And with those words, the teen takes his leave and gently shuts the door behind himself. Out in the hallway, he was indeed going to return to his peers, but he stops himself just after a step forward. There was no actual rush, and forty minutes couldn''t have already passed by now. With that notion in mind, he turns toward the opposite direction and begins treading down the linear pathway before him. Heading toward the direction of the library he recalls stopping by with his father during his first visit. When he passes beyond the wide-open double doors of the library, he proceeds into the rectangle room slowly while looking over the bookshelves to the right of him, noting that he was venturing through titles starting with the letter ''U'' and heading into the ''V'' section the further he walks. It becomes apparent the books were in alphabetical order, set up to be counterclockwise within the room. The beginning, where the ''A'' section can be found, resides behind him. It''s also where a man in fanciful garbs, who has taken notice of the teen, stands observing curiously. It was anyone''s guess how long he''s been watching, but just as Galivinth turns to explore the other side of the room, he begins approaching. A curious-like scowl upon his features. The man''s features are strong, yet smooth. His complexion fair and spotless, his hair raven, rather short, and slicked back. His attire is made of an extravagant dark plum and thin high-collar jacket that bears an emblem at its left breast region. The legs of his black leather slacks lead down into a pair of black shin-high boots with white cuffs and stainless-steel toes. He was a cryonean for sure. His monochrome eyes made that quite clear.


    "Aren''t you that... lad from the other day? The outsider?" The stranger questions as he comes to stand a few feet away from Galivinth, standing tall at 6''4 in height.


    The youth takes a moment to look him over, soon discovering that the individual also looks familiar. In fact, they were recalling the same day they saw one another.


    "Yeah, I am. I remember you, too. You were with the king and those guards." Galivinth responds.


    "Indeed so. Though, I''m honestly quite surprised to stumble upon you like this... No ward with you? Surely you aren''t just roaming around by your lonesome and as you please?" The man questions with a wry grin taking form upon his features, expecting to be told otherwise by the other. However, with a blank stare and a brief moment of silence, Galivinth gives him the blunt truth.


    "...I am." That short answer was all it took to make the man''s expression shift to one of mild shock. Another few seconds of silence seeps into the atmosphere between them.


    "...How wonderful." Following up his response is a chuckle that cracks another grin across the man''s face.


    "You may very well be the most curious circumstance to have imposed itself-- Or rather, himself -- onto our kingdom. But, contrary to how the rest likely feel, I am delighted at your presence. You very well may have made my ambitions just that much more accessible." The man goes on to explain a tad. Without the entire context, it''s no wonder Galivinth then gives him a confused look.


    "What?"


    "Nothing that needs to be elaborated upon, especially to the likes of you. But please, do indulge yourself to our home and knowledge until you''re content as can be. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I''ll be taking my leave. I look forward to spectating your match with our generous King, by the by." And with that, the man heads off and exits the library. Galivinth watches him leave through the doorway, then almost immediately sees Naeth enter through it while glancing over his shoulder for a moment. Likely looking toward the stranger that just left.


    "Oh, Naeth. Sorry, has it been longer than the time you gave me already?" Galivinth asks.


    "No, but it is nearing. I merely came to check up on you and maybe help sort out your thoughts. The others are taking a short break now."


    "Ah, alright. My father wasn''t around, so--" Galivinth begins, but Naeth promptly interrupts.


    "I know, Tonithy told me when I stopped by the lab. I thought maybe I''d find you here. Didn''t really think you''d bother with cryonean tomes, but here you are within one of the libraries. Did you find what you were looking for?"


    "I wasn''t particularly looking for anything. Just thought I''d pass some time by reading something here. Ended up talking to that guy in that dark purplish jacket and now you''re here."


    "Councilman Anathan? Hm... I''m sure you were able to handle yourself, right?" Naeth questions, thinking it was possible that the older male may have given his cousin some choice words.


    "Yeah, it was fine. Didn''t really seem... hostile? Nothing out of the ordinary, I don''t think." The teen answers with a shrug of his shoulders.


    "Oh Good. That aside, are you ready to head back? We''re going to be resuming shortly."


    "Yeah, I''m ready. I think my mind is clear now." Galivinth answers. With a nod, the two return to the others outside.


    Elsewhere...


    Fine leather boots near the end of flight of steps leading to the ground level of the research and university facility, a pair belonging to none other than Councilman Anathan himself. He makes his way to exit the building through its front door, carrying a thick book within his right hand, the very item and source of stimulating distraction he sought before paying the King a visit. When out in the fresh and chilling air, he heads down the stone pathway that a manipulation of sorcery prevents from being hidden under inches of snow. Unlike the grassy fields parallel to it. Awaiting at the opposite end, near the sidewalk before him, is a chariot of shimmery ebony wood and stainless platinum with a pair of mechanical steeds at its front, ready to pull and tread onward at the driver''s whim - the very man in a black suit who sits atop of the comfy seat built within the old timely vehicles artistic structure.


    It''s not much longer before the sound of footsteps thumping upon pavement draws the driver''s attention away from the holographic display before his field of vision. He reaches to press a button upon the device on the ear muffle-like device on the left side of his face while simultaneously turning his head, the obscuring screen vanishes and gives away to a clear sight of Anathan approaching.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "Ah, Sieur Aanathan! Faster than I thought you would be. I presume you''ll be wanting to head for the Sire''s Castle next, yes?"


    "Right you are, my good man. Immediately, if you will." The returning passenger responds as he enters and settles himself inside. At the sound of the door closing, the driver gives a whip of the reins within his hands and the android equines begin casually advancing and pulling the chariot along. Soon, Anathan pries open the book within his possession, turning over the majority of pages until he comes upon the last dozen or so. He lays eyes upon a rendered portrait of a historical figure. A Cryonean royalty from not only back on his home world, but also his family lineage. Danthan, the King of the Silver Kingdom from four eras prior. Under the picture is documentation of his time as King that goes on for several pages - of which Anathan turns pass until the next in line for the Silver Kingdom throne is addressed. King Micathan, sire from three eras ago. Anathan turns more pages and lands upon Queen Mia''than, then Prince Sythan - the son of Mia''than who died during the voyage to Earth. Very little is recorded about his life, but the only one that''s even shorter is the next and current King''s, specifically due to circumstances, the young Sire Kaythan. The youth their nation of stranded cryoneans answer to, as well whom Anathan was on his way to visit. Right beside the page that presents a portrait of King Kaythan is the only relative within proximity of him on Earth. Nobleman Anathan himself. The next in line for the Cryon Kingdom''s throne on Earth.


    With a sense of anticipation, Aanathan faintly brushes the fingertips of his right hand over his own portrait. The fire of his ambition swells within the depths of his chest for a moment, shimmering in his eyes like a hunter gazing upon the finest game he''s ever laid eyes on. A subtle grin eventually takes form across his lips as he lightly taps his fingers over his face in the book, of which he turns over to shut right after. At a rather appropriate timing, no less. His ride was just arriving at the largest structure within the town.


    "And here we are, sir. May the rest of your afternoon be a pleasant one in my absence." The driver announces, topping with a warm farewell.


    "May yours, as well." Anathan responds upon exiting the vehicle and shutting the door behind himself. He proceeds toward the tall sparkling navy-blue gate that two grand, towering, twelve-foot-tall knights stand guard of without actually obscuring the entrance onto the castle grounds. Both made of stainless sapphire colored steel, adorned with fanciful black garbs that drape around the flank and rear sides of their lower bodies, and both armed with large broadswords they hold by the handle. No living being resides in either, but are instead instilled with magic of intent - sorcery that allows the will, emotion, or even desire of anyone to be replicated and placed unto almost any empty vessel.


    Anathan moves within range to extend his arms outward to push apart the gate doors, slipping his hand through an invisible wall that only becomes apparent when his limbs go through it. And the simple reason it offers no resistance to his entree is because of his position of power.


    He passes through and heads up along the wide brick pathway that leads up to the building''s enormous double doors while the gates silently shut behind him. He traverses the spacious halls, advancing long stretches and making occasional turns until he reaches a set of dual redwood doors, of which he enters through. Within, a meeting between the King and council parties is taking place.


    "Ah. So you''ve arrived, Anathan. Honestly, I was hoping you''d neglect to come to this meeting... Hoped that perhaps that you''d find it better to stay home and occupy yourself there instead." The young king, the boy sitting at the center of the half ring of a table with his arms crossed and his expression bearing a look of mild annoyance and disinterest, comments. The others briefly turn toward the doorway but pay little mind to the late arrival.


    "And miss yet another engaging discussion with my peers and King? I couldn''t possibly keep away, even if I wanted to. "Anathan responds with a small grin as he moves to take a seat at the left side of the table with the others. These meetings were set up to where scientists sat to the right of the king, while magesouls sit at the opposite side. Within the King''s reign, magesouls are more favored than the other, thus Anathan and those on his end outnumber the other eight to four.


    "Well then, shall we continue? There''s merely a couple more subjects to cover, after which, the King may dismiss this meeting if he so pleases." One of the members speaks up.


    "Yes, let''s proceed. I tire of this room, and I wish to spend my time elsewhere before the sun begins setting." The royalty informs without any hesitation at all. And they certainly do carry on as normal. Discussions are had over the course of forty minutes or so, then those within finally rise out of their seat to take their leave upon the King''s say so. All but the boy himself and his relative. The former slouches in his seat, pinching the bridge of his nose. Anathan simply observes the other within a moment of silence.


    "Is the pressure getting to you?" The elder of the two asks.


    "No. I''m just a bit mentally worn, is all. All is fine." The King answers with reassurance.


    "I''m sure you''re aware of such, but you can transfer the crown over to someone else until--"


    "Until I''m prepared to claim it again. Yes, I know. I also know that you''re aware that you''re the only other individual among us that I could possibly turn it over to. You obviously want it for yourself, for whatever reason. Does your standing as a noble not satisfy you enough?" The king chimes in with a bit of annoyance in his tone, somewhat glaring at the other as he speaks.


    "You make it sound as if I''ve some grand scheme hidden in my intent, sire. I am more than willing to admit that yes, I am prepared to don the crown, but not so much for my sake... But for my young King and cousin. And for our people. I only wish to make sure we stay the course of flourishing, is all." Anathan responds. However, his words merely earn him a scoff from the lad.


    "How noble of you... Truly, such passion is something to behold." The king responds rather dismissively before rising out of his seat to take his leave of the room. Though, he gives the other one more notion on his way out.


    "Rest assured, councilman Anathan... You won''t ever have to worry about bearing the weight of my crown." With those words, the sound of the door shutting behind him follows.


    Left alone with his thoughts, Anathan adopts a minor frown while looking toward that very door. He sighs through his nostrils and takes another read through the book in his possession, though a much more thorough one this time. He spends an hour or so longer in that room.


    At his departure and as he returns to the center hall of the castle, he sees two guards escorting someone inside. A fairly familiar face - a man carrying a box that was about two feet tall and three feet in width. A scientist most likely being taken to the king''s throne room for a presentation. After their passing by, Anathan''s attention shifts toward several of his peers who''re standing near the large double doors leading outside.


    Anathan makes his way over and casually interjects himself into their conversation.


    "Gentlemen." He speaks up to draw the attention of the others.


    "Ah, Anathan. We were just discussing methods to help make the King''s responsibilities easier." One of the men spoke.


    "That''s certainly worth discussing, councilman Polloman. Though, for an entirely different reason I have in mind." Anathan responds.


    "I can already sense where this is going, councilman Anathan. We understand your frustration and we feel it to various degrees, yet nowhere near as strongly as you. But surely all that can be said has been said." Another of the group speaks up. This time being councilman Theodor.


    "Perhaps or perhaps not. The matter persists as a potential danger. Our King is naive and too young to understand the expectations of the position he holds." Anathan counters.


    "Careful you don''t speak so callously at that volume... Not all would be so tolerant of talk of violating traditions." Polloman warns with genuine wariness. At such words, Anathan snaps his attention toward the older male.


    "Well, they ought to be. This isn''t a matter that needs coddling, this is about making sure our makeshift little kingdom continues to flourish without complications. I don''t find it so unreasonable to think... to KNOW... that we need a leader who will put the collective over the individual, especially when we''re arguably still vulnerable." Anathan counters sharply. His words may bring about uncomfortable silence among the five of them in an instant, but the rest have trouble internally denying that they resonate with such a sentiment.


    "What do you propose that we do, then? You make a critical point, councilman Anathan, but this is something that could stir the public. Can we really afford that at a time like this?" A different voice speaks up to question, one belonging to councilman Vant.


    "While this should be taken care of as soon as possible, abruptly taking this up with the king and public would not be the best approach. We need to plant seeds of reasoning among the people. Enlighten and unify them to stand with us without doubt. To demand something better than what we tolerate now. Persuade all who will listen, appeal to their sense of duty to our kingdom. Then, they shall turn and spread it to another." Anathan explains. Then he begins turning away, letting his attention linger a bit longer before he departs.


    "Do that, then we can hammer the public''s opinion in the fires of passion and pride until they become the weapon we need. For now, we''ll stray from formulating anything formal yet and go about our lives as normal. And with that said, I shall follow through. Take care, gentlemen." He bids a farewell, but within merely three steps while turning, he ends up colliding with someone. A handful of books end up falling and pattering on the floor, including the one Anathan was holding.


    "Hnn... I suppose I should have been a little more careful." The man who was carrying a box full of books nearly murmurs as he lowers into a crouch, setting the box down as he begins cleaning up the mild mess.


    "No, I''m mostly to blame. I should have been far more careful." Anathan assures the other while also crouching to help a bit. He ends up only picking up two identical books, confident that one of them was his. While that was certainly true, he ends up mistakenly handing over the wrong one. Upon getting a look of the other, he discovers it''s Galelith he was aiding.


    "Sorry for the trouble, Galelith. May your day be pleasant enough." With those words, Anathan proceeds to take his leave.


    "Yours, as well." The scientist responds as he rises to stand again. He adjusts the box within his arms for a better grip, then also heads out of the castle. He soon pushes past the gates ahead and takes a right while Anathan is already heading in the opposite direction.


    The stoic father heads toward the car he left parked beside the sidewalk, places the box in the passenger side of the vehicle, and then heads around to the driver side. He drives all the way back to the academic building where his lab is, parks at the sidewalk once more, and heads inside with the box in his possession. Soon, he reaches and enters his lab briefly. His only intent was setting the box down onto the counter inside before heading out again.


    That box remains there untouched all day and night, even most of the early morning of the next day when Tonithy returns to continue building his new project. It finally receives attention again when Galelith enters with his son following behind.


    "I''m not quite sure how fond of reading you are, but I figured it couldn''t be a burden to ask if you''d be interested in taking home some books." Galelith proposes while heading over to the box. Galivinth himself takes a seat on the stool beside his father.


    "What kind of books are they?" The teen asks.


    "Works of literature. Some fiction, some non-fiction. There may be one or two educational documents, too. However, they''ve become obsolete. They were meant to be gotten rid of, but maybe you could make better use of them." Galelith answers as he plucks out a few books to examine. Galivinth also reaches over to take one and examine it. The boy opens the tome and discovers it''s a book detailing the lives of reigning royalties. With mild interest, Galivinth skips through a huge chunk of it and ends up near the very end of it.


    "Huh, I see. I can look through some of them and see if any are interesting enough to keep, but I may just donate most of them to The Hall of Knowledge." Galivinth informs his father.


    "That massive library in the state of Florida?"


    "Yup, that''s the one."


    "Hm. No harm in that." Galelith comments.


    "Okay! I think it''s finally finished!" Tonithy exclaims in his burst of excitement, drawing the attention of the other two in the room.


    "What is?" Galelith questions.


    "My new invention! Galivinth, if I may have you for a moment..." Tonithy answers and requests for the teen''s presence, of which the young man stands up from his seat to give. He moves to where Tonithy is.


    "Now, let''s just get this strapped onto you..." The enthusiastic scientist trails off with his words again while placing the first part around the teen''s forearm. A leather bracer with a launcher contraption built neatly upon it, as well as some sort of ammo belt connected to it. The other half was the rest of the mentioned lengthy belt. Tonithy helps wrap it around Galivinth''s hips and latch it onto a loop of the teen''s jeans to help keep it from falling any lower. Instead of actual bullets however, a myriad of clear tennis-ball sized spheres were all over it.


    "And Wah-La!"


    "Woah... This kind of looks sick." Galivinth comments with a grin as he looks over the device on his arm, turning his arm left and right to study the design.


    "Sick? I... don''t think it''s possible for objects to fall under ailments. Unless, we''re counting rusting? But even then--" Tonithy muses out loud, the boy''s lingo foreign to his comprehension.


    "No, not literally sick. I just mean it looks awesome. You know, pleasantly interesting." Galivinth clarifies.


    "Oh! That''s good, I''m glad. I did my best to consider what might be optimal for you, so hopefully you like its capability just as much as its design!"


    "And what exactly is that, Tonithy?" Galelith asks while eyeing the device.


    "I call it... The Mage Canon. You see, it''s a tool that allows the user to launch prepped magic spells contained in the spheres you see along the belt. It eliminates the need to memorize incantations and saves time on casting." Tonithy explains.


    "Did you create that for his Conquest Bout matches?"


    "That I did! Went and got the King''s approval yesterday!"


    "So that''s what you had inside that box..." Galelith comments, recalling seeing his lab partner being escorted to the king''s throne room the previous day.


    "You built this pretty fast. How does it work, though?" Galivinth chimes in to ask.


    "I''m glad you asked, my young acquaintance! I built in two ways to use it. The assumed standard way is placing your hand on the pad of the launcher, the spot with the ridges, and pulling back on it to fire the sphere that''s in the launcher''s pocket. The other way--" Tonithy pauses briefly as he steps closer, reaching under the belt to pull what vaguely resembles a kickstand from the side of the bracer and around to the front, where the teen can simply grip the fairly thick remote like an arcade stick. At it''s very top sits a red button.


    "Is by using this remote! When it''s retracted, the button will be sunk, preventing any accidental firing. But as it is now, you can push it as much as you want and it''ll fire the same way as the other method. Not quite rapidly, of course. There''s a small delay when it needs to prep the next sphere. I think I adjusted it enough to get it down to about 2.6 seconds."


    "Duuuuude, whaaaat... That''s so crazy, man. Like, this is something straight out of a fantasy movie or something. You''re a mad genius, Tonithy!" Galivinth praises, now looking upon the invention with five times more admiration gleaming in his eyes.


    "I don''t know about mad, but I more so like to think of myself as an upbeat and sane genius. However, I am a man who prefers to prove his merit with undeniable evidence. You and the others are training again today, yes? Why don''t we head out back to join them and put the Mage Cannon to the test?" Tonithy proposes, curious himself to see just how well his invention could hold up.


    "Sounds good to me! I''m ready to see what this thing can do!" Galivinth enthusiastically takes the other up on his offer. Then three depart from the lab and make their way to the rear side of the building, where Naeth and the others are waiting. Being that Tonithy''s invention wasn''t difficult to notice in the slightest, Naeth raises a brow.


    "What is that... contraption on your arm and body?" Naeth questions.


    "Tonithy calls it a ''Mage Cannon''. Says it should help me out." Galivinth answers.


    "I don''t think such a device is legal in Conquest Bout..."


    "Not to worry! I brought it to the King''s attention and got his explicit approval! Galivinth may use it." Tonithy speaks up to inform.


    "Oh? Well, then I won''t question it further. Let''s see how much it compensates for his shortcomings." And so, training proceeds as normal.


    Their routine of three hours of drills, tactic execution, and cardio comes and goes. Another day passes. And even though the following sunrise marks the day of their formal match against an actual team, it too passes. Nothing too difficult. Naeth, Raice, Qoreman, and Rayson were adequately capable enough to assert a victory over the opposing side. After that day came the next 24-hours where they''d all rest to prepare for the match that actually matters. The day they were scheduled to face off against the king and his hand-picked teammates was now at hand.


    It begins almost like any other previous morning, save instead of heading inside the university and research facility, the trio of Naeth, Galivinth, and Galelith meet other members of their team at the sidewalk in front of the establishment''s grounds. They all board the bus Galelith decided to make use of this particular day and were driven to the colosseum where their match would be taking place.


    The exterior was a tremendous structure made of navy-blue stones and possesses the structure of an oval shape. Its size was unfathomable. In Galivinth''s rough estimation, it looks as if it''d take at least 15 minutes to just walk a lap around it.


    Galelith lets the bunch off the bus near the entrance of the building, of which all eight of them enter through. After traversing their way through the corridors inside, the group make out to the battleground of the colosseum -- the center ground level Galivinth discovers takes after a snowy forest in appearance. About three inches of snow obscure the pavement beneath everyone''s feet. At the middle of the arena, where there was a 20-yard treeless gap between the two evenly divided sides of the field, stands the king and his chosen team members. Patiently awaiting them.


    It takes a moment to notice, but there is an eerie silence that consumes the atmosphere around them - Galivinth feels. It takes only a second to realize that there are indeed people occupying the seats of the upper level of the colosseum. However, the spectators seem scarce in numbers. With their low population, it was something of a distant dream to imagine the cryonean race would grow large enough to fill out the oval structure. While trailing behind his teammates, Galivinth wonders if the low numbers are the reason he hears no chatter from the crowd at all. Maybe they were simply more aloof than he previously thought.


    Nonetheless, the two opposing sides proceed to exchange words with one another.


    "We''re in for an interesting noon, aren''t we, gentlemen and gentlelady? The outcome will decide whether this shall be a good day for one of our sides. Someone must face the repercussions of defeat with a brave face, after all. Are you excited as I am to find out who''ll come out victorious?" The king greets and speaks his mind. Words he speaks with a casual grin on his face as he looks up at the older cryoneans from the opposing team.


    "As excited as I am honored, your highness. I only humbly ask that you don''t hold it against me for wanting to win and not holding back within this match." Naeth is the one to respond to the young king, upholding his strong-willed nature while also being mindful to choose his words carefully.


    "Heh! No, no. By all means, make this your greatest endeavor yet. Don''t hold back just because I wear a fanciful shiny crown. It''d be an absolute bore if none of you struggle against the inevitability that is myself." The King encourages in mockery. It''s then an individual approaches the two teams - an official for the match. A man with olive skin who wears an attire consisting of a black and fairly baggy leather hoodie that bears many pockets and several zippers on it, a black baseball cap that protrudes from under his hood - the hat tilted in a way that completely obscures his eyes. An armband with a red and white stripe pattern on his left bicep, and black cargo pants that tuck into the shin-high high military boots on his feet.


    An appearance that stands out in a city full of formal dressing civilians in Galivinth''s honest opinion.


    "Are both teams ready to begin?" The peculiar man asks.


    "Indeed. I think all that needs to be said has been done so already." The King answers as he turns to head toward the tower that stood behind him. His teammates follow along.


    "We''re ready, as well, referee." Raice answers for her side.


    "Very well. Please, head toward your own team''s castle and prepare to begin. The match will commence shortly." The ref instructs before heading toward the wall behind him. Galivinth and the bunch oblige and move toward their side, as well. Soon, a dozen small and sphere-like drones fly and spread throughout the field. One in particular stations itself near the group as they stand waiting, gazing upon them with a high-end mechanical lens. As soon as Galivinth catches sight of it, he questions its presence.


    "Hey, Naeth. What''s that thing floating over there?" The teen asks while pointing toward the levitating eye.


    "That''s an AI camera. I suppose this match will be broadcasted throughout the city."


    "Oh. Well, I guess it is an event that involves the King." Just after Galivinth''s comment upon Naeth''s answer, a booming voice that sounds as if it''s coming through a microphone makes itself heard - one that sounds like the referee - by way of counting down from ten.


    "Yeah, so it is. That aside--" Naeth responds before shifting his attention to the rest of the team.


    "Raice, Qoreman, Rayson, and Galivinth are starting out first. The rest of you await inside the castle until we need to switch out." He states and finds his words obliged without question. Good thing, too, because there was no time for debates on the subject.


    "10. 9. 8..."


    "Alright, remember what we''ve covered in training!" Naeth shouts to the others.


    "7. 6. 5. 4.


    "No need to worry at all, I''m ready for this!" Raice exclaims while thrusting her right fist into her left palm.


    "3... 2... 1..." The countdown arrives upon its end.


    "Oh man... Can''t lose, can''t lose, can''t lose, can''t lose!" Galivinth murmurs under his breath as he flexes his fingers into and out of fists, anxiety creeping along his skin like the chilling brush of a winter breeze.


    "BEGIN!" Upon that word, a transparent dome-like force field emerges from thin air. Similarly, the three towers in front of their team''s castle form transparent barriers. Blue-ish walls that form a triangular blockade that prevent access to the building.


    "Advance in standard formation! We need to dominate the field before they can get a proper footing in their strategies." Naeth instructs, then he''s the first to take off into a dash toward the center of the field. Galivinth, Raice, Qoreman, and Rayson follow behind while making sure to spread out in a V-like structure while closing in on the middle.


    Naeth comes to a skidding halt at the last row of trees on their side, his hands posturing in a claw-like manner as preemptive magic courses along his forearms like elemental bracers. Once his keen eyes spot a figure on the other side, he sharply thrusts his right hand forward.


    "Ligh-Tomei!" He shouts in unity of his motion before a sudden roaring crackle of lightning intensely cuts through the air and strikes his target ferociously. A distant cry of pain could be heard as the lightning bolt assaults the individual like an enormous blunt javelin, one that tore through several trees to not only get at its mark, but also sends the person flying back until they harshly collide into a different tree.


    Right after, he spots two more members of the opposing team - a pair who''re taken aback by the destructive incarnation - and acts immediately.


    "One to the far right!" He shouts while discharging his second prepped spell at the one to the left. A tier-3 fireball leaves the rotating sigil hovering over his palm with a violent burst and heads right for his second target. During, Raice accumulates energy into her own left hand and sends off a tier-3 wind incantation at the other Naeth brought awareness to.


    "Win-di-oh!" Raice shouts just a mere second before a powerful onslaught of air leaves the sigil her incantation summons, sending her opponent torpedoing back and smashing through a couple of trees before tumbling along the snowy ground.


    Similarly, Naeth''s target ends up getting blown back after the massive fireball makes contact with the tree near the target and explodes with a tremendous burst.


    With momentum on their side, the coordinated group advances forward to claim more ground while giving no real opportunity to the opposing side to collect themselves in the midst of the imposing push. This goes on until they near the other team''s barrier, of which the king himself finally comes into view and fearlessly steps forward to confront the incoming assault. It certainly does come. Naeth gathers energy within both of his palms again, adeptly reciting the desired incantations within his mind as he holds his hands out in unity. His hands presenting horizontally, fingers spread and bent in a claw-like fashion, the bottom of his palms touching one another and facing his next target. Without a spoken word, but instead a mere thought, he discharges a dual casting. Out from his hands shoots a twisting dance of raging lightning and scorching fire that was easily three times larger than the King''s body, threatening to engulf the boy whole within its aggressive elements. And yet--


    "It won''t be THAT easy, I''m afraid." The king muses to himself before simply gesturing his hand upward as if he was tossing up a ball from his palm, in doing, he derails the incoming projectile and sends it curving upward to meet the dead end above that was the ceiling of the force field surrounding the field.


    "Did he just... control the spell?" Galivinth questions with a look of utter disbelief on his face. However, his teammates try to maintain the advantage of the situation and apply pressure. The next to do so were Qoreman and Raice, one casting a tier-3 ice spell while the other shoots forward a water spell of the same tier. Just like before, so nonchalantly, the king presents his hands in front of himself like double doors, with his finger tips touching, and makes the gesture of opening them wide into opposite directions to send the spells coming at him off to the sides.


    Though taken aback, Galivinth raises his Mage Canon to take aim and fire a spell of his own, but it is a little too late.


    "Huh-.. GUUH!?" A tier-2 fireball was coming right at him, and by the time he sees that fiery projectile flying his way, he''s struck directly on the abdomen and sent soaring back until he eventually lands with an involuntary flip onto his face.


    "Cousin!" Naeth calls out to his relative while turning toward him.


    "I-I''m fine!" Galivinth assures while pushing himself up out of the snow. However, Naeth allowing his concern for his relative to be a distraction proves to be a poor decision. When he turns back around, he just barely catches the instant a member of the opposite team casts a tier-3 fireball spell toward him. Quick to react, Naeth promptly jumps up high enough to grab onto a tree branch and avoids the projectile. Afterwards, he makes use of his athletic nimbleness to rock the entirety of his body back and then swing forward to loop within a half-circle, flipping into perching himself atop of the branch seamlessly. He balances himself by using a hand to grip onto the branch and uses his other to throw out a tier-2 lightning spell in retaliation. It misses this time when his target throws themself into a roll out of the way. When he prepares to go on the offense again, the king himself lifts his hand toward Naeth and blows him away with a tier-3 wind spell that sends him far back and landing roughly at the middle of the field.


    "I think it''s time I had some fun, too." The king thinks out loud to himself before drawing an invisible ''U'' with his right point finger, promptly creating a blocky throne of stone that shoots up from the very ground itself and sends snow flying into the air. He plops down onto it and then makes another gesture. This time, he simply points that very same finger skyward, which causes his new seat to elevate in height like a tall pillar. With his new view of the field, the young royalty begins his assault.


    Grunting, Naeth pushes himself off of his stomach and into a kneeling position. He would''ve gotten right back into the thick of the action, but what he sees next leaves him staring in shock. It wasn''t simply the King sitting on his high throne, but the incoming ''rainfall'' of fireballs from above. The first lands just 6 yards away from him with an explosive impact that quakes the ground beneath him so harshly, that he nearly loses his balance. Several more like that one follow in quick succession and pummel the ground just as ferociously. In the next moment, he sees the other four members of his team retreating from the enemy''s side while a barrage of spells come flying from further back of the opposing team''s woods.


    "What is even happening right now!?" Galivinth shouts in the middle of running.


    "Good lord, the... the king is far, far more formidable than I thought he''d be!" Qoreman comments.


    "Naeth, you''ve got to move! Get up!" Rayson shouts while coming to pass the individual he addresses. And the latter does indeed heed his advice and scurries up the ground before moving within a full-blown sprint. In the chaos, the opposing team keeps on their pressure and follows behind. Given how they were spread out, especially Galivinth who was at the far side, it was easy for them to carry out an on-the-spot plan to isolate the weakest link.


    It begins just as Naeth and Rayson formulate a defensive plan.


    "Raice, help me put up a stone wall for cover!" Naeth shouts just before shifting into sliding the soles of his boots along the ground of white under him to bring himself to a stop. Raice does the same just a few feet away from him, including the part where he turns himself around. The two then prepare an earth spell and simultaneously slam their palms down to the ground just as Qoreman and Rayson pass them by. Twin walls of stone shoot up from the earth and stand about ten feet tall in front of the four of them, effectively blocking the incoming spells. While their new protection begins taking a beating, Naeth takes a moment to look around and finally notices that someone is missing.


    "Ack!" Galivinth grunts while falling over onto his stomach after a fireball strikes just a measly feet away from him and throws him off balance. He attempts to hurry back onto his feet, but a tier-3 lightning spell that also just barely misses startles him enough to cause the teen to trip over himself. The delay in his movement results in him being caught. The next spell, a tier-3 fireball, hits his back directly and hurls him violently toward the arena''s wall. The teen ends up tumbling uncontrollably until the momentum causes his forehead to harshly meet with the transparent surface of the force field at the far side of the arena. His head bounces right off of it before he drops onto his back, grimacing as he holds his head with a single hand.


    "That kind of hurt..." He murmurs before pushing himself up to stand. In the midst of him rising, a tier-1 lightning spell hits him directly and sends a shock through his entire body.


    "Aa-uck-k-k!?" The teen practically cries out as his body fidgets against his will.


    "Cousin Galivinth!" Naeth calls out in horror.


    "We have to help him." Rayson states, knowing that things could only get worse if nothing is done soon.


    When another tier-3 fireball hits Galivinth and ruthlessly slams him against the force field''s wall with a resounding DHOOOM ! as if his body was colliding with a glass-like surface, and the teen drops to his knees in pain, it''s then Naeth decides to make a run for it.


    "I''m going to help him." Naeth announces before suddenly taking off into a dash and out from the walls'' protection. He''s quick, but he does not get far at all under the King''s keen eyes. A fireball hits the ground right in front of him and cuts his advance short in an instant. Naeth ends up falling onto his back from the impact. While hustling back up onto his feet, he turns his head in time to see several more fire projectiles closing in on him. With no other choice, he turns around and heads back to take cover behind the walls again. Managing to avoid getting hit by any of the spells as he does. It becomes apparent that the King is keeping a close eye on the four of them. And as the other four members of the opposing team continue their onslaught of spells at Galivinth, refusing to even make a move toward their castle''s towers, it dawns upon Naeth what''s going on. Even Galelith and Tonithy can see it from the seats.


    "How interesting... I don''t think I''ve seen this kind of ill sportsmanship before. Not on such a deliberate scale like this." Tonithy comments with a skeptical expression upon his face. Beside him, Galelith comes to take a seat nearby. Watching with a noticeable frown.


    "Hnn..." The latter reframes from making any sort of comment and just observes as the match goes on. There was simply nothing he could do within this very moment, thus he had to endure watching his only child suffer such aggression. Uncomfortably so. His right brow twitches in irritation at the sight.


    "I should have known this was a possibility... I should have kept a closer eye on him!" Naeth shouts as his frustration grows by the passing seconds.


    "I... I don''t think any of us expected something like this to happen. Are they truly so enraged by his mere presence that they''d stoop to such a thing?" Qoreman rhetorically questions as he looks upon the scene with disgust.


    "We have to do something, Naeth. They''re going to such extreme lengths just to hurt him..." Raice comments.


    "I know, Raice. I know. I just have to think for a moment..." He responds while bawling his hands into fists as a scowl settles upon his features. After a moment of thinking, a risky idea finally comes to mind.


    "I need one of you to blast me over to him with a wind spell." He announces.


    "What? But what if-" Qoreman attempts to question the idea, but Naeth sharply cuts in.


    "Now is not the time to debate ideas. I just need you to trust me and do as I say."


    "Are you really sure about this?" Qoreman asks while arching a brow.


    "I am. Make sure it''s a tier-3 incantation, as well. The sooner I''m over there, the sooner I can do something about this." Naeth explains.


    "...Alright, then. I''ll be the one to do it."


    "Fine by me. The second I start running out, I want you to cast it immediately." Naeth tells him before taking up stance. preparing to kick off into another sprint.


    "Be careful, Naeth." Raice tells him.


    "I''ll be just fine. I''m moving out now." And with that said, Naeth takes off and again toward Galivinth. Just as the King spots his attempt and is about to rain down more fireballs, Qoreman casts a spell of his own first.


    "Win-di-oh!" As Qoreman speaks the incantation, he thrusts his right palm outward at Naeth''s back and sends a powerful gust of wind at his companion.


    As soon as Naeth hears the first syllable of Qoreman''s spell, he takes a lunge jump just in time to be sent soaring far and high across the field. He bends his knees as he nears the other side and eyes an individual from the other team that he''s inevitably going to collide into. Then it happens. He sends that person flying with a devastating drop-kick and bouncing off the wall with a gruesome thud. After having his momentum brought to a halt and safely dropping onto the snowy ground, Naeth leaps up onto his feet again by pushing himself up from the ground. Quickly moving to Galivinth, who was curled on his side in the fetal position, Naeth casts another earth spell to create a wall in front of them.


    "Are you okay?" Naeth asks while moving toward his relative and places a hand upon the teen''s shoulder.


    "AAAUGH! Dude, stop. Stop!" Galivinth exclaims in agony, resulting in the other swiftly retracting his hand in concern.


    "Are you in a lot of pain?"


    "Yes! God... I... I think my arm is broken." Galivinth answers, panting as pain courses throughout his body.


    "I can''t move it.. it hurts and I can''t move it, man!" He groans out, panicking at the realization.


    "Damn it...Just try not to move and hang on, alright? The referee should be-" Before Naeth can finish that thought, a buzzard sounds throughout the coliseum.


    "What''s that sound?" Galivinth asks.


    "The half-time alarm. Twelve minutes have passed." Naeth answers.


    "Thank God...I don''t think I can play anymore."


    "Neither do I. I don''t imagine there''s much you can do with a broken arm." Naeth rationalizes as the others run over to them. After sharing the details of Galivinth''s injury, Qoreman and Naeth carefully help the teen up onto his feet before they all travel back to their castle as a group. Once inside and Galivinth stands on his own, the team discuss their predicament at hand.


    "It would seem a straightforward approach won''t do us any good here. We''ll need to be at least a little crafty in our attempts from here on out. We also can''t afford to be pinned down like that again." Qoreman reasons.


    "No, we most certainly cannot. They didn''t bother with the towers, very likely because Galivinth was out on the field with us, but they''ll definitely win if they decide to actually play for the objective when we swap him out."


    "Auugh.. Jeeze, this hurts so bad..." Galivinth murmurs after feeling a sharp pain shoot through his shoulder from just slightly adjusting his posture. This draws the attentive attention of both Raice and Qoreman, who approach to help ease his pain. Raice helps make a sling out of the hoody Galivinth was wearing under his protective Conquest Bout coat, while Qoreman mindfully places his hands upon the teen''s injured shoulder and uses sorcery to numb the pain.


    "Alright, does that help at all?" Qoreman asks as he removes his hands. Curiously and cautiously, Galivinth slightly turns his torso left to right, then leans forward and back.


    "Yeah, that really helps. I can feel a little pain, but it''s much easier to move now. What exactly did you do to me?"


    "I used sorcery to carefully turn a very small amount of your blood into a substance meant for numbing parts of the body." Qoreman answers.


    "What, like novacaine?"


    "Yes, something very similar to that."


    "Pardon my interruption, but I''ve been tasked with bringing a stipulation from the king to your attention." A voice from the doorway makes itself heard and draws the attention of everyone inside. Turning toward the source, they see it''s the referee himself addressing them.


    "And... what is this stipulation, if I may ask?" Naeth questions with a skeptical look.


    "A simple one, honestly. Your team is prohibited from swapping out the player Galivinth from the field." Comes the man''s deadpan answer.


    "What!?" Naeth shoots a look of utter disbelief.


    "But my arm is broken! I''m supposed to play without the use of my right arm!?" Galivinth asks while gesturing toward his injury.


    "Ah, that does sound troublesome, actually. I suppose it couldn''t hurt to get the king''s opinion of this factor." The ref reasons before reaching into the pocket to bring out and hold a hand-sized glass ball within his palm. Before everyone''s eyes, that monochrome sphere begins blinking violet while giving off a faint whirring sound. Seconds into it, the ball turns and stays a solid violet color as a projection screen forms and hovers above it. On it is the face of none other than the young highness himself.


    "Apologies for the disturbance, your majesty, but it would seem the individual you spoke of, Galivinth, has suffered an injury during the match. Should I--"


    "That matters not one little bit to me, quite frankly. My demand shall still stand." The king abruptly chimes in.


    "But he can''t use his arm. Surely it''s not unreasonable to set him aside and allow a replacement to take his place?" Naeth argues.


    "I. Do. Not. Care." The king retorts nonchalantly.


    "This is not a typical match and you very well know this. You all are aware of this. A wager is on the line and it directly involves the outsider. Now, if the idea of continuing this match is too much of a burden, then there''s always the option of giving up. Would you like to forfeit the match?"


    "Sire--" Naeth attempts to say something further, but he''s promptly cut off.


    "Silence and remain with your tongue held. I want to hear the answer from the outsider himself. Do you wish to yield and abandon the match, abomination?" The king asks. After a short moment of staring with a wary expression, the teen does eventually answer. Not before he lets out a heavy sigh, though.


    "No... I don''t forfeit. I''ll play." Galivinth responds dryly.


    "Good! I''m glad we were able to come to an understanding." And with that said, the king cuts off the communication link and allows the sphere in the referee''s hand to return to its original monochrome state.


    "Well, I''ll be going now." The ref informs before placing the item back into his pocket as he turns to leave.


    "The match will resume shortly, by the way." He adds on his way out.


    "...I''m sorry, cousin Galivinth. It looks as if you''ll have to endure for a little longer." Naeth expresses his sympathy toward his relative.


    "It''s.. it''s fine. I get it... I''m not supposed to be here, and this is me having to pay the price for being somewhere I probably shouldn''t have ever been. I''m sure most of the population here feels slighted at my presence, but it''s too late to walk away now. I still have a chance to fix all of this by winning, though. Whining and moaning won''t make it any easier." Galivinth responds, knowing full well that feeling sorry for himself wasn''t going to provide any sort of solution.


    "Well said. Then with that in mind, let''s go over a strategy. We need to hit them effectively and swiftly." Naeth announces. It''s then that Galivinth takes a moment to observe the mage cannon on his arm, more specifically the next spell sphere in waiting. From his observation, he notices that the next three at tier-2 water spells. At first, it doesn''t seem like much, but then he recalls Naeth''s affinity for fire magic.


    "I think I may have an idea... Or rather, a contribution to forming one." Galivinth informs the others.


    Several minutes pass and the group was given a 1-minute heads up that the second round was going to be starting soon. On their way out of the castle, Galivinth requests Raice''s aid in peeling out the trigger remote of his Mage Canon so that he at least has a way to use it with a single hand. Afterwards, the group takes their place in front of their trio of towers and await an official signal. Before long, another 10-second countdown begins.


    "BEGIN!" The referee''s voice shouts through some unseen microphone once the counting finishes. Almost like before, the group rushes for the center of the field. They arrive first, and once there, they set up a defensive blockade. Rayson and Qoreman are the ones to cast the earth spell this time and summon twin stone walls that stand 1 meter apart. Galivinth, Raice, and Rayson take cover behind the left while Naeth and Qoreman shield themselves behind the one on the right. With little to no delay, a myriad of spells begin flying and hitting the covers, gradually chipping away at them.


    "Alright, let''s do it." A scowl of determination makes itself at home upon Galivinth''s face as he raises his good arm, ready to execute his idea.


    "Ready when you are." Naeth responds while giving a nod of acknowledgement, preparing both of his hands yet again to cast fireball spells. With Galivinth taking the lead, the two step out into the center opening one after the other and fire in near unity. With the push of his remote, Galivinth launches a sphere forward while Naeth discharges one of his fire spells to chase after it. In a seamless instant, the two elements intertwine and contrast to create a spreading blanket of steam that begins obscuring both team''s view of one another.


    "Again." Galivinth commands and the two repeat the process again.


    "One more!" And yet again, they execute the same action. Now, that steam is growing massive and is on the verge of covering the enemy team''s entire side. The barrage of spells comes to an end in that moment, as well.


    "Now''s our chance." Qoreman announces before the group splits into parties and advances forward at opposite sides to avoid confusion on their end.


    Through the fog, the sound of snow crunching beneath a pair of quick footsteps attracts the attention of an enemy on Naeth and Raice''s side. The individual shoots a lightning spell off into the general direction of the noise is coming from, but little does that person know that the light illuminating from his casting gives Naeth and Raice more than enough warning to evade it. His position is also giving away. In just mere seconds, without warning, Naeth leaps into sight. His left shin and foot possessing a faint buzz of electricity as he comes in spinning with a flying roundhouse kick.


    "Ligh-Tono!" Naeth exclaims just as his kick lands across his opponent''s jaw, both the impact of his blow and the tier-2 lightning spell he casts sends his target rocketing into the distance and smashing right through a tree, eventually landing near the king who stands just outside of the fog.


    The next to go on the attack was Raice further up ahead. As soon as she spots a member of the other team, she preps a tier-1 lightning spell within her left arm while shoulder-tackling her unsuspecting target into a nearby tree.


    "Ligh-to!" She roars and follows up with a gut punch that knocks the wind out of her target just before her spell sends a shock through their entire body. Not quite done, she jumps back on the balls of her feet to get a bit of room and prep a spell around her left foot. She grits her teeth and lunges forward with a thrusting kick to the face, shattering the tree and sending the individual flying skyward with tier-3 wind spell. That person ends up landing right on top of their team''s castle.


    Meanwhile Galivinth and Rayson are less hands-on with their methods of attacks. Working together while matching pace, the pair tag the other two members of the enemy team with combination spells. The first being water and lightning, then air and fire knocks the next one down. The five of them take advantage of critically knocking the king''s team off balance and go on to make one more push to finish the job. Naeth, who cuts off from Raice and heads down the middle, emerges from the fog right before the king. His hands bearing an aura of amber, signaling he was planning on shooting off another dual of fire spells. However, before he can actually get either of them out, the king swiftly makes a gesture of pointing down and forces Naeth''s magic bearing hands to drag and pin him down to the ground.


    "What...Tch! What is this!?" Naeth shouts while struggling to pull himself up from his crouching position. In vain, it seems. His hands just wouldn''t budge at all.


    "I can control magic even before you throw it out." The king explains with a grin. Meanwhile, his teammate that was laying nearby groans and finally begins rising to their feet.


    "Though this little tactic may be a tad clever, it''s still not enough to-" Before the smug cryonean royalty could finish that thought, two spells come flying out of the mist and send his recovering teammate slamming against one of the towers on their side.


    From a different angle of the fog, several more spells emerge. Though this time, the target was the tower on the right. After the tower takes significant damage, the King divides his attention between keeping Naeth pinned in place and watching out for more spells. However, the next onslaught is a flurry. Seven in total come out of the mist with the intent of hitting the left and right towers. He manages to deflect the four heading for the right side, but couldn''t quite stop the left side from taking damage. It doesn''t end there, either. Another half a dozen come flying in and bring about the same results. Due to how much punishment it takes on, the battered tower on the left inevitably crumples upon itself, and with it leaves one half of the barriers that were preventing entry. Very much to the King''s annoyance.


    "Heh. It''s just about over. You have no choice but to relinquish your hold on me, or you''ll risk losing." Naeth smugly informs. He wasn''t wrong, either. Galivinth and Rayson come running out of the mist, heading for the opening they just created. Seeing this, the King decides then and there to use Naeth''s own accumulated magic to fling him all the way back to the opposite side of the field, then immediately turn towards the two approaching his team''s castle. With merely a gesture, he brings up a stone wall in front of them, one wide enough to prevent them from simply going around it.


    "Ah, great... Now what?" Galivinth scoffs, though there was little time to worry about the new obstacle in their way. A sudden bolt of lightning comes down from above and hits the ground near the two, causing snow to erupt into the air. The two look up to see the culprit behind it was someone atop of the castle, and also seeing the individual was preparing to cast another spell.


    "Look out!" Rayson shouts, shoving Galivinth out of the way of an incoming fireball from another enemy team member. In an instant, Galivinth and Rayson exchange their targets. Rayson, who preps his own tier-3 lightning spell while jumping out of the way of a tier-2 bolt, finds a precise time to deliver a counterattack and send his mark flying back further with a swift spell. Meanwhile, Galiving aims his mage cannon and fires a tier-2 fireball spell at the target on ground level with them. Luckily, the individual was still trying to get their footing while rising to stand, and the spell hit spot on.


    "Alright, looks like you''re going up and over, then." Rayson informs as he hustles over toward the stone wall blocking their path and takes a kneeling position.


    "Me?" Galivinth questions while arching a brow.


    "Well, it''s not like you''re going to be giving anyone a boost any time soon. Now hurry, we don''t have unlimited time on our hands." Rayson insists while beckoning the teen over to him. During this, Qoreman and Raice occupy the king''s attention by alternating between one of them going on offense while the other evades the King''s attacks. This recycling dance goes on for a bit longer, just until the king hears a thud behind him. Stealing a peek over his shoulders, he sees that it''s Galivinth who''s now on the other side of the wall.


    You''ve got to be kidding me!" The king exclaims and puts an abrupt end to his exchange with Qoreman and Raice with a single swipe of his hand, that summons a powerful gust of wind that carries the two off to the side. The king then stomps a foot in front of the other and turns the ground beneath him into a wave of snow and concrete to ride it around.


    Rayson quickly and wisely moves out of the way as the king approaches, though someone else intervenes instead.


    "No you don''t!" Naeth shouts in the middle of lunging toward the young king, spearing him with a tackle right off that tall wave and onto the snowy ground.


    "The match is set and won!" The referee announces the very moment Galivinth steps inside the enemy team''s castle doorway. Following the call, the force field around the arena dissolves, as well as the ones on the field. Not only that, but there was finally a reaction from the crowd. A resounding round of applause and incoherent chatter, that both honestly feels rather aloof in nature.


    "Darn it... I can''t believe I lost." The king murmurs as he sits, then pushes himself up back onto his feet before dusting the snow off his attire. Naeth does the same.


    "I wasn''t so sure we were going to win that. I suppose when one is left with no other favorable option, determination will find a way." Naeth muses with a grin. Soon, Galivinth departs from the castle and approaches Naeth and the king. The others of his team also join them.


    "Well, looks like you''ve won, human. Lucky you." The king comments in a mocking tone.


    "And so, a deal is a deal. You shall be granted citizenship and the privilege of being able to ask me for a single favor."


    "Thanks. It... definitely wasn''t easy and it sure did hurt a lot, but I''m glad we pulled through and won in the end." Galivinth response.


    "Yes, it was quite amusing. I genuinely had fun, too. Now, since our business has concluded here, I shall be going now. I''ve important business to attend to, unfortunately." The king shares and then begins to head off and take his leave. Though, he does pause for a moment to look back and give his final parting words.


    "Be sure to stay out of trouble, abomination. I dread the earful I''m going to get from my council committee and I don''t need more of a reason to regret this day. May your short life be an enjoyable one." And with that, the young king continues on his way. The group basks in the moment as a breeze brushes by. Then Galivinth gives his thoughts on what they just went through.


    "Hey, Naeth..."


    "Yes, cousin?"


    "...Your king is kind of a faggot."


    END.

 Keep It Righteous 1

    Overhead, sunlight shines down upon the city of Chicago on this fair afternoon. The weather is rather chilly and sitting just below 57 degrees, but it''s business as usual in the busiest section of Illinois'' most famous town. Crime-fighting was certainly a part of that agenda, as well.


    "Matrix, got five heading down north side."


    "Got it, Boss."


    C R A S H! - C R A S H!


    Like laundry being tossed into a bin, a handful of masked assailants go flying from the 48th floor of a 51st story tall corporate building in the most casual fashion. The one responsible, the divine lad in charcoal black and adorning cyan, isn''t so uncaring of life as his actions may lead anyone observing him up close to be. No, he''s just awfully confident in his team. Rightfully so, truth be told. After using the first two to shatter a couple of windows, he handles the rest of the armed culprits in the same manner. With speed like lightning, zipping from one to the next. And strength that is only surpassed by only one individual on Earth, tossing them as if they were weightless - inefficient as even paperweights. At the very foot of the building, a heroine calmly sets up a ''safety net''. She gestures as if she''s spreading out a scroll upon a table, and uses her mere thought to construct a transparent zero gravity space that reaches widely below the screaming criminals falling toward it. Naturally, the crowd of pedestrians nearby watch with suspense and dreading anticipation, expecting a gruesome ending for the five.


    "OH MY GOD!!"


    An exclamation of panic shouts from the crowd as dire gasps and screams follow when they are getting dangerously close to meeting with the ground. However, one by one, they stop short and almost abruptly. The confused bunch caught up within the weaver''s ''web'' were floating almost ten feet above the steps of the building. Murmurs of curiosity and praise begin replacing the suspenseful atmosphere. A smug look spreads across the greenette''s face - the one who willed such an unnatural change to a fraction of space - as she makes another gesture. Motioning as if she was boxing in something between her palms, which results in the wide invisible field shrinking into a large see-through box, huddling the criminals together in the process. She turns and takes a prideful bow before the onlookers.


    "Thank you, thank you! I know, that was totally amazing, wasn''t it?" While she gloats to the public, Righteous Lad ascends to the 50th floor via jogging up the stairwell.


    On his way up, a familiar sound begins creeping up the absurd levels of stairs. A constant coursing of electricity that grows louder by the passing nanoseconds. He doesn''t have to stop and look to know it''s none other than Alexecute who''s following him up. In fact, he witnesses her passing him by with his inhuman senses. He''s, as well as her, capable of observing what the human eye can''t quite follow. He might''ve been standing still to her, but she was clear as day to him and moving at what he often subconsciously mistakes as normal speed. Nonetheless, his teammate beats him to the top. And when he comes up to the last flight he needs to climb to reach the appropriate floor, there she stands. Leaning against the wall with her arms folded across her chest.


    "Hey, Alex." Righteous Lad greets with a simple smile as he casually peels open the door and heads beyond it. Of course, she follows right behind him.


    "Did you seriously throw them out the window?"


    "I... Did. I shouldn''t have, but I did." The two begin as they tread through the corridors of the floor.


    "You know, I''d expect something like that from Mr. Pain, but you? I kinda'' thought you''d be a little more responsible than that." Alexecute chides.


    "Don''t take another step!" There in waiting stands another armed and masked culprit with his rifle trained on the two . One Alexecute prompt takes care of with a swift electricity bolt from her palm that sends the male slamming into the wall behind him before he falls onto his stomach.


    "I know, I know... And I''ve been thinking about it this whole time. I got too comfortable and got carried away." Tyson explains as they turn at the next corner.


    "Hey, what the h-"


    T H W A C K!


    After abruptly snatching the gun out of the next criminal''s hand who was likely coming over to see what was going on, Righteous Lad carefully strikes him in the face with the butt of the gun and knocks him out cold.


    "It was a dumb way to go about it, and I''m sorry for it. I hope I didn''t upset you too much." He concludes right after, turning to look upon her with an apologetic expression.


    "Nah, it''s cool! It''s cool, Boss. Just wanted to make sure you weren''t going Episode III Anakin Skywalker on us. Now come on, let''s clear out the rest of the floor." She gives him a little push with her forearm before continuing on.


    "Righteous." A term he speaks with a newfound grin curving his lips upward.


    "Uh huh.


    Yup.


    You bet cha''!


    You guys should totally follow me on Instagram @MayTricksO6. That''s may as in ''may I'', and tricks. T. R. I. C. K. S. Then the letter ''O'', followed by the number six. You can find my Twitter handle and official YouTube page in my about me, too!" Down on street level, Matrix self-promotes her social presence while giving autographs and answering the simplest questions from the crowd standing behind the border of the perimeter. Though a tad peculiar to do at such a time, it was understandable to some degree. Monetization was a common motivation in the field of Samaritan (Or superheroism, as some prefer).


    During, another hero begins descending from above. A figure clad in black with minuscule glimpses of silver, gliding down with outstretched arms and bent knees, being aided by the jet-black cloak puffing out behind him.


    "Matrix." The hooded male in black -the solemn teen of the group- calls to her just after landing within a brief crouch. He rises to stand at his full height of 5''7. His lean figure is obscured almost entirely by his long draping cape. On his face, right over his eyes, is a mixture between a domino mask and a headband that hides most of his facial features. Purple oval-shaped lenses are what he''s constantly looking through, and all anyone sees.


    "Oh. The Suicide Boy returns." Matrix dismissively responds, signing one last autograph before she gives him her undivided attention.


    "Matrix..." He nonchalantly repeats, unamused by her remark.


    "Relax, relax. I''m just messin''. The boss is still on the top floor, and I think Alexecute may be up there, too."


    "Any more apprehended culprits?"


    "Hm. I don''t think so. Haven''t seen any more of them since the last handful Righteous Lad threw out for me to catch."


    "I see. Then I''m heading up to-"Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    B O O O O M ! !


    Before he can finish that statement, a roaring and fiery explosion erupts high above and over the building just as many pieces of shattered glass fall to the sidewalk. An accumulating mass of gray smoke begins spreading shortly after the visual of violent orange and red fades.


    "WHAT... was THAT?" Matrix questions of no one in particular. Her associate and teammate goes from a wide-eyed expression, to glaring intensely at the upper floor, where another window had been broken.


    "I''m going to need a boost."


    A moment before the explosion...


    T h u m p .


    The last body of the armed militia guarding the office up ahead falls unconscious onto the floor after a flick from Righteous Lad''s finger to the gunman''s forehead. The long hallway is littered with over two dozen of them, as well as their dropped guns, by the time the two civil servant heroes finish taking them down.


    "And that is the last of them." Tyson announces with a grin, dusting invisible filth off his hands in the midst of speaking.


    "Yeah-" Alexecute pauses briefly and takes a moment to survey their surroundings.


    "Yeah, that''s definitely it. They''re done."


    "Time to greet the biggest fish of them all." He declares and begins treading forward with Alexecute tailing behind. Upon reaching a set of double doors, he reaches out to grab hold of the handles and simultaneously twist them with the utmost care. He pushes and pulls... All he manages to do is rattle the doors.


    "Huh... it''s locked."


    "What?" His comment earns a curious glare from his teammate.


    "It''s locked."


    "No, I- I heard you the first time. I''m just confused as to why that''s a problem... for YOU." Alexecute clarifies..


    "It just seems kind of rude to ruin a pair of perfectly good looking doors like these, you know? You think... they''ll open them willingly if we ask?" Righteous Lad asks with a rather sheepish stare.


    "Are you serious right now!?"


    "I just want to be considerate, is all. A smashed office door just seems inconvenient for a businessman. There''s also property damage..."


    "You''re actually serious... I can''t- Dude, open the gosh darn door!" Alexecute insists.


    "Okay-okay. Just let me try to be a little careful here. Maybe I can get it open without totally ruining them." He finally obliges.


    "NOW, Mr. Canadian Nice." Alexecute presses with a scolding stare. Hands at her hips as she impatiently taps her right foot.


    "Alright.." He responds softly and obliges her demand. He takes a moment to inhale, then exhale with a sigh. With an abrupt thrusting kick, he barges his way with a B L A M !


    Sending one door falling three feet away onto the floor, while the other barely hangs on by its one intact and loose hinge. The two head inside the spacious room, coming to stand across from two masked men standing behind a desk. Their hostage, the owner of the building, sitting in his leather office chair with a pistol making contact with his temple.


    "It''s over. The rest of your accomplices are either apprehended or unconscious, so it''s best to just give it up now." Righteous Lad informs them.


    "And you think that foils our efforts up to this point? You have no clue what our motives are, boy. No IDEA what we''re prepared to sacrifice for our cause." The thinner of two, the one holding the hostage at gunpoint, retorts with a strong French accent behind his voice. He also looks to his right to his partner before the two nod at one another.


    "Alright, you got me there. What is your intent here, huh? Does it even matter? Is it worth it to be caught up in a situation like this and to have your life ruined?"


    "Oh-ho-hooo.. More than worth it. What we''ll accomplish in this lifetime will be felt through several generations to come."


    "What are you even talking about?" Tyson''s tone is nothing short of doubtful. However, a peculiar sound begins grazing his ears. Low and whirring. He looks toward the heavy set guy who''s wearing a trench coat, and seems as if there was a faint gold light shining inside it.


    "I''m talking about the end of this life you''ve grown so accustomed to." The gunman begins as he uses his free hand to grip at the hostage''s four-wheel chair and brings him around to the front of the desk.


    "Your patriotism, your values, your ideas, your native tongue, your fears, and even your wants will all be lost with you and the generation of today." The apparent leading head of the armed group goes on to explain. Though, Tyson finds himself only able to half pay attention. He was divided by the distraction of that growing whirring sound and the other talking, constantly shifting his eyes between the two.


    "We will crush the horrendous surface that sits atop of a misguided foundation. And-"


    "Hey, do you hear that?" Alexecute chimes in with a questioning scowl upon finally being able to hear that growing noise. It''s also then Righteous Lad swiftly closes in on the heavy set accomplice with a sudden burst of speed, and pries open his trench coat. An illuminating shiny sphere of energy is what he sees floating at navel level of the man''s body.


    "Alex, handle that one for me." Is all he says before promptly grabbing the accomplice by his sweater and taking off, effortlessly shattering an office window before curving to fly upward above the building. He adjusts to use both hands to hold and bring the masked man up to eye-level while ascending.


    "I don''t know what you guys were intending to do, but you NEED to desist. It''s not worth giving your life up over." Tyson tries to reason.


    "I... I..! I don''t need to do anything, you government pigeon!" Though briefly swept up in a moment of fear, the masked man eventually finds his voice and nerve. Suddenly, his entire body begins to radiate with energy under his clothes.


    "What are you- "


    B O O M !


    Before Righteous Lad could finish that notion, the man within his grasp discharges that accumulated energy in the form of a powerful explosion that envelopes them both instantly.


    "Holy Fishbuckets..." was all Alexecute could murmur out after collecting herself and moving toward the broken windows. The explosion had knocked all three of them down inside the office, and seeing what came to be right after was chilling. She could have been caught up within that fiery blaze. Possibly dead or in agonizing pain.


    She squints at the massive cloud of smoke, pondering if that was even remotely enough to take out Righteous Lad. He was tough for sure, but she wasn''t sure just how HOW tough he truly was.


    "Aagh... That fat blubber of a fool. Why didn''t he do that sooner?" The voice of the armed criminal draws her attention, and in time to see him recovering on the floor while rubbing at his temple. Just until he spots his gun on the floor nearby. By the time he reaches out to grip the handle, the heroine''s boot comes stepping down onto the hollow end, pinning it in place.


    "Hi again." She cheekily greets when he looks up. Then a swift soccer-kick to the chin follows up, knocking him out cold.


    "And good night." After dealing with him, she moves to check up on the hostage nearby.


    During, another individual joins them - propelling like a human rocket, and immaculately losing his momentum just in time to enter through the opening where tall sheets of glass used to stand. His cape flapping as he lands within a crouch.


    "Huh? Oh, it''s just you, Crow." Alexecute comments after looking his way. Her attention settles back onto the older man sitting on the floor.


    "Can you stand, sir?"


    "Y-yeah, I think so."


    "THE Crow." The teen corrects stoically.


    "Huh?"


    "It''s THE Crow." He repeats as he begins examining the room. What catches his attention almost immediately is the desktop computer on the office desk, and what was displayed on screen. Behind his lenses, his eyes shift toward the tower below, where something even more curious awaits.


    "Oh, come on... we all know the THE part doesn''t really matter." She responds whilst helping the civilian up onto his feet.


    "It actually does matter. I didn''t choose the name just so people could butcher it, Alexecute." He retorts, now crouching to pluck an unusual black USB drive from a port. At the backside of it was a small tail-like antenna with two tiny flashing green lights at its split tips. His eyes narrow at the implication of its design.


    "I''m just saying, it''s normal for it to fall off. Happens all the time, to be honest. People won''t always refer to you as The Crow. You''re kind of meant to grow out of it." Alexecute rebuttals as she helps the building owner settle back into his seat.


    "What are you even doing over there?"


    "Investigating, of course. I think they were transferring data from this computer using this peculiar flash drive as a funnel device. A mini mobile server, of sorts." The Crow shares as he raises to stand again.


    "By the way, where''s Righteous Lad?"


    "He''s-"


    "I''m here!" Swooping down to levitate right outside of the window is none other than the young divine himself, unscathed and holding the unharmed superhuman offender by his pits.


    "You guys carry on and share your findings with the rest of us later. I''m going to see about getting this guy into a comfy indestructible cell. Catch ya soon!" And with that, he heads off into the city.


    "And don''t forget the guys in the hallway!!" He shouts out from afar.


    "Something told me he''d be fine."


    "Oh n-no... This is pretty bad. You said they were transferring data? That desktop had sensitive data on it... Schematics and private information! It could compromise not only my company, but my business partners, as well!" The company owner blurts out in horror.


    "Then these guys definitely got what they wanted. How''d they even get this far up?" The Crow questions before slipping the flash drive into a pouch attached to his utility belt.


    "I''m not sure. Security should have seen them!"


    "Then this was an inside job. Whoever these guys are, they have reach and resources. Likely an ideological cult of some kind." The Crow nonchalantly reasons.


    "Oh, definitely an ideological cult. I''m almost sure frenchie over there was ready to hand us a pamphlet about their exciting new vision for the world. Total drone for sure." Alexecute comments, moving to lean against the desk while folding her arms.


    "Then we better get on top of this and take care of them a.s.a.p. We can likely interrogate that one for details about their organization. Though, I''ll definitely do some digging if I have to in the meantime."


    End.

 Keep It Righteous 2

    "So, would you like to tell me what all of that was about?" At his leisure, Righteous Lad flies over the city. Far above enough to where the pedestrians below look almost like ants.


    "What? No! I''ve got nothing to say to you!" The criminal the hero was securely holding by the armpits responds.


    "No? You were willing to take a handful of lives back there... You sure there isn''t anything you want to tell me?" Tyson presses calmly.


    "Nope. My lips? Are sealed. And that''s that."


    "Huh, alright. Then tell me a bit about yourself."


    "What could I possibly tell you, dude? You want me to tell you about my upbringing or something? You''re not pulling one over on me." The stubborn criminal responds.


    "No tricks. I just want to know a bit about you. Got a name?"


    "Pffft! Like I''d just help you I.D. me."


    "Well, where we''re going, it''s going to happen either way. The station will certainly figure out who you are. But if you''re really so against telling me your real name, how about an alias?" Righteous Lad suggests.


    "An alias? Well, I guess go by 45 when I''m on the job."


    "Forty-five?"


    "Yeah. Like, foot soldier #45." The masked man answers.


    "I see... Seems a bit odd. That guy, the one with the French accent, implied that he isn''t too fond of individualists. Are you really comfortable being a number in someone else''s ideology? Giving up who you are for the sake of someone else?" Righteous Lad prods gently.


    "Well, when you put it that way, that does sound pretty awful. But you know, he did make some good points. He told me I didn''t have to spend my life slaving away at a job that means absolutely nothing in the long-term, and that I deserve better than the fat cats who sit at the top, raking in the benefits of the hard work people like me put up with." #45 answers.


    "That''s... A rather flawed way of looking at things. Sounds like that guy has an unhealthy, counterproductive, and spiteful view of the world. May I ask what was your previous job?"


    "An employee at McTowners. Helped with cooking mostly."


    "Ah, I see. Did you hate working there?"


    "Hate? Ehh... Not really. It seemed alright for a while, but after meeting Pierre, I was able to see it for what it truly was."


    "Interesting." Is all Righteous Lad says before he begins descending, eventually placing #45 down onto his feet atop of the roof of a tall building. The act draws confusion over the foot soldier''s face.


    "Hey, what gives? You''re not gonna'' leave me up here, are you?"


    "No, of course not. Just thought we''d stop here and talk a bit more. You hungry by any chance?" Righteous Lad asks. In turn, he receives a skeptical frown from the other.


    Some times passes. More or less twenty minutes or so, and the two are now sitting side by side on the ledge of the roof while having lunch together.


    "Mmmph... Mmm! Oh man, this is like--" Righteous Lad takes his first bite of his burger and is left fumbling over his words at what could only really be described as a radical raid on his taste buds.


    "Like...! I don''t know, it''s just unbelievably good!"


    "Right!? I told ya, dude. The crispy Spicy-sweet jerk chicken sandwich is totally legit! It''s pretty much the best chicken sandwich in the US. Maybe even the whole freakin'' world!" #45 Boasts with absolute confidence before he begins taking a crunchy bite out of his own burger. The two sit in a moment of brief silence to savor their meal. Several bites and nearly an entire minute later, the foot soldier speaks up again.


    "So, uhm... Righteous Lad?"


    "Yeah, man?" The hero answers just as he finishes swallowing down another bite.


    "I know I was sorta'' giving you a hard time before, but I am genuinely curious on your take on this whole worker''s fair treatment thing. You don''t think Pierre had a good point or two at all?"


    "I think. . . I can see where he may be coming from a bit. I''m sure it''s not encouraging at all to believe that everything you do goes unacknowledged or that your job isn''t enjoyable at all. It''s totally understandable to want more out of life, though. That''s the fire of ambition that tries its best to provoke us into chasing something bigger and better." Righteous Lad responds, then takes a pause to take a swig from the straw of his medium drink.


    "Huh... Yeah, that makes sense. I could see that." #45 comments as he digests the food-for-thought.


    "And that''s the thing! The big catch that a lot of people seem to overlook and pretend isn''t a big contributing factor. The fortitude of ambition. It''s easy for anyone to say that they deserve the finest in life, but it''s... Dude, it''s so devastatingly sad how many people don''t have the drive to push themselves to go for it." The hero goes onto explain with sadness lacing his words - the same sadness he looks toward #45 with.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Then he continues.


    "Of course, that''s not to say that everyone in life can share the same luck. You know what I mean? If we could all win the lottery, then it wouldn''t have the weight and gravitation it has on people now."


    "But, don''t you think it could be nice to get rid of it? You know, luck based things in life. Everyone starts in the same place, has the same resources, and is able to go through the same legitimate system to get somewhere better in life if they want something more." #45 proposals.


    "It sounds nice, but like what I mentioned with the lottery, that would devalue what it means to be successful. Sure, it sounds groovy and I don''t want anyone to struggle, but... Living in a world like how you''re describing would actually mean setting the bar three times as high and making it difficult for every milestone someone reaches to mean something significant. On top of that, there''s no definite way to control free will. To control the preferences of the common civilian. Even if starting a business becomes 200% easier, there''s still the matter of competition of services. Some people would still fail due to preferences."


    "Oh... Hm. I think... I think I see what you''re getting at now. Everyone can''t be winners."


    "That is the truth of the world, I feel. But that doesn''t mean the little guys, the employees, aren''t important. They matter very much. They''re the ones who help businesses flow and continue on, after all. Fry cooks, cashiers, stockers. I appreciate them all and what they do." Righteous Lad assures before finally taking another bite out of his sandwich.


    "You know, that''s pretty nice to hear from someone like you! Sort of thought those were kind of low grade jobs that losers get stuck with."


    "Hey, a working civilian is an admirable civilian in my opinion. There''s absolutely nothing wrong with working those kinds of jobs, or wanting to do it long-term." After finishing that thought, the hero takes another swig from his drink. Silence, to the best of its ability, creeps as the two spend the next family long moment finishing up their meals. #45 is the one to speak up while they set their garbage inside the plastic bag Righteous Lad along with him from the restaurant.


    "I think I made a mistake... Now that I think about the things you told me, I kind of see things differently. What was I thinking, honestly? I had to be out of my mind to think that those kinds of changes would come within a week or month, anyway."


    "Hey, it''s alright. I think it''s cool you''re willing to admit that what you got yourself involved in wasn''t a wise choice. It''s the first step to redeeming yourself!" The hero expresses with a bit of enthusiasm as he reaches over to pat the other on the back a few gentle times.


    "Thanks, man. I''m glad you actually stopped me before I took things even further than we already did."


    "Me too! Speaking of which-- That thing you did when we were in the air... The exploding thing. What''s that all about?" Righteous questions.


    "Oh, that. Well, it''s sort of like a power I had since the day I was born."


    "To... Blow yourself up? I''d imagine it''d be hard to live safely with that your whole life."


    "Oh, no-no! Before I met Pierre, the most I could do was like a lame party trick. At best, I could go off like a smoke bomb you can get from the store. Usually burned my clothes a bit each time I did it. But then Pierre gave me a shot of this power amplifying stuff and made it 50 times stronger!" #45 explains.


    "Power amplifying stuff? Can you tell me more about it? Was it a supplement? A drug?" Righteous Lad asks while arching a brow.


    "He did call it a drug. Said it was a special substance he got a good deal on from the black market."


    "Huh... That sounds rather concerning. Are you doing alright?"


    "Yeah, I''m fine! The shot gave me a little pep up. I felt energized, nothing else besides that." #45 assures the other.


    "I see. Would you mind telling me about Pierre''s entire operation? Common meeting place, plans, and possibly even associates who might''ve helped you guys get into the building. Those sorts of things." Righteous Lad requests.


    "Oh sure. I can help ya out with that, man. Got a pen and paper? I can write some of it down for you, if you want." Soon after their talk, Righteous Lad continues his task of delivering the foot soldier to the CPSD, the cousin location of the CPD that specializes in handling proceedings for Power Inherent Humans, or ''P.I.'' for short. They land in front of the two story building and enter.


    "Well, well, well..." A masculine voice that''s both study and smooth as waxed oakwood makes itself heard. It belongs to a man with a rather imposing stature. He stands at 6''5 in height with a broad, but buff physique underneath his work uniform. A gold sleeveless shirt with the department''s branding and initials on it, as well as a badge that sits on the upper left side of the shirt''s breast region. A pair of aviator shades obscure his blue eyes while his officer''s cap nearly hides every strand of his blonde curly locks. His skin is the shade of olive.


    "If it isn''t the Boy of Tomorrow. How ya doing, champ!? And who''s this fella with you?"


    "I''m doing pretty good, sir! And this here is number forty-five, a P.I He was an accomplice to the hostage situation downtown. You know, the one in that large business building."


    "Oh, is that right? So, what are we dealing with here? Vision blasts, projectiles, deadly poison, super speed, mind control, or even telekinesis?"


    "No. He''s uuhh... Explosive. Like a bomb, in fact." Righteous Lad answers with a sheepish smile. Far less amused and far more concerned, the officer stares with an alarming look on his face.


    "Watalski!! Gonna'' need a containment room prepped and ready to go asap! Chop, chop!" The blonde shouts across the room and emphasizes with a couple of claps of his hands.


    "Ah-- I''m not going to stop you, Officer James, but I would like to add that I don''t feel he''s a threat. He''s also very willing to comply." Righteous Lad chimes in. The hero then turns his attention toward #45.


    "Right, man?"


    "Y-yeah! Totally, I am very willing to be super cooperative." The former foot soldier responds.


    "I hear ya, kid. But if it''s all the same to you two gentlemen, I''d still like to put him somewhere secure where he can''t potentially hurt someone. Sorry, but better safe than sorry." Officer James insists. Barely seconds after, a couple of armed escorts approach to guide #45 toward the specialized cell.


    "Later, Righteous Lad. Thanks again, by the way." #45 bids his farewell.


    "Of course, man. I have faith in you! I know you''ll easily turn your life around for the better." Righteous Lad responds in kind while giving a farewell salute.


    "Good job, R.L. I''ll file this in myself and make sure you get the credit for bringing the guy in." James assures the hero.


    "Appreciated. Though, there is something else I''d like to report. #45, the guy I just brought in, told me about their base of operations and affiliates. I have an address and names on a piece of paper with me." Righteous Lad informs before retrieving the mentioned paper from the pocket of his black leather hoodie and handing it over.


    "Interesting. I''ll report it in, but what''s your assessment on this? Think it''s something simple enough for the authorities to handle personally?"


    "Maybe. But I was hoping to hear your take on the severity of it. I was also told they have access to some sort of drug that can drastically amplify the powers someone has. Could be even more dangerous guys, maybe not... #45 seemed to be the only P.I. amongst his group. How do you feel about it?"


    "Huh. That does sound pretty risky. Maybe it''d be best to let you handle this one, too. Just to be safe." Officer James answers with his features knitting into a concern frown as he hands back the piece of paper.


    "Alright then. I''ll take care of it. They''re planning on meeting up in three days some time during the morning, so it seems best to wait and see if they do." Righteous Lad responds as he pockets the paper again.


    "Sounds good. Anything else?"


    "Nope. Just gonna'' head straight home."


    "Cya, then. You be safe out there, kid." Officer James nods.


    "I''ll do my best to do what I can, sir." Righteous Lad replies as he turns to leave. From the grounds outside of the building, the young man takes to the sky and flies his way home. Midway of his travel, he presses and holds his point & middle fingers over the lower back of his right hand where the sleeve of his costume reaches. After four seconds pass, the suit begins breaking down into tiny particles and gathering at a focus point upon his wrist. They combine and give shape to a gray sports watch, concealing the nanotechnology that his suit is made from. A moment later, he descends down two blocks away from his residence and jogs the rest of the way in his civilian clothes.


    End.

 Keep It Righteous 3

    "Do you have everything you need?"


    "Yeah, I have everything."


    "Everything?"


    "Yes, mom... I have everything. I have to head out now if I want to make it on time by normal means." A little back and forth ensues between the young man and his mother as he finishes up tying the last of his shoelaces on his right converse sneaker. A young man with a very fair and slightly pale complexion, shaggy and somewhat short raven hair, eyes a neon-like jade color that anyone would swear glows if they were standing near him in a dark room, a lean and strong physique adorn by a white t-shirt, red sport wristbands on each wrist, fitted blue jeans upheld by a stylish belt with studs all throughout its length, and of course the pair of red gym shoes on his feet. He looks to be no older than 18 judging by his youthful, yet strong features and his height of 5''11 & 1/2.


    "Alright, just making sure. Buuuuut... I do think there is one last thing you''re missing on your way out, Tyson." The mother insists in a rather singsong tone while presenting a gesture. Her arms extend and spread expectantly as her son stands up from where he''s sitting. Without failure or hesitation, Tyson turns to face and approach her welcoming arms for an exchange of embrace. The mother hugs him with thorough affection, while the young man minds his strength while returning the effort to the best of his ability.


    "That''s my boy." She says affectionately and gives him a few gentle pats on the back before their hug inevitably ends.


    "I love you, too, mom." Tyson responds with a grin, soon bending over to pick up his gym bag from the floor and places the slang over his head.


    "Alright, I gotta'' go." He tells her and follows up by leaning in to place a kiss onto her cheek.


    "Bye, mom. Bye, dad!"


    "Have a productive day at work, son." His father calls out from the living room.


    "Bye, honey." His mother bids him farewell in turn before he heads on out, then shuts and locks the front door as he heads down the steps of their porch.


    With haste behind his steps, Tyson  hustles his way to work -- a clothing & accessory chain store that focuses on selling merchandise that derives from the ever-lasting and ever-changing fashion trends that hail from the subculture of punk, goth, and everything else in between.


    Nearly halfway through the ten minute walk, his cell phone begins vibrating within his pocket. He plucks it out, sees that it''s from his co-worker, Alexecute, and accepts the call before bringing the device up to his ear.


    "Hello?"


    "Yo, boss. Don''t suppose you''re willing to share what you learned now? I saw your text about waiting until the next meeting, but you know there''s no real team privacy in that building. Moochers will hop on our case like flies nosediving right into a pot of honey." Alexecute reasons, presently sitting at her bedroom desk. Her right hand supports her chin, while her left mindlessly taps her mechanical pencil away at the wooden surface in front of her.


    "Yeah, I know, I know. But it''s the most convenient place for all of us to meet without possibly sharing or giving away too much personal information."


    "B''aah... C''mon, we''ve been teammates for practically two years now, and I even have your phone number!"


    "Yes. Yes you do... Which you''re only supposed to call me through for emergencies." Tyson reminds her.


    "I know, but I''ve called you plenty of times now. We''re super cool. Plus, my parents even have your number, too. You''re like... My albino cousin at this point!"


    "Your albino cousin, huh...?" Tyson repeats with a tone skeptical as the look he makes at hearing that phrase.


    "Yeah! I trust you with my life. I don''t think there''s ever been a time you''ve let me down. You''re like, if Mr. Incredible had a son. Jr. Incredible!"


    "Oh... Well, I''m flattered, Alexecute. I hope the day that I unintentionally do, doesn''t come too soon, then. But still, I don''t think you should toss caution to the wind and just share everything with me. Or anyone outside of your immediate family for that matter. What we do is pretty dangerous, after all." Tyson stands his ground on the subject.


    "Hang on."


    "Hang on--?" DING! A sudden notification alert takes Tyson by surprise. Curious, he briefly holds the screen in front of his face to what just came through.


    "I see numbers and letters, Alexecute... I''m not opening that message. Delete it. Please." Tyson firmly, yet politely demands of her.


    "What? I just wanna'' show you how much I trust you."


    "That''s swell and all, but this is an inappropriate way of showing it. This is becoming a little way too weird..."


    "It''s only weird, because you''re making it weird. But fine, I''ll delete it. But we should definitely hang out sometimes. All of us. As a friend-team." Alexecute proposes.


    "I''m almost double you guys'' ages. You''re better off just hanging out amongst yourselves, if anything."


    "Now you''re going to make hanging out as a group weird, too? C''mon, boss. Even baseball coaches hangout and go get pizza with their Jr. league team. It''ll be exactly like that."


    "Listen, maybe someday I''ll consider it. Maybe. However, I''m about to clock into work, so we''ll have to save the discussion for later." Tyson informs her as he closes in on the store.


    "Wait, you''re already at the SL headquarters?"


    "No, not that clock. A different job. We''ll talk more later, though, okay?"This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Fiiiiine. Talk to you later, boss." And with those final words from his peer, the phone call comes to an end. Just as Tyson reaches the front door, no less. He slips his phone back into his pocket and enters the store, where his co-worker is preparing to open shop. The bell above the entrance alerts her to his arrival.


    "Ey-hey-ey, look who it is. What''s up, homeskillet? Flip that Closed sign around for me?" Serenity, the young woman he usually works with, asks of him. She stands at 5''5 in height, her skin a rather pasty shade of white, her eyes hazel colored, her hair jet-black and shaved at the sides of her head while evenly trimmed bangs rests just above her brows. The back of her hair is styled in a high bun with a black & white checkered bow tie neatly holding it in place. Her attire is made of a black sweater that layers over a white button up shirt, several loops and stud earrings decorate her ears, a skull ring on her right middle finger, every one of her nails painted black, a studded and black & white checkered belt rests lopsided upon her hip and over the knee-length black skirt she''s wearing, and lastly - a pair of shin-high converse shoes, black as everything else on her person, are on her feet. Along with her solemn and rather gloomy fashion, her tone usually sits at an odd mixture of aloofness and kind.


    "Oh sure, no problem." Tyson responds and immediately obliges her request. Afterwards, he heads toward the back room behind the counter to put away his bag and punch in for work.


    "Ready for another exciting day of work?" He asks while exiting the room.


    "Oh, absolutely. What could be more exciting than working here for a whole ten hours a day?" She sarcastically responds, then reaches into one of the pockets she''s personally sewn seamlessly onto the sides of her skirt for a stick of gum. One that she unwraps and practically tosses into her mouth.


    It was likely going to be another normal day at work for the two.


    However, elsewhere and just a measly few hours later, a youth clad in black stalks the inner city rooftops of Southside Chicago, leaping from building to building while keeping an ear open for trouble. He keeps his eyes peeled for questionable activities on the streets and back alleys. He also alternates between listening to his surroundings at times, and the micro ear-radio that''s tapped into the CPD frequency of the nearest police patrol car, at other times.  Up to this point and still going, things have been uneventful for the half past hour. Though, he knows that won''t last too long in this district. He grew up within the area, after all. Things haven''t changed since four years ago and it''s in need of some crime cleaning. Every bit counts in his eyes.


    Soon, he comes upon his final leap for the time being. He steps up onto the ledge of the current building he''s on to scale the jump. Across from him he sees an iron structure of stairs hugging the side of the next building over. Definitely a bit of a distance, but nothing that makes him second guess himself.


    He backs up until he''s somewhere near the center of the current roof, then immediately shoots forward into a sprint. He kicks off just as he comes up on the very edge and soars using his momentum. Knees slightly bent and feet parallel of each other¨C


    K L A N K !


    He lands immaculately upon the third level railing with the balance & precision of a feline and uses his outstretched arms to aid in keeping him stable. Just until he hops down onto the surface and begins ascending the remaining flights of stairs. Once at the very top, he puts his pique level of gymnastics to use and runs up the few feet of wall before him to reach the ledge of the roof, easily hoisting himself up upon doing so.


    It''s here he plans on remaining stationary for a little while. Turning to his right, he heads toward the ledge while plucking his cell phone, which also doubles as his mobile tech support, from a pouch on his utility belt he specifically designed to hold it. He lowers into a crouch, balancing upon the balls of his feet with his knees spread in opposite diagonal directions. He punches in the password of his lock screen. During, two men step out of an apartment and onto the fire escape just two floors down. Nothing that draws his attention for longer than three seconds. That is¡­ until they begin chatting.


    "Man, I really need a smoke¡­ You got a lighter on ya?"


    "Yeah, I got one." Within a moment, the sound of the mentioned item''s tiny metal gear being flicked twice follows. There''s a pause as the smoker takes his first inhale and exhale.


    "This uhh.. Is this their first time doing this sort of thing?"


    "Bro, this is like my third time. Had to find more people to help, and they''re definitely just as green as me. Guys are gonna'' give me a heart attack with the way they''re handling the dope I''m supposed to be pushing." And there it was. Admission from the stressed dealer himself ¨C the very phrase that snags The Crow''s attention. A sudden and irrational rage swells up within the Chicago Samaritan, and it takes great restraint for him to keep from squeezing his phone too hard. It''s all he needs to hear to put aside what he was doing.


    As the two continue on to chat, the teen raises to stand while tucking his phone away again. He moves to where he climbed previously and turns his back to the edge of the roof, then listens carefully¡­ Using the sound of their voice to form a guesstimation of where they''re standing. One that eventually leads him into taking two steps to his right. Then? He throws himself off the building with a backflip¡­


    "--Yeah, my student loans are a bit¨C" Before that thought could finish, The Crow comes in hurling himself and drop kicking one of them after gripping an iron step above and using it to swing with all of his momentum.


    "Oof!"


    T H U M P !


    The attack sends the smoker''s associate thrashing against the brick wall beside the door they came out from.


    Upon landing within the rather compact space, the masked samaritan reaches to retrieve twin onyx colored rods from the largest pouch that hugs his right thigh. They''re fist-size initially, but they extend by eight inches once he pushes the ''top'' buttons on the surface. He flips them to hold the mechanical clubbing rods upright afterwards.


    "Hey, what the hell!? Who are yo¨C!?


    ACK!?


    AH!


    Ough!"


    T I N K - T A C - T H M P !


    The sound metal rods connecting within a swift combination rings out, and ends up with the smoker collapsing into the corner of the fire escape.


    After knocking one down, the other gets back up and immediately rushes to try to grab the masked patroller from behind. However, the youth was quick to react. In addition, every bit of movement was made obvious by the metal structure they were on. He anticipated the attempt. Thus, he turns to deliver an uppercut to the chin with an elbow, dropping the guy unconscious. His attention then settles back onto the dealer in the corner who was just beginning to collect himself.


    "You like selling, huh? Like the money you take for putting that garbage out on the streets?" The masked samaritan asks nonchalantly as he creeps closer. The man panics and clumsily reaches to pull out a gun from his back pocket. The exact moment he raises it and tries to take aim, The Crow smacks it harshly out of his hand with a club. The firearm then falls and clacks on the pavement far down below.


    "Hey, man, be easy, alright?"


    "Be easy? Nah, can''t do that. You did the ONE thing I cannot forgive.." The teen responds and accusingly points a club.


    "L- look, I''m sorry, okay? You want money? I got money! We can work something out here, bro. Just be cool!"


    "Money? I don''t want your MONEY!!" And a beating ensues. The man bawls up into a human ball and uses his arms to protect his face.


    "You.


    Filthy.


    Insufferable.


    Bastard!


    All of you!


    Make me¡­


    SICK!!" Each moment of him speaking was accompanied by a swing and the sound of metal hitting skin and bone. It continues on for a little while longer, no remorse as the criminal cries out in pain from nearly every blow.


    "Alright, alright! Stop! Stop, stop, STOP!!" The dealer pleads when he could take no more. His plea is heeded, but only after the masked hero delivers one last strike to his bicep.


    "Yeah, you''re done!? Huh!?"


    "Yeah, man. No more drugs.. No more drugs!"


    "GOOD. Good¡­" The teen breathes out, turning away and moving a few steps as he collects himself and his breath.


    "I''m sorry, man. I just needed the extra money, ya know?" And it''s those very words that earn yet another violent reaction from the masked teen. The youth abruptly turns around and renders the older man unconscious with a thrusting kick to the face.


    "There''s always an excuse behind ruining innocent people''s lives." Timothy murmurs to himself, then shifts his focus toward the door they came through. A likely entree into a drug operation.


    He reaches into one of the pouches of his utility belt and retrieves three gray pallets that were nearly the size of golf balls before crouching near the door. His free hand reaches to grip the doorknob while his other carefully clutches around the pallet. He inhales.


    Then exhales.


    He finally twists the knob and pushes the door open, immediately tossing the gray orbs inside as he does. In a matter of seconds, a smoke screen fills out the entire room, obscuring the vision of all within it. As the men inside complain and comment on the harmless smoke, The Crow makes one quick adjustment before heading inside.


    "Activate infrared settings." He commands, and his mask fulfills his wish. Afterwards, he charges inside and shuts the door behind himself. Within seconds, the sound of pain driven grunts and blunt beatings ensue.

 Keep It Righteous Finale

    After work, Tyson arrives at the Silver League headquarters around 7:30pm. Presenting as his "alter ego", Righteous Lad, as he walks in through the building''s front entrance.


    It''s awfully difficult to truly get an estimate of the facility''s size, but it serves as the heart -- the gathering point of heroes and aspiring heroes. So massive in size, that you couldn''t necessarily be blamed for thinking it was some sort of ultra museum or one of the world''s most prestigious colleges. In addition, its exterior and interior are modeled after the White House, though 3 & 1/2 times larger in size. At the very top of the building sits a massive steel stand that holds up a coin-like structure with the initials ''S.L.'' on it in bold lettering.


    The inside is bustling with life that keeps an ambience of meshing chatter constant throughout its nexus of a hall. People from all over the USA, hailing from different states thanks to the convenience of either individuals'' powers or the advanced science of teleportation technology - particularly machinery called "Port Booths". Thanks to the financial and technical backing of the American Deeds Association, which is a renown group made up of America''s most famous and adept superheroes that work very intimately close with the US government. The finest representatives of America, in fact. An opinion the general populace of the world shares of them.


    Along the stainless marble floor within, Righteous Lad''s cyan boots audibly ''clack'' against the firm surface with every step he takes. As of this moment, he''s on his way to his team''s usual meeting spot. A room just on the second floor and right next to the left diverging stairs. He arrives soon enough and enters the room, where Alexecute and Matrix were already inside waiting. The space was just about like any other. Fairly large with a round table at the center, several chairs and two loveseats available for a group with a handful of members. Privacy was rather limited, given the hidden camera inside - though it was something every other room inside the building has, as well.


    "Yo, boss." Alexecute greets with a subtle raise of her hand.


    "S''up, R.L?" Matrix greets without tearing her eyes away from her cell phone screen for more than two seconds.


    "Evening, you two. As soon as The Crow arrives, we can--"


    "I''m here." Before Tyson can finish that thought, the teen in black enters the room and circles around the others. He then sets a puffy envelope down onto the table.


    "And I think I might have stumbled upon something interesting... Something interesting that could become an issue very soon." He informs the others, piquing the curiosity of the three.


    "What is this?" Righteous Lad asks as he picks up the bulging evidence of The Crow''s claim.


    "Are those jars inside of it?" Alexecute asks while studying it with narrowing eyes. During, Tyson proceeds to open it and pull out one of the two containers inside.


    "Experimental substance made to amplify the powers of experiments like you, or Power Inheritors. It''s something new and definitely would be in demand amongst those who don''t know any better. Or even the desperate..." The Crow answers her. While explaining. Righteous Lad holds up the barely hand-size plastic container up to eye-level to examine the radiant liquid inside. Honey in color and vibrant enough to be an independent light source in the dark.


    "So, it''s true, then." Righteous Lad comments softly.


    "So... It''s a drug that can improve people''s powers? You think it''s dangerous?" Matrix asks.


    "Yes. Given I heard it straight from the mouth of a seller I interrogated hours ago. He told me there can sometimes be unpredictable side effects, something he claims his boss explained to him. Cardiac arrest, mutations, comas, internal swelling and rupturing. They call it Neon Nectar."


    "Woah. Kind of sounds like an alcoholic drink." Alexecute states.


    "It''s just like what the guy I carried off to the station told me... He was injected with this stuff too, I believe. We need to crack down on this immediately and find out where it''s being produced." Righteous Lad tells the others.


    "Agreed. The sooner we snip this in the bud, the better. You said you had a lead the other day, right?" The Crow asks.


    "That I do." Righteous Lad responds, pausing a moment to fish out the folded piece of paper in his pocket.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "The guy I took to the station wrote down some information for me. Address, time of their next meeting, the date, and other potential hideouts." He goes on to explain before handing the paper over to the solemn teen in black.


    "What...? Why would they meet at a potentially compromised location?" The Crow questions as he furrows his brows skeptically.


    "I was wondering that, as well. But I have no other leads. I was honestly hoping they were just incompetent enough to be that slop--" Before Tyson could finish his thought, the sudden ringing of his cell phone interrupts him. With little delay, he plucks out his cellphone and takes a look at the caller I.D. He''s a bit surprised to see it''s from the Chicago police station, nonetheless he answers it.


    "Hello?


    Yeah, this is him.


    Uh huh. What is it?


    ...what? All of them? But--" By now, the other three were staring once his tone shifts to one of concern.


    "Okay, okay... I understand. I have to check up on something immediately, but thank you for informing me of this.


    Yeah...


    Yeah, you, too." And with that, the call comes to an end.


    "Who was that? Is everything okay, boss?" Alexecute asks.


    "That was the chief from the police station. The... The group we apprehended... They''re believed to have been assassinated or coordinated suicide. All of them dropped inside their cells." He answers dishearteningly.


    "Are you serious!?" Matrix practically shouts as she shoots up out of her chair.


    "Oh my Gosh..." Alexecute murmurs under her breath.


    "Tch. I''m not surprised... They were probably told to give up information in a deceitful way that could buy them time or were sold a complete lie." The Crow theorizes while folding his arms.


    "Whatever it may be, there''s one more I have to check on. In the meantime, you three can head on over to that address and see what you can find. Just please be careful if you decide to go." Righteous Lad gives his parting words to his team before turning to leave the room with haste. Sadly, he couldn''t depend on his ability of flight to get to his destination - not when it''s past 6pm and the night begins creeping in to claim the sky above. Such was the duality of his capabilities. Come sunrise or sunset, natural abilities shift and exchange, and right now he doesn''t have access to the ability to traverse faster than the speed of light nor the ability to fly. However, he was still far faster than the average human and grounded animal. The young man was able to travel up to the rate of 101 mph on foot.


    While making his way toward the exit, he makes sure to avoid both bumping into anyone and tearing one of the doors down from his momentum while heading out. However, once he is outside, he takes off with a mighty gust of wind into a mad dash. Heading straight before making a sharp turn to swiftly make his way down the block.  Once he comes up upon the corner and promptly leaps into the air with great force. Not too much, just enough to allow him to jump onto the rooftop of a nearby building. From there, he makes his way to the CPSD by jumping from building to building, regardless of how tall or short they were.


    It takes around three minutes or so for him to reach his destination. After making one last and especially careful jump, he lands in the middle of the trafficless street below that''s a straight shot toward the station. He bolts onward until he closes off the rest of the distance, then eventually brings himself into a skidding halt in front of the building. The young man hurries inside and immediately begins calling out for assistance.


    "Excuse me, sorry! Can someone help me out here? I need to check up on someone I brought in the other day. It''s an emergency!"


    "Woah, woah there. What''s the issue, son?" Out of the bunch who turn their head toward the male''s sudden appearance, it''s one of the female officers who approaches to confront him.


    "I think the individual I brought in yesterday may be in danger, and I want to make sure he''s okay." He answers her.


    "I haven''t heard anything going on here, but I''ll do what I can to help. Do you know his name? Maybe some sort of description of him?" She asks in turn.


    "He told me he goes by number forty-five. He''s about my height more or less, kind of on the large size in weight, was wearing a mask, and... I believe he was placed inside some sort of specialized cell because of his power."


    "Aaah, okay. Yeah, I think I know who you''re talking about. Follow me, then." She instructs and then proceeds to lead him toward the area they keep potentially hazardous suspects. They head through a pair of double doors and travel through a spacious corridor. Walking straight before taking a left at the third available turn, then a right at the very next one - where a more secure door lays in waiting. She plucks out an I.D. card from her person and swipes it through the card reader beside the door, then punches in a five digit code on the number pad that''s right beside the swipe device. A buzz goes off and she pushes through the doors to allow him inside. The room was eerily red. An overwhelming shade of red, in fact. Instead of iron bars, cells were in the form of transparent boxes with steel doors being the only way to either enter or leave them. They two pass several doors before eventually halting at the fourth within the L-shaped room.


    "Hey, Gerald! You''ve got a surprise visitor today." The officer informs just before stepping aside and gesturing to the hero to step forward in front of the glass square window on the door.


    "Oh, thank God! You are okay. I was really worried they might''ve gotten you, too." Tyson comments upon seeing #45 sitting inside through the window.


    "Righteous Lad? Dude, what are you doing here? And what do you mean by... Gotten me, too?" #45 asks as he rises up from his cell bed and moves toward the door.


    "I''ll explain, but first I need you to tell me if you''ve been having any suicidal thoughts at all."


    "Ou-what!? No, man. I don''t wanna'' kill myself. Why would you even think that?" #45 asks in turn.


    "Alright. Well, the other foot soldiers, including Pierre, collapsed in their cells a few hours ago. They''ve all been checked and... They''re all gone. I want to make sure that doesn''t happen to you, as well."


    "Oh my God... You''re... You''re serious?"


    "I am." Righteous Lad assures.


    "Christ, Dude... Those were a lot of guys. Are ALL of them really dead?"


    "That''s what I''ve been told. Do you have any idea who or what might''ve caused it?" Righteous Lad asks.


    "No, not really. I haven''t a single--.. No, wait. Maybe it could''ve been the false tooth Pierre gave us. He said ''it''ll be our way of getting out and reuniting somewhere safe if things got bad'', when he gave it to us. I lost mine the day we went to carry out the plan. Hoo boy... Good thing I did, too." #45 explains.


    "Poison, then. Alright, I appreciate you sharing that with me. I better get a move on and meet my team at the place. There''s no telling what''s going on right now." With his business concluded at the station, Righteous Lad departs from the building and begins making his way to the far opposite side of the city.


    Meanwhile, the others - The Crow, Alexecute, and Matrix - arrive just in time to lay witness to an abrupt and fiery explosion. The location they were meant to investigate, a storage warehouse, just went up in flames. From a rooftop nearby, the three watch as the structure crumbles and burns under the relentless caress and crackle of flames consuming it.


    The Crow, much like the others, comes to realize that whoever was behind the terrorist attack wasn''t as dumb as they might''ve initially thought.

 Criminally Abrasive 1

    "Uh-oh... What is she doing? What is she doing...!?"


    "I don''t know, but she''s climbing awfully high up, Gorbentasg! Surely she isn''t gonna'' actually--..." The second commentator trails off as he leans forward in his seat and adjusts his glasses. EVERYONE was on the edge of their seat. Every single individual in the noisy crowd watching in anticipation and cheering to encourage the reckless endangerment on display.


    And whom are all eyes currently locking upon? Why, it''s none other than the Women''s Galactic Heavyweight Champion known famously as Hardy. A woman who''s never afraid to chase thrills or headlines of the GWE, Galactic Wrestling Entertainment, highlighted news and hot topics.


    Right now, she''s climbing up one of the two massive metal joists within the spectator area and nearing the support beam connected to it.


    It''s not much longer before the athletic thrill seeker reaches the top and effortlessly hoists herself up to hop onto the thick bar that leads right to the jumbo torn in front of her.


    "HAR-DY! HAR-DY! HAR-DY!"


    The crowd cheers the woman on with a relentless chant of her professional name, adding to the adrenaline that fuels her madness and dedication to entertaining every fan out there watching this live pay-per-view match right now.


    She looks to be a young woman around the age of 17, given the roundness and softness of her features. Her eyes are a beautiful shimmery bluish-green color, her mildly thick brows sharing a vibrant shade of platinum blonde with the long, thigh-length dutch braids she wears her hair in, and her skin a smooth shade of pale-ish ivory. Her attire consists of a fitted cyan t-shirt that hug her perky C-cup breasts, black fishnet sleeves that nearly reach up to her biceps, as well as black military pants held up by a simple leather belt. Her pants are neatly tucked into a pair of high-top combat boots, a pair of sparkly green earring studs adorn her earlobes, and lastly - a messy remnant of her tribal face painting remains on her skin that sweat and physical action during the match have brought to ruin, though in a rather complimenting savage fashion.


    Her overall physique sits between being toned and ripped with a height of 5''7, but still her size belies the unfathomable powerhouse that she is.


    "Oh my Lord, I think she actually DOES plan on taking a leap of faith here tonight, Gorbentasg!"


    "I think that''s pretty obvious by now, Jaskay! Just look at her go as she drinks in the overflowing atmosphere of blood-thirsty fans! They wanna'' see her lay the hurt down on her opponent here tonight and we all know that this fascinating daredevil of a woman is all too willing to deliver violence on any given day!" The two commentators express their thoughts in the midst of the blonde far above practically skipping along the support beam like a bubbly high school cheerleader with a nice, big grin plastered across her pretty face. She comes to the end of her skippy journey and casually hops onto the enormous four-sided screen in front of her. She seamlessly shifts from skipping to walking as she moves toward the edge to her right and looks down. Surely enough, her target - her opponent for the night is still lying flat on her back within the hexagon ring below her. Though, it seems to look like it won''t be for much longer, given the fact that the woman below was starting to stir from her unconscious state. Even so, Hardy takes her sweet, carefree time setting up for her intent. She extends her right arm and points her fingers vertically at her target while her left hand grips her right bicep. Her eyes squinting as she tilts her head a bit, calculating the precise amount of effort and angle she''ll need to hit her mark. Then, she suddenly turns around in the most casual manner.


    "Oh, did she get cold feet? It looks like she was just setting up there for a moment." Jaskay comments while using a hand to adjust his glasses.


    "Right? Maybe she-- Oh No, here she comes, HERE SHE COMES!"


    "LIKE A METEOR FROM THE SKY, HARD PLUMMETS RIGHT FOR HER OPPONENT AND--" The two, as well as everyone else inside that massive dome, lays witness to Hardy suddenly turning back around and running right for the edge, where she hops off and begins her descent. Backflipping once and almost twice to deliver one of her signature moves.


    "REVERSE SWANTON BOMB! IT''S THE REVERSE SWATON--" BHOOOOOM!! Hardy lands right on top of her adversary with an explosive landing that caves a hole that takes up 1/3 of the mat. The crowd erupts into a cheering frenzy while the two spectators at ring side look upon the aftermath with wide eyes and gaping mouths.


    "SHE JUST JUMPED DOWN FROM OVER 600 FEET!! QUICK, SOMEONE CALL THE MEDICS! CALL THE PSYCHE WARD, BECAUSE THIS SUPERSTAR IS OUT OF HER MIND!" Gorbentasg shouts as he shoots up from his seat and looks toward the ring with a mixture of concern and heart pumping adrenaline.  Soon, the suspense is brought to an end when the sight of a body being lifted up out of the hole and rolled onto the mat comes into view. Right after the unconscious wrestler, Hardy then hoists herself up and out, ending up on her knees when she does. She crawls toward her opponent while cackling like a drunkard to herself, eventually lazily throwing herself on top of the other''s body to go for the pin. The referee comes rushing back into the ring by sliding on his belly under the ropes and hustles over to give the three count.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "1!


    2!


    3!!!" The crowd counts along with each slam of the referee''s hand slamming down onto the mat, and by the third, the sound of a bell rings to signal the conclusion of the match. Almost immediately on her victory, her theme music begins playing through the stadium.


    Exhaling a heavy breath of air, Hardy pushes herself up and turns to sit up on her bottom. Taking in her surroundings for a moment before she raises up onto her feet to properly bask in her victory.


    "And the still reigning champion of the Women''s Galactic Heavyweight Championship... HARDY!" A masculine voice announces over the speaker system. During, Hardy hops onto the second row of rope in one of the corners and holds her famous sign up with both hands. V 1. Her point and middle fingers form the v, while her ring fingers are bent to leave her pinkies by their lonesome to act as the ''1'' - a gesture many have come to understand means ''victorious #1''. Just as she steps down to head to another corner, the referee intercepts the blonde to hand over her rightful title belt to her, of which the woman gleefully takes while nearly snatching it out of his hands. She holds up the glistening red belt and continues on her merry way to brandish it to the cheering crowd.


    "Well, there you have it! I''m Gorbentasg-"


    "And I''m Jaskay!"


    "And this has been another exciting evening of G.W.E. Thanks for joining us and good night to all of you watching from home!"


    Several hours later, Hardy returns to her private quarters aboard the mobile ship-stadium and enters through the door after unlocking it with her key. She hums an upbeat tune while walking inside the dim kitchen room. By the time she flicks the light switch on, she finally realizes there''s muffled music playing from her bedroom. She shrugs, believing it to be her boyfriend''s doing. Before heading to the room to share a night of celebrating her pay-per-view win, she heads over to the 2-feet tall wine cabinet sitting on her kitchen counter and opens it to grab herself a bottle. Just as her hand grips the neck of it, she hears giggling. Feminine giggling - one that she very well knows belongs to another woman. She stands still as a statue while arching a brow and looking over her shoulder, debating with herself on whether or not she''s being too quick to assume the worst.


    "Oh, Rovan!" Well, that is until she hears a woman moan out her boyfriend''s name and the sound of aggressive thumping following.


    "Ah, so he does have company over." She muses to herself stoically. Yet, she still takes her time. She plucks the bottle out and then shuts the container. Then goes on to get herself a glass. Eventually, the bedroom door knob begins to turn before an outside force pushes it open. Inside, the two -- the couple -- under the sheets turn toward the doorway in shock. The woman covers herself while Rovan removes himself from atop of her.


    "Evening there, lovebirds." Harley greets as she kicks the door shut behind herself, then moves to take a seat upon the sphere-like seat across from the bed.


    "G-Gwenth, this uhm... this isn''t what it looks like. Okay? This is.. this is..." He begins, though struggles to formulate an excuse within his mind.


    "Oh, I know. This is something, alright. I come home to celebrate and wind down. Maybe take you out somewhere to get dinner, but?" She pauses briefly to take a moment to set her glass down beside her foot so she can make use of both hands to open the wine bottle.


    "I come back to find out that I''m getting stealth-cucked in my own fuckin'' home like a clueless fool." She finishes as pulls the cork out of the bottle, then tosses it aside.


    "Baaaby, really... This isn''t what you think." He insists in a tone of voice she personally finds pitiable.


    "Mhmm." She nonchalantly hums in response, bending in her seat to reach for her glass. Just before her fingers make contact with it, she pauses and contemplates on it. It wasn''t going to be necessary tonight. Instead, she sits back in her seat and brings the bottle to her lips to take her first few gulps of the sweet alcohol inside.


    "You gotta'' believe me, Gwenny! I swear I can explain this whole thing." He keeps at it.


    "Mhmm." Again, the blonde gives another dismissive hum.


    "Uhm... I think... I think I''ll just go. I swear I didn''t know he was seeing someone else. He--" The woman in bed beside Rovan tries to speak.


    "That''s a load of fuckery and you know it." Hardy chimes in sharply after lowering the bottle from her face.


    "Look, I''m sorry, okay? I didn''t think it was going to go like this. I''ll just see myself out." The woman responds and climbs out of bed to pick her clothes. However, the sound of a metallic ''click'' and Hardy''s firm words stop her in her tracks.


    "No you''re not... Get back in that bed right now, you Goddamn four-eyed whore." The blonde instructs coldly while pointing the hollow end of a handgun at the woman. A weapon that was taped under her seat just before she reached underneath to pull it free.


    Without much hesitation, the woman eases back onto the bed beside Rovan while staring in horror.


    "Gwenth...what are you doing? Stop it before--" Rovan attempts to talk her down, but she quickly shuts down his attempt and shifts her aim toward him.


    "You listen here and you listen good, boy. I let you live here with me because I felt sorry for you and because I thought you could grow on me after our first date together. And you know, I wouldn''t have been as angry if you didn''t decide to slam some stray puss in MY fuckin'' bed inside MY  fuckin'' home. The audacity you have to pull such a thing with me... As funny as I think it is, I also still don''t like being played for a sucker. You offer nothing of value in return to me. You''re a bum. A bum with a good lookin'' face, but still a bum nonetheless. But, hey, I ain''t gonna let that drag my night down. One way or another, I''m going to make sure this all ends on a good note for me."

 Criminally Abrasive 2

    Knock-knock-knock.


    "Hardy-baby, ya still in there? I came as soon as I could." A middle-age man inquires from outside of the blonde''s home -- an apartment within the mobile stadium that she''s been allowed to stay in for a small fee for nearly six years now.


    "Yeah, I''m still here. Come on in, the door''s unlocked." She raises her voice to answer him from way within her bedroom. Being told such a thing, the male in a fashionable brown suit turns the knob to open the door and then proceed inside.


    "Everything okay, champ? They aren''t tryna'' screw my superstar over, are they?" He asks while mindfully shutting the door behind himself before walking cautiously forward, not too sure where she even was inside.


    "No, no... Nothing that small, unfortunately. I''m in the bedroom, by the way." She responds.


    "Oh? So what''s going.... on....?" He begins to ask, but his voice trails off once he steps inside that bedroom. Or rather, a crime scene in waiting. A female with a fraction of her skull and brain matter missing laying slumped over lifelessly in bed with violet-pink colored blood splattered on the wall behind her. There were also a few firearm wounds on her body. Beside her on the other end of the bed is a deceased male slouching off the edge. The kitchen knife that''s impaled through his hand and thoroughly into the wall keeps his unresponsive body from collapsing completely onto the floor.


    "A break-up phase, I guess." Hardy nonchalantly answers him just before taking a swig from her second wine bottle. There''s a faint visibility of thick blood on her clothing and a small portion of her jaw as she casually looks upon her own handy work. Her fishnet sleeves are gone, replaced by a black pair of clean tactical military gloves.


    "What? Gwenth, this is--" He pauses and takes a moment to look over his shoulder. He walks further inside and shuts the door before continuing his thought while lowering his voice.


    "This is murder. There''s no weaseling our way out of this. There''s probably cameras everywhere on this thing... What were you thinking!?"


    "I just... I dunno''. I just didn''t want to share another breath of air with either of them. I got tired of his excuses, too." She answers as honestly as possible.


    "And you think it was worth it!? What, did he cheat on you or something? Was killing two people really worth risking your career over!?"


    "I asked myself that, too. It''s why I kind of took my time... But in the end, yeah. I decided it was definitely worth risking everything over. The satisfaction was all I could ask for." She answers, far too calm for her manager''s liking.


    "Well, I hope so. Because I don''t think I can get you into another gig like this." He tells her just before reaching up to pluck off his gold shades off his face with his right hand while his left palms over his eyes and allows his fingers to soothe his temples.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "I know and I''m prepared to deal with it. It''s why I transferred all of my earnings to you while you were on your way over."


    "What...?" He asks just after lowering his hand to look toward her in shock.


    "I gave you all of my money, Jeffery. I just need you to do one last favor for me." She sets the bottle in her hand down beside her seat.


    "S-...sure... What do you need?" He asks hesitantly. It''s then and there that she pushes herself up to stand on her feet.


    "Just a ride to the nearest planet so I can be on my way."


    [Sometime later. . .]


    "This seems like a pretty good one, actually. There seems to be a lotta'' folks here who look like you here." Jeffery shares his observation while using the built-in computer of his Milkyway Saber -- a sleek silver ''space car'' that serves as a four-seater -- to examine the inhabitants of the planet they''re heading for. However, Hardy stares out the window on her side at the vast pitch-black space that''s decorated by countless stars that twinkle within its immeasurable reach.


    "Oh yeah?" She mutters without turning to face him, or even glance at the screen. Her chin remains still in her cradling palm while a bored expression occupies her face.


    "Yeah, that''s right. Seems like a pretty good place to lay low for as long as you need to. I mean, seriously... They share a very striking resemblance to you. Is this where you were born? On..." He squints his eyes and leans in a bit.


    "Planet Earth?"


    "No. Never even heard of it... I''m from the realm of Asgard." She answers. This time, his choice of words does pique her curiosity enough to get her to turn her head to see what he''s referring to. Instead of shifting toward the screen however, he eyes rest upon the sight of an enormous great, blue orb that seems to illuminate beautifully within the darkness of space. The visual before her is enough to mesmerize her into a state of mindlessly staring.


    "Huh. Maybe it''s a cousin planet to your home world or something. You''ll find out soon enough, though." He responds. He waves the screen away and then steps onto the acceleration to speed up. The drive down is nearly ten minutes long and the time for them to finally part ways arrives. He winds up parking atop of a library rooftop within a city, of which she opens the door to step out onto while placing the strap of her gym bag over her head. She shuts the door and then walks around to bid her old friend farewell.


    "This is it..." She tells him.


    "...Yeah, this is it." He responds almost sadly. He sees the stoic, yet solemn look on her face that tells him that they likely weren''t going to be seeing each other again.


    "You take care out there, okay? I know they''ll come asking questions, so be smart about it if it actually does come to a confrontation. Tell them I threatened to kill you, too." She instructs him.


    "Ah, I''ll be fine, Gwenth. It''s YOU I''m...." He stops himself mid sentence upon realizing what he was saying, and to whom of all people.


    "Ehh... We''ll both be perfectly fine. You just live your best life and try to stay out of trouble, ya here?"


    "Heh!" His words draw a chuckle from her throat and grin across her lips.


    "We''ll see what happens, but you know me. I''m not one for a quiet lifestyle."


    "Yeah, yeah. I know."


    "Now, you go and get. It''s time to move on with your life, too." She tells him just before lifting and extending her right hand out toward his window. Seconds later, he sticks his hand out and the two gently grasp at each other''s forearms. The two share one last exchange of staring before Hardy gives him one last remark.


    "And don''t go spending all that money in one place, young man." Her words earn a small chuckle from him before they release one another, and Jeffery goes on to take his leave. Driving back up to exit Earth''s atmosphere. Just as he becomes a tiny dot in the distance, a soft crackle of lighting rings through the gray sky before rain begins drizzling down. The patter of raindrops landing all around her fills in the void of what was a brief moment of dead silence.


    "How funny..."