《Regalia》


 Prologue

    Warmth. That¡¯s the word that comes to mind when I think of my grandfather. He was one of those rare people who radiated something special, something you couldn¡¯t quite touch but could always feel. Like a light that made everything around it seem brighter, warmer... Alive. Most people just seemed that way, but something in the soul of him really was special. In the first five years of my life, I was surrounded by that light, never knowing how quickly it would fade.


    When he passed, it was the most troublesome and emotional day of my life. I didn¡¯t justknow he was gone¡ªIfelt it. It was as if the world around me shifted, suddenly quieter, as if someone had turned down the volume. The house that once flooded with warmth and laughter felt cold and empty. The floors, which used to sing, now creaked instead. It was a loss I couldn¡¯t understand, but one I felt in my bones. Later on, i would realize there was a reason i felt the world dim.


    The funeral was brief, almost too quick to comprehend. I didn¡¯t fully grasp what was happening then, but I remember staring at his casket, trying to reconcile the man I knew with the cold, lifeless figure before me. Everyone kept calling him Grandpa, but that wasn¡¯t him. Not really. I thought maybe they were wrong, maybe they were lying¡ªuntil I studied his face. It was him, but it wasn¡¯t. And then they lowered him into the ground, and that was the hardest moment of all. It was the final goodbye, the end of everything I had known. What stayed with me, though, wasn¡¯t the grief¡ªit was the silence that followed. A silence I didn¡¯t know how to fill.


    My grandfather had always been a storyteller. It didn¡¯t matter what time of day it was¡ªwhether it was late at night or in the middle of the afternoon¡ªhe¡¯d pull me close and tell me about another world. A world far beyond any map, a place of magic and adventure, where he had once been a knight sworn to protect the kingdom. He¡¯d speak of battles fought, monsters slain, and a royal family he had once served. His eyes would grow distant, as though remembering a place he could never return to. I never understood why he left that world behind, but I knew he missed it deeply. Even as a child, I could sense the sadness in his words, the ache of something lost.


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    While i adored our time together my father always dismissed these stories, calling them nothing more than fantasies. He¡¯d tell me not to believe them, that Grandpa¡¯s mind was just playing tricks on him. He would get mad at his father for filling his son''s mind of nothing but lies and false stories. But I believed. I believed every word, every tale of heroism and magic. His stories became my dreams, my escape. Every night in bed I imagined myself as the hero, the knight who would save the world just as my grandfather had. I hoped to visit the place he loved almost as much as he loved me. His home land had become just as much a part of me as it was him.


    After his passing though when he was gone, all I had left were memories and a pair of rings he had passed onto me. They were relics of the old world he had told me at some point. He had always intended them to be mine, something about my father not believing or needed them.


    They were worn but beautiful, the rings were made of steel that had seen better days, connected by a chain. The larger ring was engraved with the image of a creature¡ªa fox, part lion, with an orange jewel set into its head that sparkled like the sunset. The chain twisted like a tail, linking the rings together in an elegant curve. As breathtaking as they were, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to wear them properly. It was his, a reminder of that other world he had spoken of, and I couldn¡¯t overwrite those memories. Instead, I kept it close, hanging from a chain around my neck, a constant connection to the man I had lost.


    I had no idea then just how much those rings would come to mean, or how it would shape the course of my life. The memory of my grandfather, his stories, his warmth, and the legacy he left behind¡ªthese would become the driving forces that pushed me forward into a world I could never have imagined. In one sense, my father had been right. My grandfather was a liar, just not in the way he expected.

 Chapter 1: Max Insignia

    I awoke with a start, squinting against the bright sunlight flooding my room through the blinds. The sudden burst of light hit my face, blinding me for a moment, and I groaned, struggling to focus on the world around me. My hands instinctively shielded my eyes, and as I rubbed them, sparks seemed to flicker behind my lids. With a long sigh, I dragged myself upright, reluctantly opening my eyes fully.


    The room came into focus¡ªa familiar sight, my bed, my room, everything the way it should be. I let my hands fall back into my lap, staring at them in silence.


    "Another dream about him..." I muttered to myself, watching my hands open and close reflexively.


    My thoughts wandered to my dreams i had moments ago. My grandfather''s warm smile, his orange tinted eyes that had a shimmer of green swirling in them. They reminded me of gems fighting to overpower each other as they stared into your soul. I stood up slowly and made my way to the bathroom, yawning and rubbing my stomach.


    Before long the thoughts of those dreams passed and i was brushing my teeth preparing for the day ahead. I stared into the reflection and almost laughed at my mess of an appearance. My pale orange hair had grown a bit long in the months that had passed. It hung a bit below my eyebrows and almost covered my eyes. My tan skin glistened from the water splashed on my face as i searched myself. Finally they landed on my eyes as i stared into them. My eyes had the same orange tint as my grandfather, inherited through genetics. I smiled at that thought, proud to be reminded of him in anyway.


    I left the bathroom and began changing and contemplating my day coming up. My name is Max Insignia and I had just turned 23. Honestly i was just an average college student. Currently i was majoring in computer graphics for 3D animation, and as such had been drowning in work. It was the end of the semester before winter break and i was spending almost every day cramming classwork. As i finished changing, i grabbed my phone by my pillow and sighed in relief realizing i charged it before passing out. 93% was more than enough to get through the day.


    A green notification popped up as i looked at my phone and I read it before smiling to myself. It was my childhood friend, Kai. He was a handsome half japanese half german with perfect black hair and deep blue eyes. I was almost jealous of his looks, had my appreciation for my grandfather not outweighed them. I would never admit it, but his height was the one thing I''d take from him if i could. While i stood at a mere 5''10, he was a solid 6''2. The man was a handsome giant, and he got the attention youd expect from an exotic class mate.


    "Hey. You''re up right? We got class at 9 and I don''t want to be busting down your door dragging you from bed again. We''ll be late." He had sent me over text.


    I glanced at the time before replying in a slightly sarcastic tone. "Relax Prince, it''s barely 7:30. I''m up, about to eat breakfast. See you at 8?"


    The message lingered for a moment before a green check mark showed up next to it. He simply thumbs up the message and didn''t bother replying further. I smirked at that and shoved my phone in my pocket before grabbing my favorite cream colored tech jacket and heading downstairs.


    Kai always drove me to the campus because we had pretty much the same campus. It helped that his house was only 3 houses to the left. Normally I''d offer to drive him but i lacked a car myself. Never really saw the point, especially because Kai was such a car nut anyways. We hung out so much it didn''t really make sense to buy one as of now.


    The smell of coffee hit my nose as i made my way down the stairs and I purposely gagged out loud to grab attention to myself.


    "Ugh- I don''t know how you guys can stand the smell of that garbage, let alone drink it." I joked as I rounded the corner into the living room.


    My father sat at the table sipping coffee while scrolling on his phone, reading the news probably. His orange hair fading into a white peppered color in his older age.


    ¡°Well, some of us aren¡¯t young enough to run on energy alone anymore.¡± He replied, not even glancing up as he adjusted his glasses.


    I chuckled and shot back, ¡°You¡¯re not that old, Dad. Just... dry-aged.¡±


    The retort got a small snort out of him as he sipped his coffee and continued scrolling. I turned my attention to my mother at the sink and walked up behind her to give her a quick hug.


    "Morning Mom. Make anything for breakfast?" I asked before turning to dig around for something to eat. "Kai texted, said he''d beat me up if i was late again."


    My mother shook her head before saying "You know, you do give him a lot of trouble. I cant say i blame him." She turned around with a small smile and i pouted at her.


    Her age was starting to show underneath the brown pools in her eyes. Her skin was wrinkling and her dark auburn hair had grays sprouting in the mix. Her smile was always beautiful to me though, regardless of her age.


    "You''re supposed to be MY Mom, not on his side!" I complained lightly.


    She laughed a bit before pointing to the counter. "Then give me a reason to not be on his side. Poor boy gives you a free ride every day, the least you can do is be on time."


    My gaze followed her finger until they landed on a plate of eggs and toast, sunnyside up. I smiled wide before grabbing it and sitting on the table with my dad.


    "Thanks Mom!" I called back before digging in. Half way through a thought crossed my mind and I turned to face my Dad. "Oh, by the way Dad, how''s the project at work going? Make any progress on those... What do you call it again?"


    My father looked at me with a distasteful expression before replying. "Really Maximus, you''re 23 years old. Learn to swallow before you speak." I rolled my eyes before he continued. "You''re talking about the Gray box project right? Sort of. We''re still unsure what we''re dealing with, but we''re making progress in being able to track residue of energy left behind."


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    I nodded before humming in response and continuing on my food. My father was a researcher at a company called Inter Materials. He was part of a team researching a strange phenomenon that was only made known a few months ago to a few government tied corporations. Inter Materials was one of those contractors assigned to deal with it. The best i could make out about it was that basically there were random hotspots of unknown energy that would show up all over the USA. They were uncommon and generally small, but the idea of energy coming out of nowhere sparked interest in the government of course. Free energy with no cost to it was much too good to pass up.


    "So you''re only able to find the hotspots after they show up still? Not before? Do they really think you guys can harness free energy and force them to show up?" I ask, half interested and half making small talk. "I mean, you can''t even use the leftover energy anyways still."


    My father nodded in response before adding "That''s the idea. I have no idea what the true possibilities are when it comes to it, but it''s my job to find out. Either way, we''re still much too early in to make an educated guess."


    Mom chimed in from the kitchen, ¡°It¡¯s been three years, though. You¡¯d think you¡¯d be further along by now.¡±


    "I''ve told you before, this is completely new science. We''re making up the tech and all the studies as we''re going. You can''t expect leaps of progress when you''re studying something completely new." He said calmly as he finished his coffee.


    "Think of it as a Caveman finding fire. Just because he found fire, doesn''t mean in 3 years he''ll figure out how to make a flamethrower. It takes time and new ideas to get there." He glanced at his watch before heading towards the kitchen and kissing my mom on the cheek.


    He came back and patted me on the shoulder before making his way to the door and slipping on his shoes. "It''s about time for you to go to Kai''s house now, wouldn''t you say?"


    I checked the time¡ª8:05. My eyes widened, and I bolted to my feet, banging my knee on the table.


    "Ouch! Shit, shit, Kai''s gonna be mad!" I cursed holding my knee and bouncing towards the door.


    My Mom popped her head out from the kitchen and chastised me with a quick "Language!".


    I groaned as i slipped on my boots before following my Dad through the door and yelling back "Sorry! Love you Mom! I''ll see you later!"


    My dad gave me a quick hug and wave before getting in his car. I dashed the three houses to Kai¡¯s, finding him sitting in his car, scrolling through his phone. He looked up and raised an eyebrow when he saw me.


    ¡°8:06,¡± he pointed at the car¡¯s clock. ¡°Late.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know! I was talking to my parents and lost track of time.¡± I slid into the passenger seat, apologizing.


    Kai just shook his head, throwing the car in reverse. ¡°You know, Max, if I didn¡¯t drive you, you¡¯d never show up to class.¡±


    His reply made me grin and i shot back with "Oh thank you for your kindness, Prince of perfection and good looks. How would i ever survive life without your gracious support." I bowed my head to him mockingly before sitting back and pulling out my phone.


    "Smartass." Came his response, but i could tell it lacked any harshness.


    "By the way, how''s things going with Jennifer?"


    I looked up in surprise and thought about it for a moment. "I mean... Same as usual i guess? I still haven''t spoken to her since the beginning of the semester."


    He laughed pretty loudly at that and retorted with "I cant believe my best friend is such a scaredy cat when it comes to women. Where''s all that confidence you have normally?"


    I jab his shoulder lightly in response and shrug "Just because i like her doesn''t mean i have to embarrass myself getting rejected. You know how things like this go. I''m just saving myself the trouble. Besides, i don''t actually know her."


    It was true, Jennifer was a beautiful girl in one of our shared classes with brown hair and deep green eyes. I admired her beauty but didn''t really know much about her.


    "Hmm... Maybe you should just try asking her to be friends then? It''s better than sitting on your hands whimpering." Kai said with a thoughtful tone, tapping his finger on the steering while.


    "Maybe, if i say yes will you get off my ass about it?" I say leaning on the car window with my head, the cool glass seeping into my skin. "Don''t answer that, i already know the answer."


    The car rumbled for a moment in silence before he spoke again. "You''re a wimp."


    My eyes stayed close as i raised a finger to give him the bird, not even bothering to dignify him with a look. "Easy for you to say with those dashing good looks. I can''t even remember a time where you haven''t been dating someone."


    "True. I am super handsome." He said smirking and holding his hand under his chin winking at me.


    I laughed and told him to shut up and focus on the road, which he did with a shrug. The rest of the ride was relatively quiet as we made our way down city traffic, racing yellow lights and the clock as we slowly made our way to campus.


    As we pulled up to the parking lot, he flipped the car into park and unlocked the doors with practiced precision. The door swung open before i stepped out and gently close the door behind me. I know better than to slam his doors, Kai was not someone to take kindly to that. His car was a neon green 350z, fully modified and supped up. Honestly i was pretty sure if the cops looked under his hood the car would be impounded the same hour. Not like i was going to tattle anyway though, it was my ride to class.


    Kai locked the car with a sharp beep before turning around and making his way up the steps towards the main building. I followed after him to catch up, taking the steps two at a time.


    "You know, I''m sure you''ve heard me say this before but i hate how tall you are. You make keeping up with you a pain." I say when i finally catch up to pace beside him.


    "Not my fault you were born nerfed little bro. Just try to keep up." He said with a smirk and adjusting his bag on his back.


    I smiled at his response, cool headed and and quick witted as always. I studied his outfit and nodded in approval. Dark blue slacks with a white button up shirt, causal black dress shoes and slicked back hair in a samurai bun. He kept a slim silver watch on his left hand and a few rings on his right hand.


    "Looking sharp as always. I swear you have someone else plan these outfits for you." I say after finishing my observation.


    He smirked again in response and i saw him study my outfit in turn. "Thank you, i hate to break it to you but I just have good fashion tastes. I see you''re wearing your favorite jacket as usual. There isn''t a day where you don''t wear that at this point."


    "Can you blame me? It''s my signature piece now." I replied showing off my jacket and spreading it open.


    I wasn''t as fashionable as Kai, but did alright for myself. I wore black pants with green accents that matched the zippers on my cream colored tech jacket. Under that i wore a plain white T-shirt and my grandfather''s rings around my neck. Finishing it off, i had combat boots that matched my jacket in color.


    He studied me a bit more before looking forward and saying "I still dont understand why you don''t just wear the rings instead of on your neck like a normal person."


    "We''ve been over this dude, it''s my Grandfather''s rings. It feels wrong wearing them so casually. Besides i dont even know if they fit."


    Kai gave me another look with a raised eyebrow before shaking his head. "Doesnt the whole point of him giving them to you mean that they''re yours now? I get the sentiment but I''m pretty sure he''d want you to wear them."


    His words rung in my head as we continued into our building and filed into the class. We sat next to each other and prepared for the lecture. Kai wasn''t off the mark with his statement, and i knew that. Truth be told I''d been thinking about wearing them recently. The thought seemed to come up more and more often these days for seemingly no reason. I thumbed the rings absentmindedly while the professor started up the day.


    I shook my head and tried to clear the noise, sitting up straighter and opening up a google doc for notes. The rings could wait, college on the other hand wouldn''t. As the lecture droned on i forced myself to pay attention, yawning a few times but mostly keeping up. A few hours later i lose focus for a bit. Glancing around, i watched as Kai spun a pencil in his fingers. He preferred to write down notes the old fashioned way.


    ''Always have to be different.'' i thought to myself amused. Well, it was part of his charm.


    I leaned back and glanced at the clock. Almost 12. Damn, class was long but it was almost done. Sitting back up i thumbed the rings again and let my thoughts fade until I heard the professor end the class. With a sigh or relief i packed my bags and stood up to leave the room.


    ¡°God, I swear I¡¯m going to die in one of these rooms. Zeus, you coward, strike me down now!¡± I joked aloud.


    Unexpectedly, I heard a soft giggle behind me. I turned to see Jennifer walking past, her red hair swishing behind her, her beautiful green eyes sparkling with amusement. I blushed, breaking eye contact too quickly.


    As she passed, the sweet scent of plums lingered in the air. I turned to Kai, wide-eyed.


    ¡°Did you see that?! She laughed at my joke!¡±


    Kai gave me a teasing pat on the shoulder. ¡°She sure did, buddy. Good for you. Now, let¡¯s grab lunch. I¡¯m starving.¡±

 Chapter 2: Rings

    As we made our way out of the classroom we chatted about everything and anything besides the lecture. The day already sapped away my strength, sitting through 3 hours of non-stop studying. As the cafeteria came into view, I heard someone yelling Kai''s name. I saw him stop and i turn to look with him. Someone was running down the hallway to catch up- no, not someone. Her. I groaned in response and slapped a hand to my head.


    "Not again Kai. Please. Yesterday killed me, i want to enjoy my lunch." I said pleading to him, getting an amused look back.


    "You expect me to just say no to my girlfriend, dude? That''s harsh even for you." He replied as he walked back up to greet her.


    I followed reluctantly and shook my head as i saw her run up and hug him tightly. She was a relatively short and petite girl with pink hair and porcelain skin. Her face was plastered with make-up. I''d never seen her without it, but she was clearly going for the anime aesthetic. Her clothes were flashy, frilly and unfortunately well put together. As much as i disliked her, i had to admit she was pretty.


    "Kai! I missed you, it''s been foreverrrrr. How could you leave me all alone for so long!" Katherine said batting her eyelashes at him trying to act cute.


    He simply chuckled at her and patted her head, much to her enjoyment. I on the other hand died inside. Of all the women he''s dated, Katherine was my least favorite. She was loud, demanding and always interrupting conversation to make things about her. Honestly I had no idea what he saw in her.


    "You just saw him yesterday Katherine." I butt in to the moment snapping them out of it.


    She glared at me and retorted quickly. "And? That''s exactly my point, it''s been at least 16 hours. That''s much too long to be without my loving boyfriend. Why dont you get lost and let the lovers be happy?"


    I grew a visible tick on my forehead at that statement and did my best to put up a polite smile. "Oh? How about you let the two best friends eat in peace for once? I can''t hear myself think around you."


    Katherine gave me an annoyed look and was about to say something before Kai stepped between us. "Now, Now. I know I''m handsome but no need to fight over me ladies. There''s enough for both of you."


    I glared at him as he gave me a smug look back. Shaking my head i shove my hands in my pocket and turned around to make my way to the cafeteria. It wasn''t worth my time. I could hear Katherine yapping as she and Kai came following after me. I did my best to drown her out as i checked the sign for the lunch menu today.


    "Great... First Katherine, now meatloaf and beans. Who comes up with this stuff?" I say exasperated.


    "Don''t compare me to Meatloaf and beans!" Came an outburst behind me, but i opted to ignore it.


    I grabbed my tray and lined up, still doing my best to ignore Katherine rambling about the latest drama she''s been watching to Kai. She seriously could talk for hours. No matter his taste in women Kai was definitely more patient than i was.


    As i got to the front of the line, the cafeteria lady gave me a short look before dumping... Something... Onto my plate. I gave it a look of disgust and morbid curiosity before finding an empty table to sit at.


    I studied the mix of questionable colors and textures in front of me before giving it a tentative poke with my spoon. To my horror it jiggled slightly under the force. I quickly dropped my spoon and pushed it away from me. I was fine being hungry for a day.


    Kai sat across from me soon after with Katherine hanging off his arm. He stared at the concoction in front of him before looking at me and asking "Is this legal food to give to humans?"


    I shrugged in response and Katherine chimed in. "Omg, you''re so funny Kai. Of course you can eat it. Here, try it!"


    She dug her spoon into the mix on her plate and pulled out a healthy scoop that wiggled and dripped a little too slowly onto her plate. Smiling with clear enjoyment in her eyes she brought the spoon to his mouth.


    "Say ah!" Katherine said with a big smile.


    I smirked at the scene and kicked Kai''s shin under the table. "Yeah, say ah Kai."


    Kai stared at the spoon in front of his face with a clear look of disgust as it dripped thickly onto his plate. He glared at me sharply before sighing and opening his mouth. The things we do for love.


    Katherine promptly shoved the spoon into his mouth a little too hard and i saw him slightly gag as he began to chew slowly. She was oblivious and squealed giving him heart eyes. Clearly she thought this was a romantic moment for the two of them, while Kai was struggling to chew.


    "Why... why is it crunchy?" He asked with a horrified look on his face.


    That was enough to push me over the edge and i busted out laughing, nearly crying tears. The look on his face, the oblivious girlfriend and his horrifying revelation. I felt him kick me hard under the table, but i refused to care and kept laughing for a few minutes. Katherine gave us both confused looks before glaring at me and crossing her arms.


    I finally calmed down and wiped my eyes before saying "Woo... So. How was it?"


    Kai gave me the finger after swallowing and turned to comfort his girlfriend. She offered another bite, but was disappointed when he declined instantly. She tried it soon after and to his astonishment began eating like it was a 5 star meal.


    Grossed out and a little concerned, i decided to stop watching and began thinking about the rings around my neck again. I unclipped the necklace and let the rings pour out onto the table. The beast on the ring stared back at me. The orange gem in the middle glistening in the light. Katherine mid spoonful looked over with curiosity before leaning over to get a better look.


    "What''s that?" She asked, genuine curiosity in her voice.


    I looked at her before saying "My grandfather''s rings. I carry them with me all the time but they''re usually under my shirt."


    Kai chipped in leaning forward in his chair. "They were his grandfather''s rings. Now they''re his."


    Katherine studied them for a moment longer before asking "Can i hold them? I''ll be careful."


    I hesitated for a moment, looking at Kai for reassurance. He nodded at me so I reluctantly nodded back to Kathrine. She carefully picked them up and rubbed her finger over the gem and the beasts design.


    "It''s a pretty ring, i like the animal in the middle. Why dont you wear it on your hand instead?" She asked me. "It''s a waste if nobody can see it."


    Kai looked at me pointedly before saying "That''s what I''ve been saying for years now. He''s stubborn, says it''s his grandfather''s not his."


    She frowned at that and handed me back the rings carefully. "But he gave them to you right? I think he would have wanted you to wear them. Have you ever tried them on?"


    "No." I answered honestly. "I''ve always worn them around my neck."


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    Her eyes lit up and she excitedly said "You should try it on then! It would be such a waste, come on. Give it a try!"


    I hesitated again, contemplating. The thoughts plaguing my mind about putting them on. The dreams coming back about grandpa, Kai and Katherine telling me to put them on. Staring at the gem on the ring it seemed to shine a bit brighter for just a moment. It was strange, almost like it was calling for me. I took a deep breath before looking up at them.


    "Alright.... I''ll try them. It''s alright to try them right?" I say to Kai still a bit unsure.


    He leaned forward more and placed a hand on my shoulder with a big smile. "It''s what he would have wanted, Max. They''re your rings."


    Feeling his reassurance my heart beat a bit faster and my skin began to warm up slightly. I was nervous, breathing a bit faster. I lined the ring up with my middle finger on my left hand and slide it on. The cool metal felt good on my hot skin. Surprisingly it fit perfectly. I looped the chain over the top of my hand and slid the smaller ring on my pinky.


    Instantly my head flashed with a sort of pain. It was a familiar sensation but overwhelming all the same. I winced and grabbed my head with one hand and steadied myself on the table with the other. Kai and Katherine glanced at each other before giving me a worried look.


    "Are you good, bro?" Kai''s voice came, but it sounded a bit far away.


    Katherine spoke next "You look kinda pale. Maybe you should take them off?"


    My head swam with the feeling intensifying and i leaned against the table harder, groaning in pain. I could feel Kai shaking my shoulders, calling me but i couldn''t hear what he was saying. The swelling in my brain finally came to a peak as soon as i felt like head would burst. I heard an unfamiliar voice call out my name clearly.


    "Max."


    I snapped up instantly and looked around. The pain was gone, but i could feel something different in the air. I looked around and saw the concerned looks of Kai and Katherine standing on either said of me.


    "Hey man, are you back with us? What happened? You disappeared for a minute there." He asked searching my eyes.


    Katherine continued "You looked like you were in pain, sweating a bit too. Did we push you too hard to put on the ring? I''m sorry."


    It was odd hearing her apologize and look concerned about me for once.


    "I''m- I''m fine. I think. Sorry, i don''t know what happened." I reached up and pinched the bridge of my nose looking at the rings on my other hand. "I just felt like my head was going to burst for a moment, but it''s gone. It was weird."


    Kai scrunched his face a bit before sliding back into his chair carefully. "Well as long as you''re okay now. Just let me know if you need to see the nurse. We can take you there."


    "I''ve heard that sometimes trauma can cause physical pain." Katherine flooded in. "You''ve been scared of wearing the rings right? Maybe the feeling just overwhelmed you for a moment."


    I pondered her words before simply nodding in response. "Maybe." I said opting keeping the voice in my head out of the conversation.


    "Either way, the rings look good on you. I knew they would, but the gem sorta match your eyes. Never noticed that before." Kai said sipping from his water bottle.


    His girlfriend nodded enthusiastically. "You''re usually not the best looking guy but the ring does help improve your eyes." She said with a teasing tone.


    "Gee, thanks Katherine." I say in a sickly sweet tone.


    She gave me an indignant look back and sat back in her seat. "And here i am trying to be nice for once."


    My best friend sighed and shrugged to himself before drinking more water. Katherine began eating her slop again, offering more to Kai much to his despondence. He opened his mouth and struggled again to chew which brought a smile to my lips.


    Then like someone snapping their fingers for attention, something called me eyes to the corner of the room. It felt like someone dragged a finger through my head forcing my nerves to notice it''s call. It was painless but impossible to ignore. The room seemed to dim again and i focused hard to find what called me so desperately.


    I stood up abruptly for a better look, trying to heighten my vision more. Then as soon as it came, it was gone. The room came back into view and the sound came flooding back. I looked down to see the two of them watching me, concern in their eyes again.


    Kai spoke up first, slowly addressing me. "Hey Max? I think we should go to the nurses room after all. Katherine is done, and we aren''t going to eat. Plus we have time before our next class."


    Silently i wondered if i was going crazy, but I agreed with him verbally before beginning to leave the cafeteria. The couple stood up quickly to follow after me and we made our way out of the double doors. The greenery outside brought a fresh breath of air to me and cooled the sweat on my forehead. I wiped my brow in surprise, i hadn''t realized i was sweating.


    "I feel better out here." I said without facing them. "The breeze is helping a lot."


    Katherine spook up softly from behind me. "Still... You should go just in case. We''ll come with you, okay?"


    My head felt clearer than normal but i nodded in agreement. No use in worrying them. We walked in relative quiet for a while towards the faculty building. Our campus was fairly big so it was a bit of a trek to our destination.


    Kai decided to break the silence first again. "So, any plans for the weekend Max? Me and Katherine are going to the movies to check out the new Sonic 3 film. Supposedly it''s pretty good. Didnt know it but Katherine is a big fan of the franchise."


    He swung his arm over her shoulder giving me a questioning look while Katherine hummed happily burying herself further into his embrace.


    "No, not really. Probably just catching up on assignments as usual." I say, facing ahead again. "Actually, maybe I''ll hit up climbers. It''s been a week since i last went."


    Katherine piped up from her daydreaming and said "Tell me about it, all i do is study and work. Study and work. Work and study. UGHHHHH, if I didn''t have Kai to take me on dates i would have died so long ago. Are you still not seeing anyone? Its a bit surprising. You''re not ugly and unexpectedly funny at times. Of course, you''ve got nothing on Kai though. No offense."


    I shrug slightly before replying. "I guess i just haven''t found the right one. Also, no need to rub it in. I know he''s hot dude."


    At that, Kai laughed and bumped my arm slightly. "Let''s be real, you don''t put yourself out there either. Can''t expect to catch a fish if you don''t throw the line buddy. Katherine''s got a point. You''re good looking, you just gotta try a bit."


    "Dude, you''re starting to sound like my parents. I''m gonna stop inviting you for dinner if you keep it up." I jab his arm back jokingly.


    He gave me a look of mock pain before retorting. "Yeah, yeah. Your parents love my ass and you know it. Plus i dont want to hear someone that''s going to climb without me. Talk about betrayal." He said shaking his hand at me like he was trying to throw mud off.


    "Climb? Climb what?" Came Katherine''s curious voice.


    I immediately whipped my head and shook it at her. "Nuh uh! That''s bro time, you don''t need to know." I then point a finger at Kai and continue "and you''re going on a date. Did you forget?"


    Katherine pouted and snuggled up to Kai giving him puppy eyes. "Babeeee, what''s he talking about? Pleaseeeee?"


    "Dont you do it!" I yelled over her desperately.


    He looked at me than down at her. He gave me an apologetic shrug and leaned down to say "Max and I go rock climbing sometimes in our free time. He also does parkour but i suck at that. I can give him a run for his money on the rocks though." He bragged with a grin.


    Katherine immediately lit up and hopped up and down. "Oh i want to go! I want to watch you climb! Can i?"


    I threw my hands up and groaned. "I told you not to tell her! I knew she''d ask. She''s gonna want to come all the time now."


    Kai gave me another apologetic look before calming her down. "You can come with us, BUT not all the time. That''s when we hang out just the two of us, and it''s not fair to Max if we make him third wheel all the time. Fair enough to you both?"


    She pouted for a second but grumbled in agreement. I internally doubted she was going to stick to that agreement but nonetheless nodded as well. As i began to walk again, it happened again.


    Snap. Over here.


    My foot stopped and instantly my head snapped to attention. Something was calling me. The campus park we were walking through went silent. The couple kept walking oblivious to me for now, and slowly stepped off the path. The pull was leading me towards a small dense patch of woods. I don''t know how or why, but i knew whatever was calling me was inside them.


    As i began walking with purpose i felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to face Kai who for the third time gave me a concerned look.


    "Max. What''s happening? Where are you going?" Katherine held his other hand and looked at me puzzled.


    I turned back towards the forest, the pull getting stronger. Slowly i raised my hand and pointed at the trees. Kai followed my finger and he furrowed his brow in confusion.


    "What are you pointing at dude? There''s nothing there." He said questioning me.


    "It''s inside. Calling me." I said simply beginning to walk again. The pull forcing my feet to move again.


    He gripped my shoulder harder trying to stop me. "Max you''re not well. There''s nothing there, lets just go see the nurse. Okay?"


    "I need to see it, Kai. It''s calling me. I have to." I broke his grip and began walking quickly towards the treeline before slipping into it.


    I could hear them calling after me faintly, but i was unsure if they followed or not. Making my way through the trees I pushed through for what felt like a minute. Eventually i came to a clearing in the middle of the trees, and i saw it. I froze in awe, my mouth dropping open slightly.


    There in the center lay a rift. A portal of some sort. I''d played enough games to know when I''ve seen one. It gave off a faint purple light and swirled quietly like a storm in the middle. I Couldn''t see inside past it, but could feel something from the other side pulling me. I began to walk closer before i felt my arm get yanked.


    Kai gripped me tightly, slightly out of breath while Katherine emerged from the tress behind him brushing twigs out of her hair.


    "Dude, you''re fast. Holy, have you been doing cardio?" He asked bending over slightly to catch his breath. "You dont even look out of breath."


    Without answering, i point at the rift humming in the air. "Do you see it? It''s calling me."


    Katherine frowned deeply at this and said "What are you talking about? There''s nothing there Max. We really need to get you to the nurse."


    "She''s right man, you''re not doing well. Let''s go, okay?" My friend said, concern all over his face.


    I looked at the both of them stunned, then turned back to face the rift again. It stood proud and unashamed. The pull on me intensifying as the seconds pass.


    "You can''t see it...?" I said mostly to myself, staring at it and fixated on the storm swirling inside of it.


    "Dude, there''s nothing there. I promise you, whatever you''re seeing isnt real. Please, let''s go. We''ll figure this out alright?" I heard Kai''s voice, practically begging me.


    I turned to the both of them and smiled gently. "Then, if there''s nothing there can I just see it up close? It''s beautiful. It''s calling to me. I need to see it, then we can go. Please. I promise."


    A conflicted look flashed across Kai''s face and he hesitated before nodding sharply.


    Katherine tried to protest but he cut her off and grabbed her hand tightly.


    "If it means getting him to the nurse without a fight, then alright. Just make it quick." He said, not letting go of my arm. "We''re coming too though."


    His girlfriend hesitated but nodded with him after a moment, determination on her face. "Okay, just make it quick Max."


    I smiled wider at them. "Thank you both. I''ll be fast."


    Feeling Kai''s grip on my wrist, i turned and lead us all to the base of the portal. It was even more beautiful up close. My eyes widened and my pupils dilated as i got closer. The swirling inside seeming to part and give me glimpses of something on the other side.


    Kai carefully spoke up and said "What... What do you see?"


    "It''s... A portal. A rift. I can''t see through it clearly, but it''s calling me to it. Pulling me. I can feel something coming from it. It feels... Familiar. Warm. Good." I say.


    It was true, the portal gave me an oddly soothing feeling. It was basking me, bringing back feelings of nostalgia. Something I hadn''t felt in years.


    "A portal? Oh god Kai, did he eat something bad? Hit his head?" I heard Katherine ask with genuine concern in her voice.


    Touch.


    The voice rang in my head again. Coming from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. I looked around searching for the owner but saw nothing. Just Kai and Katherine staring at me with mixed emotions.


    "What is it now?" Kai said with an uncertain look on his face.


    I pause for a moment before answering, realizing how crazy i must sound. "It wants me to touch. Asked me to touch it."


    Turning around again, i said "I''m going to touch it, okay? I need to. Then... We can go back. Alright?"


    Katherine and Kai both shifted uncomfortably, before my best friend nodded and said "Okay. Let''s just get this over with."


    Slowly I reached out and touched it. Then all hell broke loose.