Tales From a Misfit
Updates every Sunday.
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Found on wallhere. made by "wallup"
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Author’s note: having grown a bit. I figured I’d retry phive again. I know one person liked it. I‘m sorry I don’t remember your discord name, but you should know who you are. So if see this feel free to say hi, and let me know what you think.
---- “Just register me as I want.” Abstract said. “Isn’t that your job?” “You are the top of your class, in several ways and I-” an official started. A white yoyo with a white string slaps the desk. “Perhaps we’re both in the wrong place then?” “Whitejack, you know it’s different for you.” The official replied. “Is it?” Whitejack asked, walking up. “I learned my place early, and submitted it weeks ago. That is true. But you allowed several other wandering souls in. And here you are denying one, on the basis of what?”' “She is rejecting a high ranking status!” the officer said. “Where as—” “No, by all means finish that sentence." Whitejack replied, two yoyos at the ready. “He’s all registered?” Abstract asked. “Yes, he is. Annoying as I find him.” The officer replied. “We're we not so unmarvelous as to be rejecting random people, I would be far less annoying.’ Whitejack replied. “Perfect.” Abstract replied. “Then I’m with him.” “What? You can’t just—” the officer replied, “I still have my plus one, so I believe she just did.” Whitejack said. “I’d advise against trying to use any power you have with Renee around.” “Renee?" Abstract asked. “Why? What does she do?” “Neglect things. Such as Ger’ and I’s limitations.” A pale girl replied, riding a mechanical cube. “Heidi, by the way.” “My apologies for keeping three so long.” Whitejack said. “Not at all needed. We were just here to check up, and see if there was some trouble.” Heidi replied. “So, could I meet Renee then?” Abstract asked. “I don’t see why not.” Whitejack said. “Unless we have any more stop gaps?” “No we don’t” Heidi got the cube, and transformed into a robot. And this is Ger, don’t let his silence fool you, he’s a sweetheart.” “Unless you wish to get in Heidi's way.” Whitejack replied. “Which is a most unmarvelous idea.” “So he just talks like that.” Abstract giggled. “All the time.” Heidi said. “Ger? Where is Renee?” Ger walked as both girls follow. --- “Whitejack you can't wonder off like that.” Renee said. “You know how I get about this.” “Which is why I didn’t wonder off.” Whitejack said. “Found a fifth member even. She—” “What? She was right here?” Heidi replied." “Still am. Abstract said. “Just dealing with a creep.” Black tentacles shot out snapping the creep in the face. “A surprise really? Brandon is going to teach a thing or two about strength." Brandon said. A yoyo swung itself around his arm and then tug down to the ground. “Such an unmarvelous ideal.” “Something going here Phive?” A security officer stepped in. “Nothing at all.” Abstract said. ‘I was just joining.”
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The tavern door swung wide open as the girl ran in. “Is there a Cardforger around?
“Depends on if the barkeep has that kind of room.” Sofia replied. “And if… well pretty sure everyone knows the drill by now.” She took a swig of her mug, and then set it down. “The card making room is 3 doors down, and to the left, Lass.” The barkeep said. “Ash, here has been fascinated with making a deck ever since she finally could.” “No.” Ash said. “I’ve been wanting a deck forever! Not my fault my parents never let me make one.” “Well that answers the usual questions.” Sofia chuckled, as she got up. “Safe to say you've got a starting deck in mind then? And brought the ink?” “Provide you have the iron?” Ash asked. “I’ve forged cards for 5 years, hun.” Sofia replied. “I always have the iron. Poly? Could you get my hammer, dear?” A polar bear roughly a head taller than Sofia brought a hammer with his mouth. Sitting right next to her as he dropped it. “Perfect.” Sofia said. “We’re gonna make a new deck for Ash then.” Ash followed Sofia down the hallway to the proper backroom. “Well this must’ve been quite the vein of iron.” Sofia said, looking over the anvil. “Does that matter?” Ash asked. “No, but I can admire it, nonetheless.” Sofia said. “So? What kind of cards did you have in mind?” “That’s not decided based on the ink?” Ash asked. “Yes and no.” Sofia replied. “You can’t just dump ink into a furnace. You need to know what kind of deck you want. You might change your choices over time, but a starter deck works best when you follow the vein of the route you have in mind.” “Okay well. I was thinking I’d mix water and fire.” Ash said. “Something that can do the first attack, but hold its own in support.” “Okay.” Sofia nodded. “So just using fire for its offensive, and water for its defense?” “Mostly, yes.” Ash said. “A couple of cards doing the opposite wouldn’t hurt through, right?” Sofia sighed. “You are new. It depends on the deck. I was under the impression you knew of the rule of the game Alchanian Fields.” “I do, and I want to play it!” Ash said. “And I like a deck good at more than one thing!” “Wise idea.” Sofia replied. “But a deck good at 5 things? Is just as bad, if not worse, than a deck only good at one thing. A deck that does one thing well will win a few matches. A deck good at 5 things will just be out played.” “Well then I want a deck that shocks people. I want a deck that works where it shouldn’t. Something that is built of cards that everyone says don’t go together. I want a deck made up of cards that people so often dismiss.” “Now that is a good use of ink.” Sofia said. “So I guess all that’s left is to make it a good use of iron, or at the very least try.” “How does one do that?” Ash asked. “How do you forge a card you know is good?”Sofia poured some ink into a mold, and slammed her own hammer down on it. “That, my dear, is just it. You don’t.” “Then why does a card come out at all?” Ashed asked, watching Sofia’s hammer down on the anvil. “Why would they show at all, if they aren’t sure they’ll be any good?” There was one final shout as the veins in Sofia’s arms were a bit clearer. A final hammer strike on the anvil. “Poly?” The polar bear dropped some of his personal ice on the card. “As for your question? Compare that to any other thing in life. I mean were you sure there was a Cardforger around?” “No, I suppose not.” Ash said. “And I certainly wasn’t sure that there would be one I would like, I just heard that there was a rather famous one in our town’s tavern. Was worried I had missed you considering how late I heard that news.” “Naw. If I’m in a tavern, I stick around for somewhere between a few hours to a few days.” Sofia replied. “My job and ability mean I’m needed pretty much everywhere, so I usually stay around just to make sure I don't miss anyone.” “And you're not a bit tired of that?” Ash asked. “You've been doing it for far longer than most from what I’ve heard.” “I am one of the… rarities of the Cardforgers, that is true.” Sofia replied. “But I love a good story, and making decks produces a lot of good stories.” Just as she finishes answering some steam comes off the anvil again. The smell of ink reinfecting the air. “Smaller deck than I was expecting.” Ash said, gathering and looking over her newly made cards. “This does meet the minimum though, and I can’t say I don’t love some of these.” “Yeah, starter decks tend to be smaller. Let’s you add to it later when you know a bit more about your play style.” Sofia said. “Also usually produced some cards you end up keeping for a lot longer than newer players expect.” “Yeah?” Ash asked. “So you do have any of those?” Sofia fished out her own deck, and showed off a few cards. One of a polar bear-est minion, one of a spell card that buffed up other things with a hammer as it image, and one other really stuck out to Ash. “The black sheep card?” Ash asked. “You’re a black sheep in your family?” “I’m a black sheep amongst my bloodline.” Sofia replied. “Family wise? It’s a found family, but it serves a lot better than the original ever did. Much like your own, from the sound of it?” “You… you could say that.” Ash replied. “So when I want to build on this, bring more ink to a cardforger?” “Yep.” Sofia said. “As long as you bring the ink, we’ll have the iron.” “No.” Sofia, the demoness, said, and attempted to slam her door shut.
A girl stepped in front of Shawn, the athletic college human, the wolf ears coming out of her head drooping “At least hear him out?... Please?” Sofia stood, and blinked a few times. “A… werewolf… with him?” “Sofia, I know I did a lot back in middle school, and a fair bit in high school.” Shawn said. “And wanted to apologize, but I figured you’d rather I stayed away from you.” “You figured correctly.” Sofia replied. “Not exactly thrilling to see the bully responsible for inserting the nickname ‘Furbutt’ into my life. Who is this?” “Sable.” The werewolf girl replied. “We met shortly after you dropped out, and—” “I didn’t drop out.” Sofia said. “I did my last 2 years in a different high school. My family budgeted around teleporting me there and back.” “It was that far away?” Shawn asked. “It was on a different continent.” Sofia replied, with a glare. “Someone’s family decided to blame me, specifically, for their side losing the Crusade War, I guess.” “After I bullied you out of school. Sable was required to join the boys' sports team. Werewolves being that much stronger than humans, and meeting her farther solidified my change of mind.” Shawn said. “Whether or not you say yes to our request. I’ve felt terrible for everything I did, and I’m truly sorry.” Sofia sighed, and motioned them in. “Poly?! Bring down the detection supplies please! Sable, you seem a little tired. Do you wanna help yourself to some tea? There should be at least one thing up your alley in the kitchen. I can just talk to Shawn first.” “It centers around me, anyways.” Shawn said as he sat down, and Sable walked straight into the kitchen. “My dad wasn’t the happiest about my choices.” “Yeah, I heard rumors of some kind of family dispute.” Sofia said. Her hooves trotted along some of the path Sable had, as she spoke. “I will say I can’t believe it’s actually about whether or not the Crowdocks should be hunting or not.” “Well my great grandparents' generation is slowly losing their numbers... Look I’m sorry—” Shawn replied. “Shawn,” Sofia widened her eyes, and let their light yellow sclera and white pupils glow. “I know. So what happened?” “I tried to introduce Sable, and at first it seemed fine. I honestly couldn’t believe it, but dad seemed like he was getting along with her. Until she left, and he shouted at me and called me a traitor. And then he poured some wine out, and said something that kind of sounded like the stuff you say.” Shawn said. “Demonic stuff or witch stuff? Demonic would be in a language you use to make fun of.” Sofia replied. “Definitely witch stuff then.” Shawn said. “And then I had some weird nightmare, and Sable couldn’t stand the smell of me without something her mother gave her.” “Oh. My. Gosh!” Sable said, and as both ran into the kitchen. Only to find her hugging a happy, massive, plushie looking polar bear. “Sorry, got really excited.” Sable said with her tail wagging. “Could I see what your mom gave you? Sofia chuckled. “Also I’ll take that box now, Poly.” Sable waited outside the kitchen with Poly keeping her company. Worrying about the talk about Shawn’s curse taking several hours. Poly tried to do some tricks to calm her down a bit, but eventually just snuggled up to her instead. “Really hope she can help. We tried everyone else.” Shawn walked out. “Your favorite moon phase is still the new moon, right? We're supposed to meet her then.” ----a few days later---- Salem’s New Spark police station spoke a story all its own. Now a run down building emptied out by several museums, and having lost its final fight to the plants growing out of the abandoned building. “Lot different than the story we used to hear, huh?” Sofia asked. “Yeah.” Sable replied. “My great uncle would be proud. He is always telling the story of how he and a demon forged the pact that ended the hunt against ‘unholy’ creatures.” “Wait, your great uncle is Kuulan Featherclaw?” Sofia asked. “Met with my great grandfather, Azaroole Roffguard, Kuulan?” “You’re joking.” Sable replied. “The apples don’t fall far, I guess.” “We best get started. This is for you.” Sofia handed Sable a potion bottle. “In case of emergencies. And this Shawn is for you, just stand in that circle there and chug it.” Sofia handed a drink to Shawn. “No matter what happens in there? Always meet Sable.” “What does that mean?” Shawn asked, but could already tell. He wasn’t allowed to know. So without another word, he went into the center of the circle and chugged the potion. ----1576(Timeline: Crusade wars.) ---- “Soldier!” a General yelled. What are you doing napping!” Shawn nearly jumped out his seat. “I’m sorry I…” He watched as a body exactly like his stood tall, and saluted. Speaking, perfectly, in his voice “Sir, my mistake, sir. My earplugs fell out, sir.” “Damn, harpies and sirens.” The general replied. “At ease soldier, I can’t be faulting good soldiers for things we’ve been developing special training against. I’ll take over from here, and await our new specialist. You think you’d do better with the druids or the werewolves?” The ethereal Shawn stood up. Sofia’s words echoing in his mind (No matter what happens in there? Always meet Sable) “It would be my esteemed honor to deal with the wolf scoundrels, sir.” “This is why you get off easier than the other soldiers." The general grinned. “You go have your fun.” Shawn followed himself down some hallways through several doors. Flinching as his own body fired a bullet the moment the barking started. “Didn’t we tell you lot to stop making noise? What, you don’t think this is real silver?” Ethereal Shawn patrolled with himself, but stopped while his body continued. A girl looked like a mirror of Sable. And looked, as beautiful as ever, despite her clear anger towards him. “You’re all cowards.” Mirror Sable said. “And when you lose, having spilled, who knows how much blood, over things you don’t understand? I hope your grandchildren live with that guilt.” The last thing Shawn saw was himself loading a gun. “I thought I said quite.” ----1652(Stable Anti-magic) ---- Shawn jolted up out of a bed breathing heavily. “Wait… what?” Confused by his ability to control and speak for himself. He looked around, and then towards a voice. “Master?” Another Sable looked up towards him on all fours. “Is everything okay?” “Why are you like that?” Shawn asked. “What?” Sable backed away. “Does it no longer please you?... How would you like me to be from now on?” Shawn sighed. “Get up on the bed like the human you are, and explain some things to me.” “If that’s what you want, mas—” Sable coughed, and walked to the bed before sitting on it. “Must’ve been quite the dream.” “Yeah, you could say that.” Shawn replied. “Something about New Spark police station.” Sable giggled. “No wonder you're confused. Come over here.” Shawn followed as Sable opened the blinds. “That’s New Spark.” She pointed to a massive tower. Armed up to the nines, and clearly some kind of maximum security prison. “The pride of the Crowdock family.” “But there was some war, and New Spark was a prison. We had many creatures captured within its walls.” Shawn said. “New Spark was a hidden place where your family found out how to do what they called ‘Anti-magic’. We were powerless afterwards.” Sable said. “Unless we were given the privilege of pledging eternal loyalty.” “Anti-magic was never stabilized though...." Shawn said. “Wait, what does that last part mean?” Sable shifted her shirt revealing a brand mark on her left shoulder. “In exchange for shelter, food, water, and a decent life. I do as you say when you say it, and I take my share of the magic being harvested to keep you and I alive. I don't know why I was allowed such a choice. To me I’m just a regular female werewolf. But it was living as your eternal servant, or going mad in a swamp somewhere. Will that be all, master?” ----New Spark, Present Day---- “The best I can offer you is a drink, and the comfort of knowing this hasn’t attracted his family yet.” Sofia replied. “I do understand why it is hard to watch, but believe it or not he’s only made good progress so far.” Sable handed her potion back. “I told my family we might need some protection. Just make this into that drink.” ----1815(Eloped)--- Shawn got up, and stumbled towards a room. Splashing his face the moment it turned to be a bathroom. He looked around his surroundings. “No Sable.” After scanning the cabin again, he spotted an open book. He looked over it, and felt his body leave him as he did. Back to an ethereal. He heard a door open, and ran outside after the noise. Watching his own body ride a sled led by huskies. (No matter what happens in there? Always meet Sable) Those words echoed back into Shawn’s mind. He steady himself, and stomp forward into the snow. And just like that, he was back in his own body. 4 huskies leading him towards the love of his life. “Thank you! All of you!” Sable said ,and waved to the illegal sledders. And she sat there on the mountain. Awaiting one last sled, and howling to the moon the moment she saw it in the distance. ----The dinner that started it all---- Shawn wasn’t in his body again, but he knew right where he was. “Dad it’s been hundreds of years, and it turns out a lot of them aren’t even that bad.” Shawn’s body spoke. “Not what you thought about that abomination of a demoness.” His father replied. “Cause you weren’t letting me think.” Both Shawns replied. “You told me they don’t have feelings you taught me they were all monsters”. “Because. They. Are.” Shawn’s dad said. “Do you take no pride in this family’s history?” “If my family’s history is the endless tossing aside of creatures just wanting to live their lives?” The ethereal Shawn said. “I love her, and I regret ever throwing Sofia out on your orders.” Shawn’s body said. “And I hope she at least does okay in the end.” “That is against everything we fought for.” Shawn’s dad replied. “Then I stand against everything we fought for!” Shawn replied, his soul and body one once more. “Then your own blood shall curse you. Doomed for the sins that you do. Curse shall you be until you finally see. We are just, and monsters are all they shall ever be!” ----New Spark, Present Day---- “Blood was never what we are. We are more than a past written, and curved. Unbind this false magic. Undo the chains. All things in that spell should’ve never been made.” Sofia, and rang a big lech out like a towel. Collecting its juices into a vial before corking it, and feeding Poly the remains. “Well this ought to cover usual payment. Not everyday you get such a rare ingredient.” “Sable?” Shawn replied. “I transferred in, and took a love to sport. Excelled, and was put on your team to balance out requirements. Met you, and fell in love.” Sable replied. “You took us to your family’s private dinner, and reeked of something silvery afterwards. About a week after we went to Sofia. You didn’t wanna go because you bullied her a lot.” “Be prepared to repeat that for like a week or so.” Sofia said. “There might be a few nightmares left over.” “They… They felt so real.” Shawn said. “So many timelines where I’m just heartless to you.” “Yeah?” Sable asked. “Well then another Featherclaw, and another Roffguard are going to be working together. Until you’re all mine.” For those of you who don’t know. I've been doing some writing contests for a year, as of now. And Debbie posted a thing about her plotter mindset. It seemed like fun, so I asked her if I could kind of partner up and she thankfully said yes. So if you something need a bit more structure her post is here. Without further ado. How to be a “Pantser.”
1: Make sure you know you have the time This one I’m mildly stealing. Kind of… sort of… ish? If you wanna write you wanna write. Some that afternoon. Sometimes that's in the morning. Sometimes it’s at night! While it is important to have some kind of deadline. A Backlog never hurt anyone. And sometimes you think of something, and it seems fun. Fun is good, always have fun. 2: Know at least 2 to 3 things. Prompts and improv are also fun. And sometimes your mindset is just “I would like a writer to do X why doesn’t someone…. Wait… Oh yeah.” It sounds simple on paper, but believe it or not that is how Rabbit Hole Carnival started. Just a simple little “I am tired of the plot twist and appeals, and I demand some make a story without a plot twist just one time. And then I realized I could make one myself. So every time I make a Rabbit Hole I have that in mind and at least one other subject to cover. And Then it just makes itself if you let it. 3: Let it tell itself Yes, let it. Let it tell itself. If pop in your brain there’s at a few going on, and your robbing the world of a perfectly good story if you don't at least try. Y’l scrap quite a few ideas in the end, but at least you tried. 4: The double edge sword. This is more a reply to the plotters out there, and to Debbie. And that reply is the grass is always greener. I’m glad see found a process that works for her. That’s awesome. But it's not always easy being a pantser either! Yes we have the freedom , and then people complain that we didn’t follow a written down formula. And people can, will, and do freak the moment you don’t do so. It's important you don’t get discouraged though. So maybe keep some friends. As long as you please one person. You made something someone enjoys even if it is just yourself. 5: Editing and Tittle At this point you probably types pretty fast, so never hurts to a proofread. And if going to eat some, name it (cowards.) I always find the the title after the story. Or during. Either never doubt anything’s ability to tell it’s names “What is it this time, Howard?” Renee asked.
“Wraith.. Isn’t that vengeful spirit?” Howard replied. “ Look, what do you know?” There was a deep sigh from Renee. “You don’t need to know, and she doesn’t wanna talk about it. And I'm a bit tired of telling you that at this point.” “Then why are you still up?” Howard asked. “A couple no sleep charms. “Renee said. “I told you when I first came it would be a few days, at best didn’t I?” “A couple days isn’t a week!” Howard replied. “It my money here, and you can’t just—” The room started going static and things faded into the ground. “Howard?” Renee said “Howard you need to listen to me” “It’s your house, Howard! Kick her out.” A grainy voice spoke. “ Remove her, you don’t understand her anyways. Your wife lied to you. Remove them from your life. “Howard!” a faint echo came through. “Don’t, just don’t. That's what it wants. It’s your house Howard. It’s your rules—” “What does she know?” the grainy voice repeated. “You were lied too.” “She knows a lot more than you.” Howard replied. “Susan is my wife, and I love her.” “Ah, to love someone who lied to you.” the grainy voice “She could have said.” --- It’ll be okay Jackson.” Renee replied. “He’ll come back, and we’ll deal with this together, okay? I promise.” “My family practiced in blood magic… and cursed me a long time ago. I wanted to break the cycle and they’ve hated me ever since.” And they did a damn good job.” Renee replied. “But so did she. If you wanna pick up Jackson then you’re more than welcome too. No one is going to make you hurt anyone.” “Then how to beat this thing?!” Howard asked. “You don’t..” A grain voiced before a flash of light showed up. “Weird thing about Wraith.” Renee said. “They don’t like lying. They’re too proud for that.” “Where is this?…” Howard asked. “The everlasting.” Renee said. “The little place where souls go. No you’re not dead. Not yet at least.” “Why did he target me” Howard asked. “And how did you realize that he was?” “I didn’t.” Renee replied. “Had he not shown himself it couldn't have taken weeks, but that is a Wraith for you too proud to ever not make a show.” “So what do I do?” Howard asked. “Why did you let me in, Howard? Into here, into your house. Why i’m staying in your guest room right now?” “I love her.” Howard replied. “I‘m not changing that just some random demonic thing tells me I should.” “Just like this failure that Renee is.” the grain echoed. “Shut! Up!” Renee replied. “Yeah, I don't come from magic. I still made it happen! I still specified in creatures like you. I still made a familiar! I’;m still a witch and. You. can’t. Change. That! “I don’t know what her past is like.” Howard said. “And I don't know what Jackson will do with that. I don’t what comes after this. But I do know that is my house, and I want you to stay away from me, my family, and my son. The flash returns and Renee holds a leech looking thing. “And my dears. Is how you kick a leech out.” She swallows it. “Well done Howard.” “You knew” Howard said “I suspected.” Renee replied. “Still couldn’t have done it without you.” “Can I still learn?” Jackson asked. “That’s up to you.” Renee replied. “I’m only a level 3 witch afterall.” Finally a decent apartment. One with a working hot bath, which I was just about to enjoy.
The knocks are a bit frantic as I hear them. (At this hour?... that can’t be good.) “Just a minute” I got dressed a bit, and then opened the door. “Hi?” “Hello. I’m…” An elderly woman starts. “Just saying, hi? My work keeps me up anyways, as well. Why don’t you come in?” I ask. Knowing this is really good, or extremely bad. “Yes, that's a lovely idea.” the elderly woman replied. “Is there some type of problem?” a drone replied. “Could we perhaps help?” “It’s just a new neighbor dear. One finally operates on my hours. I’m nervous, but with to say hello.” the elder lady replied. “Confused.” The drone replied. “Verify Citizen identification number.” “Excuse me.” I replied to the drone. “478C-57T-256. Authorization code: traveler. Model citizen level 6. You are built not to require this sort of thing, but it gets rather lonely late at night like this. And there is a code allowing for this within reason.” The drone scanned me for less than 10 seconds. “Do either of you remember this code.” “5593D-72BB-345. And Code 162 section 5b subsection 142c, I believe. I’m sorry dear I try to keep the sound to a minimum." the elderly lady replied. “Minimum sound was acknowledged. I was simply on patrol of this hallway.” the drone replied scanning her over. “I think its Code 163 rule 7 subsection B is more accurate.” I replied. “I haven't used that one in a while either.” I said Drone took a minute, but even that he didn’t immediately kill us both was a great sign. “You have both been found to be within the margin of error. It’s Code 162 Rule 7b subsection 145c. Do you require a refresher on this section?” “Seems we both could use one?” The elder woman asked” “Code 162 to 163 are for those model citizens level 6 or higher. And then code 160 Rule 6a subsection 142 states that if at one can say to you we may request that it be limited to those rules that are within the margin of error, so I request that.” “Verifying…. Affirmative.” the drone replied. “ Code 162 Rule 7b subsection 145c. Says you are allowed to refresh either other on the rules, but should primarily keep to your rooms, which was the assumed course of action. You were also quiet, so this shall be dismissed. Provided that in the future there is a simple text. As are allowed between your model citizen levels.” We both replied in some form of understanding. Wait about 5 minutes till the drone has moved on to the next floor. And I watch as the elderly lady brings a 5 year old child. “Hey little guy.” “Where is my mom?...” He’s on the verge of tears. I sigh very deeply. “I’ll find her, if you listen and follow my instructions, okay? I know that—” “It’s okay. And my name is Timmy Vaguloo.” Timmy said. “I… My mom said trust people with your kind of eyes.” “And you?” I stared at the elderly women. “Maruim.” She replied. “And I shouldn’t have… They kept promising me a letter from my grandson, and I… I was desperate. But it’s not coming, and I would like to know why. So please? --- 3 days later--- “I really am sorry.” Marium said, as she gathered with the other. “You gave my son back in the end.” Timmy’s mother said. “That's all the apology I’ll ever need.” “So… why can’t we go up?” Adam asked. “What is in uncle Bolt’s workshop, lad?” Banjo asked. “Scary stuff, but it protects from those.. Things.” Adam said. “Look I just wanna know, and I think we all have a right to!” “No one is disagreeing with that, Adam.” I replied. “Just don’t hate me?” Banjo slid a blocker across the table before he could answer, and I slid off my jacket scars all across my arms as my red hair turned back to blonde. “They take the children to social engineer them. Make them some kind of perfection. It never did stick with me, or Gemini for that matter.” “Wait then—” Adam started. A pretty normal rite of passage, question. “I don’t know.” I replied. “That part they wiped well and clean, but I remember loving the fantasy stories. And I least like the red hair, and green eyes. I’m told they’re yellow with this thing around.” The was a very long moment of silence as no one knew what to say. But either Adam need another escape, or I taught a bit too well. “Found some more stuff about eastern dragons.” “Oi. Aunt Casie, found some more on eastern dragons!” Adam shouted to a bunch of small kids as they flocked to me. “Yeah they um…” I started, and started my suitcase. “Well you all in for quite the story.” For the brief little moment doubt was the farthest thing from my mind. It’s never was just for the children I was helping with the story time. There’s a nostalgic rhythm to the wheels of my old suitcase’s case hitting this same old road again. Almost as if even the slow death, degradation, and lack of concerns for this route welcomes me back. “We're almost there, you two.” I said. “Mind the plants. Gemini tries to take care of them, but she can only do so much.”
“But where are we going?!” the young boy whines. “Yeah! It’s been ages!” his slighter younger sister replies. Their mother tries to get their mouths covered. “Children, please. We’re safe, if you’re quiet.” But I know better, no time to run.“Go in the trees right now.” pointing to them. I stand there as the mother carries her children off without question. I kick my suitcase, causing various pitches and noises, as well as a bit of music. Right on the cue two drone lights shine down on me. “Hey boys. Really sorry. I was just bringing it out here to repair it again, honest. Trying to be outside of city limits so as to follow the protocols. It's gonna make a ton of noise, as you can see.” “Your cooperation with our great Overseer is appreciated.” The drones spoke in turn, as usual. “Please state your citizen identification number.” the static filled voices said, while its scrap metal partner scans me over. “478C-57T-256. Authorization code: traveler.” I replied. “Model citizen level 5, I believe?” “Confirmed, with one error.” a drone replied, as it finishes scanning. “It’s model citizen level 6 now. You will not be going any higher in ranking. Note this, going forward.” “I would like to invoke the right of question given to me at level 4. Code 136 rule 5 subsection A.” “Authorized.” a drone replied. “What is your question?” “Why will it not be going higher than level 6?” I asked. “Is the Overseer displeased?” “Negative.” The drone spoke “Your trash collecting has been remarkable, and for as long as it continues rest assured your protection will not be removed. However you have shown no regrets sharing with your Lessers.” I want to shout, but I take a deep breath instead. “Forgive me, but the Council were the ones who said they didn’t want lower quality. Those models were breaking in a few weeks tops, or just beyond repair. Sell—” I cough. “Offering them to the council would’ve been an insult.” “This was considered, and noted to be true.” The drones replied. “But given your skills, it was possible you could’ve tried to salvage them into birthday toys for your Betters’ children, as an example. And given your current job description, your current access to homes is for the best.” “No further questions. You two carry on with your patrol. Not out here again. It’ll just be out here as far as I saw.” “Your continued acceptance and cooperation is appreciated.” The drone replied flying off. I wait a few minutes before motioning for the mother and her children to come back out. She hasn’t scolded them. She doesn’t need to. “You can make all the noise you want very soon, but for now we keep going.” I lead them to what seems like a junkyard of scrap. One I’ve routinely said is for spare parts, which isn’t entirely false. I move a metal sheet, and gesture them downwards. “I’ll be down in a few minutes, I promise it’s safe.” The mother leads her children down. I open my suitcase. Putting in some stuff I know I can use later on in the pile, and take two parts out. Tweaking something before I walk in myself. Making sure the metal sheet hides the entrance again. before head fully in. “Auntie Casie!” The usual group of children run towards me. A nickname that always adds a little giggle to my smiling face. I don’t know if they’ve ever been told my name is Katie, and I don’t particularly care if they have. “You’ve all been nice to our new guests?” I asked them. “And none of you have been in Uncle Bolt's workshop?” “Not one gear.” Banjo, also known as Uncle Bolt replied. “Think my stuff scares the little wild things, but seem to know I'm safe all the same.” “Considering your stuff keeps us safe. I’m not surprised.” I sit down, open my suitcase again, and let the hologram projector warm up. “So where does everyone wanna hear about tonight?” I see Anna walk away, and come back with the two newest children. “What was India like? The boy asked first. “What’s an Elephant?” the girl asked. “Well, I see we’ve adapted rather fast.” I said. “Let’s see here…” A few dial cracks and switch flips later, and I have what little I could find about Elephants And India on display. “You know they used to ride them sometimes. It is a big powerful creature, and the long nose it has? That was called a trunk, and it took in a whole lake of water in two nights. And often squirt water full force at other Elephants. Luckily they were gentle creatures when they had to be. And in exchange for the knowledge that came out of India they helped run the water system, and even helped them shower themselves. “Does she actually know that?” The new mother replied. “Not a lick of it, but she can act like it even better than the overseer.” another parent replied. “They always love when she comes around.” A different mother replied. “And it’s always a lovely day off knowing she’ll be keeping them entertained.” “She travels outside a safe haven, and puts up with all that?” The new mother asked. “Just to keep some children entertained.” “Deary, if you could make as many stories as that teenager could you’d be out there searching too.” A grandma replied. “I like how she puts it.” one more mother replied. “We all know it’s going to suck. So what do you lose if I add a little fun to it?” “What is it this time, Howard?” Renee asked.
“Wraith.. Isn’t that vengeful spirit?” Howard replied. “ Look, what do you know?” There was a deep sigh from Renee. “You don’t need to know, and she doesn’t wanna talk about it. And I'm a bit tired of telling you that at this point.” “Then why are you still up?” Howard asked. “A couple no sleep charms. “Renee said. “I told you when I first came it would be a few days, at best didn’t I?” “A couple days isn’t a week!” Howard replied. “It my money here, and you can’t just—” The room started going static and things faded into the ground. “Howard?” Renee said “Howard you need to listen to me” “It’s your house, Howard! Kick her out.” A grainy voice spoke. “ Remove her, you don’t understand her anyways. Your wife lied to you. Remove them from your life. “Howard!” a faint echo came through. “Don’t, just don’t. That's what it wants. It’s your house Howard. It’s your rules—” “What does she know?” the grainy voice repeated. “You were lied too.” “She knows a lot more than you.” Howard replied. “Susan is my wife, and I love her.” “Ah, to love someone who lied to you.” the grainy voice “She could have said.” --- It’ll be okay Jackson.” Renee replied. “He’ll coming back, and eall well deal with this together, okay? I promise.” “My family practiced in blood magic… and cursed me a long time ago. I wanted to break the cycle and they’ve hated me ever since.” And they did a damn good job.” Renee replied. “But so did she. If you wanna pick up Jackson then you’re more than welcome too. No one is going to make you hurt anyone.” “Then how to beat this thing?!” Howard asked. “You don’t..” A grain voiced before a flash of light showed up. “Weird thing about Wraith.” Renee said. “They don’t like lying. They’re too proud for that.” “Where is this?…” Howard asked. “The everlasting.” Renee said. “The little place where souls go. No you’re not dead. Not yet at least.” “Why did he target me” Howard asked. “And how did you realize that he was?” “I didn’t.” Renee replied. “Had he not shown himself it couldn’t taken weeks, but that is a wraith for you.too proud to ever not make a show.” “So what do I do?” Howard asked. “Why did you let me in, Howard? Into here, into your house. Why i’m staying in your guest room right now?” “I love her.” Howard replied. “I‘m not changing that just some random demonic thing tells me I should.” “Just like this failure that Renee is.” the grain echoed. “Shut! Up!” Renee replied. “Yeah, I don't come from magic. I still made it happen! I still specified in creatures like you. I still made a familiar! I’;m still a witch and. You. can’t. Change. That! “I don’t know what her past is like.” Howard said. “And I don't know what Jackson will do with that. I don;t what comes after this. But I do know that is my house, and I want you to stay away from me, my family, and my son. The flash returns and Renee holds a leech looking thing. “And my dears. Is how you kick a leech out.” She swallows it. “Well done Howard.” “You knew” Howard said “I suspected.” Renee replied. “Still couldn’t have done it without you.” “Can I still learn.” Jackson asked. “That’s up to you.” Renee replied. “I’m only a level 3 witch afterall.” “Mama?” Jackson climbed on the bed.
“I did try to stop him, Susan, but you know how child get. Especially at a time like this.” Renee said . “Men too it seems.” Susan replied. “Now just what is that supposed to mean?” Howard asked “It means what you think it does, Howard.” Renee said. “You stay out of this—” Howard said. “Would you have said a word?” Renee asked. “If you were a warlock, and came from a line that made you wanna abandon magic. Found a life outside of it. Would you have said a single word?” “Alchemly is kind of fun…” Jackson muttered. “Excuse me?” Howard said. “What are you doing teaching my son alchemy now?!” “She doesn’t have a choice, Howard.” Susan replied. “Just listen! For once! Jackson, what exactly did you ask?” “Did I do something wrong?” Jackson sniffed “Am I why you're fighting?” “No, son.” Howard said. “Your dad wasn’t prepared for this, and he… he’s making mistakes, because he is angry and stressed.” Jackson straight himself, and repeated sternly “You are not supposed to talk if you're angry!” Both girls did their best to hold themselves together. Holding in the laughter Howard just smiled. “You’re right. You’re not supposed to unless?” “Unless you were hurt too.” Jackson stated proudly. “And then you need to be listened to, and and listen. You just might learn something.” “And what happens when someone else knows more than you, sweetheart?” Susan asked. “You get scared, and you yelled. And yelling hurts people, and can do things you don’t wanna do.” Jackson's eyes went wide “Were you too fighting and yelling before?” “That is not what caused this, Jackson.” Renee said. “I kind of wish it was, but Kazoo could’ve handled it by now.” “Alright… let’s talk then, miss Alchano.” Howard said. “What is it then? And didn’t she notice?” “I left Howard. I didn’t want it, and my family has never forgiven me for making that choice.” Susan said. “So I guess that's what I still don’t understand.” Howard said. “She can’t do magic at all? But still has it in her?” Renee whistled with two fingers, and let Kazoo plow through the bedroom door. “Kazoo could go plushie form for a minute?” Kazoo obeys, and hop into a fox plushie that Renee caught. “I never would’ve noticed just how much I put into this childhood plushie, but I always kind of knew he had more tail that was ever let on. And one night he just sort of showed up. Wanting to protect. She WON’T do magic, and that is her choice. “Why not honey?” Howard asked. “Wouldn’t that make this easier?” “Maybe,” Susan admitted. “But I come from a long line of.. Stuff you really shouldn’t, and I rather people like Renee do it.” “Alright.” Howard replied. “Then we’ll let people like Renee do it. But this is still my house, so what is torturing my love and my son I want it out.” “It’s either a wendigo classification or a wraith,” Renee replied. “It’s not easy to tell.. Especially when they both give out nightmares.” “Jackson did have a nightmare?” Susan asked “Kind of… I don’t wanna talk about it.” Jackson replied. “Especially when dad doesn’t know her.” Jackson, son?” Howard said. “You should tell her about the nightmare. Your father may not understand what is going on,but she does. So you need to listen to her, okay? If she thinks it’ll help then it’ll help.” “Lesser men would die before they ever say that.” Renee said . “Well the Holicks aint lesser men!” Both Howard and Jackson replied “I suppose that's a decent summary, yes.” Renee Alchano replied, taking a swig. “A crude way to put it, but ‘Area 51’s police force’ we’ll do.”
“So.. what did I see?” A small child asked, shaking. “Is.. mama bad too?” Renee snapped her fingers, and let a bottle Howard had been trying to pour for a few minutes fill his drink. “We don’t know what you saw, sweetheart,” She gets down to meet him at eye level. “but we're gonna find out, and make sure it leaves you all alone.” “Some accursed thing from my family no doubt.” Susan said. “Guess they’ve finally had enough of my choices.” “While I’m sorry to hear about your… circumstances.” Renee said, standing back up, and taking another swig. “That avenue was thoroughly explored. It is possible something was missed, but we don’t think so.” “No offers about rejoining this time?” Susan asked. “I was supposed to.” Renee admitted. “But I come from a line of non-magic, and I always felt that question was rather insulting. You have the offer, and you can rejoin if you want to.” “Whatever is going on here Ms. Alchano.” Howard replied, finishing his drink. “You can apparently get it out of my house, so I would like you to do so.” “Given how powerful it sounds, that will take a few days.” Renee replied. “But I can set up a few things, and limit its influence in the meantime. Ideally, I stay somewhere close by, as well.” “The guest room is right across from your bedroom, Jackson.” Susan said. “If you ever get scared Renee will be right there.” “Will that be okay with you, Jackson?” Renee asked. “Maybe we will spend some time together today? Just so you know something that you shouldn’t be scared of?” “Okay.” Jackson replied. “Well, any further questions before I start setting up?” Renee asked. “Yes.” Susan replied. “Isn’t there still a partner system?” “Familiars can count under certain circumstances.” Renee said, and unzipped her bag. “Kazoo? Time to introduce yourself.” A flash jumped out of the bag, and landed on the table. A white fox, with several cyan markings and 5 tails now sat on the table. Its black, beady eyes looking around the place. “Whoooo” Jackson stepped close to the small, living plushie. “Hi, Kazoo.” “You do understand I’ve had quite enough of magic right now?” Howard asked. “Miss Alchano, I thought you said you didn’t come from magic.” Susan replied, staring at the creature. “I don’t, but I assure you. He is highly trained, and won’t do anything unless he feels it’s necessary. Kazoo? That's Jackson. He is the boy you’ll primarily be protecting.” Renee said. Upon hearing Kazoo began sniffing the boy. His tails swishing as Jackson interacted with him hoping down and sniffing all around the house. Letting a high pitch yip. The other 3 came as Kazoo laid on a window sill. An almost transparent smoke coming from the glass window. “Well, save us all quite a few interview questions, I presume?” Renee asked. “As for your discomfort, Howard? Were it in my power to do something about the amount of magic you’ll be seeing, but I hope I can see the benefit of allowing the less malicious uses of it in your home for now?” “One could say that.” Howard replied. |
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