by Tao Wong
In the distance, Ali is bouncing up and down and letting me know of the incoming monsters now that they’ve revealed themselves. Not that I can pay much attention to them as I struggle to bring my thoughts into focus. I swallow the pooling blood in my mouth, realising I bit my tongue somewhere along the way as well as adding a concussion to my list of ailments. I slowly push myself up, reaching to detach my rifle and realising it is not even there.
Shit.
I look around for it but doing so makes my head spin and I have to focus on casting a Minor Heal on myself instead. It takes precious seconds to cast the spell in the state that I am in and by the time I do so, the spiders are on me.
Except these aren’t really spiders like Xev - they are a weird hybrid spider-wolf creature. Spider legs and their bulbous body carry the creature forward as it is clad in dark black fur, a snarling canine head with all too sharp teeth bearing down on me. Calling forth the only weapon that I have, I lunge forwards and skewer the first monster. Unfortunately, it doesn’t kill the creature and it tosses me aside with ease, sending me spinning into the ground again. I stumble up and recall my sword immediately to swing to the left, catching another of the creature on its front legs.
After that, things get really hectic. Even partly healed, the mild concussion keeps me off-balance, though not nearly as off-balance as the creatures circling me, attacking one after the other. It takes only a few hectic minutes of swinging before I realise this isn’t a fight I can win, not injured and outnumbered like I am. Their bites scratch at and damage the armor bit by bit and they work like wolves, wearing me down for the final strike. I can’t win this, not in the state that I’m in so I trigger the QSM and run away. It’s a lurching, scrambling run that I’m glad no one but me can see.
When I get far enough away that Ali says they have given up looking for me, I start casting Minor Heal to fix the majority of the damage and down all the potions that I have. What’s not great is that I need to use my entire mana pool and Sabre’s pretty battered too. Structural integrity’s down to 48% and from what Ali tells me, my rifle is broken.
Not a good day. No mana, no rifle and creatures that Ali can’t spot automatically makes the way into Carcross dangerous. I groan, staring out into the distance and remember my promise to bring the other lady out. Fuck. Better to be safe than sorry though, I can’t afford to test those spider-wolf hybrids again. I just hope Ali is right and the slime’s nervous system is something that’s wanted because I’m going to need Xev to fix Sabre.
Worst part? I didn’t even get a damn level from all that.
Chapter 12
“Wexlix Spiders,” Mikito repeats after Ali, waggling her chopsticks in my face as we sit around having dinner together for the first time. Seems like both Richard and Mikito decided to stay and visit with Lana and I instead of going out again tonight and we are having fried noodles for dinner. We’re all working with the chopsticks that I keep in my drawer, chatting about our days. Both Richard and Mikito were both a bit surprised to be greeted by Ali at first but after the initial shock, they’ve taken it in stride. I guess small, floating brown men in overalls who isn’t attempting to kill them is not a problem. “Mixed wolf and spider?”
I nod firmly, rotating a shoulder again. I know it’s healed, my health bar says it’s full but my mind insists there’s still pain. “Tough bastards. Broke my rifle too while fighting them and I damaged Sabre significantly. Zev says it’ll take her at least a few days to fix it, some of the parts aren’t actually available till tomorrow.”
I’m already missing Sabre, having to walk all the way back on foot was less than optimal, stopping only long enough to let Sally know the results of the potions and let Jim and thus the Council know of the fate of Tagish. Unfortunately, I had to give nearly every single credit I had to Zev to fix the major mechanical issues. I’ll just have to deal with the fact that the armor isn’t going to be fully up to snuff for a bit.
“Nasty,” Richard shakes his head and uses his fork to spear more noodles. “Things are quieting down around here, most of the really bad monsters seem to have been dealt with by the guards by now. Mikito and I spent most of today just hunting for the pot. Seems like the Mana mutations have also increased the speed these animals grow and populate, otherwise we’d be in trouble trying to feed everybody.”
I nod at his words, glad to have caught up with them. Now that the hunters knew how to loot properly, they were able to generate actual Credits from the System. Right now, everyone was putting a small portion of their earned funds into a pool so that the Council could purchase the community garden from the System with the goal of creating and stabilising the city’s food sources. On top of that, Lana reports that the initial batch of materials I gave have mostly been used up and either resold to the System or given to the hunters as protection. The levels of the crafters were increasing and some were even talking about getting the hunters to sell their materials direct to them so that they could process the materials and sell it all at a higher price to the System. Looks like we are slowly getting an economy into place, but we’re miles away from creating a safe zone for the entire city.
“You tired of running around alone yet?” Lana asks, finished with her meal already. I’m not exactly sure where she put it either – one moment there’s a full bowl of food need to her, the next it is empty and she’s eyeing her brother’s. He surreptitiously moves his own bowl closer to him and away from her.
“I was the only one who had a vehicle,” I point out defensively and Lana shoots a look over at Mikito and Richard. The two look at one another and then sigh.
“You haven’t asked us what we’ve been doing with our credits,” Richard says.
“Didn’t think it was any of my business,” I reply and then exchange a nod with a departing family. While we were gone, it seems Lana had let it become known that we had a working hot shower and we’d become hygiene central – for a modest fee. Between those who wanted a hot shower rather than washing in the glacial river and the workers on the concrete wall that Ali and Lana had arranged to start building in front of the house, my once peaceful abode is busy little haven. Still, it leveled up the construction workers skills and gained me a System recognised set of defenses so I’d call it a win overall.
“We bought a mana engine and a mana battery from the Shop. We’re installing it in a truck now, should be ready in a day or two,” Richard shares and points a finger at me. “Raven’s Circle actually has a truck of their own too as of today.”
“How much did it cost?” I enquire, curious.
“6,000,” Mikito replies, finishing up her noodles and holding the bowl out for more from Lana. Lana complies, filling it up while I blink. Not as bad as I thought, but still, yeesh.
“So you don’t have to play Lone Ranger anymore,” Lana follows up, blue eyes narrowed at me. “If you’re willing to wait a day.”
I nod slightly at her words, recalling the fight earlier today. She’s right – if I hadn’t been able to slide into the next dimension, I’d be dead right about now. Then again, I’d be dead many times over without the QSM. “Be good to have some company. Most times, I’ve been finding people in groups anyway so this could be helpful.”
Richard nods and Mikito inclines her head before returning to her food, “You planning on hunting tomorrow then?”
“A bit. There’s a conversation I need to finish first though,” I give Ali a very pointed glance before continuing, “and then I might need to do some training. After that, yeah, hunting. Need to earn my keep.”
“There are reports that the eagles are mutating, the one’s near the cliffs? I’m thinking I might see if I can tame one of them. I could use the help though,” Richard says.
“Sure,” I glance past them out to the backyard where the puppy-ponies sit. Most look the worst for wear, scars indicating where previous injuries have accumulated. Interestingly enough, Lana has added a mutated red fox to the group who lazes in the sun by itself, watching the gambo
ling Huskies with a lazy eye. Surprisingly, they all seem to get along quite well – a side effect I’d guess of being pets now.
I smile quietly as they nod back to me and then I look down, staring at my right hand as it holds the chopsticks. I put them down quickly and slip my hands under the table, not wanting them to see the trembling. Yeah, okay, company would certainly be nice.
The next morning after my shower, I turn to Ali, “Alright, care to explain?”
“Well, a man and a woman really love one another…”
“Ali!”
“Electromagnetic force – it’s one of the fundamental forces of nature,” Ali sighs and waves. “It does include electricity, but it also involves things like light, magnetism, hell, even friction. You’ll gain an affinity for it, so you’ll be able to manipulate it in small doses.”
“Ah… well, let’s do this then,” I shrug. I’m not sure I understand the full uses of this, but there’s no point in worrying till I can actually use it.
For a moment Ali just stares at me before he grumbles, floating up and putting a hand to my forehead. The next thing I know, I’m lying on the bed with the worst headache I’ve ever had.
“What the hell! You could have warned me!” I shout at Ali and then immediately regret it.
“I figured you’d faint again anyway,” Ali smirks, looking me up and down and sighs. “Good news or bad news?”
“Just talk. Quietly,” I hold my head in my hands, already casting a Minor Heal. Instead of speaking, Ali just flicks up the notification.
Elemental Affinity Gained (Electromagnetic Force)
Affinity: Very Poor
Congratulations!
For gaining your first Elemental Affinity, you have been rewarded 2,000 Experience Points.
“You suck at this. Seriously. You’re barely above the grade that the System recognises and that’s because I had to get in there and shove,” Ali shakes his head. “You won’t ever be able to use this fully, but at least you aren’t blocked off other affinities either.”
I groan, clutching my head. Minor Heal doesn’t seem to help, so I keep my eyes shut and focus on the most important thing that Ali said. This headache – it’s all his fault.
An hour later, I’m able to open my eyes without ice picks being jammed into them. At that point, Ali makes me start training. Makes, as in nags me till I agree to actually spend some time exploring this new ability. The exploration itself is relatively simple, a form of guided meditation. Surprisingly, the spirit’s actually serious and there’s not even a single joke about my too tender feelings or the like.
It’s a frustrating couple of hours, the feeling that he’s speaking about at first not at all graspable and then when I finally manage to sense it for the first time, only for brief moments. It takes until nearly the end of the session when I begin to really feel it, to be in the moment and sense the forces flowing through me and around me. It’s only for a moment when I finally manage to grasp the senses, I realise it’s all around me, the shifting of forces. For a moment its like I live in the Matrix except instead of ones and zeroes it’s a humming stream of energy that encompasses everything.
I definitely need to work on this.
Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to play with my new toy, I’ve got plans for the rest of the day. As I join both Mikito and Richard outside the house, we start walking towards the bridge and the Millennium Trail. Walking through the neighborhood, I can see the beginning of decay throughout the subdivision. Destroyed windows, uncollected autumn leaves, dry and brown lawns and discarded garbage that hasn’t been picked up, snow run-off that isn’t taken care of, even the occasional unwashed blood splatter. No one is here to clean up, take care of the homes and it shows, even the occasional whiff of rotted meat reminds me of the compost bins that haven’t been collected.
When we leave Riverdale itself to cross the bridge, I note that the ice still hasn’t left the river though the fishermen are out. Interestingly, a new addition to the fishing groups are the hunters who stand with guns at rest, watching over the fishermen. I guess even the fish have gotten more dangerous. We pass by the S.S. Klondike as we come off the bridge and I pause, staring at it for a moment, an idle thought passing through my mind. I push it aside though, the white sternwheeler has been laid up for years.
As we continue the walk, Richard waves to the puppies, bringing them back to him and he absently ruffles their fur as he walks.
“You ever try riding one?” I enquire and Richard chuckles, shaking his head.
“No, I like my own feet. I’m really not much of a rider anyway.” Richard answers as I start eyeing the clay cliff faces that surround the downtown, trying to spot the eagles who nest there. It’s only a few more minutes before we realise we’re not the only one’s who have heard about the mutating eagles – Raven’s Circle is here.
“Ah fuck…” I mutter and Mikito flashes me a quick sympathetic glance. Richard just snorts and takes a few quick steps to bring himself in front.
“Afternoon everyone,” Richard flashes a big charming grin, looking utterly relaxed while surrounded by four dogs each the size of a pony.
“Afternoon Richard,” Nicodemus replies, walking forwards and engulfing Richard’s hand in his. The red-haired giant seems to have gotten bigger I swear, now topping over nine feet at a guess and with muscles that go on for days. I’m kind of jealous – I’ve bulked out a bit, but nowhere near his extent. I’ve got more of a gymnast figure while he does the man mountain thing. “You guys here to deal with the eagles too?”
“Actually, I was hoping to tame one or two of them,” Richard explains and Nicodemus nods at that.
While those two talk, Luthien and Kevin make their way around the group to talk to me. I brace myself internally, wondering what these two want.
“John…” Luthien doesn’t stop at a normal distance, instead approaching close enough to reach up to put a hand on my chest. I step back smoothly, noting her new level and her class as an Elementalist.
“Yes?” I keep my voice level, even if my words are curt.
“I just wanted to make sure you’re okay. You’ve been avoiding me,” Luthien continues.
“I’ve had things to do Anne,” I pause and shrug, “And I’m doing fine.”
She looks at me with sympathy, just the barest flash of anger at the use of her real name as she continues, “What happened to your bike?”
“Being repaired,” I tell the truth, not particularly caring if she knows.
“Oh, John! Do you need some Credits, I’m sure we could spare some,” she tosses a glance at Kevin who nods agreeably.
Tired of this, I wave my hand, “Anne, just, go away.”
“Why are you being so rude?” she pouts at me now, switching tactics.
“Because I know you. Perhaps a bit late, but I know you,” I turn from her and start walking to Nic and Richard when Kevin grabs my arm and glares at me.
“Don’t speak to her like that. I’m willing to put up with some shit because of what we did, but…”
I shut him up by punching him hard enough to break his nose and when he lets go of my arm, I kick him away from me. I stop then, though his friends already have swords drawn and a bow pointed at me. Impressive. Luthien doesn’t do anything though, running over to her boyfriend.
“Don’t touch me. Either of you. Don’t come near me, don’t talk to me, just don’t. I want nothing to do with you people,” my voice comes out in a whisper, rage that rushed into me the moment he touched me barely contained.
Richard looks between us all, a hand held out to his side to the puppies while Nicodemus waves his guys down. I stalk away from them all, giving them my back as I try to calm down. Damn. I played into her hand again. Now they are the ones who are the injured parties.
A short while later, Richard comes up to me and points so I follow him up the trail, Mikito trailing along behind. The first minute of walking is done in silence before Richard finally breaks it, “Are you going to expl
ain why Mikito and I nearly got killed just now?”
I shake my head, knowing that the Circle probably wouldn’t have killed them. Or me for that matter. Still, it’s nice they were willing to back me up, even though we barely know each other. My hand still trembles from the adrenaline at my side and I fight to keep my voice steady as I answer him, “Anne – Luthien’s – my ex. You know that. What you don’t know is that we were a couple for years, though every summer she’d travel up here for work. Didn’t think much about it, but when I lost my job in Vancouver and my place burnt down, she suggested we move up here together permanently. A new start. So I did. Uprooted my life and left my friends and family to be with her. Except she and Jeff had been cheating on me this whole time and I finally clued in.
“You know the stupidest thing? I realised I stopped caring about her a long time ago. Stopped loving her, but every time we’d talk about something serious, she’d redirect it. I’m not even sure she ever loved me either, I was just another trophy, another admirer. But mostly,” I draw a deep breath before continuing, “mostly, I just want it done and over with. I’m done being manipulated by her, and if the only way to do that is to avoid her, so be it. I won’t get drawn into her web again. Not if I can help it.”
By the time I’m done, we’re nearly at the top of the short hill and looking towards the trees that the eagles normally nest at. Not surprisingly, the eagles haven’t stuck around while we hiked to their nest which leads to a more interesting question. “Richard, what exactly was the plan here?”
“Well, if we can net one of them, I can dominate it and make it a pet if I can enforce my will on it. Tame it if you will,” Richard explains.
“Great. But they aren’t coming back till we’re gone so…?”
Richard pauses, staring up at the empty tree and then looks back at me and then Mikito, “Oh, right. I didn’t really think about that.”