Clash of Gods

“How should I do this” I ask out loud while standing in front of the apartment building.

After getting to my new home, my new guardians had a phone call from work, said it was an emergency, and gave me a letter, “So that there are no misunderstandings between you and your sister” they said, it looked completely planned. Maybe they did not want to tell the news themselves.

Well at least the house isn’t absurdly big or anything’ I thought they would live in a great mansion with rolling hills behind, and millions of dollars wasted in art like an eccentric rich couple probably would, not that I like money per se but the waste of it makes me want to hit someone. Unexpectedly it was in an apartment building with three floors, ten apartments each, and the one he was going to be living on was apartment #205.

The area was a nice one full of big houses and healthy looking businesses. The apartment building included many facilities, a gym, tennis court, basketball court, a small park nearby with its own trail for jogging and playing area for kids.

As I walked to the apartment I could see nothing weird. The hallway was clean, and there was no noise coming from any apartment which made me a little anxious.

The inside was a surprise in various ways.

Entering the house is what looks like a living room, but it did not really look comfortable at all anymore, the cushions were in disarray and the sofa was pointing away from the TV. There is a huge TV against the wall near the entrance with woman’s undergarments on it, a desktop with a computer and a table that seemed to be for playing card games, if the mess on it was any indication.

If I did not know better I would have though the place was from an old arms dealer bachelor I knew from experience.

I felt like exploring a bit, because the absence of any noise meant that nobody was home. So moved to the hallway which was behind the sofa, and checked out the rest of the house.

I was shocked to see that everything everywhere was in a mess. The kitchen had dirty plates, and take out boxes everywhere, the library was full of books out of the shelves and some school books, the first bedroom was a mess but it seemed not exaggerated, the only clean place was new guardians bedroom (knew because of size), and every time I saw something dirty I had to suppress the impulse to clean, to organize, it was weird since they were rich and could afford a maid… or three.

But my sister’s bedroom was the last straw.

Clothes, books, cushions, pencils, school material, even electric notebooks, everywhere, the bed did not look like a bed at all, it had more similarities with a rats nest.

The only clean things in the bedroom were 2 immaculately clean capsules, which took me by surprise, for only a moment.

But it was too late, I could no longer control myself and so I gave in to my urge to clean, I took my long raven black hair and tied it in a pony tail with the black rubber band that I had on my wrist, and got to work.

I was immersed in cleaning, gathering all found dirty clothes in a bag from the bathroom. Took all school books and materials and put them in a desktop attached to the bedroom wall in relative order.

I could not believe what I was seeing, the more I cleaned the messiest it seemed.

I was so immersed in cleaning the room for what could have been hours, and wondering where the next mess was, that I somehow lost myself, and stopped paying attention to my surroundings.

Which is probably why I got stunned when I turned around, in the now immaculate living room ready to put the things I took back on their place, and saw my sister

She was looking at me with eyes full of amusement if a little reserved, ‘she probably thinks I’m no threat, but senses something from me’ which made me wonder just how much time she had been there looking at me, and her ability in Martial Arts.

It was my first time looking at her in real life after 12 years and she did not turn out how I thought she would at all.

She was beautiful with a short haircut that reached her shoulders, in a shock of black hair like mine, but I could see that that was the full extension of our similarities. She was pretty but I knew that because of her gallantry she was more popular with girls than boys. She was what I could call handsome, with well defined features, as in full but not extremely so lips, a strong jaw line, roman nose, fine eyebrows, smooth sun bathed skin, and a pair of brilliant baby blues that seemed see-through, but what most made her seem manly was her stance with which she carried herself, seemed ready to fight and looked tough instead of delicate, her muscles and stature, made her look beautiful yet imposing, she was 183 cm tall ,with lean wide shoulders, and thin yet curvy physic that would make many a model envy. The whole made her look like a beautiful, powerful and handsome Amazon warrior.

She seemed to look at me with eyes full of amusement the reservation seemed to leave after taking me all in, yes, that kind of thing tended to happen, her eyes seemed to ask the unspoken question, how did you get in here, and what the heck are you doing?

I got a moment of embarrassment, and got the urge to knock her unconscious and escape, but repressed it, as I could not explain what a stranger was doing in her house cleaning her apartment, but I did not have to worry for she took the initiative, dammit it was easier when you have a role to play and a mission to do.

“Who are you” she said in a pleasant if amused voice.

I could see that she did not think of me as a threat or a thief, but got a little nervous anyway, as I really wanted to make a good first impression.

“I, um, my name is Athanasius but you can call me Nass” I could see that my introduction was not quite enough, “well, I was adopted you see by your, our parents, and as of today I am your new brother, see, here, this is a letter that your parents gave me, to give to you” I seemed to be somewhat flustered by my first meeting and her amused look, this was not a normal situation for me, but still there was no excuse.

I gave her the letter while looking at my feet with a red face ‘How embarrassing’ I am lethal and death would not even scare me but facing my sister made me stutter, I wanted to dig a hole somewhere and die, or knock my sister unconscious and escape ‘stop it, there’s no escaping NOW!’.

As I stood there fidgeting, waiting for a response from my sister I could see that her face was coloring slightly the more she read, ‘is she mad, don’t tell me she’s mad’ I did not want her to see our situation as something bad, so when she looked up after finishing reading and was about to say something, I started speaking, before she could say whatever she wanted to say, dammit none of these was planned!

“I know this is too fast and is probably a surprise to you, as the reaction your, our parents had when I asked about you is any indication, heck it’s a surprise for me too, but I’ve never had a family and seeing you, well I have this hope you know for a new family” as I started rambling with words I could see her getting redder as if containing something, and as she tried to speak I rushed some more thinking ‘Don’t let her speak! Convince her you idiot!’ and a smaller panic filled voice yelling ‘hit and run, hit and run’ which was getting harder to ignore the more I talked “and well I want new family you know I have been in the orphanage for a long time and when they told me about you I got all giddy, which is my own fault!, I know you probably don’t want me here and all but…” as I felt tears threatening to fall, curse those extra female hormones from the alteration, (manly assassin here who?) I got surprised to hear a choking sound.

I looked up and saw my sister doubled over shaking all over ‘is she crying don’t tell me she’s crying?!’ as I approached her cautiously, I could feel my panic rising, I put my hand on her shoulder and started to apologize as I did not know what else to do “I’m sorry did I do something wrong, what can I do, I’m sorry” I bit my lower lip and could feel tears starting to fall from my eyes ‘so manly’ until I heard an irritating sound. God what a sucker I turned out to be in real life situations.

“Nahaha, ha-ha” in an extremely infuriating way my sister started laughing and laughing, and I had a feeling that there was nothing I could do about it, ‘and here I am all nervous about it, and she’s having the time of her life’ my panic was giving way to irritation, and I started to consider plan B of ‘Hit and run’ in a more favorable light.

A few minute passed in which she would calm down a little then look at me and start all over laughing while saying things like “hurts, it hurts” and “please stop” and other things that were swallowed by her laughter. she gained control of herself after a couple of minutes of belly aching laughter then started talking in a pitch higher than previously used, in which the laughter could almost be heard.

“I’m sorry it’s just that the letter, I read it, and you look so cute, but it said you are a man. Then you started talking and talking, and you didn’t let me even say anything, then you had tears, and I tried to say something but you kept on talking, and NOW!, see, see you are pouting, are you really a boy, and my brother? If so, don’t worry I’ll protect you anywhere we go, as I read your condition of getting lost, under normal circumstances I’d have cursed you but you are cute so I’ll give you a pass, welcome home little brother” this last was said with a serious face, small grin, and craving eyes.

I did not even realize that I had stuck out my lower lip, in a pout and felt tears threaten once again, ‘I don’t normally cry this much I swear’ but who could blame me when I was nervous and my sister laughed off all my insecurities and welcomed me home.

But I still replied “Thank you” while thinking of ways to take advantage of the first impression given to my sister, ‘I might have done it without a conscious though but I will take every advantage I can in order to protect her’.

“Well let me introduce myself, I am your new sister, my name’s Shamira, but you can call me Ira or sister however you prefer. Well, are you hungry, do you want something to eat? I could prepare it for you, something that is, if you are hungry? , not that I am any good at it as you probably guessed from the kitchen, if not come and play with me as I have a promise to keep and people to meet in Clash of Gods, school is still out for summer from a week ago and –Clash of God s- started a month ago, what’s your age anyway, if you are a boy you can’t be over 14 right? I’ve always wanted to have a younger brother, you know.” She muttered somewhat longingly while looking at me.

She seemed to want to know a lot so I answered as best I could, “Nice to meet you Sis, now I am not really hungry, thank you. And my age is 16, our parents told me we are of the same age and grade, and I’d love to play Clash of Gods, I’ve heard a lot from our parents about it”

“Well yes that’s something that said in the letter, your age that is, I just had a hard time believing it except for your height, and my parents probably chewed your ear out with so much talk of the game, but it is awesome and I’m proud of them, come I’ll show you to your room and the capsule you will use, and don’t worry about friends I’ll introduce them to you later, choose Leaf city in the Greenclad kingdom, I’ll be there to help you.”

With that she started walking towards the first room and entered. “I’m sorry for the messes on the house, and the mess in your new room even though its clean now, I used it because my room was simply horrible, well enough of that, there’s the capsule, You have to turn it on first, just lay there, you don’t need anything extra, but just remember not to be disrespect the A.I at the start, and don’t take all like a game, this game is more like a second life than anything else just without the real fear of real death, and don’t worry about your misdirection condition in game, as wherever you go is a probability of a new adventure, if you have trouble contact me, my name in game is Ira Shance, and am currently near leaf city with friends, do tell me if you decide on somewhere else” with that brief explanation she walked out with a last smile. As she left I could swear I heard my sister’s obnoxious laughter ringing in my ears for a while longer.

‘That actually went really well’

Now I had many excuses to be near her ‘I know we can become close’ I though while smiling.

I could faintly hear her laughter ‘What an easygoing person’

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

I was a little torn, between starting to play, and to finish cleaning, for the house was nowhere near what I was used to.

But I was more drawn to the game, so I went to the capsule.

I touched it, got brighter and read, -Welcome to Clash of Gods-, do you want to activate this capsule. With yes, no and options as answers, I touched yes, the capsule opened with a small whoosh of air.

I was a bit nervous, but got in any way, as I wanted to see the pride and joy of my new parents, and I might as well protect my sister inside the game too, ‘I’ve a month to catch up too’ that was my last though as it all went black.

It was dark, not a dark that scared me, but one that comforts instead. It felt like floating while being embraced.

I felt a little like crying ‘dang my emotional state, having family makes me all emotional, and weak’ but did not have eyes with which to do that so I stayed silent instead and heard a soft feminine voice.

“Scanning body signals, eyes, fingertips, iris, body, density, DNA… process done.”

“You seem to be a new user do you want to create a new account in Clash of Gods?”

The voice seemed to come from everywhere and had a slightly and pleasant female pitch.

“Yes”

“Very well, would you like to start with, account creation, if you already have one then simply link your avatar, or continue directly to making your avatar?”

“What does making an account entail?”

“By making an account you would then be able to have access to different sites made by -Godly Entertainment- in which there are some variety, like forums, auction site, etc. Would you like to know more? Create an account? Or continue with your avatar?”

“I would like to create an account please.” I was trying to be respectful, as I heeded my sister’s advice of treating the A.I well.

“All right first of all. What is your name?”

“Athanasius Tomaya”

When I said my name, I heard a small gasp followed by a short silence. “Are you the new son of John and Gabriela?” that was the first time the A.I had any emotion in its voice.

“Well yes, as of today, that’s the reason I’m playing the game, as they talked about it with a lot of pride in their voices.”

“Oh, okay then you need to know that as the son of the Tomaya’s you have one wish that can be granted at the time of your avatars creation, of course inside certain parameters, well let’s continue. What username would you like?”

“Username?” I knew what it was but wasn’t very familiar with the term.

“Yes the name you would like to use for your account, it has to be unique to you as it is what people will call you and identify you.” It seemed it returned back to its normal and emotionless voice.

“How about my name is that okay”

A small flash and my name appeared, -Athanasius- Followed by “Your name is available would you like some changes? If not please tell me your password.”

“Yes it is okay and my password, I would like it to be -**************-, is that okay?

“Yes. Wait a moment” about ten seconds passed and then, “Thriing” a sound like a bell “Your account has been finished and authorized with some extra authorization for who you are, would you like to proceed to your avatar creation”

“Yes, please”

“Please select the name of your Avatar”

“Nass”

“And your last name?”

“Last name?”

“Yes so that there would be no players with the same name, last names to your characters are necessary”

“Then Nass … ummm.”

“-Nass Umm- This name is not available please select another”

‘Dang it I have to come up with something’ in the end I decided with a combination of my nickname and blood, bloodshed and carnage in Latin for my last name “Athanasius Nassanguise” I said

“Athanasius Nassanguise, will be the name of your avatar, this will not change for any reason, only the elimination of the avatar will let you have another name as there is only one character available per person, but NPC’s and other players can end up knowing you by a different name depending on actions, are you sure you will you choose this name?” the more she talked the more certain of my name I was, as there did not seem to be any difference at all anyway.

“Yes”

“Please choose your race, between your options now available are 4 main species, and 12 subspecies. As the game progresses more will become available and change in game of species, is mostly impossible, and change in sub species are easier to come by but still difficult. Would you like to choose now? Or hear information about them?”

“Please tell me in a resumed manner, about the different main species.”

“Yes. The –Human- species is the most generic, and balanced, some say from this species more doors could open than any other.

The –Elf- specie are said to be beautiful, haughty and arrogant, have many enemies as they believe themselves to be protectors of nature, seem to lack brute strength while they compensate with magic dexterity and agility.

The –Dwarf- species have small statures, but compensate with their pride, strength, and blacksmithing ability, are strong against fire, and are good fighters as their small stature helps their center of gravity.

The -Beast kin- or specie, are said to have characteristics of animals depending on their tribe, average magic and are ferocious warriors, with speed and strength, currently enemies of humans.”

“What subspecies do the elves have?” I wanted to know as I could use the preconceptions others had of the elves nature to my advantage.

“Until now, the available elves are, High elves, Elves, and Moon Elves.”

“Can you please describe in a resume manner their talents and differences please.”

High elves, is the subspecies of elves that are more inclined towards magic than any other elves, but what they gain in bonus magically they lose physically, and are said to be the weaker, and slower, elves .

Elves, closest to human kind, they have enhanced magic and agility, but lose some brute strength, are said to be the most common and well-rounded of the elves.

Moon Elves, they started as high elves but left to start a new city under a new god, have very similar characteristics to the high elves, but their power of magic is amplified with moonlight.”

Everything the A.I said appeared in different windows that disappeared with a though of mine, but there wasn’t anything that attracted me. What I wanted was something unique beautiful but deathly in everything.

“Are there any species of elves undiscovered or unplayable under normal circumstances that I could use? I, if I like them, would choose one of them as my wish” I tried using my most reasonable voice, to make them see my point of view.

“U, um if you’ll excuse me I would have to check with administration”

I liked rattling the A.I it let a cuter voice when it did not know what to do. After about three minutes of silence the voice returned.

“They appeared to accept your request as a possible wish, but these yet unexplored subspecies of elves are still seen as threats by most species, do you still want to hear about them?”

“Yes” I answered without hesitation, somewhat excited already.

Sun Elves, elves that live near the dessert, no much is known of them, but that they specialize in fire and light magic, and they revere the Sun God. There are many more advantages and disadvantages to this race that you will discover as time passes

Forest Elves, are illusive elves with the most connection to the forest, and nature. They revere Gaia Mother Nature, and are said to be masters of illusion magic. There are many more advantages and disadvantages to this race that you will discover as time passes

“The race is -Elves- sub specie –Savage- or –Blood- elves, are said to be monsters of little reason and intelligence and the ones that started vampire kind, because they turned from all gods and instead tried to get power from the blood of others, and were cursed to drink it from many of the gods that feared them. Are said to be extinct. If you choose this race NPCs that recognize your species will treat you like a monster, the only way to avoid these is befriending them or gaining contribution points etc. If users kill you there will be half the normal penalty and no bounty on their head, but you would be treated more like an NPCs and will have to pay your way out of bounties, there are many more advantages and disadvantages to this race that you will discover as time passes.”

It seemed that blood elves are monsters from the start, ‘I will probably be discriminated against everywhere I go’ and will probably be hunted and seem to be a boss monster to users, I smiled, this was perfect, and it seemed full of challenges well “I would like to be a blood elf”

“Very well, here will be unique obligatory changes, would you like to see yourself?”

“Yes please”

Before I finished saying my response two lights flashed crossing where my avatar appeared as if on the stage of a theater, and what appeared was me with minor differences.

My avatar was 178 centimeters in stature, had my heart shaped and feminine face, with full lips, wide solid silver eyes that seemed to reflect light lifeless and attractive most called them, arched eyebrows, delicate looking chin and jaw, and a body type that looked like a girl, from almost every angle as I did not have breasts, but it only gave me a tomboyish look instead of manly, my body, no matter the exercise did not mold in the way I wanted, instead of the muscles I wanted, there was creamy skin that my race made smoother and whiter, and all this was completed with my waist length raven black hair, it was a black so very dark that it seemed to draw you in, not that I wasn’t strong it just did not show, but all in all I looked like a girl even with the trousers and shirt that every male beginner used perfect for my job, a blow to my self-esteem.

There did not seem to be many differences from my normal aspect, so I asked the A.I about it.

“Oh, the Blood elf is a very sneaky class as to get sentient prey, but there are sure fire ways to distinguish one from any other monster, the first one is their eyes, as a blood elf feels excitement of any kind they change on a red depending on the original eye color of the user would you like to see?.”

With that said my avatar eyes started to change and the voice of the A.I intruded “Joy” and my eyes seemed to have a light of their own as they seemed to glow a cheerful silver red that did not seem threatening, “Battle Lust” with the voice followed a change to my eyes as they lost some of their happy gleam, and glowed instead with a manic red that seemed like molten red silver, coupled with my black hair and nonmoving expression, it even gave me a chill, and could feel Goosebumps in my nonexistent arms. “This is perfect, is there any other difference?”

Without a single word my avatar expression shifted to a wide smiling one, that normally got me in or out of trouble as they said it looked mischievous, and adorable-their words not mine-, but coupled with the molten red eyes it looked terrifying and ominous. ‘that’s so cool’ but that was not all, I noticed that all my teeth seemed a little sharper, and my canine teeth were about 5 centimeters longer than any other, and the ones on the bottom seemed to be 3 centimeters longer, making it a grin that looked mischievous adorable, but dangerous in a -watch out the puppy bites- kind of way instead of the –if you touch that your hand will be gone- kind of way, which was preferable as people will lower their guards upon seeing it, yet I could not stop the pang of regret at my ultimate weapon, as I knew would brin g me many problems in school.

I could feel a smile even if I did not have a face in which to do it, I felt giddy and wanted to start fighting and killing things anyway.

“Can I start, I want to start” Normally I was composed of character but when my patience ran thin I seemed to start sounding like a spoiled little girl dammit!, but usually in that stage I did not really care anymore.

“So you want to be a -Blood Elf- can you confirm?

“Yes I want to start now”

“Very well, welcome to -Clash of Gods- where gods fight for land and followers, where the conquest of all is the goal, I wish you luck in surpassing all human limitation and be on top of all creation.”

With that said my avatar disappeared and I opened my eyes.

Do tell me any mistakes I make, thank you all for Reading.