On the grand streets of Sin Clear City Dared was crossing the street, thinking to himself ‘That bitch really got me good, but I can't be concerned about that now, wait where am l?’ Standing in an alleyway Dared’s eyes met with a bedraggled looking Hispanic man. He looked angry and scared, like a cornered dog. He leaped at Dared, canines bared ‘fangs, what the fuck?’ Throwing a punch into the man's throat, Dared was able to stop him for a second but as he turned to run, pain seared down his back. As he fell forward he felt something digging into the side of his legs just above his ankles. He felt himself getting pulled, followed by more pain on his back
“Ahh”
‘why are you screaming, I am the one in pain’ was the last thought Dared had before passing out. Waking up Dared felt like he was about to throw up
“Blllurk”
In fact he did. Feeling like he just puked his entire body onto the sky or ground, he couldn't tell.
“Hahaha, that’s really funny; it's a purge in the most literal sense, how are you feeling there young one?”
“Like shit, whaa-ak,who are youuu-urk?” said Dared ‘Just keep him talking till you get your bearings.’
“I am, Clementi, and you have me to thank for your life but no need to thank me just do as you like...say a period of two years and we’re even, Oh and that’s, George, he is the one that almost killed you.” said Clementi.
“Sorry about that sev, some asshole vampire according to him, grabbed me and stuff poison down my throat” said George.
“Well I had to upgrade my lucky star, so you must forgive the rough treatment” respond Clementi.
‘fuck me, super-powered assholes’ thought Dared.
“So like George said I am a Vampire and so are you now, it was the only way to save your life after George's poor self control”
“So it’s my fault I woke up attacking this sev after you poured that slime down my throat” said George.
“Yes yes you’re a victim, it’s not your fault. Anyways, George is a werewolf and you’re a vampire” respond Clementi.
“I didn’t see anything on the news about Vampires attacking people and turning them into werewolves, so I guess we’re the lucky ones sev. Shit if I knew this was happening I would’ve left Paledo City a long time ago" said George.
‘Paledo, isn’t that the old name of Sin Clear City?’ thought Dared.
“That’s an interesting interpretation but I will explain, you were attacked by George here because the change also gave birth to a new infant mind, add that with the transformation and he almost killed you, me being very generous gave you some of my blood, changing you into one of my kind in exchange for two years of service like George here” said Clementi.
“Listen here you white suit wearing freak, all I asked for was money for the cover at the club then you poisoned me” said George.
“Yes a very good deal, now take the time to get used to your new states and I will see you both when the time comes” said Clementi.
‘aaand he fucking disappears into the night’ thought Dared.
“Hey sev sorry again about almost killing you, but I wasn’t in my right mind at the time, I should go myself who knows when that crazy fucker is going to come back, we’ve already been here for three hours” said George, as he walked away.
Standing in the alley by himself Dared had no idea what to do, he still felt sick and had a sneaking suspicion the world had changed in more ways than one. His senses were off and it affected his balance. He waited in that Alley for what felt like hours before he could walk. Stumbling out of the alley, the city was eerily quiet ‘what time is it?’ He was trying very hard to ignore the fact that he was hungry and thirsty. He assumed being an undead creature ‘I don't want to think about what it would take to satisfy any new urges.’ Turning a corner and noticing some signs he followed the path to a restaurant ‘it actually smells like food, maybe blood is optional’ getting to the small restaurant below an apartment building. He walked in, hearing the bell jingle on the way in ‘how old fashioned, must be a theme.’ ignoring the noise around him, he took a seat ‘it was actually food I was smelling, that's a good sign.’
“Did you hear about the bank robbery down on Central.”
“I heard it was those traveling cultist.”
“Cult of Traveler and no it was a different group of weirdos with creature masks this time.”
Spotting the waitress coming over, noticing her name tag Dared refocused on the menu.
“Hello how are you doing, what can I get for you tonight-oh do you need a moment?” asked the waitress.
“No I got it, I will have the special with lots of water...Janet” said Dared, after looking at her name tag.
“ok, how about I start you out with two glasses and go from there, anything else?” responded Janet.
‘Nice smile, but I've done worse things to people with nicer smiles than her’ Dared was already making plans to take advantage of the fact that he is still an unknown in this new reality. ‘It’s either a new reality or a fever dream.’ He could only conclude that this has something to do with that ‘bitch’ he doesn’t know how yet. ‘I remember the world felt like it shifted before she blasted me back.’ On his way home after that fight, walking the same route he always did he ended up in that alley while not paying attention.
“Did you hear about the Dead mercenaries being connected to the Traveler cult.”
As he ate, Dared thought back on his life in Sin Clear City. Five years back Dared was dreading his life as a law student, he realized law was not what he wanted to do with his life but his student loans and the amount his parents invested in his education said otherwise. Then he heard it, not everyone heard it; like a silent explosion the world popped and then there was the voice ‘I want it, money and power, no longer will I be controlled’ the voice sounded in his head like his own thoughts but more tangible, like sound was actually produced in his mind. What he didn’t know was at that time the very fabric of reality changed and every living thing with a will of it’s own gained their greatest desire as if by magic. Unfortunately most people's desire wasn't that great, take Dared for instance his desire was one of the more mundane. He wanted money and power so that he had more choice and freedom to do what he wanted. His wish was granted like many others but the problem was that human beings were already perfectly capable of making money and gaining power. The thing standing in his way was his will, determination, interest, and conscience. So his wish was granted, what was lacking was added, and was in the way was removed, because of the nature of his power Dared had no way of knowing he had it. The moment he thought about what he wanted he subconsciously would activate his power. He went from a law student to petty criminal, trained fighter, mercenary, and finally criminal mastermind within the span of four years. The last year he spent defending what he built. With the increase in theft and violence the economy crashed and the value of money went down, while the value of people and resources went up. Gangs started to grow all over the world and in major cities especially. humanity divided into people who wanted to save the world and people who wanted to save themselves. Dared himself started his own gang and tried to secure as much resource rich territory as he could. ‘I haven’t thought about my family since the world changed, is that why I stopped using my last name? To avoid thinking about them? I haven’t felt sadness in a long time either.’ Thinking to himself as he finished his meal Dared refocused on what needed to be done. Getting up from the table he walked over to the next table over, the two men and one woman sitting there looked up at him. Smiling, he reached over and picked up a knife in each hand from their table.
“What the hell”
Still smiling he stabbed the man closest to him in the throat, ignoring the screaming women he stabbed the other shocked looking man. His next victim was scrambling to move away, while still in her seat. Kicking her chair over, with her in it, he quickly grabbed her knife from the table and stuck it through her eye while holding her head still. He Looked up in time to see the waitress running to the back as two men ran out. One older white man holding a shotgun and another with what looked like a kitchen knife. Picking up the chair next to his feet, he threw it at both men. Quickly ducking around the counter to the other side, he came around to the old man trying to take aim over the counter, while the other wrestled with the chair. Dared grabbed the gun while hitting the man in the face, flipping the gun while the old man fell away Dared took aim and fired two shots killing both men. Cocking the gun and ejecting the spent rounds, he looked around, catching sight of the box of ammo on the counter above the corpses. He stepped into the back room finding a startled Janet with a phone in her hand.
“Oh good” he said.
“what-why are you doing this!” yelled Janet.
“calm down, now I need you to call the police if you haven't already” asked Dared.
“I didn’t” she squeaked.
“then call them now and let them know that there is a drunk and angry customer causing trouble. Don't worry I will be right here with you, in case you forget.”
Clementi Vision-blood stood on the balcony of his hotel room thinking about the past couple of hours. He was part of the second incursion into the static world, named for its lack of magic and the simple logic that comes along with it. The people of this world are stuck within a cycle of life, work and death that to the people of Sherilia seem static. The cult of traveler, named after the goddess of travel; not the trickster god, had organized the second incursion into the static world after the first one five years ago. After successfully gathering enough energy for their magic device. Clementi tried to gather as much info about the cult's goals as he could but every attempt led to a blackout in his visions. Which only happens when his power informs him of his death. He decided to take part in the second incursion like those before him in order to escape the yoke of the gods. The cult gave priority to the mutant races of Sherilia, while the wizards and warlocks had to pay a fortune in magical resources. Another reason he decided to join was the knowledge that said wizards and warlocks were smuggling magical artifacts through their mutant allies. He had his eye on one in particular, the medallion of wasteful Antics, created by the warlock True-brier Demonsoul. This medallion has the power to amplify natural gifts, and a vampire’s namesake just so happens to be a natural gift. The medallion is with Victor Trace-blood, a young vampire around Clementi’s age. Entering the static world Clementi was instantly bombarded by visions of him getting his hands on the medallion and using it to send images to his past self. Which was an aspect of his power he didn't know he had ‘I suppose it makes sense, my power is sending visions not receiving them.’ Quickly setting his plans in motion, he then attacked one of the werewolves he crossed over with, with plans to use his saliva to help a future gang leader serve as a better distraction. As he watched the transformation, Clementi was amazed to see a soul crossing the boundary between dimensions to attach it self to George. He knew this was possible but never thought he would see it someday, his world is so saturated with magic that seeing a soul relatively impossible. After all they’re made of magical energy, souls are parasites that attach themselves newly formed magical creatures following the magical resonance they give off after birth. The reason he has never seen it also has to do with the fact that no new mutants have been born for hundreds of years. Reproductive births don’t have the same effect and only females with a soul can cause one to form in their offspring. Souls unfortunately force their victim to feel and sense their own feelings, sensations and the world more vividly, so they can experience the world better through them. The reason they are considered parasites despite the benefits they give their hosts, is the fact that they only recognize the base creature, which for must mutants that’s human. Imagine being a vampire and experiencing the world as a predatory creature of magic and then getting bombarded by human senses and emotions, even their biological imperative to procreate. It would drive you mad, luckily the warlocks found a way to drive them back to the god Felis-hell’s foul dimension by suppressing the victim’s emotions and conscience. If they can’t find a new host close by, they go back to their realm. Clementi wondered if killing him would release the soul like in the stories but he needed George for his plans. As he watched George get up screaming as his body shifted slightly then ran off, he followed him. Finding him about to kill some random dark skinned man in an alley, a vision flashed in his mind ‘looks like this one can help hide me from Victor’s power, why didn’t I see him before?’ If Clementi took the time to think about it he would be alarmed that this person didn’t exist in his first vision. Stopping George then running to a building close by, according to the orientation this hospital should have what he needs. Clementi used the IV to give his blood to the stranger while draining what little this man had, ‘This should help increase the odds of mutation.’ He could only apologize in his head for the soul he could see attaching itself the man. Looking at George Clementi couldn’t see his soul because of the natural magical energy of mutants cloaking it. ‘Lucky you, soul madness has the opposite effect on your kind.’ After talking to both men for a minute he ran back to his hotel to enjoy a meal after losing so much blood.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
George Perez walked back to the Holter Club, while on the way he thought about the past couple hours. George had woken up earlier that day, and noticed his boyfriend was gone. Knowing what that likely meant he wasn’t going to waste anymore time on that man. It wasn't until he noticed his phone and crypto-wallet on the floor that he got pissed. ‘That fucking junky had the nerve to steal from me.’ He had known Kyle for six years but have always maintain certain rules when he learned of his growing habit. One being; don’t embarrass me and don’t steal from me and Kyle just broke both rules at the same time. Knowing Kyle’s spot and that the club opens around 3pm, he knew Kyle couldn’t have been gone for more than an hour. The Holter club has been taken over by some new kingpin by the name of Victor Trace. This guy has been active for four years on the Paledo drug scene and has swept up most of the gangs in the area. George had no plans to clash with the Trace-blood’s, he just had to get into the club and find Kyle and deal with him. On the way to the club he realized he didn’t have any money for the cover charge, but before he could think more about it someone spoke. The man looked ordinary except very fit and wearing too much white
“You seem like a man in need of a favor” asked the stranger.
“Yeah, can I borrow twenty in crypto, I will pay you back” said George.
“Of course friend, but you will owe me a favor in return” respond the stranger.
“Oh ok sure but I could just pay you back.”
“Yes, well about that…”
Then everything went sideways after that, mind back on the present George paid the bouncer and walked into the club. Stopping halfway into the club, George didn't know what to think. He has been noticing women, like really seeing them and he can’t figure out why. He has always thought women were beautiful but this is different and he can't ignore that difference now. Refocusing on the reason he came here, George looked around until a scent hit him. Following his nose he found Kyle leaning on another man up against a corner. Noticing the way his senses suddenly sharpen whenever he focus on them, he took a moment to collect himself before confronting Kyle. Standing close behind him he could see the man getting Kyle’s attention to turn around. When he did he instantly sobered up.
“Oh hey babe, this is my friend Simmons, what brings you here?” Kyle asked nervously.
“My wallet was mysteriously light this morning” respond George.
“Oh about that I just borrowed a couple crypto, didn’t think you would mind. Hey Simmons, could you do me a favor? I just need a loan, promise I will pay you back”
“How much...you know what here is five hundred” said Simmons. while extending his phone for the transaction.
“Let’s let go of all this tension and just party. I got some liquide here” said Simmons
“Thanks sev but I just need to talk to Kyle real quick, follow me lets discuss this outside.” said George before leading Kyle outside.
Kyle followed George outside still talking excitedly, they left out the emergency exit at the back of the club. Finally outside Kyle got close to George attempting to kiss him, only to be pushed back and receive a fist to his face. Without saying anything George walked up to the downed Kyle and stamped his face in. When George was satisfied he looked up while standing in the alley listening to his own breathing, George didn't move until he heard the sound of someone coming.
“Greetings Shaman, this is truly unexpected, well let me amend that. Normally anyone that runs afoul of us would be dead, but a Shaman would be different.” Echoed in the dark alley.
“Who are you and what are you talking about?” said George.
“My apologies, Shaman, my name is, Ryfil Spirit-Kin, and what I am talking about is the history of our people. The mutant species of Lycanthropes, our people came about from Warlocks that started the practice of druidic magic not to be confused with druids. Everything changed when the god Felis-hell ascended and introduced souls into our world. These warlocks experimented with these souls and found a way to force them to attach to animals, despite there aversion to any creature that cannot perform magic. The birth of our race started when one warlock decided to force the souls of animals to attach to people, the animal souls were confused and split themselves between what they believed was two creatures. Causing an imbalance in these humans to the point that a second mind to be born in the same body, and a further magical effect that transformed these humans into animal hybrids. Felis-hell’s dimension eventually connected to our world's magical field, which allowed souls to cross the dimensional plane following the energy signature of mutant birth. Our species was unique in that animal soul’s later called spirits naturally reproduce through our transformed bodily fluids. This natural reproduction of spirits also caused a natural mutant birth. This led to the birth of Shaman’s. A shaman has both a soul and a spirit inhabiting the same body, creating balance. This balance of instincts, gave birth to leaders and warriors that brought glory to our people, but it was short lived. The threat that shamans posed to the the powers of our world, forced wizards and warlocks to remove souls from mutants under the excuse that they caused madness. Which was true in others, but not us or the undead, my grandfather was a shaman and through his teachings I learned much of our history. Upon my entry into this world my nephew was attacked and his saliva extracted, knowing what I do of the one that attacked him. I began my search for you,” said Ryfil.
“Oook, well that was a lot and all but I don't fucking know what to do with myself right now, much less deal with all that shit you’re throwing at me right now. Plus if all of that is true why not just make your own shaman why seek me out like some chosen one,” said George.
“Ha-ha, no this is not about you being chosen, it’s about who chose you. I recognize the vampire that attacked my nephew. I know of the unique aesthetic of the Vision bloodline, no other vampire family wears all white.”
‘Of course it has something to do with that weirdo’ “Ok Ryfil tell me, if what you say is true; what do you want from me?”
“Ah let me answer that and any future questions on the subject; even with shamans it’s very difficult for our people to work together, without a proper leadership structure our instincts drive us to either fight or separate. This makes group dynamics very important, and why you’re important is because if you were chosen by the Vision-blood vampire; it’s most likely for your future potential. He needs you for his own plans, which more than likely involves other vampires and you’re just a distraction but this can work in our favor. Now you might be wondering why I don't take on the leadership responsibility myself, I am too old for that nonsense. At my age I've played this game too many times to do it again...” he paused. “I see the question on your face so I will explain, werewolf leadership structure is like this; alpha, generals, soldiers, Harem, support, and children. The alpha, generals and soldiers are self explanatory, the harem on the other hand is the backbone of social dynamics. They lead the support and are responsible for the logistics and the daily needs of the pack. Young men are much more willing and capable of building and managing a harem of capable and intelligent females; I don't have the patience for it anymore.”
George stared at the 30 something year old man in front of him.
“How long do we live?” asked George.
“Oh before our world's magic field stabilized it was believed there was no limit. But after, our elders started to deteriorate around 800 and die at or close to 900 years old. In this world I don't know, it could be thousands, but I doubt this world will be allowed to stabilize naturally.”
“I will be honest with you, Ryfil, a lot of the things you say I don't understand but you’ve given me a lot to think about. I’ve felt lost for a long time but I want to do more with my life and I could use help.” George looked him in the eyes.
“One problem, how do our people react to a gay man as a leader?” asked George.
“I don't understand what is that?”
“Well, I have sex with men and the bleeding, moaning man at my feet is my ex boyfriend.”
“Ah, I am sorry to tell you but whatever you were before, you’re no longer. One of the major changes after mutation is sexual dynamics, Lycanthropes have one of the highest sex drives of all the mutant races, but we have no deviants.”
'Deviant?' thought George.
“Are you telling me that not only have I been turned into a werewolf but I am straight now.”
“I am afraid so,” said Ryfil.
“Well fuck, that explains a lot, guess what Kyle you just went from being my first harem member to mmm...soldier. Welcome to my army!”
“...um mm...aak,” groaned Kyle.
“Yeah he loves it, so Ryfil my friend what position do you occupy and what about your nephew?” asked George.
“Ah I would be your elder and advisor, a position that doesn’t normally exist in a small pack but not unusual. As far as my nephew, he is young; he can make his own decisions, plus he would fight you for leadership.”
“Ok where do we start?” asked George.
“A goal, resources and a harem, can’t build an army if you can’t feed them.”
George picked up Kyle and walked away with Ryfil following behind. With a new purpose and a lot of ambition, he felt whole for the first time since his dad died. George’s father taught him to be a man, telling him regularly ‘being gay doesn’t lighten the weight of the world on your shoulders’. The loss of his father made him feel like he lost his guiding light and his reason to push forward, but now he can feel that “weight of the world” and he is willing to embrace it.
Dared stopped himself from killing Janet, feeling confused about his actions. Thanking his lucky stars that this small restaurant had an outdated security system ‘I am usually more careful than this, all the excitement earlier must have really got me off my game’ Walking into the back room, he spotted a mask on the wall. Taking the mask off the wall; the devil mask had a note next to it. The mask seems to be the work of a family member of the owner of the restaurant, an artist named Sani. After reading the note, he walked out the back door and circled around to the other side of the building and waited. Not long after the cops arrived ‘terrible response time, must be decades between violent crime cases’ sneaking up to the side of a car close to where he knows they will park he braced himself. The driver got out as he spoke to his partner without turning away from the restaurant. “Who would attack this place, the service is free for Service Entry Volunteers” “These charity businesses are meant to attract crypto transactions” As the first cop was preparing to put on his helmet, he felt someone roughly grabbing his shoulder then fiery pain through his throat. ‘Good thing there doors go up, or this could’ve been a fight’ Dared quickly circled around only to find that the other cop already had his helmet on. ‘Well shit’ tackling the armored man from the back, he reached up and press the sides while removing the helmet. One shotgun blast to the Back of the head and it was over.