--Aster--
I could hardly believe everything that had led me here, and something about the surreal scene of Zin having set up camp, a very advanced camp, somehow fit. Made everything feel strangely real.
Zin looked back to the screen sighed and turned it off. Now that I had a moment I looked him up and down. He was wearing the same robe as before but now he had some crumbs on him and...popcorn? 'Is this his real living room?' He noticed my observation as he got up adjusted his mage robes, straightened his hat, before coming over to me.
He was brushing off the crumbs when he finally responded.
"Now what? Well, nothing right now. But in another 2 days, we'll have a welcome party."
"Ok...Cool. A trial, a test, and a party. What's after that? Reality TV?" I responded Flippantly.
The looked on Zin's face from my response confused me. As he looked both shocked, confused, and...Scared. 'What does that mean?' When it occurred to me. 'Oh for Fucks sake, was I right?' Before I could dwell on it any longer a blue screen popped up.
Keeper Task Completed.
Congratulations!
You are now a full official member of the Order of the Keepers, with all the privileges and obligations that pertain.
Stand By...
Half-heartedly I looked over to ask. "So what do I do for the next 2 days? And why am I standing by?"
"Recover. And just keep looking at the screen."
"What?"
I turned my head back to the screen reading the newest line. Dread, fear, anxiety, all these emotions shot through me as I read.
Latest keeper protocols located.
Installing Keeper Protocols...
The screen disappeared, and a bright magnified version of my mark appeared out of my body. I was mesmerized by my mark. I had never really looked at it since I had gotten it. Too afraid of hating what I might see. Now I knew I could never do that. It was beautiful.
A beautiful black filled with sunburst flowers, surrounded by drooping bell blooming, all contained within a mandala-like fractal forever turning in on itself. Like seeing an eternity of the night sky, surrounded by flowers.
I watched my mark rotate as the color slowly began to weave itself into it like a far-off sunrise. 'Is that the new protocols?'
The mark turned and withdrew back into my chest. I knew what was next as I began to feel my chest began to heat.
"Oh Fuck."
A soul burning fire shoots through my entire body. I only had a moment to think. "So it wasn't a dream." Before darkness took me.
I don't know how long I was out. My mind was fuzzy, the world blurred intermixed with garbled voices. The garbled voices came and went until they grew and grew until I was surrounded by them. I could feel my body moving drifting like a dream. Then one voice was suddenly clear. "Aster!"
My name was spoken and the world snapped into focus. No longer blurred and muffled I could see I was still in the trial room, but now it had been set up and ostentatiously decorated. A large chandelier hung above, with poppy flowers of all colors surrounding the room. All around the room, the rumble of the crowd continued as eyes began to turn to me. The eyes of these people...these old people. The entire room was filled with what appeared to be old and decrepit people. Only a scant few with still color in their hair.
"Aster." I turned my head to the one calling my name, spotting Zin once more. My mind was still addled from the abruptness of this all. My mind felt distant.
"Hello." Even my response felt far away. Like it wasn't me responding, and yet it was. I looked down at my hands to make sure it was me when they seemed to blur for a moment. 'I guess my eyes are still trying to focus.'
A blue screen appeared in front of me.
Installing Keeper Protocols......Complete
Current keeper Protocol [86] Engaged.
Good Luck Keeper!
I looked back up to Zin. He was smiling. "Welcome to the Keepers!"
I was still in a daze, as Zin and I walked through the party. I shook many hands, heard many names, but couldn't remember any of them. The whole thing wisped by as a dream. The only real thing I could recall about those early parts of the party was that everyone I was meeting was old. A few hunched over a cane, walker, or wheelchair. It was this fact that when I had met the oldest possible person at the party my mind finally seemed to fully process everything.
The man I was being introduced to was so old-looking I was afraid to touch him. His skin was thinner than paper. I could see his veins through his skin and his eyes grayed over. With the entire look of disgust, he gave me I knew he could still see me. The man sat in a wheelchair, looking up at me angered at my mere presence. I know it's supposed to be a display of power, but why would one want to be like...that.
"Zin. This is the little shit we are letting join."
'Wow, this guy is an ass. Wait...' With my mind finally able to process everything I took a second look around the room. 'Did they just leave me in the dirt while setting this all up? The Fuck is with these people?'
"Yes." Zin's voiced brought me back to the conversation with the ghoul.
"Have our standards fallen so low?"
Hearing his words I was confused. 'What did he mean low? They set the damn test themselves.'
Zin's smile didn't change as he answered. "Actually, I think he did quite good."
"I've read his file. He's incompetent."
'Fuck this guy.' I was about to speak when Zin spoke first. "Now you know that was to set him up."
"He couldn't even figure it out. Where were his friends to help him." My brain stalled. "And what's more. If a single person on the outside had heard his story, they could have spared with him or done something to find the truth."
This asshole is making too much sense...No, my friends were busy with their own stuff and Bay did attempt to help me a couple of times but I think she may have been... distracted. And I mean the teachers I spoke to were in on it.
"I mean blighted fields. If he said anything to his parents they would have known what was up."
I had...both my parents offered to help...But I was determined to figure this out on my own. I wanted to facepalm right there but didn't want to give this jerk an iota of satisfaction.
"And another thing..."
"Fuck Off." I was tired of this piece of shit criticizing me. I don't care who he might be.
"What did you say to me?" I could physically feel all the gazes in the room turn toward me. Never knew that there was sound associated with eyes locking on me.
"I said Fuck Off. I don't care who you are or why some petty little ghoul is complaining about me joining. Should have stopped it before it was confirmed." I looked around the room, the reaction was mixed between smiles and disapproving glares. I think one or 2 even looked aghast. Ignoring everyone I proceeded to walk away. This creature didn't deserve any of my time.
"You did not just tell me to fuck off."
The petty little thing proved it as I kept walking ignoring the old man. As he continued to yell "You'll regret this."
'Like rot, I will.' I just ignored the man now yelling across the room as I walked away no longer acknowledging its presence. I did smile at the thought of the man growing so angry he passed out but by this point, I no longer cared. It might even happen seeing how week he looked.
Zin walked up to my side and spoke. "You do know this is probably going to screw things up for you later right.
"Yeah, but right now I don't care. I'll probably care later but now. Not even a little." As I made my way through the cloud I felt a small pulse run through me. "Fuck."
I felt the tug of the quest egg pulling me to someplace far off from the city. 'Am I still on the quest? Why is it just now activating?'
I didn't have time to dwell on it as I saw everyone looking around the room confused. 'Of course, they all have crystals don't they.' I focused quickly shutting down and class signal.
This all happened in a few seconds. I hoped they would just think a shadow just passed by, but...discretely I drew my dagger.
An annoyed voice yelled into the crowd. "Ok, who forgot they were on a quest again?"
The entire room was silent.
"Come on guys, I know it's easy to forget in these places but come on. It sets everyone on edge."
"Well, it wouldn't be an issue if everyone left their detection crystals at home." An older female voice said.
I didn't know how I felt about this whole situation. Even though I caused this scene to happen. The party only served to highlight how...human they all were.
"Pocket" I moved my dagger into my pocket, as I didn't want to draw attention sheathing the weapon.
"That aside, please everyone remember to keep active marks covered."
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--Old Man --
"Why does this happen every year?" A woman standing
"We've grown old and forgetful," An old man said rolling up in his wheelchair.
"Your one to talk." She looked the old man up and down. Smirking at him
"Don't give me that look."
"What look?" All innocence.
"That one... you know what I don't care. What do you think of the new child?"
She looked over to the new Keeper, thinking. "He might have potential."
The old man's face started to grow a little. "Yes, the little shit might if he could grow up."
She looked the man up and down incredulously. "You didn't come out of that exchange looking good you know."
The old man visibly took a minute to calm down. "Look, I'm just saying with his potential it might be a good idea. To I don't know...give him his first mission."
*Snort* "So that's your play."
"No, play just."
"Look, I know the rules just like you. I know what you're trying to do. He is too new for..."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, I agree with you but it might be good for just a simple mission."
She stared down at the old man. "No. I won't join you on this one."
"That's fine." The woman walked away from the old man.
Once he was alone he moved to the next person. "What do you think of the new kid?
--Aster--
I looked over to Zin, up close I could see his smile was strained, as we made our way through the party. Zin pulled me off to the side when it was just us. He calmly asked, "Please tell me that wasn't you."
I was confused. "Ok, that wasn't me."
Zin looked disturbed. 'I'm missing something aren't I?' "How many quest missions have you done?"
Hesitantly, I answered "One?" 'What is going on. Why is this so important?'
"Now this is very important." He paused grabbing my shoulders. "Did they just do the next quest mission or a normal one?"
"Probably, the quest."
"Are you sure? 100% sure."
"I don't know. I wasn't there. Is that bad?"
"ONLY BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT THERE." Zin was whisper shouting at me.
"WHAT!?"
"Attention Everyone!" Our conversation was interrupted.
We looked over toward the speaker, A large rotund figure of a man, with salt and pepper hair. Looking over at him, he looked familiar but I could not place him. I had met to many people today, and none of there names stuck.
I turned back to Zin to make him explain what he just said, but he was no longer looking at me. He looked more worried now then before.
"First I would like to thank everyone for coming to the celebration of our newest member, Aster." Small approving nods flew through the crowd, as he gestured towards me. I gave a small wave to the crowd. "As Aster here is now one of us, lets give him the first taste of what a member does. I call a meeting of the Keepers."
A blue box appeared in front of me.
A Meeting of the Keepers has been called.
Would you like to confirm the meeting?
Yes No
I looked over at Zin questioningly. He fanatically shook his head no.
Pushing No I watched the Screen.
All votes cast.........Motion has passed.
A meeting will be scheduled when at least 75% of members have gathered...Please follow pull for meeting place.
Meeting place reach... Meeting requirements met.
The meeting will now commence.
All I knew was I was somehow screwed.
"Good. Since this is a party I'll make this quick. I would like to give Aster his first keeper mission." The salt and peppered man held up a purple quest egg. "Do I have a second?"
"Aye." A decrepit ghoul raised his hand giving me a hateful smile.
A motion has been put forth to the Keepers.
"Assign first keeper mission to Aster"
The time for discussion will be 30 minutes.
"Zin, be honest. How fucked am I?"I asked nervously.
"Very."
The screen changed and not for the better.
Discussion time has been removed and moved to vote by a near-unanimous request.
Voting begins.
Yes No
"Impatient assholes, at least give a good reason."
"We just think he needs to do his first mission as a keeper."
"What is the mission?" Someone from the crowd yelled asking, but before anyone could answer. The screen changed again.
Motion has passed.
A mission will be assigned. Please present the mission for Aster.
"Catch." The old man threw the purple egg toward me.
I tried to move to dodge it but that didn't matter as the egg got close.
Mission found.
Registering Mission.
With that. Meeting adjourned.
Mission Rank: 0 Type: Judgment
Time Elapsed: 00:00:08 Time Remaining: 719:59:02
Details:
Reach level 30 before time runs out.
Warning:
Failure will result in Rebirth
"Zin! What just happened?" Everything moved so fast like it...was...planned. I looked over to see the old Ghoul barely containing his glee as he flipped me off. "Zin! Answer me." I didn't have time for the old man.
Zin shook himself. "Well, looks like the old man gathered enough people to force a vote and rush it through."
"But how did he do it so fast?"
"I don't know but let me see just how screwed you are." Zin gestured toward the egg.
Oh, I bet I know. He was planning this from the start.
Focus Aster.
I handed the egg to Zin. He looked resigned reading it over. "You are beyond screwed. You and your team."
"EXPLAIN NOW!" I was tired of all this, why did this screw, my team. Why am I the reason they are fucked. I was starting to vibrate with rage and barely restrained myself as I shook Zin, only a little violently.
"StAoP" I stopped shaking but didn't let go, as Jin slyly slid right out of my hands like I wasn't even holding him. 'How?'
"To explain how bad it is." He started to count. "1 once a keeper mission is set no other missions can be accepted, but you must complete your current mission before the keeper mission can start."
"That's not too bad...but you said I couldn't help my team earlier...Why?"
"The second quest is special, once started the team is locked in, and no one really knows where they are...it was a sort of safety measure."
"But I CAN FEEL the quest tugging me."
"Yes. But you'd never find it, you'd need to be teleported in."
...
...
"Then someone could teleport me."
"Won't work"
'JUST BE CLEAR DAMMIT.' I gave Zin my best glare.
"Safety, only one of the team can be teleported in."
I was at a loss. "How else and I screwed?"
"Rebirth is essentially...to keep you from remembering us."
"You guys are gonna kill me so I don't remember?"
"Well...Not exactly." Zin was getting more uncomfortable the longer this went on.
I only grew more irritated. "Then What? Is someone gonna go in and wipe the memories out?"
"We would if we could but it doesn't always take and you could remember after any number of deaths."
"Then how?"
"You will be...what's the nicest way I can put this... Restarted."
"Uhhhhh, What?" 'my brain froze processing his words.'
Zin paused, appearing to think over his words. "You know how were essentially immortal?"
"Yes?"
"Well, have you wondered why the cities don't overflow with people?"
I had never considered it. I only really learned the whole immortality thing last year. But I did stumble on one fact from the library that sounded right. "Children are only born every 18 years. Keeping the number of people down."
"Sort of...We can die if we choose to."
"What does that have to do with this?"
"Think on it."
"..." My eyes widen at the implication but... "The number of deaths are the same as the births?"
"Exactly."
"But why."
"To keep the world moving."
"Wait! Then if I fail I will essentially be killed!? Permanently! How the fuck could they do that?"
"It is a cruel thing. They shouldn't even be able to do this yet."
"Then why?"
"Originally things like this were for someone taking too long to learn the truth at level 30. So most of the time it would only be a level or 2. Nothing like yours."
"Is level 30 even possible for me to do in..." I quickly did the math. "29 days?"
The pitying look Zin gave me was enough for me to know it was probably impossible.
I looked over at the old decrepit men and women laughing in the corner. They had just sentenced me to death just for being here. They didn't want someone like me in their club. These people had engorged themselves on energy so long it was killing them, just letting it build and build aging their bodies. That's when something occurred to me. "Maybe there is a way."
"You better get to it if you have an idea you only have a month, to save your team and reach 30."
"Can they do anything to me if I pass this test?" This was a monumentally stupid idea.
"Only thing they can do is call for a true judgment on your actions."
"Who does this judgment?"
"The true keepers?"
"What?"
"Get to 30 and you'll understand."
"Stop BEING FUCKING CRYPTIC!!!" I yelled out at Zin.
The room quieted, and I felt eyes lock onto me. I didn't care, as I stared Zin down. "Now, Explain."
"I literately can't Watch." Zin's mouth began to move and I could hear words but it was like the words were being scrambled as they entered my brain.
"That...." I just stared confused.
"See. Just. If you have a plan I would recommend getting out of here and go, before they can do anything to stop you."
I knew I needed to move my window wouldn't be open long. "Fine. Just. Just I'm about to do something monumentally stupid."
"What are you going to do?"
Ignoring the question, I began walking toward the old man.
"Aster, what are you going to do?" This time I could hear the concern in each word Zin spoke.
I walked up approaching the old man who was speaking with a group of other keepers, without noticing my approach.
"Hey, asshole." The old man stopped talking and turned toward me. "Oh good, You know you're an asshole."
The old man's just smiled smuggle ignoring my jab. "That is rude young man. Congratulations on your first mission."
I moved closer to the old man putting. "I know you put all this together."
With all innocence he replied. "Why would I do that?"
"This was all planned long before I was even here." I voiced my hunch allowed, I knew it paid off when I saw the surprise on and smug smiles on his conspirator's face. "Yeah. That look on your faces says it all. You never planned to allow me to join."
The old man laughed. "Oh, that. That was just a contingency plan if we deemed you not worthy." Gesturing to the group.
"We, or you?" I pointed in his face.
"You need to learn actions have consequences."
"By murdering me?" I said exasperated.
"See consequences."
I was now directly in front of the old man. I leaned in closed. To the old man. "Yes. Consequences." I gripped my wrist willing my energy for what was to happen next. "Fast Pocket Change" My dagger whipped out of my wrist morphing, sharpening, lengthening, moving through the old man's neck, so fast no one could stop it. The old man's smile widened at my actions. His head was severed but still resting on his neck twisted and offset. I could visibly see the neck start to move to straighten in place to bind and heal.
"No." I spoke softly and calmly "Fall Away" The old man spasmed slightly causing his head to fall from his shoulders, newly formed tissue taring. 'Even with all that power, you can't heal without a head.'
I knew he was dead, as my body began to fill with heat and energy. That was when the room exploded.
I would like to say that I felt satisfied, taking down the old man. I would like to say I felt a sense of catharsis. I would like to say that, but I just felt...numb. There was too much to do, too much was happening now. To Much. Time moved in slow motion, as the people closest to me flew through the air. Taking me to the ground.
I knew I had no chance to take these people in a fight no matter how frail they appeared, so I focused on my plan.
"You've fucked up now Aster." the man holding me down spoke. There was a manic glee in the man's voice.
"No, you all fucked up," I yelled back.
This seemed to throw the man off, as he took some time to respond. "How so?"
My body was still heating up, the amount of energy released by the old man was starting to hurt more the knee in my back.
"You took the side of a petty little man."
This caused the man holding me down to laugh. "You have no idea who he was do you."
"No, and I don't care." The heat was getting unbearable, I had the distinct feeling my organs might be melting.
He dug his knee harder into my back. "That was the architect. The last of the first. It won't matter anyway for you anymore. You'll be gone soon."
Despite the pain, I laughed.
"What is so funny?"
"You're right. I won't." The heat had reached a crescendo. It was now or never. I grabbed ahold of the thread tugging me to my team, focusing every cell in my being on what I needed, and spoke "Fall Away"
My mind moved to fall away from every as my body exploded into hundreds of after images all moving, struggling, fighting. So many appear and blur it was like a cloud of smoke. Surrounding me.
"Kid Illusions don't work when you're pinned." The man sneered above me.
That was the thing. Each and every one of my afterimages was real, and an illusion. My mind was dancing on the edge of nothingness. Falling through the void, moving through each and every possibility. I no longer felt the man on top of me. The world was gone. I danced through the nothing falling farther and farther until there was nothing left, except the pull. The tiniest of threads showing me where to go.
Finding the thread, I grabbed every ounce of energy I had accumulated, and recently taken, falling ever deeper and away, until there was nothing left of me except, the dance, the string, and the nothingness of death should I falter before I reached them.
--Zin--
I watched Aster's "Plan" and couldn't believe how stupid he was for killing the Architect. He was always an ass but he will remember this and he will not forgive. "I guess you've just given up. I was saddened at the idea of him giving up, but I couldn't think of any way for him to succeed.
I watched Aster being held down when he...exploded? What was this? Maybe the boy hasn't quite given up. Before any of us knew it the could of smoke? No. Blurred images of Aster himself. What kind of skill is that.
Before any of us knew what was happening the skill dissipated, revealing a confused crowd, and my heart leaped. Did he actually have a plan?