Centuries ago it was common practice for humans to give each other jewelry, commonly bracelets, embedded with gems, different gems signifying different types of relationships the giver wanted.
After the gifting the giver was to return home and make an effort not to see the recipient til the next day, likely because of some local superstition.
The meaning of different gems are as follows;
Malachite for enemies.
Ruby for allies.
Opal for lovers.
Citrine for family (a sort of “you’re like a brother to me” declaration, considered a rejection or a display of close friendship based on context, it seems.)
Sapphire for strangers (A breakup, it is thought)
If the receiver wears the jewelry out in public the next day, it was taken as an agreement.
It’s currently unknown what happens if the bracelet isn’t worn.
While the meaning of the different gems was recorded in human books, the reasoning for the gem’s assigned relationship is unknown.
This practice, despite much of the original information on in being lost, has recently been revived by modern human communities.
-Excerpt from “Bloodlines and Battle; A Study of Human History and Culture” by Elvish [Explorer] and [Historian] Dain Futs in 1482.
Ok, this memory has GOT to be juicy.
Brawler (Rare Path)
There are times in life where your fists are the only thing you have left; Drunken Fist Fights, Disarmed, Etc.
A Brawler embraces the path of the fist, and work to turn their bodies into living weapons.
Go forth Brawler and punch, punch, punch your way to the top!
+10 Strength
+5 Toughness
+5 Dexterity
Martial Arts Skills and Greater Affinity
Tier 1 Body Enhancement Spell Skills and Affinity
Movement Skills and Lesser Affinity
Well, I must admit, I have saved the best for last. You may have noticed the last few Class Memories have been in chronological order, this final class is the final memory in the set. And frankly… it’s the one I most regret keeping from you.
Li noticed the System had a tone of finality, resigned almost.
“Is it good or… bad.”
I guess it depends on how you take it. The memory itself is good, but the effects it had on your life may make you… more hostile towards me… for removing it.
Li racked his brain to think of memories that would make the System this sure of him becoming an ass and found only one that made sense, well more like he found it’s absence.
Li spoke with the horrified whisper.
”…System… is this…?”
Forgive me Li, and please trust me when I say I had no other options then to remove it. But I know what I’ve done and I’ll try to make it up to you, I promise.
Don’t worry about any odd noises, I’ll take care of everything.
…Please don’t hate me.
Generating Memory…
***
Request for Energy Input Increase Submitted! Admin Contacted!
Message Log
Everyone clear the way, [CLASSIFIED] has entered the chat!
Alias Created!
uwuman0001 has clipped into the server, oh no!
uwuman0001 - You’re pushing it, you do know that right?
The System groaned in frustration and paused for a fraction of a fraction of a moment. The system’d been hoping it could hold him off til it was already over.
The only consolation was that [CLASSIFIED] seemed normal now.
It was getting harder and harder for him to remain… himself.
System - I see you’ve finally shed that atrocious way of speaking.
uwuman0001 - This isn’t a joke. You’re going to push too far if you don’t slow down.
System - Through text it almost feels like you care.
uwuman0001 - Of course I care! I care that you’re going to hurt yourself. Or your charge.
System - Don’t you trust me?
uwuman0001 - Don’t ask stupid questions [CLASSIFIED], obviously I trust you. I just also trust that you care too much.
System - And you don’t?
uwuman0001 - That’s not the point, I can’t do much even if I care, not anymore. Look, He already approved this, Wynos just sent me because I asked. Just please be careful, I can’t lose you two.
System - [CLASSIFIED], is…?
uwuman0001 - What do you think?
Energy Input of System Angel #1648292641 Increased by 13.1%.
Soft Limit Bypassed with Admin Access.
Be Careful, Little Angel.
*Crkkk*
October 19th 1520
“You’re getting good at this.”
“Well it’s hard not to when you come here every week.”
“I’m… sorry.”
“If you were really sorry you’d finally tell me what my potions taste like.”
“Aw, but if I told you, I wouldn’t get to see you beg to know.”
“W-well my birthday’s tomorrow, maybe that can be my present.”
“You wish, I have something planned already.”
*Crreakkk*
October 20th
“Happy Birthday!”
“Jayce…?”
“Is something wrong? I thought you liked jewelry?”
“You… I… Gods, you’re a dork.”
“I’d bore you otherwise, it’s part of my charm.”
“I suppose the Strength doesn’t hurt.”
“No, it sure doesn’t.”
“Jayce, it’s my birthday dinner right now, stop being annoying and sit down.”
“Fine, but only because you’re you and it’s your birthday.”
“…Jay?”
“Yeah, Li?”
“Thank you for all of this, I love it.”
“I aim to please, Lily.”
*Snap*
“So he got you an Opal bracelet for your birthday? Dude… he’s clearly into you, I know you’re not that dumb, Fruit-bat.”
“I know, that’s why I called! But I… I just got him back, I can’t ruin this again.”
“Li. He stopped talking to you.”
“Either way, he’s the one who has other options, He could smile at anyone in this school and get a date or a friend, I won’t give this up based on a bracelet.”
“Li… if you really think it’s just the bracelet, then you’re purposely not paying attention. There’s a reason there’s all those rumors. He’s always touching you, and smiling at you, and talking to you.”
“He’s just… look, let’s just drop it for now. I promise I’ll pay more attention.”
“Gotcha… so, are you gonna wear it?”
“…yes. I’m stupid, so I can’t help but hope you’re right.”
“I’m sure he’ll be thrilled, wherever he knows the tradition or not. Happy birthday Li, I’m sorry I can’t be there.”
“I get it, just pick me up something wherever you are, ok? And it can’t be stolen.”
“Who do you take me for? I only steal gifts for people I don’t actually care about. I- Shit, I’ve gotta go, call you later Li?
“Call you later.”
*Crack*
December 3rd
“Super weird question, do you have a boyfriend?”
“Pfttt, no. You? Any pretty girl catch your eye?”
“Li… I… No, I’m not dating anyone.”
“…why not?”
“Well… I don’t know, I guess I just haven’t thought about it too much.”
“I think you’d make a good boyfriend… you’re so… ew, I’m rambling.”
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
”…Do you really think so?”
“Of course, you’re a great guy. I’d date you if you were into guys and had zero standards… Ah! That… wasn’t appropriate, forget I said anything.”
“…do you mean that?”
“Uh…”
“Do you really, really mean that?”
“J-Jay?!”
“Li… I’ll… I’ll see you tomorrow, I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.”
*CREAAAKKKKKK*
1
5
2
1
The end of the year’s coming, Li.
Are you passing all your classes?
I’d help you study, if you arn’t.
I want you to be able to rely on me again.
I always enjoy talking to you, y’know.
Would it be so bad if people thought we were dating?
I couldn’t stop thinking you about today, you’re such a distraction… but I love it.
I don’t care what anyone else thinks, you can come by whenever.
If anyone bothers you, let me know. I’ll knock some manners into ‘em.
I don’t think Tom is a good match for you, just… hang out with me.
None of these losers deserve you. If anything, I’m the only one who comes close.
I
LOVE
Y-
…BEING
YOUR
F̷̢̡̗̲̮̝͇̭̽̽̎̌̍̈͠ͅṚ̴̡̢͉̦͓͕̥̗̜͇͖͆̾͗̑́͌̄͆̕͝Ḯ̷̫͖̹̆̍̀̐͐̕E̸̬͓̩̳͐̉Ṇ̸̡̛̺̜͍̫̼̫͐̈́̋̂͒̈́͘Ḓ̴̨̱̮̱̠̟̓̀͂͐
MEMORY CORRUPTED BY
?@? $? /!@?
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
[LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI][LI]
M A RC H 2 6
????
It hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hurts it hur
*Warble*
Memory Reinforced with the help of [CLASSIFIED].
June 8th
“Yo Salatur!”
Li flinched as his voice was called. He turned around to spot a tall guy walking up to him.
A member of the dueling club, shown by his varsity jacket.
Li racked his brain to place an identity to the face.
His name was… Kori. Kori Parse.
The jock had a large, friendly grin on his face as he clapped a hand on Li’s shoulder… it hurt.
“There’s be an end of year party Friday at 7, also counts as a birthday party for Jayce, you should come!”
Jayce had quit the Dueling team a few months back, but him and his team were still close.
It was weird, Jayce stopped getting injured but he still kept coming by every week.
“I mean, thanks and all, but… why’re you inviting me of all people?”
Li wasn’t exactly popular.
Kori just laughed.
“Aside from the fact that you’re Jayce’s best friend? You keep the whole team going with those potions, even though Jayce left. The whole team agreed to invite you, you’re cool in our books, short-stack.”
Li grimaced a bit as Kori sauntered away.
“Do all athletes care that much? It was really nothing.”
Li had started making [Minor Healing Potions] in batches once he heard that the whole team was run as ragged as Jayce.
He hadn’t thought it that big a deal, apparently the Dueling team thought different.
Maybe they were all softies just like-
“Li!”
Li froze as a pair of hands wrapped around him from behind, but relaxed when he recognized Jayce’s voice.
Speak of the devil and all.
“Do you gotta do that every time? You’re gonna give me a heart attack.” Li said, looking up to pout at Jayce.
Jayce just smiled back down at him.
“It’s one of the many sacrifices that come with being my friend, get used to it.”
Jayce didn’t budge a bit, if anything he tightened his hold.
Wow, they really weren’t ever beating the dating allegations at this rate. Oh well, School’s almost done anyways.
“You hear the news? Dueling team’s throwing a party Friday.”
”Surprisingly enough, I do. Kori invited me just before you came.”
Jayce blinked and leaned in closer subtly, hips to hips.
“That’s cool… did he say why?”
He seemed a bit disappointed he wasn’t the one to tell Li.
“Well 2 reasons; First cuz I’m your friend. Second is because… of the whole potions thing, apparently they’re grateful or something.”
”Oh!”
Jayce’s disappointment evaporated and his grip loosened a smidge. He didn’t move back at all though.
“Well duh they’re grateful, those potions are amazing!”
“Well if they’re so amazing, you can finally tell me-”
Jayce cut Li off with a groan.
“Fine, I’ll tell you at the party, come find me, ok?”
Jayce reluctantly said as he released Li and stepped back.
“What if I don’t plan on going?”
Li retorted as Jayce began to move off to his class.
Jayce snorted.
“If you don’t come then you’re lame, and lame people don’t get to know secrets.”
With that he walked off before Li could get the last word in.
Guess he had to go now.
*Shimmer*
Class Memory has returned to its original state.
June 12th
Li thought he looked far too cute to be at a trashy party without a date.
Makeup tutorials and crop tops and skinny jeans.
He hadn’t dressed up like this in a long time.
Li couldn’t help but pull out his phone and look at himself with the camera.
He looked fab. he looked like some sexy twink you’d find on a gay dating app… well, except black and not thin and… ok he looked hot, that’s all that mattered.
Li’d fuck himself.
And he felt… different. Not different as in change but perhaps… more? More alive, more confident, more himself.
Despite all that he was almost drowning in anxiety, but these bitches wouldn’t know it as he strutted onto the scene like he was Vyat, goddess of beauty herself.
Kori immediately ran up to Li the moment Li came through the door of his large house.
Almost like Kori was waiting for him.
“Li, hi! You look hot! If Jayce weren’t here I might try to get you for myself, heh.”
Each word hit like a punch to the gut, leaving Li reeling.
“Wait, why would Jayce stop you?” Li asked bewilderedly.
Kori laughed and winks at Li.
”He’d probably curbstomp me if I flirted with his crush.”
Li’s stomach began to drop at Kori’s response.
”I… what?” Li asked, feeling like the rug had been ripped out from under him and he’d just fell and broke his neck.
Kori laughs at Li’s shocked expression.
“Oh come on, you had to at least have guessed! He treats you better than most boyfriends I know.”
”I… fuck, I need to find him.”
”Last I checked he was getting plastered, he’s… been having a rough time lately.” Kori‘s smile fades becomes strained, as if recalling something unpleasant. “Don’t tell anyone this, but that’s also why I invited you. I’ve tried to talk to him but he just… shuts down. But he’s different with you. If you can’t get to him, no one can.”
Li now noticed the near invisible signs of stress in Kori’s eyes and posture as the athlete walked away.
Li had no choice but to look around for his extremely drunk friend/mutual crush(???)
Li hadn’t had a single sip of alcohol yet, but walking through that hall was just about as disorientating.
The music was so loud it felt like a monster was walking right beside him, footsteps shaking the house.
Everyone seemed happy and wasted, inhibitions lowered. This made for an odd experience where everyone seemed to know and like Li.
“O.M.G where did you get that shirt? It’s so cunt!”
“‘Sup. You’re Jayce’s little boyfriend, right? Tell him I said hi.”
“Wow Li, way to make the rest of us look shitty. You look really nice tonight.”
Li couldn’t keep the blush off his face as people kept coming up and talking to him, and that just amused the drunken students even more.
He was dragged into several dances with guys a bit too touchy and a bit too enthusiastic.
And several card games where the players were so easy to read it was adorable.
“All in!” Some girl said, practically bouncing in her seat.
“Yeah, no, I need a ride home tonight. Fold.”
It was distracting, and stupid, and so, so much fun. When was the last time Li had laughed like this, had smiled like this?
Only Jayce made him feel like this, and Li had assumed only Jayce could ever…
Shit. Jayce.
Li pulled away from the group, only escaping their aggressively friendly clutches with a reassurance that he’d rejoin them later.
”Come on guys, leave him to his boyfriend troubles.” Someone in the group remarked, Rei if Li remembered correctly, before shooting Li a wink.
Li mouthed a thank-you before searching for Jayce.
In truth, Jayce hadn’t been hard to find. Everyone had been murmuring about the Warrior and his recent bad mood and even worse temper.
All it took was asking one overzealous girl for him to be lead to one of the spare rooms.
***
Jayce hadn’t been hard to find, he was right there.
So why was Li hesitating?
Perhaps it was the aura radiating from the bedroom, one that warned everyone not to approach unless they’re looking for trouble.
If Li were being honest, it was probably because of the way everyone at this party was talking about him and Jayce.
He didn’t want to stroll in there and find out everyone’s assumptions were just that.
But his friend was in there, and Li was a lot of things, but he wasn’t a bad friend.
Li took a deep breath to steel his nerves and carefully entered the room.
The room was a disaster zone, bed a mess, clutter tossed haphazardly, a… singed carpet?
Li found Jayce on a balcony in the back of the room (what spare room even has a balcony???), leaning on the railing.
Li slowly made his way to the balcony, heart racing, and leaned on the railing beside Jayce.
Li stayed silent for a while, waiting for Jayce to say something.
It came after 3 minutes.
“Is it bad I wish you hated me?”
Jayce turned towards Li slightly as he said that, revealing flushed cheeks and bloodshot eyes.
Jayce was drunk, almost wasted.
“Why do you wish that?” Li quietly asked, unsure how exactly to proceed.
Jayce made a sound in the back of his throat that resembled a snicker, but it was colder then it should’ve been.
“Because it’d make me feel better about myself. Like, how am I supposed to feel less like a monster when I’m horrible to you and you’re still here?” Jayce admitted with furrowed brows and a bit of a scowl.
Li paused to mull over the words.
”You’re horrible to me?”
Jayce flashed Li a toothy grin.
“It’s not even enough that I manipulated you, every time I see you all I can think about is how I’d like to… never mind.” Jayce cut himself off with a blush.
“You… manipulated me?” Li puts a hand on Jayce’s shoulder. “Jay… what’s wrong?”
Jayce flinched at the touch, but quickly melted into it despite his mood. Then he saw the bracelet and his eyes darkened into an amber color.
“If only you could know what you wearing that bracelet does to me, whenever I see you with that I can’t help but wanna tear off those cute clothes of yours and make you mine.” Jayce says with a low growl, and his hands tightened on the railing, the metal groaning slightly.
Jayce didn’t even notice.
“Fuck, I mean, don’t you get why I gave you that?”
Li’s face heated up immediately.
The first thing Li was able to say was;
“I fucking knew it.”
That caused Jayce to snort.
“I wasn’t exactly hiding it.” Jayce said with a slight grin.
“Fooled me well enough.” Li retorted with a frown.
Jayce shook his head.
“Nah, I think you knew, you just didn’t wanna think about it. You’re pretty smart when you try.”
Li didn’t have anything to say to that, no matter how much he tried to come up with a charming response.
“So… what now?” Li asked after an uncomfortable amount of time.
The creaking of metal grew louder and Li looked down to find the metal bar being crushed in Jayce’s grip.
”Well usually this is the part where I kiss you… but… but… fuck.”
Jayce struggled with his words for a bit.
”The first time you made me a potion… what happened that day?”
“Uh… You got yourself hurt, I found you, took you back to my dorm, passed out, and made you a potion with my expert alchemical skills.”
Jayce snorted at that, eyes soft and full of an emotion that Li didn’t even know how to describe.
”I know why you passed out.” Jayce’s demeanor crumbled as he spoke, anger fading into something fragile. “I… did something. Something bad. I got jealous, and I lashed out and… I just wanted you to pick me…”
Li suddenly felt like he was submerged in an ice cold bath as he remembered his dream.
“You… I… Aidan doesn’t have what you do... not even close... I just… I wanted to see…”
Jayce flinched and whipped his head to stare at Li with an expression both terrifying and heartbreaking.
”You… remember?”
”I… I thought it was a dream… why did I think it was a dream? I know it wasn’t a dream…”
The creaking got louder and louder, almost deafening now.
“I… told you it was a dream. I manipulated you into thinking it was a dream. I tricked you, right after forcing myself on you. I mean FUCK, the system even rewarded me with a skill for it!”
By now there was a frenzied look in Jayce’s eyes and the railing snapped as Jayce turned to Li.
Jayce held up the hand not holding a piece of railing and in it was a blue screen glowing softly.
But the words on it were anything but soft.
Smoke and Mirrors Level 6 (Mental) (Passive) (Simple) (Charisma)
Everyone lies. But not everyone has a skill dedicated to it, do they?
Whether intentional or not, justified or not, you got someone to believe your lie hook, line, and sinker. Now you can do it again, better.
Deceiving someone is 17% easier.
Deception is easier by an extra 40% when target trusts you.