Mike

3 weeks had passed since 'The Dot' had appeared, and just yesterday, the entirety of the T's and C's had finally been typed out. It was massive, to say the least. How the world leaders had agreed to it in 6 hours was beyond comprehension. The 'Livari' must have been really persuasive...

In any event, news had finally caught onto the development of what was called 'The Link'. Apparently, there were around 3000 human teens all over the globe, between the ages of 15 and 17 that reported having it. It didn't do anything though, other than the offer to become a 'Chosen' and the countdown timer, which currently sat at [8 D, 15 H, 38 M]. As Mike lay there scrolling, he, along with a number of others, found it interesting that so far it seemed that not even a single person had accepted it as of yet. The 'Chosen' website had essentially become a relatively close-knit community in the preceding weeks, as they connected and discussed what to do going forward, along with the various sections of the 'Agreement'. They were called the 'Chosen' or the 'Attuned', depending on some obscure context. And they were known only to our circles, also as the First Wave.

I guess that means more people will become 'Chosen' in the future.

The 'Compensation' and 'Gifts' sections were the most popular of course, and why wouldn't they be? The possibility of riches beyond what most of them had ever dreamed of was incredibly appealing. Not to mention that they would be earning it by using magic powers!

Compensation would be subsidized by the Livari themselves for the next 10 years, with their currency, 'Lithrum', being integrated into Earth's economies. Apparently, there would be a magical way to 'purchase goods' on Earth...and beyond.

That part was incredibly popular too. It was clear that practically no 'domestic' work would be done for the foreseeable future on Earth, which meant that any 'duties' they performed wouldn't be at home.

I'll be on another planet! Or spaceship! It doesn't really matter which, cause it's not Earth! I'll be somewhere else!

Mike had gradually warmed up to the idea of becoming a 'Chosen', after several more visits to Joe and a literal career counseling session, he'd realized that before now, he'd never been particularly 'passionate' about anything. Sure, he wanted to be a good person, maybe help some people, live a good life, and so on, but now...

The counselor had said "It's not unusual not to know what you'd like to do with your life, but unlike other teens, you've got a chance to do something incredible. If you are indeed one of these 'Chosen', you'll get to see places no other human being ever will, assist a galactic community of different alien species, be granted 'magic powers', likely be well paid, and have financial security, all whilst living a life billions of people will only be able to dream of. Even though there is a chance you may be called in to 'The defense of the Livari Commonwealth', if I understand the clause correctly, unless there is a galaxy-ending event occurring, you won't be assigned to anything you aren't capable of handling."

"Michael, the choice is yours, but this is a chance for you to see, do, and be so much more than anything Earth could have possibly offered you a month ago. This is the first time I ever get to say this, but I think you should pursue a vocation...in becoming a Chosen."

That was when it had truly struck him, the enormity of what was being offered him. What bugged him wasn't the benefits, obviously. A galactic community must have had an insane amount of resources at their disposal. No, it was how much he didn't know. There was so much obscurity, grey areas, possible loopholes, and so much more that had been highlighted, then later answered by a new segment, and then flagged again when a new portion had been summarized. Nothing had changed since the countdown timer, no matter how much anyone messed with it, or mentally tried to change it.

The Livari clearly want something from us, but now it just feels like they're being so...

• Link Announcement •

...distant. Mike sat upright on his bed.

* A courtesy has been extended to all First Wave Attuned. It has been noted that due to the somewhat obscure nature of the Agreement and its clauses, as well as the lack of context regarding them, much confusion and trepidation has arisen concerning the Link, your Gifts, and your subsequent futures should you choose to accept the Agreement. •

* A summary of each concern will be addressed. Firstly, the clause regarding the Duties of the Chosen concerning assistance in wars or emergencies. This clause explicitly states that one 'may or may not' be called upon. The context for this clause is rooted in the choice of the Chosen to participate or not. Your species as a whole is indeed beholden unto the Commonwealth and its interests, however, the Chosen inhabit a whole other niche of societal status. As honorary Commonwealth citizens, Chosen enjoy the privilege of refusing to participate in endeavors that they decide they either cannot or will not agree to for whatever reason. This privilege is not limitless, and is also subject to several different conditions depending on previous services rendered, gift type, and proficiency, to name a few. Each of these will be further discussed upon intention to accept the Agreement. •

* Secondly, Gifts are not distributed to Chosen. Rather, they are 'genetically unlocked', to use your language's terminology. Each Chosen will have a specific Gift that they will exhibit upon acclimation to the Link and the acceptance of the Agreement. The Chosen may or may not display similar Gifts to one another, though this is not by design. This will be further elaborated upon during Academy Training. •

* Thirdly, pertains to what one can expect going forward should you choose to accept the Agreement. This has been the greatest source of trepidation for many. Upon accepting the agreement, you will not automatically become a Chosen. This cannot be further elaborated upon for the purpose of discretion at this time. Once you commit to the Agreement in full, the Link will become fully active to you for the rest of your life. Based upon your genome and Gift potential, you will be told the name of your gift, and given a number of choices with regards to your future, like how you would like to proceed with your magic, what attributes you aspire to, and further such choices. Beyond the initial induction to the Link, your new life as a Chosen will begin. For safety sake, we cannot disclose the location at this time, but you will be transported to an Academy, where you will learn to develop your powers, grow stronger, and become educated individuals. Your magical education would not be served in your current schools. You will, of course, be allowed to visit home, though the frequency of this visitation is subject to one's proficiency at the academy. •

• Lastly, it has been decided that the gravity of this opportunity ought to be impressed upon you. •

At that rather sassy statement, the text stopped, and a dull thud rang in Mike's ears.

Ow! What the...

"Hello, Michael."

Mike froze

It's the voice from that day...when I thought I was gonna die from pain!

The sweet melodic voice rang through his mind, although this time it didn't hurt nearly as much as the first 2 times

"It seems you are well on your way towards becoming a Chosen!" She said in his mind excitedly."You ought to know that this is an opportunity like no other, and no matter what anyone says, you are truly an honor to your people! That so many kids like you wanted to be a part of this is a testament to what my dear Humanity has to offer this Galaxy! Sheer grit, determination, and a drive to succeed no matter what."

Mike stood up, looking around his room to make sure this wasn't some prank.

Wait a minute, can I talk to this thing? Who the hell are they? Why is it in my head, and why has there been no mention of it anywhere on the forums? Why...

A chiming giggle rippled across his mind, "Oh Michael, so many questions! I knew I'd like you! Might I call you Mike?"

Mike's brain felt like it was short-circuiting.

The voice...it...she talks. And I can 'talk' back?

"Indeed!"

Mike felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. She was in his head.

I'll never have a private moment again. I'm doomed. Farewell, cruel world!

"Relax Michael, there's no need to panic. You are a dramatic one, aren't you! The only way I desire to be 'in your head' is for communication. I wish to be no more privy to your memories or thoughts than you want me to be. The moment you don't think 'at me', I won't sense anything from you."

Mike didn't buy it.

I have no way of knowing you're telling the truth though! You could just be saying all this to put my mind at ease. I...

He felt a sigh coming from his mind, but not his mind.

"So paranoid. Sweetie, I truly mean you no harm, and I really shouldn't jump the gun even more than I already have, but if you like, I can jump-start you on how to 'block me out' if you like. I promise you'll be able to tell the difference."

Mike was hesitant, what was she after? Why was she so insistent on gaining his trust like this?...

Alright then, teach me.

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"That's the spirit! Alright, so this is skipping over so many fundamentals, but basically, I'm going to jump-start your 'magic-sense', are you ready?"

As ready as I'll ever be, I guess. Mike felt like he was floundering in waters he had no way of describing.

Then, with what felt like an electric jolt through his body, he realized he'd been living his life in a state of complete and utter ignorance.

"How's that?" She asked slyly.

Suddenly, the world became...alive. Every color became more than it was before, swirling streams of differing shades shifted and danced all around him, almost everywhere!

What...is all this!? As he sat back down on the edge of his bed, he looked at the world around him, it felt like he was experiencing every color and sight for the very first time.

"This, sweetie, is magic. But this is a bit too much for you right now, so close your eyes."

Reluctant to do so, Mike humored her.

"Now that you're not focused on your sight, what do you sense?"

Mike felt his attention turn inwards now that the breathtaking view had vanished. His immediate sense was that there was something familiar about what he was feeling, just more intense.

Wait! The buzzing right after the first time at the pool, the intense buzzing! That's what I'm sensing, pretty potently too.

"Good, that's your magic sweetie! Now, I want you to focus on your mind. What do you sense?"

Mike focused as instructed, and almost unbidden, an image appeared.

Hmmm, I sense my brain? It feels like it's pulsing though, and that streams of light are going out from it and around it... wait, there's another stream, but it's only flowing inwards, is that...

"My stream! Indeed! That's me linking my consciousness to yours via magic, so we can communicate. Now, to show you I don't mean to ruin your life, picture that stream being interrupted somehow, whatever works for you. Once you've done that, open it back up."

Mike focused on what felt like a 6th sense, 'looking' at the 'streams' around his mind, and 'reaching' for the only stream that was 'entering' his mind. He tried 'grabbing' it, but that did nothing. He then tried 'moving' it, to no avail.

How do I interrupt something that feels rock-solid?

"I suppose I could give you a hint. What you're attempting to do is manipulate the stream from the outside. Try blocking it, this time from the inside."

Mike didn't quite understand, but he 'approached' his brain, and this time entered inside it. He suddenly felt more 'in control' than before. There he saw the foreign stream entering his mind, almost as if through a gap. Mike 'approached' the gap, and this time, raised his 'hand' up mentally against it to block the stream.

He immediately felt different. More private. It felt as if a presence he hadn't even realized he'd been feeling had disappeared. Against his 'hand' though, he felt a 'prodding', almost as if...

He 'moved' away from the 'gap' the stream had come through before, but instead of blocking it or allowing it to roam freely, he 'held' it. That was when he realized that everything he was 'seeing' in his mind's eye, he was also feeling, or 'sensing'. It now felt as though he was controlling what the stream could and couldn't access in his mind.

"Oh my, you truly are a natural dear! Of course, you made the process far harder than it needed to be, but you managed it nonetheless, congratulations! You now control what I receive from you, and vice versa!"

Mike felt a rush, almost as if he was lightheaded, and opened his eyes. Gone were the vibrant colors and harsh buzzing, replaced by what now felt like dull and lifeless colors. He was feeling giddy, like he'd just mastered a really tough piece of music, or finally kicked a ball through that pair of posts he'd struggled all his life with. Goosebumps shot up his arms and down his legs, he felt...Free!

He sensed her wanting to speak, and 'received' her in his mind. "Well, sweetie, how do you feel?"

He felt... Honestly, like I just conquered the world! Like...just wow! Is this...normal? For magic-users, or Chosen, or whatever? I feel so alive! I miss the colors though, I guess you took that away?

"Yes, Michael. Strictly speaking, what I did was somewhat of a 'breach' of contract, but I've already done that with you a little before, so I felt, why not!"

Mike was still reeling from the experience. I'm definitely not complaining, thank you so much! That was the best 'magical test drive' ever! Mike exclaimed at her before pausing what she'd said.

Wait, you said you 'breached' the contract with me...before? What does that mean exactly?

Mike felt a pause coming from the stream. "Well Mike, I'm sure you noticed that the 'forums' you're so fond of browsing never once mentioned a 'voice' did they?"

Mike had noticed that and kept quiet about it. Joe and he had decided to keep it on the down-low for now since no one else had spoken about it.

Yeah, also, no one else mentioned passing out from mind-numbingly unbearable pain. Mike never knew he'd be able to convey emotions like 'miffed' at someone through his mind like this. Apparently, she wasn't as surprised as he was.

"Michael, I must apologize. It seems your transformation required a much more taxing and painful process than most. Actually, more than anyone." She sounded apologetic.

Wait, transformation? Why though?

She paused for a second time during their conversation. Then with what felt like a smile, said, "Wouldn't you like to know. Apologies sweetie, but it seems I'm being rather giving today, but I haven't received anything in return. After all, you have yet to sign the Agreement, and I already gave you a glimpse of what you can expect."

Mike was surprised at the denial. True, I suppose. Fine, but could I ask a few more questions, at least about you?

"Of course, dear, fire away!" she replied with what felt like glee.

He didn't really know where to start when he had a million questions.

Do you...have a name?

"Why of course! Those who first met me knew me as 'Eh-retz'. Some do still today as well, though to simplify, you can call me Eris if you like."

Well, that's...a beautiful name. The original one. It sounds...

"Unique?"

...yeah, something like that. I can't say it so great though, so I'll just stick to Eris, if you don't mind. Oh, and uh, I remember you asked, but you can call me Mike.

A flood of warmth was channeled through the stream between them. "I'm pleased to meet you, Mike." She sounded giddy.

Likewise. He thought back. By the way, I just realized I have no idea 'what' you are. Like, I assume you're not human, since you know about magic and stuff, and we were told the Livari would start our classes if we joined, but...are you...

"Not Human? Not of this world? Yes."

Mike was somewhat taken aback at her eagerness to answer him. Oh, okay, thanks. I can tell you don't wanna hurt me or whatever, and you were busy trying to tell me things before I freaked out, sorry about that by the way. I'm sure you're busy chatting to a lot of people, but if you still wanna tell me, please go ahead.

"Well, to be perfectly honest Mike, I spoke with you to convince you to join us and accept the Agreement. You've heard of the Quest, yes?"

Mike had no trouble recalling the term. Yeah, I know it's like, your 'highest calling' or something like that if you're a Chosen.

"That is correct, but it's also so much more than that. I can't yet go into details, however, let's just say that in your case, you would be uniquely suited to the Quest. Now, we aren't quite 'desperate' per se, but I also wouldn't be lying if I told you that we need you, Mike.

Mike didn't think he could be more shocked after today, and yet...

Wait, you want me? Like, specifically?

"Yes, Mike. In fact, to us, not having you would perhaps be one of the worst outcomes we could imagine, for a number of reasons you'll be privy to. Should you join, of course."

Mike felt sceptical. Look, I joke a lot about being lucky and all, but how can I be that useful to you guys if I apparently needed more help than most to even become one of you in the first place?

A humorous grin colored her words "Mike, there's so much wrong with your assumptions, but I truly can't say more than I already have."

Mike had so much more he wanted to ask, but clearly, this was a dead end for now.

Alright, sorry. Um... Oh, the Academy! Is it gonna be like actual school? Or something entirely different?

He paused.

Like, will it be like Herry Pot...

What sounded like a full-on belly laugh echoed through their connection. "Oh, I love it when I'm right! I knew you'd ask that! But no. No brooms, no wands, no failed incantations to turn rats yellow." She ended with what felt like a smile, which quickly turned sour.

"Also, it's nothing like 'normal' school." She said with disgust. "Unlike the primitive factory worker, cookie-cutter, mind-sapping, idiotic, propagandist nonsense you're used to, you'll be receiving an education unlike any other! Think of it like when you play the Assassin's Oath game, and you learn more about the French Revolution than you ever did from a history book in school. That's the difference, except, with everything." She said smugly.

Mike was blown away. She was really speaking to his soul with her little rant. What could truly be the utility of knowing the properties of an obtuse angle? In real life? Also, surely there were better ways of learning 'Critical thinking', as those know-it-alls like to call it, than by parrot learning some math formula you'd forget about the next day.

I have to ask, this may be stupid, but...are we gonna be playing games in school then?

Their connection was basically buzzing at this point, from both their ends. "Not in exactly the way you think, but yes, you will be. Also, it will all be based on your particular Gift. Classes will be tailored and geared towards you becoming the best Chosen you can possibly be."

Mike was feeling... Surprisingly excited! This was gonna be epic! Like, seriously...

Reality clicked back into place right then as he heard Aunty Lauren open the front door and call out, saying she was home. Right. He was home, in his room, just a regular guy with Grade 10 around the corner. No real aspirations, no real talents, apart from being lucky as a leprechaun. His life now seemed so... Bleak.

On the other hand...

He peered inside his own mind, feeling the connection there between him and Eris.

"Mike, I don't want to tell you this, but I'd be remiss not to. If you don't decide to join us and become a Chosen, which is your right of course, you will not be allowed to keep your magic, your connection to me, or your opportunity to go to the Academy. We gave you a month to decide, and you now have a week left, after some special explaining as the First Wave. Humanity is not yet ready to become a magical society in totality. However, I will let slip a little tidbit just for you."

Mike felt like a precipice was approaching, and he had a choice to make.

"The reason why, in the First Wave, none of you have accepted the Agreement yet, and why most of you get along so well, is because those of the First Wave, apart from billions of others, represent the very best humanity has to offer. In other words, you are all the 'Cream of the Crop'. Honorable, earnest, honest, responsible, and you all have a strong sense of justice. You aren't shaken easily by trial and difficulty, and you all have the greatest natural affinity for magic too."

Mike's head was spinning now. That's why he was chosen? Because he was... What, a good person?

Eris, I'm flattered, truly, but I think you got the wrong guy. I'm really lazy, and I spend most of my days playing games. I've wasted my life away doing nothing of importance. I'm... I'm an absolute loser.

Mike felt like that admission would be it for him. It broke him to admit it, but he was nothing special. The only thing 'special' about him was... he had no parents.

Eris paused at his admission. "And that is precisely why you're perfect for this."

Hah, because I'm a loser?

"Because you don't think you're better than anyone else, amongst other things."

What do you mean?

"All in good time Mike, but I think that's enough food for thought for now, don't you?" She finished with what felt like a grin.

Mike wasn't feeling particularly upbeat after his admission. In fact, he felt more pathetic than ever.

Well, thank you for the chat Eris, you cleared up a lot for me. I honestly don't see what you see, but I'm seriously going to consider this, thanks to you.

Mike had a ton to consider, and he wanted to see what happened on the forums after this too. He felt a sense of community there.

"Does an ant understand the complexity of an elephant? Neither can you fathom just how much potential you truly have Mike." She said encouragingly. "I enjoyed speaking with you today, truly. I hope to hear from you again soon. One last thing before I leave you to your pondering, though."

Mike felt emotionally and mentally exhausted from the exchange and doubted anything would truly surprise him anymore.

"You're actually the only one I spoke to today."

With that, the connection dimmed.

Mike was wrong. He still had plenty of room for surprise.

"Wait, what!?" He exclaimed out loud.

"Mike, what have I told you about shouting at your games?" Aunty Lauren shouted down the passage.

For not the first or the last time since this countdown had started, three words went through Mike's mind.

What. The. Hell.