Mike
(Mike's House)
Mike went to get the door once it rang and was pleasantly surprised to see the whole Frakes family yell 'Surprise!' as he opened it. With just an hour to go until his timer ran out and he was 'whisked' away, seeing them arrive with cake, chips, and soda was possibly the sweetest gesture he could have thought up. When Lauren and Ray appeared behind him, beaming from ear to ear as Mike ushered the Frakes in, Mike knew that they'd organized this send-off.
Emma stuck with her mom, as Mary and Lauren began dishing out the goodies and Ray and Nathan caught up boisterously. Joe, carrying his backpack as usual, thumped Mike in the gut as was a customary greeting for them, though this time it was Joe who recoiled nursing his wrist.
"Damn Mike, what are you hiding under there, a brick wall? Sheesh!" Joe commented slyly. He'd been tugging on Mike's soul for the last few days ever since they'd applied Mike's attributes and skills. He and Mike had gone through the list once they'd come inside after their escapades experimenting with Mike's new Wisp while Mike was visiting Joe.
* * * * *
(Joe's house, 3 days prior)
Once they'd finished looking at the Gift page, it had shut down Mike's power, and the Wisp winked out, much to their chagrin. No matter what Mike tied, he couldn't activate it again. Nonplussed but still determined, they then moved on to Mike's Attributes, which he read out loud once again for Joe's benefit.
• Welcome to your Attributes page. Here you will view and enhance your current attributes. The base stats, bar magic, for a healthy average human being are 3, with 4 being exceptional for a human being of your particular stature, and 5 being what you consider 'Olympic-level'. These are your Attributes •
• Strength: 4
• Dexterity: 3
• Stamina: 4
• Durability: 2
• Intelligence: 3
• Charisma: 4
• Magic: 1
• Would you like an explanation of each Attribute before assigning your points? Y/N
"Firstly, it's super unfair that you get a chart showing you exactly what your strengths and weaknesses are. Secondly, you're OP dude, what the hell!? Ballet is a cheat code to life, I swear! Though you definitely can't take a hit, and you're not much smarter than a normal guy, so that's good to know." Joe said grinning ear to ear while Mike looked at him blank-faced.
"Thirdly, this Link is really babying you, who doesn't know what those stats mean? I'd think it's self-explanatory if I'm being honest." Joe said folding his arms
Mike rolled his eyes at the assessment.
"Not everyone grows up a nerd like us playing RPGs since they could read. Besides, this won't necessarily follow all the rules and logic we're used to. Better safe than sorry!" Mike said, mentally pressed 'Y' as they carried on.
• Strength •
• The attribute tied closely with raw physical power and the ability to use it. Strength includes the characteristics of endurance and physical attack power. The higher your strength, the more capable your feats of strength become, and the more able you are at dealing physical damage.
• Dexterity •
• The attribute that determines one's speed, reflexes, and overall physical capabilities. Dexterity includes the characteristics of flexibility, reaction time, mental processing speed, and fine motor and body control. The more dexterity one has, the faster one can make decisions, take action, and execute movements. One's physical flexibility and bodily mastery also increase.
• Stamina •
* A self-explanatory attribute that relates to one's ability to sustain physical activity for any given period of time. An increase in stamina allows the use of one's full exertion for an extended period of time before one's abilities begin to wane in effectiveness.
• Durability •
* A subjective attribute. Depending on the multiple substrates within this attribute and one's Gift, this attribute determines one's ability to use your Gift effectively. It relates most accurately to one's ability to take and deal physical damage, whether through external or internal forces. It is the backbone of all physical attributes. For example, without an equally high physical durability, a high strength attribute might become dangerous to the wielder, due to an inability of the body to deal with the feedback of its use. The same applies to Dexterity. One example might be trying to throw a punch, but one's arms shoot off your body in the process. A non-specific increase in Durability enhances one's general physical Durability.
• Intelligence •
* A somewhat self-explanatory yet complex attribute. One may wish to delve into the substrate of this attribute should you wish to advance it later. One's initial Intelligence count combines IQ, EQ, Creativity, Awareness, Knowledge, and any proficiency you may have with a given skill. A non-specific point increase in Intelligence will automatically be evenly distributed, and will only marginally increase all the facets of Intelligence, thus rendering the point much less effective.
• Charisma •
* The attribute that determines the efficacy of inter-personal interactions. Within Charisma are the sub-attributes of physical attractiveness, persuasiveness, diplomacy, congeniality, and in some advanced cases, mind control. Charisma scales partially with EQ as well.
• Magic •
* The final attribute, and depending on one's gift, the most important. Until one attains a Magic level of 4 and higher, Magic will remain a simple attribute, and remain unable to advance in complex ways, such as accessing the substrate of one's Gift in order to advance within a certain aspect of it. Once advanced, Magic will become its own category within the leveling system of the Link.
* Magic pertains to the practice, strength, and efficacy of one's Gift, such as it is derived from magic. Non-specific increases to Magic will be evenly distributed within the vast substrate of magic. It is recommended that one study this attribute in detail once Level 4 is attained, as this pertains to the innermost workings of your Gift, its effects, and your own ability to wield magic as a human being.
"Wow, talk about a long-winded explanation." Joe mused. "At least you can't say you don't know what to pick because you don’t understand it."
Mike looked a little nonplussed. "Yeah, I guess. Though it does give you a lot to think about. Like, what is and isn't important to me and my Gift, what should or shouldn't I pick, especially since my power is basically one big 'Unknown'." Mike shrugged his shoulders. "Well, guess we'll figure it out as we go.
Joe didn't let it show, but he was relieved Mike was feeling like himself again. Unfazed, in control, and thinking properly. "What does the rest say?" Joe asked curiously before Mike obliged him.
* All Attributes scale exponentially. All attributes can be increased without points through specific practice, though the efficacy of this practice diminishes exponentially as Attributes increase. All attributes have a layer of substrate, should you wish to increase specific aspects of an Attribute. All attribute changes will be implemented gradually, so as not to endanger the Chosen's body and/or Gift. You have 3 Attribute points remaining.
* Please select the attributes you would like to increase.
"Well, I think I should make up for my weaknesses at least," Mike said with an exaggerated sigh, "I'll have to make do with only 3 points. Wish I could arrive at school with a point up on the average dude in everything, but that would probably have been unfair." Mike muttered with a grin.
"More like you're gonna walk in like an enhanced tanky but lanky 16-year-old. Maybe you should think of beating someone up who looks weaker than you right away! You know, to establish dominance." Joe said offhandedly.
Mike gave Joe the side-eye. "Sure, 'cause that's the best way to start the rest of your magic life in the literal alien magic school. Can't think of a better way to do it, honestly." Mike said, dripping with sarcasm.
"Eh, was worth a shot." Joe mocked slyly. "So, what you gonna do?"
Mike looked over the chart. He selected Durability and slotted 2 points into it, then pondered opening Intelligence to look at the substrate, before deciding against it and simply adding 1 point into it.
• Congratulations, these are your new Attributes.
• Strength: 4
• Dexterity: 3
• Stamina: 4
• Durability: 4
• Intelligence: 4
• Charisma: 4
• Magic: 1
"I'm gonna go with the Durability and Intelligence. Dexterity I'd like to think I can level up by training a bit, but I honestly don't feel like getting pummelled repeatedly to up my Durability to a normal human level, that just sounds painful. Intelligence, well, I'd like to think I'm clever, but I guess not in all the ways that count. I'd rather not be an idiot who can't figure out what to do with his power. As it is, feel kinda stupid that I couldn't figure out what to do with my power or Wisp. Except burn stuff of course, but still." Mike rambled.
Joe input the stats into his tablet, drawing up the updated Attributes.
"I honestly think it's a solid pick dude. To each their own. Did you check out the substrate?" Joe ventured.
"No way man, I get the feeling that when I go down that rabbit hole, it's gonna look like code or something. We don't actually have any idea how to do all of this. Lemme do this for now, then wait until someone who knows what they're doing teaches us. It sounds like we'll be getting future chances to do this anyway." Mike said firmly
"Alright, well I would have upped my Strength and Durability if my stats looked like yours that is. I'd give anything to be freakishly strong! Hell, even as strong as you are right now. Totally jelly." Joe smirked.
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
Mike shook his head with a smile and mentally commanded Y to the selection.
* Welcome to the final page of your introduction to the Link, the Skills page. Here you can apply skill points, learn about your skills, and evolve your skills if possible. Unlike Attributes which are fundamental to you specifically, skills are somewhat like abilities one can learn and enhance through regular use and point allocation. Here you will also find your Magical Skills
• These are your Skills •
• Body Control: 4
• The ability to control one's body in a way that is superior to what most human beings can.
• Flexibility: 3
• The ability to move one's extremities into positions or uses that most human beings cannot attempt.
• Minor Enhanced reflexes: 2
• The ability to react quickly to physical stimuli once noticed.
• Next, you will find your Magical Skills •
• Magic Sense: 1
• Magic Sense is a self-explanatory skill that, upon enhancement, allows for the detection of various types of magic, and eventually magic skill detection and identification.
• Minor Magic Manipulation: 1
• A skill that allows the basic use of magic as a fundamental force. It is the building block to becoming a Sorcerer.
• Not all skills scale exponentially in strength, please refer to the substrate of each for more information. New skills can be acquired through training or experience.
• You have 3 skill points and 1 Magical skill point remaining. Please apply points to your skills, or wait until your next leveling event to apply them.
"Not a whole lot to choose from, you gonna wait?" Joe asked curiously.
"No way dude, if I can get a leg up on anyone else in even a little way, I won't be some nobody who hasn't got a clue what's going on and can pass a PE class." Mike stated firmly
"It's not like you ever struggled in PE to begin with, but hey, super-human is in vogue right now, so why not?" Joe grumbled half-heartedly with a smirk showing up to betray the fact that he'd been nerding out over everything Mike was going through right now.
Mike applied 2 skill points to minor reflexes, 1 to Flexibility, and his only magic skill point to Magic Sense.
* Congratulations, You have evolved your first skill. Minor Enhanced Reflexes has now become Enhanced Reflexes. This is the ability to react very quickly to physical stimuli. Augmented by Magic Sense.
"Whaaaat!? You see, this is the kind of nonsense 'Luck' brings you, Mike, you haven't even done anything yet, haven't set foot in the Academy and already you're evolving skills, my dude! If you don't become top of your class at least in practicals, I'll bully the link into teleporting me right to you just so I can beat your ass for slacking off! Don't worry about the written stuff, even your Intelligence attribute said you were an idiot, so eugh..hey!" Joe was interrupted by a gut jab.
"Don't lecture me about theory and practicals! When are you gonna do more than one lap around the field before huffing and puffing huh? If I come back and visit and see you've gained weight so help me, I'll convince the Livari to abduct your butt and use you for experiments. And before you even start, it won't be the pleasant kind!" Mike retorted.
"Well, I'm not the one going to magic school with a full 'Lucky' special attribute, and still getting worse grades than his magicless 'normie' friend!" Joe grinned, the volume of their exchange beginning to rise.
"Oi! Boys! It's nearly midnight, you can't be making so much noise." Mary scolded from the kitchen.
"Sorry mom…" Joe called back, before speaking to Mike in a more hushed tone. "I hope you're getting excited Mike, cause this…this is the future! Your future! You're basically leading the human race, let alone America! Your stats man, they have the makings of, as your attribute says, a Champion!" Joe finished with a gleam in his eyes.
Mike didn't know where to look as he bashfully muttered, "Thanks Joe, yeah man, believe me, I'm getting really excited here." he said grinning.
"Good! Okay, well, let's finish this up. What do the final skills look like?" Joe asked enthusiastically, to which Mike obliged.
• These are your new skills •
• Body Control: 4
• Flexibility: 4
• Enhanced Reflexes: 1
• These are your new magic skills •
• Magic Sense: 2
• Minor Magic Manipulation: 1
Mike stopped reading whilst Joe finished editing his chart of Mike's skills.
I can't shake the feeling that something's a little…off. My power's name, the Wisp, Eris helping me specifically, why? And what if…
"Hey, Joe?" Mike asked thoughtfully. "Call me paranoid, but do you think I should maybe not let people know what my power is, or at least not tell them all the things that have happened to me so far?"
Joe finished the chart and put his hand to his chin. "Hmmm, that's a good point, man. If I remember correctly, you told me Eris said that you all would be 'Honorable, earnest, and have a strong sense of justice right? So technically, those kinds of people should be people like you. Trustworthy and…good." Joe finished somewhat lamely.
Mike knew Joe very well, and unfortunately, Joe was not terribly good when it came to understanding people. Science, games, drawing, and magic? Yes. People?...not so much.
"I hope so Joe, I've just got a feeling that I need to be… cautious." Mike said with concern.
"Well, if you feel that strongly about it, play your cards close to the chest, and don't give away more than you're comfortable with. Simple!" Joe said confidently.
"Cool. Let's finish up with the Link and see what happens next." Mike ventured.
"Sounds like a plan." Joe agreed, picking up his tablet.
Mike brought back the page mentally and willed the Link to move on to whatever came next.
* This concludes your basic introduction to the Link and its core functions concerning your Gift. The Link can also be used to browse the internet and social media, make calls, send texts, do shopping, eventually organize teleports, interact with the Links of other planets, and a whole plethora of other functions.
• Further lessons into the Link's functionality will be offered once you have been transported to the academy, and your classes have commenced.
* Please note, that for the duration of your stay at the Academy, you will be granted your own room and boarding. Please pack whatever belongings you may desire, and carry them on your person as the countdown timer reaches 0. You need only be in contact with the items, and they will be transported with you.
• Lastly, any attempt to make the contents of your induction experience known to the outside world or other Chosen that have yet to accept will be intercepted, and your status as Chosen will be called into question. Please refrain from doing so, as it jeopardizes the decision-making process of those who are undecided.
With that, the link returned to just the countdown timer in the top right of his vision, a position that Mike preferred, since he couldn't make the timer disappear for some reason.
"Well, that's that!" Mike said cheerfully.
* * * * *
(Mike's place, Present day)
"Well, the Link did say it takes a little time to apply the attributes I chose." Mike smirked as Joe nursed his wrist.
The two of them separated from the gathering somewhat, with Joe pulling something out of his backpack and held it out to Mike.
"A gift?" Mike exclaimed. There in front of him was a small box, wrapped in tinsel green paper with a card stuck to it.
"You’re not allowed to open it or read the card till you get to wherever you're staying alright?" Joe said seriously as he awkwardly handed it over and Mike took it.
"Thanks, Joe, I…" Mike began.
"Nope. No soppy stuff, we still have an hour. Just pop it in your bag for now and let’s get to the party." Joe said uncharacteristically seriously.
They returned to the party where it was clear the chocolate cake was not going to last much longer. So, as any decent growing young lads did, they attempted to barge past each other in a mad effort to get the 'biggest' piece. Mike dragged Joe back so he could use his long arms to reach it, but just as he thought he had it, Joe heaved Mike away with his superior bulk. Joe was about to grab the paper plate when Mike abruptly pulled Joe's pants all the way down to his knees. Joe glanced down in shock, giving Mike the chance he needed to grab the cake. However, not to be outdone, Joe used his last resort.
"Purple Nurple!" he declared as he gave Mike the twist of a lifetime.
"Yeow!!" Mike exclaimed.
The rest of the room, already used to the boy's antics up till now wasn't anticipating the yelp, and they all looked over. Mike realized it first as he went from glaring at Joe, to pale with embarrassment. Joe followed suit.
There, in the kitchen, the two boys were frozen, with Joe's pants around his ankles, Mike with a fistful of cake scrunched between his fingers, and Joe's hand on Mike's breast. The gathering was so quiet for a split second, that the icing falling from Mike's hand made a dull 'plop' as it landed on the floor.
Emma, being far too young to contain herself, squealed with laughter as the adults looked at each other in disbelief before they packed up laughing as well. The boys, for their part, were both red in the face as they made themselves presentable again. The grown-ups were clutching their stomachs, tears streaming down their faces as the tension of what was coming within the hour dissipated with the decimation of the hapless cake.
Mike washed his hand clean as Joe wiped the counter, before sheepishly offering everyone a refill for their drinks. Once the gathering calmed down a little, the ladies made hotdogs for everyone and they all went to go stand in the backyard under the trees, the beginnings of summer making the afternoon heat uncomfortable in anything other than short clothes. The countdown timer, Mike informed everyone, had officially reached the 10-minute mark.
At that announcement, Uncle Ray gathered everyone close as he stood behind Mike with his hands on Mike's shoulders. "Frakes, we thank you for coming to support Mike on such an important day. I don't wanna take much time, but I want to say that without you in Mike's life these past years, I don't think Mike would be the young man he is today. As Mike's Uncle, I can't thank you enough. Lauren and I often work long hours, and you being there for Mike when we couldn't, has made all the difference. To you all, I say thank you. Thanks to you, I don't need to worry about Mike so much, since I know the quality of the person he's become, and the person he will eventually grow into. Mike, I'm proud of you. Not as your Guardian only, but as your Uncle. Keep up the good work, and go represent the best of us out there." Ray said with a slight quiver in his voice, squeezing Mike's shoulders firmly.
Oh boy, waterworks. There's no way I'm gonna get 'transported' with tears. Come on guys, take it easy, please! Mike thought as the words hit home in a way they hadn't before.
Aunty Lauren spoke similarly as she came up beside him. "I hate talking in front of people, but Mike, you're the son I never had, and I'm proud to say it. You didn't start that way, but that's what you've become. I'm always gonna worry about you, because you're precious to me, because of who you are, and the place you hold in my heart. Be safe out there, and you better come back to us! Love you, my boy." Lauren hugged Mike tightly, tears streaming down her face.
This isn't fair. Mike thought as he hugged her tightly, tears threatening to spill over.
Mary spoke for the Frakes as there wasn't much time left. "Mike, this isn't goodbye forever, just a 'see you later'. From us, your second family, we're gonna miss you so very much. You wormed your way into each of our hearts with your brilliant smile and your kind heart and soul. Don't lose who you are out there, and cling tightly to what you value and believe in. Don't let anyone sway you. We love you, and good luck. Kick their butts for us!" she said with a grin, her eyes glimmering with tears.
Joe broke away from his family and approached Mike. "You get all my soppiness in my letter, so yeah, what my mom said. Kick their butts, and stay you! See you soon bro." Joe grabbed Mike in a fierce hug. Mike returned it, tears freely flowing by now.
By the time he let go, he had a minute to spare. He nearly panicked and rushed to grab his things, but Aunty Lauren held them right next to him. He slung his backpack on with all his electronics stuffed inside and gratefully took the handle of the large suitcase, which held practically the entirety of his clothes. All that was left was his phone and wallet, which Ray handed him and he pocketed.
With 10 seconds to go, Mike stood back and took in the sight of his family one more time, before his eyes rested lastly on Joe. "Thank you guys! I love you all." he said with a brave smile and glimmering eyes.
The countdown reached zero.
Then Mike's hair stood on end as what felt like the largest charge of static he'd ever felt built up around him, and in the eyes of those he left behind, a pale rainbow ring appeared around Mike, enveloped him, and blipped out of existence with a whoosh.
The grass where he stood bounced back as the weight that held it down disappeared.
A new chapter in Mike's life had just begun.