“Ugh…” Noarin suppresses another gag, her face pale and clammy. I gently rub her back in slow, soothing circles, feeling the tension in her muscles beneath my palm. Again, I wonder why she’s okay with the roller coaster yesterday or flying with Kai’s power, but not with the airplane. The irony isn’t lost on me.
We got up very early, the sun hasn’t risen yet. The world outside our small oval window is a canvas of deep blues and purples, slowly giving way to the first hints of orange on the horizon. We take off at dawn so that we can visit the agent base this afternoon. The plane hums steadily around us, the white noise almost comforting if not for Noarin’s discomfort.
The flight attendant passes by, offering a sympathetic smile. “Can I get you anything? Perhaps some ginger ale for your stomach?”
Noarin shakes her head, but I accept on her behalf. “Yes, please. That would be great.”
As the attendant moves away, I check my watch. We still have 1 hour before we land. I hope by then Noarin will be feeling better after we land. We have a long day ahead of us.
“But really,” Kai peeked over his seat at us, his eyes glinting with a mixture of excitement and curiosity, “I didn’t expect their base to be so close to where we live.”
“We do live in the capital,” I nod, my mind already racing with possibilities. I start to imagine what the base might look like, the possibilities both thrilling and slightly unnerving. Would it be just an ordinary building, hiding extraordinary secrets behind mundane walls? Or perhaps something more clandestine, like a hidden room underneath public buildings, straight out of a spy movie?
----------------------------------------
We arrived after a seemingly endless hour, the plane touching down with a jolt that made Noarin groan softly. As we disembarked, Kai and Rishia wasted no time. They retrieved their luggage with an efficiency that spoke of their eagerness to be airborne again. With a quick wave and a promise to meet later, they took off, Kai’s power enveloping them both as they soared into the sky, becoming distant specks in a matter of moments.
Noarin and I, earthbound and decidedly less graceful, begin our slow trek to our apartment. I match my pace to Noarin’s uncomfortable shuffle, hyper-aware of her every grimace and unsteady step.
“Do you feel better now?” I ask softly, my hand finding its way to the small of her back, rubbing gentle circles as we walk. The morning sun is warm on our faces, a stark contrast to the artificial chill of the airplane cabin.
She nods slightly, her face still pale but with a hint of color returning to her cheeks. “I’m going to take a short nap before Kai and Rishia come to our apartment,” she murmurs, her voice rough with fatigue.
“Yes, rest,” I agree, concern coloring my tone. “We still have a long day ahead of us.” The weight of our impending visit to the agent base hangs in the air between us, unspoken but palpable.
As I unlock the door to my apartment, Noarin brushes past me, making a beeline for the couch. She collapses onto it with a soft ‘oof’, her body sinking into the cushions as if they were quicksand. I blink in surprise – when she said she wanted to take a nap, I’d expected her to retreat to her own room, not commandeer my couch.
“Wake me up when they both… arrive…” Her words trail off into a mumble as sleep claims her almost instantly. Her face relaxes, the lines of discomfort smoothing out, and for a moment, she looks peaceful and vulnerable in a way that tugs at my heart.
“Alright,” I answer quietly, though I know she’s already too far gone to hear me. I set our luggage down by the front door, wincing slightly at the soft thud it makes against the hardwood floor. Tiptoeing around the couch, I settle into the armchair adjacent to Noarin’s sleeping form.
I find myself captivated by Noarin’s sleeping form, her chest rising and falling in a hypnotic rhythm. The sunlight streaming in from the balcony catches her short gray hair, creating a halo-like effect that takes my breath away. A warmth blooms in my chest as I drink in the sight of her peaceful, unguarded face. In sleep, all the worries and responsibilities that usually crease her brow have melted away, leaving her looking impossibly young and vulnerable.
image [https://i.imgur.com/jY9gQd7.jpeg]
A thought, unbidden and urgent, flashes through my mind like lightning. I rise from my seat, moving with exaggerated care to avoid disturbing Noarin’s slumber. My bare feet barely make a sound on the cool floor as I make my way to the balcony.
“Saria?” I call out in a hushed voice, my eyes scanning the seemingly empty space. “Are you here?”
As if materializing from thin air, Saria appears on my shoulder, her diminutive form a stark contrast to the weighty conversation I’m about to initiate. Her ears twitch, alert and attentive. “You called?” Her voice is melodic, yet tinged with curiosity.
I feel my expression harden, the tranquility of the moment giving way to the gravity of my concerns. “What do you think Belzad is planning?” The question hangs in the air, heavy with implication.
Saria’s usual quick responses are absent. She turns her gaze skyward, her tiny chest expanding with a deep breath that seems too big for her small frame. When she finally speaks, her voice is laced with a mixture of frustration and uncertainty. “Honestly, I don’t know,” she admits, shaking her head. “My brother’s mind has always been a labyrinth to me. With us starting to introduce magic to tihis world slowly and restoring this world’s balance, his original plans must be in shambles. Especially considering his failure to acquire Noarin’s Absolute and the revelation of your status as an Absolute Resonator.”
“Do you think he’s formulating a new strategy?” I press, my voice barely above a whisper.
Saria’s response is immediate and grim. “He always does.” She hops to the balcony’s edge, her tiny form silhouetted against the vast sky. "But at least we have some insight into his objectives.”
Intrigued, I lean in closer. “And what might those be?”
“First and foremost,” Saria begins, her voice taking on a lecturer’s tone, “chaos is his endgame. A mass awakening of the ornaments would certainly achieve that.” She pauses, her piercing gaze locking onto mine. “Secondly, and perhaps more pressingly, he’ll be devising ways to neutralize you.”
My eyes widen in shock. “Me?” I sputter, disbelief coloring my tone. “Why would I be a target?”
Saria’s response is patient but pointed. “Think about it. How can he incite a widespread Absolute upheaval if there’s someone capable of ruling them all?”
The realization hits me like a physical blow. Of course – my ability to resonate with every Absolute is a direct threat to his plans for chaos and control. I cover my mouth, my mind reeling with the implications.
“There’s… another possibility,” Saria continues, hesitation evident in her voice. “One I’m reluctant to voice, but…”
I steel myself, bracing for whatever grim scenario she’s about to present. “Go on,” I urge, my voice barely audible.
“He might be searching for a way to become an Absolute Resonator himself.”
The words hang in the air, their weight almost palpable. “Wha-“ I choke on the word, my throat constricting with sudden fear. The idea of Belzad wielding such power is terrifying. With the ability to resonate with and potentially control all Absolutes, he could indeed rule the world.
“But is that even possible?” I manage to ask, my voice trembling slightly. “I don’t even understand how I became one…”
Saria’s small shoulders lift in a shrug. “I’m as much in the dark as you are,” she confesses. “But if one person can possess this ability, it stands to reason that others might be able to as well. It’s just a matter of uncovering the necessary conditions and requirements.”
As her words sink in, I feel the weight of responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders. The peaceful morning has been shattered by the specter of Belzad’s potential plans, and I find myself longing for the blissful ignorance of just moments ago.
This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
“He won’t find it soon, though,” Saria’s voice softens, a hint of reassurance creeping into her tone. Her tiny form seems to relax slightly, as if sharing this information has lifted a weight from her diminutive shoulders. “The existence of the Absolute Resonator is shrouded in mystery, even to beings like myself.”
She pauses, her eyes taking on a faraway look, as if peering into the distant past. “The first and last Absolute Resonator before you, lived 1300 years ago,” she continues, her voice tinged with a mix of awe and frustration. “Their identity remains unknown, lost to the annals of time. The details of how they obtained such power are equally elusive.”
I lean in, captivated by this glimpse into a history I never knew existed. Saria’s voice drops to an almost reverent whisper. “The only thing that has survived through the ages is their reputation - they were known as the ‘rulers’ of all the ornaments created in my world.” Her eyes refocus on me, and I can see the weight of that legacy reflected in her gaze.
I nod slowly, trying to process this information. The responsibility of being an Absolute Resonator suddenly feels heavier, knowing I’m only the second in over a millennium.
A soft rustling sound from inside the apartment breaks the moment. I turn, my eyes immediately drawn to Noarin. She’s rolling over in her sleep, her face scrunching slightly before settling into a new position. The sight of her, so vulnerable and unaware of the weighty conversation happening just feet away, brings a lump to my throat.
Saria, ever perceptive, seems to sense the shift in my mood. “Well,” she says, her tone becoming more businesslike, “I think we should focus on today’s objective. Any other questions before I go?”
I shake my head, feeling both overwhelmed and oddly comforted by our conversation. “Nah, that’s all,” I manage, offering her a small smile. “Thanks, Saria”
She nods, her tiny face solemn. “Well then, I’ll see you soon.” With a graceful leap that belies her size, Saria disappears, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the sleeping Noarin.
I make my way back inside, my footsteps whisper-quiet on the floor. Settling down next to Noarin’s sleeping form, I allow myself a moment to simply observe her. The gentle rise and fall of her chest, the way her eyelashes flutter slightly in dream, the soft curve of her cheek – each detail feels precious, a reminder of what I’m fighting to protect.
Almost without conscious thought, my hand reaches out, fingers gently stroking her hair. The silky strands slip through my fingers, and I’m struck by how such a simple act can feel so intimate. As I sit there, Noarin sleeping peacefully beside me, I feel a renewed sense of determination. Whatever challenges Belzad or anyone else might throw our way, whatever mysteries surround my newfound powers, I know that this – these quiet moments, this connection – is worth protecting at all costs.
I’m not sure how long I sat there, lost in thought, my fingers absently stroking Noarin’s hair. The sudden, loud knocking at the door startles me so badly I nearly fall off the couch.
“Yo, lovebirds! You decent in there?” Kai’s voice, muffled but unmistakably teasing, comes through the door.
I scramble to my feet, face burning. “We’re not- I mean, we’re-“ I stammer, rushing to open the door.
Kai and Rishia stand there, matching grins on their faces. “Sure, sure,” Kai winks exaggeratedly. “That’s why it took you so long to answer the door, right?”
Rishia elbows him playfully. “Be nice, Kai. They’re probably just tired from the flight.”
“Oh, I bet they’re tired alright,” Kai waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
I’m about to protest when a sleepy voice from behind me says, “What’s with all the noise?”
We all turn to see Noarin sitting up on the couch, her hair sticking up at odd angles, a small trail of drool at the corner of her mouth. She blinks owlishly at us, and I can’t help but think she looks adorable.
“Sleeping Beauty awakens!” Kai announces dramatically. “Did Prince Charming here give you a kiss?”
Noarin’s face scrunches in confusion, then dawning embarrassment as she realizes the situation. She quickly wipes at her mouth. “Oh, shut up, Kai,” she grumbles, but there’s no real heat in her words.
As we all settle in the living room, the conversation flows easily, punctuated by laughter and the occasional good-natured jab. But as the clock ticks closer to our appointment time, a nervous energy begins to build.
“Well,” I say, standing up, “I guess it’s time to head to the agent base.”
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We make our way to the address we were given, confusion growing as we approach what appears to be… a snack store?
“Are you sure this is the right place?” Rishia asks, peering at the storefront dubiously.
“Maybe the agents just really like their snacks?” Kai suggests, earning an eye-roll from Noarin.
We cautiously enter the store, the bell above the door jingling cheerfully. Behind the counter stands a familiar face – Agent Chen, dressed in a garishly bright uniform, complete with a name tag that reads “Hi, I’m Chenny!”
“Welcome to Munchy’s!” she chirps in an overly perky voice. “What can I get for you today? Perhaps some of our top-secret- I mean, top-selling chips?”
We all exchange bewildered glances. Kai opens his mouth, probably to make another snack-related quip, but Chen cuts him off with a subtle head shake.
“Actually,” she says, her voice dropping to a whisper, “I think you might be interested in our… special stock.” She winks conspiratorially.
Before we can respond, she’s ushering us through a door marked “Employees Only”. As soon as it closes behind us, the cheerful façade drops.
“Sorry about that,” Chen says, her voice back to its usual no-nonsense tone. “We have to maintain our cover.”
She leads us to what looks like an ordinary storage closet. With a series of complicated knocks that wouldn’t be out of place in a spy movie, the back wall slides away, revealing an elevator.
“Welcome,” Chen says with a hint of pride, “to the real Munchy’s.”
As we descend into the underground base, Kai can’t resist one last joke. “So, does this mean we don’t get any actual snacks?”
Chen’s deadpan response is perfect. “The fate of the world hangs in the balance, and you’re worried about snacks?”
The elevator doors slide open with a soft hiss, revealing a vast underground complex that seems to stretch on forever. The four of us – Noarin, Kai, Rishia, and myself – stand slack-jawed, taking in the bustling scene before us.
“Close your mouths, kids. You’ll catch flies,” Chen quips, stepping out of the elevator. “Welcome to the Abnormality Defense Force.”
People in military uniforms and white lab coats hurry past, their purposeful strides and serious expressions a stark contrast to our wide-eyed wonder. The air hums with energy, both from the advanced technology surrounding us and the palpable sense of urgency.
“Is that a giant robot?” Kai whispers, pointing at something in the distance.
Chen sighs. “That’s classified.”
“But-“
“Classified,” she repeats firmly, shepherding us towards a heavily guarded door at the far end of the complex.
As we approach, the guards snap to attention, their faces impassive as Chen flashes an ID badge. The door slides open, revealing a large conference room dominated by a round table that wouldn’t look out of place in a movie about Arthurian legends.
Agent Keller stands near a high-tech presentation board, his stern expression softening slightly as we enter. Several people seated around the table turn to look at us, their faces a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
“Ah, good, you’re here,” Keller says, nodding at Chen. “Let’s begin the introductions.”
He goes around the table, introducing each person – high-ranking military officials, renowned scientists, and government bigwigs. With each introduction, I feel smaller and more out of place. What are we, a bunch of college and fresh graduate kids (and one magical cat), doing here?
Finally, Keller gets to us. “And these are our… special consultants,” he says, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. He introduces each of us in turn, saving Saria for last.
“And this,” he says, gesturing to Noarin’s shoulder where Saria has materialized, “is Saria, a being from the world where magic originates.”
The room falls silent. Then, as one, everyone blinks in surprise, leaning forward to get a better look at the cat on Noarin’s shoulder.
“Is this some kind of joke?” one of the military men growls.
Saria, clearly enjoying the attention, start speaking. “I assure you, good sir, I am very real.”
The room erupts in murmurs and exclamations after hearing Saria, a cat that can talks.
As we settle around the impressive round table, Agent Keller clears his throat, commanding attention.
“Welcome,” he begins, his voice carrying a mix of authority and barely concealed excitement, “to the Abnormality Defense Force, or as we like to call it, the ADF.”
Kai leans over to me, whispering, “Sounds like a name I’d come up with for a superhero team in middle school.” I stifle a chuckle as Keller continues.
“Now, we’ve gathered here today because, frankly, we’re out of our depth. The emergence of these… abilities has thrown our world into chaos. We need answers.” His gaze settles on Saria, perched on my shoulder. “And we believe you have them.”
Saria floats into the center of the table, her tiny form somehow commanding the room’s attention. “Very well,” she says, her voice clear and strong despite her size. “I shall tell you of my world, and of the ornaments that have found their way to yours.”
Saria start explaining, from the start about the existence of another world, the Ornaments, till the point where we’re standing now. As she talks, I watch the faces around the table. Skepticism gives way to wonder, then to concern as the implications become clear. When Saria finishes, the room erupts into a flurry of questions.
“How do we control these powers?”
“Can anyone become a… what did you call it? A Holder?”
“Is there a way to remove these ornaments?”
Saria fields each question with patience, though I can see the strain it’s putting on her. Finally, after what feels like hours, she holds up a tiny paw for silence.
“I have answered your questions to the best of my ability,” she says, her voice tinged with fatigue. “Now, I have one of my own.” Her gaze sweeps the room. “Which among you is a Holder?"
The room falls silent, tension thick in the air. People shift uncomfortably in their seats, exchanging wary glances. It’s clear that, despite being part of the ADF, many are still unsure about revealing their abilities.
Just as the silence threatens to become unbearable, the door bursts open. Two figures stride in, their presence immediately commanding attention.
image [https://i.imgur.com/tFk4qFq.jpeg]
The first, a tall woman with striking yellow hair, offers a casual salute. “Sorry we’re late, folks. Had to wrap up a situation downtown.”
Her companion, a man with a headband and a face marked by a jagged scar, simply grunts in acknowledgment.
Keller stands, a look of relief washing over his face. “Ah, perfect timing.” He stands up. “Everyone, meet Agents Lyra and Darius, our resident Holders.