My newfound mobility had become a source of both amusement and exasperation! Crawling became a breeze, comparable to the effortless act of scratching my diaper. I know this newfound freedom would keep my parents on their toes, but hey, the world awaits exploration!
Several artifacts piqued my curiosity. First, there was my mother's phone, a constant companion during her seemingly endless conversations. Unfortunately, its proximity to her made independent exploration impossible. My father's impressive computer held even greater potential, but its complexity was daunting. The sheer number of buttons and that strange pad controlling an arrow on the screen… no, that challenge will have to wait.
Thus, I was left with one intriguing option: the magical, wall-mounted screen, better known as a TV. Its size offers a clear advantage over the phone and computer, providing superior observation opportunities. Thankfully, it comes with a companion artifact – the remote controller. This marvel boasts far fewer buttons than the computer, making it much more user-friendly. Sure, a one-year-old might struggle, but with nearly 30 years of experience under my belt (in a different life, of course!), this shouldn't be an issue.
This "TV thing," as I've come to call it, offered a dazzling array of channels. Whether you craved world news, lighthearted entertainment, a mental workout, or simply a way to melt away the hours, there was a channel to cater to your every whim. And I, for one, had found mine.
Forget those channels overflowing with children in their saccharine singalongs and cutesy costumes. Ash Wyvern wouldn't stoop to such embarrassments! No, my chosen channel delved into the very essence of the Flow. It was here I'd meet my first Flow instructor, a man named Marcus Blazehurt.
Marcus... well, he had a certain eccentricity about him. Sometimes, I couldn't help but feel I possessed more worldly wisdom, despite being confined to a tiny human form. But appearances could be deceiving, and I was here to learn. So, with a determined glint in my eyes, I cranked up the volume on this wondrous TV and fixed my gaze on Marcus. Let the learning commence!
"Greetings, Flow enthusiasts! Welcome back to another episode of Unleash Your Flow! Today, we're venturing beyond the studio walls"—Marcus boomed, his voice practically vibrating the screen—"to bring you something truly special. Buckle up, because we're about to delve into the fascinating world of manipulating external Flow! But before we unleash the secrets..." he winked conspiratorially, leaving the sentence unfinished with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Stay tuned!"
Marcus pressed his right hand against the rough bark of the tree, his gaze still fixed on the camera. "See this beauty right here? Trees, like all things besides humans and animals, possess their own Flow. By simply making contact," he demonstrated, his fingers digging into the wood, "I can establish a connection between my Flow circuits and the tree. Now, its power becomes an extension of mine."
He lifted his left hand, his eyes flicking to it for a dramatic pause. "And the connection doesn't even require direct touch. See?" A mischievous grin spread across his face as his left hand, once bare, began to sprout verdant branches and gnarled roots. They weren't conjured from anything, mind you, but extended from his flesh, mimicking the tree's form. "My circuits remain linked, allowing me to manipulate the very essence of nature."
This display directly contradicted what I had gleaned from my parents and Romeo: the inability to create from nothing. A spark of confusion ignited within me. Surely, Marcus would address this apparent discrepancy? My tiny brow furrowed in concentration as I awaited his explanation.
Marcus's voice boomed with an infectious enthusiasm as he continued his demonstration. A mischievous glint twinkled in his eyes. "The most common application," he declared, "is manipulating the Flow within an object!"
Suddenly, the tree shuddered, its leaves erupting in a flurry of green. Branches that moments ago stretched skyward writhed and contorted, twisting at his unspoken command. Slowly, deliberately, they began to coalesce, reshaping themselves into a massive, gnarled walking stick. I simply gasped, mesmerized by the transformation.
"See?" Marcus boomed, his grin widening. "By manipulating the Flow within the object, I can reshape it at will! A simple giant walking stick for a simple demonstration, wouldn't you agree?"
"Curious, aren't you?" he chuckled. "How did I conjure these roots? How did I transform the tree into a walking stick? How did I turn my hand this verdant shade? The answer is the very essence of Flow manipulation. By connecting my Flow circuits with the tree, I wasn't just altering its form, I was coaxing its Flow to intertwine with mine!"
The moment his hand relinquished contact with the tree, the verdant glow receded. His hand returned to its natural tone, the roots dissolving. My heart pounded in my chest. This Flow – it was unlike anything I'd ever encountered. It wasn't like magical energy, it was a connection, a harmonious dance between user and object. I couldn't wait to delve deeper, to unlock the mysteries this power held within.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Marcus paced, his brow furrowed in concentration as he elaborated on the finer points of Flow manipulation. "Every object, living being attuned to Flow, and even Flow-Beasts – they all possess a unique essence, a fingerprint of Flow we call a Signature," he explained, gesturing toward the tree. "By introducing a sliver of the tree’s Flow into me, I essentially extended its reach, coaxing it to manifest a physical form – hence the verdant glow on my hand earlier."
He held up a finger, a playful glint in his eye. "Now, there's a crucial caveat! As you know, your body has a set capacity for Flow. So, how did I manage to accept the tree's Flow without overloading my circuits?"
A slow smile spread across his face. "The answer is deceptively simple, yet elegant. It's all about exchange. I sent a tendril of my Flow into the tree, nudging it to release some of its own. This freed Flow readily entered my body, creating a bridge. With a sliver of mine residing within the tree, I gained leverage, allowing me to manipulate the rest of its Flow and shape it at will. The tree's Flow, as you witnessed, can even manifest as a physical element – nature's essence at my fingertips!" He tapped the massive walking stick with a flourish. "That, my friends, is the true beauty of Flow manipulation!"
Suddenly, his expression turned grave, causing even me, the former greatest assassin of Aethel, to shiver in my small body, almost losing my well-held balance despite my infantile figure.
"There's a crucial aspect of Flow exchange you mustn't overlook," he intoned, his tone heavy with warning. "Some individuals may attempt to forcefully channel external Flow into their circuits without emitting any of their own. Do not entertain such thoughts, as it will result in what we call 'Overload'! Overload occurs when the Flow Circuits are overwhelmed with more Flow than they were designed to handle. This can lead to immediate fatigue, disruption of the Flow you're trying to manipulate, or even the rupture of your Flow Circuits, rendering you unable to manipulate Flow or, worse, leading to your demise! Unlike non-Flow users, we Flow practitioners have a unique connection to it; it is an integral part of our very existence. Having an excess or a deficiency of Flow can be fatal. I trust you will keep that in m..."
Huh, the TV went black all of a sudden! My fists clenched, and a pout formed on my lips. It was Alphonse, the remote controller clutched in his hand. "Oh, Papa," I thought, frustration bubbling. "So it was you who stole my show!"
Of course, I couldn't actually say that. My limbs were still too short and wobbly. Instead, I let out a frustrated gurgle.
Alphonse chuckled, a nervous sound that didn't reach his eyes. He scooped me up gently and carried me to the crib. The bars felt like a prison, separating me from the world beyond. But as he placed me down, I saw a flicker of something new in his gaze - fear? Was he scared of me, of my little outburst?
Maybe if I pretended to be helpless a little longer, he'd relent. With a sigh, I turned my head away, hoping to draw a comforting coo from him. After a moment, I peeked back. He was still there, his hand hovering near the bars, his eyes red-rimmed. He opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again, a small, sad smile gracing his lips. What was he thinking? Did he regret taking away the show? Or was there something more, something he wasn't telling me?
“I know you might not understand my words, and that’s precisely why I’m telling you now,” Alphonse said, his voice cracking slightly on ‘suffer.’ A tremor hinting at the fear he couldn't quite hide. He brushed my hair with his hand, calloused from years of work, a stark contrast to the soft toys they gave me to further color my childhood.
“If you awaken and become a Flow practitioner,” he continued, “your fate is already set, little Lily.” A lump formed in my throat at his words, making it hard to swallow. “That means you’ll be different, separated from us in a way. Not physically, perhaps, but your life will be one of protecting us, our country. I know most kids dream of adventures but as your father…” He leaned down, his kiss on my forehead surprisingly gentle. “I don’t want you to see the darkness, Lily. The grudges held by those who live in shadows, something I can’t explain yet.”
He pulled back, his hand leaving a warmth on my skin I wished lingered. “Whatever path you choose, Lily,” he said, his voice firming, “me and your mother will be proud. Now, sweet dreams.” Then he closed the door behind him, leaving me alone in the dark. But even in the darkness, his words echoed, stirring a mix of excitement and apprehension within me. Damn, now I’m really upset that I had consciousness despite being 18 months old! He didn’t want me to understand what he said after all. I’m sorry about that, Alphonse.
Adding to his worried words and the intel I had gleaned from Marcus in recent days, I grasped why both Alphonse and Maria seemed apprehensive. Unlike them, I possessed Flow, a double-edged sword that could either elevate me or lead to my downfall if not mastered. With only three individuals per thousand having Flow, it was a rare and coveted gift in this world. Marcus's whispers about Flow-runners prowling the shadows for “potentially” gifted children sent a chill down my spine. The thought of being snatched away, auctioned off like a prized possession, made my stomach churn.
The mere notion of a hierarchy built around Flow-users hinted at a life far removed from the ordinary. While normal children enjoyed the warmth of family, laughter with friends, and the simplicity of school, my fate hung precariously on the line. If my abilities were to fully awaken, I would be swept into a world of isolation, training, and perhaps exploitation.
The prospect of being seen as something extraordinary was tantalizing yet daunting. The burden of greatness often came with a heavy price – loneliness, expectations, and the constant fear of losing oneself in the pursuit of power. It was a familiar feeling, the hollow emptiness of reaching the summit only to realize that the view was lonely and unsatisfying.
But amidst the uncertainty and the looming shadows of danger, a small ember of determination flickered within me. Perhaps Flow wasn't just a curse but also an opportunity, a chance to carve out a destiny that transcended the ordinary. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but it also held the promise of greatness, of discovering the true extent of my abilities, and of forging a legacy that would echo through the ages. Not to mention, that I might find an answer behind my assassination in my past life.
Anyway, no more thinking, Lina Lapis! I believe it’s time to get some needed rest now.