“...let the fun begin and let the wheels spin!”
Pain, excruciating pain floods my veins and tears at my mind causing my spasming body to fall to the floor and convulse. Blood-curdling screams ravage my eardrums as I watch my helpless classmates collapse onto the floor in withering agony. Then just as suddenly as it began it stops, leaving me on the floor twitching and gasping for air.
‘Well, we definitely aren't dreaming.’
My eyes dart about in panic and land on my notebook. ‘Got to write that shit down or I'm going to forget.’
After making sure I wasn't in any immediate danger I start to hurriedly scribble down the important bullet points from the announcement while still lying on the floor.
[All changes will begin in 10 seconds]
‘Fuck! Where did that come from?’ Jumping slightly from the message invading my vision I blink rapidly until the visual intrusion disappears. ‘10 seconds, no pressure then.’
Shakily sitting up I look around at my classmates who glance around in fear. ‘Ella’ My head snaps in her direction just before a colossal multi-coiled wheel invades my vision, followed by another bar of text.
[Congratulations number 39856, you have been chosen, at random, as the European representative who will be given three extra spins in the effort to reduce the risk of humanity's extinction.]
‘Woah, guess I can't complain about being unlucky anymore.’
[Please press to spin the wheel of power. Remaining spins, 4]
My heart begins to race as I try to make out any of the words on the wheel but they are all distorted and blurry.
‘Look at you getting all nervous.’ I let out a shaky laugh and take a deep breath. ‘It's not like this will determine how I will live my life from now on in a glorified apocalypse.’ Taking a deep breath to centre myself I spin the wheel.
Instantly the obnoxiously large wheel is replaced by a spinning kaleidoscopic mess that almost makes me sick from the sheer amount of colours moving at high speeds taking over my vision. Then it suddenly stopped, landing on a section of words that have now become clear.
‘Phase of Matter? Like solids, liquids and gases?’
[Congratulations!!! The wheel of power has landed on: Phases of Matter!
This will allow the individual to change the state of matter into a liquid, solid or gas.
Please note that this will not work on other living organisms nor will it affect the temperature of the matter. Remaining spins, 3]
As I read the message my mind is filled with images of me making moats of lava before reaching the end and letting out a disappointed sigh. ‘No throwing lava at people but I could probably turn concrete into quicksand or something.’
‘On the next one, come on baby Daddy needs some reality warping!’ I stop for a moment to internal cringe. ‘I am so glad no one just heard me call myself daddy.’ I press the button again to commence the sickening swirl of colours.
[Congratulations!!! The wheel of power has landed on: Super lungs!
You now have super lungs, allowing you to breathe anything and nothing with ease! You can inhale at incredible speeds without having to worry about harmful airborne substances. Super lungs also distribute oxygen (or a gas equivalent) throughout the body as efficiently as possible, allowing for greater stamina. Remaining spins, 2]
‘Oooookkk, going from an asthmatic to having superhuman breathing capacity isn't too bad? Would have preferred something that allows me to move around with ease or put up a fight but I guess this will help my survivability.’ I ready myself for the sickening swirl and press the button again.
[Congratulations!!! The wheel of power has landed on: Phase step!
Your body has been bestowed with the abilities allowing you to step into the spirit realm, but beware the creatures that call the realm their home. Remaining spins, 1]
I snort ‘Well that's awfully vague and disconcerting.’ I hear what sounds like a group of people screaming in the background. ‘Shit, did time not freeze this time? What's going on?’
Quickly pressing the button again for the last time I have my eyes assaulted by colours for the last time. ‘Come on, come on hurry up!’
[Congratulations!!! The wheel of power has landed on: Gluttony!
You can now eat anything with no negative effects! Gluttony converts what you eat into the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals the body needs. Gluttony also distributes your food throughout the body as efficiently as possible, allowing for greater stamina. Remaining spins, 0]
‘That will have to do.’ My vision clears and I take in the sight of my classroom.
‘Ah, that's a slight problem.’
----------------------------------------
POV Ella
[All changes will begin in 10 seconds]
Lying on the floor taking fast shallow breaths I recover from the dose of pain as I watch the count down. ‘Wh…Why is this happening? We didn't do anything wrong, we weren't even given a chance to fix things!’ Before I could delve deeper into the injustice, my vision is filled with a giant wheel filled to the brim with multi-coloured sections. ‘Oh god what the…’
[Please Press to spin the wheel of power. Remaining spins, 1]
‘...Heck is that…The wheel of power. He said it would give us a superpower? Ummm’ should I properly press it then? Please give me something good.’ I press the button and cross my fingers. The wheel begins to spin so fast that it makes my stomach churn from motion sickness.
[Congratulations!!! The wheel of power has landed on: Right-hand power creation!
The next object you consciously touch with your right hand will influence and determine the abilities you shall wield. Remaining spins, 0]
‘Umm, ok I just need to find something good to touch then, yeah I can do that.’ My vision clears as the wheel disappears into nothingness but everything is still blurry. ‘Why does it look like I've taken my glasses off? I thought we were meant to be healed…oh.’ I take off my glasses and the world comes back into focus just in time to see Mr Smith fall to the floor like a puppet with its strings cut and for Beth to disintegrate in front of my eyes.
A gasp escapes my mouth as I reach out to grab her in hopes of offering some kind of salvation but I grab nothing but dust “No…” I whisper in shock. ‘No, no this can't be happening, they just died...’ A hysterical scream cuts through the silence, filling the room with panic.
Jumping up off the floor I spin around to see Henry with his throat ripped out gargling on his own blood as Logan pins down Layla biting and tearing at her neck with newly mutated elongated fingers and teeth.
“Oh fuck this!” I hear another yell as people start to run out of the room, trampling over each other, to get away from the gory scene. I was about to join them when I saw a figure loom over Logan's back holding a chair over his head before smashing its metal legs down onto the back of Logan's head. A sickening crack fills the air and I see Jacob’s skinny 5 '11 frame standing over Logan’s snarling body. His previously bloodshot and baggy eyes now healed revealing his clear blue eyes slightly hidden by long curly brown hair, his face wearing an uncomfortable grimace rather than the usual bored lighthearted smirk.
He lifts the chair up and brings it down two more times as he yells at everyone to run. Those not already out of the door leave while I head over to Help Jacob but after the 3rd hit Logan's body becomes unmoving as blood begins to pool around his head, matting his dark hair and sticking it to the floor.
“Are you ok? Is he dead? Did you kill him? What are we going to do?” My panic manifests itself as rapid-fire questions as I look at my friend who is now panting and crouching over Logan's motionless body.
“Um, slow down, please. I'm ok, Don't know if he's dead yet and I can't remember the other questions.” He responds while taking Logan's hand and placing its palm against the blue tinted vinyl floor.
‘What is he doing?’
Just as I'm about to ask, my eyes widen in shock as Logan's hand sinks into the floor until halfway up his forearm before Jacob violently vomits onto the back of Logan's head. “Fuck me that was unpleasant.” He moans, leaning back to catch his breath.
‘His power? Oh, my power! I need to touch something!’
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
I quickly explain my power to Jacob so that we can brainstorm what object I should use. After a while, we came up with a shortlist.
“So the best options are the laser cutter, band saw or first aid kit,” I said while glancing at the objects in question.
“You firing lasers would be badass, but we don't even know what we will be facing in the future and having a medic is always important, but ultimately it is up to you.'' Jacob mutters, his voice still sore from vomiting.
I nod in agreement ‘I guess it will depend if I'm in a group or not. If I'm alone then lasers would properly work out best.’
“You're right, we don't know what the future will hold and we will need a safety net. That's if we are going together?” I ask beginning to second guess myself and Look at Jacob who stands up to face me.
“Oh, I'm sorry I thought that was implied but we can make it official.” He sticks out his hand for me to shake. “How would you like to wander around the end of the world with me?”
I smile and reach out to take his hand. “Of course, I would.” But before I could shake his hand he rapidly pulls away causing me to frown. ‘Why did he…’
“Ah sorry I don't know if touching me counts as activating your power and I’m not sure the others could handle two of me, although the self pleasure possibilities…” He trails off giving me a toothy grin.
I snort and shake my head. 'Idiot still can't take anything seriously.’
“You're an idiot, but it's a valid point.” I turn around and head over to the first aid kit and touch it with my right hand. A sense of warmth floods through my being and the first aid kit disintegrates into dust ‘ Just like Beth…’
“Ella, can I borrow your phone and can you read this?” Jacob appears behind me, leaving little personal space, holding a mess of squiggly lines which looks like a bunch of letters mashed together.
“I have no idea what that says. Is it English?” I ask in genuine confusion.
“I didn't think it was that bad.” He grumbles
‘Wait that's his handwriting?!? No wonder he has to use a laptop in exams.’
“Anyway I need your phone to call the others while I message them stuff that can't be overheard, and can you lock the doors? We don't know what's out there.” He asks while getting his own phone out.
“Um sure.” I hand over my phone and go over to lock the door.
----------------------------------------
POV Jacob
As Ella heads over to lock the large wooden door I begin to use my phone to write up instructions to send to the group chat that my friends and I are part of. Originally I just planned to send a picture of my “What to do in apocalypse notes” but they are apparently illegible. At the same time, I use Ella's phone to call the group chat to get their attention and to make sure they are all ok.
The first one to pick up was Sam whose voice came through the speaker in a panicked tone. “Ella are you ok? Do you know what's going on? Where are you?”
‘Damn people really like asking questions without letting me respond.’
“Sam!” I yell to get him to pay attention as Noah joins the call. “It's Jacob, Ella is fine. She's just locking the doors while I plan some shit out and deal with the bodies.”
“Bodies?!?” Sam, Noah and now Ava call out.
‘Probably should have left that bit out.’
“Ummm, some dude went feral and potentially killed two people, I don't know, I haven't checked yet. Anyway, I need…” I shuddered at the thought of handling corpses and tried to explain but was interrupted once again.
“They're dead?!? I hear Mia over I assume Aves's phone.
I temporarily stop typing on my phone and let out an annoyed sigh. “Possibly I don't know yet but weird shit is happening and I need help. I need you to come over here alone, I will send the room number and everything in a second.”
“Why can't we bring people?” Sam asks
“There are six of us. Noah's car holds 5 and your bike holds one. We also can't look after ourselves at the moment let alone anyone else.” I respond.
“Hmmm ok..” says Sam in an unconvinced tone.
I sent the message giving our location and room number along with a list of things to loot from the product design room and catering room which were next door. The list included tools such as saws, hammers, screwdrivers, chisels and duck tape while knives and canned food were to be taken from the catering rooms. It also stated that Noah would meet me here and that we would go off to the PE department to loot the bats and javelins. The instructions ended with us meeting at Noah's car in 45 minutes.
“If you could please read the message and head over here without saying what you are doing. Sounds paranoid But I think this guy turned into a vampire and I don't know what else is out there or listening.”
There was a general chorus of agreements as I heard shuffling over the phone and a distant scream in the background. ‘Oh yay, more screaming.’ I think sarcastically.
Ella by now has locked the two doors and has come back over to look at the list over my shoulder. Handing her back her phone I go over to look at the three unmoving bodies. Henry and Layla both appear to be dead with no pulse or breath leaving their bodies. Logan on the overhand was still breathing, albeit barley.
‘Why did you have to go berserk and kill them? They were your friends, you wanted to become engineers together.’ I sigh and rub my hand over my face and pick up another chair as I stare at his unmoving body. ‘Fuuuuuck I can't just kill him. I knew him, spoke to him, I can't just kill him. God fucking damn it!’ I drop the chair and head over to where the duck tape is stored and cover his eyes and ears as well as wrap his legs together.
Taking a deep sigh I step back and inspect my handiwork ‘Well I might not have killed him outright but this will probably get him killed. At least he has a chance?’ I look up and see Ella giving me a look I don't quite understand but I shrug it off.
‘Not really up for ethical debates right now, got other things to do.’ I begin by gathering my notes on Jeremy’s announcement and my apocalypse plan trying to figure out how the inventory works. It didn't take long, turns out you just will something into your personal inventory space and after a second or two delay it evaporates into a blue light and appears in your inventory.
‘Guess the two-second delay is to reduce its use in combat? Or it can be upgraded in that store he mentioned. I hope it's the second one because 2m squared isn't that big. How am I going to abuse IEDs with such little space?’
With my notes safely stored away, I began to search through the tools in the room to make it easier for the group when they arrived while Ella kept an eye out by the door. I began by setting aside 6 metal hammers that we could use for defence and then began making piles for each tool or piece of useful equipment.
“Noahs here.” I hear Ella call out and look up from my work as Noah walks into the room in his classic shorts and hoodie. Noah was an intelligent and athletic young man with straight short brown hair and muscular legs from his athletics training. He was definitely the fastest in the group which is why I wanted him to come with me to the PE department.
“How is it out there?” I ask him as he stares at the corpses and incapacitated Logan.
“Um, are they…?” He trails off.
“The ones covered in blood are dead while Logan, the tied up one, Is alive. I think? I don't know how… Whatever he's become works.” I explain sounding far calmer than I felt. Should properly cover them up or it could be distracting. I walk over to the doorway to get aprons.
“Ah, ok,” Noah says in a slightly shaking voice.
‘Maybe I’m being too nonchalant about all of this? Properly better than freaking out though.’ I pick up two aprons and put them over the bodies.
“I got you that hammer over there for defence.” I nod towards the hammers.
“You think people are going to attack us?” Noah asks with concern.
“Not a clue, but I would prefer to be prepared for anything. Especially if we intend to steal all the school's best loot.” I say while picking up my own hammer.
He takes a deep breath “Alright then.” He picks up the hammer and does a few practice swings. “Shall we go?”
Once the others are in sight of the door we say goodbye to Ella and head out the back door of the product design room which is used for resupplying materials and extra ventilation. Exiting out the side of the building we enter the smaller car park which sits at the back of the school. Taking in a breath of fresh air we head towards the bike shed which was blocked off from the playground by a tall green metal fence and a padlocked gate.
Heading over to the gate I melt part of the padlock causing me to gag and retch but allowing us access to the playground and sports field.
“Fuck me that's unpleasant.” I spit onto the floor. ‘It said I could eat anything right? Maybe I should eat the next lock? Then again practice is practice.’
“Is that your power? To melt things?” Asks Noah.
I raise my finger to my lips and whisper into Noah's ear.
‘Damn I am a paranoid bastard.’
“Kind of, I can change the state of matter but I can't affect the temperature. I also have more…” I trail off.
“More? You got lucky on the wheel or are you one of the seven?” He asks in confusion following my example for whispering.
“One of the seven, although I’m not sure how seven people with random abilities are going to change anything. What about you? What did you get?” I ask.
“Ha, you lucky bastard, good on you.” He exclaims.
“Thanks, man,” I look over and give him a smile as we continue our way around the back of the two story brick school towards the sports storage lockers.
He nods. “Maybe there are more to the seven that we don't know about yet because no offence but melting things isn't going to be saving humanity anytime soon,” Noah says as we crouch under windows to avoid being spotted and or followed.
I nod “Maybe we are like a gauge or something. If we can't survive then they lower the difficulty?” We hear sobbing from the other side of the window but keep moving.
“Who knows. Anyway, my Power is that I’m hard…” Noah starts Before a scream cuts him off. He looks at me in concern but I just gently shake my head.
“And here I thought you were just happy to see me.” I joke to try and lighten the mood.
He snorts “The message thing said I have harder crystal like skin and bones that mildly increase my strength and greatly increases defence.”
“Hmmm, we are going to need to test all of our powers out when we get time,” I say while trying to think of different training programs for our powers and new adaptive bodies.
Once we pass the windows of the school building we jog past the exterior of the gym hall and go up the narrow wheelchair actress rap. There we reach the astroturf fields which are surrounded by tall green wooden and metal fences. We pause for a minute to check our surroundings but find nothing but dead bodies of teachers that I can only assume were past the age range due to the lack of blood.
‘I wonder if the smell is going to be an issue in the future?’
Keeping a low profile we round the corner to see our first destination, a blue metal door and brick shed-like structure sticking out the side of the sports department.
‘Appears to be locked, let's hope it's untouched.’
Once we reach the sports locker I push my finger against the lock like it was a key and liquify the locking mechanism causing liquid metal and plastic to run down the door before returning to their solid state once again when I relinquish my power over the matter.
I take a few moments to dry heave before going in while Noah keeps a lookout. Quickly grabbing the rounders bats and balls to store them in my inventory I ignore the sports bibs and tennis rackets. Heading out of the door, Noah and I then set off to our second target, the athletics shipping container.
To get to said shipping container we needed to pass the two large Astroturf fields and half of the athletics track. On the upside, it is far quieter due to the fields neighboring the local nature reserve. On the downside, we are out in the open for any prying eyes and could easily be ambushed on the way back.
‘Or maybe that's just my paranoia speaking. After the athletics container, I want to hit up the nature reserves maintenance container for all of its potential goodies.’
I take a quick glance at the corpses before carrying on my way across the fields. ‘Oh I didn't know Miss Davies was over 38, she aged well.’
After we cross the large open fields we reach the pale blue container and I once again melt the locking mechanism and loot the valuables within.
“Should we head back now?” Noah asks me while keeping an eye out.
“I was thinking more along the lines of breaking through to the nature reserve. That way we are less likely to be ambushed on the way back and we can loot the maintenance container.” I responded while coming out of the container.
“You think we could be ambushed?” He asks in an unconvinced tone.
“It's a possibility. The fences funnel us to a tight bottleneck and if people calm down they might also think to get the useful items in the school. Plus we aren't exactly hidden right now.” I calmly explain.
“You have a point.” He looks towards the school warily.
He sighs. “I just don't want to think that people would attack us without reason and I don't want to leave the others alone for too long.”
“Well I’d prefer not to chance it and we still have 20 minutes left until we are meant to meet up for a 10-minute walk so we should be fine on time,” I say.
“Alright, fine, let's go.”
With that, we jog over the metal wired fence where I slowly but surely melt each wire to make the perimeter of a small semi-circle just above the ground. I then proceeded to spend twice as long vomiting out any food left in my body while Noah crawled through the gap I had made.
Despite throwing up twice today I still feel full, which is odd because I haven't even eaten lunch. ‘It said I could eat or breathe anything so maybe I’m eating air?’ I put that aside for now as I lead Noah through the nature reserve and jump a low fence to find the container I know from volunteer work.
Once at the location I once again melt the lock and throw up, this time Noah goes in to get the loot while I emptied my guts.
‘How am I vomiting air? Shit makes no sense.’
When Noah finished looting the container of the ropes and Billhook Machetes, all of our short-term looting objectives were completed. We headed back to the main entrance of the school and jogged back to the side car park where the meeting point was.
After a short jog with my muscles and stomach aching in protest, we finally reached the others at Noah's car with me panting for air despite my supposed super lungs.
“Finally.” I try to stretch my sore muscles and look around. “Wait where's Sam?”