"Heeey, little bro. I know your out here somewhere. Dads looking for you. Cyrus's sister steps out from around one of the trees inhabiting the forest. Her long brown hair is tied back in a ponytail and she has an innocent smile on her face. She looks to be about eighteen years old with light blue eyes and tanned skin. "You can't hide forever, so why don't you come back home?"
"I'm not hiding," He replied"And if I was, then it would be because I had a reason to hide."
She shakes her head as she stares him down. "Then what are you doing out here? It's dangerous for a young boy such as yourself to be wandering around these woods alone. Especially after dark." She snickers
"That's my line. And I think you're the one who should be worried about being out here by yourself." he retorted with with a smirk. "Who knows what kind of monsters could be lurking in these woods."
"Like you?" She asks sarcastically. "You don't look like much to me." She says before ruffling up his hair. "Come on, let's go inside and get something to eat. We can talk more there." She leads him away towards their house.
"And don't forget your homework," She calls over her shoulder.
"Don't worry about that." He says with a chuckle. "I'll do it later." Cyrus coughs nervously. "I didn't even know I had homework" He thinks to himself.
He follows Her back into the house, which is just off the side of the road near the edge of the forest. The house itself is small but well kept, and has three rooms; a kitchen, living room, and bedroom. They live in a pretty nice area, though the house isn't very big.
Cyrus walks up the stairs leading to the second floor and enters his bedroom. He closes the door behind him and takes a seat on his bed. His dad meets him shortly after and sits next to him. "So, what did you want to talk about?" Cyrus ask curiously.
"We were wondering how you were doing," His father replies. "It's been a while since you started hanging around in the woods, wouldn't you rather hang out with friends at school?"
"I'm fine."just busy with school and stuff."
His father nods and sighs. "Well, you know how your mother and I are concerned for you, right?"
Cyrus shakes his head feeling guilty for lying to his parents, but he doesn't know what else to tell them. There have been too many strange things happening recently. Between the feeling of wanting to rush out into the world in search of someone who may not even exist or the weird dreams I have with that scary woman. I don't want to burden my parents with all this. I feel like they already have enough to deal with.
"I'm sorry, Dad." He apologises.
"I understand." His father says. "But if you ever want to talk about anything, you know where to find us."
Cyrus nods and smiles weakly As his father leaves the room. He sits on his bed for a few minutes before getting up and heading to his desk to figure out what he will do about that homework.
***
The next morning, Cyrus wakes up and gets ready for school. He heads outside to wait for his bus to arrive, and notices that the sun is shining brightly. He sighs and rubs his eyes as he waits for his bus to show up.
As soon as the bus pulls up, he hops aboard and takes a seat near the front of the bus. He leans against the window and takes a deep breath.
"Morning, sunshine." A familiar voice says from behind him.
Cyrus jumps and turns around to see a girl standing behind him. She's wearing a bright pink dress and matching shoes, along with a pair of white gloves. Her hair is blonde and short, and she has a pretty face with pale skin.
"G-good morning." Cyrus stammers out.
"Good morning, yourself." She says with a smirk. "How are you today?"
"I'm good." He says. "Just a bit tired" he replies without thinking." He still had no clue who she was.
"Tired? Why, you must be exhausted!" She giggles. "After all that running around last night."
Cyrus frowns. "What are you talking about?"
"Oh, nothing." She laughs. "It's just that I was watching you from my house and you seemed to be having quite a lot of fun."
"I wasn't having any fun." Cyrus says. "And I'm not sure what you're talking about."
"You were running around, screaming and laughing. I couldn't help but notice." She says.
Cyrus looks at her suspiciously. "I don't remember doing any of that."
"Of course you wouldn't." She says. "You were far too busy having fun." She laughs again. "I bet you didn't even realise I was watching."
Cyrus blushes. "I'm sorry." He says. "I really don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't worry about it." She says. "I won't tell anyone."
"I really hope so" Cyrus says.
"I won't." She smirks. "Now, I'm going to go sit down. See you around." She walks past him and takes a seat at the back of the bus.
Cyrus watches her as she makes her way to the back, and then looks forward towards the front of the bus. He glances back once more and notices that she was now gone. "That was weird." He mutters to himself.
***
Arriving at his school and making his way through the front gate he notices his friend Benji waiting for him. He smiles as he walks over to him. "Hey, Benji."
"Hey, Cyrus." Benji says. "How's it going?"
"Pretty good." Cyrus says. "I'm actually surprised that you're still in school today. Are you sure you don't want to slack off a bit longer?"
Benji laughs. "What are you talking about I've never slacked off." He says. "Besides, I have a lot of homework to catch up on."
Cyrus laughs. "Well, I hope you can get everything done. You don't want to get too behind on your studies."
"I know, I know." Benji says. "You've been telling me that for years now." He chuckles. "But I can't help it. I'm just a lazy person."
Cyrus shrugs. "At least you admit it."
"You should try being a lazy person sometime." Benji says. "It's not so bad."
"I don't think I could do it." Cyrus says. "I mean, I'm already used to being active. I can't imagine myself sitting around all day."
"You should give it a try." Benji says. "You might like it."
"Maybe I will." Cyrus laughs. "I'll think about it."
They walk down the hallway together until they reach their classroom. They take their seats in the back corner of the room and begin working on their assignments.
"So, what did you do over the weekend?" Benji asks.
"Nothing much." Cyrus replies. "I just hung out with my parents. It was nice."
"I bet." Benji says. "I wish I could hang out with my parents more often. There always just so busy."
"Sorry to but in to your conversation back there but class is starting." The teacher points at us before turning to the door. "Today we seem to have a new student joining us so be quiet for a bit will you. Come on in" He motions towards the door.
Cyrus looks up and sees the girl from yesterday entering the room. She's wearing the same pink dress and matching shoes as the day before. She also has on a pair of white gloves. She walks up to the front of the class And writes her name on the board before turning to face the class.
"Hello everyone." She says with a smile. "My name is Rebecca and I'm going to be in your care for a while.
Giving the girl a warm smile, The teacher turns to the class."Alright, everybody settle down. Let's start by introducing ourselves to Rebecca to help her feel a bit more welcome."
As everyone starts introducing themselves one by one. Cyrus finds himself getting distracted by the girl. He can't stop looking at her, and he's finding it hard to focus on anything else. He tries to keep his mind on his own introduction, but he keeps getting lost in her blue eyes.
Once everyone has finished introducing themselves, the teacher turns to the girl. "So, Rebecca. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?"
Rebecca smiles at him. "Sure thing." She says. "My name is Rebecca and I'm a freshman here at this school. I'm originally from New York City, but I moved to California with my family a few months ago."
The teacher nods. "That's great." He says. "We have quite a few students from New York here. So, you'll fit right in."
"Thank you." Rebecca says. "So, what are we studying today?"
"Today we're going to be going over how recent advancement in technology has impacted the work force." The teacher says. "You see, the internet has become a very popular place for people to earn money. Some people use it as a hobby, while others use it as a way to support themselves."
"Wow." Rebecca says while rolling her eyes. "That sounds interesting."
"It is." The teacher says. "I mean, if you're interested in earning some extra cash, it might be worth your time to learn a bit more about it."
"I would love to learn about it." Rebecca smirks. "I'm sure there are plenty of ways to make money on the internet. What kind of things can I do?
The teacher takes a deep breath and then begins explaining to the class. "Well, the first thing you need to do is decide what you're good at.
"Hmm. What I'm good at? I'm a pretty confident fighter." She laughs. "Can I do that?"
The teacher pauses for a bit before continuing "Of course you can." The teacher says. "I mean, Girls can do whatever boys can do, although that's not really something that can be done online is it? It's probably best that you talk this out with a gym."
"Okay." Rebecca says. "I think I'm starting to understand this whole job thing now. I think I'll be able to figure the rest out myself."
The teacher gives a little chuckle. "Well, good luck with that." He says.
Cyrus isn't quite sure what to think of her. On one hand, she seems like a cute girl, but on the other hand she seems a bit off.
The teacher turns off of Rebecca and back onto the class before continuing the lesson.
***
After school, Cyrus and Benji are walking towards the bus stop. They both see Rebecca standing near the front of the building.
"Hey, Benji." Cyrus says. "Do you remember that new girl from our class? The one who was wearing the flashy dress?"
Benji nods. "Yeah, I remember her." He says. "She seemed kinda weird though. Did you guys talk to her?"
"Yeah." Cyrus says. "I talked to her a little bit. She was pretty cool."
"Cool?" Benji asks. "She was definitely not cool."
Cyrus laughs. "She was okay. Not bad at all. Just a little different than the rest of us."
"Different how?"
"Well, she was kind of strange." Cyrus says. "She's a bit of an oddball."
"You can say that a again"
"Well, she's a bit different." Cyrus explains. "Not bad or anything, but she's not exactly normal."
Benji thinks about what Cyrus said for a moment. "I don't think I've ever met anyone like her before, and I guess I shouldn't judge her quite yet. You know what they say" He says. "You shouldn't judge book by its cover. Although I do wonder what she's doing over there."
Cyrus nods. "Yeah, I wondered the same thing. Maybe she's waiting for her parents to pick her up."
"Maybe." Benji says. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."
"No it's fine. Let's go." Cyrus says. "I want to get home before dinner."
They both head home but Cyrus can't shake the feeling of someone watching him.
***
Cyrus' mother is in the kitchen cooking dinner when Cyrus walks into the house. His father is sitting on the couch watching TV.
"Hi, Mom." Cyrus says. "How was your day?"
"It was good." Her mother replies. "How about yours?"
Cyrus sits down at the table. "It was alright. We got a new classmate." He says.
His mother looks up from her food and smiles. "A new classmate?" She asks. "Did you get to meet them?"
Cyrus nods. "Yeah, we talked a bit. She's a bit strange though."
"Strange?" His mother asks. "How so?"
"Well, she's not like the rest of us." Cyrus says. "She doesn't act like a normal person."
"That's good, right?" His mother asks. "I mean, you should be glad that she's not like the rest of us." She giggles
"Yeah, I guess so." Cyrus says. "Although, I don't know why she's here."
His mother smiles. "Oh, well, maybe she wanted to come to this school because it's better than her old one."
"I don't know." Cyrus says. "I don't think so."
"Well, whatever the reason is, it's probably for the best." His mother says. "You'll have someone new to talk to."
"I guess." Cyrus says.
Cyrus' father walks into the room. "Hi, son." He says. "How was your day?"
"Fine." Cyrus says. "How was work?"
"It was good." His father replies. "I've got some paperwork to do tonight, so I'm going to finish that up while I watch TV."
"Sounds good." Cyrus says.
"Why don't you join me?" His father asks. "It'll be nice to spend some time together."
"Alright." Cyrus says. "I'll be there in a minute."
"You mean, You will be there after you finish your schoolwork right" His mother says in a stern voice while glaring at him
"Yes, mom", Cyrus says in a hurry before heading upstairs.
Cyrus heads to his room. He grabs his laptop and begins working on his homework.
***
Cyrus finishes his homework and goes downstairs to the living room. His father is still on the couch watching TV.
"Dad." Cyrus says. "I'm done with my homework."
His father turns around and looks at him. "Great." He says. "Get over her."
Cyrus looks at whats on before he sighs and walks over to the couch. He sits down next to his father and begins watching the show until they both fall asleep.
Cyrus wakes up to an unfamiliar room. He quickly looks around and realises he's not in his house anymore. He stands up and looks out the window to see that he's no longer in his neighbourhood.
"Where am I?" Cyrus asks himself.
He walks down the stairs and heads towards the front door. He opens it and looks outside to see that the door leads to a cliff.
Cyrus quickly closes the door and looks around for another way out. There were two staircases leading upstairs with an arched door between them. He notices that there's a keyhole in door and takes a look through it. On the other side, He can see a large room with a Yellow door straight ahead. figuring since he cant leave the the outside, he decides to see if he can head in deeper through there. After searching around for a bit upstairs in some of the rooms, he finds a set of keys in a drawer. Assuming that at least one of them would work on the arched door, he picks them up and begins using the keys on the keyhole one at a time.
"Of course. None of them work." He complains before throwing the keys out and starts searching again. Soon he finds a not set atop one of the bed upstairs
Cyrus picks up the paper and reads it.
Room #4, bottom floor, west wing.
Cyrus looks at the room number. Room #4 is located on the west wing. "Well, I haven't checked downstairs yet. Might as well give this room a shot first." He heads towards the west wing and enters the room.
He takes a quick glance inside and sees a bed, a desk, and a chair. He walks over to the bed and sits down on it.
"This is a dream." He whispers to himself. "I'm dreaming."
Cyrus Takes a quick break before slowly getting up to continue looking around.
"You know, I haven't had a dream like this in a while." Cyrus says to himself. "Though this one is a little different. That scary women doesn't seem to be around, not that I mind"
He picks up a few objects and places them on the desk before turning the room upside down until he finally comes across a key taped to the underside of the desk.
"This must be it." Cyrus says.
He grabs the key and heads towards the wall with the keyhole. He puts the key in the lock and turns it. The door unlocks and opens.
"There we go." Cyrus says.
Cyrus walks inside and looks around. There are several doors of different colours leading into other rooms each with a different colour.
There is a large sign above all of the doors that reads. "Complete your trial"
Cyrus walks over to the far left door. Its a plain looking door for the most part.
He puts his hand on the doorknob before a loud voice rings out.
"Is this your choice? Know that what you choose cannot be undone" The voice sounds male and has a deep tone.
Cyrus takes a step back and looks at the door. "Am I only allowed to pick one? If I pick wrong, I could end up trapped forever."
Cyrus steps back away from the door and begins thinking.
"I don't want to pick the wrong door." He says.
Cyrus sighs and looks at the doors. "I'm not sure what to do." He says. "Maybe I should just go out and see if I can find another way out of this mansion."
Cyrus turns around and walks back towards the black door he walked in from putting his hand on the doorknob and pulling it open.
He opens to the door before being welcomed to a big black room.
Feeling a strong force behind him Cyrus is pushed into the room as the door slams shut and disappearing leaving him trapped inside."Your choice has been made" The voice shouts.
Cyrus hold his hands up to his face before letting out a heavy sigh. "you have got to be kidding me! I guess I have no choice."
He walks into the room and looks around. The only thing there was a large black box stationed in the middle of the room.
He walks towards the box and looks at it. There was a large button in the centre of the box.
"I guess I should push this?" Cyrus says to himself.
He steps closer to the button and pushes it. Nothing happens.
"Did it work?"
He steps back and looks at the box before seeing the top slide off of it.
Slowly he can see a figure rise from the box. It's a man who appears to be in his late thirties. He's wearing a suit with a red tie.
"Hello." The man says.
Cyrus stares at the man. "Um, hello." He says.
"My name is Andrew." The man says. "And you are?"
"I'm Cyrus."
Andrew nods. "That's what I thought." He says. "So, are you here to conquer me?"
Cyrus nods. "uh, I don't think so?"
"That's truly unfortunate." Andrew says. "Its far too late to back out now.."
Andrew extends his hand before a swirl of mist begins to gather in it. The room began to darken before a dark blast flashed past Cyrus's face destroying the wall behind him.
"Wha-" Cyrus screams.
"Don't worry." Andrew says. "something like this shouldn't hurt you."
Cyrus shakes his head. "But I just saw it blow up the wall."
Andrew smiles. "It's alright. You won't feel a thing."
Cyrus frowns. "I really don't like this."
Andrew smiles. "Don't worry to much, all you need to do is stay alive and I shall judge whether you are fit enough to handle me.
Cyrus looks at the ground. "Alright then." He says. "I'll do my best."
"Good. Be sure not to die on me."
A bright light flashes before Cyrus as he covers his eyes. In front of him appears a sword and shield.
"What is this?" Cyrus asks.
Andrew holds up his hand. "I'm glad you asked." He says. "This is your trial weapon. It will help you defeat your enemies. Or in this case, It will help you survive me"
Cyrus looks at the shield and the sword in his hands. "Alright, let's do this. Its better to get this over with than to draw it out any longer. I have school in the morning"
Andrew takes a step forward. "Now that's a nice attitude to have. well begin right away then."
Cyrus takes a step back but Andrew had already began charging towards him. Cyrus swings his sword at Andrew but it is easily blocked by his hand. "Not bad. I didn't expect you to make the first strike" He says. "but you have much more to learn."
Cyrus stabs at Andrew with the sword but Andrew dodges the attack by moving to the side and striking Cyrus in the stomach with his palm.
Cyrus stumbles back a few steps before leaning onto his shield to help him stand.
Andrew looks down at Cyrus. "You can do better than that." He says. "Now get up and fight!"
Cyrus slowly catches his breath and glares at Andrew.
Andrew grins. "If you want to pass your trial, you need to prove that you are strong enough for me. Panting like a dog after just one strike wont prove anything to me! I know you are stronger than this. Now is your chance to show me what you can do."
Cyrus looks at Andrew. "Alright." He says. "I'm ready."
Andrew smirks. "I knew you would be." He says. "Now, come at me"
Cyrus takes a deep breath before charging at Andrew. Andrew quickly blocks the attack with his hand before engulfing both his hand and the sword in black mist.
Cyrus quickly lets go of the blade and jumps back as Andrew shortly follows with the blade in hand. blocks the oncoming attack with his shield but He's unable handle the force of the assault as each strike pushes him further and further until his back is to the wall.
seeing Andrew charging for one final slash of the blade, Cyrus ducks beneath him before quickly rising slamming his shield into Andrews chin.
reeling from the block for a bit and releasing the sword, Cyrus takes this chance to grab it and make some distance between them.
After recovering Andrew quickly turns his hand in Cyrus's direction and sends a blast of black energy at him.
Cyrus quickly rolls out of the way as Andrew begins charging once more.
Andrew throws another blast of black energy at Cyrus. Cyrus quickly takes cover behind The large black box that held Andrew.
Cyrus looks at himself in wonder. "I didn't know i could move like this"
Andrew laughs. "I told you that you were strong. You just needed to find out how strong you really were."
Cyrus looks at Andrew. "I don't understand." He says.
Andrew flashes over to Cyrus and looks down at him. "I've been watching you since you first arrived here. You're quite good. I think you'll make fine use of my abilities.
Cyrus looks at Andrew. "What?" He says.
Andrew chuckles. "You've passed my test with flying colours. You are worthy enough to become one with me."
Cyrus stands up and looks at Andrew. "I'm sorry, I don't understand." He says.
Andrew smiles. "It's ok. It's a little hard to explain. You'll soon see."
Andrew extends his hand and a swirling black mist begins to form in it.
Cyrus puts up his guard and raises his shield. "What are you doing?" He asks.
Andrew smiles. "Just trust me."
Andrew tosses the black mist towards Cyrus.
Cyrus quickly blocks the attack with his shield still wary of the mist.
Andrew smiles. "I'm glad to see that you're still able to defend yourself. but you probably don't want to block this next on." He chuckles before vanishing and appearing behind Cyrus with another ball of mist.
Cyrus quickly turns around but it was too late. The blast flies through his heart as he falls to the ground.
Andrew kneels down beside Cyrus. "You did well."
Cyrus looks up at Andrew. "But I failed." He says.
Andrew stands up. "Not yet. You still have one more chance to prove yourself."
Cyrus looks at Andrew. "But what can I do?" He struggles to say.
Andrew walks towards the door. "survive" He says. "and I'll show you"
Andrew opens the door and leaves the room.
Cyrus unable to stand looks down to his chest. The hole in his chest has disappeared and in its place is the black mist.
Cyrus rubs his eyes. "I don't understand." He says.
He slowly gets up before coughing up blood and stumbling back onto the ground. A sharp pain spreads through out his body as the mist inside him expands.
Cyrus begins to scream before passing out from exhaustion.