Piiiing!

A searing pain follows the piercing noise. I grab my skull and struggle to remain conscious as a torrent of thoughts, images, and memories are forced into my brain.

"GAHHHH!!" The only thing I can do is writhe around and scream as my head splits in half.

And just as quickly as it came, the pain stops.

I'm left laying on an unfamiliar bed, drenched in cold sweat. I look down and see someone else's body where mine is supposed to be. It seems to be that of a skinny young boy; a stark contrast to the fat hairy one I've seen for the last twenty-five years. I gasp as I come to the realization that I'm inhabiting someone else's body.

Deep breath. Remember; calm people live, tense people die. I need to quickly get my bearings and come up with a plan. At least my life doesn't appear to be in danger at the moment.

I do my best to remain calm as I focus on my breathing. The most important thing at the moment is to gather information.

I lift the boy's hand and examine it with the soft morning light streaming through the window. His hand lacks any calluses or scars that could be associated with physical activity. I look around the room and notice the anachronistic amenities; A hand-carved wooden desk replaces my metal one, stone walls instead of plaster, and a number of candles in lieu of light bulbs. Wherever I am, the current technology level leaves much to be desired.

As my attention falls from the environment and returns to my person, I notice a gnawing pain in my head. It's as if something is trying to push me out of this body.

I close my eyes and concentrate on the sensation. Deep inside myself, I find a separate consciousness desperately fighting for control. After focusing on it, I realize that it's the mind of the boy I'm now inhabiting.

Stop. I don't know what's going on but I'm not going to hurt you. As we both now inhabit the same vessel, we'll need to work together. What's your name?

The boy stops fighting momentarily but maintains his guard. We must be connected because I can feel all his thoughts and emotions. Anger is the most present, but is only a front to hide his fear and confusion. He falls back as he notices my piercing gaze.

Nick? It's a good name. We'll go with that for now. Could you explain to me our situation? I might be able to help.

The boy hesitates for several seconds before opening some of his memories. I can see the small town where we live as well as the faces of his parents. They all live near a giant forest in a small kingdom called Helius. I realize I'm definitely not on Earth anymore when he reveals that this planet is called Gaius. The boy doesn't seem to have any friends or acquaintances and spends most of his time reading indoors.

Our survival isn't currently being threatened so I suppose we can move on to less pressing matters like what the hell is going on? The boy obviously won't know anything but I might be able to figure something out over time. It's best that I don't raise too much suspicion so I'll try to keep a low profile for the time being. While the boy isn't under threat, I might be if people find out about my existence. I can't even begin to imagine what people would think about an entity invading a child's mind. They might do everything they can to eliminate me.

My focus shifts back to the boy cautiously eyeing me from inside my own head.

If your needs are taken care of that means you can focus on your wants. What is it that you want?

[I want you to leave] is the only response I get.

Well, that isn't possible at the moment. What else?

Soon, images of a local bully named Kyle float to the forefront of my mind. They are followed by thoughts of heros and adventures. It seems the boy likes reading fiction.

That's too vague. Pick something specific.

A few moments pass and an image of a fruit stand comes to mind. A pretty young girl is smiling at people as she hands them their orders. The golden sunlight blends in with her blonde hair as if the two were connected.

So, you want to talk to a girl? I can help you with that.

I'm bombarded by happiness, shame, hope, and fear as the boy imagines this new possibility.

What do you say we work together, at least for the time being? Sound good?

Again, he hesitates. His indecisiveness is already beginning to get on my nerves but I do my best to hide my annoyance. After thinking it over, he nods in agreement.

Good, then it's nice to meet you. I'll need your help as I don't really know anything about this world, Okay?

He smiles earnestly in response which wipes away all my previous misgivings. It's hard not to root for the underdog, and because of that, I can't help but sympathize with him. I've grown cynical over the years working with liars and manipulators, so this kid's honesty is a real breath of fresh air.

Bang!

The bedroom door swings open and a plump woman charges in.

"Nick! I heard you screaming, are you okay?" She shouts as she runs up and grabs our face. Not knowing anything about their relationship, I don't know what to say. Fortunately, I've got just the man for the job. For the first time since I've come to this world I cede full control of our body to the kid.

You're up.

I say as I fade into the background.

Try to make it convincing.