Track sighed as he entered the gym. With a limp he walked to a couch and plopped down onto it. His body was covered in bruises and cuts, after all he participated in the war too. Considering it was cut short thanks to Top Dog's actions, he was able to walk home on his own. Now that R-R was being overwhelmed with work, Track figured he could visit at a later time. He could heal his own wounds for now.
"Look at you. It's like you got beat by the local gang of bullies."
Track tossed a glance at the voice, "Yeah. That's pretty much what happened."
"At least you won."
"Thanks to Top Dog."
"You always sing praises for that guy."
"Of course, he's the reason why I'm still in a street gang. Hand me the first aid kit, underneath the sink."
Rye moved towards the sink as she continued, "A damn shame. You could join me on the outskirts."
"And live like you?"
Thud-
The first aid kit hit Track's head. Rye had tossed it after the comment. Wincing Track grabbed the first aid kit, "Thanks?"
"Don't make such comments about my hard earned home."
"Yes you're right, I shouldn't have done that."
Track opened the kit and began removing a few items, "So, why are you still here?"
"I was practically one foot out the door when I saw the war finish."
"I figured you would've already left."
Track opened a small bottle and poured a liquid onto a cloth. Placing it to a cut on his forehead he hissed from the stinging pain, "I was partially surprised to hear your voice."
"Damn you still lack skill for this. Let me handle it.", Rye took the cloth and gently dabbed the bleeding wounds, "I'm afraid that kid didn't let me leave."
"He- Ow! Don't be so vicious."
"This is why I said you lack skill. You think just gently placing the cloth is going to help? You gotta make sure it's clean."
Track mumbled something under his breath, but quickly stopped when he felt Rye's movements grow more rough. Instead he decided to finish what he was trying to ask, "He did what?"
"Just as I was about to leave he grabbed my coat. It wasn't forceful, I guess he was too timid to actually do much else."
"You got him to move without saying anything. I haven't managed that one."
"Guess I'm just special.", Rye joked as she fished something out of the kit.
"So that was it? He just grabbed your coat and you had a change of heart? What kind of- Ow!!"
"Don't say stupid things. It was his eyes. I've never seen such determination before."
"Did it beat mine?"
"Vastly."
Track whistled as his body relaxed, "So does that mean you'll go along with my plan?"
"Are you really trying to do that method again? You remember what happened last time right?"
"I know, but I feel like this kid is capable of doing it."
Rye plastered a bandage on a cut, "If he is, I fear what might happen after."
"After. . .", Track's face grew serious, "I admit I didn't think that far."
Thwap-
Rye slapped his head, "Dammit, you never think ahead! This is why your ability is wasted on you."
He couldn't argue, so he instead laughed. The two sat in silence for a while after that, the only sounds coming from Rye's wound tending. Once she finished she spoke again, "Do you really want to try that method again?"
"I do."
"Then you have to raise him well."
Track's eyebrows raised, "You're willing?"
"He won me over too. Something about that gaze of his."
"It's what convinced me as well. He might have some sort of charisma based ability."
"Then aren't we being played?"
"Does it matter?"
Rye paused at that statement. Her brow furrowed as she clearly thought about it, "No. . . I suppose not? Thinking like this is really dangerous. Are you sure we haven't been affected?"
"All I'm saying is that there isn't much else we can do if that's the case. Also I'm sure your ability might break the effect if it really does exist."
"If that's the case, I wanted to wait a bit longer before trying. But this potential threat. . . alright I'll do it as soon as possible."
"Why not now?"
"I'm not sure. . . he's not in great condition."
Track shook his head, "No it has to be now. It's part of my plan."
"And this plan is?"
"I want him to focus purely on increasing his body. If we work towards sheer increase, we can use your ability to have him adjust to the rapid changes."
Rye rolled to the side and sat on the couch. Crossing her arms she fell into thought, "That might work in theory. But we can't ignore the potential limits to that. After all while my ability might be able to make up for a lot of the shortcomings, we can't completely account for the potential injuries."
"I know, that's why I'm pacing it properly. If anything major happens, I feel we'll be able to see it before it becomes a problem."
"This is all assuming he can handle it. The mental stress he'll have to deal with is nothing small. Do I need to remind you of last time again?"
"We can only test this. What happens after will depend on him."
Leaning back Rye placed her hands behind her head, "Truth be told I am curious. I wonder just how he pushed himself to end up in that condition. If he does end up to be the one I'm looking for, I can finally die without regret."
"Let's not die please."
"Ha! We shall see. This city isn't nice."
Track stood up abruptly to end the dark thoughts, "Then shall we test?"
"Might as well."
The two moved upstairs and into the room the young boy was resting at. Currently spread out onto the floor the boy merely stared at the ceiling. Rye felt pity, "Does the kid not get a bed?"
"I'm working on it! I've lived alone for the past few years, I'm not prepared for any guests."
Rye furrowed her brow, "Then where am I sleeping?"
"Hm? You're staying here?"
"Obviously?!"
"I thought you were going to head back home. . ."
Rye held back her wish to choke Track, "You want me to take the trip between the outskirts and here several times a week?!"
"It would be good exercise?"
"You're lucky you're injured.", Rye warned but did not explain further.
Track felt like he was wronged, "Agh fine! You can choose the couch or my bed, I don't care! Let's just get started."
"Alright, get up you vegetable.", Rye's word became crude as she warmed up her shoulders, "I'm gonna put you through the wringer."
The young boy lifted himself up and stared at Rye. Watching him act without hesitation made Rye feel strange. Like a feeling of uncanny valley struck her, "Lotus position! You're going to need to focus."
This time the young boy tilted his head. If question marks could manifest, they certainly would be around his head. Rye felt exasperated, "Just sit! I'll move you properly."
Sitting down the young boy watched as Rye rapidly moved his limbs, "Perfect, this is the lotus position. Remember it, you'll be in it a few times now!"
Track spoke, "Before we begin, I need to know something."
The two turned their heads towards him. Track's serious expression remained as he informed, "What you're about to go through. It may not be entirely real, but it will feel the same. You will feel what it's like to die. This will happen several times, and the pain you're going to go through will not be light."
Crouching down to stare directly at the young boy Track asked, "Knowing this, will you proceed? If at any point you can't take it, you just tell us alright?"
The young boy nodded instantly. Rye felt like he was underestimating what was about to happen, but words couldn't quite explain what was about to happen. She quickly fished a chair and placed it behind the young boy. Sitting down she held his head within her palms, "Alright, brace yourself. What you will have to do is beat the person in front of you. If you don't they may possibly kill you. Alright?"
A faint nod again.
"Then let us begin."
Rye's ability falls within the Manifestation category. This category was rather broad, for the things that counted as Manifestations were numerous. So more specifically she was in a sub-category of Illusions.
[Battle Simulation: The user is capable of putting the person they touch with their hands into a deep illusion. In this illusion they will face a number of enemies (decided by the user) under an incredibly realistic simulation. This ability has the ability to replicate the feeling of death, and because of it can cause serious mental damage if used improperly.
Notes:
- This is ranked D, but has the potential of D+
- Administrator Note: Who the hell put this as D+ potential?! Did you not pay attention during history?? This ability is terrifying, I'm using my authority to put in a request for a revaluation. You bastards never learn your lesson!]
The young boy found his vision was rapidly changing. An empty black abyss took over everything. He stepped forward and found the floor was covered in a very thin layer of water. The first thing he noticed was that his body had no signs of the workout he recently accomplished. Soreness was nowhere to be felt. Rather this was the lightest he felt in years. Even his long lasting wounds were gone.
Turning he found what looked like a mannequin running towards him. Its faceless head was almost terrifying in the darkness, yet it's body was clearly seen. The young boy tilted his head when a voice entered his mind.
"Don't falter, this is an actual enemy you're facing."