The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden hue that pierced my eyelids. Mornings had always been a jolt to my senses, and today was no exception. A sense of warmth and comfort enveloped me, and as I stirred, I realized something was behind me, cradling me in its embrace. A peculiar sensation, yet strangely reassuring. Without turning around, I cautiously reached out, my fingers tracing the curves, the gentle contours that felt unmistakably like hips. Curiosity piqued, I ventured further, exploring to my right and encountering a rounded, yielding firmness that elicited a soft, pleasant response upon contact. A slight jiggle, a sensation both unfamiliar and oddly satisfying.
Suddenly, a small, barely audible sound reached my ears. I glanced around, only to find Analu peacefully slumbering beside me. Surprise coursed through me. "How did she get here?" I wondered silently.
Dizziness threatened to overwhelm me, and I thanked providence for the comfort of my bed. "Good morning," her voice rang out as she opened her eyes and shifted onto her back. In that moment, my heart seemed to be racing away from me.
"Did you leave something down there?" she inquired playfully. A rush of emotions—nervousness, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of impending doom—tangled within me, my voice faltering in response. Her laughter, gentle and light, filled the air.
"You... you felt it?" I managed, my mind racing with thoughts I dared not voice aloud. Her unexpected reply caught me off guard, mixing surprise with a tinge of excitement. "I liked it... it felt good. Maybe you should try it again sometime."
A flood of relief washed over me, tinged with a surge of unexpected possibilities. The prospect of breaking through this uncharted territory—my own personal New World—loomed ahead. The world might have ended, but this moment hinted at a new beginning. Maybe I will break my 'new world virginity.'
As we prepared for the day ahead, conversation flowed between us. Analu, who usually lodged at Sarah's place, had opted to stay with me this time. There was an air of concern in her demeanor, a subtle expression that hinted at her worries. Gradually, I opened up to her, sharing fragments of how I truly felt and recounting the vivid details of a dream that had lingered in my mind. Her response was unexpected, marked by a simple, "That's rather strange."
"By the way, Analu, how did you find my nephew yesterday?" I asked, attempting to shift the focus. Yet, her immediate reply sent a ripple of apprehension through me. It was common knowledge among those close to her that Analu possessed an ability—a gift that enabled her to delve into thoughts even across vast distances. The thought crept in: Was she just reading my thoughts this very moment?
"Oh, snap. I'm in for it now," I muttered under my breath, feeling a knot of worry tightening in my stomach.
Analu glanced at me, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "Don't sweat it, Rome. It's not like a switch I can flick off and on. But trust me, when I do activate it, it's like a pesky alarm bell going off in my head. And, oh boy, it's a tad painful too. Plus, I need to hang around a person or soak in their vibes for a few days to pick up on their thoughts."
"So, basically, you did hear what I just thought. Am I in hot water?" I asked, half teasing, half genuinely concerned.
A sly grin crept onto her face. "Oh, indeed! You were whispering sweet nothings about how you adore me and want me all to yourself. You've been a naughty, naughty boy."
Her playful retort caught me off guard, but it also revealed a side of Analu that I hadn't fully appreciated before. It dawned on me how much she genuinely cared for us, willing to endure discomfort to protect my kid nephew. It struck a chord, making me ponder—maybe any of us would go to such lengths if someone we cared about was in trouble.
With that lighthearted banter lingering in the air, we wrapped up our preparations and headed out. There was an unspoken understanding between us, a bond strengthened by playful teasing and underlying care, setting the tone for our day ahead.
Mandro, Drake, Chunita, and Dash were seated amidst the bustling breakfast hall, a vibrant communal space where our community congregated for meals. Ted welcomed us as both Analu and I approached.
"We've been waiting on you guys to kick things off," Ted exclaimed with a twinkle in his eye.
"Kickoff what exactly?" I inquired, genuinely intrigued by the air of anticipation.
"Sit down, my friend, and prepare to have your mind blown," Mandro, the enigmatic figure with an eyepatch, beckoned, his voice carrying an air of mystery.
"I'm all ears. But hey, not to be rude, what's the story with the eyepatch?" I ventured, curious yet cautious.
Mandro's chuckle was enigmatic as he met my gaze with an intense stare. "All in good time. You'll soon find out," he cryptically responded, a subtle undercurrent of intrigue trailing his words. Was he somehow connected to Eugene's enigmatic team? It was a mystery I aimed to unravel, keeping a watchful eye on him.
"We've summoned both the law-abiding citizens and, yes, even the criminals among us here. Don't fret; they're powerless in this gathering. And no, we're not affiliated with them," Mandro clarified, addressing any underlying concerns.
"Are you certain of that?" Kero quizzically interjected.
"If we were, rest assured, this village wouldn't stand a chance against us. Well, with minimal casualties," Chunita quipped, her gaze briefly fixating on me. That gesture felt oddly directed. What was the implication behind her words? Mandro swiftly defused the tension with a reassuring laugh, dispelling any notion of hostile intentions.
"Let's delve into this," Mandro resumed, unveiling his origins. "I hail from Florida—precisely a research center there."
The mention of a research center sparked a flicker of recognition within me. "Is it by any chance the Miami Astrophysics Research Center?" I ventured.
The reaction was sudden and startling. All four of them pivoted in my direction almost synchronously, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Did I misspeak?" I inquired, sensing an inadvertent blunder.
"Did you have prior knowledge of this place?" Drake inquired, probing with a thoughtful gaze.
"I can't say for certain... I did extensive research pre-disaster...perhaps it was a dream or a fleeting memory. I'm not entirely sure," I confessed, grappling with fragmented recollections.
"Remarkable," Mandro interjected with an air of astonishment.
"Allow me to clarify, technically, it wasn't an explosion," Chunita interjected, correcting the unfolding narrative.
"What then?" Eugene prodded, intrigued by the revelation.
"It was a supernova," Chunita announced, a statement that hung heavily in the air, eliciting a mixed chorus of surprise and curiosity from the assembled.
Amidst the ensuing buzz of inquiries and ponderings, someone voiced the critical question: "How do you possess this knowledge?"
As he began to narrate the tale of his former colleagues, whose celestial explorations led to an uncanny revelation through a powerful telescope, I was struck by a recollection—a memory of a conspiracy post on social media.
"Wait, are you the whistleblower?" I questioned, seeking validation.
"No, not me, that's him over there," Mandro revealed, gesturing to Dash, who offered a bashful grin and a casual wave in response.
"My superior passed me the intel, and I relayed it. He sought to alert the populace. The authorities had a day's notice and sought refuge in their bunkers," Mandro elaborated, shedding light on the clandestine events that had preceded the cataclysmic event.
The revelation hung heavy in the air, a tapestry of secrets and warnings that had slipped through the cracks of official narratives, resonating with the whispers of those privy to clandestine information
Now everyone was in an uproar again cursing the government and damning them to hell. I think they deserved what came there way.
"I wonder if they made it to their bunkers?" I asked.
"Even if they did it wouldn't save them. Everyone was affected. My leader locked himself in a prototype vault we used to store one of the most deadly materials on Earth. Now he's stuck in there but he's alive." Said Chunita.
"How do you know he's alive??" Asked Sarah. "Well let's just say that's a secret for now." She replied. They did sound a bit shady in a sense but I did believe them. About the government and everything.
" Wow, this news is awesome in a sense. My little science brain is going crazy about all this. I wished I could see my friends who thought I was crazy about some a the stuff I told them. The looks on their faces right now would be priceless." I had a smug grin on my face as I thought this to myself. I wonder if anyone else noticed.
Analu's gaze swept across the gathered group, waiting until the restless murmurs subdued into a hush before she posed her question.
"What caused it?" Her words cut through the air, lingering with a weighty significance. Mandro, rubbing his forehead with a sheepish expression, grappled with an answer. "Honestly, we're not sure. None of us holds that knowledge, but we're convinced the answers exist out there, scattered across the globe. That's why we've dispatched twenty individuals to five different locations, gathering information tirelessly. We trust our leader implicitly. His intellect is remarkable; he'll unravel the truth."
Mandro's reverence for their enigmatic leader resonated within his words. Their faith in him was palpable, hinting at an authority exuding immense power and wisdom.
"We're planning to establish a school, a sanctuary for training and protection," Mandro continued. "It's our leader's vision—a haven for those seeking refuge amid the looming uncertainties." Their commitment to saving the world and uncovering the truth framed their tale and its purpose.
They mentioned the term 'Nova force' for these abilities, leaving me intrigued. As I prepared to leave, Mandro dropped an even more bewildering revelation. "Our leader suspects our ages might have been reversed." The startling claim sparked a frenzied reaction, prompting me to excuse myself for breakfast and training.
Later, at Mandro's request, we convened a short walk from the village, eager but apprehensive about what lay ahead. Mandro recounted their journey from the Miami Astrophysics Research Center, their warnings unheeded until the cataclysmic event unfolded.
I recalled the unusually bright morning when the star exploded—a seemingly ordinary day shattered by an inexplicable phenomenon. Mandro's account filled in the missing pieces, the shockwave wreaking havoc worldwide.
Their survival instincts kicked in, leading them to an unfamiliar landscape. Monsters lurked, and they were saved by an inexplicable energy, a beacon of hope embodied by their elusive leader. His guidance led them to a hidden stronghold that became their refuge, where they honed their skills and strength.
"We also found dungeons filled with monsters and untapped treasures, powers an mystery.
"Is it in these dungeons where you grow stronger?" Kero interjected, curiosity etched on his face.
"Yes, the dungeons accelerate our growth," Chunita replied. "We've faced creatures far mightier than the Crocodile out there, adversaries that even our collective strength struggled to overcome."
"We're going to a dungeon we spotted on our way to this island. Do you guys wanna come?" Asked Mandro. We all agreed. I was so excited until....Kero spoke. "Not with Rome." All the excitement left the air.
"Why not with Rome?" Dash queried.
"He's reckless, impulsive. Rushes into situations thinking sheer strength will save him, leaving us to clean up his mess," Kero retorted.
"What are you saying, man?" John interjected, perplexed.
"Come on, haven't you noticed? The first time he took down that spiked dog, I thought it was luck. But then it kept happening. He attracts danger like a magnet. Did you see the spider and that Crocodile? They were on him like they sensed something wrong. I've survived too much to die because of his actions. Being around him feels draining," Kero expressed vehemently.
The weight of yesterday's emotions coupled with this revelation hit me hard. I maintained composure, silently absorbing their conversation.
"Enough!" Celestia's voice sliced through the tension, yet Kero persisted.
"No, you can't deny it. You all know there's truth in what I'm saying. He might seem calculated, but he's reckless. Someone's going to get hurt because of him. Look at his sister—running off with Analu to confront Eugene without a plan. What if those who took Atwaine were as formidable as Mandro's crew? It's a family of fools," Kero continued, sparking a slap from Celestia that silenced him. The group appeared conflicted, emotions running high.
"I think it's time we speak our minds," I interjected, urging everyone to voice their thoughts.
Sarah and John hesitated, torn between agreement and disagreement with Kero's assertions.
Analu remained silent. Mandro sought to intervene, halted by Chunita's intervention. "I'll stay. We can't leave the village unguarded," I decided, prompting Analu to pledge her commitment too," I'll stay as well." "Let's test your theory, Kero," Mandro responded.
"Let's see if monsters are really attracted to him. I'f that's the case then he can stay, if not then he;s coming with us.
Reluctantly, I accompanied them, the six of us positioned at the entrance near the infamous spiked dog territory. Our strategy seemed too passive—a mere stance, relying on Chunita's Nova force to weaken any approaching monsters while Dash swiftly eliminated them. It didn't sit well with me, but our collective strength reassured that we could retaliate if necessary.
We stood poised, a tense silence enveloping us, our eyes fixed on the eerie landscape. Suddenly, three spiked dogs emerged, their presence ominous and foreboding. The plan dictated that we remain motionless, maintaining a considerable distance between each of us.
Anxiety clenched my chest; I was on edge, anticipating Kero's hypothesis to either confirm or dispel. Moments later, it became chillingly real. All three monstrosities disregarded the others, fixating on me with intent. The shock immobilized me as they lunged, their ferocity aimed solely in my direction.
Swift and decisive, Chunita and Dash sprang into action, swiftly dispatching the creatures. I stood frozen, speechless, as astonishment painted the faces of my companions, their gazes fixed on me with disbelief and a tinge of fear.
Surprise washed over me when Analu placed a comforting hand on my back. "It's OK, I'll still be here for you no matter what," she reassured me. Her words were a soothing balm to my troubled soul, yet they also stirred a deep sense of unease within me. With a mixture of gratitude and turmoil. Was I cursed? Did this nova force power attract monsters to me? The thought of endangering my loved ones with my presence weighed heavily on my heart; I felt unequivocally cursed.
Soon, the decision was made that only John, Sarah, Celestia, and Kero would embark on the journey, leaving in a few hours. Concerned about my safety, I voiced my fears. "Is it safe for me to stay in the village? Am I cursed?" Sarah's response, recalling the day of the rat attack on the farm when I was absent, provided some reassurance. Analu pledged to stay by my side, ensuring the village's protection if needed.
"I haven't encountered any monsters while in the village. Maybe it's safer for me to stay here," I attempted to reassure them, trying to mask my internal turmoil. "You go ahead, strengthen yourselves. I'll find something constructive to do here."
Seeking solace, I wandered aimlessly, ignoring the calls of Sarah, John, and Analu as I sprinted, my mind clouded by conflicting emotions. Seeking solitude to grapple with the harsh reality that had just struck me like a bolt of lightning, I returned to the village, I sought refuge in the children's section, sitting amidst the floating plants. Embracing my little nephew tightly, I whispered my love for him, extending the sentiment to the other children. Their innocent laughter and reciprocated affection brought both warmth and fear—a realization that maybe it wasn't safe to be around them in my current state.
Disturbed by the unsettling revelation, I made my way towards the Craftsman Station. to try and further ease my stress. Along the path, I encountered Mandro, his expression a blend of concern and curiosity as he sought me out.
"Let's sit down," he proposed. "I know the kind of person you are. Always putting others' needs before your own, rushing to their aid without considering the consequences for yourself. It's noble, but it's a path that might lead to your downfall."
I absorbed his words, choosing silence over immediate response. Sometimes, simply listening provides its own form of wisdom. "I don't believe you're cursed," Mandro continued. "You seem to emanate more energy than before, even more than that monster we defeated. But it appears you're unsure how to control it."
His words washed over me, the comfort they intended slipping away. Perhaps he aimed to reassure, but it felt futile. "Thank you for reaching out," I murmured, my tone heavy with dejection.
"You should get going," I interjected as I turned away, retreating to my room. Collapsing onto the bed, a wave of desolation engulfed me, a darkness I hadn't felt in years resurfacing. I had thought I'd moved past it, but clearly, I hadn't.