Dec's arrival was a whirlwind. Jody barely had time to collect her thoughts before she found herself swept into the passenger seat of their car, the city around them a tableau of chaos and wonder. People were gathered in groups, some fearful, others excitedly testing newfound abilities that defied explanation.
Dec's grip on the steering wheel was tight as he navigated through the crowded streets. "This is insane," he murmured, glancing at Jody with a worried expression. "You alright?"
"I think so," Jody replied, her mind still racing. She couldn't shake the feeling of the strange energy coursing through her veins, unfamiliar yet oddly empowering.
They arrived home, a small but cozy apartment nestled on the outskirts of the city. It was a relief to be in a familiar place amidst the surreal events of the day. Once inside, Dec and Jody shared their experiences. Dec explained how the sudden influx of energy had disrupted his workplace, with some of his colleagues exhibiting strange new talents.
"It's like something out of a comic book," Dec said, half in awe, half in disbelief. "People are calling it the Nexus Event. It's all over the news."
Jody nodded, her thoughts drifting to the peculiar sensation she had felt at the office. "I felt it too. Something inside me has changed, Dec. I can feel it."
---
The following morning, with the world still buzzing about the Nexus Event, Jody and Dec decided to explore the extent of Jody's newfound abilities. They went to the local park, figuring it would be less crowded and safer for experimentation.
"Try to focus on me," Dec suggested, standing a few feet away. "Imagine enhancing my strength or speed."
Jody concentrated, extending her hand towards Dec. She visualized empowering him, boosting his capabilities. Suddenly, a soft golden light emanated from her palms, enveloping Dec in a warm glow. Almost immediately, Dec's stance changed, his back straightening as if he were invigorated.
"Did you feel that?" Jody asked, her voice a mix of excitement and nervousness.
"Yes, it's like a rush of energy, a sudden boost!" Dec exclaimed. He began to jog around the park, moving with an ease and speed he never had before. After a few moments, he returned, breathing easily, the effects slowly fading.
Encouraged, they experimented further. Jody attempted a debuff, concentrating on gently diminishing Dec's energy. This time, a silver light shimmered from her fingertips, and Dec felt a noticeable, though not unpleasant, drain.
"This is incredible, Jody," Dec said, a broad grin spreading across his face. "You're like a mage now!"
---
As they continued experimenting, a rustle in the nearby bushes caught their attention. Expecting perhaps a curious onlooker or a stray animal, they were unprepared for what emerged: a small ape, its eyes gleaming with an unnatural intelligence.
The ape hesitated, then slowly approached Jody, as if drawn to her. Surprised by the calm demeanor of the creature, Jody instinctively reached out her hand, the golden light flickering briefly at her touch. The ape blinked, then, in a startling display of awareness, placed its hand in hers.
"I think... I think he's connected to me somehow," Jody said, her voice soft with wonder. "Like he's been affected by my magic."
Dec looked on, amazed. "Looks like you've got more than just buffs and debuffs. You might have just summoned your first familiar."
The ape—whom they later named Jamal—became an unexpected addition to their small family. It was clear that the Nexus Event had altered more than just humans; it had awakened something in the animals as well.
As the sun set over the park, Jody, Dec, and Jamal headed home, their minds full of questions but also possibilities. The world had changed, and so had they. Now, it was time to discover the full extent of these changes and what it meant for their future.