Chapter 50 - Awakening

Author Notes:

- random plumbers named after John Dilworth, David Wasson, and Maxwell Atoms


Kyle slowly awoke within a dark cabin. He felt weak, but he was to at least move around with mild aches in his body. Slightly dazed, he sat up to find himself alone. Across the room was a table with various medical supplies, mostly uncorked bottles containing strange liquids, scattered around it. It took a moment for him to notice, but Kyle felt the room's temperature within freezing levels. He quickly ducked under his blankets though it wasn't enough to stop the shivering. A quick glance outside the nearby window didn't indicate any cold weather occurring. Kyle thought he was suffering from a fever at first, but feeling his forehead told him he was perfectly fine.

"You are awake..." Riyos stated.

"Wh-Wh... Why is it s-s-so c-c-...cold? Ugh... H-How long have I b-b-been out?"

"You can speak mentally, you know? And approximately one week. As for this freezing temperature, you should ask that Anodite friend of yours. She should be checking up on you in the morning."

"What time is it?" Kyle shifted his head to an alarm clock resting on the nightstand. "Three in the morning?"

"You should return to sleep. Your body will never recover without proper rest."

"I'll try... But this temperature is ridiculous!"

"I could force sleep if you desire."

"No thanks..."


Six days ago

"Holy cow! What's going on with him!"

Ben slowly backed away from the comatose Kyle who was lying upon a makeshift bed. A strange wind, seemingly out of nowhere, was enveloping his body as the temperature around him began to lower at a progressive and alarming rate. Gwen attempted to form a mana shield around Kyle to contain this strange force, but it only seemed to do more bad than good. It was not long before Kyle's shadow took life again as Riyos asserted control of his body. Judging by his expression and his heavy breathing, it seemed difficult for even him to maintain his presence.

"What's happening to him?" Gwen asked.

"I believe that totem awakened the boy's latent magical abilities..."

"Wait, so Kyle's can use magic?" Ben asked.

"Yes. The boy has always possessed these abilities, but they were dormant. They were never intended to be awakened this prematurely..."

"Is there anything we can do? I mean, I'm no expert on magic, but I'll in any way possible..."

"I doubt it. You simply have to allow his body to naturally adjust to these powers. I would suggest keeping a minimum amount of people from coming within close proximity. Prematurely awakened magic can produce unpredictable effects. Unless properly protected, I would not recommend approaching him until he has awakened."

"I hope it isn't for long..."

"I will attempt to suppress the effects if they get out of hand. You two should get out of here for now. A sudden burst will come forth once I let go of my hold..."

Gwen nodded and instructed her cousin to follow. Ben stared at Riyos for a few more seconds before finally leaving. Once outside and a few meters from the cabin, the two felt a short but powerful gust brush past them. Had they been unprepared, they would have been pushed to the ground. Gwen stepped forward but was stopped by Ben grabbing her arm and shaking his head in disapproval.

Back inside, Riyos clutched himself in pain as he tried to lay Kyle's body to rest. Closing his eyes, he returned to Kyle's subconscious.


Present

"Well you look better." Gwen remarked.

Kyle awoke from the sound of Gwen opening the creaking cabin door. He didn't feel like sitting up so he merely waved his arm to alert Gwen of his awareness.

"Thanks for what you've done to help me... Riyos told me the basics, but what about this freezing air?"

"Oh, that..."

Gwen went on to explain Kyle's awakened powers. During Gwen's previous visits, Riyos had resurfaced to provide more information..

"Seems like you're an adept in ice and wind. Fire and darkness too, but that's only because you share your soul with Riyos."

"I guess I'm just full of surprises... How long'll it be before I can stop turning any room into a refrigerator?"

"He said you'd be fine once you woke up. C'mon. Let's just get you someplace warmer." Gwen helped Kyle out of bed and gave him a shoulder to support himself. Together they headed outside to find an escort of Plumbers waiting for them. Kyle looked back and saw he had been sleeping in a lone cabin in the forest. "We were told it was possible that your powers could've taken over the entire encampment. We had to move you here to prevent it from becoming an artic wasteland. Don't worry though. You've been heavily protected by these guys since then."

One of the Plumbers stepped forward and offered to take Kyle from her hands. Gwen was slightly reluctant, but granted permission. The Plumber allowed to Kyle to piggyback the rest of the way. It was slightly uncomfortable with some of his gadgets poking him, but Kyle tolerated it.

Once back at the encampment after a short walk, Kyle was laid to rest in Gwen's cabin. Slightly embarrassed about this fact, Kyle tried to turn it down, but Gwen was insistent.

"It's fine, really! Oh! I almost forgot!" Gwen retrieved Kyle's Nanocom from her pocket and reattached it to his wrist. "Sorry about taking it, but Dexter wanted us to make sure it was in a safe place."

"Dexter knows?"

"You got a call from him about four days ago. By the time we found out who it was, it was too late to make up a convincing excuse."

"What did he want?"

"He wanted you to investigate some abnormal readings he picked up. Once I told him what happened, he just said to call back once you were better."

"I wonder..."

"Mind if I ask you something?"

"Sure. Shoot."

"Did you ask for this?"

"...What?"

"Why are you fighting? Everyone I've met who's fighting in this war is doing it because he belongs to some kind of organization or comes from a trained background. But you... You're just some random kid."

"Well, I was kinda forced to..."

"Yeah, the future timeline and stuff, but after that... You could've went back to a...semi-normal life."

"I just needed something to do..."

"That's not a very good reason..."

"Then maybe... I don't know... It's the only thing that's allowed me to meet tons of new people and make new friends... Before that day, I barely spoke to anyone besides my mom."

"Mom? What about-?"

"My dad? Died before I was born... Not even Mom will tell me what happened to him. I don't know my grandparents either, or even if they're still alive, so they obviously won't tell me..."

"I'm sorry. I should've been more considerate..."

"It's alright. My dad never bothered me that much anyway. I've always asked myself if I got my hair and eye color from him. I used to convince myself it was just a birth defect and I still say that when people question it, but now I'm not so sure. Was he ridiculed as a kid for it? Was he able embrace it? I guess I'll never know."

"I'm sure he'd just be proud that you are who you are."

"Thanks... Hey, weren't we talking about why I'm fighting in this war?"

Gwen struggled for a response, embarrassed as well. "Oh! Uh...didn't mean to go off-topic there..."

"...If I went back, I'd just be all alone again. Same boring life. Sure nobody I met in the future would know me now, but I couldn't live with the thought that they could be gone at any moment. I...had to do something..."

"So you joined the fight."

"Well, technically Dexter was the one who asked me to in the first place."

"Dexter?"

"Yeah. Asked me right after explaining my story. Something wrong with that?"

"N-No... It's nothing... It just seemed weird for him of all people to actually recruit someone like you...no offense."

"None taken... So...what have I missed?"

"...Fusion activity's been on the rise lately. Ben wanted to stay longer so he could at least see you were actually okay, but the infestation levels were getting higher in Nebula so he had to bail."

"Any other people call besides Dexter?"

"There was another, but the number was unregistered and listed as unknown. I didn't bother picking that up. It seemed suspicious."

"I wonder who it was?"

"Anyway, Riyos said that your body has advanced natural healing qualities thanks to him. You should be fine to move after one more night."

"Okay. I'll see you later then..."


Night had come as the Plumbers began retiring to their cabins. The increase in Fusion activity had been tiring for them. Even members of the nightwatch who were so extremely dedicated began showing drowsiness during their shifts.

Inside Gwen's cabin, Kyle awoke from a strange sensation in his head. It wasn't painful at first, but it persisted in irritation like a bug buzzing around in his head.

"What's going on?" Kyle asked aloud as he sat up grasping his head. "Ugh... I can't sleep like this... Is this a side effect?"

"No," Riyos answered, "your magic should be fully stabilized by now. This feeling is...completely unrelated..."

"So what? I should just wait until it stops? Ugh...!"

"I believe this is being caused by an outside entity. Perhaps we should investigate?"

Kyle threw off the covers and tried to stand up. It was a little difficult, but he could now maintain himself without support. He approached the window to find the entire encampment consumed by a deep fog. Kyle could barely see past the front porch. The only visible objects were the glow of the lanterns inside the watchtowers. Kyle reconsidered venturing outside in his current state now. It was the perfect weather for someone to sneak up on him now, but his headache was only getting worse.

"Kyle?" Gwen's voice called out. "You're awake?"

Gwen emerged from an adjacent room having heard Kyle's footsteps across the wooden floorboards. She was still dressed in her regular outfit, probably as a result of staying up late again to study the Book of Prophecy. She soon stood by Kyle and looked outside as well.

"That's...odd. There shouldn't be foggy weather tonight... And what are you doing out of bed?"

"My...head started to...I don't how to described it. It's like a buzzing sensation and it's only giving me a headache. Riyos thinks there's something outside causing it."

"Hm... Have a seat for a moment. I'll be right back."

Kyle sat down on the bed as Gwen went to her workspace. She open a side drawer and pulled out a communicator. She then set it to a certain channel and began speaking into the microphone.

"John, come in. Is there any strange activity going on?" Gwen stood still as she waited for a response that never came. "David? Are you reading me?" Gwen checked to make sure she had the correct channel. Sure enough, it was, but she quickly changed it to another one. "Maxwell? Are you there?" No response either. Gwen set down her communicator and walked towards the door. "Something's wrong. I'll go check it out."

"Wait... I'm going with you."

"But you're-"

"It's not like staying here will make my head feel any better..."

"...Sigh. Just run if things get worse, alright?"

Kyle nodded and closely followed Gwen outside. They headed towards the campfire where a member of the nightwatch was supposed to be stationed. As it came into view, they found a lone Plumber was sitting on a log. He had his helmet on, but he seemed to be gazing intently at the campfire.

"Maxwell!" Gwen called out. "What are you doing!"

There was no response. Maxwell remained motionless. Carefully, Gwen approached and tried shaking him, but that didn't work either. Removing his helmet revealed him to be in some sort of trance-like state.

"Where's the Book?" Kyle quickly asked. "He face looks just like Ed!"

"It's locked up. I made sure of it before going to sleep."

"Then how...?"

"Wait, I think someone coming..."

All around them, they could hear a girl softly singing in a strange language. Judging by the increasing volume, the source was getting closer. Gwen turned towards the entrance where the fog suddenly dispersed itself. A lone figure was silently approaching the campfire now. With every step she took, the fog began to close behind her once again. Kyle soon recognized her as the same person who had assisted him in retrieving the Book of Prophecy. Examining her more closely, Kyle noticed she was wearing a necklace. It had a strange, glowing glyph inscribed on it. Whatever properties it contained, it seemed to be the source of the fog.

"Who are you?" Gwen asked as the girl stopped a few feet in front of them.

The girl didn't response as she analyzed her surroundings. Gwen was getting impatient as she raised her hand, powers activated, towards the girl.

"Answer me!"

"I'm not here to hurt you. I just didn't want anyone else to know about my presence."

"You still haven't answer my question..."

"...I'd like that to remain a secret if you don't mind, but you're still free to ask me anything else. I won't guarantee I'll answer it though. And if you still don't trust me, then here..."

The girl tossed a glowing, purple gemstone that hidden in her sleeve. It had a carving of a strange symbol on it. Gwen told Kyle to step back as she carefully picked it up.

"This is...!"

"A binding stone, the most powerful incarnation to be more precise. Use it on me, and I won't be able to escape unless you say the word..."

"How did you even get one of these? The art to create enchanted gemstones of this caliber was lost centuries ago..."

"That's not important. I'm only here for the boy."

"Me?" Kyle thought to himself.

"What do you want with him?" Gwen asked.

"I want to ask him something. He is suffering from a headache, isn't he?"

Kyle then stepped forward. He was clutching his head with hand trying to keep himself steady. "What do you know?" he groaned.

"That this shouldn't even be happening to you." She turned her head to Gwen. "I'll require a room for us to spend in private."

"Will you get rid of this fog and release my men from your trance?"

"If you promise me safe passage without anyone seeing me, then certainly."

"...Alright, follow me."

Gwen slipped the binding stone into her pocket and escorted the girl to her cabin. The girl didn't bother removing her cloak once inside. When asked about it, she only replied that her appearance must be kept secret. Gwen was tempted to use the binding stone but eventually felt it to be a waste. Kyle laid down on his side as the girl pulled up a chair and sat beside him.

"How long has this been affected you?"

"When you showed up..."

"So it's true..."

"What's happening to me?"

"I'm sorry. That was my doing. I wanted to test something...and it worked... It'll wear off in a few minutes. You'll just have to bear with it. As for what I came here for... The Book of Prophecy revealed the first part of the network, didn't it?"

"Network?" Gwen repeated. "You mean the runes about the totem in crystal mines?"

"Yes. The totems are part of a vast network meant to be activated by a predetermined person when the time has come. You are the one who activated it, right?"

"More liked forced to..." Kyle answered.

"Either way, one of them was activated. And it's my job to tell you about the rest." As she continued speaking, she occasionally switched eye contact to Gwen so everyone would hear her message. "I'll keep this as short as I can... Back in ancient times when humanity basically lived in numerous scattered tribes, a certain tribal leader experienced an interpretive vision of a great catastrophe. Thinking it would come true in his lifetime, he did the practically impossible by enlisting the aid of the other tribes. Together with their knowledge of mystical arts granted upon them, they created a series of stone totems that only he could activate. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, the catastrophe never occurred in the chief's lifetime. But one thing was certain, the catastrophe would happen. Before he died, the chief used the last moments of his life to pass on responsibility to his direct descendants. If the vision didn't come true during their lifetime, the inheritance would continue. Thousands of generations later...the time has finally come...and you're the next in line..."

Kyle didn't know how to respond. He remained silent as he tried to process this information. Why am I always the center of EVERYTHING! Seeing as how he would require some time, Gwen stepped forward to speak.

"And where does the Book of Prophecy come into this?"

"The Book was also created by the chief just before his passing. Only trusted members of the tribe were able to read its contents. It was how their secrets were passed down and how they would know if the time had come. But unfortunately, time took its toll. The never ending cycle of war and peace dominated the tribes, countless rumors spread, the Book of Prophecy lost its meaning as an artifact of salvation and became an artifact of devastation. Eventually, the Book was stolen by a band of thieves and it soon went through a long chain of exchanges until it ended up in the possession of the Underworld where it was promptly locked away."

"So if only the tribe could read it, then why could we use it?"

"The influence of the Underworld and the attempts to unlock its potential to outsiders had corrupted the Book. It no longer perceives what is good or evil. It will only respond to the desires of whoever possess it in a way it sees fit. But the good thing is that it still recognizes its original owners."

"And that makes you-"

"One of them...yes... Listen, now that the first totem has been activated, I can only interpret this alien invasion as the catastrophe. You'll need to locate the remaining ones and activate them as well."

"But do you know what those things did to him? He could die from just activating the second one!"

"I didn't say you have to do it right away. The totems were designed to harness a tremendous amount of energy. If he can't handle the strain, I'd suggest letting his 'friend' donate a portion of his energy to the effort."

"Sigh... Still, that means we have to send someone to accompany him when Kyle collapses again..."

"I'm sure you know enough trustworthy people that will gladly assist you."

"Yes, but... Sigh, I'll manage somehow. But what about the locations?"

The cloaked girl handed Gwen a handful of ancient scrolls. Gwen unrolled them to see maps of various regions. It was a wonder how they were this preserved despite their extremely old age.

"They're obviously not drawn to scale and some of those places no longer exist now. But with your intellect, I'm sure you can determine their locations."

"I'll do my best."

"Now about our deal. Your soldiers are now aware of themselves and they don't remember a thing. I trust you'll escort me unseen now?"

"Yeah, follow me out the back." Gwen motioned the girl to the backroom. Before exiting, she turned to Kyle. "Kyle, you gonna alright?"

Kyle only nodded.

"There's an electrified gate that prevent monsters from getting inside the encampment. The password to unlock it is 23610."


Earlier

"I know you can hear me..." the girl called out.

"It has been quite some time." Riyos replied plainly. "And you even took the liberty to look Kyle out of being able to hear this conversation... I assume you harbor a desire to eradicate me?"

"...Of course, but that's pretty much impossible to do now without hurt him."

"Yes, I do not see any alternative... Tell me, what has become of my other half?"

"Tch! Wouldn't you like to know? He's still alive, but he can't do anything right now, not with the seal still up..."

"So you trapped me..."

"Can't erase you if you're not whole."

"And may I ask what atrocities I, or rather he, committed?"

The girl remained silent, struggling to answer. "...mass genocide..."

"To what extent?"

"..."

"I see.."

"Look, I just want to know what you're planning. After he becomes useless to you..."

"I...I can honestly say I am not scheming anything... Even if I did take advantage of the boy, I would be clearly at a loss. You will no doubt hunt me for revenge. Him is already aware of my presence within this body and will most likely jump at the earliest opportunity to punish me for my betrayal. And...my client probably has no use for me anymore after this much time."

"So you intend on staying?"

"Yes. I do. This...war is the only thing that gives me purpose anymore. It's...interesting, I'll admit... And I intend to see it through."

"Hmph, do what you want... But I'll be keeping an eye on you..."

"You have been observing me since that very day. I would not think you would actually stop now."

"..."

"One more question. Are you not going to tell him?"

"I...I have my reasons..."

"Do not tell you are-"

"I never said that!"

"-trying to protect him? But now I see there is something else."

"That's it! This conversation is over!"