A/N: Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Gone, but Not Forgotten!
A lot has happened since I started this story, not all of them good. (Damn Virus) But to celebrate this monument, I want to dive into my vaults and show you the introductory prompt for my original story that my circle and I worked on in High School. So that would be the meeting, the Visionary, the Criminal, and Callie as the Hunter. Holy Shit, I'm getting nervous just from writing this.
Alright, I'll do it how we initially did it, so Benji is first, then the Criminal, then the Visionary, and then finally Callie. This take on the story wasn't based on MK yet, but I changed a few things up so that it is in this case. With that being said, here we go.
Currently listening to: Dee Jay's Theme - Cover by Arravangath VGM
Chapter 1: Introductions
Introducing: Professor Benjamin Paradox
This room's lack of ventilation is starting to annoy me.
I woke up with my hands cuffed to a table, my Shade confiscated with so many damn questions on my mind. At least I still have my watch on me but can't take it out to check the time because my hands are cuffed.
Surveying the room revealed how mundane the place was. Grey everywhere and two sources of artificial light, a light atop the ceiling and a lamp blaring dead in my face as if it were a fucking interrogation.
Eventually, the door opened, and in walked a man wearing a purple uniform and small hat. Anyone can tell that getup isn't what he usually wears because he's practically being strangled by it. In his hand was a clipboard, which I assume has my info on it.
"Professor Benjamin Paradox?" was all he said as he greeted me before glancing at the clipboard.
"You got it, Power Ranger. Care to explain why I'm cuffed to this table and why there's an aggressively strong light blinding my face?" I asked calmly despite my situation.
I mean, I can freak out, but what good will that do?
"You know what? Better yet." My hands turned black and phased through the handcuffs. The trick made my interrogator's eyes widened as I slouched in my chair, my left hand remaining black before my Shade appeared in the void. "Ah, much better."
"What the hell was that? Powers like that weren't in your file! It said you were a superhuman!" he exclaimed in bewilderment.
Letting my Shade fall down to my back, I answered him. "Yeah, my powers are often misinterpreted. What you saw made you think I was superhuman, but it's complicated."
I took out my Pocket Watch as he viewed his clipboard again. A revelation pissed me off. "8:00 AM? Jesus, you took me while I was asleep?"
"Sorry, but we couldn't get a grip on your powers and had to wait for a moment of vulnerability. But you're more powerful than what the reports originally suggested." He gave me a once over. "What the hell are you? You can't be from Earthrealm?"
"Appearances can be deceiving, Prince. I am from Earthrealm, just not from this time or universe. I'm 220 years old," I told him.
"Call me Alvis," he introduced himself. "But that still doesn't explain your powers."
"An Anomaly as its normally called. A Black Hole, Wormhole, Warp Hole, whatever the hell you want to call it sent me 200 years in the future to a completely different timeline. But somehow, the shift in time gave me the ability to warp reality around marked by something reversing in color, like with my hands. But that's not all. This Pocket Watch is more than it seems, too," I explained.
Alvis seemed intrigued. "What does it do?"
"Depending on what number the small hand is on, it slows downtime. If it lands on 12, it stops completely, lasting for as long as I hold down the button to open the latch," I replied. "I used to have this power myself but accidentally warped the powers into my Pocket Watch, and I don't know how to reverse it. But simultaneously, I put a 'lock' on it. So only I can hold it."
"What happens when someone else clutches it?" he asked.
"They'll age rapidly until they wither and die. Their bones will rot away, and their blood dries until a skull remains atop a mountain of their own dust. Similar to the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Some of them even implode. Once in a while, both happen." I viewed my surroundings. "Where are we anyway?"
"Special Forces HQ," Alvis said as he wrote on the clipboard.
"Wait," I interjected. "Am I being incriminated for being a Weed Farmer?"
He stopped writing. "You're a Weed Farmer?"
Shit.
Alvis waved his hand. "Not relevant. No, you're not being incriminated because growing and smoking marijuana in New York is legal. You being from Yonkers saved your ass in that sense."
His eyes then looked me down, most likely surveying my attire. I had on a Lab Coat with a light blue button-up with dark brown khakis and black boots.
"If you plan on criticizing my outfit, don't because your outfit doesn't even fit." I flexed my wrists due to being cuffed for who knows how long. "So now that I answered whatever you asked of me, why the hell am I here?"
"You've been chosen along with a few others to join a team that handles issues spanning multiple realms. We wanted you to lead the group, hence why we chose to interrogate you first," Alvis answered.
Oh, that's what this is for.
"See? Was that so hard? Though you didn't have to kidnap and cuff me to a table while blinding me." I grumbled as I warp my hand and knock the lamp through a wall.
Alvis pulled the collar of his uniform in guilt. "My apologies. Our previous lack of knowledge concerning your powers made us cautious, even if it was null and void. Better to be safe than sorry."
I shook my head before taking a spliff I rolled previously in my pocket and grabbed my lighter to take a pull.
"You can't smoke inside, Professor," he tried lecturing me.
I gave him a death stare. "Shut up, Alvis. You kidnapped me while I was asleep, made me think I was going to do time, cuffed me to a table, and nearly blinded me with that fuck all lamp. Let me smoke."
Calmly, I took another puff, warping an ashtray into my hand before putting the light out and sending them both back to whence it came.
"It seems there's no limit to your powers." Alvis assumed. I shake my head.
"There are limits, but I've grown used to doing small warps like this," I corrected him. "If I do bigger warps like making buildings disappear or something to that effect, then I'll start feeling sick. Nausea, fever, puking, the whole nine yards. I came to the conclusion that pushing further after those signs mean that I will be dying shortly after." I answered as I stand up to stretch.
"We also found boxing tape on your person," he said.
"Wait... You searched me while I was knocked out?" I immediately got in Alvis' face. "You're not really making a good case for getting me to hop on board with this little mess of a team Special Forces is concocting."
Alvis held his hands up. "We're sorry, Professor. But-"
"Yeah yeah. Your lack of knowledge of my powers made you do it." I practically answered for him.
"What's with the tape then? I figured a person as powerful as yourself wouldn't need to fight," he assumed.
"Jeez, does the Special Forces always assume things?" I questioned myself. "I just told you if I do it too much, I'll get sick and die. I'll admit that my powers carry me in a physical confrontation, but it's only due to my creativity. The tape is to make sure I don't get bloody knuckles. I don't have an MD. I have a Chemical and a Botany Degree."
Alvis then asked, "And the Shade?"
"Raiden gave it to me in my original timeline before he became corrupted," I answered before backing away from Alvis, who's probably having a worse day than me.
"Well, Professor. Will you join us to help Earthrealm be safer a place from other realms?" Alvis asked me.
Well, Sonya, in my time, was an excellent CO, so I can assume she was like that here. I sigh, not thinking I have a choice regardless.
"Fine. I'll join your little project. I'll be outside getting some air in the meantime if you need me." I said as I finally received the okay to leave the room.
Introducing: Zelina & Azku; aka A Girl and her Dragon
"You know, it sucks when people randomly barge into your room, with their yelling and shouting, wearing strange masks, and holding strange pointed objects. It's not fun. And not only did they ruin my sleep, but also kidnapped me as well! That's a horrid way to start your day, let me tell you."
"Yes, I understand, ma'am, but-"
"And why in the world would you kidnap someone you barely even know?" I interrupted. "I mean, you're trying to recruit me! One might think that you would at least have the decency to ask first, kidnap later? But nooo."
"Look, lady. I know our methods are unorthodox, but would you please-"
"And what was with those uniforms," I continued, bursting into laughter as my hair fell down over my face, my palm slamming against the table. "What were you guys on when you decided to make them purple. Well, it's not bad, but with yellow and pink stripes!? You goons look like you're cosplaying superheroes for christ's sake!"
"Well, an acquaintance said I look like a Power Ranger. Also, Miss. Could you please get your pet flying lizard thing off me!?" Alvis yelled, exasperated at my pet that just wouldn't cease to leave him alone.
"Oh, stop whining!" I chastised him. "He just wants to play."
He flailed his arms. "Well, you entertain him! I'm just trying to do my job!"
I laughed, thoroughly entertained by my favorite dragon companion and his assailant. "Fine. Just give him your hat, and he'll probably leave you alone."
In response, he took off said hat and flung it away from him, landing on the opposite side of the brown table next to the girl. Jumping off his shoulder, the dragon fell to the table and pounced for the hat, only to have it slip from his grasp.
"Zelina!" he whined, looking up with pleading eyes.
Alvis stood in disbelief. "He can talk!?"
Giggling, I held the object out of the dragon's reach as he desperately tried to grab the hat dangling from my hand. "Of course Azku can talk. It took a while to teach him, but unlike the other monsters that plague the realms, dragons are smart. Isn't that right, Az?"
Azku let out a frustrated sigh as he gave up and curled into a ball. I placed the hat on top of his head and brought him into an embrace, mindful of the red dragon's horns. Feeling content, he purred lowly in affirmation.
"You know what's funny?" I asked. The man leaned on one arm and raised an eyebrow, signaling me to continue. "How does a talking, flying lizard surprise you? All these genetic modifications to random species, and you didn't think they would create a dragon eventually? Even still, considering all the beasts that plague the realms, the last thing I'd expect would be for someone to be surprised that there's another reptile running around."
The man shrugged. "It's just unusual. We didn't find any records of him in our database, so finding him with you was a complete surprise for us. When he started breathing fire to protect you, everyone panicked. One of our guys is at the medical tent because of him!"
"Don't blame him!" I exclaimed. "You did kidnap me, after all. I still don't even know you're name!"
"It's Alvis, remember? That was the first thing I told you when we met," he said.
I sighed. "Alright, Alvin. Tell me why I'm here again?"
Alvis facepalmed, and let out a distressed sigh. "We wanted to get you to join our group. Your skill with a gun and ability to charge any object with plasma would be useful for our purposes. How in the hell can you even do that?"
"Let's just say that I'm not as innocent as my appearance would suggest. Also, I'm not entirely sure if you want a misfit eighteen-year-old with a dragon to help solve your problems." I scoffed, blowing a strand of ebony hair out of my face.
"It's important," he stressed. "I don't know what you've been doing in Alaska, but there are problems everywhere down here."
I used my hand to shield my emerald eyes from the lights above. "Seems interesting. It depends on what you've got in store for us. I may cooperate. I might not. It all depends if this is beneficial for me or not. Otherwise, you're wasting my time. We all have lives, you know."
Alvis nods. "We understand that. Now if you'll come with me, I'll take you to see the group. Don't be surprised if they're not so eager to see a new face."
Holding Azku between my arms, I stood up, preparing to leave. "Oh." I take Alvis' hat off of Azku and dangle it. "You want this back?"
He shook his head, "Keep it. As long as it keeps that little menace away from me, I'm perfectly fine with not having a hat."
"Well, that's one free hat for me then," I laughed, resting it on her head with her free hand. "Ain't that right, Az?"
His slitted, golden eyes stared up in joy as he chirped an affirmative. Once a crazy dragon, always a crazy dragon.
"Hold tight, Zelina. I'll see if our first interviewee is still around." Alvis says before waving his hand. "Professor! Come here a second."
Alvis recruited a Professor? Well, my mental image wasn't entirely wrong. He had a Lab Coat on and a button-up, but everything past his waist was something that a soldier off duty would wear with a Shade on his back. It somehow fits him despite the mish mesh of clothing. In his mouth was a lighted blunt as he looked at Alvis disgustedly.
"For the love of God, Alvis. Change your clothes. I may have been hallucinating, but I think I saw some chub. Aren't there some fatigues? We are in the middle of Special Forces HQ." He then looked at Azku and me before scratching his hair. "I didn't know there were dragons in Earthrealm. Who's she?"
"Professor, this is Zelina and her pet Dragon, Azku. Zelina, this is Professor Benjamin Paradox. He's the first person I interviewed and will be one of your teammates. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to put some more comfortable clothes," Alvis introduced us before leaving.
I glanced at the Professor, and he's currently mid puff before finishing and taking his spliff out of his mouth. "Want a puff?" he offered.
"Sure, thanks." I accepted as I took two puffs. "Let's sit and talk for a second."
Benjamin nodded before motioning with his hand. "Sure, lead the way."
After finding a table, we sit on opposite sides. I gave him his spliff back, and he did some weird thing with his hand. It turned black for a moment, and then when it disappeared, an ashtray appeared in his hand. He put the light out before everything in his hand went black again, placing the blunt and ashtray wherever he found it.
"Apparently, we can't smoke inside. Alvis gave me an attitude for lighting it in the interrogation room," Benjamin said.
"So we're not going talk about how your hand turned black before making ashtray appear out of nothing before making it and your weed disappear?" I asked in confusion.
"Not out of nothin', Zelina," he corrected me. "I take it from where I put it before. Besides, I can't be just a Professor if I didn't have any powers. I'm tougher and older than I look."
"Tell me, Prof. I'm interested," I said as I pet Azku, who purred continuously.
Benjamin leaned forward. "I'm from 200 years in the past, from an alternate universe. Arriving here gave me the ability to warp reality signified by whatever's marked turning black as you've seen. Limited by my imagination as well as the physical limitations of my body, I can do nearly anything. Whether I'll survive or not is another discussion."
His eyes became fixated on Azku. "He's from Outworld. I found him wounded after nursing him back to health; he stuck around with me. He can talk, but prefers to be silent." I answered his mute question as I stroked Azku.
The Professor stood back up. "You don't have to worry about me splicing him or whatever. My Doctorates are in Chemistry and Botany. I know little about human anatomy and nothing about a dragon's." He scratched his hair. "If you're sticking around, it'll be nice workin' with you."
With that, Benjamin walked away, most likely outside. I think he's right. He might be an interesting character to work with.
Introducing: Dynamo
"This place is pitiful," I said to myself.
Not only was it small and cold, but it had an unfriendly vibe, one I did not want around. Stains marked the walls, and it smelled even worse than the lakes in Outworld. Different kinds of creatures pee in those things 24/7. If you drank from one, you would drop instantly.
Anyway, this place seemed pretty dangerous. If it comes down to it, I'm fighting my way out of here. But since this dude in front of me is three times my size, that's only for an emergency.
For now... the smart decision would be to do what he says and answer his questions.
He opened a hidden door that revealed a lit room.
"Woah, this place is bright, way more than I like it to be," I said, raising my hands to shield my eyes. "Is there a reason I'm here? I'm only fifteen, you know. I shouldn't be in an office longer than I need to be."
"Yeah, sorry about the light," he apologized, "It's so we can observe you carefully, just in case you try anything. You should know there are cameras located everywhere. We can even see the hole in your shirt, on your right shoulder blade, to be exact."
That's a little creepy coming from Mr. Chuck Liddell over here.
"I'm Alvis, by the way," he introduced himself.
"Ok, Alvis. Like I said, I'm fifteen." I began pacing about. "I may be young, but I'm not stupid enough to do something reckless in a place like this."
Alvis had a doubtful look on his features. "I'll believe you, for now. Anyway, what's your name?"
That threw me off guard, which ceased my pacing. When was the last time I used my name?
"My name? I... actually forgot. I haven't needed to introduce myself to someone in forever..." I can't believe I can't remember my own name. Chalk it up to not being a person in the past few years.
"You can't? Well, that's a shame. I need something to write down, though… how about Dynamo?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Dynamo, huh? That does have a nice ring to it. Why that name, may I ask?"
"Because it means to be overly energetic, and since you look like you're always thinking, I think it's a pretty ironic name for you," he laughed to himself.
"Aren't you the kidder?" I snipped.
I better off myself before he starts making Dad jokes. He shifted in his seat to a more comfortable position as I resumed pacing around the room.
"All pleasantries aside, it's time for the serious questions." Alvis then shuffled his papers. "What brought you to this world, and how have you survived up to this point? I'm guessing it was with the help of that weapon."
I stopped. "Oh, Prodege?" I took the blade from my back. "This was from one of my close friends. His name was Xord. It was apparently the sister sword to Sento, or so he told me. He gave this to me before he died. If it wasn't for all of this, then I wouldn't have made it this far."
"Oh, that's sad to hear. I'm sorry." Alvis sympathized.
"It's fine, you didn't know. The sword reminds me of him every time I use it. So he's still with me." I said, comforting myself. "In Latin, Prodege means 'to protect,' or 'the protector.' I feel that Xord is a part of this sword and that he's always protecting me."
He nodded. "Reassuring, I'm sure. Glad to know that someone is watching over you, wherever he is."
"Thanks," I said.
"Anyways, you never answered my second question. How did you survive this long? A sword alone simply won't do it in times like this," Alvis pointed out.
Sheepishly, I rubbed my neck. "Oh yeah, sorry."
In all honesty, I was avoiding that one because I'm still deciding how to tell him. If I say I have a voice in my head, I'll end up getting looked down on, just like all the other times.
"I.. just survived," I said quietly. "I found things I needed to live, killed monsters, and people if need be. Everything I do isn't in the spur of the moment somehow. There's something in my head that... warns me about possible danger."
Alvis leaned in his chair with a strange, familiar look. "What do you mean?"
"Whenever I try doing something that could result in bad outcomes, there's a little voice in my head that says 'don't do it.' I never know what it meant until after…" My voice trailed off.
"After what?" He repeated. "Dynamo, are you still here?"
"Yeah... sorry. Basically, before all this happened, the same exact voice told me to take the family car out and go on a Joyride. I didn't do this, as that seemed like a stupid idea. But that was back then. Ten minutes after I refused the voice's offer, my Mom said she going to visit her Sister. I brushed it off like usual. But eight hours later, I got the call no one wants to answer."
I shivered at the memory before taking a breath to calm myself. "My mother was killed by a drunk driver that night. If I had listened to the voice, she would have lived."
"I'm sorry for your loss. No one your age should ever have to go through that." Alvis did his best to comfort me, though his voice had a hint of curiosity, which bothered me.
"The voice. It... can see the future. Like, if someone I love will be in danger, it shows me a potential future that only I can change," I told him.
"Interesting..." Alvis paused for a moment. "Sources tell us that you have specific... abilities. Is that correct?
"Abilities?" I repeated. Does he know about my Arts?
"Ones that you are hiding and can let you change certain things about yourself. You can transform your skin to have the strength of a tank's armor, or even become faster than a Cheetah," he stated as if he knew everything about me.
"How do you know all of this!?" I demanded.
Alvis laid back and smirked.
I tensed and prepared for a fight. "Are you going to answer my question?"
There was a pause that lingered longer than I would've liked.
"Oh, please. If I did, you would just have more to come." His words were said with hidden intentions. "Welcome to the group, Dynamo. There's someone I would like you to meet." Alvis said before standing by the door. "Zelina! Where's the Professor? Outside? Go get him!"
"Where are we anyway?" I asked.
"Special Forces HQ. We're in California specifically." Alvis revealed.
Then, the two figures he called for came in. One man and the other a girl near the same age as me. Upon seeing the girl, my hair stood on end as I instinctively hid behind Alvis.
The man I presume started talking. "Alright, Alvis. What is it now?"
"I was planning on introducing you to Dynamo here," Alvis began before peeking behind himself to glance at me. "But, he's hiding."
"We don't look scary, I don't think. Well, I don't look scary. Can't say the same about Zelina," the male responded.
"I- It's because of the g- g- girl you're standing next to," I stammered. "I can't stand being around women."
"Aww, am I too cute for you to handle little boy?" the woman teased.
I could do nothing but squirm. "N-No! I-I just never been around women at all."
"Hmm, sounds like Gynophobia," the man remarked.
"Gyno-what?" Zelina responded.
"Gynophobia, the fear of women. The kid has a fear of girls, it sounds like," he explained.
Somehow, I showed my face. "K-K-Kid? I'm fifteen, mister."
"You're a kid to me," he corrected. "I'm 220 years old, older than your great-great-grandma."
Alvis sighed. "Well, might as well as introduce you two anyway. We have one more candidate coming in, and I've been told she just arrived."
I stood in complete horror. "Another g-g-girl?"
"Sorry, I wasn't expecting one of the members to have Gynophobia. Anyway, Professor Paradox, Zelina, this is Dynamo, a Visionary." Alvis introduced me.
I poked my head out to see them both. The Professor had on a Lab Coat with a blue button-up with dark khakis and boots. It strangely fit his demeanor, his hands taped for some reason. And Zelina, when I took a glance, I immediately turned away to something else.
"N-Nice to meet you b-b-both." I struggled to get out.
"Nice to meet you too, little boy." Zelina happily greeted me. I shuddered at the sound of her voice.
"Good to meet you, Dynamo. Hopefully, for our sake, you can temporarily overcome your Gynophobia when things start happening," the Professor greeted me casually. "C'mon, Zelina. We need to get out so Dynamo can leave. The last thing we need is to give him a heart attack."
Professor Benjamin and Zelina left the room. Thank God. I honestly don't remember when I developed this so-called affliction. Nor do I know how to combat it. Perhaps someone here can help me with it.
Alvis cleared his throat. "She's gone, Dynamo."
That allowed me to step out of his shadow. "Thanks, Alvis."
"Don't thank me just yet. You need to leave so the last potential member can come in." Alvis reminded me.
"Oh, ok. I'll get out of your hair then." I said before leaving the interrogation room.
After concluding that Zelina went left, I took the opposite direction, determined to get as far away from her or any other woman in the area as possible.
Introducing: Callie
"Callie, was it?" the man introduced himself as Alvis asked me.
"Yea, that's me. What do you want?" I asked before jingling the cuffs around my hands. "And why am I cuffed? I came willingly!"
He sighed. "It wasn't before you incapacitated some of the men."
"It wasn't my fault they interrupted my hunt for an abnormally sized Brown Bear that was terrorizing a village. Be glad that I didn't kill any of them." I huffed, annoyed.
"We didn't expect to get there in the middle of a hunt. We all know not to interrupt you when you're doing your job." Alvis said. "So, Callie. You're from Edenia?"
I looked surprised. "You do your homework. Yes, I'm an Edenian, and I've been here for a long time. 100 years specifically."
"So, you've been here longer than everyone here." Alvis put a hand to his chin. "If that's so, how come we've never heard of you until a few weeks ago?"
"I was living in Japan as a Bear Hunter and was one of the hunters who killed Kesagake, the forefront of the worst bear attack in Japan's history," I answered. Even now, I still feel my body shaking from the memory of those horrific five days.
He was surprised by my statement. "You were there for the Kesagake attacks? How big was he?"
"Nine feet, 749 pounds," I replied. "When the veterans performed the necropsy, they found arms and legs in his stomach. It shook us all. But that was decades ago."
"When did you leave Japan?" Alvis inquired.
"Around 1920. I immigrated to America, where I remained low key for nearly a century." I frowned. "Or so I thought until your cronies found me in New York hunting game."
"So I see. You're not armed to the teeth, but I see that you carry just what you need. The soldiers said you only had a pistol, a sniper rifle and a knife and spare bullets," Alvis recounted.
"The Rifle's for killing large game, Pistol's for small animals or for wounding people who interrupt me, and the knife for skinning the dead for the fur. I use Gun-Fu, Alvis. The extra bullets are for the 9mm. I used to hunt with a Hawk, but he passed away a few years ago. Old age. Adapting to my surroundings is how I survived for so long. Honestly, the hardest part was learning Japanese." I explained. "So why did you drag me here? You're not asking me to enlist in the Special Forces, are you?"
He shook his head. "No. We're good on soldiers. I wanted to ask if you would consider joining a small specialty group with three others. They've already agreed, and your vast experience would be beneficial to us."
I shrugged. "What the hell? Hunting was starting to bore me after nearly a century. I'll join this band of miscreants if not to keep life interesting. That's why I left Edenia."
"That's been burning me since you came in," Alvis said. "Why would you leave a seemingly heavenly place like Edenia?"
"Because I'm a fighter, and there's peace there. I'm not a Peacekeeper, Alvis. I'm a soldier, and when there's no war to be fought, soldiers become outcasts. So I bolted before I was treated like that. Then Shao Kahn merged Outworld with Edenia. I hold a small regret at not being there to defend her, but I made my mind up. I'm a Nomad now, my loyalty is only to myself. But I guess I should expand it to my teammates."
"Yes, that would be ideal. Here let me get these cuffs off of you." Alvis said as he unlocked the cuffs, allowing me to stand up. As we both left the room, we run into somebody.
"Oh, Professor! This is Callie, the final member of the group. Callie, this is Professor Benjamin Paradox, a Timewalker." Alvis introduced us.
He had on a Lab Coat and a blue button-up with dark khakis and military boots. A Shade was hanging on his back, both hands wrapped in tape.
The Professor extended one of his arms for a handshake. "Nice to meet you." We shook hands. "Hopefully you'll be more manageable than Zelina and Dynamo." He turned to Alvis. "Is there anything you needed of me?"
"Not at the moment. I'll call the four of you in an hour. In the meantime, get acquainted with the men and women around here." Alvis told us.
"Okay, I'm going to smoke outside," Benjamin said.
Just then, his hand turned black. When the color came back, he had a blunt in his hand, which he put in his mouth before taking out a lighter to start smoking the blunt. "Alvis. Callie."
He walked outside. Never before have I seen anything like that even though I've witnessed plenty in my long life. I jogged up to him, bewildered by what I just saw. "What the hell was that?"
"I can warp reality. It's signifying whatever I'm warping by reversing in color. Do too much, I could get sick and or die. I also have a watch that has control over time, depending on where the hand is. If it's on 12, it stops completely for as long as I hold down the latch button," he bluntly elaborated.
"Wait, but you're an Earthrealmer," I pointed out. "How can you do that?"
"For one, I'm 220 years old and not from this timeline. A Black Hole sent me here with these powers," Benjamin said as smoke protruded out his nostrils. "If you're asking me that with that tone, I take it you're Edenian?"
I nodded. "Yeah, 17,000. So, the Black Hole physically halted your aging?"
"Uh, huh. I'm convinced I'll always look like this and pretty sure I can no longer die of natural causes. But that's something I'm not willing to test." He took another puff. "Nice chattin' with you, Callie, but I'm going to get something to eat. Here's hoping the mess hall has something nice today. Anything is better than the crap I make."
Benjamin then retreated to wherever this mess hall was. I have to say, meeting him was undoubtedly engaging with his subdued demeanor.
'Huh. Intriguing fellow.' I expressed my opinion to no one specifically.
A/N: And that's it. Looking back on it, I could've made this take on it work. But not at the time when I wrote it. If I made a separate MK with this cast, then it would definitely be a trip. But anyway, now that you know about the earlier stages of our two heroes, what do you think of them? Let me know with a review and or a PM. I'm taking a small break then I'm going to start writing Chapter 21. Arc III is almost over, and the civil war is starting to dawn on us all. See you all soon.