Chapter 23 - Dearly Departed

The next few days were pretty long. I mostly went from roaming around the house idly to keeping up appearances for when I was around the family.

Nana visited around some of the time, while I tried different things.

Not being allowed to practice my new powers really left me without much to do- playing with my Lego set wasn't really the same, and it even was a little frustrating. Eventually, I found myself browsing the internet on my computer…

I began to stare emotionlessly at the computer screen, while I do so, I glance every so often at the time.

3:39 am.

A delirious smile creeps up on my face. This is my life now. I laugh a little, but it's somewhat abit painful.

I know four days isn't a lot, but I still feel restless.

'Quiet.'

'Finally. It's all Quiet.'

The emerging ever larger sack of guilt, embarrassment, and fear that plagues me every single day finally subdues itself.

I put my head down on my paws and groan before quickly picking my head back up.

"I never even started on the questionnaire that my mom wanted me to do. Do I really want to look at it? It'll just make me feel bad.'

'I really appreciate the effort. But if you look at my body and say my existence is natural you are insane. I don't know how anyone can force a being which isn't supposed to be in this world to coexist peacefully.'

'It'll fight, it'll fight like a rabid dog and bicker like a small child.'

I sigh.

'What am I even supposed to do?' I glance back to the doc, and then I look away for something to mess around with.

'The funniest thing is that I'm not even supposed to be an Umbreon, I don't know what made me an Umbreon, and why and how it made me one.'

'I mean-'

I take a pencil and begin to roll it a little.

'I know I've gotten over this a hella bunch of times. But like, come on! How do you explain this? You can't.'

'This entire world is a joke, but why am I really taking it seriously at this point? My whole existence is unnatural with this world, and trying to fit in with past and current world constructs truly is an impossible feat…'

'I should just shut the hell up. I should start to think of more positive things, I dunno. Maybe I'm just tired.'

'Though I should really work on answering some of the questions tonight. Maybe it'll be fun! I could sorta research myself, maybe learn something new too!"

"Yeah. This will be Great."

I then close the laptop slowly

"H-heh, research. Yeah…"

Thinking about it even the smallest bit makes me smile, and then I start to laugh at myself.

'Look at me, science! I'm your magical animal of the century! Gimme millions of dollars!'

'I would immediately bet that money on illegal Elemental Fur business being a real thing, wonder if Elementals can create new drugs?'

'At least mine is natural. Psh~ Couldn't be me.' I thought sarcastically, as I got off the chair and out of the mini 'office' room I was in. I was sleeping alone tonight.

I had already spent a night sleeping at the foot of my parents bed. It was really nice- but it was strange at the same time, being at the foot of the bed.

But it was warm, and comfy. Though the place doesn't even smell like them, only simply a glimpse of what it is back home.

I looked around the living room, it was dark. Real dark. I love it. Don't we all love darkness? Come on.

It's like getting a drink of water at 3am, but it's every night; and also applies to how you feel, think and act.

'…Wait. Wait, hold up." I began to rub my face and eyes with my paw, somewhat confused.

"What did I go into the living room for, anyways? I don't want to wake someone up over my glow.'

'Why am I even out here?' I looked around 'I was going to do something on the computer, wasn't I?'

The door knob to the enclosed porch turns and opens the door, I push it slightly ajar enough to wander out to the enclosed porch.

'Here… Maybe some fresh air will help me.'

I then jump onto the couch and lay down. It feels nice, I guess. It's an old couch, but it holds its own in the hunger games of best couches. Maybe the oldness adds to its comfort.

'This is stiff.'

Looking out, it's still as beautiful as a night as it was before. The dim and soft natural moody light, and the cloudiness- I see it all… The grass and the trees. The house across the street. It's all amazing.

I just wish I could portray it all in words.

Everything is just plain old better.

'I'm starting to see why I wanted to come out here. This is a beautiful dim night.'

'There's probably so many animals out there right now. Lots of cats, definitely lots of cats. And cute cuddly kittens too. Ella always wanted one, but they already have cats.'

'Poor cats probably get chased by Izzy all the time.' I found that line amusing.

'I hope I see them soon again.'

For no particular reason, I begin to bounce on the couch. I start from a sitting position, to lightly hopping, then full on jumping.

'Ah ha! This is fun!'

'I'm so… agile. I'm so slick. I'm light as a feather!'

'Ahahah! I'm born again! Reborn!'

"Of course, I would never forget about you!" I jump off the couch and towards the window, where that familiar light invited me to its side.

I scurry up to get to the window as close I can get to it, kicking my legs all the while. I then frantically look for it.

'There it is.'

There's the Moon.

I then sit, I probably overreacted just a tad little bit. Which wasn't the smartest, as I have to learn to contain myself.

'It's all coming together.'

The trees, the grass, and the dim sky, and clouds.

I see the natural harmony of the night.

The crickets, a brisk gentle wind flowing though the branches of the trees, and the not so seemingly distant rustling of the tall grass over there.

I hear the natural harmony of the night.

'There's so many butterflies in my stomach… I'm… Overjoyed? Excited?'

I then look at the Moon once more.

I feel the natural harmony of the night.

I feel restless. I feel unfulfilled. I feel the urge for something more. I don't know why, though…

'I need to get myself in order. What is happening to myself? Is this progress? I feel guilt. Why am I backing out of this? Hasn't this made me feel better?'

'I just need to remove this barrier between me and my Moon. Why am I stopping myself behind a window?'

'Maybe… I should just stay here behind this window. Better yet. Just go back to my room. Finish those questions. Hell, even Go to bed!'

'Though all the other times with the moon I've had a direct contact with it… Not some dumb window keeping me in place.'

'I have really shown how horrible and messed up I am, haven't I? Saying this bullshit. Over and over again. No one will ever want to be with me… I'm ruining everything. I've already ruined it.'

'All I really need is just some fresh air and maybe even a walk, just to free myself. '

'But…'

'But…'

"I really can't bring myself to do any of that. Or anything."

"I couldn't put my paw on that door to the outside without just crying. And crying. And crying…it's against everything I know. And my mom, if even my dad saw me out there at night."

"Oh god it would be horrible. Horrible. They would never trust me. They wouldn't trust me one bit. I'll be going back into danger, I would have to sleep doing the night all the time."

'And miss all this…beautiful night.'

"I'm a sack of indecisive shit that's what I am."

I keep my head low, and i return to my room

'I really just had to ruin my perfect night out. Didn't I? I could've done so much. I could've done so. much. I was practically invited! You could've found some balance ya know that? This is your fault. I've been cooped up in here for days!'

I hop back onto the chair near the desk where the laptop is and I place my paw on it to lift it up.

'…'

I turn off the light and I then went to head to bed.

I feel a nice, soft rubbing on my head. Then it gets to petting me.

"Mmm…?" I look up to find my Mom waking me outside of the bed, looking down to me.

"Good afternoon Jack, You've been sleeping in much. Haven't you?"

"Yeah."

"You're probably hungry, I don't want you to starve on me. That's why I woke you up, if you don't mind."

'This little island of isolation of ours is going to be peak 'breakfast' time.'

"Dad left to head home to work in his office on important matters, has alot of important meetings with the steel company, and needs a stable internet. He'll be back later today or tomorrow."

"Mmm," I responded, curling up more.

'Wha—what?'

"I wanna show you something, you nocturnal bedbug," She said. Then trying to pick me up before propping me on her shoulder.

"Oof, can't really do this for long. You're so heavy. You're bigger than I thought." She lowered me somewhat to the ground and I jumped off.

"So uh." I looked around the room "Whattya wanted to show me?" My ears perked up with interest.

"I've been watching lots of tutorials, Jack. They're lots of fun. Come on Jack!"

I follow her to the Kitchen, where a small little table is made for me with a small cushion for seating.

"Oh, you didn't have to do this. But thank you," I spoke aloud, not concerned with the fact she couldn't understand.

She was rustling behind the counter, getting something ready. "Before I didn't really know how to make meals for you. If I should go for more animal or more human foods."

She placed a dog bowl on the table.

"So I went with both!"

I was a little skeptical at first, but it actually smelled great…

"Hahah. Oh my goodness." I looked at it, and then back at her. "This looks great!"

The Bowl had 3 scrambled eggs in small servings on the side, some ground chicken pieces with shredded American cheese on top of it. Near it was some shredded carrots and rice.

"Oh how I wish I could speak for you!"

"I'm so happy you like it Jack. Don't feel bad eating it, I made it with love."

I began to chow down, with grace I may add, on the food she has prepared for me.

"Jack, it really does seem like it now. Our way of life before the transformation is gone forever," she said, taking a seat.

"I'm still sure you'll still go onto great things, even as an Elemental. You'll do Elemental things with other Elementals and live within an Elemental community probably."

"It's now more than a month after the transformation. I don't think you're ever going to become human again, this is just what the world is now. It's going to be a new normal."

"I've still got lots to learn about your new furry body Jack."

"How are you liking the food so far?" She asked.

"Mmhp. Great! Love it!"

"If you want to suggest anything, or change a part of me. You can tell me, my phone is always on. Receiving text messages from you really makes it seem like nothing ever happened."

"Yeah."

"How did you sleep last night?

"I slept pretty well."

"Left Paw or Right Paw?" She asked me.

I raise my right Paw, which we've now applied a meaning of good to it, and for my left, not good.

"That's nice to hear, Jack."

I started to finish up the rest of my most awesome meal. Ah, don't they say the most important parts of a day are the mornings when you first wake up and when you are about to go to bed?

"Oh, Goodness Jack. Your face is messy."

'It's not that messy. It means I've enjoyed the meal'

She gets a small paper napkin and begins to wipe my face thoroughly.

"Not only that, You will definitely need another brushing soon. You're at least good with dealing with that, last time you told me you liked it."

'I should put on a bowtie while we're at it.'

'…'

'…'

"Can you pet me?" I asked my Mom, putting one paw on her chair. As if almost climbing up.

"What?"

I bump my head gently towards her and it seems she got the message straight.

I fully climb up onto her lap.

"Please. Just pet me."

She winces.

"Jack, You have very long claws, we need to clip them today. You can't avoid it today mister."

She holds up one of my paws, and I can see that, Yes. They are incredibly long. I'm afraid if I start to fall, I might stick them into her, and that wouldn't be good.

Though what else doesn't sound good, is that of the fact of CLIPPING them.

"Mmm, yeah. I don't know."

She begins to pet me, finally. Something good after learning I'll have to go through all that clipping later. Which will suck.

'Man… The talk of clipping pretty stunted my vibe.'

I lean onto her more, and I try to snuggle.

"You're a good boy. I'm not trying to talk to you like a dog. But you're a good boy, Jack," she says as she pets my head.

"I wanted someone, yaknow?" I tried explaining to her "I'm not doing anything strange or anything by asking for this? I know I don't usually try as much to ask for something like this."

She continues to pet me.

"I love you, Jack."

All of a sudden I begin to feel embarrassed- how do I even respond to that? Do I just say something back in Um-Bre speak?

"Love you too," I responded.

'I'm sad.'

"How's work on that little form I gave you?"

I haven't worked on it for shit. I just ignore it and everytime I just tell myself that it's so easy and I'll get it done at a later time. Then whenever I get reminded or see it, I'm stuck with the damn thought until I get something to distract me. I feel very guilty.

"Very well." I raise my right paw.

"I'm so happy, Jack."

'Maybe this will give me a better drive to get it done. But for now?'

'Nope.'

"I…" I started to say, "I really wish I could be open to you."

"But I can't. I wish somehow you could magically understand what I say. It would make things so much easier."

"I have to manage a new body… My awkward, strange body, and making sure you don't worry about me."

"And to keep you happy and help you through your problems. Because I am the core problem going on around here."

"Look at you, ughhhh. You're taking my rants right to your face! You don't understand me and you never will."

"You're pretty unique now, yaknow," she said.

"Nope! There's millions of Umbreons."

"There's only one of you though," she said, as if she knew exactly what I was saying.

'Ugh. All this trying to make me feel special just makes me legit cringe.'

'Why do I even bother… I just can't connect with you, I can't bridge anything.'

She continues to pet me.

"You really wanted to have affection today huh?"

"Yeah… I guess."

"I just wished I had someone to truly talk to." I said.

"I'm going to have to get up soon Jack, this isn't the couch. Sorry."

I get off her lap, making sure at any cost to not scratch her.

I stay silent for a few moments afterwards, trying to figure out what to do. I then ask her repeatedly if there's any way I could be of help to her. Maybe that will make me feel better about last night.

"Here Jack, can you take this across the street for me?" She presented me with a bag full of canned beers.

"Alright. Sure thing ma."

I took the bag with my mouth, struggling a bit. Seeing my struggle, mom offered to take it for me. But I reassured her that I had things under control.

"You would think that would be too heavy for you," She said.

"Nope!" I hurriedly said, trying to make sure it wouldn't just fall apart.

With the Bag in my mouth, I check both ways before crossing the street.

"I wonder if there's going to be any feral cats around today," I thought to myself. "It does feel nice to just walk around for once. Just to do something."

"I'm grateful for all the shade from the trees."

'I'm happy to be back here again, I'll most likely spend a lot more time over here the longer I stay. '

I walk around the side of the house to the back, traveling up the gravel.

'She actually never told me where to place them. No biggie.'

Behind the cabin, was a large wooden pavilion. Pretty old, but steady. It has been in use, just like these 2 cabins, for generations. Beside it, there was a firepit with lots of chairs,a red metal rocking bench, and a grill.

The floor was composed of a green-stained concrete, which extended from the back of the cabin all the way to the pavilion for a total of around 6 feet. Good for playing hacky sack.

Hacky sack. I smile at the thought.

Near it was a large trailer filled to the brim with wood, tools, and other materials forwho-knows-how-long by my Uncle Jack, who lives around here. If there's one thing I know, he has guns and loves to hunt.

"Hey, Jack! Over here!"

As I'm about to place the beer down on the table, I see Cathy and Nana sitting down by the firepit right near me. The fire isn't lit though, and it's not needed.

I walk up to them with the bag.

'Oh, This is great! They're here, and I can sit down with them for a while. Hopefully I won't get bored too quickly.'

"Awww. Look at you. You're so cute. You're our Bernese Mountain dog coming to save us," Aunt Cathy said to me, taking the bag out of my mouth.

"Hi Jack, how are you?" Nana asked me.

"Good!"

I tried saying it as excitedly as possible for them to get the message.

I hopped up the bench near my Nana, then laid down. She then started to pet me with special emphasis on my ears.

"Mmmmm."

Humans are just so warm.

"Do you think if a bear ever showed up, you would be able to blow it up?" Aunt Cathy asked me eagerly.

I just shrug, doing the best I can manage.

Nana then grabs a canned beer, which is pretty much the only ones we have and only ever use.

"Mm. Mm." I gently nudged my head into Nana's hands.

"Yeah Jack?"

She opens the can.

I smile at her, then sorta laugh when I see how amazed she is. Imagine having your own personal psychic dog.

"He's gifted. Real gifted," Aunt Cathy said. "You should've seen his car he made."

"Oh yeah, of course I did. I just hope you don't eat any of the pieces by accident."

"And the germs."

"I'm sure he'll be fine," Aunt Cathy said. "He's magic."

"I should get you a wizard hat, cut out some holes, and you could always show us some neat tricks," she added.

"I just want to confirm with ya personally- you can't speak to animals?"

I shake my head.

"Aww, that's a bummer. Would've been so cool though, wouldn't it?"

"Yeah."

"I hope you don't feel too, too lonely," Nana said to me. "You have all of us here to keep you company."

"How am I going to make friends in the future?" I asked.

"I know it's hard, I know it is," she continued, petting me.

I felt the need to say something.

"When you all were younger you all simply just ran around, played games, explored- that's what kids did back then. I could be speaking of it in a romanticized way, but it definitely was like that back then."

"Now that I'm an Elemental, some things are simply more difficult for me."

"What… What did you guys do when you were younger?" I asked, then started looking around. "Do you two happen to have some paper around, perchance?"

"I'll get some paper for you Jack. No biggie."

Aunt Cathy got up, then got a notebook and a pencil for me.

"What did you guys do when you were younger?" I wrote.

"Do? For fun?"

I nod, pushing the paper closer, smiling as I did.

Aunt Cathy read over the paper.

"Oh, you know what kids do! We had all sorts of adventures, just like anyone else. There was this one place we used to hang out, Jack- it was so special to me. Like a secret hideout no one else could find-"

'Secret hideout. Right…'
'I used to have one. I used to have friends. But it's all gone now.'

"…"

"You're dearly beloved, Jack." Nana pets me some more. "You don't have to get all droopy."

"I'm not droopy," I retorted.

'I wish I could've been able to truly do all that. I got only a small slice of it.'

'I threw it all away though, or maybe it's a good thing I ended up ruining it, I'm safe. Sure, Everyone else might either be dead… Missing…'

'Or probably in the middle of some scientific complex somewhere.'

'But I'm safe. I made it out untouched. I saw what that thing was. It was rabid. It was insane. It was an animal.'

'…'

I write "Do you guys think I'll ever make friends?"

"Of course Jack, you will," Aunt Cathy said "You're always helpful, and more importantly, you listen."

"That's going to be very important for you in life, being a good listener and knowing what's the best time to speak. Gotta use it wisely as well and keep it short and to the point."

"You're going to be quite the social kind of guy."

I cringe a little at that, but still appreciate the notion.

"You're all like almost animals already, really. Animals like you would find in fairytales. You can all speak and chatter among yourselves, not only that. You have magic powers as well."

"A whole world out there Jack, a whole world."

I look in the distance, and I see an apple tree.

"You see all these crazy kinds of creatures, Jack. I've seen some of them." Nana said "They are scary and you can get very, very hurt. You're still quite a young kit."

"Still, a resilient young kit," She laughed and continued- "I'm happy to have you here being our guardian."

I smile at the thought, it made me feel warm inside. It made me happy.

"I'll be back." I said to them "just checking out the tree."

I walk towards the tree. This tree, from my knowledge, has been here for a very, very long time. This was where Ella, Izzy and I last hung out.

I miss them.

I can feel the grass below my paws. Real, truly living grass. I feel free, Even though my form of civilization is only simply a 5 minute walk.

Walking up to it closer, I begin to realize its size compared to my own. It's huge- it would be a massive feat of mine to climb it one day.

I could get an amazing view of the moon from up there.

I lower my muzzle down to the ground where one old apple had fallen, checking it out. It's September. Things are going to get cold sooner or later.

I sniff the apple, and I decide to take a little bite. It's lost most of its juice by now, but it still was unusually sweet! There was an abundance of new sensations to take in from my furry body, it all makes me feel alive.

I look back at the tree, then I circle around it, Feeling the bark with my tail.

It doesn't matter the kind of tree or how large it is. As long as there's shade below it, it's mine.

…

If I was a dog, I would've peed on it by now. But no, I have standards. Though it is very tempting.

Don't want to get the grass wet when I sit next to it.

I then look around the tree for a good place to sit, finding one spot to be suitable on the side of the tree while also protecting me from most angles of view.

It's nice to hide. being alone.

I don't want anyone else to really come see all this, this is my spot. Free from the pressures which have been put on me. I don't have to give a shit on if I'm seemingly being human or not at this moment.

Which should really be behind me at this point, I'm not a human. Yet I come back to it. Maybe I just can't move on.

I can actually think here. Sure, I can think at night but that always gets me in a haze. So much nightness, I wouldn't say an overload. Just that it gets me in too much of a productive mood.

I think back about the conversation I had with my grandmother and Great Aunt.

Friends.

I had lots of good friends before the Transformation, I… Just sorta stopped chatting with them, I was always so busy and using the phone was too much work. I don't think any of them transformed either, so it's better to leave it at that.

What kinds of friends did I make and maintain the most?

Stevens dead, Rin… I don't know. She was cool- the name Blackwater was edgy though, but aren't we all edgy? I loved running around with her…

Cyan… Though Cyan was possibly the best out of all of them. Just something about him really, the way he acted. He always seemed to know what he was doing.

I never even learned his real name.

I attempt to lay down on my side, and really stretchhhh myself out.

…

Whatever happens. I need to figure out why that all occurred. Why did that Umbreon… Her name? I forget, damn it. Why did she go feral? I broke her mind that much?

I took away the very thing that was keeping her together. I basically killed two people.

Maybe it was insanity, maybe it's a virus. Maybe it's just what happens when an elemental just simply isn't around humans for a very long period of time. Which I hope to the bottom of my heart isn't true. It really can't be. Why would such a thing happen? It doesn't make sense!

I close my eyes for a brief moment, I might be going legit insane too. This grass actually feels good, Why does it? Like, this spot actually supports my neck pretty well.

"How long am I allowed to be here until they start thinking about me?" I immediately jump up at the thought.

"I haven't been here too long, no… Like. 2 minutes almost."

"I'm not doing anything wrong here, I'm not going off on my own or taking advantage of the situation where someone is not watching me."

"Should I try to get back into the main view? I never really told them where I was going. Shit."

I go around to the side of the tree most visible from the two of my family members nearby, and I see them easily.

"Ok, Whew. If I can see them they can most likely see me. I'm not even that far. My size is really messing me up. There's not a single obstruction in their view if they looked over to see if I'm here."

"I should go back and forth, show that I like this tree without saying."

I look up the tree and spot an apple. Using my powers and after some tugging, I yank it out. It then fell to the ground, letting me pick it up.

"Ok, so if I run up to them with an apple. It'll explain everything. Easy as that. Motions are worth a thousand words. I'll be safe."

I then pick up the apple with my mou-

The apple looked gross.

Ew. I then pick it up with my psychic, and hold it close to me.

I immediately ran towards them, but I went too fast though and dropped the apple. I ran back to pick it up and then calmly walked to them. Putting on as much a joyful and proud expression as possible.

"Oh, here he is, he's back. Oh, and look what he has now!" Nana exclaimed.

"Really showing off your powers, huh?" Cathy said. "Wonder if you can fish with them."

"I don't mean to be a showoff," I said. "Just showing you what I like…"

"I'm sorry if the apple is gross."

'I wonder what I should speak to them now about? What do I even say?' I pondered as I sat near where Nana was sitting.

Aunt Cathy reaches out and taps Nana on the elbow. "You have any more pretzels?"

"Yeah, here's some," Nana responded while rubbing my head.

"Though we shouldn't eat too much. There is a food shortage. Trump has said there is now a 'Crisis' due to global supply chains being highly damaged, and that even in the United States there's a major supply chain issue," Nana said.

'Like… Should I get another apple? Should I try to do a trick for them? Ugh, sooner or later I'm just going to embarrass myself in front of them. I'll just stick my head in the ground like a ostrich' I thought to myself'

"Yeah, he's quite proud of his plans to get America to focus on itself and to have 'America first' attitudes about the current situation. Do you really think we have a headstart above other nations like he says?"

"I don't know… I'm scared," Nana responded.

"Yeah, of course there's gonna be some pain. Like the Gas prices- it's almost up to 4 dollars now! It's ridiculous."

'They're talking about gas and crap, do I really want to try to pipe in?'

I look at the apple, which is currently on the ground in front of me.

'…I really want to see how far up I can throw it. But I don't really know if I should. I should just hang out here, stay close.'

I look up to the sky- it's quite nice and clear. The apple wouldn't even get too damaged because I'm near a bunch of grass, even though I'm currently on some rocky gravel.

"Jack, I'll definitely ask you sometime to go on a boat trip with Mack, you'll make a great waterdog!" Cathy leaned forward and told me. I then nodded, just to show that I heard her.

I began to lay down near them, silently. Watching them be alive was just enough for me for now.

I put my head down onto the ground. It wasn't the most comfortable, But I'm too anxious to move. I don't want to move in general, I don't want any unprepared attention.

"Hey, Jackie-" Nana asked, with her arm off the side of the chair patting my head.

I lift up my head to her, wondering what she would ask me.

"Can you please show me an example of your powers? Like, move something!"

'Heheheh… Really?'

I got up and stood in front of her.

"Actually, how do you do it is the main question," she elaborated.

"How… I do it?"

"Like you did with that old apple there, how do you do it?"

"Well… I'm very happy ya asked," I responded with a smirk. "There's alot to it!"

"Alrighty, gettin' to the basics here. I'm an Umbreon, I'm a Pokémon. Or basically an Elemental as they are referred to nowadays- like you have probably seen already."

"Like y'know, the whole nine yards! Tail!" I nod my head to my tail. "2 big Ears and 4 legs," I said as I nod to them individually.

"As you have already seen, I'm not a human. I'm something completely different. And with that difference, I have different needs and wants than that of a human; and especially for some Elementals, environment. Environment is very important."

"Now, this whole subject is still very fresh to me as well. I'm not a professional, I'm not even a psychic type. I'm a dark type, but Umbreons- even though we're not the standard type for this kinda thing, still possess this ability."

"Jack, Jack. Make this pretzel stick float!" Cathy picked up one and stuck it out to me.

The stick being not so far away from my face, I looked at it. I've eaten these sticks before, and took note of where it started and ended. I started to make a mental 3D image of it in my mind. It's long, brown and crunchy, with some salt on it as well.

"I start by getting a good idea of the item I'm dealing with, looking at it from all angles. Hell, if I can even pick it up. This is long, crunchy, and tasty I would say so myself."

As I'm dealing with more precise movements here, and with more delicate subjects, I'm making sure of every inch. I know what it is, and I know for sure the stick is there. With all those In place, I started to lift it. 'Lifting it,' for lack of a better term. At least In my experience, it's like feeling a small weight in your head, or maybe even mind for me- maybe like a dip.

"I feel the stick, every surface of it. It's not feeling with your hand and paw where you feel it. For me it's like feeling the difference in irregularities/bumps. Maybe it's like a surface map, maybe it's like braille?"

"Different people can probably learn to use these powers in their own ways. I highly doubt there's a 'right' or 'wrong' way to do it. Maybe more effective ways are out there."

I lift the stick up and look at it, and while it is still floating, bring it closer to my face.

"Do you mind if I eat this?"

"Wow, Jack. You're truly gifted," Nana told me, they both look bewildered.

"Oh, right. I completely forgot."

"You don't understand me, not a single bit of information got by you two…"

"I can say, I can say literally anything. And you two can't understand, literally none of this matters, and it's been like that for the past month."

"Purpose, there is no Purpose anymore. The Purpose I had was lost long ago."

"I know full well the world is slowly closing in on me. I'm slowly being erased every godforsaken moment." I begin eating the stick through my mumbling, slightly pissed.

"I have no purpose to exist for either You guys couldn't understand what it's like. Yeah, I'm alone, completely alone. I'm caged by my own body, the little joys I have keep getting smothered by my loneliness. "

'Of course, they gloss over all of it. I could have said anything.

"Before you transformed, did you feel any kind of power?" Nana Asked, as Cathy handed out another stick to me, which I reluctantly took.

"I'm still seeing the outside world. So close, yet still impossible to access."

'I should stop with this talk, I don't want them to notice how I am right now.'

I bite the stick, and I then do a small bow as they clap for me. I feel the weight of my regret.

'Will my Mom get upset with me for using my powers near them?'

"I mean, they were the ones to ask for it!"

Yeah, I think it's time to head home. Nothing more to say, and I'm pretty burned out…

'I think I lost my head a little back there… Ugh. I'm such a baby.'

'Who knows what they might think if they knew I was mad? Like, really mad.'

I dig my paws into the gravel without noticing.

'Man, I can see it now. Mom worrying that I did something dangerous with my powers.'

'She might start thinking that I blew up a tree in front of them or something. That I put Nana and the rest in danger.'

I shudder.
'Still though, I guess it might be a little justified that I feel alone. Everything I do is scrutinized for something wrong with me. I feel like I have to be something they want me to be in front of them.

It's getting easier to get past doors now- but it's still a hassle. I pass through the back door of my cabin in just 5 minutes of struggle this time.

…

'It's quiet around here. Where is mom?'

I look all over the cabin. I search in the front, in the back, in all corners and rooms. But no one is there.

"H-hello..?" I murmur- but quickly recoil at the sound of my own voice.

'No, I sound really pathetic right now. No one should see me like this. What would they think?'

'Would they go 'awwww' or pet me or some fake crap like that?'
'Ugh… Then why did I like it before? It felt weirdly nice… I suddenly feel pretty dumb.'

I shoot myself back up straight.

'I'll just be natural. Yeah. There's no need to look for them now, right?'

I hop onto a couch and scrounge for the TV remote.

The thing wasn't in between the couch cushions- it's pretty dirty in there.

It wasn't on the end table next to the couch either.

'Maybe this is for the better. I don't watch much TV anyways.'
I end up just sitting there, not really thinking about anything. Just zoning out.

'I feel like I need someone to reach out and help… That could be why I like being treated like someone's pet.'

I limply plop on my side, sinking into the couch. I'm not phased by anything around me right now.

Not even those footsteps I just heard coming from the front door.

The door creaks open, and I expect to see my mom or Nana…

But it's my dad.

'Okay, that phases me a little.'

I sit up.

We lock eyes for a moment, it's hard to tell what he's thinking.

'Heh, he's probably thinking the same thing about me.'

He then approaches me, asking "Did you enjoy the breakfast your mom made for you?"

I simply nod my head.

My father, now on the couch next to me, looks at him much more closely, now being able to get face-to-face with his own son.

My back straightens as I try to look a little proper in front of him.

"Do you want to go on a small ride by the creek together? The same exact one that we go to every year. Now seems like a good time for it," he says.

That same exact creek has been a place where my dad and I have gone to every year, and has been a staple of our family tradition to go to it at least once a year. When we're there, we take a picture of the both of us sitting on a rock by that constantly flowing creek to show how I have grown.

I pondered the question for a moment, not fully realizing that I had tilted his head.

Then the thoughts about gas prices and if doing this is really worth it come over me; but at the same time, there are the thoughts of appreciation at the fact that I get to spend some time with him.

I nod.

"Great. I'll start up the car, hop in when you're ready.

I follow behind him, past the door and into the open air.

Eventually, I hear the familiar sputtering as his car pulls out in front of me.

The front seat door opens for me- I jump in. Don't need any seatbelts.

The car ride is not as long as it usually is, as our starting point is much closer to our destination. My father puts on the radio for some time, singing along in quite a goofy voice. All the while poking and messing with me, not letting me sulk in silence.

And I smile. It's pretty impressive how he can keep his chin up when everything around him is crashing and burning.

'It still feels kind of forced though.'

'Doesn't help that all the music is old 80's stuff, either.'

In between teases from my dad and bumps in the road, my eyes rested outside the car window. Surprisingly, the roads are still in good condition, with just a few less cars out and about. The Pennsylvanian woods are still ever present in these parts, covering us throughout the whole ride.

We pass through a large clearing in the trees, and I can see the deep valley far, far below us. There's all kinds of natural beauty down there, with all corners of the view being blanketed in green. It's all so familiar, and yet, it blows me away everytime.

Eventually, we slow down in front of a sign marking a local, protected creek. The car stops in the small parking area, and I hop out.

This time, I opened the door without my father's help- I used my powers to open it.

As I step outside of the car, dad already leads the way through the same old trail.

It doesn't take long for us to reach the creek, as we keep a brisk pace.

When we get there, though…

The same scenery greets me, but it all looks so different from down here. Down at my new eye level.

'I'm sure I came here when I was a tiny toddler, and I recall coming here from my earliest memories- but this is on another level than anything I remember.'

'Again, we go here to see how I've grown, so you can understand that it feels like I went backwards some time.'

'It's not necessarily a bad feeling. I'm still processing it, okay?'

"Jack, when I was younger, I used to have fun around this creek all the time with my childhood friends, i didn't really have all too much when i was younger and i was truly fortunate to just even get dinner under my families budget. this was always a welcome spot, mainly in the summers."

A particularly flat rock looked like a good place to park myself. I sit and keep my ears peeled to what dad has to say.

"The water 'round here is much cleaner than some other junky places around the world" he remarks as he dips a finger into the water. "The coal mining companies due to the particular shallower size and shape of this greek weren't truly able to dump it too much here"

'I knew a lot about the river near home, thanks to dad telling me all about our state whenever he could.'

'That particular river is called the 'Susquehanna river.' Did you know that it still keeps clean through a natural filtration system of the water brushing up against the rocks? It's in the minerals that mix with the water after breaking off of the sides of the river!'

'This creek we are in actually flows into a waterfall as well- I've even been there myself.'

'Anyways, I shouldn't gush for too long. Dad might start talking again.'

He starts walking again, so I stick close by hopping from rock to rock.

We head into a wide, brown dirt trail, like really rich brown. It gets my paws a little muddy, but that's okay. I then look up to my side, there's two massive mounds of rocks jutting out the side of the staggeringly high hill to the side of us.

It starts to wind down a bit, then suddenly ending in a short cliff. A perfectly placed rock jutting out from the side of the creek helps give a great seat by the water. It comes out at a slight angle that leans just above the creek- you can lie down there if you want right beside the gushing water.

So that's what I try to do. Careful not to slip off of it or get too wet, I slowly pull myself up it.

My father must get the message, as he parks himself close by and takes a deep breath.

"Do you know why I wanted to take you here?" he asks me.

"Not really, no." I shake my head just in case he didn't get the message.

"I wanted to take you here because this is where we make the true marking of a new year, and for your coming of age."

"..."

"And this time, the beginning of something truly extraordinary for you, Jack. A completely new life with its own set of challenges… We are entering uncharted territory here."

"Life will, and always will throw problems at people. Even problems as unexpected as our current situation. Jack, I have watched you- kept a close eye for all this time since you were a small, yet very active, baby. I took you here many times. I remember when I gave you a small radio and you used to run ahead, telling me of all the things you saw. All the sticks and stones you came back with, running all the way."

"I do not think I'll ever get to see you drive in my life, Jack. I know you may get excited with the thrill of your new powers, but remember this.. Don't let them control what or who you are. Don't get carried away in the moment, and think about what you are doing. That goes with anything, not just your powers.

"When I was younger, I learned firsthand that whenever I or anyone else made a mistake, it was necessary to take personal responsibility for it. If I was late for the bus, I had to keep a better track of the time and make sure I knew an idea of what I was going into. Setting yourself up for success involves many things. You need to dream about success, Jack."

"You are going to quickly realize the magnitude of this event, and how this is going to put a lot more responsibility on you as a person to make your own decisions and care for the people around you. You're going to have to quickly mature. You'll have to grow into an adult much faster than many kids in the past had to be. You have been really thrown into a hard situation without your will. But I know, I know that you will triumph though it all. You need to keep yourself cool. Do not talk too much with people you don't know or fully trust. Do not show all your cards right away Jack. When you enter an area you aren't familiar with, always have an escape route and always- be- observant."

"The World that you were born into doesn't exist anymore."

…

Before I even have time to process all that has been said, he scoops me up into a hug.

"I'm going to be away for a long time, Jack. Pennsylvania has just called up all of their National Guard Reserves for immediate service. I was fearful that such a thing would happen, but I knew it was coming eventually."

"My assignment begins tomorrow, and I need to spend this time to prepare you. I will be sure to send messages and updates whenever I can, if I even can. This is a very serious matter, Jack."

"I want you to be there with your mother, Jack. Be there to comfort and keep her warm at night. Keep her safe, I'm sure in my mind that whatever I'll be doing, not only will make you two more safe, but keep whatever is left safe."

'I- I had no idea.'

I just end up crying into his arms.

Thank you everyone for your patience in regards to this chapter! i had l such a great time writing it, The rest of the chapters and what I have planned are now completely open to be explored! Chapter 24 will come much faster

I'm still doing very well, and summer break is right around the corner! see you all next time! though, until then, my PMs and my Discord are open to anyone who is interested!

Thank you to DiscoDuck for editing this chapter, I wouldn't have been able to do it so well without him!