Author's Note
The character Ceci Spirit and her world are the creative property of Specter14. Here's the list of one-shots I've done. Our collab story Worlds Collide is on her FF account and my AO3 one. Please read all the stories and enjoy this excellent AU. Thank you.
Story 1: Coffee Klatch 8
Story 2: Ceci's Thanksgiving
Story 3: Journaling
Story 4: Journaling 2
Story 5: Christmas Spirit
Story 6: Coffee Klatch 16
Story 7: Buttercups
Story 8: Hero's Psyche
Story 9: Journaling 3
Story 10: Journaling 4
Story 11: Bar Mitzvah
Story 12: School Spirit
Story 13: Adoption
Story 14: Intervention
Story 15: Journaling 5
Story 16: Journaling 6
Story 17: Cookie Drive
Story 18: Some hearts are just lucky sometimes
Story 19: Journaling 7
Story 20: Journaling 8
Story 21: Worlds Collide: Bonus Chapter
Story 22: Worlds Collide: Bonus Chapter 2:
Story 23: Journaling 9
Story 24: Journaling 10
Story 25: Bonding Time
Story 26: Book Club 4
Story 27: Cover Story
Story 28: Journaling 11
Story 29: Journaling 12
Story 30: Bonding Time 2
Story 31: Coffee Klatch 23
Story 32: Journaling 13
Story 33: Journaling 14
Story 34: Coffee Klatch 24
Story 35: Book Club 6
Charlie Masters sat at the backyard picnic table with his best friend, Ruben Ramsey. The two thirteen-year-old had a young adult novel between them. The cover had a winged cheetah soaring over two juveniles. The title on the book cover was "The Unwanteds" by Lisa McMann. "I'm so delighted you kept your promise to read the book. Again, I wasn't asking you to read the entire seven-book series. I only wanted you to read the first book," Ruben remarked, to which his pal frowned.
"Of course, I kept my promise, Ruben. I've never broken a promise in my life. Yet, I wish you hadn't been so pushy for me to read it in the first place," as Charlie cleaned his thick glasses.
"You know I had to be a bit pushy, Charlie! You've only ever read non-fiction books! Therefore, getting you to read a fictional book required much more aggressive persuading. Now on to said book. Tell me what your thoughts are?" Ruben pressed his best friend.
Charlie began to articulate his assessment of the young adult novel, "Well, the world of Quill is quite depressing. Yet, that is not a surprise when its stated to be a dystopia. It repulsive that they send children to their deaths simply for being imaginative."
"Yes, its sickening they did that. Or those tagged "Necessaries" are merely slave labor to the rest of the land. Also, just how heartless the family was after Alex was declared an Unwanted. The fact that none of them even showed the slightest bit of despair or anguish shows how dehumanized the individuals of this land are. It's quite unsettling if you ask me," Ruben pointed out as he sipped his Mountain Dew.
Charlie sighed before sipping his Coke, "Well, I found it easier to read since the names were easy to pronounce, even if some characters had a few funny names. Like Mr. Today, the wizard who created the paradise for the Unwanted."
Ruben's cute face broke into an infectious smile."Yes, Artime is outstanding! It's beyond the magically expanding building or the outlandish chimera creatures found within. It feels like a place of wonder and fun."
"Yes, the author did an excellent job constructing a world contrary to the bleak and forbidding Quill," Charlie noted.
"What did you think of the character themselves? Specifically, what did you think of the protagonist Alex Stowe?" urged Ruben.
"Well, I will admit I'm envious of hearing how gifted he is at art since I'm not good at that. He indeed does possess the qualities to evolve into a great leader. He also goes through tremendous character development in the first book. I believe that will continue in the rest of the series. Each of his friends has their quirks and unique talents. Which makes up quite a diverse cast."
"Well, the only thing I find amiss with the characters isn't they don't do an excellent job clarifying their appearance. Or at least not frequently enough. I had to look up the Wiki page to understand their appearance. Which isn't uncomplicated when you're trying to avoid spoilers."
"Yes, there are far too many spoilers nowadays. Its nearly impossible to avoid them. A few of our classmates are incredibly vocal regarding spoiler alerts."
"Yes, I've heard several classmates gripe about them. Still, its essentially impossible to avoid them. Going back to the characters, what did you think of the relationship between Alex and his twin Aaron?" Ruben questioned.
"I can already tell Aaron is bent on vengeance. He demonstrates specific traits of being ambitious, power-hungry, and desiring dominance over people. The fact he snitches on multiple individuals indicates a lack of empathy and remorse," Charlie explained in his analysis.
"Alex has a difficult time letting go of his twin. They say some twins have a strong bond. I know that's not true for every set of twins. However, its equally heartbreaking when you realize they aren't the person you thought they were," Ruben had to wipe tears out of his dark eyes as he said that.
His friend reassured him before adding, "It's depressing during the battle in the climax when all the characters realize how unloved they are by those who are supposed to love them unconditionally. Indicating just how strong Justine's brainwashing is over the land of Quill."
"Or how the only thing to save the day was Sam remembering Alex is left-handed while Aaron is right-handed. Thank god for paying attention to the small details," as Ruben pulled himself together.
"Yes, every detail matters, and none should be overlooked. It's vital to observe every detail around you. For even the smallest thing can make the biggest difference," Charlie finished.
"So, do you think you'll read the other books in the series? Or, again, give another fictional book a try? I'm not asking you to give up reading non-fiction. I was only attempting to get you out of your comfort zone," his chum explained.
"Yes, I will read the other six books. Also, I might start reading other books outside of non-fiction. I might start with historical fiction and work my way from there," Charlie conceded.
"That's great! So what do you want to do now?" Ruben asked eagerly.
"Well, please quiz me on some of the words to expect for the spelling bee. I need as much practice as possible. So can we go over them?"
"Sure, let's go get the practice dictionary!" the two boys raced inside the brick house.
Charlie Masters: Eamon Pirrucello- Wilykat ThunderCats 2011
Ruben: Rider Strong: Shawn Hunter Boy Meets World.