Royal Grounds
Inner thoughts = (Inner Thought)
Shadows Persona = Shadows Persona
Over phone/Text/Whispers/Speaker = *Over phone/Speaker/Text/Whispers*
Velvet Room
Igor: Welcome to the Velvet Room.
The "Velvet Room" is what the man now known as Igor called this place. But John still was not at ease. How can one, shackled to a chair and being called "your majesty" by two strangers.
John: (What is even happening?)
Igor: This place exists between dream and reality, mind and matter. It is a room that only those who are bound by a "contract" may enter.
John: (I don't remember signing anything.)
Igor: Now then, why don't you introduce yourself?
He hesitated for a moment but eventually told the man.
John: My name is John Doe.
Elsa: Well that's a weird name. Did your folks even try with your name?
Igor: Elsa please.
Elsa: I was just teasing. The guys clearly freaking out on the inside. So I was just trying to ease things in here.
Igor: Do excuse her, this is her first day. Now, let's take a look into your future, shall we?
John: My future? (So he has some sort of precognition ability.)
Igor's hand starts to glow brightly and in a flash a deck of cards appears in his hand.
John: (Those don't look like any playing cards I've seen.)
Igor: Each reading is done with the same cards, yet the outcome is always different.
Igor looks at the cards, after a moment he speaks.
Igor: Ah, It is just as I thought. The cards have shown that great hardship awaits you in the immediate future. A great hardship that will lead you… ruin.
John: What the hell kind of bullshit is that!?
Both Igor and Elsa were caught off guard by John's sudden outburst. They had a feeling he would be anged about his fate but didn't expect him to yell at the top of his lungs at them.
John: I came to Wellston to stay out of trouble, get a fresh start, do everything right this time! NOW YOU'RE TELLING ME THAT I'M JUST FAINTED FOR …FOR…RUIN!
John stands from the throne but can't go any further due to the shackles.
Elsa: HEY! COOL IT WILL YE! Look your highness it's somewhat because of that fate you're here as a guest! Our job is to help you avoid that destiny!
He quiets down and listens.
John: Okay what are you guys going to do?
Igor: The coming times are a turning point in your destiny. Depending on your choices you can avoid that horrid fate, or end up with something even worse.
John: It can get worse!? There's a worse then what I've already been through!?
Igor: Indeed there is. My duty is to provide you with the assistance of this room to ensure you have the tools necessary to avoid survive the coming storm. However the method in which we do so can be discussed at a later date.
John: What, why!?
Igor: The you in reality is waking up. Don't fret, we will call you again… in the near future. Farewell.
John's Apartment: Morning
John wakes up in his bed. He feels fully rested.
John: That was a weird dream. A weird... vivid dream.
He gets up out of bed and looks at the clock. He sees it's 10:48 A.M.
John: Looks like I slept past my alarm.
He gets ready to head out and see the town.
John: (Where should I go for now?) oh, I know!
Woaba Boba: Day Time
His first stop was the local Woaba Boba. When he's there he decides to make his order for one Mango Boba to-go.
John: Thanks.
Lavender Haired Waitress: You're welcome, come again.
He then turns around but bumps into someone. His boba spilled on to their shirt.
John: Ah man, sorry I didn't see you.
The person he bumped into was an older young man with green-turquoise colored hair and yellow-orangish eyes. He was standing next to another young man of similar age that had long blue hair that was tied in a ponytail with lime-green eyes.
Green-turquoise Stranger: No, don't worry it was an accident. They happen.
Ponytail Stranger: Hey that stuff didn't get on me did it?
John: I don't think so.
Ponytail Stranger: That's good, we would've had to fight if it did.
Green-turquoise Stranger: Kuyo!
Kuyo: ah ha ha! Relax Rei, it's a joke. You know I don't do that crap any more. Besides it's kinda my fault for shoving you into him. Sorry about your drink, man.
John: um, No problem.
Rei: Let me buy you a new one. I'm treating my friend here anyway.
Kuyo: Hold on, I'm the one that shoved you into him. I'm the one that should pay.
John: Thanks, but that's okay?
Lavender Haired Waitress: Don't worry, I already asked them to make another one.
Rei: Thanks, miss.
Lavender Haired Waitress: No problem. Oh, and here's some napkins.
Rei: Employee of the month, over here.
Rei reaches for the drink and napkins.
Lavender Haired Waitress: I'll get it this time.
Rei: Hope you do.
He hands the drink over to John. When John takes it a strange feeling hits John. He suddenly feels woozy and for some reason Rei feels it too.
Rei: What the..!?
Kuyo: Hey you two okay?
John: Ya…I think so.
Rei: Ya I'm okay.
Angered Man: Hey! How long are you guys going to be in the way!
The three remember that they're still on the line and blocking the registers.
Rei: Oh, sorry sir!
John: Ya! Thanks for the drink and sorry again!
He heads out of the store.
Rei: Wait!
He's already gone.
Lavender Haired Waitress: I got your regulars.
Rei: Oh thank. Let's find somewhere to sit Kuyo.
They both walk to the nearest table. Kuyo, being concerned for his friend, asks.
Kuyo: Hey man, are you okay? You seem off all of a sudden.
Rei: I'm fine but I had this feeling. It felt like… like... what did it feel like.
Kovoro Mall: Day Time
With his boba finished, John walks into Kovoro Mall. He sees the various stores within the mall.
John: Dang, they even have a U-Mart in the mall. I wonder if they have anything different then the one I walked past.
Kovoro Mall (U-Mart): Day Time
John: Not much in here is different, well they do have a toy aisle.
Load voice: Hey hurry up with that! Don't slack off!
Female voice: Sorry sir.
John sees out of the corner of his eye in the toy aisle. Two security guards, both are using their abilities to carry wooden crates, one in each of their hands.
One of them was a middle-aged man with light-citron hair and blue eyes. The other was a female who looked younger than him. She had blue hair and forest green eyes. John saw them placing the crates in the back of the store.
John: (Why are security guards helping a store with packing?)
Just then the woman dropped one of the crates on the ground and it opened up.
Load Guard: Damn it, Merin! Pick that stuff up quick!
Merin: Sorry sir!
Load Guard: Save the "sorry" for later, just hurry! Shit, why'd they had to give this stuff to us early. If they didn't f*uk up then…
John: Hey Miss, you need help?
Just then the pair noticed John next to them.
Merin: Oh nonononono everything's just fine here!
Load Guard: F*CK, get out of here brat!
John was angered by the guard's rude behavior.
John: Look I was only trying to…!
He looks down to see what exactly was dropped. John couldn't believe what he was seeing. Scattered on the floor were weapons armor.
Swords, knives, shields, protective wear, even types of weapons that he had seen in some of his favorite animes and videogames but didn't know the names of were there.
Barely anyone carries a weapon let alone use one, since everyone just relies on their ability anyway.
John: What the…?
Load Guard: I said get lost brat! NOW!! And if you tell anyone about this you'll regret it!
John: um, sure.
He leaves the store and quickly exits the mall, hoping they don't follow him or remember his face.
John's Apartment: Night Time
Sitting down on the couch. John tells his father about his day over the phone.
William: *WOW, I'm sorry you had to go through that son.*
John: Well the guy just told me to leave and he didn't try anything, so I'm okay.
William: *Ya, but still, as strong as you are I don't want you in any sort of dangerous situation. Just be careful and if they come for you don't be afraid to fight back, alright.*
John: Don't worry, I'm sure I wasn't followed.
William: *Still.*
John: Anyway my first day is tomorrow so I'm going to sleep.
William: *If you say so. Tell me how tomorrow goes when you get a chance. Night, son.*
John: *Night, dad.*
He hangs up the phone and when he does he notices something strange. It's an app with no name attached to it that looks like an orange and black spiral.
John: The heck is that? Did I have something on auto-download?
He opens it to see what's inside. All that is there is a search bar.
John: Is this a browser?
He tries to use it to look up something. He decides to look up his new school. To his surprise what comes up is not information about the school, but instead information about who goes there.
John: The hell? There's nothing but people here.
He sees the names, levels and abilities of all the students, faculty, and staff. He also finds out he can see basic info about their personal lives, interests, and other things.
He taps on a picture of a girl named Elaine.
John: WOW, she's cute.
He sees her ability and level. As he looks deeper he is also able to read that she has a secret crush on another student named Arlo. After reading that he backs out of her information afraid to read more.
John: That's… way too personal. Who would put that in here?
He continues and sees one student named Seraphina that catches his eye.
John: Whoa! Her levels higher than mine!
Out of curiosity he was about to look more into her but stopped when he noticed someone else.
John: Wait that's?
He sees two faces he recognized. The Headmaster and the head of security. His curiosity getting the better of him still he looks into the head of security, Keene.
Although he meant him first John can't say he really knows the man.
While skimming through Keene he sees something that catches his eyes. It says that Keene is "cautious of John Doe".
John: I guess that's fair. ... ... Wait a sec, now that I think about, am I in here?
After some more looking he finds no information about himself.
John: (Well at least I'm not in here, but still I don't think this is something I should have. Plus it's creepy as hell. I'm just gonna delete it.)
He does just that and goes to bed.
John's Apartment: Morning
John is in the bathroom finishing up getting ready. He already has on his Wellston uniform, the last thing he needs to do is… his hair.
John: (Should I put more or should I leave it…? Ya, I need more, a lot more.)
He proceeds to put an unspeakable amount of hair gel on top of what's already there. When he's finally done his hair looks like it could be mistaken for a helmet.
John: Perfect. Now… what time is it?
He takes out his phone to see when he notices the creepy browser app he used last night.
John: Wait, didn't I delete this?
He deleted it again and went through his apps to make sure it's gone.
John: Okay everything looks… wait, are you kidding me right now!
The same app he just deleted downloads itself back onto his phone.
John: Don't tell me it's some sort of virus? And I just got this phone. …Whatever I deal with it later.
Wellston Private High School: Morning
Arriving at the front gate was John. As he looks around he sees many students.
John: (Guess it only makes sense it is monday.)
He heads inside the school and in no time at all he is lost.
John: (I can't remember where I'm supposed to get my schedule.)
He pulls out his phone to look at the time.
John: (Don't have much time. I doubt they'd hold it against me since it's my first day but I'd rather not be late. Maybe I can ask someone.)
He sees a female student walking by him. She had magenta colored hair that was tied into a ponytail that reached her hip with sky-blue eyes. John recognizes the fellow student as Seraphina.
He was so busy looking at her he didn't realize he accidentally opened the mysterious browser.
John: (Maybe she can help?) Um, excuse me.
When he called out to her everyone in the hallway stopped what they were doing. John tried not to notice but he could hear the students talking amongst themselves.
Random Student: *Holy… did that guy just stop Seraphina?*
She turns his way. Giving a neutral expression.
Random Student: *Crap he did!*
Random Student: *Hope he lived a good life.*
Random Student: *Well at least he's wearing a helmet.*
Random Student: *Dude, that's his hair.*
Random Student: *You're lying.*
John: (I guess that what I should've expected with how strong she is.)
Seraphina: Is there something you want to say?
When she asked her question everyone else started to back away as far as they could, while half fled the scene entirely, not wanting to get caught in the cross-fire.
John: I just want to ask if you know where the headmasters office is? I'm new and…
Seraphina: I don't need to hear the story. As for your question, his office is two floors above. Now please leave me be.
John was very offended by how Seraphina Just brushed them off but chose not to take it on. Instead he just thanked her and was about to walk away.
However he whispered something under his breath he probably shouldn't have.
John: *You didn't need to be so rude about it.*
Seraphina: Care to repeat that?
She powers-up her aura.
John:(Of course she heard me.) Hey I'm not trying to fight you. Will you come down! (Holy cow! That aura!)
John's Phone: *CONFLICT DETECTED MOVING TO BATTLEFIELD*
Unknown
All of a sudden the two felt dizzy for a moment after that the two shook it off and Seraphina power-downs.
John: (My head. It's that feeling again, like yesterday.)
Seraphina: Hey, what are you trying to pull!?
John: It wasn't me. I felt it too.
Seraphina: Forget it, just get out of my sight!
The two turn from each other and start to walk away, only for both to stop in their tracks. They both noticed the lights in the school were out and all of the students watching them were gone. They look outside and see that the sky is a dark shade of orange.
John: The hell?
Seraphina: Is this your doing?
John: This isn't me!
Seraphina: Hey! Whoever is doing this, turn it off now!
She demanded but got no response.
Seraphina: I didn't even know we had someone with an ability like this. Are they just targeting us? And how did they cover so much ground, maybe we're the only one's seeing it?
John: (I don't sense anyone's aura. So what's going on?)
*Grrrrrrrrrr*
The pair heard the strange growl coming from around the corner.
Seraphina: If you think I'm going to be playing your game, you're sorely mistaken.
She powers-up her ability.
John: (I can sense her aura just fine. So why can't I sense anything else?
Seraphina: Come out now!
A second later the two saw a strange hand peek out from the corner. The hand is pitch black and looks to be made out of some kind of sludge.
It grips the corner like it's trying to pull itself into view, and then they see it. A huge mass of slug with several hands and wearing a mask. It growls when it sees them. They both back away in disgust at the figure.
Seraphina: I can't deny, they're… creative.
Seraphina was caught off guard but stepped forward at the creature. John on the other hand was absolutely terrified. The reason why is because what stood in front of them truly had no aura nothing he could sense. There was only one answer he could think of for what this thing was.
John: HEY! WE NEED TO RUN! NOW!!
Seraphina ignores him and goes in for an attack. She kicks the figure with all her might only for it to not even feel the damage.
Seraphina: What!? But how!?
John: That thing... it's real!
The monster cups its hands together and attempts to smash Seraphina. She manages to dodge at the last second and backs away.
Seraphina: Did it even take any damage?
John: Let's run!
Seraphina: What!?
John: This is a real ass monster! And it barely felt your attack! Think about it!
She thought about it but quickly made up her mind when the monster attacked again.
Seraphina dodged out the way again but this time the monster used three of its free arms to continue its assault. They almost make contact, however they stop just short of her face. The monster has stopped all movement.
John: (Is that her ability?)
Seraphina: Okay let's leave! It might follow us once it's out of my range!
The pair run as fast as they can through the halls of what still looks like their school, not stopping for even a second. They hear more growls coming from all directions, it's clear to them now that there's more than one.
They eventually reach the front entrance and run out the building. They see the eerie orange sky more clearly.
Seraphina: What the hell is going on?
John: I don't know, but I just want it to stop.
*Grrrrrrrrrr*
John: You've got to be kidding me!
Seraphina: Hey follow me, I think I know a place we can hide! Quickly before it sees us!
John: Are you sure it would be safe!?
Seraphina: You want to take your chance with the monster!
Elegant Female Voice: A better question would be, what in blazes are the two of you doing here?
Neither knew where the voice came from or who it belonged to.
Elegant Female Voice: Up here I say.
They look on top of one of the lamp posts to see what looks like a bird mascot. The mascot had a white bag on its back and white wings. Lastly it seems to be wearing a tall bird size crown on its head.
John: A talking bird in a crown.
Bird: I am a Falcon. Be sure to remember that next time young man. Now follow me.
Seraphina: Why should we do that?
Falcon: Shall I quote what you asked your friend?
*Grrrrrrrrrr*
Seraphina: Where do we go?
Falcon: Here the safest place would be this castle's living quarters.
Seraphina: Castle?
John: Who and what are you?
Falcon: Now, now we can answer each other's questions once we are in a safe space. Follow me.
The bird started flying and a duo followed. She led them in a way so that they could avoid the creatures. She landed in front of a building that Seraphina recognized.
Falcon: I didn't, I myself only know that the shadows tend not to go to certain places for some reason. I don't know why they avoid them, they simply do.
John: Shadows, is that what they're called? What are they?
Falcon: Excellent question young man. But first we should step inside and introduce ourselves.
Seraphina: We can go to my dorm.
They do just that. Seraphina takes everyone up to her dorm. When they get there she is very put-off at how her whole dorm room looks exactly how she lifted it this morning.
John: I think this is the first time a girl I had just met invited me into her room.
Seraphina: You chose now of all times to tell a joke!?
John: Too soon?
Seraphina: I can't wait to get out of this mess.
She pulls out her phone to see if she can call anyone but it won't turn on.
Seraphina: I changed it this morning, why is it off!?
Falcon: Now then let's introduce ourselves. My name is Pearl and I am queen of this realm.
Both John Seraphina looked skeptical of what the bird named Pearl had called herself. John had to ask again just to make sure he heard right.
John: So birds have their own hierarchy and they can talk?
Pearl: Everything and everyone has some sort of hierarchy in place. Also I've tried talking to other birds but they don't respond. Maybe it's because I am here while they're out there? But enough of that, what are your names?
John: My name's John.
Seraphina: I'm Seraphina and what are you talking about?
John: Ya and where is "here" exactly?
Pearl: It is a world born from the collective unconscious of man. It has been called many things. The Mirror Realm, The Cognitive World, The Metaverse, but I prefer the "Royal Grounds".
Pearl: Everything and everyone has some sort of hierarchy in place. Also I've tried talking to other birds but they don't respond. Maybe it's because I am here while they're out there? But enough of that, what are your names?
John: My name's John.
Seraphina: I'm Seraphina and what are you talking about?
John: Ya and where is "here" exactly?
Pearl: It is a world born from the collective unconscious of man. It has been called many things. The Mirror Realm, The Cognitive World, The Metaverse, but I prefer the "Royal Grounds".
Seraphina: Why would you call it that?
Pearl: Because, I am queen of this world. Shouldn't royalty have their own kingdom? Also… I believe it sounds quite lovely. Don't you?
They both could feel the sweat drop from their heads.
John: What makes you Queen exactly?
Pearl: Simple, outside of the shadows, I am this world's only inhabitant. So I dubbed myself Queen.
Seraphina: Wait, you said this place…
Pearl: The Royal Grounds.
Seraphina: Ya whatever. You said it's been called many things. That means other people have come here before, do you know how they got out?
Pearl: I can't say I do. All I know is that the humans that do come here, don't live for very long. Some come on their own somehow and some don't, much like those dastardly masked humans.
John: Masked humans?
Pearl: Yes, they seem to be able to come and go as they please. However I don't see them helping you.
Seraphina: Why not?
Pearl: They seem to be bringing other humans here and kill them.
The two were lost for words at what they just heard. People intentionally being others here to kill them is not something they expect to hear about.
John: Who the f*ck would do that? Just leaving them alone here is a death sentence!
Pearl: True, also they themselves do not stay here for long. They just do what they have to and leave with the body in tow. I have faced those criminals a handful of times, but now whenever they see me they retreat, leaving their victims behind. I save their lives but… that only buys them some extra time.
John: Because… of the shadows?
Pearl: Correct. The shadows killed them all on sight. I try to help when I can but it appears this world drains the stamina of the humans that come here. Tell me don't either of you feel slightly weaker than normal.
Seraphina: I don't think so.
John: Me neither.
Pearl: Hmmm, so I take it that means you two are what the humans call high-tier, correct? I've noticed they feel it less, due to having more of this aura I've heard so much about.
Seraphina: Okay but can we get back to what the shadows are?
Pearl: Oh, why yes. The Shadows… are the deepest, darkest parts of everyone's psyche,… basically they're born from our negative emotions.
Seraphina: Okay, so how do you beat them?
Pearl: You can't.
Seraphina: What!?
John: So they're unbeatable!?
Pearl: Not quite… one can only hope to defeat them using a specific power, the power of… Persona.
John: (Persona?)
Seraphina: Are you sure we can't just use our abilities?
Pearl: If the two of you are high-tiers and I saw you running away, then it's safe to assume you already tried?
The pair remained silent.
Pearl: Your silence speaks volumes. … Everyone that found themselves trapped here before you had tried the same thing. The shadows simply don't take damage from them.
Seraphina: So our abilities are useless against them!?
Pearl: Indeed they are. But do not worry I shall remain with the two of you… Until your final moments.
John: Our final moments!
Seraphina: Is there really no other way!?
Pearl: You have my deepest sympathies. But staying with you is all I can give you. There is no way out of this world.
John: This is bullshit!
Seraphina: How long can we even survive here?
Pearl: I can't say at this time… but I'll know when the time is close. I can sense it with my feathers.
The two were obviously panicking. If they don't find a way out they die, if they fight they die. It truly seems like there's no way out. However Seraphina gets an idea in her head.
Seraphina: We have to find those guys in the mask.
John hearing this looks to her in shock.
John: What!? You can't be serious!
Seraphina: I am.
John: They're killing people! Do you honestly believe they'll help us!?
Seraphina: No they won't… but if they can really go back and forth between these worlds,... than it's worth a shot.
Pearl: I see you're not the first person to think of that. If you want I can assist?
Seraphina: Thanks.
She looks straight into John's face.
Seraphina: Well… are you in?
He remains silent for a moment, when it looks like he finally made up his mind he sees something fly across his field of vision.
It is a beautiful blue butterfly with shining wings. Then he hears someone speak.
Mysterious Voice: It's close… so close! You are almost ready… to place me on top your head! Don't stop… keep moving!! HAHAHAHAHAHA AHAHAHAHAHA!!!
The voice keeps giving him a splitting headache. He clenches his head hoping to stop the pain.
Mysterious Voice: HAHAHAHAHAHA AHAHAHAHAHA!!!
The voice just keeps getting louder and louder.
Seraphina: JOHN!!!
He finally snaps out of it, the voice finally stops.
Pearl: He seems to be back with us.
Seraphina: You okay, do you need a minute?
John: No I'm fine. (What was that?)
Pearl: I haven't seen the world effect someone like that before. Are you sure you are okay to move?
John: I'll be fine… once we get out of here.
Seraphina: So that's means you're on board with the plan?
John: Don't really have much of a choice. (That voice freaked me the f*uk out, no way I'm staying here a minute longer.)
Seraphina: Wonderful.
Pearl: Now that an agreement has been made. We now need to rest and conserve our strength. The masked humans always strike at night, so we will leave just about then. If we don't find them tonight we'll hide until the next night do you agree.
They all agreed with Pearl's idea.
Seraphina: Before that we should go over something first, John.
John: What's up?
Seraphina: What's your ability?
John was thinking if he should really tell Seraphina the truth. He had intended to enter Wellston as a cripple, but with the shadows and the murderous people running around he knew hid best shot of leave here in one piece was if he used his ability.
Seraphina: John!?
John: Sorry, I was just… thinking. Anyway, my ability is called, Aura Manipulation.
Seraphina: I don't think I'm familiar with that, what can you do?
John: Basically, it let's me copy other abilities, I can copy four different abilities at once and combine them. I can't copy anything that's too high level for me or that I just don't understand enough, mental base abilities are a no go as well.
Seraphina: That sounds useful, what's your level? If you could copy mine then this may be easier than I originally thought.
John: 7.0; what about you?
Seraphina: You're not to far from me in level. It's Time Manipulation, level is 7.5. So can you copy it.
John: I read your aura earlier. It's a little too complicated for me right now.
Seraphina: Then let's give you a crash course.
The two spend some time trying to help John understand Seraphina's ability. Pearl was preparing herself for the battles ahead.
Time passes and they are now about to leave.
Pearl: Is everyone mentally prepared?
John: Ya, it's weaker than hers but I think I got Seraphina's ability down.
Seraphina: I'm ready to.
Pearl: Wonderful, but before we leave there's something I wish to give you John.
Pearl reaches into the bag on her back and pulls out a pair of black fingerless leather gloves.
Seraphina: Did… you always have those?
Pearl: Yes. These belonged to someone those villainous humans throw in here. I saved him but… he knew the end was coming.
John: … Oh…
Pearl: They told me to take their gloves and give them to someone else that ended up stuck here. They're too big to fit Seraphina… but they seem just about your size.
She hands over the equipment to John.
John: (They feel… kind of… right.)
Pearl: Now then, let us be off.
AUTHORS NOTES
That's all for now folks. What do you think of Pearl?
The Awakening will happen next chapter.