/sim/ - simulacrum

"Sying! Would you come here for a moment!?"

>Sying's eyelids droop, eyes still glued to his monitors as he continues typing away.

"Sying! Did you hear me!?"

>Sighing, he yells back:

"Yes, mom! Be down in a moment!"

>He rolls back in his chair - gliding effortlessly against the floor. Getting out of his seat, Sying drags his feet as he exits his room and heads downstairs.

>As he makes his way to the bottom steps, his mother - a dark haired woman with relatively plain clothing greets him.

"Sying, you left your phone down here again."

>Handing her phone to her son, she continues:

"It's been ringing constantly for the last ten minutes. You need to remember to keep it with you."

>Sying takes the phone, rubbing the back of his neck. Looking at it, he replies:

"Yeah… sorry, mom. I had my mind on a job I'm doing right now."

>As he flicks through his phone, his mother asks:

"Sying? Are you alright? You haven't been staying up all night working again have you?"

"Mom-"

"Sying! You need to rest! Working yourself to death won't do you any good! Just think about what your father would want! He'd tell you to relax and take a break!"

>Turning his head to the side slightly, Sying replies:

"Yeah… yeah, I know mom. Dad would say something like that…"

>After a brief period of awkward silence, Sying straightens up and says:

"Anyway, I'm gonna go back upstairs and reply to these calls. It's probably Evan trying to get me to do something again."

>As Sying heads back up the stairs, his mother shouts to him:

"If he wants you to go out somewhere you should do it! Get away from that computer for a while!"

>>4
>Back in his room, Sying brings the phone to his ear. After a few moments of ringing, a voice picks up on the other end. Before he can even speak, the voice says:

"Hey! I called you like 15 times!"

"Yeah, I saw-"

"Why didn't you pick up, dude!?"

"I forgot my phone downstairs."

"You still forgetting things? Come on, dude. You need to get away from your job for a bit. Hey, why not come with me to the movies tonight? I was about to head over there. I'll even pay for your ticket and food."

>Rubbing the back of his neck, Sying replies:

"I don't know… I'm not really in the mood to-"

>Cutting him off, Evan says:

"Oh come on Sying! We haven't hung out in ages! It won't kill you to take a night off! Besides, you don't want to miss CQC: 2, do you?"

"Ugh… fine. I'll go. But just because it's CQC: 2."

"Great! Meet me by the convenience store near my house at 7:45. We don't want to get stuck with a crappy seat."

"Alright. See you then."

>Sighing, Sying hangs up the phone call - preparing himself to leave shortly.

>>5
>Later

>With his hands resting warmly in the pockets of his hoodie, Sying makes his way towards the brightly lit convenience store. It's glowing signs illuminate the area, providing light in the fresh darkness.

>Waiting for Sying is an equally slender, but shorter boy wearing plain clothes. He waves towards Sying, shouting:

"Hey! There you are! I've been waiting!"

>Stopping next to his friend, Sying replies:

"Not my fault you decided to get here earlier than we agreed."

"Yeah, well I was getting impatient so I figured it'd be better to just go ahead and leave the house."

>Sying shakes his head, and replies:

"…Right. Anyway, let's go. Like you said, I don't want to get stuck with a bad seat."

>Evan nods, walking away from the convenience store with his friend. The two chatter with each other as they walk down the street, with Evan being notably louder and more talkative than Sying.

>Now only a few blocks away from the theater, the pair make their way across the street - passing by an alleyway situated between a small building and a house. Leaning against the building, a bald man with electric blue skin flips through his phone - paying no attention to the pair.

>Trying and failing to whisper, Evan leans towards Sying as they walk past the man - saying:

"Woah. Never seen a blue guy before. Some Meta-Humans are really unusual looking, aren't they?"

>>6
"The fuck you just say about me, kid?"

>Stopping dead in their tracks, Sying sighs and whispers to himself:

"Oh shit… you've done it now Evan."

>Turning around, Evan quickly tries to control the situation - awkwardly smiling as he raises his hands in an attempt to show he's not a threat.

"S-Sorry! I didn't mean anything by it! I-I've just never seen someone who was blue befo-"

"Shut the fuck up! You think I'm some kinda freak show?"

"N-No! I'm sorry! I was just thinking out loud!"

>The man walks towards the pair - causing them to both take a step back.

"Yeah? Thinking about how I'm some kind of freak, huh? What, you think you're better than me, boy!? Just because you look like a basic bitch!?"

"No! I-"

"Fuck you, and fuck your friend too. I've taken enough shit today."

>The air warms as arcs of electricity whip and crackle around the man - being generated by his very skin. Snarling, the man says:

"You ever eaten something burnt before? Because I'm 'boutta turn you into an overcooked turkey."

>The man cocks his arm back, now generating larger arcs of electricity in the palm of his hand. Instinctively, the pair brace themselves - with Evan positioning himself behind Sying.

"S-Sying! You're a Meta-Human! D-Do something!"

"I don't know what to do! I've never been in a fight before!"

>>7
>Chuckling to himself, the man says:

"Good. I'm not in the mood to get fucked up in a fight tonight."

>The lightning continues arcing up and down the man's arms, crackling and snapping as they heat the air around him. Getting ready to attack, the man cocks his arm back - and then begins to throw his fist forward:

"'Night, bitches!"

>Before the man can discharge the lightning he suddenly stops in his tracks - feeling a burning sensation and heavy weight on his chest.

"Gfft!"

>He spits up blood, and slowly looks down - noticing the prickly barbed end of a long, black spike protruding through his back and out his chest.

"W-Wha-"

>Before the man can even realize what has happened, he's suddenly yanked to the ground - cracking his head against the concrete as he begins being dragged back into the darkness.

"WAIT! NO! NO! STOP! LET ME GO! AAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"

>The man's screams are suddenly silenced, as the noise of crunching bones and squishing flesh bounce off the walls of the alley towards the boys.

>Shaking in fear, Evan just barely slips out the question:

"W-What was t-that?"

>Gulping, Sying quietly replies:

"I don't know. But we should go. Now."

>>8
>Getting ready to leave, the boys suddenly stop. The hairs on the back of their necks stand up, causing them to freeze in place as they begin to hear footsteps.

>With heavy clawed footsteps, a large black creature walks out of the shadows in a hunched position. The monster appears vaguely like a giant mole mixed with a hairless ape made out of a black, tar-like substance.

>Blood drips from the beast's fanged mouth and clawed hands, as it slowly and heavily steps towards the boys. With an uncanny grin the beast smiles - licking it's lips in anticipation of it's next meal.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!?"

>Evan screams, nearly pulling Sying to the ground with him as he falls backwards onto the floor.

{"FUCK! FUCK! GOTTA DO SOMETHING!"}

"S-Stay back!"

>Sying shouts, body shaking with fear. However, the beast continues it's slow march forward towards the boys - now focusing exclusively on Evan.

"I-It's looking at me!"

>Evan begins scrambling back in a panic, kicking and pushing around pebbles and dust as he tries to get away.

"IT'S LOOKING AT ME! SYING DO SOMETHING!"

>Before another word can be uttered, the monster leaps at it's prey. Just barely reacting, Evan makes a dive to his side - only for his legs to be caught under the immense weight of the monster's hands and feet.

"AUGH!"

>Bones crunch as the sheer weight of the entity alone break his legs - rendering them useless.

>>9
"NO!"

>Scrambling to help his friend, Sying finally activates his abilities - causing his hand to become engulfed in a brilliant purple energy.

>Unsure of what to do, Sying imitates a pitcher - throwing his arm forward as hard as he can. The energy leaps from Sying's hand - being hurled towards the monster as a projectile.

>The energy hits the monster in the side - momentarily stunning it, just as it prepares to begin feeding. Raising it's head in the air, the monster begins sniffing - inhaling the leftover particles of the attack.

>Slowly, it begins to turn it's head towards Sying - continuing to sniff as it does so. After a few moments of thinking, the beast begins to smile once more. It steps off of Evan's legs and begins licking it's lips at Sying, breathing out with a low raspy growl.

{"Shit! That didn't do anything!"}

>Getting more desperate, Sying's eyes dart towards a near-by trash can. He reaches his palm towards it - causing his energy to engulf it. Now able to remotely move the object, Sying hurls the trash can towards the monster with the swipe of a hand - harmlessly smashing against and bouncing off the creature.

"Stop it! Stop!"

>As the monster grows near, Sying visibly shakes more and more. His hands glow once more, as he feebly attempts to ward off the beast again.

"Those were just warning shots! I-If you get any closer I'll kill you! I-"

>Without another word the ground rumbles, and cracks as the monster leaps towards Sying with killing intent. Instinctively he throws his arms up, shielding his face.

"AHHHHHHH!!!!"

>>10
>Moments pass, with Sying still screaming. Suddenly realizing nothing has happened, Sying slowly lowers his arms - peeking towards the monster.

>Concrete debris litters the area, as the beast is pinned down by a gigantic wolf. The beast's white fur glitters and shines against the dim lights, as it's massive teeth clamp around the monster's throat.

"What!?"

>Taking a step back, Sying gawks at the sight as the two monsters wrestle with each other - tumbling around in the ground as they struggle to keep each other pinned.

>The wolf growls as it's jaws snap towards the beast, only for it to be struck in the face by a clawed hand. Retaliating, the wolf strikes back with it's own claws - slicing open the monster's black flesh, revealing it's blood-red muscle underneath.

>Not wanting to risk another injury the monster retreats, shoving the wolf away from it and running back into the darkness of the alley - only to quickly disappear from sight.

>Coming out of the fight relatively unscathed, the wolf lets out a Human-like sigh of relief. It sits down, tired from the encounter.

>Unsure of what to do next, Sying cautiously takes another step back from the massive creature.

"Hey there, uh… boy. I'm not looking for any trouble like that… thing."

>Sying slowly begins to shuffle to the side, towards his injured friend. The wolf turns it's attention towards Sying, watching him silently.

"S-Sying! You've gotta call me an amb-"

"Shh! I know! I'm trying to keep this… giant wolf calm so it leaves us alone!"

>Suddenly, the wolf gets up from it's seating position - beginning to walk towards Sying.

"H-Hey boy! I'm just trying to get my friend and leave! You don't have to bother us, and we won't bother you!"

>Frozen with fear, Sying grimaces as he turns his head to the side - helpless as the massive beast sniffs him. He gulps, unsure of what to expect next - only for the wolf to suddenly sit down.

"You can stop speaking to me like a dog."

>>11
>Sying's eyes suddenly snap open, as he turns to look at the wolf. Stunned, he asks out loud:

"Did… you just talk>?"

>Appearing more emotive than before, the wolf's brow furrows in annoyance.

"Yes. I did. And I said you can stop speaking to me like I'm a little dog."

"Uh… sorry?"

>The talking wolf stares at Sying for several moments, before letting out a sigh.

"That wasn't a very good apology. But fine, I accept it."

>Looking down at Evan, the strange creature says:

"You might want to help your friend before it's too late. Don't worry. You and I will have a chat later. Somewhere quiet."

>Smirking, the wolf says:

"Find somewhere secluded later tonight. Anywhere is fine. I can always find you."

>Without another word the creature suddenly rushes off - leaving Sying in the dust as it vanishes from view. Stunned, Sying stares off into the alleyway for a few moments - only to suddenly snap back to reality.

"Evan! Hey! Stay right there! I'm calling an ambulance now!"

>With the situation now over, Sying whips out his phone - dialing the emergency services…

>>12
>Hours later Sying nervously paces back and forth, repeatedly walking in circles around a dimly illuminated park bench.

>Several miles away from his home, the park is located at the very edge of the large forest surrounding the city's inner walls. Thanks to it's location the park is regularly frequented by the more unsavory types of people, typically at night. This leads to MRD patrol cars making regular passes through the area each night.

{"This is one of the dumbest things I've ever done."}

>Sying grits his teeth, nervous. Occasionally he looks around, keeping his eye out on any unwelcome strangers. Thankfully however the park that evening is apparently empty, allowing him to wait safely for his visitor.

>Still nervous, the Meta-Human continues to pace around the bench. Chewing at this thumbnail.

{"I'm waiting for a giant talking wolf. God, this is stupid. I should be back at home with mom. Not here."}

>Finished pacing, Sying plops down on the bench - causing it to creak slightly as it bears his weight. Bringing his hand to his forehead, Sying slouches and says out loud:

"Why am I even here…?"

"To talk to me."

>Sying's ears perk up, at the sound of the deep familiar voice. He instantly straightens up and begins to look around in a hurry - before finally noticing the wolf step out of the shadows of the trees before him. Nervous from the beast's presence, he grips the boards of the bench tightly - leaning back into his seat.

"Relax, kid. If I wanted to hurt you I'd of done it already."

>Sying stares at the massive wolf in silence for several moments. Sweat beads down his face - dripping onto his hands. Finally, after what felt like several minutes of staring Sying releases his grip - allowing his body to relax into it's seat.

"Right.. sorry. It's just not every day you come face to face with a wolf the size of an ox. Let alone one that can talk."

>The wolf lets out an audible chuckle, taking a seat on the grass across from the bench.

"Heh, right."

>Looking around the area, he says:

"Well. This wouldn't exactly be my first choice for a meeting place. But I suppose it's secluded enough."

>>13
"Yeah…"

>Sying shuffles his feet for a moment, before suddenly shooting up into a more serious position. He leans towards the wolf, and then says:

"Alright, time to tell me what's going on. What was that thing that attacked us and what the hell are you?"

>The wolf rolls it's eyes, sarcastically saying:

"Right to the point, huh? Fascinating."

>Now looking directly at Sying, he begins:

"Well to try and keep it brief. That entity and I are psychic beings. We aren't a singular species with a name, we simply exist as psychic energies given agency and form."

>Noticing Sying's confusion, he elaborates:

"Basically, we're creatures that are composed of mental and emotional energies. Similar to the kind that you control with that dainty little Meta-Gene you have there."

>Sying blinks. Raising an eyebrow, he replies:

"…So you're.. living thoughts. …Right?"

"Not exactly. Some of us exist independently of thoughts. Others are made or molded by them. Either way, we all come from the Astral Plane. Which is why I'm here."

>Standing up, the wolf begins to pace back and forth in front of Sying - elaborating:

"The Astral Plane has been wrecklessly opened and closed by amateurs several times as of late, causing some like me to fall to this realm of existence. Luckily for you though, most of us are either too weak or too stupid to sustain our forms here. Forcing us to retreat to a… another layer of the onion, I suppose."

>Sying raises his eyebrow again, causing the wolf to sigh.

"Just think of it as a one way mirror that exists in the universe that some entities like me can jump between. On one side you have this world in it's full material form. On the other you have spirits and other entities that can safely exist separately from the world, all while having the limited ability to interact with it."

"In fact, I'm on the other side of that mirror right now."

"What? If you're on the other side then how are we having this conversation?"

"Like I said, limited interaction is possible. And it's especially easy to communicate to a psychic on the other side. Like you."

"…Okay, so.. that's cool and all. But why'd you save my friend and I? And why does any of this matter to me?"

>>14
>The wolf stops pacing, turning to look at Sying.

"Why does it matter? It matters, because there are things like that creature that attacked you earlier running around. The longer things like that are out there, the more damage they're going to do."

>Now sitting again, he adds:

"As for why I saved you? It's simple. The energy you produced caught my attention, so I decided to protect you."

>Smiling, he says:

"It turned out to be a good decision as well. Because you're just what I was looking for."

>Standing up from his seat, Sying reaches his hands into his pockets - asking.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I was looking for a being on this world with enough potential to help me. I'm not what I used to be. My ability to control psionic energies has been crippled, and I have no way of getting home on my own, and the majority of those monsters are bound to be too much for me alone. But in you? I can just sense the potential inside. That mutation inside your body is nothing more than a training wheel for what you can truly become."

"So you want me to fight more of those things for you? And then.. find a way to send you home?"

"In short? Yes."

>Frustrated, Sying starts pointing to his chest - saying:

"How the hell would I even do that!? Did you see that thing earlier!? It completely ignored my attacks like they were nothing! Besides, I can't just run around throwing myself in danger all the time! What about my mother!? I can't let her lose me too!"

>>15
>Now circling around Sying, the massive wolf's near razor sharp hair brushes across his body - causing him to shiver slightly.

"But think about it Sying… if you can manipulate Psychic Energy, what's to stop you from absorbing it? You can grow stronger. Besides, don't you want to get back at the monster that nearly killed your friend?"

>Frozen in place, Sying looks to the ground - thinking.

"…"

>Continuing to circle him, the wolf says:

"Look, I'm not going to force yout to do anything. But don't you think you could AT LEAST track down that monster from before and get rid of it? You're the only one capable. And you can't just let it get away with hurting your friend, can you?"

"…Well.. it is a danger to people…"

"Yes. It is. I can back you up, Sying. You won't have to do it alone. And then after? After that you can take it's power for yourself. You'll be able to watch over your mother with more power, won't you?"

"…I suppose so. That makes sense, yes."

>Stopping in front of Sying, the wolf says:

"So what's the harm? Let's just take down this one monster. And after that, if you don't want to keep going? No problem. You can go back to whatever it is you do in your daily life, and I'll go look for someone else who can help me."

"…"

>Sying continues staring at the floor for several moments - deeply considering the creature's words. After what feels like an hour of silence, he looks towards the wolf and says:

"Fine. I'll do it. Just this once. For Evan."

>Grinning, the wolf replies:

"You made the right choice, Sying. Get your rest tonight then. Tomorrow you're getting a crash course on psychic energy manipulation. So you don't go unprepared."

>Letting out a sigh, Sying says:

"Alright, sure. What will you do tonight though?"

"Oh, me? I'll just go home with you."

>Eyes widening, Sying panics internally as he replies:

"What!? But you're huge! How-"

"Relax. Kid. I'm on the other side, remember? And my size isn't an issue. I can shrink down a bit if I need to."

>Sighing again, the young psychic places his hands back in his pockets. Looking up into the sky, he replies:

"Fine. Come with me then."

>Now beginning to walk down the trail towards the park's edge, sying turns to look at his canine companion - asking:

"By the way? You got a name?"

>Looking at Sying, the wolf appears momentarily confused - before saying:

"Hm? A name? Not really, no."

>Facing forward, the wolf begins thinking for a moment - stating:

"If I had to pick one though… I suppose it would be… Rigel."

>Looking at Sying, Rigel reiterates:

"My name is Rigel."

>>16
>The following morning, Sying calmly makes his way downstairs. Heading into the kitchen, he's greeted by the sight of a breakfast feast - courtesy of his mother.

"Hey mom- Woah. What's gotten in to you?"

>Just finishing up cooking, Sying's mother places a plate of bacon on the table - now taking a seat.

"Well, I thought it might make you feel better after what happened with you and Evan last night."

>Taking a seat across the table, Sying replies:

"Oh. Well, thanks."

>Now appearing only a little bit larger than the average wolf, Rigel mosey's his way into the kitchen - entirely undetected by Sying's mother.

>Sying eyes him carefully, as he eats - watching as the strange wolf begins sniffing the air. Speaking to Sying, Rigel says:

"The table has more food than both of you can eat. Give some to me."

>Furrowing his brow, Sying's eyes dart to his mother briefly - waiting for her to turn her attention away. His mother smiles back at him, while continuing to eat her meal.

{"Ugh."}

>Lowering his left arm below the table, Sying points it towards an empty pan left on the stove. A purple energy envelops it, and then forcefully drags it off the side of the stove - dropping it to the floor.

"Oh!"

>Sying's mother, sitting closest to the oven turns around. Getting up to pick up the pan, she says:

"Now how did that happen?"

>Siezing his chance, Sying leans down - whispering to Rigel in an irritated tone.

"What do you mean give you some? I thought you ate psychic energy!"

"Yes but just like a Human I need a constant intake when I'm not in the Astral Plane. And since there's nothing here for you to hunt for me, chemical energy will have to do as an alternative."

>Facepalming, Sying replies:

"Ugh. Fine-"

"Sying honey, who are you talking to?"

>Stopping immediately, Sying slowly lowers his hand from his face - now spotting his mother back in her seat ready to eat. Clearing his throat, Sying says:

"Oh, sorry. I didn't realize I was thinking out loud."

>Sying hurridly digs back into his food, awkwardly avoiding eye contact. Quickly, he tries to change the subject - stating:

"Anyway, mom. What's going on with you today? Any plans?"

>Sying's mother begins to talk, explaining her plans for the day to her son. Meanwhile, Rigel continues eyeing the dinner table. Slowly growing annoyed, he says to Sying:

"Your mother is going to talk your ears off. Hurry up and get her to leave so I can eat."

>>17
>Desperately trying to hide his annoyance from his mother, Sying thinks to himself:

{"This damn dog is going to be the end of me."}

"Hey uh, mom. Sorry to cut you off, but I just noticed the time. I told Evan I'd check up on him today right about now. Do you mind if I go and take some of this with me? He loves your cooking, you know."

"Oh.. well, sure. I was finished eating anyway."

>Getting up from her seat, Sying's mother moves around the table - kissing her son on the forehead.

"Tell Evan I said hello. And BE CAREFUL. Stay away from dangerous areas. And make sure to run away and call the authorities if anything happens, got it?"

>Sying nods.

"Got it."

>After a few minutes of preparing a pack to carry the leftovers in, Sying finally leaves the house - closing the door behind him. Following along side, Rigel looks at Sying and says:

"Give it to me."

>Rolling his eyes, Sying groans and says:

"Fine. Whatever."

>Opening up the carrying case, Sying dumps it's contents into the strange canine's mouth - tossing away the container in a near-by trash can afterwards.

"Happy?"

>Rigel licks his mouth.

"Very."

"Great. Now that you're fed and happy, I'm sure you won't mind if I make a stop to visit Evan."

"Sying. You can't afford to waste time."

>Annoyed, Sying glares at Rigel - replying:

"The only reason I'm doing anything with you, is because of Evan. So I'm going to go see Evan. If you don't like it, you can go."

>Rigel returns Sying's glare with a furrowed brow, and states:

"Fine. We'll go see Evan. But let's be quick about it. There's a lot of ground to cover, and we only have a few more days until that creature decides to come out of hiding."

>Sighing, Sying places his hands in his pockets - saying:

"Sure. Whatever."

>>18
>Later

>Leaves and sticks crunch underneath Sying's feet as he steps deeper into the forest. He continues walking forward for several minutes, finally stopping once reaching a small clearing of the trees. Turning to look at Rigel, he says:

"There. Happy? We're almost as far out as we can go in the walls. Nobody should be around for miles."

>Stopping, Rigel scans the area - replying:

"It'll do."

>The light distorts around Rigel as he appears to be moving through a transparent membrane. Once breaking through to the other side, Sying immediately becomes more aware of Rigel's appearance. Not only being able to see and hear him, but also smell and even touch him once again.

"Great. So, what now?"

>Looking at Sying, Rigel says:

"Now. I'm going to act as your teacher. And you're going to learn in mere hours what most psychics couldn't even dream of."

"…Right."

>Beginning to circle Sying, Rigel begins his lesson.

"Now. You know what psychic energy is, correct?"

>Nodding slowly, Sying answers:

"Well. The answer's in the name, isn't it? It's psychic energy. So it involves the mind."

"Yes. Psychic energy is generated by the thoughts and emotions of all beings - living and dead. If it can think and feel, it produces some amount of energy. However, most beings only produce miniscule amounts of psychic energies - with only severe episodes of emotion or intense thought increasing their output."

>Stopping in front of Sying, Rigel continues:

"And then there are those like you. Psychics. Psions. Psykers. Espers. Whatever. The point is, you not only produce higher amounts of psionic energy, but you can control it. Now some, are better at it than others. But with you? I think you've got what it takes to be one of the best."

>Blinking, Sying asks:

"…Why me? I rarely use my abilities, and they're only marginally useful at best. Why not go to someone else? Like one of those vigilantes. Omnius, I think it was. I hear he's supposedly a psychic."

>Rigel's ear twitches, and he appears surprised. After taking a moment to think, Rigel replies:

"What? One of those guys who run around in costumes? He's a psychic, sure. I can feel it. But he's got nothing on you, Sying. You know what's special about you? It's how you think."

>Pointing at Sying's head with one of his clawed toes, Rigel continues:

"You said you like to develop games, didn't you? That means you know how to create things. And solve problems. That kind of thinking is what leads to great success in the psychic world."

>>19
>Taken aback, Sying says:

"Really? Wow. Okay then. I guess that makes sense."

>Rubbing the back of his neck, he adds:

"But I'm not some big super star developer. I just make small projects for myself and sometimes do temporary jobs for other people."

>Lowering his paw, Rigel states:

"It doesn't matter. You still have the right mindset. Now. Enough of this. It's time to begin your first exercise. Are you ready?"

"Wait, ready for what? What're you wanting me to do?"

>Sitting down, Rigel says:

"Nothing complicated. I just want you to lift some things."

>Sying raises his brow, causing Rigel to ask:

"You can do that, right? Envelop matter in your energy and move it?"

>Sying nods.

"Then I want you to progressively lift and move heavier and heavier objects, until you can just barely break past your limits. It's like a muscle. The more you train it, the stronger it gets. Now start training. We'll work on constructs next."

"Wait, constructs?"

"Start lifting!"

"Ugh, fine!"

>>20
>Hours later, Sying bends over - propping himself against a tree as he pants in exhaustion.

"Can we… just… stop.. for the day…? I'm… not sure I can… do anymore."

>Walking towards Sying, Rigel looks at him and says:

"Yes. We can rest for the day. But we're coming back every morning, until we're ready to confront that monster."

>Sying groans, lightly pushing himself off the tree. Slowly, he begins making his way out of the forest with Rigel.

>>21
>Later, Sying lies in bed - flicking through television channels restlessly while Rigel lies on the floor near-by.

>With something catching his eye, Sying quickly changes back to the news - watching a report on recent events in the city.

"…Yet another break out this month. Numbers aren't confirmed, but it appears at least two to three individuals have broken out of prison. With their hands already full tracking dangerous fugitives such as Cynthia Jones…"

>Upon hearing the name, Sying suddenly clenches the remote tightly - gritting his teeth. Noticing the reaction, Rigel suddenly raises his head from the floor - staring at Sying. He then turns his head towards the television - watching old news footage of a massive flood engulfing a park located within the city.

>Turning to look at Sying again, Rigel says:

"Sying."

>Surprised, Sying snaps out of his almost trance-like state. He whips his head towards Rigel, mumbling:

"Y-Yeah?"

>Sying clears his throat.

"Yeah? What is it?"

>Rigel nudges his head towards the television, and asks:

"What did that woman do?"

"W-"

"She did something to you, didn't she?"

>Feeling defeated, Sying sighs. He looks down saying:

"Yes. Last year that woman got into a fight with another Meta-Human and the flood she created killed some people… including my dad. I… wasn't there when it happened, neither was my mom. He was on the way to work…"

>After several moments of silence, Sying looks back towards Rigel - finishing with:

"Anyway. I don't want to talk about it any more. Okay? I'm going to sleep now."

>Flipping the channel to something else, Sying places the remote down on his night stand - and then climbs under his covers.

>Silently, Rigel watches him - thinking about the conversation…

>>22
>Date: September 14th, 2017
>Location: Sanctuary City Outskirts - The Forest
>Time: 2:45 PM

>A massive log is cut in half, as Sying flings it into the air - slicing through it with a pointed stream if purple light being produced from his hand.

>Satisfied, he takes a step back and says:

"Easy."

>The purple energy breaks apart into a mass of particles, reforming in Sying's hand as a translucent purple golf club. He casually swings it - knocking the remaining halves of the log away from him and into the bushes before causing the club to vanish.

>Turning towards Rigel, he asks:

"Well? What's next anything new?"

>Standing up from his sitting position, Rigel smirks and replies:

"No. I'm afraid not. Our friend has finally come out of hiding. You can feel it too, can't you?"

>Sying nods slowly.

"Good. Let's not waste any time. Follow me."

>Rigel turns around and runs away, racing out of the forest at an unnatural pace. Sying soon follows behind, catching up to his canine companion…

>>23
>Location: Sanctuary City - Park Playground
>Time: 2:46 PM

>Laughter and screaming can be heard, as a group of children occupy the playground. They run, climb and chase each other - gleefully enjoying the warm day at the park.

>Unbeknownst to them, a massive creature lurks in the bushes near-by - stalking it's prey. Now healed from it's encounter, the black entity eagerly crawls through the bush - ready to eat.

>Arriving on the scene, Sying and Rigel both skid to a stop - kicking up dust and rock as they brake their feet. Sensing the creature's presence behind the playground, Sying clenches his teeth.

"Shit! It's in the bushes! Those kids are in danger!"

>Looking at Sying, Rigel states:

"Well, what are you waiting for then? Go!"

>Sying nods nervously, and then runs towards the playground. Just as he does the creature bursts from the bush - intent on catching it's food. Children scream and drop to the ground, terrified by the sudden appearance of the monster. Their lives are saved however, when Sying rams the beast with his shoulder - knocking it aside.

>He fumbles, catching himself from falling. Whipping his head towards the children, Sying shouts:

"RUN! GET OUT OF HERE! NOW!"

>After shaking off the blow, the creature pulls itself back to it's feet. It tilts it's head at Sying, momentarily confused. After a few moments of staring, the monster snaps back into action - roaring as it leaps at Sying.

>Taken by surprise, Sying is knocked to the ground - pinned by the monster. Gritting his teeth he squirms and struggles, trying to break the monster's grip.

"Let… go of me!"

>One arm breaks free of the monster's grip. Sying immediately slams his fist into the beast's face - causing it to reel back and roar in pain.

>Free to move again, Sying pulls himself away from the monster and back to his feet. A translucent dagger forms in his hand, and he charges the creature again - crying out in anger.

"EAT THIS YOU DUMB BASTARD! HAAAAAAAAA!"

>Sying sinks his blade into the monster's thick tissue - again causing it to roar in pain. The monster swings it's massive arm - knocking Sying away and causing him to skid across the gravel.

>Having angered the beast, it begins to charge at Sying - rocking and crushing the ground with it's every step. Unable to move in time, Sying raises his arms - enveloping the beast in a purple glow, stopping it just before it can reach him.

>Struggling, Sying grits his teeth as his arms shake. The beast fights back against the force, roaring in Sying's face as it keeps trying to push forward.

>Sweat runs down the psychic's face, causing him to close an eye. Through his gritted teeth, Sying hisses out:

"Get… away… from me…!"

>A sudden surge in power causes the monster to rocket back - bouncing and skidding across the ground, ultimately crashing into the playground's slide.

>>24
>Panting, Sying pulls himself to his feet - generating a new blade of psionic energy from his hand. He begins to walk towards the now injured beast, saying:

"I've got you now, you big bastard."

>Sying continues to walk towards the monster preparing to end it's life. He raises his arm, ready to plunge the blade into the creature's body…

>Sying is suddenly thrown back, as an unknown object slams into the ground in front of him - wrecking into the playground. Coughing, Sying shakily raises his head - watching the smoke clear at the now destroyed playground.

>A large man wearing even larger spiked, razor-like armor picks himself from the ground - shouting to the sky:

"I- We'll kill you for this, Omnius!"

>Obscuring some of the sun's rays, Omnius casually floats down from the sky towards the playground.

"Even if I exposed my throat to one of your blades, you still wouldn't be able to kill me."

>Omnius looks to the side, noticing Sying picking himself up from the ground. Apologizing, he says:

"Oh. You okay man? I didn't mean to knock him so close to you."

"SHUT UP AND GET DOWN HERE OMNIUS!"

>Ignoring Breakout, Omnius casually swipes his hand - remotely flinging the criminal to the side while he waits for an answer.

>Shakily, Sying replies:

"Y-Yeah. Just a little… shook up."

>Looking up, Sying finally takes notice of Omnius's presence. His pupils immediately dilate, as an intense burning sensation forms in his head. He quickly looks around - suddenly finding both Rigel and the beast missing.

"W-What? They're gone!"

"Hey! You sure you're okay? I can help you if you need it!"

>Looking back up at Omnius, Sying replies:

"N-No. I'm fine. I'm gonna get out of here."

>Without another word Sying turns and runs off. He looks over his shoulder, watching as Omnius now begins fighting Breakout on the ground. Furious, he grits his teeth and grumbles:

"He made it get away."

>>25
>After searching the area for about an hour, Sying gives up - deciding to head back home. Annoyed, he enters the front door in a huff.

>Greeting him from the other room, his mother says:

"Hello, honey! How was Evan?"

>Suddenly becoming aware of his mother's question, Sying quickly replies:

"Evan's doing fine! I'm actually going to go upstairs right now, I promised I'd play a game with him online!"

"Well alright. I'll just call for you when dinner's ready in a bit."

"Thanks mom!"

>Sying grouchily makes his way up the stairs - nearly slamming his bedroom door shut once reaching it. Immediately upon entering his room, Sying spots Rigel laying on his bed - watching television.

"What the… Where the hell did you go!?"

>Looking up at Sying, Rigel says:

"Oh. You're back. I felt that vigilante Omnius in the area and hid. Didn't you?"

>Still in a foul mood, Sying drags his feet across the floor before plopping himself down in his desk chair - causing it to spin to the side slightly while he looks at Rigel.

"No. Not until he was literally floating above me."

>Re-adjusting his chair, Sying looks at Rigel more closely - now leaning forward.

"…What… what is it with that guy? My head felt like it was going to explode when he came near me. And you and that monster both vanished once he showed up."

>Rigel lets out a sigh, before explaining

"He is one of the most powerful beings on this planet. And extremely unstable. It's best that we stay clear of him for now. Considering we don't know how he'd react to my existence."

>Leaning back in his seat, Sying blinks - asking:

"What do you mean that he's unstable?"

"Sying. To put it bluntly. He's an emotional wreck, who's ended all life on this planet once before."

>Startled, Sying spurts out:

"W-What!? How!? If that's true how is everyone alive now!?"

>Rigel lets out a sigh, explaining:

"Because it was un-done. From the perspective of beings in this world it never happened. But for those in other places disconnected from this world's flow of time, like the Astral Plane? It very much happened."

>Disturbed, Sying shakily asks:

"Y-You're serious? He ended-"

"All life on this planet, and likely the universe at large."

>Jumping out of his seat, Sying shouts:

"WHAT!? HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE!?"

"Sying, calm dow-"

"YOU'RE TELLING ME I JUST CAME FACE TO FACE WITH SOME… OMNICIDAL MANIAC, MASQUERADING AS A SECOND RATE SUPER HERO!? BECAUSE THAT IS NOT A COMFORTING THOUGHT!"

>Growling, Rigel snaps back:

"Sying! Calm down! Before you alarm your mother! I'm explaining to you why you're alright!"

>Sying stares at Rigel in silence for several moments, panting slightly. Slowly, he sits back down and says:

"Fine. Go ahead. Why are we still alright?"

"You're still alive, because he's not the only powerful being out there. There are others who, in that moment were able to stop him. That. Is why you are still alive."

>Taking a moment to allow his words to sink in, Rigel then continues:

"However. That doesn't mean he's any less dangerous. Even if he's no longer a massive bomb waiting to go off, he could still be set off and direct his power towards individuals. Like us."

>>26
>Calmly, Sying asks:

"…Why would he attack us? We haven't done anything to him."

>Rigel lets out a chuckle, and then asks:

"You serious? Why wouldn't he? I'm a psychic entity from the Astral Plane. His kind see mine as just slaves to use or targets to destroy, since we're made up of the energy he can command. And you?"

>Rigel leans a little closer towards Sying, stating:

"You. Have the potential. To best him."

"What?"

"You heard me. It might be too late for him to stop the others that are like him. But I know how his kind think. Before I was crippled, I used to be like one of them. Powerful. Arrogant. Fearful that one day someone or something could rise to face me, and end me."

>Sying stares at Rigel, unblinking with total investment in the conversation.

"And that, is exactly what you are. You Sying, have the potential to grow to match him. And once he realizes that? He'll see you as a threat. And then he'll come after you. And your friends. And your family. That way, there's no chance of anyone close to you that can potentially fill your spot."

>Stunned, Sying leans back in his chair - running his hand through his hair as he exhales.

"…Holy shit. That's a lot."

>After a few moments of silently spinning around in his chair, Sying comes to a stop - asking:

"So, what? You think I'm some kind of grand psychic, destined to put a stop to that guy?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. But that's out of the question for now. So let's focus on something more do-able."

>Sying lets out a sigh, and replies:

"…Yeah, okay. Like that monster we still need to catch."

"Yesss.. but. Not yet."

"What? Why?"

"It's gone back into hiding. Meaning there's nothing we can do until it comes back out. However, there is something else."

"…Yeah?"

"Well, on my way back here I did some looking around. Made a couple of stops and managed to get some information."

>Looking directly into Sying's eyes, Rigel says:

"Sying. I know where the woman who killed your father is."

>>27
>Nearly destroying the chair as he jumps out of it, Sying immediately raises his voice as he shouts:

"Where!? Tell me where!"

"Sying! Calm the hell down! I'm telling you! Christ!"

>Rigel lets out a sigh, and explains:

"She's been moving place to place around the city, trying to figure out a way to slip past the walls without getting caught. Right now she's hiding out in an abandoned factory on the edge of the manufacteuring district."

>Clenching his fists, Sying says:

"Then we need to go. Right now. She needs to be brought to justice."

>Jumping off the bed, Rigel positions himself between Sying and the door - saying:

"Woah there. Calm down. She's not just alone. There's a couple of other guys there. Some kind of buddies trying to find a way out of the city with her."

"Yeah, then what are you saying? We just sit here and tip off the MRD?"

"No. That's not what I'm saying at all. Look, Sying. I know you want to personally be the one to take her down. But we can't just rush in right now. Even you can't take out a group of Meta-Humans on your own. We need to wait until night, and use the dark to our advantage."

"…"

>Turning away, Sying replies:

"Fine. We'll go tonight."

>Time: 11:00 PM
>Location: Harris Household

>Sying steps away from the closet, having just finished putting on the darkest clothing he owns. Turning around, he looks to Rigel - saying:

"I'm ready."

>Smirking, Rigel nods.

"Good. Let's go."

>Quietly, the pair depart Sying's home - careful not to wake his mother while they leave. Once outside, Rigel turns to look at Sying and says:

"I'm going to run ahead and look around, make sure there aren't any surprises in store for us. Meet you there."

>Before Sying can respond, Rigel runs off - moving at a supernatural pace. Sying lets out a sigh. Feeling nervous, his stomach knots slightly.

{"This is it. This is it. Time to get her back for what she did to you, dad. After that, she'll be left for the MRD."}

>Looking to the sky, Sying closes his eyes as he thinks:

{"God, I wish you were still here. I miss you every day. At the very least, I'll have this. I love you dad. Always."}

>Feeling a bit more courageous, Sying opens his eyes - immediately darting forward as he moves at the same tremendous speeds as earlier.

>>30
>Location: Sanctuary City Manufacteuring District - Abandoned Factory
>Time: 11:02 PM

>Darkness blankets the interior of the old factory, with only the dim flashlights of it's inhabitants being used for illumination. The factory is inhabited by four people, three men and one woman.

>The men all look generally similar, being tall men with large frames. Generally keeping their distance, a woman with wavy silver hair sticks to herself in the corner. In contrast to the men she's built more slim, for the most part. And is of an average height.

>Two of the men chatter between themselves, laughing and conversing with each other. The third man however, struts towards the woman - with his chin up. Noticing her leaning forward against an old piece of machinery, he smirks - and then slaps her on the bottom.

>The woman immediately whips around, yelling:

"Hands off! Asshole!"

>Raising his hands, the man chuckles to himself.

"Relax, baby. I was just playin' around. I didn't mean anything by it."

"Sure you didn't."

"Hey, come on Cynthia."

>The main moves to put his arm around the woman's shoulders - only for her to slap it away.

"What's your deal, girl? I'm just bein' friendly."

>Becoming more irritated by the second, Cynthia raises her voice - catching the attention of the other two men, who watch in silence.

"What's my deal? My deal is you keep trying to get touchy with me! I'm! Not! Interested! Understand!?"

"Alright. Alright. Chill, baby girl. I get it. I was just trying to lighten the mood."

>The man turns away, putting his hands in his pocket.

"I'll just go back over with the guys."

>As the man walks away, he mumbles to himself:
"Bitch."

>>31
>Crossing her arms, Cynthia now leans her back against the disabled machinery. She glares, watching the man as he walks away.

{"Fucking asshole. Ugh, going with these guys was a mistake. I should just leave them and find my own way out. Instead of sitting here waiting on their supposed friend that's coming."}

>Irritated, the silver haired woman blows a bang out of her face. She closes her eyes, allowing herself to get lost in her thoughts.

>A few minutes pass by peacefully, with the men continuing to laugh and talk amongst themselves while Cynthia remains where she is. However, the peace is quickly cut short as the sound of a loud banging noise echoes through the factory - causing Cynthia to nearly jump out of her skin.

"What the fuck!?"

"Shit! They might've found us!"

>The men begin turning to face the area the noise came from.

"Yo Brian. I don't see any lights through the windows. So I doubt it's them."

>The man called Brian narrows his eyes, and then replies:

"Still. Better to check it out. Be right back, fellas."

>Without another word Brian walks away, turning the corner and disappearing from view.

>Several minutes pass, silently. Slowly, the factory's inhabitants begin growing more nervous the longer Brian remains gone. Finally speaking up, another one of the men whispers:

"He hasn't come back…! What if the feds caught him? Or some kind of power trippin' drunk?"

>Sweating nervously, the other man replies:

"I don't know. Let's go check it out. You and me. The girl can stay back here. We don't need her gettin' in the way anyways."

"Alright then."

>Without another word the two men leave as well, leaving Cynthia by herself.

>>32
"No.. this isn't right. They're being stupid."

>In an instant, two streams of water rise from the ground - bursting through the concrete flooring. Stopping just before reaching Cynthia's hands, she waits - prepared for action.

>Moments later, a purple light rips through the air - illuminating the darkness as it heads towards Cynthia. Startled, she immediately drops to the floor, remotely redirecting one of the water streams and jetting it towards the darkened end of the room.

>Sying runs out of the darkness, protecting himself with a large transparent purple shield in the form of a rectangle.

"HRAAAGH!"

>Reacting quickly, Cynthia begins spraying both jets of water at Sying - knocking him to the ground and causing him to dissipate his shield.

"Who the hell are you!?"

>Pulling himself back to his feet, Sying shouts back:

"YOU KILLED MY DAD! YOU MADE DROWNED HIM!"

"THAT WAS AN ACCIDENT! I DIDN'T MEAN TO KILL ANYONE!"

"I DON'T CARE!"

>Sying fires yet another psychic projectile at Cynthia, this time landing the hit. Being flung back, she slams violently into a piece of disabled machinery - yelping upon impact.

"Agh! My back! You little shit! I told you it was an accident! I was just trying to get rid of an asshole who kept getting handsy with me!"

"So!? Why does it matter!? You didn't have to flood the area just to get one guy away from you! But you did! Because you're careless!"

>Struggling, Cynthia pulls herself up to her feet - clenching her back.

"You're making a big mistake, boy! I'll give you one chance to get outta here, before I flood the place!"

>Gritting his teeth, Sying takes a moment to consider his options. Catching something out of the corner of his eye he notices Rigel sitting down - observing.

>Noticing Sying's attention, Rigel silently shakes his head "No" at Sying. And then nudges it towards the woman. Sying stares in silence for a moment, before nodding in response. Afterwards he immediately whips his head back towards Cynthia and shouts:

"I'm not letting you run free after what you did! You're going back to prison!"

>Now straightening her back, Cynthia says:

"God damn it."

>>33
>Cynthia immediately directs another pressurized stream of water at Sying. He jumps over it - remotely taking hold of it with his energy and throwing it back in her direction.

>Surprised, Cynthia dives out of the way - generating a wave of water beneath to carry herself. Gliding around the room, she begins generating more water behind her as she prepares to end the confrontation.

>Sweating nervously, envelops Cynthia in his energies - remotely tossing her to the side.

"Tch!"

>Cynthia quickly recovers, pulling her waves towards her to catch and redirect her before she can hit the wall.

"Fuck!"

>Grabbing hold of several objects at once, Sying remotely throws them towards Cynthia. However Cynthia simply swats the debris to the side, using the force of her ever growing tidal wave in her favor.

"Sorry kid! I'll try just putting you to sleep!"

"Wha-"

>Before he can react, Cynthia unleashes her wave onto the rest of the factory - blasting Sying back and sending him spiraling through a torrent of water. Unable to breathe, he flails wildly in a panic.

{"'NO! I'M GOING TO DROWN!''"}

>Purple light envelops the water in Sying's general vicinity, with him visibly straining as he tries to push it back.

{"Have to throw it back in her direction!"}

>Slowly, Sying begins pushing the water back - fighting against Cynthia's currents. Shocked, her jaw goes slack.

"What the hell!?"

>Now gritting her teeth, Cynthia begins focusing harder - increasing the force of the liquid torrent.

"Fine! Have it your way, kid! I'll stop going easy on you!"

>Sying is nearly knocked back, as the force of the wave increases massively - causing him to slide backwards across the wet floor.

>>34
>Sying's body shakes, as he struggles to hold himself against the rapids.

"Have… to… push.. hard… er!"

>Slowly, another transparent rectangle begins forming out from the palms of Sying's hands. The rectangle acts as a wall, keeping the water at bay and more easily pushing it back towards Cynthia.

>Now beginning to make progress, Sying marches forward - pushing harder with each step. Surprised yet again, Cynthia visibly sweats as Sying continues getting closer to her.

"Shit! Shit!"

>Pushing as hard as she can, Cynthia closes her eyes hoping for the best.

"Hragh!"

>Taking one final step, Sying pushes off the ground as hard as he can - remotely throwing his wall towards Cynthia. The psionic wall glides effortlessly through the air, pushing the water ahead of it and crashing into Cynthia. Immediately after the purple wall begins generating new sides to it - forming a box around Cynthia.

>Opening her eyes, Cynthia finds herself trapped in the box filled with water. Panicked, she tries to will the water away from her face - only to find it useless as there's nowhere else for the water to go. Screaming, Cynthia bangs on the sides of the psionic cube - trying to get Sying to let her free.

>Startles, Sying stumbles towards the cube - shouting:

"NO! THIS ISN'T WHAT I'M TRYING TO DO!"

>Sying focuses as hard as he can, attempting to destroy the cube to no avail.

"I'LL GET YOU OUT OF THERE!"

>Picking up a near-by piece of broken machinery, Sying tosses it at the cube. The machinery bounces harmlessly off the cube, falling to the floor. This sends Sying into a further panic, as he begins remotely picking up large quantities of objects and throwing them uselessly at the cube.

"I CAN'T STOP IT! I DON'T KNOW HOW TO MAKE IT GO AWAY! OH GOD! I'M SORRY!"

>Cynthia continues banging helplessly on the side of the cube, losing more and more of her strength with every passing second… until… she loses consciousness…

>>35
>Sying watches helplessly, tears welling up in his eyes as Cynthia falls unconscious. Several minutes pass, with Sying finally breaking down - dropping to the floor sobbing.

>The cube suddenly dissipates, dropping the water and Cynthia's lifeless body to the floor. The water washes across the room, swerving around Sying and towards the end of the building.

>Sying sobs into his hands, struggling to breathe.

"I… didn't… mean.. to…! I… didn't… kill! No! Oh God no!"

>As Sying continues to cry, Rigel begins walking up behind him. Appearing visibly saddened, Rigel speaks with a calm tone.

"Sying. I'm… sorry. I should've stepped in."

>Looking up from his hands, Sying begins sniffing - trying to keep the snot from running down his face any more. Rigel looks to the floor, explaining.

"Look, Sying. It's not your fault. Sometimes… our emotions get the best of us… and… we just lose control of our abilities."

>Suddenly feeling angry, Sying snaps back:

"What!? Like that Omnius monster!? Are you saying I'm like him!?"

>Worried, Rigel replies:

"No! No! That's not what I meant! He's mentally unstable, you're not!"

>Rigel sighs, and reiterates.

"What I mean is. Sometimes when a psychic becomes too emotional, in their panic they're unable to properly control their abilities. It happens to everyone kid, especially beginners."

>Sying continues staring at Rigel, sniffing.

"Don't blame yourself, Sying. You tried to stop it. It's not your fault."

>Sying's eyes begin to water once more, and he starts sobbing into his hands again. Rigel sits down, staying by Sying's side while he lets his emotions out…

>>36
>Time: 12:04 AM

>Quietly and calmly, Sying walks home with Rigel. Along the way he reflects on the day's events, closing his eyes and letting out a pained sigh.

>After a few moments he opens his eyes, looking at Rigel.

"Hey. Rigel."

>Rigel tilts his head towards Sying.

"Yeah?"

"…Thanks. You're… a good friend."

>Rigel smiles, and replies:

"I try."

>A few minutes later the pair arrive at Sying's home. Pulling out a house key, Sying says to Rigel.

"Don't ask me to get you anything to eat. I'm going right to bed."

"Have it your way."

>Sying inserts the key into the lock, turning it. He then pulls the lock out, and opens the door to see… blood.

>>37
>He drops the key immediately, going into a panic.

"Mom. Mom!"

>Bursting through the doorway, Sying runs into the destroyed living room - finding nothing but wrecked furniture and blood everywhere.

"MOM! OH GOD! MOM!"

>Sying hurries around the house, looking for any sign of his mother. After having checked nearly every part of the down stairs, he finally rounds the corner making his way to the kitchen.

>Inside, Sying is immediately greeted the sight of a destroyed kitchen, with the back door broken down. His pupils dilate, coming face to face with his greatest fear.

>The dark beast is crouched to the floor, loudly crunching it's teeth as it slouches over a hidden object.

"N-No…"

>Sying's eyes immediately begin flooding with tears. His body shakes violently, and he takes a single step forward. His throat nearly closes entirely, and he begins hyperventilating as he croaks out:

"M-Mom… m-my… mommy…"

>Only just now noticing Sying's presence, the beast slowly turns and looks towards Sying. Blood and chunks of flesh and bone drip from it's mouth - coating the floor.

"NO!"

>A wave of energy rockets out from Sying's body from all sides, severely cracking the walls and destroying furniture and appliances. The beast is flung back, crashing into the stove - letting out a pained cry.

>Sying immediately jumps on top of the creature, grappling it's head as he feels more fury than he's ever felt before.

"YOU MONSTER! YOU MONSTER! YOU TOOK HER AWAY FROM ME!"

>Sying's fingers violently dig into the beast's flesh - causing it to cry out in pain.

"I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL KILL YOU RIGHT NOW!"

>Sying's arms begin shaking violently, as a bright purple glow envelops them. The strength of his grip continues increasing dramatically - causing the monster to squeal in pain as Sying continues pressing his hands against it and digging deeper into it's flesh.

"HRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!"

>In an instant the creature's head explodes into a bloody mess, coating the room further with red chunks as Sying's hands crush it's skull.

"AAAAAAAAAAAGH!"

>Still furious, Sying begins violently pounding on the creature's body - crushing and snapping it's bones with each punch and kick. Exhausted, Sying begins stepping back off of the creature. He stares silently at it's lifeless corpse - until letting out a glass shattering scream, rocking the house.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

>The creature's remains glow - becoming surrounded, and then broken down by the purple energies. Shortly after they begin swirling through the air, becoming absorbed by Sying's body - causing him to drop to his knees.

>>38
>With the implications of the situation hitting him again, Sying begins crying loudly - unable to form words. He drops to the floor, balling his hands into fists and punching the floor.

>Rushing in, Rigel looks panicked.

"Sying! Oh my God, Sying!"

>Shocked by the carnage, Rigel gawks - attempting to process the situation.

"I… Sying…"

>Silently, Rigel walks towards Sying - placing a paw on his back, as he silently consoles him. Sying's body shakes, as he sobs violently.

>>39
>A little while later.

>Still shook, Sying sits down on the nearly destroyed recliner. His face and throat are red, and sore. Leaving him exhausted. Near by, Rigel paces around the room - processing everything.

"Sying… the authorities will be here soon. What are you going to tell them?"

>Staring blankly towards the direction of the kitchen, Sying mumbles out:

"…Nothing…"

"What?"

>Sying looks to Rigel.

"I'm not going to tell them, anything. Because I'm not going to be here when they arrive."

>Confused, Rigel raises a brow and asks:

"What do you mean?"

>Still staring at Rigel, he replies;

"I mean, we're leaving. So we can…"

>Sying's voice cracks, and then he suddenly raises it - angrily snapping:

"So we can make me strong enough to kill Omnius!"

>Surprised, Rigel nearly jumps back - shouting:

'Wait, what!? Sying are you serious! What's he got to-"

"HE HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH THIS! EVERYTHING! IF HE HADN'T GOTTEN IN THE WAY, THAT MONSTER NEVER WOULD OF KILLED MY MOM! IT'S HIS FAULT SHE'S DEAD! HIS FAULT I DON'T HAVE ANYONE ANYMORE! SO I'M GOING TO KILL HIM, IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO!"

>Rigel stares at Sying, shocked. He looks to the floor, silently thinking.

>After a few moments, he speaks up again - saying:

"Well… if that's really what you want, then…"

>Rigel looks at Sying.

"We can do it. It's going to take a lot of practice, and a lot more creatures like that before you're strong enough. But I think you have what it takes."

>Getting up from his seat, Sying replies:

"Good."

>He heads towards the kitchen, leaving Rigel to himself. Rigel sits alone in silence, listening as Sying can be heard talking to his mother's body.

>After a few moments have passed, Sying enters the living room again - wiping his eyes with his sleeve. He looks at Rigel, and says:

"Let's go. The police could be here at any moment. I can come back for some things later."

"Right."

>The pair head towards the front door. Making their leave. Sying passes through the doorway, exiting the house.

>However, Rigel stays behind for a moment - standing in the door way. Slowly, he turns and looks over his shoulder - taking one final look at the chaos left behind.

>The strange wolf silently studies the home for several moments. Feeling tired, the wolf lets out a sigh… and then he… smiles.

[END]