I forgot my umbrella, again. I look towards the gray sky and feel the light drizzle on my nose. I can’t help but chuckle at my forgetfulness but what else is new.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCC3rStnwQ
I look to the other side of the street to see the smiles of my high school classmates. Even the rain can’t dim their mood. I’ll admire them for that. But only that.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS6OseQADS
Nao: “There are only 2 things that could put a smile like that on my face.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwJEPZtgim
I pick up the pace to my destination before the heavy rain catches me and wets my reward for survival. It takes longer than I would like but I make it to my local bookstore in time.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ559p6vJh9N
I push open the doors and breath deep the smell of fresh new books. The only reprieve in the town for people like me. I scan the area to see only a handful of people reading or at least pretending to.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzIDg9Gj8G
Nao: “The few that are.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoe8jSHWgf
But that’s fine, more worlds to escape to for me. I pace around the fiction section, scanning everything hidden gem and catching titles. But none of them really pop out
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yTYCeDMSg
Nao: “I need something strong today, come on. Anything, please.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXGSmlraYn
I search the fiction section up and down but came up empty-handed.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmOOBz9P62
Nao: “Can today get any worse? Who am I kidding? Of course it can.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulpxBQj6Uo
I begin to leave but I notice something. A book with a silver cover, and a purple gem engraved on it. It wasn’t there before in this bookcase, I checked.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVbYpuHFHg
Regardless, the cover is amazingly crafted, and the gem…
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjcs1v5dB0
Nao: “I need to know what kind of story deserves such a treatment.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9nbWQYv3g
I take the surprisingly heavy book despite not being a particularly big book. Maybe today will be a good day after all. I rush towards the checkout and even more luck blesses me.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdTrdfU9qj
Nao: “Nice, no line.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvCSAC5Mp8
I go straight up to the librarian or at least the part-timer working for the librarian. She does seem like a reader at least but maybe she shouldn’t do this on the job.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3iw9MFvLs
Nao: “Excuse me?”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoGdXFU1WO
….
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEmVXBznEd
Nao: “Excuse Me!?”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8HqUOnB9S
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ADOn6BW4X
“Oh, sorry. Didn’t see you down there. What can I do for you.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH56Xhc2kTo
Nao: “…Can I check out this book.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb9J10tIwS
“Sure.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mVHEpGHV9
I hand over the book and fidget in anticipation.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXv6v71WW1p
“Hmmm, I don’t see anywhere to scan. Is this really from here?”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMZBYBB5l3
Nao: “Yeah, I found it in the fiction section on the farthest shelf.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkfWHVepQJ
“I see, I can’t-”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuwDMDhnS9
My heart begins to sink at the thought of no book to escape to but that quickly fades. She’s….staring at me, as if frozen in time. Time resumes and her bored expression quickly turns into one of horror.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28IMOSrbS9
She screams and throws the book back at me.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XspbY4PuO
“What the hell…was that?! Did you see that!?”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRUJ2ntg5V
The few people turn towards us in confusion.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSFCQDargJ
Nao: “See what?”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCRT3vSNNW
“I-I….don’t know. I think I…need a break. You can keep the book, I don’t think our library can afford a book that extravagant anyway.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsOpgkISSi
She slips further back into the library employee section leaving me holding whatever this book is.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1MxvVL3ZX
Nao: “Cool.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9RyTWOEw3
I rush out of the library, placing the book in my book bag along the way. It might be raining heavier but I don’t care, something interesting is finally happening to me.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDbIVuTnaQ
I run as fast as I can back home with feverish excitement to open this book.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwLb78a4oo
???: “Hey Napoleon!”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Y1uObzXLA
My legs instantly freeze at that name before my brain could process what just happened.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mFxADzj26
???: “Where are you going in such a hurry. We didn’t get say to goodbye today.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SwT3Fn6mA
My legs tremble from the sound of their footsteps coming closer from the other side. I force myself to turn toward my oppressors.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SVXb8PVe7
???: “Wow, you’re shaking more than usual. Must be the cold wind.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyW17ea2tmd
Nao: “Yeah, it’s cold out today. I…need to go home so…”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPiRS8qZGns
???: “Sure, just need to relieve some stress first. You don’t mind, right? Help a friend out.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHr6tejSxSK
Nao: “Anton I-”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX64IWZ2YXu
Anton: “Don’t worry, we won’t throw you around like last time. You may be Napoleon but you still weigh a solid chunk. I don’t need that kind of workout now.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67BkAntPWO
They stand tall like skyscrapers around me, pushing gravity-like pressure on my body to comply. And I do, that is my station at school and…here.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBEudGPinN
Anton: “Good, we need to improve my aim. My parents wouldn’t like it if I graduate without being able to hit a target perfectly.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNPUR5aw6c
Anton and his 3 goons drag me to a nearby ally and set me up against the wall.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOgh8DN9am
Anton: “We got only 8 chances, we don’t want to be late.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ1s1URPLl
They loaded their BB guns and fired. I closed my eyes and tensed up at every successful hit.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsiQHKJmus
Thankfully, the other 2 weren’t good shots. They missed half their shots much to their disappointment. Anton on the other hand, only missed twice and always aims for the head.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mf80euUbA
Tears flowed out of my eyes as I rub my swollen head.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCRPhqEPLl
“The hell you crying for? My old man is going to fuck me up for missing half these shots.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhBs4Nu6JM
“I prefer the beating, the eyes of disappointment is what gets me.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EQX164Obo
Anton: “We just need to practice more, right Napoleon.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWoeJUsk44
I force myself to nod.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94kYsmbtak
Anton: “Good boy. Let’s go guys, pizza is on Napoleon.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvRW06WLIG
Without even turning around Anton holds out his hand. I take out the little money I have and give it to him.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn90NqHyTyj
Not wasting any more time on the background character, Anton leaves to better things. Leaving me behind in the rain.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0cV6tAUZo
But maybe there’s hope for me. As rain begins to pound heavier into me, my smile slips back.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9VBeKm9PQ
I ran as fast as I could with my stumps legs back home. It didn’t take long for me burst through the door and slam into my older sister.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHIT9RhP6Z
???: “Watch where you’re going! You know no one can see you coming from down there.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAD0GdetER
???: “Alyson, stop making fun of Nao’s height. He can’t change that.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT9PaWA41A
Alyson: “But he can plan around it, like not running like a manic.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK7zsMwVmL
Nao: “I’m sorry, I’ll be more careful.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwv7a4pLBs
You’re not even that much taller than me.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFdCLCfj9I
Alyson: “You say that, prove it.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60sXYNSODM
I move past Alyson with no more words spoken. She deserves none of it.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoN5ajaA1E
Nao: “I’ll skip lunch mom, I have a new book to read.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5TznKdn5v
Mom: “Really? I thought we could have a movie night.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4UW6ZlrQx
Nao & Alyson: “No thanks.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQXgY1aTYf
Mom: “Awww, I miss when you two were
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBZczK6RGU
Those days are gone.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehgA71Ouiu
Alyson: “Time moves on and speaking of moving I have to meet up with my study group.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9xDpijxDa
Mom: “You’ve been working hard, maybe it’s time to take a break.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQQeHm0pD6
Alyson: “Nah, I’m good Nell.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshz1cJdd0j
Nell: “Even after all this time you still won’t call me mom?”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLM3dPV7EEP
Alyson: “….I’ll get there. Now, if you excuse me.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXg2GANz6AF
And she’s gone, I should be getting going too.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgRYecMw8a
Nell: “Nao, what’s that bump on your head?”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlYz9LpOhA
Nao: “Huh, I slipped in the rain. Sorry.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOD52LlDb9n
Nell: “Oh, be careful. I know you love your books but don’t risk your health over it.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw3DaRcKDZ
It’s worth that risk mom and telling the truth will risk the 2nd thing that can make me smile.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUlSyAOied
Nao: “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’ll…see you later.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDuv7TPVzI
Nell: “Alright, I’ll be here watching the news.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtrmeR0Cm2
I go upstairs, through my plain door, and lock the door. The excitement returns in force as I rip tear my book bag off and take the book out.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJGFhxIEZD
I flop on the bed still in school clothes ready to gorge myself on this new world. The silver engravings, purple gem, and generally ornate design of the book is striking.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFOT6Hs8oF
Nao: “A book that makes people scream….hehehehe.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9dfGwSQkQ
Nothing interesting happens to me, I’m less than important to everyone but maybe this will…
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFyMJmUVONd
I swallow air and grip the cover. My head begins to throb but I ignore it, this is my last chance!
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCP9EpqYEXQ
I force open the book and my eyes start to burn. I see….!
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtGzpKwLnN
I throw the book down and stifle the scream trying to escape my throat. I’m sweating as if I ran 2 marathons and barely can breath. But….
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqY820EMuiQ
Nao: “No, I won’t back away from this.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEE0JzVvHT
I take the book back and stare into the depths of its indescribable pages. The headaches, bloody eyes and breaking body is nothing. This is what I’ve been waiting for!
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSNx62jSSn
The pain escalates to unreasonable degrees but then just stops. It’s quiet, eerily quiet.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6Z69Zva5X
Nao: “Wait a minute where am I.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRFbUel0J6
All around is a black void but I can hear it. From within the void emerges a giant red eye that stares through me. I steel myself and I stare back into the maelstrom before me.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunTrSWUAc6
All at once, I can see it all rushing through me that’s reflected in its eye.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9K9qfeL7i
My life, no, lives beyond my own flash before my eyes. Worlds only found in my dreams and nightmares flow into my mind. But I can’t comprehend any of it. Their shadows only graze and scrape my mind. Otherwise I would go mad from the horrors whispering into my soul.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlT5D00L30
Then all of sudden it’s over, the visions stop and a voice echoes in my mind.
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rRHKW1IAw
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oBUm3Ic8M
“ArchMage system activated, 97th user registered. Hello, Nao.”
680Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6tDgUbrLU
然後按「加至主畫面」