The Way It Is

unexpected - part 2

His golden eyes tell me I will remember. He isn't going to give me a choice.

Energy slams into me from his direction. Not the kind like I had just used on the creature he'd called a Zudrakk, but telepathic. Possibly just as strong as my lightning bolt, mind you.

The weird guy's energy explodes in my mind in a shimmering gold fire. It is like watching a curtain being torched or a paper wall going up in flames.

Some kind of invisible wall in my mind that I hadn't realized was even there goes up in smoke instantly.

In less than half a second, all my memories come hurtling back. The force in which my memories crash into me sends me to my knees so hard that my teeth smash together. My hands instinctively go to my temples, trying to relieve pressure. Then just like that, it's over.

And I remember him now. And I just figured out what had been off with the Feyronian at the home base earlier. My first reaction is to let my energy flow, just let the sparks fly and see what happens.

But my second thought is, why this charade? Why go through all of this? It makes no sense.

If he wanted me dead, I would have been by now. He has skills and power that I am guessing not many even have a clue he possesses.

If it had just been about selling me out for credits, he already has done that. Can't do it twice. Well, maybe, but not likely now, considering my situation. So why?

I raise my head, letting my own fiery gold eyes clash with his.

"What do you want?"

"Always right to the point. So boring, Zea. So boring." He lets out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head.

"Well, first, I want to get away from here. He isn't the only Zudrakk around these parts, and he had been calling for his brothers right before he attacked you." He pointed to the beast below, his lip curling in disgust. "The smell of blood and death will bring others even if his siblings don't come. Not sure why I bring them into this place. In reality, you'd never see a Zudrakk outside of the forest. But the subconscious is a funny thing, I guess."

"This is your mind we are in?"

"Why yes. I have no idea why you entered out here, in this part of the world, though." He scratches his chin thoughtfully.

"Usually, everyone enters the game at the same place. Near the centre of whatever world is created. But we both know how different you are, don't we? Guess I shouldn't be too surprised." He smiles again, but this time it is a knowing smile.

His eyes dance with excitement and cunning. The asshole is up to something. I have no intention of finding out. But first.

"So if this is your mind, and you are fully aware of what's going on, is everyone else aware too?"

"No. Just us. Normally, it's just me. But you're special. Platus was right... Unfortunately." He looks genuinely sad. That is weird.

"So why are we special?"

"Seriously, Zea?! I know you're not that stupid. You're testing me, aren't you?"

His voice is sharp. And at first, I think he is pissed off, yet his mouth quirks slightly. I feel my face contort into a look of disgust and confusion. Is he on drugs? Is he like me, and he thinks I should somehow know this?

"So you have an abnormally strong K'ai as well? Powerful energy bending skills?" I raise a challenging eyebrow.

He laughs.

Bloody stars.

"Oh, Zea. I am sorry. I shouldn't laugh at you. You were never properly trained. It's not your fault. Granted, I think you got the better deal. Even if you're so naive, it makes my head hurt."