The Way It Is

unexpected - part 2

A cocky grin returns to his face now. Unfortunately, he has a handsome face, and it looks a little too good on him.

"I guess I will have to teach you. Honestly, I can not think of a more pleasurable way to spend my time."

Under different circumstances, and if he was a different male, his playful tone could have been fun. Today though, he is rubbing me the wrong way. His recent actions are not in his favour.

I feel air under my knees, my accumulated energy making me lift off the roof. So much for my tight control.

My skin tingles hot with energy. My eyes feel like they are burning, and I can feel my hair moving madly around my head as I slowly rise into the air.

It's a struggle to remember why I don't just kill him. After what he did, it's what he deserves.

I stare intently at him as I feel my K'ai offer to take control. His gold eyes waver with uncertainty for a moment. His hands come up, shielding his eyes from the hot white light pouring from me. I feel the power as much as I see it emanating outwards from my body.

Without panicked emotions caused by potential death consuming me, the feeling of ecstasy from energy bending takes hold. As always, the feeling is hard to fight. It feels so good to soak in the energy around me.

I notice that Ufrik glows with intense power. I wonder how it would feel to absorb his energy? Is it even possible? There is only one way to find out. But what if he is just as strong as me? Or stronger?

His aura betrays his power, and energy glows bright gold and white around him. I feel my K'ai get giddy. It wants to taste him. A part of me, some small voice I can barely make out, is telling me this is wrong. There is a line here, and if I cross it, there is no going back.

I hover above him, just a few feet away now, wondering if I should give in to my desire. It is strong. Then I hear something. It's loud, like someone yelling in my ear. I quickly look around. I see no one but him.

I narrow my eyes, lips pinching. What's he doing?

His energy glows a little brighter. I usually have more willpower over temptation, but with my K'ai begging for a taste and his energy glowing so hot, I don't think I can stop myself.

Then I hear it again. But this time, it is so loud it makes my ears ring, my hands come up to cover them.

"STOP! Zea! You are losing control. Do you hear me? ZEA!"

"Aaagh. Stop yelling! I hear you."

I shake my head, eyes closed tight, hands on my ears. How is he so loud? It's like he's in my head.

Shit. Telepathy.

He is in my head. Well, his voice is. But how did he get in? No one has ever had the strength to enter my mind before. Not without my letting them.

My eyes fly open, locking with his.

Suddenly a terrifying thought grips me as the reality of my situation sinks in. Stars I am an idiot. Ufrik is the least of my worries right now.

If I am still in the "game," did the masses just witness everything?

Ufrik seems to knows what I am by looking at my subconscious representation of myself, how many others will too?

He also says he has answers. Maybe all of this will be worth it. Maybe killing him can wait. For now. Can I even kill him in the game? Isn't this all virtual?

I take a deep breath. I tell my heart to slow down, and I calm my breathing centring myself. Feeling in control once again, my feet gently touch the roof once more.

Not wanting to expose myself further to spectators, I decide to communicate with Captain Asshole the same way he just had with me. Telepathically.

"Again. What do you want?"

"I know you won't believe me. I wouldn't if I was you either. But I swear, I want to help you."

"After you sold me out, you now want to help? Fucking right, I don't believe you!"

"This was the only way I could be sure. I had to be 100% sure, Zea. I will explain everything, I swear. We just have to get through the game. Too many are watching us."

"Fucking convenient." I need to think. Buy some time. "Fine, but if I don't like your explanation... You're dead. I don't normally do second chances."

"That's fair."

His annoying cocky grin returns. Like he doesn't believe I can or will kill him. He is in for a surprise later. I will kill him if his explanation makes no sense or if I think he is lying again. Or simply because he has earned it. Even if I have to wait for the game to end. Not like I am going anywhere.

"How do we get through this stupid game then?"

"The fastest way is to win!" His eyes dance dangerously with excitement.

"And how do we do that, smartass?"

"By giving up."

Huh?

I know my face must show my utter confusion. I go back to my earlier question. Is he on drugs?

Looking at my face, he throws his head back and roars with laughter. Great. At least he gets the joke.