Soul Crossers | Wattys 2024

Chapter 9: ARMS At Bay

Thanks to Lilac's memories, Syntel felt responsible for the chain reaction that led to Lynn needing her legs to heal, apologizing, explaining the circumstances, and asking if she remembered anything after that.

"Hey, you didn't throw it," Marcus claimed. "That's all on Jon."

"The doctor said it'll take a few weeks for her leg to heal. But that hunky guy helped Sally get me to the office. The doc gave me crutches, I was crying because this never happened to me, even though I rock climbed. Next thing I know, I hear voices in my head telling me to get revenge, and then someone finds me on the rooftops of Bundle. That's so weird."

"You live here now, right? How'd you miss that?"

"Fell asleep, still getting adjusted to it. Is there anything I can do?"

Lynn suddenly hugged him. "Lately, I just want to see the sun and hug people, it's weird."

"And I'm getting really nervous around plants for some reason," Marcus added.

Syntel assumed it was side effects from the possession, offering them two fruits as Lilac started channeling power through them. The two took it, surprised by the taste, as Granel lunged at Lynn. However, her body nullified it completely as the two of him thanked them.

"Yeah, no problem. I hope someone can drive you around."

"I got a roommate who's courses are all on Stars," Marcus said to Lynn. "He'll let me take the wheel."

"Really, I'd love that!" They exchanged numbers and Syntel sensed a bit of chemistry as they walked off together, also relieved his idea worked as Granel limped and retreated. They'd get him next time.

"If Akumazins could possess humans, they could also prevent other humans from getting possessed too! I can't believe it worked."

"And our lifeforce on Akuma is strong so these effects would be amplified. I hope the Shinigami doesn't find a way to break through it."

"Perfect," pulling out the lightbulb. "Alright, let's fuse quick, we gotta make this worth it."

A few minutes later, Zira sat with Crystal and Shen in the middle of the table, much to the ire of certain students in sports jerseys. The cleaning staff turned on the lights, and the trio were blown away by the golden glow. The main hall curated the warmer, brighter atmosphere. Even the people who hated going to Center found solace in the environment.

Syntel rushed over to them. "Feels more inviting, doesn't it?"

Crystal adjusted her glasses. "They've never changed the lights in here before. Did someone climb all the way up there to change that?"

"I wonder," Syntel thought, internally taking a victory lap. "Surprised no one ever thought about trying it."

Zira pouted. "I've been telling them to change it every time I visit here."

"Even to the point you almost climbed it yourself," Crystal teased, much to her embarrassment.

"I did not," she blushed. Syntel embraced watching her cute side while Shen allowed him to sit with them. After a line of food and a return to their seats, Syntel punched his stomach.

"So um, I'm, uh, Syntel Strike, freshmen, undecided, will be eighteen soon, and well, it's nice to meet you all, formally." Please be as nice as you all seem.

"Shen Xin, anthropology and business major. I have to ask, was ARMS as a name a turn on or a turn off? Our founder believed it'd be a great acronym but we debate over changing it all the time."

"No, it was definitely a turn on." Crystal choked on her food, before letting out her infectious laughter. "I didn't mean it like that."

"Fast and funny," she responded. Her sunny smile, glasses, and brunette pigtails was a nice contrast to Zira's stoic and Shen's calm appearances. "If you ever need a bit of pizzazz to your wardrobe, Remnant's future number one future icon is at your beck and call," slumping with every word. "Assuming I can get my art & design degree in two years."