"Celestial bronze, Percy. An immortal weapon. What would happen if you shot this at a human?"
"Nothing," I said. "It would pass right through."
"That's right," he said. "Humans don't exist on the same level as the immortals. They can't even be hurt by our weapons. But you, Percy-you are part god, part human. You live in both worlds. You can be harmed by both, and you can affect both. That's what makes heroes so special. You carry the hopes of humanity into the realm of the eternal. Monsters never die. They are reborn from the chaos and barbarism that is always bubbling underneath civilization, the very stuff that makes Kronos stronger. They must be defeated again and again, kept at bay. Heroes embody that struggle. You fight the battles humanity must win, every generation, in order to stay human. Do you understand?"
-Chiron & Percy Jackson - PJO2: The Sea of Monsters pg. 252-253, Rick Riordan
_
I've always loved stories. There was just... Something captivating about them. Immersing yourself in a world completely foreign to your own, going on an adventure without leaving the comfort of your own room... It was both a means of escape and travel. Yeah... I truly love stories.
In a story, anyone can answer the call. Any random hero, or some random nobody, all of them can become heroes. People of grand standing who surmount the insurmountable.
Take Himmel from Frieren for instance. He was stated to be one of the greatest heroes of the bygone era. He assembled a band of adventurers of various races, all in an effort to vanquish the demon king. And he did it. The Demon King was slain and glory was attributed to Himmel's name.
But then the great reveal came.
Himmel was never supposed to be the Hero.
There was a prophecy, a legend about the legendary Hero who would draw the legendary Sword and go on to bring the Demons reign to an end.
Himmel did not draw the sword. But not from lack of trying. No, he gave it his all but was unable to pull it. Now most would be discouraged, but not him.
Instead of being put off, Himmel clenched his fist, gave off a fierce smile, and swore to defeat the Demon King. And despite it all. Despite the trials and tribulations, he did the impossible. He broke the predetermined future, the prophecy, and did it all with his own talents and friends.
That. That is why I love stories. Not for the twists and turns. Not for the overarching conflicts. Well at least not entirely the conflicts...
I love them because I enjoy seeing the ordinary person became an extraordinary hero. To see the embers of greatness roar into a blazing flame signifying the beginning of an Era and the End of a Tragedy.
...
Yeah....
But I do have a confession to make.
See...
As much as I love stories. Love reading books, watching shows, and playing games to devour their lore, I have something I love even more.
Well its a guilty secret of mine.
I wish...
I just wish sometimes I could get involved ya know?
I don't want to be the center spotlight, not by any means!
But, I would love to be there for the journey.
Even if I know I don't have high odds of surviving or anything of the sort.
Even if I know that I probably won't be more than a hindrance.
Even if I'm merely reduced to being the means for the Hero to overcome an emotional hurdle...
I'd still want to go experience it. Who wouldn't love the chance to meet some of their favorite characters?
It was this exact sentiment that I often expressed to my best friend, and probably the sentiment that got me in the scenario I would soon find myself in.
But before we begin, let me introduce myself.
My name is Alexander. Just Alexander, although my friends tend to call me Alex.
I'm a 20 year old college student with a current Major in Graphic Design/Visual Arts.
I like reading, singing, drawing, and telling stories.
Welcome to my tale.
See, it starts with me and my best friend walking through a Convention in Michigan.
-
Sunday Morning, Atlas Convention
"Dude. Pfft! What are you wearing???"
"Hey! I'll have you know this is premium cloth cut from only the finest of silks!"
"Doth mother know you weareth her drapes?"
"Yup."
Marcus chuckled at the lack of shame permeating my voice as I agreed without hesitation.
It was a warm Sunday morning. The birds were chirping, the sky was surprisingly clear, and best of all, the Convention was full of many people wearing equally ridiculous costumes as they cosplayed their favorite characters.
If I looked to my left, I could see Clark Kent and Spider-Man.
If I looked to my right I could see what looked to be Kratos from God of War.
Marcus was dressed up as Aizen from Bleach.
And me?
Well, I was dressed up as a character from my own little story draft.
A bit unorthodox sure, considering that the story wasn't even out.
Not to mention, I'm pretty sure there's a taboo about cosplaying as one of your own fictional characters.
But...
I was honestly out of options, cause I couldn't really pull much off otherwise. It's definitely not because I threw something together last minute.
Nope. Not at all.
Anyway, there was a lot of stalls to go visit, and since this was my first time going, Marcus had volunteered to be my guide.
And he did not disappoint.
"I was thinking we'd start from the back and work our way forward. That should take a few hours, and by the time we're done, the final event should be ready. Sound good?"
"Yeah." I nod. "And once again, thanks man. I would be lost otherwise."
Marcus shrugged his shoulders before taking my arm and pulling me forward.
Over the course of the next hours I was dragged through a lot of booths.
And I do mean a lot.
By the time 3 o Clock had hit, I had my hat signed with over thirty people's names, I somehow managed to stomach at least 3 days worth of junk food, and I'm fairly certain if my arms could scream, they probably would due to all of the random baubles I was carrying.
Mercifully, Marcus finally decided to take a small break, and guided us both over to an unoccupied table.
I immediately dropped everything on the table and collapsed face first on it.
"Why?" I asked myself. "Why did I forget my one weakness? Physical Exertion!"
Marcus sat down beside me while shaking his head in faux sadness.
"Should I prepare the farewell speech? I already have an idea. Ehem. Here lies Alexander! He didn't accomplish much, and he later died of moving his legs inside of an anime convention. May he find peace in the afterlife!"
Whack!
"Ouch! "
"Smartass."
I swatted his arm while trying to hide the thin smile I had from his poor attempt at humor.
Regardless though, I did get up while asking him to watch our stuff.
No, it wasn't because of his jab at my lack of physical capabilities.
....Ok not entirely.
Anyways, I made my way through the convention, taking care to avoid bumping into people as much as I could.
"Gotta say though..." I stopped walking for a bit as I paused and really took a look around. Taking a bit to really absorb the sights. "Going to a con is a once in a lifetime experience."
Back home, finding any semblance of a crowd like this was exceedingly rare, and finding a crowd that wasn't trying to run through you was even rarer.
So while it wasn't anything extraordinary to most people here, it was a beautiful sight to someone like me.
I sat down at a bench to catch my breath, and just really look. Like really look.
It wasn't often I got to leave my own bubble of tranquility and live a little . A place like this, it was truly-
"It's truly amazing isn't it?"
Eh?
At some point unnoticed by me, another figure had sat down beside me.
Turning my head to the distinctly feminine voice, I was treated to a face full of pink hair and immediately recoiled while spitting out the hair that managed to get in my mouth.
A cute giggle filled the air as if the person watching me was amused, which honestly checked out considering I probably made for an amusing sight.
"Ufufu~ I didn't mean to startle you, I just wanted to say hii~"
"...It's fine," I managed to sputter out after nearly inhaling floral hell, "May I ask who you are?"
The girl, because I saw she was a girl now, put a finger to her chin and hummed thoughtfully as if debating something.
Bubbly. Friendly. Extremely enthusiastic. Those were the vibes this... cosplayer(?) emitted.
And speaking of her cosplay, this lady had an almost impeccable appearance. Long pink hair, that joined at her back to form a loose ponytail, bright blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with mischief, and very pointy elf like ears.
She was also wearing a white top and black shorts to match, while a shawl hung off her shoulders, and a black and lilac cape was tied around her waist loosely.
It was almost a 1 to 1 of a character from a game I played, that is to say, Honkai Impact 3rd.
And her name was something all loyal fans knew. After all, she made most of us experience a rollercoaster of emotion. And her name? Well it's simple really. its:
"You can call me Elysia. It means blessed isles or paradise. Rather fitting of a cute girl like me wouldn't you say?"
Yeah. Elysia.
Also known as the alleged 13th Previous Era Lawmaker(1), while in reality being the true 1st Lawmaker of that era.
My expression grew complicated at her introduction.
"I know this is a con, but you're leaning into that Cosplay a bit much don't you think?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"You-"
Shameless. I quickly added that to my review of Miss Elysia as she called herself.
If anything, she's definitely emulating that hard to refuse personality very well.
Meh. Its whatever, far be it for me to be a judge of what and what isn't normal.
I went silent as I continued my impromptu people watching.
"Stareeeeee...."
Of course my uninvited guest didn't seem too thrilled about that.
With a pout adorning her face, Elysia grabbed my shoulders and began to gently shake me.
"Mou... It's rude to ignore a cute girl you know! I introduced myself, its only fair you do the same."
"O...k BUUuuuutttt.... Pleeaaasee.... Stoop. Shakikkkiiinnnggg... meeeeeee!"
5 minutes later
If there is one thing I can ascertain about this girl, she definitely lacks an emotion called shame.
I was just joking earlier, but nah. She definitely lacks it, if the lack of shame from nearly force rebooting my head was much to go by...
"My name's Alexander. Although everyone usually calls me Alex. I didn't exactly plan far ahead so I'm dressed as a random character from one of my er.... Ehem. Scrapped stories..."
Far from the stare of disgust I expected to receive, instead I got a curious stare. It was almost like those cerulean orbs of hers were begging me to elaborate.
So that's what I did.
I began telling her about how I loved stories growing up.
That love eventually translated to frustration when certain outcomes happened that I didn't like. Said frustration led me to branch out into making my own stories, something I later learned was called fanfiction.
As I rambled on, eventually beginning to explain a scrapped idea I had about a guy who would find himself persecuted by the world, she didn't interrupt. She just listened while occasionally blinking.
Time flew by before I knew it and I ended up finding myself rambling about things other than my character, it was quite nice having someone listen after all.
As I watched her mutter to herself about boys and their cute obsessions, one thought did circulate in my head however.
"Don't you usually go after cute girls? Last I checked I definitely don't fit that criteria."
"Hmm..."
Elysia hummed to herself before replying just as quickly. "Who's to say?"
"..."
I shouldn't have expected more from 'Miss Elysia' should I?
Welp, whatever.
I'm growing bored.
Standing up with a groan as I stretched, I began to pick up the stuff I had placed down beforehand.
"Sorry Miss. But I have to go. Although, may I get your actual nam- huh?"
Midway through my sentence, I had turned to my fellow cosplayer only to not see her anywhere around.
All that was left was a sweet fragrance I was unable to describe, and something twinkling gently on the table.
"Uhhhhh....?"
Looking around for a second I was quite baffled to find not a single person looking similar to the girl I was talking to.
"Miss? Where did you..."
Turning around, I looked in all directions but even so, no matter where I looked I couldn't find that girl who claimed to be Elysia.
There wasn't a trace of her, almost as if she had vanished like a ghost.
It was to me looking stupidly around, that my friend found me.
"Alex! Yo? What are you doing?" Markus gently grasped my shoulder as he called my name, pulling me to face him.
"Doing huh..."
I fell silent as I thought of that.
"Dude. You missed the big event! They had a famous author giving out autographs and even sponsoring writers! You missed your chance!"
"That so. Hey Markus, did you see anyone walk by here? A girl shorter than us both, with pink hair and borderline scanty clothes?"
He blinked for a second as if taken aback.
"You do realize how little that narrows it down right? We're at a Con bro. Everyone here is damn near scantily dressed."
"That's true..."
I turned away from him and began walking towards the exit.
"Cmon lets go home. I think we did everything we came for regardless."
"Dude?! You're acting mad weird right now!"
I just kept walking as Markus eventually caught up and slung his arm around my shoulder.
All the while that little trinket I found on the table was being squeezed so tight in my hands, I nearly bled from the unconscious exertion I was forcing upon it.
_--_
The drive back home wasn't a loud affair, in fact it was actually rather quiet.
The only time anything was said was when Markus dropped me off at my doorstep.
"Night dude."
"Mm. Night."
Waving him off, I sighed a bit before grabbing my key and unlocking the door.
"I'm home..." I quietly said while opening the door slowly.
It was something my Sister had said I should do in order to let her know I was home so she could make herself look presentable.
Considering the first time I walked in unannounced and she was clad in nothing but a shirt, I find these terms agreeable.
The worst part is she didn't even seem remotely embarrassed.
Anyways, upon not getting a response, I entered the house before gently closing the door behind me.
Walking inside, I made my way to the dining room, where I found a tin foil covered plate and a folded note next to it.
A cursory glance revealed flowery handwriting.
-Hey there. By the time you'll be reading this, I'm long gone across the country. That's right, your big sis is making a name for herself! Ehem ehem, yes yes. I know I know, you're simply overcome with pride in your Sisters overwhelming talent! But in all actuality, I'll probably be gone for at least half a year.
Don't faint from sorrow, it'll go by faster than you think. But... I figured since I'd be gone, I should make one last meal. Yeah. I know you Alexander, you'll be surviving on nothing but fast food with your track record. I expect you to have some interesting stories you hear? Don't stay cooped up all day. And for the love of God, fix your damn hair. It's always a tangled mess.
Signed,
Your Darling Sister
After finishing the letter, I had to suppress the urge to tear it to shreds. There should be a limit for having an Ego that large, cause it feels illegal to be able to almost see her standing with her hands on her hips and smiling proudly.
And I am not that lazy!
I would definitely cook for myself at least twice a week!
...
Ok maybe once a week, but my point still stands!
Sigh
I began unwrapping the plate as I set the letter down gently on the table.
And no, I am not smiling, and if anyone says otherwise they're definitely lying.
-_-_-
Later that night
Alexander: Wide Eyed Stare
Unidentified Intruder: Caught in the act stare back
Alexander: Incoherent screeching
You know, most people go to bed in their homes and expect to wake up peacefully. Maybe a bit disoriented.
So tell me this:
"Who are you and why are you in my house????"
"..."
The intruder, because I definitely did NOT invite them in, had the decency to look somewhat sheepish.
At least I think they did? Kinda hard to tell when their entire face is obscured by a hood...
Still though, I immediately fell out of my bed and hopped to my feet.
With my back to the wall, I immediately grabbed the nearest object I could to use as a weapon.
"Who are you, and why are you in my house?!" I questioned once more while brandishing my means of defense in front of me.
The lamp I was holding flickered weakly as if protesting being used in the way it was.
The intruder wordlessly began backing away, slightly turning towards the window as they did so.
A faint twinkling in their left hand caught my attention as my wariness immediately turned into shock.
Wait isn't that the flower that girl left before vanishing.
What would a random intruder need with tha-
Crash!
"Guuuuhhh????!!!"
Interrupting my train of thought was the sound of glass being shattered followed by the lamp in my hand being shoved into my gut by a kick.
Using the kick as a springboard, the intruder leapt backwards out of my window, leaving me in the feta position as I wheezed from lack of air.
"There is... No way in hell... I just got *Wheeze* robbed by a BLOODY NINJA!"
Denying the truth out loud doesn't make it any less true though.
It took a bit but I managed to force myself into a kneeling position and rush-crawled over to the window.
To my absolute bafflement the intruder had the audacity to shake the hand holding MY flower in the air tauntingly.
"You Little-!"
I immediately turned away from the window and grabbed my shoes, and jacket as I rushed towards the front door, slamming the door behind me as I exited the house.
I will be damned if I let some wannabe Phantom Thief steal my damned present!
___
15 minutes later
Y'know, I Probably didn't think this through but...
It's been about 10? No 20ish minutes of running after this guy, and I'm starting to think running around after a random idiot who stole a fake toy from an anime con may have been stupid.
"I was always called a headstrong idiot so I guess it checks..." I muttered while running after the person who was still somehow ahead of me.
If some higher entity would like to intervene and show mercy, that'd be fuckin amazing right about now...!
"..."
"Eh? Oof!"
The person in front of me stopped running and abruptly came to a standstill, causing me to grunt as I nearly steamrolled through them.
Collapsing on top of them in a mess of limbs, we immediately began rolling down the very visible hill.
Eventually coming to a stop at the cliff face with me kneeling above them, as I pinned both of their arms above their head.
"Not quite what I meant by divine intervention, but beggars can't be choosers I guess. Now to reclaim what's mine..."
I immediately began rummaging through their pockets only to find nothing.
Wait...
WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOTHING???
Don't tell me all I have to show for this trip is a victim of almost BDSM play?!
Growling in agitation, I immediately placed my knee against the culprit's throat and started applying pressure.
"I don't mean to be a prick, but you woke me up in the middle of night with a failed attempt at a sneaky exit, and I'm fairly certain you caused thousands of dollars worth of property damage and vandalism. Now unless you want to become the next underprivileged race, I suggest you start talking."
Before we have another case of a man saying 'I can't breathe! I can't breathe!'
"..."
The culprit remained silent as if unfazed. Growing even more agitated I increased the pressure even more and more, eventually using a hand as well.
They still remained silent much to my growing bewilderment and confusion.
I don't mean to the voice of reason here, but I don't think staying silent is worth your life?
At this point even I'm starting to feel bad, and I definitely look like the villain here huh.
Ok maybe I should actually get up before I indirectly kill the guy.
It's just a flower anyway, I don't see why I'm making a big deal from it.
Sighing, I went to move off of them, lifting my leg up and away with my hand following suit shortly afterwards.
I backed away to give the guy room, only for them to began rapidly coughing and making wheezing noises.
Which of course led to me running back over to check on the guy, cause I definitely didn't think was my fault.
Nope.
Definitely not my fault, which is why I'm vigorously slapping their shoulders.
The coughing continued, rapidly building in pitch, which was around the time I realized something was definitely wrong.
The second clue was when the person in question grabbed my shoulders and began to squeeze down as they began walking me backwards.
"What the-?!" Shouting in surprise, I of course tried prying their hands away, only to meet what felt like an honest to god jaw of life clamp on my body.
No matter how much I struggled, that grip never slackened, and that coughing only continued.
Further and further I was pushed backwards, and that coughing never let let up.
In fact, it was around then I realized it wasn't coughing. It was laughing.
I was being laughed at.
What kind of Tumblr fanfiction bs is this???
If I'd known I would meet the Predator, I would have stayed in bed!
My foot slipped on a rock allowing me to realize I was now very much in terminal fall distance, and was very much screaming in fear like a girl once I realized.
And all through it, that annoying cough laugh persisted.
Now let me be real here, I was very confused in the moment.
After all, in the span of an hour, I've been robbed, used as a trampoline, and witnessed the return of Jackie Chan's apprentice.
Not to mention, I'm fairly certain said apprentice is a Ninja or a Supernatural predator, ain't no in between.
I was way out of my depth, and very pissed about it.
But for all my rage, I couldn't do shit.
I'm just a normal guy, the hell am I going to do?
Gain a burst of power and overpower my assailant?
Or maybe some hidden power within me will awaken and I'd overturn all odds as I defeated the menace and struck a pose afterward?
Yeah. Right.
I wish.
Maybe if I was in a story of some sort.
Only in stories would I be a hero like that, who wouldn't die, couldn't die.
Only in a story would I be allowed such power.
By now, one of my feet was dangling off the cliff and I was all outta options.
But as I dangled there, a sense of spite welled up inside me.
I don't know what came over me but...
I wanted to make this bastard remember me on the way out, no matter the cost.
So without any preamble I swished the inside of my mouth around, before spitting a massive glob of saliva on the persons face.
Recoiling, I felt the hands grasping me let go as I began to fall backwards.
"...Hehe... I get the last laugh..."
Flipping them off, I immediately began falling at a high speed which quickly climbed.
Of course, all the bravado vanished the minute I looked down and immediately remembered I was not that guy.
"*Words I quite literally am not allowed to show*"
Oh man!
I'm too young to die man!
I haven't even had my first kiss yet, let alone interacted in a lewd manner with a girl!
This is sooooo unfair!
My mind immediately began to cycle through various thoughts, eventually stopping on a certain boisterous family member.
All the panic evaporated once I realized my sister wouldn't have anyone to come home to from her trip.
Ah...
"I'm such a terrible brother aren't I?"
The fear of death wasn't near as bad as the regret for her inevitable search for her sibling, only to find nothing.
"..."
*Twinkle!*
Huh?
Looking to my left I saw a pink twinkling as something quickly reached my side.
My whole reason for being in this mess, now falling beside me.
That's a cruelty of the highest order...
Sighing, I reached over and grasped it gently, holding it against my heart as I balled up.
They say, a person's truest desires come to bear when they're closest to death and only one filled my heart as the bottom approached.
Closing my eyes, I only whispered one thing.
"I know its highly unlikely but, even if it's not possible, if there's a small chance... I want another chance. Even if its not easy, I just want another chance. A chance to do things better. To help my sister more, to laugh with Markus more, to be a nicer guy. I want a chance... to do things right."
_
*Crash!*
____FIN~
"Alea iacta est" is a Latin phrase that translates to "the die is cast" or "the game is afoot". It's often used to signify that a decision has been made and there's no turning back.
(1) Lawmaker
A Lawmaker, also known as a Herrscher or Monarch, is an envoy, or rather apostle of the (2)Honkai, who inhabit human vessels that are capable of adapting to it, manifesting out of the host's negative emotions. They are powered via a Core, which is essential to their entire existence. If the Core is not neutralized when the body is destroyed, the Lawmaker can take over another person as a vessel, provided that vessel has the Core implanted.
Lawmakers, as their title suggests, effortlessly transcend human capabilities, are capable of bending worldly laws to their whim and command entire armies of zombies and Honkai Beasts, to overwhelm and destroy human civilization, the as then assumed goal of the Honkai. But, a Lawmaker's power reflects human understanding of the concept, although there are exceptions like the lady of the void.
(2) Honkai
The Honkai is a reoccurring cataclysm coming in different forms such as: Honkai Beasts, Herrschers, plagues, an ice age, illness, etc. for the sole purpose of exterminating civilization. Honkai corresponds with that civilization's advancement, meaning the more it progresses, the more Honkai does as well. The force behind Honkai is the Will of the Honkai. In the more grand scheme of things, Honkai is a form of natural selection, "pruning" weak worlds from the branches of the Imaginary Tree, to ensure that only strong worlds survive. But that's not it either.
In truth, Honkai is not exactly a test to remove weak worlds from the branches of the Imaginary Tree, with the weak worlds sinking to the bottom of the Sea Of Quanta. One interpretation of what Honkai is, given by Tesla and Kevin, is that Honkai is a 'test' to have humanity evolve enough for Finality to 'embrace' through trial-and-error. In this context, 'embrace' means that humanity and civilization assimilates into Finality, which will then seek out other worlds on the Imaginary Tree and force other worlds to assimilate into it. Dr. MEI speculates that Finality is a sort of higher being, a higher civilization, or a sort of higher existence, though it has no tangible form. Rather, it projects itself as a 'Cocoon' in the Honkai universe.
Or something like that. Meh.