Chapter Three

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Pov - Lee

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Fimbul or Fim is certainly something that drives me crazy. His name was still a mouthful, so I ended up shortening it even more. Of course, maybe I was just trying to distract myself from reality.

I had powers. I genuinely had the ability to teleport things into my hands.

"Oh, you can do much more than that," Fim hummed as he attempted and failed to turn on my console of choice. "Affecting the real world from the recesses of your mind is going to be a challenge, I'll give you that."

The golden energy surged around my fingertips. I reached out, snapping a pen from halfway across the room. It wasn't a delusion- this was real.

"Still, I believe I'll be able to accomplish it before long. I might need your help, however."

Suddenly, the fear and uncertainty had faded; The deep, dark abyss of insanity replaced with boundless excitement and relief.

I had powers.

Breath. One, two, three. I count each breath, calming my racing heart. Powers or not, that doesn't change one truth. Deep within my mind is an alien space god or something. God? Is it god?

"I don't believe so," Fim answers. "I might have had the power to reshape reality, but I hardly created your kind."

...

It's terrifying. It can read my mind. Will it take over if I let my guard down?

"You offend me," Fim answered, a hint of annoyance in his tone. "Oh! I can be offended... interesting."

What? Just...

"Whatever the case, please know that I mean you no harm, Lee," he tells you with what sounds to be genuine concern.

What could I even do If it tried to take over my mind?

Nothing.

Instead of focusing on the slowly growing sense of dread, I turned my attention back to the powers.

Every child dreams of being special. Every child wants to be a "superhero." And, here I am, being given powers that not another soul can wield. My blood flows. My heart beats to the sound of invisible drums.

The things I could do...

Suffice to say, the wonderful world of powers consumes the rest of my day. What can else can I do? How can I improve? What could Fim do when he was whole? Too much. Too many questions. Drunk on the excitement, I hardly notice as time slips through my fingers.

For his part, Fim answers all of my questions. He tells me of the stars he could forge- of the galaxies that he could crush. It was through his error that the universe came to an end. And, when I ask him how he may compare to characters created from the minds of the people in my world, he gives a somewhat unsatisfying answer.

"I'm sorry, but  I wouldn't know." There were simply too many concepts he knew nothing about. Even "death" was something he only recently learned. He hadn't planned to "kill" himself, but rather to erase his very existence from the universe. Apparently those are different, but they seem the same to me.

"You merely lack the grander view of concepts that I hold," Fim said. "Perhaps it will come in time, but for now, worry not."

A distraction was definitely what was needed. I focused, focused, and eventually found the limits of my powers. I could teleport small objects or move them as if I were holding them with my own hand. It wasn't all I could do, but that was what I had right now.

How could I make it stronger?

"Practice," Fim answered. "Or you can go out and gather more of my essence," he continued. "Your world seems to be saturated in it."

...

Why not both? If practice could make me better, then why not also gather more of his essence to also make it stronger? For the first time in my life, I'm special. I have something no one else has. Like hell am I letting that talent flounder?

I've had enough of that! I might not know what I'll do with these powers, but I'll make it so no one can doubt that they are mine.

"Does that mean we'll have a chance to explore the outside?" Firm asks.

"Yes," I say. "You can detect these pockets of energy, right?"

"Yes!" Fim eagerly answers.

A smile slides across my face.

"Then let's be off."

------------

Maybe I was getting a bit ahead of myself. The frankly desperate thoughts from a few minutes prior seemed kinda childish right now. It wasn't my power, to begin with. This was the power of a being so great that it swam through the void of space as if it were a swimming pool. It was something I could never forget- something I mustn't forget.

To go down that road is to fall into true delusions. Superpowers don't suddenly make others better people. It's no different than being given a gun in ancient times. I have to be careful and smart about this.

"There are so many Lees!" Fim exclaimed. "No, humans are what they're called, right?"

Out in the open, communication was harder, at least for me. He could just read my mind, after all, though that really made me grit my teeth.

"Where is the closest pocket of this energy?" I thought. Old, mundane streets now seemed new and exciting. What could be waiting around the corner? How close could this new, wonderous energy be to my appartment? Even with while my rational mind told me to remain cautious, the much more impulsive and childish side of me said to grab hold with both hands.

This is an opportunity that will never present itself to me ever again. Only a fool would throw it all away!

I am special!

I am...

"There are a few spots closeby," Fim speaks up. "One's to the east and fairly close." He pauses. "The other is to the north and seems... a bit odd."

Odd? What was odd about it?

"I'm not certain," he mumbles. "Either way, the final area is south and also the furthest."

The paths, the possibilities.

"The composition of each spot is different, so do keep that in mind."

Did it matter?

"Yes," he shot back. "Quantity aside, I believe you might find certain aspects of my power easier to use based on which pocket you pluck."

Why not take them all?

"I'm afraid your body will need time to acclimate to the sudden surge of power," he cautions. "A day should be enough."

Ah... well that means I'll have to pick one of the spots and come back tomorrow for the others.

Hmm.

-----------

In the end, I set a course due south. The other types of energy were probably interesting, but right now, what I needed was consistency. The powers I had were still young and not entirely tested. I had only scratched the surface of what I could do with them.

"A reasonable approach," Fim said as he hovered over my shoulder. "Refine what you have instead of distracting yourself with other paths." His face was glued to the bus's windows, eyes wide and locked onto the blurring traffic. A smile stretched across his lips, though I don't think he knew that himself.

The bus comes to a stop and you rise.

"Hey, how come those other humans have their own transport?" Fim asks as he points to one of the cars by the stoplight.

"Owning a car costs a lot more than just taking a bus," I answer. "About a thousand times more."

I step off the bus and take a refreshing breath. The fear and desperation that had gripped my heart had dulled. All I felt now was excitement and a hint of nervousness. Some part of me wanted to just stretch my hand out and grab random objects. It was an itch I wanted to scratch furiously.

Just that alone would likely be enough to keep me entertained for hours.

"Ah, yes, I'm assuming you don't have enough of these precious metals to trade for a car?"

What? No.

"I barely have enough to get by and have a bit for luxury," I grumble. "Just paying the insurance would make me cry."

God. Why is insurance so damn high?

"I see," Fim mumbles and returns to hovering over my shoulder. "What's that?"

"A fast-food place," I whisper, already noticing a few people looking my way. Damn. It's going to get really annoying trying to get used to thinking instead of talking.

"Fast food? Does it age rapidly? Do you need to consume it before it does?"

...

God.

"And what about that?"

I sigh and shake my head.

"That's a portable bathroom. It looks like there's construction going on." Great. That means I'll have to walk around. Damn it.

"I don't know what that is, but I'll keep it in mind for later. Now, what's that?"

The questions. They never end.

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Fim's unending question eventually gave me a headache. Thankfully, that was enough to make him stop and busy himself silently looking at the world around him. It was a nice change of pace and made me long for the days of a private mind. But, then again, if the price to pay for superpowers was Fim, then, honestly, that didn't sound so bad. Assuming he wasn't going to brainwash me or eat my brain or something.

"Please stop thinking such hurtful thoughts," he said calmly.

"Kinda hard to do that, since, you know, they're my thoughts."

Fim let out a hum and eventually nodded.

"I suppose that's true," he answered and raised his hand to your right, just around the nearby building's corner. "I can feel my essence just over there."

Finally. It had taken about an hour in all just to get here. Hopefully, this'll be done quickly and I can get back home. With a spring in my step, I make my way around the building.

"An alley?" Really? That's so cliche. "Are you sure it's in here?"

Fim nods.

"Yes. It's near the very back."

I look around, making sure there's no one too close. Now, my city isn't the worst around, but people do get mugged. This place seems like a perfect spot for that, at least I think so. Not like I've ever mugged anyone. Anyways, I head into the alley.

"God, it smells..."

There are a few wrappers here and there along with musky, dirty water. Worst of all, every step I take is accompanied by the sound of my shoes pulling off a sticky substance. When the hell was the last time anyone cleaned this stupid alley?

"It's right behind that metal box," Fim points to a nearby dumpster.

I take, hopefully, my last breath of this place and look behind the dumpster. There's nothing there.

"I don't see anything," I growl. Was he lying? Or maybe he's blind?

"No, it's right there," Fim leaps off your shoulder and glides down next to the dumpster. "Open your eyes."

...

I focus my mind, thinking of the first time I saw the strange aura. The same feeling comes surprisingly easily and a blazing, golden star is born by right by my face. I nearly shout and jump back in fright.

"Takes more concentration, does it?" Fim muses. "Well, now that you see it, go ahead and touch it."

I hesitantly reach out, stoping my outstretched hand just above the surface.

"It's not going to burn me, is it?"

Fim shakes his head.

"It's my energy, which is now yours. It won't hurt you."

Foolish as it might be, I put my trust in his words. I touch the glowing sphere and know only Nirvana.

---

My eyes slowly open as I stand up. The alleys stench clings to my now dirty clothes. God damn it.

"Did I pass out?" I grumble. "Fim?"

The small voice in the back of your head is strangely quiet. It doesn't last long, however.

"You lost consciousness, yes," he answers. "It seemed like I underestimated how much your body would react. Don't worry, it won't happen again."

I shake my head and blow a sigh. Time to go ho-

A small bark by the dumpster has me jumping.

"Sone of a-" it's just a dog. A small, stupid dog.

With a shake of my head, I swallow the anger and just walk away. The dog stays behind, sniffing at the dumpster. I leave the alley and turn left. My jacket is stained a deep, dark yellow and brown. Honestly, I might just have to throw it away or something.

It won't be easy to get the smell out.

As I reach for my phone to check the map, I find my pocket empty. At that moment, I nearly have a heart attack.

Where-

"The fucking alley," I curse and turn around, moving as fast as possible. "I swear if anyone took it, I'll-"

I turn the corner and stare down the long alley. Unlike before, there's someone in it this time. A young girl no older than thirteen has her back pressed against the dirty walls. In front of her, an old, scruffy man waves a knife at her.

"Give me the fucking dog!" He hisses.

"P-Please, don't!" the girl whimpers. "Bruce is all I have."

Anger flashes across the man's face.

======[Break]======

Before me stands a scene one would definitely call "wrong."

"Give me the fucking dog!" the scruffy man growls as he levels a knife in front of a young girl's face.

"P-Please, don't!" the girl whimpers. "Bruce is all I have!"

I stand there, shocked at the sight. What the hell is going on? Why does he want her dog? She's just a little girl!

The man scowls and grinds his teeth together. A dangerous glint flickers across his eyes. He raises the knife and looks at the small, sausage-like dog held in her arms. The dog lets out tiny, squeaky barks. It struggles in her hands and nips at the air, further fueling the mugger's rage.

Finally, something snaps within him. He brings his knife back, ready to deliver some form of attack. Like him, I snap out of my daze and step forward.

"Hey!"

I step forward, a shout bursting from my lip. He pauses and turns, as does the girl. Fear and a hint of hope flash in her eyes. The man, however, only sees red. He glares at me, almost as if he were trying to kill me with just his eyes,

"What the hell are you doing with her?!" I shouty, though it comes off far weaker than I'd like. Power or not, this is still a scary situation to be in. It's only natural that my instincts are telling me to be careful.

"Should I report-"

He doesn't give me a chance to finish. The man bites his lip in rage and charges, knife drawn. He was a fair distance away, and most people would think it easy just to back away and make space. But, no, in the blink of an eye, he crossed the distance and was right in my face.

His first swing went wide, only managing to knick my cheek. Fear and desperation slammed into me. A single mistake and he could kill me.

No.

No!

I had something unique! A special power than no one else had! And I wasn't about to die to some random mugger!

This time, it was me who was overcome by anger. When he tried to swing again, I focused on his hand, and then tripped as I stepped back, inadvertently avoiding having my eyes slashed. My concentration, which had been like a thick rope before, frayed until only strings were left. I tried to reach for it again, only to be distracted as the mad man tried to cut me again.

My only saving grace was that he was shit at using that knife. His wild, erratic swings were fast, but were more likely to hit himself than me. I jumped back onto my feet and when I saw a chance, I lashed out with one of them. My heel smashed into his stomach and pushed him to the ground, nearly toppling me over as well.

Thankfully, I managed to keep my balance and finally bring my focus back to bear. When he stood again, I was already looking at his hand. The golden energy responded to my calls and coiled around his wrist.

He drew his hand back for a stab, a venomous threat rising to his lips.

"I'm going to fuc-"

The sickening snap that echoed through the alley silenced him just as he drew his hand back for a thrust. Everyone was quiet. I stared at him- at his now useless hand. The way it bent at an impossible angle made my stomach churn. God. Was that a bone sticking out of from his wrist?

I stare, dumbfounded at how easy it was to break a man's hand. Well, easy after I finally managed to focus. And then, there's the scream.

"Gaaaaaah!"

The man doubles over, clutching his hand. His body trembles and the screams continue to rip out of his mouth.

"Oh god! It hurts!"

All I wanted was to make him drop the knife, not this. Though, is it really all that bad? The fucking asshole was trying to stab me and mug a little girl!

I take a breath and turn to the young girl.

"Come on!" I shout, extending a small hand.

She looks at the man, fear still griping her features, then she looks at me. It takes her a good second or two to decide that I'm the least dangerous person here. After that, she runs to my side and the two of us bolt from the alley. The man's pained sobs fade as we run further and further away.

Fucking hell...

--------------

The girl, as it turns out, is a young orphan. She lives at a nearby orphanage and happened to be out walking her dog when all of that wend down.

"Oh, umm, so this is yours?"

It seemed she'd been drawn into the alley by my phone. Well, that was good, I guess.

"Are you ok? He didn't cut your anywhere, right?" I asked.

She stuttered and shook her head, petting the little winner dog, "Bruce."

"I'm ok," she whimpered. "T-Thanks a loot for saving us."

"Yeah..."

I take a calming breath and look down at my hands. They're still shaking a bit, but everything is ok now. I've got a small cut on my cheek, but it already stopped bleeding.

"I-It's no problem," I said as the adrenalin finally started to wear off. God, my legs hurt from all that running.

As if on cue, my stomach growled. The little orphaned girl looked up at me, and a second later, so did hers. She blushed like a tomato and looked away. Unlike her, the little dog happily skipped on over and began to lick her legs.

This was a bit... weird, but there was a fast food place just around the corner. I was probably going to grab something to eat anyway, so...

"Want a hamburger?"

She blushed even harder but ended up giving me an embarrassed smile. From there, as they say, the rest was history. The two of us shared a meal and I walked her "home" just to be safe.

"Thanks again, mister!"

I gave her a friendly smile and waved goodbye. The day had been crazy, but through it all, there was this strange sensation in my chest.

Excitement?

A sense of accomplishment?

I didn't know.

Still, It felt good to use my powers to help someone.

Fim was silent, but tomorrow would be a new day.