EgoPlex

"Gordon! Why are you late? The awakening ceremony is right now!"
Jessica said urgently when she saw Gordon come through the doors of the awakening center.
Shrugging Gordon didn't say anything. The last thing in the world that he wanted to do was tell this beautiful girl that he had been tripped and beaten on the way to school today. 
It was times like this that he wished that he bruised more easily. Then maybe he could get some attention. But this thought was fleeting in his mind. Gordon actually preferred to deal with his problems in his own way. 
And awakening to become a beast tamer and maybe even have his own talent would be the first step. Once he had a powerful beast the bullies wouldn't dare pick on him. 
"Come on, let's get in line."
Jessica whispered to Gordon when she realized that he wasn't going to tell her what had happened.
Together they went to the back of the arena type auditorium to wait for their turn to awaken.
They had been friends since childhood and had been there for each other through thick and thin. Jessica had been the only friend that stuck with him despite all of his quirks.
Slowly the line inched forward. Occasionally some people in their class would cheer if in addition to becoming a beast master a student also awakened a talent.

Lichen Tree Beast Tamer

<p>After saying good bye to his parents Gordon took a look at what he had collected so far as sacrifices or memorabilia for his first dungeon. A long section of white cloth used as a headband in the laundry, a string slingshot that looked like it could break apart at any moment, a plastic action figure, and a note from his mother. This last item was taking the place of something that Jessica had given him. When it came down to it Jessica was too critical to him, fundamentally he couldn't stand the idea of giving something of hers to the dungeon. He was the only one who could receive any of her love even second hand. She was his and he wouldn't share her with anyone.</p>

Revisiting The Beast Center