PENPUNKED

In the heart of Wave City, a seemingly normal town, a group of outcast friends leads a quiet, uneventful life by day. Bullied and misunderstood, they bond over their shared love of all things geeky, seeking solace in one another’s company. But when night falls, everything changes. Beneath the veil of everyday life, they harbor a dark secret—each one of them is part of an ancient, legendary race, cursed with the power of beasts that dwell within their souls.

This monstrous force stirs when their control slips, and they are forced to fight—not only against enemies but also against themselves, torn between light and darkness. As the violence escalates and their bond is tested, the weight of their curse grows unbearable. Only one can stand between destruction and salvation: the Vesperian, a bridge of light and shadow, destined to awaken the dormant power within them all.

In the shadows of Wave City, a greater power stirs, and the ancient Father must hear the desperate cries of legends long forgotten. Their struggle for control is just beginning, but time is running out, and the battle for humanity’s survival may be fought in the deepest corners of their souls.

U//\8r3l_: Phantom Solace

Fire crackled in the distance. Screams and yelling echoed in the air.

The screen of darkness faded away, revealing a kingdom in ruin. What once was proud and strong now looked like a wasteland. Conquerors tore through the streets, destroying everything, massacring the people who tried to fight back. The kingdom's defenders were losing.

On the ground lay Alex, on his side. His body was covered in blood. His hand pressed into the dirt, trying to push himself up, but he was too weak.

A voice called out—a teenage boy's voice, shouting through the chaos.

"Alex! … Alex!!!"

Alex's heart slowed. His eyes began to close.

The voice cried louder, more desperate now.

With a loud gasp, Jacob sat up in bed. His chest heaved. His eyes were wide, panic filling them.

Across the room, another boy walked over to him. He sat beside Jacob.

Khaliq looked concerned. "Brother?"

Jacob stared at him in shock. His eyes got wider as he scooted back.

"Who are you? Why are you in my r—" Jacob's voice shook as he looked around the unfamiliar room. He whispered to himself, panicked. "Where am I?"

Khaliq stayed calm. "You're in your room. You need to calm down." He reached out to touch Jacob's hand.

Jacob pulled away quickly. "Don't touch me! What do you want from me?!" He patted his nightstand, searching for a weapon.

Khaliq frowned. He gently grabbed Creed's wrist, stopping him.

"Brother," he said firmly. "Stop. Just…" He took a breath. "Calm down. Everything is okay."

Jacob paused. "Brother? Who… are you?"

Khaliq looked down, then lifted his hand. He placed his index and middle finger into his mouth and bit down. His fangs pierced his skin.

He pulled his fingers out, now bleeding, and held them up to Jacob's nose. Silence filled the room. Donté stared at him softly and whispered:

Jacob squinted, his eyes drawn to the blood. He inhaled the scent.

"…my little brother," he said quietly, taking Khaliq's hand and gently lowering it. "Who… am I?" He looked down, confused and lost.

Khaliq's expression turned gentle and sad.

Donté nodded. He leaned forward and opened the bed drawer. Inside was a very thick, black diary. He took it out with both hands.

"Please," he said, offering it to Jacob with eyes full of emotion. "This is yours… read it."

Jacob stared at the book, hesitant. Finally, he reached out with shaking hands and took it.

The cover was plain—black and basic—but bold white letters on the front read:

He opened the book to the first page.

If you're reading this, you must've forgotten who you are…

Pick up your pen and write "Flower."

Jacob frowned and looked around. A small black pen was hanging from a chain attached to the bookmark. He grabbed it and wrote the word:

Another message was written underneath:

Now compare your flower to my flower. Is it the same?

Yes, it is. That means you wrote this diary.

Breathe, relax, and take in your peaceful surroundings.

If everything around you is calm, then it must be okay.

As we go through life, we forget.

But I'll help you remember.

First, ask your brother for a cup of tea. Just say the name 'Donté'.

"Dante, ocha o moratte mo ī?" (Can I have some tea?)

Across from him, Khaliq lifted his head with a soft look.

"Tapioka? Soretomo kamomīru? Gakkō ni ikanakya ikenai no yo."

(Tapioca? Or chamomile? We have to go to school, you know.)

Khaliq stood and quietly walked out of the room.

My name is Jacob Creed Prince.

Date of Birth: December 29th.

Me and my brother stay in T.L.C. the biggest orphanage I've ever been to.

Jacob C. Prince