《As Above So Below》Burned at Both Ends
Advertisement
Two weeks passed without a word said between Roman and his parents. Livid couldn’t even begin to describe what was tumbling around in his mind. He resented his parents for keeping secrets from him, especially considering he was the primary person affected. They couldn’t even be bothered to offer an explanation, choosing to wave him off and let him wallow in the misery that came from his new identity of being mentally ill.
Lazily, Roman packed his suitcase despite the fact he should have done it the night before. The only thing he really cared to bring was his jacket. Whatever else he needed could be bought in the city. It wasn’t like Roman was picky. As he continued tossing clothes into his bag, he talked to Fletcher on the phone.
“I don’t know, man. I feel like we are back at square one. Davis probably wants us dead, has a magic spell book and knows a hell of a lot more. Feels kind of hopeless.” Fletcher said.
“You're not the one being sent across the country because Ellis couldn’t stand the idea of not being a martyr.” Roman threw a pair of socks like they were a basketball. “Besides, didn’t Helga agree to train you guys or something?”
“Yeah, I guess...but at least half way across the country you don’t have to see Davis parading around.” There was a cautious pause. “I didn’t hear it from Ellis but apparently he’s going to Saint Calvin’s too. Something about university prep. Surprised Mrs. Holloway would suggest it with you being there and all.”
“I don’t know about that. It is what it is at this point. It’s not like I’m uncomfortable around him so the issues are moot.” Roman was aware that it sounded like a dig at Fletcher but he really hadn’t meant it that way.
Advertisement
“Well, he hasn’t tried to kiss you yet.”
“He won’t. He can do better than me.”
“He killed a dude. You really got to work on your self worth.”
“That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”
“Hardly.”
“Roman! Are you packed yet?” His mom hollered from the bottom of the stairs.
“Yes!” He yelled back, pulling the phone away for a second before snapping it back to his ear. “We’re about to leave for the airport. Call you when we land.”
Roman came down the stairs, suitcase in tow. His mom was sitting at the kitchen island, pouring over some documents. She scooped them up before he could see. A broad smile beamed from her face, unnaturally so.
“I’ve been working out our schedule.” She said as if it was a good thing. “Your days are going to be pretty packed between school work and therapy with Dr. Howe.”
The fashion industry was vile. Roman had spent enough time around his mom to know that it wasn’t a world he wanted to see. The idea of working in it with his mom made him both disgusted and exasperated.
“Cool, am I going on medication?” He asked as he grabbed another bag and started off towards the car.
“No.” She offered no other explanation nor reason. Roman gritted his teeth and smiled. Arguing with her was a lost cause.
They loaded up the back of the car. Roman’s suit case seemed massive compared to his mom’s carry on which was the only thing she intended to take with her. Slamming the trunk closed, he became overwhelmed with the idea that it wasn’t real. Rationality was not something his mother was blessed with. Logically, Roman concluded that there was no way she would accept such a weak punishment for everything he’d done.
Advertisement
“This is a trick.” Roman didn’t mean to say it out loud.
“Why would I trick you?” His mom asked half curious, half hurt while she walked around the driver's side of the car.
“Wouldn’t be the first time. I don’t trust you.” He answered honestly.
Before the conversation devolved further, Declan came out of the house still dressed in his pajamas. He didn’t say anything as he walked towards them. Roman furrowed his brow, unsure of what to expect. Declan wrapped his arms around him tightly, pulling him into a bear hug.
“I’ll see you on the long weekends?” Declan's voice trembled. Roman didn’t understand why he seemed afraid.
“Yeah, yeah. Sure.” Roman tried to push Declan off. “Love you.” He added it but the words didn’t feel natural coming out.
Taking one last moment, Roman looked at the desolate street he’d grown up on. It was strange to think he wouldn’t be there for the second summer in a row. Of course, he hated Emmerson but the small street still was home to him. He didn’t want to go. Hesitantly, he got in the passenger side of the car, unsure of what laid ahead of him. His mom pulled out of the driveway and shot a final goodbye to Declan before finally heading towards the airport. Sinking in his seat, Roman watched the rear-view mirror to see the town pass him by but instead saw Davis with a wild grin and an enthusiastic wave. When Roman turned to him, he was gone. Almost like magic.
Advertisement
Carus - Libertas
participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge and also having a go at NaNoWriMo this November. This was a first draft published as it was written for Nanowrimo November 2020. A little rough around the edges, I hope to come back and edit at some point, and then continue the story on. In the grand scheme of things Elias was nothing special. Which was why he was surprised by a random company on a new colony planet buying out his contract. That was the problem with the large companies that ruled the colonies, once they owned your contract, they owned you. Imagine the greater surprise when he learnt that the new company held the promise of freedom. Not from the constant battle against the Swarm that were also trying to claim the colony planets for their own. Nor from the Crust, the mysterious substance that covered the same planets and held the resources they all fought for. No, the freedom from being oppressed by those with more power and to finally decide where to go and where to set down roots and call home.
8 139Neophyte
Blurb:Layla lives in a multi-planar universe where gods and superhuman immortals roam. Immortality is possible but only to those with money, power, and connections. Layla isn't worried about that, though. She's just trying to pay the rent. Robinhood style, of course. Atom is the self-proclaimed Mantle of Procrastination and good times. He Ascended from Earth a thousand years ago. A millennial NEET shut-in at heart, he enjoys video games and holo tube while spending time with his female companion, who does all his deific duties for him. Join the crazy adventures of a lazy God and his unwilling follower's rise to power. The first few Arc's of the story is an Academy arc. I think you will know if you like the story by chapter 6 as the first chapter may be confusing (or sucks, idk I like it so whatever)._________ The story is a slow burn. If you are expecting quick progression, I suggest looking at some of the other great stories on RR. I personally enjoy and Patreon several, but that's not what I'm writing. That might hurt my chances of trending anytime soon (or ever lol), but that is fine with me. I'm sure some of you will appreciate the story as much as I do in writing it. FAQ: The story has elements of xianxia and wuxia along with some GameLit (at some point). The story takes place in an age where tech has advanced to a complete integration with magic. Imagine everything running on mana or qi instead of electricity, and you will get the idea. There will be crafting but not until later in the story. It's actually a core plot elemenet for Layla. I'm writing this story for my own enjoyment and as a way of relieving stress in my life. I'm not a pro author or a naturally gifted wordsmith. I don't have beta readers and every chapter posted is a first draft. I'm still learning and will strive to improve as I continue the story. If you don't speak up I can't work on improving as an author. I welcome any criticism and encouragement that would help me become a better writer. I can't believe you read this far down! ;) Enjoy the story. --Cover Credit-- Cover art (emblem) by: Oxana Che Cover Design by: Miblart
8 202NO STRINGS ATTACHED
Would you like to read the story of an ordinary man? No.I see that everyday. How about an ordinary man to whom something incredible happens?! No. He would no longer be ordinary. That's right. If something impressive happens, it is no longer common. Then, doesn't that mean that every story is about someone special? Yeah. Well, then, how about the legend of someone truly special? Go for it.
8 162Improvisation and Magic Don't Mix (A Progression Fantasy)
Ya like jazz? Ya like adventure and fantasy and bards learning awesome magic? Well do I have something for you! In a world where bardic magic can backfire and blow up, most bards stick to carefully practiced pieces to make sure they still have a throat and fingers. Most, is not all. Meet Theo, a singer in The Pub in Union City, who has never been good with practicing, and prefers to make things up on the spot. Let's see how long he can go without visiting a healer. Expect: An interesting (yet still familiar) medieval fantasy setting A vibrant magic system, with lots of interesting growth and progression Human and imperfect characters who do their best The Power of Friendship! Sometimes chill vibes, sometimes exciting vibes, never bad vibes A story that ultimately ends in a happy ending for most Something that could be mistaken for wit What this won't have: Edgy MCs Harems Grimdark/trauma Too many cliffhangers Updating Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays [Oct 2021 Writathon Winner]
8 115Incarnation Saga Book One: The War of the Crystals (Part One)
The "angelic" royal family of Solaria is full of discord between Lucifer and his younger sister, Selena. With one angel determined to be the greatest and another determined to please the beloved Archangel, Michael, the difference between Lucifer and Selena is like night and day. When Lucifer's wife, Beryl, suggests kidnapping the archangel to blackmail him into giving them almighty cosmic power, Selena has a prophetic vision about her plan and heads her off in a battle to protect him. The end result is a large-scale war with consequences that neither side could have predicted as both Selena and Lucifer are caught between remaining loyal to family ties or fighting for everything angels are supposed to believe in.
8 170"Partners"- Jin ff ✓
Two detectives who ultimately hate each other, somehow end up together in a partnership to solve the ultimate case...A romantic comedy full of secrets and surprisesComplete🏆 Winner of the Ceylon BTS awards in the Jin category🏅1- crimefiction🏅1- partners🏅2-btsjin🏅9- jin🏅71- kpopgroups
8 111