Week Seventeen: Unhinged: Dax V

 Stealing wasn’t Dax’s forte. However, when no one accepts your attempt to buy something, or notice that you even exist then why not eat your fill? As far as Dax could tell, he was physically there but not visibly aware to everyone around him. He had to dodge people constantly since they couldn’t see him or when they ran into him they’d stare in confusion and move on.

 Maybe the fear in him activated a new ability he hasn’t known about but then again all he knew that he could do was fly and breath fire. This new ability would be an interesting code to crack. After grabbing a couple of supplies (Dax learned that anything he touched also went invisible with him, which was neat but also annoying) Dax looked around the village for any hints on how they’d react to a mythic.

 Coming upon a church, or what seemed to be a religious building, Dax looked up at the massive statue of a boar/human hybrid, it held a sword and a shield, It stood at least ten feet tall. Glancing at the glass on the windows, Dax noted that there were different mythical creatures in each one, none of them being violent. However, in some of the depiction he couldn’t figure out if the glass painting was neutral or good.

 Stepping into the religious building, Dax looked over the pews and at the alter. In the front stood a reptile like creature in a robe. Smelling the figure from the entrance, he tilted his head. The snake like human seemed to have something about him that didn’t click well in Dax’s gut.

 In awe, Dax looked up at the rest of the beauty that the building had to offer. Alarmed, Dax created a fireball in his hand without turning his body. There was a presence behind him. One that could see him, no doubt.

 “I’m not here in intrude.” Dax said, hoping the being would understand him. Different mythical creatures could speak to one another. Dax learned how to speak to his dragon kin and some other specifics but he spoke without considering the being might be a human.

 “Camouflage.” The voice hissed. “Impressive.”

 Keeping his fireball in hand, Dax turned to face the voice. Before him stood the monk. Silently thanking his gut, Dax met the snake’s eyes. “I don’t know how to be visible again. Can you help me?”

 This made the snake cackle. “A mythic that does not know of his powers? You smell young and inexperienced. Your kind are usually coped up in one of those cities, how are you not in one?”

 Adjusting his stance, Dax stood straight. “I escaped.” He said, still not comfortable with the snake’s attire. “Please, I want to interact with people, how can I make them see me again?”

 “It’s not a matter of making them see you.” The snake retorted. “It’s a matter of making yourself visible to you.”

 “That doesn’t make sense.” Dax growled, fire intensifying without notice. “I wanted them to see me. I saw myself in the river coming up here. I know I exist.”

 “The river?” The snake curved his head in almost a question mark. “Only those who are pure can see the river. Do you believe yourself to be pure?”

 Putting away his fireball, Dax squinted his eyes. “I could see the source of the river from the skies. How can something that huge be visible to only some people?”

 Keeping his distance, the snake monk replied. “It is not visible by people.” He informed. “Again, only those who are pure can see the river. Only those who are of our world can see the river.”

 “Then…” Dax said as a couple walked in, greeted the snake monk as if he were normal, and continued on into the church. “We can’t be on a different plane as them.” He said as he watch ed couple walk away. “They even greeted you.”

 The snake monk nodded. “Ah, yes.” He smiled, revealing his fangs that made Dax cringe. “You want to be visible, or would you rather have a cloak like I?”

 “Wouldn’t you menan, a cloak like yourself or in your case you’d say ‘me’?” Dax asked, following the snake monk.

 “In our world, english terms are irrelevant.” It hissed. “This cloak will make you look human, boy.”

 Staring at it, Dax took a step away from it, it was the same cloak the monk was wearing. “But I thought I looked like a boy.” He said, looking at his hand. “At least, I can see myself as one in a mirror.”

 “Ah.” The snake monk nodded. “Well, keep this with you. You might need it someday.” He said then closed the door he had opened to reveal the cloak. “You can meet the father of this church. He’ll determine whether I can help you learn how to reveal yourself to the public.”

 Dax crossed his arms. “Why do you need permission to show me how to do anything?”

 The snake monk laughed. “Jhasar.” He say, with an unintentional hiss. Dax wasn’t sure if he could get used to that or not.

 “That your name?” He asked as he followed the monk down a corridor.

 “Yes, Brother Jhasar.” He said, holding the candle far enough in front of him to make the path visible for them both.

 “I know you can see in the dark.” Dax said, confused by the candle. “So why bring a candle?”

 Jhasar laughed. “You’re very observant young one.” He said as they took a right. “Is this why you can trust me without fail?”

 “No.” Dax said, his bag slung over his shoulder. “I have no where else to go.” He added with a frown. “So it’s not a matter of trust…” He let the word linger as they continued to walk aimlessly. “It’s a matter of curiosity.”

 “Honesty.” Jhasar said as they arrived at a wooden door with a metal handle, lit up by the light of the room on the other side. “Only those who are pure can pass the barriers we went through a while back.” He hissed. “For an experiment I’m surprised you passed.”

 Dax growled. “Don’t call me an experiment.” He converted a hand into a claw. “We’re both reptiles here, but you seem too holy for a fight so don’t start.”

 This made Jhasar laugh. “The father will like you.”

 Frowning, Dax returned his claw into hand form and followed Jhasar inside. Whatever it was guiding him here, he hoped that it would make its point and release him soon.

Week Sixteen: Unhinged: Nightmare III

 Her first instinct was to hide. She could hide, then return home, but then she would have to put the barriers up once again. He could sense this in her, and that’s why he sat quietly in his room. This was a big decision on her part, now that he knew how she truly felt about the situation. This was one of the aspect of this dimension that she hated. Nothing was a secret here. At least, between them.

 After her como relationship with him she spent more time appreciating who she was physically around. Although the memories of their love life lingered in her heart, she set her eyes on what she could physically see and focused on providing the love and appreciation that she was not able to give for her ten month coma.

 To allow him to be part of her life again was a big question. Because in her eyes, they had a life here in this dimension but not one in the physical world. He was loving and understand and persistent. Although, there was the language barrier.

 Appearing in the room with him, she looked over his body from head to toe. He was still physically attractive. More so, emotionally considering she knew everything he did in his perspective. It was hard to want to say no to him. To return to a life that seemed real enough that she forgot that her physically body was frozen made her long for what they had.

 “Baby steps.” She finally said as she looked deep into his eyes. “We never actually talked about where either of us were from.”

 He smiled. “If waiting two years isn’t long enough then I will do what I can, my love. I was hoping that this action itself could prove to you how much I care.”

 Vali looked through his memories as she tampered with a pencil at his work station. “Santiago Acero Cifuentes.” She said as the name came to her and rhythmically left her lips.

 “Vali.” He said, his head tilted. “I always thought it was short for something.” He smiled. “Like Valentine.”

 “No.” She blushed. “Although, I don’t mind you calling me Valentine if it’s easier for you.”

 “Vali- Sylvia- Xevolta….” Santiago said, his accent adjusting certain vowels. “That’s…” He smiled. “Muy bonita.”

 “Very beautiful…” the translation came to her with a smil. “Santiago…” She said as she stood from his work station. “Here, we can translate… In real life we can’t do that.” She smirked.  

 “Whatever language you speak.” He, said approaching her. “I’ll learn it.” He said as he took her hand. “I want us to be together.” He said, placing a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

--

 Benjamin sat up in discomfort. There was something not right. Getting up quickly, he slipped into a shirt and jeans then ran to his sister’s room. Knocking on the door quietly, Benjamin spoke up in the way he did before he would enter her room. “Vali, I’m coming in.”

 Running to her bedside, Benjamin placed a light hand on his sister’s forehead. She seemed to not have a fever, that’s usually what woke him up if it was small. A deep fear emerged as he spoke to her in a shaky voice. “Vali…” His voice lost in fear.

 “Can you hear me, Vali?” He asked bringing her hand in his. “Please tell me you’ll be back soon, Vali.” He said with tears in his eyes. “I have a feeling you’re not going to be able to hear me this time.”

--

 Laying next to Santiago with his arm around her, Vali let out a comforting sigh. “I miss cuddling with you.” She said playing with his finger.

 “You don’t have to tell me twice.” Santiago smiled, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Who is that?” He said as he looked up, a boy appeared at Santiago’s work station, arms crossed with his head down.

 “Who’s?” Vali questioned, turning to see the boy. “Ben…” She said, looking into Santiago’s eyes. “That’s my brother.” She replied.

 “How is he?” He questioned in concern. “Can he do what we can do?”

 “No.” Vali replied, now in more alarm. I need to wake up.” She said, giving Santiago a long kiss on the lips. “He needs me. He’s never jumped into this state before and if he’s-”

 Santiago’s lips stopped Vali from continuing. Pulling away a moment later, Santiago nodded. “Do what you have to do. I don’t want you to go through that pain again,” he said allowing her to stand.

 Nodding, Vali embraced Santiago once more then approached her brother. “Ben, how are you in Santiago’s room…?” She questioned then quickly adjusted her speech.

 “Hey, Ben…” She said with a smile. “Can you hear me?”

 “I…” Ben’s figure fluctuate as if the connection between the two was hazy. “You’re asleep how are you…?” He said, staring at the wall of Santiago’s room.

 “It’s a long story, brother.” Vali said, the queue of the nightmare leaking into her sense. “Brother, please I’ll come to you. Go to bed. I will awaken soon.”

 A silent pause was held between them. “You better.” He said, his figure fading from view. Turning to Santiago, Vali smiled. “I love you.” She said, receiving a reply in whatever language he spoke, Santiago frowned and pointed to his heart instead.

 Nodding, she touched her own then turned away from his. Around her the world slipped into darkness. The warrior’s kiss lingered on her lips. Heart breaking, Vali watched as she once again lived through the last moments of people’s lives.

 The last cry of the innocent child emerged from her lips, Vali shot up in a startle, her breath shaken and her sweat running down her face. Within second, her brother emerged at her door, tackling her in her bed.

 “I don’t know what happened, or what that was…” He said as he cried in her arms. “But whatever that is…” He held her tightly. “I love you and please…” His breath was slow. “I need an explanation.”

 Metting her brother’s eyes, Vali’s eyes widen as she saw the look that she knew she had given after her first interaction with the nightmares. “Please tell me you didn’t see anyone…”

 “Why?”! Ben’s voice raised in confusion and anger. “Is this why you wake up screaming almost every night?”

 Vali’s tears fell from her face as she held her brother tightly. “Yes.” She said squeezing him. “It’s a hell I hoped no one else would have to imagine.”

Week Fifteen: Unhinged: Wes I

  No words left his lips. Tears fell and sobs were heard at the funeral. To Wes this was normal. He liked to consider himself, optimistic, not heartless. The family around him reacted different to his silent stance. Some glares, some stared, other quietly gave him looks. Overall, he knew that everyone in the family considered him an anchor. Whether that meant, a cold stone statue, or a person that was down to their world that could move on didn’t matter to him. People held onto him physically due to the reassuring embraces that he could present. However, these people didn’t understand how he could not shed a single tear. It wasn’t emotionless to these people, it was emotional strength. Others, thought different.

 At this funeral in particular, Wes was to mourn his cousin’s death. Three bullets to the chest. An investigation was still being held as the family mourned. Holding his boyfriend comfortingly at his waist, Wes assured Hal that everything would be fine and the world would work its magic.

 Despite the faith that Hal had in his boyfriend, he didn’t understand him fully. Wes was able to cry in emotional times but was not able to present these tears to the forefront in front of an emotional event. This is also why he loved him, In Hal’s eyes, Wes was his rock and to Wes, Hal was his outlet.

 After the fourth hour, Wes finally stepped in to assure the last mourner that there would be a resolution. Wes’s cousin’s girlfriend latched onto him as she screamed and yelled in confusion. Why him? What did he ever do? Why wasn’t it me? These were questions were often thoughts of others and to Wes, all he could do was be supportive and waited until she was ready to leave.

 Allowing Jane to fight herself into an emotional slumber, Wes took her car keys and laid her in the back of his car. Handing the keys to Hal, he kissed him and looked deep into his eyes. “Follow me, we’re taking her home.”

 Understanding, Hal took the wheel of his car while Wes walked to Jane’s sports car. This was the last gift his cousin was physically able to provide with her. He knew how much Jane hated and loved the gift. After all, her boyfriend’s death did take place a week after her birthday. Entering the car, Wes buckled his seatbelt and flashed the lights to gain Hal’s attention. Once Hal has positioned himself behind Wes, he rolled forward.

 The music of his Jane’s preference blared. Turning it down to a low hum, Wes sighed as he felt his cousin’s presence. This usually happened after a funeral, considering he was the easiest source to turn to. However, he never spoke first, since the newly detached soul didn’t always understand what was happening.  

 Sometimes, the soul would take a week to respond. But knowing his cousin, he would catch on quickly. Appearing next to Wes, his cousin looked at his hands in disbelief and reached for the seat belt. Hand passing through, his cousin gripped his hand into a fist.

 “It’s one of those days huh…?”” He said to himself then turned to Wes. “Cousin?” He asked in a daze. “Why are you driving my girlfriend’s car?”

 For a moment, Wes didn’t respond. He only did this to allow the spirit to be aware that not everyone could hear them. Staring, his cousin reached over to touch Wes’s face. “Can you..?”

 “Most can’t.” Wes finally said, setting the cruise control. “But I’m not one of those people.” He said, turning to look at his cousin. Knowing that the tux he was wearing wouldn’t have bullets in through his chest.

 “What…?” He asked then looked at the seat belt. “You knew.” He said, looking down at the seat of the car. “How am I not passing through this thing?” He asked.

 “It’s all a matter of perspective.” Wes said, keeping his eyes on the road. “You can pass through what you want and you don’t have to pass through other things. It’s a thing you can do now.”

 “Does that mean.” His cousin’s voice trailed off. Sudden, he was quiet for a good minute.

 “Your died?” Wes asked as his cousin came to.

 “Yea…?” He said in a daze.

 “The best you can do is describe your killer to me, then I can give an anonymous tip to the police and we can maybe bring your killer to justice.

 “No…” His cousin said, surprised that he could cry. “I don’t want to ruin his life.”

 Hearing this, Wes sighed. “Whoever he is, ended yours.” Wes replied. “Many people think it’s their fault. Allow the fault to be the person who actually did it.”

 His cousin shook his head. “If I told you later, would that be okay?”

 “‘Later’ is irrelevant to you now.” Wes pushed. “But whenever you feel you are ready you can come find me.”

 His cousin sat in confusion. “How?”

 “It’s a thing you’ll learn how to do as a spirit. Think of me as a wifi signal tower. You’ll find me.” Wes smirked at his own joke.

 “Casually speaking to your dead cousin doesn’t freak you out?” His cousin asked with a sigh. “I completely understand why you don’t cry at funerals anymore.”

 “That’s irrelevant.” Wes smiled. “Your spirit never dies.” He explained. “But there will always be a time off of this world.”

 “You mean earth?” His cousin questioned.

 “Irrelevant.” Wes smirked.

 “You have to be kidding me.” His cousin said wide eyes. Then began to fluctuate. “What’s happening?”! He exclaimed in fear.

 “You’ll be attached to your grave until you figure out how to go places and such. It’ll take time but you have a lot of that so don’t worry. We’ll speak again, cousin. I promise.”

 Fading out of view, his cousin’s panic vanished. Sighing, Wes turned up the volume of the music and turned on his turning signal. She didn’t live too far from the graveyard which is why he was going to offer her to stay somewhere else or recommend that she stay somewhere else. A change in scene would be the least she could do for herself.

Week Fourteen: Unhinged: Fate III

 Empath. A person who is able to hone in on the multiverse. There are many levels of empaths. Some have one ability, other have some, and a very rare few have many. In the multiverse, to be able to connect into the ‘force’ has always been considered a supernatural ability. History, is destined to repeat itself.

 The definition of an empath has a variety depending on the perspective of a person. Some say that an empath is “a person with the paranormal ability to apprehend the mental or emotional state of another individual.” Others, say that these people are people who can ‘feel’ differently than others, almost on another plane than others. Some say, that the definition is not specific because people can feel other people’s emotions or they can feel the nature of the world, or even the feelings of animals.

 No matter the definition, one aspect of an empath is true in every multiverse. An empath can ‘feel’.

 Books lie in libraries collect stories of all kinds, fiction or nonfiction. To each universe, these books come together to provide understand, questions, imagination, truth, and/or perspective. To completely understand a universe, nevertheless a multiverse, one must acquire perspective, truth, imagination, ask questions, and seek understand.

 Those who are down to their designated worlds may not be a part of every section of their world. Others, ascend and they are able to be of the world, and above (in respective terms). Then, there are those who are not of the world. These beings were never part of a designated physical world. And others are more.

 What a world believes in when someone or something passes depends on the world and how those of the world, view it. In these worlds, species, two legged, four legged, and the variety believe that once an individual in a species (the same species or not) is dead the soul parts with its corpse and ascends or descends, in some cases, it does neither.

 This is where the aspect of Heaven, Hell, the Purgatory, and the ‘passive’ parts of the world come into play. These species believe that these places are not visible to the physical world. However, there are times that there are exceptions, not explainable to some, partly explainable to others, but overall, these interactions are believed to exist.

 However, there is more. These species don’t fully understand how it works. But those who have abilities, have a simple way to explain their abilities. At times, these explanation aren’t considered ‘abilities’ but rather, a ‘sixth’ sense. Whereas in most worlds, there are five, the sixth one that most consider to be abnormal or above average.

 Then, there are those who have more than a sixth sense, these species began to differ in education. They understand that there’s more to them. This cause some to enhance their understand and search for answers. Others, live with what they can do and do not push, for these extra sense seem to be normal, above normal, but not abnormal. In these species, fear sets in motion. To be above normal, is comforting. However, to be abnormal, is a disfunction. So these species push only to the point of their comfort and when asked to provide an explanation they turn to that unknown part of the world.

 “Heaven, gave it to me.” “I’ve been blessed” “I’ve always been able to do this.”

 Above, are the phrases repeated by those with more than one ability. They can sit between above normal and abnormal, comfortably. Now, the population of the few who have more abilities but not enough to ascend into utter confusion between what is to be considered physically real, mentally confusion, and emotionally scarring are the population that have no choice but to react. These species are not genetically bound to each other. They are connected and may or may not understand why.

 To these species, they automatically find another of the same. Meaning, they find other species that may or may not be same type of species. In this way they can come together and understand this extraordinary part of them. Others, seek, those who understand. For those who find, this isn’t a choice, these species are drawn to either other. Whereas, when one seeks another, they are intentionally looking for another whether the other that is found, is also seeking or is able to find. In the advanced species they come together whether they are aware or not aware. These species are meant to be around each other, for emotional, mental, and physical support.

 Then, there are those who are not of the world. That were never of the world. Their ‘lives’ consist of being around all types of species and their variety of population. The job of these beings that are not of the world, are meant to guide, or test those who are of the world. These beings can interact with those who are solely down to their world. They can also interact with those who can interact with the world that is not physical. Furthermore, these beings can also extend their reach to those who are to do more. However, some may not. To these beings, their job isn’t fully understood. Whether they speak to each other or not, these beings are not of the world, so some don’t understand why they should be ‘of the world’. So these beings sit out, and watch, they wait until they see something that they find interesting or intriguing. Then, they react.

 Species that are able to exceed more than a few abilities are frightened. There is so much to the world that they don’t understand. To be of this kind of species is to exceed normal. In some cases, psychologically, they seem inadequate. Not only does this population of species understand that there is a physical world, there is a mental attachment, and an emotional attachment to the world and they also know that there is more. In this population, these people cannot speak to those who believe they can understand. Finding one another is rare, and dangerous. This is why they hide behind fictional stories, and an physical barriers that they create or utilize. To physically interact with each other hold a chance of a physical reaction. Maybe to each other, maybe to the physical world in which they stand on, or worse.

 Even in this population understanding is necessary. However, how they understand and how they achieve these explanations is beyond their control. Fear, confusion, anger… Any emotion is enhanced within this population. Because they understand more.

 Each of the above is a type of empath. Of the world or not of the world. Either way, all are connected. Although, not all can communicate all exist at once in one universe and more.