Loading Life

By E.N. Chaffin

Everyone in Devi Omega has a special ability. Everyone except Hero Leander, the official troublemaker of Class 1B. But his life gets even worse when he is partnered with Annie Mei Fields on a history project. Not only is she a straight-A student and the top Charisma-user of the school, but she is determined to make him do his part of the work.

As they hit the books, though, they soon discover that an evil corporation is kidnapping teens in order to cure a deadly disease. Hero thinks the two shouldn't get involved. That is until his only friend is also taken.

Hero and Annie Mei put their lives on the line in order to save their world. But with gang attacks, drug deals, twisted corporate goons, and a teacher that won't get off their case, these two unlikely fighters have little time to think about their next step. Can they save the world and still get a passing grade?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chaffin Press
• Release date: Jul 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386876021

E.N. Chaffin

E.N. Chaffin is an American author born and raised on country cooking and Japanese anime. She has made it her mission to shake up the fiction world, moving ever closer with each story she writes. Find out her plans to go Plus Ultra on her website (www.enchaffin.com) or on her Youtube and Instagram @enchaffin.

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Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictionally. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Text Copyright © 2017 E.N. Chaffin | enchaffin.com

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book, whether print or ebook formats, may be used or reproduced, stored or transmitted in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. Inquiries should be addressed to:

Chaffin Press

[e-mail]

This book is for

My family,

My friends,

My little niece who has kept praying for me,

My amazing beta reader C.,

Those people who doubted me,

And God, for giving me everything.

I didn’t do it alone.

Never have, never will.

Episode One: Tricks & Lies

1

Hero ran through the streets, the thugs right on his heels. Their bats beating up against trash cans and buildings reverberated in his ears. He cursed himself for getting caught by the Ravens.

Come back here you slime! yelled the punk in front, hands sparking a furious red energy.

Hero skirted around the corner, weaved through the back streets, and swerved past trash cans and stray cats. He could feel his stamina bar slowly depleting as he searched for an escape. He kept his inventory bag close to his chest, the Ravens screeching behind him, gaining on him. He pressed a button on the strap, turning on its invisibility feature.

He kept running. Around one more corner, a paved wall seeming to rise from nowhere.

Here we go.

He hugged his bag, hopped on a trash can, jumped towards the wall, clearing it and landing effortlessly in the field on the other side.

Come and get me if you can, idiots! He grinned, keeping his eyes on the wall as he ran. You’re all a bunch of mor–

His stomach caved in as a rock-hard fist made contact. His body was thrown back, sliding on the ground until he collided with the wall. His green health bar sprang up, lowering instantly.

A groan escaped his lips as he tried to reach for his bag. His hand landed on it when a shadow grew over him. He looked up to meet shining coal black eyes glaring down at him from a black mass of feather-like hair – Caz, leader of the Ravens, with both fists encased in ore, and his mana bar overhead, already as bright red as his energy.

Hey–

Caz’s boot struck his torso, pinning him down. The inventory bag slipped to the side.

The Raven grinned. Nice of you to keep my stash safe for me, but I’ll be needing all of it back now.

Hey, Cassy. How ya’ doing?

Caz lunged forward, face only inches away from his own. It’s Caz. Not Cassy. Now, where is my stash, boy?

The scent of tobacco wafted through the air, watering his eyes. Ya’ know. We’re nearly the same age. No need to call me boy.

Beat it out of you, then, dirt brain? Sounds fun.

Caz straightened, snapping his fingers. The two biggest goons jerked Hero up by the shoulders. Cracked his knuckles, bigger, harder ore formed around his fists. The blood-like glow of his energy spread up his arms, mirroring his mana bar.

One last chance, dirt head. Give me your inventory and hand over the goods. Or you’re dead.

Hero cocked his head to the side, a goofy grin forming on his lips. I thought only parrots repeated themselves. Guess Ravens are just as dumb, though.

Two fists barraged into Hero’s stomach. Blood spurted from his mouth, his health and stamina bars falling simultaneously.

Other Ravens gathered around them, whooping and hollering, waving their weapons in the air. But Hero couldn’t hear through the ringing in his ears.

He was really going to die, wasn’t he?

Great.

Just great.

At least, he thought, he didn’t have to bother with school anymore. Or his annoying tea–

Get away from him!

Curses spread like wildfire as Hero was thrown to the side, dropping with a hard thud on the ground.

You got lucky. He heard Caz growl before the thug ran off with his crew.

He curled up around his bag, holding it close to him.

Yelling and running faded. Still, Hero knew he was not alone.

He kept himself curled up, even as soft footsteps strode up to him. He silently prayed it was not a cop. Or a thug from another gang he might have pissed off. Or even worse–

And what do you think you’re doing out here, boy?

–his teacher.

It just had to be his teacher.

2

The healing orb stung as its energy drifted over Hero’s stomach. He winced but dared not complain. He didn’t want his teacher to chew him out even more.

So instead of coming to school like you promised, you decided to take a stroll through the city and pick up some new friends? Poison dripped from Kirk’s words. Nice to know my students respect me.

Hero focused on his health bar, his headache slowly fading.

And not only that, Kirk continued. But your uniform is torn up. Again. And your hair is filled with clumps of dirt. Seriously, boy, what am I going to do with you?

Not like it matters, he muttered. My hair is dirt anyways. I’m a freak for having this color, Kirk.

It’s Mr. Kirkland. And just because brown hair is a rarity, doesn’t mean you’re a freak.

People think I am.

The man sighed. Boy. I promised your grandfather I would take care of you. But I can’t do that if you’re not willing to work with me.

Shouldn’t the nurse be healing me?

Unlike me, she gets to enjoy her lunch–

Coughing shook the orb slightly; Kirk nuzzled his mouth to the inside of his elbow until the spurts ended.

Getting a cold?

The man applied more pressure on the orb, shooting pain through Hero’s wounds.

He flinched. Hey!

Tell me why you’re running around with Cassius and his gang.

Why should it matter?

Maybe because he was beating you to a pulp. And the fact that as your guardian, I have the right to know.

Yeah, well I have a right to parents and not brown hair. But I guess we’re both screwed.

Harsh, glassy clear eyes bore into him, making him shrink back. His attention shot around the room, trying to find something to focus on besides those eyes. Needles, gloves, beds, anything. He caught sight of the window, the sky seeming to flex with new colors as the wind blew, its low humming reaching his ears.

Hero.

I didn’t mean it, alright? I’m happy with the way things are.

Don’t lie.

I’m not.

Sure . . . I’m just worried. Your attendance has never been that spectacular since– since the start of junior high. And now you’re in the tenth grade and so close to graduating. I just don’t want you to fail due to not being present.

What does it matter? It’s not like I’ll get a great job.

You might if you try hard. I just don’t want you ending up like Cassius.

A guy who never had to finish school, runs around and does whatever he wants whenever he wants? A guy who can take down wild beasts if he wants to, just because he can? Nah. I don’t want to be like that.

You want to be a high school dropout that can’t even rely on the police, because he’s afraid they’ll stick him in jail for what he’s done?

Might be better than here. He huffed. Besides, it’s not like I can get far after school’s done. No SA.

Hero, Kirk’s hand patted him on one of his tensing shoulders. I know it must be difficult, but who’s to say you won’t develop one later.

He jerked away, jumping out of his seat. I’m not a special little cupcake, ya’ know! I don’t have one now. I won’t ever have one.

Special abilities develop at different times. There have been cases–

I’m a freak, Kirk! Everyone knows it! They just take one look at my hair and sense no SA, and they know I don’t belong!

You are not a freak.

Then what do you call me?!

Kirk grabbed his arm. A boy who cannot see how important he is.

Don’t give me that crap.

The man sighed, letting go of him. I’ve healed you enough. You should be good to go back to class.

The energy flowed back into the man’s body, his eyes returning to their normal silver.

Please get there before lunch ends. You don’t want to be late today.

He stared out the window as Kirk walked to the door.

And, boy . . .

What?

Please be careful. Without an ability . . . you won’t be able to defend yourself properly . . .

Whatever.

The door slid open, then closed, leaving Hero alone.

He walked over to his bag and flung it over his shoulder.

I hate this place.

3

Lunch was almost over when Hero stepped into the classroom. No teacher in sight. Only a few students reading their tablets or chewing on the last of their food.

He walked up the platform steps to his spot in the back of the auditorium-style classroom as the glares bore into him. Though none of his classmates said anything, he knew they were cursing him. His existence ruined their day. They could suck it for all he cared.

He sat down in the top row. He swung back and forth in the chair, which was attached to the long, curved table at its base. He swung one way and propped his feet up on the other chair beside him. Hunched down, he closed his eyes and tried to block out everything around him.

While the sun shone down through the giant windows behind him, Hero thought of how he would sneak out before last period. He knew Caz would not come here directly, but that didn’t mean he wanted to stay here more than he had to. All he had to do was slip away and hide his stash before–

A glob of slime smacked into his face, jarring him out of his thoughts. He peeled off a gooey fish from his cheek.

Kissing a fish, eh? That’s seriously weird. Even for you!

The students roared with laughter. He glared down at Gari, who had one of his hands up in a peace sign, an orange glow encasing the two fingers. Hero eyed the lunch box that was opened on the teen’s desk.

It goes well with your uniform. Well, if you can call that torn mess a uniform.

Hero growled.

What? Can’t take a little joke? Gari flashed a grin twice as big as his own face. Or is it that you can’t fight back?

More laughter.

Hero stood, clawing the table before he jumped on it. He wasn’t going to let that jerk get away again.

He charged at Gari, jumping from one table to another, his fist ready to punch the idiot right in the face. He was a table away when a large gust of wind threw him back against the windows. Laughter turned to cheers.

Hero slumped down from the thick glass, the cracks already filling back up. A great shadow fell over him. He looked up to see Samson hovering over him, wind swirling around both of them. Blue eyes peered down at Hero.

Don’t cause a ruckus in here. Samson’s low voice sent involuntary shivers down Hero’s spine.

And what are you gonna do about it? Hero couldn’t help but grin. He was shaking, but he was getting excited.

Samson inhaled deeply, dark muscles bulging. Hero tensed. The teen shot whirlwinds right down at him, the excess shaking the windows and rattling the tables and chairs.

Hero didn’t feel any of it, though. He looked up to see a bluish crystalized shield hovering above him. He peeked behind Samson to see a small shadow jump up and kick the other in the back of the head. Samson stopped his attack, turning to meet another shield that pushed him across the back of the classroom.

Hero looked up at Reut, the boy’s face still buried in his blue hoodie, only two electric blue orbs visible.

Don’t you think you’re taking this a little too far, Sammy? Reut kept his palm open towards the larger student, forcing his shield against the other. His mana bar a light red.

Stay out of this, Reut. Samson sucked in more air and pushed his bulged up arms against the shield, the stamina bar above his head shifting back and forth.

Or what? You’re going to attack me? Reut snorted. Like you could.

The shield around Hero dissipated, allowing him to stand up. He grinned down at Reut. Nice to see ya’.

Not now. Trying to concentrate–

Another fish flew, smacking Reut in the head. The two turned, seeing Gari take aim.

Pencils flew through the air like bullets. Reut jumped in front of Hero, moving his shield away from Samson and in front of them. The pencils bounced off.

Samson could crush you, midget! You have nothing on him! Gari grabbed some pens.

At least I don’t need to pay someone to fight my battles, Girly. Reut spun his shield around, stopping Samson’s wind from hitting him and Hero.

What?!

Are your ears not working today?

Gari ran up, pens glowing orange between his fingers. He threw the knife-sharp objects, aiming for Reut’s side. Hero shot his arm out in front of Reut. Pens pierced through skin.

Hero!

I’m okay.

An idiot for a friend! Gari searched around for something else to throw.

Better than a pig like you! Reut held his ground as Samson pounded away at his shield.

You think just because your defense is high, you can play around with us big boys?

You’re the ones playing around. I’m just making sure you don’t destroy our classroom. Unlike you, I don’t like living in a pigsty.

That coming from a slop-eater like you! Gari yelled, hurling a handful of paper clips.

Reut expanded his shield over him and Hero, one-half taking the abuse from Samson’s pounding to stop the projectiles.

The shield was cracking. Reut hissed.

Samson was breaking through.

What in the world is going on in here?

The students froze. Wind died down. Shield faded away. Projectiles fell limp on the floor. All four boys stiffly turned their heads towards Kirk, whose face was beet-red. If the man had control over fire, Hero knew he would see steam shooting out of his ears right then.

You students do understand the no fighting rule, do you not? How dare you turn my classroom into a cage match!

Gari scrambled to his feet. But, sir, it wasn’t me! Hero and Reut attacked us when we were only studying. We were just trying to defend ourselves.

Kirk crossed his arms. I’m sure they did. Though why would Samson be on the attack, then? He nodded to Samson’s mana bar that had popped up earlier. Why is it red if he was defending himself? Or have you forgotten it’s supposed to be blue?

Gari stiffened.

Hero stifled a laugh.

Kirk glared up at him. Hero hid his arm behind his back.

Enough. I want all of you to clean this classroom back up. Wind-blown papers, slimy fish, and all. Class will start in ten minutes.

As the teacher left, the students melted in relief, mana and stamina bars disappearing.

Reut scooted away from Samson, who walked down to pick up some of Gari’s school supplies.

Thanks, man. Hero peeled off the fish that had slipped down Reut’s hoodie.

No problem. Just coming to get my book when I saw you about to face your doom.

I was perfectly capable of taking him on. He grinned.

Sure you were. Reut pulled off his hoodie, his black school jacket trying to come off with it. Some of his blue hair stuck to his cheek. He tried to wipe off the slime but just pulled his hand back in disgust. Could we go wash up before class starts? This is kind of gross.

What? Don’t like fish? Hero picked up the other one that had hit him, grabbing his bag from the table.

Hardly.

They walked down the steps, Hero throwing Gari’s food back into his lunch box.

Hope you like idiot-covered, floor-battered filet.

Gari sneered at him, Samson holding him back from attacking again.

Hero stuck out his tongue before leaving the room behind Reut.

So how did you know I was in trouble this time? You weren’t even in the room when Gari started fighting.

Reut shrugged. Like I said, I was retrieving my book. I happened to see you getting owned and decided to step in.

I was not getting owned! Just trying to decide whether I should give Samson the old one-two, or release my secret weapon on him!

What weapon?

A secret one, of course. Can’t go telling people what it is if it’s a secret.

No offense, but you’re stupid.

Hero pouted, making Reut laugh. Dude. Not cool.

The small smile slipped off of Reut’s face, the boy eying the pens still embedded in his skin. Be careful, okay? You only have your fists to protect you.

What? Not gonna count my brains?

You have brains?

Hey!

Promise me you won’t get yourself killed. Or else I won’t have anyone to talk to.

Yeesh. I’m getting the same lecture from my friend that I got from my teacher this morning. My life must be pathetic.

This morning?

Yeah. I was doing some errands and was chased by Mr. Sadist, then caught by the Captain.

Sadist? You mean Caz?

Yeah.

What’d you do now?

Who says it’s my fault?

It usually is.

You got me there.

The two entered the boys’ restroom. As the door slid shut, Hero looked under the stalls to make sure no one was in there.

Satisfied, he began cleaning the slime off at the sink, Reut by his side doing the same.

Wish we had some paper towels in here, he grumbled, pulling the pens from his arm.

I’m sure Kirkland could heal that easily.

I’ve been his patient once today, he said, grabbing some toilet paper and wrapping it around his arm. Besides, I heal quickly. It’ll be good as new by the end of the day.

Reut stuck his hood under the water, wiping away the rest of the slime. So why was Caz chasing you?

I didn’t get caught.

Huh.

Hero wiped his hands on his pants, before lifting up his bag. He was after me because of this. He tapped the side twice before a keypad hologram popped up. He typed in the code and let it open, showing Reut its contents.

Woah.

Yeah.

Reut’s eyes shot up. Why’d you bring them to school? If a teacher catches you–

They won’t. Hero shut the bag, locking it. Kirk got to me before I could dump them off.

But that type of drug . . . how’d you get past the security?

He dragged me through the teachers’ entrance on the side.

You dodged a bullet there.

Right?

Are you going to sell them off or keep them? Reut turned back to his hoodie, ringing it out the best he could.

I’m going by Thompson’s tomorrow. Got a buyer named Mib wanting them. But I’ll need to hide them tonight in case they do a dorm check.

You’re going to the apartments, then?

You know it. Want to come with?

I guess. Reut put his hoodie back on. Someone needs to make sure you stay out of trouble.

Thanks, man.

Bells chimed throughout the halls.

Man, I hate that music. Why can’t they just have a buzzer like other schools? Hero followed Reut out into the bustling hall.

That wouldn’t be proper, though.

By the way, did something happen at home again?

We’ll be late for class if you keep wasting energy on talking.

Like you even care about class.

More than you do.

Got that right. Hero followed Reut through the crowds, holding his bag tightly to his side.

4

I ’m so glad you two could come, Kirk said as Hero and Reut walked into the classroom, eying Hero’s arm.

Hero hid it behind his bag, not wanting the still-angry man to get onto him again.

He kept his sarcasm to himself as he and Reut hopped up the stairs to their seats. Making sure there were no surprises in his swivel chair from a certain duo before, he plopped down. Reut did the same.

Now, how about we review a little, Kirk clapped his hands, prompting the projector to come to life and the windows to darken, closing out any light. Who can tell me what this is? he asked, pointing to the picture on the screen.

A building. Hero rested his head in his upright palm.

Good, Mr. Leander. The teacher tapped his index finger on his chin. "But not the answer I’m looking