The Forgotten Fear: Balancing Reality

By Allysina Shinestone

When you have a horrible nightmare, all you need to do is simply wake up. However, what happens when your nightmare comes to life and there's nothing you can do to escape? The students of Channel A. High School are going through this scary situation when students, teachers, and family members are ending up dead or attacked by their worst nightmares. Clairisa Vinson and her friends realize that the main connection seems to be an online challenge called The Phobia Plunge. This invincible virtual virus is not the only thing that Clairisa needs to worry about.

 

Tony Ness, her dad's boss, has something up his sleeve as he should be suspected from the police force and under investigation for suspicions of shooting a fellow officer while on duty. Only his appearance makes Clairisa speculate that his charismatic might not just be a strong talent but a supernatural ability thanks to the devilish Master he worships.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Broken Keys Publishing
• Release date: Jul 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781988253671

Allysina Shinestone

Allysina Shinestone is a Canadian author. Gifted with a creative imagination, she takes personal experiences and weaves them into her stories. Author of the coming of age, paranormal fantasy series, Balancing Reality, whose female protagonist experiences the struggles of high school while coping with a bombardment of supernatural events. Balancing her two realities comes with its own unique set of challenges. Readers will recognize the local landmarks and hot-spots from Ontario, Canada.

Book preview

Chapter 1

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Touching the side of his head, where the pounding headache was radiating from, William looked around his room with confusion. He waited for a few minutes intending to focus in on the new voices he was hearing after shoplifting from that small curio store that Clair always talked about. There was silence all around him - besides the house settling for the night, soft music from his sister’s room and a television show from his mom’s room. Straightening up to his full height, he glanced towards the mirror that hung crookedly on his wall. Squinting to see through the smudges on the reflective glass, he stepped towards it and touched it with his fingers. Closing his eyes, he recalled Clair’s stories of her travelling through mirror surfaces to escape certain death situations. Spreading his fingers out slowly until the palm of his hand touched the cool mirror, he breathed out with annoyance as his eyes opened and his hand didn’t disappear into the mirror-like Clair had described to him. Moving his eyes to the top right corner of the mirror's frame, his body relaxed as he stared longingly at the image of Clair smiling back at him. Removing his hand from the mirror, he reached to lightly pull the image off the edge of the frame to look at it more closely.

His fingers ran along the side of the rip that he caused, after stealing the image from Melanie’s house when they were dating. He found the image of the two best friends in a picture frame and while Melanie was out of the room, he removed it from the frame it was in and stuffed it into his backpack. Without remorse he ripped Melanie’s face away from the picture, as it made the scene worse in his eyes. Looking into Clair’s smiling face and lively eyes, William found that the anger that he was feeling towards not being able to enter the mirror like how she would fade away as reoccurring dreams of the two of them entered his mind. The dreams were simple at first; kissing and holding hands, going on dates to the movies or him cooking her dinner. After being kidnapped by Timmons and his interaction with the voice promising him her loyalty and devotion to him – the dreams became more detailed. The kissing and holding of hands, turned into more passionate interactions that he watched more of from his lousy dad’s DVD collection. During classes he would start to daydream while staring at her, wondering what her skin would feel like under her clothes. A smile crossed his face as thoughts of him embracing or the rare chance of kissing her, brought a feeling of belonging and a strange radiating power between them both. He knew that she felt the same feelings towards him, only distractions were blinding her from feeling or seeing the truth.

Is this the girl you long for? A calculated voice said by his ear. Startling William, he backed away hiding the photo within the pocket of his jeans. Calm yourself. I didn’t mean to startle you.

William searched the messy room looking for any indication of a form or figure who was speaking to him. I thought you were gone. He sighed.

Merely resting. The same voice responded.

You didn’t answer Akiro’s question. Another voice chimed in. The voice was more fluid and lower in range. The only comparison William could think of was a voice from his mom’s relaxation videos on YouTube that she would watch when she had her migraines. Who is this gorgeous lady in the photograph?

William removed the photo from his pocket, not appreciating the sensual tone the second voice sounded when asking about the image of Clair. Holding the image up he answered. This is Clairisa or Clair for short and yes, she is the one I want to be mine.

You have good taste in beautiful women. The sensual voice commented more towards the image than to his intuition of finding beautiful girls.

She’s mine. Alright! William snapped.

Of courssse, of coursssse. A new voice entered the conversation. We agreed to help you obtain her... For your own needsss. William shivered slightly as this voice had a slight hiss when speaking. It brought the memory of paying off the leader of the three goons, whose teeth were damaged after Clair defended herself against them. He frowned as the group not only took the money he promised them but also beat the crap out of him stating that it was an additional charge for injury attained by the hiring party.

Alright so, refresh my memory because I think I blacked out. William sat on the edge of the bed thinking to what he could recall. Lifting up his shirt, he nodded, feeling the stone pendant under his finger tips. You–voices–came from this stone that’s now stuck in my chest?

Correct. The smartly spoken voice, Akiro the seductive tone stated its name was, answered. To give you a better understanding to why we were sealed away in the stone and why it is now embedded into your flesh, becoming a part of you... It started when we were among the first to be experimented on.

Experimented? Like in a lab?

More or less. Akiro continued from the brief interruption. These experiments were performed on the four of us in order to make our forms acceptable for a powerful energy known as The Balance. This energy was too powerful and none of us could wield it. This caused changes within ourselves after the energy was removed from our bodies, mind and spirit.

Okay? William said with a look of confusion on his face.

These changes transformed us into different beings from our original states. Those who experimented on us entrapped us into a sleeping chamber until they could figure out what to do with us and the new abilities we acquired. We were awoken by those who serve the one whose voice you heard prior to now.

The voice that promised that I become a Slayer awoke you all from this sleep? William asked, trying hard to understand the specific speech that the voice was speaking in.

To continue... Yes, the voice who assisted you before with your desire for abilities of a Slayer was connected in awakening us from our slumber. Free from those who experimented on us, we retaliated and caused much chaos for them. Until they sealed us into that stone. The voice paused for a moment before continuing. We lay dormant for centuries. Until now, thanks to you.

Well, that was an interesting story. William said, shaking his head. From what I could understand at least. Glancing back to the image of Clair in his hand he asked, So, these abilities that you mentioned... Are you stronger than the one who gave me the Slayer powers or?

Certainly not. The hissing voice answered swiftly. Unfortunately, he usssed hisss power to asssist you - making him weak now. William swallowed as the hissing tone turned accusatory. However, we have abilitiesss and talentsss that no other being hasss.

And this will make her mine?

You have a strong desire to make this beauty yours. The soft sensual tone addressed. Where does this desire come from?

Come from? He repeated, confused by the question.

He’s wondering why her. Akiro clarified.

Clair was the first girl that I met whom I had a strong connection with. There is just something about her that I said that I wanted her to be with me. Be my girlfriend. Give me attention. William answered frankly. Then she listened and helped me when the Mad Monk shit happened and they were after the diamonds that I stole. He smiled as his chest relaxed to all the attention she gave him during that time. At first her helping me and her knowledge was great and–I felt–made us closer. But then she started to become this... This... Person who didn’t need me but instead made me feel as if I was the one who needed rescuing all the time.

Ah, the princess became the knight while the knight became the one who needed rescuing. The sensual voice said with understanding. However, there is nothing wrong with a dominating, independent woman.

She isn’t supposed to be that! William forced out.

No?

NO! She needs to be loyal and listen to every word I say without questioning it. I’m the one she is to come to when something upsets or scares her. Not her friends or other guys, hell not even her taking care of it herself. ME!

Why do you want so much dependence upon you? Akiro asked curiously.

Because... William lowered his voice, as his thoughts that filled his mind to the current conversation of Clair’s self-assurance in herself and strong independence, slowed down and he stood blinking at not having an answer. Because that’s how it should be. He said unsure if his words were correct. Men protect women. Women do as they are told. The voices made sounds of understanding in unison, causing a vibration within William’s still pounding head. Ugh! Just how many are you and is this going to be a thing, I’ll need names and create rules?

As previously mentioned there are four of us. Akiro answered.

Four? I’ve only counted three voices.

I am the fourth who resides within the stone. The voice had a tone of malice and darkness. I prefer to let others speak so I can find out more about them and then use what I’ve gathered to my advantage.

Sure... William laughed nervously. Let’s start with you then. What do I call you when you enter my body – which I’m not happy about by the way.

Before my associate speaks, I noticed that you have said that before you rightly so – blacked out. Akiro stated with interest. Have you been a host before?

Yeah, you could say that. William replied, looking down to the messy floor. Kicking his gather of sneakers away from him, he said, It’s a being I call Driskroll.

Never heard of sssuch a... The voice who hissed started to speak but was interrupted by Akiro.

You call this being this name?

Yes. William answered. At first it was something that just came to my mind to make Clair scared of and then have me protect her from.

You wanted to scare her with this being? Akiro asked. Appear to protect her from something that didn’t exist?

No, he exists. William assured them. When he would enter my body I wouldn’t recall what happened. Blacking out. The voices were silent which William took as to go on explaining about Driskroll. After a while with this Driskroll, Clair stopped being scared of him and was defending herself against him. She also mentioned that Driskroll isn’t who I said he is, calling him Senar?

I do not know of thisss Sssenar. The hissing voice said.

He appeared after your slumber. Akiro replied. So from my understanding; Senar was taking on this persona of Driskroll you created adding his own abilities to the character to further prove your place with the young lady about you being her only need for a hero in her life. There was a satisfying murmur in his mind. I fully see that this was a possession or you hosting a being.

Yes. William answered slowly. So, do I work you all into this Driskroll thing?

Work us in?

So, Clair believes me – about me being a Slayer. William answered.

No. The voices all responded making his skull feel like it was being physically shook by invisible hands.

Akiro explained, Informing her about us will not be wise. We are concerned about your goal to obtain her and her seeing you as her protagonist. Adding more possessions to yourself might prove the opposite of your desired outcome. No – We feel that we will remain within your body until we obtain enough strength to form our own.

You can do that? William said with disbelief. Will it take long? Are you going to be draining me of my strength?

Certainly not. Akiro continued simply. We will only reside within your being to gather what we each need, never taking directly from you. However, this is the first instance of us interacting with a host and the idea of reforming our true selves against the powerful sealing magic of this stone. It was a conversation that we had while you had blacked out.

Okay. William nodded. What do you all need to reform?

Each of us needs something different than the rest. I for example rely on information and imagination from others. As for my other associates, they need certain ways of obtaining strength which they will each explain in due time. However, we must return to your question that was asked to you. William blinked, confused by the pronoun used wondering who this voice was speaking to, himself or one of the other voices when the malice tone entered his mind. William found that with this voice seemingly stepping forward to speak, that it was getting harder to breathe like he was in a small room and the walls kept shrinking around him.

You asked for my name? William nodded, wondering silently if he truly wanted to know. It is Nocturne.

Nocturne?

A regular parrot, isssn’t he? The hissing tone said harshly.

I might as well introduce the others to you, while I will be the first to mostly inhabit your being. Nocturne said softly. The voice who has done the majority of the talking on our behalf is Akiro. The one who has a strong pronunciation of s’s is Husk. The last person who has been added to the conversation is Nova.

My true name is Casanova. He said smugly.

That sounds like a book my mom has... William commented on the name as it sounded familiar to him.

The same. Nova’s tone made William picture the being smiling as if being recognized.

Okay so, I have names... Now what – Nocturne?

Now, through your interaction while in your being. I learn more about this world and how I can use it for gathering my strength. Nocturne explained. My abilities focus on the fears of others.

Fears? Like the boogeyman?

That is a term that I haven’t heard in a long time. Nocturne chuckled. If it gives you the full idea of my abilities then yes.

So you need people’s fears? William asked, confused.

More than that. A beeping sound made William jump and turn his attention to his computer. Moving towards it, he forced the small desk chair back and sat down. Placing the image of Clair to the side, he woke the screen from its sleep state. What is this contraption that made your heart rate increase? Nocturne asked.

I was about to ask as well. Akiro interjected with interest in his voice.

This? It’s a computer. William said with a laugh. Don’t you know what those are? The voices were silent, answering his question. Well, it’s what we have nowadays. It just made a sound telling me that I got an email from someone from school. Of course you don’t know what an email is...

Don’t talk like you are more sssuperior to usss just because you have knowledge about thisss box. Husk growled.

Ignore him. Akiro stepped forward. William felt his hands moving on their own as he took the mouse and moved it around the top of the desk. From what I can gather from your mind and your time interacting with this com-put-er, it is a marvel of technological advancement from before we were sealed away.

Wait, what are you doing with my hands? William gasped, jumping up from the seat and away from the computer. His hand still holding the mouse travelled with him.

Excuse Akiro, he becomes fascinated by new things. Nocturne said. William’s hand released the mouse which fell to the floor. As we all agreed that I would be the first to inhabit the boy.

Well, can I answer the email? William asked as he slowly made his way back to the chair. Without feeling restraint, he sat down and opened the email that was sent to him. Cursing under his breath, he angrily deleted it. Damn chain mail. Deleting the email, he started to check the other applications on the school’s social network.

You thought that it was from your princess? Nova said with amusement.

I guess. William sighed. She’s not a princess – more like a goddess.

From your thoughts, I see that you and Senar have used this term when addressing her. Akiro stated. Why?

She just seemed to be getting all these God-like powers and being able to do magic. William frowned. Again becoming something more powerful than me.

This scares you? Nocturne asked.

NO. William quickly answered. It’s not how it should be. She was stopping all the evil and interacting with fantastic demons and forest witches. Travelling through mirrors and casting deathly fire. He added sadly. It should be me.

You are not far from the truth about her being godly. Akiro said.

What?

The energy that I spoke of – The Balance – that we failed to secure within ourselves. She is the new host – or form - for this powerful ancient energy.

So this Balance makes her a god? She’s a fucking god now! He sighed with irritation.

Didn’t you want her to be one? You called her sssuch? Husk stated.

Yes but in the way that a goddess would have a protector. Where she would sit around and look pretty. Not one that...

That takes over the role of Slayer? Akiro finished for him. William nodded as he placed his head into his hands. This knowledge about her is good for you to know. You now understand the situation.

Oh yes I understand clearly that she will need me less. Go her own way. Blowing shit and demons that cross her path. William whined, sitting back in the chair. Gasping he caught himself before falling backwards from leaning too far back.

If ssshe sssurvivesss. Husk stated.

What? William moved his hands from his face with concern. What are you talking...? The thought came to him. Wait, you all were experimented on to hold this energy and failed. Were you human?

When we were Forms? No, we were a mix of beings called Darkness and Lighten. Akiro informed him. Humans don’t have the same resilience as our kind.

So... She could fail? William said slowly, glancing at the picture of Clair. What happens if a human fails?

Truthfully, we do not know the extent or any knowledge of the sovereigns creating a Form from Mortals. Akiro’s tone was low as if he was pondering the idea. However, Mortals–such as her–could die, go insane from the extent of ancient knowledge or if she is lucky, experience a fade.

A fade? William shook his head. You’re using a lot of words.

A fade is when energy that isn’t your own enters your body, mind and spirit but it’s so strong that it overtakes your energy. Simply making it fade away as if it didn’t exist.

And this energy of The Balance does this?

No. Akiro explained. The main purpose of the energy of The Balance is to mix smoothly within the form or host. It then, using the girl as an example, would painfully stretch her body into a shape different from what you know now. Her mind will expand with vast knowledge from the very start of its creations from the sovereigns...

Sovereigns? William interrupted.

The Lordsss of Darknesss and Lighten. Husk hissed at William for interrupting.

To continue, Akiro said in a low tone of disapproval. She would have a vast array of knowledge and memories from all the previous Forms will be given to her.

All Forms, including us – who failed to become what was needed. As all that have interacted with The Balance becomes a part of it. Nova added.

That is correct. Akiro commented. Her spiritual essence or soul as your kind calls it would also be torn and resewn together with new strands that your kind are not born with.

That sounds terrifying. William sat still with wide eyes. Shaking his head he announced, I don’t want her to die. I want her to be mine!

Ssshe will be yoursss, boy. Husk whispered.

Is that what you fear? Nocturne asked inquisitively. Her not being yours in the end?

No ... I just don’t want her to be with someone else. Only me.

What if she were to be with someone other than you? Nova asked with interest. I see an image in your mind of a broad man.

That ass, Chris! William growled. He likes her.

It seems it’s more than like. Nova pushed. I see that you witnessed them at the movies tonight.

Get out of my head! William shouted.

Calm yourself. Nocturne ordered. Answer the question. What if she is with another?

William’s face relaxed as he said simply and without remorse, I’d kill her. He added after a few minutes of silence. Only I can have her.

This is important to know for the future. Nocturne said in a pleasing tone. Now, about that box ... what else can it do?

What? Oh the computer. Anything really. William turned his attention back to the opened screen of the school’s social network site. It was created so the students could communicate with the teachers about assignments, it could be used to post homework assignments if a student were sick – as William was told constantly by the teachers when he skipped classes and was the main communication for the student body. One new section of the site provided students the ability to upload videos for others to comment and view. He clicked on the link for the videos that were trending around the school. This is the newest trend. He said to the voices. It’s these video challenges. You try to complete them and then tag a few friends for them to complete. Those who fail are hilarious to watch.

Thessse challengesss are idiotic. Husk commented after watching a few.

I don’t see a purpose for them. Akiro agreed.

Mortals are compelled to do these pointless tasks and challenge friends to do it too? Nocturne asked.

William nodded as he watched a few more. It’s popular.

Are they difficult to create? Akiro asked with interest.

The videos? No. William answered.

Not the videosss themselvesss. The challengesss that the mortalsss are performing. Husk hissed angrily for the confusion.

N-n-no. Very easy. William stuttered. It’s more of making the challenge popular for others to want and try. But it’s social media, everyone wants to try it if it’s on here and a challenge.

I understand what my associates are implying. Nocturne said softly. Can you make a challenge for others to try?

Make a video? Sure I’ve uploaded one or two before. William frowned. They didn’t go anywhere, though.

Do not worry about grabbing others’ attention. Nocturne hummed. We will need to make sure that you do not get caught in the fire.

The fire? William asked curiously. I don’t know what you’re planning but if I need to make a false identity then consider it done. If I can change my phone number to send Clair, a text under a Toronto number then I can do this. He cracked his knuckles and opened a program that he used for making the past few videos that he posted on the school site.

All you need to do is create the video, with instruction from me. Nocturne said, taking control of William’s hands and starting to type. How many use this device?

Everyone at school. William answered, staring shocked at his hands as the tips of his fingers were turning black matching the colour of the keyboard. Glancing to the computer screen, he noticed that the video program was changing slightly to a darker shade.

Exact number? Nocturne prompt.

I don’t know... Maybe a thousand?

Hmm. A small amount but it’s a start. William’s fingers stopped typing furiously, feeling that he had sensation back. William bent them painfully. Now you might–black out–again, but the longer we waste the longer you have us within your body. Nocturne informed as he stepped into William’s body, picked up a small rectangular item that Akiro mentioned the boy would use to contact others on and left the room.

Chapter 2

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Clairisa Vinson wrote a new note onto the page of the exam review that Mr. Anderson was giving the class. December had arrived and she couldn’t believe that the year had gone by so fast. Part of her started to daydream about time itself being a form of energy and someone was controlling it, speeding it up and slowing it down for their own purpose.

Clairisa! Pay attention please. Hearing her name, she snapped out of the thoughts about time slowing down and speeding up to focus on a strict Mr. Anderson glancing at her from in front of the chalkboard. Their eyes locked, sadness changed his expression towards her and in the next moment he broke his glance to continue the review.

That was the third time. Melanie whispered behind her. Clair turned her head and nodded in agreement to the observation her friend was keeping tabs on. Since Clair had reunited Katie Anderson’s essence with the help of Mr. Anderson, he treated her slightly different than when they first met in September. Melanie kept pointing out that he seemed confused on how to interact with her. One moment he was praising her work, then the next moment he was cross with her for not paying attention. Clair couldn’t blame him during the times she wasn’t paying attention during the past few weeks. There was a lot on her mind and with the idea of exams nearing, she wasn’t getting much sleep at night. This would be the first year the class would have exams as when they were in grade school. The only large test they had was E.Q.A.O. which lasted for an entire week. Her mind started to wander away from the review to recall if she knew what the letters of E.Q.A.O. represented. The students in