I rushed along the narrow streets and down alleyways, racing the descending sun. How time had gotten away from me, I didn’t know. Yet here I was, hoping to make it before the streetlights came on.
In truth, it wasn’t as harrowing as I’d believed. The comic shop that had started this little adventure wasn’t that far away, though I despised being behind schedule. It took some convincing that I didn’t have to race so hard. I’s still make it with plenty of time to spare.
Perhaps it was the self-distraction that got me, or maybe I’d simply been too careless in my pursuits lately, but I felt a presence engulf me before I could develop the slightest shield.
The world around me faded into a haze. It only took a moment to realize I’d slipped into the astral realm. But how? I was usually in control of such a shift, and I knew of a limited few who were capable of pulling another in. Even at that, it required a willing participant. Forcing someone into another plane of existence without their consent was nearly impossible, provided you obeyed the laws. It was clear many of the people in this place did not.
“Who are you and why have you been following me?” The booming voice demanded, just beyond my perception. I could feel their presence, a lingering taste of the magics they used to bring me here, though they’d expended a great deal more energy cloaking themselves form my sight. In the astral realm is was nearly impossible to hide, which is why they pulled me through their window rather into one of the many open for all to use. It was starting to make sense, though I was far from uncovering the first piece of the ever-growing puzzle.
“I don’t even know who you are. Why would I be following you?”
The was an odd silence, as if my inquisitor was contemplating his next question.
“I don’t have time for games. Were you responsible for that attack at the school today?” Despite the cloaking spell hiding them from me, I could feel the emotion in their words. This person, whoever it was genuinely cared about what was happening. I could relate to that. Perhaps if the cloak and dagger games ended, maybe there was a potential ally in this place.
“I assure you that had nothing to do with me. I was tracking it when I left the school.” I paused, thinking through the events of the day. Suddenly I knew who my hidden captor was, or at least why they believed I’d been following them. “You were the one who teleported on the soccer field, weren’t you?”
Silence filled the fog ridden void for a long moment. I’d nearly believe to have been abandoned were I not still here.
“Stay out of my way, kid. Things are happening that none of us are ready for. I don’t need you getting in my way.”
I tried to reach out, grabbing hold of anything to keep me stationary. I had more questions to ask. Unfortunately, since I hadn’t made the jump myself, I had no control over my departure. I found myself standing right where I’d been, just a few houses away from home. A part of me was glad they’re incepted me when they did. I wasn’t ready for anyone to know where my domain was. Had they been watching me, I could have led them straight to the house.
Hardening the energy around me, I created a solid shield, blocking any change they had from tracking me. It was a pretty standard ability, useful in times of trouble, and something almost everyone would do if they’d been picked up as I had moments before. That was key. I couldn’t do anything out of the norm or otherwise unexpected.
Content in my safety, I made the short jog home and passed through my protective wards. It had been an eventful day. I hoped tomorrow was less so, though I somehow knew things were just beginning.