chapter one: oh save me my 'protector' THE WORLD IS FULL OF LIES. Lies that everyone is told. Lies that most people believe. But some don’t. Because they know what’s hiding in plain sight. And those people end up getting killed in ways that no one deserves. I’m one of those people. AKA an Avaris AKA a Seer. I might as well be dead because of that. My name is Kira Astro and this is the story of my messed up life. Technically my life has been messed up since I was six. My parents abandoned me and my older brother Ezra on the side of the road and told us: “You’ll be able to care for yourselves.” That was half true. Since I had just started first grade, it was up to Ezra to care for me, and he did a good job. Raising me better than my parents probably could’ve. But that also meant most of my childhood he spent working and graduating highschool had been a struggle. He wasn’t even going to consider going to college until I was old enough to drive and had a job. One could say I had a messed-up childhood. But that also made me strong. Bullies didn’t affect me as much as they did other kids, and I learned how to cook much younger than the average child did. It also pushed me academically. I worked harder in school so Ezra wouldn’t have to pay for tutoring, and so he wouldn’t have to go to the school only to hear my grades were down. Well, I was pushed academically until 2020, but that’s a story better left for another time. But when my life really got messed up was when I met my so-called ‘protector’ at a gas station. Ezra and I were going on a road trip from Washington to New Mexico to visit our Aunt Stacy. We had stopped in Arizona to fill up the gas tank. Ezra had given me twenty dollars to buy some candy. Just because my brother was twenty-two didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy a good chocolate bar–milk chocolate, the best kind– or some skittles. Plus candy makes children ask, “Are we there yet?” less frequently. While he was filling up the gas tank, I was inside picking out the candy. I grabbed some peanut M&Ms when a voice behind me shouted, “No! Don’t Move A Muscle!” I froze, still holding the M&Ms close to me. Soon the voice said, “Aren’t you gonna look at me? It’s rude not to not look at someone when they’re talking to you.” “You told me not to move!” I said. “Ugh, I was joking! Do you not understand sarcasm?” “Oh, I understand sarcasm. However, I don’t think you do, because whatever you just did isn’t sarcasm.” I said, turning around to face whoever had talked to me. I frowned when I saw who it was. A scrawny boy no older than thirteen stood there. He had messy light brown hair and a pale freckled face. He wore a T-shirt that said: GO LAKERS! In all caps and faded jeans. The boy looked highly offended. “Puh-lease, my sarcasm is top-notch.” he told me. I frowned at him. “Right. It’s amazing. Best sarcasm ever. Ten out of ten.” I said with an eye roll. The boy smiled. “Thank you.” he said in a haughty tone. “I was being sarcastic.” I told him. “No you weren’t. You are just being confused.” said the boy, shaking his head sadly. “If only you understood…” “I do understand!” I said, grabbing another bag of peanut M&Ms. “You don’t.” The boy rubbed his temple. “We’re getting off topic here.” he said with a heavy sigh. I crossed my arms. “We were never on topic.” “Whatever. I suppose we should do introductions.” said the boy. “I am Alador Whitstock and I am your protector.” “Excuse me, you’re my what?” “Did you listen to me? I said I’m your protector. And you’re Kerrie Astro right?” (+)
(+)“Kira.” I corrected him. “Yeah, that’s what I said, Kerrie.” I glared at him. “You’re not good with names are you?” Alador scowled at me. “People say that all the time. It’s so annoying. I never get people’s names wrong!” he exclaimed. “You just got my name wrong.” I told him. The scrawny teenager stared blankly at me, before saying, “I did? Why didn’t you correct me.” I let out a sigh. I had only known him for less than two minutes, and I could already tell that Alador wasn’t observant. “I did co– never mind… you said you’re my protector?” “Yes, yes I did.” “...What do you mean by protector?” “I mean I have been sent here to protect you and teach you.” “Protect me from what? A mosquito? A feral dog? Actually, I bet they could both easily take you down.” I said. “I could fight them. Maybe. But that's besides the point.” “Did we ever have a point?” “You just love contradicting everything I say, don’t you?” Alador asked me. I smiled. “To be honest, it’s kinda fun. Also, annoying due to how often you’re wrong.” I said. “By the way, could you at least tell me what you need to ‘protect’ me from?” Alador looked around nervously. “Am I allowed to say it?” he asked. I grabbed a third bag of peanut M&Ms. “Why wouldn’t you be allowed to?” I questioned. “Well, what if the thing I'm protecting you from hears me?” said Alador. “I don’t think whatever you’re protecting me from can understand speech.” “And how do you know that?” “Well, unless you’re protecting me from, like, goons or something, they won’t understand you.” I said. Alador frowned. “What I am protecting you from can definitely understand me.” he told me. “Uh-huh, keep believing that.” I said, making my way to the skittles. Alador’s face grew bright red. “I will keep believing that, do you wanna know why?” “No.” “The reason is–” “I said no.” “Shut up, I have a speech ready.” I sighed. “Whatever. Could you hurry up, I don’t wanna be in Arizona much longer.” “The reason is I am one of the Grand Protectors and I need to protect a Seer such as yourself. I come from a land of immortal warriors and heroes, sent to save.” he said. “You’re a hero?” I asked skeptically. He nodded. “Yes. Can’t you tell?” I didn’t want to lie to the poor boy, so I told him the truth. “You look like the opposite of a ‘Grand Protector’ and a ‘hero’.” Alador looked like I had just told him he looked like a piece of dog crap. A heartbroken look crossed his face, but was soon back to his normal arrogant look when he said, “You’re not trained to see a hero. Trust me, I am one.” “And why should I trust you?” “Because of what’s coming.” Alador said, a blank look in his eyes. “What horrible thing is coming that I’d need a protector for?” Suddenly multiple car alarms went off outside and screams filled the gas station. I looked out the window and saw–a thing throwing cars around. It was large, well over 10 feet tall, with scally green arms and a face covered in red fuzz. Black ooze dripped from its sharp decaying teeth and its claws easily crunched the car it was holding. Alador gulped. “That. That’s what I’m protecting you from.” I dropped my candies. “Okay, uh, I see why you were saying I need protection. One quick question.” “What is it?” Alador prompted, keeping his eyes on the thing. “How are we–and by we I mean you– going to escape that?” I asked, my voice cracking slightly. A smirk crossed Alador’s face. “Don’t worry, I’ve got a plan.” “Now I’m worrying more!” -------------------------------- thanks for reading chapter 1 of my new book. it means a lot to me. next chapter will be out on saturday the 8th. ---------------------------------- previous: non existent next: in the process of being created first: you're here ;)
