The shadow slowly approached and touched Michael's head.
From its fingers came white threads that contrasted with all the darkness around them. Michael felt threatened, but he noticed that his feet couldn't move from the ground.
The shadow touched the boy's temple, and the threads connected with his soul, forming a strange bond.
The shadow asked for permission to learn his language, and although Michael was confused, he eventually accepted.
The bond closed.
Now, in a much clearer tone, the entity spoke to him in Spanish:
—Well, now I can explain myself —it said with a barely visible smile—. My name is Jack.
You see, these crystals are born from the concepts of the universe. Each one can choose its user if it wishes to. They grant you special powers, blah, blah, blah… you know.
Jack walked around him, hands behind his back.
—Our crystal encompasses light and shadow. Although, to be honest, I can only use the latter. I was the previous user of this power, and when you inherited it, my consciousness got stuck to you.
By the way, a small detail: once you obtain a power, you can't get rid of it until you die. So… no refunds.
Michael stayed silent, processing everything.
—So… you're some kind of specter?
Jack sighed.
—Let me ask you instead, kid… what were you doing in such a hopeless situation?
—Uh… I… don't really remember —Michael replied—. I only know that two strangers attacked me, but I can't remember anything else.
—Mmn… well, fine. Maybe you'll remember with time —said Jack—. But more importantly: I think I know why Mr. Rocky and Mr. Knifey attacked you.
I noticed a tattoo on the guy who hit you. It's the symbol that a certain friend of mine used to wear… and that means they're looking for you. Ha, looks like you're valuable, kiddo. But don't worry, I can help you.
Michael frowned.
—And what do you want from me?
Jack gave a sly smile.
—We'll make a deal. I'll help you develop your power, survive… and you'll help me kill the leader.
—Why? Didn't you say they were your friends? —asked Michael, confused.
—Matters you'll learn about later —Jack said, snapping his fingers—. Now, time to wake up, champ.
Everything went black.
---
Garland was regenerating in front of him, gathering rocks to reform his head. Growling furiously, he said:
—You're going to regret not using chi on that cut…
Jack, now a serpent of shadows resting on Michael's shoulder, hissed:
—Oh, you're still alive, pebbles.
Michael looked at him.
—Uh, hey, no offense, but snakes freak me out, you know?
—Oh, well, I love them —Jack replied, amused.
—Don't underestimate me! —shouted Garland—. You know damn well that to kill a user of a natural concept, you have to attack with chi!
Jack smiled mockingly.
—Oh, it's just that you were so weak, you didn't even seem like a user.
Michael, sweating:
—Uh, hey, could you not provoke him?
Garland roared in fury.
—I don't care what the hell you are! You're already dead! AWAKEN!
The ground shook. Rocks and dirt began fusing with his body.
ROCK AWAKENING: FURY OF ATLAS
Description: The user can merge with the rocks and earth around them to increase their size and strength.
In seconds, Garland became a living mountain, blending with the terrain.
Michael stared and could only say:
—Shit.
Jack, laughing:
—Oh, I didn't know he had an awakening… Kid, looks like you're about to face your first trial!