“Today marks two days since the world-wide calamity that claimed at least twenty-two thousand lives. While we still don’t have a complete tally of the death toll, some are comparing it to Armageddon, and where it may not have reached world-ending levels of death and destruction, it has certainly ended the status quo. The more sobering claim is that we may never know the number of lives lost, as several nations have gone completely dark and we are not able to get any communication from them…”

  The news played on a small flat screen in the corner of Ridley’s hospital room as she groggily awoke. She wasn’t sure how two days had passed already, but her body was so stiff, she felt she had been in this bed for weeks. She had regained consciousness at least a handful of times before this, but this time she had a bit of energy to sit up.

  “Major damage has been reported in over 73 cities around the world. Monsters were not the only ones to appear in these metro areas, but also heroes. Many of these powered individuals were already known to social media, previously thought to be a viral trend, now all of these pow-flicks are being scrutinized for signs of those that genuinely had manifested these abilities out of thin air.

  “Previously we interviewed a New York local most thought to be a street performer. Now Cassidy Benallie also known as the Sorceress of Flames, is a local legend after she managed to save the city from a giant serpent which toppled several buildings in its fight.”

  The screen cut to footage of the woman in a red dress shooting flames from her hands on the sidewalk of the city to the amusement of the pedestrians. The next shot that appeared was carnage as a rampaging snake took a fireball to the face on a shaky cell phone camera.

  “Not all of these stories of inter-dimensional beings are ones of destruction and chaos. A Congo distribution center in Mekland, Oklahoma has been the center of attention for American politicians and many international interest, as they now house over a hundred demi-humans being labelled as orcs from fantasy fans.

  “This unusual case has been brought up as not even an hour after they arrived, a Human Resources Manager had them filling out paperwork to claim refugee status, and applications for employment. The reaction to Congo’s handling of this has been largely lauded in most circles, but some are calling the actions traitorous to mankind.”

  Ridley sat up straighter as the shot cut to a location she knew all too well. She managed to catch Alexander darting behind orcs so the cameras wouldn’t see him, he was hard to miss however as his distinctive purple hat drew her eyes. The lines of orcs acting completely passive was a jarring juxtaposition to her recent memories.

  “Politicians on Capitol Hill were oddly in sync with emergency legislation on the matter. Passing the Inter-Dimensional Neighbors Act.”

  The camera cut to the house speaker, some old white guy, who was addressing the media in a press conference.

  “Of course we all felt this was the right thing to do, there is treasure cough, excuse me, they are a treasure of culture and wisdom to share with human kind.” The congressman said before the screen cut back to the news anchor.

  “The only thing the people are suspicious of is how smoothly everyone around the world is taking this. Not a riot or protest to be seen, we could chalk it up to world unity in the face of an unknown threat, but this reporter says, ‘hogwash.’”

  Ridley agreed, and liked the spunk of the reporter. She managed to click off the television, surprised at how weak she was despite being fully awake. She went ahead and clicked a button that she thought might summon a nurse. Looking around the room there were signs that she had had a few visitors. As she had a moment to think back about how she got here she cursed.

  “Victrius, you did this to me!”

  To her surprise there was no response.

  “Victrius?”

  A polite knock on her door made her jump.

  “Come in.” She eventually said.

  A nurse came in and asked her how she was doing and checked her vitals before asking if she was up to see visitors.

  “I think so. Who is it?” Ridley asked.

  “Your mother and your boss.”

  Ridley thought for a second as she subconsciously lifted her hand to comb back her hair. She unexpectantly felt a large hair pin clipped on the side of her head.

  “Your boss said you would want to keep that on no matter what. I’m guessing it’s sentimental?”

  Ridley thought about it. “Tell them I’d like to talk to my boss first, then my mom.”

  The nurse lifted an eyebrow at her request, but kept her mouth shut.

  Shortly after Alexander walked in as Ridley fixed up her hair in a mirror.

  “A ring and now a fancy hair-clip? Your neighbor is sure to be jealous now.” Ridley teased.

  “Hello Ridley, glad to see you are well.”

  Ridley slumped, not feeling in the mood to tease Alexander too much today.

  “I’m not really, doing well that is.”

  “For having fought off an army, I would say you are doing well enough.” Alexander pointed out.

  “True, I don’t even see a bruise.” She said looking herself over. “Which I guess I should get used to at some point.”

  “You have been fully healed for a day now.”

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “Then why have I been unconscious?” Ridley asked.

  “I was hoping you could help me figure that out. Do you know what that hair pin is?”

  “Hairpin of Mental Fortitude?” Ridley asked checking the item.

  “I believe you have been manipulated or provoked mentally. Do you recall anything like that?”

  Ridley quietly shook her head, confirming Alexander’s suspicions.

  “Well I recommend the hairpin stay on for now, until we can run more tests.”

  “Tests?”

  “I have my methods.” Alexander said confidently as he adjusted his glasses.

  “Creeper.” Ridley smirked.

  “I should add that I have some good news.”

  “Oh yeah?” Ridley perked up.

  “As you know, violence of any kind is prohibited in the workplace. Due to extenuating circumstances of an unprecedented nature, you and I have been exempted from any punishment.” Alexander said straight faced.

  Ridley just laughed at Alexander, who in turn gave an uncharacteristic grin at his proclamation.

  “And there should be some loot!” Ridley exclaimed.

  Alexander nodded. “The orcs were free to keep anything that already belonged to them, but we did have a shared quest that should have paid handsomely.”

  “Should have? You haven’t claimed yours yet?

  “I haven’t exactly had the time. I’ve been putting in overtime at Congo coordinating the orcs, and checking in on my mentee.”

  Ridley blushed, “Thank you for keeping an eye on me. I’m bound to get into plenty more trouble in the future.”

  “I am expecting you to help keep the orcs out of trouble. Responsibility and leadership should help you grow as an employee.” Alexanders smiled, this time with mischievous glint in his eye.

  “Oh, boy. I guess I’m the bouncer now.” She rolled her eyes, pulling up her quest screen.

  ^

  You have completed a global event!

  Success!

  You have stopped an army from claiming territory.

  Objective: Stop the (Orc) army from claiming territory.

  Your Location: Congo Distribution Center - Mekland, OK

  Quest rewards:

  -Crystalized Essence of Choice

  -2500 xp

  -50 silver

  -Mystery Box (uncommon)

  Ridley pulled out her mystery box immediately. It was about one cubic foot in size, made of wood, metal, and crystal in a hodge podge that said ‘I could be anything’. She paused and looked up at Alexander who nodded for her to go ahead. Opening the box, light shone from the inside blinding her for a second. When it dimmed she saw a a ring of twisting colors in bands.

  “I love it!” Ridley said before she even examined the properties.

  ^

  Ring of Disguise Self

  Rarity: Uncommon

  Twice per day, while wearing this ring, you may use Disguise Self to change your clothing, armor, and weapon's appearance magically for one hour.

  “I LOOOOOVE IT! Disguise Self!” She said and her clothes changed into those of a lead singer from a K-Pop band. “I might need to learn how to dance and sing.”

  “Your turn your turn!” Ridley shouted.

  “Fine. Just remember haste makes waste.”

  “Shut up, that doesn’t even make any sense.”

  Alexander’s box dropped into his hands and he opened it to the same fanfare.

  “Huh.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Dimensional warping again.” He said as he pulled a five-foot long trident from the small box.

  “Woah! That is awesome! And it totally does not suit you.”

  Alexander touched his glasses as he examined the trident. After a second of reading he smiled and nodded.

  “Well?” Ridley asked.

  “Trident of Commune with Fish.” He smiled.

  Ridley laughed at how absurd Alexander would look commanding fish with his purple hat.

  “Why would a Wizard need to order fish around like Aqua-man?”

  Alexanders face went serious. “How did you know I was a Wizard?”

  “What? Are you serious? How could I not when you advertise it with a giant purple Wizards hat?”

  “Does everyone know?” He asked nervously.

  “Everyone who saw that hat and has two brain cells.”

  “I better go. I have some phone calls to make.” He turned to leave. “Wait, this is a weapon. Weapons are not allowed in hospitals.” He said panicking and looking at Ridley.

  “Just throw it out the window and pick it up outside.”

  “Ah!” He went to the window and set it down in midair where it slowly lowered to the ground.

  “Hey, Alexander.”

  “Yes, Ms. Ridley?”

  “Thank you for saving me.”

  “You are very welcome.” He smiled. “I’ll see you at work.”

  After he left Ridley changed back to her hospital attire before her mom could come in.

  As her mother Sherry entered, Ridley noticed she looked exhausted and aged from stress. When she saw Ridley sitting up and looking healthy her face beamed and she ran to give her a hug.

  “My sweet little girl. My poor Ridley.” She started to sob.

  “I’m ok mom.”

  “Please don’t become a prostitute.” Sherry wept.

  “What!?” Ridley asked pushing her away.

  “Well, I just assumed with you living on the street, and having all that extra money.”

  “MOM! I have a job.”

  “Yes, I met your boss out there. He is quite handsome. Didn’t strike me as a pimp though.”

  “MOM! He is too young for you and straighter-laced than a nun.”

  “I had you when I was 19! I am not that old…” her mother said defensively.

  “Listen mom I am not flush with cash because I am selling myself. I make money killing monsters! I’m a super hero! Geez.” She said crossing her arms indignantly.

  Her mother patted her hair, combing it down, attempting to console her child. “You always had such a big imagination daughter mine.”

  Ridley hesitated before she apologized, “I’m sorry mom. You didn’t deserve any of the mean things I said to you.” She said before leaning up against her mother.

  Sherry was quiet for a minute.

  “I deserved some of them darling. Not all, but some.” She said hugging Ridley.

  They sat there for a time in silence.

  “Do you want to know why I don’t judge him fairly?” She asked anxiously.

  “Who, Jared? Kind of.”

  “I agreed long ago not to, but the Malone family and I have talked and they agreed to tell you.”

  Oh, no. Ridley thought.

  “You see, when I was pregnant with you…”

  Please, don’t say it.

  “The Malone family, they were having trouble…”

  Do NOT Luke and Leia us!

  “So I agreed to be his nurse maid.” Sherry said plainly.

  “WHAT!” Ridley shouted.

  “Well it’s not that big of a deal! Lots of mothers need help when it comes to nursing…”

  “Eww! Gross! I thought you were going to say we were twins!”

  “That is ridiculous darling! You look nothing alike!” Sherry said looking at Ridley like she was ridiculous.

  “I know it’s unlikely we would be identical!”

  “Obviously! Do you not understand what identical means!?”

  “Ergh, now I’m just angry! Next time I see him I am punching him for touching your boobs!”

  “He was a baby!”

  “He’s not a baby anymore!”

  After they bickered half heartedly for a minute, Ridley felt the tension leave her body.

  “I really am sorry mom. I haven’t been myself lately.”

  Sherry was silent, processing. Ridley knew there was some real damage done there.

  “Maybe we should just try to forgive each other for everything and restart, woman to woman.”

  Thinking about it, she noticed she wasn’t getting angry as easily. She wasn’t even that angry at Jared anymore, which she found shocking. It’s like she looked for any reason to hold a grudge, turning a childish fight into an all out resentment. Weight left her shoulders that she felt she had carried for years.

  “That sounds good.” Ridley smiled softly.

  “Also Jared has long had a crush on you.”

  “SHUT UP!” Ridley snapped.