Psyker

5 - The First Dungeon

I traced gentle circles into the bruise on my cheek as I watched houses pass by. Mia's mom demanded that she drive us to Jason's house, adamant that we stay off of the streets as much as possible because of the infamous serial killer in small-town Haven. After last night's events...I guess I couldn't really argue.

Freaky shit.

"So Link, how are you liking your classes so far?" Mia's mom asked.

I looked away from the window to catch her gaze in the rear-view mirror.

"Oh, uh, they're alright. My homeroom teacher is pretty cool, but honestly I haven't gotten a very good feel for them yet."

"Well that's good! A fun teacher can make a big difference in how you feel about school. Mia said her homeroom teacher was," She choked back a giggle, "'A real bitch'."

I laughed, "She's not joking, either. She seemed super strict."

"See! I'm not just being picky!" Mia defended.

"Alright, alright," Her mom laughed, "So how is Jason? I haven't seen him around the house lately. You two didn't have a falling out, did you?" She looked at Mia.

"No, Jason and I are cool! We all just sorta fell into our own lives over the summer is all," Mia explained.

I nodded, "I probably would have heard all about it if those two were arguing again. Besides, I think Jason went to some kind of summer camp this year."

The car came to a slow as we pulled up to Jason's house. His parents lived on the more average side of town. His house was white, only one story, with a small front yard. It definitely wasn't a trailer park, at least.

Outside, Alec, Rocco, and Jason were all hanging out in his front yard. Alec was leaning against his mailbox wearing a purple t-shirt and some ripped up jeans, grinning ear to ear as he saw us pull up. He waved at Mia's mom, who quickly returned the gesture with a smile. Rocco was sitting in the grass, brown t-shirt and light blue jeans, playing with...the grass, I think? Jason was sprawled out, covered in sweat, with an arm covering his eyes.

"Are you gonna come in and say hi to his mom?" Mia asked.

"I'd really like to, but your father and I actually have plans to go out for dinner tonight. Tell her hi for me?"

"Sure!" Mia said as she hopped out of the car.

I opened my own door, stepping out onto the road, "Thanks Mrs. Ricci! See you later, have fun at dinner!"

"No problem! Have fun!"

With that, she drove off. I stuffed my hands into my pockets as Mia and I walked up to the others.

"What's up guys?" I greeted.

"Hey stud!" Alec threw up a hand.

I clasped it and we bumped shoulders, grinning. I walked up to Jason and poked his cheek with my foot, "What're you doing?"

Bzzt. Bzzt.

"It's so hot, man," Jason complained as I pulled my phone out.

"Dungeon Detected. One eligible party member detected. Entering with party member."

"Wait what-" I started.

Immediately the world began spinning rapidly. My stomach clenched up hard as I flailed my arms and legs for footing. The world around me immediately flickered to black, specks of light rapidly flying around me as I spun.

"WhoaHOLYSHIIIIT!" Rocco screamed somewhere nearby.

THUD

I smacked down hard on a cold, black marble floor. My tongue stung horribly.