Rifts

Part 25~Essence Test

Bursting through the door, Star growled, pointing at Cobalt. "Cobalt! Look what your painting did to Marco's face." She turned, pointing to Marco as he struggled, unable to speak. "It's getting worse!"

Cobalt shrugged. "The painting is just a reflection of his answers in the Essence Test, and if there are any discrepancies, the painting will adjust you to match the portrait. No extra charge!"

Tom growled, almost flaring up when Solar stopped him. "Okay, there's gotta be some way to fix this. We tried destroying the painting, but that didn't work."

"True art can never be destroyed. You'll need to take the Essence Test again, and you must answer the questions truthfully." Cobalt pushed Marco over to the table as he handed Marco the pencil.

Marco struggled, unable to hold the pencil as his fingers locked in place. Finally, when he grabbed the pencil, his arms locked up, pulling him into the pose.

Solar gasped in horror. "He can't take the exam! This is all my fault. I rushed him to complete the test."

"Don't worry," Angie walked forward, a smile on her face. "We'll take the test for you."

"After all, who understands the mind of a teenage boy better than his own parents?" They smiled together before Marco flattened.

"He's becoming the canvas. You'd better hurry." Cobalt chuckled, eating his popcorn.

Angie took Marco's seat. "Okay. Question one 'Which do you prefer to ride? A: a bicycle. B: a unicycle. C: a tricycle. D: a dragon cycle. What's a Dragoncycle?"

Rafael frowned, tapping his chin. "I don't know."

"Remember when Marco was little and had that red tricycle?"

"He loved that! That's it! The answer is C: tricycle!"

Solar shared a look with Tom as he rushed forward, taking the test from her. "Mrs Diaz, we don't have much time! We have to be really careful. These answers are perfect!"

Angie chuckled, reaching out to take the test back. "That's what we're doing! If you could give the sheet back!"

Tom forced a smile to his face, grabbing the test. "That's great! But I don't know if your answers really capture the Marco of today."

Rafael tilted his head innocently. "Of course not. The Marco of today is very frightening."

Marco whimpered as Solar helped Tom grab the test. "No, we just mean, he's grown up."

"Sure, but I know my own son," Angie grumbled as she snapped back the test.

"Sorry, but the answer is D: Dragoncycle." Solar turned to Marco as he whimpered desperately.

"Oh, I was wrong about my own son?"

Rafael frowned, lowering his head. "This is sad."

"Solar, Tom, get this test done." Angie handed them the test as they grinned, taking the pencil.

"Alright, let's do this thing." Solar chuckled. "Okay. 'How old are you? A: Zero to 15. B: 16 to 25. C: 26-35. D: 36-45 or E: 46+.'" Solar stopped, colouring in the last spot. Marco's parents shared a weird look as Solar smiled softly. "You three have some catching up to do. 'Have you ever worn a dress? A: Yes.'" Solar stopped, circling in the dot.

Tom leaned over Solar's side, reading the question. "Do you prefer corn shakes or corn malts? Malts, duh. Next question." Tom laughed with Solar as they finished the 200 questions. "And done!"

Solar jumped up, giving Colbalt the new test. He wrung out the ink, pouring it into the bowl. He pulled out the portrait ashes, pouring the ink over it.

The group waited, watching Marco as he began to glow. In a flash of light, Marco returned to normal.

Solar spun, tackling Marco into a hug and knocking him to the ground. "Oh, Marco! You're beautiful again!"

Marco blushed, chuckling lightly as he hugged Solar back. "Only thanks to you. I can't believe you remembered all that stuff about me."

Solar blushed, pushing his hair back. "Well, we've spent a lot of time together." Solar blinked, blushing more, jumping off Marco's stomach and lowering his head. "Well, I'm glad you're okay."

Tom struggled, stepping back as Star stood beside him. "Hey, don't look so sad. You did amazing, and Marco knows it."

Marco smiled as he approached his parents. "Mom. dad." Marco walked closer, hugging them tightly. "I think it's time we catch up."

Rafael squealed, hugging Marco back. "My beautiful son is all grown up!"

"I should have visited more. I don't want Marco Jr growing up without knowing who I am."

"Visit anytime, sweetie." Angie smiled. "I mean, those scissors work both ways, right? Snip. Snip."

"This is a beautiful family moment. And I just happen to be running a special on family portraits," Colbalt began to sell as Marco glared at him.

"That'll be a no."

~~~

Tom paused, staring at his hands.

"You okay?" Solar smiled as he sat beside Tom, nudging his side.

"Yeah. I'm glad Marco's back, though." Tom chuckled, watching Marco talking to his parents.

"Hey, it's okay to be a little freaked out. I think we were all panicking."

"I think that is an understatement. Wanna talk about something else."

"Yes." Solar laughed, leaning back. "You figured out what weapon you want to use yet? Our test weapons didn't exactly work."

Tom shuddered, chuckling. "Yeah, let's not try that again. I think Marco would actually kill me if we did. But I have an idea."

"You have an idea? I don't know whether I should be afraid or running." Solar laughed as Tom jabbed his side. "Sorry, sorry. Continue."

"Well, it's just. I was thinking about your and Marco's weapons, and you both made your weapons."

"We did?"

"Yeah. You fashioned your first weapon from a tree branch, and Marco literally forged his knives out of molten lava. So, what if I made my weapon?"

Solar hummed. "That's not a bad idea. Wanna learn how to work with wood?"

"You know how to do that?"

"Sure. Marco isn't the only one who has useful skills." Solar placed a hand over his heart as Tom laughed.

"Must be nice. I never got to learn anything cool. Just how to be a prince."

"Oh, the horror. You got to live in a castle with servants, not needing to do anything." Solar grinned as Tom jabbed him.

"Careful, or I'll have to put you in the dungeon."

Smiling, the two laughed. "Don't worry, Tom. Stick with Marco and me; we'll teach you all the life skills you need." Solar jumped up, waving as he walked towards Marco. Tom stared, his cheeks burning as he leaned back, covering his face as he groaned.

"Why are they both so cool?"