The Day My Future Changed

Chapter Five - Team Kion

I didn't know how Michael and Lauren were gonna sneak us out of Starbucks without looking suspicious. But to be fair I don't think they knew either. 

I watched as they tried to bargain with the cashier to let us into the back. They even promised to give him a hundred bucks. I honestly didn't believe they would convince him, but I was shocked to see the man comply and Michael hand him a hundred dollar bill.

The two jumped over the counter effortlessly, gaining shocked and amused looks from onlookers. While I, having no energy, crawled under.

We ran through the back and onto the cold and dark alleyway. It smelled like eggs and rotting flesh. (Okay, maybe that was an overstatement.)

"Why are we doing this?" I asked, puzzled at their hasty actions. "Can't we just fight them off?"

"You don't have a lot of energy," Lauren explained, "and besides, they're after you, for... some reason."

"That's weird, I usually try to stay on everyone's good side," I said.

"Well, maybe it's not your current self that has done it," Michael chimed in.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Michael, if you don't shut up I'll punch you," Lauren said.

We continued on our excursion through the city. Fairies continue to pollute the streets and I collect a few, instantly feeling better. They don't seem hurt whenever I pick them up, but they smiled as if it was a joyful thing. Everytime I grab one they evaporate into my necklace. It was unsettling to say the least.

Michael cheerfully laughed at all my facial expressions as I explored the new city that used to be boring and miserable streets. Every color was brighter, the city though chilly felt warmer and safer.

Dragons were flying in the sky, some resting on skyscrapers. One of them landing on the elm track and made a crashing sound, making me scream, much to my two companions amusement.

Tops of buildings would have festive banners on top of them. Some saying Grandors team in the green and Kions team in the blue. "Those are safe houses for players so if a monster or opposite team member is attacking them, they can't lose lives in the safe house," Michael explained.

"Which team are we on?" I asked.

"Well, you're not on any team yet, which is why it is imperative to stock up on lives."

"What team are you two on though?"

"Kions, no offense to grandor, but they're overrated."

I nodded, I liked the thought of being the underdog. "How do I join Kion?"

"It's not that difficult, just go to Kions king tomorrow and recite the Kion pledge" Michael explained, "and before you ask it's on top of Willis Tower."

"Wow, I have to spend money and look like an idiot to join a team, that's stupid," I grumbled.

"I know, but it is worth it to have safe houses," he said "people have died because of this game so... it's worth being cautious."

I lifted an eyebrow, what does he mean people have died? It seems like no one else is playing beside us.

After half an hour of our odd adventure, we rested on some benches near the lake. I looked up to the stars seeing them connect and make up constellations that I had never seen before.

"We can't keep walking like this," Lauren said, interrupting my thoughts.

"She's right, do you have a home around here, any place warm?" Michael asked.

"Yes, my apartments a train ride away, which reminds me, my roommate is gonna kill me," I turned away from them, "Sorry, I have to go."

"Wait," Michael shouted, "could we stay with you?"

"What!" I exclaimed.

"Michael, let's not bother her okay," Lauren tried to pull him away, but for some reason, I felt sorry for them.

"Are you guys in trouble or something?" I asked.

"Were fine!" Lauren said with a sassy undertone.

"No we're not, can't you just ask for help for once," he said, "right now were homeless and you know we can't survive the streets while sleeping!"

"What, your homeless, oh my gosh why didn't you say so in the first place!" I exclaimed grabbing Laurens hand and tugging her toward the train, "c'mon you guys are staying with me."

Lauren did not fight me as I grabbed her hand, but she gave a dark look to Michael. I don't know what her problem was, but I was not gonna let my worst enemy stay on these cold Chicago streets.

The CTA seemed longer than usual, I stared down at my phone and noticed fifteen missed calls from Stephanie. There were a few concerned texts and one saying that she went back home. She probably went to bed so I was relieved.

The three of us approached my apartment and my nervousness grew. "Okay, before you come in, my roommate and I have a no boys policy," I stated.

"Okay, so what do we do?" Lauren asked.

"Um, well, basically, we sneak into my room and we'll figure it out from there, she's asleep so it should be fine."

"If you say so," Michael said, "I better not wake up to an angry lady beating me upside the head."

"You'll be fine, she doesn't go into my room anyway," I said.

When we got to my apartment the house was silent. We were able to sneak into my room. Lauren and I shared the bed while Michael slept on an air mattress.

When I finally was in bed I tried to take my glasses off. Lauren grabbed my hand stopping me instantly. "Don't take them off."

"Why, aren't we safe here," I asked?

"We need to register this as a safe house first, so we should probably talk to the King tomorrow," Lauren said, "Until then it's best to keep those on."

"Tomorrows busy, you know I have class right?"

"We can go tomorrow night," She said.

"Fine, if it makes us safer I'll go," I grumbled.

I was not looking forward to talking to the king and looking like an idiot in public. But when I think about it further, I guess it doesn't matter. The game was over my head and impressive beyond any technology I had ever encountered. How did something so advanced get created in a short period of time?