The Game We Play

Chapter Seven

Ash walked into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. Thinking about it, Charlie could've locked it and everything would've been fine. But no, of course that chaotic boy didn't. Ash started brushing her messy hair and glanced at herself in the mirror. She noticed something odd. Her left shoulder looked like it was almost... glowing? Before she knew it, the phoenix feral she had manifested was perched there. She looked at her shoulder, but there wasn't anything actually there. It was all in the reflection.

"I am Lyra." a voice sounded through her head. "Your spirit has awoken my guardian's form and I wish to aid you in your coming endeavor."

This wasn't real. Was she still dreaming maybe? When Ash pinched herself, she felt the pain sharply. Oh god, this was actually happening.

"I- I'm Ash...?" she nervously sputtered.

The bird's eyes seemed to grow soft in their gaze.

"Child, you need not be afraid. I am but a long distant memory, I cannot hurt you."

"W- Why me sir..? How did I awake your guardian?" Ash asked, attempting to steady her voice.

"Why, your powerful spirit called out for a guardian. No normal guardian can take on a spirit as exceptionally strong as yours is, so my phoenix answered its call. It seems you aren't as familiar with Ludum as most are. Tell me child, why do you call so strongly?"

Ash couldn't stop the tears that rolled down her cheeks from his question.

"I need to save my littler brother, sir. He's the only blood family I've got left and I... I can't lose him." she admitted.

"It seems another wishes to fight for your manifestation..." the voice said, his soud getting fainter along with the illusion of the phoenix.

"Wait! I have so many questions! What do you mean!" she shouted.

Suddenly she was aware of a comforting icy chill. It seemed almost... familiar.

"Ashley Robins." a different voice spoke. "I have come to make you a deal."

Ash, now scared half to death by the paranormal activity taking place around her just nodded, her eyes wide with confusion and terror.

"My name is Psyche. I know your spirit has reached out for the phoenix, but I'd like to offer you a separate choice. My guardian is the snow leopard, a creature revered for it's unique skills in Ludum."

Ash was confused. What was Ludum? Was a guardian the animal she had seen in the mirror before? She realized she had been looking at the towel rack and turned back to the mirror. A sleek glowing cat was standing beside her in the reflection.

"It seems you may need some time to deliberate your choice Miss Ashley. When you have come to a conclusion, simply call my name. I shall be waiting."

Unlike the first... thing... the second one disappeared immediately. Ash stared at herself in the mirror. The brush in her hand fell to the floor.

What the fuck had just happened.

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Oh boy! Plot! We're getting into the inner workings of the story here and we're not stopping here. Stay safe everyone! <3