Beyond Mortals

The harsh beep of Alex's alarm jolted him awake. He groaned, rubbing his eyes and trying to shake off the hazy remnants of his dreams—images of Leannah, the golden ring, and the ever-present threat of the Dark Master. The weight of it all still lingered, even in the daylight.

7:30 AM.

"Another day," Alex muttered to himself as he pushed himself out of bed. His room looked the same—normal, dull, but in a way, it felt like nothing had been normal for a while now.

He went into the kitchen, where the smell of pancakes greeted him. His mom was already standing by the stove, cooking breakfast.

"How was your sleep?" she asked, flipping a pancake without looking at him.

"Alright," Alex replied, grabbing a juice from the fridge and sitting down.

"Alright," she repeated, her voice neutral. She didn't ask for details, didn't press him. She just carried on with breakfast like any other day.

Alex could tell she was trying to keep things normal. He appreciated it, but it didn't help the unease gnawing at him.

After a few more moments, Alex grabbed his backpack and headed out the door, not saying much. Nate was waiting for him at the curb, grinning like usual.

"You're late," Nate joked, his hands jammed into his jacket pockets. "So, anything interesting happen yesterday with you and Leannah?"

Alex froze for a moment, his mind scrambling for an answer. He knew Nate had been there through most of it, aware of the ring, the Nexus, and the crazy world Alex had been thrown into.

"Not much," Alex said quickly, shaking his head. "Just went to the dentist. Got a filling, then went home. Yeah, that's it."

Nate raised an eyebrow but didn't press it. "Right, the dentist. Sure." His tone was teasing, but Alex could tell Nate knew there was more to it. He just didn't push for answers.

They walked to school together, with Nate rambling about games and school gossip. Alex barely listened, his mind still racing with thoughts of Leannah, the ring and the baby he saw.

When they finally reached school, Alex's heart sank. The day felt heavy, like something was coming. And sure enough, as they entered the cafeteria for lunch, Leannah appeared.

She stood by the door, her piercing gaze scanning the room until it landed on Alex. Without waiting for him to say anything, she walked toward him.

"You didn't come ," she said, her voice firm. "I told you we'd meet after your appoinment."

Alex blinked, taken aback. "Oh shoot.... right. I—I forgot. Sorry."

"You don't have the luxury of forgetting anymore," Leannah's eyes narrowed. "This can't wait."

She briefly glanced at Nate, who was watching the exchange with quiet understanding. Nate gave her a nod, like he had been expecting this.

"You both need to be there," Leannah continued, her voice serious. "This is bigger than you think, Alex. Don't make me remind you again."

Alex swallowed, a sense of urgency creeping into his chest. "Yeah, we'll be there," he said, trying to hide the nervousness in his voice.

Leannah gave a curt nod, then turned and walked out of the cafeteria without saying another word.

Nate looked at Alex, his expression unreadable. "What's going on, man? She looked serious. Like... really serious."

Alex ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts racing. "She wants us to meet after school. It's about... everything. The ring, the Nexus... she said it is the only way I will master the ring. And I don't know if we're ready, but we have to go."

Nate shrugged, giving Alex a supportive smile. "If she says it's time, then it's time. I'm in. Whatever happens, you know I've got your back."

Alex felt a wave of relief. With Nate there, he knew he wouldn't have to face whatever came next alone. But even with that, a tight knot formed in his stomach. Something big was coming, and Alex wasn't sure if he was ready for it.

The rest of the school day dragged by, every class feeling like it took twice as long as usual. Every minute was a reminder of the weight Alex was carrying—the ring, the Nexus, the responsibility.

Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Alex grabbed his bag, feeling the tension in his chest tighten. Nate was already waiting by the door, and together, they made their way outside.

The afternoon air was cool as they walked toward the school gates. Alex glanced up and saw Leannah waiting for them at the edge of the parking lot. She stood still, her figure outlined against the fading sunlight, but she didn't wait for them to catch up.

Without a word, she turned and began walking down a path that led behind the school.

"You ready?" Nate asked, his voice calm, though Alex could tell he was feeling the same nervous energy.

"I guess we'll find out," Alex replied, trying to steady his breathing.

They followed Leannah, walking in silence through the quiet school grounds. The trees stretched long shadows on the ground as the day began to fade.

Leannah didn't slow down. "We're going to the Nexus," she said, her voice serious. "It's time for you to understand your power."

Alex's heart raced, both excited and terrified by her words. Whatever was coming, he knew it would change everything.

And with that, they followed her, knowing that there was no turning back.

The air felt heavier as they walked further down the path, the fading light from the school barely reaching them. The streets around them were quiet, almost eerily so. Leannah moved with a sense of purpose, not bothering to look back at them as she led the way. Alex's stomach was in knots, but he tried to push the unease aside.

When they reached a narrow alley between two old buildings, Leannah stopped abruptly, turning to face them. The alley was dark, lit only by the faint glow of streetlights far off in the distance. Alex could feel the shift in the air, like something was waiting to happen.

"This is it," Leannah said, her voice calm but with an edge of urgency. "Nate, you need to keep watch. You won't be able to enter the Nexus."

Nate raised an eyebrow, looking confused. "Wait, what? Aren't I supposed to be following some kind of ritual or something? I thought I was part of this, too."

Leannah met his gaze, her expression serious. "No, only the wearer of the ring and an Immortal can enter the Nexus."

Nate's confusion deepened. "So, I'm stuck out here while you two... go wherever this is?"

Leannah nodded. "It's the way it has to be. The Nexus is tied to the ring, and only those who are bound to it can enter. You'll be fine here, Nate. Just make sure no one else gets too close. The last thing we need is someone stumbling in."

Alex could feel a bit of relief in Nate's words. He understood the weight of what was happening, but he wasn't part of it directly. It didn't make the situation any less confusing, but at least Nate wasn't going to be left in the dark completely.

"I'll be fine, man," Nate said with a grin, trying to mask his nervousness. Just don't take too long, alright?"

Alex smiled back, grateful for his best friend's unwavering support. "Thanks, Nate. I won't. We'll figure this out."

Leannah turned toward the alley's darkened end. "Time is short, Alex. We can't waste any more of it."

With a final glance at Nate, Alex followed Leannah into the shadows. The alley seemed to stretch longer than it should have, like the world around them was bending, warping, as if reality itself was pulling apart.

Leannah led him to a wall at the far end of the alley, and Alex felt a strange pull, a sensation like his whole body was being tugged toward something unseen. The wall in front of them flickered, as if it were a mirage—then, with a soft hum, it split open, revealing a glowing, swirling vortex.

"This is the gateway to the Nexus," Leannah said, her voice low but intense. "Once you step through, you'll be in another place entirely. Time and space don't work the same there. It's... complicated."

Alex's heart pounded in his chest. The air around the vortex crackled with energy, the swirling light a stark contrast to the ordinary world they had just come from. He could already feel the weight of what it meant to step into this other realm. He wasn't just learning to control the ring anymore—he was diving into a deeper, more dangerous world.

"Are you ready?" Leannah asked, her eyes searching his.

"I think so," Alex replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt the ring on his finger growing warmer, almost alive, as if it were responding to the presence of the Nexus.

Leannah nodded once, her eyes softening just a fraction. "Then step through."

Taking a deep breath, Alex stepped forward, his body hesitating just for a moment before he crossed the threshold. As soon as he did, everything around him changed. The world outside the alley, the concrete, the streetlights—everything faded away.

Alex felt himself fall through layers of light and shadow, his senses overwhelmed by the rush of energy surrounding him. The air felt different here—crisp and charged, as though the very atmosphere was filled with ancient power. The colors around him were vibrant and strange, the ground beneath his feet soft, like walking on a cushion of air.

He looked around, taking in the impossible beauty of the Nexus. It wasn't like anything he had ever seen before. The sky was a kaleidoscope of shifting hues—pinks, purples, golds—and the landscape was dotted with strange, glowing trees and crystalline structures. It felt like a dream, yet everything was tangible. Everything was real.

Leannah stood beside him, her eyes scanning the horizon. She seemed unbothered by the overwhelming beauty, her focus entirely on the task ahead.

"This is the Nexus," she said, her voice steady. "Here, you'll be able to learn how to control your powers more quickly. But it's not without cost. This place isn't forgiving, Alex. It will test you."

Alex took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words settle in his chest. He knew this wasn't going to be easy, but it was the only way. The only way to prepare for the fight ahead.

Before he could say anything, a sharp voice echoed behind them.

"Are you sure about this, Leannah?"

Alex spun around to see a figure standing at the edge of the portal. It was Nate. But how could he—?

"Relax, Alex," Nate said with a smirk. "I'm not crossing any more lines than I already have. Just keeping an eye out, like I said."

Leannah sighed, her frustration momentarily showing. "Nate, you're not supposed to—"

"I'm just making sure you don't get yourself into any trouble," Nate interrupted, his grin widening. "I'll keep watch from here. Don't worry about me."

Alex shook his head, still trying to process everything. Nate's presence here, in the Nexus, wasn't supposed to happen. But somehow, Nate was here. And Alex wasn't sure what that meant for the journey ahead.

"Alright," Leannah said finally, her voice resigned. "We'll begin the training. But remember, Alex—there are consequences here. This world doesn't play by the same rules as your own."

Alex nodded, his heart racing. He had no choice but to follow her now. Whatever lay ahead, he had to be ready.

And so, they moved forward, leaving Nate to watch from the shadows, as the swirling light of the Nexus continued to pulse around them.

Leannah led Alex to a clearing within the Nexus, the glow from the ethereal trees casting long, colorful shadows. She stopped, turned toward him, and raised her hand, the wrist ring glowing softly in the light.

"This is it," she said, her voice filled with purpose. "Now we begin."

Alex's heart raced as he took in the sight of the glowing ring, which shimmered with ancient power. This wasn't just a piece of jewelry—it was a key, a symbol of the bond between him and the Nexus, and it was his only chance to learn how to control the abilities that would save both worlds.

Leannah held out the wrist ring, its golden surface reflecting the strange light of the Nexus. "Place your arm over it," she instructed, her voice calm but heavy with the weight of what was about to happen.

Alex nodded, feeling the pressure of the moment. As soon as his wrist touched the ring, a jolt of energy surged through him, much stronger than before. It felt as if the very core of the Nexus itself were reaching into his body, fusing with his essence. His heart pounded, and his mind buzzed with an unfamiliar, overwhelming sensation.

Leannah began chanting softly, the words in a language Alex couldn't understand, but their rhythm resonated deep within him. The ground beneath them trembled, and the air became charged with an electric hum. As the chant continued, the ring grew brighter, its energy intensifying, and Alex felt himself being pulled into the flow of power. His arm throbbed where the ring rested, as though it were bonding to his very skin.

Suddenly, the energy flared, and Alex's entire body stiffened, as if every cell was alive with energy. The world around him blurred—colors, shapes, and sounds faded as the rush of power enveloped him. He could feel the ring pulling him deeper, linking his very being to the essence of the Nexus. His mind expanded, the knowledge of the ring flowing into him like an unstoppable tide.

Then, as quickly as it began, the light faded, and everything became still.

Alex stood frozen for a moment, his heart racing. He looked down at his wrist, where the ring now seemed to pulse with a steady rhythm, as if it had become a part of him. He could feel its power, an undeniable force within him, coursing through his veins. The knowledge—strange and overwhelming—settled into his mind.

Leannah stepped back, watching him closely. "How do you feel?"

Alex shook his head, trying to make sense of the torrent of sensations flooding him. It was like a deep well of power had been unlocked inside him. His hand, now still but tingling with energy, felt completely different. It wasn't just the ring—it was like the very fabric of the Nexus had woven itself into his being.

"I... I don't know," he said, his voice shaky. "I feel... alive. Like I know things. Things I couldn't possibly know. I just feel... connected to it all."

Leannah nodded, her eyes sharp and approving. "That's the ring's power. It's linked you to the Nexus. You can feel its energy now—it's inside you. The movements, the techniques, the way you use the power—it'll come naturally to you from here on out."

Alex raised his arm, feeling the pull of the ring once more. He closed his eyes and focused, trusting his body to guide him. Suddenly, without thinking, he lifted his hand in a fluid motion, and a burst of golden light shot from his wrist, a wave of energy crackling through the air. The light cut through the air with a force that shook the ground beneath him, sending ripples through the Nexus's soft glow.

He stared at his wrist, his chest heaving with a mixture of awe and fear. He hadn't even meant to do that. It was as if his body knew what to do.

Leannah's voice broke through his shock. "You've made the connection. The moves, the energy—you're already one with it, but you'll need to train. Control. Focus. It's all about precision."

Alex blinked, still trying to process everything. "But I didn't even think about it. I just... did it."

"That's the power of the ring," Leannah said with a small smile. "But it's dangerous if not controlled. You'll need to learn to harness it—to make it your own, not let it control you."

Alex nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her words. This power inside him was incredible, but it was also unpredictable, raw. He would need to master it before it consumed him.

Just then, Nate's voice called out from the edge of the clearing. "Hey, man! That was crazy! You just—"

Nate stopped mid-sentence, his eyes wide as he took in the sight of Alex's glowing wrist. "Dude, that's—how does it feel?"

Alex turned to Nate, still stunned by the power that flowed through him. "It's... intense. I don't even know how to explain it. But it's like I know how to do things now, without even thinking."

Nate gave a short laugh, though there was awe in his voice. "Yeah, that was insane. You've got to teach me how to do that... just kidding," he added quickly, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Leannah glanced at Nate with a raised eyebrow. "You're not supposed to enter the Nexus. Stay on the perimeter and keep watch. That's your role here."

Nate raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, I'm just saying, if you two ever need help, I'm right here. Just... be careful, okay?"

Leannah turned back to Alex, her expression softening slightly. "The training has just begun. But now, you know the basics. You've connected with the ring, and its power is yours. But remember—control is everything."

Alex nodded, the weight of her words settling in. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was ready. He had to be.

After the ritual, Alex stood, still reeling from the surge of power coursing through him. The golden light from his wrist ring shimmered, and for a moment, he felt invincible. The knowledge of the ring, the Nexus, and the power that flowed within him was almost overwhelming.

Nate, standing a little farther back, was staring at Alex in awe. "Dude, that was insane!" he exclaimed. "You just... did that?"

Alex couldn't even form words. His chest was still heaving from the energy that had flooded through him, his mind racing to understand what had just happened.

But something was off. Alex's gaze shifted to Nate, who was standing strangely still. His face was flushed, and his posture was stiff, as though he was struggling to breathe.

"Nate?" Alex asked, his voice filled with concern.

Nate's expression twisted, and he took a few unsteady steps forward, holding a hand to his chest. "Man... I don't feel right," he muttered, his breathing becoming shallow.

Leannah's sharp eyes flicked to Nate, and she immediately stepped forward, her voice tense. "Nate, you shouldn't be here. You've been exposed to the air in the Nexus for too long."

Nate blinked, confusion in his eyes. "What... what do you mean?"

Leannah looked at him, her tone firm but laced with concern. "The Nexus is a realm that isn't meant for mortals. The oxygen levels here are different. Your body... it can't handle it for too long. You're not accustomed to this place. It's starting to affect you."

Nate swayed slightly, his hand gripping his head as if the world around him were spinning. "This is... weird. I feel dizzy, like... my body can't keep up with it."

Alex's heart raced in panic. "Leannah, what do we do?"

Leannah's face softened, but her gaze was urgent. "Nate, you need to leave. Now. If you stay any longer, you risk permanent damage. The air here—it's not the same as on Earth. It's not meant for humans." She turned to Alex, her expression hardening once again. "Alex, you need to focus. This is your responsibility now. Nate can't stay here, and you'll need to handle the next part of your training alone."

Nate, looking disoriented, started to back away. "Alright, alright. I'll go, just... I feel like I'm about to pass out." He turned to Alex, a weak smile on his face. "Hey, man, you've got this. Don't let the ring get the best of you, alright?"

Alex nodded, his worry for Nate overshadowing everything else. He felt a strange tug, a pull between his loyalty to his best friend and his need to understand the ring and the Nexus. But he knew Leannah was right—Nate's safety came first.

"Go," Alex urged, his voice tight with concern. "Get out of here, Nate."

Nate gave one last wave, his face pale and stricken with exhaustion, before stumbling back toward the clearing's edge. He didn't even look back. Alex watched as his friend disappeared, making his way out of the Nexus, and the weight of the responsibility settled even more heavily on his shoulders.

Leannah turned to Alex, her gaze softening as she watched him. "This is why only immortals can stay in the Nexus. It's a harsh reality, but it's one you must accept."

Alex swallowed, feeling the growing sense of isolation. "I didn't know. I didn't know it could do that to him."

"Don't blame yourself. Nate's mortal. The Nexus is dangerous for him. But for you... this is where your true training begins. The next steps are yours alone."

She paused, watching him carefully before continuing. "Are you ready for the next phase?"

Alex nodded slowly, but his mind was still on Nate. He couldn't help but wonder how much longer he could balance both worlds, both responsibilities.

Leannah gave him a reassuring nod. "Good. Because time is running out. The Dark Master grows stronger. But before you can face him, you need to master the ring's power... and that means we must begin your real training."