The Demoness of Chengdu

 The repetitive thump-thump-THUD of a soccer ball striking the cinderblock wall vibrated through Sam’s desk. He flinched, snapping his mechanical pencil lead against the dense organic chemistry formula on his notebook. Dark smudges stained the page where his finger had dragged across it in frustration. Outside the window, adjacent to his university's apartment-style dormitories facing the field, laughter erupted. Sam rubbed his temples. He’d chosen this room specifically – close to the library, away from the louder frat rows. He hadn’t accounted for the adjacent soccer field used obsessively by the college team, or his specific sensitivity to rhythmic bass-like pounding.  Who plans something like this anyway? The dorm security made excuses for them, not a bit of support for him. Oh you should stay out later? Why are you in the room so early? Didn't they realise how demanding this subject was? What's that? A darn college is made for sports not for studying? Of course! My log...

(Human Paladin to Drow Female Sorceress)   Methur's footsteps echoed for untold distances, his mind struggling to fill the absence of the other senses. Finally he found it. The Paladin in the sun-etched plate approached the altar carefully. This was the experience he needed. How could they doubt his dedication to the order now? Evil artifacts were everywhere in the Upper Dark and the Drow were always patrolling close by. He began chanting a cleansing spell. Dark ichor bled from its edges, but he remained in prayer. In an instant, he felt like he’d been impaled through his back as he was lifted up on the spot. What was this? Gods, arghhhhhh. His blue eyes flickered. Fight... someone was trying to overwhelm his divine magic barrier.  “Our pact is fulfilled Drow. I kept your memories. Now let me fight the Blood War in peace.” The almost bored devilish voice said. The altar shattered into pieces. “But remember we will have you eventually. Despite your persistent efforts.” He felt ...

 Daniel rolled his suitcase onto the bed and back kicked the door closed. The room was pleasantly cool. What a thoroughly enjoyable all expenses paid trip to Japan. He had snapped a couple of shots of fringe weirdos like a man dressed as a power ranger playing a guitar, ate some sashimi and checked out Osaka castle. Yet, despite the fun of the day, he had a headache that didn’t bode well for tomorrow. The shit was on its way. It was like the pressure or a hand pushing at the back of his head. Then it got worse. He felt confused, like time was moving slowly. Reality was a whirlpool that he couldn’t re-orientate himself in. After a few hours he found himself in front of the mirror pouting his lips and tossing hair back. Then, crushing agony on his crotch. He wanted to yelp or scream, he couldn’t move his lips.  He laughed maniacally. “Wait.. why can’t I stop laughing.” “Daniel-san “ His facial bones clicked and almost seem to pull into a hundred pieces as every little muscle mov...

“Do we have anyone new here today?” Alex stared pointedly at the unfamiliar ginger man and smiled. They tightened their lips and shifted their feet. “Don’t be shy. As I said on the phone. No one should be ashamed of who they are… or what they did.” “I think it was a mistake coming here.” He started to sit up and some of the others sighed. “No, you meant it or you wouldn’t have drove hundreds of kilometers to get here. Please sit.” The man looked at the door and sat back down. “Look, my alter ego is… is…can I even...” “Say her name. You need to take her power away from you.” Alex said firmly. “My… alter ego is Michelle.” “Now what is your name?” Alex said firmly. The man put his head on his forehead. “I’m Jason.” Everybody clapped, then sat back. Alex smiled at Jason. Others introduced themselves but of particular note was a detective from the Austin police department and a businessman from Dallas. Both involuntary users. Both given Bodymod with racial modifiers. Their relative positio...