The Masked One - 1

1

The center of the city was filled with buildings of all sizes and shapes, most of them white. A beautiful river ran through the middle in such a way that it divided it in two, and everywhere there were large trees and flowers, creating a pleasant natural image.

Most people would think that such beauty could not be maintained, but there it was, a testament to the sensible behavior of the citizens. Novadía was, without a doubt, a beautiful place.

And, furthermore, it was very peaceful, especially later in the afternoon. I walked calmly against the direction in which the water flowed, barely crossing paths with anyone around me.

I had already done everything I set out to do that day, and all that was left for me to do was going back home and collapse onto my bed, a conclusion I had eagerly been looking for.

Thinking about it I ended up in front of some tall, steep stairs. They were one of the ways to get to the residential area of the city, which consisted mostly of local family homes, including my own.

However, I stopped halfway. To my left were streets and houses, but to my right there was nothing but a large fall to the river. And, since there was a lookout just in front of me, I took some seconds just to stare at the city.

The view at that altitude was incredible, and it made me feel somewhat nostalgic. I thought about everything that had led me here, all the roads I had taken to get to Novadía, the city where my father had once studied as a young man. It was impossible not to smile.

But that smile was not really visible. It was covered by a large piece of wood that had been covering my face for years and had already become a part of me.

Twen:

At eighteen years old I had just moved to Novadía. My hair was almost completely shaved because that is the most comfortable for training, which is very important to me. I used to wear a black T-shirt and comfortable white pants because those colors match the colors of my mask. It's black, it's held up with two thick ribbons that cross behind my head and as a design it has some white lines that look like cracks or lightning bolts. Besides, it covers my mouth and the only thing it allows to be seen are my blue eyes.

To be honest, I was feeling strangely satisfied at the time. But, soon after, a message arrived on my cell phone. It was from my mom, asking me to buy something for her.

I had to turn around and start going downstairs thinking about how, sometimes, my life seemed to be part of a comedy.

…

Eventually, after walking a few streets, I found what I was looking for. Then, as I looked around, I noticed that I did not recognize the place I was in, and out of sheer curiosity I started wandering around instead of going home.

Meanwhile, I began talking alone. An idea had gotten into my head and I just got carried away, which led to a long conversation (actually, a debate) I held by myself, stating both questions and answers.

Twen: ... I understand that omnipotence refers to an unlimited power, but would it make sense to talk about a partial omnipotence? Because that's my case, isn't it?

It was not easy to approach that topic, nor to understand how it occurred to me if a minute ago I was thinking about a fish swimming through Novadía’s River.

Twen: All the theories I've read about object binding say that, when a person binds their emotions to an object, they become able to occupy their powers without limits. That's what they all say, and supposedly it's true, but then they come out with risks and side effects....

What I was referring to were the Vinculated Objects (referred to as OV), a phenomenon that had existed since the beginning of life, but is not at all frequent.

There had been thousands of studies trying to understand this link between emotions and physical objects, but they all had gaps that could never be filled. Even people with an OV were unable to fully understand it.

Twen: First, if you occupy the powers for too long and too intensely, or also after spending a few hours away from the OV, you will suffer headaches... Second, everyone will get a horrible fever that will go away in a few days, but it’s impossible to treat it even with the powers... And third, the bonding can become broken if you have thoughts about ending someone's life, or anything similar.

I kept walking as the conversation in my head dragged on.

This is how I arrived at a simple and very well kept square, which had dirt roads leading to its four corners and joined exactly in the center forming an "X", where a tall statue was located.

That is where its original name, "X-Plaza", came from. I must admit, I found it cute, so I walked around it a few times, but what really filled my thoughts was that strange idea of omnipotence.

Twen: I understand the fundamentals of the OV, and also the belief that, with enough practice, anything can be achieved. But there is always a limit, one way or another... Which would mean partial omnipotence... But then it wouldn't be omnipotence....

I thought about different ways to use the powers. What I had done, or thought, or seen someone else do....

In transforming my body, or that of someone else. Transforming a place, an object, or creating something new...

Physical, psychological, temporal and dimensional transformations...

The more I thought about it, the more confused I became. And, in response to that, my mask began to shake, moving back and forth as if trying to say something.

However, it calmed down after I stopped walking.

The only answer I could come up with was that further pondering on the powers of the OV would get me nowhere, at least at that time, and so I decided to stop.

Moreover, something else had caught my attention.

Right next to me was a slightly old building, although painted in colors pleasing to the eye. It had multiple plants around it and a sign next to the entrance. It was called "X-Café".

It looked great, and after hours of walking around the city without eating anything it seemed to be just right for me.

I made sure I had the necessary money and time before I went in, and I was glad to see that was the case. I had no reason left to refuse.

It was a spacious establishment, with a second floor. And in the center, there was a bar displaying cakes, various beverages and liquors, and also the cashier conveniently positioned for payments. The floor was wooden and the lighting was just right.

I sat at a round table on the first floor and left what I had just bought for mom on the seat next to me. The place was still using their printed menu, which, although not very modern, was well-maintained and had a somewhat elegant feel.

The food variety was impressive, and I thought so just by reading the cakes section, though the prices were not particularly forgiving. In the end, I decided to try something new but simple, which looked pretty sweet.

And just as I thought of that, a woman approached my table and addressed me.

???: Good afternoon.

As I looked up I saw a woman who looked about my age, with blonde hair, violet eyes and an adorable smile. Her apron was the same color as many things in the store, so it was easy to tell what she wanted.

So was knowing her name, as she had a tag on her chest that read "Lani".

Twen: Hello, I'd like to try this mousse with a macchiato, please.

Lani: Okay... Anything else?

Twen: No, that would be all. Thank you very much.

The young woman left and I was left wondering how awkward it was to order a coffee by its name, but I was getting used to it. I then turned my attention back to the menu, as I wanted to find other interesting meals, and maybe something to recommend to others.

My mother, for example... Although that reminded me of my own solitude. I was not the only one in the café without any company, and I used to go out alone when I had time and money, so I was not supposed to feel weird for it. But I did feel something.

There is an undeniable magic in solitude, doing stuff alone, a kind of freedom I cherished. Yet, at times like these, I could not help but long for the company of others, especially for the friends I had left behind, whose memories stirred a bittersweet thrill in my chest.

Twen: Do I look too depressing right now, being all alone? I mean, it's not like I don't have any friends, it's just that none of them live in Novadía... That sounds depressing. But I just have to take it easy, and in due time I'll start meeting people.

My mask shaked again, this time because of nostalgic memories. But the truth is that the atmosphere in the X-Café was too pleasant, and instead of getting depressed I ended up feeling relaxed, as if nothing could really worry me at that moment.

As I said that, I pulled out my cell phone and sent a simple message. It was nothing more than a greeting to my friends who were now miles away from me, but even if they responded the way I did, I would have been quite pleased.

How and when I would meet my first friends in Novadía I had no way of knowing and it was very intriguing. However, it is said that such things come when one is least expecting them.

I put my cell phone back in my pocket, and then a cup appeared in front of me. The young waitress arrived with my coffee and a dessert.

Twen: That was fast. I didn't even get to wonder how much longer until it got here.

Lani: If you need anything else, don't hesitate to let me know.

Twen: Thank you!

She left after answering me with a smile (very captivating, by the way). I loved the ambiance of the place and now I also liked the customer service. All that was missing was the food.

Putting everything else aside I concentrated on what was resting in front of me, and so I could enjoy that magic of being alone. It was, after all, a chance to do things at my own pace, free from the need to please anyone in my company.

I was very interested in that delicacy. A soft, frothy cream (a mousse) combined with a dairy product obtained from cooking milk with sugar. It had a thin yet stiff chocolate coating and a perfect sphere at the bottom.

Paired by my hot, smooth and creamy coffee, the combination was simply excellent. After hours of walking, it offered the relaxation I needed.

I leaned my back in my seat, hugged my coffee and closed my eyes. I could imagine myself in a fully darkened room, where everything would be quiet and silent if I desired it.

I took my due rest, not worrying about anything else.

...

Lani: Excuse me... Excuse me!

Twen: ...? Yes…?

When I opened my eyes again, everything near me was undulating. Within a radius of about two meters from me, the floor and the table were deforming and moving like sea waves

Lani looked a little concerned, and cautiously kept her distance as she tried to get my attention. To do so, she occupied her voice and slowly increased the volume until she saw a reaction.

As soon as I understood what was happening, I felt surprised. I forgot that time was ticking away, and apparently I ended up spending more than an hour sitting with my eyes closed and my mind empty.

That, perhaps, could have been problematic for the café. For me, however, it was evidence that I had truly managed to relax. And my mask was the proof of that.

Relaxation:

The feeling of calm I had was so genuine that my mask reacted, transforming even without me even realizing it. However, its design returned to normal after the waitress talked to me. The deformations around me also stopped.

Lani: I’m very sorry, it was not my intention to bother you. It's just that we have seen you in the same position for a while now and the X-Café should start closing....

Twen: Ah! I'm sorry! I got distracted and lost track of time, but....

I wanted to soon solve the problem I caused, so I got up from my seat while apologizing. However, as soon as my body began to rise, Lani took a step back.

Her posture did not change much. She kept her back straight and an expression on her face like someone trying to be respectful to others, but something was wrong. The two hands she kept in front of her clutched at her apron, wrinkling it mercilessly.

I thought that, perhaps, she wanted to keep her distance, and that was understandable. I preferred to sit down and take out the green card I kept in my wallet.

Twen: I have to pay for what I ordered. How much would it be?

Lani: ... Sorry, could you repeat that?

Twen: How much do I have to pay?

Lani looked really lost, like a robot suffering from a short circuit. However, when I put my green card on the table, something seemed to click in her mind.

Quickly, her attitude changed and she pulled out a small electronic device from her pocket. After placing my thumb in the correct position the card lit up, and with a simple tap on the waitress's device the payment was complete.

I thought it was all settled and I could head home, but when I looked back at Lani her eyes were wide open and fixed on me, and she was smiling too.

Lani: So... What did you think? Judging by your mask I'd say you didn't dislike it, though I wouldn’t want to make any assumptions.

This time, the one who got confused was me. She went from being completely distracted to cheerful and eager to converse, all in a matter of seconds.

I must also admit that her excitement was somewhat catchy.

Twen: What are you saying? I loved it! And by that I mean both the food and the ambiance, which are excellent.

Lani: How nice! We will be happy to welcome you again if you ever decide to come back. And don't forget to check the menu, as you can always find specials or a change, like in the chocolates of the month.

Twen: Chocolates... And you change them monthly?

Lani: Only a few, but there are others that remain available year-round. Are you interested? If you want to see them, they are all displayed in the central bar.

Twen: Your name is Lani, right?

For a moment, the waitress seemed puzzled by how I knew her name, but then she remembered the label on her chest.

Lani: Yes, I am Lani.

Twen: Nice to meet you, I'm Twen. Now tell me, Lani, which are the chocolates of the month?

The thought of tasting a candy that would be gone in a few days (though it would surely return after a while) excited me. Besides, judging by the other things offered by the X-Café, those chocolates were bound to be of excellent quality.

I picked up what I had bought for my mom and, with Lani as my guide, made my way to the central bar. She pointed to a glass-covered counter, beneath which were nine types of chocolates.

The one on the far right was the flavor of the month, but the others looked just as good. I took my time to decide if I was really going to buy one, and if so, which one out of them all.

I probably looked as if I had frozen for a few seconds. But, after a brief pause, I made my choice.

Twen: Lani... I'll take three of the chocolates of the month.

Lani: White chocolate ganache and salted caramel, nice... And as a house gift, I'll offer all three for the price of one.

Twen: Wait, really? But I'm already bothering you guys by staying here so-

Lani: Not at all! Besides, are you a student?

Twen: Yes...

Lani: With the university term about to start, it seems fitting to leave on a high note, don’t you think?

That blonde-haired girl looked really happy as she filled a small paper bag with the chocolates.

I simply paid for them, and then slowly backed out of the X-Café.

Twen: Lani, thank you very much for everything. And sorry for staying so late, I hope you don't have any more problems today.

Lani: Don't worry, come by again anytime!

She remained polite and cheerful until I walked through the exit door.

Once outside, everything felt lonelier and darker, but it was the atmosphere I had to face for my return home. And, truthfully, that was not really bothering me.

I started walking, hoping to actually make it home this time, without being distracted by anything else. But then, I remembered something…

Which way was I supposed to go?

I had not paid attention to the path I took to end up at the X-Plaza, so I really did not know where I was... Yes, I was lost.

But that was not really a problem. At least not for me, who always wears a mask. My OV.

A little concentration was all it took. I stared at the ground, crossed my arms and then dived into my recent memories to recall the route I had taken. And, after a few seconds with my mask shaking, my way home was clear.

With my problem solved, I felt satisfied and set off. It was going to take me about an hour to get home, but fortunately, I enjoyed walking. And, besides, there was one thought that kept me entertained the whole way.

That day, without even trying, I was able to enjoy two very important things. Doing things alone, as always, was nice. But I could not deny that so was talking to that girl, Lani.

Twen: Isn't it ridiculous to make such a big deal out of that? We only talked for like five minutes and I wouldn't even say we had a real conversation. But she seemed like a nice person... Now I'm really curious about the friends I'll make in Novadía.