Black and White - 5

5

I left my room with a large bottle in my hands, shaped like a magic potion and with the logo of a foreign company on the front.

When I got to the living room, I placed the bottle on the small table in front of the sofa, then sat down.

Right there, squeezing a red stress ball, was Lani. Her gaze was fixed on the ceiling, even though there really was nothing interesting there.

Lani: So… You're saying I'm not the first person who asks to use your powers?

Twen: Of course not! All my good friends in Karima did.

Lani: I still think it's a little immoral to ask you... I’m sorry.

Twen: Don't worry! I think it would be even weirder if you didn't ask me.

Lani: Well, you could have said that before…

Twen: I didn't know what you would think if I told you directly and I didn't want to make you uncomfortable, so I waited to hear it from you.

Lani: But then you laughed! I told you and you laughed!

Twen: That… That was to cheer you up! Yeah.

Lani spoke as if she were upset, but it was clear that, above all, she was relieved.

I grabbed the potion I had just left on the table and showed it to her.

Twen: Well, Lani, this is all we need. A bottle of blackberry-flavored V-Lixir. I figured that flavor would be just right for this situation.

Lani: So I’m supposed to drink that? Wasn’t it dangerous for my body?

Twen: Don't worry about it. As long as you listen to what I say, you'll be fine.

Lani: Okay… Thanks for this.

I stood up and handed the bottle to Lani. Then I walked around the couch and, from behind, placed my hands on her shoulders.

Twen: When you're ready, take a sip or two of the drink. I'll start doing my thing, and you'll feel something strange flow inside your body. At that point, you can do something, anything, though it's best to keep it simple so you don't overexert your body.

Lani: And that's it?

Twen: Of course. What else did you expect?

Lani: I don’t know, something like… I don’t know.

Certainly, Lani still had her doubts about it. But, even with everything that it entailed, Lani decided to open the bottle and quickly reacted to the aroma.

Lani: Oh, it smells really good! Like blackberry.

Twen: I wonder why…

She let out a short laugh and then looked at the contents of the bottle. Gas bubbles rose through the bluish-purple liquid.

Finally, she brought the bottle to her lips and took a sip. It was quick, and the amount of the content barely lowered, but it should have been enough.

Twen: So? How are you? How are you feeling?

Lani: It tastes good, but I don't feel anything strange yet.

She said this as she placed the lid back on. But soon after, I felt her heart beat faster and stronger, and her body warming up. That was exactly what I expected, a strong response in an ordinary human body.

Lani placed a hand on her chest, but before she could say anything I started doing my thing.

You could say her body was expending energy without restraint. My job, then, was to regulate her exhaustion by constantly supplying new energy from the same source as the powers of my OV.

That detail transformed that energy into something more than just fuel. Its nature was just as strange as my powers, and therefore also held enormous and inexplicable potential.

Twen: What about now? Do you feel something?

Lani: Yeah… It's like…

Twen: Like your veins and arteries had been emptied and then filled with something other than blood, right?

Lani: I… I was actually thinking about those candies that explode in your mouth… But that was only in the beginning. Oddly enough, I think it's pretty much like you said now.

Twen: That means you can start now.

Lani: And how do I do that?

Twen: I'd like to explain it to you, but it's actually a bit complicated, since I'd need to know how the inside of your head works… But the basics are always the same. Right now, you can try anything, and with that, it might happen, but you have to visualize it clearly in your head and do it with confidence.

Lani: Sure…

Although she did not seem entirely convinced, she closed her eyes to concentrate. She took it seriously, and for good reason.

It was the first (and perhaps the last) time she had the opportunity to do literally anything, and I had already experienced the impact of such a thought. Surely, whatever she attempted, she would do it with the fear of making mistakes.

Lani worked hard to form an image in her mind, and this was quickly accompanied by a physical sensation in her hands. She began to move her fingers as if trying to identify something through touch alone.

Since everything was going well, I too began to fulfill my role and allowed the powers of my OV to manifest through her thoughts. My mask shook.

Lani did not lose her focus, and without opening her eyes, she managed to make something happen. From the palm of her hands, threads of fabric appeared, intertwining to form an ever-larger object.

Production slowly became more consistent, and Lani was able to bring her vision to life. It was a fuzzy, light blue blanket with a picture of a cat in the center.

Slowly Lani opened her eyes, and as soon as she saw what she had created she was shocked and let out a loud scream.

Lani: Ah! Twen!

Twen: What?!

Lani: It worked! I really just created something out of nothing… Look!

Twen: Yes, it seems so. Congratulations!

Her face seemed to be glowing with happiness at what she had just achieved. She turned around to proudly show me the blanket. However, in doing so, she also prevented me from touching her shoulders.

Lani: This really is… Ah, my head.

Twen: Yeah, it would have been better if you had taken a few seconds before moving like that…

Lani: But anyway, this is so cool! Doing something like this… Seriously… Thank you so much.

After saying that, she lay down on my couch and covered herself as if she was ready to go to sleep.

Twen: Lani, are you okay?

Lani: Doing this actually made me sleepy… I could go to sleep right now…

Twen: I understand, but you still have to go home. And I'd also recommend you drink some water, or you'll wake up with a headache.

Lani: Hmm … Yes.

I went to the kitchen, which was less than ten meters away from us, and came back with a glass of cold water for Lani.

However, when I returned it was too late.

Twen: Lani? Tell me you're still awake...

She was not. And judging by past experiments, he was not going to wake up anytime soon.

I tried to think of a way to get her home without causing a fuss, and the first thing that came to mind was to have her appear in some random corner of her room, but that did not sound very good.

And at the same time, I was starting to feel exhausted too. My head started to hurt, and I could not think as quickly as usual. That is why I decided that, for that night, I would let her sleep there.

Before I left, I placed a pillow under her head, covered her with another blanket to make sure she did not get cold, and just because I thought she might like it, I left a small scented candle on the table.

Finally, I created a large curtain separating Lani's section of the house from the rest of the house, thinking it would give her a little more privacy. I felt a sharp pain in my head after doing this.

Then I poured a second glass of water, this time for myself, and after a big yawn and with no desire to do anything else for the day, I went to my room.

…

In the morning, the weather was simply beautiful. Rays of light streamed through the windows, and the temperature did not make me feel hot or cold.

The large curtain I had created the day before was still there. I could not see through it, so I could not be sure about what happened on the other side, but I had a good idea of what might have occurred to Lani when she woke up.

First, the light must have been responsible for interrupting her sleep.

Then, she probably felt a dry throat and a growing headache, which the glass of water she saw in front of her must have helped with.

I hope she also smelled some of the scent of the candle I left and liked it…

Finally, after the gears in her brain were properly in motion, she realized she was not home. That must be why she looked scared and confused when she peeked her head out from between the curtains.

She froze when she saw me, already up, showered, and dressed. I was standing in the kitchen, holding a frying pan, humming the song playing in my headphones.

Twen: Good morning! Lani, you woke up just in time. I just started making some scrambled eggs, and I've made enough for you to eat too. Although, if you'd prefer something else for breakfast, just let me know. I can literally get you anything you want...

Lani: Twen…? Why am I…? My head hurts… What happened?

I saw Lani slowly trying to remember what had happened while holding her aching head, so I helped her remember.

Once the situation was cleared up, Lani got up and headed to the bathroom, but not before handing over the glass I had left within her reach yesterday, although this time it was empty.

When she returned, she was rubbing her eyes and slumped her shoulders, but she looked much less dejected after washing her face and combing her hair a little. She sat down across from me, where everything was already set up for breakfast.

Lani: Thank you so much… And I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I feel like I did something really strange last night.

Twen: Don't worry, everything's fine. Do you want scrambled eggs with sausage and tomato?

Lani: Oh, that sounds good.

Twen: It's something we usually do at home when we're in a good mood.

And I, that day, was very happy to be able to welcome someone into my home, for many reasons. However, for Lani, it seemed a bit different.

What happened last night could be summed up (being somewhat negative) as her asking me for something she herself considered selfish, coming to my house at night and unannounced, doing what she wanted and then falling asleep...

Looking at the situation from her point of view, there was reason to feel somewhat uncomfortable.

I could tell Lani was trying to put manners before her embarrassment, but her cheeks were still slightly flushed and she was not making much eye contact.

Changing that was my job.

Twen: So? How is it? Does it taste good, at least?

Lani: Of course. Looks like you know how to cook, too.

Twen: Well, I try… You know, Lani, I've always wanted to do something like this. To be able to properly welcome someone as a homeowner and make them feel comfortable.

Lani: Really? Why?

Twen: Because so many people have been so kind to me, and I'd like to be able to thank them by returning the favor. Like you, for example... If you think about it, what I'm doing right now isn't that different from what you've done for me so many times, even the day we met.

Lani: But that's my job...

Twen: And you do it very well! Every time I go to the X-Café, I leave with a big smile and completely satisfied. Even from my first visit… In fact, I'd say I've wanted to become your friend ever since.

Lani: Twen… Even with all the trouble I've caused you… I don't understand you. Sometimes I think this whole thing isn't right…

Twen: Well, there have been ups and downs, I can't deny it... But that makes the story more fun. Besides, you were honest enough to explain your problem to me. You said you wanted to learn and improve, and I think you've really tried, which is worthy of respect... And I'll admit that I'm also amused that someone wants to learn about me and my mask.

Her gaze was fixed on her glass, which was still full since she was not drinking from it. She seemed conflicted, until her violet eyes decided to look at me.

Lani: Twen… About yesterday, can we talk about that a little?

Twen: Sure! What's up with that?

Lani: Don't you think you took it too lightly? You didn't even ask me about my reasons for wanting to use your powers.

Twen: Well, it's only natural that you'd want to try using my powers. I think everyone in the world is curious and would like to try it...

Lani: But aren't you worried about what I might have tried to do?

Twen: You were using my powers. That means I could decide the limitations, and anything you tried had to be approved by me, otherwise I would have stopped it… But I have to admit, there's one thing I still don't fully understand.

Lani: What thing?

Twen: Being able to do so many things, and especially you, who must have thought about it so much... Why did you decide to just make a blanket? Is that the best thing you could come up with?

Lani: It's a good blanket, okay?

Her cheeks blushed a little again, and I could not help but laugh a little. However, my curiosity was real, and I wanted to hear her answer.

Lani: It's a little embarrassing, but the truth is... I tried to copy you.

Twen: Copy me? What do you mean? When did I make a blanket with a kitty on it?

Lani: Not that! … It’s because, the way you use your powers, I like it.

My heart skipped a beat when I heard her say that.

Lani: I've only met one person with an OV other than you, and I don't really know how to describe the way they use their powers. Maybe carefree or reckless... But with you, that's different.

Twen: Is it?

Lani: You use your powers for what's needed at the moment, often just for fun, and you do it in a way that feels effortless… But even so, it's obvious that you take it seriously and with care, considering the risks and repercussions… At least that's what I think, and I like it.

My heart skipped a beat, once again.

Twen: But what does that have to do with the blanket?

Lani: I wanted to experience the feeling of using powers, but I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. So I went with the first thing that came to mind...

Twen: And since you were tired, the first thing you thought about was going to sleep...

Lani: Yes, and so I did… Thank you so much for helping me. For this, and for showing me a new perspective on the OV. I still can't thank you enough…

Twen: Really? I'd say you already did it… Although I wouldn't mind if you kept trying!

When I said that, Lani's eyes widened and she looked at me. And soon after, we both laughed.

Maybe there were more things I needed to worry about at the time, and the same for Lani, but we did not think it was the right time for that... We just enjoyed a quiet breakfast together, with no regrets.

Twen: By the way… How is your head?

Lani: Hmm … It hurts!

Twen: You can take one of those pills to feel better.

Lani: Thank you…

…

After eating and cleaning, as well as removing the large curtain I had created the day before, we lay down on the couch. We turned on the TV, and on the news, a thin old man with a beret appeared. He was an OV carrier.

However, we paid no attention to her. We were busy talking about the previous day.

Twen: … Seriously. Ever since we got to Jean's house, her attitude changed. No, actually, ever since we mentioned it.

Lani: You noticed?

Twen: She even knew where they kept the popcorn! And she took them out without saying anything. That doesn't seem like something she would normally do...

Lani: Actually, it seems Noe has always been like that, but only when she's with Jean. She told us that her family is somewhat strict, and that's why she tries to be very proper most of the time. But when she was little and met Jean, seeing how different he was from her, she wanted to be his friend.

Twen: I guess it makes some sense… And if you put it that way, I believe I can think of times where I could see parts of one reflected in the other.

Lani: Maybe because they were so different, they inevitably learned a little about each other…

Twen: Would you say something similar happened with you and Zena?

Lani: It's possible... We're not complete opposites like they are, but I would say I've learned a thing or two from her... Or a lot more than that... Especially from her energetic and cheerful attitude.

As she spoke, Lani delved into her memories and seemed to find more than she had initially been able to recall. Her lips formed a smile.

Twen: You seem happy thinking about that.

Lani: Yes… I'm so happy I met Zena.

That feeling, so human and real, is something I could also understand, because I had also met people who, among many things, had been able to support me on my journey.

Some of them, sadly, were no longer with me, but my gratitude toward them would not fade with distance or time. They had already left their mark on my life.

That slowly turned into a shower of good feelings for which we had not brought an umbrella... But still, there are days when the weather can change very drastically.

A sound came from one of Lani's pockets, and after staring at her phone for a few seconds, she gave me a look of surprise.

Lani: It's a text from my mom… She's asking what time I'll be back from Zena's house.

Twen: So that's what you told her... Well if you need to get home now, then I can help you.

Lani: I'd love to stay a little longer to talk, but I'd rather avoid any misunderstandings.

Twen: Tell me about it…

Thinking about my position made me remember how, at times, my life seemed to be part of a comedy.

Anyway, Lani said she had to get home, so I jumped up and immediately started hopping around and bouncing my shoulders.

I hoped that way I could warm up, the same way I would if I were about to exercise.

Lani grabbed her things, including her comfy blanket, and then headed toward the front door, but I had a different plan.

I only had to concentrate for a few seconds, and I was able to harness my powers. A green light emerged from my body and spread across the room, and the next.

Also through the garden, the streets, the river, the X-Café… It moved through Novadía like a kind of sensor looking for the place that had previously been a destination for us.

After finding Lani's house, I looked over at her and could see her expectant face.

Twen: Are you ready?

Lani: Yes…

I stood in front of her, hoping she would pay attention to what I was about to do. Then, I opened my palms wide.

I stretched my arms out as far as they could go. And then, with all my strength, I brought them together in a loud, echoing clap.

The noise, both from the impact and the rattling of my bracelets, was very powerful. But that was not all. At the exact moment the sound was created I used my teleportation power, so precisely that I managed to torn the sound waves in half

My applause could not only be heard inside my home, but also outside the building in front of us.

I really would have liked to hear some kind of comment from Lani, but instead, I found myself staring at a completely disoriented person. She put a hand over her mouth and ran into a nearby bush, but before the worst happened, she seemed to recover.

In the end, I did not get a single compliment from her... But what does it matter? I was proud of having achieved it, and that was enough for me.

Lani: I'm still not used to appearing somewhere else just like that...

Twen: Ah, sorry…

Lani: No, no, it's okay. It's my problem.

Twen: Anyway, we're already at your house and it couldn't have been faster.

Lani: That is true…

She stared at the entrance of the building for a few seconds and then turned her gaze in my direction.

Lani: Our second semester at university is about to begin… Do you have any plans?

Twen: Plans? I was thinking of trying to keep going as I have been, because I believe everything has gone pretty well so far…

Lani: I’m glad to hear it.

Twen: And it will also be my birthday on October 31st, so I have to think about how to celebrate it-

Lani: Your birthday?! We have to meet then!

Twen: Sure, that's what I'd like most... And what about you? Any plans for this new semester?

Lani: Me? … Just like you said, I'd like to continue as I have been. I think I've taken a good path, and I'd like to keep walking along it.

Twen: Really? So it's been a good year so far?

Lani: Yes, definitely…

Her violet eyes looked at me as happy as the smile that formed her lips, and such emotion adhered to me.

Lani turned around and walked to the door of the building. But before she went in, turning around to face me, she said goodbye.

Lani: Thanks, Twen… See you!

Twen: Of course!

After giving me one last smile, she hid behind the large door, leaving me alone on the street.

I was happy, with a warm heart…

But slowly, a feeling of loneliness began to grow.

A sensation I was used to, one that used to compel me to move my body. I did not care whether it was to the left or right, north or south, I just started walking.

Once again, my head was filled with ideas. I thought about what I was doing at that very moment, what I had done before, and what I planned to do next…

Things I had experienced, thought about, and desired…

Things I had hated, things I had loved, and things I was determined to improve…

And I was happy, anyway. My black mask shook in response to my heartbeat.

Then, I remembered a phrase I had read not too long ago:

"In this world, full of small worlds within it, thinking that we will never know one of them completely is terrifying, but it is also true, and that is precisely why it becomes our greatest motivation."