I look at the panel in front of me. Really now, it's not even Christmas. The 'bonus' feels more like something granted by a wish for reincarnation—but who am I to complain?
And with the last one, I got a free rein to travel the worlds out there. This is awesome… though it probably comes with some hidden condition.
After a while, I sense people approaching. I glance in their direction, leaving the inspection for later, and head toward them.
After some small talk, we move inside and settle in the living room.
"So why do we have this meeting?" asked Viola, a 6.5-foot-tall woman with blond hair and green eyes.
I look around. "It's time to go outside, so I was wondering if you guys want to come too."
"Yay! Finally, we get to see the outside!" the twins shouted at the same time, bouncing around the room. Ruby, a redhead, and Lapis, with deep blue hair, both stand 5'6" and share the same excited grin.
"Finally, I'll be able to taste the booze outside," gulped a short, middle-aged man with brown hair, a bushy beard, and metallic eyes.
sigh "You and your alcohol obsession… Sorry, Leo, but I won't be going. Still, if you need help, I'll be there," said Loyd, an older man with gray hair and eyes.
He's the type to laze around unless something serious happens.
I turn to Elesabith and Viola, who are petting six-year-old twins sleeping beside them.
"Me too. I'm more comfortable here. Just send me some good music," Elesabith says. Her daughter nods in agreement. "I'll follow Kali."
"Okay, so that makes me, Kali, Ruby, Lapis, Viola, and Flint going. Also… where the hell is Aura?"
sigh They answer together: "Recharging."
Yup. That girl is energetic all the time, but the moment she sleeps, not even a raging storm can wake her. That's why we call it recharging.
"Alright, let's decide on a background story to work with," I say, noticing their confused looks. I continue.
"Well, I was thinking we should forge identities to use. We'll need housing, money, and legal papers. I'll use my magic to alter our identities."
I don't want to talk about Sophia, so magic is the best cover. Technically, I'm not lying. They look surprised, then nod, giving me the green light.
After a moment of thinking, I grab a notebook and start writing. Once ready, I explain:
"Let's go with this: Kali and I are brothers. Our parents died in an accident when we were young. I stopped going to school to support my little brother while studying at home. Since Kali is our chief doctor here, I'll make him a genius doctor, graduating at twenty-three—one year younger than me—so he can work at the hospital immediately. Ruby and Lapis will be our cousins, whom we're taking care of while their mother works overseas. They'll attend high school there. Viola will play the role of Kali's fiancée. Finally, Flint is a family friend we meet before moving out, and Loyd will be his brother."
I pause to see them nodding along.
"Then comes the family setup. I'll make it so I have a lucrative job—no one will question where our cash comes from—and start a company. That should do it for now. Anyone want to add something?"
They all look impressed.
"You'd make a great author! How about making yourself a writer?" Viola jokes.
I know she's teasing, but it's a bright idea. Sonia, are there books like 'Harry Potter,' 'Game of Thrones,' or Marvel Universe here?
I nod and answer Viola, "I'll do that—along with a tech company. Oh, and cars. I love cars." My answer stops her laughter.
She sighs, standing up and picking up Dave and Ivan, heading upstairs. "I'll put the kids to bed and go to sleep. I'm tired." She turns to the others: "Since we're heading out tomorrow, pack up and let him work his mag…ice? Gosh, sounds like a joke with you around. Good night."
Once she leaves, the room fills with laughter.
"Okay, do as she said, and put your vehicles in the storage bracelets. We'll need them later."
Everyone heads off to pack, leaving me alone.
I lean back on the sofa. "Sonia, can you open the background setting?"
Of course, but I can proceed as you described before. Shall I?
"Oh! Yes, please. But Star published the books one year after the parents' death. Build me a house near Charles's, just make it comfortable."
On it.
In a flash of light, the table fills with papers, IDs, and detailed information on how and when everything in the background happened—for example, the first volume of HP is published under the pen name 'Silver' on June 12, 2001, the second in October 2001, and so on.
The next day, after breakfast, I hand out papers (IDs, driving licenses, passports), explain the details, and give everyone their marks. Mine is on the right side of my neck, same as Kali's and Viola's.
I look at Elesabith and pet my little twins. "See you later."
"Sonia, send us close to Forks six months before Bella goes there," I instruct.
Affirmative.
We disappear.
Forks, 30 miles west road
Three men and three women appear out of nowhere, looking around.
"Finally… here," says a man with snow-white hair and sky-blue eyes, seven feet tall with a lean build, a huge smile spreading across his face. He breathes in the crisp forest air, the scent of pine and rain tickling his nose.