School was over again before I knew it. It was still nice outside so I decided to walk home. It wasn't something I did often, as the house was 4 miles away, but we had got out early and it was a perfect day. The city bustled around me with a vibrant energy that always inspired me. Spirits flee through the bright purple skies, others sit on top of their souls heads or around their arms.
Most of them were only minor spirits drawn to minor talents, but there were hundreds. I was one of the very few that had yet to meet a spirit. Most smaller ones tried to avoid me if they didn't have a soul.
A swish of air runs through the crowd as a major spirit and their soul lands. My eyes wandered to the scene. Kage Lee was one of the most talented artists in the entire city. His spirit was so strong that she could even fly with Kage on her back. I moved on before anyone noticed I was staring.
As I moved out of the thrum of the city, when my ears perked up. "Come on, I am sure one of us is talented enough for a weak spirit like yourself...", "Yay, thievery is an art. I'm sure with your help our talent will go through the roof!"
"You know that's not how it works," Geo said from the outside of the alley way, holding his phone up to show the crooks that he had called 911. They grumbled but ran off, leaving the weakened spirit behind. "Idiots trying to force a high spirit into anything," he said under his breath. Then he kneeled down to the spirit, it seemed to be almost part of the shadow behind it. It was small for a high spirit, but he wasn't one to judge. "So, do you need any more help?"
The spirit looked up at this strange boy. He had an imposing aura that would drive a lesser spirit away, yet he was...kind? Making up its mind, the spirit clung to his shadow. Geo chuckled, "I guess I am taking you home for now then." He stood and made his way out of the alley. He gave a quick testimony to the cop, and showed her the shy little spirit.
"It seems to be attached to you for now, take good care of it. It's probably a new one, that's why it is so small. Getting attacked by thugs is no way to start a life in a new world."
"Yes ma'am, don't worry." He smiled up at her before running off. "There are a few other spirits that live at our house, but you probably won't see them around. My entire family is talented in something. You will probably feel right at home, even more than I do."
When he got home, the house was once again empty. He took the spirit to his room, but it wouldn't leave his shadow, not that he was surprised. He shook his head before heading down stairs once again to make dinner. That when he saw the list of chores he mom had laid out, as well as payment from the rest of the family for someone else to do their chores. As the only one left he decided it was just best to get them done.
Why? You shouldn't have to do it alone.
Geo ignored his inner thoughts and got to work, he was getting paid, after all. The dusting and Landry went by quickly, then there was cleaning up the bathroom and vacuuming. He had just finished as the pizzas got done.
His siblings got home first, grabbing a paper plate and dinner before heading to their rooms without another word. At least his mother thanked him as she grabbed dinner for herself. He was surprised when his dad didn't show but chalked it up to his football game going into overtime. He put the food in the fridge and headed to his room.
You would think such a talented family would be better connected...
Rolling his eyes, Geo put his frustration, built up, and bottled up emotions into his writing, watching as his characters helped him process his emotions. This was his true secret to his successful writing career. Who knew his eldest siblings getting spirits would lead to several selling books!
Are you sure that's a good thing?
Again ignoring his inner thoughts, Geo got back to writing, letting his emotions flow into the paper. He was in his comfort place, the place he could truly belong. He wrote for several hours, ignoring the reminders in the back of his mind to take a break and to go to sleep.
It was once again ground midnight before he went to bed, happily tired after writing three full chapters, and reviewing two more. He was content with his hard work and fell asleep instantly.
What an imagination even when working too hard...too much pain for one person to bare...I can help, all you have to do is ask...
When Geo woke up, it was to a very pouty shadow spirit.