You had never felt such pain before.

Then again, you'd never really be hurt like this before. You were 12, why would you have been in a situation to make you bleed this much? Your body was limp and sore. The cuts on your skin made the blood pool like some kind of art piece among the rain before it was washed away. A stark reminder that your own life was currently fleeting.

You were 12, staring at the car you had been in just moments ago. Your parents still inside as it burned from the fire that provided the light against the semi truck. It came out of nowhere. It's logo illuminated by the flames.

Quest Co.

Your parents worked for them. What was a truck doing out here? Especially at this time. Your eyes ended up landing on something else. Looked like gas slowly creeping towards your body. The fire would come your way then. At least you thought so.

The fire didn't even touch this black liquid. It seemed to avoid it.

Your vision was blurry. Your left eye was in a lot of pain. You didn't know why, but you couldn't really open it at the moment. The vision in your right eye was already fading. The end was here. You lived to be 12. Not bad, kid.

But it wasn't over you just yet.

-♡-

You stared at the clock for what must've been hours. Well, it was more like an hour. You know this because you were staring at a clock. It had been an hour since you woke up. You still hadn't moved from your bed. Honestly it hurt to move. Your body hadn't fully recovered from that night, the pain still shooting through your body in rhythm like a pulse.

The biggest thing that bothered you was the lack of vision. Your eyesight was still blurry in the one eye that wasn't wrapped in the bandage. You actually had to wear glasses now just to see five feet in front of you, but you could make out things from far away. Like peeking through a haze.

You heard footsteps start up the stairs, slowly making their way to your room. There was a gentle knock before the door opened to reveal a shorter, older woman. Her yellow dress and the apron she always wore served to highlight her character as a bright caretaker. You called her Grandma, buter he name was Muriel Bagge.

Muriel: Y/N dear? Are you awake?

You didn't answer. You didn't really talk much these days. She knew this and began to approch the bed. She sat at the edge of the bed and began to gently run her hand through your hair. It felt nice. Peaceful.

Muriel: Are you hungry, lad?

You shook your head. Muriel frowned at the state you were in but heard a low creak by the door. She looked over to see a smaller figure peeking out from the hallway.

Muriel: You can come in Courage. Just be gentle.

From the Hall came a pink dog who often walked on his two back legs. He was a rather smart dog, loyal to a fault. His name was Courage, and he was worried about you. He did his hopping walk over to the bed and placed a hand on your arm to show his support. He didn't want to end up touching an injury and making it worse.

Muriel: I made some breakfast. Liz and your grandpa are already downstairs. I can bring some up for you if you'd like.

You hadn't really eaten much. You definitely were starting to look thinner and it was making her worry. You eating was a bit rare these days but it was also a struggle. More trouble than you thought it was worth. You'd rather starve than have to scoff anything down.

Muriel: Come join us. And if you can't then at least let me bring you a plate. You need to eat, dear.

You knew she was right. That's how you ended up eating a waffle as Courage laid at your feet, designated as your personal protector until further notice. He was currently watching you to make sure you ate. Your eyes turned to the window where you watched the vast nothingness of the desert that stretched for miles. The windmill creaked as it gently rotated from what little wind there was. The old beat up truck that your grandpa owned sat where it always did, slowly decaying away years past it's final days.

You'd never really traveled. Your parents lived about 20 minutes from your grandparents so you never traveled too far from anything you were used to. But now home was empty and you were alone. Something you didn't like to think about. You still had Liz. Your older sister also going through her own grief but without the physical scars. She had stopped by your room a few times, but you really weren't up for visitors.

You didn't want anyone to see you like this.

Courage noticed you stop eating before you buried your face in your hands. The pink canine made his way to you and laid on your lap, looking up at you with a sad look. You watched him for a moment before you started petting him.

Liz: He's been in the room since we got here.

Elizabeth aka Liz. Your older sister by 5 years. Brilliant in her own right, taking after your parents in the academic sense. She had no real reason to stay here.

Your grandparents were sitting in their usual chairs while Liz sat at the dining table, her voice traveling through the thin wall. She was fiddling with some old ring puzzle your grandpa had laying around. She had solved it a while ago, but she continued to seperate and reconnect them.

Your grandpa didn't stop reading the paper, leaving your grandma to answer.

Muriel: He will come down when he is ready.

Liz stopped fidgeting for a brief second. She took a moment to think before she placed the rings down.

Liz: And what if he's never ready?

Muriel: He will be.

Liz couldn't see her grandma but she knew that the older woman was smiling. It was then that your grandpa set his paper down.

Eustace: Well whenever he is I need help fixing the truck. The stupid thing broke down again.

Liz: And you need to rotate the tires.

The conversation was suddenly interupted when they heard the stairs creak. Knowing it could only be one person, Liz got up and walked to the entrance to the dining room where she saw you on your own two feet for the first time in weeks. Your skin was pale, your hair a mess. Seeing you wear glasses was weird too. You didn't like it. Your hair felt so put of control and you hated having something on your face like this.

Courage was making sure you stayed upright as you stood at the top of the stairs, looking at your family.

-♡-

You stared at the bright blue sky as your grandpa grumbled to himself as he worked on the truck with Liz. The two were making some good progress while you stayed on tool duty. You definitely couldn't lift anything heavy right now and you doubt you could move much before it started to hurt again.

Courage and your grandma were tending to the garden. The vegetables were coming in nicely and you can tell that they put a lot of love and care into it. Your eyes eventually landed on the windmill. The top was twisted side to side somewhat and the creaking was the only noise besides the small radio that Liz was using to listen to music.

But your attention was on the sky. Or at least whatever was above you. You spotted a flock of birds circling above something some ways away. Some poor animal reaching the end of it's life. They probably would've circled you too if they'd seen you at the accident. You probably did look like a corpse. Definitely felt like one.

Eustace: Pass me the wrench.

You looked at the wrench and picked it up, handing it to your grandpa before returning your sights to the sky. Liz watched you for a moment before she turned to her grandpa. As they had a quiet conversation, you came to realize something a bit odd. The birds...they were actually...really far away. Further than you could've seen. You slowly lowered your glasses to see that you still saw them perfectly despite them problems being a couple of miles away.

Eustace: How're ya feeling?

You turned your attention back to the two working and shrugged. You weren't hurting really. Your body actually felt a bit...good. You had been cold a lot lately but the sun's warmth made you feel healthier. Go figure.

Liz: If you need to take a break you can.

You didn't need one, but you also didn't want to just stand here. You walked off to see how your grandma and Courage were doing instead. Your grandma was pulling out a carrot when you reached them. Courage wore a straw hat with gardening gloves while your grandma was going at it solo.

Muriel: Oh, hello, lad. How are ya?

You looked at the pile of vegetables that they had managed to collect. They all looked like they were raised with love. Your grandma smiled as she rose to her feet.

Muriel: You know, I heard that the fair was in town. Maybe we could go tomorrow.

The fair? But you were covered in bandages. Wouldn't you stand out? You didn't want everyone to be staring at you. Besides, what rides would you even be able to ride?

It sounded fun, though.

Muriel: Think it over, lad. Just let me know by tomorrow. Now, how about I make us some lemonade.

-♡-

The truck rocked a bit on every bump it hit. You swayed a bit but kept your attention on the passing landscape. Your hat was pulled down in an attempt to cover your face more, to a debatable degree of success, while your jacket covered your arms from both the cold breeze and the cold gaze.

Liz sat between your grandparents while you sat in the back with Courage who was napping on your lap. You petted him before you sniffed. You ended up agreeing to go to the fair after all. No point in everyone missing out on fun because of you. Plus you wanted to get out of the house for a bit yourself. The isolation....it didn't feel good.

The desert soon became field and field soon became the fairgrounds where many residents of Nowhere were already gathered. You saw a few people you vaguely recognized from your time around town but none of them seem to even notice you. Liz ended up opening the tailgate to help you out with Courage assisting.

Your sneakers hit gravel as you looked at the rides that shined like monuments. You wouldn't be able to ride any of them without being in immense pain, but they were still pretty to look at. Like a heaven you couldn't reach. Liz held your hand as you walked. You should be embarrassed, but holding your sister's hand was always a kind of comfort for you. She was always your best friend.

Eustace: If I knew we were coming here sooner I would've entered ol Betsy into the weight ins.

Muriel: I heard first place weighted 22 pounds! That must've been a big chicken.

Liz looked to you and smiled.

Liz: What do you want to do first?

You didn't have anything particular in mind. You honestly didn't know what you could do. Liz noticed your silence but didn't stop smiling.

Liz: How about the animals, then?

Looking at the animals sounded fine. They had a pretty decent selection this year for the contests. The Blue Ribbon picks were all great and you even got to pet a goat. After the animals you ended up getting food. You, Courage, and Liz ended up splitting a funnel cake as you walked through the various rides and games. None of the prizes really looked that great.

Well, except for one. You noticed what looked to be a small plushie of a yellow bird. Liz's favorite colour just happened to be yellow, and you did want to thank her for being cool with everything. Plus...she was probably still hurting to.

You lost your parents, but for the two of you it was different.

You were still pretty young. You had the time to grow up. Liz...she was going to enter college this coming semester. She knew your parents longer. She was the oldest child now left to care for a younger brother.

You tugged on her shoulder and pointed to the game. As soon as Liz saw the milk bottles she sighed.

Liz: Those things are rigged, Buster. You probably couldn't even throw straight with your arm.

Still, you pulled out some of the money your grandma made your grandpa give you and handed it to the man. Courage and Liz watched as you looked at the baseball. You then looked at the milk bottles. Courage looked over to the carnie who was smiling as you winded up your pitch.

And in that brief moment, you felt like you could take on the world.

Then you threw the ball. As it soared through the air all you could think was...how did you throw it that hard?

The ball hit the bottles and absolutely sent them flying through the booth, one even cracking a wooden beam. The ball itself hit the back with such force that soar through the fabric and dented the trailer behind it. Your eye went wide as Liz and Courage watched with shock. Even the carnie was at a loss for words.

You blinked and looked at your hand. Where did that come from? You've never thrown a ball that well before. Heck, you've only done it a few times in Little Leauge when you still played.

The man looked at you and raised his hands. However, you didn't attack him. You just point to the yellow bird.

You were smiling as you walked with Courage and Liz, who now was holding the bird still shocked by what she had just seen, towards the spot you said you'd meet your grandparents. Your grandpa was probably trying to haggle with some carnie and your grandma was probably trying the chili from this year's Chili Making Competition.

Liz eyed you as she walked. She didn't say anything, but she also wasn't a fool. She knew this world was filled with weird and interesting people, but she never thought her baby brother would be one.

You all reached the meeting place but your grandparents were still nowhere to be seen. After realizing you were a few minutes early, Liz suggested checking something out nearby. As you looked, you spotted something that stood out a bit. Among the stands and rides sat one lone trailer of sorts. It looked old fashion, but well taken care of. You could hear a low saxophone coming from inside.

Liz noticed this as well and suggested going to take a closer look. When you reached the doors you spotted a lone figure inside. They looked small, like a child. As Liz checked her phone you got a bit closer.

And then the saxophone stopped.

???: Don't just stand there, child. Enter.

You stood there for a moment before you stepped inside. The caravan itself was nothing special on the inside. It seemed a bit empty save for a few light decorations and a single table in the center with two chairs. One was currently occupied by what you realized was now a dog who placed the saxophone away somewhere you couldn't see.

???: Hello, child. I am Shirley.

She examined you with her odd eyes before she clicked her tongue.

Shirley: So much untapped potential. A future yet to be decided. You are quite an interesting child.

Untapped potential? You just throw a ball so hard it broke a booth. How much potential did you have?

Shirley: Oh, but I see something else. Troubles, woes. But you are strong. Stronger than you believe yourself to be. And one day you will rise as someone very different from the one standing before me now.

Liz: Y/N! Come on. Grandma and Grandpa are waiting.

You looked back before turning to the fortune teller again. However now, she was acting like you weren't even there. She looked up and noticed you.

Shirley: Oh, welcome in. I am Shirley. Are you looking to have your fortune read, child?

You stood there before shaking your head. You figured her age was catching up to her, so you turned and stepped out of the caravan. Liz and Courage were already waiting for you so the three of you headed back to the meeting spot.

-♡-

Liz: I want to do the Ferris Wheel.

This was the answer to your grandma's question. The question being, "anything you want to do before we leave?" You didn't have anything, despite wanting to ride the rides. You couldn't due to your injuries, but Liz could.

You and your grandpa waited with Courage nearby as Liz and your grandma got in line. You hugged the yellow bird as your Grandpa ate his corn dog. You found yourself looking up at the stars that had begun to creep through the sunlight. It was like watching a painting being made in real time. The sunset in the desert was always like this. The melancholy glow gracing the world below one more time before the darkness took over.

You looked over to the Ferris Wheel again, feeling a shift in the wind that gave you chills. You didn't really ever like heights. Tall things intimated you. The ride stood like a titan that glowed against the dark backdrop of the sky. The many lights dancing around as the ride spun in a slow and steady manner, occasionally stopping to let people off and on. Couples both old and young could be seen getting off. The old were smiling, grateful to still be able to make memories with each other. The young smiling because they got to spend some time alone with their friend.

You think. You didn't really get the whole love thing. It seemed a bit...weird.

Courage was playing with his new Yo-Yo that he won at a booth when he suddenly shivered. The wind began to pick up a bit. You looked out to the flat fields nearby and saw some dirt start to get kicked up.

It was gonna be getting colder soon.

-♡-

Your Grandpa cursed at the truck again.

He has done that a few times now in his attempt to fix it. Liz was once again outside helping him, but even she was getting frustrated. She was good with her hands, her mind, but she wasn't a mechanic. Her knowledge of vehicles was limited and it appeared that she had hit her wall.

You were watching them from the window where you were helping your grandma bake some Brownies for later. Courage was currently stirring a bowl of the mix while your grandma was preheating the stove. You were in charge of moral support.

Liz looked up from the truck's engine and watched you through the window. When you noticed her, she waved to which you returned the gesture. She turned back to the engine and resumed her work.

Liz: You know, Buster did something a bit odd yesterday at the fair.

Eustace: What do'ya mean?

Liz: Well...he threw this ball and...

Liz filled your Grandpa in on your grand pitch. He seemed a bit surpised, but otherwise unphased by the information. He didn't even look up.

Eustace: Mh. Seen weirder. The world is a big place, Liz. Your brother just might be one of them...what do you kids call em?

Liz: They have a bunch of names for people like that. Toons, Metas...point is he might be one of them.

Eustace just waved it off with his wrench.

Eustace: Worry about it after the truck. I'm going to he under this to see what that rattling is about.

She then watched as her 82 year old grandpa started to move himself down to the ground. She knew it was pointless to try and stop him.

Eustace: And what about that apprenticeship for yours? Are you going to end up taking it?

Liz thought about it a bit. She had been given an offer from one of her Father's old assistant who now ran his own lab. She had graduated already, she needed to think about her future. But...

Liz: I haven't thought about it much lately. I'm more focused on Buster right now.

Eustace: Don't you want to help him? Wouldn't that scientist know a way to help?

A way to help? It would be a strange transition for you in a lot of ways. She wanted to be there for you to help, but she couldn't with the way she was now. She groaned, running her hands through her hair with no care for the oil on her hands. She looked up to the blue sky above and wondered what she should do.

Eustace: How do you say that guy's name again?

Liz: Hm? Oh, Professor Utonium. He usually just goes by Professor.

-♡-

Where you alone in this world? No. You had Liz. You had your Grandparents. Heck, you even had Courage. You had your best friend...the point was you weren't alone. But in that case, why did you feel so damn alone as you watched the stars? Your eye stayed fixated on the shine coming from their distant glow. You had heard once that a lot of these stars have actually died decades ago, but their death had yet to reach our eyes. They would always be replaced with new ones. Theye sky would always be full. The stars would always be there.

They will always be there.

They were really gone.

Your parents were actually gone. It took you a while to really understand that. A bit longer to come to terms with it. Now you felt numb to it. You didn't cry. You didn't mourn. You never really had to. Never learned how to.

You felt alone, but you weren't. You hated this. How dare you feel like this when you were blessed with so much love? Was it because you felt weaker? Was it because you felt like a freak? You weren't stupid. You knew that you threw that ball harder than you should've been able to. Your body was covered in injuries. You were a monster.

What if you hurt someone? What if you hugged your Grandma and squeezed a bit too hard? What if you were playing catch with Grandpa and you destroyed his hand like you did the booth?

What if you somehow ended up on the windmill outside? No, for real, what were you supposed to do?

Liz: HOLD ON, BUSTER! THE FIREFIGHTERS ARE ON THEIR WAY!

You looked down to where your family was watching you in horror. You don't know what happened. You were asleep one moment and the next you were just here. You shouldn't have been able to climb this, but you were here. Your pajamas stood out from the windmill pretty well, so you were hard to miss when Courage got up to get some water.

You looked back to the stars and took a breath. You could smell the storm coming. The scent of rain in the air and the distant thunder. You rose to your feet and stretched out your arms. You were a freak. Hopefully this would work.

You heard Liz scream when you fell.

-♡-

Liz: HE CAN FLY! HOW IS THIS OKAY?!

You were in bed as your family panicked downstairs. You had been listening to them for a while now. Courage still laying on your lap as you petted him. The rain was now coming down hard on the house. Thunder shaking it to it's very core.

She was right. How was this okay? You had changed. Something in you had changed. Were you really the same kid from before? You didn't feel like it.

You didn't notice things had gone quiet until you heard a knock at your door. Liz opened it and peeked inside, seeing you were still awake.

Liz: Hey, bud. How are you feeling?

She walked over and sat at the edge of your bed. She had checked you over already, but she was still worried. She placed a hand on your shoulder before suddenly hugging you. Courage found himself partly caught in the crossfire.

Liz: I know you're confused, Buster, but it'll be okay.

You wanted to hug her back, but you didn't want to hurt her.

Liz: Love you, bud. Get some sleep.

-♡-

Liz: Yeah, he's doing better I think.

You found Liz at the dining table with her laptop. She had an ear bud in and was talking to someone on a video call. You didn't see who it was, but you knew she was talking about you. You decided to ignore it. Instead you headed outside where your Grandpa was already hard at work trying to change something under the truck.

Your Grandma was knitting on the porch while Courage was enjoying a nice sandwich. You stopped on the porch and watched the truck for a bit. Your eyes landed on the jack that was keeping the Truck up high enough for your Grandpa to work. However, you saw it starting to slide a bit.

You had already started walking over when it gave out. The old truck weighted more than anyone over 50 could take. Surely a horrible accident that would add another family name to the obituary.

Instead, your sister came outside to the sight of you holding the truck over your head as if it was nothing. You were there in a blink of an eye, saving your Grandpa. The force of the wind had loosened your bandages leaving them to wave in the breeze. Your Grandpa was staring at you in a state of shock while your Grandma was holding her chest from yet another rush of worry.

Liz: Y/N?

You looked to her, the bandage over your eye slowly peeling away to reveal the damage. It was lighter now.

Liz: W-What happened?

What happened? Well, you changed. You were scared of hurting the people you loved you never thought to use this new....power(?) to protect them. You began to smile.

Shirley: Oh, but I see something else. Troubles, woes. But you are strong. Stronger than you believe yourself to be. And one day you will rise as someone very different from the one standing before me now.

Guess that dog was right after all.

Y/N: I-I think....I just got a....

Power Up!
Chapter 1: One Stormy Night
By
Morning Blankets
&
Necessary_Chaos

Next Time: Chapter 2. Canyons and Cryptids