Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Zine slowly walked down the sidewalk, towards the school and mansion.

He had changed into his black leggings and a black sweater that said said three things in a checklist: single, taken, and I get about as much attention as a white crayon, with a check mark by the third option.

He nearly died of laughter when he saw it in the store.

He tugged slightly on his dog tag collar, nervous about what was going to happen.

He pulled up his hood as he rounded the corner.

Obsidian was waiting for him, the man's face broke into a grin as Zine approached him.

“How are you?” Obsidian said softly, his eyes traveling up and down taking him in.

“Still breathing, and you?” Zine said as he shrugged.

“About a hundred times better than a minute ago.” His grin grew.

Obsidian offered his hand to Zine.

Uh, I suppose he wants me to hold it? Zine thought confusedly.

He took the man's hand, and it held onto him tightly, but not uncomfortably so.

Think about how to get out of this situation if it goes south, Zine thought to himself starting to panic a bit.

Obsidian led him by the hand through the gate.

He looked at Zine, slightly from behind.

“It's ok, calm down, you have nothing to worry about.” He murmured softly.

Zine started freaking out even more, you usually only say that if you are actually planning something!

I should totally fucking leave, ZIne started thinking in a daze.

Panic flooded his body but he continued to be led by Obsidian into the mansion.

They rounded a corner, down a long hallway and Zine looked around the place, taking in the decor.

Jesus christ, this place is fancier than fancy feast cat food! ….. What the hell am I thinking about? Did I seriously compare this place to cat food? Zine thought.

You're losing it Zine, do not have a panic attack.

He breathed in, trying to calm himself.

“Well then, let's introduce you to everyone else living here.” Obsidian said startling Zine.

“Wait uh!” Zine started.

Obsidian quickly opened a door to what Zine assumed was the kitchen, giving him no time to change his mind. Zine quickly hid behind Obsidian, still holding his hand.

This guy is crazy! I should have left! He cried to himself.

“Everyone I have an important announcement!” Obsidian said, in a loud voice.

Long silence…... until a male voice interjected.

“Obsidian are you ok? You're smiling, and you left the hallway’s window seat.” The unknown voice said.

Obsidian paid no heed to the unknown man's words.

“I would like to introduce you all to your new housemate, Zine!”

Hell no am I going to introduce myself, FUCK THIS SHIT IM OUT! Zine thought panicking.

Obsidian dragged him out from behind him, forcing him into the limelight. He held onto Zine's shoulders making it impossible for him to hide again.

What was that about not having to worry again? Zine thought in despair.

Confidence is key! Don't wuss out Zine!...but I want to! I wanna run away like a sissy! Well don't! He told himself.

The unknown man from before came up to Zine, pulling him away from his inner argument.

“It's, uh, nice to meet you? My name is Blade Tracer.” He stuck his hand out.

Zine cautiously shook it.

He flipped his polite switch.

“It's very nice to meet you Blade, my name is Zine Hollow. I hope we get along nicely.”

He smiled politely.

I WANT TO RUN AWAY! Zine mentally shrieked.

Blade looked behind him at Obsidian.

“Is he….” Blade started.

“Indeed.” Obsidian smiled brightly, gently squeezing Zine's shoulders.

Da faque? Zine thought, is everyone in this house insane?

He looked behind Blade, seeing a brunette, heavily pregnant lady holding knitting needles like a sword. An old man sitting and drinking, what smelled like tea from a Japanese cup with his eyes closed.

A woman, maybe in her thirties, holding a blinking light bulb in her lips and another in each hand. An African man covered in spiraling white tattoos, and a Frizzy haired woman holding dozens of lite incenses.

Indeed, Zine answered himself.

They all took turns introducing themselves. The pregnant lady was Sara Tracer, a wolf shapeshifter, the same as Blade, and his wife.

The old man drinking tea was Tanaka Daiken, one of the spider-eyed people. He opened his eyes and they were entirely filled with his pupils. Apparently they could see in absolute dark, but had to keep their eyes closed in the light because it hurt.

The African man with the tattoos was named Garn but refused to speak anymore after saying his name.

The women with the light bulbs was Ella Electrisha, although the last name was made up by her. Her brain overproduces electric pulses, making her like a taser.

The woman with incense was Mirna Clashney who was practicing seeing into the future.

“Ok ...it's nice to meet you all!” Zine said after introductions.

I wanna go home… Zine thought, feeling exhausted.