Orc in the modern world

Jason stood motionless in the forest, the crackle of fel energy still fading from his palms. His breathing was heavy, and the realization of his transformation settled deeper into his mind. The forest around him was alive with birdsong and the distant hum of civilization.

'I'm not supposed to be here,' he thought, glancing down at his monstrous form. 'I'm dead. I was hit by a truck. How am I here like this?'

The whispering voices returned, curling around his thoughts like tendrils of smoke.

'Because death is just a doorway,' they murmured. 'And power chose you.'

Jason shook his head violently, trying to dislodge the alien presence from his mind. "Leave me alone," he hissed.

The whispers receded but did not vanish entirely.

He focused on the distant sounds of traffic and moved toward them, his massive body navigating the uneven forest floor with surprising grace. Each step felt natural, as if his muscles remembered what his mind could not. After what felt like an eternity, he reached the tree line.

A road stretched ahead, cars whizzing by. Across the street was a small gas station. The neon sign flickered in the dimming light: Eagle Stop - Open 24/7.

Jason stepped toward the road, hesitating at the curb. 'Last time I crossed a street, I died,' he thought.

Taking a deep breath, he crossed swiftly. Cars screeched to a halt, horns blaring. Windows rolled down.

"What the hell is that?!" someone shouted.

"Holy crap, is that a cosplayer?" another voice said.

Jason kept his head down and moved toward the gas station, his heart racing. He reached the door and tried to duck through, but his massive frame barely fit. The cashier, a young man with wide eyes and a phone clutched tightly in his hand, froze.

"Y-You're... what are you?" the cashier stammered.

"I... I need help," Jason said, voice guttural and low.

The cashier nodded slowly but kept his phone poised. "I'm calling the cops," he whispered.

Jason's eyes flared green. Knowledge surged into his mind, unbidden.

'Whisper of the Forgotten Ones,' the voices advised. 'Bend his will.'

Jason raised his hand, and tendrils of dark energy slithered toward the cashier.

"Forget," Jason commanded.

The cashier's eyes glazed over. His shoulders relaxed, and he set the phone down.

"Welcome to Eagle Stop," he said dully. "Need anything?"

Jason exhaled, guilt twisting his gut. 'Did I just... brainwash someone?'

He grabbed a hoodie from a nearby rack and draped it over his torso. It barely fit, but it would help. He pulled the hood over his head, concealing his tusks as best he could. He turned to leave, then paused.

"Thanks," he muttered.

The cashier blinked, unaware of what had just transpired.

Outside, the air was cool, but Jason was sweating. 'I can't stay here. The cops will come soon. I need a plan.'

The whispers stirred again, soft and insistent.

'Summon the Horde. Open the rift. Your kind will come. Your power will grow.'

Jason clenched his fists. "Not yet," he said aloud. "First, I figure out what happened to me. Then we'll see."