NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11: Chapter 9: Arcade
Hello everyone, here's a new chapter. This one is more of a filler chapter than anything else. The action starts in the next chapter, which I'll publish Sunday night if nothing comes up. So, leave your comments if you liked it or if there's anything I can improve.
The neon lights of the arcade flickered, filling the place with vibrant energy. The sounds of buttons being pressed, arcade game gunfire, and youthful laughter created a cozy atmosphere. Lars, Sadie, Nora, and Adrian walked in, waving to the attendant as they ventured into the rows of machines.
Adrian walked behind the group, wearing a black shirt with a peculiar design: an eight-pointed star, as if trying to escape itself, with one of the points cut to resemble a hammer. His black pants and shoes completed a simple look, but there was something about his presence that made him stand out. Nora, who walked beside him, couldn't help but notice the symbol. There was something strange, as if the drawing was being rejected by reality. But, despite that odd feeling, it didn't really bother her.
Nora, however, liked that kind of vibe. "He's a good person. Though I still wonder just how powerful he really is."
"Come on, guys!" Nora exclaimed, running towards the machines. "I want to play Dance Dance Revolution first, it's my favorite!" She turned to the group and dragged Sadie along with her before she could say anything. Sadie just sighed, already used to Nora's energy. Nora, wearing a sky-blue shirt with a yellow star in the center, along with shorts and black shoes, looked good but eerily similar to a young Rose.
While Nora prepared the game, Adrian watched from the back, a slight smile on his face. "She's always so energetic," he thought, letting the arcade's atmosphere relax him. Around him, the flickering lights and familiar sounds gave him a sense of normality, something he could feel comfortable with.
Sadie, in her dark gray jeans and a red shirt with a logo that looked like the claw of some creature, glanced at Adrian while Nora set up the game. There was something about the way Adrian moved—calm, almost mechanically. She recalled the first time she saw him using his powers. "It was impressive," she thought, "but... I don't know if I'll ever get used to that feeling. Something about how he uses his powers feels... unnatural. It's not like Nora's, which are more... smooth, less alienating."
Sadie shot a glance at Lars.
Lars, in his gray pants and brown shirt over a pale red long-sleeve, shrugged but caught Sadie's message. He approached one of the machines as Sadie started dancing with Nora on the DDR machine.
Lars kept an eye on Adrian, who was still sitting. "This guy... he's weird, not just his powers, but somehow it's hard not to get along with him. Even that strange feeling of always knowing what's going to happen."
"What, you're not going to play?" Lars asked, noticing that Adrian hadn't gotten up yet.
"I'm coming, relax," Adrian finally replied, standing up. He walked over to one of the two-player fighting machines. "Let's see who wins this."
Lars scoffed, but with a smile. "Don't get too excited, newbie. I've been playing this game for years."
Adrian just gave Lars a look, which caused a slight discomfort.
Lars gave him a pat on the shoulder, something he probably wouldn't have done a few weeks ago. "Hope you don't break down when you lose," he said, in his usual tone—half teasing, half socially awkward.
Adrian let out a small laugh. "I doubt it." He pressed the game's buttons, focusing on the screen.
...
Nora approached, swinging her arms cheerfully. "Oh, you two have to compete with me after this!" she said, laughing as she and Sadie returned.
"Sure," the two boys said as they focused on their game.
"Who's winning, guys?" Sadie asked, coming up beside Lars. Her question was answered immediately.
"Tie," Adrian said without taking his eyes off the screen.
Sadie watched as both boys exchanged comments and jokes while fiercely competing in the fighting game. Even so, she couldn't help but notice how quickly Lars had warmed up to Adrian. "It's weird to see Lars get along with someone so quickly," she thought. "Especially with someone whose personality is so different from his."
"Ha!" Lars exclaimed as he saw his victory on the screen. "Told you, newbie!"
Adrian smiled, shaking his head. "I let you win this time."
Lars frowned, half amused, half confused. "What do you mean by 'this time'?"
"Nothing, nothing," Adrian replied, chuckling softly.
Nora approached them again, ready with the next challenge. "Come on, guys, now I want to see if you can beat me at Dance Dance Revolution!" she said, bouncing toward the machine again.
Adrian exchanged a quick glance with Lars and Sadie before shrugging. "Why not? Let's see if I can beat you at that, Nora."
Lars let out a nervous laugh. "Don't get cocky, Adrian. Nora's unstoppable at that game." But as he spoke, he couldn't help but wonder how it was possible for someone with so many powers, someone who seemed capable of controlling everything, to behave so... relaxed. It's like he's playing a much bigger game than this, Lars thought, one that I have no idea about.