E.N. Chaffin's Blog, page 6

Loading: Life On Sale Now!

[image error]It’s been a long, twisting road to get here. I planned, developed and wrote a full-length book within a year. I have never felt so tired, yet so excited in my entire life!

Telling the entire story, though, will be saved for another day. Right now, I just wanted to thank all the people that have helped me create this book.

 

I thank my parents for encouraging me every step of the way.

I thank my little niece for praying for me (that I can quit my night job and have the job I want to have.)

I thank my beta reader, C., for working her butt off and giving me the best feedback I could ever ask for on this project. I have never been praised and torn down back to reality at the same time before.

I thank my editor, Leila, for sticking with me through all the errors.

I thank all my future readers for giving my story a chance. Tell me what you think!

And I thank God for not only giving me the idea for the novel, but also giving me everything and everyone I needed in order to make it a reality. (And for life and salvation, of course! ^_^)

Loading: Life is on sale now!

The eBook will be coming out July 1st!

Loading: Life Chapter 4

“I’m so glad you two could come,” Mr. Kirkland said as Hero and Reut walked into the classroom. Hero knew his teacher was still angry with the fight, even though the man’s eyes were glued to his laptop.

He kept his sarcasm to himself as he and Reut hopped up the stairs to their seats. Making sure there were no surprises in his swivel chair from a certain duo before, he plopped down. Reut did the same.

“Now how about we review a little,” Mr. Kirkland clapped his hands, prompting the projector to come to life and the windows to darken, closing out any light. “Who can tell me what this is?” he asked, pointing to the picture on the screen.

“A building.” Hero rested his head in his upright palm.

“Good, Mr. Leander,” the teacher tapped his index finger on his chin. “But not the answer I’m looking for. Anyone else?”

A girl in front slowly raised her hand.

“Yes, Ms. Golnar.”

“Um . . . It’s Modem Industries. R-right?”

“Correct.”

The girl’s shoulders shrugged down. Hero rolled his eyes.

“And,” Mr. Kirkland continued, walking around his little podium, “What is Modem Industries?”

Another student spoke up. “They’re the creators of the generator. And they help watch over the core.”

“Yes. But, please, raise your hand next time, Sharp.”

“Teacher,” Gari raised his hand. “This is all elementary material. Why are we going over it now?”

“Good point, Mr. Rhodes. But when we as people forget the most basic constructs of our world, we tend to break down our own advancements in equality, trade progress for morality, and fight in school to show dominance in a society that is based on social comradery.”

The poison seeped from the teacher’s last words, forcing Gari to shrink down in his seat. Hero snorted, noticing Reut laughing silently beside him, the guy’s hoodie ruffling a little.

“Of course, why would I as your sophomore teacher think that any of you would want to befriend and support each other? It’s not like this particular group will be stuck for the next three years together before graduating and more than likely going to one of the three universities this great city has to offer.”

Hero whispered to Reut, “it’s not like we actually care enough to listen to a teacher complain. We don’t get paid.”

Mr. Kirkland shot a deadly glare right at Hero. The boy’s muscles tensed involuntarily.

“He has good ears.” Reut snorted, hiding his face in his hood again.

“Modem Industries and all its aspects will be your midterm project for Historical Sciences this year.”

A collective groan rang through the class, though Mr. Kirkland ignored it, rambling on.

“This will count for 30% of your grade.”

Another groan.

“And you will be paired with a partner–“

A few students perked up.

“–of my choosing.”

A louder groan sounded as the students’ hopes were shot down.

“I’m surprised,” Hero whispered to Reut. “Usually, Ms. I’m-far-above-you-all starts getting onto us for whining so much.”

“I don’t think I see her,” Reut whispered back, eyes scanning the room.

“Think she’s skipping?”

“Probably helping a faculty member.”

“That teacher’s pet makes us look like monkeys.”

“No. You do that yourself.”

Hero shoved Reut.

“No need to lie, right?” Reut grinned.

Hero was about to shoot an insult back but perked up as Kirk listed off names.

“I hope he doesn’t put me with Gari or Samson.” Hero mumbled.

“He’s a sadistic teacher,” Reut opened a book he had hidden under the table. “But even he wouldn’t do that.”

But as the teacher went down the list, the ungrouped students dwindling to a very few, Hero started gnawing on his bottom lip.

“Mr. Kellner and Mr. Taylan.”

Reut’s eyes shot up from his page and glared down at Samson.

“He is sadistic, isn’t he?” Hero snickered. Reut hit his arm with a shielded elbow. Hero grabbed the spot, teeth gritting.

“Whoops.” Reut returned to his book. “My arm slipped.”

“Liar.”

The pairing continued, and Hero began pleading with the universe itself that Gari and he would not be the next team.

“Mr. Rhodes and–”

Gari and . . .

“Ms. Golnar.”

Hero sighed his thanks.

But then, who would be his partner–

“Mr. Leander and Ms. Fields.”

“What?!” Hero shouted, glaring down at Mr. Kirkland.

The class erupted.

“You can’t be serious?!” One student shouted.

“She’s the top student! Why put her with that loser?!” Another yelled.

Gari shot up in his desk, “Mr. Kirkland! She already has enough on her plate!”

“And?” Mr. Kirkland’s sadistic grin – Hero swore he saw fangs protrude from between those lips – never faltered.

“Don’t make her carry his weight too!”

“Mr. Rhodes, class, may I remind you that as your teacher I cannot discriminate against or for anyone in here. In fact, I am supposed to encourage you all to do your best as a team. Not throw you down or coddle you based on previous work or attitude.”

“But you know he’s a sluggish thug! He’s just going to slack off!”

Hero rose up, gearing his fists for another fight, until Mr. Kirkland slammed his palms on the podium, releasing his healing orb in a bomb-type attack. The flash of energy burst into everyone, calming them down. Gari and Hero slowly sat down.

“If Ms. Fields is as perfect as you make her out to be, then she’ll be able to work with Mr. Leander, no problem. But I wouldn’t worry about her situation. Most of you have slipping grades due to focusing too much time on the cultural festival last week. Many of you have been spending valuable study time each on watching the SA Fighter Finals.” A few boys lowered their gazes. “I suggest bringing those low scores up with this project. If not, it’s remedial classes. Understand?”

A few nods here and there. Hero did not move, still recovering from the burst. He hated when Kirk messed with his feelings. That stupid orb attack.

“Now,” Mr. Kirkland clapped, sending the projector away and brightening the windows. “Let us get on with–”

The door slid open as flowing cotton candy hair and slim legs bounced in with a stack of papers, the sunlight catching on her peach-colored lips and rosy cheeks.

“I apologize for taking so long, Mr. Kirkland,” bells rang as her sing-song voice lit up, blasting away the last of the gloom that was lingering over the class. “I was fixing the copier before printing off the project instructions.”

“Thank you, Ms. Fields.”

Some of the boys swooned as she leaned slightly down to sit the papers on the first-row table. Hero stuck out his tongue and pretended to gag, receiving another small chuckle from Reut.

“Would you like me to hand them out?”

“Of course.”

She turned, her ruby eyes scanning the classroom.

“Is everyone alright?”

“Just a little shocked from the partners they received.” Mr. Kirkland said.

“Oh!” Her voice sprang up. She smiled at her classmates. “Don’t worry about being with a partner you might not like. I know we will all do our best on this project!”

Awe’s and oo’s sounded throughout the class. Reut nudged Hero in his side again, receiving a growl.

“What?” the boy asked. “Don’t like your partner?”

“I hate you, you know that.”

“Can’t really do that, since I’m your only friend.”

Hero slumped down, head hitting the table with a hard thud.

Ms. Fields turned to Mr. Kirkland once more. “And who is my partner?”

“Mr. Leander.”

“W-what?”

“Hero. Hero Leander.”

The class went dead silent. Hero looked up, seeing nearly every student’s head shooting back and forth between him and the teacher’s pet down below. Her eyes met his, but he didn’t receive a frown, snarl, sneer, or any disgusted expression he thought he might.

Her smile was sweet as she bounced up the steps to his side.

She extended her hand. “I hope we have a good time working together, Hero.”

“S-sure, Fields.” Hero grabbed her hand, knowing he would get chewed out by Kirk later if he didn’t.

“Please, call me Annie Mei. Everyone does.”

/

Chapter One / Chapter Two / Chapter Three / LL Home Page

(c) E.N. Chaffin. 2017. All rights reserved.

Loading: Life Chapter 3

Lunch was almost over when Hero stepped into the classroom. No teacher in sight. Only a few students reading their books.

He walked up the platform steps to his spot in the back of the auditorium-styled classroom. A few glares bore into him. Though none of his classmates were saying anything, he knew they were cursing his presence. With him here, their day would be ruined. But he didn’t care. They could suck it.

He sat down in the top row. He swung back and forth in the chair, which was attached to the long, curved table at its base. He swung one way and propped his feet up on the other chair beside him. He hunched down, closed his eyes, and tried to block out everything around him.

While the sun shone down through the giant windows behind him, Hero thought of how he would sneak out before last period. He knew Caz would not come here directly, but that didn’t mean he wanted to stay here more than he had to. All he had to do was slip away and run to hide his stash, then he could–

Slime smacked into his face, jarring him out of his thoughts. He peeled off a slimy fish from his cheek.

“Kissing a fish, eh? I knew you were weird! But seriously?!”

The students roared with laughter. Hero glared down at Gari, who had one of his hands up in a peace sign, an orange glow encasing the two fingers. Hero eyed the lunch box that was opened on the teen’s desk.

“It goes well with your torn uniform. Well, if you can call that a uniform anymore.”

Hero growled.

“What? Can’t take a little joke?” Gari flashed a grin twice as big as own his face. “Or is it that you can’t fight back?”

More laughter.

Hero stood, clawing the table before he jumped on it. He wasn’t going to let that jerk get away again.

He charged at Gari, jumping from one table to another, his fist ready to punch the idiot right in the face. He was a table away when a huge gust of wind blew him back, forcing his body against the windows. Laughter turned to cheers.

Hero slumped down from the thick glass, the cracks already filling back up. A great shadow fell over him. He looked up to see Samson hovering over him, the wind the other generated twirling around both of them. Blue eyes peered down at Hero.

“Don’t cause a ruckus in here.” Samson’s low voice sent involuntary shivers down Hero’s spine.

“And what are you gonna do about it?” Hero couldn’t help but grin. He was shaking, but he was getting excited.

Samson inhaled deeply, dark muscles bulging. Hero tensed. The teen shot gusts of winds right down at Hero, the excess shaking the windows and rattling the tables and chairs behind him.

Hero didn’t feel any of it, though. He looked up to see a bluish crystalized shield hovering above him. He peaked behind Samson to see a small shadow jump up and kick the other in the back of the head. Samson stopped his attack, turning to meet another shield that pushed him across the back of the classroom.

Hero looked up at Reut, the boy’s face still buried in his blue hoodie, only two electric blue orbs visible.

“Don’t you think you’re taking this a little too far, Sammy?” Reut kept his palm opened towards the larger student, forcing his shield against the other. His mana bar a light red.

“Stay out of this, Reut.” Samson sucked in more air and pushed his bulged up arms against the shield, the stamina bar above his head shifting back and forth.

“Or what? You’re going to attack me?” Reut snorted. “Like you could take me.”

The shield around Hero dissipated, allowing him to stand up. He grinned down at Reut. “Nice to see ya’.”

“Not now. Trying to concentrate–”

Another fish flew, smacking Reut in the head. The two turned, seeing Gari take aim.

Pencils flew through the air like bullets. Reut jumped in front of Hero, moving his shield away from Samson and in front of them. The pencils bounced off.

“Samson could crush you, midget! You have nothing on him!” Gari grabbed some pens.

“At least I don’t need to pay someone to fight my battles, Girly.” Reut spun his shield around, stopping Samson’s wind from hitting him and Hero.

“What?!”

“Your ears not working today?”

Gari ran up, pens glowing orange between his fingers. He threw the knife-sharp objects, aiming for Reut’s side. Hero shot his arm out in front of Reut. The pens pierced through skin.

“Hero!”

“I’m okay.”

“An idiot for a friend!” Gari glanced around for something else to throw.

“Better than a pig like you!” Reut held his ground as Samson pounded away at his shield.

“You think just because your defense is high, you can play around with us big boys?”

“You’re the ones playing around. I’m just making sure you don’t destroy our classroom. Unlike you, I don’t like living in a pigsty.”

“That coming from a slop-eater like you!” Gari yelled, hurling a handful of paper clips.

Reut expanded his shield over him and Hero, taking the abuse from Samson’s pounding to stop the projectiles.

The shield was cracking. Reut hissed.

But before Samson could break through, the door slammed open.

“What in the world is going on in here?!”

The students froze. Wind died down. Shield faded away. Projectiles fell limp on the floor. All four boys stiffly turned their heads towards Mr. Kirkland, whose face was beet-red. If the man had control over fire, Hero knew he would see steam shooting out of his ears right then.

“You students do understand the no fighting rule, do you not? How dare you turn my classroom into a cage match!”

Gari scrambled to his feet. “But, sir, it wasn’t me! Hero and Reut attacked us when we were only studying. We were just trying to defend ourselves.”

Mr. Kirkland crossed his arms. “I’m sure they did. Though why would Samson be on the attack, then?” He nodded to Samson’s mana bar that had popped up earlier. “Why is it red if he was defending himself? Or have you forgotten it’s supposed to be blue on the defense?”

Gari stiffened.

Hero stifled a laugh.

Mr. Kirkland glared up at him. Hero stiffened, hiding his arm behind his back.

“Enough. I want all of you to clean the classroom back up. Wind-blown papers, slimy fish and all. Class will start in ten minutes.”

As the teacher left to fetch his things, the students melted in relief, mana and stamina bars disappearing.

Reut scooted away from Samson, who walked down to pick up some of Gari’s school supplies.

“Thanks, man.” Hero peeled off the fish that was still on Reut’s cheek.

“No problem. Just coming to get my book when I saw you about to face your doom.”

“I was perfectly capable of taking him on.” Hero grinned.

“Sure you were.” Reut pulled off his hoodie, his black school jacket trying to come off with it. Some of his blue hair stuck to his cheek. He tried to wipe off the slime but just pulled his hand back in disgust. “Could we go wash up before class starts? This is kind of gross.”

“What? Don’t like fish?” Hero picked up the other fish that had hit him, grabbing his bag from the table.

“Hardly.”

They walked down the steps, Hero throwing the fish back in Gari’s lunch box.

“Hope you like idiot-covered, floor-battered filet.” he grinned.

Gari sneered at him, Samson holding him back from attacking again.

Hero stuck out his tongue before leaving the room behind Reut.

“So how did you know I was in trouble this time? You weren’t even in the room when Gari started fighting.”

Reut shrugged his shoulders. “Like I said, I was getting my book. Happened to see you getting owned and decided to step in.”

“I was not getting owned! Just trying to decide whether I should give Samson the old one-two, or release my secret weapon on him!”

“What weapon?”

“A secret one of course. Can’t go telling people what it is if it’s a secret.”

“No offense, but I can’t really believe you.”

Hero pouted, making Reut laugh. “Dude. Not cool.”

The small smile slipped off of Reut’s face, the boy eying the pens still embedded in his skin. “Just be careful, okay? You only have your fists to protect you.”

“What? Not going to count my brains?”

“You have brains?”

“Hey!”

“Just don’t get yourself killed. Or else I won’t have anyone to talk to.”

“Yeesh. Getting the same lecture from my friend that I got from my teacher this morning? My life must be pathetic.”

“This morning?”

“Yeah. I was doing some errands and was chased by Mr. Sadist.”

“You mean Caz?”

“Yeah.”

“What’d you do now?”

“Who says it’s my fault?”

“It usually is, Hero.”

“You got me there.”

The two entered the boys’ restroom. As the door slid closed, Hero looked under the stalls to make sure no one was in there.

Satisfied, Hero began cleaning the slime off as best he could at the sink, Reut by his side doing the same.

“Wish we had some paper towels in here.” Hero grumbled, pulling the pens from his arm.

“I’m sure Kirkland could heal that in a split second.”

“I’ve been his patient once today,” he said, grabbing some toilet paper and wrapping it around his arm. “Besides, I heal quickly. It’ll be good as new by the end of next period.”

Reut stuck his hood under the water, wiping away the rest of the slime. “So why was Caz chasing you?”

“I didn’t get caught.”

“Really now?”

Hero wiped his hands on his pants, before lifting up his bag. “He was after me because of this.” He tapped the side twice before a keypad hologram popped up. He typed in the code and let it open, showing Reut its contents.

“Woah.”

“Yeah.”

Reut’s eyes shot up. “Why’d you bring them to school? If a teacher catches you–”

“They won’t.” Hero shut the bag, locking it. “Kirk got to me before I could dump them off.”

“But that type of drug . . . how’d you get past the security?”

“Kirk dragged me through the teachers’ entrance on the side.”

“You dodged a bullet there.”

“Right?”

“You going to sell them off or keep them?” Reut turned back to his hoodie, ringing it out the best he could.

“I’m going by Thompson’s tomorrow. Got a buyer named Mib wanting them. But I’ll need to hide them tonight. Just in case they do a dorm check.”

“Going to the apartments then?”

“You know it. Want to come with?”

“I guess.” Reut put his hoodie back on. “Someone needs to make sure you stay out of trouble.”

“Thanks, man.”

Bell chimes sang through the halls outside.

“Man, I hate that music. Why can’t they just have a buzzer like other schools?” Hero followed Reut out into the bustling hall.

“That wouldn’t be proper, though.”

“By the way, did something happen at home again?”

“We’ll be late for class if you keep on wasting energy on talking.”

“Like you even care about class.”

“More than you do.”

“Got that right.” Hero followed Reut through the crowds, holding his bag tightly to his side.

 

/

Chapter One / Chapter Two / LL Home Page

(c) E.N. Chaffin. 2017. All rights reserved.

Loading: Life Chapter 2

The healing orb stung as its energy drifted over Hero’s stomach. He winced but dared not complain. He didn’t want his teacher to chew him out even more.

“So instead of coming to school like you promised, you decided to take a stroll through the city and pick up some new friends?” Poison dripped from Kirk’s words. “Nice to know my students respect me.”

Hero focused on his health bar, the headache he had slowly fading.

“And not only that,” Kirk continued. “But your uniform is torn up. Again. And your hair is filled with dirt clumps. Seriously, boy, what am I going to do with you?”

“Not like it matters,” Hero muttered. “My hair is dirt anyways. People already think I’m a freak for having this color, Kirk.”

“It’s Mr. Kirkland. And just because brown hair is a rarity, doesn’t mean people think you’re a freak.”

“But they do.”

Kirk sighed. “Boy. I promised your grandfather I would take care of you. But I can’t do that if you’re not willing to work with me.”

“Shouldn’t the nurse be healing me?”

“Unlike me, she gets to enjoy her lunch–” coughing shook the orb slightly; Kirk nuzzled his mouth to the inside of his elbow until it ended.

“Getting a cold?”

The man applied more pressure on the orb, shooting pain through his wounds.

Hero flinched. “Hey!”

“Tell me why you’re running around with Cassius and his gang.”

“Why should it matter?”

“Maybe because he was beating you to a pulp. And the fact that as your guardian, I have the right to know.”

“Yeah, well I have a right to a normal life with parents, not guardians. But I guess we’re both screwed in that matter.”

Harsh, glassy clear eyes bore into him, making him shrink back. His eyes shot around the room, trying to find something to focus on besides those eyes. Needles, gloves, beds, anything. He caught sight of the window, the sky seeming to flex with new colors as the wind blew, its low humming reaching his ears.

“Hero.”

“I didn’t mean it, alright? I’m happy the way things are.”

“Don’t lie.”

“I’m not.”

“Sure . . . I’m just worried. Your attendance has never been that spectacular since– since the start of junior high. And now you’re in the tenth grade and so close to graduating. I just don’t want you to fail due to not being present.”

“What do it matter? It’s not like I’ll get a great job.”

“You might if you try hard. I just don’t want you ending up like Cassius.”

“A guy who never had to finish school, runs around and does whatever he wants whenever he wants? A guy who can take down wild beasts if he wants to, just because he can? Nah. I don’t want to be like that.”

“You want to be a high school dropout that can’t even rely on the police, because he’s afraid they’ll stick him in jail for what he’s done?”

“Might be better than here.” He huffed. “Besides, no one will hire me after they find out I don’t have an SA.”

“Hero,” Kirk’s hand patted him on one of his tensing shoulders. “I know it must be difficult, but who’s to say you won’t develop one later.”

He jerked away, jumping out of his seat. “Oh, and you don’t find it weird that I don’t have one now!”

“Special abilities develop at different times. There have been cases–”

“I’m a freak, Kirk! Everyone knows it! They just take one look at my hair and since I have no SA, and they know I don’t belong!”

“You are not a freak.”

“Then what do you call me?”

Kirk grabbed his arm. “A boy who cannot see how important he is.”

“Don’t give me that crap.”

The man sighed, letting go of him. “I’ve healed you enough. You should be good to go back to class.”

The energy flowed back into the man’s body, his eyes returning to their normal silver.

“Please get there before lunch ends. You don’t want to be late today.”

Hero didn’t look as Kirk walked to the door.

“And, boy . . .”

“What?”

“Please be careful. Without an ability . . . you won’t be able to defend yourself . . .”

“Yeah, whatever.”

The door opened and closed, leaving Hero alone.

He walked over to his bag and flung it over his shoulder.

“I hate this place.”

 

/

Chapter One / Chapter Three / LL Home Page

(c) E.N. Chaffin. 2017. All rights reserved.

Loading: Life Chapter 1

Hero ran through the streets, the thugs right on his heels. Their bats beating up against trash cans and buildings reverberated in his ears. He cursed himself for getting caught by the Ravens.

“Come back here you piece of shit!” yelled the punk in front, hands sparking a furious red energy.

Hero skirted around the corner, weaved through the back streets, and swerved past trash cans and stray cats. He could feel his stamina bar slowly depleting as he searched for an escape. He kept his inventory bag close to his chest, the Ravens screeching behind him, gaining on him. He pressed a button on the strap, turning on its invisibility feature.

He kept running. Around one more corner, a paved wall seeming to rise from nowhere.

“Here we go.”

He hugged his bag, hopped on a trashcan, jumped towards the wall, clearing it and landing effortlessly in the field on the other side.

“Come and get me if you can, idiots!” he grinned, keeping his eyes on the wall as he ran. “You’re all a bunch of mor–”

His stomach caved in as a rock-hard fist made contact. His body was thrown back, sliding on the ground until he collided with the wall. His health bar sprang up, lowering instantly.

A groan escaped his lips as he tried to reach for his bag. His hand landed on it when a shadow grew over him. He looked up to meet shining coal black eyes glaring down at him from a black mass of feather-like hair – Caz, leader of the Ravens, with both fists encased in ore, and his mana bar overhead, already as bright red as his energy.

“Hey–”

Caz’s boot struck Hero’s torso, pinning him down. The inventory bag slipped to the side.

Caz grinned. “Nice of you to keep my stash safe for me, but I’ll be needing all of it back now.”

“Hey, Cassy. How ya’ doing?”

Caz lunged forward, his face only inches away from Hero’s. “It’s Caz. Not Cassy. Now, where is my stash, boy?”

The scent of tobacco wafted through the air, watering Hero’s eyes. “Ya’ know. We’re nearly the same age. No need to call me boy.”

“Beat it out of you, then, dirt brain? Sounds fun.”

Caz straightened, snapping his fingers. Two of his biggest goons jerked Hero up by the shoulders. He cracked his knuckles, forming bigger, harder ore around his fists. The blood-like glow of his energy spread up his arms, mirroring his mana bar.

“One last chance, shit head. Give me your inventory and hand over the goods. Or you’re dead.”

Hero cocked his head to the side, a goofy grin forming on his lips. “I thought only parrots repeated themselves. Guess Ravens are just as dumb, though.”

Two fists barraged Hero, bruising his stomach. Blood spurted from his mouth, his health and stamina bars falling simultaneously.

Other Ravens gathered around them, whooping and hollering, waving their weapons in the air. But Hero couldn’t hear through the ringing in his ears. He was really going to die. Great.

At least, he thought, he didn’t have to bother with school anymore. Or his annoying tea–

“Get away from him!”

Curses spread like wildfire as Hero was thrown to the side, dropping with a hard thud on the ground.

“You got lucky.” Hero heard Caz growl before the thug ran off with his crew.

He curled up around his bag, holding it close to him.

Yelling and running faded. Still, Hero knew he was not alone.

He kept himself curled up, even as soft footsteps strode up to him. He silently prayed it was not a cop. Or a thug from another gang he might have pissed off. Or even worse–

“And what do you think you’re doing out here, boy?”

–his teacher.

It just had to be his teacher.

/

Chapter Two / Chapter Three / LL Home Page

(c) E.N. Chaffin. 2017. All rights reserved.

Cover Reveal for Loading: Life

Thanks to a special artist friend of mine, MadCat Studios, my book Loading: Life now has a book cover! Yay!

Now, as you may know, I am self-publishing this first novel of mine. And why is that? For many reasons including being able to make my own decisions on my cover and interior design. Has it been hard to get everything the way I want it? Extremely so. Was it worth it? Yes.

I knew exactly what I wanted for this project: a video game styled cover to go along with the video game-esque story.

You see, my main audience is people who love video games, as well as those who want anime, read manga, and love to cosplay. The illustration I asked MadCat to do brings in the anime, manga, and cosplay elements. (Seriously, what cosplayer doesn’t like school uniforms?) And by designing it to look like a video game, I cater to the game lovers.

It is always scary to do things yourself when you’re just a novice. Especially when others can afford to buy professional services, and you’re left with using your limited resources and researching everything – and messing up everything during the learning process.

But after everything is said and done, I can say that it was well worth it. I now have a cover (and book) I am happy to put my name on and offer the world.

I would like to ask everyone who sees this cover to share it with anyone they know and help me spread the word of my new book Loading: Life, coming in just a few days.

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Pre-Order Your eBook Today!

Paperback Version On Sale Soon!

Cover (c) E.N. Chaffin.

Illustration (c) MadCat Studios.

The Business Man

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Terrible things happen to those who walk around at night.

/

The small businessman backs up, instantly being cornered by the group of thugs that were following him for the last several blocks. He did not see any of the weapons they now brandish out in the open, so he did not think anything of the group at first. But as the last light starts to leave the sky, the man tries to think of how to get away from them.

“H-hello boys . . . w-hat are you doing?”

“Hey old man,” One comes up, grinning widely. “We’re with, what you’d call, a donation center. We’re running around town, finding nice folks like yourself to donate to our little charity.”

“S-sounds nice.” The man tries to back up further but hits the brick wall behind him. “S-sorry, though, I-I don’t have any m-money to give.”

“You sure about that?”

The other thugs snicker, some spinning their bats or flipping open their knives. The man’s body shakes. Fear crawls up and down his spine.

“W-why don’t w-we talk about this, fellows?”

“We ain’t got time for talkin’,” another thug says. “We has to be on our way soon.”

“That is true,” the first says. “So let’s speed this up.”

One snap of the fingers and the entire group walks forward, weapons at the ready.

“No! Please don’t!” the man yells, shaking. “I don’t want to hurt you!”

The thugs laugh, closing in.

“Oh please!”

“Old man like you? Hurting us?”

“Pathetic!”

They raise their weapons.

“Please don’t!”

“Too late, old man!”

“No!”

Bats flew down. Knives tore through the air.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!”

 

The thugs look wide-eyed down at the shadows that had shot from the man only seconds before. The man was still shaking.

“I-I told you, boys.”

Shadows sliver out of their bodies.

“I-I tried to warn you.”

One of the shadows grab the man’s hat, while another grab his suitcase. Other shadows whip around him. The man grabs his hat and suitcase.

“I-I tried. But you didn’t listen.”

The shadows form a bridge above the thugs. The man walks to the other side. He does not turn back to see the thugs. He knows what will happen to them if it has not already.

“I warned them.”

The shadows recede into the man’s own shadow before he walks out onto the street.

The small business man walks forward, thinking of what his wife may have made for dinner.

/

(c) E.N. Chaffin 2017. Any reproduction without author permission is against the copyright laws of the United States of America.

Call for Beta Readers!

I am almost done editing my manuscript for Loading: Life for the umpteenth time. I would love to share my progress with those who can and would love to help me improve my debut novel before it hits publication.

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I’m calling for people who love to read and would love to help an author polish her work and make it the best it can be.

If you haven’t seen the book blurb or 1st chapter of Loading: Life, please click here.

If you are interested in being a beta reader, please fill out this form.

I am finishing up this current draft and will be in contact with beta readers soon!

If you have any questions about how to be a beta reader, please see this video by Vivien Reis. She is an awesome writer, with great advice.

APPLY TO BE A BETA READER!

Loading: Life Chapter 1 (Updated)

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An updated version of Chapter of Loading: Life.

(My work is now in the hands of my editor. I’ll keep you all updated on my progress!)

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Hero ran through the maze-like alleyways from the punks that were trying to beat in his face with bats and fence posts. Apparently skipping school was turning out to be one of the worst ideas he’s ever had.

“Come back here you piece of shit!” yelled the punk in front, hands sparking into a furious red.

Hero swerved around corners, weaving through the back streets, his eyes searching every second to find an escape. One wrong turn sent him down a dead end. Almost effortlessly, though, and he jumped the fence blocking his path. Those barking hounds were getting closer.

“Come and get me if you can, idiots!” Hero grinned, eyes on the fence as he kept running.

“You’re all a bunch of mor-”

His stomach caved in as a rock-hard fist hurled its way through the air. Falling to the ground, Hero could see Caz glaring with coal-black eyes. The guy’s fist was blackened over with ore from his attack. A green bar already lit up above his attacker’s head.

Hero tried to get back on his feet, but Caz’s boot struck his chest and shoved him back down.

“Nice of you to keep my things safe for me, but I’ll be needing them back now.”

“Hey, Cassy. How ya’ doing?”

Caz lunged forward, face inches away from Hero’s. The tobacco scent wafted up to Hero’s nose, making his eyes water. “It’s Caz. Not Cassy.” Caz stood back up, his boot back on Hero’s chest. “Now where is my stash, boy?”

“Ya’ know. We’re just a few years apart. No need to call me boy.”

“Beat it out of you, then? Sounds fun.”

Caz snapped his fingers and two of his biggest goons jerked Hero up by his shoulders.

Caz cracked his knuckles, forming bigger, harder ore around his fists. The blood-like glow of his aura spread up his arms.

“One last chance, shit head. Hand them over willingly or you’re dead.”

Hero cocked his head to the side, his grin curling at the edges. “I don’t think being hit by a child will hurt that badly.”

Hero was barraged by two powerful fists. Blood spurted from his mouth. He could feel his energy and health depleting. The whooping and hollering from Caz’s gang was overtaken by the ringing in his ears. Hero knew he was going to die.

At least, he thought, he didn’t have to bother with school anymore. Or that annoying teacher-

“Get away from him!”

Hero was thrown to the side, dropping with a hard thud on the ground. He instinctively curled up, holding his stomach. Stomping feet and yelling teenagers faded away in a matter of seconds. Still, Hero knew he was not alone.

Soft foot steps thumped towards him. He silently prayed it was not a cop. Or a badder thug. Or certainly not-

“And what the hell do you think you’re doing out here, boy?”

-his teacher.

It just had to be his teacher.

/

(c) E.N. Chaffin, 2017.  Any reproduction without author permission is against copyright laws under the United States of America.

Picking Locks

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“Stealing magical items has never been so easy!

This has been featured on David Snape and Friends. Please visit his site at davidsnape.me.

(Please visit my Facebook and give me some feedback on what you think of this story. Thank you!)

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Golden ringlets fell across ruby eyes as the young woman picked the door’s lock.

“Are you almost done?”

“Shut it, Bear. I’m trying to concentrate.”

The young, husky man gritted his teeth, peering down the hall. “I thought you were fast at this.”

“Only when cubs like you don’t bother me.”

She continued her work. One click there. Another here. And –

“Got it!”

“Finally.”

The two silently raced into the room, looking through books, behind furniture, anywhere they might find the coveted treasure.

“Damn. Where do you think it could it be, Goldie?” Bear looked over to his partner.

Goldilocks had sprung over to the desk, checking the drawers.

“Ah! One is locked!” A soft chime rang through her words.

“Just hurry.”

“So impatient, you.”

She pulled a tiny pin from her hair as she deciphered what kind of lock it was on the inside. Her ruby eyes flared again. “This won’t take long.”

A second later and the drawer was unlocked. She opened it. They peered inside. But, there was no treasure.

“Come on! Don’t tell me we’re in the wrong room!” Bear huffed.

Goldilocks searched through the piles of paper, finding a car key.

“Huh. Now, why would he leave this in here?”

“Who cares.” His ears perked up at the sound of footsteps from outside the room, “We have to go. Now. They’re closing in on us.”

“With your hearing, they’re probably still halfway across the mansion,” she said, a tiny snort escaping her lips.

Out of curiosity, she pressed the key’s unlock button.

Right behind them, part of the bookshelf popped opened.

“Oh! Secret room!”

“Oh, great.”

Goldilocks opened it the rest of the way, only to pout, “Ah. It’s just a safe in the wall.”

“Would you just open it?! Gah! You and your love for secret rooms!”

She ignored his muttering, morphing the pin she still had in her hand to another tool. This one looked like the end of a stethoscope. She pressed it right under the lock and spun the numbered dial non-stop. Right at its fourth rotation, the safe popped open, just like the bookcase had.

She swung the door out of her way to find the treasure they were looking for – a bronzed mirror. The glass was framed in the branches of a tree. The tree’s trunk made use as the handle, leading down to an apple that had an S etched into it. A beautiful piece of art.

“Bear! It’s here!”

“Good.” He threw her a brown sack, laced with silver threading. “Hurry and put it away. And don’t look into it!”

When he didn’t hear any snide comment or sounds of shuffling stolen goods, he glanced away from the door and towards his partner. Great. She was staring at it.

Bear rushed over, slapping his hand over her eyes.

“Ow!” she squeaked.

He snatched the mirror away. Only then did he move his hand from her face. He looked into her eyes. They once again glowed their regular sapphire, no longer burning red from use of her lock-picking skills. Nothing seemed amiss, though. Except for the slight irritation that shone in them.

“Good.”

“You didn’t have to slap me!”

“Well, you didn’t have to be stupid!”

Footsteps rang through the halls.

“Hear it now?”

“Uh-oh.”

Bear snatched the bag back, shoved the mirror in it, and took Goldilocks’ hand.

A moment later and guards appeared. They looked into the room, guns at the ready. They marched in, looking over the shelves, chairs, and finally behind the desk.

Finding nothing disturbed and no one about, they decided to keep surveying the halls. Meanwhile, Bear and Goldilocks hung on the ceiling. After the guards left, Bear released his powers and floated down with his partner and their treasure.

“Let’s get out of here.”

“Agreed.”

After making sure the guards were nowhere near the study’s door, they snuck to the window they had previously come in, opened it, and fled from the mansion.

Running to their car, which was parked on the other side of two large hills, the two cheered at their bounty.

“See! That wasn’t so hard.”

“Yeah. Until you looked at it.”

“Please! Nothing happened!”

“You sure about that? That woman, the Mistress, did say not to look into it. A curse would befall anyone who did.”

“Oh, come on. If Snow White could look into it and still have a happy ending, then why can’t I?”

“She ended up being poisoned. And just lucky enough her prince came in time.”

“Details. Details.”

“Just be more careful next time. Alright?”

“Alright, Darius.”

“And don’t call me by name while we’re on a hunt!”

“But we got the prize!”

“Yeah! But we’re still transporting it!”

“Whatever.”

They raced into the night.

But neither one noticed the green tinge starting to appear at the edge of her eyes.

/

© E.N. Chaffin 2016. Any reproduction without author permission is against copyright laws under the United States of America.