//------------------------------//
// BONUS: The Perfect Host 
// Story: He And His Knightmares 
// by xCrossx 
//------------------------------//


BONUS: The Perfect Host


I watch the passer-bys as they go about their business. I am resting on a mannequin whilst the blacksmith works on some new armor plating. I use my magic to animate the mannequin as the time comes. And the kid passes by at the same time as usual. I follow him.

He turns down the corner and I follw, quickly taking off the armor as my form shifts to a large, hooded unicorn. "Boy," I speak in a deep voice, making him jump and spin around to face me. He stares at me, wide-eyed. "I have watched you everyday, and I sense great power in you."

"But I am nothing," he mutters.

"You feel that. But you are much more than that. I can give you something that will help you harness your power." His eyes brighten, but I'm not finished. But, you must vow to wield both tools wisely. There is no going back if you accept." He hesitates, then nods. Good, he did consider it, but agreed anyways. Maybe he will prove to be better than the others that were powerful. I pull out myself with fake unicorn magic, placing myself onto him. "Good luck." I send the fake into the street out of sight before letting the magic break.

I dive into his mind, flipping through his memories: Lost his good family young, lived on the streets since, not noticed, wishes for a new home, wishes he has a purpose, that his name is Dage and he is 16. I dive deeper to find... Oh, he has an immense amount of magical power, and it is all like mine. He was born to be my host! Oh, yes!

He breaks my train of thought as he wonders what he should do now. I slip in the idea of becoming a knight. He casts it out, remembering how knights fighting for this town killed his family. I slip in that not all knights serve greedy tyrants. He ignores it; most do. Not all knight serve anyone. No- wait, what? Some protect travelers for cash; escorts. Why? You know how people are; thugs pillage and steal. What does that have to do with travelers? They are the most vulnerable to getting thieved or attacked. You have armor and power; you could protect them. Yes, I could. And I will. But where do I start?

I smile as I get my first victory; oh, he is smart, but oh so naive, like a child. No one taught him to grow. That will make it easier for me to take over. Oh, this is the perfect host!