Chapter 2 Embracing the Darkness

The alarm's shrill cry pierced the pre-dawn darkness at 5:30 AM, as it had countless times before. But this time, as Arris's eyes snapped open, something felt different. The shadows in his room seemed deeper, more alive, shifting at the edges of his vision in a way that made him blink and rub his eyes.

Chirp. Another day. Swipe. Click. Here we go again. But it's not the same, is it? Something's changing. The darkness, this... ability... it's growing. And I'm changing with it.

Arris sat up, his skin noticeably paler in the dim light. The network of veins beneath his skin seemed more pronounced, pulsing with an unfamiliar rhythm. He flexed his fingers, a strange tingling sensation running through them.
Arris peered at his reflection, startled by the changes. His once warm brown eyes now held a darker hue, with tiny flecks that seemed to shift and swirl in the light. The face staring back at him was his own, yet subtly altered in ways that sent a chill down his spine.

Look at yourself. What's happening to me? Is this some kind of evolution, or am I losing my mind? And why doesn't it terrify me as much as it should?

The shower lasted exactly four minutes, scalding water doing little to wash away the odd sensations coursing through him. As he dressed, Arris chose a long-sleeved shirt and buttoned it up to the collar, suddenly self-conscious about the visible veins in his neck.
In the spare room, his pets stirred as he entered. The soft glow of heat lamps illuminated scales and exoskeletons, but there was a new tension in the air. Nyx, his Mexican Red Knee tarantula, seemed hesitant to approach the front of her enclosure. Ouroboros, the ball python, watched him with an intensity that felt almost... wary.

They sense something's different. But what? How can they tell when I barely understand it myself?

Arris went through the motions of feeding and care, his movements mechanical as his mind raced with questions and possibilities. The routine that had once anchored him now felt strangely disconnected from his new reality.
The drive to work was a blur of gray streets and faceless pedestrians. But now, Arris found himself oddly attuned to the people around him. He caught flickers of emotion from passing strangers – a flash of anger here, a spark of joy there. Fragments of thoughts seemed to whisper at the edges of his consciousness.

What is this? Am I imagining things, or can I actually sense what others are feeling? Is this what it's like to be truly aware of the world around me? Or am I losing my grip on reality?

The call center loomed ahead, the nondescript building suddenly intimidating in its potential for human interaction. As Arris walked through the automatic doors, he was hit by a wave of emotions – frustration, boredom, anxiety – all swirling together in a confusing blend.
He settled into his cubicle, the familiar confines both comforting and claustrophobic. The headset sat on his desk, no longer just a tool, but a conduit to a world of minds he was only beginning to access. Arris took a deep breath, equal parts nervous and excited about what the day might bring.

Another day begins. But everything's different now. These new sensations, these abilities... they're changing everything. I should be terrified. So why do I feel so alive?

Chirp. Another call. Swipe. Click. Here we go again.
"Thank you for calling Pulse Telecom Billing Department. My name is Arris. How can I help you today?" The words flowed automatically, but there was a new undercurrent to his voice, a subtle power that seemed to resonate through the phone line.
"I've got a problem with my bill. You people are charging me for services I never ordered!" The caller's voice crackled with anger.
Arris felt a sudden rush as the caller's emotions washed over him – anger, frustration, and a deep-seated fear of being cheated. The sensations were so vivid, so real, it was as if he could taste them.

I can feel it all. His anger, his fear. It's like I'm inside his head. This is... incredible. Overwhelming. But if I can feel it... can I do something about it?

"I understand your frustration, sir," Arris said, his voice taking on that strange, compelling timbre he'd noticed lately. "Let's take a look at your account together. But first, I want you to know that I'm here to help, not to defend any mistakes on our part. Can you tell me more about what you're seeing?"
As he spoke, Arris focused on projecting calm and reassurance. He wasn't sure how, but he could sense his words having an effect, like ripples spreading across the surface of the caller's agitated mind.
The caller's voice, when he spoke again, was noticeably less hostile. "I... yeah, okay. Sorry for yelling. It's just... there's this charge for a premium channel package I know I didn't sign up for."
As the man explained, Arris found he could almost see the bill in his mind's eye, the confusion and worry radiating from each unfamiliar line item. More than that, he caught glimpses of the man's life – financial stress, a recent job loss, the fear of letting his family down.

This is more than just hearing his words. I'm sensing his thoughts, his fears. I could use this, guide the conversation exactly where I need it to go. But... should I? Is this right?

"I see the charge you're referring to," Arris said, pulling up the account details. "You're right, there's no record of you ordering this package. It looks like an error on our end." He paused, considering his next words carefully. "Given your situation – and I apologize if I'm overstepping – I think we can do more than just remove this charge."
"My situation?" The caller's voice was a mix of confusion and wariness. "What do you mean?"
Arris took a deep breath, treading carefully. "I mean that a mistake on our part has clearly caused you significant stress, at a time when you're already dealing with a lot. So let's look at your plan overall and see if we can find you some savings, alright?"
As Arris guided the caller through his bill, he found himself navigating the conversation with uncanny precision. Each suggestion, each explanation seemed to address the man's unspoken concerns. It was exhilarating and unsettling in equal measure.
By the end of the call, Arris had not only removed the erroneous charge but had switched the caller to a more affordable plan that better suited his current needs. The man's gratitude was palpable, a warm glow that Arris could feel as clearly as if it were his own emotion.
"Thank you," the caller said, his voice thick with relief. "You have no idea how much this helps."
"I'm glad I could assist," Arris replied, a small smile playing at his lips. "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"
After the call ended, Arris sat back, his heart racing. The thrill of what he'd just done – the way he'd read the caller, guided the conversation, eased his fears – was intoxicating. But beneath the exhilaration, a thread of unease wound its way through his thoughts.

What am I becoming? This power... it's incredible. I helped him, really helped him. But the way I did it... reading his mind, influencing his emotions. Is that right? Is that still me, or am I turning into something else entirely?

Arris rubbed his temples, trying to ease the pressure building behind his eyes. The questions swirled in his mind, a mix of excitement and moral quandary. As the next call chirped in his headset, he steeled himself, both eager and apprehensive about what new revelations it might bring.

Guilt warred with exhilaration as Arris guided the caller through his bill, explaining each charge with newfound clarity and insight. He could sense the customer's understanding growing, the frustration melting away, replaced by a cautious appreciation.
As the call ended, Arris felt a rush of... something. Power? Satisfaction? Unease? He wasn't sure. But he knew it was changing him, and a part of him craved more.
Throughout the day, Arris cautiously explored his growing abilities. A gentle nudge towards calm here, a subtle push for understanding there. He found he could catch glimpses of surface thoughts, anticipating questions and concerns moments before they were voiced. Calls that would have once left him drained now energized him, resolved with an efficiency that both thrilled and unsettled him.
By the end of his shift, Arris's numbers were noticeably improved. More calls resolved, customer satisfaction scores higher than usual. But as he packed up to leave, he caught sight of his reflection in his darkened computer screen. The shadows around him seemed slightly deeper, more defined. His eyes, when he met his own gaze, were darker than normal, flecked with swirling shadows.

What's happening to me? These abilities... they're changing me. Changing everything. I should stop, should tell someone. But I can't. Don't want to. It feels too good, too right. Like I'm finally awake after years of sleepwalking. But at what cost?

As Arris left the call center, he felt the weight of his secret pressing down on him. The distance between him and his coworkers, once a comfort, now felt like a widening gulf. The routine that had once been his anchor now felt constraining, a facade he struggled to maintain.
But beneath the unease, there was a new sensation. A thrill of potential, of power waiting to be explored. The shadows within him stirred, hungry for more. And as Arris stepped out into the gathering dusk, he knew that tomorrow would bring new discoveries, new challenges to his self-control, and new questions about who – or what – he was becoming.
The call center hummed with the usual cacophony of voices, a discordant symphony of frustration and forced politeness. But for Arris, the noise had taken on a new dimension. Each voice now carried undercurrents of unspoken thoughts, flashes of emotion that flickered at the edges of his consciousness.

So much noise. So many minds, all crying out at once. I can sense them now. Their fears, their anger, their secret desires. And I can influence them, ease their troubles. But should I? Where's the line between helping and manipulating?

Chirp. Another call. Swipe. Click. Here we go again.
"Pulse Telecom Billing Department. This is Arris speaking." His voice carried an undercurrent of anticipation, a predator waiting to pounce.
"Finally! A real person!" The caller's voice dripped with sarcasm. "I've been on hold for an eternity. Is incompetence a job requirement there?"
Arris felt the familiar surge of irritation, but now it was accompanied by something else - a dark, swirling energy that seemed to feed on the caller's anger.

Such fury. Such pain beneath it all. Let's see how deep this rabbit hole goes.

"I apologize for the wait, ma'am," Arris said, his tone taking on that strange, compelling quality he'd begun to master. "I can sense this has been a frustrating experience for you. Why don't you tell me what's really bothering you today?"
As he spoke, Arris reached out with his mind, not just sensing surface emotions but probing deeper. The woman's thoughts weren't clear, but impressions flooded his awareness - flashes of a recent argument, mounting bills, a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed.
"I... what?" The caller's voice faltered, caught off guard by Arris's perceptiveness. "Look, I just need to dispute these charges on my bill. They're ridiculous!"
Arris smiled, a cold expression that didn't reach his eyes. "Of course. But I think there's more to it than that. The bill is just the latest in a string of stressors, isn't it? Work pressures, relationship tensions... it's all piling up."
There was a sharp intake of breath. "How could you possibly-"
"I'm very observant," Arris interrupted smoothly. "Now, let's look at your bill together. I think you'll find that addressing this will help alleviate at least some of your concerns."
As he guided the caller through her charges, Arris found himself pushing further, subtly manipulating her emotions. He soothed her anger while stoking her insecurities, creating a pliable state of mind that was disturbingly easy to influence.

This power... it's intoxicating. I could reshape her entire worldview if I wanted. Should I? Where's the line?

By the end of the call, Arris had not only resolved the billing issue but had left the woman in a state of confused gratitude, her earlier hostility completely erased.
"Thank you," she said, her voice small and uncertain. "You've been... surprisingly helpful."
"I'm glad I could assist," Arris replied, his tone controlled and soothing. "Is there anything else you need today?"
After ending the call, Arris leaned back, a cocktail of exhilaration and unease coursing through him. The power he'd wielded was thrilling, but a part of him recoiled at how easily he'd manipulated the caller's mind.

What am I becoming? This isn't just customer service anymore. I'm reshaping people's thoughts, their very selves. Is this who I want to be?

Arris caught his reflection in the computer screen. His eyes were noticeably darker, shadowy depths swirling within them. The veins at his temples pulsed visibly beneath his ever-paler skin.
As the next call chirped, Arris felt the familiar surge of dark anticipation. The moral quandaries could wait. Right now, there were minds to explore, wills to bend. And despite his lingering doubts, he couldn't deny the intoxicating rush as he prepared to delve once more into the hidden depths of another unsuspecting psyche.

The calls continued, and with each one, Arris pushed a little further. A sharp insight here, a subtle emotional nudge there. He found himself anticipating needs, addressing unspoken concerns. His customer satisfaction scores were climbing - after all, he was resolving issues with unprecedented speed and efficiency. But there was a new edge to his interactions, a subtle intensity that left some callers feeling vaguely unsettled even as their problems were solved.
As the day wore on, Arris became aware of eyes on him. Lila, watching him with a mixture of concern and curiosity. His supervisor, Mr. Hendricks, hovering nearby with a thoughtful frown.

They sense something's different. They don't understand it, but they can feel the change. Should I be worried? Or proud?

"Arris?" Mr. Hendricks approached his cubicle, a polite smile on his face. "Can I have a word?"
Arris turned, meeting his supervisor's gaze. He felt a sudden urge to probe Mr. Hendricks' thoughts but held back, unsure of his control. "Of course, sir. What can I do for you?"
Mr. Hendricks leaned against the cubicle wall. "I've been listening to some of your calls. Your numbers are impressive, but... well, there have been some comments about your approach. Some callers have reported feeling... a bit overwhelmed."
For a moment, Arris considered reaching out, trying to influence his supervisor's emotions as he had with the callers. The temptation was strong, but the risk too great.

No. Not here. Not now. I need to be careful.

"I apologize if my approach has been unconventional," Arris said, his voice smooth and controlled. "I've been trying some new techniques to improve efficiency. But I'll be more mindful of how I come across."
Mr. Hendricks nodded, but a hint of uncertainty remained in his eyes. "Good. We appreciate innovation, Arris, but remember – customer comfort is just as important as efficiency."
As his supervisor walked away, Arris felt a mix of frustration and relief. The mask of normalcy was becoming harder to maintain, the facade of the dutiful employee straining under the weight of his growing abilities.

Customer comfort. Right. As if they care about our comfort when they're screaming at us. But I need to be smarter about this. More subtle.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of calls, each one a delicate balance between using his newfound skills and maintaining a veneer of normalcy. By the time he packed up to leave, Arris felt drained but exhilarated.
Catching sight of himself in a car window, Arris was struck by his otherworldly appearance. His eyes, now more black than brown, seemed to absorb the light around them. The network of veins at his temples had darkened further, creating an intricate, pulsing web beneath his ashen skin..

What am I becoming? Something more than human? Something dangerous? And why doesn't that scare me as much as it should?

Chirp. Another day ends. Swipe. Click. But this time, as Arris drove home, his mind buzzed with possibilities. The power growing within him whispered of potential, of a world where he was no longer at the mercy of angry callers and demanding bosses. And deep in the corners of his mind, a part of him that was still wholly human both thrilled and trembled at the thought.
The next morning, as Arris walked to his cubicle, he was acutely aware of the atmosphere around him. The fluorescent lights seemed to dim slightly as he passed, or was that his imagination? Coworkers glanced up as he walked by, their eyes quickly darting away, a subtle tension filling the air.

They sense something's different. Good. Let them wonder. I'm not the pushover they once knew. I'm becoming something more.

As Arris settled into his chair, he caught sight of Lila watching him from across the room. Her brow was furrowed with concern, her usual warm smile replaced by a thoughtful frown.

Oh, Lila. Still trying to figure me out? Still hoping to 'help' me? If only you knew what I'm becoming.

Arris took a deep breath, centering himself as he prepared for another day of calls. The power within him stirred, eager to be used. But with it came a whisper of caution. How far could he push before someone noticed? How much could he change before losing himself entirely?
As the first call of the day chirped in his ear, Arris allowed himself a small, knowing smile. Whatever the day might bring, he was no longer just a passive participant. He was becoming the master of his own story.

Chirp. Another call. Swipe. Click. Here we go again.
"Pulse Telecom Billing, Arris speaking." His greeting was cool and professional, but there was an undercurrent of anticipation in his voice.
"Yeah, hi," a timid voice began. "I'm calling about my latest bill. There seems to be a mistake-"
"Is there?" Arris interrupted, his voice taking on that strange, compelling timbre he'd come to recognize as his power manifesting. "Or did you simply fail to read your bill properly? Let's find out, shall we?"
As Arris pulled up the customer's account, he reached out with his mind, probing the caller's thoughts. This time, he didn't just sense emotions; he could almost see the man's memories, his fears, his insecurities laid bare.

Ah, there it is. Divorced last year. Struggling to manage finances on his own. Embarrassed about his lack of understanding. Let's see how we can... use this information.

"Mr. Thompson," Arris said, not bothering to ask for the man's name, "I can see you're having some difficulties understanding your bill. It must be challenging, managing these things on your own now."
He heard a sharp intake of breath. "How did you... I never mentioned..."
"I have access to all relevant account information, Mr. Thompson," Arris lied smoothly. "Now, let's go through your bill together, shall we? I'll explain it as clearly as possible, so there's no confusion."
As Arris walked through each charge, he wove in personal details he'd gleaned from the man's mind, using them to keep him off-balance and compliant. He found himself enjoying the power play, the way he could manipulate the conversation with ease.

This is what real customer service should be. Efficient. Effective. Who cares if it's a little... invasive? I'm solving his problems, aren't I?

By the end of the call, Mr. Thompson's initial confusion had been replaced by a mix of gratitude and unease. "Thank you for your help," he said, his voice shaky. "You've been very... thorough."
"Always happy to assist, Mr. Thompson," Arris replied, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Is there anything else I can help you with today?"
After ending the call, Arris leaned back in his chair, a surge of satisfaction coursing through him. The power he'd just wielded was intoxicating. He'd not only resolved the issue but had left a lasting impression on the caller, one that would ensure compliance in future interactions.

This is what I was meant for. Not just answering calls, but truly understanding people. Shaping their thoughts, their actions. It's for their own good, really. Isn't it?

A small voice in the back of his mind whispered doubts, reminders of ethics and privacy. But Arris pushed it aside. He was beyond such petty concerns now. He was evolving, becoming something more than a mere customer service representative.
As he prepared for the next call, Arris caught sight of his reflection in his computer screen. His skin was noticeably pale, the veins at his temples dark and prominent. His eyes, when he met his own gaze, were a deep, swirling black that seemed to absorb light.
For a moment, a flicker of unease passed through him.

What am I becoming? Is this still me, or am I losing myself to this power?

But then the next call chirped in his ear, and the doubt was washed away by a wave of anticipation. Whatever he was becoming, Arris knew one thing for certain: he was no longer content to be a passive participant in his own life. He was taking control, one call at a time.

"Arris, a word." Mr. Hendricks' voice was taut with barely contained anger as he approached Arris's cubicle. "My office. Now."
As Arris followed his supervisor, he could sense the waves of emotion radiating from the man - anger, confusion, and an undercurrent of fear. It was intoxicating.
Once inside the office, Mr. Hendricks turned to face him. "What's going on with you? That last call... I've never heard anything like it. Explain yourself."
Arris leaned against the wall, a small smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "I was simply being efficient, sir. Isn't that what we're supposed to do? Resolve issues quickly?"
"Efficient, yes. Cruel, no!" Mr. Hendricks' face flushed with anger. "Your numbers are impressive, Arris, but your methods... There have been complaints. Customers feeling manipulated, coworkers feeling uncomfortable. This isn't like you."

No, it's not. That Arris was weak. I'm so much more now.

"Perhaps," Arris said, his voice taking on that subtle, compelling quality, "you should be less concerned with my methods and more appreciative of my results. After all, isn't that what really matters?"
As he spoke, Arris reached out with his mind, probing Mr. Hendricks' consciousness. He could feel the man's emotions, could almost grasp his thoughts. It would be so easy to twist them, to make him see things Arris's way.

Just a little push. Make him understand. Make him see my value.

But before he could fully exert his influence, there was a knock at the door. Lila entered, her eyes wide with concern.
"Mr. Hendricks, I'm sorry to interrupt, but..." She trailed off as she saw Arris, her expression a mix of worry and determination. "Arris, are you okay? You haven't been yourself lately."
Her words, filled with genuine care, pierced through the fog of dark satisfaction surrounding Arris. For a moment, just a moment, he felt a flicker of his old self, a reminder of the man he used to be.

Lila... What am I doing? What am I becoming?

But the moment passed quickly, overshadowed by the allure of his newfound power. Arris straightened, his eyes dark and intense, the veins at his temples visibly pulsing.
"I'm fine, Lila," he said, his voice cold and controlled. "In fact, I'm better than I've ever been. You don't need to worry about me."
"Arris," Mr. Hendricks interjected, "I think you need to take some time off. Sort yourself out. This behavior can't continue."
For a split second, Arris considered unleashing his full abilities, bending their wills to his. But a last shred of caution held him back.

Not here. Not now. There's still so much to explore, to understand.

"I don't need time off," Arris said, his voice laced with quiet intensity. "But I will consider your feedback. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have calls waiting."
As Arris strode out of the office, he could feel the weight of their stares on his back. The mask had slipped, yes, but he wasn't ready to discard it entirely. Not yet.
Walking through the call center, Arris was acutely aware of the sidelong glances from his coworkers, the hushed whispers that followed in his wake. But instead of discomfort, he felt a thrill of power.

Let them wonder. Let them whisper. They can't even begin to understand what I'm becoming.

As he settled back into his cubicle, Arris felt a sense of anticipation. The confrontation had been a setback, yes, but also an opportunity. He would need to be more careful, more strategic in using his abilities. But the power was still there, growing, waiting to be unleashed.
Chirp. Another call. Swipe. Click. Here we go again. But this time, as Arris prepared to answer, the familiar routine felt different. It wasn't a prison anymore, but a playground. A testing ground for his evolving abilities.
And deep in the darkest corners of his mind, a part of him that was still human wondered where this path would ultimately lead.