"What!?" I said with my mouth agape. Romir rolled his eyes and paced back
and forth letting his bone spurs twitch.
"See I told you.Something was gonna come along and ruin this.paradise." Harper said gesturing with his hands like usual.
"You guys never listen to me. You need to realize that what The Harper says is truth because."
"The Harper is good?" Trance said innocently rocking from heel to toe.
"That's right baby. Come to big daddy." Harper said waving her over with a big sly grin. Trance skipped over to his position and started petting his hair. He purred happily closing one eye and tapping one foot feverishly like a dog would. The rest of us in the room including Chakra stared unable to digest what we had just seen. We were stuck on a strange planet for god knows how long with a bunch of angry Neitzcheans and a Than and the two of them are.having a good time? The minute I think I understand Harper is when moments like these happen.
"You two are the most annoying creatures I've ever met. Do you not realize the severity of this situation?" Romir said shaking his head in awe. Harper purred louder in response and we all stared a little while longer before we could shake away the weirdness and return to the situation at hand.
"Chakra, I asked you earlier about the snow and you said you had provisions." I said exasperated.
"Yes we have food and water for this situation." Chakra said.
"I can't believe this. When you said provisions I thought you meant you had things in place to get us off this planet like emergency transport vessels.or something."
"Oh no the snow is too great." He nodded turning to leave. I looked around trying to see if I was the only one confused. By the looks on everyone's face I figured that they were just as puzzled as I was.
"Umm.excuse me Chakra. Why in heavens name would you call a meeting if you knew this happens every year and we'd get snowed in." I said really pissed off but still trying to keep my tone even and light. I had other meeting to attend to and I didn't like being stranded on a planet out of contact with my ship.
"I have my reasons. Please make yourselves comfortable. You're stay might be longer then you expected by it can still be a pleasant one." Chakra said rounding the corner. I stared back at Beka and Tyr who looked like all the air had been sucked out of the room. Romir growled loudly and turned to me.
"If I didn't know any better I would say this was a test to see how well we can get along." Romir said looking around at the other neitzcheans in his company. They shook there heads in agreement and I realized that they were yes men. They might have been family to him but you could tell they were treated far less then equal.
"I have to agree with that. I think if we could come to some sort of agreement."
Ha. We don't need an agreement. My family is disciplined and determined. While your.makeshift family obviously has different agenda's and are extremely.immature.." He turned to Harper and Trance who weren't makes our case any better.
"A little to the left.ohh yeah there we go." Harper said as Trance continued to pet him. I gritted my teeth. I knew I shouldn't be but I was a little embarrassed. Romir stepped forward and that's when Tyr made his presence known. He growled loudly and flexed his chest and arm muscles. Compared to Tyr Romir was a formidable adversary but he was still slightly smaller then Tyr and Tyr wasmore then. happy to use the fact to his advantage. Tyr tightened his lips and looked around lazily.
"Watch your step" He said barely putting enough effort forth to move his lips. Romir scowfed but did as he was told. He stepped back and looked us all over before retreating down the hall followed by his thoughtless brothers. I grabbed the bridge of my nose and Beka stepped up beside me.
"Man.If I had my gun." She said tight lipped.
"Beka that's not helping."
"What?" She said at my back as I walked away. I had to think things over.
Six Days Later
To my surprise these last six days have ran smoothly. The first two days were gloomy. Not being able to see outside was a real drag and I realized that even in space we all had a tendency to gaze out of the windows. Harper and Trance did there thing, being the energetic hummingbirds they were. Beka and Tyr did there thing which usually consisted of finding new ways to kill an opponent. The only problem was that I was the odd man out. I'd go over Than legislature and talk with Noon to make sure she wasn't feeling too lonely. The surprising thing was that she was being more social then me. The curious Rollans had never seen a creature like her and found her absolutely amazing. She spent most of her time explaining her abilities, her language, and her home, much to her delight. So once again that left me staring at the walls most of the day. I would have given anything for the Neitzcheans to up rise so I could do something.anything.
Trance and Harper were in a world of there own and trying to talk to him had become impossible. I still had an urge to be close to him but his relationship with Trance seemed to leave no room for anyone else. If I didn't know any better I'd say they had spent there whole lives together. They finished each others sentences and always found something they both wanted to do. Well, until Trance made some potent liquor from mixing a couple of plants together upon Harper's request. Harper being the little hyper lush he is tried to drink it all in one go and that was the only time I had seen them argue on this planet but back on the andromeda they had there little arguments and squabbles all the time. like most of there arguments this one ended with Trance snatching the bottle and running to tell me.
"Dylan take this!" Trance had said running up and tossing me a half empty bottle of some sort of blue liquid.
"Trance!" Harper whined running in a few seconds later and stumbling to a stop.
"What's going on?"
"I made that and Harpers trying to drink it all."
"You know I'm not here to correct your petty squabbling." I said hating the fact that they ran to me like I'm their father.
"Its liquor Dylan and it was full before he got to it." She whispered loudly.
"Oh" I said realizing why Harper looked so flushed and why his eyes were so glazed.
"Hey, I'm a grown man and I know my limit!" Harper slurred. Trance frowned at me and I grimaced.
"I'll just tuck this away for safe keeping." I said tucking the liquor under my arm. Harper looked furious for about 10 seconds and It looked like he was about to lunge at me. But then his face softened and he turned to Trance.
"Alright. I'm drunk, lets go get something for the hangover I know I'm gonna have tomorrow."
"Ok. Sorry for telling on you. I'm just worried." Trance said sounding childishly mature. She helped the little wobbly man to the door petting his hair.
"Sorry for pulling your hair." Harper said sounding like a 5 year old.
"Wait outside I'll be back in a minute" she said then dashed back into the room to snatch the blue bottle that I had turned up. I had thought the coast was clear but apparently it wasn't.
"Dylan! I knew it." She tucked the bottle into one of her pockets and charged away. I just looked on in shock.
After that day I realized just how much Harper needed Trance. I realized that if I had done what she did I would have probably had to kill him and pry the bottle from his cold dead fingers, which would have just defeated the purpose all together. For some reason things coming from Trance meant so much more to him. I also found out that something was bothering him. The need to smother you life in liquor was the first sign of trying to hide something. Fortunately Trance had caught me before I had stumbled down that same road. Sheer boredom and loneliness had lead me to drinking. I wonder what lead him to drink?
Harper had been Making up weird holidays that both him and Trance forced us all to celebrate. The strange thing was that they'd have to force us to participate but toward the end we couldn't help but enjoy ourselves. Even Tyr had lightened up, drinking and telling stories. Even if they consisted of murder and betrayal they caught Beka, Harper's and even innocent Trance's attention. I'd watch Try tell his stories in his manly tone gesturing every now and then to show how big or how tall the enemy was and I could see that he truly enjoyed having them listen so intently.especially Trance and Harper. I caught him giving Harper some lighthearted noogies on a couple of different occasions. Hearing them laughing together was both good and bad. Good because they were working together and getting along and bad because it made me feel awful. The fact that a big overbearing Nietzchean like Tyr could win his trust when I couldn't made me feel beyond inferior. I'd look on usually only speaking when spoken to. After these few days watching my crew bond like I had never seen them bond before I could only wonder if they were pushing me out or if I was making it impossible for them to accept me. Should I try harder? It seemed like now the fault lied with me. I didn't try to be social.My need for control wouldn't allow me to let my guard down long enough to stop being the captain and start being a friend.
Today was Funky blue Marshmallow day. Like usual Trance and Harper found something amazing in the most unexpected places and decided to dedicate the day to it and like usual we all protested but by know I think we were just running on habit. We felt it wouldn't be as much fun if we didn't fight it first. Playing hard to get is the best part. They had decided awhile ago to try something new in the cafeteria everyday and they had stumbled across these things that resembled marshmallows so they decided to roast the funky blue marshmallow thingies over an open fire in one of the perpetual gardens. We all entered the garden at the specified time wondering just what they had in store for us today. We looked around the huge room we had stepped into and it looked like another world. It was a paradise, Burbling brooks and strange colorful birds. The grass was a deep shade of healthy green and the various birds and animals made there various calls. It was late so the lights had been turned down in the garden to re-create the time of day for the plants. A plethora of greens, purples and reds filled all the trees and shrubs and I could feel a small breeze which made my skin goose bump. We all turned in circles trying to take it all in. The sound of the steady moving water and the smell of the flowers were soothing and I found myself smiling. A rustling came from behind a bunch of bushes and Tyr instantly tensed up. Trance and Harper poked their heads out and he relaxed blinking with annoyance. Trance jumped out the bushes ecstatic as usual.
"Come on guys we found the best place!" She said running back into the bushes. I could hear Harper and Trance whispering and smothering laughter. Tyr walked through the brush hesitantly then Beka and then I stepped through bumping into them. I looked up at what they were staring at and my breath caught. The ceiling rippled with a blue light. It was mesmerizing and I couldn't' tear my eyes away. Beka Tapped me on my shoulder and pointed. I diverted my eyes to the huge clear blue lake that sat neatly in the lush green vines and dense brush. The water was so clear that I could see to the sandy bottom and schools of bright yellow and orange little fish swam in curious little circles. I looked over to tyr and all the tension that seemed to make up the neitzchean had melted away. Trance stood by the heavenly lagoon in a purple bathing suit. The deep green grass between her little purple toes made a stimulating visual. She grinned happily and then dived in. She swam like a fish and the contrast of her purple skin against the blue water and the schools of curious fish that circled her made the scene sing with beauty. She finally came up for air on our bank and brushed her wet hair out of her face.
"Come on in guys!" She smiled.
"This place is beautiful Trance." I said breathy and Beka nodded her agreement already removing her shoes. I smiled at her and remembered that her nick name was firecracker. She jumped, tucked in her legs and cannon balled into the lagoon causing all the fish to run for cover. Trance and Beka immediately started to splash each other and squeal little girly squeals that made Tyr chuckle softly. Harper walked up behind us and handed us a tropical looking drink. He was bare chested wearing some loose fitting swimming trunks. I realized that he wasn't as skinny as I imagined him to be. Tyr seemed to be analyzing his muscle and stature as well. Oddly Harper didn't seem so weak anymore and he seemed older and more mature.
"Don't worry Dylan. Trance made these drinks then hid the bottle somewhere." Harper chugged his back like usual and just like Beka he cannon balled into the water getting the girls attention. Harper being the big tough guys he was refused to squeal but I could tell that he wanted to. He was having so much fun and I wanted to join but I think the same thing that was keeping Tyr out of the water was keeping me out of the water as well. The fear of being rejected and the fear that we would loose the clout we had. We both used fear and intimidation to get what we wanted. Tyr brute strength and cunning, me.well, I'd use strength and andromeda. Harper swam over to where Tyr was lounging and asked him to come in. When he said no Harper commenced to splashing him with so much water that he looked like he had just been in the pool anyway. Tyr growled and pulled off his chainmail angrily which made Harper whimper and swim away as fast as he could. Tyr dived in and swam lightning fast after Harper. I laughed out loud and the girls followed. The chase lasted a few minutes before Tyr caught him and dunked him a few times. The girls came to his rescue and it turned into one big try-to-dunk-the-neit fest. Tyr was smiling and laughing and running around in the water. It was good to see he could have some fun. I sat at the water's edge watching them all have fun and I fell deep in thought. I know I was supposed to be trying to talk to Harper but I never knew what to say. He seemed so out of reach most of the time and I felt like I'd be bothering him if I tried to take him to the side for a talk. I don't even know what Harper likes to talk about. Sure he talks about girls and the projects he's working on but for some reason that seems like a front and it seems like there's more going on behind those big blue eyes. All I know is that I want him as a friend. I'm still not sure why. It's something about him that I know I need, Like those friends who are opposite and feed off of each other. Like a shy friend who gets courage from an outgoing friend.
"Will you be my friend?" said a 5 year old me.
"Sure?" said a 5 year old Harper.
I frowned to myself deeply. If only it were that easy.
Hours past and they had all passed the pruning stage and were drying off. Trance was admiring Tyr's hair while Harper Talked to him about how he keeps his chainmail from rusting. Beka picked a few flowers and put them in her hair and then put a few in Harper's hair much to his protest.
"Come on guys it's time to roast the marshmallow thingies." Harper's voice trailed off which made us realize that even he didn't know what the hell they were. We trudged a little farther into the jungle until we got to a clearing. We looked up to see stars that were obviously projected onto the ceiling but they looked almost real. The crickets sung there songs amongst other noises I had never heard before. Tyr gathered the wood and lit the fire because he could do it the fastest and insisted it that it be done right. We started roasting the weird things and found that they tasted pretty damn good. Trance pulled out the bottle of liquor and we all looked around wondering just where the heck she had pulled it from. We all shrugged and started passing it around. Soon Tyr got into his story telling mood and we all laid around listening intently, laughing and gasping.
"You killed him?" Trance said wide eyed.
"I had to or he would have killed me" Tyr said taking another deep swig.
"Wow I don't know what I would have done in that situation." Beka said taking the bottle and taking it to the head sharply She wavered slightly and then past the bottle. I took the bottle and took a deep swallow.
"I would have killed him too. That's a hard decision to make." Tyr nodded as I passed Harper the bottle. He took two large swigs that got Trances attention. He laughed it off and handed her the bottle. Trance took it and gulped down swallow after swallow. We all stared in awe. She finally let up and wiped her mouth.
"Good stuff. I hate hearing about anyone die but you did what you had to do Tyr." She nodded and Tyr nodded back having a new level of respect for her. Harper elbowed Trance in shock and they both stared at each other before falling into a drunken fit of laughter.
"Dylan, why don't you tell a story." Harper said after regaining his composure.
"what, who.huh?" I heard myself slur and was amazed that it was me.
"Yeah, I bet you have some stories to tell. Come on!" Harper said cheering me on which got the rest of the gang into an uproar.
"Ok, ok. What kinda story?"
"Well, geez Dylan. It can't be porn or anything." Harper looked around in mock exasperation and we all laughed.
"Get your mind out of the gutter little one." Tyr said shaking his head and taking another man sized swig.
"Alright. Once upon a time.." I started which got little blue marshmallow thingies pelted at my head.
"Hey! Hey! Give the story a chance!" I said laughing hysterically. I was having fun for the first time in too long and I was drunk off my ass for the first time in a long time too. I looked over at Harper who was dunk as hell like the rest of us and was having the time of his life. I then realized why I wanted to be his friend so bad. It was because I couldn't imagine having this much fun without him. My story was a hit that night. Everyone laughed and cheered but soon Harper and Trance's eyes started to droop and Beka's attention started to drift and I knew it was time to get some sleep. I looked over to Tyr who was already fast asleep and laughed to myself.
"Those mega gulps took its toll" I whispered more to myself then to anyone.
"Night all." Harper said sleepily, finally crashing for the night.
"Night Harper" I said before I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and I drifted into what Harper likes to call "la la land"
To Be Continued....
"See I told you.Something was gonna come along and ruin this.paradise." Harper said gesturing with his hands like usual.
"You guys never listen to me. You need to realize that what The Harper says is truth because."
"The Harper is good?" Trance said innocently rocking from heel to toe.
"That's right baby. Come to big daddy." Harper said waving her over with a big sly grin. Trance skipped over to his position and started petting his hair. He purred happily closing one eye and tapping one foot feverishly like a dog would. The rest of us in the room including Chakra stared unable to digest what we had just seen. We were stuck on a strange planet for god knows how long with a bunch of angry Neitzcheans and a Than and the two of them are.having a good time? The minute I think I understand Harper is when moments like these happen.
"You two are the most annoying creatures I've ever met. Do you not realize the severity of this situation?" Romir said shaking his head in awe. Harper purred louder in response and we all stared a little while longer before we could shake away the weirdness and return to the situation at hand.
"Chakra, I asked you earlier about the snow and you said you had provisions." I said exasperated.
"Yes we have food and water for this situation." Chakra said.
"I can't believe this. When you said provisions I thought you meant you had things in place to get us off this planet like emergency transport vessels.or something."
"Oh no the snow is too great." He nodded turning to leave. I looked around trying to see if I was the only one confused. By the looks on everyone's face I figured that they were just as puzzled as I was.
"Umm.excuse me Chakra. Why in heavens name would you call a meeting if you knew this happens every year and we'd get snowed in." I said really pissed off but still trying to keep my tone even and light. I had other meeting to attend to and I didn't like being stranded on a planet out of contact with my ship.
"I have my reasons. Please make yourselves comfortable. You're stay might be longer then you expected by it can still be a pleasant one." Chakra said rounding the corner. I stared back at Beka and Tyr who looked like all the air had been sucked out of the room. Romir growled loudly and turned to me.
"If I didn't know any better I would say this was a test to see how well we can get along." Romir said looking around at the other neitzcheans in his company. They shook there heads in agreement and I realized that they were yes men. They might have been family to him but you could tell they were treated far less then equal.
"I have to agree with that. I think if we could come to some sort of agreement."
Ha. We don't need an agreement. My family is disciplined and determined. While your.makeshift family obviously has different agenda's and are extremely.immature.." He turned to Harper and Trance who weren't makes our case any better.
"A little to the left.ohh yeah there we go." Harper said as Trance continued to pet him. I gritted my teeth. I knew I shouldn't be but I was a little embarrassed. Romir stepped forward and that's when Tyr made his presence known. He growled loudly and flexed his chest and arm muscles. Compared to Tyr Romir was a formidable adversary but he was still slightly smaller then Tyr and Tyr wasmore then. happy to use the fact to his advantage. Tyr tightened his lips and looked around lazily.
"Watch your step" He said barely putting enough effort forth to move his lips. Romir scowfed but did as he was told. He stepped back and looked us all over before retreating down the hall followed by his thoughtless brothers. I grabbed the bridge of my nose and Beka stepped up beside me.
"Man.If I had my gun." She said tight lipped.
"Beka that's not helping."
"What?" She said at my back as I walked away. I had to think things over.
Six Days Later
To my surprise these last six days have ran smoothly. The first two days were gloomy. Not being able to see outside was a real drag and I realized that even in space we all had a tendency to gaze out of the windows. Harper and Trance did there thing, being the energetic hummingbirds they were. Beka and Tyr did there thing which usually consisted of finding new ways to kill an opponent. The only problem was that I was the odd man out. I'd go over Than legislature and talk with Noon to make sure she wasn't feeling too lonely. The surprising thing was that she was being more social then me. The curious Rollans had never seen a creature like her and found her absolutely amazing. She spent most of her time explaining her abilities, her language, and her home, much to her delight. So once again that left me staring at the walls most of the day. I would have given anything for the Neitzcheans to up rise so I could do something.anything.
Trance and Harper were in a world of there own and trying to talk to him had become impossible. I still had an urge to be close to him but his relationship with Trance seemed to leave no room for anyone else. If I didn't know any better I'd say they had spent there whole lives together. They finished each others sentences and always found something they both wanted to do. Well, until Trance made some potent liquor from mixing a couple of plants together upon Harper's request. Harper being the little hyper lush he is tried to drink it all in one go and that was the only time I had seen them argue on this planet but back on the andromeda they had there little arguments and squabbles all the time. like most of there arguments this one ended with Trance snatching the bottle and running to tell me.
"Dylan take this!" Trance had said running up and tossing me a half empty bottle of some sort of blue liquid.
"Trance!" Harper whined running in a few seconds later and stumbling to a stop.
"What's going on?"
"I made that and Harpers trying to drink it all."
"You know I'm not here to correct your petty squabbling." I said hating the fact that they ran to me like I'm their father.
"Its liquor Dylan and it was full before he got to it." She whispered loudly.
"Oh" I said realizing why Harper looked so flushed and why his eyes were so glazed.
"Hey, I'm a grown man and I know my limit!" Harper slurred. Trance frowned at me and I grimaced.
"I'll just tuck this away for safe keeping." I said tucking the liquor under my arm. Harper looked furious for about 10 seconds and It looked like he was about to lunge at me. But then his face softened and he turned to Trance.
"Alright. I'm drunk, lets go get something for the hangover I know I'm gonna have tomorrow."
"Ok. Sorry for telling on you. I'm just worried." Trance said sounding childishly mature. She helped the little wobbly man to the door petting his hair.
"Sorry for pulling your hair." Harper said sounding like a 5 year old.
"Wait outside I'll be back in a minute" she said then dashed back into the room to snatch the blue bottle that I had turned up. I had thought the coast was clear but apparently it wasn't.
"Dylan! I knew it." She tucked the bottle into one of her pockets and charged away. I just looked on in shock.
After that day I realized just how much Harper needed Trance. I realized that if I had done what she did I would have probably had to kill him and pry the bottle from his cold dead fingers, which would have just defeated the purpose all together. For some reason things coming from Trance meant so much more to him. I also found out that something was bothering him. The need to smother you life in liquor was the first sign of trying to hide something. Fortunately Trance had caught me before I had stumbled down that same road. Sheer boredom and loneliness had lead me to drinking. I wonder what lead him to drink?
Harper had been Making up weird holidays that both him and Trance forced us all to celebrate. The strange thing was that they'd have to force us to participate but toward the end we couldn't help but enjoy ourselves. Even Tyr had lightened up, drinking and telling stories. Even if they consisted of murder and betrayal they caught Beka, Harper's and even innocent Trance's attention. I'd watch Try tell his stories in his manly tone gesturing every now and then to show how big or how tall the enemy was and I could see that he truly enjoyed having them listen so intently.especially Trance and Harper. I caught him giving Harper some lighthearted noogies on a couple of different occasions. Hearing them laughing together was both good and bad. Good because they were working together and getting along and bad because it made me feel awful. The fact that a big overbearing Nietzchean like Tyr could win his trust when I couldn't made me feel beyond inferior. I'd look on usually only speaking when spoken to. After these few days watching my crew bond like I had never seen them bond before I could only wonder if they were pushing me out or if I was making it impossible for them to accept me. Should I try harder? It seemed like now the fault lied with me. I didn't try to be social.My need for control wouldn't allow me to let my guard down long enough to stop being the captain and start being a friend.
Today was Funky blue Marshmallow day. Like usual Trance and Harper found something amazing in the most unexpected places and decided to dedicate the day to it and like usual we all protested but by know I think we were just running on habit. We felt it wouldn't be as much fun if we didn't fight it first. Playing hard to get is the best part. They had decided awhile ago to try something new in the cafeteria everyday and they had stumbled across these things that resembled marshmallows so they decided to roast the funky blue marshmallow thingies over an open fire in one of the perpetual gardens. We all entered the garden at the specified time wondering just what they had in store for us today. We looked around the huge room we had stepped into and it looked like another world. It was a paradise, Burbling brooks and strange colorful birds. The grass was a deep shade of healthy green and the various birds and animals made there various calls. It was late so the lights had been turned down in the garden to re-create the time of day for the plants. A plethora of greens, purples and reds filled all the trees and shrubs and I could feel a small breeze which made my skin goose bump. We all turned in circles trying to take it all in. The sound of the steady moving water and the smell of the flowers were soothing and I found myself smiling. A rustling came from behind a bunch of bushes and Tyr instantly tensed up. Trance and Harper poked their heads out and he relaxed blinking with annoyance. Trance jumped out the bushes ecstatic as usual.
"Come on guys we found the best place!" She said running back into the bushes. I could hear Harper and Trance whispering and smothering laughter. Tyr walked through the brush hesitantly then Beka and then I stepped through bumping into them. I looked up at what they were staring at and my breath caught. The ceiling rippled with a blue light. It was mesmerizing and I couldn't' tear my eyes away. Beka Tapped me on my shoulder and pointed. I diverted my eyes to the huge clear blue lake that sat neatly in the lush green vines and dense brush. The water was so clear that I could see to the sandy bottom and schools of bright yellow and orange little fish swam in curious little circles. I looked over to tyr and all the tension that seemed to make up the neitzchean had melted away. Trance stood by the heavenly lagoon in a purple bathing suit. The deep green grass between her little purple toes made a stimulating visual. She grinned happily and then dived in. She swam like a fish and the contrast of her purple skin against the blue water and the schools of curious fish that circled her made the scene sing with beauty. She finally came up for air on our bank and brushed her wet hair out of her face.
"Come on in guys!" She smiled.
"This place is beautiful Trance." I said breathy and Beka nodded her agreement already removing her shoes. I smiled at her and remembered that her nick name was firecracker. She jumped, tucked in her legs and cannon balled into the lagoon causing all the fish to run for cover. Trance and Beka immediately started to splash each other and squeal little girly squeals that made Tyr chuckle softly. Harper walked up behind us and handed us a tropical looking drink. He was bare chested wearing some loose fitting swimming trunks. I realized that he wasn't as skinny as I imagined him to be. Tyr seemed to be analyzing his muscle and stature as well. Oddly Harper didn't seem so weak anymore and he seemed older and more mature.
"Don't worry Dylan. Trance made these drinks then hid the bottle somewhere." Harper chugged his back like usual and just like Beka he cannon balled into the water getting the girls attention. Harper being the big tough guys he was refused to squeal but I could tell that he wanted to. He was having so much fun and I wanted to join but I think the same thing that was keeping Tyr out of the water was keeping me out of the water as well. The fear of being rejected and the fear that we would loose the clout we had. We both used fear and intimidation to get what we wanted. Tyr brute strength and cunning, me.well, I'd use strength and andromeda. Harper swam over to where Tyr was lounging and asked him to come in. When he said no Harper commenced to splashing him with so much water that he looked like he had just been in the pool anyway. Tyr growled and pulled off his chainmail angrily which made Harper whimper and swim away as fast as he could. Tyr dived in and swam lightning fast after Harper. I laughed out loud and the girls followed. The chase lasted a few minutes before Tyr caught him and dunked him a few times. The girls came to his rescue and it turned into one big try-to-dunk-the-neit fest. Tyr was smiling and laughing and running around in the water. It was good to see he could have some fun. I sat at the water's edge watching them all have fun and I fell deep in thought. I know I was supposed to be trying to talk to Harper but I never knew what to say. He seemed so out of reach most of the time and I felt like I'd be bothering him if I tried to take him to the side for a talk. I don't even know what Harper likes to talk about. Sure he talks about girls and the projects he's working on but for some reason that seems like a front and it seems like there's more going on behind those big blue eyes. All I know is that I want him as a friend. I'm still not sure why. It's something about him that I know I need, Like those friends who are opposite and feed off of each other. Like a shy friend who gets courage from an outgoing friend.
"Will you be my friend?" said a 5 year old me.
"Sure?" said a 5 year old Harper.
I frowned to myself deeply. If only it were that easy.
Hours past and they had all passed the pruning stage and were drying off. Trance was admiring Tyr's hair while Harper Talked to him about how he keeps his chainmail from rusting. Beka picked a few flowers and put them in her hair and then put a few in Harper's hair much to his protest.
"Come on guys it's time to roast the marshmallow thingies." Harper's voice trailed off which made us realize that even he didn't know what the hell they were. We trudged a little farther into the jungle until we got to a clearing. We looked up to see stars that were obviously projected onto the ceiling but they looked almost real. The crickets sung there songs amongst other noises I had never heard before. Tyr gathered the wood and lit the fire because he could do it the fastest and insisted it that it be done right. We started roasting the weird things and found that they tasted pretty damn good. Trance pulled out the bottle of liquor and we all looked around wondering just where the heck she had pulled it from. We all shrugged and started passing it around. Soon Tyr got into his story telling mood and we all laid around listening intently, laughing and gasping.
"You killed him?" Trance said wide eyed.
"I had to or he would have killed me" Tyr said taking another deep swig.
"Wow I don't know what I would have done in that situation." Beka said taking the bottle and taking it to the head sharply She wavered slightly and then past the bottle. I took the bottle and took a deep swallow.
"I would have killed him too. That's a hard decision to make." Tyr nodded as I passed Harper the bottle. He took two large swigs that got Trances attention. He laughed it off and handed her the bottle. Trance took it and gulped down swallow after swallow. We all stared in awe. She finally let up and wiped her mouth.
"Good stuff. I hate hearing about anyone die but you did what you had to do Tyr." She nodded and Tyr nodded back having a new level of respect for her. Harper elbowed Trance in shock and they both stared at each other before falling into a drunken fit of laughter.
"Dylan, why don't you tell a story." Harper said after regaining his composure.
"what, who.huh?" I heard myself slur and was amazed that it was me.
"Yeah, I bet you have some stories to tell. Come on!" Harper said cheering me on which got the rest of the gang into an uproar.
"Ok, ok. What kinda story?"
"Well, geez Dylan. It can't be porn or anything." Harper looked around in mock exasperation and we all laughed.
"Get your mind out of the gutter little one." Tyr said shaking his head and taking another man sized swig.
"Alright. Once upon a time.." I started which got little blue marshmallow thingies pelted at my head.
"Hey! Hey! Give the story a chance!" I said laughing hysterically. I was having fun for the first time in too long and I was drunk off my ass for the first time in a long time too. I looked over at Harper who was dunk as hell like the rest of us and was having the time of his life. I then realized why I wanted to be his friend so bad. It was because I couldn't imagine having this much fun without him. My story was a hit that night. Everyone laughed and cheered but soon Harper and Trance's eyes started to droop and Beka's attention started to drift and I knew it was time to get some sleep. I looked over to Tyr who was already fast asleep and laughed to myself.
"Those mega gulps took its toll" I whispered more to myself then to anyone.
"Night all." Harper said sleepily, finally crashing for the night.
"Night Harper" I said before I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer and I drifted into what Harper likes to call "la la land"
To Be Continued....