CHAPTER 11 - WATCH

Zack and Maxine left the building where Trick and Lore were being held. She stopped his stride by grabbing his shoulder. She had a look of concern on her face. She was struggling to say what she needed to.

"What's wrong?" Zack tried to urge it out of her.

"I worry about you comparing everything to you and Cody," she admitted.

"It is kind of crazy, huh?"

"It's super crazy! Like, I believe you, but do you think everyone here is like people you knew before?"

"It's hard to shake that feeling," Zack nodded. "It's almost like a dream."

"This isn't a dream, Zack. How's that shoulder?" Her eyes went to his injury. Zack placed his hand over the wound. While he was knocked out it had been wrapped up, and he'd been given medicine to numb the pain.

"I know," Zack said sheepishly. "I need to tell myself something. I can't just have no explanation." He turned away from Maxine. He was going to go dig for the javelin and cloak at the burned down building. Maxine followed. Zack took a deep breath as he looked at the rubble. He climbed over the strewn about boards, looking for any indication that the equipment survived.

"What is your plan, exactly?" Maxine questioned. Zack was stepping on precarious partially burnt boards. He wasn't sure how long they'd hold his weight. He steadied himself.

"Simple," he smiled at her "Find my stuff. Go to Bosstown. Free Cody. The rest, I'll figure out later." He went back to digging, but the boards finally gave out. He fell knee deep into the rubble. He managed to stand up. Searing pain was sent through his shoulder. He grunted as he clutched it. Maxine had leapt into action. She was standing over him in a flash, her look of concern had returned.

"That wound will reopen if you're not careful," she said flatly.

"Thanks," he said. She folded her arms, not impressed with him. "I don't know what you want me to do?" He was becoming incredulous. "You know why I have to go help Cody. Even if you think I'm stupid, I'm still doing it." He went back to moving charred wood out of his way.

"I don't think you're stupid," she said quietly. He turned to her. "I saw how you handled Trick and Lore. A stupid person wouldn't have tried to save them. Going with your gut doesn't make you stupid." She leapt into the rubble pile with him and helped him move a piece of wood out of the way. It revealed his cloak. It was dirty, and had some of the fur was burnt, but it was still intact. Zack's eyes brightened as he picked it up. "Not allowing people to help you is kind of dumb though," she had a big grin on her face. Zack turned away to hide that he was blushing.

"Th-Thanks," he muttered as he pulled the cloak over his head. He felt rejuvenated having it on. It was like a missing limb was returned to him. Now he just needed the javelin. "Does that mean you want to come with me to Bosstown?"

"I'd be willing to accompany you," she said. "But, we're going to need a strategy." A smirk crossed her face.

"We can help with that," a voice said from beyond the rubble. Trick and Lore had arrived. Their headpieces were limply dangling on their backs. Lore stepped forward. "Mozaro brainwashed us, and you saved us, Zack." Trick joined their sibling.

"We want to repay you, and we think helping you save your brother is the best way we can do that." Trick had a bright smile on their face. They looked completely free. Lore seemed more reserved, still clearly disappointed in their involvement with the demon lord's operation. "I think I got a good way to start!" Trick took a deep breath and held their arms out. The rubble lifted into the air. Zack was amazed. He looked at the ground, and saw the flash of silver. It was the javelin. He grabbed it, allowing Trick to lower the rubble back to the ground. Lore patted their back.

"Good job, Trick." Lore's acknowledgement of their sibling came out awkwardly. Clearly, it wasn't something they were used to doing. Trick appreciated it all the same. They were beaming with pride. Zack and Maxine left the pile of rubble and joined the twin jesters. Maxine had her arms folded. Lore noticed this. "I know you don't trust us," they began. "Especially me, but I assure you that I want to help. I will do whatever I can to help you free your brother!" Zack and Maxine exchanged looks.

"What was that about people willing to help?" he asked with a smirk. She rolled her eyes, but nodded.

"Alright," she said. "Four people against an entire city! One more person, and we might just have a shot."

"Absolutely not!" Lena yelled from her bed. The group of four had gone to where she was resting, and told them their intent to attack Bosstown. Zack was taken aback by her reaction.

"Lena, we need you!" He tried to appeal to her, but she wasn't backing down.

"I want to help," she said. "If we all leave, then there's nobody to protect Everred from Enza's raiding parties. If they attack while we're gone…" she trailed off thinking of the worst outcome.

"Isn't an attack ON them better than constantly living in fear of attack FROM them?" Lore asked.

"No offense, but I still don't trust either of you," she glared at Trick and Lore. They bowed their heads solemnly.

"They were being brainwashed," Maxine said.

"I know, but that home was burnt down by their hands! Zack, they shot you! They had full intent to kill you! Now, you want them in a raiding party of your own?"

"We'd be willing to take any punishment you gave us," Trick tried to argue. "If you feel that is better than us going with you to Bosstown."

"No, I don't think that!" Zack said forcefully. "I respect what you're saying, Lena, but I think they're helpful to us. They know Bosstown, and they can get us in where we won't be spotted." He turned to the twins. "Is that fair to say?"

"Absolutely," Lore said. "Just battling through Mozaro's spire is going to require intense planning."

Lena sighed as she swung herself out of her bed. She grabbed her wooden staff that was hanging over her dresser. She cradled it in her hands as though it were a newborn child. She handed it to Zack.

"I don't understand," he said as he held the staff.

"If you are going to do this," she paused. "Which I still don't agree with, you'll need something to help you out. This will focus your magic, and give it more power." She looked to Trick. "Also, it will allow you to give them the javelin."

"Lena…" Maxine started.

"It's okay," she smiled. "It's best that I stay here. The people here need someone to help them get over this. They're shaken up, and it's my responsibility to help them rebuild."

"We won't let you down," Zack said.

"I know," she nodded. "As for you two…" she turned her attention to Trick and Lore. "If I find out that either of you did anything to Zack or Maxine." She held out her arms, and a stream of water flowed in a serpentine pattern between the two jesters. Trick and Lore stiffened as the water's tip sharpened into a blade that stopped millimeters from their necks.

"You have our word," Lore said as calmly as they could. Lena seemed satisfied that she instilled enough fear in the jesters, and the water receded.

"In that case," she went to the door. "I'll see you guys out. Bosstown is a two day's walk from here. You'll want to move quickly, if you're going to catch Enza and the Demon Lord off balance."

The group made their way to the outskirts of town. The rest of the town was there to see them off. Trick and Lore made themselves scarce. "Don't want them to see us," Trick said as they went into the grass. Lena, Maxine, and Zack shared a bear hug with each other.

"Be safe you two," Lena said. "Keep those jesters in line, will you?"

"Of course, Lena! Who do you think you're talking to?" Maxine asked incredulously.

The little boy from the previous night walked up to Zack. He knelt down next to the boy.

"Hey, kiddo. How's your mom doing?" Zack asked. The boy had a big smile on his face, revealing a missing tooth.

"She's awake! She's in bed, but wanted me to thank you for her!" The boy was proud of himself for delivering the message. "She also said, you need to come back, so she can thank you in person!"

"You got it," Zack said as he ruffled the boy's hair. "You take care of things while Maxine and I are gone, okay?" He cupped his hand next to his mouth and whispered, "Don't let Lena be in charge too much." The boy giggled and nodded. Zack stood to his full height. He was ready to go. Maxine nodded to indicate her preparedness. The two took a deep breath and made their way into the tall grass. They were on their way to Bosstown.

Trick and Lore weren't too far ahead. They had been patiently waiting for the two to say their goodbyes.

"Thanks for waiting," Zack said to the twins. "What's our plan?"

"It'd be smart for us to keep a low profile while we have the grass cover," Lore said.

"Enza has a falcon that he sends scouting all the time," Trick added. "With Lore and I gone, he might have sent it in this direction." Maxine and Zack nodded in agreement with the jesters. The duo pulled their head coverings over their face, and had their masks back on. The quartet made its way through the tall grass, keeping low to ground. Zack was walking with Trick.

"Can I ask you a question?" Zack asked the jester.

"Sure!" they were excited to be conversing with Zack. "Whatever you want!"

"Why are you guys still wearing those masks? Don't you think they're creepy?"

"That's the point," Lore said from their position at the front. "Arka designed them for us as an intimidation tactic."

"Lore and I aren't exactly imposing," Trick shrugged. "We're small, and most monsters, or people wouldn't be threatened by us, but seeing something strange like our masks and outfits would confuse, and influence fight or flight in whatever we were facing. When you're operating on those instincts, you're prone to mistakes."

"So you WERE listening to me when I taught you that?" Lore chuckled.

"I don't ignore you all the time," Trick chided. Lore grumbled at Trick's taunt. The group continued their long trek through the grass. "That can't be the only thing you wanted to ask me," Trick whispered to Zack.

"I think we should stop for a bit," Maxine called from the rear of the party. "We're reaching the edge of the grass, and I think we should take advantage of our last bit of aerial cover."

"Good idea," Lore agreed. They immediately laid down on the ground and stretched out. "Walking like that is hell on my knees," they said.

"You are so weird," Trick said to their sprawled out sibling.

"Don't come crying to me when you pull a muscle." Lore responded as they continued their stretches.

Trick removed their mask and shook their hair out. They tried to blow their bangs out of their eyes, but it just fell right back. "Oh well," they said as they removed the hair with their hands.

"I did want to ask you something, privately," Zack said. Trick raised their eyebrow, but nodded. Maxine watched Zack and Trick walk off with a quizzical look on her face. "We'll be right back," Zack said. This did not alleviate Maxine's confusion.

"Everything okay?" Trick asked when they were out of earshot.

"I know this is crazy, but I think you might be the only person who can help me. You are so much like me that it's scary." Zack said.

"Lore noticed that you and I were pretty similar too," Trick said scratching their chin.

"Your relationship with Lore is exactly like mine with Cody. How do you two resolve your fights. I mean big ones. How do you two come back together as siblings?"

"I can't guarantee that it'll work with you and Cody," Trick said with worry creeping into their voice. "I don't want to tell you the wrong thing." They noticed the desperate look on Zack's face, and sighed. "Well, Lore and I fight all the time. We're constantly arguing, and we always have been. There are times when I'm convinced Lore thinks I'm an idiot that needs to always be watched over."

"Just like me with Cody!"

"Okay, but it's a two way road," Trick said. "Lore's convinced that I think they're a know it all that can't take a punch."

"Exactly the same," Zack said excitedly.

"We always come together though, because we know we balance each other out. We know that we're always better together than apart. That's part of the reason we want to help you so badly. Mozaro didn't just make us do awful things, he split us apart while keeping us together."

"I don't understand," Zack said.

"Lore still doesn't think they deserve forgiveness. They were my keeper while we were brainwashed. If I messed up, I had to be punished. The keeper punishes those they keep."

"I'm sorry, Trick."

"It's okay," they shook their head. "I know we have a long way to go, but we'll mend our relationship because we always come together. If you and Cody are as close to Lore and I as you say, then I assume you'll come together too."

"You're really smart, you know?" Zack said in awe of the jester's logic.

"Must mean you are too," they winked.

"Hey! We should get going," Lore called from beyond the grass.

"If you ever need anything else, just ask," Trick said as they rejoined the group. Zack was happy that he got the opportunity to talk to Trick. If the two jester twins could come together after their awful experience, then surely he and Cody could do the same.

As the group walked, Zack noticed that the once dense foliage was becoming less frequent. The trees were becoming scarce, and the lush greens were turning to brown. The land died the further they walked on their path to Bosstown. Maxine noticed Zack staring at it.

"Awful, isn't it?" she lamented. This is what happens when you deal with a demon lord. Mozaro has captured so many, and wreaked so much havoc, that the land can't even sustain it.

"If this is how it looks when we're still a day away...what is it like there?" Zack asked. Maxine looked away. It wasn't a question she could answer.

"Dead." Lore said quietly from the front of the caravan. The jester put their head down. The mask with a crudely drawn smile still covered their face. "Nobody walks the streets. Everything is run out of the spire in the middle of the city. Mozaro is there! Everyone is there!" The jester was getting more upset as they spoke. "I hope you understand what we're in for with this fight. It's not just walk up to Mozaro and then fight."

"Lore, I'm sure they know that," Trick tried to calm their sibling down, but Lore was worked up.

"It needs to be said, Trick! This is a suicide mission!" Lore had stopped and was facing the other three. They removed their mask. Lore's eyes were red, and water was streaming down their face. "I want to help you, but I don't want to die. I don't want Trick to die."

"I understand," Zack said. He stepped up and wrapped Lore in a sympathetic embrace. "I'm glad you're here to help. I don't want you or Trick to die. I don't want to die. I don't want my brother to die." He felt Lore clutch his back.

"There are few innocents in Bosstown. I just hope you understand that." Lore pulled from the embrace, and pulled their hood back. Without another word they continued the march through the desolate fields. Trick went up to comfort their sibling. Zack hung back with Maxine.

"Are they with us?" she asked.

"I think so," Zack said unable to hide the weariness in his voice

"I mean we technically became friends today," she reminded him. Zack sighed. He knew they didn't have much of a choice, but Maxine was right. "I know we're going to have our heads on swivels as it is. I'd prefer to know exactly who I should be looking for."

"This has to be hard for them. Who knows how long they've been brainwashed by the demon lord. I get why you're suspicious. Just keep alert." Zack walked up to the siblings. They weren't saying anything to each other. Trick was just rubbing their twin's back. "We should probably stop for the night," Zack said quietly. "It's been a long day. Probably a good idea to rest.

"Agreed," Trick said. "Let's get off the path. Wouldn't want any night patrollers to see us."

The group moved off the path and found one of the few groups of trees in the area. The grass was dried and dead, and the trees were brittle. It made ideal kindling for the small fire they set up.

"Who's keeping watch?" Maxine asked. "I know we're off the path, but I'd feel safer knowing someone was up."

"I can do it," Trick said.

"I think Zack and I should do it," Lore interjected. Zack and Maxine shared surprised looks. Lore noticed this. "I know you two don't trust either one of us, and I don't blame you. So if it makes you feel better, we can keep watch together."

"After a few hours Maxine and I can watch," Trick said with a smile. There was no argument to this. The group managed to gather some materials for their makeshift campsite. Lore used their archery skills to down a few birds that were flying overhead for food. There wasn't much for the birds to eat themselves, so there was little meat on their bones. The group ate the gamey meal in silence. Once they were finished, Maxine found the most comfortable patch of dead grass she could find, and went to sleep without a word. Trick leaned themself against a tree. They rested their chin on their chest. The mop of black hair fell over their face like a veil. Zack and Lore stared at the fire. The only noise was the occasional crack, and the dried bark caving in on itself. Zack lazily poked it with a stick, just to watch the sparks fly high into the night sky.

"I'm sorry," Lore said.

"Hmm?" Zack had been nodding off, and Lore's strange apology woke him up. "What do you mean?"

"I didn't want to help you." The shadows on Lore's face made them look sinister. "I am because I owe Trick more than I could ever repay. Trick wants to help you" They looked to their sleeping sibling. Lore stood up and began to back up.

"What are you doing?" Zack was on his feet. He was trying to whisper as not to alarm the others. Lore grabbed their bow and aimed an arrow at Zack. He raised his hands. "Woah. Easy, Lore."

"I can't go back there. I can't go back to Bosstown. I'd be a liability. There was panic on Lore's face. "Mozaro brainwashed me first. He had me break Trick down. If I go back there, I'll be turned again."

"You won't be turned. You have more people with you." Lore fell to their knees

"I don't want to be responsible for hurting Trick again. I want to leave."

"No, you don't get to leave," Zack said forcefully. Lore's eyes went wide. "Don't you think Trick would be devastated if you disappeared in the middle of the night. I don't think they care what your reasoning is. Trick wants you here!" Zack bent over and gingerly removed the bow and arrow from Lore's grasp. Zack took his place back by the fire.

"We tried to kill you," Lore said through tears.

"All three of you have," Zack chuckled. "So get some sleep, Lore. I'll keep watch." Lore looked like they were going to protest, but nodded. They crawled over to where Trick was still leaning against the tree. They curled up nearby and fell asleep. Zack kept watch until the morning. He had too much adrenaline to sleep, and the others needed the rest more. It'd been an intense 24 hours and they were all here to help him. He could at least repay them with a good night's sleep.