AN: Hurt my ankle hiking the other day. It was a 5 hour hike and by the end of it I was out of water and getting a headache from hunger. Then I stepped on a rock wrong and twisted my ankle, walking the last thirty minutes with a sharp pain in my foot. We ate burgers and calamari when it was finished, but man, it was brutal. My ankle still hurts, but I've been icing it. Maybe it'll be healed tomorrow.
ANYWAY.
Chapter. Engage.
Disclaimer: I don't own Minecraft. If I did, I'd add sinks.
Chapter 211
The Nail That Sticks Out
[Noman]
"You say they were expecting you?"
Those were the words Carys asked after I came back, handed the unconscious - if I could even call her unconscious - body of Pheodora back to Alexandra, and explained what had happened. I spared no detail, pointing out the increased guards, the spectral and tipped arrows, and the presence of XoX. All these factors pointed to the guards knowing we were coming to the east gate, through the skies no less.
Carys smirked. "Well, at least you've learned to take note of peculiarities and make ample observations. You're right. It's too much of a coincidence for XoX to gather all those guards and arm them with all those expensive arrows. They were ready for you."
"How is that possible?" Alexandra asked worriedly. She had been clutching Pheodora close ever since I returned. "Does the captain have some way of tracking us?"
"I doubt it. XoX isn't very smart. All brawn, zero brain." Carys insulted. "Maybe the guards thought to do it. They figured you'd go east." She shrugged. "Whatever the case, we need a new plan."
"What ever happened to that distraction?" Soul asked, his hands on his hips. "I thought Kalmarin and the rest were going to cover Noman's escape attempt."
"They never got the chance. Things escalated too fast for them to find an opening." Carys shook her head, her map held before her. "It's not all bad news, though. In all the confusion, they managed to enter the village undetected. Kal and Floyd especially."
"What's so 'especial' about Kal and Floyd? Are they wanted?"
"They're Hackers like Pheodora." Soul blurted out carelessly. "Not with the Hack Clan!" He added hastily after seeing Alexandra's stricken face. "They're independent."
"You guys have two Hackers?" Alexandra's eyes widened in shock before narrowing in a glare aimed at Carys. "Did you bully them into serving you?"
"No Hacker is being bullied into working for me." Carys waved airily. "Except for Floyd, I suppose, but that's splitting hairs. Point is, they follow my orders of their own volition, and they have no interest in going to the Clan."
"But you are gathering them." Alexandra murmured. "Seeking them out like trading cards with special powers. Are you planning to play them against the Hack Clan?"
"Oh, absolutely. I have two, and they have two-hundred. I'm about ready to challenge them." Sarcasm spilled over in her voice.
"Whatever you're planning, please leave Pheo out of it."
"Why would I bother with her? By your account, she's a Level 1."
"She's not that bad. She gets EXP from smelting and junk."
"Actually, Alexandra," I supplied helpfully, "Level 1 doesn't refer to EXP levels. It means Pheodora can only use one Hack."
"Oh." She frowned. "That seems a little redundant. Can we workshop it? Maybe call it Rank 1, Rank 2, etc."
"...Rank?"
"Yeah, it's just - it gets confusing, don't you think, differentiating between EXP levels and Hacker levels?"
"We didn't invent the system." Soul shrugged. "The Hack Clan did."
"And how exactly are you privy to the Hack Clan's naming system?"
"Kal." Carys said. "He's something of a Hack Clan defector. He's on the winning side now, but he knows all about the Clan and their levels." She allowed Alexandra a moment to acknowledge that before adding, "So?"
"So what?"
"So is Pheodora a Level 1?"
"Y-Yes, she is. Didn't I already answer that?"
"Did you? I must've missed it." Carys shrugged, though her eyes had been watching Alexandra pointedly when she gave her answer. Was Carys doubting her? "Well, if Pheodora has a worthless Hack like that, it's not worth my time trying to recruit her."
Alexandra scowled but offered little in protest.
"Anyway, Kal and the others set up a safe house here in the village. We'll rendezvous with them there, then think of some other plan to get you past the guards."
"If it's all the same to you," Alexandra spoke up, "I'd rather set up my own safe house with Noman."
"What's the matter now? You asked us for help. This is us helping."
"I don't want to be surrounded by more of your people." She hugged Pheodora protectively. "And I know Pheo wouldn't want to be around other Hackers, no matter how defective they are. Noman can act as intermediary, so let's just stay separate."
"Noman won't be doing any of that until I tell him otherwise." Carys scowled. "The guards already found you twice. You really think being on your own is for the best? Hm?"
"We'll take our chances. Come on, Noman. Help me carry her."
"Don't you fucking move, Noman."
I looked between the two women, caught between them. Cobb often boasted that Lenz possessed a harem of girls fighting over him. Was this what it was like to be tugged in two directions by women?
I was leaning more towards helping Alexandra and Pheodora, but Carys made a compelling point about them being alone being a bad idea.
"Hey, if Noman goes, I'm going too." Soul volunteered. "He's my friend."
"Pheo is terrified by you. She won't come back to her body if you're lurking around." Alexandra regarded Soul with a hum. "How do you feel about wearing a Skeleton mask?"
"I'm not wearing a Skeleton mask."
"No, you're right, Skeletons freak Pheo out." She sighed in exasperation. "I'm sorry, Soul, you look too scary. Both you and Carys there have red eyes. RED EYES. How harsh is that?" She then gestured to me. "Meanwhile, look at Noman's innocent blue eyes. Totally approachable. He's the only one I trust."
"Give me a second." I said before Carys or Soul could argue further. "Carys, just let me go with them. I'll set them up with a safe house and we can arrange another escape attempt. Meanwhile you can reconvene with Kal and the others, maybe focus on Captain XoX and your suspicions."
It was a cruel move, what with me throwing XoX under the bus that was Carys, but keeping her and Alexandra together was causing serious tension and discomfort. Like Alexandra said, "Some space will do everyone some good."
Carys pulled a disgruntled face and rolled her eyes. "Fine. Keep your map on you." She advised before stomping off.
Soul lingered a little longer, not wanting us to split up.
"C'mon, Soul. I'll be fine." I patted the boots at my belt. "Besides, Floyd and Cat-Face are probably lonely without you. Go check up on them."
Cat-Face must've slipped his mind in all the excitement, but, after being reminded, Soul relented and bid Noman goodbye before chasing after Carys. I then turned back to help Alexandra with Pheodora's unconscious, smoke-clad body.
"So, this is gonna sound stupid," Alexandra began with one of Pheodora's arms on her shoulder, "but is Cat-Face a cat or a special person in Soul's life?"
"A cat."
"Oh, what a shame. Pheo adores cats. They leave her alone and are the epitome of indifference." She smiled with closed eyes. "Me? I'm a dog person. They're so excited and happy to see you. Is Soul a cat person?"
"I don't know what Soul's deal is. He's making a zoo." I remarked. "Swapping human companionship for animal companionship. I think it's unhealthy...?"
"Yikes. What about Carys? She strikes me as a dog person."
"I'm not sure. The only pet of hers I know about was a pig, but it's gone now."
"Is that why she's so much of a B-word?"
"Thank you for being considerate." I simpered.
"You're quite welcome."
"As for Carys, I don't think of her as a B-word." I paused in thought. "I treat her like a seasoned military general. She's experienced combat and survived, but it's taught her to be cruel and merciless. Very strong, but..." I sighed. "I find it harder and harder to follow Aikido while around her and the others."
"Because they're violent?" She guessed.
"Yes." I admitted. "They're soldiers, and I'm a pacifist. I've had to give up a lot of ground to them. It's only natural things are like this, but... but I try to curb their fervor whenever I can." I smiled softly. "So, in a way, I guess I'm glad you two are on the run. It's a welcome break from all the violence I have to witness."
"Well, I'm... I'm glad you're here too. Helping." She gave a little half-smile. "It gets kind of overwhelming being the protective big sister. I love Pheo and I just want her to be safe and happy." She chuckled. "I've been doing everything on my own for so long, it's kinda reassuring having a helping hand. So thanks. I think you're a great Ai-Aiki-Aikidodian."
I didn't have the heart to tell her that wasn't a word and instead smiled back. "Thank you."
"No, thank you."
"No, no. Thank you."
"No, thank youuuuu."
"No, thank you."
This went on for several minutes until we carried Pheodora into a large building. From the signs, it was a school for Jibbermen, and the lights were left on. Maybe for late night classes? I peered through the windows, finding nobody in the lobby.
"It's clear. Come on."
Alexandra and I carried the smoking Pheodora past the lobby, rolled her along the floor past a secretary posted at the front desk, and into the first room we came across: the women's bathroom.
"I can't be in here!" I protested. I was about to flee the forbidden room only for Alexandra to stop me.
"Too bad~! It's two to one. Ladies' privilege. We're not going into the men's bathroom. The poops they lay are biological abominations."
"How can you count Pheodora's vote? She's unconscious."
"No, she has something to say." Alexandra replied brightly before dragging Pheodora before her, moving her arms like a puppet. "Oh, please, Noman!" She said, throwing her voice in what I - having never heard her speak - assumed was an approximation of Pheodora's. "Don't make me go into the smelly boy's bathroom. The poops are hazardous to my health!" Her head lolled to the side as Alexandra manipulates her arms in over-the-top gestures.
"That isn't funny. What if I get caught?"
"By who? This school is for Jibbermen." Alexandra dismissed with a wave of Pheodora's hand. "They'll sling garbled words at you, maybe shriek, then run out."
"I'd rather avoid all that." I said with folded arms.
"Alright, alright. I'll take care of it." Alexandra assured, moving to the door with a sign in her hand. "Gimme a second." She opened the door a crack and stuck the sign to the wall, writing something down. Once that was done, she shut the door and barricaded it with a few wooden planks. "There. The classic 'Out of Order' sign. Some female bladders will suffer, but, oh well."
"How will the Jibbermen read the 'Out of Order' sign?" I asked quite reasonably, making Alexandra freeze.
A silence hung in the air for a while before she answered. "The door's barricaded."
As demeaning as it was, we couldn't very well lay Pheodora down on the bathroom slab floor, so instead we propped her up on a toilet in one of the stalls. Her head lolled back to rest on the cistern, smoke still churning around her. It was an odd position to find a Hacker in, but we respectfully closed the stall door to allow her some privacy.
"She'll be more comfortable with privacy." Alexandra assured, taking a seat on one of the sinks. By the way she shifted, it was likely extremely uncomfortable.
As for me, I remained standing with my arms kept close to my body, refusing to touch anything like a germaphobe. I didn't like being in a women's bathroom - it was a place I didn't belong. I kept thinking someone would enter and see me and then start drawing conclusions and misunderstandings. Alexandra would feel the same if it was the men's bathroom.
My eyes strayed to the stall and the dark smoke licking under the door as I sought a conversation topic.
"Sooooo..." I held the vowel. "How long do you think this safe house will keep you safe?"
"You can just call it a bathroom; you don't have to humor me."
"A-Ah."
"It's not a great place," the honey-blonde wrinkled her nose, "but I prefer this to being surrounded by Carys and Hackers."
"I can't speak of Kalmarin's intentions," I said, "but Floyd is a good friend of mine. He'd never pressure Pheodora into anything, and he's not scary looking."
"Oh yeah? What's he look like?"
"Sky-blue hair. Red sweater. Tan skin. Jet black jeans."
"Eye color?"
"Purple."
"Eh, I guess that's not scary." She admitted. "But there are still too many people for Pheodora to be comfortable with. She'll be surrounded, with Hackers among them. Sounds too much like the Hack Clan."
"Sorry. I hadn't thought of that." I backed off."
"It's fine. I don't blame you." She brought her knees up and hugged them to her chest. "You're actually one of the good ones. You haven't asked once about Pheo or her Hacks and you brought her back as promised."
"I maybe could have pressed forward." I admitted. "But I figured it wouldn't be safe for her."
"You figured right. That's why you're cool." She smiled. "I'm sure Pheo thinks so too."
"Not like she was awake to see it."
"Maybe. Maybe not." Alexandra shrugged with a knowing smile. "Fact is, you're fine. I wouldn't be dealing with Carys otherwise. I'd be formulating my own plan. Probably a lame one."
"Things would go easier if Pheo could fly herself..." My eyes widened in realization. "Wait, do you know that Hackers can learn new Hacks on their own?"
"No." She said a little too fast. "Why would I know that?"
"Well, Hackers' powers are based off emotion and sense of self." I went right into what Floyd told me. "So, maybe if Pheodora feels happy and uplifted, she can learn the Flight Hack. Then she can carry you out and you won't need me at all."
Alexandra looked uncertain. "That... I don't think'll work."
"Why not?"
"Pheo feels freest when eyes aren't on her and nothing can touch her. That's why she can fly around using Freecam." She said. "It's like she detaches herself from the burdens of the world. Her only tether is her physical body."
"So you're saying she can't learn Flight?"
"I'm saying she wouldn't need to. She already has something like it, and it's well in her comfort zone. Her learning Flight is a long shot."
"...Yeah, I see what you mean." I sighed. "I suppose Freecam was made for her."
"What do you mean?"
"Hacks are tied to emotion. It's a manifestation of what the Hacker feels." I explained. "Floyd's Speed Hack was born from his desire to not be too late to save someone. Kalmarin's Strength Hack," Alexandra reacted slightly at the mention, "probably manifested because he wanted to be strong. Most of the Hack clan believe themselves Gods, which is where their Regen and Invulnerability come from." I gestured to Pheodora. "If she's timid around new people, I can see her manifesting Freecam as an escape. It fits."
"If you only knew..."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. Nothing." Alexandra scratched her neck. "Funny story, but she activated her Hack when we first met. There she was just standing there, I approach with a sunny greeting and then poof! Her body just falls over with smoke pouring out of it - I thought a Hacker killed or put a spell on her. I stayed for a while, fanning her face - I was clueless."
"What did you do?"
"I went to get some potions to help her. When I got back, she was gone." She shrugged. "After the third time she did it, I stopped freaking out and began wondering if she was different from the other Hackers - the bad Hackers. Then I just started carrying her home whenever she got all smoky."
"I'm surprised you didn't run to the guards."
"What would they have done? Cordon off her apartment and politely ask her to be merciful? They're terrified of Hackers." She giggled. "Terrified of Pheo! Ha!"
"Other people must've seen her with the dark smoke. If she does this whenever confronted by someone." I said. "Why didn't they report her?"
"Maybe they were frightened she'd blow them up if they tried." Alexandra joked. "She emptied the apartment just by living there. Got me a sweet bargain on a place to live, though." She said with pride. "After that, I wore away at her defenses like a waterfall against a rock."
"And the rest is history." I smiled. "I'm glad you were there for her. Being on your own gets lonely. I speak from experience."
"Oh yeah? Tell me about it." She crossed her legs on the sink with an avid look. "How did you and Floyd meet?"
"Ah, well, I met him through another friend, Co... Co... Cobobb."
"Kebab?"
"Yyyyeah. Kebab. That's his name." I agreed, not wanting her to know that I was buddies with a wanted criminal. "Anyway, Kebab was already friends with Floyd and Soul and Ja... Ja... Jay."
"Are Kebab and Jay with Carys too?"
"What? Uh, no. No." I stumbled. "Kebab and Jay are elsewhere right now."
"Oh."
"Anyway..." I got back on track. "Kebab was already friends with Floyd. They were friends before either one knew he was a Hacker, and they were friends after it became known. They trust each other, just like with you and Pheodora. The rest of our friends feel the same way; we don't fear him at all."
"Certainly explains why you were so open to Pheo being a nice Hacker." Alexandra nodded. "It's kind of awful, but I feel like the Hack Clan twists Hackers into becoming like them. I'd rather die than see that happen to poor Pheo."
"It won't." I told her. "You've changed her. You've shown her friendship. You've opened her heart. The Hack Clan won't be able to corrupt that no matter how hard they try."
"Oh, come on. I didn't do that much." Alexandra said with a blush.
"Even a small gesture can make all the difference." I spoke earnestly. "Look at the evidence. Pheodora is fine being in your presence, but with me around she can't help but-"
I cut off abruptly as I realized something about the stall Pheodora was sitting in. The smoke that had been licking at the underside of the door wasn't there anymore. I didn't know when it stopped, but it meant her Hack wasn't active. She was back in her body.
"Pheodora...?" I called unsure.
There was a faint 'Eep', the stall rattling. Alexandra pushed off the sink and was at the door in a heartbeat.
"Yo, Pheo! I know you've been watching and listening this whole time. Scary Carys isn't here no more, so why don't you come out?"
The stall rattled again followed by a low whine.
"Come on. You've gotta be bored in there. What else would you rather be doing than giving Noman a chance?"
It was then I heard her speak for the first time. It was a small, soft voice, Alexandra's approximation of it earlier being spot on.
"...Reading."
"Read-?" Alexandra cut off with a smug smile. "Oho? Wanting to learn more about Noman's Aikido, hm? How studious of you. Or were you just needing some bathroom reading material?"
"My Aikido?" I asked. Had she... had she actually pocketed the Art of Peace? Was she actually reading it in there? I didn't think she was interested.
"So?" Alexandra encouraged while elbowing the stall. "What can you tell me about Aikido? Hm? Hm?"
There was a faint murmur I could barely make out.
"Pardon? I didn't quite catch that?" Alexandra held an ear up to the stall, but she needn't have bothered as Pheodora raised her voice, tremulously quoting a page of the book.
"Ai-Ai-Aikido is not an art to fight with enemies and defeat them. It... it is a w-w-way to lead all human b-beings to live in harmony with each other as th-th-though everyone were one f-f-family. The s-s-secret of Aikido is to make yourself become one with the universe and to g-g-go along with its natural movements. One who has attained this secret holds the universe in him/herself and c-can say, 'I am the universe.'" Then, in a smaller voice, she added, "That excerpt struck me the most."
"So that's the stuff you practice?" Alexandra turned to me with a raised brow. "Sounds tough to implement. How do you find enough common ground to harmonize with everyone?"
"There's more to it than that. What Pheodora said is just a piece." I said. "Aikido is all about redirecting your opponent's energy to protect him and yourself. All life is precious, so a practitioner of Aikido, such as myself, seeks to cause as little harm as possible to an opponent. Aikido means not to kill." I recited from memory. "Although nearly all creeds have a commandment against taking life, most of them justify killing for one reason or another. In Aikido, however, we try to completely avoid killing, even the most evil person."
"So where does the 'one with the universe' part come from?" Alexandra asked.
"I-I-I think it's a m-metaphor." Pheodora squeaked. "Th-Though I s-sorta k-kinda f-feel that w-w-way whenever I Freecam." One of her eyes peeked through the stall door. "I d-don't fight. I go along with the universe's movements while in Freecam. I... I feel one with the universe."
"So that's why it stuck out." I commented, earning an 'Eep!', followed by her retracting her face from the door, followed by dark smoke seeping under the stall door.
"Aaaand, we're back. Fantastic." Alexandra rolled her eyes. "Baby steps, I guess."
"It'd be best if I left, but I can't just leave you two here." I looked around the bathroom. "This isn't like some abandoned tower. Someone will check in here eventually. We have to find you a better safe house."
"Perfect safe houses don't just grow on trees. And even if they did, trees don't exactly grow like trees in the Lacquerlands - obsidian soil and all that." She waved one arm. "We just need this place to last long enough to-"
The stall door rattled jarringly, snapping our attention to it a second before Pheodora shrieked from within. The Hacker burst out, her smoke dissipating and the remnants of black sclerae fading from her eyes.
"Th-They've found us!" She shrieked. "W-W-We need to run!"
"What?" I asked, alarmed. "Who found us? How can-?"
The stone wall nearest the stalls exploded inward, sending dust and stone bricks everywhere. Pheodora let out a startled shriek as she fell forward while Alexandra and I shielded our faces. A large presence stepped through the gaping hole, a terrifyingly familiar iron warhammer wielded in two hands.
Oh no...
"H-Hyeeeeeeeee!" Pheodora shrieked upon seeing Captain XoX looming over her like a grizzly bear. Dark smoke promptly gushed from her eyes and enveloped her before she succumbed to her Freecam Hack and fled her body, which fell limply to the slab floor.
"Plait girl found!" XoX exclaimed triumphantly. He reached down with one hand and grabbed the girl by the front of her coat. "Huh?" He then looked up and saw me, his eyes narrowing. "Nowhere..."
"XoX..." I answered, my eyes wide and mind blank. I was exposed. Now the Captain knew I was aiding Pheodora's escape, just like Alexandra. Add to that I was terrified of the guy and I found myself petrified.
"Let go of her!" Alexandra shouted, her fists coming up in a weak attempt at intimidation. Could she even fight?
Surprisingly, XoX did as commanded, letting go of Pheodora's coat... in favor of bull rushing me with his warhammer! He acted to all the world like I had personally attacked him!
"S-Stop!" I cried out futilely before sidestepping the Captain's charge and diverting him with my shield. His warhammer smashed into the sink wall, busting another sizable hole in the bathroom and opening up a classroom full of Jibbermen in the middle of a lecture.
The teacher looked back at the demolished classroom wall with a Captain stood in it with surprise before closing his book. "I better be getting tenure... EVERYBODY EVACUATE!"
The Jibbermen and Jibberwomen didn't understand his words and shared confused looks until the teacher fled. Seeing that, some more of them began to pick up their books and trickle out without urgency. The Captain ignored them all as he turned to face me.
"Wait, XoX, can we please just talk about this!" I held up my hands non-aggressively. "Pheodora doesn't want to go with the Hackers! You can't make her go! She has her own life to live!"
"Nowhere_Man, Nowhere_Man. XoX don't see man." He grunted contemptuously, ignoring my words. "All XoX sees are three women in girls bathroom!"
"What...?" I asked, lost.
"Fight me, coward!" XoX roared as he charged again.
Alexandra grabbed Pheodora and dragged her aside while I faced XoX. I quickly put on the Bottes Zephyr and kicked into the air, XoX running straight into the invisible air block and having his forehead bounce off painfully. He clutched at his forehead, growling.
The bathroom ceiling wasn't that high, making it hard to stay out of reach. I thought I could make it so the captain's fingertips would barely miss me if he stretched up, but I was proven wrong when he swung his warhammer into my invisible blocks, smashing them like one crumbles a cookie. I didn't even know they could get broken!
Is that his weapon's ability? He can break blocks easier, more than a few at once, like the ground or walls. It's a mining tool!
Without the air blocks as a foothold, I fell a short bit before the Bottes Zephyr created a new foothold. But since I was lower, XoX could reach up and around them and grasp my ankle.
"Oh noOOOOOOO!" I screamed as he whipped me around by the leg and into a stall. My back bent painfully as I crashed onto the toilet, my legs awkwardly bent in the air.
XoX's hammer swung from the right and fear made me lean my head back just enough for him to miss my face, but demolish the whole left wall of the stall.
I didn't have time to catch my breath as XoX seized me by my suit and lifted me with one bulging arm. God, he was strong!
"Ever hear of Swirly!" XoX yelled before using one arm to swing my body down head first into the toilet. I couldn't breath and sound became distorted as water pooled into my ears. My arms flailed as I tried to push up against the seat, but XoX kept me pinned and unable to breathe.
"Blrgurgle!" I panicked, reaching into my belt and procuring the packed ice I had purchased from Samson the first time XoX beat me. In a situation that would forever require context, I felt around for XoX's firm pecs before rubbing the ice on it.
"C-Cooooooooold!" XoX recoiled as if burned, allowing me to pull my head out of the toilet, sputtering and gasping. "You shithead! XoX hates cold!"
Slumped over the toilet, gasping for air, all I could try for was, "L-Langu-"
The top of his warhammer struck my torso and pinned me to the back wall. It felt like my chest was caving in and I clawed at it desperately trying to breathe.
As my legs flailed for purchase, the Bottes Zephyr made me some air blocks to stand on, replacing chunks of the stone slab floor with air blocks that then vanished when I summoned new ones. The result was that the bathroom floor under me disintegrated and XoX was suddenly left without a floor to stand on.
"Ooooooooooh!" He yelled as he dropped through to the level below - the basement - and removed that crushing weight off my chest.
I didn't have time to relax, however, as Alexandra's shrieks were heard outside my ruined stall.
"Let her go! Stop it!"
I wheezed as I stumbled forward, hair dripping wet, and saw about twenty guards storming the bathroom through the two holes XoX had made. Four of them dragged a kicking and screaming Alexandra away from Pheodora's body still shrouded in smoke and immobile. Some guards gingerly picked her up, cautious as to what Hack she was using but growing more confident the longer nothing happened to them.
"W-Wait!" I coughed, bracing myself against the stalls and fumbling with my shield. "Sh-She doesn't want to go..."
Six guards got in my way and held me back, not violently or cruelly but obstructively. The same with Alexandra. They had shields up like a wall, and they just kept us away from Pheodora without hurting us.
"This isn't about what she wants, son." One guard holding me back said. "This is about Exter's safety. We have our orders. She has to go to the Clan."
"No... you can't..."
"Just stand down. Neither of you have committed a crime yet." The guard advised. "Stand down and you can keep your freedom."
"Ugh..." What was I supposed to do? They weren't hurting anyone, but they outnumbered us and were keeping me from Pheodora. To rescue her, I had to fight them, but I couldn't fight them. It would violate Aikido, especially with the situation as removed from violence as it was. Neither side wanted to fight.
"You can't! You can't hand her over to those murderers!" Alexandra struggled against the guards. She refused to give up. "Let go of her!"
"Keep those two away from her." One guard ordered. "Someone check on the Captain. The rest of us will escort the Hacker to-"
The guard cut off as a black and blue blur slammed into him, sending him skidding across the slab floor and into the wall. The guards and I could the dark smoke trail left behind.
Floyd...?
"What was that!?"
Alexandra's eyes went wide as the guards holding us back were swept away by that same speeding black and blue blur. The guards struck the bathroom walls, largely unscathed but also afraid.
"There it is again!"
"I saw a smoke trail! It's Pheodora! She's using some psychic force Hack!"
"What do we do - Ugha!"
The last guard to speak was beaten down by a floating sword that seemed to materialize out of thin air. An invisible wielder. Then, elsewhere, two floating crossbows materialized and shot at the guards holding Pheodora. Those were Anibal's! It was the Paragons!
"Invisible enemies! Get the spectral arrows!" One guard ordered before something invisible struck his face and sent him to the ground, unconscious.
"Raaawk! Invisible enemies! Invisible enemies!" An unseen parrot squawked from somewhere. It was followed by a diamond axe being buried in one guard's back. Soul.
"What's going on?" Alexandra looked around in confusion, though her eyes honed in on Pheodora being lifted by some invisible means that were not her own. "Hey! Who's there!?"
I stopped her with a hand. "It's fine. They're with us." I then picked her up bridal style and kicked into the air through the hole in the bathroom. Pheodora was then carried out after us by those invisible figures before being splashed with invisibility herself. It was a futile gesture as the dark Hacker smoke she generated could never be concealed. In any case, we all escaped the Jibbermen school without being pursued.
Using my linked map, I was able to ascertain where Floyd and Soul were leading us to. It was probably the same safe house the Paragons had set up, and it was located near the heart of Galitsino, in a small house. Alarms went off in my head as the house looked to be someone's home, well-kept and inhabited.
"Whose house is this?" Alexandra asked as we touched down just outside it. "Do your friends have property in this village?"
I scowled in disapproval. "No."
Storming inside, my suspicions were confirmed when I saw two Crafters - husband and wife - slumped over unconscious in cobwebs. They were likely the homeowners Carys had 'borrowed' the house from. My glare went from them to Carys, lounging back in a chair while chewing on an apple.
"Oh, they were like that when I got here." She spoke casually before biting into her apple.
"Were they like that when Kalmarin got here and made this your safe house?"
"Ooooh, no. No, they were enjoying a late dinner before Kal asked to borrow the place."
The other Paragons soon turned visible as their invisibility wore off. Anibal, Kalmarin, Spaatz, Dyson, Stayer, Albert, and Reuben. Then Soul materialized, carrying an exhausted Floyd on one shoulder and Christopher Squawken on the other. Floyd had used his Speed Hack at the bathroom, exhausting himself until his cooldown ended. Pheodora's smoking body was taken to another room by Kalmarin. Alexandra made to follow only for Carys to stand in her way.
"Looks like you needed us after all." Carys smirked smugly at the honey-blonde.
"Thanks. Now move. I want to be alone with Pheo when she wakes up."
"Admit it." Carys ignored her, folding her arms instead. "I tried to tell you our place would be safer, instead you almost got your friend pinched by XoX. Ask yourself, how much was that invalid's help worth?"
I looked down in shame, Alexandra noticing and her glare hardening on Carys.
"Is that what you call him? Invalid? What right do you have to call him that - he's about as valid a guy as can be."
"I don't know what sort of romanticized delusions you've got, but this cowardly fuck is useless." I flinched at her words, but Alexandra was quick to come to my defense.
"Noman is exactly the kind of person Pheo needs. Kind, honest, dependable."
"Who just saved your asses? Me!"
"Between you and Noman, who's been more genuine?" Alexandra countered. She tried to step around Carys, but she got in her way again, making her chuckle. "He certainly wouldn't keep me from my little sister like this."
Carys glared at the woman but couldn't refute her. Alexandra stepped around again and this time Carys allowed it, letting the honey-blonde into Pheodora's room to be with her. Kalmarin was then kicked out, the door slamming shut.
"Ungrateful." Spaatz hissed. "We just risked our identities saving her and she acts like we're the bad guys."
"I had wanted to talk with Pheodora." Floyd spoke up in disappointment.
"Me too." Kalmarin sighed. "I thought I could cow Alexandra with my Hacker lines, but the woman just swept me out like dust. No fear whatsoever." His eyes switched to Carys. "You're not making friends with her; I'll tell you that."
"She certainly likes you, though." Carys rounded on me, making me back up involuntarily. "What did she mean saying you're exactly what the Pheodora needs? You didn't poison her with your chicken-shit Aikido, did you?" The nervous expression crossing my face was all she needed to know the truth and flare up. "You did! You son of a bitch, you're brainwashing her!"
"I'm not brainwashing anyone! She showed an interest, and I was only-"
"Shut up! The fact you're following that god-awful philosophy is one thing - a thing I'm actively trying to straighten out of you - but don't go spreading it to people and making them soft! What's the matter with you!? You've as good as led her to her death if she takes up Aikido!" Carys actually stood a little straighter, her crimson eyes hardening as clarity settled over her. "You know what? I think I'm gonna do it. You've actually left me no choice. I've forgiven a lot with you, but I really think I'm going to have to kill you now. I'm going to have to kill you now for ruining a Hacker."
"You can't mean that." Anibal snickered before going pale as Carys pulled out her scythe. "She means it. Oh damn." Anibal sprang forward with Spaatz and Stayer and wrestled Carys back as she threatened to decapitate me. "Noman. It's not safe here. Run. Run for your life!"
"But...!"
"No buts! As a practitioner of Aikido and a guardian of life, recognize when your own is in peril and protect it by running away! Go! Fly, you well-dressed cinnamon bun, FLY!"
I wisely took her advice, fleeing the house just as I heard Carys break free with an angry shout. I think Soul got in her way only to crash out an adjacent window after I closed the door and took off into the sky. I doubled back and just hung out on the roof while below I could hear Carys' staccato of footsteps ticking up and down the street as she attempted to locate me. She seethed for a bit before returning inside and slamming the front door shut. Then Soul recovered from getting launched out the window and groggily clambered back in the way he came instead of the door.
The safe house she chose wasn't too big. Two floors, but I had only seen enough of the first one to say it had a living room on one side of the front entrance, a kitchen on the other, a bathroom, and then two backrooms, one of which was claimed by Alexandra and Pheodora. I sat on the roof, hugging my knees to my chest, feeling miserable over failing to protect the two sisters.
Again XoX found us. I thought with my eyes shut. How? I made sure we weren't followed, didn't I? Did I make a mistake somewhere?
First, he and his guards located us in the air, then they found us at that Jibbermen school. How!? How did he keep finding us? Could he find us again?
"I'm an invalid..." I whispered to myself, an arm coming up to rub at my eyes.
Since I wasn't helping by sitting on the roof, I laid back so as not to be spotted from the street. My back flat against the wooden planks, I stared into the starry sky that was growing brighter and brighter as the sun rose over the horizon. Sleep had eluded me for too long. If I didn't get some shut-eye, I risked Phantoms spawning. They always targeted the insomniacs.
[Carys]
I couldn't believe that stupid invalid was trying to preach Aikido to a Hacker. That was like designing a cannon to produce rainbows; It was taking something strong and making it weak. I hated that!
He was trying to make her a pacifist like himself. The girl already didn't want to fight, so he thought he could sway her to Aikido, hm? Not if I had something to say about it.
Alexandra and Pheodora were clearly lying about her having only one Hack. I knew because she showed no surprise hearing Hackers could have more than one. Oh, she tried to play it off, but I was too sharp for that. I knew the timid girl was hiding her other Hacks - Hacks that are likely more powerful and sought after than she would have us believe. I'll get them out of her. The Paragons could use another Hacker in our midst. It was why I had been so adamant in manipulating the situation, giving us more time to mold Pheodora into a fighter.
And that invalid pacifist would try and take that away from me? Not a chance. He and little Pheo would not be interacting with each other anymore.
"Kal." I spoke up in the kitchen. Floyd and Soul were in the living room, out of earshot. "Try cozying up to Pheodora. You're both Hackers - you should have a lot to talk about."
"Alexandra won't let me get close." Kal advised.
"Then bring someone to run interference. Another Hacker so she knows she's among her own kind." I smirked. "You're still teaching Floyd Strength, after all."
"He's not taking to it." Kal shook his head.
"Try all the same. In the meantime, I'll be keeping Noman away. Him and his Aikido can go to hell for all I care."
Inventory (Cobb): 1 Carved Pumpkin, 1 Leather Tunic [Dyed Green], 1 Diamond Leggings [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection IV, Feather Falling IV, Depth Strider III], 1 Fishing Rod {Backlash} [Knockback II, Luck of the Sea III, Unbreaking III] {Weak}, 1 Diamond Sword [Sweeping Edge III], 12 Cobblestone, 2 Glass, 16 Ender Pearls, 9 Ender Pearls, 56 Glass Bottles, 1 Stone Pickaxe, 1 Furnace, 17 Flint, 1 Flint and Steel, 17 Oak Wood Planks, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Clock, 1 Water Bucket, 1 Lava Bucket, 1 Milk Bucket, 10 Coal, 64 Snowballs, 11 Snowballs, 4 Ender Chests, 29 Obsidian, 43 Steak, 2 End Crystals, 9 Rotten Flesh, 1 Book {How to Kill Stuff for Numb Nuts}, 1 Book {Advanced Mob-Slaying}, 1 Book {Mobs of the Nether}, 1 Book {Mobs of the Bounty Days}, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Green Shulker Box {Pocket Box}
Green Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 64 Eyes of Ender, 64 Chorus Fruit, 1 Potion of Strength II {1:30}, 1 Potion of Regeneration II {0:22}
[EXP: 38]
Inventory (Lenz): 1 Chainmail Helmet, 1 Dragon Head, 1 Chainmail Chestplate, 1 Chainmail Leggings, 1 Chainmail Boots, 32 Pumpkin Seeds, 1 Iron Dagger, 16 Ender Pearls, 13 Cobblestone, 1 Compass, 25 Gunpowder, 1 Bow, 1 Bow [Infinity], 1 Crossbow, 42 Arrows, 1 Crafting Table, 16 Steak, 1 Stick, 63 Chorus Fruit, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Notebook}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Daymonte Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Akasha Entry Pass}, 1 Red Shulker Box {Pocket Box}, 1 Gray Shulker Box {Pocket Box}
Red Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 1 Shears, 1 Lever, 9 Redstone Torches, 8 Redstone Repeaters, 3 Redstone Comparators, 18 Blocks of Redstone, 2 Hoppers, 3 Pistons, 2 Sticky Pistons, 1 Book {Airship Piloting 101}
Gray Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 1 Crossbow, 63 Arrows of Poison {0:11}, 64 Arrows of Harming II, 64 Arrows of Harming II, 63 Arrows of Weakness {0:30}, 60 Arrows of Slowness {0:30}, 64 Arrows of Fire Resistance {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Healing II, 64 Arrows of Invisibility {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Leaping {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Slow Falling {0:30}, 64 Arrows of Night Vision {1:00}, 64 Arrows of Strength II {0:12}, 64 Arrows of Swiftness {1:00}, 63 Arrows of Swiftness II {0:11}, 64 Arrows of Water Breathing {1:00}
[EXP: 21]
Inventory (Baltic): 1 Iron Helmet [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Chestplate [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Boots [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Sword [Sharpness II, Unbreaking III], 1 Shield, 1 Bow, 1 Diamond Pickaxe [Silk Touch I, Mending I, Unbreaking II], 10 Arrows, 3 Brewing Stands, 1 Water Bucket, 28 Bones, 1 Ender Chest, 1 Map {Paragon Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 26 Emeralds, 1 Lingering Potion of Slowness {1:00}, 1 Lingering Potion of Slowness {1:00}, 1 Lingering Potion of Healing II {0:05}, 1 Lingering Potion of Harming II {0:05}, 1 Lingering Potion of Harming II {0:05}, 1 Lingering Potion of Harming II {0:05}, 1 Splash Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Splash Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Blue Shulker Box {Pocket Box}
Blue Shulker Box {Pocket Box}: 64 Glass Bottles, 64 Dragon's Breath, 64 Dragon's Breath, 45 Blaze Powder, 42 Nether Warts, 30 Soul Sand, 63 Phantom Membranes, 64 Blaze Rods, 20 Fermented Spider Eyes, 53 Carrots, 53 Melon Slices, 55 Rabbit's Feet, 50 Golden Ingots, 1 Golden Nugget, 55 Gunpowder, 54 Redstone Dust, 55 Glowstone Dust
[EXP: 30]
Inventory (Z7): 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection III, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Dagger, 1 Iron Pickaxe, 32 Cobblestone, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Furnace, 21 Charcoal, 14 Torches, 9 Oak Wood Planks, 1 Cake, 1 Cake, 1 Cake, 3 Pumpkin Pies, 29 Baked Potatoes, 1 Bucket, 1 Potion of Swiftness II {1:30}, 1 Potion of Slow Falling {4:00}, 1 Map {Paragon Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Gold Citizenship Pass}, 1 Purple Shulker Box {Pocket Box}
[EXP: 42]
Inventory (Floyd): 1 Mob Head {Creeper}, 1 Iron Sword, 1 Diamond Helmet [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Chestplate [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Diamond Leggings [Projectile Protection IV], 1 Iron Pickaxe, 1 Shears, 5 Cobwebs, 2 Iron Ingots, 64 Steak, 3 Steak, 2 Sticks, 29 Coal, 20 Torches, 1 Fishing Rod, 1 Furnace, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Minecart, 1 Bed, 1 Boat, 1 Diamond Boots [Projectile Protection IV], 16 Gunpowder, 16 Ender Pearls, 2 Ender Pearls, 1 Splash Potion of Invisibility {8:00}, 1 Bucket, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}
[EXP: 44]
Buckner's Horse
Inventory (Soul): 1 Diamond Axe [Sharpness V], 1 Iron Pickaxe, 62 Iron Ingots, 20 Flint, 12 Gold Ingots, 1 Shears, 8 Cobwebs, 1 Milk Bucket, 1 Diamond Helmet [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Iron Chestplate, 1 Diamond Leggings [Protection IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Diamond Boots [Protection IV, Feather Falling IV, Unbreaking III], 1 Crafting Table, 1 Jukebox, 1 Music Disc {chirp}, 1 Bed, 1 Furnace, 24 Torches, 34 White Wool, 7 Pumpkin Seeds, 64 Cobblestone, 53 Cobblestone, 32 Jungle Wood Planks, 1 Armor Stand, 16 Steak, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Ringwood Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Exter Entry Pass}
[EXP: 41]
Devers' Horse
Cat-Face the Cat
Christopher Squawken the Parrot
Inventory (Noman): 1 Diamond Sword [Sharpness I], 1 Diamond Chestplate {Severe Shield}, 1 Leather Boots {Bottes Zephyr} [Dyed White], 1 Iron Helmet, 1 Diamond Chestplate, 1 Iron Leggings, 1 Iron Boots, 1 Iron Chestplate, 1 Green Shield [Beginners], 1 Iron Pickaxe, 64 Cobblestone, 60 Nether Warts, 20 Soul Sand, 1 Flint and Steel, 1 Shears, 10 Cobwebs, 1 Milk Bucket, 1 Water Bucket, 5 Buckets, 1 Bed, 1 Crafting Table, 1 Brewing Stand, 33 Glass Bottles, 4 Packed Ice, 1 Ender Chest, 16 Ender Pearls, 4 Ender Pearls, 3 Phantom Membranes, 61 Glowstone Dust, 29 Gunpowder, 18 Redstone Dust, 61 Blaze Powder, 62 Golden Nuggets, 61 Brown Mushrooms, 1 Book {Citizenship Information}, 1 Paper {Zeppil Entry Pass}, 1 Paper {Exter Entry Pass}, 1 Map {Minecraftia}, 1 Enchanted Golden Apple
[EXP: 35]
Snow the Horse
AN: Kind of a short Chapter, but I've got the rest of this bit all planned. The title of this Chapter is based off the old idiom, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.
FAV. FOLLOW. REVIEW. FORUM. DISCORD. CRUMB DONUT.