Intermission Pt. 3

(Rocco)

Ever since I started going on expeditions as a Scavenger Lord, this world began turning on its head. First, Maurice at home is telling me to get the hell out of the house for reasons I don’t even know. Then I’m tasked with taking the most respected Scavenger Lord’s kid on his first expedition. After denying this request, only a couple of days later I’m brought into this very castle for a meeting with Cliffton who tells me that it is of ‘utmost importance’ that I journey with this kid to the surface. I tried asking why the hell his father couldn’t go on the damn mission with him but all I got was a resounding ‘he’s busy’ type of response. Busy my ass, he showed up in Ylvona just in time for a grand little reunion.

I looked behind my shoulder to see Clarine and her two members following me. God, I do trust this Edwin fella but it’s hard to understand what’s going through his head. Bane is a lot more than I could ever expect. At first, I thought he was another useless kid told by their damn schools to become a scavenger so we could retake the surface or some manure like that…

This world has killed off the meaning of dreams. If your dream isn’t to retake the surface for the glory of humanity, you ain’t worth anything. To hell with that. Talking about those roller coasters and remembering Clarine’s youthful smile hurt my heart a ton, but I knew the kid needed to hear it. This world he’s seeing and those abilities he has, he might be the first person to actually do something with his life since we’ve all been jammed underground.

I’m getting all rosy because he reminds me of Clarine… Not this beast of a Scavenger Lord walking next to me, but that one I knew before. To say I made a mistake would be a severe understatement. I know there’s no world where we end up back together, but even if she doesn’t want me to, I’ll make amends somehow. In any way I can, I’ll find a way to do right by her from now on. It’s what she deserves…

Everyone around sees this badass Scavenger Lord but I’m the only one who knows that’s just a mask you put on to distract yourself from the pain, the pain this world and everyone, including myself, has subjected you to. There was a time when I was your escape and maybe it’s impossible to get back there, but if you were to ever find a new route to happiness, I’ll be the first person to hold open the door so you can walk finely through it.

I’m an old man. I’ve lived a good life full of happiness and mistakes. All that’s left for me now is to do right by those I can. Bane, Clarine, and any other interesting folk, I hope you find me well. I’ll care for ya’.

(Edwin)

There’s nobody in this world that I love more than my son. Bane is the last thing I have to remember Azar by. I’ve never told him much about her and I apologize for that. After all this is settled and we make it to Flinholf, I’ll tell him everything, I promise…

This chair felt awfully grandiose for a simple meeting room. None of the other chairs were of this quality either. The people of Ylvona respect authority and leadership greatly. It’s no wonder that they treat me like a God…

As the door opened and the crew all sat down in their seats, I could tell that they all viewed me as this figure of power. Someone they shouldn’t disrespect or disappoint by any means. Sometimes it feels like I sit on a throne built on lies. My power as a Scavenger Lord is undeniable, but the integrity of my character seems to undermine my status far too frequently. Thankfully, no one ever seems to take notice, except for Bane. Bane has always been able to tell when I’m hiding anything and it makes me all the more worried for what’s to come.

It’s my life’s purpose to protect this world. My love for Bane is undying but if it’s at the cost of retaking the surface…

“Listen up, all of you. I’ve called you in here because tomorrow, the five of us along with my son and Lars, will be venturing out onto the surface for another expedition. This expedition will be focused on biological material gathering. In other words, dweller-slaying or as it’s called here, walker-slaying. The first matter of concern that I would like to talk about is the elephant in the room. We have a rookie in the room with us. Your name is Masir? I would like to know what your thoughts are on joining us for this mission. It is an extremely high-level expedition that only experienced scavengers partake in. If you feel uncomfortable with the skills required for the task-”

Masir stood up. “I’ll go. It’s true that I am inexperienced and may hold you all back. It is not my place to make such decisions on whether I should be allowed to embark on such a mission but if you are asking about my resolve, Lord Edwin, I am eager to learn under your wing along with two other Scavenger Lords and another experienced scavenger as well.”

It seemed the kid didn’t realize he had that in him which made the way he sat back down look pathetically awkward but I could tell he meant every word he said. I scanned the room and while Clarine and Fence didn’t seem to think much, I saw Rocco smile a bit after his statement.

I took a deep breath. “Understood, you will accompany us on this expedition. I have a great deal of respect for your commitment to the cause. Please allow us to teach you any and all skills necessary as we’re on the surface, Masir… As for the rest of you, your attendance is expected as working scavengers and Scavenger Lords. The details of the mission in specific will be briefed on the elevator ride by Lars. This was a mission he was supposed to embark on by himself… Circumstances warranted a change and it has been decided that we will join him.”

Clarine grabbed the bridge of her nose between her eyes while looking angry. “Lord Edwin, with all due respect, this would all go a lot smoother if you could just tell us how your son fucked up and what we’re actually going to be doing up there.”

She was right to make a fuss out of this situation but I didn’t expect her to be perceptive enough to understand that Bane was the root cause. Clarine, you’re quite an impressive woman. I’m glad to have you on my side.

I sighed, “...Yes, you’re right, Lord Clarine-”

“You can just call me Clarine. We all know you’re the top gun here. No need to pretend like that isn’t the case.”

“Yes… Clarine, well, you’re right. My son did end up making a mistake that could cost the world gravely. It’s no secret that Lars is an eccentric personality who dabbles in criminal activity. Last night, my son caught Lars in the middle of an assault. He was harassing one of the maids and Bane decided to intervene. Long story short, the only way Bane could justify letting Lars go so his secret wouldn’t be revealed, was by agreeing to accompany him on his expedition tomorrow, where they plan to fight on the surface until only one of them remains. That is the complete truth. If any of you have questions, ask now.”

The room remained silent for a bit. I could tell the Lords were calm but the two scavengers seemed worried.

Fence hesitated but decided to speak up. “My lord, w-what exactly are we expected to do on the expedition tomorrow?”

Ah, of course, I was so caught up in breaking the news to them that I forgot to mention the most important part.

“We will work together to join forces with my son to kill Lars once we reach the surface. His strength and wit are admirable enough for even someone like me to know that we need all the manpower we can get if we want this to go smoothly. Lars is to not be underestimated as an opponent.”

Masir seemed shocked as well but he didn’t say anything.

“Look, I understand that what I’m asking from you all isn’t easy but if the world learns about what Bane is, we will be in grave danger. Between us five, this is a phenomenon the world has seen before. There are hidden programs studying people of this kind. It’s a genetic mutation of sorts that I can’t fully explain right now. All you need to know is that if Bane is exposed by Lars, we’ll all be in a world of hell in the coming months. So tell me, are you in?”