Chapter 1:
Sour Kraut
Mementem - Midel Conflict
Tentem 29th, 1989 A.T. — After Trifecta. 7:45 a.m.
Amar, who has no interest in Trunge, does not contact them. If you're wondering why, his plan for the next year. In his own words: “Chill at home and do fuck all.” By Tentem, he’s made good on that promise. The only thing he’s mastered was the art of wasting time. Amy Kraut, his mother interrupts his morning computer session. Barging into his room. The room was clean other than his bed, which was messy.
Amy interjects, “Me and your father think it’s time you got a job,” she calls out, her speech soft trying not to offend her son.
“A what?” Amar replies, eyes fixed on his glowing screen. He doesn’t even turn around. Blanco Kraut’s patience—already stretched thin—snaps. “A job!” he bellows, appearing at the doorway.
“And you better be quick about it, because I’m not letting you back in this house until you have one!” he adds before Amar can even open his mouth. “No buts!”
Amar blinks, stunned. “But I didn’t even say anything…” he mutters.
Being pulled out of his chair and into the living room by his father, Amar was forced to listen to Blanco’s instructions. “Boy, I have told you time and time again, go find a fucking job.” He corrects sternly.
“Give me a break old man.” Amar interrupts. He glares at him, before saying. “I have two sons and three rules in this house.” Taking a deep breath in before saying. “You know em’ well.”
“Rule one; No babies, of any kind none of your creation none of mine”
“Rule two; Don’t talk back to me or your mother.”
“And most important. rule three; If you're not going to school get a Job.”
Amar stands up, calling him out on his hypocrisy.
“Pop, I though rule three was do your chores if your home.” Confused on why that childhood rule has changed so quickly.
Blanco answers politely. “Well, I altered it slightly, now it’s get a job, any job I couldn’t care less about what it is just find something that pays you.” He pleads.
“Whatever old man!” he scoffs while walking out of the house, not a care in the world. Slamming the door in the process.
Silence fills the house. Blanco stares at the front door now shut, jaw tight, thoughts heavy. He rubs his fingertips together, a nervous habit he developed as an officer. The guilt hits him like it always does, not because Amar is lazy, but because Blanco knows some of that stubbornness came from him.
Amy rests her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t you think you were a bit harsh on the boy?” asking calmly.
Blanco looks at her that single white lock glinting among strands of light-blue hair, his anger softens. “I love you, darlin’.” Now quickly shifting a low voice, “But that boy’s a damn fool. Seriously— the only thing he’s got going for him is how lucky he is.”
His old eyes and sad expressions are mirrored into his mind. Trying to think about what to do next. Amy smiles faintly, trying to lighten the moment. “You know, he act’s exactly like Gris.” She said lightening the mood.
“I just hope he doesn’t end up like her,” Blanco’s eyes dim at the name. “I love that boy to death—him and his brother both. If either of them went before me… I don’t know what I’d do.” He murmured.
The home goes quiet again, only the sound of a faint radio in the distance. The wedding song of Blanco and Amy playing instinctively.
Amy brushes her hand through his hair and says softly, “You seem tense. How about I help you relax before work? That’s no way to start the morning.” Blanco grins, sharp teeth catching the light. “That sounds brilliant, darlin’.”
Amar Kraut walks along the road, passing through his suburban neighborhood, the homes look factory made, the scariest thing in that neighborhood must be the homeowner's association. It reeks of privilege and greed, making the whole place feel soulless.
Amar, angered by his father's words, vents his frustration for the public to hear. "What the hell does he know.” His words echoed teenage angst. “I bet he has no faith in me, you know says a lot bout’ yourself Pop!” his ego flourishing though his words.
“That, fucking dick.” he whispered, while approaching a nearby bus stop, in which he sat at. Not knowing the solution frustrated him deeply. Usually, he would find a way to weasel his way through with no repercussions. But this time is different, maybe it was the Midel heat was getting to him but coming up with an idea stumped him completely.
"Dammit, why can’t I think of anything?” He says Irritated
He spreads his arms out on the bus stop, looking at the advertisement taped on a bus sign. It reads “Midel needs you, apply for jobs at ‘StardomGovenmentJobs.gov’.”
A sly Smirk runs along his cheeks, he then says. “I think I have my answer, I love being lucky.”
Tentem 29th 1989 A.T — Downtown Midel 10:20 a.m.
Amar sneaks back to his home and proceeds to drive his truck down to Downtown Midel, the traffic was unbelievable, spending hours to reach his destination, passing through many streets and buildings before arriving at the Midel Federal Police Department.
He stared at the building. For he knew if he didn’t get the job here, he had no idea where he would go. It was too late for him to register for classes, and even if he did, he would not be able to play Trunge for RCU. With a deep sigh and a gulp of fear, he entered the building.
Inside, he approaches a desk clerk, her appearance professional, a pair of black glasses and dawning a police uniform, and her desk smelling of cleaning products.
Amar says bashfully. “So, I’m looking to en—” he spoke only to be cut off.
“What’s your name?” The desk clerk responded.
“Amarillo Kraut.” He answered, annoyed at being interrupted. He stood as the clerk typed away. “Look I need a job, and I was wondering if I could talk to someone about it.” He spoke nervously which was out of character for someone like him.
“I have no clue what to do for you, enlistment goes though the website.” She replies sarcastically. “This is going to be a great day,” Blanco remarked, not yet noticing Amar.
To hide he runs into a large officer, who was more in tune to be a body builder than a police officer.
Blanco noticing the blunder, locks eyes with his prodigal son. “Amarillo Sydney Kraut! My office… NOW!” He explodes before walking toward his office.
Shaking with fear, Amar ascended the stairs to his father’s office, fearing his life and his dignity. His long, spiky hair twitched nervously as he ascended the staircase. He opened the door to see his father standing in front of his desk.
Blanco and Amar stared at each other. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The two wait for one of them to break the silence.
“Why are you in my office?” Blanco speaks softly but sounds angry. He paused, waiting for Amar to reply.
The sounds of telephones downstairs chimed; his heart raced on. Amar, a shocked grin on his face, said, “I was just trying to enlist. I mean, you need people… right?” Anxiously, he waited for a response.
Blanco, now wearing a questioning look, said, “You…? Enlist…? What makes you think I would let that happen?”
His fathers disapproving words made Amar look at the floor in defeat. He would feel those words eating at his soul.
Blanco added, “This ain’t some cushy office job.” Saying disappointed and shaking his head.
Amar grits his teeth, his father's disapproval, making it hard for him to hold back tears.
“I have more trust in a monkey…” he stops himself, noticing the pain on Amar's Face.
He holds his snide remarks and looks at his son. He sighs. “I reckon you couldn’t find anythin’.” he said, attempting to sympathize with him.
He pivots to his file cabinet, pulling at a form. “Here, fill this out and head over to Tast.” he said while handing him the form.
The form’s headline reads “Stardom Adventures Group: Midel Branch; Enlistment Form.” “What’s this for?” Amar, now questioning its contents.
“That’s SAG, I'm their boss I give them adventure listings.” Blanco says confidently.
“That sounds like some bs.” Amar, Skeptical of the form's legitimacy.
“That 'bs' is your only option.” He reprimands Kraut.
“I’ll let you work here if you can rank up as an adventurer.” Extending the offer further.
“Tch… sure, whatever. I’ll take the stupid job.” Amar scoffs offended by his 'offer'. Heads for the door.
Amar lingered at the door for a moment, glancing back at his father. Blanco did not meet his eyes but simply watched him leave. Amar stepped out, a mix of defiance and nervous anticipation, feeling the weight of both fear and opportunity.
Now sitting alone at his desk, Blanco picked up a photo of him and his sons, his gaze lingering on the young Amar. “That kid… let me make some calls,” he muttered softly.
Tentem 29th 1989 A.T. — 11:40 a.m.
The woods of Tast were brutal, with hills and forests stretching forever. Kraut begrudgingly explored the forest, looking for Tast Cave. Complaining along the way.
“Why does he have to be an asshole all the time.” His fathers' words weigh him down. He paused, looking around. All he could see were massive mountains and identical trees. The clouds were all perfectly symmetrical, and that symmetry made him even more pissed off. “Where the fuck am I?” he shouted, hands on his hips.
Kraut searched even more desperately through the almost-maze-like forest. The identical trees, reminding him of the neighborhood he lives in. The many distinct shrubs are the only thing that proves that Kraut’s not going in circles.
Before he even knows it, he exits the path he was following and sees the huge rock formation that makes up Tast Cave. The rocks align in an upside-down ‘u’ to reveal the entrance of the cave. “I really hope this is the right place.” Amar being concerned that his hours of walking have gone to waste.
He notices the area around it was barren, only having a few boulders surrounding. The trees line up in a half-circle formation around the entrance.
“Now how can a building be in a mountain?” He thought for a moment, then realized he didn't care. “Eh, whatever. It doesn’t matter. I need this job so I can go home tonight.”
Before he can enter, he sees a boy standing in the entrance. He had long dark grey hair with parallel lines of black plastered about, no facial hair in sight, a green hoodie, light blue denim, and shiny black steel toe boots.
With a smirk, he said, “Are you afraid.
The boy pulled out a curved sword it glinted in the sunlight.
“If you want to enter my cave, you must get past me, Sour Kraut.” His voice oozed with confidence.
Not only that but electric sparks could be heard radiating from his sheer presence, an utmost unsettling aura which for the first time in his life scared Amar.
Kraut raised an eyebrow, shocked. His hair spiked up. He gritted his teeth. “WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE TALKING TO?!” Spit flew from his mouth, his words blowing the boys' hair back.
Moments later he comes to his senses, deciding to enter fighting stance but then making it seem like he was reaching for something in his pocket. Looking like a novice fighter.
Santi's face could be read like a book; in his mind he was probably saying "Is this guy an idiot." “If it's a fight you want, then let's do this.” He boasts. “And just so you know, I don’t lose.” He grinned, revealing his spiky teeth.
The boy looked down at his hook-shaped sword. “Oh, Amarillo, the lesser brother… you have no idea,” he said somberly.
His eyes glowed red, black sparks of electricity crackling around him which made his sword glow. he lunged at him with speeds that weren't human.
All Amar could do was be happy he missed him completely. His Heartrate increased, and he began to sweat a little. He asked himself, "What is this power, is this Manada." “Who the hell are you?!” Amar Shouted.
The boy ripped off his hoodie, tossing it to the side. He laughed manically. “My name’s Johnathan Baxter Insanity — they call me Santi, number one adventurer.” he boasted. "Number one... Now way, this is the power of the top ranks." Amar questioned his judgment. “Don’t disappoint me, Sour Kraut! Show me you’re deserving of your name!” He says, lunging at him.
Instead of stabbing him, he takes a sharp turn running quickly around Amar, so fast he became a blur. His hair turned from dark grey to blonde, and his shirt burned into ash. At that moment Santi became a black cloud with sparks of yellow surrounding him. He was no longer human only energy remained.
Amar was lost for words; he had been to a magic academy but had never seen anyone with this understanding of it.
A voiced echoed in Amar's mind "You seem confused, this is my skill, Black Light. It atomizes my body allowing me to run at the speed of light.”
“You bastard no one disrespects Amarillo Kraut.” The veins on his head and body become increasingly visible.
The cloud attempts to engulf Kraut, slowly getting smaller from top to bottom. He was frantically thinking of how he would get out of this. Looking in all directions, his gaze is directed to the opening at the top.
If he could jump high enough, he could get out. He takes a giant leap attempting to escape He gets enough height to get outside but not out before gravity took its course and made him fall back down.
As a last ditch, he straightens his body and uses gravity to his advantage.
“SKY DIVE” He yells out.
Stomping Santi's clouded mess of matter; the stomp electrocutes him launching him onto his back. He swiftly recovers but now feels the weight of the situation and accepts it awaiting what happens next.
Amar feels increasingly dizzy his eyes fail him only showing glimpses of the things around him he sees Santi appears from the ground in front of him.
Santi opens a portal engulfing Kraut inside. As he falls his eyes shut, his ears close.
These words etched in his brain. “This is my truth. This is my will. This is excellence.”
Kraut goes unconscious.
Amar, who has no interest in Trunge, does not contact them. If you're wondering why, his plan for the next year. In his own words: “Chill at home and do fuck all.” By Tentem, he’s made good on that promise. The only thing he’s mastered was the art of wasting time. Amy Kraut, his mother interrupts his morning computer session. Barging into his room. The room was clean other than his bed, which was messy.
Amy interjects, “Me and your father think it’s time you got a job,” she calls out, her speech soft trying not to offend her son.
“A what?” Amar replies, eyes fixed on his glowing screen. He doesn’t even turn around. Blanco Kraut’s patience—already stretched thin—snaps. “A job!” he bellows, appearing at the doorway.
“And you better be quick about it, because I’m not letting you back in this house until you have one!” he adds before Amar can even open his mouth. “No buts!”
Amar blinks, stunned. “But I didn’t even say anything…” he mutters.
Being pulled out of his chair and into the living room by his father, Amar was forced to listen to Blanco’s instructions. “Boy, I have told you time and time again, go find a fucking job.” He corrects sternly.
“Give me a break old man.” Amar interrupts. He glares at him, before saying. “I have two sons and three rules in this house.” Taking a deep breath in before saying. “You know em’ well.”
“Rule one; No babies, of any kind none of your creation none of mine”
“Rule two; Don’t talk back to me or your mother.”
“And most important. rule three; If you're not going to school get a Job.”
Amar stands up, calling him out on his hypocrisy.
“Pop, I though rule three was do your chores if your home.” Confused on why that childhood rule has changed so quickly.
Blanco answers politely. “Well, I altered it slightly, now it’s get a job, any job I couldn’t care less about what it is just find something that pays you.” He pleads.
“Whatever old man!” he scoffs while walking out of the house, not a care in the world. Slamming the door in the process.
Silence fills the house. Blanco stares at the front door now shut, jaw tight, thoughts heavy. He rubs his fingertips together, a nervous habit he developed as an officer. The guilt hits him like it always does, not because Amar is lazy, but because Blanco knows some of that stubbornness came from him.
Amy rests her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t you think you were a bit harsh on the boy?” asking calmly.
Blanco looks at her that single white lock glinting among strands of light-blue hair, his anger softens. “I love you, darlin’.” Now quickly shifting a low voice, “But that boy’s a damn fool. Seriously— the only thing he’s got going for him is how lucky he is.”
His old eyes and sad expressions are mirrored into his mind. Trying to think about what to do next. Amy smiles faintly, trying to lighten the moment. “You know, he act’s exactly like Gris.” She said lightening the mood.
“I just hope he doesn’t end up like her,” Blanco’s eyes dim at the name. “I love that boy to death—him and his brother both. If either of them went before me… I don’t know what I’d do.” He murmured.
The home goes quiet again, only the sound of a faint radio in the distance. The wedding song of Blanco and Amy playing instinctively.
Amy brushes her hand through his hair and says softly, “You seem tense. How about I help you relax before work? That’s no way to start the morning.” Blanco grins, sharp teeth catching the light. “That sounds brilliant, darlin’.”
Amar Kraut walks along the road, passing through his suburban neighborhood, the homes look factory made, the scariest thing in that neighborhood must be the homeowner's association. It reeks of privilege and greed, making the whole place feel soulless.
Amar, angered by his father's words, vents his frustration for the public to hear. "What the hell does he know.” His words echoed teenage angst. “I bet he has no faith in me, you know says a lot bout’ yourself Pop!” his ego flourishing though his words.
“That, fucking dick.” he whispered, while approaching a nearby bus stop, in which he sat at. Not knowing the solution frustrated him deeply. Usually, he would find a way to weasel his way through with no repercussions. But this time is different, maybe it was the Midel heat was getting to him but coming up with an idea stumped him completely.
"Dammit, why can’t I think of anything?” He says Irritated
He spreads his arms out on the bus stop, looking at the advertisement taped on a bus sign. It reads “Midel needs you, apply for jobs at ‘StardomGovenmentJobs.gov’.”
A sly Smirk runs along his cheeks, he then says. “I think I have my answer, I love being lucky.”
Tentem 29th 1989 A.T — Downtown Midel 10:20 a.m.
Amar sneaks back to his home and proceeds to drive his truck down to Downtown Midel, the traffic was unbelievable, spending hours to reach his destination, passing through many streets and buildings before arriving at the Midel Federal Police Department.
He stared at the building. For he knew if he didn’t get the job here, he had no idea where he would go. It was too late for him to register for classes, and even if he did, he would not be able to play Trunge for RCU. With a deep sigh and a gulp of fear, he entered the building.
Inside, he approaches a desk clerk, her appearance professional, a pair of black glasses and dawning a police uniform, and her desk smelling of cleaning products.
Amar says bashfully. “So, I’m looking to en—” he spoke only to be cut off.
“What’s your name?” The desk clerk responded.
“Amarillo Kraut.” He answered, annoyed at being interrupted. He stood as the clerk typed away. “Look I need a job, and I was wondering if I could talk to someone about it.” He spoke nervously which was out of character for someone like him.
“I have no clue what to do for you, enlistment goes though the website.” She replies sarcastically. “This is going to be a great day,” Blanco remarked, not yet noticing Amar.
To hide he runs into a large officer, who was more in tune to be a body builder than a police officer.
Blanco noticing the blunder, locks eyes with his prodigal son. “Amarillo Sydney Kraut! My office… NOW!” He explodes before walking toward his office.
Shaking with fear, Amar ascended the stairs to his father’s office, fearing his life and his dignity. His long, spiky hair twitched nervously as he ascended the staircase. He opened the door to see his father standing in front of his desk.
Blanco and Amar stared at each other. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The two wait for one of them to break the silence.
“Why are you in my office?” Blanco speaks softly but sounds angry. He paused, waiting for Amar to reply.
The sounds of telephones downstairs chimed; his heart raced on. Amar, a shocked grin on his face, said, “I was just trying to enlist. I mean, you need people… right?” Anxiously, he waited for a response.
Blanco, now wearing a questioning look, said, “You…? Enlist…? What makes you think I would let that happen?”
His fathers disapproving words made Amar look at the floor in defeat. He would feel those words eating at his soul.
Blanco added, “This ain’t some cushy office job.” Saying disappointed and shaking his head.
Amar grits his teeth, his father's disapproval, making it hard for him to hold back tears.
“I have more trust in a monkey…” he stops himself, noticing the pain on Amar's Face.
He holds his snide remarks and looks at his son. He sighs. “I reckon you couldn’t find anythin’.” he said, attempting to sympathize with him.
He pivots to his file cabinet, pulling at a form. “Here, fill this out and head over to Tast.” he said while handing him the form.
The form’s headline reads “Stardom Adventures Group: Midel Branch; Enlistment Form.” “What’s this for?” Amar, now questioning its contents.
“That’s SAG, I'm their boss I give them adventure listings.” Blanco says confidently.
“That sounds like some bs.” Amar, Skeptical of the form's legitimacy.
“That 'bs' is your only option.” He reprimands Kraut.
“I’ll let you work here if you can rank up as an adventurer.” Extending the offer further.
“Tch… sure, whatever. I’ll take the stupid job.” Amar scoffs offended by his 'offer'. Heads for the door.
Amar lingered at the door for a moment, glancing back at his father. Blanco did not meet his eyes but simply watched him leave. Amar stepped out, a mix of defiance and nervous anticipation, feeling the weight of both fear and opportunity.
Now sitting alone at his desk, Blanco picked up a photo of him and his sons, his gaze lingering on the young Amar. “That kid… let me make some calls,” he muttered softly.
Tentem 29th 1989 A.T. — 11:40 a.m.
The woods of Tast were brutal, with hills and forests stretching forever. Kraut begrudgingly explored the forest, looking for Tast Cave. Complaining along the way.
“Why does he have to be an asshole all the time.” His fathers' words weigh him down. He paused, looking around. All he could see were massive mountains and identical trees. The clouds were all perfectly symmetrical, and that symmetry made him even more pissed off. “Where the fuck am I?” he shouted, hands on his hips.
Kraut searched even more desperately through the almost-maze-like forest. The identical trees, reminding him of the neighborhood he lives in. The many distinct shrubs are the only thing that proves that Kraut’s not going in circles.
Before he even knows it, he exits the path he was following and sees the huge rock formation that makes up Tast Cave. The rocks align in an upside-down ‘u’ to reveal the entrance of the cave. “I really hope this is the right place.” Amar being concerned that his hours of walking have gone to waste.
He notices the area around it was barren, only having a few boulders surrounding. The trees line up in a half-circle formation around the entrance.
“Now how can a building be in a mountain?” He thought for a moment, then realized he didn't care. “Eh, whatever. It doesn’t matter. I need this job so I can go home tonight.”
Before he can enter, he sees a boy standing in the entrance. He had long dark grey hair with parallel lines of black plastered about, no facial hair in sight, a green hoodie, light blue denim, and shiny black steel toe boots.
With a smirk, he said, “Are you afraid.
The boy pulled out a curved sword it glinted in the sunlight.
“If you want to enter my cave, you must get past me, Sour Kraut.” His voice oozed with confidence.
Not only that but electric sparks could be heard radiating from his sheer presence, an utmost unsettling aura which for the first time in his life scared Amar.
Kraut raised an eyebrow, shocked. His hair spiked up. He gritted his teeth. “WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE TALKING TO?!” Spit flew from his mouth, his words blowing the boys' hair back.
Moments later he comes to his senses, deciding to enter fighting stance but then making it seem like he was reaching for something in his pocket. Looking like a novice fighter.
Santi's face could be read like a book; in his mind he was probably saying "Is this guy an idiot." “If it's a fight you want, then let's do this.” He boasts. “And just so you know, I don’t lose.” He grinned, revealing his spiky teeth.
The boy looked down at his hook-shaped sword. “Oh, Amarillo, the lesser brother… you have no idea,” he said somberly.
His eyes glowed red, black sparks of electricity crackling around him which made his sword glow. he lunged at him with speeds that weren't human.
All Amar could do was be happy he missed him completely. His Heartrate increased, and he began to sweat a little. He asked himself, "What is this power, is this Manada." “Who the hell are you?!” Amar Shouted.
The boy ripped off his hoodie, tossing it to the side. He laughed manically. “My name’s Johnathan Baxter Insanity — they call me Santi, number one adventurer.” he boasted. "Number one... Now way, this is the power of the top ranks." Amar questioned his judgment. “Don’t disappoint me, Sour Kraut! Show me you’re deserving of your name!” He says, lunging at him.
Instead of stabbing him, he takes a sharp turn running quickly around Amar, so fast he became a blur. His hair turned from dark grey to blonde, and his shirt burned into ash. At that moment Santi became a black cloud with sparks of yellow surrounding him. He was no longer human only energy remained.
Amar was lost for words; he had been to a magic academy but had never seen anyone with this understanding of it.
A voiced echoed in Amar's mind "You seem confused, this is my skill, Black Light. It atomizes my body allowing me to run at the speed of light.”
“You bastard no one disrespects Amarillo Kraut.” The veins on his head and body become increasingly visible.
The cloud attempts to engulf Kraut, slowly getting smaller from top to bottom. He was frantically thinking of how he would get out of this. Looking in all directions, his gaze is directed to the opening at the top.
If he could jump high enough, he could get out. He takes a giant leap attempting to escape He gets enough height to get outside but not out before gravity took its course and made him fall back down.
As a last ditch, he straightens his body and uses gravity to his advantage.
“SKY DIVE” He yells out.
Stomping Santi's clouded mess of matter; the stomp electrocutes him launching him onto his back. He swiftly recovers but now feels the weight of the situation and accepts it awaiting what happens next.
Amar feels increasingly dizzy his eyes fail him only showing glimpses of the things around him he sees Santi appears from the ground in front of him.
Santi opens a portal engulfing Kraut inside. As he falls his eyes shut, his ears close.
These words etched in his brain. “This is my truth. This is my will. This is excellence.”
Kraut goes unconscious.
Please sign in to leave a comment.