Name's Siggie Hopp

As the sun sets, he takes one last blow from the half burnt cigarette. It was dropped shortly after, onto the dusty hard ground and stomped the shit out of it. 

The sand can get pretty hot during the day, pretty sure I can cook an egg with just the sand and an iron pot. Siggie thought to himself.

The moment the sun has hidden behind the horizon, the heat started escaping. It doesn’t just get cool, it gets cold, albeit slowly.

Water is essential in those parts. Here every drop of water is worth more than gold. You can’t drink gold. Well, technically you can, but your throat is going to be a little sore after that. He thought while drinking water.

We’re in a remote nowhere. Dritt1. I can see why Nerayo wants to be secretive, but still… an hour of just walking. And all that to spar with Danil who’s gotten even more annoying. Like seriously, he’s either gloomy and silent or he talks about how he’ll kill Gunkata. No jokes, no small talk. Nothing! Just Gunkata and that’s it! He didn’t even return a good morning to me! I’ll teach this little shit.

They’re on flat land, maybe even a valley considering the mountains that surround them. All is either brown or yellow during the day. Now it’s just tints of crimson.

“Sigge!” Nerayo called. Siggie walked to Nerayo. Danil is sitting on the ground, a bit bruised and with cold eyes of a lone wolf.

“C’mon, get up. I don’t wanna be late for dinner.” Danil got up and looked at Siggie with hostile eyes. He returned no words.

He got into a combat stance – Both fists in front of the face, shoulder is pressed against the chin with the thumb pointing at him. Slightly bent knees which helps with the balance and a raise heel for easier kicking.

-“Three, two… and start!” Nerayo crossed his arms while watching from the side.

Danil stands, looking directly into Siggie’s eyes. He wants me to do the first move. He can keep wanting. Let’s have a staring contest!

Dritt – Literally means shit (Norwegian)

It’s been only five minutes? Even I start feeling awkward after watching those green eyes. This little shit starts to lose it, I can feel it. Fatal mistake, my guy.

Danil rushed towards Siggie. In just a matter of 3 seconds he managed to shorten the distance of around 5 meters, standing face to face. Faen2! He’s fast!

Danil delivers a right hook to Siggie’s ribs. Siggie barely manages to block, making the elbow absorb the power. Argh, it hurts… I don’t think I can move it. There goes my left hand. En jævel3, it really fucking hurts.

Right after the right hook, follows an uppercut. Right before Danil could get a hit, Siggie backs down a bit with a kick to the groin. Danil holds his groin dearly, and falls down.

“Yer good. Though, still green.” In just one year he made this much progress.

Siggie extended his hand to Danil, he looked up, but stood up by himself.

“I don’t need your pity.”

“Pity? I was just friendly!”

“Tsk, friendly won’t help me killing Gunkata” Oh no he’s at it. Again. How can Nerayo suffer his arse?

Siggie went off to the camp. He walked for about half an hour before seeing the glowing camp in the horizon. His belly is growling, specifically for good and juicy meet. As he was approaching, he saw people leaving the tables in front of the dusty yellow pickup truck. They stood up from their stools and washed their plates with the 5 gallon water plastic container. Needless to say, they are careful with how much water they spend.

As the people were leaving, they greeted Siggie with either a nod or a wave. Siggie returned the greetings with only a nod.

Faen (Faa aan) – Literally means the devil, but the English equivalent are the words: “Fuck”, “Damn”
En jævel (En Yaa vel) – In that context means “Bastard”

Siggie glanced over Neven. Neven looked at him and nodded in silence. He went to the little fridge and took out a metallic plate. On the plate are hummus, a single Pita and that’s it. The pita is already stale, one more night and only a bird would eat it.

From the sorry sight that was the whole scene, Siggie sat down on a plastic white stool, near a folding plastic table, and sighed deeply while proceeding to eat the Pita.

“Hey Neven.” Said Siggie after swallowing a piece of a Pita.

“Hmm?” Neven made a grumbling sound.

“Listen, I’ve been to a town while scouting. Some old man sold me Arak. They say it’s a kick to the liver. Wanna try?

“Arak? Muslims don’t drink.”

“You’re Muslim?”

“Ne, they are. This is Zargastan, a Muslim country. Tourism isn’t its specialty.”

“But they make Arak here. It’s a middle easten drink.”

“If we’ll go a little bit to the west, then yes.”

“It’s an Arab traditional drink.”

“The locals here don’t drink alcohol.”

“So you think they scammed me? Sold me a roofie in the bottle?”

“Probably just piss.” Siggie sighed deeply while taking the last bites from the hard Pita.

“We’ve been in this desert for how much? You know I don’t like hot places.”

“And I don’t like bad drink.”

“We didn’t try it yet! C’mon, at least you Neven!”

“Ne. Ask Nerayo or someone else from the camp.”

“He won’t, and he’s too busy anyway. The others… It won’t be fun…”

“He’s busy with Danil? Is your daddy not paying attention to you?” Siggie looked at Neven with slight surprise after hearing his words.

“You never say stuff like that.”

“Never say never, I guess.”

“Why the sudden change?”

“You’re starting to annoy me. That’s what.”

“You won’t pull the “Don’t know English” card? Right?”

“Shta?”

“Faen… I don’t want to drink alone, I’m not a lone alcoholic.”

“Ti si.”

“I have no idea what you’re saying. Fine, thanks for the meal. Night.”

“You’re welcome.” After a deep sigh from Siggie, he stood up and washed the plate. After that, he has put the plate into the wooden crate with the other rusty plates. Now he’s just sitting on a stool, looking at the occasional passing by people. I’m bored.

Out of the boredom, Siggie started to swing on the stool while looking at the starts.

What am I? A kid to do this? What the hell am I doing anyway? I stopped thinking about that sort of stuff ages ago. When’s the mission anyway?

Siggie was lost in his thought. They weren’t of any important substance. It’s mostly about how he wants to eat meat and a good drink. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Siggie, spar with me.” There stands Danil right in front of Siggie. Still tattered from the training.

“Huh?”

“Can’t you hear? I said, spar with me.”

“The hell do you want, Danil?”

“You’re stupid or what? Sparring.”

“I’m busy.”

“With what?”

“I need to rest.”

“Are you scared?”

“No… Why me of all the people? Why here and now? Go wrestle with Neven or something.”

“If I’ll win against you, I’ll have more chances against Gunkata.”

“That’s all you think about eh?” Siggie got up from the stool.

“Listen, I’ll teach you one important lesson. Nay, it’s two. Even better. So, lesson 1, Do not ever bother me when I rest. Do not fucking think about it. Lesson 2, rest is important. Too much strain on your muscles, brains, well not in your case, but in mine at least. Too much strain wears out everything.”

“What about the sparing?” Danil repeated himself. Siggie just sighed.

“…I’ll think about it. I need to talk to Nerayo. Get some sleep and stop bothering me.”

Siggie walked through the lit tents. The yellow lights inside the tents are bright enough to illuminate the tent streets, in this tent town. He stayed there in front of Nerayo’s dark tent.

“You’re waiting?”

“Nerayo, took you long enough.”

“I had to piss.”

“Fair enough. Listen, I want to talk.”

“What a coincidence, me too.”

“Well, wait in line. Danil’s been bugging me. He’s been an annoying little shit for as long as I know him.”

“So you’re basically came here just to complain?”

“Nah, I can understand why he can be this way.”

“He reminds you of your old self? That’s why he annoys you.”

“Eh, not really. I’m not here because he’s bothering me with his duel and all. He’s still a kid. He’s angry. He’ll die in the first mission.” Siggie started to whisper.

“Heh, and here comes what I wanted to say. Danil will come with you.”

“Eh?”

“What?”

“You’re back to drinking?”

“No, why?”

“Because then it would make sense. Only drunk you can spout such shit. Do you have the slightest idea how it makes it riskier? Not only I have to risk my own life, I also have to babysit him? Do I have to look for his back now, too?”

“I’m confident he won’t die or be a burden. He shows promise.”

“I mean yeah, he nearly beat my ass. But let’s not forget I’m not the strongest guy here. Though, even the strongest will be weak against a bullet. But when it comes to multiple bullets, even a single guy can top a crowd”

“Which is why you’ll show him the ropes. This will be his final training. Its outcome will determine his future.”

“You know I can’t do this.”

“I’m sorry Siggie, but this is an order. This training session will be the most important for him and his future.”

“Be it an order or whatever, I can’t just accept it. With all respect Nerayo, but you know…”

“You said he wants to spar with you? This sparring session will determine if he’s ready. If he wins, you take him. If he won’t…”

“Is that so? Well, I guess I need to hit the sack. Night.”

“Good night.”

As Nerayo and Siggie have parted ways, the lights started to slowly turn off. In just a matter of a few minutes the tent town has blended with the darkness.

Siggie went to sleep. He didn’t touch the bottle of Arak he bought. He just laid on his back until he fell asleep.

In the morning, he woke up. It took him a good few seconds to recover from sleeping. He dressed in an olive colored T shirt and in yellow camouflaged cargo pants.

The air outside is still dry. The sun has already risen, but the morning fog is still there. The sand is still cold, but it slowly gets warmer by the help of the rising sun.

“Good Morning, Siggie.” One of the camp mates approached Siggie.

“…Morning…” Siggie scratched his chin.

“It’s been a few months, here take this.” The man handed Siggie a bottle with transparent liquid.

“What’s that?”

“I think it’s named Arak. We saved up for a gift, for you. This is just a fraction of our gratitude. Thank you Siggie for saving us.”

“I mean… Thanks… But what’s the occasion?” Could’ve at least got me something else…

“We’re leaving. You’re a respected man Siggie, we had to somehow thank you.”

“If I’m a respected man, something’s wrong with this world” Both men genuinely laughed.

“But seriously, you saved me and my family. We’re in your debt.”

“Chin up my man, we’re going to have a farewell party and this Arak is going to be there. That’s how you can pay off your debt, okay?”

“Alright”

Siggie clapped the men’s shoulder and went to Neven’s direction. It is harder to fight with an empty belly. On his way, he met other camp mates so they chatted a little. All that chatting made Siggie even more hungry.

Finally, he arrived at the eatery. Neven is already there, calmly smoking a cigarette while watching the sun rise.

“Morning.”

“Dobro jutro. What are you holding?”

“You know, Rafael from the Nazario family, he’s going to leave.”

“Where to?”

“I have no clue. He told me that he’s leaving and he gave me this. He even told me I’m a respectable person.”

“Joke of the century. Even though if it just begun. Nothing can top that.”

“Already annoying you?”

“The moment I see you. Anyway, bon appetite” Neven goes to the fridge and takes out a dried meat.

Its texture is rough, the color is dark red, possibly brown. It’s chewy and salty, but for Siggie this was the closest thing to a meat. Siggie was enjoying every bite of that dried meat. As he swallowed the last piece, he smiled.

The lone palm at the small oasis is red from the sunrise. At the morning, people go there to wash their sleepy faces and drink. The oasis itself isn’t that big, it’s just a little smaller than the camp itself. It houses a few green plants, barely reaching 6 cm. At night, the oasis is almost invisible.

“Get up.” Siggie turned around and saw Danil standing.

“No good mornings? No breakfast? At least take a dried fruit.”

“Let’s be done with it.”

“Alright, guess that’s the only way I can teach you manners. I don’t have a belt though.”

Siggie stood up, just in front of Danil and looking him straight into his eyes.

“Fucking try me Siggie. I will destroy every one that stands between me and Gunkata. You stand there, Siggie.”

“You’re not scaring nobody. You won’t even scare a little baby. Maybe Gunkata will piss himself, but only because of what a clown you are.”

This way, I can make him angry. I want to go all out too. You caused enough built up steam Danil. Gotta prepare for the consequences of your actions.

“Let’s find a nice place. We don’t need a public.”

They both went to Nerayo who was already occupied with the leaving Rafael. They talked about something, but Siggie didn’t hear. When they finished speaking, they shook hands and Rafael gave space to Siggie and Danil.

Nerayo stood up and picked up his sunglasses. He told them to follow him. They walked and walked, the desert is already warm. They found a small flat area surrounded by bare low mountains. He told them to face either north or south.

“Don’t kill each other, no other rules. That’s it. Fight!”

Both got into a battle stance. First few minutes went like before, a staring contest, waiting for the other opponent to strike first.

Even after the stuff I said, he didn’t rush to fight me. So he does listen.

“Do you know what’s at stake here, Danil? If I’ll lose, you’ll have your first mission! Some fucking progress, don’t you think? Don’t you tired already from all that training?”

“I you want to fight, then fight! Don’t tickle with the tongue!”

That would sound good if it didn’t sound so dirty… Well, if he wants to…

Siggie rushed forward. Danil has too. Siggie swung his clenched fist and opened it midair. Dust gushed away to Danil’s face. Danil didn’t stop, he continued to rush and tackled Siggie down. Danil’s eyes are red. His vision is blurry, but it’s enough to see the silhouette

“AAh!” Danil screamed like a primal animal when he launched his punches to Siggie’s face. They landed on his cheeks and nose. Danil prepared to launch another one, but Siggie took the opportunity and knocked him away of him and arm locked him.

Danil’s right arm is locked between Siggie’s legs. The wrist is held by both hands. Dani’s arm is straight and with the additional pull, there’s extra tension which is applied to his arm. Siggie’s left leg locks Danil’s head.

“Nice punch, but it’s not enough!”

Danil punches Siggie’s legs with his left arm, but each motion applies more tension onto his right arm.

“Let me go you piece of shit!” Danil is growling like a feral wolf.

“We’re just getting started!”

Siggie pulled Danil’s arm while pushing the body. With each second Danil growled louder and louder. At one point, there was a click and Danil started to shout.

“Don’t worry kid, it’s just dislocated.”

Siggie lifted his legs and arm from Danil. He stood up and wiped the blood below his nose.

“Gotta say, that was a nice punch. So who won?” Siggie turned to Nerayo.

Danil quickly stood up and swung a kick to Siggie’s groin. Siggie fell to his knees while holding his dear spot.

“That’s for yesterday. Didn’t Nerayo teach you to never turn your back to the enemy?” Danil his breathing heavily while holding his right arm.

“You stubborn little shit…! Do I need to break it next time!? …Argh…”

“You’ll need to kill me. This is nothing compared to that night! But I have to thank you for one thing. The pain calmed me down a little, how you said it? When the blood hits the head, you lose?”

“Siggie?”

Siggie laid on his back and looking at the clear blue sky.

“Damn, my poor ego. I lost!”

->   To be continued

Author’s note

Well... this chapter was hard to write due to the change of the writing style, which is why it took so long. I think I’ll stick to first person from now on. If anyone even reads these