The city’s Chinatown was even more cluttered and claustrophobic than you’d expect, the streets crowded with locals and tourists, the shops practically face-to-face and almost slammed next to each other. It’s easy to lose a wallet in the various tight alleys and squeezed rows of merchandise, and even easier to ignore someone hunched over on the side of the road. It was here, in this position, that you often found the Emperor; a humble, unassuming Chinese man, balding with a wisp of facial hair on his chin, wearing the insufficient cloth of the poor. No one ever noticed him, as he wandered up and down the streets, filching small dried tomatoes from open stands and snatching wallets from careless tourists. The only ones who knew he was there at all were those who called him King.
He was resting in a side alley, watching the flow of traffic and ogling the short skirts of the various teenagers spending their summer vacations learning how to be swindled, when he caught the glimpse of someone he recognized moving his way. He did not move or acknowledge the figure as it approached, knowing beyond a doubt what it had to say to him and what he was expected to do. Those who came to the Emperor were beyond predictable.
“Whose name am I writing down?” the Emperor said as the tall, thin figure in fine clothing stopped in front of the inattentive old man.
“Travis Garamond,” the figure said.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Chapter 1 - 24
Archer walked up to the other three who were merely standing on the sidewalk chatting. “Any trouble?”
Tina looked up. “Oh good, you’re back. How did it go?”
“It...went fine. He’s been taken care of.”
“Taken care of?" Travis asked.
“I won,” Archer said, not offering any more information. “Did you guys notice anything weird, or anyone else around?”
“More than Fierce suddenly attacking you...again?” Alan said.
“I'm more concerned about the reason why he attacked. He said that he was told he could find me here by someone called the Reverend.”
“I've never heard of a Reverend,” Tina said.
Alan also shook his head. “Me either. Maybe he lied to you.”
“Maybe. Doesn't seem like him though. He doesn't seem the type to lie easily."
"Well, I'm sure whoever this Reverend is, codename or otherwise, isn't going to show up tonight," Tina said. "We haven't seen anyone."
"Hmm," Archer said, biting his lip, still unconvinced that there wasn't a plot being hatched against him. "Well, how's...my opponent?"
"Who?" Travis said.
"I came here for a challenge, at least, I think I did."
"I don't remember that," Tina said.
Nobody spoke as they tried to remember what happened over the past 10 minutes. Reginald put his hands into his pockets out of habit, and felt something odd. He took it out of his pocket to find it was a fast food coupon.
“So, if we're done,” Alan said. “Denny’s?”
***END OF CHAPTER ONE***
Tina looked up. “Oh good, you’re back. How did it go?”
“It...went fine. He’s been taken care of.”
“Taken care of?" Travis asked.
“I won,” Archer said, not offering any more information. “Did you guys notice anything weird, or anyone else around?”
“More than Fierce suddenly attacking you...again?” Alan said.
“I'm more concerned about the reason why he attacked. He said that he was told he could find me here by someone called the Reverend.”
“I've never heard of a Reverend,” Tina said.
Alan also shook his head. “Me either. Maybe he lied to you.”
“Maybe. Doesn't seem like him though. He doesn't seem the type to lie easily."
"Well, I'm sure whoever this Reverend is, codename or otherwise, isn't going to show up tonight," Tina said. "We haven't seen anyone."
"Hmm," Archer said, biting his lip, still unconvinced that there wasn't a plot being hatched against him. "Well, how's...my opponent?"
"Who?" Travis said.
"I came here for a challenge, at least, I think I did."
"I don't remember that," Tina said.
Nobody spoke as they tried to remember what happened over the past 10 minutes. Reginald put his hands into his pockets out of habit, and felt something odd. He took it out of his pocket to find it was a fast food coupon.
“So, if we're done,” Alan said. “Denny’s?”
***END OF CHAPTER ONE***
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Chapter 1 - 23
“Kindly tell me what your plan is, or you’ll be taking a little nap,” Archer said, his eyes darting around to check for any other potential disturbances.
“Ha! Like I’d tell you,” Fierce boasted.
“Did you send Timmy the Brick after me? It seems a little subtle for your style.”
“Take your gun and shove it.”
Archer moved his hand three inches and shot Fierce in the shoulder. The brute cried out in pain, but Archer soon returned the muzzle to Fierce’s eyesight. “Come on, Hulk. Spill it.”
“No,” Fierce said between labored breaths. “I had no idea the Brick was going to be there.”
“So you got a tip then. From who?”
“I’m not telling,” Fierce said.
“Okay, hang on a sec, have an itch on my finger.”
“No! Wait, okay, it was this jerk called the Reverend.”
Archer was puzzled. “Who? Did he mention anything else to you?”
“Just to interrupt when Timmy lost.”
“Which means…” Archer broke his position and ran towards the edge. “Nice chatting with you, Fierce.”
“Wait! I’m not going to let you get away from me!” Fierce shouted, picking up his broadsword and preparing to charge.
With a fluid motion Archer turned and shoot Fierce straight through the forehead. The giant man dropped instantly. “Sorry about that!” Archer shouted as he dove straight off the roof of the 50-story skyscraper.
“Ha! Like I’d tell you,” Fierce boasted.
“Did you send Timmy the Brick after me? It seems a little subtle for your style.”
“Take your gun and shove it.”
Archer moved his hand three inches and shot Fierce in the shoulder. The brute cried out in pain, but Archer soon returned the muzzle to Fierce’s eyesight. “Come on, Hulk. Spill it.”
“No,” Fierce said between labored breaths. “I had no idea the Brick was going to be there.”
“So you got a tip then. From who?”
“I’m not telling,” Fierce said.
“Okay, hang on a sec, have an itch on my finger.”
“No! Wait, okay, it was this jerk called the Reverend.”
Archer was puzzled. “Who? Did he mention anything else to you?”
“Just to interrupt when Timmy lost.”
“Which means…” Archer broke his position and ran towards the edge. “Nice chatting with you, Fierce.”
“Wait! I’m not going to let you get away from me!” Fierce shouted, picking up his broadsword and preparing to charge.
With a fluid motion Archer turned and shoot Fierce straight through the forehead. The giant man dropped instantly. “Sorry about that!” Archer shouted as he dove straight off the roof of the 50-story skyscraper.
Chapter 1 - 22
Reginald flipped onto the roof of the skyscraper, but Fierce was close behind, and jumped onto the roof, sword held high. The blade slammed down hard on the roof as it missed its target, and Reginald quickly slid beside Fierce and put the pistol to his head.
“Will you stop swinging that damn thing for a minute?” Archer growled, agitated.
“Like hell!” Fierce said, spinning and knocking Reginald with the flat of the blade, knocking him back. Fierce swung down on Archer’s arm, and Reginald was nicked, the gun flying out of his hand.
“Damn!” Archer shouted, and tried to dodge the incoming onslaught, taking an additional grazing blow in the process. Fierce swung wide and provided an opening, and Archer ran to where his gun was lying, some 15 feet away. He raised a leg high and with a perfect arc kicked the gun straight over the railing, and the sidearm plummeted to the street below. Fierce was right behind him when he did this, ready to swing when the odd event gave him pause.
The pause was all Archer needed as he reached back into his jacket and pulled out the same pistol, fully-loaded and cocked, and let loose two bullets into the side of the massive blade, destabilizing Fierce’s grip and with a kick to Fierce’s hand sent the broadsword to the ground. He pointed the muzzle straight into Fierce’s face.
“Ahem.” Reginald cleared his throat, his composure returned. “Now then.”
“Will you stop swinging that damn thing for a minute?” Archer growled, agitated.
“Like hell!” Fierce said, spinning and knocking Reginald with the flat of the blade, knocking him back. Fierce swung down on Archer’s arm, and Reginald was nicked, the gun flying out of his hand.
“Damn!” Archer shouted, and tried to dodge the incoming onslaught, taking an additional grazing blow in the process. Fierce swung wide and provided an opening, and Archer ran to where his gun was lying, some 15 feet away. He raised a leg high and with a perfect arc kicked the gun straight over the railing, and the sidearm plummeted to the street below. Fierce was right behind him when he did this, ready to swing when the odd event gave him pause.
The pause was all Archer needed as he reached back into his jacket and pulled out the same pistol, fully-loaded and cocked, and let loose two bullets into the side of the massive blade, destabilizing Fierce’s grip and with a kick to Fierce’s hand sent the broadsword to the ground. He pointed the muzzle straight into Fierce’s face.
“Ahem.” Reginald cleared his throat, his composure returned. “Now then.”
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Chapter 1 - 21
“You never did play fair, Archer,” Fierce bellowed.
“Oh, so we are defining fair as tricking another into fighting your fight for you and then sabotaging the event? You realized I was going to figure out it was a trap, right?”
Fierce Hampton stood silently for two seconds, his expression unclear, and with a roar swung his broadsword at Reginald. Reginald ducked under the slow-moving blade and aims his gun at Fierce’s chest.
“Knock off the shenanigans, Fierce. This is not a legitimate fight and you know it.”
Fierce continued to swing his sword, and Reginald rolled out of the way and sprinted down the street, away from the attacker. Alan reached into his pockets to pull out what appeared to be a magician’s wand, but when Archer saw him moving forward, he shouted at Alan to stop. “Don’t interfere, I can handle this.”
“You won’t be able to handle me, Archer!” Fierce shouted as he started chasing after Reginald.
“What should we do?” Travis asked as he watched the two figures run down the street.
“There’s little we can do. When Reginald has made up his mind, he’ll refuse help no matter what,” Tina said.
“Yet he asked to be here to begin with,” Alan said, irritated. “Screw it, I’m following.”
“Better learn to fly then,” Tina said.
Travis turned to see that both Reginald and Fierce were in fact running vertically up the side of a building.
“Woo. Will I be able to do that?”
“Oh, so we are defining fair as tricking another into fighting your fight for you and then sabotaging the event? You realized I was going to figure out it was a trap, right?”
Fierce Hampton stood silently for two seconds, his expression unclear, and with a roar swung his broadsword at Reginald. Reginald ducked under the slow-moving blade and aims his gun at Fierce’s chest.
“Knock off the shenanigans, Fierce. This is not a legitimate fight and you know it.”
Fierce continued to swing his sword, and Reginald rolled out of the way and sprinted down the street, away from the attacker. Alan reached into his pockets to pull out what appeared to be a magician’s wand, but when Archer saw him moving forward, he shouted at Alan to stop. “Don’t interfere, I can handle this.”
“You won’t be able to handle me, Archer!” Fierce shouted as he started chasing after Reginald.
“What should we do?” Travis asked as he watched the two figures run down the street.
“There’s little we can do. When Reginald has made up his mind, he’ll refuse help no matter what,” Tina said.
“Yet he asked to be here to begin with,” Alan said, irritated. “Screw it, I’m following.”
“Better learn to fly then,” Tina said.
Travis turned to see that both Reginald and Fierce were in fact running vertically up the side of a building.
“Woo. Will I be able to do that?”
Monday, October 26, 2009
Chapter 1 - 20
Timmy’s body spun in the air from the impact, and landed hard on the pavement behind Reginald. Travis stepped forward, but stopped when he noticed nobody else moving. Reginald sheathed his gun, and turned to the crumbled figure.
“Is he alright?” Travis asked.
“He’s stronger than that," Tina said. "It looks like it hit his shoulder anyway.”
Reginald knelt down to Timmy’s level, realized that he was obviously breathing. “Are we done here, Timmy? Because I’m willing to call it a tie if you are.”
Timmy gasped for air. “I’m not going to give up.”
“Whoever has set you up doesn’t have your best interests in mind, and you know it.”
“This,” Timmy said between heavy breaths, “is my fight.”
Reginald sighed, and redrew his pistol as he stood. “I don’t want to do this.”
“Reggie!” Alan shouted, and Archer instinctively jumped out of the way.
A huge hulking figure landed heavily on the road near Reginald, cracking the pavement underneath him. A loud clang rang out as the sharp blade of a broadsword slammed down one six inches from Archer, barely missing Timmy’s huddled figure. The person stood up slowly, towering to nearly 7 feet and half again as wide. The man wore a plaid flannel sweat and what appeared to be a kilt made of khaki, a vast red beard dominating his face. He let out a peel of laughter as he raised his broadsword back to the ready position as Archer spun to look at him.
“Fierce,” Reginald quipped. “Couldn’t wait, huh?”
“Is he alright?” Travis asked.
“He’s stronger than that," Tina said. "It looks like it hit his shoulder anyway.”
Reginald knelt down to Timmy’s level, realized that he was obviously breathing. “Are we done here, Timmy? Because I’m willing to call it a tie if you are.”
Timmy gasped for air. “I’m not going to give up.”
“Whoever has set you up doesn’t have your best interests in mind, and you know it.”
“This,” Timmy said between heavy breaths, “is my fight.”
Reginald sighed, and redrew his pistol as he stood. “I don’t want to do this.”
“Reggie!” Alan shouted, and Archer instinctively jumped out of the way.
A huge hulking figure landed heavily on the road near Reginald, cracking the pavement underneath him. A loud clang rang out as the sharp blade of a broadsword slammed down one six inches from Archer, barely missing Timmy’s huddled figure. The person stood up slowly, towering to nearly 7 feet and half again as wide. The man wore a plaid flannel sweat and what appeared to be a kilt made of khaki, a vast red beard dominating his face. He let out a peel of laughter as he raised his broadsword back to the ready position as Archer spun to look at him.
“Fierce,” Reginald quipped. “Couldn’t wait, huh?”
Chapter 1 - 19
Timmy the Brick didn’t walk so much as shuffled. His head was always down, his throat always dry, and his appearance always unassuming. He was not always this way; he used to be one of the stronger and more aggressive No Ones to play in the Game, but a few defeats had stripped him of many of his possessions, and his morale broke quickly after. He was now known as the has-been, his only Item a fast food coupon. Reginald knew better than to underestimate him though, he was probably still as fast and strong as before. They stood 40 feet apart in the middle of the street, the forlornness of Timmy’s position causing a haunting wind to blow.
“We don’t have to do this, Timmy,” Reginald called. “You can walk away right now and I’ll forget about it.”
“Stop looking down on me,” Timmy growled from underneath his hood.
“I’m not mocking you, Timmy, I just think you’re making a mistake.”
“I can make mistakes if I want,” Timmy said, as he planted his feet in the asphalt.
Reginald shook his head and adjusted his foot, putting his right foot back to brace. “It’s your decision.”
A low guttural hum came from Timmy as the wind picked up. Everyone watched as the growl grew louder, watching for the hunched figure to make the first move. 20 seconds passed, and as Travis looked from Timmy to Reginald to watch how he was responding, the rumble burst into a scream, and Travis looked back, to see that Timmy wasn’t there, but had jumped 20 feet into the air, flying in an arc towards Reginald, a clawed hand extended forward to strike.
Archer watched calmly as Timmy descended upon him, and when the Brick was a mere moment from impact, reached into his jacket with his left hand and withdrew a pistol, and released one bullet at the figure.
“We don’t have to do this, Timmy,” Reginald called. “You can walk away right now and I’ll forget about it.”
“Stop looking down on me,” Timmy growled from underneath his hood.
“I’m not mocking you, Timmy, I just think you’re making a mistake.”
“I can make mistakes if I want,” Timmy said, as he planted his feet in the asphalt.
Reginald shook his head and adjusted his foot, putting his right foot back to brace. “It’s your decision.”
A low guttural hum came from Timmy as the wind picked up. Everyone watched as the growl grew louder, watching for the hunched figure to make the first move. 20 seconds passed, and as Travis looked from Timmy to Reginald to watch how he was responding, the rumble burst into a scream, and Travis looked back, to see that Timmy wasn’t there, but had jumped 20 feet into the air, flying in an arc towards Reginald, a clawed hand extended forward to strike.
Archer watched calmly as Timmy descended upon him, and when the Brick was a mere moment from impact, reached into his jacket with his left hand and withdrew a pistol, and released one bullet at the figure.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Chapter 1 - 18
The streets of the city at night are not abandoned by any means, but they rarely occupied by anyone with any authority. A drunk wandering home after hours, the random homeless trying to get some sleep in a doorway, the late shift cop who couldn’t be bothered; the No Ones could act pretty much uninhibited after 2:30 a.m., as long as they avoided the crime-riddled parts of town. The majority of the challenges happened around 3 a.m. in the Financial District, merely because there was no one there who would believe their eyes if they saw anything.
“Shouldn’t I be tired?” Travis asked. “This is weird.”
“You’ll get used to it,” Reginald said. “Oh, here they are.” Reginald waved to a couple of figures walking down the sidewalk towards the skyscraper that Travis and Reginald were waiting under. “What kept you?”
“Sorry, low on cash, was performing coin tricks at a bar.” Alan said. “Those frat boys will bet on anything.”
“And you know the rules: never show up early,” Tina said, trying to act nonchalant.
“Well, it looks like the Brick decided to follow that very rule, it’s getting past the prime, and no sign of his mysterious benefactor either,” Reginald said.
“Hey Reggie, who’s your friend here?” Alan asked, spotting Travis who was sticking to the nearest wall.
“Oh, I’m sorry. This is our latest convert. Travis.”
“Travis,” Tina said. “Nice to meet you. I’m Tina. Maybe we’ll have time to talk after the challenge. I have something to tell you.”
“Um, I...” Travis stumbled, when he noticed the wind suddenly pick up.
“Here we go. Keep an eye out for me.”
“Shouldn’t I be tired?” Travis asked. “This is weird.”
“You’ll get used to it,” Reginald said. “Oh, here they are.” Reginald waved to a couple of figures walking down the sidewalk towards the skyscraper that Travis and Reginald were waiting under. “What kept you?”
“Sorry, low on cash, was performing coin tricks at a bar.” Alan said. “Those frat boys will bet on anything.”
“And you know the rules: never show up early,” Tina said, trying to act nonchalant.
“Well, it looks like the Brick decided to follow that very rule, it’s getting past the prime, and no sign of his mysterious benefactor either,” Reginald said.
“Hey Reggie, who’s your friend here?” Alan asked, spotting Travis who was sticking to the nearest wall.
“Oh, I’m sorry. This is our latest convert. Travis.”
“Travis,” Tina said. “Nice to meet you. I’m Tina. Maybe we’ll have time to talk after the challenge. I have something to tell you.”
“Um, I...” Travis stumbled, when he noticed the wind suddenly pick up.
“Here we go. Keep an eye out for me.”
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Chapter 1 - 17
Maggie scoffed. “So serious. Why would I care what that snob was up to?”
“Just notice a trend of questioning whenever you come round.”
“Please. The ‘Terror Above Fourth’ can continue his little campaign for being perfect all he wants. I’ve got other things to worry about.” She stood up quickly. “I’m leaving. Bye.”
“Sure you don’t have time for a quickie?”
Maggie turned around and flipped off Alan before disappearing into the crowd. Alan only smiled, which quickly melted into a concerned frown, finished with his drink and got up to leave the mall. He was suddenly bored with this venture, and decided to get back downtown before it got too dark. He moved slowly through the mall towards the parking lot, a close eye out for any beautiful women, but those he saw he couldn’t get up the courage to talk to.
“Gah, why do I let her get to me?” Alan muttered underneath his breath. “Damn bitch anyway. Nothing in common with her.” He ducked into the Cinnabon, and stood impatiently in line, ordered a large cinnamon roll, and cursed as he realized that he was running low on walking money. He ate his roll in silence, contemplating his options. After he was finished, he sighed, and moved to the mall entrance. He took a hat out of his pocket, placed it on the ground, and then materialized a set of linked rings.
“How’s it going, little lady? Would you like to see something amazing? Now watch carefully as I…”
“Just notice a trend of questioning whenever you come round.”
“Please. The ‘Terror Above Fourth’ can continue his little campaign for being perfect all he wants. I’ve got other things to worry about.” She stood up quickly. “I’m leaving. Bye.”
“Sure you don’t have time for a quickie?”
Maggie turned around and flipped off Alan before disappearing into the crowd. Alan only smiled, which quickly melted into a concerned frown, finished with his drink and got up to leave the mall. He was suddenly bored with this venture, and decided to get back downtown before it got too dark. He moved slowly through the mall towards the parking lot, a close eye out for any beautiful women, but those he saw he couldn’t get up the courage to talk to.
“Gah, why do I let her get to me?” Alan muttered underneath his breath. “Damn bitch anyway. Nothing in common with her.” He ducked into the Cinnabon, and stood impatiently in line, ordered a large cinnamon roll, and cursed as he realized that he was running low on walking money. He ate his roll in silence, contemplating his options. After he was finished, he sighed, and moved to the mall entrance. He took a hat out of his pocket, placed it on the ground, and then materialized a set of linked rings.
“How’s it going, little lady? Would you like to see something amazing? Now watch carefully as I…”
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Chapter 1 - 16
Maggie Lawrence had a very subtle attractiveness. It was blatantly obvious when you met her, her pert body, her voluminous curves, her beautiful hair and pretty face, her stylish fashion. But for some reason you never quite notice her in a crowd, you are only struck with awe when she decides to take interest in you. You find yourself overcome with amazement as she giggles and flirts, trying to figure out what exactly you did to attract her attention, praising your good fortune at having such a marvelous creature notice you. That is...until she leaves and you find your wallet is missing.
“Why hello, Alehando!” Maggie exclaimed, sitting next to him.
“Oh hey. Trawling for mall trash, are we?”
“Could say the same to you,” she said while scanning the passing crowd. “No, I’m just hear to buy some new clothes, getting a little bored of these.”
“So you’ve owned them for a whole 16 hours then, huh?”
“17, actually, it’s awful” she giggled.
“Who’d you swipe the card from? Another charming Italian?”
“They’re not always Italian, Alehandro. As much you’d like them to be.”
“Just proud of my heritage, is all. We can be quite sexy.”
“Who is this ‘we’ you’re talking about?” Maggie joked, making quotation marks with her fingers.
“Did you want something, or just sit down to pick on me?”
“Oh, you know the answer. What are you up to this evening?”
“Why? You inviting me out tonight? Going to show me the ropes?” Alan said, a bit too eagerly.
“Please, like you could even get into the clubs I go to. Just curious what a fellow compatriot is up to.”
“Sorry, but if you want to spy on Reggie, you can do it your damn self.”
“Why hello, Alehando!” Maggie exclaimed, sitting next to him.
“Oh hey. Trawling for mall trash, are we?”
“Could say the same to you,” she said while scanning the passing crowd. “No, I’m just hear to buy some new clothes, getting a little bored of these.”
“So you’ve owned them for a whole 16 hours then, huh?”
“17, actually, it’s awful” she giggled.
“Who’d you swipe the card from? Another charming Italian?”
“They’re not always Italian, Alehandro. As much you’d like them to be.”
“Just proud of my heritage, is all. We can be quite sexy.”
“Who is this ‘we’ you’re talking about?” Maggie joked, making quotation marks with her fingers.
“Did you want something, or just sit down to pick on me?”
“Oh, you know the answer. What are you up to this evening?”
“Why? You inviting me out tonight? Going to show me the ropes?” Alan said, a bit too eagerly.
“Please, like you could even get into the clubs I go to. Just curious what a fellow compatriot is up to.”
“Sorry, but if you want to spy on Reggie, you can do it your damn self.”
Monday, October 19, 2009
Chapter 1 - 15
Alan sat down at the bench with his Orange Julius, a little bored with walking around. He had spent the past four hours going into every store, looking at all the price tags and trying to think of any reason at all he’d need to buy something, and hitting on every apparently-single woman above 18 he saw.
“How’s it going?” he called to a young well-dressed lady carrying a large Macy’s shopping bag. “Need any help?” She merely glanced his way, scowled, and continued walking.
“Excuse me, I’ve got a general question,” he said to a girl with many piercings and a few visible tattoos who was passing by. “Which one is your favorite?” The girl just rolled her eyes and walked away. Alan just shrugged and leaned back, taking another sip of his Julius.
He must admit that he wasn’t much to see, as he always wore a loose-fitting outfit of jeans and an ironic t-shirt, a day’s worth of stubble and a sloppy haircut, as well as being on the heavy side. He didn’t find himself too uncomely, but then he’d never had a second opinion. He had been to the bookstore a number of times and looked through “pick-up books” for any hints, but a lot of advice he didn’t have the resources to implement, and the rest seemed insincere, so he just stuck with the method of saying the first thing that came to his head. All this didn’t discourage him, however. A scattershot will eventually hit the target.
“Excuse me,” he called out again at a passing woman that he found stunning. “Oh, nevermind, it’s you.”
“How’s it going?” he called to a young well-dressed lady carrying a large Macy’s shopping bag. “Need any help?” She merely glanced his way, scowled, and continued walking.
“Excuse me, I’ve got a general question,” he said to a girl with many piercings and a few visible tattoos who was passing by. “Which one is your favorite?” The girl just rolled her eyes and walked away. Alan just shrugged and leaned back, taking another sip of his Julius.
He must admit that he wasn’t much to see, as he always wore a loose-fitting outfit of jeans and an ironic t-shirt, a day’s worth of stubble and a sloppy haircut, as well as being on the heavy side. He didn’t find himself too uncomely, but then he’d never had a second opinion. He had been to the bookstore a number of times and looked through “pick-up books” for any hints, but a lot of advice he didn’t have the resources to implement, and the rest seemed insincere, so he just stuck with the method of saying the first thing that came to his head. All this didn’t discourage him, however. A scattershot will eventually hit the target.
“Excuse me,” he called out again at a passing woman that he found stunning. “Oh, nevermind, it’s you.”
Chapter 1 - 14
Travis looked inquisitive.
“I have an access card to one of the buildings downtown,” Reginald explained, “and have set up shop in one of the frequently abandoned offices there. While not completely secure, it’s pretty much the only free residence that No Ones know about. As a result, I tend to get challenged a lot.”
“Challenged?”
“The items we have are tied to us can’t be stolen or lost, only given. But if some people really want an item, they’ll challenge the owner to a fight through the Emperor.”
“There’s an emperor?”
“Self-appointed. He will set a time and location, and the opponents will meet there and fight. Whoever defeats the other will get the item.”
“Do you have to go through with it?” Travis asked.
“No, you can ignore the challenge, but the penalties are usually a bit steep. Still worth it if you think you're going to lose though.”
“Sounds nasty. How do you avoid being challenged?"
“Don't have anything that anyone else wants. Don't worry, I think you'll be safe for a while.”
"When was the last time you were challenged?” Travis asked.
“I actually have a fight this evening. It should prove…interesting.”
Travis silently munched on his roll as he took in this weird explanation.
“Did you want to come watch?” Reginald asked.
“Can I?”
“Of course. If this fight means what I think it does, I can use all the help I can get. Not that I expect you to do much, but it should be a good introduction for you. Oh good, meal’s here.”
Reginald began eating almost instantly. Travis, still not hungry, decided that he might as well eat.
“I have an access card to one of the buildings downtown,” Reginald explained, “and have set up shop in one of the frequently abandoned offices there. While not completely secure, it’s pretty much the only free residence that No Ones know about. As a result, I tend to get challenged a lot.”
“Challenged?”
“The items we have are tied to us can’t be stolen or lost, only given. But if some people really want an item, they’ll challenge the owner to a fight through the Emperor.”
“There’s an emperor?”
“Self-appointed. He will set a time and location, and the opponents will meet there and fight. Whoever defeats the other will get the item.”
“Do you have to go through with it?” Travis asked.
“No, you can ignore the challenge, but the penalties are usually a bit steep. Still worth it if you think you're going to lose though.”
“Sounds nasty. How do you avoid being challenged?"
“Don't have anything that anyone else wants. Don't worry, I think you'll be safe for a while.”
"When was the last time you were challenged?” Travis asked.
“I actually have a fight this evening. It should prove…interesting.”
Travis silently munched on his roll as he took in this weird explanation.
“Did you want to come watch?” Reginald asked.
“Can I?”
“Of course. If this fight means what I think it does, I can use all the help I can get. Not that I expect you to do much, but it should be a good introduction for you. Oh good, meal’s here.”
Reginald began eating almost instantly. Travis, still not hungry, decided that he might as well eat.
Chapter 1 - 13
“So...what do we do for money?” Travis asked after he ordered some pasta.
“Pretty much whatever you can. Just dawned on you that you don’t have a wallet, huh?”
Travis shrugged sheepishly.
“Well, as you imagine, it’s nearly impossible to get a job, as you’re basically homeless, and have no history to fall back on. No degree, or what have you. But, your expenses are also pretty low; no room and board to worry about, and since you have no real place to keep stuff, you won’t be buying much.”
“But I still need to buy some things, right?”
Reginald shrugged. “You can beg. Hustle. Steal.”
“That’s...that’s dishonest.”
“What do you care? All these somebodies, they can’t remember our faces, our names, even what we said. And we can’t really remember them either. There are practically no consequences. You can be arrested if caught, sure, but they won’t be able to pin it on you, because nobody will remember that it was you who did it. All reports about the incident tends to disappear, and people forget. It’ll be unpleasant, but eventually you’ll get off. Hell, we can dine and ditch from here if you want.”
Travis seemed uncomfortable. “Well, what do you do for money?”
“Oh, I’m a business consultant, occasional lecturer.” He slid a business card across the table. “Nobody pays any attention to those guys anyway, know what I mean.”
“Wouldn’t you...need any address for that?”
Reginald sipped his wine. “Oh, I do. It’s been no end of trouble, I tell you.”
“Pretty much whatever you can. Just dawned on you that you don’t have a wallet, huh?”
Travis shrugged sheepishly.
“Well, as you imagine, it’s nearly impossible to get a job, as you’re basically homeless, and have no history to fall back on. No degree, or what have you. But, your expenses are also pretty low; no room and board to worry about, and since you have no real place to keep stuff, you won’t be buying much.”
“But I still need to buy some things, right?”
Reginald shrugged. “You can beg. Hustle. Steal.”
“That’s...that’s dishonest.”
“What do you care? All these somebodies, they can’t remember our faces, our names, even what we said. And we can’t really remember them either. There are practically no consequences. You can be arrested if caught, sure, but they won’t be able to pin it on you, because nobody will remember that it was you who did it. All reports about the incident tends to disappear, and people forget. It’ll be unpleasant, but eventually you’ll get off. Hell, we can dine and ditch from here if you want.”
Travis seemed uncomfortable. “Well, what do you do for money?”
“Oh, I’m a business consultant, occasional lecturer.” He slid a business card across the table. “Nobody pays any attention to those guys anyway, know what I mean.”
“Wouldn’t you...need any address for that?”
Reginald sipped his wine. “Oh, I do. It’s been no end of trouble, I tell you.”
Friday, October 16, 2009
Chapter 1 - 12
“This is one of the objects attached to you. You’ll always be able to find it, no matter what happens to it. That...deck of cards you had early was probably one as well.”
“But...what’s the point of that? Who decided that I would carry these things?”
“Who? We have no idea. The only people we know is the other No Ones, and only a couple of assholes claim any dominion over us. But we’ve all seem to have been randomly chosen to become a No One.”
Travis reflected a minute. “What happened to the me before the change?”
“Most likely completely wiped. The only thing a new No One seems to remember is his name, and most fail to find any evidence of a person with that name existing before he became a No One.”
“Most?”
“There has been a No One or two who claims they knew their past self, but I doubt it. Tell me, where did you wake up?”
“In an office...in a storage cubicle. Oh, think that was where I worked when I was....somebody?”
Reginald shrugged. “It’s possible. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. I’ve got my hands full with other matters.”
“Other matters? What is it that No Ones do?”
Reginald flashed a smile. “Why, whatever we want. Come on, let’s sit and talk here for a while.”
“But...what’s the point of that? Who decided that I would carry these things?”
“Who? We have no idea. The only people we know is the other No Ones, and only a couple of assholes claim any dominion over us. But we’ve all seem to have been randomly chosen to become a No One.”
Travis reflected a minute. “What happened to the me before the change?”
“Most likely completely wiped. The only thing a new No One seems to remember is his name, and most fail to find any evidence of a person with that name existing before he became a No One.”
“Most?”
“There has been a No One or two who claims they knew their past self, but I doubt it. Tell me, where did you wake up?”
“In an office...in a storage cubicle. Oh, think that was where I worked when I was....somebody?”
Reginald shrugged. “It’s possible. I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. I’ve got my hands full with other matters.”
“Other matters? What is it that No Ones do?”
Reginald flashed a smile. “Why, whatever we want. Come on, let’s sit and talk here for a while.”
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Chapter 1 - 11
“You, and I,” Reginald said, “are No Ones. That’s with capital letters. We’re special. We don’t have to eat, or sleep. We never get sick. We have advanced strength, agility, and constitution.”
Travis snickered.
“What?”
“Nothing. This sounds ridiculous.”
“It's not. We're special beings, but it does have disadvantages. We are broken off from the real world. Nobody can remember who we are, and we have a very tentative connection to the real world. We’re in our own league.”
Travis found himself sitting on the sidewalk. He was having a hard time wrapping his head around what this insane man was saying, but he knew it was right. It all rang true, even though it was impossible. He almost wished he didn’t want to believe. But he did.
“Real...really?”
“It’s strange, right? Didn’t believe it myself, but then, I’m a practical guy.”
Travis snickered again. “Thanks for making it interesting. Oh good...this is weird.”
Reginald knelt down to look Travis in the eyes. “About that dinner?”
“Still not hungry. Oh, of course. I wouldn’t be. Well, let’s go then. We’re going somewhere fancy, right?”
Reginald smiled. “Of course.” Travis stood up with Reginald’s help and they walked a few blocks, without Travis speaking.
“So...if I’m a superhero...”
“A No One. Big difference.”
“Yeah, yeah, so if I’m a superhero...can I fly? Or turn into stone. Oh, or can I be a human library!? I always wanted to do that!”
“It...doesn’t work that way. The majority of your ‘powers’ are based on the items that you found in your pocket there.”
“What? This...taser?” Travis said, pulling the taser out of his pocket. “Wait, didn’t I leave this on the sidewalk?”
Travis snickered.
“What?”
“Nothing. This sounds ridiculous.”
“It's not. We're special beings, but it does have disadvantages. We are broken off from the real world. Nobody can remember who we are, and we have a very tentative connection to the real world. We’re in our own league.”
Travis found himself sitting on the sidewalk. He was having a hard time wrapping his head around what this insane man was saying, but he knew it was right. It all rang true, even though it was impossible. He almost wished he didn’t want to believe. But he did.
“Real...really?”
“It’s strange, right? Didn’t believe it myself, but then, I’m a practical guy.”
Travis snickered again. “Thanks for making it interesting. Oh good...this is weird.”
Reginald knelt down to look Travis in the eyes. “About that dinner?”
“Still not hungry. Oh, of course. I wouldn’t be. Well, let’s go then. We’re going somewhere fancy, right?”
Reginald smiled. “Of course.” Travis stood up with Reginald’s help and they walked a few blocks, without Travis speaking.
“So...if I’m a superhero...”
“A No One. Big difference.”
“Yeah, yeah, so if I’m a superhero...can I fly? Or turn into stone. Oh, or can I be a human library!? I always wanted to do that!”
“It...doesn’t work that way. The majority of your ‘powers’ are based on the items that you found in your pocket there.”
“What? This...taser?” Travis said, pulling the taser out of his pocket. “Wait, didn’t I leave this on the sidewalk?”
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Chapter 1 - 10
“Excuse me, Travis, do you have a pen I can borrow?” Reginald said after stopping in front of a posted sign.
Travis didn’t know. “Hold on,” he said, checking his pockets. “What the?” He pulled a deck of cards out of his right pocket. Reginald’s eyes went wide when he saw it. “Mind if I…” Reginald half-asked while he grabbed the deck and started looking through it, a look of puzzlement appearing on his face. “What is this?”
“Oh, those are Magic cards. It’s a card game I play. I guess I was carrying a deck around for some reason. Let me see.” Travis thumbed through the deck, astonished. “Wow, this a really good deck. I wonder where this came from.” He checked the back. “Nope, this is real. And Standard too. Huh.”
“The pen?” Reginald said, now a little impatient.
“Huh? Oh,” Travis checked his pockets again, finding a bulky object instead. “What?” He pulled out a small taser. “What the hell?” He set the taser down and turned his pockets inside out. Only a single paper clip fell to the ground. “Where is my wallet? And my keys? I’m sorry, I need to go back to the…no wait, I…”
“If I may interrupt you,” Reginald said, picking up the paper clip and the taser and handing it back to Travis, “it seems to you that things are a bit weird lately.”
Travis nodded, his mind reeling trying to grasp just why he was carrying these things but nothing else and who this strange man was.
“Might I suggest that maybe you’ve suddenly become a member of a secret society, have acquired some superpowers, and now live by a different set of rules?”
Travis was incredulous, but hopeful. “That’s crazy. No one would believe that.”
“Exactly.”
Travis didn’t know. “Hold on,” he said, checking his pockets. “What the?” He pulled a deck of cards out of his right pocket. Reginald’s eyes went wide when he saw it. “Mind if I…” Reginald half-asked while he grabbed the deck and started looking through it, a look of puzzlement appearing on his face. “What is this?”
“Oh, those are Magic cards. It’s a card game I play. I guess I was carrying a deck around for some reason. Let me see.” Travis thumbed through the deck, astonished. “Wow, this a really good deck. I wonder where this came from.” He checked the back. “Nope, this is real. And Standard too. Huh.”
“The pen?” Reginald said, now a little impatient.
“Huh? Oh,” Travis checked his pockets again, finding a bulky object instead. “What?” He pulled out a small taser. “What the hell?” He set the taser down and turned his pockets inside out. Only a single paper clip fell to the ground. “Where is my wallet? And my keys? I’m sorry, I need to go back to the…no wait, I…”
“If I may interrupt you,” Reginald said, picking up the paper clip and the taser and handing it back to Travis, “it seems to you that things are a bit weird lately.”
Travis nodded, his mind reeling trying to grasp just why he was carrying these things but nothing else and who this strange man was.
“Might I suggest that maybe you’ve suddenly become a member of a secret society, have acquired some superpowers, and now live by a different set of rules?”
Travis was incredulous, but hopeful. “That’s crazy. No one would believe that.”
“Exactly.”
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Chapter 1 - 9
Travis recognized this man, although he couldn’t recall where or who he was. “Um, hi.”
“How does the day treat you?” the man said, without the slightest hint that he found the lack of recognition odd.
“Oh, um, fine, I guess. Just…um, woke up in this building here and…”
“Oh, you were recently asleep?”
“Well, I think so. I mean, you’re usually asleep before you wake up, so…”
The man just nodded slowly, “I’m sorry, I want to avoid saving face, but it appears I’ve forgotten your name.”
“Oh, it’s not a problem. Travis.”
“Travis. I’m Reginald Archer.”
“Oh,” Travis exclaimed, now convinced that he had never met this man before but still eerily knew him.
“I would like to catch up, Travis. If we have time.”
Travis quickly tried to recall if there was something that he needed to do, and came up empty. In fact, he couldn’t even remember where his home was, which he should be returning to, given the time. He was ready to accept, until he realized that he also couldn’t remember what he had been up to either. His past was a complete blank. Was he having amnesia?
“I, well, I…” Travis stuttered.
“Come along, dinner will be on me.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Well, your appetite might edge up as we walk. Unless you have somewhere else to be, I wouldn’t want to interrupt.”
Travis thought I couldn’t think of anything better to do, so he shrugged and agreed to go along with this Reginald Archer.
“How does the day treat you?” the man said, without the slightest hint that he found the lack of recognition odd.
“Oh, um, fine, I guess. Just…um, woke up in this building here and…”
“Oh, you were recently asleep?”
“Well, I think so. I mean, you’re usually asleep before you wake up, so…”
The man just nodded slowly, “I’m sorry, I want to avoid saving face, but it appears I’ve forgotten your name.”
“Oh, it’s not a problem. Travis.”
“Travis. I’m Reginald Archer.”
“Oh,” Travis exclaimed, now convinced that he had never met this man before but still eerily knew him.
“I would like to catch up, Travis. If we have time.”
Travis quickly tried to recall if there was something that he needed to do, and came up empty. In fact, he couldn’t even remember where his home was, which he should be returning to, given the time. He was ready to accept, until he realized that he also couldn’t remember what he had been up to either. His past was a complete blank. Was he having amnesia?
“I, well, I…” Travis stuttered.
“Come along, dinner will be on me.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“Well, your appetite might edge up as we walk. Unless you have somewhere else to be, I wouldn’t want to interrupt.”
Travis thought I couldn’t think of anything better to do, so he shrugged and agreed to go along with this Reginald Archer.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Chapter 1 - 8
Travis woke up seated in an office chair, inside a cubicle. The computer was off, and it seemed like people were using this cubicle for storage. He looked around and didn’t recognize anything familiar. He looked at himself, realizing he didn’t even remember what he was wearing. A cheap pair of dress pants and a too-big-for-him pastel dress shirt. “Hm,” Travis said. “Alright...” He stood up at the exact moment that someone walked by. She stopped and looked at him quizzically.
“Can I help you?” she said.
“Um, I, I seem to have gotten disoriented, is all. I’ll just...um...can you, guide me to the exit?”
She nodded and started to walk through the cubicles. Travis followed, still trying to figure out where he was. “You sure you don’t need any medical assistance?”
Travis didn’t. He didn’t feel bad at all. He felt healthy, fit, not sore anywhere. Better than he’s felt in years, in fact. He just felt...confused. “No, I’m fine, just...um...” He didn’t have a response, really. He couldn’t think of any reason why he would be in this building.
He was guided to the elevators, and he figured he might as well get out of the building. He got to the bottom, stepped through the lobby and stepped outside, only to realize he had no idea what city he was even in.
“Um...huh.” He stood dumbfounded, unnoticed by the people streaming by. He tried to pick his mind for what he could possibly do next when he saw a man in a three-piece suit walk by, glance at him, do a double take, and step towards him.
“Hello,” the man said.
“Can I help you?” she said.
“Um, I, I seem to have gotten disoriented, is all. I’ll just...um...can you, guide me to the exit?”
She nodded and started to walk through the cubicles. Travis followed, still trying to figure out where he was. “You sure you don’t need any medical assistance?”
Travis didn’t. He didn’t feel bad at all. He felt healthy, fit, not sore anywhere. Better than he’s felt in years, in fact. He just felt...confused. “No, I’m fine, just...um...” He didn’t have a response, really. He couldn’t think of any reason why he would be in this building.
He was guided to the elevators, and he figured he might as well get out of the building. He got to the bottom, stepped through the lobby and stepped outside, only to realize he had no idea what city he was even in.
“Um...huh.” He stood dumbfounded, unnoticed by the people streaming by. He tried to pick his mind for what he could possibly do next when he saw a man in a three-piece suit walk by, glance at him, do a double take, and step towards him.
“Hello,” the man said.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Chapter 1 -7
“I got it,” Reginald said, “Thank you.”
“I didn’t do a thing but flip a card over.”
“Still. Does that mean anything to the girl?”
“It all matters how much she takes to heart,” Tina said. “It’s all about interpretation, on how it is seen. I imagine that she’ll find a queen of pentacles somewhere, whether her roommate, mother, some cow at a bar, and she’ll be blunt. Frankly, any card could have been flopped down and I would have been able to twist it to match the question she asked. It’s all there to reassure yourself, that’s all fortune-telling is. A reassurance to keep doing what you planned to do in the first place. Unless that damn Death card flops up.”
“Yeah, I imagine that scares the hell of people.”
“It’s just 1 of 78, just another possible random draw,” Tina sighed. “Oh well. Now I can hit the thrift store. Want to come along?”
“I probably should do some more legwork anyway.”
“Oh phooey. Well, see you tonight?"
"Why bother? You know how it will end."
"I’m still interested in seeing how it goes. And personally I’m very invested in what you are up to.”
Reginald blushed. “Well, alright. But if it starts to get dangerous, get out of there.”
“Of course, but I’m confident you’ll have it under control.” She leaned across the table and kissed him. “Go get some work done, you lug. You’re going to have to buy me breakfast in the morning.”
Reginald stuttered to himself while she sauntered out of the restaurant. He would never understand why he couldn’t be without her.
“I didn’t do a thing but flip a card over.”
“Still. Does that mean anything to the girl?”
“It all matters how much she takes to heart,” Tina said. “It’s all about interpretation, on how it is seen. I imagine that she’ll find a queen of pentacles somewhere, whether her roommate, mother, some cow at a bar, and she’ll be blunt. Frankly, any card could have been flopped down and I would have been able to twist it to match the question she asked. It’s all there to reassure yourself, that’s all fortune-telling is. A reassurance to keep doing what you planned to do in the first place. Unless that damn Death card flops up.”
“Yeah, I imagine that scares the hell of people.”
“It’s just 1 of 78, just another possible random draw,” Tina sighed. “Oh well. Now I can hit the thrift store. Want to come along?”
“I probably should do some more legwork anyway.”
“Oh phooey. Well, see you tonight?"
"Why bother? You know how it will end."
"I’m still interested in seeing how it goes. And personally I’m very invested in what you are up to.”
Reginald blushed. “Well, alright. But if it starts to get dangerous, get out of there.”
“Of course, but I’m confident you’ll have it under control.” She leaned across the table and kissed him. “Go get some work done, you lug. You’re going to have to buy me breakfast in the morning.”
Reginald stuttered to himself while she sauntered out of the restaurant. He would never understand why he couldn’t be without her.
Chapter 1 - 6
“The first card represents the heart of the issue, representing your innocence, your unfamiliarity with the city. The card on top is the reversed Ace of Wands, which represents a lack of passion, a general unwillingness to try. Your past, your foundation, the Three of Swords, stands for where you came from, a scene of restfulness, of meditation, possibly what you hoped for in the city. The Chariot in your subconsciousness represents your force, your willpower, to try to get along in the new city. The top slot is your conscious influence, the reversed Queen of Pentacles, a strong, down-to-earth woman. The reversed position may signify an opposition to become this, or someone who is like this. The seven of swords represents the immediate future; a theft of some kind, something that will rob you and affect your outcome.”
The girl could only sit and watch as Tina explained, pointing to each card.
"Now, the staff will help you determine what to do and what will come. Temperence here represents you, you as someone who is able to maintain balance, able to keep your cool. The reversed Hanged Man represents the environment, the forces around you. It represents a opposition around you to letting go, to sacrificing, to changing. This card is your guidance, the Knight of Swords is paired against the conscious influence, the Queen of Pentacles, representing how you should respond to the person that this represents, being blunt, logical, forceful. Acting this way will help the situation.
“And finally, the ultimate outcome is the World, representing accomplishment and fulfillment. This is a very positive card here, it means that it’s going to be alright. Just remember to watch out for this Queen of Pentacles, and remain against a resistance to change, and you will win out.”
“Oh,” the girl said, a little overwhelmed. “That’s...interesting. Um, um, thank you. How much do I...?”
“Not much. $10 will do me.”
“Oh, okay. Thanks.” The girl gave Tina a fresh bill and left, cast a glance or two at Reginald before leaving.
“Did you get all that?” Tina said without looking up while shuffling her cards and putting them away.
The girl could only sit and watch as Tina explained, pointing to each card.
"Now, the staff will help you determine what to do and what will come. Temperence here represents you, you as someone who is able to maintain balance, able to keep your cool. The reversed Hanged Man represents the environment, the forces around you. It represents a opposition around you to letting go, to sacrificing, to changing. This card is your guidance, the Knight of Swords is paired against the conscious influence, the Queen of Pentacles, representing how you should respond to the person that this represents, being blunt, logical, forceful. Acting this way will help the situation.
“And finally, the ultimate outcome is the World, representing accomplishment and fulfillment. This is a very positive card here, it means that it’s going to be alright. Just remember to watch out for this Queen of Pentacles, and remain against a resistance to change, and you will win out.”
“Oh,” the girl said, a little overwhelmed. “That’s...interesting. Um, um, thank you. How much do I...?”
“Not much. $10 will do me.”
“Oh, okay. Thanks.” The girl gave Tina a fresh bill and left, cast a glance or two at Reginald before leaving.
“Did you get all that?” Tina said without looking up while shuffling her cards and putting them away.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Chapter 1 - 5
“Yes, of course. Please, sit down,” Tina said, motioning to the chair Reginald was sitting in. Reginald moved out of the way and let the girl with thick glasses and a heavy sweater sat down.
Tina reached into her burlap purse and pulled out an almost pristine deck of tarot cards. The girl looked mildly distrustful, but soon forgot about it when Tina became shuffling quickly and professionally. “I’m going to need you to write down a question on that piece of paper there, something you want to gain insight on. Avoid yes or no questions, keep it personal, keep it positive, and let me know when you’re ready.”
The girl took the index card laying nearby and wrote down a question quickly. She cast a weary glance at Reginald, but put the question down in front of Tina.
“Hmm. Alright. I’m going to use a Celtic Cross, if that’s fine.”
The girl just nodded, hoping to get this started. Tina set the deck forward for the girl to cut, and she did so.
“Okay, now, stay focused on your question.” Tina drew the first card, a six of cups. “For your reference, I’m dealing to you. It’ll be reversed if you see the card upside down.” She placed the card in the center of the table, then drew the next and placed it on top of the next. She continued drawing, placed four cards around the central cards and four cards in the staff.
The girl looked at the spread, and obviously didn't understand. “What does it say?”
Tina reached into her burlap purse and pulled out an almost pristine deck of tarot cards. The girl looked mildly distrustful, but soon forgot about it when Tina became shuffling quickly and professionally. “I’m going to need you to write down a question on that piece of paper there, something you want to gain insight on. Avoid yes or no questions, keep it personal, keep it positive, and let me know when you’re ready.”
The girl took the index card laying nearby and wrote down a question quickly. She cast a weary glance at Reginald, but put the question down in front of Tina.
“Hmm. Alright. I’m going to use a Celtic Cross, if that’s fine.”
The girl just nodded, hoping to get this started. Tina set the deck forward for the girl to cut, and she did so.
“Okay, now, stay focused on your question.” Tina drew the first card, a six of cups. “For your reference, I’m dealing to you. It’ll be reversed if you see the card upside down.” She placed the card in the center of the table, then drew the next and placed it on top of the next. She continued drawing, placed four cards around the central cards and four cards in the staff.
The girl looked at the spread, and obviously didn't understand. “What does it say?”
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Chapter 1 - 4
Tina Spartan was slim, wearing a pink tanktop and a frilly green skirt that went just to her knees. She wore her dreadlocked dark hair up in a tie-died scrunchie. She had multiple piercings in each ear. She always seemed to be smiling, and carried a burlap sack with peace symbols and flowers pained on. Most would assume that she was a hold-over granola girl, with all kinds of misguided ideals but good intentions. Most people are wrong.
“I’ve got an activity tonight,” Archer said after some small talk.
“Oh? Sponsoring a lecture or something?”
“Not...exactly.”
Tina understood immediately, and narrowed her eyes. “Who wants it?”
“Timmy the Brick.”
“That buckethead. Who do you think is behind it?”
“Could be anyone,” Reginald theorized. “Help out the Brick, then take it from him easily in a later challenge. Of course, Timmy’s too dense to even consider it.”
“What time?”
Reginald grimaced. “I don’t want to drag you into this.”
“Stop being so cavalier. We help each other. That’s how this works.”
“I...well...”
“Oh, you’re adorable when you think you’re in charge,” Tina said, touching his arm. “What time?”
“3 a.m., outside my building.”
“I’ll be there. So...what are you doing until then?”
Reginald shook his head and wonder why he put himself through this. He should be concentrating on the game, but he just felt that this was a much more enjoyable use of his time.
“Well...” Reginald started, but was interrupted when someone walked up to the table.
“Excuse me, I...heard I could get a reading here?”
“I’ve got an activity tonight,” Archer said after some small talk.
“Oh? Sponsoring a lecture or something?”
“Not...exactly.”
Tina understood immediately, and narrowed her eyes. “Who wants it?”
“Timmy the Brick.”
“That buckethead. Who do you think is behind it?”
“Could be anyone,” Reginald theorized. “Help out the Brick, then take it from him easily in a later challenge. Of course, Timmy’s too dense to even consider it.”
“What time?”
Reginald grimaced. “I don’t want to drag you into this.”
“Stop being so cavalier. We help each other. That’s how this works.”
“I...well...”
“Oh, you’re adorable when you think you’re in charge,” Tina said, touching his arm. “What time?”
“3 a.m., outside my building.”
“I’ll be there. So...what are you doing until then?”
Reginald shook his head and wonder why he put himself through this. He should be concentrating on the game, but he just felt that this was a much more enjoyable use of his time.
“Well...” Reginald started, but was interrupted when someone walked up to the table.
“Excuse me, I...heard I could get a reading here?”
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Chapter 1 - 3
Reginald Archer, the Terror Above Fourth, didn’t seem very dangerous. He was tall and slim, and wore a fine dark blue three-piece suit. His hair was short but mildly styled, maybe a $40-50 haircut, he was cleanly shaven, and wore a pair of rectangular glasses. He walked casually, his plain black dress shoes clacking against the sidewalk as he idled forward with his hands in his pockets. Nobody really paid him much attention, as he glided through the foot traffic of the city. If anyone did see him, they probably thought of him as a young business professional out to lunch or on an errand, when really, Reginald hadn’t held a job in over four years.
He was headed for the stranger part of town, where the young hipsters shared studio apartments and kebobs were sold on the street, where the streets were dirty and empty except for the homeless and the listless. Reginald sympathized with them, and gave money to any homeless he saw, because he knew that he was in the same position, if under infinitely better circumstances.
After about an hour of walking from the Financial district, he arrived at his destination, a small Cuban restaurant next to an ex-art studio. He stepped in, said hello to the cashier (who didn’t recognize him and merely waved back), and headed to the back, where, as he was hoping, was the person he was looking for.
“Archer, you sly devil,” she said, jumping up and giving him a hug. “It’s good to see you.”
“It's good to see you too, Tina.”
He was headed for the stranger part of town, where the young hipsters shared studio apartments and kebobs were sold on the street, where the streets were dirty and empty except for the homeless and the listless. Reginald sympathized with them, and gave money to any homeless he saw, because he knew that he was in the same position, if under infinitely better circumstances.
After about an hour of walking from the Financial district, he arrived at his destination, a small Cuban restaurant next to an ex-art studio. He stepped in, said hello to the cashier (who didn’t recognize him and merely waved back), and headed to the back, where, as he was hoping, was the person he was looking for.
“Archer, you sly devil,” she said, jumping up and giving him a hug. “It’s good to see you.”
“It's good to see you too, Tina.”
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Chapter 1 - 2
“I’ve got a challenge, from Timmy the Brick,” Reggie said.
“That do-nothing? What kind of leverage does he think he has?”
“He’s thinking I think he has less than he actually does. He’s probably got help.”
“Mm,” Alan said, after taking a bite of the massive burger. “What does he want?”
“My keycard.”
Alan let out a low whistle. “Yeah, he must have some serious help. I assume you want some assistance?”
“If you’re not too busy.”
“I assume that some storage space is on the table.”
“A bit, if you have something you’re looking to store.”
Alan thought, then shook his head. “Not really. But I’ll certainly never get the offer from the Brick. I’ll do it on the condition of continued friendship.”
Reggie chuckled. “Not a problem.”
Alan licked his fingers over the empty wrapper. “Anyone else in on the game?”
“On my side? Well, I was going to ask Tina to help...”
“She’s got a hell of a good reason to, if you ask me, wink wink,” Alan said as Reggie noticeably blushed.
“Well, I wouldn’t assume that...”
“Meh, none of my business. Where is this going down?”
“3 a.m. in front of my building. Plenty of space for a few surprises.”
“Got it. I’ll be there, friend. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I feel like wandering the mall.”
“Still haven’t given much thought of really getting into the game, huh?”
“Hey, what can I say?” Alan said, as he bussed his own table. “I’ve got all the time in the world.”
“That do-nothing? What kind of leverage does he think he has?”
“He’s thinking I think he has less than he actually does. He’s probably got help.”
“Mm,” Alan said, after taking a bite of the massive burger. “What does he want?”
“My keycard.”
Alan let out a low whistle. “Yeah, he must have some serious help. I assume you want some assistance?”
“If you’re not too busy.”
“I assume that some storage space is on the table.”
“A bit, if you have something you’re looking to store.”
Alan thought, then shook his head. “Not really. But I’ll certainly never get the offer from the Brick. I’ll do it on the condition of continued friendship.”
Reggie chuckled. “Not a problem.”
Alan licked his fingers over the empty wrapper. “Anyone else in on the game?”
“On my side? Well, I was going to ask Tina to help...”
“She’s got a hell of a good reason to, if you ask me, wink wink,” Alan said as Reggie noticeably blushed.
“Well, I wouldn’t assume that...”
“Meh, none of my business. Where is this going down?”
“3 a.m. in front of my building. Plenty of space for a few surprises.”
“Got it. I’ll be there, friend. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I feel like wandering the mall.”
“Still haven’t given much thought of really getting into the game, huh?”
“Hey, what can I say?” Alan said, as he bussed his own table. “I’ve got all the time in the world.”
Monday, October 5, 2009
Chapter 1 - 1
They do not meet on rooftops. They do not meet in darkened alleyways, barely restraining their hostility for each other. They do not meet in abandoned warehouses and complain how the Masquerade is becoming harder and harder to maintain. They do not visit each other at their opulent mansions and sip sherry while making veiled threats at each other.
No, they typically meet at McDonalds.
“I’ll have a number 3, large, with Coke. And also a sundae. You want anything, Reggie?”
“Just a double cheeseburger will handle me.”
The Magnificent Alehandro Besetti (known by practically everyone as Alan) paid the cashier and stepped back. He and Reggie (real name Reginald Archer) stood in silence waiting for their food, approximately three feet apart, not looking at each other. After their number was called, they got their food and sat at a table in the furthest corner from the front counter.
“I never understand how you have such an appetite,” Reggie said as he unwrapped his burger.
“Can’t change old habits. If it doesn’t matter what I put into my body, might as well eat what I want to,” Alan said, and proceeded to devour his meal.
Reggie finished his meal quickly and quietly and watched Alan eat. He reflected on how Alan was pretty much the only one who was allowed to call in Reggie, the rest knew him only as Archer, the Terror Above Fourth. He couldn’t exactly how this relationship came to be in the first place.
“So,” Alan said, putting down his half-eaten burger. “What’s the plan for the evening?”
No, they typically meet at McDonalds.
“I’ll have a number 3, large, with Coke. And also a sundae. You want anything, Reggie?”
“Just a double cheeseburger will handle me.”
The Magnificent Alehandro Besetti (known by practically everyone as Alan) paid the cashier and stepped back. He and Reggie (real name Reginald Archer) stood in silence waiting for their food, approximately three feet apart, not looking at each other. After their number was called, they got their food and sat at a table in the furthest corner from the front counter.
“I never understand how you have such an appetite,” Reggie said as he unwrapped his burger.
“Can’t change old habits. If it doesn’t matter what I put into my body, might as well eat what I want to,” Alan said, and proceeded to devour his meal.
Reggie finished his meal quickly and quietly and watched Alan eat. He reflected on how Alan was pretty much the only one who was allowed to call in Reggie, the rest knew him only as Archer, the Terror Above Fourth. He couldn’t exactly how this relationship came to be in the first place.
“So,” Alan said, putting down his half-eaten burger. “What’s the plan for the evening?”
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