Chapter 12: Meeting Marlon

In the ensuing panic. Chase clawed at this face to remove the mass of slimy skin that had struck his face. The thing was hard to get a hold of and it seemed to not want to let go.

“What is this thing?!” Shouted Chase, trying not to let the creature in his mouth.

“Marlon, this is ridiculous,” said Thomas. “Last week it was the exploding mushrooms and now this…what is it?”

There was a sigh. “No one was hurt, Thomas. And this is a rare species of pong frog. I couldn’t find mention of it in any of the bestiaries in the library. I’ve dubbed it the Winged Pong Frog.”

“Ah yeah,” said Thomas. “If you squint it does kinda look like it has wings.”

Chase felt intense frustration.

“I DON’T CARE WHAT IT’S CALLED! GET…ER…OFF!”

Chase felt a pair of knobby hands grasp his shoulders. The voice that spoke was the same that had yelled at him to not let his creature get away.

“Lad, just relax,” said the man. “Imagine it’s a women you want gone: just ignore her and she will slither away.”

With shallow breaths, Chase did as he was told. He dropped his hands and stood still. Within moments light returned to his eyes as the creature slowly went limp and fell back into the arms of the old man. As Chase rubbed his face he looked at the creature laying in the old man’s arms like a cat. It was certainly frog like, but it resemblance stopped after his broad mouth and protruding eyes. The rest of its body reminded Chase of a some slimy fish that had been in the open air for too long and belonged deep underneath the sea.

“Chase, this is Marlon,” said Thomas. He flopped on the bed closest to the door now that the excitement was over. “Marlon, Chase.”

“Good to meet you, lad,” Marlon extended a hand. Marlon seemed to be at least 65 years old, with not a trace of his original hair color left. He reminded Chase of the Guide yet much more animated and likely eccentric. Marlon smiled broadly through his white beard as Chase shook his hand.

“It’s a…pleasure, Marlon,” said Chase, still slightly shaken. “That’s some odd creature there. Can’t say I’ve ever seen one before.”

“Well of course you haven’t.” Marlon took the frog thing over to a box in a corner of the room and gently placed it inside. A table littered with beakers and test tubes and a large number of different plants and rocks was pushed against the far wall, next to Marlon’s bed. “I don’t think these fellas were ever in the Old World.”

“Marlon is obsessed with everything in Esem,” chimed in Thomas from the bed. “He wants to study and catalogue everything, right?”

The old man smiled and a mischievous light danced in his eyes.

“Well, why not?” Said Marlon. “While others seem content to accept this reality as their own, I want to learn all I can of this strange world we have come to. How did we get here, why, who is AION, what kind of being creates such a world for humans to live in, et cetera, et cetera?”

He tapped the box with his foot.

“And studying the creatures which inhabit Esem is an excellent way to understanding the mind of its creator.”

One of these types, thought Chase. He had known a few cooky research players whose most fervent dreams involved researching everything the world had to offer. They made poor teammates but often would end up with other like minded scientist players in some remote area of Esem and study algae or something. Likely Marlon was an actual scientist in the Old World and considering how few years he likely had left to live Chase decided not to begrudge him his desire.

“Sounds like a good idea,” said Chase. “Anyways, I’ll be your new roommate. Which bed shall I…?”

“I am afraid you’ll have to take the middle one,” said Marlon. He graciously removed some books which had been laying open on Chase’s bed. “Just give me a moment…here we go. Home sweet home.”

“Thanks,” said Chase, eying the box warily.

“Don’t worry about him,” said Marlon. “I’ll be releasing him before dinner. I just wanted to study his secretions.”

“Great.” Chase removed his bag from his pocket but realized he didn’t have any items to remove. So he returned the bag to his pocket and lay down, arms folded behind his head.

“Marvelous things, those bags.” Marlon snatched his own from his night stand and hefted it in his palm. I’ve managed to fit nearly three hundred river stones inside mine. Could barely move it, of course. How the bag decreases the weight of its own contents is fascinating.”

Marlon moved his hand close to the opening and it widened to fit his hand. He reached inside until his arm was gone up to his elbow.

“Ah hah, here it is. Take a look.” He removed his arm and thrust his palm in front of Chase. It was a small piece of metal that seemed to have fallen off a large machine.

“What’s that?”

“I don’t know, and neither do the Advisors here nor any of the other NPCs. Speaking of which, what are your opinions on the NPCs? Have you met very many? Do you think they have real consciousness or are they just programs?”

Chase sighed internally. He glanced at Thomas who didn’t try to hide his grin. There had been a time in his life when these discussions had been interesting to him. A few years ago he was quite intrigued about the question of NPC consciousness. But at the end of the day no one knew, and AION wasn’t forthcoming with any answers.

“Haven’t given it much thought yet, Marlon. Just got here, after all. What’s that you’re drinking?”

Marlon took a swig from a flask and burped. Now Chase noticed that Marlon’s movements seemed jerky, even jittery.

“This is my own concoction. I noticed some cats who were hanging out around this vine in the woods. The vine would produce a certain sap which the cats would go crazy for. I cut some samples and managed to brew this concoction. It’s a tangy but the effect is rather potent.”

“Seems to be having some sort of effect on you.”

“Yes, it’s mildly stimulating. Try some?” He offered the flask to Chase.

Chase shrugged and took the flask. He gave it a sniff and the smell of wild flowers and something sickly sweet filled his nostrils.

“It’s perfectly safe,” said Marlon with a grin. “I’ve been drinking it since this morning. Better than coffee.”

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“Can I try?” Said Thomas.

“Absolutely not,” said Marlon sternly. “You’ll be bouncing off the walls in no time.”

“Cheers,” said Chase. He downed a shot sized amount of the liquid.

“How is it?” Said Marlon. “Feel anything?”

“I don’t know…maybe…it’s like.” Suddenly Chase felt a surge of energy course through his body. He sat right up in the bed, eyes wide. “Wow!”

Marlon laughed and put a cork in the bottle. “There she is! Welcome to room 24, the de facto laboratory of the island dormitories. Don’t ever say we don’t have a good time.”

Chase felt like he could run for miles around the island and not be tired. He felt the urge to get up and do something, anything at all. He looked at his hands and felt a strange tingling.

“How’s it feel, Chase?” Asked Thomas. “You alright?”

“Of course he’s alright,” said Marlon, taking another swing. “I’ve experienced some mild tingling in my extremities but other than that this brew is good and clean. At least I hope it is, we will see how we feel tomorrow. I would recommend staying here until you come down some don’t want to be acting strange in front of the others. Chase? Chase where are you going?”

Chase realized he was standing. He look at both his roommates. They looked like they were very far away and he could barely hear them speaking.

“I’m going to the field, if either of you want to come. Need to shake off some of this energy. Thomas?”

“Yeah, I’m right behind you.” Thomas stretched and leaped out of the bed. “Besides, might need to keep an eye on you. I’ve seen a few of Marlon’s “brews” and they don’t always end well.”

Marlon sighed. “Very well. If you are going for a run however might I ask that you try to record, or at the very least remember, how everything went. Science relies on data and repeatable results.”

Chase nodded his head several times until he made himself stop.

“Uh, sure. Anyways,” he stuck his hand out for Marlon to shake. “Good to meet you, thanks for the drink. Guess we’ll see you around dinner.”

With a big smile the old man shook his hand vigorously. “Of course, Chase, of course. It’s lamb tonight I think. Look for me around the other older chaps I’m usually milling about there.”

“Or around the women,” muttered Thomas. But Marlon didn’t hear.

Soon Chase was flying down the stairs with Thomas in tow, barely keeping up. They just made it to the bottom floor when the door opened and a woman about Chase’s age emerged.

“Thomas, where are you going? I heard about your escapade in the kitchen. Do you know how hard Thaddeus works? You’re going over there right now to apologize and—AH!”

The woman barely dodged Chase as he flew by her. He heard Thomas talking fast to her as he followed close behind.

“Sorry, Marge! We’re going to the field for a bit of exercise. See you later!” He cackled like a mad man.

Chase started walking in the direction of the field but Thomas caught up to to him and grabbed his sleeve.

“Hang on, Chase. You don’t even know where the field is.”

“Oh…right.” He stopped walking and took a couple deep breaths.

“Marlons drink really got you going, eh? I’ll probably try to snag some tonight after he goes to bed. He put a lock on his chest since the last time I raided his stuff but shouldn’t be too troublesome.”

“You mean this?” Chase produced the flask from his pocket.

The boys eyes widened in admiration. “How did you do that? I didn’t even see you get it.”

Chase grinned and removed the cork. He lifted the flask to his lips, but, thinking better, handed it to Thomas.

“I should probably take it slow, here.”

“You’re giving it to me?” Thomas reverently grasped the flask in both hands. He looked at it like it was a gift from the gods.

“Why not? This way, we’ve both stolen it. And I think the effects won’t last too long, anyways. Just make sure you take a small sip. You’re much smaller than me so it could—WAIT!”

Chase snatched the flask away as Thomas began to gulp the brew. Too late, the flask was empty. Thomas had finished the entire bottle. Chase watched him warily. For a moment nothing seemed to happen. Thomas looked around expectantly and then began to seem disappointed.

“Well, I guess it doesn’t work on kids, huh?”

“It’s possible,” said Chase. “Maybe its for the best—Hey! Where are you going!?”

Thomas whooped and bounded away.

“I’ll beat you to the field, old man! This way!”

Chase laughed and followed after the boy.

When they arrived at the field they were breathing heavily and Chase was feeling the effects of the drink wearing off. Thomas, however seemed to only be getting more energy.

“C’mon, c’mon, Chase, we’re here! There’s barely anyone on the field. There’s the master of arms. Still gonna get me out of that mile run?”

The field was were players came to train. There were various obstacle equipment surrounded by a well maintained track where people could endlessly run. This late in the afternoon there were not too many people around. Chase saw a boy and a girl sparing with wooden swords under the watchful eye of the master at arms who was shouting advice as they traded blows. The boy was tall and seemed strong, while the girl was much shorter but her frame looked powerful none the less. Besides them a group of other players were hanging around an obstacle which was merely a rope attached to a tall beam. No one seemed be be trying to climb the rope.

“I’ll see what I can do, but I think it might be a good idea for you to run the mile anyways, now.”

“Yeah, yeah, come on. Work your magic one more time. You can’t help yourself, I know it.”

As they approached memories of the master at arms returned to Chase. He had been a very harsh instructor when Chase was a child. Despite himself he felt slightly anxious at talking to the NPC. Some things learned in childhood were hard to shake as an adult.

“That’s it, Claire.” The master at arms said, calling to the girl who had just dodged a swipe of the boy’s blade. “Step out of range of that blade. He’s stronger so you have to use your speed to your advantage.”

“Mr. Brix!” Said Thomas. “Lovely day, isn’t it?”

Mr. Brix was clear evidence that AION designed its NPCs to fit specific roles. Chase thought he couldn’t design a more stereotypical master at arms than the burly chested short tempered man himself. He was dressed in the blue uniform that all higher level island NPCs wore: stiff cloth with golden embroidered tassels. A long, black handlebar mustache drooped from his upper lip and his eyes narrowed as soon soon as he saw Thomas.

“I know why you’re here, lad, Seb’s already told me.” He jerked his head to where the other players were chatting around the climbing rope. Chase thought he saw the pudgy faced Seb smirk at them. “He’s already done his mile. Took him a fair bit of time but at least he tried. Your turn now. And don’t try to tell me your side of the story, lad, I don’t care. If it were up to me I would have all you players running from morn to night. Now go.”

“But, but—” stammered Thomas.

“You want to run five miles?” Snarled Mr Brix. “I said go!”

With a sigh and a forlorn glance at Chase he headed for the track.

“Who are you?” Said Mr Brix.

“Chase, sir. I’m a new player.”

“Ah, well then. Welcome to my field. It’s always good to get new—” he spun around to where Seb and his friends were laughing mischievously. “Oi! Don’t throw rocks at the boy. I saw that Matthew!”

The fuming master at arms stomped away to admonish the players. As Chase watched him yelling at them he heard a name which caused the hair on his skin to stand up straight.

“Spade?”

Chase slowly turned around. Where the boy and the girl had just been sparing now both of them were pouring over a newspaper. Chase felt relief flow over his body.

“Yes,” said the girl. “It’s about Spade again. This is the third article since he died. Someone at the Post must really have not liked him.”

“You can say that again, Claire,” said the boy. He had dark, short hair and looked to be around 18. Something about him reminded Chase of Solomon, his old guild leader, at that age.

“What’s that you’re reading?” Said Chase. He couldn’t stop his curiosity. What had they been writing about him?

“Huh?” The boy looked up. “Who are you?”

You wouldn’t believe me if I told you, thought Chase. Instead he said, “my name is Chase, just came to the island today.”

“Oh, right.” The boy folded the newspaper under one arm, effectively yanking it away from the girl who sighed as he did so. “I’m Brent. If you just spawned you wouldn’t know. Some big wig from the mainland died a couple days ago out at sea. He was a legendary player, supposedly. Oh yeah,” he added as an afterthought. “This is Claire, my friend.”

“Nice to meet you.” Claire kept her face blank but something about what Brent said seemed to perturb her.

“Anyways,” Brent continued. “His name was Spade and he was part of the strongest guild in all of Esem; the Old Guard. These guys are the strongest players in the world and me and Claire have been reading all about them.” He began to count them on his fingers. “Mack the tooth, champion of the arena, Samantha Blood, the greatest archer of all time, Dredman and Christie, both elite potion masters, Karkren, the Sword of Balendrop, plus Melamy and Redstar, the most fearsome mages the world has ever seen. Not to mention their leader, Solomon, the only player to achieve more than two dozen contract marks and the greatest player whose ever lived.”

“Impressive,” said Chase. “Sounds like you are really in awe of these people.”

“Awe?” Brent scoffed. “Not at all. They’re all hacks and I wanna be stronger than all of them. If they are so strong them why did their Thief get killed so easily?”

Chase felt his stomach lurch. “Easily? I thought you said it was at sea? Surely it wasn’t that easy.”

Brent shrugged. “Who knows. But Spade was definitely the weakest link. If anything the guild will be a bit stronger now that he’s not around.”

“I…see,” said Chase, trying to keep his voice from sounding strained. The braggadocio was never an attribute he liked in people. Chase decided he would find the newspaper another time and read it over. Perhaps Ghelion would have a copy in his office. “How did you learn all this stuff, by the way, about this guild?”

“Books in the library, mostly. Claire found them for me.” At that he patted the girl on the back and she blushed profusely. “They’re the most famous guild around. People have been writing about them for a while.”

A noise came from somewhere behind them. Chase saw over Brent’s shoulder that an argument was erupting between a couple players on the track near where he had entered the field. Suddenly he recognized one of them.

“Thomas!” Said Chase. “Sorry, I better go help him out. He’s my roommate.”

But Brent was already trudging toward the commotion. He resembled a storm cloud ready to hurl bolts of lightening.

“Don’t worry,” said Claire, stopping Chase from following. “Brent doesn’t really like Thomas, but he hates bullies more. He will put a stop to whatever’s going on, trust me.”

Her small smile reassured Chase, who decided to watch what unfolded.

“I don’t know what’s going on over there but it seems like that older guy is harassing Thomas,” said Chase.

Claire shrugged. “Could be. That little boy has quite the mouth though I wouldn’t be surprised if he instigated it.”

Brent had closed the distance between himself and the pair. The big boy looked up and seemed to smile as Brent came near. Just as the boy was raising his hand in welcome Brent punched him in the face. The boy fell over and smacked the ground with his head, motionless.

“Idiot,” muttered Claire. “He should have run away the moment he saw Brent.”