Chapter 59: Look Out the Window.

The Warehouse was crowded and filled with noise. People coming and going from one Excursion or another or otherwise engaged in training.

'Or what passes for training around here.' I thought bitterly.

In truth, what they often did could only be considered sparring by the most generous metrics available.

My eyes took them all in once again. Noting the casual, almost relaxed way they carried themselves.

Gone was all that tension and stress from the times when the gnomes were still a major threat. Gone was the trepidation that came from the uncertainty of ever seeing their worlds or their families again. Gone was the effort. The determination.

'They saw the way that Orphan Maker guy (Gnome)sed himself and figured the rest of the Labyrinth couldn't be all that bad. As if they had caused his panic.'

Fools. Every one.

I clenched my teeth and made my way to the sparring arena. Wrestling with the doubt and grief and rage tumbling around inside my chest. It felt as though several vindictive versions of Glossy had all plunged knives of ice into my heart. Twisting the handles in an effort to make me scream.

I shook my head violently and forced my attention back on the others.

Orphan Maker and Granny Golden hadn't been terrified of them. Either one could have killed every normal person in the warehouse with a flick of their wrists and some mean thoughts to go along with their gestures.

No. They were scared of Sully. He was the only one in our group with the level of power they feared.

The level of power that demanded respect.

The level of power that I’ve always wanted.

None of these people would have survived more than a few days back home. Not unless they had Telepath abilities to make them more valuable to a clan willing to take them in.

Even then, Telepaths were supposed to be wise guides. They were supposed to be the ones in control of themselves. The ones willing and able to make the hard choices, so long as those choices bettered humanity as a whole.

The hero of Lyon had famously sacrificed himself to buy all of France a few years of reprieve. Putting his own life on the line to divert the Parade's attention.

That was how heroes should behave. That was the kind of behaviour that commanded respect. The kind of behaviour that put you at the top. That made you valuable.

That was the kind of behaviour I'd always aspired to emulate.

Case in point, Sully had been in my world less than a day before he etched his name into the histories.

With the speed that news travelled, every man, woman and child in the continent would be singing his praises before the month was up. All of them would be hoping, praying that he came to their village next.

'They will most likely be disappointed. The System seems to select teams based on relative strength in comparison to the tasks it wants done. For a minor incursion, it might send someone like Kaito, or Prudence or, Shepherd save them, Ryan. In which case, they would all be (Gnome)d so hard it wouldn't even be funny.'

Granted, Kaito and Prudence at least put in the bare minimum of effort, but even that wouldn't go too far.

I chuckled to myself at the thought. Realizing just how far these past few weeks had changed me.

'Time was, I wouldn't have cared about that at all. A Telepath was a Telepath and their mere presence could save entire cities. More importantly, it would have led me to the tippy top of the clan's hierarchy. The destruction of the Devourers was a distant dream. Something I could hope for, without actually thinking about the sheer, overwhelming power such an endeavour would require.'

My hands clenched into fists as I felt my blood boiling.

I had gained so much strength as of late, so much power, that I had forgotten what it felt like to be weak. To be afraid.

And those (Gnome)ing French (Gnome)s had taken the chance to jump him like a pack of starving beetles while I was bathing in compliments.

They had tried to take Sully away to some discreet location.

It hadn’t happened, but it had still led to him having that talk with me.

To him telling me that he didn’t feel the same way. That he wasn’t sure what we had was love.

‘Was he wrong though? Is this kind of greed not love? Is wanting to be closer to this kind of power not love? Everyone else back home does it like this. Everyone else wants their family and their clan to be the strongest. What other kind of love is there?’

The old world had all these stories. Books and movies about the most vapid, stupid people imaginable. Where a woman or man would turn down a perfect pairing because of some bout of lust or madness and the world was expected to conform to their own stupid, selfish desires.

I had always thought it was insane.

‘How could someone be so irresponsible where their family was concerned? How could someone play with the lives of their descendants like that?’

Insanity. Complete and utter insanity.

I took a deep breath. Trying to calm myself before my next bout at the arena.

'I shouldn't blame them. That would be hypocritical. I'd have done the exact same thing in their shoes. I mean, (Gnome). I had been in the process of doing that very same thing just a couple of weeks ago.'

It was the only logical course of action, after all.

The fact was, children tended to inherit their parent's Types and relative power level. At least, outside of the Labyrinth and the System's influence.

Again, the hero of Lyon had had many, many children all over Europe. The vast majority of which were still fighting the good fight to this day. Their presence meant that humanity could still cling on to some shred of hope and, looking back on the stories, none of them would have been too far into the second Tier, if they were indeed part of that Tier at all.

Sully was a whole different beast.

With him around, taking back the world wasn't a possibility, it was an inevitable eventuality. Not a matter of if, but a matter of when.

And if keeping him around was impossible, then the next logical step would be...

"I can't believe he would step all over your feelings like that!" Prudence bellowed. "And here I thought he was actually a decent person! Turns out he's no different from the jack(gnome)s back home! He sees a couple of (Gnome)s and suddenly he’s too good for you."

Her claws raked my skin. Failing to penetrate or even leave so much as a scratch.

I blocked, but only out of courtesy. My mind wandering past her words.

"Yeah!" Olga agreed. "All that talk about being a good person! Dude is a massive slime ball."

Her kicks landed squarely on my sides. Again, without much in the way of impact.

I threw out a half-hearted swipe. Not really putting in much effort.

Regardless, she dodged like her life depended on it. Overcommitting and boosting [Accelerate] with too much Psy, so that she ended up crashing against the side wall and some of the tables carrying refreshments.

Esmeralda was agreeing with them too. Hooting curses at Sully and his, ladies of ill repute.

“He was fine with stringing you along, but suddenly wanted to break things off when it was inconvenient. How very blasé. How typical. I’ll bet he was trying to bring those three over here somehow.”

I felt a sad smile blossoming on my face.

'They don't get it. They're coming on to this like people from their own worlds. Places without much violence, or places where the bad times only just begun. I can't be mad at those girls. They were trying to do their duty for their community and probably, no definitely looked forward to it. It's what's expected. Anyone else would have done the same. I certainly would have done the same. With a smile on my face and song in my heart. Anyone who had managed to kill one of the great ones, or some beast on the level of the Blood Queen, would have been worshiped. Like a living legend. I would have done anything for them. It would have been a celebration.'

I clenched my fists harder.

'Come to think of it, they’re probably cursing me as much as I’m cursing them. They probably blame me for Sully leaving them to have the talk and for he and the others all left in a hurry after me.'

"You've got it all wrong." I told them. "I'm not angry about what the girls tried to do."

"You're not?" Prudence asked, incredulously.

"No." I clarified. "I... there wasn't anything between us yet. I hadn't confirmed anything and Sully... he had read my mind and he knew that my heart wasn't really in it at first. Our nations, our upbringing… was too different. I should have seen the talk coming."

"What do you mean?" Olga asked, turning her head slightly and arching her eyebrows in confusion.

I could only shrug.

"Well, at the beginning, I didn't really care for Sully as a person. I had no reason to. He was a Telepath and he was strong and he was brave and willing to help. That was more than enough. Beyond that..." I bit my lip. Struggling with my words once again.

"Well, its like this. Anyone involved with him was going to go very far in local politics. I was, thinking of him as my ticket for that. Being with him would get me respect. A lot of it. Affirmation from my father, from my neighbours, from all those that doubted me and Slab when we were growing up. That was as far as it went. His personality didn't matter. Neither did things like love. Not how you pampered folks know the word."

I paused to explain.

“Love is something you build with someone who will take care of you. Or who will bring the family or clan advantages. It something for later. It isn’t necessary in the beginning. At least, I don’t think so. Or didn’t think so until now. I’m confused.”

All three gave me conflicted looks. Ranging from confusion, to outright disgust.

Prudence looked utterly repulsed by the idea. Olga didn't seem to get it. Esmeralda almost seemed to understand.

'It's hopeless. None of them know what life is like back home. They have had it easy their whole lives. They cannot fathom what my people have gone through.'

These guys might have their own notions of romance and propriety, but those feelings came from a place of privilege. Even Jacob or Monique, as hard as they had it, didn't come from worlds where humanity itself was on the brink of extinction.

'It all comes down to words. The ones he and I left unsaid. I was a fool. I took him for granted because of the things he'd shared. The things he'd said to me before he supressed his memories. He doesn't remember any of that. Just like he doesn't remember what we did to Randall and to Anezka. What he predicted would happen to his parents or the danger his grandfather was in. He doesn't remember the things on the edge of the lake or the part Anezka has to play.'

"So, you're not in love and you weren't in a relationship?" Olga clarified. "If so, then why are you mad?"

I scoffed. Fighting to make myself understood.

"No. We aren't in any kind of relationship. At least, neither of us said anything. It was weird. I... I don't know what I felt later on. I admired him, I guess? He was the perfect hero from my point of view. The kind I always imagined showing up and taking me out of the caves, along with my family. Again, his personality or other things, didn't matter. But then I started to get to know him better and I knew he could read my mind and see the changes in my perspective and I ended up getting more nervous and not saying anything for fear that he might be taken aback or for fear that he might think it was all still a political ploy, which it kind of was but there was more to it later and then... and then..."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

I had to stop and bring my hands to my face.

"Look. I don't know. Okay? I... these feelings are new to me. They've changed. From respect and ambition to, something else. Something that scares me. He appreciates me. Really appreciates me. No one other than Slab has appreciated me like that for a long time. He respect me. He looks at me like I am a person. Like I matter. Maybe that’s my head playing tricks on me and maybe he just thought I was a good friend and ally like he said later.”

I bit my lips.

“I feel my heart racing and I can't stop it. I like being around him more and its not just because of what he can do for me and my clan. I get jittery. I feel butterflies in my stomach. I can't seem to look away from him. I... I know I shouldn't dislike the other girls. Its normal where I come from. Slab did the same thing and it was fine because its normal. It was expected of him. But I just can't help getting (Gnome)ing furious! That they didn't know Sully as well as I did and that they still got ahead of me! I... I don't want Sully to be with other people! Even though being with other people is normal where I come from. Then I feel ashamed because I feel like I'm being selfish and then I get angry because the thought of him being with some bimbo makes my blood boil and I can't stop it and...."

Prudence laid a hand on my shoulder. Followed by Olga and Esmeralda.

"I get it." Prudence said. "Its a bit of a late blooming, but this is your first love. Its tough and scary and confusing all at once."

She turned to the others.

"But, the point remains, Sully knew."

She pointed a finger up into the air.

"He knew her feelings were changing and he kept his mouth shut. He knew her feelings were changing and he let her stew without making the first move. He knew her feelings were changing and he still went on and had his fun."

She turned to look at me.

"So, things might get better between you or not. Regardless, this whole deal about leading you on is a (Gnome)tty thing to do and we have to hold him accountable."

"No." I protested.

"I don't want that."

"Well too bad." Esmeralda joined in. "Boys are stupid by nature. They'll never learn unless you herd them in the right direction."

"Okay? I'm not sure I agree with that." Olga followed up. "But I do know that I am your friend. Whatever happens, you have my support all the way through."

I looked at all of them. Really looked.

A smile creeping onto my face.

"Thanks guys." I muttered. "I... I'm not sure what I want to happen. But the support means a lot."

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The great and terrible Drake was heaving. His regular human proportions coming undone in his terror.

“I cannot believe you did that!”

“What? It was a normal usage of the power. I mean, you saw the flowers in my recent memories, right? This kind of freaky stuff just happens when you use that ability.”

The Drake actually grew fangs and tusks at the same time, releasing something that was half a roar and half a scream. Billowing clouds of smoke erupting from flowing streams of ichor that melted through his jacket; over the part where the leather met his shoulders.

“No! You bloody fool! This stuff does not just happen! Each iteration of the ability is unique and therefore, uniquely unpredictable and dangerous! I’ve seen masters that blew themselves apart by accident! Whole covens of Telepaths that accidentally summoned something intent on wearing their skins like leather suits! You could have died! Worse, our chances of ascending would have died! The being that we would become could never be born! Don’t you see what’s at stake you feeble-minded lackwit!?”

I steadied myself then. Staring the Drake down with no small amount of consternation.

“No. I don’t see it. And frankly, I don’t like your tone. Drake.”

I approached him. I regardless of his growing fangs.

“Now, I do appreciate the… information. I truly do. It will no doubt come in handy when I go out into the greater Labyrinth, but I think my gratitude has given you a bit of a misconception.”

I could see the surprise on his face now, but I kept walking anyway.

“These abilities are mine. They are the powers that I have learned to use. The ones that have saved countless lives up until this point. Both Monique’s world and Dusty’s world are much, much better off now that I have used those abilities to their fullest extent. Also, I can feel them. I know them. And, while they might do weird things on occasion, they resonate with me in a way that assures me I would never come to harm. Again, this isn't something I think. This is something I know, in my bones. Just as I know the sun will rise tomorrow or that the universe is near limitless."

I knew these assertions were correct as they left my mouth. Though, in truth, I couldn't say how I knew. It was, simply an instinct. As if the tears in reality had grown as familiar as my own muscles through repeated usage. There was just something about the world beyond the veil that felt all too familiar. Welcoming, even.

Like an old trail you never recalled walking, but had somehow found once more. Or like the smell of a childhood treat being savoured as an adult.

"I know these abilities will not betray me, just as I know the stars in the my home world's sky will still be there tomorrow. Therefore, I will not limit myself unless it is for a very important reason. Do you understand?”

The Drake shivered and, for a moment, I feared that he would turn his arms into whips and change me in some horrific fashion.

But he didn’t do that.

Instead, he regained his composure and withdrew his fangs. Changing his jaw back to that of a regular human.

“Fine. I see that I won’t be changing your mind anytime soon. That’s fine."

He began pacing. The muscles beneath what remained of his vestments twitching as he moved from one end of the room to the other.

"Let’s move on to my last point then.” He said abruptly.

Halting his movements and re-aligning his human features so that they could pass for those of a normal person.

"You should join with me because I can give you more control over the physical world around you. Real, unquestioned control. Not like the chaotic mutations your abilities create as they reach into Pandemonium. For example, look at me. Look at what I can do."

He stretched himself. Until he resembled a grotesque amalgamation of a great ape and a dinosaur. His forearms bulging to the size of ripened melons as his shoulders widened.

"Let us say you have to brave a burning building again. This form will help you tear down walls and carry people outside."

He changed once more, this time coming to resemble a six-legged horse with bird-like talons instead of hooves.

"Or perhaps you will find yourself needing to travel for leagues in order to reach a target. The System usually puts you right where you need to be, but we both know it isn't a guarantee from your time with the zombies. Or, perhaps you want to reach out and go above and beyond, as you did in this most recent Excursion. Perhaps you feel that you can do the System one better and save even more lives. Sure, you could rely on your teammates to help you, but we both know things are sticky right now, ever since you had your bit of fun. The same goes for your weapon. Low-Tiered portal abilities require intimate knowledge of the places you are portaling to. That or some kind of visual feedback. Your range might be impressive for someone as young as you, yet it does not reach across nations or continents. You need the mobility my Type can offer."

I nodded along. Taking his meaning.

The truth of these statements was, sadly, undeniable. While I did trust my teammates to not abandon me all of the sudden, being able to look after myself in cases where there weren't monsters to dominate would be an extra ace in the hole. Also, while I did trust that destabilizing reality wouldn't lead to my death, the same could not be said of people I was trying to save.

Summoning Intruders in the middle of a road could be, tricky. Especially when I had no way of knowing how other people would react. I mean, yes, turning into a half-horse monstrosity wasn't a great look either, but I could always fall back on [Charming Presence] to smooth over those cases. The council had agreed that it was okay to use it if it meant lives could be saved. The Intruders, at least to my knowledge, didn't have something like that. Nor did they care how others saw them.

'Then there is the matter of the House that Hates and the way it literally ripped itself out of the ground to hunt zombies. That could have ended badly if it hungered for people instead.'

I had to admit, these arguments were more compelling. A fact the Drake picked up on as well.

"And of course, we cannot discuss my own prowess without discussing another facet of Shifters you seem to be forgetting." He continued.

"Oh? And what is that?"

He turned back to his human shape and smiled a simpering smile.

"Why, our longevity of course."

I blinked and nodded slowly.

"Okay? I hadn't really forgotten about that bit. It's just that it doesn't really do much for me. I mean slower aging with the possibility of immortality sounds nice, but I'm okay with dying. Not right now, obviously. But someday, when I'm eighty-something and surrounded by my kids and grandkids. It's a natural fact of life."

The Drake laughed in my face.

"You're a bigger fool than I thought if you believe that. Life, real life, is about struggle. Every living being yearns for eternal existence, from the smallest prokaryotes to the grandest giants out there in the multiverse. The only reason that most cannot achieve this is due to their own biological imperfections. You may not be aware of this, but your body, your cells, have their own feelings on the matter. Each and every one yearns to live. To be strong against the ravages of time and the immutable reality of entropy. You do not hear them because you are not a Shifter, but I can hear them. Your own cells are just like those of any other creature. Fighting hopelessly onwards so that, in the end, some trace might remain. Why do you think reproduction comes so naturally to all living beings? It is because the impulse to live on is strong, and offspring are the best answer those creatures without Psy can aspire to. Everything and everyone wants to live forever. You could do so as well."

He stepped closer. Hunching his shoulders slightly.

"Imagine the good you could do. Not with a mere eighty years, but with an eternity. You mentioned that you wanted to pursue the greater good. In that case, immortality is indispensable."

That... I had to admit, that was a pretty decent point. The Drake must have noticed the changes within me as well, because he kept lurching forwards like praying mantis.

"And that only covers the good you could do. What about the harm you could prevent? What do you suppose would happen to humanity as a whole if they found themselves without a defender? What do you suppose would happen when the Foxxans got a sniff of the newcomers?"

He laughed derisively.

"No. Without you, it will be a bloodbath on a level you could not possibly comprehend. You need to live forever because if you don't, the humans you leave behind will be vulnerable to the predations of the other, more senior species in the Labyrinth.”

He had been extremely convincing, up until that point. When it all went off the rails with a few, short sentences.

“If you wish to avoid that eventuality, you need two things. One is a way to control the human population, which you have. The other is a way to stop your aging. To make yourself functionally immortal, which I can provide. Together we can rule all the earths you come across and save humanity as you wish.”

I… had to stop. This was such a stupid thing to say that, I genuinely could not form coherent thoughts.

“Did, did Mittens do something to you?”

“He brought on some unpleasant memories, but nothing more. Thank Psy. Now you listen here. I was going to try and be a little more subtle about this, but I don’t think subterfuge is needed anymore. Either you will see that I’m right at this moment or later. It makes no matter.”

He clapped his newly grown hands together as if to dispel any lingering nervousness.

“You told me you want to follow human morality in order to find the greatest possible good, right? Well, here is a foolproof way to do that. Mind control the leaders and only the leaders and make them act the way you want them to.”

“Man, Mittens really did a number on you huh?”

“That beast didn’t….!” The Drake caught himself at the last moment and grew so still I could have mistaken him for a statue.

Not that he could have surprised me more if he actually became a statue.

'I mean, really? After everything I've been through? After everything I have chosen to stand for? He thinks I'm gonna turn into an up jumped dictator at the slightest opportunity?'

At that moment, I could not even conceive of any possible reason that would lead me to those kinds of measures. It was so absurd that I had to laugh in his face.

Then he opened his eyes again. With a forceful glare coming from within them.

“Here it goes again. Would you say slavery is good?”

“Of course not.” I deadpanned. “Why would you even ask me that?”

“Because it is rampant in your world and we both know it. Oh, sure. It isn’t strictly legal, but it is done. As Mason’s case will attest. And that is without counting the innumerable legions of people trafficked all around your earth. All while your leaders do nothing.”

“Okay, first of all, it isn’t as though they’re doing nothing…”

“Oh?” The Drake cut me off. Aggressively getting into my personal space. “Remind me again. How many bureaucrats and statesmen were on this Mason’s list? How many people was he colluding with or outright supplying? How many of them have a say in the goings on of your world?”

That… was actually a very good point.

“Still, that only means those people need to be replaced. Not that the system is flawed. Democracy is the right way forward.”

The Drake laughed at that. Loudly and with great vigor.

“Is that right? Very well. Let us say you show up to that other world you recently scoured of mutants. Let us say everyone there wants to vote you in as king for life, fully knowing that you would do the best job possible in regards to rebuilding their earth. What would you do?”

I was about to laugh it off, when I stopped to think about it.

It, wasn’t completely out of the question. It could happen.

But…

“Come on man. I would have to say no. I’m just a guy. A young guy.”

“One who can see the future and is wholly dedicated to preserving the health, safety and prosperity of the people around him. All while acting as an example for them to follow. But no. You won’t. But not because it wouldn’t be the right choice. Rather, it is because you are weak.”

The Drake came even closer.

“You are laughing at me inside your own head, Solomon Carter. But you dodge the question and all responsibility because you are afraid of being perceived as a Tyrant. Even when the greater good requires a Tyrant. Tell me, what would you do if the powers that be in your home world decided to hunt down your family as a means to get at you? What would you do if they strung up their corpses for all to see? You may laugh and snicker at the possibilities I suggest, but that does not make them any less real.”

He stepped back, hesitating for a moment, before tearing down the barricade he made earlier.

"Democracy." He spat. As if the very word tasted bitter on his tongue. "Let me tell you something about democracy, child. Let me enlighten you as to where they all lead to. Democracies are doomed to corrupting influences. People worming their way in and dismantling their ideals for their own personal gain. You know that. Because you’re smart enough to see it. Because of Mason’s example. And because of your own knowledge of human history. Pray tell, what happened to the Romans? To the French revolutionaries? What did they brave rebels do when Robespierre started calling for heads or when Augustus dismantled the republic? What did all the recent governments do when the United Militaries decided they needed more emergency powers?”

He kept tearing down wooden planks and moving furniture.

“Moreover, you forget that Espers will only grow in number. More and more will be summoned to the Human City after the Tutorial is done. More and more will come to other worlds. Including your own. How long will your oh so lovely democracy last when other, less reputable Telepaths come over. How long will the system work when they decide to enslave the weaklings at the top? How long will they last when another species comes along and figures out that they can enslave a world by puppeteering a few fat sots.”

He leaned in.

“How long until a gnome does it?”

He reared back and laughed. Going so far as to slap his knees.

“And yet you hesitate. Telling yourself that it can be fixed. That it is somehow better than a world where you could smite down the corruption before it had a chance to set in. Because you lie to yourself.”

He finished his task in short order and turned back to me.

“Well, lecture me now. Solomon Carter. Explain to me how Democracies fared in Monique’s world. Where their governments raised the dead in order to tear apart enemy populations and refused to react to the spreading disaster until it was too late. Explain to me how Democracies fared in the world you so recently visited. Where the powers that be unleashed literal world ending monsters to tear each other to pieces. Explain to me how Democracies fared in your world. Where the nuclear missiles were launched against other humans even as monsters came by portal from who-knows where.”

He smiled a most sinister smile. Showing far too many teeth.

“You know all of this already. You know I’m right. The greater good can be served. The people in all those places can know a world free from war or strife or hunger or slavery. If only you deigned to take the reins.”

He pressed his hands against the glass, slowly pushing it open and moving aside to show me the still raging battle. The mutated terrors ripping into people as they fled for their lives.

“But you don’t have to listen to me.” His smile widened. “If you want to see the endpoint of Democracy, look out the window.”