Chapter Nineteen

“Friendship is rooted by shared experiences.” – Beacon, Former Champion

Level Five

Zar’Keth Village

Will and Tuck

"You chose to hang out with me instead of Nadia, huh?" Will continued to bombard Tuck with questions as they approached the same fenced field they had visited earlier with Kael. The two quickly settled into their unspoken routine as Will tried a more personal approach.

"Yep," Tuck replied curtly, avoiding eye contact with Will. Will circled halfway around the larger Tuck as if searching for a way to break through Tuck's icy demeanor.

"Oh yeah? I could always devise a plan to get you two to hang out more. Maybe you both could start a food truck business?"

"Uh-huh."

"Maybe something romantic. Do you think these people would be interested in pasta? You could be the meathead to Nadia's pasta."

This time, Tuck grunted in response, clearly unwilling to take the bait. Will decided to try a different tactic.

"So Tuck..." Will kept his eyes on Tuck as they continued walking. "Do you think these people have anything to teach you? Rooted and grounded are based on the same principles, and we both know grounding isn't the best for electric talents... Like you..." He paused for effect.

Tuck suddenly stopped, halting all momentum as a big smile began to form on Will's face. "Resorting to your skills to win, huh?"

"Shit."

"Maybe next time try a comment rooted in truth," Tuck said quietly as he approached the walled area's main gate, attempting to hide his smile.

Will stood perplexed at Tuck's comment, then caught up and gave Tuck a slight push before they both stopped to look at the gates.

"Do you hear anything going on in there?" Tuck asked.

"No, well, not fighting. I do sense people in there, though far fewer than before. The real question is if we just knock?"

The gate within the fencing appeared to lead to a larger entry space or housing structure covered with a mix of tarps and wood. The area was designed to mirror the larger community layout, featuring a primary and secondary wall leading into the training area.

"We can hear your huffing from in here. Just push the door and come in already." A forceful voice shouted from within the structure as Tuck and Will exchanged looks, immediately questioning how loudly they were breathing.

As Will pushed the door open, they entered an open area that resembled a massive, haphazardly built treehouse fort, scaled up twenty times. It was filled with wooden chairs, tables, and walls adorned with weapons and shields. Towards the back of the room, the confident voice called again, "Over here."

"A group of five crowded around a table, appearing to gamble and drink. The table was strewn with totems resembling chess pieces, makeshift cards, and a hexagonal map etched with knife cuts."

"Care to join?" the leader asked.

"Nah, we were just curious about your—" Tuck started.

"Hush, Tuck. Sure, we will play. What’s this game?" Will interrupted.

The man smiled at the others as he spoke, "This? Well, this is called Blitz."

"Go on," Will said, snagging the nearest chair and ignoring Tuck's sigh beside him.

Settling beside the leader, Will observed him closely. The man had a thick, brown, braided mane cascading down his back, and at first glance, he appeared no older than Will. His youthful complexion, with barely any grey in his hair, contrasted with his square jawline adorned with small scars, suggesting a life rich with experiences. One eye had a striking blood-drop-like mark, while both eyes twinkled like those of all the Zar'Keth tribe members. Yet, his gaze was more intense, as if he was meticulously analyzing Will's every reaction.

He locked eyes with Will as he explained the game. "Each troop consists of nine members, each assigned a talent card, with three additional bonus cards for the commander." He slammed the cards onto the table, attempting to shuffle them. "All cards are based on the elements—Earth, Wind, Air, and Fire. Strategize to create the most effective path to defeat your enemies. The last player standing wins."

Will listened carefully as the man explained the game rules further. "Blitz," as it was called, combined the strategic depth of Risk, the tactical planning of chess, and the resource management of Catan. Each turn was a potential combination of moves: one calculated movement, one decisive action, and potentially one reactive counter—much like a Dungeons & Dragons encounter.

The primary talent cards, representing Earth, Wind, Air, and Fire, were the backbone of each troop's strategy. But the real twist came from the bonus cards—wildcards that could instantly tilt the balance of power. These bonus cards, potent and single-use, could turn a defensive maneuver into an all-out assault or save a critical troop from impending defeat. The game demanded careful planning and the ability to adapt on the fly.

"Let's do this," Will said, motioning to the nearest bottle of what he assumed to be something fermented. "Does this game come with sharing?"

"Will…" Tuck began but was cut off by the leader of the table.

"Of course, we share at this table," the man said with a sly smile. "It seems the rumors about the new off-worlders joining our ranks are true." He nodded toward another man near a vase. "Igor, pour our guests a drink. But remember, no stakes, no game."

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Without looking back, Will sent a communication to Tuck. "This is a test. Show weakness, and we won't be accepted anytime soon. The question is, what do we bet in a world without money?"

Tuck internally kicked himself for not trusting Will. He thought for a moment, then had an idea. "Stick with macho. First strike?"

Will allowed a smile to creep onto his face as he held the leader's gaze. "Rumors, huh? It's fascinating how quickly information travels about us. Hopefully, it's all good." He paused, trying to gauge the man's reaction. "Let's make things interesting… The first one out gets to take the best strike from everyone else at the table. Non-lethal, of course."

The man joined Will in his smile, and Will noticed the rest of the table's gazes falter for a split second before realigning with their leader. "Knowledge is power. Is it better to be the subject of rumors or to be ignored entirely? We've seen many people walk our lands, but none quite like you." The man swirled his glass before taking a drink. "Sounds like a good bet. Looks like we might have some fun tonight after all."

"Brick," Will introduced himself with a nod, then glanced over his shoulder at Tuck. "And this is Surge."

The leader raised an eyebrow. "Steel," he said, offering a head nod in return. "Let's play."

***

Nadia

As Nadia approached the infirmary, she began to notice more intricate details of the building itself. Though constructed with a blend of stone and wood from the surrounding trees, this building seemed to merge organically with a colossal tree. Its massive trunk formed the primary back wall, while branches, both thick and slender, intertwined lovingly around the entire structure. It was as if the tree had reached out with its limbs, wrapping the infirmary in a hug. The branches wove through the walls and roof, creating a natural latticework that seemed to pulse with life, making the building feel less like a manufactured structure and more like an extension of the tree’s body. The effect was so seamless that if she didn’t know better, Nadia might have believed the tree had willingly engulfed the building, pulling it into its nurturing grasp.

Stepping inside, Nadia's initial impression of the empty building began to change. What she had first assumed were beds with cloth coverings revealed themselves to be large roots emerging from the ground, forming flat, natural beds. The stone flooring, a mosaic of stone, dirt, and roots, intertwined seamlessly throughout the space, creating an earthy, organic feel.

It was then that a shadow moved at the back of the room, catching her attention. A swinging door opened, revealing the face of the healer named Lysa. Behind her, Nadia glimpsed a backroom filled with more beds, likely intended for overnight stays.

"Are you hurt?" Lysa asked in a quiet but firm voice.

"No, no," Nadia replied, shaking her head, realizing now might not have been the best time to show up unannounced. "I, um, I came here to help."

"Help?" Lysa questioned. "With what?"

Nadia then noticed the age of the young girl. While tall, at least compared to Nadia's brief interactions with the tribespeople, Lysa had the same soft features as Kael, although she seemed slightly older. Lysa's soft features were complemented by a light brunette mane covered with braids and what looked like flower stems, tucking her hair close to her body. It seemed like she also had streaks of green throughout her hair, but Nadia couldn’t be sure. She wore a soft white cloth that mimicked a 1950s nightgown, though she was barefoot and not wearing slippers.

"Sorry. I mean, I take care of my team. You could say I am their healer. My name is Kama."

"Healer? That’s quite a surprise. Few grow into the healing talent, and those who do get... well, never mind. There's not much need for help right now. Elisa is in the backroom getting some sleep. She is still bound, so there is no need for another healer."

Nadia looked confused. "I'm sorry. Bound?"

"Yes? Are you not an Earth Talent?"

"I'm afraid I’m still what you would call 'Unrooted,'" Nadia responded, trying not to sound too naive. "Could you show me?"

Lysa shrugged. "Sure." She turned around with a touch of hesitation as if weighing her decision. "I guess it couldn’t hurt with Elisa being asleep," she finally said, resolving to proceed as she pushed the swinging door open and held it for Nadia.

It was then that Nadia saw Elisa resting on a bed of roots, her arm showing a closing bloody wound that looked like a deep slice across her forearm. But what caught her eye first was the root itself. Emerging from the sides of the bed, new growth, vines, leaves, and small branches encircled the girl's arm as Nadia could see waves of energy glowing from the flora. Nadia was struck by the warmth of the process, having just fought a vine creature of a different kind. However, after searching the root's core, Nadia found that this connection seemed non-sentient. The earth and this tree provided a stable flow of energy and circulation to the targeted area.

"Wow," Nadia couldn't help but mutter.

"How are you a healer but have never seen a bounding before?" Lysa continued, puzzled by Nadia's questions.

Nadia hesitated, unsure how much she should share at this first meeting. "My talent comes from within. I can accelerate the body's natural healing potential."

Lysa tsked, as Nadia got the feeling that Lysa assumed power without rooting was pointless. Nadia played towards that assumption. "Do you teach others?"

"No. Well, my mother taught me, but I have no one else to teach, at least not yet. Luckily, bounding is no different than calling on the earth for its energies, so I was able to quickly learn my skill from our school training and early on from my mom."

Nadia resisted the urge to question Lysa about her mom, knowing that family was sacred to some and not shared openly. Instead, she questioned Lysa on her talents and skills and the nature of her healing. Questions led to more questions, and soon Nadia was questioning even her talents as Lysa spoke of the gifts granted by the earth.

"Lysa! I'm afraid I have another late-night visitor for you," a voice spoke from the other room as Lysa and Nadia hurried back to see the source of the voice. An arm pushed through the door, and a larger man held onto a draped body dangling from the ground.

"Wi-Brick!" Nadia screeched, catching herself at the last second to avoid calling Will's name, only to see soon that another familiar form was holding Will's other side.

"Surge!" Nadia shouted again. "What happened?" She hurried over as Tuck cast a sidelong glance at the other man holding Tuck up.

"Steel! What did you do this time? He is our guest," Lysa was the one to speak this time.

"And our guest lost a bet," Steel said with a slight smile to Nadia and a nod to Tuck, who remained silent.

Nadia reached for Will as she began to channel her energy, only to find a hand raise and grab her own as a communication reached out through her Nex. "No. Don't," Will sent, eyes still closed and draped over, blood spilling from his face.

"On the bed. Hurry up already!" Lysa shouted as Steel and Tuck carried Will to the bed, placing him down with a thud.

"Surge, it's been fun. Tell Will to come back soon if he is still willing," Steel commented with what was most likely a smirk or wink as he shuffled to the door, looking to avoid any more words with Lysa.

"What did my brother do?" Lysa then looked toward Tuck, who felt the weight of both girls now staring him down.

"Brick was... Brick, and it sounds like Steel was... Steel," Tuck said slowly, unsure how to handle the situation.

Lysa waved off Tuck's terrible answer and placed her hand along the side of the bed, feeling the bark and communicating with the tree to share its energies with Will, who was still lying prone on the bed. Both Nadia and Tuck looked dumbstruck as waves of small branches jolted out from both sides of the bed, searching along Will's body, entwining across his chest, sides, and face, weaving to create a cocoon-like shape while still allowing for Will to make subtle movements.

Lysa took her hand off the bedside and looked back at Tuck and Nadia. "He should be fine by morning. Give him some rest and return then."

"Do we just leave him?" Nadia asked Tuck via Nex, who was standing next to her.

"Absolutely," Tuck responded as Nadia gave him a side-long glance. She was understanding that there was more to this story.

"Thank you, Lysa. We will return the favor. We promise."

As Tuck and Nadia left towards the door, Tuck received one more direct Nex communication from Will, who was still silent, with blood and saliva openly leaving his mouth behind them.

"I told you I would find a way for you two to hang out more."