As time passed, wanderer start get intel of series 9 operation and their security system. overall its about the future invasion on Sin City might look like. augmented soldier. cyborg and gangs. its might will different compared with their last visit.
One cloudy morning, a convoy of armored vehicles arrived, belonging to Wanderer. He dismounted after his soldiers and made his way to the school. As Vila was teaching a class, the sound of vehicles arriving outside interrupted her lesson. Curious, she led her students to the window to see who had arrived.
"Class, we have visitors. Let's go see who came," she said, guiding her students cautiously. As they stepped outside,
"Good morning... sorry to disturb your class," Wanderer said,
Vila greeted him cordially, a hint of curiosity in her gaze. "Ah, Wanderer, it's a surprise to see you here. There's no need to apologize. What brings you here this morning? And who might your companions be?"
"Just my extra entourage," Wanderer replied, his tone casual. "The wasteland has become a bit hot nowadays. Better safe than sorry."
Vila nodded in understanding, "I see. I suppose it's better to be prepared for any unexpected encounters. But may I ask, what brings you to Rayaskent specifically? Is there something I can assist you with?"
"Yes," Wanderer said, his expression turning serious. "Can we speak in a private place?"
Vila raised an eyebrow, "Ah, a private conversation, huh? I guess we can find a suitable place for some peace and quiet. Come with me, Wanderer." She turned and started walking toward a secluded area nearby, at back at school. a gazebo with a small pond on it. As they walked,. "So, how old are you?"
Vila chuckled softly, a playful glint in her eyes. "Wanderer, asking a lady's age? What's next, are you going to ask if I've dyed my hair blue to keep up appearances?" She paused for effect, a wry smile playing on her lips. "But to satisfy your curiosity, let's just say I've seen more sunrises and sunsets than most. Age is just a number, after all. Now, why are you interested in my age, Wanderer? Have you finally succumbed to the allure of a mature woman?"
"I like women who are mature and know what they want and how to achieve it," Wanderer replied,
Vila chuckled, "Ah, Wanderer, I see you have a taste for women with experience and determination. Well, that suits me just fine. Let me tell you, I've been on quite the journey myself, and I indeed know what I want and how to get it." She met his gaze, "So, what about you, Wanderer? What do you desire in a woman? Strength, resilience, or perhaps a touch of danger?"
"Confidence," he said simply. "You see, it's a very rare trait to have in a woman."
Vila nodded,. "Ah, yes, confidence is a cherished trait in a woman, isn't it? It is indeed rare to find, but oh, so alluring. It speaks to a person's independence, their ability to stand tall and not be swayed by the opinions of others." She looked at Wanderer playfully, a hint of a challenge in her smile. "Is that what draws you to me, Wanderer? My confidence?"
"Hmhm... so you like me, huh?" he teased.
Vila laughed softly "Ah, Wanderer, you're quite the character. What can I say? You have a certain charm, a unique aura about you. I find you intriguing, and in a world where surprises lurk around every corner, intrigue is not to be taken lightly." She met his gaze. "So, Wanderer, why do you ask? Are you trying to figure me out, or are you simply fishing for compliments?"
Wanderer lowered his mask and smiled a bit. "Kinda."
Vila's eyes widened slightly as he revealed a small smile. "Wanderer, I must admit, your smile is quite captivating. I have to wonder, what else are you hiding beneath that mask and your enigmatic exterior?"
"A bone and meat... with blood," he replied,
Vila chuckled softly,"Indeed, Wanderer, we are all bones, muscle, and blood beneath our skin. It's a fascinating and essential part of our existence, isn't it? Our bodies are the vessels that carry us through life's journey, and our blood, the life force that keeps us going. So, in a way, we're all walking, talking skeletons, aren't we? " Her eyes twinkled playfully as she continued, "So tell me, Wanderer, what else lies beneath?"
"Dark soul," he said simply.
A slight smirk tugged at the corner of Vila's lips, amusement sparkling in her green eyes. "A dark soul, huh? That's quite a fascinating revelation, Wanderer. So, you believe 'darkness' resides within you, does it?" Her tone turned slightly teasing as she leaned in closer, her eyes locked onto his. "And what, pray tell, does this 'darkness' entail, Wanderer? Is it a troubled past, a hidden guilt, or perhaps a hint of something more sinister? I must admit, you've piqued my curiosity."
"I know... those mutants, including you, might not choose to be born with it. We all are kind of born this way," Wanderer paused, closing his eyes as he chose his words carefully. "Because of God's wisdom," he continued, meeting her eyes. "But still, I find it hard to destroy my... racism toward different kinds."
If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.
Vila tilted her head and responded in a gentle yet firm tone. "Wanderer, it is indeed true that people don't choose how they're born. But your ability to recognize your prejudices and desire to change them is already a step in the right direction. True change doesn't happen overnight; it takes time and a commitment to growth." Her voice softened as she placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Know that with patience, understanding, and kindness, we can challenge our prejudices."
Wanderer looked at her hand on his shoulder. "Tell me... do you like power?"
"Wanderer, your question is intriguing. Do I like power, hm?" She met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. " While I understand the allure of power, I believe that true strength lies in compassion and understanding." She squeezed his shoulder gently before withdrawing her hand.
"And, in the end, true strength comes from the heart—from the kindness and compassion we extend to ourselves and others. That, Wanderer, is the power I truly cherish."
"I still didn't get a clear answer from you, dear," Wanderer pressed,
Vila laughed softly, "Very well, Wanderer, I shall answer your question directly. Yes, I have experienced the allure of power. In the Wasteland, survival often requires navigating complex power dynamics. As a leader, I've had to learn the art of wielding power strategically. So, to answer your question, yes, I have wielded power and understand its allure. But I also believe that true strength lies in compassionate leadership."
Wanderer’s expression turned serious. "Will you sacrifice your people for greater power?"
Vila's demeanor grew stern, "Wanderer, True leadership is not about personal gain; it's about serving and protecting those who rely on you. Your question, Wanderer, is misguided and goes against everything I stand for."
"Good," Wanderer replied, a
Vila nodded, a small smile playing at her lips. "Wanderer, your ability to see the wisdom in my answer is commendable. It seems there's more to you than just brute force. Perhaps, in the depths of your soul,." She regarded him thoughtfully, a flicker of warmth in her eyes. "Tell me, Wanderer, what drives you on this journey of yours? Is it merely the quest for power, or do your true ideals reside somewhere beneath your hardened exterior?"
"I might be the most paradoxical person you will ever meet. I like war, but on the other hand, I like peace," Wanderer then lean on rail of gazebo.
Vila's expression softened, her eyes filled with empathy. "Wanderer, your confession speaks volumes. It's no easy task to reconcile the paradox of loving war and yet desiring peace. But perhaps these seemingly opposing forces simply reflect a deeper yearning within you." She leaned a bit closer. "Tell me, Wanderer, do you seek balance amidst the chaos? Is that what drives you on this quest?”
"Hm... I am both a sadist and a compassionate person," he admitted.
Vila chuckled softly, nodding eagerly. " fascinating. It seems you contain a range of conflicting elements. Let me ask, Wanderer, how do these different aspects coexist within you?"
"God is indeed complex too, isn't he? He is both creator and destroyer, both compassion and punisher. Yet, despite this, we worship him—most of us—and love him, some of us," Wanderer mused.
Vila nodded thoughtfully, "Wanderer, you speak truly.. It seems life itself is a reflection of these contradictions, a dance between opposites that shapes our experiences. Tell me, Wanderer, do you think this complexity mirrors our own nature as humans, or does it surpass it?"
"I can't tell. The more I learn about God, the more I don't know him," Wanderer replied,
Vila laughed softly, nodding in agreement once again. " A profound realization, Wanderer. The mysteries of divinity… the more we seek, the less we seem to know.”
"I learn to use to it. But tell me, among these sermons, do you truly love Allah?" Wanderer asked, his tone shifting to something more serious.
Vila paused, considering his question before answering with sincerity. "Wanderer, I do not love Allah in the way one would love a father or a friend. I have utmost respect and admiration for Allah as the supreme creator and sustainer of the world. My love for Allah is more akin to reverence and gratitude. I believe that our love for Allah is expressed through our actions and our love for each other” she then look at the duck in pond who swimming in circle. “ It is not a feeling we can simply describe with words, but rather a commitment to live a life aligned with His teachings and strive to be good to ourselves and others."
Wanderer leaned back against the bench near the gazebo, pausing before he spoke again. "I... don't love him," he admitted. "At first, I thought my prayer and my devotion were symbols of love to him, but actually, that was a lie. I prayed to him because I wanted something in return. It was transactional. When the world got harder, I always questioned him during my prayers, while I knew his wisdom. But I always wanted something."
"Wanderer, your honesty is commendable. It's a difficult revelation, recognizing that your prayers were not truly rooted in love but in expectation. But, even in this realization, there lies an opportunity for growth. Perhaps the question to ponder now is this: how can you transform your prayers into a genuine connection with Allah? Remember, your journey of understanding and self-discovery is a process. It doesn't happen overnight."
Wanderer chuckled softly, "Heh... I might love my soldiers and my woman more than God himself," he said, tapping his lips and then smiling a bit. "But I hope God loves me."
Vila chuckled softly, " Remember, Wanderer, even in moments of doubt and uncertainty, a flicker of hope can ignite the flame of love and faith within your soul. May that spark grow brighter, even in the darkest of times."
Wanderer sighed heavily. "Well, yes... it's hard to love something that doesn't speak our language, isn't it? Enough about this conversation, though. Let's get back to the earth realm conversation."
Vila nodded in agreement, " What other matters or questions do you have on your mind?"
Wanderer met her gaze, his expression serious. "Yes... it's about the future war in the Wasteland."
" Tell me about the situation and how I might assist in preparing our community and ensuring safety and stability." She leaned slightly forward,
"So, you want to work with me? The stinky warlord?" Wanderer asked,
Vila chuckled, "Wanderer, your self-deprecating sense of humor is quite endearing. If your intentions are genuine and our goals align, then we may find common ground for cooperation. If our goals align, we can cooperate. But Rayaskent comes first. Always."
"Good girl..." Wanderer replied, a smirk playing on his lips.
Vila laughed softly, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Wanderer, I must admit, your compliment brings a smile to my face. It's good to know you appreciate my determination. “
she then look around at the serene atmosphere, and in windows she can see some her student trying to peeking through windows. he then look at wanderer
“Now, about this war… What do you have in mind? Because if you think I’m just going to hand over my people to be used as cannon fodder, you’re sadly mistaken"
Wanderer leaned back against the gazebo railing, a calculating look in his eyes. "I have a proposal..." he then proceeded to outline his plan for integrating his mercenaries with Rayaskent's defenses, offering better prices and services in exchange for protection. but at same times maintain the neutrality of rayaskent. and keep it simple to the population because the complexity of the situation. As he spoke, Vila watched him carefully, her expression unreadable. The ducks in the pond continued their endless, silent circles.