We’re seated in a large gymnasium that seats a few hundred people. The Snake Prince has given us seats at the top so that we can witness the full spectacle of the game. For now a wall is being built between the two sides of the floor and a metal hoop being hung sideways on a wall opposite of the crowd. Shit, we’ve been here three days and I just remembered this isn’t a vacation. Why would I ever go on vacation with Kay?

“Kay,” I shout at her.

“What is it Alex,” she’s been in a great mood since we got here.

“How do we get the code so we can leave?”

“Code, I don’t remember any code.”

Usually I’d call her a liar and threaten to shoot her but I think she’s telling the truth. I just remembered the code now. We’ve been eating great food, visiting hot springs, taking in musical performances. All while forgetting what our goal was. Daamin has even forgotten he was upset with Kay now that I think about.

“Kai, did The Snake Prince ever tell us where the code was,” I ask.

“The code? The code,” he seems shocked. “I forgot the code.”

“Did you guys say code,” Daamin asks. “How did we forget the code,” he asks in a panic.

“He’s been keeping us distracted, maybe even drugging us. Great meals, relaxation, entertainment,” I list the benefits.

“Daamin,” Kai turns to him. “How did Goku get out The Snake Princess’ Castle?”

Daamin thinks for a moment, “he pledged allegiance to his Chi-Chi and Gohan.”

“Well, that isn’t going to work,” I look back to the construction of the wall.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

“I love my family and I’m loyal to them,” Kai says and looks around. “I guess we’re going to need a new option.”

A trumpet plays a quick tune as the game begins. One team stands on each side of the wall passing a ball back and forth. They attempt to get the ball through the hoop with each pass, but it seems near impossible from where I’m sitting. Points are awarded if the opposite team lets the ball hit the ground or doesn’t make it over the wall. One team manages to get the ball through the hoop and are instantly declared the winners. There’s still twelve minutes left on the clock, and they were down by eight points, but they’ve won. I don’t pretend I understand the game. With the game over The Snake Prince takes to the court to make an announcement.

“Tomorrow night, I’ll be having my annual Lunar Ball on the surface. I hope you will all be in attendance. I will be presenting my heart to the woman who will wed me,” The Snake Prince winks at Kai.

“I keep telling him, I’ve got no interest,” Kai is obviously annoyed. “The bastard keeps ranting about how I’ll fall in love and it’ll be great.”

“Well tell him a different way, make him get the point,” Kay is turning bright red, obviously fuming.

“We really need to talk about you trapping us in your memory wipe harem. This shit is weird and when I figure out how to get out, I’m going to shoot you again. I’ve got a brand-new shotgun and I’m going to love breaking it in on you. I hope it sends you flying,” I threaten her.

“This is my fantasy and I won’t have it ruined by you two assholes,” Kay shouts.

“We know it’s your fantasy you undercover pervert,” I respond.

“Who are you calling a pervert you asshole.”

“Asshole asshole asshole, we get it, I’m an asshole. But who trapped a million people in her game so she can get her rocks off with snake people. Or is it just reptiles in general?”

“Asshole,” Kay shouts.

“Will you stop,” Daamin speaks up, his voice a few octaves deeper than normal. “Kay, you’re the asshole here. You’re jealous of Kai because he’s living in the nightmare that is the harem you designed for yourself. You’re mad at Alexandre because he kidnapped you but what was he supposed to do? I love this game world; a lot of people do. I would gladly stay here the rest of my life but most people want to go home and you were just going to leave us here. On top of that you played me. You made me feel like you cared about me then as soon as you got in front of your harem you act like I don’t even exit. Fuck you Kay, seriously. Fuck you,” Daamin storms down the bleachers and out of sight.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard him use a bad word,” Kai says once we’ve all taken a moment to breathe.

“I’m going to shoot you an extra time just for making my friend feel bad,” I smile at Kay.