Jamais Vu

Chapter 27: There Is No "I" in Team but Also No "We"

Minutes passed by and there was not a single peep. Both Jessachi and Onreifni were stomped by the riddle. Jessachi did her best to stop thinking about her past and about Zepki but she couldn't shake the fact that Onreifni knew such detail about her life. She has no memory of sharing such information with him so how would he even know how she likes her coconut water. She did her best to stay focused in the tournament.

Jessachi: This is a tough riddle. What could the answer be?

Onreifni: What is a riddle?

Jessachi: Are you serious? Onreifni you idiot, that is why you should've studied like I told you. A riddle is a question or statement that is phrased in such a manner that requires critical thinking in order to be solved.

Onreifni: Oh, so sorta like a puzzle but with words!

Jessachi: *sigh* Yes, like a puzzle but with words. Now hurry up and start thinking. "I am sweet but also sour," hmmm.

Onreifni: Oh I know! An orange!

Jessachi did a facepalm. It was clear that "An orange" was not the answer, and neither was any of the following foods that Onreifni mentioned. The duo struggled a bit more before joining the others on the ground. Maybe they should've done like everyone else and only gone one at a time instead of the pair.

Onreifni: Yeah I am not good at these riddles.

Jessachi: You think?

Onreifni: But I might know someone who is, actually I can think of 3 people who can help. Give me a moment.

Jessachi: What are you doing?

Onreifni began to meditate with his eyes closed. He muttered under his breath and after a few seconds, he opened his eyes. "The answer is A Day," said Onreifni with confidence. Jessachi inputted the answer and the screen greeted them with the word "CLEARED".

Jessachi: How did you know?

Onreifni: Well let us just say that the trio can do much more than just cause trouble.

They were awarded a rope and could now head over to the next checkpoint. They wondered what the rope was for but right now their biggest concern was getting to the next checkpoint with no vehicle. Just then a helicopter with a huge crate flew above them. One of the pilots got off and introduced themselves.

Pilot: Party members of Team Naju-46F, this is a donation from one of your sponsors.

Jessachi: Sponsors? Who?

Pilot: Someone by the name of Professor Zalefe.

Onreifni: Oh the professor! How sweet of him.

Jessachi: You know this guy?

Onreifni: Yes Briotami and I were tasked to help test out a couple of his inventions the other day. Really cool guy but wacky.

Pilot: Please sign here to confirm that you have received the donations.

Jessachi signed and the large crate was dropped revealing a brand new Model S Tekanani, just like the one helped test drive. Jessachi got into the driver's seat and Onreifni in the passenger just like before. When the doors closed a live feed was displayed on the vehicle's screen.

Zalefe: Hello? Can you guys hear me?

Onreifni: Professor!

Jessachi: That's him? The wacko with the wacky inventions?