Shifters

Shaw

Josh sat quietly at the opposite end of the table, observing the seated figure. From his understanding, the man before him was apparently the leader of The Resistance. Prior to his previous demeanor, he appeared much calmer. His earlier grin had also disappeared, replaced with a somber look.

'What could be the root cause of the bad blood between him and Joana?' Josh wondered recalling what happened moments ago, 'Didn't he say we had a lot to discuss, why's he so quiet?'

Just as he thought the silence would never come to an end, the man cleared as throat loudly. The sudden action startled him slightly.

Noticing Josh's reaction, he started, "No need to be so tense. You'll come to no harm in my presence."

Josh sat uncertainly as his thoughts once again strayed to the previous happenings.

"If you're worried about earlier, don't be. As you can probably tell, Joana and I rarely see eye to eye," he continued, as if reading his mind, "without Celene here to mediate, I'd prepared substantial outside support just in case she rebelled."

"Is that the reason so many guards were placed out front?" Josh questioned.

"One can't be too careful," he responded, studying Josh closely, "However, it seems they weren't needed after all. Imagine my surprise when the most troublesome ally within the Resistance had her anger quelled by the unknown boy she brought back. Tell me boy, how'd you manage to tame that tigress?"

"I-I didn't do anything, Joana's been helping me since I met her," he responded, "honestly, I find myself indebted to her after saving my life so many times."

"I see," the man said, rubbing his chin, "Where are my manners, the name's Shaw!"

"My name's Josh, at-at least I think so," he said voice trailing off.

"Hmm," he said, still stroking his chin, "They did mention your amnesia briefly however, there are many ways to invoke such a phenomenon."

"Does that mean you know how to help me regain my memories?" he asked standing abruptly.

"There are a few methods that come to mind, however, I'll need you to answer some more questions, "he said, removing a yellow piece of paper stained with red markings.

Shaw placed the talisman gently onto the table's surface, palm lightly pressing on it. Removing his palm, Josh could barely make out the word inscribe on the paper, 'Truth'

His eyes widened as wild thoughts ran through his mind, 'What exactly was that paper? Could it, as the name implied, be a spell that invoked truth?'

As Josh sat quietly pondering the meaning for the talisman, Shaw watched his expressions slowly, "Do you know what this is?"

"I don't," he replied.

Shaw eyed the talisman as he continued, "why did you react that way when I brought it out?"

"Since I've been travelling with Joana, I've seen something similar," he responded, "I've had really bad experiences with those things. Besides, I've no idea what it does and after what I've been through I'm sure you can understand my apprehensive behavior."

"I suppose to someone new to our way of living, such things may seem dangerous," he responded, considering his words after noting no changes in the talisman, "I understand your concerns to some extent, however, you needn't be alarmed, this is merely a talisman capable of judging ones honesty."

Josh visibly relaxed as his suspicions were confirmed, 'It's not like I've anything to hide, right?'

"So now that you're here, what are you intentions?" he asked after a brief pause.

"I just want to know who I am!" he said strongly, "it's the only reason I'm here in the first place. Joana promised me answers here!"

"Hmm," he replied, "either everything you said was the truth or the talisman is defective."

"Isn't there a way to prove my innocence?" Josh asked.

"Of course there is!' he said with grin before continuing, "Joana is my favorite person in the universe!"

Almost instantly, the talisman flared brightly, incinerating before their eyes.

"It seems the talisman works," he laughed, drawing a smile from the nervous Josh.

"In all seriousness," he began, laughter subsiding, "our current situation is a bit hectic. We've recently lost a few of our best operatives, which, even though I hate to say this, means we're now heavily reliant on Joana. Naturally, I'd like to help you out, however, we can't spare any of our already limited resources."

"I understand," Josh responded, dejectedly.

"Unless," he went on, "you've contributed to the fight!"

Josh sat in silence as he mulled over his words. He was in no way a fighter, nor did he have any special abilities to rely on.

"Can you elaborate?" Josh asked mid-decision.

"It's nothing dangerous," Shaw responded, "just like The Order, we operate based off a merit system. Those that contribute gain access to rewards, the higher the contribution, the greater the reward. In your case, starting an investigation on a cure for amnesia can be considered as a possible reward."

"It sounds way too easy when you phrase it like that," Josh said uncertainly.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch," Shaw said emphatically, "This is the best offer I can make. It's your decision."

"What would you do if I refused?" Josh questioned.

"We'd arrange for you to be sent to a planet within the neutral zone," he replied, "you could probably make a good life there, a fresh start so to speak. However, your peace wouldn't last long as you've already appeared on The Order's radar."

"What do you mean?" Josh asked, alarmed by his words.

"Did you really think your escapades with one of our strongest members would go unnoticed?" he laughed.

Josh slumped into his chair, stunned by Shaw's words. The thought never crossed really his mind, after all, Joana usually did the heavy lifting and the only people that knew of his existence were locked away here.

Weighing his options carefully, Josh decided, "It seems I'm screwed either way, so I'll choose the option that gives me a chance of regaining my lost memories."

"Excellent choice!" Shaw grinned widely, "Shall we go tell Joana the great news?"