Wonderer's Wish World 2: Evolutionary Rebirth

A Terrible Scene

Day 23

Time: 4:59PM

Location: Abandoned Diner, Death-Tastin' Desert

The sharp intake from Engine told Darius all he needed to know, and he dropped his head in disappointment.

"That bad, huh?"

"I really can't say I didn't warn you," Engine muttered. "Well, it's not that bad, technically. When the gangs stopped getting paid to wage their war, that didn't stop them completely. It's not like Kin really ever paid us enough to go out a die a million times over anyway. He paid us enough to get us started, and then let the gang loyalty and pride do the rest. Our leaders are still greedy as hell, don't get me wrong, but even though we've lost what originally started this fight doesn't mean it's gone forever."

"Oh."

"There's something else, too," Engine continued. We're not getting paid anymore, perse, but there's rumours that SpellMatrix and Sparklabs are looking to get in the fight."

Darius' head snapped up. "What? Them? Why?"

"Words gotten out about that fog," Engine grumbled. "And even though it's clearly awful and dangerous, it's too much of an opportunity for them to ignore. Anyway, maybe that's a good thing. The gangs will clear out when the soldiers come in."

Darius gulped. "No, I think that's still bad. There are PEOPLE living there, Engine! And dinosaurs!"

"I hear you, I hear you," Kin huffed. "In my opinion, they should think about heading out, too. They won't though, the stupid hardheads. Something about tradition, and staking their claim or whatever."

Darius frowned. "Is there anyway to stop them?"

"The only way SpellMatrix and Spark Labs will give up is if they see the fog is useless," Engine told him, matter of fact. "But I think they'll find some use for it, on way or another."

"They're going to hurt so many people," Darius hissed.

There was a sound on the other side of the line that made Darius think Engine was shrugging. "That's the way it is, kid. Sorry. There's nothing either of us can do, do don't even bother going out to find the presidents of SpellMatrix or Spark Labs, or whatever you were planning to do."

"Neither of those things," Darius said, rolling his eyes.

"Whatever," Engine scoffed. She didn't believe him. "In any case, what are you planning to do now?"

"About SpellMatrix and Spark Labs? Nothing, I swear."

"No, you dolt," Engine chulked. "I meant in general. To any other people, it might look like you're going wherever, whenever, but I know the look of a person trying to push on and get somewhere. You're no wanderer. Whereto?"

"Nightlight City," Darius told her, and Engine made a noise that sounded like 'of course'. "But it's not just that. I'm looking for someone."

"Is that so? Who? If you want, I can look them up."

"I don't think that'll help," Darius replied, smiling ruefully. "But thanks anyway. She's... an old friend that means a lot to me. I hope she's alright."

"Is she in danger?" Engine asked, and Darius frowned.

"I... Not yet, I-," Darius started, before he paused. It'd been nearly a month since he'd received that message. That was a long time. "...I have no idea."

"Yeah, that sucks," Engine hummed. "You want some advice?"

Darius winced. "Um, it depends... let's hear it?"