Gaslight Trials | The Wattys2023 Shortlister ✔️

12 | A Girl from Fumedge

"Your father won't listen. I was so stupid to think it could change. Even if I win tomorrow, even if I get that stupid key to the City. Life will change just for me, not for anyone else."

"There is something we can do. Another way. A new plan. We have to try. I will try. Leave it to me." Langdon's voice is feverish, fervent.

"I'm not sure if it can work, L. Fumedge and Lighthaven. Chalk and cheese. Wasn't meant to be."

A small smile dances around his lips. "Sympathy, compassion and camaraderie are weaknesses in Gaslight Trials, I used to think. But it is not true. Not anymore." He points at the workshop door.

Holy Pete.

The White, The Blue, The Gray and The Red Champion stand before me in the Workshop.

Determination emanates from their gazes.

"I can't accept this," I hear myself say.

"You must, Veda." Mar runs into my hug. "Stella and I spent the entire night fixing up your Exoboots and your stun ray gun. But we kept thinking it won't be enough. The Puncher is too strong. You need to get stronger." When she pulls apart, Mar presses a tiny automaton into my palm. "When we met in the semifinal match, I did all I could to stop you from winning. Now, I want to do all I can to help you win."

I choke on my own tears.

"Because if you lose, he will kill you, Veda. I can't let that happen. This butterfly is the only one your sparks didn't destroy. When you are ready, whistle and use the command: Sting. It should be enough to paralyze The Puncher."

I don't know what to say. I didn't expect this.

Mariposa knows me well. "You don't have to say anything. Just give me a good luck hug once more."

When I put my arms around her neck I feel myself trapped in her embrace. She begins talking, very fast, very quietly in my ear, my bird-nest hair concealing her lips."

"Like I said, word in Menagerie was that his armor is almost impenetrable. But the one thing you can get at, I gave you the weapon to do so."

"He should feel what it's like to be dragged off. To be stuffed in a stone box for weeks, or months, or even years."

"And the Duke," echoes Stella. "He has been the worst kind of leader. It's not enough to give people what they need to survive, like mindless cattle. You have to give them what they need to live."

"Wear this, for extra protection." Marina puts the helmet with sturdy goggles in the shape of butterfly eyes on my yellow workstation.

Stella places her tracking shurikens next to the helmet. "These will wound him, slow him."

"These..." Steelfist steps forth, handing me the red brass gauntlets... "Will lock on the Demolisher. Then you leap, slam the ground and pummel at him."

"I... I don't know what to say, Steelfist."

"Say yes." He chuckles.

"These aren't my play style. I'm just..."

"Fast, right? Fast is good. Makes you harder to catch." The Red Champion grins.

"You told me that the first time we met." I smile back.

"I did. But I did not tell you my name. Diallo." He stretches out his hand. "It means the bold one. But I would be the honored one if you accepted my gift and defeated that dishonorable man." Diallo pats Langdon on the shoulder.

My eyebrows shoot up. "Are ye alright?"

"Me? Right as rain."

"In case you forgot, lad, I can read ye like a book."