Ven: Part 2

Ch. 7 Responsibilities and the shirking thereof

"You're kidding, right." Vick's disapproving tone comes through the phone.

"Nope, we've found the group of troublemakers and we're joining them." I say brightly.

"You can't." He says evenly. "You are our leader, Ven. You must stay to show us our direction."

I sigh and stare at the small group gathered around a very smoky fire, my eyes immediately fixating on the young woman.

Her name is Tasma.

She's so cool.

"Look, I know I'm supposed to be the glorious leader, but let's be real here, Vick. I'm just some stranger that blew into town and fought a bunch of robots, I'm no leader." I say finally.

"You have no idea how much of a leader you are." He argues. "You take charge in dire situations, you inspire the people around you, you are a natural leader."

"Yeah, but I don't want to," I reply. "I'll always be here to help out, and I'll be there at a moments notice, but I'm not your leader."

"Hold on." He says flatly.

I hear hurried footsteps, a door opening, and then slamming shut.

"Ven, we need you here with us," he whispers, "you're our guiding light out here."

"Then you've chosen the wrong light," I rub my eyes, "the Turncoats have it way more figured out than I do. I really think you should join them and let them steer you all. I'll always be on your side, and I'll always come when called. But I'm not a leader."

"Ven, we..."

"We're staying here, Vick." I say firmly. "We still all have the same goal, we're just going freelance for now. I leave the Caravan Palace in your incredibly capable hands."

"But, Ven, I..."

"No buts." I say. I can feel something like a wave of something. I tense and bring it up. "And hey, Vick," the wave reaches my mouth. "Relax." My throat feels warm, almost uncomfortably so. I clear my throat. "Try and take it easier, y'know?"

"Yeah, okay," his voice sounds less strained than usual, "call if you need us, I guess."

"You too, Vick." I hang up.

"Finished revealing our location?" Tasma asks staring me straight in the eyes.

"Yeah, just about," I reply.

I walk over and flop myself down between Marney and Jacob.

"So, what's the deal with this little group?" Tasma gestures at the three of us. "A tall, incredibly wanted criminal, someone that looks to be an islander, and you," she glares at Marney.

"A bit abrupt," Marney pouts.

"You've been here all day and haven't told us much." Tasma says coolly.

"I guess my charges are out there now so there's no point dancing around it," I jump in, "they're all false anyway. From what I understand," I begin.

"You mean you don't actually know?" Tasma says quickly.

"Nope, I'm just piecing bits together," I shrug. "Someone I know..."

"Your older sister," Marney interrupts.

"We're the same age." I snap.

"So, you're telling me your twin sister is the leader of the World Government?" Tasma's hands rise, a light fog rolls off them.

"Yeah, she nearly killed me and then ran off to join the World Government when we were 15, a year later I get hauled away for crimes I didn't commit." I say flatly. "Then I get conned into doing a job for them and she shows up and nearly kills me again. Not exactly a strong familial bond there, so you can put those away." I nod at her hands.