Fate and Duty

Field Trip

"Life is unfair, Robbie. It's unfair to you, and it's unfair to me. It's even unfair to the people who appear to have it all."

"Huh?"

"That girl you like. Dig deeper. What's so special about her?"

"I don't know... she's a girl?"

Marina laughed, wiggled her healthy foot, and pounded his face with it.

"Dummy. Think about her attitude. Do you think her boyfriend enjoys it?"

"Yes! He can go places with her, eat with her, and... touch her."

"You and I can go places together, and eat together."

"But I can't touch you."

The foot slammed harder on his face. It was the essence of bliss.

"You can touch me, Robbie. Anywhere you like..."

Anywhere?! He reached forward with his hands, unsure where to put them first...

And then he opened his eyes.

Awake, back in the cell, for the fourth time. Sleeping under these conditions proved difficult, but Marina was still out cold, her foot tapping gently on his face. Carefully, so as not to disturb her, he moved it back over his gut. How many hours has it been? Five or six, based on feeling alone. Normally, at that time of day he would have to prepare for work. He'd also grab something to eat, not to mention drink. His throat was absolutely parched.

"Too many of them..." the beauty mumbled from above, "Don't go."

Dreams about past adventures? Whoops almost received a kick to the face. He never thought sleeping underneath a woman could be so hazardous. Lacking anything to do, Bobby closed his eyes, and tried to fall asleep for the fifth time. Every dream so far was about Marina, mostly talking to him. They felt strangely vivid, as if the two of them were actually interacting.

"I'm friend-zoned," he whispered in satisfaction. That meant being above non-existent.

Sleep did not return, though, so he just stayed on his back, lying over the small area of warmth that his body generated on the floor, under the two puddles of warmth that were Marina's feet, and listened to the noises people made around the building, as more of them woke up. Some of those were loud and troubling. Either doors were being slammed frequently, or they were executing prisoners via firing squads. Restless, and growing more anxious, Bobby decided to have a chat.

With some effort, he rose to a sitting position, and from there managed to stand up. His hands were quite grimy from the floor, so he wiped them to the best of his ability on the plaid pants, and turned to lift Marina's legs.

That did not wake her up. Clearing his throat vocally did nothing either, so he rocked his hips back and forth until her soft, groggy voice was heard from behind.

"Mhmmdemons?"

"No. It's me, Robbie."

"What are you doing in Kadesh'Yam?"

"Huh?! Marina, I really need to know about that ceremony."

She moaned, shook her legs, and whined.

"I could really use a bathroom right now."

"Do you want me to stand in the corner and cover my ears?"

"... No. Anyways, the ritual. Special location, owner has to be present and reject the link. Potentially new owner has to be there too, of course."

"And?"

"My approval can help, but he must offer a blood sacrifice."

"A what?! Are you serious?"