The Machine God Series: An Endless Nightmare

Chapter 9: After School Rumble

*warning: contains harsh language not suitable for some.

Chapter 9: After School Rumble (unedited)

Anger burned within Yahnhinko as he listened to Conrad gloat about his father, Zallis’s achievement. The worst was that people were actually admiring him, Conrad.  It would be satisfying to beat his pride into the ground.  After the party, he had put all of his projects on hold to get Iron Hoof, his standard edition Wild Stallion with custom weapons.  A sword lance was his choice of weapon, along with a medium strength, lightweight shield on the opposing shoulder. Reinforced hooves allowed for easier travel in the mountains, and packed a punch.  He had never seen Conrad’s Tiger Striped Killer, but they certainly weren’t a common breed of Killer. The fact that his father was military and Conrad himself was in pre-training meant that it probably had a few special weapons as well.

“Hey, Yahnhinko was it?” an unfamiliar voice greeted.  When he turned around, he found Conrad’s little brother, Zeron. “ Don’t know if you remember me but I’m Zeron. I’m sorry for how my brother treated you”

Zeron laughed nervously, adjusting his glasses then clearing his throat. From the way he stood there, casting a sideways glance at his brother, Yahnhinko gathered that he was embarrassed, maybe even ashamed. Having a brother like that… who wouldn’t be?

“Yes, that is my name. No need to feel sorry for your brother’s actions. Can’t be helped.” The last words were a bit forced, but he managed to keep the smile on his face.  “So long as you don’t turn out to be like him”

“Oh no, no, no! We are nothing alike at all. In fact, we might as well be total opposites.”  Zeron shook his hands to emphasize his point. “Anyways, I heard from Nehna that you are into computers and ancient technology?”

“Yes, indeed I am.” Yahnhinko was glad to get Conrad out of his mind. It certainly will be nice to have someone to talk to with similar interests. “I’m currently studying some paintings found at the open ruins near here.  I think they might have a more significance than just decoration.”

“Fascinating! Have you found anything so far?”

“Well, one of the phrases seems to be reoccurring throughout the ruins. My goal so far is to discover what it says”

“Maybe we should go out there together. I could do with a little project to work on.”

Before Yahnhinko could accept Zeron’s offer, something heavy leaned against his side, prodding him in the ribs.

“Setting up a date?” the annoying voice teased.

“Get away from me Conrad” Yahnhinko hissed, shoving him away. “Do I have to get a restraining order on you?”

“Chill out!”  Conrad dusted himself off.

“Both of you need to calm down. Can’t you get along for just a few minutes?” Nehna sighed, stepping in between the two.

“I don’t think that is possible” Leaf chimed in. “ Though I would suggest they save their anger and hatred for the fight”

This is hopeless. I should have known they wouldn’t get along. Nehna though to herself as she watched them glare at each other.  What do I do?

“Sorry if I can’t get along with that cannibal over there” Conrad sneered, referring to the stereotype of Mountain Zirosu from when their existence was recently  recognized officially by the government of Souta. Society took a bit longer to accept these things, a lot longer than fifteen years.