Haze pt 7: SENARY FALLOUT

Segun:

This place is huge.

Nil:

The start spaces area of any Advanced Race is always overly elaborate. They’re supposed to make you feel like a big deal.

Segun:

It makes me feel small. Like, why does the ceiling have to be made of a million, twenty-foot tall arches? Nobody would bonk their head if those were a little shorter.

Nil:

Maybe they’re taunting me to fly away.

Segun:

Why are you here, Nil? I thought you didn’t compete.

Nil:

I’m not going to let you race alone. This is a pay-to-enter race, but the Masters agreed, so here I am again, facing my worst fears because of you.

Segun:

Is that a joke, or am I genuinely supposed to thank you?

Nil:

A little of both.

Segun:

It’s hard to understand you when you huff your words like that.

Nil:

That’s the point of doing it. Here, stand in your start space, number nine. I’ll be right next to you in number eight.

Segun:

Why am I in the last space? Is that significant?

Nil:

Because they’re based on rankings, and you came in last in your last race.

Segun:

I lost last time? Am I even good at this?

Nil:

You are a great racer, Segun. Just some bad stuff happened last race.

Segun:

What if it all goes wrong again?

Nil:

It won’t because I’m here.

Segun:

If you don’t compete and the spaces are ranked, shouldn’t you be last?

Nil:

I’ve been in one race, and I won it. Technically, they want me in the first start space, but I declined. I want to be next to you.

Segun:

Because I’m a baby, and I need you to watch me?

Nil:

That’s one way of putting it. Face forward like everyone else.

Announcer:

Five…Four…Three…Two…One…Lily Pad Advanced Race begin!

Segun:

Ug, what is that smell?

Nil:

Frog breath, or at least, it smells like Prima’s breath when she ate those frogs she was supposed to be training with. We’re supposed to be running now.

Segun:

Oh, of course.

Nil:

Running means going faster than you are now.

Segun:

It seems reckless to sprint over these uneven tufts of grass, though. Everyone should slow down.

Nil:

You do remember the concept of a race, right?

Segun:

I’ve got this. Run along and mind your own business.

Nil:

Making sure you’re right in the head is my own business.

Segun:

I don’t see what that has to do with being a black market overlord. ~SPLASH~

Nil:

I’m not— Oh I see that smirk. Are you in a joking mood now?

Segun:

Thought I’d try to say something punchy before we jumped in the water. Why are you flying?

Nil:

Because I don’t swim.

Segun:

You have gills, don’t you?

Nil:

They’re the only mod I’ve ever won.

Segun:

You touch them like they’re something foreign on your body.

Nil:

All my other mods I was born with, but these slits in my neck, I don’t trust them.

Segun:

Hmmm. ~SPLASH~

Nil:

Wait, Segun! Ug. She’s taking the lower path on purpose. I can still see you, and you’ll have to come back up here anyway. Eventually you’ll have to leap up that tower of lily pads.

Server:

Go up, Segundo. You do not possess the necessary mods to traverse the low, underwater path.

Segun:

Who…where are you?

Server:

I am the Server, and I am watching.

Segun:

Are you speaking in my mind?

Server:

As lovely as it is to spy you dancing through the bubbles as you spin in hunt of me, I advise you to swiftly resurface. You will not find me, and you will drown if you insist on searching.

Segun:

That’s a yes, then? You are tapping into my head?

Sever:

The other racers are not languid. The longer you dawdle, the more impossible it will be for you to catch up, Segundo.

Segun:

Again, that name that’s not quite mine. Is there something wrong with you, Server? Aren’t you supposed to keep track of us all? You would think the real Server would at least get our names right.

Server:

That Splicer erased and modified large portions of your memories, replacing your real name in the process, but you will always be Segundo to me.

Segun:

You’re saying I’m supposed to know you, but I don’t because that doctor altered my memories? Do you have any proof, or am I just supposed to trust you?

Nil:

Finally, Segun. Don’t just squat there on the lowest lily pad. The other racers are already solving the puzzles at the top.

Server:

I helped you. When your Masters treated you like an extra, an afterthought, I put you where you would succeed and made sure everyone saw your victory.

Segun:

If you’re such a great savior, why did you let them erase my memories in the first place?

Server:

To see what you would choose.

Segun:

Now you sound like a villain.

Server:

You would term me a villain for allowing you to express your free will? I could dictate your every action. Get up, Segundo. Leap from lily pad to lily pad.

Segun:

I am already, but not because you told me to. And these are odd lily pads, sticking out like platforms from a huge stalk.

Server:

You made a deal with me, Segundo. I would arrange for you to race, and in return, I would learn through you. I would change this world through you, show the humans something greater, something never to be finished, always offering new wonders.

Nil:

Segun, are you alright? Did something distract you?

Segun:

I’m fine. I don’t need your help, Nil.

Nil:

You’re dangling from the edge of a giant leaf because you didn’t make your jump because you blanked out and hesitated. Something’s up.

Segun:

I… Do you hear voices in your head?

Nil:

What kind of voices? And let me help you onto this leaf before you fall.

Segun:

It claims to be the Server, and it says such strange things. Don’t hover like you expect me to fall again.

Nil:

What strange things?

Server:

Our covenant has not ended, Segundo. You are racing even now, are you not? Despite your glitch curse.

Segun:

Are you trying to claim it’s your doing?

Nil:

Segun! Oof! What is the Server saying to you?

Segun:

What bad thing happened in my last race, Nil?

Nil:

…If you don’t remember, maybe it’s best left that way.

Segun:

I feel like I’m missing something, like I don’t belong here.

Nil:

Don’t stop, Segun. The leaves won’t hold your weight for long.

Segun:

What is a glitch curse?

Server:

Do not lean like that. The wind will take you. You are falling, Segundo.

Segun:

I’m not falling. I leapt.

Server:

You are plummeting back toward the lake. At least make an attempt to orient yourself into a proper dive.

Segun:

I prefer a cannon ball. ~SPLASH~

Server:

You may think the water hides your tears, but note that I perceive the world through you. If you know you are crying, so do I.

~SPLASH~

Nil:

Seriously, Segun, at least attempt to swim. This is an Advanced Race. You can die here.

Segun:

You came into the water for me.

Nil:

Yes, and I’d like to get out of the water as soon as possible. Do you want to win this race?

Segun:

We are so far behind, wanting to win is nothing but a waste of wishes.

Nil:

My Segun believes nothing is impossible, and I found a shortcut, but…

Segun:

You found a shortcut butt? That sounds unpleasant.

Nil:

Trust me, it is, but it involves a much scarier body part.

Segun:

I think a butt is scary enough if it’s huge and about to crush you.

Nil:

We should be close enough right…about…here.

Segun:

Whoa! Is that an eel? I think my heart just exploded.

Nil:

It shoots out from behind the waterfall if anyone gets too close.

Segun:

It can’t come any further out, right? Despite its thrashing?

Nil:

I don’t think so. But for the shortcut, we have to let it eat us, I think.

Segun:

You think? Just how did you deduce this?

Nil:

Read the poem etched into its nose.

Segun:

That’s difficult with how much its wiggling.

Nil:

I’ll give you that since technically I saw it from the air, but come on, Segun. You were much smarter when you still had your fox ears. Hey, don’t slash at me with your claws! I’m trying to help you.

Segun:

Just read me the poem, galactic boy.

Nil:

Who ignores hunger’s call/ Who refuses to be the feast/ They will fall. Those who are taken in/ Ride the belly of the beast/ For the win.

Segun:

So we have to eat the eel?

Nil:

Who are you, Prima? Put your claws down. We have to let the eel eat us.

Segun:

Oh, that sounds… Are you sure?

Nil:

Everything is a show for the audience, remember? The more dramatic, the better.

Segun:

You go first.

Nil:

Only if you hold my hand.

Segun:

That defeats the purpose of you going first.

Nil:

Don’t expect me to be brave on my own. It’s not in me. Let’s just go.

Segun:

Oh wow, I thought the fangs were huge, but these molars…

Nil:

Just slide right past them, like a pill.

Segun:

Wait, how’d I end up in the throat first? Do you even know where this leads?

Nil:

I read you the poem.

Segun:

This is so slimy, warm, and gross.

Nil:

You probably want to keep your mouth closed. And if you keep your arms tight to your sides, you’ll go faster.

Segun:

You’re right, hehe. Oh, I think I see the end.

Nil:

Wait, was this a shortcut butt after all?

Segun:

I need wings! I am literally flying through the air without wings, and those sharp rocks down there can’t wait to meet me.

Nil:

Grab ahold of the vines!

Segun:

They’re too weak. They break.

Nil:

Grab several. They’re enough that I can’t fly through here without getting my wings all tangled.

Segun:

I guess this makes us more even. Your wings are cheating, really.

Nil:

What is that?

Segun:

Well don’t you look terrified?

Nil:

For good reason. These vines are so thick, I can’t see further than an arm’s length in any direction, and those shiny sharp rocks below keep winking like they know something.

Segun:

They’re just rocks.

Nil:

Nothing in these races is “just” something. Everything will either help you, hurt you, or kill you, and most of it is the latter.

~HISS~

Nil:

Did you hear that?

Segun:

That wasn’t you?

Nil:

Why would it be me?

Segun:

Because I think you’re trying to freak me out. It’s not working, by the way. Because I’m on to your little scheme.

Nil:

I’m just trying to make sure we both survive this. Freaking you out would be counterproductive.

~HISS~

Nil:

Ee-hee-hee! I saw it, and it has scales. And it moves like a snake. Segun, did you just disappear? Great idea except now it’ll just come after me. And you’re the one with the claws.

Dragon:

Hisshisshiss, little girl. I still know where you are. Your invisibility does you no favor.

Nil:

There you go, Segun, slash at—

~SCHREECH~

Nil:

Nevermind! Are his scales actually made of emeralds and diamonds? Your claws didn’t put a scratch on him!

~SC-SC-SCHEECH~

Nil:

Stop, Segun, this is killing my ears!

Segun:

Help me find his weak spot. Or distract him. Ug!

Dragon:

You are quite the prey, but my claws are bigger. Little bug, release my frill or I will crush your friend.

Nil:

And if I do let go, you’ll eat her.

Dragon:

~HISS~ Not right away. I want this fun prey. Watch as her face changes colors like a diamond in the sun as I squeeze.

Nil:

I challenge you to a riddle!

Dragon:

Do you think I’m stupid? Words are of no value. Why would I trade such delectable treats for an answer?

Nil:

Because… Because this answer will get you even more delectable treats?

Dragon:

Explain.

Nil:

First agree to the riddle.

Dragon:

She agrees to the riddle. She’ll answer it, and if I think it’s good, I’ll let her go so I can chase her some more.

Nil:

You have to loosen your grip so she can answer.

Dragon:

I want to hear the riddle first.

Nil:

Where does the smart predator wait?

Dragon:

A question worth an answer.

Segun:

~GASP~ Where the prey is sure to be.

Dragon:

Too vague.

Segun:

~SQUEAK~

Nil:

Part Two—Where will you find the most Synths in a race?

Dragon:

Answer little girl.

Segun:

I am not a squeaky toy! Stop squeezing me like one!

Dragon:

That’s not a very good answer. Into my mouth you go.

Nil:

Segun, where will you find the most Synths in a race?

Segun:

The start spaces.

Dragon:

Oh, you’re like a toothpick, scratching at my teeth like that.

Segun:

How can you talk without moving your mouth?

Nil:

And where will you find the strongest, fastest, most interesting Synths in a race?

Dragon:

Ooh-hoo, there’s a place for those?

Segun:

The finish line!

Dragon:

How does one get to this finish line?

Nil:

We can direct you.

Dragon:

I only need one of you to direct me.

Nil:

You don’t have the time to waste on one of us. When this race finishes, you’ll miss your chance.

Dragon:

Time is of the essence? Then hop on my back. You, too, little girl, and take care your claws do not touch my wings. We shall be swifter than a gale, so hold tight.

Segun:

Wait, I wasn’t ready yet.

Dragon:

That scrape on your face. I warned you not to touch my razor wings. They can shatter even steel. Now the smell of your blood is distracting.

Nil:

Just keep going beyond the vines. There are plenty of tastier Synths out there.

Segun:

I feel like I’m being whipped back and forth, and these vines keep hitting me!

Nil:

Scoot closer to his head.

Segun:

He’s so fast! I can barely breathe. What’s that brightness ahead?

Nil:

The end of the vines. Watch the wings. He’ll probably start flying.

Segun:

No, he’s gliding. The wings are straight, and we’re sinking slightly. This is amazing!

Nil:

Yeah, this is pretty neat. Look at all the greens and blues smeared way down there.

Segun:

I’m so glad you can talk anybody into anything, Nil. Running on my own, I’d never have gotten to slip through these crystalline clouds.

Nil:

Oh no.

Segun:

What?

Nil:

This is horrible timing.

Segun:

We’re dropping toward those tiered waterfalls. They’re gorgeous, like they’re glowing and infused with rainbows.

Nil:

But it’s where everybody else is.

Segun:

I see them now that we’re closer. Isn’t this what the dragon wanted? We’re just paying him back for the amazing ride and getting rid of some of the competition while we’re at it.

Nil:

How can you say that?

Segun:

This wasn’t your plan?

Nil:

My Segun would never have went along with such a plan.

Segun:

And your Segun lost races apparently. I’m here to win.

Dragon:

~HISS~ This is wonderful. Who knew that beyond my vine nest such feeding ground flourished?

~SCREAMS~

Racer 1:

Who triggered a monster trap?

Racer 2:

Aggg, my leg! It got my leg!

Nil:

Stay away from the wings!

Segun:

And the…tail. That looked painful.

Nil:

Everyone, climb!

Racer 3:

Is Nil riding that thing?

Racer 4:

Someone help! I’m trapped in its jaws!

Segun:

Oh, did he actually just swallow that racer?

Dragon:

Why is my prey disappearing?

Nil:

Yes, all of you, go through the portals opposite the higher falls. Hurry!

Dragon:

They leap through these rings and simply vanish. Guides, be useful and explain this.

Segun:

They’re teleporting to the next part of the race. You have to jump through one of the rings and follow them.

Nil:

Y-yes. Do it, Dragon, bend backward and aim for one of those appearing portals.

~SNAP~

Segun:

I think I’m gonna be sick.

Dragon:

~BLEH~

Segun:

Did you just barf?

Nil:

Great, he’s still with us. I was hoping the system wouldn’t teleport him since he belonged in the other segment of this race.

Segun:

I was just hoping there wasn’t another monster waiting over here, and if there was, I wanted to see this guy fight it.

Dragon:

You let all my good prey get away. But at least I still have you. Oye, why can my claws not reach you?

Segun:

It looks like we’re in one big capsule, but yeah, I can’t reach either of you, as if there’s a forcefield stopping me.

Announcer:

You must solve the riddle to continue. What flies without wings and never moves backward?

{In tandem}

Dragon:

What an absurd concept!

Nil:

Time. Ak!

Segun:

A ball. Whoa!

{End tandem}

Nil:

Segun? Now where did it put you? Did you get the wrong answer?

Segun:

Maybe you got the wrong answer, and that’s why it put you on the upside-down path.

Nil:

From my perspective, your path is upside down. Just keep running. I’ll find some way to get to you.

Segun:

You’d be better off sticking to your own path, what with all those lava bubbles floating between us.

Nil:

Yeeks, they flare when I get closer.

Segun:

They’re beautiful, like water dancing with fire, or wrestling, maybe. One is winning one moment, then the other takes over.

Nil:

Do you remember the volcano race? There were water spheres like these that you had to leap along.

Segun:

…Maybe a little. You…weren’t there?

Nil:

I was watching you from the audience. Oh look, the paths twist together up ahead.

Segun:

It spirals down into that pond. I hope the water’s not too hot with all that lava laced through it. It seems the lily pads are okay.

~SPLASH~

Nil:

I’d hope the water isn’t too wet, but that would be unrealistic. Also annoying is how low those trees bow over the pond, so I can’t just stick to flying.

~SPLASH~

Segun:

Oh good, these lily pads support my weight. I’ll be much faster running.

Nil:

I’m right here with you. Hey, don’t slash at me! Claws are not for hurting friends.

Segun:

We’re competitors, Nil, not friends, and to win, we have to use every advantage the world offers us.

Nil:

The Segun that refused to leave me behind in the Expert Race didn’t think so.

Segun:

And there’s a reason that Segun no longer exists. Stop flying around me. You’re distracting, and the others are catching up. If I’m not the first to reach the point where the paths merge, they’ll try to block me.

Nil:

Segun, wait!

Segun:

Why would I—

~ROOOOOARRRRR~

Dragon:

Found you, my fabulous prey!

~SCREAMS~

Racer 1:

That monster again!

Racer 2:

Quickly, to the finish line! The monster shouldn’t be able to cross it!

Racer 1:

But we have to pass the monster to get to the finish line.

Racer 3:

Yeah, and it’s thrashing so much, even the tail end isn’t safe.

Nil:

Kick, Segun! I know your legs are strong.

Segun:

It hurts! Its teeth! Have I been chomped in half?

Nil:

Kick like I told you to.

Segun:

I can’t feel my legs.

Nil:

Open your mouth, you stupid monster. Let Segun go!

Dragon:

All along you’ve been trying to rob me of my prey, but you’ve failed. Who’s the one you should be calling stupid?

Segun:

Nil, why are you crying?

Nil:

Be very still, Segun. I hope this won’t hurt much.

~SLASH-CRACK~

Segun:

Did you just shatter the dragon’s teeth with your wing?

Nil:

Oof, and pulled you out in the process. Don’t forget the most important part.

Segun:

How…and why?

Nil:

Because I’ll never leave you behind. As for how, well… Segun? Segun, wake up!

Continued in pt 8

Thank you for reading!