Day 33.
Quin and Issac went out to meet Mr. Weston. He and Quin had been discussing how everything would wrap up. Weston said that he'd keep in touch then made plans to meet up this afternoon.
While walking along the forest trail Isaac and Quin began to fight once more.
"I thought we were over this, no jumping to conclusions without proof."
"No, I'm allowed to conclude what I want as long as I don't kill you without proof."
"But whenever you conclude something it affects your mood and then it's just impossible to talk to you."
"Then stop talking. You'd be doing us both a favor."
"See when you say things like that how am I not meant to get upset?"
"Oh?"
"If you start purposely trying to upset me I'll start acting twice as preppy until you stop."
Issac felt a headache just imagining it.
"Not worth it."
"Exactly. Besides, have you ever considered what will happen if you're wrong? Or if you're right for that matter. In fact just continuing this route at all. Do you realize what that might mean for you?"
Issac didn't respond.
"I'm just considering what you said so far. You want to follow me to prove what happened and get revenge but you don't remember seeing yourself there."
Quin tried to find the right Words to use here.
"I mean isn't it possible that your reason for not being there is like death or something."
Quins voice got a little awkward near the end. He got quieter as though afraid of speaking it into existence. Issac stopped walking.
"So you're saying that by following you on your trips I might die somewhere along the way?"
Quin had also stopped.
"I mean when I consider my own close calls...the possible danger and the-aghh!"
Issac kicked him hard in the back knocking Quin flat on his face.
"What the hell!?"
"Don't condemn me so casually."
"I was just saying-" Issac went to kick him once more.
"Nevermind! Jeez. Hey! You know after this much abuse you better hope you're right."
"Excuse me?"
Quin grabbed Issacs foot to stop him.
"It better be worth it. Otherwise you're in for a hell of a beating yourself."
"Oh yeah?"
Quin shook his head. "Maybe not. But still. Petty or not you should own up to it if you're wrong. Otherwise you're worse than you say I am!"
That last bit was quickly added in. Quin just wanted Issac to cool off on the aggression.
"Fine."
"What?"
Issac pulled his foot back and put it down.
"Then what?"
"Then what? Then what..Oh! We'll bet on it."
"Fine. If you suck I'll kill you."
"..okay. I'm betting that I'm actually not as bad as you think. As for the price. The winner gets to boss the loser around with no expectations!"
"So if I say hold still you won't move when I start to swing?"
"If you win I'll be as still as a rock. Swear. Agreed?"
Issac had no real reason to agree to this deal. Nothing would change. This whole fight was meaningless in the long run. He would get the truth by following Quin and get back at him for what happened no matter what deals or promises he wanted in place.
That incident turned his life upside down. The only person this helps is Quin. If he's right. He didn't have to bet on anything.
"Well?"
"Fine."
"Really? I don't know why but it sounds like there might be some room for me to clear my name here. I wonder what I'll ask first. Maybe to stop this hurt-heal cycle you've created."
Listening to him talk, Issac suddenly regretted accepting his bet. He probably shouldn't wound him too badly since they're meeting someone soon. Keeping some safety in mind Issac picked up the talkative Quins ankles.
"Hmm? Hey, what's happening? This is new. Why upside down?"
Showing vs telling Issac lifted Quin off the ground and swung him around as hard as he could.
"Oh! That's why. Hey. Stop. God can't you just talk like a normal person?!"
As Quins pestering voice only grew louder, Issac snapped back, not stopping his actions.
"Shut up! Aren't you afraid of biting off your tongue!? Don't assume I won't leave you bleeding for an hour!"
Quin was shocked and shrieked back.
"What!?!"
The two continued to yell while swinging in circles. It was quite the humorous sight. Mr. Weston thought so as he walked up on them.
_
Finally down and chatting Mr. Weston explained the good results they've had so far. It's only been a few days but a number of them have stood down already. The clean-up of the park and town has also gone smoothly. Probably the fastest in years.
Most of the kids felt dizzy just thinking about back talking in any way. In short the lesson was learned. Don't assume that a push over will allow you to have your way forever.
"Well then I have to get back. I still have a store to run."
"Alrighty then nice working with you."
"You as well."
"Excuse me?"
Right then a boy walked out of the forest and talked to them.
"Sorry sir. I was just wondering if you knew how to get to forest task number twenty?"
"Yes I do. Are you helping out with the cleanup?"
"Yes. I'm supposed to do a final check but all the temporary task signs are already down."
"That was true."
The cartoony looking landmarks they put up were also down by now.
"Hmm. Since most of the sites were off the path I can't exactly just point you in a direction."
"We can take him."
"Really?"
"Yeah you gotta get back to your shop. Plus I remember where twenty was."
"The guide said it had a really steep hill next to it but I couldn't find the site or the hill."
The boy looked a bit distraught. Most likely imagining being put back on those rides.
"No problem kid, we'll take you. I remember it well. Boy was I lucky they had a safety net there."
It's no cliff but with the height and all the shrubbery, serious injury is still an option. Especially for the unlucky. Quin waved goodbye to Mr Weston.
"Goodluck with the shop."
"I'll do my best."
The three parted from Mr. Weston as Quin guided them towards site twenty. Quin rambled on leaving no room for the boy to speak up. It was for the best since he only seemed to get more nervous as they got closer.
Once there Quin was first to run towards the cliff to check. He was right. The usual safety net had been removed leaving only a dangerous ledge. He backed away and turned to Issac who looked chill as always despite being held in place by some familiar looking brats.
"Nice bruise 'nate'."
Nate, the leader with a new nose job, walked closer to meet Quin.
"Seeing you up close you're lucky I got your nose."
The leader was quick to throw a punch. Quin dodged. Only a handful of delinquents escaped without accepting any of the park's offers. Older kids who were angry about losing their minions. These guys must have convinced themselves that their loss was just a fluke. Now they wanted to fight with more than just toys. The leader pulled out a small blade and swung it around in front of Quin.
"Scared now aren't you? Not so tough without your tricks."
Quin scoffed. He was happy to have a rematch with these guys but his luck problem had other plans. Slipping back on the grass he kicked the knife out of the leader's hand and rolled over the ledge. Mr. Weston who walked into the scene was as shocked as the rest.
"Quin!"
The leader turned back to his group. "What's that?"
"We found him hanging around the area so we brought him here just in case."
"He probably knew something was up. Just hang on to him until we're done."
The leader turned back to the ledge.
Quin shouted from the ledge. "Don't worry Mr. Weston. All good." He struggled but eventually got his hands back onto the grass.
Mr. Weston sighed in relief.
The leader laughed. "You really are a cockroach, you know that?"
Quin hung over the side of the ledge.
"Hey you hear that?"
It was the faint noise of a crowd getting closer.
"Wow. You really picked a bad spot. You've totally cornered yourself."
The leader angrily turned towards Mr. Weston.
"I wouldn't. You probably shouldn't make any more trouble. Besides, something tells me he could take you."
The leader whipped around and angrily stepped on Quins arm.
"Would you shut up already!"
"Wow! Relax!" Quin sighed. "I got too much luck in this place. It's bound to be downhill from here. Figuratively and literally."
He looked towards Mr. Weston.
"Are you good if I bounce early?"
Mr. Weston laughed and nodded. In one move he knocked both of the delinquents off of him and to the ground. Holding them down he gave the go ahead.
"Feel free to do as you please."
Quin smiled. "Alright I will."
As authorities closed in, Quin called over to Issac.
"Hey you! We're not getting involved anymore. These guys can get detained on their own. So if you're following, let's go!"
Quin grabbed the knife off the ground and stabbed the leader in the foot. He yelled and jumped back. His arm free, Quin pushed off the ledge."
"I'm the one with the gadget idiot. You can't just go jumping off things!"
Issac easily freed himself and rushed towards the ledge. He jumped out of sight as the backup arrives to detain the delinquents with Mr. Weston.
Issac grabs Quin's arm and gets dragged down. When the gadget was in reach the space around them shifted as a portal opened beneath them.
With everyone detained Mr. Weston quickly checked over the edge. Both were gone. Disappeared before they hit the ground. Even the shrubbery they should have fallen through was still intact. All that remained was a slowly fading glowing pattern painted on the air itself.