The question really took me by surprise, trying to figure out a story to tell the giant my eyes darted around furiously before resting on a mirror on the wall. The reflection I saw of myself, if I could even dare claim that it was indeed me, was nothing like how I usually appeared. Hair spiked up and over but more pure white than frigid winter snow, eyes a harsh but bright light blue that could blind you with crisp glare. Skin akin to freshly made paper. Finally the fat mans jokes from early suddenly started to make sense. As if sensing my thoughts Mango chuckled, "you look like you've seen a ghost lad." Suddenly something clicked, and after a few moments of silence I finally uttered, "My names Kasper, don't worry though I'm a friendly ghost." Fuck it right, nothing about my old life is relevant anymore I might as well embrace the suck and try and roll with it. "Kasper huh? I don't think if I've ever heard that name before and I meet a lot of people." Mango said with a hint of a smile appearing. "So what exactly do you do then and what exactly do you want?" I exclaimed. I was starting to get impatient and my social skills weren't the best to begin with. "Well well, it looks like the boys got his courage back." He said slyly, face starting to burn I just motioned for him to continue. " Well now I'm a merchant, and a fairly well known one. I'm actually out in this sack of shit town procuring some supplies for a client before heading back. As for what I want that's a little more tricky. I want to not want again, how about that! But what I think really matters here Kas, is what do you want?" Ive known this man for all of 10 minutes and he already has a nickname for me i think as I roll my eyes. "I just want to get the hell out of this place and figure out what's to do next to be honest, I lost my memories and can't remember anything other than my name." That was a lie but I figured it was easier than stating truth. No one would believe me and it's not like he's any wiser otherwise. It's better this way, and to be honest I'm not even sure where I am let alone how the hell I got here.
"Well as it happens I could use some help back at the shop but I'm sorry to say lad, you look physically capable enough, but I need someone who can read and write. I am a merchant after all, taking records is essential to the job and all." Even though we just met I could actually see some regret in his eyes as if he seemed genuinely apologetic. Surprised but nonplussed I shot out "That's easy porky, as long you pay well I'll write whatever you want!" Mango just chuckled for a few moments until after a brief silence he realized I was dead set on the matter. Finally he reached into his bag, fishing around for some parchment and a container that when opened housed a feather and ink. Damn a feather for writing seriously? I really must've hit my head if this is what it's come to. "Here" Mango begrudgingly handed them over, "How about you let me watch you write an actual sentence and the jobs all yours lad." Without even hesitating I reached out took the materials and started the task. I never had the best hand writing by any means but let's be honest this is child's play to any kid back at home let alone someone on the verge of graduating High School. Putting the finishing touch of a signature at the bottom I flicked the parchment back over to Mango. "There I signed it so you'll have proof one day you got to meet me." Mango shook his head with an empty smile and reached out for the parchment, eyes narrowed as he began reading, slowly that smile gained some mass until suddenly he let out a bellow so loud dust rained from the ceiling and I feared the whole damn ceiling would cave in. Eventually, Mango motioned over to the wench (fuck it we're committed ) "We leave at dawn." Mango emphasized reaching out his hand with a huge grin on his face, not even trying to hide it anymore. "We better move quickly ghosts don't like the sun." I insisted as I took his hand with a matching smirk. My eyes peaked over to the parchment and I couldn't help but feel an adventurous rush rise through my body as I read it one last time,
"How about the Iron Giant focuses on buying us another round of beers and leaves the rest to me?"
Your new employee,
Kasper