"Did you really need to add that thing to your 'beanie" too?"
"What's the matter? You don't like it? I think it's cool."
"Yeah, well, I think it's annoying."
"I think this stupid scooter we're on is annoying."
"Where are we going anyway?"
"Settle down, Gramps; we'll get there soon."
Actually, it wasn't annoying; I was having fun. I've never been outside my usual route between "work" and home, let alone zipping through the streets on an "anything but ordinary" scooter. The pastel green finish contrasted with all the small stickers that covered a majority of the bike perfectly.
Maro had his duffel wrapped across him and resting on his lap, and he had this black half helmet with the straps unfastened that sat awkwardly on his head. I sat behind with a restless head, the group of students skateboarding down the sidewalk with so many jackets and accessories you could barely see the uniform, the old woman whose hat was wide enough to cast a shadow of shade over her jittery little pet dog, the businesswoman with her berry black skirt and tie and platinum hair that reminded me of Silv's.
"Hey! Hold on, kid, you're going to fall off!"
"Hehehe, sorry, sorry."
"we're just about there"
"That building you see up ahead"
Maro parks the scooter, and we walk up to the main entrance. From where we were standing, I couldn't see the top; it must've been well over nine stories. The sun hitting the countless glass windows gave a blinding glare. Walking through the dual doors and into the lobby felt surreal; the atmosphere was calm, there were few people, and there were many indoor plants at every doorway.
The oblong-shaped reception desk stretched across the center back of the floor near the elevators.
Maro walks towards it and then leans almost all the way over the desk; the receptionist looks up from her low swiveling chair through her thin half frames.
He utters a single word,
"Jud"
She then stands up and performs this maid-like bow, then indicates towards an elevator on the far left.
"C'mon, kid."
Once inside the elevator, Maro began pressing on the buttons in a passcode-like sequence. Soon the back wall of the elevator opened, revealing a dimly lit, lengthy hallway. The floor seemed level, but I could tell we were walking downward; we soon entered a door on the left side.
"Isn't this a bit much for some 'interview?"
We step into the room, and it's completely reflective; the walls, floor, and ceiling are all a mirror, so seamlessly made that when the door was shut behind us, I couldn't tell where the floor ended and the walls began. We walk towards the center and wait.
In the near-infinite reflections in the mirror wall that lay before us, a third figure appears.
Seems to be a man, one with a hefty stature and an odd fashion sense, he was half naked, and the rather large white trench coat with upturned collars was the only thing on his back; he wore open-toed sandals and loose-fitting long brown barrel pants, which had black stripes going from the waist down to the knees, where they started becoming this spiraling pattern the rest of the way. What was most astonishing was the helmet-like mask he boasted, aurora green all around with nothing but a star-shaped opening on the left eye.
"Gravenburg! you've come."
Were the words that echoed throughout this ghost-quiet room.
"Enough with the theatrics and intimidation, Jud!"
"He's here as requested."
"Yeah, what do you want with me? Why am I here?"
The figure moves closer through the mirrors, so close as if it were right in front of us.
"You're here because I saved your life, boy, and what I want from you is obedience."
"Weapons need only heed the orders of their master's guiding hands."
"I am building an arsenal, and you are the first of a few whom I have deemed fit to fill it."
"Like hell! I'm not going to be your dog of war."
I shatter the wall in front of us, but the figure moves to the right wall.
"Like hell? Oh, this is nothing like hell, but I can show it to you.
….
"Hey, wake up, Gramps! You're gonna fall off!"
"Huh? What? Sorry."
"When are we going to get there anyway?"
"Change in plans I'm staying topside a little longer, so there's no need to rush; besides, I've got a new lead on someone, and I'd like your help.
*Go to the shop; she'll have your instructions.*
"Yeah, whatever, let's stop for something to eat. I feel like I've run a mile."
We stop at this diner that has rows of cars parked out front. It was a real diner; it's something I've only dreamed of coming to. Maro said I could get anything I wanted so long as I stayed here and waited for him to get back. I think I'll try one of everything.
….
"How's it going, sis?"
"The old guy said you got something for me."
"The folder's on that table; get it and get out!"
"Is that any way to talk to your older brother?"
"I have nothing to say to you."
"you still haven't forgiven me yet"
"Of course I haven't; it's your fault that we're caught up in whatever this is. I want to go home!"
"How many times do I have to tell you, we can't!"
"Not until I figure things out."
"Now tell me who's the next one."
"Rist Faux"
"Currently a lifeguard at Sailor's Coop Beach"
"Get to him before they do."
"Thanks a lot, sis."
"And oh, Silv, don't mention anything to Donni. Got it?"
….
Now, I hope that he stayed put like I asked, he was so excited about that diner I doubt he'd leave.
"Ahhhh."
"Someone help!"
"A strange boy broke into the kitchen."
"Goddamnit, kid!"
"Um, excuse me, hello, he's with me. I apologize for everything, and I'll compensate right away."
"Ohhh, Maro, come help me; they didn't want to give me a 6th round of everything."
"We're leaving!"
"Apologize to them."
"I'm sorry you didn't have enough food."
"…."
"Anyways, kid, have you been to the beach before?"