Chapter 37: Waiting

One of the worst things I'd learned about dimension-changers (thanks to infinite hours entrapped with Ivy) was that sometimes, the ending to the game could be conceived in them. And the fact that it's more difficult to make sense out of their riddles and puzzles.

That was all thought about when I saw a volcano ahead. Definitely, no sense at all. Even if I spent a thousand years trying to understand how "Die-trying" actually worked, I still would. Perhaps I would. But at this moment, the game was confusing.

I mean, if this game is centered around cyberpunks and futuristic worlds, why did the battles have to take place in forests or have to include fighting dragons? Only God and programmers know. The game is diverse and fresh, introducing new grounds to the gamers. I guess That's what really made it popular.

All the helicopters stopped right about the massive volcano. Bright orange lava was bubbling nastily down below. The sensible thing to do seemed to jump but there was no guarantee of surviving through THAT. I preferred my chance down below and waited for some player to jump. That's what everyone was thinking. Moments passed on and no one took a single step.

Ivy groaned. I wanted to ask her to jump but right now wasn't exactly the right time to tempt her. I spotted messy hair and the corner of my eye. I turned and spotted Arson. For once, he did not look wild. He was staring into nothingness and talking to himself. It took me a moment to realize that he was actually talking in an earpiece. THAT WAS MOST DEFINITELY CHEATING!

I nudged Ivy by my side and nodded in his direction. She glared at him.

"So much for playing fair huh? I'll either beat him or murder him. Ugh, I wish we could cheat too but that's just not me I guess." she said, paused, and continued, "I'm tough, feared, competitive and some days friendly but still it's never enough sometimes. I feel like I'm fake. That I don't deserve any of this. Not to have such a high position. What if that's true."

Honestly, I never thought Ivy could have this 'broken' side too. but she was traumatized. So was I. Jorge gave plenty of information about her backstory. It wasn't her fault. She never got her father's validation. That sank in deeper over the years. I guess we all have that fake mask on all day. There are people promising to be there for you when you need them but where do they go? And all they manage to say is "You have trust issues, you're toxic, blah blah blah" Everyone blames villains but do they ever see what makes them bad?

I was nice and happy once. I wanted to best them all. Now, I want revenge. I'm sure the same could be said about Ivy. She just matured too quickly. She did not receive the love she deserved. Now, she's cold and that's the only part they see.

I was spared for not answering Ivy's question. My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Fren, can you hear me?"

Jorge

"Yeah. Where are you?" I asked and Ivy stared then realized what was happening. I had no idea I had an earpiece attached too.

"Never mind where I am. Listen: I'm paired with Arson for now. I overheard him talking to someone. He had instructions. He knows what to do. I couldn't make out much. I tackled him down when he tried to push me out of the copter as a tester. That's when someone called him maybe. I think we need to jump inside. But maybe there's a particular method to do that. I bet Arson has ways to do that without being seen. We need to wait. I'll catch you up on further details."

I was sure he was about to cut the line so I spoke when I had the chance.

"Hold up. If you and Arson are in the same copter, how come he does not hear you?" I asked. Jorge laughed at the other end of the line.

"Hah. I'm Jorge Walter from the main crew for certain reasons. That includes being charming and having a considerably high IQ. I texted first and converted it to audio for the earpiece. Now BYE!"

And that was it. I felt sheepish for some reason. I told Ivy everything. After all, we had nothing but TIME.