Chapter 39: Down the Road

The covered wagon bucked and shook, a far cry from that carriage that picked them up from killing those goblins last week. Jasson was tossed between crates of "mountain furs" and "liquidation items" in a capitalist paint shaker. Petra and Clara were sitting on their upside-down table, ready to take off at a moment's notice. Stoic and unflinching in the face of #$& aching adversity.

Harriett had the best deal since she hadn't been seen by the enemy. She got to sit on the soft, suspended bench out front with the driver. And she didn't even complain about having the 'nice' seat. Not after the first hour.

Jasson pressed the same old light crystal against his charging port. Not being able to find Ellie to charge his phone sucked. He didn't want to waste his limited supply of Mana Crystals either, so it was back to slow and steady. Unfortunately, it was difficult to maintain contact when his butt was a variable distance from the floor.

Still, Jasson couldn't help but notice that he was charging his phone faster.

Maybe I've gotten better at magic. Jasson thought, staring at the rectangle of light in the dark.

"That's it for the night," the wagon driver (what was his name again?) called back, "we've been driving for a couple of hours in the dark, but I can't risk going any further in these conditions."

Petra had given Jasson night-sight again, so he could make out the details without any issues. They pulled to a stop by a small spring in a frequently used turnoff. Wagon ruts crossed the ground like an overused game of tic-tac-toe, and a large ring of stones sported the corpses of countless campfires. 

Jasson hopped out and stretched, extending his right hand up and back towards the wagon. It felt good to- Someone grabbed his hand. Jasson turned to see Petra holding his hand gracefully, even as her magically enhanced glove glinted in the moonlight. Jasson remembered how much that hurt when he first shook her hand, but now she held it gently as she smiled at him.

"Thank you," Petra leaned on his hand as she disembarked from the wagon, "That was surprisingly thoughtful of you."

"Uh, yeah," Jasson's hand tingled, "I, ah, didn't think you'd take it though."

"Oh?" Petra said, "Why ever not?"

"You know," Jasson said, "you don't need no man. Isn't helping you down or opening doors…rude?"

"Rude?!" Petra said, looking genuinely shocked, "How on earth would that be rude? It's basic gentleman's behavior. Where did you hear that?"

"My older sister, Lilye," Jasson stammered, feeling a confused warmth burn through him.

"Well," Petra said, "it sounds like your sister is quite mixed up. Backwards, even. Not to be offensive to her, of course."

Jasson snorted and said, "No, go ahead. She deserves all the insults she gets. But it wasn't just her. It's out of fashion to do those things where I come from."

Petra looked at Jasson strangely, then said, "I'm…wow. You sound so unfamiliar with it. Were you never taught how to be a gentleman?"

"I mean," Jasson searched his memory, "No. At least, not, like, how to arrange my forks."

 Petra giggled and said, "Silly. So- wait. You're serious? That's etiquette, not Gentlemanly manners."

Jasson flushed and shrugged, turning away as he said, "These aren't things men are supposed to do anymore, it doesn't carry any rizz. It's "rude and presumptive to the strong, competent women." It's…wrong."

"Maybe in your culture," Petra said, putting a hand on Jasson's shoulder, "but…look. It's okay to do that stuff now. You're not going to be punished for helping a lady out of a wagon."

"Yeah, well," Jasson shrugged off Petra's hand and headed to the spring, "I wasn't even trying to offer you help. I was just stretching."

"Oh, that's funny," Petra said as she walked after Jasson, "I'm still grateful you did. You never answered my question, though. Do you know what gentlemanly things to do or did you never learn?"

Jasson was quiet as he approached the spring, kneeling and scooping some water to his mouth. The crisp chill reminded him of the river he'd almost died in. Heck, it could have come from that very river for all he knew. Either way, it helped wash away the warm confusion fogging his exhausted mind.

Petra said, "Would you…I think that you'd like to learn the basics of being a gentleman. I suppose I could teach-"

"I don't want to learn another absurd set of rules to live by," Jasson prickled with heat again, then splashed his face, "I'm just going to keep treating you like I do. Not some sort of foot-licking servant, even with my life debt."

"Life debt?" Petra said, "We're even now. Don't you remember? You paid back your life debt, and even the debt for that healing crystal. We're equals now."

Jasson paused, mulling over her words. It had only been over a week, a nearly unbelievably short amount of time, but he'd grown used to that debt. It felt comfortable. He didn't have to choose why he stayed, he owed Petra. He just obeyed orders from the person who saved his life and fought for what respect he could get.

But now he was free. It's not like Jasson wanted to leave, but…well what had he been doing before he met the twins? Wandering as he looked for Data? Getting distracted and messing up that flower quest? Trying to start an adventure without a goal in sight? A distracted journey looking for signals. 

Jasson stood and wiped his hands on his pants, then held his hand out to Petra.

"Glad to join the cause as an equal," Jasson said as he shook Petra's hand, "Here's to The construction of the Manor, a defense against Clout and those that would hurt you, and to the dreams we all hold dear."

"Thank you," Petra said, raising her eyebrows and grinning, "I look forward to working together."

Jasson lingered, holding onto Petra's hand for a few more seconds. Was this why she'd been treating him differently? No, she seemed to be in a better mood overall.

"Getting cozy?" Clara approached, "Me and Harriet are going out hunting. Can you two prepare bread and vegetables? I'd like to have a celebration feast, and we have plenty of supplies with what Lord Ippoph sent us. Who knew that he had such a generous side?"

"I certainly didn't," Petra said, pulling her hand away and stepping back from Jasson, "Did you have anything in mind?"

"Just something yummy," Clara shrugged, "You're the cook. I figured it was a good time to celebrate. Before the two weeks of travel start to get to us."

"Agreed," Petra turned to Jasson and said, "Jasson, you- could you help me prepare the vegetables?"

Equals. Jasson thought as Clara walked away. Petra smiled at Jasson and Jasson felt his heart lurch a bit, as it did whenever Petra relaxed. Whenever Petra was friendly.

"Shouldn't you be more worried?" Jasson said, "We might be being pursued."

"It's improbable," Petra said, reaching into her locker and pulling out vegetables, "If Clout had brought any assassins, which would be wise if he was investigating a great mage, then they'd be pursuing us to the north. I imagine they've cleared out the cavern and started exploring our tunnels."

Jasson tingled as he took the carrots and potatoes. Would they travel down the river? Find his treasure trove of crystals? Game over.

It's no game, Jasson thought. It's…beyond my understanding.

"So…um…" Jasson glanced at the driver who was tying the horses nearby, "Never mind. I'll ask you later."

Petra raised an eyebrow and glanced at the driver, then nodded and said "Come on. Let's wash these in the spring."

They chatted and washed the vegetables in finger-numbing spring water. Petra had a smile on her face more than normal, although Jasson wouldn't call her bubbly. Why? Shouldn't she be on edge?

"Seriously." Jasson said as they gathered the clean vegetables, "Why are you so cheery right now?"

"I'm cheery?" Petra flashed Jasson a meaningful smile, "Is there some reason I shouldn't be happy by your side? You paid off your debt after all. Aren't people normally happy when their friends are out of debt?"

"Not most bankers," Jasson said, "or, frankly, politicians."

Petra rolled her eyes and said, "I meant people who care about… never mind. Let's go cut these up. I think Clara was wanting a hearty stew."

"Or maybe a stir fry," Jasson said, "the stew of the East."

Petra shook her head and said, "No, I don't have the right pan. Haven't even tried that for years anyway."

"How come?" Jasson said, "Just didn't feel like making it?"

"Something like that," Petra glanced at the driver and fell silent.

Jasson helped prepare the vegetables and kept working up the courage to ask Petra questions, or even tell her what happened. Jasson was definitely dying to show Petra the treasures he'd found, but there was that driver and the others and…

"You know," Jasson said as they finished the vegetables, "I feel like we can't really talk in these circumstances. Want to go for a walk?"

Petra was facing away, adding the vegetables to a large pot, but she paused before saying, "That sounds lovely. A stroll in the evening air, stars bright above. Let's go."

They let the driver know and to tell Clara and Harriet that they were going on a walk. Jasson waited patiently for Petra to choose a direction, then followed her into the night. They hiked up into the mountains a bit, and Jasson realized that he wasn't getting as exhausted as before. 

Huh, Jasson thought, I'm getting in shape.

They found a small clearing covered in mountain grass and flowers, the stars bright above, and Petra sat down. She patted the ground beside herself, and Jasson sat carefully close to her. Not too far, not too close. Hopefully.

"The stars are beautiful away from the tower lights," Petra said, looking up, "don't you think?"

Jasson craned his neck up. They'd been in town most nights out here, save for that first where he'd been a bit distracted. But now that he looked…

A carpet of stars warmed the sky, unfamiliar constellations assembled into a smear of white across it. Like the work of a master painter in a million dots of titanium white. Jasson had heard of the Milky Way but had never seen it in person. Yet here, in a place where he was definitely not looking at the same galaxy, he got to appreciate the stars for the first time. Why didn't he do this in his past life? This quiet awe nearly made Jasson dizzy as-

"Ooh, a shooting star!" Jasson pointed just as the streak disappeared.

"Nice," Petra said, "that's good luck."

"In my culture, we make wishes on shooting stars." Jasson said, looking at Petra illuminated by stars, "What do you guys do?"

"Like that," Petra said, "But different. We say that when you see a shooting star, one of your wishes has already come true."

Petra reached out and put a hand on Jasson's shoulder, saying, "Better keep an eye on the sky. I get the feeling that several of my wishes have come true."

Electric hormones zipped through Jasson as his mind raced. Certain possibilities were considered and then discarded, such as love and the prospect of a romantic cuddle. What did Petra want?

"I suppose so," Jasson said, "mind if I take some guesses?"

"Sure," Petra said 

"Let's see," Jasson sighed, "you've been wishing for a powerful ally."

"Doesn't everyone?" Petra laughed.

"Low-hanging fruit first," Jasson grinned, "I guess we were both excited for Scott to join us."

"Him too," Petra looked Jasson in the eyes, "but he's a bird in the bush. I was talking about you."

"Oh?" Jasson shrugged, smirking a bit, "I guess I count too."

"You're teasing me!" Petra slugged him gently, "You know how strong you are!"

Jasson blushed, playfully rubbing his shoulder. Her hand seemed to linger for a bit.

"I don't really," Jasson said, "I'm capable of one enormous attack or several smaller ones. What good is that? If I'd attacked Clout inside a city, I would have wiped out a couple of city blocks. There's not much use for that."

"Didn't you see what Clara did to the battlefield?" Petra said, "She's a wild woman. You do plenty. I'd rank you a seventeen out of twenty for your strongest attacks."

"Oh," Jasson sighed, "Didn't you say you were a sixteen out of twenty? So I'm only one point ahead?"

"Yeah," Petra said, "But these aren't linear levels. Every number is exponentially bigger than the last. The tournament I was in, the one that I beat Clout during, was only up to sixteen out of twenty. Seventeen was the beginning of Great-mages. And Archmages start at twenty."

"I thought you said that this scale was one to twenty?" Jasson said, "How come Archmages start at twenty?"

"We don't compare ourselves to the Archmages," Petra said, "They're freaks. They keep track of who is stronger than who among their own numbers. We just do our best to stay out of their way. Our scale ends where theirs begins."

"Woah," Jasson said, "Are there many of these guys?"

"We don't know," Petra shrugged, "Enough to keep each other in check. At least to not take over the world."

"How do you lose count of them?" Jasson said, stunned, "They sound like walking nukes."

"I have no idea what a 'nuke' is," Petra said, "But the problem is that many of these Archmages are reclusive and rumored to have found the method for immortality."

Jasson whistled and said "Yeah. That would do it. Glad they keep to themselves."

"Oh there's a kingdom or two ruled by them," Petra said, "But they've been unable to conquer the world. We try not to jinx it."

Jasson felt a chill. Something in him…quivered. Then tingles ran along his skin, like when a story feels too real as a child. 

I gotta stop following that horror Tiktiker, Jasson thought, It's messing with me.

"Speaking of power," Petra said, "Do I get the story? How did you get separated from Harriett?"

"Should I wait to tell everyone?" Jasson said.

"No," Petra pulled out the Mana crystal Jasson had given her, "There might be some things to…keep under wraps."

Jasson watched as Petra's easy-going expression soured from a sweet milk to a serious yogurt.

"This isn't a monster's Mana Crystal, is it?" Petra said, "It's too…pure. It didn't crumble when I used it earlier. And the healing crystal, it's pink. That's what's found in low-grade healing monsters. But it's too big, and you can't process a monster's geode."

"What did you think happened?" Jasson raised his eyebrows, "I just got lost and slew a couple of enormous monsters in a labyrinth of stone?"

"A bit," Petra said, "it's logical… reasonable. But then I remember that water crystal. We're landlocked here. Unless there's some kind of ancient ocean capable of holding a Greater Sea Dragon, I have no idea where you got one so big."

Petra smiled again, but it was weighed with worry, and said "What happened?"

Jasson sighed. He'd…well he didn't know what to expect from her. But he couldn't keep it in. At least, not in his locker anymore. He wanted to use his locker.

"The floor collapsed beneath me," Jasson said, "And I fell into *^%$ cold water. I don't know how I survived that, not even any broken bones-"

Wait, Jasson thought, hadn't there been a voice? What had it said? Never mind.

"Anyway," Jasson waved his hand, "I woke up on the shore of a tunnel. With Charon. You know Charon."

"Now I do," Petra shivered, "How are you so calm with that thing?"

Jasson shrugged. He'd been terrified the first time he'd met Charon. Heck, Jasson didn't know how he ended up being so casual.

"I guess I was grumpy when I woke up," Jasson said, "And we got familiar after that."

"So you're familiar with death," Petra sighed, "Never mind. Continue your story."

"So," Jasson said, "I walked for a couple hours and came across a portion of the river that glowed on the other bank. So I dove in, almost died, and found another part of the cave."

"Idiot," Petra said, "There are countless monsters that glow to attract prey in the darkness. Why did you do that?"

Jasson shrugged and said, "I didn't know about the other options. I knew it wasn't sunlight, but…well crystals glow a bit. Don't they?"

"Wait- no!" Petra looked at the mana crystal, "Do you know how many of these you'd have to put together in order to get them to glow brightly? Don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying," Jasson said, pulling another Mana Crystal from his pocket, "I came out on the other side and some of the clusters were shining like a full moon!"

"Clusters- you're not serious!" Petra stared, agape, "You found more than one? Why do you only have two of these then?"

"Actually," Jasson emptied his pockets, flesh relieved to be free of the pressure, "I have…five of these. I couldn't carry more and I was in a hurry to rescue you girls."

"Five-" Petra laughed, "Well, at least you got extras. It's not like you could carry much. We can sell a few of these and-"

"Actually," Jasson opened his phone, "I was hoping that we'd keep a hold of them. Never know when we'd need one."

"Five natural Mana Crystals," Petra held up the brown crystals, "I mean, yeah. Especially at higher levels. But it's overkill and we could get a few hundred gold each."

"That's the thing," Jasson opened his locker, which split reality, "I don't think that having enough to sell will be our biggest problem."

Petra said, "Oh, when did you get a lock…er…-eeeEEEEEHHHH!!!!"

Jasson pulled out a random handful of smaller crystals from the front, destabilizing his jammed-full locker and sending a cascade of crystals across the ground. Jasson dumped his handful on Petra's lap and reveled in her shock.

"I'm hoping you got space in your locker," Jasson said, "Mine's not big yet, and I want to hold onto other things as well. But, I figured I'd-"

"These are all natural magic crystals," Petra said, grabbing Jasson by his shirt and pulling them eye to eye, "Aallll of them?"

Wow, we're close.

"Y-yeah," Jasson sighed and decided to bring up the negatives, "But we'd probably collapse the economy if we sold them all now. It will be a headache to liquidate them but-"

"HAHA!" Petra kissed Jasson, "I could kiss you! Oh, I already did. WOOO!!!"

Petra stood and threw a handful of crystals up into the air, skipping around and singing and laughing wildly. She fell beside Jasson after a few laps, gasping and giggling and squealing in delight.

"You fricking idiot." Petra laughed, "Well, if you were going to visit a treasure trove you at least filled some enormous pockets. Once-in-a-lifetime experience! These should be enough to fund the entire construction!!"

"I mean," Jasson said, "It's not once in a lifetime. I left a GPS marker at the exit and can find it again."

"You're kidding?!" Petra sat up and grabbed his shoulders, "You can really find your way back?!"

"Yeah," Jasson said, "No problem. Although, there is still a small army up-"

Petra kissed Jasson again, and this time it sunk through Jasson's confused brain and into his tingling gut. She was kissing him!!! Petra was kissing him! Again! Petra of all people! Him! And was it…lingering? How long had it been? Time traced heart-shaped lines as Jasson's heartbeat stampeded across his chest.

"WOOW!" Clara's voice interrupted them, "Petra! I- what?! Why?!"

Petra broke away and hugged Jasson before stepping away and saying, "I had to do something!"

"Doing something is kissing Jasson?!" Clara entered the glade and Jasson glanced at her. Clara's face was contorted into…something. To be honest, Jasson wasn't thinking very clearly.

"I'm just too happy to care!" Petra scooped up some crystals and bounced over to Clara, "See!!!"

Clara looked at Petra's hands and dropped the deer she was carrying, taking Petra by the shoulders and squealing with her as they bounded in a circle. Jasson blinked and Harriett was there with them, the three holding hands and giggling as they danced around the clearing.

Wow, Jasson thought, that was fun.

And that night, one of the slain deer disappeared before they could cook it.