Chapter Text
“Flame, Flaaame!”
Flame snapped out of the daze he was stuck in prior.
He and Lomedy had been traveling for days now. Having trekked through thick forests and windy meadows. The two had been out exploring, seeking new resources and materials for their base.
They were new to the whole “permanent home” thing, so when Lomedy suggested they set out for materials that would make it feel more homey, Flame was quick to jump on the idea.
“Flame?” Lomedy started again. “Are you alright?”
“Fine,” Flame replied. “Just focusing.”
As a combat master, he was conditioned to keep an eye out for any dangers that could be a threat to him and to those he holds close.
His best friend, Lomedy, has accompanied him for some time now. Flame has put him through a lot, and while Lomedy had already forgiven him and displayed no grudge being held, he still felt guilty for it all.
“We’re getting close,” Flame announced. He recognized the scenery well. “Let’s pick up the pace.”
The two hurry down a mountain and enter the Mesa where their base lies. As the large stone exterior came into view, Flame noticed players waiting for them near the front entrance.
“Who are they?” Lomedy asked, looking puzzled. His face was covered in mud and his clothes were wrinkled from the journey, but his golden eyes still glistened in the sun and his curly black hair shuffled in the wind. He looked as elegant as always. Flame wondered how something like that was even possible.
“Stay close,” Flame demanded as the two got closer to the base. Lomedy was many things, but being aware of his surroundings was not one of them. A familiar face came into focus, and as Flame neared the entrance, he put a name to the face. OrionCat stood on the stone path, accompanied by his fellow lawmen. They stood mighty and tall in their purple hued netherite and diamond armor, flashing the white and gold emblem that symbolized the Law.
“Welcome back,” started the cat, with a gleam on his face. “How was your journey? Successful, I hope.”
“Good,” Flame announced. He first met Orion and his crew when he and Lomedy first returned to the Mesa a few weeks ago. The squadron leader was always kind to the duo, and even built their entire base for free.
“Successful?” Lomedy beamed, his face lighting up with excitement. “We found so many new crops and flowers so I can begin farming again! Successful is an understatement.”
“I’m happy to hear that,” the leader giggled, still smiling.
Flame allowed the corners of his lips to creep up into a small smile. “I hate to be rude–” he began. “But what are you guys doing here? Did something happen?”
“Yes, and no.” Orion responded, smiling less. Flame caught a glimpse of something in his eye. Guilt?
“Let’s move inside.”
The group made their way into the base. As they entered, Flame still caught himself gaping at how marvelous the structure was. The ceilings stretched higher than he had ever seen, and massive windows lined each wall with sleek silver rims. He couldn’t believe a place like this was his. Finally his.
“Well?”
The cat sighed. “Nothing happened while you two were gone, that’s the good news.” He began shuffling with his paws.
“But?” Lomedy pressed. He, too, seemed to be getting antsy and his brows were furrowed deep into his forehead.
“We made a mistake,” Orion finally gets out. “We were so eager to make this base for you,” he turned to Flame. “But we forgot to get approval on how many resources we were allowed to use and–” the cat caught his breath. “We must come to a decision,” he finished looking down.
I knew it, Flame thought to himself. There was no way he of all people could be graced with something this good. He would’ve been more shocked, but what could he do? The guy was used to disappointment.
“We?” Flame murmured, glancing at Lomedy. The golden boy just stood there quietly. “What decision?”
Orion made himself smaller. “Well,” he began. “Either we take the unapproved resources back–” Absolutely not.“Or, you two must serve as Law officers for 100 days, then you can have your base.”
Oh hell no.
“What?” Flame articulated. He tried to hide the irritation that was beginning to form in his throat.
He clearly didn’t succeed. Orion and his fellow lawmen visibly drew back a step.
“Why the hell would we do that?”
Flame looked to Lomedy for back up, but he only stood silently, his golden eyes wide. He whipped his head down to his feet as if they were the most interesting thing in the world.
Orion cleared his throat to break the silence that fell upon the group. “Well, if you’re going to refuse then…” he glanced at his crew and twirled his pointer fingers. Almost immediately, the group began hacking at the walls and floor, creating cracks and ridges in the previously polished interior.
“No!” Lomedy cried out. “Wait, please!” He started to move toward the lawman closest to him but Flame grabbed his wrist before he could get too close. Flame shook his head, and Lomedy stilled again, going quiet.
“Stop,” Flame demanded, glaring toward Orion. “Now.”
Smoke began to rise upward from his arm. He released Lomedy quickly before he could burn him and took a couple deep breaths as an attempt to resolve the issue. Eventually the smoke cleared.
“What’ll it be?” the cat questioned, standing tall once again.
This sucks.
“Fine,” Flame scoffed. “We’ll join your stupid faction.”
Flame and Lomedy set off once again, this time toward the Law base that was conveniently located in the same Mesa as their home.
It was dangerously hot out. The sun was merciless as beams radiated down on the duo hard. Flame, on one hand, enjoyed this weather. It made him feel most at home, and was the reason why he always lived in a Mesa.
On the contrary, Lomedy wasn’t doing so well. The farmer was no stranger to hot days, but this was brutal. The two took multiple breaks before the Law base finally came into view.
When they arrived, the base was crawling with lawmen. The buildings were made of brick and sandstone, standing tall and wide over the flats of the terrain. They provided shade which Lomedy, especially, was grateful for.
The two shuffled through the courtyard and up the gravel path before finding themselves at the front door of the center building.
“Should we…knock?” Lomedy panted. Bullets of sweat dripped down his forehead and his back leaned against the exterior of the building, both hands placed on his knees.
“No,” Flame decided. “Let’s just go in.” He was determined to get Lomedy out of the heat.
As they entered the building they noticed a desk placed at the center of the room. A player, CircusMaximus, sat at the desk, seemingly writing something on a piece of paper in front of him. He didn’t look up from his work until the two were only about 5 feet away from him.
“Hello Flame,” he nodded. “Lomedy.”
Lomedy gave a small smile but Flame only glared. Under the new leadership, he no longer had to fear the Law, but the sentiments he felt still ran deep.
“I’ll cut to the chase,” Maximus sighed. He must have noticed Flame’s growing impatience. “You both will be working as lawmen for the next 100 days. Flame, taking your PVP skills into consideration, you will be given your own squad to lead. You have free reign to pick 4 players of your choosing to join you on your missions.”
“Whatever,” Flame shrugged. “As long as Lomedy can be on my squad I don’t care.”
He shifted his focus to Lomedy who was busy sitting in a chair, fanning himself with one hand. He must’ve noticed Flame’s sudden attention to him because he stopped his task and smiled boldly at the Immortal Demon. Flame’s shoulders relaxed and he let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.
He was ecstatic to have Lomedy at his side again after everything that happened under the previous leader of the Law, LettuceK’s, reign. Flame swore he could see golden, glistening light radiating out of his best friend’s smile.
His moment of peace was quickly interrupted, and he scattered to gather his thoughts after hearing what he prayed was just in his mind.
“Sorry, but no,” Maximus maintained. “Lomedy was specifically requested by a different squad leader to join their team.”
“Who?” Flame questioned, annoyance lingered in his voice.
His mind was raced with thoughts.
As Maximus revealed the name of the mystery player, he felt a million miles away from his body.
The back of his throat stung and his eyes grew wide. His arm erupted into flames.
Oh. hell. no.