Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"Good luck, mech. Tell me your name sometime, since Ytir left it out."

 

I stop in my tracks.
"You know my name."

 

"Look, I got knocked around in the lowlands, and all I ever call you is mech. Are you calling my memory crap?" He challenges, not in the mood for this.

 

"Sorry. Thirteen."
I say, walking away.

 

"Thanks. Good luck, Thirteen." He calls, no other words or raptors following up.

 

I leave the area, strolling directly into Mantis territory.

 

It only takes a minute before you encounter a patrol.
"Halt! Who are you, and why do you trespass?" One asks, the other two sidestepping to surround you.

 

"Oh, uh, my name's Thirteen, and... I'm looking for something."
I say, innocence in my voice.

 

"Looking for what?" They ask, cutting to the chase.
You can hear a few more patrols coming your way.

 

"Look, I know this is going to sound really threatening, but... a raptor tipped me off that I could get some mantis armblades from you without fighting."

 

They pause.
"You want our limbs. Am I hearing you right? Tsch, come with us." They say, hooking your arm and shoving you ahead of them.
Somebody's having a bad day.

 

"Well, not yours specifically, but... look, a raptor told me some stuff about some dishonest members of your people and how you guys might be able to help me."
I explain, letting them move me.

 

"Sounds like you're dealing with everyone. What do you even need these for?" They ask, keeping you moving forward.

 

"Access to a library. They also needed twelve raptor talons, but I don't enjoy starting trouble, so I was scavenging... I can tell you the whole story if you want."

 

"Dealing with everyone? Boy, your story better be good enough for Her Majesty's advisors!" They laugh, picking up the pace slightly. "I don't get paid enough for this if there are more people 'scavenging' like you..."

 

"I travel a lot, so I'd like to imagine I'm at least okay at making deals."
I say, matching their pace.

 

"You ought to be. The only thing I respect is your bravery for trying to barter with all of us!" They remark.

Minutes later, you arrive at a rather thick vine wall.
"Alright, you keep your mouth shut until Her Majesty figures out how we're going to deal with you." They say quietly, slowing their pace drastically.

 

I match their pace once again, nodding.

 

Their hostility eases up on you, likely because of your cooperation.

Eventually, you come across a central, elevated vine structure over a pit that has multiple dark tunnels stemming from them.
"Okay, Thirteen. Leave that sword and those bolts with me. Crossbow shouldn't be any good without ammo." They order.

 

I give them a confused look, keeping my mouth shut as I first place my sword on the ground, then I hand them my bolts.