Conscious, Conscientious

The black door slid to a close behind Lammy as he stepped into the hall. He stretched his arms and a yawn erupted.

Last night was easily the best rest he'd gotten–perhaps the only real rest–since he and Zayza left Gloat Center.

That sure was nice of Skrili, he thought.

He'd assumed the employee bunks wouldn't be so bad, so he felt it was worth it to grant Deon and Skrili the privacy they wouldn't get anywhere else. But all the late-night conversing, and eventually, the snoring and farting had kept him wide awake for hours.

And on top of that, they were as great a distance from the rest of Team Hiroko as possible.

But Skrili's room–now his–only placed him a short walk away. He was even able to prepare himself a little breakfast with some of the food the crew had pre-stocked in the luxurious kitchen.

Though more than anything else, what warmed Lammy's heart was the sheer effort Skrili went through to make this possible.

Just to reach him last night, she had to trek all the way down and across the ship and figure out which room was his–all in the dead of night. It must have taken quite a while.

So when she poked her head in to find him far from asleep, it was the last thing he'd expected to see. She simply began gathering his things and instructed him to follow.

And now, thanks to her, his head was clear enough to face the day.

He remembered the warmth of her hand as she firmly, yet tenderly, guided him all the way up to the Team Hiroko hall in the dark–carrying his things for him the whole way. It mirrored the way she wouldn't let go after rescuing him from the spikes in Azvaylen.

Neither uttered a word the whole way up, but the silence was somehow natural–even calming.

She may look serious all the time, Lammy noted, but she's really sweet, huh?

Oddly, the thought tugged at his heart a bit. If he already liked her so much, if she already fit in so seamlessly with Deon and Lammy's friendship, why should he feel this hint of sadness?

Savannah…

When he first saw Deon with Skrili, he was far from surprised he'd already found a new girl. That was typical. But Lammy hadn't expected Deon to already find love again.

Perhaps he was just biased. Savannah had been there for their entire lives. She was an inextricable part of them even before she and Deon dated.

And though he never said it, Lammy was really pulling for them to make it final. The entire town was.

"He needs something that makes him grow up."

Lammy remembered Savannah's words just before he followed after Deon and fell into the Multiverse. That was the closest she'd ever gotten to explaining why she'd abruptly dumped his cousin.

Was she right…? Lammy wondered. Is Skrili that 'something' he needed?

Now that he met her, he could certainly believe it.

Perhaps that explained how Deon was already able to move on from Savannah…even while Lammy had still been quietly holding on to hope.

Lammy sighed to ward off the oncoming headache. He decided he'd spent way too much time trying to grasp such otherworldly emotions unfit for a thirteen-year-old.

I don't get romance, he concluded.

~

Thankfully, his wandering mind didn't cause his steps to wander in the same manner. Repeating the directions to himself that Skrili had given him last night, he was on track to meet up with the others.

It was time to and observe their first day of training.

Despite the underlying circumstances for their real reason to train, a natural excitement coursed through Lammy. He was about to witness something spectacular, based on the last time he saw his friends unleash their abilities.

All of the power between their types…all of the possibilities for unique team combos…

And he still had yet to discover Otogi's consciousness abilities and fighting skills.

Lammy was already beginning to feel bad for the other Special Teams–but definitely not for Proscious.

He reached a long, windowless hall of gold and began to wonder if he'd strolled too far to a random back area of the ship. But then he found a simple sliding door, no bigger than the one for his bedroom.

Lammy entered the code Deon wrote down for him. Skids, footsteps, and voices echoed their way to his ears, and Lammy's eyes shot wide.

This had to be the biggest room in the ship, spanning probably its entire length.

Motion caught Lammy's attention towards the center of the room, and he watched as Phillip landed intensely from some sort of flip beside Deon. The Illusionist nearly fell, but Lammy noticed that would have caused no issue: they stood atop a cushioned red mat that stretched through the majority of the room's middle.

The rest of the team was spread out across the mat, with Skrili and Otogi discussing something on top of the customized "TH" logo in the middle, and Kotono receiving hydration from a group of three workers in black.

In fact, those workers seemed to be everywhere. A line of them, at least a dozen, watched closely along the side of the mat, towels and bottles ready in many of their hands. Others were tinkering with unknown exercise machines at the far right of the room. They all wore identical caps.

However, across from Otogi on the opposite side of the mat, several similar workers in white followed his every motion. They whispered and nodded to each other.

Then he spotted a fourth analyzing a row of five machines along the left wall. The contraptions were like simple metallic closets, with a clear door through which a green light shone–a shade identical to Kotono's healing energy.

A lot sure goes into this…Lammy realized.

"Oh I'm sorry, champ, the complimentary breakfast is a floor above this one," came a hollow voice beside him.

Lammy nearly jumped–apparently, he'd stepped right beside someone, but his enthrallment had blinded him from his immediate surroundings.

The man's pointed chin still faced the mat along with all of his focus, even as he spoke to Lammy. His arms were crossed seemingly by default, the balding in his yellow and blue hair speaking volumes to the nature of his work.

"Oh–I'm actually where I want to be," Lammy explained.

"That so?" The man's almond eyes glanced down at him for only a split moment. "So you're Deon's little brother, then."

"Uh…well, cousin."

"It doesn't matter. Maybe he'll have time to play video games with you later. Right now, and for the rest of the day, he's busy. Run along."

The man still didn't move in the slightest. As far as he was concerned, that was that.

Over on the mat, Lammy noticed Phillip break into a sprint and launch into the air. A miniature wooden wall appeared in his path–one of Deon's creations. He touched off of it with one foot, and then used a swing of the other to spin backwards into a flip.

But Phillip came down too horizontally, and he tumbled onto the mat.

"Huh. Well that's the angle Skrili likes," Deon explained, offering his hand and helping Phillip up.

"We'll try again," his dreary teammate assured.

"Deon, imagine the wall two points lower, and one back. Phillip, do exactly what you did," instructed the man beside Lammy.

"Sure, coach!"

"It's Mr. Truj."

"Sure, Mr. Truj."

Mr. Truj sneered at Deon's exact copy of his monotone.

But beside him, Lammy beamed.

"Wait–you're the team coach?" he asked, his intrigue cracking him from his discomfort.

"Mhm."

Suddenly, Lammy could practically see stars around the otherwise dull Mr. Truj.

"Whoa…so there are coaches in this League?"

"Clearly."

"So you oversee all the team techniques, and strategies, and how they–"

"Yes, yes! You're not even supposed to be in here, kid. Shoo," Mr. Truj spat.

Back on the mat, Phillip jumped into the air again. Deon's wall appeared at an altered angle, and this time, Phillip nailed the landing. He accepted a hearty high-five from Deon.

Whoa…Mr. Truj was spot on, Lammy marveled.

But as he scanned the length of the mats again and watched the rest of the team, he made a glaringly peculiar observation.

"Wait…why don't you have Deon and Skrili drilling together?" he asked.

In the distance, Skrili glanced over her shoulder towards Deon. But Otogi's ongoing words forced her to return her attention.

"Simple. Their types aren't very compatible," Mr. Truj said flatly. "The Imaginer/Illusionist combo is a very much tried-and-true pairing. So Deon with Phillip is the most logical call."

"But…Deon and Skrili have been fighting together for a while," Lammy stressed. "I've seen a bit of their stuff in action, and it's honestly really impress–"

"I'm sure you're more than familiar with the thousands of tweakable attack and defense possibilities between an Imaginer and Illusionist when pitted against decorated veteran fighters, then?" Mr. Truj interrupted. "Are my nearly three decades of coaching top-twenties teams not enough to convince you that, perhaps, I know what I'm doing?"

He let out an exasperated puff of air, his crossed arms tightening.

"Sorry, champ. The League is a different level than what you know. It's not your mommy's backyard. Run along."

Lammy gulped. Given all he'd faced, this man was far from scary. But he couldn't risk making things harder on Deon.

So he clenched his jaw and stayed quiet.

This coach is right…this stuff is a different level than what I know–than what we all know, he thought.

The faces of the Proscious members, and their dreadful machine, returned to the front of his mind.

This is a level way lower.

He noticed a man jog up to Mr. Truj from the corner of the mats. He cocked his ear as the man muttered something, using a plethora of decorative hand gestures. Then, Mr Truj simply nodded.

"Deon, try it again. But can you imagine something a little more eyecatching?" he inquired. "And Phillip: pose bigger on the landing."

The consciousnesses glanced at each other and shrugged.

"Uh…sure?" Deon said. "I'll try."

Huh? 'Eyecatching?' Lammy pondered.

He tried not to shake his head too obviously.

Perhaps he could understand the desire for flair when these fights were about money and entertainment. But unlike Mr. Truj, he knew the real stakes.

And if this was the extent of their approach with Pang's life at risk, it felt like begging for another disaster.

He turned his attention towards the other half of the mat, hoping he'd find enough assurance to offset his doubt.

Kotono simply stood just as before, her eyes cloudy. But in the center of the mat, Skrili readied herself while Otogi focused between her and Kotono.

Then, somehow, golden light began glowing around Skrili's arms. And as it increased, Lammy realized it wasn't just light:

It looked like the exact same energy as Kotono's powers.

Skrili moved her arms around in careful observation, and then threw a few quick punches. There was no mistake now: that was Kotono’s power.

"Huh?!" Lammy gasped. "How?!"

"That has you stumped? Otogi is a Sharer, obviously," Mr. Truj grumbled. "If you didn't even know that, you really don't belong in this room with us…"

If Mr. Truj had told him to 'shoo' again, Lammy was too captivated to notice.

Skrili focused hard, until she was able to transfer the energy from her arms to her legs and feet. Beside her, Otogi simply smiled.

So he's like a Manipulator…Lammy analyzed, but instead of copying a person's powers for himself, he can give them to someone else?

Doorways burst open in Lammy's mind left and right, and behind them were nothing but sparkling potential. Calculating all five types before him, he couldn't even begin to compile all these new ideas popping up in his head.

Factoring in Otogi's powers, Team Hiroko's already tremendous strength had just entered a new world of possibilities.

He fought hard to spare Mr. Truj from a list of suggestions. But he couldn't hold all his excitement in.

"So awesome!!"

Mr. Truj sneered to himself.

Skrili turned to notice Lammy and gave a smile. Still glowing gold, she returned to her task and lowered into a running position.

"Ready, Kotono?" Otogi called over.

Her gaze seemed to wander emptily, until she noticed her teammates' sharp attention on her.

"Um…ready?" Skrili double-checked a bit softer.

Kotono's nod was almost undetectable.

With obvious reluctance, Skrili darted her way.

"Don't hold back! She can block it!" Mr. Truj insisted.

After his words, the glowing energy burst brighter around Skrili's legs. And with it, her speed doubled. The cutting crackles from the sparks forced Deon and Phillip to pause their drills and watch on.

Skrili shot into the air, and Lammy's eyes widened still as the energy's force carried her much farther than gravity alone would allow.

"Here I come!"

Nearing Kotono, she positioned into a blazing kick.

Lammy's heart skipped. Good thing Kotono's powers will protect–

His next observation turned his assurance into panic.

Hardly any energy formed around Kotono to deflect the incoming strike–just a hint of gray light, like fog, that removed the color from her training outfit.

And just as Skrili closed in, it dissipated.

"Wait!" Otogi shouted.

It seemed Skrili detected the problem just as swiftly. Right before making contact, she managed to rotate. She wrapped her arms around Kotono to prevent a collision, and the teammates tumbled across the mat.

The entire gym went silent. Black-hatted assistants raced to Kotono and Skrili, but they stopped when both fighters sat up unscathed.

Skrili and Kotono helped each other to their feet, quiet apologies bouncing off of each other. But after a hushed exchange, it appeared Skrili's kindness triumphed. She held Kotono around her shoulders and guided her towards the edge of the mats.

Mr. Truj took a sudden step forward, about to protest. But he bit his lip. "Fine. Kotono, take five."

Turning his back to the mats, Mr. Truj shook his head. Lammy could almost see a string of hypothetical defeats playing out in the coach's eyes.

"What was that…?" Mr. Truj muttered to himself. "Gray…?"

"Kotono's powers–" Lammy started.

"I wasn't asking you–"

"Kotono's powers changed," Lammy persisted, "after she lost Hiroko."

He almost kept silent as he'd planned, but it spilled out. And once it did, he felt no regret–even when Mr. Truj inched closer, his frown turning from annoyance to anger.

"Watch your mouth. The whole agency lost Hiroko," he grumbled. "And I've worked with Kotono since well before they met. I know how her powers work better than anyone, even her."

"Not anymore," Lammy said. "They've changed."

He remembered her demeanor outside Volona's offices.

"And I think she's changed."

At first Lammy wasn't sure where this combative nature was coming from. He had no doubt Mr. Truj harbored much more consciousness wisdom than him. And clearly, this didn't seem to be helping to ease the tension as a vein stuck out in Mr. Truj's forehead.

But Lammy saw the gaping hole in his understanding. And he couldn't let that go unacknowledged–not with what it might cost Pang.

"Her powers are based on her emotions, right?" Lammy emphasized. "I think you should focus on understanding how they're different now, and maybe what she needs because of that. However things were when you trained her before, I don't think it can be the same."

He kept his words even, hoping his suggestion would come across in good faith instead of argumentative.

But perhaps that intent had the reverse effect.

Mr. Truj's arms finally separated. He raised one hand out and pointed squarely to the door.

"One more word from you, snotty brat," he seethed, "and I–"

"...need your blessing!!"

Out of nowhere, a puff of orange hair burst between them. Lammy almost fell over.

Volona now stood directly before Mr. Truj, a desperate hand on his shoulder and the fabric of her frilly dress brushing Lammy's face.

Why does she need to be here…? wondered Lammy.

"No," Mr. Truj said plainly before even entertaining her request.

"Please! I just want to see how the new skirt flows when she's hovering!" Volona begged. "Look!"

She held up a light, breathable dress similar in style to the ones Lammy had seen Kotono wear at the Conscious Competition.

"Do it later."

"She's taking five, right?" Volona pointed out. "Please, Mr. Truj!"

"Fine, fine! Be fast," he caved. "I already have enough people intruding on my work…"

Volona followed his eyes, and turned to notice Lammy.

"Ah! Adorable!" she beamed. "Mr. Stutter's little brother! Danny!"

"Cousin. Lammy," he said tiredly, wiping cotton off of his tongue.

She didn't appear to listen, because all of her attention fell to his attire. "My boy, if you choose to wear jewelry, you should never keep it hidden!"

Jewelry?

On his behalf, Volona leaned down and lifted the silvery chain around his neck. In one swift move, she unveiled the rest of the necklace Layla had given him–her 'royal engagement necklace,' as Zayza later described.

"Ooh! It's refined! Elegant! What is this?" Volona inquired.

Lammy felt his entire face flush.

"Uh…just a gift…"

Volona cupped the pink jewel at the bottom into her hands.

"This stone is just…oh?!"

To Lammy's shock, a pink ray burst out from the stone. The light enveloped Volona, lifted her off of her feet, and tossed her back. She thumped onto her behind up against the mats, her hair falling out of shape.

The rays dissipated, making Lammy's view of Volona, Mr. Truj, and the nearest assistants staring at him all the more vivid.

Lammy swallowed hard.

"Uh…I–"

"YOU NEED TO GO," boomed Mr. Truj.

"That's what I was gonna say…" Lammy stammered, scrambling backwards. He found the door and practically sprinted out of the gym.

What was THAT about?! Lammy's mind stormed. He cupped the necklace to prevent more damage as he scurried down the empty hall.

Layla, what the heck did you give me? A weapon?! Now I really am causing problems…

His body went heavy at the thought.

Of all times, why did I have to run my mouth for once? Should I have just stayed quiet and watched?

When he'd walked in to see Deon training back there, for a moment, he felt like they were in the Tailpiece fields again.

But this place was different. Colder.

Perhaps he'd overestimated his own importance.

"Noble Lammy?"

"AH!"

Lammy tripped on himself and stumbled to the floor.

That unmistakable voice came directly into his mind. He looked around, but aligning with logic, the small Queen was nowhere in sight.

"Uh…Layla?"

"Noble Lammy…how pleasant it is to hear your voice again," she said.

Lammy's blush immediately returned. Her voice felt so close. And it was just as delighted as it was hushed, unlike her harder formal speech he'd grown used to.

"You called for me? Are you well?"

"Called for…?" Lammy pondered aloud. "Uh…Layla…what exactly does this necklace do…?"

"Its magic connects us even when we're apart," came her poetic reply. "And it guards your heart from the prying will of other maidens."

The WHAT?!?!

Lammy slapped his hand to his forehead.

"Uh…I think it might have made a misjudgment…" he uttered. "But…don't worry, I'm okay."

"Good. How I wish I had the time to tap into the enchantment deeper so we could see each other's faces," Layla lamented, "but I'm afraid my duties beckon. Fewpar has encountered a gang of Proscious loyalists. I must see to it."

Oh yeah…Lammy recalled. There must be so much more for them to work through back there…

"Got it," he said. "Be safe, Layla."

"You as well, my Noble Lammy. And if your journeys bring you beyond Fantasy Country, please call out again before you cross realities."

Her voice began to fade.

"Farewell…"

Lammy sat in place, the heat in his face remaining. Her demeanor was so much more tender than when they'd last spoken.

Well…in her mind, we are engaged now, he figured. Lammy shook his head.

I don't get romance.

But as he sat on the hallway floor, his thoughts returning to his encounter with Mr. Truj, they also never left the Queen.

Here he was, sulking against a wall when she found him. Meanwhile she was not only ruling an entire turbulent nation, but fighting to recover its former peace.

Layla was only a year older than him. She didn't ask for this responsibility, just as he didn't ask for this life he'd fallen into. And she was more physically fragile than him. But Layla was owning her circumstances, and dishing out everything she had.

She'd already overcome a nearly unbeatable evil.

And wait…so did I.

A new fire in his bones, Lammy climbed back to his feet. He touched the triangle tattoo on his cheek.

It doesn't matter how young we are. We're guardians just like the others. So if Layla can do this…

So can I.

Lammy faced the closed gym door, and pointed to it just like Mr. Truj did to make him leave.

I'm not caving, he swore to his unseen rival. I know what Team Hiroko can do, and I'll help make it happen.

He smiled to himself.

Thanks, Layla.

As he stormed off, thoughts of her elder sister flooded his mind, as well, and all they outlasted together.

Now, Zayza was facing her own trial in the desert of Hidakala. And whatever she was sensing there, it was too dangerous to tell Kotono.

All three of us have our wars to win, he recognized.

But none of us are alone.

Lammy powered ahead. Endless strategies now swirling through his thoughts, he headed for his room to start bringing them to life.