by Paul Vayro
Chapter Thirty
“It’s not funny.” Two buckets poked out from beneath the fallen wardrobe. They were held in place by the aforementioned furniture. Each bucket contained a Brick. It was neither clear nor important which one had spoken.
“You’re right. It’s not funny. It’s hilarious.” Not Spiritwind continued to chuckle alongside Spiritwind. The pair sat on the bed that was in the spare room. A loud crashing sound had drawn the bald pair within.
It appeared both Brick’s had decided to climb on the wardrobe, a tactic nobody could see any benefit in, especially after the last time the pair had independently tried it. The two Spiritwind’s had arrived to offer assistance. Removing their helmets they’d been too busy laughing and pointing to yet do anything.
“The first time was funny but twice.” Spiritwind continued to not help.
“I was counting on the element of surprise. I thought after a similar disaster last time you wouldn’t think I’d be stupid enough to do it again.” Brick grasped at logic.
“I obviously gave you too much credit. I didn’t think anyone would want to fall off a wardrobe and land underneath it twice. Do you want this lifting then?” Spiritwind sighed the end of his chuckling before letting out a few further bursts.
“I’m not sure. Give me a moment to consult with my similarly hindered friend. What do you feel Brick? Should we accept the offer of help?” The echo and lack of vision beneath the buckets made it impossible to gauge who was saying what.
“I’m not sure. It is a tough question. I was just coming to terms with my new life beneath the wardrobe. I was thinking of setting up a little shop selling souvenirs and trinkets so any visitors to our world could take home a memento.”
“That would certainly entice the tourists. Perhaps I could set up a theme park incorporating a hotel. We could be kings of our own Brickserverse….Do you feel something moving?”
The two Spiritwind’s had grown tired of the elaborate sarcasm and lifted without request. A general kafuffle ensued as everyone stood to debate the outcome of Gel Bucket.
As the bickering trickled along Dandara and Bettina re-entered the house and followed the opposed tones. Completely ignored for a good few minutes, Dandara tired of waiting and applied a gentle knock to the door.
“Oh good Dandara’s here.” Dandara was surprised by Brick’s welcome. “Maybe an impartial mind can sort this out…..”
Dandara had no intention of getting involved in whatever the bickering was about. She avoided the topic completely and told the foursome what she’d discovered.
“We ran the program we discussed and found two Earth’s that are way above and beyond any others in term of apathy density. What’s more they are close by. In space terms they are on the literal doorstep of Velos 19. Complacency and arrogance has left them unchecked. The Hero's Guild most likely believes nobody would be so bold as to carry out such a plan so close by.”
“So we were right?” Brick had only heard one thing.
“I think saying you’re right is a little premature. We’ve discovered an anomaly worth investigating further.” Dandara wouldn’t verbally budge as Bettina popped her head around the door and smiled towards the two Spiritwind’s. They blushed back.
“An anomaly we suggested you look for?” Brick persisted.
“The important thing is we should get going and continue our adventure. We have two new planets to explore.” Dandara turned and left the room. The bucket warriors followed her down the stairs, Brick clamouring for appreciation as they went.
“Of course. The mission is the most important thing. It doesn’t matter who came up with the brilliant method of tracking down the evil bad guy, even though it was us. We don’t need the praise.” The speech may have worked better had Brick’s cheek not been smeared with gel.
“Glad to see you’re getting the hang of being a true hero. Come on. We must prepare.” Dandara bypassed Brick’s sarcasm and accepted his offer of humility. Brick realised what had happened and mumbled his displeasure to Spiritwind.
“That’s the last time I try that reverse psychology stuff.”
“Is that what you were doing? I wondered why you’d suddenly become noble.”
“I’ll have you know I’m inherently noble.”
“Would it be wrong of us to come and wave you off, wouldn’t want to break any mission protocols or anything?” Not Spiritwind enquired from the back.
“As long as you don’t hinder our preparations.” Dandara gave her permission. As much as the pair irritated her she quite liked them.
“Preparations, I thought we just got on the ships and left?” Brick cut through the red tape as Not Spiritwind paused at the bottom of the stairs.
“I’ll just grab a few snacks for the journey. Never know when you might find yourself stranded up a mountain with nothing but a pair of shoelaces to survive on. Anyone wish to help?” Spiritwind was practically in the kitchen before the sentence ended.
“Maybe I’ll think up some amusing anecdotes for the trip.” Brick wanted to offer something.
“I’m sure the food will suffice.” Dandara gave a wry, inward smile to accompany her wit. She felt back in control after Brick’s brief moment of power, although she’d be wise to remember control is a pendulum that can never be truly owned.
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