Dimensions Collide: Destiny Bond

"John," she hissed, grabbing at his arm. "No more [Resets]."

As if he'd been splashed by a bucket of cold water, he snapped back to attention, shaking his head before snapping back to attention.

"Care to play another, sir?" the dealer said calmly.

John shook his head slowly, letting out a deep breath. "I think I'm all done here."

He tipped half a gold coin's worth of chips, to which the dealer smiled graciously, and he began to walk out with his bucket of tokens.

"Hello, sir. Done already?" the attendant at the front desk said with a smile.

"Yeah," John said, his fake smile stiffer than usual. "Quit while I'm ahead and all that."

"Very well. Your money will be processed shortly."

John's winnings were dumped into a machine which whirred a little before pumping out a bunch of gold coins. These were promptly handed over to their rightful owner.

"Thank you for playing. Please come again soon!"

John nodded, then stopped, seemingly hesitant to leave.

"Hey. Do I, uh… need to be worried or anything?" he frowned.

"Worried?" the attendant said, confused.

"Well, you know. Big winnings and all that. Should I be worried about getting robbed?"

The receptionist laughed. "Not unless you go somewhere far away. You must be new here."

"Yeah," John said, rubbing the back of his neck. "What made it obvious?"

"The locals know not to mess with the organization that runs this establishment. Touching one of their customers would mean to touch them."

"...I see," John said slowly. "Thanks for the heads up."

The receptionist gave the same trained smile as Prota tugged at John's arm, pulling him out of the building.

She knew that look on his face. He was thinking about something related to the [Plot].

Prota wasn't sure if he was aware of it himself, but he made different faces when he was thinking. If he was just planning something for a fight or how to deal with something minor, the small smile that regularly sat on his face would still be there. His eyebrows might furrow, and he might press his lips together, but he never looked incredibly concerned.

However, on the other hand, if he was thinking about something [Plot] related, more often than not, his face went completely blank. Not always. Sometimes, he'd act how he always did. But more often than not, his face would reflect what he was truly feeling, which was usually nothing at all.

"John," she muttered, looking around. Just because the receptionist said they were safe didn't mean that was true, and she didn't want them getting jumped while he was preoccupied with his thoughts. "Time to go."

That seemed to bring him out of his trance. His head snapped up, and he looked like an android that'd just been powered up.

"You're right. Let's go get Briar, and we'll go back to Scholaris."

The two navigated their way back to the old dwarf's hut. John had already put his money away in the pocket dimension, so they couldn't be robbed regardless of what happened. With nothing else to do, Prota began berating her brother.

"John was going to [Reset]."

"Look, it's just what I'm used to doing, ok?" he argued. "I- I got a little too excited, and then I sort of… forgot. Look, I normally do it, ok? I save right before betting. Then, once the cards are dealt, if I'm going to lose, I bet low, and if I'm going to win, I go all in. It's just free money, is it not?"

"John was going to kill himself over gambling," Prota pointed out.

"Well, yes, but-"

"...stupid."

"What? No, no. Look, even if I didn't have [Resets], this would be a reasonable crashout over losing one game of blackjack, no?"

Prota stopped walking and looked up at John. Her expression was more than enough to let him know her thoughts. Even if he was joking, it was a pretty stupid joke to make. She suddenly shuddered in fear. If he was willing to do stuff like this over gambling, what would've happened if he had [Resets] for their current life? In the Town of Beginnings, there hadn't been much to do in way of interactions or entertainment, but now, John had met royals, Mystics and more.

What kind of messes would he have gotten himself into? She didn't want to think about it.

"Fine, fine. I won't do it tomorrow. I can just run slots, anyway. Well, actually, winning that too often might be a little suspicious… do I have to gamble without cheating?"

He continued to mutter as they made their way to the old, dirty street where Briar's guardian lived. There were a few guys in suits in front of one of the houses, but it was so far away that they couldn't tell what was going on. Still, even without knowing which one was Briar's house, John knew those men were standing in front of it.

"Prota," he said quietly, slowly withdrawing a pistol from his pocket dimension.

His sister nodded. A fight was brewing. They continued on their casual stroll, but tensions were high as they approached the house. Now that they were closer, they could hear the conversation being held. The men in suits didn't seem to be here for a social visit.

"...two more weeks, got it? No more than that."

"Yes, yes, I understand," Zuko's voice said quietly.

"Well, you could hand over that little girl. She might be enough to pay off-"

"Enough!" Zoku said, his voice quiet but firm. "Leave. I will have your money in two weeks' time."

"And you remember what happens if you don't, right?"

"Of course. Please, leave."

Now that they were closer, John could see what the suited men looked like in more detail. They were still dwarves, but they did in fact give him the impression of Japanese yakuza. Short cut hair, tattoos that peeked out from their sleeves, sunglasses and short beards. They bent down to pick up their briefcases, then turned, facing John and Prota.

Neither party exchanged words, but both analyzed the other thoroughly. Well, neither John nor Prota seemed like much of a threat, hopefully, and the yakuza dwarves left without a word.

"Ah. You've returned at an unfortunate time, it seems," Zuko said as he spotted Briar's friends.

"Got involved with some loan sharks?" John said, raising an eye. "Unlucky."

"...indeed, it is. I will call Briar, and you can return to your school." He turned to go back in, but then paused as he seemed to consider something. "Oh, and if you may… please ensure she does not return for a while."

"What, you don't want her getting caught up in this mess?" John snorted. "You sure that's the best for her?"

"What would you know of our family's problems? If you care for your friend, then please, stay out of this. It is beyond you children. This is a matter for adults to handle."

John licked his dry lips, trying to come to a decision.

[Do you want to get involved in this?]

Prota's eyes widened. She hadn't been expecting a message through the system, but that wasn't what had surprised her. No, it was the fact that John was asking her if she wanted to get involved.

[I mean, this isn't an issue we have to deal with. Destiny's probably going to get involved, but the problem isn't coming to us, so technically speaking, we can just stay out of the way.]

[But John makes things different. Because. Anomaly?]

[You remember that? Great. My point is, I personally don't care what happens. We can help them. We can also not help them. That means it's up to you.]

Prota considered the situation. On one hand, getting involved in unnecessary conflict meant putting John through unnecessary danger. On the other hand, the fact that he'd used the words "help them" implied that he was alright with doing unnecessary work for the sake of a "friend." She was well aware of how he saw those around him, but for him to consider helping her for no reward meant that he did, in fact, see Briar as a little more than just a [Character].

And having him keep that mindset was way healthier for John than whatever danger they might go through.

[I'm ok]

[Ok?]

[Let's help them.]

[Alright, you stay here with Briar, then. I'm gonna take the old man out for drinks.]

With that, John put his hand on Zuko's shoulder, pulling out a few gold coins.

"Well, let's talk about it for a little, first. Prota can stay here with Briar."

"You-"

"You wouldn't say no to free drinks, right? They're on me," John grinned.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Zuko grunted, but John could tell he was slipping. "You're a child. You shouldn't-"

"Come on! I'll buy whatever you want." He pulled out his winnings from the casino. "Don't worry, it's nothing."

"You-" the man's eyebrows raised at the sight of so many gold coins. "You shouldn't be getting involved with them. I don't know what you're doing, but-"

"Well, only way to stop me is to come along for drinks, right?"

John smiled brightly as the old man sighed.

"I know of a tachinomi not too far from here," he said slowly.

"A what?"

"A bar is what you humans would call it, I think. Come along, then."

He seemed extremely reluctant, but with John's words and smile, there was no way to dissuade himg. Zuko had made a good call. John could be incredibly stubborn when he needed to be.

The only person he truly accepted a "no" from was the [Author], and that was because he had to.

The two walked off, leaving Prota behind. Just as they were out of view, Briar came barreling out of what Prota assumed was her room, panting.

"Gramps, I'm ready- gramps? Oh, hey, Prota. Did you see the old man?"

Prota pointed out to the road, unsure of what to tell her friend.

"He went out- don't tell me he went to the casino again?!"

She shook her head. "Bar. Drinks."

"Drinks- huh. Well, he's gotta go out once in a while, I guess. Here, if he's gonna be gone, then why don't I show you around a little?"

~~~

"So. Tell me. Are you a spy sent by the yakuza?"

John sighed, stirring his soda. He wouldn't have minded ordering something alcoholic, but one, he was in a child's body, and two, he simply didn't enjoy the taste of alcohol. He couldn't get drunk, so why drink something that doesn't taste good?

"No. I'm just a guy," John shrugged. "Believe me, don't believe me, it doesn't matter. But it sounds like you've gotten mixed up in something… uh, unfortunate, right?"

"Mm… yes, we can call it that."

"Then you wouldn't mind some help, right?"

The old man picked up his small porcelain cup, taking a sip of the clear beverage held within. Sake, or rice wine, seemed popular here, as if to continue the Japanese theme.

"Do you understand what you are asking for? Children shouldn't be involved in the matters of adults," Zuko said, his bushy eyebrows furrowing into a frown.

"So Briar doesn't know what's going on?"

"...she knows a little. It would be impossible to keep her in the dark forever. But she does not truly understand what is happening here."

John sighed, taking a gulp of his soda. This was going to be harder than he thought. Zuko Hi. His kindness was, unfortunately, working against him. He seemed quite determined to stop John from getting involved, but it wasn't because of suspicion. No, it was truly because he believed children shouldn't get caught up in things like these.

John normally would've agreed, save for the fact that they were in a [Story], the one place children were regularly sent on life-endangering quests for the sake of humanity.

Well, there was no point in thinking about that. More pressing questions flooded John's mind. Just who was this old dwarf? He seemed pretty harmless, but if he was Briar's guardian, then he was definitely someone who'd created something grand. Curiosity ate away at him. What was it? Just what was this grand invention he was hiding, the collateral for his debt that, once given, would cause the yakuza to leave him alone?

He couldn't ask, though. A question like that would raise too much suspicion. This wasn't the time to brute force things. This man was definitely someone patient, someone hardwilled. He wouldn't be a blacksmith if he weren't. John couldn't just catch him off guard; for the first time, his knowledge as a [Reader] wouldn't help him.

He had to convince this old dwarf using nothing but persuasion.

"Do you think I'm just a kid?" he said suddenly.

"You act with the imprudence of youth. Yet…"

"Would a kid take you out to drinks? Come on, think about it. Yes, I could be a mature kid or a strange kid. But think about it. You know the answer, don't you?"

Zuko seemed troubled.

"Listen. It's honourable that you want to try and protect children. The new generation and all that, right? But I know what I'm getting into. Trust me."

"I…"

"Put it this way. A friend of your child is offering to help out with some family issues. It sounds like you could use it, right?"

He looked uncomfortable. John had an inkling as to what was going on in the old dwarf's mind. A struggle between the desire to receive aid for this troubling problem and a desire to uphold his moral code. He was walking the line between selfishness and selflessness.

Well, if that was the case, then it was easy. After all, selfishness was easily veiled as selflessness.

"Come on. Think about what those guys said they were gonna do to Briar. We can stop that from ever happening again. Don't you want to see their faces when you show up with the money they need?"

That was it. The push Zuko needed. Right, if it was for the one he cared for, then shouldn't he take responsibility? He, as an old man, didn't have much he could do. But here was a boy who, despite being a child, seemed confident enough to take on what could come.

"Then what? What will you do?" Zuko said carefully.

John grinned. Now, they were in business.

"Well, how much do you owe them?"

"...is this really something you need to know?"

John sighed, leaning back. Well, it made sense. If he were in Zuko's position, he, too, would be reluctant to admit he owed a large sum of money to organized crime.

"Well, I'm aiming to pay off your debt," John offered.

The old dwarf's bushy eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"You? But-"

"You remember that money I showed you earlier? That was easily made. And I can get more, as long as you let me help you."

"I- but-"

Damn. Was it really that hard to make a decision? Well, upon reflection, John wasn't the most moral of people. Maybe this was something out of his range of insight.

"Look. Enough fucking around, ok? Put it this way. I don't fuck with those guys either. And I wanna do something about it. And if it helps a friend, then, yeah, I don't mind helping out. This isn't the first shitshow I've been through."

Zuko suddenly frowned. Well, that made sense. John's language and tone had switched from somewhat respectful and calm to brash and ignorant. It was as if the mask had been dropped.

"Boy, you speak of something you are not prepared for. The Yakuza-"

"I've dealt with worse, ok? Seriously, why are you trying so hard to turn down my help?"

"Even if you have seen worse, that does not mean you should continue to see worse," Zuko explained calmly. "It should be the responsibility of adults to clean up their messes. It is our responsibility to guide you, young ones, to a brighter future. We should not drag you down into our troubles. By doing so, we propagate further darkness. I pray that someday, there will be no more need for fighting."

John had been stirring his drink with his straw, but as Zuko finished his speech, he dropped his cup and stared.

"I- um. Ok. Sure."

"Then you understand? Why I do not wish for you to be involved?"

John sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. The conversation had spiralled completely out of his control.

"Yeah, I get it."

"Then you will stop asking to help, yes?"

John grimaced, shoving over his adult ID.

"I'm not a normal kid."

Zuko stared at the card, looking back and forth between it and John.

"You are aware that relationships between children and adults are frowned upon, yes?" Zuko said, looking at John for a final time.

"What- what the fuck? Why are you bringing that up?" John exclaimed, making a face of disgust.

"You are attending a school full of children, and while you are an adult, you look like a child. Are you sure you're not suspicious?"

"Wh- god fucking dammit," John groaned, holding his head in his hands. "It's a fake ID, ok? Fake. But I've used it before. I can handle myself. And if it comes to my life or the life or your kid, which is more valuable?"

"Ho. I'm merely teasing you, young man." Zuko's lips curved into a kind smile. "If you were truly a bad person, you would not be trying so hard to provide your assistance. Very well."

"You mean-"

"Come again tomorrow, if you can. I will let you know the details of the situation then."

With a grunt, he got up from his chair, the metal legs scraping against the wooden floor. John came over and helped him up, supporting him with his hands.

"Thank you." Zuko closed his eyes, holding John's hand.

It was then that John noticed the calluses and firmness of his grip. While he looked frail, underneath that loose clothing were rock-hard muscles and disciplined limbs. This man was truly a blacksmith, in and out. Despite his hard skin, his touch was soft.

"And remember, young man. While we may sometimes use the darkness to fight for a more peaceful world… remember not to let it consume you, lest you fail to see the world you fought for."

~~~

"And this is our garden. It's not much, but it's a pretty nice house, right?" Briar grinned. "Gramps raised me here. It's not much, but it's home."

Prota nodded, looking around. It was indeed a cozy home. Small, but functional and clean. It was also unlike anything she'd ever seen before. Bamboo mats. Cushions on the floor instead of chairs surrounding a low sitting table. Strange ingredients she'd never seen before, although a few seemed familiar. A large bag filled with that white grain. What was it called again? Rice, that was it.

"So? Do ya like it?"

Prota nodded again, sitting down on one of the cushions. It was surprisingly comfortable.

"...then, I'll be back tomorrow," John's voice came from the front door.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Yes. I'll handle it. Don't worry. If I haven't done anything in a week… maybe start worrying."

"I understand." The old dwarf's voice raised a few notches. "Briar? It's time to leave."

The girls got up to see their respective family members walk in, taking their shoes off at the front. Prota looked up at John with an inquisitive look, but he just nodded, a sign that everything had gone well. Briar tumbled into her grandfather with a hug, burying her face in his robes.

"Aw, c'mon! Can't I stay overnight?"

"No. Go back with your friends."

She pouted, but it seemed she was going to listen. She ran back to her room to get ready to leave, leaving her guardian alone with her friends.

"What do you see in her?" John said quietly without turning his head.

Zuko was calm, but even he couldn't hide his slight reaction to John's question.

"What do you mean?"

"...it's just. You know. You're some big shot blacksmith, aren't you? So why did you decide to teach her, of all people? I'm just curious."

"I-Impossible! Nobody should know of the Hi bloodline. We-"

"I don't know of the Hi bloodline. I just… I guessed," John said, but this time, his tone was apologetic, as if he didn't mean to confuse the old man. "Don't think too hard about it. I just want to know what you saw in that girl. Why you chose to pass your skills on to her."

The man's eyebrows furrowed deeply.

"You are quite suspicious." He sighed, shaking his head. "I suppose I should expect this by now. That girl… hm. I cannot say. Come back another time, and I may have an answer for you then."

John nodded respectfully. "Thanks."

Prota looked up at him in shock. She'd never seen him be this respectful to anybody, ever. Not even to the king of the Elves. Just who was this old man that John was acting with such respect?

"Alright, I'm ready! Let's go, guys!"

Briar burst out of her room, once again dressed in her school uniform. She wrapped her arms around Zuko one more time before running off to the door to put her shoes back on.

"I'll see you again, gramps!"

He nodded, smiling kindly as he watched the children leave. He continued to stare at the door long after it'd closed, leaving him alone in his humble abode once more.

"What a nice child."

~~~

"John," Prota said urgently. "Who is he?"

"What, the old dude? That's Briar's adoptive grandfather or something."

"No," she said, shaking her head. "Who is he?"

"...like, in terms of the [Story]?"

She nodded.

"I don't know. Probably some legendary blacksmith or something. His bloodline was probably ruined by some stupid event, and now he's living his days out quietly, looking for a successor to continue his legacy. Pretty standard stuff."

Prota frowned. Then why had John been treating the man with such respect?

"Ah, you're wondering about that?"

John smiled. He was glad his sister was talking more these days, but the days of non-verbal communication were not lost. He was still used to understanding what she wanted with nothing more than a glance.

"He just… he reminded me of someone. I used to respect them a lot. I- huh?"

His vision was getting blurry. Tears? No way. Because of something like this?

"I- I-" he started choking on his words. "Damn." He sniffled, wiping at his eyes as he let out a short laugh. "This much is enough? Really?"

"...who?"

John let out a heavy breath, wiping at his eyes one more time.

"I don't know. They're blurry. I can't remember who it is, but… I think he was someone I loved. I don't remember his name. I can't really see what he looks like. But seeing that old man…"

He closed his eyes and smiled. What he wasn't telling her was that it was a memory of someone from [Earth]. From [Reality].

He'd make it back. Someday.

"You know what? This one… I don't really care if we get anything from it. This one's on me, ok?"

~~~

"You lost how much money?!"

The dwarf didn't look threatening. A few gold rings on his fingers, maybe a few more tattoos than normal, and a simple but expensive-looking suit on his body. Even still, the receptionist standing before him cowered in fear.

"How did this happen?!"

"He- he won the jackpot, sir," the receptionist said nervously. "It happens! This is a casino, and we-"

In a single flash, the receptionist's ear was sliced off. She yelped in pain, but there was nothing else. No complaints. No anger. Just submission.

Such was the fear that the leader of the Yakuza commanded.

"If he ever shows up again, let me know. And keep an eye on him. We're too close to getting what we want to mess up now."

"Yes, sir."

She picked up her ear and walked out. The man sighed, leaning back while grumbling. Four other dwarves sat on various chairs around the table, laughing and resuming their talk.

"Come now, Ryu. Surely you understand how a casino works."

"Of course I do," he grumbled.

A shot of clear liquid flowed into his cup, and he threw his head back, drinking it in one gulp. He released his breath with an explosive pah, slamming the cup back down.

"But an organization crumbles if the head is seen as weak. And I meant what I said."

A strange flame burned in his eyes.

"That boy is bad news."