Trauma Harem

The market was too quiet.

The air hung heavy, carrying the faint scent of parchment and something metallic. Anxiety clung to Kazu's sleeve, her darting eyes scanning the encroaching stalls as though expecting them to swallow her whole. ADHD bounced lightly on her toes, her golden eyes sparkling with uncontainable curiosity. Depression stayed a few steps behind, her arms crossed, watching with a detached calm.

A single clap rang out, sharp and commanding.

The shopkeepers, who had been closing in like wolves circling their prey, froze in unison. Their eerily synchronized movements drew Kazu's attention to the center of the market, where a man reclined behind a simple wooden desk. He was tapping a quill against the inkpot beside a stack of papers, the sound cutting through the silence like the ticking of a clock.

"Alright, alright, back it up," the man said, his voice light but carrying an undercurrent of authority. "Give our guest some breathing room. You're making the poor guy nervous."

The shopkeepers retreated a step, their smiles unchanging, their movements unnervingly smooth. The man at the desk leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he studied Kazu with a keen, almost predatory interest.

Kazu's fingers tightened around the rolled-up map in his hand. "Who are you?"

The man raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "Let's start with you. Name?"

Kazu hesitated. "...Kazu."

"Kazu," the man repeated, rolling the name off his tongue like it was a rare wine. "Nice. Strong. Memorable. I like it."

ADHD zipped forward before Kazu could respond, practically vibrating with excitement. "Hey! Are you the boss of this place? Do you run this whole market? Do you get to yell at these creepy shop guys?"

The man chuckled, clearly amused. "Boss? Hm, not exactly. I wouldn't say I run things—more like I keep them running smoothly."

Anxiety tugged at Kazu's arm, whispering urgently. "We shouldn't trust him. Something feels wrong about this."

The man's sharp eyes flicked toward her, his grin never faltering. "Smart kid. You're right to be cautious. But I promise, I'm not your enemy. Quite the opposite, actually." He gestured broadly toward the market. "If anything, I'm the closest thing you've got to a friend in this place."

Kazu frowned, his unease deepening. "That's a little hard to believe."

The man sighed dramatically, leaning back in his chair. "I get it. Really, I do. A strange place, strange people, and then me, sitting here like some kind of mastermind. But let me put it this way…" He spread his arms in a welcoming gesture. "If I wanted to hurt you, I wouldn't be sitting here chatting, now would I?"

Kazu had no response to that, though the tension in his shoulders refused to ease.

"Besides," the man continued, his tone lightening. "You look like you could use a little help. Lost, confused, overwhelmed… that about sum it up?"

"That's… not wrong," Kazu admitted reluctantly.

"Good." The man gestured toward the empty chair across from him. "Take a seat, Kazu. Let's talk."

Kazu didn't move, glancing at his traumas instead. Anxiety shook her head vigorously, while ADHD grinned and gave him an exaggerated thumbs-up. Depression remained unreadable, though her gaze lingered on the man with faint suspicion.

"Suit yourself," the man said when Kazu stayed standing. "But I'd suggest you listen. If you're going to survive this place, you'll need a guide. Someone who knows how things work around here."

"And that's you?" Kazu asked, his tone skeptical.

"Bingo," the man said, snapping his fingers. "Look, I don't have all day to convince you, so here's the deal: you've stumbled into a part of the world that doesn't exactly roll out the red carpet for newcomers. Lucky for you, I happen to know the ins and outs of this place."

Kazu narrowed his eyes. "Why would you help me?"

"Why not?" the man replied with a shrug. "Call it professional courtesy. Helping travelers like you keeps the market running. And trust me—keeping this place running is in everyone's best interest."

ADHD tilted her head. "Wait, you don't own this place?"

The man laughed, a warm, practiced sound. "Own it? Oh, no, no, no. Let's not get carried away. I'm just borrowing it, so to speak. A loaned sector, if you will. This little market belongs to some bigger players—I'm just the guy they trust to keep things in order."

The man leaned back in his chair, his hands loosely clasped behind his head. "Well then, since we're getting to know each other… the name's Frus."

"Frus?" Kazu repeated, his skepticism evident.

"Short, snappy, memorable. You'd be surprised how well a name like that works in a place like this," Frus replied with a wink. "Now, Kazu, what do you say we take this little chat on the road?"

Kazu blinked. "What?"

"Walk with me," Frus said, rising from his chair with an easy grace. He gestured toward the twisting streets of the market. "Stretch your legs, get the blood flowing. You've got questions, I've got answers. And bring your friends too—trust me, they'll want to hear this."

Kazu hesitated, glancing at his traumas. Anxiety was clutching his sleeve even tighter, her wide eyes darting nervously between Frus and the encroaching stalls. ADHD practically bounced in place, eager to follow, while Depression shrugged, her expression as unreadable as ever.

"Come on," Frus encouraged, flashing an inviting grin. "It's not every day you get a guided tour from someone with my… expertise."

"Expertise?" Kazu echoed, still wary.

"Stick with me, kid, and you'll see," Frus said, already starting down the narrow cobblestone path. With a resigned sigh, Kazu followed, his traumas trailing close behind.

The market was quieter now, the distant hum of activity muted under the uneven light. Frus led the way with a confident stride, his hands clasped behind his back. He glanced over his shoulder every so often, making sure Kazu and the others were still following.

"So," Frus began, his tone casual, "I bet you're wondering what this place is. The market. The rules. The bigger picture."

"Yeah" Kazu admitted, though he wasn't sure he'd like the answers.

"Well, lucky for you, I happen to be an expert on the subject." Frus gestured broadly to the stalls and pathways around them. "This little slice of chaos? It's part of The Domain of the Triplets. The three Gods who run this world: Time, Money, and Power."

"Gods?" Anxiety whispered, her voice trembling.

"That's right," Frus said, his tone reverent yet conversational. "They're not just concepts here—they're beings. Living, breathing forces that keep this world running. Without them, none of this would exist."

"And this market?" Depression asked, her tone skeptical.

"Ah, this market is my pride and joy." Frus said, puffing out his chest. "Well… not mine exactly. It belongs to the triplets. Specifically, Money. He's the one who entrusted me with this sector. Said he needed someone sharp, reliable, and, of course, incredibly charming."

"Of course." Kazu muttered under his breath.

Frus either didn't hear or chose to ignore the comment. "This sector—this market—is my responsibility. I keep it running smoothly, making sure everything stays in balance. It's no small task, let me tell you."

"So, you're like their right-hand man?" ADHD asked, her golden eyes wide with curiosity.

Frus grinned, clearly pleased by the assumption. "You could say that. The triplets and I are very close. They trust me implicitly. I'm practically their go-to guy for anything market-related."

Kazu raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "And they just… gave you this place to manage?"

"Well, let's not get carried away," Frus said, chuckling. "It's more of a… loan. A temporary arrangement. But hey, it's an important job, and I do it well."

Kazu frowned. "And what about us? How did we end up here?"

"Ah," Frus said, spreading his arms in a gesture of exaggerated helplessness. "That, my friend, is the million-token question. I have no idea how you got here. People show up sometimes, travelers, like you—but why or how? Even the triplets don't seem to know."

"Convenient" Depression muttered.

Frus shrugged. "Think what you want, but if you're looking to leave, you'll need their help. The triplets control everything in this domain, including the way out."

"And how do we find them?" Kazu asked.

Frus stopped walking and turned to face him, his expression serious for the first time. "Finding them is the easy part. Speaking with them? That's a whole different story."

The weight of his words settled heavily in the air, and Kazu felt a shiver run down his spine. Frus's easygoing demeanor returned almost instantly as he clapped Kazu on the shoulder.

"Don't worry, though. Stick with me, and you just might make it. I've got connections, after all."

Kazu stared at him, unsure whether to feel reassured or even more suspicious. Frus's charm was disarming, but there was an undeniable slipperiness to him—a sense that he was holding back more than he let on.

Frus strolled ahead of Kazu and his traumas, his pace unhurried, his hands clasped behind his back. The stalls and pathways around them seemed to shift subtly, the market rearranging itself like a living thing. Kazu couldn't tell if they were walking in circles or if the entire space was simply designed to confuse.

"So," Frus began, his tone as conversational as if they were discussing the weather, "I'm guessing you've already figured out that this world doesn't exactly follow the same rules as yours."

"That's putting it mildly," Kazu muttered.

Frus chuckled. "Then let's get into the good stuff, shall we? Let's talk about currency."

"Currency?" ADHD perked up, her golden eyes gleaming. "You mean, like money?"

"Exactly," Frus said, turning to walk backward so he could face them. "But here, it's a little more… nuanced. You see, in this world, there are three types of currency: Time tokens, Power tokens, and Money tokens."

Kazu frowned. "Three currencies? Why would you need more than one?"

Frus raised a finger, his smile taking on a hint of condescension. "Ah, my dear traveler, that's the brilliance of it. Each token serves a different purpose, tailored to the diverse needs of the people."

He stopped beside a stall piled high with shimmering trinkets and gestured grandly. "Take Power tokens, for instance. They're all about strength, control, and influence. You use them to buy weapons, hire military services, acquire companies, basically anything that gives you authority or leverage."

"And Time tokens?" Kazu asked, his curiosity piqued despite himself.

"Ah, Time tokens!" Frus's grin widened. "Now those are for the busy, the impatient, the ones who value efficiency above all else. You use Time tokens to buy experiences, services, or items that save you time. Need someone to wait in line for you? Time tokens. Want an enchanted artifact to speed up your work? Time tokens. They're the currency of convenience."

"And Money tokens?" Depression asked, her tone measured.

"Ah, the classic!" Frus said, holding up a hand as if presenting an invisible trophy. "Money tokens cover your basic needs—food, shelter, clothing—and, of course, luxury items that don't tie directly to power or time. Think of them as the jack-of-all-trades currency."

"That sounds… complicated," Kazu said, his brows furrowing.

"Complicated?" Frus scoffed. "It's elegant! Everyone has different goals, different priorities. Why lump everything into one messy system?"

Kazu wasn't convinced. "How do people even earn these tokens?"

"By working, of course!" Frus replied brightly, spinning on his heel to keep walking. "If you want Power tokens, you take a job in the military, security, or politics. For Time tokens, you'd work in the service industry—entertainment, hospitality, that sort of thing. And Money tokens? Well, you can get those in any non-service-related job. Farming, crafting, you name it."

Depression tilted her head, her voice cutting through Frus's enthusiasm. "So if someone works for the military, they'd only get Power tokens? Wouldn't that leave them starving?"

Frus burst out laughing, a loud, infectious sound that echoed through the twisting paths of the market. "Starving? Oh, no, no, no! Every job has to pay a minimum wage in all three tokens. It's a standard rule—can't have people dropping dead in the streets, now can we? You'll get enough Money tokens to survive, enough Time tokens to relax, and enough Power tokens to feel secure. Of course," he added, his grin turning sly, "if you want to focus on one over the others, you can choose a job that suits your ambitions."

Kazu mulled this over. "In my world, all goods and services are tied to just one currency. You'd use the same money to pay for food, rent, and, well… everything."

Frus froze mid-step, then threw his head back and laughed even harder. "You're kidding, right? One currency? For everything? That sounds absurd! How do you even manage?"

Kazu frowned, his cheeks flushing. "It's not that strange. It works."

"For who?" Frus asked, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. "Let me guess, people who care about power struggle to get ahead, and people who value time get left behind. Am I right?"

Kazu didn't answer, but his silence was telling.

Frus smirked, leaning in slightly. "You see, kid, this system works because it respects people's differences. Not everyone wants the same things out of life. Some crave power, others treasure time, and some just want to live comfortably. Why force everyone into the same box when you can give them options?"

Kazu felt a pang of discomfort. As much as he wanted to dismiss Frus's words, there was a strange logic to them—one that made him uneasy.

"Anyway," Frus said, waving off the topic like it was a minor distraction, "enough about economics. The important thing is that you understand the rules. If you want to thrive in this world, you've got to earn your way. And lucky for you, you've got me to help."

"And what do you get out of this?" Depression asked sharply.

Frus paused mid-step, his grin widening. "Straight to the point, aren't you?" He chuckled, spreading his arms theatrically. "What do I get? Why, the satisfaction of a job well done, of course! Helping people like you keeps this market alive. And speaking of keeping things alive…"

He turned abruptly, gesturing toward a nearby stall filled with gleaming trinkets. "How about a deal, Kazu? You seem like a capable fellow. Quick on your feet, a little scrappy, but you've got potential. What do you say to a job at my shop?"

Kazu blinked, caught off guard. "A job?"

"Exactly!" Frus said, his enthusiasm bubbling over. "You'll work under my guidance, learn the ropes of this world, earn yourself a respectable living. And here's the best part—thanks to my impeccable connections, you'll have the opportunity to meet the triplets in only…" He paused for dramatic effect. "A measly fifty years!"

The words hung in the air, and Kazu's expression quickly soured. "Fifty years?"

"Fifty years!" Frus repeated, beaming. "Do you have any idea how lucky that makes you? Most people wait for centuries before the triplets even graze their presence on a mortal."

"Yeah, no," Kazu said flatly, crossing his arms.

Frus looked genuinely confused. "No? Why not? It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! You'd be set for life!"

"Fifty years is not a reasonable timeframe," Kazu said, exasperation creeping into his voice.

"Hmm." Frus tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I see. You drive a hard bargain, my friend. Very well! Allow me to sweeten the pot." He spun on his heel, pointing a finger in the air as though struck by brilliance. "Double the pay. That's right double. And, to top it off… half the time! With this deal, you'll only need twenty-five years to meet the triplets! An irresistible offer if I do say so myself."

ADHD clapped excitedly. "Whoa, that's like… half a lifetime faster! Right, boss?"

"No, ADHD," Kazu muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. "It's still insane."

Frus blinked, his grin faltering for the first time. "Still not good enough? Really? You're a tough nut to crack, kid. Most people would kill for a chance like this."

"Well, I'm not most people," Kazu said firmly. "I don't have decades to waste."

Depression smirked faintly, crossing her arms. "Looks like your sales pitch needs some work."

For a moment, Frus's grin faltered. His brow twitched, and the easy confidence he had been exuding cracked ever so slightly. He took a deep breath, forcing the smile back onto his face, but the sharp edge in his tone betrayed his growing irritation.

"Work?" Frus repeated, spreading his arms as if the very idea was absurd. "My pitch doesn't need work—it's flawless! Do you have any idea how rare it is for someone like me to make an offer like this? Most people would sell their souls for the chance I'm giving you."

Kazu crossed his arms, unmoved. "Well, I'm not most people."

Frus's composure slipped further, and he jabbed a finger in Kazu's direction. "You don't get it, do you? This isn't your world, kid. You can't just wander around aimlessly and expect to survive. This place has rules, systems. Without me, you'll be lost in no time. It's practically suicide."

"Then I'll figure it out," Kazu said simply, meeting Frus's gaze without flinching.

Frus froze for a moment, his grin vanishing entirely. His eyes narrowed, and for the first time, he looked genuinely frustrated. "Figure it out?" he repeated, his voice dripping with incredulity. "You think you can just figure it out? Do you have any idea how many people end up trapped here because they thought the same thing? You'd be one of them in days—hours, even!"

"Maybe" Kazu admitted with a shrug. "But I'm not taking your deal."

The tension in the air thickened as Frus stared at Kazu, his fingers twitching slightly. Then, all at once, his demeanor shifted. The smile returned, but it was sharper now, almost predatory. He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as if he found the whole situation amusing.

"Well, well," Frus said, his voice laced with mock admiration. "Looks like we've got a real gambler on our hands. You've got guts, I'll give you that. But tell you what—since you're so determined to prove me wrong, let's make this interesting."

Kazu frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"A bet," Frus said, his grin widening. "If you and your little band of misfits can make it out of this market sector without getting lost, then fine—do whatever you want. Go off on your little adventure, get yourself lost, I don't care. But if you can't…" He paused, his eyes gleaming. "You come back here and take my deal."

Kazu narrowed his eyes, his suspicion growing. "What do you mean by 'lost'?"

Frus gestured broadly to the market around them. "Oh, you'll see soon enough. This place isn't as simple as it looks. The market has a way of… holding on to people. The longer you stay, the harder it is to leave. But hey, if you're so confident, you've got nothing to worry about, right?"

Anxiety tugged on Kazu's sleeve, her voice trembling. "This sounds like a trap. We shouldn't do it."

ADHD, on the other hand, was practically bouncing with excitement. "Ooooh, a bet! This is gonna be fun!"

Depression tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. "And what happens if we win?"

Frus placed a hand over his heart, feigning sincerity. "If you win, you'll have my blessing to go wherever you want. No strings attached."

Kazu didn't trust him for a second, but something about the challenge sparked a stubborn determination in his chest. He turned to his traumas, their expressions a mix of worry, curiosity, and skepticism. Then he looked back at Frus, who stood with his arms crossed, the picture of smug confidence.

"Fine," Kazu said, his voice firm. "You've got a deal."

Frus's grin stretched impossibly wide, and he extended a hand. "Wonderful! I love a good wager."

Kazu ignored the offered handshake, brushing past him instead. "Let's just get this over with."

Frus chuckled, lowering his hand. "Suit yourself. I'll be watching."

As Kazu and his traumas made their way toward the edge of the market, the weight of Frus's bet hung heavy in the air. The shopkeepers, once eerily still, began to stir, their movements subtle but purposeful, like pieces being positioned on a chessboard. Kazu didn't look back, but he could feel Frus's gaze on him, sharp and calculating.

"This is going to be interesting," Frus murmured to himself, his grin never wavering.