Board Thread:Fun and Games/@comment-34320391-20180617024644/@comment-34320391-20180623131426

This was supposed to be sent ages ago... I guess before Cora's section above.

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Nik - Insanity (PHASE 5 (1), 'cause Phase 4 is too long) 

An abandoned book. Confusion. A shiny sword. That was my life, summed up right now.

I don't know what happened to her, but we hadn't been talking. At all. It might be due to the fact that I was out senseless for a majority of the time, but even before that, Red and Cora were straight back into their own talks, basically ignoring me unless she needed to. Or was it me avoiding them?

''Why does everything have to be so confusing? Why can't it just be like Maths, where the answer to one plus one will ALWAYS be two. Just give me a straight answer, world!''

That was beside point. After my pointless journey in a bid to save Newt, I think I made it worse for Newt instead. He had to carry me home, not the other way around. I'm stupid sometimes.

You're stupid all the time...

''Shut up. I'm smart.''

''Were. You're now always stupid. You try something with Red, try something with Newt. And the result? Epic fail and a near-death experience!''

SHUT UP!

Have I mentioned the book, Riley or Majapi yet?

SHUT UP!

The book. I have not attempted to decipher the book for days now. I'd practically given up hope. I remember what Riley had told me when I asked him about the book, trying to return it back.

"This book was always for you, Nik," Riley replied sternly, pushing the book back into my hands.

''"What's in the book then!?!" I shouted, but inside guilty for giving up so easily.''

''I... I don't know. I found this book, it had the crest, and I thought it would be important for something, someone. I knew I couldn't translate it, so I entrusted it to you. I can't do everything you know..." Riley said again, first shouting, then calmly.''

I was shocked. Riley entrusted something to me, of all people? I don't know who Riley is anymore. What Riley said fueled me to unlock the secrets of the book even more. I don't know what, I don't know how the book will contain, but it must be worth it.

Or so I said. A few days later the book returned to the bottom of my backpack, not to be touched for another long while. Ancient Norse is hard.

Should I ask Majapi?

I shook my head. I couldn't. Not yet, anyway. I tucked the book away, lost for words.

I headed outside, avoiding trouble in my house, towards the Mead Hall. I saw Cora and rushed to catch up to her. I had thanking to do.

When I was in my delirious state of semi-consciousness I only saw one person come to check on me. Cora. Newt passed in as well, being the good mate of mine, but I was surprised for Cora to drop by, especially since she had no reason to. And that Red hadn't. Or maybe I was unconscious at the time.

"Cora. I... I'd like to thank you," I told nervously, as I wasn't the usual person to thank a person. It just wasn't a cool thing to do, and I hated explaining my emotions out loud. I can't even explain them in my head for starters.

"What for?" Cora asked surprised and intrigued.

"For... for being there for me, while I was, you know, off in cloud cuckoo land," I replied solemnly and laughed nervously. This was weird. Why am I doing this again?

It's because I'm grateful to have a good friend.

No, you like her.

''What? No...''

Wait, is this Red?

''No, and you don't know what you're talking about. So shut up.''

Fine...

"Oh, that, I'll always be there for a friend," Cora smiled, acknowledging that I'd actually thanked her for her small act of kindness. "Friend's have to stick together, right?"

"Yeah," I replied, honestly. I wanted to say a lot more but didn't know how, so I awkwardly hugged Cora and walked away.

Through my states of semi-consciousness, I remembered that I had lost my mind completely. I remembered a conversation with Cora, with Cora trying to help me remember. No-one else came except Cora. Of all people, it was Cora who stayed by my side while I was sick. Maybe Red was too nervous to see me as well. Maybe.

I was also pissed that it was my mind that had let me down. My mind.

''I let you down? You were dehydrated.''

Your mind's stupid.

''It was your fault. Who would be stupid enough to go out into the bush to find one person, who might've been dead, in kilometres of trees? You were bound to die. It was always illogical to go out.''

''But Newt's a friend, stupid. One of your best friends. Don't you value friendship?''

''I do... You do have a point...''

I was supposed to do something, but I forgot. I wandered around the street, my mind arguing with himself. Myself? I don't know. I didn't like this at all. I glanced at Red further down the street and veered left. I couldn't do it, not now. Not with my mind still crazy from dehydration. Just dehydration, that's all. I saw Newt, who seemed angry. At me. 'Cause I made his life worse. I took a u-turn around, my mind collapsing on itself.

I saw that Cora had headed into the Mess Hall. That's where I had to go. I headed inside the Mess Hall and seated myself next to Cora, one of the few people I actually trusted, me still brain-dead. My eyesight finally adjusted, and I realised that Riley was there, opposite the table, confused at me sitting so abruptly next to Cora. Cora. Cora looked at me bewildered but keeping her kind face, and I gave her a weak smile, still not thinking clearly.

She smiled back, a bit worried, and said, "You don't seem well, Nik. You know what'll make you better? Riley's hosted a party at the arena, it'll be perfect!"

That was a great idea. I needed the time off. I nodded weakly again, grateful of Cora, and even Riley.

I didn't listen to the voices in my head, arguing.

''Why in the arena? That's our training area. This is stupid and dangerous.''

''Chill out dude, the boy needs some fun in his life. ''

''This is stupid. And Riley's hosting it.''

''Oh. Oh no. Smart guy, warn him, this Riley guy's gonna pick up our chick.''

''What? Firstly, Red's a friend, and it's too late. He's abandoned us now.''

As the murmurs in the back of my head faded away, I slipped away from consciousness yet again. I felt Cora's soft hand slowly lower my head onto the table as I slipped away into darkness.

-

This was a bit dark and sad for a section, but I'm trying to lift up my character, hopefully. I'd probably need a conversation with both Newt and Red, and maybe my cousin at the party, for that to happen.

I'm also introducing two voices in my head. You can guess each of their roles.

Ehh... I'm not exactly liking my character, but I followed the flow and this is where it led.

All characters (you) see me pretty much the same, but right now I'm mentally derailing since being dehydrated. Eh. I might change this section.