The walk to the intruder was grating, at best. I don’t understand what was so important, so urgent that I had to be pried away from my teaching duties. Not to mention how easy it is to get lost in this maze. I saw one of those blind monsters scurrying about the other day, rounding off the corner. Had to show the footprints to the guards before they agreed to close that part off. Fucking losers.

“Now, was it a left turn or a right turn?” I asked sarcastically at the intersection before me. “Or maybe turning back to school so I can make sure those brats finish my assignments on time. It’s hard being me.”

I took the left turn and found the arena as expected. Of course, it was hard to ignore the scores of guards shambling around the entrance. But I managed and went through, taking a breath before putting on my winning smile. Everything was gory to all hell, with blood and bits scattered everywhere. I saw a leg stuck to one of the guards’ legs. Nasty. I refocused soon enough to the only thing of importance, though. The guard with a flower in bloom, from which the voice of a leader came through.

She calls herself Angan, which meant “wistful thoughts” in some ancient tongue. Nothing was uncertain about her though. If subtlety was a knife in the back, then her take would be an ambush in midday. That's how ironclad discipline and unwavering loyalty came to everyone. I heard rumors of her brother tangling with spirit-kind and the like, but no one knows for sure.

“Blessed evening to you, Angan.” I greeted her, “For what do I have the honor of serving you today?”

“Carer.” The flower said, “I hear you hail from Edgetide, near the Border Sea?”

“That is-yes,” I replied, unable to hide my surprise. “Do you wish me to return there for a mission?”

“Not there exactly. Just the general region.” The flower head bent down towards a leaf as though it was scratching its chin. “There are disturbing movements as of late that seem to come from that accursed land. These trespassers are no doubt the first of a tide to come.”

One of the guards turned around, revealing a body dangling from its branch. With how bloodied and dirty it was, I exclaimed as I distinctly heard it whimper. By the Wind’s Breath, someone survived? I don’t know whether to applaud or pity him.

“Carer, meet the leader of the trespassers. He is strong and should suffice as a bodyguard for your time outside.” That last word stuck like a dream come true, but I suppressed the surging happiness. It wasn’t the time yet to be happy. No, this was the time to be patient and focused; to gather strength and new allies outside of Angan’s reach. It was the perfect offer. But my realization came twofold, as I came about to the notion that perhaps Angan knew of my ambition.

“You are much too kind, but I fear using an outsider brings the risk of unforeseen sides coming into play. Their allies will no doubt be looking for them.” I said as I carefully weighed in the options in my head. “I propose we put their bodies near some monster’s nest, in the vicinity of the main road. One of the guards could stand watch and see who comes to fetch them.”

“What sides are you talking about?” The flower asked, “They can only be mere mercenaries, employed by the ghosts of our enemies, the Wijaya. Their human bodies are proof enough.”

I have no idea what she’s talking about half the time. I groaned at the flower’s nonsense talk.

“I wished to make sure that our sanctuary here will not be threatened by anything from the outside. There cannot be a connection made between my presence and your presence. We must be strangers to one another.” I said while nodding to myself.

“So you have an idea, Carer? Interesting. I did not expect this.” An eye of mine twitched at the slight, but I let it slide. “Tell me, what makes your approach better than all the ones I’ve overseen before?”

“I understand people as they are, Angan. Because, to a certain extent, I am still human.” I spoke truths mixed with lies. “I can fool them much better than any disguise, trickery, or illusion. All I need is a story and a part to play in it.”

“A story? Are you mad? What does a story have to do with deceiving humans? They’re idiots!” The flower spoke with a rising bite near the end. “They are the waste products of Gods left forgotten.”

I almost burst out laughing at that apt description of humanity. For someone I’ve never met face-to-face, Angan had an amusing personality. She seemed to be stuck at the age of myths when everything was possible and everyone was a deity in disguise. Indeed, it seems she extends that belief to herself, with how proud and haughty she sounds.

“Forgive me for not explaining it better, Angan. What I meant is not something to entertain or amuse. It is the illusion of a continuous reality that all humans subsist, and indeed, thrive on. The reality as it is and how people perceive it are very different things. Sometimes for convenience or peace of mind, people can accept very outlandish lies.”

“I’m…starting to understand where you’re coming from.” The flower scratched its non-existent chin. “So we are fooling our enemies into thinking our lie is the truth to hide our actual intent?”

“That is the first step, yes. The second part is to make sure that our side does not react to our deception as well. “

“That would be difficult.” The flower admitted. “Very few of us are actors, Carer. The profession does not align well with our values.”

Well, you got me. I thought with a passing smirk. “It’s not if no one except the relevant persons know the whole truth.

“…Wouldn’t that mean you’ll be in more danger?” Angan brought up the part of my plan that I didn’t like so much. “Is there a need to take undue risks?”

“It does when one aims high, Angan. Whatever your plans are, I can exceed them.” I said with genuine confidence for once. “Please trust in your people as I and others have trusted you.”

“…” I waited for a reply, but the flower said nothing. It withered before my eyes, along with the guard it was on. The other guards started to march out of the arena, with me following suit to avoid getting trampled. Once I was in the tunnels again, a great rumbling of rocks came about, deafening me. After the dust settled, I turned and saw the portal to the arena closed.

As the guards left to their duties, I braced myself for mine.