Double-Blind: A Modern LITRPG

Chapter 122

A small nova of near-transparent energy erupted around Iris. The display was as impressive as it was highly visible. I moved forward, trying to break line of sight. Kinsley beat me there, accompanied by two members of Rodericks lodge Id previously taken as unaffiliated Users.

Quick on the uptake, Tyler barked out a verbal command and Sara along with a couple other adventurers guild members following in their wake filled out the wall. Before I could even shout, any view of my sister was blocked by a wall of bodies. I approached, and two people parted, letting me through.

Iris, what the fuck are you doing? I hissed, and immediately regretted the outburst. My sister knew there was dangereveryone did at this pointbut she didnt know the face of it. Not yet. Thankfully, she wasnt able to hear me. Her face was a mask of concentration, bordering on a frown.

Whats wrong? I tried again, calmer than before.

Iris started to finger spell in asl, then grew frustrated and spoke out loud. I thought it would make a nice handle for my hammer. But its more difficult than absorbing regular metal. Almost like the wood itself is fighting me. She swiveled toward me, a horrified expression on her face. Does that mean its alive?

I shrugged, glancing around to make sure our human barricade was still intact. Probably. Its a tree. Hard to say more than that. Not like we can ask it.

To my surpriseand embarrassmentIris did exactly that. Im sorry. I tried to take from you without asking permission.

Someone snickered, and I felt my cheeks growing red with embarrassment.

Still totally focused, Iris cocked her head. Oh. I see. You dont like the idea of being a hammer. What would you like to be, then?

A single branch pointing east stirred, as if by a gust of wind. Even though I knew from Saras demonstration that the branches were far too sturdy for that. Iris looked in the direction the branch was pointing. You want to help hold back the dark? I dont know what that means.

Region thirteen, Sara realized, glancing towards the neighboring region. It was firmly obscured from view now that we were effectively entrenched in a forest, but the blackness on the horizon was still visible.

How would it even do that? Hold back the dark? Its a fuckin tree. Kinsley scratched her head. A thin branch lashed out and smacked against the back of her neck. She jumped straight up with a shriek, then glared at the tree. Dont make me get a lighter, stumpy.

I considered what Tyler had said about the regions erecting walls, and a thought occurred to me. Does it want to contribute materials to our defenses?

Iris relayed the message. There was a tinkling of leaves that sounded suspiciously like an affirmative.

Small problem. I want to help, Iris chuckled nervously. But I dont have the necessary tools. And I could get other materials to make them, but if youre as strong as you say, Im not sure theyd work on you.

A branch shifted again, this time pointing to a smaller sapling with a trunk that was a lighter shade of gray.

Iris started to head towards it. I caught her shoulder, considered the fact that we had an audience, and looked at Tyler. Give us a minute?

Tyler nodded, and the group dispersed as Iris stepped away from the tree.

What? she signed.

I dont want you involved with this. Not so directly.

Iriss eyes narrowed. Why?

Because it makes you a target. I signed, my hands moving in sharp motions. This isnt something to take lightly. There are people out there who want your abilities, and arent above kidnapping a little girl to get their hands on them.

And you controlling a region doesnt already make me a target? Iris responded, a streak of rebellion in her eyes.

Thats different.

It is dangerous, Iris. Kinsley said, backing me up. More dangerous than you can imagine. People took me and hurt me just for being a merchant.

Iris made a wide sweep with her arm, staring both of us down. Everything is dangerous. The world is scarier than it ever was, and thats saying a lot. She stuck a finger at me. I love you. And I know youve kept us safe. And I understand how hard its been. But this is probably why Ellison has been so standoffish lately. You cant protect us from everything.

Anger built in my gut. Iris was just riding the high that came from being a User. She felt optimistic and elated at the possibilities, the same way Id been before that first experience with a bounty brought that crashing down.

I reached out with pushing past her mental defenses

And found that Iris was terrified. There was so much fear that it was a miracle that she wasnt a hyperventilating heap curled up on the ground.

The only thing keeping her going was a determination so strong it was almost blinding.

It took me a minute to get it.

Iris had never been useless. But in the context of a crisis, shed always played third chair to me and Ellison. Generally out of the way, supporting and observing. It was just the nature of how things had fallen into place. Ellison was far more comfortable taking risks and putting himself in difficult positions. Iris was clever, but prone to anxiety and panic.

Id never really considered how that must have felt. Watching your family strugglefight to surviveand feeling like your contribution was next to nothing.

Reading people was my strength, but theres always blindspots for the ones we love.

Her fear was probably heightened considering everything wed been through. Shed never complained or broken down. But there were times in the past, when things were hardest, where her cheery disposition had come off as artificial.

Was the ray of sunshine act a facade?

Has she always been afraid?

I withdrew immediately, somewhat nauseous at how close Id come to breaking my own rule. Kinsley was watching us, unsure of how to proceed.

Sidebar? My mothers voice. The scent of tequila reached my nose. Just a trace, rather than the stink that came from a legitimate bender.

I broke eye contact with Iris and nodded.

That doesnt smell like gin. I groused, once we were out of earshot.

Dont do that.

Do what?

Launch a preemptive strike because you know youre not going to like what Im going to say. My mother gave me a knowing look.

I rolled my eyes. Fine.

Youre smothering them.

I clenched the air in frustration. Its not about control.

Its about protecting them. Im familiar with the concept. Tried my hand at it once upon a time, if you remember. How well did that turn out?

I blinked. Partially because I didnt remember. Shed been a decent mother until wed lost dad, then everything had gone to shit. But my memories of that time were patchy at best.

Even though I had your best interests at heart. You hated me for it. Thats when I learned I couldnt force you to do anything. Mom reached out towards a low-hanging branch, touching the edge of a gray-blue leaf. It left a line of red on her fingertip. She winced and pressed the wound against her waistband. Theyre both getting older. Even if its the best thing for them. You can only advise and hope that they listen. If you take a hardline stance, theyll just get better at hiding whatever it is they want to do.

I bit back a cruel response. There was a vulnerability in my mothers expression that told me she knew exactly how hypocritical it was that she was giving this advice. How badly shed fallen short.

Okay. I said.

She tilted her head, as if not quite believing what shed heard. What?

You might be right.

/////

Iris had already started making tools by the time I returned to the group. She stuck a hammer-shaped object behind her back. Kinsley stood next to her, looking just as nervous.

I told her itd be fine to make a few tools. Just to test the materials, Kinsley said.

Let me see. I held out a hand. Iris tentatively placed the handle in my palm. There were issues with the design. Bark formed the handle, which would probably still chip off too easily, even if the wood itself was devilishly strong. But the weight was well-balanced, and the head of the hammer looked solid. I thumped it against the metal frame of my wheelchair and was surprised when it left a dent. The hammerhead was completely unmarked from the impact, no scuffs or imprints.

Not bad at all.

And check this out. Kinsley held out a small twig, placing a metal zippo beneath it. She flicked the wheel and the spark ignited into flame. The light-colored twig colored red around the flame, but didnt catch fire.

Its not flammable? I raised an eyebrow.

Its called Wraithwood, according to my identification skill. Stronger and more enchantable than Ebonscaleof course I had no idea what that was, but after a cursory search on the store, it seems to be a material commonly used in high-level armor and weapons. No idea how well itll hold an edge, but I figure well need to test it anyway. Kinsley trailed off, seeming to realize wed left key business unresolved.

The sound of an engine grew closer. One of the trucks that had been working on a barrier at the end of the street had stopped, the vehicle stopped at a crooked line of trees blocking the road. The drivera man in a hardhat and reflective veststepped out, swearing like a sailor.

Whos in charge here?

Tyler, lingering nearby, left his group to speak to the man. Everything alright?

Pretty far from alright, to be frank. Care to tell me how me and my guys are supposed to work with a god-damn forest in the way? Not even sure we could get the truck out, now.

My first thought was that he could simply recall the truck to his inventory. But I wasnt certain how that worked if it wasnt a system assigned vehicle. I was the only one who could inventory my bike, for example. Anyone else would have to steal it the hard way.

Were working on a solution, Tyler held both hands out placatingly, glancing back towards us.

Well work faster. The man grumbled. We were supposed to get this thing up in a week. Around the entire region. That was already gonna be difficult without the great outdoors fuckin up supply lines. Whats up with that anyway?

Can you do it? I asked Iris.

Do what? Iris asked hesitantly.

Help the construction crew get barriers up. Checkpoints. Observation towers.

Im not very high level. Iris put her hands behind her back. But as long as the designs are simple, yeah, I think so. The barriers, at least. She was being guarded, worried Id snatch the wind from her sails.

I pinched the top of my nose. If you get a weird feeling. Like theres someone around you dont recognize, or if you feel like youre being watched. Anything. Message me and Kinsley immediately. Were also going to get some people to watch your backow.

Thanks, brother. Iris released me from her stranglehold and bounded towards Tyler and the construction crew leader.

I hoped I wouldnt regret this.