Difference between revisions of "A Matter of Honor by Colchek"

Latest revision as of 17:22, 24 February 2011

The bright, hot Demarian suns beat down upon him as he walked through the streets of Alhira, prideful, invincible. He felt as if nothing could stop him, for tomorrow he would go through the Rites and become a true adult in his clan and in his society. What he didn't expect was that he was about to get a head start…

As he turned the corner into the market square, another young Demarian ran up to him. Stubtail was not much taller than Grayback, a little slimmer, but his most noticeable feature was the lack of his tail. A misguided laser torch had robbed him of that long ago, and teasing from the other youngsters led to his name. Still, that didn't stop him from being a cheery person, and it didn't stop Grayback from considering Stubtail to be his best friend.

Stubtail skidded to a halt in front of Grayback. "Heya, GB! Where ya headed?"

Grayback stopped, and smiled. "Heya, Stubs. I dunno, really. Just wanderin' around, looking for anything to get into. How about you?"

Stubtail, as always, had something in mind. "Hey, I've got it. Let's buzz on down to the Sonicade. I hear they've got a new game in! Nall Blasters!"

Grayback's face lit up with youthful enthusiasm. "Yeah! I've been dying to try that one..and I just happen to have a pocket full of quarter credits! Let's go!"

The youngsters were off through the crowd, dodging shoppers as well as angry merchants who were afraid of running youngsters knocking down their merchandise. They made it without mishap to the Sonicade, and from the looks of it, it was already full of other youngsters with the same ideas.

"Aww man, GB. We'll never get in there at this rate!"

"Never say never, Stubtail! I'm sure there's at least one open machine in there. Let's have a look, before these quarter credits burn clean through my pocket!"

Wandering through the Sonicade was like wandering through a tightly packed can of sardines. They passed by the Nall Blasters machine, which was of course surrounded by an entire mob of people.

"Man, we'll never plow through that pile of people…We'd be hours just getting near it!"

"Yeah…bummer. Hey, how about Desert Racer? It's so old it just might not be as crowded."

"Hey, it's worth a try. Sometimes the old things are the best."

"Yeah. Hey, I'll bet you can't beat my high score."

"Oh yeah? I can whip your furry hide anytime! What is it?"

"20 million."

"Uhhh…let's do 2 out of 3 then, ok?"

Grayback roared out a laugh. "Sure thing, Stubs. Come on, let's go find it."

Plowing into the crowd of people once more, they found a break in the crowd, which just happened to be the Desert Racer machine. Sure enough, no one was playing it.

Grayback did a small victory dance. "Yesss!…can I call em or what? We've got the whole thing to ourselves!" He pulled out an old Demarian gold coin, his good luck charm. "Call it in the air, Stubs" With a flair he flipped it straight up, catching it in his palm just as Stubtail shouted out, "Heads!"

Grayback flipped it over. "Tails, dude! Don't worry though. At least this way you won't be in doubt about what you'll have to beat!"

Stubtail laughed. "In your dreams, pal. Let's get to it!"

Grayback slid into the seat and slid in a quarter credit. The machine roared to life, running its opening credits. Desert Racer was an older video game, but like any of the newer ones it had a timeless theme. The object was to navigate a hover sled from one side of a desert track to the other, navigating through canyons, dune seas, rock gardens, and mountain passes, all the while blasting away desert monsters, brigands, and smaller obstacles like rocks.

Grabbing the throttle control, Grayback settled in to the seat. With practiced caution he throttled up the sled on the screen and off it went. The first level was Snagtooth Canyon. He started off slow, but quickly got into it. The machine had mechanisms on it to move the seat with the sled on the screen, and soon Grayback was holding on for dear life.

Stubtail was cheering him on, "Watch out for that Brigand! <BANG> Woo, nail those suckers!"

Grayback slid out of the Canyon and on to level 2, the Sunfire Dune Sea. A little tougher than the canyon as the boundary of the track was not as easy to discern, and hitting the dunes slowed you down.

"Whoa, here comes that desert dragon, GB. Use your proton missiles!"

Grayback pressed the button on the side of the throttle control, and the screen lit up with the missiles streaking towards the monster on the screen. It exploded with a flash of orange and red, and he zoomed into level 3, the Emerald Pass. He was just about to ease around the first curve when the machine suddenly went blank. Whipping his head towards the outlet, he saw Razortail pulling the plug. Jumping out of the seat, full of rage, he stood face to face with Razortail. With a deep, menacing growl, he said, "You'd better have a good reason why I shouldn't tear you to ribbons right here and now…."

Razortail was a member of Demaria's high society, and his constant gang of friends were of the same status. They had enough money to build their own getaway and never come near downtown, but Razortail had developed a particular hatred for Grayback. Back when they were in primary school, Grayback had successfully defeated Razortail in a wrestling contest. This began a long line of defeats for Razortail at the hands of Grayback. Enraged that someone actually had the gall to humiliate him like that, Razortail took every opportunity he could to make Grayback's life miserable. With a devious grin, he said, "Oh, Constable Sunfur dragging you off to reform school for one, Goofback. My friends here sending you to the hospital is another. But I haven't come to fight today. No..I have something…else, in mind for you. But we can't discuss it here. Shall we go outside? Or shall my friends here drag you out?"

Grayback saw no choice in the matter….yet. Reluctantly, he headed outside. Stubtail, although scared out of his wits, followed along behind.

Once outside, Razortail began to speak. "Now then..I've been watching you for some time, Goofback. You've defeated me time and time again, humiliated me in front of everyone in town. Now, it's my turn. Tonight, the Senate will be receiving a shipment of gold from the mines. You, are going to steal that gold. You'll no doubt get caught…and the name of Grayback will live forever as a low down thief."

Grayback's eyes narrowed to mere slits. "You have a lot of gall, Razortail. What makes you think I'll cooperate? It's not like your friends here can make me steal anything without killing me, and you'll have gained nothing but a reputation as a murderer."

Razortail merely smiled in his face. "If you don't cooperate, I have something more…subtle in mind. Your father is well-respected among the townspeople as an honest man. What would you think of him suddenly becoming a criminal? I have the contacts to do it, Grayback. I can frame him for nearly anything I want, and it will stick. So you have two choices. Cooperate, or live the rest of your life in disgrace as the son of a criminal. You have until midnight to make your choice. If you make the right one, I will meet you outside the Senate Hall at that time."

With that, Razortail turned and strolled into marketplace crowd. Grayback stood and watched him, rage welling up in him like a blast furnace. Stubtail was stunned…"GB….what are you going to do? You know he means business…remember what happened to Yellowmane?"

"I remember, Stubs. Yellowmane didn't deserve what he got. He doesn't deserve to be rotting in that prison cell. Perhaps…perhaps tonight, we can prove his innocence and save my father's honor at the same time. Some one has to stand up to this fool, and I think the time has come."

"But…GB, there's nothing you can do! If you try anything, he'll carry out his threat!"

Grayback merely smiled at his friend. "I have contacts too, Stubs. Razortail hasn't counted on that. "

"What are you planning to do?"

Grayback's face turned deadly serious. "It's best if you don't know, Stubtail. That way you can claim full deniability if something happens to me. If this does go wrong tonight, promise me that you'll stay away from me. Denounce me as a criminal. It may be the hardest thing you'll ever have to do, but it's necessary for you to continue on with your life…"

Stubtail's face became one of pure despair. "GB..I…I can't…I..I can't promise that.."

Grayback put a paw on Stubtail's shoulder. "You have to, my friend…promise me.."

Stubtail's ears and tail drooped.."I..I promise Grayback."

Grayback nodded and patted his friend on the shoulder. "I promise you this, my friend. Even if circumstances must keep us apart, I will never forget the good times we had… For now…I have some thinking to do. Here….take the last of my quarter credits. And hopefully, we'll be able to finish our little bet.."

Stubtail took the credits and nodded, the corner of his eye getting wet from a growing tear. He watched as Grayback walked into the crowd. "Good luck, buddy…you're going to need it…"

The moons had nearly risen to their peak when Grayback arrived at the Senate hall. Sure enough, there was Razortail and his friends waiting for him. "So, you finally decided to arrive, Goofback. Good. You do have some brains after all. Are you ready for your humiliation?"

Grayback stared at Razortail with a look that could cut through solid rock.."You think too much of yourself, Razortail. Now, for the sake of completeness, go over this one more time…"

Razortail grinned. "I could expect no less from a slum dweller. Very well. Since tonight you'll be condemned to death, I could grant at least one dying request. You will go into the Senate hall, and bring out as much of the gold shipment as you can. And you had better bring out all you can…if you bring out any less your father is doomed. Do you understand? When you come out, I will have the constable here waiting for you..now go."

Grayback turned to the door, and then turned back around. "No, Razortail. The time has come for you to end this cycle of grief you inflict on my friends. Innocents are rotting in jail because of your evil deeds."

"You no doubt refer to that despicable Yellowmane? That was a rather good frame, I must admit. Making it look like he had stolen the principal's prized diamond. He refused to do as I asked just like you are now, Grayback. Why do you throw away your life so recklessly? We outnumber you 5 to 1…if necessary we can get the gold ourselves and leave you on the Constable's steps in a bloody heap, the evidence clenched in your hands."

"It's a matter of honor, Razortail. "

"Honor is for the slum dwellers like yourself. The real key to life is money, and getting more money. It is the key to true /life/, and to untold fortunes. Your kind will never understand that."

"I may not have your money, but as long as I have my honor, I am as rich as you. Yellowmane had honor enough to refuse your request, and because of that you framed him. Even though society sees him as honorless because of your deeds, he himself knows he has maintained his honor, and that alone sustains him. You can take away our lives, but you can never take away our honor. Your kind will never understand that…"

Razortail's eyes narrowed to mere slits. "This is your last chance, Grayback. Do as I say, or suffer the consequences."

"I refuse, Razortail. You have no choice but to get it yourself, and then try to take me down. By the Fire, you will find that to be the most difficult task of your life.."

Razortail roared. "Then you will die, slum dweller!"

Grayback backed into a defensive posture, his eyes locked onto Razortail's as they circled each other, looking for the right moment to strike. Razortail's friends for now stayed out of it, as this had become personal.

"I have been looking forward to this for a long time, Grayback. To watch you suffer and die at my hands.."

Grayback's eyes blazed with fire. "Bring it on."

Razortail broke the circle first and lunged at Grayback, but Grayback was quicker. With a scooping motion he grabbed Razortail and raised him over his head. Letting out a roar, he flung Razortail right into his group of friends. Razortail slammed into all four of them with a rowr of surprise, causing all of them to collapse into a pile. Razortail stood groggily, but his friends remained down, knocked out cold from the blow.

"A good move, Grayback, I will grant you that much…but you will find it all in vain when I am done with you."

Grayback motioned with his paws, beckoning Razortail forward. Razortail complied with a blood-curdling roar, claws bared for the kill. Grayback tried to dodge but was not fast enough this time, and Razortail's claws dug deep into his chest. He stumbled backwards, his paw instinctively going for his chest. Blood began to seep through his shirt, staining it deep crimson. Unrelenting, Grayback lurched forward towards Razortail, intent on returning the favor.

"You will find that nothing is done in vain, Razortail! Now, taste /my/ wrath!"

Grayback dropped and rolled into a ball, his hands stuck out from the sides, claws bared. He rolled right through the un-prepared Razortail's legs, slashing deep gouges into them as he passed. Razortail let out a yelp of pain and collapsed to the ground as Grayback leapt to his feet and spun to face him.

"The move of a coward, Grayback! Where is your honor in that one?"

"When fighting one as evil as you, Razortail, all moves are honorable."

Razortail narrowed his eyes, and struggled to his feet. Again, Grayback egged him on. "Like an old Earth saying goes, here kitty kitty kitty…"

"You /dare/ insult me by comparing me to a common Earth pet!? You will die for you insolence, slum dweller."

"I dare it, because it is the truth, Razortail."

Razortail again lurched forward, his strength renewed with rage, his hands bent on tearing Grayback's throat clean out. Rage however made him clumsy, and Grayback was able to get a swinging kick to his face before he stuck. Razortail flung backwards onto the ground, blood trickling from his nose..

"Where is your money now, Razortail? How is it helping you with /this/ humility? Be thankful I have spared you the humility of having this observed by your friends.."

Razortail again stood and lurched with rage. Grayback was ready for him. With a quick duck and grab, he hoisted Razortail over his head and slammed him into the wall behind him. Razortail hit the ground, and with a last twitch, went limp, knocked out cold.

Grayback said nothing, but just stood over him and stared, his breathing ragged, his clothes dripping with blood. He was almost startled by a voice behind him. "Grayback.."

Grayback spun to look into the face of Constable Sunfur. Fear welled up in his eyes, but he said nothing.

Sunfur saw the look in his eyes, "Relax, son. You don't have to say a thing. I saw the whole thing happen…and I heard what Razortail said. I've suspected him of acts like this for a long time, but I've never had anything to go on. I wouldn't have been here tonight if a friend of yours hadn't suggested I stop by.."

Grayback looked puzzled. "A friend?"

Another figure stepped out of the shadows..

"Stubtail!? I thought I told you to stay out of this!"

"No you didn't, Grayback…you told me to promise that for my sake to avoid you if you failed..but you didn't make me promise not to get the Constable first." He smiled.

Grayback visibly relaxed, and began to laugh. "Stubtail, what am I ever going to do with you?"

Stubtail just grinned. "You could buy me a Desert Cola for starters."

Grayback chuckled. "Agreed, my friend."

Constable Sunfur walked up to them and patted both on the back. "You two run along home, get some sleep. Don't worry about anything Grayback. I'll make sure Razortail here doesn't see the light of day for a very long time… He is about to suffer the most humiliating time of his life."

"What about Yellowmane?"

"I'll see what I can do for him, Grayback. What Razortail here said is strong evidence to clear his name, but it's in the hands of the judge. You've done enough for one night, young one, and you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow. Tomorrow, you become a man, but between you an me, son, tonight, you already did."

Grayback smiled, then suddenly remembered something. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a micro-recorder. "If this thing is still working, it should contain the testimony you need, Sunfur. Please take it."

Sunfur grinned and chuckled. "If it is, it will indeed be a big help. Now, scoot."

Stubtail grabbed Grayback's arm. "Come on, GB. Let's stop by Doc Firemane's on the way home, you need to get cleaned up."

Grayback nodded, and together they walked into the night. Grayback thought of the events that had just occurred. He had faced the most trying moment of his life, and in the end, he came out all right. Great satisfaction welled up inside him as he thought of Razortail getting exactly what he deserved. This was to serve Grayback well in his later years, as he rose through the ranks of the Vanguard. But that is another story…