There’s the man. The Last Soldier of Z’otusah. Not much of a man. More of a skeleton if anything. His flesh is so sparse and thin. 

They did tell me I would most likely see him on our drive East. Still, it’s something else to actually see the man in person.

“Yes, that’s him. His tribe were said to only die once they were fulfilled with life. While the rest of his tribe died during the Dark Age, he continues. It looks like he was a soldier during that time. But who can tell what war? It’s been hundreds of years.”

I know all of this already but I guess Mister Oes loves to talk. 

Hundreds of years. Interesting. Umlaut complained after seventy. Not very dedicated is he? Neither am I. Or in other words, I’m still not. All these meetings I should be attending. All the work from the tutor I should be doing. A whole planet I should be observing? Does Terra count as Earth? No. Of course it doesn’t. 

The Last Soldier of Z’otusah. Endlessly carrying resources from his endless journeys to rebuild a fallen empire.

This road just goes on and on.

“How are your parents?”

“Same as always, Oes”

“Good, good. You get a lot of letters from them. I’m sure they would appreciate you writing some more letters back.”

“The next stop I think I’ll be changing cars.”

I detest Oes. Hopefully, this car will be better. I think some of the event organisers are here. Let’s see. Aeha?

“Hi, Wynnie. You are joining me?”

Better. But still a talker.

“Guess so.”

“Have you been past this area before, Wynnie?”

“Yes.”

“An abundance of trees, isn’t there?”

“Most of the continent is like this. The odd tribes here and there. And some giant empires. But mostly trees and lifeless land.”

“Lifeless? I hear it’s full of mysterious enigmas of life. Like in the swamplands.”

“Sure.”

“You’d be the expert, wouldn’t you?.”

“Sure.”

“Moody today, aren’t we? Not enough sleep? Been wondering out and about again?”

This whole ride Aeha just keeps on asking questions. It seems friendly… But I’ve known since when I came here to trust not one person. It’s full of people with ambition and no restraint. Can I blame them? When you live this life of decadence, when would the concept of restraint ever come to your mind?

“I’m guessing you’ll escape before the party begins.”

“That’s probably true.”

“Shame. You know you’d be fun if you weren’t so… Stuck up. And you’re not even rich to be stuck up, Mr. En Kare.

I’m getting quite bored of this.

“Don’t think about it. We have no stops until quite a while. You’re stuck with me. No escape this time.”

This is horrible. Aeha just keeps on staring. Waiting. I need to leave. I can’t. I have to say something, don’t I?

“I wouldn’t say I’m stuck up.”

“No? What would you say?”

“I don’t know. I tend not to think about myself too much.”

“Or others.”

She’s enjoying this. Like a lion playing with its prey.

“Or anything, really. Isn’t it, Aeha?”

“That is quite a shame, Wynnie.”

“If I cared, yes, that would be a shame.”

And the awkwardness continues. Well played by me though. 

“Wynnie, it would be very helpful if you could join us.”

“You’ve got lots of help.”

“But people want to see the mysterious hero from another planet. Whether you like it or not, people want to interact with you. And now that you’re a Wyxxitiez it seems, you have to be prepared to do that.”

“I’m not sure about all that. Especially the Wyxxitiez part.”

I don’t even know what I’d be helping with. I don’t know what this event is even about. I don’t know much about anything.

I needed this rest from the car. Even if it is to stare at this lake. Just to ponder. 

What’s for dinner?

Did I eat breakfast?

Why am I so boring and stupid? Just keep thinking about food.

A lot of Terrans live underwater, don’t they? Many different societies. If I can breathe in outer space can I breathe underwater? Do I breathe? 

Oh, that is in fact very concerning. I just realised I don’t need to breathe. Am I dead? No. Am I?

No. I don’t think so. I breathe. But have the ability to not breathe.

There’s footsteps. Far away. On the other side of the lake.

The footsteps are continuing.

It’s the Last Soldier of Z’otusah.

“Hello!”

No response.

“How did you get here so fast? We were in a car! You were walking!

Still, no response.

“You probably know this area so well. You probably know this continent so well. I’m a big fan! Why? Glad you asked. I guess, I, I don’t know why honestly.

Still nothing from him.

“You keep on going! Impressive stuff! You’d hate me! He’d hate me. I’m so lazy!”

He’s still- Is that how I look like? Or is that the lake just reflecting funny. 

Got distracted. What was I saying? Oh yeah. The Soldier. He’s still there.

Just staring at me. And I’m staring at him. And I’m staring at me staring at him. I’m staring at me. How? I’m staring at T’Wyndum. And I hate him. Wow. This is a familiar experience.

The rotting flesh and bones of the lonesome soldier is leaving now. In some sort of way…I think I’m dead.