“Yeah, well, I don’t quite understand it myself.”
He wasn’t going to tell Thomas he’d been trying to hack Feyland. He had a feeling the bard wouldn’t think too highly of that idea.
Thomas firmed his lips and studied Aran with a look that made him feel like a disobedient child.
“Look.” Aran unfolded his arms and stood. “I just want something better out of life. I was given an opportunity, and I took it. I didn’t know it would bring me here.”
“Do you wish to return to the mortal world?”
“Not at the moment, no. So, what do I need to do to get ready to see the queen?”
He’d take one thing, one minute, at a time. It was the only way to cope when life got complicated. Thinking too much caused a crazy whirlwind in his brain that could suck him under—that had sucked him under in the past. Those first few months in juvie had been nothing but panic and fear. It had taken too long for him to get his bearings, to pull himself together, and he was never making that mistake again. Never.
Spark signed autographs and posed for pictures, but the whole time her mind clamored with questions. At last the game center event ended, and she hurried back to the bus. Tucking herself into the back corner seat, she pulled out her messager. First priority was talking to Tam and Jennet.
Tam, as usual, didn’t answer, but Jennet responded right away.
:How’s the tour going?: she asked.
:Crazy. The Elder Fey contacted me in-game and told me I’m supposed to rescue someone from the Dark Realm.:
:What?!:
:I know. Have you guys been playing Feyland? Did they get in touch with you and Tam?: Spark tried not to hold her breath for the answer.
:We were in-game earlier today. Nothing unusual happened.:
:I don’t want to do this alone.: Spark chewed on her lower lip. :You and Tam are the ones with experience.:
:Maybe that’s why they didn’t ask us. The game’s releasing now. If we’re all helping the same person, who’s on call when other people get in trouble?:
Jennet was right, though Spark didn’t like it. She’d seen the danger and power of the Dark Queen, but unlike her friends, Spark had never faced her in direct combat. At least, not solo. It had taken seven of them fighting together, plus a powerful talisman, to defeat her last time. Also, Spark’s memory of that battle was a little hazy, since she’d been a fox during key moments.
The bus swayed as the rest of the VirtuMax team climbed on. Niteesh headed toward her, a determined look on his face. He was going to ask her what was going on, and she had no idea what to tell him.#p#分页标题#e#
:I gotta go,: she typed.
:Talk again soon,: Jennet replied. :I’ll see what Tam thinks.:
Spark turned off her messager. Lucky Jennet, to have somebody to share things with.
“Hey,” she said as Niteesh took the seat next to her.
“Is for horses,” he said. “What’s going on with you?”
“Off day. It happens.”
“You’re a terrible liar.” When she didn’t reply, he squinched his lips together. “Fine, don’t tell me.”
“If I could, I would.” She hoped he believed her. The last thing she wanted to do was alienate the only friend she had on the tour.
He gazed at her, his eyes bright, then shrugged.
“Whatever. So, what happened to your clothes?”
“What do you think?” Spark shot a look to the front of the bus, where Roc and Cora sprawled, taking up a row of seats each.
“Thought so,” Niteesh said. “But I’m here now to watch your back.”
“And vice versa. They don’t love you any better.”
The bus glided into motion, and Spark stared out the window as the parking lot of the gaming center slid away.
“Yeah, but I’m just a little kid,” Niteesh said, a note of irony in his voice. “You’re the real competition. Keep your edge, though—don’t make it easy for them.”
Spark let out a sigh that misted the window glass.
“I know, I was distracted in there.” By otherworldly creatures giving her cryptic instructions. “In order to focus, I need some more time in-game.”
“You need to practice?” He gave her a confused look. “You, Spark Jaxley?”
“Something like that.” She leaned forward to make sure Roc and Cora couldn’t see her face. It wouldn’t surprise her if they read lips. “Think you could help me figure out a way to get secret system time?”
His eyes brightened, and he tapped his lips with one finger. Niteesh was one sneaky kid, and between the two of them, Spark knew they could get her on a FullD. Vonda would probably help, too, although the more people who knew what Spark was up to, the harder it would be to keep secret. And to keep her own secrets about why, exactly, she needed to play Feyland during off hours.