Practical problems

The petrified and the strong.

Mylo

Darkseekers

Silence

Indecision Decision

Claw and Orders

Confrontation

Taking shape

Convergence

Gone Together

&#x3C;p&#x3E;The small bakery remained nestled between life and death, a cordoned-off district with towering homes above the thin slice of cake that represented the storefront. Most visitors to the Gumdrop Bakery were from the adoption centre or the morgue, but occasionally others from deeper in the city would make a special trip. Just to taste a small measure of imperfection in their relatively mathematically-defined lives.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Thanking the customer for coming, Enis Hunter moved to shift the scanner closer so they could pay. A simple beep echoed out, and the money was exchanged in an instant. With their newly-purchased handmade cupcakes, the nursemaid let out a satisfied hum of delight as the dry treat coated her tongue with the rush of sweetness.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;They just don&#x2019;t make them this way anymore. It&#x2019;s all about that &#x2018;mathematically perfect&#x2019; with the oven at home. I call him Carl, by the way. Carl just doesn&#x2019;t understand, it&#x2019;s not about it being perfect. It just doesn&#x2019;t have the love, the imperfections that only a human can provide.&#x201D; The woman let out a depressed sigh as Enis moved to give a dry smirk.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Wow, thanks. No discount for you next time.&#x201D; The joke landed well, and the two shared a chuckle. Even with all her skill, both of them had long accepted the simple fact: there was no way for a human to ever reach the perfection a computer could systematically achieve. But in that face was peace, a truth that could not be replicated by machine no matter what they did. Imperfection could not be replicated, only a pale imitation of it.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E; It could be said humans were perfect at being imperfect.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Well, I need to get back to things. The end of the day can&#x2019;t come any sooner, I tell you.&#x201D; With a wave, the woman dragged herself toward the door. Watching her go was an exercise in caution as her body swayed rhythmically with each step before vanishing behind the closed door. A soft hum escaped Enis as her mind pictured someone else leaving, briefly lost in a fantasy that suddenly became reality.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The glasses of the brown-haired woman as they entered briefly reflected the light from outside as they moved to close the door gently behind them. They jolted as a whistle escaped the lips of the baker, taking her eyes up and down the suit and tie they were wearing. With their short hair neatly done up, they were the picture of official.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;You look so professional. So what will it be today?&#x201D; Moving to lean down, Enis brought out two cupcakes. One blue, and one pink. The woman regarded them for a moment with hesitation, before taking the pink one and giving a few timid bites. Enis took the other with a chuckle, swiping her card to pay for both of them.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;I-I&#x2019;ve actually been thinking of getting a neck collar, or some sort of wrist brace. Something to help others easily tell,&#x201D; they spoke quietly as a hand briefly adjusted their hair.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E; &#x201C;What about a clip-on skirt? You could add it on and off when needed. &#x2018;Oh, Port is wearing a skirt today, must be a girl.&#x2019; No offence.&#x201D; Moving over to the traditional oven, Enis checked on the treats cooking. Having something baking ensured the caf&#xE9; always had that baking smell.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;See, I considered that. But what if I want to just wear a skirt as a guy? I know it&#x2019;s weird but sometimes I just want to wear a skirt.&#x201D; Licking the crumbs off their fingers, Port tossed the wrapping into the nearby bin. A small display on the lid briefly illuminated with a number: 10. A brief smile of satisfaction filled her.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Nice job, a tenner. I&#x2019;d say the wrist straps would be best. Although&#x2026;&#x201D; A smirk filled her face as she glanced over briefly. &#x201C;I do enjoy the image of you in a collar.&#x201D; That one comment sent an explosive flush of fire to the green-eyed face of Port. A whine escaped them as they hid behind their hands in first-hand embarrassment.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Eniiiiis! You can&#x2019;t just say that in public!&#x201D; Mumbling jitters left them as they grumbled and sulked behind their hands, much to the chagrin of the baker. The matter resolved itself rather quickly, her mind moving to the other, more important, matter at hand, a comfortable silence stretching as they spent the moment with their thoughts.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E; &#x201C;I&#x2019;ve been thinking of signing up for the monster program,&#x201D; Enis spoke, chewing idly on her cheek as she brought out the pamphlet.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;No, absolutely not. Didn&#x2019;t you see the news? If they don&#x2019;t kill you, the protestors just might.&#x201D; Port moved forward and leaned over with a firm expression. A breath of incredulity left Enis in response.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Aren&#x2019;t you working on the immigration? Tell me, have there been any issues? Any monsters causing problems?&#x201D; The room heated briefly as they both stubbornly refused to budge on the issue, indecision turning to a stubborn desire to resist and rebel against the other.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Yes, which is why I&#x2019;m against it! You don&#x2019;t know what you&#x2019;re signing up for! What if you get a terrible one and it threatens you? Just because they&#x2019;re behaving so far doesn&#x2019;t mean the one you get will! They&#x2019;re dangerous creatures that are only obeying because we forcibly limit their power!&#x201D; A hand pressed down on the countertop between them, each line Port uttered causing her voice to echo with more and more stress and panic.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;So they &#x3C;em&#x3E;haven&#x2019;t&#x3C;/em&#x3E; done anything then? You&#x2019;re just afraid of them because of what they are? Do you remember how hard you had to fight to get your family to see you for who you are!?&#x201D; The words slammed through the paranoia and fear like bullets, and Enis watched Port flinch in response. A brief, tense silence followed.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;I&#x2026;The difference is we&#x2019;re all human. They&#x2019;re monsters. Even if they act like us: they differ in so many ways. It&#x2019;s so subtle that it catches me by surprise every time. It&#x2019;s like I&#x2019;m speaking to an alien.&#x201D; Each word tumbled out as Port tried to match words to the overwhelming fear that infused her at this conversation.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;We&#x2019;re the aliens here, Port, remember?&#x201D; Leaning back, Enis rubbed her temple and turned away.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Another brief moment of silence passed.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;It&#x2019;s not as if we&#x2019;re any better, you know. I know how some of those super soldiers act. Blood hungry, vicious. Monstrous. Can you really still say we&#x2019;re that different?&#x201D; Placing the pamphlet down, Enis turned to head toward the other end of the counter as a gentle bell announced a customer, quietly discussing their order while Port stared down at the pamphlet.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x2018;&#x3C;strong&#x3E;Willing to give peace a chance? Sign up now for the Monster immigration program.&#x2019;&#x3C;/strong&#x3E; Those words haunted her eyes, burning into her as she was forced to turn her head away. The bakery turned silent as the customer soon left with their order.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;&#x2026;I don&#x2019;t want to lose you, Enis&#x2026;&#x201D; Moisture formed on the edges of Port&#x2019;s eyes but was quickly blinked back and forced away. But Enis had seen it, and her expression softened.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;You&#x2019;re not going to lose me&#x2026;but I want to do this.&#x201D; She reached over and ran a hand through Port&#x2019;s hair.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Alright&#x2026;&#x201D;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;---&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E; Reaching for the clip and buckle, he expertly bound his weapons to his armoured back, easily moving to the mirror to brush his teeth and give an award-winning smile. Blonde hair spiked around his perfectly carved features, each scar hidden on his back a reminder of the painful process he took to become enchanted and ready to fight against the vile creatures outside.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Sheathing his sword and clipping his book to his belt, he moved to head out the door to greet another cramped and claustrophobic day. Stares of awe surrounded him as he strode through the city toward exit 5B, where the party of alchemists he was meant to escort were waiting. Each one was thin and lanky, carrying a lack of coordination that would allow even a plant to kill them.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;There you are Elegard, shall we head out? The Urkroot must be gathered as soon as possible. It is a crucial ingredient in the blood pact.&#x201D; One of the Alchemists moved to explain as if expecting him to want to know the reason for their mission. Instead, he moved toward the exit, flicked his ID to the guard, and passed on through.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Yes, yes, your root thing, let&#x2019;s go.&#x201D; The three moved to hurry after him, clutching their beginner tomes with apprehension, as they didn&#x2019;t have time to hesitate. Each step outside brought them further into danger as they huddled behind their shining protector, who made no move to slow down for their benefit.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Each, in one way or another, glanced toward the line of immigrants slowly being screened in the distance at 5A. It was all too easy for a grimace to fall on Elegard&#x2019;s face as he forced himself to slow down so they could catch up. The forest was a half-day away, and the danger would begin to grow now they were too far away from the barrier to flee there.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Still, nothing attacked them as they soon made their way into the forest. A strange plant with three bulbs drew the curiosity of one alchemist. Spinning in place, Elegard grabbed his cloak and pulled him out of the way as acid popped out at lighting speed. They all stared as the purple ichor seeped into the ground, adding to the scarred land around it.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Word to the wise gentlemen, if the ground is brown: stay down. If the ground is yellow, let it mellow. If it&#x2019;s green, then we&#x2019;re mean.&#x201D; Continuing to lead them through the forest, Elegard would pull them out of plenty of dangers quite similar to it. Some kobolds attacked but a few careful blows sent them fleeing.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x2018;&#x3C;em&#x3E;Don&#x2019;t hurt anything intelligent out there today. We don&#x2019;t want to anger the dragon&#x3C;/em&#x3E;.&#x2019; They&#x2019;d ordered him, and so he obeyed, mind rioting inwardly as he continued to slam his feet down onto the grass without care or grace, daring beasts to come and fight him. Their destination soon arrived, and the alchemists hurried down to the river stream as he kept watch.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;You have five minutes.&#x201D; Sweeping his sword out, he swung it in an arc around him to mark the trees. Each one remained still. With the mimic test complete, he turned his attention to the water they were stumbling through, memories flooding back of his first foray into these lands. The danger would find them.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The echo of trees being felled rapidly grew as his prediction came true, and he turned to face down a large boar the size of a mammoth. He leapt forward and grabbed it by the tusk, using it to spin upward and slam a kick into the side of its face. The blow veered it off course such that it narrowly passed the alchemists. They rose with their handfuls of plants and moved to scrabble away in fear.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Stay right where you are,&#x201D; he growled out as he leapt over the river and straight down toward the boar. His blade glimmered as the runes upon it began to glow and guide it directly into its skull. The beast staggered and slowly fell to one side, dead in a single instant. The blade&#x2019;s glow dimmed away to nothing.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;T-Thank you,&#x201D; they stammered out. Elegard merely turned his gaze back toward them as a detection spell rang out through the forest for a second time.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Just doing my job.&#x201D; Each snap and crack of a plant echoed in his ears as sounds focused his attention and brought his mind to bear. The forest loomed over them as an ill wind began to blow, the sounds of normal creatures fading away as something noticed their presence. A breath echoed out from the mountains as it moved to rise.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Times up, let&#x2019;s go,&#x201D; he barked and sheathed his weapon to drag them out of the water, pulling them along as he rapidly led them through the path and pushed each of them into a run while the forest forced everything against their escape. A bird flying right into one of the alchemists sent him reeling and precariously balanced over a cliff.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;A metal hand grasped the alchemist and pulled him away just as shadowy hands reached to drag him into the darkness. The others moved to pause in fear before another roar echoed from a larger beast hurtling toward them. With a rough kick, Elegard sent them all flying out of the way as the boar slammed into him.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;They both tumbled off the cliff and into the hands of darkness, falling and fighting before the sword sliced clean through the beast&#x2019;s neck. Reaching for his rune book, he flipped it open to a page and channelled the magic into the rune.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;&#x26;lt;&#x3C;em&#x3E;Light&#x26;gt;!&#x201D;&#x3C;/em&#x3E; A bright light shone and the shadowed hands fled as he leapt for the edge of the cliff. Not making it all the way up. One free hand clutched a loose rock and he swung upwards off it, dirt falling around him. With a solid thud, he landed on the cliff edge and stared at the alchemists.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Now move!&#x201D; With his lead, Elegard led the alchemists past dangers and threats as the forest awoke with life, each slash of his sword covering him in blood and gore. Eventually, the forest could no longer hold them at bay, and they burst back into the fields, their movements picking up as they dashed for the barrier. &#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Elegard calmed the moment they exited the forest, but the alchemists continued to flee with fear and panic. Letting them, he kept up with a casual jog as he thought about the large cash reward awaiting him. A smile emerged on his face as he felt the blood caked on him beginning to dry. The barrier of safety marked the end of this trip.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;But there would always be more.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;

&#x3C;p&#x3E;Monsters, humans, war. Within their shielded cities of Technomagi, the humans live their lives in small boxes. Only venturing out of their bubbles with gunslingers or mages trained to defend against the beasts outside. Teleportation to other cities is normal, done through square boxes on rails that are housed underground. These days, the disparity between humans and us has grown to a breaking point. In a single night: an entire nation of monsters vanished. A cloud and flash of light that all had seen. Only the strongest could survive against their might and stubborn ingenuity. Those terrifying, amazing humans.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;We had laughed at first. &#x2018;What possible danger is there? They&#x2019;re just humans&#x2019;. That was centuries ago by this point, of course. We all realized the moment we saw that metal tube fall. There is something that only a human can accomplish, through their ability to see light even in the darkest situation.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;You don&#x2019;t win against humans. You either die with them or live to serve them.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;

The Dragons Predicament 