The Road to the Wilds

Good afternoon, sir!

Oh, err, hey, miss.

Sorry, but we're not open yet.

Come back in the evening—

N-No, I'm not here for a drink.

Are you still hiring security?

Oh, so that's what this was about. Well, come on then, have a seat.

Here, water.

Th-Thank you.

I saw the poster stuck to the board downstairs, and ran up as fast as I could.

This place is... really nice. A proper downtown bar.

Whoops, I forgot to even ask your name.

I'm Clarson, but just Clars will do.

I'm Hadiya Talun, sir.

Alright then, Miss Talun.

You can put those, err... weapons aside. We're just talking for now.

Oh, sorry, the last few places I applied to wanted me to demonstrate my... Err...

My 'ability to respond to emergencies'.

And I feel more confident with them around, so...

Personally, what I look for most in a bouncer is professionalism.

I'm not here to hire brawlers. I don't want you talking with your fists.

You don't need to worry about that, Mr. Clars.

I'm not some hot-headed thug or anything. Look, these are my certificates.

Huh. Never seen someone in this line of work come this prepared.

Let's see here...

Training certifications... Weapon handling licenses...

This is pretty comprehensive. Some of my friends have combat training, but you hardly ever see a resume as spotless this one.

To be frank, qualifications like these could get you into a legit security firm.

Not sure why you'd settle for being a bouncer.

I prefer more relaxed places like this, and I like this kind of work.

(Quietly) Besides... the security firms never called back...

Hmm? You say something?

Ah, nonono.

I was just saying the job market's not so great right now, even for security work.

I've visited a lot of places, but unfortunately none of them decided to hire me.

Well, that's weird.

Surely a resume like this would open a lot of doors?

You'd think so, right? But the interviewers always said I wasn't tall enough, or intimidating enough.

Some of them even cut off the interview before we finished, for whatever reason.

Well, it's definitely not a problem with you, Miss Talun. They're the ones who wouldn't know talent if it bit 'em.

Whether it's your appearance or your experience, I've got no complaints at least.

Now, with that out of the way, let's talk wages and hours. If they work for you, you can start as soon as tomorrow.

Really? Thank you, sir.

This is the first time the hiring process had gone so smoothly. I'm glad I stuck it out for one more application.

Haha, means you found the right place.

Do you know how long it took to convince my folks to let me start a business, back in the day? People need to believe in themselves, and have the courage to take on new challenges.

You're absolutely right. My family always hoped I'd carry on their mission with the same determination.

To tell you the truth, I've struggled a lot with whether I should or not, but now that I've found what I want to do, things couldn't be better.

That's exactly what I'm talking about!

Okay, let's talk hours first. Your shift is from 8pm until 4am. I take it you have no objections to a graveyard shift?

None at all, Mr. Clars!

I was already following a similar schedule before I even applied.

It wasn't formal work experience, but I'm used to it, so it won't be a problem.

Oh, helping out at the family store, that sort of thing?

Great, you won't need much time to adjust. That simplifies things.

Where's the store you were helping out at, if you don't mind me asking?

57th Street.

Mr. Clars?

Is... Is there a problem?

First, let's make sure I didn't mishear you, Miss Talun. You're from 57th Street?

Yes.

I grew up there.

I haven't been looking for a job in this neighborhood for long, but I don't see how where I'm from should matter.

I'm sorry.

But that's exactly the problem.

You really have no idea why everyone you met here turned you down, do you?

Our customers are rather fussy, Miss Talun. I'm afraid you're not going to give them a sense of security with the way you look.

And if our customers aren't satisfied, our business will suffer. Sorry, but you'll have to look elsewhere.

Not gonna mince words: we don't hire people like you.

You're tiny minus the horns, and 'tiny' ain't what we put in the job description. Go somewhere else.

We don't have any openings at the moment, unless you're willing to do an unpaid trial period.

I have too much to lose if I end up hiring the wrong sort of person, after all.

Not happy with that? Then there's nothing to discuss. We don't take your kind here.

No way...

But why?

I'm really sorry, Miss Talun, but I can't hire you either.

Let me give it to you straight:

You're not going to find any decent work around here with your background.

That's ridiculous...

Since long before the business district grew to what it is now, the locals have been feuding with immigrants over land and resources.

Even since the shops opened up, there've been quite a few incidents ending in bloodshed.

Most folks in this city just don't trust immigrants.

And maybe you haven't noticed, but 57th street is where they all live.

I'm sure your dad or granddad must've told you stories about the blood, sweat, and tears their generation put into building that neighborhood.

But to us locals, that place represents nothing but grime and lawlessness.

I always thought life on the outside wouldn't be any different from 57th, just a small change in environment...

Sounds like you grew up sheltered. Good on your family, honestly. But reality loves to disappoint.

Personally, I've got plenty of immigrant friends. I know they don't have it easy.

But it is what it is. That's just... how this city operates.

But we've lived here for decades...

It's not like we're fresh off the convoy!

Yeah, and I didn't even notice a thing until you mentioned where you were from.

But that won't change where you were born, and it won't change the prejudice my customers will have against you.

I'm positive that's the only reason those other shops turned you away.

(Is that why Luftar and the others left Columbia to become mercenaries?)

(Salma worked at that factory for less a month before being sent back. Was it for the same reason?)

(I always thought it was just bad luck...)

I... never imagined it would be like this.

And there you have it. But don't blame yourself—it's not your fault.

Here, take your things and go, quick.

I'm sorry, but I can't help you any more than that. Besides—

It's just about opening hours.

.....

Yeah. Sorry for bothering you, Mr. Clars.

Don't be. Just hurry on back home.

Take care. Looks like it's still raining.

Mm...

.....

*sigh*...

I still hope you will return to Sargon one day, Hadiya.

Do you remember the words passed down through our family? We are warriors of Sargon, descendants of the Qarnsayf.

You must never forget the glorious history our ancestors wrote in the wilds, and their legends known to all.

For one day our people will return to the wilds, and rebuild our tribe.

It is a shame that our generation spent all our strength simply finding our footing in Columbia. None of us can return to Sargon.

But yours still can. I believe you will be able to bring glory to our family.

But we've been away from Sargon for too long, baba.

It's not that I don't want to, but it always feels too soon, like I'm not ready.

It'd be amazing if I did manage to rebuild the tribe, but what exactly does that even mean?

Do I need a herd of burdenbeasts? Do I need a padishah worth swearing loyalty to? Or do I need to defeat the desert's strongest warriors?

I really have no idea where to even start. It might be best for me to stay in Columbia for now.

Hadiya...

I do not want to force you into doing anything, but...

Relax, baba. Wherever I go, I won't disappoint you.

Just have faith in your daughter, okay?

.....

(I thought this was going to be a chance for me to prove myself, but I never expected this.)

(Should I look for work outside the city? No, there's no guarantee it'll be any better than here.)

(But where else can I even go? I can't just give up and go back home like this. That would be pathetic, after everything I said.)

(Whatever. I can't change what happened today, but I can come up with a new plan, starting tomorrow.)

Gah, what's a puddle doing there...? I didn't notice it at all...

Ugh, why is it so hard for me to accept this? I already knew this wasn't going to be a walk in the park.

But it's... It's just...!

If only they'd give me a chance...

I'd definitely—

Hey, you there!

Hands up! Drop the weapons!

Wait! I didn't even do anything!

Don't move! I said drop the weapons!

Settle down, okay? I need these for work! I'm not doing anything bad with them!

I have an open carry permit! There's no need to treat me like this!

Cut the beastshit! Just put the weapons down, and no sudden movements! Don't make me use force!

Hands on your head, and on your knees, facing the wall!

You deaf or something?! Follow my orders!

Please don't do this, officer.

Look, I did as you said. I'm just on my way home, honest.

That's what every criminal says. But what am I supposed to think when you're shuffling around at night with your head down, brandishing a sword?

Name?

Hadiya bint Talun. Sir.

A name like that... You Sargonian?

No sir, I'm Columbian. I've lived on 57th Street my entire life.

I'm a full Columbian citizen.

I haven't broken any laws, officer. You can't just treat me like I'm guilty.

Yeah, that's not making you sound any more trustworthy.

The Iron Hand Gang's been pretty active across the city lately. Most of their crew are Sargonian-Columbians, and they're holed up in 57th Street.

Someone with an innocent face like yours might be casing out joints for them.

Of course not. We've been law-abiding citizens for years. Why would we do that?

I've never even heard of this gang. Now can I—

Don't move!

Don't think you can talk your way out of this. What, you think 57th Street's got a squeaky-clean rep?

It's only common sense to treat you people with suspicion. Just because you live here doesn't give you the right to walk around like you own the place.

.....

This is slander, officer. I don't care what your reasons are; you can't just paint me with a brush like that—

Shut it.

I don't have time to argue with you. And I'm sure neither of us wants this to get ugly.

You got an ID? Where is it?

Inner jacket pocket. On the left.

Don't move a muscle. I'll get it.

You'll be leaving here in an ambulance or worse if you try anything funny.

.....

.....

Well shit, there's your open carry permit. The hell is it even for, though? Your carefree days in that shitty block of yours not enough for you?

Sheesh, and that's some spotless paperwork on you. Got your ID too. And what you don't got is any Iron Hand tattoos.

I'll let you off this time, but don't let me catch you again.

.....

Then can I get up now, officer?

This is a blatant abuse of power. You can't treat me like this.

'Abuse of power'? Against you people? Hah! The only reason we're so busy these days is because we haven't been keeping you little shits in line.

Go ahead, make a report at the station. See if anyone cares what someone like you says.

.....

Count yourself lucky you had all your paperwork on you today.

Otherwise I'd be hauling you back to the station for an interrogation.

Now pick up your toys and get out of here. Don't go swinging them around at night.

And stay where you belong, you got that?

...Don't touch me. I'm going.

Hmph.

.....

Baba, was I...

Wrong?

.....

(Maybe I still have a choice.)

.....

You there, Hadiya?

Salma?

Thank goodness you're alright!

Auntie Tarama told me what you told her at dinner.

They've gone too far, pushing you around like that!

It's fine, habibti. I'm not hurt.

And now I know how you must've felt back then.

I was so naive, thinking you just happened to meet people who didn't like you.

I never thought I'd run into the same thing.

What matters is that you're safe. An encounter like that could've gone a whole lot worse.

I don't even want to imagine what all our aunts and uncles would do if something actually happened to you.

Yeah yeah, but it didn't, so stop worrying about it.

More importantly, I need to think about what to do next.

How about stick to within the neighborhood? They'll never give you a chance out there.

There's no shame in helping Auntie Tarama out. And it'll be safe too. Safe and happy.

Our aunts and uncles would be able to relax, too.

Spending the rest of my life here...

A lot of our older peers have already come back, haven't they?

It may not be a glamorous life, but it sure beats getting dirty looks wherever you go.

We've even had our candidates running in district elections.

We can run this place without having to rely on outsiders, and we won't have to go out and deal with discrimination either.

Just stay here. There's nothing wrong with life on 57th.

.....

Sorry, Salma, but I just had a thought.

You once said this is the only place in all the land that would always have my back.

But I can't live my entire life here. I was always going to leave one day.

So if I'd need to bust my butt to earn my place anywhere else anyway...

Then why try in Sargon? At the very least, I can start fresh there.

Are... Are you serious, Hadiya?

If you asked me yesterday, I might have hesitated. But this time, I'm serious.

Compared to life in urban Columbia, I didn't know a thing about the wilderness. That was the biggest thing holding me back.

But now, I understand.

Time to go see what a real wilderness is like.