Chapter 4 : Tower Defense (1)

“Achievement unlocked, Slum lord.”

“Achievement unlocked, Lord Of The Boards.”

Ryoko had been going on like this for nearly ten minutes now, every possible insult she could think of to hurl was sticking out of Ren’s spine like an invisible arrow.

“Okay. I know it looks bad, but with a little work, it will fix right up. Besides, 10,000 Gigabits for this tower and the surrounding forest is not a bad deal!” Ren said defensively.

*Although I have other plans…* He thought to himself. Still, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed that Ryoko did not share in his enthusiasm.

“You could have stayed with Master you know..” Ren added.

Ryoko took a deep breath and chose to ignore the last statement for a few moments before she finally replied.

“I have to watch you. You get into trouble when I’m not around. Case in point.”

Ryoko flourished her hands in a nondescript way as she motioned towards the tower.

“The Hobo King’s Castle.”

Ren ignored Ryoko from this point on, determined to set about his work.

*If she doesn’t like this, she will really hate my ‘true’ plans.*
------------------------------------

Ren spent the next hour exploring the premises. The tower was located near the base of the mountain which made it ideal to avoid being surrounded. Other than that, there weren’t very many benefits. The entire tower was made of hardwood, but there were numerous places where the damage was irreparable. Currently three floors, none of which had anything of worth or value -- even the furniture was missing save a few chairs and tables.

Ren thought back to the moment he purchased the deed from a well known merchant in the capital city. He thought he noticed a sinister smile come over the latter before handing over the currency that would make him owner of this tower and land. Clearly Ren had not imagined it.

*He definitely knew this place was in shambles. He probably marked the price up as well.*

“Good thing he has no idea what it’s actually worth to me!” Ren’s face contorted into a demented smile as he thought of all the possibilities. He couldn’t help but break into a dance, for this was just the first stage of his grand plans.

“H-ha-har--”

“Ren. Why are you doing that crazy chicken dance? Don’t you realize you’ve been swindled out of your life’s savings?” Ryoko's voice shattered Ren’s inner fantasy. She joined Ren on the top floor of their tower and together they gazed out into the distance.

“Everything you see from the tower and even a bit further is probably mine. No-- ours.” Ren said.

“My 50% of nothing is more shiny than yours.” Ryoko replied.

“Yes yes princess Slumlord.” Ren said as he patted Ryoko on the head.

“Welp. Time to get to work. We wouldn’t want those wolves showing up in the middle of the night to snack on our bones. HA HA HA.” After laughing wildly for a few awkward moments, Ren put his hands in his pocket and proceeded to walk down to the first floor.

“Queen Slumlord to you.” Ryoko added as she followed suit.

It was getting dark, with just a few hours before sunset Ren set about the task of protecting his new home.

“We’ll have to do the majority of the ground work tomorrow, I’m afraid.” Ren said as he reached his hand into a swirling portal which resembled a blackhole. He pulled out several crystals, each clear, transparent and hollow in the center. If one gazed into the heart of these creatures they would see small orbs of light, made up of various colors, swirling about.

“Here, start on the other side of the tower, and I’ll begin here.” Ren said as he handed six of the crystals to Ryoko.

“This isn’t enough. This will barely keep out bugs.” Ryoko said as she glanced down at the crystals in her palm.

“I know, but it takes a while to make more of these and we don’t have that much time. It will have to do for tonight.”

Ren could see another insult charging in Ryoko’s eyes, so he preemptively attacked by placing his hand on her head.

He looked her directly in the eyes, unflinchingly as he pulled out his best line.

“Ryoko. You know you’re the only one I can depend on in this cruel world. Together, we can do anything.”

The teenage girl gazed up at him, her emerald green eyes shining vibrantly despite the waning sunlight.

“Lord of the Boards. Supreme Slumlord.” Ryoko said with a straight face, before turning to begin the task delegated to her.

“Stupid oni-chan, bringing me to the dust bowl olympia.” Ryoko grumbled as she knelt and pushed one of the crystals into the ground. She then covered it with dirt and moved on. Despite her constant complaining, Ryoko was actually quite happy. After all she would be alone. With Ren. All the time...

The thought of it was practically enough to make her squeal in delight. But Ryoko prided herself on being somewhat of an emotional ninja. Subterfuge was the name of the game and Ren was unusually perceptive when it came to her. Thus, she masked her true intentions the only way she knew how.

Sarcasm and humor.

Deep down however, she knew that this was her chance to act on long held affections that may otherwise never have a chance to blossom. She stopped for a moment and grasped at a locket hanging around her neck -- a memento which she kept near to her at all times. Ryoko then turned the silver locket over in her hand and popped it open to reveal a picture of a young girl whose face looked a lot like her own.

She smiled, a hint of sadness apparent in her eyes before she pushed the silver locket back inside of her clothing. Ryoko then continued the task of setting down the tower’s barrier crystals.