Part 62: Memory of Ratika: The Boss

The Boss

"The avalanche was about to hit me! But before I could realize I was about to die, it suddenly stopped! All that mud, frozen in the air, five feet from me! That's when I heard the music. Ratika saved me. Saved the whole village!" With a storm of applause, the villager returns to his seat.

The testimonies have been going on for hours. In a moment, the council of the Clans will deliberate the fate of the hero of the hour. Ratika, whose magic stopped an avalance, who uncovered the Pygarian plot to corrupt the youth, who drove Rodentia to rise up and fight the most powerful nation in Urralia. Skinny Ratika. Forgotten Ratika.

Her mind races. I stopped it. Nobody died. So why does it feel so wrong? But Ratika knows. All this new glory is built on a lie.

"Ratika. Step forward," orders the council speaker. She complies.

"...Therefore, this council grants you full authority over our Rodentian troops..." Lies!

"...Do you pledge to liberate Rodentia from the Imperial invaders?" Lies!

"I won't rest until Rodentia is free again!" Lies! Lies! Lies!

Her mind wanders back to the day of the avalance. She was in distress. Her younger brother had just died in her arms. I had no choice. He was brainwashed by the Pygarians. She picked up her balalaika, and started plucking a melody, guided by her emotions. Sadness evolved into guilt. Guilt evolved into anger. Anger into rage. As the music grew in intensity, the ground began to rumble. Vera warned me. I caused the avalanche. I am a fraud.

"All hail our new war leader!" declares the council speaker. No! Take it back! I don't want it!

A clamor rises, in unison: "Boss! Boss! Boss! Boss!"