Chapter Text
Tom was never much for card games, but he sure took to playing Chaotic when Kaz introduced him. The ginger kept insisting over and over. Tom had finally given in and decided he would get an Overworld starter deck. He wasn’t impressed much until Kaz pointed out that the Maxxor card was an ultra-rare and people sell it for an insane price. Tom soon looked at the card in a new light. He kept playing the game and getting more cards for his deck and was then introduced to the online version. The game was a perfect thing for him to unwind. Also, with his need for being competitive, he was always excited when he played it. Coming up with strategies was part of the fun. He got really good at it too. Kaz was so excited for him but then started going on and on about Chaotic being a real place. It was overly embarrassing. Even so, he would never push Kaz away, even if he was acting crazy. Then the code appeared. Kaz was very urgent on this dumb code Tom got in his Chaotic mail.
When Tom first came to Chaotic and subsequently Perim, he was shocked beyond belief and didn’t know how to properly process the situation. Being convinced to enter the code by his long-time best friend. Despite how close their bond was, Tom had always had a slight aversion to how crazy his friend acted. Sure, Kaz was kind of crazy, but regardless they were still friends. Nearly inseparable, yet Tom was always embarrassed to some degree by Kaz. Until he learned his friend was, in fact, telling the truth. He swore never to doubt his friend ever again. Especially upon coming to such an amazing world full of new possibilities. Having experienced Perim and knowing the creatures were real. He felt excited and nervous for if and when he’d run into Maxxor. He had gotten overly attached to the card and it was his ace in his deck. He was still nowhere near obsessed with Maxxor as Kaz was to Chaor though. Also, Tom didn’t like Chaor upon first seeing him. He was much more terrifying in person than he thought. He much rather deal with the card than the massive beast of a creature Chaor was.
That was so long ago. Tom had made many friends in Perim. Having befriended Maxxor, even if it was slow progression of friendship. Half the time Tom wasn’t sure if they were proper friends. They didn’t have the same chemistry that Kaz and Chaor had. Then again, Kaz was insane and constantly threw caution to the wind with that demon overlord. Tom was more respectful towards Maxxor and held a proper distance. He didn’t want to bother Maxxor back in the day. He was the Ruler of the Overworld, so it made sense he was busy. Though now that the tribes were at some semblance of peace. Maxxor was more willing to hang out with Tom. Though the orc was trying a bit too hard to try and make up the time they could have spent getting to know each other as good friends.
During the time of getting to hang out with Maxxor, Tom had convinced him to go on a scan quest. Tom wasn’t expecting to get into trouble with a more feral minded creature. No sense of talk nor diplomacy would get through its head. Reminded him of Probascar from Prexxor Chasm. Either way, Tom dodged just in time of an attack, nearly getting clipped. He recalled the orc being shocked and worried before a rock wave was launch at the feral thing. Tom feeling himself get snatched up and then the rush through the trees. Maxxor had set him down and went off on him with worry. Tom simply shrugged. He didn’t want to be scolded like a child, he was a grown adult! Okay, almost grown. He was so close to being able to legally drink alcohol. Not that he hasn’t snuck drinks before. Tom had shook his head to get back on track. Having to explain the whole point of a scan quest to the orc. Also, causally mentioning how Kaz got eaten by one of Mommark’s creations. Tom still remembers the look on the orc’s face. The sheer horror and worry then anger and a low growl. Looks like the scientist will get a lecture as well.
That wasn’t the last time he managed to convince Maxxor to go with him on a scan quest. However, the orc worriedly insisted that Tom choose something less life threatening. Tom had simply looked at him and said no. It was part of the fun, granted some of the fun was actually him running through a series of random things depending on the area. That sense of danger was a thrill and makes the scans worthwhile. Tom once again explained it was like working hard to earn something similar to a trophy. The orc resigned from the issue with a disheartened groan. Seems like he isn’t going to press the logic behind scan quests. Tom, thankfully, made it easy on him and they were going for a more stationary target. A new location scan. He knew the orc must have known of places Chaotic players haven’t seen. Maxxor was more agreeable on this endeavor. Though how to get to the place was yet another issue. Tom could simply port to the closest area. Maxxor couldn’t unless he used the telebracers. Tom was fine with just riding with the orc to the location. That way they can talk about stuff on the more mundane side of things.
There were more than scan quests that the two went on. Sometimes Tom tagged along when Maxxor went to check on certain areas of the Overworld. Tom having surprised the orc with secrets about the areas due to his time in the dromes. He was so proud of himself when he was able to help his friend deal with things outside of Kiru City. Even if he liked working at the arsenal. It was always interesting to adventure with his favorite creature. Though he can’t say the same when the two ran into Chaor on some occasions. Normally having the brute of a king spotted in the Overworld was cause for alarm. Sometimes Kaz was with the demon, sometimes he wasn’t. Didn’t stop the demon and orc from having a small spat. They just couldn’t get along, but they made it work for the alliance. Even if Tom felt Chaor was a major threat to its survival. If anyone would break it, it would have to be Chaor and his kin. Though, Tom couldn’t be too distrusting of Chaor. The brute was capable of some sort of compassion towards Kaz. Even if it felt more like Chaor owned Kaz or maybe it was the other way around. Tom didn’t want to know the finer points of that bizarre relation. Maxxor seemed to second that with worry. The orc wasn’t exactly friends with Kaz. He still worried over Tom’s friend. Though Chaor and Kaz shared the same interest of being absolute menaces to Maxxor. Jerks...
Besides dealing with Chaor. Tom joined Maxxor when he was meeting with Mudeenu. At least these two were more cordial with each other. Though Tom was reminded of that time where the orc and this overgrown lizard hurt Kaz. Tom was still miffed about having to yell at Maxxor to protect Kaz. Still, Tom would prefer the prince over the demon lord. Tom eventually got bored and wandered off around the palace. He never got to meet Iflar, though Peyton talks nonstop about various mipedians. The crown prince included, wonder where the King is? He faintly recalls Maxxor mentioning something about the king when the orc was a child. Something about Maxxor’s father having dealt with him but the king just vanished for some spiritual reason? Tom didn’t get to wonder nor wander for long. Maxxor had found him with a bit of concern, on his face. Tom had to reiterate that he wasn’t some child. Eventually the orc got the message. Especially after Tom sort of went off on him. Tom knew about the dangers of Perim. He been exploring it with his friends. He didn’t need his hand held. The ruler was just worried, there were instances where the orc jumped to defend Tom. Who was appreciative, but they weren’t currently in a hostile environment.
Tom took to noticing that Maxxor would try showing interest in the things Tom liked. Guess the guy really did feel bad for the times he was too absorbed in his work. Again, Tom understood that dealing with the Overworld was more important than some singular human. Chaotic players were a bit of a nuisance to many.
Speaking of dealing with things. Maxxor invited Tom to go with him to speak with Odu-Bathax near the gates of Mount Pillar. Though getting there was a bit of a hassle. Chaor didn’t particularly like random tribal members just wandering through his domain. Which meant that the orc had to schedule the meeting ahead to get some form of approval and safe passage. Tom was well aware of how much more hostile the feral creatures of the Underworld were. Not only the creatures and beasts that lurk around but the environment itself was much more dangerous. How Kaz played around here like it was his backyard was crazy enough. Though, Tom had also scouted around down here, more so than Maxxor for sure. Tom knew some caverns and shortcuts to the hive that Maxxor didn’t know existed. Kaz was an excellent guide along with H’earring.
Odu-Bathax, or Odu as Tom likes to call him, was crass and probably just as hotheaded as Chaor if not more! At least Chaor has some common sense, not Odu though. He was a bit too trigger happy for Tom’s tastes. Though the blue beetle like ant was more pleasant to the orc than that oversized demon. Though Tom got the notion that Chaor and Odu would be on more friendly terms given their need to be above others. Tom wasn’t really paying attention to the discussion between the two creatures. He was too busy scanning Mount Pillar and trying to get another scan of Odu. Could come in useful. He recalls someone asking for a scan of him. The crass insectoid did not take kindly to that but huffs and continues his discussion with Maxxor. Tom was wary about the second set of arms with the large blades attached. At this point Tom had gotten bored and started playing on his scanner. He had found a nice comfy rock to lay against, well as comfy as rocks can be. He tilts his head towards the two creatures and hears Maxxor call Odu, unreasonable. Tom turns to pay full attention to the two. He wasn’t sure what that was about, but it seems like the two came to terms with whatever they were discussing. Tom accompanies Maxxor back to Kiru City.
Tom was now currently snooping through Maxxor’s study. Bodal let his mouth run about a location Maxxor recently found. Tom was curious and just wanted to see if he could figure it out if it was some secret like that battle gear. He was busy checking the drawers of the desk and finds one locked. He couldn’t really do much when the doors to the study open.
“Snooping as usual, I see.” The voice said making Tom look up.
Tom shakes his head as he sees the large orc close the door. “Yeah, you got me.”
“Let me guess. Bodal?” Maxxor asked with slight disappointment.
“Oh yeah. You know...” Tom tsks a bit before continuing. “You really shouldn’t let him know about stuff like this. Especially if you plan on it being a secret.”
The orc sighs as he walks over to the desk and stands before Tom. “It isn’t really a secret. More like the location hasn’t been explored by anyone besides the creatures native to it.”
“So, he just heard it through the grape vine then?” Tom asks as he moves to let the orc sit down.
“You can say that. Though, much rather no one gets cocky and tries to explore it without knowledge of the current creatures who live there. You are aware of more feral creatures.”
“Yeah, some of them can’t exactly talk. Smildon is a rare case along with a few others given how primitive they are. Though Smildon is the more intelligent one, he fought off that other one who was hunting me back then.”
“Exactly.” The orc sighs leaning on the desk with one arm. He remains half turned to Tom in his seat. “Not all creatures are friendly, nor are they like the rest of us. Which makes me worry. Especially for players like you.”
Tom snorts. “I’m not as reckless as Kaz. He gets obsessed with trying to get a scan.”
Maxxor gives Tom a deadpanned look. “And... You don’t?”
Tom flushes a bit and looks away with a slight pout. “N-no! Maybe... Okay a little...” He then turns back with a bit of determination. “But at least I know when to port out if it gets bad.”
Maxxor sighs and sits back. “Fair enough.” He looks up as he soon thinks. “I should apologize for how I treat you at times.”
“Oh yeah? How so?” Tom asked leaning against the desk with arms crossing.
“I forgot that Chaotic players know as much about Perim as the denizens of Perim. I never gave it much thought back then with how busy I was. You did a lot for the Overworld. Yet I can’t help being protective of you.”
Tom stays silent as he looks at Maxxor.
“You have become a valuable friend, and I don’t wish to lose you. I can count on you when times get rough. You have proven yourself time and time again. Still. I tend to forget that you are capable. Though, you’re still human. Humans can’t exactly use attacks like creatures. So, I worry.” He says finally looking at Tom.
Tom looks down and sighs before standing off the desk. “Thanks. I do appreciate you protecting me. And yeah. Humans don’t have powers or special abilities like creatures. Though we’re still dangerous in our own right when push comes to shove. We just aren’t allowed to do that. We’d get banned from coming back.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Hard to believe.”
“Indeed, it is.”
“If you knew what I was really capable of. You’d probably be scandalized.”
Maxxor sits forward at this. “What could you possibly do that would make me react like that?”
“Welllll....” Tom drags out the word making the orc uneasy.
“What did.... What did you do?” The orc said sitting up some.
“I cracked a guy’s skull open, maybe...” He starts slowly before shaking his head with a shocked expression. “Him and his friends were bullying Kaz. They had him pinned and he was bleeding. So, I snapped.”
Maxxor’s face morphed in to shock and slight horror. He didn’t think Tom was capable of such things.
“I was getting off of baseball practice and... Yeah. I saw Kaz on the ground and I snapped. I slammed my metal back up against the skull of one guy and slammed it right into the gut of another.” He says dropping his arms with a resigned look. “I just... Got fed up. They finally gave me the opportunity to get back at them. I hate seeing Kaz hurt. I am not sure what to do if something happened to him.”
Maxxor sits back and thinks for a moment. He takes a deep breath and lets it out. “You were defending your own. That is all that matters. I am shocked by the violence that you are able to deal. I honestly didn’t think humans could. But then again...” He growls darkly. “There were those who destroyed places...” He soon sighs and lets that anger go. Looking back at Tom. “I would have done the same for Intress and Najarin.”
Tom smiles slightly and nods. “Yeah. I know.”
They stay silent for a bit before Maxxor recalls the entire reason why Tom was even in the study to begin with. He opens the locked drawer and takes out some documents and a map. He pushes it over to Tom then turns to get work done. Tom looks shocked and then looks to Maxxor.
“Are you sure?” He asked as he took the map, he then took his scanner out.
“You're more than capable. You’ve braved Prexxor Chasm, so you should be able to venture this area just fine.” The orc said with a soft smile.
Tom smiles brightly and takes a picture of the map. “Thanks, Maxxor. I’ll make sure to bring some interesting stuff back for you.”
“I look forward to it. Now try to stay safe.” He says as he watches as Tom disappear in a flurry of blue particles.
Tom was happy that he and Maxxor were closer now. Took a long time but he was grateful. Getting to spend time with his hero. It was exciting. He hopes they continue to have adventures in the coming future.