Why Didn't You Say So!

The crackle of the campfire flickered in the dim jungle night, casting long, jagged shadows over the ground. The tropical air was thick, filled with the scent of burnt wood, salty sea breeze, and something else—something far more primal. Surrounding the fire, Vaas sat cross-legged on a worn-out cushion, laughing wildly, his manic grin wide as flames danced.

Vaas threw his head back, wiping a tear from his eye. "If you were a mercenary, why didn't you just say so from the start, amigo?" he cackled, slapping his knee like he had just heard the best joke in the world.

I shot him a side glance, still trying to figure out what his deal was. "Well, you know... gotta keep the mystery alive," I muttered, half-joking. I shrugged, gesturing vaguely around at the fire "Besides, introductions are overrated. This is way more... personal, don't you think?"

Vaas shook his head, clearly enjoying the conversation way more than I was. "You're a weird one, Wade. I can tell. But you... you get it. Not many people do."

"Get what exactly?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "The whole 'island psychopath chic' thing you've got going on? Gonna be real with you, I'm still a little lost here. Pirates, tigers, lions... you throw in a map with some treasure, and I'd swear we're in some kind of crazy game."

Vaas gave a half-smile, his gaze narrowing as he looked at me like he was evaluating whether I was serious or just messing with him. "You really don't know, do you? You don't know where you are, who I am... nothing."

"Bingo," I said, popping the 'b.' "I landed here because of... reasons." I gestured vaguely, not in the mood to explain sea dragons, red dragons, or any of the ridiculousness that led me to this island. "But yeah, I've got no clue who you are, buddy. All I know is, you talk a lot about breaking people and... that's pretty much it."

He leaned back, his laugh fading into a more contemplative silence. "Well, then. Allow me to give you a real introduction. This—" Vaas gestured around us, his arm sweeping over the camp, "—this is my island."

I glanced around, taking in the wild surroundings. Pirates wandered around, a few girls danced near the fire—though one girl in particular caught my eye. She was crying, tears running down her face as she moved like a broken doll, her steps mechanical, lifeless.

I raised an eyebrow and pointed in her direction. "That... doesn't look like the happiest of island parties. What's up with her?"

Vaas followed my gaze and let out a short laugh, but there was no joy in it. "Her? Ah, yes. That's Jason's girlfriend. The hero who thought he could come here and save the day. The one who thinks he's some knight in shining armor."

I blinked. "Jason? Who's Jason? You lost me there, pal."

Vaas grinned, clearly relishing the chance to explain. "Jason. Some fool who came here thinking he could rescue her, defeat me, save the island. You know, typical hero bullshit~"

"Right..." I scratched the back of my neck, feeling like I had wandered into the middle of a soap opera. "Okay, so let me get this straight. You've got some guy named Jason, he's trying to save his girl, and you... kidnapped her?"

Vaas shook his head, his voice dropping lower, almost venomous. "Kidnapped? No. She belongs here now. Just like Jason will, when I'm done with him." He leaned forward, his face inches from mine, eyes gleaming. "You see, Wade, this island? It's a battlefield. And I'm in the middle of a war."

"A war?" I frowned. "Against who? That Jason guy?"

"No, no." Vaas shook his head, almost amused at my confusion. "Not Jason. My sister."

I rubbed my temples. "So, let me get this straight. Your sister's got some kind of cult thing going on, she's giving people tattoos, and you two are at war because... reasons?"

Vaas nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "Exactly."

I shrugged. "Alright, well, that's one hell of a sibling rivalry. But what's this got to do with me?"

Vaas took another drag from his cigarette, letting the smoke curl out of his mouth. "You're a mercenary, Wade. You take jobs. You fight for money. What if I offered you a job?"

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "What kind of job are we talking about?"

He grinned, leaning forward like he was letting me in on a big secret. "Help me win this war. Kill Citra's followers. Take down her army, one by one, and we take back this island. You, me, and my crew."

I leaned back, thinking it over. Sure, I'd taken weirder jobs before, but this? This was a full-blown civil war, and I didn't even know these people.

"So... you want me to join your little island war club?" I asked, still trying to process the madness of the offer.

Vaas nodded, his grin never fading. "Exactly. You're a fighter, Wade. And I could use someone like you on my side."

I scratched my chin, weighing my options. This was a dangerous gig, no doubt about it. But then again, danger was my middle name. Well, maybe not actually my middle name, but you get the idea.

"I've got to admit, Vaas," I said, standing up and dusting myself off, "you've piqued my interest."

Vaas clapped his hands together, his grin widening. "That's what I like to hear, amigo! We'll tear this island apart, piece by piece. No more Citra, no more heroes, just us."

He raised his arms in triumph, pacing around the fire like he was already planning his victory. "You'll have all the money, all the power, everything you want!"

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Sounds like one hell of a party, Vaas."

As the fire crackled between us, I couldn't help but laugh along with him. This was going to be one hell of a ride.

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