Scott Reintgen - Breaking Badlands

She wasnt much at first glance, but then, most people arent.

Peeve Meadows watched the progress of a small boat as it made its way through a treacherous cove toward the shore. The Words echoed in her head, as they had since shed first arrived in Fester. Her teachers had taught her that the words were sort of like a prophecy. She was supposed to treasure them. If she was lucky enough to get into a story of her own, those words would be the beginning. Except, she didnt like the words shed been given.

Wasnt much at first glance? That didnt sound very flattering. It sounded like she was destined for a story where people underestimated her. Which was how her time in the world of Imagination had gone so far. First shed arrived in Origin, where Indira had pretty much ignored her efforts to be friends. And then Peeves attempt to steal Indiras invitation to Protagonist Preparatory had completely backfired. Shed ended up being forced to attend Antagonist Academy instead.

While Indira was off saving the world, Peeve had struggled through her first semester in the city of Fester. Life there was a slow descent into questionable morals. Peeve was taught how to lie, steal, cheat, and swindle. Her teachers encouraged her to be crueler and less merciful. Most of her teachers, however, had the same response to her efforts in their classes.

Peeve just wasnt evil enough for their tastes.

She lacked some unspoken quality. She wasnt as big as some of the other baddies. She wasnt as mean. She wasnt as sly or maniacal or two-faced. One teacher had even asked whether she had the heart to be bad. Peeve hadnt known what to say. She hadnt chosen this.

But now she intended to prove everyone wrong.

The small rowboat finally reached the rendezvous point. Peeve drew her hood up to fend off the biting wind. She started walking down the beach to where sea met stone. Even wearing her best boots, Peeve felt the cold sting of the water as she raised a hand in greeting to the two rowers. Great waves crashed around them, but she could still hear the sound of their dark cackling.

Skeletons, she muttered. Always laughing at nothing.

Time in Fester had introduced Peeve to every sort of monster. There were werewolves and vampires and people who talked too loud in the morning. Of all the creatures shed met, skeletons were the least reliable. Peeve had chosen to work with them because there had been no other way.

She knew the taller skeleton was named Tempest. He waved at her from the back of the vessel like a pageant queen. The other skeletonBertramcould not wave, as he was holding his own skull in his hands like it was a dish he was bringing to a potluck dinner. Peeve stood there, a shiver running down her spine, waiting for them to continue rowing. It took a minute for her to realize the two skeletons would come no closer.

Seriously? she called. Its freezing. Are you really going to make me walk out that deep?

Bertram lifted his head up to get a good look at her.

There can be no reward without risk, he replied.

Peeve rolled her eyes. You mean you dont want to get out of the boat?

Tempest cackled. No, we dont want to get out of the boat.

But youre just bones! The water isnt even cold to you.

Bertrams headless shoulders shrugged. True, but getting out would be a whole ordeal. It will be far easier to make the exchange from the boat. More efficient that way.

Besides, Tempest added, youre already standing in the water! No harm done!

Peeve bit her tongue. There was no point arguing. If she said the wrong thing, they might pack up and start rowing away. She couldnt afford for them to leave. Not when shed already risked so much to get her hands on the package they were delivering. There was nothing else to do but grit her teeth and start forward. The dark water was nearly up to her stomach by the time she reached them.

Hand over the money first, Bertram suggested. No funny business.

There were several sacks sitting inside the little boat. Peeve knew the skeletons often made trips into the Land of Forgotten Stories. Theyd return with items of great value, but always for a price. Tempest fetched the nearest sack, straining to set it upright. Peeve shook her head.

I dont think so. Shed learned to never give the money first in an exchange. Not with disreputable creatures like skeletons. You give me the scepter first.