Chapter 7: Hollow City.
There are many things I would rather find myself doing right now than running up a hill in search of someone with better marksman skills than Rambo himself. Especially since before said accomplished marksman saved my life, my arm feels like a bulldog had it's way a used up chew toy. Hell I could list off three things right now that I would rather being doing and for the hell of it I'll do it right now.
A. Playing a war strategy game to sate my rather small ego by conquering a virtual world.
B. Falling asleep and earning some much needed rest, preferably where no one is bothering me.
C. Whacking off on porn to blow off the stress that I've accumulated in this very short period of time.
"Put me down now, Rick!"
"Hold up Rick! Slow down I got a C in gym!"
"Dammit Scott! Your kicking gravel in my face, quit kicking!"
Oh if only wishes came true. Then again if everyone's wishes came true, that would be a whole case of clusterfuck I want the least deal with. Wishes aside since I can't accomplish any of my aforementioned wishes I have to settle with chasing after the mystery man that single handedly saved our lives. Seriously, that marksmanship was Hollywood level excellence.
That I can agree with ya on. Your Buddies owe that guy a biiiig thanks for saving their asses.
I notice you haven't mentioned for me to thank him.
Since when did your ass ever need saving? Your Death remember? You don't die that easily kid.
I feel like your implying something here.
"Rick if you don't put me down I'm gonna punch you in the nuts!"
Sheesh. Whoever raised this kid seriously needs help. Physically and emotionally, Especially since they apparently let her die nude no less.
"I mean it you big grump put me down right now! I'm not stupid, I know where a boy's weak spots are!"
"That's how you thank someone for giving you something to wear?" I ask with a dry expression. "I'd hate to see how act when someone insults your lack of manners, firecracker."
"What did you just call me!?"
"Firecracker. Your fiery attitude, and red hair compelled me to give you a fitting nickname."
"I don't want a nickname! I want you to put me d-" And I promptly do just that once I finally and thankfully make it to the top of the hill. She did ask me to drop her after all, and it just so happened that I felt inclined to grant her wish...again...I feel like I should be tired after pumping my legs up this hill. If anything though I feel like I'm bursting with energy...and quite exhilarated if I were to be completely honest. Hell I'm not even breaking a sweat.
I wonder if being dead has something to do with that. I've felt anything but, normal ever since I've gotten here.
Heheheh. Well that depends on what kind of dead we're talking about. Your kinda dead or everyone else's kind of dead?
If you told me what in the blue hell that meant I might be able to offer you an answer.
Considering that your the new grim reaper I thought that you'd have a clue. Then again I probably give you too much credit as it is.
I roll my eyes. Hell if you give me any credit at all I find that a step up from what you usual-oh hello...that's interesting.
Yes indeed.
"Hey you big doofus! Look at me while I talk to you!" Persistent little bratt huh?
"I think not." No. I know not. "I think I've got something more important to stare at."
"What're you talking about yo-
"Look ahead brat." I grunt in annoyance wanting to get my point across and quickly.
"Why so you can-Wha..."
"Yeah, Exactly. If I were even a smidgen of a betting man I'd say that's the first thing we've seen that isn't rocky, hilly, or has tried to kill us...Looks kind of grim though nonetheless." I say deciding to share my thoughts on the sight in front of us.
"Finally you decide to slow down! Man do you have any idea how hard it is for someone as stringy as me to keep up and-Holy balls!"
"...Holy balls?" I repeat what Scott said giving him a flat look.
"Well what the heck else am I supposed to say about that? It looks like we've reached civilization but..."
I sighed and look back at the sight. In a way I can sympathize with the guy's shock. Not too far a distance away from us is a cluster of ruins. Long crumbled and mostly gray color schemed buildings filling what seems to be...or rather used to be a city I think. The feeling I'm getting just by looking at the place is rather...dismal...as well as unnerving. Doesn't seem to be a single soul in sight, no pun intended. For all intents and purposes it looks like a long abandoned ghost town. The walls of the buildings definitely look like their crumbling yet they also seem to be ancient. As a matter of fact if my obsession and love for history is anything to go by I would say these buildings look like they came from the medieval era. Considering I never really knew what to expect from the afterlife, I'm not sure how I feel about this.
Hmm...Ah yeah...one of the first cities that's name is long forgotten...
One of the first cities? Wait, what do you mean it's name is forgotten? How the hell do you forget a city or towns name?
One question at a time numb nuts...tch...kids these days. Well anyways to answer one of the most over asked and over used questions that people new to purgatory like you like to ask it's just that. This is one of the very first cities ever made in Purgatory. Originally if you're dying to know, it was supposed to be the town that got new arrivals in purgatory ready for their new afterlife. Heh, that was Millennium ago. These days you'll be lucky to even get out of the front gates. Fortunately for you kid, having me in your hollow skull makes you one of those lucky hopefuls.
Gee lucky me...Still though that doesn't really explain why and how this city's name is forgotten. If it's as important as you say wouldn't it be written importantly in the history records or something to that degree? Sounds insulting that a city this important would have it's name forgotten.
Oh trust me it's possible. I've seen nearly all of it in the afterlife and I don't even know what it is. I can count the amount of people that know it's name on my nonexistent hand, and I even know a few. But, I guess Heaven and Hell would like to keep it that way.
Heaven and hell?...are you saying that they destroyed this city?
Yup
…
…
...care to elaborate on why?
Meh. I could. Then again I haven't even talked about this old, ruined, shit pile of a city in a long time for a reason; Boring...I'll tell ya when I'm in the mood.
Sure you will you factory rec-
"Earth to Rick! Look at what that guy left!"
"M-buh?" Instead of giving an intelligent response to make it sound like I was paying attention to the conversation all I manage is that...nice. "What guy? Whattya mean?" I ask like some dumb kid learning an entirely new concept in grade school.
"The guy you were chasing after dumb dumb!" Alice chastised while yelling irritably in my ear. "Look down and check thi-
"I call dibs!" Scott shouted out of nowhere further damaging my ear drums and causing me to scowl further. Getting rather put off by being kept in the dark I decided to invest my sight onto what this whole commotion is about and I'm certainly not disappointed...that cloak...
"That's the same cloak of the guy that helped us earlier." I say aloud not quite believing what I'm seeing. The cloak itself is pretty unique in design. As a matter off act...It kind of looks similar to my pea coat. The one that I gave to Alice to make her more presentable in public, and sure enough she's definitely wearing it...so how the hell?
What the fuck is that thing doing there!?
What, that coat? Hell if I know, the guy that saved us left it there...I think. Anyways what's the problem? Why are you high str-
"What the-?" Scott cuts in once again interrupting yet another one of my internal conversations. "I can't grab it! What gives?" Huh?
"What do you mean you can't grab it you moron?" Alice yells near my poor ears once more. "Just grab it!"
"I can't grab it! My hand just goes through!" Scott protests proving his claim true when he tries to grab the cloak...He's right...His hand is going through the coat as if it weren't even there. Curious about this anomaly I take a closer look tearing my eyes away completely from the crumbling ruins of the city I was observing and instead investing my focus on this coat. "It's like its a ghost or something." Scott exclaimed running his hand through his messy hair. "This place just keeps getting weirder and weirder, I swear."
"An object being a ghost Scott? Don't be an idiot, that's not physically possible." Oh great here comes Mr. Jacob who finally seems done taking his sweet time joining the conversation much to my chagrin.
"Oh yeah? And what do yooouuuu know about being physically possible anymore Jake?" Scott retorted pointing an accusing finger at his friend...at least I think they're friends. "After all the crap we've been through I'm half hoping all this stuff is a dream or I'm just so far past high to recognize reality...but I think I'm past that." He noted with a wince. At that Jacob went silent and opted to stare at the coat for a while like the rest of us poor souls. It isn't too long afterwards that he takes a tentative steps forward towards the damn thing as if it's gonna lurch out and bite his other remaining arm off.
After everything that's happened at that point I don't think I'll be surprised if it does happen. Luckily though no such occurrence happens but, to further our confusion and cement Scott's claim Jacobs hand passes through the apparent immaterial object as if it were water, causing a look of unease to spread across Jacob's face.
"...The longer we stay here..." Jacob started with a hint of nervousness. "The more I'm beginning to think that we really are dead...This is just...too..."
"Fucking weird?" Scott finishes.
Jacob nodded in agreement. "Took the words right out of my mouth."
How...How is his coat there...It shouldn't be here, I-
Shouldn't be here? Why are you so bent out of shape for about this coat?...What do you know about it?
...
...Silence huh...this is usually the part where you come up with some witty retort or insult my intelligence...Alright so Kcir clearly knows something about this coat and why we can't grab the damn thing...and why it looks so similar to my pea-coat.
So what is he not telling me here? How is this coat somehow connected to him and me?
"Well if our mystery man left it, it can't be too good. I say we leave it and move on."
Scott gawked at his friend's suggestion. "Whaaaat!? Are you outta your mind man! Whattya mean it can't be anything good? That dude saved us! If it wasn't for him we would probably be dead right now! The least you can do is show gratitude seeing as to how you don't show gratitude for Rick saving our asses!...Twice!" I can't help but, widen my eyes like Jacob does at that declaration. It surprises me to no end, even now at how vehemently Scott has defended me up until now. This guy seems a helluva lot different from his other two friends. While Simon and Jacob seemed so leery to trust me despite my assistance this guys seems all too eager to believe me. Makes me a bit suspicious to be honest...or he could just be that trusting, I dunno.
"Yeah I agree that's just stupid one armed dummy." I can't help but, smirk faintly at Alice's name calling. I could think of a lot more creative insults but, hey she's ten so I'll cut her some slack. "That guy who helped us left it there for a reason...I think." She adds as she walks over to the coat tentatively only to look on in disappointing pout as her hand fazed through the coat as well.
Jacob just snorts derisively at her attempt of course. "Well you can't do that very well if you can't even grab the coat can you brat?" Alice just glares at him defiantly looking ready to kick him again. That would be sight to see again.
"Shuttup dummy! You can't grab it either!"
"That's the point you stupid brat!"
"Hmm...Maybe the coat is haunted so only the guy who wore can grab it." Scott suggested before taking a sharp inhale. "Oh crap! That would mean half the stuff I've heard from the Myth Busters are true! What else could be reality here!?"
…
...Whatever...
Anyways, while the peanut gallery is arguing...
"Your the one who's stupid since you can't even trust the guy who saved your butt twice!"
"What did you say brat!?"
"Maybe this is all just some planned out kidnapping by the Illuminati and they're just secretly conducting experiments on us like in the Portal series."
I think I'll try grabbing it myself. I step forward tuning out all of the petty squabble and speculation around me and devote all of my attention to this peculiar coat in front of me. It's spread haphazardly on the ground as if the person who left it hear was in a hurry. It certainly looks like my coat but, upon closer examination I think I can see huge differences as well.
There are steel shoulder pads attached to the shoulder of the coat, as well as a hooded cowl. That's new, I certainly don't have a hood on my coat. The button for the coat is also replaced by a zipper and there also seems to be zippers on the sleeves as well. Detachable sleeves eh? That's interesting. Also there seems to be tail strips coming down the back of the coat itself, with steel tipped points. On the coat itself there seems to be a multitude of pockets that I can't seem to keep track of. Naturally it's the color gray and it almost seems like it was made to fit me.
The hell am I waiting for then?
With trepidation I step forward and move my hand forward, the rest of the world dead to me and my sole focus now on this coat...It's weird. I don't know how to describe but, I feel something. It's a weird kind of tugging sensation. My hand just seems to be reaching out on it's own now regardless of what my brain thinks at this point. It's almost as if this coat belongs to me.
As if it has always been his.
My hand firmly grips the coat and raises it up by the collar, which is followed by noticeable clattering noise. I look down on the gray ground and witness one of the weirdest looking pistols that I've ever seen. It's certainly shaped like a pistol but, that's where the similarities end. The pistol is gray in color and has a much longer barrel than most pistols should have. On top of the muzzle is a scope. I shit you not an honest to god sniper scope on the muzzle of the pistol. The pistol's muzzle seems to have also been lengthened to fit the small sniper scope on top of it but, on the sides of it are glowing blue tubes. Tubes that for some reason or another light up the second I touch it...weird. The final thing that makes it stand out is small insignia on the side of the grip on the pistol...it's a steel insignia of a wolf's head howling upwards...
Like I said. Very strange pistol.
"How are you doing that?"
I turn to Jacob with an inquisitive expression on my face. "your guess is as good as mine. You guys sure you couldn't grab it?"
"Hey don't you screw with me! I'm serious, how the hell are you touching these things!?"
My expression turned flat. "If I could tell you that, don't you think I would have done so already?
"Not unless you have something to hide." He growled out. I just rolled my eyes feeling a wave of anger and impatience course through me.
"And now were going around in circles. I believe we've had this line of conversation before."
"That was before you could grab something that the rest of us couldn't!"
"...OK..."
Jason is visibly floored by my simple one word answer. It almost makes me laugh. "What do you mean OK?"
I had to suppress a cruel chuckle at this line of questioning. "I can tell where this is going. Your saying that I'm somehow someway responsible for all of us being here or leading us to our doom which, I might add you've already alluded to. With that being said if you have a problem being in my presence Jacob your always free to leave. It's not like I'm holding a gun to your head and holding you hostage."
"Funny since your holding one right now!" I couldn't honestly tell if he was yelling or shrieking when he said that.
"Which I have yet to threaten you with."
"Yet!?"
"You ARE annoying me right now which, is tempting me all the more."
"Y-You son of-
"C'mon guys do I have to break it up every time you guys are gonna argue?" Scott said with exasperation. I can understand what he means despite how annoyed I am with this guy. Me and Jacob haven't seen eye to eye since the moment we met and, I highly doubt that's gonna change any time in the future. "Though to be fair Rick while I admit it's totally cool that you can grab that coat, and I'm not gonna lie dude. It looks totally fire on you but, it is a bit what the fuck don't you think? You sure you don't why you can hold on to that coat and gun when we can't?" While his tone wasn't quite as accusatory as his unlikely friend it still irked me nonetheless.
"Like I told your stupid fucking fat mouthed friend. I. Don't. Know."
"Well in his defense you didn't use those exact words." Scott sheepishly replied.
I honestly don't know what was coming over me but, all these questions, doubts, and interruptions that were slowing us down was sorely tempting me to make Jacob's biggest and most current fear come true. I felt the fingers on my right hand groping the pistol I had just acquired making me sorely tempted to use it just to get the both of them to shut the hell up. I had better things to do than to prove what I do and don't know.
"I believe Rick." Again the diminutive little girl that I saved ironically once more comes to my rescue from these two chatterbox chumps. It still surprises me to this moment that she still defends me. I mean my anger aside it's not like these guys' suspicions are unjustified. "So why can't you two dummies stop making him look like a bad guy and move on?"
"Oh come on brat!" Just because she asks for it however doesn't mean lil' ol' Jacob is gonna suddenly buy she's selling. I think he dislikes her as much as he dislikes me. "Look at the dam facts! Both of you! He has powers! He knows things that we don't! He can grab and touch things that we can't! Doesn't that seem the least bit suspicious to you?"
"Well It's like Rick said Mr. one armed Dummy. You don't have to come with us." Alice declared cutely folding her arms under her chest trying to look as bossy as her ten year old body would allow. She looks a bit ridiculous but, I'm not complaining. She's saving me the trouble of having to repeat myself. How courteous of her. "If you don't trust him then leave." Short and to the point. I'm liking this girl the more I'm around her.
"B-But! That's not fair!"
This time I can't help myself. The incredulous reactions, remarks and general disbelief made me do something I feel I haven't done in a while.
I laugh.
Mind you its not a laugh of madness, cruelty, or contempt. I just genuinely thought that his reaction to our words were quite hilarious. In fact maybe it's not just that. I think it's this whole fucked up situation...The scenario I find myself in, the voice in my head, the power I now have, it's all just so ludicrous I feel as though I just gotta get this laugh out of my system to re-balance my sanity. Does that even make sense?
Screw it. I don't care if it does or doesn't anymore. Kcir has been quite clear to me ever since he first started talking to me. I can accept the situation as it is or just die. Like that women. Or like Scott and Jacob's friend. Or possibly that cowardly little wimp we had with us.
As soon as my laughter died down I looked around me to gauge the reactions of all those present. Just as expected they all with the exception of Alice by a little bit, looked as though I had lost my Damn mind and were now taking a few steps back. Not that I had any problems with that mind you.
"Listen Jacob and listen good cause I've wasted enough time and oxygen just on talking to you. I don't care whether you believe or trust in me. I honestly don't, care if you follow me or not but, just know this. The more we talk the more we're put at risk at being swarmed by more of those monsters or maybe something worse. I'm a practical man so I don't like to waste precious time when it's in such scarce supply, especially now." I then point my scythe which I'm now holding in my left hand so the gun I acquired is now in my dominant one. It's aimed right at the ruined, ancient looking cities. "I'm headed towards that city. Maybe to find help, food, shelter, who knows but I know I'm gonna do something productive with my time. In the meantime you and Scotty here can play twenty questions as to why you're here. You ready to go Alice?" I half expect her to pitch another fit and go on about how she doesn't wanna be carried by me. Or how she thinks I'm being an ass talking down to those two schmucks. I'm prepared for a rebuttal. To my mild surprise she walks gingerly behind Me and tugs at my new coat. Kneeling down once more so she can climb on again I re-position her on my back and rise back up. With that accomplished and not another word between the two of us we continue on our way to the desolate looking city. I don't hear any extra footsteps behind me as I make my way. It's only when I'm sure that we're a few yards away from Scott and Jake that Alice speaks up.
"That was mean." I just snort in reply. "But you're right...I think. I'm glad you at least tried to help those two dumb dumb Rick it's just...ugh! Why does Jacob have to be such a douche-nozzle!"
My eyebrows raise slightly at her choice of insult both at the vulgarity and childishness of it. Also due to the fact that it came from a ten year old mouth.
"Seriously. Who the hell raised you? Wolves? I'm sure not even they would teach you coarse language like that." Her reply is a bop from her fist to the top of my head with a muttered 'dummy' to go along with it. Putting Alices' cursing aside however I trek onto the ominously looking ruined city in hopes of... well...
...Oi Kcir you've been awfully quiet for a bit. You gonna at least tell me what I could expect and what I should be looking for in this run down town?
Y'know I shouldn't even be opening my trap right now considering that tone your taking with me but, since my success and survival hinges on yours well...I guess I can throw you a bone. Oh and just for the record, I didn't tell you to go into this city kid.
Wait...but you said-
I gave you what little information I had about it; I did NOT order you to go into said city. That being said however it wouldn't be a complete waste of time for us to go in there. There could be certain...valuables within that cluster of rubble that could make our stay on the afterlife much more...feasible.
Feasible how? I'm getting sick of these open ended statements of yours Kcir.
Well then your gonna have to stomach em a lot more than this Ricko cause I'm not in the mood to change my speaking habits.
Frustration boiling at the fruitlessness of this internal conversation I choose to once again ignore Kcir and continue to trudge forward into the city. Or really what's left of it.
"Rick?"
"Yes Alice?"
"The dummies are following us." I don't even bother turning around to look. The accompanying sound of footsteps was all I needed to let me know that what she said rang true.
"Soo ehh Rick." Scott called from behind. "I pretty much know where you stand with Jacob but we're still cool...right?" I swear I can hear a nervous undertone to that question as he and his 'friend' continue to follow us. I don't even dignify his question with a response. No. My attention is focused on the packed pile of rubble in front of me...and why my spine has been shivering non-stop ever since I've layer eyes on it.
"Damn! This place is even more depressing looking up close!" I'm forced to actually agree with Scott. This place looks Dismal.
"We shouldn't get too close the buildings." Wow. An actually insightful thought from Jacob. Who'd have thought? "These buildings and towers look like they could collapse at any moment." He actually sounds quite nervous despite him trying to sound the contrary.
Despite my misgivings with him I have to agree though. This city looks...lifeless. the atmosphere feels even more so. One thing I've noticed that all buildings have in common is their color scheme; Dark gray. Small buildings that could be shops, tall buildings that could be skyscrapers, and what could be a medieval styled watchtower it doesn't matter because the color scheme stays the same. Gray, gray, gray, and oh what's this? Dull ass gray? What a surprise.
"I don't like this place..." Alice mumbles barely loud enough to be heard clutching my shoulders ever so tighter. It feels like we've wandering what seems to be left ox the streets for ours while I'm sure that it's only been like ten or fifteen minutes. It just feels like it's been such a long time cause everything LOOKS the same. I'm sure in reality that's not really the case but what I've seen has done little to dispel that illusion.
"Why did we come in here again?" Jacob questioned so I felt the need to remind him.
"Were looking for possibly other human beings...maybe? Help?
"Maybe?"
"The odds of that happening are looking slimmer and slimmer...at the very least we haven't run into any more of those monsters." The moment I say that I swear I catch a flicker of Jacobs eyes looking down at his severed arm before looking back on the mutilated road ahead.
"And even if we do at least we now have a gun courtesy of Rick!" Scott declares a bit too enthusiastically for my tastes.
"And when he runs out of ammo then what? We put our limbs on the line again?" Jacob asked waving his remaining arm holding that sword to the point where his knuckles were visibly turning white. This place is making him paranoid and honestly I can hardly blame him.
"C'mon Jake! I'm sure Rick's a good shot considering he killed those monsters with a flick of that scythe AND he managed not to hit us I might add. Plus I'm sure he's got plenty of ammo in that thing...right Rick?"
"I dunno." I answer honestly as I once again observe the unique design of the gun. "It's not an kind of gun I've seen before...it kinda looks like those used up guns on that hill we were on except in better condition. It looked like over half those damn things didn't work-hell I don't even know how to release and look at the ammo cartridge."
"Or if that thing will even work or has ammo in the first place." Jacob pointed out dejectedly.
"Well there's an easy solution to that! Just fire your gun Rick and we'll find out in heartbeat!" I gave Scott a look as fry as the Sahara.
"What?..."
"...you want me to fire this gun and possibly attract more of those monsters?"
"Ah..." just as he was about to come up with a retort it seems that something in Scott's brain seemed to click with the insight I just provided. "Eh...never mind then. Didn't really think about that, heh..." he chuckled nervously after most likely realizing he almost convinced me to screw ourselves.
"Well what good is that gun if we can't use it dammit!" Jacob grumbled. "I mean you probably don't even know how to completely work that thing!"
"Scott seemed to know that bazooka pretty well considering he almost killed me with it."
"H-hey man...your not still salty over that are you its not like I meant it." A weak defense and Scott knows it.
"I wonder if you'd still be saying that if you found my corpse blown to smithereens."
"Don't forget about mine you blonde dummy!" Alice cried suddenly feeling the need to assert herself. "You could have killed me too!"
"W-whao c'mon now, why are you guys ganging up on me?"
"Cause your a dummie, blonde dummie!"
"Stop. Shouting." I all but snarl. "Why don't I just save you guys the trouble of giving away our position and fire my gun like Scott suggested?" At first it seems like they take my advice. Of course that doesn't last long once Jacob had to prove to be our devil's advocate as usual. Jesus this guy irks me.
"Well then what the hell are we supposed to do? Wander around aimlessly and hope we find someone or something? You're plan is as full of holes ad your know how on using that gun Rick."
"OK wise ass do you have any better ideas?" I whirl on him teeth slightly bared so quickly Alice nearly falls off my shoulders. "I'm trying to keep us alive right now and all you've done is bitch, whine and, complain."
"Well maybe there's someone who's better at it than you. Ever consider that you insensitive prick?" The urge to pound his arrogant pretentious face burned through me but, I smothered it out of morbid curiosity "The way I see it, We're not the only people in this place. YOU may not like it bit I have an idea. I say you DO fire that gun of yours, and we might attract other people to help us out. It's better wandering blind and hoping for the best."
"Except you also attract more of those monsters for an all you can eat slaughter fest." I dully pointed out. "If ya wanna die that much go right ahead but don't get me involved."
"Actually, dude I think it's a great idea."
I turn to Scott with a look of bewilderment on my face. He winced at my expression but continues nonetheless. "We don't know how long we could be walking Rick. I mean sure it's a risk but we handled those freaks last time right? I'm sure if we're careful we could pull it off."
"Or we could possibly attract something far, far worse and paint a target on our backs in the process."
...Kcir...is there something worse than those husks out here.
What do you think kid?
...alright I got it. Stupid question. Look these idiots are getting out of hand, you mind telling me where to go next?
Actually yeah I do mind but, considering my success hinges on your success I suppose I can make an exception. Get the hell out of this city. Nothing here but rubble, crumbling structures and shitty memories.
If you knew that then why didn't you stop me from coming here in the first place? Hell you even told me there was something possibly useful!
Woops! Slipped my mind.
"We should probably just leave this place." I declare all too quickly. "I got a bad feeling about this place."
"Whoa whoa! Where the hell is this coming from? Wasn't it your plan to come here in the first place?" Jacob asked.
"We've been walking for a bit and I think it's painfully clear that there's not a living breathing souk hear besides us...plus like Alice hear this place is giving me a pretty bad vibe." It's not entirely untrue. My spine has been giving me chills ever since I first laid eyes on this place and it's now gotten to the point where I can feel a cold sweat forming on my back. In short, not a good sign. "I say we we high tail it outta here while the getting is good before things go south faster than we could spell it."
"Hell no."
Jacobs refusal surprisingly stunned me despite our obvious dislike of each other. "...what do you mean 'Hell no'? I'm assuming you don't like my plan?"
"Your damn right I don't. I don't like the idea of just leaving without gaining anything. Speaking of which once we leave this pile of rubble what are we going to do OR go after this?"
"I have an idea. Unfortunately it's nowhere near this place."
"So all this time you've been wasting what little we have because of a gut feeling?" He asks getting dangerously close now, his grip tightening even more on that blade if that were possible. "You're practically asking us to trust you and yet you're jerking us around like a bunch of assholes?"
"...I'm not forcing you to come with me." I remind him slowly. All that seems to accomplish however is pissing him off even further judging by the further scowling. "I just have an idea of how to get around this place and I'm following it to the best of my abilities? Now unless you have a better idea-
"As a matter of fact I do." Now THIS really catches me by surprise. This jerk off? Having a decent idea? "You may have stopped him but I have different plans. Why don't you fire that gun of yours. Actually take Scott's advice."
I almost laughed again, I knew it was too good to be true. Hell I even resisted smiling. "So you're brain must be infected with whatever shit is in Scott's then? Possibly from those fluids from those monsters that want to butcher us?"
"Hey. I don't hav-
"Not now Scott. Listen Rick, I think it's fair to say that you and I don't like each other but, it's also fair to say that we both have one thing in common."
Odd. One of the only times he hasn't sounded accusatory...what's he playing at. "Just what are you getting at to try and justify those monsters from mauling us?"
"We both want safety. Right?"
"Yes...I would like to assume so..."
He's being awfully nice.
Too nice.
"Way I see it then." He begins. "In your way you have an idea of where to go right?"
"Correct."
"Do you actually know where we're going to though?"
"No."
"Well when you say it like that it almost sounds like your expecting us to luckily run into someone who can help us like a charity case-
"And attracting monsters via gun shot sounds are gonna suddenly improve our chances at survival?"
"Well what if we don't attract those monsters?"
This throws me for a loop. "The hell do you me-...you wanna attract people to the gun shot?"
This makes another rare sight. Jacob smiles. "Wow! You actually got a brain in there after all. See what happens if you listen to ME?"
"Wait, wait!" Scott suddenly interjects actually sounding hopeful. "You're saying my idea isn't dumb?"
"Yes Scott." Jacob replies slowly, visibly annoyed to everyone but Scott apparently. "It's not dumb...it might even save our lives."
"Oh hell yeah! That's what I'm talking about!" Scott cheers with a fist pump.
Silence.
This guy annoys me.
I'm starting to come around to your opinion surprisingly.
"It might be risky, but I think it's totally worth the risk. We ran into each other right? So if we did there's gotta be more people out there. So of we j-
Kcir?
Ya?
In your oh so wise and professional opinion would it be a good idea to create so much noise that all these husks think it's Cinco De Mayo and eat to join the party?
I don't see how? I mean I'm pretty sure not all of these husks were Mexican before they turned. Even then it's a ma-
You know I what I mean smart ass.
Takes one to know one. To answer your question though lame brain yeah; Bad fucking idea kid. Stop em or leave em, that's my advice.
-nah not gonna do it." I interrupt Jacob, with my conversation with Kcir feeling like it only lasted milliseconds. It must have lasted longer than that.
-ust...what did you say Rick?" Jacob finishes freshly cut off and not looking like he appreciated it one bit...huh...looks like it did last milliseconds. I can worry about that later though.
"I think it's a bad idea." I declare now focusing my full attention on the coming conversation in front me rather than within me. "It could get us all killed and the risk isn't out weighing the reward right now."
"B-but Rick." Scott starts. "It may be risky but how the hell else are we supposed to go home? Look I hate to shut you down hear but I'm with Jacob on this one, we've gotta find help as soon as possible! I don't wanna become monster mince meat before I have time to consider our options man!"
"Well you might be speeding up that process by A: talking that loudly. And B: firing this gun." I gesture waving around said gun. As soon as I mention the former he winces but to my annoyance he doesn't back down from the latter.
"Look I get it Rick I really do, you don't like Jake and he doesn't like you but, you shouldn't let your hatred of each other completely blind you of common sense! We're gonna die at this rate don't you get it?"
I grind my teeth to contain my rising ire at this turn of events. I need to get the situation back under control here. "The same can be argued for this stupid stunt you both want me to pull."
"Actually Rick." Alices voice makes itself after what feels like a long time. "I agree with them. You should let your new weapon rip." She calmly suggests to my utter shock.
Now mind you I haven't known Alive for very long and I probably know her as a person even less but, from what I've seen and noticed about her is that she doesn't trust outsiders very well...or new people I suppose would be a proper way to put it. Yet she trusts me enough to travel with me and depend on me for safety. And she's willing to throw away that safety for the possibility of acquiring safety from someone else that we might be attracting via gun shots?
It just doesn't sound like her. "Any particular reason why you agree with this plan Alice?" I inquire doing my best not to sound angry or upset. At this she seemed to collect her thoughts before replying.
"Rick I don't wanna die...again. you just admitted that we don't know where we're going and as crazy at it sounds it might be our best chance of finding someplace safe...please Rick?" There a sort of pleading in her tone. The first time I had ever heard her use such a thing. Is she that desperate?
"I think that's enough to put it in for a vote Rick." Jacob supplies with a hint of smugness laced in to my annoyance. "Not at least trying out the plan would be unreasonable don't you think?"
Cocky prick ain't he?
Took the words out of my mouth. Still arguing further for my case and plan is starting to become more of a pipe dream than anything at this point.
Agreed. You've let the situation grow outta your hand Rick. Big mistake.
Oh so this is my fault now?
As a matter of fact your first and biggest mistake was letting them no you had no idea where your taking them, tool.
Well its because that's the truth and I had no other answer for them wise ass. An answer you could have and still haven't supplied me with.
Something I have a reason for mind you.
Right and I should take the word of a disembodied voice over my head to heart on these certain matters.
Well you certainly have up till this point. Why change course now when you need the help the most?
Son of a bitch he's right.
Damn straight.
"So Ricky are you gonna fire that thing or debilitate until we all starve to death?...if those monsters don't kill us first." Jacob asks increasing my agitation not just with my aggravating internal conversation but also because of who asked the question.
"First. Don't call me Ricky. Ever." One person calling me that is enough. "Second...yeah I'll do it." My answer is met with surprise and also at the same time elation on everyone's faces. I mean obviously I can't see Alices but that's pretty much what I'd assume it would be. "Before I do so, however were gonna do this way and set some conditions first." Jacob seems to bristle a bit at that but holds whatever snarky comment that was about to leave his mouth.
"Fine. What do you want?"
"It's not what I want but, what WILL happen when we do this thing. If we're gonna fire this gun it's gonna be in a safe controlled environment that we can bail out on if things get too hairy...y'know...in case any of those monsters you and I have been mentioning decide to show up to the party."
That was when Scott decided to once more make his presence felt. "Oh, oh I have an idea!"
I'm honestly hesitating to humor him. "Let's hear it." And I decide to anyways.
"Well if we're actually doing this well then how about we do it on top of a building?"
I have to ask. "Why?"
"Well because that way we're more noticeable by any non-homicidal people and on top of that it'll be harder for those monsters to kill us...If we hold them on a choke point on the roof entry way." Scott explains this with what's becoming a traid mark smile of his as if he feels this plan is full proof. Like there's no holes anyone could punch in it.
Unfortunately or fortunately depending on who you ask. I'm here. "So if we use the entrance to the roof as a choke point how the hell will we get through them all? Try and kill god knows how many of them and hope none of us die in the process?
Not for the first and and sadly I'm sure not that last, Scott had this surprised dumbfounded look on his face once he realized the rather large hole in his plan. "Um...that would be a problem."
"Yeah no shit." I drawl. "A secure place like that would do but, we need an escape plan to go with it my man."
With that plan shot it was then that Jacob felt the need to reassure himself as usual. "What's wrong with here? If we see any of those freaks coming our way well run an-
"For how long can we do that?" I cut in as I gesture around us. "I don't know about you but the idea running through all these tightly packed alleyways where we could get jumped by hordes of those monsters doesn't sound all that appealing. Down right stupid actually."
"OK then Rick." Jacob spits out irritation in his voice clear. "What would you suggest since you think your plans are so damn neet?"
"If I had my way I wouldn't even fire this gun unless absolutely necessary. Hell as far as I know I don't have to do what you guys say since apparently none of you but, me cab hold it."
"What're you saying?" Jacob asks with a dangerous edge in his tone. I put up my hands playcatingly resisting the urge at the rise I get out of the smug ass.
"Relax Mr. One arm." I quip much to Jacob's annoyance. "I was just stating facts. I say we j-
It all happens too quickly for me to fathom at first but one second my mind is at ease. I'm carefully about to explain a solution so that myself and everyone else is satisfied with an idea that could help us all. I never get the chance to as the left side of my body feels like it gets impaled by a giant fork. My left arm is pinned along side my body as I go flying with blinding speed and as the pain erupts through my body and I feel spiky pain coarse through the right side of my body. I don't even get time to scream or howl in pain as I jerk to a stop and my head hits the something.
Then I feel nothing.
...
3rd person
"RIIIIIIIIIIICK!"
Alices scream pierces through the short lived yet thick tension like a crude serrated knife. Scott and Jacob themselves were more withdrawn on their opinions about what had just occurred in the last five seconds. Their horrified yet stunned faces told a different story however. One second Rick was standing, playing the role of orator for a plan where everyone could possibly be rescued. The next second a blue blur sped by everyone and left their perefeal vision taking Rick with it. The second after that a loud but dull thunk came from the side of a crumbling gray building. When all eyes turned on it was a disbelieving yet gruesome sight.
The first thing that was seen was a massive blue trident that seemed to be over teen feet long and uniquely decorated with human skulls along the shaft, tied by almost invisible looking string. The trident in question was pinning a body against the wall with blood dripping down the trident itself and the wall. The unmoving body that was slumped and pinned against the wall was none other than Rick Helgan.
Many thoughts ran through Alice young ten year old mind as she was jerked off of Rick so suddenly without warning or preamble. At first she was annoyed and was ready to give Rick an ear full at the removal of her perch on his shoulders.
Any protest she had died in her throat at the site of his corpse on speared through the side of a trident.
She wanted to scream, Cry, and curse all st the same time at the unreal reality of it all. That Rick had been...killed so suddenly. That he was right all along and that it really wasn't safe in this town. He had saved her. All of them really. Sure he may have had an attitude about him and he said things that were better to be unsaid in public but, he saved them all in some way shape or form. She doubted he would ever admit it before he died but he was the unlikely leader of them despite how much Jacob would especially never admit it. He was her protector in some sense. Though she knew him a short time and was often annoyed by him and his course disposition she actually felt safe in his presence.
And now he was gone.
"Wooooowie!" And just like that the stunned silence was shattered by an enthusiastic cheer foreign to all three people who just witnessed the death of their former companion. "Ya see that sis? Gutted Dat boy like a fish during in high noon! Think you can top it?" The voice had a distinct southern drawl to it as it finished speaking momentarily.
Jacob, Alice, and Scott pulled their mortified faces away from Rick's corpse to witness to beings that seemed humanoid in appearance but, not completely.
The man that shouted had deep dark charcoal covered skin...no. calling it skin would be a miscalculation. It looked more like scales to a reptile that was human in shape with Claws on scaled hands and feet. It was wearing black plated armor that started from its shoulders and worked it's way down his shins. Strapped on his back looked to be a black and narrow rifle that seemed longer than him along with a serrated knife strapped to his scaly ankle. The creature's muscles seemed to to bulge and ripple in parts that didn't cover the armor as he stood at a staggering eight feet tall as a toothy grin adorned his face showing off a hint of jagged razer sharp teeth accompanied by fangs. Most unnerving were his eyes which seems to practically grow red with red irises and back pupils. His face itself didn't look human as its almost entirety was covered in scales as well.
Behind a him a group of 30 individuals were wearing similar armor and gear except many others were wearing helmets and sleeves covering up their more reptilian appearances. For weapons some had a many different assortments to spears, axes, and strewn throughout a few members of the group, a random assortment of fire arms.
All but one other.
One could tell right off the bat the creature that stood out the most besides the one with a dither drawl was a female. She had a more slender yet barely less muscular scaly body type to its complexion and her head was more heart shaped. The color of the scales unlike the rest of her counterparts was a blazing fire red that matched the wild unkempt hair atop it's head. Unlike the southern accented reptile however it had blazing green eyes instead of red, and there were parts of her face that were not covered in scales and instead revealed the pink flesh of humanity. Her armor the covered the torso portion of its body was an emerald green however this an addition of spiky shoulder pads, green head band, and arm bracers to with it.
Her weapon however stood out the most which seemed even longer than her own body. Resting on her shoulder was a massive poleaxe colored red like her scales that also had a massive spears the same end of the axe blade, giving it the appearance of a halberd.
The creatures scaly lips curled back in a snarl as she spoke a near shrill yet gravel like voice. "Told ye not to call me sister Van. Ye know better." It was then that her snarl turned into a matching grin like her "brother's" with a slight European accent of unknown origins to boot. "Then again so should these lambs...they should've known better than to come to the hollow city...though for new souls like these, that's just survival of the fittest."
The creature the lifted her massive axe off her shoulders and pointed it right at the three hapless and stunned humans as she continued to speak. "Sometimes you survive your first run in the afterlife sometimes you don't. But hey don't feel so down Wittle baby souls baby souls." She continued to taunt as her voice began to rise in volume and her enthusiasm climbing along with it. "After all if ye aren't fit! Then ye sheep are more useful for the slaughter!" She yelled with a fever pitch enthusiasm. "Slaughter that all ye humans are good for!" And then she rushed at said humans with reckless yet gleeful abandon.
