Beatings at Badwater

In this chapter, Jackson is in the thick of battle and fights against a Engineer and a Scout. Shall he prevail or die? Why do these OC stories end up like this? We will find out now.

It was already five to six. Where did the time go? Was I placed in a time displacement loop while trapped in the clutches of the Medic? Or maybe like Narnia, definition of time is different here. Thinking about it gave me a headache, so I stopped worrying about it. For dinner, Sniper 'bagged' about five wild rabbits. Although I didn't eat any of it, it certainly looked an infinity times better then whatever Soldier made last night.

"That's nothin'." Demoman told me, "You should had seen what he made last. Whatever it was, twas tryin' to crawl off the table!"

I was ecstatic, Sniper decided not to cook the rabbit with the potatoes.

"I hate rabbit gravy mixed in with the veg anyway." Sniper said with a shrug.

I could have kissed the man. Dinner was a quiet affair though. Me, Engineer, the Heavy and Medic ate in the kitchen while the rest of the team converged in the common area watching TV. It was silent, with the exception of the sound of knife against plate as Medic cutting his food into little pieces and the muffled sound of the television in the next room. Pyro was gone of course, Heavy told me that Pyro never ate with the team. Or anything else otherwise. Spy was again missing, Heavy merely shrugged.

"Spy perhaps has a headache." he explained.

While everyone ate the rabbit meat, I stuck with roasted potatoes and carrots with soft salted butter and with a pinch of salt. It was heaven. As I ate, I went over my apology to Engineer in my mind. Perhaps I could word it so it would sound like an apology but wasn't one. I also reminded how selfish and self righteous of a prick I am for not admitting I went wrong. I looked over to the Engineer, he was focused on his meal like everyone else. I waited till Medic and Heavy were deep in conversation about diversion tactics to speak quietly to him. I could hear Soldier yelling about something in the other room. I swallowed and began.

"Engineer-"

"It's fine Jack."

I left it at that. That was it, that is the way it should be simple understanding between two males when they are both in the wrong. It's never like this with girls or old people. They expect a well planned, long drawn out performance with a gift. Not men like Engie. He knew I was sorry and that was that. I ate the rest of my meal, much more cheerful then I was earlier.

Sleeping back in the storage closet wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Someone put a cot during the day, complete with a single pillow and wool blanket. When Engie told me, that unless I was piss drunk again and helpless, they couldn't just allow me to sleep in the living room or anywhere else. It was dangerous apparently. Around half past ten, Engineer escorted me to my closet and said goodnight. Before he left however, he left me pair of RED issue pyjamas. With his warm smile and his gift, it felt just like Christmas. I slept with ease that night. Although, my mouth did start to ache in the dead of the night. I was so tired, I ignored it and told myself to tell anyone except Medic in the morning.

The day started again. I couldn't tell what time of day it was inside my closet. But I took a wild guess it was morning, judging that someone was slamming on the door repeatedly yelling "SLACKING IS PROHIBBITED!". I opened up and walked towards the workshop in my pyjamas. It was another early morn. This time however, the base was abuzz with morning routine from all members of the RED team. Rushing the corridors, with weapons, coffee cups and hats in hand. I passed quietly, not alerting attention to myself, sneaking towards the workshop. As normal, Engie was tinkering away on something that wasn't the Respawn device. He looked tired and pasty. Even more so then I. How much sleep did he get? After the routine 'good mornings' and 'I'm fine', I summed up the courage to ask Engineer for soap to borrow and a shaving kit. And if it wasn't a bother, another change of clothes. Engineer complied, giving what I wanted and- another pack of smokes! They weren't Commanders like I had before, but the RED brand. I didn't care, they were smokes and they were free. A new face, new socks, shirt and underwear and a brand new pack of smokes. I shaved up quickly, delighted it was a razor I was used to and not an eighteenth century equivalent. I wouldn't have time to shower today, scrubbing under the pits of my arms and a dabble of soap on my neck will have to do. Nonetheless, I looked like a new man as I glazed at myself in the mirror. I was glad I didn't have to go commando today. The shirt he gave me appeared to be one of his, a simple button up RED work shirt. It was baggy, but much better than the cat-shirt Scout lent me. I threw the damn thing in laundry. Scout can clean it. I went back to the mirror to pull at my hair a bit, so it at least looked a bit managed. I really started to feel like one with this world, and felt proud to be in tune. And with that, feeling more relaxed and at ease. Blimey, I felt good.

I had to sit out on pre-fight preparations. Engie promised to give me the outline when he had the time. I saw the Spy only briefly. He didn't look as deadpan and blank as he usually did- well he did, but in an exhausted, worn-out way. Almost how I looked yesterday morning. He ignored me when I waved at him from afar. I guess my cheerfulness was too much for him.

We ended driving all together in a large army truck. I chatted to Demoman on the ride over, squeezed in-between him and Sniper. I was glad I wasn't stuck next to Scout, who was jabbing his sharp-ish looking elbow into Spy's side. On purpose I might add, the fifth time he did it didn't look like an accident. Spy ignored it, staring straight ahead with an expressionless look. Poor man. Heavy sat in front of me, handing me something wrapped in parchment paper.

"Here, eat half."

I unfolded the paper, it was a sandvich.

"Eat half now, eat other later when you need it." Heavy explained.

"You want my meat?" Ignoring how much of a innuendo it sounded. Scout sniggered though, he must have got it.

"Meat is best part! It'll make you strong!"

"My condition-" I reminded him. Heavy rolled his eyes while Medic interjected.

"Ah yes. I was meaning to discuss that with you. A hereditary brain disorder you said?"

"From a tick." I added.

Medic frowned but didn't say anymore. I was glad. I pulled the thin slices of ham and gave it to Heavy, who appeared to had inhaled it and I pocketed the rest of it in one of the various pockets in my pants. I'll probably won't eat it, but it was a nice gesture all the same. Eventfully, we made it to our dusty destination. Badwater was exactly how I imagined it would look, like the game. It looked bigger though, and dusty. Engie swung his toolbox onto his shoulder from the back of the van and ushered me to follow him. Which I did. We separated from the others, still unpacking from the cab, into the depths of RED territory. Engie picked a remote spot inside one of the main RED buildings, overlooking the traffic line towards the final capture point. About a few yards away.

"ATTENTION! MISSION BEGINS IN THREE MINUTES" the speakers from above roared.

I muffled the mad schoolgirl giggles. Clutching the shotgun Engie provided, I hopped foot to foot eagerly, waiting for the game to begin. The shotgun felt strange and cold in my hands, the helmet soldier lent me obtruded my view and my stomach twisting in fear. I knew there was a chance, a very good chance in fact, that I may not make out alive. But damn, I felt so happy at the moment, I didn't even care. My heart was racing, my lips dry, goose bumps growing all over my skin.

I was loving every moment of it.

Engineer was crouched down, hastily building up a dispenser. He glanced up from his tinkering and gave me another warm smile. One like a father would give to his son after riding a bicycle on his own.

"Settle down Jack, the battle hasn't even started yet." He chuckled.

I felt embarrassed for the both of us, and decided to tone it down a tad.

"I know Engineer, it's just- I'm so-! Joining you in battle!"

"This isn't a game, this is dangerous. You don't have a respawn chip. And yer not going to be doing any real fightin', that's our job. That shutgun is for defensive purposes only."

I glanced down at it.

"Yes, but if I see a Spy, I'm going to hit him over the head."

Another warm smile that made my knees turn to butter.

"That, I give you permission for"

Pyro ran past us, humming a happy tune as it ran. Engie's sentry beeped in response, but as it didn't see the masked ally as a threat, returned to its former position and kept up with his rounds. I had no idea they were self aware.

"I didn't know they are self aware."

"In a way yeah. I more or less simply programmed them to notice certain stimuli and how to respond to 'im. It just keeps me company, even if it's all imitation." Engie shrugged.

I suppressed the urge to reach out and pet it. It wouldn't have recognized it anyway and I'd look like a fool. Engie dusted his hands, stood with his knees creaking and gave another look over our area.

"Alrighty, everything is set up. Let's go over the plan once more. These RED weapons are programmed to not kill any RED members. So feel free to shoot anyone that comes near yeah, they might be a Spah-"

Spy Check? I was given permission to Spy check? That would mean I'm allowed to shoot my shotgun! This was going to be fun!

"-I'm going to stay with ya the entire time, but if anything happens to me, ya need to high tail away from any conflict understand? Get to the RED basement and get yourself up in the Intel. That'll be our ran-dee-vu point alright? Ah, don't worry about the trouble. My strategy is to prevent anyone to circle around to take us from behind. Hope ya don't get sick easily."

I shook my head. If gore and violence was anything like the game, I'll be fine. I can handle bright coloured blood and comical limbs flying around. Scout and the Medic rushed by, Medic barely keeping up to the youth. Neither of them bothered to give a greeting as they past. Engie didn't appear to care either. I noticed Scout was wearing a pilots cap.

"AT EASE!" Solder shouted from the door frame. He was wearing a pot on his head.

"Wearing the lid today Soldier?" Engie asked.

"Will use it to make soup later. With the organs and bones of our enemies!"

Did the Soldiers voice crack? I think it did, he wasn't shouting much today. Engie must had noticed too, but didn't say anything about it

"Soup is good as any. Better than those war rations you make us eat."

"Those war rations are three hundred percent superior then what they had back in forty-six. I didn't even get to eat rations! I had to eat dirt! And was expected to say please and thank you for it! Nothing tastes worse than dirt!"

"I believe you" I squeaked. I had to remind him I was still here, and his biggest fan. If sucking up and kissing ass will get me further from doing push-ups, I'll do it.

"Cadet." he greeted me, "You weren't present at the meeting."

"Not to worry sir, I intend to stay away from any battle, just assisting Engineer." I said confidently with a nod.

"THAT! Is what I wanna hear!"

He clapped me on the shoulder and made off again, following the same path the others took. We watch the Soldier swing his launcher onto his shoulder when he turned left.

"So, how far are you in the Respawn thingy?" I asked after a moments silence. Engineer was back on his knee, tightening the bolts on his sentry.

"Coming along slow. It had twerks innit thanks to my modifications. Hell, nothing I can't handle. I managed to get the teleporter battery off, but it was all I could have time to do. Don't have the time during this time of battle season."

Enigneer must have noticed the familiar look of fear planted on my face like it often did.

"Relax Jack, it'll work fine after I put it back in. It's like a bug screen, and you future fellas can't get in. But I reckon, if I had some extra parts-"

MISSON BEGINS IN ONE MINUTES

The noise interrupted us. I heard Heavy bellow something in the distance.

"So you have to order some new parts then?"

Keep talking Engie, I can't stand the sound of suspense silence.

"I was thinkin' of stealin' them."

Oh

"Oh... how?"

"Midnight raid on BLU. We did that once before, 'bout a year back when rations were low. Most of the team were on long weekend leave. Just a Sniper, a Demoman and Engineer to deal with. Wasn't a big battle, even with most of our team gone too."

-FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE!

CONTROL POINT ENABLED! MOOVE!

The horn rang out. I immediately heard the rat-a-tats of gunfire off into the distance. Engie didn't seemed phased, wandering towards his sentry, idling with screwing on another bolt or greasing a joint. I wondered what to do. I moved next to the dispenser, it seemed safer. I heard a noise right of me, I pointed my gun towards it. It was just the wall. It could have seen a Spy. I wondered if I should just fire around the room, but that would have to include explaining why I did that to Engineer and I don't think I could go through all that. The sentry suddenly beeped and fired straight through the opening towards battlements. I must have jumped a metre, my quads were killing me now. Engineer chuckled at me again while the sentry blasted another round.

"My my, we're busy today. They practically runnin' into my gu-"

Engie stopped himself. He suddenly looked alarmed. He spun on the spot towards me.

"Watch fer Spies, I'll be right back"

"Whu?" I asked, but the short statured man already rushed by to look through the other doorway behind us.

"I don't like this. I don't like this one bit" He said out loud, speed walking past again to reload his sentry.

I didn't like it either. Engie promised me no action. And that's what I wanted. With my luck, BLU probably teamed up with the A-Team, Arnold Schwarzenegger and the fucking Chinese army to take us all down. Engineer was busy as ever, and suddenly looking more stressed then before. Hell, this was going south fast.

"Stay here, 'hind the sentry." he yelled back to me, " I think we found another straggler."

I heard a Pyro's dying moans and yelps of pain from a Medic. Engineer reloaded the ammo, smashing away like he was missing a horsefly. He did it again when the Sentry fired once more, but this time, it was the cries of a Heavy. But, I only think it just made him angry. The sentry fired again, and again. I took another step back. This wasn't good, my heart was going to explode if I keep making it beat like it is. Sweat was already pouring down the Engineers brow as the sentry kept firing. I began to panic, why is it still firing? At what? Fucking Conan? The Incredible Hulk? How many were there? Engineer must have been starting to panic too, he gave a fearful shout.

"Hell, they're taking us too soon! We're not ready!"

That's when the bullets started flying. They weren't our bullets, they were going the wrong way. Engineer slammed another sentry piece, trying in vain to repair it back up. The noises his robotic gun made were ear-piercing. They sounded fearful and frantic. A bullet struck the Engineer in the shoulder. He grimaced but kept going but he kept being shot again and again. I only watched in horror. The shower of bullets blanketed upon him and the sentry until it blew up into fire and smoke. I was already running away. This, in fact, was a perfect example of what Engineer meant when he said 'conflict". I heard the bullets follow me, impacting the wall, causing bits of wood and metal to fly everywhere. I gave a bloodcurdling yell as I sprinted down the hallway, the Soldier's helmet flying off my head and crashing behind me. I didn't stop for it, I wouldn't stop for anything. I kept running, zig-zagging through the hallways, hopping down stairs, eyes glued to the ground for wood and not concrete until I found what I was looking for. I sat in the intel room. It was empty, the table bare, the selves bare, the plastic plant in the corner wilting. No intel to steal, no intel to rummage through, nothing. I waited, waited for Engineer, anyone to come by. I remembered that Engineer was dead now, obliterate by fire and bullets. It was odd thinking that, but I knew he was going to come back. It was like playing ball at school. You get hit, you sit out. Wait for another game to start. I felt unusually apathetic about the whole thing and it was starting to worry me. I was changing here, but not much. I felt useless nonetheless. I felt stupid, cowardly. I clasped my hands to keep from shaking, my ears were still ringing from the other Heavy's minigun. I felt truly dead inside one more.

"YO! Incoming!"

I heard the Scouts voice echo through the halls, racing towards me.

"Engie? Engie, where are you?!"

When I stepped out to greet the Scout, he already rounded another corner.

"Scout! Scout!" I yelled out, running after him. Scout came back to stare at me.

"Where's Engie?"

"I ran away, he was fighting. Everything exploded." I panted while catching up to him. I'm not as fit as I should be. Scout rolled his eyes and threw his arms up.

"Thanks, really, you fucked it up! Real good, really."

I wanted to scream that he wasn't there. But he quite possibly seen it all. I kept my mouth shut and my mind closed. RED is in enough trouble as it is. I couldn't help that the BLUS saw through the plan. I wasn't there at the meeting.

"C'mon, I need a dispenser fast. I need ammo."

"I saw some floating up that hallwa-" I started to say.

"Shut up. You wanna help? Find me some metal."

"All right"

I didn't understand what he meant. But I followed suit with Scout, squatting on the ground, gazing the floor like a bum hunting for smokes.

"Bullets, scrap, wha-ever you can find."

I picked some bullet casings from the dirty floor, Scout went searching in a corner. I stood and walked a bit, eyes planted on the ground. Several beeps interrupted my movement. Could it be that Engineer made another sentry? I could hear it from around the bend. I couldn't be sure if it was ours or a BLU though. I tried to peek along the corner, until someone pulled me back by the shirt. Scouts precious metal scattered all over the floor. I heard the sentry in the other room beep in reaction.

"SHUSH! BLU sentry" Scout hissed in my ear. Boy, was I ever glad to have him guard my back. I rubbed my sore neck as he licked his lips and darted his eyes. We were trapped. I was trapped. With him. Fuck.

"Can t go that way. I gotta rejoin, we'll go all 'round. C'mon, and don't forget ta shoot."

We saw a dark flash of something move in front of us. We both halted and stared at each other for confirmation.

"Spy?" called out the Scout.

Scout burrowed his forehead again, no answer.

"I hope that was our Spy, we need to get rid of this sentry fore the others get round-" muttering, rubbing his brow under his hat.

"Goddammit, this was exactly what WE were supposed to be doing." I saw the rusty wheels slowly turn inside his brain as his face grew livid.

"HEYHEY wait! I gotta idea. Yer not an employee, the sentry won't shoot you!"

Fantastic plan.

"I don't know if that's how it works-"

"Worth a shot ain't it? Take one for the team right!?"

I hesitated before moving out in the open.

"-what do I do?"

"I dunno. Go in front and kick it ova or sumthing. Get in there!"

He shoved me into the unknown field. The third level sentry- of course, it has to be a bloody third level- beeped piercingly when I stumbled into its radius. Instead of shooting however, it gave several confusing beeps and chirps. Scout was right anyway, it wasn't shooting at me. A figure stepped out from behind it, pistol drawn. It was the BLU Engineer, Dell. Clad with a mercenary pin and a white Texas gallon hat and a confused frown.

"Who the hell are you?" he asked puzzled, he lowered his pistol a bit.

I was shocked of how much he looked and sounded like my Engineer. Perhaps his voice was a bit lower, but that could be because he's in battle mode. Like the Batman. Oh no, what do I say?

"I- Imu-"

The BLU Engineer stared at me, his gaze frozen in

He must had sensed my fear. His pistol lowered towards the floor and he reluctantly holstered it.

"You hurt?" he asked

"No" I swallowed

He took another step, almost like he didn't believe I was standing in front of him. He finally let his guard down a tad, rubbing the back of his neck with his gloved hand.

"How the heck did you-"

The sentry suddenly beeped in confusion accompanying the ear-shattering noise of bullet against steel. Scout was pumping bullets into the sentries side with his pistol. The sentry started firing randomly, suddenly being thrown back into battle and not knowing where the strange bullets were originating from. Dell snapped back into action himself, spinning on the spot to Scouts hiding place, his hand already to his holster. Using a move I saw on a cartoon, I clasped my fists together and swung as hard as I could go. Lunging my entire body along it into the side of the BLU Engineer's face, knocking his cowboy hat clean off.

"WOOHOO! Atta boy Jacksey!" Scout cheered, still shooting his pistol behind me.

He stumbled, almost to the ground too. Dell growled. I never heard a man growl before. Again, another meaning to the word, 'conflict'. Without thinking about the Scout's safety, I turned and booked it.

"Ya red-bellied son of a bitch! Git back here!" I heard the other Engie yell.

I ran, I ran fast. Scout must had advanced on the Engineer, I could hear a pair of pistols echo behind me. I'll let Scout do his bloody job. I laughed out loud. I couldn't believe I did that, and it was successful too. But unbelievably stupid. I don't have a respawn chip. I don't have any lives, no second chances. Forget taking one for the team. I took several puffs of air. I could hear my heart beat loudly in my ears, I couldn't hear anyone behind me though. I laughed again. Where the hell am I now? I should get back to intel. Safer. More shots were fired either near me or at me. I couldn't just stop and took for landmarks or signs. I looked about, I had no clue where I was.

I was lost.

I read a large sign, it said CONTROL B on it. Wonderful, I was closer to the battle then I was away from it. I saw a RED Pyro in the distance, I was going to call out, until I saw him disappear into a cloud of electric smoke. I bit my lip. I hope I didn't imagine that. I kept going, I saw the RED Medic and Heavy rushing towards a point. I felt embarrassed that I had to ask them for help, but this was a sort of do-or-die situation. For me at least. Like a dead ghost, I rolled myself towards a pile of strategically placed wooded crates and waited for them to come towards me. Luckily, they stopped right next at my hidey-place.

"Medic" I hissed

No answer, he kept his back to me, moving around to stay in the massive shadow of the Heavy weapons guy. I yelled out again and again.

"Medic!"

I'm sure he heard me that time over the ear shattering snaps of the mini-gun. He turned around to face me. This time however he greeted me with a horrified expression of shock. He poked Heavy in the shoulder and nodded his head towards my direction. Heavy responded by walking backwards, covering Medic as he dived towards me and settling in the crates. He crouched uncomfortably next to me, the red beams of his medigun still attached to the huge mass that was Heavy Weapons guy.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

"I'm lost and I don't know where I am and I can't find Engineer."

I felt like a fucking child who can't find his mummy. But under these circumstances, I don't care right now. Medic ran his thick rubber glove down the side of his face, making a funny rubbery noise.

"Eeeeei! We're in middle of BATTLE!"

"DOKTOR! ACTIVATE CHARGE NO-OW!"

Medic complied, standing up in a flash and flicking a switch on the bottom of his medigun. The strange device shook as the beams turned deep red, transforming his body and the giant Russian into glowing blood red statues. It was marvellous. I was truly blessed to witness this. The Medic kept close to the Heavy, his attention snapping from to the battle, and back to me. Evenly, the BLU team stopped exploding from the massive bullets ripping through them, and the area was cleared. Heavy took off across the field yelling as he went.

"DOKTOR! COME NOW!"

"Heavy, I'll be a moment, just go!"

Medic returned back to me.

WE LOST ANOTHER CONTROL POINT

Medic swore, "THERE! WE LOST ANOTHER CONTROL POINT!"

"Well, can't you cover me and take me-"

"No, you find your own way! We're-"

A shot rang out. Medic suddenly lurched over from impact to collapse on top of me. The dead weight of the man flattened me completely. I gave a couple of strained cries to anyone that might be listening. At first, I thought he threw himself over me to protect me or something. But it took me a few seconds to gather that I was far from that assumption. I wiggled myself out from under the still warm, heavy corpse and propped myself against the wood crate to stare at it. A long pole of wood stuck out neatly nestled in his neatly combed haircut. Right in the middle of the back of his head. A perfect shot. I've never seen so much blood leak from one hole. Eventually, the blood stopped pulsing through, but blood was still leaking from underneath... I supposed blood is coming out of his mouth like in the movies... Moments must have flashed by before I noticed I was just sitting there staring at the Medic's body for several minutes. I shook myself awake and shuddered, gripping the ground. There was a lot of blood. There was blood all over the pavement, the dirt, the crates, all over me. A strange noise came out of my mouth, like I was trying to say something.

I realized that this was the first time I've ever seen someone die. Even if it's all simulated. Why is he still here? Why isn't respawn working? The thought of that perhaps, the first time respawn refused to work ever in the history of TF2, and it's all my fault. The RED team, whoever is left over will lynch me for sure. Or worse. Finally, his body started to dissipate, leaving the stains of bright red blood behind. I was alone again. I could hear the battle from afar. Heavy was gone, probably ran off to follow the battle or he became another victim to the Snipers headshot. Yes, there was a Sniper out there. Somewhere jumping around with a blade and bow set, no doubt he probably saw Medic talking to someone behind the crates. Does he know I'm a civilian? Will that stop him from killing me?

My question was answered an arrow struck the wall behind me. Another noise, another one landed on the crate this time, I tucked my head under my hands as I heard another hollow thunk of an arrow impact. I made another weird noise. Silence. I second I wondered if it was safe, another arrow was fired. The bloody man was teasing me. I couldn't just run out, that's probably what he's waiting for. Waiting for me to make a break for cover. I was safe behind these crates, unless he's at ground level and is approaching my hiding spot to make a personal call. I had my shotgun, but could I really win against a legal assassin with a large knife anyway? I could only shoot, I bet this man could dodge bullets like Neo and jarate chop my head off with one blow. But all I knew was, for now I was safe but I needed a plan. I remember I saw a hut with med-packs and ammo, about a few yards ahead. I could risk it and run to the safety of that hut and hope a RED comes by.

ALERT! THE FINAL CONTROL POINT IS BEING CONTESTED

Bad for RED, but great for me. Perhaps the Sniper will join the real battle and leave me alone. I peeked out. No, I didn't feel safe. I hesitantly poked my head out like a Meerkat. I was exposed now, the Sniper could easily make my head into brain soup. But nothing happened. I took a deep breath, hell how I wanted a smoke so bad. I made a run for it, kicking up dust for what looked like the building the intel room was. Hell, I don't even know if this was the same building I was in before. This place is so bloody damn confusing, they all look the same now. It was quiet, the distant hum of the power suppliers made strange bellowing noises. My only company. It was dead silent, like being in a graveyard. How many people lost their lives here? Or, how many times? I slowed down to a stop. More blood on the ground. Fantastic. It was a blood trail for sure, coming from the remains of an old sentry nest I'm guessing. I recognized the shell of a dispenser, bomb fragments and a Spy sapper. Who knows how many battles back this came from. I shivered. It was a million degrees out, and I felt cold like a ghost was breathing down my neck.

"Me-MEDICK!"

Reacting to the sudden noise, I froze and crouched behind a crate again. It was Scouts voice, but it also wasn't. It couldn't be my Scout, perhaps the BLU one? I crawled closer. I heard frantic panting, I peaked around the corner. I was right, it was the BLU Scout. He was sitting upright on his knees in a deep pool of his own blood on the ground clutching his gut. I saw his eyes tear up and shut tight in pain. His entire bottom half was drenched in thick blood, gooey bits and strips of sinew laying along with his wet hands.

I saw the dead body of our Demoman, covered in holes, slumped in a ragdoll fashion over by the wall. His bloody Eyelander lying next to him. Scout tried to crawl forward, he gave out a loud yell of pain and stopped himself. The words "Medic" were getting quieter and softer as he fought to keep back tears and tried to move. I hid in the shadows of the hallway. Blood pumped out rhythmically from the deep gashes, pooling onto the floor. The Scout trashed out weakly in frustration, dragging himself as he shouted out some more, leaving a thick sticky trail of blood behind him. Only when I noticed he struggling to keep his organs inside his body was when I suppressed the urge to vomit. I focused on the floor, I focused on anything that didn't have anything. I didn't shallow, I didn't breathe. This was worse than Medics death.

I couldn't just keep going, he'll see me. I had my gun, he was fragile enough, and I could easily shoot him. It's not murder if he'll come back to life better than ever. I'd be helping him, he won't be in pain and it'd be fast then bleeding slowly to death...But I wasn't a killer, even if he wasn't real. I bit my lip, I was thinking too much again. I should listen to Soldier and shoot now and ask questions later. I even considered throwing a medical pack to him and running off until the dying man looked up towards my direction. I dove deeper into the shadows.

"Spy?"

I froze, I could hide anymore then I was.

fuckfuck

I was right in the open now. The shadows were not my ally right now.

"Spy, my man, gotta help me- get me to a med-pack-"

I had to get away, I stepped forward again.

"Sp-Spy? That you?"

Silence. I thought at first, that perhaps he thought imagined the noise and go back to dying. That's what I thought until he started to fire his pistol through the shadows at me. Several wind breaking punts, all in my general direction were fired at me. I jumped up, pulling my leg muscles to reach higher into the air then they could ever hope to achieve. like a mentally challenged kangaroo, I sprinted and hopped right into a wall and collapsed. I laid there frozen, the cold wall my only comfort. I waited for sound, movement. I heard a single shot ring out. It was a different noise, not like the Scouts pistol or the Engies sentry gun. A pair of long legs appeared in front of me. It was the Spy. I looked up, he looked down, he didn't look very happy.

"Get up. The battle's over." He growled and turned.

I whimpered, but did. Spy was already half down the corridor, not bothering to wait for me. I dragged my heavy, limp body up onto my bendy legs. I limped, it felt like millions of little thorns pinching every nerve up and down my calves. I kept going, struggling to keep up, praying my body won't betray me and give out.

YOU FAILED

For fucks sake, the Spy was right. At last, the match was over. I calmed a bit, until I remember the mercy killings performed to the survivors after every game. I bolted yet again, now trying to avoid anything RED. What a position I was in. The noise of bullets and explosions increased ten-fold. I was going to die now, that or become prisoner. I doubt the other side would be as understanding as RED is, considering what I did to their Engineer.

"ACK!" I felt the impact of a rocket blow up behind me, sprinkling me with a blanket of dust and dirt. I threw myself to the side, my legs won't stop moving.

"Jack! This way! Move!" I heard a voice.

I wasn't even thinking, I obeyed and dashed towards an out-building. The door slammed shut behind me, I collapsed onto a chair.

"Thank fucking god." I said to whomever was there.

"Where were ya?" It was Demoman.

"All over! I- I don't even. Fuck." I managed to say. I was exhausted.

"Hey, he's alive!"

Scout and Engineer both appeared. They were both covered in what looked like concrete dust. That or fine snow, or cocaine. Whatever floats their boat. Engie came to my side and gave my shoulder a slight shake.

"Goddamn, Jack... I'm sorry, I left ya like that, I jus' got caught up an-"

"Jackson punched the otha Engineer in the face!" Scout shouted, he was taking off his hand bandages. Both of his ears were bleeding.

"Ya did?"

"He ran after me with a wrench." I answered weakly. I couldn't honestly remember, my heads pounding like a drum.

"Still, ya got away from him. That matters much"

Engie chuckles transcended into silence.

"Huh... you don't look so good. Do you have any more of that sand- Jack? Hey, Jack? Jack!"

"Sorry?" I snapped back into reality.

Engineer frowned.

"We gotta get doc, you look faint."

I certainly wasn't feeling well.

"What's wrong with him?" Demoman asked. His head inches to my own, "What ta hell happened? You got shot?"

Someone noticed the blood. I noticed the blood. Didn't look all that bad.

"Just a flesh wound"

I chuckled at the over-used joke, but no one knew about it so it was fine

"That's not good Jack, lemme see it."

Engineer bent down and slight glazed it. I couldn't see what was like down there, but it got Demoman all fired up. It didn't make me feel any better.

"Medic!" Demoman called. Pyro made a noise.

"Get lost Pyro, Jack's hurt."

Pyro made several noises, pointing to my leg while his other hand pointed behind him. Demoman looked flabbergasted and angry. He slapped his hands against his sides in frustration.

"Fine, take 'em. Take Jack out, get Medic."

Pyro made another noise and set his or hers flamethrower against the truck.

"I don't want to go alone" I whimpered. I had no dignity here.

"Pyro knows where Medic is son. You'll be alright."

"Don't leave me alone with him!"

"Aw, he don know what he's sayin'. Pyro is gentle as a gelded lamb."

With hell with that. Pyro will probably kill me while trying to take care of me and then leave my rotting corpse to the coyotes. Problem with that, is that he'd probably try it too. But I'm sure his method of healing is significantly different then mine is.

"Engie, you take me."

"I would son, but I'm needed here. Gotta place a dispenser 'fore they yell my ear off about it. The BLU team really ripped us a new one."

"Not as bad as Scout to Dell I hope."

"Who?"

"Dell. That's the name of the BLU engineer. Dell...Catamonger or Cough-ger or something..."

"Settle down kid, just relax now, all calm like an- calm."

I obeyed, Pyro snaked his arm under my own and hoisted me up. The pain below increased so I clenched my teeth. The wound inside my mouth began acting up again. I didn't need this. Pyro lead me away slowly, out the door towards the basement. I limped pathetically. Engie was quiet as we left, hands on hips staring at the floor. I could almost hear him gritting his teeth.

"Hmm? What's wrong now?" I heard Demoman spit out his smoke.

"Nuthing, let's get going"

I think the Pyro was trying to talk to me. The jib jab muffles from the interior of the suit still gave me comfort, besides the odd pain from my leg. It was warm, very warm as was the Pyro was.

"You'd think I'd break my legs while I was rocket jumping from the other day right?" I joked weakly.

Pyro's grip tightened as we walked down stairs slowly. We went gently went one step at time, it was slow as hell, but I sure appreciated it. Why wasn't he... insane? Why was he being gentle and concerned about me? Was it all an act? I didn't mind it, but it's odd when the only time I ever seen the Pyro alone was when he was glaring at Sniper. Like Medic glaring at me, only more hated, if that made sense. The gaskmask made another soft noise from his filter as he lowered me gingerly on a crate.

"Where- wh-" I whimpered. Although I knew I was safe deep inside the RED safe house, I didn't want to be alone. And Pyro made me feel safe now, like a giant teddy bear. I sat in the dark, alone, shivering. My heart rate was easing into a more calming tempo. The sting in my legs increasing. Finally, Pyro returned. With Medic jogging along side of him. I was not glad to see him.

"Leg?" He spoke fast, re-snapping on his gloves and crouching down.

"Yes, I think. I don't kno-"

Medic wasted no time ripping off a large section of pant leg and sock to see my wound. He jabbed it, I wheezed. Fuck, what was he doing? Slowly inserting maggots and leeches with a dull butterknife? He was doing this on purpose. The basterd.

"You've been shot." he finally concluded.

I instantly yanked my head over the wide girth of the Heavy to stare upon my injury. Blood. There was blood on my leg. I was shot, with a gun, in my leg... and it didn't even hurt like I thought it would be. Looking as best I could without Heavy getting in the way, I leaned in to have a better look at it. I didn't like what I saw. Dark, red blood ran down my calf and into my boot as the fabric from my clothes absorbed it. Three puncture wounds, that looked like halved cherries blotted the flesh of my lower leg.

"Oh my god."

I screamed out in absolute pain. Whatever I felt back yesterday in Medics office was a picnic compared to the surges of pure agony I felt. I breathed but it felt like no air was entering my lungs. I grabbed onto something's arm for dear life. My heart began to pound again, the numbness grew in my limbs, the room spun around me. I was having a stroke. I attempted to speak, it failed. Heavy came around the corner and strolled towards Medics side. He peered down to what the doctor was doing to my leg.

"Are you hurt?" He raised an eyebrow.

"I'm having a stroke." I told him. My voice worked once more.

"The effects of the Kritzberg don't affect him like you and I Heavy. I need the medigun. But now, the bullets must be removed. Now." Medic said, removing my boot.

"I'm having a stroke. Medic, I'm having a stroke!"

Why wasn't this basterd listening to me? You'd think he'd love this sort of thing.

Medic twitched, "One thing at a time kind. Pyro, Heavy, please restrain him, I can't have him trashing around as I work."

That made my heart race more. Pyro didn't hesitate before he moved behind the crate to lock my arms with his, as Heavy crouched down to grab my legs. I wasn't concerned on being held down. The real fear was the thought of how much this was going to hurt. I screwed my eyes shut as he pretty much cut away at my leg, this was payback from earlier I'm sure. I couldn't help but fidget and squirm, but Heavy and Pyro did a good job forcing me down. I couldn't move an inch.

"There are three bullets. Fortunate none of them penetrated your tibia."

Medic looked away and muttered quietly, "Not so much for me, but good all the same."

Three fucking bullets? I remember many shots being fired at me, but I swore I felt only one combine with my leg. How did three get in there? I don't think that's important, I'm really going to die now. My fingers dug into the arms of Pyro, he didn't respond. I doubt Pyro would have felt anything anyway, not through that suit.

"Novocaine!" I hissed, baring my teeth like a rapid animal. Someone better deliver before I go violent. Words that sounded like Heavy's spoke to me.

"You are fortunate, Scouts pistol is weak. Like he is. Eat this"

Heavy was practically gagging me with it. I bit whatever was being forced into my mouth. It felt, smelt like a sandvich. I didn't care if it had meat in it. I tasted bread, lettuce, and ham. I still didn't care, I couldn't gag if I wanted too. Although, the scorching pain below subsided almost immediately. Much like the medigun did yesterday. I took deep, slow breaths, the pain was much more tolerable now. Pyro and Heavy released me.

"You can walk?" Heavy asked.

Gripping the sides of the crates, I tried steadily on my leg. It still hurt like hell, but I managed to take a step. I felt braver that I accomplished standing without sobbing in pain. That was when I realized my eyes were full of tears.

"I could still use help though I think." I gasped

Without a word, Heavy's arms swung under my legs, and lifted me up with ease. I grabbed his shoulders automatically, he was pure muscle. I felt like a blushing bride on her wedding night. But this was no time for giggling, I had to look dignified much as possible. I forced myself to relax in the Heavies hold. I heard Soldier yelling in the distance. Fear returned with force, making me dizzy and frightful. I knew he was going to blame me for this. Perhaps, in a way I was. I didn't really contribute to today's victory, but I certainly didn't in its loss. Unless they find out that I was partially responsible for Medics death near the end. I wasn't going to think about it now, I had food digesting in my stomach now. Voices spoke around me. I had me eyes shut, I was trying to forget about what was happening.

"He can ride up with me. Lots of laying room."

"That's right kid, get lots of rest. You had quite a day."

That I did. I faked a goofy smile grew on my numbing face, it's true, I didn't die, I survived. I was shot at, I plead for mercy, all while running around never shooting my gun. An accomplishment. A pathetic one, but one I must learn from. I never was going to fight again.

Spare a review? The gods need their daily nutriments and I can't afford anymore hookers to feed them. As Napoleon, the King of France famously said before having his torso blown apart with a cannon, "Give me a fucking review you cretins".