I've just experience a…..a….very horrible feeling today. Something most probably wouldn't understand. But…..but in any case…..because of my mood, I could finally post this. I post it in sorrow as well as in anger.
Why today? Why me?
Never mind. Just….just read ok……
Chapter 28 Another Scar
"(Got it…..)". Randall placed his hands on the wall behind him as Slade came toward him.
Randall felt like a wreck really. He had taken allot in the human world already, he had to think smart and defensive on Slade. Slade's tail alone could kill him. Slade came close now, but then started in a sprint. "(!! Now!)".
Randall got his feet on the wall and pushed. He flug off at an arc, right over Slade, and landed right behind him on his feet. Randall made sure to take a few quick steps forward to avoid the sharp limb. He turned around and held his right elbows out, running. He missed Slade's tail and hit him right in the back. Randall thought it was going to be effective, but Slade took it in.
He pulled his top hands back and grabbed Randall's top right arm, pulling him close. Slade then flipped around, giving Randall two hard hits in the chest. Randall flew backwards, landing on his back a few feet away.
Randall, having expected he would get hit, took it in and got up. Slade was starting at a run again. He had to think quick. He turned around and ran to one of the pillars leading to the overhead walls. He grabbed hold of the wall, ready to start up.
He felt something grab his tail, making him wince. That split second, Slade had pulled Randall back by his tail, throwing him to the ground. Randall felt piercing pain in his spin and between his tail and body, there was no way he'd be able to dodge or get low at all against Slade. Randall squinted and gritted, but it wasn't over. A firm hand came down on his neck, the palm nearly crushing his throat. He found himself pulled up at arms length by Slade.
Randall knew it was hopeless to try and get free, Sullivan had already shown him that. He could still breath through. He only had the ability to open one of his eyes to see what was going on. It would all be over in a few moments. Randall could see Slade had no emotion on his face, but could feel he was very regretful with what he was doing. He could almost hear him say "I'm sorry" without words.
Slade's tail came close to his side, as Slade had gotten on two feet, holding Randall off the ground, his own tail the only limb touching the floor. It would be over soon.
"(Ehh….time to start regretting….)".
Slade seemed to wait a moment, his head slightly turning to the side as if he heard something. Randall thought he did too.
"Hey!".
Randall was dropped. All he could feel was the grip on his neck going away, falling on the ground, another fall from something else. The banging in his head from the impact made him unable to get up. He could hear someone.
"Sorry Slade….but this is a brother affair….". Randall knew who it was now. He felt a hand on the back of his neck, another on his chest.
"Hey squirt come on….I know you can't be dead now heh….".
Randall opened his eyes. Randolph's face was right in front of his. "Randolph…knew it was you" Randall spoke. Randolph had a smile on his face, but Randall was more interested in what happened.
He was on the floor now, Randolph on six beside him. Slade was a few feet away on his stomach, seeming to be knocked out. Randall reminded himself that a hit in the back of the head would take someone out for a while.
Shaking his head, Randall looked back at his brother. "How the heck…did…you get here?" was the first words he said. Randolph smiled. "In other words, what took me so long?". Randolph helped Randall up on his feet, Randall nearly falling on Randolph at one point.
"Well little bro…I knew you would have some trouble…so I found the door closest to where the harbor was….remember…Joy told us where you guys went last time".
Randall smirked. "Heh….thanks bro".
"Hey…its my job….".
"Are you sure you want ME to do this?"
"Its ok….Its only for a little bit ok?". "Ohhh….I'm already nervous….".
Joy finished telling Caylin what she had in mind, just in time too. The woman, Lialin, had confirmed that Kroitz either is busy or he just wasn't able to at the moment.
She sighed and looked over her captives. "Seems Kroitz has his hands full…..guess that means he doesn't want any of you alive…..". A gulp came from Caylin, Mary didn't want to hear it, Carmyne simply shook her head, and Joy just stared at her.
Lialin started forward, looking over the four. "Which one will be first…..". She looked at each of them. "Hmmm….well….I never liked men…..always so….unreliable…". She came close to Joy and Caylin, Caylin literally shaking.
"And that lizard has caused us enough trouble……never liked them….geckos neither…". This made Caylin nearly start making miniature waterfalls on each of his face scales. "Come on you!". She, harshly, grabbed the shaking gecko onto his feet, pulling him over to the center of the walkway.
She held the gun to the side of Caylin's head, firmly. "Just making sure all of you can see…." Lialin mocked. Caylin was really startled. Joy got up, everyone's attention on the two.
Lialin brought he mouth close to Caylin's side. "You know….once I take care of you and your little friends…I can't help but laugh at what Kroitz is going to do to that lizard….".
This made Caylin, at least, insulted enough to do what was a little difficult. Lialin had started a laugh, but ended it when something pressed against her ribs. "N….nobody m….m…makes fun of Ra…Randall…" he jittered out.
Joy came over quickly, Lialin backing up. In Caylin's right hand was the Magnum Terrence had given Joy. Caylin smiled.
"Ha! Who holds the cards now!" he said. Just then….he realized what he was doing. "Uh…heh…can somebody take this? Honestly somebody!". Joy came over, taking his hand. It took a minute or two, getting a smug look from Carmyne, till she got it out of Caylin's hands. He was still a little shocked at what he was doing. "Its ok Caylin….you alright?".
Caylin held his arms. "Yep yep….just fine just fine…but never let me…do anything like that again…" he said.
Joy smiled. She knew Lialin would choose Caylin, he was the most nervous of the group, not that anybody could have blamed him. She'd slipped Caylin the gun, ensuring him that he wouldn't have to be intimidating. She felt that Caylin thought it was something better for Randall to have done, being sneaky and cunning as he was, but she felt that it would help.
Shaking the thought, she looked Lialin dead in the eye. "Once this is all over you'll be behind bars…." Joy said, sounding intimidating.
Lialin felt that she was a little careless now. They'd gotten the upper hand. Needless to say, it didn't help her dislike of reptiles.
Then, the moment was interrupted. Everyone, including Joy but without Caylin, as he was currently looking down at the point, to the elevator shaft.
Leia stood still as she looked over the scene. Both sides were equally surprised. "Leia!?". "What's going on?". The moment was enough for Lialin. She rose her gun.
"Joy! Leia look out!" Mary yelled.
It all happened fast. Joy dove down, dragging Caylin down by his tail, hoping Leia did the same. After the shot was fired, Carmyne had jumped over the rail, landing a tight fist to the back of Lialin's head. She felt to the ground, a silent breath escaping. Over. Carmyne ran over to Joy and Caylin, Mary to Leia.
"You two alright?" Carmyne asked, seeming concerned, but knew better. Joy turned around, not feeling any sign of pain.
"I…I think I'm alright….Caylin?". She turned, looking over at him. He was on his stomach, hair draped over his eyes. "IF you don't count the queazing in my stomach….oohhh….I'm good…".
She got onto her feet, pulling Caylin up, then looking back. "Leia!".
The three ran over to Mary and Leia. Leia was on the ground, holding her right arm. Mary was beside her, trying to figure out what she should do, but became relieved when everyone else came over.
Joy kneeled down in front of her, Carmyne and Caylin standing. "Leia! You alright!?". A pause from her, but Leia seemed to smile. "Yeah…just….got it in the arm heh….ow…". on…Carmyne help me".
With help from Carmyne, Joy got Leia onto her feet, more easily than she thought. "Don't everyone worry about me heh….been though this before heh…" Leia said, recalling.
Carmyne shook her head. "No….we're getting you to a hospital….". Leia looked at her, almost shocked. "What?! No! We've got to help Randall and Sean!" she yelled, literally.
Carmyne was shocked this time, but looked over at Joy, who nodded in acceptance. "Err….fine…". The two carried her inside the elevator, Mary and Caylin next.
"Hmm…you know….I think I've learned something from this…" Caylin announced. Mary looked at him. "What?".
"Never be brave…".
Slade blinked once. Just once gave him that realization. "Blasted thing…..". Something was thrown, clanking to the ground. Something metal. Slade could tell the pressure on his arm was gone. The implanting telling him to kill somebody he cherished. Something that forced him to do what he did not want. He was free from it.
Randolph tossed the cursed device from having removed it with Randall's help. It clattered to the ground, metal upon metal. Randolph didn't care to take it with them, it was a menace in its own right. Randall was thankful that it will all be over soon.
They both looked as Slade firmly placed his hands on the floor, lifting the top part of his body, as well as his top right hand to his head. "Ehh…wha….".
He turned to Randall and Randolph, his ruby red eyes looking at both of them. "Randall….Randolph?". They nodded.
"You ok Slade?" Randolph asked, concern already in his voice. Slade ignored the question, looking at Randall. "Randall…..I'm sorry…..I…I tried to…". He looked down, guilt seeming to come from him. Randall placed a hand on his back, smiling.
"Its ok….I'm fine…been through heh worse….its alright" Randall replied, trying to loosen the guilt. Slade looked back at him. "You….forgive me?". Randall seemed confused. "Wha? Forg….ok….maybe Randolph hit you a little hard…".
Randall moved over to help him onto his feet, Randolph getting up as well. "Its just….I don't know what I would have done if I….." Slade said, still looking down. Randolph stepped in, hand on on…you honestly think someone can get rid of Randall with us around? Yeah right". Slade's expressions didn't change.
"….Thank you….both of you…heh…the apprentices have overcome the master" Slade said. The Boggs brothers smiled. Randall felt he had to say it now, everything seemed alright.
"Slade…when this is all over…you won't have to hide anymore". A pause, getting Slade's attention. "You can come with us…..there's nothing to worry about when this ends….".
Slade looked at Randall straight in the eye. It was true. Randall didn't want someone he cared about to always be hiding. He wanted to catch up with Slade when it was over. They could all be together again like old times. It was an offer that couldn't be refused.
"Sure…..together…..again".
Randolph smiled, rubbing Randall's back with his left hand. "Good…" he whispered. Randall smiled, but then looked past Slade.
"Leia! Joy! Guys!".
The three turned around as the group piled into the room. The five noticed that Randall and Randolph, who they were surprised to see, had taken care of things. Randall's first action was looking at Slade with a smile, getting a nod in reply. He then ran over to the group, toward Joy. The group stopped when he did. Joy in front of him.
"Joy! Caylin! Carm….you guys ok!?". Joy nodded. "Yeah…we're ok….well…". She looked over to Leia, who was right behind her.
Seeing her clutching her arm made Randall zip pass Joy and taking a hold of her by the shoulders. "Leia! Oh jeez you ok!?". She put her good hand to his chest. "Randall Randall I'm fine…..its just a scratch really…". "B…ut…". She shook her head.
"Randall I'm fine….you can't keep worrying over such things…". Randall had to think about it. He knew his friends were ok. Leia was a tough one. But he was right to be worried. Just like he was years ago, similar actually.
"Eh….ok…but….your going to a hospital when we get back to Monstropolis…" Randall stated. Leia nodded. He looked at Mary, Carmyne, and Caylin, they seemed fine, seeming to know it would all be over soon. "Alright….". He turned back, still having a hand on Leia's shoulder. Joy turned back to Randall, seeming concerned.
"We still have to help Sean….". Randall nodded. "Alright everyone….lets end this!". Everyone started for the staircase. Randolph and Slade first, everyone else next. Randall stayed last, helping Leia, which he really didn't need to.
He was about to head up when he noticed something behind the stair case, near a pillar. Curious as he was, he went over and picked it up.
"(Sean's sword?….He'll need this)".
Taking it with him, he ran up the case.
Sean had gotten landed from an aerial kick, heaving from exhaustion. Same was with Kroitz, who was a couple feet from him. Sean was nearest to the staircase, Kroitz far in front. They had fought for a long time now. Both were literally on their last move.
Kroitz looked Sean dead in the eye. "Eh…Eh….when I kill you….I'll start….picking off your friends one by….one…and then that whole world of yours…." he gasped out.
Sean held his chest, standing his ground. "Heh….I was thinking…thinking of taking you out….but I think….rotting in…in a cell is more….your style….".
Foot steps behind him made Sean turn around. When he spotted Randolph, he smirked. Everyone else came up as well, Randall coming up. Kroitz didn't care what had distracted Sean, he just ran for him. Sean had turned back, Kroitz charging for him.
"Sean!".
He turned back, seeing Randall throw something in the air. He saw it and held up a hand.
(SHING!)
Kroitz stopped in his tracks, the tip of the black to his throat. Everything stopped. Kroitz didn't move, neither did anyone. A single strand of Sean's hair settled down over his eyes.
"…..Its…over….".
Kroitz was surprised, the look on his face. He looked past Sean, seeing Randall folding his arms, smirking. Them. They had defeat him? That lizard monster and his friends had outwitted and out classed him? Maybe he was right about the monsters. Then again…part of him knew this could occur. He'd been saving a surprise.
Kroitz smiled.
"Er….don't think I'm going out…".
Without concern for himself, he brought his right fist up to Sean's side. He fell on his left, but Sean's blade caused a gash cut on Kroitz's neck. Not worrying about it, Kroitz had pulled out something, a gun of some sort, something that wasn't recognizable at first glance.
"But I'm taking that lizard with me!!!".
Another fast moment. Somebody screamed to duck. Everyone had, ducking and diving out of the way. Randall wasn't as fast as everyone else, the fight had left him with a few shocking pains in his limbs and back. But something else had shoved into his side, knocking him down onto the floor. He hit it hard, but nothing was cracked or cut. A minute later, he felt someone around him.
Randall gritted his teeth before a hand laid on his chest. He stopped, heaving out a breath and opening his eyes. Joy was in his first sights. She was worried, but also seemed to be….something else.
"Ow….eh….what….what happened?". She shook her head, but he didn't know why. "Randall….". He wondered what was with her, but knew as instantly as he rose the top part of his body.
Sean had knocked down Kroitz, the gun thrown to a corner of the room. He was looking back and forth at Kroitz and something else. Carmyne was keeping Caylin and Mary away, seeming not wanting them to look at something. Leia was near Joy, looking over Randall.
Then Randall saw what it was, who Randolph was kneeled down beside.
"No…..NO!!!!!".
Randall clattered to his eight feet, six, four, not caring, just running over to the body lying down on the metal floor, Slade. He down on his back, only his chest heaving breath. Randolph was already there, looking over as Randall came. There was a deep gash to the left side of his chest, ecto coming out and draining down his side. He'd been hit.
"SLADE!!!" Randall yelled as soon as he came up beside him. "Randall….". He looked up at Randolph, seeing his brother notion that yelling wasn't what he should do. Randall reminded himself not to, looked back, Slade seeming to smile.
Sean looked over at Kroitz. "What did you do!!!!" he yelled. Kroitz smiled sic kingly, crawling backward through his own vital fluid.
"Heh…eh eh eh….I missed…..it should've killed that lizard….eh eh…" he breathed out, gasping with the puncture.
Sean dismissed what he was saying, more worried for Randolph and Randall.
"Slade…..". Slade mumbled, but seemed alright to speak. "Heh….eh…you….you ok Randall?". Randall nodded, tears forming in his eyes. "G…Good heh…didn't want to…break a rib heh….".
Randall felt a hand on his leg, Slades'. In a train of thought, Randall took Slade's hand in his bottom set, softly. "Slade….your…..your gonna be ok….alright….we'll…we'll just grab a boat….get home and we'll get to a hospital and….and your gonna be ok…" Randall tried, seeming to explain his hopes.
Slade shook his head slightly. "Eh…no….sorry Randall…its….its not that simple….". A tear was starting down Randall's face at this point.
Why does this seem to happen. Randall had planned out the future. Slade had been hiding for a long time now. Randall had wanted to spend time with him, wanted to simply talk. Wanted to tell him about everything in the past. But now…..now it felt like it was splitting apart.
Slade had noticed Randall starting, he didn't want the young Boggs to feel sorrow over him. "H...Hey". He gripped Randall's hand with the one Randall had. "Don't worry….its…its not the end….of the world you know…heh…ehh". Slade took in another breath, which made Randall more concerned at time.
"B…Both of you…..have….eh….have been sons to me….heh….". He turned to Randolph. "E….Ever since I saw you sitting by you Naomi's side for you brother….". Randolph smiled, taking a finger to his left eye, seeming to take away a tear.
Slade turned back to Randall. "And when I saw you born….". He took his top left hand, placing it on Randall's shoulder. "…If it wasn't for your father….I wouldn't even know your name….". Randall tried to crack a smile, but it didn't work.
Slade could tell Randall wasn't able to place on a happy face, nor show sign of replying. "…Randall…I know that….that this is hard….hard for you…but….but….like your brother…your strong…".
Randall shook his head, not seeming to think it. Slade smiled, almost holding back a cough. "You are Randall…..this…this is just a part….a part in your life…".
Randall shook his head again. "No no…..your not just a…a chapter in my life Slade!". Slade was silent. A moment of silence between them passed. Randall's whimpering was heard by those near him, the feeling echoing through the room.
A cough un-held by Slade broke the moment. "Ehh….Randall….Eh…we….we all have times…when events like this happen…" he started, another cough, this one deeper.
"Eh….heh….why…..why are you sad Randall?". Randall became confused. Why shouldn't he be sad? Because of one good shot, someone he cares about will die?
Randall was going to answer, but Slade continued. "When….you were growing up….for so many years you didn't….didn't have someone you could call a friend…..but look around Randall….".
Randall did as, he thought, was told. Carmyne was drying he eyes, she had been crying as well. Mary had hung around Caylin, who was looking directly at Randall. Joy was as well, but looked down when his attention turned to her. Leia was going to say something, but held it back. He looked back at Sean, who was looking down as well, seeming angry at what was happening.
He turned back to Slade, his fronds going down against his head. "Ehh….I'm proud of you Randall…I…I know that….you've had some tough times…like.…like now…bu…but….". Another round of coughs followed. "….you…you get through…with help…..to think…were I would have been if you weren't born….". Randall felt the hand on his shoulder growing cold. Slade could tell he wasn't getting through to him. He looked over to Randolph. Randall's brother was understanding in that Randall was more hurt by this than him, and Randolph respected that.
He looked over to Leia, something from his eyes moving, then back to Randall. He gave a short breath before continuing.
"R….Randall….". Randall managed to give a nod, but didn't speak. "Its….its been said….that…that with every….every person that leaves….another…another arrives….live that cancels death….". Randall didn't understand.
"….Randall….your life is more important…than….people leave to believe….you've...got a bright….and special future….and….you will find that purpose in your life…you've been wanting soon…just….just give it time Randall….". Another roll of coughs followed.
"Eh…..Randolph". He looked over to him, Randolph equally the same as Randall, but the tears not visible. "Y…Yeah?". Slade gulped, his forked tongue slowly moving. "T…Take care…of your brother ok?" he asked, his stomach rising and falling with quick breaths and his eyes flashing at times. Randolph nodded, looking up at Randall, Slade turning to him.
"You've….you've got your friends…you parents….and loving brother to watch after you now….ehh…you won't need me now…". Randall shook his head. "No Slade….I…I…". Slade's turn to shake his head came. "Randall…its alright…don't call me that though...my….real name's Reno… eh…and Randall…just…promise me something…". Randall nodded.
"Have….have a good life Randall…have….a…fam….fa…".
The hand on his shoulder went away, dropping to the ground in front of Randall. Everything went silent. There was no gust of wind. There were no crickets. No night horns from the cars or noise from the streets, nor any indication of life. Everything stopped. There was no sound, no breath. No yells, no gasps. Nothing at all…..
Joy kept her eyes on Randall, even when Leia placed a hand on her shoulder. Caylin looked away even before it happened, Carmyne holding Mary, snuffling. Sean looked down, not wanting to know what the two were thinking.
Randolph closed his eyes, tears coming out, but nothing to show that he was crying. He placed all his hands together, trying to hold himself from starting. Randall stared at the lifeless hand in front of him. His own hands laid flat on the ground, his eyes staring in disbelief, his cheek scales stained with water. It was as if he didn't want to express any emotion.
All those plans. They all fell apart. It was all over, but it had a cost. To Randall, he almost felt as if anything positive would ever come. He knew what had happened, but he didn't want to believe it. He didn't want to.
Randall's flat hands soon became whole, into fists.
His anger was coming back. Why did he have to die so simply? Why did Randall's plans for the future fall? Why does this happen? Randall couldn't take out his rage on his friends. No….but there was one who he could, the causer.
The rustling of Kroitz getting to his feet was all Randall need. He turned his head sharply, the last tears from his eyes ripping off his face, his fronds straight up, his arms barred.
Kroitz was getting up near one of the open slit's of the statue's head, seeming to want to make the scene his chance to escape, to make it seem like he disappeared when nobody looked.
Randall knew what he wanted to do, what he seemed to have a need to do. He rose to his feet, getting the attention of everyone that was looking at him. Turning fully, his eyes were pinned on Kroitz. His fists started shaking on their own.
"Eh Eh…..ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!".
His sudden yell got everyone to look at him. Before they could, Randall launched forward. Sean stepped in front of him.
"Randall! Wai….". Randall pushed him out of the way, grabbing Sean's sword as he did, still running towards Kroitz.
"Randall!!".
He didn't listen.
Randall came right near Kroitz. With another yell, Randall drove the blade straight through Kroitz's body. A choke came from Kroitz, his only and probably last act. He was up against a slit, the sword sticking out of Kroitz's back, out the slit.
Randall stared deeply at Kroitz's eyes. Kroitz had never been scared of Randall before, but now….Those deep emerald eyes, seeming to turn dark. Dark like a bottomless pit. Randall seemed to lose control, he didn't have anything to say, he just stared with all his anger at Kroitz. As for Kroitz himself, for the first time in his life……..
For the first time in his life. Kroitz…..was afraid.
"Ugh….".
Randall pulled back, the blade slipping out as simple as it had gone in. Kroitz's head tilted toward the room, his legs backing up on instinct. Without a second glance, Kroitz's foot slipped on the dripping fluid from his chest that had fallen to the floor, and fell out of the statue. A few seconds, an impact was heard, then…..nothing.
Everyone starred at the event that they had seen. Caylin's eyes were widened, Carmyne was still holding Mary, Leia was between gasps, Sean just looked in disbelief. Joy had stood up, looking at the back of Randall.
"….Randall……".
Hearing his name seemed to snap him out. The look, almost sickingly and devious look that Randall had gave, slowly departed. Randall looked down at the vital fluid on the sword. His hands became loose, the weapon dropping to the ground. A second later, he held his hands up to look at them.
It was……it was as if he couldn't control what he was doing. It felt….it felt like what happened in the door vault so long ago. The anger and rage got to him. There he was, pushing his friends aside and eliminating the one responsible for the pain, the rage. He….didn't want to do that.
The regretful look told it all. Randall seemed to look at his hands in an effort to make himself realize what he had done. He had done something he never wished to do. He noticed his hands were slightly shaking, shaking not with anger…..but with fear.
"….Why…….why……".
A moment later, he held his eyes to his hands, dropping to his knees. Everyone watched, everyone seeming to know what he was thinking……
His whimpering started. The cries to calm his anger……the cries for Slade…..the cries….for his fear…….
You all probably weren't expecting something like this, but it happened.
I wanted to say more but……..but…..oh what does it matter……..just review if you want.