⟨Darkness⟩
I wake up being gently shaken on my right shoulder as a familiar voice spoke to me, in response to this I immediately looked at the person responsible as I grip my holstered pistol in preparation to defend myself, especially since I was expecting trouble or a problem.
"It's just me, relax," Hesh said as she looked at me intently, smiling before removing her hand on my shoulder.
"Haunt, are you awake?" Jimmy asked.
"Yes I am," I replied as I look out the window beside me to realize we're now on a highway somewhere in the city, plus the snowfall outside is now a bit more intense.
"Ah, good, we're currently on the way to meet up with Henry, I apologize for the abrupt change of direction but it's urgent and I need all the help I can get... which is only all three of you sadly," he said.
"Wait, what happened?" I asked, worried since I thought something bad happened to Holga and Katya.
"About Holga and Katya, nothing serious or rather they can resolve it by themselves... they won't be joining us since they've got their own business or problems to address, which I respect," he replied.
"What's the trouble we're heading into?" I asked.
"Akan has managed to find out the whereabouts of a friend, luckily he was inside the hideout slash safehouse that I provided for him in the past when it happened, he's currently stuck in a panic room in there," he replied.
"How do we know he's still alive?" Hesh asked.
"Henry is already nearby the A.O. utilizing a drone to map out and survey the area, he's been keeping me updated," he replied.
"How?" she asked.
"Texts via phone," he replied as he gestured towards the phone that's conveniently on a phone stand nearby him.
"If you don't mind, why is your friend a high-value target?" she asked.
"Aside from the fact that he's a friend of mine, Bain has significantly helped me in the past... particularly retrieval or if not sabotage operations in exchange for money for him and his crew or information that I know which helps their business," he replied.
"Alternatively it can also be materialistic stuff such as equipment slash devices... better drills and etc, but for the most part they're mainly after money," he continues.
"Crew and Business?" I asked.
"Bain is a criminal mastermind and unlike others, he and his crew are special... they're reliable, principled and competent," he replied.
"Principled?" Hesh asked.
"Professionally," he retorts.
"What about his crew?" I asked.
"I don't know, that information is one of the things that's left and maintained undisclosed as per our code of conduct in our partnership... but currently it's evident we're the only ones who can help him," he replied.
"... was the bad news recent?" I asked.
"No, it was somewhere at some time in between our journey back to the city," he replied.
"Why'd you wait this long to tell us?" Hesh asked.
"... I was contemplating on whether I should risk losing you both but after deliberate thought, I need both of your skills and experience in combat," he replied.
Suddenly, Hesh's manipulation of reality was sensible hemce in immediate response I aligned myself to her reality manipulation... as a result, familiarly, everything became absurdly slow and red tinge was everywhere like subtle smoke or vague mist... after instinctually mitigating the effect or hold of time on myself conveniently... I was alarmed and surprised by her actions... anyway, I immediately looked beside me at her, coincidentally as she timely looked at me as well.
"Just checking," she said before she winked at me then quit her manipulation of reality, which I did too in sync with her.
"What the-," I immediately hear Jimmy say, surprised.
... presumably because from his perspective he saw us both at an instant change or shift in posture that's unlike what he originally perceived, before we both manipulated reality in alignment together, I looked back ahead towards him in response.
"Then we're in, no worries," Hesh meanwhile said which I gave a resolute nod afterward.
The Colonel then adjusted his rearview mirror, intended to better see us from behind before he cleared his throat... yes, I was confident that he knew of our unnatural properties, but I prefer that he'll be the one who opens up the confrontation.
After a brief moment of silence between us three...
The Colonel rubbed his eyes with one hand before clearing his throat, he then spoke...
"No offense but are you two war junkies or homicidal maniacs? I'm curious," Jimmy asked.
"No, what makes you say that?" Hesh replied.
"... it's just that there's no sense of hesitation or fear although you both were soldiers," he replied.
"We both just have a death wish," I retort before Hesh could provide her own which made her grin in response.
"... seriously?" he asked. as he glanced over his shoulder back at us.
"Yup," Hesh replied.
"You two are not planning to die right?" he asked, concerned and worried.
"Nope," I replied.
"No," Hesh meanwhile replied.
"It just means we're not afraid to die," she continues.
"Thank God... I was worried there... anyway, let's go give our all and risk our lives for the sake of friendship," he said.
After a while, eventually...
We stopped nearby an alleyway that's just beyond the sidewalk, the Colonel then spoke as he offered his back towards us.
"A phone please," he said, Hesh got out her phone and then handed it over to Jimmy which he utilized hastily for a bit before handing it back to her.
"Follow the route on foot to reach the marker, you'll both meet up with Henry and myself there," he said.
"On foot, us only?" I asked.
"I'm saving the colonel for a very rainy day and besides, driving near the area of operations or rendezvous point would likely spoil our element of surprise," he replied before he plops down the glove compartment of his vehicle to then bring out two pairs of gloves.
"Because fingerprints, might as well lessen the likelihood if not absolute," he remarks which Hesh grabs then passed me my pair.
"Oh and also these for hearing protection, permanent hearing damage isn't beneficial," he said before he brought out two pairs of hearing protection which Hesh grabbed then gave me my pair, we both kept it.
"Now chop-chop, off you two love birds go, the colonel needs to sod off," he said afterward.
Hesh opened her passenger door and exited hence I followed her out from behind, once outside I closed the door behind me, Jimmy then drove away afterward... his vehicle was a UAZ Patriot, I was then nudged from behind by Hesh hence I turn to look at her... she was looking at me grinning as she equips her pair of gloves.
"Ready?" she asked now done equipping her gloves and bringing out her phone.
"Lead the way," I replied as I begin to replace my fingerless gloves with the ones Jimmy provided.
After a moment of silence between us...
"I just wanna make it clear that although I find our new friends tolerable, you're my priority," Hesh remarks.
"Don't be reckless, we're downgraded," I replied which made her grin in response.
After a bit of silence between us...
"I'm used to humans being like tissue paper when meleed, I'm wondering what now in our level of being downgraded," she said, thoughtfully.
"Hesh," I replied as I glance at her, expressing my against to her notion.
"I'm just saying... just starting a conversation, chill," she replied before sensibly smiling.
"I took it as an insinuation," I replied.
"Wanna jog the whole way?" she then asked presumably wanting or intending to digress or change the subject.
"... sure," I replied complying to digress which made her smile, we both picked up the pace afterward.
Eventually...
As we both go around the corner we were then greeted by Agent Jimmy who's carrying two custom MP5SDs.
"Cheerio," he said as he offered the firearms for us to grab which we both did.
As we both sling our weapons he then pulled out two extra normal magazines for our MP5SDs from behind him, he handed us one of each which both Hesh and I kept.
"Hesh, do you have a mask to conceal your identity?" Jimmy then asked.
"I have but it's inside my parka which would expose myself hence be a gentleman and turn around to not look," she replied hence Jimmy turned around to look away.
"Haunt you can watch," Hesh continues whilst looking at me with a smirk, meanwhile as she begins to hastily unbutton her parka, I frowned before turning around to look away before she could expose herself to me which made her sigh.
"When I'm gone this inevitable curiosity will bug you Haunt, why not indulge in my advances?" she asked which I ignore.
"No offense, but I feel like this is something private and I shouldn't hear this," Jimmy comments.
"Any other comment about our relationship?" she asked.
"I don't know, other than I can tell that you're thirsty for Haunt," he replied.
"I can't help it since he's sweet and a teardrop that's asking to be soothed," she replied.
"Take your time Hesh," I remark, annoyed, which made her giggle and Jimmy chuckle in response.
"I'm done, Jeez," she replied as hence Jimmy and I turned to look back at her, she's now wearing her H.P. Mask.
"There's still somethings I'll hand out to both of you," Jimmy said before turning around then going towards his SUV which was just ahead in the alleyway.
When we reached the vehicle...
Jimmy opened the passenger door in the front then plopped down the glove compartment of his vehicle, it notably had a ballistic knife and two communication earpieces, he then spoke.
"Who will be the one helping me hold the front just in case when things go loud?" he asked looking at both of us.
"I've never been good at being stealthly thus me," Hesh replied taking the earpiece from Jimmy's hand, meanwhile I frowned in response to what she just said since it was lie, knowing she just wanted to be in the front lines, to kill.
"Wait, why can't Haunt and I be together?" she asked which surprised me.
"Henry and I know the layout of the building, unless if you two have relevant robotic implants in your brain, you both have to be apart temporarily," he replied.
"Hopefully temporarily," she replied as she equip her earpiece.
"This is a special one, a push of the button and the blade becomes a projectile," he said as he grabs the ballistic knife out of the glove compartment before offering it to me.
"Just in case if you're up against a cybernetically enhanced bastard in CQC, but do your absolute best not to, these soldiers like Henry can trivially pulp human beings or break a bone," he adds before walking past both Hesh and me.
"Communications in the building and nearby it is out because of a jammer thus Henry and Haunt will be on their own," he continues as he walked towards the back storage compartment of his SUV then opens it up.
Jimmy then brought out two tactical belts that had 2 magazines carriers dedicated for mags for a primary weapon and another 2 for pistol mags, both had an adjustable holster for a sidearm... after offering us each we both grabbed one then equipped it for our extra mags, but particularly in my case, conveniently for my ballistic knife also... he then goes back to bring out two magazines for our MP5s before handing us one of each, after conveniently placing those additional ammo on our tact belt, he took out body armor then gave it to Hesh which she equips.
"Haunt, body armor change?" Jimmy asked.
"I'll stick to mine," I replied which he nod in response.
"How about headgear? I have two spare Altyn helmets in here," he asked.
"Altyn helmet?" Hesh replied.
"Like the same one Henry is wearing," he replied which Hesh and I looked at Henry, he wave at us enthusiastically in response which we return with almost equal enthusiasm.
"Those helmets are bulletproof to an extent," he adds.
"Our masks are bulletproof hence I'll stick to only that, how about you Haunt?" she replied.
"Likewise," I replied which Jimmy nod in response then begins equipping a tact belt.
"... so you're both are cool without protection or not worried at all of potentially getting shot in the back of the head?" he asked.
"Without protection, definitely," she replied grinning as she looked at my face then down to my crotch which I tense and frown in response, she then snickers.
"... It's either Aken's men haven't found where Bain is but they're determined or they're shit at giving back as compensation for their paycheck... also if things go smoothly don't let your guard down, for everyone's sake," he said beginning to put mags for his weapons on his tact belt.
"So what's my role to contribute to?" Hesh asked as he equip his body armor.
"Ground resistance for when things go loud, I'll keep you posted whilst I'm on top of a rooftop providing sniper support for both Henry and Haunt," he replied as he brought out a pistol which was a Baretta 92fs, moreover, after he holstered it on his tact belt, he then brought his custom suppressed M14 EBR to utilize its sling.
"Fine by me, but with that said I'm not entirely alright that Haunt has to risk his life without me by his side," she replied which I look at her in response, meanwhile as Jimmy brought out a pump-action grenade launcher, which was specifically the China-Lake 40mm, he utilized its sling before looking back at us as he spoke.
"I intend on keeping my friends and it's definite we'll give our all in these types of problems," he said, genuinely.
"And I intend on making it back," I add which made her grin before putting both her hands up expressively yielding in response.
"What about we swap roles? I rather risk myself than you," she asked as she placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Flattering, but I don't trust you... enough," I replied as I gently take her hand off my shoulder.
"... *sigh* fine," she replied as she shuffled closer to me a bit.
"Oh shit, I almost forgot," Jimmy then said before searching for something in the trunk of his SUV, he then brought out two straps that had an integrated device on each, he tosses me and Hesh one before he spoke.
"These will make identifying friends from a foe especially for me and Henry that much more convenient and reliable, now, on your shoulders please," he said hence we both complied and strapped on the equipment on our shoulders.
"Alright, you two ready?" he asked after we both were done which we both gave a nod in response.
"Then let's go get our payday," he said before wearing a skull mask and walking past us hence Hesh and I followed.
"Henry knows where to go hence just follow him, Hesh, you'll just stay put for a while, after I've set myself up to be able to provide sniper support for them both, I'll update you via your phone on where you'll be standing by," he said as all four of us are now striding onwards together.
"... if Bain is definite he'll be unable to make it, don't hesitate to get out of there alive, understood?" he adds.
"Yes sir," Hesh replied, meanwhile, Henry nod in response as I did not react but kept what was said in mind as I walk.
"To determine if one is an enhanced soldier considering like Henry they appear as a normal person, their fear factor will be off especially in the face of certainly getting shot," Jimmy explains.
"Lastly and hopefully both of you won't discover it this way, they also possess an incredible feat of strength which is unmatched against a normal human being," he continues.
Eventually...
Presumably, there weren't a lot of troops that were mobilized for this raid considering Henry and I didn't encounter any patrolling enemies nearby their A.O. Henry and I by this point were now at the edge of an alleyway nearby a sidewalk next to the wide street... from where we were standing by we can see the main entrance to the construction site and an unfinished 5 story high building within the site... also there weren't any bystanders or civilians in sight which confirmed that this road has been decommissioned by enemy troops from either end somewhere... there were two vans parked just outside the main entrance of the construction site... the first van was near our direction but was parked across the street to the left and that there were two nearby guards that were talking to each other there... the second van was conveniently on our end of the sidewalk opposite from the road where the fist van is parked... although it was a bit farther away.
... Henry cautiously albeit hastily advanced towards the van that's much more farther away from us, he timed it perfectly since it was the moment where the two guards luckily had their backs turned against our direction, I followed him from behind... conveniently the van that's nearby our direction eventually obstructed any line of sight to us from the two guards which guaranteed in being undetected... come to think of it I think the snowfall also kinda helped... anyway, at this point we've reached the van, Henry then lay prone presumably to get a visual of the feet of the enemies from under the vehicle to determine their whereabouts and movement... meanwhile, I remained crouched nearby the front passenger door of the van to keep an eye out with my gun in hand at the ready.
After a tense brief moment of us quietly waiting...
I heard Henry crouched up hence I turn to look at him, he then simply gestured that I should follow him which I nod and complied, we both then cross the street to reach the first van hence I saw the two guards were now dead laying on the sidewalk with a bullet hole in their head... I followed him going around from the back of the van to the other side that's facing the fencing, luckily, the fence had integrated sheets of metal and tarpaulin in its entirety, the fence surrounds the construction site hence concealing any outside activity nearby the site as a result... I helped Henry drag the bodies back in between the cover of the van and the fencing to our left, we slump the corpses on the side of the vehicle, immediately after, Henry was about to continue leading onwards when we suddenly heard a voice spoke via radio on one of the corpses.
"проверка радио," the man said.
In response, I crouched down beside the corpse and then grabbed the radio, I utilized it and spoke.
"громко и ясно, кончено," I replied.
"Утвердительный," he replied.
I quit utilizing the radio in response then placed it down on the pavement nearby the corpse of its owner... the discourse went well but it didn't reassure me... digressing, I looked back at Henry, he gestured a thumbs up in response to what I did before we continue onwards... we entered the construction site via the main entrance to then see an enemy who's patrolling ahead, unfortunately he was facing our direction thus he saw us, but before the enemy could do anything in response he was then visibly shot in the head by Jimmy, Henry then simply gestured that meant that he'll take the left side and that I'll take the right which I complied... moving onwards hastily and cautiously, I encountered a guard somewhere behind cover who was oblivious, I killed him before continuing my advance.
Eventually...
I've swept through my side and killed 2 more enemies that were on guard duty, plus at this point I've reached the main entrance of the building timely just as Henry does... once together again he lead the way inside hence I followed him from behind, hoping that I didn't miss anyone when I swept my area as I advance towards the entrance of the building... we encountered the jammer along our way hence Henry shot it before we continued... we encountered no enemies apart from a well-positioned sentry gun but fortunately before it could shoot I manipulated time intended to deactivate it via Iris which she did, I then quit my manipulation Henry took cover nearby in response to the sentry gun being triggered beforehand, he immediately realized it wasn't shooting me since I'm just standing there out in the open, confused he peeked out from his cover towards the turret then looked back at me.
"Deactivated," I said, in response he peeked out from his cover to look at the turret again before going out to resume in leading the way.
"I can configure it so that it'll be on our side," Iris then comments hence in response I stop Henry.
"I'll reconfigure the sentry gun to be on our side hence it'll be active again," I said as I tap my H.P. Mask which he nod in response.
After Iris instantly reconfigured then reactivated it, we continued on to find the only stairs up in reaching or accessing the 2nd floor of the building... we encountered no enemies or resistance hence we both eventually reached the 3rd floor without incident or contact yet.
Not long after...
After going around a corner we encountered 5 enemies in the hallway ahead, they were unfortunately facing our direction but luckily weren't expecting us... presumably they were intending to exit the building in response to the gaps of radio silence for them... before anyone can act in response I manipulated time and reality to shoot all the enemies dead... after I quit my manipulation, Henry immediately raised his gun intending to shoot at them but as all the enemies simultaneously fall onto the ground, dead, he managed to immediately stop himself from shooting... unsurprisingly bewildered by what just happened he looked back at me.
"Don't question it, lead on," I said which he complies after contemplating a bit... he shot or double-tapped some of the corpses as we passed by them.
Eventually...
Henry went to a particular section or part of the third floor before stopping beside a wall, he then turned around to look at me before utilizing sign language to communicate to me.
"Can you understand me?" he questioned.
"I can," I replied with a nod which he happily gave a thumbs up in response.
"Our friend is behind this wall, we need to wait a bit," he continued which I nod.
After a moment of quietly waiting...
The wall then retracted back a bit before sliding to the side as it's means of opening the entrance, revealing Bain and the panic room behind... he was wearing an Altyn Helmet, hoodie jacket, body armor, gloves, cargo pants, and combat boots, moreover, he was utilizing a bullistic shield coupled by his sidearm which was a Glock, once he saw us he put his arsenal down before he looked at me and spoke.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"My friends call me Haunt," I replied before my cellphone buzzed from being contacted.
I brought it out of my pocket to see that the caller is Jimmy, I answered it then put it on loudspeaker so all three of us can hear, Bain meanwhile then walked past in between both me and Henry o get to the front, facing the way where we came, intended to be a precautionary role considering his ballistic shield as he listened.
"Enemies are approaching the building from the back area of the construction site, some had gone inside... the rest of the cavalry showed up to take on the front, exit the building ASAP," Jimmy hastily said before he hung up hence I kept my phone.
"Alright follow me," he then said before he begins hastily striding onwards leading the way hence Henry and I complied hence followed him from behind.
"There's a secret passage that'll lead us nearby the front entrance of this building, it's safe and temporarily stealthy," he adds.
After a brief moment of us hastily moving on...
Suddenly there's audible albeit distant gunfire outside the building, presumably on the street nearby the entrance where Henry and I used to get inside the construction site, I then spoke.
"They'll likely utilize the building to get a line of sight thus likely our escape route, I'll stay behind and be bait," I said which both Bain and Henry stopped to look at me in response, I stop as well.
"I'll stall so that you both can more reliably escape to the front and make it to the other side," I continued.
"What about you, are you nuts?" Bain replied considerately albeit genuinely confused which I nod.
"Your girlfriend will kill me and Jimmy if you don't make it," Henry replied.
"Your girlfriend is involved?" Bain meanwhile then asked in response, surprising me that he comprehends sign language as well.
"It's not a guarantee that the front will be clear, from here I can lessen the likelihood of you both getting shot in the back from the building, since I'm trouble it'll split focus... besides I have my ways to even the odds against me," I remark.
"... at least follow us to the secret entrance or route just so you already have a means of escape," Bain replied which I nod and complied before there's a distant audible explosion outside.
"Just a reminder, this is a large and wide building that has by now a bunch of enemies somewhere within," Bain continued.
"I'm a magnet for bullshit, I'll find a way," I replied.
"... are you a merc?" he asked.
"No, just a friendly nobody," I replied.
"... we could just risk exit," he retorts.
"If you die then all of this were for nothing, so no," I replied.
After a while...
"Golf, Oscar Foxtrot," Bain said intended for the door hence in response there was this non-dismissive *beep* indicating tone before a portion of the wall retracted back before sliding to the side as a means of opening.
"This door will remain open, I've got significant areas within the building rigged to blow up including the panic room, my workstation, etc," he said before he brought out a remote detonator.
"Are you sure about this, like do you think your memory will still remember where to go to get here after fights?" he adds which I shrug before I nod, I then offered my hand for him to give me the detonator which he did before he went inside the secret entrance.
"Blow the place up only if you're out, don't forget," he remarks.
"Good luck and don't die," he continued, I then notice Henry waiting hence I look at him, he then utilized sign language to communicate.
"You're aware that this is suicide right?" he questions albeit genuinely concerned which I nod in response.
"Don't get yourself killed comrade, there's more to life," he meant before following after Bain which made me smile a bit.
I hastily stride onwards intending to find and kill enemies without getting killed in the process... at that moment I was hoping to be enough of a threat that enemies within or nearby the building will prioritize me, especially since I'm alone.
"Let's hope they'll want to capture me as soon as they realize I'm seemingly left behind," I comment to myself.
After encountering enemies thus instances of intense and hectic combat...
At this point I've manage to kill 6 enemies without getting shot, currently by this point I'm relocating away from my last known or seen position... also the drum mag of my MP5 was nearing its end, I knew courtesy of Iris informing me via my mind trivially or effortlessly.
After a brief moment of me quietly contemplating, deliberately...
I deduced where the enemies will likely go, so I adjusted my position conveniently in response to this, intended to set myself up to effectively combat them if it happens... when I was in my deemed effective position I waited, meanwhile as I hear the enemies communicating, even hearing some footsteps in the process.
After a brief moment of quietly waiting...
My deduction was correct hence three enemies pass by near me oblivious, in a fast sequence, utilizing my celerity I went out of cover then hit the enemy that's tailing behind his two comrades, using my gun I hit him in the face which dazed and knocked him back, immediately after I then transition my act to shoot the duo ahead to my left... after shooting his comrades, I immediately hit him in the head utilizing my gun which either knocked him out or killed him as a result, considering the level of strength I used for the intended outcome... I then advance onwards opposite to the direction they were intending to go, meanwhile as I then reloaded my weapon, dexterously in a quick and neat tactical fashion... once I reached the split ways of the hallway which goes in three different directions in this area of the building, my firearm was then suddenly grabbed by someone around the corner.
In a fast sequence, the enemy simultaneously go out and pressed my gun against my chest... he pushed me back with surprising strength and force as his right hand unholstered a stun baton which activated... it let out an indicating electrifying crackling noise coupled with a visible electricity aspect for a second, but managing in immediate response, I kicked it out from his hand via my left leg, the enemy in response utilized my gun to hit my jaw and face which hurt bad... he immediately pushed me to the left thus I collided to the wall with enough force that I felt it dent to an extent behind me... if the pain wasn't enough, almost all the air within my lungs were forced out as a result... I was a tad bit lightheaded and for a second dazed... in anticipation I instinctively dodge to my left thus his fist ended up embedding a bit in the wall behind me... enraged of failing to get this over with, utilizing my celerity I bent his right arm the wrong way before I tank a punch directed to my liver to hen elbow him in the face, I followed it up with a headbutted which dented his face further and sent him staggering back a bit as a result.
In a sudden burst of speed and momentum I propelled myself to collide to him, as a result, he hit the wall behind him with a loud thud, his collision was so forceful that the sound of the wall when damaged and the sensible shudder of the area was sensible... the enemy who's certainly dead slid down to be slumped up, sitting against the wall below the dented area of his forceful impact... I then felt the sting on where he punched me before suddenly in anticipation, I dodge to my left then weave a bit before I had to dash back to lay onto the ground on my back as to not get shot, meanwhile as I unholstered my ballistic knife... since I was already facing the direction of the enemy, I utilized my ballistic knife hence as intended the blade shot out, fortunately embedded itself in the face of my enemy which ultimately killed him... I then realize that the enemy whom I've stuck a blade in the head was part of the trio I've just recently dealt with before I got meleed.
"Your liver is bleeding a tad bit, but you're healing," Iris then comments as I get back up.
"Avoid fights like that please," Iris then adds.
Immediately after in anticipation, I threw the hilt of the ballistic knife somewhere specific to the right by the hallway there, which timely hit an enemy in the face as he shoots thus making him miss, I then swiftly unholstered my sidearm then shot him in the face before taking cover behind a wall, this was timely too because his fellow comrades showed up then began shooting at me... fortunately, I had an H.E. grenade which I got from looting one of the corpses Henry and I passed by to get to Bain... I unpinned it then cook it sufficiently before I threw it whilst behind cover in the direction of the enemies, as intended it timely exploded before they could get away... I then shot in the direction of the hallway that's in front of me which was opposite from where I had fragged some enemies, as a result I instantly shot the anticipated enemy in the head who had just gotten around that corner into my line of sight... I then proceeded to shoot in that direction at intervals dictated by my intuition, intended to deter any enemies from peeking there as I hastily retreated to the hallway where I fragged some enemies.
... it worked as intended hence I was able to relocate without being shot or contested in that direction... once I was around the corner of that hallway, it's only then that I discover that two enemies had survived the grenade explosion... they were by this point audibly wheezing and gurgling, presumably for air because of their horrific pained and injured state... they were barely clinging onto life... behind the cover of the corner, I shot both each in the head hence mercy killing them or ending their misery before I continued on... that scene made me relatively remorseful in mind about deciding to use a grenade against those enemies.
"Are you able to deactivate or tamper in any way?" I asked with contextual intent about the cybernetically enhanced soldiers of Akan as I reload my pistol.
"No, like Henry although barely any human left, their mind and brain is still significantly present, but unlike Henry, these bots of Akan aren't misaligned and have been significantly stripped off of emotional motivation... not entirely just a tech and even a human being at that point," Iris replied.
Since the scene of people after I blew them up via a grenade was still bothering me, especially the two enemies who had to suffer as they were dying because me, presumably triggered by this I then experience an impulse of unpleasant memories that all belonged to my past histories... my variants who are long deceased... impulsively I flinched, tensed, then shudder in response, although I managed to stifle it all down and kept on moving forwards for a bit, I then began hearing a multitude of voices... they were all familiar but each one was different, distinct... I collectively hold all the memories of my deceased variants, particularly only the worst ones which involved Juno... anyway, back to this anomalous experience, the things said are a sample, of a collection of experiences belonging to my long deceased selves which I now bear... the context is their own history, somewhere and at some time in their past... the voices were overwhelming, thus these were the only words or statements I was able or managed to comprehend whilst I was being stressed.
"I never thought the tears of a broken man would make me feel special," a female said, sensibly indulging at my vulnerable state of mind.
"You'll always be alone and unhappy, hopeless and a bore, nothing else," a man said, sensibly indulging at my unpleasant and melancholic predicament.
"It's sad how things turned out for you," a female said, sensibly faking sympathy and empathy for the sake of her ulterior motives.
"You think I give a fuck!? I don't care if you're right, get out, leave!" a female said, sensibly brash but intended heedless of the consequence, assuming I'll let go and come back around.
"I'm sorry but you're on your own, bye!" a man said, sensibly indulging about me being betrayed.
"I don't give a shit about your internal conflictions or depression, you can't fix yourself... with that said, for once do things RIGHT, prioritize them not yourself," a man said, sensibly intending to take advantage of my striving benevolent character.
"Clearly nobody bothered to do anything, can't you see the only problem is you... maybe it's all in your head, have you ever thought about that... go help yourself," a man said, sensibly brash but genuinely disregarding my well-being or wellness.
... the multitude of voices then begin gradually fading... I was melancholic as a result of the anomalous momentary experience, Iris in response stimulated authentic memories about myself concerning what I've positively succeeded in and the silver linings I've achieved in a variety of contexts from different histories or realities,... although I'm aware that all of my ends were consistently melancholic or tragic and having to be reminded of such experiences, the efforts of Iris were enough to soothe me... it was a foothold, although not entirely solved but soothed nonetheless.
"Thank you," I said, melancholic but genuinely appreciative of her care which made her sensibly smile.
"I may not be human but I'm real, you're not alone Haunt," Iris replied which made me smile a bit in response, albeit saddened still.
"Acknowledged, truly," I replied as I hastily stride albeit cautiously intending to find and kill enemies.
Eventually...
My phone received a call indicating Henry and Bain have secured themselves to be able to reach the exfil, as a result I then begin my way back to the secret route Bain had shown me... in terms of body count from the duration of my conflicts, I've killed 21 enemies overall... anyway at this point I was now using the secret route... on my way through a hallway I encountered a panel on a wall, it was opened up which contained a rack for two weapons, only one was taken and what was left was a rotary grenade launcher, specifically it was the M32A1.
"H.E. rounds," Iris comments as I sling the weapon over my shoulder, referring about the ammunition of the grenade launcher.
I then hastily continued on before I abruptly stopped when my phone suddenly vibrated, as a result of being contacted... It was Jimmy, immediately I answered it whilst half expecting Hesh or something that involves her being enraged of my decision to get left behind.
"Haunt, why'd you decide to stay behind my friend!?" Jimmy asked, upset.
"If I didn't we would've likely been shot in the back or pincered," I replied as I hastily stride.
"... please get out of there alive," he said genuinely worried.
"I've been through far worse, worry less," I replied before I hung up as I continued my way.
Once outside the building and into the construction site...
... the sentry gun Iris reconfigured must've been a menacing obstacle for the enemies since there weren't any enemies at the front area of the building, piling or rushing in the entrance to get into the building... however, there were a few enemies nearby which effectively slowed me down, but unsurprisingly the grenade launcher I now have helped significantly in making progress... presumably Bain and Henry left the weapon for me which is considerate and thoughtful of them.
Not long combating, suddenly...
I got sprayed by some bullets in the back from somewhere towards the building, fortunately I had armor on, which weren't penetrated by the bullets considering the Plot platings... startled by the suddenness, I impulsively dashed behind some cover before I pulled out the detonator, I then used it which activated he explosives Bain rigged within the building... after the multiple audible explosions that were originating somewhere deep within the structure, also coupled with the ground shuddering a bit as a result of this, I resumed my advance, meanwhile as the building behind me was in the progress of collapsing.
After some time of me advancing and instances of shooting intending to kill, eventually...
The entrance of the construction site was in sight but it was a distant away still, plus it was predictable, so instead of exiting out that way I utilized the M32A1 once which as intended blew up the fencing nearby me... calculatedly cautious considering the van which I intend to utilize was just nearby on the other side... at this point I had expended all the ammunition of my MP5, unfortunately without encountering weapons or the corpses of my dead enemies to loot, I was primarily left to rely on my pistol which had only 2 mags, meanwhile my rotary grenade launcher only had one grenade left... after leaving my MP5 on the ground I exit the construction site then approached the van which was the same one that had the two corpses slumped up beside it.
Suddenly, for a split second an intense amount of the crackle and impact of bullets startled me before I manipulated time hence everything was absurdly slow... I hastily went to the van after avoiding bullets that are in mid-air sluggishly pending to fulfill their projected trajectory, when I reached the front passenger door of the vehicle I attempt to open it to discover that it was locked... immediately, I looked at the two slumped corpses on the side of the van for Iris to trivially scan, to find and highlight the key of the vehicle for me.
"Nothing," Iris said, sensibly worried.
... the burning sensation as consequence of my manipulation of reality has now made its presence felt, Iris then conceptually shared to me the anatomy of the door of the van... I utilized that information which enabled me to conveniently nudge parts of the door via telekinesis to open it... when I was inside the van I ceased my manipulation of reality... when everything resumed to normalcy the gunfire and bullets abruptly stopped, realizing I've just instantaneously disappeared from their point of view meanwhile as I'm now at the driver seat beginning to hotwire the van by this point...suddenly, the front passenger door which I left open in my haste to get in the van then closed... unluckily, it didn't go unnoticed thus after a bit of eerie pause of silence, bullets suddenly begin peppering the van as I continue to hotwire the vehicle... but fortunately the signature vehicles of Akan's mercenaries were bulletproof hence I was safe from within... courtesy of Iris informing me, I was aware that the passengers of the vehicle were only considered for the vehicle to be armored unlike some key components or parts of the van.
... luckily, the concept of Iris sharing me the anatomy of the door is still fresh in mind hence I suggest the same idea or means which Iris immediately acknowledges... as a result she shared to me the entire anatomy of the van via her effortless conceptual means which I utilize for my convenience... I manipulated reality in the way which I recall to fabricate artificial physical forces, purposely to protect the tires and other crucial albeit vulnerable components or parts of the vehicle, shielding them from likely getting shot out of commission or function... I utilized my memory about the van's anatomy as a reference which made my placement of these fabricated forces reliable and as intended... in addition, these artificial physical forces are invisible or simply imperceptible for normal people... anyway, after successfully hotwiring the van whilst I'm managing to maintain my consistent level of manipulation of reality... it was becoming tricky for my mind and brain at this point... I utilized the seatbelt of the driver seat before I drove away onwards whilst the van was still getting relentless shot at.
... I rammed through the blockade on the street that was set up by Akan's mercenaries purposefully to make the street that'll lead to Bain's hideout inaccessible and to deter people away... although the windshield is peppered by bullets thus mitigating my line of sight, it wasn't enough hence I drove on without much trouble seeing what's ahead... when I was now not getting shot at anymore it's then I only realized that my head was throbbing... my eyes were a bit in heat, plus I had a headache coupled with a strong motive and notion of doing absolutely nothing but going to sleep... reminded that I'm still manipulating reality and that I've become numb by this I quit my manipulation... as a consequence of my excessive incautious manipulation of reality in that way which I recall, I almost passed out thus swerve unintentionally to the side of the road, obviously risking to crash onto something or someone for a bit.
"Haunt!" Iris immediately exclaimed in response which made me adjust my way of driving, correctly and safely.
"Hey, stay with me!" Iris continues whilst sensibly trying to get my attention, meanwhile as I'm struggling to focus.
... my body, impulsively, was really motivated to give up and just let go, tired as I am of everything... it was severe enough that I was slowing down as I drove, not anymore heeding the likelihood that my enemies can catch up and kill me... fortunately I had Iris, desperate to keep me conscious she stimulated various memories that's rage and loathe inducing... plus some applicable instigating concepts too to amp up my anger... it was sufficient enough that I was now gradually impulsively determined and driven to get this over with... Iris continued this stressing or torment of my sanity and humanity for a bit to keep me impulsively driven until I was not at risk of succumbing to the consequence of my excessive use of manipulating reality... but as a result, my loathing and contempt for humanity and society spiked and kindled to the point that my knuckles had this tingly sensation, conceptually wanting to be bruised by hitting someone or something repeatedly... in addition to that moment, the notion of homicide was enticing... also it took a chunk of my focus to mind my grip on the steering wheel otherwise I'll grip it too hard thus damage it inconveniently.
After a while as I quietly drive whilst in deep thought...
Still tense of what I had to recall and endure in mind, I've managed to control my impulses hence I regained my levelheadedness and composure, Iris then spoke.
"My sincere apologies," Iris apologetically said, sensibly worried.
"... risky, but you did what you had to," I replied.
After some time, eventually...
I was still driving hastily albeit skillfully and cautious, after I drove around the corner before my vehicle begins to speed up once again, my vehicle suddenly got rammed from the side by another vehicle which halted and pushed me on the sidewalk to the right, luckily there was a nearby alleyway too... I immediately unbuckled my seatbelt then crawled over to the front passenger seat to get out, after I opened the door and fell on the pavement of the sidewalk, dizzy still, I stood up then leaned on the side of the van, impulsively intended to reassuringly steady myself as I gradually recover and organize my thoughts... at a glance I see bystanders in the area looking at the crash site, I also notice a couple and an elderly man hastily making their way towards me, but they abruptly stopped then begin to back away whilst looking at one of Akan's mercenary with fear... with my thoughts back in order, I then decide to rip off the front passenger side door of my vehicle in response, with the convenient help of some placement of artificial forces which I've tweaked... as intended it damaged the hinges of the door so that it'll give away quickly when I pull.
... timely that I got the door off, the enemy whom the couple and elderly man was looking at came into view via around the front of my vehicle, he was presumably the driver of the van that rammed my vehicle... with his gun raised at the ready he shoots... unsurprisingly nobody intervened, it caused most of the civilians nearby the area to scream in response to the gunshots and the scene, they were all fearful or panicked, maybe some were even both... anyway, keeping his distance away from me, using his AK-74U he intended to shoot me through the door that I'm utilizing as a shield... yes, the handling of my improvised shield was tricky... the enemy whom I'm confident knows by this point that I have a bulletproof obstacle between him and his bullets, continued on shooting at me, intended to keep this pressure on... since vans are their signature vehicle, I acknowledge that it's likely he has some backup hence, as a result, I retreated to the alleyway as I maintain facing the direction of the shooter utilizing my shield... and I was right to hastily retreat to the alleyway because his comrades then appear from around my wrecked vehicle with weapons drawn at the ready, they then proceed to unsurprisingly help him... they begin by peppering the window of the door first which decreased my line of sight to them effectively.
"Bots," Iris then comments highlighting three individuals through the door via my HUD or U.I.
In a fast sequence, I immediately manipulate reality in this way that I recall, as intended my improvised shield was now conveniently being kept up strong by the sufficient fabricated physical forces I've made, meanwhile as I then let go... immediately after I kicked it, but not before timely removing the artificial forces that's holding up my improvised shield, as intended my improvised shield became a projectile which hit them all, fortunately knocking them all down on the ground... immediately I then dashed backwards twice hence effectively increasing the distance between me and my enemies before I had to turn around and run, Iris then spoke.
"Unlike the ones you encountered back at the site these have a more deadly booster in their system," Iris comments before my phone vibrates in my pocket as I exit the alleyway, hearing the crackle and whizz of bullets dangerously close behind me as I go.
"Patch me through," I said as I continued running, meanwhile as I'm unsurprisingly getting a lot of attention bystanders or civilians.
... Iris enabled me to answer the call utilizing my H.P Mask and modified Ushanka, she confirmed the medium is set by an indication in my mind via her anomalous means.
"I'm running at the moment," I said intended as my opener for this conversation.
"Thank Christ... Haunt look, Akan is fucking pissed, his mobilized troops in the city are frantic," Jimmy said, sensibly stressed and agitated.
"Don't die and do not lose your phone, you hear me, do not lose your phone since it's my only means of finding you!" he continued before he hung up.
I was reminded of something as a result of this conversation, fortunately too, Iris in immediate response to my thoughts reactivated the tracking device that Jimmy implanted in the phone that he gave to me for free, she then spoke.
"Activated," Iris said for my convenience.
"Fuck you're convenient," I impulsively praise which made her sensibly smile.
I then went to a nearby exit which was to the right, after getting out of this area, I then had to cross a street but unluckily just as one of Akan's signature van's passed by, I heard it skid to stop somewhere on the road to my left meanwhile as I continued running... presumably they wanted me captured alive to be interrogated for information, although at this point I wasn't entirely sure yet, but as this cat and mouse event played out and dragged on, It convinced that it was the case.
After a while of running and instances of evasion, eventually...
I went into an alleyway, now distrusting other more convenient albeit conventional routes in public since it'll likely get me captured or killed, especially because of how likely predictable I was being... unluckily the alleyway led me into a dead-end hence I abruptly stop as I grab my grenade launcher that's slung on my back... I turn around to look behind me, aiming it preemptively just to timely see the three pursuing bots come into view... I direct impact one of them hence obliterating him and his two comrades nearby him as well as a result... since my weapon has ran out of ammunition, I threw the grenade launcher to the ground before I utilize a nearby dumpster as a boost, I then had to utilize some edges and a pipe to get up, to finally reach the stairwell or fire escape on the side... when I began hastily ascending I was then shot at from below which Ignore and kept on moving up.
After some time of instances of utilizing parkour to my advantage to evade, constant running, and countable instances of blending in amongst crowds of people...
Seeing a light pole as a unconventional albeit efficient means of getting up to the upper level that's in my way, I utilized it since it would mean less time for me to progress, unlike the conventional way of going around to find the stairs just to go up... fortunately it was nearby the wall that's behind it which helped the effectiveness of my ascension... the second I got over, I was then shot at from behind which luckily missed, also it unsurprisingly startled the bystanders or civilians in the area... I stood up then ran to luckily see a distant opportunity of utilizing rooftops as a route... the bots were managing to keep up, considering how fast I am on foot even if downgraded, I was surprised that these enemies of mine can relatively manage enough... yes, I could've confronted my pursuers but it would've potentially and likely made the problem bigger and messier... possibly open up new solutions for my enemies like say for example, threatening to kill civilians if I didn't surrender... the pursuing bots had potential of beating me to death if they work together to overwhelm me in melee combat, besides considering I was downgraded, my pessimism convinced me to not be stupid which is fortunate.
... more so about Akan's cybernetically enhanced soldiers, according to Iris, the bots can even relatively track and see me through walls at a particular proximity, as a result, any opportunity in blending in amongst people by this point I have now deemed unreliable, not risking detection in circumstances that's potentially and likely disadvantageous... there's a time and a place, I know my place and this are those times wherein running was the reliable solution for my intended outcome, which is to lose this trouble and escape... I know when to pick my fights and when to run... anyway, I managed to increase the gap between me and Akan's mercenaries along the way, but I needed to get reckless or tricky albeit reliably, especially for any bots that have managed to keep up somewhere behind me... when I reached my intended route it's then I utilized my stimulating boost as added reassurance or guarantee for when I execute moves.
"Playing The Gauntlet by Simon Viklund," Iris then said.
⟨Music Plays⟩
After some time of running, instances of utilizing parkour for unconventional albeit efficient means of evasion, and cutting across different areas and streets of the city...
I took some glances behind me to realize that I've finally managed to lose the bots, after a lot of close calls and some lucky moments... a good thing too because my current route at this point just ran out thus I had to make my way down.
After a moment of utilizing parkour to get down...
I ran out of the alleyway to realize that I'm now in a part of the city that was bustling again, luckily there was a nearby public underground route used to get across the wide street that's beyond the sidewalk, I utilized this opportunity hence I went in... hastily making my way through I was unsurprisingly getting some attention from nearby civilians or bystanders since I'm in haste, I looked out of place, I had holstered pistol on my tact belt and lastly I presumably smelled of gunpowder... there were a lot of people than I expected.
After a while of me tensely albeit hastily striding amongst crowds of people...
I heard a yell of fear and surprise somewhere behind me hence I doubled my efforts of hastily getting out of there... suddenly, a person, likely an innocent soul just trying to help the people who he assumes are the good guys, tried to trip me for them... as a result, he instead broke or hurt his leg since I'm inhumanely strong and driven in my strides... he yelled in pain and fell, the nearby people and I were startled, I impulsively stopped and looked behind me at him in response.
"Спустись на пол!" a man exclaimed before shooting at the ceiling as emphasis, this mercenary was presumably the leader of the group who were tailing me in this route.
Most people immediately complied whilst some were standing frozen by fear, meanwhile the rest were beginning to comply... in a sudden burst of speed and momentum I dashed twice hence closing the distance between me and the exit out of this area, managing without hurting anyone in the process... when I went around the corner about to proceed onto exit I almost got shot in the back, I ran a bit before I abruptly stop since unluckily there were three police officers ahead hastily heading down this way, presumably responding to the gunshots or commotion... they were blocking the way ahead and upon seeing me they yelled at me as they ran towards me, suspecting me as trouble... thinking quick I immediately utilized the railing on the right side of the wall as a boost then managed to climb myself out to the surface level unconventionally... the police officers below almost reached my legs as a result.
... now on the surface I rolled off the edge and down onto the snow covered pavement, immediately I heard yells from down below meanwhile as I stood up before gunshots rang out... presumably the officers and Akan's mercs had a deadly disagreement... the people nearby were unsurprisingly startled and scared by this thus considering this place was still bustling with activity by many people... seeing a nearby bus that was taking in passengers who were also frightened and scared hence eagerly wanted a ride out of here, I boarded... I got in uncontested or without incident partly because the confusion and panic of people were enough to conceal my whereabouts and movement against Akan's troops... apparently, I was the last one to board the bus before the driver closed the doors behind me via a push of a button then floored it out of there... there was a vacant seat on the third row before the last hence I went and sat there.
... I was anxious and nervous no doubt, especially since all the passengers were either looking or often glancing at me, luckily for whatever reasons they all have including the driver, didn't instigate, oppose and rat me out, instead they all were eventually interested in my circumstances or predicament... they unsurprisingly knew I was involved with the ordeal concerning the gunshots, basing from my equipment alone... they began via small talk that were intended to make me feel at ease and safe... pessimistic and cynical that I am I expected something bad and I was suspicious of them all at first... I wasn't aware at the time that at certain proximity, people who are in a distressed and depressed state will subtly be soothed by my presence alone, albeit anomalously... moreover, for some reason unlike for the people that are in an otherwise or opposite state they'll sense this melancholy from me instead which would make them sad... ironic this nature of mine... anyway, in addition when my presence soothes someone they'll also seemingly perceive me as a potential friend every time.
With those said and done, as a result the people made it feel like we were all understanding and supporting friends... I found myself eventually socializing a bit with the passengers especially after Iris said that none of them are subtly contacting the authorities via cellphones... even at the end of my stay I wasn't ratted out or anything... it spiraled to engaging friendly talks about various stuff, occasional jokes, sharing thoughts about a topic, we all manage to get comfortable and acquainted... surprising and strange as the people I'm with were it was special, it reminded me that there are still genuinely good people in this world... the right people at the right time and place I conclude.
After some time of socializing with the passengers, eventually...
At this point, most of the original onboard passengers that were with me and contributed in coercing me to socialize were now gone, but the few who were part of the original passengers onboard the bus that was still there, including the driver, wished me luck and said their goodbyes as I disembark the bus... I thanked them for the pleasant talks and company of course.
"That was strange don't you think?" Iris asked which I absentmindedly nod.
"I'm still surprised... that kinda helped reinforce my faith in humanity a bit," I replied staring at the bus as it drove away with a smile on my face.
I was contented and wished those people comfortable nights of sleep and luck of their respective endeavors... conveniently my drop point was nearby a city park hence I went inside it and searched for a secluded spot, to contemplate whilst making effort to lessen the likelihood of attracting any attention.
After a while of walking, searching for a spot that I'm comfortable at waiting...
I found a spot that had a cover overhead, but before I could sit to relish my moment of victory, a familiar voice then spoke somewhere behind.
"The snowfall is intense, do you intend to freeze to death out here?" Audrey asked which I look at her in response.
"I just thought I would spend some of my time alone here whilst I'm lost, intending to be inconspicuous since I'm in trouble," I replied which made her smile.
"You have your device that can help you... anyway c'mon, you can do that back in the hotel with your friend," she said before walking away which I follow from behind.
"... good thing elusiveness is also something that's surprising about you, otherwise I would've been really unhappy if you got killed," she adds.
"Likewise," I replied which made her chuckle.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
"It would be best if you take off your mask since Akan and his men will not recognize you without it," she remarks hence I comply, I also took off my balaclava too as we walked together.
"Where's Hesh?" I asked which she bit her lip a bit in response.
"Jimmy is currently on the way to get her... like you, she's been busy evading and running as well, obviously I volunteered to personally find and get you," she replied.
"Are you hungry by the way?" she then asked before stopping to look at me hence I stopped as well.
"No, but um... thanks for the offer," I replied feeling awkward which made her smile in response.
"Why?" she asked.
"Not hungry... plus uh, h-have you forgot what I've been through recently?" I replied which made her smirk.
"... your insecurity is amusing, it's also kinda cute," she replied glancing at me which made me frown in response.
"You don't like it when someone calls you cute?" she asked with a raised brow.
"... where are we going?" I replied which made her grin before continuing on hence I follow.
"To my luxurious car, unlike you, I eventually get tired or exhausted," she replied before chuckling.
After some time, eventually...
I'm in the front passenger seat as she drove, in addition, at this point it was getting dark hence the lights of the city began turning on as a result... along our way we encountered a few police cars and ambulances mobilizing in response to the whole ordeal.
"... Tether, what's your definition of madness?" she asked which surprised me... immediately, I looked at her as my right hand impulsively gripped the handle of my holstered pistol in preparation to use it.
"Wait, don't kill me! I mean no harm in any way," she said glancing at me, sensibly afraid, which I relaxed and nodded in response.
"Took you a while to finally realize," she said before she glanced at me once more, sensibly afraid still.
"What are you?" I asked as I took off my hand from my holstered gun.
"... I ask myself that too sometimes but it's definite or obvious that I'm anomalous, or an anomaly," she replied which I nod in response.
"... how'd you know?" I asked which made her smile in response.
"like few anomalous entities I'm fortunately and luckily gifted, specifically capable of sensibly knowing that you don't belong here... a distinct anomaly, not belonging from this universe or reality... I would dare say from anywhere really," she replied.
"How much do you know?" I replied.
"Little... but enough to get your risky attention, I could've learned a lot more if this eerie intense static wasn't the only thing sensible about you and Hesh... mind-wise," she replied.
"Then you're lucky, otherwise you would've died via a memetic kill agent or something Juno put in as safeguard," I thought to myself as I looked away.
"... what's the point of exposing yourself?" I asked.
"Just contributing to your awareness, also as a sign of trust as fellow anomalous beings... are you here to contribute in bringing chaos to the world?" she replied.
"Obviously no... If I was I would've begun by siding with Akan and I would've killed Jimmy the moment I knew what he was fighting for," I replied which she shrugs in response.
After a moment of silence between us...
"I'm curious, why are you helping Jimmy?" I asked.
"It felt right, plus I wanted to... I'd rather do something good in my life before my end... say for example my true being compromised and getting caught by the GOC as a result," she replied.
"... unnatural that I am, I have heart and the humanity," she adds.
After a brief moment of silence...
"You still haven't answered my question," she said before she glanced at me.
"Hm?" I replied now not occupied by my thoughts and looking at her.
"What's your definition of madness?" she asked.
"... give it up and smile, that's my definition... although it's likely subject to change in the future," I replied.
"Interesting... yet how you comprehend or interpret your definition is somehow humane or rightly still, strange... I doubt virtually most people would treat it the way you do," she replied smiling.
"... if you don't mind, you have this aura of melancholy with you, I'm curious," she adds glancing at me.
After a bit of silence between us, as I quietly contemplate...
Suddenly, memories potent of regret, sadness, and hatred jab my mind hence I impulsively flinch and tense in response... Audrey noticed this hence she then spoke.
"Nevermind, I apologize," she apologetically said with concern while I was caught up in my mind or thoughts.
"... I just wanna make it clear that you need someone to talk to, other than your friend, just know that I'm approachable and available," she adds which I nod in response before looking out through the window.
"... *sigh* do you find me repulsive or unattractive Tether?" she asked.
"No... why do my thoughts matter?" I replied looking back at her which made her sad.
"... why do you hate yourself?" she asked, glancing at me which I hesitate to answer.
"... I'm sorry, I-I shouldn't be-," she said apologetically before I cut her off.
"Because I failed, every time... countless times... and that's not all either," I replied, melancholic.
"... why do I even try," I rhetorically mutter, impulsively.
The stoplight then transitioned to a red light on our side of the road, Audrey in unsurprising compliance stopped her vehicle in response... she then closed both her eyes as her grip on the steering wheel became tense and firm, presumably thoughtful or reminiscing in response to what I said... meanwhile as I quietly look at her.
"I truly want to be your friend, Tether," she genuinely said before opening both her eyes which were now a bit teary... she looked at me intently albeit sensibly sad.
After a moment of silence between us as I quietly contemplate...
I let out a light huff of suppressed emotions as I shook my head for a second, I then nodded before I offered my hand for her to shake which surprised her... the look of happiness and relief on her face was priceless as she took my hand, I then spoke.
"Friendship then," I said smiling although saddened still, meanwhile as she shook my hand.
"Friendship," she replied smiling sensibly sad but genuinely content before letting go of my hand.
"I apologize for being relatively emotional there... it's just that you remind me, of someone," she said.
"... you have nothing to apologize for, you did nothing wrong... it's natural to have emotions," I replied which made her chuckle.
"... also what you said... I can relate... granted not at the same level as you, likely not even anywhere near close but still," she adds considerately.
"... don't indulge in it though, otherwise you'll likely end up killing yourself at some point," I replied which made her smile and nod in response.
I've somehow managed to lighten the mood between us, although for the rest of our journey there were some instances spent on comfortable albeit serene silence, we both bonded via talks over random philosophies and concepts... like Hesh, Audrey was the one leading the conversation which I'm glad... I could tell that it was also her means of subtly getting to know more of me, also to get a feel of my character which I turn a blind eye to.
After some time, eventually...
Jimmy, or specifically Hobo Jimmy finally arrives at the hotel with Hesh, upon seeing me at the lounge sitting by my lonesome they both head towards me, Hesh was striding quicker than him which worried me, rightfully so since I know she's pissed off... evident by the look in her eyes as she looked at me intently... I stood up, expecting an unforgiving punch to my face coming from her, she then spoke.
"YOU!" she said, pissed off before she lunged at me.
"Oh boy," I meanwhile heard Jimmy say in response to Hesh's mood.
... I decided to take what was coming at me thus I got tackled on the floor, she then straddles herself and sat on top of me before grabbing me by the collar of my hoodie, pulled it up a bit hence raising my head nearby her's, meanwhile as I then impulsively grabbed onto her arm in response, expecting her punch right after.
"Are an Idiot!" she exclaims before letting go then hugging me tightly.
"So stupid," she adds as she embraced me.
... considering she's on top of me in a position which I find uncomfortable and flustering, I was stunned for a second and unsure what to do before I impulsively tried to get her off of me... Jimmy then spoke meanwhile as I began my attempts to get Hesh off of me.
"I owe you a big deal of an apology, my friend," he meanwhile said, genuinely concerned.
"Don't worry, I have no grudges and am not pissed," I said trying to gently push Hesh off me.
"Still, I want to apologize, happenings like that are never-" he replied apologetically before I cut him off.
"Apology accepted," I said, now not being gentle in trying to push Hesh off of me who was resisting.
"You're lucky I couldn't kill them when I realize you were left behind," she meanwhile whispers to me.
"Hey how about you quit being clingy and get off," I retorted annoyed which she giggles in response then pecked the side of my cheek.
Jimmy meanwhile smiled whilst looking at us, admiring the relationship Hesh and I have... after Hesh rolls off of me to the side, I sit up flustered in mind but relieved it wasn't a punch to the face.
"As compensation for the trouble and especially danger I've put you two through, money-" Jimmy begins before being cut off by me.
"No need," I said standing up.
"Um, w-wait what?" he asked surprised after blinking rapidly for a bit as an expression of temporary confusion, meanwhile, as I lent my hand out for Hesh to grab which she took hence I helped her up off the floor and back to her feet.
"We're not in this for money remember, I'm purely in it for the excitement and Haunt meanwhile just wants to help you stop Akan because he's a cunt that's been killing people for his malevolent ambitions and aspiration," Hesh retorts smiling, now standing up which I support her answer with a nod.
"... just a reminder, you both were inches away from death this day because of me, plus you both have to gain or benefit somehow at least... like c'mon, really," he replied considerately.
"How about spending the money to replace the weapons and ammunition we've lost and spent?" I replied which reminded me that I'm still wearing the gloves and shoulder strap he provided hence I began taking them off, Hesh had presumably already given hers back.
"I'm rich hence don't worry about those things," he replied, meanwhile I then gave him his gloves and shoulder strap back which he kept within his coat.
"Frankly I don't know what to spend it on," I add.
"Really?" he asked, surprised.
"Yeah, same here," Hesh then said.
"What about... I don't know, buying a pet or something, maybe planning for a trip to somewhere else... something interesting in general," he retorts.
"... in my eyes that's just additional means for additional work and responsibilities, no thanks, besides I'm stressed as it is," I replied which Hesh chuckles in response.
"See what I meant about me wanting us to have some excitement," Hesh comments which made Jimmy smile.
"You two are something else, in a good way," he said.
"Look, the money is already in the room where you both are staying or living in, I want you guys to have it because you two have earned it, no buts, I don't care what you do to it apart from having them... unless if you two do something unwise of course," he continued.
"It's your loss," Hesh said.
"Worth it for me," he replied smiling and shrugging.
"You sure?" I asked.
"Absolutely," he replied with a reassuring nod.
"... alright, thank you," I replied.
"Yeah, thanks," Hesh then said.
"... again, I apologize for putting you both in danger like that, if you two aren't as lucky, impeccable, and skilled the outcome would've been worse and devastating... I'm sorry," he said genuinely apologetic.
"It's alright, we forgive you, plus we obviously knew the risks hence it's our fault if we got killed if you think about it," Hesh replied which I followed up her answer with a nod of reassurance.
"... thank you, truly, well I guess I'll be going now then," he replied relieved of our response before turning around to leave.
"Don't be a stranger," Hesh replied.
"Have a good night you two," he adds over his shoulder.
After a bit of silence between us after Jimmy left the building...
"So much for not being reckless, what the fuck! were you thinking Haunt!?" she hastily said as she looked at me, which startled me before I frowned.
"I swear if you're attempting to discreetly get yourself killed because of your suicidal or self-destructive-" she continued before I cut her off.
"I wasn't," I said as I looked at her, she closed both of her eyes in thought whilst tense and clenching both of her fists.
"... I sure hope so, otherwise I'll kill you myself," she replied, angry, as she opened her eyes to look at me albeit frowning.
"Like I give a shit if I die," I retorted which made her angrily grunt.
"Masochistic fuck," she said, pissed off.
"Sadistic cunt," I replied, agitated.
"You- be fucking honest with me," she said, glaring at me as she points at my face, fed up.
"I had no intention, you're talking as if I wanted to abandon this commitment- this goal to save people," I replied, glaring back at her as my loathe and contempt for her kindled.
She looked at me intently, her stare familiarly steely and stern which I'm unfazed by... she then looked down as she shook her head a bit... she was happy that I didn't die, but saddened of the fact that I genuinely do have a death wish... she looked back at me as she shook her again then hugged me, I let her, even if I can't unsee why I loathe her.
"I just don't want to lose you," she said sensibly sad and her voice quivering a bit which made me melancholic.
After a brief moment of silence between us as we hug...
I loosened up, as intended she understood that I had enough hence she pulled away from the embrace and stepped back, she crossed both her arms meanwhile as I then spoke.
"Did you encounter Akan's cybernetic enhanced soldiers?" I asked intending to get a conversation going, half expecting her to use this opening against me somehow.
"... yeah, this is unsurprising but fortunately we never underestimate our enemies," she replied which kinda surprised me.
"... I'm surprised albeit happy that you didn't indulge or took the opportunity in making Jimmy feel like shit," I genuinely said intended as subtle praise.
"You're welcome... I've learned to heed being humane and empathetic... welp, at times I can be inconsistent but I'm doing my best," she replied before smiling.
"That's at least something, I'm content about it hence hopefully you continue to strive," I said which made her grin.
"... Juno was the first to learn... this plane of existence eventually struck her as thought-provoking other than just materials for fuel and to be molded for her to play with," she said.
"After countless losses of humanity, plus outcomes entropy... considering also me as one of the conscripts in my world to be an accomplice of involuntarily helping end it," I comment as my contempt for her and Juno kindled.
"Unforgivable, we're aware Haunt," she replied looking away, sensibly acknowledging the guilt.
"She began to indulge in this change... unsurprisingly it was difficult for her to adjust her nature, its ripple kinda showed it so via her troops like myself... everything which you recall and loathe us for... she continued on making strides even if change is unlikely... *chuckle* believe me or not she learned it from you, or you contributed to that notion," she explains.
"... I'm sorry, I got carried away right there," she said looking back at me with a hint of remorse, unsure what to say I only shrug.
"... Juno can resolve things to be in alignment with her wants trivially yet she's struggling to change," I comment which she just shrugged in response.
"That's life being chaotic," I add.
"... hey Haunt?" she asked.
"Hm?" I replied looking back at her.
"... thank you for making what we have now possible even if it's only for just some time... and us or madness as your main company," she said.
"Make what possible?" I asked, confused which made her giggle.
"Spending time with you before the end," she replied before smiling, sad, I nod in response.
After a brief moment of silence between us...
Hesh fidget a bit as she looked at me... I saw her eyes dilate a bit which made me raise a brow, surprised, she then cleared her throat before she spoke.
"Although for us, consuming food or drinks is no longer essential or a necessity but a choice like sleep... still there's a bar in this hotel, do you wanna indulge in the taste of beverages with me?" she asked.
"... I think we should give half of the money to Audrey, as I said don't know what to practically spend it on for now," I said.
"Unless you have something in mind you want to buy," I continued looking back at her.
"Nope we're on the same page, I don't know what to spend it on and I don't care, besides it doesn't matter considering our inevitable end at some point," she replied, sensibly sad of the concept about our inevitable end.
"So yes, we'll do that, plus it's just a way to lengthen my time hanging out with you," she continued which I nod in response.
"... Is your answer an affirmative to my question, y'know, hanging out with me at the bar?" she asked as she rubbed the back of her neck whilst looking at me, seemingly nervous which made me raise a brow.
"... sure, why not," I said agreeing to hang out with her which made her grin then grab my hand.
"Fuck yeah," she happily replied before she led the way with me beside her as we hold hands.
"Bitter as your existence may be, it doesn't mean you can't experience something fresh or fruity," she continued which made me smile a bit.
"Especially with such an attractive company who wants you," she adds before giggling which wiped the smile that's on my face.
"This attraction and interest are just chemicals in your brain," I said which made her smirk.
"Doesn't mean my feelings for you aren't genuine, I will happily stress this with you when we get back to our room... *chuckle* you'll be drained and passed out before I'm done with you," she replied before grinning.
"What am I hearing- what the fuck is wrong with you?" I asked as I stopped and looked at her, frowning, which made her stop as well before laughing for a bit.
"From what you recall a ton, now c'mon babe, the bar doesn't have all night to wait and I'm keen to spend some of my time with you there... after all it's a date," she replied before grinning whilst pulling me along with her, absolutely eager for our time together.
⟨End Of Recording⟩
Next: "Silver Linings."