Chapter Eleven: Beautiful
They stopped as they approached the settlement, and instructed the organoids to stay on the outskirts and to remain unseen and alert. Specula communicated to Reese to be careful, not at all liking being separated from her, even for only a short while. Before Shadow disengaged from the core to join the blue organoid, he also grunted his concern to his partner. He knew Raven was perfectly capable on his own, but the lack of a combat zoid may potentially be a problem. He hesitated in unfusing, wanting to accompany them by staying hidden within Gus.
"We'll be okay, Shadow." Raven replied, trying to assuage him. "We can't take the risk of you being seen or detected somehow, especially not with scrappers in the area."
Shadow hummed his disappointment before reluctantly separating from the zoid to join with Specula. He hummed again, low and accepting, as if telling him to take care and that he'll be there when he gets back. Raven nodded back at him through the cockpit barrier before propelling Gus towards their destination.
The bond between Raven and Shadow has only grown since they were turned against each other by Prozen. It has never ceased to amaze Reese that a non-Zoidian could bond with an organoid the way Raven has with Shadow. The only other pair that comes close to having that bond is Flyheight with Zeke, although Elisi Linette, being the owner and the Ancient Zoidian who can communicate with the white organoid, had a lot to help with that bond. With Raven and Shadow, however, they've been on their own this entire time. They struggled and fought through battles together, always looking after each other. Although it took Raven a long time to realize what Shadow meant to him, it was a bond tested and broken and reforged again and again. Raven did not have the powers of an Ancient Zoidan to connect with Shadow telepathically, but in spite of that, they still understood and were in tune with each other just the same.
Reese was snapped from her thoughts as Raven turned towards her, wondering why she had been looking at him. She didn't even realize she had been staring, and wondered how long he noticed her gaze before looking in her direction. Trying to hide her slight embarrassment, she gave him a small shrug before turning away to look at the settlement ahead of them, missing the small smile on Raven's face.
With Gus being much less suspicious than the Geno Breaker, they were able to enter the settlement without drawing too much attention. Gus also provided them with more cargo space than the Geno Breaker, and the thought reminded Reese of the bed that they still needed to acquire for Raven.
"Same as last time, we get supplies then we leave. Be careful not to draw too much attention or get recognized." Raven said as they stopped in the zoid terminal area.
"Wait," Reese's voice stopped him before he could open the cockpit. "There's a carpenter's shop just further down the street from the general store." She told him, but he only gave her a confused look, as if silently asking her why that mattered. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at him.
"You can't keep sleeping on the floor, Raven." She deadpanned, shooting him a look that matched her tone.
He couldn't help the amused smile that came onto his face as he realized what she was saying, shaking his head slightly at the thought that even until now she still fussed over that bed issue. "Maybe I'm enjoying the floor, Reese, you don't know that."
This time, she did roll her eyes at him, although the small smile on her face betrayed her mirth.
"Alright, we'll get a bed." He finally conceded, seeing no harm in getting a bed. "I'll go to the carpenter's shop."
She nodded, satisfied that he had agreed with her. "And I'll go resupply at the General Store."
He nodded at her. "We'll meet back here."
Besides, sooner or later they'll need to get other furniture anyway, might as well get whatever they can fit in one trip. The fewer the trips, the less likely someone will notice a pattern and realize their presence in the area.
Raven left first, as he had to go further along to find the carpenter's shop. Not long after, Reese also exited and made her way to the General Store. On the way there, however, she passed by a small clothing and fabric shop. Given that this was their second excursion to the town, they did not have the same level of uncertainty as they did the first time, and with Gus close by, an exit was not as far away as before. She deemed that she can afford to shop a bit more extensively this time around, and planned to acquire items that are suited for a longer stay instead of just for an immediate need. With that thought in mind, she stopped by the small shop, not wanting to pass by the opportunity to buy some new clothes and new blankets for the both of them.
When she reached the General Store, she already had two bags with her. Fortunately, they were mainly fabric and were both not very heavy and could easily be carried with one hand. She opened the door with her free hand. Upon entering the store, she was immediately greeted by a loud voice.
"Selena!"
She sharply looked up to find the same man from a couple of weeks ago tending the register. She had forgotten about him. She only feigned a smile while groaning internally as he approached her, putting out a cigarette on his way.
"My name is Lucas. I didn't get the chance to tell you before." He said casually, with a little too much familiarity than she liked. "I was beginning to think you would never come back."
"I didn't know you were waiting, Lucas." She replied with a shrug, a little bluntly but not too unfriendly.
"Well, it was worth waiting all that time if I got to see a pretty girl like you again." he grinned at her. His suggestive tone did not go unnoticed. Normally this type of cat-and-mouse game would amuse her, but she is not the same as before. Now she has something she cared about. Or someone…She fought the urge to shake her head at what her mind unwittingly supplied.
"I'm just here to get some more supplies." She said as she turned to move towards the aisles to search for items.
"Oh! Of course, I'll be right here when you're done." He said as he returned to the register.
His words didn't quite sit well with her, and she dreaded having to deal with him when she had to pay for her items. He seemed more forward now, the hint of shyness she sensed from him before was gone.
In any case, she had no interest in encouraging the man, but decided that she would still be wary of him. She refocused herself on the task at hand, quickly going through the mental checklist as she looked and gathered the items.
After gathering some food items, kitchen utensils, and other supplies, she was ready to check out, but was not looking forward to speaking to Lucas. She has learned over the years to always listen to her intuition, after all.
When she walked up to the register, Lucas was ready for her with an eager smile. She did not return the smile, and instead only nodded as he started processing the items. She did not dare say anything that would encourage conversation. Not that it stopped him anyway.
"So, Selena, do you live around here?" he started, not nearly moving and scanning her items as fast as he had done before. He was stalling.
"No, just a slightly longer layover," she lied easily. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, I was thinking if we could get to know each other better." He said, flashing a confident smile. "How 'bout a drink later tonight? I know a good place just a few streets over."
She mentally scoffed at the idea. Though she admired his confidence, she didn't like how he seemed just too sure of himself.
"I don't think that's a good idea. I'm busy enough as it is." She replied, watching as his smile turned a little stiff around the edges. "Thank you though." She added, seemingly flattered.
"Oh. That's unfortunate." He said as he finished packing up her supplies. She paid for the items, glad that she was closer to leaving, but sensing he was not quite done with her yet.
"Well, at least let me help carry all this for you. You have a lot of bags to carry as it is." He gestured to her other bags she had acquired from the fabric store.
"These are really not that heavy, I think I can manage." She said as she tried to take the bags of supplies. "I'm sure you need to be looking after your store here."
"No really, I insist." He grabbed the bags before she could take them and pulled them off the counter, pressing a button under the table that emitted a far off buzz from the back of the store she could faintly hear. "My uncle will cover for me while I'm gone. It won't be long."
She watched him as he started for the exit, slightly annoyed but more so suspicious as to why he wanted to help carry the bags.
"So, where to?" he asked her as he reached the exit, unsure where to turn.
"Left, to the zoid terminal" she answered him as she started to walk as well. He led the way, keeping up the small talk about the town and the shops that she wasn't really paying attention to. She stayed mostly quiet through it, only humming or absently nodding whenever it seemed some form of a response was appropriate. She did, however, notice that they were not taking the normal route there. It wasn't really crowded to start with, but the longer they walked, it noticeably became quieter and quieter.
"This isn't really the way I take to the terminal." She spoke up, interrupting him mid-sentence. He looked at her before shrugging a shoulder.
"This way is shorter. A lot of people use the main streets and it takes them twice as long." He said, looking straight ahead as he explained. She only narrowed her eyes at him, not at all falling for whatever ploy he was planning. At this point, however, he had taken them to an empty back street.
"Okay, I think this is as far as I go. I can find my own way back." She stopped behind him and he turned to her. She held out her free hand towards him. "My bags please."
He quietly looked at her, and she looked straight right back, gaze unwavering and challenging. When he realized that she was onto him, he only hesitated for a moment before handing her the bags, a frown on his face replacing the amiable expression he had before.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be." She said as she slowly backed away and turned her back to him when she was far enough.
"Who are you hiding from?" he said casually from behind.
She stopped in her tracks, staying quiet and calm. "I don't know what you mean."
She started to move but his voice stopped her yet again, and this time it sent dread through her spine.
"Some men came by not long after you showed up." He started. "Many of them actually, one after the other…" He had started moving towards her.
"They were asking about a girl with blue hair…" he continued slowly, letting his meaning sink in. "I know you tried to hide it well, but up close…let's just say you made an impression on me."
"I'm sure I'm not the only one who would fit that description." She said, keeping her voice calm, ignoring his second statement.
"Hmm…They also mentioned she has a red mark on her forehead." He walked around her to face her.
"Much like this one you have right here," he said as he reached up and moved her hair with his fingers to reveal the mark. She wanted to recoil and lash out at him, but she needed to gather more information about those men.
"And why would those men be looking for someone like me?" She asked him, taking a half step back to put a bit of distance between them.
"They didn't seem like the…do-right type of people, if you know what I mean." He said slyly. She's really had enough of his smart-ass attitude.
"But don't worry, I didn't tell them anything." He said as he seemed to back away.
She observed him. He had a look in his eyes, a look that she knew better than anyone. She has worn that look more times than she cared to admit. When it comes to manipulation, this guy is an absolute amateur.
"What do you want." She more so stated rather than asked him.
"Hey I'm just trying to offer you my help here." His said, seemingly nonchalant. She only raised an eyebrow in reply.
"If you're in trouble, I can help you. Stay with me, I'll protect you." He said entreatingly.
She couldn't believe it. The idea was laughable at best. This man had no clue who he was talking to, let alone what he was asking. As slimy as this guy was, he was only being naïve and ignorant, so she opted to turn him down civilly.
"Thank you for the offer, but I think I can manage." She said with finality as she side-stepped him, eager to end the situation and find Raven.
Before she could get too far, however, he grabs her roughly by the elbow, causing her to drop the bags. "Of course, I could contact them and tell them about you." He said in a low threatening voice.
Anger flared within her at the gall of this man for the blackmail.
"Come on…" he continued to whisper under his breath. "Just one night-"
He was suddenly cut off by a sudden boot hitting the side of his head, instantly knocking him out. She looked back and saw Raven standing over his unconscious body, having delivered the kick, a disgusted look on his face.
"Looks like I got here just in time", he said as he lays a boot on the villager's head.
"How many times do I have to save you-", he stopped short as he finally looked at her. Her eyes were glowing as she looked at the unconscious man under his boot. He didn't save her just now. In fact, it looked like he just saved this piece of garbage from her. Sometimes he forgets just how powerful she is. "Beautiful..." he thought, as an unfamiliar wave of admiration flared within him at the sight of her. He snapped out of his thoughts, forcing himself to stop staring.
"Reese..." he called out to her quietly. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, and when she opened them again they were back to normal. She looked at him, her face unreadable, but her eyes were glad to see him.
"Thank you", she said, now breaking a small smile.
"You like making an entrance, don't you?" She asked, amused as he digs his boot into the villager's head as he moves to step over his body. He shrugged, giving her a smirk.
"I'm sure he deserved it." He said, gesturing to the unconscious man. He was already wary when he saw the man leading her to an empty street, and immediately sprang into action once the man grabbed her when she tried to walk away. In hindsight, he could have just let her deal with him, instead of sparing him from the nightmares she could have put him under.
"What did he want anyway?" He asked as he crouched to pick up the forgotten bags, gathering stray items that fell out and placing them back in.
"It's not important." She said as she helped him gather up fallen items. "What's important is he mentioned that there were some men looking and asking around about me."
He stopped what he was doing and looked at her as she continued.
"I thought he was bluffing just to blackmail me, but I searched his memories and it's true. He was at least telling the truth about not telling them anything though, despite being offered money." She met his gaze, giving him a meaningful look.
"I erased his memories of me and those men, and this…encounter." She said, gesturing around them. "But I don't think I should be stepping in this town for a while, not when there's an active hunt on my head. And if they're looking for me, they're definitely onto you as well."
He nodded at her and continued packing up the items, mulling over the news. When they collected everything back up, he took the heavier bags and they started walking back.
"What did he blackmail you for? He must've wanted it enough to turn down the money." He finally voiced out after a few minutes of silent walking.
"He wanted a date." She answered with a shrug, and then chuckled after hearing how ridiculous it sounded.
Raven looked at her in disbelief, before also chuckling at her situation. "Well, well, well, look at you making new friends." He grinned at her.
"Ugh, shut up." She mumbled back but kept smiling at the sight of his grinning face.
"What were you doing back there, anyway? I thought you were still at the carpenter's shop." She asked him, changing the subject before her stomach did any more flips.
"The carpenter, Axel, asked if he wanted to have the furniture delivered by his son," he went on to explain. "He probably thought that we lived close by. I told him that I had the cargo space to fit everything in."
"Everything?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I figured I'd get other furniture while we were here." He shrugged. "The house is bare, so we would've needed them at some point if we're to continue staying there."
She nodded, still in disbelief that they were playing house while being on the run. It all still felt surreal to her.
"Anyway, I went to get Gus and after we loaded everything in, I saw you walking with someone on my way back to the terminal. I decided to follow you when I realized you were headed the wrong way." He continued. "I left Gus just further up ahead." He finished, gesturing to the path ahead them.
"I'm glad you came when you did, you certainly kicked him hard enough that it was easy getting in his memories." She said in a thankful voice. "His mind was out cold, he wouldn't suspect anything when he wakes up." She grinned up at him.
He only nodded and smiled back at her, not quite trusting his voice after feeling his heart skip a beat. He looked away and was glad to see Gus just a short distance away. He is still not quite used to these new emotions, and since he can't fight it, his next instinct is still to try to escape.
"What else did you get other than the bed?" she asked him, after a short moment of silence, not noticing the awkwardness in her companion.
"Just a few chairs and tables, a dining set, and a couple of dressers for our clothes," he replied, glad for the distraction. She looked at him curiously.
"And they all fit in there?" she asked, gesturing to Gus as they neared the zoid. He nodded.
"They're packed pretty tight in there, and they would need to be assembled later on." He explained. "He was happy enough that I made a big purchase that he gave me all the tools and materials I would need."
She chuckled for the second time that day. "So, you're going to be building furniture now?" She teased him.
"I certainly wasn't going to ask him to come over." He defended, which only amused her even further. "And I'm not building them, I'm assembling them."
"Right…" She was smiling widely at him now as they reached Gus and he opened the cockpit. They put all the bags in the back.
"Hey, you're the one who wanted the bed." He reminded her, a weak try to turn this against her, but he couldn't help but smile as well. She got in first and started putting on the safety harness.
"First house repairs and now carpentry..." She wasn't even listening to him anymore.
"You're right, you know too much already, I'm going to have to kill you." He joked back, and for the first time, he actually heard her laugh. He had never felt as free as he did in that moment.
"I'm glad you're no good at that at least." She finally said after settling down, referring back to their earlier conversation. He chuckled, glad that she was joking about his past attempts of trying to eliminate her.
"Yeah, I'm glad about that, too." He grinned back at her. He strapped in as well, and geared up Gus for the journey back.
