High School DXD
The Horsemen
Several years earlier
Chapter I
The abundance of stars were numerous beyond counting. Numerous sun's flickered as withering lights among those flourishing. Streams of orange, red, green, blue and so many others met together clashing as an immense wave circulated around one which imploded silently in space to stream expansively outwards. Those around consumed such waves, emboldened to strength, to grow as light was merged into greater balls of heat no creature dared to come close to endure. Bodies of celestial fire merged angrily into ever larger coloration's, before long imploding in shifting objects seemingly so small but were husks of matter to be pushed along.
Reddish streams lingered around circular formations of plasma, radiation and fire, if only to be whisked away lazily upon streams of other coloration seemingly drifting in distances too vast for understanding. Stars flickered distantly in rapid fashion, constantly unable to maintain light as they went out frequently, or rarely. It mattered not, for nothing endured whenever stars struggled to implode, or retain heat so potently it'd send matter into flickering pieces of glittering dust. Endlessly streams of red, yellow, orange and blackened drifted freely into circulating rivers to dissipate into an unfathomable void itself.
Eons passed as if they were fleeting moments, or perhaps moments were eons both of past and future without direction. Yet stars died, they flickered and emerged once streams passed lazily adrift where glowing bodies of matters fizzled out in glowing sparks turning to dust. Rock became dust in glittering displays endlessly beyond number, flickering briefly if only to remain and inevitably only cold space met those beyond distances none could comprehend. For nothing existed, only fire and cold, yet continued without disturbance.
Until one light among others retained despite flickering rapidly as it moved through an endless void of darkened cold. Stars flickered into nothing, some imploded feeding and strengthening others as rock melted away into dusts. Yet one light, not as large but equally brighter lingered around stars ceasing to exclude themselves. It danced, weaving in between streams almost energetically as streams of coloration drifted lazily to dissipate. Among coloration's stretched upwards towards an incredible mixture of purple, blue and an all consuming hole that blanketed upon distances no understanding could dream to imagine.
Storms shattered tranquil silence among these rifts as stars were pulled inwards, being snuffed out yet this bright light remained energetically weaving in between streams. Although among streams of coloration clashing together, a surge of one broke off drifting aimlessly allowing stars to brighten and implode into greater lights. Stars mashed together, forming novas of light and sheer waves capable to send entire masses greater than rock to spiral away. And a small yet unyielding light weaved within reddish streams energetically.
Weaving upwards, downwards and circulating around festering stars that went a golden nova until darkness retained itself. Yet others kept growing, becoming redder, or a blend of coloration refusing to die as others withered. Bluish streams of green emerged further above, churning as storms akin to electric consumed vast distances as an all consuming hole circulated within. Reddish streams dissipated into being funneled upwards, stars as bright or not were drawn inward as matter ceased to glow brightly.
The small undying light energetically weaved upwards until abruptly flickering dangerously in rapid blinks. Streams encircled it, threatening to consume light whereas warmth faded as it tried weaving away far too quickly. It struggled to remain alight in a darkened void, where stars and rock ceased existing in abundance. Yet among coloration did seek to snuff out light, one coloration in which it darted towards allowed light to go unchallenged.
Among stars imploding into nova displays did this energetic light emerge far brighter, unhindered and weaved energetically far faster. It weaved around one stream, seemingly unhindered or threatened yet coloration within mixed dangerously seeking light as others withered away. Yet only reddish streams spiraled upwards churning and mixing within others, as a storm grew sending ripples across others with this sole bright light shinning strongly. And within these streams of coloration did an entire hole emerge seeking to envelop those within it without warning.
I blinked away blurred vision when I inhaled to stretch when waking up from a sudden nap. Need to lay off drinking, it's not exactly pleasant. Unknowingly my finger squeezed a pistol's trigger well lightly before a loud prominent bang went off. Cold snow flakes begin lightly descending as I stood upright somewhat annoyed at checking up on a ragged looking metal tool and a bent up pistol barrel tiredly. Son of a bitch, I guess that's why you don't drink on a job. It worked which was what mattered most since it'd do what needed to be done.
Spitting to the side to nurse a swollen lip, shivering I stuffed my acquired tool into a ragged looking school bag before lugging it out of an alleyway. The hooded sweater I was wearing was too large, but it at least protected me from frigid conditions, if not barely as I stuffed both hands to keep them warm. Another day of living on streets full of shit and another day of wandering desolate streets filled with so many disgusting people. And ironically, none of them shared a similar appearance to my own pale exterior to make me undesired.
Today's your day, it's finally going down! Smiling wide I moved past through crowds of people either reading papers, or on their phones laughing to themselves. I shoved aside several who let out curses at my back to which I raised a hand flipping them off. My hat's brim was absolutely torn to shreds due to constant exposure over months and months, hell I'd barely scrounge up any loose change to do laundry whenever I had said opportunity. But unfortunately what little good I had often got snatched away for God's miracle cure called cocaine.
Cocaine, it's lesser cousin called crack or even heroin always ended up in places I'd hide away money for food and water. Fucking druggie bitch off is probably whoring herself away again, or anything with a dick! Sneering angrily I shoved aside some random person who looked utterly bewildered someone had done such a thing. Thumbing my pocket knife I got very tempted to tear into someone, but fortunately I had someone already in mind and it was going to be amazing. Hotly exhaling to cause a miniature fog blowing past reddish cheeks I was fully ready to get some good old fashioned pay back, as I invested for quite some time to acquire the pistol from some shoddy dealer.
Crossing across a semi busy street I absently fingered the knife's handle itching for someone to beg for mercy. It'd been almost an entire week since I had opportunity to really make use of it, or rather given free reign to pick out some average Betty or Joe. Coming across a park I made way towards it waiting for my ride, I'd be out late tonight working and I certainly looked forward for making overtime worth every penny. Snorting quietly I forced out several series of coughing fits due to being out for so long in this weather. Weather being an absolute pain in the ass for making even living an already damned hassle as it was currently!
Tonight I get my blood in this fucking city, I'm going to get it! There wasn't any hope for what civilized people who'd never gone hungry in their lives, I had nothing left. Those who fed into that crap of happy endings, of joyful and kind lives never understood they were living in sheer disillusion. Disgusting if I had to say considering they'd need a trip of acid to finally see reality and if by luck, I'd sell to them to only stuff their mouth full of lead.
Walking past newspaper stands did I absently ignore those in business suits who walked talking on wireless phones. Pieces of plastic with supposed big shots talking about stocks, changeable numbers and various other things I blandly considered worthless. I can feel a fight coming, I haven't lost that gut feeling since school years ago. Getting jumped for being a smart kid, good thing I know how to break a jawline or two. It doesn't matter even if they came at me first, in this country only victims are praised for bullshit in the past.
Pulling clothe tighter around myself did I shake off snow in a bid when crossing one street where lights remained red. Still horns honked furiously with drivers demanding I hurry up, I only looked over sneering to raise my middle finger blatantly. No one cares about anything, it's all about getting to the next place on time and on top. Money, it's what makes this world spin and being paler than everyone in this fucked up city is just a ticket for someone to sucker out. I kept up pace ignoring literal trash walking past me, or pieces littering drains to such an extent it'd flood with shit once snow melted in a few more days.
An antique shop's obvious sign met my wandering gaze to garner a small grin. Looks like he's in today, surprised he's not normally opened on Sundays. Sharply moving towards an alleyway where various homeless huddled out of sight, I absently looked over sneering to ask them, "Who wants a piece?" I held my gloved hand where ragged clothing pulled small bags of various products. I never indulged in it, more so in favor of retaining earnings and only watching them waste away unable to let go of poisons we'd all been to swallow.
"How much you offering, Rex?" A lanky man grinned shaking as he stood, I smirked finding their name of me almost too flattering. Rex, old word for King. I found such endearment since I never used my real name among these consuming leeches, yet they were useful. Money talked, bullets kept me alive and product kept on popping up at rates no man in this city dared to imagine. The world was sickened to it's damned core, a natural return after decades of those hiding and I wasn't any wiser to see signs.
"Sixty." I held up a bag lightly shaking it as he eagerly forked over green paper with myself walking away. Enjoy shit quality, you'll be dead in three days. Smaller trash heaps were burning lowly with gaunt faces looking up eagerly. It didn't take along having nearly a thousand after ten leeches were injecting themselves, it was a perfect world. I didn't bother showing off the pistol since it'd been for more excitingly dangerous ventures.
Coming to a stair well leading downwards where signs indicating an open business met my eyes to a plain doorway. There was a buzzer off to the right as I pressed it momentarily, if only to hear it unlock as I stepped through. Must be in a good mood, if he's open on Sunday. Probably don't want to know considering last time someone started to start up shit, taking on cartels is only someone who's got no life to attempt. Being alone away from most organized groups certainly held perks, I stayed for myself and only earned to be somewhat separate from it all. Yet there were opportunities for lone men like myself to earn a living, it just required a sharp eye or lack of humane enjoyment.
The shop was an antique treasure trove of random items ranging from tossed personal items to all sorts of eccentric wares. Flags of old, portraits that were worth more now than ever and various books that were considered banned by modern terminology. It was a nice play to realize that our greatest times were well behind us, because nothing made sense to keep them remembered. Where the hell are you now, damned junkie! Glass classes filled with various supposed liquids that were from churches, or cursed due to some idiots playing Ouija too many times often made my urge to yawn too damned tempting.
Along shelves locked in cases were massive books ranging from old comics, to literal pieces and sometimes an occasional ragged looking holy book pertaining to Christianity. Guy's got a literal hoard of supposed things, why he never leaves this shit neighborhood I'll never know. Though he's damned good at finding out where money, product and a fight are at constantly. Absently I stopped in seeing bullets from seventy years ago on display, "Five grand for three blessed silver tipped?" It'd been due to some priest during an old war in the forties as I read aloud laughing under-breath to shake my head far too disbelievingly.
"I'll sell it for three, Rex." I perked up looking to pull off a hood allowing hair to drew off in an ever dry heat environment. Like I'm spending three grand on relics, I can't even use them in this piece of junk I got off a dealer two months back. Revolvers, cheap but utterly are crap. The man who spoke up wore some strange poncho while having a long eye peering widely smug, he'd lost one due to a construction accident supposedly decades ago. Got screwed over by simply doing his job, got limited coverage and sued to start up a business in this shit neighborhood when it'd been more civil to walk around at night.
Somewhere in his mid fifties I knew this man since I was a sophomore in high school due to myself reading into some occult myths for history projects. Shocker, white kid does something different and gets smart to be jumped for making everyone else look bad. I chortled since it'd more historical since it'd gotten me an exceeding standard grade in those innocent days. Least before my old man shot himself during an overdose, as I didn't know where my mother left too this time around but I hedged getting fucked behind a dumpster.
"Slim-Jim." I said his name rather smugly as he rolled said eye, "You still acting like a Rex? Not even out of a school a year, already thinks he's big and bad." I put up in leaning over a counter absently forking over several hundred to ask him, "What's the news on the street? I need more, last place was just full of junkies high on heroin. You have to know something big is happening, I mean really junkies who piss themselves over a revolver?"
Slim-Jim idly counted several hundred while sitting back on some carved up wooden chain, if it'd been some sort of protection against stranger things. Thing's probably better for fire wood, or whatever the hell it should've been! Clacking trinkets around his neck were a mix of christian symbols, to some strange pentagram and I swore he added Nordic runes of sorts. It was a never ending scam to sell to any wandering tourist who got lost on this city of a crumbling city. And I happened to buy a few to sell off to said tourists on a beach front couple months back.
"Nothing's been happening, kid." He often called me that merely as an affectionate liking since I used to hang out with others who'd come into this shop of idiocy. Yet I wasn't convinced, "Oh by Christ I know that's just bullshit. Might have worked when I started walking around, but now? Something is always happening, if it goes quiet then you damned well know someone's cooking a new batch for green to flow. So what's happening now?"
He reached down to pull out a small glass of whiskey to idly drink in plain view, "Couple odd things happening this week, Rex. Murders, rape and all that good stuff." I lightly pulled out a revolver to have it tapping against glass where some sort of wooden masked idols were on sale, "Really?" I drew out absolutely annoyed to see him grin crookedly. Bastard's been drinking heavily again, I think he's been doing too acid to finally lose a grip. Jim's always been a tad loose, I think he was a veteran at one point or something on top of that accident.
After doing one large glass did he absently pull out a needle to begin injecting himself, "Lots of odd things are popping up lately, Rex. It ain't normal, some murders were just pieces of people and I ain't concerned. It's been happening hence why lot of big players..." He paused to exhale happily in getting a soon to be trip to whatever high, one he'd pleasantly immerse himself. I kept tapping glass patiently which got him guffaw aloud, "Let me see that piece of tin! Back in my day, that's just a BB-gun for kids to learn real guns."
His poncho concealed an wearing checked long sleeve shirt in which I asked, "Don't waste a bullet, I did it already." Lightly tapping an interior wheel to spin jestingly did he snort, "Where in hell's name did you pick up this piece of junk? It's got rust in every damned chamber, Rex did you steal it or what kid?" It was a good question, or two given I didn't bashfully skirt that subject. More so I took a sense of pride to reveal rather good naturally to get him to groan loudly.
"Held up a junkie at knife point, pissed himself and out dropped this thing from his pants. Tried to play me off cheaply, I used it and shot him in a knee cap." Slim-Jim's lone hazel eye squinted to criticize my action by throwing up hands, "Kid! Next time in that kind of shit ya shoot his foot, cause a knee cap just makes it seem like he didn't something worth that pain. You need some balance between pain and making a point, damned youth thinking they're...good." He grumbled under-breath to load up live rounds to snort irritably.
Although I'd been humoring this old geezer's rants for a bit, I didn't forget him trying to avoid clear of potential opportunity. He's either scared, or really aware that something's off. Now, I'm interested for once in something that's not my usual info he'll spill. Smiling widely which threatened to expose temptations to start breaking glass, "What's new in town, Slim? Something's got you back on that acid you call for medicine, or that usual green plant isn't calming you down for once? Not like it's harmless to that old brain you have left."
He didn't speak up at first in favor of spinning a revolver's internal mechanism three times, "Word is an old timer is back in town. Set up shop in the harbor, bought off some old warehouses and I can say it's not pretty but for you kid, I'll drop a hint to say... it pays." I immediately couldn't resist to gleefully ask for details, "What's he got? That white powder, or something?"
Yellowed teeth leered far too humorously, "Not that kind of income, Rex. It's the kind you'd get off on if school's taught ya how to live. Best kind of pay, blood, bone and highly illegal to be locked up to come out alive." Either he'd been pulling my leg, or I misheard it went it all boiled down to some underground death match. Fighting clubs, kinds that made any official sanctioned beat down look like utter trash and for queers to howl akin to mindless sheep over apparently.
"Club?" I offered curiously enough to see him snort, "Tits, blood, money and a whole new world for you to wish I hadn't said anything." He explained laughing wickedly finding my grin splitting cheek from cheek, "How much is the pay out, if I walk out?" I desperately wanted to prove something as it involved old fashioned ways to live. Killing, or beating someone senseless sounded far too tempting to ignore since it was getting boring watching addicts kill themselves over some low quality product which wouldn't cover rent this month.
Fighting sounds like a good way to release some pent up aggression, I'm really liking what I'm hearing now. An old man finally loaded a rusted up pistol to slide it back over, "Depends on how much you got the devil's luck on ya, Rex. I only heard because someone came in couple weeks back, looked around and wanted some special ointment I kept in stock. Their some real twisted folk, if I had to guess and you'd be chopped up for thinking otherwise."
My heart pounded far too thrilled due to adrenaline to snark back, "Only happens if I'm dead, Slim." Despite being high on acid which made his lone pupil dilate did I swear something about this old finally crack, "You think being a white kid in this mixed up place is bad? Oh sonny, sonny, sonny..." He repeated laughing to pour himself another drink, if only to humor my undeniable excitement in actually thinking I'd have a chance. Yet I prove him wrong, I had only a chance to make this shit life worth something to enjoy it.
"Tell you what, if you're eager to meet the lord that quick?" He prompted to lean back placing boots on top of his which had symbols akin to runes. His lone eye may have been completely gazed over yet a smirk remained eager, "Come by in a few hours. I'll take you in, I needed entertainment tonight anyway and if you can last a round with whoever gets fucking thrown in with ya? Maybe, old Slim here will give ya a tip or two...it'd save your life."
I sneered realizing he wanted me along as a babysitter, to think I'd be crazy enough to walk in with someone holding my hand. To hell with that, I'm going alone and I damn well don't need you thinking I'm a chicken shit. Snorting in response, "Give me that address, I'll go there once I clean up into something I move around in. Show up if you want, Slim but I ain't taking my time when I have two weeks before rent's due."
If I expected him to laugh outright, I came close in hindsight. He just sat there staring with a grin worthy of any murderer, "Don't say I didn't warn ya, kiddo." Reaching over underneath glass cases did he pull out a small ragged looking box. I blinked when he lightly pulled out a switch blade to absently carve something within his palm. Red leaked over until smearing it over some sort of scratched up front to hear it unlock.
Okay, either I'm fucking losing it or he just cut himself as if it were nothing. Whistling a bit impressed I commented about whatever he'd injected himself, "Must be some high quality acid, if you can do that to yourself. You suicidal?" I questioned jokingly in seeing him absently pull out a measly blackened piece of paper while pulling off one trinket along his neckline. It was a cross, of sorts if I had to guess until he glanced up smugly.
"You think drugs, guns and cash is all this world is?" I shrugged less than convinced to see him wrapping a cross and paper together while tying it with bloodied fingers, "Rex. Man only think he's king of the world, because it's all he see's in front of him. Peel back your reality and you'll wish what I know is all acid trips." He cackled deviously to lightly toss the small bundle towards my hand, "You better start praying harder, because all I know is that God never answers us even in war, because only the worst of us...come back."
Inspecting said bundle which had blood around it did I reply absently, "Good thing I hate that fuck and love him. What's the pay out?" Despite having a grayed out beard mostly unkempt did he rub it roughly to muse aloud, "Couple thousand, if you manage to win against odds. Higher you go, more dangerous and likely for you to encounter some strange deadly things kid." I nodded far too pleased to start walking out a doorway unable to resist blood flowing rapidly within veins. It was too damned good of a start to this week.
"Son." My eyes hardened whenever someone said that either out of mocking concern, or intended to keep me rooted. Don't call me that again, or I'll off you with a bullet. Glancing over a shoulder with one alone smouldering gaze that promised said object, Slim-Jim's expression turned devilishly smug to remind me. I wished sometimes he kept his mouth shut while high on that acid which seemingly made everyone lose their minds, "Men don't just go wandering into dark places willingly. We're lucky enough to know where it is, so don't go crying to your mama...she's already gone away, so beg a devil to make it worth wild."
Shifting to place the revolver back underneath clothing did I roll both eyes through sheer aggravation. Devils, God and what else? Fucking unicorns next? My parents were trash in both literal and metaphorical senses. Drug addicts, whores and so many wonderful things that I somehow kept side stepping due to being aware of such things. Schools were no better, a festering hub of violence due to skin color and mine was on the chopping block. It was nothing new, but I at least got ahead to slit a throat or two to keep surviving.
"Devils, right...and I'm an angel." I barked out laughing to head off towards the doorway while flipping Slim-Jim off happily. As I opened the door, I only heard him reply evenly smug which got my mood souring quickly. Cold skin blistering air slammed into my face did I hear him simply agree, "It doesn't matter because they're both just as worse as us, kid. Men just think they're good, but I say blood is all that matters to prove whose got balls to spit in their faces." I didn't bother answering in favor of slamming a door way shut thunderously due to being annoyed.
Walking up a grimly stone stair case I settled on adjusting clothing to ward off cold again. As far as I'm concerned, I'll break anyone's jaw in to get my cash. World's a piece of shit, but sometimes Slim's got a point. We're all fucked up, I'm just that much better to make it something worth wishing I wasn't enjoying the challenge. Laughing quietly I headed upwards not even bothering to get out of the way when someone appeared walking similarly to where I'd come from initially. I looked up not particularly civil to come within inches of shoving said individual away.
It was a man of sorts wearing some sort of wide brimmed black hat. He had a trench coat most school shooters would die in envy, if they were relevant in this world anymore. Wearing wide aviators where a lone silver chain dipped between said coat's flaps, I just looked less than impressed to see him eye myself less than pleased. Yet we moved past without an issue, even if I swore cold air had been negated partially. All I knew for certain when seeing him descending into Slim-Jim's shop of acid and trinkets, I'd call it a good sign that I'd be for a good night.
Walking out of an apartment complex certainly did wonders when hearing various people screaming at one another. It'd been a lazy afternoon waiting in the hallway while ignoring one particular set of lungs going off, "Whore." Rolling both eyes I muttered knowing it was due to my lone surviving parent who'd been exceptionally busy lately. Wearing a grey partial coat while having torn up jean shorts, I kept gloves with fingers capable to enjoy sensations of wind whipping about outside. With only a wife beater shirt on, I kept my loose as I waited patiently for someone who'd been interested in checking out said club on a harbor front.
Despite being somewhat aware of most social lives, I kept a few within reach and it paid in spades lending money given most tried to work honestly. Though, they go to college and can't pay back sixty grand in their first year. Who knew education's a joke, I make enough and I'm barely getting by without much on my back. Chortling I looked over seeing one vehicle which had been on loan for possibly another six years streak towards where I leaned against. Smirking in seeing a particular muscle car did wonders when an engine roared to a grueling stop.
"About time you showed up, asshole." I called out stepping down stairs in which an old friend who'd gone a supposedly better way flipped me off, "Fuck you too." Grinning quite entertained I sat myself inside said vehicle's warmed interior to lightly grip a friend I'd been around since school. He still lived in a nicer part of the city which rapidly went down hill faster, "You sure you got something to help us earn a bit extra? It's been a few months since I last trained to fight, I got a girl now." He admitted somewhat honestly in expecting me to scoff.
Yet in a rare grace I shrugged it off, "Let me know when the wedding kicks off, Chase." I said a nickname to make him roll both blue eyes in full annoyance, "I hate it when you call me that." I didn't care by God's love to snark harshly, "Street name's, Chase. Don't need someone coming to your place to startle your girl, or I. Besides I heard from Slim-Jim that it's a place where blood and money pay off in thousands...if we're underdogs, so why the hell not? That part time job working at that market ain't paying shit off, right?"
The man was only a year older than I was yet we'd been close as one got for brothers in name only. I trusted him, if he only kept me from doing shadier options. But that'd been in school, a kid's game and now the world's shitty start gave us other options. He's not afraid to fight dirty, but someone's got to give you a means to earn it. World's not a nice place, hell it never was since he went to college and I'm not one to earn it alone. Chase was probably the most stuck up guy I'd ever known willingly, by hell we'd gotten into fist fights back in our early years together.
Despite having a thin beard which had been trimmed he looked incredibly tired, "Can't even make end's meat even when I pull overtime, Rex." I smirked finding his usage of my own alias simply nostalgic when we were younger, "How the hell am I supposed to have a kid? I can barely scratch this debt I racked up, I swear to Christ they lied to us about education. Remember that time you went off about it, I almost decked you in the face for calling out that college professor swinging by to tell us to enroll into that university."
That brought a fond memory when I leaned back propping a leg onto his dashboard, "Yup. Said indoctrination isn't cheap, so why ask the people you hate most to pay for your bullshit? I'd have gone local, but can't afford it or else I'll be homeless with these junkies I sell off to make a living. No one cares about them, so it's easy money even if it sucks ass getting rent." Yawning loudly I handed over an unfolded piece of paper for him to plug into a phone for directions. Slim-Jim wasn't apparently fucking around since we got a direction immediately to head across an entire city.
"So what did that acid drunk say this time around?" Chase lamented knowing I'd spent too much time around him to be less than a friend, "Nothing much. Usual shit, shot himself up and got drunk playing that creepy fuck which sells to tourists." I mentioned partially unbothered to also get a laugh for both our sake, "And said devil's are around us! Man, he must've found good stuff because I haven't seen that man serious. Get this, he cut his own damned hand and smeared blood over that lovely piece of god."
My friend grimaced to ask sourly, "Did you wash your fucking hands?" I shrugged to reply, "Of course, I did! Said something about us walking into some other world, or whatever the hell he rambles on half the time. Some old timer's back in town, set up a fighting club and that is getting us in to start earning some green paper." I gestured to said object which I folded up neatly to tuck away into pockets as I exhaled loudly internally preparing. Fighting without repercussion, no holds bar and all sounded too damned good for me to pass up.
He groaned painfully to ask when turning a corner, "Why did I listen to you?" My voice tinged on condescending joy, "Because you're in a hole! You got a woman, if she isn't knocked up yet then you need green paper to make a kid feel right at home. Besides..." I trailed off to look at him rightfully eye to eye to leer impatiently, "You really don't want to live up among trash, drugs and other people who hate your skin for being a good man right? I just don't give a shit, but I don't cut out friends who can take a beating for something."
Chase shook his head utterly amazed to admit to me, "You're a sick bastard, Rex." I laughed finding that too comforting of kinder days in school, "Takes one to know one, Chase." We sat there waiting for lights to turn green as yellowed dull coloration washed over us. The city's lesser portions had been neglected for too many years, if seeing flickering light posts occasionally going out whenever we turned closer towards an ocean front. I didn't bother hiding one revolver inside my coat's pocket whenever we stopped near wandering groups of homeless who'd appeared sickly in every aspect of living.
"What did he exactly say?" I got asked seriously to look grinning pleasantly, "Said we'll see some real fucked up people, or something. I think he's just high on that trip, last time he said that to me was scoring some good powder to sell off. Almost got shot, fun times!" I commented in seeing him grow pale to shake his head vigorously. I didn't have a luxury to make an honest living, I had a whole world wanting me to off myself and I'd do it an entire favor to return it back. I'd make myself something, or just die as every man decided to endure.
Chase gave me some mixed pitied look to admit honestly, "You've always been a smart guy, Rex. I don't know how you can do it." I laughed aloud finding that too sentimental yet I'd always appreciated someone speaking truth to know it wasn't just me, "Because surviving isn't living. Some of us don't have that choice like you got, I don't have that luxury. You got a woman, a kid and something ahead of you which I just have myself to get by."
He took another turn bypassing run down buildings which once held a thriving business sector decades ago. They'd fled overseas leaving only husks where various half clothed women, men or mixed offered themselves much to my impish smirk. Not worth it, not even clean and I'm half tempted one of these days to have a good night. But survival first, pleasure's second. Adrenaline surged imagining due to being able to waltz around, to stand atop of anyone and finally enjoying what life I'd swore to dig myself into one day.
"Sounds like you need to get laid, Rex." Chase quipped bemused in breaking some ice as it was making my smirk grow partially, "Who says I haven't? I just can't afford to waste time, or else I'd catch something. Must be stressful you're having a kid, right?" He rolled both eyes despite smirking due to a rare compliment I'd never humor mostly on good days. Yet the man had been built to fight before he got sucked into Academia to be inevitably spit out worse off, or just as bad on these streets that we found ourselves to make our ends.
Coming to another red light did we lapse into a blissful silence as cool air kept striking ourselves constantly. It'd been an incredibly humid night so far, but I couldn't shake an internal fire that just kept boiling out of sight. Haven't been this thrilled since earning my first month's rent when I just started out, I could take on anything. But I learned very quick, it's only as good as one who put's their flesh on the line to make it worthwhile. One of these days I pick up a habit into alleviating all this adrenaline into something akin to relaxation, if I had money to spare since I did one have selfish enjoyment to blow back in someone's face.
"How's your old man?" Chased asked me curiously enough as I gave a sardonic grin, "Overdosed when drinking couple months back. Mom's still whoring to escape, or so what Slim-Jim mentioned considering she's always working." He winced visibly trying to reason my lack of humor to lightly tap a foot against his car's interior, "They're dead and gone, one way or another. Not exactly a nice way to think I have any more options, Chase. Some of us just don't have a choice, so it's nothing new if I had to guess."
Since we were discussing family funnily enough, I did ask genuinely about his own situation. They'd been kind people before moving away if staying for dinner mentioned goodness, "How's your lovely family doing? Your old man retire yet?" His sandy blond hair had been maintained to just slip past ears when shrugging somewhat hopeful, "Man's a workhorse, Rex. He'd rather drop dead on the job then give it up, but my mom and sister are hoping he gets a good pension for sticking it out for thirty years on that construction company. You should ask him, I'm not cut out for it but he's always looking for new blood to take up a trade!"
My eyes closed enjoying cold air momentarily to snort to realize that kindness was far too late, "I don't have a license to drive, or have money to buy into that trade. It wouldn't cut it, not in the short-term and being homeless in this city...is a death sentence." I didn't even bother hiding the fact that despite so much wrong, or twisted shit this world had become naturally. They were exceptions, they were good folk and I hardly wanted to mix into them willingly. It'd just make things worse off, "Maybe when I get shot for once, I'll consider it. I can't stop doing this life, it's all I know and at least you haven't lost that boy scout mentality from school."
Although speaking of opportunity I slyly implied, "Maybe you and your old man should talk about somewhere to earn more. Once that kid's born, I doubt you'll be able to think until that green paper rolls in building houses." Blue eyes glanced over against with that pitiful realization I'd been hinting for him to do better. I didn't need advice, but he had something I wouldn't ever understand to make me think otherwise.
"Anyway!" I loudly stretched popping both shoulders to exhale happily, "I'll do the talking since you can't even drink, or lie to save your ass. Anything happens, you leave and get back to your woman in one piece." Few among those I'd ever call friend sharply retorted, "If shit goes down, you and I are walking out Rex. Not having that on my conscious to back out from something you'd know is worthy paying off."
I lightly barked out a laugh in response to remind him, "I'd rather not piss off your wife since I've never met her yet. It's for your sake, not mine." He firmly slapped down on my shoulder unable to resist a familiar sense that had us somewhat defying normalcy. If I get into trouble, it's on my ass and I'd rather not involve someone like you. God help me, I should have told him to fuck off years ago when we duked it out behind the school. We're not perfect, but somehow it manages to tell anything else it's only good fun.
Lights occasionally flickered when the muscle car lightly pulled towards a side road leading up to an almost abandoned water front. Various cars were parked, or being guided with streams of crowds making way towards some fence-line. Although the route we'd been taking kept us going past workmen who unloaded shipping containers. I pointed upwards more broken down buildings ignoring foremen that crossed in front of us for swapping shifts, "Quarter mile then take a right. Slim mentioned this old timer bought several warehouses worth of property, so if we see anyone around. I'll talk to see if it's going to happen, Chase."
Gradually we bypassed business fronts until entering along a coastline where only darkened buildings once giants for employment. Husks of crumbling buildings kept us earnestly eying places for anywhere to possibly park, but nothing stood out. I leaned over checking a phone's screen viewing the way-point which kept us straight, "Shit neighborhood." My friend muttered seeing a lack of life as I grinned happily to remind him, "It wasn't always like this pal, until things changed. Why do you think your folks fled a city, it's not rocket science and personally it was a good idea, they weren't stupid to see signs."
It wasn't anything remotely shocking when decisions to ignore what made things great turn to absolute disgust. I caught glimpses at times yet it didn't matter, I'd accepted it long ago when fighting in schools to earn my place in life. It just seemed surreal, or ironic that God as much as I rarely went to church never gave me positive hope. The world kept descending even if anyone ignored it, or outright yet there was an undeniable pull I'd been experiencing. Instinct, or reason hardly mattered when witnessing it physically to inevitably watch it all crumble due to actions. Or rather the lack of them being done to fight nature's return to these places.
"Do you actually know what we're looking for?" He finally lamented due to us traveling for literally almost the exact distance with no changes in sight. Oh, fuck off! Glaring lazily I unraveled a bundle to reaffirm it'd been that same address, "No, but once it show's up. Park your car, lock the doors and just act casual, or else you'll be picked off. First rule on this glorious side of a shit-ville, is don't look weak for someone to mug you."
Not a single street light seemed to be lit leaving only bright artificial high beams exposing an almost ghost like block. Every building was so badly in disrepair, or seemed to be collapsed from decades left little imagination. It'd been the forgotten sector after all, too costly to repair and build anything new without someone losing out on a paycheck. It was just a waste of space, if I had to precisely call it that much and that alone got me slightly intrigued.
"Who'd buy anything down here?" Chase and I exchanged glances realizing we'd have nothing except to weather that answer eventually. Yet we needed to make end's meat, he knew how to break limbs and I knew only to never go down. An old player is back in town, question is why? Not many set up here because it's just a pit of shit, so who gets off? Slim-Jim maybe high on acid, or whatever half the time but he's been around for decades to know faces.
Eventually we came across a small road leading up towards an actual gate that had lights along an entire perimeter. Looking around no parked cars, or signs of lots filled across an entire street left little to imagine. Yet there was a massive cargo ship anchored just off shore, but no forearm or workers streamed in at all. It simply remained quiet as I leaned back in a seat gesturing, "Must be the right place because no can afford electric bills that easily. See anyone else around?" I twisted around as a negative shake of my friend's head confirmed it'd been silent akin to some graveyard which seemed livelier than this place.
"Want me to ring the bell, or what?" Chase offered laughing blatantly uneasy to which I rolled both eyes in inspecting dried bundles of paper, a cross and bloodied blotches. Only reason why no cares about this place, is because it's private invitation. Starting to see why, no one's got pull to do this kind of thing without a lot of money. We've scored a mother load, I just need to figure out who's going to greet us...
Someone knocked lightly behind us on a rear wind shield as we immediately saw two people walking up from behind who'd been lingering. Chase exhaled loudly, "Where the hell did they pop up from? Pretty sure no one was on a fence, or am I going crazy?" I snorted while absently rolling down a window with said bundle on hand to show them. Funnily enough I swore the cold air outside seemingly dissipated again as my chest burned internally. I shook it off in getting a good look at these two potential sources for trouble.
Both were lean men who were utterly free of facial given they seemingly dressed in an outfit I'd never consider sane. Dress pants with polished shoes glinting off lights, they had vests which were buttoned up in golden sigils of what appeared to be gibberish. Crimson undershirt with black ties as they eyed us both with relatively indifference. Yet for some reason, I couldn't shake something was wrong to see dull eyes gauging us as if we were something less. They came within an arm's reach as hairs on my own arm started sticking up due to a lack of frigid air wafting past from the driver's side all too unusually stiffened.
"What does your kind want here? This is protected territory." One of them smoothly wondered leaning forward to stare me eye to eye. I glared to retort less than happily, "Why don't you get that pretty looking face out of mine, before it gets bruised. And this is private property, it ain't protected if you're looking for a fight." I hinted sneering brazenly to hold up a small bundle as I watched an impeccable grin turn savagely impressed. The revolver's less than cold presence underneath my own jacket was gripped partially, if they didn't like me too much.
Nimbly taking said bloodied bundle did he unravel it to snort loudly in sheer amusement, "You're strange men. What kind of man wanders into a dark place?" Slim-Jim's own words started to remind me that he'd been serious for once, "The kind that earns green paper, if blood and sport is in involved in a cage. Do you want to play twenty questions, or can you show me where I knock someone's jaw out for cash?"
The other laughed gleefully to remark almost entertained, "Arrogance! Why do they always think like that?" Chase leaned away from an opened window not clearly enjoying how eyes wandered over him akin to being inspected. God damn it, Chase! I glared over to snark out a warning since they were eying my friend all too playfully, "He ain't into dicks, or whatever you fucks get off on. You got a problem with him, I'll step outside this car to make your night."
Immediately that garnered a leering grin to lightly pull out a revolver as they got the message far too easily. Gradually heat started up even though vent's were failing horribly due to exposed chilling weather as snow lightly descended. They looked at each before chuckling loudly to flick over a bundle to whistle sharply. The gate began sliding at it's center revealing an almost pristine parking lot with yellowed arrows directing anyone within. Weirdly enough I saw no one manning it, or else I'd have pegged it as shady entirely.
"The seventy-two pillars own this ground, it is our territory and do not think you're in your own world." One man smiled pleasantly to point ahead towards warehouses which seemed rundown outwardly, "Follow the signs. I can't wait to see your kind fight, it's not often we see you wander in and I hope you provide us a good show tonight. Park inside along with the others, someone will greet you and take you to the Cage."
A revolver casually went back inside my pocket when I saluted him with two fingers lazily, "You'll get your money's worth. Bet against me, would ya?" I mocked them as they stared relatively amused to look again at one another, "I like this one! Reeks of arrogance, pride and so many other wonderful things men provide. Don't you agree?"
That question garnered an equally cruel look of anticipation, "Maybe there's something more that our King seeks inside them. We'll find out, eventually." They waved us forward grinning all too excitably leaving us to move inwards. It didn't take along when following yellowed arrows in hearing a gate slamming close behind us. And both windows were sliding upwards leaving us quietly in silence until I had enough.
Turning towards an almost shivering friend who looked at me queerly, "What the fuck was that all about?" I literally padded the loaded firearm for some comfort, "Maybe they like what they see, man. I sure as hell think they're gay. Guy was all over you, pal." I laughed loudly getting an honest joy unable to resist seeing him scowl in disgust. Truth be told I didn't blame him, it certainly wasn't natural and they were both a little out of touch looking us over.
"Seriously? Are they cartel, or some crazy shit?" He demanded earnestly anxious which was a fair point to be worried about. Certainly seems like it, but I wouldn't know. Only know junkies, or other low-life's since I never mingled with them very well. Scratching my neck I inevitably just admitted to make him groan, "Who knows! Slim didn't say much, only that whoever is doing this is an old timer coming back. So maybe he's apart of the mob, or hell if I know...but gotta admit they're loaded if that's their clothing for greeting guests."
Quietly laughing did I just turn around to get an uneasy feeling again. Glancing back I blinked several times when an audible red light seemingly faded as we turned the corner. The hell was that? Twitching my jawline relatively annoyed, "Either way, we're in!" I proclaimed shifting out several hundred dollars worth to check over absently. About five in change, hopefully one of us takes on someone already here to make some bank. Slim, if you're fucking with me then I'm going back tomorrow and smashing that piece of shit tourist shop to bits.
Ahead two open doors leading into an empty warehouse met headlights as various cars, or trucks were neatly parked in orderly rows. I motioned to my friend to head in, "This is sketchy." Chase grumbled much to an amused grin I found myself having, "Just means it pays well. Slim also said there's some sort of club, so I'm too damned curious now! Don't see any party here, so who can buy out this money pit and make it like it's busy?" The vehicle eased towards a stop as we checked out interestingly enough to see no one at all. It was utterly silent, not a single hint or sign that someone would be meeting us to wherever the Cage had been held up at.
Yet again I looked over in seeing some sort of red glowing quickly fading due to a rear view mirror. Eying behind from one mirror outside did a similarly dressed man appear around the warehouse's entrance strolling leisurely. Radio, or something? I tried rationalizing until he came up along Chase's side to lightly knock on glass. I swore if I knew any better, he looked exactly like one of those guys at the gate moments ago. Or baring that far too similar with a pretty face that seemed to brighten ever so rapidly.
Allowing a window to roll down he spoke almost perfectly smug, "If you'd please park your vehicle then perhaps we shall get you two on your way." Chase and I glanced at one another considerably confused due to how similar this guy sounded. It didn't seem right, or remotely possible that one of them could have been inside. It'd only been several moments, or less yet physically we watched this man's eyes narrow coyly.
No fucking way, it is one of those pretty boys from the gate! Staring almost intentionally to unnerve us did I nudge an elbow for someone to start moving. Surprisingly he followed lazily in pointing towards an open space between several vehicles that I, or my friend combined in a decade could hope to pay off entirely. Whoever came here certainly had so much damned money, it almost seemed excessive given license plats were strangely worded. They weren't legal considering some hand strange ass pentagrams, or surreal symbolic numerals.
"This is a bad idea, Rex." Chase stated more resigned since he'd noticed similar oddities popping up as an engine died down. I didn't bother disagreeing despite resisting to laugh happily, "Look on the bright side. Money's here, so let's earn some bank and talk about it later." Overall I'd admit it'd been probably worthwhile to stop by Slim's earlier. Privately I imagined nothing came close to this kind of wealth, or potential hub to really make my life too damned optimistic.
Stretching both arms again I slammed a door shut partially leaning against the car's exterior to see our supposed guide. His exterior expression seemed to be delighted to a degree, more so it looked entirely surreal, "If you'd both please follow me. I'm sure your lust for greed will be...sated." I glanced over again feeling a distinct lack of cold air to get me less than doubtful. Already three times today I swore cold air had been literally gone, but perhaps adrenaline kept up into making every moment see too damned good to ignore.
I walked over with arms crossed quite curious as to where in the hell said place would be around at all. Chase wasn't as enthusiastic yet wordlessly stood next to myself, "Before we proceed." This clean shaven grinning man stated to coyly produce a simple blindfold, "Men are not allowed to know where the Cage exists. As per the seventy-two pillars decree, no man among your kind can be exposed until a King exempts it...usually." If we weren't almost aggravated, I came close enough to lean forward to see that coy expression brighten into sheer entertainment.
The blindfolds had some sort of glinting material that were arranged in a symbolic mixed within a pentagram colored a dull red. It looked like occult which got me far too irritated, "How about you stuff those pieces of toilet paper up your ass, pal. Or is that a problem?" His eyes crinkled due to their dark brown making them expansive so much it was almost too unnatural, "It's meant for your companion, but I appreciate your concern since you're the guest of your kind...we do respect it yet on our territory we take great care to leave us undisturbed."
From behind an overtly familiar voice added as we both looked back in seeing his fellow greeter walking between cars. I couldn't stop gritting teeth, "Guests are one thing among your kind, but anything extra is a liability for our King's discretion." Perpetually smiling signaled an instinct within my gut to look between them attentively. It's not a request, either he wears it or something is going to happen quick. I'm half tempted to see if they'll do it, I needed a warm up anyway to get my blood going fast.
Uncrossing each arm I had fists loosening to lightly curl fingers which would've been enough yet Chase quickly spoke up, "Fine." He hadn't been blind to an aggressive warning given the two were smiling widely into taunting a physical reaction, "But only if my friend keeps me next to him. You two really don't want him to make a mess of someone, trust me when I say you'll be regretting enough in the morning." These two suited up men hardly seemed worried though one tossed a blindfold over lazily, they were quite put off until he fixated said clothe to do as told.
Lightly I kept a grip on Chase's shoulder when sneering less than happily, "I hope I get one of you in a fight, if it actually pays well. You already are on my shit list, so be proud." The one in front us turned his back to leer almost appreciatively in remarking, "Pride is a wonderful sensation, but your kind always love to believe otherwise. Maybe you'll see us sooner than you'd think, or do you think that's too greedy on our part?"
Laughter behind our backs didn't particular alleviate instincts to sneer at them visibly. They were enjoying every moment, as if we weren't even worth considering. It was god damned infuriating yet I had something to look forward too, I'd realign their jawlines. Why isn't it colder, or else I have to be losing my mind. Starting to think something isn't right, but maybe I'm getting a little too excited for finding someplace I'll enjoy.
"Do they ever learn?" The man behind asked plainly as I witnessed a gesture for us to follow towards some doorway. It seemed slightly off considering walls were jetting outward, if only enough were slants were smoothed into akin to an arm chair. But again pentagrams were etched into rock, if only through some gaping mouth where an array of rune like markings covered it neatly on every feasible inch of stone. A plain wooden door with handles were arranged into some sort of triangular pattern where two eyes on each were angling themselves into one.
One man waved his palm over lightly tracing something until metal handles began literally glowing much to my damned amazement. As a reddish glow brightened partially did he turn back leering so widely I swore his face seemed fake, "Welcome to the Cage, human." Was all he warned as the next thing I knew an incredibly light akin to a star going supernova engulfed me. And ground vanished leaving me only a sensation of falling through emptiness, I had no warning to realize that I felt my chest contract with an ever smouldering inferno.
End Chapter I
Author's Note: Typically speaking, I'm not a fan of sudden 'moments' where things just fall into place for something to happen. If this were a Sacred Gear trope, I'd have gone a far more generic route yet in this instance? If one is drawn for conflict, drawn for war and battle...how do you do that in an OC without making it exaggerated too much? The answer is thus: survival. Living and surviving are two different things, entirely and in this case, I can say that sometimes starting ground up is quite a challenge.
Yet take into account, I'm going roughly by canon time-lines once the first season ever commits. This leaves me time, to develop, mold and eventually reach where that Prologue signaled where everything comes full circle. It gives me time to build portions of a world, in which we see the factions slowly coming down from a time of war-fare into an uneasy cease-fire. But the questions that were asked, it clear hinted for you readers to pick up on.
In this context in which events have concluded according to the source material, the War reached it's end and fallout is simply an after-effect. The world is being taken, piece by piece and who claims what for whatever reason is left to your interpretation. I don't treat my reading base as if their idiots, or rather simpletons for you to connection motivations. The show clearly states it, as to why all sides come to the world of mankind, whether to settle or influence and maybe perhaps seek out certain tools in which are often heavily sought out.
Structure is what I'm intending to go for initially, in which we do start in how all of this began while maintaining a sense of visuals. We only see one place, or so where super-natural beings congregate yet that in itself leaves others to imagine what else is out there. Schools, I'll relent because that's the main setting but what about other places? How do humans on earth catch wandering eyes, or seemingly just are found...as we've noticed with Issei (I still don't understand how anyone, or anyone of them is able to just 'know' who carries what.)
So that leaves me with an amusing brain storm as to how keeps ears, or eyes out among the world during such a time? In the worst of places, or best, someone always does. And now I will say next chapter, be prepared for some interesting environments. Overtly Angels, Devils or Fallen do appear whenever they do willingly. Yet to an average person, how do 'we' know that something is wrong without understanding why our instinct's flare up?
More so on another topic, the Seventy-two Pillars have been decimated according to canon in this great war. But this does leave opportunity to read where exactly they get this information from, I browsed the wikipedia to actually go to where they used historical references among demons in mythology to get a generalized idea. Yet I will make it clear, for a challenge on my part that this leaves me with plenty of time to shall we shall...potentially expand from any characters/family/clans to make an appearance officially.
Nonetheless, as long as people enjoy what they like. I'll continue working on future chapters, I simply want to see how long it takes until we get a glimpse of the real meat and bone. After all, it wouldn't be interesting if we just started from the 'prologue' without getting an idea first. How does a Horseman of the Apocalypse become...aware of his existence?
Leave a review, I do like to see them often.