Chapter 23: Fumbling Attempts at Friendship (or at least conversation...)
Scott's POV
This damn girl. What the hell did it take to get rid of her? The word parasite was a word I had used before, yet only now did I understand it's true meaning. She wouldn't be so bad if she just minded her own damn business, but life never goes the way I want it to.
Look at me, searching for that bitch, listening to the voices coming to haunt me every night, walking around in some shit villages with Genji's sword strapped to my back. Now on top of that I've got this whiny little ankle biter at my beck and call, ignoring my attempts to make her piss off. I suppose she thinks I can protect her when push comes to shove. She's in for a rude awakening when she realizes I couldn't give a damn about anything other than Oliva. I won't rest until I crush her skull with my bare hands and rip out her still beating heart.
Sometimes I wished I had the strength to just shove Genji's sword straight into my heart and be done with it. But their voices won't let me do that. They won't let go so easily. They needed to be avenged. If my body has to be a host for their desires, so be it. I felt my fingers begin to itch, as if gaining a mind of their own. I felt the urge to swing Genji's sword. It needed to bathe in the blood of it's enemies. It called out for more. Angela's murderers still go unpunished. All of them go unpunished. I'll kill every last one of them, I swear it Genji.
'Pathetic. You think this is enough to make up for what you've done? She got away with everything, threw us all away like garbage because of your stupidity. You got us all killed. One thing you're good for is killing those bastards, so get to it. Olivia still breathes.' I heard Jesse's voice sound in my head, that familiar southern drawl making me wince. He was right. Each second she draws breath is another they spend suffering. I have to put their souls to rest, even if it means killing myself to get to her. I kept moving forward, trying my hardest to not give Efi any more reasons to prod me for answers. The damn girl seemed to want to know everything about me. It reminded me of Olivia. If only she knew what rage that stirred in me. Maybe I should tell her. It'll probably scare her off for good. But then again, she's good for scrounging up some food and supplies. My knives were a bit sharper as well, but I refused to let her get near my blades, let alone Genji's. She'll never get to touch it.
This day was especially hot and my all black attire wasn't doing me any favors. Even Efi, despite her wardrobe change when she swiped some clothes she thought looked nice out of a store I was near, was drenched in her own sweat. She wore a pale yellow short with the sleeves poorly cut off, having used my knife to do so, along with some baggy black cargo shorts that didn't fit her properly. She tied them around her tiny waist with a threaded bit of rope. Her ebony skin glistened in the sunlight and I felt her brown hues staring me down as I selfishly gulped the last few drops of my water. "I need to refill." I muttered to no one in particular, yet that bug found a way to step in. "You know, it'd be nice if you shared any of that with me instead of hogging it all, asshole."
'She's gotten far too comfortable around me if she thinks she can speak to me that way.' I growled, attempting to contain my rage, mostly due to not having the energy to deal with her bullshit. That, or I just didn't want to deal with the police and other villagers around if I strangled the life out of her. Sighing, I wiped the sweat away from my now furrowed brow. "You're lucky I'm sharing the same air I breathe with you, you runt." I was not in the best of moods and her sticking her tongue out at me like a toddler would to their disgruntled mother wasn't helping. That nightmare last night was worse than usual.
Angela was clawing at me, her nails nearly gouging out my eyes. Her usual kind smile was replaced with a horrifying glare that blamed me for everything that had happened. I could hear Lena's cries for help in the background as I tried to fend her off. Nothing worked. She pinned me down, while terrible ghosts that only resembled the others in name began to stab me, digging their hands into my body, wrenching out whatever they could. All the while they branded me a traitor, demanding their payment in the blood of Talon troops and Olivia. It ended with Olivia smiling at me, before she slit my throat.
That nightmare was one of the worst ones in a while, not that that said much. They usually involved the others killing me in some gruesome fashion. I couldn't blame them for it. I was responsible for their deaths, each and every single one of them. The voices in my head told me as much, calling me worthless all the while. 'I'll kill every last one of those responsible, I swear!' I thought to myself. It only made things worse to know that the girl heard me muttering in my sleep. She even had the gall to try and relate to me, as if anyone could understand, let alone some stupid child. The nightmares are only scratching the surface.
"Whatever you say, Skipper." She chided, each word dripping with as much sarcasm as her tiny body could muster. I didn't dignify her with a response, sadly leading to her offering even more annoying shit to spew out of her mouth. "Still got no idea why we left Amelia's house, seeing as we're not doing anything useful out here. Not that we've ever done anything useful." She muttered, fanning herself all the while as I crossed my arms and tried to resist slamming my head into the concrete wall behind me.
I was taking a breather out in the shade beneath a few trees, trying to get some fresh air and figure out where I was off to next. I try to stick to the main paths and biggest cities I could find, this small shithole being the exception to that rule. I was hoping she wouldn't notice I was leaving until it was too late, yet she was smarter than I gave her credit for. It's like she can read my mind sometimes. I have to keep reminding myself that she has her uses when she gets to be this annoying. The extra scraps of food, as well as repairing my once rusty knives gave me enough incentive to keep her around. Now if only I could find some duct tape to make her stay quiet.
"I'm not waiting up for you anymore." I stated, and she scoffed. "When did ya start? All you ever do is try to leave me behind and complain that I get in the way! I don't even know why the hell we're out here and you don't even have the decency to explain what the hell is going on. Hell, I don't even know where you're from and what you want."
"Then stop following me if you feel so inclined, you little shit. You're on a need to know basis, and as a matter of fact you don't need to know a damn thing. I ain't your buddy, or some fucking kid you went to school with. I'm not here to gossip with you. I'm here to find her."
"And by her you mean... that woman, right? The one in all those holovids all around Africa?" She asked, and something erupted in me when she even brought up that woman. My fist connected with the wall behind me, shaking it's foundations due to how shoddily it was built. I left a crack where my titanium limb met, feeling strangers look over at me. 'Damnit, stop drawing attention!' I scolded myself. Efi noticed it, locking eyes with me. A bead of sweat dripped down her chin, the sound of it hitting the cracked cement beneath us seeming so loud due to the silence that now engulfed us.
"Don't EVER bring her up. I hear you even mutter her name and I swear I'll-"
"Okay, sorry, Scott. I'll try not to bring her up, it's just I'm getting frustrated is all. I at least wanna have some kind of clue as to what goal we're working to. I know we probably both have pasts we'd rather not bring up." For a second, I almost felt some kind of sympathy for her. Like all other emotions I felt, just as quickly as it arrived I snuffed it out.
"I'm glad we reached an understanding." I snarled, looking down at her as she still avoided my gaze. I scratched at the scar that cut through my left eye, trying to ignore the burning anger I felt within. Someone even bringing her up is enough to drive me up a damn wall. I'll only be satiated when I can shove my blades down her throat and out the back of her skull.
"For now," I settled down and released a shaky breath, "let's just grab a bite to eat. Maybe with some food in my stomach I'll feel like I should grace you with some idea of where we're off to next. If I get a beer I may even let you flip a coin and pick where we go." For some reason I found myself trying to comfort her for a moment. She's still just some kid after all. I smirked as she met my eye, and she returned a similar sheepish smile. For a second there, we didn't seem to want to rip the other's head off. She reminded me of Lena, in the same innocent way she looked at the me sometimes.
'An innocence you failed to protect. Stop lying to yourself. You're not a hero.' I could hear Reinhardt's voice this time, even in my head his voice carrying so much it echoed. The smile I wore for a split second instantly vanished upon hearing the voices come back again.
For once, Efi happily obliged and followed my lead as I let my nose carry me through the village in the hopes of finding some eatery. Sadly, the stench of rotting garbage and shit made it a lot harder to find a good spot. I almost felt bad for the people living in such squalor.
"Now's as good a time as any to ask, so what kind of stuff do ya like to eat?" She asked, and I sighed. "Really? Like you give a shit." I replied, earning an agitated groan from her. "Gah, you are so damn charming, you know that? Just making small talk." She snarked.
Ignoring the side of myself that told me to keep quiet, I answered, mostly to fill the silence so I didn't have to hear any of the voices anymore. I preferred hers to theirs, though I'd love peace and quiet for but a moment. "I don't exactly have a refined palate. Never was a chef, as you can imagine. But uh," I trailed off, thinking about Jesse for a moment. He used to always bring me coffee whenever he went down to some café near the base in Gibraltar. Thinking of him brought more painful memories back up, including his final words. In order to drown that thought out, I kept speaking. "I used to love coffee. Not even the taste. Mostly the smell... and the warmth." Once again, a smile graced my scarred lips, some recent ones splitting back open as I did so.
I didn't slow down at all, taking long strides through the busy streets as Efi kept up right behind me. "Wow, for a second there I almost thought you were a normal guy." She giggled, causing me to frown. "Shut up. You'll be glad I'm not some normal guy next time we happen upon some Talon scum." I claimed, and she strode right next to me, keeping up with my brisk pace. "Hey, I held my own against those bandits last night!" I nearly burst out laughing at her pathetic defense, meeting her eyes for a second. "Sure you did." I said sarcastically.
We found a run down looking bar, which blended right in with the surroundings. I ignored the homeless omnics gathered near the door, having gotten used to that sight a long time ago. I didn't hesitate to nudge the weak door open with my foot, not bothering to hold it open for the girl as she nearly ran straight into it. I almost snickered at that, watching her stare daggers at me for it. I needed a second to get some food and something to drink, and for once I didn't feel like digging through my bag and eating rotten food. It was almost sad that I considered this dump a good place to treat myself to something nice.
Efi didn't hesitate to grab us a secluded spot in the corner of the room, nudging her way through a few strangers. I didn't wait up for her, asking the bartender to refill my canteen with as much as he could, along with the hardest liquor he had. He offered a wary look to me, glancing at the katana I had strapped to my back. I met his eyes. "I don't plan on using it. If I wanted to rob this joint I already would have." I stated coldly, sliding him most of the money I had scrounged up. "Some food would do nicely too, whatever the hell you guys got is good with me."
He seemed satisfied with my response, handing me my now full canteen. He disappeared behind a staff only door for a moment, coming back out in a minute with a large basket of fries with entirely too much salt on them, along with a now cold chicken stew and overcooked rice. I didn't bother complaining, as it sure as shit beat the hell out of my usual meals. I stomped over to Efi in the corner, glancing at the strangers around me who were growing far too comfortable with staring at me. I could sense the hostility in their eyes. It didn't take a genius to see that a fight was brewing, one that I hoped wouldn't have to happen. I was not in the mood to try and scrape dried blood off my face again. My boots still had bits of someone's brain still stuck to it.
"Don't say I never do anything for you." I scowled, sliding the fries to her as she stared at them cautiously. I picked one out of the basket, crunching down on it and relishing in how soggy it was. "Eat up. This shit's terrible, but it's better than those apples I have left."
"Of course they're cold, couldn't even bother microwaving it." She muttered, chewing diligently on one due to how chewy they were. I began to scarf the rice down quickly, reminding myself that each second I wasted was another second Olivia and Moira continued sucking air. That alone made me grip the fork I had in my hands hard enough that I heard it crack between my fingers. Efi noticed it, but for once seemed to not even bother saying anything.
We ate in silence for the most part as I ignored the glares I kept getting from the others. I couldn't tell if it was because of my augments, my sword, or both, but it made no difference. If they try anything, I won't hesitate to end their worthless lives.
Efi seemed to notice how tense I was, looking at me for a moment. I turned to her, snapping from the trance I was in. She looked at me, puzzled. "What's wrong? You're looking all over the place." I didn't respond, feeling that stillness in the air before a fight as a dozen men in the bar began to exit all around the same time. It was clear they were up to something. It's like they weren't even trying to hide that they were going to do something.
I stood up without a word, hearing Efi scrambling to finish what remained of her fries, taking another big gulp of my water as if I wouldn't notice. 'Stupid kid.' I thought, heading out the door with my hand already on the hilt of Genji's katana. It felt good in my hands, the weight of it perfect for me. It was like I had been using it all my life. Each time I swung this sword, I felt as though Genji was still there with me. Like a part of him was still looking out for me. But that didn't make hearing his voice scolding me for my actions any easier. "Scott, what the hell are you doing?" She demanded in a hushed tone, gripping my arm. I shook her off with ease. "Don't touch me. I won't repeat myself again."
The men who had been eyeing me up the entire time were right in front of me, offering me the same gazes they gave before. I offered a scowl, readying myself for a fight again. 'Finally, I'll get to taste my enemies' blood once more.' A darker part of me thought, but I shook that thought away. "Hey freak, who the hell are you? Walking around like you own the damn place! My friends and I don't like Talon agents like yourself! We've had enough of your shit!" One man shouted, gaining a few nods and shouts of approval from the other dozen men. A crowd was beginning to form around me and the others, spectators for the upcoming slaughter.
"Seriously, do we look like Talon agents? How stupid are you? Just back off, you guys, we don't want any trouble." Efi rolled her eyes, causing me to shove her back behind me so she stayed the hell out of my way. "Back the hell up and shut your mouth." I looked back at her, offering her a glare that she knew all too well. She was trying to save these damn idiots. "Scott, don't. They don't know any better. Let's leave before we draw anymore attention."
I ignored her, offering a sadistic smile to the others. "Really? I look like some Talon goon to you? If I was, I would've already burned this dump to the ground. Not like there's anyone here who could even think about stopping me. If I was some no good shit stain like you, I wouldn't go mouthing off to the one guy who would slice me up and eat me for breakfast. Now would you kindly get the fuck out of my way?" I took two steps forward, feeling one of them shove me back, only for me to not even budge. "You guys have one chance. Back up. I'm feeling generous today."
"Oh yeah? We'd like to see you try, Clank. We'll put you in the fucking dirt." Another man growled, stepping forward. 'Looks like he wants to die first.' I thought, hearing Efi shift behind me. "Scott, don't do this. They're innocent people, worked up over something they don't understand. They just want to defend their home!" She empathized, practically begging me not to kill them. I nodded, understanding. They weren't even worth the effort. "It's your lucky day you guys, she's saving your lives. Move, and I'll be on my way. Won't ever see me again."
A few of them nodded and shifted out of the way. "Yeah, we better not." One shouted, while another man, much larger than the others locked eyes with me. "Hold on, aren't you that Scourge? The one in the stories?"
I shrugged, hearing Efi gulp nervously. "Nope. Never heard of him." I remarked, but I could tell he wasn't buying it. "Yeah, now that you said it, he looks just like that bastard! This one-eyed freak is the one who has been snatching up all those kids around here!" Surveying the ever growing crowd around us, I could make out Amelia's fearful expression. She shook her head.
The group of men were growing aggravated and so was I. "Who the hell do you think you are, you monster?!" One man demanded, hurling a rock at my head. I caught it, crushing it in my hands. Hearing them talk to me like some sort of monster riled up some inner rage within me that I tried to keep well tempered. They had no idea what a true monster was capable of. One who would throw away the lives of everyone she ever knew just for more power, for another chance at her damn dream. Smiling while she tortured someone just to spite you. I snarled, a scowl forming on my face as I looked at them.
"You think I'm some kind of monster? YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT A MONSTER IS!"
Efi stepped in my way to prevent me from retaliating. "SCOTT STOP!" I snatched her by the collar and yanked her out of my way. My vision went red as I charged them, my mind filled with visions of Olivia, seeing her cocky grin plastered all over their faces as I withdrew Genji's sword. The crowd behind them shrieked in terror as I plunged my sword deep into the chest of the first man I could reach, ripping it out with such a force that I split him in two. The other men stumbled back in fear, though a few were foolish enough to charge me. I caught the first man in my arms, holding his neck in a headlock, snapping his neck with ease and slashing another man in the throat, feeling the warmth splash into my face. A third man swung a bat into the back of my head, breaking the bat at the same time. I fell to my knees, dazed by the attack, holding my aching head for a moment. I dropped Genji's sword for a second, one of them kicking me in the ribs, knocking me back down. I was too tired, too disoriented, and much too distracted to make quick work of them.
I heard Efi yell. "Hey, jackass!" She threw a stone into one of their faces, knocking him back into the others. That gave me the time to snatch my sword back up and sever his left arm clean off. He yelled in agony, only stopping when I freed his head from his pathetic shoulders, watching his body slouch to the ground. The crowd that had gathered was now fleeing the scene, calling for the authorities. Amelia was in the distance, staring at me with wide eyes, no doubt as terrified as everyone else was of me. The only other man who hadn't run when I started making mincemeat of his friends swung at me, trying to sucker punch me. I dodged, sheathing my sword, preferring a more personal touch. I grabbed him by his filthy shirt, flinging him into the dirt. Within a second I had broken his jaw, swinging down on him with a force I hadn't unleashed in a long time. Before I could crush his skull, I felt Efi grab my arm forcefully. "That's enough, Scott! Stop it! They're not Talon!"
Stopping, I looked at the man beneath me, his face already beaten into a bloody pulp with a few strikes. I could hear some people crying in the crowds that were still scrambling for help. Jesse's voice sounded in my ears once more today, hearing what he said in Monaco years ago. 'It's never too late to stop hurting an' killing people, and start helping people. It's never too late to come back.' For a moment, hearing that again only succeeded in enraging me once more, but I met Efi's eyes. The look in her eyes relaxed me for a second, for some reason I couldn't explain. She really did remind me of Lena.
I began to hear sirens in the distance, approaching much quicker than I liked. Efi nudged me, knocking me out my trance once more today. I stood up, staring at the man I had just brutalized, the arm of his friend still gushing out blood beside him. "Come on! Let's go Scott!" She yanked me by the cloak, forcing me to start running with her as the police started pursuing us. "Damnit!" I huffed, pushing myself to move faster, quickly outpacing Efi as she hauled ass right behind me.
"MOVE IT KID!"
"Hey, slow down, damnit!" Efi called out, clearly out of breath as she placed her hands on her knees. "You're gonna make me vomit up those fries and I really don't want to taste those again!" I scowled, looking behind us and deciding we had put enough distance between us and that shithole. I sighed, turning back to her and releasing a low grumble of acknowledgement. "Fine." I mumbled, holding my aching head. That piece of shit got me good.
"That was close, huh?" She offered a light smile, despite the situation. She was still trying to catch her breath as I met her dark brown eyes. "I got the shit out of the guy with that rock, right?"
"Do you ever shut the hell up, kid?" I growled, my frustration becoming even more visible as I wiped the blood off of my sword before placing it back in its sheathe. "Oh come on, don't give me that! I actually helped there, those dumbasses might've killed you. Face it, I saved your ass." She placed her hands on her hips, finally catching her second wind and standing up straight. I scoffed. "As if." I didn't bother looking at her as I tried to find the nearest road. I needed to get back on track. That bitch won't just wait for me to come find her when I feel like it.
"Fine, whatever you say, Scott. A little gratitude would be nice is all." She muttered, gaining a sigh out of me in response. "Damnit, I don't have time for this! Stop fucking talking for ten damn seconds and let me figure out where the hell we even are!" I shouted, trying to stop myself from going back to that village just to let my anger out and go on a rampage. I shouldn't have stopped. I should have killed all of them just for some damn practice. 'No, Efi was right to stop me.' I thought, feeling my breathing slow down. Clenching my fists, I turned to edge of the trees near us, walking behind them and stumbling upon a poorly maintained trail through the woods. We'll get out of here and figure out where the hell we are. Then I'll find her. I'm so close, I can practically taste her blood already.
"If we follow this trail, the next town shouldn't be too far away. But it's gonna start getting dark out pretty soon, we should try and find somewhere to settle for the night." Efi offered, and I nodded. "Good idea." I replied, adjusting the cloak. She yanked it out of place when she pulled me out of there. Sighing, I turned around and took a few steps towards her. She flinched, as if I was going to hit her.
"Sorry you had to see that. They reminded me of... her." I lowered my gaze as I finished my sentence. She smiled for a moment. "I get it. And for what it's worth, thanks for not tearing that guy's head off."
"Yeah." I muttered in response, setting off to find somewhere to sleep for the night. As always, she was nipping at my heels like the little pipsqueak that she was. I frowned, shaking my head. 'This damn girl.'
I woke up with a start, grasping my sword that rested beside me on the wall. Cold beads of sweat dripped down my forehead as I slowly adjusted to reality. I hadn't had a good night's sleep in what felt like ages, each night a new nightmare coming to find and torment me. The dark circles under my eyes had become permanent at this point. This place we found to rest at wasn't much, but it was better than some damn tree like any other night. An old abandoned shack not far from the village we fled from was near the trail. The roof was shoddily made, meaning that the rain was slowly dripping down into a puddle on the floor near my feet. The place smelled foul, like it had been molding for years, but I didn't have much to choose from. It wasn't exactly as hidden as I'd like, but then again nothing has snuck up on me in ages. Most people were terrified of me anyway. I preferred to keep it that way.
This nightmare I kept getting flashes of what happened to the others that dark day. The memories scorched into my brain never left me, remembering the last thing my left eye had seen. For a moment I thought about Lena, hoping she was doing at least a little better than she was when I left. I wondered if she was still alive, along with the others. Not that it would make much difference. I doubt Lena or Winston would ever want to see me again. All I do is bring back bad memories and trauma that I caused them. They had every right to hate me, just like they did in my dreams. For a moment, I felt a tear threaten to be shed. I hated it, knowing I failed all of them. All for some stupid hope for a dream. I had every thing I had ever wanted in my hands, but I tossed it aside in some vain attempt to prove myself. I already belonged there. My dream was everyone there. Keeping them alive and happy. My dream was watching over them all, protecting them at any cost, even my life. The only thing it took for me to realize that was to watch them all be mercilessly slaughtered in front of me.
I could still see the bodies piled up at my feet like garbage, each and every time I closed my eyes. It never got any better, no matter how much time passed.
The dead demand their tribute. I need to find Olivia, Moira, and every single Talon agent I could find. Each time I swung my sword, I could hear it calling out for more and more. I can't hold it back any longer. I'll break their necks, sever their heads and crush their bones into dust. I'll kill every last one of them if that's what I have to. My life is no longer my own to live out as I please. This life I have is all owed to the fallen. All of them are counting on me to deliver them their murderer's heads, no matter what it costs me or those around me. Then I can die peacefully, knowing I've served justice to the wicked.
Looking down, I noticed a small figure laying right beside me, her head resting on my lap as she laid horizontally next to me. She must've fallen asleep and felt more comfortable resting on me rather than some brick wall. My eyes zoomed in and out, analyzing every bit of Efi as if studying her to figure out what it was about her that stopped me from killing those fools. Maybe it didn't matter at all. What matters above all else is killing that foul woman.
Sighing, a part of me felt oddly at ease, watching her steady breathing as she slept peacefully. I envied her for a moment, smiling despite never having told myself to do so. My mind flashed to Lena once more, reminding me of the time I watched over her after one of her episodes before I left. She was the most erratic I had ever seen her, but I tried to do what Winston had taught me in order to calm her. Instead of trying to trap her or corner her like some wild animal, I just had to place a hand out and touch her shoulder. It usually worked to calm her and with some reassuring words she would slowly recover from her visions. I can still hear her faint breathing tonight, the sight of her at peace working to settle me, even in my most frazzled state. In all honesty, she calmed me down more than I did her. Sometimes I wish I could see her again some day.
I found myself placing a hand on her head, feeling her curly and soft hair in my titanium hands, much like I had with Lena. I could recall that that night was the only night I can remember sleeping peacefully. Knowing she was safe and sound next to me was what I needed in that moment. Smiling, I found myself trying to think about that day, hoping I could sleep a little better for once.
This girl really was a pain in my ass. A complete nuisance sometimes who refused to shut the hell up. She also ate more food than I'd like, seeing as it's growing a little tight these days. But maybe all that shit was worth it just for this one moment. I didn't have to suffer alone tonight. Maybe that was enough.
Maybe.
I'm back off hiatus again and hopefully for good this time! It's been a long time and I can't believe how much I missed writing like this! Genuinely, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so patient with me. I wholeheartedly apologize for my absence and hope I can make it up to you. I love doing this stuff and writing for you guys makes my day. Thank you for reading my story and following Scott's journey. This one finally got to some little bonding sessions between the two that I've been looking forward to for a while now. The next chapter is going to have to do with them and their "friendship", along with the over arching plot about missing children and Talon. I've got a lot of big plans and I'm working out outlining the next chapter pretty soon. Once again, I apologize for being so damn slow with this. You guys are the best.
Thanks for your patience. See you next time.
