Chapter 21

The guards had lowered their weapons, so to speak, and allowed the group to pass through. Kate seemed frustrated as she passed them, the others were still being careful as to not upset any of them. On the other side of this small barricade was organized chaos. Many of the civilians in the town were here, looking for loved ones and trying to get out of the way of the military. The guards organized squads and leaders and they began to disperse, back into the city. Kate smiled, pointing into the crowd.

"Look, Possum, Comedian," she said.

She was pointing at Leo and Iawn, who were painting their face Red, Black, and Gold like some of the guards were and they were grasping their rifles, preparing to join some of the guards. Nate crossed his arms, walking up to them and tapping their shoulders.

"FLINT!" they both exclaimed, then they looked past him, noticing the others, "Shatner! Oh! CHARLES!"

They ran, embracing Charles. Nate rolled his eyes, putting his attention back at the two.

"Where have you two been?" asked Nate

"We've been looking for you," said Iawn, "We were… kind of worried."

"We thought you were still in the city," said Leo, "I planned to suit up and go back, looking for you."

"Well, we were looking for you," said Shatner, "So there's no need for any of that anymore. Now that we're all here, let's concentrate on sticking together."

"Oberst Von Steiner," exclaimed Kate, running towards Von Steiner, who was approaching them.

Nate and Shatner both turned their attention towards the commander now, who's interest was them now.

"We're sorry about all this," said Shatner.

"It's not your fault," said Von Steiner.

"No, it's Flint's," said Kevin, chuckling to himself, "These Frenchmen are pissed that he blew up their tower."

"Their tower?" questioned Von Steiner, then when he said it over in his head, he smiled, shaking Flint's hand, "Glückwünsche, Mann. How did this happen?"

"Umm… we had a run in with them in Paris," said Nate, "Things happened…"

"Vell, Glückwünsche. They hawf proven that they deserved it," Von Steiner said, smiling, then he turned to the others, the group as a whole, "In other news, we now have big, frying fish."

"Umm… Bigger fish to fry?" asked Andy.

"Ya, ve must now clear the Leuchtfeuer of the Französisch," said Von Steiner.

"Alright, we'd be willing to help out," said Seth.

"I agree," said Nate, "Let's see what really happens when a frog jumps into a pot of boiling water!"

"Please," said Von Steiner, "Do not inzult our strength. Ve can hahndle an attack, especially a French one. The only reason they made it inside the vall is pure underestimation on our part."

"We really feel bad about this," said Nate.

"No vorries, Bekannte," said Von Steiner, grasping Nate's shoulder, "You hawf a mission as well. I vill not sleep at night knowingk that I kept you one second from your objective."

"What?" said Shatner, "But, after all we've done, we must-"

"You must press on," said Von Steiner, "If these rumors are true, then the return owf an organized Government, even an American one, could mean hope for our world. Even if it takes years, an American government uniting its colonies vould mean more aid and stability to the other members owf the WWBC. This is a chance owf a lifetime."

Shatner and Nate looked at each other, and then at the group. Von Steiner took this time to tip his hat in farewell, and he headed off towards another group of guards, speaking to them in sharp German.

The group looked at one another, nodding, and they looked to Kate, who was smiling.

"Alright then," said Nate, "Kate, you know an alternate route out of here?"

"Of course I do," said Kate, smiling, "We can head out of this back way. I can lead us to the coast from there."

"Now, what did I say," said Nate, "You're showing us the door, then you're coming back here and helping your people."

"Flint," spat Shatner, "What is your problem?"

"I told you, she is NOT coming along," said Nate.

"Why not have a vote, ya?" asked Kate, she turned to the group, "I am coming vith you, any questions?"

"Yeah!" exclaimed the three Brits.

"I vote yes," said Kevin, "And she knows how to handle a gun."

"I could be a moron and sya it's bad luck to bring a woman on a journey," said Seth, "But then again, a lot of guys were faggots back then, and used luck as an excuse. I vote 'Yes'."

"Come on, guys," said Nate.

"Someone who can keep Nathan Flint in check?" said Fred, "Oh, I am IN! She can come."

"Why wasn't she with us to begin with?" asked Andy, slicking his hair back and smiling awkwardly at Kate, "I vote yes, in fact, I demand she comes. If she doesn't, then I stay here."

"In that case, I just might change my vote," said Seth, "I was kind of hoping he died in the plane crash and ever since then I…"

"Shut up, you jerk," shouted Andy.

"Alright, so it's settled," said Shatner, smugly smiling at Nate, "I, Brom, vote 'Yes' as well. She's coming with us."

"Americans," mumbled Kate, "Their stupid voting… Demokratie. Alright, so We can go now?"

"Yeah," said Nate, defeated, "Let's just go. We're wasting time."

Kate smiled, then nodded towards the large city wall down the street. Even at the wall, houses and stores and the like surrounded the area, built almost right into the wall itself. Most of these shops were military/defense oriented, and homes of guards and personnel, but there were some civilian homes here as well.

Kate headed down the street, then lead the group down a street that probably stretched the entire perimeter of the city. She paid a few coins and a couple of old ear rings to a man for a couple full canteens and three magazines of ammunition for her rifle before she lead the group onward, looking for something in the wall.

Suddenly she found it. A small alleyway between two box-houses that lead into the wall, and to a very thick wooden door. She ran up to it, unlocking it and pushing it open. Shatner was first out, followed by Fred and Kevin. Soon, the entire group poured outside the giant wall, and began walking up a small path of some sort out away from the city.

Kate slammed this heavy door behind them, before rushing ahead of everyone and lead them onward. They walked for quite some time, slowly the sounds of battle leaving their ears. Kate turned back, once, and stared longingly at the city. But she was quick to turn back and lead onwards, the others following close behind. They rested only once, sitting in a circle to decide their next move.

"We should go south and head straight through Italy," suggested Nate, "They should have ships and boats and the like, I wouldn't worry about that."

"I would not trust any of the Italians," said Kate, "Besides, the Colony I know of on the WWBC is doing poorly, who knows what desperation could make them do."

"Then we enter the Mediterranean through Greece, then?" asked Shatner.

"Wait, wait," said Fred, breathing heavier, "I know a few guys from the Greek Isles Colonies. That place is… weird."

"We won't HIT the colonies," said Nate, "All we need is one of those boats."

"Two," chimed in Kevin.

Nate rolled his eyes, "Two, two of those boats. That's all we need."

"Alright then," said Kate, "I know where we can find a few of these maps. I think we can do this."

"Shouldn't be too hard," said Andy, "And now that we have those guys chasing us, we can be more motivated to run!"

"Do NOT think like that," said Nate, raising his voice, "The German people will destroy the majority of them and the rest who stand will be unable to follow us. Enough said."

"Can we not argue?" asked Pandora, "We need to run, let's put some distance between us."

"This way," said Kate.

They continued their trek, but it was at a slower pace then what was set before. Soon, their fears were behind them, and they walked across the wasteland.

They walked, for what felt like days. Onward, being led by Kate, who at least acted like she knew where they were going. After a while, the anticipation of an attack wore off, and the battle they fled from was left far behind them. Almost a sense of normalcy came over them… almost.

"Hey, hey," rapped Iawn and Leo, who beat-boxed together, "My name is Iawn and I'm trying not to die, as we travel with our team, not lead by any guy. I used to be the leader but now we have someone great. We're being lead by our new Aunty, and her German name is KATE!"

"Yeah," said Leo, in between beat boxes, "Yeah, yeah."

"I preferred the singing, I think," said Shatner.

"Yo, my name is Leonard, and I won't go easy, because I've survived this trip so far, on the ship I got, QUESY! I can't wait for Africa, and I hope the food is better. But I disagree with Iawn, I am still the LEADER!"

"Hey," said Iawn, crossing his arms, "No you aren't, you never were, you bloody twit!"

"Ok, fighting I can deal with," said Shatner, smiling, "No bad rhyming with that."

"Yo, you brits think you're smart, but the truth is much worse," said Andy, jumping between Iawn and Leo, "If the Frenchmen had his way, we'd be home in a hearse. So even though you're not black, and you're still frickin' English, we need to stick together and chase after this wish!"

Now even Kevin and Seth picked up the beat boxing, smiling to one another. Shatner covered his face, frowning on the inside.

"Yeah, now it's time for Nate, and it might be true," chimed in Nate, "That without me no one would know what to do. I came up with where to go, and I started this ball, and if I left Fred back in Paris he'd be nailed to a wall!"

Fred glared at Nate, but he continued with the beat, even beginning to dance a little bit.

"Yeah, now we all be rappin', having a really good time but we have to remember where we are and why we still rhyme. Yeah, traveling across Europe, may seem like a lot of fun. But watch your step, brothah, Radiation burns worse then the sun!"

"Ok," said Shatner, "My name is Brom, and all of you I have lead, but if I hear any more racket I will shoot you all DEAD!"

Shatner allowed his eyes to lower, glaring at the group. The rap beats stopped, and everyone crossed their arms, a little upset by his outburst.

"Why can't you guys take this a little serious, huh?" asked Shatner, "After all we've been through… you think you guys would be a little more… solemn."

"Maybe it's a good thing they are staying lose," said Kate, "They need to keep their spirits up."

"Yeah, maybe," said Nate, "You know, I've been thinking…"

"Stop, right there," said Shatner, "I… don't think I really want to hear it."

"I'm thirsty," said Nate, raising his eyebrows, "I was thinking… maybe we take a few seconds and refill our canteens?"

Shatner lifted his canteen, feeling how little, warm water was left. He looked around, everyone else doing the same. He nodded, and turned to Kate.

"What do you think? Anyplace around here we can go to?" asked Shatner.

"Many places," said Kate, "If we keep moving, I can find vater in no time. Many of these town wells will probably still be in use."

She lead them farther on until they found a road. Following the road, they approached a fork in it. Kate stared at the signs, and didn't say anything for an entire minute.

"What is it?" asked Pandora, finally, "What's wrong?"

"Two towns… both equal distance," said Kate, "I remember strange stories about both towns. I don't know which to chose."

"What kind of stories," asked Fred, "Scary stories?"

"Stories of missing travelers, abandoned towns, fully stocked fridges, cryptic messages," said Kate, "And most of all… deadly Sirens."

"Sirens?" asked Seth, "Like… air raid sirens? Or Police sirens?"

"Sirens," said Kate, "Mythical women of pure beauty."

"Oh, they used to sing to the sailors… sing them into their dooms, right?" answered Kevin.

"Very good," smiled Kate, "But their effects were mostly on men alone. I'm sure most of it is just stories… but it worries me slightly. These towns are known by two new names: Sinneslust und Fresserei. One town full of curiosity and lust; and the other town, over indulgence and a craving for more."

"So, which is which?" asked Nate.

"I don't know," said Kate, "These signs, they are labeled awkwardly, and they look like they have been moved and removed and replaced over and over."

"Alright, then," said Shatner, "Make a guess, we trust you."

Kate shook her head, then she pointed in one direction, "I'm guessing this is Sinneslust. So… we should head this way, towards Fresserei."

"Sounds good," said Seth, "Let's go."

"Wait, wait a minute," said Kevin, "What if it's a trap. We can't all go walking into the same place. We should split up."

"Good point," said Shatner, "How far away are the two towns?"

"Not far, they are practically one large town," said Kate, "But a giant wall separates them, you see, these towns used to be-"

"No time for a history lesson," said Nate, "If we're going to split up, we should chose it."

"Alright, I'll go to Sinneslust," said Kate, "If that's where the Sirens are, I vill be able to combat their affects."

"Then I'm going with you," said Nate, "I'm itching for a fight, and I'm unaffected by any woman's charms."

"No, Nate," said Shatner, stepping out, "We need someone… uh… smart and strong to lead the majority to get food and the like. I think that I should go with Kate. You know, being the… uhh… more tactical of the two."

Nate seemed to think for a little bit, before nodding and smiling, "Good point, alright, so. Team One is Mine, Team Two is Shatner's and Kate's. Who's coming with who?"

Nate stood by one road, and Shatner and Kate stood at the other. Shatner smiled at his trick, Nate took the bait like a charm. In no time, Leo and Charles ran forward, falling on their knees at Kate's side and holding on, one to each leg. She awkwardly shifted her weight as to not fall over, before smiling at the reaction and patting their heads.

"We'll go with Aunty Kate!" said Leo, "We don't want to be deafened by Sirens!"

"Aw… my little boys," cooed Kate, "I won't let anything happen to you."

"I chose Shatner," said Fred, "I refuse to be involved in anything that will happen!" Fred walked over and stood beside Shatner, crossing his arms.

"Fine, I didn't want you anyway, pretty boy," said Nate, crossing his own arms.

"Seth, get over here," said Shatner, "We need to be careful, I want a real fighter over here."

"Hey," said Nate, "It's my turn!"

"Sorry, Nate," said Seth, "I'm itching for a fight as well. I've been through enough of these legendary 'Pits-of-Doom' to write a book across the States. I think I'll be fine."

Nate crossed his arms once more, shaking his head, "Fine, I guess I'll just go ALONE!"

"No, What about me?" asked Iawn, walking next to Nate, "You saved my life, I am in debt to you, Sir."

Nate sighed, before looking down at Iawn, "You should really go with your two friends. Splitting you three up is bad luck in and of itself."

Iawn frowned, before running over and getting to his own knees, grabbing both of Kate's legs and hugging, Kate holding his head to make sure it didn't hit any awkward place.

"I never got this kind of attention from children before," she smiled, so happy in the moment.

"I don't think we should all bunch up like this," said Kevin, sounding awkward, "What if it's a trap. We're all practically bunching up! I'm going with Flint."

"Thank you, Kevin, it means a lot," said Nate.

Then, stood Pandora and Andy. They both looked at each other, then looked at the two groups.

"Ok, I chose that group," said Andy, pointing towards Shatner's and Kate's, "I need to stay with my boys, after all. Sorry, Flint."

Nate shook his head, and looked at Pandora.

"Why is all of this on ME now?" asked Pandora.

"Oh, don't fuss about it," said Nate, "Just go with the rest of them. Strength in numbers. Kevin and I will go and secure this other town. You two head off and fight your Mythical Monsters and have FUN! When you're done playing around, you can come meet me and Kevin over at the fun town, where we'll be partying and eating and having tons of FUN!"

Nate began to walk down the first road, Kevin waving and running after them. Shatner waved back, and then he turned and began to walk down the other road.

"Come on, the faster we do this the faster we get home. Let's put these legends to rest."

"And let's hope that they'll be alright," said Kate, "I am beginning to think I should have went with them, to thicken their numbers."

"Hey, me too," said Iawn, bouncing around Kate.

"Me too!" said Leo, "If you go with them, can we come too?"

"Me three, Aunty Kate," said Charles, "I don't want to go fight the sirens."

"We can't go back now," said Shatner, "We need her to combat the Sirens if this whole legend turns out to be true!"

"It won't be," said Seth, "Now let's get there and get out. If this whole thing turns out to be nothing, I'm going to feel real bad if something happens to those two."