Life is Strange: My Unusual Journey

Chapter 10 of my Life is Strange novelization, enjoy :)

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Boris Yeltsin: Thanks.
Marina Ka-Fai: Indeed, just one of many inconsistences with that girl.
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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Life is Strange or its characters.

Out of Time – Nothing Can Be The Same

I bowed my head; growing even more uncomfortable with the awkward silence that filled Chloe's truck. I was still taken aback by her sudden change of behaviour at the diner.

'Honestly, just yesterday I said Kate was having trouble…you'd think Chloe would understand.' I thought sadly. 'I mean c'mon, I do have more friends that just her. I've not made any secret of that.'

I glanced over at Chloe, but she didn't respond, she simply watched the road ahead as she drove, not even attempting to make conversation. We remained that way until Chloe stopped the car in what looked like some kind of junkyard. Grabbing a glass beer bottle from the glovebox, Chloe exited the car rapidly and began to stalk off, shocking me. I hurried to follow, startled by her sudden and abrupt behaviour. I tried to catch up with Chloe, but she was moving too fast.

"Hey, wait up, is this a race?!" I called out.

Chloe didn't even look back. "Keep up."

I groaned this was getting ridiculous. "How many times are gonna get pissed at me this week?"

To my surprise Chloe stopped, making me stumble as I tried not to run right into her. She then turned and faced me; strangely smirking.

"That depends on you, and how well you do on this part of the test." She remarked casually.

With that she turned and took and swig from the bottle while I shifted uncomfortably. Chloe wanted more proof, even though my head was still spinning from the diner incident, even if my nosebleed had stopped.

It was then Chloe turned around and to my shock she was casually waving a gun; a gun that I had no doubt came from David Madsen's gun locker in his garage.

I groaned. "Chloe, no way, David might be a douche, but you did steal his gun."

Chloe just grinned and nodded, still messing around with the gun, making me even more nervous.

"Is everyone armed in Arcadia Bay now?" I asked exasperatedly.

Chloe scoffed. "Only the ones who shouldn't be, like Nathan and Step-Dildo; until now of course. Anyway welcome to American Rust, my home away from hell."

I look around the junkyard and sighed. "Raw and rough, it suits you."

"Yeah well, it's perfect for a little target practice."

"Chloe, I'm not sure about this…" I said desperately; things were getting even more uncomfortable for me.

"You can handle it." Chloe remarked before taking another swig of the beer; before holding the bottle out to me. "Drink?"

I wrinkled my nose, shaking my head. "Yuck."

Chloe laughed. "You are too cute, you haven't changed at all."

She took another swig and gestured around the junkyard.

"Anyway, I need you to find five more empty bottles like this one." She said relaxed. "You do that and I'll prep the shooting range."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing and replied sarcastically. "Beer and guns, nice combo."

Chloe sighed. "C'mon, like I said, you can handle it; now get us five bottles…pretty please."

I sighed and turned away ready to begin my search.

I didn't have to look far to spot the first bottle; it was perched on top of a tyre, on top of a bundle of garbage.

'There we go, now…' I thought to myself as I stood on tip-toe, reaching out.

Unfortunately I remembered too late, I was a clumsy one and sure enough I knocked the bottle over and it smashed on the ground.

'Stupid bottle; way to go 'Super-klutz'.' I thought angrily.

So, shaking my head, I quickly rewound to fix the bottle. Looking around I spotted a nearby discarded crate. Should have really found that first I noted as I moved it and climbed upon it to retrieve the bottle which I stashed in my bag.

Looking around I was overcome by the sheer amount of varying junk; washing machines, discarded vehicles and god knows what else. I continued my search, heading towards one of the car wrecks, a bottle was lying in plain sight and I picked it up.

'Whoa…?' I gasped when I looked up and spotted, of all things, a doe nearby. 'That looks like the same doe I saw in my nightmare, I've gotta get a shot of this.'

I carefully moved closer, watching as it moved and picked my moment. While the doe was standing still for a moment I took the shot. I grinned but then froze, the doe had run off now but checking the photo I was startled to see I had only got the landscape. The doe was nowhere to be seen in the picture.

I almost dropped the photo. 'How is that, no way, how is that possible?'

I carefully put the camera and photo away, seriously freaked out.

Turning around I continued to look around, being careful to avoid the railroad tracks. While searching I found a small enclosed campsite.

'Wow, popular party spot. Still, there's another bottle.' I noted to myself grinning as I picked up the third bottle.

Just two more to go, I continued to look around, ending up at the other end of the junkyard, on a small hill; near which I had spotted two things which worried me.

'Okay, those gun shells were recently fired and…Urgh, so disturbing to see used syringes lying around.' I thought with a shudder.

Shaking my head I stopped at the top of the small hill and found myself looking across a small gap, at the other end of which was the old, rusting remains of a boat; upon which was a table and some chairs, on said table was yet another bottle.

I grinned, I just had to find a way across. I was momentarily distracted however when my phone beeped. I pulled it out and grinned when I saw a message from Warren. I opened it, biting my lip as that strange sensation fluttered in my stomach again.

"We are so GOING APE! Newberg is 60 miles so we should leave around 5. I drive." It said.

Grinning I texted back. "Hell yeah we will in your new ride."

"We have to get supplies for the drive-in. Maybe we can have dinner first." Warren texted back, sending another just after it; the computer speak for silence.

I was relieved to note he clearly felt as awkward about his comment regarding dinner as I did.

"Or whatever. Anyway. GO APE!"

Smiling at his attempt to pull a quick recovery I texted back. "Too late!"

This prompted a smiley face emoji from him and I put my phone away, contemplating the task ahead of me.

Finally I came up with an idea, spotting a plank nearby, it was long enough and didn't look too heavy. So I went to life it up and set it down as a bridge, grunting with effort as I did so.

'Way heavier than I thought.'

Still it was in place, I was able to make my way across and pick up the bottle, just one more to find. I looked around worriedly, trying to think; where could it be.

It was then I spotted something, what I had taken for a large pile of garbage was in fact a ruined small building, covered with garbage, it looked like it was being used as a hideout. Making my way back over the gap I headed down the hill and made a beeline for that building.

Inside I saw it was full of things from graffiti to a dart board, and even make-up containers, likely Rachel's. I could see from everything here that this was Chloe and Rachel's hangout.

'Like Chloe and I with our pirate fort…God now I feel like I'm intruding. Although…' I thought sadly to myself, before noticing. 'Hello bottle number five.'

I picked it up, smiling as I now had all the bottles Chloe asked me for. I left the building and was about to go back to Chloe when my phone went again. I pulled it out and was surprised when I saw it was Kate who texted me.

"Max." I read. "Thank you for giving me such great advice about going to the police and telling them everything about Nathan. I so appreciate you standing by me. Keeps my faith. Xoxoxo"

I smiled, relieved she sounded more positive than before. "Kate, I'm on your side."

I thought for a moment, remembering the threatening text and bit my lip.

"Please don't mention me too much if you can, I'm already in trouble around here." I sent the text, hoping Kate would understand.

Luckily it seemed she did, for her reply was about me answering her call. "And thanks so much for talking to me this morning. I was about to have a serious cry and I needed a friend, you were there, as usual. Xoxoxo."

I smiled, relieved that Kate at least felt a little better. Maybe there was hope yet.

Still in a good mood I returned to Chloe who was still drinking. I handed her the first of five bottles.

"Ah, thanks Max." She grinned as I then began pulling out the others, Chloe set them up on her makeshift firing range.

She grinned and emptied the last bottle. "One more for the road."

She set it down to join the others, then stepped back, joining me as she pulled out the gun.

"Okay, we're gonna hit all these bottles, without wasting a single bullet." She explained holding the gun out, ready to shoot. "Max, you have to help me aim."

I shook my head. "You sure about this?"

Chloe nodded, making me even more uncomfortable, she seemed too familiar with holding a weapon in her hands. "Duh, now c'mon, guide me."

I sighed but nodded. "I have to see you shoot first."

Chloe grinned and took aim before firing her first shot, it went a little wide, striking just to the left of the target. Chloe sighed and shook her head while I smiled and nodded reassuringly. I pulled a quick rewind and took my chance.

"Aim a little to your right."

Chloe smirked. "Aye, aye captain."

This time she shot and demolished the bottle.

"Oh yes, did you see that shit Max." She cheered. "Now bottle number two."

I had to admit, playing with guns was dangerous, but I was finding myself strangely at peace doing this.

Not wanting to dwell on what that might mean I watched as Chloe lined up her second shot, fired and hit the board below the bottle. I rewound again and gave my call.

"Up a little."

Chloe nodded and fired again, demolishing the second bottle this time.

Grinning she turned to me. "Awesome, okay, let's pick a different target, I wanna try a trick shot."

'Okay, just how much have you had to drink Chloe?' I thought worriedly; although I still looked around and spotted a good target. "How about that wheel rim on your left."

Chloe turned to it, taking aim. "Taking out the wheel rim now."

She fired and the bullet ricocheted off the wheel rim into the third bottle.

This drew a laugh from Chloe. "Sweet…Alright, one more trick shot."

I then spotted the car wreck on the rubbish pile above the bottles.

"How about using that old junker as a target?"

Chloe agreed enthusiastically and when I suggested hitting the left tyre she shot it out. It did not take long for the car to then slip forwards, crush the three bottles and fall onto its roof, narrowly missing us. Needless to say that close call freaked me, Chloe, it just made her more energetic.

"Alright; that was awesome." Then, to my horror, she handed the gun to me. "Here, you're turn."

I stepped back, wide-eyed. "You're serious?"

She nodded. "What's the big worry, you have the superpowers, girl."

I bit my lip, but before I could respond I found myself in an unfortunate predicament. Just like on the cliff yesterday, my head felt like it was about to explode, I doubled over grasping it and found myself witnessing a horrific vision, a vision of that tornado, tearing Arcadia Bay to shreds.

When I came too, I was slumped over, on my side, seated on the hood of one of the car wrecks, Chloe was next to me, looking worried.

"Hey, you alright?"

I nodded. "Just, give me a minute."

Chloe gave a soft laugh. "Too much excitement, huh? Well, take as long as you need to calm down, then come see me."

I nodded and stood up; I took a moment to catch my breath and try to stop the wave of dizziness. I quickly checked the time, there was thankfully no rush to get back to Blackwell, classes wouldn't be starting for some time yet and I wasn't due for my next dose of medication until noon.

Turning around I smiled as I noted Chloe, laid back on the hood of the car, casually holding the gun up in the air, it was too good a shot to miss. I pulled out William's camera and took the shot, Chloe didn't complain, nor did she react, other than to smile lightly.

Putting the photo and camera away again I approached her and she stood up before handing me the gun again, I held it, feel more uncomfortable than ever.

"You're serious about this?"

Chloe nodded. "Of course, c'mon, we'll find you a good target."

I shook my head, I hated guns, always had. This was certainly not going to end well, if I only knew how right I was about that.

I was looking awkwardly at the gun when a gruff, unfamiliar voice spoke up.

"Hey, it's Thelma and Louise."

I started and spun around, hiding the gun behind my back, Chloe's eyes widened in recognition, which sacred me. The figure was a man, middle ages with scruffy light brown hair and a similar beard, brown eyes and scruffy clothes that practically screamed drug dealer.

"Or is it Bonnie and Clyde?" He queried jokingly.

Chloe tried to act nonchalant, but adding to my terror, I could hear she was scared. "Excuse us, Frank."

Frank just smirked. "Oh don't mind me, just heard the gunshots, and wouldn't you know it, look who I find, I think it's cute that you're playing with guns."

"This isn't really any of your business…" Chloe began.

Frank cut her off, glaring however. "Wrong, you are my business, you owe me a shit load of money, with interest too."

"You'll get your money."

It was all coming together in my head and my heart started pounding and I knew I was sweating buckets. 'This guy is a drug dealer, Chloe owes him money, fuck this is not good, not good at all.'

I could see Frank clearly wasn't impressed with Chloe's claims.

"That's what they all say, even when they're broke, messing around in places they shouldn't…" He remarked harshly, before turning his gaze to me. "Whatcha got there girlie?"

I froze; not only now his attention was on me, he was referring to the gun I was still hiding behind my back.

I shuffled backwards, feeling worse than ever.

"Nothing, I um…"

Frank pointed towards me, stepping forwards. "C'mon, show me…"

However it was then Chloe noticed something and things took a drastic turn. She was looking at Frank's wrist as he spoke and suddenly burst out. "What's that?"

Frank looked at her, glaring. "It's nothing…"

"That's Rachel's bracelet, why the fuck are you wearing her bracelet!?" Chloe demanded savagely.

I started, worried by this, Chloe was freaking out, at a dangerous drug dealer. Frank stepped back defensively.

"Calm yourself, it was a gift."

Chloe snarled. "Fucking liar, give me that…!"

She stopped and leapt back, I almost cried out as Frank pulled a knife.

"Hey, you want me to cut you bitch, I swear…" He stopped too; his anger fading.

Chloe stood in shock, I was shocked too, for I had just done possibly the most stupid thing in my life. I was now holding the gun out, aimed directly at Frank; my finger on the trigger, ready to pull.

"You're kidding." Frank whispered, clearly uneasy. "Hey, c'mon, put that thing down."

I shook my head. "Please, step back."

Frank relaxed however and I silently cursed, he could see my hands were shaking.

"You ain't got the balls, sweetheart." He remarked smugly as he edged closer.

I froze again; everything was screaming at me to pull that trigger as Frank edged closer, but if I did, could I live with it. We were talking about a human being here, no matter what sort of life he led, could I really take that away.

Seeing my hesitation, Frank pounced and yanked the gun from my hands easily before laughing.

"I take it back, you two are more like Abbot and Castello." He glared again however, addressing Chloe. "I'll consider this interest on your loan, you have to Friday to pay me, or I'll be hunting you down, with this interest."

With that he turned and stalked off. Chloe turned to me and shook her head.

"Way to go Max, you sure showed him." She remarked sarcastically.

I was still feeling freaked out and shook my head. "I'm sorry, okay, I…"

"Whatever, let's get outta here, go for a walk…My secret place didn't feel so secret today." She muttered before walking off.

I groaned; here we go again. With that whole incident still playing in my mind I awkwardly followed Chloe, feeling horrible and scared at the same time. Nevertheless I put on a front of calmness and joined Chloe who was standing by the railway tracks. She gestured for me to follow her and we began walking, down the tracks; just like that old film, Stand by Me.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.