Three hours—that's how long those girls have been talking. Firstly, I was impressed that five girls could chat for so long. However, it makes sense when I think about it since they haven't seen each other for three days. I just wish they weren't so damn loud.
"For the last time, guys, I'm fine!" Kitty Cat was trying to have them calm down, yet was yelling, which wouldn't calm anyone down.
"Are you sure? He hasn't done anything weird to you?" I hope Pinky knows I can hear her.
"No, all he's done is bandage my legs and hand for the last time." Good idea, not telling them everything, Kitty Cat, that totally won't bite me in the ass later.
"Uhee~ if you say so." Something tells me Pinky knows Kitty Cat is lying. This means there will be an integration later.
"Nn besides that, do you have protection, food, and water?" Finally, a series of questions that make sense given our circumstances. Good on Little Jackal.
"Yes, we do. We've got a revolver, plenty of water, and food. Most of our food, though, is trail mix, jerky, and granola." Kitty Cat seemed somewhat glum at our choices of food.
"Well, it's better than nothing, Serika." I agree, Little Jackal.
"If you ask me, maybe we should plan what to do when you get back. Maybe we can go out and celebrate your safe return!" Nonomi sounded pleased with her idea, and agreements came from the rest of them. It's quiet, making me think they stopped talking or were much more silent. "So, Substitute, would you like to join us?" The question catches me off guard; sure, I may be bringing her back, but that doesn't mean a thing.
[I wouldn't mind joining at all] Of course, the text box would want to go.
"No offense, but I'll have a load of work to handle when I get back, so I'll have to decline." I can't imagine nor want to imagine the workload waiting for me at Schale. Chances are I'll be busy for a day or two.
"Surely you can spare at least thirty minutes or an hour." Ayane had spoken up.
"Even if I could, it's not up to me. That would be for the guest of honor to decide, isn't that right, Kitty Cat?" I didn't want to put her on the spot entirely, but it's an easy out for me. I'm also willing to bet she'll probably say she doesn't want me there. After all, who wants a stranger at their get-together with friends? It's silent for a good bit until Kitty Cat speaks.
"Let me think about." That is an excellent way of saying no.
"Well, we'll have to put a cork in it until later. So how about we plan where to go, alright!" Nonomi's bright energy was something else entirely. Though something is off with her voice, it's faint, but I can tell. Like someone relieved, they didn't have to resort to an action. Oh well, it's not my problem.
"But where should we go?" After Kitty Cat's question, all the girls go quiet again.
"How about the park again?"
"Shiroko, we know you're going to case a bank."
"How about we go to an aquarium?"
"Hoshino, that would cost a little bit for all of us."
"How about we go to the mall?"
"Nonomi, I'm sure we'd all like that. It's just you get a bit pushy about certain things when there, though."
"How about we relax on our school's rooftop?"
"I like that, Ayane, but I feel like that should be done after some hard work."
I hear them all sighing in sync, trying to figure something out. I would want to relax at a place with food and drinks. I doubt they would like to do the same. However, my suggestion could get them to move on.
"You know, it's kinda sad a bunch of teenagers can't figure out where to celebrate." Hearing all the different displeased noises after my comment was grand. Kitty Cat soon took the forefront of all the noise from them.
"I don't see you giving us ideas!" I scoff at her.
"Why should I? It's not like it's my celebration."
"Sounds like a good excuse for someone without ideas of their own."
"Oh, have you all considered visiting the ramen shop where Kitty Cat works? The food is good, and Kitty Cat could also meet her boss and tell them she's okay." Based on the silence, it seems they are mulling it over. Meaning I have gained the peace I so desire. Opening up my window, I smell the sweet, desert air. It's way different than how it smells at night, that's for sure. Eventually, the girls are yapping again; thankfully, they're quieter than before, so that's a plus. I'm just happy this awkward road trip will be ending soon. I wonder how many people Giggit had to talk to in my absence. Hopefully, she didn't turn them away too badly; otherwise, I'd have a lot of problematic people to deal with. I'm still reeling from all those phone calls I had to make.
Well, I better start planning my week. I still have to patrol Abydos, which the Chief Defense Officer wanted me to do. I wonder if I'll meet them at some point. Are they a corrupt, power-hungry bitch, or someone who understands the people and is trying to help them? I guess only time will tell. It's not like I'll be around to find out anytime soon, so at least she won't be my problem if she's the latter. Besides that patrol, I should make sure I do those bounties. God only knows how many wanna-be thugs are stirring up trouble. I hope it's not the knockoff Power Rangers again, especially since they're not even good knockoffs, and their gimmick is food, which is just sad. I'm sure I even heard one of them asking the red one when they'll be paid. This means some of them are vigilantes because Red's paying them, not because they want to do it out of the goodness of their hearts.
They aren't the only weirdos either; the little box bots I usually defend those foundries from are just as strange. Those little bots are constantly chattering, and while I understand them, I have no clue what they keep mumbling about. Most of the time, it's about the facility they work in—production low, maintenance needed in section three, and generic company slogans. However, they always uttered one phrase no matter what factory those little guys were in, even if it was a competitor's factory.
'I'm both terror and mystery. I'm alpha and omega.' I don't know why that phrase keeps popping up from those little bots; I just know it rubs me the wrong way. The worst part of that mantra is that they only say it when destroyed. I remember asking Team Magpie if they heard it, but they all said no. Hanae asked if I was okay and getting enough sleep; it took me a lot of effort to convince her I was alright. Since that day, I decided to go after the weird jack in the box for my daily commissions quota. Meaning I would have to find a different way to gather reports. I know Sora sells them occasionally but doesn't sell them in high quantities. I wonder if I can ask Arona about other methods of acquiring them. Finally, I have to strengthen Giggit, Digit, and Widget. I can't have those three lagging behind Team Magpie in strength. Just in case I ever need them to run an operation with me. However, I'd like them to stay out of combat for as long as possible.
Well, at least I have a lovely week planned for myself. I can only hope the week's insanity stays mild compared to last week. I don't want to bring someone else back to life or be guilt-tripped into helping rescue someone who has been kidnapped. However, I'm sure nothing will get to that problematic level again. Here's to that being the biggest problem I have to deal with in Kivotos. And to a calm rest of the month until I'm relieved of duty to begin my search to make it back home.
Finally resurfacing from my thoughts, I hear the girls chattering away again.
"No! You guys can't do all that when you come to Shiba Seki Ramen!" Kitty Cat begins to tap my arm furiously. "Tell them they can't do that!" Her voice sounded both mad and embarrassed.
"Do whatever you four want. It's none of my concern. As long as it doesn't hurt or inconvenience someone, I'm okay with you doing it." Kitty Cat makes out the most unholy, embarrassed screech as her friends make the most triumphant cheering I've ever heard after my statement. "I hope you let the owner know beforehand whatever you're planning."
"That sounds reasonable enough. I'll ask for his permission before we proceed with the idea." Ayane responds to my final statement before I zone out again, leaving them all to chatter again without the threat of me hearing anything embarrassing. Or I would if my brain felt like zoning out. Sadly, that isn't allowed as I feel a light slap on my arm. I try to ignore it but feel a couple more slaps on my arm. I caved after the seventh slap.
"Yes, Kitty Cat?" The slaps stop after my acknowledgment.
"Why did you agree with them!" She was speaking quietly.
"I didn't feel like arguing with them. Also, this seems like a good way for you to get a warm reception back home." While I can't see her face, I feel her glare. Then, a couple more light slaps on my arm. Give me a break, Kitty Cat. I'm not your guardian or babysitter. "You can just tell them no." She scoffs.
"It's too late now since you told them they can go ahead and do it!" Her whispers turned into quiet yelling.
"Then what do you want me to do about it?" Seriously, this girl just can't be happy. She probably wouldn't have been happy if I said no as well. "Besides, I told them they have to ask the owner if they can do what they want to do. If he says no, then you're in luck, right?" It's not up to me if they want to throw a party at the place after all.
"I understand that it's just that I don't want them to make such a big deal out of it." That makes sense. I suppose she doesn't want the people who kidnapped her to know where she went.
"If you explain why you don't want it to be a big deal, maybe they'll stop." She doesn't respond to me. I decided to try zoning out again, this time managing, which allows me to focus on the road and simply drive.
(11:38 pm. One day out of Abydos proper.)
Zoning in again, I realize it's been quite a while. I've been driving empty-headed for the last five hours. The urban derelict sprawl was all around us now; if I had to guess, we're a day away now. So this will be over oh so soon.
A bright light begins to flood my vision, meaning only one thing.
[I wish you had agreed to go with them] The text box glows softly tonight. Before I answer it, I quickly glance at Kitty Cat and notice she is knocked out cold.
"Wouldn't be right if I went. I'd probably only make them all uncomfortable." I keep my voice low.
[How are you sure they would've been uncomfortable?] The soft hum of the textbox feels horrible.
"Call it a hunch." The desert is getting windy tonight, with howling winds picking up. "Besides, would you want a stranger at your get-together with friends?"
[Not really, but I wouldn't mind talking to someone new. Especially if they came with a friend.] It was quite a social butterfly-like answer.
"Well, it seems like we're in disagreement about what we think a gathering of close friends should be like." The winds get a bit fiercer, kicking up vast torrents of sand. Soon, I won't be able to see anything.
[I guess so] I look around, trying to spot any place to help shield the jeep from the steadily ramping sandstorm.
"It's kinda funny if you ask me; my hallucination thinks differently compared to me. I must be one screwed-in-the-head individual." The box leaves my peripheral view, becoming a smaller window to my left.
[Maybe I'm just your conscience.] I can only snort after reading that bit.
"If you're my conscience, then you're terrible at the job." I spot a parking garage building that's decently intact. I sharply turn into the garage, find a good parking spot, and kill the engine.
[That's rude of you to say you know!] I can only scoff as I get out of the car. The howling wind was no longer muffled. Some sand was entering the parking garage, but not enough to warrant concern.
"I know." Stretching my legs a little, I scan the garage for anything useful. It's mostly filled with abandoned cars, buses, and motorcycles, though I notice a little drone sitting on the floor. Walking over, I decided to check it over. It's banged up pretty bad, and with the rust, it looks like it's been out of commission for a while. Spinning it around, I eventually found a busted camera along with a panel.
[Why are you checking out this drone?] Using the light of the text box, I carefully dig my nails under the panel.
"Curiosity, in all honesty. Now, stay right there. The light coming from you makes it easier to work." Popping the panel off, I see a symbol of a bull goat. I wonder why they sent a drone out here and who they are. Besides the giant stamp on the control receiver, I notice a video transmitter in rough shape. Well, that's saying it lightly; someone or something shot clean through it with precision. The rotors are in pretty good condition, so I'll take them.
[Are you just picking apart the drone?] I nod my head. [Why?]
"Because I could use the still functional parts at some point." I finally removed the last rotor and gave the drone a once-over. "Well, little buddy, nothing is useful about you anymore." I set the drone down and then kicked some sand on it.
[Kicking the sand on it is disrespectful, you know.] I roll my eyes at the box.
"It's Good to know you don't know the meaning of what I did." I surveyed the area again, spotting a security booth near a ramp going further up. My footsteps echo in the mostly empty garage. Looking inside through the window, I spot a desk, lockbox, and rusted pistol. Well, no one will mind if I take a gander. Breaking down the door, I begin rummaging through the room.
[You're like a raccoon.] I chuckle at the box while opening a drawer—mostly papers, pencils, and pens. There's one paper in English, though it only talks about a time and place for an anniversary. I guess the guard had an s.o, I hope they made it to them. Closing the drawer, I decided to look over the pistol next. I expected it to be canned when I pulled the trigger, only for it to fire off. It didn't fall apart either; it's close, but might still be helpful later. Taking the magazine out, I check how many shots are left, two. It'll do for warning shots, at least. Pocketing the pistol, I turn towards the lockbox. It's a small thing, very ornate, and despite the dust, it seems very important. [Please don't break into that.] I considered the text box for a moment.
Too bad I want to know what's inside. Looking at it, it has a generic key slot. I was honestly expecting a number pad. It sucks I never learned how to lockpick; smashing it open is a no-go as well. Breaking away from it, I check a couple more drawers. No dice on the key inside, though I do find a full magazine of bullets. Pocketing the magazine, I go into the final drawer and see a handful of different pictures. Most are pictures of a woman with a child, the two radiating joy. The last picture has a key attached to it. The woman was in full view, wearing rags, yet her face was full of love. It's not fake love for the sake of the picture, but absolute love directed at the person taking the photo. A single phrase is written on the photo.
'If your memory fails, our treasure will help you remember.' I can only guess the key is for the lockbox. I insert the key into the lock; the faint click reverberates in the room. Opening it, I see a childish drawing of a man with the words, 'Your my hero, papa.' On top of the drawing was a wedding ring as well. I can only assume the man in question got the wrong size for his finger. I feel an urge to reach out and grab both items.
[You saw what was inside, don't touch it! Especially something so important to someone else.] The bright light stops me. I sigh, disappointed in myself.
"You're right." I gathered all the photos in the drawer, put them inside the lockbox, and then shut and locked it back up.
[So what are you going to do with it?] I put it inside one of my coat pockets and exit the booth.
"Someone out there left this. I'm sure they'll want it back; I just have to find them." The box vanishes for the time being, leaving me alone. Walking around this level of the garage tells a decent enough story. Skid marks on the ground tipped over traffic cones and abandoned vehicles everywhere. Looking inside some cars, I saw left behind drinks, food, bags, and occasionally phones. Some vehicles had toys, pacifiers, and swaddles; the parents took only the essentials to hopefully protect their kids. I stumbled upon a bus with the Abydos School symbol on it. The door looked pried open; letting myself on board, I noticed a couple of bags, coats, and a picture book. Picking up the book, I saw the name had been practically removed by the sands of time. The cover was also in pretty rough shape.
Flipping the book open, I see a picture of what I can assume is the owner in front of the Abydos High School in a much better state than now. The picture had 'First day so excited!' written on it. The girl in question had long cyan hair, and her halo looked like the Abydos symbol. It seemed she loved her school a little too much if you ask me, but what do I know? The next photo had her and many other girls posing together in a classroom. 'Class of-' Guess she got interrupted before she could write down the year they would have graduated. Each photo showed her going through her high school life, classes, activities, part-time jobs, and the Abydos Sand Festival. I hope the girl made it back to the city okay; based on the photos, she seemed to get scraps and bruises quite a bit. Deciding not to go further, I close the book and pocket it.
I don't know why, but my gut tells me to keep it on me. I quickly rummage around a little more. Some bags had old maps dry foods that are still good, and I even found a pair of earbuds. Walking out of the bus, I head back to the jeep and notice that Kitty Cat is still sound asleep. The howling winds of the desert have finally quieted, so now is as good a time as any to hit the trail again. Quietly getting inside the car, I started it back up, taking us out of the parking lot. The roads here are more crowded than the outskirts by a mile. I have to take it much slower to avoid hitting anything; even collapsed electric poles are on the road.
"Move left then right, left then right. It's truly a good way to stay engaged." So many people tried to drive out but left at a terrible moment. If I had to guess, the warning either came out too late or was grossly downplayed. I bet the emergency sirens sounded off late, especially with the amount vehicles buried around here. Thankfully, clearing all the vehicles on the road and fallen electric poles didn't take long. Once more, I started ramping up the speed on open sandy roads. The city's buildings seem so foreboding as we get closer and closer. Can't say I'm happy returning, but what can I do?
"Hmm...no...stop." I steal a glance at Kitty Cat. The frown on her face, along with her movements, tells me she isn't sleeping pleasantly. What started as a slight erratic movement turned into thrashing. "No...please...no more." Her voice sounds pained. Her thrashing is rapidly getting worse, so I guess I better step in before she hurts herself. I gently place my hand in hers. I feel her grip tighten on mine for a moment.
"You're alright, Serika. No one can get you." Her thrashing goes back to mild little movements. I feel her grip on my hand tightening. "It's okay. I'm right here; I won't let anything happen to you." I can't tell if my words have any effect, but she calms down a little more in her sleep. One thing I'll give her is she has a damn good grip. And claws, very sharp claws, good lord. I go to remove my hand from her grip but notice she begins to fidget again. When I stop and let her grip my hand, she stops fidgeting. Are you fucking kidding me? She's even starting to dig her claws into my hand, too.
'She seems to be at ease, at least.' Thanks for the helpful commentary, Pandora. Guess I can only bear the uncomfortable situation my hand is in. Hopefully, she'll wake in the next five or eight hours. 'If you're lucky.' Knowing my luck, that probably won't happen. I let my window down a little to let some fresh air in. After having a full taste in the garage, I desperately want more. It's better than this foul-smelling car we've been stuck in for the last few days. When the wind enters the car, I glance at Kitty Cat, noticing her ears wiggle a little at the sudden feeling of air. It's just like actually cat ears from a wild animal. They also have white puff tufts of fluff inside them. It must be a pain to clean those things without help from someone else. It makes me wonder if she needs a specialty-made ear scrubber. So far, she has very pronounced feline traits. Now I'm wondering how good her vision is in the dark and if her tongue is the same as a cat's. Besides all that, hopefully, she will soon release my hand since these claws are starting to dig deep.
(8:43 am. Half a day out of Abydos Proper)
Returning to my senses, I feel the car lurch, the engine sputtering its final sounds. Damn, it had to stall when we were so unbelievably close. The walk is almost a day from here, judging by the distance. I looked over at Kitty Cat, noticing she was starting to come, too. I ease my hand out of her grip so she wouldn't be embarrassed after waking. I don't want to deal with whatever nonsense she'll sputter if she notices that.
"Wha...where are we? Why did we stop moving?" I watched her try and stretch in the seat. Then, she shakes her head while rubbing her face.
"Well, the car engine might have died, so I'm going to take a peak." I open the door and get out. Not even bothering to wait if she had anything else to say. I round to the front and flip the hood up, seeing that the engine's battery had killed itself. There looked to be a buildup of blue gunk on it. If I had to guess, battery acid would be the culprit. The engine seemed fine, although I'm not an expert in diagnosing engines. So, for all I know, the engine itself could be faulty. This is a burner car, after all. I hear the passenger door open and peer past the hood.
"What are you doing?" That is all I can ask while watching Kitty Cat stumble out.
"What does it look like?" She's already being snippy, huh?
"It looks like you're being a dunce." She glares at me after that comment.
"If you had waited for me to speak, you would've known I wanted to help check out the car." Well, she has a point there.
"Do you know anything about cars?" I see her face go smug for a second.
"Yup! I once worked part-time at a dealership!" I stare flatly at her for a second.
"Let me guess as a sign spinner." I snicker a little when I see her eyebrow twitch.
"No! I was a junior mechanic!" Huh, color me impressed with her.
"Well, you've got me beat in knowing how to fix a car." As she stumbled past the hood to see the engine, I cleared the way for her. She held herself upright, looking at the engine.
"Well, the battery is obviously on its last legs. The engine guard seems to have shut the engine down due to overheating. The coolant tube seems to be leaking as well." I watch her eyes scan over the interior parts. "The pistons in the engine are also slightly rusted. Also, looking over the coolant container, I see it's empty." Dang, this car has been through it
"So anyway, can we get it purring again?" She frowned while sighing.
"Not without proper tools, parts, and chemicals." She turned to face me.
"I was hoping you would say we could just hit, and it'll start." She looked at me like I was stupid. "It's a joke, no need for that look. Anyways, I'm sure I can scrounge something up." While surveying the area, I saw plenty of buildings and vehicles. If I strip some of these cars, I could probably find plenty of parts.
"Unless it's the same as the models in the car, they won't work all that well, if at all." Okay, they may be harder to scrounge for than I thought. "How about I go with you? After all, you obviously don't know anything about cars, but I do from my old job."
"Fair enough, Kitty Cat. Though walking around may take a bit longer." I gesture to her legs. "So it might be best if you give me a list of items to grab, and I come back with them." Her pupils dilate a little, and her ears even stand slightly sideways. Huh, even more cat-like traits.
"Actually, what if I just take my braces off?" I raise a brow while she looks away from my gaze. "It's just... my legs don't hurt and..." I can only sigh at her weak reasoning.
"Fine, I'll take them off you, but I hope you know the consequences." She nodded her head at me. I'd rather her fuck up her legs than argue with her. Some people can only live and learn
"Of course I do!" I watched her turn and stumble back towards the passenger door. I only sigh while following behind her. She sat in the passenger seat while leaving her legs outside the car. I took a knee as I reached for her legs to remove the braces, but she interrupted me. "Hey, you better watch your hands down there." I scoff at her words and begin to take the bracers off. I gently remove the makeshift braces, ensuring not to jerk her legs too severely. I uncover the left leg first, removing all the bandaging I put on it, revealing a scared knee. While compared to my scarring, it's not all that bad. The entire knee is soft, smooth scar tissue with a few lacerations below the knee I didn't notice before. The other knee was a bit more scarred and disfigured, meaning this was the leg that had the bone jutting out of it, it even had a deep laceration scar on the thigh. After taking them off, I set them down on the passenger floor. I step back, allowing Kitty Cat to walk freely without my help.
"So, how do your legs feel?" Upon hearing my question, she bent her knees and did a quick little trot around the jeep before stopping in front of me.
"They feel great." She wore a soft smile on her face. I guess my debit card healed her quite nicely. I think my arms and hands getting ruined was the trade-off for letting her be able to walk upon coming back now if I could figure out what was taken to bring her back to life. "So let's get to it. I better see you working just as hard!" While her face held a stern-like look, her eyes were full of life, which wasn't present at the start of our journey together.
"Alright, then lead the way. I also promise not to slack too much." She huffed, turning away from me to begin our scavenger hunt. Although her ears tell me she was happy with my answer to a degree.
(Serika POV)
My ears flick at the constant whistling of the Substitute. It's not bad, but it's not good either; it's decent. The tone is very happy but sad as if it can't be bothered to choose. Walking toward what looks like a couple of warehouses, I notice a fair number of buses. I even see the old transit hub in the distance that I used to ride to middle school. There were also a lot of cargo trucks as we neared the warehouses. I can feel it in my gut that it's definitely a place where we can find parts!
"Come on! We're almost to the warehouse!" I shout toward Substitute as I sprint toward the warehouse.
"You know you shouldn't be running yet. While externally you may be fine, internally you might not be." I frown when I hear him speak.
"I'm sure my legs are completely fine!" I hear him mumble behind me. Yet he doesn't really respond to me.
We reached the warehouse..., but a steel shutter was in our way. The steel shutter had a car crash through itself, but it got stuck partway. I scanned the building but couldn't see a way in from the front. I jogged around the building, not finding anything. Most doors were locked or sealed by someone who used a blowtorch. When I came back to the front, the Substitute was just standing there looking over the gate. Before I can speak, I watch him walk toward the car jammed in the gate and begin pulling. I would've called him stupid if it wasn't for the fact that he managed to get the car unstuck and pulled completely out. After moving it out of the way, he widened the pierced area of the gate further. Making a rather decent-sized hole into the warehouse. He turned towards me and motioned me to go first while standing aside. I enter through the hole, and once inside, I notice a massive hole in the roof, letting light in.
There's also a lot of sand piling from where the hole is. Massive shelves reach the ceiling in rows. Some forklifts and cargo containers are abandoned near a loading bay before they could've been loaded on trucks.
"So, do you want to look around together or split up?" I look towards him as he walks next to me. The warehouse is big, but I'd rather have him with me. There may be things I can't move or lift that he can.
"No, let's stick together." He nods his head at me.
"Want me to take the lead, or do you want to?" I walk ahead of him, which gets his on-brand snickering. Walking past some shelves, I scan them. Most of the stuff is parts for trains and buses, along with ammo, guns, and explosives for when Abydos was a thriving school. Tools and building supplies are further down the shelf, so nothing special. At the end of the shelf, I notice a crate labeled as vehicle parts.
"There! See, it didn't take too long at all!" He looks at where I'm pointing before raising a brow.
"Call it a hunch, but I doubt that crate has what we need." I frown when he says that. Jogging over, I look at the cargo crate, noticing the lock preventing us from opening it. "Move aside Kitty. Cat." He steps forward when I listen, breaking the lock clean off. He pulls it open, revealing...the parts we don't need. "Told you."
"Shut up!" He held his hands up after I yelled at him. I saw him walk into the crate and pull something out of one of the smaller containers. He held up a piece of paper, looked it over, and then pocketed it. "Why did you take that?"
"Seemed important." He shrugged after answering my question. Coming out of the crate, he points to a room a little ways away from us. "How about we head on over there? Could have a layout of the place inside that room." He has a decent point; it couldn't hurt to check it out.
Taking the lead like earlier, I walk over. The shelves on this side of the warehouse were empty. Stopping at the door, I turn the knob, which causes the door to fall clean off its hinges.
"I think I got deja vu back when I first went to your school." I ignored his comment and entered the room. Looking around, there was a console, locker, chair, and desk. Moving toward the console, I press the power button, causing the old thing to struggle while powering up. Substitute decided to check the locker. The computer's screen was really dim when it displayed the username and password prompts. The username was saved, but sadly the password wasn't "Any luck?"
"No, the username from the last person was saved, Gerald Young. But his password wasn't saved." The substitute's ruined hand suddenly begins typing on the keyboard. After typing a password quickly, he presses enter, allowing us access. "How did you know the password?" He flashed the paper from earlier; it had a sticky note.
"Some people just don't trust their memories." After showing me that, he goes back towards the locker. I began clicking through the files on the computer. Some were shipping forms, others were audits, and some were HR complaints. Eventually, I found the inventory forms after a while. Pulling it up, I'm hit by a massive amount of items. Checking the last time it was updated, I see it was a good two years ago. Scrolling through, I eventually found parts for cars in the listing. A coolant tube and car battery matched ours, though no coolant or rust remover. "What's the news?"
"Well, there's a coolant tube and battery that we can use, though there's no coolant or rust remover so far." I scroll to the tools section and look for a four-in-one screwdriver, adjustable wrench, air compressor, air hose, slip joint pliers, and socket/rachet set. After we get all of this, I'll look for the coolant and rust remover. Before leaving the computer, I noticed an icon labeled security. Clicking it, I'm greeted with a bunch of different camera views. Clicking through, I get a view of at least ten of the thirty-two cameras. Thankfully, two were in the sections of the parts and tools. "Hey, substitute, come here for a second."
"What's up?" He walks next to me, peering at the screen.
"On the top of both shelves are the items we need to fix the jeep. The only problem is they're pretty high up." He leans in after my comment. His arm was slightly rubbing against mine. "Hey! Personal space!" Upon hearing me, he moves to the left, putting space between us.
"Sorry." Is all he utters as he moves towards the door. "I'll go retrieve the parts, you stay here and guide me to them." I can only stare at him, confused. I didn't have a phone myself after it was taken. "Why are you looking at me like that? This is obviously a foreman's office. I wouldn't be surprised if you can access a P.A on that console." He walks out the doorway. Leaving me alone.
I begin pressing the function keys one by one since they are all faded and worn. Eventually, I hit a key that causes a loud ping-like sound to echo. On the cameras, I see Substitute give a thumbs-up while walking toward the first shelf. He looks at me through the camera, pointing at it.
"Top right, all the way at the end." I hear my voice echo in the warehouse. I watch him look up and down the shelf before he begins to climb one of the limbs on the far right side. Using the holes in the limb to get a grip and climb steadily. He's got what I can only assume is great form for a climber. Bit by bit, he makes his way up and then looks at the two crates near him. "The one closest to you." He nods, then breaks the locks on it and opens it up. He lifted a coolant tube first and pointed at it. "That's the right one." He pockets it? Then quickly rummaged through again. Pulling out a car battery, though not the same model as ours. "No, that's a different model. That one is for trucks." He sets it aside and begins rummaging again, pulling another car battery. "Another wrong model that's for a sports car." He puts it next to the other and dips back into the crate, finally pulling out the correct battery. "Yes! That's the one!" After my confirmation, he goes to pocket it. "Hold on. Turn completely towards the camera." He stops and turns toward my view. His hand set the battery in one of his coat pockets. I don't understand how his coat can fit those parts, let alone not even have bulges where they're stored. "Never mind, just get down."
I watched him clamber down just as easily as he got up there. While he stretched, I looked for the tools needed to fix the jeep in the forms. Sadly, they were all shipped out to help emergency services during the peak of the area's desertification. Please let one of these shipments be close by. Scanning through the address and distance of the delivery from the warehouse, I found one fairly close by—the old transient hub for the trains back in the day.
"So, where is the rest of the stuff?" I turn quickly, aiming the revolver at the doorway, only to see no one. "I'd rather not get shot." Whipping my head left, I see Substitute with his shit-eating grin.
"Well, that's what will happen if you surprise someone." I can't believe he got back over so fast, the distance to the shelf he was at, and here was at least a three-minute walk. He walks next to me and peers at the computer screen.
"You make the keyboard in English but type in a different language. I wish I could read this," I snort.
"Maybe you should learn Arabic at some point." I log out of the computer and then turn towards him. "The tools we need to fix the jeep we're all shipped out. The closest one is the old transient hub." He hums in acknowledgment while beginning to walk toward the door.
"That's at least a thirty-seven-minute walk from here." Following behind him, we make for outside.
"You saw the old transient hub, too." He nods his head. Finally getting outside, he points to a building in the distance. Judging the distance myself is difficult with all the sand dunes. I notice he doesn't stop walking; he moves forward like an animal toward an oasis. He walks fast, too! His walking speed might as well be my jogging. The vast stretch of abandoned buildings and cars is all that I can see. If I had to guess, emergency services probably stayed here longer to assist anyone from the more damaged areas. In doing so, many of their vehicles had to be abandoned after sinking in the sand. I loosen my shirt and tie a little; the heat is starting to get to me. I would've thought all the rips and tears in my uniform would at least help keep me cool.
"Here, for you." Substitute suddenly juts out a water bottle for me. Grabbing it, I feel the coldness of the bottle. Opening the cap, I begin drinking. "Don't chug it all in one go now."
"Aah, I know that! It's just nice to have some cold water in the desert." I watch him roll his eyes. Though something dawns on me. "Hey, Substitute have you slept?"
"No, why?" My eyes widened at his answer.
"Are you being serious?"
"Yeah, I haven't slept in the last seven days."
"What do you mean you haven't slept in seven days?"
"It's exactly as I said. I haven't been able to rest, you know."
"What do you mean you haven't been able to rest?! Didn't you pull off to the side of the road to sleep during our trip back!"
"No, if I did, we would've never gotten this far if I had slept."
This guy is insane. While I don't believe he hasn't slept in seven days, I do believe he hasn't slept the last three days. His willpower to even be awake now is a scary kind of impressive. I doubt we would be this far if he ever pulled off to sleep himself. I wonder if he is trying hard to get me back home because he genuinely cares for my well-being. Or because he just wants to wash his hands of me.
I watch him stop suddenly. When I catch up, I see why. We're at the top of a dune. Judging the distance, it's only about a three-meter slide down. Turning towards him, I noticed him making sure his boots were on tight before beginning his slide down. Following his lead, I begin my slide. I stumble right at the end but catch myself from falling. Sighing in relief, I look up, seeing him give me a thumbs up. When I give him one back, he nods and continues towards the building.
"Alright, here we are. Don't suppose you know the layout of the building?" I watched him push the door open. He moves aside to let me in first.
"Well, I haven't been here since my last years of middle school, so it's been a bit." Stepping inside the lobby, it's still how I remember it—just filled with a bit of sand now.
"I trust a foggy memory over someone who doesn't know a thing." Entering after me, he gestures toward the entire lobby area. "So lead the way, Kitty Cat."
"Quit calling me that." To think this guy would go back to using that stupid nickname he gave me. Walking towards where the map of the hub should be, I see plenty of leftover supply crates, along with luggage and backpacks littering the ruined couches. I stopped near a reception desk and saw the tickets that would have been used for that day's trains. I can see the calendar inside; it was stuck on May. We entered the massive rest area by continuing down the hallway past the desk. I spot the map on the far right wall, it's badly faded but still somewhat readable. When I get closer, I quickly scan it for the zone we need to go to.
"So, anything coming back to you?" I look at him briefly before looking back at the map.
"Not much." I feel his gaze, yet it feels soft.
"Sorry to hear. So what's all this say?" Turning towards I gesture to the dots.
"Well, Pathetic Adult, it mainly shows us the routes to certain zones." I point my finger at the place we're at. "Currently, we're in the rest zone here. The place we want to go to is near the train boarding zone." I slide my finger to a yellow-colored zone on the map.
"I see. Welp, now we have our destination." I nod my head at him when I turn to face him. "So lead on Kitty Cat."
"Right this way, Pathetic Adult." He laughs when I call him that. Not a nervous laugh of embarrassment but one of pure joy, weirdo.
The rest of the walk is really peaceful. The only sound is our own footsteps, so it's nice, if not a little lonely. This place used to be full of people going to and fro. Passing by an old restaurant, I look inside for a second. Images of people eating and talking about their days come to me. I look up seeing the sign name. Gabriel's Ultra Pot, I used to think it was a weird name to give to a restaurant, even when my parents and I came here to eat. I feel a tap on my shoulder, stirring me out of my thoughts. Before he can speak, I continue forward.
We pass by a few more restaurants, and soon, they change to little markets. Most have magazines, board games, and small utility items. Overall, nothing is all that special, though I spot a bag in one store that looks like mine. I remember hearing those mercenaries get orders to torch my bag when they found nothing useful. I try to push that memory out of my mind.
Finally, we make it to the intersection of the hub. Looking at the map on the board in the middle, I see we have to make a left and then a right to get to where we're heading. When I look away from the map, I see substitute just rummaging in an old safety worker's backpack based on the look. Eventually, he finishes rummaging, zipping it close and stuffing some things inside his coat.
"Could you please not be a vulture for five seconds." He takes a thinking pose before shaking his head no. Then walks over to me.
"So, how close are we to where we need to go?" I point down the hallway across from us.
"Down that hallway, we take a left, then a right a bit later." He nods his head.
"Lead on."
I move forward as I hear him mumble something behind me. Step after step, our footsteps stop echoing around us. The hallway was much more compact than most of the main parts of the hub. Turning left down the hallway, I see a barren stretch with a couple of vending machines and a door at the end that says service personal only. Pushing the door open leads us to a more pipe-filled hallway. The entire place is covered in rust and dust, which makes sense since it hasn't been cleaned in two years. Hitting another intersection we go right down the whole hallway until we hit the storage area door. When I go to open it, I get resistance.
"Pardon me." I move when he speaks and watch him fish a key out of his coat. I hear the click of the lock as he opens the door. "Ladies first." He moves aside, letting me through first.
"It's nice to know you have great manners." He hums in agreement with my statement, but I don't think he gets sarcasm. While closing the door behind us, I scan the room for lockers, crates, and shelves. "Well, time to look around for the tools we need." I walk toward a locker first.
"And that is?" He raises a brow.
"A four-in-one screwdriver, adjustable wrench, air compressor, air hose, slip joint pliers, and socket/rachet set. Basic stuff I'm sure the train repair crews had." I point over to some supply crates. "Check those crates for them, and I'll check the lockers." He gives me a two-finger salute while walking past me. I go to the first locker on the left side wall.
"Derby Gully." Weird name. Opening it up, I spot an adjustable wrench. Nice one down; five more to go! Right before I could continue hear a loud band and whirl around, revolver drawn. I see the substitute waving his hand in the air. He then flips open one of the crates. Looking away from him, I spot a couple more random items. Nothing we really need, though so it's whatever. Closing that locker, I move to the next one—nothing, then the next, and nothing. I kept up the same cycle of nothing for every last locker. Gritting my teeth in frustration, I turn toward where Substitute is, only to see him gone. Looking around the room, I don't see him at all. I raise the revolver to a firing position, then flick the safety off. I carefully make my way through the storage area, checking corners while I proceed. Focusing my ears, I hear what sounds like footsteps ahead of me. I step forward carefully as I hear something tearing into a crate. The metal almost sounded like it was being torn open through raw strength alone.
Once I reach the corner, I mentally brace myself and then hop out, gun drawn. I don't see anyone, but I see the crate, approaching it slowly; I look it over. It was ripped open like it was made of paper. The make of the crate makes it seem durable enough to stop a fifty-caliber round. So whatever ripped through must be hellishly strong. I hear another loud bang on the opposite side of the room. Continuing the same tactic as before, I reach the noise. This time, it was a small shipping container that was busted open. Looking around, I didn't see substitute anywhere. Just the shelves and containers; even when I strained my ears, I couldn't hear anything. No footsteps, just dead silence. My hand clenches harder on the grip of the revolver. Did the substitute leave me here? Was he just waiting to ditch me along?
Walking around the room, I found a couple more tools we needed. Occasionally, I heard a long bang followed by clattering. Something else is in here with me. It's rather quiet, but it's looking for something. Moving around another shelf, I see, as expected, a clawed open shipping container near a loading dock.
"Hey-" Whirling around, I shoot upon hearing a single word. When momentary fear leaves me, I see who I hit. "Well, you're a nice shot, Kitty Cat." A single red stain begins to appear on his chest.
"I-I-I didn't...mean." I can only stare at the rather small hole in his chest. Did...did I just kill someone? The blood began to color more of his shirt. Staining it, the stick figure on his shirt soon became red, too.
"As pissed as I am, you shot me; you did tell me not to sneak up on you." I let my eyes move toward his face, not anger, just annoyance. "I'll give you a proper heads up if I walk behind you again." He sighs while going into his coat, pulling out an air hose and compressor. "This what we need?" I can only stare at him. What the hell is going on!? I...I swear I shot him through the chest. Yet he's speaking like nothing happened. "Earth to Kitty Cat, you in there." He pokes my head, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Y-y-yeah...I'm here." After I spoke, he showed me the parts again.
"Is this the stuff we need?" I looked them over; the parts are the same model as the cars.
"Yes." He nodded as he walked past me and grabbed a full coolant jug.
"Alright, let's head back to the car." He began to leave, and I could only follow him in confusion. The man in front of me had taken a forty-four caliber to the chest like it was nothing. He didn't care, he didn't flinch, and instead of pain being his reaction, annoyance was his reaction.
A person without a halo just shook off a bullet.
(The hunk of a junk jeep.10:43 am)
Looking over my handy work again, I check for anything I could've missed. I tap the car's side, prompting Substitute to start it again. The engine starts up smoothly enough, with no sputtering or hiccups yet. Unlike the last couple of attempts, the coolant flows through the tube fine. I checked the safety lock on the engine and saw it was reading nice cool temperatures. Meaning only one thing.
"Yes! It's fixed!" I shout out into the open air of the desert. "Yeah, I did it!" Pumping my fist in the air and smiling is all I feel like doing right now.
"Yes, you did." I stop upon hearing Substitue's voice. Turning to face him, I don't see a shit-eating grin. Instead, he's giving me a thumbs up. "So, ready to hit the dusty trail?" I close the hood up tight.
"You bet; I can't wait to get home finally." Following his lead, I hop into the passenger door. When I settled in, he started the car, speeding us down the sandy roads. "I can't wait to see everyone again!" I hear him chuckle next to me. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing, just the sheer joy coming from you is something else." I feel my cheeks heat up.
"W-well, what am I not supposed to be happy?!" He shakes his head.
"No, you can be. It's just that your honesty right now is quite something." I huff, turning away from him. "Oh, come on, don't be like that. I'm only teasing. Here's my phone so you can stay entertained on the last bit of our journey." He holds his phone out for me. I look at it for a bit, then take it.
"Using your phone is better than talking to you." He laughs
"I agree." This guy is definitely something else that's for sure. He had the folder with all those roms open from earlier, as much as I want to continue my game from armored core. I don't have the willpower to play it right now. So instead, I'll try Monster Hunter Ultimate. It can't be as bad as armored core. At least, I hope it isn't; I mean, come on, you're hunting monsters. How can that be harder than fighting mechs going at hundreds of kilometers per hour?
(Vagues POV)
"Dammit! Stop poisoning me, you green dragon!" To think she would've learned to dodge whatever attack she's getting hit by. "Come on, come on, no,no,no!" And she was carted again truly, she fights an uphill battle. Based on my scant memories of that game, the skill checker was your first high-rank quest. Not a paltry rathian, girl has no sense of spacing or timing which is funny considering she has some battlefield experience.
Then again, using melee weapons is a drastic difference compared to range weapons. One requires little skill in comparison to the other. Though I know many disagree, those same people probably suck at boxing, MMA, or grappling. I wonder though, if Kivotos has boxing rings and the like, it would be nice to stretch my legs and spar. I'm sure Kivotos has melee enthusiasts, even if they do it as a hobby. Though I'm not holding out hope beyond adapts. Those mercs were pathetic when I closed the distance, panicking like headless chickens without their weapons. Some threw fists, but the form was wrong. No weight beyond them, they didn't keep their hands up, and they had improper footing. Some tried to kick, but I just caught them.
I don't think anyone here can do a melee fight.
"I lost again." I steal a glance at Kitty Cat, seeing a defeated expression on her face. Well, it seems like someone is having fun. I would've looked at the monster's stats by now; I know the game tells you what their weaknesses are, too. Oh well, I'm sure she's fine.
Scanning our area now, I had to guess another two hours, and we'll be back to civilized lands. This area seems like people have moved about quite a bit. The tire tracks in the sand tell me everything I need to know. But who the hell would come out here? I scan the environment a bit more, hoping to find the people that come out; my only guess is a group of friends just coming out here to shoot the shit. Some boarded-up buildings even looked like they were broken into.
Wonder if anything useful is inside?
'I doubt it. However, I'm detecting other life signs ahead of you.' Hearing Pandora's warning, I strain my eyes to see what's ahead. I see a decent assortment of vehicles, including heavy armor. They're not buried in the sand like every other vehicle we've encountered. Shit seems to be about nineteen bodies in total near all that shit. Straining my eyes, I know those helmets from anywhere.
Those damnable morons' base of operations is all the way out here?! Why?! Of all the places you decided to set up shop here, and if you had a tank, why didn't they use it against Kitty Cat and co? One thing is for certain; however, they're blocking the straightaway toward Abydos. No matter how I look at it, they will spot us if we try to drive around them anyway. I'm also certain they'll hear the jeep running in the distance and close the distance. If we want to avoid them safely, I'll have to make a wide berth that'll add time to our trip. The only problem with that is I'm unsure if that thing is still following us. There is option two; however, it may not work, and I'll have to dirty my hands again. Option two increases Kitty Cat's chances of survival and getting to safety easier.
'Are you sure you wish to prioritize her survival?' Yeah, I don't want to revive her again.
I pull off, stopping the car behind a building far enough out. Of course, this got Kitty Cat's attention.
"Why did we stop?"
"Multiple people are ahead of us, specifically those helmeted-wearing weirdos." I take the pistol out of my coat pocket and look it over. "There are too many to fight; they also have a tank on top of it." This pistol can shoot two shots before it needs a reload and the other magazine holds six shots, so I have to pick and choose. "Driving around them won't help either; they have plenty of vehicles that can catch this hunk of junk." I look toward Kitty Cat. "I want you to take the car and get the rest of the way into the city; I'll give them something to worry about." I leave no room for argument as I get out of the car.
"Hold on! Wait!" She opened her door, trying to keep up with me. "I can help you!"
"No." I rounded on her, I notice she shrinks a little after the word leaves my lips. "I told you exactly what to do. You are to take the jeep and sneak past them when I engage them." I put my hands on her shoulders. "Your task is to get back home. Got it."
"But I ca-" My grip slightly tightens on her shoulders.
"No, what you need to do now is get to safety. Otherwise, this whole journey will be for nothing." I let go of her shoulders, turning from her. "Please prioritize your own survival over mine. We don't want you to become a corpse, right?" She wasn't looking me in the eyes after I finished speaking.
"I..."
"Once you're safe, call your friends and come find me. I'll be alright, okay." I pat her shoulder. "So get to it; trust me, you won't miss my diversion." I turn from her and begin my sprint toward the encampment. The buildings near their encampment will provide me with nice cover,I just gotta make sure I don't make the same mistake I did in the subway.
'Highly unlikely you will.' Thanks for your vote of confidence, Pandora. I do eventually get close enough to hear them speak.
"Geulaeseo...museun sosig-iya?"
"Kaijeoneun geudeul-ui jangbileul dollyeobadgo sip-eohabnida."
"Jenjang, uliga geobuhamyeon eojjeoji?"
"Kaijeoui mingan gundaewa ssaullae?"
Peering my head from around the corner I saw two girls working on motorcycles. Besides them, I make out about five more near a fap 1118. Scanning to my target, I see a single red-dressed girl near the tank. Good, I can get two birds with one stone. I zig-zag through the debris within their camp to ensure they don't see me approaching, narrowly dodging the sight of two separate sentries patrolling this section. Moving closer to the tank, I stop just inches away from it. Taking a quick peek from behind cover, I noticed no one else around. As I get close to her, I hear her jabbering away.
"Ileohge hae jeoleohge hae chaleul dollyeojwo. uliga mogpyoga anin salam-eul jug-yeossdaneun geol moleuna." It sounds like she's on the point of a mental break. I noticed her rifle was against the tank, perfect. I scan the area once more to see if anyone is walking over and check the roofs. Once I know no one is watching or coming over, I move, letting my steps be heard by her.
"Naega neohui babodeul-ege gijileul jikilago haessjanh-a! wae nahante dasi waseo gwichanhge haneun geoya?!" She sounds quite pissed, guess her subordinates bother her quite a lot, she doesn't even bother to face me. Once I'm close enough, I act quickly getting her in a chokehold, loose enough to let her breathe and speak barely.
"Don't panic or do anything stupid, and nothing bad will happen, okay?" Her hands try to remove my arms, but it's a feeble attempt, in all honesty. She eventually gives up. "First off, speak in English the whole time; otherwise, you might not see tomorrow, understand?"
"Neo mwoya, i jasig-a!" The second I hear Korean, I tighten my grip and hit her in the ribs. The cracking sound reverberated in my ear. She tried to go into a fetal position after the blow.
"Please don't make me terminate you." I keep her standing though.
"W-what do you want to know?" Her voice was weak. I also noticed that her halo had dimmed a bit from my punch.
"How many, who hired you lot and insurance to get out of your camp safely."
"T-t-there's twenty-five of us in total. Three snipers watching from roofs on rotations. Five sentries duos patrolling the perimeter. The rest are doing maintenance on vehicles." I tighten my grip to let her know I don't want to wait. "I-i-if you want insurance to leave...the tank is...your best bet." Yeah, I figured as much; although I bet everything inside is labeled in Korean, I need a driver.
"What about your employer?" I feel her stiffen a little.
"I-I-I can't. If our employer...finds out I...snitched, they'll get all my girls." Not fear for her own life but her lackey's. I also regret ribbing her; these spaces between her words are wasting time.
"If you don't tell me now, you'll end up dead." She doesn't speak even when I tighten my grip on her neck. I hold tight for a good bit, noticing her halo starting to flicker off. When she doesn't tap out, I sigh. "You know I'll give it to you. You've got guts and heart." I loosen my grip, allowing her to breathe just enough. "So I'll cut you a deal, you let me take you hostage, and I won't kill you or ask for your employer's name."
"D...deal." Wow! She folded fast.
"This tank, does it have an emergency exit?"
"Y..yes...back of it." Keeping my grip on her, I make our way to the back. Peering around the tank, I make out to snipers on roofs; both seem to be scanning the vast desert. That leaves one unaccounted for.
"The back hatch is it unlocked?"
"Yes." I quickly move us toward the back, flinging the door open. I shove her in first, then get in behind her, slamming the back hatch shut. I quickly lock it and force her into the driver's seat of the tank.
"How many rounds are in the tank?" I see her fidget in her seat. Her lack of an answer causes me to move the pistol I have out and put it against her head. "Please answer me."
"Two...chambered...six in...reserves." Never heard of a tank capable of holding two rounds inside of it. But I guess anything is possible in the future.
"Good, now I want you to fire both chambered rounds. Don't worry, not at your girls, just at a couple of buildings and one of those fap 1118s. I'm not so evil as to make you commit friendly fire." That seemed to stop her from throwing a tantrum.
"The...tank requires...a gunner." I roll my eyes at her reply.
"Yes, and that will be you once we're in a better position than this. So please drive us a little into your camp; I want all eyes on us." She obliged, driving the tank forward. Most of her lackeys just looked at the tank and continued their business. Good, this should allow for a hellish surprise. Once in the camp center, she aimed the tank at a building across from us, firing. The blast echoed, and panicked screams erupting all around us. I can't focus on a singular voice, which is good. "Now, would you kindly hit a fap 1118?" I hear the tank rotate its barrel and then fire, the sound of a monstrous explosion erupting. The yelling from outside is getting even louder; I'm sure Kitty Cat definitely knows my diversion is in full swing. Now it's a game of taking a couple more shots and booking it straight out of here.
I begin to hear bullets ricocheting off the tank's armor too. Guess everyone decided to stop being confused. "Where are they shooting from?" The red-clad girl seemed to hesitate to talk to me. So I pushed the barrel of my pistol into the crook of her neck.
"E..east...of us...behind some rubble." As much as I wanted her to blast them, I did say she wouldn't need to.
"Shoot next to them, kick up some sand." I watched her leave the gunner seat to load two more shells. After the motions, she hops back in said gunner seat and then fires. However, I notice the gunfire has halted outside after her shot.
"Sajangnim, wae urireul gonggyeokhasineun geopnikka?" I hear one voice.
"Uriga mwol jalmoshaessnayo?" Then another
"Dangsineun tto dareun jjajeungeul naego issseupnikka?" Finally, one last voice. It's completely silent for a good bit until I hear red crying.
"I'm...not mad...I just...don't have a choice." I have no clue what's happening but it's kinda pathetic that a gangster is crying right now. Especially for no reason. "And...fuck you...Mi-Cha." What the hell? Who's Mi-Cha, who names their kid that?!
"Hey, I don't mean to be that guy." I feel a clawing in my brain
'That's rich.' Shutup Pandora.
"But uh, can you get us out of here." Red Helmet goes to drive the tank but suddenly stops in her tracks. "What's wrong now?"
"There's...a jeep...coming." No. "It's...barreling towards...my girls." Kitty Cat, you stupid kind-hearted, stubborn bitch. You had one job, get home, and not come help me with something this easily manageable. Soon enough, I hear confused yelling again and bullet fire. "Can I...shoot the...jeep?"
"No! Covering the jeep is what you'll be doing." I hear the tank fire off again; after the shot rings out, bullets impact the tank. Compared to earlier less shots are hitting us. Guess Kitty Cat probably drew some heat to herself. I hear what sounds like an engine right next to the tank. Moving toward the emergency hatch, I open it up; peering around the bend, I see the jeep a little across the way. It is also used for cover by Kitty Cat outside of it. "Hey, get your ass over here now!" Upon hearing my voice over the cackling bullet fire and sparse tank shots, Kitty Cat makes a mad dash. I spot a sniper aim for a pot shot at her, but I manage to quickdraw a shot to the sniper's head. Kitty Cat blows past me, getting in the tank.
"There's a Helmet Gangster in here!" Oh, for the love of god, Kitty Cat, don't yell.
"Yeah, I know. Red, you're driving us to the city. Kitty Cat, get on the gun!" They scramble upon hearing my voice, both swapping positions. I feel the tank jolt to life, going at a speed I wasn't ready for. I hear many voices again as we take off, getting more distant as we proceed forward in our new vehicle. I breathe deep when I don't hear any more noise except the tank and the raspy breath of Red Helmet. "Kitty Cat, keep an eye on our rear, yeah."
"Of course, I will, you idiot." The nerve of this girl.
"I don't want to hear this from someone who was supposed to sneak by. Especially someone that can't listen to orders at all." I can feel her about to start an argument, but I'm not in the mood. "We aren't arguing here, so save it when we return to the city. At least listen to that order." I hear her mumble something under her breath. Ignoring her, I walked over to Red Helmet and put my hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I have something special in mind for you." She sobs a little after I speak.
(Abydos Main Plaza 3:47pm)
The drive in the tank took longer, but we're finally here, back in this forsaken city. I stretch my legs in the limited space the tank has. While I'm used to cramped spaces, this is something else. I look to Kitty Cat, who ensures Red Helmet goes the right way to her boss's ramen shop. Red Helmet opted to listen to her, probably because of the threat of me terminating her on the spot if she didn't. She wasn't even giving Kitty Cat lip either, which was nice. I feel the tank come to a steady stop, cueing me to get up and open the emergency exit.
"Alright, Red Helmet, I need you to go to Schale as instructed. Do you understand?" She shakes her head rapidly, still dreading what I probably have in mind for her. Stepping out of the tank, I fully stretched, finally able to loosen up properly. Kitty Cat gets out after me, stepping onto the sidewalk. I close the hatch and hit the tank, signaling that the Red Helmet should take off toward Schale. Once the tank is completely out of my sight, I turn to look at Kitty Cat. She had poked her head in the door to the ramen place, probably scanning for her friends. She retracted her head and then looked back at me.
"I don't see them inside yet." She seemed a little sad.
"Maybe something came up, like a part of your school finally collapsing." She slaps my arm after getting close to me.
"That's not funny, you jerk!" I snicker a little.
"You're right it isn't, but it's a probable reason why they're not here." She sighs after my statement.
"Yeah, you're probably right." We're both silent for a good bit. I decided to look at the stars above. Sadly, the city buildings are blocking them out again, though I can spot a few. They're quite bright as well. "Why did you offer to help Shiroko?" I look at her
"I felt like it."
"That's it?"
"Yeah."
"Oh."
We returned to silence again, cars passing by us ever so often.
"Can I ask you another thing Substitute."
"Sure, Kitty Cat."
"What if I was dead when you found me."
"I would've brought your corpse back." I didn't get a response from her right away, like her brain was processing what I said.
"You mean you would've made the same three-day trip just to bring my body back." I breathe deeply after her comment.
"Yes, innocent souls don't deserve to have their bodies left to rot. Only people that deserve to have their bodies left out for the vultures are people like me." I feel a faint memory come back.
"You're a scavenger-type H.U.S.K.S unit. You're meant to die; you're expendable, and we won't even remember you after your death." What a thing to remember, all because of what I said. Shame I can only recall the woman's voice and not her face.
"I-I don't know how to respond to that." Kitty Cat's words bring me back.
"Good, it's best not to be responsive to certain things in life." I noticed something approaching. It was a corgi with a white bandana on, smoking out of a pipe. They also had a scar on their face. They're still a bit of a way away.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" I look back towards her.
"What's up?" She seemed to be slightly nervous.
"W-w-will you continue helping us!?" I raise a brow at her. Then, gently flick her forehead. "What was that for!"
"For being a dunce." She glowered at me, causing me to laugh a little. "Kitty Cat, helping you girls is part of my job description. So if any of you holler, I'll be there even if I don't want to be." Her glower turned into a smile, which she quickly tried to hide it.
"W-well, that's good; it only makes sense you do your job." I roll my eyes at her. "Hey, what was that just now!"
"Nothing, nothing also, heads up at twelve o'clock." She turns after I speak, spotting the corgi walking on over.
"Master Shiba!" Kitty Cat shouted at the corgi while moving over to him. I doubt that's his name though.
"Serika, is that really you? I didn't think I'd see you again. I'm happy to be wrong." The corgi had a rough yet firm voice. Kinda reminds me of Magenta's. "Who would this young man be?"
"O-oh, w-well, he's that adult I told you about last week." Oh boy, she told people about me.
"With the way you described it, I expected someone more vile-looking." The corgi looks me up and down before extending a paw. "Master Shiba, you have my gratitude for bringing back my employee." Oh nevermind his name really is Master Shiba.
"Vagues, and don't mention it I was just doing my job." He nodded his head after shaking hands with me. However, he stole a glance at my hand afterward. "My hands ain't the cream of the crop." He barked? I think it was supposed to be a laugh.
"I can most certainly tell. Although I must ask what you're both doing loitering outside my shop." Kitty Cat spoke up before I could speak.
"Well, we're waiting for my friends from school." The corgi nodded his head at her.
"How about you wait in the shop? Can't have you just standing out here can I?" I watched a lot of emotion go through Kitty Cat's eyes before she nodded. She walked inside the shop to await her friends, leaving the corgi and me alone. However, I can hear something happen in the shop, a loud popping sound.
"SUPRISE SERIKA!!!" My it seems all her friends were already here waiting for her. Good to know. Also, they're good at hiding.
"How long have they been waiting in there for?" Master Shiba strokes his chin at my question.
"Since 12:35." I can only whistle at his response. "You should've seen their faces when Serika said you and her hijacked a tank. Also, how angry she was when you told her to leave you behind." I knew she called them, but I didn't know what she said.
"Honestly, she could've gotten here sooner and safer." He hums in acknowledgment of my words
"Yes, she could've, but that wouldn't have sat right with her."
"She's a stubborn one from what I saw from her."
"Oh yes, she isn't one to quiet easily."
"She's not honest with her feelings either."
"You're preaching to the choir on that one."
We both laugh for a moment at that. Yup, Kitty Cat sure is something. She's back with friends now, so I can leave. I turn to go, only to be interrupted by Shiba
"If I may be so bold, perhaps you can stay for a while." I look him in the eyes.
"No point in staying." He shakes his head at my response.
"You may think so, yet I feel someone else wants you too. If you won't do it for them, perhaps I could reward you with some food on the house." I'm silent for a moment; no matter how I look at it, free food ain't worth ruining whatever good times are going on. I feel a soft glow coming from the shop—the text box hovers just outside the entrance.
[Why not?] Guess I can't win this afternoon at all, huh.
"Alright, Shiba, you made your point, but if the mood sours, I'm blaming you." He barks at my response.
"That sounds fair to me." I follow him inside, noticing the shop's empty besides the five near a table; upon seeing us enter, they turn towards us.
"Nn Substitute."
"If it isn't Mister Blunt himself~"
"Nice to see you, Substitute."
"Uhee, I didn't think you'd come here at all."
I waved at them as I walked over. They were all sitting comfortably at a booth while Serika stood before it. "My, you all look comfy, huh."
"Well, we're all doing much better now that our precious Serika is back." Nonomi words seem to cause Kitty Cat to blush some.
"Welp, I'm glad I got your Kitty Cat back to you all." The second I say that, I notice Kitty Cat high-tail it to the employees-only door.
"I'm sure all of us are quite happy you did! In fact, since you're here, does that mean you'll be staying to celebrate with us?" I raise a brow at Nonomi.
"No, I came because I was offered a free ramen bowl." She laughs a little at my response.
"So his true colors are revealed." I roll my eyes at Little Jackal's response.
"Yes, who could've seen such a response coming." They all raised their hands. "Then I did a good job telling you what kind of person I am."
"Well, at least you don't hide who you are." Ayane's ears wiggled a little when speaking. "Besides that, would you like to join us at our booth to eat your food?" When she says that, I look at them all. There's an open spot next to Little Jackal and Nonomi, and both of them seem to be staring at me.
[Sit next to Shiroko]
[Sit next to Nonomi]
"Na, you don't want my mangy self ruining y'alls meal. I'll sit up at the main counter." Turning from them, I walk toward the counter instead, plopping down on the middle stool. Suddenly though Nonomi sits to my right then Little Jackal to my left. Pinky sits next to Little Jackal and Ayane next to Nonomi.
[Congratulations you got the secret, sit next to both of them route] It's going to be a long evening isn't it?
