"Not too shabby, kid. Ya starting to get good at this thing."
"Barely. I don't know what I'm doing most of the time. Just swinging this big hammer."
"And that's half of the job already! Now, let's take a breather."
Forge is being nice. I truly don't know what I'm doing. I felt bad for crashing at his place and invading his home. I know Slash vouched for this, so he isn't really doing it for me more than he is doing it for him. I just thought giving him a hand with his work was the least I could do. Seemed happy I asked; he put me to work almost immediately.
But even after all this time helping him with his smith gig, I still feel like I'm not really helpful. To be fair, he's a terrible teacher. Great blacksmith, though. I guess it's how it is with most geniuses. Really talented at what they do, but can't explain how they do it. Well, no matter. I seem to be doing good enough for now.
"But I'm serious, man. Ya got a knack for this thing. Well, maybe not for the details, you can leave those to me, but ya pretty darn good at hammering, I'll say that. I mean, you've been at it for hours now, and you haven't slowed down a bit. Aren't ya tired?"
"No, not really. No need to take a break, I'm good."
"Don't worry, fella. The break ain't for you. My old heart can't keep up no more. It ain't what it used to be, now that's for sure."
"Right."
He does look out of breath. More than usual. I'm assuming he's trying to keep up with my pace. To save face, probably. No. He doesn't seem the type. It's not like he needs to impress me.
Or anyone else, for that matter. He's probably just trying not to slow down the flow. Maybe I should slow down a bit. Might make it easier for him. Huh. Look at that. Empathy? Am I becoming a better person? Couldn't be.
"So tell me, kid. How are things in the ol' box?"
"Hm?"
"The Lab. The Foundation, ya know. Just trynna make small talk here."
"Right. Nothing much."
"Really? Didn't you guys just come back from a mission or some'?"
"I- I'm not sure. No?"
"Man. Ya good? You're not sure you just went on a mission or not?"
"I don't know."
"Must've hit ya head, kid. I heard from my girl. Her friend told her she was leaving for a mission with you and Slash and a bunch of other guys. Smiley was it? She's supposed to come back and tell her all about her "Big Bro's" cool fight. She really looks up to him. That ol' bastard. He's a good guy. Just too involved in some dangerous shit for her to be spending that much time with him."
"Why did he say I was special?"
"Huh?"
"Sorry. Slash. When he asked you to take me in. He said I was special."
"Oh. Yeah. That. I mean. I don't know, man. He didn't tell me the details. He never does. He's always doing his own thing. Always up to something, that troublemaker. But I trust him, so. Here you are. From what I could understand, though, it looks like the Doc's got a liking to ya."
"I see."
"That ain't a good thing, man."
"Hm?"
"That bast- That old man. He ain't what he seems."
"Yeah, I know. He's vicious."
"So even you've sensed it, huh?"
"I've seen it. But who is he anyway?"
Never seen him sigh like that before. Not even when he was forced to let me in.
"That man. Hm… He showed up out of nowhere a long time ago. I was just a boy at that time. He came all the way out here, outside the Walls, and knocked on every home he could. Nobody saw that before. He presented himself as our saviour. A prophet or whatever other big words he used. Said he was gonna save us. Ha. Bullshit. Didn't take long until we heard screaming outside. I remember it like it was yesterday. I peeked outside the window and saw people fighting. Kids were getting taken away. Parents trynna stop 'em. They couldn't do anything. They were powerless. We witnessed power like we haven't seen before."
"What do you mean?"
"Monsters. The lot of em'. No offence to ya, kid. Supersoldiers. Just like you. They stormed the caves. That day paid well for him. Not only did he steal a huge batch of innocent kids to feed his newly created Foundation, but he also showed us we stood no chance against him. I got lucky. My old folks were smart. They didn't understand what was going on, but they knew they were coming for us sooner or later. They hid me. Said they didn't have kids. Foundation wasn't so distrustful back then. Didn't bother checking. I got lucky."
I see now. It makes sense why he reacted the way he did when I walked up to him after I awakened.
"What about your daughters?"
"He ain't touchin' them, I can promise you that. That's why I'm stuck making them weapons for him. Doesn't feel good to be workin' for the guy, but it keeps him in his lane. For now."
"That's good."
"And now I even caught myself a helper, so things ain't so bad, huh?"
"Right."
"Alright. Enough talkin'. Back to smashin'!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I still can't fucking believe it."
"Okay. Deep breaths, B. Deep breaths."
Blue just stopped her frantic pacing around the living room of her suite to throw a 100-yard stare at Spike sitting on the other side of the kitchen island. Spike knew exactly what she was doing. Telling her long-time friend to calm down when she was heated never worked once. But that's why it has the potential to. You never know.
"See what I did there? Reverse psychology. Pretty smart if I do say so myself."
"I'm just going to fully block out all of this and move right past that."
The Commander walked up to the counter and angrily sat at the edge of the high stool, ready to get right back into her ranting.
"She did it. Oh, I just know she did."
"We don't know that."
"Come on. It's obvious. It's so her."
"And like I said, there's no way to know that for sure, so let's not make assumptions that are gonna hurt our feelings even more, okay?"
"That doesn't even matter. Fact is, she still stole my place, didn't she?"
"Stolen, I don't know. She did take your place, fair. I'll let you have that. But didn't you say you didn't even like being in charge of your team?"
"That's not the point."
"It kind of is, Blue. I know you and your sister have your issues. But now you're just projecting."
"Even if that was the case, it's not about that. Look, I hate this gig. You're right. I don't like being in charge of a bunch of soldiers who won't even listen to me and risk having them die on me. But it paid well. Really well."
"It's not like you care about being loaded. Even this suite is way above your comfort zone. What is it really about?"
"Respect. I was winning a shit load of points. It would've helped me rank up. Or at least keep up with the rest of the Commanders. Now I'll just be left behind, and the gap will grow even bigger. I'll be stuck at the bottom forever, Smiley. I'm a disappointment. Always has been."
"No you're not, don't say that. You're awesome."
"Come on. You're cute, but your opinion doesn't matter."
"Ouch."
"No, it's- that-"
The Normie painfully sighed. She spoke faster than she could think. She reached across the table and gently grabbed her partner's arms.
"I'm sorry. You know I didn't mean it like that."
"I know."
"I just don't care about impressing you. I can be who I am when I'm with you. It's just. Everybody else I-"
"Blue. I know you think that my opinion doesn't matter because I'm biased. But I really do think so. You're the Normie. You had the fastest growth in the Foundation's history. Everybody knows that. You've become a Commander all that without getting the shot. You're a legend. And if your sister doesn't see that, it's her loss."
"..."
"It's all about her, isn't it?"
"Hmm, yeah."
"Yeah. I don't know her. I know of "Swift the Commander". But I don't know what she was like with you as a sister. So I probably wouldn't get it."
"No. It's not because of how she was with me or anything like that. It's actually the opposite. It's who she is now. She changed. She became this… This… Indecent slutty bitch. Why? I know this isn't her. So why is she acting like that? And she's always provoking me on purpose. Always. And it's getting to my head. And I just thought if I could become stronger. Rank above her. She wouldn't be able to keep shitting on me. ... But she would still-"
"It wouldn't stop her."
"Yeah. I knew. I was just. Blinded."
"Whatever issues you sisters have going on, you won't solve them that way. You'll have to confront her directly."
"Hmm."
"But, I just want to point out that you don't have to."
"I hav-"
"You don't have to. She might not even want to try to understand. Or try to make up. If that's the case, you might want to give up on it. On her. You'll have to let it go."
"No. I want to. I don't care if things can't go back to the way they were before. They probably can't anyway. Things are the way they are now. But I want to. Not for me. For her. I want to stop her from just… I don't even know. Destroying herself. Making an embarrassment of herself."
"You're kind."
"No that's no-"
"You are, Blue. And if your sister is even but a fraction of how kind you are, I know she must be a great person deep down."
"... She really was."
"I'm sure she was. And she can still be. You'll make her. I know you will. I'll help you."
"You don't have to. It's my prob-"
" I'll be there for you."
"... Thank you."
As they softly smiled at each other, they both softly reached for one another and exchanged a deep embrace. They were in this together now. All of it. They shortly had to break their hold.
"You have to leave now, don't you?"
"Yeah, sorry B. Slash Sensei is waiting for our team."
"Good luck on your mission. Be careful, please."
"I'll be just fine. Like always. I'm more worried about you."
"I'm ok. I'll just take a long, warm bath and relax."
"Without me? Ruthless."
"I'll make up for it when you come back from your mission."
"Say no more, I'm out of here. Bye!"
"I'll be waiting."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So. We haven't had the chance to be together like this in a while. How exciting."
"I was doing just fine."
"I didn't take you for the self-delusional type."
"I ain't."
"Sure"
"Stay focused, we've got a job to do."
"Sure…"
"Why did Doc send you. Why do me like this."
Closing the march of this ferry band was Mohs and the newly transferred Swift. They were operating an Extermination Mission. The first one these recruits have been assigned to. At least, officially listed as such. Killing Hollows seems to always be part of the deal, no matter what. With their team slightly reformed, the young soldiers were still trying to get used to the new dynamic.
"I'm going to try to say this as kindly and non-offensive as possible. I- I don't think I'll be able to get used to that. Ever."
"... I know. I'm sorry."
"No. Come on, don't be sorry, Drool. Butcher is just a dumbass."
"What? I just said what we were all thinking, didn't I? I know it's not her fault that her powers are weird. I'm just pointing out it's gross."
"Maybe don't double down on it. Can't you tell she's insecure about it enough already?"
"Come on Bang, you were thinking it too."
"Why are we still talking about this? Let it go. Just be grateful you'll have extra protection when it'll count."
"I just hope it'll work this time."
"..."
"You guys were just unlucky. I'm sure it'll be fine."
Having heard of her last mission where two soldiers lost their lives, Undead was trying to be supportive, the best he could.
"Shut up, man. You don't even need this shit. Immortal. That's another thing I'll never get used to."
"Oh fuck off, I never wanted it."
"And I told you to never say that shit to me."
"You wouldn't want it either if you were in my place."
"Oh hell no. I'm not doing this again."
"Alright guys, chill out."
Richter's head started to hurt just listening to them arguing. He had to make it stop. Or at least tried to. He has never once been able to assert dominance. Always lacked charisma. Or confidence. Nonetheless, this was his lucky day. He wouldn't have to.
"Alright, fellas. It's your time to shine."
The Contortionist's words stopped the troop from advancing. She could sense their target getting closer. Which surprised Mohs, even he could not sense it. It made him doubt if she was even telling the truth. But while she might be unorthodox and mischievous, she is no fool. And he knew that. She earned her spot.
"Synchro?"[1]
"Wait, what do you want me to do? Oh, yeah."
While she had almost fully forgotten again, in a shortage of strategists and having lost Cortex on top of that, she had to step in for the role. With her enhanced hand and eye coordination, she was naturally good at deciphering movements. Usually, she would use it herself to copy her adversary's tool set, but she would now use it to calculate outcomes instead. Trying her best shot at it at the very least, plagued with her troubled short memory loss.
"Undead?"
"Yeah, yeah. I know."
She didn't even need to issue her order, the young man stepped in front instinctively, conditioned to be the scapegoat.
"Always the bait. You guys know I still feel pain, right?"
"... Yes. We know. You always say that."
"And I won't stop reminding you guys until yo-"
They all froze. Even the Commanders. They couldn't blink. Yet they still didn't see it happen. All they saw was Undead's body fly across the room, now in two distinct parts, freshly cut from his torso. Blood sprayed on Bang's face who was the closest to him. Suddenly, her vision got completely dark. Death. Must have been. Yet, she breathes.
While she thought death took her vision away, it simply turned out to be Mohs standing right in front of her, his immense frame blocking any light coming her way. And harm. A Hollow leaped out of the shadows, its claws covered in Undead's fresh blood, now breaking against the Wall's frame. The contortionist swiftly positioned herself adequately to throw a powerful kick to the beast's torso, sending it flying back where it came from.
"What do we have here?"
"This isn't the time to be messing around, Swift. Focus."
"Whatever you say, big boy."
"Team. Be ready."
"Yes, Sir."
"Lieutenant, I will need you to take care of defense, I've lost my only shield already."
"Wait, Synchro. We need to go check on Unde-"
"Why? What happened to him?"
"God dammit! She's a fucking nightmare!"
"Enough. I'll handle defense as you asked, but you'll need to get your team to kill it. Here it com-"
The monster dashed with all its speed and pounced on the first soldier in sight. To its surprise, and everyone else's, he was ready. Butcher was able to grab hold of the Hollow right in time before its deadly fangs seeped into his throat. Wrestling with the beast, its regenerative muscle fibres helped him get the upper hand and overpower it.
Only for a short time, however. The demon swung its body and used its free lower limbs to attack, clawing right through the young man's torso, ripping the fabric and his skin.
"Bang, get ready. Butch, throw it at her."
"Get off me, you fucking freak!"
The muscular young soldier forcefully hurled the Hollow towards his comrade, who was already getting into position. Bang precisely grounded herself and armed her limbs, ready to make use of all her weight and the power stored in her joints to launch a bone-crushing blow.
As the fierce creature was flying across the cave, awaiting a forceful welcome, it shocked the crew. The Hollow profoundly retched and spewed a corrosive liquid toward Bang. While her movements are inherently quick and snappy, her reaction time cannot keep up. She was able to weave to the side, avoiding most of the discharge but still falling prey to a substantial amount of it.
Immediately, her skin began to boil. Screaming in agony, Drool hurried in her direction and showered her with her own fluid. The thick solution helped deactivate the corrosive effect of the Hollow's assault, but not the pain.
As the Hollow regained footing again, it charged right back in. Opening fire, it shot a drizzle of its venom to push forward. Now all weary of its destructive power, none dared stop it in its track. Which was bad, it was rapidly gaining speed. And terrain. Only one stood strong in its wake.
The Wall blocked the large spray in its entirety, sustaining no damage, as if showered by a light rain. The Hollow noticed the ineffectiveness of its venom and quickly swerved from its original path, intuitively aware it could not defeat the threat before it. Its predatory instincts brought him right back to the already injured soldier, guarded by Drool.
"Nuh uh, buddy."
The second commander decided to step in, only for a brief instant. From its perspective, it just suddenly felt a sharp pain in its side and was propelled forcefully back across the tunnel once again. Swift was too fast for it to see her kick it in the ribs.
The power behind her blow actually punctured its side, warm and thick yellow fluid seeping from its internal sack. Possessed by a primal rage, the Hollow screeched at the top of its lungs, causing the squad to shiver. It then ferociously tore its own skin apart and vomited on itself, covering itself in its own acid.
"Dammit! We won't be able to touch it now."
"Richer we need you to-"
"I know. I can't do anything until you isolate it."
"Right. Hm. Drool, shield up Butcher."
"O- Ok."
The young woman precisely aimed a straight jet through her metal jaw to bathe her partner. Now somewhat protected, he immediately ran toward their target. The two forces clashed, but the recruit was able to subdue the frenzied beast.
"Kid."
"Yep, on its way."
Mohs didn't even need to go through his indications that his recruit had already hurled the Hollow in his direction. The solid man easily caught him and held it in place, his iron grasp firmly wrapping around its neck. While his skin is completely unpenetrable when he turns into his metallic frame, he is also unable to move. He is quite literally the peak form of defense. His offense is, however, completely rendered useless.
"Everybody, move."
Richter, slowly walked up to the nearest rocky wall, allowing his team to fall back. Calmly pressing his palm against the cold and muddy surface, a deep rumble echoed. Suddenly, a frightening fissure coursed across the cavern, slithering through the ceiling.
In no time, the soldier caused a cave-in, a shower of debris violently falling onto the unwavering Commander and the struggling creature. The weight of the rubbles completely crushed both of them, rapidly lifting a smog of dust under a deafening thunder.
Once things settled, the Lieutenant brute-forced his way out of the fresh tomb of rocks, covered in ooze. The Hollow had been utterly crushed into lifeless sludge. Everyone was able to breathe normally again.
"That went relatively well."
"Yeah."
"Where's the Hollow?"
"... You know what? Don't worry about it, Synchro…"
"We only did it 'cause Mohs was there."
"Where's Undead?"
"Here."
Butcher was holding the severed pieces of their friend. Dried out of his blood, his dissected figure was looking rough. They knew it would take him a while to regenerate and wake up from such a serious injury. All they could do now was hurry back and get him proper treatment to speed up and ease the process.
"Look at you guys go. That was pretty good, not gonna lie."
"That would've gone in a completely other direction if we weren't there, Swift."
"But-"
"Still. There is improvement. This is why we are doing this. With enough experience, you'll get better. Keep at it."
"Yes sir!"
The platoon shouted in unison, warmed up by their leader's rare compliments. His words lightened their steps as they proceeded back.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I do hope you did not actually think we would buy this shit."
I don't know why he won't believe me. What would I get from blatantly lying in front of them?
"Come on Jab. It's nothing new from him. Remember at the inauguration?"
"I know. I just think it's all too convenient for him to forget anything if he feels like forgetting."
"It isn't convenient. I remember nothing from our last mission. I have no idea what happened."
"Almost got us all killed, that's what happened."
"And I already apologized for that."
"Whatever."
"Alright, guys. Let's just. Chill. While we wait for Slash. Last thing we need right now is more stress."
I don't know if Rouge truly believes that or she just wanted us to shut up. Worked anyways, I guess. But it truly is annoying. If only I remembered what happened, I could hopefully make adjustments. Now, all I can work from is his story. Who knows if he skewered it to make me look even worse or make himself look better. He probably didn't. The whole team seemed on par with him.
So my body took over and fled instead of protecting them. That does sound bad. But if my instincts told me to move away, I trust them. It probably meant I wouldn't have been able to block the attack. I would've died. Which is ok. But it might have gotten them killed, too. So me not jumping in, forced him and Mute to jump in, which ended up saving them. I probably shouldn't tell him that me dodging was probably the best course of action.
"Why is he late? He called us here."
"Can't you just brief us on your own, Ace?"
"I mean, I could. But knowing Slash, he'll probably put on a show and just repeat it all over again when he gets here. With more useless details."
"Sounds like you're slacking off."
"That too."
The girls laughed. Looks like the whole team is starting to bond a little. Minus me, I guess. Doesn't matter. I am curious about this new mission, though. Extermination, I heard. What's even the difference? Last time we were on Recognition, but we still almost died. The only upside is that we don't have to haul all these heavy pieces of equipment. That's pretty good.
"But I won't be just standing on the sidelines anymore. Not after what happened."
"Wait, you're telling me you're gonna do what you're supposed to be doing? Lead?"
"Isn't that wild? Can't believe it, can you Rouge?"
"You're right, I'll have to see it to believe it."
"Oh, you'll see alright. Gotta keep the notoriety of the Commanders up, you know."
"Will Sensei be ok with that?"
"Probably not. But I'll let you in on a little secret, Spike. I don't give a shit about what this dense brute thinks."
"Love the bluntness, not so sure about the slight slander though."
"He can take it. He's a big boy. Everybody's always praising him, gotta roast his ass every now and then."
"Thank you! Finally, some honesty. Is he really that good?"
I've never heard such an earnest and heartfelt gasp in my life before. Spike sounds like she got stabbed in the back.
"Jab. Take it back.."
"Alright, calm down, Smiley."
"You've seen him fight! You know how strong he is!"
"I know, I know."
"He's like the strongest soldier ever!"
"Woah there buddy."
"I wouldn't know, but he's at least not at the top of the Commanders, so."
"See? Even Savvy knows her shit."
"Well, I like to mock the guy but, even if he isn't ranked the highest of us, he's still the strongest."
"Why isn't he at the top then?"
"Ranking is solely based on the number of missions completed and the threat levels of the targets. Bowie never catches a break, he's always leading missions. While Slash just fools around all the time, killing Hollows without signing up for missions or even registering some of his kills. And Mob is just playing the system. He grew his organization and earns points off of other people's missions, while he doesn't have to do much. So yeah, in terms of strength, he's in a league of his own."
"See? I told you my Sensei is the strongest!"
"Not so fast, girl. Strongest Commander, yes. Not the strongest overall."
I thought Commanders were the strongest soldiers, being the highest-ranked Lieutenants.
"...Pioneers…"
"What would you guys be without Savvy and her knowledge?"
"What the hell is even that?"
"The actual strongest soldiers. No contest."
"Never heard of them."
"Pretty sure that's only you, Jab."
"I haven't heard of them either."
"... Don't lump me in with you."
I was just trying to back him up. I really didn't hear of them before. Maybe I simply just don't remember."
"Well, in you guys' defense, nobody's ever really seen them. At least I didn't. I'm pretty young, so I guess that doesn't help. But even oldest Commanders never saw them."
"What's they're deal?"
"From what I know, they're just a bunch of lose screws. Some kind of crazy powerhouses just working on their own. They just wander around and kill everything they see. They never really check in at the Foundation or use the Lab's resources."
"Rare for Doc to be this lenient."
"That is true. But that just shows how strong they are."
"How so?"
"I mean, not only is he not able to really control them, but the work they do out there is so valuable that Doc just figures it's better to let them do their own thing."
"Sure."
"Well, until I see any of those guys do something cool, Slash is still the strongest!"
"Hahaha! Now that's what I'm talking about!"
He finally got here.
"You came just in time, Sensei! These guys were trying to convince me you aren't the strongest soldier."
"Hahaha! Is that so? I will say, as a true honorable warrior, I must admit I have still ways to go to become the strongest. What I would give to get a chance to duel the King!"
"The King?"
"Hahaha! He is the strongest Pioneer, making him the strongest soldier in history! Rumors say he got bored of fighting Hollows and started to kill soldiers."
"That's fucked."
"However, no matter how strong he is, I am still the coolest!"
"That's right!"
"Hahaha, indeed it is! Now with me, team! March on!"
"Wait, we're leaving now?"
"We're not ready!"
"... Maybe I should've briefed them after all…"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The quietness of their recently acquired home was even better than they could have anticipated. While fear is still part of the equation, Hollows being what they are, it is nothing new. Their fright merely diverted to a disparate instigator.
Nonetheless, this soothing feeling was exactly what they were looking for. While their place could still use some more care, it is more than respectable. Adam and Rose decided the rest of the work would be dealt with in time, little by little.
Sitting outside, enjoying the damp and heavy air, Rose was pensive. And he knew her enough to notice it animating her facial traits.
"What?"
"What what?"
"What is it?"
"Nothing."
"It's never nothing."
"Wrong. It's always nothing, thank you very much. But really, it's nothing serious. Just thinking."
"Thinking about what?"
"How we ended up here. You. Me. And now this little freeloader."
"It did go by pretty fast, huh?"
"Maybe a little… too fast…?"
"You think?"
"I don't know? Maybe?"
"You're regretting?"
"Of course not. Don't say that. It's just, I don't know."
"Well. Your family was already pushing you to have kids for them, weren't they?"
"Yeah. God. I don't even want to think about it."
"Yeah. And I know Doc had his Special Wed Program for his higher-ups he was trying to push on me."
"Sounds fun."
"But look at me. To be given the chance to marry and impregnate the highest quality of female the Lab has to offer. Such an appetizing proposal. And yet, being the gentleman that I am, I turned it down."
"Right, right. So you turned to me. Your local prostitute. Rescuing me from my dungeon, running together like bohemians, then knocking me up. Truly romantic."
"It doesn't get more romantic than that. You're a lucky lady."
"That, I am."
They chuckled at their tacky banter. Adam is yet to be able to look at her without grinning like an idiot.
"But really. It's how things are here. Nothing is sure. Nothing is safe. We have so little time so, everything is just so fast. And controlled. Overseen by the system. But I'm just glad we were able to pull out of that, Rose. Even just a little. Even if we're still unconsciously trapped in the system, just mimicking its modulations. We're doing things on our terms. Together. Just us."
"Yeah."
"My, my. What do we have here?"
Immediately, Adam's heart sank. Crippled by anxiety, as a voice violently killed the tranquillity bathing this manmade haven. Instinctively, he found himself standing tall in front of his partner, who seemed as distressed as him.
It took both of them a few seconds before noticing the wide figure creeping into this alleged secret cave. Loud thumps rhythmically echoed in their ears, perfectly intertwined with the melody of heavy and assertive footsteps.
Walking out of the shadows, decorated by his emblematic fur coat, armed with his fabled cane and golden ornaments, the Father approached the couple, greeting them with a smile endorsing unknown motives.
"Mob. Do not get closer."
Adam had immediately reached for his weapon strapped on his waist, the end of the barrel pointing directly towards the intruder's dark glasses. The Commander stopped.
"Well, now. Is this how you greet all your guests?"
"How did you find this place?"
"The same way I find everything I'm looking for."
"I will not repeat myself."
"Do not worry. Nobody else knows."
"You wouldn't be here if that were true."
"At least none that wishes you harm."
"And what do you want?"
"To talk."
"But I don't. Now leave before I make sure to narrow down the number of people that know this place."
"A threat only works when the prosecutor believes in it. Or thinks he does."
"What makes you think I don't?"
"Son. You won't kill me."
"You're about to find that out."
"I already did. And you won't."
"You better shut the fu-"
"You won't. Not in front of her."
"..."
"You never fired your weapon at anybody before, have you?"
"What would you know about that?"
"I know enough. I also know you aren't used to this weapon. Hmm. It isn't yours. Or at least it hasn't been for that long. Still getting used to it. What happened to your old weapon? Lost it? No. … You gave it awa-"
Adam fired his gun, barely grazing his target. Mob was surprised. While he successfully read everything right about him, he failed to think that he would not pull the trigger, even just for a warning shot. He was also happily surprised that while he could tell Adam had no actual on-field experience using his firearm, his aim was still freakishly sharp.
"Enough. Get the fuck out."
"What about our little talk? Aren't you going to invite me in?"
"I already told you. I don't want to talk."
"That's where you're mistaken, my friend."
"And what makes you say that?"
"I have an offer for you."
"You always have an offer for everybody. I'm not interested."
"Oh, I think you will be."
"Then just go on and fucking say it."
"I want to take Doc down."
"..."
For a soldier, a Commander even, to openly enounce such words tainted by treason in front of him, Doc's right-hand man, Adam was baffled. He knew Mob for being deceiving and devious, yes, but he also knew him for being cunning. He wouldn't risk a blasphemous act like this one for no reason. Some layers of truth were apparent.
"You know I could kill you for that, right?"
"Yet I still breathe."
"For now."
"Your bluff is pathetic. I already established you won't do anything. And we both know that."
"And why is that?"
"Because you want the same thing as me."
"..."
"No need to say anything, boy. I know. You want him dead more than I do."
"..."
"It's time for a change, don't you agree?"
"..."
"So what do you say? Want to act on it… partner?"
[1] I made a minor change in the story. I changed Chuck's name to Synchro for a few reasons. Her name has been changed in all previous chapters too. Sorry for the possible confusion and have a nice read, thank you!