The Ashlanders - Chapter 6: The Blind Man's Last Gambit (Closed, Started)

[Fappy]

Tsubaki's finger flinched on her rifle's trigger as Asad came into view, not recognizing him at first glance. Concealing their true colors always was a double-edged tactic. She eased up as he came closer.

"Good to see you guys made it, that was a bit of a clusterfuck."

Tsubaki gave him a short nod, "As was the idea. Glad to see you're okay. Where's O'Laf---" Her words were suddenly drowned out by an explosion that shook the entire building. "GO!" She barked to Asad, the two of them dashing out of the shop's entrance just as Bryan was coming in.

"Well shit, that were a feckin' riot! Too bad about the suit, though."

Glancing out the front door, Tsubaki cursed under her breath before shouting up to Jun, "LAY DOWN SOME SUPPRESSING FIRE AND MEET US ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BLOCK!" Snatching a teargas canister off of her vest, she pulled the pin and lobbed it down the alley Bryan had come from. "LET'S MOVE!" She barked.

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Elizabeth could do little more than study Eddie as they sped across the ashlands. He was sweating heavily and looked as if he was staring at something she couldn't herself see. She'd observed a similar conviction in the eyes... or rather, eye, of another. It made her think: had she not the strength to weather similar trials? Were these people that much stronger that her?

Nervously, Elizabeth placed a hand on Eddie's, "It's going to be okay, Eddie. You'll figure this out." She didn't know if her words were worth anything, but she couldn't think of much else she could do.

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Bennie sat back and listened to Ruffles explain to Aesop what Silo had died protecting. He hoped knowing that would set Aesop's mind at ease, but then Bennie never did have much faith in others. He wasn't quite sure what would help him, if anything could at all.

"The Son of Light has fallen. In the face of Ragnarok the All-Seer summons thee."

"Speak of the fuckin' devil." Bennie muttered, flabbergasted as Ruffles scrambled for the mic.

"PIXIE, COME IN PIXIE, WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING!?"

"WHAT THE FUCK'S HAPPENING? WHAT'S GOING ON?"

"Same question, but quieter."

Still frozen in utter shock, Bennie plainly stated, "It's exactly what it sounds like boys. It's armageddon."

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"Brofro, this is Red Queen! I repeat, this is Red Queen! I read you. Over," She took her thumb off the button but for a moment before adding. "I'm sorry, Ruffles, we lost her."

 

[The Funslinger]

"I'm sorry, Ruffles, we lost her."

Ruffles opened and closed his mouth a few times before finally answering. "Is... is she taken, or destroyed?"

====================================

"It's going to be okay, Eddie. You'll figure this out."

"Maybe," Eddie replied dully. "But he knows I'm alive now. No matter where I go, or what I do, he'll never stop coming after me. You don't just walk out on Wilkes-Vines.

===========================================

"LET'S MOVE!"

"Aye, ma'am," Bryan replied. As they ran, he spoke. "I'm guessing our next job is getting outta Frostfall and somewhere a mite warmer, eh? I hear Calico is nice this time o' year! Good bikini weather, y'know!"

 

[Terratina.]

An explosion marked Bryan's entrance. Jun clicked his tongue, he couldn't do anything with the building rocking back and forth except steady himself. Luckily, it was only a brief tremor.

"LAY DOWN SOME SUPPRESSING FIRE AND MEET US ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BLOCK!"

He heard the Commander's order through the chaos and shouted the usual reply. Gears whirred again. First he had to establish the number of location of hostiles. He followed the plume of tear gas, changed positions to accommodate a shot and rotated a switch, causing the IR detector screen to flip down over the image of the scope. His world was bathed in green s and noise. The ruby red of the illuminated reticule contrasted against the emerald screen. Three glowing blobs of light came into view, the sniper could faintly make coughing figures. However, some of them were reaching for their respirators. Only simple civilians would be beaten by such a ploy, and this was a battle of soldiers.

Still, there was not much time, nor did he have the greatest view o fthem - with or without the IR.

Nevertheless, he took the shots. 'One; two; three.'

He looked through the scope again, there were two faintly glowing blobs on the ground but the third one was still upright, nut hobbling. A minor miss, though that wasn't a problem.

It was solved with another shot.

Jun immediately detached the sniper rifle from the bipod and put both away - the rifle he slung across his shoulder, the bipod was folded and put back into its container on his belt. It wasn't the best, however Jun didn't have the luxury of time and he needed that free hand, so a case wasn't an option. He unholstered his pistol, ran down the stairs and when out via the back exit. Now it was just a matter of running to wherever the Commander and the others when off to. With a mixture of caution and swiftness, the soldier ran through a zigzag of alleyways to the other side of the block, as ordered. Sooner or later, Jun came across a familiar voice - a confirmation. But it wasn't the exactly the most pleasant one.

"...Good bikini weather, y'know!"

Jun sighed and then began to sprint, catching up with the others.

 

[Fappy]

"Is... is she taken, or destroyed?"

"Taken," Pixie let out a long sigh. "This fuckin' nut named Austin raided it with a child army. Don' know how many Maidens 'ar left alive, but Florian managed to escape. He's with me now. He's okay."

Ruffles sensed Aesop tense up beside him for some reason, but held up a hand to ward him off.

"That's... that's good, at least." He let out a growl of frustration. "So. Gjallerhorn Protocol, right?"

She could sense the anxiety in his voice. She wished she could have said something, anything to soften the blow, but this was too important to sugar coat. She wanted to tell him how sorry she was for failing him... for failing all her Maidens, but she knew now was not the time. Rubbing her forehead with her fingertips, she closed her eye and furrowed her brow, "Yeah, the ol' rendezvous' defunct, though. One 'a 'ar contacts spilled the location before they spilled his guts, so we gotta new place."

Ruffles hesitated. The location was changed. The location Silo had died protecting.

Aesop wasn't going to be happy.

Bennie gritted his teeth and glanced over at Aesop, "Maybe we should let them talk it out, how's that sound?" He motioned towards the door.

All the anger in Aesop's body dissipated. It was as if his body went into shock but for only a few seconds. Sweat instantly building up on his brow, his skin shook, and his eyes widened. 'Not again. Not again.'

He stayed in position. Every word he had heard since they said his name had been ignored. "Austin... F-Father Austin..."

Bennie placed a hand on his shoulder, "You know him?"

Shit.

"I'm gonna take him outside and get him some fresh air. Let me know when I'm up, okay Jake?" He asked as he attempted to guide Aesop through the door.

Ruffles nodded. "Yeah..."

Thumbing the radio button, he spoke again. "Okay... so where's the new rendezvous point, Captain? And what's the plan?"

Aesop slowly began hyperventilating and stuttering. "Fffffffather Austin!" He yelled towards the mic loud enough Pixie could hear him. "HE TOOK THE MAIDEN!!" His voice wasn't full of anger, or even fear, but sadness. Utter sadness, like he was about to break down in tears like one would having just heard the death of a relative.

Pixie glanced back at Florian with a cocked eyebrow and held the mic to her lips, "Uh, the fuck was that?"

Ruffles put a hand on his shoulder. It was either that or succumb to his own emotion and snatch the mic back and slap him. "Get some air. Let me deal with this."

Aesop stepped backwards away from Bennie and Ruffles, his breathing becoming haggard and his skin so pale he looked like an old corpse. His posture was getting lower and he had his fingers on his forehead. "No no no no no no no no no," his voice trailed off and got quieter until he was squeaking his words out as he hunched over and was nearly crouching down.

"Everythin' alright on yer end, Jake?" Pixie asked, utterly confused.

With the mic back in his hands, Ruffles said, "that was Aesop. Be right with ya. Gimme a sec."

Setting the mic down, he crouched in front of Aesop and shook him. "Aesop. Bennie's gonna take you outside for some air. I need you to tell the others, Cameron, Warren and that Vergil kid, what's going on. Can you do that for me?"

Tears were streaming down Aesop's face as he looked up to Ruffles. "I can't I-I I can't, he... Ruffles I can't he..." Aesop felt it all coming back to him. Seeing his best friends die. Except now they were replaced by the faces of Ruffles, Pixie, Florian, Lilith, every single person on the Maiden. And Austin was killing them all.

One by one slaugtering all of them and yelling nonsense about a family.

"Jake he killed my fucking life!" He yelled out as his shaking was becoming more violent.

"God damn." Bennie simply muttered.

Ruffles put his arms around Aesop and hugged him to try and keep him from shaking. "I know, I know." He didn't know, and both of them knew it, but it was all he could say. "We're gonna deal with this, alright? One step at a time."

Letting go of him, he looked him in the eye. "Go tell the others, alright?"

In the brief moments Ruffles hugged him Aesop leant his face against his shoulder. Literally a shoulder to cry on. He looked Jake in the eye as they kept welling up with tears. He wanted to tell him no, he wasn't even sure if he could tell them. But he had to be useful. That's what all this insane ramblings about murder were, trying to find a way to become useful. Sniffing Aesop answered his friend.

"Yes Jake." He stood up straight and walked out of the room, wiping his eyes as he did but it made no difference. Tears kept flowing like a water fountain and he couldn't stop it. All the pain that he had tried to dull with 8 years worth of drinking and fighting, one year worth of self pity and one blood lust fueled murder was now coming back in full force as if it was happening all over again.

"Shit..." Ruffles muttered to himself as he crossed the room again and picked up the mic.

"Sorry about that. Seems like Aesop has some connection to this Austin guy we don't know about."

Bennie followed closely in silence and closed the door behind them.

"That so?" Pixie asked, twirling her hair between her fingers. "I don' reckon they're friends, are they?"

"You can say that again," replied Ruffles. "I guess all we can do is get our shit together. Where do we meet up now we had to change the location? And when we've got our guys together, what's the plan?"

"Carlos, an old friend 'a mine from back in my thievin' days, has offered us asylum in an underground bunker he has. It'll serve as 'ar base of operations until we get the Maiden back from that psychopath. As fer 'ar next move," Pixie looked back at Florian once more. It was important here heard this too. "Cranston's arrangin' a meetin' with Wilks-Vine. With the haul we jus' pulled in I can get us bandit army that dwarf's Austin's. I'm not gonna lie though, Jake, it ain't gonna be purdy. You an' Florian won' be joinin' the fight. Got that?"

Ruffles was silent for a time. He knew what it meant. Hiring a bandit army to gun down a bunch of kids. Pixie was right not to include him. He didn't want any part of it.

"Okay," he said. "Guess that's all I need to know for now. As for our end, we got Aesop back, but Silo is dead. Aesop killed Rodriguez and we pretty much crippled the bandito stronghold. Boomhower is about to become a deathtrap with people racing to fill the power gap. So we had to get the hell outta dodge as soon as possible. You can give me the coordinates for this Carlos guy's place, but first, I got someone else I need you to talk to."

"Fuck," Pixie muttered under her breath. Silo was a good man. How many others had she lost? "Jake, did we lose anyone else?" She asked, ignoring everything else he'd said.

"Yeah, most of Slepnir squad," he replied dully. "They got ambushed some time after our separation. It was... it was a massacre."

Her thumb off the button, Pixie dropped her face into her palm, "God dammit..." Her voice wavered. Just what she needed: more dead Maidens. Clearing her throat, she ran the same hand across her face and over her hair. "Who was it, Jake? Who sold us out?"

"Randy," Ruffles replied. "We got him, though. Had to fight to keep Aesop from killing him, but we got him. We'll bring him back with us so you can have words."

Pixie's voice hardened, "We'll have words. Don' reckon many of 'em will be his, though." At least he was still alive. At least she'd get the chance to to look him the eye as he took his final breath. Shaking herself from her fantasy, she straightened up. "Anyway, who do I gotta talk to?"

Ruffles actually smiled, now. Pixie and Bennie's relationship had always been entertaining. "Bennie Carmine. The guy saved our asses."

"B-Bennie?!" Pixie had to stop herself from shouting his name. "Wh-what? Why was he there?!" She hadn't even realized she was standing until she noticed the shocked look on Florian's face. She wasn't sure if she should be elated or enraged. Bennie? She hadn't seen him in years. "H-how is he?" She didn't even know why she'd asked that.

"He's good," replied Ruffles laughing. Taking his thumb off the button for a moment, he yelled. "Bennie, get in here!"

Back at the mic, "I guess he heard about the bounty on your head and decided to track us down. I guess he'll be coming with us to Carlos' place."

"I-ba, uh, ah I-uh, yeah? I-I suppose?" Pixie was completely floored. She was not prepared for this today. Not one bit.

Bennie came in from behind Ruffles, "Thanks," He told Ruffles as he was handed the mic. Holding it his lips, he took a deep breath before speaking. "Hey girl, it's been a long time."

"Bennie..." Pixie manged to mutter through the knot in her throat.

 

[The Funslinger]

"... No matter where I go, or what I do, he'll never stop coming after me. You don't just walk out on Wilkes-Vines."

Elizabeth remained silent for a moment. There really wasn't anything she could say, "What are you going to do?"

Eddie took a breath, watching the road as he thought. Then, "get my daughter back. Get her and her mother away from him. And... then I'll deal with whatever comes next, however I can."

"Do you really think you'll be able to keep them away from him by running? Wouldn't it be better to... I don't know, kill him?" She sighed. "I'm sorry, I'll... I'll shut up now."
"Never said I'd be the one running," replied Eddie curtly.

The journey towards the Bread Basket was relatively quiet. Some time later, in the evening, it came into sight. Where other domes were smooth, the Bread Basket was panelled, in huge hexagonal panes. The technology at work synthesizing the Ashland's sickly light into bright, rich sunlight for the crops within made the dome almost glow with life. Steering the Crawler down a dip, Eddie got out and cranked back the entrance to the tunnel, got back in and drove onwards.

"You ever been here before?"

Elizabeth shook her head, "No, but my family has several times. I'd heard it was beautiful." She furrowed her brow. "I suppose we won't have time to appreciate the view." She joked, trying to lighten the mood. Eddie just smiled wistfully. "We used to meet here, back in the day. It's a good place to just... forget everything."

After a few minutes, the Crawler was coming out into almost dazzling sunlight.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Asad grunted as the explosion erupted behind them.

"Argh, time to haul ass again? Sick of all this damn running." He muttered, smirking slightly.

Dashing outside, he stood by the commander as they lay down covering fire for Bryan, the sound of rifles laced intermittently with the louder roars of Jun's sniper rifle.

"LET'S MOVE!"

"Roger!"



"I'm guessing our next job is getting outta Frostfall and somewhere a mite warmer, eh? I hear Calico is nice this time o' year! Good bikini weather, y'know!"

Asad grinned, back peddling for a moment, he loosed a few shots of supressing fire. "Maybe the commander could wear something a little more... un-military." He chuckled, giving Bryan a knowing wink.

 

[The Funslinger]

"Aye," replied Bryan as he ran, emptying his pistol in the general area of their assailants. "That'd be just the treat!"

================================================

The Bread Basket was warm and sunny. If Eddie had had to describe the place in one word, he'd have chosen 'luxuriant'. That made it something of a rarity in the Ashlands. Fields filled to the brim with various crops filled the horizon. Off in the distance, he could even see areas set aside for grazing cattle. It was the Bread Basket, along with several smaller installations spread across the planet, that produced most of the food consumed by The Rock's dwellers. It was an emerald crown jewel in the surrounding grey setting.

Eddie parked the Crawler on a dirt track and got out. Turning to Elizabeth, he said, "stay here, will ya? I... I want to be alone with her a moment."

Vaulting a nearby fence, he waded through a field of waist high wheat with a small silo in the center. As he approached the silo, Whiskey Fifer stepped out from around the side.

Spoiler: mewzick

Eddie stopped and stared. She hadn't aged a day... Jesus...

"Eddie."

"W-Whisk. You look good."

"Yeah, you too," she replied. Then gave a chuckle. "Well. Older. But I guess yer aging like a good bottle of scotch, ain't ya?"

"Should I be flattered, or offended?" he replied, grinning. Whiskey smiled coyly in response. "Aw, both, honey."

Eddie stepped closer now, his expression hardening. "What about Millie? Is she okay?"

Whiskey nodded. "Payton won't hurt her unless we give him a reason. And now you're here, we can take care of this mess. Trust me, if I didn't know we could fix this, I'd be pulling my hair out, sugar."

Relief crashed over Eddie in a wave. Whiskey knew the current situation better than he, and if she saw hope, then maybe it would work out. "Aw shit, Whisk, I've... I've missed you like you wouldn't--"

"Yeah, me too," she interrupted, folding herself into his arms. Eddie's eyes were stinging, but he blinked it away as Whiskey's hands moved up his back to his shoulders, and she pressed her lips fervently against his. For several seconds, they were lost in the passion of it, but Eddie could feel the wetness of her tears against his face.

He didn't notice her take one hand from his back and shake the derringer from inside her sleeve. She let out a sob as she nestled the muzzle under his chest. Eddie pulled back a little. "Whiskey, you oka--" BANG!

Despite the compactness of the gun, its retort was a sharp thunder crack echoing far across the fields, startling cattle off in the distance. Eddie's whole body jerked. The force of his movement knocked his hat off, and his head thumped against Whiskey's shoulder and she stepped back.

Eddie fell to his knees, looking up at her as the crimson stain blossomed over his shirt. She bent to pick up his fallen hat before she looked at him. Her tears were falling thickly now, but she spoke clearly. "I'm sorry... he really has Millie, Eddie... he'd kill her if I... I'M SORRY!"

Then she was gone, running off, out of sight behind the silo and further away. Eddie took to one knee, yelling at the pain in his gut. Men in familiar suits with familiar scarves came into view. And in their midst, a familiar man dressed differently.

"Duke."

"Sorry, bud. You gave up a good deal, and he came calling. I gave ya the slip when you got onto the Maiden, went and planted the letter, if you're wondering." He gave a sigh of regret that may or may not have been genuine.

"Look, you're in a bad way. Come quietly, man. Let us patch ya up."

"FUCK YOU!"

In spite of the blood pouring from his gut, Eddie's draw was like lightning. He fired three times and Duke went stumbling, with blood blossoms of his own and an eye blown out of his skull with shards of sunglasses lens stuck in it. He was yelling now, and the revolver he'd pulled in response was lying in the grass. Wilkes-Vines grunts were coming en force now, but not opening fire. Eddie knew why, but hell if he'd respond in kind.

One, two, three of them went down before two more dog-piled him and a third wrested his gun away, hurling it across the field. His knife followed as blackness crept in at the edges of his vision and his limbs turned to lead.

 

[ProtoChimp]

Aesop wandered out of the room wiping his face of tears. A useless effort however, as they just kept coming in an infinite stream as he approached the stairs.

Bennie followed behind in silence. He'd heard of this Father Austin character before, but only knew a few rumors. Assuming what he had heard was true... they were dealing with a serious nut. Somehow, he wasn't surprised Aesop shared a history with such a man.

Walking down the steps, Aesop had to stop halfway down and just sit there for a moment as he held his face in his palms sobbing. He punched the railing for the stairs, but after one punch he gave in the idea of trying to push out his pain with a fist as he held it tightly, whimpering.

Bennie placed a hand on his shoulder, "Hey man, no need for that. Just... just take a deep breath and sit down. You want a beer or something?"

Aesop sniffed and coughed, surprise Bennie had any sympathy for him. "Nah man I can't I... fuck I really want to though but I..." he shook his head and desperately tried to make a joke but his mind wouldn't allow him that courtesy. "I just need to keep focused I guess."

"Yeah," Bennie muttered, patting his shoulder. "Come on man, lets head outside. Maybe some fresh air will clear your mind."

"Yeah I," he sighed and stood up. "Yeah I just need some air." His voice whimpered again as he stood.

"Bennie, get in here!"

Glancing over his shoulder, Bennie sighed, "That's my que. Wish me luck." Looking back at Aesop, he grinned. "Take it easy."

"Yeah," he said sniffing again. "Same to you man." Aesop leaned his shoulder against the wall as he slowly descended down the stairs. Aesop pushed his way out of the doors and outside into the hot ash. He wished for a breeze, alas he'd need a damn breathing mask in order to get one. He breathed in the recycled air and sighed. He clenched his fists as tears fell down his face again, silently.

'Was it not enough last time? Are you haunting me you fucking demon?'

He crumpled to the floor on his knees before sitting down on the ground, balling his eyes out once again.
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Hannibal meandered and browsed through the various stalls. Each vendor was either nervously avoiding the subject of the shootout, or angrily defensive about their own safety and wares. Some thought they could take advantage of people being wary of the bloodshed. These people were not good barters. If the crowd had come despite people dying the previous day, they wouldn't be tricked by some seller thinking they could take advantage of a fear that wasn't there. Shopping so soon after so many had died, it was sick.

As much as Hannibal loved looking over his shoulder in case of predators, he couldn't here. He didn't want to look suspicious HE was meant to be looking for suspicious people. He always felt like he was being watched by someone or something. Someone's eyes on the back of his head, someone's breath down his neck and back, someone's hands trailing up his...

Why now. I don't want to think about this anymore and now more than ever I can't not now STOP IT STOP IT!

He hid his inner thoughts well, for Hannibal at least, as he stood in line for a waterskins and containers. The seller was rather irritating, making jokes about people dying of thirst and thus he was a saviour. This would be an irritating haggle.
===============================================
"Legs apart, arms straight. Come on, and aim higher."

"Alright Mom I got it."

Alex was standing behind her son as they stood in the police station, targets set up for him. He held the pistol tightly but his arms weren't holding as strong. He wasn't used to the recoil, even on the gun she had given him with such a small recoil, for a first time shooter and an 8 year old at that, it was indeed a lot.

"Watch the recoil. Arms straight, C'mon son you can do better than that." She said, sternly but not too hard.

"I'm trying Mom." He replied, repositioning himself.

"Just stay calm and breath slow. I'm not gonna rush you right now but you do need to get used to this." The sheriff continued.

"You do realise you told me to rush but not rush?" He responded to her.

"Atta boy," she said before speaking with authority again, "but don't give me lip. We have time but we're not leaving here until your aim is better."

Young Austin sighed. "Right mom." He continued to shoot. He was indeed grateful for the lessons, he had wanted to know how to shoot ever since his mother started teaching him how to fight. That said he never really thought about it, it just stayed at the back of his mind.

His mother conversely had always wanted to teach him. To make him strong, strong like herself, strong like her officers.

But she didn't want her son to need to be strong. She wanted her son to just be her son.

'How fucking delusional.' She thought, biting her own lip.
==========================================
Carlton uncomfortably walked to the Bridge where his friend was being held by the children.

"Whats going on?" Asked the maiden.

"Austin wants me to confirm the maiden can fly."

"Fuck sake. Wait why did he ask you?" The man cocked an eye at Carlton.

"I dunno." He answered him as he began looking at his older companion's handy work.

He paused for a few moments before leaning in closer, he had to stop however as the children got antsy. He sighed and asked worried, "He's not trying to turn you is he?"

"FUCK NO!" Carlton shouted angrily. "Don't you fucking dare, even imply I'm on board with that sick fuck!"

"Alright alright I just... wanted to be sure." Answered the hostage.

"Yeah well I'm not the one who agreed to help am I?"

"Excuse me?"

Carlton glare at him. "I was perfectly happy to die out there next to those fucking kids graves, but you folded!" He gave him an accusing finger. "YOU were the one that decided to help him. And YOU'RE the reason I'm stuck eating breakfast with that loon."

"Wait, breakfast?! You had breakfast with him! Jesus Christ whats next? A family pic-" The man was interrupted as a child began beating him with the but of his gun. He fell to the ground and the child kept beating him.

"GET OFF HIM!" Carlton went to help him but he just received more guns pointed at his head. He felt dirty at his next words. "Brothers please." The children stopped and looked at him confused before letting up on the other maiden. He looked up at Carlton with disgust. Before he could speak he was cut off by his saviour. "Oh don't even give me that look I just saved your ass." Carlton continued looking over the work of the other as they stayed silent from then on. Neither of them knew what the hell was going on around them anymore.

 

[Fappy]

"... Good bikini weather, y'know!"

"Maybe the commander could wear something a little more... un-military."

"NOW'S NOT THE TIME!" Tsubaki barked as she led them through the winding alleyway and back around the opposite side of the block. It wasn't long after that Jun fell in behind them. Together now, the team made their way to their crawler, now parked a few miles away from Skinner's bar. Leaping into the passenger seat, Tsubaki motioned for Asad to take the wheel. He peeled out of the driveway and flew down the street towards the Eastern gate the moment she gave the go-ahead.

And like that, they were gone. Just another crawler speeding south across the ashlands. Tsubaki remained turned around in her seat, looking back towards the dome until it disappeared over the horizon. Satisfied with the distance they had crossed, she let out a sigh of relief and smiled, "Good work, everyone."

As exhausted as they may have been, they wouldn't have the luxury of resting up anytime soon. They were to return to base as soon as possible. It would be a long drive back to Feroxi.

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Elizabeth watched curiously as the two lovers embraced each other for the first time in years. Though, even from where she stood, she could tell something was off. And then she heard the gunshot.

"NO!" Elizabeth screamed through her own fingers, her hands covering her mouth the moment Eddie staggered out of his lover's reach. She looked on helplessly as Eddie was betrayed by both his lover and his friend, managing to enact vengeance upon at least one of them before it was over. "NO... no... why?!" Elizabeth asked, crumpling to her knees, her face soaked in tears.

Then, one of Eddie's attackers spotted her, "THAT'S THE MARIBEL GIRL! GET HER!"

"GET BACK!" Elizabeth screamed as two men started sprinting towards her. She scrambled for the drivers seat, scooping up her pistol in the process. With one hand, she spun the wheel, turning the crawler back towards the tunnel in which it had come.

Before she could speed off, however, one of the men had reached her and had climbed into the passenger seat. Reaching out, he shouted, "YOU'RE COMING WITH US!"

"NO!" Elizabeth repeated, leveling the pistol with her free-hand. Her eyes closed, she had emptied half the clip before opening them again. The crawler having already crossed a good thirty meters, Elizabeth couldn't tell if the man sprawled out in the dirt behind her was even dead. Though, if the blood-soaked seat next to her was any indication, he likely wasn't doing very hot.

Flustered and terrified, Elizabeth's instincts kicked in, pushing back her tears long enough for her to escape the dome unharmed. Pulling her mask over her face as she crossed out into the ashlands, she drove on for several miles before stopping to figure out where the hell it was she was actually going. Having driven as far as they had already, the crawler wouldn't be able to take her very far and she had no clue where any of the common fuel stations were in the area. Her only choice was to head west... towards Feroxi.

Biting her bottom lip and narrowing her eyes, Elizabeth summoned all the remaining strength she had and started for the dome, refusing to think back to all the tragedies she'd witnessed these past few days. She was on her own now. Despite her fear, she'd have to endure. She couldn't give up now.

The twin suns had set across the ashlands before she finally reached the dome.

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"Bennie..."

Bennie smiled. Settling into his chair, he leaned back and laughed, "God damn, Pixie, it's good hearing your voice."

"Same here," Pixie whimpered, offering a forced giggle to cover up her sorrow. "So, uh, what're you doin' there? What happened?"

"I was actually in Feroxi not too long ago," Bennie explained. "I read about your little train job and found out Basilio was gunning for you. After a bit of snooping, I found out you were sending some of your boys to Boomhower, so I figured I'd meet up with them. Turned out they needed the help, too."

Pixie grunted, unconvinced, "You could'a done that at anytime in the last four years, I reckon. Why now?"

"I read between the lines, Pixie. I know you have history with Basilio. What the fuck were you thinkin' takin' his girl?"

Pixie didn't respond right away. Now was not the time for this discussion. Furrowing her brow, she sighed, "There's more to it 'n that." She gritted her teeth. "I don' have ta' explain myself to you, anyway."

"You're right," Bennie scratched his goatee. "So what now?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"I want to come back." Bennie stated plainly.

Pixie ran her fingers through her hair, frustrated, "So, what, you wan' me ta' go back on everythin' I said back then? You wan' me to apologize an' beg fer ya' to return?!"

"You could use my help."

"I could," Pixie's voice softened. "But what about---"

"Fuck it," Bennie interrupted. "I don't give a shit what either of us said back then, Pixie. I honestly don't give a fuck at all. I'm here because I can't stand idly by while you kill yourself. You get me? You can't expect me to just stand back and watch you burn."

"Bennie..." Pixie muttered once more, tears welling up in her eye.

"I know why you want to say no. I get it. But listen," Bennie sighed. "Right now, you need me. Right now, none of our past shit matters, you get me?"

Pixie nodded, pressing her lips together to keep from crying, "Y-yes."

Bennie was silent for a moment. The despair in her voice was obvious, "Listen, Pixie, I'll be there soon, okay? We'll make it through all this, I promise."

"O-okay," Pixie squeaked as tears began streaming down her face. And just like that it was as if the last four years had never happened at all. Bennie was always there for her when she needed him most. He had always been her rock. It was so easy to fall back into old habits. "I miss you."

Bennie furrowed his brow and leaned forward in his seat, "I miss you too."

After wiping the tears from her face, Pixie giggled, "Good to 'ave ya' back, Bennie."

"It's good to be back, Pixie."

 

[Dogmatic99]

["This is bullshit! You saw those scarf's right? Those were Wilkes-Vines scarves!"]
["What would they be doing here?"]
["Maybe they're trying to expand north."]
["Fuck them!]
["This had to be a set up."]
["What are there are more of them inside the dome? We need to go into lock down."]

["SHUT! UP!"] Erik roared, silencing the bickering bandits.

Vasa had been silent since they'd gotten back, lurking around the fireplace like some old bird. Carthage had been dragged away to the closest thing their current base had to a waiting room and was anxiously waiting for some word of what his fate would be.

["Their time will come."]

["Boss?"]

["We cannot afford to get distracted now."] Vasa said to the room in general. ["Not when we're so close to the end. And now... now we have an in."] His eyes were glinting in the dim light, it almost looked like he was feeling energetic. ["Sergei!"] He barked.

["Yes Boss!"] Sergei chirped up, stepping forward into the middle of the room.

["Carthage is yours. I want everything from him, access codes, guard patrols, everything you can get from him."]

["How do you want him afterwards?"]

["Doesn't matter. Do what you have to, you're off the leash."]

Sergei gave a drawn out wolf whistle and hooked his thumbs through his belt. ["Better go get my toys."] He chuckled, motioning for his underlings to follow him.

["Looks like you got your wish, Erik."] Vasa said softly. ["Ready your men!"] He barked, turning to his assembled lieutenants. ["Secure our sectors of the dome. We will need time to prepare while Sergei does his work. Irena, I want your people monitoring any establishments frequented by enemy forces. If we can swipe a few officers or soldiers from the brothels or bars then the more information we can gather."]

["Yes sir."] Irena replied, her eyes scanning the other bandits as she tried to get a read on what they might be thinking. She hadn't seen Vasa like this in a long time and it seemed like the others were as unsure of what to make of it as well.

["Steel yourselves for the days ahead. Carthage offers us a key into the noble estates, once we have what we need from him we make the final push and we burn their ivory towers to the ground. We are ending this war!"] A cheer went up from the band of soldiers. ["The days of nobility in Frostfall are done."] Another cheer. ["Blood for blood!"] They roared out wildly.

All except Vasa who kept up his cold image as usual. It was only after everyone had left that he allowed the mask to slip just a little as he went about cleaning the pistol that was normally tucked away in his cane. ["Soon."] He sighed. Vengeance was finally close at hand and still he felt nothing for it. He'd understand what Erik found so engrossing about bloodshed.

 

[Evrant-Knight]

Viola wondered the remaining marketplace stalls; both looking for things to buy, but also asking the merchants about the events of yesterday. Some had shied away from answering the questions that she asked, saying they didn't want to start another firefight, a few however got very defensive, accusing Viola of blaming them for being connected, even though that wasn't the nature in which she asked said questions.

Whilst waiting by a nearby well, Viola spotted Hannibal over at a stall selling water-skins and metal drinking canteens, it looked as though he was in a spot of bother; so she wondered over to him.

Hannibal had finally made it to the front of the line, where the vendor was clearly trying to extort him. Hannibal kept making his case that it simply wasn't worth the price as both men were trying to undermine each other. For his timid nature, Hannibal HATED getting ripped off. Despite many of his employers being scum, they at least paid well.

Viola arrived at the stall, and saw that both Hannibal and the merchant were getting into quiet the arguement; she had to admit, for someone who acted rather skittish, Hannibal certainly had fire in his belly; metaphorically speaking of course. Viola sidled up alongside Hannibal and starting looking through the various water-skins, shocked at the ludicrous prices they were being sold at.

"You know your not going to sell a whole lot of these with that attitude, and at such exorbitant prices. Besides there is a stall down the way that's selling similar ones for half as much. So cut the act, and charge less. Wouldn't want to lose out to a rival now would you?" Viola asked rhetorically, she knew that there wasn't another seller in this market, she hoped that the merchant didn't know that.

The man looked uncomfortable for a moment and was about to shout more about his prices when Hannibal spoke. "Ya know what I'm done. I'm done. Where is this guy I'll go there."

"Wait wait." The seller had a sudden change of heart. "Okay I'll know a few grams of the pri-"

"More." Hannibal replied dry.

"Okay a few more but you cant expe-"

"More."

"Come on you're just trying to-"

"Fine. Bye." Hannibal went to leave again.

"Alright fine, just give me your damn rocks and I'll break it down."

"Thanks." Replied the young smuggler as they finally made the exchange. He took his water skin along with a water container and left, as he began walking down the street with Viola. "Did you find anything?" He seemed his normal nervous self now.

"Not a whole lot I'm afraid. There are some nice things on sale, but apart fro-" Viola said, but was interrupted by something that she caught in the corner of her eye. It was the jewelry merchant from earlier, he had apparently left his stall, and was sneaking off down a nearby alleyway.

"Actually, now that you mention it; there was someone who was acting a bit off when I question him about the shootout, think he might be our rat. There he goes off down there." Said Viola as she pointed Hannibal in the right direction.

"Quickly, let's get after him before he disappears." She then added before following in hot pursuit.

Hannibal ran with her until they got to the alley before stopping her. "Wait, we shouldn't chase him right away. Let me get close to him." Hannibal said, he didn't answer her as he set off down the alley, quicker than she had time to react, and he was out of her line of sight before she could reply.

"Damn Hannibal, you sure can be a nippy one when the mood takes you." Viola said to herself before chasing after the young man.

Hannibal darted around a corner and hid behind a dumpster as the man was ahead of him. One by one he ran up in small bursts, hiding behind obstacles such as bins and corners, waiting until he was far enough ahead to run forwards. The seller checked over his shoulder a few times but Hannibal was so fast he was hidden well before he was seen.

Viola was trying her hardest to catch up to Hannibal, but for the moment he was nowhere to be scene, and she was slowly losing his trail. "Well I just hope he manages to head the merchant off, otherwise back to square one; and I don't want that to happen again."

Hannibal was close to the man now when he suddenly realised something. He had no plan.

He thought he could cut him off along with Viola but she was nowhere to be seen. His eyes widened as he realised. 'I left her behind. I LEFT HER BEHIND!' And it didn't help that he was close enough that his breathing could be heard by the merchant.

"Who's there?" He turned around and began looking. He turned back concerned and began walking the way he was. Hannibal pointed his head out for a second to find the next cover to run to. When he was confident he ran out, but despite his speed the seller turned just in time to see the running smuggler.

Both men stood opposite each other awkwardly. "Uhm, can I just-" Hannibal began, before the man was set off again. "Wait!" Yelled Hannibal as he began chasing him. Hannibal caught up easily, but once he was next to him he didn't know what to do. Grab him? Punch him? Tell him to stop and please wait?

"[sub]Wait![/sub]" Viola heard a voice call out, it was Hannibal, he was nearby. She turned and headed in the direction of his voice, and soon saw the merchant and Hannibal run past her, not noticing her in the process. Viola quickly headed down a side street that was parallel with theirs, and soon intercepted the merchant as he ran straight into her with Hannibal coming up behind him.

Before he could run though, Viola put him into an arm lock which meant he wasn't going anywhere.

"Easy now, I don't want to hurt you, but if you don't help me with me and my friend here; well I wouldn't want to be you tomorrow, if you catch my drift."

Hannibal sighed and clapped saying awkwardly enthusiastically "Yeah alright. Teamwork."

The merchant winced and yelled out as she held him, "Please don't! I don't wanna die! They had me alright they fucking had me!" This made Viola relinquish her hold on the merchant, but positioned herself in a way that he weren't leaving.

"Glad we're on the same page. And relax, I wasn't going to kill you, just needed your co-operation to answer a few questions. Do you know where the mercenaries that attacked the marketplace yesterday are holding up?"

The man sighed and replied. "No I don't. They didn't tell me where they would go, just where the blonde girl went." Viola sighed and began rubbing her forehead as she tried to come up with a question that would bear fruit.

"Alright then, what exactly do you know about Gorgon and his associates? And be honest with me here."

The man looked nervous as he thought back to the mercenary. "I uh, um, I know he's new to the city. He's only been here a couple days. And uh uh uh he uh there were more with him when they came to me. Yeah he sent some back to some place, they just said home base but I don't know where that is I swear."

Viola looked at the man directly into his fear stricken eyes to see whether or not he was telling the truth. A part of her doubted him, but she realised that she was probably being a bit too harsh with him.

"Yeah, you're telling the truth. Off you go. And should Gorgon and his men have a word with you again, this conversation never took place. Understand?"

"Yes, of course, thank you!" He yelled as he ran away.

"And come back to us and tell us what they..." Hannibal started. "And he's gone." The man had disappeared through a mess of alleys. "Right well um, that went well?" Hannibal turned to Viola, puzzled whether this was a total success.

"Not the outcome I was expecting Hannibal, but at least he gave us something to work with. Poor man must have been just an unfortunate target that Gorgon had picked. Anyway, we best head back and inform Cranston of what we discovered, maybe he'll have an idea of where to go next." Viola said as they began the long walk back.

 

[ProtoChimp]

Austin eventually sauntered into the bridge, Oliver at his side as Carlton finished looking over the work his friend had done. "Is it ready Carlton?" The maiden nodded in response, when suddenly his fellow maiden shouted out in a rage.

"Carlton?!!? YOU TOLD HIM YOUR NAME???"

Carlton looked over at him and snarled. "So what? He asked, I told, the fuck does that do?"

"YOU TOLD HIM YOUR REAL NAME!!!" The man was seething with rage. "We never tell these fucken outsiders our real names!!! Even if they know it we don't fucken say it!!!" He was nearly drooling with anger. "Casino, Smiles, Ruffles, Aesop, do you think thats their real names you fuck?!!! Your name is Banks to him you asshole. BANKS!!! THATS WHAT WE CALL YOU!"

'Aesop? No, no it couldn't be. Its just a name.

The man just managed to finish his tirade before being decked clean across the floor by Austin's still strong hand. "Don't you insult him you pretender!" He shouted like a father defending his son. Carlton didn't pick up on this. He was actually glad the maiden had shut up.

Austin pointed a finger at the downed man. "You watch your tongue around me you worthless mistake. Nothing about you is even real, you don't even say real words, just sick noises that insult us real living people." He walked over to him and stomped powerfully on the side of the man's head, not hard enough to kill him but his whole world was suddenly spinning. With his foot resting on the pretender he asked Carlton. "So, we can fly now?" Carlton was silent for a while as he stared at the maiden with a large boot on his head. "Carlton?" Austin's voice was suddenly more authoritative.

"Yes father." Said Carlton scared.

And there it was. The seed had been planted, and this mistake was the first step. There were many ways in which to brainwash someone. This was one of the harder cases. Austin was surprised how quickly it was working.

"Banks..." the maiden said weakly as a pistol was handed to Carlton. Austin brought his foot off of the pretender.

"You know what that is for." Austin spoke.

Carlton stared at the gun confused; confused about everything. His feelings, why he even said father: was he lying to protect himself or did it actually just slip out? Could he kill Austin quickly before the other children killed him? Would he need to kill his maiden friend?

Why was this all happening?

And why did he feel safe?
==============================================
Isabel was trying to breathe. Exhausted. She had been in labour for hours and it was not letting up. Franklin by her side the entire time, when suddenly a gunshot rang out through the ship. Everyone in the room gasped. What had happened? They had no idea. They couldn't focus on it though as they baby wasn't going to stop for the sake of a gunshot.

A few minutes later a voice spoke through the speakers all over the ship.

"WE HAVE LIFT OFF!"
=============================================
Austin grinned as he patted Oliver's shoulder as he took the wheel. "Yes my boy! WE FINALLY ASCEND TO OUR HEAVEN!!!"

The whole of the Iron Maiden was filled with cheers. Isabel was in extreme discomfort of the bumpy start off of the ground. Carlton meanwhile just stared at the corpse of his former comrade as he was carried away, likely to just be thrown outside into the ash. The grief was...

Non-existent.

 

[Fappy]

3 Days Later...

The General walked through the massive, mahogany double-doors with Tsubaki in tow. Dressed in her officer's uniform and displaying flawless posture, Commander Saburo had been summoned to debrief Lord Basilio himself on her squad's behalf. The members of Samsara had returned to Feroxi the day before and were enjoying some well deserved downtime in Tsubaki's absence. It was fine with her, however. She was never truly off-duty anyway.

Dio remained standing by the stained glass window across from his desk, peering down at the city he ruled. His office stood at the top of the tower, the tallest point in the entire dome. It was a marvel of engineering. A needle that pierced the heavens accompanied by a spiraling pathway that ran the length of the tower. Dio stood tall, his back turned towards his guests as the General and Tsubaki stood at attention in the center of his office. Dio chuckled, "There's no need for that, General."

"Well then," The General loosened up. "I take it your trip went well, M'lord?"

"Swimmingly," Dio mused, halfheartedly. "Things are going as expected. I've heard you bring good news?" Dio turned to face them as he spoke, his eyes settling on Tsubaki instead of the fat man beside her.

"You'd be correct, M'lord. Commander Saburo and her squad carried out their assignment to the letter." The General glanced over to Tsubaki and flashed her a smug grin.

"C'est magnifique," Dio laughed, throwing his arms open in an exaggerated gesture. As he began his approach towards the pair, he flashed Tsubaki a smile. "Anything further to report, Commander? Were there any complications?"

Tsubaki tightened her posture, "No, M'lord, everything went according to plan. After assaulting Bejic's convey we left the scene without a trace."

"Our people in Frostfall say Vasa is about to move against the nobility." The General interjected.

"Excellent," Dio looked to the General. "It is only a matter of time before they are crushed under his heel. Carthage will give them everything they need to secure their victory. It won't be long before he takes the fight to my doorstep, or rather, to Payton's backyard."

"Quite," The General mused. "As always, Sir, your judgement is right on the mark." Dio ignored the man's hallow praise and set his gaze on Tsubaki once more. Despite her stony expression, he could see the doubt in her eyes.

Stepping closer to her, he asked, "Is there something the matter, Commander?"

"No, Sir." Tsubaki replied, her voice resolute. He could see through her deception, however.

"Leave us," Dio commanded, his eyes now on the General. "I wish to speak to the Commander in private."

The General bowed, "Of course, M'lord." As he left through the double-doors once more, it was with a scowl.

Dio watched as the man left through the doors, "Dreadful man, isn't he?" He chuckled, looking back at Tsubaki. Tsubaki remained silent as she stared back at Dio, emotionless. "Speak freely, Saburo."

"'Swine' would be the word I'd use." She replied without hesitation.

Dio laughed, "Yes, he certainly has the girth. Now," He titled his head and smiled. "What is bothering you?" Tsubaki didn't answer. Though her permission to speak freely hadn't expired, she was... afraid to speak her mind. Dio saw right through her. Stepping forward, he reached out his arms and pulled her in-close. Her cheek rested against his wide chest as he held her in a warm embrace.

Caught completely off-guard, she blushed, but did not struggle against the embrace, "M'lord, I..."

Dio hushed her, "It's okay, Tsubaki. Now, please, tell me what troubles you."

Swaying back-and-forth in his arms, Tsubaki closed her eyes. She felt safe, "Why do all of this, M'lord? What was it that we accomplished by provoking Vasa?"

Spoiler: Dio is Cray-Cray

"Why?" Dio chuckled. "Why, isn't it clear, My Dear? To spread chaos, of course! If I am to usher in my new world order I am going to need a great war to precede it! It's not as simple as that though, no, of course not. I need every noble and every bandit on the Rock at each other's throats. I need them to look only to each other as I, Lord Dio Basilio, deliver them all from oblivion!"

"Wh-what do you mean?" Tsubaki looked up at Dio. He returned the gaze. "Oblivion?"

"Yes!" Dio roared. "Don't you see, Tsubaki!? Don't you see the writing on the wall?! This world will come to an end! If things do not change, this world we've built from the ash will crumble under the weight of its own greed. It is the carbon, My Dear! The carbon that is the cancer plaguing this world!"

"But the domes..."

Dio's grin widened, "What if I told you my new world would not have domes? What if it didn't need domes!? Don't you see what I am getting at, Tsubaki?"

Tsubaki remained silent for a moment, her eyes wide in shock, "You don't mean..."

"Yes, of course! I'm going to finish what our ancestors started! I'm going to turn this horrible rock into a vibrant spring! Our very own Garden of Eden if you will. Tsubaki," He gestured to a beautiful bouquet of flowers on his desk. "I am going to terriform this planet! So, why is it that I am spreading chaos?! Why, it's little more than a smokescreen, My Dear. If the gluttonous pigs catch on to my plot they will surely attempt to stop me. They have gotten used to their petty, oppressive system and would do anything to maintain their power. To protect their precious carbon!"

Tsubaki could do little more than lose herself in the man's eyes. Her lips twitched, but no words came. She didn't know what to say. Dio smiled, "It is a difficult path we walk, Tsubaki, but it is not one I am walking alone. Together, we can save this planet and its people. Will you stay by my side?"

Trembling, Tsubaki nodded her head and muttered, "Y-yes, M'lord." He smiled, pulling her in closer and planting a soft kiss on her lips. Her face glowed bright red. "Stay with me tonight."

Tsubaki wasn't sure what to say. She loved this man, more than anything in the world, but somehow accepting such an offer seemed... wrong.

Don't be so foolish.

No, it was her duty to accept his request. He was her lord, but more than that, he was her savior. He was the reason she was allowed to live a life of purpose. And now, on this cold night, he was giving her another purpose... no matter how wrong it may have felt, "O-okay..." She muttered, his lips finding hers once more. He led her out of his office and into his bedchamber.

Despite his monstrous build, he was surprisingly gentle. That did not last long, however. It was a long night for Commander Saburo, but somehow she was okay with that. Despite what shame came with it, she still felt as if she was doing something good. Something right.

She was never truly off-duty, anyway.

End of Chapter 3!

 

[Fappy]

[HEADING=1]The Ashlanders - Chapter 4: Women and Children[/HEADING]​

The thick, moist air was palpable. So much so, in fact, that it had become increasingly hard to breath as the evening went on. After nights like this Pixie was lucky if she was able to walk the next day. To her, such soreness was a sign of victory. It meant it was a night well spent. All the stresses of the past, present and future seemed to fade away when it was just the two of them, melded together as one being.

Pixie's fingers curled into her palms, grasping violently at the bed sheet as Bennie reached over from behind and wrapped an arm around her throat. Though she sounded to be grunting in pain, she felt nothing but pleasure. Nothing but ecstasy. Not only was Bennie the best lover she'd ever had, but he was also the only man she'd ever felt truly safe with. Whose embrace, no matter how violent, felt warm and comforting.

"I-I love you," She muttered between moans, reaching backwards to grab his jaw and plant a kiss on his lips. He didn't slow, but he did return the intimate gesture. Pixie closed her eye and savored the moment. Savored one of the few pure things she had in her life: love. When she withdrew and opened her eye once more, she screamed out in shock. The man she gazed upon was no longer Bennie. "No..." She whimpered.

The face grinned, grabbed her by the back of the head and, with superior might, slammed her face down into the concrete walkway. Pinned, she struggled to escape his grasp, but it was no use. She felt smaller, weaker than she had before. She felt younger and more vulnerable. As she squirmed the man began to laugh... and he wasn't alone. A chorus of laughter surrounded her, "Come on! Get 'er!" One of the faceless shadows jeered.

"This is what the ***** gets for crossing the family!"

"Fuck this punta! Break 'er arm!"

Tears streaming down her face, Pixie cried out, but no one came to her aid. She'd been left alone, abandoned by the world. Left to this cruel fate. And the man on top of her... he wouldn't stop. And his friends... they just kept laughing. Anxiety, rage and despair all welled up within her as she lay there naked, her face buried in concrete, until she'd reached her limit, "NOOO---"

"---OOO!" Pixie lurched forward into a sitting position. Hyperventilating and coated in sweat, it took her a few moment to aclimate to her surroundings. It had only been a nightmare. She ran a hand through her hair and wiped away her tears. Her panted breaths waning, she glanced over at the girl beside her who's limp hand rested on Pixie's thigh. She looked down at Amy for awhile and just... watched her. Something told her Amy wasn't a stranger to the same kind of dreams. The same haunting memories.

The same memory that had lingered in the back of her mind for the past four days. She knew exactly why it had, too.

Pixie sighed and collapsed back into bed. It took awhile, but eventually she was able to fall back asleep. She'd grown accustomed to nights like this.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************

They had gotten an early start that morning and, according to the map, were on thirty minutes from their destination. Bennie was giddy. More than giddy, in fact. Despite the foul mood every Maiden on the Rock must have been in, he was just happy to be in on the action again. Sitting shotgun to Cameron, Bennie turned in his seat and shook Ruffles' shoulder, "We're almost there. How're your ribs doin'?" The three of them, Vergil and Parker drove together in the original Maiden crawler Slepnir squad had used during the operation while Warren, Aesop and Brock drove with the prisoner in the Santiago crawler.

***********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Tsubaki showed up to the barracks earlier than was expected the following morning. The boys, save Jun (because, well, it's Jun), had enjoyed an eventful night it seemed. For whatever reason Bryan was passed out with a woman's thong on his head. Tsubaki towered over him in his bunk, unamused, "Wake up, all of you!" She barked.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Elizabeth was low on carbon, only having what little Eddie had left in the crawler. Thankfully however, she'd managed to sneak into Feroxi without making a fuss and was laying low in a cheap, sleazy inn. She'd spent the last few days doing little more than hiding out and reading newspapers. The Santiago family had been hit hard and her home had turned into a warzone. She prayed for their safety and, despite how much she wanted to, she knew she couldn't return. If she appealed for safe passage to Boomhower she'd likely just end up in Dio's clutches.

Clutches?

Was she so convinced he was the enemy? Elizabeth wasn't sure, but she certainly didn't want to take that risk. Not now. Not after seeing so many suffer in such a short time. Florian, Josephine, Eddie... they had all sacrificed themselves to give her this chance at freedom. At life. She couldn't throw it away now.

Crumpling the latest edition of the Boomhower Gazette and tossing it into the corner of the small hovel, she stormed out of the inn in frustration. She was getting cabin fever and needed some fresh air. Perhaps she'd visit the market.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Cranston had been looking out the window when he heard him stir. Like he'd predicted, Sprout had woken up three days ago, but it was brief as his condition had complicated. Thankfully the doctor had stayed close by and was able to operate on him once more. It had been difficult for Lilith to deal with such a thing a second time, but she endured. Even now she sat at his bedside, just as she had since the very beginning.

Rushing over to her side, he shook her awake, "Lilith, I think our boy's waking up!"

Groggy, Sprout rolled his head around and slowly opened his eyes. His first words were, "L-lily?"

****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Carlos' hideout had been a quite, sterile place since the three of them first arrived. After hearing about the complications in Frostfall, Pixie had sent Florian to accompany the Gentleman in investigating what had happened there. If she was to get into bed with Wilks-Vine she had to make sure she wasn't stepping into another war. Though a few others had arrived the day before, it had just been her, Amy and Carlos for a majority of their stay so far. It had been rather dull and full of calls. That would change soon, however.

Bennie and the others were to arrive shortly and she had a meeting with Payton the following morning. A face-to-face meeting. It had been a long time since she'd shared air with that cold son of a *****, but he was her only hope at taking back the Maiden within a reasonable time frame. She'd easily swallow what little pride she had to make a deal with the devil if it meant she got her baby back.

As per usual, Amy had gotten up before her and was treating herself to a Carlos-crafted breakfast. Stepping into the kitchen, Pixie smiled, "Sleep well, I reckon?"

 

[The Funslinger]

"We're almost there. How're your ribs doin'?"

Ruffles reached out and clipped Bennie lightly across the side of the head. "Fine until ya jangle me around like that, asshole. We're nearly there, right?"

====================================================

"Wake up, all of you!"

Bryan sat up, opening his eyes blearily. "Calm it Tsu, you'll wake-- ah, she's gone..." he pulled the thong off his head and threw it vaguely in the direction of Jun's bunk. "Hey Tsubaki, ya reckon y'could get me some aspirin out the first aid box? My head's fecking splitting."

Shaking his head like a wet dog, he cast off his blanket and looked down. "Uh... anybody care to tell me where the fuck I got this traffic cone?"

Knocking the cone off his legs and onto the floor, Bryan got up and shuffled past Tsubaki, still not entirely aware he was naked, and headed into the bathroom and into the shower. When the water was hot, he stepped under it and looked down. "Christ, that's a lot of fucken lipstick," he exclaimed.

===================================================

Spoiler: Payton Wilkes-Vines

Name: Payton Wilkes-Vines

Age: 64

Sex: Male

Profession: Founder and leader of the Wilkes-Vines crime family.

Appearance: Somewhat tall at six foot, age has turned every hair on Payton's head stark white. He keeps his hair short, supplementing it with a thick handlebar moustache. Despite the general uniform for his organization being a black suit, he personally wears a fully white attire, made up of a dress shirt, white dress pants with white chaps over the top, a white riding jacket white cowboy boots and white stetson. The only variation from this is his typically red Wilkes-Vines komodo dragon bandana that covers his filter mask in typical fashion. He speaks in a deep southern drawl that adds to his cultured, charismatic nature.

Personality: Payton Wilkes-Vines is widely regarded as being incredibly cold blooded. This is a completely accurate assessment. Being very charismatic and ingratiating, Payton specializes in knowing the people around him, and learning their weaknesses and preferences. While he has a certain code of honour, it is not restricting, and if anything serves to only make him more unpredictable. Payton very happily plays the long game, and while he is rarely one for unprovoked betrayals without very good reason, he maintains a habit of planning ways to respond to his allies should they turn on him or become difficult. While he is not sadistic, he will exploit people's dearest weaknesses, and when betrayed, will make the betrayer suffer extensively, often personally.

Biography: There are many conflicting stories about Payton's early life. Some say he was the second son of a Noble and was ignored in favour of older siblings, and so turned to crime to make his own name. Others say he was an orphan, or otherwise born to a poor and neglectful family, climbing out of destitution with determination.

Sources unite and agree around the time when Payton was twenty. Starting or continuing service as a member of the (now defunct) Mylione crime family, he served faithfully for several years. Near the time when he was thirty, however, he orchestrated a coup, partially aided by (sources conflict) a minor noble family, a large Sheriff's department, or another crime family. All of the Mylione high ranking officers, as well as its head's literal family members were massacred within an hour, and many of its enforcers were gunned down over the course of a week, leaving Payton to salvage the wreckage.

With the remains of the Mylione resources at his disposal, he formed the new Wilkes-Vines family, and over the next several years, achieved firm territory from Feroxi to Meroke, and notable influence far beyond. the Wilkes-Vines family is a key influence in extortion, gambling rings, prostitution, arms dealing and drug running, as well as general mercenary militia purposes. Payton has had a personal hand in numerous affairs, including the decline and final dissolution of the Carmine family. He enjoys friendship with various Nobles such as Dio Basillio.

He maintains three generals in his extensive forces. A particularly very widely famous general was Edward Jake Canton. Canton was reported killed after defying Payton's will when he bade him to kill a small child to assure lack of witnesses. Prior to this, Canton was known for his physical might, and strategic mind. Despite everything, Payton views the loss of this man's allegiance to be a sore blow, but has since had him replaced.

Notes: With a taste for the finer things, Payton smokes a silver fitted pipe and carries a masterfully engraved .44 revolver with ivory grips, pictured below:

Spoiler

"How's our guest, then?" Payton asked, staring over his boots on his desk at his chief physician.
"Mister Canton's condition is stable, and we've stopped sedating him. He should come awake any time within the next twenty minutes."

"Good, good," Payton drawled. "Get ready for him to be moved in here. You might want to knock him out again for that, I wouldn't blame you."

"Yes sir."

"And I have Fifer coming in this afternoon, so tell Balazar I want the girl gone within the next two hours, understand me? The safe house in Yuteni."

"Yes sir."

=============================================================

The first two days after being shot were mostly darkness for Eddie. When he did come awake, it was for moments in which all he knew was a blurry white ceiling and sharp, almost painful lighting. Then a pricking in his arm and darkness again.

He woke properly on the third day, tried to speak and let out a croak. His mouth felt dry, and his tongue felt fuzzy. He had a splitting headache and there was a dull ache in his gut, as well as a tension. It came back in flashes. Whiskey's lips on his. The gunshot. Duke's arrogant smile. Darkness.

He turned his head, and what he saw made him jump. A pair of huge brown eyes so close as to fill his vision. He shuffled back from them, and the face of a little girl took shape. It couldn't be...

"Are you hurt, mister?"

The question caught Eddie by surprise. "Uh... nah, don't worry about it, missy. I'm fine." He tried to raise an arm, but heard a clanking sound. He was manacled to the bed. The girl didn't seem to have noticed, she was staring so intently at his face. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

She didn't seem to hear him. "Mommy says that the man in the picture is my daddy."

That hit him like a lead pipe to the gut. No doubt about it, she...

"You're the man in the picture?"

He nodded. "Look at you, Millie. All big and strong."

"Daddy!" Millie threw her little arms around Eddie's neck, almost choking him. Eddie put his manacled right arm around her as best he could, trying to blink back tears.

"Are you coming to live with us on top of mommy's building?"

"N--I don't know, Mil. I guess we'll have to see."

Another voice intruded. "Hey, there you are!" and suddenly Millie was being lifted away by suit-clad arms.

"Hey!" Eddie shouted, trying to sit up, but his manacles halted him, and a wave of dizziness rolled over him.

"Daddy!"

"God dammit, the boss'd kill me if I lost ya, ya little snot!" snapped the Wilkes-Vines grunt hauling Millie away.

"Get back here, you asshole," Eddie snarled, wrestling against his bonds. But the chains were thick. The sound of Millie crying grew fainter and fainter before a door slammed somewhere, cutting it off entirely.

"FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!"

 

[Daystar Clarion]

Spoiler

Lilith had barely eaten or slept for the last three days. The first time she watched the boy's eyes open again were the happiest of her life, fleeting as they were, small tears rolled down her cheeks as she watched Axel's eyes focus, his stupid smile beginning to form as he recognised her, only for the boy to cry out a few moments later, clutching at his chest. The doctor, Maria, had to give him a sedative. Lilith had listened to her words, the medical reasons why he slept once more, but they washed over her as she failed to comprehend them.

Bloodshot eyes, sickly pale skin, the girl looked like death warmed up, only leaving the boy's bedside for sparse bathroom visits, she hadn't smoked, showered, or changed her clothes in three days, much to Cranston's and Maria's objections.

Watching the boy die once already was enough to ruin her, a second time would destroy her.


"Lilith, I think our boy's waking up!"

Lilith jerked awake, "Wha? Oh!" She had slept with her head on the boy's mattress, his hand held in hers. Quickly shaking the exhaustion from her mind, she clasped the boy's fingers with both hands, standing over him, a weary smile curling her lips as the boy's eyes rested on her.

"L-lily?"

"Oh, you're awake now are you?" She muttered, her voice cracking as tears began to well in her eyes.

Sprout offered her a weak smile, " Aw, Lil, don' cry!" He held out a hand and wiped a tear from her eye before suddenly withdrawing and clasping his chest with said hand. He winced and shook his head. "Aw sh-shit, don' worry, Lily... I-I'm okay." He exhaled sharply. He was in a lot of pain.

"Why'd you move, you stupid boy?!" She said sternly, raising a hand to Sprout's forehead, she brushed his hair aside. Her face lined with worry, she perched herself on the side of the bed. "Are you okay? Do you remember what happened?" She spoke softly, as if she were worried her own words would worsen the boy's condition.

Holding his his chest, he breathed heavily until the pain began to wane, "Yeah, I'm okay." He muttered. Taking a moment to collect himself, he met Lilith's gaze. "I-I, I think I remember." His voice cracked. "I don't reckon I want to though."

The girl frowned sadly, raising the boy's hand, she rested his palm against her cheek. "I thought I lost you there, Axel, I thought you died." She whispered as a myriad of emotions clawed at her throat.

Sprout pawed at her hand, letting his fingers dangle from hers, "I didn' though, Lily. I am right here. I'm okay now. There ain't nuthin' ta' worry about, okay?"

"You took a bullet for me, you know what this means right?" She said smiling, "You're never buying a drop of booze for yourself ever again. My treat, forever and ever."

"I reckon I can live with this arrangement." Sprout smiled but prevented himself from laughing. Probably would have hurt too much. "I'm sorry I worried y'all."

Releasing the boy's hand, she awkwardly leaned in towards him, trying her best to lean on him as she wrapped her arms around his. Resting her chin on his shoulder, she nuzzled the boy's cheek. "Don't ever do that again." She whispered, as tears rolled down her cheeks. "But thank you."

"Lily," He muttered, not knowing what else he could possibly say. Comforting her as she cried in his arms, Sprout was suddenly reminded of his mother. Usually he'd take in her pain and sorrow and make it his own. Now, with Lilith, he found himself unable to do that, however, for a deep, gnawing wound had already begun to scab over on his soul. He was in pain too... for an entirely different reason.

After a time he sighed and whispered, "I killed them, Lily."

"I know you did." She muttered, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." She sobbed gently. "If I had just stayed out of the market, if I had just stayed ar the whorehouse, You wouldn't have..."

"No," Sprout shook his head. "You can' waste time wonderin' what-if. This ain't yer fault, Lily. I would'a had ta' do it eventually anyway. Was only a matter'a time."

"No!" She gently pushed away from the boy, cupping his face with her hands. "Don't you ever say that, Merry sent us away so that we..." She paused for a second furrowing her brow as her expression hardened, her voice deepening. "So that you would never have to do something like that. I should have been looking out for you, you saved me twice, Axel, and both times you had to give a piece of yourself to do it." Her weary eyes searched the boy's face. "Never again." She muttered solemnly, shaking her head slightly. "Never again."

Sprout stared into her eyes for a moment, speechless. Then he scoffed, smiling, "Come on, Lil. Don' give me that. You know you can' talk me outta bein' yer knight n' shinin' armor. I'll always be here, savin' yer ass." He chuckled and coughed.


'And there it is.'

Lilith knew him well enough to know when he was brushing something aside. She didn't move for a few moments, her gaze unwavering, leaning in, she wrapped her arms around him once again, kissing him on the cheek. "I mean it." She muttered, "Never again. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She lied, she knew exactly what would happen without him.

"If I knew all I'd have'ta do ta' get a kiss 'round 'ere is get shot, I'd 'ave done it a long time ago!" Sprout mused. Lilith didn't laugh. "I'm sorry, Lily."

"Shhh." She hushed the boy as she settled into the embrace. "Stop talking, I miss the quiet already." she chuckled, stroking the back of the boy's head.

Sitting on the edge of the bed nearby, Cranston grinned, "I'll go let Pixie know he's awake. She'll want to talk to him when he's got his strength back. Welcome back, kid." He chuckled, giving Sprout's hair a tussle before leaving the room.

Sprout remained silent in Lilith's arms long after Cranston left. He wasn't sure what to say or how to say it. He felt bad for making Lilith worry, sure, but there were so many other things floating around in his head. He didn't even know where to start. Burying his face into her shoulder he giggled, "How's the shoulder holdin' up?"

Eyes closed, the girl smiled. "Fuck the shoulder, I got shot in the leg, do you even know what it feels like to get shot?" She needed to be there, be there when th boy needed to talk about what he did, she wouldn't push the issue, she knew he'd come to her or Meredith eventually, but for now, she was just glad to have her friend back.

"Pussy," Sprout muttered, a coy grin on his face. "I love you, Lily." He muttered, tears streaming down his cheeks as he buried his face deeper.

"Gaaaaay." She sighed, gently cradling the boy as he wept. After a few moments, she brushed her cheek against his. "I love you too." She whispered.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wake up, all of you!"

Asad let out an long throaty groan as he awoke.

"What fresh hell is this?" He muttered, draping an arm over his face as what felt hot like knives began driving their way into the back of his eyeballs.

He got up slowly, cradling his head as he sat on the edge of the bed, thankfully he had the sense to keep his shorts on when he climbed into bed earlier that morning.

"Uh... anybody care to tell me where the fuck I got this traffic cone?"

"Fuckin'... what?" The man recalled something about a traffic cone, and something about forcing it on Jun's head, but it was all very hazy.

"Moon Cone" He chuckled out loud before instantly regretting it. "Ohhhhh, my poor head." Smirking, he managed to meet the Commander's disapproving gaze, almost catching a face full of Bryan's ass as he sauntered passed.

"Why hello lil' lady." He stretched out his arms. "Good... morning, is it?"

 

[NinjaDeathSlap]

"Sleep well, I reckon?"

"I always do." Amy replied, looking up from her breakfast and smiling. Obviously, she wasn't going to broach the subject of how Meredith had slept. Even if Amy hadn't felt her tossing and turning last night, she new well enough the small signs of wear that marked even people who were well practised at appearing right as rain.

Rising from the table, Amy walked over to where Meredith was standing and embraced her, planting a soft kiss on each cheek. It was a supportive gesture, more than anything else. The next couple of days would be the host of more than one emotionally complex re-introduction for her, and Amy knew if probably wouldn't go down well for her presence to be too widely advertised once things got under way, and it certainly would not do to be seen to be making any kind of fuss over Meredith, who needed to appear rock solid. While she hoped that this Bennie character would be the only one amongst the new arrivals to have any reason to outright dislike her straight away, tensions were running high with all of the Maidens, what with what had happened, and the prospect of what might be soon to come. In the midst of all this, Amy was an outsider whom most of the Maidens had little or no reason to trust. It might make no difference, but Amy wasn't counting on it, and neither was she going to count on Meredith sticking up for her if anybody started pointing fingers. If she was going to work with the Maidens, if she was going to help, then she needed to waste no time in making herself useful.

What Amy was less apprehensive about was the prospect of meeting Payton Wilkes-Vine. Not that she assumed that he would be a particularly pleasant character. Payton himself had never been a customer of hers, but many of his officers had been. As organised crime families went, the Wilkes-Vines were neither the cruellest or the kindest. They cared about money, vices, and on occasion pride. In short, they were exactly the sort of people Amy was used to dealing with.

"Is everything ready for our newest guests?" she asked, not directed at anyone in particular.

=========================================================================================================================

To describe Frostfall as 'bleak' would be to imbue the place with a sense of character that much of the city was a long way from possessing. Peering through the curtains of their safe-house, The Gentleman what exactly there was within this dome worth fighting for? Not a whole lot, that he could summon. Still, all the tension in the air put a smile on his face. It smelled like opportunity.

Taking a seat at an old, wing back armchair, The Gentleman took a long, warming sip of tea, and sifted through the morning paper. His smile graduated to a smirk as he read the (only slightly) exaggerated account of his most recent escapade; and the smirk evolved into a full-on grin when he saw the tell tale signs of the Domino Protocol waiting on standby.

"Rise and shine Padre!" he called into the other room. "We have a busy day ahead of us today."

 

[Terratina.]

Jun-young Moon woke up and found himself in a front row seat to the Bryan & Asad Show. And that of course meant bad jokes and a bit of audience participation - namely, being on the receiving end of a thrown pair of used panties and of Asad's oh-so-witty statements, or statement in this case.

The Commander's annoyed face and Bryan's naked ass were just the topping on the cake.

What a morning. First off, he immediately threw the thong back. Just to get that vile thing away from him. Jun was gripped by disgust, what would they do next? Force him into a tutu? He sighed and looked at the clock, was it really that early? The other two probably needed extra time to get ready, but he doubted that was the reason for the early - and somewhat rude- awakening.

With a salute, Jun greeted his superior officer, "Good morning, Commander."

***​

Maria was just outside the room Axel and Lilith were in, best to leave the two alone for a while, after all. She knocked back the espresso shot, hopefully that would be the final one for a long time. She grasped the pendant of her necklace and sighed in relief. The boy had made it. Well, at least he had made it past the first hurdle. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but worry about that girl. Not washing was one thing, and self-neglect was another. She leant back further on the wall. There was so much to worry about now. Anyways, with the amount of radio calls going on back and forth, Maria couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into. Hopefully, a little of her madre's luck would prevent anything bad happening to the kid for now.

But, of course, that mother of hers had always preferred machinery to medicine.

 

[ProtoChimp]

Austin stood overlooking the ashlands as it flew by under him. Proud and smiling as he did, a newborn baby asleep in his arms. It was peaceful. It was quiet. It was perfect.

It was wrong.

And Franklin knew it, as he stomped off towards the so called father. He and Isabel had tried to hold each other back long enough, but neither could take it anymore.

"Austin!" Franklin said loudly from behind, not shouting, but certainly with a harsh intent.
--------------------------------------------
Two days earlier

"Come on baby push, push you can do it just a bit more!" Franklin spoke to his beloved as she was oh so close to finally giving birth. Isabel screamed out in pain as the agony of childbirth was nearly at an end but the pain was utterly unexplainable. Sweat pouring off her brow, it had been at least a day, possibly even a day and a half.

But it was all worth it as the sounds of crying were heard.

Isabel relaxed. She smiled happier than she ever had her entire life. Franklin was in shock, but not because he had seen a dead body or saw his brother or sisters do something horrible. Pure, utter joy has shocked him to his very core. Even with Isabel's lack of strength, she brought her boyfriend into a long, loving embrace and kiss. They turned back to the doctor who had delivered him, as he handed the baby to the father of the child.

It just wasn't Franklin. Both parents looked gobsmacked as Austin held the newborn baby in his arms. His injured hand fitted with a black glove, yet he still tried not to use it as he held the baby. He grinned widely as he looked up to the birth givers. "My son... you two have... you delivered my son..." he looked so proud of the pair, and so happy that his son was born.

Isabel couldn't hold back the tears. Not like this not like this! She cried her eyes out and threw her head back onto the pillow as her baby was being held by this stranger, this sick sick man. The first hands to hold her baby other than a doctor, was a mass murderer. A man who she had seen kill small children because they ran from him, yet wept for those that died because they accepted him. A sick, disgusting evil man who's reign of terror had left hundreds of people's lives in ruin. And he laid his hands on HER baby!

Franklin was just awestruck. He had tears streaming down his face as well but he shook with rage, as pain was coursing all over his body. This was the one thing in his life he had made, that he could be proud of, that made him happy other than Isabel. He had something here, a brilliant, pure, beautiful thing, and here it was about to spend a life time under the rule of the devil. He would not, he would NOT, allow this to happen to HIS baby!

Austin held that baby and paraded it around the ship as if it was his own while Franklin and Isabel forced themselves to become prisoners in that room. Holding each other for comfort as food was delivered to them for 3 days straight. Each convincing the other not to go as Austin would kill them both. After 3 days neither of them could take it anymore, they didn't even care if they died they WERE taking THEIR baby back!
--------------------------------------------
Present

"Yes my boy?" Austin asked, not turning to face him.

"That baby is-"

"A boy. A little boy." Austin replied calmly.

"Y-Yes and he is-"

"He's strong Franklin. He's so strong, and you should hear the pipes on him." Austin quipped.

"AUSTIN GIVE ME BACK MY-" Every single time Austin cut him off before he could speak.

"SHUT YOUR TONE BOY!" Austin turned around and faced Franklin. Franklin was about to argue back but he saw his baby and stood totally still. Austin stepped forward to him until they were inches apart, his baby so close... so within reach. Austin looked down on Franklin with a look that he had never given anyone before. "You think I don't get it? OF COURSE I GET IT? You want to hold him?" Franklin gasped. "YOU WANT TO HOLD HIM?!"

Franklin was awestruck. He knew. Oh dear god he knew! 'I'm gonna die. Isabel's gonna die. My kid is gonna become a monster and there's nothing I can do about it!'

"Franklin. You are going to listen to me very very closely. Because I need you on this." Franklin shut up and listened to Austin as sheer fear gripped him. "We are on the precipice of something massive here. I am a celibate man. I cannot birth children with my daughters that is sick! But what I can do, is have the brothers and sisters breed. Now its not incest, its simply family creating more family." He nodded his head to the young man. "You are the very first of the hundreds of my children who has bore a child with another of my children. This, is a new wave of family my boy." Austin spoke more affectionately. "We need to keep the human race alive, with more children. More family. More what? What is it we need Franklin."

He paused for a while. "Children."

"Yes, and what are these children to you?" Asked Austin.

"... My... my brothers... and my... my sisters."

Speaking more sinister now he added. "And what is this child to you and Isabel?"

Franklin felt all the hope within him die. He couldn't kill him. He couldn't fight him. He couldn't take the baby and run. He had to comply. "My brother." He wavered and his voice cracked as he began to cry.

"Good boy, now hold your brother." Austin tenderly handed the baby to him. Franklin utterly gave in to him as he for the first time held his son. "...Brother..." He said after a long pause as he pushed his son's cheek against his own and tears fell on him.

"Good boy. You remind Isabel of the same thing Franklin." Austin went to leave the room before adding harshly, "Never disappoint me again." As he turned and left.

 

[Fappy]

Tsubaki stood tall, her arms crossed as Bryan stumbled around like a drunk clown in front of her. When his manhood came into view she simply shut her eyes and scowled. Her eyebrow twitched in anger as Bryan's and Asad's antics continued grating on her. She was about at her limit.

"Christ, that's a lot of fucken lipstick..."

"Good... morning, is it?"

"Children..." Tsubaki muttered under her breath, refusing to look at Asad.

"Good morning, Commander."

Tsubaki returned the salute and glanced around the trashed barracks, "I with I could say the same, Moon." Turning her attention towards the showers she shouted. "Listen up, O'Laffery, this goes for you too: meet me in the mess hall for breakfast. We have a new assignment I need to brief you all on." She glanced down at the dirty lingerie on the floor. "And no more whores in the barracks!" Tsubaki never was the nicest woman, but what they did on their own time was their business. Her vocalizing her displeasure in such a way was a bit out of character.

She was clearly not having a good morning.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"Fine until ya jangle me around like that, asshole. We're nearly there, right?"

Bennie stuck his finger under his breathing mask to scratch an itch, "Yup, should be there in about 30 minutes. I'm surprised, Jake," He turned back towards their destination. "You're doing pretty well despite all that's happened. If I loved the Maiden as much as you do I'd have probably gone postal by now." He chuckled.

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Passing Maria in the hall on his way out, Cranston turned and flashed her a smile, "Hey, Dr. Machado," He placed a few carbon coins in her hand. "Could you go down to the market and pick up some groceries? I figure the boy could use some soup and juice to lift his spirits."

********************************************************************************************************************************************************

"I always do."

Pixie smiled at her as Amy planted kisses on her cheeks.

Damn, girl.

She couldn't get anything past Amy. Still wrapped in their embrace, Pixie kissed her neck, "Yer too sweet, darlin'." She giggled.

"Is everything ready for our newest guests?"

Carlos looked up at the two women from his place at the table, "We have a dozen cots setup for the new arrivals." He skewered a small sausage on the end of his fork. "Got plenty of food and liquor stocked up as well."

Pixie withdrew her head and leaned back to face Amy, her hands on the girl's hips, "I reckon I should prolly shower before they show up." Sauntering over to the counter to retrieve a plate, she added. "Gonna stuff a bunch'a sausages in my mouth first though." She laughed.

Carlos just shook his head, fighting against the stupid grin he wore.