ZRP-2: Brave New World

Eve hugged back.
"I didn't care...I thought father was trying to do his best...but he doesn't care." Eve cried harder. "Don't let mommy cry...don't let her cry."
Hibiki hugged them both, and she smiled softly.
"I have my daughter and the man I love...I won't be crying."
Eve still cried.

________________

Miranda grinned, getting up and retrieving her clothes.
Once dressed, she took Andrew's hand.
"Where too?"

(James)
=We stayed like that for a while, holding each other. Apocalyptic world, zombies walking around, and religious fanatics.....and here I was in the most peaceful, warm, loving moment of my life=

Hibiki broke the embrace.
"We nees to placate Marcus, or we could end up in hot water." She said.
Eve calmed down, now holding herself against Hibiki.

(James)
"I'll handle Marcus...somehow. In the meantime, you two stay here. Get things packed in case it hits the fan."
=I kissed goodbye to Hibiki, and rubbed Eve's hair affectionately, and stood to leave=

"No matter what, I'll be back."
=And then I left to talk with a raging bull=

=I take Miranda's hand, ever the gentleman=

I still got it...

Well...we do need to stock up on supplies, so it looks like it's off to the quartermaster.

=I do a cursory check of my gear=

Just in case something goes wrong.

"We getting me a gun?" Miranda asked.

_________________

Hibiki kissed back.
"Go get 'em."
Eve looked up. She managed a weak smile. "Thank you."

(James)
=As I walked to the sheriff's office, I noticed there were a lot more guards out now, mostly by there perimeter fences. It looked like they were preparing for war, though in light of last night who could blame them? Entering the office, I found Marcus sitting behind his desk, the same bottle of scotch out with a glass next to it. By the look of the liquid in the bottle, he had a few glasses. This could complicate things=

"Marcus, we need to talk."

*Marcus*
"That we do James."
=He stood up, taking the glass in his hand, and filling it with a few fingers worth of scotch=

(James)
"Hibiki and I are worried.....about your stance on Eve."

*Marcus*
"The girl? James, why you're loyal to the brat is beyond me. She betrayed you, lied to that woman, and damn near got you all killed, only now having a change of heart."

(James)
"We both know what the Shepherds are like Marcus. What kind of odds do you give a child being brought up in their world?"

=I simply nod and smile=

Indeed we are.

=I continue onward=

That, and we're running a bit low on food.

Soren collapsed, after half an hour, next to a car. Rubbing his head, he reached into his bag and took a drink from his canteen, and after about five seconds he gasped. Empty.
"Jeez... I feel like I'm gonna... collapse..."
Soren felt his eyelids dim, and quickly fell off into a deep fainted sleep.

*Marcus*
=He couldn't think of a good response to that, though who could? All he could do was stare daggers at me=
"Two of my men are dead because of her James, and God knows what she might have told them about this town!"

(James)
"She couldn't have told them much, if anything, about this town. She's been under Hibiki's watch since we first got here."

*Marcus*
=He took a step closer to me, doing his best to look bigger=
"Well what exactly am I supposed to do then? Are you suggesting we let her go unpunished?"

(James)
=I wasn't going to cower in front of him, so I just stood my ground=
"She's put herself through enough you arrogant bastard. She's a child for God's sake, doesn't that mean anything to you?"

Miranda grinned.
"Good. I'd rather be Miranda Keyes then Princess Peach."

=I let loose a small chuckle=

Well...let's see what they have in store.

=I continue towards our destination =

Didn't like Princess Peach, anyways.

=I chuckle at my own joke=

(James)
=Maybe my words made him angry, or maybe he was looking to get back at me for punching him. Could have been both. All I know is that he tried to take a swing at me, but I had the advantage of both him being drunk, and a whole lot more survival experience honing my reaction time and reflexes. So when he swung, I backed up a step, the punch missing by centimeters. When it reached the end of its arc, I sprang in, using my left foot as a spring board, and grabbed his arm, shoving him against the wall=

"I am not your enemy here Marcus, and neither is Eve."

*Marcus*
=There was a murderous gleam in his eyes as he glared at me=
"She's a traitor."

(James)
"Yeah, to them. She betrayed the Shepherds Marcus, and saved us. She's loyal, to us."

"So where should we go anyway? Not like there's anywhere else to go."

I raise a hand and rub my chin.

"True, true."

=I knock on the door=

Manager: Come on in...It isn't locked.

=I come in with Miranda=

Manager: What can I do for ya?

I'm looking for a gun for the lady here...and some food.

Manager: Let's see what we got here...

=He goes into the store, looking for what we need=

Manager: =Produces a Remington 700= This do for the lady? I also got her a .45.

=I nod=

How much?

Manager: A few rounds, usually. But, seeing as your with a lady, I give them for free, as well as ammunition.

=I smile=

Thank you kindly. Now...about that food.

Manager: A can of beans and can of corn...it's all I've got at this point.

Fair...I give you five rounds for them.

Manager: Deal.

=I take the food, and thank him. I then leave the store, and give Miranda the weapons=

Here you go m'lady. Two new weapons for ya.

I decide to head off to the find either a mayor's office or sheriff's office. Once I lumber outside I notice a sheriff's office and head over. I open the door, ducking my head and lumber inside. Noticing two men fighting.

Miranda grinned.
"You're too kind."
She kissed Andrew's cheek, taking the gun.

*Marcus*
"And how long is that going to last?"

(James)
=I was trusting enough to let him go, stepping out of arms reach=
"I know I can trust her Marcus. I know she won't ever betray us again. So why can't you see that? Why won't you?"

*Marcus*
"Because....because I've lost so much because of them."

(James)
"And why should she pay for their crimes? She doesn't deserve this Marcus, you're better than this."

*Marcus*
=He was silent for a moment, suddenly looking very, very weak. And defeated=
"I'm sorry....God I'm sorry. There'll be no punishment for the girl....or you and her mother."

(James)
"Thank you Marcus. And I'm sorry for shoving you against the wall like that."
=I held out my hand=

"Peace?"

*Marcus*
=He looked at my hand for a moment, as if he had never seen such a gesture. Then he took my hand, shaking it=
"Peace."

(James)
=After that, I left, making my way back to the Inn. On the way out, I passed a man sticking his head in the office, though I figured it was best to just keep walking=
"Excuse me."

I turn my body as one of the men walked through the door. I then walk up to the other man, looking at him. "Hey, if you dont mind me asking. Whats with all the commotion? Cars leaving in the mind of the night, more guards being posted around the area, and your little scuffle."

*Marcus*
=He just took one look at the man, disbelief on his face=
"Internal issues, nothing to worry about."

(James)
=Shortly after, I arrived back at the Inn, and only then did I allow myself to breathe, the fight with Marcus rattling me a little=
Christ he's in charge? A miracle this place has lasted this long.

=I grin, turning a bit red, letting her take the rifle=

It's the least I can do after what we've both been through.

=I smile and wink=

Besides... you've more than earned it.

=I glance and see James, looking like he went through hell=

Well...that's not a good sign

"Internal issues? Really now?" Looking down on the town's sheriff. "Look, I am stuck in this town for a little bit till our girl heals up. If something is coming our way I will help. I'm not stupid so please dont try to play me for a fool."

I wake up and rub my eyes. My leg is really sore and hurts.

"Uhh..." I groan

*Marcus*
"That's appreciated, but right now things are fine. So I'd appreciate it if you kept your nose out of our affairs. Now if you don't mind, get out."


(James)
=Walking back in my room, I walked over to where Hibiki and Eve were=
"So, it's all good. She can stay, no problems."

I look at the man very sternly. Although he probably couldnt tell with my mask on. I finally sigh. "Fine, fine, I guess ignorance is bliss right?" And I walk right out the door. Heading back to the inn.

Miranda smiled and kissed his cheek.
"I did."

_________________

Hibiki smiled.
"Thank you."
Eve managed a hiccupy attempt to show gratitude, but she was barely done crying.

(James)
"No problem. Now....now I just need to figure out what next."
=I sat down on the floor, back to the bed, as I rubbed my face=

"Marcus said he had something for me, before we actually left. He wouldn't say, but I think it had something to do with the Shepherds."

Abel was limping on his leg while he walked down the road. He rolled up the bag of chips and slid the rest into his leg pocket. Eventually he made it over a hill, and saw a couple long buses next to each other, both parked right next to a wall. He continued whistling as he approached it.

"Oh, hey. You're awake. Do you need anything?"

I stand up as I said it and walk over to her.

I shrink away by instinct.

"uh... Yeah, my leg hurts do you.. got anything.. that could help?"

"Once Wrex gets back. I think he's the one painkillers."

I dig around inside my coat and find that I have the medicine. I take it out and unscrew the cap.

"Well. Maybe not. Turns out I have it."

I smile a friendly smile and her the bottle. Then taking out a water bottle and handing it to her also.

"Thanks.."

I take one of the pills and down it with water.

"Also.. Thanks for saving me.. if you didn't I wouldn't be alive.."

Abel was almost to the first bus when he heard a voice yell at him.

(Town guard)
"HALT! Are you a Shepard!?"

Abel wrinkled his face at the mans question. He then looked for the words to say, as talking to someone wasn't in his daily routine. And over the years of not having any interaction, he lost some communication skills.

"Am I a Shepard!?"

(Town guard)
"That was the question!"

Abel then put together another set of words.
"Why would I be a Shepard? herding a flock of sheep seems unethical in this day and age!"

The guard froze.
"I mean are you apart of the Shepards!?"

Still confused Abel spoke out.
"No!?"

(Town guard)
"Alright, you can come in, but we need to check you. That means a pat down!"

Abel held his arms out.
"Pat away!"

The guards did so, and when they put their hands on Abel's... Area, he gave the guard a stupid smirk.
"Gonna buy me a drink first."

"Yeah... No problem. You seemed like a nice enough girl..."

The guard just gave Abel a cold stare.
"You're good, go ahead in the town."

Abel nodded his head and smiled at the guard, then passed him and moved into the town.
"Damn, didn't know there was places like this still."

He started walking in the middle of town, not really sure where he was going.

(James)
=I could only shake my head=
"Right now....I just want a whole lot of rest, before I go back against them."


=Outside, near the East gate two guards saw something peculiar. A column of black smoke, rising from the north. And it was very close. One of them ran back to the Sheriff's office, to warn Marcus of what was happening=

I give him a flat look then smile. The smile soon fades from face as my mind starts to drift.

"They killed my dad... the raiders, and kidnapped me."

I don't know why I was telling him this... It just felt good to get off my chest.

"It was just me and my dad for the past two years.. I.. I can't believe hes gone."

The tears start steaming down my face.

"That can be arranged." Hibiki said.
She rose, holding Eve. Beckoning, she laid Eve down and curled up in front of her, arms around the girl.
Hibiki motioned for James to join them on the bed.

(James)
=How could I refuse that? Crawling on the bed, I got on the other side of Eve, eyes still on Hibiki's, and snuggled up to the both of them, embracing that peaceful moment=



*Marcus*
=He had just poured another glass, when the guard ran in=
"Oh what now?"

*Guard*
"Sir, there's smoke to the north, a lot of it. Something's burning maybe a mile or two outside the town."

*Marcus*
"What could be burning.....take some men with you and find out what's causing the smoke."

*Guard*
"Yes sir."
=He moved to turn around, but stopped himself as a thought struck him=

"Marcus....the smoke is in the same direction that caravan went. You don't think....."

*Marcus*
"Lord have mercy.....go to the Inn, and grab James. If there's something wrong and his people need help, having him will help them trust you."

"I- I'm sorry. I wish I could've been there sooner."

I sit down on bed and.. well.. would've wiped the tears from her face. But since we just met it would be strange.

Abel walked around a bit and saw a building that seemed to be the local store. He entered the building and looked about. The shopkeeper greeted him, and Abel returned it with a wave. Abel then decided just to talk to the man and ask what he was looking for.
"Do you... Have any, uh. Twelve gauge ammo?"

(Shopkeeper)
"I wouldn't be a good vendor if I didn't!"

He slammed a box of about twenty shells unto the counter. Abel then grabbed the box of shells and started turning, when the man grabbed his arm.
"You gotta pay for those, son."

Abel cracked a quick grin to the man.
"Yes, of course... Pay."

He searched his pockets.
"I uh, don't have any cash on me..."

(Shopkeeper)
"Son, I don't want money... You got anything to trade?"

Abel had an enlightening face.
"Oh! of course! trade! Yeah I have some things to trade."

The shopkeeper was pretty confused, but shook it off. Abel ran through his vest and other pockets. He began laying things out on the counter.
"Here's a baseball cap I found awhile back, it's in better shape than my current one, I just like my current one. A Jackknife, Here's a metal cup."

Abel lied out a few more small things, but the shopkeeper finally decided enough was enough and made a deal with the Loner.

=The guard ran as fast as he could out of the Sheriff's office, and straight for the Inn. Bursting through the main door, he asked where James' room was. Marge just pointed to the second door down the hall, and the guard thundered down to the door, knocking furiously=


(James)
=So much for peaceful moment. The loud knocking on the door ruined the scene, and with a groan I got up from the bed, and opened the door, finding a guard outside=
"What is it?"

*Guard*
"We've got a situation. Marcus wants you to come with me."

I wipe my eyes and shake my head.

"They would've killed you too.. They only keep me for one reason...."

Hibiki frowned, getting up. Eve followed silently, hanging onto Hibiki tightly.
"We better go, James."

(James)
"What's going on?"
=The concern on the man's face had me nervous=

*Guard*
"There's smoke rising from the same direction your caravan left in yesterday. We think..."
=He never finished his sentence. I just turned, grabbed my weapons, and turned back to the door=

(James)
"I need a car."

Abel shook the man's hand then proceeded out the door. Once outside he opened his arms into a large stretch, followed by a long yawn. He sat down on a bench, then unsheathed his sword, only this time not to slice into a zombie's brain. He reached into another pocket and pulled out a square piece of marble, and started running it down the sword's blade.

*Guard*
"There's a car we can use out front."

(James)
"Then what the hell are we waiting for?"
=As I began to move, I remembered something=

"Where's Andrew? He should come with us."

"But you got away right? You don't have to go through that anymore."

I slowly place a hand on her shoulder to try to comfort her.

"You're okay now, you're safe."

Hibiki followed with her weapons...but before she could get to cuffing Eve, the girl had her bow.
"Harry..." She said softly.
Hibiki knew those eyes.
Eve was fond of the boy.
Hibiki nodded. "Let's go."

____________________

Miranda heard some commotion.
"Andrew? Something's up..."

(James)
"Gah, he'll have to wait. We need to go now."
=Barging past the guard, I left the Inn, and found the car in question outside. The guard was behind me, and moved for the drivers seat=

*Guard*
"I'll drive, you get in the passenger seat."

(James)
"Alright."