ZRP-2: Chapter Two, Paradise in Hell

(James)
"Sure....though we'd need someone to marry us I guess. And I still want to find a ring while we're here."

*Cooper*
"A wedding ring? If you want, there's a jeweler's within the compound. I can get you there if you want?"

(James)
"That would be very appreciated Cooper, thanks."

"Any priests or Naval Captains or something to make it official?" She asked.

*Cooper*
"Sorry, but no. We have a few survivors living in the hotel, other than Clarissa and the other two heads. They don't come down much, but to my knowledge none of them are captains. We may have a priest but I'm not sure."

(James)
"A priest? What would a priest be doing here?"

*Cooper*
"Safety maybe. I remember he said something about hoping to save Slate from his greed and turn to generosity."

"Who cares?" She smiled. "At least it, traditionally, is recognizable by everyone." She grinned. "Now go pick my ring. I should go wake our witnesses."

(James)
"Uh, so soon? Not even going to wait, because it is night right now. I can get the ring tomorrow."

*Cooper*
"Besides, the guy's probably asleep by now. Seems rude to wake him up now."

She blinks. "I got caught up...Sorry." She grinned sheepishly. "I think I just need to sleep off the rest of this day."

=I had tried to rest a bit, a few hours, but the pain in my arm refused to let me be=

Well...Fuck it, I'm going to get some meds...

=I head for the pharmacist, but decide to head to the cafeteria for good measure=

Damn...saving the world gave me an appetite...

=I head out, and upon getting to the cafeteria, see the three and overhear the conversation slightly=

Fuck it...and don't even think about saying no, Cooper...

=I round the corner, and muster what I could into my near Texas drawl I picked up while I was in college at Texas Tech=

Not inviting me James? I'm hurt...and besides, it only feels right, being there for the two of you. And I'm not taking no for an answer.

Well. I'm nearing the town... I can see it in the distance. Just a little ways away.

Man... how it this going to look to James and Andrew? And um... what was her name? Doesn't matter. I look stupid all the same.

"Not if you explain yourself? They might understand."

Probably not. You're going to get kicked out. So what then?

"Just hunt for supplies. You know. Then trade it in for food for you and Jenny."

You sure that'll work or last for very long?

Abel sat in one of the chairs, eating his cold beans. Deciding he was safe enough, he slid off his boots, along with his coat. After a while his eyes got heavy, and he slid into unconsciousness, using his coat as a blanket.

I pull up to the town gate. I told them that I'm with the group that left a couple days ago and they let me through.
From there, I go where the vehicles had been before we took them. Basically I put the Ford to the Warehouse and left it there.
I stand outside of the door and look around.

Now... where is she? The Inn maybe.

--Lockdown Town--

=The past few days had been very difficult for the three kids from the caravan, Tom, Jaime, and Harry. Especially Harry, since his family was gone, and James wasn't in town to talk to him. He still talked with Tom and Jaime, kept them together, but the reality was he was depressed. He carried an air of grief that was uncommon for someone his age, and when Marge spoke with him he seemed distant, almost hollow. It was a worrying sign=

--Elite Compound--

(James)
"Sure, why not Andrew. Pull up a chair."

=I smile=

Thanks, man

=I sit down, putting my good arms on the table, trying hard not to show the pain I was feeling in my arm=

That's where I went, the Inn. Perhaps I could've checked the bar first? Nah, she wouldn't be there... would she?
I decide to change direction and head to the Bar.

(James)
=We all sat in silence really, not sure of what to say or who should talk first, I figured I'd break the silence=
"So, we leave for town tomorrow or the day after?"

=I take my injured arm off the table=

Unless you have any plans, leaving tomorrow might be a good idea.

It's a good, smart, SENSIBLE idea...

I look up spotting Tyler walking into the bar, I had been there chatting with people when I get lonely. I couldn't believe my eyes, I jump up and run at him , almost tackling him in a hug.

"Tyler! I thought you had died."

A few tears came leaking out of my eyes.

"I thought I was going to be stuck her alone.. You were gone for days! I just didn't know-"

I place my head on his shoulder, holding him tight.

(James)
"Maybe, but I need to do something here first. It shouldn't take me too long though, so we'll be able to leave by tomorrow."
=I cast a glance at Hibiki=

"We can do it back in town if you want?"

Hibiki sighed. "I kinda wanted to do it here...There's some nice areas...but if you want to do it at town, that's ok." She smiled. "As long as I can call my self Hibiki Martin."

(James)
"Looking forward to calling you that. And hey, the town wasn't so bad. Had some nice areas to have the wedding in."

"That's true." She smiles, taking James' hand. "Ok. Back at town. Harry can be best man." She laughed.

(James)
"Heh, maybe. That or the ring bearer, though I had hoped....."
=A pang of grief went through me at the memory of Daniel. He was my best friend back in the caravan, and someone I would have had be best man=

"eh, it doesn't matter anymore. Harry it is."

=I give a look of mock offense and cough=

*Ahem*

=I wait a few seconds=

I'm right here, ya'know?

(James)
"Sorry Andrew, I guess it's rude not to ask. Would you be up to being the best man?"

Hibiki smiled. "I'll ask Sam to be my maid of honor. Eve can be the flowergirl."

=I smile=

I'd be more than honored.

=I chuckle=

Shame I don't have a tux.

(James)
"So we have the best man, maid of honor and a flower girl......does this mean we have a bachelor party?"
=I was teasing=

"Nope. You already have a honeymoon; don't push your luck. You already are doing a shotgun wedding, so be glad my ancestors aren't coming after you with katanas raised."

(James)
=That made me smile honestly, the concept of being chased by katana wielding zombies=
"Yeah, besides I doubt the girl they'd get for the bachelor party would compare to you."

"Pshaw. They'd get me. Because they know I'd cut their heads off if they got any girls there." Hibiki answered.

(James)
=Granted, the thought of Hibiki dancing for me.....was more than appealing, and it may have been the reason i grabbed a glass of water. Hey I was at a table with friends, it wasn't something I wanted to happen while in public=

I just about fell over, she had caught me off guard. I hold her close nevertheless.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gone. I'm sorry."

I look up at his face. I wanted to smack him, to kiss him, to cry, and to cheer. Too many feelings were going through my mind, so I just stood there hugging him.

"I can't last out here without you... I need you Tyler.. "

Hibiki merely laughed and relaxed against James' side, enjoying everyone's company and happy she'd finally have someone to love.

"I tried getting back as soon as I could... but things got complicated. I'm sorry, for leaving you here. I truly am."

I never knew how much I cared for you until I left you alone...

"I... I... need you too."

I didn't know what to do so I just held her tighter.

(James)
"Hey, Cooper. Is there a curfew or anything for the compound?"

*Cooper*
"Not really, why?"

(James)
"Well, I figured I'd make a midnight run for the ring, if you're up for helping me find the store?"

*Cooper*
"It would be my pleasure."

Hibiki kissed James. "I'll go rest then. Maybe check on the girls before then. See you later?"

I look up and Tyler and give him a light kiss on the lips. I turn bright red, but continue for a few seconds.

"Its nice to have you back."

(James)
"Sure, see you soon."
=I got up from the table, Cooper rising along with me, and we both left the cafeteria=

"Thanks again man for helping me here. I don't want to disappoint her."

*Cooper*
"Buddy, for a woman to have gone through what she has for you, disappointing her won't be an issue. It seems clear she loves you too much for that."
=He guided them out of the hotel, and into the city. They walked down dark streets passing the occasional patrol until they reached the jewelry store, some of the windows broken=

(James)
"Hah, I remember these guys. 'Every kiss begins with Kay."
=I had heard that slogan so many times that even now I knew it by heart=

I enjoy the few seconds of the kiss.

How are her lips this soft?

"It's nice to be back... Hell. It's amazing to see you again. I didn't think I was going to be able to."

I pull her into another kiss, making it longer then last time. This might sound kinda creepy, but it feels great.

Leaving them to that, Hibiki got up and headed for her room.

She first stopped by to check on Sam and Eve; Eve's hold on Sam would be more gentle and tender, but she wouldn't let go of Sam, even in sleep.

I blush even deeper but don't pull back, instead I wrap my arms around his neck. I finally break the kiss.

"You got to tell me what happened... and the others? Are they back?"

"I'll tell you once we get back to the Inn. It'd be a little more private."

Again, I feel the familiar sensation of my cheeks getting red.

I grab his hand, still blushing alittle.

"Ok, lets go."

We head out and make our way to the Inn.

I push open the door and let her in first, then follow after. Thankfully Marge wasn't sitting at her desk so we just slipped into the room.
I sit down on 'my chair' and relax a bit.

"So you said you wanted to know what happened right?"

I take the nearest chair and scoot it closer.

"Yes! You were gone for 5 days!"

(Sam)
=Again I heard the door open, and again I saw Hibiki there, watching me and Eve. Again I did nothing=

*Cooper*
"Yeah, some people raided the store a while ago, during the outbreak. Not that it mattered, I mean what value are gems really?"

(James)
=We walked into the store, broken glass crunching beneath our feet=
"Well, diamonds make good cutting tools."

*Cooper*
"Okay yeah."
=They walked to the back of the store, to the vault. It was half open=

"We managed to get it open a while ago, see if anything was salvageable per Slate's orders. Then....well, we used it as a storage vault for their 'wealth.' Take a peek in the boxes, see what strikes your fancy."

"Right. So, the reason we left was to find allies to fight the Shepherds. Turns out we went looking for them in Elites.
You know, those high and supposedly mighty rich people who think they're too good for the rest of us? Yeah, those guys.
Well, we finally get there and come to find they're under siege by Shepherds. We killed off the Shepherds but James, our leader type guy, was shot.
The reason I tell you this is that is how we got in. After the fight was settled they brought James and the rest of us inside.
Then a whole lot of nothing happened for days. So I eventually just said screw it, I'm coming back without the rest of them."

I took a breath as that was a mouthful.

I sigh at the end of his story.

"At least only one person was hit."

I take his hand.

"At least it wasn't you."

I give a small smile.

(James)
=Nodding, I began to open boxes, shocked at the treasures I found. Gold ingots, jeweled necklaces, and piles of gems, twinkling in the light. One of the trays I pulled out was simply a rainbow of different gems, and I felt tempted to pocket some of them. Opening another box, I found several tiny boxes, no doubt for rings, and I opened a few. Inside were immaculate rings, no doubt far outside my price range two years ago, gold and silver hoops glowing dimly, while the gems, ranging from diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, gleamed like stars in the night sky. One ring caught my attention though, and I picked it up. It was neither a simple ring nor a perfect ring, but the gem in the ring itself caught my eye: a bright blue sapphire, white lines spreading from the center. It looked like a star in many ways, and for some reason I felt certain that this was the right ring. I pocketed the tiny box=

*Cooper*
"Found what you were looking for?"

(James)
"Yeah. Let's go."

Hibiki quietly walked in, kissing Eve's forehead. She smiled...then went over and did the same for Sam.
"You're pretty much my daughter now too." She told her. "Thank you."

Hibiki then left the two alone and went to her room.