Project V (Clementine X Male Reader Book 4)

Cackle

You don't have to take Marina over to Marinus for her to believe it's gone. She doesn't have to touch the box where it used to be. She doesn't need to stand next to it and shout for her people. She accepted it. Not that it didn't hurt her any less.

It got to Alice too, but not as visibly. You're still not sure whether or not she even knows she did that. You haven't asked, nor will you. Brooklyn's idea of her destroying you all is enough to keep you from provoking her. Marina and Brooklyn are right here, and you won't risk their lives.

Marina had to compose herself before she was ready to leave. You couldn't go anywhere until she was put together anyway. She's the one who knows the way. It took a few hours.

With Marinus gone, you had no way of accessing vehicles. It's not like you can just walk down the street and find one. Well, you could, not that it would work. So, you have to go on foot. Marina said it'll take a day or so. Which is more than enough time.

-

You're noticing it. The more time that passes, the deeper red the sky grows. Patches of things around are turning white and glitching out just like Marinus. Disappearing from this reality. It's either Alice doing it without realizing it or the simulation doing it. Or maybe Alice is the simulation's deletion force.

Brooklyn is beside you, her eyes forward, her hand in yours. Marina is ahead, alone, head down, trudging along. Alice is trailing behind her, head on a swivel.

Brooklyn: You know we're almost there, right?

You: Yeah.

The area looks familiar, so you're close to the old Marinus and RestStop now. You're unsure of exactly how close, though.

Brooklyn: And you're leaving with me, right?

You: Of course.

Brooklyn: Good.

She squeezes your hand a little tighter like she wouldn't let go anyway. You are coming back with her whether you like it or not.

Brooklyn: Are you going to take the time to say bye?

You: Eventually, yeah. Before we leave. We still have to deal with Herakles.

Brooklyn: Remember that you can talk to me. Don't you dare try and take all that on by yourself.

You: I won't.

Brooklyn: If you go silent and withdraw, I swear I'll force you to talk to me.

You chuckle.

You: I'll try my best.

Brooklyn: You're already down, I can tell.

You: I'm about to leave my daughter to die. How else would I be?

Brooklyn: I don't blame you. I've never had kids, so I don't know what it's like, but it can't be easy.

You: I'd much rather stay here with her.

Brooklyn: You can't.

You: I know.

You watch Marina up ahead. She's so much older now, but you still see your little girl. Twenty-seven years old, and she might as well be four.

Brooklyn: I want to talk about Herakles before we get there.

You: What's there to talk about?

Brooklyn: I clearly hurt you when I went crazy back at Marinus.

You: Not permanently.

Brooklyn: Emma said I was killing you.

You: Yeah, she did.