The Dead Scout's Handbook of Afterlife Survival

Chapter 38: The Five

Cayden stood in an angry segment of a long line, and the rearrangement of the wealthiest, temporary citizens to the front didn't help matters. A deep boom quaked the ground and a rotund chap in tattered clothes shouted.

"We have kids here! The first out are all old men and women! We'll beat our way to the front if we have to!"

Two hefty guards in black shirts and camo slacks calmly flashed a flame in each palm and the round fellow quieted.

"Shouldn't you two be out stopping The Four?" a woman hissed.

One of the men grabbed her and threw her from her place and the second officer dragged her kicking and screaming down the street.

"Should we help?" Rebecca's words came from Cayden's side.

"We beat them once, we can do it again. We have more on our side now, too," Charlie said.

"I'm not fighting," Cayden grumbled.

"Maybe we won't have to. I'm going to check the main road if you'll hold my place," Sarah called back as she jogged to town. Charlie circled Cayden and placed a hand on Rebecca's shoulder, to which she said nothing and followed Sarah, leaving Charlie with only a sour expression.

"We shouldn't face them yet. They're going to be different this time."

"How so?"

"The most difficult challenge you will face is the first where your opponent doesn't underestimate you." In recognition of Cayden's dissatisfaction, Martha continued. "As for the specifics of sizing up any enemy, appreciate your surroundings and ask the right questions of the right acquaintances." She pointed at the security guards.

Cayden peered amongst the solid mass of clothing and recognized one of the few officers. "Kurt!" he called.

The sun's reflection caught on Kurt's clean-shaven scalp as he strode toward Cayden's voice. Kurt acknowledged Cayden with a nod, approaching with rather jagged footwork. "What can I do for you?"

"What are they? The Four?"

Kurt relaxed, relieved to avoid another request to jump the line. "They might actually be something other than human. First came a fast lady, unlike any speed user we've seen. She's actually attacking while moving. Normally, to put enough force into a blow to do any damage, they need to slow to near normal speed. This lady's tearing everyone to shreds as quickly as we can track her. Someone's controlling insects. We can't find that one, probably hiding in the sewers. We keep knocking the bugs out of the sky but more explode from the vents and sewer caps. Another guy keeps taking hits and pops right up. He's wearing some kind of light armor around his neck and chest. Finally, a huge armored tank of a man is spraying fire down every block. We've been trying to take him out, though even our best can't put a dent in that armor."

"So, you aren't hurting any of them?"

"Not the slightest. Also..." he trailed off.

"What is it?" Cayden pressed.

"Our chief, a wind user, just up and started working with the armored guy. They're sending tornadoes and flames in every direction. We're getting slaughtered by those four freaks and one of our own."

"Can we assist?" Charlie asked as Cayden stiffened.

Kurt thought for a moment, and, with obvious reluctance, shook his head. "No, buddy, this is our job. We knew about the risks when we signed up. To kick back for years then throw a bunch of strangers in the mix when the violence started... no. No, we'll hold them at bay and evacuate as many people as possible."