The Bandito Chronicles

I'm a Bandito.

Tylers eyes flew open, seeing that same cold room and bright light from his migraine induced dream, only this time the bishops were on high alert. He sat up, reaching and ripping the sticky pads from his head with a wince. Data Josh was right, he hopped into the frying pan... but at least it was only two bishops at the most. He looked around for the nearest blunt object, grabbing it blindly and swinging at one of the bishops, knocking them out. It was a metal pipe. He fought the other bishop, unable to stop them from pushing the alarm system button, but knocking them out as well.

"Holy fuck.. guess teaching me did come in handy.." Tyler huffed, realizing how dry his mouth was. He coughed, swallowing and putting a hand on his chest. How long had he been there..? How...... No. Now wasn't the time to question things, holding the pipe close to his body, and leaning down... Maybe.. "..sorry sally. I'm borrowing your cloak." He mumbled, stripping the bishop of her cloak and placing it over himself, making sure everything fit okay. At least it was less bulky, but still uncomfortable as he hid the pipe, exiting the room that he was held in.

Josh heard the alarms and ran across the river as fast as he could. He was alone, unprepared, and only weilding a bat and a single flare. He flicked on his flare, running through the tunnels as fast as he could. He didn't think this would happen so fast, but Tyler was ready to come back home. His calves were freezing and soaked through, wet footsteps echoing as he ran. He emerged from the tunnels into the belly of the city, looking at all the other residents in hiding. When did... Tyler.. did Tyler tell them?? His brows furrowed, calling out "residents of dema!! If you want freedom, head down through that tunnel and across the river! The bandito encampment will be waiting for you through the cave."

The residents were scared, one teenager standing up and grabbing a torch, lifting it above his head. "C'mon!! Tylers distracting the bishops, we can't sit here like ducks!!" This caused more residents to slowly stand and gather with the teen, Josh giving a nod to him before running deeper to get to the surface. He was huffing, putting his bandana over his nose to hide his face. "Shit Ty,, by yourself???" He huffed under his breath, reaching the surface and pressing his back against the wall to avoid the bishops riding on horses.

Meanwhile, Tyler was walking through the facility, smashing lights and any tech he could see that was used to brainwash everyone. He remembered telling residents of freedom, of free will, and thats when he was taken and forced into that fake world. He was rebelling, and they tried to snuff out his light. Not now. Not anymore.

Tyler heard residents screaming, rushing over to help them, watching a few get snatched up by the bishops, anger rising in him. He ran over, smacking the pipe against a bishops head, causing him to release the resident, Tyler grabbing the reigns of the horse and hopping on top, causing it to neigh and rear back, Tyler holding on tight before it rushed off with him on the back, his eyes wide from adrenaline. Holy shit. He cheered, holding up the pipe as rode around the square, the bishops chasing him.

He's never felt this alive in years, leading the bishops away from residents, not knowing Josh had been grabbing the residents he saved and sending them to the tunnel. Soon, arrows were flying past him, hearing the woosh as they flew past his head. He ducked down, flicking the reigns and causing the horse to run faster. "Shit. Josh, where the hell-" he felt a new weight against the back of the horse and a hand grab the hood of the cloak, then a bat against his throat.

"Fucking bishop-" Josh grunted, tyler grabbing Josh's arm and crying out "Josh,, its me!! Tyler, it's Tyler!!!" The horse was getting out of Tyler's control, Josh's eyes widening as he let go. "Ty???? Are you-" they were about to crash into a wall. "shit!!!" Tyler pulled the horse back, causing the both of them to fall to the ground with a grunt. The horse ran away, leaving the two banditos stranded and against the wall.

The bishops chasing them surrounded them, a dark smile on Nicos face. "would you look at that.. two for one... And we didn't even have to go outside the walls." The bishop hopped off of his horse, clapping his hands as he slowly drew closer to an exhausted Josh and Tyler. "Clever trick, Josh. Hacking into our systems and freeing your little friend.. never knew you could connect." He hissed, picking up Josh first and holding him by the throat, choking him slowly. Josh's feet dangled, Tylers eyes widening. "No!! No, please, let him go-" Tyler cried, tugging at Nicos robe as he took off his own hood, tears dripping down his cheeks.

Nico looked down, red eyes piercing through Tyler. "...why would i?" He spoke darkly, Josh's eyes slowly rolling into the back of his head. Tyler gave a shaking breath, bowing his head. "I... I'll.. stop running... Stop trying... I'll... Be good.." Tyler whimpered, Nico letting Josh drop with a smile, Josh taking a deep breath before coughing. Tyler went to his friends side, checking his throat as he coughed. No ink... Thank god... He slowly looked up, before bowing his head again and standing.

"Ty- Tyler- w a i t-" Josh coughed, grabbing Tyler's ankle. Tyler looked back, giving a sad smile. "Stop coming for me. You'll die if you do..." He whispered, gently shaking Josh's weak hand off his ankle and turning. He walked toward Nico, who was oddly... Not... Moving.. Tyler's brows furrowed, reaching for Nicos shoulder, before Nico fell forward, the other bishops falling off their horses.

"Guys!! Run!!" A females voice calls from the wall behind them. It was Jenna, Tyler smiling and grabbing up Josh, taking another horse and rushing for the tunnels on the horse. Josh was still catching his breath but holding on to Tyler, mumbling "and you told me.. you didn't have the makings of a leader.." he laughed breathlessly. Tyler smirked, "well.. guess i had a change of mind. Lets get everyone home before the bishops get up." He sighed.

"We all know the hell that'll happen when they do."