Downtown Browntown

Chapter 14: A Visit from Beyond

Kmzoe could distantly hear gunshots, but couldn't concentrate on them. A bright light filled her vision, obscuring anything that might have been in view. She numbly wondered if this was what it was like to die, not really upset by the notion.

A figure emerged from the light, shadows covering its face. When it spoke, Kmzoe recognized the voice. It was one she hadn't heard for years.

"Kmzoe."

"Victor? I thought you were dead..."

The shadows receded, Kmzoe now looking at a goofy Puerto rican kid in his early teens. He smiled at her fondly.

"Hey. How's my Sailor Jupiter?"

Kmzoe tried to call out for him but ended up coughing out thick liquid.

"I know this is a hard thing to ask of you, but you have to stay alive for now."

She tried to ask why she couldn't go with him, only managing a soft, pained moan.

"I know it gets hard sometimes, but just promise me..."

Kmzoe still didn't understand until Victor became opaque, his features changing a bit and black glasses appearing on his face. What she saw now made her heart drop.

Ray, scared out of his mind, trailed behind Notray and Agent, who were struggling to run down hallways and stairs while dragging her limp body. She could faintly make out the shouts of her friends, running for their lives to escape the AH Crew who were trying to pursue.

Victor reappeared and Kmzoe smiled sadly, a tear slipping down her cheek. No matter how much she wanted to see him, she still had friends here that needed her.

Victor nodded and smiled knowingly, disappearing back into the light.

———-

The small team had a tough time getting out of the complex, to put it lightly.

Between carrying Kmzoe, dodging bullets, and trying not to push each other down the stairs, any bickering was completely forgotten. It was a wonder no one else had gotten hurt.

They hauled Kmzoe into the back seat after slipping in, laying her across the three laps that occupied the seats. Agent, after handing her over, ran off around the block. Tardis tried calling after him, but due to their current situation, hopped into the passenger seat of her car, yelling for Martika to punch it.

They made it to the hospital in record time, Agent pulling up on Kmzoe's motorcycle a minute later.

The nurses took her away immediately, leaving the other nine to wait in a separate room that an aid had given them, secluded from the crowded ER. Misaka and Darezzi took turns to keep watch for any pursuers that could have followed them.

They waited impatiently for any news, cuddling close together. Ray remained on the outside, awkwardly avoiding eye contact with them, feeling alienated from the friends.

Gh0st walked over in front of him, holding out her hand. He looked at her in confusion at first, then took it gratefully. She led him towards her empty seat at the center of the group. Ray gingerly sat down, unsure of himself. Tardis grabbed his hand and smiled reassuringly. The rest of the ragtag team shifted towards him and settled in. Ray fell asleep within seconds.