Epics of Noche 3, Limbo

EON CH 15

RAPTORMAN'S BAD NEWS.

1775, NOVEMBER 14th, MONDAY2:00 pm.

Raptorman walked the streets of MoveCity with his left-hand woman, Melody. She pointed out spots in the distance and explained how the new tournament arena would be set up. The mayor-king beamed from ear to ear.

"It's going to be so beautiful," he said. "I can't wait to see the finished product. Truly, this city is a shining beacon of intellect!"

"I ate dirt today," a random citizen said.

Melody glared at the man who spoke up and turned to Raptorman. She gave him a blank look as she crossed her arms.

"Well if that's everything, I'm leaving," she said. "Now that you've seen the layout, I'm gonna start the construction process."

"Good spot, picking that field in the north-east," he said. "Between the Create playground and mountain range."

"Thank you."

Melody gave him a nod and walked away. Raptorman made his way back home but decided to take the scenic route. As he walked through the hidden paths he stopped at a store window full of TVs.

"Hola everyone! Venny Adventura here with mi amor Rad Strider!" She grinned. "As of today, DeathTech has killed more than eighty million people. About one percent of the global population. Due to this, the global ban on chemical warfare and other such extremes have been lifted by the United Government."

"Oof, they're starting to get desperate, huh?" he muttered. "It was only a matter of time I guess. Bullets don't work well. Fire, acid, and bombs on the other hand might."

Sometime later, Raptorman arrived back at his castle atop the giant TV. As he finished walking up the stairs Milkman was waiting for him.

"Sir... Bad news," he said.

"What is it Milkman?"

"You may want to sit down for this. It's pretty serious."

A moment later they were back at Raptorman's desk.

"C-Can you repeat that?" The mayor-king asked.

"... Eric passed away," Milkman said.

Raptorman slumped in his chair. His gaze became distant as his hand covered his mouth.

"B-But, I just saw him recently. He looked fine, he was so happy to see me," he muttered.

"His symptoms took a turn for the worst. From what I heard it all happened too fast. I'm sorry."

"He told me that he would try his best. That he'd fight as hard as he could." Raptorman continued. "He wanted to become a famous baseball player. He loved the sport so much."

Milkman didn't respond. Instead, only lowering his head with closed eyes and a frown.

"The last time I saw him, he told me how he was trying to be brave, but was scared," he whispered. "He was so afraid of disappointing his parents. Hoped it would feel like falling asleep... And all I could do was promise him that we'd fight together. That he wouldn't be alone."

Silence filled the room for a long pause.

"He was only seven."

"At least he had his hero in the end."

"A hero?" Raptorman chuckled. "Is that what I am? A hero?"

Milkman glanced up at his mentor and friend.

"A hero is someone's hopes and dreams. A hero is strong. A hero saves lives!" He covered his eyes with his hand. "How can I call myself a hero when I can't even save the life of one child?"