Metallic Fulmine

Chapter 8: The Gravity of Death

The man stood tall, easily two feet taller than Johnny. He spoke very softly, the sound of his voice was suppressed by the bandages covering the lower half of his face.

"My name is Shihi," he said, with a pause before continuing, "and they call me the Revenant."

Johnny chimed in before Shihi could get another word out, "So you're the guy whose bounty I saw a few days ago." he said in a smooth tone. "Ya know, you're worth a hefty amount." he added.

"Yeah I know, they want me dead because I'm like Morto, Johnny." he responded.

Johnny's face changed. He dropped the playboy facade and his face went deadpan.

"How do you know about my brother?" asked Johnny, while he placed his hands on his gun."

"Ra ha ha, ease up pal, I'm not here to harm you." said Shihi

"I was in the same boat as him." he said. "I wasn't supposed to survive, that's why the wanted poster says "DEAD" only." he added.

"I see." said Johnny.

"When me and your brother were getting tested, we became pretty close, and there were about three others in the same facility." said Shihi.

"So you're also seeking vengeance?" asked Johnny.

"Correct." said Shihi

"Vengeance for Morto, and vengeance for the wounds they gave me." he said.

Johnny was tense for a moment, but he felt like he could finally relax a little.

This journey should be over soon., he thought.

"The Grey Rose Manor is just past the city up ahead," said Shihi. Before letting Johnny speak, he said, "However, the town is run by the boss or "Peanuts" as they call him. They have a capo stationed there right now, but I can deal with him." he said.

"Hey, thank you. I appreciate the help." said Johnny.

"No problem, just stay on the outskirts until you see my signal." said Shihi.

Mochi took a step forward, he had a look of importance on his face.

"You won't be able to get in without me, I've been here a few times since I used to be part of the Rosy Stars," he said while pausing before speaking again, "They didn't take away my keycard when they threw me in that prison." he added.

The faint outline of a smile could be seen through Shihi's bandages.

"Great, that sounds wonderful." said Shihi.

"Okay so me and Hollow will wait for the signal, and Mochi will stay at the gate to let us in, right?"

Mochi and Shihi shook their heads.

The two of them started walking towards the town, the sign in front of it read, "Drosenew City".

Johnny and Hollow headed around to the outskirts of the city, finding a spot to sit in the shade, to hide themselves from the moonlight.

The static shocks from Johnny's arms were getting so strong that they could be seen in the spirit world. Some of them even striking Hollow.

"Does Ardesia still run Drosenew?" asked Mochi, while walking.

"Yeah, I believe so. With Jack dead, the boss sent another capo to watch over Lunar 50. I bet their resources are running dry." said Shihi.

"That was always so arrogant." responded Mochi.

Ardesia and I never got along., thought Mochi.

The two of them arrived at the entrance gate.

The city was rather large, but pretty modern looking. It had a few skyscrapers, but it was mostly small houses, because members of the Rosy Stars gang lived here. This city was known as the "Land of the Lawless", because no cops even tried to contest the gang.