Iron Wasteland

Chapter 17

Special hunting forces. It just had to be them. Immediately Irons checked his surroundings, looking for something, anything to get out of this in one piece. He couldn't outrun them. Fighting was most likely suicide. He glanced back at the scaffolding of the tower. That could work, but if he took off now he'd probably only make it a few steps. These guys were picked specifically to hunt down special targets. Guess that made him pretty special. Only one option remained: Stall for time.

"Alright! Alright, don't shoot! Or...whatever it is you're doing." He said, taking his foot off the man. "You might want to get out of here, sir, the situation could get dangerous."

The man, instead of leaving, lunged for Irons again. He grabbed them, spinning them round and tossing them away like a shot put. They stood, brushing mud off and glaring at him. Irons pointed behind the man, then shooed him away. The sheriff turned his attention back toward the Special Hunting Force member, who was now significantly closer.

"Irons, what the hell do we do?!" Providence hissed, looking between him and the new person.

"You!" The person shouted, pointing with their other hand. "What is your relationship to this man?"

"Traveling acquaintances." Providence said. "Who are you?"

"That is not important. I–"

"I mean, it kinda is." Irons interrupted. "That's quite the weapon you're using, but Special Hunting Force? For little ol' me? I'm not convinced. What's your rank? Got any ID? Where's the paperwork?"

The person groaned in annoyance. "I am designated Epsilon. My paperwork is the fact that I will shoot you if you try anything."

"Point taken. Didn't think they'd send someone like you after me. Thought I was pretty low on the totem pole for someone of your caliber."

"I don't question why I'm sent after people. I just follow orders. Your crimes will be read to you when we're back at headquarters."

"That sounds...illegal." Providence said flatly.

Irons hummed thoughtfully. "I think this is your last chance to ditch me. You're still not really attached to me in any story, you could probably go with her. I wouldn't even be mad if you told her anything I've already told ya."

Providence closed her eyes for a moment, thinking. "...I'm not sure. Things have been pretty crazy with you, but...I've seen quite a lot more than I think I would with anyone else."

"Aw, I'm touched!"

"What are you two whispering about!? Are you colluding with this criminal or not, miss?"

Irons leaned a little closer. "Alright, I got a plan. Can you make your flame really big again? Like when we were outside the bandit hideout?"

"Uh...yeah, I think I can. I'll probably pass out afterwards, though."

"That's fine, just need to do it for a bit. If you still wanna come with me, get out of town when you come too, I'll find you. Play along."

Irons grabbed her, throwing the goddess in front of him. Providence understood, suddenly growing gigantic in a roar of flame. Mixed with the rain, it created a massive cloud of steam, completely obscuring the hunter. Irons spun around, sprinting toward the metal structure around the bell tower. He knew just running in a straight line wouldn't work, so he'd have to lose her in town. Hopping across the rooftops sounded like a plan. The metal was slippery, but he was able to scramble up to the first wooden platform. He could hear the hunter shouting behind him, and briefed a glance. Epsilon ws sprinting out of the steam cloud full-tilt, eyes locked on him. She leapt into the air, landing on the platform a little ways behind and below him. She looked up, and they locked eyes.