Lyptic

Worth It

Killian uncapped the bottle and took a large swig. Immediately he shoved his fingers through 

the hole in his shirt. His nails dirty and uncut. He dug out the bullet. Indicating not one ounce of 

pain.

The doc rolled his eyes,and laid the gauze and rubbing alcohol. "Looks like you don't need my 

help!." He stated as he walked out of the room in frustration.

At that point, Bear looked on in pure amazement. He was confused and astonished by what was 

happening. This large man sat there after being hit with the tranq. This specific bullet is meant 

to release the tranquilizer mixture upon impact as it buried just underneath your skin. A flesh 

wound for the most part.

However, the consistency of the mixture was suppose to be potentent. He wasn't asleep long. He 

gets up and moves around as if nothing even happened. Killian pulled out this bullet, which is 

insane! Did it initially knock him out yes, but that was short lived! "How many has he dealt with 

and has he grown somewhat immune?" Bear wondered.

Killian doused his hands with the whiskey. Then he made sure to check that proof label before 

taking another swig. "Not the greatest stuff but it will do." Killian spoke breaking Bear from his 

frozen mind. "Well, ok. Let's show you around" he said as he walked across the room to the 

other door. Killian rose from the table wiped his hands on his jeans and followed with whiskey in 

hand.

He didn't know what to expect at this point. Every place he had encountered with others had 

been make shift tent cities. Almost like homeless camps. Tents lined old streets. The further out 

you would find squatters in some old residents. Suburbs became flattened old constructs of 

previous life. Rural communities still standing but only in ghost like shells.

A small narrow hall opened into a medium sized room. Maybe double in size of the last one. It 

was claustrophobic with some hanging out in bunk beds that lined the both walls. Killian's 

height and frame made it look like a elephant in a shoe box. "Keep walking" Bear said as he kept 

moving forward. "Disregard these guys" he said. The next room was larger. Killian took in a large 

breath, his blood, and dirty clothes were perfumed by the smell of food.

It reminded him of old diners where the food was amazing and you were guaranteed to smell 

like the place after. His eyes lit up with excitement. "Is someone actually cooking?" He 

questioned following the smell coming from behind a wall. "Yes, over there is our kitchen area." 

Bear responded. "Are you hungry?" Before he could get a response Killian had already went in.

He helped him self to the grays of food sitting on the bar area. Grabbing a plate he was 

salivating, but he reminded himself to not overload because he knew he could eat all of what 

they had displayed.

The kitchen area small but it held a few people. All of them both men and women were cooking. 

Chopping, sautéing up veggies. One woman cutting up meat. One lady looked up from her work 

long enough to say "you can eat once you are clean!" Wiping her hand on her shirt and handing 

him a slice of bread. Killian pleased to have any food, said "thank you". She wrapped the bread 

in a clean cloth and put it in his hand.

"She is right, you should get cleaned up" Bear spoke. "We have showers, and we will find you 

clothes. Hopefully, find you something," he finished. "We have a few people that can sew and we 

can get your shirts patched up and cleaned" he said as he led Killian out of the area.

He nodded his head following behind him. He took his time eating his one slice. It was a fresh 

slice of bread homemade from the oven. For Killian it was worth the two lives and bullets he 

took today.

He led Killian into a room filled with clothes. Everything was well organized and labeled with 

sizes. Killian took off the old flannel and grabbed a button down BDU top and a black tee. "Right 

across from the room was a small bathroom", Bear said. Killian handed the cloth that held the 

slice of bread he had inhaled.

Killian shut the door behind him, turning the water on he tried to not look in the mirror. He 

washed his face and hands. Smoothing back his hair he caught a glimpse of himself and turned 

away as he put on the fresh shirt and zip up jacket. He was going to risk zipping it up.

He was more than eager to get back to the kitchen, his mouth still watering. Bear had him a plate 

ready. He plopped down got comfy and just ate. He savored the food, roasted potatoes, chicken, 

greens and that fresh bread. Bear said nothing, they sate and ate in quite. Others had finished up 

and starting cleaning around them.

The two men who had managed to abduct him walked in, towards them. Bear jumped up and 

stopped them before they got closer. They mumbled over across the room. They glanced 

pointed and the conversation became heated. "John," Bear shouted as he walked back out the 

entrance. The other man pushed Bear back, and followed John.

They disappeared beyound the door. Killian sat and took in all he could. What was his next move 

churned in his mind. People did not speak to him. Some shot him death stares. He figured his 

way out and felt no hesitation in who would be removed if they got in his way. He would not let 

them trap him again.

He grabbed the bottle of whiskey and drank down the last few drops. He looked at the plate with 

remorse there was not more but knew not to ask for more. It was disrespectful in these times.

A small girl peered out from the kitchen taking notice the the sadness that consumed the large 

man sitting in a snug chair. Others had whispered about the man and how dangerous they felt 

he was. All she could do was feel sorry for him. She grabbed a bowl and scooped up some beef 

stew filling it to the brim. She wrapped a slice of bread grabbed a spoon and cautiously moved 

in on the new man.

"Here", a small voice came from over his shoulder. A arm outstretched holding a bowl of stew 

was level with his face. "It's for you" the soft voice continued. He grinned and took the bowl 

eagerly. "Bread?" She questioned. "Thank you" Killian said. She smiled, "Destiny" she said as 

she took his empty plate from the table in front of him. "Your name?" He questioned

She smiled and answered with a nod. "My name is...." Before he could finish Bear and the two 

men reentered and came directly towards him. The young girl scurried away.