The City (Merome AU)

15

~*Mitch*~

I lay awake in the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Is this really a good idea? Can he even handle life outside of the city? Should I just leave him here? Sighing, I sit up and run a hand through my hair. I can't sleep. Why can't I sleep?

As quietly as I can, I slide out of the bed and walk over to the window. Opening the blinds, I let the light of the moon fill the room. Sure it's not full, but even a crescent moon can cast light if it's bright enough. After looking at the moon for a few moments, I walk over to my bag and pull out an all too familiar eight sided piece of metal. The compass.

Smiling softly at it, I rub my thumb over the many intricate symbols carved into the bottom. I've never known what they mean, but according to my father, it's some sort of prayer people said back in the ancient days. Back before the world was destroyed by nuclear weaponry; that's what he told me at least.

To be completely honest, I think it's all just a myth. Two completely different nations battling over control of the planet, ending almost abruptly with both sides dying almost instantly and the world turning into a wasteland. The only thing that was left standing was the great city I'm in now. Legend has it a powerful spirit has been protecting this city since it passed, and that's why it stood through the warfare. Again, I don't buy it. It's not logical that a single lone spirit can protect a city of this caliber. Maybe with help from others, but not alone. I shake my head before looking out the window again. Maybe Jerome can read it... he can read after all. Unlike me...

My train of thought is interrupted when I see two figures standing within the darkness. Both appeared to be hostile toward each other. Somebody is going to be beaten. Fortunately, it's not going to be me.

I watch as one drops their arms, and something in their hand reflects the moonlight. A knife. Who do I know that mostly fights with knives? Woofless? Frags? Star? I can tell from here that the guy is too tall to be Star, so it can't be him. Frags is too naive and nice to fight unless he's attacked, so it has to be Woofless.

I feel sorry for the other guy.

The other man reveals a knife in his hand, and a soft breeze blows through the street. I would've run if I were him. What is he doing anyways? Doesn't he know that Woofless is going to kill him?

~*Nooch*~

I watch the man standing before me, his eyes shining with confidence. This isn't his first time being confronted. That means he's skilled at this. Which means he's a killer.

"Such a strange name," The man states, twirling the knife in his hand. "Then again, I've killed other people with strange names." Thought so.

"What is your kill count?"

"183. Soon 184 if you continue down the path you're headed." His voice doesn't change as he speaks. I smile at the data he has just given me. Wonderful. He is the perfect candidate for what I need.

"I'm not here to challenge you. It's very likely that I wouldn't last long at all against someone like you if I did." (2018 Mickey: Nooch reminds me of Cassius.)

"Then why are you still here?"

"I have an offer for you. I'm the leader of a clan, and we could use someone like you in our ranks."

"What would be in it for me? If I chose to join, that is."

"You'll be my new second in command. The old one didn't listen very well." I shrug. "He wasn't very good at commanding anyways."

"What's the catch?" He's smart.

"You're going to need to get something for me." He raises an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

"It was made three hundred years ago, before the Great War. A compass with an ancient prayer carved into the bottom of it. It's extremely high in value, and people have killed in order to obtain it."

"I see." He throws the knife upwards, and catches it by the blade. "So who do I need to get it from?"

"I think you might know him. He goes by the name Benja."

A dark smile grows on the man's face. "Oh. I know him alright." His voice is dark. "I also know how to get him to do anything you want him to."

"You know his real name?" My eyes widen in surprise. I would never have thought someone like Benja would tell a man his-

"No. But, I know someone who does." ________________________
Things are getting interesting...

Who wants to try and predict what's going to happen?

Anyways,

:)

Much Luv,
Mickey-Kenzie