Starting Life From Another Choice Than Zero

Chapter 11 - The Deed That Haunts

He walked, felt the tingling anxiety burden his every step. Trailed along in silenced paranoia of where the present moment may head. Saw only the giant demeanor that posed unknown danger, also in silence. An escort reluctantly followed, to be lead through the twist and turns of many, many, streets.

Little by little, their distances lengthened.

He could run. He could fade, obscured by the dozens that littered the streets, and return to Kris away from harm's clutches.

The stranger continued the walk, seemingly absent of thought concerning Subaru's state of mind. Subaru could do it, run...

But... could he?

"Run... I will catch you." The man spoke, head slightly turned, gazing an eye with malicious intent.

From the gap of space between them, which shortened considerably, only Subaru could perceive his words, and nodded in understanding.

He took longer strides, finally relinquishing the attempt undone and the extended space. The man's words consisted mainly of reason why he did so, but there was another. In the rumble of fearful thinking, something spoke, almost going unheard, a strain of courage and daring he thought had long since gone, that told him to follow, to not run, to know of the dangers that lied ahead, and confront the past and its consequences in present time.

The sweat that dripped constantly from the sides of his chin, told of the fear that gripped him to do so, and nothing of the heat that once pestered his being. And yet, here he was again, taking risks, knowing very little of its repercussions.

Long afterwards, in a section begotten by the city itself, their walked had come to an end. They stood facing a small building, blatant by the ruckus and and clinking of glass, baring the front of a tavern.

The hordes of citizen had came to past, and what little remained in the streets abandoned by society were spread thin and far, them being all that was present from afar.

"Enter." urged the Man, swinging open one of the saloon-shaped doors.

Through it, Subaru could see the premises packed, the grumble and laughter of the many inside, louder than ever, all whom resembled the man in both shape and outright appearance. Suddenly, a voice blared into his mind, recalling words he was told long before.

"As far as dangers go, the only thing that comes to mind is the local gangs in the area. I don't recall their names, but you'll hear about them soon enough."

"They're part of a gang... he's part of of a gang. And I'm entering that tavern filled with them."

His whispered words had a sensed of urgency, an impulsive thought that conveyed to him the immediate need to abandon this stupid risk and retreat. But he knew the opportunity had long since come to past.

Glaring, eyes that threatened harm untold, continued to glaze down and diminish every thought that told to flee.

"Enter." said the man again, with a tone losing patience.

Subaru swallowed a lump of fear, and fronted the tavern. A den of lions he was going to walk into, a walk that entertained the idea of it being his last...

Reluctantly, with all the courage he could scrape, he entered the premises. The damp, dark atmosphere immediately began filling his nostrils, the stench of booze, smoke, and something that reeked emphasizing further the overall savage nature of the place.