The Outcast-COMPLETED

Part 2

All credits for the above photo go to Timon Studler (https://unsplash.com/photos/HZ_KcRRI8tk) who has a fantastic selection of photos on unsplash. 

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As lunchtime drew closer, the rain finally stopped attacking the city. Herds of happy faces casually strolled past the outcast, some leaving Tasty Goods. Bill's bakery, a favourite lunchtime spot nearly always attracted the hungry city folk. One passer-by walked past him holding a sandwich in their hand, unaware of the sky pirates. Nearby, a large seagull waited on the top of a lamppost. Hastily swooping down, he grabbed the plastic sandwich packet from the dazed passer-by. Flying to safety, the bird danced in a circle, protruding his large white feathered chest while signalling his crew. His victim stuttered and swayed with vexation before swearing to the skies. Several squawking birds fought, pinching crumbs from the packet. The outcast watched intently while soothing his hunger pains.

As the day passed, fewer people swamped the city centre. Darkness covered the skies as the white circular moon settled in the horizon on a bed of speckled lights. Quietness preluded before the storm. Small disguised children were rushing through the streets clutching small pumpkin bowls. Larger monsters gathered in groups dressed in bright costumes, some with scarier faces than others. The cold air nibbled his fingers; it reminded him of the returning colder nights as he waited for Bill.

'Hey, I have a few left-over pies.' Bill proclaimed at a distance as he left the front of his shop. Grabbing the paper bag, he sliced the first pie in half before giving the largest part to Rufus.

'Sorry for taking so long. Today has been hectic with a few more party orders than I expected. I am sorry, but I can't stay, I need to get back and lock up.'

'Thank you.'

Satisfied from eating, the outcast and Rufus began their journey home. They lived in an abandoned warehouse near the central city bridge, hidden from the nightlife. The city tended to be lively with drunks, teenagers, preachers and other homeless people. Tonight, included a new addition to the regular streetwalkers, guisers. Approaching the final alley under the bridge, their home was within sight. Suddenly, he heard loud voices from behind him...

'Ye auld minky bastard!' Startled by the voices, Rufus halted, growling angrily. Ignoring them, the outcast directed his fingers forward, forcing Rufus to follow. Several thuds echoed behind them, as a tall figure grabbed the outcast.

'Ye better turn rund cas yer gettin' a thump!'

Desperate to escape, the outcast resisted the larger boy. Failing, four skeletons pounced on him, corning him against a wall. The teenage boys stood before him dressed in tightly fitted skeleton costumes, white coloured bones glowed in the darkness. Their faces painted black and white, revealing prominent cheekbones. The leader, a taller boy, gazed bloodthirsty into his fearful eyes.

'Do him, kill the auld bastard!' the other skeletons jeered.

'Grrrrrrrrrrrr,' growling angrily Rufus grabbed the leader, sinking his canines deep into his flesh.

'Get off! Get off ye mangy mutt!' frantically, shaking Rufus from side to side, the others started kicking the dog. One of the skeletons swung a final blow into Rufus's face, yelping loudly he stammered before hitting the concrete.

'HEY! LEAVE HIM!'

'Bahahaha, ye listenin' now?' a sly smile surfaced on the leader's face as he pushed his body closer to the outcast.

Suddenly, a massive enclosed fist lunged towards the homeless man, crashing into his face leaving a trail of vibrating pain throughout his jaw. Wet drizzles of sticky blood ran down his cheeks, following a curved path. Clutching his chest, he kneeled to the floor before several kicks from multiple directions fired at him. Each kick rippled through his body as pain spasmed up his spine. He closed his eyes.