A Tragic Creation 3: At Pepperland's End

Chapter 13: Proposition

Max's scream echoed through the air as the sun began to rise, scaring both Ringo and Randel awake.

Taking in a sharp breath, Randel quickly got on his feet, taking a moment to recognize the voice behind it.

Ringo sat up, not sure if it was a good idea to see what was going on outside.

However, a loud demonic voice made both of them freeze.

"Where are those two fools? If you're hiding anywhere, I demand that you come out right now!"

Randel shivered, Ringo getting up as well in the process.

"W-what does h-he want?" Randel asked, even though he knew that Ringo didn't have the answer.

The Beatle merely put an arm around him.

"L-lets just... Go together..."

Before Randel could respond, the creature yelled once again.

"I know that you two are here somewhere! Come on! I just want to make one of you an offer!"

"An... Offer? W-what?"

Randel's distorted voice was quiet and shaky as Ringo guided him forward towards the bandstand's entrance, keeping his arm around him in the process.

Taking in a deep breath, Ringo opened his mouth just as they exited the bandstand.

"S-stay calm... M-maybe he'll just g-go away..."

The sight at the bottom of the hill made Ringo and Randel stop for a moment.

Max's mouth was being covered by the creature's dark grey hand, and his face had gone pale as the Chief watched on helplessly.

John and Paul were both holding onto each other, both shaking with fear.

Jeremy was cowering behind a blue meanie, who looked just as frightened as him.

The creature looked up at the pair on the hill, and Randel gulped when he took in its appearance. The fact that the creature looked so much like him now made him grow sick.

"Ah, they're here..." The creature spoke, dropping Max on the ground. 

Max scrambled away from it and bumped into John's legs. He whimpered as tears fell from his eyes.

"You two. Down here. Now."

Both Ringo and Randel didn't need to be told twice.

Silently, the pair slowly walked down the hill, Ringo keeping his arm around Randel all the while.

Once they reached the small group, the creature smiled, revealing sharp teeth that made Randel shrink back a little.

"Don't worry," the creature stared, sounding calm, "I just came here to talk to you, Randel."

Ringo stepped in front of the man in question, trying his best to hide his fear.

"What do you want?"

The creature crossed its arms, looking disappointed.

"Alright. Be that way. I came here to... Ask Randel something, so I suggest that you get out of the way before I... Do something."

Reluctantly, Ringo stepped to the right, leaving Randel to stand by himself.

He looked into the creature's dark grey eyes, not focusing on the rest of its body.

"I want to offer something to you Randel, something that I think will seem very preferable."

"W-what is it?" Randel stuttered.

The creature stepped forward.

"Let me attach myself to you again, and I'll make all that black goo recede. Don't worry, all of your friends and such will be fine. They'll just wake up once it's gone, as if nothing happened. Along with all of those other things. The submarine. Mountains. They'll all come back."

A dark grey hand placed itself on Randel's chin, making him freeze.

"But... You and I will rule over Pepperland just like we did before, and this time I'll make sure that you stay in line."

"N... N-no..."

The creature tilted its head.

"You do realize that so many lives depend on your decision, Randel, including those that had already-"

"I'm not d-doing that!"

Grunting, the creature stepped back, crossing its arms.

"Well, it's either that or your deaths. It's your choice, Randel. Now..."

It leaned forward.

"Tell me. Would you rather risks the lives of everyone that's left or... Control them? Keep in mind, the love of your life is here. Think about it."

Randel's lips quivered.

"I'd n-never... I don't w-want to join you."

Ringo's eyes widened as the creature turned toward him.

"So you'd rather risk his life than be my friend?"

"P-please..." Randel said quietly, "just l-leave me alone..."

Sighing heavily, the creature flew a few feet up into the air, looking down at all who where on the ground.

"Okay, I'll leave you alone. But I'll come whenever you change your mind."

Its gaze landed on Ringo, and it smiled.

"Oh, and... Keep in mind, I still think that your whole relationship is... Ugh, sick."

Without another word, the creature flew away.

Hands shaking, Randel walked over to Ringo and hugged him, closing his eyes.