Mr.Sandman: Book 1

Chapter 5: My Other Self

Charlemagne awoke to the now familiar inside of their ship. His head was swimming as he had come to. The first face he saw was Darell's, next, Zoe's. Relief came over Darell as Zoe folded her arms and looked away from him. His arm had been bandaged again, however it didn't hurt. From what he could recall, his arm had felt the best it ever had. He removed the bandages, revealing there to be no wounds. He got up, nearly falling over as he did so, it was Darell that had to catch him.

"Woah there, slow down, cowboy. You did a lot, take it easy for now."

"What happened, after I blacked out?"

"We simply left. Vivian was defeated, you had unlocked us, and the Masked Circle stood down without the presence of their leader."

"Doesn't make sense, man."

"We don't know what their values are, but it worked in our favor. You couldn't fight all of them, I don't think our combined efforts could. Besides, we do know they're at least an ally of humanity, it was their goal to 'liberate' humanity after all. I guess they figured they'd best not kill the guy who seems capable of doing that."

Charlemagne sat back down now, slumping in his seat and closing his eyes, "Whatever, then. I feel like shit. So, Zoe, you've been quiet."

Zoe looked at Charlemagne now, she didn't seem particularly upset at him, nor did she seem happy, "You know, you didn't have to monologue that much if you were just going to kill her. I was in that uncomfortable cage that whole speech, you know."

"That's a funny way of saying thank you. What language is that, bitch? Unfortunately, I don't think I speak it."

'"Yeah, funny. So what part of your body are you gonna injure next time for your finishing move, or will you say fuck it and just die?"

"Well, now that you mention it-"

"This is a team, Charlemagne. You're not the star, and this whole thing only works if we've got all our members. I'm grateful you saved me, but could you be more careful, I want to get home, amongst other things."

"You'll get home, Zoe. J-"

"Don't say that, Charlemagne. Don't say 'you'll'. You said it yourself, that if we both don't go home, then what's really the point? Your pain isn't yours alone to carry."

"I get that Zoe. What was I supposed to do then?"

"I don't know, I don't have all the answers. I'm so tired of being uncertain out here in the cosmos. I don't know what's going according to plan and what's not. It's like you've got a total disregard for the feelings of those around you and how it might effect us."

Charlemagne didn't exactly know what to say, so Zoe continued, "Memento Mori, Charlemagne. You're mortal, remember that! What would you have done if you lost your arm, if you got your throat pierced by a staple, if you got electrocuted? That's right, you don't know. That's how I feel, Charlemagne."

"We've all gotta put faith into something. For me, that's you two. If I'm ever in deepshit, I'm confident you two won't rest until I'm out of it. I'm simply doing the same for the both of you. I'm not asking you to put yourself in harm's way for someone else like I am, but I shouldn't have to ask. It is like I said, if we both don't go home, then what is the point? That's my resolve, at least. So, what are you gonna put your faith in, I'm three for three here."

"I'll be figuring it out."

Zoe left and went to the cockpit, leaving Darell and Charlemagne alone. They were silent for a moment. Charlemagne was used to having a falling out with Zoe, but not one that seemed as real as this. Darell could feel that Charlemagne was left feeling not the best as he placed as a hand on his shoulder and spoke to him.