《Wandering the World》


 The Prelude

    Hello my name is Stan Heartly not a very impressive name for a hunter but I¡¯m the best at what I do and what I do is hunt.


    The year is 2028. New Year''s day. Stan brings in this year with his pregnant wife. No big extravagant parties with fake smiles, or false suits praising his hunting skills. This year he would spend the new year with the woman he loved.


    Stan: I couldn¡¯t imagine a better way to spend the new year.


    Asrai: You sure you don¡¯t miss it.


    Stan: Miss what dear?


    He knew what she was talking about and she knew the answer -- they both did. Of course he missed it, it was the only thing he had known for sometime. He had enlisted into the Marines at 18, just one year before the seven year war. After the war the Gladiatorial Board of Peace was established, the G.B.P. is a savage way to keep the peace in a world where war was everything and the people demanded peace. Thus, the gladiatorial games were born. Murder is allowed but only for people playing the games. Stan has played in all the games at least once some more than others. His favorite was The Hunt.


    Some days it feels like it''s been longer than a year since I dropped from the games he thought.


    Stan: Of course some days I miss it but I have you and the little one now.


    She kissed him on the cheek, he turned and kissed her on the forehead. After watching the ball drop on T.V. they head to bed. The next day he headed to his state of the art gym where he trains others for the games. He arrived two hours early as always. He might not be in the games anymore but it didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t train like it. As he finished target practice his number one pupil came in.


    Jeff: I see the rumors are true.


    Stan: What rumors?


    Jeff: The ones about you coming back to the games.


    Stan: Ha. You of all people should know I¡¯m never competing again.


    It was the whole reason he turned his private gym into a training facility he can¡¯t compete but he could at least train others.


    Jeff: I know but everyone seems convinced otherwise. Maybe they have a false sense of hope.


    Stan: Yeah and crazy imaginations -- now help me get ready for today¡¯s training sessions.


    The day went on without a hitch as usual but something seemed wrong. Just yesterday his wife asked if he missed hunting. Now today he hears there are rumors he is returning to hunting. He would have just ignored it if it had just been Jeff but almost everyone today has asked him. He began to feel paranoid about everything.


    Is someone testing me, he thought. No silly rumors spread like wildfire he told himself and put the thoughts out of his head. He thought to his wife and their yet to be born child.


    I¡¯m making the right decision if they ever got hurt I wouldn¡¯t know what to do with myself he told himself.


    He cleaned and closed the gym and headed home. When he got home he received a message from the G.B.P.


    Congratulations!


    We have received and accepted your application for re-entry into the gladiatorial games. Your first victim will be sent to you in 2-3 business days.


    Just then he heard his wife coming from the kitchen. He quickly closed the message.


    Asrai: Hey cutie! I¡¯m getting dinner started¡­.. You ok?


    Stan:.... HUH?! I mean, yeah, yeah. I¡¯m good just thinking about some shit that¡¯s all, head in the clouds.


    Asrai: Well, dinner shouldn¡¯t take too much longer so your head better be back in time. She kissed him, smiled and walked back to the kitchen. Stan¡¯s brain raced.


    ¡°Okay, someone is obviously messing with me right?¡± he thought.


    ¡°Testing me-- someone at the board must be trying to see if I¡¯ll crack and go back. Seeing if I can really give up hunting forever, and the worst part is,¡± he thought to himself ¡°I don¡¯t know. I guess I will just have to wait and see what I decide if I even get a Victim,¡± he thought. ¡°This could all just be an elaborate prank.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    He tried hard to put the thoughts out of his head. Later at dinner.


    Asrai: Stan can I ask you something?


    Stan:(chewing) What¡¯s up?


    Asrai: You''re not Hunting anymore are you?


    Stan: Woah no baby no who told you that?


    Asrai: My friends are saying that they have been hearing rumors that you have picked hunting back up.


    Stan: My students have been saying the same thing, but I promise you I¡¯m not nor am I even thinking about going back to the games. I gave all that up for you and our future family and I wouldn¡¯t risk that or go back now.


    Asrai: I believe you. I just wanted to hear it.


    That¡¯s it, this has gotten out of hand, he told himself. When or if I get a victim I¡¯m gonna reject it and dispel these rumors once and for all. He thought to himself and tried to put the whole thing out of his head for now. Him and his wife changed the subject and finished dinner. Two weeks passed and no word from the G.B.P. it started to seem like a bad joke. Then he received a letter at his gym. It was the G.B.P. It read.


    Congratulations!


    You have been selected for our special hunt this year.


    This years Victims are:


    Chelsea Landburk                                     Naomi Landburk


    Good hunting to you!


    This had never happened before there were two victims and they seemed to be a mother and her daughter. Never in the history of the G.B.P had a hunter gotten two victims at the same time let alone a mother and her child something wasn¡¯t right. They are hunters not hit men. He decided to call the Board and ask some questions.


    Desk Lady: Hello this is the G.B.P headquarters how can I assist you?


    Stan: Yes I¡¯m calling about a victim I have been sent. It seems to be not one but two people and it¡¯s a mother and her child.


    Desk Lady: Let me get their names and I will check the registry for you.


    Stan: Chelsea and Naomi Landburk are their names.


    There was a long pause with typing in the background. Another pause.


    Desk Lady: It seems as though everything is in order they are registered. Anything else I can do for you?


    Stan: Yes I¡¯m dropping from the games.


    Desk Lady: Are you sure sir?


    Stan: Yes my name is Stan Heartly and I am dropping from the gladiatorial games.


    Desk Lady: Ok Mr. Heartly it has been noted.


    He ended the call and sat and thought for a second. Something was off the legal age for sign up in the games is 18 but the girl looked no older than 13. Something was off and he planned on finding out what but first he has to teach his classes. As he was walking out of his office he felt someone go to grab him. Reflexes and instincts save lives. A quick back elbow to the midsection. Then he turned to face whoever it was. Just then a knife comes at him. X block downwards. He takes control of the wrist. A punch directly to the nose to disorientate them. Knee to the gut. He twisted the attackers hand behind his back, takes the knife and points it at their throat.


    Jeff: Woah it¡¯s me Jeff.


    Stan: What?


    Jeff: It''s Jeff.


    Stan released him.


    Stan: What the hell man I could have killed you.


    Jeff: Just making sure you¡¯re at the top of your game for your come back. And it looks like you haven¡¯t missed a step.


    Stan: Damn Jeff i told you I¡¯m not coming back.


    Jeff: Yeah but I saw the letter.


    Stan: That was a mistake. I already called the G.B.P and cleared everything up.


    Jeff: Oh¡­. Well sorry about scaring you man.


    Stan: It¡¯s kool just help me finish up these classes so I can close up.


    Stan closed the gym for the night while trying to take in everything that had been going on. Nothing seemed to add up though. He was missing something and he planned on finding out what it was. On his way home he kept thinking about Jeff attacking him. He may have been only acting on instincts but he loved it. He tried to calm himself. I would have killed Jeff if he hadn''t said something he thought. He returned home and greeted his wife. He kissed her and headed straight to his study. The first thing he did was look up the names of the woman and child. The lady seemed to be the wife of a big time banker. The child he found out was from a previous relationship the woman had. This was beginning to get more and more interesting but less and less was actually starting to make sense. Why was the wife of a big time banker and her daughter signed up for the games? Why were they sent to Stan? Even better question: who signed him up for the games? I''m retired and for good reason so who would do it? He thought then oh shit has she been warned? Of course right? All victims were warned before hunters were even picked. That''s how the games worked. You were told you were being hunted and that''s all. Stan began to get a headache. Better pick this up tomorrow he thought. The next day began like any other. Stan headed to the gym like always going over the events of yesterday. While Stan was teaching at the range Jeff came rushing over to him.


    Jeff: You need to get the phone.


    The look on Jeff''s face suggested he didn''t wanna tell Stan why. Stan went over to the phone.


    Stan: Hello.


    Fire Chief: Hello is this Stan Heartly.


    Stan: Yes sir.


    Fire chief: This is Fire Chief Taylor I''m sorry to inform you but your wife has been killed in an explosion at your home. We need you to come identify the body.  -End of first issue?

 Introduction to Dari?se

    Stan hung up the phone, told Jeff to lock up and raced to his home, or what was left of it. The whole area was blocked off and a fire marshal let Stan through. Fire Chief Taylor was waiting for Stan. Stan got out of the car and walked over to the chief. Just then he saw one of the firefighters zipping up the remains. Stan raced over and stared at what was in front of him. Stan let out a scream. Someone went to grab Stan. And then everything went black. Stan awoke in a hospital handcuffed to the bed.


    Stan: ahh.. What happened?


    Detective: Well from the report. You flipped out and took out 6 firefighters and 4 officers before being subdued. Which guessing from your current state Imma assume by subdued they mean hit you with everything they had.


    Stan: So why am I handcuffed? Am I being detained?


    Detective: It''s just a precaution. No telling what you would do once you were awake. Lucky for you no one decided to press charges.


    Then a nurse came in.


    Nurse: How are you feeling Mr. Heartly?


    Stan: Besides a headache I''m fine. Thank you though.


    Nurse: If you need anything just press the button. As the nurse left the detective walked over and uncuffed Stan.


    Detective: I need to ask you a few questions.


    Stan: My wife has no enemies. No, I don''t have any idea who would target my family. Sure my history with the games could have got me some enemies but who they are I don''t know. Now if you don''t mind I have some grieving to do.


    Detective: I¡¯ll be in touch.


    Stan: You know where to find me.


    When Stan was able to check out of the hospital he went to the only place he had left his gym. When Stan wasn''t making the arrangements for the funeral he spent his time in a drugged out storm of emotions. The day before the funeral Stan heard a knock on the door to his personal gym. Stan hopped up and stumbled over to the door wondering who could be visiting him. In a drugged out confusion Stan opened the door to a man he hadn''t seen since the 7 year war.


    Stan: Darrius?


    Dari¨¹se gets an annoyed look on his face.


    Dari¨¹se: Yes, it¡¯s me DARIUSE.


    Stan blinked his eyes repeatedly to make sure he was seeing this right. Then as Stan reached his hand out to touch him, and make sure the drugs weren''t really getting to him, Dari?se rushed in to hug Stan giving him a big bear hug.


    Dari?se: Great to see you old friend. Umm¡­ sorry it couldn''t be at a better time.


    Stan: What the fuck are you doing here? Wait Better question how did you know where to find me?


    Dari?se: Well I heard about your wife. I am truly sorry for your loss. But it has made big news and well, I came to see you. No one should be alone during a time of loss.


    Stan: Thanks I appreciate it man.


    Dari?se looked around the gym it looked like something had got into a fight with everything and eventually won.


    ¡°I see he is taking it as well as anyone else would.¡± Dari?se thought to himself.


    Stan: So how have you been man? Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Dari?se: Good, not much happens in my village, thankfully.


    They both chuckle nervously and awkwardly. Stan takes them to the small dining area in his gym. Dari?se takes a seat as Stan holds up two shot glasses.


    Stan: Wanna drink?


    Dari?se: Do you even need to ask?


    They both laugh as Stan sits across from Dari?se and pours them shots. They take their shots.


    Stan: ahhh So how''s the farm life?


    Dari?se: I, personally, don''t live on a farm but life is quiet for the most part.


    Stan: Maybe I should have moved to a village?


    Dari?se: I''m sorry my friend, I can''t imagine the pain. But I''m here to help so anything you need you let me know man.


    Stan: Thanks, but I wouldn''t even know where to start.


    Dari?se: Well how about I start by pouring more shots.


    They laugh as Dari?se pours another round of shots.


    Dari?se: So if you don''t mind me asking how did you come across all these luxuries?


    They take their shots.


    Stan: A lot of things I can''t say I''m proud of my friend, and worst of all... my lifestyle is the cause of all this.


    Dari?se could kind of understand it''s hard to see everything you have worked so hard for turn into the thing that brings you the most pain. They drink long into the night as Dari?se tries to lift his friend''s spirits.


    The next day was the funeral. It was raining --more like storming, anyways-- it fit the mood. Stan said that it would be best if he and Dari?se waited till the funeral was over.


    Stan: "Most of her family probably won''t be happy to see me."


    So they waited and watched from a distance. Dari?se could feel there was something off about this day. Stan could too, but he didn''t care -- nothing mattered as far as he was concerned.


    "Let death come and embrace me, fore I have lost all love for life." He thinks to himself as he watches them lower his wife''s casket.


    Dari?se could no longer shake the bad feeling that something was going to happen and decided to take a walk. He places a hand on Stan''s shoulder.


    Dari?se: "I''m gonna leave you alone now so you know.... you can mourn in peace."


    It was true Dari?se did feel Stan needed to be alone to mourn in his way, but he also knew someone was watching and he planned on taking care of them. The crowd had finally left. Stan just stood there in the rain for a moment looking at the head stone.


    Stan: "Hey sweetie..."


    Stan fights back tears as he tries to think of all the things he had planned to say to her.


    Stan: "I''m sorry."


    Tears slowly fall down his face. Finally stan breaks down crying and screaming at the same time.


    Stan: "I''M SORRY. I PROMISE I GAVE IT ALL UP. I SWEAR I DIDN''T DO ANYTHING. I WAS GOOD."


    Stan begins to become hysterical as he cries and screams into the sky. Dari?se fights back tears as he hears his friend cry out in so much pain. That type of pain that comes from a place where hope goes to die. Dari?se can''t let his enemies know that his mind is not here in battle though. He must take out those watching while his friend mourns and he must do so without feeling. "Feelings have no place in war." Six shadowy figures watch Stan from a distance as they plan their perfect ambush.


    Dari?se: "You guys mind if I share some wise words from my village?"


    The men are startled.


    "Where did he come from?" One of them says.


    "Does it matter? He has seen us, we have to kill him" the leader of the group responds. They all get ready to attack.


    Dari?se: "I guess no one wants to hear me out."


    The first jumped high into the air striking downward with all his might. Dari?se moves the upper part of his body no more than an inch allowing his attacker to barely miss. As the sword comes down and the attacker lands, Dari?se rams his shoulder with all his might knocking the man backwards. Before the assassin can catch his footing, Dari?se throws a knife into the man''s throat. All the assassins try attacking this time, Dari?se does a backflip throwing 3 more knives killing 2 more assassins and striking another in the arm.


    Dari?se: "So about those words of wisdom."


    The leader and the uninjured assassin try attacking together, one striking high and one low. Dari?se jumps in between the strikes making his body completely parallel with the ground, striking one assassin with a hidden blade. As Dari?se lands and rolls he pulls out his Nodachi and cuts the leader in two. Dari?se wipes his blade and returns it. He looks over at the injured assassin.


    Dari?se: "Remember he who plots to hurt others often hurts himself."


    The assassin runs away in terror. Dari?se goes to check on Stan. - End of second issue?

 Introduction to Quiet

    The next couple days are slow. Stan shows Dari?se around his training facility. Dari?se especially enjoyed the augmented reality training. Stan spends the days researching everything he can about the G.B.P. while at night Dari?se drink, smoke, catch up on life, and remember the war days. One night Stan wakes up in a cold sweat. He makes his way to the bathroom. As he looks into the mirror something changes, something inside him breaks, and something inside him snaps. He punches the mirror, smashing it.


    Stan sits and thinks to himself ¡°This all has to mean something right? The G.B.P., my wife''s death, Dari?se showing up. It must mean something.¡± Stan balls up his fist.


    ¡°And if it means what I want it to mean there''s only one thing left to do before it starts.¡±


    The next day Stan sits down with Dari?se they have a drink together.


    Stan: Look I''m about to go on a trip, you can stay here if you like I own it so no one will mess with the building.


    Dari?se: Well Where are you going?


    Stan: I have an old friend I need to see.


    Dari?se: Ohhh cool, I get to meet someone from your past. Finally! I can get some dirt on you. Stan laughs.


    Stan: I guess I could use the company. But look, it''s gonna be dangerous.


    Dari?se laughs.


    Dari?se: Would it be an adventure with you if it didn''t involve some type of danger?


    Stan: Then I guess it''s a road trip.


    Dari?se: ROAD TRIP!!! ROAD TRIP!!! ROADTRIP!!! Stan laughs.


    The next day they find themselves out in the middle of what looks like it used to be a beautiful forest. But now it is burned and withered from the fallout of nuclear war.


    Dari?se: I hate to judge, but who would live out here. Everything''s dead and you can''t grow anything good in this soil.


    Stan: It''s cold, destroyed, and no one wants to go out here best of all it''s quiet.


    Dari?se: But all this radiation.


    Stan: Part of the reason he lives out here. Yeah it may be out in the open kinda but who would be dumb or crazy enough to come out here, let alone try and kill someone who lives in this type of environment.


    Dari?se: Point taken, I guess.


    They come upon an old cabin with the roof falling in.


    Dari?se: IS that a bunker? Your nigga lives in a bunker? He was not playing! Stan laughs.


    Stan: Actually it''s a decommissioned missile silo. But no I have never known him to fuck around.


    They walk up to the bunker door. A voice on an intercom speaks up, clearly an angry black woman.


    Angry lady: Who the hell are y''all? And what the fuck do y''all want?


    Dari?se and Stan exchange looks.


    Stan: My name''s Stan and I''m here to speak with the man in charge.


    A buzzer sounds, Stan and Dari?se enter. It''s a small hallway leading to a spiral staircase which leads to the corridor that would have housed a missile. They followed her through a maintenance hallway to where soldiers would have worked and been housed to see beautiful women from all different nations doing everyday activities. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Angry lady: So you see any men here?


    Stan: I''m here to speak to Black.


    All the women pull some type of gun or weapon from somewhere ready to kill. Stan holds his hands up as Dari?se reaches for his Nodachi.


    Stan: Or the black man in charge I see? Stan holds back a small laugh.


    Quiet: No one''s called me that in years.


    Quiet walks from behind a door. He takes one look at them. His first thought is who''s the kid with the big sword. Then he thinks after all this time what could captain ¡°save the world¡± Stan want. Quiet says nothing and leaves the room.


    Stan: Really? And chases after him.


    All the women go back to what they were originally doing. Dari?se finds a nice spot to sit and enjoy the view. When Stan finds Quiet he is sitting staring up through where the missile would shoot out.


    Quiet: So what do you want? Saving the world not work out?


    Stan: Actually, no, it isn''t working out. Actually the world has pissed on me and set my world aflame. Look I''m sorry I left but there was nothing left for me here I needed to see what the world had to offer me. When I found out about everything you had been doing and how the world had fallen apart I quit the marines and I wanted to come back sooner but with the world at war traveling was so hard and with me being AWOL I had to hide from everyone I couldn''t trust anyone. Then, when the world changed, you vanished.


    Quiet tries to think about what Stan went through and feels sympathy for his old friend.


    Quite: So what do you want now? Cause I doubt it was to say sorry.


    Stan chuckles.


    Stan: Actually, it was.


    Quiet: You on some path of enlightenment or some shit?


    They both chuckle.


    Stan: Nah my wife has been murdered and I needed to see an old friend. Stan holds back a tear.


    Quiet: I''m sorry, I had heard word has spread fast, unfortunately. Does this mean you want revenge?


    Stan: I want war.


    Quiet: He who goes seeking revenge should dig two graves?


    Stan: Imma need a fuck ton more than two graves.


    Quiet: I understand your anger. Wanna smoke?


    Stan: It''s all I wanna do -- well that and kill everything I can get my hands on.


    Quiet starts to walk back inside. He chuckles.


    Quiet: Still rightfully angry as always.


    That night the women party but the men sit at a table. They pass around blunts and drink as the women continue to party around them. Finally Dari?se speaks.


    Dari?se: So you want to die?


    Stan: Not before I kill everyone who had anything to do with my wife''s death.


    They sit silently as they finish the blunt. Dari?se was trying to think of something to say. Quiet and Stan enjoying the blunt and the party. Before any of them can continue the conversation a few ladies walk over to try and liven the mood.


    A couple ladies walk over to Quiet, they all whisper things to each other. Quiet gets up.


    Quiet: Duty calls gentlemen.


    As he walks away Stan and Dari¨¹se laugh. Just then some asian women walk over to them.


    Asian women1: Hey there big boy a friend of Quiet¡¯s is a friend of mine.


    Dari¨¹se: I think she is referring to us.


    Stan: (smirking) Actually I think she''s talking to you, ¡°big boy¡±.


    Stan begins to walk away while the women and Dari¨¹se talk. A woman approaches Stan.


    Stan: Sorry, pretty lady, I don''t think I would be very much fun tonight.


    The lady gives Stan a hug which to his surprise makes him feel kinda better. Stan goes, sits, and stares up from where the missile would fire. As he looks into the night sky taking in all the sounds around him he begins to cry silently to himself as he rocks himself to sleep in the cold. Stan dreams of a never ending fire. Dari¨¹se and Quiet enjoy their company till they''re all exhausted.


    BOOM!! The earth shakes and Stan jumps up. WACK!! Something smacks him in the side of the head. As he falls over he throws a sweep kick in the direction of the blow. Stan hears someone hit the ground just as he does. He launches himself in the direction of the sound. He lands on someone and begins to throw punches as he slowly regains some sort of awareness after being smacked in the head. A punch lands square on the jaw and puts the man out.


    Stan finally gains his senses and realizes Quiet''s bunker is being attacked. Sounds of gunfire, screaming, and explosions rush into Stans ears. He lets out a loud roar, picks up a gun the man had on him and rushes into the base. - End of third issue?

 Attack on the Bunker

    Quiet hears an alarm go off. Him and the women jump up and begin grabbing weapons from random places in the room. Quiet begins checking a bunch of screens and pressing buttons. All the rooms inside the bunker start lighting up signalling they are under attack. Dari¨¹se wakes up to two asian women laying on top of him and lights flashing in his face. The girls hop up, grab guns from under the night stands in the room and rush off. Dari¨¹se takes a moment to admire the girl''s readiness before he grabs his overcoat and Nodachi and rushes off. Dari¨¹se gets to the main room of the bunker to see the women all getting stuff ready for an attack.


    Dari¨¹se: What''s going on? One of the women stops what she''s doing and looks at him angrily.


    Angry lady: We let you and your lil buddy in here yesterday and now we are under attack!


    Dari¨¹se gets a sorry look on his face then rushes off to find Stan. Meanwhile Quiet makes it to the spiral staircase and hears a small BOOM! sound from the top. He turns to the women following him.


    Quiet: When you hear them nearing the bottom of the stairs blow it up.


    One of the women nodded her head. Quiet rushes back towards the main bunker while the women get into position to ambush the incoming attackers. Dari¨¹se races down the maintenance passage passing Quiet, who was racing back towards the main area. They exchange a look. Just then BOOM!! Reverberates below them then a loud CRASH!!.


    ¡°The staircase¡± Quiet thinks to himself and rushes off. Dari¨¹se pulls out his Nodachi and races towards the sound. Bullets fly in every direction as Dari¨¹se races through the chaos.


    SLASH!!


    Dari¨¹se cuts two people in half that are shooting into the dark. A bullet flies right past his head as he goes to jump over some rubble. He changes into a front flip and throws a knife in the direction of the shot. A man groans and falls over dead. Dari¨¹se continues to race through bullets looking for Stan. BOOM!! The earth shook underneath them. Dari¨¹se makes his way to the control room just outside in the launch area he can see Stan down below punching some guys'' lights out. Dari¨¹se looks up. They blew a hole in the launch doors and forced them open. Dari¨¹se can see men rappelling down. He grabs one of the ropes, swings out through the viewing window and begins cutting as many ropes as he can. Hopefully a fall from this height will either kill or seriously hurt them, at the very least it will slow them down. Dari¨¹se hears a loud roar like it came from a creature. He looks down in time to see Stan rushing off. One of the guys tries to jump on Dari¨¹se''s back but as the guy falls towards him he lets go of the rope and wraps it around his legs and hangs as the guy slides right off of him and falls to the ground below. Dari¨¹se grabs the rope and pulls out his Nodachi with his other hand while righting himself. He then starts to run along the wall gaining some momentum. The attackers begin firing down at Dari¨¹se. He flicks his Nodachi deflexing some of the bullets. Once he has hit speed he puts his Nodachi up and jumps off the wall yanking himself upward on the rope and launching himself in the air. As he is flying through the air he throws some knives striking 2 attackers in the hand causing them to drop their weapons, another hitting a guy in the eye killing him, and the last one hitting a guy in the hip causing him to fall to the ground below. Dari¨¹se gets just high enough to grab the attacker with the knife in his eye. He grabs the guys side arm and shoots the 2 guys pulling knives out of their hands. More paratroopers. Dari¨¹se decides it''s time to retreat and find Stan again. Stan crashes shoulder first into a bunker door swinging it open behind some guys he opens fire on them immediately. Good thing only women live in this bunker he thinks to himself. Shoot anything with a dick. A big guy rushes Stan from around a corner slamming them into a wall. Stan headbutts the guy grabs his side arm and shoots him once in the foot then another in the head. Stan spits on him and walks away. Meanwhile Quiet and his women are making a last stand. Bullets are flying in every direction. An explosion goes off sending some girls flying. Quiet begins yelling and firing more rounds. It just seems like the more we put down the more keep showing up Quiet thinks to himself.


    Quiet: there''s just too many of them we are gonna have to abandon the bunker. Activate the alarm and then blow everything.


    Quiet rushes off as the girls get everything ready. He makes his way to the hallway leading up to the basement of the cabin above. Just as he reaches the door he hears men on the other side. He places a grenade on the ground then takes off. BOOM!! The door blows open killing 2 guys infront of the door and knocking over 3 others standing behind. Quiet walks through the doorway and guns down everyone. The cabin has suffered a lot of damage over the years but enough of it still stood to hide Quiet. As he looked out into the open he could see this wasn''t an attack this was an extermination. Cars lined the nearly mile long driveway to the main road, and the men seemed to continue to pour out of vehicles. Quiet takes a moment to think then rushes off. Stan comes up on Dari¨¹se just outside the control room.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Stan: We gotta get outta here. I know Quiet has to have escape routes hidden all over this place.


    Dari¨¹se nods his head in agreement. They come upon a hidden hallway that leads to a cellar door. The cellar door leads outside just behind an airplane hangar. As Stan and Dari¨¹se come running around the front they see Quiet sprinting inside the hangar. BOOM!! BOOM!! BOOM!! Cars began exploding one by one. Stan and Dari¨¹se head inside the hangar. Quiet and another woman are preparing a 1988 Dassault Falcon 50 for flight. The lady reluctantly lets Stan and Dari¨¹se on board.


    Stan: What about all the other women?


    Quiet: We created a bunch of chaos to draw attention away from some of the escape routes. Hopefully most em make it out.


    Still tryna save every fucking body Quiet thinks to himself. The plane burst through the hangar doors, as men began pouring in, knocking people and some cars back. Men rain down bullets on the plane. They barely make it off the ground with all the damage they suffered. They all ride in silence for a while.


    Dari¨¹se: So what now?


    Stan: Someone wants me erased. The G.B.P are the only people with that kinda man power and fire power. We are gonna need somewhere to hide out while we come up with a plan.


    Quiet: I know a place.


    Quiet and the lady look at each other for a moment. Quiet knows it''s the only way. Can''t run from your problems forever.


    Dari¨¹se: Ok,...... So where we going?


    Stan: Doesn''t matter we can''t fly forever.


    There''s a long pause, then Quiet speaks.


    Quiet: We land in Chicago its split between the G.B.P and the freelands. A lot of stuff runs through there including supply¡¯s that we¡¯re gonna need.


    Stan: Good I got something there I need.


    Roughly two hours later they land in Chicago. Quiet and the woman share a moment before he and the others take off.


    Quiet: You need to find out what happened to the others.


    The woman nods her head in agreement and prepares the plane for take off. Stan, Dari¨¹se, and Quiet begin walking through the crumbled remains of Chicago¡¯s downtown area. Stan never thought that he would see the day when modern day skyscrapers would become little more than ruins to a time before the world exploded into flames. As Stan walks through the city he lets his mind wander back to when he was younger and the city was filled with life and adventure around every corner. The three of them walk for about an hour or so before Stan stops them in a patch of grass just off the street they were walking down. Darri?s and Quiet both look around and notice a street sign that reads S. Exchange Ave. They didn¡¯t know this but Chicago was the first place Stan ever called home and meant it. As much as Stan loved traveling and exploring the world, having a place to call home was always nice. Stan pushes over a metal pole. It hits the ground, not making a sound at all. A weapons rack rises out of the ground. Stan grabs his back up suit and goes behind some rubble to suit up. Stan takes a moment to admire the way he looks in the suit. ¡°Man it feels good to be back in a suit.¡± He thinks to himself. ¡°Though I¡¯m not happy with the reason why.¡± He clenches his fist as hard as he can. When Stan returns he grabs an assault rifle off the rack and then grabs two pistols and places them in holsters.


    Dari¨¹se: So do we get guns too.


    Stan: Of course.


    He grabs a semi-automatic shotgun off the rack and throws it over to Quiet. Then Stan grabs a small pistol and throws it to Dari¨¹se.


    Stan: There we all set.


    Dari¨¹se looks at Quiet then back at the pistol.


    Dari¨¹se: Really?


    Stan just starts walking in the direction of lights. - End of fourth issue?

 Pops

    They finally make it to The Line after walking for another hour or so. The Line is just a nickname for the giant wall that separates the freelands from the new America the G.B.P. built on the other side. See during the seven year war all hell broke loose and nukes were launched at some countries most important government buildings and landmarks. Leaving most of the east coast in ruins. Once the G.B.P. was established they just absorbed what was left of the world''s governments and made it all one. The crazy part though is how accurate movies get the aftermath of an apocalypse. As the three of them walk they just take in the scene. Torn tents, scavengers, traders, wandering children, merchants, looters, and G.B.P ¡°Peace Agents¡±. That¡¯s just life on this side Quiet thinks to himself. As the three of them come around some buildings to an open space that looks like it used to be a park at some point. Quiet breaks into a sprint. Just off in front of them Dari¨¹se and Stan can see some Peace Agents harassing an old man who seemed to be trying to protect something under him. Quiet slams into one of the agents tackling him to ground, and raining down punches on him as they land. Dari¨¹se and Stan quickly sprint after. Dari¨¹se takes out his Nodachi and runs it through one of the agents as Stan grabs the other into a rear naked choke and chokes him unconscious. After beating the agents face in till it was all bloody Quiet stands up.


    Quiet: You aight Pops?


    The old man stands up to reveal what he had been laying over. It was an old wooden box.


    Pops: Awww (chuckling) that wasn¡¯t no thang just some hooligans tryna get frisky wit me I appreciate y¡¯all though. ¡­.. Wait Quiet is that you boy?


    Quiet: Yeah it¡¯s me Pops.


    Pops: Well now I ain¡¯t seen you in some years, where you been at?


    Quiet: Hiding from the world. What bout you Pops?


    Pops: (Shaking his head solemnly) I know how that go, But you know how I be youngin.


    Quiet: (Smiling to himself) Yeah, still playing chess I see.


    Pops: Gotta school these kids somehow getting too old for whoopin ''on people.


    Quiet: You def are Pops. Hey you wouldn¡¯t happen to know or have a place we could stock up for a trip would you


    Pops: (chuckling) Ain''t been back in the light a day and already looking for trouble, but yeah you know how I be, hey when we get there y¡¯all tryna get schooled in some chess.


    They all three shake their heads in agreement. Pops leads them about a mile away to an alley. They come to the back of a crumbled building. Pops uses a key on the backdoor and opens up to a decent sized room hidden by a caved in wall on one side. Pops walks in and begins emptying the box on a table. He sets the box down and they see a chess board on the bottom. Pops sets up for a game with the pieces he took out the box.


    Pops: Now I ain''t got much but you¡¯re more than welcome to what I got.


    Stan: We will replace whatever we take. We just kinda crash landed and needed some quick help.


    Pops: Ain''t no thang as much as that boy has done. The least I could do is help him out every once in a while even if he don¡¯t accept my help sometimes. (He chuckles).


    Dari¨¹se is the first to play against Pops as Stan and Quiet watch and eat. They go back and forth for a second, but Pops beats him non the less.


    Pops: You¡¯re good kid but I done seen it all.


    He laughs.


    Pops: So who¡¯s next?


    Stan decides to go next. Unfortunately he doesn¡¯t fare better than Dari¨¹se and loses all the same. Quiet standing in the doorway looking up thinks to himself. This isn¡¯t good, surely word of those Peace Agents getting killed would have spread by now, and they¡¯ll be looking for who did it.


    Quiet: We should go.


    Pops: Why so sudden?


    Dari¨¹se: Yeah I just started eating.


    Stan looks at Quiet and see¡¯s the concern on his face and understands.


    Stan: He¡¯s right we stayed longer then we needed.


    Stan looks to Pops.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Stan: I promise we¡¯ll come back, we owe you some food and a rematch.


    As the three of them leave they spot a group of Peace Agents conversing with someone that points in their direction.


    Stan: That¡¯s not good.


    Quiet: Yeah, but if we leave now then maybe Pops will be left alone.


    Dari¨¹se: Can we take the chance though?


    Quiet: I guess not.


    Stan: Maybe he will know somewhere he can go, but he can¡¯t stay here.


    They go back inside to talk with Pops.


    Pops: Now I ain¡¯t worried bout no bullies. This my home I found all this brought it here built this and ain''t nobody forcing me out.


    Just then shots start flying through the walls. They all jump to the floor covering their heads.


    Stan: I¡¯ll provide cover fire and draw their attention, you guys flank.


    Dari¨¹se and Quiet roll over to the door and get ready. Stan jumps up and starts firing the assault rifle through the wall. A bullet hits Stan¡¯s shoulder; he shakes off the pain and keeps shooting. Dari¨¹se kicks the door open while laying on the floor while Quiet shoots with the shotgun through the doorway. There are about five Peace Agents standing about ten feet away in a line. Quiet hits two agents standing closest to the door. Poom, Poom. The three others turn and begin shooting at the doorway. Quiet jumps to the floor. Stan runs up to the wall, sticks the barrel of the rifle through the wall and begins firing in the direction of the shots. He catches one in the arm, the other two run for cover. Quiet sprints after the injured agent and shoots him. Poom. The two other agents move to shoot Quiet just as Dari¨¹se shoots them from the doorway.


    Dari¨¹se: See told you we all needed guns.


    Stan: Good thing you have the pistol or Quiet would be missing some parts.


    Dari¨¹se: (Grumbling) I¡¯m a good shot.


    Pops comes walking out with a bag. He takes one last long look.


    Pops: I guess it¡¯s time for this old man to hit the road.


    Stan: We need to find our way around. Care to show us the way.


    Pops: I don¡¯t wanna be a burden.


    Quiet: Pops you know no one knows this city better than you.


    Pops: Yeah you know how I be. Well come on now we got a ways to go.


    They begin to walk.


    Dari¨¹se: So where we headed?


    Pops: I know a little community that lives close to one of them games. I like to go there and teach the kids chess.


    They walk for what seems like forever, until they come across a community of crumbled buildings and tents. Some people and kids rush over to Pops.


    Man1: We heard what happened, glad you are ok?


    Kid1: Yeah Pops what happened?


    Pops: Aww you know how I be. Just getting into mischief and making enemies nothing old Pops couldn¡¯t handle.


    Dari¨¹se: Yeah cause he handled it. How''s your shoulder Stan?


    Stan rotates his shoulder.


    Stan: It¡¯s fine I made all my suits special to hold up against a lot. It''s gonna take more than one bullet.


    Pops ends up taking them to a place in the community they use to house travelers passing through.


    Pops: They should take care y¡¯all here.


    Quiet: Thanks Pops appreciate ya man.


    Pops: You know how I be boy anytime.


    After saying goodbye to Pops the three of them search for something to eat and drink before turning in for the day. At an eatery surrounded by people sitting and eating they overhear a conversation.


    Man1: Aren¡¯t you excited for tomorrow? I hear if someone beats the champ they get a ticket to cross the line.


    Woman1: Urgh I don¡¯t know why you get so excited for the games they are nothing but trouble for people like us.


    Man1: Awww come on it¡¯s great entertainment plus it¡¯s how they keep the peace everywhere you know that. They bring people together through the violence that nearly destroyed us.


    Woman1: Bullshit it¡¯s just another way the G.B.P. distracts us. What happened to that better life we were all promised.


    Man1: Well, we got no more wars just like they said and for now that¡¯s good enough for me I guess.


    Dari¨¹se looks to Stan.


    Dari¨¹se: A ticket across the line could come in handy.


    Stan: The games would be a great place to probe for info, maybe find a lead on who¡¯s gunning for me.


    Quiet: I love crashing events.


    After eating they all turn in for the day. In Stans dream he walks up to his house and opens the door. To his horror the house erupts into flames and he see¡¯s images of his wife holding her pregnant belly looking lovingly at the doorway. Stan runs towards her calling out but she doesn¡¯t hear him nor does he ever get closer to her. He wakes up in a cold sweat. I will kill every single last one of them if it¡¯s the last thing I ever do. Everyone will pay. He thinks to himself. Stan goes outside and spends the rest of the night shadowboxing, imagining every person he¡¯s gonna kill. -- end of fifth issue?

 The Race

    The next day, they make their way to a crowd of people standing by a fence about 15 feet tall. Monitors rest atop the fence, on them they can hear a man yelling something.


    Monitor Guy: Step right up to the monitor folks. Who¡¯s gonna do it? Our boy here has never been beat, 6 years and counting. For a ticket across the line and possibly the big time.


    Stan: Well you gonna claim your golden ticket or you gonna keep us in suspense?


    Dari¨¹se: What? Me. Why?


    Quiet: Well the ticket was your idea.


    Dari¨¹se: I guess that''s fair.


    Dari¨¹se makes his way to the front of the crowd.


    Dari¨¹se: I volunteer as tribute!


    As Dari¨¹se makes his way through a doorway in the fence the champ takes a look at him. He¡¯s just as tall as me but his arms seem a little short. Lucky for me I have an above average arm span. Maybe he¡¯ll trip up on the climb. The champ thinks to himself. He smiles and takes one last look at the crowd and waves. The crowd goes crazy as they get set to start. A man in a black and white striped shirt walks out in front of them.


    Referee: Alright here we go. Champ I know you know what''s going on so just be patient. New guy listen basically it¡¯s a race to the finish line first one to cross wins. Just like with all the games your life''s on the line and there are no rules. Race to the finish and may the luckiest man win.


    The Champ gets into a sprinter stance. The referee pulls out a starting gun and fires. The Champ takes off throwing dirt up in Dari¨¹se¡¯s face.


    Monitor guy: And he¡¯s off folks. And from the looks of our speed cam. The champ took off at a speed of 30 mph.


    Dari¨¹se quickly shakes the dirt out of his eyes and takes off.


    Monitor guy: And the race is started with our competitor starting at an amazing 35 mph!! HOLY SHIT FOLKS THIS KIDS FAST!!


    The Champ looks back. ¡°Shit must have been a sprinter before. No matter.¡± The Champ thinks to himself. ¡° There are enough turns, flips and climbs to trip up any sprinter.¡± As they pass the first block on the mile long race Dari¨¹se catches up to and passes the Champ, who seems unbothered. In fact he slows down a bit. BOOM!!!! The buildings around them start to fall. The Champ stands just far enough away to miss the falling rubble and finds a path to begin climbing through. ¡°Guess this is the end for him.¡± Champ thinks. Dari¨¹se see¡¯s a path through the rubble. He jumps to a piece just above his head and uses it to jump off of. He flips barely missing another falling piece while in the air. The building tumbles to the ground and Dari¨¹se lands on top just as the Champ makes his way up. The crowd goes wild.


    The Champ: So you got some moves. PPssh this race is gonna test everything you got trust me and I¡¯ve never lost.


    Dari¨¹se rolls his eyes and takes off running. The Champ takes off after him jumping in one of the windows in the crumbled building. The Champ flips over rubble, furniture, and bust through a door on to the road. Meanwhile Dari¨¹se runs along the top of the building. When he gets to the edge he jumps down the 20 foot drop, and rolls when he lands taking off as he regains himself.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Spectator1: This is crazy we might actually get a new champion!


    Spectator2: It¡¯s been 6 years bro. And with no rules anything can happen. I wouldn¡¯t count The Champ out.


    The next two blocks Dari¨¹se stays at a good pace in front of The Champ. Man this guy is really tryna catch up, he thinks to himself. Dari¨¹se begins to smell gas coming from somewhere. He looks behind him to catch The Champ climbing a nearby building. The Champ looks down.


    The Champ: Ha Ha Ha!!! Prepare to fry lowly challenger!! They call me The Champ for a reason!!


    The Champ takes off across the top of the buildings. Dari¨¹se looks over just in time to see a fire hydrant spitting out fire. Everything around Dari¨¹se erupts into flames. Damn they release gas from the pipes under the city and then use fire hydrants to ignite the gas. Fucking sick. Dari¨¹se thinks to himself. He calms himself, puts on the hood from his cloak and wraps himself up with the cloak. Dari¨¹se takes off at full sprint blowing flames away around him, then he dives to the ground and begins to roll as fast as he can down the block. The crowd stops in confusion, even The Champ looks down in amazement. What!? No, No, he should be dead or at least badly burned. Those flames are so intense, I¡¯ve seen them melt sign posts. The Champ thinks. Dari¨¹se rolls for two blocks to escape the flames. When he gets up and dust himself off everyone stares intently. Dari¨¹se pulls back his hood and everyone can see he¡¯s just fine. The crowd erupts in cheers and applause.


    Random Spectator: This guy is incredible!


    Random Spectator2: Yeah I think we might finally see The Champ lose!


    The Champ is visibly angry now. He climbs down to the street to continue the race. As they near the last two blocks of the race there is a sharp turn in the road towards the finish line. As Dari¨¹se is turning the corner The Champ uses his shoes as a bola and throws them at Dari¨¹se. They catch Dari¨¹se. He does a front flip and uses one of his hidden daggers to cut the laces. Dari¨¹se lands and The Champ tackles him. Slamming them into a wrecked car on the side of the road. The Champ begins raining blows. Dari¨¹se puts his hands up and blocks the blows.


    The Champ: I WILL NOT LOSE!!! I CAN NOT LOSE!!! SO THEN YOU MUST DIE!!!


    Dari¨¹se grabs The Champ around the waist lifts up, and slams him onto the ground knocking the wind out of him.


    Dari¨¹se: The hell is your problem man it¡¯s just a race.


    The Champ gets to his feet catching his breath.


    The Champ: Look at you, I can¡¯t lose to you. I was made for this race. Runner¡¯s legs and climbers arms with a little height to top it off. I was always destined to win this race and for six long years I have stayed on top on the other side of the line AND I WILL DIE BEFORE I LOSE ALL THAT TO YOU!!!


    The Champ launches himself at Dari¨¹se. They ram their shoulders together. The Champ throws a jab and cross. Dari¨¹se easily dodges, and hits him in the body knocking the wind out of him, sending him to his knees. Dari¨¹se laughs.


    Dari¨¹se: I don¡¯t understand why you look down on me, but this race doesn¡¯t have to cost you your life.


    The Champ: If I lose this race I might as well be dead.


    Dari¨¹se laughs again.


    Dari¨¹se: Dawg this whole I¡¯m superior in every way so I can¡¯t lose attitude, is why you are gonna lose. Someone¡¯s better than you so what, it happens, but if you look down on others and don¡¯t take challenges seriously you will never be your best. Now we can keep fighting or you can accept that you lost.


    The Champ looks at Dari¨¹se with tears in his eyes.


    The Champ: Ok I have lost.


    Dari¨¹se turns away from The Champ to walk away. The Champ lunges at him as he goes to walk away.


    Dari¨¹se: Wrong choice.


    Dari¨¹se quickly turns and hits The Champ in the temple with a solid punch knocking him out cold. Dari¨¹se shakes his head and walks towards the finish line. -- End of the sixth issue???

 Transportation

    Dari¨¹se crosses the finish line and meets up with the guy who was on the monitor.


    Monitor guy: THAT WAS A HELLUVA RACE!!!


    The crowd is cheering so loud it¡¯s hard to hear the guy from the monitor even with him yelling.


    Monitor guy: HERE IS YOUR PASS TO THE OTHER SIDE IT LAST FOR ONE YEAR. I HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN NOW!!!


    The guy says it with an evil smirk. Dari¨¹se takes the pass. They are a kinda sick reminder of the pre war days. They look like a credit card in every way. Serial number¡¯s, expiration dates, barcodes that swipe on the back. No silly pictures, pop culture references, or bank logos though. Just a dumb, shitty reminder that there¡¯s them and than everyone else. And maybe with this shitty card you too can become one of them. Dari¨¹se catches up to Stan and Quiet at the eatery they stopped at the day before.


    Stan: So how was it?


    Dari¨¹se: Ah¡­ nothing big just some nigga tried to kill me. Oh this building almost fell on me and these fucking fire hydrants shot fire out at me. Crazy really, but you know I won so no big thing.


    Dari¨¹se tries not to look proud of himself as he talks. Stan laughs.


    Stan: Well good for you. I think we are all set to take off then.


    Dari¨¹se: Wait, Where? What did you find out while I was racing?


    Stan: Nothing.


    Dari¨¹se: Ok¡­ So what am I missing here?


    Stan: I was sent a Victim to hunt a couple weeks ago. She¡¯s gotta have something to do with this. Plus it¡¯s all I have. I was sent a Victim. I turned it down and now my wife¡¯s dead.


    Dari¨¹se: Just wanted to know the plan going forward is all. You know I¡¯m here for you¡­ ¡­.. Wait so why did I just run that race?


    Stan: Well you wanted a ticket to the other side right?


    Dari¨¹se: I said it could come in HAN-DY.


    Stan: Well now you will know if it does?


    Quiet and Stan both laugh.


    Dari¨¹se: oh ha ha ha ha jokes on me? That¡¯s kool.


    Quiet: I think you hurt his feelings.


    Dari¨¹se grumbles to himself.


    Dari¨¹se: What would give you that thought?  So where we going?


    Stan still laughing answers.


    Stan: A penthouse in California. When I was researching The Victim I found some rumors saying he might be hiding out in a penthouse in California somewhere.


    Dari¨¹se: Ok but which one? And Where? Cali kinda you know big.


    Stan: San Francisco. Best I got.


    Dari¨¹se: How do we get there? We don¡¯t have the plane.


    Quiet: We would have needed more fuel before we made it there anyways.


    Stan: Maybe we can take a train. Chicago used to be known for its trains. Gotta be one they use for people wanting to cross The Line.


    A group of girls walk over to the three of them.


    Girl1: Excuse me but you are the one that just won the race right.


    Dari¨¹se looks back at Stan and Quiet and grins. He looks back at the girls.


    Dari¨¹se: WHY yes it is me. Pretty crazy race hu girls.


    All the girls snicker shyly. Stan rolls his eyes.


    Girl2: Yeah that roll trick was pretty kool. Can¡¯t lie we all thought you were gonna burn alive.


    Girl3: Yeah for sure, but then you were ok.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Girl4: I have never seen anyone run faster then The Champ.


    Dari¨¹se: Well you see it¡¯s all in¡­


    Stan cuts in.


    Stan: I hate to break up this beautiful connection between you guys but we kinda have places to be. You guys wouldn¡¯t happen to know where the nearest train station is would you?


    Girl2: Yeah but it¡¯s kinda far.


    Stan: We kinda aren¡¯t in the position to be picky.


    Girl1: Well it¡¯s about eight miles northwest of here.


    Stan: Thanks ladies. Nice clothes.


    All four girls together: Thanks!!


    Dari¨¹se: You ladies take care.


    It takes them about an hour to find the train station. When they enter they see about a dozen G.B.P. Peace Agents guarding the place. A voice comes over the intercom.


    Intercom Voice: All those seeking passage across The Line need to report to the ticket area, and then proceed to board the train. Train will be leaving in 5 minutes.


    They walk over to the ticket area and swipe their cards. Stan and Dari¨¹se buzz in just fine. Quiet¡¯s card gets rejected.


    Quiet: Fuck.


    A Peace Agent walks over.


    Peace Agent: We¡¯re gonna need to see some identification buddy. Your cards not working.


    Quiet doesn¡¯t respond as the agent draws closer.


    Peace Agent: You hear me talking to you. Identify yourself. And take that hood off.


    Quiet slowly pulls his hood back revealing his face. The Peace Agent quickly grabs his gun and points it at Quiet.


    Peace Agent: IT¡¯S HIM!!! IT¡¯S THE FREEDOM FIGHTER!!!!


    Quiet punches the agent in the head knocking him out cold. He then jumps over the ticket barrier and the three of them take off. The Peace Agents race over and begin shooting after the three of them.


    Stan: We just gotta make it on the train and then we¡¯re good.


    They are able to catch up to the train and hop on.


    Stan: Well now we won¡¯t be able to take the train the whole way. We¡¯ll need to get off soon to avoid the Peace Agents.


    Quiet: Yeah cause I planned for that to happen.


    Stan: I¡¯m just saying our best bet is to get off soon.


    They get off the train somewhere in Arizona.


    Dari¨¹se: Alright, how do you suggest we get to San Francisco from here?


    Stan: I¡¯m thinking.


    Quiet: I mean we could always just steal a car.


    Dari¨¹se: Works for me.


    Stan: Whoa, hold up this aint the Freelands we can¡¯t just go stealing cars. There are laws and rules over here.


    Quiet: Oh my bad, I didn¡¯t realize I was supposed to give a fuck about the G.B.P, and all their ¡°Laws¡±.


    Dari¨¹se: I mean as far as we know they killed your wife and are now trying to kill us. So that¡¯s fair, why should we care?


    Stan: Let¡¯s at least steal a G.B.P vehicle then.


    Quiet: Whatever floats your boat buddy.


    They walk until they come across G.B.P. Peace Agent station.


    Stan: Ok so we sneak into the garage hotwire one their vehicles and be on our way right?


    Quiet: I guess.


    Dari¨¹se: Sounds like a plan.


    They sneak around the back and find a car sitting by itself. Stan picks the lock and they all hop in. As Stan is trying to hotwire the car he accidentally sets off the alarm on the car.


    Quiet: Nice.


    Dari¨¹se: Yeah no one heard that at all.


    Stan : Ok everyone fuck off for a sec I got this.


    Just then a bunch of Peace Agents come running out the back of the station.


    Dari¨¹se: I hope so cause we need to go and quick.


    Shots start ringing out over head. They all duck as Stan finally gets the car going and pulls off.


    Dari¨¹se: That was close.


    Two G.B.P. vehicles pull up beside them as they drive.


    Quiet: We ain¡¯t done yet.


    Stan: Fuck.


    Stan slams on the brakes as the two cars go to slam into them. The two cars smack each other and bounce off. Stan does a 180 turn and goes the other way. The two cars turn and chase them. Peace Agents lean out the cars and begin shooting.


    Stan: Just shoot back whenever guys.


    Dari¨¹se: You gave me a tiny pistol.


    Quiet: And me a shotgun.


    Stan pulls out his two pistols one by one and hands them over.


    Stan: Now shoot please.


    One of the vehicles pulls up next to them. Quiet shoots the tire but it has no effect. Quiet looks and sees four people in the car and the person behind the driver is shooting. Right as the agent goes to shoot, Quiet shoots him in the shoulder causing him to shoot the driver in the head. The swivers and smacks into the car Stan is driving. Stan hits the breaks. The G.B.P. vehicle hits a pole. The other vehicle smacks into the back of Stan. As they go to ram the car again Dari¨¹se shoots the driver in the head. Quiet gets out and rolls a grenade under the car blowing it up.


    Quiet: I knew that last one would come in handy.


    They drive off and head towards San Francisco. -- end of the Seventh issue???

 First Impressions

    When they reach San Francisco, they stop off in a parking garage near the beach. They ditch the car and head towards the street.


    Dari¨¹se: So what¡¯s the plan to get him to talk?


    Stan: Prove I¡¯m scarier than whatever he¡¯s hiding from.


    They make it to a Hotel on the beach.


    Dari¨¹se: So this the place?


    Stan: Well my best guess anyways. When I was doing my research there were a lot of pictures of them vacationing, and this seems like the best guess for someone like our man mister Landburk.


    When they enter Stan walks straight up to the front desk.


    Stan: Hey, I¡¯m a Hunter, and I¡¯m looking for a mister Landburk for a little sponsorship for my next hunt.


    Front Desk Person: I can check to see if he is staying at this hotel, but I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s all I can do.


    Stan: That¡¯s just as helpful.


    The person does some typing.


    Front Desk Person: Looks like there is someone staying here with that last name, but they are on a do not disturb order.


    Stan: Thanks, guess I¡¯ll have to try some other time.


    Stan walks over to where Dari¨¹se and Quiet are.


    Stan: He¡¯s here so I¡¯m gonna make my way up to him. If I¡¯m not back down in 20 to 30 minutes. Then I guess start raising some hell.


    Stan looks at them, and then turns and walks towards the elevator. When he enters he sees that you need a special key to get to the top floor. So he decides to stop a floor down from the top. When he reaches his stop he looks around. ¡° Gotta be way up.¡± He thinks to himself. He then just barely see¡¯s a cleaning lady going into a maintenance hallway. ¡° Bingo.¡± He thinks. The door¡¯s locked but there are some vents that go through. ¡° Maybe I can squeeze through to the other side.¡± Stan thinks to himself. As he is trying to squeeze through someone grabs him, and pulls him back. Stan turns to see five guys in black suits.


    Bodyguard 1: HA HA HA. Mister Landburk has bodyguards everywhere. You¡¯re fucked.


    They all laugh.


    Bodyguard 2: Yeah we just so happen to see you on the camera coming up the elevator so we decided to be your welcoming party.


    Stan: How do you know I¡¯m here for him?


    The biggest one steps forward.


    Bodyguard 5: Who the fuck else would you be here for smart ass?


    Stan: Ok fair point.


    Four of the bodyguards rush Stan. With the biggest waiting. Stan goes to step back and realizes he is standing in front of a wall. ¡°Shit.¡± He thinks. As they close in Stan pushes himself off the wall with his foot and runs straight into one of bodyguards headbutting and tackling him down. Stan rains down some blows knocking him out. One of the bodyguards runs up and goes for a kick while Stan is still on top of the guy. Stan catches the kick and brings down an elbow on the knee breaking the leg. Stan stands up. The other two bodyguards rush at Stan together. One goes for a takedown, while the other goes for a flying kick. Stan sprawls landing on top of the guy going for the takedown and barely missing the flying kick. Stan grabs the guy into a front headlock choke and breaks his neck. The other bodyguard rushes in on Stan. He goes for a high kick. Stan steps out the way. He goes for a spinning back kick and Stan ducks under. The bodyguard goes for a kick to the body. Stan catches the kick, brings an elbow down breaking the leg and punches him, knocking him out. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    The big Bodyguard takes off his jacket and steps forward. They size each other up and square off. The bodyguard throws a haymaker to Stan''s face. He blocks, but it still hits hard. The bodyguard rushes Stan picking him up and slamming him into the ground. He tries to rain down heavy blows, but Stan makes most of them miss and hit the ground. Stan catches one of the arms and tries for a triangle choke. The bodyguard lifts Stan off the ground and over his head. As the bodyguard goes to slam Stan. Stan let¡¯s go and uses the big guy¡¯s momentum to flip him to the ground. The bodyguard gets up angry and rushes at Stan tackling him to the ground. As they go down Stan catches the bodyguard in a guillotine choke squeezing as tight as he can. The bodyguard struggles for a little trying to get free but eventually goes out. Stan checks all the bodyguards and finds a key.


    Stan: AH Ha I knew one of you would have one.


    Stan goes back to the elevator and uses the key to get to the top floor. When the elevator opens Stan see¡¯s about twenty bodyguards all waiting for him. Some have bats and clubs other¡¯s looking around for something to grab. Stan steps out of the elevator. Three bodyguards rush at Stan. He sidesteps the first one and kicks him in the body knocking the wind out of him. Stan then punches him in the head knocking him out. The second guy swings for Stan¡¯s legs. He just jumps over his swing and kicks the guy in the head knocking him out. The third bodyguard swings for his body. Stan catches the bat and punches the guy in the nose breaking it. He next grabs him and throws him at the other bodyguards that were waiting for a chance to attack. Two bodyguards attack Stan from behind. He steps back and elbows them in their stomach¡¯s. He suddenly grabs the bats and breaks them over his shoulders. ¡°SNAP!!¡± Stan grabs the two bodyguards face¡¯s and slams them both into the ground. ¡°Five down fifthteen to go.¡± Stan thinks. A bodyguard rushes at Stan with an overhead strike with a bat. Grabs the guy and throws him over his shoulders slamming him into a wall. ¡°Six.¡± Two bodyguards swing bats at Stan¡¯s head. He puts his hands up to block. The bats break when they hit Stan¡¯s arms. ¡°CRACK!!¡± The bodyguards look shocked and scared. Stan, composed, uppercuts one of the bodyguards in the stomach knocking the wind out of him. Then he punches the bodyguard in the head knocking him out. Next Stan does a spinning back fist to the other bodyguards throat, gagging him for a second. Stan then starts kneeing him until he falls to the ground.


    A bodyguard slams an in table on Stan¡¯s back. Stan looks back and does a jumping back kick. He turns and follows it up with a jab, cross, high kick, putting the guy down. Another bodyguard goes to kick Stan in the body, but Stan blocks it. The bodyguard follows it up with two wild punches. Stan dodges the first one, and catches the second one with his arm. Next Stan punches the guy in the body, and then in the head knocking him out. Stan looks up.


    Stan: OOOOOOO only half of you left.


    The remaining bodyguards look nervous. Two of the bodyguards rush at Stan. Stan ducks under the first guy and kicks the second guy in the balls. He then turns and hits the first guy with a heavy punch breaking his jaw. He turns back to the second guy and finishes him off with an axe kick to head.


    Stan: Eight left boys. What¡¯s it gonna be?


    Stan goes on the offence and rushes the bodyguards. He hits one of the guards in the head with a flying kick before the bodyguards have a chance to process what¡¯s going on. The seven remaining bodyguards swarm Stan hitting him table legs, bats and clubs. Stan puts his hands up to block all the incoming blows. The bodyguards swing so violently that they break their weapons hitting Stan. They look on in terror as Stan lowers his hands and begins to laugh seemingly unfazed by anything.


    Stan: HA HA HA HA HA!!!! I haven¡¯t had people this scared of me in a long time.


    Suddenly he grabs two of the bodyguards and slams their heads together. Breaking their noses and knocking them out cold. Before the other guards can get their bearings Stan grabs another guard and starts slamming their head against the wall till they¡¯re  unconscious. Stan walks slowly towards the last four guards. The four guards get themselves ready for a last attack. They attack in combination with each other throwing punches and kicks at Stan. Stan blocks and dodges the first wave of punches and kicks. When the second wave of punches and kicks begin Stans ready. He catches the first guard''s kick to his chest. Stan punches the guard then picks him up, and throws him at the second guard about to attack. The two guards fall to the ground. Stan turns and counter punches the third guard who was tryna attack him from the side. The last guard doesn¡¯t attack.


    Stan: Have you seen enough?


    The guard shakes his head yes and runs off. Stan walks up to the penthouse door and kicks it in.


    Stan: Nathan I know you¡¯re in here? And we can do this the easy way or the hard way.


    --End of the eighth issue????

 Answers?

    Nathan comes from around a corner pointing a pistol at Stan. Stan puts his hands up.


    Stan: Hey look i just wanna know where your wife went?


    Nathan: She¡¯s not my wife anymore, and you''re that famous Hunter that was supposed to kill her. Why should I trust you?


    Stan puts his hands down and grabs a plant off an in table.


    Stan: Cause if I really wanna kill you, me and you both know I can. That little pistol of yours ain''t stopping shit. Just like your guards out there were useless to stop me.


    Stan throws the plant at Nathan. Nathan fires a shot but the plant hits his hand and he misses. Stan rushes over and grabs Nathan.


    Stan: Don¡¯t make this uglier than it needs to be.


    Nathan walks away and sits on a nearby chair.


    Nathan: Look all I know is she was heading to Alaska.


    Stan: Why?


    Nathan: Her words ¡°People don¡¯t look for you there. Even before the war.¡±


    Stan: When did you last see her?


    Nathan: Maybe a week ago or so.


    Stan: Any idea how she would have got there?


    Nathan: Smugglers, she was gonna pay some guy a lot of money to smuggle her and her daughter there.


    Stan: And I¡¯m guessing you don¡¯t know who this person is?


    Nathan: What more do you want from me?


    Stan grabs him by the collar.


    Stan: ANSWERS!!! My wife was killed and your wife has something to do with it so I need to know everything. Or I can start taking my grief out on you.


    Nathan: Shit look I¡¯m sorry. She downloaded a bunch of files off my computer and was talking to someone about using what she found to expose the G.B.P.


    Stan: Expose them of what?


    Nathan: I can¡¯t tell you.


    Stan: WHAT DO YOU MEAN?


    Nathan: What you think I¡¯m here hiding from you? They found out it was me she stole the files from. They asked me to take care of it, but I couldn¡¯t just kill her. I tried to convince her to give up on exposing them, I even tried to find her a safe place to hide. But she was dead set on telling the world, and nothing would change her mind. Then one day we got the letter she and her daughter were to be hunted. I used my connects within the G.B.P. to find out that it would be you. She decided then that she would try and leave. Like I said I saw her the last time about a week ago.


    Stan lets Nathan go and starts to walk away.


    Nathan: I¡¯m sorry about your wife man.


    Stan: Yeah me too.


    Stan makes his way back downstairs to Quiet and Dari¨¹se.


    Dari¨¹se: Soooo¡­¡­


    Stan: We head for Alaska. We find the women, we find out what¡¯s going on.


    Quiet: So we stealing another car?


    Stan: I guess so.


    When they leave, they look for a car dealership.


    Dari¨¹se: So what are we doing here?Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Quiet: Stealing a car.


    Stan: Yeah it¡¯s a thing me and him used to do.


    Dari¨¹se: Ok¡­¡­ I guess this should be interesting.


    Stan and Dari¨¹se enter the car dealership, while Quiet walks around the lot looking at the cars.


    Stan:YO I AIN¡¯T ¡®EVER SEEN CARS LIKE THESE BEFORE.


    Stan hops in one of the cars, and begins to act like he is driving. A car dealer walks over to see what¡¯s going on.


    Dari¨¹se: BUT DO THEM SPEAKERS BUMP THOUGH.


    The dealer walks over to Dari¨¹se. Stan turns the radio on and begins blasting music.


    Stan: AHHH THIS MY SHIT RIGHT HERE.


    Dealer: Is there anything I can help you gentlemen with today?


    Dari¨¹se: WHY YOU FRONTING YOU DON¡¯T KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS?


    Dari¨¹se looks at the dealer.


    Dari¨¹se: Nah we chill just you know giving it the old look around. A nigga pockets feeling heavy tryna lighten up feel me.


    Dari¨¹se laughs. Another dealer walks over to Stan.


    Dealer: Sir you can¡¯t play music in here nor can you be in the cars.


    Stan: WHAT?? YOU GONNA HAVE TO SPEAK UP THIS BITCH BUMPING.


    Dealer: YOU CAN¡¯T PLAY FUCKING MUSIC IN HERE.


    Quiet pulls around front of the dealership in a car. Stan turns the music off and stands up.


    Stan: No need to be rude. We were leaving anyways.


    Dari¨¹se and Stan leave laughing and hop in the car.


    Dari¨¹se: I can¡¯t believe you guys used to fuck with people like that.


    Stan: We did a lot of shit to get by some of it more fun than others. If we stick to the back roads and small towns in Canada we should be able to avoid the G.B.P¡¯s forces.


    Dari¨¹se: Is it really a smart choice to ride through the G.B.P¡¯s base country of operations?


    Stan: We honestly don¡¯t have a choice and we should be fine as long as we avoid most people.


    They drive for hours and hours until they reach a small town in Yukon just outside of Alaska.


    Stan: Let¡¯s find somewhere to sleep for the night.


    Dari¨¹se: Sounds good to me.


    They get a room in a motel above a small mom and pop shop. They settle in for the night.


    Stan startles awake to the sound of glass breaking downstairs. He looks around to see Quiet awake. Stan mouths the words ¡°Break in¡±. Quiet shakes his head no. They begin to smell smoke. Then BOOM! CRASH!! The floor falls in underneath them. Dari¨¹se jumps awake and pulls out his Nodachi.


    Dari¨¹se: WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!?!?


    They are surrounded by fire and standing in front of them are two figures dressed in all black. They have all black masks on having just holes where the eyes should be. Stan and Quiet immediately start attacking them. Stan starts to notice whoever he is fighting is matching his moves pretty well. While Quiet is fighting his person Dari¨¹se rushes them and they both jump and subdue him. Stan manages to get a hard punch in on the person he is fighting, breaking a piece of the mask. All Stan can make out is the persons eye. ¡°Jeff !?!?¡± Stan thinks to himself, but before he can get a good look in the person throws down a flash grenade. Everyone is blinded for a second. When they look around the person was gone.


    Dari¨¹se: Welp we got one of ¡®em.


    Dari¨¹se picks the guy up and smiles. Stan looks over at them.


    Stan: Yeah I guess we got one.


    They drag him out to an abandoned cabin in the forest.


    Stan: So you wanna tell us what you know or are we gonna have to do the whole whose balls are bigger thing?


    Hunter: What do you mean?


    Quiet punches him in the mouth. The hunter laughs and spits out some blood.


    Hunter: I see you boys are a little impatient tonight. You know if you hurt the brain I might lose my memory.


    The hunter laughs again. Stan stomps him in the nuts. The hunter cries out in pain.


    Stan: Look I don¡¯t have time for this. Why are you trying to kill me and who killed my wife?


    The hunter looks at him and blinks.


    Hunter: Oh shit it¡¯s you. HAHAHA! I knew we were going after you, but I figured we¡¯d find the little girl first.


    Stan: What are you talking about?


    Hunter: We have been following you since San Francisco idiot. You¡¯re about to be the most wanted man in the world buddy. HAHAHAHA. I had already found the wife but she didn¡¯t have what they were looking for. I tortured and raped that bitch for at least a week tryna figure out where the fuck that little girl is. And then I hear from some crazy hunter you''re looking for her. He said he had been tracking you and that you could lead us to her.


    Stan: Ok so what does this have to do with my wife and what do you mean most wanted man in the world?


    Hunter: HAHAHAHA!!!! See that¡¯s the kicker after you went to see Nathan, we killed him. HAHAHAHA!!!! OH OH And get this not only are people gonna think you did it, but crazy guy I was with said he could make it seem like you did it cause he had evidence of you killing your wife. HAHAHAHAHA!!! You fucked with the wrong people man. If you find whatever the G.B.P¡¯s looking for they are gonna bring everything down on your head. Guess you should have just taken the hunt like hunters do. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!


    Stan grabs the hunter and starts beating him to death. Quiet and Dari¨¹se watch not really knowing what to do. -- End of Ninth issue???

 The Drive

    Dari¨¹se: So let me get this straight they¡¯re going to frame you for the murder of your dead wife, and some banker guy and we¡¯re still going after the girl?


    Stan: Look we find that little girl we find something the G.B.P really wants. So badly they would openly kill for it. So yes I¡¯m gonna find it first and bring hell with me.


    Quiet: Can¡¯t argue with that.


    Dari¨¹se: So where do we find her?


    Stan: There¡¯s a trader town in Alaska. I''ll ask around there, see what we come up with.


    They drive for about 14 hours. When they reach the town they all look around and stretch.


    Dari¨¹se: Fuck man I don¡¯t know how much more I can do this car shit I¡¯m a big dude.


    Stan looks at him and rolls his eyes.


    Stan: You¡¯ll live. Plus you ain¡¯t even driving so what you complaining about?


    Dari¨¹se: That don¡¯t make it any less uncomfortable for me though.


    Stan: Whatever?


    Stan finds a local trader and begins asking questions. Dari¨¹se finds a bear trinket and pays for it. Quiet stops to admire some art. While Stan is questioning people he notices a hooded girl start to move quickly away from them. Stan catches up and grabs her by the wrist.


    Stan: Hey I just wanna talk.


    Naomi: You¡¯re the Hunter that''s supposed to kill me, why should I trust you?


    Stan: Look I know what you have heard¡­..


    Naomi takes out a pocket knife and stabs Stan in the shoulder. Stan lets go of her wrist and she takes off. Stan takes off after her holding his shoulder. Dari¨¹se and Quiet only seeing Stan runoff, chase after him. Naomi runs into a dead end and Stan catches up to her. She readies herself to defend herself. Stan holds up his hands.


    Stan: I¡¯m not here to hurt you.


    Stan pulls the pocket knife out of his shoulder and holds it out to Naomi.


    Stan: Here I promise I¡¯m not here to hurt you. I came to find out why they wanted you and your mom dead in the first place.


    Naomi grabs the knife. She takes off her necklace and holds it out for Stan.


    Naomi: Here I don¡¯t want it anymore. I¡¯m tired of looking over my shoulder, I¡¯m tired of people chasing me, I¡¯m tired of hoping my mom will find me here one day.


    She breaks down and begins to cry. Stan hugs her close. He then looks her in the eyes.


    Stan: I promise you once I take this no one will ever come looking for you again.


    He gives her one last reassuring look. Stan walks away. He sees that Dari¨¹se and Quiet had been watching.


    Dari¨¹se: AWW look at you being good with kids and shit. Even after she stabbed you Hahahahaha.


    Stan: Shut up.


    Dari¨¹se: Why don¡¯t we find her somewhere safe to go?


    Stan: Because everyone we come in contact with we put at risk and if I start playing favorites they¡¯ll try to use that against us. I have the USB and her mom is dead, no other reason for her to be involved anymore.


    Quiet: He¡¯s got a point. Best thing would probably just leave her be.


    Dari¨¹se: Well I wish her the best on her own. You really kept your cool even though she stabbed you.


    Stan: She¡¯s just a child scared for her life. When we used to serve I saw some kids like her. They don¡¯t truly understand what¡¯s going on. All they know is someone¡¯s coming to take everything they own and murder everyone they love and it¡¯s up to them to defend themselves. Can¡¯t take your anger and hatred out on a child. It¡¯s not a good look.


    Dari¨¹se: Still impressive things could have easily gotten ugly.


    Stan: (Chukling) Yeah I guess so.


    Quiet: So what do you wanna do about the drive?


    Stan: Find out what¡¯s on it and use it.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Quiet: Well I may know someone who can help, but we gotta get to Florida.


    Dari¨¹se: And how do you suggest we do that?


    Stan: I don¡¯t suggest the car. That hunter from last night most likely has been tracking that car by now.


    Quiet: I know, but I need some things first¡­¡­. Like a drink.


    Quiet has a stressed look on his face. He begins to have flashbacks. He sees himself shooting at G.B.P Peace Agents, while explosions go off around him. The next image is of him shooting someone in the head. Then an image of people pumping their fist chanting. Lastly he thinks back to the women in the bunker and then the attack on the bunker. Quiet looks to the sky and sighs.


    Quiet: (Quietly to himself.) Can¡¯t hide forever.


    That night they stop in a local tavern to have some drinks. Dari¨¹se after a few drinks is dancing and singing with the locals in the tavern. Quiet sits down next to Stan.


    Quiet: You sure you and him are ready to go through with this?


    Stan: What choice do we have?


    Quiet: After we find out what¡¯s on the drive we could just call it quits I mean we did it we found the drive we found out why they killed your wife. They were tryna kill you for not killing that woman. What more are you wanting? Why are we doing this Stan?


    Stan: I¡¯m doing this cause there are things that still need answered. Who signed me up for the games? Why are they using hunters as assassins? Who¡¯s trying to kill us?


    Quiet: I¡¯m not saying we don¡¯t get the people after us. I¡¯m just saying how far does this go? What are you really after?


    Stan turns and looks Quiet in the eyes.


    Stan: FOR THEM TO PAY. WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN? WHAT ARE YOU EVEN GOING ON ABOUT? I¡¯M NOT STOPPING UNTIL EVERY SINGLE LITTLE FUCK  A PART OF THE G.B.P ANSWERS FOR THEIR CRIMES. THEY TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME, AND I¡¯M GONNA TAKE EVEN MORE FROM THEM!!!


    Quiet: LOOK THIS ISN¡¯T JUST ABOUT YOU, FUCKING IDIOT YOU TAKE ON THE G.B.P AND IT¡¯S A WAR. YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IN WAR RIGHT MISTER SOLDIER BOY. AND YOU¡¯RE NOW DRAGGING US AND EVERYONE YOU KNOW AND WE KNOW ALONG FOR THIS DAMN DEATH RIDE. SO YES THINK LONG AND FUCKING HARD HOW FAR ARE YOU WILLING TO GO FOR THIS HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE ARE YOU WILLING TO SCARIFCE IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE REVENGE OR WHATEVER THE FUCK YOU WANNA CALL IT.


    The tavern gets real quiet and everyone begins to look around. Dari¨¹se looks over at Stan and Quiet.


    Stan: Look I¡¯m sorry about what happened at the bunker. I truly never meant to drag you into this, or destroy your way of life. And I never asked Dari¨¹se to come along but I appreciate his company all the same. I¡¯m not saying I¡¯m right, I¡¯m not saying I ain¡¯t worried or sorry about every single person I have affected along the way. But I didn¡¯t start this war but I god damn will finish it that¡¯s for sure.


    Stan stands up and leaves the tavern. Quiet finishes his drink. Dari¨¹se walks over and sits next to Quiet.


    Dari¨¹se: Y¡¯all sure know how to enjoy a party.HAHAHA!


    Quiet: Whatever.


    Quiet get¡¯s up and leaves the tavern. Dari¨¹se shrugs his shoulders.


    Dari¨¹se: BARTENDER ANOTHER ROUND!!!


    The next day Stan and Dari¨¹se meet Quiet on the local docks.


    Dari¨¹se: So what are we doing out here?


    Quiet doesn¡¯t say anything just stares off into the distance. A second later a cargo ship appears. When they board the ship they are greeted by a tall, dark slender man. He smiles a great big smile when he sees Quiet.


    Captain: Suh mi si di rumas chuu mon. Ha Ha!!


    Quiet: Don¡¯t you start you salty dog I¡¯m just helping an old friend is all.


    Captain:Whateva yuh sey. Gud tuh si yuh back out inna di light brotha.


    They shake up.


    Captain:Who dem be?


    Quiet: My old friends unfortunately.


    Captain: Welcome abraad brothas.


    Stan: Thanks for having us.


    Dari¨¹se: So I guess I¡¯m gonna be the one to do it¡­¡­  Are you a pirate?


    Stan: Really?


    The Captain laughs.


    Captain: Aye, now wah wud gi yuh dat idea bucko?


    Dari¨¹se: Well see you got a cutlass, a robotic peg leg, a bulletproof vest, and when you talk like that¡­¡­


    Quiet: He¡¯s fucking with you of course he¡¯s a pirate.


    Stan shakes his head. Dari¨¹se shrugs.


    Dari¨¹se: Hey I didn¡¯t wanna assume.


    Stan: Racist.


    Dari¨¹se: See that right there?


    Everybody laughs. The Captain takes a long look at Stan.


    Captain: Yuh luk familiar, yuh di man di G.B.P. be wanting?


    Stan: Yeah.


    Captain: Well nuh luk suh dung, wi nuh fucks wid di G.B.P. round here mon. Dem bumboclaat nuh own nuhting round here.


    Dari¨¹se: So are we sailing all the way to Florida from here?


    Captain: Mi taking yuh tuh a airport in Cali, an den from there yuh wi fly tuh Florida.


    Dari¨¹se: As long as there¡¯s no more sitting in a car I¡¯m good.


    It takes them three days to reach San Francisco. Dari¨¹se spends the three days getting to know the Captain and some of his crew. Stan spent his time mainly working out. While Quiet spent the time locked in his cabin. When they arrive the Captian see¡¯s them off.


    Captain: Now yuh nuh worry yuh hear, me get a feeling mi be seeing yuh real soon brothas.


    And with that they left to find a plane to Florida. --End of the tenth issue???