This story is inspired by The Last of Us Part 1, @nothing-built, and the Shattered Reality AU by @silentbeaves
TW for content you may find: ptsd, trauma responses, descriptions of extreme violence, descriptions of death, disturbing descriptions of zombies, and more of this kind I might not have listed.
Ch 2 now available on AO3 and Wattpad
Your name is Jesse. You've been fighting to survive since the beginning of the end. A decade ago, the Wither Storm, often called the Living Storm, was unleashed on the 2016 EnderCon.
Society has reformed to survive the Infections. The government is in control of the situation...but your choices will change that.
Vote, make choices, and survive the apocalypse. Maybe you'll find the way to end it...
So I really kinda wanna write a Minecraft Story Mode/Minecraft Dungeons AU but idk if anyone would read that. Does anyone besides me even still play Minecraft Dungeons?
So, as always, here is a poll:
if I wrote a mcsm/Minecraft Dungeons AU, would you read it?
Jesse couldn't help but stare. Despite the decade of change, it was still evident who the people across from him were. Ellegaard had hacked most of her dark hair to a very short length around the ears, but it was still somehow the same brown it was before. Lines of stress had gathered between her eyebrows and corners of her mouth, and instead of the elegant pantsuits she had worn before, she was in a pair of beaten jeans and torn red tank top.
Gabriel, instead of his beautiful blue armor, was dressed in the drab grey attire the government tended to give to people in their institutions. He had the tell-tale purples eyes of the Lost, and his skin was a pale grey-brown instead of the rich hue Jesse remembered him having. Despite that, the warrior looked surprisingly alert, although he did turn a puzzled gaze to Petra. "Who are all these people?"
"Help to get through the mountains," Petra turned to look at the group, frowning. "Where's Axel?"
A yelp echoed down the ladder and Axel came tumbling down, landing right on top of Lukas. The blond let out a loud oof as all the air was forced out of his lungs, Axel looking around. "Sorry guys. I missed the last couple of rungs."
"Don't apologize to us!" Olivia exclaimed. "Apologize to Lukas!"
"Oh crap!" Axel stood quickly, turning to the blond. "Didn't mean to crush you."
"It's fine." Lukas wheezed.
"Anyway, you can trust them," Petra turned back to the heroes by the wall. "I assure you they won't compromise the mission."
Jesse internally snorted, given she has been going on about how he was literally compromising the mission in multiple ways. But a professional appearance has always been a priority to Petra, and telling them the risks of having the group involved wasn't professional.
Ellegaard simply nodded in response, but Gabriel seemed focused on Reuben. "What is that thing?"
The engineer frowned. "That's a pig, Gabriel."
"Interesting. It is very pink."
Jesse shot Petra and concerned look and she just shook her head the slightest bit. Ellegaard sighed. "Look, the longer we're here the more we're at risk, so I'll just cut to the point. Beyond the abandoned mines, further north in the mountains, there is a fortress Soren built. Last I know, he's still there."
Gabriel straightened. "The amulet. You have to bring him the amulet."
"The amulet?" Jesse repeated. "You mean The Order of the Stone's amulet?"
"Yes. Yes, it's important. He'll know what to do with it," Gabriel reached towards Ellegaard. "Give it to them!"
She nodded, unslinging the beaten bag on her shoulder. "We had to break into our government sector to get this. It was bought with blood, so you must protect it with blood."
She pulled out the golden amulet that had been on so many posters and banners a decade ago. Five crystals set between gold and obsidian, the red and light blue glowing. Jesse couldn't help but ask, "Why is it glowing?"
"It will lead you," Gabriel muttered. "The amulet will lead you to Soren. It is the only way to stop the storm."
"Stop the storm?" Olivia exclaimed. "You mean the Witherstorm? Is that even possible?!"
"Soren will know," Gabriel suddenly stumbled back, eyes flashing. "He will know. You must reach him! It's the only way!"
"Shit, he's slipping," Ellegaard strode forward, pressing the amulet into Petra's hand. "Go, all of you. It doesn't matter who gets it to Soren, but the amulet must reach him no matter the cost. The greatest speed to all of you."
Ellegaard spun and ran back to Gabriel, who was grasping aimlessly at the walls. Jesse looked to Petra and even she seemed uncertain of how to respond. Ellegaard looked back at them. "Go!"
Petra seemed to snap back to herself, turning on her heel and pointing to the ladder. "Up. Now."
Olivia scrambled for the ladder, starting her way up while Petra unslung her backpack and stuck the amulet in. Jesse looked back at the members of the Order, watching as Ellegaard spoke to Gabriel in low tones while keeping a gentle but firm grip on his shoulder.
Petra gave Jesse a little shove towards the ladder. "Focus. Axel took Reuben and everyone else is already up. You can't get distracted or you die out there."
He nodded, grasping the rungs and pulling himself up, hissing as the backpack bumped against his cut. He could feel Petra staring holes into him but he ignored it as he went up through a patch of darkness and into the light of the afternoon sun. Everyone was kneeling in the dirt around the hole, Reuben snorting as Jesse pulled himself up and sat down.
Petra wasn't far behind. "Okay, here's the deal. We have to return to my base for several reasons: to get Lukas supplies, to get better weapons, and to patch Jesse up since he decided to be stupid."
Jesse opened his mouth to respond to the jab but she didn't give him the chance. "We'll sleep there and then head out at first light, since traveling at night is even more dangerous than it used to be. There's a checkpoint of sorts along the way that we'll be able to get to."
"A checkpoint?" Olivia asked. "Like a government checkpoint?"
"No, it's different. Look, if it isn't clear, the government isn't our friend, especially since we're breaking several laws and carrying all sorts of contraband. So yeah, there's a checkpoint, but it's a ways out, so—"
A loud horn suddenly cut through the air, freezing them all into rigid positions. Jesse inhaled sharply, pressing a hand against the wall of the well and forcing himself to remain calm. Those horns immediately sent him into fight or flight mode every time because he knew what they meant. Something was wrong.
Hadrian's voice crackled through the speakers. "Attention. Oakland City is now under a Level 10 shutdown. All citizens excluding government personnel are to return to their quarters immediately. I repeat, this is a Level 10 shutdown. All martial law is imposed, and we are operating under state of emergency regulations.
"If you are outside of your assigned sector, make your way to a gate immediately. Anyone found outside of their quarters at the end of the next thirty minutes will be arrested and either escorted to their quarters or taken to a government office. Attempts to resist will result in being shot on sight. As always," this last part seemed to be dripping with sarcasm. "We thank you for your cooperation."
The horn blared again, making Jesse flinch. Petra quickly stood. "We have to move. Within minutes this place is going to be flooded with soldiers and once that happens, it's game over."
Lukas also stood, although more hesitantly than Petra. "How are we going to get out of here?"
"We need to be as quick but as discreet as possible. Look, just follow me and stop asking questions."
She vaulted the well wall, making a dash in the direction of the trapdoor, bypassing the streets in favor of a more clear shot. Putting them in full sight of the wall and the guards up top, but Jesse didn't even see any on the wall. Yet.
The rest of the group of was quick to follow, Jesse hauling Reuben over the wall before following himself. Axel was grunting while he ran and Olivia nervously held onto her hat, while Jesse struggling to not focus on the bouncing backpack hitting him. Their shadows swung across the half-dead grass, Petra pointing as the rock formation came into view. "There!"
"Hey, did you see that?"
The faint but exclamatory voice made Jesse scoop Ruben up. "Guards!"
Petra had already reached the rock, yanking the trapdoor open. "Go, go, quick!"
Axel reached it, practically throwing himself down the tunnel. Olivia following next, Lukas skidding to a stop. "Jesse! Give me Reuben!"
The pig was quickly exchanged, Lukas going down as quickly as he dared. Jesse paused to look back, seeing the shadows of approaching guards stretching out from a nearby street. He was shoved by Petra towards the trapdoor. "Get down, you idiot!"
He dropped in as quickly as he would dare, gasping in alarm as his feet almost missed the rungs. He recovered as quick as he could and the moment he was low enough, Petra dropped in with a confidence he could envy, yanking the trapdoor shut. "Don't stop moving down for anything. As soon as you reach the bottom, take several large steps back."
A yelp from Axel follow by a thump let them know that the griefer had fallen the rest of the way down. Jesse heard Petra groan in annoyance, the clack of her boots on the rungs dangerously close to the top of his head.
When he finally reached the bottom he stepped back, flinching as someone's hand brushed across his face. Lukas whispered a panicked, "Sorry!" followed by someone stepping away. There was a rustling of a bag and a striking of something against stone.
A torch flared to life, the flame blinding them all a moment. Petra looked them all over before nodding, pushing forward. "Follow me. Avoid the fungus on the walls."
They fell into line, Lukas asking, "Fungus?"
Jesse pointed at a glowing patch of the stuff. "Unless you don't value having skin, I'd stay away."
Lukas shot Jesse a horrified look over his shoulder, glancing at Reuben. The pig nodded seriously and Lukas turned away quickly.
Petra led them at a quick pace through the tunnels. They passed a strange man, and not stopping, she warned, "Enemy swarms. Top soil is spoiled."
The man frowned. "Fire in the hole?"
"Not because of us."
The man nodded, watching them a little too closely as they continued. They reached another ladder, Petra stopping at the base. "Jesse, take the torch. I'll go up first to make sure it's safe; don't follow until I call down clear."
Jesse took the offered torch, watching as Petra began her way up. Olivia shifted her weight. "How long have we been down here?"
Axel shrugged. "Half an hour?"
"It has to be longer than that," Lukas looked around at the group. "These tunnels are supposed to take us pretty far outside of the city, right?"
"Yeah," Jesse glanced up again, watching Petra force the trapdoor open. "We're somewhere southeast of the walls."
"Alright guys!" Petra's voice drifted down to them. "All clear. Let's move; we're losing daylight."
They filed their way up, Olivia first and Jesse taking the rear, putting the torch out. Petra shut the trapdoor firmly, pushing dirt over and turning to the group. "Okay, so—Are you guys alright?"
Olivia, Axel, and Lukas stood in some sort of slight awe, staring at the forest around them. The afternoon light was filtering through the leaves and now that Jesse wasn't out there by himself, he could appreciate the beauty of it.
"I haven't seen this many trees in…" Olivia turned in a slow circle. "Since the treehouse. Before…"
Lukas glanced over at her. "Since the EnderCon."
Axel nodded. "Yeah. Yeah."
They were all quiet for a moment and then Petra sighed. "We have to go. My bunker isn't far and trust me, you're going to be seeing some even more amazing things on the way north."
They began to walk, Reuben snorting as he poked through the grass along the way. Jesse vaguely recognized the same path they had taken that morning, the little mountain coming into view accompanied by the running river water. Petra climbed the tree easily, flipping the switch. "In you go."
"Impressive redstone work, Petra," Olivia paused in the doorway, looking up at the arch of the stone. "I would never think a door was here. I didn't see any redstone trails either."
Petra dropped out of the tree easily, smiling a bit. "I've picked up a few things since you taught me those tricks."
"I'm glad."
They all filed inside, and as Petra shut the door, Axel looked around at the walls with an expression akin to that of a kid in a candy store. "Oh. My. God."
Lukas was also looking at the weapon-covered walls, but with an expression a bit more akin to apprehension. "That is a lot of weapons."
"You need them to survive," Petra crossed the space to a chest, pulling it open and pulling out yet another backpack, tossing at Lukas. "Here."
Lukas barely caught the grey sack, Jesse asking, "How many bags do you have prepped?"
"You never know when you'll need them. And now to deal with you," She opened a different chest, calling over her shoulder. "The rest of you can start picking a weapon or two. Keep in mind weight limitations."
Axel did an excited hop. "Oh boy. Oh boy!"
Petra came over to Jesse with a glass bottle, a scrap of cloth, long strips of fabric, some gauze, and—a needle and thread? "Shirt off and sit your ass down."
He didn't dare argue, unslinging his bag and fighting to get off first his T-shirt and then his more grey than white long sleeve. He didn't like that his EnderCon shirt had gotten slashed up, but it was his own fault. Maybe Petra had some scraps he could sew into it…
A cold, damp cloth suddenly pressed his back, frigid water dripping down his skin and making him flinch away. "A warning would've been nice."
"Oh this isn't even the worst part," Her hand gripped his shoulder to keep him still. "We're going to be damn lucky if this doesn't form an infection. Already it's been sitting for too long."
"Look, I'm sorry. It didn't seem like there was enough time."
"There is always enough time to clean up an injury, Jesse. Look, out here, there isn't much room for mistakes. Not cleaning a wound is a fatal mistake," The cold cloth moved away and he heard her uncork the bottle. "This is going to burn. Do your best not to move."
Something fizzy hit his wound and mere seconds later, an intense fire ripped through his back. He did his best to bite back a cry, a pained whine making its way past his lips. Petra's grip on his shoulder didn't loosen, holding him in place as his instincts tried to make him curl away from her and the horrible liquid.
The bottle must've had a type of antiseptic. A few moments later the burning was replaced with the cold water again, dribbling down his back and washing away the fiery medicine.
"I warned you," Petra poured more water down his back. "Look, supplies like this are gonna be rare from now on. You have a few things in your backpack but once it's gone, unless we can scavage more, it's gone."
"Right. So basically, don't get hurt."
Her voice dropped with sarcasm. "Do try your best not to."
"Okay, geeze."
"I just…Ugh, forget it. I'm going to have to stitch this up now. Do your best to hold still."
While she prepped the needle, Reuben settled himself on Jesse's lap, looking up with a concerned expression. Jesse offered him a reassuring scratch behind the ears, letting his hand settle in the pig's side.
Petra settled herself behind him again, and a moment later, Jesse felt the needle pierce his skin, pulling the thread through. The sensation was horrible, but he bit his cheek, trying his damnedest to not move.
He decided to instead focus on the background conversations of his friends. Axel seemed to be explaining some specs of some sort of crossbow to Lukas, whose replies sounded half-terrified, half-interested, making Jesse smile just a bit. Olivia called across the space about a bow and Axel excitedly starts talking about it.
Before Jesse knew it, Petra was applying gauze and bandages. "All done. Try your best not to get too roughed up or your stitches will break open. Want your shirt patched up?"
He turned to look at her. "Would you mind?"
"No. Here, one second," She got up, rummaging through another chest and coming over with a coat. "Here. Instead of patching that long sleeve, take this instead. Autumn's coming and you'll want a decent jacket."
He moved Reuben off his lap, carefully standing and taking the offered jacket. It had deep pockets and was a lovely forest green. "Thanks."
"Yeah. Now go find yourself a decent weapon or two. Remember, weight and if it needs ammo is the most important thing to consider. Then analyze your skills."
He nodded, slinging the jacket over his arm and making his way to the nearest weapon wall. The amount she had accumulated was seriously impressive, especially with supply chains down. There was plenty to choose from. "Hey, Axel? Wanna tell me about some of these?"
The larger man came over with a grin. "You bet I do. Where do you wanna start?"
NOTICE: Pay attention before choosing. This decision will affect your story later.
"How about that…spikey thing?"
"Ooh, Spiked Club. Solid, but not too heavy. Made out of Mangrove Wood so it will last a long time, although the spikes tend to get ripped out after a bit. Then you've got a baseball bat. But you can get new ones."
"If you can find any," Petra interjected. "That type of weapon is more common in certain regions than others. I believe it was invented by a tribe of warriors in the Parrot Jungles of the Far South."
Jesse's eyes widened. "Have you been there?"
"No. Although I got close enough to see the trees on the very edge of the horizon once."
"Damn that's cool," He pointed. "Is that a double axe?"
"Ooh yeah those are cool. They're great for spin attacks and you can coat the blades with potions or oils really easy," Axel picked it up, testing the weight a bit. "They tend to be a bit slow because of the heavier head, though."
"What's it made out of?"
Axel squinted at the metal a moment. "I'm not sure."
The axe was replaced on the wall and Jesse picked up a sleek box, opening it to find a set of daggers. "Wow those look sharp. And is that a mini crossbow?"
"Looks like it. Daggers are good because they're fast, but they do sort of force you to get up in the faces of your enemies. The mini crossbow though…you could probably easily carve new wooden bolts for it if you run out of metal ones. Not as effective, but still good in a pinch."
Jesse set the box back down, pointing at something towards the top of the wall. "That is a cool look spear."
"Holy crap, that's diamond tipped!" Axel grinned. "Those spearheads would last a long time. Although this is by far the slowest weapon you've looked at. The length makes it a bit unwieldy and it might be hard to get through certain spaces."
"Good point," Jesse pulled a sword off the wall. "And then there's your classic iron sword. It's got enchantments too. Which ones are these, Petra?"
She glanced up from the shirt, squinting. "Uh…oh, that ones got Durability and Sharpness on it. Got it as payment from a traveling trader for a job."
"A traveling trader?" Olivia asked. "Even the apocalypse won't stop those guys, huh?"
Jesse nodded, putting the sword back and looking up at the wall. "I think I'm ready to pick."
Axel grinned excitedly. "Oooh, which one are you going for?"
Which weapon will you choose? Remember, this will affect your story
Jesse shook his head. "Thanks, Axel, but we have to go now. If we don't get back in time, Petra will leave without us."
Axel didn't seem so convinced. "Look, are you sure? It's really no trouble at all to take you and—"
"I'm sure, Axel. We don't have time. We have to go."
"I mean, okay, I guess," Axel followed Jesse out. "I'm not going to lecture you about your health choices."
The group of griefers outside had mostly disappeared save for a few people, who waved to Axel as they passed. Jesse didn't waste time, moving quickly through the streets. They had to get to the abandoned bookstore. As they made their way to the hidden trapdoor, Jesse wondered if Petra had run into any trouble getting Olivia. He hoped not.
The gathering of griefers and soldiers that had been near the abandoned building earlier was gone now, thank God. Jesse wasn't interested in trying to get by that squatter again.
Some dirt had slid back over the trapdoor in the time it has taken to get Axel and get back. It was easier to get it open from above than below, the sunlight still strong enough to see down the tube.
Axel peered down. "That's totally cool. There's tunnels under the city other than the government ones?"
"Yeah. Apparently the government used these in the early days but shut them down only a year or two in to build the official ones. According to them, they're still sealed, but Petra says smugglers use them a lot," Jesse lowered himself onto the ladder. "Wait for me to call up to you. Can you carry Reuben down?"
Axel nodded and Jesse quickly climbed down, ignoring the pangs of pain in his back that stung with every wrung. Oh, he wished they weren't so pressed for time. He would've loved to visit that healer. He grabbed his backpack and after a moment of debate, clutched it to his chest instead of risking ripping open the delicate scab forming on his back.
He quickly rummaged through the bag, pulling out a torch. He struck it once, twice against the wall until the flame flared to life. "Okay, come down!"
Axel got down fairly easily, practically sliding down with Reuben under his arm. He gave the little pig on the head before setting him down. "Alright. So I assume you know how to get to wherever we're meeting?"
"I think so, yeah. If I just reverse the instructions Petra gave me to get here…Yeah, I know where we're going," Jesse began walking, the torch practically removing the shadows in between the lanterns in the walls. "There's an abandoned bookstore in the Middles Sector that we're meeting Petra and Olivia behind."
"And the guards won't see us, right?"
"Not if we're careful."
The rest of the walk through the tunnel was completed in silence. Jesse could see the faint footprints he and Reuben had left behind and followed that to the tunnel junction, pausing and turning to the tunnel Petra had told him about.
There was more footprints here, some newer and some older. Jesse couldn't tell which prints were Petra's, and he really hoped he was going the right way.
Axel voiced his concerns. "Are you sure we're going the right way?"
Of course not, but I can't tell you that. "The ladder has to be ahead, I'm sure."
Sure enough, the last lantern gave way to a patch of darkness. The torch illuminated the metal rungs of the ladder and another rotting table sat in the dark corner. On it sat a cameo green backpack that Jesse vaguely remembered Petra carrying and on further inspection, saw the word 'Axel' written on the dust of the table.
Jesse passed the backpack to him. "Here. You're gonna need this."
"Ohh, sweet," Axel, the person that he was, immediately unzipped the bag. "Wow. Where did she get half this stuff?"
"I think it's best if we don't ask," Jesse pressed the torch flame into the dirt, twisting it until it went all the way out, letting it cool a bit before sticking it back in the bag. "Alright. Would you mind carrying Reuben again?"
"Yeah, sure. Your back gonna be okay with that backpack? You can't carry it how you are right now up that ladder."
"I'll be fine, Axel," Jesse slung the bag over his shoulders, doing his best not to since as the weight hit against his cut. "Alright, don't follow me until I call you up."
"Okay. Yoo, there's a really cool knife in here."
Jesse couldn't help but chuckle as he started up the ladder, ignoring the smarting in his back with each step. He managed to not hit his head on the trapdoor this time, palm pressing against the metal trapdoor.
It opened a lot easier than the trapdoor to the Commons Sector, only a little dirt dropping out his head. Petra must've left it mostly uncovered for him. "Alright, Axel, let's go."
He had a bit of difficulty pulling himself up, back stinging in warning as the backpack pressed against his skin. Axel got up much quicker, although he did have light to guide him, setting Reuben down before shutting the trapdoor. "So where do we go now?"
Jesse was surprised to realize that he knew where they were. The trapdoor was behind a large boulder covered in moss, and beyond it was a row of four scraggly trees. He didn't know how many times he had walked past those trees and looked at that rock, never realizing tunnels to freedom were right there. "I know exactly where we are."
"Wait, really?"
Reuben also seemed surprised, but slowly seemed to also recognize the area. Jesse didn't see any guards and gestures for Axel to follow, making a dash past the trees to the back of a nearby building. The abandoned bookstore was two streets over, but avoiding guards was going to be difficult.
The early afternoon sunlight slanted over the tops of the quartz buildings, but dark clouds gathered in the distance. They stuck close to the shadows of the walls, a gentle breeze stirring the air. Jesse realized just how differently the air smelled in here. Even with the movement it seemed stale. Dead.
He didn't like the fact that they didn't run into any soldiers. Usually there'd be at least one or two on every other street, yet he hasn't seen even a shadow of them. He wondered if something was going down somewhere else in the city or the sector.
They reached the abandoned bookstore without difficulty, Axel pausing to read the faded sign above the iron-locked doors. "'Ths Oak Shelves'. Huh. Was this open when you were out here?"
Jesse stopped, looking up at the building. "I…I don't know. I don't think so."
"Was Oakland City built or converted to a safe city? I can't remember."
"I can't remember either," Jesse studied the sign a moment later before resuming walking. "Come on."
The back of the building was being taken over by vines and shrubbery, a fairly large tree pressing its branches against the boarded up windows. Jesse scanned the shrubbery before hissing, "Petra!"
The red-head peeked over a set of bushes, hand appearing and gesturing them over. Reuben ran ahead and easily wiggles under the bushes. Jesse and Axel had more difficulty, Axel trying not to destroy the bushes and Jesse cursing as his bag got stuck and a branch scatching at his back. He twisted, trying to get the bag off.
Petra had to come over and help him, freezing as she saw his back. "What the fuck, Jesse?!"
He stumbled forward as she got the bag free, twisting to look at her. "What?"
"What do you mean 'what'? Your back!"
"I tried to get him to go to a healer," Axel injected. "He refused, insisting there was no time."
Petra shot Jesse a glare that made his insides twist in fear. "You idiot. How are on earth are you going to survive outside if you can't even do the right thing in here?"
"I didn't want to keep you waiting!" Jesse defended.
Petra growled in annoyance. "You're damn lucky that we have to swing by my bunker again anyways. If you pull a stunt like this again, I am ditching you. Honestly, how did you even do that?"
Jesse glanced at Reuben, who vigorously shook his head. "I don't think you want to know. Wait, why are we going back to your bunker?"
"We need more supplies," Petra pointed at one of the bushes. "Come on out."
Olivia emerged from another gathering of bushes, rushing forward and taking Jesse's arms. "Oh, Jesse, I'm so glad you're okay! The soldiers came and ripped through my office. When they left, I expected you to come back, but you never did! I was worried sick! Oh, I am so glad you're okay. Petra explained everything."
"I'm glad she did. I was fine thanks to your help, Olivia."
"Oh thank goodness. I'm glad," Her gaze slid over to the side. "Axel!"
It was only when she moved to greet her old friend did Jesse see the reason why they had to go back to the bunker. Lukas was hovering by the bushes, offering an awkward wave. "Hey, Jesse."
"Hey there, Lukas," Jesse waved back, pausing. "Whaaat are you doing here?"
"Oh, uh," The blond rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm fleeing the city. Aiden is hunting me down and it's safer for me, Isa, and the Ocelots if I leave."
Jesse shot Petra a questioning look and she sighed. "Lukas helped me get out of a tight spot trying to get ahold of Olivia. We don't have time for the story right now. We need to get to the sealed well. It's almost time to meet."
She led them forward, Jesse turning to Lukas. "I assume she has you filled in?"
"Uh, mostly? I can't believe Gabriel's alive!" Lukas frowned. "It's unfortunate that he's become an Amensia, though."
"Yeah. I wonder what Petra's getting from him."
Petra glared at them over her shoulder. "Keep your voices down!"
She led them past what appeared to be the foundation of some sort of building, her head seemingly on a swivel. Jesse himself was on edge, and Reuben stuck close to his legs. There was no guards to be seen. He had expected more sneaking involved.
They took a sharp left and began heading straight towards the city walls. A small well appeared ahead of them, the tall, massive iron walls looming not much further in the distance. Petra held up her hand for a halt, then cupping her hands around her mouth and whistling a specific tune.
The same tune echoed over to them, muffled, from the direction well and Petra trotted forward, the others following wordlessly behind. She checked around before vaulting the walls of the well, pulling a gasp from Olivia.
Jesse jogged over, grabbing the edge of the wall and peering down. To his surprise, the well was completely shallow, a layer of dirt only a little ways down blocking it off except for a single hole in the center.
Petra was laughing at him. "Oh, you should see your face right now," She waved him down. "Come on."
Jesse turned back to the others. "It's shallow!"
Olivia visibly relaxed and Lukas nodded. "Oh, okay. Makes sense. I really didn't think Petra was the type to jump down a well."
Jesse hopped over the wall, grunting as the backpack slammed against his back. Petra 's eyes narrowed before lowering herself carefully into the hole, looking up at him. "The ladder is on this wall. Feel around with your feet and go down carefully."
He nodded and she disappeared into the dark tube. Olivia peered over the wall. "Do we have to go into the dark hole?"
"I don't think you have to," Jesse began to lower himself into the hole, tapping against the dirt until he hit a ring. "But I probably would. Who knows what will happen? Can one of you pass me Reuben?"
Lukas peered over the wall. "I can carry him down, Jesse."
Jesse at first went to say no, but he realized if they were going to survive out there, they would had to trust each other. "Okay. Be careful with him."
The blond smiled a bit. "I will."
Jesse began to make his way down, the sunlight slowly dimming until he was climbing in darkness. He went slow, nearly stumbling when his foot hit the ground. He turned and was immediately blinded by a lantern, stumbling back with a gasp.
"Sorry, Jesse," Petra came into view as his eyes readjusted to the light. "Probably should've warned you before blinding you."
He nodded, stepping away from the ladder and surveying the new space they were in. It was a small cavern, walls of stone bricks. It wasn't very large and over in the corner sat two people, faces familiar from old memories.
"Holy crap," He breathed. "Gabriel and Ellegaard."
apologies for the long wait. I got very sidetracked and busy.
You chose to cut behind the building
Jesse knew Petra would wring his neck for not listening to her instructions, but what choice did he have? He'd rather risk a few rotten floors over the guards, especially since the guards could recognize him and drag him to Hadrian's office. Then he'd be really screwed.
Jesse looked down at Reuben. "Alright, Reuben. We're going to sneak over to that building and walk behind it to get past those guards," Reuben snorted. "I know Petra said to not go near it, but what choice do we have? I honestly don't think we can get by those guards otherwise and I think its a clear shot behind the building anyways."
Reuben's glare showed his uncertainty, but he nodded regardless. Jesse peeked at the guards and griefers again, and when they seemed most distracted by each other, he made a dash for the building. Reuben followed close behind and Jesse skidded to a stop behind the wall, taking several deep breaths. He didn't hear any shouts of alarm or footsteps on the dirt and he relaxed a bit, looking down at the pig. "See? Look how easy that was."
Reuben still didn't seem fully convinced, eyeing the building warily as they began to make their way forward. The ground was covered in broken glass and rotting, splintered wood, which forced them to pick their way across and it slowed them down. How long the building had been abandoned for Jesse didn't know, but this was living proof that the government didn't care at all about the Commons Sector. Especially when compared with someplace like the Engineering Sector.
The Middles Sector had its fair share of abandoned buildings, but they looked nothing like this. The ones Jesse was used to seeing were clearly starting to decay, but the soldiers didn't let it become a hazard.
Reuben snorted, coming to an abrupt halt. Jesse immediately stopped, looking up from watching his feet to see what had his pig at a halt. "Oh come on."
A tall mass of bricks and wood sprinkled with broken glass barred the way ahead. Over the top Jesse could see the rest of the city, taunting him, a small pink flower at the top waving in the faint breeze. There was no way he could safely climb that and even if he could find a way up, he couldn't possibly get Reuben up there. And if he climbed and slipped—
He shuddered at the thought, turning away from the blockade slightly. That would've been a lot of glass shards in the back.
Reuben shot him a pointed look, basically asking, "Now what?" Jesse sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "I don't know. There's no getting over that wall and I really don't want to try and go back…"
He glanced at the building. Right next to them was a massive hole where a window used to be, a small collection of vines swirling up the rotting wood frame. The tilt of the building wasn't as bad here given they were really close to the base, so the floor was the wall and the wall was the floor. There was only the dim sunlight illuminating the space and he could see what appeared to have possibly been someone's office. A doorframe with no door led into what was a hall and Jesse realized they could probably get through there easily to the other side.
"DO NOT go into that building if you can help it."
There had to be a reason Petra had told him to stay out. But other than the fact that the building was literally collapsing in on itself, what could be so dangerous about it? Besides, Jesse was light on his feet and if he just watched where he was going…
"Alright, Reuben, you're not going to like this, but we have to go through the building. And before you say anything, I think it's pretty much a clear shot to the other side. We just cut through really quick and then head to the part of town where Axel lives. Easy-peasy."
Reuben did not think it would be easy peasy and his disgruntled manner told Jesse so. But there really wasn't much of choice and so he scooped the pig up, carefully making his way towards the window. He reached the sill, peering cautiously into the poorly-lit, decaying room. "Forgive me, Petra, but I have to do this."
He took a deep breath and stepped in. The plaster wall creaked threateningly beneath his weight and Reuben oinked nervously, shuddering in Jesse's arms. The shadows in the corners seemed long, giving the space an eerie feeling, almost like they were being watched by someone or something. There was something about abandoned spaces that seemed…terrifying. Perhaps it was the lack of people in a place that was meant to be busy.
…Not like a sideways building should be busy.
Each step produced a soft creak, making Reuben shift nervously in Jesse's arms. He kept his breathing regulated, pausing at the sideways doorframe that led into the hall. Dim light filtered in to the left, indicating the possibility of a window he could escape through. He ducked down to avoid hitting his head on the doorframe, carefully avoiding the sagging parts in the floor—er, wall.
He paused again at the doorframe to the new room, carefully peeking around. Debree filled this space, a rotting desk sticking out prominently. He ducked through the frame, smiling in relief. The window had no glass, and was a straight shot into the streets beyond where he needed to go. "See, Reuben? We were worried for noth—"
A horrifying but (relievingly) human scream made Jesse jump back just as a filthy man in ragged clothes jumped out from behind the desk and lunged at him. Reuben squealed and abandoned ship, leaping out of Jesse's arms as the man tried to grapple with him. Jesse screamed as a well, a decidedly more terrified than terrifying yell, scrambling to get away from this strange man. He was clearly some sort of squatter, and this must be his room that Jesse was invading.
The man tried to scratch at Jesse's eyes, Jesse desperately trying to pull away. A blow hit him in the stomach, knocking the air out of him and the man kicked him in the shins before shoving him across the floor. Jesse felt some sort of debree tear through his shirt and scrape a spot on his back open, making him wince. God, if that got infected…
He didn't have time to focus on his wounds given the man was coming at him again. Jesse desperately looked around for something to use as a weapon, settling on the least-rotten plank within his reach. He waited for the squatter to reach him before swinging hard, the plank hitting the man in the face with a sickening crack. Jesse wasn't sure if it was the wood or the man's face that had made the sound, but he swung again, the plank hitting the man in the side and knocking him down.
Panicked and frenzied, Jesse lunged forward to hit again, but the man holding a hand up and desperately crying, "Wait, wait, please! Don't!" made him stop. He froze mid-swinging, breathing erratically and staring down at the squatter. The terror in the man's eyes brought Jesse back to his senses and he slowly lowered the board.
The man's nose was bleeding horribly. "Please, kid. Don't kill me."
Jesse backed up, tossing the plank aside. "I won't. I…I'm just passing through. You didn't have to jump me."
The man slid back, carefully bringing a dirty hand up to pinch his nose. He looked older than Jesse thought. "Can't trust no one. Please just…get out. And don't come back."
Jesse nodded dumbly, looking around for Reuben. The pig was crouched near the window, looking terrified. Terrified at Jesse or at the squatter, Jesse didn't know, but Reuben let him pick him up and carry him through the window. Jesse quickly walked away from the building, weaving through the streets until he was a good distance away. Only then did he stop, breathing hard as he placed Reuben down, wincing as the pain in his back hit him full force. He could feel the slick of blood on his skin and he was sure the damage to his shirt was beyond repairing.
This wasn't a great setback.
He bent over slightly, bracing his hands on his knees as he tried to regulate. Reuben snorted in concern, looking up at him and nudging his ankle. "I'm fine, boy. I just…need a second to catch my breath."
He had almost killed that guy. Granted, the squatter had also tried to kill him, but Jesse had never tried to kill a person before. Only the Wither Zombies. Never people. But he had stopped in time. The man was still alive. It was fine.
Jesse finally got his breathing under control, straightening and trying not to wince as his back sent a new wave of pain through him. He would have to get that dressed and quickly, but he didn't know where to go and the griefer eyeing him from across the street didn't exactly look friendly.
He decided he would just push on to Axel's. If he remembered right, it wasn't far now, and his old friend would probably know who to go to for help—if there was any help in this God-forsaken sector.
Jesse gestured for Reuben to follow him, and they made their way down the dirty street. Smoke and the building diluted the sun, making it grayish and dirty looking. There was always this distant noise of fighting that made his nerves stand on end, and he had always hated how griefers lurked at every turn and peered out of every building.
This is why Axel always tried to visit and not the other way around.
Jesse finally turned onto his friend's street, freezing as he saw a group of griefers gathered outside of Axel's slightly-decaying apartment. He cursed under his breath and went to back up when one of the griefers turned and looked right at him, pointing. "Hey, look!"
All the griefers turned, staring him down, and Jesse laughed nervously, slowly starting to back up. "Oh, hey. Uh, don't mind me. I was just leaving."
"Wait!" Someone pushed through the group, a bald man with a torn mask and dirty green armor stepping forward. He looked familiar. "You got a pig…short with brown hair…green eyes…Are you Jesse?"
Against his better judgment, Jesse nodded, Reuben looking up at him incredulously. The bald man's face suddenly broke into a grin. "Ah, Axel's friend! He's cool, guys, leave him alone."
To Jesse's shock, the griefers all shrugged and turned back to each other, the bald man striding forward. Now that Jesse got a better look…"Holy crap, you're Magnus?!"
"The one and only," He frowned. "I'm kinda offended it took you that long to figure it out."
"I'm sorry, I just—I can't believe you're in our safe city!" Jesse frowned. "And you're friends with Axel?"
"Yeah! He's my right hand man for the Griefer Faction."
"What?! Oh, I can't believe he didn't tell me."
Magnus grinned almost sheepishly. "That's because I kinda threatened him into keeping his mouth shut. It's nothing personal, kid, just safety precautions. You here to see him?"
Jesse glanced at Reuben. "Uh, yeah. Something like that. Why are you all gathered outside his house?"
"Oh, we just finished a meeting. He's inside. Feel free to go in and don't mind us. We'll be out of here soon," Magnus went to leave, pausing and turning back. "Hey, your back is a mess, you know that, right?"
Jesse deadpanned. "I am very aware, thank you."
"You oughta get that cleaned up."
"I'm working on it."
Magnus shrugged and returned to the group of griefers. Jesse sighed and made his way to the door, ignoring the consistent stinging as he knocked carefully on the wood. There was a pause and Axel opened it a moment later, face shifting from deadset to complete surprise. "Holy crap, Jesse?! What are you doing here?"
Jesse glanced over his shoulder at the griefers before leaning forward and whispering, "Can we talk alone?"
Axel's face dropped into a serious one, nodding and opening the door wider so Jesse and Reuben could slip in. He shut the door firmly behind him, turning to his friend. "Sounds important. What's going on, Jesse? You get into trouble?"
"Sort of? Look, it's a long story that we don't have time for right now, so here's the short version. I evaded Hadrian's orders, ended up outside of the wall via a tunnel Olivia had access to, and I'm leaving the city to help Petra with a mission."
Axel's jaw dropped. "Holy shit. I don't even know which part of that to tackle first! Petra's alive?!"
"Yeah. She has a bunker way outside of the city. Armed to the teeth and stuff. She's a smuggler."
"Honestly, I'm not surprised. But you're leaving the safe city? Like, forever?"
Jesse nodded. "That's the plan. Olivia was telling me about this supposed free city that's somewhere out there. A place where they live like the old days. No sectors, no papers. I have to find it. Petra's my only ticket of getting out and surviving long enough out there to toughen up to look for the city. And she's agreed to get you and Olivia out too. Are you coming?"
"Oh you can bet I'm coming. I don't want to live in this shitty sector anymore," Axel paused. "But what about Magnus? Do I really have to just disappear on him?"
"Yeah, kinda. Look, the less people who know about this, the better. The more who know, the more dangerous this will be."
"Alright, that makes sense. Let me grab a few things and we can go."
Axel ran into his bedroom, loudly rummaging around through a heavily-damaged box. He came back with a pair of fingerless gloves and a set of brass knuckles, nodding. "Alright. Let's—holy crap, man, your back!"
Jesse had forgotten about it for a moment. "Oh, yeah. I got into a fight with a squatter. I don't want to go into it."
"Jesus, dude, a squatter? We need to get that cleaned up! Look, I know a lady not too far from here. I got enough junk to trade with her to get you cleaned up. We should swing over there before we leave, otherwise we risk your cut getting infected. She might have a spare shirt for you, too."
Getting cleaned up sounded great, but Jesse realized he had wasted too much time already. Keeping Petra waiting was a terrible idea, and if this exchange happened without them, they would be stuck in the city. He knew she wouldn't wait that long.
"There are hidden tunnels beneath the city," Petra came to a stop, crouching down and digging in a pile of slightly disturbed dirt. "According to the government, the tunnels are completely sealed off and no longer operational. A decade of neglect does wonders, however, and these tunnels are a smuggler's best friend."
Jesse shifted the backpack she had given him nervously. He had been all bold and outgoing when he had asked to go with her the night before, but a wave of fear had settled into his stomach that he was desperately trying to suppress. If she figured out his nerves were getting worked up, he just knew she would insist he stay in the safe city.
And as worried as he was about the soldiers, he couldn't stand the thought of going back to that. Being outside of the walls had somehow altered his brain, apparently.
Petra straightened and dusted off her hands, revealing a rusted iron trapdoor under the dirt pile. She gave the handle a firm tug and it opened with a grinding squeak, one that made Jesse wince and Ruben's ears practically curl. "Here's our ticket."
Jesse peered into the manhole, looking as far down the ladder as the sunlight would allow. "That looks like prime monster spawning conditions."
"I've had to do some work down there. I and a few other smugglers have left lights strategically to keep the mob spawning as low as possible. Obviously we can't put any too close to the exits because it could draw attention."
Jesse nodded, looking down at Reuben, who was shaking nervously. "Right."
"God, relax. I'll go first, obviously," She pulled a torch out of her backpack, rolling her eyes. "And you plan to go with me through the mines in the north mountain how?"
"Okay, I can handle monsters, but right now I'm worried about the guards."
"Well the goal is for them not to see you so you don't have to fight them."
"I know. I especially don't want to fight them because apparently some of them have Netherite weapons."
Petra raised an eyebrow, turning and starting down the ladder. "Are you sure?"
"Olivia told me."
"That's new. Well unless we somehow alert the whole city or try to break into the Government Sector, I don't think we have to worry about it. Now wait for me to call up to you before you follow."
She dropped her torch into the dark, illuminating a dusty stone floor at the bottom of the manhole. She muttered something to herself, easily sliding down the ladder and Jesse glanced at Reuben to find the pig giving him dirty looks. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Reuben snorted indignantly and Jesse huffed. "Oh you think this is a bad idea? Well no way am I letting Petra go through those mountains alone and no way am I staying in this hell-hole any longer. There's a society out there, Reuben, that lives like people. They wouldn't try to eat you. Probably."
Reuben seemed torn at that prospect but Jesse didn't have time to further debate it.
"Alright, Jesse, it's clear. Come on down."
Jesse nodded to Reuben. "Alright, boy, let's do this."
Until yesterday, Jesse hadn't had to carry Reuben down any ladders. It had been a daily thing back before the Witherstorm, but now it was a foreign action, causing his arms to burn by the time they reached the bottom of the ladder. Going down a ladder one-handed was a lot harder than he remembered.
Petra started walking the second he put Reuben down. "Alright, follow me. And stay close."
Jesse had no intentions of wandering off. The tunnels were broad, roughly cut out of the stone that was the foundation of the city. Dirt was everywhere, and along certain spots on the walls, a strange green-blue fungus was growing.
"Don't touch that, by the way," Petra gestured to a rather large specimen of the fungus. "It'll make you so itchy you'll scratch patches of your skin off. And I don't have anything to help make it stop."
Jesse immediately swerved away from the walls, staying as close to the center of the tunnel as he could. "Do I want to know how you know that?"
"Sure. I was working with a guy for a big job, he accidentally brushed his arm against the stuff. Barely twenty minutes later it was super red and he couldn't stop scratching it. He scratched until skin was coming off and it was bleeding really bad."
"…What happened to him?"
"Don't know."
Jesse nodded slowly, taking several deep breaths. And here he was thinking the worst thing that could kill you was the Witherstorm or a Wither Zombie. Or an Enderman. Those things were still as terrifying as they were a decade ago. "What the hell has happened to the world? I don't remember seeing this crap in caves back when…y'know, I actually went in caves."
"The world's evolved, Jesse. New creatures, new plants—there's even whole new biomes that never existed before," Petra scoffed, turning into a tunnel with expert confidence. "You'd think with a Witherstorm tearing the world apart everything would be digressing instead of progressing."
He hummed in quiet agreement because what else were you supposed to say to that?
They walked in silence then, little puffs of dust flying up around their boots and settling quietly back down behind them. Reuben seemed to be liking the dirt, sniffing through it curiously as they went, following a little spider in a circle for a moment.
They came to a spot where the tunnel split off to the sides, both narrower than the one leading forward. Petra pointed to the left. "Alright, that tunnel will take you up into the Commons Sector. The entrance will open up into a thick grouping of bushes next to a decayed apartment building. DO NOT go into that building if you can help it."
Jesse nodded, shifting the backpack. "Avoid the building. Got it. I haven't been in the Commons Sector in years…anything else that can help me?"
"Near the ladder up is a dark corner. There's a table sitting there and you need to put that backpack on it. Walking around with that would make you an instant target, both to the guards and the Griefers Faction. Just get in, keep a low profile, grab Axel, and get out."
"Alright."
She turned to go, pausing and turning back to him. "You can do this, Jesse. If you get in trouble, just run like hell. And don't let anyone except Axel follow you to the tunnel."
She nudged his shoulder, before turning away and heading down the tunnel to the right. He watched her go for a moment before looking down at Reuben. "You ready for this boy?"
Reuben snorted and they walked forward into the dimly lit tunnel. Jesse hated how the shadows bounced off the walls and the strange noises he couldn't identify put him on edge. He was worried about bringing Reuben up with him, but he couldn't in good conscience leave the pig down here.
The walk to the ladder was shorter than he expected, or maybe he was just walking really fast thanks to the anxiety. He saw the dark corner Petra had mentioned and when he reached a careful hand out, he felt the edge of a dusty, rotting wood table. He unslung the backpack, carefully setting it on the wood, wincing at the creak that resulted. The bag didn't even weigh that much.
He turned to the tunnel and peered upward. The light from the torches in the tunnel behind him were so dim he could barely see the rungs and no light came from above. "Reuben, I'm going to climb up and get that door open first and then I'll grab you, okay?"
Reuben clearly did NOT think this was okay, but he sat down, glancing around nervously as Jesse carefully started climbing the ladder. The one pro at least was that the government used metal for their fixtures, so he didn't have to worry about rotten rungs breaking out from underneath him. And the cool metal on his hands was sort of calming.
He couldn't really see anymore, so every few moments he'd stop and stretch his hand upward, trying to feel the trapdoor so he wouldn't hit his head on it. He ended up hitting it anyways, cursing a bit as the top of his head throbbed. Reuben snorted in concern and he glanced down, able to see the pink pig somewhat. "I'm alright, Reuben. Just hit my head."
He was so great at this.
He felt around for the trapdoor handle, finding it and pushing on it. It didn't budge and he frowned, pushing a bit harder. Still nothing. He worried a soldier might have come along and locked it, despite the fact that the soldiers in the Commons Sector could barely keep the people from killing each other, and the thought spurred him to give it a violent shove.
It finally shifted upward, dumping a rain of dirt down on Jesse's head, forcing him to stifle a cough. He pushed it open further, more dirt raining down, and he could see a blue-grey sky surrounded by green leaves. Then he heard the yelling and slamming of the Commons Sector.
He was in.
He went back down and picked up Reuben, able to climb a little faster now that he had some daylight. He set Reuben on the grass first and pulled himself up after, being careful to stay low despite being completely surrounded by bushes. He lowered the trapdoor shut and then with a nod to Reuben, crept forward.
He has to push through the bushes, which forced him to go slow so he wouldn't shake the plants and draw attention. He stopped when he could see out and wincing. The poorly-maintained buildings met his eyes, and in the distance was a pillar of smoke. Something big was going on.
To the left was the abandoned building Petra had warned him about and he could see why. The roof was falling in and it was on a dangerous tilt, broken glass and splintered wood on the ground with holes in the walls. Some sort of graffiti decorated the one side along with a few old wanted posters.
Wanted posters. He hadn't seen too many of those in a long time.
A loud yell suddenly made him flinch and Jesse looked to the right, inhaling sharply. A group of griefers was there, getting up in the faces of some soldiers and Jesse suppressed a groan. They were standing in the direction he had to go.
But if he went that way they were sure to see him and they might rope him into their mess, hindering him at best and getting him arrested or injured at worse. He could sneak past using the abandoned building, but he couldn't tell if the way behind the building was completely clear. If it wasn't, he'd have to cut through the building and that was the exact opposite of what Petra had advised him to do.
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Jesse took a deep breath, looking down at Reuben. "Okay, boy. You hear the water too, right? There's only one water source that leads into town…supposedly. We follow that, and we should reach the walls before nightfall, yeah?"
The pig oinked nervously, sticking close to Jesse's heels as he began walking towards the water sounds. The trees seemed to loom around him, and the shudder that went down his spine made him feel he wasn't truly alone.
At least out here there wasn't any abandoned buildings to stumble across. Those were apparently scattered around the world now, the result of everyone being herded into the 22 safe cities across the map. Whole places emptied, like Jesse's hometown, the buildings left to be overtaken by nature and decay.
And to be invaded by the Wither Zombies of course.
The water sounds became louder and he emerged from the tree line onto a stony river bank. He breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the water. It was clear and clean, save a few leaves floating on its surface. If he remembered the geography from the orientation speech a decade ago, they were downstream from their water source, so all he has to do now was walk in the direction the leaves were going on the surface. So that's what he did.
He didn't like the fact that he was more exposed, but that also gave him the advantage of being able to see his enemies when they came at him BEFORE they reached him. Unless there was one of those wandering bands he had heard about. Then he was simply dead.
He wasn't able to follow the river as far as he hoped. It apparently ran through a small mountain and it went straight under a solid wall of stone. The mountain face was too steep to scale and the water in that spot was just shallow enough to make it dangerous for him to try and swim under.
He cursed, stepping back and looking over the wall. Now what was he supposed to do? If he walked around he'd lose the river trail for who knew how long and it was getting darker by the second.
Reuben suddenly oinked, nudging Jesse's hand. He looked down at the pig and the Reuben nudging him again, towards a nearby cluster of trees. "Reuben, what is in these trees? It's not a monster, is it?"
The pig forcefully shook his head, leading Jesse to one of the trees and putting a hoof on the trunk, looking up. Jesse peered cautiously into the branches, eyes widening when he saw what had Reuben all worked up. On a high branch was a lever, a nearly invisible trail of Redstone attached to it."How on Notch's green earth did you notice that thing?"
Reuben grinned, dropping down and nudging Jesse's leg. "Woah, you want me to pull it? What if it activates some sort of trap?"
At that Reuben narrowed his eyes, giving Jesse a judging look. "Yeah, yeah, I guess you're right. Why would someone hide a trap lever this well? Point made."
Jesse carefully grabbed the thickest branch he could reach, pulling himself up and balancing on the wood. The lever looked like it hasn't been used in a long time, and he honestly doubted it did anything if that was the case. But maybe to could reveal an easier way up the mountain or someone's abandoned hidden bunker that he could hide in until morning.
He grasped the lever, pulling it slowly. A rumble filled the air and the stone face of the mountain split open, a narrow passage right next to the river revealing itself. Jesse sat still, waiting one…two…three…
When nothing came swarming out and he didn't hear anything else, he dropped out of the tree and approached the entrance. He could see lights and there was no sign of Turned yet. He gestured for Reuben to follow and carefully stepped in, noticing another lever and flipping it. The stone shifted shut behind him and the dusk was replaced by torch light.
This was definitely someone's old bunker. Chests sat neatly in a row and weapons of all sorts hung off every spare inch of the stone walls. A short tunnel led into another room where Jesse found a bed and even more weapons were set specifically within arm's reach.
He had heard of people like this. People who had managed to escape the government roundups or had been living in so rural a place that they couldn't be reached at all. There were survivalists who were living their own lives, fighting tooth and nail to keep the Turned out. Hell, there was supposedly whole cities of them, like Olivia had said.
He studied the weapons on the wall and silently wondered if he was cut out to live life like that.
A thump suddenly sounded behind him, accompanied by the drawing of some sort of bowstring. He immediately froze, completely tense, and he could practically sense the bolt that was being aimed at the back of his head.
A voice spoke, "Drop your weapon and put your hands where I can see them, or I blow your brains out."
The voice sounded vaguely familiar, but he didn't dare turn around to confirm his suspicions. No, instead he dropped his sword quickly, the iron clanging as it hit the stone floor and he slowly lifted his hands high in the air. He heard quick footsteps and he saw his sword get kicked away by a black boot.
He was then roughly nudged by what felt like a crossbow. "Turn around."
He did as he was instructed, breathing shallow as he kept his eyes to the ground, staring at the black boots. There was a long moment of silence and he dared to look up into the face. The voice has been familiar. "Petra?"
The red-head's eyes narrowed. "This is impossible. That is you, right, and I'm not just seeing things?"
He laughed in relief. "It's me, Jesse. It's really me."
She didn't lower her crossbow. "Alright, let's see some skin."
"…What?"
She huffed in annoyance. "Neck, arms, roll up those pants legs so I can see your ankles. Any bites and I'll shoot you."
He felt himself pale, despite the fact that the Wither Zombie he had encountered hadnt really gotten close enough to bite anything. Regardless he did what he was told, rolling up the torn edges of his old white long sleeve, pulling down the neckline of his grey EnderCon shirt. He rolled up the cuffs of his jeans and pulled his boots a bit to make sure she could see all of his ankles.
When she was satisfied, she finally lowered her weapon. "Well damn. You haven't changed a bit."
"I guess not," He gestured to her face. "Lots of new scars that weren't there last time I saw you."
"Yeah, the last time you saw me was nearly seven years ago. A lot has happened," She frowned. "How the hell did you end up outside of the safe city?"
"Well it's a little complicated. I'm trying to find my way back."
Petra nodded slowly, setting her crossbow down and walking to the wall, leaning against it with her arms crossed. "Well you're still a ways off and there's no way I'm going to let you go back out there in the dark. Since you broke into my bunker and you're stuck here with me, you can at least do me the courtesy of telling me how you ended up here."
Since she had a point and he was so relieved to see her, he recounted everything, from the fight by the apartments to avoiding Hadrian's orders with Olivia's tunnel to the Wither Zombie that has attacked him. Petra listened with a raised eyebrow the entire time, nodding and occasionally glancing at Reuben.
Jesse shrugged. " So yeah. I have to find the gates and get back in."
"Woah, woah, woah. You're just going to go up to the gates and just turn yourself for them to arrest?"
"Well what else am I supposed to do? I dont remember where Olivia's tunnel is."
At this Petra scoffed. "You can't be that ignorant. There are other ways into the city besides the main gates and the scientists' tunnels."
"Um, actually, I can be that ignorant. I haven't been outside of the walls since the last time they put me on gate duty, which was six years ago."
"Jesse, I'm sure you're aware there are people who smuggle things around the city. There are also people who smuggle things in and out of the city," Petra straightened, walking back to the other room and gesturing for Jesse to follow. "I know all the ins and outs. And you're in luck. I'm heading in tomorrow morning for a trade job."
Jesse glanced at Reuben before looking back at her. "You really haven't changed much, have you? Still the lone survivor who runs contraband."
"Yup," She opened a chest and tossed him a loaf of bread. "Except now I'm not doing it to make a profit. Now I'm doing it just to make sure I have enough to survive. Things that used to be commonplace are sometimes nearly impossible to get. Like crossbow bolts or decent weapons. Clothes. Food especially."
He nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I traded three days rations to get these boots."
"From a smuggler."
"I know smugglers exist, I just assumed they stole it from a government supply office. That's been done before."
"Possibly. But either way, let me tell you the plan," She has a piece of bread for herself, sitting on top of the chest. "We get some sleep. Then tomorrow as soon as the sun is just past dawn, I take you to one of the secret entrances. You still living in the Middles Sector?"
"Yeah."
"Good. That's where I'm supposed to be meeting up anyways."
Jesse lightly chewed on his lip. "Can I ask what this deal is about?"
"I don't think you want to be involved."
"Petra, in less than 24-hours my life has already been messed up on a multitude of levels. I don't think your smuggling job is going to mess me up anymore."
She seemed to debate it for a moment, caving with a sigh. "This is a bit more than a smuggling job. I'm meeting up with a very important man. An Amnesia who somehow managed to recover some of his memory. He has an urgent mission and he needs me to take an important item out of the city. Go north."
"North? Like past the mountains north?"
"Yeah, that north. He knows that he can't do this himself or he wouldn't have asked me to do it. The mountains are dangerous and he probably wouldn't survive."
"Petra…who is this guy?"
She hesitated. "Do you remember Gabriel the Warrior?"
Jesse straightened so quickly he almost got dizzy. "No freaking way. So he did survive?"
"Yeah. I didn't believe it at first either, since everyone was convinced he died or Turned or something. But no, apparently he just became Lost. One of the Order, Ellegaard, helped him escape and is bringing him here."
"Holy crap, Petra, this is—how did you end up in this?"
"I don't even know. But I have to get this item from Gabriel and get through the mountains to a hidden fortress up north. Supposedly a member of the Order is up there and he'll know what to do with the item."
Jesse's head was reeling. He hadn't even heard anything about the Order of the Stone since the world settled into the new normal a decade ago, and all of a sudden they were popping up again and his old friend was doing a dangerous smuggling job for them. "Let me go with you."
"Jesse, it's going to be dangerous."
"Yeah, and you shouldn't have to do that alone. Let me go with you."
Petra was shaking her head. "No, no, no. The last time I brought you on one of my jobs, you got a broken nose."
"I was a kid and that was back then."
"Yeah, back then. Back before the world fell apart. It's so much worse now, Jesse, and I can't live with your death being on my hands."
"And I can't live with you trying to go through those mountains alone! You know what's in the abandoned mine, Petra! No one gets through there alone!" He stared her down. "I have nothing to really go back to at the safe city. I have no job and I'm barely surviving. Let me go with you and then, after, we can part ways."
"And what would you do after, Jesse? We part ways and then what happens to you?"
"I look for that free city Olivia was talking about. There has to be something better than just scraping by in the safe city."
He could see her will crumbling just a bit. "What about Axel and Olivia? Are you just going to leave them there?"
"No. No, of course not. We could bring them too."
"Jesse—"
"Please, Petra."
She sighed, rubbing her temple. "You do know it's going to be hard to smuggle them out of the city."
"Good thing we've got you then."
There was a long silence in which Jesse held his breath. If she said no, he'd have to go back to that cold quartz room with the fighting in the streets and the cut rations. Everybody was bound to die someday and he's rather die chasing freedom than die sitting in a box for his body to be burned and immediately forgotten by the government.
"Is there anything you'd need to go back for in your apartment?"
He couldn't help but grin as he shook his head. Petra sighed again and crossed her arms. "Look, here's the deal. I will do my best to smuggle you three out of the city and then you can go with me through the north mountains. My mission for Gabriel is the top priority and if anything happens with you guys that endangers that mission, I will abandon you."
"Fair enough."
"Alright then. We'll have to split up to get Axel and Olivia, and then we'll meet up behind the old bookstore in the Middles Sector. Who do you want to get?"
The complete version of chapter one is now available on AO3 and Wattpad.
Oakland Forest, somewhere outside of Oakland City
Jesse forced himself to take several deep, even breaths. He was overracting and he surely couldn't be that far away from the walls. Besides, he knew which way to go--he could just follow the tunnel's direction above ground to get back to the city. Easy.
He turned and started walking just to freeze again. Okay, so he reached the city, but how was he supposed to get inside? Anyone who was not soldiers or high-level government personel couldn't leave the city without a traveler's medallion and papers expressly stating why you were leaving. And you couldn't get either of those without a very valid reason and months of rigorous training to make sure you could actually survive the outside.
A branch creaked a bit too loudly and made Jesse jump and whip around. Nothing there but the trees and some birds. He scoffed and resumed walking towards the city, shaking his head at himself. He'd rather spend days, even weeks in a government holding cell than face whatever could be out here alone and poorly armed.
Although he wondered if it was worse than dealing with a furious Hadrian. He really wondered who from the mysterious big government put that guy in charge.
Jesse looked to his pig. "Just stay close, okay?"
Reuben clung close to his heels as Jesse pushed forward, following the mental line that was Olivia's tunnel below him. He'd have to warn her where the thing led, if he ever managed to get back to her again. He was pretty sure those gate papers would get revoked once he got back in.
Jesse didn't know how long he had been walking, but the sun was starting to shift from afternoon to early evening. The longer he was out here the more at risk he was, but he couldn't understand. The city walls were massive, and he should've seen them by now, even through the trees. Had Olivia's tunnel really been that long?
There was a loud creak from behind him and he froze, fingers tightening on the handle of his blade. He heard something moving, moving towards him, and he suppressed his terror enough to actually turn around. At first he couldn't locate the source, but then something moved behind a tree.
It was a man. Or what was left of a man. His eyes were a bright glowing purple, his flesh turning a rotting grey-black color from what was previously a golden brown tone. A purplish-grey bite with glowing purple edges was prominent on his neck and Jesse began to back away. This man was still in the process of turning…turning to a Wither Zombie.
It suddenly bared its glowing teeth and lunged forward. Jesse couldn't help but scream as he turned and tore off into the trees. He heard scrambling and growls as the turning man followed him, chased him. Reuben was practically shrieking like a siren, somehow running faster than Jesse was in a desperate attempt to get away.
Wither Zombies, while signifcantly faster than regular Zombies, could still be outrun and definitely could be outsmarted. Jesse knew there was two ways he could play this: he could keep going straight and try to reach the city wall, or he could confuse it by weaving through the trees.
The was a choice he didn't get to make. He felt a hand grab at his leg and he screamed again, diverting from his straight path to weave through the trees. He could hear the Turning scrambling to follow, struggling to follow as Jesse wove around tree trunks and past bushes. There was no way he was dying like that.
There was a sudden pained yelp and a loud slam followed by the creaking of wood. Jesse dared to slow down, spinning around and pointing his sword. The Turning man had slammed into a tree, and it slowly began to pull itself away from the bark. Jesse didn't dare to give it the chance to get fully moving again, lunging forward and slitting the monster's throat.
He stabbed it again to make sure it was actually dead and then backed away, pressing his back against a different tree. He was struggling to breathe, and for a split moment he was back at that EnderCon, back with the screaming people and the horrible smell. Back on the trail to Oakland City days later, trying desperately to outrun the Wither Zombies. The way one of them had grabbed at him while the soldiers fought them off while telling the people to run.
Deep breath in, deep breath out. He wasn't there. He wasn't safe but he wasn't there anymore, stuck in that horrible situation. This wasn't much better, since he was completely lost and had no idea what was around the corner, but at least the Witherstorm wasn't right there.
Reuben nudged Jesse's ankle, helping to ground him again. He could still get out of this. There had to be a way, he just had to calm down and look for it.
You either control the fear or let the fear control you.
He looked down at Reuben. "Well, we're lost…do you have any idea which way to go?"
Reuben shook his head and Jesse sighed, looking around. The forest around him all looked the same, with no way of telling direction. Perfect. He couldn't waste time just standing there, though, especially since, when he thought about it, if there was one Wither Zombie there was probably more somewhere nearby.
The faintest sound of rushing water reached his ears and his heart leapt in his chest. Oakland City had a running water source that started somewhere outside the safe zone, so hypothetically if he followed that, he could get back to the city. Or he could try to climb a tree and scout from up there. Either one could work, if he could find a tree sturdy enough.
"I'll take the tunnel. There's no way I'm facing him now."
Olivia nodded, rushing over to a chest and pulling out a sword, shoving it into Jesse's hands. "Here."
His eyes widened as she dragged him over to a row of chests. "Why do I need this?"
"The tunnel isn't patrolled. This is a 'just in case' sort of thing. I don't know what you'll find down or where it even leads," She slapped a lever on the wall, one of the chests shifting to reveal a trapdoor. "There!"
Jesse was starting to have second thoughts. "Maybe this is a bad idea…"
"Do you want to deal with Hadrian instead?"
He shook his head, flinging the trapdoor open and grabbing Reuben, making his way down. The second he was low enough, Olivia slammed the trapdoor shut and he could hear the chest rumble back into place. Then it was silent.
It took a while but he reached the bottom of the ladder, carefully setting Reuben down. A narrow tunnel stretched ahead, and it was surprisingly well-lit with torches placed at strategic intervolves. Jesse had to admit he was expecting what every horror story began with: a dirty, dimly lit tunnel and creepy noises. But other than a few cobwebs, the tunnel was clean and he could see exactly where he was going.
He studied the sword Olivia had stuffed into his hands. Iron and not very well maintained from the looks of it. Who knew how long it would last if he got into trouble. Although he was starting to doubt he would.
A head nudged his leg and he looked down at Reuben. "You ready, boy?"
The pig oinked and they began walking. The tunnel was fairly straight, although a little tight in places, and was surprisingly long. Jesse wondered just how far below the city they were right now, because if the soldiers didn't know about the tunnels, it must be well below the government's management tunnels beneath the city. That and the ladder was pretty long.
"It's been some day, hasn't it, Reuben?" Jesse was talking half to fill the silence. "I mean, we stopped a street fight, evaded government orders, and are now fleeing from soldiers. On top of another rations shortage," He sighed. "You know, when I wished my life to be more interesting that decade ago, this is NOT what I meant."
Reuben snorted almost sympathetically and they fell into another long silence. Something creaked somewhere above them, making Jesse clutch his sword tighter. Clean and lit, perhaps, but it was way too quiet. Things lurked in utter silence. That's what an old friend of his used to say.
He hadn't seen them in a long while. He wondered how they were doing.
The tunnel seemed endless, like the unlimited stretch of the sea. He was hoping this tunnel might deposit him somewhere near the Main Gate of the city, or, even better, somewhere in the Commons Sector. But the tunnel had yet to even bend once and with how long they had been walking…
Jesse stopped mid-step. "Okay, maybe we should turn back. The soldiers would be gone by now, right? I could just slip out Olivia's back door and head home."
Reuben oinked and he sighed. "But the soldiers likely have alerted the Fourth Gate guards, you're right. But with how long this tunnel is…"
He didn't want to say it out loud. He hadn't been outside the walls since…well, since they were first transferred to the city almost a decade ago. He hadn't seen the world beyond the forests and the distant city ruins in forever. And frankly, what could possibly be out there scared him. And if this tunnel might deposit him outside those walls…
He shook his head. "There's no way it leads outside. It probably just goes near the Main Gate or something. Leading outside would endanger the engineers more than leaving them in their building."
Or at least, that's what he hoped.
Finally, after who knew how much longer, he saw another ladder ahead. He carefully sheathed the sword as they reached it, peering up at it. The trapdoor wasn't as far up this time. Strange.
He picked Reuben up and started up the ladder. He reached the trapdoor and paused, listening. Birds. He could hear birds through the wood. There was always birds near the Main Gate and with a relieved sigh, he pushed it open and carefully peeked out.
Instead of a stone street and massive metal gate like he was expecting, he was met by a block of dirt. Confused, he carefully dug it out, wincing as light hit him in the face. Tossing the dirt aside, he pulled himself up further and froze.
There was no stone streets, no metal gates, no soldiers. There was grass, lots of grass and trees.
Jesse cursed under his breath, carefully setting Reuben down and pulling himself up, slamming the trapdoor shut. He turned to look behind him and swore again. There was no thick wall of the city, just a bunch of trees.
He was outside, in the afternoon, in the forest. Alone with only an iron sword and his pig.
If Hadrian didn't mandate the meeting, it clearly wasn't very important and it was highly unlikely the soldiers would come looking. Jesse continued on, down the straight streets of the Engineering Sector towards Olivia's apartment/lab. The engineers had bigger housing than a lot of people in Oakland City, mostly due to the fact that their labratory was also in their house. And they were subject to searches every two days to make sure they weren't doing anything to "disturb the security of the safe zone city".
He reached Olivia's apartment building fairly quickly, approaching the wall of buttons. Each button had a number that had a corelated apartment. The only way visitors could get in was by pressing the button, getting a response from their friend, and having their friend unlock the door from inside. Jesse knew Olivia's button by heart and didn't even need the number--she had been living in the same place for a decade, after all.
He jabbed the button, and the jukebox above his head crackled a moment later. "Yes?"
Jesse smiled a bit at Olivia's voice. "Hey, Olivia. It's me."
"Oh, hey, Jesse! Hang on, I'll unlock the door for you."
The jukebox fell silent and a moment later, a loud clang sounded from the door, the iron bolts unlocking from the inside. Reuben nudged Jesse towards the door, as if he wasn't moving fast enough already, and as soon as they were inside, the door locked behind them. They were faced with a short hallway of about four apartment doors and then a set of stairs. Jesse had never even been upstairs before. Olivia lived in apartment 4.
Reuben excitedly ran to her door, tapping against the metal with a hoof. While Jesse waited for her to open it, he absently thought about the fact that practically every door in Oakland City was metal or some durable material. Which would stop the Wither Zombies if they ever showed up, but it wouldn't exactly do much to stop the Witherstorm from eating everything.
The door swung open before he could explore that rabbit hole and Olivia was standing there. She looked the same as usual, with her black hair frizzy and half up, her goggles lopsided on her green hat, and her red lab coat covered in some unknown stains. Despite her tired eyes, her face lit up. "Jesse! Good to see you again."
She stepped aside to let him in, and after the door closed, he enveloped her in a hug. "Hey, Olivia. It's been a little while."
"So it has," She gave him a firm squeeze before pulling away, bending down then to give Reuben a scratch behind the ears. "I'm glad to see you too, Reuben."
The pig oinked happily in response, and Olivia gestured for them to come further into the apartment. "Come on in. I was just working on a little experiment, as usual."
Jesse followed her through the tiny living room towards the lab doors. Technically he wasn't supposed to be in there, but they had never been caught and Olivia didn't really think she worked on anything so secret her old friend couldn't know. "Do I need a chemical mask again?"
"No, not this time. Although it is going to be a little hot in here," She stopped at the wall of buttons next to the metal door of the lab, hitting them rapidly in a particular order to unlock it. "You remember that metal, Netherite, that showed up in the Nether Mines about six years ago? The one the government has slowly been implementing in weapon and security use?"
"The stuff supposedly stronger than diamonds? Yeah, I've heard about it. Heard that the soldiers in the Central Sector have armor and weapons made of it too," Jesse followed her into the lab. "Never actually seen it, though."
"Well, I got an allowance for a small portation to experiment with," She closed the doors, leading them over to a table and furnance combo that was radiating heat. "I'm testing it's Redstone circuit properties, its heat and cold resistance, and its blasting resistance."
Jesse carefully picked up one of the grey ingots, chuckling a bit. "Axel would love to help with that last one."
"He would," Olivia's face fell. "Too bad he'll never get the clearance to come over here."
Although Jesse was able to visit Olivia often enough, Axel was a different story. Living in the Commons Sector made it very difficult to go anywhere or do anything outside of the Sector, including getting papers to even get through the gates. Without papers, an extensive background check and physical search was done on a person, and it could be hours before you'd get through just one gate. As such, Axel only visited Olivia once or twice a year.
Jesse knew it was hard on her. She'd always been fond of the man.
"Anyway, so that's what I've been up to," Olivia leaned against the desk, giving Reuben another scratch behind the ears. "What about you? How have you been managing since your job got terminated?"
"I've been…surviving," Jesse set down the metal ingot. "I'm just glad they don't cut off ration cards to unemployed people like I've heard they do in other cities. That would really suck. I've been trying to get a job in the Architect Sector but so far they won't even get back to my letters, let alone let me prove I have the skills."
"Someone will get back to you soon, I'm sure of it," She sighed. "Man, sometimes I think they purposely make it difficult to live. I know they're just trying to keep us safe from the Wither Zombies by keeping us in these walls, but they could at least let us try to experience some resemblance of living."
"I doubt anyone else is better off than us."
"Perhaps not. But I've heard rumors," Olivia glanced around despite the fact that they were alone, leaning closer. "I've heard tell of a new city. A city where the people don't just live, they thrive, and they're just as protected from the Turned as we are. They live like the Storm never came."
Jesse raised an eyebrow. A place like that seemed unrealistic in these times. Living like the time before? That was near impossible. "I don't believe it."
"I didn't either when I first heard about it, but then I just couldn't stop thinking about it. About the possibility. Almost makes you want to leave and try to find it."
"Do you even know where it is?"
Her face fell. "Well…no."
"Which makes me think all the more that it's not real. A city like that and no one knows where it is?"
"I'm sure someone does! I just don't," Olivia sighed. "Never mind. I know you didn't come to see me for my wishful thinking."
Jesse put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, I don't mind. And it is nice to think about."
She nodded, giving his hand a quick squeeze before turning to her furnace. "Anyway, I was thinking of trying some things, if you want to help out?"
"Absolutely."
"Alright, I was thinking—"
A slam sounded, quiet enough that was outside of the apartment but inside the building. They exchanged glances just as there was another slam, louder this time, followed by a thumping that sounded like boots. Soldiers.
Olivia frowned. "That's strange. The inspection isn't until tomorrow."
A loud banging sounded on the apartment door. "Oakland City Guard! Please open this door immediately!"
Jesse stumbled back. "Crap, I think they're looking for me!"
"You? Why on earth would they be looking for you?" Olivia stepped away. "What did you do?"
"I may have ignored Hadrian's demands for me to go to his office."
Olivia's eyes looked ready to pop out of their sockets. The knocking sounded again, more aggressive this time, and she took a deep breath. "Okay. Okay! There is a tunnel underneath here that leads out of the Sector that even the guards don't know about. It's an emergency escape to protect the Engineers. If you take that, you can get away. If Hadrian sent guards after you, you're in deep trouble!"
Jesse knew he was. "But will you get in trouble if they don't find me here?"
"I doubt it! Look, will you take the tunnel or not?"
Jesse cursed inwardly, knowing he couldn't just walk away. Turning back to the door, he yanked it open and froze. The first thing he noticed was a fresh splatter of blood on the metal and then the yelling and grunting hit him in full force as bodies lurched around.
The first person he was able to recognize was a blond named Lukas, who was part of the government zoning board. He was accompanied by a woman in a very old and faded yellow dress, and they were being backed up to the wall by…Aiden? That didn't make sense at all. Aiden was part of the same Faction as Lukas, The Ocelots, so why the hell was he trying to attack him? With Maya and Gill backing him up?
Lukas and Jesse had never exactly been friends, so Jesse wasn't very eager to jump into a fight that had nothing to do with him. Then again, Lukas had come through for Jesse in a situation or two and had formed a shaky alliance between The Ocelots and the Dead Enders, despite Aiden's displeasure. So Jesse finally found his voice. "Whatever you're doing, Aiden, you need to back off."
It was like the whole fight had come to a standstill. Maya and Gill froze in their advance on the woman in yellow. Lukas had his back against the wall, blinking as a thin trickle of blood dripped from his nose. "Jesse?"
Aiden scoffed. "Oh look, it's Mr. Failure Man. I'll give you one warning: mind your own business."
Jesse didn't budge. "You're attacking your own Faction leader."
"And I said, mind your own," Aiden turned towards Jesse, swamp green eyes swirling with something dark and dangerous. "Lukas is no longer a leader to me."
"Oh really? So you've decided to create your own Faction now?"
"As a matter of fact, we have," Maya piped up. "We're the Blaze Rods now."
Jesse had heard of people breaking out of Factions and creating their own. And what always followed was more competition for resources, more street fights, more government crackdowns due to the increase in violence. Last thing Jesse needed was to be involved in that. Maybe he should just--
"Guys!" Gill started running. "Soldiers!"
Maya seemed torn on to stay or go, eventually turning and dashing after Gill. Aiden hesitated for a moment, clearly wanting to do something else, but he decided not to push his luck. "Don't think this is over."
With that, he turned and ran after the others. Lukas watched their retreating back before turning to Jesse. "Thanks."
Jesse reached into his pocket, pulling out an old scrap of fabric and passing it to the blond. "I didn't exactly do much."
"You showing up stopped the fighting. If you hadn't, Isa and I probably would be stuck in the soldier's office for questioning about why I was involved in the violence," Lukas dabbed at his nose, gesturing to the woman in yellow. "Speaking of, this is Isa, from the Sky City Faction."
She extended a hand. "A pleasure."
"Nice to meet you," Jesse gave it a shake. "Lukas, what was that even about in the first place? Why are so many Factions involved?"
The blond went to respond, but the sound of heavy boots made them freeze. The soldiers Gill had mentioned. Lukas quickly gestured for them to follow him, leading them around the building in the oposite direction of the approaching unit. Evading guards was something everyone knew how to do, and they rounded the corner just as the soldiers emerged on the other end of the side street.
Once they were out of earshot, Lukas explained, "Apparently Aiden had been stealing from Isa's Faction for months now and I didn't know about it. He has a whole stash of their stolen goods somewhere and apparently he was even planning to take her chicken, Benedict. She and I agreed to confront him about it and to try and work out some sort of agreement. As you can see, that turned out well."
"Geeze. And now we have a whole new Faction to look out for."
"I doubt it will gain much speed," Isa insisted. "There hasn't been a new Faction here in five or six years and at this point, no one will likely be interested in joing a small group of radicals."
"You don't think others from The Ocelots will join him, right?" Jesse asked.
Lukas frowned. "Maybe a few, but I doubt it. Not a lot of the others have really been liking Aiden, especially lately."
Except Maya and Gill evidently.
"Where were you heading?" Lukas asked, passing the scrap of fabric back.
"Olivia's. I got papers for the gate finally, so I can get through easier. And then I gotta get more rations."
Isa shook her head. "Good luck with that last part. From what my sentinals have learned, there's another ration shortage. Fourth one in the past two months."
Yet another thing adding to the violence. There had been a sudden uptick in a lack of supplies, and people were hungry and struggling. The little farm plot in the most secured sector wasn't enough to supply all of Oakland City, and more than once, Factions had tried to raid it and failed.
And when people were hungry and can't get food, they get extremely violent. "You don't think the Griefer Faction is going to try and stage another rebellion, do you?"
Jesse didn't like the looks Lukas and Isa exchanged at his question. The last time the Griefers had tried to rebel against the government, it ended terribly. Papers were revoked, there were mass lockdowns, and there was no rations dished out for over a week. The Commons Sector suffered the worst, where most of the Griefers lived. Axel had told Jesse there were rumors of canabalism in the worst parts.
"Let's hope for everybody's sake that they won't," Lukas glanced at the gate they were approaching, slowing to a stop. "It'll probably be fine, just don't worry about it too much. Hey, thanks again, Jesse. Catch you later?"
Jesse nodded. "Yeah, I'll see you around, Lukas. It was nice meeting you, Isa."
She hummed, and the two turned and headed down a side street, quickly disappearing. With a long sigh, Jesse made his way into the line of people waiting to have their papers checked so they could proceed through the Fourth Gate. It seemed like half the city was already aware of the low rations and everyone was tense about it. The guards seemed extra aggressive as they checked papers.
Jesse remained calm. He had nothing on his record, nothing that would upset the guards. Yet as they checked his papers, he couldn't help but feel nervous.
The soldier looked at him, carefully passing the papers back. "Hadrian requests to see you in his office, Government Sector."
Jesse froze. Hadrian wanted to see him? Everybody knew that the man hated Jesse with a burning passion, always had, and frnakly the feeling was mutual. "Requests. Does that mean this isn't a mandatory meeting?"
"It is not mandatory. But I strongly recommend you go see Hadrian. Now move."
Jesse nodded numbly, continuing through the gate. If he didn't have to go, he didn't really want to. But if he didn't go, Hadrian might send people to hunt him down or bar him from getting rations later on. It had happened before, both to Jesse and to people he knew.
