Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Opening.
Jerry Stewart.
Jerry’s expression seemed boiled with anger at … morethe man who lay dead before him. Someone who didn’t deserve mercy, pity, nor any form of comfort. The sun was sitting behind the far off landscape as the water filled the pickup truck sitting on the lake, then the second asshole set in the truck’s driver’s seat with their brains blown over the windshield. The blood of the man who had tried to rape the missing Josie, then planned to try again, he hung Christian off the overpass after he disrespected a man who deserved none. The man’s blood mixed in with the sand and made it red, redder then the sunset.
Christian laid on the sandy beach with his mouth wide open, speechless, staring up at the sky. Slowly, he managed to mutter a sentence, “If they find out that we killed them...We’re dead.”
Letting out a sigh, Jerry turned his attention to the young man… [view original content]
Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Opening.
Jerry Stewart.
Jerry’s expression seemed boiled with anger at … morethe man who lay dead before him. Someone who didn’t deserve mercy, pity, nor any form of comfort. The sun was sitting behind the far off landscape as the water filled the pickup truck sitting on the lake, then the second asshole set in the truck’s driver’s seat with their brains blown over the windshield. The blood of the man who had tried to rape the missing Josie, then planned to try again, he hung Christian off the overpass after he disrespected a man who deserved none. The man’s blood mixed in with the sand and made it red, redder then the sunset.
Christian laid on the sandy beach with his mouth wide open, speechless, staring up at the sky. Slowly, he managed to mutter a sentence, “If they find out that we killed them...We’re dead.”
Letting out a sigh, Jerry turned his attention to the young man… [view original content]
Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Part 1.
Jerry Stewart.
The drug addict stared at them. Then they stared back. Jerry’s finger wrapped the trigger and within seconds he had the gun pointed at the junkie, the drug addict on the other hand also reacted and quickly and violently grabbed a gun sitting the truck’s cabin. Before he could make a move Jerry had him in his sights and without thought pulled the trigger, sending a shower of blood into the water behind the man as he fell on his back.
“F-uck me.” Christian exclaimed in a mutter, he himself had his hand on his pistol that rested in it’s holster. “You..fucking shot him.” He coughed while putting his hands on his knees, clearly trying to avoid throwing up.
“Yes, I shot him.” Jerry responded, looking inside the barrel to count the remaining bullets. Christian let out a sigh. “You forget about your backpack?” He questioned, returning to a standing position.
He had forgotten. Reaching over his shoulder he pulled it off and set it by his feet, opening it and pulling out a single box of ammo among several other supplies. “Fucker wasn’t kidding when he said they didn’t want to ‘overkill it.’ Talk about an underkill.” Jerry mutter, almost completely unhearable to Christian, but he simply shrugged it off and knew not to ask due to his clear angry tone.
“Sooo....” Christian said while steadily trailing off with the sight of a walker. He stood up straight and drawn his pistol to aim. “Walkers.” He muttered as he aimed it’s head in his sights. With a loud boom the walker’s head popped in a backwards spray of blood and brains.
Jerry opened Anthony’s revolver’s cylinder and all the empty shells - including several unused bullets - fell to the ground. He let out a loud groan and abandoned the bullets instead of retrieving them. “Make the shots count.” Jerry muttered as he slide the backpack over his shoulder and walked back to the highway with Christian. “They’re attracted to the sounds. Keep that in mind.” Jerry finished as they began walking quickly up the road.
Both carefully darted past abandoned cars left on the highway as well as walkers coming out hiding and following them, but at the pace they were traveling, the walkers wouldn't catch up anything soon.
“So, what’s the plan?” Christian shot Jerry a question. “We’ve just murdered-- justifiably killed three people. They won’t care about the addict, but they’ll be hell bent on either teaching us a lesson or teaching us a lesson through other people. If you catch my drift.” He waited as Jerry and him ran past a walker, neither stopping to take a shot.
“Ahh-fuck!” Jerry groaned sidestepping and jumping away from a group of walkers that were just around the corner of a large truck. “No!” Jerry shouted as he pulled Christian back by the backpack on his back, just as he was about to run face first into a group of walkers. “New plan!” Christian exclaimed as Jerry followed him to an old abandoned car sitting at the side of the road.
“It’s unlocked! Get in!” Christian shouted as he clambered over to the driver’s side and close the door behind him. Jerry sat next to him on the passenger’s seat as Christian rummaged through his backpack until he came out with screwdriver and hammer. The walkers banged on the windows on all sides as he placed the screwdriver in the ignition the best he could and gave it a single whack with the hammer and it went deeper. With a turn it the engine turned on.
“Yes!” Christian exclaimed as he slammed on the peddle and they accelerated forward. “With luck we’ll be back within the hour.” Christian smiled, was he focused on the road. His smile took a darker turn as silence filled the car cabin.
“Fuckin’ hours?” Jerry responded lately. “When we get there...Oh, those fuckers will pay dearly.” Jerry muttered angrily, having remembered what his plans were.
“No…” Christian mumbled. “There’s only a few-- several people you will want to...kill. I’m guessing whoever else was involved with the kidnapping of your friends…” He young man trailed off.
Jerry let out an annoyed sigh. “So, how will I find the people responsible for that?”
Christian bit his lip. “Well...who’s better to identify them then the actual kidnapped people. Of course...until we get them we can’t have anyone learn of what happened here, or what we have planned. He-- The guy said where they were being held, just off a hallway on your way to the common area, place with the bunk beds and lockers.”
“So…” Jerry spoke while eyeing the road ahead of them. “What’s the plan from here-on-out?”
“Well, I’d say we have one priority: Getting to the room where they’re being held captive.” Christian explained with a confident tone. “Two ways of going about it. We need to get there as soon as we can...our lie might not hold up while if they poke around the lake. So...we can...either go to them directly and face lots and lots questioning...one slip of the tongue..they could find out enough to piece it together. Or...we could sneak in - it’s night time after all - but this is the worse choice, if they catch us we’ll faces TONS of questioning on top of the possibility of getting shot. But we also get plenty of time to get your people out of there IF we aren’t caught.”
[Sneak in.]
[Reveal themselves directly.]
Atlanta Roberts.
A group of two people - all wearing respirators - stood waiting as one person approached them, who also had a respirator on, along with a full body suit.
The person approaching stopped in front of them and removed the mask. A kind and childish smile of Vincent face the group. “You can take the masks off now, it’s safe.” He spoke as the two people carefully and somewhat reluctantly removed their masks.
Atlanta and Ashley set their masks on a counter as Vincent gestured for them to do so. “So...uh...how’d we do?” Atlanta asked awkwardly.
“Great!” Vincent exclaimed cheerfully as he walked past them and gestured for them to follow. “I like to try to maintain good batches and all, but it honestly doesn’t matter. We actually dumb down the stuff, making it less potent in an effort to avoid overdoses. All we really need to do is make it-- flexible.”
“Suppose we could see Daniel now? I like the idea of him being-- alone in the-- common area, as you put it.” Ashley asked crossing her arms and staring Vincent down.
“Of course.” Vincent answered with a respectable tone. “I’ll..uh...have to escort you there. But just follow me.” He smiled as he lead the way, soon stepping into a large hallway with the two, but quickly turned back and poked his head in the door. “Clarice! I’m taking them back to the common area, I’ll be back in a bit!”
“Fine!” She barked back as he and the other two walked down the highway and soon found themselves back in the main mall.
“Interesting place…” Ashley mumbled as she looked at the high ceilings. “Could not have thought of a better place to be forced to work.” She sarcastically grumbled as they approached the common area.
“Say what you want. But you’re safe here. You wouldn’t believe some of the things going on outside - around the world - people forming little...settlements, towns, etc in the name of survival. Building communities out of the remains. Not bad for the end of the world if you ask me.” Vincent trailed off as he opened the common area door and held it open until both Ashley and Atlanta had stepped through. “Seeya.” He added as he closed the door and to the dismay of Atlanta, she heard the turning of a lock.
Letting out a sigh she looked at Dan and Jordan who set by at the tables talking to each other.
“Daniel!” Atlanta spoke up and the duo of Dan and Jordan looked up at them. Dan jumped up and ran towards them while Jordan gave a smile and remained seated.
“Hey Dan.” Ashley smiled patting him on the back, he opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed and remained silent. “Somethin’ to say?” Ashley asked kindly as she waited patiently.
“Um...no…” He muttered while barely able to maintain a cheerful smile set on his face. “But…” He trailed off as he frowned.
“Well, mind if we all talk to her together?” Atlanta asked, giving Dan a affectionate smile. “Okay…” He mumbled in reply.
They approached her and took a seat around her and Atlanta and Ashley looked her in the eye sternly while Daniel looked at the two of them, somewhat puzzled.
“So…” Jordan mumbled awkwardly as she faced the two women. She had on the same light blue sleeveless shirt and jeans, probably after she retired from the thick jacket they send the guards out with.
“We need to know where you stand with us.” Atlanta spoke sternly, not removing her line of sight from Jordan. “We need to know. What’s your answer...to...leaving this place behind?”
Jordan let out a sigh and bit her lip. “Huh…” She commented. “I’d go with the good people of what remains of this sorry world.” She playfully remarked. “I’m on your side.” She finished, giving a smirk.
“Good to know.” Ashley sighed looking around the room, they knew more people would happen upon them soon, they weren’t the only people staying in the common area. “Then it’s safe to say you’re with us?”
“Too the end.” She answered, though she looked fairly sad. “I suppose you plan on leaving the mall? If so..I’d advise against it. Too many people have tried to leave, but they just get brought back..in chains…”
“Don’t make us regret including you in this…” Atlanta sighed, recalling her conversation with Ashley after Jerry had left.
“No!” Jordan defended. “I’m in to the end where it comes to getting outta here. It’s just...they’ll do worse than kill you…if they catch you.” Jordan looked at the still stern faces of Ashley and Atlanta, then the somewhat confused face of Daniel.
“We need to know anything that could help us get out of here when the times comes.” Atlanta said, resting on hands on the table eagerly. “Tells us, please.”
“Alright.” Jordan answered accompanied by a sigh. “There’s plenty of ways to get out of here, it’s a mall, after all. Our problem being is they’re blocked off, most of them anyway. Your exits are almost all blocked off. The one’s that aren’t are sure as hell guarded.”
“Is there any way to get around the guards? Any backdoors that could help us get out of here?” Atlanta further questioned.
“Probably. But I know of none.” Jordan reluctantly answered. “But I need to know something...what is it you-- why do you want to leave. I’m all for it, I’d never sell you out even if I was against you leaving. But...why? I know this place isn’t the best, but it’s safe. Same can;t be said about the outside.” Jordan bit her lip. “I don’t want to discourage you from this...but it’s pretty much a death wish to go out there.”
“We all have our reason.” Atlanta answered forceful trying to change the subject.
“I have my too, don’t get me wrong.” Jordan added. “But what are yours?”
"When we get there...Oh, those fuckers will pay dearly.”
Oh yes, my dear Jerry, oh yes. Make them pay for what they did to Dean, Anthony and especially to Josie, make them pay so dearly! I never thought I would ever cheer so much at this guy, but right now I'm so rooting for him.
Unfortunately, there is no way any of these bastards could ever get what they deserve, because even the most horrible of tortures would still be too good for them, after what I assume they did to my dear Josie. All of them, Zafir, Vincent, Clarice, Jake, whoever else might be involved in this, they have to pay with more than just their sorry lives. And if Josie is in no shape to answer anymore, there is only one way to make sure that they all will pay, namely to hold every worthless member of that fucked-up group of monsters responsible.
[Reveal themselves directly.]
I'm done waiting, I am so done waiting while Josie is likely the victim of unspeakable torture in there. And not knowing what happened to her is like torture for me, so I have to know as quick as possible. Also, any second they wait brings Josie closer to death or an even worse fate and there is no way I'm going to risk that. I know, I probably shouldn't care so much, but getting her out of there as soon as possible and in the best possible shape is my only goal right now. Of course, I might be wrong here and maybe sneaking in at nighttime is exactly the choice that leads to Josie getting out of there. But I am far too afraid for her life and her health to risk it by waiting and I am far too furious at these fucking cunts to allow them torturing and raping her any second longer.
[Explain without holding back any knowledge.]
If Jordan is involved in the kidnapping, the murder of Dean or whatever fucked-up torture takes place in that backroom, there is no way she will get out of this alive, not as long as I have a vote. If she is innocent, or as innocent as a member of this group of bastards can be, she could be a useful tool to get Josie out of there, so Atlanta shouldn't hide anything from her. If she is the lying bitch I suspect her to be, I'm sure she knows it already either way.
Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Part 1.
Jerry Stewart.
The drug addict stared at them. Then they stared… more back. Jerry’s finger wrapped the trigger and within seconds he had the gun pointed at the junkie, the drug addict on the other hand also reacted and quickly and violently grabbed a gun sitting the truck’s cabin. Before he could make a move Jerry had him in his sights and without thought pulled the trigger, sending a shower of blood into the water behind the man as he fell on his back.
“F-uck me.” Christian exclaimed in a mutter, he himself had his hand on his pistol that rested in it’s holster. “You..fucking shot him.” He coughed while putting his hands on his knees, clearly trying to avoid throwing up.
“Yes, I shot him.” Jerry responded, looking inside the barrel to count the remaining bullets. Christian let out a sigh. “You forget about your backpack?” He questioned, returning to a standing posit… [view original content]
Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Part 1.
Jerry Stewart.
The drug addict stared at them. Then they stared… more back. Jerry’s finger wrapped the trigger and within seconds he had the gun pointed at the junkie, the drug addict on the other hand also reacted and quickly and violently grabbed a gun sitting the truck’s cabin. Before he could make a move Jerry had him in his sights and without thought pulled the trigger, sending a shower of blood into the water behind the man as he fell on his back.
“F-uck me.” Christian exclaimed in a mutter, he himself had his hand on his pistol that rested in it’s holster. “You..fucking shot him.” He coughed while putting his hands on his knees, clearly trying to avoid throwing up.
“Yes, I shot him.” Jerry responded, looking inside the barrel to count the remaining bullets. Christian let out a sigh. “You forget about your backpack?” He questioned, returning to a standing posit… [view original content]
Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Part 1.
Jerry Stewart.
The drug addict stared at them. Then they stared… more back. Jerry’s finger wrapped the trigger and within seconds he had the gun pointed at the junkie, the drug addict on the other hand also reacted and quickly and violently grabbed a gun sitting the truck’s cabin. Before he could make a move Jerry had him in his sights and without thought pulled the trigger, sending a shower of blood into the water behind the man as he fell on his back.
“F-uck me.” Christian exclaimed in a mutter, he himself had his hand on his pistol that rested in it’s holster. “You..fucking shot him.” He coughed while putting his hands on his knees, clearly trying to avoid throwing up.
“Yes, I shot him.” Jerry responded, looking inside the barrel to count the remaining bullets. Christian let out a sigh. “You forget about your backpack?” He questioned, returning to a standing posit… [view original content]
Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Part 1.
Jerry Stewart.
The drug addict stared at them. Then they stared… more back. Jerry’s finger wrapped the trigger and within seconds he had the gun pointed at the junkie, the drug addict on the other hand also reacted and quickly and violently grabbed a gun sitting the truck’s cabin. Before he could make a move Jerry had him in his sights and without thought pulled the trigger, sending a shower of blood into the water behind the man as he fell on his back.
“F-uck me.” Christian exclaimed in a mutter, he himself had his hand on his pistol that rested in it’s holster. “You..fucking shot him.” He coughed while putting his hands on his knees, clearly trying to avoid throwing up.
“Yes, I shot him.” Jerry responded, looking inside the barrel to count the remaining bullets. Christian let out a sigh. “You forget about your backpack?” He questioned, returning to a standing posit… [view original content]
Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Part 1.
Jerry Stewart.
The drug addict stared at them. Then they stared… more back. Jerry’s finger wrapped the trigger and within seconds he had the gun pointed at the junkie, the drug addict on the other hand also reacted and quickly and violently grabbed a gun sitting the truck’s cabin. Before he could make a move Jerry had him in his sights and without thought pulled the trigger, sending a shower of blood into the water behind the man as he fell on his back.
“F-uck me.” Christian exclaimed in a mutter, he himself had his hand on his pistol that rested in it’s holster. “You..fucking shot him.” He coughed while putting his hands on his knees, clearly trying to avoid throwing up.
“Yes, I shot him.” Jerry responded, looking inside the barrel to count the remaining bullets. Christian let out a sigh. “You forget about your backpack?” He questioned, returning to a standing posit… [view original content]
"When we get there...Oh, those fuckers will pay dearly.”
Oh yes, my dear Jerry, oh yes. Make them pay for what they did to Dean, Ant… morehony and especially to Josie, make them pay so dearly! I never thought I would ever cheer so much at this guy, but right now I'm so rooting for him.
Unfortunately, there is no way any of these bastards could ever get what they deserve, because even the most horrible of tortures would still be too good for them, after what I assume they did to my dear Josie. All of them, Zafir, Vincent, Clarice, Jake, whoever else might be involved in this, they have to pay with more than just their sorry lives. And if Josie is in no shape to answer anymore, there is only one way to make sure that they all will pay, namely to hold every worthless member of that fucked-up group of monsters responsible.
[Reveal themselves directly.]
I'm done waiting, I am so done waiting while Josie is likely the victim of unspeakab… [view original content]
I don't know. A few days ago I was up real late, then whenever I saw the word "me" I would start laughing really hard. I'd even add them when they weren't there and I'd laugh just as hard.
There was one time I laughed because my cat fell (which looking back now seems really mean) and I don't know how loud I was laughing but my came in and told me that I had to stop because people were sleeping.
I don't know. A few days ago I was up real late, then whenever I saw the word "me" I would start laughing really hard. I'd even add them when they weren't there and I'd laugh just as hard.
Me lacks a sense of humor
Oh, I know that Jerry is a friend. That still sounds wrong, but I'm getting used to it... Atlanta, Ashley, Dan, they are all good. Christian and Jordan though... I am willing to trust them and likely won't try to kill them with my votes, but I won't forgive their part in all of this. People like them allow Zafir to have such a power, no matter how much of a victim they are. I wouldn't count them as the groups friends, but they can be useful tools, crucial in saving Josie. However, I have no sympathy for them, because they haven't done a single thing to stop the people truly responsible for Josie's current situation.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure that Christian is on Jerry's side, which does not clear him of any guilt. However, I admit that I am very irrational in my hatred against Christian. In due time, I might even be able to like him, if I don't get the option to kill him first. I see that he is a victim in all of this, he is even a bit relatable, but my sympathy for him was gone the moment I've thought about what happens in that backroom.
And Jordan... well, there is one thing that makes me wary about her. Sure, she seems to be on Atlanta's side and she seems to be willing to help and to escape with them. But I've thought about Dean's death again... He was killed by a sniper, right? And who is the sniper in this group of sadistic monsters? She might be willing to help the group, she might be a genuinely nice person, but there is a strong possibility that she is the person who killed Dean and caused the kidnapping/rape/torture thing.
The rest though has to suffer. My hatred against Zafir is self-explaining, Clarice and Vincent seem to be his main henchmen and who knows what they are capable of. Meth cooks are hardly sympathic people and I am pretty sure they are outright horrible. Jake is a complete asshole and I wouldn't be too surprised if he turns out to be just as bad as Zafir. From what I know so far, they deserve to end up begging for their deaths
There was one time I laughed because my cat fell (which looking back now seems really mean) and I don't know how loud I was laughing but my came in and told me that I had to stop because people were sleeping.
The way Jordan's talking makes me want to believe that she has someone that's locked up and she wants them back. That could be a mutual motive for why Christian and Jordan want to help the group but who knows what could happen after they get their people.
I have a feeling that when Zafir shows, nothing good is going to come out of it.
Oh, I know that Jerry is a friend. That still sounds wrong, but I'm getting used to it... Atlanta, Ashley, Dan, they are all good. Christian… more and Jordan though... I am willing to trust them and likely won't try to kill them with my votes, but I won't forgive their part in all of this. People like them allow Zafir to have such a power, no matter how much of a victim they are. I wouldn't count them as the groups friends, but they can be useful tools, crucial in saving Josie. However, I have no sympathy for them, because they haven't done a single thing to stop the people truly responsible for Josie's current situation.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure that Christian is on Jerry's side, which does not clear him of any guilt. However, I admit that I am very irrational in my hatred against Christian. In due time, I might even be able to like him, if I don't get the option to kill him first. I see that he is a victim in all of this, he is even a bit relat… [view original content]
I'm convinced, as soon as Zafir finally shows up I will know for sure why I hate him so much. I'm not afraid of him though, I am far too angry at him for that. It's amazing how that guy manages to push all my buttons despite the fact that we know absolutely nothing about him.
And your idea with Jordan makes sense. There is something off with her, I mean she seems to be friendly, but she is also most likely the one who shot Dean. There's either one of her loved ones locked up by that monster, or she has another reason to help. Or, and that is quite the disturbing thought, she could be a manipulating psychopath who only pretends to be on Atlanta's side to backstab them as soon as she get's the chance to earn some bonus points with Zafir.
The way Jordan's talking makes me want to believe that she has someone that's locked up and she wants them back. That could be a mutual moti… moreve for why Christian and Jordan want to help the group but who knows what could happen after they get their people.
I have a feeling that when Zafir shows, nothing good is going to come out of it.
"Trauma traps us...breaks us, hurts us...but as you stand Among those you've wronged...it grows worse. Leaving you in Ruins as they fight for you, unknowingly...for your Sin at the River Crossing."
Oh, I know that Jerry is a friend. That still sounds wrong, but I'm getting used to it... Atlanta, Ashley, Dan, they are all good. Christian… more and Jordan though... I am willing to trust them and likely won't try to kill them with my votes, but I won't forgive their part in all of this. People like them allow Zafir to have such a power, no matter how much of a victim they are. I wouldn't count them as the groups friends, but they can be useful tools, crucial in saving Josie. However, I have no sympathy for them, because they haven't done a single thing to stop the people truly responsible for Josie's current situation.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure that Christian is on Jerry's side, which does not clear him of any guilt. However, I admit that I am very irrational in my hatred against Christian. In due time, I might even be able to like him, if I don't get the option to kill him first. I see that he is a victim in all of this, he is even a bit relat… [view original content]
Oh god, are these... chapter names? Have you just revealed the chapter names for Episode 2?
Seeing Ruins, Trauma suddenly doesn't seem so bad anymore, especially reading your rather cryptic hints. Someone is going to break, either physically or mentally or both and this someone could be almost anyone, maybe Jerry who falls back into old insanity habits for whatever reason, maybe Josie as the result of the torture she has to endure right now, maybe Dan as the result of him being a child who just lost everything... I might not be afraid of Zafir, not as long as I can still hate him, but I am sure as hell afraid of the things to come
"Trauma traps us...breaks us, hurts us...but as you stand Among those you've wronged...it grows worse. Leaving you in Ruins as they fight for you, unknowingly...for your Sin at the River Crossing."
Oh god, are these... chapter names? Have you just revealed the chapter names for Episode 2?
Seeing Ruins, Trauma suddenly doesn't seem so… more bad anymore, especially reading your rather cryptic hints. Someone is going to break, either physically or mentally or both and this someone could be almost anyone, maybe Jerry who falls back into old insanity habits for whatever reason, maybe Josie as the result of the torture she has to endure right now, maybe Dan as the result of him being a child who just lost everything... I might not be afraid of Zafir, not as long as I can still hate him, but I am sure as hell afraid of the things to come
Seriously, I'm afraid I need a new part urgently... The hype level is over 9000, which is coincidentally the amount of heart attacks I expect while reading it. Meanwhile, my utter hatred for everyone ever involved with Zafir in any way grows beyond measure, while my hopes that there is anything of Josie left to save gets close to zero.
(!) Atlanta will explain without holding back any knowledge
Okay, I've been working on the new part so it'll be out sooner or later. Though most likely late tonight, unless I get stuck on part of it and whatnot.
In case some of you missed it I revealed the remaining chapter titles for Episode 2 and have updated the main post with them listed. But if you just don't feel like scrolling up that far I'll go ahead and list them here, along with the text I revealed them in.
""Trauma traps us...breaks us, hurts us...but as you stand Among those you've wronged...it grows worse. Leaving you in Ruins as they fight for you, unknowingly...for your Sin at the River Crossing."
I need a new part...
Seriously, I'm afraid I need a new part urgently... The hype level is over 9000, which is coincidentally the amount … moreof heart attacks I expect while reading it. Meanwhile, my utter hatred for everyone ever involved with Zafir in any way grows beyond measure, while my hopes that there is anything of Josie left to save gets close to zero.
Just seeing the name kind of angers me but then it's like why am I mad?
I don't know why but Jordan seems kind of sketchy. She said that there were two people that the group could trust, one of them being her. It seems kind of like an attempt to fuck with the group from what I see. Christian seems to be somewhat trustworthy but we have yet to see how he interacts with Zafir. My opinions on the both of them is neutral.
I'm convinced, as soon as Zafir finally shows up I will know for sure why I hate him so much. I'm not afraid of him though, I am far too ang… morery at him for that. It's amazing how that guy manages to push all my buttons despite the fact that we know absolutely nothing about him.
And your idea with Jordan makes sense. There is something off with her, I mean she seems to be friendly, but she is also most likely the one who shot Dean. There's either one of her loved ones locked up by that monster, or she has another reason to help. Or, and that is quite the disturbing thought, she could be a manipulating psychopath who only pretends to be on Atlanta's side to backstab them as soon as she get's the chance to earn some bonus points with Zafir.
This will be my happy face when meeting Zafir... You see the happiness? You see it? It's right behind the complete and utter hatred I have for this son of a whore and his whole group.
By the way, I noticed that there is someone in the waiting list who has the same last name as Zafir. Now, Carter is not a very uncommon name, but still... could Keith be a relative? Someone Zafir cares for? That gives me sweet ideas... Well, at least the guy in my avatar would call them sweet ideas. You can not see it but right now I'm having exactly the same facial expression as Mr. Winchester in the gif above.
This will be my happy face when meeting Zafir... You see the happiness? You see it? It's right behind the complete and utter hatred I have f… moreor this son of a whore and his whole group.
By the way, I noticed that there is someone in the waiting list who has the same last name as Zafir. Now, Carter is not a very uncommon name, but still... could Keith be a relative? Someone Zafir cares for? That gives me sweet ideas... Well, at least the guy in my avatar would call them sweet ideas. You can not see it but right now I'm having exactly the same facial expression as Mr. Winchester in the gif above.
The more I think about it, the less I trust Jordan. After all:
It's best to know who your friends are if you ever want to see Josie again.
Trust can work in both ways... Maybe Atlanta misplaces her trust in Jordan. Not so sure about Christian, after all we know about his motivation here. I think he is definitely more trustworthy than Jordan.
Just seeing the name kind of angers me but then it's like why am I mad?
I don't know why but Jordan seems kind of sketchy. She said that … morethere were two people that the group could trust, one of them being her. It seems kind of like an attempt to fuck with the group from what I see. Christian seems to be somewhat trustworthy but we have yet to see how he interacts with Zafir. My opinions on the both of them is neutral.
Oh, hatred is truly a wonderful, wonderful thing! Come to Liquid, my sweet proxy-vengeance!
But...he's not as close to Zafir as you might think
For poor Keith's sake I hope his father does not care for him...
Also, he's 15, you monster >:c
I'm perfectly willing to ignore this if it means an opportunity to hurt Zafir more than he hurts Josie. After all, if there is nothing left to save, there is at least someone to take horrible vengeance on
Jordan seems to know more than she lets on. She was the first to bring up Maria, which is strange now that I think about it. But I agree that Christian is definitely more trustworthy than Jordan.
Motivation might be key to getting out of the mall but then again, I might just be rambling.
The more I think about it, the less I trust Jordan. After all:
It's best to know who your friends are if you ever want to see Josie ag… moreain.
Trust can work in both ways... Maybe Atlanta misplaces her trust in Jordan. Not so sure about Christian, after all we know about his motivation here. I think he is definitely more trustworthy than Jordan.
Keith is his son
Oh, hatred is truly a wonderful, wonderful thing! Come to Liquid, my sweet proxy-vengeance!
But...he's no… moret as close to Zafir as you might think
For poor Keith's sake I hope his father does not care for him...
Also, he's 15, you monster >:c
I'm perfectly willing to ignore this if it means an opportunity to hurt Zafir more than he hurts Josie. After all, if there is nothing left to save, there is at least someone to take horrible vengeance on
I am probably not entirely serious about that. However, so far I only have my imagination to what happens in that backroom and it is enough for me to legitimately hate Zafir up to the point where I want him to loose everything he loves. I am simply extremely nervous, seeing how I can only imagine the amount of suffering he puts Josie in. But if she is broken beyond repair, my only remaining goal will be to make him suffer a thousand times more. Though I doubt I could actually target Keith, not even in the worst case.
Comments
[Shoot the drug addict.]
[Shoot the drug addict.]
Episode 1: The Gateway Dream - Chapter 5: Nine O’clock Lab - Part 1.
Jerry Stewart.
The drug addict stared at them. Then they stared back. Jerry’s finger wrapped the trigger and within seconds he had the gun pointed at the junkie, the drug addict on the other hand also reacted and quickly and violently grabbed a gun sitting the truck’s cabin. Before he could make a move Jerry had him in his sights and without thought pulled the trigger, sending a shower of blood into the water behind the man as he fell on his back.
“F-uck me.” Christian exclaimed in a mutter, he himself had his hand on his pistol that rested in it’s holster. “You..fucking shot him.” He coughed while putting his hands on his knees, clearly trying to avoid throwing up.
“Yes, I shot him.” Jerry responded, looking inside the barrel to count the remaining bullets. Christian let out a sigh. “You forget about your backpack?” He questioned, returning to a standing position.
He had forgotten. Reaching over his shoulder he pulled it off and set it by his feet, opening it and pulling out a single box of ammo among several other supplies. “Fucker wasn’t kidding when he said they didn’t want to ‘overkill it.’ Talk about an underkill.” Jerry mutter, almost completely unhearable to Christian, but he simply shrugged it off and knew not to ask due to his clear angry tone.
“Sooo....” Christian said while steadily trailing off with the sight of a walker. He stood up straight and drawn his pistol to aim. “Walkers.” He muttered as he aimed it’s head in his sights. With a loud boom the walker’s head popped in a backwards spray of blood and brains.
Jerry opened Anthony’s revolver’s cylinder and all the empty shells - including several unused bullets - fell to the ground. He let out a loud groan and abandoned the bullets instead of retrieving them. “Make the shots count.” Jerry muttered as he slide the backpack over his shoulder and walked back to the highway with Christian. “They’re attracted to the sounds. Keep that in mind.” Jerry finished as they began walking quickly up the road.
Both carefully darted past abandoned cars left on the highway as well as walkers coming out hiding and following them, but at the pace they were traveling, the walkers wouldn't catch up anything soon.
“So, what’s the plan?” Christian shot Jerry a question. “We’ve just murdered-- justifiably killed three people. They won’t care about the addict, but they’ll be hell bent on either teaching us a lesson or teaching us a lesson through other people. If you catch my drift.” He waited as Jerry and him ran past a walker, neither stopping to take a shot.
“Ahh-fuck!” Jerry groaned sidestepping and jumping away from a group of walkers that were just around the corner of a large truck. “No!” Jerry shouted as he pulled Christian back by the backpack on his back, just as he was about to run face first into a group of walkers. “New plan!” Christian exclaimed as Jerry followed him to an old abandoned car sitting at the side of the road.
“It’s unlocked! Get in!” Christian shouted as he clambered over to the driver’s side and close the door behind him. Jerry sat next to him on the passenger’s seat as Christian rummaged through his backpack until he came out with screwdriver and hammer. The walkers banged on the windows on all sides as he placed the screwdriver in the ignition the best he could and gave it a single whack with the hammer and it went deeper. With a turn it the engine turned on.
“Yes!” Christian exclaimed as he slammed on the peddle and they accelerated forward. “With luck we’ll be back within the hour.” Christian smiled, was he focused on the road. His smile took a darker turn as silence filled the car cabin.
“Fuckin’ hours?” Jerry responded lately. “When we get there...Oh, those fuckers will pay dearly.” Jerry muttered angrily, having remembered what his plans were.
“No…” Christian mumbled. “There’s only a few-- several people you will want to...kill. I’m guessing whoever else was involved with the kidnapping of your friends…” He young man trailed off.
Jerry let out an annoyed sigh. “So, how will I find the people responsible for that?”
Christian bit his lip. “Well...who’s better to identify them then the actual kidnapped people. Of course...until we get them we can’t have anyone learn of what happened here, or what we have planned. He-- The guy said where they were being held, just off a hallway on your way to the common area, place with the bunk beds and lockers.”
“So…” Jerry spoke while eyeing the road ahead of them. “What’s the plan from here-on-out?”
“Well, I’d say we have one priority: Getting to the room where they’re being held captive.” Christian explained with a confident tone. “Two ways of going about it. We need to get there as soon as we can...our lie might not hold up while if they poke around the lake. So...we can...either go to them directly and face lots and lots questioning...one slip of the tongue..they could find out enough to piece it together. Or...we could sneak in - it’s night time after all - but this is the worse choice, if they catch us we’ll faces TONS of questioning on top of the possibility of getting shot. But we also get plenty of time to get your people out of there IF we aren’t caught.”
[Sneak in.]
[Reveal themselves directly.]
Atlanta Roberts.
A group of two people - all wearing respirators - stood waiting as one person approached them, who also had a respirator on, along with a full body suit.
The person approaching stopped in front of them and removed the mask. A kind and childish smile of Vincent face the group. “You can take the masks off now, it’s safe.” He spoke as the two people carefully and somewhat reluctantly removed their masks.
Atlanta and Ashley set their masks on a counter as Vincent gestured for them to do so. “So...uh...how’d we do?” Atlanta asked awkwardly.
“Great!” Vincent exclaimed cheerfully as he walked past them and gestured for them to follow. “I like to try to maintain good batches and all, but it honestly doesn’t matter. We actually dumb down the stuff, making it less potent in an effort to avoid overdoses. All we really need to do is make it-- flexible.”
“Suppose we could see Daniel now? I like the idea of him being-- alone in the-- common area, as you put it.” Ashley asked crossing her arms and staring Vincent down.
“Of course.” Vincent answered with a respectable tone. “I’ll..uh...have to escort you there. But just follow me.” He smiled as he lead the way, soon stepping into a large hallway with the two, but quickly turned back and poked his head in the door. “Clarice! I’m taking them back to the common area, I’ll be back in a bit!”
“Fine!” She barked back as he and the other two walked down the highway and soon found themselves back in the main mall.
“Interesting place…” Ashley mumbled as she looked at the high ceilings. “Could not have thought of a better place to be forced to work.” She sarcastically grumbled as they approached the common area.
“Say what you want. But you’re safe here. You wouldn’t believe some of the things going on outside - around the world - people forming little...settlements, towns, etc in the name of survival. Building communities out of the remains. Not bad for the end of the world if you ask me.” Vincent trailed off as he opened the common area door and held it open until both Ashley and Atlanta had stepped through. “Seeya.” He added as he closed the door and to the dismay of Atlanta, she heard the turning of a lock.
Letting out a sigh she looked at Dan and Jordan who set by at the tables talking to each other.
“Daniel!” Atlanta spoke up and the duo of Dan and Jordan looked up at them. Dan jumped up and ran towards them while Jordan gave a smile and remained seated.
“Hey Dan.” Ashley smiled patting him on the back, he opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed and remained silent. “Somethin’ to say?” Ashley asked kindly as she waited patiently.
“Um...no…” He muttered while barely able to maintain a cheerful smile set on his face. “But…” He trailed off as he frowned.
“Well, mind if we all talk to her together?” Atlanta asked, giving Dan a affectionate smile. “Okay…” He mumbled in reply.
They approached her and took a seat around her and Atlanta and Ashley looked her in the eye sternly while Daniel looked at the two of them, somewhat puzzled.
“So…” Jordan mumbled awkwardly as she faced the two women. She had on the same light blue sleeveless shirt and jeans, probably after she retired from the thick jacket they send the guards out with.
“We need to know where you stand with us.” Atlanta spoke sternly, not removing her line of sight from Jordan. “We need to know. What’s your answer...to...leaving this place behind?”
Jordan let out a sigh and bit her lip. “Huh…” She commented. “I’d go with the good people of what remains of this sorry world.” She playfully remarked. “I’m on your side.” She finished, giving a smirk.
“Good to know.” Ashley sighed looking around the room, they knew more people would happen upon them soon, they weren’t the only people staying in the common area. “Then it’s safe to say you’re with us?”
“Too the end.” She answered, though she looked fairly sad. “I suppose you plan on leaving the mall? If so..I’d advise against it. Too many people have tried to leave, but they just get brought back..in chains…”
“Don’t make us regret including you in this…” Atlanta sighed, recalling her conversation with Ashley after Jerry had left.
“No!” Jordan defended. “I’m in to the end where it comes to getting outta here. It’s just...they’ll do worse than kill you…if they catch you.” Jordan looked at the still stern faces of Ashley and Atlanta, then the somewhat confused face of Daniel.
“We need to know anything that could help us get out of here when the times comes.” Atlanta said, resting on hands on the table eagerly. “Tells us, please.”
“Alright.” Jordan answered accompanied by a sigh. “There’s plenty of ways to get out of here, it’s a mall, after all. Our problem being is they’re blocked off, most of them anyway. Your exits are almost all blocked off. The one’s that aren’t are sure as hell guarded.”
“Is there any way to get around the guards? Any backdoors that could help us get out of here?” Atlanta further questioned.
“Probably. But I know of none.” Jordan reluctantly answered. “But I need to know something...what is it you-- why do you want to leave. I’m all for it, I’d never sell you out even if I was against you leaving. But...why? I know this place isn’t the best, but it’s safe. Same can;t be said about the outside.” Jordan bit her lip. “I don’t want to discourage you from this...but it’s pretty much a death wish to go out there.”
“We all have our reason.” Atlanta answered forceful trying to change the subject.
“I have my too, don’t get me wrong.” Jordan added. “But what are yours?”
[“We have people out there still, somewhere.”]
[“Someone murdered a member of our group.]
[“We refuse to be slaves.”]
[Explain without holding back any knowledge.]
[Reveal themselves directly.]
[“Someone murdered a member of our group.]
Oh yes, my dear Jerry, oh yes. Make them pay for what they did to Dean, Anthony and especially to Josie, make them pay so dearly! I never thought I would ever cheer so much at this guy, but right now I'm so rooting for him.
Unfortunately, there is no way any of these bastards could ever get what they deserve, because even the most horrible of tortures would still be too good for them, after what I assume they did to my dear Josie. All of them, Zafir, Vincent, Clarice, Jake, whoever else might be involved in this, they have to pay with more than just their sorry lives. And if Josie is in no shape to answer anymore, there is only one way to make sure that they all will pay, namely to hold every worthless member of that fucked-up group of monsters responsible.
[Reveal themselves directly.]
I'm done waiting, I am so done waiting while Josie is likely the victim of unspeakable torture in there. And not knowing what happened to her is like torture for me, so I have to know as quick as possible. Also, any second they wait brings Josie closer to death or an even worse fate and there is no way I'm going to risk that. I know, I probably shouldn't care so much, but getting her out of there as soon as possible and in the best possible shape is my only goal right now. Of course, I might be wrong here and maybe sneaking in at nighttime is exactly the choice that leads to Josie getting out of there. But I am far too afraid for her life and her health to risk it by waiting and I am far too furious at these fucking cunts to allow them torturing and raping her any second longer.
[Explain without holding back any knowledge.]
If Jordan is involved in the kidnapping, the murder of Dean or whatever fucked-up torture takes place in that backroom, there is no way she will get out of this alive, not as long as I have a vote. If she is innocent, or as innocent as a member of this group of bastards can be, she could be a useful tool to get Josie out of there, so Atlanta shouldn't hide anything from her. If she is the lying bitch I suspect her to be, I'm sure she knows it already either way.
[Reveal themselves directly]
[Explain without holding back any knowledge]
Great chapter!!
[Reveal themselves directly]
[Explain without holding back any knowledge]
[Reveal themselves directly.]
[Explain without holding back any knowledge.]
[Sneak in.]
[Explain without holding back any knowledge.]
Liquid, Liquid, Liquid...It's best to know who your friends are if you ever want to see Josie again.
>:3
But who are our friends anymore? Do we have any?
It's a possibility.
It's a possibility
I don't know why that made me laugh that hard this is serious
I don't know. A few days ago I was up real late, then whenever I saw the word "me" I would start laughing really hard. I'd even add them when they weren't there and I'd laugh just as hard.
Me lacks a sense of humor
There was one time I laughed because my cat fell (which looking back now seems really mean) and I don't know how loud I was laughing but my came in and told me that I had to stop because people were sleeping.
Oh, I know that Jerry is a friend. That still sounds wrong, but I'm getting used to it... Atlanta, Ashley, Dan, they are all good. Christian and Jordan though... I am willing to trust them and likely won't try to kill them with my votes, but I won't forgive their part in all of this. People like them allow Zafir to have such a power, no matter how much of a victim they are. I wouldn't count them as the groups friends, but they can be useful tools, crucial in saving Josie. However, I have no sympathy for them, because they haven't done a single thing to stop the people truly responsible for Josie's current situation.
Anyway, I'm pretty sure that Christian is on Jerry's side, which does not clear him of any guilt. However, I admit that I am very irrational in my hatred against Christian. In due time, I might even be able to like him, if I don't get the option to kill him first. I see that he is a victim in all of this, he is even a bit relatable, but my sympathy for him was gone the moment I've thought about what happens in that backroom.
And Jordan... well, there is one thing that makes me wary about her. Sure, she seems to be on Atlanta's side and she seems to be willing to help and to escape with them. But I've thought about Dean's death again... He was killed by a sniper, right? And who is the sniper in this group of sadistic monsters? She might be willing to help the group, she might be a genuinely nice person, but there is a strong possibility that she is the person who killed Dean and caused the kidnapping/rape/torture thing.
The rest though has to suffer. My hatred against Zafir is self-explaining, Clarice and Vincent seem to be his main henchmen and who knows what they are capable of. Meth cooks are hardly sympathic people and I am pretty sure they are outright horrible. Jake is a complete asshole and I wouldn't be too surprised if he turns out to be just as bad as Zafir. From what I know so far, they deserve to end up begging for their deaths
My cat does stupid stuff all the time. Sometimes it's hard to not laugh at them XD
I wholeheartedly agree XD
Cats are the best. I still love my dogs tho don't get me wrong.
[Reveal themselves directly.]
[“We have people out there still, somewhere.”]
The way Jordan's talking makes me want to believe that she has someone that's locked up and she wants them back. That could be a mutual motive for why Christian and Jordan want to help the group but who knows what could happen after they get their people.
I have a feeling that when Zafir shows, nothing good is going to come out of it.
I'm convinced, as soon as Zafir finally shows up I will know for sure why I hate him so much. I'm not afraid of him though, I am far too angry at him for that. It's amazing how that guy manages to push all my buttons despite the fact that we know absolutely nothing about him.
And your idea with Jordan makes sense. There is something off with her, I mean she seems to be friendly, but she is also most likely the one who shot Dean. There's either one of her loved ones locked up by that monster, or she has another reason to help. Or, and that is quite the disturbing thought, she could be a manipulating psychopath who only pretends to be on Atlanta's side to backstab them as soon as she get's the chance to earn some bonus points with Zafir.
"Trauma traps us...breaks us, hurts us...but as you stand Among those you've wronged...it grows worse. Leaving you in Ruins as they fight for you, unknowingly...for your Sin at the River Crossing."
Oh god, are these... chapter names? Have you just revealed the chapter names for Episode 2?
Seeing Ruins, Trauma suddenly doesn't seem so bad anymore, especially reading your rather cryptic hints. Someone is going to break, either physically or mentally or both and this someone could be almost anyone, maybe Jerry who falls back into old insanity habits for whatever reason, maybe Josie as the result of the torture she has to endure right now, maybe Dan as the result of him being a child who just lost everything... I might not be afraid of Zafir, not as long as I can still hate him, but I am sure as hell afraid of the things to come
These poetic words can be applied to several characters in current and future chapters..
...have fun! ^-^
I need a new part...
Seriously, I'm afraid I need a new part urgently... The hype level is over 9000, which is coincidentally the amount of heart attacks I expect while reading it. Meanwhile, my utter hatred for everyone ever involved with Zafir in any way grows beyond measure, while my hopes that there is anything of Josie left to save gets close to zero.
Voting is closed!
(!) Jerry will opt to reveal themselves directly
(!) Atlanta will explain without holding back any knowledge
Okay, I've been working on the new part so it'll be out sooner or later. Though most likely late tonight, unless I get stuck on part of it and whatnot.
In case some of you missed it I revealed the remaining chapter titles for Episode 2 and have updated the main post with them listed. But if you just don't feel like scrolling up that far I'll go ahead and list them here, along with the text I revealed them in.
""Trauma traps us...breaks us, hurts us...but as you stand Among those you've wronged...it grows worse. Leaving you in Ruins as they fight for you, unknowingly...for your Sin at the River Crossing."
You'll be...happy? (I guess so) to know that Zafir is making his first (as well as a subtle) appearance in the next part >:3
Just seeing the name kind of angers me but then it's like why am I mad?
I don't know why but Jordan seems kind of sketchy. She said that there were two people that the group could trust, one of them being her. It seems kind of like an attempt to fuck with the group from what I see. Christian seems to be somewhat trustworthy but we have yet to see how he interacts with Zafir. My opinions on the both of them is neutral.
This will be my happy face when meeting Zafir... You see the happiness? You see it? It's right behind the complete and utter hatred I have for this son of a whore and his whole group.
By the way, I noticed that there is someone in the waiting list who has the same last name as Zafir. Now, Carter is not a very uncommon name, but still... could Keith be a relative? Someone Zafir cares for? That gives me sweet ideas... Well, at least the guy in my avatar would call them sweet ideas. You can not see it but right now I'm having exactly the same facial expression as Mr. Winchester in the gif above.
Yes, Keith is his son. But...he's not as close to Zafir as you might think.
Also, he's 15, you monster >:c
The more I think about it, the less I trust Jordan. After all:
Trust can work in both ways... Maybe Atlanta misplaces her trust in Jordan. Not so sure about Christian, after all we know about his motivation here. I think he is definitely more trustworthy than Jordan.
Oh, hatred is truly a wonderful, wonderful thing! Come to Liquid, my sweet proxy-vengeance!
For poor Keith's sake I hope his father does not care for him...
I'm perfectly willing to ignore this if it means an opportunity to hurt Zafir more than he hurts Josie. After all, if there is nothing left to save, there is at least someone to take horrible vengeance on
Jordan seems to know more than she lets on. She was the first to bring up Maria, which is strange now that I think about it. But I agree that Christian is definitely more trustworthy than Jordan.
Motivation might be key to getting out of the mall but then again, I might just be rambling.
I hope you're joking.
._.
I am probably not entirely serious about that. However, so far I only have my imagination to what happens in that backroom and it is enough for me to legitimately hate Zafir up to the point where I want him to loose everything he loves. I am simply extremely nervous, seeing how I can only imagine the amount of suffering he puts Josie in. But if she is broken beyond repair, my only remaining goal will be to make him suffer a thousand times more. Though I doubt I could actually target Keith, not even in the worst case.
Can't wait for more, I just found this and it is amazing. Also I just submitted a character.
Thank you, I like the character!
Best story ever. You'll love it