"Where are your supplies, better yet, your weapons?!"
A silence followed my question.
"Hey, don't say shit like some cliché bullshit happened and you lots handed over everything to a random group?"
Silence.
"And here I once grumbled that the authors were unreal and stupid" with exhausted voice that couldn't care more, "Run me down on what occurred."
...
"So basically some politician is here. He convinced these cows' sorry 'people' yeah people…. So he convinced them that he will take command to guarantee safety. And asked to localize the supplies.
As you were among the few who had weapons, they cornered you against everyone so that you give up yours weapons?"
[Some constellations yucks at this cliché.]
"Me too, pals"
Ugh
My head hurts, I unconsciously massage my temple at the stupidity of the situation. I was worried that something like this may happen.
But this fast?!
Now. It can go one of two ways.
One is a personal heaven to satisfy their hunger and lust. Or two, they will be good guys. But ….
Sigh
Give or two to three days we will get the answer.
Again, what is it to me? Not like I am planning to settle here. I will see the subway tracts for monsters. If problems, I will change of stations.
Or…
A cold glint settled on my eyes
Kill them.
I notice how the duckling tensed up. I stroke my hand on her head couple of times.
With a small smile, "Hey don't worry, everything is fine."
Her body eases up.
"..hn."
"Hey..mm.." I try to phrase the sentence carefully, "You're not uncomfortable like this are you?"
I pause a little
"If you want.." I scooted over to the side to make space for her "sit with me."
She put her head down, as if contemplating. I could physical envision cog wheels turning her brain.
After she made up her mind, she shakes her head side to side than proceeds with the koala hug.
I smile at her antics, and just gently patting her back.
As I am about to return to the previous matter –
"...Shi.. sung."
"Hm?" I look at the girl. "Sorry?"
"My name"
"Shin Yoosung"
Blink
She quickly tucked her head below.
It took me a second, but then my face light up.
"So your Shin Yoosung, its suits you. Very beautiful."
She just nods her head, not looking up, but her ears was red.
I pretend not to see.
Sigh*
All the anger got buried.
'I am glad you're adapting well.'
A soft laugh escapes my lips at emotions I am not sure. A memory surfaced.
How for almost a month I had said no words, how just like a corpse I had just stayed in bed after dad and mom….
I quickly brush away the tears that come, I don't want useless worries.
I glance around,
None of the others seemed to have noticed.
'Thank god'
My thoughts were drawn back to shin Yoosung,
I think Yoosung misunderstood my laugh as me laughing at her. Her ears were turning a shade of red I didn't think was possible.
I could even feel the heat from her face through my clothes.
I scratch my head, really unsure what to do.
So I just did what I know.
Hugged her back.
[Some constellations exclaims the scene is very cute]
[Demon-like Judge of Fire rolls around on her bed, squealing and kicking her legs repeatedly.]
[The song off the sea likes what she sees]
[Secretive plotter smile at you two]
[You received 300 coins sponsor]
...
Shin Yoosung trembled in surprise. I think she can see the messages too.
Oh no.
How is she turning even redder?
Fortunately or unfortunately, but the moment was broken to the original serious topic by Lee Ha-eun
"Ummm… why are you so upset that we handed over the weapons and supplies."
[Insane one is disgusted with this one]
[Secretive plotter shakes his head in disappointment]
[The song of the seas look at her with profound sadness exclaiming "oh sweet innocent child"]
She spoke in a confident tone.
"Isn't it better a central command handles it. And besides, if they bring the food - we don't have to put ourselves in danger."
I just look at her like how one would look at a rare mythical creature.
Hearing the first half, I had opened my mouth to explain. But the second half was soooo brain damaging, I just forgot to close my mouth.
How many times will I be turned speechless?
This damned idiot.
'Why would they put them salves in danger for nothing, they will want something in return. Again it become like the cave men system, hunters gatherer. It's not modern world anymore.'
But I don't know how to explain it to this one. Or is it even worth it.
Groan*
Sigh*
"You know…."
I shrugged "I can't bother myself"
"Now, to be completely honest - We have two only choices going forward."
"At least….that how I see it."
Seeing everyone focused I continue, "We either leave or stay. That is if I put it simply."
They collectively frown
Sigh
"If we decide to leave, you will lose shelter and protection."
"We can try finding another station; maybe there the situation will be favorable?"
"But you will certainly face danger; you will die lest you adapt and grow."
"But if you walk this path, I believe you will be stronger and free."
"Or if you decide to stay, we…."
It felt heavy to say it "will split up from here."
[Some constellations holds their breathes]
Shin Yoosung's body Shook. She wrapped her arms tighter around me. My breath felt shallow at rise of an emotion I can't describe. I push it down. I return a hand to her back. I kept smoothing my hand down her back.
Lee Eun-ji tense up at the idea of splitting she stared at me with wide eyes. Park Sang-hoon's face darkened.
"HEY!!"
"What the actually fuck is wrong with you?! From the second you came in, your first frustrated about 'that' and now 'this'. Are you looking for attention! Or just love being a BITCh!"
"What's your deal? Why are you so upset with a central system?!"
I stare at Jung Ha-eun.
Her eyes filed with rage stared at me, body shaking.
She was breathing heavily, jaw locked.
My breath quickened, body tensed up, fists clenched. Shin Yoosung presses hard in me, her back curving.
Sigh*
Sigh*
I take multiple deep breathes.
'Breathe'
'don't snap'
'calm… clam'
"Boy, she's right you know? Why do you hate it so much, tell us first?"
I stare at Park Sang-hoon for a second.
"It's not necessarily I hate it. The problem I have is…."
I paused.
"…how it will be depends entirely on what kind of people they are."
Confused looks spread across their faces.
I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
"I'm bad at explaining this stuff."
A small sigh escaped me.
"Okay… imagine this."
"They gather the food."
"They fight the monsters."
"They control the supplies."
"…which means they control survival."
I noticed Park Sang-hoon's expression darken slightly.
He understood immediately.
"In the old world, people exchanged money for services. Am I right Jung Ha-eun?"
Jung Ha-eun flinched at suddenly being mentioned, "y-yes."
With my eyes staring at hers I continue
"But now?"
"What value does money have anymore?"
She lowered her head.
"…N-none."
"Right!"
"So if someone feeds and protects you now…"
I paused briefly.
"They'll eventually want something in return."
The women in the group visibly stiffened.
"Now"
"If they're decent people, maybe things will work out."
I exhaled slowly.
"But if they aren't…"
I didn't finish the sentence.
I need not.
Jung Ha-eun wrapped her arms around herself, nails digging in. Her face paled. Her legs shaking.
"B-But…"
"That's too extreme…"
Her voice trembled. Eyes that was on the verge of tears
"We live in a civilized society…"
"Surely not… it's just your paranoia"
She looked at other, "Surely it's not something to worry."
I stared at her for a moment.
[The insane one is annoyed with this one, recommends delivering swift decapitation]
A feeling of frustration burned in me. My voice rougher than I wanted.
"How du….."
I pause, quickly getting on my feet, putting Shin Yoosung down. She looked at me confused. I unsheathe my blades.
Everyone panics, I notice Jung Ha-eun fell on her butt trying to back step. Her eyes tearing up in fear.
Lee Eun-ji with face full of panic rushes at me. Hands forward trying to stop me. Lee Do-hyun stood in front of Jung Ha-eun, face visible pale seeing my blades drawn.
Park Sang-hoon however followed my gaze.
My senses picked up about 15 people approaching. Leading them has heavier footsteps.
'shit'
I pause, at their movement. My disappointment was liaised in my voice.
"Go stand with Mr. Sang-hoon. NOW!"
Lee Do-hyun although confused picked Jung Ha-eun up and took her closer to Park Sang-hoon. While Lee Eun-ji who is now standing close to me, initially confused but soon followed my gaze.
"Woah, little girl, you shouldn't handle sharp things, people could get hurt. Be careful."
I pause.
From heavy steps, I assumed… someone more muscular.
But,
He's on the short, balding man. His stomach strained against his shirt.
He was look up and down, licking his lips.
'disgusting!'
I see him send one his men, trying to get my blades.
"Another step and your dead." He pauses. "Back off!"
The guy looks toward his boss.
The politician walks forward, a professional smile on his face.
"Please, please. Calm down. I mean no harm. We just want to ensure everyone's safety."
I laugh, "Safety? By taking away our weapons and supplies?"
He spook in a loud voice filled with regret. "I am truly sorry for that, and I deeply regret that."
"I understand you would feel resentment, resentment that we have taken your hard earned supplies. For which only god knows how much you struggled."
"But please understand, times are tough and resources are scarce."
"So that's why had to do what we did, to conserve food."
"However, despite collecting all the food in the station I am stilled unsure …How long the meager amount of food will keep everyone feed."
"So we had to decide that, groups have to go to the surface, face the horror to bring in supplies."
He then turns to others, those who had drawn to his loud voice.
"These men besides me volunteered to be part of the groups who will venture out, so you don't have to."
Everyone started clapping with teary eyes. Calling them heroes or that they will always support them.
The scene…. Was disturbing.
Like bunch of puppets, being let by a puppeteer.
I got worried that maybe he has such kind of skill. I turn toward my group. Except Jung Ha-eun no one seemed to me enthralled.
I let out my breath I didn't realize I was unconsciously holding.
"Now… young lady."
"The people risking their lives outside need equipment more than anyone."
"Surely you understand that."
He slowly turned in a dramatic manner towards the people in the station behind him, "Again, we can't allow weapons in UN-authorized hands."
Everyone just nodded talking to themselves like its makes perfect sense.
???
Why?
"My lovely young lady, could you please hand us the blades. Because by doing so you save soooo many lives."
Silent
I just observe.
Seeing me silent he had a big grin plastered on his face. Like he… won.
I feel the gaze from 10s of people behind him.
"girl give it back while he is nice"
"this generation!"
"so greedy"
"hey bitch, why are you stalling, just do as he says"
'Like hell I will'
Seeing me not doing anything, he sends one of his men to take it.
I try opening my mouth to warn him
'I am stuck'
My heart racing, I felt my body heavy.
Very weak.
Their gaze, weight on me.
My breath became shallow,
My teeth grinding against each other, at anger.
Weak.
'I will kill this insects'
[Exclusive attribute mass murderer reacts strongly]
I step hard on the ground about to launch myself –
I felt Shin Yoosung griping me, shaking
This single second of hesitation gave Lee Eun-ji enough time to hug me.
"please…."
She said with teary-shaky voice.
Her eyes pleading me
'not to do it. To not kill.'
For how hard I had stepped, a giant web like crack spread on the floor.
A silence spread.
"H-hey w-we meant no harm. We were just trying to establish safety. Let's be civil"
He said in a quivering voice.
His black pant had a darker shade around his nether region.
Everyone scrambled.
This corner became quiet again, only us.
With hard steps, I move toward a nearby bench, head down.
"h-hey, you weren't ….."
Hick*
My rage filled gaze shut Lee Do-hyun off.
I just sit.
Gaze toward the floor.
Hand shaking from griping the bench too hard.
In my mind,
Just the blade, and then the scene.
In front of me felt dark
...