Cass shot down the narrow back alleys. His goal was the Doxy. However, every time he tried to emerge on the road, another thug would pop out of the shadows, forcing him to retreat. Cass grabbed a metal trash can and launched it at a pursuer. Pain radiated through his arm; exerting himself only exacerbated the ache in his body. Every step was like an electric shock coursing through him. He tried a few doors…all locked. He kept running. His endurance had taken a massive hit as well; his lungs were already burning.
How much of a beating can I take…? No, I can't. Not from powered up thugs.
Cass shot out of the alley and skidded to a stop. In front of him was a vast ocean.
Shit! I'm at the docks!?
"Gotcha now!"
Cass made it a few steps before the breath was knocked out of him. A flying mass collided with his back sending him to the ground.
"Teach you and that whore a lesson!"
He heard a stampede of them approaching from behind. The one on his back was positioning himself to rain blows on Cass while using him as a comfy chair. Cass's ears were ringing and the world was dancing in his vision.
Huh? That guy feels a lot lighter…
Cass heard clamoring behind him and something slam into a wall with a loud crack. Before he knew it, he was on his feet.
"You look rough, kid."
"...? Rampone?"
Linas was standing there in his usual suit with a big cigar hanging out his mouth.
"You out gettin' a fix? Tindra'll kill you if she finds out."
"What're you doing here?"
He chuckled.
"At the docks? Why indeed. Head of a shipping company? It's a real mystery. How gone are ya, kid?"
He wasn't completely wrong. Cass was having a hard time tracking the conversation.
"This late?"
"Well, there was quite the kerfuffle here not that long ago. Gotta make sure no troublemakers are around. Bad for business."
He puffed his cigar.
"Kid…you look like hell. Are you hooked on something?"
Yeah…Tindra. Wait…that came out wrong. Did I say it out loud?
Cass was delirious.
"You're bleeding."
Cass looked at his arm. Blood oozed out of the scuffed skin.
"I gotta go."
Cass staggered off.
"Don't break her heart, kid."
Cass stopped.
"If you do, she might turn to some unscrupulous characters."
He shot Cass a grin, cigar still in his mouth.
Yeah...
The sounds of the city blended into a monotonous drone in Cass's ears. He could feel the direction he needed to go.
Good thing…
It was like petroleum jelly was smeared over his eyes. No matter how hard he tried to focus, it was the same; his vision was useless. He was trying to run, but all he could do was inch forward, wavering side to side. The panic he was experiencing had given way to apathy. Something blocked his path…The next thing he knew, he was on the ground.
It's really comfy…
For a split second, Cadeyrn flashed in his mind. A small jolt filled his heart. He crawled along the sidewalk. Unfortunately, it didn't last for long.
Ah…if I think of Misha…Misha…I'll be content.
The world closed in around Cass and slowly faded to black. His entire body was cold.
Wait…How do I know how cold I am? No…Not this again! I'm conscious! Conscious while dead!? Is this part of my Dead trait too!? There's no fog this time…am I doomed to this existence? Wait.....what's that smell? Such a sweet scent. Floral…and something else.
He was moving. His legs and arms weren't, but his body was. His vision had returned along with the petroleum jelly filter. He could hear too; a soft murmur among the drone of the city. The murmur was like a choir of angels singing to him. He had no idea what they were singing. It must've been the song of life, breathing a second chance into him.
That must be the source of this soothing warmth beneath me.
He squeezed his enfeebled arms, pulling himself into the warmth as much as he could. Cass was so relaxed and his body so exhausted from the ordeal, that he slipped from consciousness a second time. He awoke on his couch with the morning sun streaming through the curtains.
Am I dead? No, an angel saved me…Wait, what am I saying? I made it home!
He pulled the blanket off and stretched. He felt the bandage pull on his arm.
Oh, damn! My arm must've got banged up. I was really out of it. Thank god for that homing instinct.
The bandage was surprisingly clean given his propensity to perpetual bleeding.
I can't believe I applied sealant and adhesive while I was blacked out. Damn, I'm good.
"Where were you all night? You got blood everywhere."
Cass groaned. A nagging wife?
He turned with a smile.
"Sorry, honey. It won't happen again."
"Ew, don't call me that. I asked you a question."
Ew? Was that really necessary?
He checked his pockets for his notes…Still there. His smile widened.
"I had something to take care of. No worries."
She furrowed her brow.
"What the hell could be worth coming home like that? You were bleeding all over, mumbling nonsense, and saying…weird things!"
Is this what married life was like? Certainly not if you're married to Misha. She'd understand. How about Ariayah? Hmm…I feel like I'd be more of a pet in that circumstance. I guess it's just clashing roommates then.
"I survived, didn't I? Besides, you'd have the place to yourself if I kicked the bucket."
She bit her lip and looked down.
Oh? Did I go too far? Does she feel a little bad maybe?
She looked him square in the face.
"Who'd get my letters to Rudy then?"
"...Huh?"
She was stony-eyed.
"How inconsiderate can you be?"
She opened the apartment door and left.
…She was serious.
Cass's confusion passed. He had more important things to deal with. He pulled out all the notes he had taken from the factory and laid them out on the table by the window.
It's gonna be a long day.
By the time dusk rolled around, Cass was starving. He'd become so engrossed in his task and completely lost track of time. He stood up, stretched, and decided to raid Tindra's fridge as a reward for all the hard work he did today. Cass entered the Dogface Doxy and saw Tindra getting the bar ready for tonight's customers. She spotted him and grinned.
Oh boy…I know that grin.
"W-ellll, look who it is. Heard ya had one helluva bender last night."
"I don't need to hear that coming from you."
Cass actually preferred that Tindra liked to drink…sort of. He used that time to transfer any damage he had to her. She was pretty wild when drunk, so any injuries that didn't heal before she sobered up could be easily explained away.
Hmm. Thinking about it, that sounds pretty bad when I put it that way…
He looked at his bandaged arm and scratched the back of his head.
Can't believe this…
"Looks like ya got a little banged up."
The last thing Cass remembered was running into Linas. Judging by Tindra's demeanor, she probably hadn't seen him today, which meant he hadn't flapped his mouth to her about seeing him at the docks. Would he?
"I fell down some stairs."
Her eyes widened.
"Cass! Daniella's not beatin' your ass is she!?"
She dashed over and picked up Cass.
"Ya can tell me, darlin'! Don't be afraid!"
Tindra did all she could to keep from laughing, but Cass's bemused face defeated her handily. She cackled and set him down.
"Ah…Not plannin' on openin' tonight. A lot of the girls are on edge still. Can't blame 'em. Things'll be tight around here for a while."
"You're a 6th tier Blessed. Surely you can earn some cash pretty quickly."
"Yeah? Who's gonna watch the Doxy while I'm gone?"
Cass shrugged.
"You're tough, Cass. But if Dhall and his goons catch word…well, I don't need to spell it out."
"Are they even interested? Other than blowing it up I mean?"
"'Course they are! We got the prettiest girls in the red light district! That's why you gotta help me keep 'em safe! So get to it!"
"What a slave driver."
Cass headed to the back of the Doxy. As he did. He heard the front door open.
"It's a beautiful night! Isn't it, madam!"
"You again!? How many times do I gotta tell ya!?"
Rudy's shaky laugh was louder than it needed to be.
Guy has a death wish. I guess love makes you do silly things. Speaking of…
Daniella was in the back getting clean linens ready for the night.
"You better go out there and save your man."
"I'm busy."
"Uh, I can take care of that-"
"I can do it. I've seen the state of your apartment."
"Uh-huh."
Cass watched her unload the dryer for a while.
"You know, I've been wondering, why does Tindra dislike Rudy so much? I don't think she'd put you guys in danger, but she lets some pretty seedy character in here from time to time. Rudy seems almost decent next to them."
"Who knows."
"I feel like if you just talk to her she'd-"
"Cass, just drop it."
She piled the last few sheets into the stuffed basket and headed up the stairs. He frowned.
That's what I get for trying to help.
Cass went up to Tindra's room and grabbed some instant noodles. By the time he got back to the main room, Rudy was being escorted to the door.
"Can't I at least get a drink before I go!?"
"Rudy, we need to talk."
Rudy and Tindra stopped; Cass's voice sounded stern. Rudy straightened up and brushed off his suit.
"Sure thing, buddy."