Two Hours After The Last Chapter...
[Asher lies motionless in the alleyway for a total of 2 hours now. He hasn't moved since Jockey and his Lackeys beat him. His left eye slowly opens a bit, he looks around at his surroundings without moving an inch. He's definitely alive but seems to be in a dazed state. He then turns himself over onto his back.]
Asher: Heh... Damn... I got my ass beat again... I almost died again too... Fuck... *Chuckles* I wonder what happens if I die again... *Laughs* Will I go to Double Hell? *Laughs*
[Asher laughs at his own joke, he then coughs up a little bit of blood.]
Asher: *Cough* *Cough* God Damn it...
[Asher leans up and attempts to hold himself up with his hands, but instead of holding himself up he just falls on his side. He rubs his head with his free hand and looks around.]
Asher: Everything's blurry... Son of a...
[Asher places both of his hands on the ground and is able to get on his knees and stand up. He makes his way to the side of a building and leans against it as he tries to get his bearings.]
Asher: Aww it hurts... Everything hurts...
[He looks around the alleyway and begins to limp and sway his way forward. He almost collapses again as he tries to walk. Eventually, he makes his way out of the alleyway and falls to his knees on the sidewalk. He stands back up and leans against the front of the building, he shakes his head and looks at the passersbys. They all exchange glares with each other. To Asher, this must be a common sight. He looks to his left and notices that he's leaning against a store, some sort of radio store. He lets out a sigh and walks forward so he can see himself in the reflection of the store's front window. He's bruised and scratched all over with some cuts on his face, his eyes are both barely open but not terribly bruised. But the worst injury of them all has to be his crooked nose.]
Asher: *Groan* Bouncer you bastard...
[Asher touches his nose, he immediately recoils back in pain.]
Asher: *Pain* Fuck... Ok... That's broken... *Deep Breath* Ohhh... Ok, ok...
[Asher lets out a deep sigh, he notices a bottle in a bag on the ground out front of the radio store. Ash reaches down and picks up the bottle, he sniffs the inside of it. It smells vile, like alcohol combined with some other foreign substance or liquid. It probably tastes as bad as its smell. Asher lets out a groan and looks at the bottle.]
Asher: *Groan* Ohhh, ok... Salute!
[Asher raises the bottle up above him then puts the bottle to his lips and downs the whole thing in one gulp.]
Asher: *Gag* Awww, that's foul... But hey, it might numb the pain...
[He puts the bottle back on the ground and lets out a nervous chuckle. He puts his hands out to his side then close to his face, his hands are shaking a bit. He takes another deep breath as he moves his hands onto the side of his nose and winces in pain. He takes another deep breath, then another, and another. Then in a quick motion, he moves his hands creating a loud cracking sound.]
Asher: OH- FUCK ME!!!
[Asher kicks the bottle, sending it towards a brick wall smashing it into pieces.]
Asher: FUCKING- Ugggghhhh...
[He looks back into his reflection in the radio store, his nose looks straight now but bruised.]
Asher: Ugh... Motherfucker...
[Asher pokes his nose a few times. It hurts, but not as much as before.]
Asher: Ohhh ho ho... Ohhh, that... That really fucking hurt...
*Tap*
Asher: Heh, heh... God... I look like shit... *Chuckles* Hey... I still look better than Jockey! OH-HO!
*Tap*
Asher: Maybe I should take tomorrow off and rest... After all, I am hurt pretty badly...
*Tap*
Asher: Nah, I got a full day of doing nothing tomorrow! I can't miss that! *Laughs*
*Tap*
Asher: Wha?
[Asher looks closely into the glass of the store, he notices someone walking right behind him. He turns around to get a look at the person. Or he would have if that person was still there. Asher looks all around, there's nobody else there, nobody anywhere, throughout the entire street. It looks like everyone that was here is now completely gone... Or left in a hurry. Not to mention that the odd tapping sound he heard is also completely gone. It's as if nobody was there or they disappeared without a trace.]
Asher: What in the hell?
[Asher rubs his head confused.]
Asher: Did I get hit on the head too hard?
[He looks around again, still no sign of anyone.]
Asher: Must have... Unless the whole street just decides to leave because I'm around.
[Asher looks back into the radio store. He raises an eyebrow and scratches his chin.]
Asher: Hmh... Maybe I should buy a radio when I get the money... And a place to put it... And electricity... And a will to do anything...
[He cracks his neck and places his hands behind his head.]
Asher: Maybe I should try sleeping it off... I need to head home...
[He then grabs his leg and begins to limp off down the sidewalk. He kicks a can as he walks down the sidewalk.]
About a Half an Hour Later...
[Asher pushes his way through some dead bushes and treads onward, he stops and looks forward. He lets out a sigh as he looks at a tarp tent being held up by some rope tied to a tree. There are empty bottles and cans in and outside the tent. It looks like someone has been sleeping out here in the "forest".]
Asher: Ahhh... Home sweet home.
[He walks over to the tent and crawls inside, he lies down on a cloth sheet on the ground and looks out the front of the tent. He places his hands behind his head and lets out a depressed sigh as he looks back at the roof of the tent.]
Asher: *Depressed Sigh* Hell is weird... You'd think everyone would be getting tortured constantly for eternity or at least suffering for a bit... But as far as I can see I'm the only one doing any suffering... Fuck man...
[Asher takes his mask off from around his neck and places it next to him. He then rolls over onto his side and stares at the side of the tent.]
Asher: I mean... It could be worse... I could be actually dead in an alleyway. Not just beaten... Should I get a job? Can I even get a job? Ehhh... I should really find something... Because all I got is squat...
[Asher closes his eyes and clicks his tongue.]
Asher: *Click's Tongue* Tomorrow is another day full of surprises...
Asher: Or entertainment...
The Next Day At 11:55...
[Asher is sitting against a building with his arms crossed and gas mask on, his head leaning down towards the ground. Demons walk past him without giving him a second glance. Beside him sits an empty tin can and a cardboard sign that reads "Will give poor advice for $" and underneath that reads "I am not held responsible for any murders you may or may not commit afterward." Asher glances towards the empty can.]
Asher: (In Head) Woah, Woah... Don't be too generous now...
[He looks back forward at his boots
Asher: (In Head) Damn, looks like I'm going without food again... What is this? The fifth day, I haven't had a thing to eat...
Asher: (In Head) I think I might starve to death before I get murdered... Or raped... Jesus Christ, I forgot that was a possibility down here...
*Clink*
Asher: (Muffled) Eh?
[Asher looks up towards the tin can, he can see a bit of money inside of it. He moves his mask down to around his neck and notices that there's a Demon leaning against the wall to the right of him. The Demon has a trench coat on and some dress shoes. The oddest thing about him is that he only has a singular horn coming out of the right side of his head. He begins to speak to Asher without looking at him.]
Trench Coat Demon: So my homeless friend... Something's been troubling me lately...
[Asher looks up at the Trench Coat Demon, he seems surprised and confused that someone gave him money and is even talking to him. He decides to answer the Demon.]
Asher: (In Head) Did he really have to point out that I'm homeless? (Outloud) Oh really? Do tell.
[Some smoke blows away from the Trench Coat Demon's head. Apparently, he's been smoking while standing next to Asher.]
Trench Coat Demon: Well... The thing is... Ehhhh...
[The Trench Coat Demon rubs the back of his head.]
Trench Coat Demon: I have something really big interesting later today and I'm pretty conflicted about it...
Asher: Conflicted? It sounds like you should be excited, not conflicted.
Trench Coat Demon: Well yea... It's a huge opportunity... But ehhh...
Asher: Buuuuut? Yea. Go on.
Trench Coat Demon: But uhh... I'm working with my brother.
Asher: Ye- Your brother? What? Do you hate him or something?
Trench Coat Demon: Oh yea! Yep. Hate him. Hate him with everything I got.
[Asher stays quiet for a second. He stares off in front of him.]
Asher: Is there uhh... Is there a particular reason why you hate him?
Trench Coat Demon: Nope, just hate him.
Asher: Ohh... Typical brother stuff...
Trench Coat Demon: Ehhh... Yea, yea, yea... Anyways I'm working with my asshole brother and I don't know what to do... I hate him, but he's my brother and all...
Asher: Are you the bigger brother in the family?
Trench Coat Demon: Yea, by five seconds.
[Asher points up enthusiastically.]
Asher: (Enthusiastically) Ah! Twins!
Trench Coat Demon: Yep! I treat him just how you'd expect a bigger brother to treat his little brother.
Asher: Like shit.
Trench Coat Demon: Oh-ho-ho, big time!
Asher: Well... Uh...
[Asher rubs the back of his head.]
Asher: I don't have any siblings so I might not be able to give you the answer you're hoping for...
[He looks at the Trench Coat Demon and shrugs.]
Asher: I guess since you're working with your brother, you'll be seeing each other much more often... Maybe you should- Well it's not my place to say, but... Maybe you should try a different approach when being with your brother. Like... I don't know...
[Asher shrugs again and puts his hands out.]
Asher: Treat him a bit... Nicer?
Trench Coat Demon: Hmm...
[The Trench Coat Demon scratches his chin. He takes another puff from his cigarette then tosses it towards Asher. Asher catches it and tosses it into the street in front of him.]
Trench Coat Demon: Nicer huh?
[The Trench Coat Demon tilts his head and thinks for a few seconds. Asher awaits his answer in silence.]
Trench Coat Demon: Nicer... Nicer... Nicer... Hmm... Alright. Maybe I'll be a bit "nicer" to him. After all, it could be interesting...
Asher: Ahhh! There it is! That's the spirit!
[The Trench Coat Demon reaches into his pocket and tosses some more money into Asher's tin can. He puts his hand up and waves.]
Trench Coat Demon: Thanks for the "advice" friend.
Asher: Hey! I heard those air quotes, you son of a bitch.
[Trench Coat Demon chuckles as he begins to walk away.]
Trench Coat Demon: *Chuckles* If you ever get the time, tune in to the 666 news.
Asher: *Chuckles* If I ever get a radio I will!
Trench Coat Demon: Don't forget the pictures!
Asher: That fad? Sure! Why not!
[They both chuckle as the Trench Coat Demon walks away down the sidewalk and eventually turns around a corner down a different street. Asher watches him walk away. He then lets out a sigh while still chuckling.]
Asher: *Sigh* *Hearty Chuckle* What an interesting encounter...
[He then leans forward and grabs his tin can, he looks into it to count the money inside.]
Asher: *Whistles* Wow... He actually gave me some Lincolns! I could get something to eat and patch up my wounds... (Pause) And something to drink. *Chuckles*
[Asher stands up and takes the money out of the can. He places the money in his pocket and tosses the can aside. He looks across the street and spots some sort of market.]
Asher: Ah, how convenient.
Five Minutes Later...
[Asher walks out of the market having spent some of his money. There's a bandage wrapped around his head where he was cut and bruised. There's another over his shoulders along with a patch on his nose and one on his bruised eye. In his right hand rests a bottle of alcohol which he seemed to have already started drinking. He takes a big gulp from the bottle and wipes his mouth with his sleeve.]
Asher: Ahh... Feels good to finally drink and eat something that isn't off a corpse or from the trash...
???: (Static) Good evening everyone!
Asher: Maybe for you it is...
[A static voice can be heard from one of the stores beside Asher, he looks over towards it and sees a small group of Demons crowded up in front of the store. Asher takes a sip out of the bottle and walks over to see what they're all looking at. As he arrives over to the small group he sees what they're all looking at. It's some radios and a few black and white T.V. 's all tuned in to the same channel. Asher listens in on to what the T.V. 's are saying.]
T.V.: (Static) And welcome to our first- (Whispering) If you don't count the other five complete failures that resulted in the station getting burnt down twice and seventy-three deaths. *Bang* Oh, make that seventy-four- (Normally) -successful airing of the 666 News! Now let's give a nice round of applause for our brand new News Anchors! Bradley Kirk and Brently Kirk! (Whispering) Yeah, they're twins. Get used to a lot of arguing folks.
[The T.V. opens up to a large desk with two Demons sitting behind it. The Demon on the left is wearing a suit, has black hair, a brown right eye and a blue left eye, glasses around his neck, and a singular horn coming out of the right side of his head. The demon on the right looks exactly the same except he has a blue right eye and a brown left eye, glasses on his face, and a singular horn coming out of the left side of his head.]
Asher: *Realization* Ohhhhhhhh... I see now...
1st Demon News Anchor: (Static) Hello! I'm Bradley Kirk.
1st Demon News Anchor: (Static) And I'm Bently Kirk!
Bradley: (Static & Muttering) Shut the hell up... (Static) And today is our first successful televised airing of 666 News. How goes it on the other side?
Bentley: (Static) I bet it's wonderful Brad!
Bradley: (Static & Muttering) How would you know... (Static) Anyways... For our first day live News there isn't much going on in our horrible Pentagram City, but there is some interesting news, isn't that right Ben?
Bentley: (Static) That's right! According to a few cyclops who gave an "eye" witness report-
Bradley: (Static) Ohhhhh, your so- fucking funny...
Bentley: (Static) Eh-heh... Anyways- it turns out that there have been some sightings of the Radio Demon across the city.
Bradley: (Static) Are you telling me that the same Demon that appeared seemingly out of nowhere and began to topple Overlords who have been dominant for centuries?
Bentley: (Static) That's right!
Bradley: (Static) And to believe that only ten years ago that kind of raw power had never been harnessed by a mortal soul before. I remember the carnage now... Ahhhh... Good times...
Bentley: (Static) Guess we should be keeping our eyes out then, huh folks!
Bradley: (Static) Or in your case a- Black eye?
[Bradley then punches his brother in the right eye, sending him falling off his chair and onto the ground behind the desk. The sound of him groaning in pain can be heard off-screen.]
Bradley: (Static) Anyways that's all for today's noon news, keep watching for some political advice on how to kill your neighbor with these "you won't believe" items you can find in your very own kitchen.
[Bentley can still be heard groaning in pain on the floor. Bradley slams the desk knocking over some mugs and stands up.]
Bradley: (Static) SUCK IT UP YOU SON OF A-
[The screen then cuts to a black and white screen with an Imp dressed as an Indian with the words "We'll be right back!" beneath it. The crowd murmurs before dispersing leaving only Asher in front of the storefront looking at the T.V.]
Asher: That's him being nice to his brother? Can't imagine how he normally treats him...
[He takes a drink from the bottle and wipes his mouth with his sleeve.]
*Distant Muttering*
Asher: Wha?
[Then hears some noise a ways behind him. He turns around to look for the muttering, he sees two Demons across the street holding baseball bats next to an alleyway. They seem to be having a conversation with each other.]
Asher: Hmmm... What are those two talking about- Uhp. Hang on a second...
[Asher covers his mouth and runs into the alleyway between the TV store and another building. He bends over and vomits down a sewer grate.]
Asher: Ugh...
[He wipes his mouth with a newspaper and tosses it into the garbage.]
Asher: It seems my diet of literal garbage food has fucked my stomach...
[Asher shakes his head and looks back over to where the two Demons were. He sees the two look at each other and nod before walking down the alleyway. Asher raises an eyebrow and walks out of the alleyway. He eyes the alleyway the two Demons walked down and runs towards it. But as he crosses the street he gets hit by a car. The car comes to a complete stop after hitting Asher and sending him a few feet forward.]
Asher: *Pain* AGH!!! SON OF A BITCH!!!
[The driver in the car lowers the window and yells out at Asher.]
Demon Driver: HEY! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE GOING DUMBASS!!!
Asher: UP YOURS TRAVIS!!!
[Asher gets up and runs across the street and onto the sidewalk, he then looks down the alleyway the two Demons walked down. He creeps into it and looks around the alleyway for anything that seems off, nothing looks weird or unusual. He makes his way to the corner of the alleyway as he takes another sip from his bottle. There are voices coming from around the corner. Possibly from the two Demons, Asher followed.]
??? 1: Now listen here, you Bastard!
??? 2: Yea! Listen up you!
Asher: (In Head) Short sentences. Cant speak proper English. Sounds like a dumbass. Definitely Jockeys lackeys.
??? 1: You think you can just walk into our territory and talk to our boss?
??? 2: Yea! We're gonna give you what you deserve!
??? 3: The money your boss owes me?
??? 1&2: FUCK YOU!
[Asher peeks around the corner to see what's going on and who's talking. He sees five Demons all in a dead-end doing something. He spots the two from before with bats standing in the middle of the alleyway looking at the other Demons. There are two more at the wall of the dead-end who seem to be the ones who were talking. As for the fifth Demon he's lying on the ground currently being kicked by the two Demons.]
Asher: (In Head) Hey... Those are some of Jockey's Lackey s... Specifically, the ones who beat me up yesterday... But as for the guy on the floor, he's probably their most recent victim... Ahh, scratch that- Current Victim is more like it.
[Asher gulps down the rest of the alcohol from his bottle.]
Asher: (Slurred) I'm fucking sauced!!!
Demon Lackey 3: What the fuck was that?
[All the Demons stop what they're doing and turn around, even the Demon who was getting kicked by Jockeys Lackeys opens up an eye to look. They all see Asher standing there a bit crooked and holding a bottle.]
Demon Lackey 1: *Groan* Eghhh... This guy again.
Demon Lackey 4: Didn't Jockey teach you a lesson yesterday?
Asher: Yea he did, but I wasn't taking notes.
[Asher flips the bottle in the air and catches it by the neck. He points it towards the Lackeys.]
Asher: So why don't you boys give me a refresher? Ah?
Demon Lackey 3: How bout I KICK YOUR ASS!!
[The 3rd Demon Lackey grabs a pipe and runs towards Asher, he swings towards Asher's head but he leans back and dodges it. He then kicks the Demon on his shin sending him to the ground. Asher bends down and smashes the bottom of the bottle he's holding against the 3rd Demon Lackey's head, breaking the bottom of the bottle and knocking the Demon out.]
Asher: Who's ne-
[Before Asher can finish his sentence he gets hit across the face by a bat, he falls to the ground as a tooth falls next to him. He wipes some blood away from his mouth before rolling to dodge another swing for his head. He then grabs a can on the ground and throws it at the Demon's head temporarily causing him to close his eyes. Asher stands up and grabs the bat from the Demon. Asher raises the bat up and hits the Demon Lackey on the top of the head with it. He falls down onto the ground out cold.]
Asher: Like a fucking wack-a-mole.
[Asher tosses the bat aside.]
Asher: Anybody el-
[A knife slashes right across Asher's face.]
Asher: I need to stop talking! *Laughing*
[The second Demon Lackey takes a knife towards Asher's face but narrowly misses him. He then thrusts the knife forward right into Asher's stomach.]
Asher: AH! YOU TWAT!
[Asher flips the bottle around and stabs the Demon on the neck, he twits the bottle deeper into his neck before pushing him aside leaving the bottle in the Demon. Asher lets out a pained groan as he takes the knife out of his stomach.]
Asher: Ya know... Maybe I should just stay quiet...
[He lets out a pained grunt and looks at the last Demon Lackey still standing next to the Beaten Demon. Asher spreads his arm outwards while holding the knife towards the Demon Lackey, taunting him.]
Asher: So... You wanna try?
[The Demon Lackey places his bat on his shoulder and lets out a sigh, he looks at the other injured or maimed Lackey s. He then looks back at Asher.]
Demon Lackey : *Sigh* Your beat. (Gestures at the Beaten Demon) He's beat. (Gestures at the Demon Lackey s) They're beaten. Why don't we just call it a day eh?
Asher: Call it? Sureeeeeee...
[Asher moves aside as the Demon Lackey walks towards the two Demons that were just knocked out by Asher. The Lackey bends over and grabs the Demon's hands and begins to drag them down the alleyway. But before he turns the coroner he looks over to Asher.]
Demon Lackey: Ya know Jockeys gonna be coming for you after this.
Asher: I'm well aware of that. Now piss off!
Demon Lackey: Whatever!
[The Demon Lackey drags the other two Demon Lackeys out of the alleyway and leaves the one that got stabbed with Asher's bottle behind. Asher turns around and looks over at the Beaten Demon who's still lying on the ground; he hasn't moved since Asher arrived.]
Asher: Hey.
Beaten Demon: Huh?
[The Beaten Demon looks up at Asher.]
Asher: Did they break your legs or something?
Beaten Demon: No, they just beat me that's all.
[Asher walks over to the Beaten Demon and offers him his hand.]
Asher: Then stand the fuck up.
[The Beaten Demon waves his hand in front of Ashers.]
Beaten Demon: I'm fine I can stand on my own.
[The Beaten Demon places his hands on the ground and stands up. ALL the way up. Asher has to look up just to see the Demon's head. He's about eight feet tall, even then he's slouched over a bit. Asher, who's drunk and injured, falls onto his ass just trying to look at the guy. He seems to be eight feet tall, possibly more if he was standing up straight. His skin is red with yellow eyes and red pupils, he's got white hair and two long black horns with white rings that curl into the air. There seems to be a few metal rings around them at different parts. The Demon looks at Asher with an unimpressed look on his face.]
Asher: Holy fuck your tall.
Beaten Demon: I get that a lot.
[Asher stands up on his own and takes a few steps back.]
Asher: No, I mean... You're really fucking tall.
Beaten Demon: Yea, like I said I get that a lot.
[Asher looks closer at the Demon, he looks a bit bruised but not too badly hurt. He then looks back at the dead Demon Lackey he stabbed with the bottle.]
Asher: So you found a way to piss off Jockey too huh?
Beaten Demon: Considering that breathing in his territory pisses him off you shouldn't be surprised.
[Asher walks over to the wall in the alleyway and leans against it. He looks up at the Beaten Demon.]
Asher: *Chuckles* Heh. Aren't you a tall and ballsy one...
Beaten Demon: They know me pretty well, not the first time I've had to deal with Jockeys ego. But they seem to recognize you. Take it you pissed them off too?
Asher: Yea... They don't like me too much... Especially Jockey... Anyways, I'm about to blackout so see ya around.
Beaten Demon: I'm sorry?
[Asher tilts a bit to the left, still leaning against the wall. He then falls face-first on the ground into some garbage, the Beaten Demon just watches.]
Beaten Demon: Ehh... You're either really stupid or really brave.
[Asher lifts up his head and looks at the Beaten Demon.]
Asher: (Muttering) It's brave. *Burp* Nope, it's both...
[He falls back onto the ground. The Beaten Demon looks at him for a second before letting out a sigh. He walks over to Asher and bends down picking him up with ease. He then tosses Asher over his shoulder.]
Beaten Demon: Don't move... I might just be able to return the favor...
[The Beaten Demon stands up and carries Asher past the bleeding Demon Lackey and out of the alleyway. He gets out onto the street and turns left. He carries Asher with ease and without a care down the sidewalk. Asher swirls his hand around.]
Asher: (Muttering) Wellllllllll- be right back...