The Campsite in The Dead Thorny Forest, Three Days Later...
[It's been exactly 3 days since Asher and Jerry left for their "Roadtrip", and they've been camping out on a small mountain overlook keeping an eye out for any falling glowstone. So far, no luck. The campsite looks the same as it did 3 days ago. Jerry is at the edge of the overlook behind some rocks keeping an eye out for any glowstone falling from the ceiling of Hell. Asher is nowhere in sight. Jerry raises his pair of binoculars to his eyes and looks around the dead thorny forest that surrounds them. There's no sign of any other life anywhere in the forest beside Asher, Jerry, and the Crescent Crow. The Crescent Crow is on a dead tree branch around where Jerry is. It seems to have made a campsite of its own on the tree, this campsite being a nest made out of twigs and some dead moss. The Crescent Crow is sitting in the nest seemingly keeping watch over the overlook the two demons are camped on it. It's looking around carefully, it must be on the watch for Asher. Jerry continues keeping watch for anything, anything at all. No luck. He looks up at the ceiling of Hell with his binoculars. He can very faintly see some of the glowstone they need on the ceiling, and while he can only make out a few specks there's nothing that catches his interest. He lowers his binoculars and stares blankly back into the dead forest.]
Jerry: (In Head) Dammit... Three days of absolutely nothing... Not a single damn crystal fell from the ceiling... Honestly, I don't know what I was expecting... Maybe Asher's dumb luck would increase the odds of something happening? Well... Maybe a lack of excitement is a good thing considering it's just the two of us. As far as I can see, we're the only ones out here...
Crescent Crow: *Caw*
[Jerry jumps a bit surprised by the Crow suddenly cawing. He looks over towards the tree where the Crescent Crow has made its nest and sees it perched keeping watch.]
Jerry: (In Head) Right. The bird that Asher made enemies with... How could I forget about that...
[Jerry just stares at the Crescent Crow lost in his thoughts.]
Jerry: (In Head) I still can't believe it stowed away in the truck just so it could attack Asher the second it got the drop on him... That thing can really hold a grudge. Wait. What did he do to it again?
[He looks over at the truck and the rest of the campsite, seemingly looking for Asher.]
Jerry: (In Head) Oh yea, he threw bread at it. *Chuckles* Heh... How the hell does Asher get himself into these types of messes?
[He looks back at the Crescent Crow.]
Jerry: (In Head) Eh, well, it hasn't tried anything since it tried attacking him in his sleep last night. Good thing he had a big stick next to him. Since then it's just been stalking him around the campsite every chance it gets. And I think Asher has been... Talking to it? More like mocking it... But it does seem to understand what he's saying... Hmmm... I wonder...
[Jerry whistles, getting the Crescent Crow's attention.]
Jerry: *Whistle* Hey, crow.
[The Crescent Crow looks over at Jerry. It seems a bit annoyed that he whistled at it.]
Jerry: So, tell me... Since you stowed away in his duffle bag on the way here... Does the dumbass have something he shouldn't have in his bag or am I losing sleep over nothing?
[The Crescent Crow glares blankly at Jerry for a few seconds. It then looks over at the tent in the campsite where Asher's duffle bag is sitting outside against it. It seems to think for a few seconds before looking back over at Jerry only to caw and nod at him.]
Crescent Crow: (Nods) *Caw*
[Jerry stares at the Crow for a few seconds before taking a sharp inhale through his teeth.]
Jerry: *Sharp Inhale Through Teeth* Oh boy...
[Something begins to move around inside the tent. A few seconds later the tent flap opens up and Asher pops his head out of it, he points at Jerry and the Crow.]
Asher: Hey! You two! Stop conspiring against me!
Jerry: (With A Hint of Sarcasm) Ohhhhhhhhh– I wouldn't do something like that...
Crescent Crow: *Caw*
Asher: Then stop talking to him!
Jerry: Are you talking to me or the crow?
Asher: You!
Crescent Crow: *Angry Caw*
Jerry: Uh-huh... Are you done doing whatever you were doing in there?
Asher: Yep.
[Asher walks out of the tent and closes the flap behind him. He walks over to Jerry with binoculars in his hands and takes a seat next to him.]
Asher: See anything interesting out there?
Jerry: Nope. Nothing. Three days of jack shit...
Asher: Dammit...
[Asher raises his binoculars and begins to scan the dead forest.]
Asher: Three days and no luck... I would have thought that something eventful would have happened since we got here, but all we got in return for our time was a ton of disappointment.
Jerry: I wasn't lying when I said our chances of getting something were incredibly low. Most of this trip is just going to be us sitting around waiting for something to happen.
Asher: Mmm-hmm... This is all as boring as bird watching.
[Asher lowers his binoculars and looks over toward the Crescent Crow.]
Asher: All offense towards you.
Crescent Crow: *Annoyed Caw* (Translation: All taken.)
Asher: Uh-huh, good.
[He looks back down the overlook towards the dead forest.]
Asher: Soooo– How much longer do you think it will take before something happens? If anything does happen that is.
Jerry: Not a single clue bud.
[Jerry raises his binoculars back up and looks to the ceiling of Hell. He searches around for some of the specks of light on the ceiling, there are a few small ones he can make out here and there but there aren't many.]
Jerry: As I said, the odds are not in our favor. The chances are we're coming out here all for nothing...
[He then lowers his binoculars and begins to look over the dead forest like Asher.]
Asher: Well we won't know until we pack up our shit empty-handed.
Jerry: Mmm... Yea.
[The two raise their binoculars back to their eyes and both begin to look around.]
Asher: Well, let's hope we get fortunate a bit sooner than later so we can pack up and be off earlier than planned...
[Asher lowers his binoculars and looks over his shoulder. He eyes the direction he walked off in a few days ago when they first arrived. Where he went for his smoke break.]
Asher: Not the biggest fan of this place...
Jerry: Yea... This place always gives me the chills... Sometimes literally. I always feel like there's someone out here watching me.
Asher: Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if there was.
Jerry: Well... Keep your eyes open for anything...
Asher: I hope you'll be able to keep your eyes open for most of tomorrow.
Jerry: Yea... Let's hope so.
[The two demons sit there silently for a few seconds before it finally registers in Jerry's head what Asher just said. He lowers his binoculars and looks at Asher a bit confused.]
Jerry: Wait, what do you mean?
Asher: Tomorrow. It's the middle of the week.
Jerry: Ok... And?
[Asher stares at Jerry with a blank expression, like he should know what he's talking about. He clearly doesn't.]
Asher: Ye– You seriously don't know?
Jerry: Uhhh... No... Is tomorrow some sort of human holiday I'm unaware of?
Asher: I– Ok... Think for a second, what is something I do on occasion?
Jerry: Smoke and drink?
[Asher crosses his arms.]
Asher: No, I said on occasion not constantly.
Jerry: Stupidly burn yourself?
Asher: Also no, and that was one time.
Jerry: Masturbate?
Asher: Ew and no.
Jerry: Can ya give me another hint?
Asher: Alright. What's something I do weekly?
[Jerry begins to think a bit more. He scratches his head.]
Jerry: As in something you do every week?
Asher: That's what weekly means, yes.
[Jerry scratches the back of his head trying to think about whatever Asher is talking about.]
Jerry: Uhhhh...
Asher: I'll give you a hint. I do it every Wednesday.
Jerry: Wednesday... Wednesday... What hell are you talking abou–
[Jerry stops speaking mid-sentence as a look of realization appears on his face. The expression quickly changes to an annoyed one.]
Jerry: You're joking right?
[Asher smirks.]
Asher: Nope.
Jerry: You seriously can't be doing this now... Of all fucking places to be doing your shitty habit, this isn't fucking one of them!
Asher: Hey now, you've known about this since the first week we met. It's just something that happens that I have no control over.
Jerry: Bullshit! There's no way in hell that's something a person has no control over!
Asher: Listen, I've tried kicking the damn thing and I've tried to control it. But everything I've tried hasn't worked or shown any signs of progress.
Jerry: Alright fine you made an attempt, but– Now?!
Asher: Like it or not Jerry, I'm sleeping until noon tomorrow. And neither of us can do shit about it.
[Jerry rubs his forehead annoyed and lets out a sigh.]
Jerry: *Annoyed Sigh* I swear, you always somehow manage to throw a loop into all of our plans.
[Asher shrugs.]
Asher: Well life wouldn't be very entertaining if everything were so easy my friend.
Jerry: Just... Shut up...
[He groans and shakes his head.]
Jerry: *Groan* Alright fine. I'll keep watch while you're out for an entire twelve hours! But you need to cover my shift until then so I can rest up to prepare.
Asher: Sounds fair to me.
Jerry: Good. Now, why don't you go get a fire started, where we had it yesterday, so we can eat something before dark.
Asher: Sure, and thank you for being specific. I would have set the whole forest on fire.
Jerry: I've learned that I need to be careful of what I say around you.
[Asher places his binoculars onto the ground behind the rock he was sitting behind. He then stands up and walks back over to the center of the campsite where there seem to be some burnt logs of wood with some small rocks circling them. That must be where they had a fire on previous nights.]
Jerry: There should be some lighter fluid in the tent in case you have trouble with–
Asher: Done.
[Jerry looks surprised at how quickly Asher responded. He looks over his shoulder and sees Asher standing beside a well-made campfire with his arms crossed. He looks rather pleased.]
Jerry: Oh... Right... I should have guessed that an arsonist wouldn't have any trouble starting a fire.
Asher: Exactly! There isn't any sort of fire I can't kindle!
Jerry: Think you can kindle a fire between me and any other person who gives a shit about me?
Asher: *Click* Tch. Now, I am an arsonist. I solve flammable problems. Not problems like, if I can or can not get you laid.
[Jerry chuckles and shakes his head. He turns back towards the dead forest and begins looking around again with his binoculars.]
Jerry: *Chuckles* Well, thanks anyways.
Six Hours Later...
[It's been six hours since Asher agreed to take Jerry's night shift so he could sleep in until noon tomorrow. It's gotten pretty dark out, signaling that night has fallen upon Hell. The entirety of the dead forest is rather dark and hard to make out anything more than fifteen feet in front of you. However, there is some light on the overlook where Asher and Jerry are camped out along with a few dots of light in the sky from the glowstone. Asher is sitting on top of a log in front of the campfire holding what looks to be one of Jerry's exterminator spears in both of his hands. It appears that he has put a hot dog on the tip of the spear in an attempt to cook it over the campfire. Most of the campsite is lit up by the campfire Asher made, near the edge of the overlook, the small tent that was set up, and the truck is well-lit and visible. Jerry is nowhere and sight. The truck has a cloth over the roof of the truck bed and the back of it has a curtain sealing it off from the outside. Chances are he's in there asleep waiting for Asher to wake him. Asher continues to stay seated on the wood log cooking his food. He seems incredibly focused on the fire in front of him. It doesn't look too dangerous or interesting, yet he seems enchanted by it like it's seduced him into staring at it. The fire has taken all of his attention. It's only when Asher sniffs the air and smells something burning does he snap out of his trance. He blinks a few times and starts looking around for the source of the smell. After a few random glances, he notices that he accidentally lowered the tip of the spear he's holding into the heart of the fire, burning the hotdog. He quickly pulls the tip of the spear out of the fire and looks at the sausage to see if it's still salvageable. It looks incredibly burnt and inedible. Asher lets out an annoyed groan.]
Asher: *Annoyed Groan* Dammit...
[He holds the tip of the spear above the center of the fire.]
Asher: You ruined it, you can have it.
[He shakes the spear causing the hotdog to fall off into the fire. He places the end of the spear into the ground and reaches behind the log he's sitting on. He grabs an opened can and holds it in front of himself in the light. It looks like a can of a few hotdogs. Asher takes one out and places the can back behind him. He then grabs the spear and places the hotdog back on the tip of it. He holds the tip of the spear high above the fire and plants the back of it deeply into the ground. He makes sure that the spear is firmly stuck in the ground with a few taps. He then lets out a sigh and places his hands out in front of him towards the fire, taking in its warmth in the oddly cold dead forest.]
Asher: *Sigh* Almost midnight...
[He sits there still for a few seconds before reaching into his vest and taking out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He takes out a cigarette, places it in his mouth, lights it, and puts both items back into his vest. He then grabs the cigarette with his right hand and closes his eyes. He takes in a deep long slow breath inhaling the smoke so he can get a good taste of it. He removes the cigarette from his mouth but holds the smoke inside his lungs. A few seconds later, he releases a thin stream of smoke from his mouth before puffing the rest of it out into the campfire. He then opens his eyes, places the cigarette back into his mouth, and crosses his arms.]
Asher: Always calms the nerves...
[He looks up into the night sky. Or... Ceiling... Fuck it, I'm calling it a sky. Asher can faintly see a few specks of light high up in the sky. They're not too bright, but they are faintly visible with the naked eye.]
Asher: (In Head) Huh... Pretty. They kinda look like stars...
[Asher faintly smirks, admiring the view of the "stars" of Hell.]
Asher: (In Head) It kinda reminds me of my life when I was alive... It's... Refreshing...
[He looks around the sky of Hell a bit more, finding a few more "stars" scattered here and there.]
Asher: (In Head) You could never see something like this in the city. Heh... In both San Francisco and Pentagram City, never could find a gorgeous view like this. Then again, there isn't any glowstone above Pentagram City, so even if I did hike out in the woods away from the city I wouldn't be able to see this. This is a special location with a rather stellar view!
[He places both of his hands behind his head.]
Asher: (In Head) And San Francisco doesn't have glowing rocks in the sky, so this is an exclusive view found only in my lovely hellhole. New Orleans on the other hand, now that was a view! No big buildings or blinding lights disturbing the pleasant night sky! Heh-heh... Reminds me of when times were better...
[Asher's smile slowly begins to disappear.]
Asher: (In Head) When I was happy...
[He looks down at the campfire in front of him. He seems to be a bit sad now.]
Asher: (In Head) When I was with...
[He places his right hand on his chest, around where he keeps his silver locket hanging from his neck. He stares at the fire, saddened by thinking back to when he considered himself happy. He then closes his eyes, and takes a deep breath.]
Asher: (In Head) No need to think back Asher... The past is the past. Just try to... Try... Just...
[He raises his hand and rubs his forehead.]
Asher: (In Head) Just try to forget about it...
[He opens his eyes and stares at the campfire. He then rests his arms on his legs as he blankly stares at the burning heart of the fire, beginning to lose himself in his own thoughts.]
Asher: (In Head) Damn... I gotta stop thinking about all that stuff... It just messes with my head and causes headaches... *Sigh* Fuck...
[Asher blows out some smoke from his mouth.]
Asher: (In Head) Man, now that I think about it, I've had a lot going on in my life recently. From dying and going to Hell all the way to getting impaled near the heart by some weird angel thing... I haven't even been dead for a full year and my life in Hell has been very... Damn. What's a good word to describe my situation? Oh, I know!
[Asher smirks a little bit.]
Asher: Entertaining. *Chuckles*
[He chuckles momentarily as he talks to himself.]
Asher: (In Head) Heh-heh... Yeah... My life used to have a bit of that every once and a while, but now? Heh... Each and every day is as entertaining as the last! And with how my afterlife is going down here, mio Dio! I can't imagine what's gonna happen next! *Chuckles*
[He continues chuckling to himself.]
Asher: (In Head) Heh-heh... Ahhhh... Things are pretty shitty down here in Hell. Again, it is Hell so I wouldn't have expected my life down here to be easy. Or expect to have a life down here at all. Honestly, I thought hell was just darkness, fire, brimstone, and pitchforks... Well... There's definitely some fire thanks to me. *Chuckles*
[He chuckles to himself once again and scratches his cheek still keeping his eyes on the fire.]
Asher: (In Head) Regardless of what this place is like or supposed to be like, it's awfully weird that I can actually... Well– Live down here. Or– Half live. *Chuckles* Heheheh...
[He regains a small smile as he chuckles at his misfortune once again.]
Asher: (In Head) Overall, how am I living my afterlife down here? Welp–
[He leans his head back with a smile and blows some smoke into the night sky.]
Asher: (In Head) I'm living it just like when I was alive! Having a hell of a time and wouldn't live it any other way! *Chuckles*
[He looks back down at the campfire and blows a little smoke out of the corner of his mouth.]
Asher: (In Head) But even with everything going on in my so-called "tormenting afterlife" in literal Hell. It hasn't been too bad. Sure I almost died a few times, mainly during my first Cleansing, but in all honesty... For all of this–
[He looks around at his surroundings for a few seconds before looking back at the campfire.]
Asher: (In Head) –To be my afterlife? It's unbelievable. It's like a whole new life down here for us sinners. Hell, you could probably continue where you left off if you wanted to. It's all just a second opportunity for those who might not have lived their lives to the fullest. I gotta say, I'm definitely doing some living down here... But...
[He tilts his head while looking at the campfire. He looks a bit conflicted.]
Asher: (In Head) I still feel like something is– Well... I feel like something is missing... Am I missing something in my life? Hmmm... I could be. Maybe I am. If I am, what am I missing?
[Asher moves his hands in front of him and looks at both of his palms.]
Asher: (In Head) Hmm, I think I might have a hunch.
[He clenches both of his hands into fists.]
Asher: (In Head) That night at the fight club, when Jerry's arm was still broken and I had to fight Croc for him... That night... I talked a bit crazy. Maybe it was just the spotlights and the heat of the fight... But I swear I said something, maybe I was onto something that night...
[Asher looks back into the heart of the fire. He places his left hand on his chin and begins to stroke it.]
Asher: (In Head) I think it was when I was in the ring fighting Croc. I said something to him... What was it...
[Asher closes his eyes and begins to concentrate. He begins to think back all the way to when he fought Croc for the first time at the fight club. He remembers the fight and how he got his ass kicked. But he also remembers something else... He remembers a specific time during the fight. And he recalls what he said to Croc.]
I Guess We're Doing a Flashback...
[Croc puts his fists up ready to fight once again.]
Croc: What did stupid and stupider say your name was again?
Asher: Why? Want to remember the name of the demon who punched you in the face?
Croc: No, I wanted to know what I should put on your tombstone.
Asher: *Laughs* Alright, I'll give you the courtesy...
[Asher smirks as he points to himself.]
Asher: My name, is Asher C. Burns! Now, while it might sound like I'm way over my head here, one day this entire damn city is gonna know who I am!
Croc: *Chuckles* If I let you live that long that is.
Back To Our Regularly Scheduled Prolgrm...
[Asher places his left hand on his face as a small smirk creeps up on his face.]
Asher: (In Head) Oh yea... Did I really say that? In the middle of a fight against a giant lizard and I blurt something like that out? Fucking hell, talk about the heat of the moment...
[Asher crosses his arms. He seems conflicted with his own thoughts.]
Asher: (In Head) But... Could I really pull something like that off? Get the entirety of Pentagram City to know my name? It's a pretty ambitious goal... And it would give me a reason to wake up in the morning besides smoking and drinking... Hmmm...
[He closes his eyes and begins to think about himself. Quickly the outside world disperses from his reality as he becomes lost in his own mind.]
Asher: (In Head) Crafting my own legend in Hell... I gotta admit, it does have a nice ring to it... The Legendary Asher! *Chuckles*
[He chuckles to himself and shakes his head with a smile.]
Asher: (In Head) *Chuckles* Hahaha... That's funny... But compared to some of the other demons I've run into within the city, do I stand any sort of a chance? I mean... I can't even get back at Jockey for all the shit he's done to me, and he's just a small part of the entire damn city. Literally. *Chuckles* A single gang leader in a city overloaded with gangs. I keep saying I'm gonna show him who's boss but I haven't done shit! Then there are the tougher guys out there... Like Croc and Bouncer, two big ass demons I don't stand a chance at beating in a one-on-one... And I can't forget about the ones at the top of the food chain in Hell. Those, uhhhh– Overlords. Right, Jerry told me those guys are powerful and extremely dangerous. Leo's one of those guys if I remember correctly, and a gang leader as well. I haven't seen him do anything too excessively crazy just yet... Then again, maybe it's a good thing I haven't... And didn't Jerry say something else along with Overlords when we got here? What was it? Did he say Royals? What the hell is a royal? Does Hell work under some sort of Monarchy? And he said that plurality, meaning that there's more than one Royal. Well, whoever or whatever they are, they're doing a shit job running the show down here. Haven't seen anyone or anything I would consider a royal since I got down here... Well, if they're royalty of any sort, then they probably don't want to stick around the scum of Hell. Actually, Jerry said that the northern side of Pentagram City is a bit more classy. Perhaps they hang out up there. *Chuckles* Maybe I'll find a princess locked up in a castle! *Laughs* Hahaha!
[He leans his head back and faces toward the sky of Hell.]
Asher: (In Head) Heh-heh... But compared to those guys, I'm pretty much nothing... I'm part of the lowest of the low, no-name scum of Pentagram City... Just another sinner, and like all other sinners before me–
[He blows some smoke out of his mouth.]
Asher: (In Head) I'll probably just die and be forgotten... Sinners don't become Overlords. They just go to Hell, suffer a bit, and die. If I'm correct, I'm in the suffering part at the moment... Chances are if I do actually try anything I'm just gonna get stabbed, shot, drugged, and possibly fucked an additional six feet under... I'll just be dead all over again... And then forgotten soon after...
[He faces back toward the fire in front of him. He feels the warmth radiating off of the undying fire onto his skin. It feels relaxing, comforting, and reassuring to him. A warmth only a man like him could feel from such a fire. The warmness reminds him of what he's done with flames... What he did when he was alive... What he experienced... All those thoughts and memories that he suppresses flood his mind only briefly...]
[The good times.]
[The bad times.]
[When he was happy.]
[When he was sad.]
[Abandonment.]
[Love.]
[Faith.]
[Death.]
[They remind him, remind him of who he once was... The reassurance he feels from it... The confidence... The thoughts all seep deep down within his mind... When all is said and done, and his mind clears up... As the world reappears around him... He feels it..]
Asher: (In Head) Nah...
[Hope.]
Asher: (In Head) Fuck that.
[Asher opens his eyes and takes his cigarette out of his mouth. He blows some smoke out of his mouth before flicking it into the campfire.]
Asher: So what!? I've got a bit of competition? Please! I've been in some pretty tough situations and have pulled off plenty of miracles before. What's a few dozen more? I've got everything I need! Plenty of luck, some solid skill, and a bit of stupidity! That's how I've made it this far in life, and if the stars align it will be luck that carries me to the End! *Chuckles*
[He chuckles along with his sudden positivity.]
Asher: There's gonna be a lot of competitors for the top spot in the city... But as far as I'm concerned, it's already mine! *Chuckles* Hehe...
[Asher rubs his left cheek with his left hand as he chuckles to himself.]
Asher: Awwww– Man, that sounds really stupid when I say it out loud. Heh-heh.
[He lowers his arms and stretches them to his side. He then rotates his neck resulting in some satisfying cracks. He then stops and looks at the ceiling of Hell. He notices something he probably should have noticed a long time ago. There's something in the sky. A large spherical object with a glowing red pentagram on it.]
Asher: (In Head) Oh shit. Is that a moon? Does Hell have a moon? How did I never notice that?!
[He looks back down at the fire and rubs his head irritated.]
Asher: Wow, I uhh... I need to get out of the cave more...
[He then shakes his head and reaches down towards his pants pockets. He can't seem to find what he's looking for. He then taps his front vest pocket and feels something inside. He reaches in and takes out a roughed-up pocket watch.]
Asher: (In Head) Hm. Jerry gave this to me so I wouldn't lose track of time. It was a nice gesture but this thing is a piece of junk. I need to get a new one whenever I get the chance.
[He looks at the time on the pocket watch.]
Asher: Hmm... Five minutes until midnight. I should probably wake Jerry up before I fall asleep mid-sentence. Heh-heh, that would be pretty funny. Especially if it was poorly timed.
[He places the pocket watch back into his vest pocket and looks back at the campfire. It's still burning very well, and it looks like it could keep going for a few more hours. Asher grabs the spear he placed in the ground and takes it out of the dirt. He looks at the hotdog he placed on the tip of the spear. It looks to have cooked nicely. He eyes it for a few seconds before stopping and just sitting there motionless.]
Asher: Why do I feel like someone is staring at me...
[He looks over to his left and spots nobody. He then looks to his right and spots what he believes to have been staring at him. It's the Crescent Crow. It's sitting in its nest made out of dead twigs staring directly at Asher.]
Asher: Oh yea... You're still here... Are you gonna attack me in my sleep like you did last night, or are you just going to mentally terrorize me?
[The Crescent Crow continues to stay seated in its nest, not reacting to Asher's question. It blinks a few times, its eyes not leaving him.]
Asher: *Annoyed Grumble* Hmmm...
[Asher stands up, spear in hand, and walks beside the campfire while staring at the crow. He faces towards the crow and impales the end of the spear into the ground beside him.]
Asher: You're a real pain in my afterlife, ya know that?
[He speaks to the Crow attempting to get a response of some sort out of it. He does get a response of some sort out of it, but not the one he was expecting. It's staring in his direction, but not directly at him. Instead, it's staring at the spear he's holding.]
Asher: (In Head) The hell?
[He looks at the Crow before looking at the spear. He then looks back at the Crow and moves the spear slightly. When he does, the Crescent Crow moves its head in the direction of the spear. He moves it to the left side of his body and sees that the Crow is still looking at it.]
Asher: (In Head) Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh– I get it.
[He moves it back to his right side and sees the Crows head move once again.]
Asher: You're hungry, aren't you?
[The Crow looks back at Asher and glares at him.]
Asher: You've been out here as long as I have and I know damn well you haven't eaten shit since we arrived. There's nothing else alive out here for you to hunt pal! No animals, no nothing. Not to mention Jerry and I don't waste food, meaning there aren't any scraps for you to scavenge. Sooooooo– HA!
[Asher smirks. The Crescent Crow angrily glares at him. Asher seems to think for a few seconds before speaking.]
Asher: Hey, tell ya what...
[He takes a few steps away from the fire towards the Crow before stopping. He then gestures toward the tip of the spear where the hotdog is.]
Asher: I'll give you this if you promise not to attack me or disturb my sleep tonight.
[He takes the well-cooked hotdog off the spear and holds it in front of himself.]
Asher: Deal?
[The Crescent Crow continues to glare at him. It doesn't seem to trust him or believe this to be some sort of trap.]
Asher: Fucks sake... You watched me cook the damn thing, I didn't poison it or do anything horrific to it. It's probably cleaner and better for you than anything you could peck up in the city.
[The two stare at each other silently. Neither move nor say a thing to the other. Then Asher lets out a sigh and stabs the spear into the ground. He reaches into his pants pocket with his free hand and takes out a napkin. He then takes a few steps forward, kneels on the ground, and places the napkin on the dirt before placing the hotdog on top of it.]
Asher: Here. Just take it. Deal or not.
[He stands back up and looks directly at the Crescent Crow.]
Asher: I don't take pleasure in watching animals starve to death.
[The Crescent Crow continues to glare at Asher. It then looks down at the ground where the hotdog is before looking back up at Asher. Still distrusting him. Asher puts his hands up and takes a few steps back towards the campfire away from the food. He stops where he was before and puts his hands down patting his legs. The Crescent Crow looks at him, then back at the hotdog, then back at Asher. It rustles around in its nest a bit before standing up. It then flies up a bit before fluttering to the ground. It cautiously walks over to the food Asher put in front of it and looks at him. It then looks down at the food and tilts its head seemingly confused. It pecks at it taking a bite. Then again. And again. Then it starts eating the hotdog rather quickly. Asher gently nods and spreads his arms out.]
Asher: Sooooo– Is that a yes?
[The Crescent Crow stops eating and looks up at Asher.]
Crescent Crow: *Caw*
[It caws at him before going back to eating. Asher just shrugs.]
Asher: Uhh... Ok. I'll take that as a yes.
[Asher stretches his neck once again and yawns.]
Asher: *Yawn* Alright, I'm going to bed.
Crescent Crow: *Caw*
Asher: Yea. You enjoy that.
[Asher turns towards and approaches the truck. He makes his way to the back side of the truck and leans against it. He can hear a noise coming from the back of it. It sounds like someone snoring.]
*Snoring*
Asher: Jerry, wake up ya big lug. It's almost midnight.
*Continued Snoring*
Asher: *Sigh* Guy sleeps as heavy as a pallet of... Uhh... (Pause) I can't think of anything funny to relate him to so fuck it, a pallet of bricks.
[Asher reaches towards the back of his belt and draws his pistol. He walks to the very back of the truck and hits the butt of the pistol against the bumper resulting in a loud clang.]
*Clang*
Jerry: (Half-Asleep) Huh?
Asher: Shift change.
[Asher places his pistol back behind his belt as some noise and shuffling can be heard coming from the back of the truck. A few seconds later Jerry moves aside the cloth at the back of the truck and pokes his head out. He rubs his forehead in an attempt to wake himself up.]
Jerry: *Yawn* Already?
Asher: (Enthusiastically) Yep. Now get up and greet the day with a smile because you just won twelve uninterrupted hours without me!
[Jerry goes back inside the back of the truck.]
Jerry: (Sarcastically) Oh, goody...
[A few seconds later he gets out of the truck and stretches before slouching back down like he normally does.]
Jerry: I can't wait...
Asher: That's the spirit!
[Asher walks to the back side of the truck, leans against it, and slides down to the ground. He puts his legs out in front of him and his hands behind his head resting against the truck's rear wheel.]
Asher: Now if you'll excuse me, I have twelve hours of uninterrupted sleep to greet with a smile!
[Jerry looks at Asher a bit confused about why he's just sitting there on the ground.]
Jerry: You're gonna sleep right there?
Asher: Yep!
Jerry: Why don't you just sleep in the tent?
Asher: I feel like sleeping under the light of the stars tonight. A change of scenery is always nice.
Jerry: They're not stars, Ash.
Asher: Well they look like stars to me.
Jerry: Well, I've never seen actual stars before so I can't tell if your fucking with me or not. But what about the crow? Isn't it going to attack you exactly like it did last night?
Asher: The thing is, last night I was inside the tent! Tonight, I am not! Also, the bird and I have made a temporary truce for the night.
[Asher gestures over to the campfire. Jerry looks over and sees the Crescent Crow eating a cooked hotdog off a napkin on the ground. It looks up and notices Jerry staring at it.]
Crescent Crow: *Caw*
[It caws at him before going back to eating. He stares at it a bit confused.]
Jerry: Uhhh... Ok then.
Asher: Alright, well– I wish you luck on guard duty! I'll see you in exactly twelve hour–
[Asher then immediately closes his eyes and slumps his head back against the truck's tire. He sits there calmly with a small smile on his face. It appears he has just fallen asleep. Jerry looks at him for a few seconds before reaching into his pocket and taking out a pocket watch. He pops it open and looks at the time. It's exactly six seconds after midnight.]
Jerry: *Sigh* Fucking... Ridiculous...
[He places the pocket watch back into his pocket and reaches into the back of the truck. He takes out a pair of binoculars and a bottle of booze]
Jerry: I guess I'll see you in a few hours bud.
[He then leaves the truck and Asher sleeping on the ground beside it and walks over towards the edge of the overlook. He sits down behind the rocks and begins to keep watch over the dead forest. The Crescent Crow seems to finish its food. It looks over at Jerry and sees him keeping watch. It then looks at Asher and sees him sitting against the truck fast asleep. The Crow glares at Asher for a few seconds before looking at the campfire. It then seems to think to itself for a few seconds deciding what to do next. It then looks back at Asher, turns around, and flies back into its nest, making itself comfortable before seemingly going to sleep.]
???
[It's dark. Everywhere is dark. There is only a bit of light in the area, that light being a calm fire that dimly illuminates its surroundings. The fire doesn't reveal much with its faint glow, but it does show what looks to be its source, a scorched tree stump. The fire burns within the stump, a few flames blow out of the log and gently brush against the burned bark. A few embers fly out and drift peacefully away in the calming wind. At the top of the stump, where it appears to have been cut down, looks to be some sort of large double-sided war axe swung harshly into it. The war axe looks to be tainted with burns and stained with blood. Judging by its condition, it must have been left in the stump to rust for years, maybe centuries. On one side of the tree stump is Asher, sitting against it asleep, unaware of his surroundings. His arms are crossed and his legs are out in front of him. His gas mask sits on his chest as he rests his head against the stump behind him, its broken lens reflecting the flames of the dim fire. Asher continues to sleep peacefully... Quietly...]
???: Hey...
???: Listen...
???: You need to wake up...
???: Right now.
[A voice can be heard nearby. It echoes with each word spoken. Asher continues to sleep, his eyes remaining closed. The fire within the stump begins to rise up out of it.]
???: Hey.
???: I know you can hear me...
???: You've heard me before...
[The voice continues to speak. It sounds distorted... Corrupted... The calm fire begins to brush against Asher, not harming him in any way. He moves his head slightly to the right, still asleep.]
???: Now c'mon.
???: Wake. Up.
???: I'm not joking... This is serious...
???: Wake up!
[The voice continues on, it's no longer echoing and speaking clearer as its tone gets a bit more fierce. While it might be more clear, it still sounds distorted... The fire blows upwards and begins to envelop the double-sided war axe in the stump. The rust on the axe begins to shrivel off upon contact with the flames, revealing a dark metal beneath it.]
???: You're about to die!
???: I'm not messing with you! Wake the hell up!
???: HEY!!!
???: Oh, for the lord's sake! There's a knife at your neck!
???: WAKE UP!!!
[Asher's eyes shoot open. He's back where he was when he went to sleep. Sitting against the back tire of the truck. He takes in his surroundings. It's light out now allowing Asher to see everything in front of him. Far off near the edge of the overlook is Jerry still keeping watch, the campfire which seems to have gone out, and the tent to the right of Asher. However, there is something directly in front of him that he can only see out of the bottom of his eye. It's the recognizable sheen of a blade right in front of his neck. The shocking awakening and sudden burst of adrenaline cause the world to seem slow to him. He can tell just by looking at the knife that whoever is holding it is in mid-motion going for his neck. Asher only has a second or a half to make a decision before he is likely killed. Jerry hasn't seemed to notice any of this happening, meaning it's all up to Asher to save himself. Asher quickly uncrosses his arms and reaches behind him where his pistol is in his belt, he grabs it by the grip and draws it, then fires without hesitation.]
*Slash*
*Bang*
Asher: *GAH* FUCK!
[The loud gunshot and Asher's yell immediately catch Jerry's attention causing him to turn around to see what the hell just happened. Upon turning around towards the camp he sees the scene that just unfolded. He sees a demon who appears to have been shot in the head to the right of Asher. Asher appears to be holding his pistol in his right hand and holding his neck with his left. His left-hand looks to be red and covered in blood.]
Jerry: What the Hell!?
Unknown: They saw us! Scram!
[An unknown voice yells out from behind the truck. Not even a second later do two demons run out from behind the truck and towards the edge of the overlook. Before they can get far, Jerry reaches behind his apron and pulls out his large sawed-off double-barrel shotgun, aims it at one of them, and pulls the trigger. The shotgun sends a wall of pellets at the demon turning him into a slice of swiss cheese. The demon falls to the ground with a thud as his friend continues to run away. He makes his way to the edge of the overlook and is about to make it away before Jerry takes aim and shoots once again. The second demon hits the ground, a bloody mess much like the other one that Jerry shot. Jerry stands there for a few seconds a bit awestruck as smoke comes off his shotgun barrel. Then his eyes widen as he remembers what he saw before shooting, he looks over at Asher and sees him slumped over against the back wheel of the truck. There's blood all around his neck and on his chest. He doesn't seem to be moving.]
Jerry: Oh crap! Asher!
[Jerry quickly runs over to where Asher is sitting. He gets on a knee beside him and looks at the scene. To Asher's right is a dead demon with blood pooling around his head. He seems to have been shot in the bottom of his jaw by Asher when he was conscious. Asher is sitting there motionless against the truck with his left hand limply clutching his neck, it appears to be bleeding badly. On the ground, directly to his right, his hand lies wide open lifelessly with his pistol lying on it. His eyes and mouth are closed and he doesn't appear to be moving in the slightest. Jerry grabs onto his shoulder and shakes him. He looks pretty worried.]
Jerry: Hey! Asher! Wake up!
[Asher doesn't respond. Jerry throws his shotgun aside and places both of his hands on Asher's shoulders.]
Jerry: C'mon bud! Say something!
[Jerry continues to shake Asher awaiting a response of any sort. Nothing. As he continues to shake him, Asher's head falls forward limply causing his mouth to hang open. Then, a faint noise can be heard coming from him. A faint snore...]
Asher: *Faint Snore*
[Jerry immediately stops shaking him. His worried expression slowly changes to a stern glare at Asher.]
Jerry: (In Head) Wait... Did he just... Fall back asleep...?
Asher: *Snore*
[Asher snores a bit louder confirming his suspicions. Jerry glares at him annoyed.]
Jerry: (Quietly) You son of a...
Asher: *Obnoxious Snore*
[Now he looks pissed!]
Jerry: BASTARD!
[Jerry pushes Asher back against the truck wheel and punches him hard on the chest with his right hand. Asher's head is sent back into the back fender of the truck causing a loud thud.]
*Thud!*
Asher: OW! FUCK!
[Asher immediately wakes up from the pain and lets out a yell. He places his left hand on the back of his head where the bumper hit him and grabs onto his pistol with his right. He seems a bit startled but not aggressive.]
Asher: Fucking, ouch!
[He rubs the back of his head with his left hand as he gains his bearings. He notices Jerry kneeling beside him, staring at him angrily.]
Asher: Jerry!? What the hell!? Why did you just punch me!?
Jerry: What the hell?! WHAT THE HELL?! What the hell was that?!
[Asher raises an eyebrow a bit confused about why Jerry seems upset at him.]
Asher: What was what?
Jerry: I– YOU JUST– FUCKING– *Annoyed Growl*
[Jerry facepalms and lets out an annoyed growl. He then stands up, turns around, and takes a few steps away from Asher. Asher places his left hand back onto his bloody neck as he watches Jerry pace around, still a bit confused by his anger. Jerry then turns around and looks at Asher, still annoyed.]
Jerry: You just woke up, shot a guy, and then fell back to sleep as if nothing happened!
Asher: I did?
[Asher then notices a few things. First, he notices that he's holding his pistol in his right hand. Second, there's blood all over his neck and chest. And three, the dead demon to his right that he appears to have shot in the head.]
Asher: Huh... Well, what do ya know I did.
[Jerry stares at Asher in complete disbelief. He places both of his hands on his face and drags them downwards. He then facepalms once again.]
Jerry: There's no way in hell someone can be this oblivious to their surroundings...
[Asher holsters his gun back behind him and puts his knee up. He rests his right arm on his knee in front of him and continues to clutch his bloodied neck with his left.]
Asher: Clearly, you have been paying as much attention as I have. *Chuckles*
[Asher chuckles at what he considers a joke. His laugh just seems to piss off Jerry even more.]
Jerry: I thought you died you fucking dick!
Asher: (Sarcastically) Awwwww, is the big red imp concerned for his friend?
[Jerry spreads both of his arms out beside him.]
Jerry: A little bit, yea!
Asher: (Sarcastically) *Chuckles* Awwwww– That's cute.
Jerry: Fucking– *Annoyed Growl*
[Jerry lets out another annoyed growl as he rubs his head. He seems to have calmed down a little bit. But just a little, he still seems rather annoyed at Asher.]
Jerry: Dammit Asher...
[He walks over to the log near the campfire and takes a seat.]
Jerry: *Sigh* You're a fucking asshole, ya know that?
Asher: I am very self-conscious, you know that.
Jerry: Are you conscious enough to know that you almost got killed again? *Groan* Fucking hell...
Asher: Almost getting killed? What the hell are you talking about?
[Jerry gestures at Asher. Mainly at the blood all over his neck and chest.]
Jerry: With all the blood on you I thought you got your throat slit!
[He lowers his head and shakes his head. He gestures at the dead demon beside Asher.]
Jerry: But I'm guessing that's all his blood, not yours...
Asher: No, that blood belongs to me.
[Asher applies pressure to his throat with his left hand. Blood seeps out between his fingers onto his chest.]
Asher: And yes, I did get my throat slit. *Pained Grunt* Hurts like hell...
Jerry: Uh-huh...
[Jerry nods and closes his eyes as he takes a breath. 2 seconds later, his eyes pop open after he realizes what Asher just said.]
Jerry: Wait what?
Asher: Uhmmm, yea... I wasn't able to shoot the guy quick enough before he got my throat.
[Asher removes his left hand from his throat revealing that he did in fact get his throat cut. Jerry jumps up a bit shocked.]
Jerry: Holy shit!
Asher: *Pained Grunt* Yea, it hurts. Now, be a sport and grab me a bandage or something would you?
[Jerry frantically looks to his left and right for some sort of bandage or rag to treat Asher. His frantic search stops on the passenger side of the truck. He hurries over to the truck and opens the passenger door. He reaches beneath the passenger seat and pulls out a tan satchel with a white plus sign on it. He then turns towards Asher and quickly tosses the satchel at him having it land in his lap. Asher opens the satchel and reaches inside, he grabs a small package that reads "Plain Gauze Bandage". He quickly opens the package and takes out the bandage inside, he unwraps it, leans forward, and begins to wrap it around his neck. Jerry watches helplessly as Asher begins to treat himself. As he finishes wrapping it around his neck he grabs a safety pin from the satchel and pins the bandage tightly around his neck. The bandage is already considerably bloody even though it's only been on his neck for only a few seconds.]
Asher: Sanguinando come l'inferno, this hurts...
Jerry: Shit... Can you still breathe?
[Asher gives Jerry a thumbs up.]
Asher: It's a bit rough but manageable. Luckily for me, the bastard only got off a glancing cut. So if anything I'll die from blood loss and not choking to death on my own blood.
[Asher smiles and chuckles.]
Asher: *Chuckles* Hehehe... Already experienced that when I died the first time. It was not pleasant, let me tell you. Heh... I just gotta replace the bandage every once in a while, apply pressure, and stay relatively conscious, and I'll be just dandy!
[Asher seems to laugh off almost getting his throat slit while Jerry is forced to stand there and watch. He stares sadly at Asher as he continues to bleed from his neck. He rubs his forehead with concern.]
Jerry: Are uhhh... Are you sure your ok bud?
[Asher looks at him still with a smile on his face. He raises an eyebrow.]
Asher: Wellll– I just got my throat slit... Soooooooo– I guess I'm doing as well as an optimistic guy who just got their throat slit. Why?
Jerry: It's just... You're doing it again.
Asher: Doing what?
[Jerry walks beside Asher and takes a seat leaning against the truck. He crosses his arms and stares blankly at the dead campfire in front of him.]
Jerry: You're taking almost dying again a bit too casually... Like when you got impaled during the cleansing. I mean... Bud, ya do realize that this is the second time I've almost gotten you killed? Right?
Asher: Yea, and?
Jerry: And? I– *Sigh*
[Jerry sighs and shakes his head. He then looks over at Asher who's still looking at him with a small smile on his face.]
Jerry: I'm a bit... Well... I'm a bit worried about you...
Asher: HA! That's a good one! You should do stand-up! Though you might be a bit too tall for it.
Jerry: Goddammit, Asher. I'm being serious.
[Asher's smile slowly disappeared. He looks blankly at Jerry beside him.]
Jerry: Listen... We met, well... Almost a year ago, going on a year at least...
[Jerry reaches behind his apron and takes out a pack of cigarettes. He takes a cigarette out and places it into his mouth as he talks.]
Jerry: And I may not have known what you were like when you were alive. But...
[Asher looks in front of him. He stares blankly at the burnt-out campfire in front of him. Jerry looks at Asher sympathetically.]
Jerry: This isn't you... Is it?
[Asher continues to stare at the campfire with a blank expression on his face. He then lets out a quiet chuckle.]
Asher: *Quietly Chuckle* Congratulations...
[He looks back over to Jerry with a small smile.]
Asher: You're the first one down here to ever call me out on my shit... I'm guessing I'm not as good at hiding it as I thought... Then again, you are pretty observant. What gave it away?
[Jerry holds the cigarette packet over at Asher offering him one. Asher takes one out and places it into his mouth.]
Jerry: A while back, when you were in the hospital after the Cleansing. We talked for a bit and you told me that you bury your emotions up.
[Asher takes out a lighter and lights his cigarette. He breathes in for a second and exhales a cloud of smoke.]
Asher: Which every man does in complete secrecy, continue.
[He holds his lighter over to Jerry. Jerry leans in and uses Asher's lighter to light his cigarettes. He takes a deep breath and blows out some smoke as well. He sits back up as Asher flips his lighter closed and pockets it. The two then both look forward and stare into the treetops of the dead forest as they talk.]
Jerry: While you didn't say how often you did it. I could tell that it was pretty often. Far too often for any normal person...
Asher: I'm a sinner. It should have been pretty obvious by that fact alone that my life was rather rough at times. What makes you so sure that I went through more than any other sinner who was damned?
Jerry: Well... I know because I've been through my fair share of woes... I've seen things get pretty rough down here in Hell... But... Back there, at the hospital, when you said that whole "The past is the past" thing after the cleansing. It... It hit me harder close to home than you would have guessed...
[Asher seems a bit surprised. He raises an eyebrow and looks at Jerry.]
Asher: Really?
Jerry: Yea... Things were rough for me when I was still back home. The ring of Wrath isn't the most accommodating to its inhabitants. Surviving was rough, but whoever did survive was just as tough. I managed to make it through in the end, given just barely but I survived where plenty fell. While I was down there I had some hardships... Some were worse than others... Honestly, when I moved to the ring of Pride I thought I could leave it all behind and get some sort of a fresh start, but my–
Asher: –Past lurks around every corner waiting to remind you of what you've done...
[Asher looks back forward at the burnt-out campfire. He blows some smoke out of his mouth.]
Jerry: Yea... That... Mine reminds me of my mistakes. Mainly of this one time when I got fucked and could never let myself live it down... That was over a dozen years ago and even to this day, I can't just let it go... Even though none of that matters anymore and it wouldn't kill me to go back home... I...
[Jerry takes a deep breath and blows out a large cloud of smoke.]
Jerry: I can't go home... Not back to the ring of Wrath... I just can't bring myself to do it...
[He stares off in the far distance of the dead forest blankly. Asher continues to stare at him, sorrowfully. He blows some smoke out of the corner of his mouth away from Jerry.]
Asher: Being away from home isn't easy. It just gives you a feeling that can't be stopped unless you can find something else to call home. I left my home in San Francisco for New Orleans in an attempt to find a new home. I found it alright...
[Asher moves his right hand to below the bandages on his neck. He grabs his silver locket that lies there. While it may be covered in blood the sheen of the holy metal reflects as bright as the true stars.]
Asher: But then I lost it as quickly as I found it... I became lost... So I went back to California in an attempt to find my old home. And surprise, surprise, It wasn't there anymore. I was homeless, quite literally. So in a way–
[Asher lets go of his locket and looks over at Jerry sympathetically.]
Asher: I can relate to what you're feeling. Even though I may not know your story, or what happened those years ago... I have experienced similar pain.
[Jerry looks over at Asher with a similar sympathetic expression. The two stare at each other silently before Jerry nods and blows some smoke away from Asher.]
Jerry: Yea...
[The two then both look back at the dead forest in front of them. They sit silently, smoking and taking in the view without speaking a single word to each other. After what seemed like hours of unerupted silence but was only a few minutes, Jerry speaks up rather hesitantly.]
Jerry: I know you don't like talking about yourself. Especially about your own past... But... What about you? What kind of a past are you trying to avoid? Or... Run from?
[He looks over at Asher with the same sympathetic expression he had before. Asher sits there silently for a few eerie seconds. Then, he raises his head and speaks bluntly.]
Asher: I'm... I'm not running from anything, Jerry. I remember my past and fully accept it as reality... What I can't do is...
[Asher places his right hand on the right side of his face. He glares at the ground in front of him.]
Asher: What I can't do is let go... I– I can't... I– I just can't... No matter how many years have passed since then... No matter what I went through... I just can't stop... I–
[Asher lets go of his bloodied neck with his left hand and moves it to the left side of his face, covering it completely with both hands. For some reason, he begins to smile revealing his sharp teeth. He lets out a chuckle.]
Asher: *Chuckle* I– I just can't stop looking... Even though I know damn well I won't find it! *Chuckle* I can't stop myself! I just can't!
[He continues to quietly chuckle to himself, breathing a bit oddly. His face remains covered, preventing Jerry from seeing it.]
Asher: It's– *Creepy Chuckle* It's driving me... Insane...
[Asher seems to tense up. Like he's fighting himself. He speaks again, shakily.]
Asher: Th– The only thing I can do now is to try to move on with my life... But I can't see that happening... No matter how hard I try...
[He goes back to creepily chuckling to himself while keeping himself hidden. The creepy smile remains on his face, making one believe that he may be genuinely insane.]
Asher: The only reason I have to live is to forget...
[Jerry watches on unsure what to say or think about his friend. Instead of saying anything, he blows a large cloud of smoke out of his mouth and moves his right hand towards Asher. Asher doesn't seem to notice as Jerry holds his hand out to him hesitantly. He then lowers his hand and places it on Asher's left shoulder causing him to jump a bit. Jerry takes in a deep breath and takes his cigarette out of his mouth.]
Jerry: That's no way to live my friend...
[Asher moves his bloodied left hand a bit so he can see Jerry through his fingers. Jerry tosses his cigarette into the dead campfire and then releases all the smoke he's got in him into the air above.]
Jerry: Look... I can't say I can imagine or relate to whatever happened to you... But...
[Asher lowers his hands a bit revealing his broken eyes. The creepy smile on his face seems to have disappeared.]
Jerry: Listen... You are one of the most annoying, dumbest, lucky, persistent, and stubborn demons I have ever met. And before you make a remark, that is a compliment dammit! If you've made it this far, your past won't be able to do shit to stop you.
[Asher removes both of his hands from his face and leans back against the back wheel of the truck. He doesn't have much of an expression on his face. But he does have a bloody handprint where his left hand used to be, making him look a bit insane. His cigarette hangs between his lips with a bit of blood on it.]
Jerry: You're gonna make literal Hell for the most obnoxious assholes down here seem like nothing, and I can not wait until you do. So...
[He raises his left hand in a comforting manner.]
Jerry: Just... Hang in there until then... If you need a hand with anything, just ask. Alright?
[Asher looks at Jerry with a very stoic expression. Jerry takes his hand off Asher and moves both of his hands in front of him.]
Jerry: I uuhh– I'm not really good at talking to people. But– I hope you got something out of what I said. If I said anything that helped out in any way or might have made you feel better or–
Asher: Just shut the hell up, Jerry.
[Jerry seems a bit taken aback by Asher speaking to him. The two stare at each other for a few seconds before Asher smirks and chuckles. Not a creepy smile or chuckle, but a genuine one. As he begins to chuckle Jerry smirks as well and begins to quietly chuckle.]
Jerry: *Chuckle* Heh-heh. We are just the worst, aren't we?
[Asher takes a puff from his cigarette before tossing it into the dead fire. He speaks enthusiastically to Jerry as he places his left hand back on his neck. Thankfully it seems the bleeding has stopped.]
Asher: (Enthusiastically) The best of the lowest, lowest of the best, and the best of friends! Yep, that's us alright.
[The two laugh at Asher's remark, both seemingly agreeing. The mood between the two seems to have quickly lightened up since their conversation and recent events. They slowly begin to stop laughing. Eventually, Asher speaks.]
Asher: (Enthusiastically) *Laughing* Hahehe... Yea, you're right.
Jerry: Really? What was I right about?
Asher: (Enthusiastically) About being horrible at speeches! *Laughing* Hahaha!
[Jerry shakes his head with a smile.]
Jerry: Heh-heh... Fuck you.
Asher: *Laughing* Hahaha... But– Thanks. I appreciate all the concern. It– It really does mean a lot to me to know we both have each other's backs down here. But please, there's nothing you need to worry your cute curly horns about!
[Jerry smirks at Asher.]
Jerry: Is that the blood loss talking or just normal you?
Asher: A bit of both really.
[The two sit there and continue to chuckle before finally quieting down. They both stare off in front of themselves, both seemingly invigorated. Then Jerry cracks his neck and stands up. He seems to stretch his arms a bit and takes a few steps away from the truck.]
Jerry: Well, I won't bother you any longer.
[He turns and looks at Asher still smirking. He then reaches into his leather apron and takes out a pocket watch. He flips it open and looks at the time. It's nine-thirty a.m.]
Jerry: I'm assuming you want to get back to sleep. It's not even close to noon and you're wide awake.
[Asher's eyes seem to widen a bit upon realizing that he is awake before noon on a Wednesday.]
Asher: Huh... You're right. This hasn't happened since I gained the habit years ago.
Jerry: If that isn't a bad omen I don't know what is.
[He flips the pocket watch closed and places it back into his apron.]
Asher: Yeaaaahhhhh– I agree... But I think I'll put a pin in my Wednesday ritual for the rest of today due to... Uhhhh–
[Asher looks directly to his right. The demon that almost killed Asher by slitting his throat lies lifelessly beside him with blood soaked into the dirt all around him.]
Asher: Unforeseen circumstances...
Jerry: Yep, that's one way to describe today's "exciting" events.
Asher: I think the word "invigorating" would be a better way to describe it. Even "entertaining" would work, but exciting works too.
[Jerry looks at the demon that Asher shot. He then looks at the two demons that he shot who were trying to run away.]
Jerry: These fuckers must have climbed directly up the side of the outlook just out of my view to get the jump on us.
Asher: I guess that explains why you didn't see them.
Jerry: Damn... I should have been paying more attention. I didn't hear them either, they must have spent about an hour climbing up just to make sure we didn't notice. I hate to admit it, but these three had some grit just to kill us.
Asher: Gee, lucky us. Who the hell were these guys anyways?
[Jerry looks carefully at the two demons who ran. They're both unrecognizable in their current state because of him shooting them. He then turns his attention to the one beside Asher. He doesn't recognize him either.]
Jerry: I'm not too sure. I don't recognize any of them. Especially the two I shot. Yours is still in one piece but I can't say I've seen him before. Regardless of who they were, I'm guessing that they would be our competition out here. Trying to kill us in case a piece of the heaven rock or whatever falls to the ground.
[Asher smirks. He looks like he's about to laugh.]
Asher: Well then... I guess you could say our competition is a little bit– *Snicker* Cutthroat? *Hysterical Laughing* HAHAHAHAHAHAH– *Snip*
[Asher starts hysterically laughing causing his neck wound to reopen. Blood starts flowing down his neck and between his fingers once again..]
Asher: GAH– FUCK!
[He places both of his hands on his neck and falls to the ground. He starts rolling around while still hysterically laughing at himself.]
Asher: *Hysterical Laughing* Awwww, this is it! This is how I go out! I'm dying of laughter! *Laughing Again* HAHAHA!
[Jerry watches him roll around with his usually unimpressed expression.]
Jerry: And just like that... Asher has forgotten everything he had learned today and everything Jerry had told him.
[He shakes his head and starts walking over toward the edge of the overlook.]
Jerry: Well, at least things have gone back to normal...
Three Hours Later...
[Three hours have passed. Jerry is still on guard duty near the overlook. Asher is sitting on the log near a campfire he must have made recently. He appears to be changing the bandages around his neck and cleaning off the now-dried blood on his face. Lastly, the Crescent Crow who appeared to have slept through today's earlier events is still fast asleep. The two demons continue on with their day as the bird sleeps. As they continue on, something flickers in the cab of the truck. The lights on the truck's radio flicker on for only a second before turning off. Then it turns back on a second later. This time it stays on and plays blank static.]
Truck Radio: *Static*
[Then the needle begins to frantically move around before abruptly stopping on the number "179.3." The radio then begins to beep in a sort of pattern. Each time it beeps the radio lights up.]
Truck Radio: (Static) - .- .-. --. . - / .... .- - / ... .. -.-. .... / .- -. / . .. -. . -- / .- ..- ... ... .. -.-. .... - ... .--. ..- -. -.- - / . - .- -... .-.. .. . .-. - .-.-.- / --.. .. . .-.. / .-- ..- .-. -.. . / ...- --- -. / ..- -. -... . -.- .- -. -. - . -- / .- -. --. .-. . .. ..-. . .-. / ..-- -... . .-. ..-. .- .-.. .-.. . -. --..-- / ..-- -... . .-. .-.. . -... - .-.-.- / .- -.- - ..- .- .-.. .. ... .. . .-. ..- -. --. . -. / ..-. --- .-.. --. . -. / .. -. / -.- ..-- .-. --.. . .-.-.-
[It then unexpectedly stops and turns off as quickly as it turned on. It remains off, as if nothing happened.]
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A/N: Howdy! Did I get the whole, there's a moon in Hell thing, right? I have not checked anything lore-wise in a while as I'm really just waiting for ep1 to drop. If I got it wrong just tell me and I'll fix it. Also, I apologize for my entire month-long absence from this Fic. That's on me. I got distracted by a dwarven mining simulator in space and this chapter is 11,000+ words so it took a long time to re-read and edit. I could have and probably should have split this chapter into two parts but I am legally considered insane in at least fifteen states.
Anyways, it might be a bit until the next chapter as.
1: The next chapter might be a long one that will most likely be cut up into 1, 2, or 3 parts.
2: Finals are approaching along with the holidays.
3: I'm planning out the next few chapters as I have an understanding of what I want to happen next, but I'm not too sure what should come before what.
So yea, there might be some gaps between chapter releases. Which I apologize in advance for... Anyways, thanks for reading! I'll talk to you all in the next chapter! And let there be light!