Chapter 40
Lurkman
Guardian of Bad Opinions
- Location
- Slovakia
You leave the bottle sitting in the snow by your feet. Hunter heard you, watching what you just did. For a moment she stopped struggling, just staring at the gesture. She seemed almost dumbfounded, but soon enough went back to trying to free herself with that determined angry expression. It seems she won't just cool off, but you weren't counting on that either.
"Heather!"
You were reminded by your companion to hurry up, it's still too early to celebrate after all. As you turn to jump into the jeep, you notice something sitting on the front hood. Small, black and of intricate form. It appears the impact knocked the hairpins out of Hunter's hair. You felt compelled to take them. Nice material and good shape, it'll make a nice memento. You left her something, it's only fair you take something for yourself as well.
At AA-12's impatience, you wait no longer. You sit down and close the door, giving your driver a thumbs up. She wastes no time hitting the pedal and pulling back into the streets. Hunter leaves you view, but you can feel her gaze even through walls. Nothing but distance will really free you of that spine chilling feeling. And as the jeep faces the village exit, AA-12 goes full speed. You ready your weapon, prepared to face the last bits of Sangvis resistance on your way out. A few units have gone into pursuit initially, but only to the outskirts of the village. They kept watching you from the ever shrinking rooftops, until the distance was too great and they got out of view. Odd, but you certainly won't complain.
"I swear, next time you let yourself get caught off guard like that I'm crashing into both of you."
AA-12 threatened. She was half looking at you angrily, even though her face was full of worry just minutes ago.
[ ] "C'mon, I totally had that!"
[ ] "Hahah, did you see her face? Good work AA-12!"
[ ] "Thanks AA-12. I mean it."
[X] "Aww, sorry for making you worry~"
[ ] Write-in
The shotgun just sighed. A proper sigh, one that finally came with the absence of the enemy. To think that this morning looked so peaceful when you woke up from your comfortable sleep, and right afterwards you got yourself into several life threatening situations. Though, now that you think about it, the last couple of days have all been like this. Your burnt clothes will remind you of this day though.
"How did you find me?"
You ask your companion, who seems much less angry now.
"Saw some SF jumping on the roofs away from me, figured it must be you they're after. Then I saw Hunter on one of them, and I knew nothing short of a truck full of anvils would stop her once she's got the jump on you."
"So you just crashed through a wall you thought she was behind?"
"Hey! My calculations were accurate, weren't they?"
"Yes they were. A few [ ] inches / [X] centimeters off and you would've take my head off."
"P-precisely…"
"Thanks, again."
"... don't mention it."
…
"So… you got the map?"
As you near the border, it really would be best to use what you have been risking arm and limb for before you're blown apart. Reaching into your poncho, you're partially relieved to feel the piece of paper of high value. You flip it open, proceeding to read it for the path you need to take…
--- a few hours later ---
"... you lied to me… you lied and deceived me… made me do all these godawful things thinking it would be all worth it… how could you?!"
"Listen, it's not that ba-"
"Liar! Deceitful witch! Some doll you are! I'll never forgive you for this! NEVER!"
Her usually tired eyes were set on fire, fists clenched, even the ahoge on her head seemed to reflect her anger by straightening up. You haven't seen her this mad before, and it's all because of you, all because what what you have done to her, that terrible, unforgivable sin... but thankfully, there's a solution...
"Once we're back at a Griffin base, I'll get you some more. Even more than what I owe you."
"... promise?"
"Promise."
All the anger and hurt suddenly drained from the shotgun's face. Turns out she takes her deals seriously, and having only three lollipops to give her for the 5 roadkills she performed, plus the extra points for that ringleader take down, were more than reason enough for her to call bloody murder. If that wasn't indication enough of her sugar supply running low, you wouldn't know what is. Still, her anger was astonishing, almost setting fire to the ground below her. Now she just awkwardly stood there, trying to pretend like nothing happened. At least she hasn't learned of your real secret…
A small while ago, the vehicle that had been with your through thick and thin, withstanding Sangvis fire and flame, that had carried you for miles, has reached the end of its line. You tried checking under the hood if anything could be done, but it was so in pieces that it was a miracle it got you this far, like it ran on your willpower alone, almost dry on fuel too. Alas, it is finished, and this is where it'll stay to rust, in the middle of a great minefield to be forgotten.
"So, um… what about the jeep?"
[ ] "Leave it. It's of no more use."
[ ] "Can't leave any clues behind. We'll spend a frag to blow it up."
[X] "Got a marker? I wanna write "Hunter's Bane" on the side, and "I kissed Hunter's face!" on the front."
[ ] Write-in
After you had picked it clean of all the things you're taking along, you did what you had to and moved on. It was a useful tool, but it's time to say goodbye now.
Traversing the minefield on foot now was considerably easier, allowing you to take tighter paths and not having to avoid obstacles like holes or fallen trees. There was considerably less snow here, if any. Clear signs that you are approaching Area S06, its climate being somewhat warmer. Ever since the Bellian Island incident and World War 3, weather has become very varied and unpredictable, especially in yellow zones where it could change on a moment's notice. Griffin's operational Areas seem to stick to certain climates, with Area S09 being a very cold one and S06 remaining rather typical for the way middle European regions used to be, not too cold but not too warm either, a sweet spot that jumps from one side to the other depending on the season. It could've been worse, like Area S03 where the cold could freeze up an unprotected doll's joints, or Area S08 which is the complete opposite, setting your cooling systems into overdrive on the sunniest days. The yellow zones within those areas adapt weather conditions according to the area's general climate. Thankfully, the weather right now seems rather fine, with the gentle sun slowly melting off the bits of snow remaining on your poncho.
"Can't believe how big this minefield is… without the map, determining its boundaries would be near impossible…"
Murmured AA-12, following you.
"Griffin could use this map, it'd help coordinate our troops immensely in this area."
You were taking the lead with the map, reading it to get through. It may only be a half but it's more than enough. It seems to have been deliberately torn, and some things have been scribbled on it by the townsfolk. Something detailing a path, a merchant and travelling road they use through the minefield, but it goes through the missing side of the map. Perhaps they have done this so you wouldn't know the way they would take, and neither would Sangvis Ferri had they taken hold of the map. No matter whether their path led to Area S06 or elsewhere, they clearly didn't want to be followed, making your chances of meeting them again considerably low. Not that you need to ever see them again, you've got what you need and you know they escaped. You have gotten everything you wanted from this, and all it cost was… well, it did cost more than what was originally given…
--- a few more hours later ---
"Hold you arm still… geez, she really messed you up…"
Nurse AA-12 was at it again, noticing your injury and demanding you to stop and fix it. You already did a quick correction, making sure it's operational, but your companion demanded a proper fix.
"Guess those heels of hers aren't just for show, huh?"
The metal of your hand had received quite some damage, but it was no bullet wound. AA-12 cleaned the wound, then took some tool from the tool box you took with you from the jeep. Not something you'd use for doll repair, but it'll do for now. Once she straightened some parts out, she tore another piece off the pink blanket you're still carrying around and tied it around the wound.
"There, all done. You know, for an SMG type, you're awfully bad at avoiding getting hit."
[ ] "I was more built for offensive strategies."
[ ] "I know… I'll get better."
[ ] "I've seen you hit yourself with your own shield. Careful, miss elite."
[ ] "That's where you come in, tanking the hits I can't avoid."
[ ] "Says you, the girl so big you can't even avoid what comes your way so you take it straight on."
[X] "Who knows, maybe I like you taking care of me~"
[ ] Write-in
You look at your hand and move your fingers to check over it. Response time is at acceptable levels, flexibility is a little limited but sufficient, it's mostly surface damage but that's covered up now. Overall, your hand should be good for continued operation. You take hold of the map again, nodding to AA-12 as you get back on the road.
--- several hours later ---
"I think we're here… Area S06."
The green trees and lack of snow might be what indicated to AA-12 that information, as it did to you. You have left the minefield behind you a while ago, allowing for much more relaxed steps without the fear of spontaneous explosion.
"That sure took us a while…"
You agreed. With proper official transport you would've been here days ago. But no matter now, you're here. Standing atop a small hill you try to have a look around. The sun was already low, the sky taking on a gentle shade of orange. For the most part you only saw trees, but there were old structure in the distance of several directions. Whether those are inhabited facilities or just relics of the old world in unknown, as none of them emit any noticeable light or life signs.
"Well, not to sound pessimistic… but this just seems like a green S09… no car this time."
"At least we're closer to our objective."
"Yeah… could you now tell me what our objective even is? I think at this point I deserve to know."
"..."
You ponder on her request for more details about the task. Surely it wouldn't sound much like a Griffin assignment to deliver a package to a random client in a specific location within an SF war zone. And you already know she'll tell StG44 about it, though that doll already knows your task is a personal matter, not an official one. Still, the nature of said task might spark some less than welcome revelations about you to others, ones you'd rather avoid if you can help it.
"I…"
"Hold on… I'm picking up a signal…"
AA-12 suddenly interrupted.
"... it's a Griffin signal! It seems… like a patrol."
"Must be the dolls stationed here."
"This pattern though, it's odd… it seems they're dealing with some SF, maybe? We should join them, they'd take us to their base afterwards. What do you think?"
[ ] Contact the Griffin dolls and join them.
[X] Attempt to observe the Griffin dolls from a distance.
[ ] Ignore the signal, advance in a different direction.
[ ] Write-in
"Heather!"
You were reminded by your companion to hurry up, it's still too early to celebrate after all. As you turn to jump into the jeep, you notice something sitting on the front hood. Small, black and of intricate form. It appears the impact knocked the hairpins out of Hunter's hair. You felt compelled to take them. Nice material and good shape, it'll make a nice memento. You left her something, it's only fair you take something for yourself as well.
At AA-12's impatience, you wait no longer. You sit down and close the door, giving your driver a thumbs up. She wastes no time hitting the pedal and pulling back into the streets. Hunter leaves you view, but you can feel her gaze even through walls. Nothing but distance will really free you of that spine chilling feeling. And as the jeep faces the village exit, AA-12 goes full speed. You ready your weapon, prepared to face the last bits of Sangvis resistance on your way out. A few units have gone into pursuit initially, but only to the outskirts of the village. They kept watching you from the ever shrinking rooftops, until the distance was too great and they got out of view. Odd, but you certainly won't complain.
"I swear, next time you let yourself get caught off guard like that I'm crashing into both of you."
AA-12 threatened. She was half looking at you angrily, even though her face was full of worry just minutes ago.
[ ] "C'mon, I totally had that!"
[ ] "Hahah, did you see her face? Good work AA-12!"
[ ] "Thanks AA-12. I mean it."
[X] "Aww, sorry for making you worry~"
[ ] Write-in
The shotgun just sighed. A proper sigh, one that finally came with the absence of the enemy. To think that this morning looked so peaceful when you woke up from your comfortable sleep, and right afterwards you got yourself into several life threatening situations. Though, now that you think about it, the last couple of days have all been like this. Your burnt clothes will remind you of this day though.
"How did you find me?"
You ask your companion, who seems much less angry now.
"Saw some SF jumping on the roofs away from me, figured it must be you they're after. Then I saw Hunter on one of them, and I knew nothing short of a truck full of anvils would stop her once she's got the jump on you."
"So you just crashed through a wall you thought she was behind?"
"Hey! My calculations were accurate, weren't they?"
"Yes they were. A few [ ] inches / [X] centimeters off and you would've take my head off."
"P-precisely…"
"Thanks, again."
"... don't mention it."
…
"So… you got the map?"
As you near the border, it really would be best to use what you have been risking arm and limb for before you're blown apart. Reaching into your poncho, you're partially relieved to feel the piece of paper of high value. You flip it open, proceeding to read it for the path you need to take…
--- a few hours later ---
"... you lied to me… you lied and deceived me… made me do all these godawful things thinking it would be all worth it… how could you?!"
"Listen, it's not that ba-"
"Liar! Deceitful witch! Some doll you are! I'll never forgive you for this! NEVER!"
Her usually tired eyes were set on fire, fists clenched, even the ahoge on her head seemed to reflect her anger by straightening up. You haven't seen her this mad before, and it's all because of you, all because what what you have done to her, that terrible, unforgivable sin... but thankfully, there's a solution...
"Once we're back at a Griffin base, I'll get you some more. Even more than what I owe you."
"... promise?"
"Promise."
All the anger and hurt suddenly drained from the shotgun's face. Turns out she takes her deals seriously, and having only three lollipops to give her for the 5 roadkills she performed, plus the extra points for that ringleader take down, were more than reason enough for her to call bloody murder. If that wasn't indication enough of her sugar supply running low, you wouldn't know what is. Still, her anger was astonishing, almost setting fire to the ground below her. Now she just awkwardly stood there, trying to pretend like nothing happened. At least she hasn't learned of your real secret…
A small while ago, the vehicle that had been with your through thick and thin, withstanding Sangvis fire and flame, that had carried you for miles, has reached the end of its line. You tried checking under the hood if anything could be done, but it was so in pieces that it was a miracle it got you this far, like it ran on your willpower alone, almost dry on fuel too. Alas, it is finished, and this is where it'll stay to rust, in the middle of a great minefield to be forgotten.
"So, um… what about the jeep?"
[ ] "Leave it. It's of no more use."
[ ] "Can't leave any clues behind. We'll spend a frag to blow it up."
[X] "Got a marker? I wanna write "Hunter's Bane" on the side, and "I kissed Hunter's face!" on the front."
[ ] Write-in
After you had picked it clean of all the things you're taking along, you did what you had to and moved on. It was a useful tool, but it's time to say goodbye now.
Traversing the minefield on foot now was considerably easier, allowing you to take tighter paths and not having to avoid obstacles like holes or fallen trees. There was considerably less snow here, if any. Clear signs that you are approaching Area S06, its climate being somewhat warmer. Ever since the Bellian Island incident and World War 3, weather has become very varied and unpredictable, especially in yellow zones where it could change on a moment's notice. Griffin's operational Areas seem to stick to certain climates, with Area S09 being a very cold one and S06 remaining rather typical for the way middle European regions used to be, not too cold but not too warm either, a sweet spot that jumps from one side to the other depending on the season. It could've been worse, like Area S03 where the cold could freeze up an unprotected doll's joints, or Area S08 which is the complete opposite, setting your cooling systems into overdrive on the sunniest days. The yellow zones within those areas adapt weather conditions according to the area's general climate. Thankfully, the weather right now seems rather fine, with the gentle sun slowly melting off the bits of snow remaining on your poncho.
"Can't believe how big this minefield is… without the map, determining its boundaries would be near impossible…"
Murmured AA-12, following you.
"Griffin could use this map, it'd help coordinate our troops immensely in this area."
You were taking the lead with the map, reading it to get through. It may only be a half but it's more than enough. It seems to have been deliberately torn, and some things have been scribbled on it by the townsfolk. Something detailing a path, a merchant and travelling road they use through the minefield, but it goes through the missing side of the map. Perhaps they have done this so you wouldn't know the way they would take, and neither would Sangvis Ferri had they taken hold of the map. No matter whether their path led to Area S06 or elsewhere, they clearly didn't want to be followed, making your chances of meeting them again considerably low. Not that you need to ever see them again, you've got what you need and you know they escaped. You have gotten everything you wanted from this, and all it cost was… well, it did cost more than what was originally given…
--- a few more hours later ---
"Hold you arm still… geez, she really messed you up…"
Nurse AA-12 was at it again, noticing your injury and demanding you to stop and fix it. You already did a quick correction, making sure it's operational, but your companion demanded a proper fix.
"Guess those heels of hers aren't just for show, huh?"
The metal of your hand had received quite some damage, but it was no bullet wound. AA-12 cleaned the wound, then took some tool from the tool box you took with you from the jeep. Not something you'd use for doll repair, but it'll do for now. Once she straightened some parts out, she tore another piece off the pink blanket you're still carrying around and tied it around the wound.
"There, all done. You know, for an SMG type, you're awfully bad at avoiding getting hit."
[ ] "I was more built for offensive strategies."
[ ] "I know… I'll get better."
[ ] "I've seen you hit yourself with your own shield. Careful, miss elite."
[ ] "That's where you come in, tanking the hits I can't avoid."
[ ] "Says you, the girl so big you can't even avoid what comes your way so you take it straight on."
[X] "Who knows, maybe I like you taking care of me~"
[ ] Write-in
You look at your hand and move your fingers to check over it. Response time is at acceptable levels, flexibility is a little limited but sufficient, it's mostly surface damage but that's covered up now. Overall, your hand should be good for continued operation. You take hold of the map again, nodding to AA-12 as you get back on the road.
--- several hours later ---
"I think we're here… Area S06."
The green trees and lack of snow might be what indicated to AA-12 that information, as it did to you. You have left the minefield behind you a while ago, allowing for much more relaxed steps without the fear of spontaneous explosion.
"That sure took us a while…"
You agreed. With proper official transport you would've been here days ago. But no matter now, you're here. Standing atop a small hill you try to have a look around. The sun was already low, the sky taking on a gentle shade of orange. For the most part you only saw trees, but there were old structure in the distance of several directions. Whether those are inhabited facilities or just relics of the old world in unknown, as none of them emit any noticeable light or life signs.
"Well, not to sound pessimistic… but this just seems like a green S09… no car this time."
"At least we're closer to our objective."
"Yeah… could you now tell me what our objective even is? I think at this point I deserve to know."
"..."
You ponder on her request for more details about the task. Surely it wouldn't sound much like a Griffin assignment to deliver a package to a random client in a specific location within an SF war zone. And you already know she'll tell StG44 about it, though that doll already knows your task is a personal matter, not an official one. Still, the nature of said task might spark some less than welcome revelations about you to others, ones you'd rather avoid if you can help it.
"I…"
"Hold on… I'm picking up a signal…"
AA-12 suddenly interrupted.
"... it's a Griffin signal! It seems… like a patrol."
"Must be the dolls stationed here."
"This pattern though, it's odd… it seems they're dealing with some SF, maybe? We should join them, they'd take us to their base afterwards. What do you think?"
[ ] Contact the Griffin dolls and join them.
[X] Attempt to observe the Griffin dolls from a distance.
[ ] Ignore the signal, advance in a different direction.
[ ] Write-in
Last edited:
