Chapter 5
Darius sat in the chair opposite Elizabeth in silence. He watched as she looked down at a clipboard, seemly going over the interview questions. He felt awkward as he had repeatedly explained to her that he did not urinate on himself, she finally said ‘Okay!’ and just rolled her eyes.
“So… Name?” Elizabeth asked as she finaly looked to him.
“Darius Grey.” He replied.
“Age?” She asked
“31.” He said.
“Occupation?” She asked again.
“Uh… I guess I’m unemployed.” Darius said.
“31 and unemployed…” She said and then whistled.
“W-Well, my workplace was burned to the ground!” Darius explained.
“Uh-huh.” She said as she underlined something on the clipboard.
“Address?” She asked.
“My apartment was destroyed… I’m staying at Caster Park right now.” He told her.
“Homeless... got it.” She said writing down on her clipboard.
“Wh-Tch...Come on! And what are you underlining?” He asked a bit exasperated.
“Whoa now… Calm down. We wouldn’t like you to piss yourself again.” She said as she underlined something while staring right at him.
“I told you! I accidentally wet myself.” He told her pointing to his crotch.
Elizabeth put the clipboard on the table, leaned forward and rested her chin on her hands and smiled. Darius narrowed his eyes a bit as he could hear a slight chuckle escape her lips.
“... Oh goddamnit! I wet myself with my ability! I can create water!” He said to her starting to get a little angry.
“Okay, okay.” She said with a wave of one of her hands and sighed while she picked the clipboard back up.
“So you can create water huh? Any special properties to it? Can it cut through stone when shooting it? Can you shoot boiling water? Give me something to work with here. Can you drink it?” She asked.
Darius stared at her. This definitely isn’t how he had imagined her. He now started to realize that there was some validity to the advice of ‘Never meet your heroes.’.
“Sure, It's delicious. Would you like to try a cup?” Darius asked trying to smile.
“Sorry, honey. I don’t drink men's bodily fluids until at least the second date.” She said to him and wrote on the clipboard.
“W-what are you writing?” He asked.
“That you wanted me to guzzle down your quote, unquote delicious water.” She said smiling back at him.
“Don’t quote, unquote that! It is water!” He said.
“Yeah but this way it makes you sound like a sex fiend.” She said.
“What the hell is wrong with you. My power can actually help out with fires and stuff!” Darius said frustrated.
Elizabeth sighed and looked at him.
“If you honestly think what makes a person useful let alone a hero, is just their ability. Then you can get the leave. Look over there. That's called a door. You turn that little knob and it opens. It opens to a magical place that isn’t right here. So if you would kindly… you know… do that.” She said to him as she wrote a ‘FAIL’ on his paper.
“You know… You're a real bitch. You don’t even know me. You already decided I wasn’t good enough from the moment I walked in. Hell, probably before that right?” He said.
“Well… You did walk in here with a wet crotch so...” She said to him.
He stared at her and then shook her head and laughed.
“Man, I can’t believe I had a crush on you.” He said as he got up and started walking towards the door.
“Ohoho? You like me?” She asked smiling with an amused chuckle.
“I had a crush on you. Had… but you know, 9-year-olds are fucking stupid. Enjoy your eternal life!” He said as he reached the door and turned the knob and stepped out.
“Your right. Compared to in there, this place is magical!” He said as he ran his hand through his hair and accidentally squirted himself in his eyes.
“Mother fucker!” He yelled as he quickly walked away from the door as he rubbed his face.
Elizabeth stared back empty doorway, she took a slow breath and looked down at his paper. She then began underlining the word FAIL multiple times and added a note that he was most likely a child predator. Just as the door was about to close a hand caught it and opened it again. Thomas motioned to the receptionist to skip this room for a while and walked in.
“I just saw the last applicant rubbing his eyes… Did you make him cry?” He asked.
“Yeah… He was a grade A pussy.” She said and added that on his form.
“... Listen, I know you don’t want to be here. And you are free to fail them as much as you want… But don’t belittle them.” He told her.
She looked up at him and then back down and sighed. She took the paper and placed it behind the stack on the clipboard.
“Okay, sorry… I'm just a little uneasy being back in this building... I’ll be nice. Can you go get me a bottle of water?” She asked.
Thomas looked at her for a few seconds before answering.
“Sure.” He said back and turned to the door.
“And could you empty it out and fill it with the strongest vodka you can find? If you can't find any, I'll take rubbing alcohol.” She asked.
“No.” He said as he opened the door and walked out.
She looked at the door and then looked at the blank paper on her clipboard. She preemptively wrote "FAIL" on the notes section.
Darius walked out of the building still rubbing his eyes. He silently cursed himself for accidentally discharging in his own face when he was trying to act cool. He opened his eyes as he reached the steps that lead down the side walk in frount of the UHA. Trevor was leaning against some handrailing halfway down. He looked up and over at Darius and waved his hand. “Yo… What happened? Are you crying?” He asked. “No! I blasted myself in the face with water by accident.” He said. “Oh, Well how did you interview go?” He asked. “Perennial is a little bitch!” He said as he walked past him and headed down the stairs. “Whoa whoa? Where the hell did that come from?” Trevor asked. “She failed me before I walked in the room. I doubt anyone that sees her will pass. She kept making fun of me and now I’m pretty sure I’m going to be on some government watch list because of her.” He said fuming. “Well… damn.” Trevor said as they hit the sidewalk and began making their way back towards the park. “Let's just go back to the park and call it a day.” Darius said. “You're not going to ask me how I did?” Trevor asked. “What? Oh! Oh shit! Sorry man. Did you get in?!” He asked. “Nope, but I already knew that.” Trevor said to him. “Shit, sorry.” Darius said to him. “It’s alright. Although that free housing would have been really nice.” He said. “Yeah... “ Darius agreed. As they walked, they looked ahead only to spot a pair familiar looking girls. They both watched for a few seconds, enjoying the view before Trevor spoke up. “That's the Charity girl right?” He asked. “Yup… I wonder how she did. She said she was pretty sure she wouldn’t get picked.” He said as he looked to the side as a van speed past him. “Guess some of the roads must have been cleared up.” Darius added as they watched the van begin to slow down as it approached Charity. They both glanced at each other, and then back at the van as it slowed down to near walking speed just a little ways behind her. They both began thinking that this can’t be what it looks like it might be. It was only about 2 PM. The street had plenty of people and witnesses and the sun was out and shining. “Nah, couldn’t-” Trevor said as the van speed up quickly and pulled over, hopping the curb next to her and then suddenly slammed on the breaks and the side door flew open. They stopped walking when a hooded man jumped out and grabbed one of Charity’s arms and began violently pulling her towards the van. “Oh Fuck!” Darius let out as Trevor ran past him. Darius watched him for a split secound before his brain started to yell at his body to do something. He then began running towards the assailants as well. Before they got to her they watched as the man driving leaned out the window to see if his partner had got their prey in the van but Charity held hands with her other body that had her other arm wrapped around a street light. “Let go you fucker!” She screamed in perfect unison. “Fuck it, man! Someone's coming!” The driver said motioning to Trevor and Darius. “Shit…” He said and seemed to settle for tearing the purse out of her hands, but when she refused even that, he punched her hard in the face. Both of Charity’s body fell down to the ground as she let go of the purse and the man jumped back into the van. The doors slammed shut just as soon as Trevor reached it. He hit the door hard with his fist but the van peeled out and sped away before he could reach the driver’s side door. “You better fucking run you assholes!” He yelled out at them as they turned a corner, nearly hitting someone else. “Fuck...F-Shit…” Darius breathed out as he almost collapsed from running the short distance. “Shit! I didn't get the license.” Trevor said. “It- It didn’t have one.” Darius said as he caught his breath. They both turned to Charity and knelt beside her. “Are you alright?” Trevor asked as he watched one of her laying the others head on their lap. “I… uhh…. Yeah.” She said looking a little out of it. “You're probably in shock or something.” Trevor said as he looked at her body that seemed to be knocked out. A large bruise was forming under her left eye. He checked if anything looked broken but not having any medical training he couldn’t really tell. A small streak of blood was trickling out of one of her nostrils but her nose itself looked fine. He thought it was best to let her stay like this till she woke up. “Hey Charity, do you know what just happened?” Darius asked looking into her eyes, one of her pupils where highly dialated. “Huh? I’m sorry everything's... really…. You know?” She said looking up at him. “Uhh... yeah! Sure, I know.” Darius said , nodding to her and then turned to Trevor. “I don’t think it’s shock. I think it’s more just... one half or her literally unconscious. She can’t think straight. Shes half asleep.” Darius said to him. “Well, not much we can do till she wakes up.” Trevor said. “Maybe I can wake her up? You know, squirt her in the face?” Darius said. “I’ll... I’ll rip your balls off f-f-fucker…” She said to him. “What? Goddamnit! With water! I’ll wake you up with water.” He explained to her. “Ohhh... “ She said looking at him and winked. “What are you?... Why are you winking at me? Nevermind.” Darius said sighing deeply. “Is it just me, or is everyone a pervert?” Darius asked as he cupped his hands and tried to will a little bit of water out. “Well, you did say you were going to squirt her in the face.” Trevor said. “Context! It matters!” He said as his hands filled with water and he held it over her face. “Does this actually work?” Trevor asked. “I don’t know, they do it on TV all the time… “ He said. “Well, if it doesn't work and she wakes up later soaking wet. I’m going to totally throw you under the bus.” Trevor said to him. “Oh, thanks! Real cool man.” Darius said and then opened his hands. As the water hit her face. The already awake Charity let out a little scream and slapped at her own face. The sleeping Charity began shaking her head and then took a deep breath and immediately began coughing on the water. She quickly sat up and began to spit the water out of her mouth. “That is really fucking nasty!” The dry Charity said to Darius as she began to help dry off her other body. “Y-You okay?” They both asked almost in unison. “Yeah… But my face burns like a mother.” She said as she gingerly touched her cheek that was now a deep purple. “Who the fuck was that?” She asked. “I don’t know. Kidnappers?” Darius said shrugging his shoulder. “Do you want us to take you to the hospital?” Trevor asked. “N...No… It’s just a bruise. The hospitals are probably all packed anyway. Shit…” She as she poked her cheek once more. “Well then… We’ll walk you home alright? The city is too dangerous right now.” Trevor said to her. “Yeah, I wouldn’t feel right if you’re not safe.” Darius asked. “Fuck, I could've kicked his ass If he didn’t surprise the shit out of-” She said before both of her began to look around frantically. “Where’s my purse?” She asked. “Uh, I think that guy took it.” Darius said. “What! Fuck!” Both of her yelled in unison. “My keys! My money! Fuck!” She yelled. “You just moved, did you update your license already?” Darius asked. Both pairs of her eyes stared at him. The slow realization of why he had asked that question sowed unmasked on her face. “They know where I fucking live! Shit!” She both tilted her head up and yelled. Darius and Trevor looked at each other. She seemed so much more articulate when they were talking in line at the UHA. “Uh… Do you have any other places you can crash?” Trevor asked. “No, you two are literally the only two people I know in this shithole.” She said. "Well… To be fair the city is usually a lot nicer than it is… now…” Darius said but then trailed off after seeing Charity’s gorgon eyes staring him down. “Well, If you want. You're free to come with us to the park. It’s not perfect but I don’t think it's wise to try and go back to your place.” He said. “Look… No offense but I don’t really know you two very well.” She said. “I understand, It’s not like we are the only people there.” Trevor said. “Yeah, there is even another woman at our camp. And Trevor is as tame as a mouse.” Darius said to reassure her. “I was actually more concerned about you.” She said. “W-What? Why?” He asked. “I don’t know. You seem a little bit creepy.” She said. “What!? I’m not creepy!” He said and looked to Trevor to back him up. “...I mean you do look a little gangly.” He said. “Well, I’m sorry I’m not a hot stud muffin like you!” He said sarcastically. “Are you two a couple?” Charity asked. “No!” They both said in unison. “Look, come with us to the park and if you don’t like it you can leave.” Trevor said. Charity thought for a few seconds to weigh her options, although it wasn’t like she had many. She would just be extra vigilant and watch them both closely. They both seemed nice enough but so do a lot of rapists at first. “Fine. But If I don't like what I’m seeing I’m gone.” She said. “That’s fine. Yeah, now you have a chance to taste Trevor’s hot dogs!” Darius said. Charity stared at him. Trevor sighed and shook his head. “What?” Darius asked. “This is why people think you're creepy, man.” Trevor said. “What?! All I said was… Oh, come on! You both are the real perverts! Get your minds out of the gutter!” Darius scoffed at them and got back up to his feet. Trevor laughed a bit and got up as well. They then both help Charity to get up and began to walk towards the park. As they entered the shopping district they saw that all the windows were now boarded up. “Shit, we should try to see if we can get any food if it's not all gone.” Trevor said. “You have money? Because we are both broke!” Darius said to Trevor while he motioned to Charity and himself. “Yeah, I got like thirty bucks on me.” He said. They all looked around but it didn’t look like any of the stories were open. Some of the stores being closed were to be expected but not all of them. Someone had to be willing to accept cash. “There! Someone is walking out of that store.” Charity pointed to a shop down the street. They all headed over there and walked in, passing a woman that was cursing loudly as she exited the store. They looked around and could see that the store still had a good amount of products left on the shelves. “Sorry, we are closed now!” The man behind the counter said. “What? It’s like 2:30 and we have cash!” Trevor said. “Sorry, I just heard on the radio that the government has gone to shit.” He said. “What are you talking about?” Charity asked. “The radio! They can still broadcast even without the damn satellites. Just heard that most of the government is gone. That money in your wallet is probably worthless. So I’m closing up shop till this stuff gets sorted out.” The man said as he walked out from behind the counter with a shotgun. “So if you would kindly leave the store.” He said as he cocked the barrel. All three of them raised their hands and slowly backed away towards the door. As they got out onto the sidewalk and watched as the man locked the door. He placed the shotgun under his arm as he pulled down the security shutters. Once he locked those, they silently watched as he walked away whistling an old show tune. “What the hell was that?” Charity asked. “This is bad news if all the stores are closing.” Trevor said. “Where the hell are we supposed to get food?” Darius asked. “I don’t know… For right now we should get back to the park. When more people find out about this.” Trevor said letting out a deep exhale. “People are going to start rioting aren’t they?” Darius asked. “Let’s get the fuck out of here then.” Charity said as she started walking down the sidewalk. After about ten minutes they arrived back in the park. They walked past the tents. Darius noticing that there were more now than when they had left. They made it back to their campsite and sat down by the fire. "We’re back.” Trevor said and the young woman peeked her head out of the makeshift tent. “Did everything go alright? Oh, who are these two?” She asked. “Yeah, none of us got picked it seems… And this is Charity. Charity, this is Mary.” He said motioning to both of her. “Hello.” She said as nodded her heads to her. “Oh my! What happened to your face? Hold on one second!” She said as she went back into her tent. “Uh, It’s fine really.” Charity said to her but she was soon back out with a bottle of water. “Here! It’s not ice cold but it's still cool. Place it on your cheek.” She said handing it to her. “Thank you.” She said smiling and did as she said. Both of her winced as it touched her cheek but then sighed as she felt the heat radiate away from her bruise. “Would your sister like some water too?” She asked. “Oh no… We actually aren’t sisters.” She said with a laugh. “Oh? So… Are one of you actually a boy?” She asked. Both of the Charity’s began to bust out laughing. Even Darius was chuckling. “Ahaha, no… Charity is a Meta with a bit of a strange ability. She has two bodies but she’s only one person.” Trevor said. “Oh! I thought you might be a Meta because it looked like you were twins but that's a new one!” Mary said smiling. “You get how her power works?” Trevor asked. “Yeah. It’s not hard to understand.” She said as she sat down. “I like your friend here.” Charity said to him. “Yeah yeah…” Trevor said. “Did you manage to find any food?” She asked as she turned to Trevor . “No, we seem to have a big problem with that actually.” Trevor said. “None of the stores are open. None are taking any money.” Darius said. “Apparently they are saying that the government is about to collapse so they are hoarding all their goods.” Trevor said. “T-That can’t be true can it?” Mary asked. They shrugged their shoulders at her. “How are we on food?” Trevor asked. “Maybe a day or two worth. We only have two bottles of water left.” She said. “Can’t we fill the bottles from the pond? It’s fresh water right?” Darius asked. “Maybe if we boil it.” Trevor said shrugging. “You two really this dense?” Charity asked. “What?” Darius asked. “You can make water that tastes like ass. And you can alter the taste of anything right?” She asked as both of her raised their hands as if they were holding something. “One plus one equals…” She said as she both clasped their hands together. Darius looked at her then to Trevor. After a few seconds, their eyes widened. “Oh!” They said in unison. “I make water.” Darius said. “And I add the flavor!” Trevor said as they both laughed. “Man! We are… hahah… we are so stupid!” Darius said laughing. “Wait, we still don’t know if your water is really safe to drink.” Trevor said. “Well… I guess now is a good a time as ever.” Darius said simply. “Hey, do we have an empty bottle?” Trevor asked. “Yeah, hold on.” She said as she went back into the tent and a few moments later came back out. “Here you go.” She said handing the bottle to Darius. Darius unscrewed the top and placed his palm over it. He took few breaths then focused on opening it a like a faucet. The water slowly flowed into the bottle as he commanded the faucet closed when it reached the top. He reached it out towards Trevor. “What should it taste like?” He asked. “Clean mountain spring water.” Darius said smiling as Trevor waved his hand over the bottle. “Alright. Done.” He said. “Okay!” Darius said as he handed the bottle to Charity. “What?” She asked looking at him. “We both made it so you drink it… It’s only fair.” He said. “Like hell it is! I thought of the idea. You're on your own. Plus I already got me some!” She said shaking her water bottle. Darius pulled it back and glared. He then slowly looked towards Trevor. “I’m not drinking it.” He said and looked at Mary. She looked back at him, and then slowly shook her head. He sighed a little bit and then swallowed his pride. “Okay then… Bottoms up!” He said as he put the bottle to his lips and stopped. He took a few breaths and tried to lift his hand, but his hand was having none of that. “We’re waiting.” Charity said. “Shut up… Okay… One, two… Oh shit… Three!” He said as he forced his hand up and let the water enter his mouth. There was a silence in the group as they watched Darius down his ‘hand water’. After two gulps he paused, opened his eyes, and quickly drank the rest. When the bottle was empty he brought it down and looked around the group. “How you feeling. How many of me do you see?” Charity asked him. “That's a bad joke, and you should feel bad for saying it.” Darius said to her. Darius stayed there in silence for a few more moments and then shrugged his shoulders. “I feel fine.” He said. “We should give it till nightfall before we decide to bottle this stuff.” Trevor said. “If I’m not dead by midnight… You thinking what I’m thinking?” Darius asked Trevor. “Oh yeah.” He said smiling back. “What are you guys talking about?” Charity asked. “To get food, we are going to partake in the world's oldest profession!” Darius asked. “Gross! That’s it! I’m leaving!” Charity said as she threw up her hands and started to get up. “What? We're going to be traders. We’re going to trade water for food. How is that gross?” Darius asked confused. “Darius…. Man… The world's oldest profession is prostitution.” Trevor said. “What? No! That can’t be true.” Darius said laughing. “No… It’s prostitution.” Mary said placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked at them both and then to Charity. He could see her sigh as she sat back down. He then facepalmed. “Jesus! Is that why people always gave me weird looks when I talked to them about trading in their bus tokens?” He asked.
Darius walked out of the building still rubbing his eyes. He silently cursed himself for accidentally discharging in his own face when he was trying to act cool. He opened his eyes as he reached the steps that lead down the side walk in frount of the UHA. Trevor was leaning against some handrailing halfway down. He looked up and over at Darius and waved his hand. “Yo… What happened? Are you crying?” He asked. “No! I blasted myself in the face with water by accident.” He said. “Oh, Well how did you interview go?” He asked. “Perennial is a little bitch!” He said as he walked past him and headed down the stairs. “Whoa whoa? Where the hell did that come from?” Trevor asked. “She failed me before I walked in the room. I doubt anyone that sees her will pass. She kept making fun of me and now I’m pretty sure I’m going to be on some government watch list because of her.” He said fuming. “Well… damn.” Trevor said as they hit the sidewalk and began making their way back towards the park. “Let's just go back to the park and call it a day.” Darius said. “You're not going to ask me how I did?” Trevor asked. “What? Oh! Oh shit! Sorry man. Did you get in?!” He asked. “Nope, but I already knew that.” Trevor said to him. “Shit, sorry.” Darius said to him. “It’s alright. Although that free housing would have been really nice.” He said. “Yeah... “ Darius agreed. As they walked, they looked ahead only to spot a pair familiar looking girls. They both watched for a few seconds, enjoying the view before Trevor spoke up. “That's the Charity girl right?” He asked. “Yup… I wonder how she did. She said she was pretty sure she wouldn’t get picked.” He said as he looked to the side as a van speed past him. “Guess some of the roads must have been cleared up.” Darius added as they watched the van begin to slow down as it approached Charity. They both glanced at each other, and then back at the van as it slowed down to near walking speed just a little ways behind her. They both began thinking that this can’t be what it looks like it might be. It was only about 2 PM. The street had plenty of people and witnesses and the sun was out and shining. “Nah, couldn’t-” Trevor said as the van speed up quickly and pulled over, hopping the curb next to her and then suddenly slammed on the breaks and the side door flew open. They stopped walking when a hooded man jumped out and grabbed one of Charity’s arms and began violently pulling her towards the van. “Oh Fuck!” Darius let out as Trevor ran past him. Darius watched him for a split secound before his brain started to yell at his body to do something. He then began running towards the assailants as well. Before they got to her they watched as the man driving leaned out the window to see if his partner had got their prey in the van but Charity held hands with her other body that had her other arm wrapped around a street light. “Let go you fucker!” She screamed in perfect unison. “Fuck it, man! Someone's coming!” The driver said motioning to Trevor and Darius. “Shit…” He said and seemed to settle for tearing the purse out of her hands, but when she refused even that, he punched her hard in the face. Both of Charity’s body fell down to the ground as she let go of the purse and the man jumped back into the van. The doors slammed shut just as soon as Trevor reached it. He hit the door hard with his fist but the van peeled out and sped away before he could reach the driver’s side door. “You better fucking run you assholes!” He yelled out at them as they turned a corner, nearly hitting someone else. “Fuck...F-Shit…” Darius breathed out as he almost collapsed from running the short distance. “Shit! I didn't get the license.” Trevor said. “It- It didn’t have one.” Darius said as he caught his breath. They both turned to Charity and knelt beside her. “Are you alright?” Trevor asked as he watched one of her laying the others head on their lap. “I… uhh…. Yeah.” She said looking a little out of it. “You're probably in shock or something.” Trevor said as he looked at her body that seemed to be knocked out. A large bruise was forming under her left eye. He checked if anything looked broken but not having any medical training he couldn’t really tell. A small streak of blood was trickling out of one of her nostrils but her nose itself looked fine. He thought it was best to let her stay like this till she woke up. “Hey Charity, do you know what just happened?” Darius asked looking into her eyes, one of her pupils where highly dialated. “Huh? I’m sorry everything's... really…. You know?” She said looking up at him. “Uhh... yeah! Sure, I know.” Darius said , nodding to her and then turned to Trevor. “I don’t think it’s shock. I think it’s more just... one half or her literally unconscious. She can’t think straight. Shes half asleep.” Darius said to him. “Well, not much we can do till she wakes up.” Trevor said. “Maybe I can wake her up? You know, squirt her in the face?” Darius said. “I’ll... I’ll rip your balls off f-f-fucker…” She said to him. “What? Goddamnit! With water! I’ll wake you up with water.” He explained to her. “Ohhh... “ She said looking at him and winked. “What are you?... Why are you winking at me? Nevermind.” Darius said sighing deeply. “Is it just me, or is everyone a pervert?” Darius asked as he cupped his hands and tried to will a little bit of water out. “Well, you did say you were going to squirt her in the face.” Trevor said. “Context! It matters!” He said as his hands filled with water and he held it over her face. “Does this actually work?” Trevor asked. “I don’t know, they do it on TV all the time… “ He said. “Well, if it doesn't work and she wakes up later soaking wet. I’m going to totally throw you under the bus.” Trevor said to him. “Oh, thanks! Real cool man.” Darius said and then opened his hands. As the water hit her face. The already awake Charity let out a little scream and slapped at her own face. The sleeping Charity began shaking her head and then took a deep breath and immediately began coughing on the water. She quickly sat up and began to spit the water out of her mouth. “That is really fucking nasty!” The dry Charity said to Darius as she began to help dry off her other body. “Y-You okay?” They both asked almost in unison. “Yeah… But my face burns like a mother.” She said as she gingerly touched her cheek that was now a deep purple. “Who the fuck was that?” She asked. “I don’t know. Kidnappers?” Darius said shrugging his shoulder. “Do you want us to take you to the hospital?” Trevor asked. “N...No… It’s just a bruise. The hospitals are probably all packed anyway. Shit…” She as she poked her cheek once more. “Well then… We’ll walk you home alright? The city is too dangerous right now.” Trevor said to her. “Yeah, I wouldn’t feel right if you’re not safe.” Darius asked. “Fuck, I could've kicked his ass If he didn’t surprise the shit out of-” She said before both of her began to look around frantically. “Where’s my purse?” She asked. “Uh, I think that guy took it.” Darius said. “What! Fuck!” Both of her yelled in unison. “My keys! My money! Fuck!” She yelled. “You just moved, did you update your license already?” Darius asked. Both pairs of her eyes stared at him. The slow realization of why he had asked that question sowed unmasked on her face. “They know where I fucking live! Shit!” She both tilted her head up and yelled. Darius and Trevor looked at each other. She seemed so much more articulate when they were talking in line at the UHA. “Uh… Do you have any other places you can crash?” Trevor asked. “No, you two are literally the only two people I know in this shithole.” She said. "Well… To be fair the city is usually a lot nicer than it is… now…” Darius said but then trailed off after seeing Charity’s gorgon eyes staring him down. “Well, If you want. You're free to come with us to the park. It’s not perfect but I don’t think it's wise to try and go back to your place.” He said. “Look… No offense but I don’t really know you two very well.” She said. “I understand, It’s not like we are the only people there.” Trevor said. “Yeah, there is even another woman at our camp. And Trevor is as tame as a mouse.” Darius said to reassure her. “I was actually more concerned about you.” She said. “W-What? Why?” He asked. “I don’t know. You seem a little bit creepy.” She said. “What!? I’m not creepy!” He said and looked to Trevor to back him up. “...I mean you do look a little gangly.” He said. “Well, I’m sorry I’m not a hot stud muffin like you!” He said sarcastically. “Are you two a couple?” Charity asked. “No!” They both said in unison. “Look, come with us to the park and if you don’t like it you can leave.” Trevor said. Charity thought for a few seconds to weigh her options, although it wasn’t like she had many. She would just be extra vigilant and watch them both closely. They both seemed nice enough but so do a lot of rapists at first. “Fine. But If I don't like what I’m seeing I’m gone.” She said. “That’s fine. Yeah, now you have a chance to taste Trevor’s hot dogs!” Darius said. Charity stared at him. Trevor sighed and shook his head. “What?” Darius asked. “This is why people think you're creepy, man.” Trevor said. “What?! All I said was… Oh, come on! You both are the real perverts! Get your minds out of the gutter!” Darius scoffed at them and got back up to his feet. Trevor laughed a bit and got up as well. They then both help Charity to get up and began to walk towards the park. As they entered the shopping district they saw that all the windows were now boarded up. “Shit, we should try to see if we can get any food if it's not all gone.” Trevor said. “You have money? Because we are both broke!” Darius said to Trevor while he motioned to Charity and himself. “Yeah, I got like thirty bucks on me.” He said. They all looked around but it didn’t look like any of the stories were open. Some of the stores being closed were to be expected but not all of them. Someone had to be willing to accept cash. “There! Someone is walking out of that store.” Charity pointed to a shop down the street. They all headed over there and walked in, passing a woman that was cursing loudly as she exited the store. They looked around and could see that the store still had a good amount of products left on the shelves. “Sorry, we are closed now!” The man behind the counter said. “What? It’s like 2:30 and we have cash!” Trevor said. “Sorry, I just heard on the radio that the government has gone to shit.” He said. “What are you talking about?” Charity asked. “The radio! They can still broadcast even without the damn satellites. Just heard that most of the government is gone. That money in your wallet is probably worthless. So I’m closing up shop till this stuff gets sorted out.” The man said as he walked out from behind the counter with a shotgun. “So if you would kindly leave the store.” He said as he cocked the barrel. All three of them raised their hands and slowly backed away towards the door. As they got out onto the sidewalk and watched as the man locked the door. He placed the shotgun under his arm as he pulled down the security shutters. Once he locked those, they silently watched as he walked away whistling an old show tune. “What the hell was that?” Charity asked. “This is bad news if all the stores are closing.” Trevor said. “Where the hell are we supposed to get food?” Darius asked. “I don’t know… For right now we should get back to the park. When more people find out about this.” Trevor said letting out a deep exhale. “People are going to start rioting aren’t they?” Darius asked. “Let’s get the fuck out of here then.” Charity said as she started walking down the sidewalk. After about ten minutes they arrived back in the park. They walked past the tents. Darius noticing that there were more now than when they had left. They made it back to their campsite and sat down by the fire. "We’re back.” Trevor said and the young woman peeked her head out of the makeshift tent. “Did everything go alright? Oh, who are these two?” She asked. “Yeah, none of us got picked it seems… And this is Charity. Charity, this is Mary.” He said motioning to both of her. “Hello.” She said as nodded her heads to her. “Oh my! What happened to your face? Hold on one second!” She said as she went back into her tent. “Uh, It’s fine really.” Charity said to her but she was soon back out with a bottle of water. “Here! It’s not ice cold but it's still cool. Place it on your cheek.” She said handing it to her. “Thank you.” She said smiling and did as she said. Both of her winced as it touched her cheek but then sighed as she felt the heat radiate away from her bruise. “Would your sister like some water too?” She asked. “Oh no… We actually aren’t sisters.” She said with a laugh. “Oh? So… Are one of you actually a boy?” She asked. Both of the Charity’s began to bust out laughing. Even Darius was chuckling. “Ahaha, no… Charity is a Meta with a bit of a strange ability. She has two bodies but she’s only one person.” Trevor said. “Oh! I thought you might be a Meta because it looked like you were twins but that's a new one!” Mary said smiling. “You get how her power works?” Trevor asked. “Yeah. It’s not hard to understand.” She said as she sat down. “I like your friend here.” Charity said to him. “Yeah yeah…” Trevor said. “Did you manage to find any food?” She asked as she turned to Trevor . “No, we seem to have a big problem with that actually.” Trevor said. “None of the stores are open. None are taking any money.” Darius said. “Apparently they are saying that the government is about to collapse so they are hoarding all their goods.” Trevor said. “T-That can’t be true can it?” Mary asked. They shrugged their shoulders at her. “How are we on food?” Trevor asked. “Maybe a day or two worth. We only have two bottles of water left.” She said. “Can’t we fill the bottles from the pond? It’s fresh water right?” Darius asked. “Maybe if we boil it.” Trevor said shrugging. “You two really this dense?” Charity asked. “What?” Darius asked. “You can make water that tastes like ass. And you can alter the taste of anything right?” She asked as both of her raised their hands as if they were holding something. “One plus one equals…” She said as she both clasped their hands together. Darius looked at her then to Trevor. After a few seconds, their eyes widened. “Oh!” They said in unison. “I make water.” Darius said. “And I add the flavor!” Trevor said as they both laughed. “Man! We are… hahah… we are so stupid!” Darius said laughing. “Wait, we still don’t know if your water is really safe to drink.” Trevor said. “Well… I guess now is a good a time as ever.” Darius said simply. “Hey, do we have an empty bottle?” Trevor asked. “Yeah, hold on.” She said as she went back into the tent and a few moments later came back out. “Here you go.” She said handing the bottle to Darius. Darius unscrewed the top and placed his palm over it. He took few breaths then focused on opening it a like a faucet. The water slowly flowed into the bottle as he commanded the faucet closed when it reached the top. He reached it out towards Trevor. “What should it taste like?” He asked. “Clean mountain spring water.” Darius said smiling as Trevor waved his hand over the bottle. “Alright. Done.” He said. “Okay!” Darius said as he handed the bottle to Charity. “What?” She asked looking at him. “We both made it so you drink it… It’s only fair.” He said. “Like hell it is! I thought of the idea. You're on your own. Plus I already got me some!” She said shaking her water bottle. Darius pulled it back and glared. He then slowly looked towards Trevor. “I’m not drinking it.” He said and looked at Mary. She looked back at him, and then slowly shook her head. He sighed a little bit and then swallowed his pride. “Okay then… Bottoms up!” He said as he put the bottle to his lips and stopped. He took a few breaths and tried to lift his hand, but his hand was having none of that. “We’re waiting.” Charity said. “Shut up… Okay… One, two… Oh shit… Three!” He said as he forced his hand up and let the water enter his mouth. There was a silence in the group as they watched Darius down his ‘hand water’. After two gulps he paused, opened his eyes, and quickly drank the rest. When the bottle was empty he brought it down and looked around the group. “How you feeling. How many of me do you see?” Charity asked him. “That's a bad joke, and you should feel bad for saying it.” Darius said to her. Darius stayed there in silence for a few more moments and then shrugged his shoulders. “I feel fine.” He said. “We should give it till nightfall before we decide to bottle this stuff.” Trevor said. “If I’m not dead by midnight… You thinking what I’m thinking?” Darius asked Trevor. “Oh yeah.” He said smiling back. “What are you guys talking about?” Charity asked. “To get food, we are going to partake in the world's oldest profession!” Darius asked. “Gross! That’s it! I’m leaving!” Charity said as she threw up her hands and started to get up. “What? We're going to be traders. We’re going to trade water for food. How is that gross?” Darius asked confused. “Darius…. Man… The world's oldest profession is prostitution.” Trevor said. “What? No! That can’t be true.” Darius said laughing. “No… It’s prostitution.” Mary said placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked at them both and then to Charity. He could see her sigh as she sat back down. He then facepalmed. “Jesus! Is that why people always gave me weird looks when I talked to them about trading in their bus tokens?” He asked.
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