Masa con Papas: Proxy's Memory

[ThreadLurkingComorant]

CW: Death, Violence

Brassman: Cheap move kid, really didn't have the guts today?

He no longer squirms or fights as you hold him for all to see.

The crowd watches in complete silence.

Opera focuses her aim on Wood who's more than playing possum for the crowd.

Brassman: Well at least finish the job, know you got that in you. Saw what you did to a few of our guys earlier.

Charon: It's never my first choice-

Brassman: Bullshit, take me out back right now.

You turn toward Dither and give him a nod.

Charon: Opera, you mind handling things here? Feel like we gotta press for info.

Opera: Trust me I'm more than prepped.

You drag the crumpled construct through the dirt toward the main gate, Cero standing there to give you a little nod.

Charon: You mind watching? Just..

Cero: I'll keep you safe, what you do from here is your call.

You return the nod.

The gates close behind you. Cero gives you a gesture to continue.

Brassman: So what's it gonna be? You got no reason to spare me.

Charon: I don't.

Brassman: You let me go and I'm coming back with more heat.

Charon: Mm...

Brassman: So? Hurry up.

Charon: I want to make a contract.

Brassman:... What?

Charon: With you-

Brassman: What would you even want from me? I've got shit to offer you.

Charon: Your body, your components. I know what kind of tech you're loaded up with.

Brassman: You want my core.

Charon: I do.

Brassman: That's tech straight from the underbelly, folks who touch that don't see god you know. What in the world are you planning?

Charon: Something you won't get to see... but I'll make it up for you plenty.

Brassman: Yeah? How's that?

Charon: You're the first time I've ever taken up the blade and walked out of the room with one man less on this world. Taking someone's life twice is a special kind of cruel.

You pull a lance from your cloak.

Charon: So perhaps a light compensation. You allow me this and I'll promise you a kinder world in the next life.

Brassman: You don't got that kind of power-

You state him straight in the eye.

Brassman:... Ah shit you're serious.

He gives you a sour laugh.

Brassman: You got the same face but that kid's long gone huh? Whatever's behind those eyes ain't human anymore. I don't make bargains with the devil like that.

Charon: Mm..

Brassman: So what's the point of all this? Guilt? A bit of a show for your new friends?

Charon: A second chance that counts.

Brassman: Alright, explain.

Charon: If you were to be revived by other means-

Brassman: I'd still be a threat. But if I sign you'd be cutting me from the picture, yeah? No chance of me causing you problems.

Charon: Mm.. I'll make it worth it for you.

Brassman: ... got nothing better going on anyway. Don't tend to fuck with that but.. bring it.

There's a cold a flicker, a chilling spark through every nerve between the two of you.

Brassman: That feels weird...

Charon: You have any preferences?

Brassman: I don't care if you need a bouncer or mole, just hook me up with a good job that sticks.

You give him a little nod. He grabs your shoulder with his remaining arm.

Brassman: Give me your worst-

It was painless, one swift thrust of your thumb through his neck and he goes limp instantly.

Ever fold of your cloak quivers as you watch the life vanish from his face.

And then a long quiet before it's finally broken.

Cero:.. You need help?

Charon: Mm...

Cero: Know it's tough doing that, most folks aren't built to be executioner.

Charon: No... suppose no.

He gives you a pat on the shoulder.

Cero: I'll scrap what I can and then bury what's rest proper, you go back inside with your friends, alright?

Charon: Mm...

He opens the gate for you, waving as you step back through.

Cero: You're a bit soft for this still.

Charon: I know.

Cero: I think that's what these folks need right now though.

Charon: Mm..

Cero: Good luck dude.

The Other World that Hates You
Masa Con Papas

 

The Little Town That Loves You
[Chapter Epilogue]
CW: Violence
Perspective: Charon M. Judgment