ZRP-2: Brave New World

I look over to Jennifer, who was sleeping.

"But I just sat down... but okay. I'll come."

I stand back up and open the door. I don't usually need to take my weapons off- oh right! I left my Berretta with Jennifer.
Well. It's better here then with me. Actually... I probably won't need my rifle. So I leave it in my chair. My axe should suffice.

I watch as the boy figures out what do to. Its strange how I have grown quite fond of him. I notice what he does with the rifle. "Grab the rifle, it might be useful."

I turn and head out the door, walking through the lobby and out of the inn. Looking at all the people out here, Just kind of watching and listening to whats going on. I must be a head taller than everyone here and my mask probably doesnt make me the most approchable person.

"I didn't save Harry's parents. Jennifer. Dan. I didn't save them."
Eve's voice was quiet.

(James)
=I reacted like she had punched me right in the gut=
"Eve....they were my family, my responsibility. There's no reason for you to put your life at risk, as penance for their deaths."

"I-"
Before I could finish he's gone. So without further objection I grab the rifle and sling it around my neck. Then I follow after Wrex.
Making sure to shut and lock the door. Next thing I know; I'm standing next to Wrex and staring at a crowd.
"Any idea why they're there?"

"My betrayal. My fault. My sin."
Eve stood taller, glaring at James now.

(James)
"And you don't even see the impact this will have? What it could do to me? Hell, to your mother? Are you willing to put her through hell, so you can have a clean conscience?"

"Honestly, I have no idea. We are strangers in this town, best we get to know the others and try to help out. Maybe they will do the same."

=I look at Eve, almost admiringly, but the shake as I see a hallucination=

No...no...no...not again

=I feel my knees weaken, as I try not to cry=

The voices...make them stop...make the screaming stop...

=I fall to my knees, my body shaking=

(James)
=Still waiting on Eve's response, I was dimly aware that I heard what sounded like someone on the verge of crying. I had no idea who it was though and I wasn't taking my eyes off of Eve=

"Holy shit!"
I stand there not knowing what to do.

"I don't have anything else to do to. Sam believes I'm sorry. Mommy does. But do they..." she poijted to the town. "Believe in me? That's why I have to do this. To atone for the sin against this town."

"Just listen? Wouldn't that be spying?"

(James)
"They don't even know a thing. The only ones that know, are me, your mom, Sam, Andrew and Marcus. And we've forgiven you."

"Well how are you going to know whats going on? Are you just going to walk up to someone randomly and force them to tell you or something? That doesnt get you many friends."

"I've rarely made friends... actually I think you're the third. But yeah, I see your point."

"But how can I forgive myself? I don't deserve your forgiveness..."
Her gaze softened.

Miranda fell to her knees by Andrew.
"Andrew?! Andrew!"

"Like for example, that man just broke down for no reason. Something must be going on. If we were to walk over there and ask what was wrong, he might take it wrong. So we try to pick up what we can and figure out whats going on. And maybe ask a question or two."

(James)
"Whether you deserve it or not, is my choice. Not yours Eve. Eve, I care about you. Despite recent events, you've been good to me and my family. So I forgive you, for everything."

"But does Andrew forgive me? Does Marcus?"
Eve looked at her shoes. "The families of the two who died..."

*Marcus*
"Eve....look, I was angry at their deaths but I don't even blame you for that anymore. The only ones to blame are the Shepherds."

=I hear Miranda's voice, and gradually come back to my senses=

I just saw Eve go up to James...and for a second...I saw my younger sister...

=I put my hands in my face=

And I just remembered what happened...and I just... just lost it...

=I then just let my emotions go, sobbing=

Miranda held Andrew, kissing the side of his head.

Eve holds her ground. "You need all the fighters you can get. You know I'm faster then you, James."

(James)
"Actually, no I don't. And you've never seen me run."
God knows I've done my fair share.

I stand awkwardly, then kneel down.
"You, uh... You alright mate?"

"You're more important here. Stop trying to get out of leading...because God knows you have talent for it."
Eve glared more.

(James)
"Eve, I'm no leader. God, I don't even want to be a leader. I just want to live, with the people I care about. You, your mom, Harry? I want to live with the three of you, because you are the ones I care about the most. And I want to protect you."

=I continue to look towards the ground, face in my hands=

Yeah...I'm just remembering something...something I've desperately wanted to forget...

=I then hear the screams echo in my head, and I place my right hand on the ground to keep myself from totally losing it=

Not feeling that he was helping at all, Abel stood back up, and turned to, from what he got from over hearing their talk: James, Eve, and Hibiki.
"Um, if you need some running bait..."
He didn't finish his sentence, he just let the last part fill itself in.

(James)
=At that, I couldn't help but turn and look at the man=
"Look, I appreciate the offer. But I already volunteered man."

Abel nodded slightly.
"Perhaps so, but from the sounds of it your family objects to your decision."

"So like, now? Since he just said something about his sis."

"If you are a stranger to someone its not always a good idea to try an help them when dealing with their family or extremely personal issues. They could take it wrong. Besides, we are out here to find whats up with the town."

"They were talking about being bait right? And there's that guy the crowd formed around. He must have some sort of importance to the town."

I put my hand on tyler's head messing up his hair a little, like a big brother. "You know more than you let on. Personally I would wait till he calms down or something before we off any help. But thats up to you."

"Mostly me." Eve said. "He's the better fighter. If this get into a close range fight, I'm useless. James has to stay; I can run better then fight in close range."


Miranda hugged Andrew. "It's ok...I'm here."

I didn't really mind him rubbing my head, but does that mean I trust him enough to even touch me? Yeah... I think so.

"I'd say we wait a bit. He seems rather flustered with something right now."

=I look at Miranda=

I know...It's just...I just felt helpless then...

=I get on my knees=

And now...with you, James, and everybody else...I don't want to feel that anymore.

=I hug her back, feeling the haunting screams fade away for the first time in two years. And for that, I felt genuinely grateful=

(James)
"And I can run and fight in close range Eve. I'm the better choice for this."

"But I don't need close combat. I can stay ahead. I'm counting on you to keep mommy safe."
Eve wasn't budging.

(James)
=I could tell I wasn't getting anywhere with her, and we were wasting time anyway. So all I could do was shake my head and stand up=
"Eve, just remember that if you can't do this.....you'll hurt a lot of people."

-------

http://www.haloroleplay.com/viewtopic.forum?t=858