Inked Wings
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO - Lost In The Crowd

/ Noel’s POV /

I mind my own business. I’m finishing sorting these substances Doc’ assigns me to.

I’m daydreaming a tad, to be honest. The image of last night rolls in my mind.

So I’m really that closed off. This morning I tried speaking to the others, the ones I passed on my way to the lab. You know, say a simple morning.

They were nice about it, except Double H tells me it was about time and goes on about how he’s happy to see me finally settle in.

Okay…They’re being weirdly mushy and mellow with their behavior, like Shitty Angel last night. He sounded like when Abi used to be worried about how I feel being homeschooled.

I grip tight on the tool. Kinda wanna cut my skin, after making that comparison.

I should stop comparing him to everybody. Abi’s nothing like nobody. Was - one of a kind.

My hands are shaking. This wave of heaviness is back. Comes every two days.

Usually it’s very empty by default. May forget about it with a smile but it doesn’t go away.

Even doing what I’ve been doing for the past mornings, nights and most afternoons for these guys; this heaviness, at least, would rather stalk me no matter the situation.

It’s so annoying and bothering, sometimes I want to scream. A bloody, lady killed with a knife scream, you know? I don’t like how I’m warming up to these guys.

It feels, I’m moving on…

I wanna snap somebody’s neck thinking about it. That can never happen…

Abi’s haunting me whether I want it or not…I wish - shut up, brain. My eyeballs become sore.

My hand goes to rub them dead eyes, but the tool clatters on the floor. ‘Ah! What?’

Doc’ just creeps out on me without warning, wearing a creepy doll smile. Porcelain dolly.

‘Congratulations, dear,’ He says, obviously happy with himself. ‘It’s the sixth time you help out.’ His hands come out of hiding and they’re holding - the cool mask…

I actually forgot.

I stare at it like a dumbass. ‘...thanks.’ I grab it and fiddle with and turn it in my hands.

‘Put it on.’ He gestures, excited.

I show a weak smile and plant it on my face. It’s big but all it takes is a second. It automatically adjusts to my size.

Cool way of telling me I’m a small boo boo baby…

It feels pretty cool. Not cool enough to shoo the heaviness away. If anything, it’s worse all of a sudden, especially while I admire myself in the mirror.

This is pigshit. I should be doing a victory dance right now but my voice is lower than ever, talking similar to - a boo hoo baby.

‘Thanks, me.’ I try to change it into a more confident, cool and suave thing.

It’s awkward.

‘..what do you say?’ Doc’ asks me.

‘Huh?’ I look his way.

‘Yeah, I said it’s cool. Worth it.’

‘No, darling, I asked if you wanted to join me.’

‘Join you…?’

‘I’m heading out to the annual market District FIVE is hosting this week. You can replace things you like there. New clothes to add to your - limited wardrobe, for example.’ He points to my jacket and jeans and T-shirt.

‘I’ve noticed you don’t prefer wearing the clothes we lend you. Maybe you will replace something you do want to wear, so you give this outfit a break. What do you say?’

My clothes…are getting wrinkly and stretchy, ’specially from all the washing.

‘..Sure.’ I shrug.

‘Great!’ He claps his hands. ‘Let’s get going at once!’

‘Is - Birdie coming?’ I ask.

He shakes his head.

‘It’s a bit too dangerous for her. Besides, she’s been feeling unwell as of late.’ He smiles at me, pitying me with his it’s definitely not because of you face.

I should have told her to go search with me. Maybe - things would’ve gone differently.

Seeing that robbo-killer really shook her up and now I feel like an asshole.

This is how Shitty Angel feels all the time, probably.

Without a doubt in my mind.

27:27

Once we’re inside the District’s galactic line, the time skips a load of hours. This is where the timezone is trippy and Doc’ interrupts my nightly playing, asking for help.

My battery’s low so I accept. I sneak out the room without waking Angel up.

Doc’ gives me the mask, we go to the market, using a pod that leaves us off in a sewer. Literal poo and radioactive substances lurk in here.

I pinch my nose, stopping myself from barfing. This is - deplorable.

Doc’ leads me out of this ditch, in a tight alleyway. Light rays fall on us when we welcome the fresher air. It’s still very much polluted but - you know.

It’s times better than there.

I follow him into the main street and whoa…this market is more of a festival if you ask me. The crowd is huge, the stands are many and there’s a striped feline hologram passing above our heads.

‘What is this for?’ I whisper, behind Doc’.

‘It’s the Panthera tigris festival. I don’t know much of the culture behind the name.’ His head rotates in almost every direction.

Doc’ drags me to the lamest stands, selling mostly trash. There are many cool stuff we pass, and spots we avoid for a reason. I don’t see W.P.A soldiers, have not seen one since we got here.

So I don’t know what he’s so worried about.

Whatever…I patiently wait for him to buy this piece of clothing. It’s not even for sale, it’s used as a casket for the stand’s owner’s screen but Doc’ insists.

Right now, he’s negotiating. All he has to do is pull the money card. He must have a good sum on his hands to afford all the stuff in his lab.

Something catches my eye…The stand further in the right, right across the street.

There’s what looks like a memory chip on display. An old looking model, fitting for my screen.

I check my right and left, then cross the street. Doc’s still negotiating by the time I’ll be back, bet.

It is an old model! How much is it? I walk closer.

Oh - that’s way too much to ask. Abi could’ve got it easy but I don’t have his money on me - well, that’s a bummer.

I turn around to a sea of people, can’t even see Doc’. Oops, I wandered off without warning.

I’m..I’m not with Abi anymore. Force of habit sucks ass. Ugh, there’s so many people.

Move! I try to squeeze through them but most of them barely give me any attention. Rude ass motherfu- Ow!

A bunch force me to go farther right.

‘Excuse me!’ I yell and push these giants out of my way. I rush back in the stand’s direction.

Can’t replace it…marvelous. A - high place where I can - there’s a pole. I “swim” my way to the pole, climb it and - I see nothing but strangers.

I’m lost. Well, I laugh.

Well, shit. Do not panic. I exhale. Hoo, okay.

I’ll just go replace the pod and wait there. Who knows where he’s gone.

Now, where the stars was it - again? I should exit the main street.

Behind the huge line of stands, I step on a sidewalk. It’s a bit more free of people. My left should be the direction.

We left the pod behind the - tigris panel. It’s an artificial moss alleyway, shouldn’t be too hard to replace if I just keep heading straight ahead. I do, but there’s nothing familiar around.

‘Ugh!’ I exclaim while I throw my fists down. This is so uncool, I’m a dumbass. A big ass idiot.

I jump, my soul silently leaving my body.

‘What are you doing, boy?’ A policeman - no, a W.P.A dude is looking down on me with a glare.

Man, eat shit. I didn’t do anything wrong for you to give me this tone.

‘I - I’m waiting for my big brother.’ I gulp. ‘He’s coming from fighting class.’

‘Whatever stunt you’re trying to do, forget it. I don’t like your lie…’ He points, accusatory.

What in the stars is your deal?! Is it the mask?? I take it off, turning on “portable mode”.

Done, it’s shoved in my pocket. Now, let me live, maybe??

‘P.D, leave the little one alone.’ Another person, ugh, another W.P.A joins in on the fun.

Teeth Face grunts.

‘I have the right to search a suspicious individual during such an ominous event as this bunch of nonsense. Get off my back, will you.’

‘Maybe you get off his back? I’ll deal with him.’ Locks comes closer.

‘I don’t know who do you think you are, boy.’

‘Ah-uh,’ Locks interrupts Teeth Face. ‘Check the bracelets. It’s she/her day today.’

Pronouns are written on that cheap, metal bracelet with multiple facets you can rotate.

Teeth Face glares. ‘I don’t care, you have no right to boss me around.’

‘I’m sorry, should I show you my badge?’ She grabs it out of a pocket I can barely see. ‘Bakhsh, Kin’ Jurisdiction, present for recon.’

Teeth Face’s jaw drops. ‘Sir Riddleman’s hand, the General?’

Locks nods. ‘Haha, yes. General Kin is a great leader, even when he’s absent.’

Without any words left in his ass, Tooth Face pisses off.

She absolutely dumped on him with three sentences. Is the General scary? Riddleman the founder or something, that’s why the general must be a big deal. Probably.

Locks scratches her beard. ‘I’m sorry about that one. You good?’

‘Uh-uh. That badge for real?’

‘It’s a bit of a stretch, but general Kin’ likes the theme of a kindergarten, so -’ She shrugs, holding up the badge.

‘We have these. His main division, I mean.’

‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’

She laughs. ‘Alright.’

‘Thanks for - that.’ I point in whatever direction. ‘I’m gonna go now.’

‘Aren’t you waiting for your big bro?’ The joy in her tone is still there, she might be just joking around.

‘What’s actually going on? Do you need help, because -’ She opens her arms. ‘I’m here for it, little one. You can count on me.’

‘Uhm, where’s the exit again?’

‘Which one?’

I sigh. She laughs again.

‘I’m new here.’ I point around.

‘There’s a map at the center of the festival. A camera map, you can replace any corner you recognize and start from there, maybe.’

That actually sounds helpful but I don’t know about trusting her. I mean, there are many people around, it shouldn’t be too hard to get away and lose her if shit hits the fan.

I don’t really got options. Hmm. I rub my hands together. ‘..Fine!’

‘That was hard to choose, thank you for the consideration. Now, come.’ She signs.

The road isn’t long, the center is a tent. Big fella, this military tent. There are more W.P.A soldiers like her here.

I count two entering the crowd and one staying behind. Oh, crap…

I purse my lips, planning the big escape while I look around. These losers ain’t catching me alive.

Okay, inhale and exhale. You can do this.

The one who stayed behind walks up to us. ‘Bakhsh, I see you made a friend.’

‘Pfft, shut up. I’m helping him out.’ She kisses Tall Pants.

Oh.

‘I’m gonna show him the Video Map real quick so he can replace his way,’ She glances at me.

‘Wherever he needs to go. Not our business, really.’

Tall Pants smirks. ‘Don’t tell the others you didn’t ask.’

‘Pfft, I know. Come on kid, almost there. Keep watch, Alonso.’

Tall Pants nods.

The inside of the tent is just as plain. And I remember my room being shitty…appreciate my taste thousands better now since I’ve glimpsed at this - gray everywhere.

It’s not even sorted to look good. It’s boring as infinite to look at.

No wonder they don’t stay in the tent.

She guides me through this big screen. It’s like that horror first person I played when I was little.

I’m switching through many, many angles.

‘I’ll leave you to it.’ She exits the tent.

I stop for a second, to watch what she’s doing. She sits on a bench next to her partner.

I hear them talking about noodle shrimp. O-kayy. I think I’m safe.

Not all W.P.A are assholes. I knew that, but, it’s hard to trust if you’re in my shoes.

Switching through these lasts for an eternity to me, still nothing I recognize. Ugh.

No. I slide. No, no, no-no-no-no!

Star’s sake - can you work? ‘Really?’ I grumble.

A big sound comes from outside. That’s not good.

My eyes be tripping a little when I peek outside. It’s so dark, compared to the white lights in here.

They revive and take in what’s happening. Oh, Nellie.

There’s a giant, blue feline, times bigger than the last. It’s flying over everybody’s heads. People are gaping and cheering, everyone’s watching it - except.

Oh, actual Nellie. My breathing stops. What the star’s he doing here?!

Locks and Tall Pants are standing still.

Angel’s pointing a gun at them.

No, shit. I grip onto the tent’s fabric. They’re - he’s gonna shoot them!

I think it’s a good time to close my eyes but I can’t. I keep staring, peeping from inside.

I’m a coward on top of everything but I’m wood. I don’t move.

The image is burned inside my head, sculpted on my stupid brain.

An actual eternity passes, where I wait for the cheers to get louder and for the sound to come. That - too familiar sound….never does come. My breathing comes back.

He’s…letting down his gun? Angel’s lowering his hand.

‘Holy shit,’ I whisper, letting go of the tent. He didn’t shoot.

Locks says something, still smiling. The same smile she gave me.

Tall Pants looks rather weird. Soft chuckles, am I hearing this right?

My heartbeat speeds up. He just snapped his head my way. I swear, he’s so creepy sometimes!

Especially now, in that stupid coat, that stupid big hood over his head. Looks like a criminal.

Well, not - he is a criminal but I mean drug dealer with loose screws in the head, typa deal.

Locks calls on me.

What. Is. Happening right now?

I slowly walk to them. I’m dead silent.

They’re talking. He’s (Angel), saying something too.

The hologram does this weird light thing. A passing alien ready to abduct somebody.

Angel’s face is more numb than I could possibly think it can get. This man’s a robot. Must be.

Okay, I’m panicking.

’Your big bro is here to get you.’ Locks says which makes Angel squint and I just go: ‘Ew.’

I, fast and furious, shut my mouth. Not the right time.

The two nod to Angel, who nods back. ‘Come on, kid.’ A bit delayed, he demands.

I second check, before following him into another stinky and dark alleyway.

‘That was weird,’ I tell myself.

Angel’s too quiet. He stops for a moment.

Here comes the scolding…

He keeps walking. Alright, I blink. What’s going on?

I rush to his side, eyeing him.

Nothing, nothing at all.

‘Agh,’ He huffs, grabbing on - I just noticed the long piece of metal.

He’s using that as a cane.

Okay, something…something happened, one hundred percent. He’s more a rabbit than a mutant right now, the way he’s going forward.

‘Do you need help?’ My tongue slips, a little bit at loss.

He groans.

‘Dude, what’s wrong?’ I try to be decent but my voice is shaking, making me a walking trombone.

He breathes heavily and stops for good this time. He pushes himself against the wall and slides down on his ass. The jacket goes up against that mossy wall.

What I see is concerning, to say the least.

‘Where’s,’ I pause, feeling a headache coming in. ‘Where’s your foot?’

He swallows. ‘Got into a fight.’

‘Are they -?’

He spits, huffing.

A short laugh comes out too. ‘Nah. They’re a little worse than me, don’t preoccupy your little head with this.’

I don’t think I can take that seriously, but maybe can, with recent events still screwed in ma’ mind.

‘Blow the stars, I’m not that small!’ I yell. ‘Now, what are we doing?! You’re missing a limb!’

‘Relax. Doc’s coming to get us.’ He closes his eyes.

A chill goes down my spine.

‘Hey! Pigeon!’ I clap hard. ‘Eyes open!’

He rolls them. ‘It’s a mild injury. Like I said, relax.’

‘Eat shit, asshole.’ My tone has no bite to it.

Argh, whatever!

I aggressively rub my eyes, avoiding his stare. This guy is making me crazy…