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Hired Protection
After all the world had been forced to deal with, still, somehow, humanity survived. Of course they would. Devious, determined creatures. You just so happen to be one, determined being a key personality trait. Already, you’d searched many of the street sellers; those with no worries or care for their own life, who profited heavily from hunting monsters and scavenging goods. ‘Security agencies’ were simply a posh term for roving bandits – promising safety yet hardly ever completing the job. This was your issue; you needed protection in some form or another.
“Oh, hello there.” A bright and bubbly voice for such a tall creature; the sheep towered over most humans. An uncanny smirk spread across her face; one that should, by all means, come off as patronising – yet it seemed ever so slightly softened. Perhaps it was all the fluff. She did, after all, look very snuggly.
“Buying or selling?”
With a quick gesture and a nod, you make it clear that a purchase is desired.
“Perfect!” She chirped – her loudness showing a complete disregard for the danger such a deal entailed – causing an inward wince. She must know about the monsters – everyone knows about the monsters!
“Do you have a preference, or want a full inventory?” Before you even have chance to reply, the sheep has brought her fingers up, counting away on them as she lists, aloud, every goddamn item on her list. “We have hot food, cold food, food in packaging, food out of packaging. Sugar free, gluten free, slightly nibbled, maybe moldy – all depends on your budget -”
You lift a hand in an attempt to get her to stop – she nods once, then starts on her next list.
“No? How about tape. We got duck tape, masking tape, that double sided sticky stuff, medical grade, even electrical! Big rolls, small rolls, rolls that can fit in your pocket and rolls that you’d need a toolbox for-”
Another shake of your head and a frustrated grumble, and she blinks back in surprise. Only to start yet another goddamn list.
“What about protection? We do full packages, half packages, or our super value pack of a single bullet to the head if you get turned-”
What the fuck? No. Wait. Maybe?
“Protection?” This was what you’d come here for, after all. But...that value pack seemed a bit...scary.
“Oh, yes, we’re the best. Got a route? We’ll plan it better. Can’t deviate for whatever secret you’re trying to hunt? Not a problem, lips closed, zombies dead. We can get you in and out with minimal casualties, none guaranteed for our full priced package.” For the first time in the entire conversation, the sheep gives you a very serious stare. “We don’t fail, and that’s a promise. Just the quality of the service provided depends on the price. We accept cash or goods. Its how we ended up with such a varied stock list.”
Guaranteed? In this environment? Surely that mattered little, with the dead walking the earth and demons behind every corner. With a laugh, you bring up that in the case of death, there would be no way to pay any compensations since you’d already be dead.
“Payout can go to any person, organisation or group you so wish, decided before the execution of the job.” Her voice was solid, unshaken by such an accusation. “Be as wild and as wonderful as you want with it; We. Never. Fail.”
Her confidence at such a thing was, well, quite inspiring. Most ‘protection agencies’ could not in good consciousness spread such rumours. The world was getting rougher, tougher, and even the veterans of such combat were struggling. You bring this up with her in a sheepish manner.
“Oh, I’ve been doing this for long before you were born. My team are the best of the best. Its why even the Lord of Sin himself recommends our work.” She grinned wildly, clearly proud of being able to boast such a thing. Before you can dare comment on its authenticity she pulls down her left glove, baring her wrist to you. A bracelet, seemingly flat and thick along the top fitted so snugly against her skin you could swear it was attached. Made on onyx, it looked smooth to the touch… though before you can reach out for a feel, she recovers it. You frown and point, showing confusion.
“This? It’s a symbol of my recommendation. Magically solidified blood of the Sin Lord himself.” Her smile softens considerably as she talks about the item, clearly touched by its meaning to her. “Usually, he brands those who work for him. I cannot bare a tattoo – ink of all kinds is rejected from my body, even magically. So for now, this is our work around.” Idly, she strokes the top of her glove – obviously fiddling with the band. “The underside is sharp, spiked. It buries into my skin and feeds on my blood. An enchantment on the band allows him to feel my pulse through this; so he knows I’m alive. Usually, his branding would cover this, but with my...issues...”
You make an apologetic sound, a frown on your lips. It seems almost sad, despite her warm tone. Enough proof of her endorsement indeed. With that, you decide for certain. Holding out a large bag and a rolled parchment, you ask for protection. Her eyes instantly light up as she takes the payment.
“When?” She asks, and you explain. Three days away. “Not a problem. Meet me here tomorrow. I’ll have taken a look over the map and altered course as needed with the data I can gather. I’m assuming all information needed is within?” She taps the parchment, and you nod. “Perfection! I’ll see you then!”
You walk away, giving only a single glance back. Already, she’d pocketed the goods somewhere on her person – perhaps inside her tail? And seemed to be waiting, relaxed, again the wall. Waiting for her next patron, most likely.
“Maybe they’ll want some tape.” You hear her mutter.
Aesthetics and story inspired by Dying Light. Glorious game. Please play.
✧ © Pyre: Awyr
✧ © Art: CherryNRosemary on Twitter
Category Artwork (Digital) / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Size 905 x 1280px
File Size 178.2 kB
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