The sun had long since set, plunging London into an eerie twilight. Streetlights flickered sporadically, casting long shadows that seemed to writhe and dance in Bobby's peripheral vision. He trudged onwards, his sodden clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin, each step a reminder of his exhaustion.
It had been nearly four hours since the terrifying encounter at the Thames, four hours of constant vigilance and fear. Bobby's stomach growled, a painful reminder that he hadn't eaten since before this nightmare began. His muscles ached from the constant exertion, and the chill of the night air cut through his wet clothing, causing him to shiver.
"I know," Bobby muttered, his voice hoarse from thirst. "But every time we try to stop..."
He didn't need to finish the sentence. Their journey south had been a series of close calls and narrow escapes. Twice they'd been forced to flee from pack-like creatures that resembled a grotesque fusion of wolves and insects. Another time, they'd barely avoided detection by a floating, jellyfish-like entity that pulsed with an otherworldly light.
Each encounter had left Bobby more drained, yet, paradoxically, more capable. He'd felt the rush of experience, seen the notifications of skill increases flashing in his vision. His Stealth had improved, as well as his Perception and Evasion. But these small victories felt hollow in the face of his current misery.
"I just want to get out of this bloody city," Bobby sighed, leaning against a graffiti-covered wall. He closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself a brief respite.
Bobby pushed himself off the wall, his legs protesting as he forced them to move once again.
"Right," he muttered, "one more try. We need to find somewhere safe for the night."
Despite his exhaustion, Bobby couldn't help but chuckle. "Nice to know you care, Rem."
As they bantered, Bobby's eyes caught sight of a large building looming ahead. A battered sign proclaimed it to be the "West Norwood Health and Leisure Centre." Hope flickered in his chest - maybe this could be the sanctuary they needed.
Hunched over and keeping as quiet as he could, Bobby made his way around the building, his newfound stealth skills coming into play as he moved from shadow to shadow. He soon came across a smashed-up entrance, a blue and white sign on the wall reading "NHS Surgery."
"Beggars can't be choosers," Bobby replied, picking his way through the shattered outer glass door.
Inside, he found himself in a small foyer. To his right, a yellow wall stretched out, while ahead lay the entrance to the surgery. On his left, a counter marked the boundary of the leisure centre portion of the building.
Bobby hesitated, weighing his options. "What do you think, Rem? Surgery or leisure centre?"
"Leisure centre it is," Bobby agreed, turning left and heading towards a set of stairs.
As he climbed to the first floor, each step feeling like a monumental effort, Bobby couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the sound of his laboured breathing and the occasional creak of the building settling.
Bobby nodded, grateful for Rem's steadying presence. It was strange how quickly he relied on the disembodied voice, how natural their banter had become. Danger and shared adversity, it seemed, were powerful bonding agents.
Reaching the top of the stairs, Bobby caught his breath. The first floor stretched out before him, a mix of shadows and faint moonlight streaming through tall windows. He could make out the shapes of exercise equipment, silent sentinels in the gloom.
"Alright," Bobby whispered, "let's see if we can find somewhere defensible to rest."
Bobby explored the gym, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. In a stroke of luck, he spotted a vending machine near the far wall. Its glass front had been smashed, but as he approached, he found a few items had escaped the initial looting.
"Jackpot," he whispered, fishing out a bottle of water, an energy drink, and three protein bars from the debris.
"What the hell is roasted Skug leg?" Bobby asked.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
"I’d eat anything hot and roasted right now, but these will have to do." Bobby said, shrugging. "Is Zartaclu your home world, then?"
Bobby chuckled, his curiosity momentarily overriding his exhaustion. "That’s tough, not even remembering where you’re from."
"Right," Bobby nodded, reminded of the quest to find Rem's remaining soul shards. "I suppose that's why we need to find the rest of your soul pieces. To complete the puzzle, so to speak."
Bobby smiled despite himself, appreciating Rem's gallows humour. "Well, I'm glad my continued existence is in both our interests. Even if it's just so you can remember where to get the best Skug legs in the universe."
"I guess."
Continuing his search, Bobby stumbled upon a discarded gym duffel bag. It reeked of stale sweat, but it was dry and intact. He emptied it of weightlifting belts and chalk, then transferred the contents of his wet backpack into it.
"Let's not get our hopes up," Bobby replied, but he couldn't help smiling as he continued his search.
His exploration led him to a door marked "Manager's Office." Inside, he hit another streak of luck. A spare leisure centre polo shirt hung on a hook, and under the desk, he found a plastic carrier bag with spare clothes.
"Thank God," Bobby muttered, peeling off his wet clothes. He changed into the dry tracksuit bottoms, slipped on a pair of running trainers that miraculously fit, and pulled the polo shirt over his head.
"Looks like we've found our bed for the night," he said as he spotted a stack of yoga mats in the corner.
Before settling in, Bobby made a last sweep of the gym. He gathered several metal weight plates and propped them against the doors leading to the stairs and fire exits.
Back in the office, Bobby used some barbells to create a makeshift barricade in front of the door. He positioned the yoga mats in the corner, giving him a clear view of the entrance while keeping him out of the direct line of sight.
With a weary sigh, Bobby settled onto the mats. He placed his gun within easy reach, then opened one of the protein bars.
"Cheers," he said, raising the bar in a mock toast before taking a bite. He washed it down with half the bottle of water, forcing himself to save the rest.
"Can you do that?"
"Keep watch."
Bobby nodded, then hesitated. "What about sleeping? Do you need any of that?"
"I mean, what if you can't wake me?" Bobby asked, concern in his voice.
Bobby nodded, grateful for Rem's vigilance. As he lay back on the yoga mats, the events of the day washed over him. The terror, the exhaustion, the uncertainty of what tomorrow might bring - it all seemed overwhelming.
"Rem?" Bobby whispered into the darkness.
"Thanks. For everything. I don't think I'd have made it this far without you."
There was a moment of silence before Rem replied, his voice softer than usual.
With that comforting thought, Bobby closed his eyes, hoping for a few hours of uninterrupted sleep in this strange new world.
~
The shadows near the West Norwood Health and Leisure Centre shifted almost imperceptibly. A compact figure detached itself from the darkness, eyes fixed on the human who had just entered the building. Its movements were cautious, calculated.
A human, alone, and still alive? In this forsaken zone?
The figure moved closer, a strange multi-tool clutched in its hand. It approached the smashed entrance, eyes darting around, scanning for threats.
Level 5? Impossible. And yet...
Pausing at the threshold, the figure took a deep breath, nostrils flaring. There was an odd aura about this human, something that didn't quite belong in this world. It hinted at cosmic energies, at connections to realms beyond Earth's comprehension.
Could it be? No... but the resonance is undeniable.
With silent steps, the figure entered the building, following the human's trail. It moved carefully, always maintaining a safe distance, using its small stature to advantage as it hid behind fallen debris and abandoned equipment.
Using a tool off its wrist, it watched as the human barricaded himself in a small room. A mix of curiosity and calculation played across the figure's features. This was no ordinary survivor. The way he moved, the precautions he took - they spoke of someone who had adapted to this new, dangerous world.
Perhaps... perhaps this changes things.
The figure settled into a hidden spot, multi-tool at the ready. For hours, it observed, patient and still. The human seemed to sleep, but the watcher sensed something else at work, an unseen presence standing guard.
As the night wore on, curiosity finally overcame caution. The figure crept closer, seeking a better vantage point. Suddenly, a metallic clatter shattered the silence.
Fool! Careless, clumsy fool!
From within the barricaded room, a sudden silence fell, more ominous than any sound of movement. The human was awake, alerted to the intruder's presence.
The figure's mind raced, fear rising in its throat. It had been so careful, so patient, slipping past the other makeshift alarms using its small size and agility. But now, one moment of carelessness had ruined everything.
What if he comes out? What if he's armed?
Panic overrode curiosity. The figure spun on its heel as it darted away from the office. Its diminutive stature allowed it to weave through the gym equipment with surprising speed, heading for the stairs.
The lack of pursuit didn't calm the figure's nerves. If anything, the continued silence from the office was even more terrifying. Was the human preparing an ambush? Calling for reinforcements?
As it reached the top of the stairs, the figure paused for the briefest moment, glancing back. The door remained closed, the barricade intact.
Hmmm… maybe not, the figure thought, a mix of relief and lingering curiosity in its eyes. But there is just something about you. I wonder…
With that, the mysterious intruder descended the stairs as quietly as possible, slipping back into the shadows of London's changed streets.