Hell Hospital (Epilogue)

--- Maya ---

“Why are you still here?” She couldn’t help but ask Decker as he moved around the lab he’d somehow found without any help from her end.

(My guess, he had the bears scouting the place after we left.)

(Remind me to add cameras to our security system.)

(I’ll put it down for right after we move the explosives somewhere more useful than the hall.) Her inner reason agreed.

“Just want to make sure you’re still holding up after your first real fight.” Decker answered observing her bio-pod curiously and making her glad her minions had the forethought to hide from a stranger. “Some people have a delayed reaction and it’d be pretty trash of me to leave you to that after pressuring you into that fight.”

“Thanks, but I’m pretty sure I worked out my issues when I caved that boss creep’s skull in.” She dryly pointed out.

“Fair enough.” Decker admitted with a shrug. “But now that you’ve been ‘bloodied’ as it were, what exactly are you planning on doing?”

“Not that it’s any concern of yours but what do you mean?” She frowned.

Decker turned to her as he leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. “Well for starters, do you still plan on being a Mask after seeing what an actual fight is like?”

She considered it for a minute -the fear, the adrenaline, the emptiness when it was done, and the rush when she realized she’d won- before shaking her head. “It wasn’t any worse than what I went through in your guild’s dungeon. So none of this has really changed my mind.”

“Figured that might’ve been the case after what I saw in the dungeon, but there’s a difference between pulling it off in a simulation and in real life.” Decker told her before letting his eyes drift around the lab. “But that does bring up the question on what exactly you plan to do now if you’re really set on being a Mask?”

“I don’t know go out patrol a bit.” She shrugged, honestly not sure what she’d be doing next.

“Well if you intend to do that I’d hold off for a week or so.” Decker warned her. “There’s some stuff going on in the Deviant community at night that’s a bit above your pay grade and you look like you could use a rest after that fight.”

“What kind of stuff?” She asked, knowing she couldn’t really argue the rest bit given how low on power she was and how beaten up she was too. (Ugh, covering this up with everyone is going to be a hassle…)

Decker gave her a look before sighing. “Since you look like the kind of person to do go out specifically because I told you not to… There’s a city wide warning for Nocturnal Creeps hence why the city is being so strict on its curfew this year.”

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

The DJ held up a hand to stop her response. “And before you say anything the Creeps you just fought were probably E Rank while most of the things running around right now are C Rank, possibly B if you count the fact that there are hundreds spread across the city.”

“Oh…” She swallowed, mouth suddenly dry. “That’s… a lot…”

“Hence why the city has a truce going on with anyone willing to help out with this little problem.” Decker explained. “Which is another reason to limit your patrol, in case you come across someone trying to deal with the Creeps and mistake them for someone up to trouble.”

The DJ frowned. “Actually, now that I think about it, if you do go out on a patrol despite my warning, target the Dealers. Those assholes never help with this kind of thing so go ahead and fuck ‘em up.”

“Uh, right…” She nodded, not entirely sure how to feel about a gang lieutenant encouraging her to beat up another gang.

Decker began to visibly think about something while she processed everything he’d just told her, before eventually saying, “If you’re going to stay involved in the masquerade I’d suggest making a few friends.”

“Friends?” She repeated questioningly.

“Yeah, this is a dangerous biz and you don’t want to be doing it on your own.” Decker elaborated. “I mean it’s not like we’re the only Deviants in the city, and while a fair few of them aren’t involved in the masquerade there are plenty who’d be willing to help you out if things go bad for you.”

“Like who?” She asked, not wanting to let on that she knew the city’s M.A.D. club.

“Mm, you should definitely try to find a magic user to help you out, if only to help with the weirder shit.” Decker shrugged after a moment, before continuing, “There’s probably a couple of indie heroes and rogues running around who I’m sure would be willing to do a team-up or two pro-bono if you’ve got the right target. Or if you agree to make them some tech, you could probably get a Hunter team to owe you a favor or two. From there, you could probably get a soft-sell from the Jr. heroes if you play your cards right. Though I’d avoid Sanctuary since unless you’re already established they don’t do ‘soft-sells’ so much as trying to intimidate you into the heroes guild.”

“Okay… that’s a little more than I was expecting…” She was willing to admit.

“I’m the party planner, networking is what I do.” Decker dismissed, before digging in one of his pockets. “Speaking of… here.”

“Another card?” She frowned, accepting it.

“I still think you’d be a good fit for the gamer’s guild.” Said guild’s lieutenant shrugged nonchalantly.

“And I told you I’m not joining your gang.” She reminded him flatly.

“Which is why I didn’t give you my card but rather one directing you towards… someone who doesn’t care if you join the gang so long as you're willing to play the game.” Decker explained.

“And if that doesn’t sound suspicious.” She sighed before waving it in the air a bit. “I’ll consider it.”

“If you do go, just tell her I sent you.” Decker nodded before standing up and rolling his shoulders. “Well this has been fun, but I do need to get going if I’m going to make my Creep patrol tonight. Last thing I need is my sister bitching me out for being late.”

Despite herself she couldn’t help but snort at that. “I hear that.”

“Don’t forget to actually play the game this time, gamer girl. I’ve got my eye on you.” The DJ grinned before making his way towards the exit with a wave over his shoulder. “Good luck and have fun.”

“Yeah.” She smirked to herself as she looked over the card. “I will.”

(So what now?) Her inner madness asked.

“Isn’t it obvious?” She wondered, tossing the card on her counter as she made her way to her tools.

“Now we get to work.”