May 19, 2069

1205 CDT

South Olympia, Kansas

Billy Cooper’s Point of View

“Oh shit,” Rico says in horror.

He finally took his foot off my chest!

“Just our luck,” Nia says, takin’ her knees off Rachel.

Is someone comin’ to save us?!

“Billy! Are you ok?” Rachel cries as she helps me stand up.

“I’m… ok, Rachel.”

“It just had to be her,” Nia says with a glare on her face.

“Who is it?” Rachel and I ask in unison.

“You wanna tell the stupid twins, or should I?” Nia asks Rico.

“I got this,” Rico responds. “She’s the biggest and baddest bully in the entire capital, extremely loud, a public menace, and known as the rascal of Olympia. Her obnoxious personality makes her impossible to ignore. She doesn’t give a fuck about the rules and gives less of a fuck about the consequences. Ruby Redheart is a fucking lunatic loner who should be avoided at all costs.”

“And that’s why you’ll be talking to her,” Nia quickly declares with a shove.

What a strong push!

“Wha-? Oh shit. H-hello Ruby,” Rico says to Ruby Redheart.

“What the hell are ya idiots doin’?” Ruby inquires.

She appears to be our age, which will definitely make Rachel happy if she’s friendly. Ruby Redheart is a redheaded gal, wearin’ sunglasses like a celebrity, and is eating a lollipop as she stares down Rico. Caucasian, short hair, and wearin’ a black shirt that says, “Evil on Tour,” along with black jeans, a hole in the right knee. This gal is also carryin’ a black guitar case on her back and is wearing black fingerless gloves over her hands. She’s even wearin’ a black beanie with a white skull and crossbones, on it as her ultimate accessory! She’s the strangest stranger I’ve seen all day!

“Well, you see um. Achoo! Oh, my allergies. Nia should explain. Go ahead, Nia,” Rico diverts to Nia.

What a nasty elbow from Nia.

“Oh, um well, you see. Cough! Sorry, we’re not feeling too well, Ruby. Let’s talk later,” Nia chuckles.

“Oh, I see,” Ruby says in a sympathetic tone. “Achoo!”

“It’s not flu season right, Rachel?” I ask.

“I’m not sure, but I hope we don’t catch whatever illness is goin’ around,” Rachel says hesitantly.

“My allergies are acting up too,” Ruby says to Nia and Rico as she puts her sunglasses on top of her beanie.

Her bright green eyes are super cool!

“We’re sorry to hear that, Ruby. That’s why we should all go home, right?” Nia requests in a concerned tone.

“Do you know what I’m allergic to?” Ruby asks as she inspects her fingernails.

She seems to be intimidatin’ the two, based on how they’re backin’ up.

“What do you think she’s allergic to, Rachel?”

“Hmm. Definitely bees,” she answers in confidence.

What a weird answer.

“No way. I bet she’s allergic to birds.” I say.

“There are lots of birds and bees here, so let’s just stay quiet and find out,” Rachel replies in excitement.

“What are you allergic to, Ruby?” Rico and Nia ask in unison.

What a mean look from Ruby!

“I’m allergic to bullshit, and that’s exactly what I smell around here, so tell me the truth! We can do this the easy way, or” she calmly says as she puts on brass knuckles. “We can do this the hard way. Kicking ass is in my job description, so I’d pick the easy way if I was you two, but I’m hoping we can do this shit the hard way.”

“Stop acting all tough, Ruby,” Rico recovers as he straightens up his posture. “You’re just a scared little girl who’s looking for attention. That’s why you won’t be anything except zombie bait when it’s our time for the draft.”

“Wow. I can’t even express how happy you just made me with words, so let me show you with my fists,” Ruby fires back in confidence with a smirk.

She means business!

“I’m not scared of some crazy bitch,” Rico says in a stern voice, clenchin’ his fists next.

“Oh yeah? Is that why you just pissed yourself?” Ruby giggles.

“What? I didn’t piss myself,” Rico says in disbelief as he looks down.

A powerful punch from Ruby! She made him throw up!

“Oh, that’s so, so gross dude,” Ruby states in disgust.

A powerful uppercut to the jaw from Ruby and he’s out cold!

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

“Holy shit!” Me and Rachel say.

Jinx.

Now she’s eyeing Nia!

“Nia, buddy. Easy way or,” Ruby asks as she shadowboxes, “Hard way?” She asks with a quick glance at Rico.

“We was just saying hi to the new people,” Nia answers in fear.

Liar!

“Oh, really? Because it looked like you guys were harassing my friends. At least” Ruby replies, adjusting her brass knuckles. “It looked like that to me. What about you two?”

“Is she talking about us, Billy?” Rachel asks in confusion.

“I think she’s talking about us,” I say.

“I’m talking about you two!” Ruby yells in rage.

“OH!” Me and Rachel say.

Double jinx.

“What should we say, Rachel?” I ask.

“Um, Ruby saved us, but if we agree with her, she’ll lay her flat like a pancake, and I don’t think Ma and Pa will ‘preciate that,” Rachel whispers in my ear.

“Yeah, we might get in trouble,” I say.

“Ruby, um, they were just saying hello,” Rachel answers as she steps forward.

“What, with their fists?” Ruby responds with an eye roll, unconvinced.

Time to step in!

“They were just getting a little too rough, don’t you know?” I say.

“No, I don’t know. Unbelievable!” Ruby shouts in frustration! “Nia, you can… go.”

“She’s already gone!” Rachel points out.

“I can see that captain obvious. Damn it. I was going to tell her that she should switch jerseys with her boyfriend,” Ruby says in disappointment.

“Right?” Rachel giggles. “You could even see Rico’s…”

“Bellybutton!” The two laugh in unison.

Gals are weird. What’s so funny about a belly button?

“I think we should check on Rico to see if he’s ok. You probably hit him too hard,” Rachel says in worry.

“Nah, he’s ok. It’s not like I killed him. Besides, that asshole had it coming,” Ruby says in assurance. “Anyway. Ahem. Names?”

The handshake!

“I am Rachel Cooper, and this is my younger twin brother, Billy Cooper,” Rachel introduces, extending her right hand.

Ruby took her hand back!

“Too slow!” Ruby snickers.

We fell for the classic!

“Aww. Rico said that you’re Ruby Redheart, the rascal of Olympia?” Rachel asks with enthusiasm.

“I am known by many names. Most of them are not nice words, but yes, I am the one, the only, the amazing Ruby Redheart!” She introduces herself as she puts her sunglasses back on. “I’m extraordinarily talented, but people here are too close-minded to recognize my skills. People just don’t understand that as an artist, I have the need to express myself,” she discloses with a shrug.

“With your fists?” Me and Rachel ask.

Triple jinx.

“Scoff! No! Well sometimes, but only to other bullies,” Ruby explains with a sheepish smile. “Listen, if you’re gonna hang out with moi, then ya need to learn how to defend yourselves, especially in these streets, capiche? Troublemakers like to roam around here because our education system sucks, but who gives a fuck, right? Most of us will be zombie chow when we turn eighteen anyway. And by most, I mean roughly eighty percent of us. But not me, of course, and not you two if you follow my lead.”

“That percentage is sad to hear. I wish the world wasn’t like this,” Rachel says in a gloomy tone.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to save Brackettville,” I say.

“Hey, if that’s your goal, then go for it. I have a dream of my own,” Ruby says as she puts her sunglasses back onto her beanie.

“What’s your dream?” Me and Rachel and ask.

Quadruple jinx.

“Well, I doubt that someone will take me up as an apprentice, but those idiots are missing out on greatness. I got it all! Knowledge, skills, explosive personality, and endless talent,” Ruby happily explains.

“What’s your dream, Ruby?” Rachel asks again.

“Heh,” Ruby chuckles with a big smile. “I’m going to be a world-famous rockstar, just like the ones in The Old World! Everybody on Earth will know who Ruby Redheart is one day! In fact, I already have my band’s shirt made. Our name is “Evil on Tour,” and it’s pretty badass if I do say so myself, and I do. My band and I will perform the best rock concert of all time in front of the eight Kingdoms! We’ll even kick zombie and shithead ass along the way!”

“Shitheads?” Me and Rachel ask.

Quintuple jinx.

“The Royals. I call them shitheads because that’s what they are, duh,” Ruby giggles.

“You like nicknaming things just like me! We call the zombies, uglies,” Rachel explains in glee.

“She calls them that, not me,” I say.

“Uglies? That is amazing! I have a feeling that we’ll be best friends, Rachel Cooper! We’ll be as thick as thieves. Los dos amigas (The two friends), ok?!” Ruby yells in excitement.

She’s so close to Rachel’s face.

“Billy Boy! You have yet to impress me,” Ruby shouts.

Why are you so close to my face?!

“If you want to hang out with a future celebrity, then ya need to dazzle me!” Ruby loudly explains.

“Ok fine, I just need some space, please,” I say.

“Your wish is granted, dude,” Ruby respects.

I just… need… a few seconds.

Burp!

“HAHAHAHA!” The three of us laugh.

Mission accomplished. Ma always said laughter is the best medicine.

“Ok, I am impressed. I’ll admit, I had my doubts,” Ruby laughs.

It seems like we’re fittin’ in so far.

“So Ruby, how many people are in your band?” Rachel asks in curiosity.

That’s a good question. I wonder if they’ll like us.

“What a good question. It’s actually one of the reasons I rescued you from Rico and Nia. You see, the path to stardom is very lonely, especially when you have no fans…and no bandmates,” Ruby explains in an unenergetic tone.

“We see,” Rachel and I say.

Sextuple jinx.

“But, that’s where you two come in!” Ruby yells with a sudden burst of energy. “I’ll accept your offer of friendship if you agree to join my ban-”

“Deal!” Rachel agrees.

The handshake confirms it!

“You have a deal, Ruby!” I say.

And I’ve sealed the deal!

“Huh? What’s wrong, Ruby?” Rachel asks in worry.

“Um, nothing. I-you guys are just weird,” Ruby cries.

Her voice…

“It’s ok to cry. Everyone cries. We’re as thick as thieves like you said, except we’ll be los tres amigos (the three friends) instead of amigas,” Rachel says in tears as she hugs Ruby. “I have a feeling that you’re the best friend that I’ve been looking for my entire life.”

Gals are odd and very emotional, which is another reason why boys are superior.

“Damn it, Rachel. You’re making me feel all feely and weird!” Ruby cries in frustration.

“You’re hanging out with a bunch of weirdos, so that makes you a weirdo yourself,” Rachel replies in laughter.

“Yeah, well, I guess it does, and I’ll kick anyone’s ass who tries to mess with us. Alive, dead, or dying, I don’t care! Anyone can get their ass beat when I’m around,” Ruby responds in full confidence. “Rachel! You’re on bass. Billy! You’re on drums! I’ll teach you guys how to play before we have to start our stupid military training in two years.”

“The perpetrators are over there officers! They attacked me and turned my friend into a recliner! Please stop their madness!” Nia shouts from down the alleyway.

“Hey, you kids! Stop right there!” The officers shout.

Oh no!

“You’re such a liar, Nia,” Ruby bellows in rage. “Shit guys, we gotta go. Like now!”

Time to run!

“Are they who I think they are?” I ask Ruby.

“You are correct, Billy. Those… are pigs,” Ruby answers.

“Those are some oddly shaped pigs,” I say.

“Not those kinds of pigs dude. They’re Five-O,” Ruby says with an eye-roll.

“Fifty?” Me and Rachel say.

Septuple jinx.

“It’s not nice to talk about old people,” Rachel responds with a glare.

“No, I mean, it’s the one time, the heat, the boys in blue, the po-po, the police.”

“Oh, you could’ve just said police,” Rachel and I say.

Octuple jinx!

“Look, the point is, they’re asswipes. They don’t like me, and they definitely don’t like outsiders. I’d like to avoid jail this week, so I came up with a plan. It might sound offensive, though,” Ruby explains.

“Did you say jail?” I ask.

“Plan?” Rachel asks with a puzzled look on her face.

“You guys are from the country, and we won’t be able to outrun them for long, so my brain was like, hey, let’s just borrow a horse. I mean they’re ranchers right so they should know how to ride a horse. Also, there’s someone I need to see. She’s very mischievous,” Ruby quickly explains.

Ruby Redheart is one crazy gal but she’s fun to be around, saved us, and makes Rachel happy so she can’t be as bad as Rico said. I think she’s right about outsiders being treated like garbage, so the smart thing to do would be to avoid police and go with her plan.

“Ok, Ruby, let’s borrow a horse!” I say.

Did I just say that?

“This is so spectacular!” Rachel shouts in joy.