[4-14] The Town

[Gin Yatreg]

Gin placed the omnillium ingot inside a small gutted flute case and locked it up tight. With that out of the way, he set out for a sound system loud enough to reach far into the town. As he browsed the various aisles, he came upon a door that read 'Browns Family Only' on the front. Curious, he opened the door and stepped into a large apartment. The living room seemed relatively untouched despite the situation outside, though it might be because it was such an out of the way place. When he turned the corner however, he was met with signs of a struggle leading into one of the bedrooms down the hall. The door was partially open, and from what he could hear, nothing was alive inside the room. Gin pushed the door open the rest of the way and walked in, where he was met with a grim sight. A man's body sat in a wooden chair with a guitar on its lap, with a hole in its head and a revolver hanging from its now limp hand. On the floor in front of the man was the body of a small boy, roughly 6 or 7 years old from the looks of the body. Nearby on the bed was a journal, which no doubt used to belong to the man. Though he could guess what led to this conclusion, Gin picked up the small book and began to read. 

Day 10, First Year in Omniverse

Well, this sure wasn't something I was expecting to happen in my life. But man oh man is this Omniverse place amazing! I've even managed to get my own place in a town owned by some company called 'Syntech'. I don't really know how dates work in this place, but I'll learn in time. 

Gin skipped ahead a bit to the man's third year.

Day 850, Third Year in Omniverse

By golly has it been three years? I've come so far since my meager days after my arrival. I've created my dream store, with all types of music, instruments, and outfits I can get my hands on. Achieving this was probably the best thing in my life. Well, was is the keyword here. I'm now happily married, which has since taken the spot as greatest thing in my life. Though I just found out we have something on the way that will be even better!

Day 1,144, Fourth Year in Omniverse

This really is the happiest day of my life, I have a son! I'm tearing up from all the joy I'm feeling. I can't write much now though, I have to spend time with him!

Day 2,920, Eighth Year in Omniverse

My son has grown up so fast, it feels like it was only yesterday that he came into my life. He's really taken a liking to my guitar, in fact he loves it when I play it for him at bed time. When I told him I'd teach him how to play it, boy you could see his mouth touch from ear to ear! He's such a chip off the old block!

Day 2,950, Eighth Year in Omniverse

Something's odd about the atmosphere lately. People have been disappearing and being generally cold to each other. I hope it's just nerves considering the time coming up is a busy one for us all. My son's been acting a bit strange too, says he's got a new friend he talks to through the omnillium we got in the house. I know kids get imaginary friends all the time, but I'm a bit worried, so's the wife. 

Day 2,980, Eighth Year in Omniverse

My son's infected, oh god, why did it have to be my son? My little Pauley Jr? They say children are the slowest to turn, so there's hope for him to be cured. Please any god in this universe, help my son. They've already taken my wife.

Day 2,985, Eighth Year in Omniverse

Final Entry

Some infected crazy attacked my son, and left him dying in my arms. As I held him, he told me he was tired and asked me to play my guitar for him. I did so with tears in my eyes, but at least he died with a smile. I can't go on any more. I just can't.

The entries stopped there. Gin set the journal down and clenched his fists in rage. It was just like back home, everyone losing someone, some killing themselves just so they didn't have to live with the torment. He didn't want any part of that anymore, but it kept coming back. He wanted to run away from here and never look back, but his legs remained frozen in place. His rage built up, not just at whatever caused all of this, but at himself for the way he had acted lately. What was the reason he joined the Reclaimation Squads to begin with? It was so his people wouldn't have to face this kind of thing on a daily basis anymore. Yet recently he had started running from anything that reminded him of home. It was then words he said to Bern in Darkshire echoed in his mind, 'Just because things look bleak, doesn't mean you should just give up. Some things are worth risking your life for.'

"I'm such a hypocrite, aren't I Bern? I should start practicing what I preach," He said to himself. He gave one last look at the bodies, and left the apartment with a new sense of determination. He was going to find the others, put an end to this madness, and then find a way home. He needed to get back into the fight.