John and the Vishashi awoke with the morning sun shining through the cracks in the windows, they had survived Night. John checked over his body for injuries, his Dichotomy would heal most be it was best to be sure. After a quick check he rose from where he was sleeping and glanced over towards Arnimos, he was still asleep. John glanced back at the Vishashi.

  "Kid's still out," John said.

  "It appears he is," The Vishashi said. "But he will wake in time, let's let him rest,"

  "Yeah," John said. "Let's go check out the rest of this place, see what's to use before we leave,"

  The Vishashi nodded and rose from his sleeping spot, he took a moment to stretch before they both headed out the door.

  First they took the short walk to the workshop and checked the place over more in-depthly. There were not any secrets hidden in it, no hidden weapons or rooms. John looked over some of the tools.

  "These would be nice to have," John said.

  "Then let's check for something to carry them," The Vishashi said. "The storehouses might have something,"

  They departed towards the 2 storehouses, they were stout and fat buildings with reinforced doors. As they pulled open the doors of the first one they saw it mostly devoid of goods, a handful of empty crates scattered around. A small room in the back contained a ledger showing that a large number of goods from this storehouse were transferred a little over a week ago, a sign that this place was still in use in recent times. They left this one and opened the doors to the second storehouse.

  Inside it had a single large collection of crates pushed into 1 corner and a small office near the front.

  "You check the crates," John said. "I'll check the ledger,"

  The Vishashi nodded and went towards the crates while John entered the office. It was small, dusty and hot. John wiped sweat forming on his brow and searched through the desk eventually finding a ledger. He opened it and looked at the words written inside, just some shipments of canned foods, clothing, firearms, glassware, firewood, paper... Firearms? His eyes had glanced over it but then they returned and settled on it, firearms. He read that section a bit closer, this place had been holding a shipment of Empire lever-action rifles and their new pistol. He closed the ledger and placed it down then ran out into the main room.

  "They got Empire guns here!" John said.

  "I know!" The Vishashi said. "I found them!"

  John rushed over to the Vishashi who stood over a broken open crate, inside sat a treasure trove. About 3 dozen mint condition lever-action rifles and around 2 dozen mint condition pistols. John pulled one of the lever-actions out and examined it, it was similar to the type he had used back in life. He then pulled out one of the pistols and examined it, he was never a fan of pistols but this one had remarkable craftsmanship. John looked over at the Vishashi.

  "We are taking these," John said.

  "You take what you wish," The Vishashi said. "But I found something else that might help us,"

  The Vishashi motioned to something, John craned his neck to see and saw a small sled on the ground. It looked like one that a person could use to drag goods behind them.

  "Damn," John said. "Was hoping you were about to show me a horse and cart,"

  "I do not know this "horse" you speak of," The Vishashi said. "But with these we should be able to carry extra supplies and Arnimos if he doesn't wake soon,"

  "Won't that leave a trail for folk to follow?" John said.

  "There are few that can track a determined Sandwalker in the dunes," The Vishashi said.

  "Then let's pack some supplies on it and get ready to leave," John said. "Wait... Actually, before that lets check the house for any indication of exactly where we are,"

  "You do that," The Vishashi said. "I'll get what we need loaded up,"

  John nodded and departed the storehouse towards the main residence. As he entered through the busted down double doors his whole body tensed, like it was expecting something. He slowly crept through the house listening for any noise, he peeked into many rooms until eventually on the second floor he found an office with a small map. It seemed this trade post was roughly a week from Paradise and there was exactly one town sitting between them, they were so close. John grew a small grin, 'finally gonna get ya bastard.' John thought to himself.

  As he arrived back at the Vishashi he saw a good number of supplies, including 3 rifles and 4 pistols, loaded onto the sled with just enough space left to place a person.

  "Map says we're about a week from Paradise," John said.

  "Adventure's nearly over then," The Vishashi said.

  "Got to beat the bastard first," John said.

  "I think we'll get him," The Vishashi said. "It'll take a good bit of work though,"

  "What doesn't," John said.

  "Just remember, we have a deal," The Vishashi said.

  John hesitated for a moment, he really didn't want to give up the Page but he did need the Vishashi's help.

  "Yeah, yeah," John said. "Don't worry, i'm good for it,"

  "Good," The Vishashi said. "Now let's get Arnimos, we'll start on our trek now and he'll hopefully wake before we reach the first town,"

  "Agreed," John said.

  The two packed up the last things they needed then put Arnimos on the sled and departed.

  Their 3 day trek through the desert was uneventful, there was little to speak of and they saw no evidence of anyone else until nearing the sunset of the third day they saw a town out in the dunes. It was large enough to have 5-600 people and had a short, stout sandstone wall around it. The two walked towards it until they eventually passed through its gate.

  "Let's find a place to rest quickly then be out once the sun comes," John said.

  "Yes, let us not stay for longer than needed," The Vishashi said.

  They moved through the streets quickly, getting a few strange looks towards Arnimos who still had not awakened, as they searched for an inn. As John watched the area he saw someone watching them intently and trailing behind them.

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  "We got a follower," John said.

  "I understand," The Vishashi said. "I'll kick up some dust, you take off with Arnimos,"

  John nodded and prepared. The Vishashi closed his eyes then suddenly brought his hand up into the air, the sand on the ground shot up in a sudden dust cloud. John immediately starts sprinting, dragging the sled behind him. He kept going until he found a safe alley to stop in once he was sure he was far enough away, a few seconds later the Vishashi ducked into the alley from another direction.

  "I believe we have lost them," The Vishashi said.

  "Was hoping we would avoid them for a while," John said.

  "Perhaps we will not be able to avoid them but I did spot an inn while coming here," The Vishashi said. "It seems discreet enough,"

  "Then let's get there and see how much sleep we can get," John said.

  They discreetly made their way to the inn and paid for a room in DE. They got into their room and settled in, it was cramped and uncomfortable but better then nothing. John laid Arnimos on the bed while the Vishashi watched out the window.

  "See anyone?" John asked.

  "Not yet," The Vishashi said. "But we'll want to keep an eye out,"

  "I'll take the first watch," John said. "Get some rest,"

  The Vishashi and John switched positions, John watched the outside through a small opening in the blinds. He sat there for hours seeing only a handful of people walk by until he and the Vishashi swapped and he got some sleep. The sleep was as plagued by nightmares as usual until he was shaken awake. The Vishashi leaned over him and put a finger to his mouth to shush him.

  "There's been a group of men outside the inn for a few minutes or so now," The Vishashi said. "Might be after us,"

  "Are they armed?" John said.

  "Pistols," The Vishashi said. "Fear-Made knives as well,"

  "What time is it?" John said.

  "Near sunrise," The Vishashi said.

  "Good enough," John said. "Let's get moving quick before more show up,"

  John moved and peeked out the crack in the blinds, 6 men with pistols stood outside the inn. 3 of them had strange knives that looked like they were made of clay, one of them also had a large Fear-Made rifle on his back.

  "4 of them got Fear-Made weapons," John said. "But that rifle isn't drawn, likely can't hit targets that are too close,"

  "We need to think of a plan," The Vishashi said.

  John looked over at Arnimos who was still asleep.

  "If he'd wake up it would be a lot easier," John said. "How about this, I'll grab him and run while you cover me,"

  "Sounds good," The Vishashi said.

  John grabbed 2 pistols and slid them into his belt then heaved up Arnimos. The Vishashi raised a hand and balls of sand began to form in the air. John stood ready while the Vishashi braced himself against the door, then began a silent countdown. 3... 2... 1... He raised a fist.

  The door burst open and the Vishashi raised a hand, the balls of sand shot out towards the waiting men. Most ducked or dived for cover but one unlucky man received 3 new holes in his chest, John sprinted past the Vishashi and immediately ducked into an alleyway. John dashed down the alley and as he glanced back he saw the Vishashi following just behind, he saw a wall of sand form behind them to slow down their pursuers.

  As he turned his attention forward he slid to a stop, the Vishashi stopped right behind him. Someone was standing at the end of the alley, it was a woman, likely an Arbeross, who they had seen with the group that captured them. John knew this woman, it was Shi, a gangster he knew from Paradise.

  "How's it going, Shi," John said. "Long time no see,"

  "Oh you know," Shi said. "Just the usual,"

  "Do you have history with this woman?" The Vishashi whispered. "Why didn't you say anything back in the cart?"

  "It's a long story," John whispered back.

  "Leaving me out of your conversation," Shi said. "I'm hurt, and you know what it's like when you hurt me, John,"

  "It wasn't my fault," John said. "And I-"

  Shi suddenly lurched forward with surprising speed, John jumped back and the Vishashi took his place. Shi swung a fist which the Vishashi nearly dodged but instead struck him in the shoulder, his body tried to turn to sand as the blow landed but for some reason it couldn't. Shi grabbed the Vishashi by the shoulder.

  "Sorry love," Shi said. "Tricks like that don't work here,"

  Shi pulled him close then punched him in the gut, he bent forward a bit then grabbed her wrist. Shi then threw him into the wall, he made a dull thud and slid down. Shi then looked at John.

  "I'm gonna enjoy this one," Shi said.

  John looked at Arnimos then set him on the ground, they just had some terrible damn luck.

  "Come at me then you crazy bitch," John said. "I'll show you why nobody wanted to tangle with me,"

  Shi dashed forward and John took a step then brought his fist out a quick strike, Shi ducked low but then he lifted his foot up a bit then stomped it forward catching her foot. With her footing slightly messed up he brought his other fist up, it connected with her jaw sending her reeling. He took another step then swung again, she blocked it with one arm and her other shot out and struck John in the chest. He staggered back then raised his arms and blocked a follow-up. John's fist shot out again but she dodged to the side then grabbed his arm, John shifted his weight and launched forward. He slammed her into the wall pinning her.

  He kept her pushed against the wall with one arm while the other delivered a quick series of jabs into her chest, she began to grow a sick grin as John struck her more and more. Shi brought up her fist and delivered a powerful punch straight to John's temple, John stumbled back disoriented. Shi followed it up with a gut punch then she grabbed him and threw him into a wall. John slid to the ground, beginning to taste iron.

  John laid against the wall and looked up at Shi, he still couldn't beat her. Shi looked at him then Arnimos, that grin never leaving her face.

  "You're the only one I need to get," Shi said. "And i don't really want to deal with revenge plots so,"

  Shi stepped towards Arnimos. John tried to pull himself up but his body cried out, his Dichotomy wasn't healing him fast enough.

  "Leave-" John began to say.

  "-Him alone," A voice said.

  John froze, 'a new voice?' he thought. He looked over and saw a figure in a cloak standing at the entrance to the alley. It looked like the same figure that was tailing them earlier, they reached up a hand and pulled down their hood. He had olive skin, short brown hair and bright blue eyes, though strangely his hair seemed to stand like it was charged. He also seemed to be maybe only 18-19.

  "I had been watching to see who was carrying around my friend," The person said. "Now I see that they were allies and not enemies but you,"

  The person drew a sword that was hidden below their cloak.

  "I don't know who the hell you are," The person said. "But you take another step towards Arnimos and i'll kill ya,"

  The person stared at Shi with an intensity John had rarely seen, Shi looked back at the man.

  "Oh, great another one," Shi said. "Run along and i'll forget what you said,"

  Shi took another step towards Arnimos and the figure crouched.

  "Don't say I didn't warn ya," The person said.

  Shi began to raise a fist but in the blink of an eye he turned into a bolt of lightning and appeared in front of her, he brought the blade up so swiftly she hadn't the time to dodge. A deep slash formed on her chest, she tried to respond but in another flash he appeared behind her and delivered a slash to the back of one of her knees. Shi fell to one knee, her face was beginning to get painted by more and more bloodlust.

  "Now this is-" Shi said.

  In another blink her head came soaring off and landed a few feet away, the person flicked the blood from his blade and sheathed it.

  John watched as this all happened, in a little under 4 seconds he had just killed Shi. 'Who the hell is this?' John thought. He forced himself to his feet, his Dichotomies had mended enough of his body.

  "Who are you?" John said.

  "Hilmas," Hilmas said. "Friend of Arnimos as you are, pick up the other man and let's move. I have a Terrastrider we can use to get out of here faster,"

  "Doesn't explain much," John said. "But now like there's much else I can do,"

  John picked the Vishashi as this Hilmas picked up Arnimos. 'I knew he was an Archon but he's got friends like that?' John thought. 'How skilled do you have to be to be that strong at his age?' John followed Hilmas to a Terrastrider, a type of large lizard-like Shalbross that John hated, and begrudgingly hopped on. As they rode off John thought, 'This ain't how i expected this to go.'