Chapter 13:

Chapter 13:

Max was afraid, so very afraid. How could he not? He was in the nest of murderous monsters. Not even remotely close to the ravenous gang lords that he has met before. To even compare the two seemed sinful. He was very familiar with those kinds of souls. However, these ones were nothing like the common crime lords and ruthless killers he knew. These souls were no younger than himself. However, that was where the similarities ended. The pressure he felt from them dwarfed all others he has encountered before. The crime lords and killers he met were like toddlers compared to these little monsters that surround him.

It's ironic to even have such a thought, considering these were children. Not the ones he has met before them. These little savages didn't cease their squabbling because they were interested in what Max had to say. They ceased their chatter because of a simple fact, he was an outsider. They weren't looking at another person, he was another target to them. They were appraising him for weakness. They tracked his every movement with their eyes, hands loosely curled around crude axe throats and other articles crafted of delivering a painful death.

He knew it would be a luxury to wish for a swift death from them.

Max knew well enough to not underestimate these savages. The past incidents from others just encountering them. Spoke plentifully of the horrors done, those that were lucky enough to survive them. Ever since these beasts arrived here, all manners of order and civility, even if in pretense, was all washed away. The little barbarians were more than just a threat to him. Their minuscule statue hid the truth of just how powerful they were. Much like the beasts that stalk the Dead Lands. One alone was dangerous enough, but together as a pack. They aped even much larger creatures. However, as freighted as he was, he knew he wasn't in any true danger, not yet. Their demeaner testified to that, along with the fact that he was still alive. That could change however at a single command. The pack was hungry for it, they're being was itching to strike but were held back.

"My name is Max~!" He fought back the fear and exclaimed with all his might. "And I have come bargain with your leader." His legs trembled; he didn't know if they could tell that he was bluffing his strong posture. Through the many tales he has heard about these little beasts, he wouldn't be surprised if they could. He could almost have sworn he had seen, from the corner of his eyes. He had sworn he had seen several nostrils flare up as if sniffing the air.

How most of his attention was more on the group slightly above the rest. Help up on a higher raised platform. The souls there were the most terrifying of them all. To the feminine looking one who was addressing him. The beefy looking one is still sitting down at the table. This one unnerved him, this one brawlic, they all were in fact. However, that one even more so than the rest. Unnaturally more so than what should be possible for such a young child. 'He might actually be more brawlic than Matthew.' He concluded. The thought sent shivers down his core. Afterall the soul Max thought of was one twice all their ages, which isn't out of the norm. However, there existed a soul that exceeded a mature being. That was freighting to Max. 'How big is that kid going to be when he grows up?' 

However, he couldn't pay any heed to the thought any longer. Before turning his sights to the one whom all these beasts seem to be under. The tiniest figure of them all, casually feasting away on its massive haul of fresh red meat. 

He didn't notice it before, being at a distance but as he was led closer to their feasting grounds the scent hit like a wall of brinks. The smell was raw. Fresh and old scents blended in an uneven stew set in simmer, in the natural heat and cold of the elements. Resulting in a uneven mixture of scent, like sweet cinnamon and feces. The result was potent. Max was more in danger of passing out due to the smell than his fear of the little monster at this point. However, the difference was not all that far apart from one another. It rose from its sitting posture standing at its full height. Before then it leaped into the air, landing with a light thud just a few feet from him.

Followed by another set of earth-shaking thuds, followed by a light tremor as the two figures who were beside the tiny figure. They too had moved when it had moved, they leaped after. Having landed near the tiny soul. Haven come closer; Max now had a more in-depth view of their physics. Truly appearance was deceptive, the first sign being the faint vibration through the ground lightly. Even from a feel feet away the vibration reached his base. Their rags that barely counted as clothing hung loosely on their skin, thus through the many patches and gaps, Max could see the muscles rippling below the skin.

The various missing gaps in between showing the skin the little human things revealed had bulging muscles shifting underneath, telling of the explosive power held within them. Even the more feminine looking one, despite his thin frame and face. His body was slim but lean and muscular without a hint of fat. This one was more pleasing to look at to Max. not because of his looks but because it didn't give off the same vibe say compared to the next one. The other one his frame only seemed to have increased having come closer. His predatory eyes were fixated on Max; he didn't dare keep his eyes locked with the little hulk. As a matter of fact, he couldn't, looking into those soulless eyes pierced through him. He felt like he was being exposed, all aspects and dark secrets he keeps locked away, on the verge of being shown. Turning back his sight to the true alpha of this pack. Though one that clearly didn't look the part in all honesty in Max's eyes. He would have thought that the being before him was the group toy or even mascot. 

However, that was far from the truth. His trained eyes revealed that fact to him. He could see it in the movements and in the attitudes of the others. The respect and reverence the others have for the tiny soul in front of him. Though it seemed to not appear that way to the small figure. Or was that a ruse to fool outsiders? Max could only think of that reason. It was tiny, youthful almost innocent looking. If not, the nightmarish image it was giving off, lips bright as crimson, specks of gore still lingering on the edges. Then the dark aura that permeates it felt heavy. Like an actual weight that hung in the air. It made Max sick, this little thing in front of him was worse off than the rest of the horde around him. Max found himself holding his breath more than he had intended due to the potent scent that surrounded him. Only taking in air while speaking, careful not to intake too much of the foul air.

"I take it that you're the leader of this group. I didn't quite catch your name; it is proper for the host to also introduce himself to his guest to know whom they are dealing with. No offense." He had quickly added the last part to his sentence, hearing the grows around him. Along with the eyes fixed on him seeming growing colder. Once again sending another shiver down his core. This time he couldn't hold back the tremor spreading down his legs. But still through sheer will he didn't buckle and fall without grace. Acting as though he was prostrating himself lower to speak better with a lesser. The tiny figure didn't reply but tilted its head slightly, while baring its teeth. Though Max knew or rather hoped it was a usual human gesture of a smile, it looked anything but the adorable stunt of a child of the younger age.

"Name? What's that? Is it something to eat? Are you hungry?" Was the response he received the answer nearly caused the life of him to slip out of his body. His mind couldn't fathom what his ears were telling him.

"No, it's what people call you. For example, I am Max, that is my name. It's what others know me by. What do your friends or HANDLERS~, call you?" Max tensely added the last part to his question. Bracing for whatever reaction he would receive from that term. Nothing came. However, the tiny thing tilted its head again this time to the opposite side.

"What do THEY call me? Oh, it E107 that's my code number is that what you wanted to know?" Max's mind was spinning now processing what was told. He knew the thing before him wasn't acting innocent or putting up a front. It was a true genuine question out of curiosity. Not out of ignorance and lack of understanding.

"What? Oh, ah ok E107 is it then." Max was barely able to otter those words from his lips.

This revelation was all that he needed to know of this group and the others that came with them. They didn't even have names, not even regard by their owners to even be human, not even property. Only referred to as numbers not in the sense of labeling, but just to keep track of. He didn't have the heart to even have any pity, or contempt for this creature before him. This child, this poor soul was a weapon. The adults didn't even see the ramble before him as people. Only a deposable tool, not even valued enough to be property. 

The number wasn't even any special indicator. It was just to simply to record and keep track of the amount that there was or were still active. 'An existence cheaper than dirt, and I thought we Drifter children were the bottom feeders.' Drifter is a collective term used for children such as Max. Orphaned children reallocated as resources and property, through the many governments and corporations of the world. A way to tackle the homeless problem and boost the working force. Human slaves in all but name. This breed in front of him was even below those of that. This breed simply doesn't exist for the handlers. At least as Drifters, Max's breed still had privileges of some human rights. If one could even call them rights, or if one even followed them.

Max's breed was of those unfortunate undesirables of society. Those undesirables, whom no one wanted, were thus sold into service for the multiple corporations of today's society. As such they all suffered due to harsh and brutal treatment by their owners. Having close to the same value as space debris. At least their owner had the deceit to feed them. And giving them proper equipment for the job they performed. Nowhere near as tolerable, as the true workers of their company, but still enough at least for his crew.

"Yes, ah what did I want to say again?" Max studder before catching himself. 

"Yes, I came to make an agreement with your group."

"An agreement?" The tiny figure who called itself E107 asked innocently. Tilting its head to the side.

"Yes, a deal of sort if that helps you understand more."

"Why would a reg like yourself come to us? Most of the times you guys just ignore us. Why take this first step hm~. Or better yet why come to us numbers of Building E? why not the others?" E107 started to circle around Max looking at him up and down. A slight grin of amusement on his lips.

 At that question Max couldn't only sigh in his heart. 'You think I want to come here you monsters! And what the hell is with the word reg?' He cursed inwardly. He didn't dare voice that out loud.

"Well, you're not the first choice, others like me have gone to ask the other 'numbers' like yourselves right now. Your group was the last one, the one I took to come over to talk with. My company has been running into some difficulty in the last few weeks exploring the Tower." Max paused as if rehearing his words. "We normally don't ask for outsider help but, the boss made an exception this time around. We know that you guys have trouble getting supplies. So much that you resort to salvages scraps off the field." Looking around the piles mounds of scrap that divided their territory from the others. 

"So, my group would like to make a trade. We would employ your services, help us in our mission runs with the tower and you will get I can say 70/20 percent of the spoils. I know its dirt cheap but I'm kind of asking you guys without permission, so I can't really~"

"Ok." Came the quick reply from E017 who was beaming a simile. Having ceased his circulating motion stopping in front of Max.

"Wh-what, yo-you're ok with that? Really?" Once again Max couldn't believe what he was hearing. 

'Yeah, we don't really care about what your offering, nor do I really even understand it but." E107 grinned before continuing.

"You have found a way into the Tower, right?"

"Ye-yes, our company has found what we believe to be the gateway into the tower, we were planning on doing a raid through the gate but, we don't have the numbers. Back up from the company isn't coming until four weeks from now."

 Max's mood soured at those words. "We paid a lot in blood to get this intel, we can't let any other companies beat us inside first. So, help us and we'll help you with what request you ask of me. Only for things within my power of course." 

"Hm~, sure that's fine. It's not like we have anything else better to do here. And it's not like our handler really cares what we do anyway." E107 said nonchalantly as he, she, it, Max couldn't tell what gender E107 was. Walked away to the nearest table the feminine looking bodyguard walked beside E107, while the other stayed, watching him. He didn't understand why but the thought never ceased in his mind. Seeing those round eyes and slim body that is remarkably comparable to the little girl Amy's femineity. However, appearances are deceiving he had to remind himself of this once again. 

There were greater matters to think about than that. Max concluded in his mind as E107 walked back up to him with two red objects in hand. He blenched at the sight of them. Looking closer as E107 approached, the objects he was holding were skulls. Incomplete skulls, with mostly the lower section missing, bits of gore still clinging on. The smell of iron perfumed the air as E107 came closer.

"Will you drink with me, to seal our pact in blood?" E107 asked, raising one skull, before the guard who followed him took it from his tiny hands and held it out to Max. 

"I will respectfully decline your generous proposal, I'm not thirsty at the moment thank you." The raw contents held within made his jaws clench at the rich blood scent rising over the stench of guano. Bio begins to rise from his gut, as the smell was beginning to make him nausea.

"Shame~, you're missing out." E107 responded, before slurping his makeshift ware. Downing the red fluids, trails slipping forth from the corners of his lips.

"Your business is concluded then? Leave us then contact us again for further instruction if you require us. We don't like to be observed while we eat." The feminine looking guard spoke, a bell like whisper carried through the wind. Yet carried a strong order of one that commands. Though not facing him as they tended to E107. Wiping away the fluid traying down its lips. Reminding Max of a scene of a mother caring for her child. This caused another stir in his heart.

"I can take care of myself E57." E107 exclaimed trying to shift away.

"Stop your squirming, there's still some left right there, hold still."

"I said its fine! Jeez you're such a MOM!"

"Right, I'll come back again to keep you guys informed on any updates. Well then, I'll be on my way then, thank you for your time." Max gave his thanks and started to move from the scene. 

"Mh, likewise, E101 can you escort our guest out. Hey E107 get back here!" The one called E57 called out, speaking to the soul behind them the brawlic guardian who stood behind the duo grunted in acknowledgement. As E57 began to chase after the tiny figure of E107.

Outside near the entrance. Two figures could be seen waiting just a few yards away from the open gap.

"It's awfully quiet in there, too quiet." One spoke eyeing the open portal.

"You think he's alright in there? We already sent out delegations to the others for their support, those would have been fine enough. Surely, we didn't need to ask these ones." Another responded with a clear indication of worry in their voice. This one sounded more feminine.

"The more bodies we have the better. Less of our kins blood to be spilled."

"We have enough, well we still don't know if the others will accept, but even if one of those groups agree it's enough. We don't need these ones." The agitation slowly creeping into the speaker's tone.

"Out of them all, this group is clearly the strongest one of the batches." The other replied monotony without any hint of emotion. 

"You mean more savage than the others of their kind, they're animals. Nothing has been right ever since they came. The other ones are brutal, but these ones are completely mad. You've seen how they are, how they act; they're monsters! They eat people! Remember the guys who came through from sector one and picked a fight with them? They butchered then ate them while they were screaming. We all heard the cries all the way from sector three! They attack anyone, anyone who unfortunately encounters them in the field. Those that do attack them well, we know the tales. Rumors are saying that even the other adults in sector one doesn't dare to mingle with these guys in the field."

The other figure nodded their head in acknowledgement, there was no forgetting that event. The screams, oh the screams. The installation they stood within was a massive super structure with most of its facilities underground. Gossip and speculation circulated among the mass, of how this used to be an old shelter. There was no way to tell their breed wasn't allowed into the base. As such Drifters like them were congregated to the outside held within by the perimeter walls. With the only external structure linking to the outside world, being the tower in the middle of the four sectors. Or islands as many would call them being connected only by the mega bridge between them, with the main tower being its own isolated sector. The four sectors were divided into four separate zones each connecting to four outer gates. The mercenaries occupied the north, Sector One, the West and South being Two and Three respectively were held by their breed the undesirables. On the East side, no one knew what was held there. Rumors and talks went about but nothing concert. 

"Seth, Seth are you listening to me?" The one called Seth was called to reality by his companion. Turning to face them.

"I heard you May, clam down, steel yourself you don't want to show any weakness here." The female companion groaned at that.

"Easy for you to say, it's bad enough that we came here, this is a NO GO Zone for a reason."

Seth didn't humor his companion any longer, turning his eyes back towards the portal. Sensing the same intense sensation of being watched. Knowing the multiple pairs of eyes watching them. Waiting, waiting for the moment to strike. He felt that many times, Seth turned to surveying the landscape before him. The inhabitants in this zone, these Numbers as they're called, were all the same barbaric killing machines. Thus, the sector was dubbed the NO GO zone for this reason. Not many were willing to come to this sector.

But there were clear differences to each group the group often referred to as Group E or Building E, whatever that was supposed to mean. Had no sense of civility, and their area was a jumble of scarps piled on top of another. At least the other groups or Numbers have the sense of civilized living standards and order. Looking about the separate communities scarp and junk housing, stacked upon each other. Forming boxed off places living units throughout the entire sector.

"It's Max! He's coming out." May exclaimed, bringing back Seth's attention to the portal. Through the dimly lit portal two figures strolled out into the glow of the burners. One clearly was Max who went in the other figure was massive. Not in height but in his sheer bulk. Seth had never seen a soul roughly around their age having such density. The more disturbing part was the eyes, those eyes they are soulless. Seth couldn't bear to hold gazes into the pits of nothingness, so he looked away. 

"You will be fine from here, but what happens once you leave through this gap will be all on you. Mh~, what?" The thing next to Max spoke, its voice was just as cold as its eyes, as they stopped at the entrance, before suddenly its attention was turned elsewhere. Max turned to face it, looking as if to say something but held it back. The thing wasn't even paying any head to his existence any longer. Seemingly as if in deep communication with someone or something. Thus, Max simply nodded his head and walked on through leaving the thing behind as it stood by the portal. The duo waited till Max was out of the area, and when the monster beside him had turned to leave, disappearing back into its den, then they rushed towards him.

'Max you're ok! They didn't hurt you, did they?"

"I'm good May really I am." Max said trying to calm the frantic May down, as she rummaged around his body looking for another marks or wounds.

"You're alive, I'm honestly surprise you're still intact, so how did it go?" Seth said, handing something over to him.

Max took what appeared to be a bundle up cloth. Unfurling it revealing it to be a coat, held within the distinct shape of a handgun was unveiled. Still held within its holster Max claps it around his chest, as he and his companions moved away from the area. Eyes swimming around just slightly to not give away their fear. 

"Well, what did they say?" Seth asked again, his eyes darting around looking around for potential threats, they weren't in the clear till they got back into their sector after all.

Max turned to face Seth one hand clasping at his hidden death tool within his donned coat, as was Seth and May. He only replied with; "They're in."

Seth smiled at that, that was all he needed to hear. "Good."