Chapter 25: Welcome to the big city

Thickets of colors surrounded me, most were green of course, but there were flowers that had taken all hues from the spectrum. Even the trees here seemed larger than the ones on New Port. 

"This place really is strange." Awe took my voice. 

"Even with the birds for clairvoyance, I'm still only seeing trees." Andrew complained. "Hold it... I see a clearing..." His finger lifted towards the North. "Keep heading that way Darren, we'll catch up."

I took a sprinting position and dashed forward.

"Damn he's fast." Samantha groaned. "How long is that walk to where he's heading?"

"Trust me princess you don't wanna know..."

Red encased her lips perfectly, Lora took into account that everything about her was perfect. She leaned back in her chair taking a quick glance at her phone that was vibrating, the smile went from her face once she saw that it was not a call from Chris.

"What?" She rudely answered.

"Answering your father in such a manner is a bit too much." The voice replied.

"Look dad I have a date." She continued fixing her makeup. ."You got the reservation I asked you to book?" Lora didn't turn from the mirror, but the reflecting nod of one of her bodyguards was noticed. "Atlas Hotel doesn't really take late notices."

"Lora." Her father's stern voice came through the phone.

"Forgot you were on." She sighed. "What did you call me for anyway, and if it's about that marriage contract I already told you what I think of that oaf from the Sanchez family. Matter of fact it's why I moved here far from you and that other idiotic family."

"They might come for your new boyfriend." Her father's sinister voice tried scaring her. "And I can only vouch for you..."

"Let them try." Lora smiled. "Chris isn't some bumbling idiot who'd get scared of the mafia." She hung up and looked through the window seeing the boy of her dreams descend from the sky.

Lora Pierre, the only daughter to the Pierre Mafia that resides in the Great States near the Draconian Archipelago. There are two rival families, the Pierre's and the Sanchez's. Blood had taken the streets of the Great States because of the feud between these two influential families, soon a peace treaty was being made through a marriage contract between them. 

The son of the Sanchez family was to marry Lora, however Lora is a rebellious spirit. She took a few guards with a mass amount of money and moved to New Port meeting a guy she thinks is a great deal better than Tiko Sanchez...

Heavy silence took the small room, Lora's father Stephen gave a dissatisfied sigh.

"As you can see Tiko." He began. "She wants nothing to do with the marriage."

Tiko chuckled, his rage well hidden in it.

"She's a handful, just like I've heard." He stood up. "Why don't I go to New Port and see what kind of guy she's into." Behind him was his number one body guard. "Cain let's scare that little bastard."

Once they left, Stephen's wife Cassy entered. 

"You should warn her." She sighed.

"No." Stephen sternly rejected the notion. "She must learn that this world won't stop turning just because she feels like it should. I think I spoiled her too much."

"Your a real show off." Lora smiled.

Chris had her in his arms while taking flight, pictures were being taken relentlessly of the two in the air by many of the people below.

"It's better than driving with one of your guards." He chuckled. "They don't like me, do they?"

"Well pops is still pissed I didn't accept the marriage contract." 

"I'm glad you didn't." Chris smiled. 

"Me too." Lora blushed.

Atlas Hotel, a five star resort well known through New Port. From it's overly comfortable beds to the amazing water park, this place had the rights to have a price that is beyond a normal salary for normal people.

When the couple got there, immediately they were swarmed by a group of people.

"It's Chris!" They shouted.

He took Lora's hand and pushed through the crowd eventually getting to the front desk to get their room keys.

"Hey take the key's to our room." Chris smiled. "I'll lead them away."

He dashed in the opposite direction taking the crowd with him. Lora looked at the key, and saw room 1912 on it. Her phone buzzed and the text from Chris read leave the window open.

She giggled a bit from this, knowing his only way of entering without the paparazzi was through the air. Lora went into the room, and locked it up. After unlocking the window, she yawned and lie in the bed.

Time seemed to have slipped by Lora, she didn't take into account how long her nap would be. She yawned and stretched, looking over to the table beside the bed finding roses and a card.

"Had to let sleeping beauty rest." The card read.

She rolled her eyes and giggled.

Three knocks came from the door, she walked over to it and called out for Chris.

"Very cheesy Chris." She laughed. 

Another couple of knocks came, this time ringing louder than they should have.

Lora stopped and narrowed her eyes with caution.

"Chris?"

No answer, this time the door flew open it's wooden structure reduced to splinters.

A hulking man stood before Lora, he dusted his suit off from the debris and started closing the distance towards her.

"Sorry for the disturbance." He began. "My boss Tiko Sanchez sent me to bring his wife back to the Great States."

"So that bastard tracked me down?" Lora gritted her teeth. "You'll have to kill me to drag me out of this room, I'm not going back there." She walked back slowly and grabbed her bag, from it she removed a pistol.

"You don't hav..."

His words were interrupted by the sudden gunshot, Lora didn't hesitate and caught him in the chest. He fell over and gasped for air.

"Judging by how you didn't reach for your firearm, I guess you all can't harm me." She smiled. "You think I'm some helpless girl don't you?" She walked closer and aimed to the man's head. His fearful eyes were pleading, but those fell on deaf ears as Lora finished him off. She grabbed her phone to call Chris.

"Yeah?" His voice answered. "You miss me already?"

"No time for jokes Chris." Lora sighed. "It looks like my wannabe fiance is trying to drag me back to the Great States, I just finished off one of his goons."

"What?!" Chris voice turned to concern. "Your still at the hotel right?"

"Yeah for now." Lora looked at the door, footsteps echoed in the hall.

Before her stood the man who wanted to bring her back.

"As beautiful as ever." Tiko smiled. "So where's the chump who stole your heart."

"Whose that?" Chris yelled on the phone.

"The person who can't take no for an answer." Lora aimed the gun at him. "You really are stupid to come in here thinking I won't kill you." She pulled the trigger quickly. "What... what the hell how is he alive?"

The man who Lora had killed was up and blocking the bullets coming to Tiko. He began to walk closer as Lora kept shooting until her ammo was gone.

"Damn it!"

"Lora!" Chris shouted. 

No answer...

"Lora what's happening?" Chris asked once more.

An unfamiliar voice answered this time.

"So... your the guy she left me for."

"Who the hell are you?" Chris felt his flames surround his head.

"Well I'd tell you but... that'll be too easy." Tiko looked at Lora's unconscious body. "Why don't you come to the Great States and find out?"

He hung up.

"Bastard!" Chris flames erupted from his head. He burst forth at full speed towards the hotel.

Once there he looked about the thrashed room and a pool of blood on the floor. His mind raced on what to do, soon he stopped himself form overthinking and went to the front counter where policemen were standing.

"Ah is that Justice son?" Shawn smiled at Chris.

"Hey Mr. Shawn." Chris quickly walked past him and his partner towards the front desk. "Listen I need to see your cameras now, someone was kidnapped and I think they might be hurt."

"Woah!" Shawn placed a hand on his shoulder. "No need to go full detective your already a hero aren't you?"

Shawn quickly removed his hand from the blue hoodie Chris wore, it's cotton fabric felt like a searing heat.

"Mr. Shawn..." Chris tried to remain calm. "I need to find those people who took a special girl from me." Heat resonated from Chris, sending sweat across anyone near him.

The video footage was shown to him shortly.

Chris took in the sight of three men walking away from the room, one was leading them while the two in the back held Lora's body. They went into a black car without a license plate.

"Damn it!" Chris growled. "Wait..." He took out his phone and took a picture of the man leading them. "Alright, I'm heading out."

"So you want us to search for this guy?" Cleondra asked. "It's a pretty easy thing too." She hooked up his phone to her computer. The guy's face was on full screen being scanned. 

Finally the search had been completed.

"Not an easy one to deal with." Cleondra began. "Tiko Sanchez, the young master of the Sanchez cartel. He's apart of the Mafia in the Great States, they have a building in New Lore City it's called Brook and Crook fashion."

"I heard of that place they sell expensive clothing." Chris rubbed his chin. 

"And deal with underworld activities." Cleondra grimaced. "Slavery, drugs, murder, assassins. The Pierre family were always fighting against them, not like they have their hands clean. A power struggle until finally, the head decided to marry off his daughter to Tiko. However, I guessed she hated the idea as for the reason they dragged her back. What's your plan."

"To burn that place to the ground." Chris growled. "Where's Joshua."

"If he goes who'll guard New Port." Cleondra gave him a side eye. "Just be back before Samuel finds out, I'll book you a flight."

"Don't need one." Chris opened the window facing the Western sky.

"Your crystal..." The warning never came from Cleondra as Chris had leapt already, flying towards New Lore.

It took him thirty minutes of just the ocean scenery, but finally... The shore of the Great States was before him. Once he had landed, Chris removed his phone and called Cleondra.

"I'm here." 

"Alright which state are you in?"

Chris looked about the surprise onlookers who just watched a man fly from the sky. He approached one and asked if this was New Lore.

"N... No." the surprised overweight guy stammered. "Your in Misori Beach."

"New Lore should be more North." Cleondra informed him. 

"Thanks."

With that he was in the sky once more with cameras taking in his entrance and exit.

Little did Chris know he had garnered more fame this way.

Compared to the empty fields of Misori, New Lore was bustling with activity. Business suits and taxis were all about making way for work or whatever other activities the people here partake in. Chris finally saw the building that Tiko's family owns, without hesitation he stepped through the double glass doors. A young lady with a vibrant smile greeted him by the front desk. 

"Welcome to Brook and Crook." She greeted. "How may I help you?"

"Tiko Sanchez." Chris stated

"Ex... Excuse me..?" Her smile was fading.

"I said Tiko Sanchez." Chris repeated. "Where is he?"

Two burly men in black came from the back door and grabbed Chris' arms. Smoke rose from their hands as if it was burning, yet they didn't react at all.

"These things..." Chris gave the woman a dark gaze. "They aren't human are they?"

Flames suddenly enveloped them, the men turned to ashes instantly. 

Horrified, the receptionist began pleading and apologizing.

"I... I..."

"Tiko Sanchez." Chris eyes began to ignite. "Or else..."

"He only comes over to collect the daily commissions." She stammered.

"Is anyone in this building." Chris asked menacingly.

"Just me for now."

"Get out."

She left and didn't even look back. As soon as she exited, the lady saw all eyes behind her as a light began to envelope the inside of the building.

Blue flames erupted from the bottom floor overtaking all of the building taking away everything inside. Even the ashes were not spared, Chris was the only thing that walked away from the sudden flames.

"This should get their attention." He sat before the remains of Brook & Crook.

Tiko smiled triumphantly at Lora, she was staring daggers hoping at least one would enter his chest.

"Your angry but you'll eventually be thankful I removed you from that boring place." He sighed. 

"As soon as I'm free I'm ripping your throat out." Lora growled.

Tiko laughed.

"Your so rebellious." He giggled. "I love that about you, but I think it'll be annoying later. A nice spell outta make you more... submissive."

Tiko felt his phone vibrated, he looked at it seeing a call from a number he recognized.

"Yeah dad, what's up?" His smile quickly dropped. "What?"

30 minutes earlier

Black limos and other cars surrounded Chris who was still sitting on the ground. 

An old man removed himself from the vehicle, his stern face was aiming at the Chris.

"My building?" He asked. "Where the hell is my building."

The receptionist ran to him.

"Senior Sanchez!" She exclaimed. "That guy he did this!"

Chris got up and faced the people surrounding him.

"Where is Lora?" He sternly asked.

"Where is my building?!" Mr. Sanchez spat through gritted teeth.

Chris walked on top of the pile and started to kick the dust everywhere.

"All of it is right here." He laughed.

"You are a dead man." Mr. Sanchez slammed his cane downwards three times, a circle began to form below him from it came a beast that's skin was melting off of it's body. It was in a state of constant agony and rage. "I'll erase you soul and all."

The beast opened it's maw releasing a stream of flames that overtook the young man's figure quickly. Onlookers covered their eyes in terror as they realized that a murder was happening before them. 

But then again, who would go against the most powerful family in the Great States. Known for their dirty dealings in a world far from their own. 

Still...

It was quite haunting to see Chris unharmed by that undead mystical beast attack.

"I... Impossible." Mr. Sanchez gasped. Reason was becoming harder to grasp.

"Let me show you something..." Chris began charging up his flames about his body. "This is a real flamethrower." A burst of blue fire roared forth enclosing the beast into it, the painful bellows of the creature was short as it was incinerated.

"You... What manner of magic is that?" Mr. Sanchez was speechless.

"Call your son here now." Chris walked to him.

Mr. Sanchez body guards removed their firearms and opened fire, Chris maneuvered each bullet without even a scratch. He grabbed Mr. Sanchez with one hand and used his next to threaten him with a fireball in it.

"Call your son or I'll leave a nice scar on your face." 

Mr. Sanchez slowly removed his phone and dialed Tiko's cell number.

"Yeah Dad, What's up?" His voice answered.

"Tiko come to the store... well what remains of it now..."

"What?"

Chris grabbed the phone and took a deep breath.

"Bring Lora or your old man's gonna need a face transplant." He was ready to hang up, but Tiko's voice came through.

"I see now..." He grimaced. "Your the boy Pierre's daughter ran off with, your power is quite something. How about you work for..."

"I already have a job." Chris interrupted. "Plus working for gangsters ain't my style."

"Gangsters..." Mr. Sanchez sighed. "I don't appreciate that wording, it was thanks to my family and Pierre's that this part of the world developed properly this place was a lawless wasteland where death was common." He sat down and removed his hat revealing his slicked grey and black hair. "Then it suddenly dawned on Pierre's and my ancestor, we need to make this place better for the future. My family dabbles in necromancy, dead bodies are easy to acquire. Once Pierre's family learned of this that's when the scourge appeared. We fought each other over territory, business and domination of the other family, Lora and my son Tiko are our keys of ending this long warfare. So to take her away will direct all of the attention on you, your strong but can you stop an entire continent."

"Listen old man." Chris chuckled. "Your talking about a continent when I've fought literal godly beings, I'm not afraid of a few walking zombies. Matter of fact I've just dealt with some a few days ago."

Mr. Sanchez eyes widened, either this boy was overconfident or just mentally ill. All threats were ineffective.

"May I ask where you work?" Mr. Sanchez inquired.

Before Chris can answer a car sped pass a corner burning rubbers giving the air a smell of roasted asphalt. 

From the car came a young man, his attire was similar to Mr. Sanchez. His long hair was masking his sour expression, once he removed his glasses Chris saw that his pupils were two different colors. A dark velvet on the left and a deep crimson on the right.

"Dad." Tiko growled. "Where is the building."

"Scattered in the wind." Chris scowled. "Where is Lora?"

"You must be her boyfriend." Tiko walked closer to Chris. Eventually standing over him with a slight height difference. "The guts on you is impressive our good business was just burned down by you." He grabbed the blue sweater's collar trying to pull Chris to an eye level, but the boy wouldn't budge. Tiko was startled by this weight he tried to pull, but before he could do anything a clean hit interrupted his thoughts. Two steps and then a fall, Tiko was on the ground rubbing his chin. His eyes went from stunned to enraged instantly.

"I'm gonna enjoy keeping you as a zombie." Tiko removed his a book from his pocket. "Rise." 

From the ground came skeletons each was in a mafia suit, as soon as they stood before Chris all pulled out a Thompson Submachine Gun without delay all emptied clips into Chris' direction. 

He fazed past all shots and was before Tiko once more, another uppercut connected.

Tiko fell once more, from his mouth came one and then another tooth. Rage was sliding back into confusion, this guy was different than any other person who fought against his family.

"Old man help your son here." Tiko screamed.

"He's far above us." Mr. Sanchez shook his head. "He killed my Zombie Salamander, no more like turned it to ashes. Now I need to find another one and that'll take gods knows how long. We're no match for this one." 

"It's always giving up easily with you." Tiko growled. "Whatever, your on your death bed anyways, I think the Great States should have one ruling family."

"What are on about boy?" Mr. Sanchez hissed. "It's that same mindset that we're in this state of conflict."

"Just more bodies for my collection." Tiko raised his hands while the book levitated about him, Cain removed himself from the car, his sunglasses were holding a dark red light beneath them. He started to grow his clothes ripped apart unable to hold this giant man, whose skin peeled off and became rotten.Cain picked up Tiko into his decaying hands. Flesh started littering the streets, It stood taller than any of the buildings and upon it's shoulder was a cackling Tiko who looked down on Chris.

"It took me months to get a collection of bodies for this one." He bragged. "Try and knock down my Behemoth Zombie."

A great roar escaped the rotten throat of the creature, shattering all over New Lore.

Panic was taking it's place in the once calm people as they ran and drive in all drirections away from the thing's destructive space.

Lora got out of the car with her hands still tied.

"Chris!" She yelled.

"He..." 

A foot sudden slammed onto Chris.

Lora slipped to the ground in shock of the scene before her.

"C... Chris..." She couldn't move nor speak all sense had dulled instantly.

"Not much of a fighter now, huh?" Tiko cackled evily.

"By fusing all of those bodies into such a beast." Mr. Sanchez had a worried expression. "How much did you use..."

The Sanchez are able to use necromancy thanks to a deal with a certain entity, however a warning was issued to them. Storing more than enough bodies in the mind storage would cause a great decrease in sanity, one has to train first and then use low level spells until ready for advance enchantments. To forcefully place the knowledge of life and death into the mind of a normal person would bring headaches, to still force more knowledge would make the person more twisted, and finally when the limit of said individual has reached a limit. Madness occurs, you will gain more abilities and unlimited power.

Yet this is a double edge sword...

Sending the person into a murdering psychopath.

"Damn I should've stopped him from learning too much..." 

A smell came...

It was the smell of buring...

Beneath Cain's feet came a azure glow, his foot eventually combusted. The sudden off balance made the beast stumbled over causing a few buildings to be demolished by it's stumbled. From the ground something flew upwards covered in a blue flame.

Lora's heart gave relief to the rest of her body, especially the mind which needed it. Chris was alive and ready to deal with Tiko.

"Hey old man." Chris Shouted. "I'm not gonna kill your son, just give him a good beating."

Mr. Sanchez didn't answer.

Chris rocketed upwards, his speed strong enough to send back a punch thrown by Cain's gigantic fist. Once he was before Tiko's hysterical face.

"Y... You shouldn't be able to do that." He held his head and started screaming then laughing again. "Why is this happening... I can't stop laughing!"

"Your old man said something about you going crazy." Chris explained.

"It's lies..." Tiko howled. "It's all lies, I read that script and it said I would be fine."

Mr. Sanchez eyes widened...

"You've read his book didn't you." His voice was trembling. "You read my brother's journal."

"Uncle Pico wasn't crazy." Tiko chuckled. "He found out the truth and you all killed him, I can't stop laughing but..."

A skeletal fist suddenly appeared and knocked Chris downward, the impact sent ripples through the city destroying a few buildings. 

"I can feel it old man." Tiko screamed. "I feel unlimited power. Change of plans I don't need your business, I think the world should be enough for me." Tiko summoned a mass amount of skeletons.

The City of New Lore had been overran by the undead.