Save Me a Seat

“Ameyong~” I called lightly, then continued a bit more worried, “Need help over there?”

“Urgh!” I could hear her grunt with frustration before yelling, “Fuck off, prick!”

“Hm.” I sighed. “What did I do?” I asked with a slight laugh, turning to my other companion. I waited for a moment, but he just walked off, ignoring my question.

“How stoic.” I muttered, quickly turning back to my other companion.

Watching her struggle was entertaining— sure, but we had bigger fish to catch, and she wasn’t making any progress. “You sure?” I went over to ask her once more, but was met with a deadly glare. I watched on the sidelines, seeing her weave between the debris of building and terrain, trying to launch a counter attack— but to no avail.

“You haven’t even made a dent on that Beraci-” I added before she cut me off.

“Oh, shut up! Ack-” she got hit on the side, tumbling through but regaining her stance as she continued, “What would you know? All you ever do is watc- Fuck!” She couldn’t even finish her sentences because of how much she struggled. “You don't even fight these monsters! You can’t do shi— AH!”

I giggled at her as I sat on the destroyed concrete. It was entertaining to watch her try acting high and mighty- but what was she talking about? It’s not like she could fight either— or at least not any better than me. After a few more minutes, the fight was getting nowhere. We had to go back to base before sunset, and Jeonghun walking off earlier was not helping— he still wasn't back.

I let out a heavy sigh. She was too prideful to ask for my help— I knew that, but I had to do something before she got herself killed. I stood back up, dusting my pants off and grabbing a nearby metal pipe. I slightly moved my legs apart and held the pipe behind me, gearing up like a pitcher. The Beraci’s outside skin was too hard, so I had to wait for the right moment.

Ameyong was getting tired as the fight stretched on, but I knew she could win— though there was no time to wait longer. As she jumped from one ledge to the other, the large toad-like Bercari jumped after her. I immediately threw the pipe.

In the next moment, the Bercari lay motionless, impaled through stomach by the metal pipe. Ameyong looked at me, clear frustration in her words, “I said— I didn't need your help! I had that under control! Ugh! You never listen!” She walked angrily to me, pointing a finger at my face and waving it.

“Ah. my mistake.” I smiled with a straight face.

She grumbled and pushed me aside, a curiosity arising with her anger, “Where’s JJ?”

“I dunno.” I shrugged.

“Not helpful.” She slapped my back. I lightly rubbed where she hit— if she could hit like that, then why didn't she take the Beraci sooner? She looked around and started fiddling with her bracelet. The sun was setting and Jeonghun still wasn’t here.

Just as I turned back to her, an uncontrollable cough overtook me. Damn me, I couldn't help but think. Ameyong put her hand on my back— why am I the one getting hit? However, before it made contact, her hand was more soothing than angry. I was still coughing, and I could see her get more concerned by the second.

My cough started to subside and I pulled away the hand covering my mouth, “I’m fine—” But she turned pale. Her eyes trained on my hand, so I looked down to see where the fear came from.

Oh.

I paused, taking my hand and rubbing it off on my pants with a snarky smile, “What? You look like you've seen a ghost— did you see another Bercari?” I teased.

She didn't respond, looking to my face like I had an answer. I looked away— where had Jeonghun gone? I stretched my arms up and around, lightheartedly smiling, “You’ve got me waiting around like an old man, how cruel~.”

She lightly pushed me and started walking away. I caught up to her, about to tease again, but she cut me off, “If we're not back before dark then we don't get dinner. I heard they’re serving steak tonight— and I will not be missing that, got it?”

I smiled again, “Aye-aye captain,” As I walked beside her.

It was still about an hour before the light was completely gone, and Jeonghun couldn’t have gone far. For a bit after that, neither of us talked. I tried sparking some lighthearted banter, but she didn't fall for my bait. I looked around instead, taking in the city. It had been awhile since things changed, and the city showed that history. Most of the buildings were damaged, but a few had crumbled beyond repair. Greenery came back, so there were weeds and flowers all around the broken concrete. The more we walked, the more desolate it became. We were the only ones out here.

“Need an energizer? Your feet are dragging.” I said lightheartedly.

“You got one?” She questioned then grimaced, “You better not hand me one of your death drugs or I’ll beat you.”

“You already told me to get rid of them,” I chuckled before rummaging through the many drugs and gadgets in my coat— pulling out a small blue vial. I tossed the vial to her, ready to laugh if she dropped it. She caught the drug, popping the lid off and quickly downing the liquid.

“Agh. shitty as always.” Ameyong threw the emptied vial aside then looked around and stated, “I used to work in that building.”

“Hm?” I turned to her. “That one?” I pointed to one of the fully destroyed buildings.

“Yeah. I don't miss it though. My boss was horrible.” She sighed.

“Most are.” I mumbled, knowingly.

The ground shook. Some of the buildings swayed. Then a loud crash echoed in the abandoned city. Both of us broke out into a run, knowing who it was. The source of noise wasn’t too far, just a few blocks away— but it only got louder.

In the clearing, I could see Jeonghun— he flew into the wall next to us, crashing the cement on impact. He didn't seem overly injured, more angry than anything. I would’ve teased him, if it weren't for the figure ahead of us.

“A Mutant?— what the hell is a mutant doing in the city?!” Ameyong was stunned.

What is a mutant doing here? I thought before looking around. The one day I didn't have my weapon on me, what a lucky bastard.

“Hey, Amyeong, pass me your dagger— you have it on you, right?” I extended my hand to her, not taking my eyes off of the mutant.

“The hell are you going to do with a dagger?! This isnt another Bercari.” She argued.

I kept my hand extended and laughed, “I was the one that told you about mutants, you think I don't know how to deal with one?”

She grumbled and yanked a dagger from her belt, tossing it to me. I caught it and ran to the monster. I could see Amyeong move to Jeonghun, but he got up before she got to him. The mutant looked innocent, no huge body or disgusting features— just a human looking girl. As I got closer, I could see a smile spread on her face— what was it planning?

She dropped her stuffed animal, a clever disguise— then her body contorted in uneven directions. Mutants were always a despicable species, using the innocent to capture prey.

“Jeonghun!” Amyeong screamed angrily. I caught him running to the mutant in the corner of my eye with his sword extended.

“Noeul!” Jeonhun angrily looked to me.

As the mutant fired acid-like spikes at me, I dodged, shrugging my shoulders and replying, “What?”

Jeonghun moved around the terrain, using the broken debris as cover as the mutant continued to fire acid in all directions. I ran straight towards it instead, choosing to dodge rather than cover— It was the most effective solution. I kept the dagger out and dragging in my backhand, ready to take a swipe. However, as I slashed the mutant, good damage was done, but the bastard melted my dagger with acid.

Tch.

I was forced to retreat back to some cover or the acid would shower me. A few drops I couldn't escape from, but otherwise I was fine. I looked to Jeonghun who was charging the mutant now, stealing the spotlight and dealing heavy blows to it’s sides.

What a lucky one I am, having a companion that's so competent— I thought before flinching. Jeonhun could take hefty blows, even getting slingshotted earlier was nothing— so why was he bleeding from his side?

“Jeonhun!” I shouted angrily, more concerned than anything.

He didn't even spare me a glance. That bastard was ready to do this all by himself. Was he trying to kill himself early?! I dashed out from my cover, unable to grab any sort of weapon, but not needing one.

Ameyong looked blank from the sidelines, though it was great that she didn't jump into the fight— she must've been beyond exhausted. So why wasn’t Jeonhun standing down? He never listened to anyone, but all he was doing was getting injured. We don't have time for him to get injured.

The mutant never stopped its acid rain, a few small drops catching onto my clothes and burning the fabric. I rushed in closer, deciding to head back to my roots and face this head on.

A sucker punch hit the mutant hard, followed by many others with immense force behind them. Boxing was fun, but who knew that I'd be using it now? The mutant's blood splattered on my fists. It stung, but wasn't nearly as potent as the acid it spewed. Jeonghun ran towards me like his life depended on it, but his side was bleeding out more– how stupid could he be? Ameyong finally made a rush towards the battlefield with a dead straight expression.

I continued to pummel the mutant until I saw it go still. The mutant was slightly tough, but all I needed to do was continue my attack, no big deal.

“Noeul—” Amyeong tried yelling angrily before Jeonghun cut her off.

Raising his blade to my neck, I backed off of the mutant and put my hands up innocently. “Noeul. Stand in my way again, and I’ll kill you,” he said threateningly.

“Alright, alright…” I said, but the words came off weaker than I wanted. Damn, I thought, the sun was going down— why was it getting so hot?

Ameyong grabbed my arm, avoiding the parts that were splattered with monster blood, “stupid. Stupid. Stupid. You're stupid. The blood is infectious acid, surely you noticed that. How dumb can you be?” She rummaged in her utility belt, but it only got more frantic. Then she continued, the color draining from her face, “Hey. JJ. Give me your antidote.”

Though, I could see JJ’s cheeks flush lightly and his breathing grew more labored. Shit. I thought I was the only one that got infected. Jeonghun did not reply to Ameyong, giving a deadly glare. Ameyong put her hands to her hair, walking in circles, “fuck fuck fuck— Fuck!” she screamed frustratingly.

“It’s fine. Stop…. Stop screaming.” I spoke, my vision slightly failing me. My hand moved to the inside of my coat, grabbing one of two vials. I extended my hand to administer the antidote to Jeonhun, “Give me your arm.”

Instead, he snatched the antidote from my hands. Rude— but what more did I expect? I gave a weak sigh and closed my eyes tiredly. Once he took the antidote, then they could figure out how to get back to base. I’d be fine until then. Probably.

I cracked my eye back open, checking to see if he had taken it yet, but my arm was suddenly grabbed. It yanked me awake as Jeonhun took the needle to my arm. “What are you doing? I gave the antidote for you to take.” I said sternly, yanking my hand back.

He didn't reply, only grabbing my arm back harder and trying to steady the needle. What the fuck was he doing? I grabbed the antidote this time, but he refused to let go. “Give me the antidote.” I said authoritatively.

“That’s what I’m doing. Stay still.” He muttered. I gave him the antidote for himself to use because he needs it. Why is he trying to give it to me?

“Absolutely not.” I yanked my arm out of his grasp, the burned areas causing me to wince slightly, but I had to get the antidote. I reached for it, but he pulled it away and reached for my arm.

“Do you find it fun not to listen? Give me the antidote while I'm asking nicely.” I bit, standing up tall.

“No.” He responded. Man, he was really starting to piss me off. If he wasn’t going to give it back, then I'd take it. He needed to stop being stubborn and think about how the infection is killing him so he would take the antidote. Simple.

Each time I tried reaching for the antidote, he dodged and tried grabbing my arm in return, or just piercing the needle at point blank. I dodged messily each time. The sun had fully set at this point and we didn't have time to be fighting like this.

I swept under his legs and he stumbled, allowing me to swat the antidote out of his hands. “Don’t fucking touch it.” he snapped.

If he wouldn't listen to my words, why should I listen to his? I swear I should've moved faster, but my body was getting heavier. I went down to grab the fallen antidote, but Ameyong picked it up instead.

She held it towards her chest as if shielding it from us but I could see the panic in her eyes. “Ameyong, give it to me.” I said calmly.

“Ameyong!” Jeonhun yelled angrily, struggling to get back up.

Her eyes darted between each of us, but there was no more time left. As she looked away from me, I grabbed the antidote, causing her to tumble backwards and drop it. This time, I grabbed it. Finally, I had it back and I could use it how I wanted.

I lightly dusted around my coat and rummaged around inside of it before heading over to Jeonghun with the needle ready. “Don’t move— bitch!” Jeonghun, acting depleted, suddenly grabbed the antidote and threw me to the ground painfully.

“You better not!” I screamed angrily, struggling to move after being slammed down, though my body wouldn't listen. Jeonghun didn't even bother taking my arm and directly injected the antidote messily into my leg. He crouched down beside me as the antidote was administered.

“Dont mov….?” An uncomfortable silence passed. He looked down to his leg, slowly turning back to my eyes. I smiled slowly in return. It was funny watching him so shocked— he always seemed too emotionless.

Jeonhun didn't have the strength to ask the big question. I could see he already knew the answer. My breathing became more labored— damn, it was getting hot.

Ameyong rushed over to see the damage, instantly stopping the moment she saw the two needles. She looked at Jeonghun who stared at me with an extremely angered but deadly face. Ameyong turned to me, “You… no… you didn't."

“I didnt… what?” I laughed weakly

Jeonghun grabbed my collar and raised his voice, “What did you take. Answer me— fuck.” all he did was look to me. I couldn't have looked like that much shit, so why was he acting like the world was ending?

“See.. I told you… I’d work.” The color had begun returning to his face and his breathing started to stabilize.

“Bastard—” I could tell he wanted to hit me, but stopped at the last minute.

“AH!” Ameyong shouted in frustration as her tears started to form, “Why do you still have that?! I told you to get rid of it! WHY?! AGH!” she screamed desperately.

“Sorry… I didn't— think… I’d use it like this…” I mumbled weakly.

“What were you expecting?! You sped the infection up! Now—now…!” She couldn't finish her words as she looked at me. She knew the answer, but I saw how scared she was to say it.

Jeonghun immediately grabbed my body and ran. He yelled something to Ameyong, but it was too quiet to hear. She yelled something back, but I couldn't hear that either. She started to bawl.

I chuckled weakly, a small mutter coming out, “Ameyong… you can have my steak tonight.”

I couldn't hear her, but her mouth screamed at me. I didn't even do anything to her, why was she so angry? Jeonhun was silent in return, running ahead of Ameyong. I tried looking up, wondering what face he made now.

It was too dark, and paired with my dimmed vision— I’d never be able to see. However, as we passed a flickering street light, I caught one last glimpse of him.

I couldn’t even name his expression. I’d never seen him make it before, but damn… I chuckled out, “Stoic bastard.”

At least they’ll make it back to base.