Arc 3 - Interlude VI: The Hernando Siblings

(Maiores 14, 55 / 10:41AM)

In the town of Dodgerock, lay an adobe on top of a hill. Red soil, buttes that reached the heavens, the high-desert gave the scenery a much delighted prospect. Joshua trees called it home, cicadas gave birth to melody, and humans and other species dubbed it a winter paradise. But its summers are a man’s true test of sanity. If humans act rash in hot weather, does the crime fit the time?

“Is my brother in here?”

“Yeah son, he’s just in there.”

The smell of coffee stained the brick walls. Light burning bright from the window, the building was brightened to its max. And walking on wood, were two men, with one of them larger than life. Reaching a jail cell, a man wearing a blue uniform took out a cash of keys. Hearing them jingle, it took less than a second to find the correct one. Pushing the correct key in, the two heard a click, leaving the bulky man to take a step back while the policeman opened the cell.

“You're being bailed. Get on outta here ya brat.”

Glaring at the policeman, was a thirteen year old boy. Wearing a khaki-colored uniform, his hair was uncombed, making his hair slightly scatter. But above all, the teen had a tan complexion.

“I’ll try to lecture him.”

“Don’t try, do. What you need is discipline. Some kids just need a good spanking.”

“I-I understand.”

Despite the burly man being six feet tall, his face was statured in youth. Having no facial hair, his hair was long enough to touch his burly shoulders. Having the calmness of a saint, a majestic face, and a bodybuilder’s body; he was unorthodox to look at. The cop adjusted his hat, he brushed air out of his mouth.

“You know, this boy has been here six times, now seven. I don’t have the patience of a saint.”

“Whatever.”

“Hey. Be nice now.” Said the burly young man.

“Eh just get him out will ya? I want to enjoy my coffee in peace please.

The policeman walked toward his desk, with strands of white sticking out from his hair. Wrinkled cheeks, but with an ironed uniform, he looked like the perfect model for a cop. Letting the two go, the gentle giant and the grouchy teen made their way out. The two of them walking along the street, the teen’s hands were pushed into his jacket, his eyes glared at the floor.

“I’ve told you a million times…”

“Hey, they started it.”

“Who cares if they started it. It’s always best to not start conflict.”

“If they want conflict, I’ll give them conflict. It’s better to teach assholes a lesson, to put them in their place.”

“And if you keep at it, you’ll pick a fight with the wrong crowd… ”

As the teen ignored him, the two of them walked past a small crowd of people. Ranging from men, to a couple of girls, many of them blushed at the sight of the gentle giant. Giving them a nod, along with a polite smile, they giggled upon his mannerism. Until he looked at the teen…

“Pull up your pants.” He whispered in the teen’s ear.

Sagging loose, he scoffed before begrudgingly obeying him. While he adjusted it, he kicked a small pebble into the street to his right.

“I can handle myself just fine.”

“Not with that attitude. Look, it’s my job to keep you safe.”

“Yeah I know. You always say that stuff Manny.”

Manny gifted out a chuckle, before scratching the back of his neck with brittle fingers. Looking up at the sun, its yellow light scorned itself on his face.

“You don’t have to look tough you know? I mean, look at me.”

“What do you mean look at you!? Have you seen yourself!”

“H-Hey just because I’m big doesn’t make me strong…” Lowering his hand to his side, his fingers stalled against his side. Continuing along with his walk, he mustered a shy smile, one that didn’t match his overall bodybuild. “I mean, I sure don’t act tough.”

The cicadas continued its relentless melody, as both their ears took in the morning rays. Passing through many buildings, along with many alleys, Manny didn’t dare look into them. The two of them continuing along their path, they headed to the one place where they felt at ease.

“Come on. Let’s go home.”

________________________________________________________________________

(Maiores 14, 55 / 12:08PM)

Two teens stood in front of a door.

Both of their hands in their pockets, they trailed the white brick that was stacked upon. Standing on top of stone, Manny knocked on the door, with the pattern being a little jingle. Two fast knocks, pause, then three fast knocks. Hearing his knuckles click against wood, it wasn’t long before the door swayed open. In front of them both, was a ten year old girl, her hair reaching the bottom of her shoulders.

“Hey Pacifica. Look who I brought back.”

Scurrying her eyes onto the tan boy, the girl took two steps back as she let them in. Her hands lowered to her sides, her bare feet pressed on the marble, before launching forward. Her head collided with the teen’s stomach, sending him to gasp.

“Oomph.”

Feeling the impact, he couldn’t breathe for a few seconds, until he grumbled within his throat. Both of his jaws grinding against one another, it was all because of her little giggle. Throwing out a peace sign, she ran into the long winding hallway. And with tightened fists, he ran to catch her.

“Pacifica!”

Letting his younger siblings duel it out, Manny closed the door, and noticed a purple-haired woman walking toward him. A frown plastered on her face, she had that same old look, making him tread sweat from his temple. Clearing his throat, she stood right in front of him.

“Hello ma’am. Is there anything you want me to do?”

“My father would like to have a word with you. I think you know the topic of interest.”

“Alright.”

Giving her a nod, he turned around and walked through the desolate hallway. Popcorn-like walls surrounded him, and the wood below creaked under his weight. With one hand in his pocket, his other rested well against his thigh. He noticed a door, one darker than the others. As soon as he reached it, he pressed his hand on the handle, before opening it.

Instead of the lights blistering his eyes, darkness crept up his irises and pupils. His boots moistened with the stone staircase, each step he took made his heart beat against his chest. Holding his breath, the humidity made his skin clammed with sweat.

‘There he is…’

Taking the last step down, he laid eyes on a singular old man.

Sitting firm on a wooden chair, there was a plate out in front of him, along with a fork in his left hand. His right resting on the table, he looked up, and noticed the gentle giant stroll in. Having a plate full of white rice, green broccoli and fermented soybeans, he was at peace.

“You may sit Manny.”

Sitting on the opposite side of Kenji, Manny rested his butt on the splintered wood. He glanced to his left and right, and took in the old cobblestone walls of the basement.

Kenji wasn’t all too serious, as the old man continued to eat.

“I have heard you bailed out Christian. Why so soon?”

“I know I have been easy on him, but sir, I just want him to grow.”

“I understand that you’re soft. Nothing wrong with that. But, there is something that needs to be discussed.”

Gulping down the food that he had, it rippled down his throat and into his stomach. Nodding to himself, he used his free hand to pick up a napkin, and used its wrinkled nature to clean away the orange stains.

Once he was finished, he laid it down on the table.

“If you can’t discipline the boy, then the world will eat him alive. Not everyone has the patience of a saint.”

“I understand… but he’ll grow out of it eventually.”

“And let’s hope it is fast.”

Using his fork, he scooped up a small handful of rice into his mouth. Chewing on it, he gently jabbed the tip into a single broccoli, before raising it up. Letting the greens and rice mix together, it wasn’t amazing, but it did settle his empty stomach. His calm eyes resting on the table, he finally moved them onto Manny.

“Being a rebel is fine for a boy his age. Some of them scoff, some of them judge, and a majority of them rough-house. No big deal. But getting into fights? Kicked into jail cells?”

He laid his fork on the plate. Fully staring at Manny, Kenji straightened his back and neck. Gulping down the last of his food, he noticed a line of sweat run down his nose.

“Even the calmest of men have to stick up for themselves. Don’t ruin your life for one boy’s mistakes.”

Moving his eyes toward the silver plate, Kenji noticed a small reflection upon the metal. He saw his wrinkled face, the way his spiked hair prickled and dried within the air. Manny took in Kenji’s calm nature, and pressed his palms on the edge of the table.

“Permission to exit sir?”

“You have my blessing. But if I may ask…”

Right as he stood up, Manny widened his eyes slightly to make himself curious. Moving his hands from the table, he noticed Kenji staring at him once more. This time, there was a creeping glare within them.

“Why do you hold back?”

“You mean my strength?”

“Your anger.”

Manny felt his body heat rise. Noticing the change in tension, Kenji extended his right hand toward a nearby coffee mug. Grabbing the handle, he moved it toward his lips, and let the thick bitter liquid molest his throat. Pulling the mug away, he kept a firm grip on the handle.

“I could see the facade you built up, the mask you wear. You can fool your brother, your comrades, or even the world for that matter; but you can’t fool me.”

One of his hands, hidden from view, felt it tighten and strain with strength. The darkness shrouding it, it was like five nails were pinching on his skin. Having a crumbling smile on his face, he averted his eyes to the floor.

“I should be going sir.”

Walking toward the stone stairs, he pushed both of his hands into his jacket.

“Manny.” With one foot already on a stair, he didn’t turn his head all the way. Having a sideways glance, he had his head tilted down, and his eyes grazing against the chilling dark. “Instead of standing up for others, how about standing up for one’s self?”

Without giving him a nod, Manny began his climb toward the door. Hearing his boots thump the surface, hearing them trickle, it wasn’t long before he reached the door. His hand on the handle, his palm creased against the wood…

‘If only it were that easy.’ Opening the door, he closed it with gentleness. But as for the handle; there was a dent.

________________________________________________________________________

(Maiores 15, 55 / 1:44PM)

A day later…

His bulky yet youthful body drew in everyone’s eyes. From all ages, boys and girls and women and men alike, he was admired by all. His kindness unrivaled, his gentle nature the same as an ocean’s breeze, they also noticed the kids behind him.

The oldest of them looked to be a teen, his hair ruffled and ungroomed. Having a mean glare to him, he was a complete contrast to the bulky young man. As for the little girl, she wore a simple uniform that didn’t conform to feminine standards. And for the eight year old boy…

“Wow…”

His eyes sparkled across every building he glanced at. Having light brown hair, his body quivered in complete joy. With his older sister right beside him, she grabbed his hand, and locked her fingers tight.

“I want to go in the alleys!”

“Me too!”

“Hey now, what did I say about alleys? They’re too dangerous.”

“Yeah yeah yeah, where are we going anyway? I’m starting to fall asleep.”

The teen had his hands in his pockets, his eyelids slanted inward to make himself hardened. His back hunched forward, his pants were also loose, allowing people to catch a glimpse of his boxers. But knowing Christian, Manny let his outfit off the hook. Turning toward Pacifica and Chris, he had a smile to his face.

“It’s up to all of you on where we go. We could hit a shop, a museum, maybe even—”

“Home.”

“It would be a waste of our free day.”

“Don’t care. I’m already bored.”

“Ice cream! What about ice cream!”

“Yeah ice cream!”

Chuckling softly, Manny nodded to himself as he peered his eyes amongst the buildings. Noticing a little shop coming near, he traced the word, and he slowed his walk so the three of them were near.

“I think that’s the place.”

““Yay!””

“Boooo.”

Both Pacifica and Chris stuck out their tongues, making a bleh sound. Seeing their taunt, a small vein sprouted from his temple, and his left hand balled into a fist. Giggling to each other, they resorted to laughing.

“You guys think you're funny!?”

“They’re just kids Christian. Lighten up will ya?”

“Lighten up!? How about I lighten up their—”

“Quiet.”

Being in front of them, he opened the door to the little shop. Hearing the jingle of a bell, Manny was the first to lay eyes on the store.

To his left, were many small tables empty and unused. To his right, was a small line of frozen containers, all holding ice cream. In front of such a compartment, was a man wearing a white apron and sailor hat. He dribbled sweat from his cheek, as he took note of Manny and Christian.

“W-Welcome you four. What would you all like?”

“Vanilla vanilla!” Yelled Pacifica.

“Strawberry!” Yelled Chris.

The ice cream man began his work, as he wielded a large spoon. Opening the lid of the glass container, he thrusted it in, with Vanilla being first. While he prepared the two ice creams, Manny turned his eyes toward Chrisitan, who tapped his foot against the marbled floor.

“You know, you always craved ice cream when you were little.”

“Well I don’t.”

“Hey, nothing wrong with eating ice cream. Don’t tell me you think it’s uncool.”

Finishing up Pacifica’s scoop, the ice cream man dumped it into a little bowl. While he served her the bowl, she also received a little spoon. Now putting his eyes on Chris’s order, he began doing the same process.

Seeing Pacifica run toward one of the tables, it was close, but Manny noticed something from afar. Tucked away in a corner, were a group of men wearing striped collared shirts. Three of them were regular-humans, one of them was a bunny-human. Large belt buckles, necklaces strapped in gold, their pants were loose but not baggy. He moved his eyes away from the group, and onto the ice cream man.

“So about that group over there.”

“Do you know them?”

“No, but they look out of place. Really out of place.”

“No offense son, but you’re the last person to judge others.”

Manny whimpered a shy smile, as he lowered his head and rubbed the back of his neck. Feeling his shoulders slump down, Christian rolled his eyes.

“I-I’m sorry…”

“Look kid—well, you’re far from a kid, but they look harmless. Either that, or they look like they’re waiting for someone.”

“Do you know who?”

“I don’t know exactly. Look, I don’t get into people’s business. It saves lives, you know.”

Manny nodded, before pulling out his wallet from his hip. Opening it out in front of him, he began shuffling with the dollar bills. Calculating the total amount, he took out two dollar bills, and gave them to the man.

Christian let his eyes wander, most notably at the group in the back. He noticed them enter the bathroom. Their table stacked with suitcases, Christian smirked.

‘They look like they have spare pocket change.’

Pushing one hand into his pocket, he used his other to tap Manny’s shoulder. Turning around, Christian loosened that glare he had, and replaced it with a calm face.

“Hey so uhm, can you order me ice cream? Just chocolate.”

Manny felt his lips rise on his own.

“Of course.”

Turning toward the ice cream man, Manny began detailing the order, giving Christian a window.

Passing through Chris and Pacifica, their eyes trailed at each other rather than on him. Eating ice cream without a care to the world, they ignored Christian, while he reached the table. Turning his head to the left, no one from the group waited. With Manny talking with the ice cream man, and everyone else doing their own thing, he moved his eyes toward the suitcase.

‘Open sesame.’

Opening the suitcase… plastic wrappers hid away the material. Furrowing his brow, he moved his hands in, and took out a small bag of—black seeds. Taking a single seed from one of the bags, he analyzed it with brown eyes. Fully entranced upon its size, he shook his head, before—

“Watcha got there?”

Pacifica and Chris tugged his shoulder. His body jumped by the sudden startle, and he turned around to shoo them away.

“G-Go on! Get!”

He forgot he still gripped the plastic bag. Seeing that there was an opening, Pacifica thrust out her hand, and snatched it from his hand. Veins growing underneath his jaw, his cheeks blushed a hideous red.

“Give that back! Why you little—”

—“Who told you to peek?”—

Two men exited from the bathroom.

Christian, Pacifica, and Chris turned toward the bathroom door, to which it swayed open and closed. Chris and Pacifica huddle in the back of Christian. Having both of his hands already balled, he made the teen raise his lip.

“You got a problem?”

“Did you steal what we had?”

“And what of it?”

The ice cream man and Manny turned, and saw the commotion already brewing a storm. He felt his fingers dig deep, felt his palm cry under the stress his nails were giving them.

Two more men exited from the bathroom. As for one of the men who exited, he walked right up to Christian. He took a step back, while Pacifica pushed the bag into her pocket.

“Hell, it’s only a bunch of seeds. Don’t understand your possessiveness with gardening.”

“W-What the hell are you doing!?”

Manny got in between the two groups. The men took a step back, and analyzed the build of the young man. Trailing his body like a hawk, they witnessed the gleam of his muscles, along with the other kids. One angry teen, two cheery kids, some of them raised their lips up rather than down.

“Again!? Again again!? Why do you keep doing this!? Why!?”

“They didn’t have anything interesting to begin with. I could just return the stupid seeds.”

“That isn’t the point!”

Gripping Christian’s shoulders, the teen felt his muscles twitch and stress upon Manny’s fingers. So much that he bottled up, so much that he tried to maintain, it all boiled deep within his stomach. Christian as well balled his hands, and laid them near his thighs.

“Do you have any idea how much I go for you!? I bail you out seven times! Seven! How many more times am I gonna bail you out!?”

“Hypocrite.”

Both Pacifica and Chris widened their eyes. Hearing his words, Manny’s fingers loosened the grip he had on Christian’s shoulders. As the afternoon sun danced on their faces, only the group behind them tallied in darkness.

“I heard about what you did when you were my age. You used to fight in the alleys. Fought until your knuckles bled dry. For some reason, I’m a villain for doing the same things you did?!”

He felt a lump stall in his throat. Wanting to sway his head back and forth, he kept still enough for his eyes to quiver. He remembered those hands, the fingers he squeezed tight enough to pop bone.

Liquid gushing out from them, laughs crackling the air, his cheeks slowly grew within the darkness. So much so, the facade that he built up… loosened.

“You sounded cool! You sounded badass! Now you’re just some soft gentle giant with a—”

—A gunshot roared their ears.—

From the two kids’ throats, crippled shrieks blasted from their mouths. Hugging each other, the deafening gunshot dribbled their eyes to tear. For the first time in a long while, Christian paled his face. Looking like he wanted to run away, the only thing holding him back was the frozen Manny.

“From up close, they all look useful.”

Every follicle of skin was laced with sweat. Gawking his mouth, quivering his lips, Manny glanced down at the epicenter of his pain. Moving his hand toward his stomach, he felt something warm run down. Crashing his knees to the ground, it allowed Christian to stare forward. With jittering eyes, Christian trailed gunsmoke, all from a sidearm from one of the members.

“No witnesses.”

They all obeyed his command. Pulling out their pistols, they looked to be already loaded, leaving the three of them to take aim. Their barrels firm on the ice cream man, he wailed out tears. Buckled knees, jello-like legs, he failed to combobulate words with seizing—

Three bursts boomed the walls. Staining the window, 1/4th of the windows were stained red. Darkening the building, the ricocheting roars deafened the sound of the man’s clumped body. Once they moved their eyes away, they pinned it on Christian.

“You shouldn’t have messed with us, kid. We don’t take kindly to thieves.”

Pacifica and Chris littered soft tears, as their will to fight or run was a mere myth. Christian looked down at Manny, seeing how the wound created a little lake of his own blood.

“It may not be pretty where we live, but it would be fun for us, and maybe for all three of you.”

Blood vomited from Manny’s lips, as his throat startled in dryness. Struggling to keep his eyes open, he hunched his back forward, and scrunched the marbled floor with his fingers. Wanting to lift a slab, a tile at least, he was left to…

[Even the calmest of men have to stick up for themselves.]

It was like being struck by lightning.

One of the men, the leader of the group, grabbed Christian by his hair. Raising him up, he analyzed the build, the face of such an angsty teen. While the others gleamed at the two kids, the leader had his pistol low to his hip. And yet, it had the barrel aimed at the teen.

“You better not think of any funny ideas. Otherwise—”

The bastard was sent flying. Blood springing out of his mouth, it wasn’t until he landed against the other three. Toppling over like dominoes, they sprawled from the shock, with guns scattering across the marble.

In front of Christian, Pacifica, and Chris, was a tall burly man with squeezing breaths.

“Christian, get Pacifica and Chris out of here… protect them with your life.”

Blood ran down his chin, staining his skin red. Feeling the intensity of it all, the weight of such a command, Christian’s fingers succumb to the pins and needles his blood froze in.

“Manny…”

“For once and your life just listen… cough cough … I’ll hold them off. So it would mean a lot to me.”

The members began to groan, but it didn’t mean they were glued to the marble. Barely beginning to rise, some of them scanned the floor, and found their pistols far from reach. Manny loosened his shoulders, and chuckled a smile.

“Just run… go.”

He finally listened.

Grabbing both Chris and Pacifica’s wrists, the three bursted their way toward the door. Not looking back, Christian used his shoulder as a battering room, making the glass shatter. Tiny shards sprinkling on his skin, he took most of the impact, with small lines of blood riveting from his face.

Huffing with empty lungs, he barely had enough oxygen in his body. The bottom of his feet bulged and strained in such perpendicular muscles. But unbeknownst to the three of them…

—It would be the last time they saw him.—