“You guys, rescue me?” Dodger grinned at me. “Come on, let’s be serious. Sit down, this is a good story.”
Gia and I sat near the fire. The Runts who came in with us followed, and we all waited with wide-eyed with anticipation.
“After you and Gia ran off,” he began. “It occurred to me, as much as I enjoyed the company of this lil’ kid standing guard over me, I had to once again save the day. I wasn’t surprised, really. I mean, after all, I am The Artful Dodger. Saving days is just what I do. I decided my best course of action was to appeal to him in the friendliest of natures. He is just a kid after all, and with their leader off chasing you. It was easy to get this candy bandit to switch sides.” Dodger nodded at the boy smiling at his side, with specks of chocolate around his mouth.
“You didn’t,” I had to laugh.
“I did.”
Gia sighed loudly. “Seriously, my patience is wearing thin. What did you do?”
“I traded him my freedom, for the last Snickers bar in the world.”
It seemed to take a moment for Gia to process everything. “So wait, that’s it? That’s the story of your escape?”
“It was a great sacrifice,” he said.
I nodded in agreement.
Gia stared at him for a moment before a warm smile spread across her lips.
“Where’s Peter?” I asked.
“He’s still locked up. They wouldn’t let me see him without their little leader. I considered kicking all their asses, but I figured that’s more your thing.”
“Well,” I wanted to change the subject. “Take us to Peter!” I pointed to Gia, who held up her new spear. The children all jumped to their feet, looking at her in awe. A couple of the girls smiled; only one or two frowned.
“Whoa, she’s actually useful,” Dodger said.
“Just shut up! Before my new opinion of you changes,” Gia replied.
They both held each other’s eyes for a second, before Dodger smiled, motioning for us to follow. They led us deeper into the cave. Toys, clothes, and food made for annoying obstacles, barely visible in the dim light of a candle at the end of the cave. Two guards lay on the floor, spears lying abandoned next to them as they played with GI Joes. Behind them on a bench, shackled by his ankle, was Peter.
He smiled, and, as always, his broken lips that encased missing teeth shook me back to the realization that he was in fact just a mere child, for all his intelligence, conniving nature, and resourcefulness. It was easy to forget that he was only about thirteen years old.
“Who would have thought?” he said. “Dodger and Twist, my valiant rescuers!”
There was a shift in power, yet it wasn’t met with rebellion and civil war. No, at one point, Peter was their leader, then he was their prisoner, and now they were indifferent to him.
“What can you expect?” he told us over a plate of ramen noodles. “They are kids. They do what they are told or throw tantrums. In the end, they just need… want… someone to take care of them and make all the big decisions. James wasn’t all the way bad. He just had very different views on how the Runts should be led.” Peter spoke of the boy who had taken his power with no hatred.
Peter wasn’t a fighter; he was a thinker. So when James challenged him, the fight was over before it began. Gia tried to relinquish power back to Peter, but he stood by the word of his own laws. The only way that would happen is if they fought each other. And he was not willing to fight her, nor did he care to.
“Truth is, Twist, I don’t want to lead anymore. I was raised in a library; my parents were Shakespeare, Homer, Gaiman. James taking the spear from right under me showed me that I’m not fit to be leader. I’m smart, yeah, but can I fend off a wolf for one of these kids? Don’t get me wrong, I would, I’d die trying. But, in the end, where will that get them? After my real dad died, I took it upon myself to help all the kids who had nobody. I thought I could be their parent. I didn’t want them to feel the loneliness I felt.”
“What are you getting at?” I asked. “For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve done it all for these kids.”
“Yes, but I don’t need them to be my followers; I need them to be my partners. Times are changing, Twist, and we gotta get out of here. As soon as I mentioned this, my group was split down the middle. I don’t want them to go because I’m their leader. I want them to go because they want to.”
“Wait, what do you mean times are changing?” I asked.
“I know you feel it, you can’t deny it. Something isn’t right around these parts anymore and like the migration of birds come winter, I have to get us gone before the storm comes.”
“What the hell? What storm?” Dodger asked.
“I dunno, it’s the Empire and Brooklyn, they’re making big moves. You can only have two leaders play nice for so long before one gets greedy. A war is coming, and everyone out here’s going to be a casualty.”
“What makes you think there is anywhere you can go?” I asked.
He smiled, motioning for Dodger, Gia, and me to lean in closer. He took out a folded piece of paper and placed it on the table. A newspaper clipping. An ad for ten percent off a leather jacket. “One of the boys found this. Said a strange man came to town a while back, was talking stories that no one believed. Thought he was a drunk. My boy followed him around for a while, wasn’t long before a Suit gunned him down. After they cleared out, my boy checked the guy’s pockets. Found that, little else.”
“As interesting as that is,” Dodger said. “I’d like to talk about―”
“Look at the date,” Peter interrupted.
I picked up the paper and inspected the upper corner. January 11th, 2025. My mouth dropped. Peter nodded. “The world went to hell in 2015. Or so we thought. I’m thinking the whole world isn’t as screwed as the Empire would have us think.”
“You want to go out past the quarantine zone?” I asked. “That’s suicide.”
“Where’d this come from, Twist? Aren’t any ink presses I heard of in the city, and, if there were, they sure as hell wouldn’t be advertising sales on jackets.”
“Take us with you!” Gia surprised us all. “Look at this, Twist. He’s right, there’s no way it came from here. Everyone is always talking about the quarantine zones, but no one ever bothers to ask what’s outside. It’s like we are all brainwashed. We watch airships fly in supplies every day. Where from? Why is it so hard to believe civilization isn’t alive and well outside?”
“It’s all military out there,” I said. “Scientists trying to figure out a way to save us, the zone is meant to keep what’s out there out. For our own protection, we are the only people who the virus didn’t affect…”
“Or it’s meant to keep us in,” said Dodger. “Have to admit. It sounds pretty stupid when you think about it.”
“So what? You want to go out there, too?” I asked.
“Why not?” Dodger asked.
“Why not? Why not?” I looked around at each of their faces, seeking support. Because it was insane! No one ever passed the quarantine zone. The walls were put up around the city for our protection. It just wasn’t done…but why wasn’t it done? “Okay, let’s say we humor this idea. We still can’t go. Not until we get you that cure.”
“What cure?” Peter frowned.
We explained everything that happened up till the moment we reached Central Park. The whole time Dodger and I took turns speaking I noticed Gia’s mind wander. She had the look of someone lost amongst so many thoughts, it was impossible to grasp one clear idea. Already she was travelling beyond the borders. Would we really go with them?
“You’re right, no way can I tell you what’s in ya,” said Peter. “But I do have something that can help. Last I saw Smith, he was playing house with Red and her Tribe. Maybe a couple weeks ago, but I’m guessing she’d know where to find him. You can’t trust Stan and his goons, but if Smith has something they really want that bad, once you have it, you can bargain. And there is no greater thing to have than a bargainin
g piece.”
“Will you wait for us?” Gia asked, pleading in her eyes.
“What’s all this us stuff?” Dodger asked.
“Screw you, do what you want. I’m the holder of the staff, remember!” She pointed the spear in Dodger’s face.
“If you guys will come, it would mean a lot to us. We’d have a much higher chance at survival,” Peter said.
“So, you’ll wait?” Dodger asked.
Peter smiled with a nod. “Until it’s time to find the end of the world.”
I spent the rest of the night talking with Peter. Gia eventually fell asleep, and Dodger occupied himself playing ball with some of the Runts. Peter was concerned about Dodger having some alien virus in him. I assured him and myself that he wasn’t showing any negative signs, so maybe there was nothing to worry about. Eventually I fell asleep too. We would have to head out to Union Square and find the Tribe. But we all needed rest, and I saw no point in fighting the urge to sleep.
I wasn’t asleep very long; at least I don’t think I was, before I was awoken by stirring. It took my eyes a bit to adjust to the flickering light of the campfire. Everyone was asleep, Dodger lay holding a ball on his stomach while a group of children all cuddled around him. Other children were asleep in different corners of the cave, or wherever they collapsed. Peter was off, most likely keeping watch outside. But it was the sight of Gia sitting by the campfire that caught my attention. The firelight sent shadows dancing across her face and created a sparkling glimmer in her eyes. She looked so beautiful, almost angelic. She held the newspaper clipping in her hands, staring at it as if it held some secret riddle only she could answer.
“Hey,” I said, crawling over to her side. “What’re doing?”
She looked at me as if I were a second thought and held up the clipping. “It’s just so amazing, isn’t it? This had to come from outside the city, don’t you think?”
I cautiously took the paper from her hand and looked it over. “I don’t know. It’s a nice thought. But I just don’t understand it, why would they tell us the world outside is gone? What’s the purpose?”
“To keep us stuck here. Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, they are all run by egocentric maniacs. Maybe they just want to keep us all in the dark so they can continue to rule.”
“Ruling all this,” I waved my hands around us. “Doesn’t sound too appealing.”
She looked off into the fire; her normally hard demeanor seemed to melt away in the heat. She looked almost fragile, as if all her hope was hanging on to this one idea. And there I was, ruining it.
“But it would be amazing, wouldn’t it?” I added.
Her eyes lit up. “Yeah, can you imagine a place out there where you don’t have to worry about food or scavengers? People don’t have to suffer underground while rich spoiled brats live lavish lives in towers?”
“Yeah,” I said, holding up the clipping. “Where our biggest worry is deciding where to buy a jacket!”
She smiled at me, taking back the clipping. She hugged her legs to her chest, leaning her chin on her knees. “Come on, Twist! Ten percent off, there’s no deciding!”
“You really hate it here, huh?” I knew my question was stupid the moment I asked it.
“Don’t you?”
“I don’t know. Dodger and I, we just got so used to things, to our game, you know? It sucks, yeah, and I hate Tower Babies. But I guess we’ve grown content.”
She looked at me, with pity in her eyes and that hurt the most. I was at a loss for words. “You guys steal meds and give them to the poor, right?”
“Yeah. I mean at first we just did it for kicks. Stick it to the man, you know? It just drove me mad how those Tower Babies had it all while we suffered. Eventually we met Red. That’s the lady we are going to see tomorrow. Dodger made some deals with her, started picking the towers clean and selling what we took to her and her crew, The Tribe. Kept our stomachs full for a while, but then I started thinking, it’s still no different. People were still suffering while a select few prosper; only now Dodger and I were part of the privileged. So I talked Dodger into giving it all away.”
“I’m sure he jumped right on board.”
“He’s a good guy. I mean, yeah, it took some convincing. I think he was more attracted to the idea of becoming big time heroes. Started calling ourselves the Gutter Punks, got others in our crew, Smith, Lip, Jess… Preach. People started knowing our names. We got mad respect from the Downtowners, while Tower Babies started hatin’ Gutter Punks―we were a thorn in their sides. It was awesome! Just us now. It’s okay though. Dodger and I work best together. I don’t know, feels good knowing you made a difference, guess that’s why we got so content living this life. If we left, who’d help all those people needing it?”
She didn’t speak for a moment; instead, she gently put her hand on top of mine. It sent a shiver through my body. I was never good with girls; I had little interaction with them, and, for the most part, turned into an idiot around them. But now here I was talking myself up to what had to be the most beautiful girl I’d seen my whole life. She was impressed with me, and that made me feel as if I were on the strongest drug.
“That’s really something, you know? You two come off as a couple of jackasses, but look at all you’ve done. I admire that. But this life, it’s not for me; there has to be something else out there.”
“Well, if there is, we will find it together.”
We smiled at each other and shared a nod, a silent agreement that when all the Smith business was over, we would find out what awaited beyond the quarantine zone.
y sunup, the three of us were headed to Union Square. We walked out in the open, the airship following us like a vulture sure of our imminent death. The journey took half a day. Normally it would have taken a couple of hours, but Dodger was slowing us down. It was like he woke up with a bad flu. He was sluggish and broke into fits of coughing, tired quickly, and complained about his body aching. He still pushed on because he would never dream of being a weak link. So I purposely slowed my pace, making excuses to stop and catch my breath, just to offer him small moments of respite.
It didn’t help matters that we chose to travel during the day. The sun burned our skin, forcing us to cover up in layers, making us uncomfortable and hot. Part of me wanted to stay holed up until it was dark again, but Dodger insisted on going. He was starting to feel the symptoms and, with them, a renewed determination to find Smith and exchange what he had stolen for a cure.
So we marched on. Before long, we heard music in the distance. It seemed to travel through the streets, inviting us to follow like the Pied Piper, and all our spirits were lifted, if only for a moment. The Tribe. We picked up our pace and frantically ran uphill past empty buildings and abandoned blocks, following the music to its source. And, just over the horizon, there they were. Union Square was covered in multiple canopies, hastily strung up on trees and poles, creating the look of an old time circus, and, most importantly, a haven from the sun.
I never had the privilege of seeing a circus, but I imagined this is what one would be like. The Tribe was a nomadic group that wandered from place to place, occupying areas where Tower Babies were known to set foot. If not, they made sure to set up camps in plain sight. If you were lucky enough to live atop one of the wealthy towers, your view was more than once obstructed by The Tribe.
There was a mixture of sound as we wandered into camp, a constant drone of chit chat, along with laughter, and drums playing out of beat with tuneless melodies. People sat in circles eating fruit and telling stories. Others slumped over on the grass, empty bottles of booze not too far from their hands. Most of the men were heavily bearded, and skinny, their clothes frayed and thin. The women were like wild spirits dancing around, hair decorated with leaves, beads, and feathers. They wore dresses and loose-fitting shirts.
Walking into the camp was almost like walking into another world. These people were able to live in the middle of chaos and still find serene peace and happ
iness. Most of The Tribe lived off a natural high that accompanied a self-righteous way of life. The others, however, well, they were usually dosed out of their minds.
A shrill voice yelled from beyond the crowd. “Dodge! Twist!” We smiled in anticipation, knowing soon we would see a fiery redhead parting her way through a sea of followers to greet us. Red danced between two people who were lost to a silent tune and, with great skill, managed to grab three full drinks, twirling and laughing as she did. Her pale face was heavily decorated with red freckles, but what always stood out the most about her was her hair. It had a life of its own, always flowing, always dancing with the seducing wind, bright red, like a beacon to all who followed in her tribe.
“I’m so glad to see you boys!” She pushed the cups into our hands. “It’s been forever!” She twirled around, letting her dress flutter inches above the ground, bare feet dancing lightly as if she would float away any second.
“Hey, Red!” we both said, taking long sips of the cold beer. Froth tickled my nose, and the bitter taste tightened my throat. Dodger, on the other hand, had no problem guzzling his down as if it were his sole means of sustenance.
“This is Gia,” I said as Dodger pried my drink from my hands and chugged it down as well.
“Hi,” Gia eyed Red.
“Gia! Nice to meet you! Hold on, let me get you a beer!” Red ran off, quickly lost to sight in a crowd of men attempting to build a human pyramid.
“Is she always so excited?” Gia whispered.
“Yeah, it takes some getting used to,” I said.
“I heard all kinds of stories about her though. She doesn’t seem like the type to topple governments and lead rebellions. I could see her leading a bunch of children to the petting zoo, but rebels?”
“Don’t let her fool you.” Dodger wiped his mouth clean and stared at his empty cup like a friend betrayed. “She’s ruthless. Cunning. Wouldn’t think twice about slitting someone’s throat or stabbing someone in the back. She’s a sweetheart as long as you’re on her good side. But, God help you, if she doesn’t like you. She’d rally all these idiots up into stoning you to death. She’s a heavy proponent of the ‘you’re either with me or wrong’ way of thinking. Plus, did you see the butt on her?”
The Artful (Shadows of the City) Page 6