The Mundane and the Magic

1336 Words

Every clock strikes three in unison, followed by a resounding chime that signifies not a positive event, but rather a monotonous signal that Richtofen had just shot his future self point-blank in the face.

The German steps off the teleporter platform, his leather boots crushing the grit as he strides forward, his expression utterly impassive as he looks down upon his older self pooling in his own blood with sheer disgust for his dastardly ways. Despite feeling a sense of mental relief at having completed the first and most crucial step in securing the betterment of the universe, he is also pleased to have eliminated a lurking horror of a man he was supposedly destined to become from his conscience.

However, it seemed that only the German perceived the positive aspect of this vengeful deed. The others stand scattered around the murder scene, none of them gratified by what they had witnessed.

"You're sick, Richtofen." Dempsey expresses himself assertively, with a visible look of disdain on his face that Richtofen chooses to ignore.

Richtofen countered, practically growling back at him, "I did what was necessary."

"Yeah, sure." Dempsey feigned his belief with a dramatic eyeroll.

Prior to this, Richtofen had finally informed them of their mission in greater detail during a time when they had a break for the night. He delved into almost all aspects of the potential outcome if they followed the plan accordingly, as well as warning them of the challenges they were yet to face, and the upheaval if things went wrong.

They all listened intently, and surprisingly with no one adding their input. Although, Richtofen knew it was difficult to sound sane when you were practically describing the collapse of the entire universe if you so much as dropped a pin at the wrong place and time.

Yet Richtofen had not fully convinced them that this current step was essential, as he always seemed too shifty in the presence of a certain someone, especially as he holds the secret that this person was informed of the basis of the plan before the rest of them.

And it was (Y/n).

The chiming of clocks briefly stilled the air when they stopped all together, instead causing an unpredictable tension to rise between the men just moments after that single bullet was fired.

Richtofen had knelt beside the corpse of his former self, and the men watched him just as (Y/n) was. Although, they chose to turn their backs when he began rummaging through the pockets of his uniform, not caring for what more he had to do.

However, (Y/n) was unable to avert her gaze, despite the horror contouring her features as Richtofen deliberately placed his hands on the body, retrieving a couple of vials from his jacket before rising and intentionally stepping over the corpse, leaving it to drown in its own blood gushing from the bullet wound between its eyes.

As Richtofen moved away from the body, his gaze fixated on her. His stare was cold, yet (Y/n) noticed a subtle change in his otherwise impassive expression as his brows furrowed slightly and his lips momentarily formed a straight line, almost conveying a sense of awkwardness or a feeble attempt at an apology for what she had unwillingly been exposed to.

But there was no time for contemplation as an alarming cacophony of hissing and screeching filled their ears, prompting everyone to assume a defensive stance.

"This building is not secure." Nikolai asserted as he advanced, shotgun in hand. "We must go!"

His articulation was gruff due to his pronounced Russian accent, but he was undoubtedly correct. Judging by the intensity of the shrieks and piercing screams, the impending invasion of undead would render it virtually impossible for all five of them to escape unscathed.

The structural integrity of the facility had deteriorated significantly, rendering it incapable of withstanding a light snowfall. Given the extended duration of the fivesome's occupation, which spanned weeks, the situation had become dire.

"We must relocate to higher ground." The Russian commanded.

Recognising the gravity of the situation and the absence of alternative survival strategies, the group unanimously complied with the Russian's directive. They promptly initiated their ascent to safer locations.

Anticipating the potential for the crew members to become separated, Richtofen issued a clear instruction. "Proceed to teleporter C! We are leaving!"

As (Y/n) navigated the perilous environment, a barricade collapsed beside her. A decayed, grasping hand emerged from the debris, narrowly missing her hair. In a swift and decisive manoeuvre, Takeo intercepted the zombie's attack, severing the arm with a single strike of his katana.

Without pausing to express gratitude, (Y/n) swiftly joined Takeo in pursuit of the rest of the crew.

The were only few locations around the facility that were secure from ambush, albeit rather small. A few had hastily departed when the area became congested, leaving (Y/n) and Takeo to remain side-by-side.

Retreating across platforms as undead creatures charged directly at them and sprinting through corridors before hordes could encircle them from both ends caused them to perspire profusely despite the frigid temperatures.

On several occasions, they lost their footing as the sheet of ice on the ground acted as a deadly trap, and (Y/n) found herself caught when her foot slipped out from under her, causing her to stumble and fall heavily into a barricade. She was unable to break her fall and injured her arm on a piece of wood that protruded like a blade, tearing a portion of her sleeve in the process.

Takeo had observed with a flash of concern as (Y/n) scrambled to her feet, drawing his katana to protect her from the approaching zombies. Fortunately, their destination, the teleporter, was not far off.

Proceeding through an underpass, the facility situated at the rear of the premises came into clear view, where Nikolai and Dempsey were spotted clearing hordes from inside the building, presenting an opportune moment for a swift escape.

As (Y/n) glanced over her shoulder, she noticed a decrease in the number of zombies. The rapid gunfire from the two men behind her had slowed, but the horde approaching her, and Takeo remained substantial.

The crew retreated into the building, unleashing a barrage of bullets upon the seemingly endless stream of creatures.

Amidst the chaos, Dempsey's voice boomed, "Where's Richtofen?!"

(Y/n)'s eyes widened in shock as she quickly scanned the building's surroundings.

The Doctor's absence caused significant distress, leading to a surge of apprehension and disturbing mental imagery involving his potential demise at the hands of the undead, hindering (Y/n)'s ability to concentrate on eliminating the imminent threat posed by the approaching hordes.

"We can't leave without him!" She exclaimed, her voice betraying a sense of urgency. "We need to hold them off until he- "

A male figure, clad in a soiled waistcoat and shirt, emerged from a small opening within the zombie cluster, barging his way through. His attire stood out amidst the uniformity of the undead. Richtofen stumbled forward, hastily regaining his balance and inevitably kicking bullet shells as his arms flailed dramatically.

Richtofen's appearance prompted the group to proceed towards the teleporter, but (Y/n) remained steadfast until the German reached her.

As Richtofen approached, his arm instinctively extended to guide her alongside him, to which she complied.

They arrived at the teleporter together, and Dempsey instinctively extended his hand to grasp hers, failing to notice her wounded arm as he drew (Y/n) to stand in the centre of the group. Although, his action went unnoticed as he called out,

"Get us outta here, Doc!"

Richtofen promptly activated the machine seemingly with the snap of his fingers. The device emitted a sequence of indiscernible sounds as a surge of electrical energy coursed through its intricate mechanisms, causing the ground beneath their feet to vibrate intensely. A brilliant flash of purple light enveloped them, and in an instant, they vanished, leaving only a wisp of smoke to dissipate from the machine as it transported them to an unknown destination.

To be continued...