Gore City

"No matter what side of the law you are on, when it comes to revenge, there is no mercy. By R.J Torbert" I read to myself as I walked forward at a steady yet anxious pace. What a terrible quote..I thought. The two men leading me walked by my side and for the first time kept their distance. It had been a while since they last gripped my arms with their violent strength and grotesque hands, but, I had no reason to complain at this point. I was finally going to leave this hell hole after all, though I'd be walking right back into another in a few moments.

At the end of the hall, we had approached a door and the two men stood on opposite sides facing me. "Prisoner 045, you may enter." The officer on the left spoke in a strict tone. I stepped forward when the officer on the right placed his hand on my shoulder and spoke "Try not to give any more trouble out there Miss Bella. You wouldn't want to end up here again." He teased with a smirk on his face. I immediately threw his hand off my body as the room became warped and my vision went blurry. "Control....control......calm down." I thought to myself as I took deep breaths to slowly but surely, bring my panic to an end. In a state of awkwardness, I glanced at the officer and just kept walking through the doorway. A young lady greeted me with my belongings and guided me outside of the facility. It was almost like a novelty when I opened the door to the outside world. The feeling of the sun's warm light, caressing my skin. The touch of natural wind brushing against me as if guiding me to a far away place. At least, that's how I'd like to describe it. I had instead been greeted by a near-black sky due to manufacturing exhaust, streets so empty you'd think no one lived here, and lastly, the thing most noticeable about this city, the aura of violence. I had been in prison for 15 years of my life and soon, my 24th birthday would be coming. Most fucked up waste of time if you ask me, that prison has nothing to do with fairly punishing the wrongdoers in this world, but who am I to speak right.

I strolled through the streets on my way home, as I observed my surroundings. Rats around every corner manically fighting over any food they can find. Houses so broken down, you'd wonder how it could even be considered a living environment. Not to mention the-..... my eyes gazed in disgust as a small pool of blood leaked under the door frame of the house I was standing in front of. Casually shaking my head, I kept walking to avoid getting into any unnecessary trouble, as that could cost you your life in a place like this. On my way, I spotted a familiar shopkeeper whom I hadn't seen since I was 9 years old. "Hey Miss Baker..long time no see huh?" I greeted in a nervous tone.

"Good heavens, is that you Bella!? So they've finally let you out of that shit pit? You've really grown into a full adult now..a shame your growth had to be behind bars." She replied with sympathy in her voice.

"Oh c'mon granny, we don't need to talk about all that stuff. What about you? How have you held up all these years?" I replied changing the topic.

"What do you think Bella? We live in the City of Lejos. Not that we can even call it that anymore, the papers have been calling it Gore City these days and of course the scum of these streets have adapted the name just perfectly. " She complained as she carefully rolled up a new cigar. Despite her age, the old lady really does act like she hasn't even passed her teenage years.

"You got that right. A city where the upcoming population was so lawless that criminals and evils of all kinds decided to come here to live and thrive on the lack of fucks the government gives about this place. That's the only way I can describe it." I added as Miss Baker nodded in agreement, lighting her cigar.

Silence consumed the atmosphere in its jaws as the old lady took a big puff of her cigar, while I observed my surroundings further for the sake of my safety. "Bella.." she mumbled as my eyes slowly redirected to bring her into sight. "I know you must be missing him Bella..I'm sorry. But at least you-"

I quickly interrupted her having spent enough time in one place. "Thanks for the company granny. Sell me a water and a pack of cigs real quick, then I'll be on my way." I insisted. She reluctantly agreed and gave me my order as I strolled off to my house down the street. As I inched closer, the air seemed to feel thicker. Sweat broke out on my body and I started to feel lightheaded. My fingers shook against the surface of the doorknob collecting a noticeable amount of dust off it. All I need to do is open the door, just open...that's all...open...OPEN IT!!! CREEEEEK. The door swung open and everything I had previously felt disappeared in an instant. My panting took some time to recede but I eventually sighed and entered my house, taking in the memories of my childhood. The old wood creaked and crackled as I explored the interior of the house, trailing my hand on the dusty walls. In the corner of my eyes, I managed to spot a photo frame. My dad huh? Shit man..I really do miss him. What would he tell me right now? Fuck I need some sleep. After cautiously closing the door I lay myself on my old bed. The bed was really small and the springs were loud but...this felt like true home. Those were my thoughts as I drifted into slumber.

Meanwhile-

During my slumber, an unknown person stood a few meters away from my house. "Inhale....exhale....I see, so she's arrived." The mysterious person spoke wearing a gas mask.

To be continued-