The land was dark and desolate; a barren field with the only evidence of humanity being the rubble and debris of buildings as far as the eye can see. That was all the world was now; just shattered remnants of what once was. Humanity destroyed itself. It all started with the Gloom; it changed humans and made them evil and attack one another. First came the panic. Then the riots. After that the wars broke out and the anarchy until most of the humans were wiped from existence along with everything else which was blown to bits. Now, there's only few humans left who are struggling to survive.

 

A young boy of age five with markings of bones on his body and a sugar skull on his face was searching through the ruins of what once was a two story building. The Gloomified wildlife was too busy trying to kill another poor soul so the boy had time time to search for supplies. He needed some kind of medication for a dying man he called his father. With nothing but tattered pants and a satchel the boy was on his knees searching through the rubble for some kind of item he could give to his father so he could feel better.

"Por favor..." The boy sniffled, wiping away thick tears that ran down his face as he searched. The tears dampened the ends of his scruffy brown colored hair.

"Por favor... Por favor... Mi Papa..."

Edited March 17, 201510 yr by Awuwa7KH

Stiles was rather surprised at this revelation. This Jack and Cupid must have been the group Grim was talking about, it was pretty surprising seeing someone being reunited to another. This was probably the first time Stiles had seen a reunion. In this world, once you were separated, you're gone. Stiles attempted to stop Cupid from straining himself, but it was too late. Cupid was out the door.

Miguel listened intently to Time's words. He was surprised that after so many years Gloom was still clanging and evolving. Who knows, maybe Gloom will become the primary threat instead of humans again. "I heard stories like that." Miguel said. "Stories of people eating other people. Zombies. It was popular before the Gloom hit I think." He was caught off guard as he suddenly had someone basically tackle him and kiss him. He was shocked to see that it was Jack.

"Jack!" Miguel. "We were hoping to see you here!"

Nicholas instantly turned his head. He immediately recognized the voices and was surprised to see Jack here. "Jack!" Nicholas cheered, hugging him in Grim's arms. "You're okay!"

Jack kissed Nicholas' cheek. "Oh my baby boy you're alright I knew that it would be a great idea to have them stay with you!" Jack said smiling. "Jackie!" Ash said as she jumped for a hug, to which Jack cached and hugged. "We were worried that you guys wouldn't arrive, but we had faith!" Jack said smiling. "I've confirmed your friend her to be a Gloom Ghoul. He shouldn't be able to harm anyone as long as he doesn't infect the rest." Time said with a sigh. "You're free to walk around." With that, Time walked away. Grim looked over at Miguel and squealed. "Miguel, that means that we can get the supplies we need and live in the farm! We can make it an HQ, and grow crops, and live off the land. We'll fix it up and add rooms, and other stuff, we'll make it a home!" Grim said, rather excited about the idea. The thought of it alone was of great comfort. "Wait, you guys don't want to stay here?" Jack asked, surprised. "We found this small farm out there...we agreed on making it a small HQ and help out any people that are on their way here." Grim said smiling. "Oh...well then, you guys better get yourselves some supplies." Jack said as he settled Ash down, and then looked at Miguel. He crossed his arms. "I can even find you a ring to propose to Grim!" He teased.

Miguel felt rather bad at having to tel Jack that they weren't going too stay here at the camp. He didn't want to make Jack feel sad.

"Amigo... We will visit you! And you can visit us, too. We're nearby. You can see how beautiful the farm is. It's not too far from here, but you'll be walking for an hour. And good luck finding a ring! I a ring that wraps around the Earth can't even fit Guada's fat fingers." Miguel nudged Grim with a chuckle.

Nicholas slid out of Grim's hold and huffed Jack tight. He was so happy to be reunited with him again. "You can come with us..." Nicholas said with a frown. He glanced over at Ash. "And I'm marrying Ash when I grow up!"

Jack smiled. If Nicholas was wanting to live there too, it had to be good. "Oh I'll visit alright! If you're marrying Ash I expect you to be brave you know. Ash is a pretty tough little girl." Jack said. Just then, Cupid walked in. "What's up losers? You finally made it!" Cupid smiled. "Cupid!" Ash said as she ran up to him. Jack looked over at the two. "You guys found any trouble on the way?" Jack asked. "Not really. Besides gloom infested wolves." Grim said. "You didn't encountered the snakes then? Good." Jack said with a small sigh. "They've been trying to get in here. Luckily they've been unsuccessful. Even with their Gloom Ghouls." Jack said. "I would expect for rebel groups to try to enter. This place has a lot of worth." "Yeah, but we've developed a special group that fights against them and travels around in order to gain items to create medicine, and maybe even a cure. You two are some of the toughest guys I know. You two should totally join us for a while. Miguel can be your partner, Grim." Jack said. All of this confused Grim, and he simply waved his hands a bit. "We will think about it. Right now we just want to rest after a long walk." Grim said. Jack nodded. "Understood...but you guys are welcome to join. We're fighting for humanity, after all." Jack said. Grim nodded and hugged Miguel by the arm gently. "Though I think we will skip it and try to live normal instead."

Miguel agreed with Grim. The invitation was nice and all, however Miguel believed it was time to try to live independently, away from everyone. He was just so exhausted from being in groups now. He needed a break from a lot of people. He jumped forward and took Cupid in a playful headlock. "It's nice to see you again!" He said with a grin. "Have you learned any Españiol~?"

Nicholas hugged Cupid as well. He was so happy to see his old friends again. It partially made him want to stay, until he heard the word 'Snakes.' He felt his heart skip a beat, but he tried his best to ignore it. "I-I'm happy to s-see you..." He closed his eyes and hugged Cupid's leg while Miguel held him in a headlock.

Meanwhile Stiles left the storage room with quite a bit of supplies. He only took want he needed, and thanked Nature. He watched the scene going on before him with a smile on his face.

"I assume this is the people you have been looking for?" Stiles asked.

Cupid had to think about it. "Un poquito?" Cupid responded, smiling down at Nicholas and at Ash. "You two are alright! I'm happy to see you all as well." Cupid said. "Why are you using crutches?" Ash asked. "Well because this idiot forgot how to use a gun and shot himself in the foot." Jack said, Grim holding in his laughter. "Hey! It was a very confusing weapon!" Cupid said in his defense. "Anyways, like Jack said, if you guys are going to live outside, you better take some equipment with you. Weapons and other equipment that might be useful for you guys. Especially if you're planning on making additions to that farm." Cupid insisted. Everyone then turned to Stiles, and Grim smiled. "Yes! They're the group that I was with before finding my brother back." Grim said. Jack stood up next to Grim and nudged him. "Grim and I met at the auction. We were bought by the same people and ended up sharing a box." Jack said. "I remember. It was so uncomfortable. We had to stay in that box for six hours until we reached our destination." Grim said with a sigh. Cupid hugged Ash and Nicholas. "Hey, you two always mention that auction thing, what's that about?" Cupid ask. Grim and Jack looked at each other. "Um...we'll explain when the kids aren't around." Jack said. "That'd be best." Grim agreed without hesitation. "Where's Patrick anyway?" Grim asked. Jack and Cupid frowned. "He didn't make it with us. We were chased by Gloom Infested Elk, now turned cannibals and carnivorous. Patrick stayed behind to ward them off and well...you can guess what happened." Jack explained. Grim felt part of him suddenly become empty. "I...I see..." He muttered. Jack quickly thought of something. "Hey, but why don't you show them the way to the weapon storage? They'll need the weapons. Better get ready now. I'll watch over the kids." Jack insisted. "Oi, yes! Come on you losers, this way." Jack said as he showed them the way. He led them to the storage facility, up a floor to the weapon area. The weapons varied from bows and arrows to guns and shot guns. It was ready for an army to take it for war. "We're trying to be a peaceful society, but we always hoard materials and items." 

Nicholas looked down at the news. He loved Patrick and wished he could have seen him. But that was to be expected in a world such as this. At least Cupid and Jack was okay. Nicholas hugged Cupid's good leg.

"I'm sorry about your leg..." He said, giving his wound a kiss. "My mommy... Uhh, they say if you give a kiss on someone's boo boo it'll make them feel better."

Stiles placed his hand on Grim's shoulder as he could tell that Grim was sad at the news of his departed friend. He decided to follow along as well to the armory. Once they got there, Stiles looked around very impressed. He peered through some boxes and shelves to look for bullets for his sniper rifle.

"This is very impressive." Stiles said.

Miguel put his palm on his face with a chuckle. "That's... A start. Muy bien." He patted Cupid's back. Once he went with Grim and the rest to the armory, Miguel looked around as well.

"Can I take a machete?" He asked.

"Sure thing. Many of the people here aren't the fighting type anyways...we've just been hoarding." Cupid said with a shrug. "The goal is to make this place a peaceful society, away from the unruly groups that have been taking over the rest of the place. The last thing we want is get into a war." Cupid said. Grim searched around and found a modern bow with many arrows. "This could be good for hunting." Grim said. He also took a revolver and some ammo for it. It reminded him of his old revolver, and he was more used to it than anything else. "We're sure to survive. I'll ask for normal tools such as hammers, nails and an axe and we're good to go and ready to fix up our HQ." Grim said rather joyfully. "You guys sure have it planned out!" Cupid paused and pouted at Grim. "You haven't told me what the Auction is, Grim. The kids aren't around, what is it? Spill it! Is it like some grand games or something?" Cupid asked as he walked closer. Grim looked at Cupid. "I keep forgetting you weren't in a camp," Grim turned back and started to play with a bullet in his hand. "The rebel groups have formed sort of like a monarchy. Each group its is own kingdom. But with supplies in circulation, every year the Snakes hold what is known as the Auction. Where the groups come together, and they fairly trade each other goods that they want or need." Grim flicked the bullet and cached it. "Jack and I were items at sale. I was worth up to my weight in ammunition and deer meat." Grim explained. "You were sold around?! What would they need to buy you anyways? Not much you can use a human besides labor." Cupid said. Grim held the bullet until he bent it. "They used me for labor alright. Just not the type you're thinking. Once you're auctioned off you can't do anything. You're sent off as property and they do whatever they want. They touch you how they please and-" Grim stopped as he dropped the small bullet."...I'm going to find some tools." With that, he walked away.

Miguel crossed his arms and looked at Cupid all while shaking his head. "You really couldn't figure it out on your own?" Miguel asked quietly. He watched as Grim walked away and after a few minutes he went to look for him.

Stiles sighed. So that really was what an Auction was. He heard the stories, and have known survivors that we're apart of Auctions in the past. He could only imagine how horrible it was, and what they would do to you. He didn't like thinking about it at all. He understood why Grim had to walk away. He was going to stop Miguel from going after Grim, but stopped. "It must haunt him at night..." Stiles muttered to himself.

Cupid stammered, not knowing what to say. Both Jack and Grim were easily the cheeriest people of their group. They were the jokers, the one who made the children laugh and fall asleep. "I didn't know..." Cupid muttered. Meanwhile Grim was at the room next door, picking up boxes of nails and hammers, a shovel, and other building materials that they might need, but not too much. As his body moved his mind wee somewhere else, thinking of the question and the answer. The Auction was both the greatest, most anticipated and most dreaded event. It was like a secretive festival. Only the bosses of the groups and their reliable men got to go to bring and carry the merchandize. The Snakes made sure that each item for bid was prepared and organized. It was like something out of a movie, a dream. The living merchandize was dolled up, their hairs fixed and done, cleaned and fitted, but stripped. Some for labor, others for organs, others for sinful deeds and desires. Grim glanced up as he heard footsteps. He turned to see Miguel. "I'm picking out some building materials. A shovel too." Grim said smiling, looking back down. "I'm glad I was taken away instead of you, you know. I protected you from that, at least."

"And I wish I could have been the one to have gotten auctioned off instead." Miguel said with a soft smile as he began to search idyly through random materials. He didn't know what else to do with his hands. After a few minutes, Miguel had a thought in his head. "I never told you about mi madre..." He muttered under his breath. Honestly he had forgotten a long time ago, as soon as Death adopted him. He hasn't thought about his mother at all. He hardly even remember before he was adopted. But now, he wanted to share his past with Grim.

"I was in some kind of group... I hardly remember it... But mi Papa took me, and this older boy and my Mama out. I hardly remember it because I was so young... But they were bad people. Every time I asked my Papa who the group was or what happened before, he would never tell me. If I annoyed him enough, he would only say 'they did a lot of bad things, and I left because they hurt your madre in the worst way possible.' The older boy got infected with Gloom and killed my Mama in front of me... All I remember is just her brown hair and the color red. After that, he was going to kill me but he killed himself... I don't remember who he was, but my Papa cared about him a lot. He loved him like he loved me... I thought maybe he was a cousin or something but I don't know..."

Grim gripped the axe. "Maybe it was your brother?" Grim asked as he stood up, looking at Miguel with a small shrug. "I mean, there could he a possibility that you could have had a big brother, and that you lost him due to the Gloom...I kind of now wish dad would've asked your dad more questions back then, maybe to have a bit of answers." Grim muttered as he settled down the axe. "At least you have a vague memory, right? I don't think I have a description of my mom. Only that I had her hair and eyes. But that was it..." Grim paused and looked up at Miguel smiling. "Miguel. Lets make your parents proud. I won't let you die young. I promise you and them to protect you and to make sure you live a full life." Grim said, not a moment later throwing himself onto Miguel for a hug. "You're my only familia left. I love you."

Miguel wasn't expecting the sudden gesture. After a few moments Miguel only closed his eyes and smiled, returning the hug to his dear brother. He held him close, never wanting to let go.

"And I promise the same thing..." He whispered softly. "We're going to look after each other now, sí? Té quiero. I don't care who that boy was... You're my one and only hermano. And I'll do anything to be with you... We're going to make Papa proud too. And our Mama." He wished Grim's mother could have been alive for a part of Grim's life. Miguel wondered if she would love him as she loved Grim. He imagined Grim's mother letting him paint her face and helping her with anything she needed help with. Miguel wished that there was at least some sort of picture of her that he could give to Grim. "I love you so much..." He whispered, tears forming in his eyes. He never wanted to let go.

Grim smiled. Even if he didn't know his mother, if his father was nowhere around any longer, if the world fell apart, as long as he had his brother, the world was complete for him. "We won't be separated so easily, ok?" Grim said as he pressed his forehead against Miguel's, smiling as he did so. He kind of wished this moment could last longer. It felt great. When suddenly, "You two should kiss!" Jack cheered from the doorway, Ash and Nicholas beside him. Jack smirked down at the two kids. "Right? If they get married you two would be the man and maid of honor too!" Jack said rather excitedly. Grim pulled Miguel even closer, wrapping his arms around Miguel's waist. "As if you'd ever see me in a suit." Grim said, turning to the two. "We found tools to fix up the farm. We'll be harvesting our own food in no time." Grim said. "Really?!" Ash gasped smiling.

Miguel nodded as he happily agreed with his brother. Nothing in the world could ever separate them from each other. Not even death. Miguel was about to say something too until Jack came in. Miguel rolled his eyes. "And you guys won't definitely ever see me in a dress. Never."

Nicholas tilted his head in curiosity as he watched the exchange between Miguel and Grim.

"Best man and maid of honor? What's that?" Nicholas asked. "Best man sounds nice... But I'm not a man yet though... And isn't being a maid a bad thing?" Miguel chuckled at Nicholas' naivety.

Ash crossed her arms. “It’s a title! It means I’m the best friend of the bride! Same goes for you but for the groom!” Ash said. Jack laughed at the thought of Miguel in a dress. “You would nail it, just saying!” Jack said with laughter. Grim laughed a bit too. “I’m not going to comment anything~” He muttered between giggles. “But if you two want to get married it can totally happen without the whole dress. Besides…I have something to offer you.” Jack said with a serious glare. “You know, the Auction is going to begin soon…and its actually pretty close by…how about we cause some trouble?” Jack asked with a small smirk. Grim stared. “You can’t be serious?” He asked. “We have explosives here, something they don’t. We can sneak in pretending to be servants of someone’s group, and while everyone’s distracted we set up the explosives and run off as everything goes up in flames.” Jack offered.

Miguel joked around, picturing Grim and himself in a dress. Both images was completely silly. Jack then proposed the lovely idea of crashing an Auction. He had to admit he loved the idea of wrecking things and stirring up trouble, but now he had other things to worry about. "I want to join, but what if things go wrong? There's so many things to think about... We could get captured or killed, or they could trace us back to here..." This was the first time where Miguel was actually taking time to think about a decision. Usually he would just go and do what he wanted which was usually the bad choice no matter how stupid and foolish it was. Could this be because he had the children to think about?

Nicholas nodded. He never really understood the customs and the traditions of the world before Gloom. He heard stories of it, but most of it he never understood. He didn't understand how children worried about what their getting for Christmas and whatnot instead of worrying about if they're going to live the next day? He didn't understand how people were so caught up in silly things like celebrities and whatnot when there was so much other things to worry about. A part of him wished he could be like that. He wished he could be ignorant of the horrors of the world like many people were before the Gloom had hit.

"That's the thing. They know this place is peaceful, so if we just get disguises and blend in, they will think the attack was done by one of the other groups. They will end up tearing each other to pieces!" Jack said. Grim had to admit, he loved the idea. "They'll recognize us, though. Especially me, hello?" Grim said as he showed off his braid. "That's where Miguel comes in. We dress up Miguel and all he had to do is pretend that he owns us, and we play our part. The Auction is a mess as it is, no one will be paying attention to anything other than the prizes at hand. You know that you want to, Grim." Jack offered. Grim was in thought. It could help. If they could ruin the Auction, they could pretty much end it and have the groups of rebels kill each other in a frenzy while the real culprits ran off. "If it could help stop the trade, I would like to help out." Grim said. Jack twisted his fingers slightly. "You know that if you do join, though, things might get a little...touchy." Jack warned. Grim tilted his head. "It's fine. If we can stop it, then its worth the risk." Grim said, turning to Miguel. "I want your opinion, though."

Miguel didn't answer at first. Honestly he didn't really know how to feel about it. He thought it was a terrible idea and he didn't like it, however he wanted to help Grim get revenge on the Auctioneers. At the same time, he didn't want Grim to revisit such a terrible place again. They just got back together; Miguel didn't want to risk being separated again.

"I don't know..." Miguel muttered. If they had asked him a while ago, Miguel would have immediately agreed and would have entered the Auction with guns blazing. But now this was different. Miguel was different. "They might recognize me too... Especially if the Wolves are there. If they do they're going to be after me. I don't know, Guada. I don't want to be separated from you again."

Jack looked over almost whimpering. Grim quickly interviewed. "Please give us time to think about it, Jack. It's been a long day for us." Grim said. "Agreed...your bedrooms have been assigned to room number 358 at the Stanley Hotel. That's where everyone's staying until they settle down. The kids can stay with the other children or stay with you guys." Jack said. Ash quickly made her opinion know. "I want to stay with Miguel and Grim!" She said. Jack gave a nod. "Then I won't separate you or go against it...just do think about it, Miguel, Grim." With that, Jack walked away. Grim smiled gently at Miguel and at the kids. "Let's head to that room then? We can discuss everything else there, in privacy." Grim said, kissing Miguel on the forehead as he offered his hands to the kids. Ash quickly took it.

Miguel frowned as Jack walked away. He felt pretty badly for being unsure at the moment, but he really didn't know if he wanted to do this. Miguel was thinking about possibly letting the kids have their say in the matter. After all, if it was it wasn't for the kids Miguel would have said the hell with it and would have ran right ahead to storm the Auction. Miguel smiled slightly as he accepted the kiss. This whole series of events confused Miguel. Not too long ago he was an empty being, a demon almost, ruthlessly destroying everything in his path. That's what earned him the name of "El Diablo." But in a matter of minutes after seeing his brother again Miguel was a completely different person reformed by newfound love that was lost so long ago. It confused him, this sudden change.

Nicholas immediately took Grim's hand and held his arm tight. He wasn't one to listen to conversations, but he really didn't like the idea of what Jack just proposed.

"Don't go..." Nicholas said softly, almost sternly. "I don't like it here. I want to leave now." He really didn't want to stay any longer. There was just so many people here and he could barely handle it all.

Grim looked down at Nicholas as he walked with him. "Hmm...alright, I'll tell Jack that we won't be joining in this time." Grim said as he rubbed Nicholas' head. "We'll just stay here for the night and leave back to the barn tomorrow. Does that sound good?" Grim asked. "Sounds good to me!" Ash said. The group went ahead with their stuff to their assigned room. It had two beds, well, two mattresses. The rest were pillows, bed sheets and space. It had a balcony with a nice view though. "See? It won't be so bad. Tomorrow we ask Stiles what he is going to do and we head back to the barn, ok? Sounds like a plan. Right, Miguel?" Grim said, wanting to assure the small child. As much as he wanted revenge on the Auction, he had to think of the kids first, as he had come to love them as his own. "You know, Nicholas, cities like these used to be much more populated than what it is right now. People everywhere at every time of day was a normal thing. According to dad, there would be so much people it was a pain to deal with the traffic. Especially in the schools, where you would bump shoulder to shoulder with other students to get to class." Grim explained. He wished his dad was here now. He would've loved to tell the kids stories.

"That sounds terrible..." Nicholas muttered sadly as he let himself plop on his bed. The thought of even more people just sounded horrible. Although he had to admit there was once a point in his life where he wanted to be around as many people as he can. But that desire was destroyed when he encountered the horrors of humans in camps. He hardly liked anyone. Only close people who showed him true kindness. The bed he laid on was so soft he almost thought he was going to fall through as an object would fall through a cloud.

"This is what a bed feels like... It's so soft..." He almost drifted to sleep.

Miguel happily looked outside the room. He could get used to an actual room. If only. "Right!" Miguel agreed with Grim. Miguel went and sat on the other bed, and he almost sank through it too. "Damn... Dios mio I think we've arrived at haven on Earth... Should I sleep with Nicholas on that bed and you and Ash sleep on this one? I bet she would love to sleep with you. Plus, if we sleep together I'll probably kick you off the bed with how little room we'll have."

Grim settled down his backpack with the supplies and stretched. He smiled at the fact that Nicholas was already at the verge of falling asleep. "Sounds like a good idea. You've always been a kicker when it comes to sleeping." Grim said as he walked over to the balcony, taking a look as the sun was setting down and night was rising up. Ash yawned and walked up to Miguel, crawling up next to him on the bed before curling against him. The moment she closed her eyes she focused on Miguel's warmth and quickly fell into deep slumber. Grim smiled at the scene. "You know we're basically parents now." Grim said as he walked back inside. He wondered if Nicholas would've ever adjusted to live in a big city full of people, like in times before the gloom. Maybe. But with hesitation. Thankfully the life that they expected for themselves wouldn't be too loud. Grim pulled the curtains of the balcony, and laid down next to Nicholas, careful not to squish or wake him. "Let's forget about the Auction," Grim said, his initial excitement of it gone. "I don't want to go there anymore."

"You sure?" Miguel asked. He still believed that Grim wanted to go. "At the end of the day, it's your decision and your choice... I don't want to take your chance at acting out revenge." Miguel took some time to think about that word. Revenge... Revenge played a big part in the world, as it always did. In most camps including the Wolves, it was an eye for an eye. It was a vicious terrible place. And sometimes revenge was what mostly everyone lived by. Most of the times, it only caused more grief and trouble than what it's worth. Miguel sighed softly and laid back in bed. He held Ash close to his chest almost like a lion would protect its cub. "Yeah, Padres..." Miguel uttered. "I can't believe you and these children changed me so much in a matter of a week... A month ago I was... Killing other..." He was going to continue, and say children but he decided not to. "People."