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

Jacko smiled softly. "Your stubbornness impresses me every day more." Jacko chuckled. He hummed. "Well there are other jobs that you guys could do besides farm work. We have guard duty, accounting for materials, mining, outside exploration, missions, harvesting, helping out the doctors, washing clothing and other stuff..." Jacko went on. "That's a lot." Ash murmured. "It is a lot because we are a lot of people. If we hope to survive and reform society then we have to help out as much as we can. Together people can do a lot. Alone, not as much." Jacko explained. He huffed, looking at Miguel. "But I think Miguel here would be too lazy for any of that...unless you want to go to the fight club and try to gain your winnings there." Jacko winked. He gasped. "You can help me cook!"

Miguel immediately shook his head. He only cooked for himself and for his family. Even then his cooking easily wasn't the best. Honestly he just wanted to go to sleep for the rest of the day. Grim and Nicholas ended up sleeping in after all. Why couldn't he?

"Hell no... How about just yknow walking around and stuff. But that fight club sounds interesting though... I wouldn't mind beating a few culos." He ruffled Ash's hair once more. "Would you like to see me beat a few culos? I'd dedicate every win to you nena~"

Ash gasped and clapped her hands. "Yeah! I want to see you beat people up!" Ash said with a squeal. "What a great example." Jacko joked. He smirked. "Follow me." With that, he led the two across the city, and into an old looking warehouse that was covered with wild plants and rust. From inside you could hear chanting and cheers. When they wntered they saw this big crowed surrounding a makeshift arena. Soldiers and citizens were fighting against each other, people betting different kinds of things, from rations to curious they had found around and were using for currency to bet on. "This is it. You can right here. All you have to do is follow the rules and you should be able to have a bit of fun." Jacko explained with a smile. "Friday nights are really fun though, because that's when we all watch the Ghoul Hounds fight against each other for title of top dog. The current leader is Krampus followed by May. She keeps trying to beat Krampus, though." Jacko went on. "I wanna fight!" Ash squealed. "Sorry kiddo, but Miguel will have to fight for you until you're big enough." 

Miguel was completely impressed and delighted at such and arena. Already be wanted to go right in and beat the s*** out of some pendejos inside. He was willing to take on just about anybody. Even Ash was ready to go. But for obvious reasons she couldn't fight. Miguel looked down and patted her head with a chuckle.

"Don't worry. Like little sissy over here said; I'll fight for you. Then when you're big and strong you can fight for yourself. We'll all be proud of you." He looked over to Jacko. "I'll fight the hounds on Friday nights! I don't care if I don't for a tail out of mi culo or wings or anything! I'll beat them all."

Jacko smirked. "Is that so? Then lets wait until the sun starts to set." Jacko suggested, his eyes staring intently out the window. "Because today is Friday. However, you can always wait around by fighting." Jacko began to drag Miguel across the crowd. "Hey boys! Sign this guy up for the tournament! His name is Miguel!" Jacko called over. "Oh thank goodness just in time! We were missing one more person!" One of them called over. "The rules are simple. You have to fight the competitors, and the last one standing wins." Jacko explained to Miguel. "Heh? This kid is going to compete with us?!" "Never seen him before." "He's the kid from the bull earlier!" "That's right! His name is Miguel, and he's the brother of that new Ghoul Hound that was signed up a few days ago. The one that doesn't have a codename yet." Jacko explained. He picked up Ash in his arms. "Well, then, Miguel, are you ready to fight?" The announcer asked, smiling as the crowed began to cheer and look up at Miguel with glee.

Miguel wasn't really prepared for a fight. Actually, what happened just now left him very dazed and confused. Was it really Friday? What? Huh? He's in the tournament already? He has a match already? Partially everything Miguel had said earlier was smack... But now he had to turn those words into action. He looked over to Ash and gave her a big smile. Do this for her. It was all for her. For her, Nicholas, and Grim. He could totally take on these guys.

"Vamanos!" Miguel called, running onto the arena and taking his shirt off as well as his shoes. He threw them off to the side. "If it's a fight you want it's a brawl you'll get!"

Jacko couldn't help but to gently facepalm at Miguel's excitement for the fight. It was both his charm and his flaw. "What the heck is Ash doing in a place like this?" Jacko glanced up to see Befana and Jack standing there. "Oh hey guys." Jacko waved. "Miguel is going to kick some @$$!" Ash squealed, much to the group's dismay. "This can't possibly be good." Befana murmured. "Oh relax! There isn't even weapons involved! He should be fine." Jacko insisted. "Lets hope so. We still don't know how the gloom will act up in his body. It could turn out to be really really good...or really really bad." Jack explained. However it wouldn't do them any good, as they rang a bell and one of the many men in charge of guard duty stepped into the ring, getting ready to fight against Miguel. "You know the rules! Hand to hand combat! No biting or scratching!...BEGIN!"

Miguel nodded as he listened to the rules. Hand to hand combat? Perfect. No scratching or biting? Well he didn't like that part but he could manage. As soon as the battle began, Miguel immediately leaped forward to fight. As a fighter, Miguel was more of a wrestler. He threw his arms around the opponent's waist, threw him to the and got into of him. From there he proceeded to try and get the enemy in a headlock. Who needed scratching and biting when you had headlocks? Best part was that Miguel could pull of a really tight mean headlock.

The soldier did his best to try to get out of the headlock, but it appeared it was futile as he tried to kick Miguel, but wasn't flexible enough to reach him. The crowd cheered for the newcomer. Jacko, Jack, Befana and Ash watching from their seats. Befana seemed to scoff ever so slightly. "Men." She muttered. "Well that man is doing pretty good for his first fight in the ring." Jack added. "He is pretty good..." Jacko admitted. Ash cheered in her own way. "Go Miguel Go!" She squealed. "He's not showing any side effects either. Do you think that he might be immune too?" Jack asked. "Two immune that happen to be siblings? That would be a miracle." Befana admitted, but she still could not take her eyes off Miguel. "...but not impossible." "That would mean that he could be a Ghoul Hound too." Jacko smiled. "Yeah." Jack's smile then flattened. "But...they want to escape, don't they? From this city? They want to be able to live outside and on their own and create this little farm. Do you think they will be allowed?" Jack asked. Befana gritted her teeth. "I hope so. I know we have bad circumstances, and that Mother Nature and Father Time are planning to convince Miguel and Grim to stay...but I'm also worried, Jack." Befana admitted, now biting her finger ever so slightly. "They wouldn't...leash them, would they?" Jacko asked in horror. The rest remained silent, luckily, Ash being too busy with the fight. "It all depends on how it goes...we can only hope Miguel and Grim can convince them to leave them out of it...I really hope they do things right." Befana hoped. The bell rang, the cheers of the crowd roaring as Miguel was declared the winner. The fighter that was up against Miguel frowned, but shook Miguel's hand and congratulated him regardless, another soldier stepping in to face Miguel for the next round.

Miguel expected to win. It was obvious. He was Miguel! He HAD to win. As soon as the match was over, he shook hands with his opponent with a smile. Despite being cocky, Miguel was also a good sport most of the time. He always had to congratulate his opponent either way for a good match.

"Good game, amigo~" So this was it. Round two. The next soldier didn't look too tough. This should be a good round too. As soon as the round started, Miguel ran forward again to get the soldier into yet another headlock. If it failed then he would have to twist his arm around.

Meanwhile right next to Befana and Jacko, a middle aged soldier snarled and crossed his arms.

"We're not gonna let them leave." He said with a small growl. "We need them. It's for the greater good. For our security too... What if they told bandits about us and our resources? We have to keep them. And if they don't obey we beat them into submission. They're hounds; you have to treat them like one. Especially the Mexican... If he is a hound." This man was known as Columbus. AKA asshole of the year. Columbus didn't even know if Miguel was Mexican; he just assumed he was due to the fact he was dark skinned and spoke Spanish.

Jacko glared and held Ash close to him, grateful that she was too distracted to listen to Columbus and his rambling. "You better watch your mouth-!" Jack began, but was quickly stopped by Befana, who knew better. The last thing she wanted was for an unruly fight to ensue between the two. However, she was compelled to respond, watching the competitor wiggle around in Miguel's strong grasp before tapping out, his face turning red as the bell rang out. By this point Miguel would end up setting a record. "They have children, Columbus. I doubt that allying with any bandits would be in their minds. Considering also that they are the ones who caused a ruckus in the Auction and helped Stiles, Ded and May gain those medicines at the location far off just a day ago. So far they are trustworthy...and strong. Yes, we must watch over Miguel for any side effects. But even if he becomes a hound or not, they won't give up without a fight. All we can do is try to stay on their good side as we do with all citizens...and avoid what can be avoided." Befana hissed. Yes. There had been many Hounds who didn't want to belong in the first place, but were later on convinced. However Miguel and Grim were two stubborn boys that followed their ideals to the end...to fight them wouldn't end up doing any good for either side. "Besides, Krampus has a soft spot for Miguel. Try to mess with him and Krampus will slice you like a pig!" Jacko warned before being scolded by Befana.

Columbus didn't like the glare from Jacko. Actually, he always hated just about everything of Jacko. Undisciplined, childish, and never knew when to just keep his mouth shut. If anything that was one thing Columbus hated the most; those who didn't know their place and who talked out of turn. If it wasn't for Jacko's age and Befana being present Columbus would've knocked Jacko's teeth right out. He just about had enough of the guy.

"Children? You really think children will stop them from the bandits? What if bandits torture them for the information? We can't let that risk us being compromised. Just one attack could lead to disaster especially since many of the civilians are used to being so safe now. And that Mexican, if he shows any signs of turning I don't care what anyone says; I will put a bullet in his head. I'm not going to let someone die because you fools want to hesitate to get the job done." His eyebrow twitched as he heard Miguel cheer.

"Haha~! Looks like I'm going to be very happy tonight!" He cheered, proudly putting his arms in the air.

If Ash wasn't in Jacko's arms, and Jack was there to stop him from jumping over, Jacko would have gotten himself in a fight against Columbus. He hated the guy. He knew that he just wanted to do his job. But he lacked compassion and sensitivity overall, which Jacko absolutely despised. Especially since it seemed he did it on purpose.

 

"They both have been in bandit camps for most of their lives. Miguel was raised by the Wolves, Grim was raised by the Snakes and the Auction. They both absolutely dread their captors. I doubt that they would be able to be broken down so easily after so much. About the turning, there is nothing bad about you wishing to do your job, we just need to be careful that its an actual victim of sickness and not a pre-effect to turning into a Hound. So I suggest you keep your fingers off the trigger. If we end up losing a Hound due to paranoia, it will be on your head." Befana hissed, turning to Columbus with a scowl. No one would be harming anyone under her watch.

 

"What is going on?" All attention of the group turned to the Hound with long raven hair.

 

"Grim, you're awake." Jacko smiled happily.

 

"Grim!" Ash squealed, she got even happier upon seeing him holding Nicholas as well. Grim picked Ash with one arm as he held a sleeping Nicholas with the other.

 

"I didn't find Miguel around the building. I got worried. He just got infected, he should be watched over." Grim said with a small chuckle.

 

"He's fighting in the ring for Ash." Jack explained, much to Grim's dismay.

 

"Oh? The kid is already up?" Ded stepped into the ring, standing tall as he intimidated others by accident. He cracked his knuckles as he looked down at Miguel. "Your brother never shuts up about you, you know...show me you're as great as he says he is." Ded asked, pulling off his infamous scarf to the side as he got ready.

Edited August 2, 201510 yr by Stardustblade358

Columbus grumbled, even more so after Grim arrived. He was going to say something, but bothered not to. Instead, he just looked to Jacko.

"Next discusting meal you cook, try to watch your meat while it's cooking. It's as solid as a damn rock." He spat before walking away.

Nicholas was sound asleep until Ash was picked up. Right away he drifted awake, poking his head up.

"Mm... A-Ash...?" He asked with a soft peep before he yawned. "Ash is here?"

Meanwhile Miguel cracked his knuckles. Boy did he love an opportunity to fight one of the big guys.

"Hell I'll show you. I'll make you never forget. Did your abuela knit you that scarf?" He teased before lunging forward to tackle Ded in the waist.

Jacko watched Columbus walk off and stuck out his tongue to him. "Next time I should burn up his food. Or add rat poison." Jacko scoffed. Befana merely rolled her eyes. As much as Jacko hated the guy, he would never do something as risky to lose his position. Ash smiled and rubbed Nicholas's head. "Yeah I'm here! Miguel is fighting and he's winning!" Ash squealed. "Why did he had to end up fighting out of all things?" Grim asked in worry. But Miguel was Miguel regardless. "It was the only fun thing to do." Jack explained. "Alright. Who was he then?" Grim asked as he nudged back. "Columbus." Jacko mocked. "He's a member of the council that makes decisions for the city and a general of the military police. Grumpy, but an experienced guy. He's helped with the city since the very beginning." Befana explained. "He's also a complete arse." Jacko spat.

 

Ded simply smiled ever so softly. "I did, actually. It's one of my hobbies." Ded said rather proudly of the fact. Miguel's tackle merely had him take a single step back, but not much else. He chuckled at Miguel before grabbing him by the hips, lifting him up on his shoulders before pulling on his neck and hips against his own neck, as if trying to snap Miguel in two.

Nicholas yawned once more and hugged Ash's hand. He didn't like the idea of Miguel fighting, or fighting in general. Why couldn't everyone just relax and go to sleep?

"B-But..." He sniffled softly, looking up to Grim. "I don't want Miguel to fight... "

 

Meanwhile Miguel certainly wasn't expecting the sudden strength from Ded. He felt as though he was being stretched out. With a loud grunt and a struggle, Miguel slid his way a little to promptly kick Ded right in the crotch. Honestly that might've been the only way to get himself out of that position. "Agh!!!"

Nicholas yawned once more and hugged Ash's hand. He didn't like the idea of Miguel fighting, or fighting in general. Why couldn't everyone just relax and go to sleep?

"B-But..." He sniffled softly, looking up to Grim. "I don't want Miguel to fight... "

 

Meanwhile Miguel certainly wasn't expecting the sudden strength from Ded. He felt as though he was being stretched out. With a loud grunt and a struggle, Miguel slid his way a little to promptly kick Ded right in the crotch. Honestly that might've been the only way to get himself out of that position. "Agh!!!"

Grim held Nicholas and cooed at him, kissing his head. "I know. I don't either. But you should know Miguel as much...when he wants to prove himself there's practically nothing that can stop him. Not even me at times. But I'll try, alright?" Grim smiled, snuggling Nicholas. Ash meanwhile was cheering on Miguel. "YEAH KICK HIM WHERE IT HURTS!" Ash cheered. Jacko and Jack flinched at the kick. "Ouch." Jack hissed. Ded grunted, gritting his teeth as he fell on his knees in pain. "That...was a dirty trick." Ded cursed. Grim walked through the crowd, making his way to the front line before pouting at Miguel, then having a stern expression. "Miguel! What do you think you're doing?!" Grim asked, barking at Miguel, looking almost like an angry spouse that had just found him doing something he wasn't suppose to.

Nicholas slowly shook his head and buried it in Grim's chest. He really didn't like where it was going. Why couldn't everyone just stop and go back to sleep or something?

"N-No..." He softly whined. "H-He's going to get hurt..."

Meanwhile Miguel was about to go in again for the kill, but sadly Grim had to come in to ruin the fun. Miguel was just about to toss Ded down too. Sure it was a dirty trick, but sometimes you had to play dirty.

"Aww but Guada!" Miguel whined, sliding his head around to see the elder male. "I'm having fun!"

Grim gave Miguel a small glare. "Your fun is scaring Nicholas! He doesn't want you hurt!" Grim insisted. Jack and Jacko couldn't help but to laugh amongst themselves as they watched Grim try to act responsible. Befana was amused as well. "You're so mean, Grim! He's going to win too!" Ash whined, shaking Grim by the shoulders as Grim looked indifferent. "That's not the point..." Grim murmured. "Oh come on Grim...it's fine really." Ded grunted, suddenly grabbing Miguel by the hips. "We're just having a bit of fun!" Ded laughed before picking Miguel up and slamming him down against the ground, not a second later jumping over him to elbow him with his body weight. "Let him have his fun. Tomorrow is a new day, and since there's a chance for Miguel to become a hound, you guys are attending a special meeting in the morning." Befana warned. "Great." Grim smiled and held Nicholas close to him. "Don't worry. Once he begins to complain about his body hurting we can laugh at his face about it."

Miguel paused in his fighting and looked right to Grim. Grim gave that look he always gave when he was mad... And it was working even though it looked absolutely ridiculous.

"B-But Guada-" he was cut off by Ded promptly annihilating him by slamming him right into the ground. Miguel grunted and decided to throw in the flag.

"F-Fine..." He said, the wind knocked out of him. "O-Only because... Guada said... I'll kick your ass next time..."

Ded smiled as he helped Miguel up, the bell ringing. "You're pretty tough. I like that...you have a special spark about you that this place is lacking." Ded said as he then patted Miguel's back. "...I really hope you turn out to be a Hound. It would be a shame to loose someone like you to death." Ded mentioned. Grim called him over as Miguel was asked to leave the ring. "Look at you. You're a mess. If you complain that it hurts later in the night I'll have Ash laugh at you about it." Grim teased as he then smiled. "Lets go. Tomorrow is another big day, apparently." Grim hummed, holding the kids close to him as he began to walk back to their room. Jack and Jacko took the chance to tease Miguel. "You're definitely the husband!" Jack said, and like that the two busted into laughter.

Miguel couldn't help but smile as well as Ded lifted him up. It made him happy to know that Ded was a great opponent. Miguel himself, was a good sport.

"Ah, you're pretty cool yourself~" he chimed before pausing as soon as Ded mentioned he hound. If Miguel wasn't a hound... Then what? Would it be possible that he was currently an accident waiting to happen? Miguel went along with Grim, looking as if someone just punched him in the face. It was almost like someone just suddenly turned his stomach upside down. Shouldn't he be a hound by now?

"Yeah..." Miguel said, smiling slightly. "I guess I am..."

 

Grim walked with Miguel out of the fighting arena and into the night, the stars shinning bright in the sky. They walked all the way to their room in the hotel turned housing. By the time they got there Ash was yawning sleepily. "You finally ran out of energy?" Grim asked, opening the door and walking in. He settled Nicholas down on a mattress and Ash crawled up, laying down next to him. "Maybe a bit..." Ash murmured, not really wanting to admit it. "Sleep well now. It's pretty late and you've had a full day." Grim insisted. Ash grumbled under her breath and stretched a bit, before turning over and facing Nicholas. Within a few moments she was asleep and snoring. "There we go." Grim kissed Ash's head and then Nicholas' before turning to Miguel. "Let's share a mattress." Grim said, walking over to it and sitting down. However there was no hiding of the fact that Miguel seemed a bit off. No, more like in thought. "Miguel, you aren't sad that I pulled you out of the fighting arena are you? I'll let you try again but right now it's better we sleep you know."

Nicholas snuggled himself into the bed right next to Ash. He placed his tiny hand on her chest and held her almost like a teddy bear. He fell asleep just as fast as she did. Nicholas could always sleep no matter how long he slept.

Meanwhile Miguel just laid down in bed with his face facing the fall. He really didn't know what to think or to say. He just had the thought of the hounds stuck in his mind. There as a possibility he wouldn't be one. What if he wasn't? Miguel slowly closed his eyes even though he knew he wouldn't be able to sleep that night.

"...Buenas noches." Was all he could say.

Grim frowned a bit. Maybe Miguel was simply too tired after all that fighting earlier. "Good night, Miguel." Grim said, turning to the small lamp that illuminated the room and flicking it off. He was quick to fall asleep, curling up his tail around his legs. The thought that Miguel could turn into something other than a ghoul, into a crazed infected that attacks upon instinct, or simply die from the gloom's side effects at any given moment never crossed his mind. The sight of Miguel being himself, happy and alive compared to seeing him barely conscious on a bed made Grim happier than what he had been in a very long time. As long as he knew, everything just seemed to be back to normal, and that was good enough for Grim.

 

-THE NEXT MORNING-

 

The moment the rays of the sun began to shine upon the city, roosters began to sing loudly, altering everyone that indeed, it was morning. Soldiers and guards began to exchange shifts. Jacko and his dad along with the rest of the cooks in the city were already up agreeing on the meals for the week. Jack was in charge of helping with the ice deposits in the underground freezers. Befana and Mother Nature once again began to go through medical inventory. The city slowly came to life. On the small balcony of the room where the group slept in a familiar Krampus landed down, retracting his gloom wings as he stepped inside. "Hm?" Krampus hummed as he saw the Nicholas and Ash sleeping. He smiled, gently picking up the nearest blanket and getting it over them to warm them up. He then turned to the mattress where Grim and Miguel slept. Seeing Grim's gloom tail surprised Krampus, but not that much. He gently walked over and nudged Miguel with his foot. "Hey, wake up sleeping beauty."