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

Miguel laughed as he climbed all the way up.

"Maybe you're just fat! Gorda~!" He teased before he reached to the top. He looked all around at the amazing view. Miguel never saw such a sight before in the life. After a moment or two, Miguel decided to drop down to where May was and sat down in the seat.

"Yeah." Miguel said with a smile. "Absolutely fantastico."

 

Meanwhile, Stiles exited the room with Ash in tow. He held her hand with a smile. "My, you're full of energy. It's a very good thing to have today." He looked up at Grim. "Do you want to speak in private about how it went or...?"

 

May growled at Miguel’s not so much of a compliment. “H-Hey! Call me fat again and I’ll throw you into the bull ring!” May hissed, only to sigh and relax once he was entertained by the view that was presented to them. “Views like this make me wonder what it would’ve been like to live in the past. Where we could’ve gone to school and made friends and watched TV and play those games that they called ‘pokemon’ or ‘digimon’ or whatever.” May went on. It was always a daydream to wonder what it would’ve been like to exist in such a timeline. Then a loud clang echoed across as the wheel shook. “Er…you heard that right?” May asked, and so the wheel began to move…as it rolled out of its place.

 

…

 

Grim tilted his head. “Should the kids not hear about it?” Grim looked down at Ash and at Nicholas and nodded. “Alright guys, we’ll be right back in a moment.” Grim assured as he walked with Stiles back into the small office. “What happened? Is she sick?” Grim asked worryingly.

 

Miguel shrugged and leaned his head back. He never really thought about it, or liked to think about it. It would be too strange to live a life before Gloom. A life where he didn't worry about survival. It was too foreign. Too taboo. Miguel was strong because of everything that happened. What if it was different?

"I dunno-" he was interrupted by the strange sound and vibrations of the wheel. His eyes widened and he grabbed May by the wrist before jumping to the station of the wheel.

"Mireda!" Miguel cursed. The just firetrucked up.

(This is like one of those videos where something bad happens and that one guy goes "and that's when he knew; he firetrucked up.")

 

Meanwhile Stiles chuckled at Grim's worry. He looked down at some notes that he took during the talk and flipped through them.

"She has Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder... Or ADHD for short. It was very common in children before Gloom. It's not deadly or anything like that. It just means... She is a very energetic girl. Sometimes it is hard for her to pay attention to thinks like lectures or classes. There is medication for it but I do not think she'll need it... It is your choice. I explained this all to her already as well."

May fell down to the landing with Miguel, barely on her feet only to watch the wheel slowly tilt forward and roll much like a normal wheel would do...only hundreds of times bigger. "Ohh~...no~" May hummed. If she wasn't in trouble then. She was sure hell in trouble now. The wheel ended up rolling across the amusement park, May watching in utter amusement...as it ever so slowly began to roll over the entrance and into the street, the windy conditions only helping it go forward. May just lost it in a fit if laughter, tugging on Miguel as she insisted on them following the wheel. "Come on, their reactions will be priceless!!!"

 

Grim thought about it. "If it isn't life threatening then it shouldn't be a problem if she doesn't take it? I don't think she would like taking medicines anyways. Besides, she'll need the energy, you know." Grim smiled, only for his expression to change to the most confused of looks as he looked behind Stiles. "Um..." Grim murmured, watching the wheel roll down from the window. "Stiles...is that a weapon or...?"

The last thing in the world Miguel expected to see was the wheel starting to roll away. Hell, he expected to see Jesus before he saw this. At first he didn't know if he should laugh or say 'oh shit' but after May began to laugh Miguel began to chuckle.

"A-Are you sure...? Pfft... Everyone will be so mad as us...~" As soon as he said that Miguel honestly didn't even care anymore and decided to go along with May to watch.

 

Meanwhile, Stiles happily shook his head. He was actually delighted Grim made the decision to not have Ash take the pills.

"Ja." He said with a smile. "She definitely does need the energy." He was going to go and ask about Nicholas, but Grim's sudden bizarre question had him look over to the window. Never in a million years would he expect to see a Ferris Wheel roll down the street.

"Nein...?" Stiles responded unsurely.

 

Grim walked closer to the window, looking out at the wheel that rolled around. People quickly moved out of the way of the rolling wheel. Some were watching as if it was the strangest bat**** thing they had ever seen in their life. Others were laughing at the oddness of it all. Father Time had to take off his glasses and see the absolutely unbelievable sight. The wheel rolled all the way over heading to the wall that surrounded the city. Right there, a soldier was peeing on the bottom of the wall, only to scream once he realized the wheel was coming his way. He shrunk, awaiting his death, only for the wheel to stop once it gently tapped the wall. The only thing that anyone else could hear was Ded staring at the wheel from his place and yelling, “WHAT THE ACTUAL ****?!” May just laughed ever so loudly, using Miguel as support as she shook him around. “Oh my god we’re so dead but this is great!”

Miguel continued to crack up along with her. This was probably the most glorious thing he ever witnessed in his life. He didn't think anything else could ever top this event.

"Sí! Dios mio, my sides hurt from laughing too hard!" He breathed. Suddenly however, Miguel heard a scowl and a growl nearby. He turned around only to see Columbus, face red with anger.

"You both caused this, didn't you?!" He demanded. Miguel grinned and proudly pointed to himself.

"You're damn right we did!" Miguel said with no shame whatsoever.

 

The amusement park has always been off limits, so to see the ferris wheel at all was quite the pleasant surprise. People walked up, smiling and ooing over it. Older generation began to remember when times were good and went off to tell stories of when they used to ride these years before the Gloom apocalypse began. The soldier decided he would take a seat on one of the seats of the ferris wheel that was closest to the ground, others hanging around and laughing over the odd wheel shaped thing that rested against the wall. May recognize the scowl in an instant, turning to Columbus with a smirk. “Yes it was indeed, our doing!...what you going to do about it?” May asked, almost teasing. He couldn’t possibly kill any of them. They were way too important. From the window Grim could only chuckle and look over at Stiles. “I’ll give you a hint; I think Miguel was involved in this.”

Stiles shook his head with a small sign and a hopeless grin. He didn't even need a hint.

"You think so?" Stiles asked. "It is written all over his face."

 

Columbus shook his head slowly, a vein in his forehead swollen and about to pop. Without bothering to yell any louder, he reached out and grabbed May by the wrist.

"We're going to your irresponsible father. NOW." He commanded. He was stopped by Miguel smacking his hand away and pushing him back.

"Los manos off the lady!" Miguel snapped, eyes full of anger from the sudden grab.

Columbus went back and growled. "You do not have the right to touch me you damned spic!"

That was when Miguel lost it. He suddenly leaned forward and attacked Columbus in a full on brawl. In an instant they were already rolling on top of one another, trying to beat the hell out of each other.

 

The two tackled each other down into a brawl before May could intervene. “H-Hey, knock it off! Miguel don’t worry I’ll help you-!” May began, but stopped once she felt a large hand simply grab her head. None other than her own father, who looked beyond angry. “You aren’t going to help anyone young lady! If your mother wasn’t dead and the love of my life I swear that you would be missing a few limbs, May!” Ded hissed, sending shivers down May’s spine. There was no one scarier than her father, at least to her. Other people only began to surround, the two fighting, cheering on as they chanted ‘fight fight fight’. “Great, now those two are fighting!” Ded hissed, throwing May over his shoulder. He would intervene…but he kind of wanted to see Columbus and Miguel handle themselves. Grim facepalmed once he saw Miguel and Columbus beginning to brawl. “Oh no.” Grim murmured, turning to Stiles. “I’ll go and get him before he breaks a bone.” Grim murmured, hurrying out the office. “Where you going?” Ash asked. “To get Miguel before he gets himself killed.”

Stiles sighed softly and stood behind to watch the kids.

"Ja..." He uttered, watching from the window. "I'll run down if someone gets hurt." He already went to go fix up a small bag of medical supplies to bring down.

 

Meanwhile Miguel furiously fought with Columbus. They were born at each other's necks. Miguel was even trying to claw Columbus' eyes out. Miguel loved to play dirty when it came to assholes like Columbus. He scratched, kneed, and even bit. Suddenly however, in a desperate grip Columbus picked Miguel up, and slammed him right into the hard cement. Miguel let out a sudden yell as the snapping of a bone in his arm was heard. He laid there for a few moments as Columbus got off of him. A few onlookers cringed. Miguel let out a quiet growl... And he got up right off of the ground to reveal dark eyes. On all fours, be attacked Columbus and ignored the broken arm. Gloom formed claws on his hands and dribbled out of Miguel's mouth.

Columbus was able to hold Miguel off for a short while. He didn't seem surprised. He threw Miguel back, and as soon as Miguel lunged forward to attack, Columbus took out his pistol and promptly shot Miguel right in the side of the head.

 

Stiles eyes widened as he grabbed his med kit and bolted downstairs. "Schnauzer!"

The gunshot echoed across the area. For a moment all sound seemed to disappear as onlookers watched in horror, soldiers snapping out of their daze as they began to push people away from the scene. Even Ded seemed shocked, barely keeping a grip on a frantic May that tried to get free to either attack Columbus or help Miguel. "Miguel?!" Grim asked, pushing through the crowd and into the area. He ignored the soldier's warnings as all he saw was black blood drip from Miguel's body, a gunshot wound to the head. The world seemed to stop. "No...no...!!!" Grim threw himself on the floor, picking up Miguel in his arms, crying black tears as his grip trembled. "Miguel! Miguel answer me! Wake up!" Grim asked, his hands covered in his blood. Why. Why. Why. Why. His gaze then landed right on Columbus. "You." Grim settled his brother down, only for his tail to sharpen up, blades and spikes covering everywhere. "You...did THIS!!!" Grim shrieked, suddenly dashing at the man. For a second it seemed that it would be another massacre, had Krampus not flown down between the two, holding Grim back. "Easy! Calm down! You won't make it better by attacking!" Krampus yelled. "He SHOT my BROTHER!!!" "Then don't give him a reason to be right!" Grim breathed heavily, slowly lowering his tail as it went back to his normal state. "He...Miguel...!!!" Grim sobbed. Luckily Grim was more leveled at controlling his anger. He quickly turned away, running back to Miguel, cradling him close. Krampus looked around. "All civilians go back to your activities! Someone call Father Time and Mother Nature immediately! Call in the rest of the Hounds as well!" Krampus began to order. He could only glance at Miguel with pity. He had lost control. This could only go two ways, and both were bad.

Columbus stood back, not a single ounce of guilt was in his eyes. If anything, his eyes held a look a triumpth or pride as if he got his way or the last laugh.

"You really think you could hold me accountable?" Columbus snarled, looking to Miguel. "He turned! I didn't shoot that child... I shot a threat to us all. Good riddance to a feckless juvenile."

Meanwhile Stiles ran right down over to Miguel and plopped his medkit next to him. He gently took Miguel's head and inspected the damage.

"It's alright it's alright, Grim!" Stiles announced, trying to prevent any more bloodshed from happening. "The bullet only grazed the side of his head! It's deep but he can survive..."

Were Grim not have the control that he had, he would've charged straight at Columbus again. However he could get him later if the time called for it. Right now he had to worry about Miguel. He purred, kneeling down close to his brother as he wrapped his tail around him protectively. "Stiles let me help you. I don't want you to get infected by accident." Grim insisted, moving some hair out of Miguel's face. Soon Mother Nature and Father Time were at the scene. "Are you alright? You didn't get bitten did you?" Father Time asked Columbus. Mother Nature listened to Krampus' explanation in the meanwhile, looking over with a worried expression. "If he wakes up and has lost control to the Gloom...we will have no choice but to eliminate him or set him free outside the walls." Mother Nature whispered in worry. "I agree, as much as it hurts to admit." Krampus hissed. "What about the brother and the children then? They will want to follow him out." Ded began. "You guys can't be serious?!" May objected, and before a quarrel could ensue, Father Time tapped down his cane. "Enough! One thing at a time! We first have to wait for the child to wake up...then we can decide on his fate." He insisted. It wasn't the first time this had happened, wouldn't be the last.

"Even if he does wake up in control! You still can't have him here." Columbus protested, looking over to Father Time. "I don't know if any of you fools have figured it out. I knew his markings looked familiar so I did some research. Remember El Diablo? The ruthless bandit hidden behind a skull? That's what he is... He is a murderer! You really want such a man to be around us? He killed many innocent survivors." Meanwhile people around the scene went quiet, listening to Columbus' words. Was Miguel really El Diablo? Some women held their children behind them.

Meanwhile Stiles was trying hard to help Mighel. He wrapped Miguel's head in bandages to stop the bleeding. When Columbus told about Miguel's past however, Stiles looked slowly up to Grim.

"This isn't true... Ja?"

As Columbus spoke, Grim could feel the atmosphere around them instantly change. People began to quiet down, movement seemed to stop as all eyes began to turn to the unconscious young man and his brother. Even Ded, May, Father Time and Mother Nature turned to look at Miguel in disbelief. Krampus instead looked at Grim in hopes that he would tell them wrong. Even Stiles asked. How much Grim wanted to charge at Columbus...but for what? For telling the truth? For the first time since arriving, the city didn't felt safe. It felt suffocating and dangerous. He pursed his lips, and suddenly slapped Stiles' hands away, pulling Miguel closer to him as he finished bandaging him up himself. "...he didn't had a choice..." Grim said, his body tensing up in anticipation in what anyone could possibly do. "Those camps change people to do a lot of horrible things. This whole world's system has always been survival of the fittest and the strongest. But he's different now. He regrets what he's done before but none of that defines who he's trying to be again." Grim insisted, staying over Miguel protectively. "None of you...know how bad it can change you." He hissed. Miguel was Miguel. Yes, he had done terrible things. But in a world like this, who hasn't?

Columbus looked around the crowd rather proudly, as if he was pleased with how they reacted.

"He didn't have a choice he says." Columbus said with a chuckle. "Did he really not have a choice? I've heard stories from the outside of how El Diablo used to... Laugh as he slain dozens of innocent men. And you claim he didn't have a choice. This fool should be punished for his crimes! His 'children' will stay with us."

Stiles reached out for Miguel when Grim slapped his hands away. So many new information at once, he didn't know how to take it all in. When Columbus suggested they should take away the kids... That was when he shook his head and stood up alongside Grim.

"This man speaks nonsense!" Stiles protested, looking over to Grim with a small smile. "I may have not known about this... However from the experience I've had with Miguel... He is nothing but a young man. He is no demon or enemy... He is a loyal friend. Even if what is being said is true... Look at what he is now and not who he was before. The camps... They do change people in many ways but... Miguel... He is the proof that there is still a way to be human once again!"

Once Columbus warned that the children would stay here with the rest, Grim glared up at him, letting out a small inhuman roar at him and the idea. "You won't touch them, over my dead body!!!" Grim hissed ever so loudly. However he calmed down once he saw Stiles, hearing him defend Miguel. He felt ever so relieved. "...Thank you." Grim whispered. Murmurs and whispers began to spread. Father Time and Mother Nature looked at each other and then around at the people. "Well it appears that we are divided." Mother Nature spoke. Father Time sighed, glancing up. "If Miguel wakes up coherent and able to control himself...he will be put on Trial to see if he has to pay for his crimes in his time, or be forgiven all together." Father Time decided. It was the most fair way that they could do it. A trial where the own people would decide the fate of one of their own. "Miguel will face trial tomorrow morning in the Holiday Baseball Arena. At 9 AM. He will have freedom under watch. If he doesn't show up to the trial willingly he will be considered a runaway and to be restrained. If he does show up the crowd will determine his fate. Does this sound fair?" Father Time asked. The silence made agreement. "Then its settled...now no more fights today. Go on with your day. We have had a lot today." Father Time said, walking off with Mother Nature. Grim nudged at Miguel, relieved that they would have a chance. "We are leaving." Ded huffed, taking May away. Krampus walked over to the group, ignoring Columbus. "Let me help you carry him somewhere once you're done." Krampus asked. "Thank you..." Grim said again, his adrenaline fading. "....those camps destroy who we are...we are lucky to still be around..." Grim whispered as he held Miguel closer.

Columbus just growled and walked away at hearing Father Time's words. If only he didn't miss the bullet.

"Just let me shoot the bastard now and get it over with..." He uttered to himself as he walked away.

Meanwhile Stiles looked down and slowly shook his head. This was bad. Very bad. This was a huge mess. Everyone's view on Miguel we different. He doubted that anyone would be able to look at Miguel the same way again. Stiles, the pacific the was, only ever saw Miguel's good heart. From that he knew that Miguel really deserved a second change.

"This trial..." He uttered. "In all fairness, they cannot put him in trial for crimes committed in the past outside the camp. All Miguel has done here was show kindness... Grim, do you think it's possible for us to stay even after all of this...?" He looked up at Krampus and smiled softly. "Danke, friend. I really hope that Miguel is still the same in your eyes..."

 

Grim shook his head. “I don’t even care.” Grim said, nudging his head closer to Miguel’s chest. “I just want to be able to leave this place with you guys alive. I want to return to our farm and make it our home and be happy there.” Grim hissed. If the city wanted to kick them out, so be it. But they would all go out as a family. Krampus shrugged his shoulders. “Miguel is kind. It is not one’s fault to what they’re forced to do inside the camps. Those camps barely leave anyone alive…to be able to get out of it and survive is a triumph all on its own.” Krampus admitted. Grim looked up at Stiles and at Krampus. “Do you think that they will claim him guilty?” Grim asked. “I honestly do not know. It can go either way.” Krampus admitted. Grim frowned, looking down. “I don’t want to lose him…I don’t want to lose my family again.” Grim admitted, glaring up at the city itself. “I…what if we try to escape before the trial?”

Stiles considered Grim's idea. Escaping before the trial? It was doable. But it might not be a good idea.

"We can do that... However we do not know what the trial will bring. If we run away before the trial, they might pursue us. Even if they do not, it's still best to try to win the trial. If they let us go free we can just leave and go to the barn. I can maintain contact with them to trade for any supplies we might need. If we escape before the trial I will be unable to do that."

Grim nodded ever so softly. Stiles had a point. If push came to shove, they could always fight. He wouldn't let harm come to his brother. "Understood. Then...we should stay for the trial. Maybe the people can be forgiving once they know more about him as now, not what he was." Grim murmured. It was indeed a 50 50 chance of forgiveness or punishment. And he worried about the punishment that could possibly come out of it. "Lets take him to your room. He should be able to rest there with no worries of someone wanting to smack him in his sleep." Krampus suggested. "Sounds like a good idea." Grim said, standing up as he glanced back. "What's wrong?" Krampus asked. "I want to talk with that man." "Kid we have had enough fights for one day-!" "Not fight...just talk." Grim insisted, taking a step back. "I'll meet you in the room." Grim insisted. "Alright kid. Be careful." Krampus warned. Grim gave a soft nod as he ran off. Krampus sighed and picked Miguel up. "What do we tell the kids?" Krampus asked. Grim hurried around, trying to catch up with Columbus. "Columbus, wait!" Grim quickly ran in front of him. "Please, give me a moment, I just wish to speak with you."

Stiles looked to Grim as he left to go talk to Columbus. Honestly he thought it was bad idea only because of how hostile Columbus is. He himself always approved of conversation instead of fighting, however when the other is always wanting to fight... Things don't turn out well.

"I suppose we could be honest with them and say Miguel got shot however... I think it's best to ask Grim if we should tell them of the trial and Miguel's past. Frankly, it's just best if this never happened..."

Meanwhile Columbus looked to Grim with every ounce of annoyance in his face. He didn't want to be bothered by such people.

"What do you want?" He asked. "The trial is to happen tomorrow."

"I know." Grim pursed his lips, looking for the right words. As much as he could agree that this guy was a total butt...he also knew he was right about a few things. "...I want to apologize, actually." Grim began. "Though I am angry that you've shot my brother, it was self defense. I keep forgetting how dangerous the gloom actually is. So...I'm sorry I overreacted, and that my brother lost his control. I should have kept my eye on him. I promise to be more watchful." Grim explained, somewhat surprised at himself. Yet he knew that he had to lessen the tensions for the sake of getting out alive. "But...I also want to say that Miguel is changed from when I found him. Yes, he has done a lot of bad things, but we all have in order to survive and reach to this point. Even you, surely. You have to agree on that at least?" Grim asked. If they could not win by fists, the least Grim could try was a diplomatic approach. Everyone had suffered in this world, and it was the one thing that they all had in common. "I just...wish for you to rethink your view of Miguel. Even if not now, I hope you'll change it in the trial." Grim explained.

Columbus couldn't help but chuckle. It wasn't a kind chuckle either. More of a mocking tone. He just found it completely amusing.

"Murderer or not, your brother is a reckless, immature fool. It is his fault why he almost died from poisoning, and it is also his fault why I had to shoot him today. If only I didn't miss." Columbus had to admit however, even he didn't know what the outcome of tomorrow would be. Many people knew Miguel, and grew a liking to him. Columbus only hoped this would change. "You should hope he wakes up first."