SHERIFF DEPUTY GRIMES

        HIS CONCERNS ARE brushed aside with little attention as she completes her move, sitting back in her chair in order to survey the board, and then him. She’s not surprised by his reaction — in fact, it’s a little CLICHE. Rick was quite clearly, and had always been, a very CALM and SERIOUS kind of person ( a personality which was, simply put, a direct ANTITHESIS of herself — one that just seemed to WORK ). Although she denied any need for a POSITIVE INFLUENCE, she certainly benefited from Rick’s presence. And surely, although he refused to see it, Nicolette’s constant pursuit of ENTERTAINMENT and FUN was advantageous for such a law abiding, stick-in-the-mud like Rick ( PROBABLY? ). Somehow, in some way, this correlated to playing a BOARD GAME of all things.

She was a fickle woman, what could she say?

     ❝ I dunno, RICK, maybe for you stop acting like such an OLD MAN.         Do you wanna be a loser, Rick? Or do you wanna WIN? Just ask         yourself that. ❞

Teasing Nicolette was only his way of contradicting her words; he isn’t acting like ‘an old man,’ and he surely was not going to let her win with that cocky attitude. Rick moved his small piece that looked like a tiny German Shepherd forward three spaces, and picked up a card from the pile in the middle of the game board. An arrogant chuckle escaped his lips as he read it and turned it to his opponent. “Looks like you have to go back ten spaces.”

Heart throbs painfully in his chest, pumping cold blood through his veins. Narrowed eyes move back to the other’s face, though only after the gun is pulled back just enough to let loose a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been keeping. Silently, mind works to piece together a plan of escape – though for now, with the weapon hovering so close to his face, he’ll bide his time. He is sure the right moment will present itself sooner or later, and when it does…

( A finger twitches at his side, and for the briefest instant, the air around the digit darkens. )

Unmoving, unblinking, he watches the stranger as he presents his demands. If it’s answers he wants, it’s answers he’ll get; though not without a biting tone, the very same once used in the dungeons of Nalbina. ❝ There is no way out of this place, ❞ he responds,  ❝ And if there is, I’ve no knowledge of it. ❞ Interrogation is a subject he knows intimately; his isn’t the answer the stranger wants to hear, regardless of its truthfulness. The tension in his bones only builds as he anticipates retaliation, even the pull of the trigger if this man is as ruthless as he appears to be.

The sheriff tightened his grip on the gun and lowered it only for a moment.

There is a way out.

He swung the weapon straight into his hostage’s jaw, taking a few steps back after the assault. “Liar,” Rick hissed, aiming the gun without hesitation. His cold, blue eyes concentrated on Basch’s face that was now freshly injured. It was cruel. All of this was irrational and completely senseless; if this were a few weeks ago, he’d have thought through this entire plan and strategically carried it out. But, no, this was much different.

“we need help.”

“you’re gonna be okay.”

“believe in the fireflies.”

“got enough ration cards to last us a few months.”

“be careful.”

“i am the romantic type.”

“don’t leave me to turn.”

“it’s gettin’ close to curfew.”

“going outside the wall is suicide.”

“you mumble in your sleep.”

“i hate bad dreams.”

“it’s called luck—and it’s gonna run out.”

“are you still breathing?”

“we’re shitty people.”

“our luck had to run out sooner or later.”

“don’t touch me.”

“she’s infected.”

“just fucking go.”

“i can’t swim.”

“does it sound like i know how to whistle?”

“i’m a pretty good shot with that thing.”

“let’s get the hell outta here.”

“goddammit—i’m clean!”

“i owe you nothin’.”

“there’s one inside.”

“it’s the normal people that scare me.”

“you of all people should understand that.”

“i can handle myself.”

“once upon a time, i had somebody i had to look after.”

“you don’t need to worry about me.”

“fuckin’ hunters.”

“i’ve been on both sides.”

“so–you kill a lot of innocent people?”

“you sacrifice the few to save the many.”

“i don’t think they saw us.”

“trust me, it ain’t easy.”

“damn it—spores.”

“somethin’ on your mind?”

“you make every shot count.”

“just so we’re clear… it was either him or me.”

“how’d i do?”

“yeah, well, i was tryin’ to kill you.”

“you’re bleeding.”

“we can help each other.”

“i saved you!”

“you wanna hear a joke about pizza? …never mind, it was too cheesy.”

“how is it you’re never scared?”

“what are you scared of?”

“i’m scared of ending up alone.”

“it’s all your fault!”

“thanks for not blowin’ my head off.”

“you survived because of me.”

“you lay your hands on me again, it won’t end well for you.”

“you still remember how to kill, right?”

“hey, hey—are you hurt?”

“i guess we’re both disappointed with each other, then.”

“what do you want from me?”

“i can’t get infected!”

“you are treading on some mighty thin ice here.”

“i’ve lost people, too.”

“you have no idea what loss is.”

“everyone i’ve ever cared for has either died or left me.”

“sounds like runners.”

“can you walk?”

“stay the fuck back!”

“i think we’re safe.”

“you’re a better shot with that thing than i am.”

“don’t sound so disappointed.”

“you handled yourself pretty nice back there.”

“i believe that everything happens for a reason.”

“you’re just a kid.”

“i can protect you.”

“i’ll come back for you.”

“you’re a fucking animal.”

“you have no idea what i’m capable of.”

“i’m gonna teach you how to play guitar.”

“another city, another abandoned quarantine zone.”

“is this everything you were hoping for?”

“we don’t have to do this.”

“i ain’t leavin’ without you.”

“i guess you can’t escape your past.”

“hands in the fucking air!”

“i pretty much lost everything.”

“ i got you. it’s gonna be okay, you’re going to be okay.”

“i feel like everyone’s miles away from me.”

“my mind is a dark place. you don’t want to be there.”

“i know this hurts, but you have to stay awake.”

“don’t close your eyes, please don’t close your eyes!”

“i just want to be numb, i don’t want to feel anything.”

“please don’t do this, don’t act like you care.”

“you don’t care, nobody cares, just leave.”

“you’re my friend, of course i fucking care.”

“i can’t give up on you, so please don’t give up on yourself.”

“i love you so much, i forgot what hating myself felt like.”

“i fucked up, why do you not care?”

“i can’t walk, just go on without me.”

“you have broken ribs, take it easy.”

“i have no idea how to do cpr.”

“whose blood is that?”

“apply pressure to the wound, don’t let go.”

“don’t you dare fucking let go!” 

“what the hell happened to you?” 

“are they dead? did you kill them?” 

“do you know what you’ve done?” 

“you’re either with me or against me.” 

“who the hell did this to you?” 

“are you alright? you hit your head pretty hard…” 

“i can’t see!! what’s happening to me?” 

“when was the last time you ate?” 

“what do you mean you’re fine? you are not fine!” 

 “i’m fine, it’s just a flesh wound, i’ll be okay.” 

“for how long? how long were you bottling this up?“ 

“there’s so much blood, you won’t last.” 

“are you… throwing up in there?” 

“why aren’t you eating?” 

“just breathe… you’re okay, i promise, just breathe.” 

“i can’t breathe, i can’t –” 

“i woke up, & you were gone.” 

“just tell me something, was it really worth it?” 

Send one to see how my Muse responds OR send me “(TELL. THE. TRUTH.)” and I’ll GENERATE a number that My Muse will say to Yours. [1-148]

“Proof enough for you, Mr./Mrs./Miss ____? Or should I say… Mr./Mrs./Miss Did It!”

“Lies always beget more lies! See through one, and their whole story falls apart!”

“This is no laughing matter! You did pass the bar didn’t you?”

“I think I feel a migraine coming on…”

“I wasn’t dumped! She/he/they just wasn’t taking my phone calls. Or seeing me… Ever.”

“If you wish to hang yourself, ____, you’re welcome to, but not inside my ____.”

“Please, ____… Is “Huh” the best response you can muster up?“

“We were great together! We were Romeo and Juliet, Cleopatra and Mark Anthony!”

“Um… didn’t they all die?”

“Y-Yes, ____. I’m, um, a little nervous.”

“____, given the circumstances… I think we should have a test to ascertain your readiness.”

“Oh… Oh right! Ehehehe…”

“This is no laughing matter. You did pass the bar didn’t you?”

“Sorry, I couldn’t hear your answer. I’ll ask you again.”

“Oh, right! Wasn’t she/he/they, um, poisoned by, er… poison?”

“You’re asking me!?”

“You went to the victim’s apartment on the day of the murder, did you not?”

“Well, did you, or did you not?”

“Heh? Heh heh. Well, maybe I did, and maybe I didn’t!”

“Ngh… grrrah! Gwaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Shutupshutupshutup! I hate you!”

“Don’t worry ‘bout me! I’ll be dead and gone soon!”

“Good! Wait, no! I mean… Bad! Bad bad bad!”

“My heart goes out to you, ____. Not.”

“The sky is blue, and so am I…”

“____, you’re a sham!”

“Alright! I’ve got nothing to lose! Except for… well, everything!”

“Why do I always feel like it’s the end of the world and I’m the last man standing?”

“Wasn’t it you who told me “proof is everything”? Well, I was listening. And now I’ll show you the “proof” you like so much!“

“Amateurs, amateurs. Listen to me, ____.”

“You ARE nothing.”

“I object! That was… objectionable!”

“Upstart..! Amateur..! These accusations… are ludicrous!”

“The guilty will always lie, to avoid being found out.”

“There’s no way to tell who is guilty and who is innocent!”

“All that I can hope to do is get every ____ declared "guilty”!“

"Welcome! Please furnish me with the title of your personage!”

“…Your name! What’s your name?”

“I was just inquirably asking the title that you go by.”

“My motto is: "Don’t worry, be happy!” “

”(The) ____… (the) ____… To me they are mere toys. Playthings for my amusement!“

"What’s wrong? Is something stuck to my face? Why yes! There’s my eyes, and my nose, and my mouth.”

“I am always abso-posi-lutely perfect!”

“I like a man with a big… vocabulary.”

“What is it you little shrimp!”

“You stinking ____! I hope you die!”

“Bottom-feeding, scum-sucking ____!”

“Ah-HHHHEM!”

“ "Ah… the days of my youth… like the scent of fresh lemon…” you see.“

"Despite his/her/their name, ____ has the blackest reputation of any man/woman/person in this country.”

“Now, ____. I believe I’ll take what’s mine. The papers.”

“I’m sorry, I can’t give you what I don’t have.”

“____, you are a poor liar. Why I see it over there.”

“You forget, ____? There is nothing I don’t know in my job.”

“Anyway, get the name right. And don’t go calling me ”____“…”

“If that wasn’t the most over-the-top clearing of the throat I’ve ever heard!”

“No "but”-ing your way out of this one, ____!“

”____, I think it’s high time you went shopping for a better excuse…?“

"Oh? Excuses not on sale today?”

“____, look at (the) ____’s face? Does she/he/they seem amused to you!?”

“Hah! I’d like to see her/him/them pull THAT off!

”____, I saw that evil, evil grin! You were probably thinking “I’d like to see her pull THAT off,” weren’t you!“

"Please, you’re scaring the security guard.”

“For starters, how did you get to be so totally whacked!?”

“Hey guess what? Actually, I really hate your guts. So get lost because, well I’m not co-operating.”

“He and I are of the same ilk. We both carry the scent of… danger.”

“There we are in total agreement, Psycho ____.”

“That does it. When this is done I’m shaving my head.”

“Yes! Man, that felt good! It’s great to be alive!”

“Why are you pumping your fists in the air?”

“No, my feeble friend. A "mere” ____. Worth nothing. Zilch. Zippo. Nada!“

"But you and ____ are lovers, aren’t you!”

“You sent that painting to him/her/them! As a sign! A sign of undying love!”

“M-m-my boy/girl/dear, please! You’re letting your fancies run away with you! Where do you get these bizarre ideas?”

“Enough. I’ll swallow my pride and tell you all.”

“N-no! We are NOT lovers!”

“Yes! That is what I said! Oh dear, do my locutions confuse?”

“Ah, you’re finally awake.”

“____’s favorite potted plant. _____ has been watering it so much lately it looks a little… swollen. She/he’s/they’re either trying to make it grow… or she/he’s/they’re perfecting her/his/their water torture technique.”

“So he was sleeping the entire afternoon of the murder? Some action hero!”

“It must be nice to live so free of guilt.”

“Ohhh yeah, right here! Sherlock Holmes II, baby!”

“HE COULDN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”

“I was hoping to come up with a question while I was objecting, ____… I didn’t.”

“Thanks to you, I’m saddled with unnecessary… feelings.”

“Um, maybe I shouldn’t be saying this… But he/she/they definitely did it. Murder. At least once. Maybe twice.”

“Umm… ____? Will I grow up to be like her/him/them? Please say "no.” “

"Um, ____? You know that problem of yours? That problem where you (present evidence) that makes no sense? You’re doing it again.”

“It seems like it was only yesterday. Actually, it was only yesterday.”

“She/he/they sucks up to all the bigwigs at (the) ____… But let her/him/them see you stumble once and she/he/they’ll never let up on you.”

“You look as though you’ve seen a ghost!”

“____! How could you say such a thing?”

“Yeah, but I have a second stomach just for steaks.”

“Yeah, but I have a separate stomach for sweets!”

“So? What’s the difference? You need to stop judging things based on narrow-minded cultural assumptions, ____!”

“It’s never a good idea to reveal your hand to the enemy too soon.”

“____! You’re craftier than I gave you credit for. Why, you could be the next… Evil Magistrate!”

“Hey! Why do I have to be the villain?”

“… You eat, you die.”

“…Hmm? My, aren’t you a handsome/pretty/beautiful fellow/mate/gal! I’m afraid I’m a bit flustered!”

“I try not to pay much attention to things that don’t interest me.”

“What the hell do samurais sing about? Chopping off heads?”

“Don’t hit your desk. It irritates me.”

“I was hoping I’d come up with a question while pounding on my desk.”

“____ is out of control! He/she/they was in the waiting room and he/shey/they crushed this paper cup with hot, hot coffee in it.”

“____, you’ve had a long day. Shut your pie-hole.”

“I set my card’s number to "0001” because I’m number one!“

"This photo is worth a thousand words… and they all read "guilty”!“

"I’ve heard of desperate men grasping at straws, but this is the first time I’ve heard of men grasping at macaws! Hah!”

“I need a waterfall to stand under! Preferably a freezing one!”

“…You want more pressure, huh? Why don’t you go down to the fire department and have them spray you with the hose?”

“So, you’ve come to laugh at the fallen ____? Then laugh, laugh! Well? Why aren’t you laughing?”

“Nah. It’s a trick. Laugh and he/she/they’ll get mad… or burst into tears.”

“We/I don’t have so much free time we can spend it coming down here to laugh at you.”

“… I hoped you wouldn’t come. I didn’t want you to see me. Not like this.”

“I feel winter’s chill from the bare leaf trees today…”

“What is it about winter that turns people into poets?”

“Will you stop that?”

“Maybe it’s broken?”

“D-Don’t kick it! Maybe it isn’t set to respond to voices?”

“It must hurt, to be ignored by a bird…”

“____! You can’t just say "hello” and expect us to get anywhere! I want you to _____!“

"Wow, okay, Mr./Mrs./Miss head-in-the-fluffy-pink-clouds ____.”

“Too bad they don’t have a test for common sense.”

“I’m guessing it’s worth around $5,000.”

“It doesn’t matter who I am, it matters who YOU are! You’re the famous ____ [wrong name]!”

“…Oh! You’re not ____ are you?”

“So you are… the coffee boy/girl?”

“Phew… that’s a relief. You’re better than nobody.”

“Yeah, I thought you looked a bit strange when I first saw you.”

“Ahh! Well! I’ve never seen a real one before.”

“You’re the first one who’s actually been interested in mine, believe me.”

“There doesn’t appear to be any corrosion due to sulfides. I’d give you $50.00 for it.”

“Sorry, but it’s not for sale. Yet…”

“They kicked me out of ____…”

“Hmm? Haven’t I seen you somewhere…?”

“So this is why everyone raves about caviar! It’s so tasty it hurts! I always thought caviar would taste like pickled tapioca.”

“(The) ____ will wait! I’m not finished eating yet…”

“I believe what she/he/they just said was a mere prelude to the story she/he/they is about to tell. Try not to interrupt her/him/them again.”

“____… Never interrupt a storyteller! It’s like pulling a bun out of the over half-baked!”

“What kind of "grudge”!?“

"Yes (sir/m'am)! I am ____! My occupation is, um… that would be murderer.”

“Er… so you’re telling us you’re a "professional killer…” “

"It was me! I’m the one who did it! I’ll never kill anyone again! You’ve got to believe me!”

“I’m part of what you would call the younger generation! A person whose actions adults can’t possibly comprehend!”

“I’d appreciate it if you’d stop making these ridiculous allegations.”

“Yes, you do have a point… You wouldn’t have the guts to do something like that…”

“What? I’ll have you know back in the day, I once broke into a cattle ranch and tipped –”

Apparently, so did this man who was speaking to him. Though he wasn’t the most intuitive person, not like some of his other comrades had been, by the way Rick looked upon the harshness of his flesh, his fingers, there was something going on. Something hidden in thought that was to be mulled over time and time again. It would be because of this observation the core of his eyes would actually meet the gaze given to him. And it would be out of respect he would flip his vision downwards ever so slightly.

“I believe that I was,” Rick stated, pausing for a moment, “and I try to be.” It’s very clear that there are people much worse than him. There are people who have malicious intent with everything they do; some solely live to wreak havoc and bring chaos to innocent people’s lives. Rick is a father that does bad things to survive, and to protect those that he loves. Sometimes you have no choice but to do awful things and continue to live with it.

“Oh..”

He’d only been in the city without Scully for a couple of weeks, and once she arrived, he hardly thought about home at all. Everyone he loved and cared about was already here. But if he didn’t have his family…yea that could be rough.

He continued to struggle with words on the topic of his kids, but Rick managed to continue just a little bit longer. “...I hope so,” he murmured, not exactly making eye contact with Mulder. There were certain things that the eyes could display in just one glance, and sadness was perhaps the greatest example. “Even if they don’t come here, I just want them to be safe.” He paused, a long silence filling the gap between them once again.

“Oh, thanks man! A man can’t go walking around with his shoes undone, imagine.” He crouched down to tie them properly-

Looking back and forth between the red-haired male and the manhole, Rick questioned, “...Does this happen a lot?” He was thoroughly concerned, but his worries were interrupted by the sudden sound of a car exploding! Okay, this is just ridiculous. With a face of awe and terror, Rick shouted, “Hurry up and tie your shoe, we should get out of here!”

Unfortunately for Frisk, clothes were a lot lighter than books, and the child ended up having to stop every once and a while to rest. As a result, they were in town longer than they meant to be. During one of the times that the child had the bags down, they noticed someone staring at them. Originally they meant to avoid him, but some enough, someone had made their way over.

Oh, a sheriff, they’d never met one before! The closest they’d ever met was Undyne. Their expression lit up right away. The child was ecstatic. Of course, normally people would be cautious of someone they just met, especially if they were as small as Frisk, but Frisk was far too trusting. Plus, he was a police officer, everyone said to be trusting of the police! Oh, but he seemed to think they were lost. Frisk did not like to be treated like just another kid. That spoiled their mood a little bit. Of course, they’d have to clear it up. Right, they had to bring back the nice big smiles once again.

Still kneeling down, he held out a friendly hand for a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you Frisk,” he added. It still amazed him that these so-called “scientists” would take children for their simulation experiment. It just seems so... inhumane. At least, though, they took Frisk’s mother as well. A part of him hoped that, by some chance, Carl and Judith would be brought to Hive City for the three of them to be reunited. The chances might be very unlikely, but a father can still stay optimistic.

Rick’s eyes shifted to the many books that Frisk happened to be carrying around. “You must be strong if you can carry that many books around the city,” he pointed out. “I’m sorry for underestimating you.”