Oddworld Just Got Stranger

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

(Even though it's quite fun to confuse yeh )

That's so mean. *tries to look peeved but just comes off as daft* Don't worry... I'll get yer back.

Hey hey Dancin' Steef! Glad you're enjoyin' it so much, sadly we're reaching the end of Stranger's Wrath... But who says that means it's the end of the story?

Be interestin' to see your reactions to what I've got planned won't it?

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

One Way Or Another
Stranger

As dusk was falling the Grubbs at the river returned to the village to find Stranger almost frantic.

“’Ave yer seen Bailey?” he asked the fisher Grubbs when he saw them.

“She ain’t here?” one asked, concern lacing his tone.

“No, she disappeared this morning and I ain’t seen her since.” Stranger explained distractedly. “Ain’t yer seen her at all?”

“We saw her earlier, she came to help us with fishing, but she decided to go further upstream and when she didn’t come back, we’d thought she’d given up and come back here…”

Stranger groaned.

“Bailey never gives up.” He muttered. Just then he heard a yell and turned sharply, Jolee was running towards them. Stranger saw the look of horror and fear on her expression and felt his stomach plunge. Whatever news the young girl had, it wasn’t good.

“Stranger.” The Grubb gasped as she came within hearing range, “Stranger!” she skidded to a halt next to the Steef. “I found…” she petered off, getting her breath back and gave what she’d been carrying, to Stranger. “It was just outside the village.” She whispered. Stranger looked at the thing in his hand. It was one of Bailey’s arrows.

With her bandana tied to the shaft. The green stained with red…

Stranger’s breath caught in his throat, for a second the world spun wildly. Stranger closed his eyes. It took him a moment to keep himself together but he managed it and when he opened his eyes again, the neon green gaze had a steely glint in them.

He clenched his fist around the bandana and pivoting began jogging towards the Seer Grubbs hut.

I have to find ‘er.” Stranger insisted a few minutes later. He stood before the old Grubb in his hut. Though on the outside he was calm and collected, inside, he was in turmoil. Bailey had been taken, maybe even killed- Stranger quashed that thought before it fully formed, she couldn’t be dead. He hadn’t told Bailey that he cared about her.

The Seer sat in his armchair and regarded Stranger intently.

“You must protect the Grubbs.” He said at length, “You are our Steef protector. Bailey would want you to stay and do your duty.” Stranger’s eyes flashed,

“I will not abandon ma kid.” He said in a deep, rumbling growl. The old Grubb sighed.

“We will speak with our Queen.” He finally said. Stranger suppressed another savage growl. He didn’t care what any of them said.

He would not leave Bailey. Even if he had to do it alone. For all he knew, time could running out for Bailey…

If it hadn’t already reached an end.

¤§¤

The old Seer Grubb led an impatient Stranger from his hut into the heart of the Grubb village. Stranger realised that the settlement was bigger then he had taken credit for…although, after all, he and Bailey had only been here a grand total of a day and a half. So much had happened in such a short time…

After a while Stranger saw a great structure of stone rise up before him, it had been carved right out of the valley side. It wasn’t like the huts that the Grubb lived in, but it wasn’t a palace either. More then anything, it seemed like a temple of some kind.

The Grubb Seer stopped at the bottom of the steps leading up to the temple’s entrance.

“This is where our Queen resides during the day to guide us.”

“So she don’t live here?”

“No, no. She has a hut like the rest of us.” there was a pause before Stranger, without waiting for the Seer began climbing the stairs, hooves clopping on the stone. When he reached the top, he stopped again, staring. Around the door were carvings and paintings of Steef and Grubbs. Lots of them.

The Seer Grubb had caught up with him by now and beckoned as he entered the temple. As they walked along the wide corridor Stranger looked at the paintings they passed.

“They are prophecies.” Said the Grubb suddenly. Without warning he stopped and turned to one set of small etchings, painted on the stone. He touched them quietly. “I paint them when I see things in my visions. This one predicts your coming, with Bailey.” Stranger looked at the paintings closely. He could clearly make out a drawing of a Steef and in front of the Steef, with a yellow aura, was a picture that was obviously a human, holding a drawn bow and arrow. He touched it.

“Bailey.” He said softly. The Grubb nodded and led the Steef along the pictures, narrating what they meant.

“A demon comes to Mongo Valley.” The little painting showed the Mongo valley and a little being drawn in purple and black arriving in it.

“The demon begins to build a great wall that will mean the death of the valley.” The picture showed a half constructed building and the little purple and black figure directing a cluster of other red little figures.

“The Grubbs’ guardians, the Steef, fight against the demon to stop him from killing the valley.” A group of Steef were drawn readying themselves for a war, across from them, the ‘demon’ was also preparing for a battle.

“The Steef are beaten.” Said the Seer Grubb softly, “And they are hunted down, one by one.” The painting showed a smaller group of Steef fleeing into the wilds with a larger group of red figures pursuing them.

“The demon builds his dam and he takes control.” Stranger looked at the picture, of the being of purple and black with lightning coming from his standing atop what looked like a damn. Little pictures of Steef heads hung on the dam.

“Sekto…” Stranger growled, the Grubb Seer nodded and continued.

“The Grubbs, left with no guardians are hunted and killed as well, by the demon’s minions.” Stranger looked at the little depictions of Grubbs cowering in their homes while more of the red figures took some of the Grubbs away.

“All hope seems lost for the valley, but then a Steef with a human guide from another world is drawn to the oppressed Grubbs.” There was the picture of himself and the human with an aura.

“This Steef faces the demon and defeats him.” This picture showed the Steef – Stranger – throwing Sekto from the dam.

“The dam falls and the Steef return.” The picture showed a snowy plain. The illustration of Stranger stood before a little group of Steef, leading them.

“But what happened to Bailey?” Stranger asked, feeling apprehension rising in his stomach.

“I did not seen her again, after she led you here.” Said the Grubb. Stranger’s muscles tensed. Then, without saying anything he began walking stiffly down the corridor.

The old Seer Grubb sighed and shook his head before following the irate Steef.

Stranger felt anger percolating in his stomach like a coffee pot. And soon it was going to boil over… He refused to believe that Bailey might be dead already. He just couldn’t, and wouldn’t.

The Steef stomped to the end of the corridor where there was a great set of double doors made of pale coloured wood, the same shade as the beige rock. Without pausing in his momentum Stranger stormed through the double doors and entered the huge chamber on the other side.

Stranger stopped. Eyes wide. The chamber looked like the inside of some kind of shell. It curled round and up in a ridged funnel. Around the walls were painted murals and statues of Steef warriors. It was an amazing piece of architecture.

Sitting on a chair in the centre of the chamber was a female Grubb, just a bit older then Jolee. She had a headdress of green and blue feathers. She gazed at Stranger with a serene expression, as if full-grown male Steef barged into her council chamber all the time.

“So, you’re in charge of all these Grubbs huh?” he asked without preamble, going in front of the chair and the Queen Grubb.

“I have no power over them, I am merely a guide, they choose to follow the path or stray from it. You hear what I'm sayin'?” she said calmly,

“What's this path thing anyways?” Everyone seemed to be talking about paths and destinies and he thought it was about time he was told straight out what his was.

“It’s a metaphor for attaining enlightenment, it is the direction one must go to be at peace with nature.” The Queen explained, Stranger couldn’t help think this was going nowhere.

“Uh-huh, yer don't say.”

“Not yet, but one day you will understand, only then will you know your true power as a protector.”

“I don’t want ter be a Odd-damn protector!” Stranger said brusquely, “I just want help with rescuin’ my kid. If this power,” he said the word sceptically, “Can help me, then I’m all ears. And what's this about being a protector and abandoning Bailey!?”

“You are not ready to learn, unnatural motivations hinder you still.” Stranger growled, “I cannot teach you what you are not willing to accept in your heart, sadly that’s how it is.”

“Hows do I find the path.” Maybe it would help him save Bailey.

“You must learn more on your own, I cannot teach a heart so full of fear and anger and self-hatred. You got some messed up issues dude, were not gonna get into that.” The Seer Grubb, following in Stranger’s wake arrived just then,

“He wishes to leave to rescue his friend.” He explained to the Grubb Queen,

“I don't care what either of you have to say, I'm going, I'll fight Sekto if I have to.” Stranger snarled.

“We can't stop you and you’re ancestors would be proud if you could like, kick his ass...or something…”

“You're letting him go!?” the Seer exclaimed,

“It's his choice and it will help us when he wins.” Said the Queen, ever serene.

“I'm not doing it for you.” Stranger growled, “I'm doing it for Bailey.” There was a silence. “So you ain’t gonna help me at all?” The Grubb Queen smiled,

“I didn’t say that.” she said,

The Grubb Queen summoned the warrior she-Grubb that Stranger and Bailey had first met and four other Grubbs. Two were shipwrights with leather gloves and aprons and belts of tools and the other two; armourers.

“Is the Steef boat ready?” the Queen asked the first two.

“Yep, she’s ready.” Enthused one. His partner nodded eagerly,

“An’ the new engine’s all ready too ma’am.” He added.

“Very good, Steef Stranger will need it soon.” The Queen nodded. The shipwrights bowed their heads marginally and moved aside as the other pair of Grubbs came forward.

Stranger felt momentary surprise, the Grubb armourers were identical twin brothers. That was unusual.

“I would be right in thinking you still have it?” the Queen asked mysteriously. Stranger’s surprise became confusion and intrigue. But he hid his emotions.

“It?” he wondered. The armourer Grubbs looked at each other, that at Stranger and then at the Queen.

They nodded.

“Yes.” They said simultaneously and apparently the talking in unison was normal and natural as the Queen didn’t even bat an eyelid. “We still have it.”

“Then bring it here, it is time for it to be used again…” the armourers bowed and left.

“What in Odd’s name is ‘it’?” Stranger finally asked.

“You’ll see.” the Queen said enigmatically and smiled serenely. Stranger felt all but serenity, the next fifteen minutes were probably the worst in his entire life. He fidgeted constantly, unable to keep still, shifting his weight from leg to leg, painfully aware of every minute that crawled by, knowing that every minute could be Bailey’s last.

It seemed, to Stranger, that an eternity passed before the Grubb twins returned. Between them, they carried-

“Steef armour.” Said the Grubb Queen. “And now, after many years of being dormant, it shall see battle again.” Stranger looked at it, confused feelings churning in him.

The armour’s chest-, arm-, and foreleg-guards looked very much like his old poncho. There was a belt of brown leather with a red-orange sash and purple wrappings to go under the arm-guards and up to his shoulders as well as a purple tunic. There was also a horned helmet with a nose prong guard.

Stranger didn’t know what to feel. Fear? Anger? Acceptance? The idea he’d look ridiculous? He just didn’t know. Fortunately he didn’t have to face his own feelings right now. He had to rescue Bailey.

“Stranger.” The sound of his own name made Stranger look up, the Grubb Queen was watching him intently. “When you are ready the shipwrights will take you to the Steef boat, it will make the journey to Sekto’s dam much quicker.” Stranger swallowed and bowed slightly to the female Grubb and picking up the armour, left the council chamber.

The Queen dismissed all of the other Grubbs as well, apart from the she-warrior and the Seer.

“I want you to gather all out troops, make your way north on foot and get re-enforcements. Steef will need help to fight Sekto.” The warrior nodded and saluted.

When the warrior too had left, leaving the Seer and the Queen together, the old Grubb glanced at his sovereign.

“As I said m’lady, one way or another, he will fulfil his destiny.” The Queen slumped back in her chair and steepled her fingers.

“But at what cost…” she asked softly, “He should not be asked to pay his young one… Nothing can justify a payment that high…”

¤§¤

In Stranger’s hut, Jolee was just strapping on his second arm-guard, the last part of armour. She couldn’t help but think that it should be Bailey, and not herself, standing here.

“You’ll get her back, won’t you Steef?” she asked as she stepped back. Stranger flexed his arm, he looked down at the small Grubb, she had her hands clasped together and looked on the verge of tears. Stranger went down to her eye-level.

“I’ll get ‘er back, don’t worry.” He said firmly. Jolee bit her lip and nodded. Stranger stood up and Jolee passed him the helmet, Stranger slid it snugly over his ears. He looked back at Jolee, and tried to smile for her benefit, but it came out as more of a grimace. “I will find her.” He said again, as if reassuring himself as well as Jolee.

The Grubb girl nodded and smiled wanly.

“I bet she’s already on the rampage, Sekto’ll be beggin’ you to take her when you get there.” Stranger chuckled,

“Yeh, she’ll be drivin’ him crazy.”

“I bet she’s on her way back already and she’ll wave it all off and say we were silly worrying so much.”

“That’d be just like her…” Stranger said in a low voice. There was a miserable silence.

“You should go.” Jolee said. Stranger nodded, he then looked the Grubb right in the face.

“I’ll be back,” he said, “And I’ll have Bailey with me.” Jolee nodded and watched Stranger pick up his crossbow and re-stocked ammo pouch and leave, heading towards the river, the two shipwrights there, waiting to led him to the secret place where the Steef boat was hidden.

¤§¤

Stranger followed the two Grubbs along the bank of the dry river, heading upstream. His mind was consumed with his need to find Bailey.

As they headed further upstream his Grubb guides became more and more nervous and flighty, flinching at every sound and looking ready to bolt.

“We are in Sekto’s turf.” Explained one of the Grubbs, “Before him, it belonged to our Steef guardians, they had a small settlement ahead, a long time ago and a cave where they kept the Steef boats. When Sekto took over all but one of the boats were destroyed, we fixed the last one up, but it was too dangerous to try and move it downstream.” He said quietly, looking terrified.

Stranger nodded in understanding.

Finally they came to a place where the river water grew from a trickled and became deeper.

That was when Stranger saw it.

In the middle of the river, was a stake, and impaled on it, was Bailey’s hat.

Stranger splashed out into the river and retrieved the hat.

“Bailey…” he whispered. The hat smelt of her, of his Bailey and Stranger felt a lump in his throat. His resolve hardened, he clenched the hat tightly, if they had harmed his Bailey…

He made his way back to the two scared Grubbs on the bank.

“Take me to this cave, where the boat is.” He growled his temper flaring, “Now.” Knowing that to raise the ire of a Steef was treacherous at best, and knowing that Stranger’s deadly anger had been roused, the Grubbs decided it was best to do as he said and let him take revenge on Sekto, before he unleashed it on them.

It wasn’t going to be pretty when Stranger got his hands on Sekto.

Stranger was furious, not at the Grubbs, but at Sekto. He vowed that he would make Sekto sorry for even thinking of taking his Bailey away from him.

“Don’t worry Bailey, I’m comin’ fer yer.”

[Dark Elite_H2]

Really good, Lobo! Kinda made me tense when Stranger found those pieces of clothing Bailey had, 'specially her banadana in blood... Makes me worry too...
Well, keep them chapters comin' up, Lobo! I'ma get to on mine, but I dunno if I have long...I'm goin' somewhere today...

[Oddkid]

I'm reading this fic in bits and pieces. Like most other fanfiction it takes me a while to get into the stride. Mostly because I have to sit in front of a screen instead of snuggling up with a book. But so far I'm liking what I'm reading. Tis very cute!

Dare I say I feel inspired. The thing is I'm scared I don't have enough knowledge of the Oddworld Universe to make a good story. So far the only Oddworld game I've ever played has been Stranger's Wrath.

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Howdy-doody 'Kid! Thanks for takin' the time to comment. Yeh, I like curling up with a good book, but I like writing more. Yeh, I admit, it's fluffy...

Anyway, what got me about your post was this here liddle question-comment thing;

Dare I say I feel inspired. The thing is I'm scared I don't have enough knowledge of the Oddworld Universe to make a good story. So far the only Oddworld game I've ever played has been Stranger's Wrath.

I let you in on a liddle secret, I put it at the beggining of the story, but you may have missed it, so I'll tell yer. *beckons* Ready?

I haven't actually played Stranger's Wrath. No, seriously, it's true, I haven't. Haven't even got an Xbox.

I've only played the first two games, Abe's Oddysee and Abe's Exoddus, donkey's years ago. But I saw a picture of Stranger on an Oddworld site (thought he looked like a demented scarecrow back then), and I got inspired too, I really wanted to write something, so I went on the internet and researched, I've actually got a Stranger character study around here somewhere made entirely of Google found pictures. I looked at a couple of walkthroughs as well but because it was a new game, no one would tell me the endin', so finally I emailed a walkthrough writer and asked very nicely if he could give me the Stranger's Wrath storyline, and he did.

And this is the story my overactive imagination came up with.

You're luckier, the first three games; Abe's Oddysee, Abe's Exoddus and Munch's Oddysee are older and infomation about them is everywhere and picture's help as well.

So seriously, just get someone to give you the basics, look up some general information on the forums (there's a great databank on the RPG thread) and the internet, and then just go with the flow, wing it. It also helps to put at the beginning that you're flying blind and please be lenient with mistakes.

Wow, that was long winded...hrm, I rambled....oh well!

Hope this helps ya Kiddo.

[Oddkid]

*Is Friggin SHOCKED* O.O

Wow and for a story this good I figured you'd have played Stranger's Wrath...heh.

I have hope then. XD

Actually if i do write a Oddworld story it will probably be focused on Stranger. But since it is Oddworld I should still do research. Even on Abe and Munch, just in case I feel like referencing them.

I could just check my local Game Stop and buy most of the Oddworld games used for almost nothing. ^^;

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

That's a good idea. Glad to have been of help. Look forward to that fic of yours.

[Oddkid]

Well thankyou! Bits and pieces of a possible story have already rested in my mind. Whenever I get some time on my hands I'll get into it.

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

And this be a departin’ present for Dark Elite_H2, a extra long chapter fer when I take me sabbatical till next Monday. Ter tide yer over, yer know…

One Way Or Another
Bailey

Bailey groaned and opened her eyes a slit. She was lying on her stomach, her cheek was pressed against cold, damp stone and her head was pounding. She blinked slowly a few times and gathered herself to move, she felt sick just trying to keep her wayward thoughts together.

Stiffly she drew her arms around and pushed herself up on her hands. Lightning scorched her brain sending pain, lancing right through her head and Bailey nearly threw up.

She managed to clamber to her knees and closed her eyes, trying to fight back to wave of nausea. After a few deep breaths, she felt slightly better and re-opened her eyes but she didn’t get up from her knees.

Bailey looked around slowly she was alone and her weapons were gone. She was in a fair sized cell. There were no windows, water dripped from the ceiling and ran down into one corner of the cell. It was lit with one flickering pitch torch. The door was made of solid wood with a little barred window about Bailey’s height. As far as Bailey could see the door led to an equally dark, dank passageway, also lit with torches.

By now she was feeling stronger and she shakily rose to her feet. Jerkily she made her way across the room and looked through the window in the door. It was dark and silent. Bailey sighed and leaned back on the door rubbing her forehead with one hand, eyes closed.

When she opened them again she took another look around the cell. And almost screamed.

On the back wall, hung up by rusting chains, were the remains of a Steef.

Without it’s head.

Bailey slid down against the door, to the floor and stared at the grisly remains of the cell’s previous occupant. She shuddered and drew her knees up to her chin hiding her eyes.

She had the feeling that she was going to be next…

Bailey didn’t know how long she sat there, forehead buried in her arms, propped up on her knees. There was no way to measure time passage down here, there was no day and no night, just an eternity of darkness, spanning on forever. Only the steady drip, drip of the trickle of water in the corner of the cell and her own breathing reminded Bailey that time had not just stopped.

Regardless, time did stop for Bailey. Her existence became a grey, endless present, the past unreachable and as far as Bailey knew, there was no future.

It didn’t take long for Bailey to realise that is she didn’t get out of this cell soon, she would lose her mind…

¤§¤

Bailey heard them coming long before they passed.

Heavy, shuffling footsteps stomping down the passage outside her cell door. She immediately sprang to her feet, she staggered, the blood cold in her limbs but she retreated from the door.

Half of her hoped the footsteps would pass her cell, but the other half clammered to be freed and given a chance to extract revenge.

So it was with half trepidation and half savage excitement that Bailey saw a shadow darken the barred window in her cell door. A key scraped in the lock and with a creak the cell door swung open on rust encrusted hinges.

The creature that came in, was huge. Bailey watched it warily as the creature lumbered into the cell. Another figure then hopped in after it.

Bailey gaped at it. Not entirely believing her eyes.

It looked like the being had had all on it’s skin stripped off, leaving the tendons and sinews uncovered. It’s head looked like a mutated hybrid of a ray and squid. It had one, two-toed foot and four arms. It had some kind of staff-cane thing that looked rather menacing, it also had a black top-hat with a red band around it and some kind of strange black and red suit.

Bailey, was baffled.

She kept her gaze riveted on the two beings. The one with the top-hat looked over at Bailey with a contemptuous glance, but his smug, superior expression and demeanour faltered when his watery, colourless eyes met Bailey’s fierce, hawk-like glare.

“Ahem.” He cleared his throat and soon the haughty attitude returned though with less confidence then before.

Bailey blinked slowly.

“Mister Sekto will see you now.” He said, just as if Bailey had an appointment and had been waiting in some lavish waiting-lounge. Not being kept as a prisoner in this dark, dank cell with only a rotting corpse for company…

“What if I don’t want to see Mister Sekto?” Bailey retorted, proud of the defiant note in her voice and that it hadn’t wavered.

The squidish creature smiled patronisingly, fanning at the flame of Bailey’s temper, and snapped his fingers. The big, lumbering creature suddenly lunged at Bailey with more agility then she’d have thought and grabbed her.

Before Bailey could even think of fighting back, she found herself five feet from the floor, her back pressed to the chest of the huge creature with it’s immensely strong arms clamped around her, pinning her arms to her sides.

The squid being smiled again.

“That, is no longer your choice my dear.” He said.

Bailey didn’t miss the sinister, ominous undertone of the statement…

¤§¤

She was hauled from the cell and lugged along the passage way. They entered another chamber where a couple of Wolvarks were waiting, with malicious grins on their faces. One held a chain attached to a collar, the other held two strips of leather.

The first Wolvark stepped forward and snapped the collar around Bailey’s neck. Bailey was dropped unceremoniously onto the dusty floor. Bailey coughed the dust from her throat and scrambled to her feet, immediately and simultaneously her wrists were tied and she was gagged.

Bailey snarled, a deep growl rumbling in her stomach. But she knew she was beaten and she became docile, but she never lost her defiance or fiery will. She held her chin up proudly.

They led Bailey from the chamber and down another passage. Bailey noticed that her ‘escort’ seemed very edgy.

“Wonder why.” Bailey thought idly. She also noticed that none of the more intelligent beings (in the loosest possible term) seemed to want to touch her, or even come too close. “Are they afraid of me?” she suddenly thought incredulously. “Why?”

Just then Bailey was led up a flight of steps hewn from stone, through another door and out into bright light.

Being in the dark for so long only intensified the agony stabbing into Bailey’s eyes as she was thrust into the sunshine. The sunrays seemed unnaturally bright, blinding Bailey with their glare. Bailey immediately closed her eyes. After a moment the pain subsided and Bailey carefully opened her eyes to slits.

It was snowing. White blanketed everything and Bailey realised that the blinding glare had been the bright sunshine reflecting on the fallen snow.

Bailey opened her eyes fully. And stopped dead.

On the left was the Mongo River, deep and roaring, rushing white foam heads crashing into the rocks. Forest surrounded her on all sides. But Bailey didn’t notice any of it. Her attention was focused, on the dam. It was a huge piece of engineering, sealing off the water completely, expect for the row of small flood gates that made it look like the dame was suspended on a waterfall. Bailey knew it was probably an image Sekto was going for.

A show of ultimate power.

Her very worst fears had suddenly become very close, and very threatening.

Sekto was up there.

Waiting for her.

¤§¤

Bailey felt like she was in a nightmare, a never-ending nightmare. A nightmare that however much you try to run, you never go fast enough.

There was nowhere else to run. She’d been caught. All she could do was give up, and let them take her to Sekto.

She was led over the snow plain with the river on one side and the jungle on the other towards the cliff-face that the dam seemed to sprout from. The squid thing with the top-hat went ahead of them and pressed several somethings on the wall.

“Must be some sort of control panel…” the thought drifted through her mind. Bailey didn’t care anymore. She just gazed listlessly at nothing. In just a few moments she’d realised that her plight was helpless, and there was nothing she could do about.

The revelation wasn’t a pleasant one.

Bailey eyes now dull and her whole attitude resigned and defeated, showed no surprise when a section of cliff-face shook and a hidden door slid open, revealing a passage into the dam. Bailey was marched into the dam and the segment of cliff which made up the hidden door shuddered back into place, plunging Bailey into darkness and sealing her in the dam. Sekto’s base.

Bailey’s stomach dropped a couple more notches.

“I’m dead.” She thought bleakly. “Just like all of Sekto’s other enemies…wonder if he’ll mount my head on the wall?…”

Her captors seemed used to this as they didn’t miss a step and walked confidently along the corridor, even though it was black as pitch.

“They know where they’re goin’…” Bailey thought dully. She was led around several corners, confusing her completely, which was probably the whole purpose, but Bailey knew that there would be no escaping this time. She was caught, cornered like a rat… She heaved a quiet sigh. There was no hope. This was her end.

Bailey found nothing in herself that cared anymore.

She was led into a small box room, shaped like a cube. It was still dark. The cube room was so small that Bailey’s ‘entourage’ had to crowd together to fit. Even so, none of her jailers would come with in a foot of her. Bailey found this mildly amusing and she smiled faintly.

Suddenly the room began to judder and Bailey felt the same sensation as if she were in an elevator going upward. Bailey registered this, like everything else, with dull acceptance.

As they exited the cube they carried on along another dark passageway. The darkness didn’t last long. As they passed through another door, light suddenly flooded into Bailey’s vision, falling onto her face in a warm glow. Bailey blinked as she was dragged unceremoniously into the chamber beyond.

Bailey looked around. This was probably the most lavish room she’d ever seen. It reached high above her head. On one side was a huge wall window that provided a spectacular view of the Mongo valley, the elevator must have taken them to the top of the dam, Bailey thought.

There was also a cage, hung from the ceiling by a thick chain that swung just a foot from the floor in the corner. Inside was a creature that Bailey found strangely familiar, but she was too distressed with the rest of the room’s décor to ponder on Sekto’s apparent ‘pet’.

There were thick carpets on the floor and a rug made from the pelt of some poor creature like the tiger and bear rugs Bailey had seen. She felt sickened.
There was a chandelier. And trophies on the wall as well that made her skin crawl.

Steef heads.

A lot of them.

Bailey gulped back a sob and nearly threw up all over the carpet… There weren’t just adult male heads on those walls. Bailey sank to her knees, the two Wolvarks, the squid thing and the huge creature that had brought her here backed away, bowing out of the room as someone else entered it.

“Ah, I see you like my collection, rather impressive aren’t they.” Said a deep, horribly familiar voice. Still on her knees, Bailey turned her head and watched Sekto close the door he’d entered by and sit behind his huge desk, it looked like a circular conference table with a C-shaped indentation where Sekto’s chair stood and a stranger octopus iconic logo on it.

Bailey noticed two of the giant, vaguely purple squid things she’d first seen when she’d been captured standing one on either side of the megalomaniac water tyrant. Bailey felt some of her old fire returning and she got to her feet, glaring at Sekto with her head slightly bowed, not in submission, but like an angry dog does before it attacks. She bared her teeth and a quiet growl came from the human.

Sekto seemed amused.

“When you called I expected someone…more intimidating shall we say?”

“Nasty shock then.” Snarled Bailey,

“On the contrary.” Bailey could only see Sekto’s domed head and red eyes but she had the distinct impression he was smirking as he leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “I find it quite amusing. In fact I find many things about you amusing.” Bailey didn’t budge, and she didn’t break eye-contact. “But I see why you are a feared bounty hunter,” Sekto said, was it just Bailey, or did he seem…impressed? “Not many would keep their defiance in you position.” Bailey grinned humourlessly, it was more of an evil smirk.

“Maybe because there’s nothing I have left to lose. Tends to change yer perspective on things.”

“And reckless too, but courageous, I like that. I could use someone like you, with your spirit and attitude. Why don’t you give up on this doomed crusade of yours, oh yes,” Sekto said, when Bailey’s mouth dropped open. “I know what you’ve been up too with that Steef friend of yours, which is ironic really…”

“Why?” Bailey said guardedly.

“Don’t you find it amusing? So very ironic that you call me in response to my Steef bounty, because you want the funds to help your bounty hunter partner hide the fact that he is a Steef from the world? Hunting Steef to help Steef. Come, you must find some amount of amusement.”

“Yeh, hysterical.” Bailey said sarcastically. “But how d’you know what I’ve ‘been up too’?”

“Aha, I was wondering when you would ask that. I trust you remember when you had that encounter with Raider.” Bailey didn’t do anything, but it was obvious she remembered. “Well one of his minions survived your…assault…and made his way back to me. And told me everything.” Bailey felt a curl of apprehension.

“Everything?” she thought horrified. Sekto chuckled, as if he’d read her mind,

“Everything. Along with some interesting information about that Stranger of yours. Now I’ve heard of Stranger, and well, you can imagine my surprise when I was told he was none other then a Steef. And that you were his constant companion, which brings me to my offer. I don’t respect many of my adversaries, mindless, primitive beings or complete buffoons, all of them. But you, you I like, you have spirit and you have charisma and you don’t give up, you have intelligence and initiative. So, I’ll give you an offer, abandon this losing fight and join forces with me.”

“And what?” Bailey asked, “You want me to pledge allegiance to you and give up where Stranger is?”

“You’re sharp girl Bailey and you catch on quick. So, what is your answer. You’re just the second-in-command I need. Just picture it Bailey. We could be great you know, you and me.” Sekto’s expression became uplifted, as if he was envisioning something glorious.

Bailey looked at Sketo, and then began laughing. She exercised all of her self-control to stop laughing and she eventually did so, getting control over herself.

“Go to hell Sekto.” She said, completely serious, “And take your friends and crackpot dreams with you. You will never get to Stranger through me, I would die before I betrayed my friends. It’s called loyalty Sekto, something you don’t know anything about.”

Sekto adopted a patronising, pitying tone.

“Oh poor, uninformed human.” He said, “I meant what I said, I gave you a chance to join me and make something of yourself, and you throw your lot in with the losing side.” Sekto shook his head, “It is a pity, a great pity. You see my dear, you have already betrayed your friends to me. The minion who escaped the fire told me all about how close you and the Steef are. Do you think for one second that he is not, right at this moment, tracking you down, coming to my base? So you see Bailey, I knew all along that he would come for you and I will have him right where I want him.” Sekto bowed mockingly to Bailey. “So I thank you for your assistance.” Sekto tossed something onto his desk for Bailey to see and laughed uproariously.

It was the Steef bounty poster.

Bailey saw red. She gave a rasping, wrathful roar and tried to attack Sekto but Sekto’s bodyguards, the two huge, bloated, faintly purple creatures, moved almost at the speed of light, scuttling around the desk and pinning Bailey to the carpet. Bailey writhed and fought, rage coursing through her veins as she tired to free herself.

Sekto laughed.

“Put her with Meech.” He said contemptuously. His two minions obeyed and dragged Bailey to the suspended cage containing the vaguely familiar creature. They threw Bailey in. “A treat for you my pet.” Sneered Sekto, he dismissed his two bodyguards with a wave of his hand. When they left Sekto approached the cage. Bailey lunged at him, slamming her fists on the bars.

“Mark my words Sekto, I’ll get you for this.” She snarled. Sekto chuckled at her expense,

“I think not, but we shall see your attempts,” He went to the door and put a hand on the handle, “I’m sure I’ll find them very entertaining.” He added, opening the door.

“’Ey, Sekto!” Bailey called, Sekto turned.

“Yes?” he asked pleasantly,

“Did you ever hear the phrase, the bigger they are the harder they fall?” Bailey’s eyes twinkled maliciously and she grinned, Sekto saw quite a bit of Steef in that expression but he shook it off.

“No I haven’t, what a quaint, curious little saying.” Bailey knew that Sekto was laughing at her attempt to mess with his mind, but she had one more trick up her sleeve.

“Yer know? Caste Raider thought pretty much the same thing when I told him that the bad guys always get their come-uppancies….” Bailey grinned, “Look what happened to him. Now that’s irony at it’s best.” She grinned. Sekto didn’t say anything, after a second he swept out of the room and slammed the door behind him, leaving Bailey and his pet alone together.

Bailey chuckled.

“Easy when you know how.” She murmured to herself. “And when you know which buttons to press…” Grinning Bailey quietly sung;

“And I'll be cheering that you're going down,
And I'll be laughing, I'll be laughing.

Ha ha you're dead,
And I'm so happy,
In loving memory,
Of your demise.

When your ship is going down,
I'll go out and paint the town,
Ha ha you're dead,
Ha ha you're dead,
Ha ha you're dead.

Ha ha you're dead,
The joke is over,
You were a jerk,
And now you're gone,
As your ship is going down,
I'll stand by and watch you drown,

Ha ha you're dead,
Ha ha you're dead,
Ha ha you're dead…”

-----

The song fragment is from a Green Day record, ‘Ha Ha, You’re Dead’, that just fit perfectly, plus it suited Bailey’s personality, whole song is attached, read it if ya want, you’ll see what I mean when I say it fits…

Oh, and a picture of one of them 'Chronicler' dudes, (the top-hat guy mentioned in the chapter, sorry if I made mistakes...)

[Dark Elite_H2]

Hmm...Nice usage of the song thar, Lobo. And great chapter as well! You leave me in suspense, just as I. We're so even.
Come back soon, Lobo! Many updates will be in my thread, just waitin' fer you!

[Dancing Steef]

Ooh! nice chapter ya got there Lw! I Love it! hoping reading more of yer fanfic soon it's soooo xciting

I'll soon update my story as well... perhaps I'll start writing on it today...

well gotta go...

DS

[Dark Elite_H2]

She's not gonna be on 'till next monday, folks. Sorry...

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Not anymore DE! Don't you just love change of plans?

Yeh, well to heck with a sabbatical! I'm back and bad to the bone!...Well ok, maybe not bad. But hopefully I'll be able to beat me writer's block, *looks hopeful* and post again soon.

So I'm BACK!

Did'ja miss me?

[Dark Elite_H2]

Only a lot! Welcome back, buddy!

[Oddkid]

O.o......tis a miracle....

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Wow, it’s been ages since I updated. I’m so ashamed. Although, I can claim writer’s block, urg, I hate that stuff.

Just ter let yer know, they’ll be a lot of too-ing and fro-ing in this chapter as we skip between Bailey’s and Stranger’s POV.

Stranger’s Wrath
The Grubbs Get Their Own Back…

Stranger was in a near blind rage. There was only one coherent thought that made it’s way into his mind;

“This is takin’ too long.” He growled to himself. “We’re runnin’ outta time.” He said aloud, irritation creeping into his tone. He couldn’t take this anymore. Every delay could mean Bailey’s end.

Stranger fingered Bailey’s soft leather hat gently, it still smelt of her. He pressed it against his furry cheek, taking a deep breath of her scent, imprinting it on his memory. His resolve strengthened, he would find Bailey, she couldn’t be dead, she couldn’t die before he’d told her that she was his world, his entire world. He really did love her, he realised, not just as a friend or partner, but as a daughter. Bailey was the only family he had, and now she was gone…

“We will be there soon Steef dude.” Said one of the Grubbs,

“We don’t have time!” Stranger growled, “Bailey doesn’t have time!”

“But if we get caught, Bailey will die.” Cautioned the second Grubb. Stranger curbed his temper and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly so that it whistled through his teeth. He closed his neon green eyes in a slow blink.

“How much further?” he asked, calmer now.

“Soon Steef, we’ll be there soon.” Assured the first Grubb shipwright.

As good as his word, not ten minutes later, the two shipwright Grubbs and Stranger came to a place where the Mongo still ran.

Stranger looked up at the huge heap of boulders before him, rising fifty feet into the feet into the air where a giant landslide had dumped them. Regardless, water still burst forth, issuing from far above, at the peak of the landslide and cascaded down to the Mongo river below, curtaining the most part of the rocks with shining water.

Stranger looked down confusedly at the two Grubbs.

“I…don’t understand.” He said softly.

“Behind the waterfall. We will show you.” Said one of the Grubbs and the two shipwrights led the Steef toward the waterfall.

¤§¤

“And when you think you're all alone,
No one's left to come around,
Drop like flies and empathize,
Cause I know that I will someday,
And I know that I will suffocate,
Suffocate, suffocate, SUFFOCATE!”

Bailey sang the most obnoxious songs she could think of. As been as Sekto came across as a sort of Classical Orchestra music person, the most annoying songs Bailey could think of for him, was Green Day.

So she sat in the cage with Sekto’s pet Meech and roared Green Day songs like there was no tomorrow, and for Bailey, there probably wasn’t. Not if she kept this up.

“YOU WILL BE SUFFOCATED IF YOU DO NOT STOP!” Sekto bellowed, but Bailey would not be silenced, instead she got up and sang at the top of her lungs.

“I want to be the minority,
I don't need your authority,
Down with the moral majority,
'Cause I want to be the minority!”

She could see Sekto getting more and more irritated and she revelled in it. She was determined to have some fun before she died. And if she drove Sekto ab-so-lutely crazy, well, that was a bonus…

“One light, one mind,
Flashing in the dark,
Blinded by the silence of a thousand broken hearts.
"For crying out loud" she screamed unto me,
A free for all,
Forget 'em all,
You are your own sight;

I want to be the minority,
I don't need your authority,
Down with the moral majority,
'Cause I want to be the minority!”

Sekto gave vent to a roar of frustration, Bailey went quiet. Sekto then made the mistake of giving a sigh of relief.

“Well reality is due,
What you say just can't be true,
When the story's stretched,
And so far fetched,
That you're lacking an excuse.
You lied!”

“SHUT UP!” Sekto had finally had enough, “MEECH!” he ordered, “EAT HER!” But Meech ignored his ‘master’.

It hadn’t taken long for Bailey to remember that Sekto’s pet, (who he’d called ‘Meech’) was the same creature on the Oddworld card deck as the Queen. She also remembered that it was Meeches that had supposedly been hunted to extinction for Meech Munchies by the Glukkons. Bailey found it very comforting to know that there was at least one left, and even more so when she found, like Scrab and Paramite back home, that Meech seemed to like her.

The Meech was a dark brown and just as tall as Bailey’s lowest rib, he looked like a cross of Scrab and tiger prawn and he seemed to enjoy Bailey’s company. Even if her singing was terrible.

Meech pointedly ignored Sekto’s order and pressed his long, segmented head to Bailey’s ribs, making a soft cooing sound. Bailey grinned cheekily at Sekto and rubbed Meech’s chin.

She took a deep breath, and began…

“100 bottles of Brew on the wall,
100 bottles of SoulStorm Brew.
You take one down and pass it around,
99 bottles of Brew on the wall!
99 bottles of Brew on the wall,
99 bottles of SoulStorm Brew-”

It was surprising that Stranger didn’t hear Sekto’s howl of frustration down the river…

“-You take one down and pass it around,
98 bottles of Brew on the wall!”

¤§¤

The cavern shone blue and green and small waterfalls, tall and thread-like, fell from the high roof in silver ribbons and into the deep, underground pool. Drawn up on the shore was a wooden boat. The carved figurehead was in the shape of a Steef and on the aft of the craft was a crudely made engine of wood and cord.

For a moment Stranger could only gape around at the cave in awe. But concerned thoughts of Bailey quickly swept aside his wonder.

The two Grubbs led the Steef over to the lakeshore and boat.

“We installed the engine to make it easier to go upriver.” Explained one of the Grubbs. Stranger nodded absent-mindedly, but his thoughts were too full of worry for Bailey.

“So how does it work?” he asked, eager to get going and save Bailey.

¤§¤

Bailey sat cross-legged on the cage floor, elbows on knees, her mood now miserable. After a while Sekto had finally realised that if he ignored Bailey’s attempts to irritating him, she’d lose interest and stop, which she had.

The only problem for Bailey now was that now she was bored and had nothing to occupy her mind, her worry for Stranger gnawed at her. She missed him and Sekto’s words from their talk when she was first thrown into the cage, weighed heavily on her mind, even more so now she wasn’t annoying the megalomaniac.

Meech rested his strange, segmented head on Bailey’s knee. Bailey rubbed at his head absent-mindedly and Meech cooed.

Bailey heaved a sigh.

Doubts began worming into her heart and mind. What if Stranger got hurt? What if Sekto caught him? What if he was killed?

Disjointed worried and rambling thoughts whirled around Bailey’s mind and she felt sick with fear for Stranger.

¤§¤

Stranger steered the small Steef craft, feeling impatience stirring in his gut. This was taking too long, although, in all fairness, Stranger would never be able to go fast enough.

After navigating the river for just over an hour Stranger came upon another Grubb village.

It was burning.

The smoke billowing from the flames was dark and thick and dimmed the sun. As Stranger drew closer to the burning village he clearly heard the Grubbs screaming and the bass, cruel voices of Wolvarks. Stranger felt rage flare up inside him and the urge to fight, the warrior and protective impulse rising in him. But he felt torn. His want to protect the Grubbs battled with his parental instinct to find and get back Bailey.

For a moment Stranger struggled with conflicting emotions. Part of him wanted to pass by the burning village and continue his search for Bailey. It was a very strong part of himself. But something held him back, like a hand on his shoulder and a whisper in his ear; Not yet…not yet. Help them. Stranger felt a lump in his throat, it was almost as if Bailey was here beside him. He could see her in his mind, grinning and her gun at the ready.

Stranger knew what Bailey would want him to do.

¤§¤

Bailey knew that something bad was going to happen when Sekto entered the office looking smug and with a lit cigar. How he managed to smoke the thing was beyond anyone’s guess but Bailey failed to see the humour of the situation due to the unease stirring in her gut and niggling at the back of her mind.

“I have a very, very bad feeling about this…” Bailey stood slowly, keeping her eyes locked on Sekto as he crossed the room to the cage. Bailey clasped the bars and eyed the water tyrant with distaste. “Whadda you want?” she spat. Sekto blew a smoke ring in Bailey’s face and she had the distinct impression he was smiling smugly. She wrinkled her nose and waved her hand in front of her face. “Charmin’…” Bailey thought sarcastically.

“Your friend is slippery, so far he has not been sighted…” Bailey smiled patronisingly,

“Maybe you were wrong, maybe he’s not coming.” She said. Sekto matched Bailey’s tone.

“He’s clever to not have been seen, I grant you. But he will come for you.” Bailey simultaneously felt a tingle and a curl of apprehension. She felt hope and dread all at once. She desperately wanted Stranger to come and save her, take her away from this place, for him to hold her close and never let go, so she could feel his heartbeat again and his fur beneath her fingers and feel safe again. But at the same time she wanted him to stay away and stay hidden. “But I tire of this game.” Sekto took a step back. The two squid-ish bodyguards scuttled forward and after a moment the door of the cage swung open and Bailey was dragged out and forced to her knees. Sekto stood over her, “You will tell me where Stranger is. Now.” Bailey struggled to her feet.

“No.”

“There will be consequences if you resist me. Tell me.” Bailey looked Sekto eye to eye and uttered one word.

“No.” Sekto suddenly lashed out and struck Bailey a hard, harsh blow across the face.

“TELL ME!” he shouted furiously. Bailey kept a cool eye contact and her voice was calm;

“I will not.” Sekto screamed and struck her again, Bailey sagged and fell to her knees as pain exploded in her jaw.

¤§¤

Stranger moored the boat downriver of the village being ransacked and jumped out. He loaded his crossbow with a couple of Boombats with a feral grin on his face. These were Sekto’s minions, and Sekto had taken Bailey. Stranger was going to get his revenge.

As he approached the village Stranger heard the shouting and laughing clearer and the anger bubbled in him.

Without a second thought the Steef charged through tress and shrubs that surrounded the village before crashing with a roar into the open. For a moment all activity stopped and everything went silent, Grubbs and Wolvarks alike, gaping at the furious Steef.

Taking advantage of the Wolvarks’ surprise Stranger fired a Boombat at them. The explosion jarred everyone into action.

“GET THE STEEF!” one of the Wolvarks yelled. The Wolvarks contemptuously turned their backs on the harassed Grubbs and began circling the Steef. It was a stupid move. Seeing a Steef guardian again in the Mongo Valley bolstered the Grubbs courage. Seeing the Steef, hemmed in on all sides by Wolvarks made them angry, very angry.

With savage yells the Grubbs attacked, for the first time in decades, the Wolvarks, taken by complete surprise were defeated easily. The Grubbs crowded round Stranger, cheering and chattering excitedly, drowning each other out as they tried to get themselves heard.

“Okay, quiet, quiet!” The Grubbs went silent, looking at Stranger intently, “How many more Wolvarks’re in this place?” he asked, the Grubbs looked at each other,

“There’s a group on the other sidea tha village Steef dude.” One Grubb said.

“Whadda ya want us ta do Steef?” asked another Grubb excitedly. The Grubbs looked up eagerly at Stranger, a perfectly willing fighting force that had discovered it had guts. Stranger grinned and crouched down to their level,

“Alrigh’, here’s what we’re gonna do ter get them Odd-damn ‘Varks outta here fer good…”

¤§¤

If Bailey concentrated in the right way, she found she could distance herself from the pain, she could almost even ignore it.

Almost.

But at least she could keep silent and not give anything anyway. She didn’t even give Sekto the satisfaction of even a whimper.

Bailey guessed she was bruised and bloodied up pretty bad by now. She could feel blood dripping down her arms and from her face. One eye was swollen shut and throbbing pain pulsed through her entire body and she felt tender patches all over, but these were merely facts to be looked on objectively, as if they had nothing to do with her. Her body may have been trapped in the pain filled world contained in Sekto’s office, but her mind was far away, deep in happier memories.

“Wonder where Stranger is now?” she thought idly, “Wonder what he’s up too…” her thoughts became less lucid and more random. “Wonder why he never overheated…” she suddenly thought, “I mean, he was wearing those overall things, shirt, pants, poncho, hat…and not only that, he’s got fur as well …surprised he didn’t keel over from heat-stroke already…” Distantly she felt another blow been dealt to her body, “Wonder when this is going to stop?” she thought lazily. “It’s getting’ kinda borin’…”

Eventually the torture did end and Bailey’s battered, broken body was carelessly dumped onto the floor. Hazily aware that it was over, Bailey allowed her mind to return from it’s drifting state.

The pain hit like a bulldozer.

Bailey gasped but uttered no other sound as she twitched painfully on the carpet of the executive office. Bailey felt very cold, her fingers felt numb and she shivered. She closed her eyes painfully. She felt a foot nudge her hard in the ribs.

“You may have kept silent this time, but you won’t be able to forever.” Sekto sneered. Bailey spat bloody spittle from her mouth,

“You’d be surprised.” She said hoarsely, chuckling even though pain seared along every nerve.

Bailey expected to be thrown back into Meech’s cage, so she was very surprised when Sekto directed his two bodyguards over to a corner where it looked like a dog had previously been chained to the wall. Bailey felt weak and beaten, she didn’t have the strength to fight then, as they snapped the collar around her neck and left her chained to the wall in Sekto’s office. Bailey sank to her knees, watching Sekto sit behind his desk and regard her over steepled finger, through her one good eye.

Bailey knew this was far from over.

This was only the beginning.

-----

Songs used and Meech piccy attached.

[Dark Elite_H2]

Hey! THat's pretty good! Loved the part when Bailey annoyed the hell outta Sekto. That made me cakcle. And the fully bit was well explained. Nice going on the update! You've made me happy again! But you must, MUST, update soon, or else...

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Oooo, is that a threat? Challenge totally accepted, *beckons with both hands* Bring it on kimosobi.

Oh, and check out the new art thread, it so totally rocks this Fan Corner.

[Dancing Steef]

ooh this is soo good LW! Keep 'em chapters comin' cuz I'll be waiting

- DS

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

And the chapter was so flippin’ big, I had to split it in half…sheesh… Anyway, hope you enjoy this part 2.

Stranger’s Wrath
Sekto’s Damn Is Falling Down, Falling Down, Falling Down…

Stranger crept stealthy around the perimeter of the main body of the village, darting from behind building to building. If he watched closely he caught glimpses of the Grubbs fighting with him, doing the same, shadowy will-o-the-wisps that could easily be thought to be tricks of the eyes.

When he was ready Stranger strode out into the open. The Wolvarks, and the Grubbs they were terrorising immediately created a din, far worse then it’s previous level.

“Help! Help us! Help me! Help me first! Help!” one Grubb yelled, Stranger fired a Boombat, the explosion the signal his little gang of Grubb warriors had been waiting for. Instantaneously the fighter Grubbs burst from their places of concealment and began attacking. The Wolvarks didn’t stand a chance. And soon they were defeated.

¤§¤

Bailey’s chain rattled but she was too sore and tender in too many places to care or feel humiliated. She tried to swallow but her mouth and throat were dry. She was still blind in her left eye and she knew she must look pathetic. But even if her body was battered, her mind was still strong and worked faster then ever before. She knew she couldn’t keep this code of silence up, not forever, and she tremble inwardly when she thought that she might talk.

From when she had spoke those last three words to Sekto; ‘You’d be surprised.’ She had made herself a promise that she would not speak again until she was out of here. It would be easier for her to keep from betraying Stranger if she just kept her mouth shut.

Bailey shifted painfully and the chain rattled.

She knew that however long she held out; nothing lasted forever…

¤§¤

Stranger walked among the devastation. The Grubbs were confident that it looked worse then it actually was. It hit home for Stranger for the first time, how optimistic and cheerful the Grubbs were.

“Tha’ shouldn’t be taken from Oddworld…” he thought to himself, his thoughts were interrupted as he listened to the chatter of the Grubbs;

“Where-where are my legs?! WHERE MY ARE LEGS?!” screamed one Grubb hysterically, before noticing that they were actually still attached… “Oh, wait, there they are...” he also heard whispered comments abut himself;

“Kinda scrawny fer a Steef ain’t he?”

“Yeh, but man, he looks like he means business.”

“I bet he could crack a Wolvarks skull with meathooks like his!”

“Wouldn’t like to get on the wrong side of ‘im.”

“Didn’t ya hear? Sekto took his kid.”

“You mean another Steef?”

“Nah, some kinda creature called a ‘uman. A young one, called Bailey. Wouldn’t want to be Sekto when Steef gets a-holda him…”

Stranger felt a wrenching tug at his heart.

“Bailey…” What if Sekto had hurt her? Stranger felt a growl rumbling deep in his chest and he clenched his fists in anger. Suddenly a small voice to his right peeped;

“Erm…Steef?” Stranger looked down at the young Grubb. “We captured one o’ tha ‘Varks, we tied ‘im up and erm…we wanted ter know if yer wanted ter…yer know…interrogate ‘im?” the Grubb said nervously. Stranger curbed a feral grin.

“Where?” he asked quietly. The Grubb beckoned and Stranger followed him to a hut that was still standing. Outside were a couple of Grubb guards and a group of the warrior Grubbs. They parted and let Stranger duck into the hut.

Inside was a Wolvark, bound and gagged. With a growl Stranger grabbed hold of the Wolverk’s overalls and hauled it up to his eye-level, ripping off the gag.

“Where Is She?” he snarled.

“I ain’t sayin’ nothin’.” The Wolvark whimpered, Stranger shook the Wolvark violently,

“Tell me where, or I’ll make yer, very painfully.” The Wolvark gulped, but remained silent. Stranger nonchalantly inspected his claws, holding the Wolvark with one hand. The Wolvark tremble at the sight of Stranger’s sharp talons, it was too much for the Wolvark and his already frail nerve crumbled.

“The dam!” he finally wailed, “Sekto took the ‘uman ter the dam!” Stranger dropped him carelessly before stalking from the hut.

His very worst fears had been confirmed with irrefutable proof. He had seen no lie in the Wolvark’s eyes.

Sekto had Bailey.

Stranger realised that up to this point he had been holding on to the slenderest hope that Bailey had not been taken by Sekto. But she had, and Stranger was more determined then ever to get her back. And woe betide Sekto if he’d hurt her…

¤§¤

They wouldn’t let her sleep.

Every time Bailey nodded off, she was woken violently but on of Sekto’s bodyguards. They wouldn’t let her have food or water either and they kept beating her. Not as bad as the first. But bad enough.

They were slowly breaking Bailey down, piece of bloody piece.

And she knew that she wouldn’t last much longer. She was in continual pain now, from one source or another. And she was never left in peace.

“Maybe I should bit off my own tongue…” she thought morbidly, “Least Sekto couldn’t get anything out of me then…” Bailey smiled slightly in spite of her situation. She had to smile. The only other option was the go completely mad.

Bailey had thought that her situation couldn’t get any worse. That Sekto had thrown everything he had at her. She was soon to discover, just how very wrong she was…

She thought she would at least been left alone until tomorrow but Sekto would not even grant her that. Only a couple of hours had passed since she’d first been chained up, before Sekto and his two bodyguards returned.

Bailey looked up at them through her unswollen eye with silent dread.

“Oh no, not again…” the collar was removed from Bailey’s neck and she was hauled to her feet. Bailey sagged, unable to support herself on bloodless legs.

She was half dragged, half carried to the middle of Sekto’s office where a Wolvark that Bailey hadn’t seen before, with some sort of wooden box and metal contraption met them.

“Must’ve come in without me noticin’…” Bailey thought hazily.

When they reached the Wolvark with the box and metal instrument, Bailey was forced to her knees and the box (which was more like a crate in Bailey’s mind) was placed before her. Bailey eyed it warily through one eye. There were sturdy leather straps with steel buckles attached on the crate’s topside.

One of Bailey’s arms were suddenly wrenched and twisted behind her back and a weight pressed across her shoulders, pinning her to her knees. The other arm was yanked forward and tied down onto the crate with the leather straps.

Sekto came into Bailey’s line of sight. His smirk sent a shiver of icy cold fear down her spine.

“You have one last chance. Tell me where the Steef is, or suffer the consequences.” Sekto said, sounding smug. Bailey looked him right in the face and refused to answer. Sekto looked sadistically pleased and nodded to the Wolvark.

The Wolvark fitted the metal contraption onto Bailey’s hand and wound up a cog with a series of sharp clicks, he paused, and looked at Sekto.

“Do it.” The Wolvark jammed down a small lever and Bailey screamed.

¤§¤

Stranger looked up at the Dam, snow fluttering from the sky around him. A sign, garishly painted on the dam proclaimed to the world, that this was ‘Sekto’s Bottle Spring Water Dam’. Bailey was somewhere in that dam.

Stranger had been assured that the Grubbs had a secret way for him to get in undetected and although Stranger was sceptical, he trusted the Grubbs.

A cough brought Stranger from his thoughts and he looked down at the armoured Grubb by his shoulder. Several more were behind him, hidden in the trees and rocks and a message from the Queen to the pillaged settlement that Stranger had cleared, let the Steef know that more Grubb warriors were on the way.

Stranger ruminated on this for a moment, he wondered why the Grubbs hadn’t taken on Sekto years ago. Maybe the slaughter of their Steef guardians had made them afraid, but now one was back, they rose to the challenge magnificently, rallying around Stranger like a banner.

“Yes?”

“We’re ready when you are Steef dude.” Said the Grubb,

“Have the others arrived?” Stranger asked,

“Not yet, but their bringing siege weaponry with ‘em, they’ll be here inna bit though. A when yer ready, we got two guides to take ya to the postern gate.” Stranger nodded,

“Alrigh’, as soon as tha sun sets, whether they’ve arrived or not, attack tha dam, I shoulda dealt with Sekto an’ gotten Bailey by then.” The Grubb shaded it’s eyes and looked towards the sun, setting behind the gorge walls. It would be just over half an hour before it sank completely from view. The Grubb nodded,

“Right.” The Grubb turned and left Stranger to inform the other troop Grubbs. Stranger stared at the dam again.

“I’m comin’ fer yer Sekto.” He growled.

¤§¤

Bailey cowered in the corner of the office, chained once again to the wall, whimpering softly to herself and nursing her fingers. But she felt a flicker of pride amidst the pain. She hadn’t told. Stranger was still safe. Bailey had tried to staunch the blood coming from her fingers but it was a losing battle, her shirt was stained with dark splotches but the blood flow remained constant. The pain was dulling now, to a bone-deep throb that weakened Bailey every passing minute.

¤§¤

“How long?” he felt as if said nothing but those two words periodically for the last hour.

“Just abit further Steef dude.” Said one of the Grubbs leading him. “We’ll be there inna bit.” True too his word, not five minutes later the pair of Stranger’s Grubb guides stopped and showed Stranger a disused mineshaft in severe disrepair. It looked old and not very stable. A yellow warning sign hung over the entrance. The entrance looked only just big enough for Stranger to squeeze through.

Just.

“It’s not what it looks like.” The second Grubb explained, “It’s only ter stop Sekto’s boneheads from discoverin’ the tunnel. If they think it’ll collapse they won’t come near it. Worked so far.”

“An’ yer positive it won’t come down around ma ears?” Stranger said suspiciously. Getting pinned underneath a tone of rock while Bailey was in Sekto’s clutches did not appeal to him.

“Yep.” Chorused the Grubbs. Stranger looked at the rickety mineshaft, then at the Grubbs and back to the mineshaft. He heaved a sigh.

“Yer betta be right about this.” He muttered and squeezed into the small entrance. After a few feet the tunnel widened enough for Stranger to stand comfortably and he turned as the two Grubbs poked their heads in.

“You havta go on by yer onesies from here Steef dude.” Stranger nodded sharply, he’d expected as much.

“When you get the end of the tunnel, there’s a small crack that you have to go through, on the other side’s a long leadin’ up to a busted pipe, climb up the chute and you’ll be right inside Sekto’s dam.” Explained one Grubb. Stranger nodded again.

“G’luck Steef.” Said the second Grubb and the two warriors withdrew their heads and began to make their way back to the village to help with preparations for the siege.

Stranger was left alone.

¤§¤

A shadow fell over her face and Bailey looked up, one eye still shut and puffy. It was Sekto, he was smoking one of those foul smelling cigars again. He blew a smoke ring into Bailey’s face, knowing she hated it.

“I tire of you and your little games. You have served your purposes and amused me, but now you uses are over.” He waved a hand carelessly, “Get this one out of my sight, throw her off the dam.” One of Sekto’s personal guards scuttled over and grabbed Bailey around the throat, lifting her three feet off the carpet. Bailey choked but didn’t have the energy to fight. She hung limply, as the bloated squid thing carried her across the office, heading towards the wall window.

Just when Bailey felt herself give in to the inevitable, the door of the office exploded inwards, raining down fragments of ceiling that had been dislodged by the explosion. Smoke and dust obscured the doorway for a minute, but then a shadow appeared amongst the debris.

Bailey smiled painfully as she recognised that shadow.

Stranger.

¤§¤

Stranger strode into Sekto’s main office, shaking dust from his fur and armour. He grinned ferally at the surprised expression on the one he gathered to be Sekto.

The grin became a furious snarl as he saw one of Sekto’s bodyguards (creatures that the Grubbs called Gloktogi) holding Bailey around the throat, by a cage with a small animal in it. His heart tugged and his anger surged as he took in Bailey’s appearance. She was covered in dried and drying blood, the black dried blood covering her skin and the bright red liquid trickling down her form and dripping onto the office’s carpet, creating a small, sad little puddle.

He turned his attention back to the water baron and nodded his head mockingly at Sekto,

“Howdy.” He said, voice a harsh growl, “You got sumat that belongs ter me. And I’m here ter get it back.” Sekto gathered himself and fought down the surprise,

“GET HIM!” The Gloktogi dithered for a second, wondering if to dispose of Bailey first or just dump her and get Stranger. “FORGET THE GIRL!” Sekto screamed, “GET THE STEEF!” The Gloktogi complied and dropped Bailey, lunging at Stranger.

Bailey hit the carpet with a wet thud and groaning, curled into a painful, little ball as agony radiated throughout her entire body.

It took a few minutes for the pain to recede to a dull ebb, but when it did, her brain immediately registered the sounds of Stranger fighting the two squid creatures. Slowly, Bailey uncurled and shakily got to her feet, squinting through the haze of her one useable eye.

Sekto was screaming for the creatures to kill Stranger and though Stranger may have been a formidable opponent he couldn’t fight both of the things at once.

Bailey felt a prickling feeling in the back of her head and she felt hot all over. The pain she was feeling was obliterated and she found herself shaking with suppressed rage, her fists and jaw clenched in fury.

The Rage she had felt only twice in her short life - both times in Oddworld and both times resulting in a blank space in her memory only for her to come round to find she’d killed something that she shouldn’t have possibly have been able to - surge through her, washing heat all over.

Bailey growled, a deep, rumbling growl that sound more Steef the human. She turned and ripped one of the bars out of Meech’s hanging cage. Clenching it in both hands she stormed towards the Gloktogi and dealt one of then a harsh blow to the back of it’s disgusted, bloated head. Then she swiped at it’s legs, tripping it up so that it crashed to the floor. Twirling the bar into position, Bailey stabbed down. The metal rod went right through the Gloktogi’s head with a wet, squish sound.

Bailey didn’t flinch, but wrenched the rod out of the dead Gloktogi and proceeded to do the same to the second creature. Unfortunately the second Gloktogi had wised up and it caught hold on the bar and bent it before it swung one of it’s claws, hitting Bailey across the temple, so hard that she was sent sprawling across Sekto’s desk, sliding across it and falling off the other side.

Bailey scrambled to her feet, using the desk to keep her steady. Quickly she looked around for some kind of weapon, she noticed that below the most impressive of the Steef heads behind Sekto’s desk were a collection of guns… Bailey grinned that bordered on craziness and flipped the lowest one from it’s hook.

It was a semi-automatic Slig rifle.

Bailey’s grinned grew wider as she levelled the barrel and just as she was about to shoot, another door to Sekto’s office slid open and another two Gloktogi scuttled in. Bailey swung the semi-auto towards them, and gunned them down, grinning manically.

Sekto was in a fury, a Steef and his little human pet were killing his best warriors as if they were swatting mosquitoes. The water tyrant marched over to his desk went to press a brown button to call more Gloktogi, just before he did, something cold and metallic pressed the side of his head and he heard a voice, a voice that made his inwardly shudder.

“Oh no you don’t,” said Bailey’s low voice, “We have a score to settle you and I.”

“Yes, I believe we do,” Sekto hissed, “I wanted you DEAD!” he shrieked the last word and before Bailey could do anything he swung around and sank a concealed blade just below her collarbone. Bailey took a step backward, a mildly surprised expression on her face, but then her eyes clouded and she dropped to the carpet as Sekto stood over her, gloating.

[Dancing Steef]

Exciting LW! I wanna read more! poor lil Bailey

[Oddkid]

Ohnos!!! *bites bottom lip* Its too much to bear. Eyes clouding over always equals BAD THINGS in the books I read!

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

WARNING! FLUFF ALERT! Yes, beware of the fluffy content of this chapter, general cuteness and sappiness abound! Ye have been warned!

Old Steef

The last Gloktogi fell as Stranger stuck it full off Stingbees. He looked around for Bailey, his crossbow ready. When he saw her sink to her knees and a bloodied blade in Sekto’s hand he finally felt what Bailey must have, all that time ago when she’d heard him scream while the Doc sewed up his legs.

It felt like his heart had been ripped out and stamped on. The sensation almost took Stranger’s breath away, but it was soon swallowed by a fury so powerful, he’d never felt before. It surged like an electrical charge through him, it rose like a giant tsunami wave, just about to crash on the shore.

Stranger roared, hoarse and furious. Sekto spun around and Stranger saw fear in his glowing yellow eyes but this was only a fleeting observation as Stranger charged at the water baron.

Sekto was frozen by the sight of a furiously bellowing Steef and had no time to react before Stranger ploughed into him. Stranger balled his fists and swung them at Sekto, sending him flying. Sekto tried to scramble to his feet but Stranger stood over him and knocked him down. Just as Stranger levelled his crossbow to turn Sekto into a Stingbee pincushion, the dam rocked violently, Stranger pricked his ears and heard Grubb voices outside the dam, yelling in triumph,

“Steef dude is here! Fire the catapults! Make him proud! Make him proud!!!” Stranger looked out of the wall window, something akin to horror on his face, the sun had disappeared over the horizon. The Grubbs were attacking.

Sekto took advantage of Stranger’s lapse and scrambled over to the rifle Bailey had dropped, Stranger whipped round but too late Sekto got to his feet with the gun.

“Like your ancestors before you, you will die by my hand!” Sekto roared as he aimed and fired. Fortunately for Stranger the dam shook again and Stranger was thrown off balance and the bullet whizzed past without grazing him. Sekto screamed with frustration and shot again, but Stranger had wised up and dived out of the way.

The dam quivered and with a crack, the window shattered and a huge crack ran down the dam from top to bottom, chunks began falling out of it, one of them right where the window used to be.

Bailey came too very slowly, fully aware of the excruciating pain under her collarbone. Wearily Bailey flopped over onto her stomach and slowly got to her knees. Scrabbling with bloodied fingers Bailey held onto Sekto’s desk and managed to peer over it. She shivered as pain swept over her but she concentrated to remain conscious. She watched as Sekto and Stranger battled.

The dam quaked again and made a tortured groan, a bit of the ceiling was shaken loose and it swatted at Sekto. He dropped the gun with a howl. Stranger charged at Sekto and bowled him over with his forelegs.

Bailey couldn’t distinguish which was which, just a tangle of thrashing, stamping legs and Steef bellows. Then, suddenly they broke apart, Sekto motionless and Stranger panting heavily. Bailey watched in silent awe as Stranger hefted the megalomaniac above his head and carried him to the crack where the window had previously been.

Stranger roared and lifted Sekto right above his head. Bailey, still behind the desk got a glimpse of what the Steef race had been and she sank down, so that only her wide eyes were visible.

This was the Stranger she’d joked around with? The Stranger she could command just as long as she scratched his neck? This huge, vicious, terrifying creature? Was that really her Stranger?

Stranger roared his triumph, Sekto motionless above his head. He could hear the Grubbs, shouting, screaming his name in a throbbing chant; “Steef! Steef! Steef!” Stranger remembered his people, all the Steef Sekto had killed.

And threw Sekto from his own dam.

He backed into the destroyed office room, his chest heaving for breath, adrenaline and violent joy thrumming through him.

“Stranger?” he heard that one, softly spoken word, a faint sense of unease and doubt in the tone, and his volatile emotions faded. He turned quickly and saw Bailey stumble out from behind the desk and sink to her knees, blood smeared her cheeks and leaked from between her fingers on the hand she clutched her injured shoulder with, Stranger was at her side in under a second. Careful not to hurt the small human he gently lifted Bailey into his arms, nuzzled her cheek tenderly, purring softly, his eyes closed.

“I love yer Bailey.” He whispered, feeling happiness well up in his chest and stomach as he said it, “All the time I was lookin’ fer yer, I wanted to tell yer that I love yer, so much. More then anythin’ in this world.” Bailey shivered and swallowed a sob, sniffling quietly, she put her arms around Stranger’s neck. “It’s alrigh’ liddle darlin’.” He murmured softly, “S’alrigh’, yer safe now. I got’cha.” Bailey swallowed and buried her face into the fur on his neck, she nodded and clutched at Stranger’s fur, getting blood all over him. Stranger noticed that her fingers were bleeding an awful lot…he took hold of her hand and frowned at it. “Bailey? What did-” he took a sharp breath. As he understood why.

Bailey’s fingernails had been torn from her fingers.

Bailey shuddered and she felt Stranger’s arms tighten around her. She choked on a sob, her eyes squeezed shut and tears leaked from under the lids. Stranger rocked her gently and held her close as he rubbed her cheek with his snout, stroking her back soothingly.

“Love you too.” She finally whimpered.

“I’m never gonna let anyone hurt you again. I promise Bailey.” Suddenly the dam shook again. Stranger pressed Bailey to his chest and looked around. The dam was collapsing. They had run out of time. Stranger knelt down and cuddled Bailey close, wrapping his arms around her protectively, brushing stray hair from out of her face. He touched her temple with his nose, kissed her cheek and smiled. A proper smile, even though it was slightly sad. Suddenly Bailey looked up,

“Meech.” She whispered,

“What?”

“I gotta get Meech.” Bailey struggled to her feet and with Stranger’s help she made her way over to the hanging cage. Inside Meech was panic-stricken with terror, he could sense their doom coming. Bailey tried to open the cage’s door but the blood made her hands slippery, she growled in frustration. Stranger gently pulled her back,

“I’ll do it.” Bailey stood back and Stranger took hold of the bars, with a grunt and straining muscles Stranger managed to bend the bars, Meech scrabbled out of the cage and jumped into Bailey’s arms, burying his head under Bailey’s chin. Bailey hugged the Meech and Stranger watched, smiling slightly.

The floor juddered faintly. Bailey looked around and pressed close to Stranger, the Steef put his arms around both Bailey and Meech and pressed his nose to Bailey’s hair.

The dam shuddered more violently and one side of the office suddenly dropped. With a yelp Meech, Stranger and Bailey tumbled across the carpet and through the crack in the wall window, the dam collapsing as they fell from the top of the dam, Stranger curled himself around Bailey as water rushed up to meet them as they plunged into the Mongo River.

The cold shocked both Steef, human and Meech as they clung to each other as the torrent of water held back by the damn roared down the dry valley, watering the parched land. An undercurrent tugged at them and washed them up on shore.

Bailey and Meech were wrenched from Stranger’s grip as he rolled onto the riverbank. He was flipped over onto his stomach and he coughed, expelling water from his lungs. He raised his dripping head and saw Bailey a little way from him, he crawled to her. Bailey slowly pushed herself up on her hands and knees and coughed, her eyes closed, head hanging. She felt herself being gently lifted and locked in Stranger’s warm, strong embrace. She opened her eyes slowly, Stranger smiled down at her tenderly.

“Hey liddle one.” He said softly, Bailey returned the smile tiredly and rested her head on his shoulder, utterly exhausted. Stranger stroked her head and rumbled a soothing purr, just glad to be able to hold his Bailey again. A bird-like chirrup of questioning and concern reached their ears as Meech nudged at Stranger’s leg with his segmented head. Bailey smiled and reached down to pat the Meech’s head.

“Steef, Steef dude.” Stranger looked down at the Grubb addressing him as it pulled off it’s helmet and tucked it under it’s arm. “Steef, we found, Sekto…” Stranger stiffened and his arms tightened around Bailey. Bailey’s eyes opened and she looked at the Grubb.

“Stranger,” she said, her voice was quiet and sounded hoarse, as if she had fallen out of practice in using it; “Put me down.” Stranger hesitated, Bailey looked at him, eyes pleading. Neon green locked onto hazel. Finally Stranger nodded and set her down. Bailey locked her knees and Stranger followed her as she, with Meech trotting at her heels, walked after the Grubb who led them over to a clump of the armoured Grubbs crowded around, something.

As they approached Stranger saw, for the first time, the extent of Bailey’s injuries, the cold water had washed off the blood and thankfully clotted the blood in her abrasions. She had long, thin cuts, one across each of her cheeks, along the line of her cheekbones. On the backs of her hands she had three parallel slashes and on the inside of her forearms were several jagged lines like lightning, made, Stranger thought, but what ever Sekto had used to rip out her fingernails.

He felt a spark of anger ignited again, if Sekto wasn’t dead now, then Stranger’d make sure that the water tyrant would have his innards ripped out and he would experience as much pain as he had put Bailey through, or if not that, then Sekto would spend the rest of his life running, petrified every moment for the rest of his sorry life that Stranger would come and extract revenge.

The Grubbs parted to let Bailey and Stranger through. Sekto’s body lay on the riverbank. Bailey and Stranger looked at each other. Slowly Stranger took hold of Sekto and turned him over. Several of the Grubbs gasped and covered their faces, Stranger flinched, Bailey grabbed a handful of Stranger’s fur.

Sekto was a Steef.

Bailey threw off the horror first, her mind racing.

“It’s impossible!” her mind rebelled against what she was seeing “Sekto can’t be a Steef… Can he?”

Determined to find out once and for all, Bailey took a hesitant step forwards and went down on her knees beside Sekto. The fall had shredded the suit Sekto had always worn and Bailey saw the four Steef legs clearly.

“Oh no,” whispered one of the Grubbs, “It’s the old Steef…” Bailey frowned and touched where the Steef’s horns should have been. All that was left were shorn off stumps, hidden in the mass of dark brown fur. Bailey noticed rows of suction marks around his forehead, like something recently suckered on had released it’s hold and left the old Steef to his death.

“Parasite…” whispered Bailey, “Sekto’s a parasite. Using the Steef’s body, controlling the body by suctioning onto his head. He had all other Steef killed to prevent them coming after him and ruining his plans for unrestrained capitalism…” it was starting to make sense, if you were a parasite and you wanted to take over, your host would have to be a strong creature that could be disguised. A Steef was the obvious choice; Stranger had proved that they could be hidden and that they were definitely strong enough.

Bailey sat back on her heels and let out a breath.

“Damn you Sekto, you couldn’t leave them alone could you? Could just let them die in peace. You had to use the Steef for your dirty work as well…” she murmured. Just then the old Steef coughed weakly and it’s eyes opened, Bailey knew that in other circumstances the Steef’s eyes would have been as bright and fascinating as Stranger’s but they were dulled now. Even so Bailey could clearly see the deep red and burnt orange colouring and found them just as compelling.

For a second Steef and human gazed at each other. Bailey was quiet, eyes wide. Stranger and the Grubbs were still and silent. The old Steef smiled weakly,

“Ah, so you return at last human.” He said. Bailey’s brow furrowed and she cocked her head, but before she could ask any questions the Steef spoke again, but this time he did not look at Bailey, but over her shoulder, “Is the water free?” he asked, Stranger came up beside Bailey and went down on his knees.

“Yeah, it’s free.” The old Steef let out a sigh and nodded, smiling, he closed his eyes and slept. Bailey went back slightly, getting off her knees and stting on the dirt.

“We have to take him back with us.” she said, looking at Stranger who hadn’t taken his eyes from the old Steef. Stranger nodded absent-mindedly.

Bailey felt a sudden pain in her head and weakness in her joints, the exhaustion and blood-loss had finally caught up with her. Bailey sank to the earth and just before she joined the old Steef in blissful oblivion she heard Stranger’s voice murmur in her ear.

“You can rest now Bailey. It’s over.”

-----

And that my dear readers, is it. The End.

…

…

…Of Stranger’s Wrath at least, had yer goin’ then didn’t I.

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

You didn’t really think that was the end did ya? Really!? I’m sure I put something like ‘just kidding’ further down… Oops… But anyway, on with the story!

This is a few days after the last chapter folks.

Tis fluffy. (Isn't it always? ) Hey, the world needs a bit more love.

A Little Affection And Some TLC

Bailey was first aware of the warmth, then she felt softness and then she felt safe. The feeling spread through her heart and mind and Bailey let out an unconscious sigh of contentment. She opened her eyes.

The Grubbs’ infirmary hut came into focus. Bailey sat up, wincing slightly at the dull ache in her fingers, she was tucked into a bed with crisp, white shirt that smelt of lavender and camomile. Bailey looked around, she was alone in the hut, although it seemed a visitor had just left as on the bedside table was a jug of water, a beaker filled with a vaguely green liquid, a folded piece of paper and a little bunch of daisy-type flowers knotted together with a very familiar Steef hair-tie. Bailey smiled broadly.

“Mental note, give Stranger a big kiss when I see him.” she went to pick up the paper and noticed that her hands had been bandaged. She could feel the wrappings on her fingers but all she could see was a mitten, made of a cotton-like material that went up to her wrists but then more bandages wound up to her elbows. Bailey smiled slightly at the care and attention put into those bandages and then picked up the folded paper, smoothed it out and read it, she grinned again as she recognised Stranger’s scrawl.

Morning kid
You were asleep when I came to see you, but I’ve left you your medicine. I know it tastes foul, but it’ll help you sleep and kill the pain.
I’ll come and see you later. Promise.
Stranger

Bailey picked up the beaker and eyed the medicine distastefully, it smelt terrible. She wrinkled her nose and reread the note.

I know it tastes foul, but it’ll help you sleep and kill the pain.

“Alright Stranger, if you say so…” Bailey steeled herself and downed the medicine. And nearly gagged. But she kept it down and scrunched up her face. “Yur-ack.” She muttered. She poured water from the jug into the beaker and downed a couple of gulps to swill the disgusting taste from her mouth before refilling it, setting it back on the table and putting the flowers in it.

For a second Bailey considered leaving the hut and going to find Stranger herself, but then a wave of drowsiness swept over her and Bailey yawned hugely.

“Maybe…I should just take a small nap…” she snuggled back into the pillows and pulled the sheets over her nose, taking in a deep breath of the calming scent of lavender and camomile. Her eyes closed and with a deep, calm sigh and a smile of her face Bailey drifted off into a deep sleep and pleasant dreams.

¤§¤

Bailey woke up with a pleasant feeling of unexplained happiness and contentment and most of all, complete safety. She opened her eyes slowly and stared at the ceiling for a while,

“Wow, that stuff really works…” Just then Bailey heard someone else’s breathing in the room with her, she turned her head slightly to the left and broke into a sleepy smile, Stranger was sleeping next to the bed, his head resting in his arms on the sheets, he was back in his green Grubb shirt and overalls. Bailey moved slightly, drawing her arms from under the sheets she stroked Stranger’s hair.

Stranger stirred and lifted his tousled head, looking at Bailey groggily, he returned the tired smile and stood up, stretching before he settled himself down again, eye level with Bailey.

“You feelin’ better liddle darlin’?” he asked, tenderly taking hold of her hand, Bailey shrugged and nodded.

“Yeah, I’m alright… How’re you?” Stranger smiled,

“A lot better now I got you back.” Stranger heaved a deep breath and looked down at the bandaged hand he held. “I thought…fer a second back there…that I was too late…” he glanced up at Bailey for a second before dropping his gaze again. He saw the scars forming on her cheeks and he flet guilt rush through him, he should have been there to save her from the pain of receiving those marks. “I’m sorry Bailey.” He said in a low voice. Bailey cocked her head to one side curiously.

“Sorry? What for?” Stranger didn’t look up, just stroked the back of her bandaged hand with his thumb, “Stranger, look at me.” He picked his head up, Bailey was sharply taken aback when she saw Stranger’s neon green eyes glistening. “Stranger?” she whispered questioningly, “Stranger, talk to me.” Stranger chewed on his lip and didn’t answer, just held Bailey’s hand, stroking it.

Bailey waited for an answer that didn’t seem forthcoming, finally she sighed, took her hands from Stranger’s grip, pushed down the sheets and wiggled out onto the bed. She knelt on the bed in a clean white nightshirt and baggy pants and placing her mittened hands on Stranger’s furry cheeks Bailey made him meet her gaze.

“Stranger, please talk to me,” Bailey put her arms around Stranger’s neck, nuzzling into the thick fur on his jaw, “You’re scaring me.” Bailey felt Stranger put his arms around her tightly and take a deep, shuddering breath.

“Yer know I love yer, don’t yer kid.” He finally murmured in a low purr. Bailey nodded into his fur.

“I love you too.” Stranger seemed deeply affected as he swallowed hard and closed his eyes, Bailey felt a warm wetness drip on her cheek. She pulled away quickly, a thin, dark trail snaked it’s way down Stranger’s furry cheek. As soon as Stranger felt her pull away his bright green eyes opened.

“Don’t leave me.” He croaked. “Don’t leave me alone.” Bailey, in complete surprise put her arms more firmly around his neck, stroking his cheek and leaned her head on his chest.

At a glance it would seem as if Stranger was comforting Bailey, but a closer look would see the pain in Stranger’s eyes, the tear trails on his cheeks, the desperate way he clung to the human, pressing his cheek to her hair.

“You’re not alone. You’ll never be alone. I won’t leave you, I love you.” Bailey said earnestly, rubbing her cheek against his fur. It seemed important for Stranger to understand, for Bailey to convince him.

“I’ve never been afraid before.” Stranger admitted quietly. “I’ve never been afraid of getting’ hurt, of dyin’… I’ve only eva had meself to look after and I was never afraid ter be reckless. But then I met you.” There was a pause. “I was so scared Sekto would kill yer before I got there. Before I’d told yer how much I loved yer. Yer my world kid.” Bailey pressed closer to Stranger’s heartbeat, she swallowed and nodded, her own eyes misting up. This creature from an alien world, this stranger, had shown her more love and attention in the short time they’d been together then Bailey’s own mother had shown in over ten years of life.

Impulsively Bailey lifted her head and kissed Stranger on the nose. Stranger’s eyes went wide at Bailey’s unconcealed, unabashed show of affection, Bailey nuzzled at his snout with her own nose and smiled crookedly.

“What? You think I was lying when I said ‘I love you’?” she asked teasingly. Stranger grinned, returning to himself.

“Course not.”

“Then stop worryin’. I ain’t gonna leave you alone.” Stranger’s eyes became pained and sad again. Bailey saw this with concern. “Stranger?”

“What about Abe ‘n’ Slick? Yer can’t jist leave ‘em. Yer need them, ‘n’ they need you.” Bailey pulled away, looking suddenly withdrawn and depressed, she sat on the bed. Stranger crawled onto the bed, putting his arms around Bailey again. “It doesn’t matter. I love yer, I love yer enough to know that I gotta let yer go. You have ta go back.” Bailey clutched a double handful of Stranger’s fur, pressing her forehead to his chest.

“I miss them.” she whispered, Stranger felt his heart being wrenched, twisted into tiny pieces. “But I don’t want to leave you. I love you too.” Stranger looked up to the ceiling, trying to keep his eyes dry, he swallowed. The Steef held the human close and it seemed, for an instant, they could converse without words.

I love you, so much.

I know, I love you too.

By silent, mutual consent Stranger and Bailey decided that now was not the time to worry. They were safe, they were together and they should enjoy themselves. Time to worry in the future.

Stranger relaxed on the bed and Bailey curled up next to him, it was quiet and peaceful.

Later, when Jolee came to check up on them, she found them sleeping, curled up together. Anyone could see, without any doubts in their minds how much the two bounty hunters cared about the other. Stranger held Bailey close and protectively, and Bailey was snuggled up to him, her face buried in his fur. Their chests rising and falling and their hearts beating together.

Jolee smiled.

“Each need the other as much as the air they breath.” She whispered to herself before quietly leaving them, closing the door of the hut inaudibly behind her.

[Dancing Steef]

... YAAAY more story first I thought the last chapter was the last one, but I guess I'd wrong Keep ' em chapters comin' I wanna read more!

See Ya around!

- DS

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

No, no, just pullin' all yer's chains. There's quite a bit to go yet, I have a bet to do and a sequel as well...with a lot more action and a lot less fluff. (hopefully it'll be good fun though. )

[Dark Elite_H2]

Ah! Yer banner says it all, Lobo m' friend! Total fluffiness! You nearly made me cry durin' class with that e-mail yer sent me with a bit of yer story. This one's I'm ok with. Din't make me eye lid twitch sadly this time. But I can't WAIT fer more from you! And I bet that you'll say the same thing to me.
Yer bestest friend with no computer (right now...)

Umi
(Replyin' from me mom's laptop. This AIN'T my computer)

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

Okay, just to warn you, I’m changing the storyline slightly. It’s just that there are a few things Bailey needs to be told, and the old Steef is the perfect character to tell her, so, there you go, he’s not dead just yet… Oh, and I’m using ‘Steeflings’ for baby Steef. So whadda ya waiting for? Go read the chapter already!

Answers

Something tickled gently at Bailey’s nose, it twitched furiously at the sensation and Bailey woke up. She became aware of someone playing with her hair and she opened her eyes groggily. Stranger smiled down at her.

“’Ello liddle darlin’.” Bailey yawned and rubbed her eyes.

“Mornin’.”

“It’s after noon kid.” Stranger grinned. Bailey swatted at him,

“You know what I mean.” There was a pause, “My hands itch.” She muttered, sitting up and rubbing her bandaged hands together. Stranger propped himself up on one elbow.

“They’re healin’ squirt.” He took hold of Bailey’s hands, took off the mittens and began unwinding the bandages, soon they were off and Bailey wiggled her fingers. Her abrasions were healing over like the cuts on her face. And her fingers, though still raw and painful looking weren’t hurting half as much and they healing over.

Stranger drew a finger down one of the scars on Bailey’s cheeks.

“I shoulda been there.” He muttered. Bailey patted his neck, Stranger didn’t purr and ask to be scratched, he grabbed her hand, pressing it to his nose and took a deep breath, Bailey giggled;

“Stoppit! That tickles.” Stranger made a deep, rasping ‘hrm’ sound in his throat.

“He wants ter see yer.” He said suddenly. Bailey cocked her head to one side, baffled.

“Who?”

“The old Steef, he wanted ter see ya as soon as yer felt better.” Bailey frowned slightly, why did Stranger seem so uneasy about the old Steef wanting to see her. She put her arms around his neck and buried her face into the fur on his jaw.

“It bothers you?” she asked.

“I dunno…” Stranger muttered, “Something…just doesn’t seem right…”

“You don’t trust him?” Bailey asked in mild surprise. She pulled away and looked into Stranger’s face, as if the answer to her question was there, but she trusted Stranger’s instincts enough to listen to him. Stranger didn’t answer straight away, but when he did, he sounded confused and mildly agitated.

“…Hrm…Not exactly…I think he knows something…something about you…but he won’t breathe a word ter me…”

“Makes you suspicious?” Stranger quirked a half smile,

“Can you blame me? After all that’s happened to us?” Stranger’s smile widened, “Hey, yer my kid, I’m meant ter be suspicious about everythin’ where yer concerned.” He ruffled Bailey’s hair playfully, matting it into a haystack, but he sobered quickly. “I don’t want anythin’ ter happen to yer kid…” he said in a low, serious voice. “I couldn’t, couldn’t take it.” he hustled Bailey into his arms and rocked her gently, like she was very young, pressing his cheek to her temple. Bailey prodded his shoulder,

“Why Stranger, you’re going all sentimental.” Bailey teased, in answer Stranger blew her ear. Bailey squinted one eye and rubbed at her ear before swiping at him in retaliation. Stranger dodged, chuckling. He let her go and stood, stretching.

“Get dressed, I’ll be back ter take yer to the old Steef inna bit.” He left Bailey to herself.

Bailey scrambled out of bed and changed into a long, soft green tunic with full-length sleeves and the pants with lots of strips of varying shades of green material sewn together. She was just tying her bandana when she heard Stranger’s decidedly embarrassed voice outside,

“You…er…ready?”

“Just a minute, and I’ll be out. I’m gettin’ me sneakers.” She was just pulling on her socks and trainers when Stranger peeped in,

“Ain’t you forgotten somat?” he asked, Bailey looked at him, head cocked to one side.

“No…don’t think so.”

“Yer look like yer got a bird’s nest on yer head.” Bailey ruffled her hair,

“It’s your fault.” she grumbled. Stranger chuckled and came into the hut, he picked up Bailey as if she weighed as much as a twig and set her on the bed.

“Hold still.” He muttered. Bailey, immediately suspicious clapped her hands over her hair.

“Whadda ya up too?” she asked guardedly. Stranger absent-mindedly pried her hands from her head and tapped her nose with the back of a hairbrush.

“Got’s ter make a good impression on the old Steef.” He said, Bailey stared blankly at him for a second and then began sniggering. Stranger blinked in bemusement, “What?” Bailey continued to snigger. “What?” Stranger said, looking amused. Eventually Bailey managed to get words out between her giggles,

“That, has to be, the weirdest thing, you’ve ever come out with.” She giggled. Stranger mocked frowned and grunted,

“Hrm, yer can be expectin’ more of it, I’m lookin’ after yer now. Yer need lookin’ after squirt.” He undid Bailey’s bandana and began brushing. His strokes were strong and firm but gentle and he didn’t pull too hard at her hair. Bailey’s eyes began drooping and a sleepy smile came to her face, the calming, soporific effect of the brush soothing all her worries and fears.

Stranger noticed her drooping and paused, then stopped brushing. Bailey looked up at him. Stranger saw the expression he put on when Bailey scratched his neck on his human kid’s face. Stranger chuckled, he’d finally found out what made Bailey as docile as a Meep.

By simply brushing her hair.

Stranger resumed brushing, smiling to himself as Bailey became drowsier and drowsier. She really was cute as a button, he decided, not that he’d ever say anything like that. But he showed his affection in another way as he finished taming Bailey’s hair and re-tied her bandana. Setting down the brush he swept Bailey into his arms and nuzzled her face. Bailey smiled and rubbed her cheek on the waterfall of fur on his jaw.

“Love yer Bailey.” He murmured,

“Love you too.” Bailey answered. They rubbed noses affectionately and Stranger set her down,

“C’mon,” he said, “There’s someone who wants ter talk to yer.” Bailey followed Stranger out of the infirmary hut. When they’d reached the ground at the foot of the ladder Bailey came close to Stranger and wrapped her arm around his, holding his hand, needing a reassurance that only Stranger could provide. Stranger glanced down at the young human holding his hand, felt the parental instinct in his stomach and swallowed the lump that came to his throat. He realised that he still had a lot to learn about looking after a kid, and it would be a long time before he got used to having Bailey around. He realised that deep down, he never wanted to get used to it. Stranger released Bailey’s hand and put an arm around her, bringing her close. He nudged her head with his nose.

Finally they reached another infirmary hut. Bailey looked apprehensively at Stranger as he stared straight ahead at the door. Stranger shook himself and crouched down to Bailey’s eye-level.

“This is as far as I can go. He wants to see yer alone.” Bailey’s apprehension deepened. Reading her expression Stranger gave her a hug, “He’s Steef Bailey, jist like me.” He reassured. Bailey nodded, eyeing the hut warily. Stranger let her go and stood. “I’ll be right here if yer need me.” He said, Bailey nodded and taking a deep breath, she opened the hut door a fraction and crept in, closing it behind her.

This one wasn’t like hers, she noticed, it was dark with only a few shaded candles to provide illumination and there were a couple of incense burners sitting on some side tables. When Bailey’s pupils had adjusted to the dim lit of the shaded candles she saw the old Steef on a wide cot. He looked pale and ill, even in the darkness, his face sunken and for a horrible moment Bailey thought she was the only thing breathing in this place. But then a cracked, hoarse old voice spoke.

“So you’re here little one. Come closer, let me have a look at you.” Bailey crept forward as the old Steef eased himself up on a mound of pillows. A pair of deep red and burnt orange Steef eyes gazed at her, though dim and still clouded, just as fascinating. The old Steef smiled, “And what is your name?” he asked pleasantly,

“Bailey,” She said in a low voice, she felt her confidence rising and her guardedness being replaced by curiosity. “My name is Bailey.” she said again, more confidently.

“And your family name? I know humans have them.” Bailey stared, wide eyed at the Steef, how the heck did he know about humans? But Bailey answered;

“Farr.” And waited for the Steef to tell her his name. The Steef nodded sadly.

“I’m afraid you will be disappointed my dear,” he commented to Bailey’s expectant look, “Much time has passed since I spoke my name and I fear that this old memory may have forgotten it.” Bailey looked sympathetic.

There was a long pause and for a second Bailey wondered if the old Steef had fallen asleep, but he eventually spoke again,

“You must excuse an old fool who dwells in dreams. They are all I have left you understand, dreams and memories.” Bailey shifted uncomfortably, was this all she had been brought here for? To listen to an old Steef ramblings? “But you are young and impatient, as all youth should be and I sense questions in you, questions you do not even know you ask, yourself. Questions I have the answers too.”

Bailey blinked, completely confused.

“I brought you here for selfish reasons I must admit.” Said the old Steef, “Though I may answer your questions, I asked you to come here for my own closure, for some absolution from my past misdeeds. I want to leave this physical plain without a guilty conscience, and you dear, can do that for me.” Bailey frowned slightly,

“Me? What can I do?” the Steef waved his hands,

“You will understand once I tell you my story, if I were to tell it in it’s entirety, we would not have time, for it is long and arduous. However I will tell you a condensed version of the part that applies to you. Sit down my dear,” he added, “You can’t stand awkwardly in a corner during a story.” The old Steef patted the end of the bed where a soft blanket was folded, “Sit here little one.” Bailey did as she was asked, crawling onto the huge bed and wrapping herself up in the warm blanket as the old Steef began his story.


“When I was younger,” he began, “There were many Steef in the valley, and a lot more Grubbs as well. I was one of the guards of a village up north. I was a naïve Steef back then, I didn’t know it, but I knew nothing of the outside world and it’s dangers.”

“What about the Outlaws?” asked Bailey.

“There weren’t any.” Said the old Steef, grinning brightly, he looked younger and his eyes were bright with excitement as he got into his story. “And they weren’t the problem anyway. Oh no…” the old Steef paused, “Anyway, I was out, scouting, when I met a group of creatures. There was about seven of them, creatures I’d never seen before, wearing strange clothes. Humans.”

Bailey gapped at the old Steef in disbelief.

“So that’s why you said I’d returned, you didn’t mean me, you meant humans.” The old Steef nodded,

“I knew you would return someday, to undo the evil your predecessors created.” He then looked suddenly sad. “You were not the first, but I pray to Odd you are the last.”

“Why?” Bailey whispered.

“You have a good heart Bailey, a pure heart, but they deceived us. They seemed nice enough to begin with, they said they’d been exploring and had gotten lost. They came through a cave into Oddworld, or so they said… I was too trusting. I took them back and they were welcomed into the tribe. They stayed with us for a while. They learnt about us and we learnt about them too.” He continued,

“So that’s how you know about humans…” Bailey thought,

“They stayed with us for a long time, and discovered an amazing thing. While they lived in Oddworld, they got no older, they just continued as they were.” Bailey looked astonished, “You must have noticed, you have not changed while you have been here.” Bailey frowned to herself. It was true, she hadn’t changed and up until now she hadn’t realised. “They took pictures of us and made notes, saying they’d never seen creatures like us before. We took that as a compliment, if only we’d known…” The old Steef faded off, Bailey watched him quietly, curled up in the blanket.

“They did something awful didn’t they? What did they do to you? What did my kind do to you all?” she thought desperately, she felt a worming guilt in her stomach, just the fact they she and those people were the same species made her feel responsible.

“Steef began to disappear, and a couple of the humans died as well. To this day I know it was connected, but I never found out how… Finally there was only one left, a man named Farr.” Bailey stiffened. “Yes, your father I believe.” Bailey felt a sudden cold, all the hair on her arms and the back of her neck stood on end. “He made preparations to leave, he had a family to get back too. The night before he was scheduled to leave, he stole away in the middle of the night, and he abducted one of the young Steeflings.” Bailey stared at the Steef in horror as he continued, “We pursued him back to the cave where he and his friends had come through. But he’d rigged explosive rods to seal the cave after him, so that we could not follow. But they went off to early and he was killed.”

Bailey sat frozen at this revelation, her father had died in Oddworld… Bailey tried, but could not feel anything for her dead father. He’d done something that Bailey could not forgive and severed her last connection to the human world. Bailey felt released and realised that she had been holding on to her father, her last link to her old life, thinking he was alive and that eventually she would have to find her way back to her own world. Certain that even if her mother didn’t look fer her, her father would. B now she had nothing left to tie her back.

She was now apart of Oddworld. And she felt freed. This was where she belong, she realised. But the old Steef was talking to her again;

“And at that time, for many years, I thought the Steefling had been killed as well, his blood was on my conscience.” The old Steef smiled, “Until today. Today you brought that Steef back, but now he’s grown.” Bailey blinked back at the Steef.

“Stranger.”

“Yes, Stranger. And now I can go onto the next plain knowing that he did not die on my account. I can thank you for that. A human takes a young Steef and his daughter brings back a warrior.” He murmured. Bailey just blinked at him, still taking in what she’d just been told. If it hadn’t been for her father, Stranger would never have had to be alone. She voiced this aloud. “And he would be dead by now, killed by Sekto.” Said the Steef firmly. “By I feel tired and you have been here for quite some time.” Bailey slid off the bed and folded up the blanket again, just as she was about to leave the old Steef spoke again. “He isn’t the last you know.” He said. Bailey turned quickly,

“There’re others? Where?” The old Steef didn’t answer, Bailey went and knelt by the bed. The old Steef looked at her through dimming eyes. He was fading. Bailey could see it in his eyes. If the old Steef went to sleep now, he wouldn’t wake up again… He seemed to know it too.

“My time has come,” he said in a quiet voice, “Time to rest, I am weary of this pain filled plain.” Bailey was desperate, she had to keep him together just a little longer.

“The Steef,” she asked, “Where? Where can I find them?” The old Steef let out a breath,

“Where the snow is at it’s deepest.” He said at length, “On the high pastures, in the mountains shadow.”

“Mountain? What mountain?” Bailey asked puzzled, “Are they really that far away?” The old Steef smiled weakly,

“They’re closer then you think. Just follow your heart, it’ll lead you straight. It is your truest compass. Trust it little one. And believe in yourself.” He closed his eyes as if going to sleep and let out another deep sighing breath.

He didn’t take another one.

Bailey sat back on her heels for a moment, she sighed and dropped her head. Just when it seemed she had finally gotten her life sorted, something else had to be thrown into the equation.

Bailey stood up and looked over the Steef.

“I’ll get him back to his people. I promise.” She muttered, “Stranger,” she whispered in her mind, “I need you.”

[Dark Elite_H2]

Cool! Love the chapter, Lobo. Din't think you'd add something like that from the olden Steef's past. Really interesting. Keep it comin' buddy! I'm rootin' fer you!

[LoboDiabloLoneWolf]

*sigh* Why are you and I never on at the same time DE? How very, very annoying... more story comin' up soon though.