This ‘Lido’ is right about one thing: it’s getting colder. Nightfall, if you had to guess. If your friends are going to try something stupid, it’ll be soon.

Nearest town, you drone as you give your trigger finger a much-needed stretch, where is it?

“Ghh…” Groans Muuzi from his comfy spot in the snow, “W-WIIDA… Nothin’ but… Giid farmers… Tavern… ngghh… grew up near there…”

Out of all the places he could bleed out… poetic, huh?

“Go…to HELL…”

Don’t worry, you will. How far is this Wiida?

“Coupla’ miles.” Shades answers as you feel a faint tingle in your teeth. “Back that way.”

You don’t bother glancing over your shoulder as you draw an arrow in the snow with your boot. Such good friends, you remark with the faintest of smiles in your tone, taking your pal ‘Muuzi’ here home.

“Word is your buddy Anton mighta’ headed South.” Lido retorts as his original confidence slowly filters back into his voice. “We’re gonna head him off in RYTZO.” He grins. “Seaside Village. Very quaint.”

What makes them so certain Anton’ll stop by? Seems a little off the beaten path.

“On the contrary,” Shades chimes in, “All roads in the South pass through Rytzo eventually, so-”

“So if he comes through,” Lido sneers, “We’ll be ready for him.”

You straighten out your posture and square your stance. Is that right?

“Hey,” The boss snorts with a toothy smile, “We may be goons, but we’re not st-”

BLAAAAAAM!
CH-CHK!
BLAAAAAAM!

Thunder… and then silence.

Blessed silence.

You didn’t even hear their bodies hit the snow. Still took two shots thanks to tons-of-fun in the back. So it goes.

>CONTD.