You spot her lingering at the edge of your consciousness like a desert mirage… her features once so clear to you now nothing more than outlines.

Figments.

Scraps.

Her hair done up in a tight ponytail… the acrid smell of those horrible energy shots she always drank… and the loud and constant clatter of her delicate fingers diligently tapping away at her mechanical keyboard.

You told her you’d get her a replacement… but you never did. That’s what you remember, in any case. Approaching lightly on the balls of your feet, anxiety’s hooks tug at your innards as if PLEADING for you to turn back!

You’ve never been good at following directions. Each step you take towards your sister’s silhouette grows louder and louder, and just when you get close enough to reach out for her shoulder-

“Ah…. memories.”
https://youtu.be/c1NKBvoCnmQ
The low, gravelly voice booms loud as it is unwelcome. The tranquil halls of your subconscious erupt into black and red flames as a sensation akin to falling down an elevator shaft takes hold of you, and just as you feel your stomach work its way into your throat,

You STOP!

“Anton~” Purrs the voice as you’re engulfed in a caustic plume of cigar smoke, “Rough coupla’ days, huh, pilgrim?”

You know all too well who you’re talking to long before the brim of his damned hat pierces the cloud to greet you. RED, you snarl as you dangle in the air like a puppet, you don’t have the time or the patience to have another ‘Pow-wow’, oka-

“You do...” The devil hisses back, “And you will.”

Piercing the acrid layer of smoke comes the smell of burnt meat… but not any kind you’ve smelt before! That’s an achievement too, given your profession… piercing the smoky veil like a ship in the fog, RED’s featureless face towers over you like one of those head statues in the South Pacific.

Is that right? A cocky grin works its way onto your face. Look, you know he’s been listening in on your conversations: you’re getting out of this raw deal as soon as-

“‘Raw Deal’?” Scoffs the cowpoke with a raspy, wheezing breath, “This ‘RAW DEAL’ is what’s been keeping you alive, amigo… or do you think all of that newfound speed and strength is ‘all-natural’?”

Oh great, you groan, ANOTHER sales pitch! Look, you continue with fire in your eyes, you were in the middle of something before he showed up, so if he could hurry up and hit the dusty trail-

“You know what, kid? You’re right… maybe I’ve leaned too hard on the carrot as of late…” An uncanny CRACK echoes across the hellscape as he stretches his neck! “Might be time for the stick…”

Unless he’s able to restore some of your memories, he’d better butt ou-

… what’s so FUNNY?

>CONTD.