DISCLAIMER: ‘Be Somebody’ takes place after the conclusion of the following plotlines: 1.0 - Blood in the Water, 2.0 - Monster, 3.0 - No Good, and 5.0 - Hard Came the Rain.
We just need a taste of who we are, we all wanna be...
We just need a taste of who we are, we all wanna be...
B E S O M E B O D Y
Time of Day: Night
Weather: Heavy Rain
Location(s): Downtown, Santa Celia
Interaction(s): None
Weather: Heavy Rain
Location(s): Downtown, Santa Celia
Interaction(s): None
”Oh god, oh god! There’s so much bl-”
“...Somebody help! Help h-”
“...Please don’t sho-”
“...An attack was made today against Santa Celia’s own Mayor M-”
“...I-I-I can’t breathe-”
“...Somebody help! Help h-”
”...A thick crimson cloud is hanging over city hall, authorities are warning every-”
“...The city’s emergency services are o-”
“...Please don’t sho-”
“Santa Celia has fallen into chaos, may God have mercy on our souls.”
Four Hours Ago...
The woman stifled a squeal of glee as she looked at the ring box again; for the first time in her life, she finally felt like she was going to be somebody to someone else, someone who loved her nearly unconditionally. Snapping a quick picture of the ring and clicking send while the sound of the shower continued in the background, the woman closed the box and stood up from the bed. Tip-toeing across the room, she slowly opened the top drawer of her boyfriend’s…
Fiancé
A smile crossed her face as she paused to correct herself. Returning to the task at hand, the woman slowly opened the top drawer of her fiancé-to-be’s dresser drawer. Slipping the velvet covered box under the numerous black socks, she returned it to its original hiding spot in the back corner of the drawer. From the ensuite, the sound of running water disappeared, causing the woman to jump as she nearly slammed her finger in the hastily closed drawer.
“Jess?” A man’s voice called as Jessica Song tried hard to swallow the excited lump in her throat before answer.
“Y-yes?” Her voice cracked as she called her response.
“Something wrong?” He called back as Jessica shook her head before quickly laughing at herself as she realized that there was no way he could see her.
“No, Dawson.” She replied, “What did you need?”
“Could you bring me a towel?” Dawson asked, Jessica could hear his trademark grin in his voice. “I seem to have forgotten one.”
Laughing, Jessica walked to the couple’s linen closet, pulling out a large, white towel before turning around and walking into their shared washroom. Standing there in all his glory was Dawson Rivers, shivering as he quickly extended an eager hand towards the towel. Wrapping himself, he bent over, planting a sloppy wet kiss on Jessica’s lips as the latter pulled away in mock disgust.
“Excited for dinner tonight?” Dawson asked as Jessica finished drying her face. “I got us reservations at Le Chateau Rouge, that fancy place you’re always pointing to when we’re downtown.”
“Really!” Jessica exclaimed excitedly, “The one across from city hall?”
“The very same one, best dining in the city they say.” He replied with a smile. “Oh and I got you something else,”
Jessica could feel her heart skip a beat, was he going to break expectation and propose now?
“Go look in the closet.” Dawson ordered with a cheeky grin prompting to Jessica to rush out of the bathroom, her feet nearly flying out from underneath her on the damp tile. Opening the closet, an opaque bag was hanging inside as she reached for the zipper only to reveal a stunning cocktail dress inside.
“It’s gorgeous!” Jessica exclaimed, giddiness accentuating every syllable.
“It’s the same shade of blue you were wearing the night I first saw you, I thought it looked amazing on you then, still do now.”
Jessica could feel her heart swell, as she clutched her hands to her chest. There was nothing that could ruin this night.
Fiancé
A smile crossed her face as she paused to correct herself. Returning to the task at hand, the woman slowly opened the top drawer of her fiancé-to-be’s dresser drawer. Slipping the velvet covered box under the numerous black socks, she returned it to its original hiding spot in the back corner of the drawer. From the ensuite, the sound of running water disappeared, causing the woman to jump as she nearly slammed her finger in the hastily closed drawer.
“Jess?” A man’s voice called as Jessica Song tried hard to swallow the excited lump in her throat before answer.
“Y-yes?” Her voice cracked as she called her response.
“Something wrong?” He called back as Jessica shook her head before quickly laughing at herself as she realized that there was no way he could see her.
“No, Dawson.” She replied, “What did you need?”
“Could you bring me a towel?” Dawson asked, Jessica could hear his trademark grin in his voice. “I seem to have forgotten one.”
Laughing, Jessica walked to the couple’s linen closet, pulling out a large, white towel before turning around and walking into their shared washroom. Standing there in all his glory was Dawson Rivers, shivering as he quickly extended an eager hand towards the towel. Wrapping himself, he bent over, planting a sloppy wet kiss on Jessica’s lips as the latter pulled away in mock disgust.
“Excited for dinner tonight?” Dawson asked as Jessica finished drying her face. “I got us reservations at Le Chateau Rouge, that fancy place you’re always pointing to when we’re downtown.”
“Really!” Jessica exclaimed excitedly, “The one across from city hall?”
“The very same one, best dining in the city they say.” He replied with a smile. “Oh and I got you something else,”
Jessica could feel her heart skip a beat, was he going to break expectation and propose now?
“Go look in the closet.” Dawson ordered with a cheeky grin prompting to Jessica to rush out of the bathroom, her feet nearly flying out from underneath her on the damp tile. Opening the closet, an opaque bag was hanging inside as she reached for the zipper only to reveal a stunning cocktail dress inside.
“It’s gorgeous!” Jessica exclaimed, giddiness accentuating every syllable.
“It’s the same shade of blue you were wearing the night I first saw you, I thought it looked amazing on you then, still do now.”
Jessica could feel her heart swell, as she clutched her hands to her chest. There was nothing that could ruin this night.
Three Hours Ago...
Harrison Fairchild paced the lobby of city hall as he waited for his meeting with the city’s current mayor, Samson Murray. With the current Deputy Mayor retiring before the upcoming election, Harrison was stepping up to be Samson’s new running mate. Potentially the youngest Deputy Mayor in Santa Celia’s history, at least until Samson’s own son, Josiah, was of age to run, Harrison was becoming quite popular with the media.
Unlike the mayor’s eldest son, Harrison didn’t attract the wrong type of attention. He wasn’t a playboy or a socialite, instead, he was a philanthropist, a man of the people. Though if Harrison was being honest with himself, he would have had to admit that he loved the attention. Harrison had always wanted to be somebody admirable, someone, the people of the city could look up to. By becoming Samson’s running mate, he was that much closer to that goal.
“Harrison Fairchild!” The authoritative voice of Samson echoed through the pristine lobby of the city’s hall. “How is the city’s favourite son this evening?” He asked, extending a strong hand that wrapped around Harrison’s with a firm grip.
“I’m doing well, Sir.” Harrison answered with a nervous smile. No matter how many times he talked to Samson, there was still something that made him feel small when next to the most powerful man in Santa Celia. “How are you keeping?”
“Hungry, do you like Le Chateau Rouge?” Samson asked.
“I’ve never had the pleasure, but won’t we need a reservation?” Harrison asked.
“One of the few benefits of being the Mayor,” Samson replied, “I think they’ll make room for us.”
Unlike the mayor’s eldest son, Harrison didn’t attract the wrong type of attention. He wasn’t a playboy or a socialite, instead, he was a philanthropist, a man of the people. Though if Harrison was being honest with himself, he would have had to admit that he loved the attention. Harrison had always wanted to be somebody admirable, someone, the people of the city could look up to. By becoming Samson’s running mate, he was that much closer to that goal.
“Harrison Fairchild!” The authoritative voice of Samson echoed through the pristine lobby of the city’s hall. “How is the city’s favourite son this evening?” He asked, extending a strong hand that wrapped around Harrison’s with a firm grip.
“I’m doing well, Sir.” Harrison answered with a nervous smile. No matter how many times he talked to Samson, there was still something that made him feel small when next to the most powerful man in Santa Celia. “How are you keeping?”
“Hungry, do you like Le Chateau Rouge?” Samson asked.
“I’ve never had the pleasure, but won’t we need a reservation?” Harrison asked.
“One of the few benefits of being the Mayor,” Samson replied, “I think they’ll make room for us.”
Two Hours Ago...
Hernando Cruz was many things but he was not a kind man, nor was he a patient man. If Hernando Cruz had been asked about the path he had taken in life, who he had become, he had one simple answer.
He had chosen to be somebody to fear.
It had been several days since the attempt on his life and he was no closer to discovering the whereabouts of Frankie ‘Beans’ Gomez. Nor was he any closer to discovering the identity of whomever, or whatever made his men looking like nothing more than a bunch of toy soldiers. He had put out a bounty, five hundred thousand dollars for whoever brings him the name of the man who killed his men, a million for the body and five million for the bastard alive so he could teach him some manners himself.
Fastening the handkerchief around his neck, the man plunged his fork into the raw steak in front of him, before gliding the knife through the tender fillet.
“I want them both found like fuckin’ yesterday, Chavez.” He stated before shoving the large piece of meat into his mouth, smacking his lips in between words. “No one, and I mean no one makes a fool of the Azteca Cartel, you hearing me, Chavez, no one!”
“Yes, sir.” Chavez answered as he began to stand.
“Where the fuck are you going, did I say you were excused? I didn’t hear those words come out of my fuckin’ mouth, so unless you’re now putting words in my mouth, I suggest you sit your ass back down.” Hernando ordered as Chavez quickly obliged.
Pointing across the restaurant, Chavez followed Hernando’s arm as his eyes landed on a young couple, the woman adorned in a brilliant blue dress.
“Look at that, young love.” Hernando stated between bites. “You got a bitch at home, Chavez?”
“I’ve got two baby mamas taking my pay cheque every other week.” The other man replied bitterly. “I could care less about love.”
“Smart man, love is for suckers.” Hernando replied with a smirk as he pointed his knife in another direction. “Speaking of suckers…” His voice trailed off as he suddenly stood, wiping his hands before holding one out towards a pair of passing men.
“Mr. Mayor, always a pleasure.” Hernando smiled as Samson Murray took the other’s hand in his grip and gave it a hearty shake.
"Mr. Cruz, always a welcome sight to see your face.” Samson replied, “I trust I can count on your support in the upcoming election.”
“Of course, Mr. Mayor!” Hernando replied, “Always a pleasure to support the city’s finest leader.”
“I’m glad to hear it, but please, don’t let me disturb your dinner.” Samson said as Hernando shook his head.
“No, Mr. Mayor, join us, I insist.”
“Well if you insist,” Samson grinned, “Come, Mr. Fairchild, let's not turn down this fine man’s hospitality.”
“As you wish,” Harrison replied, suddenly finding himself very unnerved to be sitting across the table from the head of the Azteca Cartel.
He had chosen to be somebody to fear.
It had been several days since the attempt on his life and he was no closer to discovering the whereabouts of Frankie ‘Beans’ Gomez. Nor was he any closer to discovering the identity of whomever, or whatever made his men looking like nothing more than a bunch of toy soldiers. He had put out a bounty, five hundred thousand dollars for whoever brings him the name of the man who killed his men, a million for the body and five million for the bastard alive so he could teach him some manners himself.
Fastening the handkerchief around his neck, the man plunged his fork into the raw steak in front of him, before gliding the knife through the tender fillet.
“I want them both found like fuckin’ yesterday, Chavez.” He stated before shoving the large piece of meat into his mouth, smacking his lips in between words. “No one, and I mean no one makes a fool of the Azteca Cartel, you hearing me, Chavez, no one!”
“Yes, sir.” Chavez answered as he began to stand.
“Where the fuck are you going, did I say you were excused? I didn’t hear those words come out of my fuckin’ mouth, so unless you’re now putting words in my mouth, I suggest you sit your ass back down.” Hernando ordered as Chavez quickly obliged.
Pointing across the restaurant, Chavez followed Hernando’s arm as his eyes landed on a young couple, the woman adorned in a brilliant blue dress.
“Look at that, young love.” Hernando stated between bites. “You got a bitch at home, Chavez?”
“I’ve got two baby mamas taking my pay cheque every other week.” The other man replied bitterly. “I could care less about love.”
“Smart man, love is for suckers.” Hernando replied with a smirk as he pointed his knife in another direction. “Speaking of suckers…” His voice trailed off as he suddenly stood, wiping his hands before holding one out towards a pair of passing men.
“Mr. Mayor, always a pleasure.” Hernando smiled as Samson Murray took the other’s hand in his grip and gave it a hearty shake.
"Mr. Cruz, always a welcome sight to see your face.” Samson replied, “I trust I can count on your support in the upcoming election.”
“Of course, Mr. Mayor!” Hernando replied, “Always a pleasure to support the city’s finest leader.”
“I’m glad to hear it, but please, don’t let me disturb your dinner.” Samson said as Hernando shook his head.
“No, Mr. Mayor, join us, I insist.”
“Well if you insist,” Samson grinned, “Come, Mr. Fairchild, let's not turn down this fine man’s hospitality.”
“As you wish,” Harrison replied, suddenly finding himself very unnerved to be sitting across the table from the head of the Azteca Cartel.
One Hour Ago...
Walking out of the Sir William Stein’s Memorial Hospital, Andrew Cleric felt like he had a new lease on life. Finally, he was going to be somebody new. Over the past twelve months, Andrew had been part of an intensive rehabilitation programming for those suffering from addiction, but today he had been given a clean bill of health, cured of his addiction and free to pursue his new lease on life.
Climbing into the driver’s seat of the large rig, Andrew started the large engine as the truck roared to life. Being in rehab had allowed him the time to pursue his license and while it hadn’t been easy to find a job, a company by the name of Chimera had eventually offered him a chance to drive for them.
Pulling the large tanker out of the hospital parking lot, Andrew adjusted the GPS, plotting his course out of the city. To his surprise, the GPS was taking him through the downtown, apparently, construction had closed down the nearest interstate.
With a shrug, Andrew geared up as he continued down the road. Even if this route ended up taking longer, there was nothing that could ever ruin this day for him. He was in his moment of triumph and nothing could take that away.
Climbing into the driver’s seat of the large rig, Andrew started the large engine as the truck roared to life. Being in rehab had allowed him the time to pursue his license and while it hadn’t been easy to find a job, a company by the name of Chimera had eventually offered him a chance to drive for them.
Pulling the large tanker out of the hospital parking lot, Andrew adjusted the GPS, plotting his course out of the city. To his surprise, the GPS was taking him through the downtown, apparently, construction had closed down the nearest interstate.
With a shrug, Andrew geared up as he continued down the road. Even if this route ended up taking longer, there was nothing that could ever ruin this day for him. He was in his moment of triumph and nothing could take that away.
Half An Hour Ago...
Sitting parked outside of the Le Chateau Rouge, the large American made car sat facing the sizeable dining room window. Inside the car was Detective Nicholas Locke, a pair of binoculars in one hand trained on the crime lord sitting inside the restaurant while a half-eaten burger hung loosely in his other hand. Nick had been following the Azteca Cartel, specifically Hernando Cruz for months now and was very close to finally finding something to pin on the Cartel leader.
The majority of the Santa Celia Police Department was on the take, whether from the Cartel or one of the numerous other underworld organizations kept in the Mayor’s back pocket. Detective Nick Locke, however, was not and would never be despite how ostracized it made him from his fellow officers. Nick considered himself to somebody willing to make a difference in the city, somebody who wouldn’t be swayed by the dollar where so many others before him had been. While there were a few good officers left, Nick was more or less alone on the street and he had learned to make the best of it.
The night had taken a surprising turn when the Mayor himself sat down across the table from Cruz, the potential new Deputy Mayor in tow. Putting the binoculars down, Nick pulled out a camera, fitted the correct lens to the front of the device before snapping a couple quick pictures.
And then his world exploded.
The majority of the Santa Celia Police Department was on the take, whether from the Cartel or one of the numerous other underworld organizations kept in the Mayor’s back pocket. Detective Nick Locke, however, was not and would never be despite how ostracized it made him from his fellow officers. Nick considered himself to somebody willing to make a difference in the city, somebody who wouldn’t be swayed by the dollar where so many others before him had been. While there were a few good officers left, Nick was more or less alone on the street and he had learned to make the best of it.
The night had taken a surprising turn when the Mayor himself sat down across the table from Cruz, the potential new Deputy Mayor in tow. Putting the binoculars down, Nick pulled out a camera, fitted the correct lens to the front of the device before snapping a couple quick pictures.
And then his world exploded.
Now...
Moments ago Dawson had been on his knees in front of Jessica, the ring outstretched towards her. Now she was standing in what was left of Le Chateau Rouge, flames spreading around her, as the roof was opened to a clouded sky.
Violet colored droplets fell from the crimson sky above as the disorientated woman stumbled forward looking for her fiancé. A pair of feet were visible from beneath a fallen tile as Jessica moved towards them, suddenly seeing the grill of a large transport truck lodged in what remained of the wall.
Feeling around through the dust, Jessica made her way towards the body as she recognized her fiancé beneath the rubble.
“Dawson!” Jessica sobbed, “Dawson!” She repeated trying to peel the debris back as a weak hand stretched out towards her.
“I-I-I can’t breath, J-Jes-”
“Somebody help! Help him!” Jessica screamed, as she looked around the chaos for any other living person, “Please! Somebody help him!” Her volume increasing before a sudden a wave of sonic energy exploded from her mouth. The force of the blast sent her toppling backwards as another figure suddenly appeared in the smoke and dust.
“Don’t worry, kid, I got you.” The voice of Nicholas Locke broke through the roar of the blaze as he helped Jessica to her feet. Moving to get her out onto the street, Jessica resisted as she pulled Nick towards Dawson.
“Help him, please!” She pleaded as Nick nodded. Moving towards Dawson, Nick knelt down to move the body only to realize he was no longer breathing. Biting his bottom lip, Nick helped Jessica to move the body, the least he could do was ensure the poor woman’s fiancé wouldn’t burn to death.
Exiting what was left of the restaurant, Nick took a moment to survey his surroundings. The downtown was on fire as the chemically altered rain continued to fall from the ominous clouds overhead. His body ached, it felt different but dismissed it as adrenaline from the destroyed tanker nearly missing his unmarked cruiser. The wreckage of the transport littered the street, the logo of three headed beast emblazoned on the remains of the silver tank.
The mayor was still inside the burning restaurant, sirens echoed up and down the street as Nick watched Santa Celia devolve into pandemonium.
Violet colored droplets fell from the crimson sky above as the disorientated woman stumbled forward looking for her fiancé. A pair of feet were visible from beneath a fallen tile as Jessica moved towards them, suddenly seeing the grill of a large transport truck lodged in what remained of the wall.
Feeling around through the dust, Jessica made her way towards the body as she recognized her fiancé beneath the rubble.
“Dawson!” Jessica sobbed, “Dawson!” She repeated trying to peel the debris back as a weak hand stretched out towards her.
“I-I-I can’t breath, J-Jes-”
“Somebody help! Help him!” Jessica screamed, as she looked around the chaos for any other living person, “Please! Somebody help him!” Her volume increasing before a sudden a wave of sonic energy exploded from her mouth. The force of the blast sent her toppling backwards as another figure suddenly appeared in the smoke and dust.
“Don’t worry, kid, I got you.” The voice of Nicholas Locke broke through the roar of the blaze as he helped Jessica to her feet. Moving to get her out onto the street, Jessica resisted as she pulled Nick towards Dawson.
“Help him, please!” She pleaded as Nick nodded. Moving towards Dawson, Nick knelt down to move the body only to realize he was no longer breathing. Biting his bottom lip, Nick helped Jessica to move the body, the least he could do was ensure the poor woman’s fiancé wouldn’t burn to death.
Exiting what was left of the restaurant, Nick took a moment to survey his surroundings. The downtown was on fire as the chemically altered rain continued to fall from the ominous clouds overhead. His body ached, it felt different but dismissed it as adrenaline from the destroyed tanker nearly missing his unmarked cruiser. The wreckage of the transport littered the street, the logo of three headed beast emblazoned on the remains of the silver tank.
The mayor was still inside the burning restaurant, sirens echoed up and down the street as Nick watched Santa Celia devolve into pandemonium.
Continued Here: