"You are my number one priority now! You are all that matters to me!"

- Max Caulfield

CHAPTER EIGHT: Time To Change Time

(A/N: I am SOOOO sorry about how long it takes to update these chapters. I've been super busy with school and practices and work, and plus my Imagines book. So, having to sit down and be able to watch a playthrough of this game and make sure that I'm writing this book correctly is limited in my schedule of things to do. I want this book to be as accurate and correct as possible, just for you guys. So again, I'm terribly sorry it takes so long to update these chapters!)

We spent a long period of time just walking to wherever "Mark's Lair" was. We chatted along the way, walking side by side along the sidewalk. It was nice to just talk about anything and everything. Days like these don't come by often, especially since I have this huge new problem to figure out.
    Mark stride along side me, his tattoo flaring up the side of his arm. It was still taking some getting used to to see just how much time had changed him, but I knew i'd warm up to him soon.
    Finally, after what seemed like walking for an eternity, we made to his secret hide out. I giggled, seeing that it was just a large junk yard outside of town. We headed inside, Mark smile widening. Junk was piled as high as the trees and scattered pretty much everywhere.

    Empty carcasses of cars and buildings lay abandoned in the piles of rubble. I look up when I hear a train's horn blaring through the air. I watch as it runs across the track just a few feet across from us, until it disappears over a hill.
    Mark started to jog, passing me as he ran into the middle of the yard. I had no motivation to run as I picked up my pace, still getting lost behind him.

    "What is this, a race?" He scoffed, waving his hand and motioning to hurry up.

    "Keep up!" He called back, leaving me in the dust as he finally reached his stopping point.  He seemed a bit annoyed at this point, even rolling his eyes. Ever since we left the diner, he had acted a bit more snappy than usual. I sighed, and shook my head.

    "How many times are you going to get pissed at me this week?"

    "That depends on you. And how well you in this phase of the test." He smirked, telling me he wasn't angry anymore. I was relieved as I nodded and rubbed my hands together. He took off his beanie, ruffled his vibrant hair a little, then shoved it back on his head. He smiled, throwing his hands up and spinning around in a circle.

    "Welcome to American Rust, my home away from Hell."

    "Raw and rough, it suits you.." He snatched a beer bottle from a barrel, walking up to me. I could see the condensation running down the glass, indicating it was a fresh one.

    "Max, do you know how awesome this is!? I get my Best Friend back, and she also has super powers!?"

    "We don't know for how long, though."

    "Exactly why it's time to have some fun!" I shook my head when he pulled out a gun, smiling proudly at himself.

    "David may be a douche, but you did steal his gun. Is everybody armed in Arcadia Bay now?" He chuckled, aiming the gun at something in the garbage pile.

    "Only the ones who shouldn't be. Like Step-Dildo. Until now."

    "I'm not in the revolution yet, Mark."

    "You are the revolution, Max. So, we should figure the best use and abuse your power with a test." He smirked, holding the drink up to my face. He swished it around a little, quirking an eyebrow at me.

    "Want a drink?" I made a face, holding my hands up and pushing the bottle away from me. He chuckled, shaking his head.

    "Yuck."

    "You are too cute, you haven't changed a bit." He chugged the beer, gulping it down quickly. He wiped his mouth, pointing behind me.

    "Please go find five more bottles while I set this thing up." I nodded, heading off to the find the glass bottles. It seemed to take me forever to finally find all five of them in this sea of trash. Yes! Now I can finally deliver this bottle booty to Captain Mark.
    I headed over to him, watching him set up a few bottles on a barrel. He chugged another bottle, lining all eight bottles in a line. I shook my head, watching him walk back to me.

    "You're serious about this.."

    "We're going to shoot every single one of these bottles, without wasting a single bullet. Max, you have to help me aim." I nodded, watching him aim the gun and pull the revolver back. After few missed aims and a few reversed timing, Mark was able hit the glasses every time.
    The gunshots were loud, echoing through the mountains and making me jump every time. Mark was laughing his ass off, his excited smile wearing off on me. The jolt of the gun made Mark stumble back a bit, his eyes shining.
    I had to admit, this was a little fun to do. Dangerous, very dangerous..but fun. He soon grew bored of the bottles, and moved on to more "Creative" targets. I pointed towards the old computers laying on the ground next to the bottles.

    "I bet you want to blow apart those old computer models?"

    "Let's reboot them with a bullet." He aimed carefully, pulling the trigger. The screen exploded, sending slivers of glass sprawling into the dirt. We both laughed as he cocked back the revolver and lowered the gun.

    "Old school. Something more exciting." I tapped my chin, looking around at the different objects. I spotted a rusted, old tire rim resting on a crate. I pointed to it, catching Mark's attention.

    "What about that old tire rim over there?" His tongue poked out from his mouth, his eyes centered on the rim.

    "Shooting the rim in 3...2...1..." The gun went off, the bullet hitting the rim. We both jumped as it bounced off the metal and ricocheted into a pane of glass, shattering it. My heart stopped for a moment before it started hammering in my chest. I let out a nervous laugh, my eyes wide.

    "Holy shit, did you see that!?" He said, making me nod my head at him.

    "Satisfied?"

   "Um, like never. I want one more rad trick shot!" I nodded, skimming my eyes over the junk again. I then pointed to the a light blue truck resting at the top of a junk pile in front of us. He rolled his shoulders, smiling widely at me. He aimed the gun at the car, concentrating. He pulled the trigger, sending the bullet straight into the tire of the car.
    It popped, the sound of air escaping it. It rolled down the trash, it's gears groaning loudly. We jumped back quickly, watching it get stumped by the dirt and turn over on its hood. It crashed into the ground, shattering the silence around us. Mark jumped in the air and cheered, high fiving me quickly.

    "Ubercool! I can't believe this! My Best Friend is a superhero!" I smiled, but soon faded as my head started to hurt again. I held my hand up to my forehead, wincing a little. The pain throbbed against my skull, a groan slipping past my lips.

    "Now it's your turn to bust a cap!" His smile dropped a little once he realize I wasn't acting right. I felt my nose burn and then something trickle down my lips. I wiped my nose, pulling it away to see blood coating my fingertips.

    "I-I don't know.." I cringed, trying to keep the blood from dripping down my chin.

    "Max, your nose. Damn." He took a step forward when I started stumbling backwards. He gripped my elbow, watching the color drain from my face. I gasped, my knees giving out. He caught me by the waist, dropping to the ground with me.

    "I don't feel...so..su..super..."

    "Max!" I felt the darkness surround me, pulling me away from reality. I closed my eyes and spiraled into another dream, another terrifying one. I felt the strong wind rushing around me, the lightning crackle in the dark sky above me.
    I was once again drenched to the point in the sharp and icy raindrops that drove into my skin. I fluttered my eyes open, seeing the tornado again, as angry and horrifying as ever. I started screaming, but no sound came out. I couldn't move either, I was stuck in the chilling mud and rain. So, I just laid there, consumed by fear and the storm that seemed to get worse and worse as my dream went on. It was only flashes though, it'd go black...then go right back to the storm again.

Then I suddenly woke up..

    I cracked my eyes open, my head still slightly aching. I groaned softly, realizing I way laying my head on Mark's lap. He was bent over me, his eyes searching my face in concern. His hand was touching my cheek, his voice calling my name. I groaned, sitting myself up and waiting for the nausea to pass. He rubbed my back soothingly, looking into my eyes.

    "You freaked me out back there. Do you feel any better now?" I took a deep breath, holding myself up by my arms. I sighed, shaking my head a little and stretching.

    "A little...thanks for helping me, though. Just..give me a minute." He gave off a light chuckle, nodding to me.

    "Too much action for Arcadia?" I hopped off the hood of a car, landing unstable on my feet. I held onto the hood for support, rubbing my forehead.

    "Maybe not enough. This was kinda fun. Scary and stupid, but fun." He nodded, laying back against the window and pointing the gun in the air.

    "Tell me when you feel okay again." God, this power really messes with my head. I'm glad I feel normal again. I watched as another train went by, spending my time regaining my breath again and thankfully having my headache gradually fade away.
    When I felt good enough, I walked back over to Mark, ready to talk again. He looked over at me, lowering his pistol from the sky. He smiled, sitting up and sliding off the car. His bullet necklace dangled on his chest, his beanie laying sideways on his head.

    "Okay, looks like you're ready to lock and load." He put his arm around my shoulder, walking me back to the pile of junk. I rubbed my arm, pursing my lips.

    "I don't know about this."

    "Are you afraid of getting in trouble? Oh boo hoo, Max is afraid. I know you can handle this, and I'm here to guide you. Make me proud, sista." He gave me an encouraging smile, handing the gun off to me. It felt heavy in my hand, my doubt increasing. I examined the gun, wrapping my hand around the handle. I shot my head up when I heard someone walking around in front of us.

    "Hey, it's Thelma and Louise." It was a guy, he looked to be in his late 20s at least. He was wearing blue jeans, leather jacket, his shaggy brown hair hanging in his face. His boots dug into the dirt as he threw his hands up and smiled at the two of us. He had a black tattoo printed on the side of his neck, a greasy and stained white muscle shirt underneath the jacket. He had cold green eyes and a shitty smirk.

    "Or is it Bonnie and Clyde?" Mark glared back at the stranger, sneering. I stood there in surprise, not knowing what to do. From the looks of it, I could already tell he was a complete asshole.

    "Excuse us, Frank." Mark said with gritted teeth. Frank held his hands up and chuckle, bowing his head.

    "Oh, sorry Mark. Don't let me get in the way of your bonding. I heard the gunshots and the breaking glass. It's cute that you're playing with guns. Just like me at your age." Mark scowled at the man, shaking his head and stepping closer to me.

    "We're not anything alike, man."

    "We both need money. In fact, you need it so bad you owe me a shitload. Don't you, Mark? Huh?" Mark sighed in defeat, his glare melting a little.

    "You'll get your money." I didn't like how close Frank was getting to Mark. He seemed intimidating, and not the one who takes things lightly.

    "Don't they all say that? You know, even when they're broke and acting tough?" I made sure to bring the pistol behind my back, gripping it closely against me. I didn't like where this was going, not one bit. He looked over at me then, his eyes casting down to my hands behind my back.

    "What're you hiding there, girlie? Let me see." I shot a look over at Mark, backing away slowly from Frank. Mark stopped, his eyes locked on the bracelet clasped around Frank's wrist as he pointed at me.

    "Where did you get that bracelet?" Frank pulled his hand away, turning his attention back to Mark. He gave him a sneer, staring down at Mark.

    "A friend. And it's none of your goddamn business. You're my business now and I-" Mark was ignoring his words as he leaned down and examined the bracelet again. His face darkened with anger as he looked in Frank's eyes with accusations.

    "That's Rachel's bracelet. Why the fuck are you wearing her bracelet!?" His voice was rising as he clenched his fists together tightly.

    "Calm yourself, alright. It was a gift."

    "No it wasn't! You stole that shit! Give it to me right now, asshole!" He went to make a grab for it, Frank growling under his breath. Frank whipped his hand away, pulling something from his pocket. He pulled out a pocket knife, stopping inches away from Mark's face. Mark froze, eyeing the blade angrily. Things had drastically taken a turn for the worse, and I was watching the whole thing.

    "You better step back before you regret it, boy. I mean it. You want me to cut you, bitch?" Frank threatened, swiping the knife in the air. Mark gulped, holding his hands up and watching the knife carefully. I didn't know what to do, I didn't know how to act. So, I did what first came to mind.

I pointed the gun at Frank..

    They both turned and looked at me, the gun pointed straight between his eyes. I was standing my ground, swallowing the fear rising inside of me. Mark looked shocked as he watched me, Frank lowering his knife a little.

    "Please..please step back."

    "You're kidding, put that down." I didn't listen, holding the gun high in the air. I tried to keep my hand from shaking, but the gun continued to wobble. He started walking towards me, a smirk planted on his lips.

    "Come on, girl. Shoot me." I stood there, scared and shaky as he simply walked up and took the gun from my grasp. He let out a laugh, now having the gun in his hand.

    "Oh Christ. You're more like Abbot and Costello. Nice piece, consider this interest on your loan. Thanks. You have until Friday to pay me. Or I'll track you down with this interest. Have a good play kids." He winked, turning around and leaving us to stand there in shock. I looked down at the ground, angry with myself. Mark shook his head, kicking the dust and cursing.

    "You really stood your ground."

    "I freaked. I don't like guns."

    "It'll be hard to keep Nathan off my ass. My Step-Shit with have his other guns sealed in an electrified bunker by now." He sighed, kicking the dirt again. I felt bad, but I knew I couldn't have pulled that trigger on him.

    "I'm sorry, Mark. I've never held a gun on a human being before. Not cool." He rubbed his neck, nodding at me finally. His shoulders dropped as he walked over to me.

    "I know, Max. I'm actually relieved it worked out this way instead. And there are more guns out there. Let's blow. My Secret Lair doesn't feel so secret today. At least Frank is gone, he won't fuck with us again, he just wants his money." I followed him to the tracks, each of us on both sides as we balanced ourselves on the rails. With our arms outstretched, we walked together down the tracks.

    "I can't believe you just basically gave him my gun. "Here you go, Frank."

    "You can't keep getting mad at me. Especially for stupid shit." He kept his balance, staring hard at the ground as he walked.

    "I'm not mad. It just adds up in my mind as people letting me down. And I just liked having that gun, man." He sighed, but I knew he wasn't too angry with me. I started wobbling a bit, losing my balance. He noticed, quickly grasping my hand with his. We held hands together as we both walked down the rails, helping each other out. The cool breeze felt nice against my skin, my short hair blowing around. I smiled a little, looking over at him.

   "Well, now you have me to protect you." We let go of our hands, stepping off the rail. He nodded, smiling back at me as he rolled up his sleeves.

    "I'm just glad you were here."

    "Me too...I think. Mark, why the hell are you hanging around scary losers like Frank? It's weird." He sat down in the middle of the tracks, resting his head on one of the rails. He patted a spot next to him, looking up at me.

    "Let's take a break and I'll talk." I nodded, laying down beside him, our shoulders touching. Behind us, sat a small railroad station, a water tower just beyond it. Mark looked around, his deep brown eyes searching the scenery around him.

    "Feels like a different world, huh? I wish we could stay forever." I nodded, looking up at the sky and watching the fluffy, white clouds pass slowly by. I rested my arm behind my head, setting one leg on top the other.

    "Can we just build another pirate fort and keep the world out?"

    "We need a new secret hideout, at least Frank wouldn't find us. Are you okay, Max?" Mark looked over at me, giving me a small smile. I smiled back at him, my mind racing. I shrugged, trying to sort things out.

    "I'm still freaked out about what just happened. That was awful, Mark."

    "I'm sorry, but Frank isn't as hardcore as he thinks he is. He only cares about his cash, his stash, and his mangy dog."

    "Mark, are you for real? Frank just took your gun and threatened you with it. He's armed and clearly dangerous."

    "Max, I know. Crazy shit is the new normal for me. That's why I planned to leave Arcadia Bay without paying Frank off."

    "Now, tell me exactly what's going on between you and Frank. Does he have a last name?"

    "Frank Bowers. He's just a dealer. Where I get my weed. The one in your joint, remember? Anyway, Frank and I kind of hung out. I just made the mistake of borrowing money so Rachel and I could bail outta here."

    "That's it?"

    "No, I want to know how Frank got Rachel's bracelet. What do you think?"

    "I don't know anymore. My brain is so fried from all this. I need a mental enema."

    "Man, It's so weird talking to you about all this insane crap! We haven't hung out this much since we were tweens..and it's like no time has passed. I wish Rachel was here to meet you."

    "Why? I bet she would hate me."

    "You're not that different. She had..has a great eye great eye for images and for art. Plus, she's a smartass like you. We would all be hella "Best Friends Forever."

    "I know she must be as cool as you are. I have no doubt that we'll meet soon." He smiled at my comment, nodding and taking a deep breath.

    "Railroad tracks always make me feel better. I have no idea why."

    "Kerouac knew why. It's the romance of travel and movement. The sound of the train whistle at night.." I trialed off when Mark smiled wider and hit me gently on the leg.

    "Look at the beat poet over here." I chuckled, sitting up and crossing my legs under me.

    "I'd rather be a good photographer." I stood up, walking over him.

    "You are, you just have to stop being afraid." I hummed, spotting the sunset peeking through the trees. I held my camera up that was still around my neck, centering the shot in just the right angle.

    "Perfect." I whispered, snapping the picture. As soon as my finger pressed down on the button, I was bent over crying out in pain. My camera hit my chest as I let it go, my hands cradling my head. It felt like my brain was going to explode, flashes of my visions going off.
    I groaned louder, wincing as the harsh pain ripped through my skull. I blinked away the spots in my vision, more blood running from my nose. Mark's voice sounded distant and warped until I stood straighter and was able to focus on the things around me again.

    "MAX! MAX!? HELP ME! I-I'M STUCK!" He shouted, snapping me back into reality. I rushed back to Mark, where he remained sitting on the ground. I grabbed both of his hands, pulling tightly at him to try and help him stand up. He groaned, his foot lodged between the tracks.
    No matter how hard I pulled, his foot wouldn't budge. He fell back onto the tracks, fear in his eyes. I bent down, tugging at his boot to try and wiggle it free. We both froze dead in our tracks when we heard the sound of a train horn going off. We looked into each other's eyes, the same though going through our heads.

SHIT...