Ozzy day 42 Great day in Mournmist.

The wind shrieks an eerie tune as it passes through the city. Tendrils of mist rise from the sea and crawl along the streets. Corpses wander around aimlessly, searching for anything to eat. None of us ever find anything. There hasn't been enough food to eat in Mournmist since the Blight Wars. We were the center of that, from what I heard. I looked around at the dilapidated buildings around me. It's hard to imagine that my home was ever fit for life. This city is nothing more than a graveyard for the walking dead. My name is Scratch, my dream is to be able to eat fresh fruit. I know it's unrealistic, but I've thought about it time and time again. To eat something juicy that's not a cockroach. And sweet? I've only ever smelled something sweet once. Once a master walked past me, it left a lingering smell in the air. I don't even know what to compare it to. Even that short encounter made me realise how many things must be out there in the world. Things I'll never get to see, of course. It's early in the morning, the sun is just starting to warm up the horizon with its light. I made my way down the wide, empty streets. Sticking close to the buildings, going through backlanes, and in between buildings to avoid as many people as possible. I don't have anything to steal, but I’d rather not get stopped for a tussle this early. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of something moving in the shadows. My eyes widened as I saw a large rat on a street corner. I looked around nervously. No one else was around, it's my lucky day. I fumbled with my utility bag that was hanging on my waist to remove my sling, I loaded a smooth rock into the pouch. With a practiced motion, I began to spin the sling in an arc above my head. One rotation, two and then-

Phwpt

The rock launched out of the sling and cracked the rat in the head. Spattering the ground with blood. The rat's body twitched on the floor as it died. I quickly ran and picked up the rat. It was a fat one. One of the largest ones I've seen in a while. I should be able to trade him in for at least 3 bars. What a great find. With the other few coins i stole i might be able to buy ten whole bars. I just have to hope nothing else finds my food stash. Joe’s shop was the most popular in my area. Its supported by the masters so it will always be open and always have supplies. People often rob from supported stores because they have the most food. But if you get caught stealing from one the gargoyles will kill you on the spot. The fear of getting killed is pretty low for us corpses so it doesn't really stop people from stealing. Starving is more painful than what a gargoyle will do to you. I rounded the corner to Joe’s shop. There were five corpses outside banging on the door.

“Oi, just give us all the bars you have.” The largest corpse was saying.

He was the largest corpse there, and pretty healthy. I almost couldn't see all of his ribs through his shirt. I looked down at my torso. So thin it's like skin stretched across bones and nothing else.

“You best run Pete. If the gargoyles see you, they won't hesitate.”

“I know that so hand over some bars and we will leave.”

“They will notice the missing stock.”

“Just one for each of us then, won't hurt.”

“Pete, I told you not to gamble your last rations off.”

“Why don't you worry about yourself Joe.”

“If you think we can't get in there before a gargoyle shows up, you're wrong.” A second corpse said.

This is annoying. I was hoping to be able to buy some bars and leave before anyone saw me. I might get followed if people realise I have food. I'll have to run to the next store, it will take me about an hour to get there. By that time, more corpses will be out and about. It will be harder for me to stash my food without being seen. It's a risk I'll have to take. I want to sell my rat while it's still fresh. I skulked away from Joe’s store and started walking to the next one. On my way I heard a cry of pain. Curiosity got the better of me, so I went to check it out. A corpse was crawling on the floor away from a Gargoyle. The corpse was bleeding from many wounds. It wouldn't be long before they died. None of us had that much blood to bleed. I was about to turn around when I noticed the bag that the gargoyle was carrying. I couldn't tell for sure, but it seemed like there was food in there. Or maybe my imagination was getting the best of me. Wouldn't be the first time I went chasing after food that didn't exist. I walked into the clearing.

“Mr. Gargoyle.” I whispered

He turned around, and we met eyes. He was so handsome. Skin was smooth and healthy. He was large and muscular. His eyes had a shine of life to them, the shine that we corpses never had. His gray uniform was simple but delivered a clear message to all the corpses: death.

“What?” He said indifferently.

“People are stealing from Joe’s store.”

“And?”

“It's a supported store, so-”

He cut me off as soon as he heard, supported store.

“Okay, show me the way.” He said with a predatory smile.

I led the gargoyle back to Joe’s store. Joe was outside on the ground, bruised. The door to his store was damaged from being pried open. 

“Well what do we have here.” The gargoyle patted me on the shoulder as we walked up to the store.

The corpses were leaving the store with bags full of bars when they noticed the gargoyle. They froze. The one in the front was about to start talking, but in a blur of movement the gargoyle was in front of him. It grabbed his neck and lifted him into the air. He was thrashing at the gargoyle, it was useless, like a cockroach trying to hurt a brick wall. The Gargoyles grip tightened crushing the corpse's throat, he dropped with a muted thud, foam was leaking from his lips but all his movements were ceased. The other four attacked the gargoyle with all kinds of makeshift weapons. But it was like a small breeze trying to knock over a building. In a flurry of movement the other corpses were beaten to death. I wasn't able to see any of the individual movements. The gargoyle walked back over to me. Blood was splattered on his uniform and dripped from his gauntlets. His smile was sick and satisfied. It was terrifying, I've never talked to one before. I didn't know if he was about to kill me.

“Thanks, kid, I had some extra fun this morning. How about a reward.”

I froze, unsure of what to say. I've seen gargoyles kill corpses if they asked for things before.

“No need to be scared, look.” He said calmly.

He pulled a box out of his bag. It's a lunch box, I've heard of them, they have food that's impossible to get in Mornmist. He opened it up and I couldn't believe what I saw. Fruits! Lots of them.

“Could I have fruit?”

“Yeah, of course.”

I froze again. Was this real? Was I actually about to eat a fruit?

“I have an apple, a banana and an orange. Which one would you like.”

I wanted all of them but I couldn't say that could I? Maybe i could make a deal. I know that gargoyles often like having tussles with corpses my age.

“I'll sleep with you for all three. I'm small but I haven't been used yet.”

His eyes appraised me, looking a little disappointed.

“How old are you?”

“Fifteen.” I say.

“You're a girl?” He asked.

“Yeah, and even though my face is all scarred, my body isn't.”

“Too bad, you don't have a younger brother you could sell me instead?”

Ohh he's not interested in girls. That's too bad, I haven't had sex yet. Which is late for my age, I could've had before for some bars, but didn't think it was worth it. You can usually sell your first time for more.

“No family, just Scratch.”

“Well, take all of them, they are all bruised anyway.

“Thank you, great gargoyle.” I couldn't help the smile that was spreading across my face.

“Don't worry, come find me if you see more people that need to be punished.” He said before walking off.

I looked down at the fruit in my hand. Fruit, real fruit, and it's mine. I could smell the aromas coming off of them. Three different types. I didn't even have to sell my body for them. This might be the best day of my life.