Chapter 3A2: Better Red than Dead



Year 30

"We should expand." You say.
"Can we do that?" Vaughn remarks.
"It's probably not a bad idea. Now that shit here has calmed down to a manageable level in Klyton, we could probably spare a few people to open a new Crimson Talon chapter elsewhere. The problem is we don't have many viable choices." Zalmora says.
"What're you talking about, there's Hessla, Holgard, the entire fucking Delantium Kingdom for starters." You say.
"The Delantium Kingdom is Ebony Claw Syndicate territory, have you forgotten?"
"No, but the kingdom is a big fucking place. Surely they can't control all of the damn underworld there."
"Probably not, but I doubt if potentially stepping on their toes is a great idea for us. Same situation in Holgard. They got a chapter there as well."
"Hasn't that place undergone a couple of rebellions?" Vaughn asks.
"Yeah, but as far as I know the Ebony Claw still has a presence." Zalmora says.
"Alright, alright, I get it. We're not big enough to fuck with the ECS. (Sigh) I know our limitations unfortunately. Okay, so what about Hessla? The Claw doesn't have a presence there." You ask.
"Sure, but the Headsmen control that place for Governor Tolen. I'm not sure if you know much about Hessla other than the typical misconceptions. But the place is just as orderly as Klyton. In some aspects maybe even more so. Yeah, it's a haven for pirates and such, but as a general rule the major crimes take place outside the town. The Headsmen catch you stealing there for example and they chop off both your hands at best." Zalmora says.
"Well there's always risk. I mean we risk the militia here."
"True, but Hessla also has the same problem Klyton does, namely everything is legal except again even more so. I'm not exactly sure what we could do there, in the scheme of things given that most of our profit comes from illegal gambling and stealing shit."
"We could go back to selling Yellow Devil. I mean we wouldn't be selling it here. Just in Hessla." Vaughn remarks.

Zal just stares at Vaughn with mild disapproval.

"What? I'm just contributing here!" Vaughn.
"I'm still not convinced that the drug trade is the way to go, but I'll admit it isn't the worst idea. It wouldn't be shitting where we eat at least. However, Governor Tolen would probably take a cut of anything we make just for operating there." Zal says.
"Sounds like if this Tolen asshole wasn't around we'd be able actually do something in that town." You say.
"Why don't we just kill him like we had Jake killed? I mean that guy you hired seemed pretty damn effective." Vaughn suddenly says which causes a bit of surprise from you and Zal.

Vaughn doesn't often contribute this many serious ideas in these sessions, let alone the really aggressive ones. You can only imagine the Crimson Talon success (and relative safer location) has encouraged him a little bit assertive.

"Not only would I have to deal with that creepy fuck, Mr. Reynolds again, I'm sure he'd want me to pay out the ass or some other price that will have a catch." You say.
"Well, if we are going to expand in Hessla, getting rid of Tolen would solve some major issues. Hessla is sort of a delicate system. Cut off the head and it's going to descend into anarchy…at least for a while. I assume his second in command, but I dunno who that might be. Wouldn't be too hard to find out with some investigation. Tell you what. Before we do anything, why don't I go to Hessla and check out what the situation is like there first?" Zal says.
"Couldn't hurt I suppose. You gonna be okay going there by yourself?"
"I'll be fine. Better if I just go alone. I know how to blend in better and it's been a long time since I was in Hessla. Wouldn't mind updating my knowledge first hand anyway. Might take me about a month to gather what I need to know."
"Okay, but just remember you're not there to sight see."

The three of you agree to this plan and while Zal goes off on her mission, you and Vaughn return to your usual tasks.

A little more than a month passes and just as you start to get a little concerned Zal returns. You actually give her a hug when you see her.

"You thought I wasn't coming back, didn't you?" she asks.
"No, I'm glad to see you is all! Can't one friend hug another? Look, so what did you learn?" you reply.
"More than I expected to."

Zal goes into the situation at Hessla which as she predicted was indeed a delicate one. Governor Tolen does rule the town with an iron fist, but it's barely a secret that his second in command Captain Illam would actually be worse. It's just a good thing for the town that he's at sea most of the time and isn't in charge.

The third person down the chain is a little more hopeful. Zal said she actually managed to speak with a Captain Yan who apparently was wooed by Zal's charms when she tried to recruit her as part of her crew.

After spending a few interesting nights with her, Captain Yan blabbed just about everything. Yan made it pretty clear that she would like Tolen out of the picture entirely and his shake down of anyone that comes through or docks there. She says that he's basically getting rich just sitting on his ass, while all the hard working sailors are paying him for safe harbor.

Captain Yan said if she could she'd make Hessla freer than it claims to be, but she doesn't have the support to attempt a coup of any sort, plus she wouldn't really want to be in charge of a town. Her love of the sea is too great to be stuck in some town.

Zal didn't bring it up that she belonged to the Crimson Talons, but she got the very real distinction that if the Talons came in to help Yan, she'd go through with her plan. Yan certainly has the inside knowledge of the Governor's mansion and such. Plus Yan now seems to have a bit of a crush on Zal.

"What the hell is it with you?" Vaughn asks.
"Hey, I just know how to lay it down like that." Zal remarks.
"Well this is all certainly useful information. If what you're saying is true. We could get rid of this Tolen AND possibly have free reign of the town if this Yan isn't actually going to stick around to govern. What about this Illam guy though?" you ask.
"Don't know. I mean I assume we kill him too. Yan's not an admirer of him either."
"That's a lot of fucking people to kill. I mean this isn't a simple assassination. We're talking a full-scale assault and we can't expect to not take losses ourselves."
"Well nobody said it was going to be easy."
"No…but I think we're going to need help after all." You say with a heavy sigh.
"Wait, so you're going to go to Mr. Reynolds?"
"Hey, I don't necessarily want to, but if I think it would help to have a highly skilled bloodthirsty assassin on our side, I'm not going to just dismiss the possibility."
"Well, it's up to you boss man."

You figure at the very least you can pay him a visit. If you don't like what he says, you can always leave. You'd rather have the extra help if possible.

Zal and Vaughn defer to your decision and the next day you walk into Mr. Reynolds' office.

As soon as you walk in, you see a strange ogrish looking creature, but much shorter than one. In fact if it wasn't for the oversized teeth and general monstrous appearance, you might mistake it for a very muscular dwarf.

You also see Henry, or at least you assume it's Henry. He hasn't changed much since the last time you saw him, though he's sporting a few scars across his face now.

Finally you see Mr. Reynolds and he certainly hasn't changed. Once again he stands up smiling at his desk.

"Well what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit from the head of the infamous Crimson Talons this fine day?" Mr. Reynolds says.
"I might need some people killed." You say.
"Hm, straight to business I see. Okay then, I assume there is some reason why you aren't having your own people taking care of this?"
"Let's just say, I think we might need some help on this one."
"Hm, Sounds serious, you planning on taking out the Klyton Council?" he chortles.
"No, just the Governor of Hessla…well and his second in command."

As you go into a little more you manage to get a genuine look of interest on Mr. Reynolds face.

"Ambitious. Though I'm not sure I can help. You see I mostly deal in matters concerning Klyton. Although…well I'm not sure you'd be interested in that…"

You haven't been here five minutes, and he's already playing mind games...

"Just fucking spit it..." You start to shout, but then you stop and then calm yourself before continuing.

"Mr. Reynolds, with all due respect, I have come here asking for assistance on this matter as I once did in the past. Your son did a marvelous job last time even if... I didn't quite appreciate its thoroughness last time. I am willing to pay your costs if they appear to be reasonable." You say.

Mr. Reynolds listens intently and smiles.

"I'm glad to see that wisdom has come with your age. That's good. Last time our business together was less than cordial. That's okay though, I still got paid. As I said, I would love to help you again in this matter, but I'm afraid due to this being an outside job as it were, the cost is going to be quite high. Not just because of that however, but also because my son Henry takes things a bit more personal than I do. Though I'm sure I can convince him for the right price." Mr. Reynolds says.
"Okay, but what is the price? How much?" you ask.
"Oh no, there won't be any money for this…well okay one thousand gold coins should do it on that front."
"A thousand? Is that all?"
"No. Of course not. You have to leave Klyton."
"Me?"
"Well you and all your little Talon buddies. Basically I want YOU out of this city and set up shop in Hessla which should be wide open after I help you."
"This is ridiculous! My goal is expansion not relocation! Why the hell should I move and why do you want me to anyway?"
"My reasons are my own, but that's my price. Besides, I'm also going to throw in that fine gentleman over there to help."

Mr. Reynolds points over to the ogre looking creature.

"And who is that?" You ask.
"Who is that? Don't you see the family resemblance? This fine gentleman is the late great Olaf's son!" Mr. Reynolds exclaims.
"The late Olaf?"
"Yes, it was a sad day when Olaf passed a few years ago. Died right here in the office in his sleep in fact. He will be missed. But anyway his son Olaf Jr. has been following in his father's large footsteps and I don't mind saying he's been doing a fine job for me and his own mother is very proud of him."

You remember that Mr. Reynolds once said Olaf was married to a halfling. You can't imagine how that birth was even possible let alone how she survived the process. It does however explain Junior's strange appearance by ogre standards. (Or any standards actually)

Mr. Reynolds goes on to assure you that he has more than enough skill to help do the job you require especially since the ogre is unlike his father and has embraced technology. He particularly has a great love of weapons that do damage on a massive scale.

"Really, with both Henry AND Junior working with you, you probably won't suffer any losses at all. Just think, you'll have an entire town at your mercy. Really, what are you losing by leaving Klyton? Despite all your precautions, you still live hiding in the shadows and eking out a lesser existence than you could be. The milita and the Council will always be a problem for you, but at Hessla? YOU could be the law. You're a natural leader obviously. In the right environment you could truly thrive to your full potential."

Flattering words to get you to do what he wants no doubt, but he isn't entirely wrong.

You go it alone

Whatever Reynolds reasons are you aren't going to just abandon everything you built here.

"Yeah, I don't think so. We'll get by." You say.
"As you say. Good luck on your little endeavors." Mr. Reynolds replies with a little nod before going back to his work.

You return to Zal and Vaughn and tell them you'll be doing this on your own. Zal seems to be a lot more pleased with this idea.

Zal tells you it would be best if you all met with Captain Yan so you can coordinate this coup. In the meantime, she says she'll return to see Yan and hammer out when to meet so Yan doesn't just suddenly go sailing off to sea.

Another couple weeks pass before you hear from Zal again and now she's telling a new tune…

"What the fuck do you mean it's off?!" you exclaim.
"I'm sorry, but there have been some changes and Yan isn't sure if…" Zal starts to say.
"Oh fuck this is just perfect. This bitch gets cold feet and it's our dicks just swinging in the freezing air. What the hell kind of pirate is she anyway? Shouldn't she be jumping at the chance to slaughter her enemies?" You say.
"We waited too long." Vaughn says.
"To hell with it, we can do this ourselves. Me, you, and you. We're going to sneak into the Governor's mansion or whatever the fuck he lives in and we'll assassinate him." You say and start getting ready by putting various objects into a pack.

"Wait! I really don't think that's a good idea! The Governor has protection up the ass! We need Yan's support if we're going to do anything! Seriously I can fix this!" Zalmora says trying to calm you.
"How Zal? What are you going to do? More of your persuasive talking skills? Lick this Yan bitch into submission? Fuck this, we need to act. I'm not going to be limited to just THIS little shitty piece of Klyton because some are too fucking afraid to grab their destiny!"
"Will you listen to yourself? What's all this about destiny? Did Reynolds get into your head or something? Going in half cocked is not the way and you KNOW this! Listen. I can fix this. I'm confident that I can get Yan to see it my way again. She's just so used to the status quo she's afraid to take that next step even if she wants to. She just needs a little push. Remember, sort of like the one I gave you years ago? That turned out alright it would seem."

You stare at Zal in silence for a moment and then stop hastily putting shit into a pack. You inhale and exhale to gain your composure.

"Okay. I'm calm. Very well Zal, you usually know best. I'll give you another chance to convince this wishy washy bitch, but if you don't succeed, we're going through with my plan." You say.
"I understand, but just don't do anything until I come back with news. At the very least I can try to find a better way to assassinate Governor Tolen than just storming in his home and hoping we don't get killed in the process."

You nod and dismiss Zal, confident that she'll come through for you.

A couple weeks pass and there isn't any word. Vaughn begins to wonder if she didn't get killed, like maybe Yan double-crossed her or something. You think though if something like that happened you would have gotten a warning of some sort. Like Zal's head sent to you as a threat to not enter Hessla again.

You decide to give it a little more time and if she doesn't return soon, then you'll go to Hessla yourself. Turns out the trip won't be necessary and you're hit with another unexpected bit of news. This time via messenger who approached Vaughn when he was going about business topside.

"I dunno, the guy said it was from Zal. She told him to find me and give me the letter. Not sure how he knew where to find me though." Vaughn says giving you a scroll.
"Probably because Zal knows you've been taking your rent boys to the same location to fuck them for years and told him exactly where you'd be. Plus she knows better than to give away the location to our headquarters to some stranger and knows I barely ever leave this place. (Sigh) Well let's see what this says…why do I feel it isn't going to be good news?" you say opening the scroll.

Your thoughts aren't wrong, but you never expected…this…

First off, I just want you and Vaughn to know that I'm okay. I'm better than okay actually. The pair of you have both been good friends in this unglamorous life we've chosen. I know we've had our differences in the past, but ultimately we've always been there for each other. I suppose that's why I stayed with the Talons as long as I did. I didn't have much, but I knew I at least had you guys.

And this is what makes this all the harder.

I have to leave.

I'm going to leave with Yan. She's been in a similar situation here in Hessla, though in her case Governor Tolen is an outright asshole so it's an easy decision for her to just hoist the sails and leave Hessla and never return. We've found a lot in common with one another and we enjoy each other's company. I mean I dunno if this is love or what, but I feel I need to at least take this chance. I need to move on with my life. If I don't, I'll get talked out of it again like I did with Grahk, though I still think you were right in that case.

But this is different. I can't explain it, and I don't think you'd understand really. Right now I'm sure you're already pissed. You're probably already planning to come in full force to Hessla and raise fucking hell. Please don't though, I'm already gone.

Just take care of yourselves okay? And if you ever see an opportunity that can take you to a better life. Take it and don't look back.

Goodbye, and I love you both.

Zalmora

You trail off a bit as you finish reading the message out loud. You're a bit dumbstruck. Vaughn is in the same boat.

Eventually you just neatly roll the scroll back up and put the ribbon back on it, then you gently place it in your desk drawer and sit back down. You then start going over your profit gains for this year.

"Boss?" Vaughn says.
"Vaughn, you'll be handling the shit that Zal was in charge of, if you need extra help I trust you'll be able to promote the appropriate folks." You respond calmly.
"But…what are we going to do?"
"What can we do? Zal took off on a fucking ship to parts unknown. I don't exactly have a magical crystal ball to see where she went, and I wouldn't bother anyway. She obviously wasn't happy here, so it's better off that she's gone. Don't need her anyway."
"Boss…now you don't mean that. Look, I don't wanna step outta line here and I know you didn't want to show it for some reason, but I know you had stronger feelings for her than just being friends with her. I mean aren't you pissed at this betrayal?! Aren't you upset? Don't you wanna go kill this Yan bitch for stealing away Zal? I mean I never saw this coming! Did you?"
"No…at least not like this. But what's done is done and that's a funny notion you have about my feelings towards Zal there Vaughn. I'm fine. Best to just move on."
"Well what about Hessla? Are we still going through with the plan?"
"Oh that. No. Obviously we don't have the support now and Zal was probably right that we'd only just get ourselves killed if we tried ourselves. No, we'll just seek further opportunities here in Klyton when they arise."

Vaughn can't believe how you're taking all this. Eventually he leaves you be and goes off to perform his duties.

When he leaves you lock the door and read the scroll again.

You sigh heavily and you wipe a few tears come from your eyes.

"It's okay Zal. Not mad. I get it. Good luck." You say.

You time passes...

Year 34

"Shit, that's the fifth patrol down here this week!" you say.
"I know, the militia has actually managed to round up a few of our guys too recently. Really hoping nobody is going to snitch us out at this point." Vaughn remarks.

While your members are generally pretty loyal, it's always a bit of a concern and you're not exactly filled with confidence. The last few years have just been getting worse with the militia patrols, you don't understand why since you were keeping a low profile. That was the whole point of getting out the drug trade.

Your gambling game room hasn't gotten raided yet, but you're getting the uneasy impression that it won't be long if this keeps up.

"Okay, we're going to have to make some changes maybe. I dunno. Maybe we need to hire another…"

Before you can complete this thought, one of your other members comes rushing into the room.

"Boss! Someone is knocking at the wall and they keep saying in a taunting voice that they know we're in here. They also say they want to speak to you directly. They said that he's coming to YOU with a deal this time." Dorian remarks.

You don't even need to know who that might be.

"Shit, fucking Reynolds. Okay, we're going to let him in…"
"What?!" Vaughn exclaims.
"He's already here and knows. If we just ignore him he'll just make things worse for us. I never like dealing with him either, but I usually at least hear him out. However, we're not going in this unprepared. Everyone in this place get yourself armed and ready. Load up any crossbows and firearms and keep them close! Dorian, I want people by the front entrance AND I want them in the escape tunnel just in fucking case. I wouldn't put it past Reynolds to know about that shit."
"Got it boss, anything else?" Dorian asks.
"Yeah, ONLY let him in. If he's got a creepy ass guy with a goatee or a weird looking ogre with him don't let them in. Vaughn you better go with him."
"On it." Vaughn says and the pair of them leave, while you're rechecking your flintlock and grab your spare.

You practice a few times pulling your pistols as quick as you can along with drawing your sword because you have no idea how this is going down.

Eventually Vaughn enters with Mr. Reynolds who looks smug as usual.

"Mmm, this isn't a bad little place. Your dwarven friend did a nice job. I assume that's what all those dwarves were really doing down here years back. Certainly couldn't be fixing the sewers. I swear if you took the Council's collective intelligence together you might have enough brains to put your shoes on the right feet assuming you didn't drool all over yourself first. Well, things are going to change when I get elected." Mr. Reynolds remarks.
"Elected? Wait? YOU'RE running?" you say.
"Oh yes, I feel it's time someone started doing things right in this city for a change. I mean sure Klyton is better off than a place like Holgard or definitely Hessla, but we can always do better you know? I've lived here a long time and I think the only way things are going improve is if I can be in a better position. Of course I'll have to give up my old business, but Henry is willing to take that over. He's come along nicely in that regard."
"Okay, so what's all this got to do with me?" you ask.
"Quite a bit actually…you seem tense. Everyone here seems tense. Relax everyone, I came here alone and my presence here is a good thing." Mr. Reynolds reassures you.
"I find that hard to believe…but state your agenda."
"Always to the point. That's why I think I've always enjoyed not just doing business with you, but your family in general. Anyway, the Crimson Talons are a black eye on this good city. Now granted I understand you aren't really hurting anyone and you do keep a relatively low profile, but well…you guys need to go. Getting rid of you lot would really help show I'm dedicated to cleaning up scum. No offense of course."
"…I see…"
"Now wait, before you start threatening violence, I have a proposal. Instead of just reporting your exact location to the militia and being active in your execution or incarceration, it would be even better for me, if I could…what's the word…tame…no civilize…no… ah assimilate you lot instead. It would prove that this city doesn't need to waste most of its money on security. I mean come on, they hardly need half the force they employ to even take you guys out to begin with." Reynolds says with a chuckle.

You're hardly amused.

"Yes, I can see you want me to get to the point. Fine. I'm not unsympathetic to the plight of the poor folks. I understand that there needs to be an entertainment place that caters to the lesser clientele. You and your Talons do provide that service a bit. So what I'm proposing is you guys do it legitimately. I'm opening up a new gambling hall as part of my Council election and I want all you lot to work there. And you m'boy get to run the place. Now how's THAT sound to you?" Reynolds says.
"Sounds too good to be true and that there has to be a catch." You answer.
"Well…you lot WOULD have to vote for me. And in your case you'd need to go register as a proper Klyton citizen. Don't believe you were actually born here were you? Other than that? None at all. I mean I would get some of the profits obviously since I would own the place, but really what's that compared to your freedom?"

"Freedom"

You're sure that Mr. Reynolds finds the use of that word amusing considering you're essentially at his mercy.

He's probably been planning this for a while. Makes sense now that he wanted you completely out of Klyton the last time you nearly dealt with him.

Still it's not a bad deal considering your time as a rogue is obviously coming to an end here in Klyton. You sometimes feel more like a manager than a crime boss nowadays anyway. What's one more step to legitimacy?

Though it also rubs you the wrong way of getting forced into this situation and part of you just wants to kill Mr. Reynolds for his presumption. You don't doubt that he's more than he appears, but he's also over confident and he's in here with not just you, but several others ready to do your bidding.

You kill Mr. Reynolds

You had it with this asshole.

You don't say anything; you just pull out your flintlock. Mr. Reynolds' eyes flinch a bit and he moves his hand up in front of him, but he doesn't quiet do it quick enough before you manage to catch him in the shoulder. He falls backwards in his chair.

Before you can follow up with your other pistol, Vaughn has no missed a beat and has taken it upon himself to shoot Reynolds with his own pistol. He gets a headshot, splattering part of Reynolds face and brain matter on your floor. At which point Reynolds begins making these horrible screeching sounds and twitching violently. They aren't normal human sounds of pain either. Indeed if Mr. Reynolds was human he shouldn't be making any more noise at all. Of course you always suspected there was something more to him.

You and Vaughn both start chopping and stabbing him repeatedly to make sure he's dead, until you start hearing noise, shouting and screams coming from outside your office.

With Reynolds no longer moving, you and Vaughn rush out of your office and see several of your people running away from where the escape exit is located.

"What the hell is going on?" you shout at the nearest Talon running by.
"Someone broke in through the escape tunnel and is killing our people!"
"The militia?"
"No! It's just one guy!" the Talon says and runs past you.
"Fuck, it's that asshole's son. So much for Reynolds claiming he didn't come alone." You say.
"Shit, that's guy's a fucking killer." Vaughn remarks.
"Yeah, well you can run if you want, but I'm not." You say and head back to your office where you have a little something extra for Henry. Vaughn reluctantly follows and stands by the door. He's got his faults, but he's always loyal.

You open up one of your safes and grab two firebombs. No sooner have you also grabbed a torch off the wall, you hear Vaughn shouting and the sounds of combat. You turn around and see Vaughn up against a wall struggling to not get a dagger pushed into his throat by Henry.

You don't think, you just act.

"Sorry Vaughn." You whisper, light the bomb with the torch and throw it in the direction of Vaughn and Henry. You then duck down behind your desk for cover.

A loud deafening explosion soon follows. While your desk protects you from the immediate detonation, it is blasted enough that part of it is no longer covering you at all and you probably would have had large wood splinters and chunks embedded into your flesh had you not been wearing appropriate protection.

You slowly get up despite your ears still ringing. There's smoke everywhere though the small fires burning lumps of bloody flesh are allowing you to see through it.

Mr. Reynold's body which was a bloody mess to begin with, is now practically just a smeared blood stain on your floor.

A little further where the door to your office once was lies Vaughn in several burning pieces.

After coughing a bit from the smell and the smoke, you finally see your target, Henry who apparently still isn't dead.

He's burnt, bloody, and attempting to crawl away with one arm intact, but some how still alive. He's making the same horrible raspy sounds his dad was making when you killed him.

You take your sword and walk over to the charred form that is Henry and drive it through the back of his neck. His sounds cease altogether.

As you're pulling your sword back out, your hearing is starting to return back to normal which allows you to receive the sounds of shouting. It sounds far away, but it's coming from the front entrance. Upon a quick glance, you see that the fools who ran off didn't bother shutting the wall properly and now combined with the noise of the explosion your headquarters is probably going to be crawling with any militia that was patrolling down here.

Time to go.

As you're muttering about how much this situation sucks, you silently are just glad you've got an alternative way out of this place.

You pass several bodies as you make your way towards the escape tunnel. Henry really did a damn job on your people. It's just a good thing you had people near the escape tunnel otherwise Henry might have caught even you unawares. Still, while it doesn't surprised you that Reynolds knew about it, you're wondering HOW he found out. Part of you even wonders if maybe he had connections to that dwarven bastard Grahk.

You guess it hardly matters at this point. You've worn out your welcome at this city and you're going to have to find some place new. Perhaps Hessla?

You get to the door to the tunnel and are surprised to find it closed. You would have thought with all the running and killing nobody would have bothered. You open it up.

"Oh shit."

You see standing before you Junior holding some sort of weapon you've never seen before but flames flicker from the barrel. He's wearing goggles, some sort of weird one piece suit covering his massive body and flashes a toothy smile.

Before you can close the door, Junior pulls the trigger on his weapon and a gout of flame envelopes your entire body. You turn and scream as your skin and hair burn and sizzle.

Your attempts to roll on the ground to put out the fire are useless since Junior just follows you from a safe distance and keeps immolating you.

Eventually your burning body joins the other lifeless ones around you.