Litost: Hell 2.0a

By William Jacobs

Recently dead, Paul Ourisman is grappling with his new home in the underworld.

He and the people who have become the closest thing Paul has to friends are returning their kidnapping victim to her camp when they come upon a stone-age civilization that promises the best Hell has to offer, only to discover its soul-crushing cost.

Litost - Hell 2.0

• Language: English
• Publisher: William Jacobs
• Release date: Apr 12, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311008329

William Jacobs

William Jacobs was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and lives near Washington DC. Jacobs' first novel, Hell 1.0, was published July 6th, 2013. (then renamed The Other Place when it got it's first rewrite as Hell 1.1) Litost - Hell 2.0, a sequel to The Other Place was released in April 2016. The third installment, Missing Love - Hell 3.0, is in progress, slated for release in 2020.

Book preview

Litost

Hell 2.0a

Copyright 2016 William Jacobs

Published by William Jacobs at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for personal enjoyment. It may be re-sold or given away to other people only if deleted from all devices of the seller / donor, just like a printed book cannot be in two places at once. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Litost - n. (lee-tōst’) Czech - 1. a state of torment created by the sudden sight of one’s own misery 2. the moment of understanding that an immense breach of order in the world has occurred.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 23: Drop

Chapter 24: Setup

Chapter 25: Wrecked

Chapter 26: Cruel Favor

Chapter 27: Secret

Chapter 28: Shuffle

Chapter 29: Split

Chapter 30: Web

Chapter 31: Mine

Chapter 32: Untouchable

Chapter 33: Showtime

Chapter 34: Backstage

Chapter 35: Damocles

Chapter 36: Interruptions

Chapter 37: Disregard

Chapter 38: Rings

Chapter 39: Home

Chapter 40: Distracted

Chapter 41: Close

Chapter 42: Burden

Chapter 43: Cull

Chapter 44: Identities

Chapter 45: Respects

Appendix : Map - Fifty’s Camp

Preview : Fury - Hell 3.0

Introduction

This book begins with Chapter 23; picking up where The Other Place - Hell 1.1 left off.

No attempt was made to fill in readers new to the series (yes, it’s a series, Fury - Hell 3.0a is in production now.) There are a few flashbacks from events in the first part of their story, but not nearly enough to help you understand the new world our characters live in.

Maybe you’ll like this book without the backstory, but I don’t guarantee it. If you bought this one first by accident, contact me at [e-mail] and I’ll see about getting you the first part on the cheap. That’s more than fair, right?

Chapter 23

Drop

Hell, Summer 2005

The next day, Andrew woke up groaning. As he came in and out of consciousness, his involuntary, half-aware motions made it clear it wasn't his throat causing him distress.  No one could be sure when the stick that had impaled him disappeared that day, and no one was planning to ask.  

The delay caused by Andrew patching himself up was enough to make Gray abandon all hope of finding the Wrath.  Sheila was inclined to agree with him. This was partly due to the fact that Gray had been skeptical of success even before the delay. The other part was irrational admiration from having seen him take a savage beating from Paul. Before Gray had become satisfied with Paul's efforts, Paul had broken two sticks over various body parts and Gray had purple bruises in several places where the abuse had been administered. It was a miserable half hour for Paul even though no one had so much as slapped him. 

The rest of the afternoon had been mostly taken up by more evasion games. Today had started out similarly, but after a third session of evasion training, Paul had begun another game of cloud shape-spotting.  Sheila was beside herself with mirth, having been reminded of this childhood game in a world where so little in the way of toys was available.  It had the added bonus of being a game in which even Andrew could participate, despite his ravaged condition.  He'd spotted his third duck and was getting on everyone's nerves when Gray sat bolt upright getting that look on his face again.

Everyone sat stock still, as usual. Moments later, Gray lay back again dismissing what he had heard.

A scant minute afterwards, as they were all deciding on a cloud to identify, Cedric sat up; puzzled, listening.

Cassie, Andrew, Sheila, and Paul watched him and then started hearing the same sound.

Don't you hear that? Cedric asked, whispering; looking at Gray.

It's nothing, Gray said.

It's a devil, Cedric hissed, What the fuck's the matter with you?

Gray said nothing, locking Cedric's gaze.

There's just one of 'em, Cedric said, Andrew can't help me this time. Are you going to help me take down that fucker?

Gray didn't answer.

How 'bout you, Cassie? Can you help me serve this poor fucker up? Cedric asked over his shoulder.

I can try, he said, uncertainly.

Fuck! Cedric spat, "What's it gonna be, Paul? You never gonna get an easier shot at taking down a devil than now. If you gonna hurt a devil, this guy is not going to take you out. You'll be doing the killing tonight. It's now or never. You ready?"

Cedric, I was just going to defend myself! I'm not going to... I mean.. Christ!

Mother fuckers, he cursed. Gray, you gonna at least save my ass if he gets lucky?

Will you leave the poor son of a bitch alone if I say 'No’? Gray asked.

No.

I'll save you, Gray muttered.

Proper, Cedric smiled, grabbing a stick from a few yards away that was sporting pointed barbs where the wood had snapped apart. 

Shit, Gray muttered, Andrew, can you get yourself to the top of the hill?

Andrew groaned, but nodded affirmatively.

Paul, you need to help him get to the top if he needs it so he can stay in eyeshot. If he's going to clear the hill, you run like hell after us, but keep one eye out for him.  Sheila, you keep up as best you can and make sure you don't lose Paul.  Cassie, you keep up with me and Cedric and link us with Sheila. I’ll tell Cedric to watch for me if you need to stop for the others.

The entire company started to follow Cedric up the hill.  Cedric had taken cover behind a tree where Gray relayed his plan. Moments later Cedric was off like a shot and the sounds of scuffling footsteps indicated a chase was underway.  Sheila, Cassie, and Gray sprinted after Cedric and disappeared in moments as Paul wondered what to do.  

Andrew struggled to his feet.

Get to the hill, he said, I'll make it, I think.

Paul scurried to the top of the hillock and saw three of his companions; small in the distance. They chased two more figures that he could barely make out through the trees.  Sheila was already lagging which was just as well because Andrew was not showing signs he'd make it up the hill before she'd have to stop.

Stop she did, comfortably within Paul's eyeshot and Cassie and Gray were lost in the trees moments later.  

Seconds beat on as Paul looked back and forth at Sheila and Andrew, feeling odd about standing still yet being pumped up with adrenaline.

Go!  Go, shithead! Andrew said as he got within a distance his damaged throat could hoarsely bark to.

Right! Paul said, snapping out of his inertia. He bolted towards Sheila. Sheila similarly readjusted her thinking and ran away from him, presumably towards Cassie who must have banked right because Sheila bent her course in that direction. Paul stopped once more a bit past where Sheila had stood because Andrew had shambled down the other side of the hill. Paul slipped forward once more and Sheila followed suit, but the next time Paul jumped ahead ten feet to match Andrew's pace, Sheila casually walked forward the same distance. All sense of urgency was gone. The chase was over, one way or another. Sheila matched Andrew’s slow gait and they walked a fair distance until Sheila approached Gray who was waiting ahead, Cassie having passed him already. They started talking about something and Paul decided to wait for Andrew to catch up.  As Andrew caught up, Sheila gave Gray a peck on the cheek and she rushed ahead.

They get him? Andrew rasped.

No idea, Paul answered, You need a hand?  Lean on me?

Andrew hesitated a moment before saying, Nah.

How can you tell if the guy got away or Cedric caught him? Paul asked.

Gray's up there. Cassie's not with them. Sheila just went up. If there were a fight, Gray would be with Cedric.  I think they got him.

Right. Got him, Paul said.

Thanks for hanging out for me.

Oh, um, sure.

They didn't say anything else before arriving next to Gray.

Hi, Paul greeted him.

Hi, Gray said back, clearly trying to gauge Paul's state of mind.

They get him?

Yeah, they're up there.  Pouring the first beers.

Good, I'm thirsty, Andrew said, and shambled towards the gathered predators.

You going? Paul asked.

No, Gray said looking after Andrew, with what appeared to be a look of concern.

What's up with Sheila? Paul asked

What?

Sheila.  She planted one on you before she took off.

I don't know. Getting under my skin, I guess. Trying to.

Meaning, she's trying to get her hooks in you?

"Yeah.

It might be more than that. She was really impressed with your just taking it while I beat the shit out of you yesterday. I swear to God you were making her wet with how tough you were.

Mmmph, Gray muttered.

Yeah. She seems to have forgiven your having pounded on Cassie over and over.

"Yeah. Fuck her. That's what she wants. Sizing everybody up for what they can do for her. She thought Cedric was the bruiser in this group and maybe he is, but she's playing for me now, too. I’m supposed to give a fuck?"

Paul looked in the distance at the cluster of shapes huddled over their catch, Well, it's good to have some admiration, you know. She respects you. With my staying away from meat and being nearly useless for fighting, I've got nothing for her. No plays are being made my way.

It makes your life simpler, you know.

Sure, but so what? Simpler life with no pussy. Is that so great?

You're thinking you'd get some if you let her into your life?

Yeah, Cassie warned me about that. As little pussy as possible.

Don't hate her. It's what women are like.

And there's no changing that?

Who cares? Gray shrugged.

"I don't know. What is worth caring about around here?"

"I don't know that either. I think you are. You're still making me remember the old life. You're still good, Paul. You remind me of how people used to be and I miss that. Maybe it's a bad thing to have reminders around about how much better things were, but even if it's a bad idea to have you around, I care about that."

I'll do what I can to be worthy.

Just keep doing what you've been doing.

Paul sat against a tree. It was strictly for relaxation because he hadn't even been out of breath. The games of tag had increased his fitness so much that the mild pace he had to keep in order not to lose Andrew was very easy to manage. So where do we go now? he asked.

Huh? Gray asked.

Where do we go? You think the Wrath is out of range. You said so. So is there some new place we should go?

That way, I think, Gray said, taking a seat and flicking a finger over Paul's left shoulder.

Oh, Paul said, surprised at the nonchalant nature of the answer to his question, Okay. Why?

That was the direction this last devil was walking away from.

Right! That's how we found the Wrath in the first place!

And it's possible that it's how we'll find them again. If this guy escaped the Wrath's body farm, that's the direction we'll find them in.

* * * * *

Conversations between Andrew and Sheila over the next few days suggested that they had made peace with each other and Andrew fell into the same pattern Cedric and Paul were drawn into. Sheila didn't complain much anymore, except when Gray flattened Cassie after saying something stupid. Even that unfortunate relationship was starting to be ignored, because it didn't seem to be wising up Cassie any which limited the sympathy.

Tracing the devil's path backwards did not seem to be bearing the fruit that Gray had supposed it might. Two days should have been enough to locate the Wrath's camp if Gray had been correct, but Sheila's most recent innovation meant they hmight still have a chance.Sheila’s previous slow pace was slightly less logy and far less unpleasant now that Andrew and Cedric were taking turns giving Sheila piggy-back rides. They carried her faster than she was willing to walk when she was tired and her mood was considerably better during the travel time as well. Paul thought to volunteer a stretch as well, but was concerned he'd be putting her down again too quickly and risk more jibes against his machismo. He planned on finding some other way to earn her favor. The hiking took up most of their time so the workouts had been put on hold. Gray's idea about backtracking using the devil's path meant everyone was eating carry-out again. Cassie, having been able to take his time harvesting food from the devil they'd caught had been able to pack more in his dress than the last time, so their supply had not yet been exhausted. It was late on the third morning when Gray stopped their walking abruptly in the manner that had once been so frightening but was now routine.

Maybe, was all he said and he urged everyone to continue forward. Within a half hour, Gray had confirmed that screams were coming from up ahead. He was confident he heard multiple bodies crying out and that made the likelihood of it emanating from a body farm substantially greater.

Well, you sure got lucky, Sheila said to Gray.

Yeah, Gray answered.

You going to come with me? Cliff'd share me with you. I know it, she said, I'd make him.

I don't know, Gray grumbled.

So drop me off, and head into the sunset?

That’s the plan.

Okay. Fine. I'll go, but I just got a little question first.

Gray waited.

Okay, Gray. Mr. God-Warrior Wright. Just what the fuck did I do to you that you treat me like shit the whole time we've been together, huh? Just what did I do to piss you off so much?

Nothing, Sheila. Just glad to get you back home, Gray said, not slowing his pace.

No. No, it's more than that. You’ve made it clear that you fucking hate my guts and it's completely... she interrupted herself, searching for words, it's driving me nuts and... you're not being fair. What did I do?

Nothing. What the fuck's the matter with you? Gray sighed.

Nothing's the matter with me. That's kind of the point. Look, can we just stop for a minute?

She stopped walking and Gray did likewise a step further on.

I've been extending olive branches for a week, Sheila started again, "and you still won't so much as give me the time of day. I'd think you were gay, but I don't get that vibe from you and you keep kicking the shit out of the one guy who'd be happy to help you out if you were gay."

What do you want from me, Sheila?

Sheila stood with her arms at her side, her head rolled upwards, looking skyward. I want you not to hate me, Gray. I want you to treat me decent like you do to... like Paul and Andrew and Cedric. Shit, when you're not pounding the shit out of her you're nicer to Cassie than me. What the fuck did I do?

She kept looking up, her voice had cracked. 

You don't need me, Sheila. Let it go, Gray said, We'll have you back at the Wrath with fifteen thousand guys all hanging on your every word.

Fuck them! Sheila hissed, her eyes darting back to Gray, tears wrung from her eyes, Favors and sucking up from worthless sons of... all wanting to get in my pants. No other reason for it.

The two of them locked eyes and Sheila lowered her head.

A kind word, Gray. That's what I want from you. Tell me I'm not a smear on your shoe.

Sheila... Gray started.

Tell me you're not just trying to get rid of me.

These last words she said as her whole body quaked.

Sheila cried.

Chapter 24

Setup

Sheila collapsed into Cassie's arms as he offered himself for her comfort. They knelt to the ground and Sheila released sobs into Cassie's shoulder.

Gray looked on, struck dumb.

Paul walked up to him and asked, Um, you want to fix that?

How? Gray asked.

She asked for a kind word. You got one you can spare?

Like what?

I don't know. Tell her you're not just punting her to the Wrath?

I was.

But you're not anymore?

It never occurred to me she didn't want to go. She didn't say anything like that.

You were still married when you died?

Yeah.

God knows how. You can't roll with it when a woman changes her mind?

Has she? How the fuck do I know? She's just fucking with my head is all.

It could be, I suppose, Paul said, looking up towards the direction of the Wrath's camp, but it's also possible she thought she'd never have to face the music. She thought she could prance around here and she ran out the clock. Now she's getting kicked out when she never wanted to go.

"Yeah, but she only wanted to stay when she could move the group in the direction she liked, now didn't she? Soon's I wasn't coming along with her into the Wrath, then she tells me how bad she wants me to like her. Fuck her."

"I wish I could tell you that you were wrong, Gray, but I can't. She's a spoiled rotten brat. As soon as things aren't going her way, she cries. Jesus, you have her pegged. And I've been falling for it! I'm falling for it now! I do not like to see her cry."

That's why they do it, Gray said, his jaw knotted.

So you can't tell her that you like her. Is there anything else you can give her? Paul asked, looking back towards Sheila still sobbing in Cassie's arms, but much more quietly now.

I can tell her I like her. I can lie. If it gets her back to the Wrath and us on our way, is that so bad?

Maybe not. Would it work?

I don't know. She read me pretty good when we were first talking. She read me, then played me, and had me dancing on a string. Bitch.

And she might still be doing it.  So what do we say?

Why don't we ask? Gray growled.

Gray made his way over to Cassie and squatted behind Sheila.

What do you want me to say, Sheila? he said to the back of her head, "That I want you to stay? Or that I want to be your friend forever in the Wrath? You pull this crying shit on me, and make me the bad guy. What reason have you given me to like you? You order us around like we're your fucking servants, make us catch five men's dinner worth of bugs for you, make your bed every night and you call us names but we're supposed to kiss your ass? Jesus, Sheila, why should I like you? What goddamn reason have you given any of us to like you?"

I don't know! Sheila wailed, withdrawing herself from Cassie's shelter, This is so fucked up! Everybody around here just wants to get laid and if I'm willing to do that, everyone treats me great, but now you... you don't want that. I don't know what you do want Gray, but at least give me the chance to try.

What for? Even if I knew what the fuck it was I wanted from you?

I don't know. Because I'm sick of it? Because everyone is the same around here? Sex, sex, sex... the reason for everything. God, I didn't know there could be anything else. I don't even know if I like not knowing what to do, but Jesus it's not the same damn thing all the time!

Why the fuck should I care? You'd just be doing it to get what you want then. You want me to like you so you can be happy. Liking you is what you want. Seriously! Who gives a fuck?

Jesus, I don't know! I don't know why you'd care that I want to be liked. I don't know what's in it for you and I don't know why I care so much. Yeah, there are fifteen thousand guys who'll do all that shit I made you guys do and they won't complain about it but they don't do it because they like me.

Nobody said anything. 

Sheila sat down and knitted her fingers together, I... they want my body and they do stuff for me to get it.

Yeah. And? Gray asked, only because it seemed like she wanted him to say something.

I want to be liked for more than... that, she said softly.

Cassie squeezed her arms from behind, but she didn't react.

I don't know if that's anything I can give, Sheila, Gray said.

I don't know either, she sniffed, I'm a bitch. She looked up to Gray with a smile that curled at the edge of her lip; testing, looking for acceptance.

Well, Gray said, sitting down also, My wife was a bitch too, and I *married* her.

Yes, Gray Sheila said, but did you like her?

* * * * *

Gnghuh!  Uhhh.  Ung.  Ahhhh.  Son of a bitch,  Cassie wheezed, one hand over his face.

Sweet Jesus, Gray! What the fuck did you do? WHY?!  Sheila squealed, rushing to Cassie's aid.

Faggot needs to shut up. He's still not getting it,  Gray grumped.

Having found the Wrath's camp but no longer interested in returning Sheila to it, the group camped on the outskirts of it within range of the screams. Sheila's extraction from the camp meant that patrols might have begun again so they were parked a healthy distance further than before; most screams were inaudible except to Gray. Routines had settled back into place; regular workouts, cloud spotting, and Gray pounding on Cassie when he made a remark that Gray unpredictably would take special offense to.

This most recent remark had not seemed especially different from all the other ill-advised provocations Cassie had uttered, yet seemed to have crossed a special line.

For the first time, Gray had scored a blow on Cassie's face.

Sheila, now bent over Cassie, whimpered, Oh, honey! Where'd he get you? Jesus, right in the face!

Don't know, Cassie said, I'll be all right though. It's not as bad as all that.

The hell it isn't! Sheila said. She looked over her shoulder at Gray who'd propped himself up against a tree. In the face, Gray? Why do you hit her in the face? For Christ's sake, Gray! Of all the places you can hit a girl!

He's not a girl, Gray growled.

We've been over this before, Sheila said, turning back to Cassie who had risen to a kneeling position, looking at blood on his hand. Your lip is busted, honey.

I guess so, Cassie said, catching his breath, mostly he got my cheek.

You need some water. Let's clean you up.

Okay.

Fucker, Sheila seethed as they retreated towards a gully that had a shallow pool left over from yesterday's rain.

What's that all about, man? Cedric said. He, too, was leaning back against a tree, opposite Gray.

I don't know. Dumbass keeps picking on me for some reason. You notice he doesn't open his mouth to you, Gray said.

Sure shit. I'd fuck up his pretty little mouth far worse'n you.

That's probably why he picks me.

"Why doesn't he give me crap, then? Paul interjected, if he's looking to score points on the easiest guy here, I couldn't do much damage."

Too easy? Andrew suggested, Picking on you is like Gray picking on him.  It'd seem like he was the bad guy.

Say what? Paul asked, truly puzzled.

Cassie has it in his head to make Gray look bad for some reason, Andrew explained, and Gray keeps letting him do it, God knows why. Sheila falls all over him and he gets attention from her. Is it a pity play? Is he getting Sheila to be his nurse for a sympathy fuck? Hell if I know, but damn if I'm going to get a fuck that way. I couldn't face myself.

Seems like a lot of trouble to go through. I mean. I don't think it's working. Sheila goes for the tough types, Paul said.

Who knows. He sure isn't going to get any tail using the tough guy route. If he wants pussy, it's going to have to be something like pity that gets him there. He gets beat up, shares his feelings, cries, and then she screws him. I don't know. It's a plan. Maybe the only one he's got.

So you think he's angling for action, then? You don't think he's gay anymore?

"Oh, he's gay. No one is pounding my ass while I'm conscious. He took it in the ass and it got in his head. He's queer and there ain't no going back for him. He might be kidding himself though."

Paul was quiet, pensive. Then he started again, So if you don't try the Florence Nightingale angle, and you can't beat the crap out of anyone, what else is there?

What? To get pussy? Andrew asked.

Yeah.

Hell if I know. I've been trying to be the meanest mother fucker I can. I didn't think there was no other angle to try. Hell, even if there were, I think badass mother fucker is probably my best bet.

"It might be, at