Short Man

Turning around, Druuna found herself looking at a squat, weather-bitten man sitting on his ass a few feet away from her.

He looked short, probably only reaching up to her chest, and was dressed in a worn skin-poncho over a hooded jacket, with the hood up, and a pair of dirty pants.

In his right hand, the man held a long, mean-looking knife

?Oh!? She let out in surprise.

?You either eat, or you?re eaten. That?s the only way round here.? The man said with a disturbingly cheerful tone.

?And what makes you sure of that?? Druuna asked him, finding him a bit too jovial.

?Well, you know? some things you just learn over time, I guess? come on, I?ll show an easier way, there are too many hunters around here anyway.?

?But, do you live in this sector??

?Come on!? The man got up and started walking, Druuna a few feet behind him.

?Me, living in this sector?? The man asked rhetorically. ?Nope, I come from a place far from here, but I like to travel? I guess I just wasn?t made for sitting put. Makes my skin crawl.?

?Why did they close this area, do you know that?? Druuna asked, eager for information about what had happened.

?It seems like the mutants from the ?Underground City? made their way up here, and are walking around the streets.? The man said, grimacing sardonically.

?But don?t worry them? come on!? The man urged Druuna on. ?We don?t have much time!?

?Wait! Listen to me!? Druuna let out in protest, but the man just walked on, stepping through a opening in some of the rubble, disappearing out of Druuna?s sight.

Uneasy with the man?s behaviour, but not knowing where she was, Druuna decided that she should follow after him into the opening.

Well there, she could not see him.

?Where are you hiding? I can?t see you!? Druuna shouted, growing more uncomfortable with the entire situation.

?I?m right behind you my pretty!? A voice said from behind her, and Druuna span round to find herself a few inches from the man?s knife, which he was pointing at her.

?Come on, start walking!? The man ordered her. ?Down the stairs!?

Okay, okay? I?m going! Just keep that thing away from me!? Druuna did as she was told and began to walk down a narrow set of stairs, the man straight behind her.