SWNOVELS Chapter 8: Tooth
Twenty miles northeast of Nucrea, an old derelict strip mall looked out onto the wasteland. Behind the mall, shanties, made from every kind of scrap material, attached themselves to collapsed and rundown buildings like barnacles on an old ocean liner.
In Freetown, the Theonium levels were minimal. It might take thirty years for the affects to set in or it could take five, but to those who lived there, the risks were worth the freedom. Runners, fugitives, and anyone who would rather brave the dangers of the Fringe than live their lives in captivity, came here to make a new home. This dirty and lawless community was Freetown.
It might have been lawless in an ethical sense, but Tooth had the final say in matters.
He burst through the crooked door of his shanty and threw an old radio as hard as he could into a wall, shattering it.
He turned to go back inside but stopped as he noticed something moving. On the rusted horizon, three Fringers headed right towards him.
With a devilish grin, he disappeared into his shanty. A moment later the door burst open, this time spewing out a determined, now shirtless Tooth, wielding an enormous machete. His skin was tan, and covered in scars, his muscles tense.
He walked quickly to meet the Fringers who had started to run towards him. He gracefully dodged grabs and countered with swings of the blade. The sunlight from the setting sun, shimmered on his machete as it flew through the air, dismembering its victims.
The fight was over as soon as it began. Tooth was covered in blood, but was unharmed. He studied his victims, watching for any signs of life. Happy with the results, he began to wipe the gore from the machete on his pants.
He paused as an engine sound echoed across the tundra. He looked up as a dust cloud rose against the dark sky. A truck, rusted and badly welded raced towards him.
Tooth rested the machete across his shoulders, blood dripping down his back, and held a hand up to the truck. Tooth turned, watching as it sped past Freetown and headed for Nucrea.