Café Ambrosia
Jezebel had promptly seated herself at a table near the window, examining the layout of the inner café with intrigue. It was pleasant in atmosphere, with cream colored walls lightly illuminated by hanging lanterns around the edges. The tables were set with a single bowl of water and three tea lights floating within them. Clear bowls of Konpeito candy sat near the candlelight; small, spikey looking balls of sugar essentially, in a variety of different colors which Jezebel had conveniently begun to munch on. The seats were simple in cherry wood complimenting the dark willowy wood of the tables. The floors were a deep cherry wood, and shined to perfection matching the counter set at the far back of the establishment. Behind it a sign hung, with chalked in information of specials of the day. A variety of different sized tables and areas were set up accommodating many different people, or individuals who wandered.
Ed hummed as he pulled the fedora from Jezebel's head to place it on the table beside the candy bowl, then did similarly with his own hat as he leaned back in his seat with a low groan, "I have a lot t' tell you, lass. A lot you might not be ready for, but you best hear it from your Uncle. Do you want t' know about your family?" Jezebel sucked on the Konpeito happily, pausing to stare at the old pirate with wide eyes. She'd sink forward to listen intently, causing Ed to smile a bit as he too leaned in to keep his voice low. But before he could speak, a cane would snap across the table surface causing the two to practically jump out of their seats, "Wonderful to see you, Ed." Gin puffed on the pipe as he regarded the two, wrinkling his long mustache with a wild twitch of his lips. Ed would snap at him a bit, slapping his knee as he spoke, "Are you tryin' t' give an old Pirate a heart attack, Gin?" Jezebel sat back away from the two with violet eyes set solid upon Gin's visage. He pulled the cane back, and set it with a solid tap against the floor, "Is that an invitation? Ah, how kind. Don't mind if I do." He pulled one of the chairs out from beside Ed and settled down into it on the outside of the table. "What's this nonsense about family?" Gin questioned.
"I was just about t' tell t' lass about her family. Everythin' she ought t' know by now. Like her Mother bein' a Geisha and a—" Ed's face turned red as he felt the snap of the cane strike his leg sharply, causing him to bite down on his tongue to suppress the urge to cause bodily harm to Gin. Jezebel looked confused between the two while sucking somewhat loudly on the sugar candy.
"Ah, what he means to say is—" Gin had begun, cut off by Ed.
"I mean t' be tellin' the lass of her family!" He shouted, growing agitated by Gin's attempts to stop him. Gin pushed his thumb knuckle up against the ridge of his small glasses at the outburst from Ed. People started to glance over, and whispers spread like wildfires around the café causing Jezebel to grow still in her enjoyment of the candy. Ed reached for Gin's shirt with a scowl, "You shouldn't hide these thin's from her! She has a right t' know!" Gin in response wrapped his hand around Ed's wrist calmly. "She's not ready."
"Gin, you can't keep this from her! T' kong xin zhan shi have returned and she'll either learn t' hard way, or she'll learn from us."
Gin gave a pause in response, and begun to curse in Mandarin profusely with a disgruntled look towards the table. His hand fell away from Ed's wrist, causing Ed to move his hand away from his shirt to rest back atop the table.
"This is not the place to discuss such matters," Gin insisted as he stood and promptly scooped up the bowl of Konpeito to dump it in a linen sack for later sharing. Ed pushed himself to his feet with a small grunt as he felt the ache of his age for a moment, taking the time to stretch to his full height and offer Jezebel a quick, reassuring smile.
Starlight Point
Sai rested on the ground with her hands cupped behind her head, eyes locked skyward in awe. Beside her, Fei rested on his back with one leg hooked over the other and his hands rested atop his stomach. He'd smile slightly towards Sai, whom was completely lost in the stars glistening high above them, seen through a wide tunnel that led straight up far beyond their reach. "It's the only place I know of that ye can see the starlight past the storm," he explained as he rolled onto his side to watch Sai.
"Amazing," Sai said, nearly at a loss for words as she was captivated by the breathless scene above them. "This is…amazing." Her smile waned slightly as Fei observed her, causing him to frown a little in return.
"Is somethin' wrong, lass?" He asked with a hint of concern in his voice.
"No, just...We had friends that were up there with us."
"Up there?" He questioned as his fingers lifted to comb straying locks of blonde hair from Sai's cheeks.
"We escaped a Dahl ship before coming here. My sister helped plan it out, and she assured me we'd all be able to meet up soon." She turned her head to face Fei and smiled gently to his reassuring smile.
"I'm certain they're fine, lass. Rest assured; if anything happened I'll do all I can to help." Fei said confidently. Sai felt her heart skip a beat as she was caught up in Fei's gaze, his hand trailing the edge of her cheek with the gentlest of touches. As their lips drew closer, it seemed like a moment they'd both been waiting for was about to happen. Above them, high in the atmosphere where star fields coated the ever growing distance, a ripple would shutter the view causing Sai to first jerk her eyes to the sky. The ground trembled faintly around them, tossing small chunks of rock and debris to the ground before becoming increasingly violent. Fei looked up in surprise, and around, scrambling to his feet with his hand grabbing for Sai's quickly. They'd notice a flash in the sky, then a rampant inferno enveloping everything above them. Fei's mouth opened slightly in surprise, forcing himself to not say what it was he believed the source could be.
"Fei?" Sai questioned as she noticed his expression, "Fei, what was that?"
Fei shook his head as he started to pull Sai back towards the city, picking up speed as rocks started to fall at a more rapid pace, "We got t'get back to the city, lass. Make sure everyone is alright."
As Sai and Fei came within sight of the cave opening, they slowed to a halt at the sight of Jezebel standing there. Her eyes were empty as she looked upon the two, a single tear falling down her slightly dirty cheek. Sai stared a moment in puzzlement with her fingers unlacing from Fei's grip as she slowly approach Jezebel. "What?" She questioned with growing concern, "Chirp, what is it?"
Without a word, Jez turned to make her way away from the two. Sai followed quickly, "Chirp, talk to me please?"
"The Dahl ship was destroyed," Jezebel responded softly only to take off in a run to flee Sai's pursuit. Sai stood there with a blank look on her face as she watched the young girl disappear back into the city. Behind her, Fei drew closer to place his hand on her shoulder. She didn't move, staring forward as her breath caught in her throat and tears began to roll down her cheeks. Fei wrapped his arms around her from behind with his head resting against her cheek, offering her silent comfort.
As Sai closed her eyes with a long, shuddered breath, Fei's arms suddenly slipped away from her as he was pulled away from behind. She turned just in time to witness Fei slam face-first into the rock walls with a hard snap. Blood spilled from his nose as he crumpled to the ground, struggling to get to his feet finding himself standing face to face with a very angry, medium sized man. His black hair only a few inches long, was messy at best and his visage stared with a hateful gleam as he bit down on the cigarette hanging from his mouth. "HANDS OFF," Ace shouted as he closed the distance between Fei and himself. Fei scrambled back from the other man as he tried to regain his footing. Ace reached out and wrapped his fingers around the back of Fei's jacket, hauling him up before bodily shoving him into the wall again. "That's-my-GIRL!" Ace snarled, punctuating each syllable by slamming Fei into the increasingly-bloody rocks before throwing the man to the ground.
"ACE!" Cried Sai, "Stop! You're going to kill him!"
"That's the idea, purdy lady!" Ace said as he drew his revolvers and lined up the sights. Fei pushed himself to his knees and looked at his attacker, blood dribbling from his mouth and nose and his face covered in gashes. He made his way back to his feet and seemed to ignore the barrels aimed at him. "Ye've no honor," he spat as he straightened his coat and began to pick flecks of mud off of the fabric. "No honor, boyo. Ye cannae even fight a man face t'face."
Ace simply scoffed as his fingers caressed the triggers of his revolvers. "I dun' need honor, asshole. I got guns."
"Tis a shame, boyo. T'not have honor is t'not be a man. Y'fight me hand t'hand and I'll step off. Aye?" Fei offered as he glanced briefly to Sai with a light nod. Sai looked reluctantly between the two men as she took a step back from the pair. Ace glared at Fei, spinning the revolvers around his fingers and tucking them swiftly into the shoulder holsters. He'd glance to Sai, noting how upset she was which caused him to hesitate.
"No worries, purdy girl. I got this." Ace said confidently as he shrugged his shoulders and bounced on his feet. Fei pulled his jacket free and walked calmly to Sai to hand it to her.
"Iff'n ye dun mind, lass. Jes hold onta this fer a wee moment," Fei said with a gentle smile offered. Sai took the jacket, and would receive a huff from Ace as she pulled it against her chest. Fei stepped back, his hands balled up into fists with a light nod to Ace, "Come now, lad. Let's fight like real men."
City of Hollows – Center Town
It always seemed dark in the city no matter the time of day. Jezebel had taken up a spot atop a building. It sat at the far right side of the center circle that had earlier been occupied by a large grouping of people. The building was simple in architecture, with faded dark wood sidings and clay, half-circle roof tiles cascading down somewhat flattened rooftops. The edges of this particular three story building had intricate designs carved into the wood, slightly lighter than the areas surrounding it. It looked as if there was a painting of a dragon chasing the sun and moon up the edge of the building. One could imagine the brush strokes to create the beautiful piece of art if not for the fact it was clearly carved into the wood. It was also one reason Jezebel had chosen to occupy this particular building.
As she sat on the edge of the roof, her legs swung lightly to and fro with her hands cupped between her legs. Her hair had been pulled back into a loose bun, with bits of wrapped hair in faded pastels mixing in with her bangs. She watched the swirling darkness of the storm ebb and flow, sometimes allowing the sky above to peek through. She'd tug at the tips of her slightly pointed ears with a twitch of her lip, exposing her teeth as her nails would gently scratch at an itch there. The expression faded as she'd stare back up to the sky, dreaming of one day finding a way to tame the storms. Her heart dropped when she started thinking back to Eissa, her old friend and ally. Her only friend, the only being she ever trusted truly. Her eyes squinted to fight back the tears she felt rising.
"I miss you, Eissa…" she whispered to herself. There was an unmatched pain dwelling inside her as she thought back to the cruel nature of the red haired man. What he had done to Eissa, and to Jezebel the following day. How terrible it was to learn she had eaten her friend. As she thought about Mercury, the tears spilled over and rolled down her cheeks with rage boiling in her eyes. Her hand would snap down against the tile causing it to shift with the impact but not break. As she took in a sharp breath, the pain left from punching the tile became lost to her. The ship had blown up. Sai was not the only one stricken with grief at loss. Her mind carried onward to Logan, the only Bandit that stuck with her and protected her. And Tyler, who had given her more then she had ever expected. Ace, as well…
Her expression fell when she thought about Ace. Her hand balled up again, and punched once more only to find something soft beneath it. Jezebel's eyes snapped down to the large hand that cupped her fist. At first, she'd stare as if she were seeing things. Her hand remained planted in the palm of the larger hand as her eyes followed the arm up to the calm, Zen looking man. His eyes settled on Jezebel, with the faintest of smiles given. Wide eyed, Jezebel stared a long moment until she felt herself lunge at the man to wrap her arms around his shoulders. Tyler smiled a little more, remaining crouched with his arms encircling her small frame. Jezebel felt the tears coming faster as she held on tight to the larger man, finding herself crying into his shoulder. Tyler remained still as he held her, with one hand stroking down her back soothingly to ease the pain he could only imagine she felt.
"You're…alive." Jezebel sobbed gently, "I thought you all died.."
"Shh," Tyler whispered as he squeezed her carefully, "We're all alive. Logan is recovering, as is Ryker. They're both exhausted from the trip here."
"A-And Ace?" Questioned Jezebel as the sobs slowed. Tyler pulled back with his hands resting against the top of her arms, "I don't know. He disappeared when we came here. He's probably looking for Sai."
Jezebel's teary eyes widened when Tyler mentioned Sai, suddenly jerking away from Tyler to turn towards a pipe leading down off the high rooftop, "Sai's with Fei." Jezebel stated, brushing the tears off against her sleeve. She could feel the panic rise up in her in an instant, forcing her sorrow deep down.
"Fei?" Tyler asked as he stepped up to the edge of the roof to watch Jezebel make her way down.
"Her new boyfriend!" Jezebel said hurriedly as she pushed off the pipe halfway down to drop the rest of the way. Tyler's expression shifted to a more serious one as he simply jumped from the roof, bending his knees to take on the impact of the ground as he landed. Jezebel didn't wait for Tyler as he stood to his full height. She was off in a split-second; racing towards the last location she saw the two together. Tyler followed without pause.
City of Hollows – Cave Entrance
Sai stood back with Fei's coat clutched against her chest as the two circled an empty space between them. Fei stayed steady as he walked around with his gaze solid upon Ace. Ace's fists were tightened shut with his shoulders widened and his arms bent upward in front of his face as if in a boxing ring. He'd watch Fei closely with a dangerous glare boring into the other man's gaze. As Ace lunged forward, Fei stepped in with his left arm coming up to block the incoming punch from Ace. Fei's right arm would then snap forward to slap against Ace's ear causing Ace to stagger to the left slightly having lost his balance. The black haired man shook his head quickly to shake off the dizziness, before he'd return his focus back on Fei whom stood by patiently. Ace would lunge in again at Fei, finding himself staggering forward as Fei would duck his body back and swing his leg in from the left to trip Ace up.
Frustrated, Ace would spin around to face Fei with his hand snaking out to grab a hold of Fei's shirt. He'd swing his fist in towards Fei's face causing Fei's head to snap back sharply from the punch. In response, Fei grabbed the arm that clung to his shirt, and torqued it causing Ace to be spun in a sharp arch backward with Fei partially standing over him. With Fei's right leg placed firmly beneath Ace's lower back, he'd bring his right hand up and swing it downward in a sharp punch. The impact was strong enough to cause Ace's head to snap back, spraying bits of moisture off the man's hair and his right arm painfully snapped from socket. Fei didn't bother holding onto Ace's arm after the punch, instead stepping back to let Ace fall to the ground with a pained grunt. Ace was unsurprisingly stubborn as he rolled on his back, and tried to force himself onto his knees as blood spilled from his nose.
Sai stood by with a sickened feeling within her gut as she watched the two men fight. They both seemed on relatively even terms, except she suspected Fei was going easy on Ace. She had over time come to learn Ace was more a guns sort of man, and cared little for hand to hand combat. As she'd watch them fight, a strange sensation overcame her causing her to slowly turn to the darkness at her back. Hints of movement made her stir, forced to turn back towards the two as Ace snapped his shoulder back into place with a disgusting popping sound. The sensation of something sharp entered the back of her neck, causing her to sway where she stood.
Ace raced towards Fei again, this time finding himself off his feet as Fei caught him beneath the chin with his outstretched arm. Ace's body swung up, and fell back against the ground in one swift motion. He'd grunt as he started to climb to his feet, only to find Fei cheerfully smiling down at the man.
"Had enough, lad?" Fei asked.
Two shadows caught the men's attention drawing nearer to their position quickly. It was difficult to make out who they were as they raced in closer to the brawling men. First to come into recognizable view was Jezebel, followed closely by Tyler. Fei dropped his arms as Ace slowly rose to his feet to meet Tyler's gaze. The condition of both men said enough about their fight, causing Tyler to set his jaw. Jezebel folded her arms and glared at Ace, scoffing up at the man before she'd turn to look for Sai.
"Uh…" Jezebel said with a small frown, "Where's Sai?"
In the shadow movement would stir again with no visible sign of Sai anywhere. The four tensed up, Fei prepared to fight again with Ace drawing a single revolver as he rested his injured arm against his mid torso. Tyler stood alert, but his guns remained holstered as he watched the shadow come closer. The four tensed as it got near enough to make out the features, only to feel the tension instantly leave as Sai staggered into view. However her steps would carry her only a few feet closer, before she'd fall to her knees with her hands pressed against the ground.
Ace and Fei launched into action immediately though Ace would find his collar grasped as he attempted to close the distance to Sai. Ace turned back with a bit of protest as he found Tyler holding onto his shirt tightly.
"You're too injured. Let him help her," Tyler said calmly.
"Feck ya, man. I can help!" Ace insisted.
"Nay, lad," Fei responded as he carefully pulled Sai into his arms. Her condition was quickly deteriorating as the poor woman started to feel reality slipping away from her. "She's been poisoned." He'd hold up the tiny dart in offering as he got to his feet with Sai carefully held in his arms. Tyler let go of Ace's collar to step forward and take the dart. He'd study it carefully as he turned to begin guiding them back towards the city.
Jezebel stared at the darkness that Sai had come from with violet eyes ever so focused on what could be hidden in its obsidian boundaries. The familiarity of it made her all the more ill at ease causing her to step back a couple paces from it before turning to run after the group. Within the confines of darkness, a pair of eyes had stared back at Jezebel's and watched as she disappeared into the city with everyone else.
City of Hollows – Hotel Room 201
The room was plain, with diamond printed wall paper in a time-worn brown and cream. The colors of the wooden dresser were faded, with wear shown vividly against its edges. The bed was made from a thin metal which creaked as Sai was placed upon it. The bed comforter was a faded green with creamy white layered beneath. The pillow matched its plainness in a simple, bland brown which offered nothing of interest to the group. Sai's body felt as if on fire as Fei rested his hand across her forehead, watching sweat roll down her cheeks with light tears following. Barely conscious, Sai gave them a pitiful look of apology which was quickly answered by Fei shaking his head in response.
Ace stood back with his arm in a fresh, dirty white sling as he gazed towards Sai worriedly. To his right stood Logan who'd brought with him a small box of vials and herbs. As it was opened, the natural scents filled the room in an instant causing Fei to glance back at the man.
"How is she?" Logan asked as he carried the box forward, setting it beside Fei on a creaky side table. As the man studied the contents, Logan apologized, "I haven't much to offer. Forgive me, Sai. I should have been better prepared." Ace lifted his right arm to brush his hand down his face with a low groan feeling the guilt of his jealousy ravage him inside. He'd groan again as he turned and left the room with his hand bracing against the doorframe on exit. Tyler glanced over from his position near the window with his gaze settled on Ace's back. He inhaled deeply, flicking his gaze to Fei and observed quietly.
Atop the hotel stood Jezebel with her arms folded. Beside her, Ryker had settled in a bit further back from the edge not particularly caring for the height of the building. "She'll be okay, Jezebel." Ryker said softly, "I simply cannot be convinced otherwise."
"She was poisoned." Jezebel said with her gaze settled on the distance. She could feel the pain, but her eyes had become dry with the humidity in the air. As she'd stare off, Ryker scooted forward carefully finally gaining the courage to sit at the edge with his legs crossed.
"Logan has some medicinal herbs, as does Tyler. They were able to collect some supplies before leaving the ship. I'm certain she'll be back with us in no time, love."
"She was poisoned…" Jezebel repeated, her voice cracking slightly with emotion.
"She was," Ryker confirmed as he drew his arm around her, pulling Jezebel against him. "Please don't hold it in, Jez. I know you're hurting."
Jezebel finally looked at him, her eyes becoming misty with tears as she stared at his caring features. Those sweet eyes of his rested upon her own, inviting her to feel whatever it was she felt. They were shameless, and ever so gentle. Jezebel's eyebrows pinched together as her lips wrinkled with pain, "Why can't I protect anyone!?" she sobbed as she rested her head against his shoulder and started to cry, "I lost Eissa, and I let that monster kill so many people! I let him!"
"Shhh, Jezebel…" Ryker said in a soothing tone as he pulled his other arm around her to hold her in close, "You didn't do any of this. Please don't feel as if any of this is your fault."
"Ryker!" she protested, "I helped him kill travelers! I helped kill families! People who wanted to help me, died!"
Ryker gave a confused glance as he held Jezebel close against him. "What do you mean?"
"When…" she huffed, drawing in sharp breaths through the tears. "When we were…" Jezebel coughed as she tried to explain, "…living with the bandits. They used me as a decoy and-"
"Jez." Ryker slid his left arm from around her and brought his hand up beneath her chin. As he tilted her head up, their eyes would meet, allowing Ryker's words to penetrate into her heart. "You did nothing. This was all Father's fault. No matter what happened before, or what happens now, you are still my wife. And I will always, always love you."
"I'm afraid…" Jezebel responded as her gaze rested on his, "I'm afraid of losing you, too. I'm afraid...Mercury might try to use you against me. Or me against you."
"Shh." Ryker drew his finger up to press it to her lips gently, shaking his head with the kindest of smiles, "I swear I'll never leave your side, Jezebel."
Beneath the roof, Tyler listened intently to the conversation above. The window was cracked to allow the cool air to flow in, keeping the temperature of the room tolerable for Fei and Logan to work in. Fei muttered as if he'd heard the talking outside, "That lad best know how t'fight." He gave Tyler a glance from his seated position at Sai's bed and asked, "Can ye train 'im in a days time? The dart looks t'be the kong xin zhan shi. One o' their preparation moves, no doubt."
Tyler pushed away from the window as things grew silent above with Ryker and Jezebel, focusing his attention on Fei, "The Hollow Warriors?" He questioned.
Fei's expression shifted to surprise, "Ye know o' them?"
"Yes." Tyler responded. "I spent time here training with my Sensei."
"Yer Sensei?" Fei questioned as he pulled a cool bucket of water towards him and rung out the washcloth within it to rest across Sai's forehead.
"Yes. My Sensei." Tyler offered no further explanation, his demeanor indicating he had no intention of elaborating further. Fei's eyebrow lifted curiously at the man, before he shrugged a shoulder. "Aye, I understand. Can ye teach the lad?"
As Fei asked, Logan stepped up beside the bed to look at Sai. He'd kneel with his fingers resting against her neck to check her pulse, "Do you have any sort of lab here?" As Logan asked, Tyler would step away from the window further to head for the doorway leading out of the room.
"Aye." Fei responded as he followed Tyler with his eyes, "I cannae find anything in here t'counter the poison, just enough to keep her alive. Do ye intend to test her blood fer the toxin?"
"Yes." Logan responded as he reached into the box to pull a syringe. He'd look from Fei, to Sai then around to the now otherwise empty room with a long sigh. As he uncapped the needle, he'd steady his hand and press it into a vein in her inner elbow before drawing the blood up into a single tube. His eyes narrowed as the blood seemed darker than usual, and oddly thicker. But it was the sight of something black amongst the deep red that caused him to freeze, "What the hell is that?"
Fei paused as he saw the black blotches as well. He was taken aback by the sight, causing Logan to look mildly panicked.
"What is it!?" Logan demanded, drawing the needle from Sai's arm and pressing some gauze against the tiny hole. Fei shook his head quickly as he pushed up to his feet.
"Lad, that'd be the taint from one o' the rarest types o' plant underground. It's called a Manasa vine. It only grows in total darkness. It's near impossible t'harvest."
"Nothing in here will neutralize the poison?" Logan asked as his heart raced a little.
"Nay. It's been assumed the Hollow Warriors have a cure. They aren't keen on sharing, lad. We'd have to find a way t'steal some, but we've no clue where they hide out. The tunnels are a massive maze."
"Well we sure as hell ain't leav'n the lady to die, damnit," Ace grunted as he stood in the doorway with one revolver gripped tightly in his right hand and the other resting in his left. "We gonna do this, bro?" Ace asked, "Gonna play the big damn heroes?"
"I had intended to." Logan rose to his feet and looked down at Fei. "It might be a good idea for you to stay with her."
"Aye," Fei offered a weak nod, "I'll keep her alive."
Tyler walked back into the room where the three talked, forcing their focus to turn quickly to him.
"His training will not wait for tomorrow."
"Why's that?" Fei questioned as he watched Tyler over his shoulder.
"They're both gone…and there is movement in the shadows." Tyler stated as he turned to make his way back out of the room, his hand reaching back to grasp the butt of his rifle and pull it from its holster. "Fei, stay here with Sai and protect her. You too, Ace."
"Feck off," Ace announced as he stepped up towards Tyler, "I gots a meet'n with a bunch of kong…shin…Hollow Whats-its! Ain't noth'n keep'n me from sav'n Sai."
"Remain here, and protect her with your life. She may be their target tonight." Tyler sounded unmoved as he paused and turned to face the black-haired mercenary, drawing up to his full, imposing height. He was an unmovable wall and one to rightfully be wary of. Ace stepped back and huffed before moving towards the windows. "Gah, whatevs..."
"Logan, you've not had any proper training yet. Don't show your hand unless you need to." Tyler said to Logan, receiving a nod of understanding. "I'll find Chirp and Ryker. If they return here, make sure they remain here."
"Aye, I'll do tha'," Fei nodded to Tyler as he watched the man carefully, feeling a sense of uncertainty touching deep within the pit of his stomach. Logan took position near the door Tyler stood by. Ace plopped down directly in front of the window with his eyes squinted towards the darkness on the horizon. As Tyler turned to leave, he felt Logan's fingers brush against his upper arm causing him to stop.
"Oi," Logan said gently, "Be careful, Tyler."
Tyler paused as he lowered his gaze to meet Logan's eyes, and gave a nod of confirmation before he'd round the corner to head back downstairs.
The night grew still with empty streets and flickering streetlamps. A distant hum conjured up fear from the few who remained awake in the city. Many of whom were mothers or fathers gazing over their child's bed protectively, with guns gripped tight at the ready. A woman rested her hand over her infant's forehead with a tears trailing down her cheeks. A man stood with his wife over their fraternal twins holding his arm around her shoulders in comfort. A man sat beside his sleeping daughter with a rifle held across his knees. He'd gaze down at his only lifeline sadly, tugging the blanket up to cover her shoulders. All of these people knew there was a chance they'd never see their children again, or the light of a new day. All of them would make their way out of their homes, meeting with more and more from the city who intended to fight. Among them, Tyler walked quietly away from the center of town where those still awake had begun to gather. He'd pass them by, receiving curious looks from only a few who bothered to let their focus shift from their purpose. Tyler offered no response of any kind as he weaved his way through the people, and soon disappeared into a darkened strip of road.
