(Quintiles 29, 59 / 10:59PM)

(Jack) Huh, home sweet home…

(Gwen) And we’re sharing it all with other people too, almost like a big sleepover.

Their heads peered at the two-story Dark Angels building, which had dorms, rooms, a garden, a large kitchen and gym, and a garage in the back.

In the front of the building, they witnessed the abundance of military trucks that had supplies and ammo in them. The engines turned off for rest, it didn’t emit its fatal and lethal smoke, followed by the quietness of the night as the cicadas pierced their singing songs.

(Jack) I think they’re treating our home like some sort of hotel.

(Gwen) Well, we did hold back the city after all…

Getting out of the van, both Jack and Gwen got out from the driver and passenger doors. Arching his back, Jack put both of his hands on his lower back, pushing them inward as he heard a bone crack or two.

(Gwen) Got to get to the others in the back.

Walking toward the back of the van, Gwen soon encountered the lock pin that was in the back of the van’s doors. Putting her hand underneath her chin, she looked downward as she stared dumbly into the number markings on the lock.

Tapping her finger repeatedly, a bead of sweat rolled down from her right temple, the droplet of sweat resting on her right cheek.

(Gwen’s thoughts) Which combination was it? I think it was 2-2-6-3 right?

A loud thump was heard from the back of the van’s doors, a dent forming on the right side. Widening her eyes, she let out a sigh as she pushed the buttons quickly.

Two loud thumps were heard on the same side of the van, creating a major dent in it.

(Gwen’s thoughts) Why can’t Luna just be patient…

The doors of the back of the van made a loud clunk, causing Gwen to put both her hands on the metal handles, gripping them casually as she widened her arms.

(Gwen) Open sesame!

As the back of the van door widened out, Luna folded her arms as she frowned upon Gwen. Rubbing the back of her neck with her left hand, her mouth curved erratically as she tried to let out a wry smile toward Luna.

(Gwen) Hehe, sorry for taking so long.—

Luna glared at Gwen before leaving the van with a ‘hmpf,’ causing Gwen to widen her eyes. Luke and the others in the van reacted the same, their jaws dropping to the ground as they witnessed an event rarer than the birth of a star.

(Miles’ thoughts) Luna’s not putting up a fight!

(Stan’s thoughts) Oh my god. The world must be ending!

Luke went out of the van to join Luna.

Placing both of his feet onto the black cold pavement that chilled his toes and heels, Luke noticed Luna’s quiet and meek nature. Rubbing the back of his neck, he stood next to her while turning his head.

(Luke) Since it’s been a long day, want to set up meals?

(Luna) I need to shower first.

(Luke) Ah, alright. Then I can help set your meal ready. And since we’re celebrating, how about a choccy donut?

Luna let out a noise as her face flushed a deep red before she gave a nod.

Keeping her head down, both of her hands were curled into fists, but because of her sluggish walk, she quickly let go.

______________________________________________________________________________

(Quintiles 29, 59 / 11:13PM)

Inside the building, there lay a somewhat spacious backyard.

The backyard had a couple of fire pits, followed by small trails of cement that led to different sections of the building.

Being in the center, it was outside, with the still smokey air present as well as the orange-lit sky lingering on. Ash particles continued to rain down amongst the cement and grass. The soldiers that laid bare in the backyard were more or less tired and worn, not even having the energy to party or have fun.

(Gwen) Aah, there’s no place like home.

Five adults slid into the backyard. Seeing two other groups talking with each other, the group of five gazed in their direction at them, noticing that the two groups didn’t notice their presence.

The woman in the middle of the four men pointed her finger right at them, her nostrils breathing in the smoke-filled air that got trapped in her lungs.

(Gwen) I think that’s the others.

(Jack) And it looks like they already have some food on their plates. So just food and drinks for these frat boys?

(Miles) I have never seen a more depressing party.

(Stan) I guess everyone is just happy that they at least survived. Probably survivor guilt is hitting them harder than it should. Either that or don’t have the energy to party.

Walking over, they saw many soldiers who had white paper plates and black plastic utensils, all of them casually eating their steak, rice, and beans. The noise amongst the many soldiers was minimal, with the only thing that glistened in the night was the sound of munching and murmurs they made.

Luke looked to the ground as he covered his right eye with his hand.

(Luke’s thought) This is what it's like being a soldier ... celebrating the little things while overcoming the biggest obstacles.

Raising her hand high, Gwen swayed it back and forth as she cusped her left hand into the letter O, her left hand right over her mouth as she cleared her throat.

(Gwen) Hey, ya’ll! Long time no see!

All the soldiers looked over toward the tall freckled woman wearing a black leather jacket, their eyes glaring at the woman as the dark eye bags underneath their eyelids were shown.

The two other groups meanwhile, crunched up their faces as many of them let out beads of sweat from their foreheads and cheeks, their feet taking them a step back from Gwen. Seeing this, Gwen continued to wave her hand frantically, clearly not reading the room as she yelled out again.

(Gwen) Come on! You can’t forget about me!

(Luke) Uhm Gwen … I don’t think it’s a good time…

(Gwen) Oh, come on Luke! Why aren’t these soldiers celebrating?! It’s like a big sleepover right!?

Reaching toward the two other groups, a man wearing a fedora with a bowl-cut haircut placed himself in the middle of the two groups. His legs wobbled as his feet were barely able to steady themselves onto the grassy area; both his hands remained still as they were placed straight.

Meaning that everyone is here in this very spot, except for Luna and Jenny.

(Boris) I’m surprised you made it.

(Gwen) The same goes for you, you old fart.

(Boris) Sighs … it’s been a long and tiring fight, but I think we cleared out all the evil from out of the city. Good thing that some platoons stayed put, most of them were ordered to leave for the border.

Many of the soldiers who continued to eat their meals looked over at the man clad in a fancy tuxedo despite his overall body shape. Their ears perked up, they squinted their eyes at the man, their bodies motionless to the ground as their legs couldn’t even bother to stand up.

Fixing his bowtie, he cleared his throat as many of the Dark Angels around him gasped, their foreheads letting out hot sweat.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

(Boris) I checked the data, and it looks like the highest-ranking platoons that were in the military complex were moved elsewhere, and the ones that were recruits and such were ordered to guard it.

(Gwen) But why?

(Boris) No clue…

Turning his head toward a trio of agents followed by one spartan, Boris focused his eyes on them, seeing their black suits crusted and wrinkled. One of the agents, a slightly short man with blonde hair, noticed the stare from Boris, already making a slight glare.

Putting his head back toward his followers, Boris clasped his hands as he put both of his feet straight, pushing his vocals to shake out the leftover saliva in his esophagus.

(Boris) But at least some agents remained here. I wonder why there aren't that many of them here. The best theory I have is that they were summoned to a city of some sort, possibly in El Niabea—

(Agent Briggs) What did you say?

(Boris) It’s just a personal theory—

(Agent Briggs) How did you know about El Niabea?!

Boris flinched at Briggs’ cold voice.

Two other agents dressed in black suits walked right near where Briggs was, standing right next to both of his shoulders. The tall silver-haired agent was to the right of him, while the short woman with oval glasses was to the left of him. And behind him, was a woman with above average height with sunglasses.

All of their hands laid either motionless to their thighs or in their suits, the four of them had their attention toward the entirety of the elite squad, with Briggs the only one folding his arms.

(Agent Briggs) Where did you get that classified information from?

(Boris) Hold on, son. Aren’t my men and women the ones who managed to push back those zompires?

(Agent Briggs) It takes two to tango. Half of the work was done by normal soldiers and your soldiers. So don’t avoid the question…

Briggs and the three other agents towered over Boris, all of their hands inside their suit pockets.

Having his right hand inside of his suit, he slowly pulled his hand halfway, but barely enough so that Boris could see the grip of a black metal object that he wielded. Letting out a large gulp from his throat, Boris looked down to the ground as he fiddled with his fingers.

(Agent Briggs) Where did you get that information from?

(David) That’s enough.

Putting themselves in front of Boris were David and Gwen. Having his hand inside of his jacket, David squinted his darkened face as he calmly let out an exhale of fresh air, his nostrils releasing the air onto Briggs's face.

(David) We retook this city, regardless of how classified the info was. Technically speaking, you were the ones that initiated it first.

(Agent Briggs) Excuse me?

(David) It was common knowledge that platoons were to be commanded elsewhere, as it was considered in military terms, “The public domain”. You on the other hand told us about the agents where they are going.

(Agent Briggs) … And?

David placed his right hand underneath his chin, using his pointer finger as he wrapped his right jawline with his thumb. Lifting his head, he let out a small smirk, the corners of his lips reaching a height where his nose level was.

Briggs on the other hand furrowed his brow, his right hand continuing to grip the metal object that was within the inside of his suit. The other agents had their objects on standby, the only thing that was stopping them was Briggs, who had his left palm showing downward.

(David) He said it was a theory, not a fact. If you said it was classified that you went to El Niabea, then doesn’t that mean you were the one who said it first? Would that mean you spilled the info to these soldiers casually hearing this conversation as we speak?

(Agent Briggs) …

Looking down toward the ground, Briggs let in an abundance of air inside of him, the air circling his lungs as he turned his head toward the grassy field.

The other agents glancing at Briggs, they all saw his demeanor change, the way his expression quickly darkened as his eyes were staring into the abyss below. Their sweaty hands already staining the black objects that they held, they awaited anything for what their leader might say.

(Agent Briggs) You have a point. So what now, you're going to arrest me?

(David) I’m more of an executioner than a leader. I’ll give the judgment to Boris here.

Boris straightened his back, followed by both of his hands clasping onto themselves in front of his chubby stomach. His sweat coating his face, Boris focused his eyes on the blonde-haired man with cold eyes.

(Boris) How about we do this? We’ll keep all of this a little secret. It’s our job as soldiers to protect and defend the weak, not turn on each other by higher powers.

(Agent Briggs) The silver-haired weirdo here would agree with you. He was the one who ordered me around the battle in the military complex, despite me being the leader. Two silver-haired weirdos, one of them is with you.

Turning his attention toward Fred in the back of everyone, his face stiffened as he put his right hand onto the back of his head. Rubbing it gently, he let out a quivered smile, his lips moving erratically as they twitched.

(Fred) Hehe … Aren’t we all tired? I mean, all this combat has stirred us around.

(Boris) Yeah, considering that we fought with all our might.

Turning his head back toward Briggs, he extended his right hand. His hand is noticeably sweaty and clammy, Briggs let go of the black metal object that he held inside of his jacket, placing it back into its pocket compartment.

Seeing the hand, his right hand let out a small twitch, his fingertips wanting to curl itself up into a fist.

(Boris) I think it’s time we all rest up.

Extending his hand toward Boris’s, both shook their hands in a hard shake, their eyes remaining focused on each other as Boris held a firmer grip than usual.

______________________________________________________________________________

(Libertatem 1, 59 / 3:22AM)

Laying awake inside of his room, Luke spread his arms and legs apart, looking up towards the white ceiling as the ceiling fan cooled down his body.

His sheets were on the floor sleeping on the wooden ground, followed by the closed windows that didn’t let the smoked air from coming in. With nothing but a black shirt and black sweatpants, he put a hand on his forehead.

(Luke’s thoughts) I’m clean, I’m well fed, and I’m exhausted from all of that shooting and fighting, so what gives?

Turning his head toward the door, he noticed that it was slightly open, even though the light from outside wasn’t even on. Slowly pulling his sore body up, he sat on the bed and laid his hands on his thighs, his eyes squinting through the open gap that the door created.

(Luke’s thoughts) I don’t know anymore. I mean, I did the bare minimum of becoming a soldier, but how can I become Gwen’s soldier?

The door to his room creaked open.

Flinching upward, Luke got out of the bed and he placed both of his bare feet onto the wooden tiles beneath him. With his hands placed in front of him, he slowly tiptoed toward the creaking door, his toes and heels feeling the cold laminated wood.

Reaching the door, he leaned his entire body weight onto the wooden door, feeling its exterior coating as the dark wood melted against his skin.

His ear pressing the edge of the door, he had his hands stationary on the wood, his breathing quiet as he slowly inhaled and exhaled.

And then…

(Luke) Ow!

The wooden door swung open, hitting his face as his nose took most of the brunt, causing him to walk backward until his back hit the wall. Placing both of his hands onto his nose, blood soon started to spurt out, drips of it hitting the wooden tiles.

Clenching his eyes, the blood smearing his hand and fingers, his teeth ground onto each other against the searing pain.

Opening his eyes, he took a step forward as he let go of his hands, and upon seeing who was behind the door…

(Luke) W-What? What are you doing?

A young woman with blue eyes and blonde hair put her hands onto her mouth, with her mouth widening open as her eyes were pushed up.

Jumping up and down with her toes several times, she swayed her head sideways repeatedly as her throat quivered.

(Hope) I-I’m sorry! I’m sorry!

(Luke whispering) Don’t yell. People are sleeping…

Using his left hand to cover his bleeding nose, he extended his right hand to let Hope in as his palm was facing forward, his face flustered with his cheeks reddened.

Seeing that he was still bleeding, she instantly used her left hand to close the door behind her quietly. Looking at Luke with water in her eyes, she put her right hand onto his left hand.

(Hope) Here, let me help you.

A yellowish light emitted from her right palm, the light latched onto Luke’s broken nose, as well as lighting up the entire room around them. With each second that passed, the less the blood dripped from his nose, causing him to slowly let go of his hand.

The yellowish light fading away, Luke’s nose was fully healed.

While Hope’s body started to slug forward, her legs wobbled as her head started to heat up, and she let out a raspy cough.

(Luke) Thanks, Hope, but why are you awake? Aren’t you supposed to be asleep? You did heal Jenny for a couple of hours straight.

(Hope) Sorry, but I couldn’t sleep for some reason…

(Luke) But why here? Is there anything that you need from me?

Hope looked down onto the wooden tiles that had blood stains on them, seeing the drying blood becoming a part of Luke’s room. Her face flushing a pink-red, she turned her head toward where Luke’s messy bed was, as her head was still down.

(Hope) Can I talk to you about something, on the bed…?

(Luke) … S-Sure…

Walking rapidly toward his messy and disorganized bed, he quickly sat his butt down on the old mattress, placing both of his hands onto his knees as hot sweat dripped from his forehead. Having his head down, he didn’t dare to look at Hope, his fists enclosed tightly with one another.

Hope followed suit and sat herself on the bed, clasping her hands as the darkened sky blocked most of their visibility.

(Luke) So…

(Hope) I need to know, and I want an honest answer, please.

(Luke) Ok…

(Hope) Do you like Luna?

Luke turned his head slowly as his hands trembled on his knees, letting out a huge gulp from within his throat. Opening his mouth slightly, his throat started to jump within his throat, his vocals allowing low hums.

(Luke) I uh … well …

Her hands trembled as her clasped hands tightened between one another, her body shivering as her eyes withheld hot tears. Placing both her feet and legs slowly onto the bed, she managed to lean her body more toward him.

(Luke) I guess … I’m just fine with any girl that likes me back.

(Hope) What?

Unclasping her hands, she put her palms onto the bed as her entire body was on all fours on the bed, staring at him.

Seeing that she wasn’t pleased by this answer, Luke let go of his hands that held his knees, putting both of his hands onto the bed as his body was now facing toward her.

(Luke) Are you ok? What's going on—

(Hope) So if Luna asks you out, would you go out with her?

(Luke) I mean…

(Hope) Then what about me?

Moving her body toward Luke, he had no choice but to place his back against the front frame of the bed, having his entire body on the bed. His legs and feet lying motionless, and his hands and arms were placed forward onto the angry Hope, he squinted his eyes as a bead of sweat rolled down his right temple.

Meanwhile, Hope gritted her teeth against one another, letting out a loud and angry hum from her throat.

(Hope) Are you this insecure? Do you think that no girl likes you?

(Luke) What is this about?

(Hope) Do you like me?

(Luke) Y-you … you look cute …

(Hope) Then?

(Luke) I don’t know how to approach—

Hope then placed both of her hands on the helm of his cheeks, creating a loud smack as a hint of redness formed on his face. Letting out a low hmph, she had his arms and hands spread out, his lips and mouth enclosed shut as he saw the angry-looking Hope grip his fingernails onto his face.

(Hope) Are you a dummy?

(Luke) A what…?

(Hope) .... Fine then. I’ll just show you myself!

Having his body still, she slowly leaned her face close to his, her lips licking each other as she wanted them to be moistened. Closing her eyes, she moved her hands so that Luke’s face could be closer to his.

Having no choice but to submit to her wishes, Luke started to pant heavily as his entire body remained still as if he was frozen.

Their lips inches away from each other, Hope was about to connect her and his together—

An orange light emitted from the darkened room.

Both of them stopped, they turned their heads slowly toward the burning light from afar, their eyes peeled out the window from the east. With Hope’s body leaning next to his, both let their bodies motionless to the bed as…

A fireball of herculean proportion was plastered into their very eyes.

Widening their eyes.

(Luke’s thoughts) Is that—

Then came the shockwave.