(Ostermonath 21, 48 / 10:43PM)

(???) Hahaha, that’s just a joke, right?

(???) A joke?

(???) pfft, I don’t think Boris is joking!

Three men sat at a bar in a wooden tavern, sitting on high wooden stills as their arms lay on the smooth marinated wooden cocktail table. In each of their hands, they gulped down their drinks one at a time.

But two of them had their hands to their stomachs, slapping their knees as the man to the right of them, a short chubby, haired 28-year-old man, had his fists clenched and his breathing rigid.

(???) Hey Boris, for a man with a PhD in political science you sure are funny!

(Boris) Quiet you prick!

The man to the left of them wore squared-lensed glasses and had dark brown wavy hair and many freckles.

(Boris) Just because it made you laugh didn’t mean it’s not a joke!

(???) But still, what made you come up with that? If it’s your way of getting rid of world hunger then not many people will like it.

The man in the middle, tall with messy blonde hair, looked towards Boris. Boris looked straight at his friend’s eyes, which caused him to drip a bead of sweat from the right corner of his eye. Clearing his throat, he turned the high chair towards the blonde man’s direction, putting his hands on his knees.

(Boris) After our lecture, I overheard William Reed talking to our professor about kids and such, and how kids should be good fighters so that they could defend themselves from sexual predators and whatnot.

(???) Hmm … in a way, I could see why. But what types of traps can they allow for kids and teens? It would be pretty funny if some kid gets caught in cotton candy or falls in some hole and calls it a trap.

(Boris) But wait Arthur, William told our professor that he has a newborn baby and that he wants to make sure that he is trained at an early age for self-defense.

(Arthur) Can’t he just protect his own kid?

Arthur then looked into Boris’s oval-shaped eyes. As Arthur remained in eye contact, Boris leaned onto the cocktail table and made sure his head was turned.

(Boris) In a way, children need to be tough.

(???) Are you going through with that joke?

The man in the middle then caused both Arthur and Boris to lose eye contact, with both of their eyes staring at the blond-haired man. Looking into Boris’s eyes yet again, Boris then looked towards the many whiskey and beer bottles that reflected Boris’s figure to him.

(Boris) Would I have blood on my hands?

(???) Unless you work with someone that already has.

(Boris) Can I do it alone?

(???) No, it can’t be done with you alone.

The blonde-haired man’s fists who were on the cocktail table started to shake gently, looking at Boris’s chubby face as his eyes hardened. Putting his right hand over Boris’s shoulder, he whispered in Boris’s ear.

(??? whispering) Whatever you do, don’t ever do it alone.

(Boris whispering) Why? You don’t think I can work it out by myself—

(??? whispering) It’s for your safety…

Boris, who still faced the glass bottles of whiskey and beer as he was being whispered to, tilted his head to the right as he remained dumbfounded by this weird reason.

(Boris whispering) So, what type of funding or help would I need?

(??? whispering) Let’s just say I know a man about Arthur’s age who knows how to shoot…

(Boris whispering) So I just need bodyguards?

(??? whispering) You also need money, that’s the important issue…

(Boris whispering) Don’t tell me I have to go to the government like a lapdog, you know I hate the government with a passion.

(Arthur) That’s why you have a PhD in political science.

Arthur then scoots up with his barstool, trying to hear the whispering conversation that’s taking place between their blonde-haired friend and Boris. The blonde-haired man put his left arm around Arthur’s shoulder, bringing them close as to discuss the experiment.

(Arthur whispering) Why are we still going on about Boris’s joke?

(??? whispering) Arthur, what do you wanna do after graduating from The Political Institute of Lagefor?

(Arthur whispering) I plan on being a lawyer why?

Arthur looked into the blonde-haired man’s eyes, the man’s blue eyes contorting to a serious look as he cleared his throat.

(??? whispering) Plan on being a politician.

(Arthur whispering) Yeah, I rather give hopes and dreams than sell hopes and dreams…

(??? whispering) Promise me you’ll be a politician!

(Arthur whispering) sighs … why? Why do I have to follow someone else's goals more than my own?

Arthur then looked towards Boris, who went back to looking at the bottles of whiskey and beer. Seeing his friend enveloped in the world of beer, Arthur looked back toward his blonde-haired friend.

(Arthur whispering) It’s just …What if I can’t become a politician…

(??? whispering) Then be president.

Arthur then stood back to the same position he was in when they first went into the bar. Taking a little drink from his small bottle of whiskey, he looked down at his hand that held the cold drink in his hand.

The blonde-haired man let go of both Arthur and Boris, having his eyes focused on only Arthur who remained lost in thought. Looking up toward where the blonde-haired man was, Arthur’s eyes scrunched as his nostrils flared for a bit before he rubbed the cold glass with his thumb.

(Arthur) Joseph.

(Joseph) Yeah?

(Arthur) You’re full of shit.

(Joseph) I get that a lot.

______________________________________________________________________________

(Prominis 21, 58 / 6:22AM)

In a room near the control room, was a mini theater that had a small stage with dozens of seats.

Upon the rows of seats, seven candidates reached the end of the line. Sweat drenched every inch of their bodies, the body odor making the room humid and foul, followed by the dark gray eye bags that showed the lack of sleep that they endured.

Except for Jack, the only one that didn’t have gray eye bags underneath his eyes.

Yawning hard, Luke’s eyes felt heavy as he tried to keep them open, his body sore and spent since he couldn’t even budge them one bit. Looking at Hope who was staring into the abyss, he patted her shoulder with his right hand.

(Luke) Here.

Luke pulled out from his pocket a small razor blade, placing it flat on his right hand as he showed it to Hope. Despite almost snoozing out, Hope’s eyes sparkled as she noticed the familiar-style razor blade.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

(Hope) Is that Gemma's?

(Luke) Fred gave it to me before we all went through the third stage. He said he wanted me to keep it but … I wasn’t that close with Gemma compared to you, and Fred and Loraine had many other razor blades that Gemma kept, so … I want to give this to you.

Hope had her hand in place, struggling to pick up the blade. Luke noticed a gulp coming from Hope as her breathing was a little raspier, her body trying to hold her back.

Noticing this hesitation, Luke used his left hand to help out Hope by bringing down her right hand to the razor. With both their right hands cupping, Luke slowly withdrew his right hand so that Hope had the razor blade since Hope’s hands were sticky and sweaty.

But then Luke flustered bright red.

Noticing Luke burning red, Hope’s eyes widened, and clasped her hands together, also turning a bright red too. Looking away, her eyes wandered somewhere as sweat started forming across her face.

(Gwen) I’m sorry… you guys went through the zompire hell again.

Coming out of the stage was Gwen, who slowly walked in as she didn't carry the usual megaphone that she normally used. She looked at all seven of the exhausted candidates.

(Gwen) I know you all probably hate us right now, but we’re just as angry as you all are…

David came out to the stage too, carrying a medium-sized box. The box was coated in black paint, the smell causing him to gag a bit as he fought through the smell.

(Gwen) I know Boris was clearly in the wrong, but in a way, I guess he had no other choice but to submit for the government this time, but still, I’m not excusing him and all of you shouldn’t either.

Putting the box down on a table behind Gwen, three other figures came out of the stage, waiting for Gwen to finish up her speech. As Luke stared, he realized the three figures were Benn, Jerry and Jenny.

(Gwen) But behind me, are those blessings you all worked hard for. I’ll call out the names in terms of who came in first.

Benn walked over to Gwen and gave her a paper list of names. Going back to his station, he waited for the new candidates that he’d have to work with.

(Gwen) First on the list is Loraine, who will be … benchwarmer.

(Loraine) What’s a benchwarmer?

(Gwen) A person who is usually called in when a person from the team is out of commission.

(Loraine) But I want to fight!

(Gwen) Well, “A certain person” says otherwise.

(Gwen’s thoughts) Can’t believe Boris was willing to push her into The Array, a girl that he cared for.

Loraine stood up and walked over to the stage, lifting herself onto the stage instead of taking the stairs. Quickly walking over, David opened the black-coated paint box, holding his nose.

(Loraine) You don’t like paint?

(David) I hate paint.

(Loraine) Why?

(David) Horrible memories.

Sharpening his eyes, David folded his arms as Loraine leaned over the box, grabbing the white sparkling banana.

The banana was a foot long, with a yellow neck and flower tip on the edges of the fruit. As Loraine peeled the banana, her fingers had an extra time trying to peel the fruit all the way, since it was twice as hard to peel it than a normal banana.

Instead of peeling it halfway and eating it, Loraine peeled the entire thing off and threw it somewhere backstage.

(Jenny) Hey, you better pick that up after you eat it!

Ignoring Jenny, Loraine then started eating the banana, not taking any time whatsoever to gulp down the fruit in one session. Patting her chest so that the banana could go down faster, Loraine then goofily looked around the other adults to see their reaction.

(Jenny) Remember to pick up your peel.

Loraine being Loraine, walked over to the banana peel and grabbed it nonchalantly. Seeing Jenny glaring at her, Loraine’s face smiled devilishly, which caused Jenny to raise an eyebrow.

(Jenny) Make sure you put the peel into the trash bin—

Loraine then threw the peel at Jenny’s face.

(Jenny) Ugh! Loraine!

Running off the stage, she ran towards the other candidates and found her seat still spotless. Jumping over a couple of candidates, she landed safely onto her spot, put up the recliner, and smugly fell asleep.

Clutching her fists in pure anger, Jenny bent down with anger as her forehead was bristled with veins bulging out of her. Jerry, who was beside her, pulled out a small container of mint chocolate chip ice cream.

(Jerry) Here Jenny.

Angrily snatching the ice cream container, she pried the lid open and noticed that there was no spoon or fork to eat it with. Jerry checked his pockets and to no avail, he didn’t pack a spoon or fork for Jenny. Already furious, Jenny started eating it with her own hands, scooping big chunks into her small hands and putting her entire hand into her mouth.

(Jerry’s thoughts) She’s so cute when she’s mad.

(Gwen) Alrighty, the second person is Sean, who is going to be the recon of the group. There are going to be two recons in the group.

Sean stood up grudgingly, walking towards the stage and taking the stairs. Towering over the box, he peeled the banana all the way similar to Loraine, and placed the banana peel on top of the table.

Jenny noticed this and looked up towards Sean, her face still having a bit of ice cream.

(Jenny) You … munch … better pick … munch … that up!

Smugly looking at Jenny, he put his hands together to form a heart shape, showcasing it to Jenny who was still eating ice cream with her bare hands. As Jenny noticed this, she only glared in anger since her veins were still bulging from what she had gone through with Loraine.

(Sean’s thoughts) Huh … I guess I’ll try it when she calms down.

Walking off the stage, Sean looked back to see that Jerry was glaring at him, his eyes unwavering as Sean took his seat next to Jack.

(Sean’s thoughts) He’s going to die for love at this point…

(Gwen) In third place is Jack. He’ll be the sniper.

Jack, the only candidate who wasn’t sleepy, casually walked towards the stage, taking the stairs as he approached the box. Jerry, who was the driver of Miles, Sean, Jack, Cameron, Ryan, Gemma, and Loraine on the road to Fort Damns, stopped glaring at Sean.

Putting a finger up to his chin, his eyes focused on Jack.

(Jerry’s thoughts) Jack didn’t sleep at all during the trip here, so why is he the one who looked like he got a good night’s sleep?

Peeling the banana midway, Jack ate it normally as he finished it in three to four bites. Having the peel left, he went over to the trash bin and threw it in.

Leaving the stage with his hands behind his pockets, he took a seat next to Sean who was slowly falling asleep.

(Gwen) In fourth place is Miles Brown, who will be the shield of the group.

Miles slowly got up as he made his way to the stage, lifting himself similar to Loraine. Grabbing the banana, he ate it similar to Jack, peeling the banana midway and then throwing it to the bin with no problem.

But Miles noticed that Jenny was still furiously eating ice cream. Grabbing from out of his pants pocket, he pulled out a leftover soda with his left hand.

Walking towards Jenny who was sitting on the ground eating, Miles showcased the soda that he had, putting his hand down to the floor as he looked down at Jenny.

(Miles) Wanna soda? I got it during the first stage with Stan and the others. I kept it just in case if I was in a shitty situation, I would like to have one last soda before I drop dead.

Shuffling her eyebrows, she stared into the soda for a long bit, her forehead and face still having bulging veins. Without warning, Jenny took the soda and opened up the can, drinking halfway through the can as she tilted it upward. Putting the soda down, the can now be filled with ice cream handprints, she gave out a loud burp, which shocked even Jerry to some extent.

Walking out of the stage, Miles found his seat near Jack and Sean, with his eyes slowly closing as each second passed.

(Gwen) For our blade of the group, Luna Guerra—oh, she’s asleep…

Gwen made a little giggle as Luna managed to fall asleep during the presentation. Looking at both David in the back of her and Luke near her, he motioned either one to wake her up.

(Luke) sighs … Here goes nothing.

Luke tugged Luna’s left shoulder, her body slumped in the chair as she calmly put her head deep into the seat. Tugging her shoulder again, Luke stood up as he remained focused on Luna’s face, preparing himself for the outburst.

As Luna’s eyes shot open, she had her right fist ready to punch the person who dared to wake her up—

(Luke) Luna, it's me!

Noticing Luke, Luna dropped her shaking fists. Looking around rapidly to see that she was still in the little theater room, she was still panting and breathing heavily as her anger didn’t subside.

(Gwen) Come on Luna! I know you want to kiss him but after you eat your banana!

(Luna) SHUT UP!!

Luna charged forth onto the stage, pulling up her sleeves and pushing the wooden floorboards for her sprint. Readying her fist, just as she was about to deliver the punch, a glowing rope wrapped around Luna’s waist.

Falling, Luna’s face was yet still full of rage, her fists clenching violently as she continued to death glare at Gwen. Seeing that the light rope was coming from Gwen, she stood up Luna so that she would be able to stand.

(Gwen) Awwww, is your little naptime ruined~?

(Luna) FUCK YOU!!

(Gwen) If you behave I’ll get rid of the rope.

Luna then slowly started to control her breathing, her anger managing to slowly be a burden down to her heart. Her hands soon stopped clenching one another as she continued to slow down her heart rate with each passing second. Once Luke and David saw this, they gave out little smiles as Luna managed to take control of her anger bit by bit.

Gwen saw this and drew back the rope that was binding Luna. With the light rope in Gwen’s hands, she made the rope vanish as it started to particle out.

Luna walked over to the box silently, with each step making a creaking sound as the stage couldn’t handle the force pressure. Snatching the banana out of the box, she peeled off the banana, throwing the banana peel onto the ground.

(David’s thoughts) At least Gwen is finally using her power to constrain Luna. Sometimes I wondered if she wanted to get hit by Luna, or if she was just stupid.

Managing to consume the entire banana, Gwen looked at Luna with a serious look, her eyes focusing on Luna as she was still constrained in the rope of light.

Just as Luna was about to walk off…

(Jenny) Hey, pick up your banana peel and put it in the trash—

Luna then picked up the banana peel, looked at Jenny’s recovering angry face, and threw the banana peel hard at her face. Stomping towards the trash bin, she kicked it down the flight of stairs. Her breathing was irregular and her fists clenched hard, she took a seat right next to Luke, her face showcasing veins upon veins plastered on her face.

Jenny then started to grab her hair, about to pull it out of her head as her face was on the verge of exploding. Scared, Jerry took a couple of steps back and patted his pockets, and upon noticing that he didn’t have the source of Jenny’s cure.

(Jerry) Shit! I’ll get more ice cream!

Jerry ran backstage, hoping to find any leftover ice cream…

(Gwen) Okay… uhm … next on our list is Hope, who will be our little medic of the group.

Hope quietly stood up and made her way towards the stage, taking the steps with ease and care. Grabbing the banana in the box, she peeled it halfway, ate it, and threw it away inside the bin.

Before she was about to leave, she looked at Jenny who was fuming with rage, her crazy eyes and hair pulling extremely noticeable. Putting her face down, Hope walked up towards Jenny, and from within her pocket, she brought out a white leftover napkin with her left hand.

(Hope) Here, you could use this to wipe off the ice cream.

Smiling at Jenny who was about to explode, Jenny started to let go of her hair. Despite not exploding, Jenny still had her hands clenched and her body shriveling with rage as she didn’t have another cure for her rage.

But Jenny did snatch away Hope’s napkin, using it to clean her hands as much as she could, but it was only one napkin.

Walking towards where Luke was, she sat down quietly, closing her eyes to get some sleep.

(Gwen) Last but not least, Luke Fenix. Who will be … giggles … the second recon of our group.

(Luke) Oh, come on!

As the last person to walk onto the stage, Luke’s body felt as if an anvil was on top of him. Slowly walking on the steps, he saw from the distance his six future comrades he’d be working with from now on.

Seeing the last banana, he peeled the banana with some struggle and put the peel not on the table or floor, but inside of his pocket. Readying his lips, Luke slowly opened his mouth, feeling the contents of the banana inside his mouth as he closed his mouth shut.

Luke’s eyes opened wide as the banana roamed around the areas of his mouth. Unlike a normal banana, the taste was acidic and sweet, the two flavors crashing all over taste buds along his tongue. Nodding as the taste was impactful for his taste buds, Luke’s eyes started to sparkle gently as his lips curved into a smile.

(Luke’s thoughts) Just one step closer to my goal.

Finishing the banana, he then looked at his hands which were covered in grime and dirt.

(Luke’s thoughts) I guess my next goal is to be a great soldier, a soldier my mom would be proud of… I mean … I’m not the main character…

Looking up, he quickly went over to the bin that was kicked by Luna, and he adjusted it so that it was back to its original position. He also cleaned up the area, putting in the leftover banana peels and trash in the bin. Checking the floors a second time, he did a simple nod for himself that the wooden stage was spotless.

Looking over at Jenny who was looking at him with wide eyes, he slowly walked over to her, his eyes sleepy yet his mouth curled into a little smile.

(Luke) Are you finished with your ice cream?

Jenny looked down at the ice cream that was already decimated by her. Grabbing the container, Jenny clenched hard on the container, bulging veins still on her forehead.

Luke noticed this and put his hands onto Jenny’s constraining hands, her eyes started to form a bit of water as Luke’s smooth yet rough hands touched them.

(Luke) I’ll put the ice cream in the bin for you … is that ok?

Instantly, Luke felt Jenny’s grip on the ice cream decrease, her hands letting Luke handle the container. Carrying the container, Luke walked over to the bin and dumped it in, clapping his hands back and forth before he turned his attention to Jenny, her hands shaking softly.

(Luke) Sorry if I’m not the best at handling Luna, so please forgive me.

Luke then walked shyly to his seat in between Luna and Hope, who had had their eyes closed for a while.

All the adult figures looked at Jenny, who had a warm smile dawning upon her face as she saw Luke walk away.

(Gwen) I think everyone is pretty tired, so wanna just take a nap for a little bit?

(David) Yeah, we’ve all been running on fumes.

And like that, everyone in the little theater went to sleep … for the entire day.