Leaving the warehouse district was one of the weirdest feelings. I could sense eyes on us the entire time we were moving. With all their associates dead, I do not think anyone wanted to risk taking us on. I am still surprised that we survived. With all that we were up against, winning did not seem possible. Yet now is not the time to show weakness. Keeping them at bay is one thing, but if they see us falter, dozens of Boys will jump us. If there are dozens left.

“So, this was quite a night. What do you think, Rejects? Those Boys gave us a good fight, hats off to them.”

Gunnar whispers, “What are you doing, Solo? Trying to incite them?”

I whisper back, “Yeah, shut your gob!”

Gunnar turns to Stillwater, who is still being a little cold to him. “See, I told you, boss. We should have left him back there.” A glare and tightening of her fist quiets him.

I explain, “Joan, I just want to keep it light. We know that they are there, they know we know. They did give us a good fight, but the Boys also know that we are still standing. They lost, we won, but we do not need to be bad winners. I am complimenting them on a good try, but this is the big boy's league, not ‘stabby-stabby in a dark alley’ league.”

I can hear quiet grumbling filtering out of the dark streets all around us. Unless there is someone confident enough to inspire them, the Boys will just stay in their holes. Gunnar and Stillwater might not agree with me, but I know these types. Heck, I am one of these guys. They are not going to do anything.

“Come on, Rejects, our work is done. Time to report to base.” With that, I stride ahead, keeping my chin up. Do not show any weakness. Whispers in the dark. They know that Malik is dead. Guess Jimmy will take over unless another one of these elegant ‘gentlemen’ wishes to claim the throne.

“My sword arm is twitching, Lone. Let’s pick up the pace. Don't want the Boys getting the wrong idea, or we'll have to teach them another lesson!” That’s it, Stillwater! Bluff them. Oh, judging by that look, she might be dangerous.

“Keep it tight, and we'll be good.” Every time she speaks, it makes me want to follow, because I know she has my back. I can see why Gunnar and WayWocket have such loyalty to her.

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Gunnar asks, “Hey, boss, what do you want to do after this? I really think it’s a bad idea to report this whole mess in.”

Stillwater responds, “What do you suggest? Just sweep it under the rug and continue to work for Zlata? I really don't care if I have to slam it down her throat. People need to know what happened here!”

I pipe up, “Hey, this might not be the place to discuss this. One, we are surrounded by Boys. And two, it can wait until the morning; it is only a few hours away. Or is it the morning already?”

Stillwater asks, “What do you think, WayWocket?”

“Smelling the crisp dewiness of the morn can always be good. Only moon rises and sunsets can bring the dawn. It is never the why or what is done, just that it is.” He has such a way with words. I have no idea what he is talking about. “Think, think. Within the shadows and silence, they thrive. Only the dawn can see the beauty of light.”

The pits of the Abyssus! Does that mean what I think it means? I think he wants to report this misadventure. I ask, “WayWocket, are you saying that you agree with Joan?”

“See, you can see the dawn, even if it is dark. Dawn is a promise of the day. You don't need to understand, only believe.”

Thank Mela, I can see Fish Lane. Nearly out of here!

Stillwater asks, “Way, are you serious? This is the best action to take?”

“Boss, don't listen to this hopped-up Gnome! We’re dead men walking if we report. I can't risk it. I’ll follow you, but I don't agree with you and Way,” Gunnar interjects.

“Why should I not believe in Dawn, Green-Soul?” WayWocket just stares at Gunnar. This is making me uncomfortable. “Pure-Heart, follow the dawn. Listen to Dawn-Hero. He understands that the morn will come.”

Here we are, standing and staring at WayWocket. At least the gaslights do their job on Fish Lane. Who are these people: Green-Soul, Pure-Heart, and Dawn-Hero?

Stillwater’s eyes mist up. “Yes, Way, I will follow the dawn. Gunnar, we have to. You can’t stop the dawn, doesn't matter how hard you try.” Now she is speaking like WayWocket. “Head back to the office, do the report, and deal with the consequences as they fall.”

All I can do is agree. Stillwater has given us our orders. Walking through the street towards the watch-house, some of the Watch patrols see us and let us pass by. Some of their faces go green. What do we look like? I do not care. I am too hurt and too tired to worry about something I have no control over. Silently walking through the streets, everyone is deep in their own thoughts. I am even too preoccupied to complain about the street names.

At every turn, WayWocket surprises me. I thought he had his head up in the clouds, but this once again shows me how much he understands beyond the norm. I still have no idea what he is talking about, but I guess Stillwater does. Her pace and stride show me she is resolute. Before the morning, she will do something stupid.

Think, what should I do? Should I just run? I do not want to be strung up for doing the right thing for once. There has to be a better option.