Everyone was starting to pack their things up and preparing for the worst. The people in the compound had been busy doing their daily chores but it felt strange. Olley had been walking besides me the entire time while Nex had gone to find Volv. He had something to discuss with the leader of Vanta. Though at this point, to me they all felt like they didn't have a true leader. Most them did their own thing that made it hard to follow. Meanwhile, I followed Siv to where he wanted to go because I wasn't sure what to do. Nothing has been the same since the incidents, people have been keeping their distances from each other probably until we finally proceed with our evacuation. Part of me hated every second I stayed waiting for the inevitable. I could only imagine what kind of distress Olley must be having. Siv continued on with me just paces behind him. He seemed to know what he was doing. We walked outside to where the HUNT vehicles were. Siv sat down on a pile of junk. Someone was also following us. His tall figure made us realize instantly who it was. Onagi, relaxed as ever just kept quiet while being behind us. Olley didn't seem to realize it so when she turned around she jumped too!

Siv: Listen, girl. I keep forgetting your name. This is private Adamian stuff. I can't just reveal anything. I don't think it's appropriate either. So you shouldn't fucking be here. It might just soil your pants.

Olley: I want to listen to this. If it's what I think it is then I want to know. It's better that I know this. Everyone seems super quiet and it's making me uncomfortable.

Onagi: Dangerous…

Siv: See, Onagi gets it. It's dangerous stuff to get involved with us and whatever it is I'm going to say. It's probably bad news for you anyway.

Olley: I want to listen. Tell them Arc.

Arc: She's as much involved in this as any person can be. Besides she did help us a lot during the fights. If it weren't for her then we would've died in the town hall. She can hold herself up despite being someone new to combat like ours.

Onagi: Agree…

Siv: Well, fuck. If Onagi agrees then it should be fine… I think? Anyway, I just want to be sure that you're not the rat okay? Everyone right now is on edge and I don't feel anything good from conversing with people I don't trust.

Arc: So you're saying that you trust us?

Siv: I'm saying that it can't be any of you. It only makes sense that people who knew and told me about it first wouldn't be the ones rat us out. That girl has been with you since you figured it but she doesn't know a thing about Adamians so it's fine. Onagi has been watching you two for the longest time and he's the one that I trust the most.

Arc: That means it only leaves Volv, Siren, Nitra, and Nex! There's not much else poeple to choose from. But I don't have it in me to think that they're the rats either. All of them have their core values.

Siv: No hard feelings but I don't trust them with an inch of my life. It's a hunt or be hunted scenario and I just don't want to be the hunted. That's not how I picture my life to fucking end.

Onagi: Scary…

Arc: You mean you don't trust Nex? He's trustworthy enough. He did save most of our lives by being our means to escape.

Siv: That's exactly the problem, he's the one that I'm most afraid of. That kind of power, it's not just a simple teleport. If you could only see it's true potential.

Arc: You think Nex would be the traitor?! He's as loyal to the Platform as any of us!

Siv: I'm not cutting the possibility! That's all I'm saying. If you put a thing or two together, there's a chance he could be. His powers can allow him to be at two places at once. So it's hard always pinpoint where he is. There's a reason why there are so many series of Nex's waiting in line for his vial. His power is one of the strongest in the universe.

Arc: Transport magic is strong I can agree with that but…

Siv: It's not just a transport ability dumb ass. It can be used in the biggest ways imaginable. You just don't have the imagination for it. Put yourself in the shoes of a way. He can change the tide of a war by just teleporting an entire fleet right into the middle of a facility! If he wanted he can go into a secure facility, walk in to drop explosives and boom. That kind of power isn't a joke used for escapes. If he had Siren's killer instinct half of the population of Plaux would've died on our entry. If we're aware of what his power can be then I'm positive that the Platform and so does that rogue group too! If I were to aim for someone to convert it would be him.

Arc: Back off! You don't know a thing about Nex! He would never go rogue on the Platform! Not now, not ever!

Siv: I'm just saying there's a reason why the Platform only allows one person to have certain memories and powers. You would be naïve to think that no one has a dark side, Arc. Ignoring the possible destruction he can bring on a civilization if he wanted to.

Arc: He's not the rat! What about the other ones? Your team members. You said you have no bias to who it is.

Siv: I have my suspicions on the two also. If I had to kill them I wouldn't hesitate.

Onagi: Agreed…

Olley: Aren't y'all supposed to be teammates! I wouldn't want to feel that way about my teammates even if they went rogue. I can't help feel a bit terrible knowing that someone doesn't even trust me to be their teammate that they might kill me.

Siv: You don't get it. This isn't about feelings or whether they're good people. It's about making sure that everything from the Platform is secured and kept away from other planets. Everything that belongs to the Platform is dangerous!

Olley: What do you mean?

Siv: You think that we're just allowed to go on trips or simple missions? That's just not how things work. Anything that can be taken by an enemy from a team can be dangerous. As much as possible we avoid leaving a trace because it can easily be used against us. A prime example was the cluster fuck that just happened.

Arc: I just never expected of all things to appear. They had an avatar on their side. There's only a few things that can take it down. They're literally built to be used against people like us. Might be like sharks but much deadlier.

Onagi: Sentinels…

Siv: Impossible. Those things are completely extinct. Way more extinct than avatars. Or so we thought. They were supposed to be decommissioned after Polarity just like avatars. But if an avatar can spring up like that then I wouldn't be surprised if a sentinel might be commissioned again.

Arc: Guess whoever it is has some foothold in the Platform. Their ability to just do that just spills trouble.

Siv: No, not even a foothold or favors can commission an avatar back online just like that. There's more to this. If someone had that power then they're in a much stronger position.

Arc: Doesn't that mean…

Onagi: The Platform…

Siv: You got it. There are rats in the Platform as well. Not just any kind of rat but a powerful one. No one can just give an avatar like that. This goes deeper than what's happening in Plaux.

Onagi: Rat king…

Olley: A bit gross but accurate…

Siv: Why now? Why start acting now when they've been quiet for so long? A bit too much of a coincidence to start now. It doesn't make sense to start a revolution or something. It doesn't make any fucking sense.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Arc: Then what?

Siv: I don't know! I'm thinking! Whatever happens though things have already been decided. We're already ordered to leave. This is a god forsaken planet now filled with vermin. We can't allow them to spread and kill. Or worse people experimenting on these things and finding Adamian DNA.

Arc: That's always been protocol.

Siv: No, we need to leave earlier than them. We need to alert the Platform before anything else. But if we do then we're the ones that seem the most suspicious. Fuck! Another road block...

Arc: I can't just leave Nex here. I'll be basically betraying him if I do!

Siv: What's more important to you? The Platform or your feelings? Last I remember, you were trained to be a soldier. Now get your act together. If you're not coming with us then you can stay here with the other rats. Let's go Onagi.

Siv walked off with Onagi on his six leaving me and Olley to ourselves again. She looked distressed this time, her eyes were circling red and black. What was I going to do? What would Juxo do at this point? That message he sent me had nothing in it to help us at all. I thought for sure that it was going to mean something. Both of us just sat on the piles of metal in silence just thinking about what to do. There was nothing coming up that could help us in this situation. Plus there's something else that eating me alive on the inside. My insides were filling rapidly with dread that I could feel my leg being restless. Tapping the ground over and over. I needed sometime to think everything over. But everything in my head was still jumbled up. The deaths of those two weren't going lightly in that I can't even think straight. Things are replaying in my head too often that it hurts. The burns in my hand, the stab wound in my gut. They scream in pain each time I see something that reminds me of them. Olley tapped my shoulder but it wasn't helping. It feels like every time I sit down I can't help thinking about them.

Olley: Arc, what's going to happen to me?

Arc: I don't know…

Olley: Am I going to die?

Arc: I don't want to answer that… I'm so sorry. I wish I could answer you but feel like I'm about to fall apart if I do. I'm so sorry, Olley. I failed us...

Olley: It's okay, Arc… You don't need to worry. Let's not think about it okay?

Her eyes suddenly shifted into blue and black. My heart was aching just standing next to her. Was she going to die just like them? If we leave then this planet its as good as dead. Everything that was built will be reduced to ashes and forgotten. I've experienced this protocol with the team before but this was the first time that I felt torn about it. I didn't think about it but I reached out for her hand. She looked surprised when I did but she held it tight. This brought me a little bit of comfort. However, in the end it was useless. My head was just in a different state. One that I was too unfamiliar with. I looked at Olley and the only thing in my head was that she was going to be gone too.

Olley: If you don't mind. I have somewhere to go. I need to find my mom, you don't need to come with me if you don't want to… It's a bit personal after all...

Arc: I'll go... It's alright...

We walked all the way back to where the hunting district was or at least what was going to be left of it. They were close to where the primary zone of attack was. However, as we reached the village, it was barely touched apart from the wall. The people were obviously in high alert in case things happened. As we continued on, bodies of vermin were stuck on poles near a large bonfire. At least they managed to fend off some of them. It looked like they barely got any help. The huts that were here before were now moved closer to each other. They even made a perimeter to defend against attacks. Impressive seeing how savages can survive while a more advanced age falls. Olley proceeded to make her way through the amount of bonfires and people staring. Some she waved and smiled but others looked with contempt. Their glares were enough for me to clench my fist in annoyance. I knew those stares all too well. It's what made being Adamian so hard, sometimes I just want to unleash some kind of hell on people who look at me. However, that's just something coming from the dark side of my personality. Eventually, we finally made it back to Olley's house again. Her mother was busy doing whatever it was she was doing. It involved some strange instrument and a bunch of animals. However, as soon as she saw Olley, she dropped everything down and rushed to hug her. Her smile was filled with so much warmth that I could feel it from here. She saw me too then smiled at me. I couldn't look her in the eye because of what's going to happen next. An enormous amount of guilt started to come over me. This feeling was completely new to me.

Mom: Thank you for bringing my daughter back. How was your adventure darling? I can see that you finally changed out of those rags but you still have your dad scarf.

Olley: Yeah, I don't feel good without it. I know he's out there somewhere. If I see him, I want him to know that I'm wearing his stuff.

Mom: Honey… Still it's mighty fine to finally see you both. When I heard there was something breaking out in the other districts. I didn't want to think of the worst. But seeing you here, looks like you were just fine.

Arc: Uh, yeah…

Mom: Are you going to sit still this time Olley? Hehehe.

Olley: I might as well, mom. I don't feel like I want to leave your side right now...

Mom: What do you mean?

Olley: We need to talk, let's talk inside… I don't really want people to know...

The atmosphere around us started to change. It didn't feel warm anymore, the place was completely cold. Almost like I was going to be at someone's funeral. Though I have to admit that maybe that's what this actually was. Olley was on the verge of tears as she held her mom tightly. The feelings she had was something that I only wished I could have. Someone to cry on when things get hard. A family…

We went inside their house and it was the same as usual. Nothing had changed, the only thing that did were the people. Olley's mom put out some dessert on the table as we sat down. Olley sat next to her mom while I sat opposite of them. This wasn't news that was easy to break. My frustration was boiling over but I didn't want this to be about me. It's about the people that I've failed. I could've done better… If only I was stronger than this. These two would've lived longer and better lives. I hated it. Just being here was my punishment.

Mom: What is it dear?

Olley: Mom, was there something that you regret doing? Or wished you could've done better?

Mom: Of course dear. Sometimes there were things that I did differently.

Olley: I see…

Mom: But what's most important is what you do in the present or future. If you get stuck in the past then you'll be so occupied that you won't see what's in front of you. Okay?

Olley: I just wished I knew what you wanted to do so I would have granted your wish. I didn't want to go about my thing and just leave you around thinking about that kind of stuff...

Mom: Olley dearest, just being your mother is all I need. You're my dream come true. Anything that I could've hoped for you've become. You're smart, feeling, strong, and determined. Everything that a mother would have wished for.

Olley: Thanks mom… I just wished...

Olley hugged her mom, she couldn't hold in her tears anymore as she bawled on her mother's shoulders. Her mom hugged her back despite not knowing anything about what's to come. Should I be the one that breaks this up? I'm going to be the one that tells them that there's nothing but pain coming…

After a while, Olley fell asleep. We carried her to her old room to make sure she rested well. She didn't get enough rest from operation to operation. Hopefully things will get better when she wakes up. Her sleeping face looked hard to look away from. She deserved a lot more. Though I wished I could say the same for me. I didn't get a notification from the others to regroup or that our transport would arrive. It would probably take a few more cycles to happen but I was anxious. This stabbing sensation just kept repeating over and over. We finally sat down back on the table. Her mom's eyes were still caring despite I'm the one that basically took Olley on her adventure despite her telling me not to.

Mom: She's quite the handful isn't she. Though I wouldn't know anymore. She's always been quite the energetic one. How was she, Arc? I hope she wasn't too much trouble.

Arc: Everything that you described her to be. I can't help but be a bit jealous sometimes of how innocent she can be.

Mom: I see… Why comeback though? All she ever wanted in life was to run into this grand adventure of a lifetime or find her dad. Now she's back here.

Arc: We're returning to the Platform. She wanted to see you before whatever comes next.

Mom: Oh… We've been dreading a day like this. A day when everything we know is just going to disappear. So why then? Why did you come here with her? You could've just left her alone to avoid this.

Arc: I don't know. I wish I could do something about it. I really do.

Mom: Well I believe you…

Arc: How? We don't even know each other that well.

Mom: I can tell because it's a duty of a parent to protect their child. Seeing you here showed that you cared. Or at least cared enough for her…

Arc: Anyone would do that…

Mom: And here you are, in front of me. Even if you wanted to bring her back home. Why are you still here?

Arc: Cause I'm guilty that we brought this down on all of you.

Mom: I thought soldiers can't feel guilty.

Arc: I guess so. I'm sorry this was a mistake.

Mom: No, please sit down for a while.

Arc: I'm just confused on what to do. I wish I knew all the answers but everything is just too complicated.

Mom: It's alright, we'll be fine. Don't worry about Hyer. I'm more moved that you cared this much for Hyer's people. But can you at least do something for me?

Arc: I can't give out promises like that. I already failed the first one.

Mom: Just try anyway. Please find a way to save Olley. I know it's selfish because there are more people that need saving but please. If you can find a way to keep her from this… Then please do it. She doesn't deserve any of this, none of them do.

Arc: I'll do what I can. Though the chances are slim…

Mom: Thank you anyway.

I walked out of the house just like I did cycles ago. It does feel a bit nostalgic in a way. As I did, I saw someone coming up towards the house. My instinct started to go into overdrive like some kind of monster was in front of me. The person walked up into sight revealing it to be Terra! I didn't have time for this. She seemed to have something on her or any intentions but I just knew that she was going to stir trouble.

Arc: Stop right there! Just stand where you are!

Terra: I'm not here to fight.

Arc: What the hell do you mean?

Terra: I said, I'm not here to fight.

Arc: Is it because you got the order to evacuate too?

Terra: Yeah, every Adamian gets it on their communicator. It's like a giant fail safe but you knew that already

Arc: Then what are you doing here? Come to give me more of the truth?

Terra: Partly, as much as she wants to come here to fight. I've gotten better at suppressing her so I won't slip unless you want her to.

Arc: So? What's up?

Terra: We have a ship. It's obvious that you shouldn't know about it but that's what. This is my last chance to ask you to come with us.

Arc: I already said that I was never going to join you. I'm loyal only to the Platform.

Terra: Even if you knew their secrets?

Arc Well, I don't know any of their secrets. Even then I don't think I have it in me to betray them.

Terra: So did I. With the amount of classes that we had to endure. I thought for sure that there was nothing in this world that would make me turn away from the Platform. Though I'd be lying if I said that I still wouldn't chase you down.

Arc: If you're going to take someone then take Olley. She is much of an asset to our band right now than anyone else. She knows how to operate a Mark2 better than anyone we know and has natural eyesight to any situation.

Terra: If I bring someone like her to the airship, there's no guarantee that she won't be dissected and experimented on by the scientist. Or even turned into those experiments you've seen.

Arc: What do I do?

Terra: It's none of my business.

Arc: Then what are you guys even doing? You already won. They're going to blow up this planet just to destroy any evidence.

Terra: One of the many reasons why I'm leaving. But you're right, we won this time. Not in the way that would satisfy her. Though it doesn't matter how I win.

Arc: Are you done gloating?

Terra: We found evidence. Something actually concrete but we have to find more. I'm sure you already know, Eden... One of the evidence is from you and Juxo. The Platform doesn't want you to know or anyone. That's all I can give.

Arc: At least you've given me some peace of mind for a second. Thank you.

Terra: You're welcome.

I looked to see that for the first time, I finally got to see Terra's genuine smile. It bothered me because it was just something I could never picture out. My image of this girl had been tossed and turned to weird places. It's like I never knew this person in the first place. I stood up but my body was beyond any condition to fight. Though from her stance, I don't thinks he came here to do that.

Arc: I don't even know anymore. Why are you even helping me? It doesn't make any sense. You're the enemy now but you act like we're meeting for the first time.

Terra: We are technically meeting for the first time.

Arc: Don't dodge. I know you're going to leave soon anyway. So just tell me.

Terra: As a personal reason?

Arc: Yeah.

She stood close to me. She was still taller than me which made it feel weird looking up. I have the same problem with Onagi. Now that I think about it, she's actually almost as tall as Onagi. She stole the moments of my life in the Academy when she used to pull me to the training dome. Or the times that she wouldn't relent in asking for a rematch. But when the time came to our classes she became cold and different into the person she's now. Why did she even choose the suicide class along with me. My first teammate Terra. Her lips pressed on mine and I didn't move.