Arc 2 - Chapter 57: What Lies Beyond Human's Horizon?

He opened his eyes.

His butt pressed onto imaginary white, he looked around the world filled with nothingness. Not a speck of color glowing amidst his irises, he felt his fingers grapple onto the floor. It wasn’t marble, or wood, or even carpet—it felt like air.

Glancing down at the ground, he quivered and trembled at the unholy sight.

—This again…

Getting up from the ground, he didn’t yell or scream like last time. Entering in the world of white, the world that radiated nothingness, he laid his hands calmly against his thighs.

—What is the meaning behind these…

Softly treading the imaginary ground, he felt like the horizon was infinite. No borders, no walls, if he wanted to he could travel the plain of emptiness. His stamina the only thing stopping him, he knew he could travel for hours if he—

He stopped.

—Huh?

As if it popped out right in front of him, a figure stood with a shadowed face.

Looking to be a slim person, Luke couldn’t detail the person’s face or characteristics. But nearly instantly, he could outline the clothing they wore. Black leather jacket, black pants, black boots; then the features began to appear.

Having pale skin, having black hair, strands of it littered against her forehead. Tilting her head up, she then allowed her shadowed face—

To be unshadowed.

—“Thank you.”—

The woman had freckles.

And thus ended the world of white.

________________________________________________________________________

(Libertatem 1, 59 / 6:30AM)

A gasp of air shackled his throat.

Pushing it out forcingly, he felt his heart beat against his ribcage. With basic shapes and textures being unblurred, his eyes took in the surroundings.

All around him were nothing but burnt concrete and brick. Looking like the two buildings failed, at least it protected them from most of the flames. Along with everyone looking to be safe, no casualties or injuries were bestowed.

“About time you woke up.”

He soon felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist, eliminating blood to travel to his legs. Unable to twist or turn his body, he softly glanced at the woman holding him, a woman with tan skin and brown eyes.

“How long was I out?”

“Long enough.”

“But, that doesn’t quite—”

“Just be quiet.”

He allowed his body to be strangled by her arms.

Having his bottom firm on the ground, it was nestled in the dim heat. But as soon as he turned to his right, a pair of boots clamped on the ground. As both Luke and Luna sat on the ground, a woman with blonde hair stared at them with darkened eyes. Extending her hand out, she had her sights mostly on Luna.

“What now—”

Touching her head, a mix of positive and negative mingled her hair. Shocking both of them, Luna instantly let go of Luke, and felt the current shingle her muscles down to her bones. She rapidly stood up, and balled her hands into fists.

“You bitch!”

“Hahaha…T-T-Try to get … m-me!”

“Luna. Don’t.”

Placing his right hand onto her shoulder, he felt the leather prickle his palm like super glue. Feeling like it wanted to stick, it was enough for the hard-headed woman to turn her eyes on Luke.

“She’s exhausted. Judging from the healing she used on Miles, I think she reached a drunken state.”

“Whatever…”

Brushing his hand away, she rolled her eyes and scoffed out air through her mouth. Walking toward where everyone was at, Luke turned to see her walk.

A sense of relief washed over him, leaving him to slowly breathe out of his nose. Turning his eyes back onto Hope, he began to rub the back of his head.

“Thanks for healing Miles during the flames. Without that, we would’ve all been dead.”

“Sssshhh.”

Her shyness nowhere to be found, she took a step forward with her head hung low. Extending her hand out, she stuck out her pointer finger, and pushed it onto his lips. Giggling, the state that she was in made him blush a pinkish red.

“Did I do great?”

“Uhm … a-absolutely! Yeah, you did great! I mean, all of you did.”

“T-Thanks. And because you said that, I want to compliment you as well…”

Arching her whole head back, her blonde hair whiplashed onto her upper back. Lighting up a bright smile, her eyes brimmed with warmth

Having her palms trying to touch the clouds, the dark red that tormented the sky slowly began to weaken. Her wobbling legs holding her body weight, everything began to feel brighter.

—“You were amazing! Amazing like a—”

Unable to complete her sentence, she then collapsed on her back.

Her arms and legs sprawled out, she softly giggled even when she groaned from her throat. Looking like she slammed her back hard, Luke lowered his right hand.

As he began to get her back up, he heard the rippling of blades from above.

From just a dozen of meters in front of him, a small helicopter landed firmly on the street. Sweeping away dust, rolling out balls of stone, one man jumped out from the passenger seat. His hands inside of his pockets, his red-hair was clearly seen from the undarkened alleyway.

“How’s it going, you lovebirds?”

Tilting his head to the right, he pushed up a grin, and had his eyes on Luke holding up Hope. His hands stationed underneath her elbows, he felt his cheeks burden in red. Meanwhile, Hope raised her right hand, and waved at Jack with sparkling eyes.

“We’re great! Did you see Luke?”

“Yeah, he’s a real pro. Imagine if he was in the Survey Corps.”

“The what?”

“Forget what I said. Is everyone holed up in that alley?”

Luke and Hope glanced in back of them, and found everyone up with sluggish eyes. Looking like they’ve been through the brunt of it, at least their enemy was defeated. Clasping both of her hands, she took a few steps toward the alley, and pushed her hands to the air.

“Jack’s here everyone! Jack’s here!”

“Uh Hope. He meant to question us, not get them out.”

“Jack wants to see you all!”

—Well, she’s drunk so I won’t bother…

Everyone turned their eyes to Hope, along with Luke and Jack who stood idly like mannequins.

Giving them no other choice, the many soldiers that hid amongst the shadows slowly walked forward. Trailing out clumps of stone, they emerged onto the street with squinted eyes. Even though no sunlight broke through the clouds, it felt like the darkness was withering away by the second.

“We all made it.”

An imaginary violin swelled the air.

From the industrial buildings that surrounded them, most of them were completely destroyed or heavily damaged. Their faces smudged with dirt, and their bodies emitting foul odors, they all turned toward the direction of the blast.

And saw a giant crater, one that radiated off heat.

“Man this sucks…”

“Well at least we’re not dead.”

“True.”

They all stared east, with the hopes that the sun might break through those clouds. But they all perked their ears, and softly glanced in back of them.

A numerous amount of jeeps strolled right behind them, its engines rumbling back and forth through the metal. From the engines down to the headlights, they both ceased their power. With the jeep doors swaying wide open, it allowed a flood of soldiers to pour from the tincans of metal.

Luke inhaled an influx of air through his throat, and released it all out.

“Guys!”

A shark-human, a cowboy, a teenage girl, and a monolid woman walked toward him and the others.

David had his hands inside of his jackets, while he brought along the three of them. Once Luke was right in front of David, Luke rubbed the back of his neck.

“You did good kid. Guess you are that special after all.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have done it if nobody helped me. They all did great.”

Luke continued to smile, even when his body felt like a slug.

Looking around the many soldiers, he scanned east and west, and north and south with a swayed body. Curling his fingers into his palm, he felt his fingers twitch and tremble.

“Have you seen Gwen?”

Luke stalled his breath.

“Yeah … we managed to find her …”

And he felt his vocals collide. Placing his right hand onto his chest, grabbing his leather jacket with his fingers, he tried to get those words out. His head tilted low, along with the air sweltering in dust, he balled his other hand.

“Where is she…?”

“She’s in one of the jeeps … she’s still alive, but barely…”

“Take me to her.”

David tilted his hat down, and darkened his face. Not allowing anyone to see his face, he turned his body around, and placed one of his hands onto top of his hat. With his other hand in his jacket, he walked, and pushed his boots to the farthest jeep at the back.

Luke followed suit, along with the many other Dark Angels that carried themselves like sheep. Growing eyebags around his eyelids, Benn kept his hands to his sides and walked in back of everyone. Forcing their legs to move, forcing their bones to flow in motion, none of them faltered against their buckled knees.

Meanwhile, Stan and many other soldiers saw their march, and he felt his eyes flicker.

“Let’s follow them…”

Without saying anything else, Fred, Gary, and Diego walked with Stan. Hiding behind him, strands of his ginger-brown hair flickered on his forehead.

Boris, who was with Jenny and Loraine, saw them off with buckled knees. Having his fedora still tucked onto his head, he raised his hand, and pressed it firm onto the top. Taking off his hat, he lowered it onto his stomach.

“Come on Loraine … you too Jenny …”

Having a bit of hesitation, the teenage girl and the monolid woman walked side by side.

The only people who didn’t follow them were Johnny and Elizabeth; and the rest of the agents. All of them sitting down amongst the hot rubble, they felt the stone and brick pressure itselves onto their tailbones. Their palms firm on the ground, they allowed the silence to take hold of their throats.

“So only one person is injured…” Uttered Johnny.

“Maybe I could—” Said Elizabeth, before she was interrupted by a man garnished in black.

“Don’t bother. Us agents saw her wound.” Said Ada.

“Yeah … she looks bad.” Said Eren.

Briggs remained quiet, and folded his arms below his chest. Staring blankly at the asphalt in front of him, he tapped his foot against the concrete. As for Alexandra, she was right beside the man clouded in darkness.

Instead of wrapping her arm around his neck, she gently pressed her hand onto his knuckles. Unreactive to her touch, immune to warmth, he continued to stare.

But he didn’t brush her off, even when she brushed her cheek on his shoulder.

“She’s in here…”

For the Dark Angels, the air felt heavy. Their eyes peeled forward, some of them stared down, or some of them stared forward, but not one glazed to their right or left.

Reaching toward the last jeep, David was the one to pop open the trunk. Same as the vans, two doors swayed open, allowing the Dark Angels to gather around like vultures. Sitting against a pair of seats was…

—A woman wrapped in a mole of bandages.—

Trickling out of her stomach, was a pond of blood drenching her pants. Her eyes barely open, her face wrinkled and ghostly pale, she motioned her attention to the soldiers in front of her. Trying to conjure a quivering smile, her heart beat against her chest heavily.

“H-Hey guys … can you get me off of this jeep?”

________________________________________________________________________

Unable to walk, she dragged her boots against the ground.

Her arms wrapped around Luke and David, they both carried her all the while she bled. Still awake, she arched her head back, and tried to see the sky that was blocked by the blackish clouds.

All of them walking toward the crater, they felt the heat blemish their bodies and clothes. No grass or flowers blooming, only dark asphalt was shown, and they stopped at the edge.

“Set me down here…”

Turning to face each other, Luke and David did a simple nod, before settling Gwen down. Letting her grip the ground with her knees, they bent down along with her. Her arms still wrapped around Luke and David, she slouched her head near Luke.

Swallowing whatever saliva she had, she marinated her esophagus. Even when it burned, Luke felt his body tremble.

“Gwen…”

“Don’t worry it’s just a scratch. I’ll be ok … I’ll be ok … hey Luke …”

He couldn’t glance at her freckled face, mostly because he wouldn’t bring himself to do it. Even when he groveled his shins on the asphalt, and her head near his shoulder, he continued to stare forward. Hearing her wheezing, her breathless gasps, more blood trickled out from her white bandages.

“Can I … lay my head down on your lap?”

Luke tucked his feet into his legs. Moving his right hand to his upper back, he then adjusted her body, so that her head was pressed onto his thighs.

Although he was skinny, it was just enough for Gwen’s comfort. Using them like a pillow, she had her eyes facing Luke’s face, and saw his right eye covered by his side bang. And as for his left eye, it looked as if he was on the verge of tears.

“I told you that I’ll be ok… didn’t I?”

“Your breath … your body … it’s starting to feel…”

“Hey, just because I’m starting to feel cold, doesn’t mean I’m sad. In fact, I’m more than happy, you all are here …”

Everyone, from the main group to the reserves, all surrounded Luke and Gwen. Their eyes pinned on her dying body, they all slowed their breathing the more they stared at her bandages.

Her breath was like iron, with the smell crinkling Luke’s nostrils as if her gums rusted. His eyes quivering, he gently moved his left hand up to her forehead, and felt her body beginning to … burn.

“What caused you to be like this … who did this …”

“Someone stronger than me … someone much smarter than me…”

“But, you’re the strongest right?”

Gwen remained silent.

“Right?”

“Oh Luke…”

A single tear rolled from his left eye.

Streaming down his cheek, it flowed all the way down to his throat, and stalled. Unable to look at her face, Luke averted his eyes, and held the dams at bay from the flood.

Turning her eyes to the rest of the crowd present, she pinned her eyes on Boris. Having his fedora pressed onto his stomach, he had on a frown, one that was filled with regret.

“What is it, old man? Finally showing guilt?”

“I didn’t expect this to happen… you were our golden ticket.”

“Then I guess it expired. If you really want to find your next gold…”

Gwen coughed out once, as bits of blood were scoffed out from her throat. Her breath continued to graze her vocals, it was as if her mucus tried to hold her back. But even so, she narrowed her face.

“Then you got to take the pie rather than a slice.”

Boris huffed out a single breath, one breath that soured his vocals down to his lungs. Feeling it pinch his airways, feeling it strain his gums, he looked down at the ground in front of him.

And allowed the weird metaphor to dawn inside of him.

“I’ll keep that in mind…”

Turning her eyes to David, he saw his hat lowered the same as Boris. Having it stationed onto his stomach, strands of his messy hair lingered near his eyelids, leaving the tips of them to pinch his eyes.

“You just had to go above and beyond…”

“What? And you didn’t?”

David tightened the grip upon his hat, and felt his nails to wrinkle the leather.

In the course of his fight with Kenichi, and even Pedro, he hadn’t used the full force of his strength. Even when the walls shook, bursted, or dent; he knew he hadn’t reached his full potential.

For the two strongest, at least one of them had reached their mountain peak.

“Just rest. At least you were able to push to your limits … I couldn’t.”

Turning her eyes to Jenny and Loraine, Jenny teared the longer she stared at Gwen’s dying body. Covering her mouth with one of her hands, David was right beside her.

Having his arms wrap around her neck, she immediately nuzzled into his shoulder. As she did so, Loraine only stared down at the cement, and curled her fingers into her hands. Sniffling once, she had her shoulder near Jenny’s chest.

‘For two girls that hate each other … they sure act like daughter and mother…’

Pushing her eyes to Miles, he had his face completely darkened and void of light. Trying his hardest to control his body, he gulped.

“This is bull…”

“At least you’re saying goodbye.”

Unwilling to push his hands into his pockets, the easterly wind grazed his hair. When the cold air blew against everyone’s faces, he didn’t unveil a quiver of tears.

“Then who’s going to lead us … now that you’ll—”

“No one can predict the future. As long as you’re breathing, as long as you all are, then that’s fine in my book.”

Miles' eyes reddened, and he bit his lower lip softly.

Wanting to cry, he wrinkled his cheeks up to his forehead, and he sniffled once. Gulping, he took a step back, and brushed his shoulder beside Jack. Despite not wanting to be seen, his height didn’t help him.

And as for Jack, all he could do was frown.

“We’re going to miss you…”

“Is that all you have to say red-head?”

Jack felt his soul flicker, leading to his brown eyes to fade the more he stared. Like someone was whispering into his ear, he felt it tickle his ears. But he couldn’t take the pressure.

For just a second, he unshadowed his words.

“I’m sorry … I really am …”

“What for?”

“I’m just sorry … that’s all.”

Jack turned his body away, and felt his eyes grow worse with every second. Reclaiming what was replaced, a small line of mucus ran down his right nostril, as his face darkened. Same as him, liquid poured from her nose, but it was casted in red rather than water.

Rolling down her chin, it then reached the end of her jaw. Ignoring the feeling of her body heat dimming, she then turned her eyes toward both Luna and Hope.

Who stood side by side in back of Luke.

“Try not to kill anyone, okay? Can you promise me that Luna?”

“Shut up…”

Instead of an angry growl, she pushed down a frown. The corners of her lips reaching her jaw, she tried to smile, but her strained face only worsened. Trying so hard not to cry, trying her best to maintain composure, it slowly crumbled like a cookie dipped in hot cocoa.

“Who will I get angry with now?”

“There’s always Jack. Heck, he’s practically our punching bag. Go to him.”

Unable to respond, Luna felt her throat jump once. Feeling her knuckles shiver, her chest to burn a blush, until she grabbed a hold of Luke’s shoulder.

His shoulder muscle was already tightened, meaning her nails were dull to his discomfort. Seeing that Luna kept it in, Gwen turned her eyes to Hope, who already had tears rolling down her cheeks.

“The wound is already too deep, so no need to be sorry.”

“But—”

“Whether you headed for me first, or not, this wound I took is bigger than any injury before me.”

Same as Luna, Hope pushed her hand onto Luke’s shoulder, and felt his shoulder muscle tense. Instead of digging her nails, instead of prying them deep, she stalled. Feeling her eyes sting, along with her cheeks stained, the water that riveted down her eyes swept into her chest.

“I’m … I’m going to miss you …”

“I guess you all are…”

Both Luna and Hope stood together, their shoulders side by side. Being the only women in the group, and as much as they disliked each other … Seeing death was a common interest.

Pushing her eyes away from the two of them, she then noticed Stan’s group hovering in the back. Having a smile that gleamed with warmth, she cleared her bloodied throat.

“You four need to shape up! Girlfriends! Strength! Muscles! Do something with your lives!”

“That’s all you got to say…”

“Think of it as my last piece of advice to you four… I hope you can channel it well.”

The four men felt a fire surge within their souls, leaving them to straighten their backs along with their heads. Perfectly aligning their bodies, they then raised a salute, one that was filled with duty and respect. Their shoes closely knit, they soared with confidence … for just their salute alone.

“Yes ma’am!”

Softly chuckling at their salutes, she softly blushed a pinkish red. Being called ma’am, or being saluted, only made her heart soar with butterflies. As her body heat continued to dim, it led to her skin to pale ever so ghastly.

Dropping their hands, she noticed a man hiding behind Luna and Hope.

“Benn…”

He stared wide-eyed, a reaction that no one took. Looking like he might pass out, all of his hands shook the longer he saw her face.

“Do you have anything to say?”

Ever since he first laid eyes on her, he knew she needed to be protected.

From the scars from her wrist, to the accursed memories she held, she was close to quitting at the halfway line. Being the one to change her fate, she still stood, but one can only delay death. He never wanted such a day to come, but at last, he was left to quiver and freeze; and stare.

All those times she smiled, those scenes that flashed brighter than any sun, he gulped at the mere thought of a sun dying. Feeling his throat pulse, all he had to do was say a final goodbye, or a sentence. But—

[Love is love.]

“... not the right time.”

She didn’t chuckle, nor did she laugh. Not a grin or smirk in sight, the only thing she did was smile. Her vision being blurred, tears began to swell within her lower eyelids.

As her lower body began to shut down.

Unable to move her feet or legs, she knew that her time was reaching its end. Her breathing slowed, her heart beating less, all of her body heat was reaching its reserves. Which pushed her eyes onto—

Luke.

Having his palm still clamped on her forehead, he felt his skin be prickled by ice. Knowing she was shutting down, the wind from the east blew ever so strongly.

“If only …”

“If only nothing. You did your best, you all did.”

“But you’re—”

“Don’t be hard on yourself Luke.”

Her face began to soften. Feeling her stomach grow numb, she couldn’t twitch or wiggle any longer, as no blood flowed through her wound. And the more Luke felt her skin, it was like touching a playdough.

“How can I fully try? How can I fully grow if I’m not hard on myself? I failed. I—”

“You won. You don’t know it, but you won.”

Using the last of her strength, she raised her hand up to his. Feeling his knuckles squirm, feeling his hand tremble, it was all smoothened out from her cold touch.

Trying to comprehend her words, it clogged his throat with words. Clattering his teeth, he felt his gums strain the longer he stared upon her sweltering eyes.

“I know my goal. I know what I accomplish and what I don’t. I tried to be your bestest soldier, but I …”

“You did become my bestest soldier. Don’t you get it?”

She soon felt her chest and neck cloud with static. Withering around her skin, pins and needles was all she could feel, before her nerves began to fade.

“Even if you think of yourself as someone weak, weaker than the average joe, just remember …

For the last time, she stared right at Luke’s teary-eyed face. Her eyes wavering to close, she turned to look easterly, and stared not just at the crater … but the clouds as well.

As her words echoed into delirium.

—“You’re still a hero in by book.”—

Her shutdown commenced. Her lungs slowed and cradled, her heart beating with every long syllable, everything was slow…

Unable to see her face, Luke held his breath, and stared forward as well. As Gwen’s words became whispers.

“You’ll be the new commander of the Dark Angels. You’re smarter than what you take credit for … that’s for sure…”

“But…”

“No buts … no buts … promise me you’ll lead them with care.”

A flash of memories played within his mind.

From the moment he first met her, she was a beacon he achieved to strive. Being strong, being compassionate and full of life, she was the embodiment of a woman who cared for all. To the young and old, she shone light to not just him, but to all of his friends that stood before her.

Giving them all a second chance, they were ever grateful. But for Luke, she was his hero … a hero that’ll forever shine through his galaxy of stars…

“I promise.”

—At long last, the clouds finally began to break apart.—

All of her blood went cold. Using any bit of strength, any bit of muscle held up her eyelids.

From the Dark Angels, to the four nerds, and to the agents and soldiers; everyone stared East. Allowing their eyes the gift of revelation, they felt the hell they were stuck upon … be swept away.

Leaving the very first sunrise to kindle their souls.

With the sun warming their skin, everyone kept their eyes forward rather than down. Feeling the residue of dirt sweeping into their pours, feeling the dust cling onto their clothes, it warmed their clothes.

‘Wow…’

Her body completely drained from life, she stared at the sun rising from the horizon. That single star giving her her last warmth, she felt it blemish her skin …

Taking in one last breath, she felt her lungs return to her blackened color. In one final sweep, she unleashed it all, all through her rattled throat. Pushing out the quietest of death rattles, her eyes pictured the burning sun—

Which she’ll carry to the light up above.

—‘So this is Paradise…’—

She smiled, and allowed death to carry her within her arms.

Feeling like he was carrying ice, Luke moved both of his hands underneath her corpse, and gently lifted her up. Having his knees pressured on the ground, he felt it scrape against the bone, as he then lifted one knee. Along with the other, every tendon of his thighs bulged, but he didn’t fall.

Stabilizing his weight, he turned toward everyone, and allowed his light brown hair to gleam under the sun. His nose pinkish red, he cleared his throat while he maintained calmness.

“Are you guys truly okay with it? For me to be a leader?”

“It was Gwen’s choice, so I have no right to interfere. In fact, it was her last wish she pushed forth…”

“So then … what now…” Muttered Jack.

Everyone maintained hardened faces, as their eyes crinkled under the water they held. Trying not to look at Luke, and especially Gwen, most of them either looked down or glanced to the North and South.

Glancing down at the corpse he carried, he saw her smile continue to glow. Returning the smile back, the wind died down, leaving Luke to glance back at his friends.

“A burial … she needs rest, needs to sleep in a place I know she—”

“Sunflowers…”

Everyone twisted their eyes on Benn, who spoke out with sunken words. His hands motionless against his sides, and his eyes peering at the asphalt, he didn’t strain an ounce of his feet.

“She was raised in the Prairie a hundred miles South. Playing tag with her brother was one of her favorite things to do … especially in the field of sunflowers that surrounded her shack…”

Benn kept his darkened face ahold, as his eyes alone held back an emotion he rarely felt. Remembering her words, her jolly expressions, everything shone onto his gray soul.

Luke slowly walked toward Benn, making everyone take a step back. Pushing his gaze down to the floor, he didn’t have the will to speak up, or talk back. Once he stood in front of the shark-human, Luke catched everyone by surprise.

As he extended his arms outward, and gave Benn an offering he wouldn’t refuse.

“Fenix sir…?”

“Can you be the one to bury her? If it’s alright with you…?”

Benn had his go numb, but he had a debt to repay. As soon as he first met her, she and him changed their lives around. Now a soldier, a man who would bring forth justice with his own hands, he shifted his knuckles.

And extended his hands outward.

“Yes sir.”

Luke let go of Gwen, and allowed her radiating cold to forever etch into his fingers. Carrying her like the corpse’s bride she was, she was light, as if he was carrying stacks of paper. Having her head onto his chest, he gave her warmth that she couldn’t give back.

Leaving a single tear to sprawl from his right eye.

Clearing his throat, hardening his face, Benn felt his shadow face be defeated by the sun. Having his eyes and grayish skin be reflected by the rays, he kept a stern face while he stared at Luke.

“So what now Commander?” Asked Jack.

"You all could just keep calling me Luke..."

“But you’re a leader now son. Whatever you do, whatever mistake you make, will be used against you.” Said David.

“I know … so then—”

“So we’re all proud of you. All proud of the pressure you’re now carrying.”

It was like red car paint had splashed onto his face.

Raising his right hand up to his head, he shyly scratched his hair with his dull fingernails. Hunching his head an inch lower, he continued to scratch all the while the sun blazed down amongst them.

Stepping away from the large group, Boris softly waddled a few meters from his original spot. His hand in one of his pockets, while his other nestled on his side, he then stared at the rising sun that dawned on the horizon.

Giving them all a new beginning, no … it was the end of their beginnings…

Or what Boris likes to put it—

—‘Guess we arrived at the Culmination of Genesis … huh Joseph…’—

An imaginary tone flourished in the background.

He glanced down at the black fedora he always wore. Coughing weakly once, he cleared his throat, and placed his fedora back onto his head.

Turning his eyes toward the acquaintances they made, he nestled them on Briggs. Raising his right hand, he got the blonde-haired agent’s attention.

“I want you to let President Reed know who won this battle. No, tell the world. Everyone should know the brave soldiers who placed their lives on the line.”

“Sure thing.”

Gathering his agents, he and the group sent off toward the military complex. Heading west, opposite of the Dark Angels, the other soldiers who wore camouflage also began to assemble.

The Lieutenant, the man who had the arsenal of all of his soldiers by his fingers … didn’t follow the group of agents. Instead, he placed his hands behind his back, and straightened it in the hopes his pose struck confidence.

“Soldiers!”

Every man pushed their boots close together, and gripped their mana rifles with tightened fingers. Unable to pierce through the metal, they awaited the words that stalled in the innards of his old throat.

“We’re heading back as well, but I want to scour for any survivors in the rubble. Do you all copy?”

“Yes sir!”

Taking his eyes off of the Lieutenant, Boris decided to turn toward his own group, a group that he accumulated and growed. Seeing all of them breathe, seeing all of them shine, he even saw them …

Return back to their old ways.

“Hey Luke? Now that you're the leader, can you adjust the curfew times?”, “Also can you adjust the amount of liquids we could indulge? For instance soda?”, “Easy on him. He’s been the leader for at least one minute.”, “So are you going to have any wingmen?”, “You’re too weak to be a wingman.”, “And you’re too fat to be a reserve, yet here we are.”, “Lukey Luke! You could turn blind eyes when I mess with Jenny? Right?”, “Say Luke … would you be able to turn blind eyes when I punish Loraine sometimes?”, “The only person able to be a wingwoman is me! I’m the strongest!”, “And the smelliest.”, “Say that again! I dare you, ya bitch!”.

Jack and Miles snickering, Stan, Fred, and Diego laughing, Gary flustered in red, Loraine and Jenny yelling at each other, and Luna grabbing Hope’s collar … it was all too perfect.

All of them had a way to state their complaints, or their little subsidies. But regardless, it all blared and overwhelmed his ears and especially his mind. Taking a step back, he wryly smiled and felt his body swelter in sweat.

—So this is my life now…

The only people not in the group were both David and Boris. Placing his cowboy hat back onto his head, he had his left hand stalled in his pocket. Feeling the warm morning sun wrinkle his leather jacket, it was like a greenhouse within the layers he wore.

Turning their eyes to the sun, David let out a gruff.

“Hey old man, quick question.”

Taking out his left hand, he grappled two things within the edges of his fingers. Being a lighter, as well as a box of cigarettes, he then used his right hand to open the box. Taking out a cigarette, he settled it within his lips.

And upon lighting up a flicker of flame, he raised it up to the cigarette, and allowed his mouth to swell in smoke.

“What do you think lies beyond human’s horizon?”

Those two last words rummaged through his brain. For a time, he remembered when he asked that same question.

And who tried to answer him was—

[If I tell you now, you wouldn’t get it.]

He had blonde hair, along with red eyes. Being the same man who he shared drinks with, he was by no means the average joe. Remembering the way he spoke, remembering the way he grinned …

“Even I don’t know that question…”

In life, everyone goes through hardships. But throughout everything that they endured, they all bonded.

Not because of their suffering, but because…

—I guess I’ll never get tired of this … friends that depend on me and for me to depend on them…

Despite all of them haggling him like a rich father, Luke shyly chuckled the more they talked. Having one of his hands up to his head, while the other was raised to his mouth, he shyly rubbed his hair and coughed.

And as he coughed, tiny speckles of blood stained his palm. He didn’t realize it, nor did he even know, but what he really focused on…

—Was that he never wanted this haggling to end.—