(Reverence 5, 59 / 9:32AM)

  A man wearing a cowboy hat looked up at the ceiling.

  The hat covering his face, and his black leather jacket blanketed him while he slept. Both of his hands rested on the cushions that he sat on, his head tilted up while spreading his feet and legs apart.

  Laying near his side, a dark purple-haired woman laid her back on the couch, her breathing softening under each inhale she swept into her lungs. Her eyes closed, and her tranquil sleep silenced the old living room, with only the sound of a grandfather clock ticking down.

  But the swaying of the backyard door slowly opened their eyes.

  Ceasing his silent snoring, David raised his hand to take off the hat that covered his face, turning his head in the direction of a man and woman casting their eyes downward. While Iris continued to sleep, David softly pushed himself off the couch, the cushion returning to its original form.

  Walking to the two of them, David put his hands restful to his sides, his thumbs resting on his knuckles.

  (David) You two ok?

  (Christian) Yeah…

  David began rubbing his own knuckles with his thumbs, cleaving off patches of dry skin that stuck to him like glue. Letting it fall down onto the wooden floor, it looked like small tiny droplets of snowflakes glazing in the morning sun.

  Keeping his eyes on Christian, David’s eyes pushed down, followed by a long exhale of air drawn out of his mouth.

  (David) Things happen fast. That’s how most battles or wars are.

  (Christian) Is it?

  (David) Take it from me. You meet a nice soldier you could rely on and the next day half his brains would be shot out.

  Christian turned to look at the backyard, seeing a corpse covered by a body bag sketched in black.

  Unable to see the inside of the bag, Christian’s eyes were still reddened from hours prior, leading him to use his sleeve to slay away tears that built up from his lower eyelids. Tainting his outdoor brown jacket, he cleared his throat, straightening his back while turning his attention back to David.

  While Pacifica stared at the ground, her eyes clouded in dark eyebags that swelled and swallowed her skin. Her scleras were painted to just pure white, not a strand of red popped out.

  (Christian) But he wasn’t shot. It wasn’t a gunshot … that Zirardge girl stabbed him through the stomach.

  By just muttering ‘Zirardge girl,’ all of her nails stabbed themselves straight into her palm, blood streaming out like a rapid river. Her hands and arms shook, and her eyes widened everymore while staring deep into the wooden crack along the living room floor.

  An anger so putrid, that even David took a step back from the dark-complected woman.

  As Christian’s fingers began to twitch, he found himself clenching both of his teeth, groaning in a low pitch while averting his eyes away.

  (Christian) It’s just like what happened to Manny…

  (David) That wasn’t your fault son—

  (Christian) Then whose fault is it!?

  But frustration so pungent jumped out of his own slim body.

  Blowing away the anger that radiated from Pacifica, her body twitched and looked up at her brother with tear-filled eyes. Releasing her curled-up fingers, she let them drop to her thighs, as the blood that escaped from her palms trailed to the tip of her nails.

  Yet his frustration was unable to shock David, his body still standing firm.

  (Christian) Tell me who's at fault!? Who's responsible for these hellish past couple of days!? Is it Sean!? Luke!? Me!? It always …

  Christian scrunched up his eyes, his nose wrinkling up as the water that he tried controlling only released one or two teardrops, releasing them from his lower eyelids. Like a dam overflowing, Christian couldn’t look up to David’s cold eyes that watched him weep.

  (Christian) … Always takes two to tango … That’s what Gabriel used to say to you … right?

  Bringing his hand up to the top of his hat, David let his fingers jab into the khaki-colored leather. Taking his hat off of his head, some strands of his hair grazed the top of his long eyelashes, nudging his head back to let the hair be drawn to his temples.

  Lowering the hand that held his hat down to his thigh, he used his other hand to place it on Christian’s shoulder. His fingers loose, the ends of his fingers didn’t put enough pressure for Christian to yelp or gulp, but …

  He did look up at the pushed-down face.

  (David) Yes … I remember all those old sayings. Every quote came out of his mouth as if he tried to be the next Tremblearrow.

  (Iris) Gabriel…

  A middle-aged woman poked her head out of the couch, her eyes low and circled with dark eye bags.

  Both of her hands barely held her upper body, her throat reddened with a tint of purple that had been inflicted by her a day prior. Gazing up at David, she softly bit her lower lip, her throat quivering relentlessly while pushing whatever words bounded by her vocals.

  (Iris) Oh, how much simpler times were… back in those days…

  (David) Yeah … and now look at us… unable to even defend against a couple of agents.

  Despite her legs feeling like a colony of fire ants biting rapidly on the inside of her calves and feet, she placed the bottoms of her heels onto the floor, before standing herself up. Her whole body lunging forward, she steadied herself, walking to the cowboy hat-wearing man who had his hands motionless to his sides.

  Seeing her standing in front of him, David turned his eyes solely onto the middle-aged woman, her dark purple hair glowing from the windows next to them. While Christian and Pacifica tilted their heads straight at Iris, they both hovered their hands over their crotches, formally clutching their hands.

  (Iris) Why would Gabriel ditch us… leave us to be some government dog. What did he see…?

  (David) That’s what I want to find out … but that’s second to what happened to Kenichi…

  Iris began to remember all the fond memories of both Kenichi and Gabriel, remembering those young faces that caused frustration, anger, and a slight bastion of happiness. Warmly looking down at the ground, she remembered Kenichi’s wry smile, Gabriel’s obnoxious laugh…

  From when she kicked Gabriel in the nuts, the day before he went off to fight in the demi-human skirmishes.

  From when she last sparred with Kenichi, the last time that she ever saw him.

  And when she witnessed her sister’s childish love for the man she saw a future in.

  (Iris’s thoughts) I wasn’t honest with myself … I wasn’t honest with him…

  Letting her hand hover over her wounded stomach, her fingers barely grazed the tip of the white cloth. Wanting to clutch her stomach, wanting to scratch and cleave off whatever skin off of her wounded region, she couldn’t…

  Her fingers trembling violently, she only glared down at the wooden floor.

  (Iris’s thoughts) But Jenny was…

  A single knock shook the wooden door.

  The same as before, the four of them pulled out their weapons from their holsters. David wielding his pistol, Christian wielding his Thompson, Iris showcasing her spiked rolling pin, and Pacifica displaying her balled fists; all of them glued their feet to the floor.

  Using his right hand to wield his pistol, David silently trailed the wood with his mouse-like footsteps, his boots not letting a single-digit decibel form emit.

  Reaching the handle of the wooden door, he let his left hand grab the metal, his fingers wrapping themselves tightly without staining it in water. Pushing his thumb down, the handle lowered, churning the door to sway open to reveal the person…

  (David) No way…

  In unison, everyone lowered their hands down to their sides, with Christian and Pacifica letting their jaws drop. Still gripping their weapons, their fingers vastly loosened themselves with the metal, as a young man with purple eye bags around his eyes only stared at the cowboy hat man in front of him.

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  The man, being young, had light brown hair and red eyes.

  (Luke) I need … I need to speak to the Pacithiest Boss sir…

  ______________________________________________________________________________

  (Reverence 5, 59 / 9:42AM)

  Four men and two women sat underneath the first floor of the adobe.

  In a stone-warm basement that trapped them like pets in a cage, Luke sat on a chair nearest the staircase that led up to the first floor. To his right, Christian and Pacifica sat together, while to his left, David and Iris too. In front of Luke, an old man with long spiked white hair wearing a black robe coldly sat with his hands together.

  His chin and cheeks prickled with shades of white hair, his hands and face were condensed with sagged wrinkles. His eyes staring coldly at the young man in front of him, he cleared his throat, whilst loosening his feet that glued down at the stone floor.

  (Kenji) Now tell me, Luke Fenix, what do you want to propose to me about?

  Luke’s eyelids were on the verge of shutting down his eyes, his hands unable to clutch or hold themselves together. Having his forearms and elbows hold up his upper body and head, his eyes were shaded red, his eye bags gooing more purple the longer he tried to stay up.

  Noticing Luke’s lack of sleep, Christian and Pacifia softly looked at him, their hands twitching the more they noticed Luke’s dazed face. David, Iris, and Kenji however, paid no need to his exhaustion, as the middle-aged man and woman crossed their arms over their chest.

  (Luke) I want … to save my friends sir … t-that’s all I ask for… And … I need the help of some of your soldiers…

  Kenji scratched his cheek, his nails sweeping off any unneeded dead skin that lodged into his prickly hair. The more he looked at Luke, the more his eyes softened at the boy’s exhausted face, ceasing his scratching as he placed his hand on his other.

  Clutching them together again, he tilted his head up.

  (Kenji) What kind of soldiers do you need?

  (Luke) I just need the help of David … and maybe Ms. Sumiko. It’s too much to ask for both Christian and Pacifica right now… And I’m willing to offer you something in return …

  Luke softly let out a smirk, his right lip reaching the halfway point between his ear and his jawline. Moving his right hand onto his left hand, Luke’s legs softly wobbled, his feet starting to feel numb the more Kenji stared at him.

  While Christian and Pacifica widened their eyes, their hands twitched evermore by seeing Luke's smirk.

  (Luke) While on my way, I gathered a group of green donkeys that originally fled from the Zirardge Ranch. Since they were bred for speed, strength, and stamina, and because they were raised to be perfected by the Zirardges, they can be used in whatever activity you want.

  (Kenji) Hmm…

  Placing his hand onto his chin, Kenji tapped repeatedly onto it, nodding slightly while taking in the info like a piece of pie.

  David and Iris both let their eyes widen at the hearing of Luke’s reward, with David looking at both Kenji and Luke. Meanwhile, Iris glanced down at the cup of coffee in front of her, seeing her reflection amongst the bitter liquid.

  Stopping his tapping, Kenji let the tip of his finger stop right on his chin, his old blistered fingernail hovering over his skin.

  (Kenji) Is this all you’re giving me? A measly group of green donkeys?

  Luke wiped the smirk off his face.

  Upon hearing Kenji’s furrowed question sprout out from his lips, Luke pulled both his hands off the table. Seeing Luke’s surprise, Christian and Pacifica both gulped down whatever load of saliva stuck to their throats.

  (Luke) Uhm…

  (Kenji) I’m giving you my two best pawns and you’re giving me a group of well-bred donkeys?

  (Luke) B-But…

  (David) Permission to speak sir.

  Standing up from his seat, David had both of his hands clenched together while hovering them over his crotch. Clearing his throat, he looked at the old man who furrowed his right eyebrow up.

  Noticing Kenji’s furrowed expression, tapped both of his boots to stick together side by side, before straightening his back.

  (David) Even though you raised me, that group is my second family. Even if they were sent to the deepest pits of hell I would still find a way to get them back.

  (Kenji) Perhaps you all misunderstand me.

  Kenji pushed both of his feet off the ground, his leather sandals helping him stabilize on the stone floor. His palms placed firm on the table, letting his back hunch an inch while setting his eyes onto the cowboy hat-wearing man.

  His stare made David release a drop of sweat from his cheek, he also glanced at both Iris and Luke for a split second. Their faces widened, Iris had her head up, her hands clenched together while looking at both her father and David.

  (Kenji) I want to get them back. A father will do anything to rescue his daughter, no?

  (David) Explain your dissatisfaction with Luke’s trade.

  (Kenji) He thought that I would be hesitant to go. A fool of him.

  Kenji turned his eyes toward the widened-eyed Luke, noticing his lips puckered up amidst his eyes on the verge of putting him to sleep. His body swaying back and forth, even a simple gust of wind would be enough to knock him down.

  And a body so exhausted that even lying down would be enough to curse him to sleep.

  Folding his arms underneath his chest, Kenji continued to furrow his right brow, tilting his head up as his spiked hair began to nestle itself onto his forehead.

  (Kenji) Jumbo is a great soldier to me, and it’s obvious Jenny is a daughter that’s dear to me. For your friends, whoever is family to David is family to me. Believe me when I say that I’m not against your decision to save your friends.

  (Luke) Then … was your questioning a test of my bargaining skills?

  (Kenji) Yes, and you aren’t the best at it.

  Pushing in his chair, Kenji looked toward the two siblings that kept quiet ever since the meeting started. Both Christian and Pacifica cast their eyes down onto the wooden table, their hands hovering over their crotches.

  Not wanting to look up, not wanting to look at anyone, both of them bit onto their lower lips. Along with David and Iris joining Kenji, their stares only caused Christian to dig deep into his knuckles.

  (Kenji) As for you two; rest here with Luke. You three have been up for far too long.

  (Luke) P-Pardon me, sir…

  Kenji looked over at the exhausted young man, seeing his right eyelid twitching.

  Luke’s hands rubbed against each other, tilting his head down while both corners of his lips scurred upward. Sweat protruding from his palms, his fingers began to itch, leading them to drop down to his sides.

  (Luke) W-What do you mean I should rest…

  (Kenji) Your eyes are swollen, you smell, and you’re mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. Me, David, and Iris shall bring them back.

  Christian softly nodded at Kenji’s words, his hands unclenched as he felt his body feel swollen and broken. As much as revenge seemed good, his body couldn’t bring himself to enact it.

  But Pacifica’s hands balled themselves into death-gripping fists, her long nails stabbing itself into her palms yet again. Steam hissing out from her mouth, her eyes glared inward at the wooden floor below her feet, ignoring everyone’s worried stares.

  (Kenji) You’re not thinking well.

  (Pacifica) I want to fight…

  David remembered a girl who said that to him, a girl similar to Pacifica but only a shade lighter in her skin.

  His hands balled into fists, and he placed them inside his pocket, not wanting to let anyone see his trembling hands. Darkening his eyes and eyelids, his jaw rubbed against each other back and forth, but unnoticed to those around him.

  Her attitude, her glare, yet her loyalty to those that she called friends, it was enough for him to treat her like his own daughter.

  Kenji ignored David’s silence.

  (Kenji) You’ll not only endanger yourself but for others. Revenge being driven by anger is a path that’ll lead to hatred or death.

  (Pacifica) I want to fight.

  Her eyes glared up at Kenji.

  Standing in front of her, his eyes only softened, leading him to huff out a breath of air onto her face. Her nostrils unwrinkled from Kenji’s beef-jerky-smelling breath, her whole body shook as she looked into Kenji’s eyes.

  Even when Christian’s hand gripped her wrist, even the touch of her elder brother wasn’t enough to clear her crimson eyes.

  (Kenji) As your boss, I only want what’s best for you. So please … rest.

  A hand clamped down onto her shoulder.

  This time, the hand felt different, a pale hand stained with sweat that sunk deep into her clothing. Glancing to her right, Pacifica soon mets eyes with…

  Luke.

  Her anger and frustration still kept her glaring eyes and clenched fists in motion, the only thing that loosened was her stiff shoulder that he gripped. Kenji, who noticed that Luke’s right eyelid twitched more, also acknowledged Luke’s eyes that strained red despite his forced smile still on display.

  (Kenji) Have anything to say, Luke?

  (Luke) I know I’m not a good bargainer, but…

  Raising his other hand that didn’t grip Pacifica’s shoulder, he stuck out his thumb, pointing it to himself while straightening his back. Getting everyone’s attention, Pacifica’s eyes sparkled at the sudden confidence coming from the usually timid Luke.

  (Luke) Instead of a trade deal from before, how about a bet?

  Kenji hummed out a low monotone groan from his wrinkled throat.

  Christian’s hands trembled, his fingers shaking and colliding against each other while the air thickened exponentially. Noticing David’s silence only growing, Iris rapidly glanced at David and Kenji with largened eyes, and Pacifica gawking her mouth open…

  Before he could do anything, Luke extended his hand to Kenji, his fingernail barely touching his chest.

  (Luke) If I win, I get to travel with David and Iris to get my friends back and give Christian and Pacifica the right to tag along if they want. But if I lose, then all three of us follow your orders to rest.

  Kenji maintained his cold stare at Luke.

  Placing his right hand into his black robe’s pocket, he inhaled a good abundance of air into his old lungs, letting it travel through his airways. Pushing rustic air out of the deepest parts of his air sacs, the chunk of air blasted itself straight onto Luke’s face, feeling Kenji’s dry meat breath molest his nostrils.

  Without smirking, without smiling, and without frowning; Kenji nodded.

  (Kenji) I’ll place my hopes in this bet. But since you proposed the stakes, I believe I should propose the concept.

  Turning his body to the direction of the staircase, he looked upon the stairs that led up to the first floor, causing Luke to stare at them as well. Seeing the stairs, Luke slowly raised his hand to the back of his head, his palm making contact with the oily hair that hadn’t been washed for a couple of days.

  Scratching his head, Luke clicked his tongue, while puckering his lips to hold his breath.

  (Kenji) Me and you shall spar against each other with just our fists. Outside, in the garden, on a ring.

  Iris widened her eyes.

  Both Pacifica and Christian’s faces turned deathly pale, their hands and feet clamming white at the cold sentence drawn out from Kenji’s mouth. Christian, who was unable to speak, tried to mutter a single word from his quivering throat, his vocals caging his words like a wild animal.

  But David had finally broken his silence.

  (David) With all due respect sir, this is ludicrous.

  (Kenji) What's ludicrous son?

  (David) You know Luke stands no chance against you; master of The Art of Togo.

  (Kenji) Then let us find out.

  Walking to the staircase that was just beyond the wooden door, Kenji let his hand hover over the handle, whilst keeping his face straight as an arrow. Grabbing the handle, he let it sway open, as he began walking up the stairs to the first-floor door.

  Glancing from behind him, Kenji reached the other door in front of him, his eyes trailing to the pale-faced men and women.

  (Kenji) You could take as much time to prep, but I shall wait for you, Fenix, in the garden outside the Adobe.

  Opening the door, Kenji walked out of the door before softly closing it from behind. Leaving Luke and the others to take comfort inside the stone walls of the basement, the dawn of the sparring duel only left David to walk up to Luke.

  Shyly glancing at David, the middle-aged man raised his right hand onto his shoulder. Tightening his grip on Luke, Luke’s eyes averted away from David’s, pinning them onto the stone-cold wall.

  (David) Are you serious?

  (Luke) Sorry, but I got to save my friends.

  (David) And you’re willing to go toe to toe with my foster father? The man who taught me everything about the martial use of Togo?

  Luke plopped both of his hands down to his sides.

  During the attack on Lagefor, David displayed his strength by sending a lich fifty feet high in the air. If the man who taught and harnessed that strength within David happened to be the one dueling Luke, it was like comparing a hydrogen bomb to a coughing baby.

  With all the cards stacked against him, Luke places his right hand onto his left arm, rubbing it shyly while keeping his eyes on the floor.

  (Luke) I know he could beat me senseless in that ring, I’m smart enough to know that. Even so…

  His left-handed fingers jabbed themselves straight into his leather jacket, his nails sinking deep as they penetrated his skin. Continuing to have his shy demeanor portrayed on his face, his face paled under comparison to David’s, causing him to click his tongue once.

  (Luke) I can’t let my failures be passed onto others, I can’t.

  Sucking in a huge vast air inside of the basement, Luke let his boots lead him to the staircase that led him to the first floor. Without thinking, he opened the door, as everyone else just watched the young man walk into a Rex den.