Remember The Storm–– Day 5 (February 6, 2317)

[Brock]

Jack

Jack jumped onto his horse just as Gillian started to ride back to the town that they left Kyle at.

Two hours later Jack and Gillian arrived at Kyle and Jack's shooting range just outside of town where they heard Kyle and Bethany(one of Kyle's friends) quarreling. Jack motioned Gillian to get off his horse and the two of them tip-toed to a crack in the rocks surrounding the shooting range and listened...

[Zinna]

Kyle

"...you didn't hit that target!" Kyle snapped at Bethany.

"Did to! You just weren't looking," Bethany retorted.

Kyle screamed, "You made me look away!"

"There really was an orange bunny hopping down the road," lied Bethany.

"There is no such thing! You cheated!"

"Did not!"

"Did too"

"Can't prove it."

"Can too."

"You sound like a child"

"Do not..."

"There you did it again."

"I did not."

"This just goes to show that girls use 70% more words than boys."

"Do not."

They kept quarreling thus for two hours all because Bethany knocked down the target in the shooting range instead of shooting it and Kyle could not prove it.

[Anwen]

Gil couldn't hold in his silent laughter any longer. He giggled behind his hand for a moment and then stepped out from behind the boulder. Winking back at Jack, Gillean strolled out into the open. "Good morning Miss Bethany, Master Kyle." He grinned cheekily at Kyle. "Her name came first because she's a lady." He said in a conspiratorial tone before returning his attention to Bethany. "You know, I couldn't help but think about your statement that 'girls use 70% more words than boys.' You seemed to be implying that female homo sapiens have a greater mental capacity then males, simply because the females you know, including yourself, have a greater vocabulary than this fellow here. I think you may be mistaken to base this conclusion off of the words of an angry boy."

He whirled back on Kyle. "And you, my good man, would have done better to not be so stubborn about something like this. Just because you're mad, doesn't mean you should repeat the same thing over and over! That simply reinforces her argument that girls are better than boys."

Gillean looked back over to the rocks. "Hey! Jack! could you please introduce me to your friends? I'm a little out of breath."

[Brock]

Jack hesitated at first and then crept out of his hiding place with a slight smile on his face. He first turned to Bethany and introduced Gillian to her, "Bethany, this is Gillian; Gillian, this is the third person of our little group, Bethany." Then turning to Kyle he said, "And this is Kylondon L'four, Kyle for short, and he is the ringleader of our group."
Then turning back to Gillian he whispered, "Bethany is a little bit of a cheat in shooting competitions. Keep a good eye on her, she also likes to pickpocket people." Before walking back to the horses to tether them up he said, "I'll let Gillian inform you why we're here." Then started towards the horses.

[Anwen]

Gil grinned at that last piece of information. He had already seen Bethany flicking her eyes over his pockets automatically like only a good pickpocket could. "Very pleased to make your acquaintance, I'm sure." He looked up. "Lissy! Could you come down here please!?"

He turned back to the others, appearing nonchalant while he looked them over. Kyle was definitely a runner. It took one to know one. He also looked very difficult to arm-wrestle. But not impossible. He seemed to be a rough & tumble sort of fellow with scars and a glint of adventure in his eyes. After his two seconds of observing Kyle, he kept at least one of his eyes on Bethany.

"Alright, since Jack decided to leave the explaining to me, which, by the way, reminds me that you only ever introduced yourself to me halfway Jack. Anyways, I hope you won't mind postponing your your little tiff until I've finished. The girl up there," Gil said, pointing to the sky, "used to have a pawn shop in the town off that way." He said, gesturing vaguely in the direction he and Jack had come. "She was attacked by a gang of ruffians and thugs, who stole her merchandise and burned down her shop. I told her I would go after them, and Jack thought you guys might like to help out." Gil finished, pulling out the latest version of the finished plasma blaster out of his hidden holster. "Are you with me?"

[Zinna]

Bethany stared at the weapon in Gillian's hand. Kyle on the other hand reply coolly, "We're in. What is our first move?"

"And do we need weapons?" Bethany walked over to one of the target's wall, opened a secret compartment on its side, and pulled out Kyle's old Ion-rifle, a pair of old Ion-pistols, four worn leather belts, and four gleaming daggers. She also removed a torn cloth sack which contents could barely be seen. "Inside this bag is eight jam jars full of fine dirt which makes for a simple distraction in any fix."

[Anwen]

Gil couldn't keep from grinning when he heard about the jam jars. "Yes, we'll most likely need weapons. And," He added as an afterthought, "probably horses." He looked at the ancient weaponry they had pulled out, gleaming brightly. "Which of you three uses which weapons? Or do you all share? I could upgrade those Ions to a higher performance level once we finish." Gillean knew that he wasn't a genius, or even very good with weapons, except for the government program where he had learned how to operate and create the Ion and Plasma arms out there. Funny, Dr. Muller had reminded him of someone...

Gil turned around and looked at Jack. Sure enough, the resemblance was there. "Jack, what is your last name?" He asked, as nonchalantly as he could manage. He could only hope he was wrong.

[Brock]

Jack got up from his work, dusted off his pants, and said, "Muller. My parents were just slaves though. They weren't anybody special. Why?"

[Anwen]

"Oh, no reason." Gil said, trying not to look visibly startled (and failing miserably).

He cleared his face off to it's normal cheerful demeanor, and turned to face the others again. "So, Kyle, I believe you're in charge of this posse, right? When do we leave, and so on and so forth?"

[Zinna]

"Now would be an excellent time to leave. Bethany I do believe we have some extra horses around town. Could you get us some?" Kyle smiled slyly.

Bethany, equally pleased, said, "Yes I do believe someone owes me five good horses. I'll go ask him...politely." Then she ran off.

"As for the weapons I have the rifle and everybody else shares. Elizabeth, do you know how to operate any of these weapons?"

[Brock]

For an answer Elizabeth picked up the daggers and threw them with surprising speed at a target. Both hit the target, one on the bull's-eye and the other an inch away. Both were buried to their hilts.

Jack answered in words for her, "Yes, she can."

Just then Bethany came riding up with three good horses. The first, a light grey horse, had a light blue star on his forehead, another had a pure white coat, and the third was white with dappled grey and had a black foreleg. She was riding her own horse, Apple. "These are all he could spare."

Jack replied, "These are plenty. Do they have names?"

Bethany replied, "Starstruck, Purina, and Mutt."

"Wonderful names." Jack grumbled.

[Zinna]

"I didn't name them. I just got them," Bethany glared at Jack. She packed all the weapons along with the smoke bomb sack on her horse. She also attached small sacks of food onto the saddle of each horse including Jack's and Gillian's.

"Time to leave," Kyle ordered. "Do you know which way the bandits went?"

[Anwen]

Dr. Muller had mentioned a son... but they had been told he had died. So how could Jack be--

"--which way the bandits went?" Kyle's voice cut through his reveries.

"What? Oh yes, the bandits. I think they went west towards Ambia." Gil said, somewhat surprised that they were referring to him again. He mounted his horse and looked at Lissy. "Riding or flying?"

[Brock]

Lizzy looked up at Gillian, smiled, and said, "I prefer to fly." She then flapped her wings and was off.

Jack said, "Looks like Liz is leading the way. Ready to go Kyle?"

[Lithium]

Matthew

Matthew opened his mouth to answer, but a familiar, gentle voice stopped him. He whipped around.

"Cassandra!" He breathed, rushing forward to embrace her. "How did you–– where are you? Are you all right?"

Perseus

Perseus took his fiance's hand in his as they walked to the unloading dock, where peopled bustled from one station to another. He smiled as he saw Siren chewing out someone for dropping something.

'Atta girl, he thought.

He glanced at Lunealise and a thin smile quirked his lips as he saw how beautiful she was.

Then, he shook his head and cleared the mushy thoughts from his thoughts.

[Cytherea]

Hazel

Hazel could see how excited 'Cassandra' looked when she heard Matthew's voice. A tinge of envy gnawed at her thoughts.

So happy. So happy just to see each other in a hologram. So lucky to have a love between them. Quite clear I'll never get such attention.

"Matty!" Cassandra exclaimed. She hugged him, and Hazel wondered how on earth a hologram could hug someone. "Matty, I'm fine." Cassandra said with a beautiful smile. "I- I'm using a holographic device, so I guess I'm not really here, but... how are you? Are you all right?" she gently touched his face. "It's as though you're here, and you aren't... at the same time." she murmured.

[Lithium]

Matthew

"You too," he said softly, wishing with all his heart he could truly feel the soft skin of her hand against his face. "Are they treating you well? I don't..." He took a deep breath. "Are you going to go through with it? You don't have to tell me. I imagine those swine are standing right there listening in on our conversation."

He touched a stray strand of hair that had fallen across her face, but he couldn't move it. She wasn't really there. His heart ached and he felt like a lone wolf, howling all alone to find his lost packmates.

"Can you contact Misty? Or Cheiko? Please? Tell them I'm doing well and that I'm going to be perfectly all right?"

[Cytherea]

A small tear rolled down Cassandra's cheek. She wasn't sure what had come over her.

I don't cry. It was embarrassing enough I cried already on this trip.

"Are you going to go through with it? You don't have to tell me. I imagine those swine are standing right there listening in on our conversation."

Cassandra forced back her tears.

"Can you contact Misty? Or Cheiko? Please? Tell them I'm doing well and that I'm going to be perfectly all right?"

"Yes." Cassandra said. She let out an exasperated sigh. "Of course I shall try to contact Missy and Cheiko. My fiance's brother already knows things, so I guess I can tell you about my plans and problems. They are treating me just fine; more or less. The only civilized person on board, and he wasn't even that, decided to sky-jump from the plane. I tried to find a way to escape, but Mr. Elcarnin threatened me with mind-wiping, which I'm actually pretty sure they'll do to me when the time comes for the wedding. I met the senator's brother, who let me use this device to contact you. I don't want to marry the senator; with all my heart! But if I don't comply, they'll erase my memories." she ended up choking out the last words. Angry tears rolled down her cheeks. "Either way, I'll lose you."

She was sobbing now; angry at herself, angry at Abner, angry at the zombies... angry at everyone, it seemed. She put her head in her hands and cried.

[Cytherea]

Hazel

Hazel silently walked back to the door. She turned around with a smile before leaving.

I need to get out of here... she realized as she shut the door behind her. I'm too worked up now, and I need some time to sort out my feelings.

She quickly made her way to the stables.

"Excuse me?" she called out to the nearby stable boy. He glanced up at the sound of her voice and walked towards her with a smile.

"Yes ma'am? What can I do for you?"

"I'd like to borrow a horse. I want to go for a little ride around Borderway."

"Sure thing." he said. "Can you tell me by what authority you are borrowing this horse on?"

Hazel groaned inwardly and crossed her arms.

"I'm a special friend of Perseus Ferdas and Siren Ferdas. I don't think they'll mind me borrowing a horse, now do you?" Hazel shuddered at using Perseus's name for leverage. She didn't want to be indebted to him by even speaking his name.

"Oh of course not!" he made haste to reply. The stable boy quickly got a horse and showed it to Hazel. She stared at in disbelief.

"This?" she said incredulously. "This is a sack of potatoes. I want a fast horse. Not some dumpy senior."

The stable boy put the old cranky steed back, and came back to Hazel leading a stunning cream colored mare behind him. Hazel reached out a hand and stroked the horse's muzzle.

"What's her name?" she asked softly.

"Bella. She's a spry, young one. Just you watch her carefully; she's got a mind of her own."

"Thank you." Hazel murmured. She rested her hand on Bella's nose, and she suddenly shook her head fiercely, while neighing indignantly. Hazel smiled at her.

"Will you be wanting a full-on saddle, or a-?"

"A saddle would be appreciated." Hazel interrupted quickly. "And hurry; the day is still young."

A few minutes later, the stable boy had put on the saddle. Hazel all the while tried to get Bella to realize that she could run as much as she wanted; but Hazel was still in control.

"All right, there you are." the stable boy said with a smile. "And you should probably have her back here before it gets too dark."

"Thank you very much." Hazel replied sincerely. "What was your name?"

"It's Able, miss."

"Very pleased to meet you. And I'll try to be back before dark."

Hazel mounted Bella. She patted her neck, and felt the strong muscles rippling underneath her hand. Slowly, she urged Bella on. She didn't want to get her into a full on run quite yet. There were people walking in the streets, and she didn't want to be responsible for anyone's death.

She caught a glance of Perseus and his girlfriend near the unloading docks. Shock, anger, and sadness crossed Hazel's face all at the same time. She urged Bella on quickly and raced from the sight. They fled from the city in a blur. Hazel leaned forward onto Bella's neck and let her short, honey colored hair whip her face. Hazel's own chocolate brown hair flew, more gracefully, in the wind.

"Come on." she murmured beside Bella's ear. "Run."

Bella let out a loud, shrill reply, and surged forward, faster than Hazel had anticipated. Bella ran so quickly, and yet so easily. Hazel held on the reigns tightly, and prayed that Bella could slow down if need be.

The exhilarating ride lasted for quite a few minutes more before Bella slowed down, eventually into a walk.

"Good girl." Hazel said weakly. She shakily dismounted and tried to catch her breath. Bella snorted impatiently. "Why don't we walk..." Hazel suggested. She grabbed the reigns and lead Bella slowly behind her.

"Bella;" Hazel said suddenly, turning around to face the animal. "What would you do, if someone made you so upset, that you never wanted to seem them again, and you couldn't understand why they had treated you so?"

Bella's big, brown eyes blinked. She pawed the ground and offered a lazy whinny.

"Ugh..." Hazel sighed, angrily. "This is how low I've become? Trying to get an answer from a horse?" She plopped down on the ground, still holding the reigns. "Why did I ever have to meet him? Why, why, why. His sister is all but like him; she's someone I was pretty sure I could get along with and become friends with. Of course... that is what I had supposed of Perseus, too. Maybe I just took his attention too far." she considered softly for a moment, before anger flashed in her eyes again. "No. He led me on, pretended to make me believe that I was something special, and then threw me aside, like I was nothing. If I get invited to his wedding, and it's time for me to give my congratulations, it would be like, "I wish you all the happiness you deserve." Actually, I would probably decline the invitation all together. I probably wouldn't even- oh! What's the matter with me? I think it's best if I just put everything behind me. I never knew Perseus. I never dared to think he cared about me, and I never cared for his approval. I found a job, I'm making my way."

[Lithium]

Perseus

Perseus frowned and looked away as he watched Hazel ride past them, then out of camp at a gallop. He thought her had detected some... resentment in her gaze as she had passed Luna and him. He turned back to his future bride and took her hand. "My love, how does this spring sound, hm?"

"This spring for what?" Luna asked, not lifting her eyes from the scene of bustling laborers.

"The wedding." He swept her into his arms and looked into her eyes. "I'm sorry I haven't been more... faithful." He skimmed her lips with his own, then kissed her forehead and let go of her.

She was practically glowing, her cheeks tinted a light pink. "What's with this sudden change of mind, Perse?"

"I don't know," he said, glancing back at the dust Hazel's horse kicked up. "Jealousy, I suppose."

"Jealous? You? What of?" Luna asked, following his eyes.

"I don't know," Perseus said softly. "Other people's happiness, I suppose..." He drifted off in thought, thinking of a way to win Hazel back... possibly with her own pride and envy...

Matty

"Either way I'll lose you," Cassandra said, the quaver of a sob in her voice. He watched helplessly as tears filled her eyes, then spilled onto her cheeks, he reached forward, wishing he could wipe those tears away. Angered, he clenched his fists and jaw, trying to bite back whatever imprudent things he might say.

"Don't say that. Maybe... maybe we... Just someday. All right? Whenever I felt hopeless, like when I couldn't understand a concept in school, or was discouraged about doing something, my dad would always tell me, 'Someday, Matty. Just keep thinking of someday.' So... Cassandra: just keep thinking of someday. Our someday."

He ran his fingers through his hair, embarrassed by his (in his opinion) "sappy" speech.

[Cytherea]

Cassandra

Cassandra forced herself to stop crying.

So immature of me. I hadn't thought to even ask him about his situation. He was banished to the Badlands, and all I can talk about is my stupid problems. My stupid, stupid problems.

"Matty, I--" She looked down at her hands. "I'm so sorry for everything. Everything is my entire fault. I would have gone with you into the Badlands, but... with much guilt on my conscience, they convinced me to go to Ambia. Matty, this was my choice. If I don't--" Cassandra bit her lip. Stop yacking about yourself! Let him have a chance to talk for once in your life. "But enough about me." she quickly changed subjects. "How are you faring? Is everything okay?"

Hazel

Disturbing her thoughts were the sound of hoof-beats. She quickly stood up. Bella perked her ears forward.

A cloud of dust started towards them. Hazel quickly mounted Bella, so that she wouldn't seem to be cowering when the rider reached them. It was apparent that he intended to.

The other horse skidded to a stop in front of Bella. Hazel looked hopefully at the face of the rider.

My sister? Could it...ugh... a boy.

He had dark... green? hair, and also green eyes. His main color seemed to be green. His horse greeted Bella with a whinny.

"Excuse me, miss...?" the young man said. He looked her over and let out a whistle. Hazel was sure that if he had been nearer, she would have slapped him.

"Sorry, mister. I'm through with boys. You go get googly eyes over some other girl, okay?"

He smiled in a debonair fashion.

"Sure thing. What's your name?"

"It's... Hazel." she said slowly. "What's yours?"

"It's Yosef. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like you to take me to whatever town is nearest. I need to see a doctor."

Hazel's sudden change of heart showed in her eyes. He short training in the art of medicine and saving people's lives made her quick to respond to someone's discomfort.

"Then get down from your horse. Where are you injured?"

"Are you a doctor or something?"

"In training, yes." Hazel smiled. "Now get down here."

He got down from his horse gingerly.

"I got tangled in a thicket a few days back. I've gotten most the thorns from my arm, but there's some that have broken inside my hand."

Hazel reached forward and gently took his hand. She flipped it palm-facing up.

"Yeah, you got some nasty ones there." she sighed. "You'd better come back with me."

He mounted his horse, and Hazel watched carefully how he did it. He tried very hard not to put too much pressure onto his hands. He had somehow managed to get on, and Hazel quickly mounted Bella.

"You came in quite a rush." she stated. "We'd better keep a more steady pace, at the present. I don't want you moving your hands too much."

[Cytherea]

Hazel and Yosef rode into town, and Hazel tried to ignored the looks from passerby's, and their occasional comments of, "That Hazel; she's the new medic, right? Strange one, she is. And look at that guy she has with her!" Hazel hurried to the stables.

"Hey Able!" Hazel called out to the stable boy as she jumped off Bella. He smiled and walked over to her.

"How was Bella for you?" He asked as he gently took the reigns.

"She was incredible. One of the most beautiful horses I've ever ridden." Hazel turned to Yosef, who had also dismounted. "His horse needs to be taken care of for now."

"Yes..." Yosef said slowly. He eyed Able cautiously. "He is a very strong and intelligent horse. I-"

"Basically, treat him your best. Thanks a million, Able!"

Hazel walked from the stables and Yosef followed after her.

"So where's the doctor who will pull the thorns from my hands? They kind of hurt..." Yosef prompted. Hazel stared daggers at him. "Just reminding you." he said with an impish grin.

"Over here."

Hazel stormed her way to the infirmary. She walked inside and Yosef came in after her, quickly. Hazel spotted Mrs. Adams, and briskly strode towards her.

"Ah, Hazel!" The older woman said with a welcoming smile. Hazel let out her stress and managed a smile.

"Hello Mrs. Adams. I have someone here who needs to have thorns pulled from his hand."

"Oh dear." Mrs. Adams said, a worried frown washing over her smile. She took Yosef's hand and inspected it. "Oh my, yes. Those are pretty bad." she let go of his hand and sighed. "I'm sorry, Hazel. But if you wouldn't mind, I've got my hands full at the moment. It would really help if you could fix his injuries.

"Me?"

"Her?"

Hazel turned and frowned at Yosef.

"All right. I will, Mrs. Adams."

"Thank you dear. You'll find the things you need in that section over there."

Hazel practically dragged Yosef to the box that held the tweezers. She forced him to give her his hand. She pulled one thorn out, And Yosef let out a moan.

"Do I seriously need to sedate you just to pull some thorns out? Hold still."

Eventually, the ordeal was over. Hazel tightly wrapped the last bandage around his hand, and then cleaned off the equipment she had used. Her face was red from the exertion and hot, sweaty room. She pushed back a loose curl that had fallen over her forehead.

"There you are."

Yosef held out his hands.

"Both of them are bandaged." he began calmly.

"Yes..." Hazel replied evenly. "I know."

"How do you expect me to find my way back onto a horse and riding away with two bandaged and freshly injured hands?"

Hazel threw up her arms and walked quickly to the entrance. Yosef followed after her.

"Good bye." Hazel said. She pushed Yosef outside. "Find a place to spend the night. I'll be here working till I'm let off my shift, and then somehow find a way to sleep somewhere, without any money. And, I have a concussion, so I'm probably kind of edgy." she started to shut the door on him, but quickly opened it again. "Oh, keep your bandage on until your next visit, try not to wash your hands too frequently, and if you experience any sort of pain, come and we'll check out what the problem is."

[Lithium]

Matty

Matthew sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm a productive member of a society. I fix weapons. It's... fun, I guess. But that doesn't really matter. I'm earning my keep. The leader here is one heck of a... not problem, but he's something. He's kind of scary. He's got fingers in every part of this place. He keeps everything going. He runs I tighter ship than I do!" He grinned. "I..."

I need to be getting back to work, but I don't want to lose this chance to...

"Have you met your..." he swallowed. "Your... fiance? Yet?"

Trey

He grunted with the effort of lifting his load from the pile of cargo. He looked up as he saw that Hazel girl go past with a guy. He shrugged and kept working, the hot sun baking the dust that caked his sweating brow.

Siren

Siren smiled as she turned away from the group she was overseeing. Her stomach dropped as she saw a wave of purple near Perseus. She turned to look, then quickly looked away.

There was Casper. She shook her head and immediately got on someone's case to distract herself.

Casper

His brow furrowed as he glimpsed Perseus' arm around Luna. He didn't like it. But it's not up to me. If she wants to marry someone much beneath her in worth and status... that's her choice.

He plastered on a fake smile and walked over to them. "Hello, Luna. Hello, Perseus! Long time no see, man." He stretched out his hand for Perseus to shake. The ginger took the hand and gingerly shook it before dropping it and looking away.

"Hello, Casper," he murmured.

Maya, Kelse & Brad

"Can she stay in our house?" Kelse asked, tugging on her mom's skirt. "Me and her can share a room."

Her mother looked at her with a small scowl and Kelse quickly amended her statement. "I mean, she and I can share a room. Sorry."

Maya smiled quickly and said, "I have no problem with this. She needs to get a visitation and residence pass, though. Perseus likes to keep track of everyone who comes through this little town. It's not called Borderway for nothing! How about it?" she asked, turning to her blue-haired guest. "Would you like to stay here? I can walk to you the check in station."

[Cytherea]

Cassandra

When Matty voiced the word fiance, Cassandra's upcoming situation suddenly seemed to become so much closer.

I really will have to marry him...!

"I haven't met him yet. Just his brother." a flash of annoyance caught in her eye. "But I hear he's not a favorite with his brother, even. And apparently, he doesn't want to marry me either, but, oh, whatever; since I'm part of the contract."

Julvely

Julvely couldn't help but smiling.

"I would be very obligated to you if I could." She smiled down at Kelse. "And I think we'll get along just fine!" she said with a cheerful laugh. She turned to Maya. "She's such a sweet girl. How many children do you have?"

Yosef

"Come on, Hazel!" he insisted for the tenth time.

"No, no, no; I've said it already. No."

Yosef had pleaded with her for the past half-hour to take a walk with him. He was feeling as though she was getting close to relenting.

"Please?" He smiled at her. "It would make me really happy."

Hazel stared at him for a long time, and then let out a disgusted sigh.

"All right. Seriously; you don't give up, do you?"

Yosef and Hazel walked for a while with small conversation, before Yosef caught sight of a group of people. One boy had purple hair, another had red, and a girl had white hair.

"My green hair fits right in." Yosef said with a smile. "Come on. Let's go join in the conversation."

He hadn't noticed until now, but Hazel had turned to stone. She stared at the group of people for a moment, and then closed her eyes. When she opened them, she let her breath out slowly. She smiled at him.

"Okay. Whatever."

They walked over to the group. Yosef waved a hand in greeting.

"Hey guys! I'm new 'round here. My name's Yosef."

Hazel stood beside him with a smile.

Hazel

Hazel had felt her heart jump at the sight of the group, but it nearly stopped when Yosef cheerfully suggested that they go over and join it. She had wanted to say something; anything, that would get her out of it, but she realized that that was silly.

I've told myself already that Perseus isn't anyone special. And so, he isn't.

Grinning, she walked with Yosef into the group. She smiled gaily at the people, and had a sudden revelation of being set free.

I really don't need Perseus's attention. Why in the world would I have ever wanted it?

[Lithium]

Perseus

He stiffened at the nerve of the newcomer to interrupt the most important people of the camp. He resisted the urge to give the green-haired man a tongue lashing and instead took a deep breath to maintain his patience.

"Hello... Yosef," he said dryly. "I'm Pereus Ferdas, leader of Borderway and this is Ciel-Mer Lunealise Solari, and Ciel-Mer Casperas Anton. Have you obtained your residence or visitation permit yet?"

Luna

Luna smiled and looked away as she recognized Perseus' tone of voice. It's not like he's going to challenge you, Perse, she thought. He's just a newcomer. He doesn't know anything to the contrary.

Ash

Ash tried his best to ignore his older brother, who worked twice as hard just a few lines from him. He could see Trey's slender, effeminate frame quietly ripple with muscle as he lifted and passed a box, then would relax and give no sign of the strength hidden beneath his skin.

I pity the fool who tries to fight him, verbally OR physically.

"Palmer! Get to work! We don't have time for your daydreaming," barked a supervisor.

Ash shouldered another crate and carried it to where it needed to be.