The Morning After

After all the attacks we led against both Wildmen and Downpour, we returned home.

I was impatient to meet up with Edward to hear what he did, ask Specter how their attack went, talk to Warmonger of the outpost she cleared, and listen to Defender's tale of growing up.

Part of me didn't expect to see Defender back here. She had the complete bundle, minus the ability to fight. Even if she didn't succeed in her attack, her coming back would be more than a victory.

One by one, they all came back. Starting with Edward's scouts. They walked into the town like a bunch of school friends. All joking around, playing with one another, and in the front Edward was doing the same.

Specter led his group back. They marched silently and dreaded every step, almost like they were mourning something.

Warmonger and her team stampeded the street. Prideful marching and chanting woke up anyone who was still asleep.

And the one I wanted to see the most, Defender. She didn't look too proud of the group she led. But Specter's Phantoms were celebrating. They announced how Defender earned some of their respect, and how what she did to a Wildman.

When I heard she decapitated someone, I couldn't believe it. There was no way. But telling by her face, she did it.

Everyone gathered around the center. I stood alone in the center. Everyone's eyes were now locked onto me. This wasn't planned, but I guess I would have to go with it.

I took off my helmet and held it under my arm. "Eight hours ago we left to fight for you all. Eight hours later, we all came back. We all came back with our own stories to tell, our own burdens, our own results. Before I keep talking, I want everyone to remember everyone who left with me yesterday."

All Phantoms lowered their heads and closed their eyes. Edward's scouts stopped smiling, but they kept pushing each other. Warmonger's group formed a fist and slammed it against themselves.

"They fought hard and were fearless. Each of them knew this was a tough mission, but they still marched beside me. Griffin's Nest has been cleared out, and a message has been sent. We will continue attacking! This spot, we have controlled since the Calamity. If you want to take it away from us, then kill us all, we dare you!"

Everyone around me broke into a joyful celebration. We all had our own visions of the future, but we have thrived together against Death's desire.

"Before I end my speech. Jenna Esgold, you have proven yourself to be worthy of some Phantom's respect. Not because of your methods of combat, but your bravery. They expected to guide you during the whole attack. But you laughed at that and made decisions only a leader would do."

Defender stepped outside the group of Phantoms. Her face was a little brighter, but it was still that sickly color.

I applauded her. Slowly, more people joined in. Some kids chanted Defender's name. Warmonger also celebrated her victory.

"Defender, you continue to impress us by how motherly you can be. You knew you were killing for the future of these people, but you still pushed yourself. Congratulations." I lied.

She was most likely pressured into doing so.

***

The rest of the morning was full of celebrations for everyone who fought. After everything got calmer, Specter called a special meeting with all the group leaders and some groups.

We met on the edges of our town, where all the training took place. The scouts were there, Phantoms too, and a group I've never seen before.

There were only four of them, but they looked mean. Two stood on both of Warmonger's sides. Sometimes she surprises me with the kinds of people her market connects her with.

I found a spot between Warmonger's guys and the scouts. Defender and Edward filled all other spots, so I stood between them just to keep formation.

"Look around you. Brave men and women stand beside each other to claim our own foothold in the world. We're not sure how many other DRT branches have gotten a foothold in the world, but one thing's clear. With all of you, getting a foothold will be a much simpler task." Specter announced.

Noticed how drastically different Warmonger's men looked. They didn't even match outfits. One of them looked like a Savage, two others looked like Forgers and the last, not sure how to describe them.

Extremely clean clothes. White armor lined their body, and perfect gold paced the edges of their outfit. A badge of some sort stood out to me. It had a symbol on it, of something I couldn't make out.

They moved their arm before I could get a better view.

"-Finch?"

I finally heard Specter's voice. "Specter, can you repeat yourself once more?"

"Any suggestions on how we will go on about this?"

I thought for a moment. "We keep attacking. Drain them until we hear a last encounter is happening."

"I bet we can cause some mayhem out there. Ain't that right, Nono?"

"Keep them busy all the way!"

I realized who was talking. Both of the Forger looking guys talked to one another. They looked so similar to one another; I bet they are siblings.

But who would call themselves Nono? I shouldn't dive into names, I am literally named after a bird, anyway.

Edward laughed at the two Forgers. "Listen, you two are funny. I like you already. Hey Warmonger, monitor these two. I never know when I need replacements."

"These are the only tap into the little things Forgers are making behind the scenes, Edward. They won't be leaving my side." Warmonger pushed Edward's offer away.

"Speaking of taps. Finch, one of my... employees... claim they found a girl claiming she is related to you."

Warmonger's sudden comment took me back. "Impossible. I'm the last Bulwalks left. No one else."

"There's always a probability for anything, stupid." Defender accidentally said out loud.

I tried to hear Defender say it again. "Excuse me?"

Defender tried to avoid repeating herself. "Hmm? Oh, sorry! It's that I'm a bit dizzy. Yeah. That's what's going on, I'm dizzy."

"Right. Anyway, next wave in four days. Let's see where us attacking in waves gets us. Warmonger, tell your employee to get more information about them. They have my attention now."

Warmonger quickly snapped back. "Unfortunately, I won't order them to do anything. Those are my men, they risk torture for us. I will not let them show a hint of underground connections. Best I can do is hire someone else to piece together what she says."

That was more than enough to satisfy me. Despite how sensitive I am about my life before the Calamity, I still have a little shard of hope.

For both the chances of someone related to me still being out there, and also the future waves of attacks.