Jugo ran with the children back into the forest. He planned to use their small numbers and the cover of the trees to avoid detection. They managed to avoid the large groups, but the militia sent small groups out into the forest for reconnaissance. One of the recon groups caught sight of the trio on the run and engaged. The small group of soldiers didn't stand much of a chance, and were immediately sent running. Once the group's location was discovered, more small groups ambushed them one after the other.
Morgan: Jeez, the one time that Small Fryoten would've been helpful, he's missing! And I'll kick his ass for leaving me with whiny ass like this!
Jugo: What do you mean?
Morgan: He always knows where people are. I think he can smell them or something.
Kagura: Really? I always thought he could hear really well.
Just before they could continue their escape, a speeding projectile made a line drive straight for Jugo. He barely managed to block the attack, and Kagura instantly utilized his shadows to hold it still.
Morgan: Shrimp!
Raioten: Wait... guys?
?: Advance!
Raioten: Wait wait stop! We're all on the same side!
Everyone: What?
After the fighting finally subsided, the military men led the group back to the shore where their ships were stained. Tor was happily back atop Raioten's head, where he felt he belonged. Raioten explained what he had been doing for the past twenty four hours. Everyone in the group was engaged to hear that the Warden was still alive and that he had escaped from the island. Raioten recalled how he avoided the insects and followed his gut into her came in contact with Stroud and his men. He explained that he was patched up and treated nicely by the soldiers, who were there after seeing the massive explosion. While Raioten was enjoying being treated nicely, he overheard the returning squads. They were injured from fighting on the field and didn't think they could win. Raioten offered his help and was sent to fight his former allies unknowingly. Stroud offered his ship to the survivors and they each gladly boarded. Meeting up on the deck, everyone spoke of the past.
Raioten: By the way Kagura, what was that you used to hold me down?
Kagura: No idea. It's a cool power though isn't it?
Jugo: Is his Eximi ability.
Raioten: A what?
Jugo: That's what the Tower was responsible for creating. The Tower was meant for those with vast yet unrealized potential.
Morgan: Not you though small fry.
Raioten: . . .
Morgan: I'm just messing with you little one. So Jugo, how long were you in that place?
Jugo: It was around fourteen years maybe.
Morgan: Oh wow, you were in there before I was born.
Kagura: I've got no idea how long I was in there. Those first few months or years or whatever just kind of blend together.
Raioten: I'm not sure either, at least three years though.
Morgan: You were definitely there more than three years, dummy. I was there for five and you were already there.
Raioten: Oh, well at least five then.
Jugo: If it's been that long, you must've been even younger than I thought when you first arrived.
Raioten: Oh yeah, I have no idea how old I am.
Morgan: It's fine shorty, it doesn't matter. I'm thirteen now so you're clearly like eight or nine. I kept track of my birthdays and celebrated in secret.
Raioten: You're not funny...
Jugo: You know little lady, he might not have hit his growth spurt yet. Don't be surprised if he grows to be a bit taller than you.
Morgan: Imagine that! Ha! I'll be taller than all of you when I get older!
Stroud: Hello everyone. Sorry to interrupt but I need to know where to drop you all off at.
The guys: Uhhhhh
Stroud: Sir, surely you remember where you came from before you were brought to this island.
Jugo: There's nothing remaining for me there, I don't really have anywhere to go.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Stroud: I'm sorry to hear that. Do you want to talk about it?
Jugo: There's not much to say about it. I lost my wife, Esmeralda and my daughter, Asa. Even if I could return home, I couldn't: it was burned to the ground when I was taken. There's nothing left.
Stroud: These people must be brought to justice. I don't supposed any of you have any idea where you came from.
Raioten and Kagura: . . .
Morgan: My family lives in the Gnarod Region. 1436 North Wing Crossing is my home address.
Stroud: Oh wow, that's a start. Thank you. We'll head there and you three can think about where we can take you. You all try to relax as much as you can while we head to Gnarod. I'll have some relief waivers for you all to sign later, compensation for what you all have been through.
Raioten: Wait, what about this little guy?
Jugo: Good catch kid, none of us are exactly equipped to raise a baby.
Stroud: No worries, there are a few small towns he would be accepted in without any issue.
Raioten: Thats a relief.
Jugo: Before I go take a nap, what's the date?
Stroud: March 20th, 3089.
Jugo: 3089? Fuck. I'm definitely getting a '3/19' tattoo.
Kagura: That sounds awesome!
Raioten began wandering the ship to pass the time while the others talked.
Jugo: That's not really my style. I'll keep an eye on the boys and try to lay low.
Morgan: I understand, I'll see about Kagura.
Raioten was watching the waves in the ocean when he noticed Kagura and Morgan talking.
Kagura: I'll definitely take a look, but I've got something to do first.
Morgan: Sure, just make sure you had to the right- Oh hey little guy.
Raioten: Hey guys, what's.. uh going on?
Morgan: Knowing the words and knowing what to say are two very different things, ha.
Kagura: Morgan and I were just talking about-
Morgan: School! We were talking about school. You should sign up to go to my school!
Kagura looked on with confusion.
Raioten: School... Would I even be able to go to school?
Morgan: Sure! You could make lots of friends!
Kagura: But why would he go to school if-
Morgan: Woo!
Morgan pushed Kagura overboard, forcing Stroud to send out a small rescue boat to pick him up.
Stroud: Miss, please don't do that anymore. Try to hold off any overboard horseplay until we hit land alright?
Morgan: Yes sir, I'm sorry.
Raioten was laughing quietly behind her. He decided to ask her all kinds of questions about the school she went to. Morgan told him that since he received a formal education at the tower, he could use his time to relax and make friends. The more silly stories she told him, the more it sounded like a place he would enjoy.
Raioten stayed up into the early morning as everyone else slept. He found peace just sitting on the deck, listening to the sound of the ocean. His mind was clouded with flashbacks of his years inside of Tower 13, and the fear of what was on the horizon.
The ship took three days to get to its destination. The group was dropped off at a popular tourist city.
Stroud: I wish you all the best moving forward and please, stay out of trouble.
Jugo: Thank you so much sir, we all really appreciate it.
Stroud: Don't mention it. Kagura, are you ready?
Kagura: Yes sir, let's go.
Raioten: Wait, you're leaving? Just like that?
Kagura: Yeah man. I'm sorry but there's something I need to go take care of. This isn't goodbye, just a 'see you later'.
Raioten: Oh alright. I guess I'll see you around.
Kagura: You know it! I'll be a hundred times stronger than I am the next time you see me, just you watch!
Raioten: Yeah, I bet. You um, have a safe trip.
Kagura: You too, I hope this opportunity at school is everything you're looking for. See ya! You guys too, have a good one!
Jugo: Stay safe Kagura.
Morgan: Don't get yourself killed out there!
Kagura boarded a small ship that he was gifted by the Captain and set sail. In the city, Jugo's nose caught the scent of a high class buffet.
Jugo: Oh man, to eat that food.
Morgan: You should take us there!
Stroud: Me?
Morgan: Of course you we don't have any money and we're children. At least the two of us anyway. Wait... you were just planning on leaving us here all by ourselves?
Stroud: Wait no, of course I-
Within a few minutes, Morgan had a table secured for her and Raioten. Jugo sat with Stroud, who's wallet was still reeling from the expensive restaurant.
Jugo: Damn man, she got you good.
Stroud: I know...
Megan and Raioten sat and ate wave after wave of the expensive food. They laughed and talked for a few hours, not paying attention to the time. When they were finally stuffed, they approached the adults.
Morgan: Were you guys even eating anything?
Jugo: Oh we ate, we just didn't want to interrupt the little date you guys had going on over there.
With Jugo's sly tone and wink, Morgan knocked Raioten over out of embarrassment.
Morgan: It was NOT a DATE!
Stroud: Yeah, we're all totally convinced. I can take the child with me to the safe town now.
No matter what he tried, Stroud could not get Tor to part ways with Raioten's hair.
Raioten: Guess I'll go with you. If that's alright.
Stroud: Its no problem at all.
Raioten traveled with Stroud deep into the country. Arriving at the small, rustic town, Raioten was preparing his goodbye. As he tried to leave Tor at the city's orphanage, the baby expectedly began to cry.
?: Hi there! Your hair is really exotic.
Raioten: I... um, thank you.
?: Awww! Who's this little guy? Is he lost? Do you know where he came from?
Raioten: His name is Tor. He's like my little brother.
?: Oh, well don't worry, we can care for him here. Oh aren't you just full of tears little one.
Raioten: Do you have a pair of scissors or a knife around?
The orphanage instructor brought Raioten a knife from the kitchen. Raioten used the knife to cut his hair at the shoulders. He left Tor with the clump of hair he cut off. With the gift of hair, Tor was able to fall asleep. Raioten didn't want to leave, but knew it was for the best. He stayed silent on the drive with Stroud.
Stroud: I know it wasn't easy, but I'm proud of you.
Raioten: Thank you.
As they arrived back in town and reunited with Morgan and Jugo. Jugo promised to look after the children until they arrived in Morgan's hometown, relieving Stroud of duty. The trio traveled on foot for a few days before reaching the small town. Raioten was comforted by the small buildings scattered around. Morgan turned to the guys and gave them both a hug.
Morgan: I know how to get home from here Jugo, thank you for everything!
Jugo: Only if you're sure.
Morgan: I am, and short stack? I'll see you in a few months when school starts! Biya!
Raioten: Oh, uh, right! I'll see you then. Bye... ya?
Morgan took off in a full sprint, straight for her home.
Jugo: Well, I guess I better go find a job or something. We also need a place to live. We'll sign you up for school after we find a little house or an apartment to live in, how's that sound?
Raioten sat still for a moment, thinking about all of the major changes that happened in his life in just a matter of weeks. The new uncertainties made him extremely nervous, but he was happy to be able to finally live in peace for the moment.
Raioten: That sounds great. Thanks
-Arc 1 -End-
Who's your favorite character so far?
