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This Forsaken World

By Mantrid Brizon

Episode Twenty-Five: Spiraling

Sitting in the darkness, Buck looks toward the horizon. He stares pensively at the night sky, a shiver running up his spine.

“Did you want me to make it bigger?" Grey asks.

“Huh?" Buck turns his head.

“Yes? No?"

Holding up a large log, cut from a nearby tree, Grey waits for Buck to answer him. After a short pause, Buck finally realizes that Grey must've been watching him.

“Naw, I'm fine." Buck answers.

“I could use it, little bear." April chimes in.

“You don't need fire; you've got me, sugar." Grey smiles at his lover.

“Fire is still nice." She insists, taking the log from his hands and tossing it into the flames. “It's very nice."

“Then what do you have me for?" Grey chuckles.

“Mmmm-well..." She purrs as she leans into his chest. “You have your uses, little bear."

Reaching out a clawed hand, April's dainty fingers stroke his cheek. Sharing an impassioned kiss, her hand glides down his face, neck, and over his chest as their tongues entwine. Resting her hand on his groin, she gives his confined endowment an affectionate squeeze.

“Firm. Vigorous. Voluminous uses, little bear..." April continues between kisses. “Or should I call you big bear?!" She giggles.

“We have an audience, sugar."

“They don't care!"

“Are you sure about that?" Grey poses.

“Do you care, shithead?!" April glances across the campfire.

“Mmm-mmmph!" A bound and gagged Kane growls.

“That sounds like a 'no' to me. What about you? Do you care if I enjoy my husband?"

A stunned Buck has no idea how to respond. With wide eyes and a slightly agape mouth, he watches the couple. He's been observing them since they began the journey to his people's little city; he had no idea that a human and a Voeldahn could ever have such a loving, passionate and playful relationship. To him, their races just seemed too different, too foreign. He'd always assumed that April simply had a human fetish, but he's seen how she hovers around Grey, how his every word soothes her, how he smiles at her touch, as well as her vulgar jokes and comments, and how both of them stare into each other's eyes; anyone with the mental faculties of a child can recognize true love when they see it.

“You see, little bear? He's speechless from our passion. That means 'keep going'."

“Not tonight... I have a headache." Grey jokingly replies.

“I can make that go away." She coos.

Pushing her ample breasts against his chest, they bulge at the top of her skin-tight brown and white bodysuit. Nuzzling his neck, she gives him a lick and Grey rests his hand on the small of her back, falling backward from her force as she pushes herself atop him. Her human lover gives her plump yet firm buttocks a little smack.

“Ooh!" She smiles wide.

“Don't make me fight you off, sugar."

“Oh, fine..." April pouts, pushing herself off of him. “But when we get home, we're fucking like rabbits!"

“Alright." Grey grins.

“I'm serious... My brains? Out of my skull." April continues, adding a pantomime for effect.

“Noted. We should check on dinner."

“Here, let me get your food, little bear!"

April is quick to collect the cans that sit near the fire, slowly warming. With a special tool she clamps the rim of each can, bringing the steaming container closer to her and her lover.

“Thanks, sugar."

Draping an arm over her shoulders, Grey kisses her cheek. A wide smile forms on her lips. Buck blinks at the sight of the woman, a vicious warrior and admitted killer, acting as giddy as a schoolgirl and melting into his side as if she were a part of his body. Glancing over to Buck, Grey turns his eyes toward his can of food several times, silently reminding him of the simmering container of baked beans. April doesn't even notice, far too busy nuzzling Grey's chest and neck to realize that anyone else is there. Looking own at his can, Buck is quick to pull it away from the scorching flames.

“So, what's the plan?" He asks the couple, blowing the steam from the opened can.

“We shouldn't be too far away, I don't think..." Grey begins, looking to the wounded Kane, his ropes lashed tightly to tree they've camped beside. “At sun-up we can finish the hike, and then this'll finally be over."

“I mean what we gonna do 'bout him?" Buck reiterates.

“Oh! ... Nothing, I suppose."

“Y'all don't wanna keep watch over 'em?!" Buck's eyes widen in shock.

“He's beaten, stabbed, shot, half-starved and tied up with my knots. He isn't going anywhere." Grey replies.

“Yeah. Take it from me; when my little bear ties you up, you aren't going anywhere. I learned that the fun way." April winks, flashing a perverse grin.

“Uh... Right." Buck murmurs. “Ahem, well... I still think we ought'a watch 'em. If'n he gets away, this'll all be fer nuthin'."

“If you want, I can take the first watch." Grey promptly offers.

“Naw, I ought'a watch 'em first. You two got it tha worst." Buck retorts.

“Suit yourself!" Grey chirps.

“Wake us up when you're tired of looking at him." April adds.

After eating their dinner, April prepares a place for them, while Grey adds more logs to the fire. Buck stares intently at the wounded Kane, who he can't help but notice is staring down April and her lover with a seething hatred. The fire in his eyes is unyielding, and a curious Buck glances toward the couple. Lying on the grass, brushed down by April's hands, the couple hold each other. With his hooded jacket draped over April's side, she rests her head against his pack, her back pressed firmly against his chest. With his pistol belt removed, Grey uses it as a very impromptu and uncomfortable looking headrest, an arm draped over April's slender body.

Her long, feline tail, which protrudes so prominently above her perfect buttocks, lay over his outermost leg. The tip flicks slowly, showing her pleasure. With eyes closed and a wide smile across her lips, which wrap around her short, feline snout, she is visibly contented; she looks as comfortable as if she were laying on a bed of feathers, draped in silk sheets. Grey appears equally comfortable, burying his nose in the exposed, white and black striped fur of his Voeldahn lover's neck. Turning his head, Buck's focus again lands upon Kane, who hasn't ceased his staring. Kane's disdain is evident.

Feeling the gaze of the curious Buck, Kane's gaze slowly shifts, his hatred and anger only marginally decreased as he glares at one of his captors. A crackle in the fire steals Buck's attention. Bringing a knee towards his chest, he leans over, poking the fire with a stick, charred at one end. He's careful not to look away from Kane for too long; who knows what that man is still capable of. Looking back at his prisoner, he realizes that Kane has returned his focus on the resting couple. Again, glancing in their direction, Buck is amazed by their affection for each other. Taking in the surprisingly sweet sight, a tinge of guilt overwhelms him. Hopefully, Mama Fi is treating their daughter, Augustine, well.

“Again?!" Augustine grumbles.

With wide eyes and a sorrowful brow, she looks at the table. Mama Fi's lips curl into a sinister grin. Sighing, the defeated girl tosses her cards atop the old, folding tabletop.

“I'm so unlucky..." Augustine grumbles.

“It's alright, child. Poker's a game a' skill, just as much as it is luck. Y'all gonna learn that soon enough, as ya' get older." Mama Fi giggles.

Taking the cards from the table, Mama Fi's old, scrawny fingers grasp the deck. Slowly but skillfully shuffling the cards, she entertains Augustine with a quick trick, casually shooting the deck of cards from one hand to the other, in a steady stream.

“I guess I have a lot to learn, huh..." Augustine murmurs.

“Y'all gots plenty a' time. It took me years to learn these skills... So!" Mama Fi chirps, still shuffling the deck. “How long y'all wanna stay up?"

“I'm getting' sleepy, Mama." A nearby guard remarks.

“Already?! But it ain't even dawn yet!" The matriarch chuckles.

“I could bring someone else, if'n yer worried. Toby wouldn't mind, or maybe Bubba." He continues.

“Best not disturb Bubba when he's sleepin'. He gonna shine that flashlight and raise hell, even if you's doin' it fer me." Mama Fi remarks.

“But what about...?"

Turning her eyes toward the guard, she watches him motion to little Augustine, who sits across from her at the folding card table. Her smile widening, Mama Fi flashes her sharp canines.

“She ain't goin' anywhere, are ya', child?"

“No, ma'am!" Augustine replies, shaking her head and swaying her pigtails.

“Well, I'm gettin' sleepy." The guard reiterates.

“Go take a load off, then. We'll be fine." Mama Fi assures him.

Rising from his seat, the guard leaves the table and walks across the room, entering the living area of Mama Fi's trailer. Sitting in an old, oversized Lay Z Boy, he reclines in the chair, his rusting UMP submachine gun by his side. Issuing another hand, Augustine takes her cards, continuing the game. Shifting her sapphire eyes toward the ceiling, Augustine stares upward for a moment, before looking toward a distant window. She stares into the blackness, ignoring her hand for a moment. Her lips curl around her snout, sagging into a visible frown; her brow softens and her feline ears lose their perkiness.

Mama Fi takes notice, seeing the pensive look upon the young girl's face. Turning over her hand, to prevent the girl from peeking, she rests her cards atop the table.

“What's wrong, child?"

“Oh... Nothing..." Augustine murmurs.

“Worried 'bout your ma and pa? I'm worried 'bout Buck too, but they'll be alright." Mama Fi assures her.

“I know. It's not that."

“Oh? Then what's troublin' ya', darlin'?" Mama Fi cocks her head.

Augustine opens her mouth to speak, only to halt as her eyes swiftly shift toward the resting guard. Mama Fi's vision follows the girl's, a brow raising. She's perplexed by this. What does he have to do with anything?

“N-nevermind... It's nothing." Augustine assures her.

Quickly returning to her hand, she looks at her cards, only for her eyes to dart away and return to the resting guard. With curiosity burrowing deeper into the old woman's brain, she wonders what could trouble the girl so. Soon, she entirely forgets about their little game.

“Ya' know if ya' want ta' talk 'bout something, I'm the best one here fer tha job." Mama Fi proudly remarks.

Turning her eyes toward the ceiling for a brief moment, Augustine glances toward the guard again. He begins to faintly snore, now deep into his slumber. Gulping audibly, she turns her eyes toward Mama Fi, a hint of fear upon her face. Mama Fi is startled. This youthful girl has already proven to be every bit as capable as she was as a young adult; she escaped her room and even proved her ability to murder the old woman and her grandson in their sleep. Why does she look so afraid?! Setting her cards aside, Mama Fi leans across the table, speaking in a low whisper.

“Child?"

“When I was in that room... I heard something... Voices from the men outside." Augustine speaks up, looking fearfully at the slumbering guard.

“... What did they say?" Mama Fi asks, her voice deepening.

“Well... Th-they..." Augustine hesitates.

“It's alright, child." Mama Fi says, reaching over and resting her hand on the girl's forearm. “If there's anyone here ya' can talk too, it's me. I'm tha boss 'round here."

Shifting her gaze from the sleeping guard, Augustine stares the old Voeldahn woman straight in the eyes.

“... Are you sure about that?"

Her fingers uncoil, and the old woman sits back in her chair. Slumping against a wall, Tyson holds his AK pattern rifle close to his chest. Rounds pummel the other side of the wall, piercing the old bricks. Reaching above his head, he shields his fox-like ears with a forearm as dust and debris falls atop him, his body slumping ever closer towards the floor. Looking to his left and right, he sees the frightened men of his scout squad, along with over a dozen citizens from Searchlight. While many have fought for their lives in the past, few have seen this level of combat before.

“What're we going to do?!" A woman yells over the sporadic gunfire.

“Hold! Once they let up, we take our shots!" Tyson orders.

“I'm so scared!" Another woman cries.

“I want to go home!" A teenage boy exclaims.

“You started this shit, so we need to fucking finish it!" An unsympathetic Tyson snarls. “Now get the fuck down and wait for my signal!"

Issuing his orders over a handheld radio transmitter, Tyson's scouts instruct the others, who listen intently. They've been struggling to control the citizens of Searchlight ever since they arrived at dusk, at the end of the first skirmish. It wasn't long, however, before the swamp people regrouped. This is their town, after all, invaded by April's renegade clan. In her absence, he was barely able to maintain control, but now that the scenery has changed and their fear of dying realized, his confidence in battle and his experience as April's second has given him the edge he needed to wrangle them in.

The pings and pops gradually decrease as scores of swamp people run out of rounds. Stopping to reload, Tyson motions to his men, and the others around him. Pressing a call button, the signal designated, the other teams in the nearby buildings prepare themselves. Leaning out from behind their concealment, hundreds of rifles and pistols emerge from the windows. The gunfire erupts from every level, killing several of the retaliating swamp people and wounding dozens more. Awash with deadly lead, however, many escape uninjured, a testament to the citizen's poor training.

“Run!" Many voices exclaim.

Shooting back as they make a hasty retreat, the swamp people leave behind nearly a dozen corpses of their friends and family. Rising from a kneeling position, a man prepares to rush downstairs, leaving Tyson's group.

“Hey!" Tyson growls.

Stopping in his tracks, the man turns around.

“Where the fuck are you going?!"

“We got 'em on the run! We should chase 'em down!" The man replies.

“WHAT?! NO! We're not running into their forest, in the dark. That's suicide!" Tyson barks.

“But we-"

“How fucking stupid can you be?!"

“Tye!" The man shouts.

Raising his rifle and pressing the buttstock against his shoulder, the red fox Voeldahn narrows his amber eyes, glaring at the overly excited civilian. His clawed fingers squeeze the foregrip, his claws clicking menacingly against the wood.

“I said 'no'... Don't make me put you down."

“You're just going to let them get away?" The man sheepishly asks.

“They're not getting away. They're coming back. Until then, we sit tight, and wait... Got it?"

The man grumbles, his lips twisting around his snout in obvious displeasure.

“I said, 'got it'?!" Tyson growls.

“Yeah..." The man nods, conceding to his will. “I got it..."

“Good. It'll be dawn soon." Tyson says with a little smile, lowering the rifle from his shoulder. “Get what little sleep you can, and be ready for the next attack, because there's going to be one."

Slowly opening his eyes, Grey blinks several times. Lying before him, her back and buttocks still pressed firmly against his chest and groin, he takes a moment to take in his surroundings. Looking around, he realizes that it's the following morning, and Buck never did wake him up. Glancing over, he finds a wounded Kane still tied to a tree, passed out from exhaustion. Across from him sleeps Buck, who must've succumbed as well. With his back against a tree and his shotgun in his lap, his head hangs back. With mouth agape, his lips around his snout flutter as he very faintly snores.

Shifting in his arms, April awakens. Rolling onto her back, Grey returns his attention toward her. Opening her big, sapphire eyes, a wide smile forms across her lips.

“Mmm-morning, little bear." She says through a yawn.

“Hey, sugar."

Leaning in, they share a kiss, and then another. His hand slides down her side, before resting upon her hip.

“Mmm... If only we were at home, in bed." She coos, stroking his cheek with her clawed fingers.

“Don't I know it." Grey grins. “We'll catch up soon, though."

Sitting up, Grey takes his gun belt and attaches it to his waist, the buckle clicking loudly. He puts on his hooded jacket as April collects her faculties, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Rising to her pawlike feet, her shiny, black boots crunch the ground. As Grey slings his pack, he glances toward Buck. Standing before him, April gives his shoulder a shake.

“Zzz-mmm, no more hot soup, Mama..." He mumbles in his sleep.

Sighing in frustration, April rolls her eyes before raising her hand. With a hard smack across his snout, Buck jolts.

“Huh?! Wha?! ... What time is it?"

“It's time wake the fuck up. It looks like we overslept." April replies.

“What?! How?!" Buck gasps.

“Come on. We'll need to skip breakfast." Grey remarks, checking his Bersa pistol's ammunition.

“Are y'all serious?! Where's Kane?!" Buck looks around the field.

“Right there." April points. “Get up. We've got to move."

Untying the weakened Kane, who's wounds are rapidly beginning to fester, April and Grey drag him to his feet, before a cautious Buck takes over. With the barrel of his shotgun pressed into Kane's back, they march through the forest, trudging through the loamy soil. With an old machete in-hand, Grey's blade swishes through the air as he hacks bits of brush and shrubbery, keeping the way ahead clear. Walking just behind him and slightly to the side, April keeps both her beloved and the vile Kane in her sights. With each swing, a rather cheerful Grey begins to sing a strange tune.

“Dark soul of the elder gods, spawning evil from the ocean's floor, shape shifter fools all mankind, to manipulate this world. Mankind is hypnotized, we're standing paralyzed."

Buck raises a brow, glancing over Kane's shoulder and toward Grey as the human begins to sing quietly to himself. He turns his eyes toward April, who apparently feels his gaze. Glancing back, she seems amused, only further enamored by the human's eccentricities.

“You will see the visions peel away. Shape shifting demon. Casting spells upon the human race. Death phoenix rising. Tainted by his vile, heinous stare. Consciousness fading. We are misted by his salted air. Cursing our spirit." Grey continues.

“So sweet..." Kane weakly grumbles. “Singing a song about me."

“Shut up, you sum'bitch!" Buck snarls.

With a swift swing, he slams the butt of his shotgun between Kane's shoulder blades, causing the once powerful, black wolf Voeldahn to stumble.

“You're lucky... If I wasn't so weak, I'd rape you to death too." Kane growls, looking back at Buck.

Startled and disgusted, Buck feels himself flush with anger.

“I didn't know that about you, Kane! Is that what all this was about?! Were you mad because Rodge rejected you?" April teases.

“Don't even say his name you fucking whore!"

“Stop fuckin' talkin'!" Buck strikes Kane again.

Pulling a dirty rag from a pocket, a rag that once held some spare shotgun shells, he bundles the cloth and steps around Kane. With considerable force, he stuffs the rag into Kane's mouth, the same one he'd used the night before. Holding his wolf-like jaws shut and taking twine from another pocket, he ties his snout shut.

“Mmm! Mmm-mmph!" Kane grumbles.

“Better!" Buck snickers.

“Shit..." Grey murmurs.

Turning toward the human, he holds out a palm toward them. Standing in the brush, they find themselves looking into a field. In the distance is the small city, once held by Mama Fi's coalition of families, but now is swarming with the citizens of Searchlight.

“The fuck are y'all's people doin' here?!" Buck demands.

“I don't know!" April responds in shock. “Irving?!"

“I don't know either." Grey replies.

“Irving? I thought yer name was 'Grey'?" Buck raises a brow.

“He didn't say anything about this." Grey continues, ignoring their companion.

“Well, what're we going to do?!" April asks, a hint of fear in her voice.

“We're going to be alright, sugar. I promise."

Grey turns back, reaching out and lovingly holding April's hand. Sharing a gaze, April's fears begin to subside. Leaning in, the couple share several impassioned kisses, revealing the depths of their love for one another. For a split second, Buck and Kane both feel a tinge of jealousy and envy. Taking his lover into his arms, the human holds his Voeldahn wife closely. They've shared their vows in private, whispering them to each other and pledging themselves to one another for the remainder of their lives; it's the best that can be done, and a common form of informal marriage, since 'The Ending' has ruined the previous society.

With Grey's chin resting on April's shoulder, he rubs her back and nuzzles her neck, smelling her natural, feminine scent. Her feline tail sway with glee, her clawed hands pressing against his shoulder blades. From her soft hum of pleasure, Buck and Kane can envision the wide smile that must be spread across her face. Opening his eyes, Grey's focus shifts. His brow furls as he lifts his head. His changing focus draws April's attention, causing his wife to turn around and glance over her shoulder. The white furred Voeldahn, with black tiger stripes narrows her sapphire eyes.

“What the hell?!" She remarks.

Now too curious to resist, both Buck and Kane also shift. Looking back, they're all stunned by a surprising sight. In the distance is a small convoy, including a cart pulled by two donkeys. Atop the cart rides Mama Fi, holding the reigns and guiding the animals. Beside her sits Augustine, who holds Mama Fi's beloved cane in her lap.

“This must be why we overslept." Grey remarks.

Pushing past Kane and Buck, April rushes toward the group, immediately followed by Grey.

“Sweetheart?!" April calls out.

“Hey, Precious!" Grey chirps.

“Hi, mom! Hi, dad!" Augustine chirps, leaning forward and waving. “What're you doing here?!"

“Just enjoying the morning air." April replies with a smile.

“And it's a fine mornin', ain't it?" Mama Fi smirks.

The old Voeldahn woman's eyes scan the bound, gagged and wounded Kane as he's pushed toward the cart.

“Hey, Mama. What'chu' doin' here?!" Buck asks with shock.

“I might ask you the same."

Grey and Augustine look toward each other, sharing a little smile. April turns her eyes, looking between her husband and her pre-teen daughter. She knows right away that they must share the answer.

“We thought it might be best to come here first." Grey begins. “Couldn't be sure your people would wait for you."

“Normally, I'd be inclined ta take offense ta that remark..." Mama Fi glares at him. “But... Yer daughter done made a good case for yer apprehensions."

“Considering the state of things..." Grey sighs, crossing his arms before his chest.

“Yeah... They's definitely getting out a' hand. I came here ta check on my peoples and make sure they's stayin' in line." Mama Fi continues.

No sooner does Mama Fi finish her sentence than a short barrage of distant gunfire draws all of their attention. Looking back at the field and the silhouette of the town, Buck can feel the tension growing in the pit of his stomach.

“Who they be shootin' at?!" He thinks aloud.

“People from Searchlight must have feet as itchy as mine." Mama Fi smirks.

Realizing the state of their collective groups, April's horror increases exponentially. She looks toward her daughter, fearing for her safety as the two sides begin another skirmish, battling it out with each other for control of the town.

“Why the fuck would you bring her here?!" April snarls.

“Don't take that tone with me, little missy..." Mama Fi growls, narrowing her eyes. “I had no way of knowin' what to expect! She made a compellin' case! ... And besides, I couldn't very well leave her behind."

“They's shootin' it up over there!" One of her goons fearfully exclaims.

“What're we gonna do, Mama?!" Buck frantically asks.

“I-I, uh..." Mama Fi hesitates.

April looks back at the growing battle, the gunfire swiftly escalating. Looking toward the field and then back at each other, Augustine and Grey share their thoughts in silence.

“We should take Kane into town and tell everyone what he's done. They need to know that this was all his fault." Augustine speaks loudly.

“Yeah. But first, we need to stop the fighting." Grey interjects.

“Right..." April sighs, a hint of defeat in her voice.

“And how do we do that?!" Mama Fi snickers.

“We split up and head for town at different angles. Mama Fi finds the biggest group of her people and takes control. Mom and dad, you do the same for our people. Find Tyson and his scouts and get everyone on your side. After we have control, we should signal each other; call a ceasefire and move in. That's when we reveal Kane and finish this, in front of everyone." Augustine instructs.

As she speaks, both April and Mama Fi appear surprised, turning their heads and watching the young girl as she lays out their strategy. Little Augustine sits in silence, awaiting their confirmation. Turning her head, her black pigtails, which match her mother's, sway so elegantly, fluttering in the wind. A large, proud smile overtakes April's lips, curling around her short, feline snout as she rests her clawed hands upon her broad hips. Cocking her head to one side, Mama Fi flashes a toothy grin, clearly amused. Mama Fi's people all nod in approval as Grey flashes his adopted daughter a little smile.

“Ain't you full'a surprises, child!" Mama Fi giggles.

Smiling shyly, Augustine lowers her head, turning her eyes up at the others. Mama Fi looks back and over her shoulder, her eyes scanning her people. She turns toward Buck, Kane, April and Grey and lifts the reins.

“Alright! Y'all heard the plan. We'll take Kane and keep 'em safe, till y'all can rein in yer peoples. I'll make sure mine don't step outta line, and when y'all're ready, we'll call a ceasefire and meet in the field." Mama Fi instructs.

“In ya' go, ya' son of a bitch!" Buck growls, shoving Kane forward.

With a hard push, he forces the resentful Kane toward the back of Mama Fi's wagon. Nodding in agreement, the two groups prepare to separate. Stepping away from the wagon as Mama Fi flicks the reigns, April and Grey head for the brush. Suddenly pausing, April looks back at the wagon, staring past the matriarch and directly at her daughter.

“Just... Keep her safe... Please."

Hearing a mother's fear in April's voice, Mama Fi's cold, calculating exterior weakens. Her sharp brow softens, and her piercing eyes begin to dull. With a subtle nod, Mama Fi inhales deeply through her nose, exhaling slowly.

“She won't come ta no harm, April. I promise."

Nodding in response, April watches Augustine as Grey rests a hand on her shoulder, gently pulling her away. With another flick of her frail wrists, Mama Fi urges her donkeys to move, pulling the cart away. With the marching of her goons following behind, Grey turns to April, who can hardly bring herself to take another step, once against watching Augustine leave with the old woman. She speaks without sound, mouthing three words to her daughter, who turns back, watching her intently. With a warmth growing in her heart, Augustine's eyes begin to water. She waves to her mother and her new dad from the slowly moving cart as the two groups part ways.

“Don't worry." Mama Fi says as Augustine turns back around, sitting beside her in the cart. “Y'all're gonna see each other again real soon."

“I know." Augustine says with a smile, wiping a happy tear from one of her eyes.

Moving through the brush, April checks the ammunition in her Micro-Uzi. Looking to Grey, who looks back, she stares with fearful eyes. For as strong and dominating as she is, April's a delicate flower. Countless live she's taken, and countless times she's nearly lost her own, but the fear of the next few hours overwhelms her. She cannot bear to lose Augustine or Grey in the impending struggle. What will her life be worth? How will she find the strength to raise Grey's child, which grows inside of her womb? Seeing her fragility, Grey reaches out and strokes her cheek, feeling the softness of her white and black stripped fur between his fingers.

“It's going to be okay, baby." He coos, stroking her cheek.

“How can you be sure, little bear?" She asks, resting her hand over his.

“Trust me, sugar. We're going to be okay. I promise."

“You know how I hate promises." April sniffles.

Smiling, he leans in and plants a loving kiss upon her lips. One kiss becomes another, and then another. Their tongues briefly wrestle with one another and they hold each other tightly in their arms.

“I only make promises that I can keep, sugar."

“I'm just scared. I've heard promises before." She whimpers.

Resting his hand on the back of April's head, Grey buries his nose in the soft fur of the nape of her neck. He sways gently with April in his arms, comforting his lover. For as strong and powerful as she is, he knows how frail she can be. He's overcome by the desire to protect and heal her, mending the broken bird whom he cradles in his arms.

“I'm not Sniper..."

“I know..." April sniffles. “You're better."

Her lips curl into a little smile as she whispers into his ear, before planting a kiss on his cheek. Smiling back as she expresses her affections, Grey nuzzles her neck.

“It's going to be alright. I promise." He insists.

“Okay. I believe you." She whispers.

“You better." He remarks, giving her firm buttocks a little smack.

“Mmm!"

“Let's hurry this up; we've got a lot of catching up to do after we're done." He says with a wink.

Nodding in response, April follows her husband. With her fears annihilated, the couple make their way into the field. Ahead of them, they can see the small city that once belonged to Mama Fi's people. No one is watching the side where they approach, though they still stay close to the tree-line. When there is no more forest left to protect them, April and Grey take a few deep breaths, preparing themselves for the quarter mile sprint toward the nearest building. With a glance between each other and a little nod, Grey reaches out and takes April's hand. With her fears nothing but a memory, the pair dash through the open field.

In the distance, there is a lull in the gunfire. It isn't long before the shooting stops altogether. From one end, they can see several dozen people running back toward the forest, fleeing from the battle within the city. Nearing the first building, they see someone walking along a rooftop. Swiftly turning toward the couple, the main takes aim. Before he can act, however, Grey shifts his body, slamming his shoulder into a flimsy, wooden door at the rear of the building. Bashing through the barrier, he stumbles and falls onto the floor on the same shoulder as April sprints inside, her shiny, black boots sliding on the dust.

“Are you okay, little bear?!" She asks, kneeling beside him.

“Yeah, I'm fine." He nods, slowly pushing himself up.

“We got a few inside!" A distant voice yells.

Swiftly raising her Micro-Uzi and pointing it toward the nearest door, the light trickles in through the film of dust coating the glass. The thin building, a former storefront, is swiftly surrounded. The shadows of nearly a dozen fighters prepare to enter. With a swift kick, a Searchlight scout, wearing heavy body armor, takes aim at April. Immediately recognizing her as his leader, the scout lowers his AR-15, breathing a sigh of relief.

“It's good to see you back!" A man behind the scout exclaims.

“Looks like you've been busy..." April growls.

“How'd you know we'd be here?!" The scout asks.

“That doesn't fucking matter. Where's Tye?" She demands, helping Grey to his feet.

“I-I'm not sure. It's been real chaotic over here." The scout replies.

“What about that?" Grey asks.

“Huh?"

Pointing at the radio that's clipped onto the left breast pocket of the scouts armored, tactical vest, the Voeldahn tilts his head, looking beyond his snout.

“Oh!" The young otter exclaims, his tapering tail swaying. “That broke!"

“Damn..." Grey grumbles, rubbing his shoulder.

“Yeah. I got separated in a firefight and fell on it. Last I saw, Tyson was near the far edge of town, holed up in some place called a 'bank'. Had a big metal room he turned into a base!" The scout explains.

“Take us there!" April orders.

“Yes, ma'am!"

With the scout and a dozen armed citizens joining them, April and Grey make their way into the streets. Moving through the streets, the scout leads them toward the old bank, Tyson's new base. Turning a corner, a sudden gunshot catches them off guard.

“Agh!" The scout falls back.

“You sum'bitch!" A man yells.

Leaping out from around the corner, the Voeldahn in dirty coveralls takes aim at the scout's head with a rusting, Colt revolver. Before he can fire, a wave of gunfire washes his body, a pinkish-red mist exploding from nearly a dozen newly formed holes in his flesh. Falling back dead, the man lay still as a civilian swiftly claims his old revolver and checks his pockets, while two others lift the scout from the ground.

“Are you alright, Steve?!" A man asks.

“Yeah, yeah!" He nods.

Looking down, they see the butt-end of a lead bullet sticking out of his armored vest, right over his heart.

“Come on..." The scout grunts out, rubbing his chest, beneath his vest. “Be careful. There might be more of his kind around."

Moving slowly through the streets and keeping their eyes peeled, Steve, the otter Voeldahn, brings his leader to the bank. The shattered windows and chipped brick can only hint at the sheer number of rounds that've been fired through the face of the building. With a simple but effective barricade of old, metal furniture and appliances protecting the people within, the scout cups his hands around his snout.

“Wildfire!" He shouts.

“What?!"

“Wildfire!!!" He shouts even louder.

The front doors, barricaded with considerable amounts of sheet metal, unlock and slowly swing open. Racing forward and entering the building, the scout leads his group inside. Moving through the darkened room, only minimal light trickling in through the barricade, April and Grey look around. In a corner is a makeshift medical center. Dr. Shaw stands over a man with a gunshot wound in his abdomen, performing impromptu surgery. Havana, the buxom mouse Voeldahn holds a lantern.

“Come on, you son of a bitch..."

“Doctor..." Havana murmurs.

“I'm not going to lose another!"

“Doctor!" Havana pleads.

“WHAT?!"

“... He's dead."

Setting down his surgical tools in defeat, Dr. Shaw slams the bottom of his fist against the nearby wall.

“God damnit!" He yells.

“Doc!" Steve calls out.

“Who's hurt?!" Dr. Shaw spins around.

Havana's eyes light up at the sight of Grey, while Dr. Shaw moves in, examining the scout who called to him.

“You're not hurt!" Dr. Shaw growls, as if offended.

“No. Where's Tyson?" Steve asks.

“He left. Went to reinforce the northern side of town. There's a radio right over there." Dr. Shaw points.

Racing toward the table, Steve picks up the radio. He takes a breath, preparing to speak, but April swipes the radio from him.

“Tyson! Where are you?!"

“April?! ... Schhht. Is that you?! Schhhht." The radio's static reverberates throughout the building.

“Yeah. We're back. Where are you?"

“We're uh... Schhhhhhhhht. At the deli, I think. Schhhht. Some of the buildings-schhht-falling together." Tyson replies.

“I know where that is!" Havana chirps.

Turning back, April is surprised to see the woman's fleshy tail swaying quite happily. Her eyes are locked on Grey, who takes a step back, moving closer to his wife. Narrowing her sapphire spheres, April briefly wonders why Havana is so eager to help.

“We're gonna need some reinforcements over here! Schhhhhhht. I can see more coming!" Tyson's voice shudders with fear.

“Take us there, now!" April orders Havana.

“Yes, ma'am! I'll be right back, doctor!"

“Don't get yourself killed." Dr. Shaw grumbles as he cleans his tools.

Racing past the couple, Havana taps Grey's shoulder, giving him a clandestine squeeze. As she moves toward the door, he slinks away, glaring at her.

“Are you alright, little bear?" April asks.

“Y-yeah... Let's just get this over with." He murmurs.

Joining his leader, Steve motions to a few more scouts within the bank, bringing them to his aid. Leaving in force, April, Grey, and nearly two dozen scouts and armed citizens follow Havana as she leads them through the debris cluttered streets. Turning a corner, distant gunfire grows louder and more intense. Heading to the northern end, they turn a corner, and then another. Ducking into an alleyway, they move over a dumpster and through a broken fence. Climbing the steps of a rickety, rusting fire escape, they enter through a shattered window, being careful not to cut themselves.

“The deli is the next building over, but another store collapsed in front of it. We have to walk over a little bridge that the swampies made." Havana instructs.

Moving through the building, they pass through a doorway and into a room that's half destroyed. Emerging into the open air, April and Grey pause at the sight of the field to their right. Swarming with hundreds of swamp people, all members of Mama Fi's coalition of families, they are briefly struck with a realization; if Mama Fi so desired, she may very well have the numbers to wipe them out.

“Come on! Let's go!" Havana urges her frozen leaders.

Racing across the makeshift bridge, her ample breasts bouncing, gunfire erupts as several dozen swamp people spot her.

“Ahh!" She screams, falling forward. “I don't want to die! I'm pregnant!" Havana cowers on the floor of the bridge.

Taking aim, April's men return fire as the couple move across the bridge. Pushing his discomfort for her aside, Grey reaches out to aid the cowering Havana. A bullet whizzes past him, startling him and causing him to fall. Tumbling forward, his already strained shoulder slams into the jagged railing; he presses against Havana's back. Pushing himself up with his good hand, unable to move his other from the pain in his shoulder, April is forced to cover the pair. She takes aim and fires a burst from her Micro-Uzi, inciting more of her people to action.

“Come on! We've got to move!" She growls.

Reaching out, April grabs hold of Grey, hoisting him up by an armpit. Crawling across the rickety wooden beams as the bullets fly, Havana meekly follows behind April and Grey. Their men follow closely behind, keeping a barrage of fire trained on the multitudes of Mama Fi's coalition. A uniform wearing scout drags Havana from the floor of the bridge, forcing her along as they move across and into the relative safety of the brick building. Larger caliber rifle rounds, considerably stronger than the pistols and shotguns used by the majority of the swamp people, occasionally poke holes into the structure, keeping everyone's heads down.

Passing several destroyed rooms, the group enters a larger room at the end of the hall. There they find Tyson and nearly a dozen scouts taking cover. Issuing orders to several groups of April's men, Tyson has done his very best to maintain control in her absence. No sooner than she has entered the room, however, her men swiftly look to April for guidance. Tyson is no exception.

“It's so fucking good to see you two!" He exclaims. “What's the plan?!"

“We need to regroup! As soon as they let up, we'll ceasefire and pull our people in!" April orders.

“A... Ceasefire?!" Tyson raises his brow in surprise.

“Did I fucking stutter?!" April snarls.

“No, ma'am!" Tyson passes her the radio.

“What about the groups without radios, or with broken radios?" A random scout inquires.

“We'll need to send runners. Wait for the shooting to lighten up a bit, then head out." She answers.

Within a matter of minutes, the gunfire begins to die down and the swamp people seem to be retreating. A few of April's men take aim from the windows with their combat rifles, but April is quick to stop them. They can't risk jeopardizing the deal with Mama Fi, not when Augustine's life is at stake. None dare oppose April, especially when Grey seems wholly unwilling to quell her anger. With the swamp people retreating into the forest, April issues her new orders; regroup and assemble near the deli. Her scouts make sure that absolutely everyone is aware of her plans.

Within the hour, every last surviving member of Searchlight has gathered in and around the deli, numbering several hundred strong. Racing downstairs, April and Grey meet the masses. The couple stand before them, with April climbing atop an old, broken down hovercar that's spent the last few decades parked in front of the store.

“When they come back, you need to follow my lead! No one fire unless I give the order! NO MATTER WHAT! Is that clear?!" April roars.

Scores of voices answer her, and hundreds nod in agreement.

“Shit... Another wave!" Tyson calls out from the top floor of the deli.

Jumping down from the car, the couple return inside. April and Grey climb the shattered steps to rejoin Tyson and his scouts, who frantically take their positions, aiming high powered rifles at the swarm of bodies. To the shock and horror of everyone, Mama Fi's coalition of families is enormous. There are easily five or six hundred fighters, all armed with some type of firearm. They outnumber April's group nearly three-to-one. The silence is deafening. The people of Searchlight are so entwined in their horror that their breathing isn't audible.

Suddenly, the marching army of swamp people stop in their tracks. Looking back, a larger object is visible in the distance. Gazing through a pair of binoculars, April grins from cheek to cheek as Mama Fi rides her cart through her people, who look to the old matriarch for guidance. Beside her, the seat where Augustine had previously occupied, is empty. Thankfully, Mama Fi is upholding her end, and it doesn't appear as though she will be using Augustine's capture as a bargaining chip, at least not where April's people can witness it.

“Is that their leader on that cart?! We could take her out right now and end this!" A scout exclaims.

“No one fire!" April snarls.

“I bet I could make that shot!" The scout looks through his rifle's scope.

“What did I just say?!" April growls, storming up to the scout.

“But April!"

Swiftly drawing her Micro-Uzi, she places the barrel against the scout's temple.

“I said... No. One. Fire. Are you fucking deaf?!"

Unwilling to defy her, the scout lowers his rifle. Fearful that the scout might suddenly change his mind, April grabs the barrel and yanks, stealing his only weapon. With a little wave of her Micro-Uzi, she directs the scout away from the window.

“We're going to wait and see what she does! Understood?!"

“Yes, ma'am!" Several voices chirp.

Returning to her original window, April glances toward Grey. The expression on her face reveals her worry, but Grey is a comforting presence. Giving her a little smile and a head nod, he reaches out and softly strokes her back. Flashing him a little smile in return, April slings the scout's rifle and brings her binoculars up to her sapphire eyes. As the cart inches closer, Mama Fi brings up a megaphone, with wires leading to a replacement battery. Pressing a button, the device shrieks for a moment, before the old Voeldahn woman begins to speak.

“April! This is Mama Fi! There's been too much death, child! Too much blood between us! If y'all're willin' ta see me, I'm willin' ta talk! Face ta face! We know tha truth, child!"

Emerging from the back of the cart, Buck drags out the wounded Kane. Several gasps are heard as people with scopes and binoculars witness a former associate being presented as a prisoner.

“Is that Kane?!" A man asks.

“What's she doing with him?!" Another wonders.

“What's going on here?!"

April can't help but grin.

“Come on out and we'll talk! No guns! No nuthin'!"

“Well, you heard the woman!" April begins.

“Are you seriously going down there?! What if she kills you?!" Tyson asks.

“This has all been a big misunderstanding. We're going to end this right now, and we're going to do it the right way."

Extending her empty hand toward her husband, Grey takes hold. With Tyson and most of the scouts in tow, they exit the deli. Scores of citizens follow behind, eager to find out what's going on, as much as to back up their leader, should the negotiations fail. Exiting the town, April and Grey enter the field, followed by their people. They march through the vast expanse, stepping around and over the bodies of the dead, leftover from the previous battles. The anticipation builds within the couple, as it does for everyone on either side.

Closing the few hundred yards of distance, April, Grey and Tyson soon stand across from Mama Fi and her grandson, Buck. As April's scouts and the straggling citizens move in, Mama Fi's people do the same, matching their every step.

“Looks like we found somethin' y'all lost." Mama Fi begins.

“Yeah. Are you ready to do this?" April asks.

“Do what? What's going on?" Tyson looks between them.

“Where'd you leave Augustine?" April cannot help but ask.

“Oh, with several nice, armed men."

April notes the change in Mama Fi's tone. Furling her brow, April stares deeply into the old Voeldahn woman's eyes as she stands across from her. The sinister glare that the Coalition's matriarch returns fills April's heart with dread. Has she been double-crossed?!

“What're you doing?" April quietly asks.

“I'm just takin' some precautions, child. Should this not end well, I've made certain that it won't fer her either." Mama Fi giggles.

“I want Augustine back!" April snarls, taking a step forward.

Without hesitation, Mama Fi presses her claws into the eye sockets of the silver skull that caps her cane. Unlocking a hidden mechanism, she yanks her arm back, drawing an eighteen-inch sword from the ebony shaft of the cane. The razor-sharp blade presses against April's throat, brushing her white fur.

“Ah-ah-ah!" Mama Fi shakes a finger, standing confidently, without the aid of her cane. “Don't go ruinin' this now! You's doin' so well!"

“April!" Grey calls out to his wife.

Looking back, April shows her fear. It's the first sign of fear that many of her people have ever seen; it startles them. Weapons lower as they realize what Mama Fi holds over their leader.

“Please, sugar!" Grey strokes her hand. “It's going to be fine. Trust me."

“Yeah. Trust yer man, child." Mama Fi grins sinisterly.

“Fine... But if you hurt her..."

“I ain't gonna do nothin'! ... Unless y'all make a mistake."

“What's going on, and why do you have Kane?!" A scout finally asks.

“Glad y'all asked!" Mama Fi chirps.

“This whole war has been a mistake." April begins.

“What?! These freaks attacked us first!" A Searchlight citizen yells.

“Nuh-uh! Y'all came after us!" One of Mama Fi's men barks back.

“It was all a lie! Kane started this! He set us against each other! ... He did it all." Grey yells over the growing discontent.

“He attacked outlying farms and set it all up to make it look like we did it, just so her people would get angry and lash out." April says, pointing at Mama Fi.

“And after y'all fought back, we had every reason to kick it up." Mama Fi interjects.

“No way!" A Searchlight scout scoffs.

“How stupid do y'all think we is?!" A Coalition woman snickers.

“Wait... Why would he do that?! What was in it for him?!"

Kane's head bobs, almost as if he's sobbing. His voice grows louder and louder, even through his gag. To the horror of all standing around them, he throws his head back, breathing deeply through his nose; he's laughing into the rag. Buck slams the butt of his shotgun into Kane's knee, dropping him to the ground. A Searchlight scout, enraged by the accusation, grabs the gag and rips the tied cloth from around Kane's snout, cutting him with his claws. Kane spits out the rag, cackling maniacally.

“Hahaha! You stupid fucks! You have no idea how easy you were!" Kane taunts them.

“Was this really you?!" A Searchlight citizen demands.

“Don't stop now..." Kane chuckles. “You're such wonderful puppets. You dance so well!"

“Oh my god..." A woman gasps.

“I never thought it would be this easy!" Kane laughs louder.

Dozens of people turn away from their would-be enemies, struggling to comprehend what Kane has done. Scouts examine the field, littered with the bodies of the slain, all a result of Kane's trickery.

“This all started when Augustine shot that little piece of shit, Rodge, when he tried to kill my husband. Kane must swing both ways; I can't imagine why else he'd take it so hard... Or maybe he did." April snickers.

“Watch your fucking mouth, you little bitch!" Kane snarls.

“What's wrong?! I thought ya' was tha big, bad wolf?! Do ya' miss yer boyfriend?" Buck taunts him.

“Fuck you..." Kane grumbles.

Pushing past the others within Mama Fi's group, a Voeldahn with the features of a wolf makes her way toward the front.

“Look at what you've done!" A Searchlight scout growls.

“How could you?!" A swamp woman demands.

“With my hands and my dick." Kane smirks.

“Don't you have any regret?!" Tyson asks, his eyes wide with horror.

“Yeah..." Kane glares at his former leaders. “I regret only raping eight women! I wanted at least a dozen!"

“You son of a bitch..." Tyson murmurs, taken by shock.

“For yer crimes, again' my peoples and lady April's, yer gonna pay with yer-"

Bang!

“Arg!" Kane exclaims.

The others all spin around, facing the source of the sound. Bang. Bang. Bang. Moving away from the crowd, Virginia, one of Kane's previous victims, and one of the few to survive him, steps forward. With pistol in hand, she fires again and again, taking deliberate shots. No one stops her as she closes in on Kane. Bang. Bang. Bang. With his hands still tied behind his back, he falls forward. Lying dead on the ground, Virginia doesn't stop until her antique revolver clicks empty. Click, click, click. She pulls the trigger but the weapon is empty. No one can blame her for what she's just done. With a trembling hand, she grimaces from the memory of what he did to her, as much from her own actions.

“Child." Mama Fi speaks softly.

Stepping forward and reaching out her hand, Mama Fi takes hold of Virginia's weapon. With a gentle push, she lowers the traumatized woman's firearm, before slowly pulling it away from her fingers. Virginia's bottom lip quivers and her eyes well with tears, which soon run freely down her cheeks.

“Shh, shh. It's alright, child." Mama Fi coos, taking the weeping Virginia into her arms. “Yer gonna be just fine. He's gone now."

Everyone stands in utter silence, left in awe by both Kane's admissions of guilt in causing the war between their two sides, as well as by Virginia's impulsive and impassioned act of revenge. Tyson looks toward Buck, who slings his shotgun; his yields before the entire group. He turns toward April and Grey, who holster their weapons in kind, unwilling to fight any longer. Several scouts and citizens soon follow suit. Glancing over his shoulder, he witnesses scores of people emerging from the stolen town. Across from them, Mama Fi's much larger force also walk carefully towards them.

Stepping away from Grey, April approaches her former adversary. Flexing her fingers, April appears ready to draw her weapon. They've done what they set out to do, and she wants her daughter released. With her rage building, Grey knows that he has to act fast. Swiftly catching up to his wife, he rests his hand on her shoulder, giving her an unusually firm squeeze. Gaining her attention, he glares, clandestinely shaking his head. April takes a deep breath and closes her sapphire eyes, struggling to control herself. After a short pause, April clears her throat.

Mama Fi, who still holds Virginia, cradling her like her own daughter, shifts her body and turns her eyes toward April. Without speaking a word, Mama Fi subtly nods her head. She motions to a group of women, who swiftly move in and comfort Virginia in her stead. Slipping the blade of her cane sword back into the ebony shaft, she walks feeble away from them. Motioning to a particular group of men, they race to answer her silent call. Whispering her commands, they nod their heads and depart, heading back toward the tree-line.

“Augustine is fine. We left her sittin' in a camp that my peoples made. Y'all'll be together soon." Mama Fi assures the couple.

“Thank you." April replies, speaking softly.

“No... Thank you, April." Mama Fi smiles warmly. “And thank you, Grey and Buck. Y'all sacrificed a lot to end this here war, 'fore it really got started."

Looking back, Tyson shakes his head as he scans the landscape and the field of corpses. Turning his attention toward April's people and then Mama Fi's, it's clear that all are shocked and horrified by what they've done as a result of Kane's subterfuge. So many have died. Fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. For some, their lives will never be the same; Kane started the war with his trickery, and many have died as a result. Will they ever be able to move on after this? Will they ever be able to forgive?

“What happens now?" A Searchlight scout suddenly asks.

“April?" Tyson turns to his leader.

April turns back, her eyes scanning her horde. Turning back to face Mama Fi and her coalition, April flashes a warm smile.

“Now? ... Now we collect our dead and go home."

“Then what?" Buck asks, looking toward his grandmother.

“Then we all go on 'bout our lives." Mama Fi replies.

Approaching the old, Voeldahn woman, April and Grey shake her hand and wish her farewell. In the distance, Mama Fi's men return, an unharmed Augustine walking between them. No sooner does the pre-teen girl spot her parents does she run past the men, who make no effort to stop her.

“Mom! Dad!" Augustine shouts.

“Sweetheart!" April extends her arms toward her daughter.

Rushing into April's arms, the mother and daughter are finally reunited.

“Oh no. I mean, 'oh, hi!'" Grey teases, stepping up to the pair.

“Shut up!" Augustine giggles, pulling away from April and hugging Grey next. “You know you missed me!"

“I did." Grey replies, wrapping his arms around the girl. “I'm glad you're alright."

“It's so good to have you back." April adds, joining them.

Mama Fi can't help but smile as she watches the family. By now, many of the witnesses have turned back, heading for the town to collect their wounded and dead. Those who did not hear Kane's confession or the truce are swiftly informed. Walking with the couple and their daughter, Mama Fi and Buck watch their people, some of whom are still seething.

“What're we gonna do 'bout this?" Buck suddenly asks.

“About what?" Augustine cocks her head.

“All the bad blood we gots between us." Mama Fi explains.

“Oh..." Her ears slump forward.

“Don't worry about us." April answers.

“There won't be any retaliation." Grey interjects.

“Are y'all sure 'bout that?" Buck raises a brow.

“We can maintain control... I have my ways." April grins sinisterly.

“Y'all ain't gotta worry 'bout us neither." Mama Fi adds.

“Are you sure?" Augustine asks with uncertainty.

“I gots my ways, too, child." Mama Fi grins sinisterly.

Saying nothing more on the matter, April and Grey, with Augustine in tow, focus on gathering their forces and returning their people to Searchlight. No one fires a single shot after the truce is made. Parting ways just before dusk, they march throughout the night, returning to their home to start again. Tensions remained high for some time, but true to their word, April and Grey maintained control of their group. Meanwhile, Mama Fi's people never ventured close. The days turned into weeks, and eventually become months. The collective anger seemed to subside; whatever vendetta's their people would like to undertake, no one ever acted upon them.

Sitting in a horse drawn carriage, many months later, Augustine turns her eyes toward the sky. The sweet aroma of the spring air invades the thirteen-year-old's nostrils. Feeling a shifting in her arms, she lovingly shushes the infant boy, whom she cradles as if he were her own. Her baby brother, Irving the second, opens his eyes as he awakens from a nap. The white furred feline Voeldahn with black stripes turns his sapphire eyes, looking up at his sister. Smiling with his toothless maw, Augustine playfully tickles the child.

“Are we there yet?" April whines.

“Almost, sugar." Grey replies with a smile. “Keep your pants on, at least until we get home."

“That won't be easy, little bear. They fit better before I was five months pregnant." April quips.

Glancing down, she rests her clawed hands upon her swollen belly, once again carrying the results of her union with her husband. Reaching out, Grey places a hand on her belly, rubbing her and feeling her soft fur between his fingers.

“Oh!" April suddenly chirps. “I felt a kick!"

“I felt it to! What do you want to name this one?" Grey asks.

“I really want to name this one after a month of the year." His wife replies.

“Still shooting for that?" He chuckles.

“My mom was named after a month. I'm named after a month, and so is Augustine. The way I figure it, our family should share that little naming theme. At least the girls should... It's a nice tradition!"

“Fine. Whatever you want, sugar." He says with a warm smile, stroking her cheek.

Leaning in, Grey gives her a long and loving kiss, their tongues briefly entwined. Turning a corner on the old road, the convoy of several wagons makes their way to Mama Fi's village. Alongside the road, cages sit in the overgrown weeds. Augustine glances toward them from the back of the cart, her smile fading. Turning her eyes down toward Irving the second, she brings the baby close to her face.

“If you're lucky, you'll never have to see anything like that." She whispers.

Kissing his forehead, she hugs the baby, glancing once again toward the cages. Inside the cages, the skeletons of Mama Fi's most rebellious people sit, their bones picked clean by scavengers, after a slow and agonizing death from starvation and exposure. The signs beside their cages reveal their crimes; they were caught conspiring to attack the people of Searchlight, angry over their lost loved ones. April and Grey were forced to execute their share of usurpers but she never displayed them in such a fashion. Passing the cages and turning off of the road, the convoy make their way through a long trail.

Passing several farms, the men and women working the fields see the convoy approaching. They turn and wave but do nothing else. After a short ride beyond the farms, the convoy approach a very familiar trailer park, the home of Mama Fi, and the heart of her coalition of families. Pulling on the reigns, Grey, who drives the lead wagon, brings the mules to a standstill. Climbing down from the seat, he races around the vehicle and holds out a hand, helping his pregnant wife down from the cart. Collecting their son from Augustine, the teenage girl slides out of the wagon, stretching her athletic legs.

She pauses when she sees an unusual sight. Humans wander in the background, with one in particular standing nearby. Turning her head, her pigtails sway in the gentle breeze as her sapphire eyes land upon the teenage boy. He stands against a tree, one hand on a branch as he waves with the other. There are over a dozen more humans in the background, minding their own business. It's a jarring sigh, as aside from Grey, there are hardly any humans in these parts; they're an exceptionally rare sight. Augustine is struck by the dashing young man, whose shoulder length brown hair flutters with the wind.

“Hello there!" The human boy happily greets the teen.

“H-hi." Augustine shyly replies.

“It's nice to see someone who looks my age for once." He says, stepping closer.

“Likewise!"

“I'm Ethan." The teenage boy extends a hand.

“I-I'm uh... Augustine! I'm Augustine!" She replies, taking hold of his.

“That's a very pretty name. It fits you!" He says with a smile.

“Thank you." She flushes beneath her fur.

“I see y'all've met yer new peoples." Mama Fi's voice chirps.

Directing their attention toward her trailer, Mama Fi walks slowly out of the building, aided by her ebony cane sword, crowned with a silver, human skull.

“Our new people?" April asks.

“Mhm." Mama Fi nods. “We ain't got no room fer new peoples, so we thought y'all might want 'em. That's partly why I sent fer ya'."

Walking up the steps toward Mama Fi's trailer, Grey helps his pregnant wife. Turning her eyes toward April's plump belly, a little smile forms over the matriarch's thin lips.

“Workin' on another one, already?!" Mama Fi giggles.

“Searchlight is a big city. Might as well repopulate it." Grey grins.

“I know y'all ain't worryin' fer space." Buck remarks.

“That's a beautiful child y'all got there." Mama Fi remarks, admiring the Voeldahn baby in April's arms. “Are ya' disappointed that yer missus can't give ya' a furless monster?"

“Nah." Grey smiles, slipping an arm around his wife. “Voeldahn are softer and more fun to hug."

“Heh."

“These new people..." April quietly speaks to the old, Voeldahn woman. “You giving them over to us doesn't have anything to do with them being humans, does it?"

“Well, I can't say I'll miss 'em." Mama Fi murmurs. “But we're gettin' distracted now! They's just the icing on tha cake, as we used to say. These are why I called y'all over..."

Motioning with her hand, April and Grey look toward Mama Fi's front door. Two men, one human and one Voeldahn, emerge from within. Wearing finely tailored suits and holding briefcases, they are clean and neatly dressed. They are very obviously not locals.

“April?" One man asks.

“Yes." She nods.

“And this must be your husband."

“I am." Grey extends a hand.

“It's a pleasure to meet you. We're representatives of a particular group." The human speaks.

“This group has grown considerably over the past several years." The Voeldahn chimes in.

“We've been expanding, and monitoring this area and the goings on here very closely." The human continues.

“... Alright." April remarks.

“You've been doing great things here."

“If you'd be willing, we'd like to make you an offer."

“This offer, mind you, is the very same that we've made your counterpart, Mother Fiona."

“Call me 'Mama Fi', child."

“This offer in no way would interfere with your role as leader of the people of the city of Searchlight, and-"

“Are you coming to a fucking point soon?!" April snaps.

“Forgive my wife. Her patience isn't what it used to be." Grey swiftly interjects

“That's fine." The Voeldahn replies.

“The Sijian Alliance would like to annex you."

“I'm sorry?!" April blinks, her eyes growing wide with surprise.

“The. Sijian. Alliance. Would."

“Don't be a smart ass." April grumbles, interrupting the Voeldahn emissary. “Why don't we go inside and talk about your deal. I really want to sit down."

“Oh, good!" Grey chirps, dusting off his lap.

“Come on, little bear." April says with an amused smile.

She takes her husband's hand, accompanying him inside as they join Mama Fi, Buck, and the two emissaries from Sijia. Augustine, meanwhile, sits outside, perpetually flirting with Ethan. The teens lose track of time; it feels like only a few moments pass before April and Grey emerge from the home.

“I'm so pleased that we could come to an agreement." The human emissary says, shaking their hands.

“We'll inform our people and you can expect a caravan right away." The Voeldahn adds.

“How soon is 'right away'?" Grey asks.

“Maybe three or four days." The human answers.

“Three or four days?! How close is your base?!" April asks with suspicion.

“It's quite far, but we have a refurbished hovercar." The Voeldahn emissary explains.

“That's just one of the many, many technologies we'll be bringing back, to both of your groups." The human adds.

April and Grey return to their wagon, with the group of nearly forty humans joining them for the trip back home. Finding Augustine sitting with Ethan, April can see the instantaneous infatuation the youths share. Clearing her throat, she draws their attention.

“Ready to go, sweetheart?" She asks.

“We're leaving already?!" Augustine whines.

“Th-that's okay. Maybe I'll see you again, soon." Ethan remarks, a look of disappointment on his face.

“Oh, but you're coming with us!" Grey chirps, aiding April up and into her seat.

“What?" Ethan appears confused.

“You and your people are coming to live with us." Grey explains.

"Really?!" Augustine asks with glee.

“We wouldn't want to take your new boyfriend away, sweetheart."

“Mom!" Augustine whimpers, flushing beneath her fur.

“I'm kidding, sweetheart." April laughs at her daughter.

“Just sit back and enjoy the ride home." Grey says as he takes the mules' reins.

“Alright." Ethan nods.

“Here."

April turns in her seat, presenting Irving the second to her daughter.

“You'd better start practicing. I don't think he's going to want to wait long." She says with a wink.

“MOM!" Augustine shies away.

Turning back around, April cradles her son as Grey brings the animals to a comfortable gait. The other wagons, all much larger than theirs, which was purpose built for the couple's needs, are loaded with Searchlight's new residents. The teenagers, thoroughly embarrassed, repeatedly glance toward each other, though they find it difficult to speak.

“I'm sorry." Augustine finally breaks the silence, speaking softly to Ethan.

“It's alright." He replies, flashing a nervous smile.

And so it was that Searchlight, and all of the land within a hundred mile radius of that city, became a part of the growing Sijian Alliance. A lasting peace befell April's and Mama Fi's people, and soon the bad blood between them was all but forgotten. With the help of the powerful Sijian Alliance, and before Irving the second was old enough to walk, Searchlight looked much like it did before 'The Ending' narrowly destroyed it. In the comfort of a restored, resupplied and well-staffed hospital, April gave birth to another daughter, whom she and Grey named 'Chaitra', the Hindi title for the month of April.

Shortly thereafter, though, she was pregnant yet again. In all, April would have five children with her husband, Grey. Augustine, happily claimed by Grey as if she were his own, never felt neglected in their growing family. In the years to follow, April continued to rule Searchlight as its Governor, until Augustine was both old enough and thoroughly prepared to take her mother's place. Alongside her own husband, Ethan, they led Searchlight and aided in Sijian expansion. However, April and Grey's other children, two sons and three daughters, enjoyed similarly prominent roles, within and around Searchlight.

Their struggles never left their minds, but neither did each other. It's all that kept them going, in a world so bloody and cold. Finally allowed to retire, April and Grey spent their many remaining years in peace. They'd eluded a fate that so many others succumbed to in this forsaken world, and lived their lives, grateful for each and every day that they shared together...