𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦 - 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘱𝘯

𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘟𝘟𝘟𝘝

𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐂

𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓 (𝟏/𝟐)
___________

As you stepped inside, you were enveloped by the warm, comforting scent of wood smoke and brewing herbs. The room was cozy, with plush cushions and soft blankets scattered about. The others were indeed inside, they greeted you with nods and smiles.

Steven leans forward, his arms resting on his knees and his hands clasped together. His eyes are fixed intently on the plans spread out on the table, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I think we're almost finished," he says, his voice low and focused.

You approach the table, your footsteps echoing in the silence, and gaze down at the documents detailing their strategy to take down the Reapers.

The papers are worn and creased, the ink smudged in places, a testament to the countless hours they've spent pouring over every detail.

"Sorry I wasn't able to help much." you say, your voice laced with slight regret, as you pick up the papers and begin to scan them.

Jess smirks, her eyes sparkling with amusement, and you can't help but feel a twinge of irritation at her teasing. "Don't worry about it, we know the boss has been keeping you busy." she says, her words dripping with a playful sarcasm.

You shoot her a warning glance, your expression serious, your eyes narrowing slightly. "Don't push it, Jess." you say, your tone firm.

Jess chuckles. "Sorry, sorry," she says, her hands raised in mock surrender, "I just can't help it. You're so serious all the time, it's like you need a little poking to keep things interesting."

Steven clears his throat, his eyes flicking up from the plans to meet yours. "Let's focus, shall we?" he says, his voice dry.

You nod, your expression serious, and turn your attention back to the plans. The documents detail a complex web of strategies and contingencies, a carefully crafted plan designed to take down the Reapers and bring an end to their reign of terror.

"You've got to be kidding me." you say, dropping the paper in disbelief, your eyes scanning the simplistic plan as if searching for some hidden catch. "This... seems way too straightforward."

Steven lets out a frustrated sigh, cracking his knuckles. "You think it's too easy, huh?" he asks, his tone a mix of curiosity and annoyance, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studies your face.

"I don't think the Reapers are just going to roll over with a little sleeping gas." you explain, your skepticism evident in the furrowed lines of your brow and the doubting tone of your voice.

Steven raises an eyebrow, his expression challenging, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "Well, what's your brilliant alternative, then?" he asks, his tone laced with sarcasm.

You pause, taking a few moments to collect your thoughts, your mind racing with possibilities and scenarios. "Honestly, I don't know." you admit finally, your voice laced with frustration, your shoulders sagging in defeat. "But we need something more solid than this if we want to take them down. Sleeping gas is just... too simplistic. We need a plan that's more... comprehensive."