The Favourite Brother: Complex Edition

An end to this nightmare

Chapter 58:

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{Practically at this point in time, especially at 4AM in the morning, everyone is virtually asleep. They simply cannot stay up all night just watching an empty battlefield, with night raids often overlooked and ignored because it was simply too dark out. Most audience members returned to their cabins, and some already went home. However, there is one such person that is able to stay up all night, and what happened at Sanctuary was basically a personal movie all to himself, much like the raid at Northbury Township}

Major Ash sneakily produced a tub of caramel popcorn while watching the battle at Sanctuary unfold, and he found himself almost cheering for Ooarai as they fought with significantly lower numbers. He almost forgot his job as a judge half way through the fight because he got captivated by the scene, but when he was reminded by shooting a glance at his notepad that he used to list down every important event, he stops eating popcorn, and rushes to grab his notepad.

He then begins to scribble every important event happening in Sanctuary, and even reverses the footage to make sure he did not miss anything. He zooms in to see if there are any signs of war penalties being committed, and is glad and surprised to see that there is none. The brutal looking hand to hand combat can be excused since both sides must've been extremely tired, and shooting at retreating foes can be put down under 'war exhaustion'.

He was comfortable in the thought that there was no need to write up both sides for penalties, but when the ongoing battle finally ended, he spots, from the entrance side of the factory, Ray Gonzales himself appearing, and seem to be carrying someone.

Of course, he could be carrying a numbed comrade; nothing to worry about, yeah? But when his friends present in the yard all rush to him, something tells Ash that what happened to his friend wasn't a simple numb shock.

He zooms in on the footage, and was in complete shock when he sees Andrew unconscious, and having bandages wrapped around his head.

The drone wasn't able to pick up audio recordings, yet by reading their mouths and concerned expression, it might mean Andrew is 'genuinely hurt'. This wasn't like that of the brother's kamikaze run, because they came out unscathed and fine, but this?

Major Ash can't do much ordering or announcing early this morning, and all he can do was wait for a few more hours until everyone was awake so he can check on the players and announce what he wishes to say.

Thinking that all of the excitement is over, Major Ash switches the footage on the TV, and brews three cups worth of coffee for himself and his colleagues who will be waking up and reporting for duty soon. He had to wake up earlier than his fellow judges because partially his sleep schedule is bunked, and so he doesn't miss stuff like this.

He rubs his hands and blow on them, not because they're cold, but because he's nervous about the condition of Andrew. He silently hopes the kid is okay as he accidentally touched the boiling hot water of his coffee cup, not paying attention.

~~~

{What happened to Andrew was regrettable, but the important thing is they're finally back together. Judas struggles to ride his horse, and keep Andrew sitting up straight at the same time}

Ray has a dejected, unemotional look. He feels extremely guilty for causing this to Andrew, and his stone-like expression and thousand yard stare continue until they reach their fort.

The men didn't exchange as much words as they are exchanging glances. They refrain from looking at Ray because it might make him feel guiltier than before. It'll make him think they're judging him.

They also refrain from talking about Andrew, and asking Ray what happened. They already know why he's in that condition, and in pressing questions would stress Ray out. That is simply not a cool thing to do to your bro.