𝚆𝙾𝚁𝙻𝙳 𝚂𝙾 𝙲𝙾𝙻𝙳

City So Cold

Several days passed since Volkov, Benjamin, and Amaria had arrived in the capitol. By now, the Nation's Army had engaged in skirmishes with After Common Era in the vast contested forests of the northeastern protectorate; the United States National Guard limiting its involvement to simple patrolling of South Minnesota as the United States Army massed along the borders. In the protectorate itself, the Nation's Army had dug in and set up fortified strongholds across its border with the United States. 

The three had ventured into the grand city of the capitol. Volkov stayed close to his friends, keeping in mind of the words his family has told him over the past week. They visited the historic districts of the anthro metropolis and even visited the ancestral mother ship itself. Volkov did his best to hide his concerns of Benjamin being attacked, but he unwittingly found himself acting as if he was a bodyguard to his friends. Benjamin and Amaria had taken note of this, but both understood the situation just as much as Volkov. Despite this, they enjoyed the time they had together. Eating at world renowned restaurants, shopping at globally classed shopping centers, and simply sight seeing the grand city itself.

Until one night...

Amaria had her arm wrapped around Benjamin's as she, him, and Volkov strolled down an avenue of the downtown metro. Volkov gazed around, seeing an occasional vehicle passing through the streets and pedestrians passing through the sidewalks.

"The more I see of this city, the more I'm impressed by it." Amaria says, gazing up at the high rises that lined the streets.

"I'll say. This city is more cultured and diverse than anything I've ever seen." Benjamin replies, keeping his left arm around Amaria's arm and his right hand in his jacket pocket.

Volkov remained silent, still observing his surroundings. The three walked in silence for a while before Benjamin looked over to his wolf friend.

"Volk?" Benjamin then asked, Amaria bringing her gaze over to Volkov as well.

Volkov's ears perk up and he looks to Benjamin. "Yeah?"

"You seem to be really tense, man." Benjamin says, still gazing to Volkov as they walked.

"Ah, it... I am fine." Volkov replies, bringing his gaze forward.

Benjamin sighs. "Look, dude. I can read you. I know you are feeling tense because of me. Every time we leave the house, you switch into Terminator mode."

Volkov sighs out. "I know... I am sorry."

Benjamin smiles before bringing his gaze forward. "No need to be sorry. I know you are looking out for me. But try to relax, man."

Volkov chuckles to himself, keeping his gaze forward.

The three continued to venture down the avenue before stopping outside of a pub. Volkov stops in his tracks.

"Hey, guys. Hold up for a moment." He says.

Benjamin and Amaria stop and turn to Volkov. "What's up?" Amaria asked.

"I have to use the restroom. Wait out here for me till I get back?" Volkov asks.

"Yeah, no problem." Benjamin answers.

"I will be right back." Volkov says as he opened the door of the pub and stepped inside, the sound of traditional Celtic music remixed with techno escaping from inside the establishment.

"Sounds like a lot of fun in there." Amaria chuckles, placing her head upon Benjamin's shoulder.

"Yeah, some drinks sound awesome right now." Benjamin says.

About a couple minutes have passed since Volkov entered the pub. Benjamin and Amaria stand shoulder to shoulder along the outside of the building.

"I understand why Volk is so tense... but it would be good if he would relax at least a little bit..." Amaria says, her head still placed on Benjamin's shoulder.