The Swan's Song.

Chapter 8

I love y'all's comments, but man, y'all focus on a lot of the wrong things. In fact, I've re-read my story, cringing at the absolute abysmal editing I've done, and realized that there are some major tells about the story that it seems nobody really got.

Which is fine by me, as that's kinda the plan, but don't say that anything was unexpected because I have made several nods and damn near three major reveals to things that have gone seemingly completely unnoticed.

One of you fancy readers has gotten scarily close, though. I give you credit and you'll know who you are when it is revealed.

But the psyops continue, and so does this story.

I've also noticed how some of you are thinking about the characters and story, and I'll remind everyone that the surface hasn't been scratched yet. This story isn't even anywhere near where the middle of the story is, as I foresee this being completed a long time ahead in the future. I'm not rushing.

So I hope you don't rush either, as a reader, and keep your minds open and perspectives clear. Many things still need to be covered, explored, and explained.

XXX

"He has nightmares. Much like Ana and Callie." Thought Izzy. She was sitting down as the sun began to rise and bring its warming rays through the forest deadfall in which they sat.

Swan was lying idly as both of them waited for Phantom to return from an extended restroom run. The human currently sat facing the sun with his sunglasses already on, completely nonverbal and unmoving.

His Cetme rested in his lap and he had already picked up the PKM ammo belt from before. And speaking of the LMG, it rested under Swans knees as he used it for a makeshift leg prop. In fact, the man was nestled between the gun and a fallen tree in a strange sort of position that Izzy couldn't find comfortable no matter how she looked at it.

But Swan and his weird sitting positions weren't the true focus of Izzy. She watched him as he sat, focusing on his demeanor in regard to everything that had recently happened and everything that had taken place for the last five years.

He, a sworn enemy, was sitting no more than five feet away from her in a casual and relaxed manner that should have been uncharacteristic. He should be on guard and constantly watching them.

"Swan?" She asked, softly. The human didn't react, so she called out to him albeit a bit louder this time. The human stirred, his helmet jerking lightly.

"Hmm?" Groaned the human, looking over to her. Behind the glasses, she could see him blinking. Swan had been sleeping, an act reliant on him letting his guard down around them and trusting that they wouldn't do anything to him.

She had to know how and why.

"Sorry to wake you, but I've got more questions." She said, cautiously. Swan nodded and then stretched his arms over his head, yawning.

Izzy heard a sort of creaking from his joints, similar to that of some mechanical device. He sounded like an elderly person stretching and he was quite young. Clearly not a good sign to her.

"You fall asleep so easily. How do you do it?" She asked. She then gestured to herself and Izzy was surprised that Swan nodded.