Mountains and Buffalo.

Chapter 8

The fire cracked and popped. It was already dark out. Four hours had passed since the infiltration. Flinty, Ng, and Kenny were sitting beside the fire. Victoria just returned with more firewood. Kenny took a tiny bite out of an apple

Victoria sat down. Everyone was staring at the fire. The silence was oppressive, but Kenny didn't have the power nor gall to interrupt it.

"...I apologize for what has happened. My cowardice, my fear, it all led to this," Ng said.

"It isn't your fault," Victoria said, "as much as I'd like to say that it was nobody's fault, I think all of us messed up, hehe."

"Perhaps it was. But still, I feel as if I'm mostly to blame."

And thus, a needless back-and-forth started. Kenny didn't interject.

"Seriously, it's fine, you don't need to take all the blame."

"But–"

"Guys!"

Flinty suddenly raised her voice.

"M-Maybe it's Ng's fault, or Victoria's, but at the end of the day, Kim is still in trouble!"

"Right. Of course."

"You're right, Flinty."

"So... what do we do? We need a plan."

"Well," Ng started, "Jeremiah is formidable, but one of Panz's beasts has already been exterminated. Panz himself is also injured. Once we regain our strength, an upfront assault may be the best course of action.

"Right," Flinty replied, "Kenny can take the blob on by himself. Do you think you can do it, Kenny?"

Kenny didn't respond. He lifted his head and gazed at Flinty with beady eyes.

"...I'm not going back in there," he muttered, and their eyes widened.

"W-What, why not!?" Flinty cried. Shock permeated Victoria's expression. Kenny put a hand on his knee.

"It's best if we leave. Everyone will be in danger if we go back."

"But Kenny, what about Kim? We need to help her!"

"..."

Kenny turned his head away. Flinty's words didn't reach him. Frustrated, confused, surprised, and worried, Flinty didn't know what to do or say under such pressure. So, she didn't.

"F-Fine, but if you won't do it, then I will!"

"Don't! You're just asking to die!"

Kenny spat his rebuttal, Flinty flinched, and Kenny returned to gazing at the ground.

"Let's just... get out. At least, I can guarantee that you'll be fine if we do."

It hit her then. Flinty understood what was wrong with him. But still, she didn't have the words. Still, she didn't know how to convince his friend. Still, she couldn't help him. Flinty was dejected, upset that she didn't have the words.

She looked at Victoria. She was at a loss well, Flinty could tell. But, Victoria was older, and Victoria was smarter. Flinty was sure that she would think of something.

"Why don't we sleep on it?" She suggested, "We'll think of something in the morning."

"Yes! That sounds like a good idea!"

Flinty peered at Kenny, waiting for anything from him.

"...Fine."

Flinty felt relieved. Still angry, still worried, but at least she had time to think of something. And thus, the group readied for bed. None of them had any blankets or pillows, so they had to be content with sleeping on the ground. It wasn't comfortable, but before long they all fell asleep.