[ Creators ]

Chapter 57

24 hours.

24 hours was the prep time allotted to everyone. More than enough for some, next to nothing for others. Nevertheless, all of the teams had their own plans that they were putting into action. Team Lightverse, perhaps, had the most stressful time. They were the prime targets, after all. Planning escape routes, making sure the Crystals were safe, keeping an eye on their enemies, losing sleep, trying not to panic, and even convincing Nave to join up with them felt like its own battle. Plus, their reputation as heroes was already shaky. If they failed their city again, who knows what people would think of them? But, as the sun rises over the new day, the group awakens and gathers up to go over everything one more time.

Nitro starts, "Without DC, it's a bit complicated to strategize how to beat these monsters. We have no idea when Vyz will strike again... it could be on an even grander scale, meaning more casualties." Ex pipes up, "Get Wraith to start the evacuations now then, just in case. Don't wanna risk lives if this fighting reaches the city. And I'll handle the Crystals, the old man is no issue." "Says you.", Nave scoffs, "He could have metal replicas of any of us with him. Nothing about this is a cakewalk..." "I wanna help too!", whines Indigo. Nave grumbles, "This is no place for you, child." Delta steps in to defend her, "DarkClaw was our friend too!" Xenos pulls the kids back, "No, guys. He's right." "Why are you allowed to fight with them then!?", shrieks Delta. "Because he's in training.", adds Ajax, "But this might be too much for him at this point."

"But I can help!", shouts Indigo.

"NO.", asserts Nave. The other adults in the room shoot him a look.

Indigo takes a fearful step back.

"Know your boundaries, kid."

Indigo looks to Trenity for some kind of reassurance, but she can tell her mother is focused on other things right now. (Specifically, trying not to slap some sense into a certain fox boy.)

Nitro tries to get everyone back on track, "Anyway. I'll contact Wraith to start getting people ready... this poor city has seen too many battles."

"You can't save it, Nitro.", says Nave, "Don't feel pity for it."

"Stop. Talking."

...

"...Just- make sure Mom gets out ok.", Delta squeaks. Nitro looks at the young prodigy with a sting of pity, but then he gets an idea. "You should look after her during the evacuation. I'm sure Castor will be fine." Delta's eyes widen, and he nods in agreement. Good. That will at least have one of the children taken care of.

It's about mid-afternoon now. Wraith and his troops started escorting people out of the city to higher grounds not long ago, and not a moment too soon. Everyone could feel it, there was a change in the air. The more observant citizens catch a glimpse of the fledgling hero, Exisite, escorting what they can only assume is a lost child to the group heading out of the hospital.

The last time Delta saw his mother, she was asleep. She's been asleep for a while; it's why he's been with Castor and the others all this time. So, you could understand his shock when he saw his mother, not in bed, but up! Awake, walking, calling out his name, looking for him! Exisite solemnly watches as his young friend returns to his mother. He feels numb during most of the interaction with her that follows, but he does smile when Delta gives him one more hug goodbye. Exisite watches them leave with the rest of the people, then looks out over the city he calls home, the soon-to-be warzone.

Meanwhile, with all the grown-ups off and about, it leaves Xenos and Indigo back at the house. Xenos sits near her but still makes sure she has her space.

"Hey, Indigo-"

"MM!?"

"Listen- I know you wanna fight... I kinda want to as well. But y'know what? We've got the best job out of everybody!"

"Wha?"

He dramatically flares his hands out as he declares, "We get to protect the house!"

She only pouts more. "Hmm!!... They give me no credit! I can use claws like Exisy! They won't give me a chance!"

"Aw, Indi! C'mon...", he smirks, "If you're not here to guard the house with me, who am I gonna eat all of the snacks with?"

"...mmm- Okie fine, you win!"

"Heh."

As the two hunker down, the air outside continues to change, churning with a dark presence. It won't be long now.