Redemption Run

Chapter 2

Kydro, Xelsa, Killian, and Zappiel turned to face me in the blink of an eye. A pin could drop in that tent and we'd all hear it falling. The Runners looked just as shocked and unsure as I did. Kydro was rubbing his arm while Xelsa, Killian, and Zappiel looked down at the ground.

"... I'm glad to see you're all okay." I figured it was up to me to break the ice here.

"You too... Riley." Said Kydro. The way he had paused before he said my name; I couldn't help but tease him a bit.

"Did you forget my name for a minute there, Kydro?" I said, half-smiling, "C'mon, I'm not that forgettable, am I?"

"I, I didn't mean..." Kydro stumbled over his apologies, but I waved him off, now fully smiling, as I said, "I'm joking Kydro, it's good to see you."

That seemed to break the ice as Xelsa suddenly stepped over to me, bowed so that he was just below my eye level, and took my hand, which made me flinch a little, but I still allowed him to do it.

"Riley Newman," said Xelsa, "I swear by the holy hand of Everclaw that I will atone for the actions I committed against you, even if it takes the rest of my life!"

I couldn't help but chuckle, and then I said, "Just as loud and melodramatic as ever, Xelsa. I missed you too."

"I believe I am the one who missed you the most?" said Killian as he bowed to me, "Riley Newman, for what you have done for me, for all of us, I am forever in your debt."

"Good to know, Killian." I said, "Still have that slightly smug attitude, don'tcha?"

Killian blushed as Xelsa stifled a chuckle and even Kydro couldn't hide a smile at that one. That was when I noticed Zappiel, who hadn't moved at all since he turned around to face me. I decided to take the initiative on that one and approached him.

"Zappiel, are you okay?" I asked, "Has my presence startled you into submission?"

Zappiel stared down at me, then he lightly fingered a string that I just noticed was around his neck.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"Well... I'm not sure about how to present this back to you..." said Zappiel, "I guess I am just going to have to do it."

Zappiel pulled the string up, and I gasped when I realized what was attached to the string; severed fingers. Specifically, my severed fingers that he had chopped off my hand when I fought him on Menap Island.

I just stared at the finger for several seconds before Zappiel spoke up again, "I... I didn't know if you would want them back or..."

"Uh, I... appreciate the sentiment," I said, "But there's not much I can do with that. Why don't you keep them instead?"

"I'm sorry." said Zappiel as he placed the fingers back under his shirt, "I didn't mean to make this so awkward..."

"I don't think there's a way this could have gone where it wasn't going to be awkward." I said, "I am truly just glad you're all okay."

"The same could be said for you, Riley." said Kydro, "Not to be offensive, but I am truly amazed at all the stories of you I have heard since you escaped the emperor's castle."

"Well, I had to adapt or die," I said, "I chose to adapt."

"Your tenacity is to be admired." said Zappiel, "I couldn't be prouder than you. You remind me so much of... Felice."

Zappiel had trailed off when he mentioned Felice's name, and his eyes started to water. I took the man by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes.

"Zappiel, I know for a damn fact that Felice is proud of you."