War for Freedom

(Chapter 11)/Mercenaries, in my town?!

Mariana's POV:
March 20th, 2093, 09:30:
Vanguard Base:

Sitting in a chair in the command center, the Alpha Team, Helena, Rex, and a few officers were listening to the Darkness explain his recent actions. Honestly, if I would've known that I would be tied to a pole and used as bait, I probably would've declined in the first place. Rena and I were still pissed off by him for kidnapping us, and his apologies involved Zero's advancements. Honestly, I'm just glad we all survived after facing that Master, who knows what he would've done to us.

Sitting next to me was Rena and Ruby, with the latter doing final checks on our injuries to ensure we were in tip-top shape. Zero was still unconscious, I'm not sure if that attack only infected the body or not, but it's outside my expertise. The twins and Chloe were sitting at my other side, watching as the Darkness waved his hand over a map.

It was surprising to learn that there were people who survived Nuclear Armageddon in the Eastern Continents, even if it turned them into a crazy, Reaper-worshiping cult. Yet, how could they have stayed hidden for so long, without so much as a peep? As I thought of this, I started hearing footsteps approach behind me. Turning around, I was shocked to see Zero up and about, without so much as pain anywhere.

Seeming to notice this, Helena asked,

Helena: "Zero, what're you doing out of bed, shouldn't you be recovering?"

Zero (chuckles): "Sorry, I just had a few things to say to the Darkness that couldn't wait."

Darkness: "And what would-"

Suddenly, Zero disappeared from in front of me before a metallic clang was heard behind me, followed by a shockwave. Turning around, I saw Zero's right fist pushing against the Darkness's armored left forearm. Just as I stood up, Zero said,

Zero: "You've got a lot of nerve to kidnap my friend's asshole, give me a good reason I shouldn't beat your ass."

Darkness (shrugs): "I doubt whatever I say will help me avoid a fight with you, wouldn't it?"

Zero (takes a deep breath): "I just want you to apologize for what you did to Rena and Mariana; I hardly give a shit about why you wanted me there."

Darkness: "Fair enough, Mariana, Rena, I truly apologize for knocking you out and taking you to the other side of the planet, it was all for good reason, I assure you."

Zero then looked back at us, seeming to wonder what our response was. Shaking my head to clear the surprise I had, I said,

Mariana: "I suppose I can forgive you, just please, avoid doing this again."

Darkness (nods): "Of course Mariana, I swear it upon my position of the Shadow Legion."

I then turned to Rena, who was deep in thought about whether to forgive the Darkness or not. After a moment of silence, she sighed before leaning back in her chair while saying,

Rena: "Alright, I can let this go since we all survived, but pull that kind of shit on any of us again, Zero will be the least of your problems."

Darkness: "I understand Rena, thank you."

After saying that, Zero removed his fist from the Darkness's armor, opening it while putting it down. He and the Darkness then stared at each other in silence for a full minute, saying nothing. Despite the creepiness it made, they didn't move an inch, as though Zero was silently issuing a challenge directly to the Darkness.

The Darkness was the first to do anything, and by that, I mean walk away. As we all watched as he walked to the door, he waved his hand back at us before saying,