Rising Ashes: Original

Bandito

Aimee was roaming around the Bandito's camp, trying to get her bearings of how everyone interacted with eachother.

"Hey." Clancy approached her. "You feeling better?"

"A little." Aimee replied. "Just, worried."

"I get it. But everyone here has your back. Now that you're one of us, if the Bishop's try to take you back, we'll come get you." Clancy explained. "They've come after me before. And I'll make sure they'll come for you."

Aimee smiled haphazardly. "Thanks Clancy."

She sat down on a log by their fire, and stared into it. "You know, its weird. My whole life, the Bishops were hiding Trench from me. Saying the Banditos were a myth. But now being here... it doesn't feel real."

Clancy took a seat next to Aimee, the warmth of the fire casting flickering shadows across their faces. “I know how you feel. When I first joined the Banditos, it felt like stepping into a storybook. Everything I thought I knew turned upside down.”

Aimee glanced at him, curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

“Back when I was still with the Bishops, I believed every word they fed us about the Banditos. They made it seem like they were just a bunch of troublemakers, a myth to keep us in line. But when I finally saw the truth, it was like a spell was broken. I watched people standing up for themselves, fighting against the control of the Bishops. That’s when I realized we were the ones living in a lie.”

Aimee nodded slowly, absorbing his words. “It’s just hard to believe I’m actually free now. I spent so long under their thumb. I still feel like they’re watching me, waiting for the right moment to snatch me back.”

“They might try,” Clancy said, his voice steady. “But we won’t let them. You’re strong, Aimee. Stronger than you realize. Besides, we have each other. We’ll fight for our freedom, for every single person who’s ever felt trapped by them.”

She smiled softly, comforted by his confidence. “I guess I just have to learn how to trust again, right?”

“Exactly. It takes time, but you’ll get there. Just take it one day at a time. The Banditos are like family now, and we look out for each other. Besides, we’ve all got each other’s backs in this fight.” Clancy paused, then added, “And you’ll find your place here. You have something to offer, even if you don’t know what it is yet.”

Aimee looked around the camp, noticing the laughter and camaraderie among the Banditos. They shared stories, passed around food, and even sparred playfully, the air thick with a sense of belonging that felt foreign yet intoxicating.

“Do you think I’ll ever really belong?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Clancy met her gaze, his eyes warm with understanding. “You already do. Just by being here, by choosing to fight alongside us. You’re part of this now, and together, we’ll make sure the Bishops know they can’t take anyone away from the Banditos ever again.”

Feeling a spark of hope ignite within her, Aimee took a deep breath. “I’ll do my best to fight with you all. I just need to figure out how.”

Just then, the torch bearer approached, his face illuminated by the flickering flame. “Clancy! We need you over by the map. We’re making a game plan to defeat the Bishops and save Dema.”

Clancy glanced at Aimee, a mixture of excitement and urgency in his eyes. “Looks like I’m needed. But don’t worry, we’ll start your training soon. Just hang tight and soak everything in. You’ll find your way here.”

Aimee nodded, a sense of determination settling in her chest. As Clancy stood to join the others, she watched him walk away, the firelight casting a warm glow around him.