BROKEN

CH.23-the expected

*ACE'S POV*

"Seven, you're going to be the one who crosses the bridge so be prepared for everything and don't be surprised, no matter what they pull. Cam, you'll go to the right and Danalrie, you'll go to the left. After you make it through the woods, wait for or meet Seven on the other side depending on who makes it through first. All of you, specifically Seven, have to be prepared to be attacked. I'm going to use cerebramunication to talk to you guys about your location and attacks as far as those are concerned. I will start off staying with Seven since we know he'll be attacked for sure. Cora, you stay in the background and try to mess with their heads. Kara, stay with Cora in the truck and try to decipher a file called 'Genesis' that Cora will show you. If you two are attacked, either one of you can use cerebramunication to let me know, and fend off whoever is attacking you till Seven or I can get there, okay?" I finished. The response was a series of understanding nods in my direction. After I finished explaining everything, Danalrie and Cam and Seven went with their groups and and I stayed in the truck with Cora and Kara as we made our way down the road towards the woods. Cora and Kara sat upfront and I stayed in the back with the equipment.

"You alright, princess? You look pale," Cora said with one hand on the steering wheel and the other on Kara's forehead.

"War is just an alien concept to me, not to mention the fact that I'm basically useless," Kara muttered while staring at her feet.

"Kara, you're not useless. Right now, we wouldn't be nearly as prepared as we are to go into this battle as we are with you joining the team, so thank you," Cora said with a smile.

"You're welcome," Kara said as color started to drain back into her face, but it was clear that she wanted the conversation to end.

I walked up behind her as the truck continued on the pavement and wrapped my arms around her shoulders, hugging her head, under mine and placing a kiss to the top of her head every now and then.

"Please don't make out in my truck," Cora whined causing Kara to burn a fiery red as she ducked her head down further and causing me to break into laughter.

"Can I talk to you?" Kara asked.

"Sure, alone or is here okay."

"Alone."

I nodded and grabbed Kara's hand, leading her back into the section of the truck where the equipment was present and sitting down, having her sit next to me.

"What's on your mind, Angel?" I asked, looking her in the eyes.

She inhaled deeply before allowing the breath to escape her lips.

"I'm scared Ace. I'm really scared."

"Hey, it's okay. Everyone gets scared every now and then. I'm sorry that I threw you into all this. That's the last thing I wanted to do.

"Ace, you didn't throw me into anything. I made this decision myself and you don't have to accept any blame for anything."

"But Kara-"

"Ace, I told you this isn't your fault. You didn't tell me to do anything and not only that, but this war isn't your fault. You're standing up for what you believe in and improving the lives of thousands of people who are what they are with or without their consent. You shouldn't tear yourself down for that. You should commend yourself for having the willingness and determination to speak your mind."

I thought on her words for a nano second before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Thank you, Angel."

"You know, I'm getting thanked for a lot of unnecessary reasons today," she said with a chuckle.

"It's not unnecessary, it's completely deserved. You have such a big heart and you're so kind and no matter what happens today, I can assure you that you'll be okay because even if it means dying, I'm going to keep you safe."