31-Day MCSM One Shot Challenge - July Edition 2018

Stab

Generated prompt of the day: Stab

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"Let's take a break." Jesse suggested. "Five minutes only, make the most of it."

Everybody sighed in relief, all of them sitting down on the nearest fallen logs and rocks. Stella stayed perched on top of Lluna, much to the llama's annoyance.

Jesse didn't sit down, instead walking along the group, her gaze steadily moving over everybody to make sure they were still doing fine.

Lukas and Radar had sat down on a tree stump together, Lukas telling some story to Radar, while the intern listened with wide eyes. Jack, Vos and Petra had once again grouped up together, sitting in somewhat of a triangle. Stella of course still sat on Lluna's back, looking down at the other people like she was some sort of queen.

Overall they all looked cold, and still a little shaken up. But OK, nonetheless.

Feeling a little more at ease, Jesse sat down on her own, little away from the group. She had the advantage of being kept warm by her armour. Her mind was still racing, trying to make sense of everything that had happened that day.

In twenty-four hours, the Admin had gone from nothing but a myth to something very real. Not only did he attack Beacontown, leaving houses shattered and citizens scared, but he also left Jesse and her friends with this mission. It they didn't find his time changing clock, Beacontown would remain trapped in a snowy, eternal night. It sounded like Jesse's worst nightmare.

Jesse raked a hand through her hair, exhaling slowly in a large sigh. Alas, this whole new rivalry with an all-powerful god was not the thing that's been keeping her on edge for the whole trip.

As if on cue, Jesse heard the familiar crunch of snow beneath boots, a shadow falling over her face. Jesse looked up slightly, sighing again under her breath before looking back down.

"I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now." Petra said. "But can we at least just talk about this?"

"Not stopping you." Jesse replied bluntly, leaning down with her elbows on her knees.

Petra hesitated before sitting down on the rock beside Jesse. She looked reluctant to start the conversation.

"About what happened earlier..." Petra said softly. "I don't like how we ended that conversation."

Jesse didn't say anything, even though a part of her felt the same. When she learned earlier that Petra was planning on leaving Beacontown to go adventuring with Jack, she hadn't reacted very well. Looking back now, Jesse realised she probably looked bad tempered and jealous, when in reality – she was just afraid.

"I just don't get what the big deal is." Petra said. "We're all going our separate ways, I didn't think.. I didn't think you'd care if I left too?"

"Petra, of course I'd care." Jesse said, looking up so their eyes met. "You really think I wouldn't miss you if you left?"

It was Petra's turn to look down.

"I just..." Jesse raked her hand through her hair. "Everything is so hectic right now, my town just got literally smashed to bits.. and you're leaving me in the midst of all this chaos."

"I didn't know he was going to come back." Petra pointed out. "I'm here to help now?"

"Still." Jesse said, shaking her head. "It was so sudden, just... and knowing..." Her voice trailed off. "Knowing that, the moment this all ends you'll still be leaving."

For a moment Petra was silent. She looked up, her eyes meeting Jesse's. Jesse was surprised to see anger in her friend's gaze.

"Jesse, stop acting like you're the victim here. You've got your town, you've got your job. I'm done waiting around for everybody, sitting alone for most of my life."