Anthem: Hope

Chapter 4

Heading in the direction of Lily's work station, Grengish stopped. Turning behind her, she saw Elaine following her.

"I thought I gave everyone an order. Stay. Away. From her."

Grengish stared at her with a deadly glint in her eyes.

Elaine shifted uncomfortably under Grengish's stare.

"I wanted to make sure she was okay... I... I never got to thank her."

Grengish continued to watch her even though she was done speaking.

"As nice as that sounds Elaine... Now is not the time. This... This is a delicate matter and seeing you might make things worse. "

"I understand -"

"No, you don't." Grengish gave Elaine a hard stare as she spoke.

"You and everyone else could never understand."

Elaine felt angry at Grengish but she pushed it aside. She knew Lily was hurting but she didn't know to what degree. Turning her back on Elaine, Grengish started back on the trail.

"I want you and Maximum to head back to the camp this instance or else."

When Maximum heard his name, he stepped out of a tree and sighed.

As Grengish made her up the area and into the dark cave, she saw Lily hanging from the ceiling carving the top portion of the Rune. Lily banged on her stuff as she worked.

"Lily."

Lily stopped for a bit but continued working.

"Lily, come down here for a moment."

Lily ignored Grengish but the sound of her voice started to make her shake. Her lips quivered as her eyes started to sting. Lily wanted to cry badly but she held it in. Lily shook her head at Grengish's request and continued working.

Sighing in frustration, Grengish walked to where the rope was holding Lily. Untying it, she slowly lowered her to the ground. Lily stayed where she was as she started to shake uncontrollably. Grabbing Lily and pulling her in a hug, Grengish spoke.

"It's alright to cry Lily. Just... Let it all out."

Without meaning too, she cried. Lily's heart ached so much. All she wanted was to be accepted but she guessed that's something she can never have. While she cried, Grengish combed through her hair.

Not to far away a person stood listening to her cry. His heart clenched as he gritted his teeth. He clenched his fist as he walked away. The man didn't realize how hurtful and bias he was being towards the girl. He knew he wasn't allowed to be anywhere near her but he needed to apologize to her. To let her know how sorry he was. Biting the tip of his finger, he walked out.

'How can I make it up to her?'

Groaning to himself, he ran a hand through his hair.

"I fucked up big time."

As he walked away, he tried to figure out a way to apologize to her. As he did that, a group of Dominions entered the area.

These Dominions were scouts. Searching around they found what they were looking for. Five dead outlaw bodies. As one inspected it, another reported back to HQ

"Sir... We found them."

"Well, what are you waiting for?" A deep voice responded.

The man who called looked at the bodies and answered hesitantly.