Chapter 2: Interest

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"Excuse me, what do you mean someone is going to burn down the city? Won't we be in danger?"

"We'll be fine. Do you know who Talulah is?"

"...I've heard of her. Even with my memories lost, I still know the basics of this world and it's people."

"Interesting.. so what do you know?"

Sirius explained what had happened to him in response to FrostNova. His awakening, what he found when he woke up, and how he escaped. FrostNova nodded and listened to him, though the look of curiosity never left her eyes. That made him a bit uncomfortable, but he didn't question it just yet. It was clear that she was after something else. Secretly, he wondered if she was part of the reason why he lost his memory. However, he doubted it.

"And that's about it, FrostNova, I've told you everything I know as of now."

"I see. Then it's time for the real reason why I brought you here."

"...What is it?"

"You seem like a capable fighter despite not entirely having the physique of one. And... you're a doctor of some sort, aren't you? I don't really see you being in a lab otherwise, unless you were a reporter. You don't sound like that either. If you have nowhere to go then... I suppose.."

"I couldn't stay here, could I? I'm not an Infected, so they wouldn't really treat me well here."

"No, you couldn't. I didn't tell you this, but there is a place called Rhodes Island. They accept.. outcasts. As long as you do well on their side, then they'll let you stay. However, they are enemies to the Reunion, which is the Infected faction we have right now. I assume you're familiar with both?"

"........"

At the mention of Rhodes Island, Sirius felt a familiar warmth. Rhodes Island.. he was certain that's where he belonged. However, he couldn't say that in front of FrostNova. It seems like she disapproved of their methods and such. Uncertainty left to dangers for later, so he decided to clear the air now while he still could.

"FrostNova, I feel like.. I belong to Rhodes Island. Before I lost my memory and all that. When you mentioned it, I felt a familiar warmth about it. If Rhodes Island and Reunion are enemies, then I at least wanted to clear the air before you find out later."

"Don't talk to me like we're allies. However, considering your circumstances, I'll let you go. Just pretend this talk never happened and get out of here. Even I would feel bad killing an enemy in cold blood and defenseless. Go back to Rhodes Island. Just to be clear, next time we meet, we'll be enemies on the battlefield. So get rid of your naive goody two shoes attitude and be off."

"I- I see. I just wanted to thank you for saving me from the crowd. That's all. And then I'll uh.. see myself out."

"....Fine. But that's it. Nothing more. Stay here for a bit until the collateral wave of damage is done. The city is already set on fire."

"I have a question."

FrostNova sighed, clearly seeming a bit annoyed now. However, she decided to play along since there was nothing better for her to do at the moment. Talulah was burning down the city, after all. She had to wait until that part was over. Over here, they would be safe from the Catastrophe collateral damages.

"What?"

"Why do you disapprove of Rhodes Island? When you mentioned it earlier. Shouldn't Rhodes and Reunion be on the same side if they want to help the Infected? That would seem to be more efficient."

"While it is true that Rhodes and Reunion goals align, they differ in many ways. Rhodes is taking a peaceful approach while Reunion is making a more offensive one. Also... it's because Rhodes Island is like a pebble on a rock on a boulder. It's still a very small organization compared to the rest of the world and Reunion. Their peaceful efforts won't do anything. If anything, they're more of a pharmaceutical place where Infected visit to treat their Infection."

"So you agree that choosing the violent way is the best way?"

"Whatever that will bring equality to the Infected and NonInfected. Furthermore.. Rhodes Island chose to ally with Lungmen. I'll tell you since Lungmen already knows: Reunion is targeting Lungmen next. Which makes you and Rhodes Island the next enemies. At any rate, I suggest you go out now before most of the Reunion are back.

"...! I'll get going now."

"Take the way that has two campfires and go straight that way. No one will question you there."

Sirius nodded and walked out in an awkward silence. Their talk had been short and brief, but they both got the information they needed. An even trade off, supposedly. Still, it was unbelievable that he got out of there alive. In fact, it was too easy that he felt like it was some sort of trap. 

Once Sirius got out of the encampment and back into the forest, he quickly leaned against the tree. His bruise had healed somewhat. Taking a closer look at it, it looked like he had been smacked by something circular, but he felt that his skin was burned... electricity? That must've been what hit him. During his talk with FrostNova, he began to feel the wound settle in. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, but if he wasn't going to get treated soon, he would be in serious trouble. 

"Doctor? Is that you..?"

Sirius quickly turned and spotted a girl with a.. halo and wings? A Sankta. This one had reddish hair covering one eye and carried a vector. He knew her, but once again, he couldn't remember her name. Es.. no, Ei..? He shook his head and stood up to face her, but stumbled. He was caught by her and she held him steady.

"Doctor? That's a name I don't go by.. but I was told I was one."

"We've been looking all over for you! Everyone was worried sick when they lost contact with you in the last 24 hours. You better come back quick."

"I'm sorry, could you slow down? I lost my memory and don't remember your name."

"That's not a funny joke, Doctor. Come on."

"I'm serious. I woke up a few hours ago and don't remember anything."

"....... My name is Exusiai. Let's get you back to base first then. We'll hold off hunting the Reunion later."

"Thanks.."

Exusiai clicked at her earpiece and spoke into it, calling for backup. Sirius sighed with relief. He had been found before he had to find them. That was good news, since he blacked out that moment and would've fallen flat on the floor if it wasn't for Exusiai, who caught him before that happened.

".....You owe me apple pie for that."

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Author's Notes

Akise: In this timeline, things are different! Like how Talulah and Sirius don't know each other nor were all the characters introduced before in this one. 
Ta-chan: About time.
Sirius: I'm fine with that, though I do miss my wife and kids..
Akise: You'll be back in FoP soon. Perhaps. I'm planning for this story to be relatively short, but not that short. If I had to estimate.. 15-18 chapters if lucky?
Sirius: Depends on what you classify as lucky. 
Akise: Anyway, Ch.15 is always the nsfw chapter if i decide to write one! Comment below on whether or not there should be nsfw in this one!
Sirius: WAIT I DIDN'T AGREE TO THAT PART-!
FrostNova peeks out from the corner.
Sirius: ....Hi?
Akise: As compensation for those who wanted a FoP continuation, here's a picture of Frosty in a Rhodes Island outfit!

Hi?Akise: As compensation for those who wanted a FoP continuation, here's a picture of Frosty in a Rhodes Island outfit!

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Yeah, I think she really does like spicy stuff.

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