Edward mumbled under his breath, "I will kill those fuckers." Even though Edward's voice was barely heard, it conveyed a firm resolve that reverberated throughout the dimly lighted chapel. The flames of the torch danced with an intensity that matched his rage as he gripped it tightly, his eyes burning with a blazing intent. His burnt arm acted as a constant reminder of the atrocities and suffering he had experienced.
Dionisus, Elizabeth, and Hector turned to look at Edward with a mixture of amazement and worry in their eyes. Silently, the group moved closer to Edward, their footsteps cautious and deliberate. The cannibals, momentarily forgotten, observed the developing scene with a mixture of wonder and trepidation. A fresh energy that held the weight of imminent action had been lit in the air by Edward's presence.
As they gathered around him, Dionisus spoke up, his voice laced with a mix of caution and curiosity, "Edward, what happened to you out there? We thought we had lost you." The concern in his voice was evident, as he struggled to comprehend the transformation he saw in his friend.
Edward's gaze wandered about momentarily, a flicker of vulnerability spread across his face. "I faced the horde alone," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of bitterness. "You shitheads abandoned me!"
Without a moment's notice, Edward flung his left hand at Dionisus. The young man staggered back, caught off guard by the sudden aggression. The tension in the room thickened, as Elizabeth and Hector exchanged worried glances. The cannibals, now unsure of their position, watched the unfolding scene with apprehension, ready to defend themselves if necessary.
"Dionisus, I thought we were a team," Edward's voice trembled with a mix of hurt and anger. "I risked my life out there, fighting those abominations, and you just left me behind. You abandoned me!"
Dionisus, taken aback by Edward's accusation, tried to find his words amidst the charged atmosphere. "Edward, we... we thought you were lost. It was chaos, and we had to think of our own survival. We didn't mean to abandon you."
Edward's eyes flashed with a mixture of betrayal and determination. "Survival? Is that what it's come down to? Abandoning our comrades when things get tough? Well, I won't stand for it. I won't forgive or forget."
Elizabeth stepped forward, placing a hand on Edward's unburnt arm. Her voice calm and soft, "Edward, we made a mistake. But we're here now, and we need each other if we're going to make it through this. Blaming and fighting amongst ourselves won't help us defeat the real enemy."
"I'm not going to change my mind, you people left me for dead. You people are deluded if you believe I'm going to keep assisting you." Edward threw a fit. Stoicly, Hector approached his bickering companion, "Have you forgotten our duty? It is our mission to protect the merchant's daughter. If your childish behavior continues to interfere with our mission I will have to take counter measures."
Edward's anger simmered, his eyes narrowing as he locked gazes with Hector. "Counter measures? Is that a threat, Hector?" he sneered, his voice laced with defiance and arrogance.
Hector remained unfazed, his tone steady and unwavering. "It's not a threat, Edward. It's a reminder of our commitment. We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of Philip's daughter, regardless of our personal grievances. Our mission comes before our individual feelings."
Dionisus interjected "Come on guys, you are the first friends I have ever made. We've faced countless dangers, and we've always had each other's backs. Let's not throw it all away now."
A glint of doubt appeared on Edward's face as his features somewhat softened. The impact of their remarks began to seep in as he gave each of his buddies a quick glance. He exhaled after a brief period of tension as his rage subsided. "Fine," he complained. "But I'll remember this."
Hector nodded, his gaze unwavering. "We'll hold you to that, Edward. Let's put our differences aside and focus on the task at hand." With a collective breath, the group recentered themselves, recommitting to their mission. The air in the room lightened, as a sense of resolution replacing the earlier discord. They knew they had to overcome their personal conflicts and work together to fulfill their duty.
"Elizabeth give him some food, he must be starving for real." Dionisus whispered to his female companion. She approached Edward with a gentle smile, offering him the slice of bread with vegetables. "Here, Edward. I know things have been rough, but you need to eat. It'll help you regain your strength," Elizabeth said softly, her concern evident in her voice.
Edward hesitated for a moment, however, after his eyes met with Elizabeth's genuine gaze, he accepted the food from her, grateful for the gesture, and took a small bite. As he chewed, a sense of warmth spread through his body, both from the nourishment and the kindness offered to him.
Sitting beside the sculpture, Elizabeth and Edward engaged in a quiet conversation. Elizabeth asked "How are your injuries." she said, expressing her worry for his well-being. Edward, usually guarded and reserved, found himself opening up to her, sharing the pain and struggles he had faced during the battle with the undead. "My sword ignited with a huge flame, fueled by my desire to survive I guess." He said reluctantly, "And it completly burned my arm and itself."
Edward showed his sword, which was now in shambles, the hilt was completely charred and the blade had melted. Elizabeth's eyes widened at the sight of Edward's damaged sword. She reached out a hand, her fingers gently tracing the charred remnants of the once-mighty weapon. "That must have been intense," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and concern.
Edward nodded, a hint of pride mingled with the pain in his eyes. "It was a last resort, a desperate attempt to protect myself. Perhaps it was too much for me to handle."
Hector approached, his gaze fixed on the ruined sword. "A sacrifice," he muttered, his voice solemn. "Sometimes, to defeat the darkness, we must give up a part of ourselves."
"Well we should get going now, the zombies have already begun surrounding the church and we still havent discussed a plan with Durch." Dionisus chimed in, breaking the melancholic atmosphere with his words.