New Allies

Shinon and the group of survivors had managed to defeat the raiders who had attacked their settlement, but the aftermath was not something to be celebrated. The dead raiders and the destruction left behind would surely attract the attention of the Phoenixes and their minions.

Shinon knew they couldn't stay in the same place for long. He gathered the survivors around him, urging them to leave the settlement behind and start anew elsewhere.

"I know it's difficult, but you must leave." Shinon adamantly declared.

After everyone had reunited, they got busy discussing their future plans. The settlement was in shambles, but it wasn't anything they couldn't fix with time and effort.

However, Shinon wasn't too thrilled about that idea. Although he killed the raiders, he did it spur of the moment, not thinking about the consequences. The Phoenixes were too powerful and would not take it kindly to their soldier being killed.

"You need to leave this place behind. The Phoenixes know about you now and won't stop until they find you. It's only a matter of time before more raiders come, and this time, they won't be taking prisoners anymore." Shinon said his voice firm.

Kira stepped forward, her expression conflicted. "But this is our home," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "We've put so much effort into building this settlement. Can't we defend it and fight off the raiders?"

A young mother who had lost her husband to the raiders spoke up next.

"I don't want to run anymore," she said, tears glistening in her eyes. "We've been on the move for so long, and I'm tired of living in fear."

"We can't keep running forever," Jack, Sarah's father, said, his voice resolute. "We need to take a stand and fight back. We can fortify our defences, gather more supplies, and make a stand right here."

Kira, Jack, and Rico were among the survivors who had followed Shinon through the settlement. They looked at each other, unsure of what to do next. For as long as they can remember, they had lived in the settlement and watched the place grow bit by bit.

Shinon shook his head, his expression grave. "I understand your concerns, but the raiders won't stop coming. They will keep sending reinforcements, and eventually, they will overpower you. If you want to risk everyone's life, be my guest."

The group fell silent, each member lost in thought. They knew Shinon was right, but the thought of leaving their settlement was daunting. They had finally found a place to call home, and the idea of leaving it behind was heartbreaking.

But soon, the survivors murmured among themselves, the weight of the decision bearing down on them. Some were torn, wanting to stay and fight, while others were more inclined to heed Shinon's warning and leave.

"I don't want to lose anyone else," Sarah said, looking at her young daughters clinging to her side. "We have to go. We can't risk staying here and putting ourselves in more danger."

Finally, Sarah spoke up, her voice resolute, yet her eyes were numb. Tim's injuries proved too much for the settlement doctors to handle, and moments after being rescued, he took his last breath amongst his children and Sarah. Shinon wondered if he would have the courage to persevere through so much pain.

"Alright," Rico sighed, his voice resigned. "We'll pack up and leave at dawn as we can't afford to waste more time."

The survivors nodded in agreement, the decision made. They began preparations to leave, gathering their belongings and saying farewells to the settlement they had called home for so long. Shinon offered his guidance and help to those who needed it.

Kira approached Shinon, standing a few feet away, watching the group pack up. The sadness in their eyes was evident.

"What about you, Shinon?" she asked. "What will you do?"

Shinon looked at her, his expression unreadable. "I have my own base to take care of. But I'll be around. Sarah gave me one of the radios, so you guys can contact me if you need help."

Rico, who had been standing nearby, overheard their conversation and stepped forward. "If you're going to stay back, Shinon, let me come with you."

"But Rico, what will the rest do without their leader?" Kira interrupted.

"That's why I want to stay back," Rico replied, his voice firm. "What kind of leader will I be if I can't even avenge my fallen comrades."

"Are you sure about this?" Shinon asked, looking at Rico intently. "Also, I work alone, and I don't want to be responsible for someone else's safety."

"I'm sure," Rico replied, his expression determined. "I can take care of myself, Shinon. But I want to train alongside you. You're the best fighter I've ever seen, and I know I can learn a lot from you."

Shinon hesitated for a moment. He wasn't used to working with others, and he found it difficult to trust people. But he had seen how skilled Rico was in combat and knew he could be a valuable ally.

Shinon considered his words for a moment before nodding slowly. "Fine, but if you don't follow my orders or break my trust, you're on your own. Understood?"

Rico nodded eagerly, a determined look on his face. Kira stepped forward as well.

"I want to come with you, too, Shinon. I can help in any way you need," she said, her eyes pleading.

"What exactly can you do?" Shinon asked her. After all, he only accepted Rico because he had seen him in action, which wasn't true for Kira.

Kira's eyes glinted as if she had been waiting for Shinon to ask about her.

"I'm an ability user, a rare one at that. I have the power to control plants. I can make them grow, bend them to my will, and use them as weapons."

Kira's revelation about her ability to control plants surprised Shinon. He had never heard of such a power before, but he was intrigued by the possibilities it presented. As he thought about it, he realized that Kira's ability could be instrumental in fortifying his base.

"Interesting," Shinon mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "There are many ways you could use your powers to strengthen our defences."

Kira looked at Shinon, surprised by his sudden interest. "Really? How?"

Shinon explained, "Well, we could create barriers with plants to slow down any attackers, or we could plant thorn bushes or other types of sharp plants to make it difficult for them to approach.

Rico chimed in, "We could also use your abilities to grow crops and vegetables more efficiently, which would help us sustain ourselves better. Obviously, we can only do so once we get enough resources."

Kira's face lit up as she realized the potential of her powers. "I never thought about that! I could help us grow food and create a natural barrier around our base. That's amazing!"

Rico spoke up again. "If Kira's powers can help us, we should let her accompany us. We need to do everything we can to stay alive."

Shinon hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. He was still cautious about trusting others, but he couldn't deny that Kira's powers could be incredibly beneficial to their survival.

Shinon hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but you'll have to keep up. I don't slow down for anyone."

Kira nodded eagerly. "I understand. Thank you for giving me a chance."

Shinon smiled slightly. "Don't thank me yet. You still have to prove yourself. Now then, let's finish up here and then we can go back to my base and rest."

"Roger!"