Questions

As Micah studied the people gathered in the camp, his footsteps resounded softly throughout the area. There was an air of laughter and smiles, an illusion of peace during a time of war. It was in sharp contrast to the internal conflict he was experiencing, a dissonance he was unable to overcome.

He wandered around the camp and felt a creeping weariness that he couldn't quite put his finger on. He took cover behind a rough log, the soreness a trifle against the mental tempest raging inside him. Around him, the camp chattered on, a semblance of normalcy in these difficult times.

Then his silence was broken by a voice. "Hi, Micah." His heart pounding, he jumped off the log, startled. His response was a laugh when he realized it was Vienne.

***

Seemingly unfazed by the rough log, she joined him there. Micah could see why she was so special to him as her radiant smile lit up her face. "So, how are you doing?" she asked.

Micah let out a sigh, his mind weighing heavily on him. "I'm fine," he answered, but his tone revealed his internal conflict.

Micah was filled with uncertainty, but Vienne's eyes shone brightly as she looked up at the sky. "Hopefully, Peter is secure," she muttered.

Micah nodded, thinking about their friend. "Same," he said.

"Peter seems a little strange right now," he ventured.

Vienne laughed, and everyone else laughed too. "Explain it to me. However, I believe it's related to something I said."

Micah became curious. "Explain what you mean."

Vienne's lips parted in a knowing smile. In all likelihood, unless Peter told you, you are unaware.

"Are you fond of him?" With his question hanging heavy in the air, Micah asked.

Sighing, Vienne said, "Well, that answers my question," revealing her true feelings.

Micah nodded, an internal argument raging. Should he tell her about Peter's feelings or keep them a secret? In either case, there were hazards. He might surprise her by revealing Peter's secret, and Xavier might discover it if he did. Alternatively, if he said nothing, Vienne might continue pursuing Peter and ultimately incite Xavier's wrath.

He never got the chance to say anything, though for the time being it seemed safer to stay silent. A soldier arrived panting heavily, his expression of shock a sign of disturbing news.

"What took place?" Micah asked nervously.

"Peter has reported that there are Ikes," the soldier exclaimed, clearly in a state of panic.

Micah felt his heart sink. "We were expecting that, weren't we?"

However, one of them was scouting nearby!

Micah and Vienne exchanged look of bewilderment. "Where are the soldiers?" one may wonder. Micah asked in a hurry.

"They're getting ready."

"Why?" Micah turned to face Vienne, who replied gravely, "Because they're planning to ambush us."

Micah felt as though the enormity of the situation would overwhelm him. His first concern was for his friend, "Is Peter all right?" he inquired.

There was a sigh of relief as the soldier nodded. He asked, "Do you want to see him?"

Micah said without hesitation, "Yes, please."

When Micah arrived at Peter's side, Xavier and Caville were with him. "Peter, hello."

"Ah, Micah." Peter cried out and gave his friend a passionate hug. Micah gave Peter a hug back, and his concern for his safety gave way to a feeling of friendship.

"You mentioned spotting an Ike?" Micah asked, and Peter gave a forceful nod.

"It implies that we must get ready for an assault," Caville declared while still standing. "You guys ought to go to the training facility and begin refining your abilities. We all didn't think that this would be our first conflict.

One by one, their gazes locked and they realized how serious the situation was. They headed for the training center, which was located at the rear of the camp due to its gun cache and possible use as a hideout in case of emergency.

They were welcomed inside by the well-known sight of swords, bows, arrows, and daggers. Their level of preparation was evident in the virtual reality room.

Peter muttered, "Just as I expected," as they started their training in earnest. This time, there was a noticeably more somber atmosphere and advanced techniques being displayed by the warriors.

They noticed a girl who was wielding a dagger and was engaging in a captivating display of dagger combat mixed with martial arts. However, they soon turned their attention to their own swords, learning new skills and maneuvers.

Peter tried a blow on a training dummy after being impressed by the girl's skill. The dummy's leg bent as a result of the impact, and a quick follow-up revealed a large tear in its chest.

The dummy teetered on the verge of disintegrating, evoking gasps from everyone in the room as they instinctively moved away from Peter.

Micah stepped forward, worry written all over his face. "Hey, Peter." He stopped suddenly, seeing the damage that Peter's blow had caused.

Did the Ike whip you too while you were scouting? Micah tried a joke, but there was no humor in Peter's face.

Micah quickly said, "I'm sorry."

Peter said, "It's okay," and he moved to another dummy. He was determined not to commit the same massacre as before.

Micah insisted, sincere in his concern. "Are you certain you're alright?"

Peter paused, ruminating over his feelings. "I'm not certain. I have no idea why I feel so strange and afraid.

With a sigh, he stared at the dummy. "After that battle three months ago, I felt strong, motivated, and prepared for another fight. However, after just a brief conversation with this person, I feel gummy.

Micah touched his shoulder reassuringly. "Perhaps it's because no one was there to assist you and you were so close to death."

For Peter, it all made sense at once. He was changed by the near-death encounter. Acknowledging his fear was just the beginning, he hoped, and with patience and encouragement, he would regain his self-assurance.

The room exuded determination as they carried out their training. They had been inspired by the impending threat posed by the Ikes, which made them realize how crucial it was to get ready for the fights that still lay ahead.