Chapter 19: I want Barbecue.

Mark and Harold, still in awe of the Pluma ni Pepe's revelation, exchanged a glance that spoke volumes. The air was thick with anticipation as Patrick approached them, a knowing smile on his face.

"The Pluma has found its wielder," Patrick declared calmly, his voice echoing over the battlefield. He recognized the seriousness of the situation, realizing that the events occurring were much beyond the conflicts they had previously encountered.

Mark, on the other hand, responded with a mix of bewilderment and indignation. He burst out laughing, his eyes shining with evil intent. "This is far from over," he insisted firmly. "He who knows everything will know about your Interference!"" With those foreboding comments, Mark retreated into the darkness, leaving Harold and Patrick to wonder about the actual magnitude of the problems ahead.

In another corner of the battlefield, Kien displayed his unparalleled skill. With precision and efficiency, he single-handedly incapacitated his opponent, ensuring that they couldn't escape. The silent mastery of his actions spoke of a seasoned warrior, attuned to the nuances of combat.

Meanwhile, Patrick and Illumi, the enigmatic duo, engaged in a private conversation hidden from the prying eyes of SF-Zero. Their discussion delved into secrets and machinations that eluded the comprehension of those around them. The fate of the Pluma ni Pepe and its chosen wielder became a focal point, a pivotal element in a larger narrative that unfolded beyond the immediate battlefield.

As the two conversed, alliances were solidified elsewhere. Alli skillfully tied Reiner with unyielding chains, ensuring his confinement. Similarly, Bry and Alyana employed their tactical prowess, securing their respective opponents in chains as well. The battlefield, once a chaotic battleground, now became a stage for the aftermath of a decisive clash.

The atmospheree crackled with tension as the SF-Zero members guarded their captives, unaware of the unseen forces that continued to shape their destinies. The Pluma ni Pepe's influence lingered, an ethereal presence guiding the unfolding events.

Within the confines of the private conversation, Patrick and Illumi delved into the intricate web of fate and destiny. Illumi's piercing gaze held a depth of knowledge that transcended the immediate conflict. "The Pluma ni Pepe is a key to a greater power," Illumi whispered, his voice carrying an ancient resonance. "Its wielder will play a pivotal role in the impending battle against the forces that seek to exploit its essence."

Patrick, absorbing the weight of Illumi's words, recognized the responsibility that came with their newfound knowledge. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, alliances, and betrayals. The true nature of "He who knows everything" loomed as a formidable threat, and the Pluma ni Pepe's chosen wielder held the key to unraveling the mysteries that surrounded them.

Back on the battlefield, the captives strained against their chains, their eyes filled with defiance. Unbeknownst to them, they were mere pawns in a grander scheme, a prelude to a conflict that transcended the boundaries of their understanding.

Illumi, having concluded his private conversation with Patrick, approached Coleen, who smiled warmly, signaling her well-being amidst the lingering tension. Their silent exchange spoke volumes, a testament to the unspoken bonds that connected the members of SF-Zero.

Amidst the serious undertones, Alli injected a playful remark, teasing Illumi about his perpetual single status. "Looks like eternal love isn't in the cards for you," she joked, eliciting a chuckle from those within earshot.

Patrick, joining in the camaraderie, added with a sly grin, "Perhaps finding love is as elusive as unraveling the mysteries we face." The lighthearted banter provided a momentary reprieve, a chance for the team to share a collective smile in the midst of uncertainty.

However, the light-hearted atmosphere took an unexpected turn when Bry, known for his straightforward and no-nonsense demeanor, interjected with a deadpan expression. "I want barbecue," he declared, his tone completely serious.

The rest of SF-Zero turned to look at him, their faces filled with stunned silence and chuckles. In the midst of their complicated situation, Bry's unexpected urge for BBQ took them off unprepared. Nonetheless, despite the gravity of the situation, each member of the team found themselves nodding in accord.

The normal longing for uncomplicated pleasures like BBQ became a common thread in that time, a reminder that even in the face of approaching struggles, there were moments of calm that linked them. The laughter that erupted in response to Bry's surprise declaration resonated throughout the museum, providing a small relief before they went on the uncertain journey that lied ahead.

The day unfolded into a much-needed respite as SF-Zero decided to indulge in a barbecue party, a momentary escape from the looming uncertainties. The scent of grilling meat filled the air as Bry, with surprising culinary skills, took charge of the grill.

Laughter echoed through the makeshift campsite, and the camaraderie among the team members flourished under the warm glow of the setting sun. Alli, with her infectious energy, regaled everyone with amusing anecdotes, turning the barbecue party into a lively affair.

Kien, the silent warrior on the battlefield, revealed a lighter side as he joined in with unexpected wit. His deadpan delivery of jokes had everyone in stitches, contrasting sharply with his usual stoic demeanor. Even Illumi, the composed and enigmatic member, couldn't help but crack a subtle smirk at the unfolding hilarity.

As the evening progressed, the team shared stories and laughter, momentarily forgetting the weight of their responsibilities. The Pluma ni Pepe, still in the possession of its chosen wielder, seemed to glow with a contented energy, as if acknowledging the importance of these moments of joy in the face of impending challenges.

The sound of sizzling meat mixed with hearty laughter, creating a symphony that resonated with the essence of friendship. The SF-Zero members, each with their unique personalities, found common ground in the simple pleasure of good company and delicious food.

Alli, the life of the party, couldn't resist pulling pranks on unsuspecting teammates, eliciting bursts of laughter and light-hearted banter. Kien's unexpected quips, delivered with impeccable timing, added an extra layer of amusement that had everyone looking at him in surprise.

Illumi, though typically composed, couldn't help but appreciate the dynamic unfolding around him. His subtle smirks and occasional quips added a mysterious charm to the gathering, further enhancing the tapestry of camaraderie.

The laughter echoed in the cool night air, intertwining with the crackling of the fire and the occasional sips of refreshing beverages. As the team members shared more about their lives outside the battlefield, bonds strengthened, creating a sense of unity that would prove invaluable in the trials to come.

Underneath the starlit sky, SF-Zero found solace in the simple joy of laughter, a shared moment that transcended the complexities of their mission. The Pluma ni Pepe, ever-present yet silent, seemed to bless the gathering with its mystical aura, weaving the threads of their destinies in ways that remained unseen.

Amidst the laughter and the aromatic haze of barbecue smoke, Kien, breaking his usual silence, asked a question that hung in the air like a sudden breeze. "How long will the raid be?" he inquired, his tone cutting through the jovial atmosphere.

Patrick, taking a moment to set aside his playful demeanor, considered the weight of Kien's question. "The raid is unpredictable," he began, his gaze focused on the flickering flames. "It could take days, weeks, or even longer. Our journey within the tower will be fraught with challenges, and the length of our stay depends on the trials we encounter."

Kien, usually a man of few words, nodded in acknowledgment, seemingly satisfied with the straightforward response. The reality of their mission, looming in the background, cast a momentary shadow over the festivities.

From a distance, Illumi, who had been observing the exchange with his usual discerning gaze, spoke up with a rare sentiment. "This is the happiest time of my life," he admitted, his words carrying a weight of sincerity. "I hope that even after we enter the tower and face whatever awaits us, we can still find moments like these."

His unexpected reflection on the transient joy of the present resonated with the team. The crackling of the fire seemed to soften, and the laughter took on a more contemplative tone. The Pluma ni Pepe, held by its chosen wielder, radiated a subtle glow, as if acknowledging the fragility of these moments amid the impending challenges.

Patrick, embracing the gravity of Illumi's words, spoke with a measured optimism. "Life is a series of battles, both on and off the battlefield," he said, looking around at the faces of his comrades. "But it's the moments like these, the laughter, the camaraderie, that give us the strength to face whatever comes our way. So, let's savor this night, for tomorrow may bring challenges, but tonight, we stand united."

The team, prompted by Patrick's words, took a collective breath, appreciating the fleeting yet profound nature of the present. Illumi's rare sentiment lingered in the air, a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, the bonds forged in moments of joy could become the pillars that sustained them through the trials ahead.

As the night progressed, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, and the laughter resumed. Yet, beneath the surface, a newfound understanding and appreciation for the ephemeral nature of happiness permeated the gathering, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that would be woven into the fabric of their memories.