Hope Like an Angel

Preparation

We rushed to find Leonardo, he definitely knew what to do. He tried calling many times, but he didn't reply.

"Hold it! He must be near your house!" Raphael, who was busy grinding his bicycle exclaimed.

"Yes! Just relax!" I retorted, wiping the blood on the head, standing on the back of Raphael's bike.

It's been twelve minutes since we left that strange house. The old man was taken care of by Jennifer until we got back, because the bike was for one person.

We finally got to the main street. Still as crowded as ever, people carried noisy and frantic migration equipment aboard the tronton guarded by at least five troops.

But where is Leo?

"Hey, you two!" A voice called to us from behind.

"You all right?!" He approached, asking worriedly. Surprised to see our dirty and broken uniforms.

"Wait, you're Yuda, right? One of Leo's beliefs?" Ask Raphael.

"Yes. Please explain what happened to you guys." Yuda looks handsome, his height is on par with mine. Prepare listening.

"Sorry, but we need Leo for this. Please tell me where he is. Please." I'm starting to worry, it's getting late. There's not much time.

"Usually, at this hour he was near the school. You two are the children he is nurturing, right? I can pick him up."

"no need. Thank you." Thank you." Raphael replied, leaving immediately again.

Some residents saw us confused, including the troops. But we both ignored, focused forward.

"Leo Leo Leo, he sometimes goes missing when needed. Besides, what's he doing to school?" I asked.

"Classic Leonardo. Sometimes he's weird." Raphael focused on looking ahead, through the wide, empty streets in the dark of the night.

"Hey, Raf." I was about to ask you something.

"No Fal, I don't want to buy Barbie dolls."

"Ish, listen to me."

"What?"

"How did you get so good that time? When attacking in the mushroom house, you move very quickly and agile. What's your secret?" I let out my curiosity, while maintaining a balance so as not to fall.

Raphael exhaled a disappointed breath.

"Well, actually it's not worth it. I spent seven years of resentment and grudge against monsters to the point of practicing non-stop. One day, I could spend eight to fourteen hours exercising and practicing sword swinging techniques, almost insane. Even Leo had to subscribe with Doctor Liona for my injuries so I wouldn't cross the line." His answer was flat, his head slightly lowered.

A moment later, I began to worry.

"Worth it, really!"

"Where is Fal? I almost lost an organ and a part of my body was so careless." His voice sounded bad.

"But no, right? It's great you can survive until now! That's a gift for you. If you hadn't trained so hard during that time, during the mushroom house attack, we would've been slaughtered." I shook his shoulders, said enthusiastically.

"Really?"

"Yes, Raf!"

Silence again, the sound of bicycle chains filled my ears.

"Well, if you think so, I'll think so too. Besides, I promised I'd take care of you until the end." His head facing towards me, he smirked softly.

Sreeet... The yellow bike stopped in front of the school gate. Sure enough, Leo was nearby.

"Leo!"

"Fal? Raf? You why?! Your uniform too!" He ran over, staring at us completely.

"Why are you here every night? What are you doing?" Raphael asked.

A moment later, Leo let out a breath.

"I..want to..try...dating..." He scratched his head.

...

"Fal, pinch my cheek until it comes off. It's a dream."

Pfft.

"God! Explain first! Why you?!" Leo asked again.

"Wait, date? Wh why? Wh who? Where's where?"

"Come on, answer me!" Raphael.

"Near here! Exactly the intersection to the left of the school gate. A lot of good restaurants are cool and I still can't figure out which one. Satisfied?" He replied, wiping the small blood on my cheek.

"Now, seriously. What's up?" He was clinging, staring.

"Look, we managed to fight some monsters in that strange place. And they look like they're protecting something." I explained, get off the bike.

"Protect something?"

"Yes. There's even Omni."

"Ommni?!" His eyes opened wide, Leo was surprised.

"Yes, but we've beaten. And it turns out that what they're protecting is..." I stopped, a little afraid to continue the words.

***

"HURRY UP! GET OUT OF HERE!"

"QUICK!!!"

***

"F. my family's photos. Dad, Mom, I. Everything exists. Vacationing on the beach twelve years ago." I clarify.

Leo scratched his chin, thinking.

"Can I see the picture?" She spread her hands, I gave her the photo. Leo looked at the photo with no gaps.

"It's just an ordinary photo, then..why do they keep it...?" Leo whispered to himself, his head lowered.

Raphael and I waited for a response from him, sometimes looking up at the sky with a few stars.

"Sorry, there's nothing to hide here. So I have to give this to the Great General..." He put his picture in the pocket of his uniform. We both admire the surrender.

"Come, take me to Jennifer."

"But Leo, you don't have a bike."

"Ha, I don't need a bike." He stretched his legs, warmed up. I got on Raphael's bike, ready to go.

Srr... We were speeding, in the back, Leo was running at the speed of the bike. God, what the fuck is this?

"Well, cool." Raphael faced back for a moment, then focused again forward.

The photo... What? Whahuh? Why are they looking after him? I mean, do they.. submit to Dad? Hows it? I don't get it...

Why... Why are they protecting her? Did I have anything to do with the monsters? This is all so absurd!

***

It's the next day, eight o'clock in the morning.

After meeting Jennifer, we drove the old man to headquarters. They called a special Doctor for the base to check, so we still have help if anyone gets hurt, my God, I thought all the doctors would evacuate and leave, apparently not.

They said the old man couldn't wake up, he was in a coma. And thank God, the three of us weren't scolded. The Great General commends us once more.

Leonardo told him to get ready, rather rest. His face was very anxious to see the three of us being messed up. Oh yes, also will be prepared a new uniform, because yesterday's broken, wearing it will make us look like a sling.

I relax on the sofa while enjoying the morning television show. My favorite sitcom is starting soon.

A moment. old man yesterday...

***

"Faaaaaliyah... Liiiiaaa... Loooogaa!"

***

Falisha, that's my name. How does he know? I've never told anyone my name except someone who can really be trusted.

Then, Liam. That's Dad's name. Liam Ghazalis. He didn't tell me much about her. But the old man knew, maybe he knew her? Maybe, eight years ago he was a neighbor?

Lastly, Logan... Logan Logan Logan... I really don't know him... Who is he...? What does this have to do with my family? Why is that name mentioned after my name and Dad? Who is this Logan?!

Maybe I'll know the answer, tomorrow is a very important day. May this endless conflict truly cease...

The Day of the Massacre is coming. This time, I'll be beheading the Fedora Hats.