Sheriff Reeves leaned forward and put his arms on his desk, rubbing the temples of his head with both hands. He was mentally preparing himself for the yelling that would come from the woman sitting in front of him. She had her brow furrowed at him as her daughter played with Deputy Tarz outside of his office. He knew this was coming ever since last night when he arrested her savior.

“Can I help you Ms. Madison?” the sheriff asked, already knowing what she was about to say.

“You locked her up!?” the nurse yelled at him.

The sheriff sighed and answered “Ms. Madison I understand your anger but the law does not excuse acts of vigilantism. If she did murder Richard and other men as you claim then there must be punishment.”

“She saved my life! What type of backwards law enforcement is this? You arrest Ms. Akane but you let those Humanity Defense Front guys kill whoever they wish? When you told me last night to bring her to you I thought you’d congratulate her, not put her behind bars! I told you they tried to kill me yesterday. Would you have sought to arrest them had they succeeded? Would Richard be behind bars today if that was the case?” she asked.

“Ms. Madison, you know things aren’t that simple. If I went after them they’d-”

“Yeah I know they would raze the town but that doesn’t excuse your hypocrisy.”

“Hypocrisy?”

“You always saw the law must be enforced Sheriff Reeves yet you being complicit with the Humanity Defense Front goes against that. I don’t care that all the humans in town support them, we both know they’re nothing but criminals.”

“Ms. Madison, is it hypocrisy to do everything I can to protect the citizens of this town? By letting them do what they wish with a few I prevent a massacre. There are about 2000 souls in Redrock, the majority of them non-human. If I became foolish enough to fight against the Humanity Defense Front most of this place would become a ghost town. I sacrifice a few to save the many while I do everything I can to enforce the law within these bounds. I’m making the best of a bad situation.”

“So that’s how it is, sheriff? I was supposed to be a sacrifice to uphold a false peace? My daughter as well? I know things have been like this ever since I was little, but that doesn’t mean it’s right and you know it. You may think you’re your own man sheriff, but you’re nothing but a puppet.”

The sheriff didn’t respond as a gut feeling of shame coursed through his body for he knew that Sarah was completely right. She had every right to be mad at him. Telling her that her death would’ve been for the greater good would’ve been nothing but an insult. He told himself he did what he did for the greater good though that was getting harder to believe the more he stared at the young nurse in front of him. He had been turning a blind eye to things for so long he’d forgotten that real lives were being taken away under his watch. His choler was starting to rise; not at Sarah, but at himself. Mad at his uselessness and cowardice.

“I know it’s not right. I know that there’s nothing I can say that’ll make you feel better. You already know why I do what I do and I’ll have to leave it at that. But Ms. Madison, do you honestly have a better alternative?”

The angry look on Sarah’s face slowly started to fade as she entered deep thought. She turned around and could see her daughter playing patty cake with the large deputy. After a few more minutes of silent reflection she finally said “Sheriff you have to fight back.”

“Did you not listen to anything I said during this conversation?” the sheriff asked, completely baffled.

“Now here me out. I don't know much about Ms. Akane but I do know that she took out Richard and his men with ease. When I examined her afterwards at my apartment, I discovered her wounds had already healed. She is a true warrior that can help you take back this town sheriff. With you, her, Tarz, and that other outsider who saved you last night, you can end the Humanity Defense Front once and for all. We can have real peace.”

Sheriff Reeves snorted in amusement like he’d just been told a funny joke.

“So you honestly think four people can take on a paramilitary force of over 500?”

“No not just you four. That’s just the beginning. You start attacking them sheriff, all the folks the Humanity Defense Front has been oppressing for years will rise up. Every wound they inflict on them I treat, and I know that they would love nothing more than to get some payback. They just need someone to push them to action. If they fight with you sheriff, we’ll take this town back.”

“So you’re honestly suggesting-”

“War? Yes I am.”

Sheriff Reeves could see that Sarah was adamant about this but she suggested the impossible. He was angry at himself for being so useless but he didn’t think fighting a suicidal war was the answer. However, he knew that she wouldn’t abandon the idea if he just told her no so he decided he’d humor the idea for a bit.

“So you think these two outsiders can turn the tide?” he asked.

“I do.”

“Well alright.”

Sheriff Reeves rose from his chair and walked past Sarah to exit his office.

“Follow me. We’ll see just how strong these outsiders truly are.”

***

“And that is how I defeated the Skull King amidst the ruins of Istvaan III.” Akane finished.

Shig looked across from his jail cell at the long haired woman in the cell diagonal to his, having no idea what she was on about. He kept track of her story for the first 20 minutes but at some point he’d gotten too confused and gave up. She had been locked up by the deputy sometime last night and Shig instantly knew she was an outsider, making him want to know why she was arrested. He waited until the morning so that he could find out more about her but the more she droned on the more his curiosity diminished.

“I just wanted to know why you got locked up in here. When are we getting to that part?” Shig questioned.

“We’ll get there when we get there. I can’t explain that unless I explain my entire backstory. You can’t just jump in at a random point in the story, you’d be lost.” Akane answered.

“Ok now onto the next part. I was sitting down next to the Skull King’s corpse when 200 ninjas jumped out of the sewer and-”

“Hey, is she always like this?” Shig asked Warren.

Warren was laying in his cell’s bed looking at the ceiling, not particularly thinking about anything.

“Yeah” he disinterestedly answered.

“When does it end?” Shig followed up as Akane continued to talk about something relating to ninjas and sewer water.

“It doesn’t.”

“Oh holy Venja, please save me.”

“Is my story not to your liking?” Akane asked, stopping her tale.

“Yes. I hate it. It’s been three hours of nonstop talking.”

“Bad kitty. I’m not giving you any treats once we get out of here.” Akane scolded.

“What? I’m not a cat you dumb human! You can’t just offer me treats and stuff. I hail from the proud kingdom of Alesia where we face deadly sandworms and thieves on a daily basis. Don’t treat us like your dumb pampered cats” Shig ranted.

“Hmmm the kitty is angry with me. Warren, what should I do to calm the kitty down?” Akane asked.

“I dunno give it catnip or something.” Warren replied.

“I hate you two.” Shig growled.

Shig decided to change the subject before he got an aneurysm.

“So male human, do you know why she’s locked up with us? You woke up an hour ago but didn’t seem surprised she was here” Shig inquired.

“Yeah I think I know. Akane you’re responsible for murdering those guys in the park right?” Warren guessed.

“Yes. Warren, you know me so well.” Akane affirmed.

“Wait what? Y-you what?!” Shig exclaimed in disbelief.

“It’s ok, I saved a life. I’m a hero.”

“What?! Can you go into more detail?”

“So you do want to hear my tale?”

“Please only the part that matters.”

“Very well but if you get confused don’t complain. I killed some masked men who tried to hang some non-humans and a human woman in the park. I heard her scream so I arrived in dramatic fashion and did very cool moves while I saved her.”

“Wait y-you killed members of the Humanity Defense Front? W-what’s wrong with you? Wait how’re you even alive? There had to be a council member there. No one can beat those guys.”

“Was there? There was an annoying lasso man but he was quite weak.”

“Was his name Richard? That was the name the posse that showed up to the station last night kept saying.” Warren asked.

“I don’t remember. He was so unremarkable I’d already forgotten the encounter.” Akane admitted.

“Wait Richard!? Richard Colescott!? You killed a member of the council! Oh no oh no we’re so dead. I was already going to get killed but now I’m going to get double killed.” Shig said in immense distress.

“Don’t worry kitty, I'll protect you. These Humanity Defense guys are pretty weak. I should be able to clear them out within a night.” Akane assured.

Shig looked at Akane and concluded that she was insane.

“So you’re going to take them all out huh?” Warren asked.

“Yes. They are evil Warren. They want to kill my new friend and the greatest creature to ever exist.”

“What’s that?”

“A child.”

“A what?”

“After I saved the human woman from the masked men she took me to her apartment and I met her daughter. I enjoy her existence. I was molding her into a cultured being when the mother-who is my new friend- took us to the police station. As soon as I arrived I felt a painful shock and was knocked out. When I woke up I was in this cell.” Akane explained.

“Yeah, that was the sheriff. I was shocked as well.”

“That reminds me Warren. What happened to you?”

“I found Andrew’s place and discovered a journal but was attacked by the cat across from us. I was arrested by the sheriff because of the fight.” Warren answered.

“Warren, how could you attack a kitty?” Akane asked, intending to sound shocked but her deadpan demeanor prevented it.

“The cat works for Andrew.”

“Hey I told you I never worked for him directly and I would’ve been killed otherwise. But it doesn’t matter, putting me in this jail cell was a good thing now that I know the Humanity Defense Front is going to destroy everything. So as far as I’m concerned it’s fine.” Shig interrupted.

“In regards to the Humanity Defense Front, Akane I’m helping you take them out.” Warren revealed, ignoring Shig’s comments.

Akane poked her head out of her cell trying to get a peak at Warren’s face to gauge whether he was serious or not but couldn’t see anything as Warren was still in the back of his cell, laying on his bed.

“Oh he’s insane too,” Shig muttered to himself.

“What do you mean?” Akane questioned.

“What I just said. Their leader is Andrew’s uncle. If anyone knows where Andrew is, it’s him. Obviously I won’t be able to just walk up and ask given I already attacked one of their men so I’ll help you take out the Humanity Defense Front and interrogate him.” Warren elaborated.

“This is a plot twist. I expected you to say ‘it’s not my business radda radda radda’ in your gruff tough guy voice and I’d convince you with a very inspiring speech that would make you become the hero you were always meant to be as dramatic music played. But I’m proud anyway.”

“You know that my goal has nothing to do with heroics. I’m helping because it’s convenient for me”

“Hmmmmmm.”

“What?”

“You’re lying. You want to save this town as much as I do. I can hear it in your voice.”

“Sure you do.” Warren sarcastically concurred.

“Hey geniuses did you forget you’re both still in jail?” Shig brought up.

“That’s true. Warren, are you ready to break out? ” Akane asked. “I don’t feel any magic or aura inhibitors preventing us from using our abilities”

“I didn’t want to ruin my relationship with the Sheriff any further but I guess we have no choice. We can’t stay here.”

Akane and Warren were about to kick the bars of their cells down but the sound of approaching footsteps were heard, making Akane and Warren put a halt to their plan. Going from the sounds they both knew that multiple people were approaching and amongst the footsteps was a light pitter patter sound that contrasted with the usual stomps.

“Sword lady!” a young voice called out.

“I’m here child!” Akane bellowed back.

Warren poked his head out of his cell to see a young girl standing in front of Akane’s cell, her little face full of worry.

“Hello child” Akane greeted.

“Sword lady! I thought you died. Sheriff Reeves went all zappy and you fell over and and and” the little girl tried to say but went on repeat as her thoughts moved faster than her mouth could articulate.

“Hush child. Remember the fifth arc of Two Piece when Buffy got electrocuted by the electric captain?”

“Y-yeah”

“Buffy didn’t die did he?”

“N-no”

“Exactly. And I’m clearly a lot stronger than him so you should’ve known I’d be fine.”

“Ohhhhhhh you’re right.”

“Sophie I told you not to run off on your own” a new voice scolded.

Warren looked away from the little girl to see a woman approaching followed by the sheriff and deputy.

“Sorry mommy.” the girl replied as the woman picked her up.

“Ms. Akane I’m so sorry for what happened I didn’t know you would’ve been locked up for helping people.” the woman said, giving the sheriff a brief mean glare.

“It’s ok, I’m not hurt. I’ve also found my friend. Mission accomplished.” Akane said motioning towards Warren.

“Oh so he’s the friend you mentioned. I saw you last night but we never got a chance to talk as you were sent back to your cell after you helped the sheriff. Nice to meet you, I’m Sarah and this is Sophie. Say hi Sophie.”

“Hello.” the little girl addressed with a wave.

“Hello.” Warren greeted back.

“What’s your name?” the little girl asked.

“Warren.”

“I like that name.”

“Thanks.”

“Warren, you're good with children. When I first met the child she was scared of me.” Akane mentioned.

“That’s because you grabbed her and wouldn’t let go Ms. Akane” Sarah clarified.

“Why?” Warren asked Akane.

“Apparently it’s instinct. I’m surprised you don’t want to do the same right now.” Akane said in defense.

“If he does, he's staying in that cell.” the sheriff said entering the conversation.

“I don’t” Warren deadpanned.

“Good. That’d put a dent in Ms. Madison’s plans wouldn’t it?”

“Sheriff when you say that it makes me sound like some kind of conniving genius.” Sarah replied.

“Hmm that wouldn’t be too far from the truth. Tarz bring them out” Sheriff Reeves ordered.

The orc nodded and motioned for Akane and Warren to reach their hands out of their cells so he could cuff them.

“What’s happening?” Shig questioned, intrigued by what was occurring in front of him.

“Ms. Madison thinks these two can take on the Humanity Defense Front. I want to see for myself if that’s true. If they can, they’ll be free.” Sheriff Reeves answered.

“You could’ve just asked. The answer is yes. Just give me my blade and I’ll do the rest.” Akane promised.

“Forgive me if I can’t take you for your word. If things go well I’ll consider giving your blade back if you pass.”

Tarz had cuffed Akane and Warren and they now stood in the hallway with Tarz standing behind them to ensure they didn't try to escape.

“For now I’m giving you two a test.”

“What about our punishments?” Warren asked, knowing the sheriff wouldn’t just let them go free if they passed whatever the upcoming test entailed.

“Let’s just say there exist legal loopholes. You pass the test, I can let you guys go on the condition you help me defeat the Humanity Defense Front which judging by your actions is something you two want to do.”

The sheriff began to make his way back motioning for everyone to follow him. Everyone did except Sarah who got distracted talking to Shig about treating the noticeable injuries he’d gotten from his fight with Warren.

“Mommy we gotta go.” Sophie said, pulling on Sarah’s leg.

“Huh? Oh you’re right honey. Sorry Shig I’ll have to help you later. But don’t worry you won’t be spending the rest of your life here, soon the Humanity Defense Front will cease to exist. Those two will save this town.” Sarah promised.

Sarah jogged away with her daughter following in tow leaving Shig alone.

“I’ve concluded that humans in general are insane” Shig reflected before going to his bed and taking a nap.

Warren and Akane were led to a part of the police station neither had ever seen before. They were standing in a large grey room that was lined with weapons along the walls.The ground was covered with a blue mat which made walking awkward as it was hard for one to keep a good footing. The ceiling had no roof but was instead covered with black bars that crossed over each other like a net. The sun was out giving the room a natural lighting as it pierced through the openings, giving the ground a square pattern. Warren judged by the sun’s position that it was probably a bit past noon.

“This here is the training ground. I think by its title you know what it’s for.” Sheriff Reeves explained.

“So what exactly are we doing?” Warren asked, shifting his gaze from the sky to the sheriff.

“You two are to fight Tarz. Your goal is to get the key from him and exit this room within five minutes. If you two fail you’re remaining locked up.”

“Are weapons allowed?” Akane questioned as she stared at the weapon racks.

“This isn’t a fight to the death so nothing lethal. You’re allowed to use any of the wooden weapons. Same goes for Tarz. Deputy you can go ahead and get ready.”

Tarze nodded and walked towards the center of the room, stretching like he was about to begin a normal workout.

“Come on Ms. Madison, we’ll wait outside.” Sheriff Reeves said.

“What? We’re not going to watch? I’ll cover Sophie’s eyes if you’re worried about the violence” Sarah responded.

“It’s not that, I can’t risk you two getting hurt.”

“Fine. Good luck Ms. Akane. You too Mr. Warren” Sarah said to them.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be out quick.” Akane guaranteed.

“Then you can defeat the bad guys?” Sophie questioned, her big eyes looking up at Akane and Warren.

“Yes child”

“Yay! Bye sword lady and bearded man.”

With that the sheriff, Sarah, and Sophie left the room. The door closed followed by the door’s lock being enacted. Tarz, Warren, and Akane were now the only beings in the room.

“The key is on this necklace. You just gotta snach it from me.” Tarz said, displaying the key around his neck. “If you need time to strategize, go ahead. I won’t start the timer until you attack me.”

“The cuffs?” Warren asked.

He and Akane held up their cuffs so Tarz could see.

“Let’s not kid ourselves. You two are strong enough to remove them on your own.” Tarz declared.

Akane and Warren simultaneously pulled their cuffs apart with little effort. Now with her hands free Akane went to the wooden weapons rack and removed a wooden sword reminiscent of her real blade but was disappointed by how light it was.

As she gave a few practice swings she said to Warren “Give me a minute and I’ll have that key. You can relax in the corner.”

“You think it’ll be that easy?” Warren said, a bit annoyed by her arrogance.

“Yes. I’m judging around...15% of my power will be needed. The orc doesn’t seem very powerful.”

“ You claim to have killed Richard right? It’s not surprising you’re confident. But I’ll tell you one thing, Richard was the weakest member of the council so don’t think you could take out the rest of the Humanity Defense Front as easily. And me? I was a part of a warband in Urgah so don’t think I’m a pushover myself.” Tarz warned.

“Your warning has been heeded. I’ll use 16% of my power.” Akane stated as she began to make her way towards Tarz.

Warren thought about helping her but if she insisted that she could do it on her own then he’d let her. He knew Akane was stronger than him and perhaps he would have gotten in the way if he tried to help. Besides his body still ached from his fight with Shig so he’d use this time to recover some more. Warren went to a corner of the room, sat down, and closed his eyes.

Akane stopped a few feet away from Tarz and began to examine his body in detail. He had no weapon, his arms were folded across his chest, and his legs were spread a bit apart so he could control his footing. It was a bizarre pose full of openings. It didn’t matter, Akane determined she’d be able to get the key before the orc could react. Akane put her right foot in front of her left and leaned forward. She took a deep breath and zoomed towards Tarz, closing the distance between them within seconds. In front of Tarz she swung her wooden sword at his head hoping to knock him unconscious. Before the sword could make contact Tarz leaned his head back making the sword slash the air. Akane followed up with an attack to the midriff but when the sword connected with his skin the sword bounced back making it almost fly out of Akane’s hands. She quickly reoriented herself and dashed so that she was behind Tarz. She swung for his leg and made contact only for it to bounce back again, this time with more force. Akane spun around in a circle, trying her hardest to hold onto the blade as it wanted to fly across the room. Akane was able to recover but was confused by what just happened. She leapt back to get a better view of the situation. Tarz continued to stand there in that strange pose, not even looking at her. In the corner was Warren who had one eye open, his eyebrow raised by what he must’ve seen in his peripheral.

“You have four minutes, 45 seconds left.” Tarz announced.

Akane jumped back into the action, flipping over Tarz and reaching for his necklace near the end of the flip’s arc, hoping to snatch the key from him. Her hand reached for the key but suddenly Tarz’s right arm shot out hitting Akane in the face. The blow sent Akane into the wall with a thud. Akane sprung to her feet, ignoring the pain. She saw Warren in the corner to her right looking at her.

“Need help?” he offered.

“No. I got this.” she denied.

Akane picked up her wooden sword once more, a bit angry at the current course of events.

“Four minutes even” is all Tarz said as she came back to him.

After taking a deep breath Akane lunged at Tarz. She raised the wooden sword above her head, hoping to chop downwards with so much force it’d break Tarz’s arm. She slammed the sword on his forearm but instead of hearing the shatter of bone she heard a loud boom like she was in front of a cannon. A massive wind launched Akane upwards, blasting her towards the ceiling. Her back hit the ceiling bars which caused pain to surge through her body as she fell back to earth. She landed on her feet but was more upset than ever.

“Three minutes, 52 seconds,” Tarz told her.

Akane decided she’d use her ability to get the upper hand. She didn’t think it’d get to this point but her current strategy clearly wasn’t working. It was like her attacks were rubber and Tarz’s body was glue. Her attempt to take the necklace directly also yielded no results so this was now her best bet. Akane went over to a nearby weapon rack.

“You know you can’t use real weapons” Tarz reminded her.

“It’s not for you,” she snarled.

She took a sword and made a cut in her left palm. Blood began to drip from the wound. Tarz looked a bit concerned but remained in his spot, keeping his pose. Warren looked on as well, curious to see what’ll happen.

“I’ll admit, you’re stronger than I thought. It appears any attack that connects sends the force outwards. Every one of my attacks bounced back towards me. I was essentially hitting myself.” Akane surmised as she stared at the blood flowing out of her hand.

“I did hit you directly as well,” Tarz pointed out.

“Yes you did. And that was because I reached for the key which wasn’t an attack isn’t that right? It must be an aura based ability.” Akane continued.

Warren wondered why Akane was being so talkative with Tarz. He looked at the blood flowing out of her hand and decided to trace it. When he did he realized what Akane was doing. The blood was slowly making its way across the mat, like a slithering snake. The blood went until it got behind Tarz, who appeared to be none the wiser. It then started to rise behind him, looking like a snake rising from a snake charmer’s tune. The blood was slowly making its way towards Tarz’s necklace, getting ready to pluck the key from its owner.

“You seem to know how my ability works now. But you still seem to be underestimating me.” Tarz concluded.

He turned around to see the blood that was about to reach for his necklace. He stopped it with a quick jab making the blood explode into red mist. Without hesitation Akane charged at Tarz, knowing that while her plan failed he was briefly distracted. Akane was within range to grab his necklace when Tarz quickly raised his hand to chop Akane. Akane saw the attack coming but, having already devoted her body to reaching for the necklace couldn’t do anything to prevent the blow. Tarz’s hand was about to strike Akane’s head when a new pair of hands appeared in front of Akane, catching Tarz’s attack. Warren had stopped the blow, holding Tarz’s hand over his head. Unfortunately, Tarz used his free hand to punch Warren in the side, which made him collide into Akane. The two of them rolled across the mat, only stopping when they hit a wall.

“I told you I got this” Akane complained as she stood up.

“Yeah but that doesn’t seem to be working out. He was about to cave your skull in.” Warren countered, holding onto his hurt ribcage.

“No he wasn’t.”

“Pretty sure he was”

“I was about to dodge it”

“No you weren’t”

“Two minutes even!” Tarz bellowed.

Akane and Warren stopped arguing and immediately made a beeline towards Tarz. It was too late to come up with a plan, they could only rely on their instincts and what they know about Tarz’s ability to succeed. Warren charged first, assuming that Akane was smart enough to follow his lead. He ran until he was right in front of Tarz and spun around him, to Tarz’s bewilderment. Warren then jumped up and put Tarz into a headlock, hoping that his assumption that Tarz’s ability didn’t apply to grapples, only direct strikes. Concentrating his aura around his arms Warren began to squeeze, hoping to use enough force to bring Tarz to the ground. As he did so Tarz unfolded his arms and began punching Warren’s face with his right arm to dislodge him. Warren’s head felt like it was being hit with a jackhammer but he held on. Tarz began to feel the pressure, it became harder and harder to breath. He began to twist his body around, hoping to fling Warren off but it was to no avail. During this struggle Akane waited for the moment to jump in to snatch the key. She watched as Tarz spun around. She didn’t know exactly what she was looking for but she’d know it when she saw it. When Tarz rose both his arms to reach to his back, grabbing Warren’s clothes to throw him off, she knew she found her moment. She raised her wounded hand and shot out a spurt of blood at Tarz’s eyes, blinding him. Seeing her chance she ran towards them, arm extended and, with the key within her reach felt a massive weight slam her down. Akane knew that Warren had been slammed on top of her. Before she could get Warren off Tarz kicked the two of them across the room.

“Time’s up.” Tarz told them.

Akane and Warren said nothing as they rose. Warren spat out some blood and held up the key. Tarz’s eyes widened in surprise as he looked at his chest to see that the key around his necklace was indeed gone.

“Huh, well look at that. I guess you two passed” Tarz said in surprise.

“Yes we did. It was all part of the plan.” Akane boasted.

“No it wasn’t. I grabbed the key before I was slammed down. I just got lucky. You probably would’ve noticed had you not focused on stopping Akane.” Warren admitted.

“You see I felt bad that Warren wasn’t doing anything so I struggled on purpose, which sprung him into action. Then holding my power back I allowed Warren to steal the spotlight to give him confidence.” Akane continued, ignoring Warren.

“That’s not the case. Just admit you couldn’t do it on your own.”

“But I could have. If I used 2% more of my power I could’ve gotten it.”

“Right.”

Warren headed over to the door and unlocked it with the key, knowing it was fruitless to keep arguing with Akane. With the door now open Warren exited. Tarz headed to the door as well but Akane suddenly jumped in front of him and said “Don’t think you’re stronger than me. You’re not.”

“You’re a weird one aren’t you?” Tarz questioned.

“Weirdness isn’t correlated to strength”

“You’d be surprised.” Tarz said as he walked past her to rejoin everyone outside.

Akane stood alone for a brief moment and followed suit.

Akane emerged back into the main office space of the police station. There she saw Sheriff Reeves speaking with Tarz and Sarah at one desk, Sarah talking to Warren with little Sophie at her side at another. Akane strode toward the latter group.

“Are you sure you two are ok?” Sarah asked, looking at Akane and Warren.

“We’re fine,” Warren answered, then spat out some blood.

“I didn’t get hurt in the slightest,” Akane added.

“Ms. Akane there’s blood rolling down the side of your head...again.” Sarah pointed out.

“And?”

Sarah pursed her lips, wondering if it was worth arguing that they needed medical attention. She decided it would have to be forced upon them.

“Sheriff, do you have any medkits or keep healing potions somewhere?” Sarah inquired while examining Akane’s head.

“Tarz, lead her to the storage room, we have some potions there. You can tell me the rest when you come back” Sheriff Reeves ordered.

“Alright. Follow me Mrs. Madison” Tarz said, motioning for her to follow him.

“Sophie, come on.” Sarah said, looking down at her daughter.

“Ok! I’ll be right back, sword lady, bearded man. Don’t die.” little Sophie ordered.

“Don’t worry child, I'll make sure Warren does not perish” Akane replied.

“Pretty sure I’m not dying.” Warren stated.

“Of course not, because I’m here.”

“...Right.” Warren sighed.

Tarz, Sarah, and Sophie exited the room, leaving Akane and Warren alone with the sheriff.

“So sheriff are we good now?” Warren asked as he took a seat at a nearby desk, blew some blood out of his left nostril.

The sheriff, seated at his own desk, looked at some papers he had displayed on it.

“Perhaps. Tarz said he was quite impressed with you two, though he said if it was a real fight you two wouldn’t have stood a chance.” Sheriff Reeves answered.

“Is that so?” Akane asked.

Akane began to head to where Tarz led Sarah and Sophie, the wooden sword she carried raised into the air. Warren had to get up from his seat and grab her by the hair to stop her from going on a rampage.

“Akane stop,” Warren commanded.

“Warren, the orc has insulted my honor. I will end his whole bloodline.” she said as she tried to walk forward, her head however remaining in place.

“Am I going to have to worry about her?” Sheriff Reeves asked Warren.

“No I got her.” Warren assured, holding onto Akane’s long hair like they were the reigns of a horse. “You were saying sheriff?”

Sheriff Reeves paused, wondering if he made the right choice putting his faith into the man that appeared to be living in the streets who’s on a suicidal revenge quest and the woman with the attitude of an angry dog, who for whatever reason tagged along with him. He concluded that they were partially insane but a little bit of crazy was what he needed to defeat the Humanity Defense Front.