Stepping outside into the village, Colt's concerns found solid reasoning for existing.

All of the villagers crowded around a group of injured men, with the clothes and broken spears they brandished, they had to have been the men from the forest.

"They're unconscious..." said Lamia as she rubbed the sweat from her face, "Let them rest in the shed."

The two men behind her rounded up the injured men, carrying them to the shed off in the distance.

A group of little kids crowded around Colt with bright eyes.

"Mr.Savior? Are you going to help us?"

"Mr.Savior? Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Mr.Savior? Can you kick Hokkaido's ass for us?"

Lamia shooed the children away, "Don't mind them."

He chuckled as the trio scattered into the village, "It's cool. I love to see happy kids. But...who's Hokkaido?"

Her smile receded into a defeated haze, bringing her tone down with it. "Hokkaido, he's the man behind all of this."

"So he's the big mamou around here?" He cracked his knuckles, "Where can I find him?"

"Oh no!" She held both of his hands and shook her head, "I truly appreciate your willingness to help us, but it's not even dawn yet. I'm sure you're tired!"

"This ain't nothing. I always stay up this late."

She let him go before readjusting her dress, "He lives out in the Northern part of the forest. But, it's far too dangerous for you to leave now. Please rest up first, you look tired!"

"I do?"

"Yes. I can see it in your eyes. You've been through a lot, I'm sure of it." She rested her hand on his shoulder, "It would mean a lot to me if you let me repay your debts."

She's dead set on me resting huh? I guess it wouldn't hurt if it'd ease her nerves...

He sighed, "If that's what you recommend, I'll wait a bit."

"Thank goodness." Lamia turned to her large guards, "Are the preparations for his room complete?"

"Yes ma'am." said the large duo as they returned from their previous task.

She grabbed Colt's hands and led him towards a small shed, "Please follow me."

Once inside, Colt looked around to see that there was a wooden bed with tons of cotton neatly woven on top of it.

Just like the entire village, the shed was composed of nothing that couldn't be found in nature. The walls were made from twigs and branches, the small light in the back was the result of a burning pile of twigs, and the pillow was also made of pure cotton.

For the naturistic vibes of the city, everything was very beautiful, Rustic even.

"Here's your bed. I'm sorry if it doesn't meet your standards." She bowed her head.

"Ah-No! It's actually more than I deserve! You're too kind!" He bowed his head back to her.

"Well isn't that great?" She stepped outside of the shed, "If you ever need anything, don't be afraid to find me in my home. It's the house we were in earlier."

"Will do!"

With his back resting against the cotton of the bed, his tense muscles eased into the realm of peace. Despite the unconventional materials used within the room, the temperature was regulated for the perfect sleep.

Not too hot, and not too cold.

I guess I really was tired! I don't even feel like getting up.

I'll go find Jax and Hisa tomorrow. I'm sure they'll be fine until then.

They're both stronger than me after all...

"C-Colt?"

Hemiko's frail voice pulled him from his sleep, "Hemiko?"

She twiddled her thumbs and looked away from him, "I'm sorry, I just wanted to ask you something."

"What is it?" He sat up and gestured for her to sit next to him.

"Um...I just wanted to ask you...Are you really our savior?"

"Huh?"

"Well...I saw you rob those mafia men in the forest, but you seemed confused when everyone started cheering for you in the village."

Damn...I'm caught!

I could've done a better job of pretending though.

He traced circles in the bed, searching for an excuse to get him out of the weeds. "I...was just caught off guard by how well I was received by you all. That's all."

"Really?"

"Yup."

Without saying another word, she stared into his eyes with her hazel eyes. His heart began to reace, but he forced himself to maintain eye contact. Looking away now would mean defeat.

He snatched her to the floor as a series of gunshots flared off through the forest. Rubbing her back to ease her trembling nerves, he rushed to retrieve his phone.

No service!

Who's shooting a freaking minigun in the middle of a forest?

Chaos ensued outside, with villagers fleeing into their sheds, seeking refuge from the madness. Their horrific screams filled the tense air, casting a fierce wave of pressure over Colt. Villagers outside of the shed fled into their sheds, screaming out in panic.

Lamia rushed into his shed and got down beside him and Hemiko. "Are you two okay?"

"Yeah."

"Mhmm..." Hemiko crawled towards her, nuzzling into her as she shut her eyes. and closed her

"Lamia?" Colt rose to his feet, "What's going on?"

"I'm not sure. If I had to take a guess, Hokkaido's men are fighting someone in the forest."

Fighting someone? Shit!

"Uh-I'll be back!" Colt dashed out of the shed, leaving the village without a second thought.

Jax and Hisa are probably fighting right now! I can't just abandon them!

-

"Hey! Hey! Hey!" Hisa pulled herself from the ground, licking the blood from her lips. "Where are you going? The party's just getting started!"

"Impossible..." Touya sat Kutoki back down and released his chains once more, "I underestimated you, girl."

"It's been a while since someone knocked me out! I want to play with you more-"

Jax lunged forward, slashing at Touya with his claws. "Damn it! There's no ambushing you!" He retreated to Hisa's side, "Be careful, he has special chains wrapped around his body..."

"Duh! Are we gonna jump him?"

"Of course..." He leaned into her ear, "I'm low on core energy right now, so I'll back you up."

"Fine by me!" Hisa snatched her axe from the ground, smashing it into Touya's arm, "If cutting doesn't work, internal damage sure as hell will!"

"Smart." Touya wrapped his chains around her axe and snatched her through the air.

Refusing to let go, she planted her feet and tugged Touya across the forest, freeing Jax to rush in and land a critical burst. Shards of broken chains scattered through the air, bringing him to his knees.

"Hisa! Move!"

As she ducked out of harm's way, Jax unleashed a second wave of core energy infused scales, tearing through the forest as far as the eye could see. Tremors rocked through the site as smoke hailed out from the point of contact.

Using the fallout as a distraction, he hoisted Hisa onto his shoulders, fleeing into the forest.

"Jax! Put me down!" She whined, "Why are we running?"

"That didn't kill him! We're getting to safety!"

"Nonononononono!" She struggled to break free from him, "I don't want to run!"

"If you want to fight him so bad, then use your fucking core power!"

"No! That'll make it too easy and boring!"

"Okay then! We're running-"

Jax stumbled to the ground as a network of chains linked around his ankle. With no time to recover, he was sent barreling into a nearby tree, groaning as the wind was knocked from his lungs.

Touya scoffed and stood in front of Hisa, "What a shame. My leniency has allowed you two to reach our mansion. Now, I have to kill you both."

"Bring it on..." Hisa took a stance, welcoming the formidable warrior.

A burst of core energy exploded from behind Touya, sending him crashing down on all fours.

Hisa paused, "Colt?"