Standing at the counter of a doorless clothing store, Max wore a light brown wool winter trench jacket that hung at his enormous thighs over his blue jeans. His sewn Hawaiian shirt was visible beneath the open trench jacket.
"Who made you exactly?" Max raised a brow to the hovering circular robot.
"My creator, of course! His belief is what made me. Cooper, your friendly service provider!"
"And what's that belief?"
"When all hope is lost, turn to another to share the weight. I think that's how it went."
A few steps made Max look over his shoulder.
"What do you think?" Sunny grabs her hip, showing off her black teddy coat hanging to her knees. She twirls, causing its tail to take flight.
"Is that all?" Max questioned.
"Sorry?"
"You need something on your head. Or you'll catch a cold."
"But you're not wearing anything."
"I'm an adult. Now, go get something on your head. Tell Rogue what I said."
Sunny turns on her heels.
"Sunny, you're smart, not slick." Max remark.
"Sunny is quite a character." Cooper comments, sewing away at the green leather jacket.
"She got a little better. Do you have a bag to store it?"
"So, it's unique."
"It is, but let's leave it at that."
Sunny sat her coat and black-white tips trapper hat on the counter.
"Better," Max smirked, patting her head.
Rogue followed up with his brow trapper hat.
"Is that all?" Cooper questioned the group standing before him.
"Yes, Sir." Max drums his fingers on the two coats and trappers' hats on the counter.
"It's going to be...one moment. It's Mr.Zynx who requested a discount?"
"Yes. All authorized."
"Well, you one lucky fella. Fifteen-thousand credits."
-15,000 credits
Max blinks.
"Thank you for doing business, sir." Cooper voiced while everyone took what they picked. "Come again." He waved his little pinch hand while Max's group took their leave.
As they made it back to the main corridor. Phil approached them from down the hall.
"Here."Max threw Phil his coat before placing a white bag over his shoulder. Phil caught the coat in his hands.
"Thanks." Phil quickly threw it on before walking alongside the group.
"Don't mention it."
The group made their way down curved halls through the light traffic before taking to the elevator.
"Woah! Woah. Woah." Valkyrie leaned on the support outside her shop. "Hey! Hey."
The giant hammerhead shark towered over everyone, cutting Rogue off.
"You not going to say hello?"
"I'm sorry, but I'm busy." Rogue looked up at her, unfazed.
"It'll be quick." Valkyrie smiled, revealing her maw. "I must say. I have never met someone as charming as yourself."
"Thanks."
"Maybe after you take care of business. I have to hire a merc." She dragged her long, sharp black nail down the center of his chest and stopped at his gut. "For a dangerous mission. I know he's capable of." She whispered before grabbing Rogue's rear.
The sphyrnaiod jolts before looking over her shoulder.
"You clearly see he's not interested." Sunny pink eyes looked up at the giant.
"Woah! Hey." Max grabs Sunny's arm. "Sorry. She's a little sleep-deprived."
"Well, take care of that. I'm almost done." Valkyrie looks back at Rogue.
"You're done." Peridot stood before Rogue.
"Ms. Olivine, we're still talking." Rogue steps around the little green gem, only for Peridot to cut him off.
"We're leaving. That's an order." She looks over her shoulder at her merc before looking up at Valkyrie. "And as for you. If I ever hear and see you around him, you'll be sorry!" The kid in a dress shouts up at the towering shark.
"Oh, yeah?" Valkyrie snatched Peridot and lifted her into the air, her sharp nails hooked at the back of Peridot's dress.
Phil and Rogue aimed their weapons of choice.
"Woah! Woah! It's unnecessary," Max cried, stretching his hand towards Phil.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!!" A voice shouts, and heavy stomps followed.
Vash flashed his maw and claws, only for Phil to train his aimed weapon, watching his black eyes lock on him.
"Stop! This doesn't have to get violent," Max reassured. "How about everyone take a moment to breathe."
"I'll paint the halls in your blood if YOU DON'T LEAVE HER ALONE!!!" Vash didn't stutter.
Zed barks before releasing a loud growl.
"Hey." Max looks at Phil and Rogue. He lowered his hand.
Phil and Rogue, in hesitation, lower their guns.
"Now, you." Max looks up at Valkyrie, who is looking down on him.
She snorts before dropping Peridot, who lands on her feet.
"That's what I thought!" Peridot pulled up her fists before Rogue dragged her behind him.
"You got guts. I give you that," Valkyrie remarked, flashing a sharp smile at Peridot as the gem stuck her tongue out. "You. Name." She looks to Rogue.
"Rogue."
"Don't give me that. It's not like I was born yesterday." She smiled and cocked her head.
"Rogue Eightteen."
"Eighteen? You're captivating. Come to my shop anytime." She makes her way there. "You're free to visit when you're done."
Rogue watched her leave. She leaned on the wall, her toothy smile never wavering. He looked to Vash, whose eyes returned to normal.
Vash stepped aside before entering the store, leaving the halls for Max and the others.
"Come on." Max waved his hands for the others to follow.
...
The group entered the cockpit while Peridot hopped into her seat, starting the ship.
"Let's get out of here." Rogue grabs Peridot's seat, watching from the ship's visor, and feels the hunk of metal take off from the ground.
The ship spins before slowly guiding itself, keeping to the right of the docks.
"Yeah, I know. I've messed up!" Sunny crossed her arms, planting herself on Max's seat, which he pointed to. "That freak was all handsy! You've seen her." She lowered her voice.
"Alright," Max said dryly.
Sunny only bounces her leg.
"That was stupid," Phil remarked, raising a brow to his partner, who only sighed.
"You did good." Max brushes his hand on Sunny's black hair. "Just think before anything else."
Rogue looks over his shoulder at Sunny, who kept her eyes closed. He turned back to the visor, revealing they had left the docks.
"We're heading for Orion three." Max voiced, watching Peridot put in the coordinates.
"Six hours. Jumping." Peridot grabs the handle, making the jump.
The ship jolts before riding along the currents.
Rogue swaps to the boy, who releases a breath.
"Anthony," Max called out to the boy, separating from Peridot's chair. "A moment?"
"Stay here, girl." The boy points to the left of Peridot, who starts taking off her disguise. Zed remained.
Max exits the cockpit, followed by Will. Max stands by the table near the kitchen. The boy stands before Max, who takes a knee.
The door cries out, revealing Phil with his rifle in hand. Without losing momentum, he stared at Max and pointed to his ear before peeking into the sleeping quarters.
"All good?" Max's green eyes locked into Anthony's shades.
"I'm good."
The retired plumber remained quiet, listening to Phil's movements and a cry of another sliding door.
"You're smart, Anthony. So I don't have to explain what happened. But I know this." Max planted a hand on his shoulder. "I'm trying to protect you, not as a guardian, but as someone who values the lives of all else. I can't help you if you can't help yourself."
"The price I'm willing to pay, " the boy whispers before staring into Max's soul. "I know you feel it. Phil is someone else. And the more I think about it, the more shady he becomes."
"Will." Max glared. "Don't worry about it. All I need from you is to look after Sunny and Peridot. Understood?"
"Understood." The boy shook his head before looking to the floor.
"Do you have any snacks?" Max questioned.
"Yes, sir."
"Give me one."
Grey and blue ink surface from Anthony's hand before revealing a peanut butter protein bar. He places it within Max's clean palm before he grabs Will's forearm.
"Promise me you will." Max stared into his soul. "Don't lie. Don't look away. I want an answer."
"I will. I promise I will."
Max bites his lip before taking the bar and raises to his feet.
"Get some rest. And I mean it. We're going to need you when you're there."
Max makes his way to the cargo area to find Phil sitting on the end of the scaffold staircase. Phil is disassembling his bulky grey iron along the black, smooth floor.
Phil looks over his shoulder at Max climbing down the steps, each step letting out a solid echo.
"Here." Max held the protein bar by Phil's head at the third step.
Phil accepts, while Max sighs and plants himself on the fourth step. He rests his arms along his legs. Staring at the ramp of the ship.
"Now, I can understand what you have been through." Phil gave a voice, unwrapping the bar in hand. "These are only two. Couldn't imagine the others." He stared at the protein bar behind him, looking over his shoulder at Max. "Where did you get this?"
"In the. Dining area." Max said dryly, blanketing his face with his hands.
Phil inspects the bar, sniffing it before looking at the label.
"Agh! Great." He groans, getting Max's attention. "It contains soy. You didn't look at the label?"
"I'll get you another one." Max grunts, rising to his feet.
"No! No. Here." Phil flicks his wrist with the bar in hand. "Sit down."
Max takes the seat before taking the bar. He looks at it before taking a tiny bite.
"I know you have every right not to trust me," Phil explained. "But, me being here means something."
Max remained quiet, chewing into his snack.
"How did you get the RV?" Max questioned with his mouth full.
"Same as you. I've saved up." Phil sighed, stealing a glance at the parts on the ground. "But, the house. It was me. The jobs."
"That what you called it?"
"Max, I know this is supposed to make me feel like shit. But let me ask you a question?" He squinted his eyes. "What happened to Beta NV Receiver?"
Max snapped at his partner.
"My granddaughters and their friend were risking their necks against Vilgax and a deranged Mutant in the Null Void. And all I could do was stall the device until it collapsed. What the hell do you think I'll do with it?" He said with weight in his voice.
"Alright, I've miss stepped." Phil raised his hands. "I'm sorry."
"I have a question for you." Max leans forward, looking down on Phil. "Were there any injuries or deaths during your job? And look me in my eyes when you answer it."
"Only a handful was injured." Phil locked his jaw. "One death."
Max leans back before wrapping the protein bar and stuffing it in his pocket. Phil eyed the NV Receiver on the left of Max's holster.
"You can't be carrying that around."
"What's it to you?" Max glared.
Listening to the hums of the ship traveling through hyperspeed. Max rose to his feet.
"Get some rest. I need you on your toes." He paced himself up the stairs, leaving Phil to his lonesome.
"Oh, hey." Peridot looks down on Zed from her touchpad, who looks up at her. "Would you let me pet you?" The alien dog remains quiet while Peridot slowly stretches her hand before brushing it between her ears. "You're so adorable. I could poofed." She puffed out her cheeks, brushing her hands all over Zed's face. "But, no one can replace my pumpkin-poo."
The green gem slowly spins in her chair, eyeing Sunny, staring at the stretching bright lights from the ship's visor.
"Are you hungry?" Peridot raised a brow. Sunny didn't answer. "Anodite or not, you shouldn't go without proper supplements."
"Are you?" Sunny glared.
"Quite. Due to my digestive tract, I require different tastes in prime time."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Sunny watched Zed slowly approach her.
"As it speaks, I'm free to try what it means to be human. Though I have seconds, thoughts on the liquids and the mass that come out of me."
"Woah! Hey! I don't wanna hear all of that!" Sunny kicked her foot, and Zed flinched back.
"I thought it was common knowledge." Peridot walked up before hugging Zed's back.
"Duh! Why don't you explain it to your scientist friends?"
"My apologies." Peridot continued patting Zed's back, taking in the silence.
"What do you mean to try to be human?" Sunny closes her eyes, folding her arms.
Peridot looks from Zed to Sunny, who is leaning back in her chair.
"First, being on Earth did more to me than any other planet within the sphere. I learned to cultivate, discover power, and, better yet, grow an understanding of the freedoms I didn't know I had." Peridot grows a grin, looking to the floor. "If I hadn't met the Crystals gems, I wouldn't be able to grasp the opportunities that are being presented. And thanks to Steven, I'm not just a cog in a refined machinery."
Sunny stood up before taking her leave. She exited the cockpit to see Anthony chewing on a protein bar at the booth. She approached the table, getting his gaze.
"You know you look stupid with those on?" Sunny folds her arms.
"What this?" The boy adjusts his shades.
"What else do you think I'm talking about?"
"Ugh." Will took a bite of his protein bar, making Sunny raise a brow.
"The hell is that?"
"Power back. The taste is alright, but it helps." Sunny made her way to the other side of the booth before sliding into the boy's shoulder. She opened her mouth. "Here." He groaned, breaking a piece from his bar. The boy held it in his palm, but Sunny stuck her tongue out, revealing the back of her throat and making Will blush.
He put the broken piece of the protein bar on Sunny's awaiting tongue, watching her chew with a raised brow.
"Taste like ass." She said with a mouth full.
"Of course." Will takes a last bite before crushing up the wrapper and setting aside.
"Do you have another?" Sunny cocked her head.
"Yeah. I thought you hated it?"
"I'm hungry!" She leans on his shoulder, whining.
"Alright. Alright." Edge provided the boy another. "Here."
"Thanks." Sunny smiled, unwrapping her snack and taking a bite out of it.
The two took in the noise of the humming ship and the crunch of the wrapper on Sunny's part.
"Hey, uh, Sun?" Will drummed his fingers along the table.
"Huh?" She chews into another, stuffing her face.
"Thanks back there. Back at the RG."
"Nah. It's me being stupid."
"Stupid or not, thanks."
Sunny sticks her snack close to Will's face. The boy only chewed on his inner cheek before biting her offer. Sunny grinned toothily before taking her head onto his lap and looking up at him.
"You didn't have to take half of what I offer." Sunny takes a bite of her snack, her blue eyes looking up at Will, whose eyes only bounce elsewhere but her's.
"You offered."
"Hey." She reached her hand towards his face, picking off the shades before setting them aside on the table. "That's better." Will brown eye looked down on her. "What about the other?" He slowly opened his left eye, revealing the bright white pupil slowly taking shape. "Perfect." She takes a last bite from her protein bar, her gaze never leaving.
"A-alright, I know what you're doing." The boy looks away as Sunny licks her thumb.
"Doing what?"
"You know what I mean."
Sunny sighs, planting her hand along her flat gut.
"You're so gullible. Have you ever had anyone admire you?"
"It's not the subject, but the person."
"I'll give you that." Sunny grabs Anthony's wrist with the gloved hand. Her eyes roamed the weathering black leather glove, seeing the patches scattered at the back of the boy's palm. "I suggest you give that a rest. Unless you want me to paint you as a panhandler."
"I'll get it fixed." The boy closed his fist, preventing Sunny access. "I'll ask Max."
"And before you do, let it breathe. I don't think I ever saw you without it."
The boy opened his hand, allowing Sunny to pinch the tip of his middle finger and slip the barrier off. He looked at the grey veins running along his hand's back.
She brushed her palm along his.
"Ew. It's so moist." Will pulled his arm back. "I'm kidding! I'm kidding." Sunny got back to inspecting it.
"What are you doing?"
"Admiring it. Who else will?" She grins, running her finger between his. "People won't tell you fear prevents you from achieving great things, but there's a difference between the lingering and loud ones. So." She interlocks her fingers with his. "You don't let Virgo get the better of you. Because you're someone then, just some boy."
Will return the favor.
"Do you want to know something?" The boy looks down at Sunny, who looks up at him. "If you ever wanna cuddle with a Viper. Grab them at the tip of their tail."
Sunny snorted.
"You're weird."
"Says the person who's labeled me as their layaway boyfriend."
"Shit comes from my mouth, but I'm honest. Be glad I like you." She shuffled, resting her shoulder along the booth, and kept her head on his lap, staring underneath the table.
"Maybe a little too much." Will rubbed his hand along Sunny's arm, who only sighed.
The boy rested his head against the cold steel wall, staring at the grey ceiling. He rested his eyes.
...
The boy slowly opened his blurry eyes, hearing the shuffling of weighted objects and clicking.
"Ugh," Anthony grunted out, raising his stiff neck.
"I hope that's enough." The boy shifts his gaze to Phil on the other side of the table, setting aside an under-barrel attachment from the slim sniper rifle coated in orange and red paint, emitting a soft, glowing light. "Do you have the holsters I gave you?"
"I still got it." The boy wiped his eyes, looking down at sleeping Sunny on his lap.
"That girl with the orange hair."
"That girl is Gwen. And yes, I still have the pistol."
"Pass it to Peridot before we land." Phil returned his gaze to the rifle before sliding the scope on the head of the frame, giving it a subtle click.
Anthony remained silent, taking in the environment. The kitchen and Bunk room remained empty except for a white clothing bag on the steel bunk.
"Do you two know each other?" Phil voiced, getting the kid's attention. "You're a little too close to be playmates."
Anthony looks down at Sunny, sleeping on his lap.
"Didn't Max tell you?" The boy squinted his eyes.
"Yes, but I like to hear it from you." Phil jams the mag back into the sniper rifle.
"Look, Phil. I'm going to cut to the chase." Anthony starts while the retired plumber sets the rifle on the table before raising a brow. "Whatever you're thinking, just stop. I want nothing to do with you. If I find out, you have anything to do with us. Max, already told you what I did with the Forever Knights."
Phil grinned before leaning back in his seat.
"I heard of that. Is that you or that symbiote talking?"
"From the flesh." Anthony kept his glare on Phil.
"Do you wanna know what's a symbiote?" Phil questioned, not getting an answer. "Inorganic species made of symbiotic bonds like what you have here. They tell you sweet words, fight for you, or, better yet, become something more...family. And what's that behind that single word? Favors. You got through the hard part; when will it get harder?"
"And?"
"You're playing a dangerous game, even for me...When will you ask yourself, 'Who should I trust? And How much I'm willing to lose?'"
"And you got all the answers?" The boy cocked his head.
"I'm well versed on topics—even the ones staring me in the face." Phil breathed out before leaning against the table, his face so close yet so far. "In this world, it is crucial to seize opportunities quickly before they disappear, even if it comes at a cost. Why? Ultimately, you may find yourself asking for so much only to lose it because you made a decision aimed at benefiting the majority."
"I've come to terms with it."
"No, you haven't." Phil leaned against the backrest.
"Stop telling me what to think!" Will lower his voice.
"Then stop whatever you're doing." Phil squinted his eyes. "It's one thing you want to protect. But it's the other when you're a liability."
The boy only flashed his teeth.
"At the moment, we're going to arrive at Orion. I repeat. Orion is just a moment away." Peridot's voice broke from the ship speaker system.
The boy looks down at Sunny, asleep on his lap. He shakes her arm.
"Hey," he said softly, listening to Phil clip and snap as he assembled the Sibali sniper rifle. "Sunny."
"Hmph?" Sunny groans to remain on his thigh.
"We're almost here."
"A few minutes."
"Come on, get up." The boy pats Sunny's arm with a little more weight behind it.
"Ugh!" Sunny sits up, brushing her short black hair behind her ears. "What are you looking at?" Her half-closed eyes flicker towards Phil as he stands and heads to the cockpit. "Yeah, you better run."
"Alright. Cut it out. Sun." Will stood from the booth. "You got enough beauty rest."
"Ah." Sunny palmed her face.
"And for a change, you look cute." The boy's comment made Sunny's eyelids snap open, and she hovered her gaze on him. "Let's keep it that way."
He makes way for the cockpit.
"D-don't drop that and walk away!" Sunny stuttered. "Coward!"
Will gains a smirk before entering the cockpit, eyeing Max, Peridot, and Phil, still seated. He eyed his companion sleeping on the floor by Peridot.
"Looks who's up?" Peridot spins around in her egged chair with a smirk. "Exquisite wasn't?"
"Don't worry about it." The boy avoids Peridot's gaze before kneeling and brushing his hand along his sleeping alien dog companion's hard, dark blue yet smooth exoskeleton.
"Did you get some rest?" Max questioned from his chair.
"Yes, sir. Did you?"
"I got enough to scarp by." He nodded. "Sunny up by any chance?"
"Right here." Sunny followed up after the doors cried, letting her into the room. "I'd rather stay asleep than get anywhere near that frosty attraction."
"But knowing you, you rather not." Max grinned at his granddaughter, who took his side. "Peridot, how long?"
"Stopping now." Peridot grabs the handle, pulling it back.
The stretching stars soon returned to their host, revealing a planet in space named Orion, which has green lands, white clouds, and blue oceans.
"Whoa." Sunny gasped.
'This place.' Rogue voiced within the boy's thoughts. 'After all this time. Why is it still here?'
"Dropping." Peridot voiced, bringing the ship near the sphere that soon swallowed them within its atmosphere.
The scorching flames smacked along the cockpit view shields, shaking the ship. They broke from entry, and heavy fog followed with the soothing whistling.
They sail smoothly beneath the clouds, revealing a sea of cottages covered in winter snow, lifeless under the grey skies. Soon after, snowflakes assault the view.
"Take us. Down." Max ordered.
"That doesn't require dialogue," Peridot remarked, lowering the ship over the outskirts of the sea of snow and leafless trees. "Hopefully, We'll be there and out." The ship hovers to the ground, surrounded by two-story trees. "I don't know how long we got. In this storm."
"We got plenty." Max rose to his feet after the ship shook and took its landing. "Will, do you have Gwen's WS receiver?"
"I do." The boy rubs Zed's head, waking her up.
"Give it to Peridot."
"Excuse me. I don't need such a hindrance." Peridot turns off the ship before spinning her chair to Max's. "I have whatever in here." She points to her gem. "And here." And to her head.
"This is not the time to have an ego trip." Phil remark.
"Right back at you, buckaroo." Peridot looked him up and down.
"Peridot. I need you." Max locked his eyes with hers.
"You've seen what the other gems can do, but never a Peridot. Let me prove you wrong!" She looked up and squinted at Max. "The one who needed is your spawn."
"Uh, no." Sunny crossed her arms.
"Fine. Anothony, give it to Sunny." Sunny crossed her arms, looking away. "I just need you to wear it. It'll make me proud when you come back in one piece."
Sunny bites her lip, blushing. Anthony clicked the holster around her waist, tugging on it and testing its weight.
"How does it feel?" The boy looked up at Sunny, not looking back.
"Just. Peachy." Sunny remarked as Will stuffed the plumber pistol along her left hip.
"I'll be waiting at the exit ramp. Be quick." Max points at the children, taking his leave with Phil close behind.
Swishing and sloshing fill his ears. Anthony looks down at his attire, now bathed in grey and blue ink, which is submerged in a grey puffy jacket. His winter hat follows right after.
The boy takes his shades off, allowing Edge to retrieve them.
"Thanks." Anthony pinched his jacket, feeling the smooth and bubbled fabric.
'Don't mention it.' Edge adds. 'I can replace that glove with new ones.'
'I'm fine. Thanks for the thought.' He looked down at his battered glove before listening to the steps of Peridot making her way to the door.
"Let's pick up the pace." Peridot led the way, followed by Sunny, Will, and Zed.
"Who's the lucky someone?" Sunny questioned as they roam past the dining area.
"Sorry?"
"You know Grandpa is not fitting in that tiny thing. Unless it's someone like that brat or someone in his time capsule."
"We'll find out after this." Anothony stepped down the scaffold staircase behind Sunny.
"Exactly! We have other things to worry about." Peridot approached Max and Phil, who were awaiting the exit ramp.
"Ready?" Max's eyes roam Phil, Anthony, Sunny, Zed, and Peridot's group.
"Ready." The boy voiced.
"Alright," Max nods. "Before we start, Peridot, I want you here. We need to call you for pick up when this gets bad. Anthony, you, and Zed will remain here."
'Big mistake, kid.' Rogue voiced within Anthony's head.
"Wait!" The boy called out, getting everyone's gaze. "You need me."
"We need you here." Max countered. "It's bad enough you here. We don't need more eyes."
"Rogue." The boy points to his head. "He knows because he used to live here. I'm not just some husk that can take shape. I'm the eyes that stood within the soul of the DNA host. Let us show you."
"What are you on about?" Phil enters the chat.
"So, he knows?" Max squinted his eyes.
"He does." The boy only nodded.
'He's not buying it. Repeat after me.' Rogue voiced.
"The faculty is southwest. Depending on Rogue Seventeen, he could've powered the backup generator, resetting its security systems for any stowaways. Lucky for you. I have a 'plug' in mind." Anthony locks his gaze on Max. "That's if I come along."
"That could be true. But I'm not buying it." Phil grabs his wrist, waiting for Max's answer.
"I need you here."
"Agh! Fine. I'll stay." Sunny throws her hands on her thighs. "You better be lucky I like you." She glared at Will.
Max's heated gaze locks on Anthony.
"All I ask for you to be clear and swift."
"Don't worry. This is not my first rodeo." Rogue took the boy's place, grinning at Max.
He wore Will's grey puff jacket like a crop top over his black and green spandex while his trapper hat remained snug.
"Well, a little tight." Rogue brings his arms across one another, starting his stretching session. "But, this will do."
"Right," Phil said under his breath, touching a pad on the corner of the ship.
The whine of mechanical cogs going to work and the whistling of the winter storm grew louder. At the same time, the exit ramp opened up, letting in the brush of snow and the chilly air brushing among their skins.
Phil and Max walked down the ramp, entering the light fog, which showed a hint of a tree they had parked close to.
Rogue looks over his shoulder at Sunny, who gave him the stinkeye.
"What?! Why don't you take a picture."
Rogue only nodded with a grin before snapping his fingers and pointing at Sunny.
"Stay." He looks at Zed, who only drops her ears.
Rogue makes himself off the ramp towards Max and Phil, waiting.
"Be careful!" Peridot shouts over the blaring storm. "I'll keep the station open!"
The ramp slowly closed as Rogue embraced the cold and wet winter assault. It's whistle now, full force screaming. He squinted his eyes, rubbing his arms.
"This way!" Rogue shouts, walking between Phil and Max, following closely behind.
The trio approaches a swarm of dead trees, listening to the snow crunching underneath their boots.
They remained quiet, their weapons in hand and eyes searching the blindspots of each tree they passed.
...
Rogue, Max, and Phil made their way. Out to the clearing, listening to the smacking of something solid and weighted.
Their view included the two wide cottages made of dark grey wood. Their walls and window shutters were repeatedly smacked against the outer walls, and the roof was made of darkened yellow straws.
The trio stays along the outer edge of the cottage between one another as they march past the loud banging of the shutters. Then, a large room with six bunk beds on each side, both front and back, is introduced.
They remained empty and unoccupied.
The trio pushed forward, making it to the clearing. The trio stared past the light fog, which comprised rows and rows of cottages, just like the one they passed.