With the first light of dawn, Axel got out of bed and quickly dressed. He knew he had to start preparing for battle. He opened the large black rucksack on the edge of his bed and carefully began to unpack his essentials.
First, he chose clothes that would be durable and allow him to move comfortably. He took a pair of black trousers, a couple of T-shirts and a warm jacket from his wardrobe. He carefully folded the clothes and placed them in his bag. Next he put on his sturdy and comfortable walking boots and added a spare pair of socks and underwear.
Axel's next step was to prepare his personal equipment. From his desk drawer he took out a torch, an all-purpose pocket knife and a small first-aid kit. In a compartment of the bag he placed several bottles of water and some energy food. Axel also carefully packed some small tools that he thought might come in handy during the war.
He walked around the room, thinking about what else he might need. He paused for a moment and looked out the window. It was cold and it was starting to snow outside. So he took an extra scarf and gloves.
Even though he couldn't feel the cold, he liked to dress for the season and the weather.
When Axel had finished his preparations, he took a deep breath and slung his rucksack over his shoulders. He looked at himself in the mirror, looking determined and ready. Before leaving the room, he motivated himself by taking a few deep breaths.
As Axel left the room he witnessed a heated argument between Maxwell and Felix. Maxwell was frowning, his hands on his hips. Felix was struggling with several heavy suitcases. The atmosphere in the room was tense; Felix's suitcases and Maxwell's frustration had created a deep silence.
"Felix, why are you taking so many clothes? We're not doing a fashion show in the war," Maxwell snapped, not hiding the impatience and anger in his voice.
Felix shrugged his shoulders and, pushing a suitcase gently, said, "Maxwell, we have to be prepared for any situation. I also need to take my painting materials. It relaxes me," he replied. He unzipped the case and showed him the assorted clothes, a few pairs of shoes and painting supplies inside.
Maxwell, at the end of his patience, began to rifle through the case. "Let's see what we have here," he said, placing the contents on the floor. "Art supplies? Are you serious? What are we going to use them for in the war?" he asked, frowning even more.
Felix smiled and said, "Maxwell, sometimes we need different things to relax the mind. Painting is like that for me," he replied. The calm in his voice and his relaxed demeanour seemed to increase Maxwell's anger.
Maxwell took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "Felix, I understand, but carrying so much will slow us down. You should only take what you really need," he said firmly.
Felix nodded and said, "OK, OK. But these little things cheer me up. I don't want to give them up," he said and then turned to Axel. "Axel, don't you agree? I can't relax without them," he waited for confirmation.
"Felix, Maxwell is right. We can move faster and safer with less stuff," he said, trying to gently persuade his friend.
The silence that had fallen over the room was broken somewhat by Axel's intervention. Maxwell seemed a bit calmer. Felix was still as stubborn as a child who doesn't want to let go of his things. But Axel's words seemed to convince Felix a little. He took one last look at his suitcases, took a few things out and put the rest back in.
John came down the stairs with a suitcase. He had originally planned to bring a rucksack, but Axel had persuaded him to pack his suitcase. He took his suitcase downstairs and when he got to Felix he spoke with a wry smile.
"Felix, I'm rooting for you, the other two are jealous of your career," John teased.
Felix laughed and said, "Old man, you can make sense sometimes."
"It's good to be prepared, but your preparation is a bit over the top," John said, zipping up his case and kicking Felix's case lightly. "Painting supplies? Really?"
Felix shrugged and said, "You don't understand art. Art is for enlightened, spiritually advanced people like me to understand."
John laughed calmly and said, "Felix, I'm not saying this for art's sake, but we're not going to move there or go on holiday there, we're just going to kill a stupid woman and come back."
John laughed calmly and said, "Felix, not for the love of art, but we're not going to move there or go on holiday. We'll just kill a stupid woman and come back," he said.
Felix responded to John's comment with a laugh. Axel, Maxwell and John shared the moment with smiles. The tension had eased somewhat and the group looked ready. Axel checked the preparations for a moment and then turned to the group.
"OK, guys, it's time to get started. Felix and Maxwell, you get in the RV. John and I will get in the car," Axel said.
Felix and Maxwell headed for a spacious and comfortable RV while Axel and John headed for a black Range Rover in the car park. Even in 2006, this SUV stood out for its powerful stance and elegance. John had always loved this car.
Axel got into the passenger seat of the Range Rover and John took the wheel. As he started the engine, there was a strong purr and the vehicle began to move slowly. The RV and the Range Rover drove off slowly. They left Port Angeles and headed towards Forks.
As soon as they left the city, they entered winding, lush forest roads. The trees along the road glowed golden in the early morning light. John glanced sideways at Axel from time to time. There was something he wanted to say to Axel, but he was torn between saying it and not saying it.
Axel tried to collect his thoughts as he watched the scenery pass by the window. He felt John's gaze. He waited for John to start a conversation, but when he didn't, he continued to watch the scenery.
After about an hour of driving, the group continued towards the Forks, leaving the calm waters and idyllic scenery of Clallam Bay behind. The road became increasingly twisty and narrow, and the trees grew denser and taller. It was getting colder and a light mist began to cover the road.
Inside the RV, Felix and Maxwell were deep in conversation. "Hey Maxwell, I wish we had a house like this."
Maxwell laughed and replied, "It's rare that you and I agree on something. " he replied.
As they slowly approached Forks, the sense of tension in the atmosphere returned.
John had not been to Forks, his home town, for a long time. Seeing his hometown made him a little emotional.
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