kids go out there,” Jerry interrupted. “You can’t go.” Derek
exhaled loudly in frustration.
job is in action,” Derek said with a stupid grin. I looked back
at my friend with a raised eyebrow.
“We don’t have any other choice,” he said. “Our
leader is gone along with our other valuable fighters. There
are families in our group that need to be protected. And we
can’t all just run for it.” Arthur nodded again in agreement.
“Seriously? That’s a really lame name,” I told him.
“Okay….How about ‘Operation Distract and Destroy’?” Derek’s new suggestion was much better. I nodded
in approval.
“Besides, we were trained to handle emergencies
like this,” he added. “Our dad wouldn’t have left us here unless he knew we could protect the others.” Jerry shook his
head as he took in those words, his gaze falling to rest on the
floor.
“Good, much better,” I said.
“Alright, enough talk. Let’s go,” Arthur said. We all
nodded and said our goodbyes to the group. I made sure that
Lidia was ready to leave with the rest of the group. She was a
little reluctant to leave without Arthur and me, but she
agreed. The next twenty minutes seemed to speed by. Before long, I found myself hiding in the woods watching two of
the four-legged Octagon steels marching through. I signaled
to Arthur that they were in position. He nodded once solemnly, before he ran out into the middle of the clearing.
“I guess we don’t have a choice, then,” he whispered. “Go, but warn the group first. And make sure you tell
your mothers what’s going on!” Derek turned and hea