I-I got the... the plans. We c-can take over... you ready?
yeah. he was kinda surprised when I told him. he thought you died when we blew up the base. he sighs I'm sorry if I brought up bad memories.
gulps, blinking rapidly N-No, no, it's... it's alright, MountainEcho. I... I just... didn't expect that. It's... surprising, you know?
stutters Th-Thank you, MountainEcho... f-for... for taking care of me... and... and helping me... I... I appreciate it... r-really.
it's nothing. he puts the first aid kit away and sits beside her
Vivica and MountainEcho spend the night talking and getting to know each other better, forming a deeper bond as partners.
fidgeting nervously Y-Yeah, it is getting late... I... I should probably... um... get going. B-But, um... c-can I... c-can I ask you something, MountainEcho?
stutters Um... M-MountainEcho, I... I was wondering... w-why... why did you decide to help me? I-I mean... you barely even knew me... yet... y-you risked your life for me.
well you were my partner. plus if I don't help you. I would feel guilty. he rubs the back of his neck
nervously bites her lip I... I understand, MountainEcho. I... I appreciate your sense of duty and loyalty. It's...
hey it's alright. I'm happy to have you safe. now get some rest. he yawns I still have to check on my brother now and then again. he picks up his phone and sends a text to his brother
stutters Y-Yeah, you're right. I... I should get some rest. Thank you again, MountainEcho. Goodnight...
quickly stands up and starts gathering her belongings Goodnight, MountainEcho. I... I'll see you in the morning.
he nods. a little tired and sleepy himself
rushes towards the door, her mind racing with thoughts I... I can't believe it's over... No more hiding, no more running...
well technically you are. you're in hiding again. you're wanted by the government. he chuckles
pacing back and forth, fidgeting with her hair I-I know, I know... b-but... I can't help but feel a sense of freedom now.
well that's because you're finally safe. he chuckles again
The next morning, Vivica wakes up feeling liberated and determined to start a new life with MountainEcho. However, they soon realize that their past is not behind them as an old enemy resurfaces, threatening their newfound peace.
he groans. waking up. his phone buzzes on the table. he checks the phone oh. I have to go to work today. he yawns I'll be back later. watch over there okay? he smiles at her
nervously stutters Y-Yeah, of course, MountainEcho. Don't worry, I'll... I'll be here, waiting for you. J-Just, um... take care, okay?
he nods. wearing his usual uniform. he grabs his keys and walks to the door oh and make yourself at home. he chuckles as he leaves
quickly jumps off the bed and runs to the window, peeking outside Okay, focus, Vivica. You can do this.
it's been 2 hours. the doorbell rings
rushes to the door, opening it quickly M-MountainEcho! Y-You're back! H-How was work?
tiring. he plops down on the couch and stretches oh! my brother came by. he still has a thing for you.
gasps, blushing deeply W-What?! Y-Your brother... he... he still has feelings for me? But... but what does that mean?
it means that you have to hide again. he's gonna come after you again. he rubs the back of his neck
paces back and forth, biting her lip anxiously Oh no, no, no... I... I can't believe this is happening... H-He's still after me...
well that's not good. he might try to kill you. he growls softly he never liked you to begin with.
frantically searching for her phone I-I need to find a safe place... somewhere he won't find us... I-I need to call someone...
who? I'm the only one who knows of you. I think it's just you and me. well I guess me, you and my brother.
panicking, frantically dialing a number on her phone There's no time to waste, MountainEcho! We need to find a safe place, NOW!
he groans. looking around the room there's only one place around here that is safe.
breathing rapidly W-Where, where is it, MountainEcho? Please, tell me! I... I can't stand the thought of him finding us! Nathan: my family's secret hideout. he gets up I'll take you there.
it's pretty much hidden. I think only my family and me know of the place. he gets his keys and car keys let's go. I have to finish my shift at 8pm. so we need to be back by then. he leads the way
grabs her coat and follows closely behind Nathan Thank goodness... I feel safer already with you by my side, MountainEcho.
he drives to the cabin. it's deep in the woods. it looks like nothing from the outside. you wouldn't even know it's there
looks around in awe MountainEcho, this place is... it's incredible! It's like a hidden sanctuary... a secret paradise...
yeah my dad built this place. he walks inside he was a big time hunter. he loved this place so much that he made it into something special.
giggles nervously, twirling around This place is... amazing, MountainEcho. I can't believe you've kept it hidden all these years...
well it was supposed to be an operating base. but since we don't have any enemies right now. I don't have to train as often. he chuckles
runs her fingers along the bookshelves MountainEcho, your father had impeccable taste. These books... they're rare, first editions!