(JEFF'S POV)
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| THE FRONTLINES |
The air at the frontlines felt heavy
Jeff skidded to a halt beside Rover, boots splashing against the puddles forming on the ground.
The others Yangyang, Chixia, the familiar grunts of the Rangers fanned out behind them, weapons ready.
Jeff tilted his head up, blinking rain out of his lashes.
What the hell…?
"Is it just me," Jeff muttered, squinting, "or is the moon… changing?"
Rover stepped beside him.
"It's not just you," Rover murmured. "I see it too."
The clouds parted just enough to reveal the moon swelling slowly, unnervingly into a full, luminous circle.
The light soaked into the Retroact Rain, each drop shimmering in impossible colors as it fell.
Yangyang stepped forward, her bangs sticking to her forehead as she stared skyward. "It looks almost full now…" She frowned, ears twitching slightly as she sensed the energy in the air. "And this Retroact Rain… Jeff, Rover… maybe this is the 'right time' Madam Magistrate told us about."
Jeff dragged a hand down his face. "Fuck me—"
"Language," Rover chided automatically, though her lips curled into a faint smirk.
Jeff shot her a glare. "Bro, not now—"
But Rover leaned closer, whispering under the roar of the rain, tone half-playful, half-serious, "Maybe later."
Jeff's brain flatlined for a good two seconds.
What—
His mouth opened, ready to fire back—
—but all their terminals flared to life with a sharp crackle of static.
Jinhsi's voice echoed, calm but urgent:
"…Citizens of Jinzhou, please remain calm and evacuate in an orderly manner as we practiced during previous drills…"
Rover's eyes widened slightly. "Jinhsi?"
Chixia shook her head, wiping raindrops from her face. "No. It's a pre-recorded broadcast. Our Magistrate planned for this. She had General Jiyan create an emergency protocol ages ago."
Jeff let out a low whistle. "Damn. Talk about being prepared. Kudos to her."
Chixia huffed a laugh, hands on her hips.
"This wave of TD attacks should be wrapping up. We expected it, but seriously the sheer number of TDs? It's insane."
She turned toward Jeff and Rover, her expression softening with genuine gratitude.
"Good thing you two got here when you did. We'd still be stuck waist-deep in these things if you hadn't shown up."
Jeff rubbed the back of his neck, trying not to look too smug. "Well, you know. That's what heroes do."
Chixia rolled her eyes at that cheesy statement but smiled. "Right. Anyway Director Taoqi's here too. If you need a full rundown, she's near the city gate. Probably yelling at someone."
Jeff and Rover exchanged a look—one that said Ready? and Always.
Rover nodded first, her expression filled with resolve.
Jeff nodded back, gripping his weapon tighter. Side by side, they stepped forward.
Jeff exhaled. "Oh shit… here we go again."
They spotted a Patroller limping by, cradling a box of supplies against his chest. His face was ashy, sweat clinging to his temple. He nearly stumbled.
Jeff reached out to steady him.
"Hey—careful, man."
The patroller tried to wave him off, though his hand shook.
"I… I must send these supplies to our men…" he insisted through strained breaths.
Chixia rushed over, eyes widening as she spotted the blood soaking through his sleeve.
"You're injured." Her tone sharpened. "Go get patched up first—now."
Yangyang nodded firmly beside her, stepping forward with gentle authority.
"She's right. Leave it to us. We'll deliver these."
The Patroller stared at them, exhausted and stubborn, but the fight in him dissolved under their stares.
He exhaled shakily.
"…Huff… okay. Thank you."
Chixia turned to Jeff and Rover, brushing loose strands of hair from her cheek.
"Jeff, Rover—Yangyang and I need to get all these supplies moving."
She jerked a thumb toward the crates.
"Director Taoqi should be at the northern pass. We'll catch up once this is sorted."
Rover gave her a reassuring nod. Jeff lifted two fingers in a casual salute.
They let the trio get to work and drifted further into the chaos.
Near a damaged cart, a tiny boy stood on his toes, fists clenched like he was cheering for a wrestling match.
"Come on mister! Take down those bad guys!"
His voice cracked bravery masking his fear.
A Patroller rushed up to him, guiding him back with both hands on his shoulders.
"It's too dangerous here. Please—go back."
The boy's lips trembled, but he obeyed, casting one last anxious look at the smoky horizon.
Jeff's heart pulled a little at the sight. Rover gently ruffled the boy's hair as they passed.
An elderly man approached them slowly, leaning on a cane. He carried a cloth pouch filled with small wrapped items.
His eyes clouded with age but bright with resolve met Jeff's.
"Young man," he said softly, "we've gathered something for the troops. Please… take care out there."
A Patroller accepted the pouch with both hands, bowing his head.
"Thank you, sir. I'll share these with the team."
Then, urgent but respectful: "Please return home quickly. It's not safe here."
The old man nodded, shuffling away as though the wind itself might blow him down.
Then a little boy was crying beside the rubble, shoulders shaking.
Jeff approached but someone was already kneeling in front of the child.
Lingyang.
His warm smile didn't quite hide the tension around his eyes, but he kept his wits about him and tried to cheer the kid up.
"Shhh… it's alright." He wiped the boy's tears with the sleeve of his costume.
"Look around—you see? The Patrollers are here. The guards are here. Those bad monsters won't get past them."
The boy sniffled, clinging to Lingyang's hand.
Lingyang stood and guided him toward the safer street.
"Let's get you home, okay? No heroics today."
When he spotted Jeff and Rover, his expression lit up.
"Ah! The esteemed Jeff, Rover!" He gave them a bright grin, tail of his costume swaying.
"Lingyang from the Liondance Troupe—at your service! Thank you for your help. Really."
He dug into his bag and offered food wrapped in clean cloth.
"Here—eat. You'll need the energy."
Jeff accepted it with a grateful nod. Rover smiled warmly.
Lingyang huffed, the cheerful performer slipping into frustration for a moment.
"Those damn Tacet Discords… appearing out of nowhere like this."
He clenched his fist against his hip. "But don't worry! The Liondance Troupe is here to raise morale!"
Then, proudly:
"And when it comes to morale no one beats us."
Further down, a soft green glow caught their eyes Verina was kneeling beside an injured Midnight Ranger, her hands glowing with healing Forte.
The Ranger winced as wounds stitched themselves closed.
"My wounds… they're closing…" he breathed, awed.
"Thank you, Miss Verina."
She smiled gently. "It's nothing. I'm glad I could help."
Then she turned, visibly relieved to see Jeff and Rover.
"Are you two alright?" Her brows knitted with concern.
"If you're injured, let me heal you."
When she approached, Jeff couldn't help it—her earnestness, the way she fussed over everyone…
He lightly patted her head.
Verina froze, eyes widening, beginning to blush.
Rover snorted softly.
Verina cleared her throat, trying to look mature again despite her stature.
"A-Anyway…" she said quickly, looking away.
"Jinzhou is so beautiful… The plants here are strong, resilient. It breaks my heart to think they could be wiped out by this war."
She reached into her satchel and handed over small herbal bundles.
"These herbs will help your wounds heal faster. I hope they help."
Yuanwu stood near a group of Patrollers, arms crossed over his chest, posture steady like an immovable pillar.
A Patroller was reporting to him.
"…And that's everything we've gathered so far…"
Yuanwu nodded slowly. "If the wounded can't reach the hospitals, bring them to my teahouse and boxing gym."
His tone held quiet strength. "We'll set up temporary medical points there."
The Patroller bowed.
"Thank you, Mr. Yuanwu."
Yuanwu waved a hand dismissively, though his eyes softened.
"It is my duty as a citizen to help however I can."
Then he faced Jeff and Rover.
"You two—are you alright, younger mister, miss?"
Jeff nodded. Rover gave a small, respectful bow.
Yuanwu looked toward the burning horizon.
"This is one of the worst TD outbreaks I've ever seen. Many casualties already…"
His eyes narrowed. "And it's far from over."
He pulled out a wrapped bundle.
"Take these supplies. Stay safe."
A Patroller stood guarding a hastily set-up supply depot. He saluted sharply when Jeff and Rover approached.
"Hello, Mister Jeff. Miss Rover."
He gestured to the tents. "This is our temporary storage site. Take anything you need."
Jeff glanced at the crates, food, bandages, tools. Donations from terrified but hopeful civilians.
The Patroller continued
"People have been giving everything they can. We can't let their efforts go to waste. We'll defend this location at all costs."
He pointed toward the mountain pass.
"If you need clearer orders, Director Taoqi is in charge there."
They move closer to the destination and they see something in the distance.
A group of Midnight Rangers were training in the street breathing hard but refusing to give up.
Yhan stood before them, arms crossed.
"You still up for another fight or two?" he asked.
One Ranger, panting heavily, straightened.
"Don't underestimate us, sir! Absolutely!"
Another chimed in, fiery:
"We'll make sure those monsters regret showing up!"
Yhan smirked just slightly.
"Good. That's the spirit."
His tone dropped, serious. "Remember what I taught you. Safety first."
They nodded vigorously.
"Then take down as many as you can. Understood?"
"Aye, sir!"
Jeff and Rover exchanged a look, feeling the energy and morale skyrocketing around them.
The city wasn't defeated.
Not yet.