I really needed that sleep. The moment I woke up, it was almost as if I had been asleep for a long time. I needed so much rest after all those fights. I don’t know how I even managed to keep up for all that time. 

By the time I woke up, it felt like not much time had passed, but as I looked at my clock, I realized I had already slept for 12 hours. I slowly sat up on my bed and looked around. It seemed like no one came in here while I was sleeping. Good, I didn’t want to wake up with a beating. 

I got out of bed, and went to my door to open it up, just to see if there was anyone outside. As I got close to it, that’s when I heard a knock. 

Just before I opened the door, I stood right behind it to speak

-Who is it?-

-It’s Martha. You asked me to come- It did sound like her, but for some reason, she sounded confused

-Is everything okay?- I asked this in a calm tone, still not opening the door

There was silence for a bit, before she responded -Mark is sitting right next to the door. He says he wants to come in too-

-Hey, don’t blow my cover!- Mark responded in a loud shout.

I chuckled a bit. I calmed myself down as best as I could before giving one more response -I’ll let him in later. For now, I want to talk with you alone. Then we can let him in- 

I opened up the door, letting Martha in, before poking my head out of my door to look at Mark. He really was just sitting there with his legs crossed

-You’re free to eavesdrop if you want- I said this right before I closed the door. Mark looked fucking mad

Once I closed the door and made sure it was locked, I turned around to face Martha, who had already sat down in the chair close to my bed. I went to my bed to sit down close to her.

-So, what is this all about? What is so important that you needed to talk to me about it alone?-

-I got some info. Some really important info that might change your view on what’s going on. But, with part of that info, there’s some bad news for you. So I wanted you to be in a good state mentally before I told you-

She looked to the side after I said this. She still looked worried, but she shook her head to herself and looked back -Okay, start talking. I’ll decide if I believe you or not-

Once we were both comfortable, I started telling her everything that happened. I left out the details about Lumina for now, because I wanted her to know the full scope of the situation. I told her about how James and Dee believed there was something else going on. I told her about how they all still have access to the outside world. I told her the little I knew about how they captured Lumina, but I left out the part about the mask, at least for now.

The information seemed to be overwhelming her a bit, but in general, she kept calm while talking. Once I finished explaining the whole situation, she sat there quietly for a while, clearly thinking about the situation. The first question that came out of her mouth, after wondering about the situation was

-And you’re sure you can trust them… why?-Her face was a bit sour when she asked this.

-I know my brother. If the situation is as dire as he says, then I believe him. With Dee, they’re the one that gave me Fire Witch. Why would they do that, to then betray me?- I was confident in my answer, but that didn’t seem to convince her at all. 

-Yeah, I was there when they did that. But you remember what Dee said that time too. He said he would probably forget all about that interaction due to the torture they would probably go through. What if during the torture, they made it so they would think that nothing happened to them just to be able to get to you?- She looked angry at me for even considering the thought of believing the two.

-Why would they try to get to ME? If anything, wouldn’t they try to reach you or Mark, since you two are the strongest here? They’ve interacted with me. James is my brother. They trust me-I looked to the side after saying that.

-Well, maybe they reached out to you because, of course, you’d be the dumbest one that would listen to them- Martha stood up angrily as she said this. It felt as if a fight could break out at any moment.

-Look, there’s no need to be aggressive here. Right now, are best option is to try and work together and stop what is happening. It can’t just be us three. And…- As I went to say this last part, I looked down to the ground - I really want you to help us. You’re the strongest one here, and we could really use your help-

She laughed at this statement -You really think after the bullshit you pulled that any one of us would be willing to help? We almost died because of you. And if it’s necessary- She raised her right arm, as her flames of hatred surrounded her fist -We will kill you if you end up being such a weak link-

It felt as if I was talking to the wall again. It does seem like nobody wants to help. But, if there is one language here that every one of them speaks…

It 's violence.

-You really think I’m a weak link?- I chuckled a bit after saying it, trying to at least feign confidence -I could end you where you stand. You, Ness, and Mark might have those armors, but I’ve already beaten Ness. I know that, with enough perseverance, I can get through you easily- I tried to sound as menacing as I could. I really needed her by my side. 

She laughed harder at that, before looking me in the eye -You cannot beat us. You couldn’t even dream of taking us on. We’ve surpassed you at this point. There’s nothing you can do against us-

-Oh really?- I turned my head to look at the entrance to my room -Hey Mark! You’ve been listening the whole time right?!-

A bit of silence followed, before Mark responded with a sheepish - … yes-

-Okay. Then, the three of us are going to the training room- I said this right before looking at Martha again, with fire in my eyes -I’ll prove to you I can hold on my own-

-You’re kidding right? You’re planning on taking us on at the same time?- Martha said this, clearly a bit surprised, but still laughing

-I already took the 3 of you on. I can take just 2- 

-You would just be wasting our time- Martha shouted this angrily, before hearing Mark from the door

-Let’s hear him out-

I was surprised by this. I guess our talk yesterday, and the information I relayed today really convinced him that I wasn’t lying.

Martha turned her head quickly towards the door, clearly surprised by this response. After a little bit of time, she grunted. 

-Goddamnit. Fine. Let’s play this stupid game- She started to walk out of my room, meeting with Mark on the outside -Meet us at the training room-The door shut behind her after she said this. 

I was scared for what was about to happen. Fighting the whole group the first time was a fluke. They weren’t expecting me to have Power Lust. And I only defeated Ness because he got cocky. While it was the same situation here, at least with Martha, dealing with both of them would be difficult.

But, I think I have a chance. Even if it’s slim, there’s a chance I can win. 

I prepared myself mentally for about ten minutes before heading to the training room. Once I showed up there, I could see both Mark and Martha, just sitting there, waiting. 

-Took you long enough. Thought you chickened out- Martha said this with a chuckle. Mark didn’t say anything. I could see he was serious, but his face also showed a bit of worry. 

-Why would I? I need to put you in your place- I walked to the area just across from them, preparing my gauntlets.

As Martha stood up, she took out her new spear, while Mark just activated his armor. 

-Are you still sure of what you’re about to do? You can end this foolishness at any point- Martha asked me this right before our fight started. Did she seriously still want to prove a point?

-Absolutely- I proceeded to activate Fire Witch, my body flowing with energy -I’m going to prove to you that I’m right-

END OF CHAPTER 33