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When Nufuli had said he wanted a fresh start, he had meant it. He didn’t feel like himself anymore. It felt more and more like he was a copy and living in Leo's shadow. He loved his friend so he didn’t want to grow any spite or anger towards him. Nufuli began walking away, leaving BAT behind was uncomfortable, like he was losing a part of himself. The words he shared with Parrot ringed in his ears. He swore he’d call on them, he wouldn’t ignore them or block them. They were his family, and he wouldn’t leave them being just because.
Nufuli didn’t really have much time to react when he heard the sound of a machine wiring to life. He let out a small yelp as the arrows hit him at once.
“Nufuli!” Leo cried, running to his friend.
“Leo- Leo he’s here!” Parrot said, his eyes trained on the invis armor.
“What..” Derapchu said, his voice shaky as he stared at them.
Leo dropped to his knees beside Nufuli, panic, anger, and fear in his face.
“Why? You were fine with him before!” Parrot said, his voice wavering with fear.
Leo moved Nufuli against him, gripping him tightly.
“Derapchu healing pots now!” Leo called, voice on edge
“It's too late for him.” The Director said, the monotone voice changer made them all shiver slightly.
“He’s not gonna die!” Leo cried, his voice wavering
“But he will. He served his purpose to me. There is no reason to keep him alive anymore. You know he will die.” The Director said
“Why now? Why kill him now?” Derapchu asked, staring down at the limp barely breathing body of Nufuli.
“He had a use for me before. Now he doesn’t so why should I keep him around?” The Director said
“You’ve killed my best friend!” Leo hissed
“I could’ve killed him earlier. Hell I could’ve killed all of you four times over. Yet I didn’t. That’s the power I have at my disposal.” The Director said, taking a few steps forward.
“Stay back.” Parrot said, holding his sword out and staring with rage in his eyes.
The Director seems to pause at this, the armor itself shifting almost nervously.
“I have no reason to kill you, Parrot.” The Director said, turning away
“You can’t just leave! You have to help him!” Leo yelled, voice full of despair and anger.
“L-Leo” Nufuli slurred
Leo’s gaze dropped down to his friend, pulling him into a hug, holding him tight and trembling.
Parrot watched the Director walk away his enchanted armor glimmering from the moonlight.
Nufuli leaned against Leo, waiting for the last of his vision to darken, the pain in his head having dulled and faded to almost nothing. The tell sign that his time was coming to a close. He ignored the tears, already knowing and feeling Leo wiping them away. He didn’t want to leave them. He didn’t want to Leave Leo, or Derap, or Jumper, or Parrot. He wants his friends. He wants to visit. He wants to live.
“I’m sorry Nufuli.. I’m so sorry.. You have to forgive me.” Leo whispered holding his friends body close
“Leo- Leo I don’t wanna die” Nufuli begged
“It’s ok- it’s all gonna be ok.” Leo said, his voice shaky
Derapchu moved forward, kneeling beside the two friends, Parrot watching the director vanish before moving to sit too.
“You’ll be okay Nufuli.” Derapchu said, his voice cracking as he clenched his fists.
“Don’t lie to m-me.” Nufuli stumbled out, more tears coming.
“It’s my fault- I’m sorry I-“ Parrot started when he felt a hand connect to his face.
Leo breathed heavily, staring at Parrot's face where his handprint was bruising the other's face. Nufulis blood stains his face.
“Don’t… don’t play the blame game. Not right now. Not in front of him.” Leo said
“Leo!” Nufuli called out, his voice shaky
“I’m here bro. I’m sorry..” Leo muttered holding Nufuli
“Nufuli?” Parrot mumbled
Nufuli lay there trembling and coughing, his eyes dulling slightly.
“Nufuli please- please don’t leave.” Leo whispered
Nufuli stared at Leo, grief in his eyes.
“Nufuli- please-“
Nufuli shut his eyes.
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Nufuli blinked his eyes open, sitting up in bed.
That was a weird dream.
Well, it was time to finish a bounty, he needed to get Leo.
He had heard about someone running around in invisible armor and they had a mace.
——————————-
He smiled and laughed with Loonac.
Who is Leo?
“The stars look so pretty at night.”