"As of 12:25 P.M., the enemy is still attempting to cross over the highway, although our artillery and men are holding them off. Heavy casualties are being inflicted every minute, and our men are as motivated as ever. We will provide more information as the battle progresses, but once again, be reminded that the city is under martial law, and only essential travel is permitted. Any civilians out during the engagement will be subjected to having papers and identification checked, and any belligerents will be swiftly dealt with. For Youdenia, we shall stay united!" the radio announcer was going off with the latest updates.
Lero was sitting up against the couch, watching the spectacle that was the rockets from the systems flying over the city. The distant booms were getting much closer, as a subtle thud could be felt after every hit. This did mean that Jamal was moving closer, but at what cost?
"You alright?" Henry had a small tray with a small meal consisting of chicken and rice. "I have lunch ready."
"Oh," Lero straightened up, "Yeah, I'm getting better. I just haven't seen such fighting in a long time."
"Yeah, me neither. I just hope all my friends are okay." Henry had sat the tray on the nearby table.
"I'm sure of it, but where has your father been? He left some hours ago, and I just noticed after my nap, I'm assuming?"
"Yeah, he has to still go to work, probably dealing with the wounded soldiers coming back from the fight ahead." the kid was slow to pick himself up, "I just hate all of this."
Lero could see the boy's hands balling up into fists, clenched tightly. He had a fair reason to be upset, since Jamal was changing these people's way of life, but it was just. The man couldn't let them know that yet though, not until he was free.
"I hate it. I hate it all! I hate Jamal! I hate Port-O-Bea! I hate this war! I hate having my life ruined!" the kid snapped, "I hate having to do this and that, all because of some fool wishing for a false dream!"
The man kept quiet, as the boy's ranting continued, with a bit of sympathy. His life had basically turned upside down since Jamal's presence came into existence, but there was little Lero or anyone but the city's Reserve Guard could do. It was going to hopefully be for the best that they stayed in cover, and avoided the conflict that was occurring.
"Well, it's not all bad. The army is stopping them from pushing us so far." Lero had to lie, but was so his cover wasn't blown for his support for Jamal.
"I know, but I want to go back to school! I want to see my friends again!" the boy started to stream tears, "I miss it all already."
"Stay strong kid, it will all be alright." Lero struggled to get up, but managed to wrap his arms around the kid, "It's not all over yet. Hold yourself together."
He kept his posture straight, as Lero could feel Henry's tears wetting his shirt. He was too young to understand the reality, but once he was old enough, would he finally understand what was happening to the city and the nation. The greater good was coming, but it would take some time until that really went down. Would life then return to normal, but only for the better.