The windows still had splots of dust no matter how hard they cleaned, but their efforts weren't in vain. At least that is what Rema thought, as she dumped the filthy rag into the bucket of water.
"Any updates?" she shouted across the room, hoping her counterpart Novis, or what the others knew him as her actual brother, was actually listening to her.
"Oh yeah, I see some people walking across the street. I think they even own a dog!" Novis shouted as if it was the most out-of-place thing he witnessed today.
"Just great, here we go again with this nonsense." the young woman rolled her eyes in disgust, as she turned back to face her assigned section of the outdoors.
It was just the two of them in this cheap old apartment that they didn't even live in but was the perfect place if one wanted to meet up in a disclosed location. That person may or may not be giving them the opportunity of a lifetime if they ever made their way here. Whenever that happened, the pair were ready for the information to be disclosed and then spread among the other members. The resistance of the city law, and Youden's oppression, was simply known as the Appleridge Resistance. Now, they could have simplified the name with AR, but when reminded that it was also the name of the aircraft under Youden's control, that was dropped rather quickly. Sticking with the Resistance was a much better choice for them in the end.
"Do you even know what we're suppose to receive from this person?" Novis turned to his sister, who slid the current back, "Or is it something else."
"I think they're here." Rema peeked through the blinds, seeing a figure wearing a slim jacket, protecting them from the elements, making their way up the steps to the door.
It took a few more seconds before a knock snapped the duo back to focus, with Rema grasping the door handle.
"Who is it?" she muttered, waiting for the right words to notify who it was.
"Down to Jamal, down to the resistance." the person stated in a montone voice.
"Alright, hold on." Rema flicked the lock off, as Novis laid back against the wall behind her, gripping a small pistol to his side.
They were greeted with the sight of a woman similar to their age covered in mud and rainwater, which the pair looked at each other in a bit of surprise.
"That's what happens when you gotta pass through enemy lines, huh?" the woman made her way inside, her boots making a sound with each step, "Say-, oh great, it's some kids this time."
"Actually, I'm twenty years old." Novis replied with a sneer, "And my sister is eighteen."
"Wow, we really throwing that out there." Rema rolled her eyes.
"Okay, well-." Novis was about to argue.
"Hey!" the filth-covered woman alerted them of her presence. "I don't plan to stay here for much longer, cause I have other messages to spread, so I'll get this out the way. Jamal and the Port-O-Bea army is planning a major attack to reach the city in the next few days. I'm expecting very heavy casualties for both sides."
"We knew that?" Rema was confused. "The city has been warning of the Viligantes for weeks now. They've been preparing during that time."
"No, what I'm trying to say, is that you need to move the resistance or whatever forces you have east, immediately. This won't be something that even ya'll would have seen in a long time. Carnage is coming."
Those words kept the room still for a brief moment, keeping Rema lost in thought. Perhaps they should take heed to such a warning, with the bloodshed being worse than what the Resistance anticipated. That was until Novis cocked back the pistol, chambering a round.
"I'm not worried about my life. I've lived a good portion of it under Youden's control. Got nothing to fear." Novis gave them both a grin.
"Well, don't say I didn't warn you. There is also one more thing I need to say." the woman straightened up, "I've recently learned that the city is booby-trapped beyond our comprehension, so do you two know anything else I should warn our forces to make this operation easier?"
"I'll say beware of the determination that the minions Youden has under his thumb have. I'm sure they'll use the civilian population to their advantage." Novis turned to take a look at the rain falling. "And I mean by all lives necessary."
"A bit dark, but it's true." Rema sighed, "There are only four hundred more of us waiting to rise up, but against thousands of military-prepared men, and thousands more that are citizens wouldn't make this attack go according to plan. I would let Jamal know that they are willing to hold down the city at all costs necessary."
The reconnaissance woman stood back in thought, analyzing the information, before taking a quick breath.
"Very well, I'll be sure to let them and the advisors know of all possibilities. Hoping that they took that all into consideration." the woman opened the door to be greeted with a stronger downpour, "You two stay safe, and take heed of my warning. I truly mean this city won't come out the same. May your resistance find success and be ready when the time comes."
The siblings didn't even respond to such a statement, as the woman took a few steps before disappearing in the rain. They had no idea what was to really come from this battle, but if there was anything they could think about, was that only one side would win, and that side would potentially win it all. That had to be them and Port-O-Bea, or the whole world would fall into utter oblivion.