...So... It's been awhile... sorry... I promise I'll update more. I recently joined a creative writing club at my college and I'm hoping it will encourage me to write more. Anyway, on with the story!  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ebony opened his eyes and yawned. He sat up and stretched, feeling a few of his joints popping back into place. He sighed and rubbed his eyes, then looked around the tent, seeing that he was alone. He looked down at his hands and gritted his teeth as he remembered the events of the day before.

Chrysie entered the tent with a glass of water and smiled when she saw that he was awake. "Good morning, sleepy head. Well, evening. You sleep for a long time. You must've really been exhausted." She glanced down at his hands, then her eyes darted to his eyes.

Ebony met her gaze for a second, then looked away. "Yes, but I feel better now. How do I... look?" He gripped the blanket that was still draped over his lap.

Chrysie came closer and looked him over. "Your color has improved and you're eyes look healthier. You still look a bit skinny, though. We need to get your body weight up, or else you'll be thrown around like a rag doll."

He nodded and stood. He took the glass of water from her and downed the whole glass. He wiped his mouth and panted softly. "I did not realize how thirsty I was until now."

Chrysie giggled softly and took the empty glass from him. "There's more where that came from, but you have to come with me. We can get you some brunch and have you meet some of your followers."

Ebony was a bit weary of the social aspect of her suggestion. He hadn't had much positive human interaction since his incarceration, and he wasn't the most social person before that. "What if they do not like me? What if they are frightened by my presence? What if-"

Chrysie pressed her index finger to his lips. "Hush. None of that will happen. These people... They believe in you, wholeheartedly. You're their only hope, so they would be stupid to fear you. Stop worrying so much. You're our champion. Learn to act like it."

His eyes widened at her stern words, then nodded nervously.

She giggled nervously and rubbed the back of her neck. "Um, you should change! I brought you some fresh clothes!" She threw them at him, then ran out to give him some privacy.

Ebony came out of the tent a few minutes later, dressed in black pants and a purple long sleeved t-shirt. "Are we ready to go?"

Chrysie bit her lip at the slight bit of collarbone that peaked out of the neckline of his shirt, then looked away and nodded. "Yes. Follow me." She led him through the camp to the dining hall.

The refugee camp was set up with housing tents surrounding facilities, such as food and meeting rooms. In the very center was a large, crumbling tower. It looked all but demolished on the outside, but a few stories below the surface was an emergency bunker large enough to hold the entire population of the camp, then some.

Ebony scanned his surroundings as they passed by. He was too busy studying his surroundings that he didn't notice the people staring at him.

Chrysie made sure they kept moving. She smiled at the innocent wonder in his eyes as he analyzed every little detail. She blushed softly and smiled at the citizens she passed.

She led him into the large dining tent and stayed close to him. There were rows of long tables, a few for holding food and the rest for socializing. Since it was after lunch, but before dinner, the tent was almost empty. She led him up to the food tables and handed him a plate. "Please. Get as much as you think you can stomach."

Ebony nodded and got enough food to fill his plate. "Might I ask what this is?"

Chrysie's smile straightened. "You don't want to know. We aren't allowed to be picky in times of crisis, but I can assure you everything we serve is safe." She led him to a table and sat. "After you are done eating, I'll take you to meet the organizer. I-"

She was interrupted by a little girl; she was no more than six-years-old. She squeezed a stuffed bunny to her chest. "Excuse me, sir. Are you really going to save us?"

Ebony gazed down at her and leaned down closer to her level. "I will try my best."

She gazed down at her bunny plushy and looked back up at him with determination. She held out the bunny to him. "Take Mr. Fluffers! He will protect you and give you strength!"

Ebony gave her an 'almost smile' and shook his head. "If I take him, he will miss you. Mr. Fluffers' mission is to stay here and protect you. Okay?"

She straightened up and made the bunny salute to him. "Yes sir! We accept your mission. We won't let you down!"

She ran off and left them in peace.

Ebony sat down and started to eat.

Chrysie covered her mouth to hide her snickering. "See? What did I tell you? They love you."

Ebony glanced at her, then went back to eating in silence.

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ANOTHER CHAPTER DONE! More fluff for you guys! I hope you liked this chapter. If you did, don't forget to vote, comment, and share!