I began packing my belongings. Only the necessities. Clothes, weapons, food, water.

That's all I need.

I slung a small pack over my shoulders and approached the door only to find Leonard on the other side.

"Rinna... come walk with me... let's talk like the adults we are for a minute."

I growled. "It's Rin to you, Leonard."

He raised his hands up in surrender. "Rin it is then... but come on... just a quick walk... please..."

I rolled my eyes. "Why should I? There's nothing to discuss. I'm done here."

I tried to push my way past him but he only held a firm grip on my shoulder, pausing me in my tracks. Feeling his hold on my shoulders like that when I was just a little girl used to bring me such joy and comfort but now, it's just a reminder of what I missed growing up. Without his touch, without his presence.

If he were dead, that would be a different story. I'd continue to honor his name. My family name. For then I'd know that he went down fighting to come home.

"Please..." He begged again.

I don't know why but I gave in. "Fine. You have until 1500. That's all you get."

A smile. Soft and sweet began to appear on his face as he stepped off to the side and gestured to the path ahead.

"That's all I need."

He allowed me to take the lead. I hesitated as I took a couple steps, not liking giving him my back but then he followed at my side as if we were equals. In this moment he isn't a commander, a leader, a rebel, or an enemy. He is my father.

I kept my head held high and focused on the trail ahead as we ventured down the main street of the town. The tension between us could easily be cut with a knife.

"You said you wanted to talk. So start talking." I seethed, still full of this pent-up anger and hatred.

He drew in a breath, turned his gaze to me, and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me against his side. I didn't care about the gesture and simply listened instead of further protesting with him.

"Colonel Hitchen betrayed me too you know, that's why he knew me and forced us to watch one another break. Mainly he wanted to break you, and I think he has succeeded in that... hasn't he?"
I kept my mouth shut and forced myself to take note of my surroundings instead of shattering then and there.

Another sigh escaped his lips before he continued. "That's why I fight Rin, not only to get back at Colonel Hitchen for betraying me but also to protect these people from being eliminated just for existing and being... well... people... no one here has done anything bad despite everything they spoon fed you. They're only rumors, lies. There is no plague. Criminals don't hide away here despite our isolation from the main villages and townships... this place is paradise and I'd be an enemy if I let this place turn to ashes and rubble. So I stayed. Founded The Resistance. And I intend on bringing The Elite Strike Force down along with the government they work for. I tried so hard to make you see that but you're still fixed on the past. It's time to let go, start over right here and now."

Again I say nothing. There's not much to say, his morals lie true. He's not doing anything wrong except carrying out what I also once vowed to do. Protect the innocent, and defend those who cannot defend themselves. Leave no one behind. I am my father's daughter after all.

"How... how did Colonel Hitchen betray you?..."

He scrunched up his face and tossed his head from side to side. "We were both competing for the role of a Sergeant at the time. We were sent on a mission back at Nha Trang to ask if there was any suspicious activity around. Nha Trang didn't used to be so open and friendly- they were very hostile and gunfire broke out. Instead of fighting back Hitchen ordered everyone to retreat. We did but one of our privates couldn't keep up and got left behind. I wasn't going to leave him down there so I jumped out of our convoy vehicle and protected him the best I could. Hitchen called me out on my subordination and turned his back on us. Since then, myself and Raphael have been living our lives here and doing everything we can to fight against the squalor that is decimating the village."

"Raphael... was an Elite Strike Force member?"

He nodded. "He was only 16 at the time, faked his documents to get into basic training as nothing but a boy... I wasn't going to let a life so young end so short..."
That explains everything. Why Raphael is trying to defend Leonard, why he didn't want to say anything about who Leonard was knowing it would very well create all this drama and problems.

I caught my hands balling into fists as tears finally began threatening to roll down my cheeks.

Leonard caught notice of my head dipping and heard the silent sobs that croaked out of me. Holding me closer and supporting me when my legs began to feel weak.
"Everything I've done... I did it with good intentions... I'm just sorry that I hurt you and your mother in the process... I'm sorry Rinna..."

"I... I forgive you, Daddy." I squeaked out with a broken voice and completely became undone in his arms. 

That's all I wanted. The truth. An apology. But I finally see where he's coming from.