Ice and Toa rode steadily through the quiet ruins until Light's compound finally came into view. Ice glanced back at Riot, who was slumped against him on the horse, exhausted and aching in both body and mind."Riot… we're here," Ice said gently. Riot blinked awake, sore and barely able to sit upright."Soon you can have whatever you want, warrior," Ice added with a warm smile.They dismounted, tying the horses outside.
Riot whispered to himself, voice weak "Whatever I want… I can have…" Before Ice could respond, a familiar voice called out "Mr. Ice! Glad to see you alive!" Albert hurried over and the moment he saw Riot's condition, his expression changed."Mr. Riot… are you hungry?"
He didn't wait for an answer. "Follow me, young one. I just finished cooking dinner." Riot's eyes lit up at the idea of a hot meal. Ice gestured to Toa."Albert, this is Toa. New member of the Militia."Albert bowed politely. "An honor to meet you, Mr. Toa.""You can call me Toa," he replied."Noted," Albert said with a smile. "Dinner is ready. Light is already eating." Ice nodded.
"Thank you, Albert."Albert guided Riot inside the boy shuffled his feet like an old woman, barely able to walk. Ice noticed.Toa was still unpacking his horse. He looked toward the compound with skepticism."This Light… the same Light who used to be emperor of the world?" Ice nodded. "Yes. But he's an ally now." Toa frowned. "How can he be an ally? He's the reason the world changed." Ice didn't get angry.
He understood."I thought the same," Ice said calmly. "But Light has proven his intentions. He's loyal the cause now." Toa nodded slowly. "I trust you, Ice. That's why I joined your cause."Ice placed a hand on his shoulder. "And I plan to keep your trust."They walked inside. Light sat at the dining table, downing a glass of wine beside a plate of meatloaf.
Riot was already eating slowly, savoring every bite. Albert placed two plates in front of Ice and Toa. "Dive in, heroes. You earned it." "Thank you, Albert," Ice said.
Toa nodded his thanks as well. Light wiped his mouth and looked up. "So, Ice… who is this?" "This is Toa," Ice replied. "New member of the Militia." Light raised his cup. "Nice to meet you, warrior." Toa didn't respond he just stared at Light with pure hatred. Light noticed.
Buzzed from the wine, he smirked."You know who I am, don't you?" Toa nodded."That's why you look at me like that," Light said, scoffing. "Comes with the power, I suppose."Toa stood up suddenly .Light saw it too late.T oa rushed him. Light flared with energy and dodged the strike but Ice jumped between them."HEY! We're on the same team. Calm down!" Toa shouted, "Light is the reason we're in this situation! He's responsible for millions of deaths!" Light didn't deny it.
"Yes. That was me. And I see the fault. I fell from my father's grace… now I'm here to aid the heroes cause as a small dose of retirbution of my part of the downfall of this world." Ice kept his hands up, separating them. "We are Militia now Were more than fellow soldiers we are a family. The past is irrelevant even if it's darker than others." Ice looked at Light.
"But we do NOT fight each other. Internal conflict will not be tolerated." Light's aura faded. "I'm sorry, Ice." Toa exhaled and sat back down.I ce turned to Light. "I hope you trained the villagers." Light nodded. "Yes. Some learned combat. Some learned swords. Some guns. And the village is ready to march when needed."Ice asked,
"Do we have enough equipment?" Light smirked. "Yes. I have a bunker my artillery. A secret one. Fully stocked." Ice smiled. "Good. Then let's eat… and after that, show me what kind of firepower you've been hiding."