"Advancement Demands Change."
Thomas had been awake for three months training, recovering, and learning under the bearded man and Steve. The coma had left him hollow, but the fire was returning.
The bearded man stirred a pot of broth. "You've grown."
Thomas wiped sweat from his brow. "Only because you two pushed me. I wouldn't be here without you."
"You're something else, Thomas," the bearded man said. "Your difference is your strength."
Thomas's stomach growled. "Is dinner ready? I'm starving."
The bearded man chuckled. "Almost. But you only get one bowl you still haven't mastered your power."
Thomas groaned. "Can you blame me? You said reaching full strength could kill me. Why push for it?"
"Because you're an idiot," the bearded man said flatly. "You train to reach your limits so you can use them when it matters. Every tool in the box has its purpose."
Thomas sighed. "Fine, old man. I'll listen."
"Good. Now eat. It's bor soup."
Thomas devoured the bowl, savoring every bite. The bearded man ate calmly, watching him.
As Thomas sat back, full and content, his thoughts drifted.
Sophie… your face, your bow, your fire. Ice—scary as hell, but loyal. Ace… I heard what happened. I won't let your death be in vain thank you. Blaze, you too I'm sorry to the both of you. You entrusted me with your lives. I won't fail you. Luke… I miss you, brother. We've been through everything together. And Edwin… they say you're too far gone. But if there's a way back I'll find it.
He snapped back to reality, sniffing the soup. "Just one more bowl, then I'm off to bed." The bearded man smacked his hand. "No more soup. Not until you agree to one thing."
Thomas blinked. "What?"
"You need to find Luke. Unite what's left of humanity. Establish a foothold."
"A foothold? Where's Luke? How do I find him?"
The bearded man pointed to a raven perched nearby.
The raven screamed, "Caw caw! Luke is in the skirts of Sodom! Caw caw!"
Thomas stared. "How do you know that?"
"Caw caw! Thomas is an idiot! Caw caw!"
Thomas lunged at the bird. "Why I oughta—"
The raven flew high, laughing. The bearded man grabbed Thomas's shoulder.
"I never liked that bird," Thomas muttered.
"Caw caw! Hahaha! Caw caw!"
The bearded man smiled. "Luke has a raven messenger too. Ours found his. We've been in contact. He's waiting for you. That bird will guide you."
Thomas frowned. "That bird? Seriously?"
"Caw caw! I am your leader now!"
Thomas groaned. "Can't I just get a map?"
"No," the bearded man said. "You march out tonight."
"Can't it wait till morning?"
"No. Tonight."
Thomas stood, fists clenched. "And when I find Luke?"
The bearded man's eyes burned with purpose. "Tell him we're no longer survivors. We're a revolution."