Dawn left the truck’s back as soon as the path was clear, eyes steeled, lips sealed into a tight line. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that she was the sole member of her team to have taken the ride with the other Runes- both by her as well as Clifton. She had given him as grateful a smile as she could manage in the time being, although her mind was elsewhere. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that they were heading straight into the heart of the suburbs on their path to the Jotun. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that, upon stepping out onto the sun-heated concrete, a brilliant flare was sent into the sky, casting a bright red glow across the sky.

Makorai had arrived before them. Without hesitation, Dawn reached into her purse and drew her gun, gripping it tightly. The crack of the shotgun and the howl that followed- there was no possible way that could spell anything good. Especially with Isa’s confirmation that the beast wasn’t just roaming backyards and hopping from one street to the next. It was in someone’s [i]house[/i]. And, if the shot was any indication, that someone was home. 

She stared off into the direction the sound had come from, a sort of horror budding in her chest as smoke began to curl its fingers into the sky. She glanced back at the group. “I think there’s people still inside,” Dawn said. “We need to do something. Fast.”

While Makorai was already at the house, running off on her own in a blind panic to try and save whoever remained inside would only put both herself and the others in danger. Better to work out some semblance of a plan first before they charged in.

[hr]

“Thank you.” It was soft, but still audible enough for the transmitter to pick up on as Mitch cut out. There was little else to say. The Runes were wonderfully, incredibly talented, and already possessed enough strength at their fingertips to make even professionals envious, but most were still novices. Rookies. It would be their first time that some would even see a World Eater up close, and Madison just prayed that it wouldn’t be their last. 

He slipped out from behind the wheel, shutting the door behind him and joining Clifton and the Runes behind the truck. Bright red light cast odd shadows across his face, making his worried frown seem somewhat warped. “If there are civilians still inside,” he began, “then I’d say that our first priority should be getting them out. If you all could keep the Jotun distracted for a time, I might be able to help any survivors escape.” 

Madison pawed around in the folds of his own satchel, fumbling a moment before pulling a notebook and pen from the depths of fabric and knicknacks. It seemed an odd means to defend oneself with- Madison was just as aware of that as anyone- but it was one of the best weapons at his disposal. [i]Runes[/i] were the best weapons at his disposal. He gave the pen a click, looking over at Clifton.

“Mr. Clifton, would you be willing to help me in the search?” 

He spoke calmly, quickly, but the worry in his face was as clear as day.