No Turning Back

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Other Self

Dempsey still remained frozen in place as he anxiously tried to process everything that was just told to him. His eyes glazed over as he stared off into the distance. His mind raced at a million miles an hour as it tried to overcome the sudden cognitive overload. Kiana looked at him with concern as it was now too late to take back what was said.

Primis also looked rather uncomfortable as he felt like the man in the middle. All he could do was suck in a steadying breath before clearing his throat - the sound of which seemed to snap Dempsey back into the present. His eyes finally locked onto Kiana's before he suddenly opened his mouth.

"Aaaaaaah!" Dempsey screamed in a shrill girly voice.

"What the fuck is up with this world?!" Dempsey cried as his voice cracked.

"Aaaaaaaah!" Dempsey screamed again.

It was rather terrifying for the others to watch as Dempsey flailed around in absolute panic. The strong - gravelly voiced - masculine American was now reduced to a emasculated mess. Primis shifted on the spot awkwardly as he prayed that Dempsey would finally compose himself. Kiana was so taken aback by Dempsey's reaction that all she could do was laugh uncontrollably. The situation was far from funny seeing Dempsey in such a state but it seemed to be the only response Kiana's body could give.

Takeo seemed to take the information much better than Dempsey - though, that was not saying much. He seemed lost in his own thoughts as if completely oblivious to Dempsey's wailing and flailing. The Japanese man's brow wrinkled as he methodically processed everything he had just been told. He had remained completely calm as he gracefully held his composure.

Then, Takeo's mind seemed to finally return to the present moment. His eyes lifted from the ground as if they were back in use. Then, he calmly but quickly turned to Dempsey and gave his a swift slap across the face.

"We see two Richtofens! Why didn't you realise that there would be two of us as well?!" Takeo asked almost frustratedly.

"Hold it together, Dempsey. You are a better warrior that this! Do not insult everything you have overcome!" Takeo hissed disapprovingly.

The slap seemed to sober Dempsey up as he began to finally calm down. His arms dropped by his side as his shoulders slumped and his breathing began to find a more regular pace. The look of sheer panic and fear seemed to fade from Dempsey's eyes before being replaced with defeat.

"Okay", Kiana announced abruptly to break the now awkward silence that enveloped the group.

"Let's all just take it real easy and sit by the fire. I think a timeout is in order", Kiana insisted - trying to move on from this strange chain of events.

Everyone seemed to agree with Kiana's suggestion as they all took a moment to breath before walking over to the fire. As Primis approached the firepit; he bent down on one knee to rekindle the flames. It only took a few seconds before everyone was seated by the now smouldering fire. No one dared speak as they allowed eachother to take time to process everything.

As everyone sat contemplatively gazing into the growing flames; Dempsey was the first to speak.

"Sorry", Dempsey finally said.

"Sorry, Tak. You're right, I'm much better than that", Dempsey continued - clearly embarrassed at his outburst on hindsight.

"Hai", Takeo grunted approvingly.

"Don't be daft, Dempsey!" Kiana interjected.