The Ward's Guard

"S'more sticks, that we have done that aisle there," the man pointed off to his left. "I'll be at the front counter when you're done."

"Is there anything else you wanted?" The man glanced at Q again.

The man chuckled. "I'll help you figure it out after we finish at the register."

"Well then, I believe this is the one that you'll want." The man spoke as he yanked a tent bag off of the shelf. "I'll bring it to the register. You know how to set it up?"

"Expecting a lot of trouble?"

"By being more than one man. Mankind can't stand against what is to come by having everyone standing on their own. A single stick on its own is brittle and easily broken, but when tens of sticks are bundled together, they can stand against even the strongest orange eyes.Together, united, we can weather the strongest Typhoons, the hottest blazes, and that most daring invasions, that's what I want, for us to be strong. It's not something one can do while sitting with a lovely bird, it's something they must work to do. You want to know how? With the help of people like you, people who want something new, or people who want to see humanity survive what is to come. It doesn't matter to me."

"Blood, death, destruction, it's not very difficult if one keeps humanity divided. That's why I need to save humanity."

"Depends on how much you care. Let's make it simple, you want something more durable but more heavy, or do you want something lighter, easier to transport, but also easier to tear and break."

"Excellent choice. Any preference on the material?"

I've heard that "Shadow of the Conqueror" By Shad is good, but I haven't gotten to it yet. So yeah.

"It's alright friend, I imagine it's no fault of yours. My main concern are those of the Amal who have sworn to end humanity as we know it. I'm not one to stand by idly as they do this."

"It's good to see that not everyone is against me. Now, what do you know about the Amal?"

"As I said, the world around us is crumbling, although I intend to save it. I can always use more help in doing just that."

If anything, Kuno's smile widened. "Eventful you say? I might be able to help with that my friend."

Kuno smiled again. "Sound advice. Let's hope it applies even when you have the weight of saving humanity on your shoulders. What about you friend, what can I do for you?"

"When the whole world seems to be escalating around you, what is the best step that you can take?"

"Insight from an unaffiliated source, you might be surprised at how valuable it can be."

"Crumbling as always friend, only that it's faster now. People tear themselves apart, and there are those who only encourage it. May I ask for your advice?"

Kuno was an average man. "Pleasure to meet you Fie. You ask for my point? I'm interested in the world Fie, and the world is crumbling."

He clicked his tongue. "At least it's simple this time." He turned back to Ellis. "Would you like one 5 person tent and one 2 person tent?"

He smiled, "my name is Kuno friend, who are you?"

"Well then Kuxi, is that all?" He stopped, "or was it Keeli, Jaques, Gen, Usona, Mele, or are you going by your given name this time."

"In my experience, always expect the weather to be against you. So how about a heavy duty 6 person tent. Unless you want separate tents." He took another glance at Q.

Without missing a beat, the man stopped before a short row of tents. "I think that you'll want something that holds 5 to 6 people because of your tentacled friend."

The man spared a glance at Q, "what have you gotten yourself into this time?" He then ran off into the store, clearly expecting both Ellis and Q to follow.