The acting leader stood amidst the chaos, sweat dripping from his brow as he watched Celestia struggle to rise. He clenched his fists tightly. If we don't act now... we're done for. All of us.
Taking a deep breath, He stepped forward, his voice cracking as he shouted, "Wait! Please!"
The attackers paused, turning their eyes toward him.
Hans raised his hands. "My name is Hans Torent. I'm the acting leader of the civilians here."
The man with the lightning skill arched an eyebrow, amused. "And?"
Hans continued, his voice trembling but determined, "We've had enough of this life... starving, hiding, waiting to die. We'll go with you, just let us join your group."
A beat of silence. Then, the man burst into laughter. "Ha! Hahaha! Did you hear that, boys? Look at them! The people this ice queen worked so hard to protect are the first to abandon her when things turn ugly."
He turned his eyes back to Celestia, who knelt on the ground, still smoldering with pain but unwavering.
