But he's not talking to me, he's talking to them. Isten sits on my bed and pushes me back down. "Not you, Junco, you're with me today." I watch as Isec is dragged up and pushed over next to the little girl. The tall girl I almost killed in the last fight is in line, as is the guy who reminds me of Tier and his friend who asked if I was a soldier. Ashur is screaming at them from the front while Ryse, Arel, Mish, and Rikan lean in from behind to add choice words. The little kids stand there looking like they will piss themselves at any second. Ashur comes to Kush, who yawns with his eyes closed, and then pivots without saying anything and goes back to screaming at Isec and the little girl who has given up her name between sobs. Kete. "You are nothing! Nothing, do you understand?" He bends down to Isec and Kete and they step back with a start, but Rikan pushes them forward. I make to get up, but Isten pushes down on my chest. "You wanted this, Junco. Now butt the fuck out." "Isec," Ashur growls, "when you understand that your only reason for living right now is to make my nine happy, we'll get along and be just fine.
