This is part thirty-four of a series of images followed by stories that follow Warren, a human. And Alice, a Tordenchi. As they both survive during the Rynar's invasion of earth.

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There is now a dedicated Twitter for Of Mice And Men! I Will post on it each time there is a story update, so you all don't have to miss it!~

https://twitter.com/of_omam  Twitter

Story idea base on a universe created by  Sarya
His story Integration was our first look into UTO, none of this would exist without him and his incredible story! Check it out!

The artwork was done by the amazing  Jadan
His work has been making OMAM possible!

Check out my other stories too!
Hearts And Minds
Various Characters!
Blue On Blue
Stars Guide Us

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Dead-zone...

A miniature dead zone...

I grew up hearing about dead zones during station conflicts. If an opposing force were known to be coming, many people would flee a station that couldn't be defended. Leaving behind empty shops and forsaken halls. While this felt somewhat different, it still stung me as a reminder of the past.

That's what it felt like as we approached the town. Pippy seemed undisturbed by the empty homes and shops. The vehicles left here and there as the snow slowly piled up. But I wondered how this all looked before the invasion...

There was no sign of anyone... No struggle... No broken buildings or Erestal blast marks... Where did everyone go?

Were they evacuated? Or...

I tapped my visor, feeling a sense of comfort when its blue field covered my vision. Scanning each home, I hoped that we'd find someone hiding. Every house I looked over held the same story, though. No heat signatures, no signs of life...

But with no bodies around, I hoped they had found a way out before the Rynar came...

Though, turning my eyes across the streets, I froze when my visor highlighted a metal piece in the snow. It was small, by my standards, and taking a moment to walk over... My gut curled up as I knelt.

It was a Rynar badge, and while I couldn't read it initially, my visor quickly translated it.

"Private Jauride Gauden, First Class Rifleman"

The Rynar were here... But then, where did everyone go? Are the Rynar taking prisoners? Thumbing the metal in my hand, I exhaled a mist of ice.

I turn to find Pippy glancing back at me from his vehicle. Cupping my gloved hands together, I breathed into them for warmth... He mimicked my nervous yet friendly smile and motioned me to follow.

"You better be able to protect me, Pippy..."

Hearing myself was an alien feeling all of a sudden. Innocence faded, words laced with worry and concern. I have to keep upbeat... Forcing a smile, I pocketed the metal and continued down the empty snow-covered road.

"Well... I better be able to protect you..."