Maru and Rick were seated on the couch watching cartoons as they then heard a sudden knock at the door.

"Rick?" Rick looked up half asleep.

"Chris?" He sleepily replied. The door flung open.

"Oi! What are you trying to break my door down!?" Rick angrily cried.

"Rick," Chris began.

"That certainly is my name." Rick let out a sigh.

"You're not gonna believe this." Rick sat up.

"What am I not gonna believe?" Chris brushed his hair back.

"Experiment Labs," Rick's eyes widened.

"Well," Chris continued. "There was a rebellion by a few of the patients, they kidnapped the boss's son, and now the labs are in ruins." Rick quickly turned to Maru whose eyes were filled with fear.

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"Chris," Rick began. "Are there any survivors?" Chris let out a sigh.

"I volunteered to go back tonight with a few of my guys, but I highly doubt it." Maru looked down at the floor.

"247..." She whispered.

"Maru," Rick began. Her eyes began to fill with tears.

"Why?" She whimpered. Chris scratched his head.

"I dunno kiddo, I dunno." Maru turned to Rick with pleading eyes. Rick stared momentarily. What does she want? Does she want a hug...? Before he could say anything, the girl clung to him. Wildly sobbing into his chest. The two men exchanged nervous looks. He then began gently stroking her head.

"Maru..." he whispered. "It'll be ok." Without thinking he added. "I promise." Maru looked up at him.

"You really promise?" c.r.a.p. He knew he shouldn't have used such a heavy word such as 'promise', but if it's what she needed to hear.

"Mm, I promise." His heart sunk. Thinking about how he'd already made a promise he knew he couldn't go back on. Rick cupped the girl's tiny face in his hands. "I promise you Maru, everything will be ok, I'm here for you no matter what, 'Kay?" Maru's eyes widened.

"Oof." Rick quickly shot Chris a dirty look.

"Now, why don't you go inside and relax?" Maru nodded.

"Wait," she said standing up. "Mm?" She smiled.

"Pinky promise?" Rick looked up quickly, and smiled. "Ah," He said raising his pinky.

"I pinky promise that no matter what, I'll protect you." He smiled as they swore on it.