The First Day:
Alliana’s hands froze mid way to another blow on her former dead friend's chest, watching the way her friend gasped for air, rolling over and bracing herself on all fours, head cradled in her hands. The words a mere whisper passing her lips as she asked what had happened. Alliana and Calista shared a glance, unable to find the words to explain the past few minutes. How could they tell their friend she had been dead mere moments before?
Alliana zoned out as Calista stumbled over the words and finally filled Izzy in. She had to figure out what to do next, clearly, they couldn’t return to the city Calista had directed them towards, not until Izzy wasn’t overwhelmed by the powers given to her. They would have to make the woods their home, avoid those from the research facility.
Her hands were still shaking as she pushed herself onto her feet, reaching to help Izzy up, before stopping herself. Those same hands had just brought Izzy back to life, what if they’d take it away the second time? Calista seemed to be thinking the same, stepping forward to help Izzy instead, her hands wrapping around her and keeping her upright as her friend struggled to remain upright, head flopping down to her shoulder.
The first thing to do was find a safe space deep within the woods, somewhere near a source of fresh water. They knew nothing about surviving in the wild, but they were strong enough and fit enough to figure out a way, at least until they could figure out these new found powers. Somewhere safe from those they had escaped from, and from those that could be hurt as they tried to figure out exactly what they were capable of now.
Alliana took the lead at a glance from Calista, a nod of her head as she guessed which way would take them deeper into the forest. The lights of the city faded on the horizon, the three girls struggling to make out the shapes of trees and roots before them as the branches and leaves overhead got thicker, cutting out the moon's gentle light.
It was Izzy’s plea for a rest that stopped them, Calista gently easing her friend down to rest against a tree branch. Alliana could only watch as Calista silently checked their friend's health, before stretching and walking over to her to speak softly. A nod as she agreed to rest there for a few hours, they all needed to sleep if they were to make it much further.
Calista went to reach for her, but Alliana jerked back with a shake of her head, she wouldn’t risk it, not until she knew was safe, that she wouldn’t take a life in exchange for the one she’d given back.
Alliana watched as Calista settled herself down beside Izzy, her hand stretching towards the centre of the small clearing as a trail of fire left her fingertips and set alight a small patch of grass. Warmth creeping towards the three young girls and giving them a little bit of light to see what was around them. They all knew it could lead their captors right to them, but were too tired to care, adrenaline wearing off quicker than they expected, and sleep drawing them into its firm hold.
They would deal with whatever came in the morning, learn how to cope with what they were, but for now the day was done.
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