"No."
Some white-clad people fell from a sudden gust of the wind. They got up and attempted to separate the two girls again, to be knocked down once again.
A person in the white jacket shook their head and said on the radio, "I'm requesting assistance from containment specialists as subjects are refusing to comply and are becoming aggressive."
A few minutes later, a few more people appeared, armed with sedates. They then sedated one of the girls. She became weak and fell, losing her grip on the other. They moved forward to take her. The other stood in front of her, blocking the way to the girl. They also sedated her, but she got back up. Though weak, she was determined to keep the other by her side no matter what. They can't take being separated again, the first time hurt badly, and the second would be unbearable. In the end, they both got injured. Even after all the struggles, she did not succeed. They still took the other in the end. They looked at each other one last time before the door shut. Little did they know, they would soon regret this decision. Another mistake among many others.
-
Anthony
The Weapon Forger
It has been about 5 minutes, and they're already getting on my nerves! If they weren't useful, they would be a pile of ash right now.
"Uh... Dude, are you good? You're on fire..." asked someone behind me.
I turned, it was Charlie. Though you can't tell from his appearance, he's an excellent medic.
"Yeah, they're just getting on my nerves," I replied, extinguishing the fire.
"Well, you better relax before you burn the whole forest down!"
"Yeah, yeah... What did you need to talk to me about?"
"How could you tell?"
"Well, are you here for something else?"
"Nah, just letting you know we will be ready to leave in about an hour."
"Good, thanks for letting me know."
"No problem man."
He was about to leave when he paused and looked at me. He seemed to be studying my very soul by how intense it was. After a bit, he finally spoke.
"… Hey, how about you go get some sleep while I watch them."
I paused. I would love to leave these idiots with someone else, so I could catch a break from their constant whining. But what if they escape while I'm asleep? What if someone gets injured? Even worse, what if people get lost and...killed? No, I can't risk it. I wouldn't be able to take it. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself.
"I'm good," I said.
He paused and looked at me.
"No, I think you need some sleep. I understand you are worried, but you need to sleep to have enough energy to protect the ones you care for."
"But-"
"No buts. Go, rest."
I looked at him, he stared back. I sighed and walked over to some mats. I knew it was impossible to argue with him when he had his mind set on something. I lay down and closed my eyes.
...
I woke up, breathing hard. Another nightmare. I looked around, people were packing up. The patrol had just returned. I felt a bit better, even though I didn't sleep that well. I stretched. I walked around, checking in with the others, making sure they were okay and knew we were leaving soon. I made two loops before returning to the captives. Charlie was chatting with my sister, Rosalie. Next to him was a huge snapdragon plant, drooling and licking its lips hungrily. The guards were looking warily at the snapdragon, they looked ready to pee their pants.
"Hey, what are you guys doing?" I asked when I got closer.
They turned to face me.
"Oh, I'm just talking about medical herbs with your sister. She knows quite a lot about plants." Charlie replied, giving my sister an approving smile.
She nodded, a slight blush creeping onto her face.
"Well, I checked around, and we are ready to go. We just need the directions." I said, looking over to the tied-up guards.
"No need. We already asked. The closets town is Starfell, a trading town in the North."
"Well, then let's leave now. While it's still dark. Plus, it must have many supplies we need if it's a trade town."
"I agree, I'll go tell everyone the news."
"I'll help." said my sister.
I nodded. Charlie and Rosalie left. Soon enough, everyone was ready to go. After one last head count and making sure the tracks were covered, we started going north. I smiled to myself, finally returning home and seeing our parents again seemed so impossible, and yet we're doing it now. I knew everyone felt the same way I did, both nervous and excited at the same time about the thought of returning home. But one thing is for sure, everyone is relieved that we are going far away from that wretched place.
I looked at the inky black skies and thought to myself,
Mother, Father, we're coming home.