The sun barely escapes from the horizon. Our expanded group sets up a campfire on a ridge after the ambush. Tension remains, but so does relief. No one knows what's coming next, but we're together again for now. The trees cast long shadows. A small fire crackles in a stone ring, flickering against the leaves. The air is still, except for the distant murmur of wind. I sit alone on a mossy rock, arms resting on my knees, eyes staring into the flame. My knuckles are scabbed, my chest rising slowly.
Sera, quiet but concerned, watches me from the fire. Amber finishes wrapping a bandage around her arm, muttering something under her breath. Ryder leans on a branch, casually tuning his blade guitar. Jennifer stands with crossed arms, looking very done with everyone, but says nothing. Adrien walks behind me as he sits behind me. Our backs are against one another. It was a comforting feeling.
I finally spoke up. "I'm glad you're safe, buddy."
Adrien chuckles. "Naturally, you'd sooner die here than me," he teases.
I give a light chuckle. "Heh, you'd probably be right if you didn't get here in time."
A silence falls between us. It wasn't one of awkwardness, but of comfort.
"I had my fair share of trouble. I'm already beat." I sighed.
Adrien nods. "I bet you did, bud. I'm glad you found my notes."
"Not without some help," I say as I look at Sera and Amber.
I meet Sera's gaze, and she looks surprised as she looks toward the flame. Amber stretches out her legs, wincing as she adjusts her bandaged arm. Sera sits beside her, resting against the trunk, watching the fire. I got up from my rock to approach them. I think some apologies are in order. As I walk up to them, they both look up. I stood awkwardly at first, arms crossed like I'm holding something in.
"I, uh... wanted to say something."
Sera tilts her head, waiting for what I'm about to say. Amber raises an eyebrow but doesn't interrupt.
I look down. Half embarrassed, half disappointed in myself. "I shouldn't have rushed off like that. When I saw the figure, I... just reacted. I thought if I chased it, I'd end this before either of you got dragged in."
I look up to meet their gazes. Glancing at them both.
"But I left you to fight alone. That's not who I want to be. So... I'm sorry."
Amber blinks—caught off guard. She smirks.
"Huh. Didn't think you were the type to apologize."
"I'm full of surprises," I say deadpanned.
Sera smiles gently, her voice soft. "You were scared for someone you care about. That doesn't make you selfish."
"Still... you didn't have to come with me. You didn't have to stay. But you did. Both of you." I scratch the back of my neck, eyes a little distant.
"I don't say this often, but... thank you. For helping me find him."
Amber leans her head against the tree, a warm grin spreading across her face.
"Anytime, Danny."
Sera nods. "We're not just following you, you know. We're choosing this."
I couldn't help but crack a smile after hearing that.
"...Guess I'd better start acting like someone worth following."
Sera laughs under he breath. "You're getting there."
I nod once, then turn to walk back to my little rock. As I step away, Sera glances at Amber,
Amber smirks. "Miracles do happen."
They both chuckle, just a little.
We took a break, having someone watch every two hours until everyone rested enough. It was morning by the time we were fully rested. The forest glows gold with the rising sun. Our group gathers around the remains of the fire, preparing to move. Mist clings to the roots and branches. The fire has died, leaving behind glowing coals. A few birds call from deep in the trees. I adjust the straps on my pack. I've been told I looked different this morning, less guarded, more focused. Beside me, Adrien finishes tightening a makeshift holster around his belt.
"Still feels weird. One day you're dodging death, the next you're making travel plans."
I half-smile. "Normal's overrated anyway."
Sera walks over, carrying a folded map and a pouch of rations.
"We've got two options: head straight for Malik and regroup... or take a short detour to check in with Jennifer's people."
Amber chips in while tightening her gloves. "They're not far. East ridge—couple hours if we move fast."
"We left some good supplies there, too. Backup gear, some meds. A little recon wouldn't hurt."
Jennifer steps forward, brushing a pine needle from her jacket. "We check on my group, resupply, then follow your lead to this Malik's camp. Fair?"
I nod. "Fair."
Sera smiles. "I wonder how Malik would feel when we bring many new students with us."
"What kind of leader is Malik, anyway?" Adrien asks in a half-mocking tone.
Sera and Amber look at each other, then after a few seconds, they shrugged.
"Don't know. He was kinda quiet till he spoke up for us." Amber replies.
Adrien shrugs, "Then I guess we'll find out."
I adjust my backpack. "We should get moving."
The rest nod and pack up the remaining supplies. Jennifer leads the way, navigating by instinct. Ryder follows at a casual pace, hands in his pockets. Sera and Amber stick close behind me, and Adrien walks beside me. Like always. For once, the forest path ahead is quiet throughout the whole trip. It's late morning. The forest begins to thin as our group approaches the perimeter of Jennifer's old camp. It's modest but structured, and the students here really worked on this place since I was forced out.
Two students who were watch guards tensed upon seeing us. Then, after seeing Jennifer and Ryder, they relaxed. Jennifer waved to them.
"Still alive. Try not to look so shocked."
We were waved in, and our group spread out, checking the perimeter. Ryder heads straight toward a cluster of tents, scanning the shadows.
"Cyril? You here?"
There was a silence, then, a quiet voice from the left.
"Took you long enough," Cyril said, deadpanned.
A pale figure steps into view. Cyril is tall and lean, with slightly disheveled white hair. His ghost-blue eyes look just as tired as I remember—and just as sharp. Ryder's face lights up. He walks over and pulls Cyril into a quick, one-armed hug.
"Knew you'd find a way. Wasn't the same without you."
"You brought company," Cyril says flatly.
His gaze lands on me and holds there.
"...You."
My posture stiffens slightly. "Yeah. Me."
"You're... that hick..."
Without a beat, I reply. "And you're that dick who's an asshole."
The air tightens, and the tension is palpable for a second.
"Here we go..." Adrien mutters under his breath.
Sera steps forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Daniel. Easy."
Ryder leans in to Cyril; Cyril pulls away slightly from the breach of space. "They've been through a lot. They're good people."
Cyril looks away, bored or unimpressed. "Doesn't mean I trust them."
I narrow my eyes, but don't push it further. Instead, I look towards Jennifer, who approaches.
"We done here?" I ask.
"We got what we came for, and the supplies are intact. Camp's stable, but not sustainable. We'll move."
Amber nods. "Then let's head back. Combining groups will make us stronger."
Jennifer makes an announcement, and all the other students flock to her. She tells them about the relocation. Some look delighted, others annoyed, having to leave everything behind. She quickly reassures them that this is the best course of action. Adrien bumps up next to me.
"You okay?"
I give a half-smile. "I'm fine."
I glance over my shoulder at Cyril, who walks ahead. He's silent, calculating.
"...Just not sure what to make of him."
"Cyril's weird. But Ryder trusts him. That's enough for now." Adrien reassures.
I nod, not saying anything else.
Within the hour, everyone had packed up their belongings. They acquired more horses and carriages and placed the group's belongings in the carts. Everyone was ready to go. We took the main road for convenience, but had to dive into the deep woods sooner or later. The trees swallow our trail as we march toward the other camp. We took several breaks while traveling, and by the time we were near the camp, the sun began to dip behind the trees.
The sun cast golden streaks across the winding trail. Birds are quiet, winds stir lazily through branches. Our now large group moved in pairs, spread out but connected by shared silence and tension. Of course, I walked next to my good pal Adrien. He glances over at me.
"You've changed a bit. A little more edge than before."
I gave him a half-grin. "Still figuring out if that's a good thing."
Adrien shrugged. "You survived. That counts for something."
There was a pause between us.
"Thanks for not asking about everything yet."
Adrien smiles. "I figure you'll talk when you're ready. You always hated being rushed."
I widen my eyes for a moment, surprised. "You remember that, huh?"
"I remember everything," says Adrien dryly.
Sera and Amber walk together in the middle group.
"Do you think he'll remember us?" Sera says quietly.
"How could he not? We didn't exactly leave quietly." Amber remarked.
Sera added. "I didn't like how he looked at us. Like he was doing us a favor."
Amber nods slowly. "Yeah... I didn't notice it at first, but now that I think back... something about him felt wrong. He was 'too' calm."
"Or too calculated."
They both glance ahead, where the camp smoke begins to rise.
Ryder, Jennifer, and Cyril are at the rear. Jennifer is atop her stallion while the other two walk beside her.
"So, this Malik guy. What's the deal?" Ryder asks.
Jennifer shrugs. "From what they've said, some big-shot student stepped in to keep things running."
"If he's in charge, expect him to be either controlling... or compromised," Cyril says flatly.
"Are you always this optimistic?" Ryder says sarcastically.
"I'm still alive, aren't I?" Cyril says without cracking a smile.
"Let's not assume he's anything until we meet him, but be ready." Jennifer articulated dryly.
Ryder tilts his head. "I've got a good read on people. I'm out if he gives me that 'wannabe cult leader' vibe."
"Only one of us is allowed to lead a cult, Ryder." Jennifer retorts with a smirk.
"I'd run a very polite one, thank you."
Once we got near the camp, Sera and Amber joined us at the front. We slowed as the path opened. The camp emerged. It was larger than before, cleaner, and eerily disciplined. I stop first.
"...He rebuilt everything?" I questioned, my voice lowered.
Amber exhales. "I don't remember it being this organized."
Sera's eyes narrowed. "I don't remember it having guards..."
As the camp came into view, the walls were wooden and organized by lanes. It had grown tremendously since we left, with watch posts, patrolling students, and tools stacked in rows. It didn't look like a compound.
"...This is different." I vacillated.
"Way too different," Amber replied in agreement.
We moved cautiously through the outer barricades. Two sentries spotted them and called out. Within moments, a figure approached through the firelight. It was Malik. Still broad-shouldered and calm, he was dressed cleanly. His gaze sweeps over the group, lingering briefly on Adrien and Ryder before finally locking eyes with Daniel.
"You're back," Malik says evenly. His fingertips touched against one another.
I nod, unsure of the welcome. "We found Adrien and others. We thought it made sense to regroup."
"...Good choice." He says approvingly.
Malik looks at Sera and Amber, voice softening only slightly. "You both made it. That's good."
"Yeah. Thanks... for before." Sera says off guard.
Malik says nothing. Just gestures to the heart of the camp.
"Come. We'll get you settled. You'll be assigned tasks tomorrow."
I narrow my eyes. "Assigned?"
Malik doesn't respond. Just turns and walks ahead. His silhouette backlit by firelight, long and composed. We all exchange uneasy glances, but we follow.
Sera whispers to me, "Something's not right here."
"I know," I say softly.
Behind us, two students silently close the wooden gates. Shutting us off from the outside world.