The Girls Guild Guide to Universe Hopping

U

We arrive at the edge of the forest. It's willowy fingers reaching at us, pulling us in. Comforting us with its thin, whispering  leaves. I want to let it hold me, I'm terrified what war could bring. I thought I didn't have a brother this morning, and by tonight I might not have one for good. For evermore. They're all there. Lula, Robin, Ashley, my friends. Ben, Alex, Harriet. They have composed small huts, and a cacophony of their music and laughter ripples through the air. Ashley turns around and draws the others attention, they all come over and we embrace, like a hot tidal wave of bodies. They smell of smoke and reek of fear.

Our heads all snap round as, who I assume to be, Tilly emerges from behind an immense oak tree. "They're here, I can see them," she says her voice quivering. Lula brushes past the crowd and they scale a wooden shed and sit on the sagging roof. They both shudder at the sight. They look very similar. Tilly has pallid blonde hair and dark olive skin and deep brown eyes. She draws her hair back into a knot and loads a gun, she is practiced in weaponry and war you can tell by the shear speed she can load it. We all share edgy glances, that's when the old man collapses. Everyone falls to their knees I turn and see him and my mouth flies open. 

He is soaked through, his hair in strands like rats tails. His bones prominent and a grime covering him like a duvet. His eyes flutter open and closed; in and out of consciousness. I rip of my jacket and look and Cody he does the same, we gently lay them over him. The bitter air causing and influx of goosebumps on my skin. His mouth is open slightly and his tongue slithers like a snake his words muted by everyone's screams. I brush my hair behind my ear and place it to his lips elongating my arm and finger to silence everyone. He doesn't speak until they die down. His words like spears to my ear, "thank you. Look after her. Goodbye." He coughs as I move away and seizes Merida's hands in a last bid goodbye. Tears stream down her face and she nod at his words. "Love is my last dying ember."

This was his plan all along, get her out, nothing matters after. Our coats don't make a difference; don't stop his plan when it's already so heavily in motion. Then he goes. His chest rises and falls one last time. I didn't even learn his name. Ashley wraps his hand around my arm and delicately pulls me away. I turn, worried if I look back I'll never let go. "Here," he hands me a bullet proof jacket. I stare at it my eyes deluged in tears. He stiffly bows down his eyes with mine although I'm not looking at him, "I'll do it," he says and I let his body lead mine. He's gentle, as he pulls the cords to tighten it, he pulls me towards him and kisses my cheek, I can barely react because I'm so numb but my minds screaming, maybe there is life after the war. I lift my arms and he puts another layer on top, its hefty clearly not made for children. But we're not children any more are we?

We've grown up. Lula's going to become an assassin today. I take in the surrounding and look at the group, laughing and messing around, chasing each other. They don't seem to mind, maybe because they don't know how it's going to play out. Or if I'm just really unsure on leaving my childhood like that. Reality whips me hard across the face, as I'm pulled into Ashley. He tugs on the straps by my hip. I look to the side, while he pulls it tighter around me, it starts to restrict my movement so I push his hand away. "Done," he says and I save my head searching for words that aren't there. I'm lost, in this whirlpool of a mission. I could have become a murderer in the guards house now I certainly will be one. "Thanks," I get out.

"Right," we run over to Tilly, everyone's gathered round guns at their sides, armour on. She bears a large stick and is drawing a plan out. Her armour is weak compared to ours, green army trousers with pockets stuffed full of ammunition, two grenades in her back pocket. A bullet proof vest covered by a black t-shirt and jacket. That's about it. She assigns us our positions. Everyone nods when addressed. "Me and Lula will get the queen, yes?" Everyone certifies her as correct, except me. "I want to come," I say. Cody and Lula move in on me immediately. Their words lingering in the air. The tension spewing from Tilly.