Don't Run

The Lake

It was a bright day, sunshine streamed across the woods, lighting them up vibrantly as the day grew hot but was still peacefully windy. It had been getting a bit warmer in the week that Alona was away. The temperature in Animal City fluctuated quite frequently, so it wasn't unordinary.

Michelle had made sure the temperature for the outing was perfect, by checking the weather forecast in the paper. It was going to be a beautiful weekend and she was determined to go to the lake with everyone. She even bought two big tents and two small ones just for the occasion.

The girls stood at the front of the school in waiting, staring down the road. Michelle lazily smoked a cigarette as the girls chatted excitedly behind her. 

Alona came trotting back in a carriage, the group was a bit surprised to see two other rabbits poking their heads out to hug her goodbye. Both cute like her, but not as doll like or beautiful. Alona seemed to be a standout even amongst her own kind.

They hesitantly looked back at the Predators, a look of worry all over their faces. But oddly, they looked worried about the Predators and not Alona.

In that moment the girls all seemed to have the same misunderstanding. That the sheltered Peace Town bunnies were afraid of them attacking or something, like wild beasts. And yet in reality the siblings worried about what their sister was going to do to them. They had watched her expressionless face turn into a meek and weak facade, right before the door opened. It was chilling, even after experiencing the sudden switch for themselves before. It truly was unnerving.

They could only except her for how she was, it was everyone's negligence that had led to this. Her twisted disposition was a product of neglect and loss. The real Alona was wild and dangerous, but more lovable to anyone who had the balls to look. The persona she put on matched her face but not her ability. No one could deny her power.

But only Warriors are given a briefing of the purpose of the Witch. It's not hidden knowledge, it's just not common knowledge.

The Witch fights the Abyss, keeping monsters away by enforcing and purifying the Barrier spell. Naturally that includes fighting the monsters themselves.

The occupation is technically its own class of Warrior. The Witch was considered an officer of the law in most regards. As they maintained order from the biggest threat at hand. But it was a strict and conditional position. She must give way and abide by all commands from a certain rank and higher or be forcibly restrained and detained for determining corruption. Defiance was considered a symptom, and just cause for punitive action.

She was a slave to the Alliance Justice system. Obligated to keep everyone safe. Yet not guaranteed safety. Her siblings knew this well, and that's why they were somewhat grateful for her disposition. They understood that Alona was strong enough to protect herself if push came to shove.

But ultimately, they feared it would lead her to disaster.

As they pulled away, they saw the group hug around her and baby talk her. Swooning and petting her like a cute pet. Meeko and Jacey both sat back in their seats. The Spotted Rabbit looked up into Meeko's big brown eyes.

"You ever get the feeling she'll just disappear one day?" She said it quietly, but it was something she'd been thinking since a year ago. Her sister felt so distant from them. Her Brother solemnly nodded.

"I feel like she'll slip right through are fingers if we don't watch her.... every time I see her, she seems more and more...." He trailed off not knowing how to put it into words. His hand circling in the air.

"Otherworldly?" Jacey asked. Her eyes flicking back and forth, searching for a similar recognition in him. He nodded again. Certainly, that was one way to put it. There was a long pause of silence between them, just the clopping of hooves as they trotted forward.