The Defiant

Recharge

Roan

I burst through the bushes and came upon an empty playground illuminated by a streetlight. The only person around was some homeless guy sitting on a bench. 

"Are you okay, kiddo? You walk like you've seen hell," he said as I passed. 

I ignored him. 

"Hey! Do you need me to call someone?" He asked, getting up from the bench with a groan. 

I paused at this. 

I turned toward him and looked at the phone he had in his hands. I nodded hurriedly. 

He opened his phone and held it out to me. 

"Here ya go. Got this phone a while ago. It's a great help. "

I grabbed it hurriedly and started swiping through the home pages. 

I clicked on the google browser and went to google maps, navigating for North Dakota. 

I was in the middle of Minnesota.

It would take too long to walk, and I didn't know anyone's contact information.

I gave the man his phone again, and he looked at me funny. 

"You didn't even call anyone, kid."

I walked away. 

I needed a car. 

"Darkness?" I asked.

"Master..." 

It sounded better today- more alert.

"Can you help me steal a car?"

It laughed weakly. 

"Master Roan, you humor me. I do not control mechanical things."

"I need to get to North Dakota."

It was quiet for a moment.

"I can help you get there, but I need to recharge. Even recent events have not been enough for my full recovery..."

I frowned. 

"How do you recharge?"

"I consume dark things- thoughts, memories, emotions."

"How do I get you those things?"

"You must relive your darkest moments. But I think it best if you do not relive those now."

"Why not?"

"Because there is a point where you might overwhelm yourself, master. I have tried not to indulge because the stress of your Ezra's capture, and the loss of your Levi, has weighed heavily on you."

"I am fine."

"But-"

"I said I'm fine. Now recharge."

"Master..."

"Do it."

There was a long hesitation before it said, "As you wish."

I woke up next to my grandmother. She was breathing steadily in her sleep, and I pulled the blanket around her shoulder. 

"Sleep well, grandma," I whispered, smiling at her peacefulness. 

She did not respond to my words.