Deviant Fate

30 - Plans

-Gwen-

Surprisingly this area was surrounded and covered by deep, tall, and thick forest. There were a shit ton of identical small house-like structures and two larger buildings on the left and right. Everything seemed so organized, but also interestingly welcoming.

I'm sure this has been years in the making. Whoever started this was going for practicality and efficiency. It's nothing extravagant, but it's definitely a sight to see. Usually when I thought of a rebellion, it's tired and run down people living in tents with very little to live off of.

This was a fully functioning secret society. The people didn't look miserable. They looked determined. No one looked scared or stressed. They looked strong and prepared.

A bump to my shoulder drew my attention to Everhett.

"There's about 2,000 of us here. There's two other locations with the same amount and one very confidential place with all our children. We fit five to a house, but they could fit more." He said.

"Two other locations?" I questioned.

"The Celestans weren't the only ones killed in the war." He said with bitterness. "The Deeviths were our closest allies and the Daenons gave their support through a deal. Everyone lost someone. Even a few Marnyls, but they prefer to participate in forgiveness rather than vengeance." He shrugged, but I could tell it bothered him.

Marnyls practiced peace. Even if they are wronged they're taught to forgive and look beyond.

"Who did you lose?" I asked carefully.

"Everyone." He deadpanned. "Let's go, Julian can explain everything." His pace quickened and I had to jog to catch up with him.

"I don't have anyone either." I tried to extend an olive branch.

He smiled faintly, but didn't look over at me.

It's funny, I'm the loner, I don't make friends. How am I supposed to do this mushy shit?

"C'monnnn" I dragged out. "You can talk to me about it. I'm sure I'm the one that can relate to you the most."

"In some ways we relate, in others, not so much." He spoke.

"In what way?" I asked curiously.

He stopped and battled with himself on what to say. His anger seemed to be rising.

"We both lost people. The difference is, my mother turned her back on us. The Zyconians didn't kill my family. My mother did." He didn't elaborate and I wasn't going to ask him to.

"From experience, I know sympathies don't mean anything. So... I'll only say, I vow to bring you and everyone else proper retribution." I said with sadness and determination.

"I'll hold you to that, kid." He smiled and smacked my back in a playful way.

"Unless you're blind, I know you see I'm not a kid." I retorted.

"You're younger than me, so you're a kid." He replied.

"Oh? And how old are you then?"

"That's for me to know." He winked and started walking again.

I rolled my eyes, but continued following him. I've never had a friend before, and I don't really know what I'm doing, but it feels natural with him. He's annoying, but I'm not scared of him nor do I think he has bad intentions. I feel a genuine aura from him. I also feel a small ounce of excitement. The last couple of weeks have been so up and down for me. I've never felt comfortable like this.