Valena

A Frightful Arrival (SotF)

This stupid bus is late! I glance at my watch and lean back on the bench. Should've just driven to this stupid camp! Or even better, should've never let Sylvino sign me up for this stupidity.

Just as I pull my phone out of my pocket to call my skunk of a brother, a bus comes to an abrupt halt right in front of me, filling the air with a dusty haze. I fan it away fron my face. Fucking hell!

An old man steps out and I hold back a grimace at his style. Based on his choice of clothing -- a floral shirt over a white one and brown trousers -- and that cringey white wig, he's in his early sixties.

"Valena Akadi?" His voice is rather gruff when he articulates my name, with a wrong last name at that.

"Accardi. Valena Accardi, Sir." I shoot him the best smile I can muster before following him onto the bus. 

Holy shit, is that a zombie? And it's eating...that woman's brain? Oh my Universe, where have I come!?

Before I can put on my seatbelt, the bus shoots forward, making my head hit the metal bar at the back. Ouch! Stupid inertia!

A cacophonous voice starts bellowing...what the fuck is that? Is that a song or a chant or something? My eyes snap towards the driver -- Dev, read the back of his seat -- who is literally dancing in his seat! 

I produce a weak energy field, sticking my hands to the armrests and trudge ahead. Out of nowhere, I'm pushed towards the side. 

Shrieks and cries pierce my ear drums. Survival of The Fittest, my arse. How do these all expect a victory when they can't even bear this.

I huff, pushing my short, dark hair out of my face.

Come on, Val! One step at a time.

I keep my inner chants going while expanding the field to stick my feet to the flooring. Not the best idea. Fuck, I can already feel my power draining. And this splitting headache, fuck fuck fuck.

I reach the driver's seat in a few minutes. I blink. I thought old people didn't drive fast but I guess I was wrong. I clutch onto the handles tighter and weaken the field. 

"Mr. Dev, kindly slow down," I utter, keeping my voice soft. He doesn't budge, like not even a nod, and continues his 'gig'! I'm not sure if it even reached his eardrums.

I stick my hand out to shake him...but...fuck it! I put my hand on his shoulder. "MR. DEV!!" Trembles overtake my body as the vehicle hastened. What the fuck is this dude doing!?

The music player catches my eye. Maybe this could get him to Shut Up And Drive?

I shoot a small spark, inserting the first CD. 

"Please do something, Ma'am!" A dude cries.

"I'm trying, dammit!!" 

This continues on and on. Guess my plan isn't working today. 

I glance at the people chanting prayers behind me, quite contrary to this crazy driver, who doesn't know how to shut up.

I heave a sigh and here it goes. I put my right hand on the steering wheel and punch Dev with the other. One blow and he's out cold. 

"We're all safe now!" 

Cheers resonate in the confined space. Good thing no one comes forth to help when I move Dev away and take the seat myself. Bless radiation manipulation and years of training.

I sigh. I don't think I wanna know what this camp has for me.

One thing for sure, Sylvino is not gonna be spared once I reach home. That fucking skunk is so gonna get it.