Desti's Detour

Broken Bonds

Plot: A transformed return to the outcasts arises hundreds of questions, but the big one seems to be based around Laura. Just where did she come from before Jackson found her?

(Several years ago)

The rain was pouring down in bucketloads over the city, dark clouds looming overhead and leaving the streets a grey colour.

In one of these streets, there was a young girl, barely 11 years old, hobbling through the streets. Silver hair was a clumped up mess on her head, her eyes looking around frantically for a way to escape.

Her legs and arms shook with lack of use, barely able to use them properly. She expected every signal drop of water to burn her skin, but kept being shocked when it didn't.

She wasn't the same girl she used to be.

Huffing for air, the girl heard a banging noise behind her. Crap! They were right behind her!

Looking for a place to hide, she was suddenly grabbed by a hand on her arm pulling her away. She made noises of fear, only to suddenly be pulled behind cover.

She looked at the man, appearing to be in his 20's with brown hair, shushing her.

???: Don't worry, I'm trying to help...

She looked confused, then swallowed hard as she nodded. Trying to keep as quiet as possible, she heard them right outside...

The drones.

She watched them looking around, coming dangerously close...before moving on and leaving her and this man alone. Both let out a sigh of relief.

Jackson: Sorry about that, I'm Jackson. Are you-?

Jackson got a good look at the girl and was shocked, the jacket she was wearing was barely big enough and he could see her scared body. Were those...surgical scars?

Jackson: Hey...are you okay?

The girl looked up, her lips trembling. With her newfound Vocal cords and a strained throat, she spoke in a voice she wasn't comfortable with.

???: H...Hurts...

She started to cry, an unfamiliar feeling as this "Jackson" pulled her into a hug.

Jackson: Hey, hey...it's alright...You're okay now, I won't hurt you, okay?

He pulled her closer into his jacket, warming her up. The girl cried, feeling it was...surprisingly comforting. Soon, Jackson began to stand.

Jackson: Those things will be back soon and the last thing you want is to get caught by them. If I hadn't been on a supply run...

Shaking that thought out of his head, he reached down and offered a hand.

Jackson: If you want, you could come with me. There's a bunch of people about your age and...my little brother is great at making friends.

He offered a smile, making her feel...comforted. She took his hand, letting him guide the way out of the hiding spot.

Jackson: Say, you got a name I could use?

The girl opened her mouth to speak instinctively, but...something stopped her.

What was her name? She couldn't recall much, just that it started with an L.

With that much in mind, she looked back up, straining her throat again and speaking weakly as they walked to parts unknown...

Laura: L-Laura...