Hollow Veins

Chapter Twenty Six; Good News and Bad News

250 miles. They had to walk roughly 250 miles. All except Jaden. But the city was still willing to let them in. Jaden couldn't decide which was burning more, his injury or the shame. Sweaty and exhausted, they took turns, half supporting half carrying him. Through the heat and tall waving strips of grass, the city fading into background. The bugs were disappearing in the late summer but the ones left seemed determined to make up for the lacking others. Prince yapped on and until Jaden barely understood what he was saying. Jaden couldn't communicate now because the position he was in.

It was endless torture. The ongoing hills spread far and wide. Jaden's legs hurt so bad, even though he'd barely been walking. Ari would check on him nearly every ten minutes to make sure his wound hadn't start bleeding. The fifth time she did this, Prince said, "Do you ever stop worrying?" She glared, "Do you ever stop talking?" "No, it's part of my charm." Ari rolled her eyes in annoyance and turned away. They walked on and on, occasionally taking some brakes. On Prince's turn, he talked too much. For Aaron's, he mainly stayed quiet, except for the occasional grumble about Prince and Jasper. Jasper seemed a little distracted and mainly kept silent. Alice talked some, keeping him entertained, without being obnoxious. Ari gave him some more medicine around four o'clock. At least that's what it looked like, judging by the height of the sun.

After what must have been hours, they settled down for the night. Aaron beckoned to Alice as they got ready for bed. "What?" He glanced at the others, then whispered, "I have a hunch." She sat next to him, "What is it. "Well let's say I'm right about Jasper. If he was planning something like that, wouldn't he need someone to help him?" Alice sighed. She hated all the back and forth stuff. She wanted to avoid thinking about Jasper as much as she could. But, she had to take Aaron seriously. He was smart, though he used a of assumption. Aaron looked at her, "Please just listen." Alice nodded, "Ok, ok." "If you were planning something like... you know. Wouldn't you want help?" "Help?" "In case something went wrong." Alice frowned, "Went wrong... how?" Aaron knitted his fingers together, "Well say we figured out and tried to leave, he'd need someone to help stop us... or..." Alice leaned towards him, "Or?" "Or guard the door?" Alice paused as they heard Prince and Ren burst out laughing. Alice thought for a second, "I don't know. I admit it was strange that they didn't want us hearing the message..." She chewed it over. Aaron nodded, "I want to talk to Ari more about the testing." Alice shrugged, "I think we should but she seems pretty annoyed right now. At any rate, maybe don't mention Prince unless we need to."

Prince spread his arms, "Go, run to him." Ren smacked them down, laughing, "Shut up." Prince winked, "Don't worry I am very experienced in these matters." Ren raised her eyebrows, "You're experienced in being hit in the head with a frying pan?" He laughed, "You didn't strike me as the kind of person to resort to violence." "Well I'll strike you literally if you don't stop." They both laughed again. Jasper leaned towards them, "What's so funny?" "Me," Answered Prince, "I'm just that funny." "Uh huh." Prince grinned, "I see you're not a believer in my charisma." Jasper rolled his eyes, "I would use the word narcissistic." Prince sighed, "It's true. Being a blessing to the world is such a burden to bear." Ren and Jasper laughed. The latter smirked, "A burden? Yes. A blessing? No." Prince shrugged, "You're just jealous." "Oh get some sleep. You're going to be weirder than ever in the morning if miss any more sleep." Prince leaned back and put his arms under his head, "True." Jasper started adjusting his blanket and getting ready for bed. Prince nudged Ren and whispered in a sing song voice, "Remember what I saaaaiiidd." Ren rolled her eyes and headed over to her backpack.