The Girl from the Ground - Season 1

Episode Seven, Part 4:

Episode Seven, Part 4: 
The Garden of Eden 

Veer and Eden had finally made it to The Garden of Eden, cowering in the bushes to stay hidden. The overgrown shrubbery had made a makeshift cave-like space in the middle where they could see out of through the gaps in the branches, but it was very hard for others to see inside. It was one of the advantages of the area being their homelands, unlike New Riders.

The Sovereigns had heard movement nearby but were never sure if it was the odd fighter running past, or the group of defectors that they were hoping to find.

"Someone's definitely close," Eden said. "I can hear them speaking, but whether that's to someone else or into a radio, I can't tell. I need a closer look."

"I think we should wait for the others," Veer said, hesitant to let Eden run out into the open.

"They haven't radioed back. For all we know, they haven't even heard us and they might never be coming this way. Elijah could be right on the other side of these bushes."

Veer couldn't argue. The reality was that no one from Basilisk could be coming to their rescue, and whatever hope they had to save Elijah, this could be their last chance they'd get.

"Okay. So we need to come up with a plan."

Veer waited for Eden to agree, or at least say something in response, but she stayed quiet - eyes glued to whatever she could see between the trees.

"Eden?" Veer crept over to her, trying to get a look at whatever had her attention.

"Over there," she whispered pointing to a vague area. "Can you see? That looks like someone."

"You're right, but it could be New Riders. Or Zach and Maya. If Theo was right, it would make sense that they're around."

"And if they're around, then the defectors are. Then Elijah is, and I can save him."

Eden took a step forward to break out of the bushes, but Veer caught onto her hand, preventing her from going too far.

"Eden, please be careful. If you go out there and you're wrong, I lose you. And I can't lose you."

"He's there. I know he's there."

Both girls were at a crossroads, not prepared to risk anyone, but they couldn't guarantee safety whatever they chose.

"Fine. But I'm coming with you."

Knowing that Veer's life was going to be put in danger, Eden felt more responsibility to put together some kind of plan. "...Don't use your weapon, especially a gun, unless it's absolutely necessary. If they see any one of their people dead, they'll know we're here."

"Good call. Should we split up?"

"I think so," Eden said. "I'll head to the defectors and see if I can free Elijah. You need to keep an eye on whoever's guarding them, especially if it's Zach and Maya; they'll be in charge of what's happening and whatever distraction they have planned."

"Okay," Veer nodded, mustering up the courage. She was grateful that Eden reached down between them and squeezed onto her hand, as if transferring some of her bravery her way.

Once Veer was ready, they both let go and parted ways in the clearing, certain they'd make it back to each other.

////

Elijah sighed and leaned up against the trunk of the tree behind his back, unable to block out the raw irritation of the ropes around his wrists. Everyone time one of the other defectors moved, the ropes moved, and it was a never-ending cycle of his wounds opening and reopening.