Fallen Sky

Chapter 7 - Trust

Kira’s POV

Luka from Flow Nation had approached us cautiously, eyes full of an unspoken understanding. He had explained everything—how they’d heard the blast and seen the signs of our descent. The Earth wasn’t as barren as we were led to believe; it was alive, brimming with tribes and factions like Flow Nation. He offered us a home, food, shelter.

Most of the group agreed eagerly. After days of barely surviving, they wanted the security he promised. But Silas and I didn’t trust it. We knew better than to take anyone at their word. What if this was all a lie? What if Flow Nation didn’t want to help us but had some hidden agenda? After everything we’d been through, people couldn’t be trusted that easily.

Yet, I knew I had to make a choice. My people—these prisoners who had become my family—needed safety, and I couldn’t deny them that. If this could keep them alive for another day, I had to take the risk. For them.

So we headed for Flow Nation’s camp, the group following Luka as the dark of night began to lift. The air was cool, the silence comfortable, but I couldn’t help feeling uneasy. Every sound made me jump, every movement in the shadows made my heart race.

After a while, Luka spoke to me, breaking the quiet.

“I’ve been wondering… why are you all down here? We’ve heard the ancient stories of the Spaceborne, but why return to Earth now?”

Before I could answer, Silas spoke for me, his voice steady. “We’re test dummies. They sent us down to see if they can return.”

Luka furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled. “But why you?” he asked.

This time, I took the question, my voice hardening as I spoke. “We’re prisoners. On the Arcanum, if you’re under 18, you can be imprisoned for the smallest crime. After 18, you’re punished by death. That’s why we’re here—unneeded, unwanted. They’re only using us as a way to test Earth’s survivability. The Arcanum is dying.”

Luka’s face paled as the weight of my words sank in. “They put chips in us when we descended,” I continued, my tone bitter. “They monitor everything we do, waiting to see how we survive, if we survive. Majority of us have already cut them out. We all despise the Zenith—the council, the leaders of the Arcanum.” I spat the last part with venom, feeling the deep anger that had been festering inside me for years bubble to the surface.

Luka looked shocked for a moment before nodding, though the expression in his eyes was hard to read. “Oh…” was all he could manage.

And under my breath, I whispered to myself, “And they’re going to burn.”

We continued walking for hours, the morning sun slowly creeping over the horizon, casting light on the landscape around us. It was beautiful in a way I hadn’t expected—wild, untamed. But the beauty didn’t comfort me. It only reminded me of how dangerous this place truly was.

We crossed the stream, its soft babbling a stark contrast to the tension in the air, and finally made it to Flow Nation’s camp. It was bigger than I’d expected, with multiple structures scattered around and a large fire burning in the center. The scent of smoke and wood mixed with the earth in a way that felt strangely welcoming, even though I remained on edge.

I was wary. Why would they invite 111 kids into their camp? It didn’t make sense. My mind raced with questions. Was this some kind of trap? A way to lure us in and then use us? But I couldn’t let those doubts rule me. My people needed food, shelter, and security, and for now, Flow Nation seemed like they could provide it.

I was lost in thought when a man’s voice cut through the camp. “Gather around, Flow Nation!” His voice was strong, commanding. “These here are the Spaceborne kids…”

But Luka quickly interrupted, stepping forward. “Actually, sir, they’re prisoners. Sent to die.”

The man turned, his expression hardening. His gaze swept over us, and he spoke directly to me, his voice edged with suspicion. “Is this true?”

Before I could respond, Silas stepped forward again. “Yes,” he said firmly. “We’re test dummies, sent to see if the Arcanum can return. They implanted chips in us to monitor our every move, but many of us have ripped them out. We’ve severed the connection with the Arcanum. We’re not going back.”

The leader studied Silas for a moment, his face unreadable. Then he looked back at me, his eyes searching for something. Trust? Fear? I couldn’t tell. But whatever it was, he must have found it, because his tone softened, and he gestured toward the camp.

“Very well. Make yourselves at home.”

There was a murmur of relief from the group, but I wasn’t so quick to relax. The others began to settle in, moving toward the fire, finding places to sit and rest. Silas and I stayed back, watching the Flow Nation people move around us.

“Why are they helping us?” I muttered, not expecting an answer.

Silas glanced at me, his brow furrowed in thought. “I don’t know. Maybe they’re different. Or maybe they’re just as desperate as we are.”

I didn’t reply. I didn’t need to. Deep down, I knew that even if Flow Nation wasn’t like the Zenith, it didn’t mean we could trust them. Not yet.

But for now, we would accept their help. For now, we would rest, gather our strength, and prepare for what was coming.

Because I knew this wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.

The Zenith would come for us eventually. And when they did, they would burn.

This place—this untamed, wild Earth—wasn’t just our new home.

It was where we would take our revenge.