The Sun Will Be Rising Soon

The Night Will Be Over Soon

...
..
.

Clement still held (Y/N)'s hand as they exited the cave, the torch in his other. AJ and Tenn were waiting for them, both watching the darkness ahead warily as the wind howled through the trees. Clement looks around with narrowed eyes before frowning as the torch was blown out, an owl's ominous call echoing in the area.

Tossing it aside, he takes the lead with (Y/N) at his side, AJ and Tenn following the two closely as they start down the gravel path.

(?) AJ seeks your approval, as well as Clement's, above all else

(Y/N) listens closely with a hardened expression, body tense and ready for any sign of danger as she looks along the tree line. She pauses for a moment, making Clement stop as well as he follows her gaze to the trees. AJ looks over, Tenn appearing nervous as he anxiously wrings his hands.

She shakes her head, indicating it was nothing as Clement nods.

"Coast is clear," he tells AJ and Tenn, nodding for them to follow.

(?) You've strengthened his confidence in himself

(Y/N) sighs softly through her nose as she releases Clement's hand, walking ahead a few paces and looking around.

"So... the shore is that way, then..." she turns from the shore to the path leading ahead to the left. "The school should be that way. Maybe. Probably."

"I think you're right," Clement agrees as he joins her side. "If not, we'll probably recognize the area, at least."

(Y/N) looks over her shoulder to the two young boys, "Come on, you two. Don't lag behind too far."

AJ glances towards Tenn as Clement and (Y/N) start walking, Tenn slowly following as he watches the dark forest with fearful eyes. He looks forward and tenses when he notices Clement and (Y/N) were too far for comfort, so he jogs to catch up to them, AJ quickly following before slowing to a walk.

The walk was mostly silence, minus the gravel beneath their feet and the crickets chirping their songs in the thick brush of the forest. It was almost peaceful, not a walker in sight due to them being drawn to the boat's wreckage.

"... Aasim was the third."

Tenn breaks the silence, quietly speaking.

(Y/N) glances back at him as they walk, tilting her head. "Third...?"

She slows to a stop, facing him as Clement looks back as well.

Tenn looks down briefly before his eyes flick to AJ, "The day AJ killed Marlon. You already know Violet and I voted for you to stay."

(Y/N) and Clement exchange a look, AJ frowning.

"Aasim was the third vote," Tenn clarifies, nodding.

"Wait, that means..." AJ's brows furrow as he scowls. "Omar voted us out? And Ruby?"

Tenn awkwardly looks away. "Uh... yeah."

AJ's scowl drops as he nods, shrugging. "Huh."

"What made you think of that?" Clement questions, resting a hand on his hip as he looks down at the boy.

"Aasim said you knew how to survive," Tenn responds with a thoughtful nod, looking between Clement and (Y/N). "He could just tell the school would be safer with you there. I... voted for you because I liked you, but his reason? It was better. I just... I just thought you should know, Aasim was right. We were safer."

He smiles with a hint of amusement, "We were more scared than we let on when you met us. You made that go away."

(Y/N) smiles at his words, "Thanks for telling us, Tenn. That means a lot."