Sequel to "Have Mercy"
Merciana Sheehan, an enhanced girl from the Underground, works relentlessly to end her father's life and stop the Underground Revolution, but after an unforeseen condition comes to light the entire team tries to shy her fr...
I looked at the scenery around me. I was in the center of a wooded area. It was damp out with the calm creek nearby. Moss had accumulated on the rocks on the bank from how slowly the water was moving. It was peaceful, really, the trickling sound of the cool water weaving through.
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But how did I get there? I looked around. There was no one. I was all alone. One moment I was in the Scout Regiment talking to Mercy and the next I was in some forest with no buildings or people in sight. Am I dreaming? I continued to turn myself around looking for some sort of life. The grey clouds above hung low as they began to cry. Their raindrops danced across my cheeks as I stared up at the tree tops. I heard the cracking of a nearby branch ring through the air and I quickly reached for my sword, but there was no sword at my side. I looked down to see I was in casual clothes. Tan khaki pants and a blue button up shirt. I rarely wore such casual attire, I was usually decorated in Scout Regiment pieces or pajamas. What was going on? I lifted my eyes to where the noise rang out and saw a lonesome hare. Its fur was moist from the rain, matting against its back in brown and white tufts. It was in the middle of preparing for winter, its winter coat popping through its usual mousy brown color. I crouched down and rested my elbows on my knees lazily as I stared at it. It was so beautiful. It was the epitome of adaptability. Its body and mind knew to change its appearance to adjust to its surroundings.
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It turned, perching on its back legs to look at me as it straightened its posture. Seemed he was just as curious about me as I was to him. I tilted my head at the hare, its ears twitching at my movements. It fluttered its eyes as its nose sniffed the air. I couldn't remember the last time I saw a hare. They were sought after behind the walls for their pelt and meat. What was he doing out here? "You'd better run," I whispered. "Someone might-" Bang. A snapping sound rang out and the hare's head snapped to the side before its body went limp. I felt anger rise inside of me despite knowing people needed to be fed. I looked around only for an innocent voice to grace my ears. "Dad! Dad!" Someone called. I heard footsteps coming up the hill in front of me, and I knew exactly who it was. It was my son. I rose to my feet and was finally able to see him trudging up the hill with his slingshot. By the time he reached the top of the hill he was so excited he could barely breathe. "Dad... I got him... Just like you said," he said in between breaths as he put his hands on his knees and pulled some air into his chest. When he looked up at me my heart swelled.
