Avenge Me

The Great Outdoors and Escaping It

Aria's eyes slowly forced themselves open against the tiredness, sand and wind in them. She realized that she was moving, but she didn't have enough energy to lift her head up. The bright sun blazed into her eyes and she allowed herself to close them once again.

Aria, now much more rested than before, opened her eyes, which showed her the bland landscape that stretched out before her. She quickly noticed the arms around her that were carrying her. She flipped out of them and landed on the ground. Hard.

She jumped up to see a confused Kid. "Kid?" She asked unsurely. "Yeah."

"Where are we?"

"The great outdoors."

Aria looked up at him, worried. "Where's The Persistence?"

Kid smiled. "Way far back."

"Really?"

"Yep." Kid looked proud.

"How did we get out?"

"Well, some guy pricked you. You fainted, so I picked you up and just ran. And now we're here."

Aria was overjoyed. She jumped up from the ground to hug him, but fell back down with exhaustion. Kid crouched down and said, "How about you just stick to walking for the rest of the trip." Aria nodded happily.

They continued walking until it was dark when they decided to sleep for the night. There was nothing around them that could be used to make a camp so they just settled onto the dirt and slept.

Aria was forced awake by Kid's shaking. She used her elbows to lift herself up to see the commotion. He pointed into the distance where a van was speeding across the land. Aria instantly recognized it as the Lightning's' van. She looked at Kid who stood up and sprinted towards it. Aria attempted to follow him, but her legs were still too weak and gave out on her. Kid noticed this and yelled out to her, "Wait there! I'll bring them to our camp!" She looked around and saw nothing that she would categorize as a camp. But instead of questioning his word choice, she watched him become a smaller and smaller. Panic began to settle in her chest. What if he never came back? What if he forgot where she was? What if The Storm didn't want her? What if she had to go back to The Persistence? What had she done? Aria shook her head and tried to reassure herself. But the farther he got, the more anxious she got.

Eventually, Kid reached the van and and everyone inside it got out to approach him. He was taken into their embraces and they had spoken for a few minutes when Kid pointed in her direction. Unsure of what her reaction should be, Aria stood up and waved. Only Kid waved back. She put her hand down.

After they discussed for a few more minutes, everyone climbed back into the van. Aria tensed for a moment with fear, until the vehicle started towards her. Aria smiled and let herself relax.

The van reached her and Kid jumped out first. He smiled and hugged her. Everyone else approached her much slower. They stared at her critically and went around in a circle introducing themselves. Aria realized that The Girl was much younger than Aria had imagined, she was about the age of Fay. Aside from that, everything seemed to be exactly like Kid has described it. This was what Aria thought before Blood Moon introduced himself. Instead of saying his name, the unnaturally red head said that he was The Hurricane. She regarded him with suspicion and took a deep intake of air. They all looked at her expectantly. Aria had no idea what they were waiting for until Kid said, "Your name."

"Oh," Aria said smiling embarrassed. "Aria."

"That's not your name." The Hurricane said.

"What? I believe it is."

"No, we mean your Thunder name."

"Oh, um. I'm not sure."

"Then be sure."

"I know what it is." Kid perked up. "It's Riot."

Aria smiled meekly remembering telling Kid that as one of her name ideas in her journal. "Is it?" The Hurricane asked.

"Yes." Aria said surely.

"Okay then. Get in the van."

"Right. Ummm, yeah. Sure. Okay." Aria stumbled into the tall metal contraption with some difficulty. Everyone else entered easily. The Girl sat next to her and attempted to strike up conversation. It mostly consisted of Aria daydreaming and occasionally nodding with Girl babbling on, but still, it was something.

Aside from The Girl, everyone was silent. Taking in Aria's presence. Aria felt like she had been put inside a microscope and as she was normally ignored the ride was extremely awkward for her.

Aria was subconsciously listening to Girl's story when The Ghost said, "His name isn't 'The Hurricane' you know."

"What?"

"His name is Blood Moon."

"Erm, okay." Aria said unsure of herself.

"He's only called The Hurricane because he's more important than any Lightning."

"So... he's the leader of the leaders."

"Basically." Ghoul stretched back and added. "And don't be intimidated by the guy. He's a big ol' toughie at first, but he'll warm up. Like a microwavable pizza in the oven."

Aria looked at him and Blood Moon who said, "I'm not cheesy. Therefore not pizza"

After that statement the important passenger continued his paused vow of silence.