Defenders of Destiny Bk 1: Destiny Begins

Survivors Guilt... Or Whatever.

Warning ⚠️: This book contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.

"We need to leave. They'll find us here. They will always find us... David won't stop until we're dead... They know if they attack, they'll win. Because they've taken out most of us... They know we're outnumbered." Kevin said, leaning forward as he gazed into the fire in front of him.

"Can't you be like Kai and just enjoy your s'mores? You're kinda being a party pooper." Alyssa sighed as she motioned to Kai who was already on his sixth s'more, face completely coated in chocolate and crumbs.

"We just went to a funeral. The fact that Kai can enjoy a s'more is literally just due to the fact that he's never had one. No normal person can have fun after attending a funeral... Sorry, Alyssa. I'm with Kevin on this one." Blake muttered as he rubbed his arms, fighting off the chill that the night brought.

"How did your family take this?" Joelee whispered to Connor who stared into the fire with tears running down his cheeks.

"Not well... His mother blamed me. Told me that I probably was the one who helped him run away. But I'm used to her treating me like that. Ever since you guys... Were taken... Every time I'd come home to visit... Despite me not remembering I was the reason... I'd still feel guilty about seeing how disappointed his mother was for the fact that I was alone when returning. When they had her identify his body she screamed when she saw him. I guess she just expected to be reunited with her son when he was alive... Not after he was gone." Connor shuddered as he remembered the awful sound, ears ringing as though he were still in the room with them as it was happening.

"She blames Esther too. I think she just needs someone to blame, now. She misses him... He was her oldest. I can't even look at Derek's siblings without seeing him when he was younger. I just can't believe I had just gotten him back and he's already dead." As Connor spoke, Kevin eyed him with a surprised expression, the ginger male seeming surprised that Connor felt any sadness for his cousin.

"It's not anyone's fault but David's. You can't blame yourselves." Joelee piped up after a moment, eyes glowing orange in the light of the fire as she stared intently into the flames.

"How can we not? You blame yourself for almost everyone's death so you know how it is. We feel this way for a reason... Survivors guilt or whatever..." Esther murmured as she ran a hand through her long, light brown, hair. The fire cracked, sending sparks spiraling into the sky as she watched with a broken expression.

"What is it?" Connor snapped after awhile, having grown tired of Kevin staring at him, his voice startling his friends who all turned their attention back to him.

"It's just... I've known you for a long time but never once have I seen you with your emotions turned on. It's a good change. I never knew you to care about anyone else. It's good to know that The Monarch hasn't taken everything from you..." Kevin admitted after a moment, causing Connor to immediately look away as he released a soft sigh.

"Kevin is right though. We do need to leave. We're putting your family in danger by being here. It won't be long until David finds us here... We need to go... Tomorrow. Just stay on the run until we can work up enough man power to destroy The Monarch itself." Connor said as he looked directly at Nathan who nodded in agreement.

"We'll find others like us. Form a group and burn that facility to the ground. If Derek escaped through different means... That means others like us probably did as well." Joelee said as she finally lifted her gaze from the flames, Nathan turning his attention to the woman beside him as he scooted closer to wrap his arm around her.

"We'll bring everyone together. Give those who are different somewhere to call home. We'll make money on the side to earn enough to buy a van. We'll stay together and fight crime... Protect those who need protecting." Nathan agreed as he hugged her close to him, smiling as she looked up to meet his deep green gaze.