Dark Halos

The Winged Convoy

Today is the Hunt as we all had to get up early and gather everything for the trip. I woke up to a hand on my stomach. Turning around I was shocked to see Connor in my bed. Memories from last night rushed in my head as I remembered. At least it wasn't Anon who was passed out in the same clothes as yesterday. Turning to look at him, he kept his distance as he gave me his hand. I remember holding it until I fell asleep. I must of forgot to let go for he never went back to his room. Looking at my hand. I saw it was cleaned from the blood. Glancing over, I see a small first aid kit on the bedside table with dry blood. He helped clean my hand from getting infected.

Connor looked peaceful in his sleep and not as annoying. I tapped his cheek to try to wake him up. It took a couple of tries until he did. His eyes landed on mine as he smiled, he must still be half asleep. I tried to get up but he pulled me back, wrapping both arms around me. I paused, having a flashback to the night before as I started to freak. I struggled to get out, when his hands started to squeeze my flesh I grabbed his thumbs and pulled them back. This caused him to wake up. I got up from the bed and started to gather my clothes. He sat up dumbfounded as he stared at his hands. I came out in a pair of black spandex and a black bra as I tug my shirt on. He watched as I did so as I stared back.

"You don't remember do you?" I asked.

"Remember what?"

"You slept walked in here and tried to take advantage."

He was silent as he stared at me then to himself. Putting his head in his hands. He groaned as he shook his head.

"Oh no.... I didn't want to after Anon-"

"So you do remember." I cut off his words, I didn't want to hear the events again.

"What?"

"The incident with Anon Jones."

"Yes but-"

"We did nothing. You came here to consult me and then you fell asleep. I did too and somehow you ended up in my bed as we spooned. You might want to control your morning wood. That was what woke me in the first place," I said as I went to my kitchen, seeing his flushed face. His humiliation was somewhat amusing. "Toast?"

"Sure? I didn't mean to. I just remembered the incident and then coming in here to see if you were alright. I remember you being mad and then being quiet. I then felt you pull my hand under the blanket and then I fell asleep."

I listened to him as I started to make some breakfast. I remembered everything, I just didn't want to tell him what I've been thinking throughout the night. I toss him a toast when it was ready. "Well you better get ready. If you were planning on spending the night I would of recommend that you bring clothes."

"Shit!" He got out of bed with the clothes he had on yesterday. He ate the toast I gave him as he came up to me. He gave me a quick hug, I tense slightly for I didn't see him coming since it was from behind. He ran out of the room and hurried to his own.

I gathered my things that I prepared the day before and did a check of things before going out. Readjusting my watch and grabbing the staff, I zipped up my leather jacket and tighten my combat boots. I went to the meeting place.

I saw Connor in his group as he gave a small wave. I simply nod as I made my way to my group. Anon is in a heated discussion with his sister as I don't try to cause any attention by looking over.

Word got out about last night but the names are unknown and the incident will release more upon our return. All that is known is that a higher level tried to make way with a group member for status or lust for it could of been their last day alive and whatnot. They said it was consensual but an eye witness said otherwise. The identities remained anonymous for public reasons. I even heard that Charles Williams have heard and is dropping off signs of what he knows. All of this mayhem on the day of The Hunt is preposterous.

Catherine sees me as she comes over, she gave me a soft smile as her eyes said otherwise. She pulled me aside, seeing that my hand is bandaged up, my arms are covered, and my hair is covering my neck.

"It's all my fault. I'm so sorry that this happened," she whispered as she made it look like she was giving me advice.

"It's alright."

"I had no idea what got to him. Did he leave any marks?"

I showed her my neck and wrists as I also told her that apparently he left a mark on one of my breasts as well. Sighing she runs her hands through her long hair. Her blue eyes piercing the crowd in front of her.

"Fucking hell," she murmured as she glared at Anon.

"It's fine. Just don't mention it," I dropped it at that. I didn't want to be constantly reminded of last night.

The Hunt begins with the signal of the horns, blaring it low hum until the shrill of the high notes ceased. People were making haste to gather their things and to join their groups. It was a miniature chaotic scene compare to the years before when it was time. I remained by Catherine's side as the rest of the group showed. I barely knew anyone on my team. I liked it that way, it gave me my own control of the situation. We waited as the elevators brought up each team up into the Rising Moonlight from the Beaufort Atoll. The elevators were made out of glass, showing the dark waters ebb around. The smell of the salty air would wake anyone up, the high winds making sure of it.

The white track stood before us, The Winged Convoy was what it was called. A few people who were bored painted wings along the silver surface. It grew on me since we were known as the Dark Halos. Lacking the wings that we needed in order to soar the skies. Taking one last look into the stars before following orders of the leader. We were packed onto the train, slowly making the descendant to land into the distance. It was still dark, the sun slowly on the rise for the new day. A way to start the day as the creatures slept.

The weather was freezing this early in the morning with not a cloud in the sky. At least that's how it'll be for the time being. It doesn't help that we're surrounded by water in the atoll. The Beaufort Atoll was located underneath the ocean surface to where they can't reach us. Despite the creatures emerging from the ground, they never actually came from deep within the core to our knowledge until a few years ago. They disguised themselves with dirt and surprised everyone. They consumed the surface with their ways. Some of the civilization lived at a nearby small isle that would provide for the time being. It was surrounded by the sea so nothing should arise, besides the sea creatures for resources. They have contact in case any disturbances were felt. The other half lived in the Air Covenant that was converted into housing.

From all of those years ago we made the buildings go higher. Half of the buildings in the water for those who were training and the other half reaching to the skies for the citizens. It made it safer to be away from land. The only way to make it towards it was by the train tracks that was built. The monsters don't try to sought us out from their fear of the blue liquid. If we cross their paths, we will be killed or used for incubation. A thought that I tried to push back as I watched the water slowly turning into land, the sun rising as we got closer to our destination beyond the mountains.