Next Generation (Paused)

6

July 4, 2202

Fremont County, Colorado

My foot healed crooked and it was a constant reminder of what happened four weeks ago. I asked Magnus to break my foot, to at least try to fix this incubus. He refused and I did it myself, fixing the scar that Xavier left despite the discoloration from my bruises. It fully healed correctly after a couple of weeks went by, but the nightmares smother me as murk cleanses me. I dreamed of him completely his action. Tonya would watch, her cries and tears, waking me in a cold sweat and ire. I broke the cell gate when one of the first nightmares came and raced to the infirmary to end him fully. It took Magnus and 6 guards to hold me down before they injected me with that poison, knocking me out and weakening my trait even more.

Ole Will came to tell us that we are being transferred and I took the news happily. I would kill myself if I stayed here any longer. When I found out that I didn't kill Xavier, I was beyond furious. I was so close, but not close enough. He is in the prison's hospital in critical condition with an open fractured skull, internal bleeding in his stomach, minor brain damage, a fracture in his index finger and complete blindness in his right eye since it practically dissolved from my blood. I crave his demise. In addition, Magnus glances at me more than I would like. He holds me back from my sick desires, I know he's concerned about me, but I can't face him. I can't face anyone anymore. What am I supposed to say? Who would have known that that would happen?

The news spread around the prison like wildfire. Everyone stares at me when I decide to go outside or eat lunch in the cafeteria. I don't know if it is for fear or pity, but I don't care. I'm leaving this place and will find my daughter soon. That's all I'm focused on. That's the only thing keeping me alive and kicking. I lay in my bunk and stare into space. What would I give to hear swarms of mosquitoes outside in the warm and humid air again? I hear Magnus shift in his bunk above me. "You awake?" he asks. I huff in response.

It's quiet once again, our breathing the only sound audible in our cell. "We're getting transferred today," he whispers.

I sigh, "It's almost hard to believe."

"It's the 4th of July," he comments quietly.

"Perfect day to escape, huh?" I hint at him.

"Right."

"You're really going to do it?" I ask.

"We're really going to do it," he corrects.

I shift, so I'm laying on my back. "Okay, how?"

"I've had a plan up my sleeve for a while."

I nod and leave it there. I close my eyes like I'm going to sleep, but I know better. If I sleep, there is always a nightmare ready to embrace me. I don't feel like dealing with it this morning. "Akil," he calls me, "you know you can talk to me, right?"

"About?" I ask even though I already know what he's talking about. I've been dreading the conversation.

"Tonya, your godfather... Xavier." I cringe when he says his name. I cover my neck when I feel the texture of his beard against it. That's your imagination. He is not here.

"I," I pause and clear my throat, "what would that conversation be like?"

"I can't say. We'll just have to wait until we get there," he replies.

I shift to my side again and observe my fingers, "I... I wish I killed him." My tone is quiet, but truthful and stern.

I curl my hand into a fist, "I wish you didn't see the state of vulnerability I was in. How weak I am. You feel responsible for what happened. I can see it in your eyes, through your actions."