The Divided

Chapter Two: Assimilation

as·sim·i·la·tion
/əˌsimiˈlāSH(ə)n/
noun
the absorption and integration of people, ideas, or culture into a wider society

Kyle took first shift to keep watch as the rest slept. Marcus spent this time trying to comfort Lilith. They were holed up in an abandoned warehouse a couple hours from the facility, so there was no doubt that they could be searching the surrounding area. They planned to leave at sunset and use the night as cover.

"So what are we gonna do now?" Marcus asked Kyle.

"Well she's the leader," He said pointing at a sleeping Lilith, "But I think we should get as far from here as we can and try to put this all behind us."

"What about our powers. We can make a difference in the world."

"So you want to risk the entire army capturing us, so you can play hero?"

"Well..I guess you're right, but maybe we could after laying low for a while."

"Maybe."

Lilith had only been able to sleep for about an hour before a nightmare plagued her. She awoke suddenly and sat up, taking a few deep breaths then looked around. She noticed Kyle and Marcus and got up to talk to them.

"One of y'all tired? I can't sleep properly after what just happened."

"I guess I could head to sleep. Don't overwork yourselves now Lil, Kyle. The rest are counting on us, whether we like it or not," Marcus walked past Lilith, not before giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze and nodding to Kyle.

Lilith sat beside Kyle, with a good amount of space between them. She took a moment to just look around, sighing quietly to herself, then looking to the ground.

"You sure you're not tired Kyle? It's been a good hour or two," Lilith's voice was much softer and dull compared to her authoritative tone she had used back at camp.

"I'm okay, the rest need as much energy as they can get for when we leave."

"That's true. Do you really think we can put this behind us and live... well, normally?" Lilith looked to said teen, a crease in her brows and her eyes showing the uneasiness she felt.

"It'll take time, but I think we could. We all have our whole lives ahead of us, it would be better if we tried our best to think of this as the past and only that," Kyle looked at her slightly, taking note of her worried features.

Lilith nodded silently, going back to looking at the ground. 'I'm not prepared to do this. I'm no leader. How am I supposed to do this?' Questions and doubts continued to swarm her mind.

"Lilith," Said girl looked up, "You know you're not alone right? You may be the leader between all of us, but, especially me and Marcus, are still here to help. You don't have to do everything by yourself."

"How--"

"I can tell you're stressed."

"Oh."

Lilith and Kyle sat in silence until the rest woke up. Just in time too, sunset was approaching. Everyone got together and began trying to get to a small town where they wouldn't be caught. They took breaks during the day and traveled at night for a few days before stumbling upon a small town.

When they find a locked, abandoned apartment Lilith is the first to take action.

"I got this," Lilith produces flames in each hand. She pretends to spit the flame into each hand, "OPEN SESAME!"

Marcus grabs her by the waist quickly. Kyle opens the door like a normal human while everyone else starts laughing.

"Damnit, at least I got the intended reaction," Lilith made marcus let go and followed Kyle inside.