Run For Your Life

The Facility

Song: God Knows I Tried by Lana Del Rey

May 19

This head of his has been oddly quiet. Sometimes they make an appearance, but mostly it's empty. Whether that is a good or bad thing has yet to be decided. At least he's left alone.

The first few days seemed lonelier than normal, but that is probably due to the complete isolation he was put through. No light, no people, no voices, no thoughts. He's been drugged and drugged, hardly ever allowed to use his powers. But it's been awhile since he's arrived and now the boy is allowed some privileges, including meal times and game nights. In fact, he's even made a few friends.

Though he's still unable to use his powers, due to all the sedatives. He's almost positive that's why the voices aren't back yet. The boy has been behaving quite well, though, meaning he'll gain that privilege in no time. Only he's not sure whether that's exactly good or bad.

It's not as if he's not been able to use his powers at all. Every other day he's brought back to a lab where they study his powers and mind. At first it scared him, but he's used to it by now. After all, everyone here has to go through it, some more than others.

The place is quite large. There's more people than he'd ever imagined. Every single one different and unique. Including the two girls who sit in front of them, a deck of cards in each of their hands.

"Go fish." One of the girl's voice rings. Her hair is short and dyed pink, though it's faded since being brought to the facility. She keeps talking about cashing in her points to have it fixed, but then ends up buying candy bars instead.

Points are what they receive for good behavior. It's also a form of their own money. The points award them with candy bars and books and soaps and much more. Things that used to be apart of their day to day life now ripped away. This place really is a prison.

Charlie is the girl's name, and the girl sat next to her is Ally. The two sixteen year olds met when they first arrived and had developed an immediate bond, leading them to fall in love. Of course the two took in the boy, offering their friendship and guidance.

"Stanley you're up." Charlie drums on the table, waiting for the boy to continue their game.

Charlie and Ally really do have a unique bond. Something that Stanley had actually never seen before. Of course he sees it in this place all the time now, just never as profound as theirs. He really has learned a lot. There's still so much left to learn. Part of him wonders if him and Bill would've had the same.

Charlie and Ally, due to being in the place longer, had earned all of the privileges. So they're able to activate their powers almost whenever. Stanley thinks it's the coolest thing, especially when they get outdoors time and Charlie is able to show hers off.

The girl can fly. Charlie is literally able to summon any form of wings she can imagine and take flight. It's his dream, which makes this next fact even more fun. Ally, her girlfriend, often summons her own pair of wings and takes flight too. Even though that's not her power at all. In fact, Ally's power is to speak and understand every language ever created. So you can only imagine Stanley's shock the first time he saw the two form each other's powers.

Each explained how for them, using each other's power came natural. However, this doesn't mean it's  impossible for anyone else. Just much more difficult. There's a bond you have to create if you want to summon another's power. It's quite the task too, from what Stanley had gathered from others who had finally figured it out.

There's a lot of training and focus involved, but again it's not impossible. The boy had seen people hold multiple powers at a time. This is why he's so excited to gain the privilege. Stanley is ready to get to work and gain the ability to use his own wings.

But despite trying to keep positive, an overwhelming amount of sadness keeps him hostage. He wonders where Bill is, or if he's even okay. Does he ever think about Stanley? Has he found another who interests him more?

Then there's also Stanley Barber, who he'd barely even talked to, let alone get to know. What's the deal with him? Are they related? Where did the boy come from? Who exactly is he?

There's so many questions and no way to answer any of them, which only frustrates him. But he has to try and remain calm or he'll never see a day where he's able to gain back control of his power. It's due to his rage that he has no privilege in the first place. Stanley understands why. There's no telling what he's capable of when he's mad. And he loses his temper quite often.

"I wonder if these assholes are any closer to figuring shit out." Charlie speaks, putting her cards to the side.

"I doubt it. They've been running test after test after test. There's no way they're even close." Ally slumps against the table, completely exhausted. That's another thing about this place. No one gets any sleep, especially the ones able to use their powers freely. Those are the ones constantly put through training.

"My guess is just that it was an accident. Obviously it's not government related. They don't have a clue." Charlie slumps down as well.

"Even if it wasn't them who caused this, they're still going to act as if they own us. We'll never live normal lives. We're nothing but weapons now."

Stanley looks to the two with a frown. Part of him is sad that they're stuck, but the other part is just jealous they've found each other. Life here would be a lot less boring with Bill. That's for sure. "Maybe it was aliens."

Charlie and Ally peeks up, laughing. "Nah."

"Then I have no idea." The boy stands, taking his tray of food while he does so.

"Off to the laboratory?" Charlie fakes a gag.

"Duty calls." He waves while heading off. The boy has been getting there early, trying his best to gain more points and privileges. Luckily it's been working. He almost has enough for a pint of ice cream.

"Uris, you're early. Again. Maybe we'll be able to let you use your powers soon, huh? Keep up the good work."

Stanley smiles, despite being a nervous wreck. He really does hate the lab. How could he not with the constant testing, which almost always leaves him drained and ill. Part of him wonders if they're trying to figure out the big picture at all. Part of him wonders if they're just taking his powers for their personal use. Oh well, it's not exactly like he can fight back.