How did this happen?
I sat on the ground of the training room, my eyes staring hopelessly at the mess in front of me.
Sani was laying on the floor, her chest heaving up and down heavily. Next to her was Parker, who's messy curls had become flat due to sweat. His eyes were hazy as unfocusing every other second. Don't get even get me started on Tristan who was hurling yesterday's dinner down a small trash can.
All I wanted was to work-out again. After the recent spell, I noticed that my speed had slowed down significantly. Which was something that could be disastrous in the case of an emergency.
However when I woke up, Sani had already been awake due to her nightmares and decided to tag along in her own.
Tristan miraculously met us near the bathrooms.
Parker had the night shift and saw us heading towards the training room.
However, these three couldn't even do seventy laps.
What's the point of coming if you can't even do it? They haven't even started the rigorous part yet.
With a small sigh I decided to stand up. If I stayed here, they'd only push themselves. It was a good thing I did at least some core exercises while they were finishing up.
"Let's end here." I muttered.
However, before I could take a step towards the door they rushed over to me and blocked my way. Something about the crazed and excited look in their eyes made me shudder.
"Do you train like this often?"
"Do you think you could train me?"
"What's next?"
I stepped back, overwhelmed by their bombardment of questions. "I- don't you guys need rest?"
"How can I rest when I know I haven't reached my maximum capacity?" Sani barked.
My eyes were wide. I've never seen her act this way.
"How come we've never done this during our training." Tristan muttered to himself in the corner.
"So will you teach us?" Parker asked with sparkling eyes.
"You shouldn't Snow." Tristan protested.
My mouth opened as I hesitated. I felt as though it was a lot, teaching Tristan that is, so would I be able to train two more people?
"Please!" Sani and Parker looked at me with pleading eyes, eyes that sparkled innocently.
What look is that and why is it so effective?
"Fine."
They both cheered, fisting the air in triumph.
"Can we start today?" Sani asked with ambition as Parker nodded next to her.
I looked at them wearily. They were clearly not at my level, but wasn't it good to test how far they can go? But could they last the rest of the day if I train them today? Well, it was good to start at some point right?
My head unconsciously nodded when I made the decision to continue. "Take a rest first."
Their eyes were still hazy, while Tristan still looked green. Within seconds, they collapsed on the ground, as if their legs were waiting for the command.
They're really weak.
Once the thought came into my mind, others began to follow.
If they were to find me...
These people wouldn't survive.
My throat tightened. If I want to stay, this is the way. I can help them become stronger.
"So when will we start?" Sani asked on the ground, obviously eager to grow stronger.
They can be stronger.
Before I could respond, a familiar sensation hit me. I opened my mouth quickly, "Wait here."
"Wait, where are you going?" Tristan called after me as I quickly made my way out of the room.
Since there was no one around, I decided to run towards the end of the hall.
The nearest restrooms. Nearest restrooms. End of the Hall. Almost there!
It was the only thing on my mind at that point. When I was outside, whenever I felt the urge, I would just go but here I actually have to hold it in.
I sighed of relief when I exited the restroom. My relief disappeared however, when I felt an eerie feeling come over me.
Where?
With discretion, my eyes glanced left and right around my surrounding.
Where?
Since they were no where in my sight, I walked forward. My ears were honed and listened for any sort of noise.
There!
Behind me, there was the smallest yet existent sound of footsteps. Their footsteps where dangerously quiet, a normal person didn't walk this way. At least I haven't met anyone of that caliber.
Pausing and squatting, I pretended to fix my pants. Coincidentally, the noise stopped as well.
I wasn't imagining things. There was someone watching me this whole time.
Without giving a single clue of my knowledge, I stood up again, walking towards the training area. One, two, three! Suddenly, I turned, running full speed ahead at the figure that ran ahead.
They wore a hoodie that kept their head and neck out of frame, the only thing I had going was their clothes. And their unusually skinny legs.
Their legs moved skillfully and with no error. No one I'd seen at this base ran this way, like running was something they was used to.
They turned a corner and I turned after them but they had disappeared.
They're here. I just have to find them.
I walked down the hall, my eyes looking for any speck out of place. Anything that was weirdly placed or an object that had been moved.
My steps grew quieter as I reached the end of the hall. Found you.
"Snow?"
Parker's sudden voice caused my heart to leap as I turned around to face him.
"Are you okay?" He asked with concern.
I looked back at the end of the hall.
"We were waiting for you and then everyone else showed up."
"What?" I glanced back at him.
Having four of them was enough but more of them?
Suddenly, those gentle footsteps again ran out again but they weren't walking quietly, they sped towards me.
Before I could turn around and defend myself, I felt my sweater being pulled backwards with force. Enough force to pull me to the ground. A grunt escaped my lips as my bottom touched the concrete floor.
"Snow!" Parker was too slow to react, and only let the person escape.
As Parker extended his arm, I pulled myself up and ran past him.
No! No!
I turned the corner and saw them running far off in the distance.
"That bastard." Parker was going to go after him but I grabbed his sweatshirt and shook my head.
Parker was slower than me, and I knew I had no chance of reaching that person from here. Even if I did, he'd have more time to efficiently hide. It was only a waste of time.
"Who was that?" Parker asked, a bit winded due to the surprise.
I glanced at him then started to jog back to the training room, ignoring his question.
"Snow!? Snow!" He called after me. "Who was-"
"Snow!" Tristan appeared by the entrance, smoothly sliding his arm around my shoulders and giving Parker a glare.
Did I give you permission or something? Since when were we so close?
I gave him a quick hard stare and Tristan let out a slow awkward laugh. His arm slowly let go of me and hung back at it's rightful side.
Someone yawned loudly by us, catching my attention.
Brye sat on one of the small benches, her eyes puffy with sleep. Liz laid on her knees, and due to her long legs, half of her lower body dangled in the air. Arianna and Dan chatted, they also looked a little sleep disoriented but managed to stay awake regardless.
Everyone really is here...
When we entered, Arianna stood and glared at me. Her lips formed a cute pout, "You! Why didn't you were tell me you were going to wake up so early?"
Her words caused my heart to wretch with a slight guilt but I ignored it. "I didn't tell anyone."
"Then how did they get here?"
Everyone's attention moved from me to Parker, Sani, and Tristan who looked uninterested.
"I was actually the last one to join them! I found them on the way here." Parker raised his hands, excusing himself.
"I was already awake." Sani shrugged.
Everyone glanced at Tristan.
"She invited me."
A shoe went flying and hit him on the head.
"Ow! Fine! I was at the bathroom when I saw them." He grumbled as Parker went over to retrieve his shoe.
They all turned back to me.
Arianna was still visibly upset. "Still, you should have told me."
"Well she's going to start training all of us continually, so why don't you join us?" Parker pipped in.
I internally cursed and glared at him. Why are you inviting others on my stead?!
"Only if Snow says it's fine." Arianna proposed slyly.
I bit my lip inwardly. Dan and Arianna looked at me expectantly, and while every ounce of me wanted to reject extending that invitation, my heart couldn't do it. I'm not sure why. Ever since I arrived it seemed almost impossible to reject anything they asked.
"I'll be training everyday at five." I muttered, giving in.
My words gave was to burst of excited chattering amount the crowd that remained awake. I glanced over at Brye who was nodding off and Dan who was snoring without restraint.
Although they'd learn from the training, they're basically children. I don't want to put them through that. Besides, seeing that they sleep a lot means they require a lot of energy. If I drain them now, they definitely won't last until breakfast, much less the end of the day.
"One condition though." I spoke over their chattering. Ignoring their surprised looks, I pointed to the youngest of the crowd. "Don't wake them up."
Dan frowned. "Why shouldn't we?"
"That's my only condition."
"We agree." Sani quickly pushed Dan out of the way zealously.
"But-"
Sani scolded, "If that's her condition we should listen. Besides it doesn't harm them to let them sleep a bit more."
Dan bit her lip, giving up.
"Can we start training now?" Sani begged.
Everyone nodded as Arianna grinned and took a seat on the ground by Brye's feet.
I let out a sigh and nodded.
My prediction was correct. None of them could complete my work out and now, halfway throughout the day, they lied on the cafeteria table with a dead look in their eyes.
"Dan. Dan. Dan." Liz poked her friend's face, unaware that Dan's patience was already so thin.
Dan roared, "Leave me alone!"
Brye and Liz flinched and looked at the others with wide eyes.
"Surely it wasn't that bad?" Brye asked the others.
Sani wasn't laying but had her arms crossed and eyes closed. "It was worse." She stated with a tired tone.
Parker responded with a snore. Since he had pulled half a nightshift, at the moment he had knocked out permanently. He would giggle in his sleep occasionally, a goofy grin coming over his lips.
Tristan kept mumbling and complaining about how his muscles were sore.
Arianna laughed. "Too bad you were to busy sleeping to see it."
I resisted the urge to smirk. My body, in contrast of them, felt quite refreshed and light. It had been a while since I've worked out like that. I ate comfortably, although I wasn't that sure what I was eating.
"Parker?" An unfamiliar voice peered behind me, calling the attention of those who were awake. "Uh, hi. I'm Garret, Parker's friend. I'm just gonna- wake him up." A lanky kid with brown mopey hair glanced at us awkwardly before tiptoeing to Parker. He shook Parker's shoulder gently. "Parker!" He hissed. "Wake up!"
No matter how much he shook, Parker continued to snore and drool dripped out of his lips.
Sani opened her eyes, quietly leaning forward without a word. We all watched as she suddenly raised her hand.
The kid gasped when Sani's hand landed on Parker's head with a loud echoing sound.
He sat up rapidly, pressing the injury on his head and cursing. "What the hell?!"
"Go to sleep in your own bed." She snapped in retort.
Arianna clearly found the interaction amusing. Her lips were pressed together to repress a smile and her eyes were slightly curved.
"I'll sleep wherever the hell I want." Parker grumbled and moved to get comfortable on the table once more.
"Parker!" His friend protested but Parker ignored him. He quickly glanced at us before leaning into Parker's ear. "Azul said that if you didn't come she'd tell everyone about that book you read."
He was whispering, however, I doubt it could be considered whispering.
Book? Why would Parker ca-
Parker jolted up and glared at his friend. "Go right now and tell her I'm on my way."
Oh.
"Oooo." Liz started, her voice almost taunting. "What book was it Parker?"
He blushed red, "It's none of your business!"
She grinned mischievously and poked Brye excitedly. "It's probably an adult book. You know the ones with po-"
"Liz!" He shouted embarrassedly and looked at me frantically. "I don't have any of that type of stuff!"
"Parker she's-"
"Alright I'm going!" Parker barked and glared at Liz before stomping away.
Liz laughed at his back. "He's so easy to tease."
Everyone agreed with her, small curves and grins adorned everyone's lips.
An unsettling feeling came over me. I knew what adult books were, I'd seen them before while training. However the sight of them gave me a disgusting feeling, not because the the pages but the people behind the pages.
They're not the same type of people.
I reminded myself but the feeling wouldn't go away.
Their lustful and terrifying eyes implanted were implanted in my brain. The type of eyes that gave the weak a feverish and horrifying chill. And an unsafe feeling.
He's different.
I wasn't sure why I wanted to defend him. Perhaps it was because those people were monsters, created to kill and slaughter.
"I'm going to go give Lucky some food." Arianna suddenly stood up and waved at us. "See y'all later."
When she said Lucky's name, my heart leaped nervously. Why? Why was she leaving?
My hand was about to grab her sweater but I quickly stopped myself. It has nothing to do with me. She's just going to visit the person she likes.
But she won't leave me behind will she? She won't forget about me right?
"Today we have art time after dinner don't we?" Brye started with a groan. "I'm the worst at art!"
"You think you're the only one?" Dan retorted with a grunt.
Pushing the odd feelings away, my eyes focused at the group that laughed in front of me. I wish things would stay this peaceful.
Then a realization dawned on me.
I didn't want to compare them because I had become fond of them. I was so used to seeing everyone equal to me, equal to monsters who only survive and kill.
But they were different. For the most part, they had no idea of the world outside of this one. And I wanted to keep it that way. I want to protect them, keep them safe.
And I was going to do everything to do so.