"Are you trying to kill me?" she asked.
"Well, I don't know. Seems like I should be asking you that question," I retorted.
Releasing her from my grip, I inquired why she had tracked me down. "You're the only person I've talked to since all these programs began. I needed someone I could trust, especially since I'm not familiar with surviving in the wild."
A small chuckle escaped us both. "Fine, we can stick together, but tomorrow, we'll both focus on finding food."
Laughter filled the air, and our gazes lingered on each other. "Hey, Mia, on the last night of the program, did you come across anything dangerous or unusual?"
She hesitated for a moment before answering, "Not much, but I did hear something you might find interesting."
My curiosity piqued. "What would that be?"
"There's someone really formidable among us—a person who wields electricity. They can use it offensively and defensively, surrounding themselves in an electrified shield. In short, they're dangerous."
"Does anyone know their name?" I inquired.
"As far as I'm aware, no one does. You see, I don't engage with many people. I either extract information or eliminate those who pose a threat," she admitted.
I found myself contemplating her background and upbringing. Eventually, I wished her a good night and drifted back into slumber.
A moderately tall young man entered a vast wooden hut, dressed in a dark blue jacket and matching blue military boots. A face mask and shades obscured his features.
"I get that you guys started this group and all, but don't you think you need someone to lead you rather than resorting to voting on matters?"
"Don't just stroll in here and talk as if you can effortlessly command us!" a voice countered. A tense silence hung in the air.
A chuckle broke through. "Ha ha ha, do you genuinely think anyone here could stand against me in a fight? I suggest you listen."
A girl, nearly matching his height but with blond hair, calmly approached. "Tyler, what's going on?"
"If it isn't Miss Alison. Not much, really. Just felt like taking charge of your little crew here," Tyler responded, withdrawing his hands from his pockets. The crackling of lightning filled the air.
Removing his shades, his eyes glowed blue. Pointing at her, a bolt of lightning shot forth, hitting Alison squarely in the chest. She crumpled to the ground. Tyler took a few steps forward and halted.
The ground trembled, and everyone began evacuating as the hut quaked ominously. It seemed the structure might collapse.
Alison rose from the debris, covered in dust and rocks, glaring at Tyler with unbridled fury. "You've crossed the line!"
The sounds of birds and insects filled the morning air as I stirred awake. Propping myself against the cave's wall, I took a deep breath and surveyed my surroundings. Mia was nowhere to be seen.
Calling out her name yielded no response, prompting me to stand up and venture outside. After a few paces, I heard a splashing sound nearby.
Coming to a halt, I mused if she was taking a shower. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to intrude, so I returned to the cave, deciding to wait for her. Not long after, she returned, dragging a bag behind her.
The bag seemed to contain food. "Here's some food in case you're hungry. I just finished bathing at a nearby river." My sigh of relief was audible as I confessed that I already knew.
"Don't tell me you watched me in the shower?" Her gaze was as icy as when she had faced off against Anaya.
"No way! Why would I do something so inappropriate?" I informed her that I intended to take my shower next and asked her to keep watch in case anyone approached until I returned.
She nodded, and I headed off to the river, my thoughts musing on her as I went.
--FROM THE WRITER'S POINT OF VIEW--
Jason approached the river cautiously, scanning his surroundings for any signs of danger. Once he reached the water's edge, he removed his shirt, revealing well-defined muscles and a chiseled six-pack that glistened in the morning sun.
Stepping into the water, he savored the cool sensation against his skin. Shedding his jeans, he stood in just his boxer shorts and waded deeper into the water, immersing himself in a refreshing shower.
As he finished bathing, he decided to dive below the surface, exploring the aquatic world beneath. Holding his breath, he marveled at the variety of fish before ascending back to the surface.
Breaking through the water's surface, he noticed a figure holding his clothes. Clearing the water from his face, he recognized Mia.
"Mia! What are you doing here? I told you to keep watch at the cave."
"Don't worry, I've made sure no one can enter. It's safe," she assured him.
--FROM JASON'S PERSPECTIVE--
It took me a moment to realize that I was practically naked. "Uh, hey, I think I'll take my clothes back now."
"Um, sorry. I found your clothes here and thought I could help," she stammered.
"Right, thanks." An awkward silence hung between us. I dressed quickly and began making my way back to the cave.
As I walked, it dawned on me that Mia had been looking at my chest. I couldn't help but grin, teasing, "What's with the look?"
Blushing, she turned away, muttering, "Just hurry up and meet me in the cave."
With that, she left, and soon, she was out of sight. I dressed and headed back to the cave, but just as I approached, a towering pillar of ice loomed in the sky, prompting me to pick up my pace and discover the cause of this extraordinary phenomenon.