The chocolate-haired ice wielder made her way out of the pit, grabbing at frozen handfuls of sand.She reached the top and pulled herself over as Will sank to his knees, distraught. She would have paid more attention to his words if not for her sight taking on a strange haze. Circling Will’s crouched figure was a bright outline of white sparks, almost a glow. It didn’t cast a shadow, and didn’t seem to tangibly exist. Yet it remained in her view, following Will as a static energy.

Furrowing her brow, Cora glanced over at Sig. It took a second to focus, but he was surrounded by the same kind of static. It was as if the haze had always been there, but only now did she notice. More confused than curious, Cora rubbed her eyes. When she took her hands away, the hazy outlines disappeared.

“How strange.” Cora mumbled, staring down at her palms.

*"I'm going to the city now,"* Will said through clenched teeth, standing upright. *"I will not wait any longer."*

Cora appraised Will with tired eyes, immediately feeling weak. How much did they have to push before Kyra would let them rest? She was through with this, living in uncertainty of her life. It wasn’t as simple as walking away, though. That was her first lesson Kyra taught her, at the expense of a few precious lives. No, she was in this for the long haul.

There was blood on her hands. Blood of friend and foe, destroyed by her gifts. Her brash actions. To save her soul, she had to see this through. They could not lie down and die. That was not a luxury they could afford.

As Will made a run for it, Cora pumped a fist in the air. “You heard the man. Kyra’s wish is clear. Onward, to Appling!” She took off running, tagging behind Will. Their destination was close, barely a half-hour’s walk. With this speed, they’d make it in half the time. 

The small city came up fast on the horizon, standing out amidst the rubble. Large skyscraper-like structure made of copper and steel were ringed by an uneven wall ten feet high. The protective wall was made from scrap metal and abandoned cars stacked on each other, making for one artistic scene of well-placed junk.

As their group neared the wall gate, several heads popped out from within the large watchtower just behind the city’s walls. For every Elemental there were two laser points lighting up their chests as guards aimed their assault rifles. One stood, eyes narrow and head held high. He looked like the one in charge.

“Halt!” His gruff voice boomed. “Hands where I can see them, now. You kids are young to be wandering out by yourself, what with all those alien scouts scouring the wasteland. This is how it’s gonna work. I’m gonna ask a few questions, you’re gonna answer me. We’ll decide whether or not to shoot you.” He flicked the safety off a small, hand-made gun, cocking it once before leveling it at Will.

“Who are you? Why are you here? Who’s your leader and who do you report to? And DON’T try to bullshit me.” He growled, wagging a gloved finger at them. “I can smell bullshit a mile away.”