Dwyer

I think I'm lost. Probably not a good thing, considering I'm not with Zaiden right now or Aimee and Jace and Lacie are both off hunting small game. I really, really shouldn't have wandered off so far, but hey, we needed food and by whatever god may exist, I'm going to get it. It's just... this path happens to be just slightly darker than I'm comfortable with. Not that I'm afraid, merely... uneasy. I would say that's a perfectly reasonable reaction considering the fact that I swear I'm hearing footsteps behind me and there sure are a lot of shadows out here and--

Okay. Deep breath. It'll be fine, I just need to get some food and-- SNAP! Ahh, crap, what was that? I quickly turn around, expecting to come face-to-face with some horrific nightmare-monster from the depths of hell itself, only to find.... a squirrel. Brilliant. I take a deep breath. Okay. Forget the food, I'm getting the feeling that figuring out where I am is probably more important.

On my left: a tree, some more trees, a big tree and a bush.... Not helpful. To the right; trees... trees... a flower... more trees... trees.... None of this is distinct, I can't remember any of it, even with a photographic memory. All the trees look the same here... Maybe I should try following my footsteps. I check the ground, expecting to find something but it appears the ground's completely solid. I left no trail.

Okay, no problem. I'll just... wander aimlessly.

I glance up at the jigsaw-puzzle of a sky, cross-hatched with branches like huge, ripping claws, and suddenly realize a much smarter idea has been staring me in the face the whole time. I search the trees for one that looks solid with branches I can get to, and manage to swing my way up a large purple and red-striped Seuss-esque looking thing, scaling the branches until I can spot open sky. I'm a damn good climber, especially with bare feet. I suppose that's one plus to losing my shoes.

Swinging up to the top, I scan the horizon for the clearing Zaiden told me to meet him in. I think I can see it. About a mile off in the opposite direction I was going. Well... that's fine, I'll just turn around and go the right way. Shouldn't take me too long, I'm fast. Hey, who knows, maybe Zaiden stumbled upon one of those big bull-like things with three horns and killed it with his cross-bow. Man would that ever be great! We'd eat for ages. ...Assuming it didn't kill him first, or Aimee if she's with him... or maybe Jace and Lacie found one... those things are brutal. Oh crap! I should really get back, then, in case they do need help... Also it is pretty lonely out here. I haven't passed by another sapient being in--

Hold it. What's that?

I'm peering down through the branches, just a little bit off into the distance. There's some movement, and it isn't animal. The shape isn't right, and it looks like it just woke up or something, looking around, seeming confused... It must be another one. Yes! Another person! I haven't seen anyone new in-- No. Bad Dwyer. Don't get excited over another person getting trapped. That can't be good karma....

I take a deep breath, trying to get myself to calm down a little so I don't just scare the hell out of the newbie.

After a moment I leap down branch-to-branch until I get to the forest floor, then take off like a bullet in the direction of the figure, crashing through the undergrowth loud enough to cause a stampede. I should really slow down. The idea is not to scare the new person... why am I always doing this wrong. Forcing my legs to a calmer pace, I continue on until I come across a small stream. And sure enough, just a few paces off, a human. Another human. No antlers or anything. My heart is pounding so fast I feel like I might explode if I don't immediately run over to him. But I hold back. Somehow, I don't think he'd be as excited to see me as I am to see him. He might run. People have run before, a girl once got killed doing that. She ran right into the path of a tri-horned bull. It was...

No. No, it's way too nice a day to be thinking about horrific memories. But the point remains. I need to approach with caution. That's just... a little easier said than done when it comes to me. I take a deep breath, and step over to him slowly, keeping my distance. But suddenly it's like my mouth has a mind of its own and I'm grinning like a madman, calling, "Hey! I'm Dwyer, you have no idea how amazing it is to see another human! Poor circumstances... but... oh wait! I forgot. Are you real? Because sometimes..." I'm going to stop now. I'm not sure he even registered any of that, he looks so... lost. Well... at least he's not running. That's something.

---

Zaiden

Dwyer's been gone a while. I wonder if I should check on him. He does have tendencies to wander off. For someone with a photographic memory, he certainly gets lost often enough. Says it's something to do with the trees all looking the same here. Like a pattern. I've noticed, but I hadn't realized it was that severe. Every now and then they change drastically enough... occasionally overnight.

I gave him a knife... he's probably lost it. Or decided he'd rather use his hands to kill something we can eat. The fruit can't be trusted. Not since Dwyer tried and nearly died because of it. Or we could--

No. We can't try the deer-people. They don't seem to like us.... more-so me, I'll admit. Every time they see me they run off, or one will try to challenge me to some kind of dual, which I have no intention of participating in. Dwyer keeps insisting there's nothing wrong with them, but if we're going to get attacked, I'd rather it not be by a sapient army with their own tools and weapons.

I sigh, finishing up with the water and taking the last bucket back to the clearing. I should never have let him go in the first place. He's too impulsive. Too willing to take on something he can't handle. And he'd argue I used to be like that but I don't... I don't feel like anything's changed. I've always been cautious, haven't I? It's logical... it makes sense. And I don't think I was ever much for talking, despite what Dwyer says.... It doesn't feel right. I can't recall ever being anything other than who I currently am. He must be making things up again. Trying to justify his own actions.

I drop the water off at the edge of the clearing and lean against a tree with my arms folded. I'm starting to get mixed feelings again... wanting to run after Dwyer while at the same time having a strong desire to stay exactly where I am.

I remain standing. The forest is quiet today. I would hear if he cried out. And where did Aimee go? I thought she was here... huh. Oh well, I'm sure they're both fine. And Jace and Lacie are just out hunting, they're usually fine with that. And I don't see why Dwyer shouldn't be as well, he's been here longer than them.

Somehow that decision feels wrong too... but I have no reason to question it. Sighing, I shift my weight back a little more so the tree is supporting me more. I feel tired. More tired than I should. Probably nothing, though. I just wish we could sleep...

---

Alec

I remember the forest.... but not this one. I.. I think I... Goddamn it, what did I do? I can't remember. I mean, there was a long walk, and a forest, and I guess I... passed out somehow? But why is it all different? What the hell is this? Am I dreaming?

...Probably not. If I was I'd be lucid dreaming right now and somehow, I don't feel like I could fly. Actually, I feel more like I'd break if I moved. Did something hit me? I'm so dizzy. And.. kinda sick. Uuugh, this can't be a good sign. I didn't drink, did I? Because the last time I tried that, it didn't... yeah, no, I wouldn't be that stupid a second time. Something happened, though. Seriously, what is this place?

I glance around the area. Striped trees with twisted trunks and gnarled branches, a green/yellow sun staining everything with a sort of eerie lime glow, pale purple sky and purple water running down a stream. Yeah, this isn't normal. Maybe I've finally snapped. Or maybe I just woke up in some bizarre children's book. Alec in Wonderland. Hilarious.

I glance at my reflection. I look a little paler than usual. Maybe it's just the strange water, or the light or something. I wish I remembered what I did last night. Where I went. Well, the forest.. but how did I wind up here?

I take a deep breath. Come on, think back... there must be something... I'm trying to recall what happened just before I got here. There must be something that formed my decision, otherwise, why would I go to the forest, especially at night? That would leave Evelyn all alone with--

Oh no. Goddamn it, no! Evelyn! I jump up suddenly, looking around, trying to figure out just where the hell I wound up. What was I thinking? Why would I leave her alone? And with him. How did I even get here?

I'm starting to panic. Like everything just hit all at once and I need to.. I need to... Shit, I don't know. I just need to get out of here somehow.

--And suddenly a voice calls out behind me. I stiffen, turning around slowly to meet eyes with... the last thing I'd expect to see. An oddly cheerful-looking guy with deep red hair sticking up all over the place, bright blue eyes opened their widest as he blurts out his name and asks if I'm real.

I stare at him. Well, what do you expect? I don't know where I am and suddenly this random person comes out of nowhere and decides to question reality for me... what do I even do with that? Aye.

"Sorry! Was that too abrupt? For the record," he says, walking a little closer. I take a step back. "I do think you're real. It's just... you never can be sure here."

I blink. "Just where is 'here'?" And then a thought occurs. What if I-- no. No, not even going to think about that. There's no way I'd do that to Evelyn or to anyone.... And what would it make this place? There must be a better explanation.

The guy--Dwyer-- thought for a moment. "Well... I can't really answer that. Here is here. It's not your world anymore. Everyone's kinda... stuck here. And by everyone, I mean the few other people who wound up 'round the bend with us."

"'Round the bend?'" I question.

"A figure of speach," Dwyer replies with a shrug. "I'm sorry, can I explain this later? We really should get to a safer area. I'm pretty sure this part of the forest is where most of the animals live and pretty much all of them are dangerous... heh..."

"Sounds like fun," I mutter, but deep down I'm actually pretty freaked out. What the hell is this place? Why am I here? Why is it dangerous? And... what about my world? If this is a different one.. how do I get back?

...Based on this guy's appearance, faded clothing and lack of shoes, I'm going to guess he doesn't know.... After a moment of thought, I sigh. It seems like following him is really my only option here. I don't know where I am, how I got here or what this place even is.... At least this Dwyer person seems to have some idea as to what he's doing... sort of.

Well... better than nothing, I guess... I just.. I wish I could remember everything.

At first, I thought maybe I'm dreaming this place, but as the days passed and night fell and left again, I realized that it wasn't a dream. It was too vivid. It took me ages of trying, but I couldn't wake up, or sleep, either. As I watched the sun come up on the second day, I figured maybe I overdosed, which is unlikely, but the best thing I can come up with. Or maybe I just... let go.

Whatever the case, I feel my stomach rumbling, and I wander for a while, just... moving. I see movement in a bush, and for a second I think I see an antlered person, but I rub at my eyes in disbelief and it isn't there when I look again.

I head in a random direction and find a stream. I kneel and drink eagerly; I've been pretty thirsty lately, enough so to ignore the potential danger of drinking water that isn't, well, normal. It's been three days since I woke up here. I haven't seen anyone or anything else, and it's starting to get to me. I wish I could at least find an animal. I'd have more fun talking to one of them.

At long last I find a sizable tree on the banks of the stream and scale it, climbing it despite the smoothness of its bark. I sit there for a while on the first branch I could haul myself onto, mostly hidden (I think) by the leaves, and talk to the tree in a hushed whisper. I'm not sure why I'm keeping my voice down, but... something tells me I should.

Eventually, when I peek down out through the branches, I see a boy at the stream, and there's another one talking to him, asking if he's real. I lean over a little more, curious, and listen to their conversation. I lean over a little more when the conversation trails off, only to hear a heart-stopping crack echo in the air. I feel a moment of weightlessness before I crash into the stream and find myself underwater and forgetting how to breathe. I manage to pull myself up before I drown, and proceed to hack and cough wetly, unaware of anything around me until I can breathe properly and rub at my eyes to stop them from getting full of water if I open them-- an irrational worry, I know, since they probably wouldn't get full of water, but this stuff isn't normal water, even if it's safe enough to drink, and I'd hate to chance it. Still, I'm glad I fell in the water-- I'd rather a dunking and cold slogging around than potentially broken bones.

I wanted to say something, but I ended up just focusing on getting up out of the water and trying to wring the water out of my hair and clothes as best I can. I'm too shy to mention anything else... or at least, that's kind of the problem. I'd rather just talk to them from behind a screen, but it seems like those days are over.

"HOLY FUCKING, HOLY FUCKING, SHIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTT!!!!!"

I'd only been awake for an hour or so and I've ran from freakishly large dogs, snakes, feline creatures, flocks of rainbow colored birds, and whatever twisted creature you can think of. Like seriously though, I'm normally very well put together, but at that moment I was hysterical. Breathing like an obese douchebag I stopped to give my lungs a rest and slid down a tree to sit on the ground with my knees hugged to my chest. Deep breaths Gabriel, deep breaths.

I looked up over my knees, through my hair, at the world around me now that I wasn't running from anything. The hell? Purple skies, trees of stupid colors, those dogs I'd seen... I saw a snake with a freaking rabbit's head ok? I was not in the mood for any more weirdness, but here I was, stuck in cotton candy hell. At that present moment i wanted to go home for once in my miserable life. Sure I'd have to deal with my overbearing mother and that... that kid who lived with us.

Why did my mother ever think it was a good idea to bring in a troubled kid from out of nowhere?! That asshole did things when we were alone that I would never ever be able to utter to another human being... Okay, nevermind, I loved this place now. It was glorious, my prayers have been answered. I am now free, free at last, thank God all mighty, FREE.AT.LAST. I stood up with a fierce yet unbecoming giggle in my throat, and then? Then? I danced, cept not really. But in my head? Yeah sure.

I looked around one more time to make sure there was nothing creepy dangerous, stuck my hands in my pockets, and wandered off in some godforsaken direction. Whatever direction it was, it wasn't toward home, and for now that was a good thing. I knew that later this place would make me want to run home, but I wanted to enjoy my freedom.

Menno

1 mile.. *pant*
another mile... *pant*
10 more miles...
*pant pant pant*

I pant. Obviously. The sweat is dripping from my forehead, and the sweat in my neck and clothes has gotten sticky. I stop running to take a deep breath of forest air. Then I take another good look around, only to find myself surrounded by the trunks of trees, as ever. That was another good run! I can feel my body adapting to this world by the second. I love this place! The forest, the trees, the smell, the fresh air, the (weird) animals, the sky!
Is this a dream? Is this evermore? Ah, I don’t care. Finally I can really experience nature as if I was the first man on Earth.
This place is anything but my ideal resort though. I mean… apart from the fact that everything seems hostile – at least initially -- the weird colours everywhere don’t feel natural. If anything it is a mockery of nature, but I won’t complain. I am content to have somehow ended up in this place.
Sure, at first awakening in this freakish world seemed like a nightmare, but after having been here for a day or so, I don’t think that I mind. This place is all that I ever wanted. No industrial machines, no avenues, no city sidewalks.
There is no one here to blame me, no one here to hurt. So much space to occupy my mind. This must be a taste of what true freedom is like!

I keep walking forward, past the many trees. The forest doesn’t show a sign of ever ending. I tread over the fallen leafs into the great unknown. No idea what I will be expecting beyond this area. Even this forest looks messed up.

Then I hear muttering coming from somewhere nearby, from the grove. What the hell? I pause.
I think it came from that way. I force myself through some bushes before seeing someone trotting by. Another human? So I am not the only person here? I’m unsure whether I should be relieved or not, but this guy looks all right. (He looks sorta odd… though.)
‘’Hey!’’
I shout to get his attention.
The person turns his head and sees me standing just a few meters away. Before giving his appearance much thought I continue:
‘’You stuck here too?’’
…
The guy seems flustered by my sudden approach.
‘’Listen, we should probabl—‘’
‘’GRRROOOOOOOOOOÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓÓ!’’

What was that?! A massive roar shuddered the trees and silenced the singing of the birds, I lower myself and look from where the sound came. Then, from the clearing between the trees appeared a gigantic… dog…-ish creature. But clearly that is no ordinary dog, and it’s not looking very friendly either. With hunger and fury in its eyes it gazes at the two men. For an instance it appears to be inspecting us.
The beast proceeds to approach us quietly and carefu-- nevermind, suddenly it leaps towards the metrosexual hipster!

Total panic broke out for the both of us and I instinctively flee. But… I can’t just leave that other guy behind. But what can I do?! Jump on the beast’s back? Might well be the only thing I can do if I want to help him.
Then my gaze catches something laying at my feet… a number of pinecones. Well, not cones from pines but from whatever these weird trees are supposed to be. Desperate and with no better idea coming to mind, I pick up the cones to immediately throw them at that canine, before it can launch its teeth into that sod.
A pinecone hits its head but the beast appears to ignore it. Too focused on its ‘prey’. All the while the other guy is stumbling and trying to get away.
‘’SHOO! GO! Find other prey you damn beast!’’ I begin screaming, shouting, jumping, growling and generally making as much noise as I can to divert its attention away from him. I throw pinecone after pinecone -- and anything else I could find nearby -- until it finally looks up into my direction. Behind the beast I see the other guy running off into the woods. At least he’s safe, whoever he is.

The beast growls with teeth bared and saliva dropping down its fangs. Then it comes for me.

RUN!

Jace

“Ok, draw. Now, pull the bowstring just a little further… Hold… Hold… Hol—Dammit, Lacie, I told you to hold!” I barked as the arrow was sent flying prematurely and the hare escaped with its life.

“What do you expect me to do, keep this drawn for 10 minutes?!” She barked back. “I don’t have your muscle, this is a man’s bow anyway!”

“It’s not a man’s bow if it’s not a man holding it. And if you don’t have the muscle to hold it in a drawn position until you aim then at least learn to become faster!”

“Or do push-ups, right? Get all bulky in the arms.” She grumbled, passing the bow on to me by slamming it against my chest. I had to hurry to catch it before it fell – who knew when we’d be able to find new strings if these broke. “You do it then, master, since you’re oh-so-great with it.” I frowned at the insult – I myself had only learnt to shoot a bow once I came here and she knew that well enough.

“Whatever.” I decided and crossed my arms. “We’ll just have to hope Zaiden’s got something. ”

We started walking back, me trying to ignore both the cacophony inside and outside my head – Lacie was making a fuss over me underestimating her and I tried not to think back to the times me and Zaiden used to bring meat “home” every evening. We didn’t get to eat meat very often nowadays. Lacie keeps insisting on me letting her shoot the game, Dwyer and Aimee were never much for hunting and--- agh!

I look down at my feet, one of which has just been punctured by a freaking bright-pink thorn. With our luck it must be poisonous and gift me with a nice little diarrhea. I cursed, taking it out and slipping it in my pocket just in case Dwyer knew what it is. He’s been here longer than me and has definitely had more accidents too.

“Klutz.” Lacie attempted an offence but I just rolled my eyes.

“Not as much as you are, Ms My-clothes-don’t-survive-longer-than-a-week.”

“That’s because I have more than one set in my wardrobe and can afford to lose some of them.”

That bitch…

“But don’t worry.” She continued. “My project is almost completed. Soon you’ll get some new clothes.”

I glanced at her wondering if that should be reassuring. Indeed, the thing she was wearing wasn’t half bad but… knowing her weird tastes I was worried about what she’d come up with. Well, we’ll have to wait and see.

We reach the clearing where our meeting-point is and I see Zaiden leaning against a tree. His vacant stare pisses me off instantly and I strive over to him, punching him in the face without a warning.

“What are you spacing out at, huh?! Where’s you crossbow, what if a beast found you, goofing around like that in the open, huh?!”

Lacie

Jace is at it again. Leave it to him to sow senseless brutality around. I hope at least this time Zaiden whoops his ass so bad that he won’t try to provoke him for at least a week. I’m growing tired of trying to stop them, so this time I’ll just pretend I don’t care.

That’s not that hard to do considering Dwyer is back and… he’s not alone. I blink. Beside him walk two new people, a tall and lanky… punk-like… hippy guy? And a nerdy girl with an equally peculiar hair-colour and ripped clothes. Judging by their looks it doesn’t seem like they’ve been here long. At least the guy, as his brown roots aren’t showing yet; I’m not so sure about the girl.

“Is it them we’re having for dinner?” I ask as I approach, doing my best to appear dangerous and threatening for the fun of it.

“Welcome to our merry little company. I’m Lacie, the designer of the group. Those morons at the back you can ignore as I assume within minutes one of them will be killed anyway, and let’s hope it’s the one in the suit.” I offer my hand for a handshake, wondering if any of them would have the guts to grab it after such a freaky introduction. It does occur to me that they might be shaken and displeased at being here but I find dwelling on that a useless exercise. The earlier they get accustomed to all this craziness, the better.

This place no longer even had any sort of appeal to me. At all. I mean sure it was looking on the bright side if things when some boy shocked me with his presence out of nowhere, yelling at me. I turned to look, "You stuck here too?" played across my ears. I admit I had to hide a smile, finding someone else was good... Ya know, I still wouldn't wanna talk all that much, but whatever. I turned to look at him and only caught his overall feeling until I heard a familiar growl that I had heard earlier when I was running away from...

"AGAIN? SCREW THIS PLACE!" I yelped, turning tail and running as fast as my short little stumps called legs could carry my ass. Bob and weave, bob and weave.... I repeated to myself as I looked over my shoulder. That guy was throwing things at the doge to distract him from me, I gave a brief thanks to God and screamed back "RUN ALREADY!"

I need to thank him later... If he lives.

In the meantime, my sucky life needed saving and I ran through the odd trees, occasionally jumping to the other side of one to be harder to follow in case I was being chased still. My lungs started screaming after a few minutes and I began to slow down, I was sweating too. I don't like sweat. Sweat stinks. Now I want a bath. A nice warm bath and some Flyleaf playing on the iPad I own... That isn't on me at the moment. Great.

I heard something up ahead in what looked like a clearing, I couldn't tell much at the time because the twisted candy cane trees obscured my depth perception. I went to stop my comparatively large strides (to myself) but I kicked the back of one of my heels instead of just stopping on my heels...

I would like to pause my narration at this moment to tell you I normally don't do that. Ya know, I normally don't scream and run like a girl and act all wild and hysterical either. I'm normally very calm, collected, quiet... Snarky at times but that was one of the many thorns that protects this beautiful(handsome?) rose.

Back to the story...

I flipped and rolled into the clearing like a dumbass and had the wind knocked out of me. Me and my short self laid there panting amidst a few other teenagers who looked like they might have been here awhile. My cheeks where red from blush, but if they asked it was gonna be because I had been running for my life. "Ouch." I squeeked with almost no air behind my voice.

The image of me at that moment would probably haunt me the rest of my life, or at least as long as these people were around. A red faced emo-looking kid who barely passed five feet, lying in the dirt after looking like a complete fucking dumbass, panting like an asthmatic, and trying not to cry from all this stupid crap I've went through within the last two hours.

I need a poptart.

Zaiden

A sudden hard blow to my face snaps me back to reality. I blink, glaring at Jace and reaching to grab his arm, ready to twist it. "I'm meeting Dwyer here. And I have my crossbow." I shifted the strap on my shoulder where I'd tucked my crossbow in to prove it was still there, and I still had plenty of bolts in my pocket, sticking out and clear to see. I don't know why Jace feels the need to start a fight nearly every time he sees me. Still insisting I was different. Insisting that they broke me. How could they? I don't remember anything happening. Whatever. He can think what he wants. I haven't been broken.

And I wasn't spacing out. I was thinking. Maybe Jace should try that some time if he's so quick to judge. I'm getting pretty sick of this... but I don't want to fight it. What's the point? What do they want me to do? Become some mindless shoot-first 'rebel' attacking everything that moves? Kill one of those people in the 'lab' or whatever it is? What then? What would that accomplish? We're stuck here anyway. There's just no point.

And finally Dwyer returns.... plus two. Some tall, lanky guy with dyed hair and a girl who, for whatever reason, was sopping wet. Never judge a book by its cover, though. You never know what to expect from people here... Everyone takes it differently. I let Dwyer take this one, he'll introduce me when he wants.

I leave Jace where he is. I don't feel like fighting him. Instead, I take my crossbow out and scan the trees. When I catch sight of a bird on a low branch relatively close I load the bow quickly, aim and shoot. Right through the neck. And it's a fair size... probably not enough, but it was something. A big, black thing with four wings and a sharp beak. I know these birds. They're perfectly safe to eat. Carefully removing the bolt from its bloodied neck, I take our 'dinner' over to where I'd stored the water. I'll leave it here for now. Skin it later.

Just then another person crashes through the bushes, face red, panting like he'd just run a mile. He probably had, knowing this place. I walk over to him slowly, studying him, then readying my crossbow. I have a feeling whatever he was running from isn't done with him.

---

Dwyer

I stop suddenly when I hear the splash, then spin on my heel to stare at the girl who had just fallen from the sky. "Whoa! This place must be lucky... or unlucky depending on your perspective... Two in one day." I grin, thrusting my hand over to her, intending her to shake it. Instead, she makes a fist and uses it to fold my own fingers down so she can fist-bump me. I like this girl. "What's your name?" Then I turn back to the other guy. "Hold it! I didn't ask your name, did I? You first, then her."

"Um.. Alec," he murmurs, looking a little distant. He probably still can't comprehend it all. It is a lot to take in all at once.

I turn to the girl. "And you are...?"

She ducks her head a little, looking shy and maybe a little nervous or something, I can't tell. Then she seems to brighten up a little bit and moves closer to me. "Ashe, you?"

I grin wide again. "Dwyer. I know it's weird, but I don't have a better one. Anyway, we should get going before anything decides to eat us--" I stop, realizing that might have freaked them out. "I mean... we should get to the clearing. Because... there's food there. Maybe."

Alec seems hesitant, looking around nervously. It was probably really hitting him now, just how different and bizarre this place really is. I don't blame him for not trusting me. He will when he gets to know me, but right now I'm a stranger. But not for long.

"Yeah... the things here aren't too friendly," Ashe says and I have to agree with her. They are pretty interesting, though.

I start leading them back, weaving through the trees and bounding over undergrowth until we get to the clearing, where I catch sight of Jace punching Zaiden, probably because he was frustrated. I don't need to help, though. Zaiden can take it... sometimes I wish that just once one of Jace's hits really would bring back the old Zaiden. It would be nice to have him back...

Then Lacie offers an introduction that I'm not really sure how the newbies will react to. Well... guess they need to get used to this stuff. It's like that a lot here.

---

Alec

When we arrive at the clearing Dwyer was talking about, the first thing I notice is some pissed-off-looking guy in formal clothes waltzing over to another guy with dark hair and a trenchcoat, and punching him in the face.

...I'm seriously starting to doubt my initial 'there's no way I've been drinking' thought.

Some girl in... I'm not sure what that is, a kimono? Gives us a brilliant introduction that certainly calmed my nerves. Potential killing. Exactly my idea of 'safe'. I glance at Dwyer and he shrugs. Then I sigh and look back to the girl. After a moment, I shake her hand. "I'm Alec," I say slowly, still pretty unsure about this whole situation. It feels like I'm having some kind of vivid hallucination or something. And, honestly, I'm kind of hoping that's all it is, but I start coughing when I notice someone with a cigarette, let alone trying anything heavier myself. There's no way I'd try anything that would cause something this trippy. None of it makes sense. "I'm going to guess you don't know much about this place either..." I sigh, being pessimistic because I'm pretty much expecting some kind of monster to emerge from the bushes at this point and eat us. One of those moods.

And, sure enough, something does emerge from the bushes. Only it's another 'one of us'. A shorter guy with his face all red, breathing heavily from running. Then the trenchcoat guy who was initially punched at the end of the clearing walks up, pulling out a crossbow and getting into a ready stance, not saying a word. I stiffen. I'm right, aren't I? There is a monster out there...

"Find food, Aimee..."

Yeah... okay... not like they expect me to come back empty handed. Again. God, I'm so freakin' useless!

What do they expect? I'm not Jace. So not up to his 'standards.' The hell is this? Bootcamp? Like, okay... I get it. We need to survive here. This place is soooo messed up! It's crazy! I'm just not suited for this! But those two... it's like the guy and his sister were made for this place. They're so tough. They can cope; 'Jacie.' that's what I call them when they're together... in my head. I wouldn't say it out loud. No, that's Lacie's place. Mean chick says whatever mean chick wants . So I screw up! I'm scared, okay? I haven't gotten anyone killed yet, right...? Wait. That's why we split up, isn't it...?

They want those things... those antler-heads to eat me... or those other things to get me. I know it. Better off if they did anyways...

STOP!!! Man! It's like I'm regressing! I'm so much better than this sniveling. Serioiusly. But what-evs. Screw it. I'm not ending up like Z. Hell no. I'm just gonna' pretend like I'm looking for stuff. The hell can I do anyway? My zippo is the best thing I own. Well, at least I can help make fire. And a paintbrush! Seriously! How the hell did I end up with a paintbrush?! And no paint! Useless. Figures. "Oh dun worries, err'body! I'll saves ya! I'll just paint a picture of a gun to harmadize those bad guys! Hey! ...sees the pretty-pretty font? It says: BANG!" Okay! STOP, dumbass! Just do something worthwhile then... like what...?

Uhmm...

FIREWOOD! Hey at least that's something! Self high five! Wait! Where's Dwyer? I can't lose sight of him out here. He's the only one I know will make sure I'm still alive... right? Right. There he is! URSHUMS!!! At least I can run. Faster, chick!

---

Of course, he's trying to introduce himself to this other guy. Dwy's a sweetheart... crazy... but sweet enough to be a friend. My friend.

I can't help but smile. Shyly like a dumbass carrying a pile of wood in their arms, but a smile nonetheless. Then out of nowhere, this chick lands in the water and the wood falls from my arms. Not out of surprise, mind you, but out of relief. And joy. And love. I scream her name, but I can't because I'm choking back tears. My girlie is here. She came back, I just know it.

My heart is thudding so hard against my chest! I so want to rush on down the riverbank, splashing away, holding out my arms to her. Oh, god, I just want to hold her one more time. Just once more, please, god... but then I stop short of enacting my desires. My eyes drop to the ground and so does my heart. It's not her. Of course not.

Dwy gets their names. Alec and Ashe. More peeps with names that start with 'A.' Win!

When I look up again, they're passing me by. "Hey... I'm Ai--"

Yeah. Oooookaay... Like I'm not even there. Why even bother, right? Make like a leaf, Double-A's, really, just shrivel up and blow away. Or better yet blow your brains out... Their stupid taunting voices... I hear them here. Louder for some reason. What-evs. So in the past... right? I just pick up and clutch my pile of wood, dry pile mind you, and follow along behind them.

---

I see Jace punch Z. What. The. Actual. Eff. The hell is that supposed to prove. But it's enough to make me stop dead in my tracks and hide behind a tree that twist upward into another tree; maybe if he sees me with no food in my arms, only dead wood, he'll punch me too. Z is okay though. He can handle himself. Me? It'd be lights out.

Then Part 2 of 'Jacie' pipes up. I never know if she's being sarcastic or not. But even though she welcomes the new comers with an extended hand, it sooo does not sound welcoming. It's just a statement of her viewpoint. It depresses me. I honestly hope these others aren't such downers too. Jace can beat the living crap out of me and then some with his fists. Lacie can flatten me with her words. Against Jacie I so do not stand a chance. But why am I thinking like that? We've been together for some time now!! It's because I don't trust them. If it came down to it, I so know I'd end up as bait for the monsters so that they could get away. Eff. My. Life.

I snap out of my spiralling thoughts as soon as the big flappy bird hits the ground. Z nailed one. Hey! At least we have firewood to cook it, right? Oooh... and look, it's dryyyyy--

Somethings coming! When I hear the hasty footfalls of whatever it is crashing through the bush closer in our direction, I finally scamper away from behind the trees and closer to the group. At least I'm still a fast runner... right!

"HeyumDwy..! Igotsomefirewood..!" the words machinegun out my mouth as I slip behind him and stare at what just came through. My heart is still racing even though I feel relief. It's just some dirt-covered teen. But my relief washes away like a flashflood when I see Z's face and his eyes narrowing as he scans the woods behind the newest guy. Jace's right though. I wish he was on his game 24/7 too. He's pretty kick-ass when he's not zoning.

Me? I wish I was even a fraction kick-ass of everyone else here. But what-evs. The pile of wood is on the ground, but I kept one. One that felt right. Whatever comes at us, I've got Dwy's back...right? Well... maybe that's because I'm standing right behind him... such a useless dumbass...

But I've got this piece of wood... somehow called out to me. It's heavy, but not too heavy for me when I hold it in two hands. Like, I'm five and a half feet tall, but right now, I feel like I'm over ten feet tall with this thing. My girlie and me used to be on the women's softball team; it's where I first met her.

And so now I step into memory and think of leaning my head on my girlie's shoulder momentarily before getting on deck; it always made me feel better, more confident, more focused. They wouldn't let me handle a bow or anything shoot-y just in case I screwed up, but I think I finally found something I can use to kick-ass even if it's just a fraction of what everyone else here can do. I'm not the best catcher or thrower, but when it's time to step up to the plate, I'm pretty good, actually.

I saunter out from behind Dwy and stand right beside him, readying myself, swinging my 'bat' in loose circles in one hand, the other shaking out the inaccuracies, before settling in and holding it once more in both hands. I nod once.

Maybe it's because there are more of us now. Maybe it's because those stupid voices have shut up and all I can hear is her breathing. Maybe it's something else, but given a reason, a passion, and I will knock it out of the park. I think I'm 'In the zone' right now. My girlie understands that. And for the first time in a long time, I actually feel like painting for once.

Maybe not right now, but whatever I feel right now... Feels goooood... home run, biyatches.

"Gots your back, Dwy. I mean it." I say and my voice sounds like someone Lacie might actually like for once.

When Aimee showed up at the stream, I listened to her start to say her name, but she cut herself off and I wondered why.

When we got back to the clearing, I laughed at Lacie's introduction. "You think that's as bad as it gets? That'd be great!"

I turned to glance around the clearing with interest, watching the guy in the trench coat bag a bird, and then get into a fighting stance as someone else came into the clearing, looking like they just ran a race with death. I headed over and crouched to extend a hand to him, grinning. "It's okay. C'mon." I helped him up-- or not, if he decided to get up on his own-- and turned to stare at the guy with the crossbow.

"No shooting people," I warn him mildly, wincing as my voice gets a little bit nasal as it often does, before heading to the middle of the clearing and thinking. It would be really cool to grow a big strong oak tree in the middle. Maybe there are fast-growing plants here. I should check out how the fauna works, try farming the stuff that's edible... see how long it takes to grow. It seems like the group was having a mite of trouble getting enough meat for everyone considering that they were satisfied with one bird for-- the four of us from the stream, Lacie, the two guys here... and the other guy, that makes seven, right? No, eight, whoops, and I guess a farm could really help out, so I head off to get a big stick and head near the food stash. I judge the distance between that and where I want to plant stuff to be around five feet, and then I move closer to the middle of the clearing by another two feet so it won't be right next to the trees where anything could eat the roots and stuff. Then I start digging and stuff with the stick, making little rows of holes big enough for seeds, and stick my hand in my pocket, pulling out the seeds from the fruits I'd managed to eat earlier without puking it back up. I'd had this idea earlier, but with nowhere to settle down, I'd decided to just... well... not do it yet. I don't notice just how much I'm zoning out and focusing on what I'm doing.

I planted the seeds and buried them lightly in dirt and then drew a big rectangle around where they were planted, snapping the stick into four pieces and sticking them in each corner of the rectangle. Then I wrung some water out of my shirt onto them, and moved on to try to squeeze more water out of my clothes onto the seed's places. If they grew at a decent rate, we'd have food soon, and if they didn't grow fast enough in case we had to move, at least then I'd know how long it'd take for next time. Then I realized I'd look really dumb if this wasn't their actual camp... come to think of it, it didn't really seem like a camp. Well, shit. Too late now.

Then I got this feeling that people might be staring at me and glanced around in a brief instance of paranoia. Hope I haven't been behaving inappropriately for the situation... again. I do it too often. I get kind of an ESP kind of sense that I'm being weird sometimes. Most of the time it's right.

Miles

What has it been now? Four, maybe five days. I haven't really been keeping track. How did I get here? Where is "here"? These are all questions I have no answers to, and for the moment, I didn't really want any. This world served as a strange distraction from reality. A reality that I no longer had any desire to be a part of.

I let one of my legs dangle off the tree branch I found myself sitting on, letting it sway back and forth aimlessly while my eyes began to reevaluate my surroundings. This world was so foreign that you could almost find it aesthetic, as long as you had a moment to actually observe it. It was sunrise and sunset that I liked the most. The yellow-green sun colored the sky an array of colors at dawn and dusk that you just didn't see back home.

The trees, besides allowing for the best view, seemed to be safer then the ground. Not many creatures here seemed to climb. Creatures. Monsters. Animals. I haven't quite made up my mind what to call them. Last night, a wolf like creature passed below the tree I had climbed for the night. It had all the same features as your usual wolf, as far as I knew, except it was huge. Like nightmare huge. Luckily, it had passed without noticing me. The more creatures I saw the more I felt more like prey then predator.

Besides the creatures, the only other thing I missed was dreaming. For whatever reason, sleep didn't exist here. I closed my eyes but it just refused to come to me. Without sleep I couldn't dream and my dreams were the only place I could see her now. Soon, I might forget what she looks like. Her hair. Her eyes. Her beautiful smile. God, I need to take my mind off of this.

Off in the distance, I could make out a clearing, but that wasn't what caught my attention. There was a group of, well, he wasn't really sure what was in that clearing. They seemed to be human. Maybe, it was more of those deer-people he had seen when he first got here, or maybe there where others like him. Whatever they were it was worth taking a closer look.

I examined the tree I found myself in looking for good footing and began my climb down. Damn these dress shoes. Five minutes later, after taking each step slowly, I jumped the final gap and began my walk in the direction of the clearing. It took me about twenty minutes to get there. I slowed my pace, not wanting to get myself in a dangerous situation. My black blazer I had flung over my shoulder I put back on now. It might help me blend in with the darker surroundings rather than my white shirt.

Reaching the edge of the tree line, I surveyed the scene. Other people. Interesting. Part of him wanted to just disappear back in the woods. He wasn't really great to be around other people, but considering the fact that he had no idea where he was and these people might know something.

There were nine of them. All of them seemed to be around his age, give or take a few years. The whole group was faced away from him. He began a steady slow stride toward the group. Didn't want to startle anyone. Today is turning out to be interesting.

Menno

*pant pant pant pant*
Seriously, here I am running again!
Only difference is…
*pant pant*
… that this time I’m actually running for my life! Not the first time that has happened, I am sad to say.
’GRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOÓÓÓÓÓÓ!’’
A deathly roar sounds close behind me. Craaaaap! FASTE-FASTE-FASTUUUURRR!

Good thing that I’ve always liked practising athletics or I’d be in a lot of trouble right now. Back in the days of school gym there was no one that could outrun me. (…Except for some African guy, but that’s just unfair anyway. Kenyans always win at Olympic sprinting.)
The forest trees and all its weird colours flash past me as I dive through the bushes. I don’t dare look behind me. I must try anything to cut-off this beast… but clearly, bushes don’t seem to be working!

I..I think I need to climb in a tree or something, however… that will take too much time. That canine is just going to bite in my leg and force me down to the ground.. and then I’m done for! And in this world I won’t be surprised if wolves know how to climb anyway!
Huffing, puffing and panting I dash onward, while the muscles in my legs begin getting sore and tired. I may be a good runner, but I don’t know how long I will be able to keep this up.
I’m probably as good as dead… but it was only a matter of time in this world, really.

…I just HAD to help him, didn’t I? Always the same story. I could have left the scene to save myself but NOOO... I am a good guy! Always rushing to help, never thinking of consequences. Fuck me.
I can hear the beast’s breath dangerously close, I can practically feel it in my neck. When will that thing give up?! I can’t go on much longer… my legs… uughh.. I’m exhausted... I must have ran for like… 10 minutes straight now, and still I hear growling and breathing behind me.
It’s catching up to me.
Anxiety rises, I run into a forest clearing. Again with more trees and no sign of civilization. God, that I would ever miss civilization… strange times indeed. My eyes are getting blurry. The forest doesn’t end. Everywhere I see bright colours that don’t make sense. I’m starting to see antlers popping up from the bushes everywhere… And then I trip.

That’s it, I’m done for.
In the middle of the forest clearing I drop down and land with my knees in the dirt. I nervously close my eyes as I wait for the end. I probably deserve this.
…

For a brief moment nothing happens, when I hear a deafening sound rush past my ears. ‘WOOSH’.
…The wolf doesn’t strike. I feel no teeth piercing my neck. Instead, I hear a feral shriek. Then footsteps. I hear the bushes and trees around me rustle with the sound of many feet, dashing into the clearing.

I open my eyes and raise my head in bewilderment. Suddenly I am surrounded by a group of men that are dressed in pelts. A spear is sticking out the soil in front of the canine (It's what caused the 'woosh' sound). The beast startled. Armed with even more spears the mysterious men engage the beast and try to fend it off. The beast is furious and frenzies, knocking some of them down and slashing others with its claws. One of the men screams in an unfamiliar language. The men manoeuvre inhumanly deft and dodge almost every strike the beast throws at them.
Also; I didn’t notice it until now but there is something off about these guys -- which is really no big deal in this world – because these people have antlers on their heads. It’s probably safe to say they are no ordinary humans.
One of the men stabs the canine in its hind leg with his spear, and the beast lets out a terrifying roar. Amazingly, all of these guys remain unshaken.
The fact that the men refuse to actively fight and merely distract the beast only serves to enrage it even more. By now it began fully rampaging and stampeding while making the most dreadful of noises…
I’m scared.

Sitting here in the dirt, I’m just watching it all without having moved an inch this whole time. From the corner of my eye I notice one of these men is standing close next to me, appearing really focused in observing the spectacle in front of us.
What the hell is he doing? Is he their leader or something, that he doesn’t involve himself in the battle?
I can’t see any of their faces very clearly. The man next to me leaves my side and approaches the huge canine-monstrosity. He stretches out his arms and makes… ‘weird’ movements with his hands. (Weird being my best description.)

Oddly, the beast begins calming down and its attacks getting clumsier. Instead of struggling against the antlered-men, it suddenly looks like it’s struggling with itself. It twitches, rolls over, growls panicky and tries to fight to no avail. The men surrounding it simply all take a step back and watch the beast writhe against… whatever just happened to it. And stranger still, a few seconds later it ceases its movement all together and just lies there helpless.
Soon enough it swiftly crawls up and turns around, back into the woods as if nothing happened. Did it finally realise that its attempts to kill these weird people is futile? That doesn’t sound like something a normal wild animal would do.
In any case, I won’t question the logic of the situation. (Or that one of those antler-men apparently used magic or whatever.) I'm guessing that beast won’t be bothering anyone for a while.

With the beast gone, silence falls in the clearing.
The men are all standing there motionless and just stare at me.
‘’Ehhrr…’’
Geez, this is vaguely embarrassing. I stand up and back on my feet, then wipe the dirt from my trousers.
‘’Thanks.’’ Is all I can get out of my mouth.
Nonchalantly I straighten my raincoat while trying to avoid eye contact. It feels like I’ve become numb by everything that happened this past minute.

Again, a moment of silence.

One of the antlered men walks up to me. A smaller guy. He says something… in a language I can’t understand. By the tone of his voice it sounds as if he is concerned. Concerned about what? Me?
Then a second, much more burly man, appears behind him and taps the guy on the shoulder, beckoning him to leave. And as fast as they came the antlered-men all vanished back into the woods, as if the bushes swallowed them.

I shrug and figure I should probably get out of here as soon as possible.
I wonder what happened to that metrosexual looking hipster guy. Is he still alive? Hopefully another predator didn’t find him. Is there a haven of safety at all in this world? Is it all one endless wilderness? Where did that other guy come from anyway? Where did I come from for that matter? Did he and I enter this world at the same time? There are so many questions!

I walk through the forest – on an alternative route than that canine took, mind -- with my head in the clouds. I ponder.
… Everything that happened in the past 24 hours is all very fishy, stranding in another dimension (or whatever this place is supposed to be) and meeting abnormal wildlife. And how convenient is it that those antlered-men only decided to help me in the last second. As if they were watching me the entire time, waiting for me to surrender to my fate.
Then there is that guy I met earlier… he looked like a ‘normal’ human, so he must be stuck here too.

Far I can tell, there is one obvious deduction to be made: if that guy I met earlier was a human that somehow – like me -- ended up in this world… it means there are others as well. No doubt there are numerous humans like me and him here. Stuck in this crazy world. The problem remains to figure out exactly where they are… they must be in danger. In fact, maybe they’re already dead. How can someone possibly survive in this world? I don’t think those antlered-men are eager to save them like they saved me. If other humans are still alive in this world, they need help. And as far I am aware, I am the only person that can help. Maybe I can save them somehow. …Not sure how though, as I can’t even save myself. But I need to do something, right?
But delving deeper into the forest to try and randomly stumble upon a random human is like searching for a needle in a haystack. I’ve got a better idea. All I need is some rocks, branches, cloth and maybe something like flint rock…
Wait, never mind.
I feel in my pocket and take out a lighter. I always keep one with me in case I need to stir up a fire. Don’t question it. Best way to draw attention is to create a smoke signal… Yes, I know how to do that, I’ve done scouting as a kid. (And maybe watched some cartoons about cowboys and Indians. Shut up.)

I wasn't quite sure what just happened. Some guy came over to see if I was okay but didnt want to say anything, some girl came over and looked to offer me her hand but she was gone before it even registered. People were talking about random stuff, there were tons of people here now... so many. Ugh, am i gonna have to group up with all these people? Time to find someone's shadow to hide in it, wasn't about to be a center of attention or anything like that, no sir, hell to the nope.

I took a deep breath and sat up quickly, going to indian style instead of standing up. My eyes were still wide and my pupi.s were probably dilated as fuck. I gave myself a minute to relax and I decided it was time to see who I liked the most. My eyes caught two guys, one with a colorful jacket, another with red bangs. Both of which I immediately decided to like because of their fashion choices.... Oh God, I'm turning into a girl.

I didn't go to say hi, that'd be just weird, ignoring everyone else. Plus Gabe Laughly does not ever say hi first, ever... well there were a few times, but those people were just really, really cute. Nobody here was unbearably cute...attractive? Yes, hell yes.Mr.RedBangs was extremely attractive... Only because his color choices,... oh wow I'm so shallow.

I looked back to the guy who had walked toward me first who had a crossbow. "It was a wolf, I lost it 15-20 minutes ago but I didn't wanna stop running to see it still there. Some dude distracted it with pinecones and it went off after him." I explained, calmly, standing up to my low altitude and dusting my now dirty jeans. Of course I just awkwardly stood there, crossing my arms and adopting a critical expression that could scare off a bear. "Where am I?" I asked, or almost demanded.

I hoped I wasn't looking like a brat or anything, I was small enough to look like a kid anyway.

I guess that's what happens when you don't get enough sleep... or any at all, for that matter...

I can't help but laugh a little at the new chick, Ashe, as she goes on, working away diligently in the soil. I think she's trying to make a garden. A hand goes up and presses against my lips to stifle a giggle as soon as she wrings out her shirt onto the seeds she's just planted. Now, if she wrings her hair over the dirt, I swear, it's not my fault if I burst out laughing like a donkey... But okay, I think she means well...

So I lower my big whacking stick and tap Dwy on the shoulder then jerk my head in the direction of the new chick. I shake my head with a smile on my face then shrug. Softly I say with a light laugh, "I'mma check on Lil' Miss Gardening over there, kay?"

Looking down at my blue and white runners as I go, I make sure to do a wide circle from the newest guy and glance at him twice. There's something about him... well, I wouldn't say it's cuz he's a hipster or something, nah, but something about how he stared at the guys, like he was sizing them up or something. And the way he just didn't say "Hi, my name is _______" right away. I guess it's probably due to lack of sleep or nerves... but still...

I glance over at Lacie. She's three years younger than me, but she's three times more fierce without a doubt. Maybe she saw the way new guy stared at the fellas too? I think I'll leave it to her to give a weird greeting to the new weirdo. And oh, if this dude is checking out which guy he can take out first, best believe he's in a whole new world of hurt if he tries to find out the answer from Z or Jace. Yeah, and if he somehow, like snowball's chance in hell somehow, gets past those bad-asses, well, I'll bop him a good one too if he tries to hit Dwy.

When I'm nearly beside Ashe, I pull my hand out of my jeans pocket and brush off my white tee... well 'used-to-be-white' tee, fix up my grey jacket and take a quick breath before clearing my throat to get Ashe's attention. "H-hey... I'm uh... I uh... well, name's... my name at least... huh.. well--"

Such a freakin' useless dumbass! I can't even introduce myself properly! What is wrong with me?! From under my brown lace kerchief on my head, bead of sweat trickles down my temple and I wipe away at it... then stare at my hand. I smirk. My face is all red, but I don't care right now cuz: Oh Ideeea!!

"Hey, ya missed a spot, chick," I say as I shake the sweat off my hand and onto her garden plot. Aimee feels so much better, dun she?! Yush, "I'm Aimee. Ashe, right? Hey, like, I'd totally shake your hand, but I don't think you'd want me to wipe my sweat on you right?"

Probably the only one, but still, I laugh at my so-not-hilarious comment but smile at the glasses wearing chick all the same. I shrug but still smile as the red fades from my face and ears. What-evs. That's how I am. "Hey, maybe you should come stand over here with me n' Dwy just in case, 'kay?"

My ponytail swishes as I jerk my head in Dwy's direction and smile again as I try to lead her away. "So hey... whacha trying to grow? I don't know how long we'll stick it out here, but at least it's something to fall back on, right? Oh! Okay, so like my moms had these beans and like they grew pretty fast. Maybe we should--"

I cut myself short as I raise my chin and stare over Dwy's head then swallow hard. I can feel the blood drain from my face.

"Dammit. Hey everybody, you all see that?" I ask, my voice a bit tight and higher in pitch as I point at the smoke with my whacking stick, "someone please tell me that is not a forest fire in the making, right...? Please..."

Zaiden

I examine the new person for a second before checking to make sure the wolf didn't turn back around. It seems clear. I tuck my crossbow back into the strap and nod at him before turning to the others. "We'll need to move soon. Back to the camp. It isn't safe to stay out here long." The 'camp' being a ring of rocks and tall grass at the edge of a large field bordering the forest. It would seem like we are hiding in the open, but it is nearly impossible to see in without being at least five feet from the entrance, and even then you can't see everything until you actually enter. The grass is much too long. It took quite a while to flatten in the middle. There's no need for a roof right now, but when it does rain, I've dug out an area underground where we can camp out. Since we can't sleep, I see no need for beds, but we still do try to 'rest', if you could call it that. It's getting rather late as well, we may need to try soon. Since sleep isn't possible, what we can do is rest our legs for a while and try not to become overworked. We're usually fine, but the lack of sleep is... annoying.

I blink, realizing I just zoned out again. Damn it. This is a bit annoying, but I was thinking practically so I guess it isn't a problem.

Then Aimee points out the smoke signal and I look up suddenly. "I'm going to check it out," I inform the others without looking back. Dwyer suddenly runs up to me.

"Hey! Wait, you're not just going by yourself, are you? What if this is the guy being chased by the wolf?"

I sigh. I don't have time to explain this. "If he has time to make a smoke-signal, he's obviously not being chased now." And I head off into the woods without any further interruptions.

I head out in the direction of the signal, occasionally climbing a tree to check my position. It's quite a while a way so I'll be gone a while... Well, I'm sure they'll all be fine. If someone's signalling, I should probably see who it is. It take me quite a while to get there, though luckily most of the animals seem to be gone now... a little odd, but anything could happen here so I'm not too surprised.

When I finally do reach the area where the signal is coming from, I look around, hoping to find a human and not... something else. "Hello?" I call. "Anyone here?"

---

Dwyer

I quickly run up to the new guy who asked where he was. Once again, Zaiden was failing to provide answers. Did he honestly expect people to pick up on it instantly? That's not really fair. "You're in... um... well I don't know the name, but it's another world. It's pretty messed-up and weird--oh, and don't lose your shoes, alright? I keep stepping on thorns ugh." I lift up my feet one at a time then to check if anything else is stuck in there. I'm good for now. I've lost a bit of feeling in them by now so it gets harder to tell. "Anyway, I'm Dwyer." I stick out my hand for him to shake. "Welcome!"

Then Aimee points out the smoke and Zaiden already has it figured out. Someone's trying to signal other people. At least... that's what it seems like.... I try to get him to think twice before suddenly deciding to check it out. For once I'm the one stopping someone from being impulsive. Huh. Though this isn't really being impulsive, it's just Zaiden being... well, Zaiden. Or this version of Zaiden anyway. I sigh. "But what if it's--"I begin but Zaiden's already gone, disappeared behind the trees. "The deer people..." I sigh, then kick at the dirt. "Uuugh, he's so frustrating sometimes!"

And suddenly, someone else is here. I spin around to greet him. Someone else in formal attire. Hey, look at that, Jace isn't the only one. "Hello! Wow, there sure are a lot of new people today." I say with a grin, then frown, remembering this isn't a get-happy-about-it thing. It's an everyone-is-trapped-here thing and I probably seem like I'm being weird. Well whatever. I am weird. What of it? "Once again, I'm Dwyer. And I'll let the others introduce themselves."

Then I realize that new girl who I brought in with the red-bangs guy has started gardening and I run over to see. "We're leaving the clearing. You should bring some seeds to our real camp. They don't grow fast, but you never know." Then I grin, trying not to worry about Zaiden. I'm distracting myself on purpose, I know, but it's easier this way. Besides, Zaiden's usually fine.

---

Alec

I have no idea just what the hell is going on. I feel kind of light-headed and I'm starting to wonder if I'm actually still wandering the forest back at home, high as a kite because someone... somehow... slipped me something. I mean seriously, how could any of this be real? The trees look like candy-canes. Much more gnarled and cracked and surprisingly detailed for hallucinations... but still.

The girl I was with--Ashe--starts gardening, The black-haired trenchcoat guy doesn't seem to be saying much, just staring at things, zoning out and being... unnerving, and the red-head with the faded tye-dye hoodie jumps around from person to person like a bumblebee looking for nectar.

And goddamn it, why am I so dizzy? I have to lean back against a tree for a second, trying to regain my composure because I was getting a little wobbly. There's buckets of water in the corner of the clearing, along with a large, dead bird with two more wings than I'm used to seeing birds with. It's all so detailed... I'm starting to think this might be real. Sure, it doesn't feel real, but it's way too detailed and put-together to be a hallucination or a dream.

And then something catches my attention. One of the girls suddenly looks up and mentions something about a fire and I spin around so fast I nearly trip myself, close to panicking. Oh. Okay.... so it's not right behind me or anything but the idea of a forest fire suddenly springing up is probably the worst thing I could think of happening right now... for me anyway. Damn it, I probably looked like an idiot panicking like that. I try to act like nothing happened. The trenchcoat guy seems to have already deduced that it's likely someone trying to signal, not a huge, horrific forest fire coming to swallow everything up...

What is wrong with me? I never used to be this bad with fire... Then I get a flash of a memory, a huge blaze surrounding me, everything consumed with yellow and orange and thick smoke and-- I blink, taking a deep breath. Stop it. This is stupid, there's nothing happening right now. At least the shorter guy lost the wolf he was running from. I normally like wolves... not so much when they want to eat me, though.

In the end I just sigh and try to look like I'm not internally freaking out as much as I am, Great first impression, Alec. Show them you can't handle things. I'm sure that'll get you a welcome place among these people. Or... do I want a place here? Well, it's probably a lot smarter. I can't fight worth a damn, I'd be killed in no time. Somehow that doesn't bother me too much, but I decide to stay here anyway. At least there's other people. Even if they are a little strange (though I'm one to talk, the punk/gothic-looking guy, six-foot-three but with the build of a pair of chopsticks. Yeah, I don't stand out at all. Not like there's a big, red target on my head... oh wait).

Okay, out of your head now. I decide to grab Dwyer again for some more confirmation. "So, um... how long have you been here?" I ask once I've got his attention.

He hesitates for a second, getting a strange look on his face, like his optimism and happy-go-lucky facade suddenly faded for a second. "Um... I think... two years? Zaiden's been here longer but--"

I stare at him. "Two years?"

"Well... yeah. But don't worry! We'll find a way to get out soon."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "And what makes you say that?"

He pauses, then shrugs, giant grin suddenly back. "Just a feeling, I guess."

I sigh. Reassuring.

In the end, I just walk back to where I was standing originally and lean against the tree again, closing my eyes for a second, then opening them as if that would make all this go away. Of course, it doesn't. But still... got to try.

Ashe

Oh. Whoops. I was being weird... great. As Aimee came over I listened to her introduce herself and then grabbed her hand and shook it. Sweat isn't exactly a big deal and besides, I'm already wet.

"I knew what your name was earlier. Not sure why you stopped talking back then. I was trying to grow some cool blue fruit, they tasted awesome," I murmured, and then turned to Dwyer with dismay written all over my face. "Oh, no, really? I thought this was your place... but then again..."

I sigh and glance over at the new guy. "Hey. I'm Ashe," I call over perfunctorily, and then check my pockets for more seeds and... oh! Luckily, there still are some.

I head closer to Dwy and stuck with him since Aimee seemed to think it was smarter. Alec comes by after having what seemed like a mini-freak-out session, not sure why, and asks Dwy how long they'd been here, and when I hear him say two years, I tap his shoulder lightly. "Does that mean you've had time to build an awesome treehouse or something?" I ask excitedly. I love treehouses. There are so many people, though, that I'm having trouble focusing. So I try to ignore everyone else and focus on one to two people at a time, and once I get my answer from Dwy I start edging towards the trees. I like plants better than people most of the time and-- well, while she isn't too bad or anything, Aimee is a little... strong? Too hyper? Too much like I was when I was younger? I don't know. I don't have a problem with her, but I can tell it'll take me a little while to adjust to several new people, a hyper girl, and all the social stuff on top of what feels like the beginning of withdrawals. I'm not exactly happy to have been using them, but I can feel the urge to take something, anything, to help push away the problem of other people. That is enough to convince me for certain that I'm not dreaming or on a bad... errr, good, I suppose, trip.

It's definitely unpleasant already, feeling the craving, and the craving was distracting me, making me feel slightly irritable. Oh well... it isn't so bad yet, and won't be for a while. But the idea of facing it down as the withdrawals get worse is dreadful.

Menno

Man, waiting takes forever. Good thing I got that fire to work. For a moment I was afraid the smoke wouldn’t be strong enough to be seen from far distances. Too bad I needed my shirt to fan the fire, but whatever. The burns on that old thing don’t really matter, especially in situations like these. If I keep my coat zipped up, no one will see the burn marks on it.
Now that the fire is up and working and the smoke towering high into the purple sky, I climbed in a nearby tree to keep cover, but at the same time be able to have a good look at the fire and its surroundings. You never know what wildlife might get attracted to the fire in this world… but maybe, with a little luck, I will draw humans this way.

But until that happens, I must lurk in the leafs like a majestic falcon and… not get totally bored.

An hour or so passes, and I begin feeling cramps in my muscles. Then finally, I hear rustling nearby in the grass, just close behind me. I’m caught by surprise for a second and hold my breath as I gaze at the bushes. I must’ve attracted something living to this location! And.. and from the bushes emerges a… human guy.
Oh wow, this guy looks cool with his dark hair, serious frown and attire. Heck, he even got a trench coat! How badass is that! Puts my raincoat to shame, it does.

I begin smiling in relief. This guy doesn’t look so dangerous. ..And he’s clearly different than the person I met earlier. So I was right! My suspicion is confirmed. There are more humans in this world! It’s time I get to the bottom of what exactly is going on here. I will find out the truth.
But first…!

This guy hasn’t seen me yet. Good. I begin smirking. Should I take him by surprise, or approach him politely…? Hmm.. let’s see how bad-ass this guy really is when I say something ominous.

And so, in a deep dramatic voice I utter:
‘’I have been expecting you, human! Always so inquisitive... I knew I would draw your kind to my fire, and so I have been waiting for you…
In other words, you’ve landed right into my trap!’’

The person looks up and turns his head towards all directions, but cannot spot me.
I jump down the tree and land on my feet just a few meters behind this guy, who ever bewilderedly looks around him searching for where my voice came from.
‘’Your soul is mine, mortal!’’

Then the guy looks into my direction, with an unamused expression on his face. I burst into a brief chuckle. To lift the mood I add:
‘’Haha, sorry for being juvenile, I couldn’t resist it. Rest assured, I am a fellow human, stuck here in this world just like you.
I’m glad you came. I thought I might have attracted a monster this way but you don’t appear like a threat… so far. And I think we’ll need each other’s help in order to survive.’’

I approach the guy with my hand held out for a shake, all the while trying to smile politely.
‘’Once again, I'm really sorry if I startled or annoyed you. My name is Menno.’’
I hold out my hand towards him, expecting him to state his name as well, but withdraw my hand when it becomes clear he wasn't going to say anything.
''Ehh, another time, perhaps.''
…
Say what? You say you know where more humans are in this world?! Huh, you’re more experienced than I am in braving this forest, aren’t you? Show me, I would love to meet them.
But first I should probably put out that fire.

Interesting day, indeed. There was quite an assorted crowd of individuals here, and luckily he was not the only one in formal attire. It means he didn't stand out so much and not standing out right now seemed good.

A rather overly excited guy approached him and introduced himself. Dwyer almost seemed happy he was here.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Miles."

After pausing for a moment trying to figure out which question to ask, Dwyer was gone.

With Dwyer off to the next person I didn't feel like introducing myself to a bunch of people I didn't know. It wasn't that I was bad at introducing myself or getting to know people, it was just I didn't really have it in me today.

A life of solitude appealed to me at the moment. There was a sizeable rock out of everyone's way. Seemed like as good of a spot as any to rest my legs. I strolled over there avoiding the group. For the moment, I will just sit and observe.

One of the group took off in the woods apparently to investigate the smoke he could make out over the trees. He went alone. Confident of himself it seemed. I don't necessarily think going off by himself in the woods was the best idea.

Dwyer was having a conversation with another fellow that seemed to be new, and the topic took my attention.

Two years, that was a long time. So I might not be getting out of here anytime soon after all. Well, it seems like I should be a bit more proactive after all.

I made my way to Dwyer.

"Hi again. Look, I am a bit new here but I this place seems a little less the safe. Is there anywhere a bit less open where we could all go? I don't really feel like waiting for one of those creatures to come back and I could make this place from a couple of miles out."

Lacie

It took Jace a while to calm down. After he punched Zaiden and Zaiden didn’t punch back, he seemed twice as pissed and just stomped off into the woods. I tried not to worry at first but then it occurred to me that there might be more people lurking around and I decided to follow suit. (Hah. Did you get that? It was unintentional though.) After all, I didn’t want him killing anyone.

So we went quite a distance off the camp, up to the beautiful purple river that Jace decided to dirty with his naked body. I’m not sure if he knew I was lurking behind him or not, but even if he did, he didn’t show it and didn’t seem to care. He immersed himself in the water and after the 5th minute I had already given up on my shame and was staring at the river intently, waiting for it to start boiling. It didn’t usually take him that long to chill out. The lack of sleep was getting to him, I reckoned. Wish the lab people would wake him up soon, torture him a bit, let him sleep and then give him back. That should set his priorities straight. Remind him who the real enemies were. Still, a person who can bring a river to the boil would be quite awesome. I kept staring at the river intently, waiting to see smoke start rising from either the water, or at least from Jace’s head. I was concentrating so hard that when Jace finally stood up with his ever-so-swift movements I almost jumped out of my skin. I squeaked and so did Jace, and, apparently, he didn’t know I was there after all. He stepped back, and slipped, and he fell back, and there was a splash, and a yell and some bibbles…

I laughed. I couldn’t help but laugh and I laughed so hard that I think I almost started chocking on my own rugged breath. Jace was still yelling something and I didn’t pay attention for the longest while because I simply couldn’t hear him over my own hysterical voice. It must have been a few minutes before I managed to take a proper breath and hold it down long enough for the oxygen to reach my brain. And Jace’s voice.

“--The fuck you were doing here, Freak!? This is SO not the way to hit on anyone, you wicked--!” and some other insults I didn’t listen closely to. What did catch my attention was the next thing he said.

“Come here already, I think I twisted my ankle!”

My subsiding giggles died out. Suddenly. I also think my smile was turned on its head.

“Pardon?”

“I twisted my ankle, I can’t get up, how dense are you?!” Jace was screaming. His face was red.

Oh my God!

My eyes widened and I felt my face get just as red. Jace was quiet all of a sudden and that only made me panic further. I would have stuttered if I could, but instead I just gulped and my eyes glanced at his pile of clothes frantically. I could see his under-

“NO!”

I said firmly and turned on my heel and started running as fast as I would be if there was a Hellhound hot on my tail.

“Lacie!! Lacie, I’M SERIOUS!!! HEY!!!!”

“CRAWLIFYOUMUST!!!” I shouted back and ran faster. It wasn’t even a minute before I reached the camp, and I think it turned out to be closer than I remember it being. My face was burning and so were my lungs and I was wheezing as if my throat was pierced. I think a tear was rolling down my eye and that made me smile like a crazy person – this whole situation was equal measures terrifying and hilarious. I let out a small chuckle and only then realized there was yet ANOTHER new person at our camp. And he was in a full-on formal attire as well. That only made me blush further… and chuckle too.

“I.. There’s a loose suit back at the river." I wheezed at the new guy, smiling, blushing and crying, all at once. "If you need another one… And its previous owner might be drowning as we speak.. I recommend waiting another minute and then you can obtain it without a fight.”

I blinked. The girl in front of me seemed to be an emotional tornado. She was obviously upset and it took me a moment to glean the reason from her fervent speech. The "loose suit" she refereed to must be the property of the guy she was with previously before they both went off. The fact that he was drowning would suffice as an explanation of her emotional state.
As much as an introvert as I had been in the recent months standing idly by as some guy drowned wasn't my normal modus operandi. It was time to pull himself out of his emotional frump. At least enough to help this girl and her friend, boyfriend, brother, well whatever he was

This other world, wherever it was, didn't seem terribly forgiving. This meant that his current long-term mood of introspection mixed with a pinch of depression was not going to work. All it was is a recipe for an accident that will probably get himself and those around him hurt because he was too busy missing reflecting on a past he couldn't have.

It was then that the thoughts of her came crashing back with such a strength that he almost buckled at his knees. The sorrow hit him like a tidal wave and he was at risk of becoming more of an emotional tornado then the girl in front of him. That's right. She needed my help. I took a breath, reigning in all of my emotions and locking them away in a dark corner of my consciousness to be reflected on at a more appropriate time.

"Lead the way."

How many days has it been now? I’ve started talking to myself to pass the time. If Dae-oppa was here, he would probably tell me to shape up and move out. Then again, I wasn’t sure where “here” was, but at least I didn’t have to worry about school. When I first arrived here, I couldn’t stop running. I took off my shoes, I tumbled, I rolled around, and I breathed in the air. It wasn’t exactly fresh, and most of the time, the wind didn’t feel like it blew on my face. In those first couple of days, if I could call them that, I constantly brought out my Botany notebook to draw the flowers and trees. I’m glad that I managed to bring that mini book with me. I recently bought it because my normal one was too bulky. Its leather cover made me remember my mother. Always her first. Always her nagging. Always her pride. She would be tending to her garden now. I missed her cooking.

Lately, I’ve had to find fish in the purple rivers that I’ve started to trust. Whatever this dream was, it lasted a long time. I’m starting to think it’s not a dream. The stomach pains didn’t feel fake, and the cuts and scrapes bled real blood. When I thought I would sleep, I didn’t. My eyes closed, but the thoughts that filled my brain, kept it moving, kept it awake. My body rested a bit, but my mind grew tired. My mind raced endlessly.

I sighed as days passed and the thrill disappeared. My body slowly filed with fatigue as I lost my nutrients. The flora began to spin whenever I stood up. I looked at my ghostly pale skin. I needed to learn how to hunt soon. I could only survive off of water and these berries for so long. I was just glad they were edible. I probably could have died, but they reminded me of berries I drew in my book before, so I took a chance in this topsy-turvy world, and I happened to be right. They were sweet, like honeysuckle, but the tang hit right after, and that part wasn’t favorable. Still, if I could properly learn to catch a fish or a squirrel, the rest would come easier. Halmeoni taught me, as her only granddaughter, how to skin and pluck and de-bone many things. She also taught me how to haggle in open markets. Turns out her advice was beginning to come in handy, if I could get my hands on something to eat.

I did try once. A large wolf tried to rip my head off my shoulders. That night, I rested in a tree, and I almost lost my shoes getting up there. I guess childhood tree climbing also came in handy. I’m almost certain I’ve never run that fast in my life though.

If only Dae-oppa was here. He would make jokes about me being a monkey. He would also get me food. I’m usually fine with being alone. It’s different when you had to survive. Now, I just wanted one other person around.

A week in, I thought, and I noticed a smoke signal in the sky. It wasn’t close, but it wasn’t far either. With my little bit of strength, I started the journey towards it. It had to mean other people. I didn’t think it was possible. I assumed I would just waste away here. Now, there was a gathering, and I actually hadn’t thought of that. Silly me! Stupid me, actually.

As I walked, I tried not to think about how my shoes weren’t for walking, how my berry supply needed to be replenished, how I was seeing shadows out of the corner of my eye that looked like deer antlers. No, I needed to stay focused. I didn’t want to run unless I had to. Mid-thought, I tripped on air. (It happens a lot, actually.) That’s when I saw that thing. A human/deer hybrid stared at me as I stood up, and I tried to ignore it and move on. I couldn’t unsee it, but when I turned around, it disappeared. I turned back to see it, a bow on its back, its eyes wide, staring past me. I wasn’t sure who made who freeze, but I carefully made a step before my ears picked up a twitch in the bushes. Another one appeared. I began to run past the first one. They didn’t follow, just watched until we became specks in each other’s eyes.

I pushed through a mess of bushes and branches, coughing and spitting out leaves and falling to the ground to catch an exchange in passing.

“Show me, I would love to meet them.”

I stood up to see two boys and the fire that was causing my eyes to sting. Its warmth felt oddly inviting. I brushed myself off before noticing I was missing a shoe. I crawled around, looking for it in the bushes I fell out of without saying a word to the new humans I’d found. Of course I was shocked and happy, but that shoe seemed very important at the time.