Sleepers Awake | Closed

Ritika

Lorana was bleeding. The blood flowed thickly, not stopping, even as Ritika and Dania leaned ove it. The makeshift bandage on her waist was soaking with blood quickly. On the plus side, the fog had lifted, enabling them to see the road. On the other hand, it had begun to rain. It was that kind of unrelenting rain that seemed would never end.

Mason picked Lorana up and carried her out to the edge of the river. She managed to compose herself, and tightened the bandage around her waist. Ritika stood, watching as Sam tried, once again, to coax Ali down from the tree, and Dania rocked Claire as she sat on a rock, trying to calm her.

Jeremy came up behind her and touched her arm.
"Ritika," he said, "We need to get back out there." She looked at him, puzzled. "There are more out there. Look."
Now that the fog had lifted, they could see several shapes on the horizon.
She nodded, and went to Sam, with Jeremy following her.

"Sam, we need to get moving. now."
Something about the urgency in her tone alerted him, and he asked,"What is it?"
The two gunholders looked at each other and then looked back at Sam.
"There are more." Ritika whispered. "Sam, Lorana is in no state to fight. Mason's busy trying to make sure she can walk straight, you know she can't, even though she's trying. Claire and Ali will not fight. That just leaves Dania, Jeremy, you and me. We need to get moving. Before that storm hits."

Sam paled. "It's a storm?"
"Yes. It's definitely a storm. And it's moving fast, if this rain is anything to judge by."
"Pack up."

Lorana

When I finally had enough strength to stand, I walked over to Sam and the others.

"Lorana, Are you okay? Can you fight?" He asks, trying to searach for the gash.

I nodded, "Yeah."

"Are you sure? Lorana, we don't want you getting anymore hurt then you already are."

I nodded again, "I'm okay Sam. I swear it. It's not that bad."

He has a raised eyebrow and I roll my eyes, "I'm okay. Don't worry."

He nods, "Good. Ritika, Lorana, Diana, me and Jeremy will be the fighters, if anything happens. Ali will take care of Claire. Mason, needs to keep an eye on Lorana. Just in case." He glances at me and I nod.

Ritika spoke, "Wait. Loranas fighting? Sam, this isn't right. Has she even had experience?"

I sigh and take the knife from my boot and aim for a tiny bird in the tree. It hits it, straight in the right place and falls from the tree onto the ground. "I have siblings. I know how to fight." I told her,

She nods, still alittle unsure. "Fine."

Dania
'Crap. I'm bleeding again have to stop it somehow how to get away from the group? If I stay close bleeding like I am it's a huge sign for all Sleepers and T-critters. I screamed inside my head. I casually cradled my right arm in my left letting the sleeve fall back. I swore softly. Most of the healed cuts and the new ones were bleeding enough that wherever my sleeve touched clean skin it left a streak of blood. I cursed my weakness. "Sam can I quick pop into those trees if you want Lorana can keep watch. I need to change into clean clothes. I feel gross." I lie smoothly making a face. He muttered something about not understanding girls. "Fine make it fast." He snapped. Claire looked up at me her face curious. I felt my breath hitch. Did she suspect it? I bit my lip. I walked towards the trees hearing Lorana's light step behind me. I ducked behind a group of three trees together and changed into another black long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of black jeans. I tied the bloody t-shirt to one of the trees to throw off the Sleepers. While still concealed in the trees I strapped my pouch with my throwing knives to my hip. My hands were weapons enough but those came in handy with things like the critters. I washed my cuts and the pocket knife enjoying icy sensation of the river water. I walked out of the trees and grinned at Lorana who was checking her bandage. My grin faded and I walked over to her. I tightened the bandage muttering sorry when she winced in pain. We walked back over to the group in silence.

Claire

More of the scary animals came, walking around like shadows. Ali was a little calmer, so I stood by her, holding her hand. We started moving away from the T-Critters, into the woods. Ali was about to start climbing a tree like she always did, but then I saw a little house.

"Ali! Let's hide in there!"
"There could be more inside. Or sleepers. Or, or the cannibals." Her voice shook, but I pulled her toward the house anyway. Dania was in the trees helping Lorana, and I timidly asked for a knife. She raised her eyes and gave me a funny look, but handed me the knife anyway. I walked very carefully with the shiny sharp edge facing away from me in case I fell.

"Ready?" I asked Ali, getting ready to swing open the door. She nodded and stepped in front of me, letting the creaky door open just a little bit.

Spoiler

Is it okay if I introduce James here?

Spoiler

I think that would be interesting : ) I hope this is okay.

Ali

Little Claire led Ali through the woods, carrying a knife. Part of Ali couldn't believe a child had more guts than she did, but part of her completely understood and was grateful.
They reached a small cabin and Claire led them up the porch steps. Ali took over in the leading department and opened the door for her, not wanting to look like a complete coward. She held her breath as it creaked open, not able to see much beyond a pair of eyes.

James

"Who's there? Step back or I'll kill you!" James jumped at his own words. A little gasp came from the door and the door banged closed. He stopped, realizing it couldn't be a sleeper. A sleeper would never have retreated, nor would any threat.
James walked forward slowly, pushing on the door. He was shocked to see an older girl grabbing a smaller one, both preparing to run for their lives. "Wait! I'm sorry, I thought you were sleepers." His voice came out in ragged breaths and he stood with a pleading expression.

"Who are you?" The elder girl had frozen, and she glared at James with eyes that were both terrified and threatening.

"Are you going to eat us?" asked the younger one.

"No, are you going to eat me?" He then noticed the T-Critters and the other fighting teens. "Get inside, quickly!"

Ali

The older boy pulled them inside, closing the door on them. Ali studied him, gripping Claire's hand as tight as she gripped back.
"W-who are you?" She asked again, her heart racing and breath short and rushed.

Dania
I slammed a foot into a rabbit's head ignoring the crunch that accompnied it. I cut a lions throat as it pounced at Sam. He offered me a tight smile of thanks. I smirked and then caught a snake as it lunged. I crushed the neck calmly. I was back to back with Lorana we were both panting hard. "Not how you imagined you would spend your day?" I asked. "Not exactly." She muttered in reply. I stabbed upward into a ravens skull. I chanced a glance around and noticed that the T-critters were falling back. I looked around and felt my breath hitch in panic. "Where's Claire?!" I snapped. Sam looked around horror and guilt all over his face. I swore softly. "Guys there's a zoo not far from here. The big cats exhibit is huge there both with the crowds and literally. I suggest we find Claire..." I looked around. "And Ali and beat it quickly. Stay away from the trees." I ordered calmly. Everyone looked towards Sam. "Uh what she said." He added looking shell shocked. "Guys!" I heard Claire shout. I turned and ran towards her hugging her tightly. "Oh my dear sweet Goddess thank you!" I whispered softly.

Claire

I realized everyone was looking for me, so I turned to go and let them know we were okay.
"Guys!" They all turned, Dani running forward and Sam following me. They started hugging me and laughing and talking. "Guys!" I tried to get their attention. "Be quiet! We met some guy, he helped me and Ali and is staying in a house over there. And," I added, taking out an apple and taking a bite. "he has food!"

Ritika

Ritika's stomach growled at the mention of food. Dania who was holding Claire, who was nearby, looked down at her. "What? So I'm hungry." she said, defensively. On her other side, Sam shook his head and asked, "So where is he? This guy who saved you, Claire?"
"Right this way, Sam" Claire led them to a house at the edge of the wood. "Hold on. Where's Ali, Claire?" asked Lorana. The little girl giggled. "She's with the big boy who helped us. I think she likes him."
At this, the other girls looked at each other and grinned widely. "Well, what are we waiting for then?"

True to what Claire had said, Ali was inside the house. The friends peeked in through the window and watched the two. And awkward silence had fallen between them with the absence of Claire. The team would've stood there all day if Ritika hadn't gone and pressed the bell.

"Hi." James said, addressing the heap of teenagers who had fallen in shock on hearing the bell ring. "Do come in. The front door is wide open."
He smirked as they walked in, dusting themselves off and looking embarrassed.
"So, as I was asking, who are you?"
Sam introduced everyone, pointing out each individual as their name was called.
"And who are you?" asked Ritika.

James

"And who are you?" The speaker was wearing some fancy dress thing that was definitely not a typical american thing. James ran his eyes over the others, all looked worn out and slightly afraid and defiant.
"I´m James," he answered slowly, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the sudden increase of people. Ali sat in the corner still, chewing a granola bar.
"Can Riti have food?" Claire chirped up, already running for the kitchen.
"Yeah, of course." James closed the door and locked it, spraying something in the crack. He noticed Sam giving him a questioning look. "I ran into another group like you guys, they had somehow managed to get this stuff, apparently it masks our smell from the T-Critters and the Sleepers. Hopefully it works."
"What happened to them?" Sam snapped, glancing around as if expecting murderers to jump out at him.
"I left them, they were worse than the sleepers. I imagine you know this, but you need to be careful who you trust, the Sleepers aren´t our only enemies." James glanced at the group again, noticing Dania's angry expression and Jeremy's dark look. Sam immediately noticed and stepped in front of James.
"We know. Which is why I'll let you know we are fully equipped to fight, in case any trouble arises."
"It won't." James murmured, returning to his seat by Ali, "At least not started by me."

Lorana

Sam and Claire lead us to a small little cottage/house over by the lake, inside the forest. I could still, barely walk, but I was capable of talking which I couldn't when I first got the gash. As we were walking, they got there first and Mason walked with me, keeping me balanced. I was wobbily, but managed to stay on my feet for the next two minutes of the walk. I couldn't walk anymore after half way towards the house.

Mason picked me up and held me in his arms the rest of the way. When he picked me up I flashed a small smile. "You don't have to do this, Mas." I whispered, wrapping my arms around his neck as he kept walking.

Mason

Claire has found somebody, named James and Sam introduced us to him. James was quite nice, to be frank. I caught on to Lorana, as I helped her stand on her feet. I was surprised the way she was brave and announced that she will fight. She was very different than any other girl. If it was some other gash girl, they could have given up and waited for someone else to take care of her. However, Lorana was just different.

James offered us to give us food. I was damn hungry but, at the same time, I took hold of Lora. After a few minutes, she felt to the ground, groaning. I picked her up on my arms, and kept walking. Also, she wasn't very heavy. Her hair hung around and arms were around my neck.

"You don't have to do this, Mas." she said, smiling at me.

I smiled back and said, "You've told me that I'm just a half good. I have to be perfect, right?" I winked at her.

She grinned. "I'm sorry, you have to go through all this." she said.

I stopped. We were just half way there. I looked at her. "Actually, you don't even weigh too much. So, I kind of like to carry you." I said.

She stared and me, and I resumed walking. We had reached the table and made her, sit on the chair. I sat next to her and Claire beside me. Claire tried to reach for cookies on the table. I helped her out, and passed one to Lorana.

"Thanks..." Lora said.

"No problem." I said, and munched on them. They sure were delicious. Ali stared at us. She just was staring at Lorana and me. Then she spoke-

"Are you guys, every time together?" Ali asked.

I almost choked on my cookie. I went pale for a minute. I mean, I did have a slight crush on her but, I never mean't to show it to other's. I looked at Lorana, who looked pale as me. Clearing my throat, I made lies-

"What? Noo! Of course, not! She's hurt so, I have to help her out. You know, friendship." I said.

Ritika looked at me with her eyes frowning and said, "Uh-huh. But its weird though. You two started off as enemies."

I kept quiet. I concentrated on eating when, I didn't notice little Claire calling out my name.

Lorana

After what Ali asked I choked on my cookie. Mas made it straight. Good. This was not going to be easy.

I looked at Ali and nodded, feeling awkward.

I stood up and looked towards the door. "I'm uh...Gonna go take guard..." I muttered, walking outside. I sat down on the side of the house, thinking.

Lorana

Ali and Ritika looked at eachother, and giggled. Claire looked at me with a very tacky expression. Lorana stood up, balancing on the table and said, "I'm uh... Gonna go take guard..." She walked towards the door. She took one last look at me, and went, limping.

Well, that was weird.

Ali cleared her throat and said something that I couldn't say 'no' to, "I think you should go with her too, Mason. She needs help walking."

I looked over at Lorana, who struggled to reach the door. I nodded and said, "Please, excuse me." I stood up and followed Lorana. When I was out of sight by everyone, I called to Lorana.

"Lora! Lora!" I yelled.

She turned back to see me, running towards her. She flashed a smile, but I could see the pain on her face. I grabbed her hand and put my hand around her hip. I guided her towards the door thus, opening it for her.

"You came all the way from there, for me?" Lorana asked.

"Well, I can't bear to see you limping like that." I said, and looked at her.

We sat at the steps, as Lorana groans badly and holds her hips. I tell her to wait and walked to the river. I took out a cloth and dipped it on to the water, and came back. I placed them on Lorana's hips. She closed her eyes, as I could see, she was recovering.

"Thanks a lot. " she says.

"No need to thank me too much. I'm sort of feeling embarrassed now." I say lamely.