Reaching Salvation: Post-Acer Part 5

"I like to mix it up a bit," Tom replied, grinning.

Heidi laughed a bit more, before the group came to a stop in front of the gates. She turned to Ari, a small frown on her face. "I'm sorry..."

Ari sighed. "Just get lost, okay? Come back and visit, or we'll all hunt you down."

Heidi's frown turned to a smile as she hugged Ari. "No promises, but I'll try," she replied.

Soon, both Heidi and Benji had said their goodbyes to Ari, and the older teen had opened the gate. "I mean it, now get lost," she said, gesturing out to the wasteland.

"Thanks," Tom told Ari, before turning around and heading back into the wasteland.

Simon sighed. "I'll make her a plate so she can eat when she wakes up."

When they entered the house Erika noticed that a lot of Elena had thrown was back in it's place, though some of it cracked or showing evident damage.

Joey sighed at the crack items. "Don't worry, I got em."

Heidi held Benji's hand, following after Tom.

"Allow me." Zackary said as he placed the girl down onto a bed.

Erika nodded to Zackary. "I need to check out the library. With this baby coming I think it's about time you and Elena had the talk..."

"...The talk?" Simon asked.

Elena shifted slightly when she was laid down on the bed, her stomach growling loudly.

Zackary quietly chuckled to them.

Erika gave a smile at Elena, before heading out.

Elena blinked awake, groaning as her head pounded, and her stomach felt like it was trying to eat her.

Kaylee quickly ran up to Erika. "Paul hit a house!"

"What?" Erika blinked, before going back into leader mode. "Show me."

"H-he's being taken care of right now," Kaylee started to run away, "This way!"

Erika followed what she could see of Kaylee.

Kaylee soon made it to where Paul was being treated...after passing a completely demolished house.

Heidi looked out over the wasteland, frowning as she saw just that, a wasteland. "Oi, Tombo, can you tell where PMSing Joe and Melaney ran off to?"

---

Kira stood up, albeit shakily. "I-I-I'm g-going t-t-to...um..." she trailed off, unable to think of something to do. They'd just eaten, food wasn't necessary, the garden didn't really need weeded... She needed something to keep herself busy.

---

Elena looked around, trying to blink the blurriness out of her eyes. "Wha' happened...?" she asked, managing to spit out a few words.

Tom focused, using his 'sight' to lock on to Nathan's footsteps. Melaney was odd, and there was something off about those snakes, Tom knew. He pointed a finger in the direction he felt.

"Thatta way," he replied.

-----

Luke looked on confusedly, wondering what it was she was trying to stutter out.

Heidi continued following Tom, looking for Nathan and Melaney while talking in a low tone to Benji. "Keep your distance from these two, okay? At least for now. Tom's a good guy, but Nathan and Melaney, can't really be trusted."

Benji frowned, nodding obediently, though he didn't voice his doubts.

---

Kira slumped back down to the ground, holding her head in her hands. "I-I don't kn-know..." she groaned, wishing she had something to keep her busy. She didn't want Luke to think that she was lazy.

"Hey, no worries. You work all the time, you more than deserve some relaxation time. Just relax, loosen up," Luke replied kindly.

------

"That's nice to hear," Tom smirked at Heidi. "But seriously, stay away from the others. Melaney's a bit... off. I dunno if she's violent or not, but best to be careful. Nathan could be fine, or he could be a complete dick. Just try not to annoy him, and he shouldn't care too much about you. Just keep your distance."

Tom believed Nathan had changed, but best not to let your guard down. Luke had been fourteen when Nathan had fought him.

"A-Ah, but..." Kira protested weakly. How were you supposed to relax again? She didn't remember. She needed something to do, something to keep her distracted. Nothing good ever happened from laying around too much, that she knew quite well.

---

"Alright," Benji replied shortly. Despite their warnings and his external reactions, he was set on determining everyone's trustworthiness on his own. Sure, Heidi may be his sister and Tom, her friend, but people changed, and perhaps she could no longer be trusted.

"What's your Flow, anyway?" Tom asked offhandedly.

"I can lift things, 'cept with my head. Forget what it's called," Benji replied, absentmindedly using his Flow to pick up a rock and throw it a few yards ahead of the group.

Luke lay back down. He spent much of his time lost in his own thoughts. He felt bad about not being able to help out Kira, but mostly he stayed quiet by his windowsill unless he had to interact with anyone other than Kira. He was surprised he hadn't seen that Sage girl again.

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Tom whistled lowly, wishing he could cast a glance at Heidi.

"Nathan'll be happy to find that out, no doubt."