On The Move

We eat in Silence but when CheeChee wakes up, Thane gives him food before packing his things. Things are still odd between us but I'm hoping that in time, it'll get better. When he finishes his packing, he turns to me and nods.

He then walks over and starts pushing the large stone out of the way. CheeChee jumps up to my shoulder as I walk over behind Thane. He quickly puts his arm out and says "Don't come out until I come back and get you."

I frown at that but I nod and stay put. He quickly walks out and disappears from sight. I look over to the stone he was just pushing and feel myself inching closer. I put one hand on it and slightly push but when it doesn't budge, I put my other hand on it and try to push it again.

It doesn't move an inch! My shock is clearly written all over my face as I step back with a look of wonder. Just how strong is he now? I bite my lip and decide to try it once more. I turn around and put my entire back against it and push with everything I have.

CheeChee pushes the rock as well, trying to help but once again, it doesn't move. "What are you doing?" When I hear Thane's deep voice, I jump and nearly fall before cleaning my hands off and awkwardly clearing my throat. "I was just curious..."

Thane looks to the rock before looking back to me with a small smirk. He then says "It's clear. Let's go." He turns around and starts walking away so I silently follow. As I walk away, I quickly turn around and flip the rock off. I watch with a smile as CheeChee does the same before turning back around.

Thane was still looking forward but he was shaking his head. I resist the urge to flip him off too and stay close. It was no longer night but the red sky was so much... redder. Everything was washed in red, including us!

After walking for what felt like hours, Thane comes to a stop before a large clearing. He lifts his hand, telling me to stay as he walks out towards what looks like a stream. I do just as he says and look around silently as he walks closer to the water.

He squats next to the water and drinks the water before splashing his face and neck. I keep glancing at him from time to time before looking around but I don't see a soul. When Thane proceeds to sit down next to the stream and relax, I can't help but be slightly confused.

He hasn't given me the signal to walk out yet. I look around again, this time more intently but I still don't see a thing. I frown and turn back to Thane with my confusion growing. Was he sensing something I wasn't?

I turn to give CheeChee and questioning look but CheeChee just shrugs at me. As I turn back to look at Thane, I feel my heart skip a beat. He's gone! I start panicking and start looking everywhere but I don't even see his shadow.

I go to take a step forward but freeze. No, he's been here for over a year... he knows what he's doing. Don't be an idiot Valerie... When I look back up, I freeze. The smell of blood fills the air as I look at Thane standing before me with blood dripping from both hands.

A splatter of blood can be seen on his neck and side of the face but you could clearly tell it wasn't his. His eyes were dark again but he just says "It's safe" before turning away and heading back to the stream. My heart races a little bit but when I realize my foot is still hanging in the air, I quickly put it down and take a calming breath.

That... was slightly terrifying. He moved so quickly... so silently. I walk over and watch his back as he leans forward and starts washing his hands. It's him but it's also no longer him... As I get closer, he continues to wash his hands as he says "Wash up, upstream."

I nod, even though I know he can't see me, and walk over to his right. I squat down and glance over to him before cupping the odd pink-colored water and washing my face. When I cup the water again, I hesitate to drink it.

Still, without looking at me, Thane softly says "If I had any other choice, I wouldn't let you drink the water but you need to drink or you'll become dehydrated." He finishes washing the blood off his neck before turning to look at me.

His blue eyes were back but he still seems to be keeping his distance from me. This time I see his pupils growing larger as he lowers his voice and asks "Are you afraid of me, little bird? I can hear your heartbeat racing... I can also smell your fear."

My mind momentarily goes blank as I stare at him. Only a small ring of blue remains in his eyes as his entire body turns towards me. Was I afraid of him? The blood on his face was still there, making his overall look animalistic and dangerous.

Without thinking, I reach out and use the water in my hands to clean the blood off his face. He doesn't move, allowing me to do what I want as he watches me closely. When I get done, I look back to his eyes as I say "I would be lying if I said no but the fear of losing you is so much more. This new you scares me a bit but I know you'd never hurt me."

The blue ring slowly grows in his eyes as he says "That's awfully stupid of you to assume. I'm not the same, little bird." I slowly smile as I softly say "I know and that's okay." His eyes were back to normal again as he looks at me with conflicted emotions.

He quickly looks away and starts washing his face again before saying "We need to keep moving" I bite my lip and turn back to the water. I scoop up the pink water again before taking a deep breath and drinking.

CheeChee sits next to my feet, watching me with an open mouth. It tastes like... water. I tilt my head and nod before getting another handful. CheeChee watches me with wide eyes before looking at the pink water in suspicion.

He leans forward and sniffs it a few times before taking a drink. He waits for a little bit before leaning forward and drinking more. I smile and pat his head before turning back to Thane. He was standing over us, in a protective manner, as he looks around us for any signs of danger.