Runaway: The Purge - Vol. 3

Eight months. Eight months had passed since the clash between the Resistance and the Hunters to save my childhood best friend, Adonis, from a secret Hunter base in California. Ten months had passed since I’d first joined the Resistance and found out I had strange, superhuman abilities. I’d learned to survive in an upside-down world, and survive mostly thanks to the help of others, and only partially thanks to my newfound powers. Because of my physique and fast reflexes, I was pretty good at hand-to-hand combat, and shooting a gun had become an easy task for me, although after the incident with Miles six months before, I’d promised myself to never kill another human being again.

In the meantime, school had started again, and according to the Emancipation, a sort of agreement between the Hunters and the Resistance, the war couldn’t interfere with the youth’s desire to pursue their studies. Gwen had patiently sat with me for an hour trying to get me to memorize the whole thing. She explained some things I was better off not knowing, but I managed to get the gist of it, and that was probably the best I could’ve ever done. I didn’t want to abandon any hopes of living a normal life after the war – if I lived that long – so graduating high school seemed like a good place to start.

Adonis and I had got back into our regular routine, started

school, and were back at our own houses again instead of a massive underground basement. Since we weren’t going to be seeing each other every day anymore, I’d exchanged phone numbers with my new friends so I’d know if they needed me for anything. (The majority of the kids in the Resistance were homeless orphans, and they somehow found the money for phones and motorcycles). That proved to be a mistake, however, because Karter only sent low-quality memes and Iris kept using AirDrop to send me the most cursed images she could find. That was concerning because for her to do that, she had to be relatively close to me, and I hadn’t ever seen her out in public. Between the creepy pictures and the feeling I was being stalked, I was slightly freaked out – and I know that was her intention. I eventually gave up asking them for useful information.

Thankfully, Matt, Ava and Gwen were more cooperative, and they kept reassuring me nothing good or bad was happening. That probably had to do with the fact that the majority of the Hunters had to go to school, too. The fact that a bunch of high school students were trying to kill each other still didn’t sit right with me. So, for the most part, I stayed away from our HQ.

But none of the things I’d learned with the Resistance helped me understand logarithmic functions.

Flash forward to one cool March afternoon, when Adonis came to my house to study, the way he used to before I joined the Resistance. Math had never been one of my strong suits – neither was anything else, now that I think about it – and Adonis was slowly growing frustrated with my stupid questions.

You need to set the arguments equal to each other, Zack, he said, leaning over my shoulder and circling an equation on my page. Then you can solve it.

Adonis, thankfully, had put on some of the weight he lost while he was the Hunters’ captive. He looked less like a skeleton and more like his usual self. Personally, I thought he could’ve used a haircut, since he’d gotten it back to the point where he had to tie it back. The cut across his nose and cheeks had healed, but it left an ugly, white scar in its place. It was kind of hard to explain when people asked about it. He usually said something along the lines of an accident and moved on.

I, on the other hand, had gotten taller thanks to some wacky growth spurt, and between training at the base and basketball, had developed a pretty nice build. (I think that’s the first non-self-deprecating comment I’ve ever made). That gave Dan the chance to tell me I was all brawn and no brain, but she wasn’t exactly one to talk.

I think I did this one right, I said, turning my notebook towards Adonis.

He looked over my messy, scribbled pages and somehow made sense of the equation. He nodded. Yeah, that’s how you do it. Just…could you be a bit neater? Mr. Jones is going to have a fit when he sees this.

If he sees this, I corrected.

Adonis groaned. Right.

I glanced at the clock, feeling relief wash over me as I realized I had basketball practice in half an hour. Sorry to cut this short, buddy, but I’ve got practice.

You’re not sorry. Adonis tried to give me his typical look of almost-motherly disappointment, but I could tell he was trying not to smile. He packed his stuff, then scanned the table again.

Don’t do that, I said. If you forget something, I’ll bring it to you at school tomorrow.

But what if I need–?

Quit overthinking things.

But–

You know what? I grabbed his backpack and dragged him to the door. What do you say you come with me to practice?

Absolutely not! he yelped, trying to pull out of my grip, when he could’ve just slipped the backpack off his shoulders. There are so many people there I don’t know, what if they start talking to me? You know I never have any idea what to say, and with how popular you are on the court, they’ll be like, oh, hey, you’re Zack’s best friend! and I’ll never hear the end of it!

It was my turn to hide a smile. Get moving, dunce, or I’ll drag you all the way to the court.

But as we walked down the street to the basketball court, the urge to smile was quickly replaced with a heavy feeling in my chest. I remembered a conversation I’d had only a couple months

before, and ever since, I constantly replayed it in my head.

My father had returned for Christmas.

……….

I’m sorry, was the first thing he said when he saw me.

I didn’t take after my dad much. I had the same curly hair and the same smile, but the resemblance stopped there. His skin and hair were lighter than mine, and his eyes were super dark. Seeing him again after so long, when so much had happened, was a little awkward, but this meant I could ask him questions and have him answer directly.

After explaining everything that had happened – the Hunters targeting me, getting ahold of the amulet, Adonis’ capture, and so on – my dad put his head in his hands and didn’t say anything for a while.

I have many things I want to ask you, I said.

You went through all that alone? my dad asked.

Not really. I had a lot of people helping me, but honestly, it wasn’t half as bad as what they experienced…and probably what you’ve gone through.

I’ve never been in a single combat, my dad said. I was in Formation A – an intelligence gatherer.

It was like a balloon had deflated inside me. So you never used your ability?

Not in combat, he corrected. I had to learn how to use it, in case I ever needed to, but things were different when I was your age. They had a leader who was more peaceful than Lincoln, but he died somewhere along the line…I’m guessing they had one other leader before Lincoln stepped up to power. We fought each other, but not many people died. They were mainly trying to capture us and take our abilities away. Then again, this was thirty years ago.

How? I asked. Apparently, this Druid imprint we have acts like a seal and binds our ability to us. It can’t be taken away.

That’s why they were trying, he said. " Their methods

never really changed: they scoped out who they thought had some

kind of ability, and then they had multiple choices. I’m not sure

which they did more frequently – if they killed them, made them

join them, or found some way to permanently erase their ability.

Whatever the case, there wasn’t nearly as much bloodshed as the

last war. Fights were never to the death. It was like Zoe originally

wanted: if you can’t win, run."

You knew Zoe?

She was the leader, my dad reminded me. The last time I saw her was the year before I got married. Your mom checks in on the kids every now and then – which is why she knows Dan’s a ‘tough cookie’ – but I don’t really know what’s going on anymore. I’m sure you’ve heard all about her from your teammates, though.

Why didn’t you join in? The question popped out of my mouth involuntarily, but once I started, I couldn’t stop. Adonis’ mom was killed. Karter lost both his parents. So many kids – some not even in their teens yet – are dead. Zoe died. If our ability is so powerful, why didn’t you do anything?

Because if I had done something, right now, you would be one of those kids who’ve lost their dads, my father said. Like you said, they’re targeting us. As an intelligence gatherer, I was never in a physical fight. You can’t always rely on your ability or a gun to get you out of danger. Your body and mind are mainly what help you. Also we didn’t know if they were taking people’s abilities away. It seems impossible, but you should always expect the unexpected. If they’d managed to get ahold of me, you might’ve never been born.

All valid points, but I couldn’t help thinking, so you just ran away. Lincoln mentioned that they’ve developed a gas which can turn your ability against you, I said. I’ve had a firsthand experience with it.

My dad straightened. What happened?

"The first time I was exposed to it, it was weird. It might not have been the perfected version, but I started choking and passed out. Karter was using his ability, and he said he almost ended up killing Galehaut instead of saving him. The next time I was in contact with it, I was trying to kill a griffon, and almost killed myself. Both times the gas had no smell, temperature, or taste. It was just like air. And even if you don’t breathe it in, just being in

contact with it is enough for it to work."

My father was quiet for a long time. Then, he said, How were you using your ability to kill the griffon?

I’ve had some kind of awakening, I said, then snorted. That’s not how I wanted it to sound.

It was very ominous, my dad agreed.

Basically, I can use the elements like air, land and water, along with things that branch off those, like lightning, I explained. Is that what you can do?

Partially, he replied. I’ve never tried lightning, but causing earthquakes or landslides was no big deal.

I’ve done that by accident, I admitted. It’s kind of freaky. But what’s weird is, while I was fighting Nimue, I just knew I could do more. She got all these bubbles on her body and she couldn’t breathe. I knew I could also control diseases and human vitality without ever having done it before.

Are you serious?

You can’t make this stuff up, Dad. But it gets worse. I found out that, if I have an object that belongs to someone, I can see their past in my dreams.

That’s happened to me on more than one occasion, my dad said. But it’s never been more than just a snippet, maybe a couple voices and a blurry face or two.

That’s not how I saw it, I said. It was almost like I was there. It was so vivid. Once I even saw two scenes, one from a more recent past, which were key moments in this person’s life. What do you think is going on?

I’ve heard of abilities evolving, he admitted. That might be what’s happening to you. For example, Karter capturing a soul and being able to save or destroy it isn’t a trick a normal Summoner can do. They call upon spirits of the deceased, sure, but they have very little control over their free will.

Galehaut was doing what he chose to do, I pointed out. Karter wasn’t forcing him to do anything.

What I mean is the spirit can choose to return to the world of the dead or stay and haunt the living at any given time, my dad specified. Even if Galehaut wanted to die again, Karter was stopping him. He not only perfected his ability, he mutated it.

Back up, I interrupted. Galehaut just wanted to return to his friend, Lancelot. If spirits can choose where to go, why was he still down there?

Spirits can be contained in restricted areas with spells, he explained. It can be easier or harder depending on the spirits’ status, how long they’ve been dead, or what they’ve done in their life. It still takes a very powerful mage to accomplish that, sometimes even more powerful than a Summoner.

That’s confusing, I complained.

Think of it like this. Someone locked Galehaut in a cage. Even if he wanted to die, he wasn’t able to get out of the cage. It’s not forcing him to want to live; it’s preventing him from doing what he wants.

Now you’re just splitting hairs.

My dad spread his hands. I don’t make the rules here. Just try to follow me. The moment Karter offered to help him, the door was opened. Normally, Galehaut would be able to escape, but Karter stood in his way. He only let him go when Galehaut had given him what he needed. Summoners can’t use spirits like puppets. Apparently, Karter can. That’s a mutation – and a pretty big one. Yours might not end up being that big, but it’s still evolving.

I nodded like I understood, but I still had no idea what he was talking about. Karter didn’t lock Galehaut up, though. Whatever’s happening, it’s gotta be the new leader of the Hunters. They can bring people back from the dead. Lincoln told me.

He could be bluffing, my dad warned. But there’s no denying the new leader is more powerful – and more maniacal – than Lincoln himself.

Lincoln isn’t crazy, I said. I thought so, too, at first, but I’ve spoken to him on multiple occasions. He’s not some power-hungry lunatic. He’s smart, confident, and knows how to manipulate people.

Kind of sounds like that Karter kid, Dad said. I don’t like what you said about Dan being so close to this guy, especially if he’s the old leader. Do you think she’s the one who betrayed you?

I won’t lie; the thought had crossed my mind multiple times. Even if she hadn’t been Lincoln’s closest friend, she was rude to everyone, violent, and wouldn’t let anybody know anything about her. Dan was the most likely suspect, but I didn’t want to believe it. For some reason, it bothered me.

I don’t think so, I said. She’s a mess, but I can’t see her betraying anybody, especially not with Gwen on the team.

People do crazy things, especially when they’re as trigger-happy as you say she is, my dad pointed out. I think your friend is right, though. It’s not good to suspect one another and constantly be at each other’s throats. That being said, what are you planning on doing now?

I…don’t know, I admitted. It’s been pretty peaceful since we got Adonis back. From what I’ve been told, there have been a couple fights here and there, but nobody’s died yet, and nobody’s had any life-threatening injuries. Our top priority is rooting out the traitor. I still think we should try to talk to them, but–

That’s not what I mean. Are you staying with the Resistance or not?

I stared at him. Really?

He sighed. You’re just like your mother sometimes.

Thanks.

I’m sorry I can’t help you out as much as I’d like. But if you want to stay, you can’t pull stunts like you did when you were out looking for Adonis. Staying in groups is the best thing you can do. Whatever you do, don’t go out in pairs. You might end up alone with the Hunters’ leader, and if they’re as powerful as they’re proving themselves to be, you’ll be in big trouble.

Yeah, I know, I said. I’m only ever alone with Adonis. Other than that, we’re always in groups of three or more. But you can’t expect the leader to make such an obvious move. I think the reason things are so peaceful now is because they know we’re looking for them. They’ll strike when we least expect it.

That sounds like something the Hunters would do, Dad admitted.

I don’t think they’ll wait much longer, I added. A lot of people have left, saying that we got Adonis back and there’s no reason for them to stick around anymore.

They left? my dad repeated. Right after finding out there’s a traitor in your ranks? How do you know this person didn’t leave with them?

Karter keeps talking like the traitor’s still among us, I explained. He knows who it is, and I trust him enough to keep an eye on them.

Don’t trust him too much, Dad warned. You never know if he’s the traitor, trying to throw people off his scent. He may be an official member of the Resistance, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he–

Are you still part of the Resistance? I blurted. I mean, I know you left, but if they needed you, would they call for you like they would an official member?

The random question seemed to throw him off, but he shook his head. Not technically. Since I left, I haven’t been involved with anything that has to do with the whole war. However, I still have to abide by the Emancipation, since I still have my mark. He lifted his sleeve, and, in the exact same spot as me, was a triquetra.

How did I never notice that? I asked, half to myself and half to him.

I always kept it covered, my dad said. If my own son never noticed it, there’s a high chance nobody else has, either.

Yeah, but you’re hardly ever around, I pointed out. What if someone saw it? Would they think it’s just an ordinary tattoo?

Maybe, but you never know where the Hunters are, Dad replied. They could be hiding in a crowd, or they could be right next to you, drinking coffee in a bar. That’s why you always need to keep your eyes peeled. Watch yourself, kid. And don’t ever trust anybody.

……….

The conversation left me feeling strange. It was a relief to finally see my father after many months, but talking about our different experiences with the Resistance was a little creepy. The last time I’d seen him was at a basketball game in May. Less than a month later, I’d found out the truth about him and myself, and hadn’t been able to talk about it until December. I’d thought about calling him multiple times, but it didn’t seem right. These were the types of conversations you had to have in person.

I wondered why the Hunters had changed and become more unhinged and bloodthirsty. Lincoln couldn’t have changed them in the short time he’d led them. Maybe the leader before him had started them down that path.

What I wanted to know more than anything was more about the traitor in our ranks. Maybe Lincoln had inspired them, but there had to be something I was missing. This person clearly didn’t like any of their teammates. Why would they join the Resistance in the first place? Or had they infiltrated the ranks from the outside, well knowing what they were getting themselves into? I shook my head. That wasn’t possible. The Resistance and the Hunters knew each other’s members. We’d have known if someone had snuck in.

All this kept playing on a loop in my head at almost all times, and there was nothing I could do about it. I avoided talking to Adonis about it, though, because he was already preoccupied with a billion other things.

We’d almost reached the basketball court when I felt something – a tingle at the base of my skull. It was like when I’d sensed Adonis’ energy signature at the Hunters’ base. Something was wrong.

We need to go there. I pointed across the street. Just around that corner.

Adonis frowned at me, confusion flashing in his blue-green eyes. Why?

You don’t feel that?

Feel what?

Someone’s in trouble, I said. I’m surprised you can’t sense it.

I think we both know that your perception of magic is related to emotions rather than to the ability itself. That’s why we don’t always sense the same things. Adonis glanced at the court, then sighed. You better think of a great excuse for skipping practice today.

We ran across the street and turned, where three guys were standing around someone. I recognized one of them immediately.

What are you guys doing? I asked.

The three guys turned around. The tallest guy had the same look Karter, Iris and Dan all shared: a sassy troublemaker. He was probably in his mid-twenties, and he had hooded brown eyes that were barely visible behind his black bangs. The smile on his face only grew bigger when he saw me and Adonis. Is that any of your business?

The other two guys exchanged a subtle look, almost like, here we go again. The one on his left was your typical blonde-haired blue-eyed angel, maybe twelve or thirteen, with sweet eyes and an innocent look. But the longer I looked at him, the more I realized it was just a facade. The last guy had brown hair and green eyes, and he looked slightly surprised to see me.

Hi, Jack. Long time no see, I said. Who are your friends?

Adonis answered the question for Jack. Aeron Brown and Blake Dahl. They’re not much in terms of power, but Aeron’s super unhinged. He’s dangerous.

I figured. I gestured behind them. Mind telling us what you’re doing?

This gotta be somethin’ personal. Aeron, the tall guy, moved to the side. You know this kid?

Behind him stood a short, dark-skinned girl with large, doe eyes. Her hair, long and curly, was a little ruffled on top, like someone had grabbed her head. She wrapped her arms around her chest, trying to protect herself, but Jack had a firm grip on the back of her shirt, and she was surrounded. She wasn’t going anywhere.

No, but I don’t think three guys should gang up on a girl like that, I said.

And you shouldn’t be sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong, Jack said flatly. You remember where it got you last time.

Please let me go, the girl whispered.

Hey, everything’s going to be okay. The blonde kid, Blake, smiled at her. We just want to talk to you. We’re not going to hurt you…if you don’t resist, that is.

Aeron jerked his thumb over his shoulder. This girl here has some kind of ability. So, we’re going to–

Shut up, Aeron, Jack interrupted. I felt a spark of hope. He must’ve been like me – when pushed into a corner, Aeron probably tended to let vital pieces of information slip.

You can’t bring innocent people into this, Adonis said. What if she doesn’t know anything about her ability?

Exactly why we need to teach her, Aeron said. It’d be better if she was never born, but she’s here. And she’s in for a world of hurt.

I’ve done nothing to you! the girl cried. I don’t understand! What’s going on?

I slowly reached for my backpack. You ready to make a mess?

Adonis took a deep breath, then exhaled shortly. Don’t have much of a choice, do we?

I’m warning you, Jack said calmly. You don’t want any part in this.

Adonis and I didn’t listen. We jumped into action.

I was a little late in remembering the eighth amendment of the Emancipation: using any kind of ability to fight in public is strictly prohibited. I hadn’t brought any weapons with me, because as long as we were minding our own business we couldn’t be attacked, but that was a mistake. Now we’d have to face these three guys head-on in a fistfight – without our abilities. I really had to start thinking before I acted.

Almost as soon as Adonis and I started moving, however, a thin streak of blue fire shot between us and the Hunters, causing everyone to freeze. My first thought was that another Hunter had shown up (which would’ve been the last thing Adonis and I needed), but when I looked up, I saw a familiar boy standing on a nearby rooftop. He had a Ruger in one hand and his phone in the other. He grinned down at me and Adonis.

What have you guys gotten yourselves into this time? Matt asked.

We don’t even know, I admitted.

Stay out of this, Jack told Matt. You have no right to interfere.

Actually, I kind of do. Matt pulled out his grappling hook and used it to lower himself to the ground, then made his way toward us. If that girl over there doesn’t know anything about this whole situation and refuses to join either side, she’s dead, and you three are next, since you dragged her into it. Aren’t you all about abiding by the Emancipation? I thought you knew better than that.

And you’re using a dangerous firearm in public, Jack pointed out.

Ever heard of the right to bear arms? Matt asked. I’m eighteen and I have a permit, so everything I’m doing is completely legal.

Jack’s face never changed, but he must’ve known he was beat. That doesn’t make it okay for you to shoot us.

"I