Its been around two hours since Zachary and I made it back into the wood. I took the time to go through my items packing them a little more properly. Clothes in the back pocket, necessary items in the pocket before it. This way I am not having hard items rubbing into my back while flying. Once I figured out where things should be located I hung my bag on a broken branch, low enough to reach. This way it was off the ground. I don't have night vision so if I ended up needing to use the woods as a bathroom or I needed to stretch out my legs there could be a chance of me tripping over the bag. <br /> <br /> Moments later Zachary called me over. I was a little hesitated at first but I walked over sitting on the stomp with him. He then held up a hoodie. He offered to me saying it is large enough to hide my wings but snug enough to keep me warm. I wanted to tell him that I already snagged a hoodie from the store I robbed but he was nice enough to think of me so I couldn't bring myself to say it. I took the hoodie from him as he passed over to me. My checks grew warm by his kind gesture. I am glad to have met someone like him. I have only met one other person besides him who showed me kindness. So, its hard to show my gratitude. <br /> <br /> Just when I was about to say thank you the sound of shouting nearby caused the words to freeze in my throat. I stood up out of instinct making my way to my bag. Just then Zachary placed himself in between me and something else. My heart raced not knowing what was happening until I saw a young girl running toward us. She looked panicked. I didn't notice anything else about her until she bumped right into Zachary. Why he didn't move out of the way or push her aside annoyed me. <br /> <br /> Then I saw them. Wings! This girl has wings. "She's... like us." I blurted out. Zachary nodded in agreement before introducing himself. I kept my distance. I wanted to walk up to Zachary so I could give him a good whack on the back of the head. Of all things! Here he is giving out his name to some cute girl who appeared out of no where!!<br /> <br /> Part of me told me to run and leave the girl. For what if she is an enemy or maybe she was here to lure us out so the white coats could catch us. Though the other part of me told me to take action and help this girl out. She could be another run away like us. It was hard to figure out since we only had just met her a second ago. <br /> <br /> I pulled my bag down from where it hung, forcing the hoodie Zachary gave me inside. Then I pulled the straps over my shoulders. The bag was perfect. It settled at the center of my back giving room for my wings to move. My wings weren't ready to fly yet, but I didn't mind hiking all night further into the woods to avoid being caught. From where we were located if not careful we can be noticed. I didn't want to take that chance. By the look of things with Zachary and the terrified new girl it didn't seem that they were in a big hurry. So, I slumped down onto the ground sitting crisscrossed applesauce, folding my arms across my chest as if I were a pouting child. Though my facial expression just hinted that I was annoyed with the situation.

I nodded to what Winter had said. Once again she didn't wait for my response and started heading the way we came. Once in the woods I felt at ease. Maybe it wasn't the right feeling, but at least I wasn't feeling anxious anymore. We took several steps. <br /> <br /> Reaching a stomp, I called to Winter, and said "I found a hoodie on the store. It may be a few sizes bigger than you, but I think it's for the best, since a normal hoodie will show your wings. My jacket fits you a bit too snug, and it might make you uncomfortable." Her cheeks turned a bright pink color. She was about to speak when we heard commotion.<br /> <br /> We peeked through a few bushes. A man was yelling orders at several others. A long was an Eraser. I wasn't going to wait, but the Eraser wasn't moving. The man yelling told the others to move, and other man threw the Eraser's body inside a white van, similar to the one we were in before.<br /> <br /> My instinct was to flee, since we were outnumbered, but as I looked closer. I saw a girl hiding in a bush. I wasn't too sure if she was enemy or if she was something else. She stood there for a few moments.<br /> <br /> She kept running towards me and Winter. I reacted by putting myself first, if this was an Eraser I could take her. That would buy Winter sometime to run. As the girl came closer her shape seemed to get bigger. Something about her was off. <br /> <br /> Dragging behind her where her wings. As she ran, she bumped into me head on. I looked at her Hazel eyes. Her light brown hair was a mess. She was about to scream when I cupped her mouth. I spread my wings, showing her we were on the same side. Winter came out behind me, her eyes big in shock. <br /> <br /> "She's... like us.." Winter said. I nodded and said "Not sure why they are creating more experiments, but whatever the reason is we all have to stick with each other." I looked at the girl, who's eyes where tearing up already. I looked at her and said "Look... we aren't here to harm you, we are on the same side. I'm going to let go of you, but don't scream. If you do... we'll be back in dog crates and needles in us." She nodded as I let go of her. <br /> <br /> "I'm Zachary, but you can call me Zacky, that over is Winter. What's your name?"

---

I watched as Kedron left. A wave of emptiness came over me and I attempted to look over the dark filled room. I was alone once again. For some obscure reason, I felt safe with Kedron around. Maybe it was because I knew he wouldn't let anyone else touch me. Or, maybe it was the fact that I'm so used to only having him around. <br /> <br /> After seeing him come back, I nervously glared as he laid down, facing away from me. Why didn't he want to look at me? Was he scared I would yell at him again; or was there a possibility of him feeling something? I chucked at the thought. Yeah right, how could he possibly feel that way? It's not like he has real emotions for anything. Heck, I was locked up in the godforsaken dog cage! To stressed to think anymore, I drifted off to sleep. An image of a girl and a boy appeared in my head. They were in what looked like a small town, carefully looking at every inch and corner like they were afraid of something. Something was off. By the looks of the two, they were in poor condition, and I knew those injection scars anywhere. Were they like me? A howl closed in and snarls lashed out at me. Screaming, I-<br /> <br /> Heavy footsteps awoke me with a sudden gasps for breath, causing me to place a hand on my heart. I knew this wasn't good because no one else ever came into, well, wherever I was. Growling, I huffed and moved to the front of the cage, trying to hear what the two men were talking about. I couldn't quite hear what they were saying. These horrid walls were practically soundproof to me. Another set of footsteps made their way down the stairs. I quickly moved to the back of my cage in fear.<br /> <br /> As the huge metal door opened, Kedron appeared. Something about his facial expression stopped me from making a small smile. Rather than doing so, I crouched as tight as I could against the back of the bars. My ears picked up a low whisper from his voice. He was telling me to get out. I didn't understand. As he pointed to the window, I looked over curiously. He was now shouting at me that I needed to run. The cage door opened, and large hands took hold around me, ripping my almost lifeless body out of the cage. Being pushed, he yelled 'Go,' then disappeared through the door.<br /> <br /> My head was spinning. I wasn't clear on what was happening. Part of myself hoped this was all a dream, but, the other half felt excited that I would actually be free for once. I attempted to spread out my wings, however, seeing there was no time, I quickly climbed out the small window, and bolted towards to nearby trees. I face planted as I reached the tall grass. Gasping for air, I almost didn't realize Zane was standing a few feet away from me. Throwing my hand over my mouth, I moved back, staring through the nearby trees. Some men hurried out of the building, dragging something. Looking closer, it was Kedron! Tears rolled down my pale face, and I watched them throw him into the white van. Something in me wanted to help him. I knew I was too week to handle that many white coats. After watching them leave, I memorized the plate numbers and kept repeating them. Then it hit me. My heart stopped as I thought- the last word he said to me was "go." Maybe he really did care about me. Just maybe he didn't want to see me get hurt. Quietly moving away from the brush, I darted the opposite direction, not looking back. I may've not been looking back to see the past, but, I was looking forward... for Kedron. He wanted this.

Zachary choose to separate to gather up supplies. I was alright with it. I am kinda curious to see what type of supplies he will get. Usually people will go for similar items when their together. Separately, a bit of the same yet different. Soon we decided to part ways the gears in my head were already turning. I made a mental note on what I would like to snag. And other possibilities. Zachary had taken the store on the left, I took the one across. Both stores looked to be easy targets. Small town, a handful of stores easy pickings. Look at me two days free and already I am thinking like a criminal. Oddly, I don't feel guilty about it. Even though I should. <br /> <br /> I walked up to the store as if it were a normal shopping day. No one was around to see me though. I peered through the windows checking for any trip wires, alarms, cameras etc. I couldn't see anything of the sort. A little surprising since most days now everything has something to do with security. The doors were locked, so walking right on in was out of the option. And with how my wings are at the moment flying to the roof to find a hatch to a skylight. Luckily, I have an a secret weapon when it comes to things like this. Though every time I used that ability of mine I would be guided blind folded to a room. <br /> <br /> I can't teleport without knowing where I am going. If I would attempt doing so part of me or all of me will be stuck inside a wall. I saw a spot in the store, wide and empty. I focused on that spot. My nerves tensed up, I could feel my body feeling lighter. Then everything seemed to move in a blur when I kept still. Next thing I knew I was inside the store. Teleporting has it's perks and drawbacks. Every time I use this ability of mine it makes me sleepy. After a few minutes the sleepiness would fade away. Now if I use this talent of mine too much I will pass out from exhaustion. <br /> <br /> Now to get down to business! I browsed through the rows of selves eyeing what there was. I spotted backpacks hanging in the back of the store. I grabbed a navy blue one with gray straps. Its perfect in size, has a lot of storage space. Two big compartments in the back, three little ones on the front. Now that I have a bag I went back through the rows. Grabbing items I thought necessary. I am not worried about organizing the bag so it didn't look like such a mess. I will do that later. I grabbed a pair of woman's hiking boots, I tired them on. They are wonderful compared to being bare footed. <br /> <br /> Two shorts, two jeans, a pack of socks, two tanks tops, a hooded sweater, and a blanket all packed away inside the biggest pocket. The second largest pocket I threw in a skillet, matches, first aide kit and a variety of food. Before adding in more I weighed the bag in one hand then on my back. I am stronger than a normal human but I still do have my limits. Seeing it not that heavy I added a few more items. Such as a flashlight, batteries that go with it, a map, and a canteen. <br /> <br /> Pleased with what I got I exited through the from the front door. I unlocked it of course. No alarms went off thank goodness. I could have used my teleport ability but I didn't ware myself out any further. When I walked outside Zachary was just leaving the store he was in. Both of us seem to pretty in-sync. Which I found a little weird.<br /> <br /> "All set?" I asked him walking up to him. "I hope you don't mind that we walk a bit. I am pretty sure by tomorrow my wings will be okay again." Saying this I took lead once again, I headed back towards the woods from where came.<br /> <br /> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /> <br /> After scaring the girl a bit Kedron walked upstairs having an odd feeling. He's been sensing it since he saw those two teens out on the street. He peered out the window. He saw nothing but he watched the outside world for about ten minutes before heading back down stairs. Kedron felt tired, bored and restless. He plotted himself back onto cot. He laid down back turned to the girl. He stared at the wall like many times before. In moments he feel asleep. <br /> <br /> He was woken up by sounds of foot steps up stairs. He awoke instantly. Sitting up he sniffed the air. A familiar scent sent a chill down his spine. Knowing that it was him. Kedron went up stairs to greet him. Even though he didn't feel like doing so. If he doesn't act like a perfect dog then he'll end up under the knife. Once up stairs he looked outside, still dark. Maybe midnight? <br /> <br /> "Good evening Director Zane." Kedron greeted.<br /> <br /> "Good evening there Kerdon, sorry to have woken you up but I have a job for you." Zane said going though some paper work left out on the counter. "We have a situation, two of our avian experiments escaped. Not on their own. The van that was transporting them lost control and went over a cliff." Zane paused eyeing Kedron to see if he were paying attention.<br /> <br /> "You want me to hunt them down for you?" Kedron smiled wickedly. He's been held up here for so long this was a good excuse to leave. <br /> <br /> "Not exactly, I want you to get the avian girl down stairs and bring her up here." Zane said seriously. "The two that escaped are being tracked as we speak, but it's taking too long for <i>we</i> have planned. I need the girl."<br /> <br /> Hearing theses words Kedron felt his heart stop. Why do they need her. And why does he feel pity for the weak thing. He swallowed down his words then headed down stairs to fetch the girl. He walked slowly but steadily. Once at the bottom he walked over to the small window that lit the entire basement. He opened it as much as it can go. Then he approached the cage. He knelt down, opened it.<br /> <br /> He stared her down trying to figure out what heck why he is doing this. "Listen." He began to whisper. "Zane is here. And he wants you. I know for a fact it ain't good. So, you better get out of here." He told her honestly pointing at the small window. "I know you might not be able to fly yet, so run! Run as fast as you can. There are two avian kids out there somewhere. I want you to find them." He said yanking her out of the cage and pushing her towards the window. "Go!" he shouted before heading back upstairs to distract Zane.<br /> <br /> Once upstairs he wasn't sure if she left or not. Zane looked at Kedron with questioning eyes. "Well, where is she?" He asked.<br /> <br /> "Gone." Kedron said. "She escaped just a moment ago. I will hound her down for you if you command it." Zane straight face turned sour, he wasn't happy. But then his poker face returned. He didn't say a word. Instead he pulled out a shot from his jacket. Walked up too Kedron. Kedron's heart pounded. Felt a pitch in his neck then everything went dark. <br />

<i>Which store to rob. Hmm. Both looked appealing. I think if we went separate ways we might get something. Or at least something to keep us fed and alright for a couple of nights.</i><br /> <br /> "Defiantly Separate ways, We will take more ground if we split. Grab whatever we need. Water and Granola Bars will have to do for food. If you think you heard something then get out. We will meet here in 10 minutes." She nodded in agreement. <br /> <br /> I took the left store. I checked first for any alarms, nothing was there. So I broke the window with my jacket wrapped in one of my hands. Right away I spotted a backpack. I took it, and put a weeks worth of water and granola bars in it. I searched for a first aid kid, just in case we needed one. I found one close to a counter that had blades. I took one just in case. Last but not least I thought of Winter. <br /> <br /> The fact that she got cold in the middle of the night, I put a dark colored hoodie in my backpack. A brush and a small bottle of shampoo bottle was added just in case. One small bottle of Advil and I was good to go. <br /> <br /> I headed out, waiting for Winter. Wondering if she was doing ok. Occasionally wondering if I should go in for her, or just wait. I calmed myself down, when I saw her with a backpack as well. A slow smile spread on my lips.

It was cold. The metal from the cage I was held, made me shiver with discomfort; goosebumps all over my shaking arms. I couldn't get comfortable, but, <i>would I ever feel the safety and comfort of an actual bed instead of this dog cage</i>? The question took a moment to enter my thought process... While I simply answered- <i>no</i>. Leaning up against the back of the cage, I positioned myself into a little safety ball, wrapping my pale arms around my legs, while resting my head on my arms. The sudden absence of darkness was replaced by the blinding bright lights. Squinting my hazel eyes and moving my light brown hair from my face, I tried to see who had entered my facility to poke and probe me with more needles and tests. <br /> <br /> A sigh of relieve came out when I noticed it was just Kedron. He was the Eraser who looked after me. Now that I think about it, he is only one I've really ever known, in a matter of speaking. I watched him carefully as he looked over me, placing a sinful grin on his smug face. My eyes reflected in the light as I followed him walking to his cot to sit down. Something was slightly off about him today, or, tonight. Heck, I didn't even know the time of day. I've been locked up here for what seems like years. I watched my captor in curiosity, attempting to connect with his thoughts. <br /> <br /> After a good ten minutes, I got bored of trying and shifted in my cage. Glancing back up, I looked over Kedron. His perfectly perfect hair style, his muscles rippling throughout his body.... The jade green t-shirt he was wearing showed off his abs a little to much, I laughed to myself. A sudden turn of his head engendered me to flinch, moving back to my normal position. His laugh was cutting through my skin like razor blades. Growling, I spat at him. "Why in the hell are you laughing?" I questioned, yelling through the steel bars of the cage. His face became serious. <br /> <br /> I tightened myself as much as I could within the cage to get away from Kedron. I screeched in pain. His large hands grasped a chunk of my light colored hair and pulled with pleasure. "Stop," I managed to squeal. Tears ran down my face as his released his grasp and lowered himself closer to the cage. My head was pounding. Kedron had never done that to me before. "Kedron..." I began, catching myself- "Sir," I flustered, "please forgive me." Closing up into a protective position, my hair fell once again into my face as salty tears poured from my eyes. Something in his voice made my feel a rush of heat. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, something laid on my back under my white shirt. To terrified to move, I sat there not knowing what was about to occur. A hand proceeded to rub down my back, going over every inch of my wings. I shuttered in vexation. <i>What was going on</i>, I thought to myself quietly, trying my best to ignore the rough hands which were rubbing me. Wincing, he had gone over the spot where I had been knifed while attempting to escape. I growled in slight frustration. After a while, the pleasure moved away, and I opened my eyes. Kedron was standing next to the cage, staring at me. I quietly stared into his dark chocolate eyes, and blushed uncontrollably. Okay, so maybe I did have something for Kedron... Otherwise, why in sam's heck would I be blushing!

---

As we walked Zachary suggested taking breaks if we needed too. More like if I needed too. I kept my mouth shut. My wings are un-usable at the moment not my legs. <i>You doo-doo head!</i> i thought to myself. We walked for about two hours. Tracking through the woods wasn't terrible, it was a pretty easy track if anything. There were a few slopes we had to worry about but nothing major. Thanks to the long hike time passed quietly and quickly. Night came by fast by the time we reached the edge of the wood. <br /> <br /> The town was small. People were still out and about since it was still too early in the evening. We hung out within the trees for a while longer. At least until things got quieter. When I was sure mostly everyone had gone off to bed. I folded my wings in tightly underneath my shirt. I then signaled Zachary to follow me. We walked quickly until we reached the town's border. There we slowed the pace down to the point where we wouldn't look suspicious. I was nervous. But at least I wasn't alone. Once we walked a few blocks in. I sighed with relief. We made in without being stopped or noticed. Now to pin point a store to rob. One that doesn't seem to have any security alarms and all the other bells and whistles.<br /> <br /> We stopped when I notice two stores nearly across from each other. Both looked to be camping gear material. "Do you see a building that looks promising?" I asked Zachary quietly hoping for his impute. I didn't want to make the wrong move. "We need a store that a little bit of everything, so far I see two." I pointed them out. "We could each take one for both might have different supplies. Though it risky, I wouldn't mind giving it a try. What do you think stick together go our separate ways and meet back here in ten minutes?"<br /> <br /> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /> <br /> The light started to fade away when Kedron finished his five book of the day. The library was closing soon so it was about time he left anyways. After placing the books he read back onto a random self he left swiftly eager to grab something to eat. He walked back to the diner since it was really the only place in town that serve three square meals place a snack or two. Soon he walked in all eyes were on him. As if he were sprayed by four skunks on the way over. He wasn't very liked in this town. No big deal. He's been stationed here for three months and already made an enemy of most of the town within the first week of being here. <br /> <br /> He ordered his usual. Steak, potatoes and huge bowl of salad. He ate it all within a good amount time, before ordering a bowl of vanilla ice cream. A waitress came with his check. He paid in cash then left. In all that time he hadn't spoken a word other than too the waitress or telling people off if they approached him. He decided it was about time to head home to check in on his pet. She should be missing him terribly by now. <br /> <br /> On his way home it was quiet. Not very many people out and about. He walked by a couple of teens looking as though there were lost. They were worn out clothing, and they looked as though they needed a wash. The guy followed behind the girl like a loyal puppy. As he passed them up he notice a familiar smell about the two. He paused for a moment to stare at them. Their smell reminded him of the lab. Could it be? There's no way? Squinting his eyes he walked onward. Glancing back a few times. Until he turned the corner. Two more blocks down he reached home. The vet clinic. Well it use to be until it shut down do to a newer being built sometime back. The owner of this place now owns the new building. This one was being rented out for space. That was four years ago. Now it's home too a small band of white coats and made into a small lab. The only experiment here is well hidden in the basement. His little pet.<br /> <br /> Entering he noticed no one was here. The white coats had done home for the night. He sighed in relief for they would have given him grief about being gone all day when he was suppose to be looking after the girl. Kedron walked towards the back of the building before walking down a flight of stairs. He flipped on the switch peering into pet's cage. She was sitting toward the back of the cage, just like how he had left her. He knew she wouldn't escape. Not on her own anyways. <br /> <br /> A grinned crept up on his face but he didn't say a word instead he walked over to his cot. Sat down on it. And stared for a minutes at the cage. Staring at the girl made him think of the two teens he passed by a little earlier. Bit by bit he started to piece everything together.

She squinted her eyes. <i>Ok then flying isn't an option. Sorry for asking.</i> She suggested that we walked. Which in all honesty didn't bother me. I was concerned about her wings. Even if she said they were bruised, I wasn't going to make her fly anyways. Walking would give us time to get there. At least with less humans asking questions. Not sure what we could do about our wings. Maybe hide them under our shirts. I had a jacket. She could borrow it. It was uncomfortable if you weren't used to it. Good thing I was. It was just a thought though.<br /> <br /> "Walking it is" I said smiling back. "If you can't uh.. walk any longer, let me know. We'll take breaks in between." She looked at me and nodded and kept walking forward. The more we walked the darker it got. I kept my eyes opened for anything. Humans are one thing, animals and White Coats.. are another. Not to mention Erasers. We finally got to the town, and sure enough It was night time.<br /> <br /> "Are you ready?" I asked Winter.

Zachary did what I had asked. Returning within only a few minutes. So there was a town. Only a short distance from where they stood. He talked about flying there. I wanted to swat him of the head for asking. But instead I squinted my eyes a bit to so show my annoyance. Thinking about it I don't think leaving now would be a good idea. It was still daylight. And I really don't have a way of hiding my wings easily. Zachary has his jacket he fold them uncomfortably tight under. With me, I only have a t-shirt. Even if I would hide them underneath it it would obvious. <br /> <br /> Without saying a word I paced back and forward in front of him thinking. Within seconds I came up with a great plan. Though it required walking. Just when I finally get the freedom to fly where I want and however long my wings fail me.<br /> <br /> "Flying isn't an option for me at the moment. I think that they are maybe bruised do to the crash yesterday. I hadn't realize it until we flew so much in the last two days. So, how do you feel about walking to town? By the time we get there the sun will almost be settling in for the night." I said pausing for a moment. Then I said something that was almost cliche. "Night time is crime time! And so let us thieve the night away." I said giving a weak smile, I should have kept that to myself.

She nodded. I let go of her. I watched her, wondering if she was lying about the fact that she felt ok. I didn't want to bother her, so I didn't ask. She walked forward a bit, no doubt she was still in an amount of pain. <i>I guess if she can take the pain, then there's no need for me to be following her about like a lost puppy.</i><br /> <br /> I knew there was water near by, I could hear it. I didn't know if it was deep or not. I saw Winter fade behind some trees. I wasn't going to go after her. Not unless she needed my help. I didn't hear anything but kept my mind open for any possibility. Without any remarks, I paced back and forth looking around for any sign of trouble.<br /> <br /> There was a lot in my mind. Questions that I could perhaps never answer. <i>Do we keep going? Does Winter have a broken wing? What will we eat? Will we have to relay on human help any time soon?</i> I sighed. Life wasn't easy, but at least this was better than being stuck in a kennel.<br /> <br /> After a few minutes, I see Winter. It looked like she had taken a leap in the water. Her hair was soaking wet, and so where her clothing. I tried not to stare, I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. She looked more relaxed. Still with a small pained looked, but not like before. I was about to ask her if everything was okay until she said "Can you fly up to see if you could spot a town? I know that is risky but we need supplies. When you find something, tell me please."<br /> <br /> She added a smile after that. I nodded and flew up. Searching around I spotted a town close by. No doubt we were still near civilization. I came back down and told Winter, "There's a town about a mile or so from here. I can take the air if you want, but I'm not too sure if you are feeling well enough to be in the air." I waited for her to respond.