Chapter 4

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Heat enveloped my sore body. The water stung my cuts, but it went away quickly. My stiff muscles relaxed as I lay in the large wash tub. The water came to my shoulders, and steam covered the room. I shut my eyes and let my body go limp, breathing in the hot, humid air. My wet hair sprawled in the water, while some strands clung to my shoulders and chest. I could almost sleep like this. For the first time in, apparently, twenty-eight days, I could relax. The dirt and blood tainted the water, but I could care less right now.

I suddenly heard a soft click and felt eyes on my exposed body. My eyes shot open, and I turned my head to see Damien leaning against the door, eyes locked on mine. I glared, quickly wrapping my arms around my breasts to cover them. Thankfully, the water covered my lower region. "Your damn lucky my hair was covering my breasts." I spat, sitting up and holding my glare. He chuckled, "It's not like I've never seen a woman naked, baby girl." I cocked a brow, "Baby girl?" He smirked, "I thought it fit." His emerald eyes glittered with mischief. I couldn't break from his gaze, it held me like a clamp. "What do you want?" I managed, our eyes still locked. He chuckled again, "I came to tell you there's food when your ready." He said, turning and leaving the room. My heart pounded. I laid back down, releasing my breasts and resting my arms back on my sides. But I kept my eyes open, staring blankly at the white ceiling in concentration.

The past few days came to my mind in a blur. The Earthquake, Andrew and Yuumi, Brunt's head rolling on the forest floor. And then there was Damien. Yeah, he was attractive. But was he safe? Before he acted so calming, so kind. I remembered the feel of his hands on my chin, when I first gazed into his eyes. I snapped from my thoughts, shaking my head and rubbing my temples. I sighed, dunking my head below the dirty water and rubbed my scalp, removing any lingering blood. I stood up and stepped out of the cast-iron tub, patting my aching body down with a towel. I stood in front of the body mirror, examining myself. I had lost quite a bit of weight, and my arms and legs were covered in my cuts and bruises. My hand was gashed from grabbing the blade from Brunt. I tore my eyes from the wounds, examining my features. I was short and toned. My blonde hair reached down to my hips, waving slightly at the tips. My eyes were pale blue, almost like I was blind. I sighed, slipping on the shirt and boxers the Xavier gave me to wear. He was nice. He made small talk as we canto the bathroom, and loaned me some of the few clothes he had while he washed my own. I smiled, thinking of him. He was different from Xavier. He was well toned and tall, with a deep voice that rung sweetly in your ears. And he was just as attractive as Damien. I bite my lip as I walked down the corridor, exploring the station. I heard Xavier's voice in a room a few halls away. I jogged over, and the scent of food hit me. I followed it into a room that appeared to be the kitchen. Four people where seated at the table inside, leisurely chatting and laughing. Two girls, three boys. Two of the three boys where Damien and Xavier. Xavier noticed me and smiled warmly, "Feeling any better, doll?" I nodded, nervously clutching the edge of my over-sized shirt. All eyes were on me. Xavier stood up, and pulled out the chair next to him. I smiled and walked to it, sitting down as he pushed it in.

I thanked him, and he returned to his seat. Everything was silent as I nibbled on my food. Damien broke the silence, "We should tell her now." He stated, turning his eyes from his plate to a girl across from him. She nodded, pushing a piece of red hair behind her ear and clearing her throat, "Miss, let me introduce myself. My name is Delilah." He turned and pointed to the other girl and boy, "She's Melody, and his name is Benson." They both nodded at me. I flashed my best smile. "My name is Holly. It's nice to meet you all." Delilah resumed, "Well, Holly, I hear you don't know of the Arethians or the war. Is that true?" I nodded. She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment before snapping them open and meeting my eyes. "Well, on the 8th of June, around 7 in the morning, a research facility was destroyed, leaving now survivors." She paused a moment, "About an hour after, the same thing that destroyed the facility attacked Earths tectonic plates, causing massive Earthquakes all around the world. The species that attacked us are called the Arethians. They are aliens from a small, off-record planet. They came down to Earth after the Earthquakes, gathering the survivors. All humans were corralled into small groups. The weak and diseased are executed. All who survive are force into slavery, taken to large prisons. Few humans escaped, but those who did are in hiding, like us. There are rebel camps placed in safe areas. But if the rebels are found, they are to turned to death in front of all of man-kind." she paused again. My mouth hung open, but I was unable to say anything. She continued, "The Arethians look extremely similar to humans, but the are larger. They bear a small marking, like a crescent moon. And their blood is a bright blue." Images of the blue liquid that covered the blade came to mind. "So, that blue stuff... was Brunt's.. blood?" I managed. She nodded. "No one has been able to slay an Arethian. They are immune to bullets and other human weapons. You are the only one who has done it." "But, why did they try to kill me, then?" I asked. She studied me, "I don't know. What happened before you ran?" I thought a moment, "A man named Calum pulled my away from my family, and he examined me all over. The opened my mouth, poked me all over. Then he put his hand on my forehead, and closed his eyes. A minute later, he opened his eyes, said 'Too bad' looked at his friend and said positive." Ruka's eyes widened. Delilah opened her mouth to speak, but Benson cut her off, "He was checking you cell count. Apparently, you have a fatal disease then." He states, maintaining a monotone expression. "W-what?! But.. but I feel fine!" I gasped. My eyes whipped to Xavier, pleading him for help. But all he could do was stare right back at me.