Exclusion Zone 15

Walls and Windowpanes    “So, you refreshed? You... ready to go?” Katie shot her an expectant, nervous gaze. Whatever was behind the facade was hard to make out, although it didn't take much guessing. The short break they'd enjoyed at The 'Shoe had almost been enough to instill some false confidence in the two of them. Just sitting there like they owned the joint, drinking soda and joking around, finally getting to the bottom of the peanut bowl. A pretense of control. That's all it was. But she had to be ready. It was sink or swim. No other options, no golden mean, no third choices. No matter the hunger that finally made itself known after the adrenaline wore off, no matter the slight nausea from the mixture of stale peanuts and sugary soda, no matter the wet clothes and tired legs and constant overwhelming anxiety... Sayori nodded. “Yeah, I'm... I'm refreshed. Raring t-to go.” “Attagirl.” Two fake smiles. Pot and kettle. The rain hadn't le...

I Hear Thunder    Sayori had never been a morning person, and 6 AM felt far too early to even consider anything that didn't entail going back to sleep. However, Katie had been adamant, as always, and the young student found herself northbound, riding shotgun in that familiar old Corolla. The shower she'd taken in the morning, while nice and hot, had done little to perk her up – quite the opposite, in fact, and the residual heat had left her sweating a little afterwards. As far as breakfast went, a tall glass of water was the only thing on the menu. Along with some hopes and dreams. Still, she wasn't really a breakfast-y person anymore, and the post-shower warmth didn't annoy her much – the moment she stepped out of the door in her borrowed parka and boots she felt the chill of the wind, cutting into her bones through her jeans. The April morning was as chilly as ever, with tell-tale clouds on the horizon, dark and foreboding. So, the Ekron plan was in effect. Trut...