"Watch it!"

The streets were filled with cars zooming by as people hurried to their destination, honking along as they went. People littered the sidewalks as the trio were shoved back and forth. Lucy sighed as she felt Nova's grip on her hand tighten. She herself, tighted her grip on her friend's hood as he glanced back at her, clearly annoyed. She gave him a sad look, squeezing her friends hand gently. "We should find somewhere quiet at least, you know how she is in crowds." She whispered, earning an annoyed eye roll. He stopped, turning towards the two.

"You go to the park, I'll find something for us to eat." Walking off without a word, disappearing into the crowd. Even though she wanted to follow, Lucy knew that it was better to let him go and listen. "Come on Nova." As they continued their walk, the sky started to become darker and darker as thunder could be heard. The sound made Nova jump as Lucy tensed up, but kept moving nevertheless. The wind began to blow as they finally arrived at the park, taking a seat at one one of the picnic tables. By now, little droplets of rain were falling from the sky as the people around them hurried to get to shelter. Nova stared at the clouds as Lucy tapped her nails agaisnt the wood.

30 minutes, then you go back home without me

She sighed as those words echoed in her head, placing her head down onto the table. That was the one rule they all knew, if someone wasn't back in 30 minutes then you'd have to leave them behind. As harsh as it sounded, it was for the best. The city wasn't safe, lots of children missing, and many found dead. Chills went up her spine at the last part of the thought. Innocent children who's lives were ripped away for no reason, to think about what they felt during their last moment's alive was a terrifying thought. She wiped away a few stray tears that had fallen, lifting her head back up to her friend.

"Nova." She whispered. The girl tore her head away from the sky, now fully focused on her friend. Even looking at her sometimes made Lucy emotional, seeing the scars that lingered on her face had always brought the question of how she got them. And everytime, that question couldn't be answered. "I want you to promise me somthing"

"Promise what?" She asked, tilting her head to the side slightly. So sweet, so innocent, so naive. "Promise me that no matter what happens, we'll always stick together." Lucy said, holding out her hand and Nova shook it without hesitation. She smiled, earning one back in return. "How in the world are you so happy all the time?" She asked, causing Nova to giggle and shrug.

"Are you two done now?"  Both girls turned their heads to be greeted by a familiar white haired stranger standing there, holding a brown bag in one hand and a soaked box in the other. Lucy was relieved that her friend was alright, while Nova's eyes drifted to the box.

"I know you're curious, but wait until we get back." He said, Nova nodding as she and Lucy stood up from their seats. Carefully, they began to make their way home, arriving as the sun was starting to set. Placing the bag and box down, Tari began ringing the water out of his hood, as Lucy did the same with her hair.

"Alright, you can look in the box Nova." Tari said as he turned around with the box in hand. "Read...." He trailed off, looking around the room.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
"Where's Nova?"