Grant and the two nodded as they headed out quickly for the town. They would split up there and spend the morning trading services for goods they needed.

Reaching the town Grant took a job moving crates of foods from a wagon down into a cellar in trade for salted and jerked meats. Trent took a quick construction job, helping hammer together tables, chairs, and things of the like. Richard though took a roofing job.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lilly rolled her eyes to Drakes comment, "Sure...Only wet. Never mind that it's going to freeze to my body and be stiff for days." She grumbled to herself as she pulled at her clothing. Indeed the baggy shirt she'd been wearing was starting to cling and freeze to her thin body, her pants doing much the same, leaving little of her form to the unknown. She couldn't remove her pants to allow them to dry but soon she got frustrated enough to remove her outer shirt, leaving only the smaller more fitting black tank on underneath before she tossed it on the ground a couple feet from the heater and watched the water evaporate, "At least you're useful to make up for the melting." She said as she shook out her hair, flakes of frost coming away with her fingers, and wrapped it into a bun at the back of her head. No actual tie was needed at the moment as she wrung out her pants where it was still wet and used that water to make a makeshift tie. When she'd gotten herself more comfortable again she looked up, "I Don't have a name. People call me Lilly and one called me Lillian once."

Molly waited for the guys to leave before she let the pain show on her face. She staggered to the cupboard and groped around for the herbs Grant kept stocked for her for these occasions. She boiled the leaves in a small pot of water and drank it down to try and sooth her migraine. After a few minutes, the tea still hadn't worked so Molly made her way to the bathroom, she knew that she would be sick soon.

After emptying her stomach, Molly wiped her mouth off and made her way back to the kitchen. She finished her tea and sat down to try and let her body settle. After about an hour, she felt better but still not a hundred percent. Molly got to her feet and walked back to the kitchen. She should find some food to make to go with the meat Grant was bringing home. She found some vegetables curtasy of Richard and smiled. Lunch today would be good.


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a small smile crossed Drake's face, "Lillian, I like that. Is it alright if i call you that?" he asked worried, he might be overstepping his boundaries. He looked down at the shirt she had thrown near him. Drake stuck his hand out to pick it up, but pulled his hand back and stepped a few feet away from the shirt. "It's dry, but i don't want to hand it to you, i'll probably ruin it. " Drake stayed where he was until Lilly picked up the shirt. A sigh escaped him as he ran a hand over his face. Last time he tried to make a friend it ended badly.

Sarah couldn't sleep with all the movement in the next rooms making the room she was in feel too still, ominous in a way. With a soundless sigh she worked up to her feet and shuffled into the kitchen, standing in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen to watch her wearily.

Each time her eyes moved to focus on another object the color shifted beneath her dark bangs, her eyes all but glowing underneath them. Often times people would think her possessed or cursed before Grant had found her. Now she no longer had to deal with such problematic situations that they'd get her in, everyone here understood that her starling gaze, dull and dead appearance, as well as her sluggishness were simply the physical manifestations of her powers.

"Molly?. she whispered, letting her know she was passing behind her to dig through the lower cabinets for some bread that wasn't too stale or moldy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lilly shrugged, "I don't care. It's not my real name so I have no preference." she answered glancing at the shirt when he spoke about it. "Oh, yeah, I realize but it has to cool off some first or we'll get stuck in an endless circle." As she spoke her hand lifted to cover what looked like a flaw in the formation of the frost on her upper right arm, the flaw that encircled that part of her arm, bigger than her hand, was roughly shaped like a palm and accompanying fingers which wrapped around.

She knew for a fact that the flaw actually originated in her skin where the temperature was a few degrees warmer than anywhere else and was scarred. A burn scar from a heater that was warmer than Drake seemed to be, he was almost a flame, the hottest of the heaters. They'd been friends and had never risked touching but the last day she saw him was after a disagreement she'd tried walking away from and he'd grabbed her arm, badly burning her.

Molly had heard Sara when she entered the room. She could tell it was her by the soft footsteps on the floor. "Hi Sara." She said weakly, still not feeling too great. She continued to gather things from the cupboards for lunch as Sara got her bread. "Do you have any requests for lunch or are you just gonna settle with the bread?" She leaned on the counter and took a few deep breaths to try an stop her limbs from shaking. running on no food wasn't good, but Molly was afraid that if she ate anything right now she'd just throw it up again.

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Drake frowned when he saw Lilly cover up her arm, he had seen the scar earlier and knew exactly what it was. He had done something similar to someone once, the scar across his chest was the pay back. He ran a hand over his scar, wishing he could hide it, but he had yet to find a suitable shirt. He let out a long breath and got to his feet again, but making sure he kept his distance from lilly. With her past experience with people like him, he doubted he would be able to gain her trust. So he changed the subject.
"I heard you talk about someone named Grant? Who is he?"

Sarah's eyes narrowed and her lips pursed as Molly asked her a question but she tried not to sound exasperated when she answered with a short, "Just bread."

Molly knew she hated to speak to anyone but it had been an honest question, giving her no room to become aggravated by having to speak. "Get some cream." she said, looking up at the other broken then back down to her bread, picking off a chewy chunk. The statement made little sense at first spoken almost like when she had her visions since they had no cream, or milk, but if she considered that she'd be leaving the house later then Sarah was telling her to pick some up.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Lilly thought a moment, retrieving her shirt and putting it back on before answering, "He's our kind's equivalent to the christian's Jesus." she said before shrugging, "Or at least that's how some of us view him. Those are the ones who haven't met him yet. I've seen him and he's just a simple guy that takes in broken he finds worthy and trains them to fight and master their powers. He's the first person ever to completely master his own powers."

Drake looked down at his hands. What he wouldn't give to master his own powers. To not burn people instantly, to be able to sleep in a bed without burning a hole through it. "So he takes in people like us?" a smile crossed his face, but it faded. This guy would never let Drake in, Drake would burn the place down and kill those inside just like he did to his own family. He shook his head and tried to be optimistic. "What do we need to do to let this guy train us?"

Lilly nodded, "Yeah, if they prove themselves. Sometimes they don't have to try, he'll just take them in." She shrugged before smiling, "It's the ones that go up to his door thinking they'll automatically get in just because they're a broken that he won't take." She looked down with a shrug, "Fight and kill an infected."

In what should have been an otherwise desolate spanse of wasteland, pockmarked with cliffs and various debris that time was slowly but surely eroding away, there was one dark spot that was moving slowly across the expanse. Wind whipping her hair, teasing various long hairs out of its braided confines while also playing with the bandanna covering her nose and mouth, the young woman looked carefully around her as she made her way from one pile of debris to another. Despite the wind, a definite sheen of sweat beaded on her exposed skin, and she had to occasionally wipe her forehead. She couldn't get at the sweat that beaded at the nape of her neck, so Diva had to deal with it when it decided to make a torturous trek down her back.

Behind the sunglasses, her eyes darted every which way, trying to find anything that could be of value for trade. Her entire body spoke of relaxation, something that seemed completely out of place in such a dangerous area. In actuality, she was on guard; she had only learned how to make herself appear calm when under stressful conditions. She was even singing, though the sound could only be heard within a few feet since what wasn't muffled by her face mask was carried away by the wind. It was an old song that her mother had sung, and before her it had been her mother's mother, and so on. It was in another language that Diva had been told was Russian, but her own grasp of the language was minimum. Despite this, the song gave her a sense of calm even if it held bittersweet memories.

Shifting through an abandoned car, she came across some metal that would definitely be appreciated by a metal worker along with a very rare pack of cigarettes. Well, it only had five cigarettes, but that could go a long way. Finding nothing else, she continued her trek, making sure to keep an eye on the travel of the sun across the sky.

Rik had followed them outside, making sure he didn't leave a trace of himself behind. He never left a place a mess after staying the night. He made sure the place always looked as it had before he entered. He listened to the two go back and forth, most of what they spoke of was what he had spoke with Lily the night before. He kind of felt bad for the girl, she had to deal with two new brokens with a shit load of questions. He tried not to stare at her arm, the scar looked as if it had been painful. Rik noticed the way Drake rubbed his own scar, he guessed they all had their own horrible pasts. As their chatting died down a little bit, Rik looked up at both of them. "So how do we find and fight one of these Infected with Grant seeing us do it?" He asked. They would have a better chance of killing one of these Infected together then on their own.

Lilly glanced at Rik when he spoke, the humored smile wiped from her face, "I'm not sure. We have to get him out into the wastes or bring one to city from the wastes. I've never gotten one to chase me far enough to bring it in close to the city." She said with a slight frown. "Or we can wait and follow him for a while until he goes out to the wastes to train someone and hope one attacks then."

Molly listened as the little girl left and then she took her bandages off. With no one around, Her vision was a bleak gray, but it was soothing to see nothing instead of the bright colors. Molly prepared the vegetables and piled some of the fruits Rich had left on a plate and set it on the table. After setting the table with plates and silverware, Molly went over to the door that left their house. She stared out the window and looked at all the blobs of bleak gray. The normal people. Every now and then a flash of color would catch her attention, but none ever came close enough for her to get a good look. After checking the lock on the door, Molly went back to the kitchen, her bat close at hand, just in case.

____________________________________


Drake scratched his head. He didn't like the idea of stalking someone into the wastes. He had spent enough time alone out there, he would much rather stay in the city. Beside he didn't know this Grant guy, he was liable to see him as a threat if he saw Drake following him around in the wastes. "I don't know about following this guy around. I'd rather not turn more people away than i already have," Drake admitted quietly.

Grant finished up his job first and heading away with various seeds, some not seeds of food but other kinds of plants for them all to enjoy, he headed off to collect Trent and Richard who were just beginning to finish up with their work. With Grant carrying meats, seeds, and fruit, Trent carrying wood and nails, and Richard carrying roofing supplies they headed back Home to drop their payments off and eat lunch.

~~~~~~~~~~

Lilly shook her head, "He's seen me before. I'll follow him if you're that worried about it." She said, frowning at him. It would be hilarious, two able bodied males, both near or already grown men yet the frail looking woman was the one that was most willing to wander into the wastelands to follow a man that could kill her as soon as look at her. "But if he sees me alone you two might lose your chance at living with him. He has a soft spot for females, especially females that are fending for themselves." She turned to Rik, "What about you?"

Molly smiled as she set up the table, her head was finally feeling better, but despite that she still didn't want to risk eating. Not being able to see a clock or the sun, Molly became very good at judging time, she knew it was about lunch time the boys should be home soon, and then she was going to get to go out. She was excited, she checked the coat rack by the door, her cloak was there, the third hook. She checked the pockets of her tattered shorts, her bandages were there, she just wanted to make sure she was ready.

________________________________________


Drake would have blushed had his face been able to turn redder than it already was. "I'm going. I'm not gonna let you go out there by yourself thats crazy." He sighed hoping he didnt sound too forward. "I am just cautious about following someone who could probably kill me flat. " he folded his arms and tried to hide his scar. He looked over at the other kid who never introduced himself. "You got a name?" he asked flatly. "Or am i just supposed to not address you?" Drake wasn't sure if he had offended the kid or what, but h hadnt spoken to him since he showed up.

Rik chuckled at the way Drake was wary of Grant. If Lily trusted Grant, then that was good enough for him. She was tough and wasn't one to trust people so easily. He shrugged at Drake as he addressed him. "You seemed more interested in Lily than me." He grinned at them both. He shook his head, his golden hair swaying in the light. "It's Rik." He said, a playful smile on his face. He looked at Lily when she spoke to him. "I'll go, I don't mind following him out there or whatever. If you trust Grant, then that's all I need." He said, his arms were casually crossed at his chest.

The three males soon reached Home and after Grant had rapped on the door and called inside who it was, they all moved in to put things away in their respective places. Trent, aside from Grant who'd never left the kitchen, was the first back, "Hey Mol, what's for lunch?" He asked, sitting at the table.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lilly motioned to Rik with a nod, "There see? I know most about him and I know there's no danger in following him around." She shrugged at Drake before shrugging, "See Grant isn't one to go attacking anyone and everyone that follows him. He only attacks if we're a direct threat." She motioned to them, "Come on. We need to get away form here. I think it'd be best to start looking for a proper infected to fight. One that wouldn't be too hard to take down but reasonably tough."

Rik nodded to Lily and watched for Drake's reaction. "Yeah, we've been here for too long." Rik said. He was ready to go as soon as the other two were. He rubbed the back of his neck, not really sure if they were up to fighting an infected. If Lily thought they could do it, he would try his best. "Let's blow this joint." He said, feeling himself anxious to get out of the place.

Molly turned around, hand firmly on her bat when she heard the knock on the door. By when the boys walked in, Molly smiled seeing their colors. She set the bat down and laid out some food. When Trent walked in her smile grew as she looked at him with golden eyes. "well I cooked up some of the veggies rich left and got some of the fruit too. I didn't make too muc because Grant said he was gong to bring home some meat." Molly sat down at her empty seat. "did you manage to find anything Grant?" she asked hopefully, because if he didn't, lunch today would be pretty bland.

______________________________

Drake rolled his eyes. "well let's get to this then." he looked around. "where exactly is a good place to find an infected? I mean i've fought them before, but they always found me first." he didn't like this idea of findignan infected. They caused enough trouble by themselves. But if this was the only way he could get training to learn to control his abilities then so be it.

Rik looked at Drake, he had an advantage over him. Rik had never fought an infected before, he only ever heard of them. Rik always had to deal with other humans, people who were ruthless. He fought his share of people, only using his powers once or twice on them. He really only used his sparks when he was really out numbered, there was only once that he couldn't control it and ended up killing an innocent. It would haunt him for the rest his life, but that wasn't either here or there. "You fought an infected before? What were they like? I've never came across one before." He said to Drake, his curiousity peeked.

Drake scratched his head and stared for a moment, not sure what to make of Rik's sudden curiosity. "I-I don't know. I mean, i guess they used to be normal. But something happened and now there not." Drake paused. He was never good at explaining things. He always sounded like an idiot. "They could be people or animals, but they now have weird powers like we do." he stared down at his red hands. "Only i think they don't really have a mind anymore. they just seem to be violent and wonder aimlessly." Drake looked over to Lily for help, he was probably just confusing the other guy, maybe she could explain it better.

Rik smiled at the other man, he was trying his best to explain it to him. He shook his head as he unfolded his arm from his chest. "Don't worry about it. I tend to ask a lot of questions when I'm curious about something. Just ask her." He let out a soft laugh. It's been a while since he last laugh, he actually couldn't remember when the last time he did. He was tempted to touch the other man, but the scorch marks on the ground reminded him not to. "I'm sure I'll find out soon enough." He said, eager to get on the road.

Drake felt himself smile at the other man. Maybe he wasn't doing such a bad job as he thought he was. a chuckle escaped him as Rik laughed, but the smile faded when Drake saw Rik hesitate to get closer. It had been a long time since he last had someone he could call a friend, but maybe he was getting there with these two. He just hoped his unique ability wouldn't interfere too much.

After stretching, Drake looked to Lilly. "We should get moving, shouldn't we?" he scratched his head as steam rose from his scalp.

Grant nodded, "I sure did." He set down the heavy basket of salted and jerked meat and glanced up as Richard made his way in, following the smell of the meat as it was uncovered. "As usual, you'll have to boil it to soften it up but as long as we have water it's no problem."

Trent nodded before looking back to Molly, "It sounds great."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lilly stood, staring off as she watched humans beginning to go about their day, getting lost in thought while the two guys talked. Only when she heard something about fighting she perked up, listening before nodding in agreement with Rik, before looking at Drake, "They're broken who've gone irreversibly feral." She said as she motioned to them, beginning to lead them toward the edge of the city and out to the wastelands.

Molly smiled as she grabbed a pot from the shelves. She put some of the meat into it and added some of the cooking water to it to boil. "Great. A nice full meal for once." She turned back to the table at looked at the boys. "You can start on the veggies if you want." She knew that veggies went better with the meat, but she didn't want them to go cold while they waited. She listened to the water as it began to boil before she finally reached into the pot to test the meat. After a few more minutes it was tender enough to serve.

After putting the cooked meat on the table Molly sat down in her chair. "Dig in boys." She smiled.

Rik nodded to Lily when she started to pay attention again. He gave her a smirk, one that made him look almost cute. He followed her, not used to following anyone, watching everything around them. He didn't know what to expect from the infected. Drake and Lily said it could be anything, human or animal, it made him a little on edge. That was a good thing, it kept his energy up and he would be able to use this sparks anytime.

The three waited for her to cook the meat and to sit down before any of them grabbed for the food but once she was sat down they all began to eagerly eat. Grant stopped after a couple bites to stare directly at Molly, "Have you eaten anything?" He asked, his voice having a slight edge, a caring edge. He didn't like it when Molly didn't eat, she was still growing and needed all the nutrients she could get from what little food they were able to get.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Lilly couldn't help but smile back at Rik's smirk but as she felt her cheeks tingle she quickly turned to stare down the street as she walked with purpose, knowing her pace wasn't as fast as the two behind her but she was shorter so it was something they'd have to learn to deal with.

She led them out to the edge of the city but stayed within the last of the buildings as she walked closer and closer towards the path Grant always took out to train and past that to the path they took to go searching for scraps and goods in the junk heaps and wastelands. She glanced back frequently but soon she stopped altogether to look back at the two, "Well, last chance to turn back. We're going to search the junk heaps and wastes for infected first."