乇卩|乙ㄖ́

匚卄卂卩ㄒ乇尺 乇ㄥ乇ᐯ乇几

In the morning, we packed up everything in the camp. I stomped out the fire, noticing the black stains spreading on my boots.

I felt a bit sad about it, but it was the least of my worries right now.

We eventually started for the east coast again, both rested and determined.

Well, one of us rested.

Now that we weren't mind numbingly mad at each other, Griff started to fill me in.

I learned that this camp we were heading to was all the way in New York. I knew where it was from books and maps, and it was far.

We depended on trails, a map, and a compass to get us there. We had no way of knowing our way other than that, but I guess I could trust his traveling skills. He and Aino made it to Oregon, after all.

"I did have one question. Did you know the guy with the dog? He seemed to already know you," I questioned, trying to strike up more conversation.

"Oh... him. I did know him. We started off as partners in crime until we both got promoted. We still stayed in touch, but he wasn't the best person. He truly believed in the way that camp did things. When I voiced my concerns, he'd encourage me to listen mindlessly. I still don't know if he was brainwashed or he's really that dumb," Griff explained, sighing as if the mention of him was taxing.

"What's his name?"

"Aurelio, but he hates it. He loves to go by the name Lio, but I'll never give him that satisfaction. That's why he calls me by my full name as well,"

"And you guys were just friends?"

That question tripped him up, his pale skin turning red.

"Not quite."

"Wow! I didn't know you could pull anyone or anything. Here you are, pulling both genders, " I joked, walking backward to face him.

"Is that a problem?" he asked, raising in eyebrow.

I paused, hoping that my teasing didn't come off wrong.

"No— Nothing wrong with that. I was just messing around. You  don't seem like the loveable type of guy—" I panicked.

He started to chuckle, finding my reaction amusing.

"Just messing around as well,"

"I hate you."

"The feeling's mutual."

I rolled my eyes, going back to his side so I could focus on walking.

I noticed through my peripheral that his expression dropped, quickly becoming serious.

"What's up?" I asked, curious about what he was thinking.

"Kama, I need you to know something. Do not underestimate Aurelio at all. He has abilities just like me and you, and his power should not be taken lightly. Be cautious, and don't make him your enemy. You'll regret it."

I felt chills go up my spine when he had finally finished.

That guy? Powerful?

I figured there was something off about him then. The way he said my name, his ominous manner, the feeling of bee stingers all around when he even looked at you?

That meant something bad.

That meant that he meant business.

"Have you ever experienced his power?" I asked, my voice coming out more frightened than I wanted.

"I haven't experienced it first hand, but I've seen it. I've seen him angry, and it's not pretty. What's worse is that he gets a kick out of pain. He's a fucking psycho" Griff shivered, seeming to be as frightened as me.

I knew Griff was a cold and fairly confident guy. The fact that this new guy made him uneasy as well was not a good sign.

"What is it anyway?" I asked him, wanting to get as much information as possible.

He stood silent, rubbing the tip of his nose.

"I'll let you know when the time comes,"

That made me uneasy. Griff was really afraid of this dude.

We stood silent the rest of the way. Griff insisted that he'd carry me while I took my nap, but I was actually feeling motivated.

I continued to reject his advances, and not in the petty way this time.

"Where are we, anyway?" I asked him, trying to take a peek at the map.

"Based on the signs and landscapes we've passed, we should be in the East Coast already."

My eyes widened. I quickly turned to him in shock.

"Already?! How the fuck did we get there already?" I asked, literally confused on how we lost so much time.

"Well, I have a confession. A few nights when you slept and I didn't, I picked you up and bolted at high speeds. That might be what cut down our time, " he admitted, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

"Wow. How did I not notice that?" I sighed, kind of embarrassed.

"Well, I'd do it when you were knocked the actual fuck out. I'd also take short breaks to make sure you weren't waking up, " he answered.

"Man, you're fucking insane" I chuckled, finding Griff absolutely dashing through an entire state in one night amusing.

"We should be in Pennsylvania. I personally found Pennsylvania great. We should set camp here, I have some amazing places to show you." I saw his face light up at the mention.

"Why? What's in Pennsylvania? I've heard it was lame,"

I heard his second mouth let out the most aggressive growl I've heard since meeting him.

"Damn! I'm sorry, Pennsylvania is the greatest state in the world." I spoke in fear, stepping away from him a bit.

"It's great because of the history it has. Gettysburg? The Appalachian Mountains? It's fairly interesting," he scoffed, still very offended by what I said.

"Fine, where do you wanna start first?"