Isolation

Chapter Two: Tree

Panic bubbled inside Walker. Jasper's demented gaze terrified her. She had seen Jasper looking so wild and vicious before. It was Jasper's berserker mode. Walker has witnessed the carnage Jasper inflicted in this state. She didn't want to be anywhere near her when she fully lost control.

There was another shriek nearby.

Jasper casually dropped Walker, summoning her hammer helmet and following the sound of the cries. Walker stared at her relieved.

This violence... it excited Jasper and changed her into an animal.

Suddenly rocks, dirt, and grass exploded close to Walker, filling the air with dust. Walker covered her mouth, coughing. She couldn't stay in this area, but she couldn't go too far. If she stayed out in the open, she was a sitting duck.

Struggling to her feet, Walker moved away from the fighting and into the cover of the woods. Sharp rocks and twigs stung her bare feet. The fabric of her skirt caught against uplifting roots, causing her to trip. Dust clouded the air, making it hard for her to see or breath.

It had been a very long time since she's been alone in the outside world. She felt lost and afraid. All she wanted was to go home.

But her home was not the ocean. Her home was Jasper's palace. Her home was a small cell with comforting bare walls and no windows. Her home was with Jasper.

When had she become so dependent on Jasper? She hated herself for longing for something she hated. Did she hate it?

Yes.

No.

She was not sure.

Walker wandered into a clearing and almost cried for joy. Water! She had stumbled upon this little stream.

Delighted, Walker scooped up a handful and soothed her parched throat. If it weren't so shallow, Walker would have dived in, but instead she sat down on a rock. And proceeded to soak her sore feet.

It was oddly peaceful in this little part of the woods. She could still hear the verberations of the conflict, but it was a distant murmur.

The sun shined through the rustling leaves and sparkled against the water. She ran her fingers through the current.

This is beautiful she thought.

This is beautiful, Jasper.

There was an explosion and a shout. Walker heard a deafening crack. Before she could react, someone barreled into Walker and shoved her, hard.

There was a loud groan, and a large tree came crashing down onto the ground. Water, dirt, and debris flew up into the air while birds screeched and flew away in a flurry of feathers.

Walker coughed hard from the dust and the weight of someone lying on top of her.

It was a boy with dark chestnut hair that covered his ears and went down his neck. His bangs pushed to the left. He was wearing a black hoodie that was a size or two too big and had dark brown eyes.

His hands were planted to both sides of Walker's face.

"Ar-are you alright?" The boy's voice was deep, but soft.

"No. I can't breathe. Get off me," Walker moaned, making a motion to get up with her left hand.

The boy lifted off Walker, moving to his knees so he could sit up.

Walker winced as she tried to rise to her feet but she fell back down. Her body ached from the impact of being shoved. 

The boy jumped to his feet and offered Walker his hand.