They walked on for what felt nothing short of forever. The sun had finally begun to set, a cold, foggy path laying in front of them. 8 hours straight of walking, and it was an understatement to say Amity's feet ached. Luz noceada lead the group through the forest, insisting that they stay off all main roads, to avoid attracting attention. Without having a map and walking what Amity was sure was aimlessly though the forest for hours, she was sure Luz had gotten them lost, she was getting increasingly annoyed by the fact she had no idea where they were. Until the leader finally mumbled "let's take a break."
"oh thank god!" Amity nearly shouted, dropping like a rock. Luz was sitting on a log observing all surroundings. Antonio surprisingly, took a seat near the two. Juan looking exhausted exclaimed "Luz! I'mmm thirsssstyy!" the Latina closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose before responding "then go find some water." Amity hadn't ever recalled Luz easily being irritated, but a lot can change with time. "but how long is this break gonna last?" all eyes meet hazel orbs. Reluctantly Luz responded "okay. we will set up camp here. Juan, go find a stream and get water. Antonio, go with and get firewood." Without complaint both followed the orders.
"Amity, grab my bag" she motioned at a nearby duffle bag, that Antonio had carried. Amity reached down and picked it up, and slung it towards her companion, which Luz caught with both hands. The woman giggled a little as her one hand sprung out when his moved. Maybe that was it. Luz Noceada's words came out so smooth, you wouldn't even consider it an order. Looking at the situation now. Amity realized just how stupid this mission would be, looking for a phantom to fight, almost like those childish super hero books.
Luz glanced over at the giggling girl and something overcame her. Maybe she was just really exhausted. Or maybe it was the simplicity of her happiness. Something though… something lit a torch in her frozen heart, and she cracked a grin. Not her usual little humours half smile, but a full out grin, if only for a few seconds. Though Amitys laugh was short lived, as soon as chocolate brown met honey gold. Amity gazed into those brown eyes looking for a trace of humanity. The Latina cleared her throat "I needed my sleeping bag from inside." She explained, going through the contents inside the bag. Why did she feel like an explanation was necessary? She didn't need to justify her actions to anyone.
It hadn't even been 10 minutes when the sky got tremendously darker, and the temperature was rapidly decreasing. 'where are those idiots?' Luz thought to herself. "I-I'm cold…" Amity said, holding herself looking up at the stars. "as soon as Juan and Antonio are back, I'll start a fire." Amity didn't say anything after that, she was shaking, but was mesmerised by the night sky.
"Here" said the criminal. When Amity snapped out of her staring trance, she looked over to see Luz facing the opposite direction and had a white sleeved shirt held towards Amity. She took it hesitantly, but as soon as it was in her hand, she put it on happily. Though the strong familiar scent illuminating from its material had brought back precious memories, the greenette looked back to the sky.
"the sky's so pretty…" she whispered in awe, taking in the beauty of nature, there were to many lights where she lived for the sky to show the stars, it was breathtaking. "hn." Was all the response she got, Luz never really had time to gaze at the sky, or observe the overlooked beauty. She had always been too busy, doing small jobs for Victor or other gangs, keeping the underground in order so all hell didn't break loose.
"Emira told me once, the stars were all of our past relatives and friends, looking over us after they've passed…." Now Luz was observing the sky more carefully, interested by the childish idea of what Amity had just suggested. Luz couldn't help but let out a bitter huff "I suppose a lot of stars' shine for me then" she was a bit bitter at a memory that came to mind. 'left with emptiness' she thought shutting her eyes for a second as she thought. 'of course…because I have nothing and no one left… it was the inevitable…' There Amity was smiling again, like she had something to say. "what?" Luz asked, her attention redirected to the girl chained to her. "nothing…just look at those up there..." she said, pointing at 3 bright stars, brighter than the rest that filled the sky, "those are your stars…" she explained, before falling silent.
The silence was cut short by an obnoxious and loud voice, "hey princess, ya worrying about me!" Amity shot a glance in the direction of the yell. Luz huffed at the annoyance but was glad they got back.
Juan couldn't help but grin like a Cheshire when he realized Amity had none other than Luz's shirt draped over her.
After everyone settled back into their camp ground, Luz started a fire, while Juan shared the water he retrieved and reviled he had caught some fish as well. 3 sleeping bags laid on the ground, Juan had forgotten his and was making a fuss about it, Luz and Amity were too tired to care that they slept under the same blanket this time. Only inches away.
Everyone laid down with their eyes closed, in silence, with a sudden eerie feeling covering them as if a blanket. No one said a word the rest of the night. It was only Luz who had fallen asleep soon after everyone had laid down, the other 3 stayed up at least another hour, which was quite unusual.
That night Luz even dreamt of her family, not just her mother either, there was a man in the back yard chopping wood, as her mum stayed in the kitchen making food, it was one of the more peaceful memories of her childhood, with worry. A wonderful dream she dreamt, under the starts.