The night was surprisingly chilly for September and the wind tossed the clouds angrily about the night's sky, blocking out all light from the moon and stars. Pulling the backpack over my shoulder I turned and ran down the street, not looking back at the house where my parents slept peacefully in their beds clueless to the fact that their fifteen-year-old daughter was on her way to join the military. I continued running, my footsteps barely making a sound and my unbound hair whipping behind me.

Ever since I could remember I had loved fighting, guns, violence. Perhaps it was too much action movies and not enough cartoons as a kid, perhaps not. Either way, my parents shrugged it off as adolescence. When the war started, they packed up and before I knew it we were living out in the country, away from everything even remotely related to the war. I've coped with it for several months, but then I saw it. One evening I was walking along a path in the forest when there was an explosion and trees around me caught fire. I looked up and a battle was unfolding right above me; a gundam was fighting several dozen mobile dolls; so much for being safe out here. I was mesmerized, that's what had pushed me over the edge; what made me pack my things and disappear into the night, on my way to join the military and finally be a part of the action.

Light washed over me and I turned to see two headlights approaching. I sighed with relief realizing it wasn't my parent's car - the headlights' shape was completely different. I put out my hand, palm forward, forcing the driver to stop, for I was standing directly in the middle of the road. As the large Sedan screeched to a halt, I made my way around the side and knocked on the passenger side window. The window rolled down and a balding old man peered at me over his thick glasses.

"What're you doin' out here so late at night, eh?" he drawled in a thick accent and it took all my self-control not to wince at the stench of his breath.

"I'm headin' for Philly, sir. Any chance you can give me a ride?" I replied as politely as I could at three in the morning.

He scratches his head, seeming to think it over for a moment, then turned back to me.

"I'm on my way to West Chester, I suppose I could drive through Phila for ya, toots," he grinned. I could see he was missing several teeth. "Get in."

I swung open the passenger door and climbed in, tossing my backpack between my knees. He took off as I put my seatbelt on.

"What's yer name?" he asked and I could feel him watching me.

"Lucy," I lied without hesitation.

"Lucy, eh? I knew a woman by that name once. She was one fine lady, let me tell ya.."

I slid lower in the seat and closed my eyes, blocking out his chatter. A new name would be in order, I suppose…However, I'm sure they'll be doin' a background check...Hmm…What to do?…I think I may know a way to go about this, but there is nothing I can do until we get to Philadelphia.
Strange how I could be so calm considering I had just ran away from home. Most girls would be homesick already, maybe even crying, but not me; I had no qualms about the decision I have made. A large yawn escaped my lips, sleep was taking over.



Yes! I'm back! Hello all! ^^ I know, I know, I haven't updated in ages and I still didn't post that sequel for Predator. *sweatdrops* I'm getting' to it, I promise, but I absolutely had to write this. The title maybe negotiable so don't hold that against me and don't be thrown off if I decode to change it. But do take a wild guess at what the story's about from the name and what you've read so far. I'm working on chapter 1 as you're reading this, so it'll be up soon. Anyway, this fic is unlike anything I've written before. It's definitely going to be more mature and adult than my previous fics, and I hope you enjoy it! Do review and tell me how I'm doin' so far, aight?
Luv,
~Arion~