The outcome of the day took shape amid the sun-drenched and rocky terrain. The twin suns cast unforgiving rays that highlighted the desolate landscape. Every stone and crevice seemed etched with the weight of it. Another day and another canvas upon which the last strokes of destiny were painted. In this unforgiving expanse, amidst jagged spires that stood like ancient teeth tearing at the sky, a sense of closure would be settled. The wind, what little of it blew, carried echoes of their struggles, blending with the distant sounds of prey giving way to the inevitable.
She slept in the wagon, buried underneath a tent of blankets. Her shift had ended, and others had taken their place. It called out to her. It had become an itch that wouldn't stop. Becoming more annoying inside her as she slept. She heard and felt the distant boots slapping against the hard pack ground. Thud, thud, thud. Creeping into her mind. Invading her dream. Of Predator and prey.
Unsteady footfalls, labored breaths, pounding hearts. Exhaustion and pain clung to each step, beating out the gentle begging of death urging them to surrender. Mikoto's eyes snapped open. Large round red irises turned into slits, nose quivering, smelling them, muscle tensed, readiness running, and the thrill of an imminent chase swept through. Her body thrust into action as she sprang to her feet and raced toward them. "Vita!" Her voice was a fierce command, and she was at Mikoto's side in an instant.
The four scouts ran, stumbled, helped each other, and rose again, their journey a relentless cycle of sweat and pain. Each fall was met with a shaky recovery, their resolve unbroken. Exhaustion clung to their bodies. Their desperate strides spoke of defiance, a refusal to heed the beckoning call of permanent rest.
Mikoto's gaze locked onto the scouts. Her senses tingle, the thrill filling her needs as a predator. It was a hunt, a relentless pursuit for survival, marked by the rhythm of their heartbeats, the pace of their breaths, and the determination that carried them forward. Her heart leaped as they began to stumble, fall, and not get up. She pushed, drove her legs harder. "The next one would not taste the dirt." She swore.
The fourth one wavered before collapsing. Mikoto caught her as she teetered. And gently laid her on the ground. Vita was already helping the others. Taking the canteen from her hip and giving aid. The others arrived, each taking one and helping. The scout's body trembled in her hands. Mikoto fretted her brow, covering her nose and mouth. The stench of decay clung to their exhausted forms, intermingling with the iron tang of diseased blood rising from their uniforms. She didn't recognize the scent. Its foulness left her disgusted.
She ran her fingers over the fabric, bringing it to her nose and mouth. She hesitated, letting her tongue peek out. But Vita gently took her hand, leaned over, sniffed, and softly licked her fingers. Revulsion colored her face, eyes watering. Shaking her head.
"what the hell…" little misaka whispered.
The young woman rolled her head slowly, exhaustion and worry in her eyes. Her throat parched, lips cracked. She mouthed her words. Mikoto shook her head, letting her know it was ok to wait. and stroked her sweat-soaked hair from her face.
(She could tell. She was a little surprised, but she could see it. Underneath the dirt, scratches, and exhaustion. she was attractive and had been one of the young women, Vita had been talking to before they started their journey. But something was a little different about this one. Remembering how many of the villagers procreated. she noticed the similarities between Vita and the young woman.
"Oh, you have got to be kidding?" little misaka shook from laughter, " she could be her sister." she said, "same face, different color hair." Mikoto didn't answer, just nodded.)
Taking a calm breath, "Easy.." she said, sounding like a mother. Mikoto's eyes soften, her voice nearly hypnotic. The young woman, her strength failing her, her vision fading. Slowly pushed away the canteen as the water spilled over her chin.
"K'iiche," she rasped, choking violently on the words.
Worry spread across her forehead, Mikoto had never heard of the name. It brought no meaning to her. Little misaka gritted her teeth. Eyes thinning. She waved her hand, and a large leather-bound book appeared, hovering before the little avatar. She was the gatekeeper of all things vampire. A separate entity inside of who and what was Mikoto Misaka's mind and body. "this is not good..." shaking her head, "Can you say deja vu?"
Looking over at Vita. Mikoto looked for assurance. "did she say K'iiche? she asked. Mikoto nodded.
Seeing a hint of fear slip across Vita's expression, and just as quickly killed, "fuck..' was all she said, "Can't be?" quickly swallowed.
With determination, and worry in her eyes, Vita bit down on her lower lip, ran her finger over her lower lip, smearing her blood on the tip of her finger, and dapped the young woman's mouth. Cracked, torn, the wounds healed as she collapsed into darkness.
They'd wait the day out before getting ready to leave. Taking care of the four. A sense of urgency and foreboding rose with the heat.