There will be no update next week, as I am having my wisdom teeth removed. Put it off when I was younger, went through teething (I know now why babies cry), and all so they could be cut out later. Hurray for procrastination! Considered trying to get the next chapter done early, but with my nephews and niece visiting on Monday and the appointment early Friday, I didn't want to rush it. Plus, the following week will mostly be recovery, so it's better I wait.

In the meantime, let's see if Adam can get his friends to run away with him!

Nila responded to his sudden offer about as well as expected. And by that, he meant she didn't respond at all, wide eyes staring at him as the words shattered the moment between them, leaving her in stunned silence.

But silence wouldn't get him an answer.

"Run away with me, Nila," Adam Nila still didn't answer, Adam pushed on. "We'll leave Katai. Eve can take us far away from here, and I've got enough lien saved up to take care of us, at least for a while."

"Where would we go?" Asking questions was a good sign. Better than a flat rejection, at least. It meant she would at least consider the idea, if only until the shock wore off.

"I don't know," Adam admitted. "East, probably. We should be able to reach the next village in two or three days."

If it was just him, he could make the journey in far less time, but with three people, they'd be about as fast as a caravan at best. Eve could carry two of them decently enough, but three would be a bit much. Eve was strong, but even she had limits. They'd take turns riding Eve with the others walking alongside to conserve strength. It wouldn't be very fast, but it would have to do.

Whether they stayed at the first village they reached could be worried about later. Adam preferred to put more distance between them and Katai - between him and Alyssa - but would need to see how far his lien could go. Even with the addition of the innkeeper's false receipt, he still didn't have enough to last forever. Eventually, he'd need to find a way to earn some more. And housing wouldn't exactly be cheap either. Still, he'd figure something out. Worst case, they'd keep going until they reached a larger town with an orphanage and get themselves admitted as lone survivors from a Grimm attack. Whatever it took, he'd get them somewhere safe.

After all, he'd promised to protect her.

Adam's hope wavered as Nila asked the most important question. The one he'd been most worried about. "Why?"

The single word was all Nila could think of, but it held the potential to derail his entire plan. Why? Why leave the orphanage and strike out into the unknown? Why abandon the safety of Katai for the dangers of the open road? Why not just wait until they were older and more prepared?

All good questions.

All questions he couldn't answer.

It wasn't that he didn't have an answer. More that he didn't have one he could share. Maybe once they were away from Katai, he could let her know his real reasons, but not now. If he told her about Alyssa, she might get herself in trouble. He wouldn't put it past her to storm into Alyssa's room and demand she stop. Or openly accuse her to Madam de Thom. Neither option would end well for them. Alyssa had promised as much, and he had no reason to doubt her.

"I…I can't tell you." He couldn't risk it. Couldn't risk her. "I just have to leave."

"Now?" Nila asked, still digging for the dangerous truth. "Can't you wait?"

"I wish I could." If only he was stronger, maybe he could find a way to endure until he was let go. But he wasn't strong. He was weak. Too weak to stay. Too weak to fight back.

Too weak to protect them.

"But I can't. I have to get out of this place." Adam took his hands in hers, both to reassure her and keep her from running. He needed an answer. "And I want you to come with me."

Nila didn't know what to say, studying his face for any clues that might help her decide. When her investigation proved fruitless, she decided on a more direct approach of looking for holes in his plan. "How would we support ourselves?"

He had his small stockpile of lien, but she already knew that, just as they both knew it couldn't last forever. "I'll find work at a stable. Or a lumber mill." He had experience at both, though they might balk at his age. Then again, he didn't have to give his real age. Being taller and more muscular came with a lot of benefits. "Or anywhere! Whatever it takes to take care of us."

"What about Erik?" Nila questioned. "Have you told him yet?"

"Not yet," Adam admitted. "I wanted to talk to you first."

Nila's face lit up at that. While she probably saw it as a sign of affection, Adam couldn't claim that exclusively. Sure, if he could only pick one to come with him, he'd take his girlfriend over his best friend. But asking her first was the pragmatic choice. Erik would be more likely to refuse outright, but he might change his mind if Nila was on board. If Nila stayed, he knew Erik would too, so asking him first would be pointless anyways.

"I'll talk to him tonight," Adam promised, hoping he'd be able to use Nila as leverage on his friend. He felt a little dirty using her like that, but if it meant he kept both of his friends safe, he'd do what needed to be done. "But only if you agree to come first."

Nila's eyes bore into his own, searching for something. Whatever she sought, she must've found it. "You'll leave either way, won't you?" Adam's hesitation answered for him. "Even if we both say no, you'll just run off on your own."

Would he? He'd sworn to protect them, but he couldn't even protect himself from Alyssa. The constant threat of her harming his friends would always be there, but what if he wasn't? Would she go after Erik and Nila as revenge? Maybe. But did he honestly believe they'd stay safe if he remained? Could he trust Alyssa to leave them alone for years? Could he even make it that long without cracking?

"I…I don't know," Adam admitted. He wished he had a better answer, but he didn't. All of them leaving was the only real solution he had. "I don't want to leave you behind, but…"

"You would." Nila finished more resolutely than Adam could. "You'd leave, no matter what."

He wasn't sure, but the fact he couldn't fully discount the possibility scared him. Abandoning them wouldn't be easy, but sticking around wouldn't either. He just hoped it wouldn't come to that.

But that was up to Nila right now. "It's that bad, huh?"

"It is." Worse than she could imagine. "I can't tell you why. Not once we're free of this place, I can tell you, but not until then." Not until the threat of Alyssa no longer hung over them.

Adam could see the war within Nila. It showed all over her face as she frantically considered his words. What he asked was too much. It would mean sacrificing everything, without even knowing the reason. She'd be giving up their comfortable life for a slim chance at something else. Not even something better. Just a chance at change. No sane person would take that deal. Surely she'd refuse and beg him to stay. He couldn't even blame her. Had the roles been reversed, he would've-

"Okay."

What? Adam almost fell over from the force of her reply. Thankfully, Nila held firm to his hands, offering him almost as much support as her simple response did. "Nila?"

"I'll do it," Nila confirmed with a tight nod. "I'll come with you."

"But-"

Nila silenced him with a single finger on his lips. "No buts. I don't know your reasons, but I know you, Adam. I trust you. If you say you have to leave, then you have to leave." Nila took a deep breath before pulling her finger away. "And I won't let you go alone."

Adam couldn't believe it. That easy? It was insane! They were only teenagers. Barely teenagers. She hadn't left the orphanage for almost her entire life, let alone Katai. Yet here she was, ready to abandon everything for him. It was risky. It was foolish. It was stupid.

It was perfect.

Adam surged forward, arms encircling the amazing girl in front of him in an instant. She jumped at the ambush before quickly settling into his embrace. After several seconds, he felt her squeeze tightly and release, signaling for him to do the same.

"Thank you," Adam said as they parted. "I…I didn't want to…I couldn't just-"

"It's fine," Nila cut in, saving them both from his rambling. She giggled at his goofy smile. "That's better."

"Huh?"

"Your smile," Nila said. "You haven't smiled like that lately."

"I smile," Adam replied, not sure why he was trying to defend himself.

"Not real smiles," Nila shrugged. "At least, not very often. You always fake it when we're around, but I can tell something's been bothering you for weeks now."

Nila wasn't quite as perceptive as she might think, then. Either that, or he'd been worn down over the past few months to the point she could spot the cracks. Still, there was no reason she needed to know that. "Was I really that obvious?"

Nila shook her head. "Not at first. I thought maybe you were just tired or something, but I guess there's more to it than that. The only time I really saw you smile was on our walks. Especially when we…you know."

Adam had a feeling he did. They'd never done more than kiss - despite his treacherous thoughts and longings - but they'd gotten a lot better at it. And a lot more comfortable.

"There it is again," Nila laughed. "I love that smile."

And I love you. Adam gulped as the words came so easily to him, even if he couldn't say them.

"And that's why I'm coming with you," Nila declared, tying her fate to his.

"Because of my smile?" He wouldn't complain, but it felt like a silly reason.

"Because it's my smile." Nila leaned in to kiss his cheek before melting into his side and resuming their walk. "That, and there's no way I'm letting you run off on some crazy adventure without me."

That sounded much more like Nila. She'd always been a little headstrong, but she'd only become more so in the last few months. Once the initial timidity of their new relationship wore off, she'd become quite the force to be reckoned with.

"So what's the plan?" Nila asked as they plodded along, Eve slowly following behind. "When do we leave?"

No more questions. No concerns. Nila had made up her mind, and nothing would stop her now. He wished he could have her confidence. "Saturday," Adam informed her. "We'll leave after lunch."

Adam laid out his plan for her in as much detail as he could. Through it all Nila just nodded along, content to hear him out. On Saturday, he'd head to the stable like normal and wrap up his chores as fast as possible so he could take Eve out for a ride. Nila and Erik would sneak away and meet him nearby. With how little they were watched on the weekends and all the activity going on, he hoped no one would notice their absence. By the time anyone realized they were gone, the three of them would already have a sizable head start. With any luck, it would be enough to escape forever.

"Why so soon?" Nila asked once Adam finished. "Wouldn't it be better to wait a few weeks and prepare?"

"No." Adam already hated the idea of waiting any longer. If he could, he'd have sneaked back, grabbed Erik, and made their escape immediately. Madam de Thom would notice when he didn't come back, though, and the hunt would be on. Enduring another week of Alyssa would be a nightmare, but at least the end was in sight. "There's a new moon on Friday, so we'll have a better cover at night."

He didn't bother mentioning who they'd be hiding from. As faunus, the three of them would be less affected by the dark, giving them an advantage over any search parties that might come after them.

"We'll travel light. Only bring what you need. The faster we get to another village, the better." Carrying three people on Eve would already be pushing it, especially when two of them were inexperienced riders. Not only would Eve tire faster, but Adam suspected Erik and Nila would need breaks as well, if only to stretch out and recover from soreness. Riding a horse was more than just sitting and letting the horse carry you. If you didn't move with the rise and fall of the horse's pace properly, you'd be beaten half to death by the end of the day.

For Adam, the list of supplies would be small. He'd make sure Eve ate beforehand, just as they'd do at lunch, to reduce the amount of food they'd need. Water would be a necessity. He'd smuggle his family photo out with him, it being the only thing he had left of home.

The only other thing he needed was a weapon. The open road was dangerous for more than just the elements. Many travelers had fallen to Grimm or bandits, though he wasn't as concerned with the latter. Three children and a single horse wouldn't make for much loot. Not compared to the caravans that regularly came through. He hadn't ever fought a Grimm himself, but if push came to shove, he'd rather have a weapon handy. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

A sword would be ideal, but someone was bound to notice that. Knives would be better. He could conceal it easier and even arm his friends, if only to calm them a little. He knew neither of them would stand a chance in a fight. He couldn't even guarantee his skill would be enough, but it would have to do.

"We're…we're really gonna leave Katai." Less a question and more a statement from Nila. The reality of the situation had sullied her mood a little, but she did her best to stay upbeat.

"We are," Adam confirmed. It was a tall order, especially for ones their age, but the alternative had become unacceptable. "We'll find a new home. A new life. Together."

Nila squeezed his hand as they walked closer. Right then, Adam felt hope for their future. Plan set and Nila on board, he felt nothing could stop them. They'd escape Alyssa's clutches, find a new home far away, and start over. He'd find a way to forget about everything that had happened in Katai. Maybe someday, he and Nila would even settle down and start their own family. With the way she clung onto him now, he couldn't imagine not being together.

No matter what the future held, he'd keep them safe. And in doing so, he'd save himself from the vile woman who plagued his every thought. He'd free himself from her clutches once and for all to find his own happiness. In less than a week, he'd finally be able to escape.

All he had to do now was convince Erik.

/- - - - - - - - - -/

"Absolutely not!"

As it turned out, convincing Erik wasn't the walk in the park Adam had hoped for.

"Are you out of your mind? What kind of an idiot are you?" Erik paced in front of Adam, ranting against Adam's plan without even hearing all of it.

Adam had convinced Erik to go for an evening run, hoping the exercise would help bolster his confidence and wear Erik down before broaching the topic. Skipping his usual time with Nila to hang out with Erik had captured the boy's attention easily enough. A few laps was all it took to find them alone, away from any prying ears that could ruin his plans. The approaching storm clouds chased many of the children inside, granting them some much needed privacy.

Which was good, given how little subtlety Erik had at the moment.

"Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into?" Erik demanded, finally coming to a stop and facing Adam once more. Erik had been winded before, but now his shoulders rose and fell aggressively as he panted for air.

"I have to get away from here." As with Nila, he couldn't exactly say why. Erik would just have to accept that he had a good reason.

Or not. "Why? Why do you have to leave? Hm? What's so important that you'd rather risk dying to the Grimm than staying here?"

"It's not-"

Erik cut off his argument before he could even make it. "Don't you dare say it isn't risky! And worse, you want me to take that risk! I assume Nila, too!"

"Nila already agreed."

Erik froze, his next rant dying on his tongue. "She what?"

"I talked to her earlier. She…she wants to come with me," Adam explained. He could see the sudden shift in Erik's demeanor - anger replaced by confusion. With any luck, it would be enough to break him down and bring him along. Once they were free of Katai, Erik might realize this was the right call. At the very least, her inclusion should calm him down a bit.

Apparently Erik didn't get the memo. "Then she's an idiot, too," he declared, throwing his hands up in surrender. "Honestly, I don't know which of you is the bigger idiot - the idiot leading the charge, or the one blindly following."

Even as Erik said those words, Adam could tell he was hurting. They both knew how he really felt about Nila. Insulting her only proved how angry he was at the idea of them leaving.

"I'm gonna talk to Nila," Erik announced, striding away without any warning. "Maybe I can talk some sense into her. Help her realize how terrible of an idea this is."

"Erik, wait!"

"No!" Erik whirled on the spot as Adam reached for him, smacking his hand away. Only then did Adam notice the tears that had begun to fall. "I'm not waiting for my friends to throw their lives away! You're too stubborn to realize what you're doing, but Nila will understand. And when she stays, you'll stay."

Adam had hoped to use Nila to get Erik on board. Instead, it seemed Erik had the same plan, but in reverse. Without knowing how desperate Adam was to get away, he assumed Adam wouldn't leave his girlfriend behind.

"Erik, I have to leave," Adam tried again, unsure why he thought the same argument would suddenly work.

"You keep saying that, but I don't think you do," Erik countered. "Sure, life here isn't ideal, but it's better than nothing. We've got food, clothing, and shelter. We even get to work and gain experience that kids our age won't have. And when we're older, we'll probably have jobs already and the money you've saved up for us." Meaning they'd have as good a start at adulthood as any orphan could ask for. "So what possible reason could there be for us to throw it all away?"

Adam wished he had an answer. "I can't tell you."

"Can't…or won't?" The accusation hung in the air, punctuated by the distant rumble of thunder. Adam wished the rain would start already, if only to break the tension. When no answer came, Erik stormed off once more, with Adam following a few paces back.

I don't take kindly to betrayal. Alyssa's threat held his tongue, reminding him just what would happen if Alyssa knew he'd told anyone. Then again, if Adam left him behind, would Erik take his place? Would he be forced to endure the same torture Adam had gone through? With Adam and Nila gone, he'd have no one to confide in, either. Then again, Alyssa would have no one to threaten him with. She might decide it not worth the risk, but he couldn't guarantee that.

"I have a reason," Adam spoke, his shaky voice barely reaching his friend.

Erik turned, waiting expectantly with the lights of the orphanage glowing behind him against the darkening sky. "Alright, then. What is it? What's so important?"

"I…" How could he tell Erik? How could he make him understand what he was going through? Some guys would kill to trade places with him. He'd overheard enough conversations from the older teens to know that. Some had even spoken of Alyssa in hushed voices, lusting after the vile temptress. If they knew how often he lived out their fantasies, they'd probably cheer him on. Or beg to know his secret. They'd envy his torture without hesitation.

But they didn't understand the difference between their dirty dreams and his abuse. What physical pleasure they might imagine couldn't compete with the utter devaluation he felt at her hands. Her disdain. Her complete lack of care for him. He wasn't someone who she enjoyed having sex with. That would imply some sort of recognition of him as a person. No, he was far less than that. An object. A toy. Something less than human. And worse, he knew it.

"Spit it out, or I'm going straight to Nila and telling her to call this whole thing off," Erik threatened, fed up with waiting for an answer that never came.

Could he tell Erik? Could he afford not to? Revealing the truth could endanger Erik, but leaving him unprepared might be just as bad. Maybe he'll provide some entertainment once you're gone. Neither was a good option, but leaving Erik to contend with Alyssa's…appetites sounded cruel.

Swallowing his fear, Adam decided he had to come clean. It was a risk, but so was not telling him. Better to risk his own safety than Erik's. "I have a reason, Erik. It's-"

"Time to come inside!" Alyssa's voice called out from the back door, cutting Adam off as the sound rooted him in place. She scanned the yard, eyes quickly settling on them as she stepped outside. "Storm's coming, you two. Better get inside before it gets too nasty out here."

"We'll be in in just a minute," Erik promised. Alyssa waited for them, however, her gaze ruining Adam's planned confession. It also helped remind him why he needed to get away. "So what's this big, important reason you promised?"

While Adam doubted Alyssa could hear them from so far away, especially with the wind starting to pick up, he made the horrible mistake of making eye contact with her in that moment. Her friendly smile was nothing more than a mask for the monster lurking beneath. One that would continue to wreak havoc upon him until he could escape.

I own you, Adam.

His courage fled him as he tore his eyes away. "N-nothing," Adam mumbled. Better that Erik didn't know than risk drawing that gaze himself. I'm sorry, Erik. I can't.

"Whatever." Erik stomped away, passing by Alyssa without a word. Adam felt the first drops of rain begin to fall and instinctively headed in, doing his best to pass Alyssa without looking at her. He felt her fingers ghost across his arm for the briefest of seconds as he passed, muscles tensing at the unwanted contact from his tormentor. His master. His owner.

Erik wasn't waiting when he got back to the room. No doubt, he was carrying through on his threat to warn Nila. Adam hoped Nila would be stubborn enough not to back out as he lay on his mattress, scratching at the spot Alyssa had touched. Wishing he could peel the very skin off to remove her taint.

Instead, he stared up at the bottom of Erik's bunk, knowing the next morning would begin yet another week of Alyssa's evil games. He could feel the vomit rise in his throat at the thoughts of what terrible plans she had for him. If all went well, he'd only have to hold on for a few more days.

/- - - - - - - - - -/

Erik tried his best, not just on Sunday night, but all throughout the week. Rather than work on Adam, though, he focused on breaking down Nila, warning her of the dangers in an attempt to keep her at the orphanage. Originally, Adam worried she might change her mind, leaving him to decide if he could leave her behind.

He needn't have been so concerned.

"I'm still coming," Nila promised after another failed assault by Erik. Nila's stubbornness proved too much for Erik's pleas for logic. Whatever happened, the two of them would face it together.

And it would only be two. Adam hoped Erik would give in once he realized they were both serious. Instead, Erik simply shut him out. Meals became awkward affairs as Erik largely ignored them both, only offering thinly veiled comments attacking their plans. He never said enough to give them away, but they both knew he wasn't happy.

Work became especially weird. Erik and Adam worked in dogged silence, quickly completing their tasks. Papi noticed easily enough but couldn't get either boy to admit what was going on. Erik would just tell Papi to ask "that idiot" while Adam played it off as a simple argument. Papi didn't believe a word of it, but after two days of nothing, he finally gave up, content to let them work the mill and work out their problems on their own.

Leaving Erik behind wouldn't be easy, but Adam couldn't stay, even for his friend. He'd tried to convince him again on Monday, but Erik refused to listen. Even his desperate plea on Thursday fell on deaf ears. While having only two people would make traveling easier - Eve could reasonably carry them both for longer distances - he'd rather slow down and keep both his friends.

But if the choice came down to him and Nila escaping or all of them staying, he'd have to leave Erik behind. Adam hoped he'd be spared from Alyssa's torment, but he couldn't endure it any longer.

She hadn't been any more vicious than usual during the week. He'd escaped her room unscathed a few mornings, and even the times she had cornered him had been relatively quick, though not kind. He'd hoped the promise of escape on Saturday would make things easier, but hope could be cruel in its own way. Knowing that there was an end in sight encouraged him, but only served to make those moments under her control seem longer.

When she finally tired of him on Friday, Adam rushed away bruised and ashamed, but with a crushing relief that fought with his lingering disgust, leaving his head spinning. He'd made it! Sure, he hadn't fully escaped yet. The walls of the orphanage still stood around him, but they might as well have fallen the moment he reached the stairs.

One more night. Tomorrow afternoon, he and Nila would finally escape. He'd gone over the plan with Nila at least a dozen times, making sure everything would run smoothly. He'd head to the stable like normal on Saturday, handling his chores before taking Eve out for a ride. Nila would wait an hour after he left, then slip away when no one was watching and meet him outside the stable. He'd considered meeting up further away, but stealth wouldn't benefit them that much. Once the orphanage realized they were missing, they'd discover Eve gone as well. It wouldn't be hard to guess that Nila was with him, so being spotted leaving together carried no risk. As Nila had only been to the inn with him recently, it would be easiest for her to find her way there.

Adam struggled to sleep, his mind racing with thoughts of tomorrow. The few hours he managed would have to do. Hopefully, the excitement of their daring journey would keep him moving. Being able to ride instead of walk would help…as would Nila's arms around him the entire way. He didn't expect much sleep on the trail, but he'd push through. Whatever it took, he'd get them both to safety.

By the time lunch rolled around on Saturday, Adam could barely contain himself. He'd arrived early, ready to scarf down his food and get to work sooner. His knee bounced impatiently as he stole glances between the entrance to the cafeteria and the serving line, which had yet to open. The moment it did, he shoved his way in front of one of the few early arrivals, claiming the front of the line against a muttered protest. He convinced the server to give him a little extra, claiming he needed the extra energy for work. He couldn't be sure when his next real meal would be.

Nila arrived within a few minutes, joining Adam to nervously devour their final meal. Small smiles and her foot pressing gently on his own helped reassure him that everything would work out. By the time Erik arrived, Adam had nearly finished eating.

"Erik-"

"Save your breath," Erik interrupted, cutting off Adam's last attempt to convince him. "Your mind's made up. So is mine."

Adam shrank back, but Nila saved him by cutting in, reaching a hand out to rest on Erik's. "I wish you'd come with us, Erik."

Erik softened at the contact but refused to give in. "And I wish you'd stay. Both of you." With that, Erik pulled his hand away, abandoning the tired argument to turn his attention to his food. Both boys kept their eyes down, leaving Nila to look between them forlornly. Erik tried to hide how hurt he felt, but it was obvious he felt betrayed by their abandonment. Meanwhile, Adam felt the bite of betrayal from Erik's lack of trust and support.

Neither of them were willing to address it, though.

Their looming departure hung over them all, sullying their final moments together. Adam wanted to say something - to break the silence and part on a positive memory - but he couldn't think of anything to say. Instead, he finished his meal and stood to leave, hesitating as he looked at his first friend at the orphanage.

"I'm sorry, Erik," Adam sighed, unwilling to leave without a proper goodbye. "I wish we could stay. Or that you could come with us. I'll miss you."

But not enough to call off the trip. No matter how important their friendship was, it came second to Adam's plan. None of them said it, but the words lingered between them nonetheless. Erik ignored his words, the unspoken slight against him drowning out Adam's apology. Given everything they'd been through together, Erik had reason to hate him for leaving. Erik had always stood by him. He'd shown Adam around, introduced him to Nila, helped him with his lessons, and even warned him about Pika - a warning Adam had ignored at the time. And when Adam had found himself at Pika's mercy, Erik had come to his rescue, braving the danger of Adam's assailants to get him out.

"And thank you," Adam added. Erik sat up a little straighter, listening to him once more but refusing to look at him. "Thanks for being my friend…for being a better friend than I ever was."

His piece said, Adam tore himself away from the one person he could always rely on. Every moment he waited was more time for them to be found out. He needed to gather his supplies and head to the stable. If he was quick, he'd have eve saddled and ready to go before Eve ever arrived. By nightfall, they'd be well away from Katai, never to return.

Adam's feet froze at the sound of Erik's voice. "You'd better write me when you get settled in."

When I get- Despite the urgency of Adam's tasks, he couldn't help but turn at the simple words of support. He wanted to tell Erik he wouldn't have to write if they all went together. Wanted to take a final chance to drag him into their scheme. But they both knew they were past that. All they had now was the memories of their friendship - a friendship that wasn't quite as dead as he'd feared.

"I will," Adam promised. He could only send him a letter if they made it. Maybe he'd find a way to come back for Erik once they found a new home. Or Erik could follow them once he aged out. Goodbyes weren't forever. They lasted only as long as you let them. "Bye, Erik."

"Bye, Adam."

/- - - - - - - - - -/

"Are you ready?"

Simple words, but far weightier than he'd ever imagined. Adam turned to glance at Nila, who held to him loosely as Eve paused outside of the gate. No one had stopped them. Adam's hand slid down to the small pouch near his leg to reassure himself, masked in the motion of him stroking Eve's side. Through the fabric he could feel the small frame of his family - a family he had lost long ago. Beside that, the firm handle of a large knife jostled - not his father's knife, but one he had stolen from the kitchen when no one was watching.

Other supplies were secured to their horse. The lien they'd rely on for their new start. The limited snacks Nila had hoarded for the last few days. A pair of sturdy water bottles swiped from the stable. Every little thing they could scavenge to improve their odds.

Were they ready? The supplies should be enough to get them to the next village, where they could resupply and keep moving. They had half a day head start on pursuers that didn't even know the chase had begun. Their farewell said to Erik, nothing remained to tie them to the large town behind them. They'd never get a better chance of escape.

But were they ready? Two kids, just entering into their teens, setting off alone into a harsh, unforgiving world. Romanticists might say all they had was their love, but love wouldn't mean much against what was to come. What they had was a loose plan and a single weapon. Two, if you counted the one Nila had strapped in next to her, but that was more for her sanity than any real advantage. Everything relied on whether Adam could overcome whatever life threw at them.

As Adam guided Eve onto the trail and left Katai behind, Adam gave the only answer he could.

"Guess we'll find out."

"And they lived happily ever after." Oh wait, this is my story. Crap.

"And they were both torn to shreds by Grimm." That sounds more likely.

Debated for the longest time on whether Nila would leave with him before realizing he might change his mind if both friends stayed behind. At the very least, it would be a more difficult decision for him. But if his girlfriend agreed to run away with him?

Been looking forward to this point for a while, and not just because we can finally flee Alyssa. Make no mistake. I'm running away from there faster than Eve can hope to carry the two lovebirds. Also been eager to get beyond the orphanage and back out into Remnant. Of course, two teens riding off into the wilderness with some spare change and a knife shouldn't have any trouble. This is the point where Adam settles down, starts a big family with his sweetheart, and forgets all about becoming a violent sociopath and leading a terrorist organization on a bloody path through the Kingdoms. After all, I only write happy stories. Nothing bad ever happens.

Too much? I felt like that was too much.

Anyways, I'm not looking forward to the extra week off from everything, but such is life. If I don't skip next week, I'll be trying to write with a mouth full of gauze for the following week. I'll see you all in two weeks!

Next chapter: Adam and Nila begin their new adventure together.