My nightmares didn't come all that often anymore but when they did, I dreamed of various snarling creatures that resembled the sunken plains that we once called home.

Trees stood tall around us, and though they were our main protection source they also trapped us in. It wouldn't take much for any kind of creature to surround us. Our defenses were strong but could always be better. Sam was always adamant to refuse new members into warriors, says our resources were better used in medical aid and harvesting. I just saw it as a way for him to keep me beneath him.

I made my way into the study room, glancing out the window to see some of the boys and girls sparing and laughing at something funny. Not that I would ever know what they were laughing about, since no one included me for anything. I unlocked the wooden door to the closet, and grabbed some clothes that Gracie made me.

After putting on the clothes laid out, I went downstairs to see if there was some food available to satisfy my mumbling stomach. After descending down the stairs eager for a slice of bread. I pushed past some of the boys that were fooling around in the kitchen but I didn't see him until I turned to the table.

Sam was sitting at the dining table drinking something that looked like coffee, or grounded up mush.

"Sketch, I already made you a plate." Sam broke me from my thoughts, as he gestured to the plate beside him, full of food. I slowly made my way over to the table, sinking in the chair next to him. He nudged the plate close to me, and grabbed the fork, placing it in my hand.

"No going into the forest today, the borders haven't been checked for a while."

"But I really want to go see—"

"No Sketch, it's bad enough that you went in there yesterday when I specifically told you not to."

"I am old enough to take care of myself." I said pushing the plate back, using my sassy attitude, as Sam called it.

"Obviously not when you can't follow certain orders." he all but growled.

"So I'm grounded?" I asked sarcastically.

"Just eat." He said, taking another sip of the liquid in the cup.

I grumbled but I finished my plate as slowly as possible, wanting to drag his morning out as well. But as soon as I finished, Sam got up and walked outside to probably start his shift for the morning. I stood up quickly, pushing back from the table, running out after him.

"Wait....Sam!" I called out.

"What did I just say, Sketch?"

"But I just want to go to the garden!" I complained.

"Sketch, why can't you just listen?"

"Because I'm stubborn." I said simply.

His lip twitched up into a smile, only for a second but it was there so I knew he would let me off.

"Fine, just stay on the property, out of the woods." he said.

I grabbed a wooden basket, and sat down in amongst the plants, careful not to squash then. Usually, everyone switches jobs like this but I just did whatever whenever. I walked over to the tomato plants and picked the reddest and ripest ones, but there wasn't many. A few more weeks and they would be bigger but we always risked food shortages.

I started to hum a small tune as I did this, a tune similar to the one my mom used to sing me. The plants always seemed to dance a little bit more vibrantly with the soft melody. The smell of the fresh air put me at peace, reminding me of the safeties of our safe haven. I breathed a sigh, the wind kissing my cheeks with content. For now, I would listen to Sam but once the border was clear I would run as far as I could.

Without realizing it, a sudden click charged behind me. Upon turning, I was knocked face first into the ground. Dirt filled my mouth as my arm was pressed roughly into my spine. Even if I wanted to scream, or fight, or really do anything there was always something holding me back.

"Too easy," a male voice grunted. "maybe I'm getting too good at this."

"Or it's fucking weak as hell, just kill it. I don't have time to play games. We don't know who the hell these people are and their freaky pets. Let's just get back to work." This voice was a woman, the leader possibly?

Every nerve in my body tingled as the grass vibrated underneath me. A hushed voice rang out, creeping inside my body until I felt something tug around me - like energy. A whistle sounded low and hushed voice made known of their panic. Pressure lifted from my spine and I quickly got to my feet.

Upon turning I nearly doubled over, the tomato vines wrapped tightly around the four strangers limbs holding them down in place. Another magical creature? Our faces reflected the same, confusion and yet every hint of fear. They were merely humans, and the looks they gave me were deadly. I didn't have time to speculate and took off, calling for some sort of reinforcement.

"Sam! Gracie! Riley!" I yelled, hoping someone would realize we weren't as safe as we thought. An arrow buzzed past my head as I rounded the corner, face first into another stranger. The force knocked us both back on the ground, hard.

This boy had rusty hair, bright green eyes, and a scar just above his eyebrow. His lips were pressed into an angry scowl and his eyes looked at me with pure hatred that not even I could comprehend. He tried to reach for his makeshift gun but I beat him there, throwing it somewhere behind me.

By this time I heard the commotion of someone rounding the corner, and it couldn't have been quick enough. The boy had a knife pressed against my throat, one that had deep ridges and a wooden handle.

"Drop it, kid." Riley was standing close.

"Where are my friends?"

"A little tied up," he cocked his gun. "Drop the knife, and you can see them."

The boy did not ease his glare but threw his knife down in the ground and stepped back, allowing for Riley to confine him. Sam pulled me up, dusting off my back as he asked me over and over if I was okay. I just nodded, trying to remember how everything happened. The scouts pulled the other three over before Riley and the other warriors, and I took my spot on the nearest tree and watched as people started filling in to see the commotion.

The girl had faded purple hair, which looked more brown if anything right now but I could see the tint, with bright blue eyes that screamed "bite me". The two boys on the right looked identical, and yet so different. The one with that scar had to be younger, maybe even my age. While the other seemed to be glaring daggers at every single person that gave him a curious glance.

"You think you could rob us in broad daylight with your numbers?" Riley chuckled, and the older boys eyes darkened.

"What makes you think this is all of us?"

"Isn't it? Wouldn't we be under siege if you had more?"

()

Sam was talking to the newcomers, as was Riley explaining to them what we had set up here. I just stared up at his face that would occasionally migrate back to mine. It felt weird that he wouldn't take his eyes off me. Was there something on my face?

"Well your back side is completely defenseless. That's why we got here so easily, but I'm sure we can help with that. My name is Conner, this is Andie, Ryan, and Remmy."

Ryan was the older version of the rusty brown hair, and Remmy was the younger version without the scar. Andie was the spunky girl. Then lastly was Conner, whom I could guess was the leader of the group.

"I'm Riley, but I'm sure we all can get aquatinted later, for now we need to talk."

I stopped listening, feeling a dull throb in my stomach before making my way back into the house.

I should have used my training against him! I always forget it when I need it. The only one with a gun is Riley and he only uses it if there is a serious emergency. The loud bang typically draws in monsters, or if a Vampire is passing by it could give off our location.

I walked into my room, though the creaky floor comforted me I still was feeling sick to my stomach. I drifted into the bathroom, discarding my shirt on the floor. It was already starting to bruise. It wasn't bad or anything just looked sickly against my pale skin.

I could tell that I looked a little funny, well from what everyone else's perspective of me it wasn't too hard to pick apart. I haven't felt this way in a long time, but just looking at my hair and my features I felt like a freak. I sighed, flopping down on the bed with an exaggerated bounce.

I just want to know why I'm different.