Thread: The Town

As she made her way through the town, Kaige became aware of so many things. First and foremost, her legs ached. It had been a long journey, but Eternal Peaks lay in the mountains that loomed, higher than the flat land she now stood on in the town. All she had to do was look behind her to see the mountains, home of the place that had held her for so long. She paused and looked back taking in the landscape. The mountains were beautiful, kissed by the snow. They looked so peaceful, the place they gave a secluded home to giving no hint of the terrors it held. In fact, it wasnt even visible. It wasnt as if they build the institute on the side of mountain, ominous and yet sterile to all who viewed it. No. They hide it, trying to and sweep under the rug the terrible deeds done behind those closed doors. No more, she thought before starting on her way towards the train station once more. She could feel the food she had consumed before quickly being burned away to nothing as she continued on her way. Kaige didnt want to stop for more food though. She was sure she had enough left for her performing before, but putting distance between her and the institute was her primary goal. She pushed on. Her heart was pounding. Here she was walking around, and all these people she passed didnt know a thing about her. To them, she looked like a nurse. They had no idea what she was or what she could do. To them, she was.normal. Normal. It was a thought that made her smile. People returned her smile and asked her how she was. Kaige never answered any of them. She was in awe. No doctors were here to beat her. There were no walls to keep her in. This was life. She passed by a store selling televisions, and she had to stop. Memories of watching cartoons as a kid came flooding back. Kaige giggled. A womans voice spoke. And take a look at this video. A local unknown magician has gone viral after a performance in Aspenglen Park today. Take a look as she performs seemingly impossible feat with fire. Thats right, fire. Kaiges eyes widened. Oh shit, she mumbles, her hand coming up to cover her fist. Im.viral. Viral? What the fuck does that mean? The video showed her earning money, fire coming from her hands. For the first time ever, Kaige got to see what she looked like when she did this. Tears formed in her eyes. The crowd applauded, some dropping money in the hat that was thrown down by a man. Her hair was blowing in the breeze, and the look on her face was unlike anything she had ever seen. She looked.happy. Look at her. Shes amazing. Local magicians that we interviewed were baffled by her performance, but they all had the same answer. A magician never reveals their secrets. A tear rolled down her cheek that she quickly wiped away. In other news, a man on a different television said, a patient has escaped from Eternal Peaks Psychiatric hospital. Citizens are warned to be on high alert. This is a sketch of what the patient looks like. A drawing of her came up on the screen. Oh shit, she said, a bit louder this time. She looked from the screen with the drawing to the other television, still playing her video from the park and back again. Really? They cant see it? Youve got to be kidding me? Kaige shook her head. You people are fucking nuts. The womans voice spoke up once more. One more time, take a look at this talented young lady. Incredible. Her gift with fire is unbelievable. Look how the fire seems to literally come from her hands. Its indescribably beautiful to watch. Again a tear traced down her face as she raised her hand to the screen which had frozen the image of her standing there. Simply beautiful. Kaige had never heard anyone refer to her power that way before. Seeing it for the first time this way and hearing this womans words were overwhelming to her. A hand tapped her on the shoulder, and she jumped, turning, ready to fight. Its alright. It was the woman from the hospital. What the f..I mean.what are you doing? She tilted her head. I could ask you the same thing. Kaige was speechless. Its alright Kaige. Come. I rent a place on the outskirts of town. Walk with me. Ill take you there. You can sleep there tonight. You cant stand out in plain sight like this. She flashed her eyes over to the screen. hear that? They know youre gone now. Search parties will come. If youre standing on the street, you wont stand a chance. The people in this town see Eternal Peaks as doing a good deed. They see you as in need of help. They dont see the beautiful magician. Youre dangerous to them. Kaige pursed her lips before speaking. How do you see me? Aliya smiled and took her hand. Scared but finally free. Youre not dangerous Kaige. Theyve made you this way. Things are not always as they seem. Now come. Together the two walked the rest of the way to the small place just out of town. Kaige took a shower, a nice, long, hot shower. She washed away the last of Eternal Peaks. When she emerged from the shower, there were clothes laid out for her, and she could smell food. Aliya had cooked, and the food was set up on the balcony for her. Come. Sit. Eat, she told her. What are you doing here, Kaige asked her. I like to help people. Taking a seat, Kaige told her, If they find you, theyll take you. Aliya nodded. I know. Ive been around here for centuries, in and out of town. Ive known about Eternal Peaks for a while. Tomorrow you will leave town, and so will I. Our time here is over Kaige. Aliya noticed her starring at the mountains. Theyre beautiful, Kaige told her. Aye. That they are, Aliya agreed, taking a seat. I cant believe I came from there. Ive been locked up since I was 8, Kaige told her, forcing a weak laugh. Im.scared. I dont know where to go or what to do. My parents.I dont even know what happened to them. They might not even be alive anymore, and do I really want.to kill them? She shook her head. I dont think so. I.just want to live. I dont want to ever.go back there again. I left someone there. Someone that I dont want to imagine what theyre going through right now. I left someone there that.I dont know, she said shrugging her shoulders. I hated that place and what it did to me, but some of the people there.they dont deserve to be there. Aliya nodded. Do you want to go back for anyone? Kaige shook her head slowly. Yes, but.I cant. I cant risk.being caught. My own aunt works there, and even she wont let me out. If I get caught.Ill never see the light of day again. If my own family would do this to me, what will the staff do to me? My own parents left me. My aunt wont let me out, and this.is family. What would the staff do Aliya? I dont wanna know, she quickly added. I do NOT want to know. Kaige picked up her own cup and took a drink. I do want to know one thing though. Aliya raised her eyebrows. What does going viral mean?