solo wrote:((I'm going to have to go on without hdm posting in-between. Hope you don't mind))
Shadow's wings had no strength left in them. Between blasting away from the flock at top speed for a long time, crashing into the trees, blasting away again, fighting Erasers, then exhausting himself from crying over Ari and Adrianne, he had no energy. And Adri's dead weight in his arms and the Erasers still on their tail weren't making it any easier. You can do this. Only a short while to go until safety. He kept telling himself, even though he honestly couldn't be sure. For all he knew he'd have to carry on like this for miles until the Erasers gave up. Shadow's body ached at the thought of it. He looked over his shoulder. The Erasers where dots now. If I stop, they'll probably fly right past me. he thought, swooping down and landing in a clearing. He quickly took cover under the treetops and looked around for a place to rest and hide. Finally, Shadow found a huge pine tree. The bottom branches where at least five feet off the ground, but they curved downwards to touch the ground. As Shadow squeezed between the branches, he discovered that there was a space enclosed by the branches big enough for the both of them. Perfect. Gently, he set Adrianne down on the soft ground carpeted by pine needles and lay down himself. He knew he should keep guard, stay up and watch for Erasers and make sure Adrianne didn't die on him. But he was so... tired... he could practically feel the exhaustion tugging at him. Before he knew it, Shadow's eyes where closed and he was sound asleep.
Shadow's stormy blue eyes slitted open. Above him stretched a curved roof of pine needles.
What the...? Where the heck am I? Where is everyone?! he bolted upright in a panic and then relaxed when he saw Adrianne next to him. Everything came back to him. The flock. Ari. The Erasers. Shadow shivered a little, the morning was warm but crisp, and in the shade of the pine tree everything was still cold and coated with dew. With a sigh, he pulled his legs under him and bent forward. He pulled aside the evergreen branches like a curtain, early morning light hitting his face. Shadow took a breath of the air, a smile on his face, and opened his eyes. And screamed.
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