“Essentially, my plan is built across one mission - save and help as many people as possible” Maureen started.

Archie, Wren, Lara and Bob all nodded along enthusiastically, coming together with a new common goal that went above and beyond their own survival.

“Secondly, it will be to develop the three of you.” Maureen paused and looked towards Wren, Lara and Archie.

“It has been confirmed, from what I gathered, that you can indeed progress, get stronger and faster than we thought possible for humans… and in addition you can gain new unfound abilities, or even strengthen those which you have already been granted.”

“We did try training them up, but nothing seems to be happening… I am definitely getting much fitter and faster though” Archie quizzed Maureen.

“You didn’t train them up hard enough, unfortunately. Either you and Lara have to try to actually hurt each other, and Wren you can heal up the injured. Combine that with getting out there in the wild, helping people and defending yourselves against whatever you find”

The group paused to soak it in, to get stronger they had to put their lives at risk.

“It seems that the military are creating ‘super’ units that augment their existing forces with those that have abilities. They’re training as small squads and for larger warfare scenarios already. This includes things like warriors and tanks on the front lines with healers or spell casters on the back lines and so on.”

“As a three. You should theoretically be ok. You have a good mix of skills, defend Wren at all costs and she in turn will support you” Bob chipped in

“Correct” Maureen said “as a three, I propose we start with some simple exploration. Return to the site that housed Mr. Vasquez to ensure those previously imprisoned have actually been released.”

Lara went white, her life could have ended there just days ago and Maureen was asking her to return already.

Continuing to try to shift Lara’s mind “Bob, you will support them all initially on these closer to base expeditions. After we have checked on a few of the nearby towns and residences, my proposal is to then begin to venture within the forest. Only once you are confident and feel strong enough”

Silence continued to hover over the group

“To note. Creatures so far, at least this side of the forest have been dealt with by the military so far. They seem to be significantly weaker than the Elven folk from London”

“Which brings me on to my next point. I have a cached YouTube video of what a single large Elf did to two military units in a single 90 second period of time. It is extremely difficult watching.”

At this point, Maureen placed her iPad onto the table and turned it to the group. Bob watched on amazed at the display of strength and combat. Lara, Archie and Wren who had never seen battle could barely watch. Wren wretched, Lara’s skin went from white to a greenish tinge and Archie turned to look away.

“This is no game. It is important we try to have fun, but stealth and keeping safe is critical. We can’t help many people if we are dead.” Maureen warned the group

“Wait. Watch. Act. And acting doesn’t just mean rushing in and trying to save anyone. Act means acting appropriately depending on the situation. If you see this specific Elf and that axe. Quite simply, run and hide. Any creatures or people… or beings you may need to face, try to gauge what level their skills and abilities are before you engage them directly.”

Stolen story; please report.

“Understood?” Maureen said with significant rigour in her voice

“Understood” the group echoed

Over the course of the day, the group were lectured by Bob on the various hand signals he would be using in the field, what he expected from each person and the kit they should all carry with themselves at all times; much of which Lara already had.

Archie and Wren felt that Lara was playing along with them as student, as it was clear her and Bob may have already had some of these discussions and training previously. Nonetheless, she was pretending to learn again with earnest.

It was an intense morning of training and learning for the team which was then brought to a stop just after midday.

“Weather is nice today” declared Maureen, she had changed from her comfort wear and instead now sported outdoor hiking shoes, shin-length cargo shorts, a climate-cool exercise t-shirt and a grey leather satchel. Most eye catching however, was the giant hunting knife that hung on her hip, held in place by her belt.

“I think I would like to get outside, care to join me?”

This was the first time Maureen had left the bunker in almost a week of hiding away. Bob had made a few trips to the house to get some items and extra food and drink from their campsite shop that hadn’t been taken by the military that temporarily stationed there conducting analysis on the wolves. Archie and Wren had done some outdoor running in the nearby fields, hidden from view and Lara hadn’t been back outside since her expedition that led to meeting Mr. Vasquez and his acquaintances.

“Sounds good Maureen, just let me shower up” Archie gasped, having just completed a ten kilometre run in fifty five minutes. An incredible increase in his speed and endurance in just one week, considering he couldn’t previously complete five kilometres at a consistent pace.

After a quick shower, he towelled off and noticed his physique was starting to look leaner, the faint outline of abs apparent. Throwing on a plain black t-shirt, a clean pair of cargo shorts he’d taken from the camping shop and his walking shoes he made his way into the living area to find everybody had already left.

He made his way through the tunnel towards the entrance underneath the campgrounds shed to hear Maureen and Lara chuckling with each other. As he emerged the natural sunlight washed over his skin. Sunlight always made Archie feel whole again, reducing his worries and providing him with a moment of thankfulness to be alive and healthy.

Wren and Bob were rummaging around the Yurts, Bob had the hosepipe in hand and was watering the surrounding planters and grass whilst Wren tidied the inside of the Yurts.

They all looked so peaceful and life briefly felt normal.

“Ah here he is” Maureen called out from the nearby picnic bench.

“So what’s the plan?” Archie queried

“There is no plan. Let’s just enjoy today. I’ve got my mobile radio over there. Make sure you’ve shut that shed door and let’s just relax in this beautiful weather.”

“Sounds good to me” he responded cheerily.

Bob suddenly stopped in his tracks and his mouth dropped

“Oh my god. What?!” Wren called out, looking around to see what had captured Bob’s attention.

“We could have a bloody barbecue!” Exclaimed Bob, excitement rippled through his voice and he started to bounce lightly on his feet.

He ran around the campsite giddily between his Giant Green Egg barbecue and the campsite shop that still housed bags of coal.

Maureen sat reading her book, occasionally throwing out food orders to Bob. Lara and Wren went for a walk in the adjacent fields and double checked their emergency exit was still well hidden. Archie simply lay on the grass, eyes shut and listened to Bob hum along as he prepared the barbecue.

Birds chirped, the grass felt soft on his skin and slowly the smell of chargrilled steak began to tickle his senses. There had been no jets overhead today, interrupting their peace and the helicopters that were usually nearby were focussed on other areas today too.

After a while, Bob called out “Dinner is ready!”. He brought trays of cooked meats alongside vegetable and Halloumi skewers for Wren to meet her vegetarian requirements.

Emerging from the adjacent tree line, Lara and Wren took their seats at the table and together they ate, joked and laughed throughout the rest of the day. Glad for each other’s company. Glad to have found each other and all glad that with each other, they were each finding a greater purpose in life.