Wren was weak, exhausted and her skin more ghostly than usual. Trembling, she got to her feet, delicately supported by Archie.

“Come on Wren, I think we need to get out of here” Archie said nervously as the sound of helicopters buzzed in the distance. “We need to find somewhere safe”

“There’s a campsite near here, maybe an hour or two and we can get there on foot. It’s north-ish from here, I think, hopefully cell towers will become operational again soon… so we can find out what’s going on” Archie’s tone grew bolder, comforted by the thought of a near-term plan.

Wren and Archie set off, and slowly they began to amble through the nearby fields. Feeling safer out of sight, away from roads and prying eyes. They strode in silence and after a while, having seen nobody and feeling adequately sheltered by a tree between two fields they stopped.

Grateful for the rest, Wren let out a deep sigh. The silence between them continued, Archie unsure whether to press on with conversation or not. With a furrowed brow, his mouth came open but was filled with words empty of any sound.

Chuckling, Wren snorted “Stop pouting like a Fish”

They both burst out laughing, a much needed escape from the incomprehensible events of the last few hours. Sharing an oversized chocolate bar and sipping on some water, Wren broached the subject.

“So. What happened to me… it happened to you too?” Her Norwegian-American accent working wonders to hide the fear and uncertainty in her voice. “The writing… I can feel it inside of me… I can’t explain… I just… I just knew what to do”

“What did it say? You saved my life Wren”

Over the course of an hour, they caught up on the events of the last few hours sharing notes on the abilities and proficiencies they’d received. Being able to recall at will the information, as if it was an extension of their own bodies.

Wren opened up to Archie about her struggles with substance abuse and drug addiction and they shared stories about their dysfunctional families. Wren was an only child from a rich family, her parents spent most of their time being socialites and she found comfort and connection in music as a result. Archie shared that the tragic death of his brother had led to the fracturing of his family, they had all changed as a result.

They both felt connected to each other, as if they were strangers seeking something better in the world before the events took place and now their bonds were forged forever.

Archie reflected on their conversation and made a mental note of Wren’s purge proficiency, the vomiting must have been a result of expelling any residual drugs in her system. He’d helped his brother through withdrawals a number of times, it wasn’t going to be a pleasant few days.

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His internal monologue was broken by Wren as she stood up and stretched. “I feel much better now, you know… let’s keep moving - we should try to hit the campsite before night”

Uncomplaining, Archie stood. His heavy black boots and slim cut grey jeans were definitely not made for hiking through fields. Next on his list was to find a fresh pair of more practical clothes.

As they hiked parallel to the road that led to Finchingfield town their apprension grew more severe. The sky was occasionally cracked by fighter jets streaming towards London and the constant buzz of helicopters grew louder. Large, heavy, vehicles could also be heard making their way through the nearby road.

Veering west, Wren and Archie subconsciously moved further and further out of sight in the heart of farmer’s fields and crops. Brilliant yellow crops taller than them, brought a sense of safety. Their plan wasn’t a strong one, they knew that. Just get to the campsite, set-up for the evening and take stock tomorrow. Silently, they prayed they would be able to garner more information, or that somehow their phone signal would return.

Eventually after almost an hour of walking, they reached a small trickling stream, passing under a road that ran between two farming fields. They paused, in silence, tense as if stepping into the road may expose them. Listening intently there was no sign of traffic. Taking a leap of faith they hopped the old stone wall they’d been crouched behind and scrambled into the next field. Following the stream northwards.

With the knowledge that finchingfield town was behind him, Archie felt confident that eventually they'd get to the campsite he'd visited many years ago. Unsure what to find, but hoping for safe harbour.

“Quick, get to the trees” Wren whispered hurriedly.

What sounded like dozens of helicopters were making their way towards London. When the constant buzzing didn't stop however, Archie grew curious.

“They've been here for too long. It has to be something in the town” Archie said after a while

“Wait here. I'll climb up for a better view”

“Be careful” Wren replied, concern clear in her voice.

Archie scrambled up the tree, not as elegantly as he'd have liked. Tree branches and twigs slapped his face and his boots ungraciously lost their footing multiple times. After five minutes, Archie eventually made it high enough to get a view.

“I see five helicopters. They're hovering over the town” … “I think maybe….they're lifting something” Archie shouted down towards Wren.

“Stop shouting Archie!” Wren angrily retorted in hushed tones

“What!?” Archie yelled

Flabbergasted. Wren scrambled up the tree, much more deftly than Archie had managed, moments earlier.

Joining him atop the final thick branch, Wren poked Archie hard in the ribs. “I said stop shouting you dumbass”

“Oh…” Archie laughed, “yeah, I can be a moron sometimes”

They watched intently. Eventually the helicopters began to move away. Three of them had objects attached to the bottom of ropes hanging like cargo. It was slightly too far away to make out clearly, but a look of recognition passed between Archie and Wren. Bodybags.

“Maybe more creatures like the one from outside Drip?” Wren said

“Yeah but about half the size or less” Archie's voice was distant “this… this doesn't feel real… I don't know what to do”

“Come. We can talk at the campsite” Wren replied early as she made her way back down the tree.