Ash lay on his bed, eyes open and fully awake. He had heard Blaze and Nova talking that night. It felt strange how Blaze had told Nova things that he’d never told Ash. Though, It sorta made sense considering Ash had been just as mean to Blaze as Blaze had been to Anders.

Ash had always thought of Blaze as the brave one, the prisoner that had stayed alive the longest. The prisoner that even through his hardships was able to stand up for himself and love the other prisoners.

But now Ash realized that Blaze was just like him. He’d act like it was all okay with other people. He’d force a smile and act like nothing had changed but really he had.

Ash did the same, he’d crack jokes and laugh along with Axel, but every night before falling asleep he’d remember his family who were probably worried about him. He’d remember his girlfriend and Ash would hope she had moved on, found someone new, so that she could be happy.

But that wasn’t the only thing he had heard Blaze and Nova talk about. Nova wanted to escape this prison too and now for the first time Ash actually had hope that one day he might see his family again.

“I can tell that you’re awake.” Ash heard a voice come from behind him. He turned around to look at Axel.

“What are you doing here?” He hissed at his friend.

Axel grinned. “I have an Idea!” He pointed out of their room. “The Overseer just left his apple pie over there to go to the restroom! He’s already eaten a bit, which means he won’t notice if we eat a small piece ourselves.”

“You're joking! We’ll be seen!”

Axel shook his head. The other overseers are in different places of the prison. If we’re quick we can get there before this overseer returns. Plus when was the last time you ate pie?”

Ash stared at his friend for a while. “Are you sure about this?”

“Hey, if Nova can escape a prison, then we can steal a pie from one!”

Ash and Axel crawled on the floor scooching closer to the pie. The best part of the prison was that the prisoners weren’t locked in their cell. The giant room the cell was located in, on the other hand was the one that was enclosed and impossible to escape from.

The two friends moved closer to the pie. “As soon as we eat a bit we rush back!” Ash whispered to his friend.

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Axel nodded as they reached the table. The two boys grinned as they each took a tiny piece and ate it. The sugary taste of the pie filled Ash’s mouth and his mouth watered. He chewed slowly just to taste it for a little longer. He savored the sweet taste in his mouth and he smiled!

“You were right!” Ash said. “That was great.”

Axel winked. “Never doubt me again.”

The two boys grinned and started their way back to the cell when the restroom door opened.

“GO!” Ash yelled at his friend as the two rushed back to the cell as fast as they could.

“Ash, did you think I didn’t know you’d try this?” The Overseer called out. “I know that’s you,” He paused for a second. “But who’s that with you?”

Ash groaned and looked at Axel. “Get out of here, bro! And no matter what, don't tell them it was you! Promise?”

Axel nodded. “I Promise. Good luck, Ash.”

Ash smiled sadly knowing very well he was going to need it.”

Blaze was woken up by an Overseer who was yelling at the prisoners telling them to get up and follow him. Blaze groaned wishing he could sleep longer, but he did as he was told. He walked forward barely able to keep his eyes open.

“What’s going on?” Nova asked beside him.

Blaze shook his head. “I have no clue.”

The prisoners followed the overseer to a table where Ash stood staring at the ground. On the table was a half eaten pie and Blaze knew what was coming.

“Which of them was it, Ash?” The Overseer glared at Blaze’s cellmate. He leaned closer to Ash. “If you tell me, I won’t whip you.”

Ash just stared at the man not saying a word.

The Overseer growled. “If you don’t, I’ll whip you six times the usual punishment.”

Blaze’s eyes widened. There was no way Ash could survive a beating that hard. But Ash didn’t speak, he barely even flinched when the overseer threatened him.

“Go ahead!” Ash snarled. “Do your worst!”

The Overseer sneered and vines shot out of his back whipping out of his back. Without hesitation, Blaze shot out his own, blocking the overseer’s.

“It was me.” Blaze said. “I helped him, I ate the pie.”

The Overseer turned around. “I should have known.” His vines shot at Blaze and slashed down on his back sending him flying to the ground. The Overseer raised his vines again and brought them crashing down.

Blaze couldn’t walk. Axel, Ash, Nova had to carry him to the room. His body ached and he could barely breathe without groaning in pain. His friend lay him on the cot asking if he was ok.

Blaze nodded. “I’m fine! I’m fine!” He said over and over.

Lily seemed to be scolding her brother. “You have to say sorry, Axel! After all it’s your fault he’s like this.”

Axel nodded his eyes on the floor with a guilty look on his face. “It was me, Blaze! I’m sorry, if I had known…”

Blaze smiled at him and Ash. “This is what we’re supposed to do, I help you because I love you. I’ll never stop protecting you, because as the one who’s been here the longest, it’s my job, and I love it!” He stretched out his hand and Axel took it and shook it.

“Thanks, Blaze.” He and Ash said at the same time. “You’re the best.”

Blaze chuckled. “That’s right!” He turned to Nova. “Have you ever had a cellmate better than me?” He joked.

Nova shook her head. “I think you’re one of a kind!”