La lumière dans l'obscurité

Stepping out of the truck as the tense situation began to pass Ellie felt her feet meet ground and stretched, now knowing that they were in the presence of friendly faces she felt a lot more at ease than before, glancing back towards Ziggy as she heard her ask about the French Ellie cracked a sideways smile, "Neither, My mother is from France, And insisted I learn the language at a young age." She explained.

Milling around for a moment longer to catch their breath and stretch their legs the group were then spoken to by Jim from the far end of their makeshift barricade. "You folks nearly done? We gotta get back to watching the approach but Jim here..." Jim said stopping short and holding up his hand. "Yes I know, haha, same name. No, we aren't related." Dropping them again before continuing leader Jim glanced towards the road before continuing. "Jim Swartz here will take you in, Once you get in ask to speak with Murry, he'll get you sorted." Jim explained. Waving a new man forward Ellie shifted her gaze to see who it was, the new Jim, Jim Swartz was a middle aged man with large ring glasses, His white button up dress shirt stained with long dried mud and blood he had a goofy smile on his face, one that a elementary school teacher would be obligated to wear when dealing with his class.

"Hello friends." He spoke in a nasally, almost nerdy tone. "If you'll follow me I'll lead you back to town." He said quickly before shuffling off to a small jeep parked on the side of the road, waiting for the kids to get in their own vehicle before turning his engine over he felt the rumble under his form from the cheap springs used in the things construction and sighed.

Following Jim Swartz down the road and through one turn off or the next for a solid fifteen minutes or so the group finally came to what was for some of them at least, familiar territory. "I thought I'd never see this place again." Ellie said quietly to herself as the large university building came into view at the end of the main street of town, getting to the gate Jim stopped and got out of his vehicle before waving them to continue on, watching his form as they passed Ellie took note of the face of the man that he was now speaking to, it was principal Marrs, What a strange thing, he was.. completely buff now.

Reaching the inside of the gate Ellie watched as the metal plates closed into place behind them and Mr. Marrs approached, off to the side she could see a number of faces she didn't recognize but that was only to be expected, it had been a year after all.

"Well I'll be damned, Swartz was telling the truth after all." Murry Marrs said in astonishment as he approached the vehicle and saw Ellie's familiar face, Whistling as he examined her ride he shrugged and turned his attention back to the task at hand.

Waving for them to park the vehicle to the side and step out Murry waited for them to do so and come to him before speaking, opening his mouth though, he was quickly cut off by a thorn in his side, Magna. She began going on about how they were armed and how they weren't aloud to have their when they came. Pinching his nose he looked to the sky and then back.

"As I've explained before, Situations change. When you arrived we weren't dealing with The Sirens, were we?" He asked not expecting an answer. "And this is a special case, While our rule is indeed to have newcomers relenquish their weapons this is someone we all know. Well, most of us know anyway." He explained, reaching out her placed a hand on Ellie's shoulder and smiled. "This young lady is Ellie Sagan Arroway, You may recognize the last name no?" Murry explained shooting an annoyed glance towards Magna, Which she retorted with asking how George would react knowing they let people that he didn't know in with weapons, which just caused Murry to laugh. "She isn't someone he doesn't know." He explained quickly, Seeing the hotheaded magna reach for her weapon over the matter Murry frowned. "Ms. Dutton, May I ask why you're even here? This is the northern wall, you are posted on the southern today. Please don't make me write my second report in two weeks."

Raising his hand all the guards in the area raised their weapons. "Lower the knife Ms. Dutton" Waiting for her to comply Murry sighed, "Ellie, may I ask that you and your friends hand over your weapons, While the manner in which Ms. Dutton brought up the rule was completely and utterly out of line." He stopped shooting the woman a cold and annoyed glare. "It is the rule. You will recieve them back once you are passed through exams.. It's your mother, you know how she is." Murry explained,

Chuckling at Murrys comment Ellie nodded. "I do Mr. Marrs." Looking to her friends she nodded once to them. "I know these people, well, most of them anyway. We'll get our weapons back." She explained before dropping her own, waiting for the others to do the same she watched as first Cam, then Brody, Then Thomas and Ayita handed their weapons over to Jim Swartz

"May I keep my quiver?" Ayita asked. "If I empty it of arrows.. It's my mothers, I would really like to not part with it if possible."

Nodding in response Mr. Marrs smiled. "Of course dear."

Waiting for the few remaining people in the group to relinquish their weapons Mr. Marrs then led them out and into the road, to the right of the northern gate, along a row of buildings they passed one facade after the next before coming to one with the word "Medical" In bold red paint across the top, Following Mr. Marrs in Ellie heard a familiar voice humming from somewhere deeper into the building. "It smells like caramel in here." Ellie noted.

Following Mr Marrs through one door, then another, and yet one more the group were soon brought to a stop before another. "Wait here." Mr. Marrs said quietly, pushing the door open the group heard the humming get louder as it was not muffled by the door any longer. Poking his head in Murry smiled. "Amalie."

Looking up from her crossword Amalie sighed and sipped her coffee. "Let me guess, Madam Dutton has caused yet more issues?" She said in her thick french accent.

"Well, nothing that I can't handle." Murry answered. "But no, that's not what I wanted to talk to you about."

"No?" Amalie asked with a raised eyebrow. "Then what is it? Another broken bone? Sprained ankle? What?" She asked, her tone starting to hint at the fact she was more than a little annoyed as he was interrupting her crossword puzzle. It was only when she saw him usher someone in that she understood, her breath catching in her throat she went white as a sheet. "Mon cher dieu au paradis. Ça ne peut pas être!"(My dear god in heaven, it cannot be!) Amalie said in disbelief. "est-ce vraiment toi?"(Is it really you?)

"Oui, c'est moi maman"(Yes, It's me mom.) Ellie said sharing her mothers shocked tone, without another word Ellie did something that none of her friends had ever seen her do. Running into her mothers arms Ellie buried her head in her mothers shoulder, and wept. Wept for joy.

Magna wasn't in the best of moods hell when was she ever happy? She just shook her head and stared at the group as Murry went on and on about the situation and how this was a "special case". As he pointed out that one of the girls was related to Doctor Arroway but to Magna that didn't matter people change all the time. In this world you had to be someone to survive and be harden. When the guards raised their weapons Yumiko came over and put a a hand on Magna's shoulder. "Come on let's head over to the south wall." said Yumiko in a calm tone yet as Magna looked at her she could see the worried look on her face. She stared down the pasty blond girl who reached for her gun on her holster. Magna let go of her knife and stormed off towards to south wall. Yumiko looked at Murry and the new group. "My apologizes guys." said Yumiko to Murry and the group she then left to go after Magna who was ahead of her.


They were away from the group and as Yumiko caught up she grabbed Magna by the arm and turned her around to face her. "What the hell do you think you are doing?!" asked Yumiko out of anger to Magna who bit her tongue at first not saying anything. "What were you thinking?!" asked Yumiko to Magna and that's when she decided to open her mouth. "It's bullshit Yumiko alright? These people here are dealing with hostile forces and just because that girl is related to the doctor she comes in and nearly gets to keep her guns?" asked Magna to Yumiko who scoffed at her question and shook her head lightly. "Who knows maybe that girl is working with The Sirens or maybe one of her friends is. I am doing the best I can to look out for us and I mean our group." said Magna to Yumiko who rolled her eyes in annoyance and just shook her head once again. "Well you need to relax and get your shit together because if we get kicked out because of your actions then....What happens when are out there and we run into The Sirens?" asked Yumiko to Magna in a calm and serious tone. Magna's eyes drifted to the ground for a few moments before she looked back at Yumiko. "Please next time think and I really mean think about everyone not just us." said Yumiko once again in a calm and serious tone. The two then continued their walk to the south wall in silence. Once they arrived both were posted up on the wall.



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Sara and Laura were both nervous when the woman named Magna went for her knife and when the guards raised their guns it made her wonder what other issues was going on inside here? But it seemed that it came to an end when Magna left with the British lady who happened to be Asian as well. But as they were lead into a building called "medical" both Sara and Laura picked up on the scent and Sara smiled as she remembered the smell from before. Once seeing the reunion between Ellie and Amalie it brought a tear to her eye. Laura was just all smiles and while they were enjoying their reunion Sara tapped Mr. Murry on the shoulder. "Hey can I change out of this nun outfit real quick?" asked Sara softly to Mr. Murry who nodded and pointed out a bathroom down the hall. Sara quickly went down the hall and into the bathroom where she changed back into her regular clothing. A black long-sleeved shirt with a blue flannel shirt and her leather jacket. Along with her dark blue jeans and her black boots. She soon rejoined the others and as she saw Amalie once again she just smiled at the French woman. "Long time no see Doctor Arroway. It's good to be back." said Sara to Amalie as she opened her arms up for a hug hoping to get one as she missed the French woman.

So this was Ellie's ma huh? Somehow, after seeing it for her own eyes the way her friend had always acted made complete sense, one look and she could tell that the lady was someone that commanded respect, sorta like Claudia in a way, although.. not? like, sorta, but without the punching and stuff she guessed. "Nice to meet ya Ms. A!" Cam greeted when Ellie got to her, going quiet as not to get a lecture or something from Mrs. A Cam listened as the group went on for a time, It became quiet apparent that Mrs. A was somewhat of a know-it-all, not that she'd say that to her face or anything. Tilting her head as her and Ellie spoke in... What? Is that french? I think it's french. Cam tiled her head to Brody. "Know what they're saying?" She asked in a hushed whisper.

Leaning over to answer Brody shook her head. "Ab-so-lutly No idea." He said chuckling as he leaned back up.

Watching as the woman came closer to them she watched as she began shaking their hands in turn, being polite Cam took the hand when it was presented and quickly returned it to her side when she moved on. Following the woman as she made her way down the line she heard Ayi say something to Ziggy in German, Mrs. A had caught on to it as well and, lone behold she spoke German too, The three discussed something in the language for a second before Mrs. A retreated back to her desk.

"Now children, It's grand to have met you but back to protocol for a moment if I may." Amalie said raising her hand to shush the crowd of teens. "Before you're clear to retrieve your weapons and shown around you must be passed through our medical examinations. It is nothing serious I assure you, simple Bite and wound checks." She explained getting to her feet. Picking up her cup of tea she finished it off before pushing through the crowd, stopping short of the door she turned around with her usual smile. "Follow me please."

Taking the next few minutes to examine each teen in turn Amalie gave them all a clean bill of health apart from minor issues that no doubt occurred from the amount of time they had spent on the road, All surely to be gone within a few days.

Getting the last member of the group cleared she pulled the radio from her pocket and keyed it up. "Mon Cher Kalie, please come in."  She said. Silence followed for a moment.

"Heyo dock! What can I do for ya?" Kalie came through the speakers in her usual chipper voice.

"Oui ma chérie, A grand sequence of events has just occurred. Would you be a dear and meet me at the medical building? I require your assistance." Amalie answered.

"Oh! Sure thing dock, Just give me like five minutes yea?" Kalie answered quickly, in the background someone shouted. "Yea I'll be right there!" Kalie yelled to the voice. "Be there in a sec doc." And with that the radio went dead.

Right on time Kalie appared in the door. "What's up doc?" She asked propping herself on the doorframe and chomping down on a rather large carrot much akin to the way Bugs bunny would do in the old Looney Toon cartoons.

"Mon cher Kalie!" Amalie responded upon seeing the woman in the doorway, crossing the room she greeted her with the usual kiss on the cheek before turning back to the group. "Mon Cher! Grand news! Look, there!" Amalie cheered, her usual dimenor betrayed by the unusual amount of joy in her voice. "My daughter has returned! With friends no less!" She cheered.

Following Mrs. A's finger Kalie examined the girl in the crowd for a moment before it hit her. "No way, Eliie? That you?" Kalie said shocked.

"Hey Kalie." Ellie greeted with an awkward wave.

"Well hot damn, Aren't you a sight for sore eyes." Kalie answered. ""Heyo there folks!" Kalie said with a nonchalant wink towards the new faces in medical. "Names Kalie, Doc's right had lady, well, not technically but, I like to think of it that way anyway." She added, shooting an awkward smile. "Anyway, Another tour group Doc?" " Kalie then asked.

"Oui." Amalie answered with a nod.

"Roger Roger Doc!" Kalie called, and without another word she waved for them all to follow.

Seeing them all turn and begin to follow Kalie Amalie brought her hand to her chin. "Sara, Ellie my sweets, Would you be a dear and lag behind? I have much I'd like to ask of you, must catch up! I have tea, you liked it oh so dearly before departing. It's freshly made too. Please join us, Let's discuss!"

Looking to Ellie as she heard Amalie call for her and Sara to stay Cam crossed her arms, 'Jeez, You'd think we don't exist or something.' She thought, none the less she watched on as Ellie and Sara doubled back towards Mrs. A, seeing them both disappear through the office door again Cam looked to Kalie. "So what now?" She asked, her annoyance showing in her tone.

"Well, Now we go on the tour." Kalie answered the annoyed girl, what was there to be annoyed about?

Hitting the usual spots Kalie first led them to her area, General supplies. Tom was on duty that day and as they passed Kalie made a point to mention that she'd usually be the one sitting there and that if they needed anything from clothing to toilet paper that's where they would go. Passing next to housing she waved to the person in charge and smiled. "That's where you'll be sleepin more than likely." Kalie mentioned shooting a sideways glance to the group as they walked. "Next up." She started. "Mess hall. Anyone hungry?" She asked with another glance.

"FOOD!?" Cam shouted "Yes. Food! Let's go!"

Shaking his head at his girlfriends excitement Brody laughed. "I hope you know you've just awoke a monster, you're gonna be eaten out of house and home now."

"You just call me fat?" Cam asked shooting Brody an angry face. "I'm skinnier than you!" she said punching his arm, he could tell by the strength that she was joking. "Ow! Ow! Okay! Geez." Brody answered as they passed through the door. Reaching the inside Cam heard a group ask where the 'strays' had come from. Scrunching her nose at the comment Cam searched for who had said it but Thomas beat her to the punch, in usual Thomas fashion he explained it like a text book, no wonder him and Ellie hit it off. "Yea, We ain't "strays" Cam added with a stuck out tongue to the room, still not sure who had said it.

Shortly there after they were ushered out, foodless.. Sad Cam trudged along with the rest until they came to a tall apartment complex, she heard Kalie tell the girl who they were and that they should get the best room if possible, the girl behind the desk had the look of death on her, like Claudia would wear when she was mad, the one that said. "Talk to me and I kill you." Staying quiet for her own safety Cam listened to the two woman back and forth for a moment before the woman behind the desk asked them if they were in relationships, if they were family or if they rather be alone. "Well, B and I are, Ayi and Zigs here are too, Oh! And Ellie and Thomas too! But Uh, I think we're all cool with sharing one if we need to, no biggy right? Unless you guys would rather have your own." She said looking to her friends. 

Sara stayed behind with Ellie to talk to Amalie. She was wondering what the woman wanted to talk about and she figured maybe it was to catch up on where she has been since she left, which seemed logical to Sara. She sat next to Ellie and as the tea was handed to her she smiled at the good doctor. "Thank you." she said softly to Amalie as she took a sip after. The tea hit the spot and it tasted so good that she might get seconds. "Well I made it back home and my family is alive. My dad is trying to finish his sentence off due to his siding with Richard even if it was to protect us but I digress it still great to see that he is alive. What else? Hmm...I fell in love with a man...He is a biker and his name is Troy. He is a bot older and you thought that we wouldn't go together but you know the saying opposites attract." she said with a chuckle before taking a sip from her tea. "So I've seen that you let some new people in." she said to Amalie as she was referring to Magna and her group. "So what's new with you Doctor Arroway? Have you found a man at all?" she asked as she was trying to tease the doctor but Sara was thinking it was all good fun.

Sara was up early she looked around to see that a few others were gone with the expectation of Ziggy who was snoring away something fierce. Sara smiled at her sister and pulled a blanket over her. "Sleep tight overlord." said Sara softly as she pecked Ziggy on the cheek. She then took a shower and got dressed and once she was in some warm clothes and the leather jacket that Troy made her she was off walking around having her damp hair covered up in a beanie. She was exploring around taking a look at their defenses when she stopped in her tracks as the other Claudia named Magna came over to her. "What are you doing?" asked the woman in a serious tone. Sara tensed up but only for a brief moment as she looked at the woman. She could see that the others didn't like her yet she wondered what was her life before all this to be this untrusting of people? "I-I was just looking around. I'm new after all and I just wanted to see what this place had to offer." said Sara as she had an uneasy smile on her face. Magna kept her cold stare on the girl before Luke came over. The music teacher could sense something was wrong and quickly defused it before anything could happen. "Hey new girl! Nice to meet ya I'm Luke and I see that you have met Magna already." said Luke in a friendly tone. Sara's eyes shifted from Luke to Magna the uneasy smile still on her face. Magna just rolled her eyes and shook her head lightly before walking away. Sara felt as if a heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders, the pressure she was feeling while being near Magna almost made her have an anxiety attack.

"Look don't mind Magna. She is a tough one but once you get to know her she isn't bad to be honest." said Luke to Sara. Maybe she was right about the woman and she was just misunderstood, only time would tell with her. "Thanks Luke...I'm Sara by the way. Any chance have you seen my friends?" asked Sara to Luke who looked around for a brief moment. "Uhh...I think they were getting breakfast I know Michelle and Bernie were in line with them. Are you hungry?" asked Luke to Sara who honestly felt a little bit hungry and she nodded at him. "Alright then milady we are going to get some grub!" said Luke in a happy tone. Sara smile at the man and she could see that he was trying to make her experience a little bit. The two walked over to where the cafeteria was at and got some grub. While there Sara looked for her friends but it was to crowded and she couldn't see if they were there. So she sat with Luke and the two ate together getting to know one another in the process. "I was a music teacher back in the day and I still believe that music can be an escape for others in this world." said Luke to Sara who took a bite of her oatmeal before swallowing and nodding along with him. "Yeah music does wonders for others! I mainly paint and I have a few posted up at our bar in Maine." said Sara to Luke who look surprised. "Wait you own a bar in Maine?" asked the musician. Sara just smirked and nodded. "Yeah me, Ayita and Ziggy own it." said Sara to Luke who nodded as he was impressed. "Well if my travels over take me to Maine. I would love to visit your fine establishment." said Luke to Sara who smile and nodded. "Oh of course anytime! We even have open mic night so if you ever wanna jam out on stage just come on by." said Sara to Luke whose interest was now peaked. "Oh I'm making sure we leave as soon as possible." said Luke half jokingly. Sara chuckled and then finished her breakfast. "Alright well I'm gunna walk around. I will see you later." said Sara to Luke. She then left the cafeteria and walked around deciding to explore for a few hours.

While exploring the outside of the campus she saw Ziggy and a boy in a buggy. She smiled as she looked like she was having fun and then she wondered how the others were doing. She walked around the campus now and found a library. She smiled brightly as she felt like she was in her own world. She went over to the fiction section and looked over it. She could see a few manga books scattered around and grabbed a few. She walked over to the checkout and the lady looked at the four books that she had and smiled. "Seems we have a scholar on our hands here?" the lady questioned with a smirk and Sara just smiled. "So do I have to give you anything in-" said Sara before she was cutoff by the woman. "I'll take your gloves as collateral." said the woman. Sara took off her gloves and handed them to the woman. A small price to pay for entertainment. She then went back to her room and when she returned it seemed as if the others had just gotten back. "Hey everyone! Got some books and I went exploring today. What about you guys?" she asked her group of friends. She laid on her bed and got lost in one of her new books before Ziggy came in and broke her concertation. She just smirked at her and watched her as she talked about her day with the hot, tall guy. "He was a dreamboat that's for sure. Could make the top ten list in Bar Harbor that's for sure." said Sara to Ziggy and the others but she kept her eyes on her book.