#zd.starter

Lynx struts through their little city, combat-clad feet stomping down the streets as he slung his pack across his shoulder. It was barely after dawn, the rays of sunlight blinding, but the determination inside is brighter. His feet willed to keep going, but his eyes drifted to the side, feet immediately flooding through the door. Eyes scanned the area, hoping who he was looking for was already up. Finally catching their gaze, he gave a small sigh of relief.

          All day Raielyn had been fighting a headache, fighting telling people to fuck off, and fighting with people who didn’t seem to grasp the concept of no communication. As if she had everything to do with it and just didn’t want to tell them. She had no idea what was going on, all she knew was it was a puzzle that she couldn’t solve without more clues. Maybe someone would give something away, let something slip. For now she had to deal with the people. Her shift seemed almost three times the length it normally felt. With only ten minutes left in her shirt, Raielyn hoped it would go by quickly because she was about ready to scream. She knew she needed to have self control. Fake smile plastered on her face, she greeted the people nearby, looking at a stranger. “I have ten minutes left in my shift, but when it’s over, do you want to grab a drink? I’m about to pull my hair out. People suck, but I’d rather not go home.” 

Cass could feel insanity beginning to seep into the depths of his mind, fingers tingling with numbness as they toyed with the small, metal ball in his hand. It was covered in rivets, patterns melted into the surface. He had been kicked out of the lab for the day, his outbursts becoming more present with each passing moment. Their exact words were, go home, cool off. As if he was lava waiting to burst at the mouth of the volcano. 

Heavy feet drug across the solemn street, but they felt unbearable, as if his legs could give out at any moment. His face was still crimson, hot to the touch, and his teeth were still easing from their harsh grit. His body crashed against the nearest building, hands moving to hood at his jaw, eyes bulging with realization.