~Ash pressed her trembling body against a massive oak, one of the last trees before the forest thinned out into the bustling, innocent town of Joannesburg. You can do this, Ash. Her heart pulsed so loud she could've sworn it was trying to break free of her chest. But the snarl of her devoid stomach suddenly erupted and effortlessly reigned. You haven't properly eaten in almost two weeks. You must get bread or something. She let her leg lean forward to take a step, then immediately tore it back and whirled back behind the tree, panting madly. It's only humans. Right now, you're one of them. Breathe, Ash. Biting down hard on her lip in the determination she was defiant against losing once more, she strode out from behind the tree and advanced toward the first few buildings of the town, feigning a high level of confidence she hadn't had for years.~
Aya and Thomas were still arguing, Thomas becoming very unstable, and they were nearing the thin beginning of the forest that Ash was currently attempting to leave, barely noticing her as they stood near her.
"Why do you care if I die, Thomas? Once I die, you'll see me as the same thing everyone else is; an experiment." Aya told him accusingly.
Thomas looked taken aback by her words, and that shock soon turned into indignant rage.
"How dare you suggest that. I care about you, and would never degrade you to anything lesser than my own sister. The one I cared about, the one that used to love me, wanted to be with me."
"Dare to look me in the eyes and say such lies. I know you, Thomas. More than you know yourself."
Thomas shoved Aya backwards, with violence that he often used against her in arguments. But, Aya expected it, and did not stumble or fall. She instead stood tall with courage and glaring eyes, clenched teeth and balled fists.
"You're a pathetic man. You are a genius, but you are subhuman, and aren't worthy of my respect, trust, or secrets. Maybe when I rot away you can have my freedom, but until then I shall not give up. I am a woman, not your property only because you have strength and nosiness on your side, you rat."
Thomas couldn't control himself. He took his hands and, like a striking snake, closed them tight around Aya's neck, causing her to shriek from shock. She had never made him so enraged as she had now.
"Let...Let go...!" Aya struggled to say, choking slightly as her bony fingers struggled against his grip.
"You take that back. You are disgusting, I don't know why I bother with you. I know what you are! You can't run."
Thomas was quickly losing his mental control, his voice sounding like neurotic death, and Aya began to panic. She had never seen him behave this way towards her. She knew it was possible, yes, but she never thought he would snap in front of her.
"Thomas, please. Let...Go!" Aya attempted to say, her eyes nearly popping from pressure. "I love you, you are...My brother. Please...Help, someone...?"