Day Three: Evening

[Android-18]

The air smelt as if rain had fallen not long before she had arrived. Grey clouds separated to let the havens forth, letting sunlight scorch the island with its presence. She traversed the open land with head held high and eyes open for movement. Not much was out here with her, only insects and birds. She walked for hours, drinking only when necessary, and sometimes talking to herself in a slight mumble. It was hard being on her own, but she slowly grew used to it. The wind was her companion, whilst it whistled against blades of grass. She sometimes stood with arms out at her sides, letting it push against her, and she nearly fell once. Eighteen could feel it in her blood; this competition was getting close to the end. She had to keep going, and fight for victory.

Lightening reflexes caused the girl to spring to action, her hand gun aimed toward the target that had moved ever so slightly. She stood frozen, recognition setting into her mind. The butterfly fluttered as if nothing in the world could go wrong, drifting beautifully up and down and gliding toward her. It landed on the end of the gun, and its patterned wings moved up and down slowly. A tear rolled down the androids cheek, she had almost blasted the poor creature to bits. Now it sat so innocently on her gun. She drew the gun close, and it remained, looking at her with its tiny eyes. The girl blew at it softly, and it took to flight. Another gust of wind pushed upon it as the breeze helped it flutter away towards a patch of meadow flowers. Eighteen wiped the wetness from her face and turned, she had to keep going, there was no time for rest.

The day waned, and night was fast approaching. She could see a forest along the distance ahead, and the humidity was thick around her. Would rain come? She could tell that it rained here often, the plant life was lush and the land smelt so strong like earth. She hopped down a slope of large boulders, aged and untouched. Moss grew upon the solid surfaces like carpet. She reached the ground, and looked toward the sky. Small insignificant stars were coming alive, and she remembered the night she and her lover had enjoyed their display together. She didn’t know much about stars, what mattered was that it indicated that darkness would be upon her. The grumpy clouds were beginning to close off the patches that had been opened for her to gaze upon, if rain did come, it would be a chilly drizzle.

She ventured further ahead, while the forest was much further away, she noticed small clusters of growth at various distances. She needed to find shelter; she did not want to get soaked if rain decided to join her on her journey. The blonde roamed from tree to tree, and finally stumbled upon a larger thicket than the others. It comprised a handful of old large trees, and was surrounded by various bushes and meadow flowers. It was actually pretty well sheltered. One of the larger trees closest to the center of the patch had a large knot that was all chewed out. It held a few cobwebs within, and dried leaves. It was small, but if she tried she knew she could squeeze in. Regardless, the large leaves above would catch most of the droplets if she were to be so unlucky. It was all she could do but to wait and see. Night was best for rest, anyway.

Android Eighteen rested her pack into the hole and stretched. Her back was sweaty from carrying the loaded bag. She took thanked the privacy she had here and took off her shirt; she flicked her hands and shook the article of clothing. A shower would be most welcome; she considered the options of a rain shower. She was beginning to smell, and she knew that rain would be most refreshing. The girl laughed to herself, if only Raditzu were here. She knew he wouldn’t be able to resist watching a nude android play in the rain. She sighed, both happy and sad. Upon cooling down she slipped her shirt back on and slowly took a seat against the tree. She would likely not sleep; she had to be aware of intruders. She also did not enjoy the soft rumble that emanated from the sky, at a distance, but easily noted. She pulled the sniper riffle into her lap and held up, if someone did happen upon her, she would not let them take her without a fight.