Crunch, crunch... The sound of boots crushing debris on the forest floor. With a watering can in hand, Lance carefully irrigated the twisting vines surrounding their haven.

    Twice to three times a day, he would patrol the border. No matter how much time had passed, he had never been able to relax. He gently scratched the ear of one of his socialized wolves, with once again nothing to report. It was peaceful here... It was peaceful here, and yet?

"It's been years, Lance. Is this all really necessary?"

"You know they won't be satisfied with escape. If we're a threat, they'll keep searching until we're found dead one way or another."

"If you're so worried, we could just leave."

"To where? You know we won't be accepted no matter what."

    A girl reborn as "Raven" pressed her lips into a thin line as she brushed the burrs off the wolf's fur. Had they reached a point where they could disguise it effectively? She had gained confidence, and he had gained control. Surely it wasn't as clashing as when they were young. But still... In this world of terror and blame-shifting, if they made one mistake, it could all be over.

"It would be nice if we could live as Raven and Lance without fear."

"It would be, but that doesn't really help us."

"I guess not..." Raven's eyes flitted downward, until something seemed to dawn on her. "Unless..."

"Unless?"