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Description
One year after the "big bang" people had begun to grow comfortable in the new world. Shay had not been the only one effected. Nearly everyone in a hundred mile radius had gotten a "Gift".  The first month had been hard, the government quarantined the whole area. No one was allowed in or out. For a while things were really bad even the straight laced siblings had resorted to looting before the feds finally started funneling in aid. The men in hazmat suits finally fixed the utilities and brought in food and other necessities.

During the chaos many had already died or been killed. In fact a whole side of town had been overrun by gangs and thugs who abused their Gifts for evil. Shay and Tyrese were lucky to reside on the side where people had kept mostly sane. Some people had broken down in the streets or ended their own lives, but no one had gone on a killing spree. Within a week people were bartering goods and trying to carry on.

The news feed was all that was ever on and the internet only seemed to work within the town, same with the phones. You could contact a neighbor, but no one on the outside. The man on tv promised that, in time, when they knew it was safe, they would lift the quarantine.

There were rumors that the government was taking  Gifted and studying them, but there was no proof.  A missing person could just as easily be blamed on the gangs.

After all some were more Gifted than others.

"I'm starting to think they won't ever let us out." Shay whispered adjusting the glove on her left hand. The synthetic fibers were all that stood between her and disaster. She had quickly learned that anything organic she touched rotted away in seconds. This included killing plants and bugs, but that was as far as she was willing to test.

Imani barely glanced away from the news feed. "That's what I've been saying all along."

Shay shook her head. "But what about laws- the constitution?"

"I don't think the founding fathers accounted for an entire college town and the surrounding slum getting superpowers." She said matter-of-factly. "What do you think those thugs out there would do to normal people? If you think they are terrorizing us, just imagine."

"They must be looking for a cure. I mean how many years can they really keep us here? Our families must be looking for us, asking questions-"

"Unless Big Brother told them no one survived." Imani stood and placed a hand on Shay's shoulder. "Look, it's really better not to dwell on the what ifs. We need to be thankful for what we have right now. We have each other, we have the necessities, and we have a few luxuries.  It could be so much worse."

Shay nodded. She was lucky to have her brother, one of her best friends, and her boyfriend all in town.  "I just want Mom and Dad to know that we are okay. If I had that closure I think I'd be alright."

Imani smiled. "Well, maybe today will be the day. Ease up on all that worry. We can be stuck and still be positive." She cocked her head to the side. "I think I hear your man-thing coming now."

Shay took in a sharp breath. "Please don't call him that- if he were to hear you..." She shook her head. "He's still very sensitive about it."

Imani rolled her eyes. "I'll behave, but he really needs to grow a thicker skin. We are all freaks now."

Shay stood and made her way to the French doors that opened up to the balcony. "I don't think our Gifts really compare."  She pushed the doors open and was greeted by a loud flapping.

Alan landed roughly on the railing, wings beating hard to keep his balance as his feet struggled for purchase on the slick metal. Shay squinted against the wind he was creating and reach out for him. His hands wrapped around her forearms and she was able to pull him down on to the balcony.

"There we go, babe." She cooed as he settled in and folded his wings against his back. "How's the town looking today?"

Alan released her, careful not to snag her skin with the talons at the end of his long fingers. "Pretty calm. Your brother should be up in a second."

Alan didn't really like using the balcony, but it was the only way he could fit inside the building. His height and wing span didn't leave him many options.  He still had to duck and squeeze as Shay led him through the French doors into the apartment.

"Were you able to get everything?" She asked.

He nodded. "It was expensive, but we got it."

Paper money no longer held much value in the town. The government sent in eggs, milk, flour, and basic fruits and vegetables, but meat and fancy food were still rare. Tyrese was able to fish and set a few traps in the woods east of the apartments , Alan could get at fruits and nuts others couldn't reach, Imani made her way in town by making clothes and Shay relied on her limited cooking knowledge.

"Speaking of," Imani interrupted "I expect five pounds for your order." She heaved a duffle bag up onto the back of the couch.

Alan's eyes lit up and his wings twitched unconsciously, knocking over a lamp. He jumped back, "I'm sorry!"

"Al, it's no big deal. Calm down." Shay soothed.

That's when Tyrese came through the door. Literally. He had no need to open it first. He had yet to find a material he couldn't phase through when he put his mind to it.

"What is Alan breaking now?" He asked setting down the bags of goods he'd brought in with him.

Shay shot him a look, but not before Alan's face went bright red.

"I'll just sit." He muttered wrapping his wings around himself and taking a seat on the arm of the sofa drawing up his long legs onto the cushions. It was one of the few ways he could sit without crushing his tail feathers. He reached up with an avian foot and pulled the bag down in front of him using a single talon to unzip the bag.

"Thanks." Shay growled at her brother. "How about you get the food started?"

Tyrese winced, "Yeah, I'll do that..."

Imani took the empty seat beside Alan. "As per your request I widened the straps . Think these'll work better?"

Alan pulled out a shirt, although the back was open and it would fit more like an apron. He ran the tie through his fingers. His enlarged hands and talons made delicate work near impossible. "Much better."

She then passed him a pair of pants, the waist was mostly elastic except for the gap that allowed room for his tail, Imani had also added carpenter pant style loops that acted like handles to help him pull them up and down with ease. She had also made the legs wide, even if he balled up his longs toes Alan's feet were still quite sizeable.

"These are great. Thanks."

"Don't thank me, just remember I get first dibs come cherry season." Imani grinned.

"You've got it."

Shay knelt down beside him. "I really wish you'd move in here. I'd feel so much better if you were closer. If you had me to help you wouldn't have to feed Imani so much-"

"Sitting right here." Imani muttered.

Shay ignored her keeping her focus on Alan. "I know Ty can be annoying, but-"

"It's not that." He whispered hiding behind rust colored feathers. "I'd just be in the way, besides I know my parents wouldn't approve..."

Shay sighed. "That's baloney.  I wouldn't invite you in if I thought you were in the way and I thought you said Mama and Papa Nguyễn loved me."

"They do, but they are old fashioned."

"You don't have to share my room, you could always stay with Ty."

"Un uhhh!" Tyrese yelled shaking his head furiously. "I have a social life to tend to Baby."

Alan chuckled. "See, I'd ruin your bro's game."

Shay snorted. "His social life is about as active as my plastic bonsai tree."

"Keep it up." Tyrese warned waving a spoon.

Alan shook his head. "I'll think about it, but let's get to our monthly ritual."

"Fine." Shay agreed standing up and leaving the room.

She came back a moment later dragging a bar stool behind her and placed it in front of the computer. Alan took his place on the stool and hunched over the keyboard. He slowly pecked at the keys with his talons. His feathers ruffled as he concentrated on his work.

"Okay, you guys ready?"

Tyrese darted into the room and leaned in beside his sister. "Yes, ready."

Alan licked his lips nervously. "Cross your fingers." He said softly before making a single click with the mouse.  They all just stayed quiet for a few long minutes. Finally Alan spoke up.
"No error message at least."

Shay nodded. "But that also means we won't know anything until midnight."

Ever since the internet had come back online the group had been trying to send emails to the outside. The message was always the same, it simply stated that they were alive and okay and asked that their families try to send a message back. No emails ever came so they eventually added a request that they get as close to the town as possible and send up a flare or fireworks at midnight. That way everyone would know that everyone else was alright.

They suspected that the Feds had a program blocking them from outside contact, but none of them were hackers. Alan had the most computer knowledge; he had taken one class in PC repair. Still they tried month after month.

They chatted and watched the news feed until the food was done. Rabbit stew and a rare chocolate cake were the meal. Shay and Tyrese plated and handed out dinner.

Everyone was just digging in when there was a knock at the door. Shay stood looking back at her friends. Guests were uncommon. Everyone sat their plates down in case of attack. She looked out the peephole and let out a sigh of relief before opening the door. It was just a neighbor.

A slight young man held up a hand in greeting. "Heeey, I thought I smelled cake..."

Shay forced a smile. "Hello to you too, Carl."

He looked up with bloodshot eyes. "I can trade." He held open his jacket revealing a pocket stuffed with freshly rolled joints. "It's primo."

Shay shook her head. "We don't smoke that stuff."

He worked his jaw, thinking. "I can give you a plant. You could make other stuff with it..."

She rubbed her forehead. "How about I just give you a piece of cake and you can owe us?"

He scratched at his dirty hair. "Yeah? Sweet."

She waved him inside so that she could shut the door and headed for the kitchen. He looked around with a vague expression.  Shay came back around and handed him a slice of cake wrapped in old newspaper.

"Here." She said, but his attention had fallen on the computer.

"You ever get anything out?"

Shay shrugged. "Not yet, but maybe we will."

Carl stared a moment, unwrapping the cake and taking a bite.  He chewed slowly before speaking again. "I bet the wizard at The Cafe could do it."

Imani arched an eyebrow at Tyrese.

"That place downtown?" Alan asked.

Carl nodded and took another bite of cake. "Smart people there. They like, know stuff. You should go. Thanks for the cake. Needed icing, but it's good." He didn't wait for a response just turned and left.

Shay rubbed her hands together slowly. "The Cafe...What if they do have a hacker?"

Imani wrinkled her nose and sat her spoon down. "You aren't seriously thinking of going down there just because of what the pothead said are you?"

"High or not, Carl knows people."

"Potheads."

Shay looked at the boys. "What do you think?"

Tyrese shrugged. "It is a social hub, we'd meet people for sure. We just don't know what kind of people."

Alan swallowed down the food in his mouth. "Why don't we just wait and see if we get a signal tonight?"

Imani sighed. "The dopehead was talking about wizards, but it's up to you girl."

Description
One year after the "big bang" people had begun to grow comfortable in the new world. Shay had not been the only one effected. Nearly everyone in a hundred mile radius had gotten a "Gift".  The first month had been hard, the government quarantined the whole area. No one was allowed in or out. For a while things were really bad even the straight laced siblings had resorted to looting before the feds finally started funneling in aid. The men in hazmat suits finally fixed the utilities and brought in food and other necessities.

During the chaos many had already died or been killed. In fact a whole side of town had been overrun by gangs and thugs who abused their Gifts for evil. Shay and Tyrese were lucky to reside on the side where people had kept mostly sane. Some people had broken down in the streets or ended their own lives, but no one had gone on a killing spree. Within a week people were bartering goods and trying to carry on.

The news feed was all that was ever on and the internet only seemed to work within the town, same with the phones. You could contact a neighbor, but no one on the outside. The man on tv promised that, in time, when they knew it was safe, they would lift the quarantine.

There were rumors that the government was taking  Gifted and studying them, but there was no proof.  A missing person could just as easily be blamed on the gangs.

After all some were more Gifted than others.

"I'm starting to think they won't ever let us out." Shay whispered adjusting the glove on her left hand. The synthetic fibers were all that stood between her and disaster. She had quickly learned that anything organic she touched rotted away in seconds. This included killing plants and bugs, but that was as far as she was willing to test.

Imani barely glanced away from the news feed. "That's what I've been saying all along."

Shay shook her head. "But what about laws- the constitution?"

"I don't think the founding fathers accounted for an entire college town and the surrounding slum getting superpowers." She said matter-of-factly. "What do you think those thugs out there would do to normal people? If you think they are terrorizing us, just imagine."

"They must be looking for a cure. I mean how many years can they really keep us here? Our families must be looking for us, asking questions-"

"Unless Big Brother told them no one survived." Imani stood and placed a hand on Shay's shoulder. "Look, it's really better not to dwell on the what ifs. We need to be thankful for what we have right now. We have each other, we have the necessities, and we have a few luxuries.  It could be so much worse."

Shay nodded. She was lucky to have her brother, one of her best friends, and her boyfriend all in town.  "I just want Mom and Dad to know that we are okay. If I had that closure I think I'd be alright."

Imani smiled. "Well, maybe today will be the day. Ease up on all that worry. We can be stuck and still be positive." She cocked her head to the side. "I think I hear your man-thing coming now."

Shay took in a sharp breath. "Please don't call him that- if he were to hear you..." She shook her head. "He's still very sensitive about it."

Imani rolled her eyes. "I'll behave, but he really needs to grow a thicker skin. We are all freaks now."

Shay stood and made her way to the French doors that opened up to the balcony. "I don't think our Gifts really compare."  She pushed the doors open and was greeted by a loud flapping.

Alan landed roughly on the railing, wings beating hard to keep his balance as his feet struggled for purchase on the slick metal. Shay squinted against the wind he was creating and reach out for him. His hands wrapped around her forearms and she was able to pull him down on to the balcony.

"There we go, babe." She cooed as he settled in and folded his wings against his back. "How's the town looking today?"

Alan released her, careful not to snag her skin with the talons at the end of his long fingers. "Pretty calm. Your brother should be up in a second."

Alan didn't really like using the balcony, but it was the only way he could fit inside the building. His height and wing span didn't leave him many options.  He still had to duck and squeeze as Shay led him through the French doors into the apartment.

"Were you able to get everything?" She asked.

He nodded. "It was expensive, but we got it."

Paper money no longer held much value in the town. The government sent in eggs, milk, flour, and basic fruits and vegetables, but meat and fancy food were still rare. Tyrese was able to fish and set a few traps in the woods east of the apartments , Alan could get at fruits and nuts others couldn't reach, Imani made her way in town by making clothes and Shay relied on her limited cooking knowledge.

"Speaking of," Imani interrupted "I expect five pounds for your order." She heaved a duffle bag up onto the back of the couch.

Alan's eyes lit up and his wings twitched unconsciously, knocking over a lamp. He jumped back, "I'm sorry!"

"Al, it's no big deal. Calm down." Shay soothed.

That's when Tyrese came through the door. Literally. He had no need to open it first. He had yet to find a material he couldn't phase through when he put his mind to it.

"What is Alan breaking now?" He asked setting down the bags of goods he'd brought in with him.

Shay shot him a look, but not before Alan's face went bright red.

"I'll just sit." He muttered wrapping his wings around himself and taking a seat on the arm of the sofa drawing up his long legs onto the cushions. It was one of the few ways he could sit without crushing his tail feathers. He reached up with an avian foot and pulled the bag down in front of him using a single talon to unzip the bag.

"Thanks." Shay growled at her brother. "How about you get the food started?"

Tyrese winced, "Yeah, I'll do that..."

Imani took the empty seat beside Alan. "As per your request I widened the straps . Think these'll work better?"

Alan pulled out a shirt, although the back was open and it would fit more like an apron. He ran the tie through his fingers. His enlarged hands and talons made delicate work near impossible. "Much better."

She then passed him a pair of pants, the waist was mostly elastic except for the gap that allowed room for his tail, Imani had also added carpenter pant style loops that acted like handles to help him pull them up and down with ease. She had also made the legs wide, even if he balled up his longs toes Alan's feet were still quite sizeable.

"These are great. Thanks."

"Don't thank me, just remember I get first dibs come cherry season." Imani grinned.

"You've got it."

Shay knelt down beside him. "I really wish you'd move in here. I'd feel so much better if you were closer. If you had me to help you wouldn't have to feed Imani so much-"

"Sitting right here." Imani muttered.

Shay ignored her keeping her focus on Alan. "I know Ty can be annoying, but-"

"It's not that." He whispered hiding behind rust colored feathers. "I'd just be in the way, besides I know my parents wouldn't approve..."

Shay sighed. "That's baloney.  I wouldn't invite you in if I thought you were in the way and I thought you said Mama and Papa Nguyễn loved me."

"They do, but they are old fashioned."

"You don't have to share my room, you could always stay with Ty."

"Un uhhh!" Tyrese yelled shaking his head furiously. "I have a social life to tend to Baby."

Alan chuckled. "See, I'd ruin your bro's game."

Shay snorted. "His social life is about as active as my plastic bonsai tree."

"Keep it up." Tyrese warned waving a spoon.

Alan shook his head. "I'll think about it, but let's get to our monthly ritual."

"Fine." Shay agreed standing up and leaving the room.

She came back a moment later dragging a bar stool behind her and placed it in front of the computer. Alan took his place on the stool and hunched over the keyboard. He slowly pecked at the keys with his talons. His feathers ruffled as he concentrated on his work.

"Okay, you guys ready?"

Tyrese darted into the room and leaned in beside his sister. "Yes, ready."

Alan licked his lips nervously. "Cross your fingers." He said softly before making a single click with the mouse.  They all just stayed quiet for a few long minutes. Finally Alan spoke up.
"No error message at least."

Shay nodded. "But that also means we won't know anything until midnight."

Ever since the internet had come back online the group had been trying to send emails to the outside. The message was always the same, it simply stated that they were alive and okay and asked that their families try to send a message back. No emails ever came so they eventually added a request that they get as close to the town as possible and send up a flare or fireworks at midnight. That way everyone would know that everyone else was alright.

They suspected that the Feds had a program blocking them from outside contact, but none of them were hackers. Alan had the most computer knowledge; he had taken one class in PC repair. Still they tried month after month.

They chatted and watched the news feed until the food was done. Rabbit stew and a rare chocolate cake were the meal. Shay and Tyrese plated and handed out dinner.

Everyone was just digging in when there was a knock at the door. Shay stood looking back at her friends. Guests were uncommon. Everyone sat their plates down in case of attack. She looked out the peephole and let out a sigh of relief before opening the door. It was just a neighbor.

A slight young man held up a hand in greeting. "Heeey, I thought I smelled cake..."

Shay forced a smile. "Hello to you too, Carl."

He looked up with bloodshot eyes. "I can trade." He held open his jacket revealing a pocket stuffed with freshly rolled joints. "It's primo."

Shay shook her head. "We don't smoke that stuff."

He worked his jaw, thinking. "I can give you a plant. You could make other stuff with it..."

She rubbed her forehead. "How about I just give you a piece of cake and you can owe us?"

He scratched at his dirty hair. "Yeah? Sweet."

She waved him inside so that she could shut the door and headed for the kitchen. He looked around with a vague expression.  Shay came back around and handed him a slice of cake wrapped in old newspaper.

"Here." She said, but his attention had fallen on the computer.

"You ever get anything out?"

Shay shrugged. "Not yet, but maybe we will."

Carl stared a moment, unwrapping the cake and taking a bite.  He chewed slowly before speaking again. "I bet the wizard at The Cafe could do it."

Imani arched an eyebrow at Tyrese.

"That place downtown?" Alan asked.

Carl nodded and took another bite of cake. "Smart people there. They like, know stuff. You should go. Thanks for the cake. Needed icing, but it's good." He didn't wait for a response just turned and left.

Shay rubbed her hands together slowly. "The Cafe...What if they do have a hacker?"

Imani wrinkled her nose and sat her spoon down. "You aren't seriously thinking of going down there just because of what the pothead said are you?"

"High or not, Carl knows people."

"Potheads."

Shay looked at the boys. "What do you think?"

Tyrese shrugged. "It is a social hub, we'd meet people for sure. We just don't know what kind of people."

Alan swallowed down the food in his mouth. "Why don't we just wait and see if we get a signal tonight?"

Imani sighed. "The dopehead was talking about wizards, but it's up to you girl."