Now all those human mutants are just roaming the continent with no purpose. And that’s another problem entirely.”
Audio transcription of a radio podcast, 2048, Unknown.
The next day, we’re back into the wastelands that used to be Idaho. A strange routine settles over theBeetle. We spend most days doing our respective hobbies and occupations, and the evenings dining together and watching movies. And every night, over dinner, we share parts of our lives. We exchange little truths. I know that Griffin was the very last mutant to be created. That’s why he was so young when the Revival Project was abandoned—barely three years old—unlike his brothers and sisters.
I still don’t know which god he shares his DNA with. That’s something I doubt he will ever tell anyone. Beet might be the only person alive who knows—and I use the wordalivevery loosely.
I tell him some stories about my travels. I spent a few months in the ruins of Los Angeles when I was younger—renamedLost Angelessince an old god moved there. I’ve traveled with a few different groups of nomads. I made friends that I lost soon after. The usual. But some stories I keep to myself.
Griffin is slowly opening up. He talks and smiles more. He’s getting used to me. I think we could stay friends when all of this is over. Beet is still the same, but she has decided that she wouldn’t mind keeping me as a pet. I try not to get offended.
One evening, Beet announces, “We need to refill the tanks. Someone is indulging in too many baths.”
“Hey, you said you wanted me clean!” I say.
I must admit I’ve gotten quickly used to the luxury of the tub and hot water.
Griffin laughs quietly. “Let’s go to the canyons tomorrow.”
They’ve been traveling the country with theBeetlefor ten years, and they have a lot of secret spots for water and rest. Some are almost impossible to reach on foot—except when you have six tall legs.
We reach the canyons before noon the following day. The blue waters sparkle under the sunlight and are surrounded by evergreen weeds.
“I’m going to take a dip,” I announce.
Griffin watches for a heartbeat, then nods. He points to the small waterfall that falls from above. “We’re going to refill the tanks up there, at the source of the spring.”
“Okay.” I jump down from theBeetleon the rocky ground.
Beet has turned invisible, and as soon as I close the door, she disappears. But I know what to look for now, and I see a little shimmer in the air as she climbs the canyons. She left massive footprints in the soggy ground near the water, similar to a bird’s.
I take my clothes off and dive naked into the blue waters. So close to the spring, the water is refreshing. I sigh in contentment and let myself float among the reeds for a while.
My ears are underwater, so I realize too late that vehicles are approaching the shore, through the canyons. My survival instinct kicks in and I dive. I swim to the nearest reeds and hide among the plants.
Fuck. Griffin and Beet are up there, refilling the tanks. They might not see them from their position.
There are two buggies, one military truck, and three bikes. I count nine men and women getting out of the vehicles and walking to the water. They refill their bottles and tanks while bantering. Two of them take their shoes off and walk into the water. If they decide to all take a dip like me, I don’t know how long I’ll be able to stay hidden.
At some point, one of them stops talking and points to the clothes I left on the rocks.
“Hey, someone was here,” he says, grabbing my red hoodie.
They look around the canyon.
“Well, they are no longer here,” says a woman. “Maybe they got eaten by something who stopped around here for water like us.”
“Not reassuring,” says another man.
They look like Highwaymen. I’d rather not have them find me, so I wait. They stay for longer than I like, eating and drinking in the sun, and after twenty minutes I’m getting cold in the reeds’ shadow. I notice a little crevice in the rocks. I swim quietly and slide between the two rocks, out of the water and into a little cave. I’m well hidden, even if they decide to take a dip. I can’t see them anymore, but I hear their voices.
Ten more minutes fly by, until screams echo in the canyon, followed by gunshots and firing engines. TheBeetlehas come back. I smile, safe in my little cave. Griffin will rip them to pieces. I stay hidden. I’d rather not run into a fight with no weapon and in my birthday suit.
The noises get distant as they escape through the canyon. Then everything turns quiet.
When I finally emerge from my hiding spot, the shore is empty. There is blood on the ground, midst the tires tracks and giant footprints. The man has stolen my red hoodie, but thankfully he left the rest. I put my clothes back on.
I sit on a rock and wait for Griffin and Beet’s return.
