Chapter Text
It was five years since the FAYZ.
Five years since the term "it's just a phase" fell out of fashion.
Five years since... Since he died.
Astrid got that book deal, Dianna remembered that, as she sat there, alone in her room. In Astrid and Sam's home. She still didn't have her own home. She... Couldn't bare it. Not without him.
The author Astrid had got to publish the book, books, was a man named Micheal Grant. But, at her request, he had made it appear if more of them had died in the FAYZ than actually had. Like Brianna, who was left too traumatized to speak to anyone. So, to the rest of the world, Brianna was dead.
And Justin, the poor kid. With his terrible burns. His parents had been too disgusted to take him back. Diana hated that for him. But, hey, at least he had a family. Edilio and Roger. At least everyone else had someone to love.
Not Diana.
Not anymore.
No. It hurt to even think his name. What had happened to him. Her hands shook as a strangled sob escaped her mouth. She knew Sam and Astrid wouldn't hear her from their bedrooms. They were too wrapped up in their own love. They wouldn't notice Diana crying.
She was alone, in the dark. Even though Sam and Astrid's home was well lit. All Diana could think was, what if?
What if the gaiaphage hadn't gotten to her child? What if it had just died away? What if they could have just been happy together?
What if they never even left the island?
There was a scraping sound at her window. In moments like this... She hoped it was him. Caine. Her beloved Caine.
But he had sacrificed his own body. To little Pete. The five year old, the dead five year old, who created the FAYZ. Who destroyed it.
Diana collapsed backwards into her bed, closing her eyes, covering herself in her blankets. She traced the stretch marks on her stomach and her hips.
They were as much a part of her as the rest of the scars she sported now. And she had a lot of those.
Her eyes closed. She was too tired now.
~•~•~The dark~•~•~
Cain was alone.
Alone in the dark.
Not hungry in the dark.
Not like before.
He wasn't hungry anymore.
He wasn't hungry.
He wasn't hungry until he hit the concrete.
Until he groaned in pain.
Until he was... Back?
Footsteps approached, a voice.
"Hey kid. You okay there?" The voice was concerned.
A hand in his shoulder. He- he wasn't dead anymore. Was he?
How was this right.
"You know, you remind me a lot of one of those FAYZ kids. You know, the ones from... What was it now... Five years ago. Jeez"
Caine's eyes finally opened at that. They had all made it then. They were... Fine. Sam. Astrid. Edilio. Quinn...
Diana.
He pushed himself up, looking at the man who was looking over him with concern. He stuck his hand out, helping Caine up.
"You know which one you remind me of, the main guy. Sam? Well his brother. But apparently that dude died"
Caine flinched at that. This guy couldn't find out who he really was.
"Where do they live... The survivors.?" He asked. "I-" Caine started, becoming more comfortable in the lie he was about to weave "I was one of the survivors. But I got lost for a while. I... Wanna thank Sam for everything he did"
The man grinned widely. "I can help. They live about a day away, but it's always great to help out"
Caine almost cringed at that. That sort of behaviour...
"Sure" he muttered under his breath, forcing a smile on his face "let's get on I suppose"
The man pulled him up, leading him to his car. How could he trust a stranger to take him to his car. But... He'd been through way worse. He could fight this guy.
~•~•~ The next day ~•~•~
Sam heard a knock on his front door. That was... Strange. No one came to visit that much. Not without warning.
Tiredly, he crept out of bed, leaving Astrid asleep, pulling on a hoodie and his trousers, before heading to the front door.
He paused for a moment, taking a breath. And then... He opened the door
"Hey brother. I'm back"