Lion Head Mesa Running is a victory

It was strange, Genie had thought as she walked slowly through the flatlands, that once her only desire was to leave home, but now that she'd actually left home, there was a bitterness in her gut and a sharp pain in her chest that yeared for her to return to the welcoming arms of her family. Except the welcoming arms of her family weren't welcoming any more, not after — Genie shuddered involuntarily and shook her head. These were thoughts that she'd rather not dwell in just yet.

Purpuse evaded Genie as she wandered on and on. Distantly, she remembered a kind wolf she'd met sometime ago inviting her to his pack, and just as distantly, she wondered if she should go pay him a visit, given that her meaningless wanderings had not given away to the adrenaline-fueled adventure that she yearned to be lost in, if only to forget her past and current predicament. After all, it wasn't like she had anywhere to go. She was lost and alone, two things that she absolutely hated being, despite popular opinion. 

Day came and went, and soon, shadows began sneaking across the sky, shielding Genie from the harsh, and in her opinon, almost bitter glare of the sun. She'd decided she hated the sun earlier today - it was too hot and happy, and for some strange reason, seemed to get others into a good mood. Personally, she thought the sun was rude. How dare it shine so bright and burn so fiercely when she herself was shrouded in bitter and sullen shadows.

It was clear, even to Genie herself that, by then, she'd gone nuts. Not that she cared, obviously.

Just as she was about to settle down for a night of restless sleep and deep thoughts, a voice rang through the air. It was a sweet song, Genie decided, and there was a certain kind of sadness within it that resonated within her. Normally, the girl didn't go around seeking for strangers as company, but for some reason she picked herself up and made her way towards the direction of the sound.

It wasn't long before Genie found her, a silhouette against the distant horizon, but now that she had, she hesitated. Truthfully, she didn't know what to do, so she didn't do anything, as if hoping the stranger would acknowledge her existence first.