Survival Mode

Chapter Twenty - Three

Knock. Knock. Knock. "Tunip? Are you okay? We're leaving in a couple minutes. So I thought I should let you know."

"I will be out in a second Shellington," came Tunip's saddened reply. He heard the heavy footsteps of his older brother leave the door. Tunip let out a sigh and looked at himself in the mirror once more. Today was his birthday. No one even remembered. They were all concerned for Tominnow's disappearance...not that they shouldn't be. But it hurt Tunip to see every one preparing for a God knows how long trip - while he stood there, staring at himself in the mirror, waiting for some one to remember.

He let out a sigh. Unfortunately he would have to accept. No one never truly cared for him...at least, that's how he felt things were. Ever since Shellington and Tunip's parents had died...it all came crashing down. The two brother's couldn't even have a five minute conversation without arguing. Brothers were meant to love one another and look after each other...right? Wasn't that how they were designed? Tunip let out a groan and gripped the corners of the counter.

Get ahold of yourself. That was all he could tell himself. It hurt too much to think about either his dad or...mom. A sudden smile reached Tunip's lips. Her special song echoed throughout his head in her gentle voice. I'm Radioactive, Radioactive... Oh shut up. She's gone. There was another sigh. It was going to be a long day of searching for Tominnow - Tunip could guarantee himself that.

So after he exited the room, immediately the journey began. Heather took the lead. Close behind her was Doctor Wilson. And following him was Dashi and it wasn't long before Shellington came running up to her to walk along side her. Surprisingly Tweak walked beside Tunip behind those two, and after them were Kate and Kwazii. Peso was the last one. He was busy pretending not to be frightened of what was yet to come.

With Dashi and Shellington the two sauntered slowly through the streets of Burkland. It was dead silent. Absolutely no one roamed the streets of the ... well now infamous Burkland. The last time Dashi counted up the remaining human residents of Burkland - there were only thirty - four. People were dying off quicker than the small group of survivors expected.

Shellington lowered his head slowly and whispered to Dashi under his breath, "What do you suppose we do? We can't hide Tominnow's secret powers from every one forever."

A sigh left Dashi's mouth. "I know, I know. But we can't tell them quite yet. Once my father hears he will immediately force us all to turn away...and leave her good as dead with her kidnapper. And what about Tunip? He would remember. And that would be horrible. They were the best of friends - he would hate her afterwards."

"True, true."

They continued their walking through the empty streets of Burkland. Behind them was still Tunip and Tweak. Tweak ran her fingers through her blonde hair and let out a moan. "God am I stupid... It's your birthday today - correct?"

A smile came across Tunip's lips as he looked up at her. "It is...actually... I turned eleven today."

Tweak physically gave herself a face palm. "Oh my God...I can't believe we dragged you in to some thing like this on your birthday! Why didn't you say any thing?" Suddenly Tunip looked hurt. Tweak hesitated for a moment before speaking up once more, "Tunip, I -"

"I should...go." He whispered to her. He then scurried ahead to walk with Dashi and Shellington.

A sigh left Tweak's mouth and she shook her head. The poor kid's life had been completely damaged. It was no longer hidden. Abruptly Tweak felt an arms gently wrap around her waist. She looked up to see Kwazii's sympathetic eyes looking upon her. "Hey," he said quietly, "is he okay? Are you okay?"