Shadows of Our Pasts

Chapter 4 - Home, Sweet Home

When we finally arrived at my house they seemed amazed. I mean, I know it's a pretty good size but I wasn't expecting them to react like it was a mansion or something...

But now, I dreaded the thought of figuring out how to get them in. Thanks to my overly cautious design plan, it was going to be extremely difficult. As I mentioned before, I have a pulley system I can set up for safety when I have guests, but even with that, it's going to be a challenge to even get to that step and then have to get them inside safely with their injuries.  

I scratched the back of my head and sighed, not realizing at first that I'd done it out loud until the groups' conversation paused, and Cry tilted his head in a questioning manner. 

"Something wrong?"

"Oh, sorry. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to get you guys in. I mean, we can't exactly just walk up and unlock the door..." I answered, already readying myself by setting my bag and bow down. 

"Wait, what do you mean? How do we get in if you can't unlock it?"

Russ looked incredibly lost, and I couldn't help but giggle at the groups' further confusion at the situation. "Well, the Godless Shadows is a famous survival organization that is in danger from other groups who are seeking power, and therefore, we have to take extra precautions to protect ourselves. For example, getting into a lot of our bases is a challenge, assuming you're even able to locate one without help in the first place. My house, for example, is in a normal, seemingly untouched neighborhood, but since nothing about it stands out it's hiding in plain sight. But really, every entrance except for one is locked, nailed shut, and barricaded, so there's only one way in or out, and that's through a window on the second floor."

I went on to explain the specifics about getting to and through my bedroom window, and they looked impressed but also very wary.

Russ furrowed his eyebrows in confusion again before asking, "So, how do we get in there? Y'know, without falling to our deaths?"

"Just do what I do and say and you'll be fine. I'll help you guys out, and I have a rig to help secure you to the roof with rock climbing gear, so you'll be safe. The hard part now is getting up to the roof first."

With that, I turned and tossed my bag and bow onto the roof, so it was safely out of my way and I didn't have to worry about it while I was helping them up. 

I motioned for the group to follow me as we walked to the front of the neighboring house. The first step would be for each person to climb up the tree, then climb onto that house's roof from the tree. But, with their injuries, it was clear I'd have to help them from the tree to the roof. 

"Alright the tree might look a little daunting but just trust me, the trunk is slanted and sturdy enough that you can run up the first 4 feet before climbing the rest of the way. Like this," as I explained, I ran up the first part of the tree trunk to where the slanted tree split into branches and easily grabbed onto one, maneuvering so that I could assist the next person without being in their way. 

They seemed hesitant, but soon realized it wasn't too hard and followed after me, being sure to follow my directions. By just watching the way they operate and look out for one another, it's clear to see the potential they have for possibly becoming members of the Shadows. I hope they'll agree...

After we were high enough in the tree to reach the house, I turned to give the next instructions. "Okay, now, make sure you use the tree branches to propel yourself forward and onto the roof. If you land too close to the edge, you will absolutely fall, so make it as far as you can, okay? I'll be here to make sure that doesn't happen, but I'm just warning you to do your best." I could practically feel the sweat-drop looks I received to that close-eyed smile, but I believe it's much better to tell them the whole truth than to assume they'll be fine. 

"So, who's first?" The boys turned to each other, silently trying to decide before Jund stepped forward. 

"I'll go," he sounded confident, but bit his lip and cracked his neck, trying to shake off his nerves. 

I smiled, nodding before showing him what to do. I turned, grabbing tree branches to pull myself forward as I leaped towards the roof, landing effortlessly on my feet. I turned back towards the group, carefully stepping towards the edge so I could help Jund get across. 

I could practically see the dread on his face that he didn't want to mess this up, but Russ put his hand on Jund's shoulder and nodded, trying to tell him to loosen up. 

I - also wanting to help - smiled and held my hand out towards him, ready to help when he jumps. "You got this Jund. I won't let you guys fall." 

Before he could back out of it, Jund nodded and took a small step back before using the tree to his advantage to launch himself towards the roof. He made it so far past where I was standing that I didn't even need to worry about grabbing him to help, so I just had him scoot to the side so he was out of Russ' way - who was next. 

When I gave the okay, Russ readied himself to jump, but in his haste, his foot caught on the edge of the tree and he would've fallen about 15 feet if it wasn't for Cry, who was quick to grab the back of Russ' shirt and pull him back up. Russ grabbed his chest in a panic, letting Cry steady him as he took a deep breath. 

"You okay man? That could've been a pretty nasty fall..." I heard Cry ask Russ out of concern. 

Russ nervously laughed it off. "Yeah haha I'm fine," he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "just clumsy, I guess."

In the meantime, I'd almost lost my balance from reacting to Russ' near fall. I'd almost leapt off the roof to help, and was barely able to regain my balance in time after Cry helped him. I, too, took a deep breath. "Hey Cry!" I spoke loudly to get his attention, and watched as his gaze moved to me. "It's a good thing you acted quickly because that could've ended a lot worse for both him and me if you didn't grab him when you did. Good job!" I praised.

I could only slightly see the faint blush that formed on his cheeks in response as he replied, "thanks friend," before moving back down the tree more to give Russ more room to jump again. When he did, he was successful this time and moved over to Jund so he was out of the way. 

Next up was Cry, who managed to leap and land perfectly, and he joined the others. I smiled at his success before turning and holding my hand out again, towards Snake this time. I nodded at him, but he hesitated before jumping. I immediately recognized his mistake, and I knew he wouldn't make it onto a safe part of the roof. 

I slid forward, getting there in time to grab his forearm and begin pulling him up, but gravity was against us. 

And so, the two of us were stood at the very edge of the roof with our hands clamped around each other's forearms as we both tried to regain our balance in order to make sure he didn't fall. I looked into his eyes, feeling my heart pang as desperation and fear filled his expression, and I knew in that moment that my own expression shined with the determination to save him. 

No matter the cost.