Fall Is Beautiful

S5 Chapter 1: Hatred

I'm hoping to finish this book before the end of August, so let's see if that goal will be achieved or... I'll end up having to continue this story throughout my Sophomore year and maybe into Junior year— if that happens then... hopefully not into senior year?
I won't stoop that low... maybe.
AND ALSO.
As I write this the draft of the ENTIRE season 6 is complete! (Season 5 is also complete, I'm just releasing the chapters after some time so there's more anticipation, ig. Sometimes I feel like posting, other times I just feel like watching you all suffer) ANYWAY— once i get done revising and editing the draft... season 6 should be complete and out for everyone to read! And yes, SEASON 6 IS THE FINAL SEASON.
More on this in later chapters.

I had hated myself for years. Praying, wishing, cursing that I would die the next day. But here I am, still here. Still getting beaten, every single day. The only thing that makes my life bearable are my friends, my allies. But in the end, who truly can I trust? Not myself, for sure. I don't even know my own brother anymore.

With a heavy sigh, I sit up, rubbing my aching forehead. Currently we- as in Jafar, Masur, and I- had traveled all the way down to near Texas. We had decided to go somewhere warmer, as the cold was becoming worse and worse by the years. It has been half a year since we escaped that camp, and still not much has changed. We're still being hunted by PSI workers.

I groan, the headache in my head worsening as I reached for my shirt. The heat was already reaching me through my tent, making everything feel slimy and my hands clammy. As I pulled on my shirt, my tent zipped open, Jafar poking his head inside. In one second, his face went from neutral to disgusted as he covered his nose.

"Maybe you should hold off on the alcohol, Sin..." He mumbled, grabbing an empty can of beer. "You're not even 21 yet." I chuckled, pulling on my shorts and pushing him slightly to get out of the tent.

"19 is close enough." I argued, joking a little. Honestly, beer tasted horrible, but I drank it anyway, for some... reason.

Jafar frowned, grabbing my shoulder. He'd grown in the past year in a half, so now he's tall enough to touch my chin without going on his tip-toes. Then, he sighed, shaking his head before walking over to Masur. They talked for a bit while I leaned against a tree, opening a warm beer can. I took a sip before Jafar called me over. I walked over to our makeshift camp, taking small sips. Jafar gave me a side glance, before turning his attention back to our map. He pointed to an area that was apparently a supermarket. "This store has been abandoned for a while, so we should be able to find some bandages, food, water, and maybe a place we could stay to get out of the heat for a bit." He explained, looking to Masur. He nodded.

"But I heard a rumor that there have been some "Fog Troop" scavengers spotted in that area. It'd be a risk if we encounter them." Jafar hummed, turning to me. I sighed, taking another sip of my beer.

"I honestly don't care. Whichever way we would probably run into the "Fog Troop". So why not just risk it go out with a bang?" I suggested, and both younger boys sighed.

"Because we don't want to die. What's the point of all this work if we go in looking for a fight? Think rationally, Sin." Jafar reprimanded, folding the map up and stuffing it inside his bag. "If we do run in with them, we'll try to negotiate, like always."

"You're not trading my beer again." I hissed, and Masur chuckled. Jafar face palmed.

"I'll trade your beer over our lives any day. Come on, let's get going before it gets dark."

...

It was about an hour walk to the abandoned supermarket, and from the looks of things, it was pretty deserted. Shopping carts flipped over all over the parking lot, windows broken, lights flickering on and off, etc. I crossed my arms as we entered the store. I didn't know which one, as the sigh was nowhere in sight. Just another creepy factor that brought on to the "haunted" aspect this place had. Masur and Jafar were a few steps ahead of me, stepping atop of broken glass. Thank goodness I found those pairs of shoes for them both those months back.