Keep The Lights On (K.T.L.O)

Laughter

"Seems Yuto has fallen asleep."

"Seems so."

"I think I'm going to sleep as well."

"Wait. Emi. Before you do. There's something I want to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Why?"

"Why?"

"Why aren't you mad? Aren't you mad at Yuto? Or at me?"

"Why would I be?"

"Your sister just died. Because of us. I swore to protect you guys, and I failed."

"You didn't fail. We all simply got used to being comfortable. For that, one of us paid the price. It's sad what happened but if we're all there for each other I'm sure we can overcome it. Right?"

"Do you believe that?"

"What?" Emi responded, with sweat starting to form on her forehead.

"Do you seriously believe that?"

"I do," Emi responded again, less flustered. Calmer.

Sound flooded the room, yet not a single word was being said.

"Alright, I'm sorry for pressing the matter. Well, get your rest. It's a little scary being in one spot for too long but I'm willing to risk it and say that we're fine. I think we all need to wind down a little."

"Sure will. You should do the same."

"I can't. I need to make sure we're all safe. Don't worry though. I'll be fine. Sleep for me."

"Okay. Thank you."

"No problem."

With those words, Emi just fell backwards and passed out.

"Yup. That's around the sleep I need."

MEANWHILE FROM SOMEWHERE ON THE DARKEN PLAIN

"That arrow shot was impressive."

"Thanks."

"You know, are you sure you don't remember anything? Because the way you shot that arrow you made it look natural."

"I swear I can't remember anything. Anything from just moments ago is... unclear and foggy."

"Well, let me tell you this. What you just did was kill someone. Get used to that feeling. Down here you can't trust anyone. So killing people is a given. Recently everyone has been forming these types of groups to try to survive down here. That's what we are. People trying to survive."

"Well if everyone is trying to survive, why take the life of somebody else?"

"Overpopulation."

"What about overpopulation?"

"People need resources from this world. Water, food, and other natural resources. The Upper Lands have more resources so they won't have to worry about their natural resources running low for at least another ten-thousands years. But down here in The Darken Plain resources are trimmed down by 98%. There are about 200 years of resources left, and with new people seemingly increasing. Something tells me the fight for resources will be at an all-time high."

"Was there a time when resources weren't an issue? A time where nobody had to be hurt to live?"

"There was. But, ever since he left people down here have been cursed. Cursed with unfortunate."