Legacy

Chapter 5

  "The truth is, the Red Fists won't ever stop trying to kill us, no matter what. Even if we gave them everything we have. Even if this God-forsaken place is destroyed. Even if there is one, last, damn breath in their good-for-nothing bodies. I can't get away from them forever. What happened yesterday, that was a fluke. We got away with the weapons because they wanted us to. Not because we were smart or quick. We are still alive because they need people like us alive, people who can be hunted by the Watchers. Without us, the Watchers only have one more threat to terminate: The Red Fists. Or, at least that's how I see it." I speak with a grave tone, and Art stares at his Assault rifle, now much more wary of the weapon. "They could have killed us, but they didn't. And the Watchers are the only reason I can fathom why."

"So, they're basically preparing us to fight so we can take out part of the threat before we're gored?" Art asks, putting the pieces of the puzzle that it is our life here together.

"Pretty much. Welcome to the beginning of the end, Art ol' buddy." I say dryly.

"Wait, but you've survived this long on your own, can't you survive until this place ends?"

"Don't you get it?! There is no end to the hell-hole! Damn it, why can't you grasp that. We will not survive! There is no way, we are out-gunned, out-numbered, and outwitted by all of our adversaries! Man, if you're so keen on surviving then maybe you should have joined the Fists when you had the chance!" And then he snapped. I could see it in his eyes, the way he went for a scared boy to an angry psychopath.

"Now you listen here," he roars, rising up to tower over me. "I ain't sissy who pisses and moans every time something goes wrong. I stayed with you because we need each other. You need me and I need you. Just stop being such an ass and help me think of a plan to survive." His eyes are full of rage and pain. His shoulders fall, and his anger subsides after his sudden lapse.

"You're right, I'm sorry brother. I just... I've been through so much here and I'm tired of fighting. I'm tired of surviving. I want to just lie down and die."

"I get it, Jake, trust me. So, now that we're on the same page, what's the plan, oh great and wise one." He says, a grin breaking across his previously brooding features.

"You know, I haven't got a damn idea.What do you say we start heading towards safety." I laugh, grinning now that we understand each other just a little bit better.

"And where might that be?"

"Who knows?" The words are serious, but, somehow, they don't need to be. Because, in this place, you need someone to keep you laughing, keep you happy, keep you sane.