The Crossing Dawn

VIII. Lifework

Myself, Claire and Desmond trailed the path that lead to our 'final test.' I had about enough of constantly being on the road; No breaks for food, water, or sleep had taken a toll on my energy. I was ready to pass out, but it was time to prove my adaptability. Claire looked as adapted as ever as we followed the stranger wearing pelt.

"Not much longer." Quietly said Diamond with a noticeable southern accent. He was not very talkative, and he looked like a man who prefers solitude. Neither he nor the rest of the group looked like Magpies, which made us feel relieved. As we rode, nobody spoke. After what appeared to be over half an hour, he raised his left hand and opened his palm, as our mounts came to a halt.

"See 'em?" Desmond asked as he pointed to the tall grass. "There's five. Shoot to kill." Five Magpies were seen walked outside the pasture. Claire, without hesitation, silently took out her sniper as she shot one of them. The other Magpies instantly yelled in alert as our position was revealed. I swung at a still unsuspecting one from behind with my hatchet, instantly killing it. Desmond drew his sword and sliced one's head clean off, then stabbed another. The last Magpie remaining grappled him from the back as I charged with my axe and tackled it. We regrouped at the bushes.

"Good job." Desmond said. He whistled for his horse as we put away our weapons, mounted the steeds, and continued with our pursuit. I had not been used to killing people, yet here I was. Nathan Logan: mass murderer. Nice ring to it, I thought.

"What exactly are we looking for?" I asked while loudly breathing.

"There's a gas station down the block. We're looking to grab some canisters and batteries." He responded.

"What for?" Said Claire as she chimed in.

"We want to get some cars runnin'."

The station was then visible as our rides approached it. We dismounted and drew our guns, and then we stealthily opened the door. Desmond briefly circled the store as we found out that we were indeed alone. He then grabbed a few packs of batteries and some gas canisters behind the counter. Our mission was over in a flash, and in a matter of mere minutes, we were on our horses, galloping back to Haven. After a long, but safe trip, Lance was awaiting us at the gate, and welcomed us back in. At this time, the sun was illuminating the opposite side of the earth.

"Y'all must be hungry, am I correct?" Said Lance.

"And thirsty. And tired." I added.

"We're only using' four of the houses here at Haven. I think you proved yourself worthy of occupying the last house. What do you say?"

"We'd love to." I replied.

"Very well." Lance opened the gate as he led us to the house. "Room's already furnished. Just make yourselves at home. Tomorrow we have another meeting."

"Thank you."

Claire and I stepped inside as we placed our backpacks on the floor next to the door. Our house was quite big and surprisingly neat. We sat on the bed.

"Eat." Instantly said Claire while she took out some potato chips and cookies. And so I ate.

"I have water." In turn, I took out the bottle of water I had saved from earlier.

We drank and ate as we filled our empty bellies. My gums were so dehydrated that I had forgotten what water tastes like. Claire put her hand on my shoulder and spoke.

"I can't keep living like this. We can't keep living like this."

"I'm afraid this is the best we can do, Claire. It beats being out there."

"Spit it out already." She yelled. "What are you hiding from me?"

"I'm not... hiding anything."

"How did you end up here? In this world, I mean."

"That's what this is about?" I said. "It's silly, really."

"It might be a way back. If you did something there that got you here, then why don't you do it again?" Claire kept pestering me. "It has to work, right?"

"It... doesn't work. Sorry."

"You are lying!" She cried.

"If there was a way, then why do you think I'm still here?"

"I don't know, Nathan!" I could tell she was desperately trying to find a way to lead a meaningful life.

"Claire, I'll tell you what I did in due time." I said with tired eyes. "But for now, we need some rest. Tomorrow's going to be busy."

I laid down on the bed and covered myself with the blanket, while Claire appeared to be exploring the other parts of the loghouse. Not long after that, my eyes shut down, and I had fallen asleep. It was very soon after that I awoke to her calling my name. Myself remaining half-asleep, I wondered what she wanted.

"Claire? Is it dawn already?"

"No. It's been ten minutes. There's only one bed in this place, and I'm not sleeping on the couch," She nagged as I sat up. "So move it."

"It's going to take way more than that to get me to move." I said as I chuckled.

"I'm not playing. You've probably slept in a comfy bed all your life, so I get to sleep here."

"Well, I'm sorry to hear that, but I'm still not sleeping anywhere else."

"Alright, since you won't bother moving, can you at least scoot over?"

"What?"

"This bed is big enough to hold two people. B-but you are to sleep on one end, and myself on the other. Do you understand?"

"Alright, fine." I calmly said. But inside, I was not very calm. I had never shared a bed with anyone in my life, especially with a girl like Claire. I would be lying if I said she wasn't good-looking. I hoped the sound of nature echoing outside the walls would mask my rapid heartbeat. I moved to the left edge of the bed as Claire took off her jacket and laid down on the sheets. Shortly after, all that could be heard was the soft snores emitted by me and Claire. I expected that my duty in Haven was far from over. Being one of them now, I was certain we would get to know everyone better come tomorrow morning. I was truly feeling like I had a home. Of course, it will never feel like the life I lead back in my world. But I need to prepare, for tomorrow is my first day on the job.