Inside // Septiplier

Chapter 11

"You were planning to stay at that hotel near Bob's right?" Barely audible, Mark's husky tone crept out breaking the silence the two men endured venturing back home. Jack quivered gulping still in shock from the previous events that had occurred. "Y-yeah."

"You could stay with me," A grunt of pain followed before Mark could finish his offer. "I'll call the hotel and cancel the booking." Jack's mind wandered targeted in pursuit to find a nearby hospital, medical centre or a building contained with equipment to ease Mark's agony. Although Mark concealed it, in plain sight both he and Jack knew it was pasted onto his torn facial expression. "Let's find ya some place to rest first." Mark turned absorbing the anguish in the Irish man's penitent gaze, almost a plea to allow himself to nurse this broken man back to health despite his own prominent wounds. For now he pushed aside the search for aid, however the idea of being rescued by Jack wasn't too twisted. His persistence remained determined to patch up his friend, relishing the dream of how he used to idolize this very man whom now was one of his closest friends. Maybe even family.

Ahead of the two the beginning of a silhouette formed, an indication that the sun had begun to rise, the two would be exposed in plain sight, would Dark and Anti commence the hunt? The thought petrified both men, with a minute glance at each other, both acknowledged their tied notion. The search for assistance crossed the men as they came into view of a sterile town. "Do you reckon they'd help us?"

"It's worth a shot."

Entering the artificial suburb, faint bobs came into view from the residencies - dull, silver columns protruding through the lightened clouds, each building mirror the next - arising for the new day in preparation to begin their daily tasks. A creak of a sturdy, wooden door alerted the two, a stumpy man began to exit before coming into face with the two. He was a bank clerk, dressed in ironed, plain blue, complimented by symmetrical, white, crosshatching stripes, his untarnished trousers continuing the tedious pattern. Ebony curls were combed back, still giving off his wavy trait, the glare from his square, metal frame bounced back towards where Mark's own spectacles should've been. A lifeless gaze fell from his forward stare before drifting his blunt, blue eyes observing the intruders. More doors clunked open, reflections of the man in front of them withdrew, a combination of both men and women all presented with the same attire and comatose expression. The man stood there aware of the two's presence, although he resumed in silence. The lack of reaction from the state of the men before him startled both Jack and Mark. Almost in defeat, they removed themselves from the man's path, eyeing his immediate resumption with the others.

"I think we found one of those post – apocalyptic places you see in those sci – fi films. Who'd have thought aye?" Mark nodded pensively, too preoccupied in the attempt of unravelling the unnerving feeling that resided inside. "Surely they'd have a hospital." Beginning to inspect for a nearby centre, Mark's suspicion only increased at the demented scene lying before him. Perhaps in a way it made sense that a town like this existed, its location distant from the common standard of living, fixed in a remote area.

A bland sign pinpointed Jack's detection, a simple, Red Cross symbolising protection seeming to challenge the two's appearance. Entering, Jack was filled with relief in hope to mend his friend and return safely home, contrasting Mark's confliction with the cold atmosphere. Reassurance refilled Jack as he darted towards the reception regardless of his physical condition. Reluctantly, Mark meandered behind Jack examining the state of the building. A conclusion confirmed the grave reality that copied the previous encounter with the inert man. "Excuse me, is anyone here?" Jack's uneven tone echoed throughout the building, he too didn't display his torment but the damage was definite. "How might I help you?" Startled by unfamiliar contact, Jack's gaze befell towards another passive figure. A glimpse from under her bleached, nurse cap was the only indication of her blond locks, firmly tied back assuming to be in a bun, she gave the impression to be in her late 20s. Her bleak expression was fixated on a glaring screen as her sluggish, stiff fingers began to insert presumable information about patients following appointments. This truly was a familiar atmosphere for anyone acquainted to the hospital. "My friend and I, um, we crashed a few miles back." The woman continued pushing keys, in response a bitter reply for names was all that followed. "I'm Jack, and this is Mark." Jack turned to gesture the lady towards his red – haired partner upon discovering that Mark had already been escorted by a trim male, perhaps in his late 30s. "Oh, um never mind then, I'm Jack." She continued with her task acknowledging Jack's reply and indicating for him to wait for his attendant.

Jack began to delve into the idea of being away from the prior events, both he and Mark knew of their return, but for now Jack simply craved to enjoy his moments of peace. Although, the thought of encountering Dark...

His menacing but comforting gaze, alluring voice, at times gentle strokes, maybe even...

Before he could comprehend the fantasy, his imagination had been interrupted by a monotone voice pronouncing his name. Lifting himself off the metallic, stool his attendant began to move off expecting his patient to follow alongside, almost like a game of 'Follow the leader'. He was another slim male, however in his late 40s, strange to see grey pigments one would say. The change of environment still hadn't connected with Jack; almost hypnotically he began to make his way up the flight of stairs. Typical steel bars curved around attached to the polished, wooden steps below, he eyed the elevators aside the reception desk approving the idea that his preference was the winding staircase irrespective of his current circumstance.

They made their way down an insipid corridor. It was decorated with blinding, LED lights plastered onto the ceiling, a common attribute for any hospital followed the alignment of numerous, grey doors labelled with numbers, on this floor it began commencing from '200'. The man had stopped in front of one of the ordinary doors, the number '207' pasted in shades of white stood above the two. Effortlessly, he pushed against the door, a swift opening resulting with no noise. To Jack's dismay Mark wasn't waiting for him in the room, possibly he was on the same floor? "Um, can I see my friend?"

"It'd be better if you got some rest, sir." Once again the droning voice ceased Jack from any further enquiries. Rest did sound pleasant. "We'll attend to you soon." With that, the attendant departed the curious Irish man. Jack clambered into the nearest bed, already set out in comparison to the other 3 beds in the room. Maybe it was a coincidence and another patient was meant to be admitted here? Nevertheless, Jack left his thoughts for now, firmly requiring his deserving nap. Habitually, he reached for his bare feet, recognising his tattered shoes were still at the warehouse. Exhausted, he crawled into the mundane sheets, before placing himself down on the featureless mattress, held up by a rigid, metallic frame. Not exactly his idea of comfort, but it was better than nothing. With fatigued movements, Jack began to dive away into his rare periods of tranquillity. In no time at all, Jack was out cold.

***

Mark's mind roamed focused on finding Jack, disguised in a common medical employee's outfit, he paced throughout the corridor, inspecting his current whereabouts. This wasn't good. He had to find Jack, fast. Now. Blending in with follow personnel was a struggle for Mark, his wounds and gashes outlined through the garment contrasted everyone's spotless presentation. He could risk his current portrayal when he found Jack's location, peering against a sign Mark answered with a sigh; 'Level 9', at this rate Mark would be caught for sure. His assailant was locked away in the closet, although Mark hadn't completely knocked him out due to his physical restrictions. Soon they'd find him, and then what? Time was ticking away; Mark's suspicion had triggered the attack, would they assault Jack? Too many questions. Not enough time.

The receptionist had typed away whilst they both stood there, confidential information, admittances; Mark hesitantly agreed that was the fastest way to trace Jack. A muffled cry startled the passer-by's, Mark had been found. Distracted by the attacked man, Mark sprinted towards the elevator whilst a crowd began huddling around the closet. Fumbling around Mark was ridden with impatience, his time was limited and Jack's safety was unknown. The doors slid open, Mark darted towards the desk, the same receptionist glanced towards him unaware of his sudden approach. In an instant Mark was clattering against the keys frantically searching for Jack's information. "Imogen. No. Isaac. No. Isla. No. Jacinta. No. C'mon. Aha!" Jack's name peered back at him, the information contained revealed his address, birthday, aliases, family and his real name. Mark targeted his room number bent on retrieving him before questioning the information before him.

Dashing up the spiral staircase, Mark eyed a figure planted in front of one door. Without indecision Mark disposed of the bodyguard, unable to hide him properly due to the little amount of time they had left. He grabbed the knob twisting in an attempt to open, however to his realisation it had been locked. Locked from the inside.