Die Now or Live Forever

The Return Home (Aaron)

Aaron sat in the vehicle, feebly attempting to stop the bleeding from the puncture wound.

What did they do that made me bleed so much? He wondered, covering it with his hand.

After a few hours, the vehicle came to a stop and Aaron was dragged out onto the familiar gravel walkway.

They were back in their Community.

"Aaron Williams, and Chloe Walker. The runaways," A familiar voice says. It was the same voice who called someone onto the stage during the Ceremony of Fate. "I can handle you two on my own. You officers can return to the outside world."

A crowd was gathering. In the sea of faces, Aaron the face he wanted to see least.

It was his mother. She stood next to his father, sobbing.

The first blow was straight to Aaron's face. The Governor kicked him in the head, and knocked one of his teeth loose.

He then held Aaron by his hair, and punched his eye. Aaron could hear his mother gasp.

"Stop! Stop! That's my son!" She screamed, and attempted to punch The Governor. He caught his mother's fist, and twisted her wrist. She pulled away, and The Governor kicked Aaron again.

Aaron turned his head towards Chloe, and started to speak.

"Chl-"

The Governor kicked him in the side of the head, and Aaron fell to the ground, unmoving.

Chloe held back a scream, and slowly turned to face The Governor. He lifted her off the ground, then slung Aaron over his shoulder. His mother was still sobbing.

"It will be okay, honey. They'll help Aaron get better."

"Better? Their idea of better, or my idea of better?"