Symbol of Terror

5.

After that incident, Wade couldn't help but think the real Mark was slipping. He could tell he hated being forced to do this and that he was constantly in emotional pain. The facts didn't hurt so much as the possibility that this whole Antimonos incident was causing Mark to become depressed, anxious, or maybe even suicidal. Blinking the thought away, it still lingered in the back of his mind, ominous, dreadful, and probably all too real. Mark had been in danger life-wise before, and Wade didn't want him to die by his own hand.

He sighed worriedly, and the knife Mark said to use lay just out of reach.

---

Mark's head was a whirlwind. Every thought made by Antimonos wore away his sanity. As he walked upstairs, he massaged his temples, trying to alleviate some of the pain. He'd sunk low before, but never to this abysmal, hellish length.

Was everything his fault?

yes, yes, it is, you're the killer

He had his hopes up that he wasn't.

you're wrong, you're wrong

He swore he wasn't.

you lie to yourself, you lie, lie

He felt like he was lying for a moment, when he sat on the chair, but the notion ebbed.

simple mind, no consideration

"I care, I care," he thought.

i laugh, i laugh, you foolish man

"Why me, why me..?"

you're speaking like me, simpleton

He shushed the creature, battering his head with his fists.

don't hurt, don't hurt

He muttered curses, pulling at his hair, scratching his face until he felt blood running down.

calm please, mark

He still had some strains of humanity. He wasn't dead, he still had a beating heart. He paused to feel it pound. Paused to look at the dark splotches of blood on his hands, to feel the pain. He was alive. He had a heart; thus, he cared.

no,

"No, I don't," he said.

you've figured it out, they're no friends

No, he still cared.

no you don't, you don't

Did he?

do you

"I..."

i will answer, you don't

"Maybe..."

you don't, simple mark, you just don't care anymore

He scratched at the open wound again, warm blood dribbling feebly off his face.

it's only for the use of finding new worlds, grievers can't live without this help

He stared into the mirror across from him, the yellow infusing his eyes glittering. He knew Wade could make it out alive. All other choices drained away in a rush of hopelessness. He eyed the shotgun propped up in the corner of the room, stolen from the scene where he took them away. He did it. Was it him? He didn't know. Antimonos and Mark were the same. He stared at the long, graceful barrel, taking his gaze to the wooden part at the end, the last shiny bullet and casing on the ground, and finally laying his eyes on the trigger. He stood up.

---

Wade was drifting off to sleep when he remembered something.

He reached into his pocket with his free hand, bringing out a plastic lighter and a black-cased pocket knife. Putting the lighter back in his pocket, he opened the knife and cut himself free of the tentacles. He smiled widely, rubbing his pained wrist. Knife still in hand, he stared at the faces of Aaron and Bob on the walls.

"I think I'll get them first," he said, starting to walk. He stopped again, remembering what Mark had said about burning the tattoo before freeing the others. Mark had disappeared, though, and he wasn't sure if he'd come back. Maybe he should let him think, and leave him be for a while. Then again, he could die if he didn't get him first. But Bob and Aaron could die if that wasn't successful, and he wanted everyone safe.

His thoughts raced at such a simple decision.

The midpoint of the tightrope had been reached, and the wind picked up.

---

Now, dear reader, it's your turn to play the hand. What will Wade do?

Will he...

Free Aaron first?

Find Mark first?

or free Bob first?

The option chapters will be posted in that order. Be patient with me on publishing speed, I have three different chapters to write and post at the same time.

Also, I suggest you take some risks with your decision. Choose what you would do. They're all your friends now that you're in Wade's place. Who matters the most immediately?