The Forest

Chapter 2

>!< Some swear words involved!

Thomas smiled a bit, but that didn't last too long. "Nice name." He said. I snorted, "Just show me around this damn place already." I tried to hide my embarresment, but that didn't really work. "Well, let's get started with the grand tour then." He started to walk near a house, I couldn't help but smile a little. God, I can tell he has a sense of humor already. I thought to myself, and quickly followed him.

The place was huge, I didn't think it was this big. In the middle of everything was the "box" where I arrived from. Near the box a couple meters away was the Household. A run-down cabin with some logs out of place, but it was nice inside and was well-kept. It had about 5-6 rooms upstairs. Near that but a mile or so away was the mess hall or as Thomas called it, the Frypan. It wasn't that big, it had a kitchen inside with a couple counters, and some bar stools at the front, but that was about it. The gardens were near the thick ivy covered stone walls, there was wheat, corn, soybeans, you name it. There was also an orchard full of fruit. Near that was the butcher house where they slaughtered animals for meat. My heart sank at the thought of the chickens. At the far east corner was the dark forest, it was a couple miles long and wide, and Thomas said there was a graveyard inside. Last but not least, there was a vault with a submarine-like door that led into it. It was the mapping room for mapping out the Forest. I was curious to know more, but I couldn't go in there unless I was a Runner/Explorer.

After a nice lunch, I huffed and sat down on the nice grass, and Thomas plopped beside me.

"What's it like to be a Runner? To explore and map the Forest?" I asked.
"It's kind of scary when you encounter a Cutter. But it's mostly fascinating. Haven't found an exit yet though. Besides I've only been here a month or so." He said. I grew more and more curious, this place seemed all too familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I wanted to become a Runner, and explore.

I almost spoke, but held it back. Best to keep it to myself for now...

I got up. "Thanks for showing me around Thomas." I said, with a slight smile. He got up as well, "No problem, and you can call me Tom. I have to go out with Mihpo now, see you later." He instantly ran off toward the direction of the western side. I decided to explore around for myself more.

Nighttime wasn't great. I slept away from everyone outside. At least this sleeping bag is comfy. I thought to myself. There were so many things on my mind, I just couldn't sleep. The fact that Thomas seemed so familiar.... and that this place seemed familiar. And that I had a strong force telling me to be an explorer. I soon fell asleep, I had grown tired of my thoughts.

Morning had come, and I didn't want to get up. But the hunger in my stomach was too much, and I forced myself up with a grunt, and headed to the frypan. I smelled the nice aroma of eggs and toast, and I saw a plate waiting for me. I eagerly dove in and ate, then washed it all down with some water.

Thomas said that I would start doing training here, each for a different job. My first job would be working at the slaughter house, and my spine shivered. I could never kill an animal, even a pig. Thomas explained that there was a leader for each job, and that they helped keep this place running smoothly, and making decisions. The leader of this job was a tall, brown haired guy named Mark. I had heard his name before when I got here. It's only been a day since I got here???

Mark handed me a butcher's knife and went out to the stall where the pig was waiting. I did not want to do this, but handling the knife was the only part I enjoyed in this job. Mark had me put it away since I seemed "too scary" with it I guess....

I disliked this job a lot so I didn't mind.

The rest of the day was a blur, and I soon found myself in my sleeping bag again. Thinking about what would happen tomorrow.. and still what this place really is...

Then there was a loud crack, and a horrible scraping noise.

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HUEHUEHUE cliff-hanger >:D
Chapter 3 coming soon!!