The Pause

Chapter 10

The next day came climbing training. A course that test the student's parkour skills. Preparing them in part for the final challenge, which was still a long way from where the teens were at in this point.

For this challenge it was monitored in groups, everyone was split up and mixed to challenge certain parts of the course. Nathan has to tackle his area with Roberto, Mike and multiple other students he didn't know. The course was high, involving swings, ropes and many unstable platforms. "Here you will be expected to make it to end of the course as fast as possible whilst testing your acrobatic and athletic skill" Andrews proclaimed from the ground, "if you fall. You're out, and your team will be nullified for it". This was serious, Nathan had spent most of his days running around abandoned areas and jumping through derelict buildings, because what else is a teenager supposed to do in the apocalypse. So he was well versed in the skill needed for this task. But keeping an eye out for Roberto and making sure he didn't fail them would prove a much greater feat. Then of course there was the others, off at some different area, different set of obstacles but with the same consequences. He worried for them, Elliott was like a little brother that he couldn't let down, and of course Emily. As much as he hated to admit it, what Andrews said to him that night really affected him, but he couldn't let that distract him. Not now, not ever.

The whistle went off, initiating the challenge. Everyone bolted, like a stampede of wildebeests. No calm before the storm. The first obstacle was a series uneaven small platforms, each one shakier than the last, Nathan kept back and watched as many of the others plummeted. Roberto was the first to make it over, soon Mike and eventually Nathan followed suit. Next came the climbing wall, Mike and Roberto still bickering with each other will Nathan slips between to take the lead. The two roommates were neck and neck, surpassing each and every obstacle flawlessly, for someone as bulky as mike he sure as hell is agile Nathan thought to himself. All eyes soon became on them, crowds formed round ten course as they battled it out for top spot and soon reached the final obstacle.

Two massive ropes the boys were to climb, at the top was a bell, if rung the challenge would be over. They fought to get to the top. Each of them using all their strength and will, I'm not giving up, victory is in my sights. Until. A scream was heard from below them. Roberto, clinging onto the rope, sweat dripping down his face, his hands burning, and slowly slipping away from consciousness. Nathan stopped, his world grew smaller and hazier as he stared between victory and honour. He felt the weight of a hundred anchors, as the hawks watched his every move. He loosened his grip and slid down the rope, the pain indescribable as sunk down to collect Roberto. He put his arm around his wheezing teammate, "c'mon stay with me man" he spoke softly. But then the ringing occurred. Nathan gazed to see Mike at the top basking in glory as if he was an emperor. A sinking feeling took over Nathan.

A few hours later, or what they thought were hours. Nobody could really tell with the lack of time passage. The group were back in the classroom, none of them had spoken a word to each other since training. Elliott was looking after Roberto, keeping him cool and hydrated whilst the others just sat uncomfortably. "At least we came close to winning" Elliott whimpers, trying to at least take some positive out of the day. The group just continued their silence. Emily sighs and gets up "alright listen. Today didn't turn out how we wanted. That much is definitely clear, but we have something the others don't... teamwork" the boys share a collective groan. "Ok ok I know it's cliche but it's true. Nathan what you did today really noble. All of you, are selfless and honourable. Honestly guys. If we keep this up, we will make it. We have to make it"