Back To The Ark

A Trip With Troubled Minds

Silence spread like an infection, guilty and regret eating away at them, they couldn't help but blame themselves. The soft crunch of leaves beneath their boots where the only sound in the woods apart from squawking from distant birds. No words were shared, none were needed. There was no doubt it would turn into an argument, if they did. No looks were shared either, they walked blocking each other out of their shields of vision. Trust ceased to exist, at this moment in time. Their minds wandering, a few thoughts shared between the two but none needed to be said out loud. Anyone or anything could hear, they weren't going to risk it.

Rosswood, that's where they were. The place Jay lead them to before everything happened, all of them just as naive as one another. Smiles and laughter used to be shared, just like the teenagers they used to be. But now, after everything that happened: death, destruction, and murder. No longer happy, no more smiles, laughter or joy. Now, it was coldness, emotionless. They had to be that way, emotionless killers with no hearts, despite it not being true. Timothy and Brian didn't hate each other, they were on a mutual terms. However, if anything happened to the other they wouldn't hesitated to help, save or even give them comfort.

They both went through hell, and they respect one another's privacy. But they tell each other everything, just like two young children. Secrets were kept, but at the same time they would be told if it was about their past. Timothy soon paused, his head aching as he held it with his bare hand. An audible curse was heard as Brian quickly rushed to his side. "Tim? Buddy, you okay?" His voice rushed of course, concern laced in his tone. He couldn't help but worry. The taller male pulled up his mask enough for his mouth to show, he let out a rough cough. Soon turning into a coughing fit, his hands clasped on his knees as he hunched over.

Brian's eyes widened he placed a soothing hand in his back. "It's okay, take your time." Timothy took a shaky breath, blood being spat into the forest floor. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve before pulling his mask back over his face. "I'm okay." An obvious lie, but Brian didn't question him, nodding. He muttered a quiet answer before they both started walking once again. Their speed rushed, they had to get out of the memory filled woods. They walked in silence once again, no more words spoken for a good 4 hours.

The two males took a seat on the grass floor. Sticks poked at their legs picking at their jeans but they didn't care, they needed a break from walking. Their backpacks were placed on the floor beside them as they leaned against trees, Brian in front of Timothy. "You really think it's back?" Brian pulled up his mask placing it on his lap as Tim did the same with his. The dirty blonde just pursed his lips before responding. "Yes, I really do. All the signs are back, including the feeling of being watched, but that could just be boss.." He sighed looking up to the tree tops, sunlight pouring through the leaves. Silence spread once again, none of them knowing what to say.

"What if they're back..?" Brian looked down at him, raising an eyebrow. "Who?" Timothy shrugged picking at the zip on his jacket. "The gang, what if they're back. I mean, look, we're alive so what shows they aren't?" The smaller male opened his mouth to speak but cut himself off. "Maybe.. What if they aren't? I mean, Boss saved us, right?" Timothy nodded his voice glum as he responded. "Guess so, but what if Alex is HIS proxy?" The other boy froze at that comment. "I mean, it's possible. He was the one who went through all of his orders, but he wasn't in control.. Or was he?" None of them spoke, thoughts and what if's were only making the situation worse.

After a few minutes passed, they started walking once again. No more words shared their legs aching from continuous walking, but they wouldn't go near public areas. Their masks back on their faces Timothy managed to only have a few coughing fits along the way, Brian helping him each time. A blast of loud static caused the two boys to hold their hands over their ears. Their eyes glancing upwards, just great.. The Operator decided to show up. Timothy and Brian's thoughts shared the same thing. The tall creature stood before them, a slick black tie nearly beneath it's suit. How did they know it was the Operator? The hands, it's hands were a raven like black, completely different from it's featureless, paper white face. It's arms beside it's waist, moving with the wind. Staring, it just stared at the two, their vision hazy only focusing on the creature in front of them.

Timothy held his hand out shakily grabbing Brian's shoulder before they started running, they needed to get away. Their feet causing sticks to crack and break beneath them as they ran through the woods, branches tugging at their clothes, and static filling their hearing. Timothy pulled Brian along not leaving his partner in crime until they came across a way too familiar abandoned hospital. They ran inside collapsing into the stairs as they caught their breath.

"He's really back.." That's all they could stutter out, their breathing ragged and rough. Timothy struggled to control his breathe punching his chest in attempt to help himself. Brian's hands were too shaky to move, he wanted to help.. But he couldn't. The brunette managed to calm down eventually, and looked over to Brian. "We will survive this.." That sounded like a bitter lie to the two of them, but they knew better than anything to disobey their boss. "We will defeat it." The two boy's met one another's gaze, Timothy's chocolate Brown one meeting Brian's Green with yellow hue eyes. The two boys shared a small smile. "Lets hope so, thanks Tim." Brian pulled his ski mask back over his chin as Tim pulled his mask back on.

"We can do this."