Back To The Ark

Flicker between reality and imagination

Dawn was breaking, the sun shining through the trees and through the abandoned hospital's windows. The two boys had slept reasonably enough, each one waking up a few times within the night. Timothy waking up to have his coughing fits, or just looking around wearily before passing out. Brian however waking up to grab his gun, patrolling around the area before returning to Timothy and falling to sleep once again.

The two boys slowly awoke, sharing a fearful glance before pulling their masks on. They didn't trust anything around them, they were still surprised they trusted one another. But for now, they relied on one another to survive. They both grabbed their weapons holding them close, Timothy had his pipe swung over his shoulder, and Brian held his gun. They gave each other a small nod. Patrolling time, they pulled their backpacks on checking the contents before doing so. Nothing stolen so far, that was a good sign. No words were spoken as they both started walking around the abandoned hospital.

Their footsteps making a soft noise as their boots hit the dirty stone floor. Timothy's grip tightened on the pipe as quick footsteps were heard. "Hey, who are you?" A young girl's voice, Tim didn't hesitated to swing. The dull weapon hitting the side of her head as she crumpled to the ground, close inspection showed she was knocked out and not dead. Brian nudged him. "You gonna kill her, or leave her?" Timothy paused before hitting her once more, the side of her head caving in, a loud scream came from her. Blood caked around her left eye, he'd given her brain damage, most likely wouldn't be able to speak or remember anything. Tim hit her once more, her pupil wide, filling her entire right eye. Small whimpers escaped her as he hit her once more. she went silent, her eyes non responsive, and her breathing no longer existant.

Brian gave an approving look lightly kicking her side, just to make sure she was dead. Which she was, before nodding at Tim. "Let's get out of here." His voice hushed as Timothy nodded, the two boys left the hospital making their way back into the woods.

Something was watching them, they knew it. Their gazes darted around, not a person or creature in sight. Yet they still felt the overwhelming feeling of being watched. Could be an animal or their imagination. Heh, who were they kidding? Imagination? No, definitely not, not in a million years, they weren't making this up. Someone or something was watching them. The small buzz of static in the deathly silent woods brought their attention. Could just be their brains conjuring up something to fill the silence.. Yeah, no. They were being watched, and that just brought evidence. Their grips tightened on their backpacks as they continued to walk, their speed being significantly faster. They couldn't risk their lives over an entity or person deep in the woods.

A reasonably loud snap came from nearby, a twig broken in half. They weren't alone. The two males froze, their hands fumbling for their weapons, survival was top priority. Along with protecting one another of course, their sounds together created an unstoppable source. They both shared a look, tongues caught in their throats as they listened. Waiting for even the smallest noise, maybe even the sound of footsteps or breathing  could trigger them to either fight or scatter.

Another twig snapped, another sign. It became closed by the second, but the two stayed put,and on full guard. Anything could happen, and they were ready for it. Death seemed inviting at this moment in time, but they wouldn't give up until they fully protected one another. They were comrades, brothers in a way and they weren't going to die until the fight was won. But maybe today wasn't the day, the sounds stopped, but the boys didn't drop their guards. They were made to protect and attack.

After a while of giving each other sceptical looks, they continued on their walk. The oder shared between the two wasn't pleasant, but what could they do? They had been walking for 13 maybe 14 hours with only two breaks along the way. Anyway, the boys continued to clutch their weapons in their own ways. The pipe leaning against Timothy's shoulder, and Brian had a loaded gun feasted on his gloved hand.

No words were shared once again, they couldn't risk vital information to be spread. After all, they were only messengers in a way, feeding off of given information and orders from their boss. They couldn't disobey, they were mind slaves to the elder being that ruled over them. Masks given and worn to hide their true selves, that also was a risk. They had to be alone or with another comrade to take them off. The small buzz of static had changed to a small minimum, no longer filling their minds completely. A small grumble came from one of the boys, he had obviously started to get fed up with what seemed to be the endless woods. No human civilisation nearby.

An emotionless stare was shared between the two, they were both fed up, and hungry but didn't dare to take another break. If they were found it caught off guard anything could happen. The sun had risen a while back, just after midday, a couple more hours and they would've been walking for 24 hours without food or drink. Their backpacks consisted of a few water bottles, some snacks, first aid kit and spare magazines for Brian's gun. Maybe a spare outfit for emergencies but that's all. They couldn't risk to eat as they had to save their rations, their trip consisted of at least 4 more days. Maybe less, it all depended on what they did, the two boys planned out every move they made. That included breaks, a few for sitting down for a while and catching their breath, or bathroom breaks. It was all about time, trust and remembering.

Their survival however, was a while matter of: Trust no one but one another. But could they really do that? Trust had been broken before without hesitation, so why trust now? That was the big question, other than: How are we supposed to do this mission without death of serious injury? None of the boys had an idea on what to do, other than arrive at their destination (hopefully not die from starvation or dehydration on the way) and conquer the beast that ruined their lives.

However, another thought came to mind, what if the gang were back? Neither of the boys particularly wanted that to happen, but if it was true, they wouldn't mind if certain people came back. Alex however, would never be forgiven for his sins he committed within the group. Deaths of their friends including Brian, had happened because of the Operator, Alex's idea to do the whole project in the first place. Which is another reason why he wouldn't be forgiven.

Their thoughts no longer joining, Timothy and Brian sighed. Their grips tight on their weapons, ready for anything. Death or injuries awaited the two, but that didn't matter. Their emotions went cold and emotionless once more.

They wanted revenge