The Hunting

Chapter 28

It has been silent for a couple of minutes now. It's probably because they are trying to convince me to kill a person. I know that these scavengers are bad, I almost died from one. However, I don't want to have to justify killing another human to myself. I don't want to kill a person. That's not the person I want to be. I need to talk to Don and Jaiver, Jaiver has barely looked into my eyes and hasn't talked to me once. Why is he acting like this? Maybe there is another way we can do this. I agree with breaking off into smaller groups, but I definitely don't think I should be in the killing group. What could we do instead?

Calum cleared his throat grabbing everyone's attention. "So-uh, we have had a very long day today. I'm glad that everyone is okay and safe." He looked at me, "Arden, are you alright? I know that today hasn't been the kindest to you."

I paused, "Oh, I have never felt better. Granted my throat is very sore, but my day could've been worse."

Calum sighed. So he must have not liked my sarcasm. He continued, "Anyways, we need to discuss strategy. We are about one to two days away from the canyons and we need a plan as soon as possible... As we were catching up with you two we talked about splitting off into two groups. One group goes ahead and searches for the scavengers and anything of interest and the other group trails behind as back up. I want to know everyone's thoughts," he looked at me, "and questions."

Pietra for once beat me to the punch on asking questions. It looks like he didn't give her a run down beforehand. She spoke, "How were you thinking about splitting up the two groups? What if the forward group gets a chance to kill those bastards? What if one group gets caught or killed?"

I nodded in agreeance. Good questions. Now for the answers.

Calum responded, "We were thinking of splitting us up by speed. So, you, Don, and Arden would be the front group. Calum, Nate and I would follow a couple of miles behind you all just to give us enough distance."

He looked over at Jaiver. Jaiver sighed and ran his hand through his dark black hair, "With your other questions Pietra, that's where we want opinions. We are splitting into two groups to make sure we all don't get captured or killed at once. We know that you are comfortable with killing so if you get the chance go for it. The more we can take out the better. Don can do it if he tries. This leaves it up to you Arden. Are you okay with having to kill if you need to?"

Everybody looked at me. Oh great. An idea would be good right now. It was my turn to sigh, "Listen, I  want to say that I understand that these people are bad. They have hurt you physically and emotionally. They took away someone that you all care about. Hell, one of them even tried to kill me. At the beginning of our journey, I was worried about my life and slowly I've come to respect you all and I want to help you in whatever way I can to get Remmington back."

Calum spoke, "That's great to hear Arden, we were worried – "

I put up my hand and looked at him, "I am not done yet."

Calum looked at me apologetically. I continued, "I am still willing to be in the forward group. However, taking someone else's life is not who I am or a person I want to be. I want to help you, I truly do. If I need to defend myself or any of you, I will do so. Killing people is not in my nature and if you can't accept that then I'm sorry."

Everyone was silent for a while. Jaiver was the first to speak up, "What do you want us to do then Arden? We can't just make friends with them and ask for Remmington back. They do not work like that, some blood will have to be shed. There is no compromising that."

I looked at Jaiver with disgust. Before I could say anything Pietra spoke up, "Jaiver, we have known this whole time that Nate and Arden are not killers. I am all for killing those bastards, but we cannot expect either of them to do our work for us. We want Remmington back, they are helping us. We should be grateful they are not trying to kill us. We need to come up with a plan that doesn't force anyone to do unnecessary killing. Can we all agree on that?"

I was stunned. Pietra stood up for us. I looked around and all the boys nodding expect of Jaiver, who looked upset. We all looked around awkwardly at each other hoping that someone would speak up. I am surprised that Nate was the one to step forward, "How about this, we have two people go ahead of the group and look for information. Having two people allows for stealth. These two can figure out how many scavengers there are, where Remmington is at, and what would be the best time to do something about it. With this, we have the element of surprise and we are not going in there blind. Also, we have a better chance of succeeding in numbers."

Another pause. I stepped forward to stand next to Nate, " I like it."

Calum was next, "That sounds good. Once everyone agrees, we can figure out who the two people are."

Don stepped in, "You all know I am down for compromises." 

Pietra smiled, "This is a smart idea."

We all looked at Jaiver, who was looking at the ground. "I am okay with this as long as I am one of the two."

Calum nodded his head, "Alright, it looks like we are all in agreeance then. Now we have to decide who the other person is."

I looked down at the ground. I don't know if I want to do it if Jaiver is doing it. I am unsure how I feel about him at the moment. I thought I had this connection with him and he understands me. So why is he acting all bitter and upset? I don't like how he has been acting towards me recently. I heard someone clear their throat. I jerked my head up to see everyone looking at me. I sighed, "Am I getting nominated?"

Calum nodded, "Arden, you are smart, fast, and I mean this in the nicest way possible...tiny."

Most of the group chuckled to his response as I looked at him. Before Nate had to hold me back, Calum continued, "You will be harder to spot and you are more likely to keep Jaiver in check. Please. I am not asking you to kill or hurt anyone. Please."

I sighed. I looked around at everyone. I could tell that they actually wanted me to go. I looked at Jaiver who was looking at me solemnly. I glared into Javier's eyes as I spoke, "Yeah. I can do that."