Soul Survivor

Chapter 10

I sprinted to the shaft and tugged at the stiff aluminium doors. They didn't budge an inch so I stuck my head through them. Looking around, all I saw were a bunch of thick cables hanging in the middle.

Suddenly, an idea hits me: the fire escape. There has to be a set of stairs somewhere in the building due to health and safety. I rush around the perimeter of the level and sure enough, spot a familiar green sign. I hurl my body into the door and come crashing onto a set of stairs. I begin making my way up the building, level by level checking every room. I'm running out of time. Finally, I reach the top floor. A shout from below alerts me that my time is up. Someone has to come and retrieve me though and it will take them a minute to make their way up.

Just as panic sets in I spot the bag. It rests on a shiny table amongst fragments of glass and paper. I launch forward and grab it, ripping it open and reaching for the knife. I grip it tight and zip up the bag, settling it onto my shoulders where it belongs.

The girl bursts into the room. "Time's up kid." She snorts but abruptly stops when she notices the bag on my back. I turn around and bring the knife in front of my body defensively.

"I passed your stupid trial. Now I'm free and you won't try to stop me leaving because if you do I'll cut you." I instruct, tilting my head slightly as if asking if she understands my threat.

She's not phased. "Well hot shot, there's only one way down and we both have to use the same stairs so how about you go first and threaten Zerena instead - I'm sure she'll find it... Cute." She smirks, gesturing for me to leave.

Reluctantly, I begin the journey down. Disappointed that my threat had no effect, I wonder what these people did for a living. Is Zerena a mobster or gang member? Was she a professional boxer? She certainly looks strong. And what about her followers? Are they all part of the same gang or have they been recruited. They don't seemed to be troubled by the end of civilisation as we know it. I know the woman behind me was an office worker.

We arrive at the grand entrance and the woman uses a key card to exit, even holding the door for me. The burning sun stings my eyes as they adjust. The crowd give nods of approval as they see I was successful. Then, Zerena speaks up. "Put the knife away girl, you won't be needin' it."

I stare at her for a moment, trying to work out her next move. Still standing quite far from the group, I slide the knife back into my bag. The lady merges back in with the rest. Lino, still wearing the black gloves, squints at me while whispering something to Zerena, who raises an eyebrow and turns to speak to Taff. Her rather gargantuan right hand man freezes in thought before raising both of his eyebrows and shrugging. All the while the three of them glower at me. I shuffle a little under the weight of their stares.

"You have proven yourself and are free to leave if you wish, but the sun's gettin' real low real fast." Zerena straightens her posture, "You may stay with us until morning." At this the crowd begins a hushed whisper. "Do you accept?"

By my side my hand throbs and I hold it in the other to stem the bleeding. A thin trickle of blood snakes around my forearm. Beautiful shades of pink and blue intertwine in the sky above, reflecting a dreamlike image onto the shattered glass of the streets. Fatigue sets in.

"Yes."