Thinking about you

by BurnedToast15

Summary:

She was so confident that this would work. She was sure, but clearly —staring at the treetops which faded into the vast and empty horizon— she was wrong.

She contemplated just stepping off this small cliff down to the distant ground but she needed to get revenge.

Or

My own version of a possible season 3 of The Wilds. (Shoni, Leatin and Kirivan)

Notes:

Sundays. Every 2 weeks until I am less busy.

Central around Toni and Ivan cause they enemies. There is still oh so much Shoni, Leatin and Kirivan. I just have to actually sort out their relationship problems first.

Chapter 1: Guessing

Notes:

This is a rewrite of the previous Chapter One. Same plot and everything just... better?

Shelby:

Lying down in the annoyingly comfortable bed, Shelby found herself consumed by an overwhelming sense of boredom. Every passing minute seemed to stretch into an eternity as she idly contemplated her surroundings. The monotonous rhythm of her heartbeat was disrupted abruptly by the unmistakable sound of a lock clicking. Her door clicked open, sending a jolt of anticipation through her. Was this a malfunction, a glitch in the system, or something far more sinister? Her mind raced with possibilities, each more tormenting and frightening than the last. Maybe, just maybe, Leah had managed to crack the code to their freedom. The sheer prospect of hope lit up her weary eyes, and she silently uttered a heartfelt "Thank the lord!".

Springing forth from her comfortable haven, Shelby yearned to explore more. Her ankle had finally healed, and the desire to stretch her legs beyond the confines of their prison was irresistible. Yet, the harsh reality of her captivity restricted her to a claustrophobic existence. With calculated stealth, she approached the door, her hand trembling ever so slightly as it grazed the cool, metallic door handle. As she pushed, the door creaked open like the gates of possibility, granting her a glimpse of the unknown world beyond. Shelby cautiously poked her head out, her eyes locking onto the back of a figure that sent her heart into an ecstatic frenzy. A familiar silhouette, a dear friend, stood before her.

"Dot!" Shelby's voice rang out in a joyful exclamation, her feet carrying her swiftly down the dark, grey corridor. With arms outstretched, she enveloped Dot in a warm embrace, the kind reserved for those who had endured months of separation from all they held dear. It had been ages since they had last laid eyes on each other, their world confined to interactions with the enigmatic detectives.

"What's happening? Why are the doors open? Where are the others?" Dot's voice quivered with a mix of relief and curiosity as they ventured down the hallway, their mutual determination to escape this captivity burning brightly. It was not just freedom they sought but a chance to start anew, away from the tumultuous lives they had left behind, family troubles, and personal demons.

Shelby, awash in a sea of questions herself, found solace in the simple act of calming Dot's anxieties, a way to anchor herself amidst the turbulent sea of emotions surging within. Their journey was fraught with uncertainty, and there was no easy explanation for the unlocked doors that beckoned them toward an uncertain fate.

Suddenly, a collection of hurried footsteps reverberated through the corridor, approaching rapidly from further down the hall. Without hesitation, both Dot and Shelby instinctively took off in pursuit, their hearts racing, placing their trust in the belief that these footsteps must belong to one of their fellow captives.

Their chase led them down winding corridors, their breaths quickening with each stride, until they came to an abrupt halt upon reaching a vast room where Leah and Fatin stood with their backs turned. The room was alive with music, a familiar tune that stirred memories in Shelby's mind, though she couldn't quite place its origin. The two were positioned before a grand stage, surrounded not only by the other girls but also a group of boys. At the center of the stage stood a glass podium bathed in the ethereal glow of radiant lights. A white curtain bore the ominous emblem of "Dawn of Eve," a logo that sent an icy shiver coursing down the spine of everyone who beheld it.

As Shelby stepped further into the room, her gaze wandered, and she found herself locking eyes with a dark-haired girl who just looked angelic. Martha stood by her side, leaning on her for support. When Toni's eyes met hers, a flutter of butterflies took residence in Shelby's stomach. A few heartbeats passed before Martha began to speak something to Toni, and Shelby felt compelled to join them. Meanwhile, Dot had ventured off to reunite with Rachel, leaving Shelby to navigate this mysterious gathering on her own.

Toni:

Reclining on the bed's plush surface, it offered a little bit of comfort, but it paled in comparison to the one she had back home. Her own bed, even though it was weathered, dirty, and aged, held a certain sentimental value. It was a sanctuary where she'd spent countless nights gazing up at the star-studded skies, the cool breeze caressing her face, and the wild embracing her with a soothing serenity. Those were the days before fear had lodged itself in her heart, before the crash had forever altered her perception of the untamed wilderness. Now, solitude meant danger, and the once gentle wind bore a salty bite. Ever since their "rescue," she had been plagued by solitude, except for the irregular encounters with the detectives.

So, when her door suddenly creaked open, it was a welcome interruption to the poisoned thoughts that had haunted her. Questions raced through her mind, and she quietly dropped her feet to the floor, her fingers forming a tense fist. With cautious determination, she inched closer to the door, her swift yank causing it to collide with the wall, the noise undoubtedly alerting someone nearby, as voices echoed from down the corridor.

"Hello?! Who is there?" The voice reverberated through the dimly lit halls, filling the air with tension. Without hesitation, Toni sprinted toward the familiar voice, propelled by a blend of hope and apprehension.

"Martha!" Toni's eyes landed on her friend, who leaned against a nearby wall, and she hurried over to assist her, offering a supportive hand.

"Toni! Oh my god! I missed you so much," Martha exclaimed, her arms enveloping Toni's tense shoulders in a warm and loving hug. Toni's nervousness, shared by all, slowly dissolved as she allowed herself to be embraced, savoring the warmth and familiarity of the moment. She yearned to turn back time, to savor the simplicity of what they once had before it was ruthlessly snatched away.

"Martha! Toni!" A voice called from the hallway. Toni refrained from turning, fearing the hug might come to an end.

Martha, breaking away from the hug but still holding Toni's hand tightly, nodded in acknowledgment of the voice. "We heard you, Martha, from down the hallway. There's some music coming from a room somewhere 'round here."

"Where are the others, Rachel?" Toni inquired, her curiosity growing with each passing moment.

"Follow me," Rachel answered, offering assistance to Martha as they began their journey down the corridor.

They entered the room where the music had originated from before Toni saw Leah, appearing fatigued, had just entered the room. Toni watched her closely as she joined Martha and Rachel. Fatin raced over to them, a silent conversation taking place through exchanged worried looks. Toni extended her arms, and with a gentle smile, Fatin accepted her embrace. Martha soon joined the hug, and in that moment, they found comfort in each other's presence.

Fatin eventually returned to Leah's side, her unwavering support for Leah evident in her actions. Leah grappled with her own demons, and Fatin did her best to provide whatever understanding she could. Toni, however, could see beyond the surface of their relationship, sensing something deeper between the two, although she couldn't quite prove the extent of it.

Leah, standing upright, fixated her gaze upon the stage, her emotions between anger and sorrow. "Where is she? Where is she?" Her words, initially fueled by anger, gradually shifted to an anguished plea, revealing a troubling inner turmoil. Toni's instinct was to rush to Leah's side, but Fatin had beaten her to it. Rachel, meanwhile, approached the stage, her eyes fixed on the emblem adorning a white curtain. She stood only a few feet from Leah, who was enveloped in Fatin's comforting embrace. As Rachel whispered to herself, her gaze diverted from the chilling emblem of "Dawn of Eve" that dominated the curtain.

Toni's gaze wandered as she surveyed the room, scrutinizing each person present. Her attention drifted to the boys, most of whom congregated in small groups, their actions and expressions hinting at hidden secrets. Toni continued her observant sweep until her eyes settled on a tall girl with a shaved head. Her eyes were what Toni remembered most vividly. Upon encountering those eyes once again, a smile crept across Toni's face. Yet, a river of uncertainty assailed her thoughts. They had parted ways. What if the connection they once shared had gone? With the presence of boys in their midst, doubt gnawed at her. Had their relationship merely been a way to pass the time? Toni couldn't escape the nervous flutter in her chest.

"Toni... Are you okay?" Martha's voice broke through Toni's spiraling thoughts, her grip on Toni's hand betraying her own anxiety as it shook with trepidation. Toni glanced back at Martha, her eyes wide with concern. "Shelby's here," Toni confided, lowering her voice as though sharing a secret.

"Go talk to her. I need to sit down for a minute anyway," Martha replied, her gaze now focused on Shelby.

Taking a deep breath, Toni steeled herself and began to make her way toward Shelby, a multitude of questions still swirling in her mind. As they drew closer, they threw their arms around each other in a reunion filled with unspoken longing. Their embrace was intense yet fleeting, and they took a step back, Toni's hand resting gently on Shelby's face.

"I like it," Toni remarked, and Shelby's face lit up with excitement, yearning to seal their reunion with a kiss. The pain of their separation had been a relentless torment.

"I missed you so goddamn much," Toni admitted, her eyes locking onto Shelby's, their connection intensifying with every passing second.

"I've missed you too," Shelby replied, her heart racing as she struggled to contain her overwhelming emotions. The desire to kiss Toni consumed her, but before they could share that moment, a sudden rush of activity behind Shelby stole their attention.

"Let's go. I don't want to be trapped in here any longer," Shelby implored, extending her hand and waiting for Toni to grasp it. Toni hesitated briefly, her mind awash with uncertainty, but ultimately, she took Shelby's hand, and together they ran after the group, chasing an uncertain future with hope in their hearts.

Chapter 2: Hiding

As Leah sprinted through the seemingly endless hallways, a sense of urgency gripped her with each passing moment. She meticulously searched every single room, her determined eyes scanning for any sign of Gretchen or any connection to the enigmatic Dawn of Eve. The harsh reality, however, was that the rooms had been reduced to chaos. Gretchen had left behind a trail of destruction, erasing any possible evidence of her presence and activities in this place.

Every room Leah entered bore the scars of a frenzied search. Papers were torn to shreds, furniture lay overturned, and the once pristine spaces were now in disarray. Leah's heart ached with frustration and disappointment, its rhythm mirroring the frantic pace of her steps. This was not the outcome she had envisioned. She had come so close to escaping, bringing down Gretchen, to unraveling the mysteries of Dawn of Eve, but now it felt like her quest was slipping through her fingers.

Despite the mounting despair, Leah pressed on, her determination unyielding. The hallways seemed to stretch into infinity, with no end in sight. Each room she entered revealed more of the same—rubbish and disorder strewn across the polished floors. It was as if the entire place had been turned into a chaotic labyrinth, a puzzle she desperately needed to solve.

The weight of the situation bore down on Leah as she pondered her next move. Time was slipping away, and the answers she sought remained frustratingly out of reach. She knew that she couldn't afford to falter now; every moment counted in her pursuit of the truth. With renewed resolve, she steeled herself for the challenges that lay ahead, determined to overcome the obstacles that Gretchen had set in her path.

 

Finally, Leah found a heavy door, and even with her hardest kick, it didn't budge. She was about to explode in frustration when Fatin pulled her to the side. Leah wrestled with her, aching for the freedom beyond the door. Kirin and Ivan had joined forces to bash the door, but only the slightest movement was heard. At least it's not locked, it's just difficult. With a combination of both groups, excluding Fatin, Leah, Josh, Martha, and Rachel, the door took one hit from their combined forces, and finally, it released and bounced open.

As the morning sunlight struck Kirin's eyes, he dashed out of their makeshift hideout, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and dread. He couldn't resist the allure of the forest that had haunted every one of their nightmares for so long. Fatin, who had been tightly gripping Leah's arm, felt a sudden loosening and watched as Leah seized the opportunity to break free. The startled onlookers instinctively made way for Leah, creating a path through their ragtag group. Each member of their small party was eager to see what would unfold next, but uncertainty hung heavy in the air.

The forest, with its twisted trees and ominous aura, had always been a source of fear and mystery. Now, as they stepped into the crisp, invigorating embrace of the fresh morning air, the others couldn't help but watch Leah closely, their eyes searching for any sign or hint of what was transpiring. Leah, however, kept her emotions carefully concealed behind a mask of determination.

Only she knew the full truth behind their daring plan, the intricate details woven together in her mind like a delicate tapestry of hopes and desperation. She had been so confident that this audacious scheme would work, that their struggle and sacrifice would lead them to salvation. But now, as she gazed at the treetops gradually fading into the vast and seemingly empty horizon, doubt crept into her thoughts. The enormity of the forest, with its secrets and dangers, stretched before her, a formidable obstacle to their dreams. Leah had always been the one to inspire her comrades with her unwavering resolve, but in this moment of uncertainty, she couldn't deny the creeping fear of failure that gnawed at her soul. The weight of their collective destiny rested squarely on her shoulders, and the path ahead was shrouded in a deepening shadow of doubt.

Leah stood on the precipice of a small cliff, her gaze fixed on the distant ground below. The idea of stepping off and surrendering to the abyss of uncertainty crossed her mind momentarily, a fleeting thought born from the overwhelming weight of her emotions. But there was a burning determination within her, a thirst for revenge that refused to be extinguished.

In her mind's eye, she played out a vivid scene: the handcuffed Gretchen Klein, her tormentor, being forcefully ushered into the back of a police cruiser. It was a vision that had sustained Leah through countless sleepless nights and endless hardships. The thought of witnessing that moment, of seeing justice served, was the only thing that could bring a genuine smile to her face. Revenge wasn't just a desire; it was a lifeline, a beacon of hope in the darkness that had enveloped her life.

For now, though, she had to focus on the present. She turned her attention to the new, unfamiliar surroundings that stretched out before her. The world beyond the cliff was a stark contrast to the twisted forest they had left behind, but it offered no solace. She closed her eyes briefly, allowing a solitary tear to trace a path down her cheek. In that vulnerable moment, all she longed for was the comfort of home, the familiarity of a life untouched by the horrors she had endured.

Then, as if answering her unspoken plea, two warm and comforting arms enveloped her in an embrace that was as gentle as it was powerful. Fatin, her unwavering companion and source of strength, held her close. Leah cherished these moments when the world seemed too cruel and unforgiving. Fatin's hugs were a sanctuary, a reminder that amidst the chaos and darkness, there was love and unwavering support.

Leah knew that without Fatin by her side, she would have never made it this far. Fatin was not just perfect; she was a lifeline, a guardian angel who had guided Leah through the darkest moments of her life. In Fatin's embrace, Leah found solace, and for a brief moment, the weight of their shared burdens felt a little lighter.

"I'm here," Fatin whispered into Leah's ear, her voice a soothing balm to Leah's troubled soul. It was as though Fatin possessed an uncanny ability to sense Leah's thoughts and emotions, to understand the unspoken depths of her turmoil. In moments like these, it was as if they shared a silent, profound connection that transcended mere words.

Somehow, Fatin always knew precisely what Leah needed to hear, as though she had an intuitive grasp of Leah's innermost fears and hopes. It was a gift that had time and again proven invaluable on their tumultuous journey, a journey filled with danger, uncertainty, and the ever-present specter of Gretchen Klein's malevolence.

In Fatin, Leah had found not only a steadfast companion but also a wellspring of strength and comfort. She was the unwavering pillar of support that had sustained Leah through the darkest hours, the voice of reason when doubt threatened to consume her, and the beacon of hope that had kept their shared dreams alive.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's embrace, Leah felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the remarkable woman by her side. Fatin was more than a friend; she was a lifeline, a source of solace amidst the chaos, and the embodiment of resilience in the face of adversity. With Fatin beside her, Leah knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead on their arduous path to justice and redemption.

As Leah and Fatin eventually pulled away from their comforting embrace, there was an intimate moment of connection that lingered between them. Fatin's hand, warm and tender, found its place on Leah's cheek, her thumb moving gently across the tear stains that had marked Leah's face. The gesture was not just one of reassurance but a silent promise that they were in this together.

 

Leah couldn't help but be mesmerized by Fatin's unwavering support and the depth of her compassion. In that fleeting moment, their eyes locked, and it was as though the world around them faded into insignificance. Leah felt a rush of gratitude for having such a steadfast ally by her side, someone who could understand her pain without the need for words.

However, Leah knew that their journey was far from over. As she tore her gaze away from Fatin and turned her attention to the rest of the group, she became acutely aware of the challenges that lay ahead. Each member of their party had their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses, their own stories of survival and determination.

With a keen eye, Leah began to assess the group, weighing their possible strengths against their potential vulnerabilities. It was a crucial exercise in their quest for justice and revenge. She knew that success depended not only on their collective resolve but also on their ability to leverage the skills and talents of each individual. In the unforgiving world they now found themselves in, every advantage counted, and every weakness had to be addressed.

 

Leah's gaze swept across the diverse group, her mind working tirelessly to strategize and plan for the battles that lay ahead. She understood that their journey was fraught with peril, but with Fatin's unwavering support and the determination of her comrades, she was ready to face whatever challenges fate had in store.

"Okay, let's discuss everything on the beach!" Leah announced with unwavering resolve, her voice carrying above the sounds of the surrounding wilderness. The setback they had encountered had not shaken her determination; if anything, it had toughened her courage to confront the challenges ahead.

With Leah's resolute leadership, the group began their descent down the small hill that led them toward the forest. The terrain was uneven, and the tall grasses rustled softly in the gentle breeze as they made their way downward. It was a symbolic descent into the unknown, a journey fraught with uncertainty, but they pressed forward with determination etched onto their faces.

Entering the forest, they were enveloped by the cool, earthy scent of the woods. The tall trees reached skyward, their branches forming a canopy that filtered the golden sunlight into dappled patterns on the forest floor. The journey through the forest was a test of their resolve, as they navigated winding paths and the occasional fallen log, their footsteps resonating with purpose.

Emerging from the forest, they were met with the breathtaking sight of the beach spread out before them. The vast expanse of sand stretched to meet the shimmering waters of the ocean, and the setting sun painted the horizon in shades of orange and pink. The beach, with its calming waves and endless horizon, served as a symbol of freedom and a reminder that they were no longer bound by the constraints of their captivity.

 

The beach, with its soothing waves lapping against the shore and the vast, open horizon stretching out before them, presented an ideal backdrop for their impromptu strategy session. The tranquility of the seaside contrasted starkly with the turmoil of their recent experiences, offering a semblance of peace amidst the chaos that had become their lives.

One by one, the members of their group began to gather around Leah, drawn by her commanding presence and the promise of unity in the face of adversity. Their faces bore a mixture of concern, determination, and a glimmer of hope.

As the group huddled together on the beach, the setting sun cast a warm, golden glow over their diverse faces, painting a scene of unity and resilience. Leah, standing at the forefront, knew that they were ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead. In the midst of uncertainty, they found strength in each other, drawing comfort from the shared bond that had formed among them during their time in captivity.

The rhythmic sound of waves washing ashore served as a soothing backdrop to their gathering, a reminder of the enduring power of nature amidst their tumultuous journey. The beauty of the beach was a stark contrast to the enigmatic captivity they had endured, a symbol of the freedom they yearned to reclaim.

As they began to discuss their next move, their collective determination grew like a rising tide, pushing back against the daunting challenges that awaited them in the days to come. Each member of the group brought their unique strengths and insights to the table, and together, they formed a formidable force, ready to unravel the mysteries of their captivity and chart a path toward freedom.

In the fading light of the day, their faces were illuminated with a shared sense of purpose and resolve. The beach, with its calming waves and endless horizon, served as a fitting backdrop to their determination, a reminder that they were not alone in this journey and that, as a united front, they were capable of confronting whatever challenges lay ahead.

Chapter 3: Lost in it all

Fatin and Raf:

Trudging through the mucky landscape, not like she wouldn't mind getting rid of these grey boring clothes and trading them for her own. She watched the back of Raf's head. He must have sensed my eyes burning into him as he began the conversation. Before then, not one word was uttered by either of them.

"So, uhh... how are you?" He clearly didn't know what to talk about, Fatin was not prepared to go through a boring conversation.

"When did u start liking Leah?" Fatin gets straight to the point. Raf's eyes open wide and he tilts his back to look back at the girl. He takes a giant deep breath.

"Why does this concern you?" Raf asked, trying to salvage the rest of his dignity.

"Answer the question" Fatin was not getting sidetracked. She was determined.

Raf swung around. "In the bunker. How did you know?" Fatin stopped.

"Come on. It's obvious" Fatin said before walking past Raf. Raf swung back around to follow Fatin whilst he wondered why Fatin was so concerned about who he liked or not.

"Why are you asking? Are you in love with Leah" Raf said in a teasing voice. Fatin stopped for a second to question herself. "Wait! You like her too!" Raf was shocked, why didn't he see that before?

"You can't tell her" Fatin's tone had turned serious.

"I wouldn't dare, I don't know you but I fear getting on your bad side," Raf said in seriousness, Fatin smiled to herself secretly.

"We have been at this for ages, I am starting to believe that there is no water." Raf began on a new topic. He had laid his eyes on a horrid sight. There was no gentle or kind journey with this wet muddy steeped slope upwards. It would be possible, just very time-consuming. Even then, they began.

"Maybe we can find another way?" Fatin hoped for an escalator to just appear and solve her soon-to-be problems.

"We will lose the trail. This is the only option" The two stood next to each other to look up at the monstrous beast before them.

—————————

Shelby:

Walking across the damp sandy beach, at the entrance of the forest I stop and stand still. Leaning back to watch the woman designed to take up all the space in my mind. Why would I want to go home when heaven is right here on this beach? I wish Dot had put us together but now I am stuck with this jock.

"So, uhh... Shelby? Tell me what you like?" his voice pulled me back to this reality, away from Toni and her blessed features.

"What do you mean?" I ask the tall, muscly young man as I enter the deep dark green forest. He leads me deeper, walking backwards, facing toward me.

"Tell me about yourself. What did you do in your free time when you were back home?" Shelby let her past flood her mind, Shelby was on the verge of tears. Kirin was nice but he didn't know anything about Shelby's home life, it was not his fault.

"I had a friend. Becca was her name. The last time I saw her, we were fighting. A couple of days after, while getting ready for a pageant I was in... I found out from some girls that Becca had killed herself." Shelby could not even get another sentence out. The tears flowed rampage down her soft smooth cheeks. The warmth of his hug was nearly perfect. Almost exactly like Toni's but just knowing that Toni wasn't there, was haunting. Shelby just pictured that it was Toni rather than her male version.

"Shelby, I am so sorry. We don't have to talk about this if you don't want" Kirin was genuinely sorry and Shelby could hear it in his voice.

"Everything changed with the island, for the better..." Shelby trusted Kirin for some reason, she guessed it was because of the familiarity between Kirin's and Toni's hugs.

"Thousands on miles away from it all. The pressure of my family and Becca. I was never as free as I am now. I hate to admit it but I like the island better than home." Shelby and Kirin were now walking alongside each other.

"The constant threat of dying doesn't make you want to go home, to go to safety?" Kirin questioned Shelby.

"If I go home, I will not be accepted by the people I love. When I am here, I am loved and I am accepted by my true family. I get to be who I am with the people I love." Shelby was relieved to hear herself say these things out loud.

"Why don't you stay with the girls after we escape? Stay with them instead of the people who don't accept you" Kirin suggested. Shelby smiled.

"I'm sure that would be a nice idea," Shelby was showing doubt on her face. There was something she was hiding but Kirin did not want to press the issue.

"They would agree, I'm sure they would" Kirin lied, he didn't know anything about the others, he couldn't guess what they would do. All Kirin wanted to do was to help in any way he could think of. Kirin dropped back to walk alongside Shelby as they talked. Kirin constantly watched her as she walked looking for anything that might hint that he should encase her in his arms. "I have how they look at you, you'd think that all of you were in love."

"We are. I love each and every one of them with all of my heart. Every one of them" Shelby repeated herself with a broad smile on her face. "Do you love the guys?" Shelby asked Kirin as she nudged him.

"No! I-" Kirin searched his grassy green surroundings. Empty. It was just him and Shelby. "Can you keep a secret?" Kirin didn't need an answer from her, he found he could trust her with ease. She was ready to share her story and Kirin was prepared to do the same.

"Yes! Of course. You can trust me" She looked up at him.

"I never really knew my dad, he left when I was 7. My mom always said I look like him, I think that killed her inside, to look at the face that left all those years ago. Every time I saw that look in her eyes. It was a subtle reminder to me not to become someone like him. I trained every day and I became a protector. It filled me with little joy because the thing was... I couldn't protect everyone." Kirin's head dropped and he failed to maintain eye contact with Shelby. "I had a lacrosse coach, he was there for me and I guess he became a sort of father figure to me seeing as he was at all games, lacrosse or not. To me, he was more than just some coach but things came to an end. Some guy found some things about my coach, even if my coach had good intentions, this guy could not let it go. My coach was fired the next day. I failed to protect him from his fate. I went through beer bottles like wildfire, I let my emotions control my thoughts and actions. I stayed out all night and fucked girls and guys, leaving them never to respond. I became my father and when the realisation hit me. It was only days before I was set to fly to a retreat, Twilight of Adam until the plane crashed and I was forced to face demons and turns out... they were really fucking ugly until they're not"

"I hate to stop you but I have a gift for you, it may not be big but..." Shelby held out her hand. Resting in her palm was a glossy purple clot, among others, red, and green. Picking up just one of the blackberries. Kirin let it fill his mouth, its flesh was sweet like thickened wine: summer's blood was in it. Leaving stains on their tongues. Emptying the trees into the deep buckets. "My father was not great either. He was stuck in his ways, he was religious, my whole family. Christian. My father would hold meetings where he would try to convince people who were gay to become straight. I would sit on the stairs listening as I wept. When he found out I like girls, it was not on my terms. If I had the chance... I would never have told him in my life. I knew how he would react, I was right. He ignored me... as if I didn't exist. His own daughter. I am honestly glad to be thousands of miles away from him" Shelby popped another berry on her tongue and picked up the bucket. The taste fit the bitter thoughts swirling around her head. "Everything changed when after the plane went down, I met the girls and I met Toni. I liked girls before but never loved them. Of course, it was hard at the start but when I realised that nobody from my old life was anywhere close to me, I let loose"

"You and Toni are together?" Kirin said as he looked around at the environment.

"Well we were but some things happened on the last island, I am going to get her back though" Shelby was confident until she saw the look of confusion on Kirin's face. Her confidence turned to fear.

"Do you recognise this area? Did we go in the wrong direction?"

Shelby turned instantly, scanning the surroundings, no memory of any of this place. "We need to turn around, get back to the berry bush"

Their happiness turned to worry as they ventured through the unknown landscape.

—————————

Fatin and Raf:

Their clothes turned brown with mud, and the amount of times they fell trying to climb the slippery hill was unmeasurable. Fatin was not going to give up. She tricked her mind to believe freedom was lying on the tip of the hill waiting for her but nothing or no one waits forever.

A yelp was heard from behind her. Fatin looked back to see Raf had fallen again, Fatin raise her hand to see if he wanted help. Raf pushed his hands off the mucky floor instead of taking Fatin's hand.

"Why won't you let me help you?" Fatin started.

"I don't need help. I can do this" Clearly he was annoyed, he was partly annoyed at the hill. "Sorry"

"It's ok. I'm mad too, this hill, this island, the bunker. Everything is making me mad. Except the others here." She grabbed onto a tree for a breather.

"Do you think Seth is here? And Nora too? Hiding in the shadows? Gretchen had to leave someone behind, right?"

"Maybe but why leave Seth here? From what I have heard, he seems impulsive m. Why keep him on the island just waiting for him to destroy the 'project'? Nora could be here but then again Nora would want to see Rachel. They have their reasons to break their cover"

"I guess you are right. What about the spies in the group now? For all I know Fatin, you could be one of them"

"I can't prove to you that I am not. I hope you would just trust that I'm not, but then again, could be you" Fatin teased.

"Best to not think about the spies, even if we found them, what would Gretchen do then?" Raf asked

"To a bunker but never home, not like it's a bad thing. Was home even that good? When I get home, I going to use the fame of our story to move away from my family."

"When...If we get home"

"Hey, stop being a crybaby and hurry up. We are so close to the top. Come on" Fatin quickly changed the subject.

Both of them run while watching the floor so they don't slip again. When they reached the top, they looked out and saw the treetops but also a hot spring just below. "If we are going to escape this plan, I will do it for her and I am sure you will do the same" Fatin declared.

"I would do anything for her" Raf said before Fatin shifted at the competition.

"Should we jump?" Fatin questioned the boy.

"Is it deep enough?" He asked but he didn't care for the answer.

"Yep," she reassured him anyways. They leapt out into the open air and down to the pit of water.

Chapter 4: Help wanted

Leah was alone, the bunker was empty. Well, Scotty and Bo were somewhere else in there but in Leah's head, she was alone... she always ended up being the one with nobody by her side, she never stopped pondering if it was her fault but Fatin assured her many times before that that was not the case and that Leah would never feel alone when Fatin was nearby. They were something. Leah never could explain their relationship. It was more than friends but it was never explicitly said that Fatin felt the same way. Leah wanted to tell Fatin so many times how she felt but something always got in the way. Her mind and her thoughts attacked her at every turn or just the possibility that going down that route would surely end any friendship they had. Even if Fatin said yes, if she wanted the same thing, to be... the thought of it frightened Leah. If Fatin said yes to be her's, to be Leah's. To be able to kiss on the beach and snuggle together as they watched the sunset against the horizon. Maybe it was from a beach on a deserted island or maybe it was from their own house back home. They could always move away together, escape their past and focus solely on the future. Their future, Leah let her mind run free, to think of the possible future, becoming less and less real.

Every time Leah saw Fatin, her stomach churned, burning away at itself. The cells dying by the millions per second. The nervous wreck that Leah became every time Fatin touched her skin. The fact that everyone knew her to be crazy and psycho. That was not Fatin's fault. The process of silence for such lengths will make anyone go crazy. The gears grinding against each other, never clicking into place like a puzzle with thousands or even millions of pieces but there are always pieces missing. Like a person you see somewhere, you take special attention to them because you feel as if you know them, but the thing is you can't figure out how or where you recognise them from. The thought will haunt you for days, possibly forever, but you will never know where you know them. When finally you find the missing puzzle piece, or you figure out how you know the person, nobody around you can see it nearly as clearly as you. Calling you all sorts of names. It does something to you. The names that they call you. Leah was never bullied in school, at least she must have been oblivious to it the whole time for now you can see it clearer than before. The constant disbelief that everyone shows is painful. It tricks your brain and you can't figure out what is real or not. Now that is called crazy.

Now that she was alone, her thoughts went crazy. When Leah was a child everything was easier, no love no heartbreak and no problems. Not enough brain cells to even think about all those adult problems. Leah wished to be a child once again. To never grow up to be the irresponsible little shit that could do anything she wanted and not have a care in the world about it. Wouldn't it all just be better to forget about everything I have ever done, Leah never wanted to forget about her friends... and Fatin, but Leah would trade her soul to get a replay button, to go back in time to before Jeff, back to that shitty school. She would have forgotten how she felt about Fatin, and Fatin her. None of the girls would have changed as the island changed them. The island forged the girls into something different. Each of them has become their own new person. Gretchen was right about one thing. Leah was not that girl anymore. She changed but Leah was not sure if it was entirely for the better. She once knew a girl called Claire when Leah. Claire and Leah were not friends but they knew of each other. Claire went to the school with both Leah and Fatin. Claire had problems and she kept to herself. People called her names and bullied her. Leah never interfered because she didn't know the girl, but that was no excuse. Claire's mother had committed suicide one day, and in the months following her passing, Claire was diagnosed with schizophrenia, when her mother passed, the bullying stopped... for a while. The hallucinations were not so bad as they were closer to the suicide of her mother but when the bullying started again, they got worse and worse every day. It was visible in her actions, her paranoia. People were scared to go near her and soon enough, she walked around the school as if she was radioactive. From the outside, she looked alone but in reality. Claire was never alone, not one second of the day. One day, middle of February, Claire stood on the roof of the school, they said she tripped but the recordings were proof that it was on purpose.

Leah had thought about it herself but never once tried, she would look at the distant ground or the pills inside the bottle, she would imagine falling, the air against her skin, watching as the ground rapidly reached out its hand to her, would it hurt? would that even matter?

A sudden clatter of a tray hitting the ground knocked Leah's thoughts astray, probably for the better. Leah wanted to think of something better. Rainbows and butterflies... She begged if there was any god, to please help her give her something to let the thoughts float away.

This bunker was empty, she'd want to head back after she searched the next floor below her with the help of Scotty and Bo after she found the two.

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On the beach, the waves crashing against the sharp edged rocks jutting out from the sea bed and reaching up to the sky. The sand on the beach was hard but it wasn't wet. Rachel let her hand tuck under the surface of the beach. The beach felt more like home than her own house did. So close to the water but still a safe distance. Rachel loved the water, swimming and splashing around when she was younger, she grew up and her relationship with the water became less, just a profesional relationship, if she could achieve a medal with help of the water, then she'd call it a friend. After she was kicked off the diving team, her relationship became less with the water. Just a tool that broke her down each day, proof that maybe she couldn't be like the other girls. Then when the plane took a nose dive down into the deep ocean, or even if that didn't really happen, it happened for her. The plane crash was an explosive in the relationship, every sliver of happiness that water ever brought her was blown out of existence. Well that was what Rachel thought before Nora let her love it again, not for any competitive reason, not for survival or to save Leah from drowning, Rachel loved the sea for fun, to splash around with friends or family. Then the day came, floating across the dense water. Nothing mattered at that moment, not a noise could be heard. Just her and her thoughts. Rachel lost a lot that day. Even though she lost her hand, her repaired relationship with the water, the fact that Rachel lost her sister that day set her off. The water that touched her skin would turn to steam and fly away.

"You feeling ok Martha?" Dot's voice echoed through Rachel's mind.

"Yep, just thinking..." Martha turned to face the Dot, who was sprawled across the sandy floor. Dot was visibly bored out of her mind.

"Please tell me, I can't bare this silence" Rachel tuned in, she didn't want to let her train of thought run right off the tracks anymore.

"Do you think I will be able to walk without help again?" Martha asked the others.

"I am sure of it" Dot assured her to which Rachel agreed to.

"You will" Even Josh had joined the conversation, before then he just sat down curled up.

"I mean, I am not injured and I can feel like I could really do it" Martha began to get up, falling ho her knees in the process. Martha was clearly annoyed about her failure. Martha felt like she did when she was young, the days in the hospital, before she met her dr. Wolchak during the phsyical therapy and before she met Toni. Martha felt uncapable, it was worse when the others rushed to help her. She appreciated them for helping but she wished she could do this by herself.

"We can help you... let us help you" Dot took Martha's hand and guided her. Martha had a flush of mixed emotions. Together. With Rachel at Martha's right, Josh on the left and Dot walking infront of her, leading Martha.

Hitting the hard sand, the anger grew in her. Martha rarely got mad. While her second half let even the slightest thing set the fuse inside her. Maybe the roles had switched now. It wasn't Martha's fault that Toni had gotten everything she wanted while everything was stripped away from Martha. If anything, Martha was going to walk and she was damn sure of it.

"Let's do it again" Martha challenged herself again and again. She grabbed Josh's hand, why was it so sweaty?! Martha, with the help of the others, got stable and she was off again... and down again.

"It was so much longer than last time" Dot exaggerated her point and Martha took that as good news, longer than last time. She fell, hit the sand, Josh would reach out his hand, Martha would take the hand, getting less and less sweaty as the group joked and laughed as Martha walked along with them, giggling away. Letting loose each time she got up. The cycle repeated and like a parent teaches their child how to ride a bicycle, Dot, Rachel and Josh had let her walk across the beach by herself. Yes, sure she did fall quite a bit, but she got back up by herself and continued on. In a couple days at most, Martha should be able to run but today was all about walking.

Step by step, just a little bit more. She hadn't fell in a while, but she felt a jolt of wobbliness in her legs, her toes becoming jelly and the feeling slowly starting to spread. This is what happened the last times. So far, the furthest she had gone, when she fell, she wasn't disgruntaled but her desire was fueled. She wanted- needed to be able to walk all that distance back to camp. The others had sat down around Dot's failing fire.

Standing up, Martha watched the group from afar. She filled her lungs to the brim, let the air flow out of her mouth and took her first step. When her legs turned to jelly ten minutes later, she pinched her leg as hard as she could, then like nothing ever happened it stopped. She continued on her way, beating her record. Martha liked going out on walks when she was younger. It was actually how she met Toni. Late night walks with her mother. Midday walks with Toni or one of her sisters. Martha rarely walked alone, until the island. All the girls had changed and Martha knew that. She wasn't the same girl who stepped on that plane.

As she slowly crept toward the campsite, her body filled with glee but she knew better than to celebrate too early. Walking was difficult but Martha was persistent and was going to do it... no matter what.

When she finally collapsed, it was on her own accord. Now sitting down on the sand, next to Rachel and right in front of the fire that had taken one hundred percent of Dot's attention. That was until they heard shouting from behind them. Two figures picking themselves off the ground, one carrying the other, running down the beach towards the camp. Martha focused her eyes and- Oh shit! Toni!

Chapter 5: Tripping

Toni and Ivan:

The forest seemed loud, the chittering of bugs, the calls of animals trying to find their way home. The branches scrape against one another as the wind trickles them. The footsteps of the heavier animals from a distance away. The cracking and crunching of the wood when the tip of their axes sunk deep into the bark. Even with the forest being so alive, Ivan was the loudest.

"...and that's how I crashed my car. To be fair, I was so nice for taking the blame when really, it was totally not my fault, it was George's fault for getting so drunk" Ivan finished his long and dwelling story, sure it would be exciting for some drunk at a party or his friends at school but Toni was not drunk, Ivan's friend nor in the mood. The annoying thing is Ivan didn't even see the different perspectives of the people in the story. All about him, him and him.

"Didn't you get him drunk by cheating in the drinking game? You made him drink when he shouldn't have. It is totally your fault" Toni thought this would shut him up, and put him in his place but boy was she wrong.

"Yeah yeah, throw the blame on me. You're not the only bitch who does that. Why does everyone have something against me? Am I cursed or just too blessed? My parents always just said that they were just jealous of me and I totally agree with them." Ivan was so self absorbed, Toni was shocked.

"Can't you understand? It's not them, it's not the people around you that are wrong or to blame. God sake! It's you every time, your head is so far up your own ass that you can't care to think about others. How they might feel or what is going on in their life. Your stupidity is astounding. I can't believe someone even loved you. I bet all your friends are fake. When you want to change, fucking call me" Toni struck her axe into the branch hastily and ferociously.

"I don't need to change. I have friends and a boyf-... my friends like me for who I am."

Toni was silent... as time passed and the two piles of severed wooden branches grew, both equally messy. The anger piercing the air soon converted into discomfort in the silence. After an hour of pure silence, the forest was woken by his need for conversation.

"Why are you so depressed?" Ivan said as he took his homemade axe to the piece of wood.

"I'm not" Toni answered while colliding her fire emergency axe onto another piece of wood.

"You are so boring!" He tossed his chunk of broken off wood onto the pile.

"You are so annoying!" Toni mocked him as she threw her chunk of wood in between them.

"I am just trying to socialise. That is why Dot paired up boys with girls... Do you think any of them have fucked yet? Fatin and Raf?"

Toni let out a light laugh, "Nope, if you weren't so self obsessed, you would know they both are totally in love with Leah, at least I am ninety nine per cent sure Fatin is"

"Ok fine, umm Shelby and Kirin, I wouldn't put it past them, they are both hot"

"Shelby wouldn't do that" Toni said agitated.

"Ohh... You and Shelby. I have new information and suddenly some puzzle pieces connect. You're sad or mad because Shelby broke up with you and now she is gonna go screw Mr Perfect in the bushes all night long"

"Shut up!" Toni brought down her axe and the wood came clean off.

"I mean, you and Kirin are fairly similar, those little emotions run through your thoughts, you two are both very easily angered, and can never back down. I bet Shelby's tongue is already down his throat and you are just a memory" Ivan has stopped working and is slowly inching toward Toni.

"I know she wouldn't do that. She wouldn't. She would never!!"

"I mean you haven't been great to her since the bunker, all kept to yourself and angry. She is bound to want something more"

"Shut up!"

"Something better than you"

Toni hit her final piece of wood, she turned to face him, gripping the handle of her axe. He gave her an evil grin. She threw her axe off to the side and walked closer to him.

"Come on! Prove to me that you are just a useless angry idiot. Someone Shelby could get over in minutes." Toni pushed him and he dropped his axe.

"Shut the fuck up" Toni raised her voice.

"Shelby wouldn't even remember you" Toni pushed him once again. He stumbled back across the rocky ground trying to grasp for stability. He shoved her back.

"Shelby could have loved you!" Toni tackled him to the ground.

"She never has and never will" Ivan shouted at her, breaking her last straw. Toni raised her fist high in the air. He brought it down fast and hard. The blood on her knuckles dribbled down her fingers but she didn't stop. Her breathing was heavy and full of anger. With every strike, an ounce of anger left her through her bloodied fist. She didn't stop until her tank was empty and it took what seemed like hundreds of collisions for her to get off him. When she stood up she took a deep breath, filling her lung with anything other than the anger that she drowned in. She looked at him on the floor. "I'm sorry" She grabbed her axe and began to chop with her left hand now as her right was limp with pain.

Ivan had closed his eyes tight but when she had left, he opened his eyes with confusion. He look up at her, shocked. He looked to his left, where she had hit the rock instead of his face. The blood flowed down the side of the rock like a tear. When he stood up, he felt a jolt of pain at the back of his head. He looked back down to see blood on the rock where he was. Reaching his hand to the back of his head, and when his hand returned his fingertips were covered in blood. "Toni..." he raised his hand before collapsing. The world faded away, it was like falling into a dark cave. Watching the world as it got further away from him. Weirdly he knew that Toni would do the right thing next.

Toni dropped the axe once again and ran to Ivan catching him as he fell. "Shit shit shit shit shit" Toni began to carry him to the beach. Thank you past Toni for pushing yourself at the gym every day. Toni fell and tripped often on the way, she found it hard to carry him with one good hand, she just ignored the pain for this asshole's sake. She wasn't going to let him die. "I bet this is what he wanted as well." She whispered to herself. Hopefully, Shelby was at the beach already and not off with Kirin.

She could see the sandy beach, it was so close. "I fo-," Ivan mumbled. He was waking up.

"Shut up, don't speak," Toni said as she approached the beach.

"I forgive you" he repeated himself but more clearly.

Toni once again lost her footing and Ivan landed on his back while Toni caught herself, letting out a grunt of slight pain in the process. "I want a full apology later on tonight. This is your fault"

She picked up Ivan and carried him closer to where Marty and the others were. When she saw them in the distance, she shouted out for help. Tripping once again, she lost sight of them for a moment but when she looked up again, she saw Dot and Rachel running to help.

"Fuck... I'm sorry Ivan" she said as she helped to his feet.

"You better be, you psycho" Ivan whispered as loud as he could muster enough strength.

"I don't want to hear Shelby's name come out of your mouth again or I will not hesitate to hit your face the next time"

"Watch me," Ivan said in a low voice, trying to get more strength. Toni responded with an angry grunt.

Toni:

"What happened!" Dot asked concerned.

"Wouldn't you like to know," Ivan said sarcasticly.

"Can ye just help him?! His head is bleeding" Toni asked them.

Rachel and Dot took over for Toni as she had a breather for a second. They carried Ivan over to the campsite.

"What is going on?!" Martha questioned when she saw Ivan and Toni. Martha climbed to her feet and made her way to Toni.

"Josh, go to the bunker, find Leah, Scotty or Bo and bring back some medical. Go now!" Dot shouted before Josh ran past Toni, sprinting up the beach.

"Are you ok?" Martha hugged her. She felt Toni nod her head.

"Yeah yeah" Toni wasn't present in the conversation, she was staring at Ivan. He was lying down on the sand, dazed. She hated him, despised him but she wasn't evil. She needed to know if he was ok. She wasn't going to hurt him. She didn't mean to.

"Did you do this?" Martha had seen the bloody knuckles. "I thought you were better" Martha had a fearful look on her face. Was she scared of Toni? "What did you do? What did you do?!" Martha took a step back, she was ashamed. Toni was paralysed, she couldn't find the words. Her breathing picked up pace and her vision got a little blurry.

Toni slid her hand up her arm, finding her scar stretching across her upper arm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What did you do? What did you do?! Come here you little prick?" The woman stood across the room, staring down at the blood-stained nine-year-old Toni. It was then that the little girl, beaten, bruised and afraid —kneeling over a man covered in slashes and bruises— began to run. The streets were dark, the street lights were mainly busted or unable to give off enough light. Young Toni didn't stop running, her foster parents were cruel and unjust. She should have just taken the beating like she normally did, why did she fight back? Tonight of all nights. The coldest night of the month yet. Winter had cursed her with strong freezing wind, but it had given her a blessing for on that same night, another young girl was out walking with her mother. They went on walks together every day since the small girl had regained the ability to walk once again. They should have been out walking earlier but by nature's blessing, they had found themselves walking much later in the night. The night that would change both girls' lives.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I uhh... never finished the wood... I have to go" Toni started to leave, she couldn't look at the face of disappointment from Martha. Martha stood there, lost in her thoughts, the look of regret shone across her face.

"Can you handle this?" Rachel looked at Dot who was also at Ivan's side.

Dot nodded to Rachel but still tracked Rachel to find out what she was doing. Rachel got to her feet instantly and raced down the beach after Toni. Rachel was going to find out what was wrong with Toni and that is why she left the beach, and for the obvious reason of not being such a help with one hand.

"Are you ok?" Rachel questioned Toni.

"Yes." Toni was lying and Rachel saw right through it.

"You know I stopped eating less and less when I was back home. I never told my family because I didn't want to make a deal or make them worry, so I held in all my pain and frustration. My relationships broke down with everyone I knew. I became more alone every day. Look, Toni... I can see something is wrong and you need to tell somebody and I am here to listen to you if you want to tell me"

"It's uhh... I have just been overthinking, all I need is to be able to hold Shelby in my arms once again."

"Look, well, when she gets back to the beach at 7 o' clock tonight" Rachel held out one of the watches that Fatin had given out to every one of the girls. "You can talk to her then and you can sort out everything. You guys are perfect for each other I know that in my heart."

"I don't know why have been feeling this way" Toni was glad Rachel was there to talk.

"That feeling is just proof that you care about her, Toni. It's love" Rachel declared.

"I know love, the feeling of each cell in my body glowing when I see her. This is not it" Toni was lost in the confusion of it all.

"Trust me you will see it when you and Shelby finally talk." Rachel said reassuringly. "So what happened with Ivan?"

"He talked too much, it was my fault he hit his head but it was an accident, I promise" Rachel knew Toni wasn't lying but she also knew she wasn't telling the full truth.

"...and what about the beach?" Rachel spotted two piles in front of them, they must have reached their destination. Rachel looked around to find a splotch of red liquid covering the face of the rock. Next to it, just a bit of distance away was a smaller pool of... blood. With those two pools, a bloody hand and an unbruised face... Rachel had concluded the story.

Chapter 6: Trusted

Fatin and Raf:

Fatin didn't care that her clothes were soaking wet, she was carefree in the water, Raf had gotten out half an hour ago to collect water for the others. The water was crystal clear, splitting the sun into millions of reflections upon the surface.

"The sun is going to set soon, we should bring these back to the others" Raf announced, his voice echoing across the hot spring.

Fatin let her feet hit the sea floor, her shoes were at the edge of the water, strewn across the rocky shore. She walked through the shallow water and onto the beach. She took off her clothes to hang over her arm or shoulder. There were spare clothes in the bunker, but they didn't differ from the last pair. For now, she was just in her underwear, until Raf wrapped his own zipped hoodie around her shoulders. The trip back to the beach was fast because they were both rushing to beat the sunset.

"So have you always liked girls?" Raf asked Fatin. Fatin took a moment to think of an answer.

"When I was home, I would go out every night and screw guys a lot. I have done it with girls too but mainly boys. It was the island where I really found myself. Holy shit!" The realisation hit her.

"What? What?!" Raf was concerned and confused.

"The island is the "therapy" we all need. I think that the island has impacted us "for the better". I can't believe this. For Dot... before, she never lived her life and took charge to do so. Now she is not afraid to take a break and not be the one taking care of anyone, and I guarantee that when we get home, she is going to live her life like her father wanted her to. Leah... Leah used to be heartbroken and nervous, but now she is so much more confident. Martha... was stuck in a world where nothing bad happens but she has joined the real world and accepted the bad things that she faced. Rachel... she and her sister's relationship got so much better before— if Nora is alive and after everything she has done to us, Rachel will forgive her. Shelby... She has accepted her sexuality and stopped letting her family control her and she is happy. Toni... Toni has calmed down ever since she and Shelby were together." Fatin took a deep breath. "If Gretchen weren't so evil and if we weren't aided by being stranded on an island. I think I would have thanked her. Strange to say that, can I take it back?"

"I get what you mean but I have to say, I don't think the boys have gotten better but worse, our therapy sessions aren't close to over, give or take another thirty days." Raf assumed from his last experience on the boys' island.

"It's fifty days actually. God, how long have we been here? If Nora was here she would know. There were definitely fifty days on the first island, the "detectives" mentioned it a couple of times but in the bunker the days blended together."

"I know what you mean. I am pretty sure that after you were taken off your island, we were dropped on ours. So really... you were in the bunker for at least a month and there was if I were to guess the guys were being questioned every three days, so uhh, that should be fifty plus thirty-four plus twenty-one, that should equal to one hundred and five days" Raf and Fatin didn't need help with the maths, they were both very intelligent due to their parents pushing them to do well in their high paying schools.

"We have been here for over three months!!!"

"I can't believe you all lasted fifty full days on the first island, the boys were at each other's throats at first sight... weren't you all too?"

"Of course we were but after a while, it all sizzled out. We because friends and then we became a family. At least they became a family to me anyways"

"I have gotten close to some of the guys but the one I got closest to turned out to be the operative"

"Seth... The operatives were good people to us and I can help but feel like not all of them have been uncovered, I think there are still some among us, which haunts me I mean the people who I trusted with my life for the last... one hundred and five days were actually part of the reason I am even here in the first place, I just want to know why they would do this. What did we do to them?" Fatin could feel the searing cold of the wind encase her legs but even then she was warm as a result of her blood boiling at inhuman temperatures.

"I don't want to think about it. The fact is, at least one person on this island is not our friend and I understand that but by pointing fingers we will surely lose the real friends alongside the fake."

"I know I just met you this morning, but I trust you Raf" Fatin looked deep into Raf's eyes and he knew she was telling the truth.

"I trust you too Fatin, and if you trust the girls then I will trust them because I trust you" Raf smiled before Fatin pulled him into a hug.

"I will trust the boys if you do too. You are a good friend Raf" After their hug, they talked all the way down to the beach where there was a fire lit, most likely by Dot. Fatin turned into her hall monitor and mother of the group and realised she was the first group that arrived there. As they got closer, they were informed of the situation after Raf noticed that Rachel was traded out for Ivan, who was spread out on the floor being dramatic for no reason.

"I'm dying Raf, save me my prince!" Ivan exclaimed in a dramatic voice. He was clearly joking, so Raf wasn't not going to...

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair" Raf played along and hearing the others giggling behind him. Ivan was twisting and twirling on the sandy floor before getting on his kneels with his arms raised.

"He is on various drugs we found in the bunker. At least Gretchen left us that" Dot told both Raf and Fatin.

"I am a prince," Ivan paused with flare... "but a frog. Only a kiss upon my lips can cure me. Only the true prince can save me from my curse" The night was young and so were they, dancing around the fire with grace, Raf sensed Fatin's worry about the others not arriving yet. He left the group and threw his hand out. She grabbed it and pulled herself up to stand in front of him.

"Do you want to come with me to the bunker, meet the others and walk back with them."

"I'd like that, thanks Raf" They left together off into the night to find their love in the place where their hate grew like wildfire all those days ago.

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Shelby and Kirin:

The moon lit up the darkened forest floor, the once vibrant and colourful jungle decorated with festive bugs and creatures crawling through the bright green lush vegetation had turned to the dark ans unsettling graveyard which habitated the minions of death itself. The cries of the innocent could be heard across the land claimed by death and its followers.

"The sun has gone down, we could sleep here tonight and then follow the sun down south to the beach and if they are not there then the bunker. What do you think?" Kirin suggested

"Are you fucking serious?! They are going to kill us! We need to get back to camp now!" Shelby whispered as if not to alert her position.

"We can take shifts making sure we are safe, I will go first if you want?" Kirin tried his best to calm her down while trying not to actively shit himself by the noises he heard. He hoped the others were safe and ok by now.

"Are you sure you can't like read the stars and find the way back?" Shelby wished she came to this island with more knowledge in her brain.

"I can't... we would probably get more lost in the proccess, trust me this is the best thing to do." Shelby trusted that it was the best idea but she needed to know that it would be safe.

"I need to... uhh... go pray, I will be right back" Kirin thought it was weird of Shelby to decide to be alone after she just freaking out like that. He wasn't much of a religious person so he didn't understand it but he assumed that she trusted her god or something.

Kirin sat down, let his fingers dig into the dirt, feel the earth breath, he lay his head against a tree as the moonlight struck his face. There was a small tingle in his stomach. Felt off, odd, alien... Kirin could sense that something was wrong. What could have gone wrong to make him sick. Thata little tingle turned into a painful stinging feeling in the pit of Kirin's stomach, Kirin released the dirt and held his stomach tightly, as if that would make the pain cease.

He gagged, he searched through his memory. What did this, as the realisation hit so hit the bad berries he ate. A large amount of vomit hit the dirt. Kirin kicked the bucket he had previously filled out of range, spilling the berries across the forest floor. He got to his feet for he had a mission. He needed to find Shelby, she was surely going through the same thing and he needed to help her. Just as he found his footing, Shelby appeared from behind the large, bushy plants.

"The berries... they are bad" Kirin mumbled as he wiped his sleeved across his lips

"I know" Her voice was woozy and Kirin took the hint and took a step back while reaching over to hold back as much hair as he could before she threw up.

"We need to get back to the group" Kirin suggested with a hint of concern in his voice.

"How?! We could get way more lost on this stupid island!!" Shelby exploded.

"I am sorry. I just thought it would be best if we found the others, they could have water and medical stuff by now. There is a chance we might not survive the night... We need to get back to the beach" Kirin firmly told Shelby.

"We are going to survive, Gretchen hasn't actually killed anyone and is going to never going to see the light oustide her jail cell if she kills one of us"

"Are you defending her, need I remind you that Gretchen killed Ty and Jeanette on day one of the islands and let Seth and Nora die as well. She is a murderer and if we don't find the others right now we are going to be next on that list."

"Sorry. Alright let's look for the beach, if we can head one way and just follow the shoreline then we should eventually find them." Shelby schemed

"Great plan, lets do this!" Kirin said enthusiatically before bending over puking his guts out.

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Dean Young:

Scanning the news website, hoping for an article along the lines of 'Gretchen Klein put away and 16 young teens rescued'. Dean felt unless in this fight but if his daughter was safe then he would not risk that. Scribbling against the hard table, his daughter was heard from across the room. Dean loved her with all his heart, he couldn't bear to lose her again. He was scared to go outside with her, scared that he would return alone, black mailed into a criminal scheme by the likes of Gretchen Klein. Those teenagers had parents too, he couldn't let those parents, even the ones of the Klein's operatives, worry one day longer. Only the girls and the boys hadn't known they would be there for more than just one weekend. The parents knew how long the teenagers be gone but they had no clue of the operation that Klein was running. For all Dean knew, they could already be lost, starving or... dead. If Dean was going to help the girls, he was going to make sure his family was safe.

Chapter 7: Tea?

Notes:

I am truly sorry about this chapter...

Dean Young:

Ian Murnen. Mr Murnen was a good friend of Leah. He did everything he could to determine what happened to his best friend. I plan to find him and help him to rescue those girls and put away Gretchen and her helpers. He worked out of his bedroom, he didn't have much information until he met up with Gretchen's son, Devin.

As Dean walks down the nice looking neighbourhood, approaching the house where Ian Murnen lives. Dean had called ahead and Ian knew tha Dean was coming to talk about Leah and the other girls and boys, although Ian was obviously more interested in Leah and not the other teenagers. It didn't matter which girl Ian was interested in the most because Leah was as important as any one of those teenagers.

As Dean found himself at the front door of the house, he bangs his middle knuckles against the door panels of the door before him. Waiting just only a minute or two until the door swings open to reveal Ian standing there in a messy shirt and a pair of comfy looking tracksuit pants.

"Hi, my name is Dean Young. I called you on the phone yesterday... as I said yesterday, I know you are trying to find your friend Leah Rilke and I am here to help because I have some information about her whereabouts and why she is there. Can I come in?" Dean says in a professional tone. Ian could tell Dean was the right person to help.

"Yes, yes, yes... come on in." Ian says before leading Dean down the hall to his kitchen table. Dean was sitting down while Ian stood. "Tea? Coffee?"

"Tea, if you don't mind" Dean could not take another cup of coffee today, he had ploughed through three just to get rid of the nerves.

"So how do you know about Leah?" Ian boils the kettle while taking out two mugs, putting tea bags in the two. Ian turns around and asked another question with just his facial expression.

"Milk, two sugar... and I have seen Leah, it is quite a story" Dean waits for Ian to sit down at the table before he begins the story of the unsinkable eight... sixteen. The one thing that Grethen and her goons were right about was the fact that the girls were more entertaining than the boys. Ian slowly walks over to the round table with a sloppily cover strewn across it. Placing the two cups down on the table then stitting himself down on the chair across from Dean.

"Where did you see her? Is she ok?" Ian asks anxiously.

"I dont know how much you know but I can tell you everything I know" Dean had known that Ian had an idea of what Gretchen was doing but Dean was ready to tell Ian everything that he knows and then they could then work from there.

"I know that a woman named Gretchen Klein has trapped a total of eighteen teenagers on two island. There has been one accidental death and three fake deaths. I know I told the FBI all of this and they sent a team out and there was nothing there." Dean was ready to help Ian now.

"Gretchen Klein, she did make at least fourteen children believe they survived a plane crash and survive on a island for thirty to fifty days. They were then contained at a facility on a seperate and disclosed island that only Grethchen knows. The whereabouts of Grethchen are also unknown. Much information was withheld from her employees incase they were to stop the project from finishing. I have no idea how many phases there are but I know that the group are on a second island all together which is phase three." Dean stops to take a sip of his tea but also to see the reaction and respond of Ian. Still the detective, huh?

"How are we going to find them?" Ian leans forward, fingers wrapped around the cup.

"I have an idea of how to get more information about Gretchen and her project" Dean rests his cup down on the table.

"What's that?" Ian asks intriguingly while he took a sip of his tea.

"The parents, some know more than the others, I say we visit them and find out what they know, if they don't tell us what they know well... I will make them" Dean grins whilst he watches Ian's face turn from pondering to visible concerned and finally to an agreeing smile.

"We can do this, right?" Ian questions both himself and Dean.

"We can do this!"

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Gretchen Klein:

Staring at the wide screen that stretched across the wall. This place was a new, bit lacking of what the last headquarters had but that was ok, as long as it works. There was a loud clacking of keys behind her from Thom and Susan at their computers. For the little amount of cameras that were on the island. There was a perfect shot of the beach, able to see the campire they set up. There were only a couple of them on the beach. The others were either in the bunker or the woods.

"Has the other operative made contact with us?" Gretchen turns around to face Susan and Thom.

"No, they seem to be busy, they'll do it later on tonight." Thom says reassuringly.

"Do we know what happened with Ivan?" Susan inquiries.

"Take a guess" Gretchen teases. "A loud mouth Ivan and a angry Toni set off into the woods. If they are together, chaos will rain down on that island."

"Do you want the project to blow up in your face, I thought you wanted them to trust each other? How will Toni and Ivan's creation of distrust between groups cause anything good for the project?"

"Just further proves the point of the project... when the women were alone, they worked together"

"I'm sorry but didn't like every single one of them fight each other constantly. It doesn't matter what group are in the situation, they are going to cause problems in the group." Thom protests.

"At least the women figured it out in the end... the men ended up with attempted murder. Speaking of, where is Seth and Nora. What is the plan with them?" Gretchen swung back around to watch the beach, scanning the screen to find any newcomers.

"They are at the second bunker as of this moment, before we send them into the group. They are going to go place cameras and microphones at the beach and bunker. We can't monitor the group at all times but we can get everything we need from the beach and the bunker."

"Get Nora on call. Now!" Gretchen repeatedly scratched her upper neck as her leg bounced up and down at the same time. Gretchen was visibly very nervous, this needed to go right. The situation was different this time around. She was sure Leah had filled them in on the true story.

The screen switches to a video call featuring Nora with a nervous Seth in the background. He was pacing around the messy room. There were food packages tossed around the room and a couple of blankets reaching from the bed to halfway across the room. Neither of them were even bothered by the state, Gretchen thought Nora would, she used to be a clean person so it was weird why she wasn't bothered by the mess.

"Hey, so do you know what is going on tonight?" Gretchen began, the reaction was a bit slowed but Nora nodded her head and then proceeding to fling an empty Pringles can right at Seth... who then rushed over.

"What? What?" The confused Seth asks.

"What we are doing tonight" Nora tells Seth before turning back to her screen, "We have cameras and microphones stocked up in the closet next to us and we will go place some at the beach and bunker and some in the woods, by the 'backup plans'. Also you can't just call them backup plans. I know they are not traps but they sure look like ones"

"You two have another week before you can get back to the group, if it is possible. Brainstorm it in the meantime." Gretchen provided an answer before hastily switching the topic. "What about your re-entering the group? Have you two thought of anything yet?"

"Well... we have an idea but I am so sure that no one will let Seth re join the group so Seth can operate from out here"

"What is the idea?" the curious Gretchen asks.

"Well we just have a rough ouline but so far it will go like--" she was cut off by Audrey whistling while she enters the room.

"Hey Gretchen, I got those weather reports for the next week on the island. There is some bad weather but the days are ok enough." Audrey hands over the top file in her hands which all hold the weather information for the next week inside. "The weather will not be a problem for this week but I think the problem of food may arise." Audrey looks down at a file with nonsense about survival scribbled messily all over the sheets inside. "With no food and water, the maximum time they can survive is about one week. With only water, no food, they could survive to about two to three months." Audrey reads straight out of the file.

"Well if things get bad, we can use the reintroduction to Nora to include food."

"What will happen if one of the kids happens to die?" Susan asks sheepishly.

"If, by chance, one of the subjects were to get injured or even die, well... we need to cover it up" Gretchen broke eye contact with the others, she feels bad. She quickly shakes off that feeling, she can't be feeling bad or be getting attached to these boys and girls, she needs to put her feeling away in a box and get to work. These kids weren't going to die. It won't happen... "It won't happen though, we will make sure they are safe on that island. You all got that?" Gretchen exclaims and Thom, Susan and Audrey's faces changes from concern to confindent to protect the kids.

Gretchen spat out their assignments and left to 'go find Faber'. As soon as she turned the corner, the phone was out and Candy Crush was open.

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Nora and Seth:

"For fucks sake, what is wrong with you?! Why can't you chill down for two seconds!" Nora throws yet another beer can at the pacing Seth.

"This is not going to work! I am going to die! The second you get, you are going to spill all the secrets to your sister and let me die to the violent and cruel boys!"

Nora approaches Seth, "Can't you trust me... I promise you that I won't". When Seth panics, he talks and boy does he not stop. Not now, not ever. After a while spending time together, Nora found out the way to silence him until the next day. Nora leans in and lays her lips on Seth's lips.

"I will not hurt you, I promise you Seth," Nora lied through her teeth, god all she wanted to do was watch as he fell off a cliff or something.

Nora grabs Seth's t-shirt and pulls it over his head. Pushing him down onto the bed. Tossing the shirt next to the others she threw the other nights. She reaches up and unbuttons the shirt that he owned but she was wearing. Dropping it to the floor, she floats toward him and they began to make out on the bed before further undressing.

Nora doesn't even like Seth, he was alright to talk to but nothing more. The sex was just to waste time and so she could think about anything other than her sister. Can't forget the big reason, it was to shut Seth up. Even when Nora didn't want to have sex, Seth did and Seth gets what Seth wants, no matter how hard you fight it. The one thing Nora wants was to get out of this bunker and away from Seth, sure Seth had a chance to join the group once more but it was a slim one. When Nora gets the chance, she will reunite with her sister and all will be well again. All she needs to do was waste some more time. These bunker walls will make anyone crazy.

Chapter 8: Entwined

Leah:

Leah's rhythmic chair-leg tapping against the countertop kept time with the song that played on an endless loop in her mind. Lost in her thoughts and the melody, she hummed softly, her own tune harmonizing with the one in her head. The sudden jolt of the door hitting the wall snapped her back to reality as Scotty and Bo made their abrupt entrance.

"We have been looking for you everywhere!! It's night, and your friends are waiting for you outside," Scotty exclaimed urgently.

"Huh?" Leah was momentarily disoriented, needing a few seconds to process the information. Finally, she replied, "Okay, I'm coming now."

In a rush, the three of them navigated the labyrinth of corridors, their footsteps echoing through the empty space. Scotty relayed the reason for their urgent search: "there was a medical emergency at the beach."

"Who?!" Leah's voice trembled with worry, her mind racing through the worst-case scenarios.

"Ivan just banged his head" Scotty replied, his tone shifting slightly as he emphasized the word "banged." Leah couldn't help but pick up on the subtle inflection.

"What really happened?" Leah pressed further, sensing that Scotty was holding something back.

Scotty hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Well... Josh said... that Ivan probably got in a fight with Toni because he saw blood on her hand." He seemed reluctant to share more details.

"Did she win?" Leah blurted out, a hint of humor in her voice, but she quickly realized that this wasn't the time for jokes.

"Evidently..." Bo replied, providing a straightforward answer as they reached the bunker door.

Leah stepped outside onto the beach, her gaze drawn immediately to the familiar figures sitting on the ledge. Fatin and Raf were engrossed in conversation, and Leah couldn't help but fixate on Fatin's infectious laughter, which resonated through the night air, carrying with it a sense of joy and comfort.

As they approached, Fatin and Raf stood up, synchronized in their movements. Leah couldn't ignore the surge of nervousness that washed over her. It was just Fatin and Raf, people she had known for a while, and yet something felt different tonight.

"Hey, Leah!" They greeted each other in unison.

Leah replied with a hesitant, "Hi," her voice portraying her nervousness. She found herself inexplicably self-conscious in the presence of these two 'friends'.

As they began their descent from the bunker, Leah walked alongside Fatin.

"Did you find anything useful in the bunker?" Fatin inquired, hoping for a breakthrough in their ongoing quest against Gretchen.

"Fuel for a fire, but that's just about it," Leah replied, her tone reflecting a hint of disappointment. "All we found were files filled with useless information. I'm sure Gretchen took anything important with her, but there might be something she accidentally left behind—something we can use to bring her down once and for all. She can't get away with all of this!"

Leah's emotions swelled, a mix of anger and frustration threatening to overwhelm her. Soft tears escaped her eyes, their journey down her cheeks a silent testament to her pent-up emotions.

"We won't let her get away with this, Leah," Fatin reassured her, her voice filled with determination.

Leah decided to change the subject to something lighter, seeking a moment of respite from the intensity of their mission. "So... I can't help but notice your oversized clothes," she remarked.

Fatin chuckled as she explained, "Well, it's not a long story. Raf and I found water and decided to take a swim. These clothes were in the closet of the first bedroom we found in the bunker. Not exactly my fashion choice, but it's better than nothing."

"Water?!" Leah's eyes lit up with delight. She couldn't contain her excitement and pulled Fatin into a hug, surprising both of them. Fatin felt a momentary sense of confusion; Leah wasn't known for hugging anyone, let alone her. Leah's behavior had changed since they arrived on this new island, but Fatin brushed the thought aside, reassuring herself that Leah would never betray their trust. Was Leah one of Gretchen's spies... noo. It kind of makes sense though, Fatin thought. No, Leah would never, she wouldn't. Fatin repeated to herself.

"Uhh, yeah... water," Fatin replied, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Are you feeling alright?" Leah inquired, noticing Fatin's unease as they pulled away from the hug.

"Yes, I'm fine," Fatin replied, offering a small smile. "I am just worried about you," She silently inched closer to Leah, their fingers brushing lightly, sending a cascade of butterflies through their stomachs.

"Just a little overwhelmed recently," Leah confessed as they continued their descent down the hill, drawing closer to the beach.

"I understand," Fatin replied softly, her voice filled with empathy. "If it helps, you can share your problems with me."

Leah couldn't resist the urge to reach out, intentionally touching Fatin's hand. Their fingers entwined, and the sensation sent another rush of butterflies through their stomachs. Fatin noticed Leah's deliberate action, and she welcomed the connection, their intertwined hands serving as a silent affirmation of the growing bond between them.

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Toni and Rachel:

"And what about the beach?" Rachel's voice carried a sense of curiosity as she scanned the environment.

Toni, though not genuinely perplexed, decided to play along, pretending to be bewildered by the conversation. "What?" She raised an eyebrow all in an attempt to avoid discussing what had happened on the beach earlier.

"On the beach... with Martha? You running off?" Rachel's words held a subtle but undeniable insistence. Toni couldn't evade the issue any longer.

With a sigh, Toni replied "I didn't exactly run off... I just wanted to finish what I started with the wood."

Rachel was beginning to lose her patience. Her voice, though calm, carried an underlying tone that hinted at growing impatience. "Stop ignoring the question, Toni."

Toni, feeling cornered, made a last-ditch effort to halt the conversation. "Can we please just not talk about it?"

Rachel, clearly dissatisfied with this outcome, abandoned her calm demeanor. "Toni, stop this nonsense. Tell me what's going on with you, or else."

Though not easily intimidated, Toni did want to talk, to scream out the truth. But for now, she settled for honesty. "What do you want to know?"

In response, Rachel's demeanor transformed, a broad, genuine smile replacing the stern facade. "Everything, but let's start with what actually happened here. I thought you weren't so easily angered anymore."

Toni nodded in agreement, her expression earnest. "Well, I have changed. I did get angry, but I didn't hurt him on purpose... even though he did deserve it."

Rachel, undeterred, delved deeper. "Why did you get angry in the first place though?"

Toni explained, the words coming forth with a mix of guilt and frustration. "He said some things about Shelby, and I did my best to stop myself from beating his ass. I told him to stop a couple of times. He deserved a beating, but I didn't do shit. I did push him to the ground, where he injured his head, but it was not intentional... I swear it, Rach."

Unexpectedly, Rachel's response was not one of reprimand but rather understanding. "Oh, in that case, screw him... I would have done the same thing if I were you."

Toni and Rachel had never shared a particularly close relationship. Rachel typically spent her time with Nora or Leah, occasionally with Shelby or Dot. Toni rarely engaged in meaningful conversations with Rachel, as their interactions were usually in the group hangouts.

Rachel decided to shift the conversation's focus. "Hey, when we were in the bunker, I noticed there were notebooks and pens. I've been thinking about starting a diary. My sister used to keep diaries all the time, even on the island... I know she's alive, but I believe writing a diary might help me remember her as I knew her, not just as the girl working with Gretchen. The thing is, I've never really made a diary before."

Toni contemplated Rachel's request, willing to help. "I guess that could be helpful... I've never really kept diaries before either. I never wanted to remember my past. But you know what, we can figure it out together. What else is there to do on this stupid island?"

A brief moment of silence passed as Toni allowed herself to be lost in her thoughts. She couldn't help but let a small smile shine across her lips, a rare expression on this desolate island. "Let's do it... but wait, where are those notebooks?"

Rachel offered a solution. "They should be in the bedrooms back at the bunker. We can find 'em tonight or tomorrow."

Toni nodded in agreement. "Sounds good."

As the night deepened, Rachel and Toni's conversation continued. They found themselves stuck in discussions, mapping out plans for the days ahead, and in the process, finding the beginning of a friendship. Under the starlit canopy, they shared stories and laughter.

Yet, the forest slowly surrendered to the shadows of night. The moon cast its silvery glow through the forest. The once-lively sounds of nocturnal creatures hushed into silence, as the predators of the wild began their nightly feast.

In the midst of this transition, Rachel and Toni exchanged knowing glances. They felt the subtle shift in the air, the unspoken understanding that it was time to leave the forest behind and return to the beach camp. With determination in their eyes, they hoisted the bundles of chopped wood, three times their own weight onto their shoulders.

Finally, back at the beach, they flung the heavy wood onto the sandy shore just outside the small camp. As they caught their breath, their gaze swept across the familiar faces of the others. Toni, always on the lookout for Shelby, turned her eyes toward the forest's edge. But instead of her love, she spotted Scotty, Bo, and Raf, lost in friendly conversation. Meanwhile, Fatin and Leah, once on opposite sides of a simmering attraction, had drawn remarkably close to each other, their connection unnoticeable.

Toni couldn't help but revel in the sight, her inner thoughts screaming in jubilation. 'They finally did it!' she celebrated silently, witnessing the romance she had been secretly rooting for. Amidst the backdrop of the tranquil beach and the whispering waves, the bonds between the teenagers continued to evolve, creating friendships, and perhaps, love.

Rachel made her way to the inviting campfire, the crackling flames sending flickers of orange and gold dancing into the night. As she settled onto a log, her gaze roved over the familiar faces that comprised their makeshift campsite community. On her left, Ivan lay sprawled on his back, his eyes locked on the celestial tapestry above, as if attempting to decipher the secrets of the stars themselves. It was a moment of quiet reflection amidst the wilderness.

Directly across from her, Josh perched close to the fire, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as he tossed tiny twigs into the flames with remarkable enthusiasm. His antics seemed a bit wasteful, considering the preciousness of their firewood. At least Toni and Rachel had been smart enough to bring an ample supply of firewood.

Adjacent to Josh, a distance away from the warmth of the fire, was Dot and Martha. Martha, slowly but steadily, had been regaining her ability to walk, a process filled with determination and unwavering support from Dot. Martha's steps might have been painstakingly slow, but she was filled resilience from those who watched. Dot, her loyal friend, walked just a step behind, her eyes trained on Martha's every movement, offering both physical and emotional support on this challenging journey of recovery. Their silent connection spoke about the strength of their friendship.

Henry sat beside the campfire, his gaze fixed intensely upon the dancing flames. His expression was impossible to understand, and it was anyone's guess what thoughts churned within his mind. Lost on yet another desolate island, the result of his psychotic brother Seth's actions, Henry felt a deep sense of shame for failing to recognise his sibling's true intentions earlier. The trust that had once bound them had been shattered, and it seemed incapable of repair.

As the others gathered around the campfire, they engaged in conversation to pass the time while awaiting the return of Shelby and Kirin. The crackling firelight cast flickering shadows across their faces, creating an atmosphere of both warmth and uncertainty.

Chapter 9: Morrow

Notes:

Sorry for late posting

The dull and dimly lit room seemed like it belonged more to a shady organization than a legitimate police station. Its walls were painted an uninspiring shade of gray, with soundproofing foam pyramids meticulously mounted against the walla, further amplifying the sense of secrecy. To the individuals gathered within, it was all too evident that this was not your typical police interrogation room. In fact, they harbored strong suspicions that it was another one of Gretchen Klein's secret operations. These actors playing the role of detectives might be convincing, but the teens weren't about to be fooled again.

One of the 'detectives' leaned forward, his expression carefully neutral, masking any emotions or motivations. "So, tell us. What happened on the beach?" His words held a calculated restraint, revealing nothing of his true intentions.

The teen replies, "You can't just skip to the last chapter without reading the previous chapters. Gretchen is getting straight to the point this time."

The detective's patience worn thin, spoke up with an air of frustration. "As you mention Gretchen... we are gathering every ounce of information that could potentially bring her downfall. Anything you can provide would be immensely valuable."

"Give up the act already." Their collective resolve remained unshaken, determined to uncover the truth and expose Gretchen's web of deceit.

"I don't know how I can prove to you that I am who I say I am, I just need you to trust me, can you do that?" The teenager's voice quivered with a mix of desperation and frustration.

The atmosphere in the room remained tense, "Someone died that day, and some of us were injured... but you already know that, hidden cameras placed all over that stupid island. That island is not cursed. There is a reason why so many people got hurt on that island. My friends! Because of Gretchen Klein. Can you hear me?! I know you are there, behind that stupid mirror, I will find you... I will kill you! Trust me, I will!" The teen's emotions boiled over, and with a surge of anger, they propelled the metal chair with all their strength, shattering the mirror to reveal an empty room behind it.

The two guards stationed at the door swiftly moved to restrain the teenager, their firm grips on her arms preventing any further outbursts. "Martha, you need to calm down. Your actions will not help your friends." They guided her back to a newly placed chair at the desk, and the guards resumed their watch.

"Look, we are here to help you. We want to hear your side of the story, and we don't have to talk about the beach if you don't want to," the female detective assured Martha in a more compassionate tone.

Martha nodded, her anger slowly subsiding. "Can I see them?"

"Maybe in time. Depending on who you want to see, we can try to arrange something for you," the female detective responded. It was evident that the woman was playing the role of the good cop, while her male counterpart seemed more stern.

"I want to see Dot, Toni, and Shelby," Martha replied, her hope tempered by the knowledge that not all her requests could be granted.

"We can let you see Dot, but you know you can't see Toni or Shelby. Not for a while, anyway," the female detective conveyed gently, causing Martha to sigh deeply, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they all faced.

"When? When can I see Dot?" Martha implored, her desire to reunite with her friend.

"After you answer some questions of ours," the male detective replied sternly, a reminder that cooperation was expected in exchange for any concessions.

Martha hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I will tell you what you want to know, but in my way."

"Of course," the detectives agreed, willing to accommodate her as long as they could gather the information they sought.

----------------

*Back on the island*

Rachel and Toni:

The morning sun painted the sky with a gentle warmth as Rachel woke up, her body still attuned to her old routine of her early morning runs. She had adapted to island life but couldn't completely shake off her old habits. It was late in the morning, but without the ringing of the alarm clocks, her sense of time had shifted, and she couldn't wake up quite as early as she used to back home.

With a burst of energy, Rachel rose from her makeshift bed and decided to employ her tried-and-true method of getting Toni up. She delivered a few playful kicks to Toni's leg, whisper-shouting, "Get up!" Toni, still half-asleep, groaned in response. Rachel's persistence paid off, and after the fifth kick, Toni begrudgingly rose to her feet.

"What's going on?" Toni mumbled sleepily in a raspy voice.

"I want to go to the bunker to get those notebooks," Rachel explained.

"Oh, right, yes, sure," Toni replied, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Her concern about Shelby's absence crept into her thoughts. "Where's Shelby? Hasn't she returned yet?"

"She'll come back today. Remember when you two got lost on the first island, you camped out during the night and came back in the daytime. Don't worry," Rachel reassured Toni, though the reason they got lost was precisely why she was growing more concerned. She shook the thought.

"Let's just go to the bunker," Rachel invited to which Toni agreed, eager to focus on something other than Shelby's absence.

As they walked up the hill towards the bunker, Toni continued their conversation. "So, how do we even make a diary? I mean, I am not a poet."

"It doesn't matter. You can put down your feelings, your opinions, maybe even just notes about things you see. Nora used to draw things she saw and added little notes to them."

"I can draw stickmen," Toni exclaimed with a hint of amusement.

Rachel chuckled. "That's a start, I guess."

"What about you?" Toni asked. "What will you do?"

"I might try different things to see what suits me best. I don't know. I might draw, partly because Nora did. But, honestly, I don't even know if I'll see her again."

"Well, in that case, draw for her. You will see her again, and you can show her your works of art. I'm sure she'd be proud," Toni suggested, trying to offer some encouragement.

Their chatter filled the air as they continued their walk to the bunker. Upon arriving, they began to discuss their plans in more detail. Their time together, planning and sharing ideas, provided a sense of normalcy in their otherwise bizarre and unpredictable circumstances.

Martha:

Meanwhile, Martha woke up on the beach, her body feeling the effects of sleeping outside, an experience she hadn't been accustomed to before arriving on the island. Her nights spent beneath the stars with Toni, talking about the complexities of life, family, and love, had been as close as possible to her current reality.

As Martha rose to her feet, she noticed that some of her friends were missing, presumably off. She assumed they'd return shortly and decided to go for a morning walk to clear her head and to try improve her ability of walking. The sound of the ocean, the waves crashing against the shore, had become a comforting lullaby.

During her walk, she noticed a figure in the distance approaching her along the beach. As the person drew closer, Martha recognized him as Josh, one of the boys who had been a part of their group. As he got closer, he decided to join Martha in her walk

"Good morning!" Josh greeted her with a warm smile, his eyes reflecting a hint of weariness. The night had undoubtedly left its mark on him. "How did you sleep?" he inquired, perhaps searching for some reassurance in her response.

Martha returned his smile, noting the fatigue that lingered in his gaze. She understood that the island had a way of interrupting even the most peaceful night's sleep. "It was good, yes... and how was yours?" she asked Josh, her curiosity piqued by his early morning stroll along the beach. "Did you just come back from a walk?"

Josh's response came surprisingly quickly, almost as if he was eager to change the subject or avoid discussing his night's rest in detail. "Yes," he said, confirming that he had indeed just returned from a walk.

"Why so early?" Martha probed gently, sensing that there might be more to the story.

Josh hesitated for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. "Nightmares," he admitted finally, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Martha nodded sympathetically, understanding that the island's dark and enigmatic nature could easily plague one's dreams. "I know what you mean," she said softly, her expression empathetic. "This place has a way of getting into your head, even when you're asleep."

Their shared acknowledgment of the island's unsettling effects created a bond between them. As they slowly strolled along the shoreline, they engaged in a more open conversation as Josh helped Martha walk, swapping stories and experiences from their time on the island, offering each other a sense of companionship and understanding in the face of their shared struggles.

"Have you seen Toni or Rachel?" she asked, realizing that a few of their group members were still missing.

Josh shook his head, his brow furrowing with concern. "No, when I left, they were asleep. Kirin and your friend are still not back yet, are they?"

"No, I am a bit worried about them," Martha admitted, her voice tinged with anxiety. Her bond with Shelby ran deep, and the thought of her friend facing unknown dangers on the island troubled her.

Josh offered a reassuring smile, trying to help calm down Martha's concerns. "They will come back soon, don't worry about it," he said, his tone carrying a comforting assurance. Martha couldn't help but find solace in his words. In the midst of the island's mysteries and uncertainties, having someone to share her fears with was a welcomed relief.

As they continued their leisurely walk along the beach, the soft sand cushioning their steps and the rhythmic sound of the waves soothing their souls, their conversation flowed effortlessly. The sun cast a warm, golden glow on the shoreline, illuminating shells and pebbles scattered along the sand.

"Did you have fun last night, bonding with the other group?" Martha inquired, breaking the tranquility with her gentle voice. Her gaze wandered along the horizon, where the sky and sea met in a breathtaking display of colors.

Josh nodded in response, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes, it was a nice change of pace. After being cooped up in that bunker for what felt like an eternity, with no contact with the outside world except for those annoying detectives, it was refreshing to have some genuine human interaction."

"The bunker was incredibly dull, I agree. But I can't say that being stuck on yet another island is an improvement," Martha remarked, her thoughts reflecting on the nature of their predicaments.

Josh turned his attention to the vast ocean, his eyes scanning the endless horizon. "True, we might still be trapped, but this place has its own kind of beauty. These incredible beaches, the clear blue water, and the untouched nature—it's something you can't find back home."

Martha followed his gaze and marveled at the unspoiled scenery before her. The sun, now higher in the sky, painted the water's surface with shimmering reflections. "It is beautiful," she admitted, her voice carrying the weight of sincerity. In that moment, surrounded by the serene expanse of the beach and the gentle lull of the waves, the mysteries and uncertainties of the island felt a world away. They found solace in the simple, untouched beauty of the world around them.

Martha couldn't help but feel a warm sensation spreading throughout her body as she soaked in the breathtaking beauty of the scenery around her. The sun's gentle rays danced upon the tranquil ocean, painting a masterpiece that she knew would stay etched in her memory for years to come. Yet, there was another source of beauty she couldn't ignore, and it wasn't just the picturesque view.

Josh's gaze remained steadfast, locked onto Martha as she stood beside him, her profile illuminated by the morning sun. His heart raced, and his palms grew slightly damp as he felt a rush of nervous energy coursing through him. He had never felt more captivated by someone in his life, and he couldn't tear his eyes away.

Martha, on the other hand, sensed Josh's gaze upon her and turned her head slightly to meet his eyes. In that split second, she saw the longing and vulnerability in his expression, and her heart skipped a beat. It was as if an unspoken connection had formed between them, and it was impossible to ignore.

Without hesitation, Martha's heart guided her actions. She reached out and gently took hold of Josh's face, her touch tender yet filled with an undeniable passion. Their lips met in a kiss that was both electric and tender, a moment of vulnerability and desire woven into a single, breathtaking exchange.

For a heartbeat, time seemed to stand still as their lips lingered together, the world around them fading into insignificance. Martha felt a rush of emotions she couldn't quite put into words – a mixture of longing, curiosity, and the thrill of an unexpected connection.

When they finally parted, their eyes met once more, this time filled with a newfound understanding and a shared sense of wonder. Martha could feel her cheeks flush with a mixture of excitement and shyness. She smiled, a warm and genuine expression that conveyed more than words ever could.

Josh, his nerves now replaced with a sense of exhilaration, returned her smile, his eyes sparkling with a newfound confidence. It was a simple yet profound moment, one that would forever change the course of their journey on this enigmatic island. As they continued their walk along the beach, hand in hand, the world around them took on an even deeper, more vibrant hue, echoing the newfound connection they had discovered between themselves.

Chapter 10: Lost Lovers

Notes:

Thanks to shal1fo3 for giving me a reason to continue with another a chapter

Shelby and Kirin:

As they ventured through the lush forest, the dappled sunlight filtering through the emerald canopy, it became increasingly evident that they were close to discovering a beach. Finally, as they emerged onto the sandy shore, Shelby couldn't help but steal a glance over her shoulder at the enchanting forest they had just traversed.

Meanwhile, Kirin wasted no time and sprinted with youthful enthusiasm into the inviting crystal-clear ocean, the waves playfully lapping at his feet. Throwing most of his clothes off to the side and going in further. It was a much-needed respite, for the previous night had left them both in a rather sorry state, covered in their own vomit.

Shelby's gaze swept over the intricate tapestry of the forest, each leaf and twig seemingly whispering secrets of nature. But then, like a hidden treasure revealed by the rising sun, her eyes fell upon the majestic hills that rose in the distance, their sloping contours and lush greenery beckoning her curiosity. Excitement brimming, she turned to share her revelation with Kirin, only to find him already immersed in the cool, welcoming embrace of the ocean. Determination coursing through her, she sprinted across the sun-kissed beach, the sand warm beneath her feet, closing the distance between them.

"Kirin!" she called out, her voice carried by the gentle sea breeze. "I think I've figured out where the camp might be."

Kirin's hastily turned around, his eyes bright with anticipation. "Where?" he asked, eager to reunite with their companions.

"That hill," Shelby explained, her gaze now fixed on the distant rise. "I think that that is where the bunker is hidden. If we head in that direction, we'll likely reach the beach. And even if I am wrong, the hill will give us a better view."

"Good idea!" Kirin exclaimed, his enthusiasm mirroring hers as they set their sights on the journey ahead.

She took off most of her clothes, carefully peeling them off one by one, and stepped into the crystal-clear water, her toes sinking into the soft sand at the edge of the shore. The gentle lapping of the waves caressed her ankles as she tested the water's temperature. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden hue across the tranquil scene, and the sky was painted with shades of pink and orange. The beach was deserted, a secluded paradise where the outside world seemed to disappear. Shelby was lost in the moment, relishing the solitude, until Kirin, her adventurous and impulsive friend, dashed towards her, an excited grin on his face. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he playfully tugged at her arm, urging her further into the water.

 

In a fit of laughter, Shelby surrendered to Kirin's playful antics and dunked his head beneath the water's surface. His sputtering and laughter filled the air, echoing the carefree spirit of their island escapade. For a few minutes, they engaged in this delightful game of water tag, the tension and worries of their previous circumstances temporarily forgotten. However, they gradually ceased their antics and waded back to shallower waters.

As they trudged through the waist-deep water, droplets glistening on their sun-kissed skin, they began to converse. Shelby, with a mischievous smile, broke the silence, "So, you crushing on anyone?"

Kirin raised an eyebrow, the corners of his lips curling into a playful smirk. "What, uhh... we are stuck on an island. There is no time for silly little crushes."

Shelby's gaze intensified, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. "Oh ok. I am incredibly bored, I haven't been doing anything I used to do for months, you haven't either. Now tell me who it is."

Kirin hesitated, then relented, "Only if you tell me a secret first."

Shelby paused for a moment, pondering her response. "Ok fine, let me think." She searched her memories for a suitable revelation and finally shared, "Once, when I was younger, I was making my toast, and well... my brother's pet hamster had made its way inside the toaster. I looked a lot like toast, bit burned, thank god because I am not sure if I would not have eaten it. My family has had five hamsters total and not a single one of them died of old age." Shelby let loose her efforts to contain that wide smile at the memory.

Kirin couldn't help but burst into a soft chuckle. "Ok, that's a funny story, but I mean, a real secret."

Shelby decided to reveal something more personal. She reached into her mouth and took out her denture, displaying her two missing teeth. "The girls know already, but... with half the group already knowing, it will eventually come out to the rest. Now, I am going to need that name."

Kirin hesitated but then confessed, "Well, I can't understand why, but underneath all my pure hatred, I actually like Ivan, more than a friend, but I don't like the fact that I like him that way. He is rude, inconsiderate, cruel... he is a bully. He goes against everything about me."

Shelby, reflecting on her own experience, shared, "Well, when I first met Toni, she hated my guts. I hated hers. She went against everything I grew up learning. But now, well, safe to say we don't hate each other at all, very much the opposite."

Curiosity getting the best of him, Kirin inquired, "If you don't mind me asking, seeing as there is no TV on this island," he paused for a moment, losing his train of thought before continuing, "how did you and Toni, you know, break up?"

Shelby sighed, realizing it was a complex story. "Well... it's quite a long story."

Kirin, undeterred, pointed out, "Well, it's quite a long walk." Shelby glanced ahead at the vast expanse of the beach and the dense foliage that lay beyond it. She set off on her journey, with Kirin trying his best to keep up with her fast pace, as they continued their conversation and their stroll down the untouched shoreline of their temporary island paradise.

—————————

Toni and Ivan:

As the sun gradually dipped below the horizon, the groups that had been out searching for food reluctantly decided to retire their search for the day and return to the campsite. At the heart of the campfire, Toni sat in solemn silence, her expression serene yet distant. By her side, Ivan, her companion, appeared annoyed and moody, his features reflecting a tumultuous inner state. The fire crackled softly, casting its warm glow on the two of them, its flames dancing like a graceful ballerina, exuding an air of tranquility and perfection.

 

All around them, the survivors gathered, drawn to the comforting allure of the campfire. They exchanged glances and stories, all except Kirin and Shelby, who were notably absent.

Amid the peaceful ambiance, Dot's patience finally wore thin, and she couldn't contain her frustration any longer. "Holy fuck, can you two actually stop wasting the wood, unless you want to go and get more?" Dot's words erupted with the pent-up anger she had harbored over the past half-hour, witnessing the wood go to waste after an entire day of searching for resources.

Both Toni and Ivan turned to face Dot, their response unspoken but understood. Dot sighed and nudged Scotty, and together, they crawled over to the nearby fire, intent on conserving the dwindling firewood. Toni, on the other hand, remained in a pensive state, her hands fidgeting restlessly. She absently picked at her top, a basketball jersey she had found in a bunker room along with the suitcases of other survivors. Her fingers pulled and broke off twigs from the slightly damp log she sat on, causing no real harm but contributing to the already on edge nerves of the group. It seemed, however, that her restlessness was isolated, her mind preoccupied with her own troubles.

"They will come back. I know they will," Ivan whispered to Toni, though his words were laced with deception.

Toni remained silent, her thoughts drifting away from the campfire, away from the harsh reality of their predicament. She didn't rest on the image of Shelby's lifeless body, hidden away in a den of the forest's predators. Bruised, beaten, slashed, scarred, lost and dead. She was terrified, and the mere act of Ivan saying something kind sent shivers down her spine. It was a rare occurrence, and it felt unsettling.

"They probably aren't screwing. I was just being an ass," Ivan chastised himself, cursing his near slip of the words 'I'm sorry.' He knew Toni didn't deserve peace, but if it meant putting an end to her incessant log-tapping, he was prepared to lie through the night.

 

Toni couldn't help but be bewildered. This was not the Ivan who had challenged her, provoked her, and been a constant annoyance throughout the day. The Ivan sitting beside her seemed like a stranger wearing her enemy's skin, and she was wary. "What are you doing? Why are you...?" Her voice trailed off, unable to articulate her confusion and fear. The notion of Ivan 'helping' her was both foreign and unsettling.

"I don't know," Ivan stammered, attempting to backpedal. He searched for the right words to conceal his vulnerability, repeating his inner mantra to come up with a convincing lie. "I mean, I understand what you are feeling. That's it." His voice wavered, and he hoped that Toni wouldn't see through the facade he had constructed to shield his true emotions.

The moment had been fraught with an uncomfortable tension as Ivan and Toni found themselves in the peculiar position of offering solace to one another, despite being adversaries. For Ivan, the relief that washed over him was palpable when they finally managed to extract themselves from the awkward conversation. It was an encounter that had taken an unexpected turn, leaving him with a strange mix of emotions.

What made the situation even more remarkable was that it was Josh who unintentionally provided a welcome diversion. Breaking the silence, he offered his own perspective on the matter. "I don't know if it's just me," Josh began hesitantly, "but I'm going to sleep in my bunker room tonight. I'd rather rest comfortably with the cameras than endure another night on this hard, cold, and uncomfortable beach. It's quite likely they have cameras on us here too."
Josh's admission seemed to echo the sentiments of many in the group who had grown weary of the unforgiving beach and the unsettling sense of being observed. The discomfort of the unyielding sand and the ever-present feeling of surveillance had finally convinced Josh and others to seek solace in the familiarity of their bunker rooms.

Ivan, who had been particularly vocal about his disdain for the harsh conditions, felt a twinge of gratitude towards Josh. This was perhaps the first glimmer of genuine unity among the survivors. At least there, the watchful eyes of the cameras were a known presence, rather than an unsettling uncertainty on the desolate beach. The promise of a night's rest in conditions that offered some semblance of normality was a welcome respite from the ongoing challenges they faced.

Rachel chimed in with agreement, saying, "I hate to agree, but I agree."

A collective consensus formed among the group, with everyone except for Toni, Ivan, and Leah.

"Ivan?" Josh's voice carried across the beach, reaching Ivan's ears.

Ivan looked up and nodded in response.

Then Josh turned to Toni and asked, with a hint of uncertainty, "Toni?"

Josh's voice seemed to get lost in the wind, his voice barely more than a mumble from miles away. She appeared lost in thought or somewhere far removed from their current reality, at least until Ivan forcefully nudged her, catching her off guard and causing her to tumble off the log. The abrupt action snapped her back to the present.

"What was that for?! You asking for another beating? I'd be glad to entertain that idea." Toni was ready to confront Ivan and wipe the teasing grin off his face, her fist clenched as she regained her footing.

"Josh was asking you a question, but if you're more entertained with my fist in your mouth, I think I can sort something out..." Ivan teased. Toni was thoroughly exasperated by his behavior, but it was clear that she wasn't going to back down easily.

Toni, now composed and less confrontational, addressed Josh, "What did you want, Josh?"

"We are... uhh... going to sleep in the bunker rooms tonight. Maybe in the future too... if... uhh... you guys want to?" Josh's nervousness was palpable, evident in his awkward stance and his slightly concealed chest. It appeared to be a recurring characteristic of his.

Toni considered the offer and replied, "Umm, maybe another night. I'll stay here and wait for Shelby and Kirin."

"That's okay. Finally, uhh..." Josh turned to Leah, and as he fumbled to recall her name, a soft whisper from Martha assisted him. "...Leah?" He finished.

Leah expressed her preference, saying, "I'll stay here with Toni. I don't really want to sleep in there," with a visible discomfort upon mentioning 'there.' Fatin, sitting beside Leah, tightened her grip around Leah's arm.

"I will stay here too, actually," Fatin announced, and a hint of satisfaction played on the other girls' lips as their small, unspoken pact remained unbroken.

—————————

Ivan:

As the group made their way up to the bunker, Ivan subtly slipped away from their ranks. Tired? Not at all. In fact, he had enjoyed a fair amount of rest that morning while the others were diligently engaged in their tasks. His true intention was to deliver a lesson to Toni, a woman whose fiery spirit had constantly piqued his rage.

Chapter 11: At last

Notes:

I don't have a schedule for posting anymore :)
I am more busy with things but I will get chapters done as fast as I can.

Anyways hope you enjoy. The reunion is quite short but dont worry, either the next chapter or the one after will have some...

Toni, Fatin and Leah:

"Are you okay?" Fatin asked, her eyes fixated on the girl nestled in her embrace. Fatin had always been a worrier, but not for her own sake; her concern was reserved for others, and Leah held a special place in her heart. It pained her to see Leah in such a distraught state. After all, she deeply cared for her friend.

Leah responded with a quiet, "Mmhm," barely mustering the energy to form words. She had no desire to engage in conversation. Fatin was left wondering how she could ignite a spark of joy in the heart of her despondent friend.

Toni, growing visibly frustrated, stood up and asserted, "I'm sorry, Leah, but come on! You can't let this mood consume you. I understand you're upset about our current predicament, but moping around won't change a thing. Instead, let's focus on surviving on this island until we can find a way back home. Once that's settled, you can exact your revenge. I promise I'll stand by your side throughout. Fatin, you too?"

"Absolutely, Leah. We all love you, and we're in this together," Fatin reassured her.

Leah, troubled by thoughts of spies, reuniting with their families, and the lives they left behind, voiced her concerns, "But what about the spies? What about getting back to our families? What about our lives back home?"

Fatin countered, "Leah, those spies are insignificant, and we'll deal with them later. They won't prevail. Our main concern should be you, and to me, you're family. As for our lives back home, were they really that great?"

Toni extended her hands to each of the girls, and Leah and Fatin both grabbed hold. Together, they lifted themselves up, the fire burning nearby, its warm light chasing away their worries as they danced away their fears. For this night, the uncertainty about what the future held was momentarily forgotten.

After some time, the dancing left them tired, and they returned to sit by the fire. Laughter and conversation filled the air, and, in each other's company, they began to feel significantly better.

Ivan:

Ivan had a long way to walk, winding his way back down to the beach. As he walked, his thoughts churned within him. Why was he so infuriated by some insignificant girl? A nobody. It troubled him because, in all honesty, he couldn't quite grasp the reasons behind his fury. Why was he causing turmoil for everyone around him, even to the guy he had a soft spot for? Was it his inclination to stir up trouble and disrupt people's lives? Did they truly deserve the chaos he brought into their world? He believed they did. Especially that coach; he shouldn't have even considered dressing up, let alone sharing it on social media. He deserved the fallout. Then there was Kirin, that pompous rich kid who needed a lesson in humility. Perhaps the island had already begun teaching him that lesson. Kirin appeared to be the quintessential golden child, with adoring parents, immense popularity, and a life that everyone envied. And then there was Toni, always in a bad mood, perpetually irritable. She needed to find someone who could appreciate her and help her let go of her anger.

With the campsite coming into view, Ivan picked up the pace, walking at a brisk and determined speed. His fists clenched so tightly that they hurt. Ivan couldn't fathom why he was here, what had brought him to this point. His intense rage, particularly toward Toni, was puzzling. "Is this what they all felt when I..." he whispered to himself before his voice trailed off. He may have felt a twinge of shame deep down, but on the surface, it was hidden beneath layers of anger."Afternoon, ladies!" His voice echoed through the campsite, causing the girls to turn their attention to him. Toni let out a sigh.

"Go away," she groaned, utterly exhausted by Ivan's confrontations.

"Not until I see some blood," Ivan remarked, maintaining his intense gaze on Toni, a wicked grin forming on his face.

"Ivan, please just leave. We don't need this right now," Fatin implored.

"Maybe it'll be your blood," he retorted, his eyes shifting to Fatin's.

"Ivan, go back to the bunker and sleep it off," Toni suggested, exasperation evident in her voice.

"Don't tell me what to do!" Ivan's voice dripped with rage, though it was clear that he was not angry at Toni. Something else was bothering him, someone else, perhaps? Like a puzzle piece falling into place, Toni suddenly comprehended it all. He missed Kirin; that was why he had sought comfort from her, and that was why he was so infuriated.

"You miss him, don't you? I miss her too. I don't know where they are, but I'm certain they're safe. Shelby was part of a hunting community; she'll find her way back to us. Kirin will too. I promise they'll return," Toni reassured him, her tone filled with empathy. Fatin and Leah were somewhat taken aback by her sudden tenderness.

Ivan huffed angrily, but Toni pressed on. "Back when I was back home, I got into plenty of fights. I rationalized it by convincing myself that they deserved it. But deep down, it was me; I was at fault because I was channeling my emotions into anger. I understand how you're feeling right now."

"You don't know! You don't know! You don't know!" Ivan's anger shifted into sorrow, and he cried out for help through his sobs.

It was as though the universe had conspired to grant their wishes when a sudden noise pierced the air. Shouting, distant yet unmistakable, emanated from somewhere behind the girls. Startled, they turned their heads and saw the two lost survivors making their triumphant return. Toni's voice quivered with excitement as she whispered to Ivan, "They're here, Ivan." His head lifted slowly, and a glimmer of hope ignited in his eyes.

Without hesitation, all four of them sprang into action. Three of the girls converged on Shelby, their joyous reunion a sight to behold as they tackled her to the ground, their laughter mingling with their heartfelt hugs. Meanwhile, Ivan was on a beeline for Kirin. As Ivan closed the distance between them, Kirin did his best to suppress the smile that had been threatening to surface. He maintained his composure, but it was a losing battle. The corners of his lips curled upward as Ivan approached, and the joy of their reunion was evident in his eyes. However, before Kirin could respond, Ivan, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions, gave him a hard push.

"Why'd you leave me?" Ivan asked, his voice quivering with a hint of reproach.

The forceful push took Kirin off guard, almost knocking him off balance. It was a physical manifestation of Ivan's pent-up feelings, and it spoke volumes. Kirin quickly regained his footing, understanding the urgency and the need for a physical connection in that moment. His smile faded in response to Ivan's question, replaced by a heartfelt expression.

"I'm sorry," Kirin said, his voice tinged with sincerity and regret. With a gentle but firm determination, he wrapped Ivan in a tight embrace, providing the reassurance that Ivan needed. In that embrace, their unspoken feelings and the depth of their connection were made abundantly clear. Kirin's strength, both physical and emotional, became the anchor that Ivan needed in that moment of vulnerability.

 

Toni and Shelby:

"I missed you," Toni said to Shelby as they walked alongside each other on their way back to the bunker where they would all sleep tonight. The tension in the air was palpable, as if something important hung between them, waiting to be addressed.

"Can we talk?" Shelby stopped in her tracks, and Toni followed her lead.

"Umm, yes. Sure," Toni replied, secretly hoping that Shelby was talking about them, their relationship.

"I don't know if you feel the same way, but I need to know how you feel," Shelby said with a hint of vulnerability in her voice. She briefly paused, her words heavy with emotion. "About us. I just want to know if there's a chance we can mend what was broken. I want to be yours again, I want to be the one sleeping in your arms at night, I want to be the one you talk to again. I want to be the one you tell your stories to. I want to be the one you look at from across the campfire. I want to be the one looking back. I want to be the one who you love. I want to be the one who loves you. I am the one who loves you, Toni."

Shelby searched Toni's face for any answer, her own vulnerability exposed. Toni tried to reply, but the words eluded her. Aching to breathe in the intoxicating essence of Shelby, Toni placed her hand on Shelby's cheek and, in an instant, pulled Shelby's lips onto hers. It was as if Shelby was a drug, and Toni was an addict. The world seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in each other. When they finally separated, Toni rested her hand on top of Shelby's cheek, running her thumb back and forth. A warm tear ran down Toni's cheek.

"I'm sorry I blamed you back on the last island. It wasn't your fault. I— I'm sorry," Toni said, her watery eyes searching Shelby's face for any sign of forgiveness. She desperately wanted it but didn't believe she deserved it.

~~~~~~~~

 

"What do you want?! Forgiveness?" The man's voice pierced the air, dripping with incredulity. The sound of his teeth grinding together created a disturbing and uncomfortable noise, a grotesque symphony of anger and frustration. His furrowed eyebrows gave him a menacing appearance, his eyes twisted and filled with madness. He exuded an aura of psychotic rage that sent shivers down the young teen girl's spine.His clothes were a sorry sight, ragged and torn, an unsettling shade of yellow that seemed to infect the very air around him. It was the kind of color that made you want to claw your own eyes out just to avoid looking at it. His dark brown pants were wrinkled and creased, held up by a battered black leather belt that was tightly strapped around his waist. On his left arm, he wore a watch with a cracked face, its glass marred with the passage of time. The leather strap of the watch had been worn down to a chafed, soft brown relic of its former self."I— I'm sorry," the teenage girl stuttered, her voice trembling. It wasn't her fault, but the bus had come late, and she had arrived home later than her foster parents demanded. She was fifteen now, taller and stronger than she used to be, but she knew from past experience that fighting back would not end well.The man, standing taller than the young girl, seemed to relish the power he had over her. He was a twisted figure, a monster in human form. With a menacing glare, he unbuckled his belt and expertly slid the leather out of the loops on his pants. Folding it once, he wielded the belt like a weapon, the metal buckle glinting ominously in the dim light. With a swift and brutal motion, he swung the belt hard, the sound of the leather cutting through the air followed by the sickening thud of it making contact with the girl's trembling form.

 

~~~~~~~

If she wasn't crying before, she surely was now, tears spilling out of her eyes, choking on the memory of that dark and terrifying moment.

"I never blamed you for that, but if you want forgiveness, I forgive you, Toni," Shelby said with genuine compassion, breaking through the painful memories. Her words were a soothing balm to Toni's wounded soul.

Chapter 12: Just Curious

Notes:

I am going to try post on Sundays every two weeks but I am busy and I have no idea how it will all work out

As Leah and Fatin continued their walk, they found themselves trailing far behind their friends, Shelby and Kirin, who were engrossed in their own world. Behind them, Toni and Ivan were slightly lagging, caught up in their usual bickering. The walk to the bunker provided a rare moment of privacy for Leah and Fatin, and Leah couldn't help but seize the opportunity to clear her curiosity.

"Why'd you hang back?" Leah asked, her voice laced with curiosity, as they strolled together.Fatin, somewhat puzzled by Leah's question, furrowed her brows as she tried to comprehend what Leah was referring to. "Hmm?" She inquired, seeking clarification.

Leah elaborated, "Back when Josh invited everyone back to the bunker," she continued, "you said yes after he asked me, but you suddenly changed your mind. What was that all about?"

Fatin paused for a moment, grappling with her thoughts and feelings, before finally deciding to reveal her true intentions. "You really don't know why I stayed?"

Leah gave her a genuinely perplexed look, genuinely unaware of Fatin's underlying motivations. "No?" Her response was tinged with uncertainty, her curiosity growing.

Fatin took a deep breath, on the verge of confessing her deeper emotions, but she hesitated, believing that the perfect moment had not yet arrived. "For you, I stayed for you," she admitted, leaving the statement hanging, keeping her feelings hidden.

Leah was taken aback by Fatin's response, her emotions swirling as she contemplated why someone would choose to stay for her. "Why?" she inquired, her voice tinged with surprise.

Fatin came close to expressing her deeper feelings for Leah but held back, convincing herself that the timing wasn't quite right yet. "You seemed a bit upset, so I wanted to stay to be there for you, to comfort you."

Leah was touched by Fatin's words and managed to convey her gratitude. "Well, thank you. I—thank you for being there. I don't know what I would have done without you." She searched Fatin's face for a reaction but found none.

Leah decided to shift the conversation, somewhat nervously, to their friends Shelby and Kirin, who were still ahead of them, laughing and chatting as if nothing else in the world mattered. "You think they are friends?" she asked, pointing at the pair, attempting to divert the focus from the emotional tension between her and Fatin.

 

As if Leah's question had triggered something, there was a sudden noise behind them. Toni, who had been standing apart from Ivan, now loomed over him, putting him on the ground.

"Told you," Toni said before delivering a sharp kick to his side and walking away. He groaned before opening his mouth to continue the constant fight.

"Shut up!" Ivan yelled back to her.

Fatin couldn't contain her frustration and exclaimed, "What the hell is wrong with you two!"

"What do you mean? We are besties!" Toni sarcastically replied, earning an eye-roll from Fatin.

"Besties!" Ivan shouted happily as he stumbled to his feet and threw his arms out to the side.

"See what I mean, we could never fight. Right Isaac?"

"Right."

Leah chimed in, also with sarcasm, "Clearly because from what I can see you two can't keep youselves off each other."

"But seriously, why can't you get along?" Fatin continued.

"It's really impossible, you see with his ugly ass face. I repulse every time I see him, and that really puts a strain on our relationship," Toni explained.

"I could say the same," Ivan retorted.

"Why don't you bond over that?" Leah suggested.

"We have been bonding, but every time I try to take a stab at a friendship, I accidentally punch her. This is something I should really work on, and I think that little angry garden gnome over there should try to fix that problem of hers too. Sorry, problems," Ivan admitted.

Toni wasn't pleased with the insult. "What the fuck did you just call me?" She began to walk back to Ivan, who was grinning mischievously.

"Woah! Calm down there, Theo," Ivan continued to tease her, clearly enjoying winding her up.

Fatin and Leah decided it was time to intervene and each took one person, shoving them both back on the path leading up to the bunker.

"I thought you were done with all this?" Fatin asked Toni.

"I thought I was too, but oh my god, I can't be the only one who sees how annoying he is," Toni replied.

"Well, I haven't spent much time with him, but I think it's safe to say he is annoying," Fatin added.

Toni decided to shift the conversation, asking, "So... have you guys... uhh... done it yet?"

Fatin was taken aback and blushed. "What? What?"

"Have you had sex?"

"Who?"

"Don't play dumb, you and Leah."

Fatin was flustered. "Shhh!"

"Have you?" Toni pressed.

"No, she doesn't know even like me like that," Fatin admitted.

"She does. You guys are so obvious," Toni explained.

Fatin was very cautious of the conversation, and she urged Toni to keep it quiet. "If you are joking right now, I will kill you, Toni!"

"I see the way she looks at you when you aren't looking and the way you look at her. You two are insane how you haven't even fucked. Its mad... especially coming from you."

"I have been waiting for the right moment. I just can't tell her unless its perfect"

"If you want advice, don't wait for a right moment. Just tell her."

"If your such an expert, go talk to Shelby"

"I think I'm good right here, you know its a big hill and I would just hate to waste my breath and not even reach half way. Whereas, Leah is just a bit behind us."

"Just give me a minute..."

 

Shelby and Kirin:

"How did it go?" Kirin asked Shelby as she caught her breath for a moment.

"As well as it could have, I think," Shelby replied, her voice reflecting a mixture of relief and uncertainty.

"What happened?" Kirin inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"I mean, we never specifically said we were back together, but we apologized, and I guess that is a start," Shelby explained, a hint of hesitation in her words.

"What are you going to do now then?" Kirin pressed, genuinely concerned.

"I don't know; I was hoping you had some ideas," Shelby admitted, seeking guidance.

"Well... maybe you could... as of right now, I have not a single idea, but I assure you as soon as an idea comes into my head, you will be the first person to know," Kirin offered, trying to be supportive.

"Thanks, Kirin," Shelby sighed, grateful for her friend's willingness to help.

"As I am doing the thinking on your part, will you do something for me... if you want to," Kirin hesitated before continuing.

"What do you need?" Shelby asked, ready to reciprocate the support.

"I would like... I... I wouldn't mind if you were to find out if Ivan has certain feelings for me," Kirin confessed, a touch of vulnerability in her voice.

"Oh right, well, I don't know him that well, but I will do what I can," Shelby promised, appreciating the trust Kirin was placing in her.

They continued their chatter as they slipped into the bunker door, grappling with the stubborn entrance. They made a mental note to find oil to fix that door, both arriving at their own rooms before the other four even made it to the bunker door.

Shelby:

Shelby lay down in her bed, restless. She couldn't stop fidgeting with the blanket cover; there was a lot on her mind—or maybe that was a lie. She had one thing on her mind, and that was Toni. She had been pondering how to get her back, and now she did. Or did she?

The question looped around her head constantly like a broken radio. She wished she had confirmed it—did she? The more she thought of the conversation between her and Toni, the more the memory slipped away. She would do anything to go back in time to that conversation, but she would do everything to go back to that first island and make sure she flagged down that ship in the first place. The weight of uncertainty pressed upon her, and as she tossed and turned in her bed, the contours of her plan to mend things with Toni seemed less defined than ever.

 

Ivan:

Wandering through the hallways, finding any other reason to sleep, he let the dim lights cast long shadows, creating a surreal atmosphere that matched the turbulence in his mind. He didn't care who he ran into; let it be the devil, he would make conversation just to finally stop feeling this stupid way. Every second of the day, he felt this way, this persistent sense of sorrow that clung to him like a relentless shadow. But what was he sorry for?

He pondered his actions, the choices he had made on this island, the mistakes that haunted him. He knew he had done bad things before, but this remorse was different. There was a weight on his chest, a heaviness in his heart that he couldn't shake. He had committed sins on this isolated piece of land, but he had done far worse when he was back home. So what was different now?

As he traversed the labyrinth of corridors, he replayed the moments in his mind. The faces of those he had wronged, the decisions that led him down a regrettable path. It wasn't the gravity of his actions that troubled him, but the unrelenting guilt that accompanied them. Why was this happening to him now, on this forsaken island, when he had managed to bury the guilt of his past beneath layers of indifference?

He leaned against a cold wall, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. The distant echoes of his footsteps reverberated through the empty halls, emphasizing the emptiness he felt within. It was a soul-searching journey, and with each step, he hoped to unearth the source of this unfamiliar remorse.

He thought about the people he had encountered on the island, the alliances formed and broken, the betrayals that cut deep. Was it the isolation, the unforgiving landscape, or the haunting memories that amplified his sense of guilt? He couldn't pinpoint the catalyst, but the emotions were undeniable.

As he continued to meander through the corridors, he grappled with his inner demons, seeking answers to the questions that plagued him. The island, once a backdrop for his survival, had become a stage for self-reflection. And in the quiet solitude of those hallways, he confronted the specters of his past, trying to understand why he felt so sorry, so burdened, as if the weight of his deeds had finally caught up with him. Until Ivan's eye caught a figure wandering the halls. Ivan's feet began to follow after him.

Ivan stood in the dimly lit hallway, perplexed by the mysterious figure he had been tailing. His heart raced, fueled by a mix of curiosity and unease. The air around him seemed to crackle with tension as he stealthily followed the silhouette, determined to unravel the secrets that lurked within the bunker's shadows.

As he pursued the figure, the weight of unanswered questions pressed on Ivan's mind. Where were they headed, and what were they planning? Was this person the elusive spy, or perhaps a collaborator of the enigmatic woman known to be trouble? Ivan's thoughts spiraled, anxiety intensifying with each step.

The dimly lit hallways played tricks on Ivan's senses, distorting reality as if the walls themselves held secrets. Colors melted and dripped like wax, revealing a surreal cityscape beneath. The disorienting illusion stirred confusion in Ivan's mind, adding to the already bewildering situation.

A city unfolded before Ivan's eyes, bathed in a haunting glow. Dim lights flickered in the streets below, casting long shadows on the towering skyscrapers. Intrigued and somewhat unnerved, Ivan tentatively approached the painted scene, as if drawn by an invisible force.

His fingertips grazed the painted surface, seeking some connection between the illusion and reality. The glass-like material felt cool to the touch, and for a moment, Ivan lost himself in the cityscape's mysterious allure. But as quickly as the connection was made, it vanished. The painted world retreated, leaving Ivan disoriented and frustrated.

Desperation gripped him as he slammed his hand against the wall, hoping to bring back the illusion and find his way out of the bizarre dreamscape. The corridor remained unchanged, and Ivan grappled with the unsettling reality that the bunker held more secrets than he could comprehend.

The sound of a door opening snapped Ivan back to attention. Swiftly regaining his composure, he turned the corner to find Kirin outside a room. Relief washed over him as he recognized the familiar face. The mysterious figure was no longer a mystery; it was Kirin, sharing a warm embrace with a woman inside the room.

Ivan's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he watched the scene unfold. Shelby wasn't into guys, or so he thought. Kirin and the woman seemed genuinely connected, sharing smiles and an embrace. As the door closed, Ivan noticed Toni nearby, also observing the situation. A silent understanding passed between them – it best to let Toni alone a moment. With a lingering sense of curiosity and a touch of unease, Ivan decided to retreat back to his room, leaving the hallway and its secrets behind for now.

Notes:

That one scene I was talking about in the notes a couple of chapters back... I really thought I would get there faster but you will all have to wait. I have it planned for being in the 14th chapter, hopefully it will be there. Will give more info in the next chapter's notes though.

Chapter 13: Bunkered Down

Notes:

Ok, the posting schedule is just like every Sunday.

Gretchen Klein:

The urgency in Thom's voice reverberated through the narrow corridor as she rounded the corner at breakneck speed. The dimly lit walls seemed to close in, mirroring the sense of impending danger. Thom's eyes widened with fear, and Gretchen's normally composed demeanour portrayed an unmistakable sense of urgency.

"What are we going to do? If they don't get out of there now, they are going to die!" Thom's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of the situation. The gravity of the impending danger propelled her forward, each step echoing the urgency of the moment. She could feel the adrenaline surging through her veins, heightening her senses as she raced against time.

Gretchen, usually the voice of reason among them, quickened her footsteps, her determined expression revealing the gravity of the situation. The emergency alarms blared in the background, a dissonant symphony accompanying their hurried pace. The flickering emergency lights overhead cast eerie shadows, intensifying the tension that gripped them.
As she approached the source of the crisis, the atmosphere became charged with anxiety. The air crackled with a sense of desperation, and her mind raced to formulate a plan. Thom's repeated calls for action fueled the sense of responsibility that surged within her. She couldn't afford to hesitate; decisive action was the only way forward.
In the midst of the chaos, communication devices buzzed with updates, and urgent messages crackled through the air. Time seemed to stretch as she coordinated efforts to ensure the subjects' safety. The seconds ticked away, each one carrying the weight of a potential catastrophe.

"What are we going to do?" Susan said in a calmer voice than Thom's.

"They will realise eventually and get out of there but we need a plan if they decide to not sleep in the bunkers anymore, we have fewer cameras outside than inside. Come up with ideas!" Gretchen ordered them. They all got to thinking.

"We could send someone onto the island. Quickly in and out." Susan offered.

"It will take too long, they will find out."

"Can't we send in Nora yet?" Thom asked

"Good idea but we can't use our last plan if so, figure out that plan Thom"

There was a silence between them all. Until Alex strolled into the room as if nothing ever happened.

"What's going on?" He was so calm it infuriated Gretchen even more.

"There is gas filling the bunker slowly and we can't be sure what effects it will have on the teens."

"Oh, well what are you going to do?"

"We are trying to think of a way to send in Nora."

"Why can't you just send her in secretly."

Toni:

In the dimly lit hallway, shadows danced along the walls, casting an eerie ambiance that matched the turmoil within her mind. The air hung heavy with unspoken words, and the silence was punctuated only by the soft, rhythmic ticking of her foot hitting the concrete floor. As she sat there, seemingly still, a tempest raged within her, each thought a gust of wind threatening to tear down the walls she had meticulously built around herself.

The thoughts, like unwelcome guests, crowded every corner of her consciousness, a cacophony of doubts, regrets, and self-recriminations. It was as if a storm had settled within the confines of her skull, thundering with the weight of emotions she had long suppressed. The tendrils of anxiety coiled around her like a vise, eating away at her peace of mind and gnawing at the edges of her sanity.

The notion of Kirin alone with Shelby hung in the air like a heavy secret. Why was she with him, and what were they doing in that solitude? The answer echoed in the recesses of her mind, an answer she wished she could un-think. She had anticipated the outcome, yet a part of her longed for a shred of doubt, a moment of hesitation that might have altered the course of events.

Alone in that room, she felt the weight of her decisions pressing down on her, a burden too heavy to bear. The walls seemed to close in as if conspiring with her thoughts, trapping her in a cocoon of introspection. The soft glow of the moon seeping through the curtains added a surreal touch to the scene, casting a muted glow on the fragments of her emotions scattered like shards on the floor.

In the midst of this internal tempest, the question lingered: Why had she not doubted herself more? The answer, a haunting whisper, taunted her vulnerability. Perhaps it was the allure of certainty, a desperate need for clarity in a world shrouded in ambiguity. Or maybe it was the fear of facing the unknown, the unsettling prospect of questioning the foundations of her choices.

The dimly lit hallways stretched ahead of Toni, her obscurity broken only by the blinding light emanating from somewhere down the corridor. Intrigued and fueled by a mix of curiosity and a growing sense of unease, she ventured forward, her steps hesitant in the gloom. The air seemed thick with an unsettling tension, and the distant light only intensified the shadows that clung to the walls.

Using the damp wall for support, Toni felt an odd sensation beneath her fingertips. The surface was wet, and the cold dampness sent shivers through her. Questions swirled in her mind—why was the wall wet, and what could be the source of this unsettling dampness in the dimly lit labyrinth?

A sudden realization struck as she glanced down at her hands. The faint glow from the distant light revealed a troubling sight—her palms bore a dark hue, and in the dimness, it resembled the stark color of blood. The realization hit her with a visceral jolt, her breath catching in her throat as her heart raced with a mixture of fear and confusion.

Toni stared at her hands in disbelief, the dim light casting an eerie glow on the unsettling scene. It was as if her hands had been immersed in a pool of crimson, and the red fluid clung to her skin like a macabre glove. Panic set in as her mind raced to comprehend the surreal situation.

Raising her arms in front of her face, she examined the eerie tableau. The blood-like substance trailed down her arms, tracing an unsettling pattern that seemed to defy all logic. Her eyes widened in horror as she followed the morbid path, watching as the crimson liquid flowed down to her elbows, gravity guiding it to the inevitable conclusion—dripping to the floor in rhythmic, chilling drops.

Toni's eyes widened as she looked down, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of her stomach. What had started as a mere trickle down her arms had now formed a puddle on the ground. The wooden floor, the floor that did not belong to the bunker, now hosted an ominous pool of angry crimson, starkly contrasting with its natural grain. The sight was jarring, and the incongruity of the blood against the familiar backdrop sent shivers down Toni's spine.

The pool seemed to defy logic, its source elusive and unsettling. Questions clamored for attention in Toni's mind, each one more pressing than the last. How had the blood appeared here? Whose blood was it? And why was it so vivid, so unnaturally vibrant against the muted tones of the room's interior?

Toni hesitated, her gaze fixated on the expanding pool. The air in the corridor felt heavy with the weight of the unexplained, and the once-dim hallway seemed to close in around her. The incongruity of the scene intensified the mystery, amplifying the dissonance between the sterile environment of the bunker and the macabre reality before her.As she stood there, a mixture of fear and confusion enveloped Toni. The pool of blood seemed almost accusatory, a visceral reminder that something deeply unsettling had transpired in this room. The wooden floor, now tainted by the crimson liquid, told a silent tale of an event that defied reason and begged for an explanation.

Toni's eyes darted around the dimly lit room, her heart pounding in her chest like an erratic drumbeat. The weight of dread hung in the air as she searched for any sign of her foster parent, expecting to find his lifeless body sprawled on the floor. The shadows seemed to stretch and contort, playing tricks on her senses, amplifying the eerie atmosphere of the bunker.
Her limbs felt heavy and unresponsive, as if they were rebelling against any attempt to move. Fear held her in its icy grip, paralyzing her both physically and emotionally. The very thought of discovering the lifeless form of her foster parent sent a chill down her spine. Yet, the absence of the expected sight only deepened the unsettling nature of the situation.
The wooden floor beneath her seemed to mock her, stained with the crimson evidence of an event that defied explanation. Toni's imagination painted vivid images of her foster parent lurking in the darkness, an unseen threat ready to pounce.

Her breath caught in her throat, and a sense of vulnerability washed over her. The desire to retreat into a ball on the floor, to shield herself from the unknown, tugged at her instincts. However, the fear that gripped her was a potent force, keeping her frozen in place. It was as if the very air was charged with an unspoken danger, and any movement might awaken something lurking in the shadows.

Toni grappled with conflicting emotions—fear and the instinct to flee, yet an undeniable curiosity urging her to uncover the truth. The room seemed to hold its breath, caught in a suspended moment where time stood still. In that uneasy stillness, Toni found herself trapped between the fear of the unknown and the unsettling reality that her foster parent, though absent in the visible realm, lingered as a spectral presence in the shadows.

The incessant buzzing of the lights reverberated through the room, each pulse of sound amplifying Toni's sense of unease. The flickering bulbs, mere remnants of a once-intact ceiling light, cast erratic shadows that danced across the walls. The room, now bathed in an unsettling red liquid, bore witness to a scene of chaos.

Shattered glass hung precariously above, a testament to the room's disarray. The sickly yellow light emitted by the damaged bulb accentuated the gruesome reality of the crimson-stained walls and the wooden planks below. The furniture, once neatly arranged, lay torn and displaced, and decorations were now more damaged than Toni had ever seen them.

However, it wasn't the physical disarray that stole Toni's breath away. Her breathing was measured in uneven gasps, each one laden with a sense of panic that transcended the dilapidated state of the room. The air itself seemed tainted, carrying the weight of an unspoken menace.

The room's transformation into a nightmarish tableau contributed to the growing feeling of nausea that gripped Toni. The lights' erratic behavior only heightened the surreal atmosphere, casting fleeting shadows that played tricks on her already frazzled nerves. The very essence of the room seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy, as if it harbored secrets that defied the boundaries of the tangible.

As Toni stood in the midst of this disconcerting scene, her senses overwhelmed by the buzzing lights and the ghastly transformation of her surroundings, the true source of her panic remained elusive. It was a visceral response to something beyond the visible chaos—a primal instinct warning her of an unseen threat that lurked in the shadows, ready to reveal itself at any moment.

A collective gasp caught in Toni's throat as her eyes comprehended the harrowing truth. Strewn across the blood-stained floor were the lifeless bodies of those she held dear – her loved ones, friends, and the few she had truly cherished. The shock hit her like a physical blow, shattering the fragile veneer of composure she had maintained.

It was a surreal nightmare that unfolded before her eyes. The weight of the tragedy crashed down upon her, and the invisible chains that had restrained her seemed to disintegrate. Toni dropped to her knees, the cold and damp sensation seeping through the fabric of her pants as she descended into the nightmarish reality.

The sobs erupted from deep within her, a guttural release of anguish that echoed through the desolate room. Tears blurred her vision, creating a watery veil that distorted the ghastly scene before her. Each lifeless form on the floor was a painful reminder of the connections severed, of the irreplaceable void left in her heart.

In the midst of the carnage, Toni's arms reached out desperately, fingers trembling as she tried to bridge the immeasurable distance between her and Shelby. The name caught in her throat, a desperate plea for the impossible – to reverse the irreversible, to pull those she loved back from the abyss.

The room seemed to close in around her, the weight of grief pressing down as she clung to the hope that this nightmarish reality might somehow be undone. The wetness on her cheeks mingled with the blood on her hands, a tragic mosaic of pain and despair. In that moment of profound loss, Toni's world crumbled.

Toni's voice trembled with a desperate urgency, the words carrying a weight that seemed to echo through the room. "Bee? Come on. Wake up... Bee? Wake up, please." Each syllable held a plea, a fervent wish that the nightmare before her was just that – a cruel figment of imagination. Tears streaked down her face, a testament to the depths of her sorrow and the gasps for air betrayed the emotional turmoil that gripped her.

Her hand, once stained with an unsettling red, now rested gently on Shelby Goodkind's scarred, wounded, and bloodied face. The touch was both delicate and desperate, as if Toni's fingertips held the power to awaken her loved one from the chilling stillness that enveloped the room.

The scene was surreal – the dimly lit room, the disheveled surroundings, and the lifeless bodies scattered across the floor. Yet, in that moment, Toni's world narrowed down to the wounded face beneath her touch. Shelby's features, etched with pain and weariness, became the focal point of a heart-wrenching reality.

Toni's voice quivered as she continued to implore, her gaze fixed on Shelby's unconscious form. The room, with its flickering lights and stained walls, faded into the background as the connection between them took precedence. In that hushed plea and tender touch, Toni clung to the hope that Shelby would stir, that the life that seemed to have ebbed away would surge back, banishing the nightmare and bringing back the cherished presence that had been lost.

The air hung heavy with grief and desperation, the room a silent witness to the profound depth of emotion coursing through Toni.

The fairytales had promised magic, the power of love to defy the laws of reality, but in this cold and cruel moment, reality proved unyielding. Her love, no matter how deep and sincere, couldn't breathe life back into the stillness that gripped Shelby. The silence that hung in the air spoke volumes, a painful acknowledgment that the world had irrevocably changed.

Toni's eyes, now heavy with sorrow, closed as she wished for a different reality. A reality where she would trade places with Shelby, where the woman she loved would be spared and the pain that now etched itself on Toni's heart would cease.

But the wish, sincere and desperate as it was, went unanswered. When Toni opened her eyes, she was still kneeling beside Shelby's lifeless body, surrounded by the haunting reminders of the lives that had been extinguished.

The weight of reality pressed down on Toni's shoulders as she continued to kneel, a witness to the finality of loss. The room, with its flickering lights and stained walls, held no solace. Only the echoes of what once was, now replaced by the deafening silence of what could never be again. Toni closed her eyes once more, begging to be gone from this hellhole.

When her eyes opened, still battered from all the crying, she saw a blurry image of the bunker hallway. She felt slightly happier knowing that everything that just happened was not real and that Shelby was alive and just metres away from her.

Chapter 14: Discovery

The hallway light flickered as Toni turned the corner, her heart racing at the sight of Kirin stepping out of Shelby's room. His expression held a mixture of surprise and guilt, and Toni's temper flared instantly.

"What the hell, Kirin?" Toni snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. "What were you doing in Shelby's room?"

Kirin stammered for a moment before managing, "Toni, it's not what you think. We were just talking."

"Talking?" Toni's eyes narrowed, skepticism written all over her face. "At this hour?"

Ignoring Kirin, she stormed into Shelby's room, finding her sitting on the edge of the bed, looking startled at Toni's abrupt entrance.

"Toni, what's going on?" Shelby asked, confusion etched across her features.

"What's going on? I catch Kirin sneaking out of your room, and you're asking what's going on?" Toni's voice rose, her frustration boiling over.

Shelby sighed, standing up and walking towards Toni. "Toni, calm down. We were just talking. I promise."

Toni glared at her, arms still crossed, unconvinced. "Talking? What's there to talk about that couldn't wait until morning?"

Shelby took a step closer, placing a gentle hand on Toni's arm. "It's not what you think, seriously. Kirin was upset about something, and he needed someone to talk to. I was just trying to be a good friend."

Toni's anger wavered as she looked into Shelby's eyes, searching for any sign of deceit. Shelby's expression was earnest, and Toni felt a twinge of doubt.

"Talking," Toni muttered, her tone softer now.

Shelby nodded. "Just talking. Nothing more. You have to trust me, Toni."

The tension in the room began to ease as Shelby's words sank in. Toni took a deep breath, the anger dissipating. "Fine," she said, finally, albeit reluctantly. "But this better be the truth, Shelby."

Shelby nodded, relieved. "I promise, Toni. You're the one I care about."

Toni's shoulders slumped, and she exhaled, the weight of the situation lifting. "Okay, Shelby. I trust you."

They shared a quiet moment, the room filled with a mix of emotions. Shelby's reassurance worked to calm Toni's temper, and as they stood there, Toni couldn't help but feel grateful for the trust they were rebuilding.

The air in the room hung heavy with tension as Toni stood before Shelby, regret etched across her face. The aftermath of an argument lingered, and Toni couldn't shake the weight of her own words.

"I... I'm sorry, Shelby," Toni said, her voice shaky. "About everything."

Shelby, sitting on the edge of the bed, looked up, her eyes softened by a mix of hurt and understanding. "Toni, it's okay. We both said things we didn't mean."

Toni took a step closer, the distance between them seeming like an unspoken divide. "Are we... I mean, are we still broken up?"

Shelby sighed, her gaze searching Toni's eyes. "Do you want to be?"

Toni hesitated, a mix of emotions swirling within her. "I don't know. Do you?"

Shelby shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "No, Toni. I don't want to be broken up."

A weight lifted off Toni's shoulders, and a sense of relief washed over her. "Me neither," she admitted, a genuine smile breaking through.

Shelby stood up, closing the gap between them. "Then let's not be broken up."

Toni nodded, and in that moment, the tension that had hung in the air dissipated. Their eyes locked, and Toni took Shelby's hands in hers.

"I'm sorry," Toni repeated, her voice softer now.

Shelby squeezed Toni's hands gently. "Apology accepted. We just need to communicate better, okay?"

Toni nodded, grateful for Shelby's forgiveness. Without another word, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a slow, tender kiss. As the kiss deepened, they stumbled backward, eventually falling onto the bed together. The weight of the recent tension was replaced by the warmth of their connection. In that moment, on the edge of the bed, they found solace in each other, embracing the opportunity to rebuild and rediscover the love that had brought them together in the first place.

 

The dim lights lining the narrow hallways of the bunker cast long shadows as Kirin walked back to his room. The air was heavy with a sense of secrecy and the low hum of distant machinery. Kirin couldn't shake the feeling that someone was following him, but he didn't bother turning around to confirm.

As he approached his room, he glanced over his shoulder, catching a fleeting glimpse of a figure disappearing around a corner. A sly smile played on Kirin's lips – he had a strong hunch that it was Ivan. The tension between them had been building, and tonight felt like the perfect opportunity for something to unfold.

Kirin entered his room, the door creaking softly as he left it slightly ajar. The room was illuminated by a single, muted lamp, casting a warm glow over the simple furnishings. He made his way to the bed, his mind buzzing with anticipation.

Lying down, Kirin couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The presence lingered in the doorway, and he hoped it was Ivan. The seconds felt like minutes, and just as Kirin began to wonder if his instincts had misled him, there was a quiet shuffle, and Ivan stepped into the room.

The door swung gently, leaving a sliver of light that accentuated Ivan's silhouette. Kirin couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement. "Ivan," he said, his voice a low whisper, "I was hoping you'd come."

Ivan's expression was a mix of curiosity and intrigue as he closed the door behind him. The darkness outside seemed to amplify the intimacy of the moment.

"Kirin," Ivan replied, taking a step closer, "what did you want to talk about?"

Kirin patted the space beside him on the bed, a nonchalant invitation. "Sit. We've been dancing around each other, haven't we? There's something I've been meaning to share with you."

Ivan hesitated for a moment before joining Kirin on the bed. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension. Kirin leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, as if sharing a secret.

"There are things you don't know about me, Ivan. Secrets that only a few are privy to. And I think it's time you became one of them."

The dim room seemed to hold its breath as Kirin and Ivan exchanged a meaningful look, the promise of shared secrets hanging in the air. The bunker, with its dimly lit corridors and quiet hum, became a canvas for the unfolding intrigue between these two individuals.

In the dimly lit room, Kirin leaned in, his heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and desire. He closed the distance between himself and Ivan, pressing his lips against Ivan's in a tentative kiss. The moment hung in the air, filled with anticipation.

Ivan, caught off guard, pulled away, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. Kirin's heart skipped a beat, wondering if he had misread the signals. But just as the silence between them lingered, Ivan's expression shifted, and he leaned back in, meeting Kirin's lips with a newfound intensity.

The room seemed to come alive with a quiet electricity as their kiss deepened, a silent understanding passing between them. The initial hesitation transformed into a shared hunger for connection, and the world outside their embrace faded away.

As the kiss deepened, the boys allowed the moment to envelop them, exploring the unspoken desires that had simmered beneath the surface. The air in the room became charged with a mix of emotions, and the warmth of their connection grew. They found themselves under the sheet and their clothes on the floor beside the bed within a moment.

 

The room was dark until a light flashed on above Fatin, revealing unfamiliar walls and a bed that Fatin couldn't place. As she slowly stirred awake, a momentary confusion settled in. This wasn't her room, and the realization sent a jolt through her.

Warily, Fatin sat up, the sheets slipping away to reveal the unfamiliar surroundings. Panic gripped her momentarily as she scanned the room, but then her eyes fell on her clothes scattered on the floor. She reached for them with a sigh of relief, grateful for the familiarity of her own garments.

As Fatin dressed, her mind raced, trying to piece together the events of the night before. The memories were hazy, and a mix of emotions bubbled within her. What had led her to this unfamiliar bed?

While fastening her buttons, Fatin heard a soft rustle behind her. She turned to find Leah, who had just woken up in the bed that Fatin had occupied moments ago. Leah's eyes met Fatin's, and a silent understanding passed between them.

Leah said nothing, her gaze fixed on Fatin as she dressed. There was a quiet intensity in her eyes, and Fatin felt a flush of self-consciousness under Leah's scrutiny. Despite the lack of words, there was an unspoken connection lingering in the air.

Fatin cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "Uh, morning," she greeted awkwardly, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.

Leah smiled, a subtle acknowledgment of the shared moment. "Morning," she replied, her voice soft.

As Fatin finished dressing, Leah continued to watch her, an admiring look in her eyes. The air in the room was charged with unspoken emotions, and Fatin couldn't help but feel a mix of vulnerability and curiosity.

Without saying anything, Leah gestured to the empty space beside her on the bed. Fatin hesitated for a moment, then decided to join Leah, sitting down beside her. The two girls shared a quiet moment, the weight of unspoken feelings lingering in the air.

"Did we?" Fatin asked.

"I think so." Leah replied.

"Do you regret it?"

"No."

"Neither do I"

Fatin was unsure of what to do next.Leah out of the bed and dressed herself, "We should go outside, get some air? The light turns on when it's day."

"I know" Fatin hesitated for a moment, her thoughts swirling as she recalled the weeks spent in isolation within the bunker room. The memories were a mix of fear, uncertainty, and the comfort of having Leah by her side.

 

The air outside was crisp and refreshing, a stark contrast to the stale atmosphere of their confined quarters. Fatin took a deep breath, savoring the sensation of cool air filling her lungs. Leah stood beside her, silently acknowledging the significance of this moment.

As they strolled through the open space, Fatin couldn't help but reflect on the events that led them to this point. The world outside had changed, and so had they. The decision to leave the safety of their bunker was both a daring leap into the unknown and a declaration of resilience.

Ivan:

The beach stretched out before Ivan, the rhythmic sound of the waves providing a calming backdrop. He strolled along the shore, feeling the cool sand beneath his feet, a solitary figure against the vast expanse of the ocean. Despite the serene surroundings, his mind was occupied with thoughts of Kirin, who was miles behind, engaged in conversation with Shelby.

As Ivan pondered the nature of Kirin's discussion, his name was called from a distance. Turning around, he saw Toni approaching, a surprising friendliness in her demeanor that caught him off guard. Toni, who had been a source of tension and conflict, seemed different today.

"Toni?" Ivan raised an eyebrow, uncertain but open to the unexpected turn of events.

Toni caught up with him, a genuine smile on her face. "Hey, Ivan! Mind if I join you?"

Ivan shrugged, a mixture of wariness and curiosity in his expression. "Sure, go ahead."

As they walked along the shoreline, Toni initiated a friendly conversation, discussing the beauty of the beach. Ivan couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more beneath the surface, especially considering their history of arguments.

Then, unexpectedly, Toni's tone shifted, and she began apologizing for the numerous fights they had over the past nights and days. She took the blame, acknowledging that the conflicts were often heated and acknowledging her role in escalating them. "Ivan, I am sorry for the fight last night, and the night before and the fights during the days too. I am sorry for all the fighting between us."

Ivan listened, surprised by Toni's sudden change in attitude. While he appreciated the apology, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story. Despite his own exhaustion from the ongoing conflicts, he decided to reciprocate the gesture.

"Yeah, Toni, I'm sorry too," Ivan admitted, his guard still up but willing to make amends. "Maybe we both need a break from all this drama."

Toni nodded, a genuine understanding in her eyes. The tension that had lingered between them began to dissipate, replaced by a tentative truce. As they continued their walk along the beach, the waves crashing against the shore, Ivan and Toni found a momentary respite from the conflicts that had defined their relationship, opting for a temporary ceasefire.

Chapter 15: Friends?

Notes:

Next chapter might be late cuz exams but I will probably be done. Latest will be Sunday, I hope. Anyways enjoy.

Leah, her gaze fixed on the horizon, hesitated for a moment before finally turning to face Fatin. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to their unfolding conversation. The morning sun, now a little higher in the sky, intensified the hues of the sand beneath their feet.

"No, Fatin, it wasn't just an accident," Leah admitted, her voice carrying the weight of truth. "Last night was... different, and we can't ignore that."

Fatin nodded, grateful for Leah's honesty. The vast expanse of the beach seemed to stretch out before them, a canvas onto which the complexities of their relationship were painted. The waves, like the ebb and flow of their emotions, continued their steady dance.

Leah continued, her words measured yet sincere, "I guess I said it was an accident because I didn't want to complicate things. But the truth is, I've been feeling something for a while now, and last night... it felt right."

Fatin sighed, a mixture of relief and vulnerability washing over her. The unspoken tension that had lingered between them was now laid bare, exposed to the open air of the beach. "I've been feeling the same way," Fatin confessed. "I just didn't know how to bring it up."

As they walked along the shore, the conversation unfolded like the gentle waves beneath their feet. The beach, with its vastness, seemed to absorb the weight of their shared revelations. The morning sun, now fully embracing the day, cast a radiant glow on the sands as if blessing the newfound honesty between Fatin and Leah.

 

Fatin and Leah emerged from their private conversation, a palpable shift in the air between them as they joined the rest of the group around the campfire. The flickering flames cast a warm glow on the faces of their companions, revealing a mix of exhaustion, determination, and lingering curiosity.

Dot, the de facto leader of the group, stood at the centre, her presence commanding attention. As she began to organize the day's tasks, the crackling fire underscored the urgency of their situation. The wilderness around them was both beautiful and perilous, and their survival depended on the efficiency of their daily routines.

"Alright, everyone, listen up," Dot announced, her voice cutting through the ambient crackling of the fire. "Same duos as the first day. Fatin and Raf, Leah with Scotty and Bo, Toni and Ivan, Shelby and Kirin, and Henry, Me, Martha, and Josh."

The group members nodded in acknowledgment, their faces illuminated by the shifting light of the flames. The campfire, once a source of comfort and camaraderie, now took on a different significance, mirroring the complexities within the close-knit community.

As the pairs dispersed to carry out their assigned tasks, Fatin and Raf made their way to the area they were tasked with securing. The unease from Fatin's earlier conversation with Leah lingered, a subtle undercurrent in the midst of their daily responsibilities.

Later in the day, Fatin decided to talk to Raf about it. They found a quiet spot away from the others, and Fatin began, "Hey, Raf, did Leah say anything to you about last night?"

Raf, with a subtle sadness in his eyes, nodded. "Yeah, she mentioned it. She didn't think it was an accident either."

Fatin's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Then why did she say that to me?"

Raf sighed, choosing his words carefully. "I think maybe she didn't want to admit it, and she thought you didn't want to either. Maybe she's just trying to protect herself."

Fatin frowned, a mix of frustration and disappointment. "But we both know it wasn't an accident."

Raf offered a sympathetic smile, "Sometimes people say things they don't mean to protect themselves, Fatin. It doesn't mean it's the truth."

 

Meanwhile, Leah found herself alone as Scotty and Bo wandered off to check on their assigned duties. Feeling a sudden urge to explore, she decided to venture into the bunker, the memories of past betrayals and losses haunting her thoughts.

Inside the dimly lit bunker, Leah caught sight of Nora, the friend who had supposedly died in a shark attack. The shock of seeing her was palpable, as Leah's mind raced to make sense of the impossible.

"Nora?" Leah called out, her voice a mix of confusion and disbelief.

Nora turned slowly, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Miss me, Leah?"

Leah's heart pounded, the memories rushing back. Nora, once a trusted friend, had been revealed as one of Gretchen's spies. The betrayal had been so severe that Leah was glad Nora was lost to the depths of the ocean.

"Why are you here?" Leah demanded, a mixture of fear and anger bubbling within her.

Nora's laughter echoed through the bunker. "You thought you could get rid of me that easily? Gretchen has her ways, and I'm here to finish what I started."

 

Leah's pulse raced, the pounding of her footsteps echoing through the cold, dimly lit bunker hallways. Anger fuelled her movements as she sprinted after Nora, the weight of betrayal and deception propelling her forward. The labyrinthine corridors seemed to twist and turn, mirroring the tangled emotions within Leah's mind.

Her breath came in ragged gasps as she rounded corners, the harsh illumination casting eerie shadows that danced with her relentless pursuit. The desire for revenge, for answers, surged within her, each footfall a declaration of the pain she had endured.

As Leah closed the distance, Nora's figure came into view, fleeting and elusive. Leah's anger intensified, a storm within her chest. The injustice of Nora's actions, the lies that had ensnared them all, fueled Leah's determination to confront her tormentor.

Leah pushed herself harder, her focus narrowing to the singular goal of catching Nora. The bunker, once a haven, now felt like a battleground for justice, and Leah was the relentless warrior seeking retribution. The emotions that had been suppressed for weeks now surged to the surface, manifesting in each determined step.

But as Leah turned another corner, Nora vanished from sight. Leah skidded to a stop, confusion clouding her rage-fuelled pursuit. The hallways seemed eerily empty, the silence amplifying the chaos in Leah's mind.

She stood there, chest heaving, grappling with the reality that Nora had seemingly disappeared. Doubt crept in – had she been chasing a phantom, or had Nora managed to elude her in the maze of the bunker?

Leah's hands trembled with the residual energy of her pursuit. The desire for revenge warred with the lingering flicker of forgiveness that had briefly crossed her mind.

 

The jungle hummed with life around Ivan and Toni, its vibrant sounds forming a discordant symphony that mirrored the tension between them. The leaves rustled, and unseen creatures moved through the dense foliage, oblivious to the interpersonal drama unfolding in their midst.

Ivan's internal struggle with his desire to be with Kirin rather than Toni was like a silent war, fought beneath the surface of their forced companionship. As the minutes stretched into hours, the jungle seemed to close in on them, amplifying the awkwardness between the two.

"So, Toni. How are you?" Ivan attempted to break the monotony, his voice carrying a forced cheerfulness that clashed with the underlying tension.

"What's wrong with you?" Toni retorted, her response sharp and cutting.

"Nothing. I was just asking," Ivan shot back, a defensive edge creeping into his voice.

"Why?" Toni questioned, her suspicion evident.

"Maybe I am interested," Ivan lied, the words leaving his mouth before he could fully process them.

"Are you?" Toni's disbelief was palpable.

"Ye-" Ivan began but was abruptly cut off.

"Don't lie," Toni demanded, her tone unyielding.

"I am. I am so interested in your -- whatever you are doing right now." Ivan peered over Toni's shoulder, attempting to glean some insight into her activities. She seemed to be searching through a bush, likely hunting for food.

"Trying to find food so we don't die. What are you doing? Not that I see," Toni remarked, her annoyance evident.

"Why don't you like me?" Ivan's frustration bubbled to the surface, and his voice unintentionally escalated to a shout.

"I could ask you the same thing?" Toni straightened, facing him with a challenging gaze.

"I asked you first," Ivan asserted, and Toni huffed angrily. The jungle, indifferent to their squabble, continued its cacophonous melody, a stark backdrop to the clash of personalities and unspoken desires.

 

Toni's frustration simmered beneath her stern expression as she held Ivan's gaze. The jungle's symphony seemed to crescendo around them, amplifying the charged atmosphere.

"You didn't annoy me at first," Toni finally admitted, her voice laced with exasperation. "But you just kept trying to fight everyone, always pushing back, always so... annoying."

Ivan's expression shifted from frustration to a mix of confusion and defensiveness.

"I wasn't trying to fight everyone," Ivan protested.

"Maybe not intentionally, but it felt like you were picking fights for the sake of it," Toni countered, crossing her arms defensively. "It's exhausting, Ivan. I just want to survive this, not constantly deal with unnecessary drama."

Ivan took a moment to absorb Toni's words. The jungle, indifferent to their personal struggles, continued its rhythm, a reminder of the relentless nature surrounding them.

"Well," Ivan admitted, a hint of remorse in his eyes. A smile grew on his face, "I just was giving this place a bit of flavour."

Toni's frustration reached a boiling point, her patience worn thin by Ivan's persistent behaviours. The jungle, which had once been a place of mystery and challenge, now became the stage for a continuous battle of wills.

"You always seem to start our fights, why don't you explain that? I would love to know," Toni confronted, her voice edged with a mix of exhaustion and curiosity.

Ivan, seemingly unfazed by the tension, shrugged casually. "Well, Toni, life's too short not to speak your mind, right? Just trying to keep things interesting."

Toni shot him an incredulous look. "Interesting? We're in a survival situation, Ivan. This isn't the time for your games."

Ivan grinned, an infuriating smirk that only fuelled Toni's exasperation. "Come on, Toni, lighten up. What's life without a little excitement?"

Toni took a deep breath, attempting to rein in her frustration. "Excitement is one thing, Ivan. Constantly starting unnecessary fights is another. It's distracting, and we need to focus on surviving, not dealing with your antics. You're a liability, Ivan."

Ivan's nonchalant attitude persisted. "Surviving is important, sure. But so is having a bit of fun along the way. Keeps the spirits up, you know?"

Toni's patience waned, and she shot back, "Fun? This is not a vacation, Ivan. We're facing real dangers, and your idea of 'fun' is putting us all at risk. Even you, when you mysteriously tripped and hit your head on the first day."

Ivan's grin widened, his annoying demeanour becoming increasingly deliberate. "Well, Toni, maybe you need to loosen up a bit. Survival doesn't have to be all doom and gloom."

In a sudden shift of mood, Ivan's demeanour transformed from annoying to unexpectedly considerate. Spotting a cluster of berries nestled amidst the foliage, he plucked a handful and tossed half to Toni. The vibrant colours of the berries stood out against the green backdrop of the jungle.

"Here," Ivan said, a conciliatory tone in his voice. "Maybe a bit of sweetness will make you less hostile and annoying."

Toni caught the berries, her earlier frustration momentarily forgotten. The simple act of sharing food in the midst of the dense wilderness held a significance that transcended their earlier clash.

As they ate, the tension between them eased, and the flavours of the berries offered a brief respite from the harsh realities of survival. The jungle, with its mysterious sounds and looming shadows, became a backdrop to a shared moment of simple indulgence.

Ivan, chewing thoughtfully, broke the silence. "Look, Toni, I get it. Survival is crucial, and I'm focused on that too. But it's no use if we're going to die of boredom. We need some semblance of normalcy, right?"

Toni, despite herself, couldn't help but nod in reluctant agreement. The jungle, while teeming with challenges, also threatened to engulf them in a monotonous routine that seemed to stretch endlessly.

"We need to find a balance," Ivan continued a genuine earnestness in his expression. "Yes, survival is priority number one, but that doesn't mean we can't find ways to make it bearable. We're in this together, after all."

Chapter 16: Changes

Summary:

New person... hmmm, I wonder what will happennn?

Notes:

I wrote this really quick, pls ignore any mistakes.

The flickering flames cast dancing shadows as Kirin's proclamation echoed through the camp. The firelight illuminated the group's weary faces, each person grappling with their own thoughts about the seemingly endless ordeal they found themselves in.

"Shut up, Kirin!" Dot's stern voice cut through the night, her patience worn thin.

Kirin, undeterred, continued his dance around the fire, his energetic antics a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere. "If my calculations are correct, soon enough, we are bound to find out about a spy, kick them away from us for them to magically summon a boat. It has been three weeks. We. Are. Going. To. Die. Hooray!"

The sarcasm in Kirin's tone resonated with the collective frustration of the group. Dot rolled her eyes, her attention returning to the tasks at hand.

"Another fight with your boyfriend? Do tell us why you are fighting this time?" a teasing voice chimed in from the circle.

"We are not fighting! And Ivan is not my boyfriend!" Kirin shot back, his cheeks tinged with a sudden blush.

"Ah, but Kirin, I never said Ivan. You thought that yourself. Not to mention, you two couldn't be any more obvious," the voice continued, revelling in Kirin's discomfort.

"Shut up!" Kirin retorted, his frustration escalating.

Fatin and Leah, seated nearby, burst into laughter, their amusement evident. The light hearted moment provided a temporary escape from the harsh reality of their situation.

Kirin, now pointing at the giggling duo, redirected the attention. "Why are you attacking me? Go after someone else," he declared, attempting to shift the focus away from his personal life.

 

The crackling of the campfire cast erratic shadows, creating an eerie dance of light and dark. The night air was thick with the sounds of the jungle, a symphony of creatures hidden in the darkness. The atmosphere was charged with tension, each person at the campfire on edge as they tried to discern the identity of the mysterious figure emerging from the forest.

As the silhouette drew nearer, sprinting towards them with a palpable urgency, the group strained to make out any recognizable features. Night's cloak veiled the stranger in obscurity, fueling an air of uncertainty that gripped the camp.

The figure held its side, as if nursing an injury, and the urgency in its movements added to the collective unease. Leah, her instincts sharp and wary, rose to her feet, her gaze locked on the approaching stranger. The others, caught in a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, exchanged uneasy glances.

The light from the campfire finally revealed the face of the mysterious runner, and a collective gasp swept through the group. Leah's eyes narrowed as recognition dawned upon her – it was Nora.

In that moment, conflicting emotions surged within Leah. The others, perhaps fueled by a glimmer of hope, hesitated in their reactions. Fatin, however, couldn't suppress her anger. "What are you doing here?" she shouted, her tone sharp with resentment, cutting through the night.

Nora, her face illuminated by the flickering flames, wore an expression that mirrored the complexity of the situation. The girls, torn between their belief that people could change and Leah's unwavering skepticism, awaited Nora's response.

 

Nora's desperate plea hung in the air, a plea for redemption and assistance, as she knelt in the flickering light of the campfire. Blood seeped from her side, staining the jungle floor beneath her, a testament to the dangers that lurked in the darkness.

"I am sorry for everything I did to you; please, I just need help. He is coming, he is in the woods, and he is mad!" Nora's voice trembled with a mixture of fear and regret.

Rachel, without hesitation, rushed to Nora's side. The bond of sisterhood overpowered any reservations she might have had. She began assessing Nora's injuries, her movements swift and focused. The others, drawn by the urgency of the situation, joined the impromptu rescue mission. Dot, Martha, Josh, Bo, Scotty, and Shelby gathered around, their expressions a mix of concern and skepticism.

Henry, on the fringes, maintained a façade of indifference. His distrust for Nora lingered, manifesting as a silent wariness that set him apart from the others. Meanwhile, Toni, Kirin, and Fatin attempted to console Leah, whose anger radiated in curses and threats, echoing through the jungle.

Despite the severity of Nora's injuries, Leah's resentment remained unyielding. "She's lying! You can't trust her!" Leah's voice cut through the night, her eyes ablaze with a deep-seated fury. The tension within the group escalated, mirroring the conflict between those who sought to extend a lifeline to Nora and those who couldn't forgive her past betrayals.

As Rachel tended to Nora, the atmosphere at the campfire transformed into a battlefield of emotions – forgiveness clashing with vengeance, trust warring against scepticism. Nora's plea for help was met with a fragile alliance, a temporary ceasefire born out of the necessity to face a common threat.

 

Ivan, rubbing his eyes and still trying to shake off the drowsiness from his impromptu nap, entered the chaotic scene with a bemused expression. "What did ye do now?"

Toni, ever the joker, decided to introduce Ivan to the newest addition to the drama. "Ivan! Meet Nora," she exclaimed, gesturing towards the figure still on her knees, nursing a wound.

Ivan squinted at Nora, processing the information with a hint of indifference. "Nora, huh? What's the story here?"

Toni, with a playful grin, continued to update Ivan on the unfolding events. "Ivan, I am sorry for earlier, you aren't that small. I mean, look at Toni."

Kirin, quick to seize the opportunity to apologize, directed his attention to Ivan. "Ivan, mate, I am sorry for earlier. You aren't that small. I mean, look at Toni." The words spilled out in a jumble before Kirin found himself with a mouthful of sand, courtesy of Toni.

"Ah, shit, that went into my eyes," Kirin groaned, spitting out sand.

"You deserved it. Now, can we get back to your marital problems?" Toni interjected, her sarcasm slicing through the tension. Meanwhile, Leah, who had been pinned down by Fatin, shot an incredulous look at Toni's choice of words.

Ivan, caught between confusion and amusement, scratched his head. "Marital problems? What did I miss?"

 

Ivan, despite the ongoing banter, turned his attention back to the pressing matter at hand. "Can we please get back to the Nora situation?" he requested, an undertone of urgency in his voice.

Nora, still on her knees, chimed in, "Right here!"

"Shut up!" came a collective response from both Ivan and Toni, the two of them seemingly finding common ground in the midst of the chaos.

Amidst the commotion, Kirin stepped forward. "What happened to you, Nora?" he inquired, his eyes narrowing as she assessed Nora's condition.

Nora took a deep breath, the weight of the situation evident in her eyes. "There is a second bunker in the woods. I managed to escape, but Seth chased after me. He had a knife, and, well... he is out there somewhere. I knocked his ass out, but I don't suppose he is still asleep. He is coming, and none of us are safe."

A hushed silence fell over the group as Nora's words hung in the air. The jungle, seemingly attentive to the unfolding drama, continued its symphony of sounds, an eerie backdrop to the revelation.

Dot, her mind swiftly processing the information, took charge. "We need to prepare for a possible threat. Everyone, stay alert. We can't afford to underestimate this situation."

Leah, still seething with anger, reluctantly tore her attention away from the ongoing conversation. "Fine, but don't think this changes anything," she muttered under her breath.

The group, now united by a shared threat, began to mobilize. Rachel continued to tend to Nora's injuries, the urgency of the situation providing a common purpose.

 

The bunker, once a refuge from the mysteries of the island, now felt like a precarious fortress as everyone huddled together, awaiting the potential threat that Seth posed. The tension was palpable, casting a shadow over the group as they navigated the uncertainty of the night.

Rachel, her commitment to her sister unwavering, stayed up all night tending to Nora's injuries. The makeshift hospital wing within the bunker provided the necessary supplies, and Rachel's skilled hands worked diligently to ensure Nora's comfort. As the night wore on, the rhythmic sounds of medical care echoed through the confined space.

Once Nora's immediate physical needs were addressed, Rachel sat down beside her sister. The dim light in the bunker highlighted the exhaustion in both their faces. Despite the circumstances, Rachel couldn't ignore the bond they shared, a connection that transcended the challenges they faced.

"Why did you do it?" Rachel finally asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and pain.

Nora, bathed in the dim light of the bunker, met Rachel's eyes, her own filled with remorse. The weight of the question hung in the air, and her sister's words cut through the silence.

"Why did you betray your friends, your family?" Rachel's voice held a mixture of hurt and an insatiable need for understanding.

Nora hesitated before responding, grappling with the painful memories that resurfaced with each word. "I- I was too deep. At the start, I only did it because I thought it was just some experiment. I didn't know she would go this far. When I realized what was really going on, Ms. Klein had a backup plan. She threatened your life if I didn't obey. I'm sorry, Rach. If I could go back in time and fix—"

Rachel interrupted, her tone heavy with disappointment and frustration. "But you can't. No matter if she threatened me, you shouldn't have done this. This is worse. You could have saved us and brought us all home. Nora, you didn't protect us when you thought you were. Instead, you just damned us to be trapped for weeks on end."

Nora winced at the truth in Rachel's words, her gaze dropping to the cold floor of the bunker. The reality of her choices, once shrouded in the illusion of righteousness, now loomed over her.

"I know, Rach. I know I messed up, and I can't change the past. All I can do is try to make amends now," Nora whispered, her voice strained with the weight of regret.

Rachel, conflicted by the love she felt for her sister and the wounds of betrayal, sighed. "I want to believe you've changed, Nora. But actions speak louder than words. We're stuck here because of what you did. Just... prove to me that you're different now."

After hours of talking, sharing painful truths and heartfelt apologies, the weight of the night began to lift. The sisters, emotionally drained yet somehow lighter, decided it was time to seek solace in sleep. Nora, echoing a gesture from their childhood, climbed into the bed with Rachel, the familiar closeness offering a sliver of comfort in the midst of the turmoil.

As the night unfolded, the sisters found a fragile peace in each other's presence. Nora, now acutely aware of the consequences of her actions, held onto the hope of redemption. Rachel, grappling with the duality of love and betrayal, yearned for a future where trust could be rebuilt.

 

When morning came, casting a warm glow over the island, the whole group convened on the beach. The air was charged with anticipation as they gathered to discuss Nora's fate. The sand beneath their feet bore witness to the shifting dynamics among the survivors.

Dot, assuming her role as the de facto leader, took charge of the conversation. "We need to address Nora's situation. She claims to have escaped from another bunker and is wants to stay with us. We need to hear her side of the story and decide what happens next."

The group, still on edge from the events of the previous night, listened intently. Nora, facing the collective gaze of her fellow survivors, spoke of her past, her regrets, and her genuine desire to make amends. Some members of the group, Henry in particular, remained stoic, their scepticism evident.

The girls, however, except for Leah, felt a flicker of trust. The shared history they had with Nora, the memories of friendship and shared secrets, created a bond that, for them, transcended the betrayal. Fatin, Toni, Ivan and Kirin, despite the weight of recent events, found themselves trying to be impartial.

Leah, still harbouring deep-seated resentment, voiced her opposition. "You can't seriously be considering letting her off the hook. She's a spy, and she'll stab us in the back again. You're all fools if you trust her."

The debate continued, echoing across the sandy shores of the island. Trust, once shattered, hung in the balance. The decision regarding Nora's fate would shape the dynamics of the group and set the course for their uncertain journey on the island.

Chapter 17: Tell-Tale Heart

Notes:

It is short, I am sorry I am days late. Enjoy

As Shelby and Kirin continued to wander through the dense forest, their eyes scanning the ground for any signs of tracks, the cacophony of the jungle enveloped them. Despite the vibrant noise, their quest for something to hunt proved challenging. The forest floor seemed devoid of any viable prey.

Shelby, breaking the silence, turned the conversation toward more personal matters. "You still fighting with Ivan?" she inquired.

Kirin, a mischievous grin playing on his lips, shook his head. "Nah, he's just sulking because I hid his clothes at the hot spring. It was too funny, and honestly, if I could go back, I'd do it again."

Shelby's eyes widened in surprise. "He's mad over that?"

"I think he's just overly bored on this island, so I'm giving him a taste of reality TV drama," Kirin replied with a chuckle.

"Seriously?" Shelby chuckled, finding the dynamics among the survivors increasingly amusing.

"To be fair, I kinda thought he'd chill out when all the drama with Nora happened," Kirin admitted.

Shelby nodded, acknowledging the change in Ivan's behavior. "It definitely has lessened. I mean, he really tried to be the one to interrogate her."

Kirin's expression grew more serious. "I think Nora is probably getting the third degree right now... courtesy of Toni and Ivan."

"At least Rachel is there too," Shelby added.

"But it's a bit of a biased jury, if you ask me," Kirin remarked, his tone carrying a hint of scepticism.

 

In the dimly lit room of the bunker, the atmosphere was charged with tension as the interrogation unfolded. Toni and Ivan sat facing Nora while Rachel sat off to the side, the weight of their shared history and recent events hanging in the air.

"Nora! Hi," Toni greeted, her tone a mix of friendliness and suspicion.

"...hi?" Nora responded cautiously.

"You know Ivan, right?" Toni continued, trying to gauge Nora's reaction.

"Mhm," Nora acknowledged, her eyes meeting Ivan's briefly.

"So, you do know me. Is that because you are a spy?" Ivan questioned, a hint of scepticism in his voice.

"You know I am a spy," Nora admitted, her admission met with a triumphant reaction from Ivan.

"We got a confession!" Ivan exclaimed, leaning back in his chair.

"Of the wrong thing. We need to find out what happened after the shark attack. After she died," Rachel interjected, her anger directed at Nora for what she believed to be her sister's demise.

"Did she die though?" Ivan mused, challenging the assumptions in the room.

"I was taken to here, this island, this bunker," Nora explained.

"How?" Toni inquired.

"A submarine and then a boat and then my legs," Nora added, injecting a touch of humour into her response.

"You're funny," Toni remarked, holding back her anger.

"What happened to you, Nor?" Rachel asked, her concern surfacing.

"Umm, I am asking the questions," Toni declared, taking charge of the interrogation.

"We," Ivan interjected, playfully smacking Toni's arm.

"We are asking the questions," Toni corrected herself, turning her attention back to Nora. "So, what have you been doing the last three weeks, Nora? Why do you suddenly want to help us now, Nora?"

"I was trapped in a bunker with Seth, Toni. You should know him, Ivan," Nora replied, offering a glimpse into the challenging circumstances she had faced during her time away.

 

"Continue," Toni urged, her eyes fixed on Nora as she awaited more information.

"Well, there is a second bunker somewhere deep in the woods. When we find it, we will find food and things we need to survive, but more importantly. We will find Seth," Nora revealed, her words sparking a mixture of intrigue and scepticism among her interrogators.

"I am hearing a lot of 'we.' Why don't you go look for that bunker?" Ivan suggested, his tone laced with a hint of mistrust.

"We are not letting her go off alone," Rachel insisted, her protective instincts kicking in.

"Why? You think I am going to betray you all," Nora questioned, her eyes searching Rachel's for reassurance.

"No," Rachel responded.

"You think I am going to run away from you all," Nora continued, probing for Rachel's true sentiments.

"No," Rachel repeated.

"Leave you all stranded. Once again," Nora added, a tinge of remorse in her voice.

"I don't want to lose you again. Is that so hard to believe? That poor Rachel misses her sister and still loves her after she betrayed us. I never forgot you, Nora," Rachel confessed, her vulnerability laid bare.

"Sorry," Nora whispered, a genuine apology hanging in the air.

"You should be sorry," Rachel asserted, the complexity of their relationship evident in the charged silence that followed. The two sisters embraced, finding solace in each other's arms, their connection enduring despite the trials they faced.

Meanwhile, Toni and Ivan, sitting at the table, observed the emotional reunion. Toni noted, "What a great interrogation. She seems more comfortable with Rachel. Why were we elected for this?"

"We weren't. We just didn't want to get more wood or search for food again," Ivan admitted with a shrug.

"I want a different job. Getting wood is so boring. I want to go search for the bunker. That sounds fun," Ivan suggested a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes.

"Walking around, probably not. I think it would be boring," Toni replied, their banter serving as a brief respite from the emotional intensity of the interrogation.

As Ivan and Toni bantered about their roles in the group, Rachel and Nora continued their heartfelt conversation, gradually easing into a more genuine connection. The room, once a space for interrogation, now witnessed the delicate dance of reconciliation and forgiveness.

"I never thought I'd see you again, and here you are," Rachel murmured, holding Nora at arm's length to study her face.

Nora met Rachel's gaze, her eyes reflecting the gravity of her past actions. "I never thought I'd deserve to see you again."

Toni, overhearing the intimate exchange, nudged Ivan. "Looks like our interrogation strategy needs some work. We're not getting this level of drama."

Ivan chuckled. "Maybe we're not cut out for this. Searching for a bunker sounds much more appealing."

Toni nodded in agreement, and they both exchanged amused glances before turning their attention back to Rachel and Nora.

"I can't change the past, Rach," Nora whispered, her voice carrying the weight of regret. "But I want to make things right. I want to help you all survive on this island, and maybe, in the process, find a way to redeem myself."

Rachel sighed, conflicted emotions playing on her face. "I want to believe you, Nor. I really do. But trust isn't something that can be rebuilt overnight."

Nora nodded in understanding. "I know. I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust."

"You can start by telling us everything you know and helping us find and take down Seth," Ivan said from his seat.

 

The dense foliage of the island surrounded Shelby and Kirin as they meandered through the thick underbrush, the air carrying a hint of humidity and the distant murmur of the ocean. A peculiar tension hung between them, and Shelby, unable to contain the weight of her secret any longer, took a deep breath.

"Hey, I... uhh... have a secret?" Shelby hesitated, her words tinged with unease.

"What?" Kirin asked, curiosity etched on his face.

"I have a secret," Shelby repeated the gravity of the revelation evident in her voice.

"No, I mean what is it?" Kirin pressed, sensing the seriousness of the matter.

"So, this secret. I can't tell you, but I think I should. I just think that if I do, you will be in danger," Shelby confessed, her eyes reflecting the inner turmoil.

"Don't tell me then," Kirin replied, concern furrowing his brow.

"Okay. Here is my problem though, I want to tell someone. If I don't, it is going to hurt them, but if I do, they are in danger," Shelby explained, grappling with the moral dilemma.

"Well, if they are for sure going to get hurt, then the potential danger is better," Kirin offered, his voice carrying a mix of empathy and pragmatism.

"Yes, I guess, but I just wish there was another way," Shelby sighed, the weight of her secret bearing down on her.

"I mean, I don't exactly know your situation, but I trust you will know what to do," Kirin reassured her, his eyes reflecting a genuine sense of understanding.

"Ok... I'm going to tell them. I think telling someone is the best idea here."

 

Over the phone call, the distant hum of machinery and the crackle of static underscored the ominous conversation between Gretchen Klein and Seth. The island, supposedly isolated and untouched, concealed a web of surveillance that could unravel the carefully orchestrated experiment.

"We have cameras and microphones on the island, we are sure," Gretchen Klein's voice echoed through the phone, her tone conveying a sense of urgency.

Seth, on the other end of the line, leaned against a makeshift table in a dimly lit room. "What do you want me to do about it?" he asked, a note of irritation in his voice.

"There are several traps on the island. I want you to do whatever is necessary to make sure that our spy is not revealed. So, just activate the trap if everything goes right," Gretchen instructed, her words tinged with a cold determination.

"Any means necessary. Doesn't all this ruin your rules for the experiment?" Seth questioned, his scepticism apparent.

"You are one to talk. If the secret comes out, the experiment is more likely to fail than succeed," Gretchen retorted, her voice unyielding.

"What if there is no trap nearby?" Seth questioned, a hint of scepticism in his voice.

"Trust me, that is not a problem," Gretchen responded, her assurance sending a shiver down Seth's spine.

"Why?" Seth pressed for more information.

"The island is littered with traps, so the real question is, which trap is going to get activated?" Gretchen explained, her tone carrying an unsettling certainty.

"What is going to happen in the traps?" Seth inquired, a sense of unease settling over him.

Gretchen's response held a disturbing nonchalance. "Depends on which trap. Some have water that will flood the cave, making it impossible to escape. Some have poisonous gas that will be released if needed. Some have nothing at all but offer no escape. Some have wild and crazed animals, and the list goes on. The team was having fun with it. What is your bet?"

"Bet?" Seth asked, a note of disbelief in his voice.

"You cannot be that stupid. Bet what type of trap will be triggered," Gretchen retorted, her tone dripping with condescension.

"Oh, umm, the nothing one. Probably the most common," Seth replied, a touch of uncertainty coloring his response.

"You'd think?" Gretchen's reply held a cryptic quality, leaving Seth to ponder the insidious possibilities that lurked within the traps scattered across the island.

Chapter 18: A Good Woman goes to War

Notes:

Woops.

Shelby, now standing amidst the aftermath of it all. She was clueless before, about the full extent of the consequences her actions would bring. The forest, once a sanctuary, now echoed with the weight of the choices she had made. She didn't want to end up alone, lost, and afraid, but that was precisely where she found herself.

Her face stained with crimson blood and salty tears, Shelby wept. The emotions poured out, a torrent of grief and regret. The physical toll of all of the fighting weighed heavily on her limbs, and her mind felt exhausted from the constant replay of the moments that had led up to her fall, the constant replay of the moments that led up to her death.

This wasn't the Shelby that everyone else knew, nor the Shelby she recognised. In the depths of her own abyss, she was an embodiment of rage, every cell in her body thirsting for revenge, yearning to extinguish the man who had stolen from her. The face in the water was a visage distorted by fury and loss, a spectre of the person she once was.

Her rage was intertwined with an overwhelming sadness, a torrential ocean that weighed her down. It was an ocean crafted from her own tears, an inescapable force dragging her deeper into the abyss. The will to fight, to move, to live seemed lost to her. How could she find it when she was dead.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

*Earlier that day*

Shelby led Toni into the heart of the forest, a secluded haven hidden beneath the thick canopy of ancient trees. The forest was a labyrinth of towering oaks and tangled vines, creating a natural barrier that veiled their conversation from prying eyes. The air was thick with the earthy scent of moss and the faint murmur of leaves rustling in the breeze.

Deep in the forest, the atmosphere was serene, a contrast to the drama and tension that had unfolded within the group. The quietude enveloped them, ensuring that their words remained confined to the sanctuary of the woods. Even the usual cacophony of birdsong and rustling critters seemed to hush in reverence for the gravity of the impending revelation.

Shafts of dappled sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, creating patches of warmth on the forest floor. The soft crunch of leaves beneath their feet masked their approach, preserving the secrecy of their conversation. The sense of isolation heightened the gravity of Shelby's confession, and the forest, with its ancient sentinels, stood witness to the unfolding drama.

Unbeknownst to them, hidden within the shadows, a malevolent force, Seth lurked. His presence, concealed from view, held the power to manipulate events with the click of a button. The very trees that seemed to shelter Shelby and Toni also shielded the ominous figure, whose influence loomed over the island like a silent spectre.

As Shelby hesitated to disclose her secret, the forest echoed with a tense stillness, as if nature itself held its breath. The verdant cathedral of the trees became the backdrop for a clandestine conversation that would alter the course of events on the island. In the midst of this sylvan sanctuary, where the only witnesses were the ancient trees and the unseen malevolence of Seth, Shelby prepared to unveil a truth that could reshape the dynamics of the group and tip the delicate balance toward chaos.

As they reached a small open area surrounded by towering trees, Shelby hesitated for a moment, grappling with the weight of the revelation she was about to share. The silence enveloped them, interrupted only by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant murmur of the wind weaving through the branches.

"I need to tell you something. Something important. I should have told you sooner," Shelby confessed, her voice a delicate murmur that seemed to harmonize with the tranquil melody of the forest.

Toni, her curiosity piqued, couldn't contain her impatience. "Oh my god! What is it!?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Promise me that you will hear me out. Promise me, Toni," Shelby implored, her eyes locking with Toni's in a desperate plea for understanding.

Toni, sensing the gravity of the situation, gently cupped Shelby's face in her hands, her thumb tracing soothing circles on Shelby's cheekbone. "I promise you, Shelby," she vowed, her touch a reassuring anchor in the midst of the impending storm.

With the promise secured, Shelby took a deep breath, the forest seeming to hold its breath alongside her. "I am a spy," she finally confessed, the words hanging in the air like a delicate secret waiting to be unravelled.

"What! What the fuck!" Toni's hands fell from Shelby's face in shock, her emotions oscillating between disbelief and anger. "What the fuck, Shelby! Why didn't you say something sooner!?" The forest, once a tranquil haven, now bore witness to the turbulence of emotions as the revelation threatened to shatter the fragile peace that had enveloped their secluded sanctuary.

"Listen," Shelby said calmly, her eyes earnest as they met Toni's gaze. Toni, still reeling from the revelation, looked into the depths of Shelby's eyes, searching for sincerity.

"It happened in the bunker. She said that there was no other option. She said if I didn't do it, I would never leave this island," Shelby explained, her voice carrying the weight of a burden that had been hidden for far too long. The forest, usually a haven of peace, stood as a silent witness to the unveiling of a painful truth.

Toni, torn between understanding and betrayal, listened intently. The words hung in the air, weaving a complex tapestry of emotions. Shelby continued, "When I was on the island, she threatened the lives of me and everyone on this island. Toni, I am sorry I didn't tell you sooner."

Toni's features contorted with a mix of shock and hurt. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? You just let me lie in your arms while you dealt with this all alone. Shelby, have you been reporting back to her? You're like Nora, you're one of them," Toni accused, her voice laced with a sense of betrayal.

"I promise you, I don't want to be a spy. I never did—" Shelby pleaded, desperation lacing her voice. A tear slid down her cheek, warm and bitter.

"But you are," Toni interrupted, a bitter realization settling in. She started to walk away from Shelby, each step echoing the growing distance between them. The forest, once a sanctuary, now seemed to conspire against their connection.

Shelby reached out, aching to bridge the emotional gap that had emerged between them. "Toni, please, I had no choice. I did it to protect us, all of us."

Toni turned, her eyes reflecting a mixture of hurt and anger. "You should have told me. We could have faced it together, but you kept me in the dark. Just like they do."

Shelby's outstretched hand hung in the air, a futile attempt to hold on to something slipping away. The forest, usually a source of solace, now mirrored the tumult within their hearts. Shelby's confession, though born out of necessity, had become a wedge, driving them apart.

"Toni, trust me. I am going to tell everyone as soon as I can. Just please. I need you to be on my side," Shelby implored, her voice laced with urgency and vulnerability.

Toni, torn between the betrayal she felt and the love she couldn't deny, wanted to run to Shelby, to push away all the negative feelings and reassure her that everything would be all right. She stopped walking and turned around, her eyes meeting Shelby's.

"Shelby, I may hate you right now, but I do lo—" Toni's words were cut short as the ground beneath her gave way. In an instant, she disappeared down a large hole or ravine, disappearing from Shelby's view.

"Toni!" Shelby shouted, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and regret. She rushed to the edge of the hole, peering into the darkness below. The forest, once a refuge, now seemed to conspire against them, claiming Toni in a sudden and mysterious twist of fate.

Shelby's outstretched hand, which had moments ago sought connection, now grasped at emptiness. The echoes of Toni's incomplete confession lingered in the air, haunting Shelby as she grappled with the immediate danger and the fractured bond between them. The forest, now fraught with uncertainty, held its breath as the consequences of Shelby's revelation continued to unfold.

"I guess you really should have kept your mouth shut," a voice taunted from behind the bushes. The foliage rattled as Seth emerged from his hiding spot, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "I hope this serves as a lesson for you, Shelby Goodkind. Not to go around, telling secrets to anyone. Your actions have consequences!"

Shelby's anger flared, but it was overshadowed by a profound sense of betrayal and, most of all, an overwhelming sadness. To call her sad was an understatement; Shelby felt as if a thousand trucks had collided with her head-on. The weight of her choices bore down on her, and now, Toni was lost in the depths of the mysterious hole, and Seth, the puppet master, reveled in her suffering.

Seth continued to smirk, revelling in the chaos he had orchestrated. The forest, once a realm of tranquillity, now echoed with the ominous energy of consequences unfurling. Shelby, teetering on the edge of despair, faced not only the perilous unknown below but also the repercussions of her choices that had set this devastating chain of events into motion.

Shelby felt as if she was holding the whole world on her shoulders, the weight of her actions pressing down on her with an unbearable force. She wanted to collapse on the ground, to let life move on without her. The desire to lie down on the dirt, to watch as the grass grew around her, became an appealing escape. Toni, with her short temper and perpetual anger, had been a source of comfort for Shelby – a way for Toni to express care. But now, in this moment of crisis, Toni wasn't here to lose her temper. The burden of consequences fell solely on Shelby's shoulders, and the absence of Toni's fiery presence only intensified the loneliness and regret that enveloped her.

She rose from her knees, the heaviness of sorrow replaced by a burning rage that surged through her veins. Standing across from the boy who had played a part in letting Toni fall to her death, Shelby's emotions erupted. With a swift throwing of her arms, her fist collided with the asshole's jaw, the impact echoing her fury. The next blow found its target, his eye, causing him to stumble back a couple of steps.

In a whirlwind of anger, Shelby rushed at him, tackling the beast to the forest floor. Her fists became a tempest of fury, raining down blows upon him. Each punch was a release of pent-up frustration, a desperate attempt to vent the pain that threatened to consume her. Shelby used her fists as instruments of retribution, painting his face red and molding it into something new—something disfigured. In the visceral intensity of the moment, she hoped the damage was permanent, a lasting mark to mirror the indelible scar on her own soul.

The boy's consciousness seemed to drain from his body with each punishing strike. Only when Shelby felt a partial satisfaction, a sense of catharsis in the physicality of her retaliation. The forest, a silent witness to the violent dance, held its breath as the aftermath of Shelby's rage settled. The air was thick with the echoes of her turmoil, and in the eerie stillness, Shelby grappled with the consequences of her actions.

Shelby, covered in blood and bearing the marks of her fierce retaliation, stood up and wandered over to where Toni had been. The once vibrant forest now bore witness to the aftermath of Shelby's fury. In the eerie stillness, she approached Toni, a mix of apprehension and determination in her eyes.

"It's okay. He's gone. You can come back to me now," Shelby whispered, her voice a gentle plea. She extended a hand, fingers stained with the crimson evidence of her rage. Hoping that Toni would reach out and take her hand.

Notes:

If you want, you can reread the first little bit again and you might interpret it differently this time.

Chapter 19: Reaching Out

The dull and dimly lit room was surely one of Gretchen's false police rooms but Leah could not care any less, her mind was more focused on the happenings of the island. The walls of the interrogation room were grey with soundproofing foam pyramids placed against the walls. Leah was bored out of her mind in those rooms they were put in, she could call her family or anyone she wanted, other than her fellow survivors, at select times in the day. They calls were recorded by the 'police'. The bit of freedom gave Leah enough hope to think she was free but she was far too conscious of the last time she thought that, and how that ended up. For now, she was trapped in a room with a 'detective' and Leah was not going to be bored for the next couple hours.

"Leah, are you ready to talk?" Detective Minho asked, his tone gentle yet firm, indicating a readiness to listen to whatever Leah had to share.

"Why would I tell you anything?" Leah replied, her voice guarded and filled with skepticism, as if she had learned to be wary of revealing too much.

"I know you and the other survivors had reasons not to trust us, and we understand that bu--" Minho began, attempting to convey understanding and empathy in his words, but Leah, cutting him off, questioned the depth of that understanding.

"Do you? Do you really?" Leah interrupted, her gaze penetrating, seeking a genuine connection beneath the surface assurances.

"Hmm?" Minho queried, prompting her to elaborate on her doubt.

"Do you understand us? You say you do, but have you been stuck on two separate islands, and when you think you are safe or free, you are just trapped in yet another 'experiment.' I am sure you know a bit about the island. About what happened," Leah recounted, her voice heavy with the weight of past trauma and betrayal. The room seemed to tighten around them, the oppressive atmosphere reflecting the tension in their exchange. Each word carried the echo of her experiences, and Minho found himself caught between the need for information and the necessity of acknowledging the profound impact of the survivors' harrowing ordeals.

"Yes, we know a bit. But not enough. Leah, it is your choice to talk, but it would be greatly appreciated on the side of the police department and the detectives," Minho said, his words carrying an air of understanding and a genuine desire to bridge the gap of trust.

Leah, after a moment of contemplation, seemed to relent, her guard momentarily lowered. "What do you want to know? Who would you like me to talk about?" she asked, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation, as if she had grown accustomed to recounting painful stories.

"Whoever, maybe you can tell us what happened with Seth," Minho suggested, steering the conversation towards a critical piece of the puzzle.

"Do you want to know why he was beaten, bruised and broken, would you like a list?" Leah replied, her gaze fixed on Minho, her eyes revealing a mix of weariness and defiance.

"Yes, actually," Minho said, maintaining his composure and professional demeanor, eager to piece together the details of the case.

"What do I get in return if I tell you, Mr. Minho?" Leah asked, a subtle challenge in her eyes, as if testing the sincerity of the authorities' promises.

 

"Detective Minho. What do you want?" Minho corrected, his tone firm as he emphasized the title, establishing the professional context.

"Take a guess?" Leah challenged, her eyes locking onto Detective Minho's, a subtle defiance in her expression.

"If it's anything like our other interviews--" Minho started, but Leah swiftly corrected him, her smirk betraying a sense of satisfaction.

"Interrogations," she emphasized with a smirk, as if relishing the precision of the word.

"You will want to talk to one of your friends," Minho continued, maintaining a calm demeanour in the face of Leah's playful yet assertive attitude.

"Ding, Ding, Ding. Got it in one, Professor," Leah remarked, her tone a blend of sarcasm and amusement, acknowledging the detective's perceptiveness.

"Detective. Who would you like to see?" Minho inquired, his gaze steady, signalling a return to the serious business at hand.

"Come on, David," Leah teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she playfully assigned a name to Detective Minho.

"That is not my name," Minho insisted, his tone maintaining a professional edge, refusing to indulge in the banter.

"You look like a David," Leah continued her playful banter, seemingly determined to stick with her chosen moniker.

"Anyways..." Minho attempted to redirect the conversation, eager to steer it away from the light-hearted teasing.

"Not denying your David-ness," Leah remarked, unfazed by Minho's attempt to move on, her smirk suggesting she was enjoying the subtle discomfort she sensed.

"Can we please move off of this subject," Minho requested, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

"Hit a nerve, did I, Dr. Minho?" Leah smirked, pressing a bit further, savouring the playful discomfort she had stirred.

"Detective. Shall I try to strike one of your nerves? Would the name Fatin mean anything to you? Ah, I see it does. Doesn't take a detective to see she means something to you," Minho provocatively suggested, his tone taking a more serious turn as he introduced a new layer to the conversation.

 

"I want to see Shelby," Leah insisted, her tone firm and unwavering.

"You know you can't see Shelby. Did you forget what happened?" Minho reminded her, his voice carrying the weight of past events that seemed to linger in the air.

"Don't talk more than you have to, Officer Minho. You get on my nerves," Leah retorted, her impatience evident in her response.

"Detective. Maybe getting on your nerves is my go-to move," Minho quipped, injecting a touch of humour into the tense exchange.

"It isn't," Leah shot back, determined to assert her control in the conversation.

"So, why don't you want to see Fatin?" Minho probed, his question unveiling a layer of the narrative that remained shrouded in mystery.

"We both know why," Leah replied, her gaze unwavering, revealing a silent understanding that spoke volumes about the complexities and unspoken truths that connected the dots in their shared history.

Minho's persistent inquiry hung in the air as Leah playfully dodged the question with a mischievous grin. "So, who do you want to see?" he repeated, prompting her to reveal her thoughts.

Leah, ever the playful spirit, couldn't resist turning the situation into a playful banter. "You could totally be a Ben, but you are such a David. Do you ever see yourself as a David?" she teased, her words laced with a hint of curiosity and amusement.

Undeterred, Minho pressed on, determined to uncover the truth. "Who do you want to see?" he insisted, seeking a more direct response.

Leah, not one to let the opportunity for humour slip away, quipped, "Your mom," causing a burst of laughter between them. However, Minho wasn't about to let the conversation veer off course, and he probed further, sensing a hidden truth beneath Leah's playful façade.

"Why do you avoid the question, too scared of the answer. Maybe you don't want to see them. No. You don't want them to see you," Minho speculated, his words carrying a touch of perceptiveness.

"Detective." Leah met his gaze with a raised eyebrow, acknowledging the change.

"Detective. I think we should talk about your relationship with your friends," Minho continued, his words carrying a weight of concern, like a detective analysing a critical piece of evidence.

In response, Leah, with a wry smile, dubbed Minho as if assigning a new role in their unfolding drama. "Therapist," she said, injecting a touch of humour into the serious conversation, attempting to lighten the mood even as the gravity of the topic hung in the air.

Minho, however, remained steadfast in his role as the concerned detective. "Detective. You can give me that list about Seth later. I think we need a therapy session first," he declared, emphasizing the priority of addressing the underlying emotional dynamics before delving into the intricacies of the investigation.

 

The midday sun bathed the pristine beach in a golden glow, casting long shadows that danced across the soft, untouched sand. The azure waves gently lapped at the shore, creating a soothing melody that harmonized with the laughter of the survivors.

A group of people, the survivors of an unforgiving island, had gathered on the beach, momentarily shielded from the harsh realities that surrounded them. Dot, the unwavering leader, knelt by the fire, carefully fuelling it as the flames flickered and leapt into the air.

The teenagers, seemingly carefree for a moment, danced around the fire, their laughter echoing against the backdrop of the ocean's serenade. The scene was idyllic, a snapshot of a moment frozen in time, perfect in every detail.

The fire crackled, sending sparks into the clear sky, and the survivors, for a fleeting instant, felt a semblance of normalcy. The beach, untouched by the trials of their survival, embraced them in a temporary sanctuary.

But as the sun reached its zenith, casting a brilliant light on the scene, the illusion of tranquillity was shattered. A girl emerged from the edge of the forest, her silhouette bloodied, her eyes swollen with tears. The survivors, mid-dance, turned their attention toward her.

Shelby, her mind clouded with desperation and exhaustion, wandered aimlessly toward the shoreline. Her heart raced with the urgency of a desperate mission—to find help, to free Toni from the ravine that had claimed her.

Fatigue weighed heavily on Shelby, and her steps became increasingly unsteady. The beach, once a haven of serenity, now seemed like an endless expanse of challenges. The air was thick with tension, mirroring Shelby's inner turmoil.

As Shelby's strength waned, her knees gave out, and her legs buckled beneath her. In that vulnerable moment, she saw Kirin's arm reaching out to her, offering support and stability. However, instead of grasping for that lifeline, Shelby allowed herself to collapse onto the warm sand.

With her body prone, Shelby's mind raced. She thought about the hand reaching out to her, the moment frozen in time—the same moment Toni would have witnessed just before she fell into the ravine. A sense of guilt and helplessness gripped Shelby, and she lay there, contemplating the cruel twist of fate that had unfolded.

The tranquillity of the beach stood in contrast to Shelby's inner turmoil. Unbeknownst to her, Dot, the ever-watchful leader, had noticed Shelby's distressed state. Dot's urgent and rushed footsteps approached, and the concern in her voice cut through the air.

"Shelby, what the hell happened?!" Dot demanded, her eyes wide with worry.

"I—she—she's gone," Shelby managed to utter, her voice strained and heavy with sorrow.

"What? Who? Shelby! Answer me right now?" Dot's frustration and concern escalated.

Shelby's gaze remained fixed on the sky, her mind replaying the harrowing moment. "Toni."

Shelby's heart pounded in her chest, a rhythm matching the chaos that unfolded around her. As Kirin and Fatin lifted her from the sand, Shelby pointed urgently, her eyes locking onto the spot where Toni had disappeared.

"Help," she exclaimed, her voice strained with urgency. "This way."

Martha's voice cut through the commotion, demanding answers. "What happened, Shelby!"

But the multitude of voices merged into an overwhelming cacophony, too loud for Shelby to process. Every inquiry, every demand, blurred together, drowning out the world around her. She felt disoriented, desperate to escape the suffocating noise.

In the midst of the chaos, Shelby clung to the singular purpose of reaching Toni. The only voice she longed to hear was Toni's, the only presence she sought was Toni's. With Fatin and Kirin supporting her, they moved with a determined pace toward the scene of the incident.

Shelby's eyes fell upon the deserted ground where Seth had once stood. Only the haunting remnants of his presence remained—a pool of blood, stark against the backdrop of dried leaves. The gravity of the situation settled heavily on Shelby's shoulders, a silent testimony to the mysterious disappearance of one of their own.

A short distance away from the blood stains, Shelby's gaze fixed on a gaping hole, wide and deep. The void left by its existence seemed to echo the void left by Toni's fall. The connection between the two scenes hung in the air, a painful reminder of the events that had unfolded.

As Shelby approached the hole, the enormity of the situation overwhelmed her. The silence that enveloped the forest was disrupted only by the faint whispers of the wind. Shelby's mind replayed the moment Toni had slipped from her grasp, vanishing into the abyss below.

She couldn't shake the image—the helplessness, the fear, and the haunting memory of Toni disappearing into the darkness. The hole, now a symbol of both Seth's inexplicable absence and Toni's mysterious fate, cast a pall over the forest.

Chapter 20: Alone?

The hushed exchange took place over a phone call, the connection crackling with tension and secrecy. In one corner of the island, Seth's voice came through, laden with discomfort and frustration.

"So, did it work?" Gretchen's voice, cool and calculating, inquired from the other end of the line.

Seth responded with a mixture of annoyance and pain, "I thought you had cameras on the island. Why don't you tell me if it worked?"

Gretchen's voice remained composed, "We don't have any in the cave. We saw everything that happened on the ground."

Seth's frustration grew, "So you saw her attack me."

A sinister undertone crept into Gretchen's reply, "Yes, some of the employees are still laughing about it."

The gravity of the situation weighed on Seth, his pain evident even through the phone. "It is not funny! I am in pain."

"Not to add to your pain, but you also lost the bet," Gretchen stated matter-of-factly.

"For fuck's sake. Not even a bit of money to ease my pain," Seth retorted, frustration evident in his voice.

"You're getting paid anyway," Gretchen replied dismissively.

Seth sighed, accepting the cold reality. "Fair. So, who won the bet?"

"Alex. He is so annoyingly cocky about it now," Gretchen informed, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Seth grumbled, "What was in the cave?"

"Animals," Gretchen replied cryptically.

"I should have just gone with my gut!" Seth exclaimed, the realization of his miscalculation adding another layer of frustration to his already painful predicament.

"Anyways, I need you to do something," Gretchen's voice sliced through the phone call.

"Hmm?" Seth responded, a wary curiosity in his tone.

"There is a second entrance to the cave, you need to find it and make sure the animals did their jobs," Gretchen instructed, her words carrying a weight of authority.

Seth's confusion was palpable, "Where is it?"

"What?" Gretchen's response held a deliberate vagueness.

"The second entrance," Seth clarified.

"Oh, well, I have no idea. You can figure that out yourself," Gretchen replied nonchalantly, leaving Seth to grapple with the unsettling task laid before him.

 

As Toni descended into the dark abyss, her mind replayed the moment before the ground vanished beneath her feet. Shelby's face, etched with concern and worry, lingered in her thoughts. The memory of the solid ground she had walked on only moments before haunted her, intensifying the disorienting nature of her fall.

There had been no doubt in Toni's mind about the stability of the ground. It was as if, in an instant, reality itself had shifted. The earth beneath her feet transformed from stable ground to an empty void, triggering a sense of unreality that accompanied her descent.

As Toni plunged deeper into the darkness, questions swirled in her mind. Was this a deliberate trap, orchestrated by someone on the island? Did Shelby know about the danger that lurked beneath the surface, or was she as clueless as Toni had been? The possibility that Shelby might have played a role in the incident raised suspicions, fuelled by the revelation that she was a spy.

Toni grappled with conflicting thoughts as the abyss swallowed her. The fear of the unknown mingled with the uncertainty of Shelby's involvement.

The memories of Shelby's face, etched with fear and shock, played like a haunting loop in Toni's mind as she descended into the abyss. The genuine concern reflected in Shelby's eyes became apparent to Toni — a stark contrast to the suspicions that had briefly clouded her thoughts.

In the final moments before impact, Toni saw Shelby reaching out, attempting to save her. The realization hit Toni like a revelation—Shelby didn't know. There was no malicious intent; Shelby was as unaware of the trap as Toni had been.

Thud! The impact was harsh and unforgiving. Toni hit the ground, and the sensation was like a shockwave through her body. The ground beneath her felt barren, akin to a desolate desert, but unforgivingly harder. Pain erupted through Toni's body, radiating from her spine. It felt as if every bone in her back had shattered into a myriad of pieces.

The constant pain echoed from her ribs to her neck, from the base of her skull down to her ankles. Toni lay there, paralyzed momentarily by the intense pain that surged through her body.

The pain reverberated through Toni's body, each ache and throb a constant reminder of the harsh reality she found herself in. In the midst of the physical torment, a soft melody began to weave through her consciousness, as if carried by a gentle breeze.

"Sleep..." The whispered song caressed her ears, tempting her to surrender to its soothing embrace. The words echoed a promise of respite, a refuge from the agony that gripped her.

The melody was enchanting, coaxing Toni to release the grasp on her consciousness. It whispered of a place where pain could not reach, a sanctuary beyond the confines of the cave and the harsh reality that had unfolded.

For a moment, Toni hovered on the precipice, torn between the allure of the song and the relentless grip of her current situation. The melody, like a siren's call, beckoned her to escape into the realms of unconsciousness, where the weight of her injuries could be momentarily forgotten.

"Don't let it touch you." The warning, delivered in a rough and seemingly ominous voice, resonated through the cave. The voice had a quality that seemed almost malevolent, with a sound that could make metal screech. Despite the instinctual warning signals Toni's body sent her, there was an irresistible allure to the voice—a captivating perfection within its imperfections.

"Don't let the light touch you," it continued, the ominous message lingering in the air. The cave, already shrouded in darkness, seemed to absorb the foreboding words.

As the warning concluded, a figure materialized, standing over Toni. It was a void of emotion, a presence devoid of any recognizable feeling. The figure knelt down, its hand reaching toward Toni's face. The hand was a morbid sight—bloody, darkened, and heavily wrinkled. Despite the grotesque appearance, there was an undeniable allure to it.

The finger touched Toni's cheek, and a peculiar warmth began to spread across her body, originating from the figure's fingertips. The warmth was beautiful, yet painful. It coursed through every cell, setting them ablaze. Somehow, amidst the intense pain, Toni began to feel better.

The hand covered Toni's eyes, blocking what little sight the cave offered. In that darkness, Toni's perception shifted. It was as if a new layer of understanding unfolded, transcending the physical limitations of her surroundings. The cave, once a confining space, transformed into a canvas for a different kind of sight—a sight that reached beyond the tangible and ventured into the realm of the unseen.

"It wants to claim you," the voice persisted, its rough and malevolent tones echoing through the unfamiliar room. The walls were painted a serene shade of blue, reminiscent of the sky and the view from beneath the lychee tree. The room seemed to unfold before Toni like a tapestry of memories.

The figure that had warned Toni now took the form of Ivan. Ivan and Toni found themselves in a room that held a peculiar familiarity. The walls, the sofa, the colour palette—all seemed to evoke fragments of cherished memories.

The long, comfortable-looking sofa, a light brown reminiscent of the logs they once used to share moments together, held the promise of familiarity and warmth. Ivan stood behind the sofa and began to walk around it, slowly approaching Toni.

"Where am I?" Toni asked, her voice echoing in the surreal room.

"Your future," 'Ivan' replied, the words hanging in the air with an enigmatic weight.

"Who are you?" Toni pressed, seeking clarity in the midst of the mysterious encounter.

"Your protector," came the response, the voice carrying a certain authority.

"Ivan?" Toni questioned, her mind attempting to reconcile the familiar face with the ambiguous presence.

"No," the reply was curt, dispelling any notions that this figure was truly Ivan.

The room, bathed in the calming blue hues, seemed to hold more questions than answers.

"Am I dead?" Toni questioned, a sense of uncertainty tingeing her words.

"Not if you play your cards right," 'Ivan' responded cryptically, the air thick with mystery.

"What is that supposed to mean?" Toni pressed for clarity.

"Shelby is coming. But it is not her. Do not trust her. Do not touch her, do not follow her. And do not let the light touch you," the warning echoed through the room, each word carrying an urgency that unsettled Toni.

"How do I win?" Toni sought answers, her confusion palpable.

"Wake up," came the enigmatic response, leaving Toni with more questions than solutions.

"What?" Toni exclaimed, the surreal nature of the encounter becoming increasingly confounding. And then, Ivan was gone.

The door of the room swung open, and Shelby walked in, bags of groceries in her hands. "Hey! Can you help me bring these to the kitchen?"

Toni's gaze fixated on the girl she loved. It's not her. It's not her.

"Honey?" Shelby's voice carried an unfamiliar tone.

"Who are you?" Toni questioned, a sense of unease settling in.

"Funny. Can you help me?" Shelby's demeanour remained casual, but Toni sensed something was amiss.

"Why are you here? Why am I here?" Toni's questions poured forth, fuelled by a growing realization.

"What do you mean, sweetie?" Shelby's attempt to maintain normalcy clashed with Toni's increasing certainty that this was not the real Shelby.

"You are not Shelby. The way you speak is off. The real Shelby doesn't call me honey or sweetie. You are not Shelby," Toni declared, a firmness in her voice cutting through the surreal atmosphere.

"I am not," 'Shelby' asserted.

"Why are you here?" Toni's voice held a mix of suspicion and determination.

"I am just showing you what you could have," the imposter replied cryptically.

"What does that mean?" Toni pressed for clarity, her instincts on high alert.

"If you come with me, you can have Shelby and everything you want. Your parents, the ones you wanted, ones that love you. Martha."

"I don't want that. I want my life. I want the life that is mine. I want to be stuck on that island with my friends," Toni declared, a steadfast conviction in her words.

"Ok," Shelby grinned, and the world around Toni began to shift. It felt like everything was being pushed away, like she was being pulled from something behind her. When the movement ceased, the surroundings had transformed. They were both on the beach, and Toni's friends lay on the ground, seemingly lifeless. Something was undeniably off.

"They are dying," the imposter declared.

"This isn't real," Toni insisted, a sense of urgency coursing through her.

"But it will be," 'Shelby' responded, the ominous assurance hanging in the air.

"Well then, I want to go back for sure. To save them, and if I can't save them, I will be there to die alongside them. You can't stop me," Toni asserted with unwavering determination. The gravity of the situation, the illusion of her friends in peril, did little to sway Toni from the authenticity of her own reality.

"It is your choice. If this is what you want, wake up," 'Shelby' stated.

"How do I wake up?" Toni demanded, frustration and urgency seeping into her voice.

"Open your eyes," the response came, enigmatic and unyielding.

"How!?" Toni's desperation grew.

"Open your eyes."

"I hate you! Why can't you give me a simple answer!?"

Toni shut her eyes as tightly as she could, attempting to escape the confines of the dream. When she opened her eyes again, she felt the warmth of the sun reaching her. The cave, once cold and dim, now had a small area illuminated by sunlight. The rest of the vast, open space remained engulfed in pitch-black darkness.

Toni, unafraid of the dark before, now felt a sense of unease creeping in. The contrast between the light and the encroaching darkness created a disconcerting atmosphere.

Toni stood up, endeavouring to deny the pain that surged through her bones.

"You aren't alone in this cave," Ivan's voice rang out.

"Ivan?" Toni questioned.

"I am not Ivan."

"I know, but I don't know what to call you," Toni admitted.

"Ivan is fine then," the voice, now identified as Ivan, replied.

"When you say I am not alone. You mean because you're here, right?" Toni sought clarification.

"No. I am not here, but something else is. Use your past to protect your future," Ivan advised.

"Why is everyone so god damn cryptic?!" Toni exclaimed, frustration colouring her words.

Chapter 21: The Last I love you

Notes:

I hate my writing style. :)

Deep in the shadows, pure black, just a void that haunts me. Wondering what could possibly be hiding away and I should have felt better when they were hiding. As soon as the light reached their scared and mangled bodies, fear coated my body. It was there to protect me, it wasn't doing much other than telling me that they weren't exactly the good boys and girls and that they wouldn't bite. It was telling, no it was screaming at me to run and get my ass out of this place, like I could. The only way I was to escape was to go into the dark. Surely their friends were waiting for me to come into the darkness.

The paw hit the floor, sending particles up into the air, dirt? Dust? Sand? That wasn't really the main focus as of now. As it crept into the sunlight that shone into the cave, I found that I was an intruder. I had fallen into the lair, by no fault of my own, of a family of tigers and they were just protecting themselves. To be truthful, I was truly terrified.

I am not Martha, I don't want to but if I have to, I will! I kneel down and collect a nice big rock, sharp and just about the size of my fist. I pondered whether I throw the rock at the alone tiger, and get it while it is away but the fear of being face to face with an enraged tiger with not a single thing to defend myself with was holding me back.

It gets closer and closer, with a stride that looks almost elegant, after I had backed up as much as I possibly could, against a hard rock wall. I made my way to the right but the tiger pounced. I struck it as it was jumping through the air at me. It was thrown a bit away, falling down on the solid ground. I tried to make an escape, trying to prove the 'I can run forever' statement to be true. It had a speedy recovery and chased me down, racing across the dusty ground and pouncing into the air once more.

How did I think I could escape a tiger, it tackled me to the ground, and I cried out as it tore into my flesh, like a dog digging a hole, it scratched and scrawled at my chest and arms. My chest felt bare and cold, like the freezing, unforgiving air skipped through my skin and brushed my organs. I felt like my intestines had nothing to hold onto and would just flail and droop right out of my abdomen. I felt like a broken and ruined corpse like every ounce of life had been pulled out of my body. I was only left with the ice cold as the warm blood came flooding out of my body.

I grab the beast by the left side of its head and it returns the favour, digging its teeth into my forearm. There was a sickening tug as it tried ripping my arm clean off, it might just succeed. My hand stumbles around, searching for the rock, any rock, anything! I grab onto a rock, the same size as the last, more smooth but will still do the job. I bring the rock into the tiger's skull hard, and again, each time harder than the last, it finally let go of my forearm, though it took the flesh with it.

I held the rock with both hands and bashed the head of the tiger repeatedly. Leaving the sudden and scarlet stain spread across the sandy domain, this newfound strength was not bound to last long. I didn't stop, a certain feeling came rushing over me, washing away the sickly cold and replacing it with a warmth that led me to resume the constant banging. Up and down, I hit the skull with such force it would make a drummer cry. The sickening thud of the rock bashing against the bloodied skull of the tiger would make others scream but for me, it felt oddly nice, a comfort in the form of brutal violence.

The only thing that stopped me from making soup from this tiger was his friend, who tackled me to the ground and scrawled at my back. Are you kidding me? This was going to be difficult to get out of, I couldn't move but solely because something changed, the tiger loosened the pressure on me for just a split second but that was enough, that was more than enough to escape. I threw myself upwards and got to my knees and I then skid myself across the floor, searching for another rock to beat the living shit out of this home wrecker, wait, I am the home wrecker!

I rest my eyes on my original rock, all perfect as it rests on the dusty ground, I reach out and grab it just as the tiger comes back for round two. This time I was ready and I was going to treat this tiger like I did the last time. I swung but realised I messed up, my brain was slow, the blood that was exiting my body was affecting my senses and I miscalculated the location of the tiger. My missed hit gave the tiger enough time to launch itself onto me. Now my back was on the ground, dust seeping into my wounds and that was not good. It brought its claws up, I felt the sharp talon-like claw hover over my neck, I was confused that it hadn't attacked, when my eyes opened, I saw the tiger looking off to my right, it heard something. I took my chance and struck it while it was distracted, the same technique I used on its friend. This one was different though because I struck it until it died and no more. I didn't have enough energy and I felt faint. I stumble off to the side, I am just going to close my eyes for two seconds.

"Toni!" Shelby's shouting reached my ear. Fuck the sleep! I am up! I turn to see where she is. Lost in the darkness. I see her come out of the darkness just as my legs collapse. I remember her catching my body, I couldn't feel it, I couldn't feel anything, but I saw her sitting above me.

"I love you. I don't care what you did." I think it is time to say goodbyes. I don't see myself walking out of here.

"Hey. Hey. You are going to be ok. You are." We both knew differently. All I want is three words, I don't need reassurance of something we both know isn't true.

"Tell me anyways." Just three words and I will be ok to go. I don't want to hurt her but there is no getting out of this alive.

"I love you Toni, you know that I do." That was the last I love you I heard. Maybe it was bad timing but that was the moment it all turned black, lost in the darkness. I have come to fear it, this was a nightmare, worse.