[ was sick] [ so is the new writing style good or bad.]
Alexander's heart leaped as Ricky emerged from the dense forest, a surge of joy washing over him. But the elation swiftly turned to concern as he took in Ricky's sunken face and blood-stained clothes. Ricky walked with a pronounced limp, each step heavy with fatigue and pain.
Alexander's heart tugged at him; he sensed something grave had happened. Despite his apprehension, he observed with bated breath. His hopes dimmed as more members of Ricky's team trickled out from the woods. Each one bore the signs of a harrowing ordeal—exhaustion etched on their faces, bloodshot eyes staring blankly, and bodies marked with bruises and blood.
Then, Alexander's gaze locked onto a haunting sight. Emerging into view was the emo girl, her slender frame burdened by a muscular man slung across her back. Blood coated her from head to toe, though it was unclear if it was hers or from the gaping wound on the man's shoulder where his hand should have been.
Even from a distance, Alexander could hear the man's agonized cries. Around them, others staggered forward, carrying wounded comrades in their arms or on their backs. The weight of loss hung heavy in the air, with some already cradling lifeless bodies.
Ricky's gaze lifted, meeting Alexander's across the desolate clearing. Initial shock gave way to a flicker of relief, quickly swallowed by a deep well of sorrow and despair that clouded his eyes.
He approached Alexander silently, the weight of his exhaustion and loss etched into every weary step. Alexander saw it all in Ricky's eyes—the helplessness, the grief, and the unshed tears that threatened to spill over.
Others shuffled past in a procession that resembled a funeral march, their gaunt faces and vacant stares akin to wandering ghosts. Most passed Alexander by without acknowledgment, lost in their own turmoil.
The emo girl paused briefly as her eyes met Alexander's, shock registering before she averted her gaze, consumed by her own sorrow.
Alexander's attention darted around, searching desperately for the pretty girl and the knife-wielding companion, but they were nowhere to be found among the injured being carried or those walking under their own power. A sinking realization settled in—not just them, but many others were missing too.
Standing amidst the aftermath, Alexander's mind pieced together the grim truth. Those missing likely hadn't been granted the dignity of a proper farewell or burial in this unforgiving wilderness.
After a long moment of silent acknowledgment, Alexander shook his head, a mixture of acceptance and resignation washing over him. This was the cruel reality they faced, where survival often came at the cost of losing friends and allies to the merciless wilds.
Alexander trudged wearily alongside the others, his mind reeling from the harrowing events of the day. Almost becoming one of them. He shook his head, silently grateful to have made it this far. The group moved in eerie silence, each lost in their own thoughts amidst the stifling atmosphere.
After what felt like an eternity of walking, Alexander spotted vehicles in the distance, they have finaly reached the makeshift station. A collective breath of relief escaped some of them, though others remained stoic, their faces etched with exhaustion and despair.
Ricky took charge, approaching the vehicles and engaging in negotiations with the drivers. It took several attempts, but finally, he struck a deal with the sixth driver. A silent agreement sealed with a handshake.
With Ricky's signal, the group resumed their grim march. The drivers showed no surprise as they efficiently conducted a head count and methodically opened compartments, treating the fallen comrades like cargo. The older driver, his face weathered with experience, and his younger assistant moved with practiced precision, loading the bodies without a flicker of emotion in their eyes. To them, it was routine, as mundane as handling boxes or equipment.
"What is this?" Emily's voice pierced through the tense air, directed at the driver and his helper.
Ricky hurried over, concern etched on his face. He had gone through great lengths to secure their transport, and any trouble now could jeopardize their mission.
Emily, her usually stoic demeanor shattered, stared at the compartment that resembled a vault-like drawer, now marred with streaks of blood and infested with crawling cockroaches and white maggots. All three drawers were tainted with this gruesome scene.
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Inside those doors lay bodies, in a state so dehumanizing that it sent shivers down anyone's spine just to look at them. Maggots squirmed in the corners, adding to the macabre display. It was unthinkable to leave their friends' remains in such a horrific condition.
After catching sight of the nasty condition inside, Ricky couldn't help but grimace. The sight was beyond unsightly.
"Can't you at least wrap them in something?" Ricky's tone held a mix of frustration and concern.
The young assistant merely glanced up, his expression apathetic. His eyes flicked to his driver, who was struggling under the weight of another corpse, his movements mechanical and unfeeling.
With practiced ease, the driver placed the body onto a crude stretcher. He turned to the boy, his voice blunt and devoid of emotion, "Why are you still here? Keep moving." Then, shifting his gaze to Ricky, he added with a deadpan expression, "Sir, we could accommodate that request, but it will cost extra."
His tone was matter-of-fact, as if he were discussing an ordinary transaction. The indifference in his demeanor only heightened the surreal horror of the situation. Alexander watched Ricky’s face darken, sensing the barely contained fury simmering beneath his composed exterior. He knew Ricky was fighting the urge to lash out at the indifferent driver.
but Alexander's eyes widened in alarm in the next moment, as he saw Emily, the emo girl, tense with fury, her fist poised to strike. But in the next heartbeat, Ricky's shoulders sagged with resignation. He swiftly turned and intercepted her, his hand gently grasping her arm.
“Emily, just let it go. It's not worth it.” Ricky's voice was steady, infused with a weary calm that seemed to defuse the tension. He turned to the rest of the group, his expression hardening as he called for a meeting among the remaining members.
Alexander watched closely, reading the lines of exhaustion etched on Ricky's face. It was clear Ricky already anticipated the outcome. Despite knowing this, he gathered the group and began to speak. As his words settled over them, the faces around him darkened with frowns and murmurs of discontent.
Time stretched on, the atmosphere thick with unspoken frustration. Ricky finally sighed, the sound heavy with the weight of futile efforts. Emily stomped her foot in frustration, her anger barely contained.
Turning to the driver, Ricky spoke with a tone of reluctant acceptance. "Carry on then." The drivers exchanged a knowing chuckle, their mockery thinly veiled in their indifferent smiles.
Ricky stood there in silence, his head bowed. The heavy weight of despair hung over him. In the end, no one was willing to dig into their pockets. not to mention, This time, the spoils were meager as it was.
“What, why are you all quiet?” Emily's voice cut through the oppressive silence, loud enough for Alexander to hear from a distance.
“What, is money that important to you? Fuck you, fuck you all. I will pay all of it myself.”
“Emily, calm down,” Ricky shouted back, his voice weary.
"you, you are telling me to ca....."
“And besides, your share is not large enough. they said extra for each additionol persone." ricky sighed.
Ricky exhaled a long, deep sigh, the sound filled with resignation and exhaustion.
The journey had claimed many lives. Bodies lay scattered, and even the man Emily had carried on her back succumbed to his wounds halfway.
It didn't take long to load the bodies. Soon, Alexander and the others boarded the truck one by one. Alexander was puzzled, noting that they didn't put him in a crate this time.
The vehicle, reminiscent of an ancient military transport, had two rows of seating on either side. Following the others, Alexander settled on the right.
The central area was crammed with their gear and the scant spoils they had collected. Among them was Alexander's own haul, discreetly retrieved from its hiding place on the way to the rendezvous point. Yet, the bags were significantly fewer than he had initially had.
The reason was glaringly obvious. While the herbs he had gathered remained intact, the snake carcasses were nearly gone. He was left with just one piece measuring five feet and another at 2.73 feet. As for the eagle, its wings and head had fortunately survived, though the body, which held valuable material, was missing.
“Sigh.”
As always, there was nothing to do but sigh. Despite everything, a stir went through the group when it was discovered that this loot belonged to Alexander. From that moment, the looks directed at him shifted, morphing from disdain to jealousy and envy, emotions that lingered even now.
After approximately fifteen minutes of discussion and paperwork, Ricky was the last to board the truck. His eyes widened in initial shock when he first heard about Alexander’s haul.
The events unfolding in the truck didn't escape Ricky's troubled gaze as he settled into the seat right beside Alexander. He then shouted,
“Hey, boy, what about that thing we requested?” Ricky called out to the helper boy.
Though Alexander wasn't certain, he could have sworn he saw the boy grunt before walking away, only to return with a large box.
“Sigh.”
Seeing the container, Alexander knew his moment had arrived and exhaled a deep sigh, preparing to get into the box.
“Hey, don’t worry about it. This time it’s just us. I’ll inform you when we’re nearing the wall. Until then, enjoy the fresh air.”
Alexander sat back down, trying to mask his relief, but he felt a wave of gratitude and comfort. But the truck fell silent once again.
Kreeeechhhh
After some time the engine started as the truck shook.
“The way you were so eager to enter that box. I thought you had your girlfriend there, but I guess your hands work as well.” Ricky chuckled.
In the next moment, many burst forth in puffing noises. It was pretty damn hilarious. Alexander turned red, and so did some of the girls, but it quieted down not long after.
“Don’t be ashamed, boy. In your age, any stress and I busted out 3 to 4 times a day. Heck, I even went 9 times a day once.” Beside Ricky, a man who seems to be at the end of his middle age said in a nonchalant manner.
This drew not only gazes of amusement and embarrassment but also awe and respect. And somehow Alexander found himself among the ones of respect.
Like this, the truck alternated between chuckles and quietness for some time, some very small amount of time, then it went back to its quiet nature.
After who knows how much time, Ricky asked, “So if you don’t mind, tell me, how was your first time?” The provocative tone of his question put on an entirely different meaning.
Alexander was about to retort, but before he had the chance to, Ricky continued pointing at his loot, “And besides, seeing them, I bet everyone is dying to know your secret.”