“That didn’t help.” 11 shouted rather angrily as the same text flashed in different languages. And then finally.

‘survive’

“That was quite an entrance” 4 said, sauntering further into the forest. Under 1’s guide the group had been led down the hill and into a surrounding plain away from the snowy mountains. The golden hue simmered around them. To the east lay a dense forest and behind them (south) was a mountain range. 1 had cleverly proposed the idea of needing firewood and sent two people into the wooded area. Not much sunlight found its way into the area. “Is that a compliment?.” a young individual who identified her name as 9 said. The man with an annoyed expression only grumbled, “I'm not into flashy types.” holding up some logs that they had found on the ground. 9 hung onto a branch and immediately fell with the branch still in her hand.

“Ow.”

“You must be strong.”

“What?” she regained her footing and gently stepped out of the fauna that had cushioned her fall.

“It's a sturdy branch. It’s either that or you’re fat.” 4 guessed. inspecting the tree. “And you don’t look fat.”

“H-hey!” she shouted. Obviously taking offence. “Y’know 4. you could at least be a little nicer.” 4 only responded by punching the tree. Causing it to shake. He punched it again disregarding the pain that shot through his calloused fist, the tree’s shaking eventually got more and more violent until it fell onto the ground, 9 was left astonished. And partially intimidated. “The trees are weaker.” he said, picking the entire tree up . “Well? Help out.” It was an odd request as 9 was quite small but regardless she put her arms around the trunk and the two located their way out of the woodA large amount of the group had their mouth gaped when they saw the two arriving with the uprooted tree. They dropped it near them, dirt flinging from the ground. In an instant the pair were bombarded with questions. Even 1 was confused. 9 pulled some sticks and branches from her pocket and threw them on the ground. After an hour the group had set up a decent fire, the sun slowly falling.

“How do we make sure the baby doesn’t flatline?” 2 asked.

“It needs milk, I think.” 11 said. Looking at the women in the group as if to expect something from them.

“What the hell are you insinuating man?” number 3 said over the crackle of the fire.

“Nothing but, I haven't seen a cow. Have you?” 11 rhetorically asked, running his pale hand through his brunette hair.

“We’ll find a way.” one interjected, putting his arm in front of an increasingly furious three.”for now we’ll sleep. And since one of us wants to play into gender roles, they can guard with 4.”

4 was obviously opposed to this idea, a look of murderous intent flashed against his face. 11 also seemed pissed off.

“Seriously?”

1 put his thumbs up as he began to lay onto the soft grass. The two men stood a little in front of the group. Sitting down hours later. Guarding the group as the other ten slept. The moonlight reflected from the grass and it wasn’t actually that dark thanks to the campfire’s aura. The two had devised a plan that if something did happen, they’d grab a stick from the fire and wave it in front of the threat. But apart from that there was no conversation. Four seemed to be in his own world, meditating almost. Meanwhile eleven was very fidgety. Pulling grass and the strings attached to his azure hoodie.

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“How are you so relaxed?” Eleven asked, his voice carried by the fresh night air.

“I was taught. I don't know who. But I do know that screaming and crying won’t do anything except attract things that are worth screaming and crying about.” he responded calmly. “Let’s take shifts. Sleep for a couple hours, I’ll take over later. You’re young, get your rest.”

“Fine.” he grumbled. crawling back to the rest of them and lying down. In a matter of minutes he was out like a light. Four only sighed, turning his gaze back to the stars.

1 woke up, then 2 and so on. Before they knew it they had already arranged themselves, the fire was out and the day sky took on its light. Beautiful colours of auburn and white blended into a da vinci artwork. The cornflower blue slowly creeping in.

“Any complaints.. Or things that we could change?” 1 asked.

“Sleeping on the grass.” 8 said, and everybody unanimously agreed.

“I want my phone back.” 6 stated.

“No. it might be-” Suddenly the phone buzzed. Taking it out of his pocket he saw the imagery of sheep and other farm animals with Japanese lettering above it. Below it was a recipe to craft what looked like an axe. He turned the phone around and showed everyone.

“Does anybody know what this says?”

“6 might.” 11 said.

“Yeah, I might actually pass it here so I can see.” six smiled warmly. 1 gave the phone to her and 6 immediately shoved it into her pockets. “I’m korean dipshit!” she laughed. To avoid accusations of being racist 11 looked over at 4 who was comfortably sleeping. He scowled.

“If it showed animals could it be that there were animals? And if so we could create a tent with leather or sheepskin.” 9 followed on “We could probably get some milk for the kid too.” coddling the aforementioned baby.

“9 is reasonable.” 8 agreed. “I’ll go get animals.

“You can’t go alone. Pick… two other people.” 1 estimated.

“2 and… 3.” she decided with a smile.

8 was a little taller than average for a woman. She had black hair which contrasted with two’s pale blonde hair and an annoyed look.

“You picked the most incompetent trio.” 3 informed as they were walking. “How are we meant to round up and kill an animal?”

“It’s just like killing a human!” she reassured him. He did not feel reassured. The trees and bushes got closer to them and it seemed that they were about to be swallowed up in greenery until they saw the fine sands of a beach.

The grains of sand were white, soiled with the water of the cascading sea. The sunlight reflecting off it and turning the already enchanting sight ethereal. They heard the sounds of seagulls cawing but there was none in sight. The trio stood there in shock.

“Should we tell the others?” 2 proposed.

“No.” the other two said in unison, shooting the idea down at its first breath. Then it was just 3 and 2. Three looked back at 8 running away and instantly followed, the air rustling against his face and already messing up his brown partially dyed hair. He wasn’t streamlined at all but still managed to catch up to her however she was still running.

“You said you weren’t gonna tell!” he shouted.

“I’m not!” she shouted back. Eventually stopping in her tracks when she found her target. A middle sized sheep, its fur dirty and its eyes hazard yellow.

At the campsite 1 was with 12. A tall, dark haired female with a lip piercing on the lower lip. She was definitely somewhat intimidating. The two sought to recreate the recipe or the axe looking contraption. They had gathered a multitude of study sticks and large angular rocks.

“We just need a vine right?” her voice was a sweet mix between high and low.

“We woke up near a mountain so there’s probably some there.” 1 said, a bit quieter than he would’ve liked. Walking uphill through a small grassy path. Finding lichen but further up, just before it became stone they found three strong vines and pulled on it with tremendous effort. 12 took out a rock and threw it to 1 who caught it from the vine and began cutting away at the tough green fibres after the first two he absentmindedly cut his own. And immediately fell into 12’s arms and then out of them.

“Sorry-” 1 apologised. 12 only nodded, following behind him so that he wouldn’t see the light pink blush that spread across her pale face and how her heart was beating so loud in her ears.

1’s body tensed in fear that 12 was out to assassinate him from the behind. His heart was racing.