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 Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 9:49 pm
Stage One
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Jinhai asks, for about the third time in as many minutes. The dragon's golem form is taller than Gale (unsurprisingly), but he wears a concerned expression, not an angry one. It's been a long time since Jinhai has been angry; the two of them have worked together for such a lengthy time that Jinhai knows Gale better than anyone, even Stormy. Their relationship has gone from strained and awkward, to intricately entwined and symbiotic, a fact that Gale appreciates very much, because no matter what happens in his life, Jinhai will always be there for him.
At least, he hopes so.
"I'm sure," he says, carefully folding a shirt and sliding it into his bag, stuffing some rolled up socks alongside of it. "I put it off for the reasons I already explained, but now is the time to move. I've laid the groundwork, and I've done the research; this mission is crucial to my specialization."
"I'm aware of that," Jinhai says with a small sigh. He steps up and puts a reassuring hand on Gale's shoulder. "But it is dangerous, you know that."
Gale flashes his weapon a wan smile, his expression weary. He pulls his bag over his shoulder.
"I know."
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Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2014 4:57 pm
Stage One
"Just remember," Jinhai says, as he steps back into the cylinder, his long tail swishing behind him when he turns around. There is a vaguely wary expression on his face, though its mostly resignation and concern more than anything else. "Be careful, and be thorough. Don't try and be a hero."
"I don't need you to tell me that," Gale grumbles, but he gives a nod of understanding and closes the door.
"See you on the other side of my head."
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 8:51 am
Stage One
He leaves a note. All it says is:
Called on a mission. Be back in a few days. Stay safe.
And then, just underneath, almost as an afterthought:
Love you.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 4:04 pm
Stage Two
<< On your left. >>
The second day is harder, hotter. The desert sun burns into his back, and although he's dressed for the heat, it still permeates through his clothing, searing his skin. Gale curses this, wiping sweat from his brow, and fires off a shot that takes out one of the creatures currently creeping over a sand dune. It dies with a whine and a shriek that echoes in his ears.
<< Three degrees south, then to the right. >>
Another shot. Then another.
Bang bang bang.
The sound of the rifle is reassuring. It's been a while since he's been out in the field, been a while since he's been here, of all places, and it still haunts him, even after all this time. He likes to believe that he's above it all, but in reality, that's not true. Every time he sets foot in the desert, whether it's the Sahara or a different one altogether, he remembers the stench of decaying bodies and the look of resignation on Benjamin Summers' face before he let go.
Almost four years later, Gale will not let himself forget. He's made peace with Ben's death, with Leslie's, with Clarice's and Clerise's (and even Nevada's, but sometimes he feels bad that he doesn't hold her in the same regard as the others, because he didn't know her as well as Stormy did, but death is still sad, even if it's what's to be expected here on the island), but that doesn't mean that he'll let them escape his memory.
Making peace is not the same as forgetting. Coming to terms with it is not the same as disregarding.
<< Behind you. >>
Gale twists around, cocking the rifle, and fires off another blast. This one hits a creature square in the chest, but it keeps moving, all spindly legs and snapping teeth, and it reminds him of a spider. He fires again, misses, and regrets it immediately, because the creature sinks its jaws around his ankle and yanks. He lets out a yell of pain, mingled with anger, and shoves the butt of his gun into its face as hard as he can. The thing yelps, and Gale pulls himself free, dragging himself far enough away that he can fire off a shot.
Bang.
Dead dead dead.
Everything is dead.
He needs to make his way back to camp. It's just over to the west side of where he is now, but his leg is throbbing - it's not even that bad, really, more irritating than anything else - and the sweltering heat makes him feel lethargic and tired. Gale forces himself vertical again, using the rifle as a walking stick of sorts, and lurches in the direction he knows he's supposed to be going.
I forgot what time it is.
<< Early evening. That's as far as I know. >>
I forgot what day it is.
<< Thursday. I think. We've been out here for two days straight. Or is it three? It's hard to keep track of things, that is for certain. But you've been doing well, Gale, keep your head up. >>
He snorts.
You're a little biased. But thank you.
The last thought bears some gentle kind of appreciation. Jinhai makes a soft noise of reassurance that echoes throughout Gale's mind, settles deep within his head and makes him feel a little better about the fact that he is extremely thirsty and really wanting to get back to camp already. Maybe they have dinner waiting - MREs are better than nothing, even if they often taste like cardboard that's been melted into Styrofoam.
Ginny.
<< Yes, Gale. <<
I'm glad you're my partner.
<< As am I. >>
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 6:18 pm
Stage Two
The camp consists of himself and two other people; Life techs that Gale does not remember the names of. They are not a part of the mission, not really; all they are here for is to provide him with statistics and information, and give him a sense of which direction to go next, based on what they have gathered.
The scanners are malfunctioning; Gale half suspects it's due to the fact that they are very old and not at all up-to-date, but the techs insist it's because of the excess FEAR in the area.
(Neither Mark nor Caelius has ever given Gale state-of-the-art gear, so he highly doubts that it's not the equipment.)
He sits in the doorway of a makeshift tent that consists, so far, of a bedroll that is still tied up and a lantern to provide a bit of light. Gale is trying in vain to get a signal on his cell phone, but to no avail; so far all that's happened is an annoying buzzing sound and the obnoxious red triangle that indicates zero bars. He turns it off and sticks it back in his pocket; the mobile has become a useless piece of metal in this desert, and there's no reason to keep trying.
What time is it? he asks Jinhai, lifting the edge of his goggles so that he can rub at his eyes. He supposes he doesn't even really need to keep wearing them right now, not when it's dark outside, and drags them off, running a hand through his messy hair. A few bits of sand fall free, making him frown.
<< Nearing midnight. You should sleep. >>
The dragon is curled up inside of his mind. Gale casts a glance over at the two techs, neither of whom are looking at him. One is tall and fair haired, with freckles across the bridge of her narrow nose, and the other is dark skinned with short, brown braids woven tightly against his scalp. They are discussing something in low, scoffing tones, and every once in a while, he thinks he hears his name.
It's of no matter to him. Gale scoots backwards, into his tent, and fiddles with the bedroll, finally managing to untie the straps. He spreads it out on the sand and drags the lantern a little closer, wiggling down onto the mat and heaving out a sigh. It's not exactly the most comfortable thing in the world, but he's used to that.
He does miss Stormy's warmth. The heat of the sand doesn't nearly do that justice.
<< Sleep. >> Jinhai whispers quietly through his thoughts, interspersing the longing to be back at Deus and the painful reminder that he is very much alone out here in this desert. Gale turns onto his side, staring into the little flame of his lantern until it hurts his eyes enough to close them.
<< You are not alone. >> Jinhai assures him. << I am with you. >>
A small smile touches Gale's lips.
"I know," he says aloud, and then manages, just before he falls asleep, "Thank you."
Tomorrow is another day.
He doesn't want to know what it will bring.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 6:28 pm
Stage Three
It's his birthday today.
He remembers this, a little belatedly, as he's lying on his back with a shadowling crouched above him, its teeth sunk deep into his arm. It's a nasty little thing with a nasty little bite, and Gale can't get his rifle positioned close enough to fire off a shot, the large weapon too cumbersome to maneuver.
December 6th.
He's nineteen. He's almost an adult.
Almost. The word is laughable.
He was never an adult. He was always just a kid.
Gale shifts, bringing his knee up and slamming it into the shadowling's torso. It shrieks in protest and claws at his face, raking stinging lines down the side of his cheek. But in that short space of time, Gale has managed to drag the rifle closer, and he pulls the trigger, a bullet exploding from the barrel with a deafening crack. The creature reels backwards and dissipates in an instant.
He stays on his back for just a moment longer, takes a breath, and closes his eyes. His face hurts.
He gets to his feet again.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 6:39 pm
Stage Three
"The artifact in question is supposed to be located here."
Gale points a finger at the map, at a section approximately three meters to the west of where their camp is currently located. "We need to be more vigilant. The number of shadowlings has increased in the last twenty-four hours, which means either something's up, or they're trying to protect it."
He gives a small sigh. "The scanners keep going off, so they're useless. We'll have to move closer, without them noticing, and see if we're right."
Rhodes, the dark-skinned tech, looks doubtfully at his partner - whose name Gale still can't remember - who just shrugs.
"You're the boss," he says dubiously. "But we're just here to feed you information, remember? You're the one who does all the shooting bits."
Gale resists the very strong urge to roll his eyes. The support is so overwhelming, he thinks sardonically. "Yes, I realize that," he says, with no small amount of sarcasm in his voice. "Thank you. But while I investigate whatever's out there, you two are gonna be back here monitoring my position, keeping track of where I am. If I get in too far, you need to let me know."
Rhodes looks at his partner again, then back at Gale.
"Right," he says, and it's a little less dubious this time and a little more apprehensive. Nobody likes the idea of going into an unknown area where there's probably monsters at every turn, least of all Gale, who will be doing the actual going in part, but at least Rhodes and whatever-her-name-is will be okay at the camp. Maybe not safe, but they sure as hell won't be in nearly as much danger as Gale will be.
"Okay, then," Gale says decisively, his voice clipped as he straightens. The scratches on his face itch beneath the bandages he's not-so-carefully pressed over them. "Tomorrow we'll move closer, and then I'll go in."
Rhodes and partner nod, and Gale turns and heads back to his tent.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 6:58 pm
Stage Three
He doesn't sleep.
He spends several hours just staring up at the sky outside of his tent, listening to the crackling of burning flames and counting each individual star.
Gale gets to two hundred and thirteen before he dozes for all of ten or so minutes, and then he starts the process over again.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 7:13 pm
Stage Three
One, two, skip a few, ninety-nine, one hundred.
Roses are red
violets are blue
this desert is lonely
and I miss you.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 8:07 pm
Stage Four
He doesn't know what he expects, but it's not this.
There is a swarm of shadowlings that almost overtakes him fifteen minutes into his attempt at getting close. His gun goes off multiple times in the space of about six seconds as he twists left and right, firing shot after shot and hearing the scream of their dying breaths in his ears. They are not as dangerous as other creatures, but their claws and their teeth are sharp, and like paper cuts, he can feel them cutting through his protective layers to the skin beneath. Gale is endlessly grateful for his goggles, which are snapped on over his eyes, and which keep out any potential threat, but the rest of his body isn't so lucky.
One sleeve of his coat gets shredded as he fights off another smaller swarm. They lay dead around his feet like cockroaches before dissipating, and he stumbles onward, ignoring the stinging sensations felt across his entire body. He pauses to administer a few bandages, but overall the rest of his injuries are mostly superficial, and can be dealt with at a later time.
The desert stretches in front of him, hot and arid and burning. There is nothing in sight anymore; he can't even see the camp, which is a mile back from where he started. Gale reaches into his pocket and pulls out a scanner, pressing a few buttons to try and boot it up. It gives a whistle and a hum and then tells him that he's too far north. He redirects himself and continues to the left, and the scanner tells him that there is something ahead.
He has no idea what it is. This mission is to retrieve a potential artifact, but the rumors of its existence are fragmented and sparse; he wonders if there is even anything out there but more monsters created from leftover FEAR.
He wonders if this is just a wild goose chase after all.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 8:13 pm
Stage Four
"OUT OUT GET OUT! PULL BACK!"
"I'm trying, you bloody idiot, what do you think I've been doing for the past ten minutes? These bloody things are practically on top of me, I'm trying to get them the hell off so I don't lead them back to you guys! Unless you want me to bring you a party?"
"Don't be ridiculous, Gentry, just get your a** back to camp."
"Last I checked, I was the one giving the orders around here."
"Last I checked, we were the ones not wanting to ******** die out here, so get your a** back to camp so we can get the hell out of here. Jeez, can't you think of anything other than yourself? I knew accepting this mission was a bad ******** idea."
"ZzZZZZZZZTTTT - "
"Gentry? Gentry, are you still there? We're just getting static - "
" - zzzZZZZZZZZZTTTTTTTTTT - "
" - Gentry - "
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 8:20 pm
Stage Four
He's lost.
He's not even sure how long he's been out here; time has stopped moving, or maybe it's moved too fast for him to know. There have been a few cold nights, a few blisteringly hot days, all blending together until he doesn't know anything anymore. He hasn't been able to find his way back to camp either; for all he knows, he's long gone, too far away to make it back. There is water and some food in his pack still, but supplies are running incredibly thin; he can last maybe another day or so before he runs out.
Gale tugs his scarf over his head with bruised fingers. His hair is mostly blonde again; the dye has run its course, and much of the red and orange has faded away, leaving behind only the faint golden hues of his former color. It's almost as long as it was when he was a trainee, something he regrets because it's hot against his neck, and he reaches up to try and twist it out of the way, pulling the sweat dampened strands away from his skin.
I'm sorry, he thinks dizzily, as he keeps walking. My "sunset hair" isn't a sunset anymore.
He wonders if she will be disappointed.
He wonders if he will make it back to see her again. Then he mentally slaps himself, because thinking that way will never get him anywhere, and this is a routine mission, and he will make it back just fine. This is just a little blip, a mess up, a flaw in the plan. All he was meant to do on this mission was search out the artifact in question, figure out if it existed, and if it did, take it into custody. If there was no artifact, and the increase in FEAR was just a random occurrence, then he would report back to headquarters, no problem.
He's going to be just fine. He'll find the camp, he'll make it back, everything will be just fine.
(Maybe if he keeps telling himself that enough, it'll start to be true.)
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 8:30 pm
Stage Five
It's hard to breathe.
He can't think anymore.
Slowly his legs give away from beneath him and Gale collapses onto the ground, his knees hitting first, followed by the rest of him. Jinhai's voice feels far away, a quiet mumble inside of his dizzied thoughts.
<< Wake up. >>
I'm not asleep.
<< But you want to be. >>
It's hot. I'm thirsty.
Thinking is effort. He closes his eyes.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 8:30 pm
Stage Five
He doesn't want to wake up.
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Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2014 9:33 pm
Stage FiveDarkly tanned feet, mostly bare save for some strips of leather wrapped around and tied, touched the ground near the male hunters head. Golden eyes set in insanity tainted darkness stared down at the collapsed figure, and just the smallest of smiles tugged up on lips, before that progressed into a full baring of very white teeth in a feral grin. "I remember you." She murmured, wings settling in behind her as she begins to traipse over the sand alongside the hunters body. "I've been watching you." She isn't sure she can even hear him, and a foot suddenly kicks out to nudge at his ribs, eyes darting back to his face to gauge any reaction. "I watched you once before." At the haunted house, before she and Shikoba had attacked him, stealing his pendant away, making him a sacrifice of sorts for Medea. Yes, she remembered this one, just as she remembered every other hunter she'd had an up close and personal moment with, even if she did not necessarily know their names. It wasn't like those details were very important anyways. She turned on her feet, and knelt down when she neared his head once more, reaching out trail one long nailed finger across his forehead. "I wonder if you remember me...." Her voice trailed off, almost as if she were pondering something, an indecision perhaps. Like debating just how she was going to go about killing him.
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