Point of No Retun (Part 2)

He was about to protest, but he saw the logic behind her words, as long as she was within hearing distance at least then it should be fine. There was nothing he could do that she couldnt and so he would come to agree. "Alright, just dont get too far away incase anything happens." He would move a bit farther from the water and found a place to lower himself to sit upon a rock. He eyes had adjusted a bit to the dark so he could see at least fairly decently. After he had sat down he felt something against his hand, pricking lightly against his skin. He glanced down when he saw"¦.what was that? It was a creature like he had never seen before, but then he should be getting used to that. At first he thought it was a crab but then he thought it was a spider. He quickly jerked his hand back. "What the"¦?" Alleandra looked to him a bit startled with the rising of fear when she saw the creature crawl off across the cave floor and she could not help but to give a light laugh. "Oh, I forgot to tell you about those. They gave me quite the fright at first, but I dont think they will hurt you." Jay muttered a bit under his breath feeling a little foolish for being so startled especially after what he had just been though but he would give a slight grin as he looked up to his sister. "Yeah I am sure you just conveniently forgot" He said in a tease. She just rolled her eyes and shook her head as she reached up and ruffled his hair before stepping away "Well it is time to try and find a way out of here." She had no idea what she was looking for or where to begin she only hoped she would know it when she saw it.

            Alleandra began to make exploration within the cave, and found at first, to her disappointment, that it appeared there were no other passages, or tunnels, but this one room was it. Her heart sunk when she found they were closed it. Could this rally be it she thought to herself. Could they be trapped here with no way out? She knew even if they risked swimming back and took the chance of running into that monster again and they would not be able to get out from whence they fell in. It was too steep and slick to climb. She was about to give up as she wondered around the walls of the cave looking for anything, and feeling defeated when she stopped suddenly. Could it be? She looked around though she did not see any channels but she could have sworn she felt air. Fresh cool outside air. "Jay" She called in her excitement of mixed hope and fear, she wondered if perhaps her desperation caused her to imagine it.

            He looked up hearing his sister call and he could feel her anxiety and wondered what she had found. Slowly he pushed himself up to stand and began to walk to where she stood. Seeing nothing he was puzzled at first as he looked to her. "What is"¦." He was about to speak when his words were stopped dead as he felt it and he know. "Air, there must be a way out. It has to be up there somewhere" He said as he tilted his head up along the wall of the cave where things became lost in the darkness. "We will have to climb"

            Alleandra felt her heart clench as he said those words. She knew what that would mean. The walls were teaming with those spider like creatures; there would be no way around them. If they climbed up the rocks they would have to go right through them. The thought made her shudder as she could not imagine stepping upon them, having them crawl over her body. And what if they became aggressive if agitated? There seemed to be no other option, but could she do it? Could she really?

            Jay seemed to know what his sister was thinking as he looked over to her for a moment, he was not exactly looking forward to the idea either, but after everything else they have been through they could not just give up now. Not over something like this. "We could do this" He hoped he sounded more encouraging then he truly felt. He knew they had to do it, and he was prepared to, but that did not make it any easier, and deep down he knew even if they made it to the top, there was the chance that the source of the air might not be enough to permit them passage out, but it was all they had and he did not want to give their hopes up or crush her spirit or she might loose her will, though he wondered if she was not somewhere inside thinking the same thing. "We have to" She said, though it did not come out with the conviction she had hoped. "We have no choice, it is our only chance."

            They exchanged determined looks which were shaded with their equal unease before stepping forward to the wall. "Here goes" Jay said and would then reach out and placed his hand against the rocks. Feeling the spiders crawl around him and under his hand. Feeling one of them crush underhand and a stick warmth of its innards. He tried to block it out as he pulled up and placed his foot within a foot hold feeling the creatures swarming everywhere under his body, and now crawling along his arms and legs. He just pushed on. Hand over hand, foot over foot. It was sickening and nauseating, and his body still screamed in pain and exhaustion as he struggled to make his way up. Alleandra would come soon after him. She wanted to scream to brush them off to scratch and itch and wiggle, but she could do nothing but allow it. Each time she crushed one of them under foot or under hand it made her stomach turn over upon itself and it made her want to puke, but she could not allow that. She tried to focus upon Jay, and the air, and the idea of freedom as she pushed on uncomfortably. She could feel them crawling all over her, pinching and biting occasionally. It was the most horrible thing she has ever experienced.

            Jay just wanted this to be over with as soon as possible but he knew they could not rush it, if they were to misstep, or grab a loose rock then it they could go pummeling to the ground, and even if he survived that he did not think he would be able to boost himself up to do this a second time. This was their only chance and failing was not an option. It took every exertion of his will to press onward; every last drop of strength he still had in reserve was called upon now.

            "It is not so bad," Alleandra tried to tell herself as she chanted it over and over in her mind as a mantra to encourage her to push upward and onward. "I will get use to it, once I know what it feels like, it could be worse" She tried desperately to convince herself of this. She was all too thankful now for the darkness. If she could see she did not think she could do it, it would be far too much. She did not want to imagine what the juices from those crushed looked like; that would have pushed her over the edge. But in the dark it was easier to turn her thoughts aside; it was more like a dream like something that was not really happening. Jay pushed on for Alleandra. He knew after everything he put her though he could not let her down now. If he gave up then what would that mean for her? She was hanging in and pressing on. She was being unbelievably brave and so he had to suck it up and through the pain and discomfort keep going.

            It was long and rigorous going the spider-creatures would pinch and bite as they climbed over them, and through the mass of the creatures it was difficult to find where a proper hand or foot hold might be located. Their hands and clothes grew sticky with the dried guts of the ones which they had to crush and the smell was not the most pleasant in the world. It would take an hour or more before an end would come into sight. Jay felt his heart leap; he could breathe more readily in the fresh hair and saw above the crevice which led out of this cave. His heart pounding in his breast with the growing excitement. They were almost there. At last they would be free. This urged him to push onward all the more so, but he still had to be careful. All would be lost if in the sight of victory he allowed himself to get clumsy and slipped and fell.

            Alleandra felt a wave of relief wash over her body when she saw it was almost over, though she knew it was not quite over yet. They were close now, and it was real. She had not imagined it, there really was an escape. Her lungs sucked in the air which cooled against her face.

            The crevice was quite narrow and they would have to wiggle through on their stomachs, they would have to go in single file. As Jay came upon it now he would move aside along the wall and let Alleandra pass inside just ahead of him, after she began to wiggle through into the crevice he waited a moment, to make sure she was well enough in that he would not be in the way and he would begin to move through. It was tight and the rocks tore and scraped at their clothing and skin. At least the creatures were not in here and they did not have to deal with that any further.

            It was not a long way but it was exhausting, at last Alleandras head would come through the surface and she saw the lush green jungle around her. With a sigh of relief she pulled herself the rest of the way out and collapsed upon the ground in heaving breath. Her muscles screamed and ached now. Jay would be just on her heals and came to pull himself out and fell upon the ground not far from her. There clothing, or what remained of it after their ordeals as well as their hands and arms were covered in a black unidentifiable substance from the spider creatures. Jay was so elated that they had made it out that he began to laugh. He could not help himself. Alleandra glanced over to him to him and then a smile curved upon her lips and she began to laugh as well. She reached over and they clasped hands and just lay there looking to the tree tops laughing. They survived. Somewhere deep inside they knew their ordeal was far from over, but for now they were just glad to be alive.

            After Alleandra began to recover from the initial shock of what happened and realized they were not going to perish, at least not in that horrible place everything had begun to catch up with her. The stench from the slime of spider creatures, and the feel of it drying upon her skin, sticky and hard, almost like human blood but somehow more grotesque began to get to her and her stomach reeled. Pushing herself up upon her hands and knees she could not help it any longer and began to retch into the grass.

            Jay looked over to his sister with some concern but he could certainly understand how she felt. It was all a bit too much and his own stomach was a little queasy though he did his best to hold it back as he came to push himself up to sit and tried to just concentrate on the fresh cool air. After that experience, water was the last thing he expected to want to see again any time soon but he had to admit the idea of a bath was not all that displeasing just now. While he gave his sister the time she needed his mind began to turn to other things. With one danger escaped he knew they had simply stepped into another. All their supplies had been lost, and he had no idea where they were, what direction they went or how far. They needed to find a way to survive. He had no knowledge of what was in these jungles and what could and could not be safely eaten, nor did he have any tools. It did look all very bleak and the initial elation began to ware off. He did not wish to worry his sister but even if she did not come to the same realization on her own, he could not keep it from her. Not for long.

            After Alleandra recovered and her stomach settled a bit, she slowly began to push up to her feet. She staggered a moment before she was able to gain her balance, it still made her a bit queasy to be covered in the gunk but she was determined not to be sick anymore. Trying to block it out the best she could she could not stand it anymore and had to find away to get it off her skin. She wanted nothing more then to rip off her clothing but she could not do that for there was nothing else to ware. She reached over and grabbed a handful of the thick fat leaves of the fern like plants which grew along the forest floor and she began to use the foliage to rub off the gunk from her skin as best she could. Now and then she would toss aside used leaves and reach up to pick some more. It was not perfect but it was better then nothing and she discovered another effect. The smell of the plant juice which was somewhat acidic disguised that of the smell of the bug juice. Jay sat back and watched his sister in a cross between fascination and amusement. He was impressed with her resourcefulness and surprised by it. He did not think he would have ever considered the idea and it would not take long before he began to follow suit and do the same as she.

            After they had gotten themselves at least somewhat clean with an assortment of leaves scattered around their feet Jay knew it was time they start considering their predicament and figure out just what they were going to do. He knew even if he wanted to turn around and go back, he had not the slightest idea how to do that. He was taken out of his thoughts by the sound of his sisters voice. "What was that?" Those words made his heart sink. He was still sore and tired and in pain, what could possibly be wrong now? He tried not to over react just yet as he turned to his sister and struggled to get the words out. "What was what?" Alleandra turned to look over to her brother and the expression upon her face very much reflected his own thoughts. "I thought I saw something, some movement in the trees up ahead" She pointed in the direction in which she had indicated. When he looked he saw nothing and silently prayed that it was just paranoia and her eyes playing tricks upon her, though that idea would be vanquished all too soon.

            Once more those strange ape like creatures would appear coming out of the trees to circle around them. Allandra pressed up against her brother. There did not seem to be a place where they could break and run, and even if there was, she did not think, especially now that they would have any chance to out run them and escape. It seemed after everything all was lost. Jay reached back and clutched his sisters hand. "I do not think we can escape, maybe if we go with them, show them we do not mean any harm, they will let us go." Alleandra knew they did not have a choice right now and would agree but she could feel they both shared the same uneasiness and uncertainty, but what more could they do?

            The ape-men closed in on them and Alleandra and Jay offered no struggle this time but allowed the creatures to herd them off back through the trees toward their primitive dwellings once more. Though the journey was too long for Jay to make and eventually his body gave way and he stumbled and fell. Alleandra let out a scream as she turned to go to him when one of the ape-men pushed her head to keep her walking, another would come to pick up her brother and carry him the rest of the way through the jungle.

            It had been a long journey back to the primitive village inhibited by the ape-men and a hard one through the jungle, especially with the quick pace they pushed her to. Every muscle in Alleandras body ached and she was tired and hungry, and dispirited. Everything it seemed they went through now was for naught. She found herself slumped against the wall upon the floor within one of the simple little huts which made up the village. Her hands were bound behind her back and her ankles lashed together to prevent further attempts from escape, but she was left alone at least.

            The hut only had one circular room which was not very large, and it was quite dark within with a heavy musky unpleasant smell. Her wrists burned in pain, rubbed raw from her early attempts to try and pull her hands free which seemed an impossible task. It was a struggle to fight back the tears and keep the brimming of panic from taking over her, but she felt completely lost of hope. She had made several attempts to try to connect with Jay to send some message to him or to contact him, but she was too fatigued and her mind too clouded. She could not think clearly or concentrate. Where was he? Was he ok? What was going to happen to him? When they had brought her to this hut to keep her prisoner they had taken him somewhere else. She desperately needed him now. He would know what to do. He always did and she was despairingly worried about him. 

            Jay was barely conscious as he felt his mind fading in and out and struggled to stay aware and alert to what was going on, though eventually his weariness and injuries would get the better of him and he blacked out at some point during the journey. When he finally came to open his eyes he found himself in a strange room. He looked around frantically. His eyes searching for his sister. His lips parted to speak to call her name but it came out soundless. His lips were cracked and chapping and he passed his tongue over them. What was happening? It was dark and his head was still hazy. He blinked a few times to try and clear his vision. He tried to move, but everything still hurt so much and he found himself unable to. There was a resistance against his ability to move. He felt the rising of panic but drew in a deep breath to keep his calm. Things began to become clearer to him. He realized he had been bound and lay stretched out with his arms stretched behind his head and his wrists lashed down, and his legs stretched out spread eagle with his ankles lashed down. He became aware of the feeling of cold air, and a hard cold surface, which he was lying upon, it felt like stone, in direct contact with his skin, and did his best to lift his head and look down seeing he had been stripped naked. What was happening? What were they going to do to him, where was his sister? He needed to focus his mind. He was not alone he soon realized as he could hear sounds around him and slowly turned his head to look over watching as one of the ape-men moved around, with its back to him, so he could not see just what it was doing. He felt his heart beat quicken.

            The creature turned around and began to walk toward Jay. He tried to watch out of the corners of his eyes, feeling completely helpless now it was hard not to let the panic overtake him. The ape-man appeared to have something in its hands. What was it? He struggled against the binds but to no end he could not get himself free. He then froze suddenly and bit back a cry as he felt something warm against his skin, his mind was frantic. Was it blood, his blood? What were they doing? After he took the moment to take a breath and collect his thoughts he realized he was not in any pain and he glanced down to try and see what was going on. Water, it was just water he realized with a sight of relief, but he was still left confused. Were they bathing him? But why?

            In one hand the ape-man held a rather simple wooden bowl which was filled with water that had been heating over fire, and an old wadded cloth was held within its other hand as it went over Jays body washing away all the grime and the remains from the spider creatures in the caves. Taking particular attention to clean out the wounds and lacerations upon his body. When it had finished this process it turned back to set the bowl down along with the cloth before retuning to Jay once more, as it tentatively began to apply a salve made from herbs and plants to the wounds to help ward away infection and to aide the healing process.

            Jay flinched at the feel of sudden coldness upon his body as the salve was applied, wincing in the initial sting before a feeling of almost soothing numbness would wash over him and he felt the pain of wounds start to slip away and he began the relax more. He watched this all in awe as the creature tended to the wounds he had acquired, and he could not help but to wonder at this, why would these creatures go to such efforts to capture and kidnap them, only to heal him? And why had he been parted from his sister? Where was she? Thoughts of her and her unknown fate began to make him fidget in his binds though he tried to be rational. Why would they harm her if they did not him? But he felt his heart rate increase. If something had happened to her, he would know about it he told himself to try and calm his nerves. "Be Still!" The guttural strange voice of the ape-man cut through his thoughts as he became aware of the creature again and he would stop his movement as he just stared up at the creature. "You need to rest" The creature continued, was it possible that voice had softened? Jay blinked but it seemed there was little he could do but comply and senseless fighting would not get him anywhere.

            Once he had settled down the creature would amble away from him again going back to where it had first come from when he awakened, he heard the sound of things being moved around but could see nothing in the darkness past the creatures back, wondering what was happening now, before once more the creature would return to his side, holding what appeared to be some sort of crudely made mug. He pressed the mug to Jays lips forcing him to drink of the liquid, it was fowl tasting and thick but warm. He instantly revolted against it but the ape-man held one hand against his head, keeping it tilted back to force it down is throat and kept him from spitting it up.

            Once the mug was emptied the creature stepped back and appeared to be waiting for something, and it was shortly that a strange feeling would overcome Jay. It was like the room was starting to close in on him he felt as if he were spinning in circles, and the walls and ceiling was growing increasingly closer he gave a low moan, but found himself completely in unable to move. A great heaviness spread through all his limbs as if he were filled with lead and soon he found his will to resist slipping away and tiredness would creep upon him. He heard a voice, a low moan and realized it was him as he tried to resist but darkness was engulfing him until at last he slipped away and all went dark and he lost all consciousness.

            Alleandra looked up feeling a mix of both hope and fear as she saw a figure start to approach the entrance of the hut before the one of the creatures pushed back the thick hide that hung before the opening and stepped inside the small room. She feared what would happen to her now, what they planed to do to her, but at the same time the isolation and being left only with her thoughts was getting to her, and she had the faint hope of some news from Jay, maybe even to see him. For now she just sat there and waited as the figure began to walk toward her and stooped down hefting her up with one arm and setting her over its shoulder.

She let out a scream and began to kick her feet out of survival instinct and her fear getting the best of her, not even consciously aware of her actions, but listening to another part, a primal part of her mind now, but she was stilled by the voice of the creature that cut back into her rationality, as she was aware even if she did get away then what? Where could she go? She could not just abandon Jay, perhaps it would be better for now to just cooperate and buy her time. "Dont fight" She was stricken by a strange sense, of a faintly female tone within that animalistic and course tongue of the creature, as it was near to impossible by sight to tell apart to the sexes. She would lay limp in the creatures arms as she felt herself being carried out of the hut and into the open air through the small village as she looked around wondering where she was going.

            Jay slowly opened his eyes and found himself looking up toward the ceiling once more, at first he felt a few remaining effects of the dizziness and without thinking, he brought one of his hands up to rub his temples and it was then that it dawned upon him that he was no longer bond. He sat up quickly and looked around his eyes slowly adjusting to the darkness, and he realized he was in the same place had been before in the small dark room. Still seated upon the stone table, but his hands and legs were free now, and he was alone this time.

            He slowly moved off the end of the stable and his bare feet came against the floor as he stood up. His body still sore for the physical exertion he had used today, but the cuts and injuries he acquired did not bother him as much anymore. He found upon the floor lying near the base of the slab of stone crudely made clothing from furs, appearing as if they had been left for him. What could be the meaning of this? He thought to himself as he would dress himself in the fur and then walked around exploring the small room. Looking for anything he could use as a tool or weapon perhaps. He was not altogether certain what he was looking for, but he did not want to do anything rash and he was off balance not knowing what to expect.

            Alleandra found herself plunged naked into warm water which was kept in a simple made wooden tub and heated by fire. Her first thought was that it reminded her of a large primitive cauldron and panic and fear raced through her. They are going to eat me, her mind screamed. She instantly began to kick and flail in the water for what she thought was dear life but was held firmly by the shoulders by the ape-man, or what she suspected may have been a woman. "You are going to hurt yourself." The voice came and she knew she was getting nowhere in this frantic fight and she calmed herself the best she could and sat still in the water. Once she had settled down she felt the creatures hands starting to run over her body, and of some grainy substance being rubbed against her skin and it suddenly dawned on her she was being bathed. The absurdity of it all, in addition to her initial thoughts of being cooked alive nearly made her laugh aloud. A part of her was irked at the feeling of being treated as if she were a child, but the warm water was relaxing to her body and she was all too happy to have the sticky gooey substance of those horrid bugs in the cave washed away from her skin.

            Jay felt a sudden sharp pain like a scream cut through his mind and he froze, feeling his heart skip a beat for a moment. Alleandra, he thought, and fear raced through him. What happened to her? Where was she? He no longer could think rationally, he had to get to his sister. He pushed passed the flap of animal hide and stepped out of the hut. His eyes scanned around the small village that was laid out before him. The ape like people mingled about, attending to their various tasks it seemed. Some looked up at him as he came out, but thus far none tried to stop him or stirred much. His eyes scanned for his sister. "Alleandra!" He called out as he did not see her or any sign of her. His gaze swept over the huts much like the one he had been kept in, and he wondered. Was she in one of those? He turned and ran to the nearest one throwing back the door flap as he looked inside, startling those that were within. His eyes searched not seeing his sister he drew away.

            Aware now of all eyes glued upon him, none yet moved to stop him still and so he would proceed until he found her. "Alleandra!" He called out again as he moved to the next hut to look within, again finding nothing, but it was when he would reach the third one that he was finally stopped. A strong hand clasped around his shoulder. No he thought and began to struggle against it, but he was still weak and fatigued, and the ape creatures were stronger and soon secured a better hold to keep him from getting away. "Where is she?" He shouted as he struggled to turn now to face the creature. "What have you done with her?" ALLEANDRA!" He called at the top of his lungs. Feeling the creature start to try and drag him back he struggled and fought what if they tied him up again? Or worse? He had to find a way. Working on pure adrenalin now he resisted with all he had.

            She gave a start as she thought she heard her name. She looked around, but could see nothing but the trees, the tub was tucked back a short distance from the village; it seemed these creatures did have some notion of privacy. Jay? She thought to herself, was that him? It was hard to concentrate with what she presumed to be an ape-woman scrubbing at her skin and pulling through her hair to try and wash it out. But she had to try and get a message to him. She closed her eyes as she sent her mind out with as much will as she could muster trying to reach out to him. He felt her touch his mind and hope leapt into him with renewed strength, he nearly twisted out of the grip as he lunged forward but was caught up again once more. Alleandra he thought. Is that really you? Are you ok? Where are you?

            She was relived when she heard his words echo through her mind. He was here, and he was alive, and ok she thought with new joy. It instantly made everything appear better. I am fine she thought to him. It is alright. I am here, and unharmed. Hearing her reassuring words at once calmed him and he felt all his strength flood out of him. His body sagged against the one that had hold of him now, allowing himself to be dragged off. Nothing else seemed to matter; only that she was ok

Alleandra once more sat upon the floor of the hut she had first been taken to, but at least this time her hands were unbound, and she was clean. She held the plate of food that had been given to her balanced on her knees as she eagerly began to gobble up. She had not until now realized just how hungry she was, and she could not remember the last time she had something to eat. It seemed she had not eaten since they first left the dome, and how long ago was that? She completely lost track of time. She had no idea what she was eating. The food set before her was nothing she recognized, but just now she did not care, and it did not taste half bad, at least not now in her starved state. Jay was similarly feasting on  the same meal his sister was. He was left a little bit surprised that there seemed to be no real consequences for his previous actions. He had not been bound, or beaten, but rather returned to the hut and left alone until one of the ape-men came to deliver the food and then left again, though he would not as ravenously gobble his food up as his sister. Not that he was not just as hungry, but he was too lost in thought at the moment. He had to find a way to try and get to his sister. A part of him could not help but to feel responsible for everything that happened to his sister, and so he had to be the one to try and fix it. He would pick at his food paying little head to what it was and barely even tasting it as he just went through the motions of chewing and swallowing.  

            As time would pass things would grow quiet for a long time, and either Alleandra or Jay would receive anymore visits from the ape-men. Alleandra sat quietly in thought now that she had been fed and was surprisingly feeling better, more so then she thought she would. She began to think that these creatures did not really mean to hurt them, though she did not understand what they wanted them for, and she was not completely eager to find out even if some of her fear had begun to pass. Her objective became to find her brother. Slowly she made her way toward the entrance of her hut as she peered out. By now it had grown dark, and the only light came from a fire that still burned in the middle of the little village. A few of the creatures sat still around the fire, but it appeared as if many by now had retreated back to their own huts. She could only make out a few shapes of the some of the huts from where she was. She knew Jay had to be in one but the trick would be to figure out which one without getting caught, she drew back and thought she would wait a while and see if the others around the fire would not leave as well before she took any real chances.

            Jay knew from his experience before that they ape creatures did not seem too concerned if he simply left the hut, he would just have to be careful not to cause a scene or do anything which could draw attention to himself or be construed as disruptive or hostile, though after his last episode they might be more wary about him, there was only one way to find out and he could not just sit around here and do nothing. Slowly he would start to venture out of the hut and stood for a moment just before the entrance as his eyes scanned the dimly lit darkness. It seemed most had retired for the night, only a few remained by the fire. He half wondered if they were there as guards of some sort to make sure they did not try to slip away in the night, but as of now they seemed oblivious to his presence outside the hut. Now, the question was how was he going to find his sister without drawing attention to himself. He could not do what he did before and just start looking in huts. Maybe if he was able to send a message to her, she could direct him to where she was, but even then he would have to take care, if they figured out what he was doing, or that he knew where she was they might try and intervene. If only he knew just why they were here and what these creatures wanted with them, he just shook that thought away from his mind as he would start to concentrate on calling out to her while he began to walk forward slowly and trying to look as nonchalant as possible as if he was just stretching his legs.

            Alleandra was growing inpatient with waiting, she did not know how much time had passed, though it felt like hours and she did not think she could stand to sit here any longer just thinking and worrying about her brother and not doing anything. She moved forward and pushed back the tent flap and peered out again. The figures by the fire looked the same; she wondered if they would stay there all night. Her eyes scanned carefully when she gave a start and had to cover her own mouth to keep from crying out as her gaze fell upon a figure that was distinctly human. It had to be him, she thought. But how to get his attention without alerting the others? She tried with all her will and effort to get his attention.

            He felt a sudden strange tug upon his mind and felt drawn to turn his head just to the left, and he slowly turned to look. It took his eyes a moment to try and adjust to the darkness before he made out the image that lie just beyond. Alleandra? He thought to himself. Could it be? He had to check himself before he took off running in her direction, but instead gave a glance around before he slowly started to walk forward in the direction he was certain he had seen his sister, though he tried to make it appear as if he had no destination in mind and was quite oblivious in case any of the others should happen to just glance over in his direction.

            It worked, she felt a flutter of hope come through her as she slowly ventured further out of the tent taking care not to make a noise as she did so until she came to stand just outside her tent as she waited anxiously, she was afraid if she tried to him of drawing attention to them. It not be long before he would come to reach her and without a word he took her hand as he gave a last look behind him to make sure no one was watching before looking back to her as he motioned to the woods and she nodded her head, they knew they could not risk speaking now they just had to get out of here. They ducked back out of sight as they turned to walk between her hut and the one next to it and then began to head into the trees taking great care not to make any noise, though it was intimidating and difficult at night. They could not see a thing and had no idea what they might run into. She kept a tight hold upon his hand as they made their way into the brush and further away from the camp. They had been walking for maybe ten to twenty minutes when Alleandra came to a stop and grabbed hold of Jays arm as she spoke still keeping her voice low. "There" she pointed to the left as she continued. "I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye. It looked like a building or something." Jay looked to her curiously then followed where she pointed but it was so hard to see, he thought maybe they could use it as a shelter for the night, and turned to start to make his way toward it as he did so he looked back to his sister. "If anything happens, or if I give the word, I want you to run, as fast and far as you can without looking back." Alleandra looked to him and was about to protest but thought better of it and just nodded her head. "I will, I promise." He nodded and proceeded forward keeping her just behind him protectively, not knowing what they might find now.

            It would not take long before the thing which had caught Allendras eye would come into his view, as they drew closer, and his eyes adjusted more to the darkness and he came to stop rather taken by surprise aware of his sister just beside him as they both stood and stared at it. It was a building from the old world, the world before the virus an old wooden structure that appeared to have been sitting here for sometime. Jay looked a moment to this sister and then back to the building. "Maybe we can take shelter there for the night" Alleandra said at last as she looked to her brother curiously. He was drawn out of his thoughts and wonder at her words and then nodded his head slowly, as it was better then treading through the jungles and unknown land, to encounter who knows what and he would start to draw near to the building with his sister. It appeared to be safe with no sign of anyone or anything for that matter around.

            Once they came to the front of the building Jay looked back to his sister and held out a hand to her still keeping his voice low as he spoke. "Stay here, just in case, while I go check the door and inside." He said, and after he had her nod of consent he walked up to the door. He noticed there was an old lock on it, but the wood itself appeared to be much rotted and warped, and with a few good kicks and a hard shove the door busted open and he stepped into the darkness. He ventured slowly farther inside as he tried to adapt his eyes. He would look back a moment to where his sister stood behind him and gave a nod of his head. "I think it is safe, just be careful, it is dark and I can barely see anything. Watch your step." Alleandra would venture in just behind him as he made room for her, and she would carefully edge her way around the structure as her hands felt along various unidentified objects. Her hands paused on something as she ran her hands over it. It was both familiar and yet strange to her as she lifted it up. "Its a lamp I think" she said as she held it up. Jay looked to her and reached over to take the lamp. It was an old lamp. He did not think such things even existed anymore. He held it up and shook it hearing oil slosh around inside he looked back to her. "I think it might still work, close the door just in case, I do not want anyone else to see the light" Alleandra did as she was asked pulling the broken door closed the best she could before looking back to her brother and nodding.

            With the door now closed Jay found the switch on the lamp and turned it, he heard it click but nothing happened at first. He would try again as he toggled the switch a few times until something caught at last and fire sprung to life safely in the glass and shed a yellow glow of over the darkness. His sister moved closer to him as he swung the light slowly around the old building, where many strange objects could be seen covered in dust, all things from the old world.

            Jay began to venture further into the building as he inspected some of the strange objects, which included everything from old tool to toys, and knick knacks, all one could imagine and then some, all things from the old world, some of which he had never even seen before nor knew what their function might have been. Alleandra began to explore her curious nature starting to overtake any past fears and anxieties she might have had with all that had happened, she began to dust things off as she investigated when something caught her eye and she reached over to lift the small simple made doll. There was something about the childs toy that struck her as somehow sad as she dusted it off carefully and then set it aside carefully when she saw something and reached up to draw what appeared to be an old album, leather bound, from the shelf. She used the sleeve of her arm to dust it off as she took a couple steps back to find an open place upon the floor where she could kneel down with it. "Set the lamp here" She implored to her brother. Jay had to admit he was as equally curious as his sister and found a place to put the lamp and  knelt beside her as she began to open the album.

            At first it appeared as any normal photo album, holding pictures of strange people they did not know, it appeared to be a family, there was a girl in the photos, and a man and a woman, along with a few others, perhaps other relatives of friends, or a mix of both. Alleandra could not help but to feel a fascination, all such artifacts and evidence of the old world and the people who lived before the virus did not exist within the dome, they thought it best to erase the past and focus only on the future.

"Oh my god" She gasped breathlessly as she had continued to flip through the album and Jay crowded in closer to her looking over her shoulder. He could not believe his eyes, his jaw dropped at what he had seen. He exchanged looks with his sister before looking back down to the picture before them. "It cannot be" He said at first too stunned to believe it, yet he knew just what he was looking at. "They"¦.they are people"¦just like us"¦but the virus, it mutated them." They both sat gaping at the photos, the family in the album had contracted the virus, and documented it, they survived in the end, but in those pictures they found themselves looking at the very same ape-men they had runaway from.

"How horrible" Alleandra  gasped as she turned another page in the album. "Why didnt they get help?" Her question would be answered, as if by some unknown force, for as she spoke, with the turning of the last page something slipped out from the back of the album and landed in her lap she jumped at first surprised and then looked down to the envelope. She studied it curiously before she began to open it up and pulled out the old pages she began to read. It was like a diary of some sort. Jay read over her shoulder. With the words that poured into the pages she felt her heart stop a moment and she just let the papers drop from her hands. "It cannot be" She looked to Jay, and his eyes met hers in a silent understanding before he turned away.

            "We have to do something" Alleandra pleaded. A part of him knew she was right, but he did not know what they could do or how. "They are people"¦.no different then us"¦.it is not their fault, and they were shut out of the dome left to live like animas. The people have to know the truth, what was done. We need to go back and tell them all." 

Jay sat quietly as he listened to her. She was right, but he did not know how in the world they could do that. Who would listen to them? "Alright, but for now we should get some rest. Tomorrow we can try and find our way back, and will take the album with us." Alleandra satisfied with the answer, and a part of him new despite all his doubts, ultimately there was nothing else they could do. He could not now go back and return to living his life knowing what he now knew.

            They slept long into the night and partially in the next morning upon the floor within the old shed. The sun would already be up and shining by the time either would stir or move. Alleandra stretched out slowly with a long yawn as her eye lids began to flutter before they would open her eyes and look around. It took her a moment to recall everything and remember where she was and she sat up quickly the movement rousing Jay beside her though he seemed perfectly content and ready to just sink back into sleep when the voice of his sister brought him into full alertness. "We have to tell them"¦..the ape people"¦we have to go back and tell them we know the truth and we should bring them back with us. We cannot leave them here a moment longer like this."

            Jay could say nothing at first as he looked up to her and slowly began to sit up. He could see by the look on her face that there would be little sense in arguing with her, but did she not realize the importability of what she proposed? "What if they do not understand? What if they take us prisoner again?" Alleandra looked over to him as he spoke but she would not be deterred. "I do not think they mean any harm. We will bring the album with us and tell them we want to help." Jay had his skepticism about this, but he knew when she got like this she was impossible. She would not take no for an answer. So there was nothing to do but agree and try and protect her the best he could. "Alright." He said defeated and slowly began to push himself up to stand, offering a hand to his sister to help pull her up. She grabbed the album and then rose by his side and they walked to the door together pushing it open they stepped out into the day and took a look around at the surroundings. In the light of day it really was a sight to behold, but they were soon yanked out of their thoughts, having gotten no further then three steps when another voice suddenly broke the silence. "Stop right there!"

            Jay spun around, his eyes widened in surprise as he protectively stepped just in front of his sister and his gaze fell upon Welkins, he was one of the head scientists that controlled the dome and helped design it. Behind him stood a handful of armed men dressed in protective gear. Before either of them could speak Welkins continued. "You were reported missing and the whole dome was searched, and then we found evidence in your room that you had packed as if to prepare to go somewhere, and Rolland reported his pass key missing, we knew there was only one place you could be. You do not think we can let your ruin everything we worked for do you?"

2:40 PM - 1/11/2007 - post comment

Quote of the Week: Wherever a man may happen to turn, whatever a man may undertake, he will always end up returning to that path which nature has marked out for him --Johann Wolfgang von Gothe

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