Survival Game -1-

Its hoofs carried it closer and closer towards me, my arms relaxed as I eyed its figure in the distance. It was on guard, stopping at the sound of its own hoofs whenever it crumbled a leaf. I observed it silently, it’s perked up ears and always ready to run posture, the ultimate runner yet the ultimate prey. I almost felt sad for it as I set up the bow in my hands and readjusted myself on the ledge. I took in a deep breath as I waited for it to come closer, my hands itching to let go of the delicate arrow that rested in them, the object that would either grant more years of life or death. My stomach agreed with my hands, it hadn’t tasted the savory meat in days. My senses twitched at the sound of its steps, carrying the creature closer and closer to my position yet never close enough to let go of the arrow in my grasp.

I kept both eyes on the target, moving them further down the path to where it would pass. I trained my eyes on this one spot until I saw a hoof step into my sight and within a second the arrow was flying through the air and towards the unaware pig. I straightened up, breathing in as the pig screeched out in pain. I climbed down the tree, narrowing my eyes on the creature. Its head was lying on the ground, its feet flaring, its nostrils flaring in rage and pain. I stopped once I was over it, its eyes darting to me and I could see the hatred and fear lying within them.

Without hesitation, I ended its life.

Survival has tossed the piece to the side and rewarded me with the remains. I pulled out my arrow and heaved the large carcass over my shoulder. I stood up and adjusted the carcass appropriately before making the journey back to my home.

Home.

It was an unfamiliar word to say the least, I traveled whenever needed to. I wasn’t a fan of being in a vicinity where others could easily find me; the punishment was less than positive. As my skills grew, I had to move less and less. The only times I had to move now were when the area was no longer providing necessities or if the Superiors had ransacked it, most of the time it was the first option. Yet I had lived in this abandoned house for some time, the previous owner had been killed by a pack of feral dogs. I buried him respectfully and then claimed his plentiful house as my own. He had bottled water to last decades and weapons everywhere, yet I left the guns alone and stuck to my bow and two pocket knives.

The journey didn’t take long, the view of the almost hidden cabin coming into view now. I opened the door and sat the carcass on the table in the kitchen. I looked around, everything was left untouched like always. The walnut wood had to be cleaned from time to time while the sawdust colored wooden floors needed more than a good sweeping. Only a few furniture items rested in the cabin, three rectangular cherry wood tables and four hickory old chairs. A fire place was centered in the main room of the cabin with three dull grey pans hanging right beside it; a cherry wooden storage shelf hid more dishes from view. The bedroom was quite simple, a standard long rectangular bed and a dresser for clothes; the bathroom was standard as well. The only kind of decoration in the cabin was an old square portrait above the fireplace. It showed two mulatto men dressed in a formal black suit, the usual empty expressions printed on their face. I held too much respect to take the portrait down; I felt that if I did I would be removing the true owner.

I walked over to the fireplace and placed three pieces of wood comfortably inside, once satisfied I started the fire. I watched as it burned, blowing on it lightly to allow it to grow and to scatter. After growing content with the sight I walked back into the kitchen and began to cut the bush pig up, storing most of the meat in the stolen refrigerator. I left out one piece and began to cook it, allowing the aroma to rise and infiltrate my nose. This only made my stomach more upset, yearning to have the food resting inside it. I quickly finished cooking the meal, making sure I had cooked it right. I had no time for diseases, for then Survival would deem me as undeserving as well.

After I had it fully cooked I heated up some corn to go on the side. I sat in one of the chairs and ate quietly, going over the day’s events in my head. Yet before I could truly delve into my thoughts, the low whine of a creature nearby stole it. I turned my head to see a tan and black dog, it resembled the color of a German Shepherd yet was to furry and muscular to be pure. Indeed he was a mix, one that I admired greatly, a mix between German Shepherd and Husky. The dog walked towards me and lowered his head on my knee, my heart sinking as his grey eyes peered up at me. He was a pro at this expression, one he used whenever needed.

“Don’t play,” I snorted as I cut off a wide piece from the pig and gave it to him. Diesel instantly grabbed the meat and began to eat it, I shook my head; I fed him better than I fed myself sometimes. Diesel was the last remnant of my past, everything else was swallowed by the hands of the Superiors. I was strict with the every man for himself rule, but Diesel was family and I wasn’t about to leave him. Yet even if I did decide to leave the side of Diesel, he would find me, just like he did when I was lost such a long time ago.

Memories.

I tried to avoid them but they seemed to always push their way in on days like this. Days where everything was peaceful and it felt like it was just Diesel and I. Days where I had nothing better to do than think about them, the hurtful memories that made me. I did my best to push the thoughts away and rose to my feet, going into the kitchen to wash the dish. I did one last look at the food and water supplies, making sure Diesel had fresh water in his bowl. After doing the lookover I retired to my bed, staring at the ceiling quietly. Diesel soon joined me and laid at the foot of the bed, all growing silent as the night took over.




I took a deep breath, eyeing the target before me. I checked my footing and posture before letting the arrow go, not waiting to see if I had successfully hit, I began to spin quickly, hitting the targets all around me. Finally stopping once my arrow made contact with the last target. Getting my head in order, I eyed each target, my heart rising as I realized I had hit each and every target, a bulls eye.

“Not bad ey?” I chuckled and looked over at Diesel who seemed to smile at me. I pat my side and he instantly darted towards me. Together we walked around the woods, admiring the view that it gave us. I never could get over how graceful the sun would set on the trees here, as if its light just gave life to them. The sun was their leader and whenever it shined on them, they would stand a bit straighter and a bit more proud of themselves. The flowers were like children in the picture, trying to mirror that of the soldier trees yet knowing they never could, so they stuck with blooming, some a bit more shy and just showing their buds. It was as if nature was saying, “we give you a peaceful day today.”

We continued walking until I spotted a tree in the distance. I cautiously approached it, observing the posters and red paint on it carefully. I knew this part of the forest was close to a town yet I did not know there was a Superior Sector nearby as well. The poster was a captured wanted poster, letting those who passed by know that the criminal was successfully caught. If I had seen the criminal, I would’ve helped him out honestly. Just knowing that he was a criminal to the Superiors was a good enough reason for me. I spat at the poster before turning to walk away. My whole mood seemed to shift because of that one poster.

Superiors.

What made them ‘superior’ than everyone else, if anything they were nothing but pompous weak rich folks. Those living in the Abandoned Land were the real superiors, we could hunt and provide for ourselves. We never had the luxury they had and I certainly didn’t want it. When I used to hear tales of sanctuary I wondered if the Superior Sectors were what they were referring to, now I know it was. The Superiors took everything from me, all I had and ever wanted in life. They killed my happiness and burned my sanctuary and marched away without a care, all just to add to their precious sector.

I erased the thought from my mind for the moment, I didn’t need to go trekking through the woods angry, and the beasts could smell fear. Keeping true to its previous promise, nature allowed us to make it to the cabin without any trouble. I was able to cook another great meal for Diesel and I, one that we both admired and would keep us satisfied for a while. I even found berries on the way, washing them as we both cherished the sweet and tangy taste that they held. We went to sleep both full and happy, something that we were beginning to get used to, something I could get used to everyday.