Welcome, participants...
A voice sounded from all around the room, it was a young female but she had an unnatural, inhumane edge to her tone.
Simutaneously we all stopped whatever we all stopped what we where doing and began to listen to the announcement.
You will participate in a series of games. Players who complete all games will receive a substantial cash reward.
A few people seemed happy at the announcement, but for the most part everyone still held a strong feeling of reluctance.
Drugging us and holding us all in a one room like barn animals did that to people.
Near the front, a rather obnoxious guy with messy black hair yelled out enthusiasticslly, while throwing both hands up.
"LET'S GOOOO, EASY BAG!" His voice cut the silence of the room instantly.
In an instant the rooms attention shifted to the kid, it became a little awkward but he didn't seem to care, he even started to woot and shake his hands in the air.
I didn't think much of it, I had met plenty of people like him before, people who enjoyed the spotlight, whether it benefited them or not.
Suddenly, the gate holding us all hostage opened. Everyone instinctively backed away as masked figures emerged, dressed in red jumpsuits.
They didn't have any visible weapons, nor showed any clear signs of aggression, but my instincts told me they were dangerous.
The way they moved, all stiff and exact, made some danger instinct in me go off.
They formed into a diamond shape row, with a guard wearing a black mask with a square shape embedded into it stepping to the forefront to speak.
Before he could speak a brave woman stepped forward, voice shaking.
"Why are we here? You can't just keep us!"
The guard looked at the woman for a few seconds before answering.
"All participants are here due to severe debt or urgent financial need. You have all chosen to enter of your own free will."
A hush fell over the room; the guard's words left everyone dumbfounded.
Another person spoke, this time a rugged, Latino looking guy. "Debt? So what? That gives you the right to drug and kidnap us?"
As he spoke the crown instantly began to erupt but before anything of significance could be said the guard's voice cut in again, low and monotone.
"Player 012. Wanted by Los Zetas. You currently owe 50 thousand USD and have a bounty of 25 thousand USD. You of all people need this money most."
The man... Player 12, went silent. Everyone did.
But the he wasn't finished.
"Player 087, Medical debt accumulation following uninsured surgery.
Total debt: 142,000 USD."
Suddenly the large black screen above the gate flicked on.
On the screen appeared a young skinny man with deep eye bags. He played a game of rock paper scissors and repeatedly loss, being slapped multiple times before finally winning and showing a large toothy smile.
"Player 129, Divorced.
Court-ordered alimony and child support arrears: 85,000 USD."
The face on the tv changed, this time showing an older white man white a slightly receding hairline, and like the previous man he was slapped multiple times until he was paid.
'This must of been what Sean did...' watching the videos made me furrow my brows, these people where being publicly embarrassed, and it didn't seem like the man cared in even the slightest.
"These are only a few of the debts that I have the time to mention. Understand this, none of you are here through pure luck, you are all in dire financial strain, and required external help to escspe your dire situations, hence we have invited you, to play a game."
For a moment, there was only silence in the room, whether from fear or anticipation, nobody spoke.
From deep within the crowd, a brave yet quiet voice rose.
I couldn't see him properly from where I sat, but he looked scrawny.
"How much can we even win in the end? What's the final prize?"
The guard turned his head slowly, looking in his direction.
"The final prize pool will be determined by the number of eliminated players. For each eliminated player, A large amount will be added. The total will be displayed at the end of each game."
A murmur rippled through the crowd. Heads turned, and the energy in the room instantly rose.
The Mention seemed to dim the fear they had felt, after all, they where all here for it.
"A large amount? That's sounds more like a scam then anything" someone near the front mocked.
"We need to know how much money! And how many're gonna get eliminated!" another man demanded.
'A large amount..' I had heard terms like those before, they where usually used by small time scammers, promising something they didn't have.
"Is this a hoax?" I mumbled to myself, the thought of it left me with a bad taste in my mouth, although the 2,300 my brother earned was real, who's to say there was more where that came from?
Instead of answering the frequent questions about the final prize the man stood in silence and watched.
Doing a quick scan of the room I looked for the highest number I could find, I didn't look to extensively but the highest I could see was 472.
'Even If this a complete hoax they'd atleast pay $100 per elimination right? If 471 people where eliminated then...' quickly doing the math in my head.
"$47,000..." I subconsciously spoke the number out loud, a few people around me heard what I said but it was quickly drowned by the murmers of hundreds of people.
$47,000 was more then enough, my only goal was to rid my family of debt, $10,000 was enough for that, but with 40,000 we could even live a decent life, for a while.
'But this is assuming they pay us $100 per elimination.' I cycled through my mind and organized everything I knew about these guys.
'The fund's for multiple Suvs, the outfits, the drugs, this building along with the custom beds and custom clothing, along with the ability to throw money away just to gather us here.'
If I assumed all of us here where given $2,000 to be persuaded to show up, then the cost for this whole thing was already in the millions.
'They're serious.' This was the conclusion I came to, at the very least, the people who set this up weren't poor.
Still busy trying to figure out what the possible sum up for grab was, I heard a loud confident yell.
"Hey... You guys are makin' this sound like some sorta game show. This must be a Mr.beast video or something!"
It seemed like most people agreed but the guards at the front remained still and silent.
That guy was right; it did sound like a game show pitch, but if what they said about that player 012 guy was true, then would they really bring someone like that here?
If real criminals where here I couldn't help but feel Mr.beast wouldn't allow it.
My eyes drifted back to the guard. His black mask looking straight ahead.
A nervous-looking girl near the edge, wringing her hands together, shouted out, "Any clues on the games or how to win?"
The guard looked at her. "Follow all instructions precisely. No further advice will be given."
"Let me make this clear once more," the guard continued, voice echoing.
"Every person standing here in this room is living on the brink of financial ruin. You all have debts that you can't pay off. When we first met each of you, not a single one of you trusted us. But as you all know, we played a game, and as we promised, we gave you money when you won. And suddenly, everyone here trusted us. You called and volunteered to participate in this game of your own free will. So this is it. I'll give you one last chance to choose. Will you go back to living your old and depressing lives, being controlled by your financial situation? Or will you act and seize this last opportunity we're offering here?"
No one dared to speak after that.
________________________________________
The guards then moved forward and formed into a line, more guards appeared from the gate with tall podiums and stacks of papers, they quickly set everything into place before leaving though the gate.
Once everything was setup, the man in black spoke again.
"Sign the clause if you wish to participate. Clause 1: A player is not allowed to stop playing once the games begin.
Clause 2: A player who refuses to play will be eliminated.
Clause 3: Games may be terminated if the majority agrees."
"If you do not wish to participate please leave through the main door now, this may be your only chance."
Multiple lines quickly began to form, it seemed alot of people decided to play whatever these games where, whilst the less keen ones silently left through the large door.
I sat on my top bunk and observed for a long while, I was in no rush to go and sign such a shady contract.
I had basically made my mind up, I'd play, but I still needed some time just incase something else came up.
Whilst scanning the room something had caught my eye though.
Amongst the mass of green jumpsuits I noticed a rather short kid with dreads covering the back of his head, I couldn't tell forsure, but something about him seemed... Familiar.
I had an inkling of reason as to why I felt like so. Without thinking I got up from my bed and slowly descended just to make sure.
It took a second but I had finally reached the floor, but it was only then that I realized I wouldn't be able to find what I was looking for.
Although I was on the taller side I still wasn't such a behemoth that I could find someone in a crowd of hundreds.
"Tsk, no point waiting then." Leaving the reason I came down here to begin with I forced myself forward and got into the line.
If I was down here I might aswell sign my form, there was no need to wait anymore.
With so many people and so little booths, the line ended up taking almost 10 minutes before I reached the front.
The guard said nothing and simply placed the contract on the table.
I read through all the agreements slowly,
1. If I signed now, there was no backing out.
2. All players who do not participate will be eliminated.
And the third one, "games may be terminated if the majority agree."
For the most part these rules seemed simple and self explanatory, but the second and third rule seemed off.
If rule number one said we had to play no matter what then what was the point of mentioning we'd be eliminated if we didn't?
Wouldn't it be obvious someone who doesn't play the game would be "eliminated"?
There where only three rules to look at so the fact they included something like that in the only pamphlet gave me an ick.
But in the end I couldn't really put any meaning to it, maybe they just didn't have many rules?
The third one was also weird, if we where really playing games like rock paper scissors to win money, why would we ever come to an agreement to leave?
Looking around the room I noticed how lively it was, to get most of these people to willingly leave? Wouldn't there be a better chance of them all licking the guy who set this up's boots?
I subconsciously furrowed my brow, I was certain now, if Sean's cheek was worth a few thousand then how much was this "large amount" worth?
Yet I still couldn't find the resolve to leave.
Looking down at the form in my hands, I exhaled sharply, placed the paper on the table and signed, I needed that money, I promised ma.
And I damn well wouldn't let me and Sean live the rest of our lives in that dump.
I didn't look back and walked to my right, I didn't need to think too much, whatever this was, I just needed to win right?
Now that I was in a semi open place I noticed the same dreads from earlier.
From the top bunker I had thought the guy looked short but from my perspective now, this guy didn't only look short he looked way to similarly short to someone I knew too well.
I briskly walked towards whoever the person was, he was in a group of 3 talking, but I didn't care. I walked up behind and put my hands on his shoulder before turning him around.
I had wished it wasn't the case but before I could even notice the familiar features, the obviously blackened eye and the bandage work on his cheek told me everything I needed to know.
"Wh-why are you here? Didn't you see my text?" I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"Ahhhh..... Paul! Good to see you..What're you doing here.. haha..." Sean laughed awkwardly whilst patting the side of my shoulder.
Before I could say anything he dragged me away and spoke.
"Sorry guys I gotta finish some old business with a friend I'll be back" he gave a smile and walked confidently with me in hand.
I gave him some face for a second but as soon as we where a good distance away I grabbed his wrist which held my jacket.
"You... IDIOT!" I couldn't hold back the anger I felt. This imbecile had not only only completely ignored my text to take care of mom, but also decided to come here without even telling me.
I felt a strong rage boil in my chest but even more than that I felt a sense of unease. The only reason I felt confident up until now was because I was alone.
But now not only did I have to worry for this replacement for a sock I had to worry about mom at home.
"Ahh, hey man I know what you're thinking don't worry, I made sure moms okay, I paid for a personal caregiver for a week. She'll be fine, aight?" He spoke in a seemingly calm voice whilst trying to release my hand from his wrist.
"And it's not like I can't choose to be here, if you can be here why can't I? And think about it, if we both win then double the money! Eh?" He looked at me with a grin forming on his face.
I almost adhered to the instinct to slap him but held back, I slowly let go of him and begun to think, if this was really a game like the one he played, then worst case he could leave this place with a concussion or a broken rib, but best case we both left with a hefty amount of money.
But even so I couldn't find any joy in his presence in this place.
"No, this isn't right, you're leaving right now or I'm making you leave" grabbing him again, this time but the scruff of his collar I began to drag him to the metal door.
"Woah woahh, wait man. I already signed my waiver! It's too late" I ignored his tantrum and he grabbed my arm and began to struggle until I heard the last portion of his statement.
I instantly recalled the first rule of the waiver.
A player is not allowed to stop playing once the games begin.
'I still had time..' Picking up my pace I forcefully dragged Sean towards the exit.
Noticing a guard near the exit I quickly dragged us towards him, looking him face to face I spoke.
"My brother would like to resign from the game."
The guard gave us a once over then slowly spoke.
"If a player wishes to resign, they must do so of their volition." The guard spoke clearly while looking Sean in the eyes.
I gave him a rough nudge and nodded for him to speak.
I waited for a moment but.. nothing.
He didn't speak.
"Are you really doing this right now?" Instead of getting the response I was looking for Sean simply avoided eye contact, not saying a word.
"Ok man listen, do you not understand that someone has to be there for ma? What if we're here for longer then a week? Huh? You gonna let her starve?" I spoke as gently as I could, at times like this I just needed to persuade him.
"Then why don't you go?" He spat, literally.
I felt some saliva touch my lip.
"You think cuz your hot shit and the older brother or something, that you should be the one who does everything? If you care about mom so much why don't you go back and take care of her!" He continued with an annoyed look.
'Fuck.' He wasnt going to leave.
I knew Sean down to the amount of semen in his balls, and I could tell I stepped on a land mine.
"If you want me to leave this place then youre gonna have to drag me out in a bag" he said whilst stuffing his hands into his jacket pockets and walking away.
'My god... This is exactly why I didn't want him here, he's still a kid.. Sure, it's a hard bullet to bite knowing I have a better chance of winning this then him, but this was just stupidity...'
"Dammit!" Cursing I left the guards side and caught upto my brother.
"You fool." I didn't even bother trying to convince him anymore, there was no chance he'd leave of his own volition.
"You stick with me from now on, until we know what's happening here, I don't want to see you anywhere else besides my side. Got it?" I said firmly.
"Tch, yeah man, fuck! I get it." he said with agitation.
Honestly I didn't wanna be in this position either, but I couldn't afford losing him here.
Not when we where surrounded by 400 other people with all types of backgrounds in the same situation as us.
*Bzzzt*
Attention, all players. The first game is about to begin. Please follow the staff's instructions and make your way towards the game hall.
The guards silently grabbed the podiums along with the paper work and left, as they left a new set of guards came in and requested we follow them.
We were told to line up in five seperate rows and to follow them to the first "game".
Leaving the prison liek room with Sean behind me, the first thing I noticed was the large area of twisting stairways and disorienting colours.
It reminded me of a funhouse, like a wacky and almost unrealistic, but the guards everywhere made subtly drag my emotions back into place, whether this place was unique looking or not, we where still kidnapped by these people.
The lines were tight, and It was crowded, but the it also made it easier to see each person's number printed boldly on their back.
Not that it mattered.
Before we reached the stairs, the line slowed to a halt at a bright pink wall.
Multiple screens with a smiley face stood with the words "Smile" underneath.
Please look into the camera. Smile.
The players in front didn't need to be told what to do and slowly shuffled into a lane and took their picture.
When my turn came, I slowly stepped into frame before hesitating for a second. I looked deeply into the camera lenses, but no smile rose from me so I stood and allowed the camera to do what it had to.
Click
Walking forward, I waited silently for Sean to take his photo.
'whats the point of this? Is this really a game show?' I couldn't understand why we had to take photos unless the people holding these things intended to keep records of some sort.
Watching my brother, I noticed he didn't carry his usual bouyant energy, if anything he seemed burdened.
He stepped into the camera, with a frown, but after seeing his face in the camera a smile tug on his face before it grew into a full blown grin.
Click
Walking forward he looked at me with the same smug smile he had in the picture.
"Man... I look good." Putting his hands into his pockets I watched as his earlier mood completely disappeared and he walked ahead of me not waiting for a response.
"Haaahh." A light chuckle unbeknownst to me was on my face.
That was my brother.
Not thinking too much about it I let him lead and followed behind.
Once again, climbing another spiral staircase, I noticed a woman a few steps ahead of us fidgeting with her glasses, they where large cat shaped ones, cracked and taped at the bridge.
Her eyes darted constantly, scanning the numbers on everyone's backs like she was memorizing them.
She turned abruptly toward us, eyes locking onto Sean's and mine.
"Hey," she blurted, voice lower than I expected. "You two... 117 and 118, right? You got good spots." She pushed her glasses up again, hands trembling slightly.
Sean questioned. "Good spots? Whats that mean? We in a raffle or something?"
She gave a small, awkward snort. "No. Just... numbers usually matter in these types of things." Her words came out fast.
Sean shot her a small grin. "Appreciate the tip, lady. Were you a accountant or something before this?"
Her face twitched. I saw something flicker briefly in her eyes before she glanced away quickly.
"No," she said, almost too soft to hear. "I taught high school once... before." Her fingers instinctively pushed her glasses up.
She stepped up the stairs quickly, budging into people quickly disappearing into the line ahead.
500... It was the highest number I had seen so far.
After walking through the maze-like building, we ended up reaching a massive steel gate. It creaked open, revealing a large yard under a huge dome.
Grass stretched out, bright and green. In the distance, a doll stood towering with brown, stiff pigtails and black eyes, staring back at us.
'Creepy..'
With such a large field everyone began to spread out, I continued to take in the scenery, although it felt like we where outside the large painted walls keenly reminded me we werent.
Some of the surrounding people didn't seem to care I even saw a group of girls taking selfies with a camera from God knows where.
Though, there were no guards inside, slightly easing the atmosphere; the lack of the cold masked men made the place feel a little alive for once.
Attention, all players. After you enter the game hall… please stand behind the white line drawn on the field and await further instructions. Once again, will all players please stand behind the white line and await further instructions.
We all filed in, shuffling around trying to make space over the mushy grass. The place was quite bright and open, similar to a football field.
People started lining up behind the white line, eyes examining the towering doll ahead. A few still laughed, pointing at the cameras up above.
'This really might be a game show.' I thought.
Here is the first game. You will be playing Red Light, Green Light. You are allowed to move forward when "it" shouts out, "Green Light," stop when "it" shouts, "Red Light."
With the announcement finishing a loud mechanical sound caught everyone's attention, the roof of the dome slowly opened in 2 half's, the sunny spring weather instantly entering the premise.
Taking a deep inhale, I enjoyed the smell of fresh air and the comforting feeling of sun on my skin.
Taking in my fill of nature I focused back onto what the announcement had just said.
Red Light, Green Light? So it really is kids games.
I had thought about it plenty, whether they'd make entirely new games or not, but from what I'd seen there wouldn't be many games I hadn't seen or played as a kid.
A bulky man beside me with tattoos snorted and shoved past a crowd of people, making his way to the front.
"Move! I'm gettin' that money first. Ain't no way they're giving out millions for this baby shit."
With the mans cocky proclamation more people started pushing forward, eager to be up front.
"I'm goin' up front too. We should get that money first." Sean's spoke in a hushed tone.
I agreed with him, but I still decided to wait, if there was a catch it'd be easier to face it from the back.
I shook my head, crossing my arms against my chest. "I'm going to stay back and watch... You should too."
"Ehh, I got it, don't trip, just make sure you're not last." He seemed confident, so I didnt refute him, but a thought suddenly hit me, there where no rules saying violence wasn't allowed.
Was that the catch here?
Without being able to get a word in I watched as he jogged off, weaving through the crowd toward the front.
I stayed where I was, watching the chaos unfold.
Let me repeat the rule. You're allowed to move… when "it" shouts out, "Green Light." Stop when "it" shouts, "Red Light." If your movement is detected afterward, you will be eliminated.
A few people booed, and some waved off the instructions like it was a joke.
"Eliminated? Wonder what that means? Sent home? You think we get a cut if we lose?" someone questioned from the side.
I clenched my jaw. The word "eliminated" still made me feal uneasy.
Without much notice, I heard a loud female voice.
Green light!
Sean was among the first to burst forward, nearly sprinting from what I could tell.
A few others took off too, some cautiously jogging, some going into a full sprint.
Red light.
The interval between the go and stop was quite short about 3 seconds.
A false start almost, luckily for me I still hadn't moved, I keenly noticed the clock across the field with bright neon red lights reading 4:56.
If that was a timer like I thought it was, then I still had plenty of time to reach the end.
The doll's head whirred doing an inhumane 180 before clicking to a stop.
Everyone froze.
Besides a few unlucky ones, they had been sprinting, and the sudden stop had caused a few to stumble before stopping.
Then — crack.
A sharp, splitting pop.
My vision wasn't so clear from the back but I saw it regardless.
A young boy's head exploded from the inside. A pink mist sprayed into the air, while a mass of flesh flew from his skull into the air before falling into the green grass.
His body crumpled backwards, knees folding inwards.
My mind couldn't register exactly what was happening.
He just died... Why? He was killed? Why?
My mind was a mess but my rationale still led me to the right answer.
This was the elimination. This was what they meant.
Then I heard it, a loud female scream.
POP
Another loud bang had awoken everyone who still couldn't comprehend what was happening.
And like a wave, everything began to move.
The ground beneath me shook slightly as a stampede of people surged backwards towards the gates. My first instinct was to move out of the way, but I couldn't.. it was still red light.
However, fate didn't seem to care much for my opinion. The sheer mass and force of the crowd swallowed me whole.
A body slammed into my side, and another crash directly into my chest. I felt my feet slip out from under me, and then I felt my back hit the ground.
I could feel the pressure of people stepping on my chest and arms. Someone's heel smashed my shoulder. With every second I felt my body getting pressed deeper and deeper into the grass.
With all my strength I pushed the man on-top of me as much as I could and managed to curl my arms in against my chest, barely beating the suffocating weight of the stacking weight.
Above me, I could hear the loud and rapid crack of bullets, the sounds of people screaming in pure terror, men and women alike.
I felt my chest tighten and my already limited vision begin to blue, I was losing oxygen. Being under the pile must of been cutting off my supply.
I can't die here!
Pushing my arms outward as far I could, only then did I realise how badly of a position I was in, I could barely move my arms a few inches away from my chest before the weight pushed them back down.
Instead I moved my legs. Frantically kicking I felt a loose body slowly fall to my side.
But things still weren't good, I could feel the blood in my upper body begin to grow dry.
Before I could continue kicking a loud sound caught my attention.
RED LIGHT
Instantly stopping my movement, I gave up on resistance and screamed from the top of my lungs.
"BROTHER!!!!"
_______________________
Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!
The words kept repeating themselves in the back of my mind.
'I can't fucking move.' listening to the sounds of countless bullets being fired and women screaming made me feel genuine fear for the first time.
I had almost been apart of that group of victims, I probably should have been but the rules of red light green light where so ingrained in my body that my instincts had told me to stay still and play the game.
If I had been anyone else besides myself I'd have run just like them.
Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!
I still couldn't think straight, but then I remembered something through the endless onslaught of sounds in my head and around me.
'Paul...' Where was he? I still couldn't move but the thought that something could've happened made my heart beat louder then any other sound.
GREEN LIGHT
Instantly turning around I looked for anywhere Paul could be but I couldnt see him.
Not where I left him earlier or anywhere else.
I didn't think twice before running back to beginning.
I tried my best to only focus on finding my brother but in the corner of my eye I saw the remains of a beautiful lightskin girl, but instead of where her pretty face should have been, was a slowly pumping brain, I couldnt take my off it, as the brain slowed to a still no losing the last breaths of life It would ever hold.
I couldn't do anything before I instantly fell to a knee and keeled everything I had for breakfast.
The image wouldnt leave my mind, her skull open, her brain slowly dying and her once beautiful face.
'What if...' I couldn't finish my thought as a pound sound caught me in my dread.
RED LIGHT
I instantly froze where I knelt making sure to not make even the tiniest movement.
"----THER!!!" I was completely focused on staying still until a sound crawled it way into my ears through everything that was happening around me.
"--ROTHER!!!" Again I heard the voice, but I still couldn't move and didn't dare to look where it came from.
GREEN LIGHT
I still couldn't rid my mind of that image, but the sound from earlier was even more prevalent.
"It's Paul.. it has to be" not thinking twice I began to shout aswell.
"PAUL!! WHERE ARE YOU!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, this was the only time I could play this game of Marco Polo who knew when the next red light would come.
"SEAN! IM STUCK HE-" I instantly locked onto where the sound was coming from, it was exactly where I had left him.
Where he last stood there was now a pile what looked like atleast 20 bodies.
I rushed over while holding a hand to my nose.
RED LIGHT
'Fuck' freezing again I kept my eyes locked on the spot where my brother should have been.
I wanted to speak again but with light on red there was no way in hell I'd love a single fibre of my being.
GREEN LIGHT
With the sound of the mechanical dolls voice I began to move again, sliding near the pile of corpses where I thought my brother was.
"PAUL IM HERE JUST WAIT ILL GET YOU OUT!" I spoke as loudly as I could, but I got no response back.
Panicking slightly I began to move as many bodies off the top as I could.
"HEY MAN TALK TO ME! YOU GOOD?" I spoke loudly again but still no response.
"Fuck, don't you dare be dead..." Dragging a dead body from the top my hands accidentally slipped and sent me falling backwards on my ass.
RED LIGHT
Clenching my jaw I sat silently on my ass, and waited.
Subconsciously scanning the pile, I caught something that I hadnt before, near the edges a pair of long dark legs covered in blood stood out.
I wasn't certain but having lived with my brother my whole life I could almost be.
'That's him!' I waited for what felt like an eternity until I finally heard my go.
GREEN LIGHT
Giving up on carrying each body one by one, I grabbed the two legs and pulled.
The weight was extreme but also manageable, in a slightly gruesome way the blood helped make it easier to pull whoever this was out of the pile.
Not hesitating I gave my all pulling the body halfway out. After seeing his weight I was almost fully certain now.
It was my brother, turning around i quickly glanced at the large timer behind the doll.
3:24..
Time was already running out! Luckily the doll was giving a lot more time then it usually did.
Moving my hands quicker I grabbed Paul's waist and pulled with all my weight. With his body slightly coming out of the rubble, a pool of blood also came with him.
I had only gotten about half his body before the familiar sound made me freeze instantly.
RED LIGHT!
Grititng my teeth, I held my position with my body half tilted over holding onto what I hoped was Paul's waist.
With the few moments of silence held, the smell of congealed blood entered into my nose, it was thick and held a depth to it. My thoughts wanted to wonder but I held back, right now I couldn't.
Something told me if I failed here, me and my brother would both die.
Closing my eyes, I tried to empty my mind but the image of open skulls, corpses, and the feeling of death permeated deep into me.
Thankfully, before it could get worse..
GREEN LIGHT!
Snapping my eyes open I gripped tightly onto the clothes in my hand and tugged using everything I had.
I had to get Paul out before the next freeze, if this was even Paul..
Not thinking a moment longer, I pulled the man out til his chest was visible, probably because the large amount of weight ontop of him, his jacket had been pulled up and his stomach was visible.
Whether this was luck or not, I couldn't be sure, but with the mans stomach and lower chest visible I noticed a distinct, cross shaped tattoo on on the right side of stomach.
'Its Paul!' I could recognize that tattoo from anywhere.
It was something Paul had bragged about when he was my age, before he became the strict worry worth he was now.
He said it was the only thing he had ever regretted.
With more vigor I looked for more leeway to grab and pull my brother out.
Reaching slightly underneath the pile of corpses, I grabbed his bloodied, soaking red jacket and did my best to pull.
But there was a slight problem, I feel pauls, neck beginning to tilt upwards, if I continued to pull him roughly it felt like his neck would snap inbetween the weight ontop of him, and the force of my pull.
'Fuck!' Everything always had to go in the worst way possible for me!
Quickly thinking, I decided against pulling him and slithered my arms underneath the pile with the intent to tilt his head to the left so I could pull him out.
With my sleeves now fully covered in red, no longer holding any resemblance to the earlier clean green, I shrunk lower and reached deep into the pile until I felt the mans face.
RED LIGHT!
....
Without even the proper leeway to complain, I froze again this time with my ass in the air, my face in a puddle of blood and my hands stuck, touching my brother's face.
But unlike before, I had some semblance of calm in me, I could feel his face, his short and rough hair, and the wetness of blood mushed against it all.
Not thinking at all, I began to turn his head as gently as I could using only the muscles in my hands.
I wasn't sure if whoever was shooting could tell I was moving my hands, but since I was still alive I continued to do my best while keeping my body frozen.
With much effort I finally felt Paul's head turn, it was no longer being pulled up, and with that the trumpets of heaven entered my ears.
GREEN LIGHT!
Quickly backing up and removing my hands from underneath the pile, I felt a clump on blood stick to my lips, quickly licking and spitting it out I began pulling again.
This time it didn't take much.
With one quick pull I had pulled my bloody brother out the pile.
Hesitating for a moment, I looked at the timer.
2:49..
"Fuck! I'm running out of time!" Cursing under my breath I turned back to my brother and slapped him as hard as I could.
I didn't know if he was dead or not, but if he was...
I need to know soon.
Not getting a response, I slapped him again, but the result was the same.
"Fuck! Is he dead?" Speaking the words in an almost questioning tone, I felt a deep sense of dread wash over me.
If my brother was really dead, then why was I even here?
'Shoukd we have never come here? Did I fuck up.. again?' Feeling the weight of the situation settle in once again.
I thought for a moment whether it was all hopeless, the money was no longer anywhere in my mind.
My brother was dead.. and it had been my fault.
Falling to my knees I put one hand to my brother's face and gently wiped the blood from it.
'Msybe.. it better to just die here?_ I thought quietly.
....
Still deep within my thoughts I felt a slight movement in my hand. My brother who had been still until now had somehow made my hand move, if even slightly.
'how?' Questionion what had happened, the thought instantly snapped into me.
"His breath!" Right, fuck!
How could I forget, his heart and shit!
Quickly putting a hand to his chest, I felt it.
His heart was still beating, it was slow and almost invisible, but undeniably, it was there.
'Hes alive!'
Instantly the negative feelings I held disappeared like they where never there.
Almost in a trance, my head snapped towards the clock.
2:22..
'I have time!' No longer hesitating, I grabbed my brother's arm and lifted it over my shoulder. He was still extremely heavy and the blood didn't didn't make it any easier to hold him.
But much effort I lifted myself of the ground, my brother aswell.
I wouldn't die here... I couldn't die here!
"Not yet." And with those words I took a heavy steps forward.
I still had time.