Open Water, Chapter 1

Open Water
Chapter 1: In Too Deep


"A new roommate? What happened to Jake?" I asked the commander.

"Beasts killed him." He stated almost too casually. Sure, being killed in action was an incredibly common thing, but being murdered by creatures who are supposed to be on your own team? That is just horrible.

"Did the beast die too? Or does it still roam?" I questioned,trying to hide the anger in my voice.

"It was released into the wild, Dem. Like all the other rabid monsters."

"So it still wanders. Even though it took the life of a comrade?!" My fury grew. They hadn't punished the cretin that stole Jake's life, they merely let it go!

"Calm yourself, Soldier." the commander spoke, "For the mutt shall soon parish with it's madness. Now back to your quarters and wait for your new bunk-mate to arrive."

"Yes Sir."

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The room was dark, the only light was a small, barely lit lantern that hung flickering on the door frame. I lay on my old, straw bed, staring at the bottom of the empty bunk above. The flame shifted slightly, signaling movement in the halls. Less than a minute later, a small figure entered the room with ghost-like steps.

"H-hello..." His meek voice spoke, "M-my name is Len Niemand. A-are you Dem Frei?"

I nodded, this boy, approximately age nine, had a surprisingly high voice.

"Aye, Soldier," I mumbled, barely even glancing at the child. "That be my name, don't wear it out. You  the replacement for Jake?" I sat up to get a better view of him. His eyes were glued to his feet as if he thought he would be beaten if he looked up even once. What had this kid been through to cause him to act like this? I will have to ask him later. "Never mind, you wouldn't know," I sighed. "Just get to bed, your bunk's the top one." I watched as Len struggled to climb up to his bed, "There's a stool by the window if you need it." I muttered and laid back down looking at the soon to be occupied top bunk until my mind drifted off.

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My eyes blinked open, I rolled over to glance at the window. It was still dark. Odd. Looked about two in the morning. I didn't normally awaken this early.

"Dem...?" A voice called from the hall. I recognize that voice, but whose is it? I cannot seem to remember... "C'mon Dem...Follow me!" the voice echoes. A shadow ran across the room, illustrated by the dying flames of the lantern.

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A loud crash startled me awake. It was morning, almost noon.

"Ow..." A meek voice squeaked, "G-good morning Dem..."

"Morning Len." Sitting up, I looked around the room. Len was sitting on the floor, holding his knee to his chest in pain. "You okay, soldier?"

"Y-yeah," He said while he hoisted himself up. "Just kinda scared of heights... S-sorry if I woke you..." He brushed himself off then limped to the door.

With the light of the sun streaming in through the window, I was able to get a better view of his appearance. Len stood a little less than four feet tall, had auburn locks, and mahogany eyes. The eyes that should be filled with childish mischief, were instead glazed over with sadness.

Len's glance shifted to his feet. He was wearing the standard issue armor that was worn by all of the soldiers. The suit was too large for a boy of his size and must have been previously used by an older male.  His helmet's visor was dented and wouldn't stay in place when he walked.

"G-goodbye...Dem." He mumbled. The sound of clanking metal echoed down the hall as he walked off.