See the World Spinning 'Round

[Lord_Shadow]

((Apologies for skipping but I'm soon to be inactive. >_<))

Kyle did his best to combat the flames, and the others were helping out as well. Carlyle seemed to really be on top of the situation. But the fire was just a distraction. It had to be. Kyle somehow knew there was someone out to get them, and they were without defense. But if the fire didn't go out, they would be in an even worse situation. So he pushed those thoughts away and focused on the fire. And sure enough, it seemed to be dying.

Not to long after, a scream broke his concentration. Kyle tried to turn around and see what was going on, but he slipped and fell. Thankfully on solid ground nowhere near a ledge. So much for being of any use in the unfolding situation. Carlyle called out a name. Once more he was on top of the situation. Once again, it was Carlyle who was going to save the day. Kyle caught himself thinking that. Why? Why did it matter if it was Carlyle who helped out and not himself?

The conversation, if you could call it that, between Carlyle and the other person snapped Kyle back to reality. He was handing over his gun and ammo, and the newcomer was taking them. She was holding Louisa hostage. That must have been why Carlyle complied. No way he would do so otherwise. The girl took the weapons and let Louisa go with a shove. Kyle wanted to say something, anything to try and convince the hostage-taker to just leave it at that. He hadn't been paying attention to what was said, but he felt that the girl would leave if just left alone to do so.

Or she could use the gun and kill them all. Kyle froze when that thought came up. His face showing a grimace of fear.

They were all going to die weren't they.

Time seemed to slow, the air felt like cold death on his skin. The sound of his own breath filled Kyle's ears.

And then, a flash of movement. This was it. They were all dead. He shut his eyes and waited for the inevitable. But the piercing sound of gunfire didn't come. Instead, he heard a struggle. Kyle opened his eyes to see Carlyle trying to wrestle the gun away. It was their only chance to survive, but it was dangerous. He had to help his friend.

But he couldn't move. All he could do was watch as just as quickly as it had started, it ended. The struggle ceased, and the girl was lying on the ground in her own blood, a single gunshot wound in her chest. All of sudden, everything changed.

Carlyle dropped the gun, fell to his knees, tried to say something.

The former threat apologized, and died.

Louisa stood in shock, just managing to call out Carlyle's name.

The fear left him, replaced with a crushing shock. But he wasn't frozen anymore. Kyle rose to his feet, unsure of what to do. He tried to say something, but no words came out. His legs felt like they were made of lead, but somehow he walked over to Louisa. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and shook his head. He let go and moved over to Carlyle.

He knelt down next to him and the dead girl. He looked at her the whole time, never moving his gaze elsewhere.

"W-We..." He started. Kyle wasn't sure why it was so hard to talk now. Why it was so difficult to just do what needed to be done. "We need... to go..." He closed his eyes and wished that it were all a dream. Just a terrible dream.

"Please God, let it all just be a dream." He whispered to himself.

[Skraal]

((Sorry for the late, crappy post. I'll try to fill in more detail later))

Josie's heart raced as she felt the heat if the flames on her face. Her grip tightened on her axe as the fire devoured the bushes in front of her.

As she stared, trembling, she heard loud noises coming from behind her. They sounded like a struggle. She turned around just as she heard the bang of a gunshot.

Josie's mind froze as she saw the bullet go through the girl as she fell to the ground, blood flowing from her abdomen. She squeezed the handle of her axe, her knuckles turning white as she realised what had happened.

Carlyle had killed someone.

A wave of fear washed over Josie as she backed away. She didn't want to die. After all, if Carlyle could kill one person this easily, then she didn't stand a chance against him.

Pulling the strap of her bag up over her shoulder, Josie turned to run, not noticing as objects tumbled to the ground from the opening. She didn't know where she was going, but it was better than staying here and getting killed.

((Josephine Luu Continued Elsewhere))

[Pippi]

Carlyle knelt there, staring at Gwen, with everything else in the world going past him. A day or two ago, the girl in front of him had been simply living her life, trying to get through school, and now she was dead, and killed by his own hands. He’d always been cool with Gwen; not terribly close, but compared to how most of the white community at Patriot High got on with her, they were best friends. And somehow, through a lack of judgement, a lack of communication, a simple lack of care, he’d killed her. If anyone else heard about what had happened, what would they think? That Carlyle Shotton, the guy who tried to get on nice with the minorities, was a racist bigot just like the rest?

Or would they simply see him as Carlyle the murderer? Because that was the main concern here, wasn’t it? He’d just killed someone. No matter the intention, he had killed Gwen, and he had no idea what to say or do.

Always thought you were a nice guy...

Carlyle heard Louisa say his name behind him, and heard Kyarle walk up next to him. He wondered what they both thought of him now. They knew it had just been an accident, right? This was the last thing on Earth he’d wanted to happen. Carlyle heard footsteps, more hurried than Kyarle’s, and he briefly looked up from Gwen to see Josie hurrying off, bag open and her supplies spilling out. He made no effort to stop her. She was scared of him; he could understand that. Didn’t stop him from feeling even more hollow.

Kyarle spoke now, saying that they needed to go. Yeah, that would be for the best. There was the fire for one. Gwen’s body for another. Slowly, Carlyle turned to look at Kyarle, eyes still lingering on Gwen for a second, before he nodded in agreement. Slowly, he stood up, legs shaking slightly.

“Y-yeah” Carlyle murmured, still feeling as though he wasn’t totally there. “Sure.... But, uh, we need to do somethin’ first...” Carlyle turned to look at Louisa now.

“I’m sorry, Louisa. I know she attacked you and all. But... I wanna bury Gwen.” Carlyle’s voice cracked slightly. His throat was dry, but he now had one idea of what he needed to do. “Bury her, or something. Just show her some respect, y’know? Cause... I never wanted this to happen...”

[Laurels]

Louisa remained in place, her eyes fixed on Carlyle and Gwen. Part of her couldn't believe any of this was happened. Carlyle had actually killed Gwen. Gwen had put an ax to her throat. Clara had tried to shoot and mug her. Maxim shot Dylan's ear off and mugged her. They were in some godforsaken valley because they were picked for The Program by some Red, White, and Blue bastard. How could any of this be real? How could any of this really be happening to them? Why did it need to happen to them?

A circus of misery. That's what this all is.

It took Kyle putting his hand on Louisa's shoulder for her to snap back to the scene. Kyle had made his way over to Carlyle, kneeling beside him. She could hear Kyle say something about them leaving. Before Louisa could speak, she heard rushing footsteps. Josie had already scooped up her bag and was running down the slope. Louisa tried to call out to her, but couldn't. Her throat felt heavy, so she simply held her hand out towards Josie.

She's gone. Just like that, the group is falling apart.

Carlyle finally spoke. He was in agreement with Kyle about leaving, but then turned to Louisa. Louisa stared at his eyes. She never realized he had such pretty eyes. They looked so heavy and miserable.

I’m sorry, Louisa. I know she attacked you and all. But... I wanna bury Gwen. Bury her, or something. Just show her some respect, y’know? Cause... I never wanted this to happen...

He sounded so hurt. Louisa felt herself beginning to tear up. She looked at the ground and touched her neck with her left hand, around the part where Gwen only moments ago put an ax to it. Gwen had manage to place it right above Louisa's collar, but she didn't press hard enough to shed any blood. Louisa could still feel the impression from the blade. She also felt like she could feel energy flowing from the spot. The impression felt warm, a stark reminder that her neck could have been opened right then and there. Louisa exhaled.

"I....I understand," Louisa managed to say to Carlyle.

She bit her lip. There was too much going on, and they needed to stay focused.

"I don't think we can bury her though."

Louisa looked up and stared back at Carlyle.

"Kyle's right. We need to go. The slope's too risky now. People can see the fire, and the gunshot could attract others to this spot. Plus, Josie's on her own. She's safer in a group, so we need to find her."

"We can at least cover her body," she continued. "Close her eyes, say a prayer, do something respectful. I know a poem that might be good for a eulogy."

Louisa rubbed her eyes. She looked back to the edge of the slope, getting a grand look at the valley. It was a lovely view, but she could no longer enjoy it. Not that she knew it would forever be tied with the memory of Gwen Phonesavanh's tragic death.

"Does anyone have something to cover her with?" she asked.

[Lord_Shadow]

Rushing footsteps confirmed Kyle's suspicions. Their friend had run away. He couldn't blame her. She was a minority, and here the friendly guy with no problems with minorities became a killer. Even if accidentally. Kyle understood why the minority girl ran. It didn't make it any easier to accept.

Thankfully Carlyle agreed they needed to move on. Maybe they could catch up and convince Josie to stay. Maybe. But first things first.

Gwen needed a proper sendoff. Louisa was right about the burial not being a possibility. But she did ask if anyone had something to cover her.

Kyle stood and took off his outermost shirt, the blue one. He was wearing the white one beneath it. It wasn't much, but it was baggy enough that it could cover her face and torso at least. Mostly.

He covered her up. He couldn't think of anything to say. So he just gave the dead girl a military salute.

He then knelt and took the ice axe. He hoped that the others could forgive him for that, but he needed a weapon now.

With that he took his stuff and waited at the area Josie left from. "I'll keep an eye out and see if I can spot our Asian companion. Whenever you're ready... we'll go."

He kept his eyes focused on what he believed was their mutual friend. When they were ready, he headed down the slope with them in that direction.

((Kyle Williams continued in Ready to Go (Get Me Out of My Mind).))

[Laurels]

((Pippin gave me permission to skip))

Kyle removed his shirt to put over Gwen. Louisa thought that was very kind of him to give up one of his layers. If the sun was going down, it would likely get colder in the valley. He was going to feel colder just so Gwen wouldn't have to. Louisa rubbed her eyes.

Kyle also gave her a military salute and picked up the ax before moving to the edge of the slope to keep watch. Louisa watched as he stood vigilant over the hill. He looked really impressive standing there. Louisa was glad that she could be traveling with someone who could show that much care for a fallen student. She then knew that it was her turn to say something.

"I tried to memorize this Mary Frye poem when I was younger," she said to Carlyle. "I hope I can remember it for Gwen."

Louisa moved closer and kneeled to the ground. She placed her hand on Gwen's head and began to recite the poem.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. Um, I am the thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain...."

Louisa felt a lump in her throat. It was getting harder to speak. She could feel some tears falling down her cheek. She had to finish though. For Gwen, for Carlyle. For everyone.

"I-I am the gentle autumn rain," she continued, her voice beginning to falter. "When you awaken in the morning's hush.....I am the swift uplifting rush..."

Louisa quickly rubbed her eyes again. She was almost done, but she was starting to feel cold. She knew she had to finish the poem.

"..of quiet b-birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry....."

Louisa choked back a sob and bit her lip.

"I am not there. I did not die."

Louisa couldn't hold back anymore and began to sob. She leaned down and kissed Gwen's forehead. Even though there was a shirt covering Gwen, Louisa felt like she was able to kiss her properly.

"I'm so sorry, Gwen. I'm so sorry," she whispered to Gwen's body. "I don't hate you at all. I'm sorry this had to happen."

Louisa quickly got up and rushed back over to her bag. She didn't get the chance to put her outer clothing back on due to Gwen's attack, and she was beginning to feel a chill. She hurried as she haphazardly picked up her cardigan and coat, quickly tossing them both on and zipping the jacket up. She knelt on the ground and tossed the bandages and rations of hers back in her bag before zipping the bag shut and putting it around her shoulder. She needed everything she had on hand. She couldn't afford to be reckless now.

She then spotted the Beretta lying on the ground. She made her way over to the gun and picked it up, staring at the handgun.

I'll make them pay, Gwen. I'll make sure that the bastards in charge lose everything.

Louisa held the gun to her side and made her way over to Kyle. Once everyone was ready, she made her way down the slope, back into the valley, away from the sleeping girl. She dared not look back.

((Louisa Bloom continued in Ready to Go (Get Me Out of My Mind)))

[Pippi]

Burying Gwen wasn’t an option, it seemed. Carlyle had kinda known that as soon as he’d said it, but it was something that had to be said. He wasn’t going to just up and leave her here, exposed to the elements and anyone who came across her. She deserved better. She deserved a lot better than they’d be able to give her, but... there wasn’t anything else they could do now.

Carlyle nodded along slowly, as Louisa stated why they needed to get moving. Josie was definitely a worry right now; she was on her own, most likely terrified. Finding her and trying to calm her down seemed like the plan for now. Plus, Carlyle wanted to explain what had happened to her, thoroughly. He wasn’t a murderer. He’d just made a mistake.

Carlyle noticed Kyarle moving, removing his outer shirt, and placing it over Gwen. Carlyle tried to smile weakly, appreciatively. Kyarle didn’t have to do that; he hadn’t exactly been a friend to minorities back at school, as far as Carlyle could remember. Carlyle wished he knew the guy’s actual name. He would have to ask him sooner, rather than later. But it would have to wait for later, wait until they were away from this place.

Lousia moved forwards now, saying she was going to recite a poem for Gwen. Carlyle tried to smile again at her, but just couldn’t force himself to do so. Instead, he stood where he was, hands by his sides, looking down at Gwen’s covered body. Carlyle had never heard the poem Louisa was now reciting, but the words, coupled with the landscape of the valley... it was almost beautiful. They didn’t have much, any of them, but what they were doing was sincere, and Carlyle hoped that’d be enough.

Louisa’s faltered more and more the further into the poem she got, and all the while the wind picked up. Carlyle was really feeling the chill now, but he resisted the urge to put his hands in their normal position in his hoody pockets. He kept his vision on Gwen, until Louisa finally broke down, and he had to turn away and look down at the ground. As soon as Louisa got up to run over to her bag, Carlyle took her place, knelt next to Gwen. He knew he should probably say something, but what exactly was the right thing to say to someone you just shot? Carlyle heard Louisa zipping her bag back up, and knew it was time to go. Standing up, he looked back down at Gwen, finally finding something to say.

“Sorry Gwen. I didn’t-I couldn’t... I’m... sorry...”

In silence, Carlyle grabbed his bag and his rifle, finger well away from the trigger, even though there wasn’t any ammo in it. From now on, he could never be too careful. Carlyle walked over to the other two, before slowly following them down the slope.

Sometime, hopefully sooner than later, I’m gonna find myself again. Don’t wanna stay like this forever... but I don’t wanna forget this, either. Doing that’d be a disrespect to Gwen’s memory. So I guess I’ll just have to keep on surviving, keep on remembering... and see what happens.

((Carlyle Shotton continued in Ready to Go (Get Me Out of My Mind)))