Proud to be a Coward

Act I: Chapter 7

In all honesty, I wanted to ask more about Artifacts. I wanted to know what they look like, an example, and maybe even where to obtain one. But, my curiosity was cut short, as we were already reaching the Canteen. As we finally reached the sign with an arrow stating "CANTEEN," I stopped walking and stated, "Just straight ahead from here, you will be led into the canteen. I don't know if he's still there in the middle or if he changed his position, so can I just stay here behind you guys in the hallway?" They all agreed. As they positioned themselves into formation, I hid behind all of them, crouched behind a wall from the hallway.

Chief Donald gathered his squad for a huddle, then said, "Alright. Listen, boys, stick to protocol. Don't do anything stupid or flashy. We're here to complete the mission, not to be a hero."

Chief Tan then followed, "Right. Let’s recall, everyone. We'll form three teams of two. Ember and Jaime prepare to toss the smoke grenades for cover. Tago may be a Carmut, but every Carmut’s still human; he needs vision to know if he's being looked at. After that, go in and provide support. Donald and I will hold on to the Flickers, just in case the stun artifacts don't work. And finally, Echo and Jin. As the two fastest members of our squad, you two will charge in to stun and immobilize Tago. Although the smoke grenades should keep both of you hidden from his sight, remember to keep your heads down, the moment you see his face is the moment you die. We will be guiding the two of you with our heat sensor, so make sure to listen closely and keep your comms up. Keep your weapons and artifacts ready, stay focused, and watch each other's backs."

As they continued to discuss their plan and protocols, I got nervous. Tago’s human? Heat sensors? Tago’s temperature was colder than the bodies I had stacked on me… I don't feel good about this. Why do I think this mission will fail? They must know more about this than I do, right? Plus, even if I think it's a bad plan, what kind of judge am I? I don't have any proper training to know, so what good would my input be? They wouldn't care about my opinion... would they..? 

I remained quiet. I stared into nothingness and just let my train of thought keep on rolling. I was nervous, but it wasn’t as bad as my previous experiences with fear and Tago. I closed my eyes, hugged myself into the corner, and prepared myself for their raid to begin. And without even realizing it, the tragedy had already begun. A loud shout came from Donald's voice.

 "JINNNNNNNN!"

Did he die already? I kept hearing screaming and gunshots. None of them were any good signs…

"RUN!" One voice shouted.

"He's clinging on the ceiling!"

"DON’T LOOK AT HIS FACE YOU FOOL!" Chief Tan shouted, followed by many, many more screams. 

“DITCH THE HEAT SENSORS, THEY AREN’T WORKING!” I can hear the crashing, bashing, splurting, screams, and groans filled with pain and terror. 

“HE’S ON ME!” I knew what was happening. I've seen it many times in movies. 

“DON’T LET HIM REACH OUT THE ENTRANCE!” There were even days when I'd think to myself how calmly fine I'd be if I were to be in one of those horrid situations. 

Oh, how stupidly arrogant I was. 

I kept my eyes shut, afraid, fearing for my life, knowing Tago wouldn't attack those who didn't see him. I waited in that corner, huddled, scared, teary. How pathetic I was. I wanted to be brave, tough, stoic. But reality is much, much sadder and disappointing. My fantasy, my stories, my dreams, every single lie I told myself… I've opened my eyes to reality. With my eyes closed and my head facing the floor. I stood up, hearing the sounds of gunshots and crunching. I ran. I ran all the way back. All the way to the ground floor. With my eyes closed, I stumbled, I fell, I bruised myself. The moment I fell down the stairs was the moment I opened my eyes, and from there, I just kept on running. Towards the exit, away from the tragedy, never, looking back. They’re done for…