1

2

3

The Oil lamp shined its light on the old wooden floor as he sat on

the old bed. Knowing himself that Alaska is not a great place to

sleep in, the room had nothing but an old creaky bed, a dying oil

lamp, a door which had holes through which creeps can peak

through and for some reason, a bear carpet lied on the floor.

This carpet is most probably a real bear carpet! How can such a cheap motel

afford to buy a carpet like this? He speaks to himself in his mind.

Maybe they didnt buy it, maybe they made it themselves. Its 4 am and the

skies are completely dark with flakes of snow dancing with the

wind, he can barely see the Truck parked outside as the fog is so

thick. I shouldnt be wasting this precious time and get some shut eye

His name is Robert Parker, he is 19 years old. Part of the US

Military force and has been sent here on a Task to infiltrate an

enemy base and take down Falekh Khudam, a drug lord who has

escaped from danger and has settled here. He doesnt even know that

we are right on his doorstep at the moment. Tomorrow is a big day, I better

close my eyes now

Few minutes go by and Robert goes into his dream station. A

couple hours go by and his Walkie Talkie Shrieks with a voice

from a man, Get up Robert, this isnt a drill anymore. Robert

gets up and tries to focus on the walkie talkie, he squints while

trying to pick it up as the light pierces through the old glass

4

window, dust can be seen floating around and passing through the

holes of the door, Copy that chief, Im on my way Robert says

in tiredness. He picks up his bag, his rifle and wears his Bullet

proof jacket that all soldiers should wear unless they want to

welcome a bullet through their chest. Robert walks through the

thick snow, he is surprised how it is not as thick as he was

expecting, the sun really did something for him. He walks past

through the Army trucks and reaches the base where all the

soldiers are having a meal on cafeteria-looking tables, some are

quiet, some are not, some arent even there. Ey Robert! Come

here! Jason shouts while eating a bowl of cereal, Robert smiles

and sits down on the wooden chair, drops his bag on the ground

right next to him, I gotta say Jason continues while munching

This is gonna be a great team, that Falekh guy isnt gonna stand a

chance! We are US! Arent you excited man?!, Whats there to get

excited about? We are going to enter an Enemy Zone where Snipers will shine

its laser pointers on our head, every heart beat will count, every heart beat will

measure the amount of time we are still alive on the battlefield. Jason waves

his hand on Roberts face Hello?, Robert wakes up from his

faze and smiles in embarrassment, Where did you go? Jason

asks, II was just thinking about- Robert tries to change the

subject about how the General is gonna think about us, Jason

laughs My god dude, you are in the army, act like one! Dont

think that- The Chief enters the base and shouts Aright

everyone! Play time is over! Suit up, its time to do what you were

5

supposed to do! The Chief turns back and walks to the trucks

Hustle up everybody!. Even though Robert knows he is the one

who chose to become a soldier, he doesnt want to get into

another warzoneHe misses the peace of just going into locations

and collecting Enemy Intel. As Jason walks with his Crew, he

notices how everyone either looks like a newbie or someone who

saw World War 2 unfold in front of their very eyes, he has no one

to talk to since everyone is either nervous to the point that they

want a bucket to puke in or so brave that they consider having a

chat too distracting. The sound of the footsteps start growing

louder and louder like a Marching band, Alright everyone! the

Chief shouts again Operation Cartel on the left and Operation

Labyrinth on the right!, Whats a Labyrinth? Jason asks, Some

sort ofMaze or something, I dont know Robert Replies,

PhffMaze? I feel sorry for whoever has to go right, they are not

facing the real deal brother Jason says in confidence. Robert

reduces his walking speed and starts thinking about this Operation,

starts questioning himself, Am I allowed to go there? Is it any different

from where I have to go? What if it is one of those Intel things that I used to

do? Should I go rightor left?

Robert starts walking so slow that all the soldiers are ahead of him,

he has only a fraction of a second left to choose his destination,

either go kill Falekh or go to thisunknown Labyrinth Operation.

Robert makes his decision as he shifts his foot to the other

direction and turns right, not letting Jason know.

6

The base looks quite different from the ones he has been at, it

doesnt have people screaming, people eating cereal, people

puking. It doesnt even have people! Robert fills his stomach with

regret as he might be the only one going for this operation, I have a

feeling that this Operation is really dangerous that no one wants to go for this,

Am I the only one that-, three soldiers enter from a cabin, loading

their weapons, checking their pockets, adjusting their helmets, one

had short blonde hair with a scrub on his chin, one had thick curly

brown hair with a beard, another one was bald with a green dyed

goatee, all of them looked like they were in some rock band and

Robert saw himself as this young fresh looking, clean shave, new

kid-on-the-block. Ey! I told you we could get another guy! the

Blonde-haired man spoke, Welcome to hell brother! the beard

man spoke in confidence while patting Roberts shoulder, I got

one question for you kid the green-dyed-goatee-man spoke

What made you come here? The other operation is much better

than this crap, Robert was confused at how each person had a

different attitude towards this operation, he cleared his throat and

spoke UmmI want to do something different for my country

you know? Im tired of doing this Falekh thing over and over,

wont he die already? Robert faking his confidence. The three

men laughed, Ey, I like you Blondie says while pointing, Give

him the gear, he needs to know what this Operation is all about!.

7

The Beard-man approaches forward and speaks This is your last

chance to walk away, after knowing the mission of this operation,

you will not be allowed to leave, this is highly confidential

information, if you approve this mission. You will either have to

finish this operation or kill yourself, understood?. This speech

was a lot for Robert to swallow, small drops of sweat started

pouring down his forehead, he still had a chance to walk

awayBut he doesnt, I approve, sir Robert says to Beard-man.

Robert follows the three men into a tent, shadows blend in his

eyes as a white light blinks on some electronic device, he can

barely see anything except for shadows of the three men walking

to the other side of the room, a loud beep sound is heard as a

projector is switched on from the back of the room, right behind

Robert. A Smooth sided square is projected on the Tent Cloth,

Blondie stands in front of the projected image and speaks Before

we start this, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Eric, I

was part of the SEALS. The guy with the beard is Tyler, he is a

professional sniper who had several operations in Afghanistan, the

rock star with the goatee is Allen, and he served in the Mexican

Military for quite a while as an undercover until he was exposed.

As you would know, Robert, all of us have code names which are

used in Walkie Talkie Communications which- Tyler interrupts

Quit the icing on the cake and just tell the codenames already,

AlrightTyler Eric replies with a look of disappointment I am

Cobra, Tyler is Tiger, Allen is Falcon. Robert nods and says My

8

codename is Rooster, Alright then Eric says

RoosterWelcome to the team.

9

LadiesTyler and Allen already know about this but Im gonna

do it again just for Rooster here. Eric says. He picks up the

remote and shows an image projected on the screen, its a blurred

picture of an island, looks very old, probably taken by the man

who made the first camera, Now this here is a picture of an

Island extracted from some of Falekhs Close friends, this was in

two of their books consisting of drug records, the Navy Base has

found this location and it is our job to find out what the hell is

going on this island, it may be a terrorist hiding spot, it may be a

city of gold, I dont know, but whats important is that the four of

us work as a team Eric comes close and places his hands on the

table, slightly bending down as if he is going to share a secret We

dont know what lurks on this island, we might not be the first

people to step on this islandso be careful.

10

Robert isnt sure whether he should be scared or excited, this isnt

the usual operation he goes through. For the first time in his life,

he fears deathhaving to not know what lies in that island is what

creates this sense of nervousness in his body.

As they get ready and go to the boat, the three musketeers baffle

along as they start talking about their ex-girlfriends and how they

miss their kids back in United States but RobertRobert is

quietHe walks with them looking down at the melting but thick

snow, staring at his gun which has completely changed its color

due to the snow. They reach the boat and Robert is surprised by

how basic it looks. The boat is a normal boat that a sailor would

buy from Taiwan, it had Chinese letters engraved on the sides and

had adequate space to fit more than 10 passengers. Aright ladies

Eric said Get in, Is this the best boat weve got? Robert finally

opened his mouth as he felt his lips tear off. Yes Eric replied

We need a big boat in case of extra passengers, Extra

Passengers? Robert asked with his left eyebrow lifted, He means

Prisoners, Rooster Tyler said in a groan-like voice. Allen was

already onboard while Robert and the other two got in with their

guns behind their backs.

The boat sailed off the port and so started their operation. The

island was very far, none of them were able to see it, even with

binoculars. Robert knew that he will be spending the night on this

shanty boat with 3 other soldiers who he still doesnt trust much

because he has known them for a day.

11

The sun has gone down. Darkness absorbs all the light, the moon

shines in the sky which makes the sea look like a crystal bed. No

island could be seen, only birds hovering through the clouds. The

sea was calm and provided a soothing sound, the boat moved

gently and creaks were heard every time someone walked.

Everyone lied down at the back of the boat with their bags under

their heads and their guns on their side, looking straight up at the

sky. Robert starts to close the curtains of his eyes when Eric

decides to open his mouth You knowWhat really strikes me is

how we put all our sweat into these operations and all these

citizens only remember is the death of some corrupted

terroristthey never realize how we-, Allen interrupts Im sorry

to interrupt but I would really appreciate to close my eyes in

silence, I know you wanna talk about war and all butanother

time?, Eric goes quiet and breathes out. Robert still hasnt figured

out how these 3 work together, he doesnt know who the heartless

soul is, who the caring one is and who the pathetic piece of crap is

that every group of soldiers have to go with even if they didnt

have a choice. But he did feel as though Eric was that touchy-

feely type person and he knows that the kindest people are the

first ones to die because they always put themselves in front of the

battlefield to protect their friends, to protect their country. Robert

12

starts feeling the heaviness under his eyes and finally decides to

travel into his dream world, everything is quiet, everything is

peaceful, everything is silentuntil a quiet creek flows through the

floor to his ears. Robert opens his eyes and feels as though

someone else is also on this boat

He slowly gets up and tries his best to avoid creating any loud

creaks of this old boat, picks up his Assault Rifle and keeps the

trigger grip firm to his finger. Pointing in front of himself, his view

is covered by the small cubical room which only consists of the

control system of the boat, he slowly shuffles his feet to the left

and brings his gun up to his eye, ready to fire. As the room starts

to move away from his view and the front portion of the boat

starts to appear, he slows down his pace and keeps his gun steady.

His body starts to fade out to brightness as the moons shine starts

to reveal its light on himself, as he finally gets the full view of the

frontHe sees someoneitsits a womanshe has long, thin

and grey hair, following the calm wind. She wears a white dress

that one would wear when going to sleep, her feet can be seen,

completely filthy with old skin crumbling on the sides. Her arms

are not to be seen, it looks as though she is holding something.

Humming a calm song. Roberts face creates a drop of sweat on

his forehead, he quietly asks Maamwould you kindly turn

around?, no reply from the woman as she stands there in the

same position like a statue except for her hair and the thin-see-

through dress. Robert walks closer to the woman and tries to see

13

what she is holding. Only a couple of steps away before the

woman and Robert would be in a kissing position, Robert starts

raising his weak hand which is not used to fire the gun and

approaches the womans shoulder. He slowly rests his arm and is

about to touch his hand on the womans shoulder, maamTurn

around so that-, the woman immediately spins around and looks

straight at Robert. The face that Robert witnessed will haunt his

dreams Her face his completely scarred and bruised, her skin is

pale and her teeth are completely filthy, some of her inner gums

can be seen due to the deep cuts of the lips, her eyes have shades

of orange and brown. Robert jumped back when he witnessed

what the Woman was holding

It was a dead baby, having the same facial features of the woman

butbut.it wasmovingit was moving like a live baby! Her

hands were tightly gripped to the baby as though she is protecting

it from some sort of danger.

Dont let my baby drown the woman starts talking in a demonic

tone Dont let him drowndown let my-, Robert couldnt

handle this terror anymore and fires the gun. The bullet flies

through the air and pierces right through her brain, she screams in

agony and falls over the boat straight through the water, the sound

of the splash was loud enough for the birds to wake up. Robert

looks down the water with buckets of sweat on his face, his eyes

completely wide and is in a state of shock. The 3 soldiers are

heard, picking up their guns and coming to Robert. What the hell

14

just happened Robert?! Eric screamed, Robert turned around and

his teeth were shivering, his gun was shaking due to his hands and

even with that traumatic experience, he replies There.wasa

womana dead womanwitha baby.it was

alsodeadtheyI..I shot the-, Robert immediately stopped

and saw the faces of Eric, Allen and Tyler. They had the faces of a

boy seeing the tricks of a magician for the first time. They didnt

disbelieve Roberts answer but neither did they approve it, they

just had the face of dismay. There was no explanation of how

anyone can even get on the boat in this location at this time.

Robert knew that the 3 soldiers had Questions racing through their

mind. ThisI dont know what to say about this Eric said. But

what we can do is to sleep in the front rather than the back of the

boat. No one objected his idea and picked up their bags and

dragged it across the front of the boat. Robert sat there and tried

his best to sleep but couldnt, thinking about that woman and how

she could come back again, how she could whisper in his ear while

he sleeps. How she could come out from the water and pull him

in. But unsurprisingly, the comfort of the 3 Soldiers sleeping right

next to him spooning their Rifles did make his fear seem more like

just an imagination, but he knew what he saw and how this was

not at all an imagination, he wishes the woman to reappear in the

morning so that all of them would share the fear that, as of now,

only Robert is having to live through. He closes his eyes and

thankfully goes into his dream state.

15

16

Robert wakes up in no hesitation, due to the fact that, sleeping on

a bag with a moving boat isnt exactly the most comfortable

experience, the sun was shining right on his face and most

important of all, the woman

He notices everyone packing up their bags and cleaning their eyes,

Tyler holding his large Machine Gun and jumping up and down to

warm himself up, Allen checking the ammo in his Sniper Rifle,

Eric drinking a juice box while looking at something behind

Robert. Robert looks back to see the view and there it was, the

Island.

The Island looked like the old picture which was projected on the

screen but more clearer and had the color of the real world. It was

not a Caribbean island that people see in the movies but it had a

city on top of it, it had nothing odd about it. The Island had

houses and buildings and all, nothing seemed out of the ordinary

in the structure of the island. The boat slowed down as it reached

some sort of a port with old boats which were, most probably,

used for fishing. The boat creaked loud as it stopped and the

immediate stop of the continuous motion that the soldiers had to

go through throughout their journey made their heads spin. They

took their time to adjust their heads back in motion and stepped

off the boat. The bricked floor crunched as their boots stepped

upon it. Robert looked around and saw the island right on top of

17

his head, he sees nothing but a wall and a long trip of stairs on his

right. Ladies and Gentleman Eric said Dont be awed by the

island, the terrorists might be watching us right now, keep your

guns up. Robert knew that this is the moment where one of his

teammates will get sniped down and cans of smoke will be thrown

down with bullets flying everywhere, screams echoing and blood

splattering across the island. This is the end

Robert and the others start walking up the old bricked stairs,

whenever they stepped on the next step, small rubbles of sand

cracked off the sides and dropped into the water. Dont look

down guys Allen said, they reached the top and their jaws

dropped by, not how beautiful the island looks, but by how the

entrance covers the whole island, it was an old abandoned-looking

building with broken windows teasing its inner dark halls, the

banner was completely destroyed and placed in the corner,

revealing only certain letters like AS and UM. Grass was grown

in certain patches of the floor. The entrance had a wide door

which was closed. Robert and Eric got closer to the door while

Allen and Tyler pointed their guns to the skies, searching for any

terrorists with snipers pointing at them. Eventually, they all got to

the door, waiting for Eric to speak a plan. Alright Eric spoke

very softly, trying to avoid anyone behind the door to hear what he

says Breach in, keep your guns loaded, whoever with a gun is

behind the doormust be killed. Robert had his gun gripped his

hands, his feet were shaking. He hopes that his bulletproof vest is

18

enough to save him from death. Only god knows whats behind

this door, there might be a C4 under the door making their bodies

splatter across the walls. There might be an army of Taliban with

their rifles pointed at the door, outnumbering us. Time slows

down for Robert as he sees Eric moving back to prepare for the

kick. Robert sees Tyler with his eyes slightly closing, focusing at

the door, Allen adjusting his hands to his gun, standing in a

position which one would stand in an Athletic race. Eric lifted his

Leg and pushed his boot to the door, the boot travelled through

the air and the door had a short meeting with the boot. A loud

bang and the door opened. For Robert, the opening of the door

went slow as he saw everyone lifting their guns in slow motion.

The door slightly revealed darkness in the room, Robert knew that

the terrorists have equipped Night Vision Goggles, the door

opened even more and nothing but darkness was seen. Robert saw

Tyler and Allen pushing themselves through the door and pointing

their guns in the darkness. Back to normal speed, the door was

completely opened and there was nothingnothing but

darknessthe soldiers walked around the room, searching for any

terrorists, but there was nothing. They switched their night vision

goggles on and so the room revealed old wheelchairs and hospital

beds. This is a hospital Eric said, Robert looked around in his

night vision goggles, his vision was bright and green. He looked all

around the place and found old papers scattered in different

places. He picked up one of them and tried to read it, the paper

19

had information of a patient, nothing was odd about it, it had the

name, the birthdate, the blood type and all. Robert read it from the

bottom to the top, as he reached the top and read the heading, he

realized that this wasnt just a place to treat the ill, Ericyou

need to see this Robert said, Eric came to Robert as Robert

looked at the paper, indicating him to read it too, as Eric read the

paper, he quietly mumbled the words on the paper until he read

the heading Haven Asylum Eric read Home for the mentally

Ill, We are standing in a house for maniacs Tyler said, Yeah

but I dont think any maniac is gonna be lurking over here, this is

abandoned, remember? Allen replied in confidence. The only

thing we know about this Island is that this was mentioned by an

Arabian Terroristwe do not know what lies in this islandso

dont get cozy Robert said in confidence. He finally said

something that showed himself as a soldier, not an inferior among

the crew. You heard him guys Eric said We dont know what

lies here, so keep your guns up, lets search this place.

20

Crunches of Glass and Paper echoed through the halls as the 4

soldiers searched with their Night Vision Goggles. The halls were

completely littered and filled with Broken Wheelchairs and Upside

down Hospital beds with rooms on each side, they reach the

central area where 2 hallways go on the left and the right. Aright

everyone Eric spoke softly Lets split up. Tyler, you come with

me. Allen, you go with Robert, Allen and Robert nodded as they

split off to different directions. Splitting upis never a good Idea,

Robert spoke in his mind. Robert and Allen walked and walked

and walked, the hallway seemed to be endless, You know Allen

spoke Im getting the creeps from this place, my momma used to

talk about the ghosts and shit and how she once encountered a

man with no headthe man was watching her from a window.

She used to tell me these stories when I was a teenager, and for

some reason, I wanted to see stuff like thathopefully today isnt

the day, Yeaha place full of dead psychos walking around is

not exactly something you can adjust to Robert said. As they

walked through the hall, pointing their guns in each room they

check, a slow shriek is heard behind their backs, they turn around

and see a wheel chair slightly moved, Holy shit Allen says Im

pretty sure that wasnt the wind, Robert doesnt say anything and

21

slowly turns around and starts moving on. Allen has no choice but

to move on. Their walking speed slightly decreases, their grips get

more firm. Robert sees something move across from one room on

the left to the other on the right, he didnt see much of whatever it

was due to the distortion of the Night Vision, but most of the

thing was white, Did you see that? Robert asked, II dont

exactly know Allen said, Robert knew Allen didnt really see it

because his mind started going back to his old memories about the

man with no head and such. I saw someoneFocus Allen

Robert said. Robert and Allen got closer to the room where the

thing went to, they stood right beside the door which was open,

Robert was in front with Allen behind him, he turned out and

communicated with Allen through Sign language, using Army

Jargons. Allen nodded his head. Immediately right after Robert

was ready to shoot the thing, the woman appeared in his mind,

his fear took over his confidence and his heart started beating

louder than ever. Robert jerked and went right in the room with

Allen behind his back screaming Freeze!. No onewas there.

Robert turned around and looked at Allen, Freeze? Seriously?

Robert asked, Ahyesabout that Allen replied I watch way

too much of Cop Drama, so every time I have to breach in, I say

this, Robert chuckled and they both shared a laugh. But the laugh

ended when Robert notices something behind Allen, it was a man

in a patients clothes, bald head, walking across the hall, barefoot.

Roberts expression completely transformed, he was stunned,

22

Allen Robert shivered ThereIsaw a manbehind

you. Allen froze, he was too scared to turn back. Robert wiped

off the sweat from his palm and gripped his rifle, he walked out of

the room and pointed his gun across the hall where the man was

walking but nothing was therenothing. Allen came out of the

room and joined Robert, the strap of his gun was heard due to the

shaking of his hands. Ro..Robertwhat you sawwas itwas it

a terrorist?, Robert stood there and didnt reply until a few

seconds later with a simple answer Noit wasnt. Allen starts

panicking and screams TYLER! ERIC! COME BACK HERE!,

Robert pushed Allen to the wall, What the hell do you think you

are doing?! Robert spoke quietly but loud enough for Allen to

hear, You just let the terrorists know where we are!. Allen was

sweating and his eyes were completely open, Robert couldnt

blame him. For a few seconds, the hallways were quiet until creepy

laughs were echoed, the laughs started loud and ended in light

coughs. Robert knew it was one of those patients he saw. We

need to get outta here Robert said, that was not a Taliban

laughing.we need to go. Allen, being a soldier who was

prepared for war, ran across the hall, not thinking about leaving

Robert behind. Allen! Dont Run! Robert screamed. As he heard

Allens footsteps starting to get quieter and quieter. Footsteps

from behind started growing louder and louder, Robert didnt look

back and started running, trying to catch up with Allen. He

sprinted, jumping over broken obstacles, the footsteps from

23

behind didnt stop, he knew someone was running behind him,

someone who didnt have shoes, someone who was so fast that

even if Robert took a millisecond to stop, he would get snatched

by the person behind. Roberts heart was up to his throat, it was

beating so loud that it was all he could hear. Not knowing what

was behind him made his terrors come to reality, he imagined the

woman he saw on the boat chasing him. His stomach is going to

explode any moment, the footsteps didnt stop but got slightly

louder, he had no time to look back because he knew that looking

back would decrease his speed. He finally saw Allen running and

running, looking right behind and screaming Robert Run! He is

right behind you!. Robert heard slight drops of water on the

ground, thinking of the mans saliva dripping on the ground. As he

was running, he looked left and right at the rooms he kept

crossing, expecting another thing to jump on him from one of

the rooms, none of that happened. But he did see something for a

fraction of a second, it was a man hung from a rope but still

moving. He didnt have time to examine but knew that the image

that he saw will now be burnt in his collection of nightmares on

one side of his brain. The footsteps behind him got louder and he

knew that the thing was one step away from snatching him, he

could hear the fast breathing hff hff hff hff hff hff hff hff. He

saw Allen turning left and so Robert did the same. Eventually,

Tyler and Eric was seen, stopping Allen from running, questioning

him. Robert screamed Shoot him! Behind me! Shooot him!, he

24

saw Tyler and Eric pointing their guns up with their jaws

completely opened. Two bright flares were seen from their guns

and a loud grunt was heard behind him. Robert tried to stop but

fell down, he turned around and moved back until his shoulder

touched Erics leg. Tyler picked Robert up. We heard Allen

screamwhat the hell is happening here? Eric asked. Robert

didnt say a word, Eric waited for a response but gave up. Roberts

face was the answer. Eric and Tyler walked to the dead body,

examining. Ey Allen Eric called Come here, Allen was

sweating and shivering, he got up and walked to the dead body, he

looked at it for a few seconds and looked up at Robert

Robertis this what you saw behind me?, Robert walked to the

dead body and noticed the man having the same clothes and

features. Ye-.yes Robert replied. Allen covered his mouth

with his hand Oh my god.. Eric and Tyler got up and looked

at Robert and Allen with a look of disappointment. Aright, the

exit is there, lets head out Eric said. The 4 soldiers walked

together, closer than ever, to the exit. II dont know what the

hell is happening herebut it doesnt mean that we can take a

breath of relief, there still might be Falekhs men on this island

Eric said, trying to sound confident. They reached the exit and it

was completely blocked with heavy tables that even Tyler, the

strongest among the crew, couldnt pull. Tyler. Hand me the C4

Bomb Eric said. Tyler opened his pocket and took out a C4 and a

Remote and passed it to Eric. Eric placed the C4 on the door and

25

held the remote in his hand, taking a couple of steps back, Get

back everyone, cover your ears if you want Eric said. They all got

back and Eric pushed the button on his Remote. BOOM! The

debris blasted across the walls and the tables were nothing but

pieces of steel. Bright Light shined through the Asylum and the

halls were not dark anymore. Robert squinted his eyes as they all

walked out of the Asylum with relief. The surprises of the island

continued as the area they entered was not a city but a Forest,

filled with trees and bushes and leaves covering the grass. This

island is more diverse than I expected Allen said. The suns

going down, lets move fast Eric commanded. And so they start

the walk in the forest.

26

Ey Robert Allen called IIm sorry about what happened

thereI told you beforeI dont have such a good experience

with ghosts and all, Robert rolled his eyes as if whatever Allen did

was explainable Its finejust be sure to not do that again, Allen

nodded. Eric turns around with his mouth open and his finger

pointing at the sky as if he is about to say something Hold

upfor a second, everyone stops, Let me get this

clearwhatever you saw therewas no ghost aright? It was a

psychotic son of a bitch who wanted to eat you alivethat doesnt

make him a ghost

But, But he just- Allen replied

But? But what Allen? Eric asked

ButRobert, tell em what you saw

All faces were turned to Robert as he started to put his gun to his

back II saw a dead guyhe was hungbuthe was

movinghe was actually moving, Eric sighed and turned around

and started walking, Tyler followed. What the hell is wrong with

Eric? Allen asked, getting closer to Robert II dont know, he

wont believe this until he will see it himself Robert said.

The forest reminded Robert of some of the jungles in Afghanistan

where he had to snipe from. Places like these werent new to him

when it came to survival. As they continued the long walk, what

27

appeared in front-but-far away from them was an old house, a

cabin. It was made of wood and looked exactly like a house that

one would see in a horror movie. This reminds me of that movie,

Cabin in the woods Tyler said. Everyone was surprised, not at the

house, but at how Tyler actually opened his mouth and spoke a

few words, and what he spoke about was stranger. ArightI

guess we check whats inside this house Eric said. They got close

to the house and rested their shoulders to the wooden walls.

Surround the Perimeter Eric commanded in whisper. Eric and

Tyler covered the door and Robert and Allen covered the back.

Ey Robert Allen spoke That story my momma told aboutit

aint the only story I know, some other things happened.

Robert distracted himself and looked at Allen LookWe will talk

about this later ok? Lets clear this house first, Allen nodded and

went back to looking through the window. They heard a bang and

saw the door break open by Tyler, Eric Scanned through the

house, searching room by room. He then gave Robert a sign to

enter. Robert and Allen entered the room with their guns down,

looking up at the ceiling, noticing how old this house looks.

Everything was made of wood, the tables, the chairs, the bed.

The sun is going down Eric said Were gonna rest here for

the night. Robert, Robert looked up at Eric Go find some

Firewood, its gonna get cold here at night. Robert nodded and

went for the search. He searched through the Rooms, they had no

doors, most of the rooms where empty with a window in each of

28

them which had a view of the forest, slowly darkening because of

the sun. He looked under the table and saw big logs of firewood,

nicely arranged. He picked them up and as he was turning back, he

noticed a door, it was also made of wood but had small holes in

them. He approached the door and tried to open it but it wouldnt

budge, after a few tries he gave up and tried peeking through one

of the small holes, but could see nothingnothing but darkness.

He heard Eric calling him Rooster! Got any wood?, Robert got

up and went back to the main area where all of them were

unpacking their bags. Tyler was on the old bed, looking up at the

ceiling. Meanwhile, Allen was staring out the window, watching the

leaves follow the gentle wind. Eric was sitting next to the fireplace,

looking at Robert. Hand em over Eric said. Robert gave the

Logs to Eric, dusted off his hands and sat down, resting his head

to the wooden wall, having the view of the fireplace in front of

him.

A few minutes later, with the help of a cigarette lighter, the

fireplace was bright hot. Darkness fell upon the sky and the fire

created unearthly shadows across the walls. The fire sounded like

someone was barbecuing corn on a stove. The room was

warmwarm enough for Robert and the others to feel comforted.

Eric had his eyes closed, laying his back against the wall. Tyler was

sleeping on the old bed. And Allen was still looking out the forest,

dark as the sky, the trees could not be seen anymore. Robert didnt

want to disturb anyone as this was truly a pleasuring moment for

29

all. Allen looked at Robert and whispered Robertcome here.

Robert got up slowly, not trying to disturb the two sleepers in the

cabin and sat near Allen, looking straight out the window.

Thisthis is the backside Allen Robert said.

YeahI know Allen replied

Then why arent you watching the front?

I just wanna make sure those Goons arent following us

Allendont worry, you need to rest

II wanna tell youabout another storythat happened

Yeah sure Robert looked at the two sleeping and went back to

Allen Tell me

Allen re-adjusted himself, took a deep breath, and began his tale.

When I was 1010 years oldMy dad rented this old house

across the street cuz we didnt have the money to afford a nice

house at the moment, it was temporary cuz my mom and I left

him and we moved to a better housewe stayed at the old house

for 2 yearsI used to call my friends over to the house in the

weekends but most of the time, they never used to come, claiming

that the house is haunted, that ghosts and all that scary shit live

thereand as a kid, I was terrified. But I did have a best friend

called Timmy, he didnt want me to feel bad so he decided to stay

with me for a week because he was leaving to New Zealand the

week afterhe brought all his clothes and toothbrush and all and

30

we had this plan to stay all night and watch movies and play video

games. This was going to be the best week we hadbutit never

was the bestit was indeed memorablebut not in a good-sorta

waythingsthings happened

31

The first two nights went alrighta few noises here and there but

even Timmy knew that old houses have pipes and all so he didnt

worrythe third night was something he witnessed, he claimed

the next morning that he walked out to the hall to go to the

bathroom to pee and saw a door open right behind him, he looked

backand saw a shadow on the floorthe terror forced him to

go back to the room and so he went back to bed with his blanket

on his faceIstarted getting scared Robert Allen looked

down with his hands on his eyes. Robert laid his hands on Allens

shoulder Hey its alrightits just the past. Allen looked up at

Robert and continued Sothe fourth night, I decided to go out

to the hall to grab a sandwich from the kitchen and so it happened

againthe dooropenedslowly creaking right behind meI

looked back and there it wasa shadowon the wallI could

see the hands appearing from its darkness and so I ran back to the

bedroomstaying close to tommytrying to comfort myself. The

next morning, I told my parents about it and they didnt care,

except for my mom. I could see, from the look of her face, that

she believed. My dad said that the previous owner of this house

worked as a clown at the Delleby Circus across the street, this

didnt make things any better. My mom persuaded my dad to sleep

in that room, after a few arguments, my dad agreed and so began

the fifth night. I was laying on my bed, next to Timmy, I started

32

feeling sleepy and almost went to dream citybut thenthree

loud thumps were heardTHUDTHUDTHUDI brought

my blanket close to my eyes and looked at the door in front of me.

No noise was heard after those thumps. Then, the door

openedthe hall usually has a small night lamp but the light didnt

reach my room so it was all darkThe door was slightly open, my

heart was up to my throat, I was sweating like a mad-man. I tried

to wake up Timmy and thankfully he did, he looked at me with his

eyes barely open and I pointed at the door which was open, he got

under his blanket with his eyes on top, looking at the door.

The door stood thereuntil a hand appearedit was wearing a

white glove, the hand slowly rested its fingers across the door and

I was so scared, I was about to faint. Expecting a monster to eat

both Tommy and Ibut what came next was no monsterit was

no goddamn monster Robert, Roberts eyes were completely

wide, Whatwhat was it Allen?

Ittherethere were balloonsballoons appeared on top of

the door hanginghaving different colours Allen said And

thenthen came the voiceit said Hey boys.your daddy.

The thing giggled like a small kid and continued Heheheheyour

daddy is far asleepyouwanna have some fun, boys?

Both Timmy and I screamed our lungs out! The hand went back

and so did the balloons, lights got switched on and my mom came

running in the window, she saw both of us crying and sweating.

33

She hugged us tight. Later on, my dad entered with a bat in his

hand shouting What happened?! Im gonna search the house!.

Timmy and I explained what happened and mom listened to us, I

could see that she believed everything that we said, but not dad.

He never listened to us. After a few daysmy mom and I left him

and got a better housenone of this ever happened again.

Allen cleared his tears and looked out the window. IIm really

sorry for what happenedbut- Robert interrupted AllenI

know youre strongyoure a soldieryou joined the army to

fight for your country right? YeYes Allen replied. You can

do thiswe can do this Allen Robert said. Stop the chatter

you bothget some sleepwe dont know what lies ahead of

us... Eric said with his eyes still shut.

Robert went back to where he was sitting and closed his eyes, he

thought about the island, he started doubting this house, he fears

that the Terrorists will surround this house, that this house is a

trap. His thoughts circled around his brain. Allen, on the other

hand, sat quietly and continued to look out the window. It was

quietthe only sound that was heard was the fire.

A few seconds later, footsteps were heard outside the door, the

footsteps sounded heavy, thumping and thumping, getting closer

and closer to the door. Robert opened his eyes and noticed Allen,

Tyler and Eric getting up slowly and quietly, picking up their guns.

Robert picked up his gun and soon, all of them pointed at the

34

door. The footsteps grew louder and louder till it reached the door.

Everything went silent, sounds of sweaty fingers rubbing against

the grip of the rifle was heard. Slowbreathing. The door handle

went down, the four soldiers were ready for anything, is it another

Lunatic from the asylum? Is it one of Falekhs soldiers? The door

opened and a man stepped inside with an old rugged bag pack in

his hand, he wore a plain white shirt, torn jeans, big brown muddy

boots and a wrist watch on his right arm. He walked into the light

being created by the Fireplace, he had a beard and his face looked

nothing like an American, he looked Arab. His eyes were

completely wide, shocked by the 4 soldiers in the house, in his

house.

Drop the bag beard face! Eric commanded while pointing his

gun straight at his head. Okay okay the Arab man said I need

no troubleno trouble okay? he slowly dropped the bag and

kept his hands up. Who are you? Tyler asked, My name is

Abdul TurayI want no troubleI am innocentgood man the

man spoke in his Arab accent. Sit on that chair on your left Eric

said. The man looked on his left, looked back at Eric and nodded,

he slowly sat down on the old chair with his hands up. II have

gunin backcheck back the Arab man claimed, Tyler went

behind the man and searched his back and took out an old pistol,

it had spots of rust all over it, Tyler placed the gun in his holster

and went back to the group. Who sent you here Abdul? Eric

asked. It islong storyplease put guns downI am

35

weakyou are strongyou are AmaericahI am one man

Abdul said. Arightput your guns down Eric said to his

soldiers. Everyone put their guns down. Aright Abdul, what have

you got to say?

Please Abdul requested Please sit downBe-become

comfortableI will tell storyplease listen careful

36

The 4 soldiers gathered around Abdul, eager to hear the story like

kids from kindergarten listening to a teacher telling a story, except

for the fact that their hands were on their guns and not on their

laps. SoYou Americans know about Falekhand you must be

searching for him Abdul said. The soldiers started focusing more

on Abdul than before due to the name Falekh. SoFalekh

wanted to torture the people who against himhe made decision

to put peoplePrisonon this island. Even though Abduls

English was not the greatest, it was good enough for the soldiers

to understand.

Falekh took us onbig boat, Abdul demonstrated the size of

the boat with his hands covered with dirt.

There was manymany people on boatFalekh never slept on

boatHe always awakelooking at usone woman hadbaby

in hand. The last part made Roberts eyes open up and his jaw to

drop, he knew the woman Abdul was talking about was the same

woman he saw on the boat that nightthe same woman

withthat baby.

The womanwas not strongbaby cried very much but

Falekh did not allow mother to breast feed hershe tried to feed

babybut Falekhput gun on her head

37

Jesus Christ Eric responded, rubbing his hand over his face

ThenOne day Abdul continued Falekh start to kill the

people who are notstronghe shot people in front of ushe

put the gun on the womantold her to jump outside boatshe

said gave baby to another woman but Falekh told her to jump into

waterwith babyshe criedshe said not to let her baby

drown. The soldiers had the faces of disgust, it was not easy for

them to listen to this story.

Falekhshot womanbut not babyI grabbed babyBut

Falekh went back to the other side of boathe did not shoot

baby

Sowhere is the baby now? Robert questioned.

I will tell you later Abdul replied then after that happenedwe

reach this islandthere was hospital with mad peoplethey ate

all the peopleII ran outside hospitalI then came here

How long have you been here? Allen asked

Eight years now Abdul replied

Holy shit Eric said.

I now gooutside morning to get foodcome back before Sun

go down

Eric got up and took a deep breath, it looked as though he was

ready to leave the house, Abdul Eric said, looking straight at

38

Abdul Can we sleep here for the night? We will leave tomorrow

morning and you can come with us if you want. Okay no

problem Abdul responded.

Abdul got up from his chair and went to his room, the four

soldiers stood there, watching Abdul turning to the right and

disappearing behind the wooden walls into his room. You guys

better get some sleep, this might be the last safe house we can

find Eric said.

Tyler, Eric and Allen laid down on the floor with their bags acting

as a pillow. Robert was adjusting his bag back, getting ready to get

some sleep until he realized about the baby, he realized that Abdul

didnt answer the question about the baby, is the baby dead? Did

Abdul kill her? Questions started flooding into his head and so

Robert decided to head over to Abduls room to ask him about the

baby.

Robert went to the room and saw Abdul sitting on his wooden

bed, looking down on the floor, Robert knocked at the side of the

wall, Abdul looked up and asked him Yesany problem?.

Robert laid his arm off the wall and got closer to Abdul, I wanna

askwhat happened to the baby? Robert asked, kneeling down

on one leg, looking at Abdul. Abdul sighed in despair Yesthe

babyitshe is eight year oldshe islocked.in small room

39

Abdul Robert spoke, looking back and forth Whywhy is

there an 8 year old girl trapped in your room? Look Abdul

got off his head and approached Robert, as if he is going to tell a

secret This IslanddangerousThe girlshe hasJinnDe-

devilinside herHer mind now crazyI lock her in

roomit has old door with-, Yeah Robert interrupted I

peeked through the door but saw nothingit was all dark.

Room is dark Adbul said but she can see youshe knows

anyone watching her Robert felt a chill flow through his body,

he knew he isnt going to sleep well today. He leaves the room and

goes to the soldiers, preparing himself to tell this creepy story, but

then he stopshe realizes that if he tells this, Allen wont sleep.

Hell, he wont even stay in the house.

As long as its locked, Allen speaks to himself, No one will know

anything.

Robert enters the small living room, the rage of the fire has

dimmed but the warmth still exists throughout the room. He lays

down, adjusting his backpack to his head, all he sees is the door in

front of him. Blue, moonlight slipping through the cracks of the

doors. He thinks about what he went through todayand

yesterday. The Woman on the boat, the lunatics in the hospital.

What is this place? Robert questions himself, he starts to doubt this

island. He starts to convince himself that the island has no

40

terrorists, no Falekhjust Monsters and Lunatics and all. This

Island is something that one would see in a Horror movie. He

knows that whatever is beyond this house is no terrorist Hiding

spot but more places of Horror. All this thinking made his eyes

feel dreary and so Robert closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

A few hours go bye, the sky is still dark. Roberts head lies on the

wooden floor now, his eyes completely shut. The fireplace is

nothing but ash. The rooms are filled up with the light donated by

the moon. Crickets whispering, owls howling in the distance.

Roberts dream suddenly has an earthquake, everything he sees is

all blurry, the image moving left and right. He opens his right eye

and sees Tyler getting up and walking to the other room, probably

to take a piss. Robert closes his eyes and tries to travel back to

dreamland until he realizes that Tyler does not know about the girl

and might try to open that door

The door was locked but it wasnt locked good enough for Tyler

to not break it open. Robert tried to get up, using his arm as the

strength. As he was getting up, he heard the wooden door open.

Robert got up and saw Tyler going in. Tyler looked at Robert and

gave him a sign to stay quiet. Robert screamed Tyler do-, the

Door slammed shut and Robert heard Tyler scream in agony. The

screaming forced everyone to wake up. Robert saw Abdul coming

out of the room, rushing to the door, No! No No No! Abdul

screamed. Get em outta there! Robert commanded. Eric and

Allen rushed to the door with their Rifles pointing. Dont open!

41

Abdul requested, Back off Abdul! Eric shouted and pushed

Abdul aside, he shot the door and kicked it down. The screams

disappeared and all that was left was Tylers meatsplattered all

over the wall, an eye ball in the corner looking like a punctured

table tennis ball with the veins still hanging but cut. Wet, drippy,

intestines lying on the floor like a bowl of noodles. BloodBlood

everywhere. Eric pointed his Rifle at Abdul What the hell is

this?!, II did not want to tell you but-, Eric looked at Robert

and Allen I knew this Son of a bitch was lying, he went back to

Abdul, pushing the tip of the rifle closer to Abduls forehead.

What the hell is on this island that you are NOT telling me?!

Robert and Allen had their guns pointed too. Abdul stammered,

trying to speak but drops of spit splat out on his sweating neck,

Tell me now or Ill shoot you! I swear to god Im gonna shoot

you right now if you dont tell me what the hell is in that room?!.

De-Da- Abdul stammered My daughter.ho-house.

Why did your daughter eat Tyler?! Eric screamed

She.She is..Jinn.Devil.

Eric shrugged and told Allen to pick Abdul up and keep him in the

corner. Robertwere going in Eric said. Robert gulped and saw

Eric fall under the shadows of hell. Robert gripped his rifle tight

and entered the room. What lies in this room is in no ones

knowledge. All they know is that someone is in the roomready

to eat them alive.

42

Robert couldnt see anything, he could hear Eric walking right in

front of him. Night vision, Robert Eric said. Robert brought the

Night Vision goggles to his eyes and so he saw what he thought he

would not see; the room was not a room but a hallway, he saw

Eric pointing to the walls, left and right, back and forth. Keep

your eyes peeled Robert Eric said We do not know what-, fast

footsteps echoed through the hallway. Robert was expecting

another Madman from the Asylum to appear. But soon realized

that Abdul told him about the girl who stayed behind the door.

The hall seemed bigger than how the door looked and by the time

Robert and Eric got to the end of it, there was another hall to the

left. The Footsteps that were heard before still echoed through the

halls, it seemed as though whatever that girl isshe knows where

is where. Eric and Robert reached a point where the hall separated

into two,

Robertits time to split up Eric said,

You serious? Robert replied Remember the last time we tried

to split up? I almost got eaten by that psychopath!

Well now you wont because you know what lies in these halls

Eric says back in confidence.

We are going to be stronger if we work togetherthis woman

knows where we areher greatest opportunity is our

43

separationhavent you worked in the army before man? Robert

said back.

RobertI-fine!

Do you want me to die, Eric?

WhoWho said I want you to-, Pale hands appear from the

darkness behind Eric, attempting to grab him.

BEHIND YOU! Robert screamed.

The pale hands grabbed Erics shoulders and pulled him in the

darkness

Robaaar Help Meeeee! Eric screamed in pain and his voice

travelled far away with the sound of the body being dragged.

Robert tried to shoot but he couldnt see what he was shooting,

even the night vision goggles didnt help much. He turned around

and ran. He ran as fast as he could, he heard nothing else except

for his footsteps and his breath, panting, panting. The Walls were

Claustrophobic and he gasped for air. Panting, Panting. He

reached the end of the hall but the route was not the same as

before, there were new halls going left, going front, going right.

Robert was left alone in this maze with a monster. His face was

dripping with buckets of sweat. He turned left and ran and ran, the

halls did not echo the monsters footsteps. He thought that either

the girl isnt hungry anymore or she is just playing a game nowa

game of cat and mouse

44

Robert slowed down and pointed his guns in every angle possible.

He tried to glaze through the darkness, tried to see more than what

the Night Vision can see but it didnt work. He jogged through the

halls and saw a dim beam of light, hiding behind the wall. Robert

knew that this was the door from where they entered from. He

started sprinting, he was ready to get out of this relentless

nightmare, and he was ready to get out of this Island

As he reached the light, he noticed that the light was not coming

from a door, but from a torch on the ground. Robert knew that

was Erics torch, the girl was intelligent after all. He approached

the torch and slowly picked it up, looking forward into the

darkness, waiting for the torch to pierce its light into the darkness

itself. The light shined and revealed another hall, he kept his rifle

back in his bag and took out the pistol from his holster. He walked

slowly, one hand had a pistol, and another with a torch. He kept

his sights firm and steady, expecting the girl to appear at any

moment. Butsomething strange appeared. The wall ended with a

window, an old window that looked like it survived a nuclear war.

The glass was dusty, the walls were filled with cracks and thats all

there wasa window. Robert got closed to the window and

rubbed the dust of the old glass, he got close to the glass and tried

to look through it. All he could see was an old room, filled with

dusty old furniture covered with heaps of dust. Robert didnt

notice anythinguntiluntil he saw it

45

The girl walked across the room in old, white clothes. Her hair was

long but not in proportionate ways. Her hands were bruised and

dripped with blood. Her feet were filled with pieces of glasses. Her

clothes were similar to what Robert saw at the boat. Her head was

pointed to the other side, she picked up a brush on one of the old

dressing tables, the brush was not clean at all.

Everythingeverything was covered with dust. She combed her

hair slowly and gently. She hummed as she combed, walking across

the room. She walked and then Robert could see the side of her

face, her lips were completely torn out, filled with blood, her eyes

were black as the sky, her face was pale, filled with scars, still fresh

enough to bleed, dripping from her forehead to her neck. Robert

realized that she does not know that he is here, this was his chance

to escape. He knew that the girl already had her dinner. Having to

eat two bodies was more than what she usually must have received.

Robert slowly moved back, resting his torch down but keeping his

pistol pointed to the window. Robert did not want to be the girls

desert tonight. She continued to walk around, brushing her hair.

As Robert walked back, his walkie talkie switched on, Robert

whats going on? Allen asked. The walkie talkie was no silent

machine and Allens voice screeched through the halls. Robert

tried to switch it off and so he did. But the sound was loud enough

for anyone to hear. He saw the girl disappear from the window,

she was not brushing her hair anymore, and neither was she

walking around. The room was empty again. Robert knew that she

46

is coming after him. Robert did not scream, he did not shoutbut

he ran. He ran as fast as he could, the light of the torch waving in

different directions. Footsteps echoing through the hallway.

Robert turned left, Robert turned right, Robert went straight,

Robert turned right, Robert turned left. The maze was nowhere

near to be completed, Robert felt as though he is just running in

circles. Until he finally heard a screamfrom a man, echoing

through the hallway, Robert! Follow my voice! Im here! Robert

knew that was Allen screaming. Robert tried to focus only on the

voice but his footsteps kept distracting him. As he ran and ran, he

finally saw the light coming from the edges of the door. The door

was just a minute away, Robert was just a minute away from being

saved by this monster. As he slowed down and started jogging,

catching his breath, step by step, he heard cracks from above, it

sounded as though someone is cracking their knuckles. He knew

that whatever that girl wasshe was behind him. He continued

jogging, but his palms started to sweat, he couldnt stophe

shouldnt stop. He then heard sounds of someones hands tapping

on the walls repeatedly. The tapping was not normal as the sound

followed him. He was just a few steps away from the door and

there he saw Allen peeking through the edges, waiting for anyone

to return. Allen opened the door wide open, bringing his hand

forward to help Robert. Robert slowed down and started walking,

he looked at Allen and told him Erichehe couldnt- but

Allen interrupted, his eyes were focused above Roberts head

47

Theresomething.be-behindbehind you. Robert turned

around in a swift motion, pointing his torch to the ceiling with his

gun and there he sawthe girl. The Girls head was completely

twisted the other way round, her back was towards the ground and

her feet and hands sticked on the ceiling. Everything about her

body was not the way it should be, her black eyes shined by the

torch and she opened her mouth as her skin tore, revealing the

inside of her gums and she screamed in a high pitch tone. Robert

screamed in shock and ran upstairs, shooting randomly on the

walls and Allen firing his rifle into the darkness. Robert entered the

house and Allen closed the door but the door had no lock. Robert

could hear the girl screaming from the back, banging the door

while Allen is trying to hold it, Get that chair!!! Allen screamed.

Robert looked behind and saw the wooden chair, he picked up the

chair and placed it under the door handle. The door kept banging,

the screams started sounding rougher and rougher, Allen grunting,

using his full strength to not let that door open. Robert placed the

chair in a way that the door handle could not be opened. Leave

the door Allen Robert said. Allen jumped off the door and swiftly

turned around and pointed the rifle to the door. The door banged

and banged but did not open. Robert was on the floor, pushing

himself away from the door, Abdul entered the room with bags of

plants. He went to Robert, checking his body for any Wounds.

48

Are you okay? You got cut or bite anywhere? Abdul asked.

No ImIm fine Robert said. Trying his best to breathe

slowly, buckets of sweat dripping on his face and arms.

Allen crouched and looked at Robert, Whawhat happened to

Eric?. Robert looked at Allen with a face of regret Hehe

didnt make it.

Allen got up and walked out of the room with his hands on his

face. Abdul dragged a chair from another room and sat right next

to him. Thisthis Island Abdul said This is island of

deadthis is Devils home. You peopleshould goshould

leave this Island. There is no Falekhno Taliban no Arabthere

is only Devil.. Im getting us out of here Robert said.

No no Abdul replied You cannot get outYou cannot go

back Robert got up and said Then how am I supposed to get

out of here then? Abdul kept silent for a few seconds and got up

Wait hereI come back in five minutes. Robert saw Abdul

walking to another room. Robert got up and searched for Allen, he

knew that Allen just wants to kill himself now. He searched room

to room and then saw Allen sitting in the same place he was sitting

before, next to the window, but this time he was just looking

down. Robert sat next to him.

Allenwe are getting outta here ok?

.okay. Allen said with a tear on his cheek

Abdul is gonna help us, we are going back to the way we came

49

from, we will get that boat and go back to our homesthis is

going to end alright?

okay Allen replied the same thing with the same tone.

II know how you feel Allen Robert said But the only way we

can end this nightmare is to work together and be strongyou

need to be strong okay? Allen nodded back and looked out the

window. Abdul entered the room with a big book in his hand

Come hereI will tell you Island story and went back. Robert

and Allen got up and went to the room where Abdul was sitting.

They grabbed a chair and looked at Abdul, expecting him to give

them the secret passage out of this misery.

I have explore this island fullI know where is what and what

is where, I have written here in Arabic but I will translate for you

Abdul said. He opened the first page and began his story.

50

Allen and Robert sat around like small kids sitting around their

teacher in a kindergarten class. Abdul lit the fire again with more

logs and the room was bright orange, casting shadows of the three

men, smoke swirling around and resting itself on the wooden

ceiling. The room was quiet and the swift turning of the pages

created a sort of crisp sound as though the paper was a thousand

years old. Allen and Robert had their guns laid in the corner of the

room but close to them. After what had happened to Tyler and

Eric made Allen and Robert feel as if danger lurks in every corner,

even in the places where one might compare it with Paradise itself.

Before I startWhat is your name? Abdul asked.

My name is Allen

Im Robert

RobertAllenIf you think story is fakeit is okayI will not

force you Abdul said.

Allen nodded and Abdul opened the first page of the old book.

This Island was built in 1952 as a nuclear test baseThe

scientists made BigBIG Bombs and put them heresafe from

people. But one day, the scientist made error in bomb and it was

veryvery dangerous. The Government shut down island and not

let anyone come in. In 1966, a Rich man called Alfonso bought

the island and made plan to build a Big City, he wanted a country,

51

better than AmericaHe made many housemany

hospitalmany schoolmore children come to island so Alfonso

made good and fun places for children to play, He made Circus, he

made Playground. In 1969, one very young boy was digging hole in

groundhe found old remotethe boy did not know what

remote is and pushed all buttons. In about 2 minutes, there

wassmoke coming out of ground, the children started running.

Everyone was shouting. The smoke went into people bodies and

made them crazy...this was the bomb that the scientists made.

Alfonso saw many crazy people and he made Hospital for them.

What Abdul said about the Hospital triggered Robert and Allen as

that Asylum was what Alfonso made, those crazies, the horror,

that was all part of what has happened on this Island.

Abdul continued The gas did not stopmore people got crazy

and hospital went very full. Alfonso had no way to get helphe

had no way to save his people, his island. So he escaped island

without telling anyone and went to America. He stayed there for 3

years and ask for help from everyone but no one helped because if

anyone find out he has island where people are dyinghe

gonehe goneso he had no choice but to take the dark path

Allen and Robert started to focus more on what Abdul was saying,

they were intrigued by how dense this story is and how no one

knows about this Islands history.

52

He went to an old place where Black Magic was very famous. He

thought that the only way to make island better is to give

himselfto the Devil. He went to an Old Woman and told her

about his problems. The Old Woman told him that she will take

him to another world and he must defeat the devilif he does, he

will get anything he wantsIf he doesnt

If he doesnt? Allen asked

Abdul started to sweat slightly, he said in a lower voice

Thenthe devil will take over him.

Robert took a deep breath and got ready to listen to the most

outrageously insidious story one can ever tell.

Abdul continued, The woman hypnotized the man and he

blacked out. Hours went by and there was no positive signthe

Woman gave a silent sign to one of his men to take this man out

of the house. The old woman knew that Alfonso was not able to

defeat the devil

Abdul closed the book and took a deep breath. Allen and Robert

were speechless, they had no questions, no problems, no doubts.

The story was too unnerving to even question its existence.

Abdul... Allen said So where is Alfonso? Alfonso Abdul

replied The Island has not gotten better, which means Alfonso is

not Alfonso anymore. So where is he? Robert asked,

53

supporting Allen, waiting for the answer that Allen asked

previously.

Alfonso is Abdul said Alfonso is on this Island

Allen got up and picked up his gun, started checking all his

ammunition and searched for his bag. Robert was confused at

what Allen was trying to do. Allen, what are you doing? Robert

asked, We are getting out of this Islandnow Allen said. Robert

got up and confronted Allen Allen not now, we are going to do

this first thing in the morning, but not now be-, Allen interrupted

Do you know what lies in this Goddamn Island Robert?! We are

standing on the grounds of hell! There are crazies walking around,

there is a demonic girl in this house and now Abdul tells me that

there is a Walking Devi?! Thats it.

We can leave just like that Allen

Why?!

These crazies are going to be walking around at night, we

wouldnt even last a second at this time

Robert is right Abdul said You cant leave the island just like

that, Robert gave a look of acceptance to Abdul and looked back

at Allen See? Abdul is also saying the same, You need to kill

Alfonso to leave this Island Abdul said. What?! Robert and

Allen turned to Abdul in shock, What did you just say? Robert

asked. You need to kill the devil to escape this Island Abdul said

54

just like the old woman said, to solve this problem, this is the

only way. You do know that if we go back the way we came

from, there is a boat which we can- The devil has the power to

destroy the boat Abdul said He will not let you leave. Robert

sighed and wiped the sweat off his face.

HowHow do IHow do I kill the-

Wait Allen interrupted We are going to the boat right now!

Only god knows whether this Abdul is telling the truth or speaking

some crap to force us to go out there and act as though there is

some goddamn Devil just so that the Crazies kill us

Allen Robert said Going now isnt going to make things

better, the crazies will kill us!

You wanna stay here another night?! Allen screamed

Allen keep your voice down Robert said

We are going now! Allen increased his voice rather than

lowering it down.

THUD! Came the sound from the door.

What was that? Abdul said

Allen Robert said Whatever your plan isI suggest we

better do that

55

There was only a single Thud and nothing else. Robert slowly

walked back with his gun pointing at the door while Abdul and

Allen tried to open the back window to escape. The whole house

was quiet, no one knew what it was or where it was. Allen hurry

up Robert Whispered Im trying, this window hasnt been open

in years Allen replied. As Allen tried to budge the window,

Robert continued to stare at the door while Abdul was staring at

the window with his hands gripped together. The Window finally

opened and Allen pushed it up. Even though the window was

small, it was large enough for a human to fit through so Allen

climbed out and slowly helped Abdul while holding the window so

that it does not slide back down. Robert continued to stare at the

door in silence, focusing on the target sight, pointing straight at the

door knob. Abdul unintentionally pushed himself out of the

window and this caused Allen to fall due to the force and so the

Window slid down, DAKH! Robert looked back and saw Allens

face filled with fear with Abdul covering his mouth with his hands.

Robert stopped looking at the door and tried his best to open it

but it did not work, he tried and tried to pull it up but it seemed as

though the Window had a very serious relationship with Super

Glue. Robert looked through the window and saw Allen going the

other way to get Robert out of this house. Robert looked back and

saw the door, it looked exactly like how it looked before. Robert

56

waited for Allen to bust it open butnothing happened. Robert

stood in silence and started to worry about Allen, he saw him

going the other side butwhere is he now? As Robert stood there,

he heard something slidingacross the floor in the other room.

From Roberts point of view, all he could see was the door in the

far end of this small corridor and two rooms that went left and

right which were hiding behind the wooden wall. The sliding

stoppedas Robert slowly moved forward, he did not hear a

single sound but his mind was flooded with thatsound. He

started walking towards the door and focused on the left room.

The wall was covering the room but he was expecting that small

door to be open and the girl waiting to eat him alive. His footsteps

felt the loudest, THUMPTHUMPTHUMP, even though he

was walking as silently as a Cheetah in the jungle watching its prey.

The Left room began to appear and he could see the other room

inside with Abduls old bed, as he began to move forward, the

edges of the small door started to appear but he couldnt see

enough to convince himself that the door was closed. He took

more steps and there he saw the door which was closed.

Phew said Robert. He laid his gun down and went towards

the door, he approached the doorknob but as soon as his hand

touched the doorknob, he felt as thoughsomeone is herein

the house. He did not know where it was or what it was, but he

knew that someone or something is watching him right now. He

felt a chill which he never felt before, he focused on the door but

57

could not shake off the feeling of someone being present,

someone uninvited. He knew that it was not the demonic girl, it

was not one of the crazies but it was someone else. A sense of

dread surged through his body, he looked back to the window but

nothing was there, he looked to the same room he looked before

but the small door was still closed. He looked to his right and saw

the dead fireplace with the old wooden chairs where they were

previously sitting, an old cupboard where Abdul probably keeps

his supplies. He tried to open the door but it wont budge, the

door would not open! What the hell is wrong with this hou-, a

long creak was heard in the fireplace room. Robert looked to his

right and saw the cupboardslowlyslowly opening. The creak

was long but it was soft, both the cupboard doors opened

simultaneously. Nothing but darkness was filled in the cupboard.

Roberts face melted with sweat, his hands shaking, his teeth

stammering. He started to pull the door even harder than before

and screamed Allen! Abdul! HEEEEELP! HEEEELP! but there

was no answer, he looked back to the cupboard and he saw

somethingsomething hideous, something sinister, he knew that

whatever that is in the cupboard has an Insidious agenda. He

started hearing the breathing, it was above the average speed of a

human being with an added hiss to it. Allen OPEN THE

DOOR!! Robert screamed. He started hitting the door and heard

a whisper from the cupboard Robert, come back. This was more

than what Robert could handle and he felt as if he is going to

58

Black out. He brought his gun pointed to the door and pulled the

trigger BAM BAM BAM! Holes were created on the door and the

moonlight shined through the holes and Robert kicked the door

down. He got out as soon as he could and see Allen and Abdul

standing in shock with their jaws dropped.

Allen I was screaming, why didnt you open the goddamn door?

Robert, we were screaming our brains out, you didnt hear us?

Allen II did not hear you

Neither did I

They both stood confused but Abdul interrupted okay lets go to

the boat. Allen nodded and they started jogging back to the way

they came from. The woods was dark and eerie, it was hard

enough to notice anything else. No one knew whether the Crazies

were roaming around in the woods but all they wanted to do was

get out of this Island. As they continued jogging, jumping over

bushes, looking left and right, Robert heard music from the far

distance, sounded as an echo. The Music sounded like something

from a Circus. He stopped and turned around and saw a spotlight

shining on top in the distance, What the hell is that? Robert

asked. Allen and Abdul stopped and looked back and came close

to Robert looking at the Spotlight. Its Alfonso Abdul said

Ive never seen him do this before. Dont get distracted

Robert Allen said Lets keep moving.

59

The Three men quietly walked through the forest. It was Quiet,

even though their guns were pointed in all directions, nothing

seemed to appear that felt dangerous. Hell, no one was even there

in the forest. Where the hell is everyone? Allen said, What do

you mean everyone? Abdul asked, We blew up the Hospital

door when we tried to enter this place so the Crazies should be

lurking around over here Robert said. The forest was dark but not

dark enough for Robert to put his Night Vision Goggles on, the

spot light donated some of its light with the Moon that was

shining on top. I think they are hiding Abdul said. They arent

that intelligent Abdul, have you seen them? Robert asked.

NoI havent Abdul replied But I dont want to see

themand what you said about blowing up the door scares me

because now they are free. As they walked and walked, they

noticed nothing at all. Not a single speck of dust which from the

Hospital appeared in the forest. Ok, this is scaring me now Allen

said These Crazies are up to something. The three men reached

the door which was wide open with cracks on every side of the

corner. The Hospital was darker than when they entered during

the day, it was quiet, no echoes, no sounds, just quiet. Abdul, stay

close to us Robert said. They stepped inside the hospital slowly,

small pieces of glass shattered under their boots. The Main door

60

was just a couple of steps away but Robert felt as if this is some

sort of trap, this Hospital cant be this quiet, and they must be

hiding. A Couple of steps later, they reached the entrance of the

hospital and were outside. Wellthat was easy Robert said, I

still have a bad feeling about this Allen said. They walked down

the crumbling old stairs slowly but tried their best to walk as fast as

they could. Finally, they reached the port and Robert couldnt wait

to get out of this Hell hole. Abdul looked around with a smile on

his face, So where is the boat Allen? Abdul asked. The three

men looked around but the boat wasnt there, it disappeared into

dust and no one could believe the horror. Where is the goddamn

boat Robert? Allen asked in a rude manner, Where is the

GODDAMN FRICKEN BOAT?!, I dont know Allen! Robert

loudly replied, I dont know where the boat is. Oh no

Abdul said, slowly sitting down on the ground Oh no no no.

Roberts head started spinning around, the only method of

transport is gone, there is no way out. I told you the boat

wouldnt be here! Abdul said you just wouldnt listen to-,

Robert interrupted You want me to go confront a Devil?! Is that

what youre saying?!. That Abdul said while sobbing that is

the only way RobertThat is the only way, Robert sighed and sat

down on the ground with Abdul with his hands on his knees,

looking down at the bricked floor. So thats what we are gonna

do? Just sit here and die? Allen said while walking in circles

impatiently. They spend about 10 minutes just sitting there, not

61

saying a word, just listening to the breeze and the constant

creaking of the wooden floorboards due to the ocean. Robert gets

up and reloads his weapon.

What are you doing? Allen asked.

Im gonna go and kill that son of a bitch so that we all can

actually live Robert replied.

We- Allen gets up cant just.kill him, he is too powerful

Allen Robert said Wewe gotta try man, I dont wanna die

here ok? I want to go back to my family.

You Allen said You have a family? You never told me about

that?

Yes, I have a family Robert replied I haveI have a daughter

who is about nine years old waiting for meI gotta do this

Robert doesnt look back at Allen or Abdul and starts walking to

the stairs.

You cant go alone like that Robert Abdul speaks

Yes Allen said Im coming with you.

Robert stops Allen You dont have to Allen, youre gonna get

yourself killed

RobertIfyou go alonelets be honest here, if you go alone,

youre gonna diebut If I come with youwe might have a

chance to survive Allen said.

62

They both shake their hands as if they are agreeing to let

themselves get killed. As they start walking. A Crazy man jumps

into the scene! Grabbing Abdul by his neck with a knife in his

hand. Robert and Allen turned around to see what that sudden

grunt sound was and so they saw him. The Crazy man had a

stubble beard but he had the clothes of the patients from the

hospital. Robert and Allen immediately pointed their Rifles at him,

even though he was covering most of his body using Abdul,

keeping his Knife close to Abduls neck while Abdul starts to shed

tears and sweat. The Crazy man had a smile of a boy who just won

a Million Dollar Lottery, as if Abdul was the Golden Ticket.

Heyyo Friends, mind if I take this Gully boy to the party? The

Crazy man spoke in an English Accent. Drop the Knife old man

Robert said, pointing his Target straight on the Crazy mans

forehead. I asked you a Question Buck Face The Old man spoke

back Can I take him?, He isnt gonna listen to you Allen said

to Robert Might as well just-, Time slowed down for Robert, he

could see Allen moving his mouth in different directions to

pronounce words and looked at Abduls teeth shivering with fear,

The Old Knife touched Abduls skin and Robert pressed his

trigger slowly. The Knife pressed against the neck and a small drop

of blood dripped out from a pore. Everything in Time went slow,

Allen turning his head back to Abdul. The Knife moving to the

left direction as small-red-line started to draw out from Abduls

neck, Roberts finger pressed the trigger even harder, almost

63

reaching the point where the Bullet should appear from the gun.

The Knife slowly left the neck and the red line drawn on the neck

started to enlarge. Red, thick blood slowly poured down and

Abduls eyes begin to go white. The Bones of the neck started to

slowly appear through the line as the blood flowed like a river

down to his chest. Roberts finger pressed hard enough on the

trigger and the Bullet appeared, swirling through the air as the Old

Man pushed Abdul while Abduls Neck was not in a proper

position, looking like a Rag Doll. A Bright Yellow flare appeared

from Allens gun as his mouth opened to scream. Both bullets

raced through the wind as the bullet slowly pierced through the

Old Mans forehead, creating a small black hole which started to

enlarge. The Old Man dropped down and so did Abdul. Time

came back to its normal motion as both bodies laid there with

Blood Pouring out and letting itself drown in the Ocean. The

Bricks created Red Outlines as the Blood started going in different

Directions. Robert and Allen stood there with their Guns down as

the crows began to speak and the Pigeons began to fly away. They

knew there was no way for Abdul to come back. They stood there

in Silence and stared at the two bodies, starting to dry up. Their

hair still moving with the wind but everything else just stopped.

Robert laid his hand on Allens shoulder Lets get out of this

IslandCome on and Robert walked to the stairs. Allen stood

for a few seconds and turned towards the stairs. The Main Leader

is dead, the man behind one of the most Lethal Snipers is dead,

64

and the man who gave them Shelter, who gave them a way to get

out of this Island is dead. Everyoneis dead

65

Robert and Allen can see the Spotlight from the woods. Only a

couple of minutes away, shining at the dark sky. They go past

Abduls Cabin and start to enter the land of the unknown as the

Cabin is the only point that they have reached.