The Arks: Over Heaven (by Ben)

Chapter 34: Sunset

Part 2/3

Samuel was walking by Rick’s right, who had put his book away and was merely taking in the sunset. He had his hands in his pockets and was whistling a sort of tune.

“So, where should we look? By the rivers?” Rick finally asked.

“Hmm, I’m thinking we follow the dinosaur’s path. We’re bound to find her that way,” Samuel suggested.

“I like that plan. Let’s go.”

The two walk off, the mood serene and the environment quiet. Somehow on this island filled with bloodthirsty dinosaurs, it all felt like heaven. Over heaven, even.

“So. I know this is a weird question to ask but-” Rick questioned, “You never look worried. Like. Never. It’s like you know what you’re doing here. In a way.”

“I know what I’m doing?” Samuel chuckled, “Trust me, I don’t.”

“Well it seems plausible. There’s books out there.”

“I don’t read.”

“Really? You seem like the type of person to read.”

Again, it was quiet. Rick looked off into the forest and saw a family of Triceratops wandering. He sighed at the thought.

“I’m worried. For my family. How would they- how would they feel? Now that I’m missing? I really hope they don’t do anything crazy. But I’m more worried about my older brother,” Rick said, “Calem is- he doesn’t deserve to go through that.”

“I understand that feeling. You worry about the people back home, right?” Samuel said. Rick nodded.

“Well you don’t have to worry, Rick,” Samuel said. He pondered on whether he should tell him his plan. His plan to escape the island.

He decided against it.

“They’re going to get us out of here soon. I know they will. The police will notice that all of us went missing, and send a search party out to find us.”

Rick smiled.

“Thanks. I shouldn’t worry, you’re right. That’ll just get in the way of things and- worrying is for my family.”

Rick turned to Samuel.

“What about you? You worry about your family?”

Samuel shrugged.

“Not really. My mom- my mom is nice. But she had always been busy with work. Ever since I was a little kid. And my dad…”

Samuel paused, looking off into the distance with clenched fists.

“He’s… gone.”

“I’m sorry…” Rick softly said.

“Not in that way. But you know what I mean,” Samuel replied.

“Any siblings? Or are you an only child?”

Samuel paused again.

“Only child,” he dryly replied.

The conversation halted once more. Rick sensed Samuel’s unease and decided to change the topic.

“I know what you’re thinking about Skyler’s little story prophecy. I don’t believe in it either. I think Dodo Tales is the true story we should be looking for. Not The Obelisk,” Rick said. He looked off, “I know you know. That I know about that book. I’ve read it before. And I’ve memorized every single word.”

Samuel looked at Rick with wide eyes.

“You have?”

“Well, not exactly,” Rick replied, “I’ve only read the first half of the book. With my implant power.”

Rick pointed at the implant, which glowed a little.

“But, it seems legitimate. And you know what? Maybe Skyler is right about one thing.”

“And what would it be?”

“That there is a destined hero. And that hero is you. The main character of that book had a pet dodo who stuck with him since the beginning, and the two of them along with his friends managed to defeat the one controlling it all and find a way out. YOU are the key to us getting out of here. Nothing else is,” Rick said with a smile.

“Huh,” Samuel replied as the sun began to dip down the horizon.