The Arks: Over Heaven (by Ben)

Chapter 12: Beacon of Hope

Part 1/2

“Are you sure we’re going in the right direction?” Ruby asked as she nervously began to tap her fingers on her bow.

“Yeah, I think so,” Neddy answered with a proud chest.

“That’s not very reassuring,” Ruby replied with a frown.

“Well it’s not like we’re stoppable. We’re a strong duo, and you’re the only one on the island who knows how to make stuff because of your ability. Plus, my implant allows me to tell if there’s any people coming nearby,” Neddy reminded her.

“But it doesn’t tell you if there are DINOSAURS coming nearby.”

A shade of white washed over Neddy’s face.

“Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that. Uh, but still. It is not that bad, right?”

Ruby opened her mouth to speak, when suddenly a large explosion rang in the distance.

BOOM!

“Huh? I felt a tremor in the ground,” Neddy murmured, “Ruby, are you sure you’re the only one with the ability to make stuff? I have a feeling someone’s having some fun blowing stuff up.”

“How am I supposed to know that?” Ruby scoffed, “Don’t you have your sensing people ability? Figure it out on your own!”

KABOOM!

The next explosion was so large that it sent both of them flying to the ground.

“Woah! Okay, something crazy’s going on,” Neddy groaned as he slowly rose up from the ground. Ruby got up from the ground and brushed the dirt off her arms. Ruby looked up to the sky and gasped.

“You’re right! Look up there!” Ruby pointed her finger, and Neddy turned around to see a giant metal obelisk rising into the air. It looked to be a mile or so away. The menacing obelisk began to make weird vibration noises, and both Ruby and Neddy’s implants suddenly began to glow.

“THE DIFFICULTY OF THE PROTOCOL HAS INCREASED. AS A RESULT THE SYSTEM MUST BE UPDATED,” a robotic voice blared from both of their implants.

“Protocol? Difficulty increases?” Ruby asked.

“This reminds me of a video game,” Neddy whispered, “When you’ve survived for too long, the game makes the obstacles harder to defeat. Throws more dangers at you to keep you on your toes at all times.”

“But, why would it be like that? I thought we were just stranded on an island?” Ruby said.

“And there just happens to be dinosaurs roaming around and weird implants on our wrists?” Neddy stifled a chuckle, “Something tells me there’s more going on on this island. Like someone’s pulling the strings here. Why? I don’t know. Maybe it’s for their own entertainment.”

Neddy looked up to the sky and clenched his fist.

“But whatever it is, it’ll pay for taking my life away.”

Both Neddy and Ruby’s implants flashed purple, and the robotic voice beeped again.

“SYSTEM UPDATED. THE LAW, KILL OR BE KILLED HAS BEEN APPLIED. KILLING WILL NOW MAKE YOU STRONGER.”

“Killing makes you stronger now?” Ruby muttered.

“Just like a game,” Neddy murmured, “I don’t know how that applies to us, but let’s just avoid people from now on. People become desperate to survive. They’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Like killing people?”

“Yes. Exactly like that,” Neddy replied.