Chapter Text
Its too early. To be fair, that’s what Josh thinks every day. Waking up at the crack of dawn, immediately getting to work in camp. He really should’ve gotten used to it, it’s actually later than people have to wake up in Dema, but… that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t prefer to sleep.
He stretches his arms, groaning and glancing around at his tent. He has the biggest sleeping quarters, meaning that there’s plenty of room for mess. Maps and other papers cover the canvas floor, broken pens thrown aside, crumpled up papers sitting by the overflowing trash bin.
The sun is slightly shining though the open tent flap. Josh runs a hand down his face, groaning again, before standing to change. He was so exhausted yesterday after staying out late foraging, he’d just collapsed onto his makeshift bed. Obviously they didn’t have mattresses, but sleeping bags and pillows stuffed with leaves were better than nothing.
Josh threw the tent flap closed before messily throwing on a new hoodie. The tape wasn’t uncomfortably tight ever since he started applying it without wearing it. His hair was a complete mess, just like everything else about and around him, so he threw his beanie on and patted himself on the face a few times in an attempt to wake up.
It didn’t work. He sighed, rubbing his eyes before pulling on his boots and stepping out into the light of the sunrise. A few Banditos were already out and about, grabbing breakfast, stoking fires, getting to work on their other jobs. He was never up as early as others thought the leader should be. Whatever.
Josh crossed the camp in a speed walk, entering the supply tent to grab some food for himself. Taking stock of their supplies as he always did in the mornings, (multitasking is efficient), he noted that they needed to do another supply run. Added to his mental chore list. He grabbed a can of dried fruit before heading back out to one of the smaller fires.
The fires flickered brightly as always, never going out. Josh stared into the flames, mesmerized by the raw, natural shapes the heat took. A tap on his shoulder ripped him out of his trance. He turned, seeing Jenna, green camo jacket wrapped in the same yellow tape. Three stripes around each arm, near the wrists. She gave him an amused look, clearly humored by his habits.
He consistently lost himself to his thoughts, but it’s usually wasn’t an issue.
“Morning sleepyhead,” Jenna commented, nudging him slightly to the side while sitting down. Josh messed with his food, throwing an apple slice into his mouth.
“Mornin,” he mumbled back. Jenna chuckled, eating her fruit as well.
“Tired? I heard the foraging group didn’t get back till past midnight.” Josh nodded, processing the fact that he very likey had less than 4 hours of sleep. He should try and switch assignments around to get the other people who were out with him a good amount of rest tonight.
“I can take some of your work today, I just need to do a hunting run. Pretty mindless work.”
“Please,” Josh replied dramatically. Jenna chuckled again, patting him on the back before returning to her breakfast. Josh sighed, quickly finishing his fruit and depositing the can into the trash for later disposal in the city. Jogging over to the work chart he swapped him and Jenna before heading back to his tent. Jenna would wake him up for lunch, and the hunting trip wouldn’t start until shortly after that meal. He threw his hoodie off and once again fell into his bed.
- – — • — – -
It was spring, so Josh didn’t need to bundle up too much for the trip. Trench always leaned on the cold side, but they were all used to it. Hoodie, beanie, boots, hunting bag. He walked over to the meeting spot for hunting trips, one of the smaller fires near the planning tent. A few Banditos were already milling about, packing and chatting.
One of the younger ones ran up to him, nervous but excited.
“Excuse me, uh, how do these usually go? Like- do we actually hunt? Or uh… is there a chance I’ll get hurt?” Josh assumed it was his first trip, remembering his first hunt.
“The older more experienced ones usually have bows or spears and keep an eye out, but usually no one gets hurt. We’ll mainly just be checking the traps.” The younger deflated slightly, causing Josh to softly smile.
“Hey, what’s your name again?”
“Mark, I uh- I got picked up a few weeks ago… Sacarver’s district.” Josh felt a slight shiver run down his spine. The escapees from Sacarver were usually some of the worst. He remembers some dying before they could save them. Just by glancing at Mark he can see the scars on his arms and face. Josh patted him lightly on his shoulder.
“Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of chances to have fun. How about I show you around to see all the cool sights? I’m guessing this is your first trip in the woods.”
Mark nodded slightly, fidgeting with his fingers. “Great. Just wait, I’m going to show you all of the beautiful sights in Trench. You couldn’t have picked a better time to get here.” Josh smiled warmly, and Mark returned the look. By that time the majority of the group had gathered, talking and planning over maps. Josh stood, grabbing his stuff.
“Let’s go everyone! Straight east, same path as always!” Everyone immediately began to group up, ready to head into the forest. Mark stuck close to his side, timid and yet still vibrating with anticipation. Josh headed the troupe, following a path beaten in by frequent use. They’d been at this location for around six months, so nearly everyone was used to the path in this section of the woods.
Four Banditos flanked the sides, each wielding some manner of weapon, eyes peeled for prey. They had a simple path, splitting off at a fork in the road to check each of the snares. They did this about thrice a week, and the most exciting thing Josh had ever witnessed was the archers shooting three deer.
Josh went off with Mark, specially requesting to have some alone time with the newbie. They walked in a comfortable silence, the sparkles of wonder visible in the younger’s eyes. Most of the trip was filled with Josh pointing out little details. The birds singing and flitting around, the way plants grow towards the light, the groups of debris in specific places.
They stopped by each of the snares, so far collecting a few rabbits, several squirrels, and a couple bags of fish. Josh carried the majority despite Mark insisting on trying to be as helpful as possible. They were nearing the end of the journey when Josh saw a delightful patch of yellow. He set down his bag, gently pulling Mark along and towards the color.
“These are marigolds. They’re some of my favorite flowers, I always give one to new arrivals,” Josh said, kneeling down to the delicate plants. He carefully plucked a large bloomed one, handing it to Mark. The teen’s eyes were practically glowing as he carefully took the flower.
“Thank you,” he said in a hushed whisper, carefully playing with the petals. Josh smiled, the sight reminded him of something.
The moment was sharply cut off by a large shadow flying over them followed by a loud bird cry. Josh switched into survival mode, instantly pushing Mark behind him and ducking under a nearby tree. He held his breath, finally gaining the confidence to peek out after a few moments.
A large figure, at least six feet tall, sat silhouetted in a tree. The creature was rapidly turning its head and in the second that Josh stood, frozen, the thing turned 180 degrees, making direct eye contact.
It’s eyes were a solid, glowing yellow.