Recuperate (2)

A couple of kilometers away from Brian's safehouse, about three hours later since Marco arrived at his destination, the sun could be seen sticking its head through the horizon shining its lights to a small tattered cabin.

Two men could be seen lying outside on the grassy little plain with a small forest surrounding them. As the sun shone on their bodies, one of the figures began to stir awake.

Chris slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry as he adjusted to the bright sunlight streaming at him. He felt the warmth of the sun on his skin and the gentle breeze of the morning air blowing over his face.

Standing up and looking up towards the horizon he tried to get a sense of the time. 'The sun has just risen, it was still night by the time I fell asleep and the moon was at its apex.. It should be around 5am, considering the summer cycle,' Chris quickly deduced.

Moving towards the still figure lying on its stomach he went ahead and quickly stripped the dead corpse down, except for the mans' boxer-shorts, 'Don't want to mix those juices, no thank you,' he thought in a slightly jesting manner.

Now fully clothed in a black military clothing, which surprisingly fit quite well, he inspected his state once again and he couldn't help be baffled by how good he felt. He had been surprised to see his bullet wound already wearing a scab, but he didn't expect to find himself with so much renewed energy despite feeling quite hungry.

It had been sometime since his last meal, which involved getting stuffed with a couple slices of bread by Marcos' hand and nearly getting drowned by the water he poured down his throat.

'Could it be related to that strange phenomenon earlier..' Chris mused as he began to contemplate the situation he had been in before almost having his throat sliced. He tried to recall the same feeling as before, when he first felt the energy. How it trickled across his skin as if coating him in some strange liquid or masking material. Then it suddenly invaded his body as if trying to find something, anything that it could absorb.

'It didn't seem to come from Vegas' people as it worked against their purpose. Could it be something new the government cooked up? How many people were affected? It would be weird if it was just us here, I imagine a third party would've stepped in by now if it was.'

With his hand to his chin, his fingers resting against his jawline he felt himself getting lost in thought as he mulled over the various possibilities. He could tell he wasn't going to solve this mystery just now. However, he could tell that this energy was helping him, and if he could somehow utilize it he knew it would benefit him greatly.

As his gaze slowly returned to the world around him he knew he shouldn't stay for long. He had no idea whether Vegas had put any double measures to ensure his death or if something similar might've happened to Creed or his friend.

Quickly scavenging anything useful from the dead bodies he began searching for trails that could give any information about Marco. Knowing his personality he had made the correct guess in thinking he would make a run for it. As Marco trusted Chris in defeating the three men, Chris also trusted Marcos' selfishness. He knew he wouldn't take any unnecessary risks if his life was on the line.

Now with his black leather boots reaching up slightly above his ankles, black trousers with patches of dark green in military patterns, a gun on his right waist, knife on the left and the first-aid kit on his lower back, a black t-shirt covered by a tactical vest which was now filled up with ammunition, he was finally ready to move.

Making his way around the back of the cabin, he observed where Marco had landed after his jump. Blood covered most of ground with bits of glass that were reflecting the sunlight. Reaching the window he could tell how Marco had crouched while keeping himself tightly to the wall as it looked like someone had put their hands in a jar of crimson paint and splashed it around, giving uneven marks across the wall.

Knowing Marco and also seeing some plastic litter, he knew he had brought a first-aid kit for himself. 'He would certainly not rely on anyone else when it comes to his health,' he thought with a small reminiscing smile as he found himself back to some of their many missions together.

He'd been very fond of their partnership and despite not sharing too many private moments, always work related, he had considered him a friend. Someone he could rely on, and someone who had his back.

He didn't dare to share some of his more intimate secrets, but that was a given considering no one knew much about himself except for his father. Now though, he was really glad he never gave him any information that could specifically be used against him. With a somewhat downcast look he thought: 'Perhaps father was right.. Never trust anyone except for him and myself.'

Bringing his attention back to the task at hand he slowly moved in the direction where he could see some blood prints covering the tree bark. Chris continued following whatever trail he could find, whether it was foot prints or small patches of crimson covering the nearby trees, most likely a result of Marco supporting himself while stumbling forwards.

Reaching the outskirts of the forest he could see a badly kept dirt layered road ahead. Now running, he quickly found himself standing at the edge and looking to each side trying to discern where they lead, but with no luck.

He began searching the edges to see if he could find any remanence of a vehicle being parked here as he quickly deduced Marcos' reasoning for walking this way. Eventually he came a cross a patch of grass that seemed to have been flattened and somewhat discolored, as if something heavy had been standing upon it.

Not getting much of an idea of where Marco had went off to, he simply made a guess and went the opposite way, he began making his way downward. He wasn't sure where he was, but he thought if he could chance upon a house on his way he would be able to remedy that situation and perhaps even, getting a much needed meal.