6. Deathly Choices

Block One, Island X, November 17, 2021, 10:05 CST (ten hours before the ‘lock island’ system activates)

“What are you doing?! Stop!”

Kiya yelled out as she spotted two workers in Block One trying to shut the front door. Shortly after the announcement of isolation, nearly all the workers in Block One appeared to be hurrying to block different windows and doors that could be used to get in or out.

“Wait, hold on, don’t close it yet, my friend is still out there!” She yelled once more as she grabbed the arm of one of the male workers attempting to close the door forcefully.

Feeling frustrated, the worker quickly turned to Kiya. His eyes filled with anger. “You don’t get it! The situation outside is dire! The announcement was urgent! It means Block One needs to be sealed off immediately or we’ll all die!”

The atmosphere in the lobby on the first floor suddenly lapsed into silence. Kiya, still gripping the arm of the staffer, Somsak who had heard Kevin’s story, and Kevin himself, all froze at once.

“Die? We… we will die?” Somsak, who had been standing with Kevin behind Kiya and the two workers, questioned. “But why? Why would not closing this door lead to death?”

Kiya also fixed a sharp gaze on the worker. “Yeah, why would we die? What exactly are you hiding on this island? From the start, I’ve noticed a lot of soldiers here, like they’re on high alert for something. And many folks from our plane died right after reaching the island’s shore.”

The distant sounds of gunfire and frantic screams echoed once more, causing a tense silence to settle over those gathered near the lobby door.

“Oh, damn it!” the worker muttered, shaking off Kiya’s grasp on his arm. Nevertheless, he persisted in trying to shut the door of Block One.

“I-I said stop!” Kiya yelled again, her expression one of shock. “My friend is still out there!”

“Didn’t you hear the commotion outside just now? If your friend is still out there, you should go find them instead of getting in our way! But remember, once you leave here, you won’t be allowed back in!”

Kiya was taken aback. “Wh—what? You mean once it’s locked, this door stays shut?”

Somsak, upon hearing this, stepped forward, attempting to ease the tension between the worker and his friend. “Hold on, Scholarship Girl, let’s take a moment. Maybe there’s just a misunderstanding here. These kinds of issues can often be sorted out ‘calmly’.”

Turning to the worker by the door, he draped his arm over his shoulder. “Listen, buddy, we’re not your average folks. We’ve got plenty of cash — loads of it. See my pal there? That’s Kevin Koh, son of the big shot who owns heaps of casinos and clubs in Singapore. And me? I’m the offspring of a high-ranking minister in Thailand.”

“Ever heard of our three other buddies stuck outside?” he continued. “One of them, Bayu Wiyasa, is the son of an Indonesian MP with serious clout in one of the major political parties there. His dad is a big deal in Indonesia. And his mom? She’s into that famous car brand, the one with factories all over the globe, you know?”

“Gina Lee, she’s the daughter of the big shot who owns a renowned hospital group in Malaysia. And as for Daniel… he’s the heir to a bunch of hotels and malls back in the Philippines. So, if you’re patient enough for them to get back in, I can promise you’ll be in for some serious perks from us. Got it?”

Somsak gave the staffer a meaningful wink. But instead of being swayed, the worker returned a smile. “You know who runs this joint? Buddy, they’re not just super loaded, they’re top-tier global elites. Even if they’re roaming this island or hanging outside Block One right now, I’m still locking this door. You got it?”

Kiya furrowed her brows. Global elites…?

“Don’t you want to cash in and retire from this weird island?” Somsak questioned, puzzled. “Usually, nobody turns down offers like these from us!”

“Retire from this island? We might not even make it out of here in one piece,” the worker chuckled at Somsak’s suggestion. “Plus, two of your pals got quarantined in Block Two, still locked up tight. The only ones hanging outside are just your other two buddies!”

“Oh right, and there’s Captain Tyrell!” Kiya suddenly recalled. “Why hasn’t he shown up yet?”

“After the check-up, he went to chat with our soldiers out there. Maybe he’s caught up in the mayhem now. And the other guy, the one who wanted a phone, I’ve got no clue where he’s off to. Waiting for them before sealing this door isn’t a risk we can afford. The situation here’s already dicey enough.”

“Earlier you said we might not be able to get out of this place alive?” Kevin suddenly spoke up. “What’s the actual danger lurking beyond this door?”

The worker paused for a moment before responding, “If you want to find out, step outside and see for yourself. But Block One will remain isolated, as per the earlier announcement.”

“And how long will this isolation last?” Kevin inquired.

“I can’t say,” he replied. His tone growing more curt, though still truthful. “Unless there’s outside intervention, I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to open this door again within the next day or two.”

“What?” Somsak’s tone shifted to serious. “What about our friends quarantined in Block Two, like you mentioned earlier?”

“Yeah, if they’re locked up, how are they supposed to eat or drink later? Will someone still bring them food and water?” Kiya added, picking up Somsak’s point.

The silence hung heavy once more. But as the echoes of gunshots and screams reverberated from behind Block One, the worker sprang into action once again.

“To hell with it all!” he exclaimed, making a move to seal the door shut. “I’m locking this down. You decide: stay safe in here and follow our orders, or venture out there and take full responsibility for yourselves.”

“What now? Bayu and the others are still out there,” Kiya whispered anxiously to her friends.

With the workers no longer paying them any mind, Kevin suddenly shoved one of them aside and swung open the unlocked side of the door. Without hesitation, Kiya followed Kevin out into the unknown.

“Guys, wh—where are you going?” Somsak called out from behind. “Are you sure about going out? Shouldn’t we wait for them in here first?”

His question fell on deaf ears as Kiya and Kevin headed out onto the terrace area of Block One, scanning their surroundings intently.

“Damn it!” Somsak muttered, his face growing pale. Despite his apprehension, he decided to follow his two friends outside.

“Somsak, you’re good at Muay Thai, right?” Kevin asked urgently. “Just keep an eye out for Scholarship Girl.”

Somsak blinked in protest. “Just because I’m from Thailand, you think I’m automatically a Muay Thai expert?”

Kevin remained undeterred. “You and Scholarship Girl, head to the right. I’ll check the left. We’ll regroup here later.”

“Are you going alone?” Somsak gawked. “Weren’t you in shock just now, not caring about anything?”

“Where do we regroup if they seal Block One?” Kiya asked, ignoring Somsak’s question.

“We’ll make them open it, no matter what,” Kevin stated firmly.

Before Kiya or Somsak could press further, Kevin dashed to the left side of the terrace and vanished. Somsak took a deep breath to steel himself, but a moment later, he found Kiya had vanished from his right, leaving him alone.

Block Two, Rear Right Side of Prison X

“Gina, come on, we need to move. We can’t just freeze up like this!” Daniel urged, kneeling beside Gina in the small room. She had been huddled on the floor, trembling with fear ever since the gunfire and screams echoed from outside Block Two.

“It’s quiet now,” Daniel reassured her, peering cautiously out of the administrative room’s door on the first floor. “They’re gone. We’re safe.”

“B—but why go out there?” Gina stammered, her voice shaky. “You saw that… that thing in the basement. It… it killed two medics down there. It’s not human. It’s like the creature I saw attacking Shinji on the beach this morning.”

Daniel shuddered as he recalled the horrifying events that unfolded in the underground cell corridor of Block Two. Witnessing a ghastly figure gruesomely gouging out the eyes of two guards and devouring their eyeballs had left him in shock. Despite his terror, he acted swiftly, snatching the cell keys from the bloodied guards’ pockets and freeing Gina.

The memory of tossing the keys away from the creature’s sight and fleeing upstairs with Gina was etched vividly in Daniel’s mind. However, their escape was marred by an unexpected turn of events.

Upon reaching the top of the stairs, they heard approaching footsteps. Fearing being recaptured, Daniel urged Gina to seek refuge in a nearby door. After hiding inside for about fifteen minutes, they heard more footsteps, followed by screams.

When Daniel cautiously peeked outside, a scene of horror unfolded before him. Guards in Block Two lay sprawled on the ground, their bodies torn and mangled, some groaning in agony while others lay still.

As gunshots rang out from the terrace of Block Two, Daniel, gripped by fear, swiftly closed and locked the door of the room where he and Gina were hiding. It was only when the commotion outside subsided that he dared to cautiously reopen the door.

Unfortunately, Gina remained paralyzed by fear, refusing to budge from her hiding spot under the table despite Daniel’s attempts to coax her out.

“Gina, we have to leave before it’s too late,” Daniel implored. Frustration evident in his voice as he rubbed his temples. “Didn’t you hear the announcement? Everyone’s supposed to find shelter and lock themselves in. It’s dangerous to stay exposed like this.”

“It’s because of the announcement that I’m even more scared,” Gina responded, her voice quivering. “This island is on lockdown for a reason. It’s too risky to venture out. I feel—”

“We need to make a decision. Do you want to stay hidden here and risk starving or dehydrating to death?” Daniel interrupted. His grip firm on Gina’s shoulder. “We have to find safety quickly. You mentioned Bayu and Scholarship Girl are here, right? We need to locate them and Somsak so we can figure out a plan together, rather than being alone and clueless.”

Gina fell silent at Daniel’s words, prompting him to release her shoulder. “I’m scared too, but hiding isn’t the answer, Gina. Besides, the gunfire sounds are fading, indicating this area might be deserted now. We need to seize the opportunity to leave.”

“Are we to blame for all of this?” Gina’s voice trembled as she broke the silence between them. “After we escaped earlier, chaos erupted outside. And those guards… they seemed like they—”

Daniel cut her off, shaking his head vehemently. “It’s not our fault. It can’t be. They never told us why they locked us up or what’s happening on this island. We’re not responsible for their actions.”

“But all the chaos started from the basement stairs,” Gina persisted. “Could it be related to the creature down there? Did it escape?”

Daniel didn’t respond, opting instead to gently lift Gina’s shoulders from the floor beneath the table.

“You’re burning up. You need medicine,” he remarked, feeling her feverish skin with his hand. “At least, if we’re with our friends, we’ll feel safer. Maybe Scholarship Girl has some paracetamol for you. She always seems to have everything in her bag, right?”

“But outside…”

Gina trailed off, but Daniel was already pulling her hand, urging her to leave. As soon as they opened the door of their hiding spot, Gina’s legs gave out beneath her.

Just as Daniel had seen before, Gina was now confronted with the grim sight of numerous motionless Block Two officers strewn across the floor. Blood splatters adorned the walls, a macabre testament to the gruesome attack that had unfolded.

“Is this what you want?” Daniel muttered. His expression somber as he surveyed the scene. “Do you still want to hide after seeing this? They’re all gone. There’s no one left to help us here.”

Gina remained silent, her gaze fixed on the stairs leading down to the dark basement room.

“D—daniel,” she stammered, tugging at his shirt sleeve, “t—there’s someone hurt down there. I can hear someone’s groaning.”

Daniel halted, turning his attention to the darkened stairs. Squinting, he tried to discern the source of the groaning sound.

As the vague figure on the stairs moved further up and now stood at the top, both Gina and Daniel were instantly shocked. Not far from them, someone appeared with their eyes closed and covered in blood.

“Th—the medics from downstairs?” Gina whispered to Daniel. Her eyes wide with disbelief.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Daniel murmured. His expression mirroring Gina’s shock. “How could he still be alive with so much blood?”

As the groaning persisted, Gina instinctively moved forward to assist. But before she could take another step, Daniel’s hand halted her.

“Gina, wait,” Daniel’s voice was urgent, his brow furrowed. “That doesn’t sound like pain. It sounds like… growling.”

“What?” Gina’s voice trembled.

“He’s growling,” Daniel repeated, more certain this time. But his louder tone caught the attention of the figure on the stairs, who now turned towards them.

In a split second, the medic bolted towards Daniel. Gina, in front, let out a piercing scream as she witnessed the figure’s empty eyes. Startled by her cry, the medic redirected towards her.

With a chilling thud, both Gina and the medic crashed to the ground, their bodies entangled. And just as the medic lunged to bite Gina’s shoulder, Daniel intervened, smashing the figure’s head with a nearby flower vase.

Seizing the moment, Gina shoved the limp body aside. As she scrambled to her feet, her legs trembled. But she tugged at Daniel’s sleeve, urging him to flee.

“Run!” she cried in a panic. “We need to get out of here, now!”

Front Right Side of Prison X

The deafening roar of the sky echoed alongside the ever-closer gunfire. Bayu stood rooted to the spot, unable to move. His gaze fixed on the figure of the old man with long white hair before him, and the dying soldier beneath him.

As the old man slowly rose to his feet and locked his eyes onto Bayu, panic surged through Bayu. His instincts screamed to flee, but his body refused to obey. The guy crumpled to the sand instead, still facing the approaching threat.

He watched in terror as the old man drew nearer. The overpowering scent of blood filling his senses. Despite the nauseating stench, fear held him captive. But he remained motionless, transfixed by the sight of the old man’s bloodied mouth.

Just as the old man reached out towards him, a sudden interruption broke the tension. A medium-sized rock hurtled towards the old man, striking him squarely in the face. He staggered backward, clutching at his face.

As if jolted awake, Bayu turned to see Kiya behind him. “Scholarship girl…?”

“Run, you idiot!” Kiya’s hysterical scream pierced the air. Her body slick with sweat. “Why are you just sitting there?! Do you want to die?!”

Bayu scrambled to his feet at Kiya’s urgency. But just as he moved, the old man reacted, seizing the back of Bayu’s shirt and flinging him back to the sand.

With his escape thwarted, the old man prepared to pounce. But his advance was halted by a sudden arrow whizzing past his face, embedding itself in a nearby tree trunk. Another arrow found its mark in his shoulder, causing him to falter.

Turning to the source of the arrows, the old man spotted a girl emerging from Block Three, sprinting with a bow in hand. After a tense moment of silence, he retreated into the shadows of the trees, vanishing from sight.

“Grab the soldier’s weapon!” the girl, who turned out to be Danica, shouted at Bayu. “Quick, grab it!”

Confusion clouded both Bayu and Kiya’s expressions as Danica sprinted towards them in panic. However, their confusion was short-lived as a group of bloodied individuals emerged from the shadows behind Danica, chasing her down.

Driven by panic, Bayu rose to his feet and made a dash for the dying soldier. His hands shook as he reluctantly wrested the Karabin M4 assault rifle from the soldier’s grip.

“Sorry,” he murmured, averting his gaze from the man’s gruesome wound. “Forgive me for this.”

Turning to assist Danica, Bayu’s attention was abruptly diverted as another terrifying creature emerged, lunging towards Kiya.

In a desperate attempt to flee from the approaching creature, Kiya’s eyes locked with Bayu’s and the weapon in his hands.

“Bayu, help me!” she pleaded. Her voice shaking with fear. “Please, help me!”

To Kiya’s dismay, Bayu’s next move was unexpected. Instead of rushing to her aid, he aimed his weapon. But to her horror, he chose to protect Danica instead of her.