Beyond the Mask

Note: The story takes place in the late 1960s in Eastern Europe during the Soviet Era

Chapter 1: The Survival Duo

The sound of engine running echoed throughout the empty abandoned town. It was the sound of a revving Kettenkrad, a type of motorcycle that could carry three people. On it were two siblings strolling through vegetation covered town in search for supplies for their journey. Erwin Harley was the older brother. He was a man who had experience in combat and was a lost soldier from a lost division left to rot during a suicide operation. His face tells it all, from his right cheek bone to his lips was a scar from another who had slashed his face with a machete. Then, there is the little sister, Alisa Harley, she is a quiet kid. She was an orphan whose only family is Erwin. Alisa was a fragile child, both emotionally and physically. Due to the toxicity of the air from the events in 1951, the atmosphere became unbearable for her that she needed a gas mask or face covering to filter out the toxicities for her to breath properly. Any sickness was also unbearable for her as well even a common cold could cause her to be very weak. Erwin must take care of her all the time as she was his only family member left.

The two ventured through the dull city and stopping once their eyes locked onto a convenience store. The windows were blinded with dust and its doors were wide opened due to its hinges being broken. Erwin and Alisa got of the bike, Erwin took out his pistol and flashlight to investigate the store while Alisa sticked close to him. Erwin slowly entered the store and checked its corners for any danger. His gun was raised and followed the movement of the flashlight. Alisa was anxious as the atmosphere in the store felt claustrophobic for her. Erwin let out a sigh of relief and told her it was safe, so they began scavenging for supplies such as canned food or rags that can be used to heal wounds as a temporary replacement for bandages.

"Hey I found a box of oatmeal" said Alisa happily to her brother.

"Nice job Lisa" said Erwin with a smile.

She put it inside their bag Erwin had brought with him and continued searching. The store seemed to have already been dried up. They could only gather a box of oatmeal, small packets of cocoa and some unused plasters. Supplies were scarce during the times so everything they find must be used.

Erwin felt irritated by their lack of supplies, Alisa meanwhile was worried about their condition. Tears began to drip on her cheeks as se began to imagine what their future would be in their current situation. Erwin noticed her tears so kneeled down and wrapped her arms around her small body as he whispered "Things are gonna be okay alright. Just have a little hope and luck and we surely arrive at Kitchener's Wall" He wiped her tears off her cheeks and patted her back. However, Alisa froze in place with barely any reaction from his affection. He was bewildered but then, he glanced at his back and there stood a man in a mask standing at the far end of the store. The unknown man was armed with a shotgun that seems to be prepared to fire due to his finger fidgeting on the trigger. Erwin too froze, if he were to pull out his pistol, the man might shoot him or even his dear little sister.

"Please, we're just travelers. Only my little sister and I are here, we bring no harm" announced Erwin with his hands up dropping his gun and bag to the floor and his head down to show he was no threat. His sister followed his actions as well. The silent man didn't react nor did he speak a single syllable. However, the air in the store felt intense like a showdown. The masked man put his shotgun away and strapped it to his back. He let out a heavy sigh and approached the pair with his hand on his satchel.

"Here, have this, this is all I can give you guys" spoke the masked man handing out several canned foods and a box of matches for them to light up a fire. Erwin was relieved and thanked the man for his mercy and kindness. He grabbed all of the things he gave and put them into their bag. Alisa was very grateful and felt very delighted for the man. Seeing the masked little girl happy made the masked man felt delighted.

"Young boy, if you're going to travel around this wasteland. I suggest you to stay away from the mountains as much as possible, if you see any holes, you better hide or run away. Either that or just don't make any noise or else those hell demons are gonna commit gang violence. You got that!"

"Y-yes of course. Thank you for the information, sir" muttered Erwin. "Oh, and also, there is a gas station not far away from here in case you wanna refuel your Kettenkrad" he informed them again.

After that, the masked man exited the store and walked away from them without telling them his name. He was quite suspicious but luckily, he was helpful and had mercy on the two siblings. The two felt grateful for the food they were given. Five canned food and a box of matchsticks were enough to keep them fed for two weeks or so. After the encounter, Erwin decided to stay for the night in the abandoned town as night began to drown out the sunlight. During the night is where the dangers are active, its were the creatures come and feast on the unlucky ones. Erwin and Alisa began to set up a bonfire and lit it later on to keep their bodies heated. Alisa prepared their dinner for the night, roasted sausages with seasoned soup (hot water mixed with salt, white and black pepper and some herbs) while Erwin keep watch and fully secure the small building. He brought inside with him his rifle to protect them against the dangers of the night, his trusty M14 rifle.

As Alisa was cooking, Erwin cleaned their belongings to keep them clean and safe to use. He also made makeshift bandages and satchels from rags. The smell from the roasted sausages filled the room and made his stomach growl. She glanced at him and giggled, "It's been days we've had a proper meal like this" she said. What she said was right, this was the first time they had a proper meal after five months, they only ate nutritious snacks and small meat such as birds or mice they could catch. Most of their meals didn't even fill their bellies, only enough to keep their bodies strong enough not to faint, especially for Alisa. She needed those nutrients for her fragile body so Erwin will intentionally eat only small bits of their food and gave the rest to Alisa. Sometimes during their journey, he would usually feel dizzy and his vision blurry but he never fainted. He needed to stay awake in order to protect his little sister despite being told many times by her that she could defend herself and take care of him while he rests. She always had her Walther P38 with her at all times.

Upon finishing, the two began their dinner with a prayer to God as thanks for letting them have this glorious meal. Their meals were hot and fresh and their stomachs were satisfied with the meal she cooked. It was simple but amazing. Afterwards, Alisa slept for the night while her brother, as usual, kept watch for the night, to guard the place from unknown danger. He sat beside the bonfire gripping his rifle at his side and listened the sounds of the outside to detect anything. Outside was pitch black so trying to look around was useless, same goes to turning on his flashlight which might make them easy targets. The bonfire didn't give out much light so it was better. He could only hear the sound of breezing winds whistling through the ruined buildings and hollowed trees. In the distance, in the far West of the town he could hear faint gunshots ripping through the whistling wind, possibly from survivors encountering wild animals or even the creatures of the night. Nonetheless, the place was safe but he continued to keep watch.

Suddenly, whimpering was heard near him that gave him a spine-chilling reaction. He looked at Alisa, she seems to have a nightmare. She was sniffling in her sleep and was muttering "Please...don't, don't kill him, I'll do anything. Please spare us...". Her words pierced his heart like a dagger so he crawled to her, took off her gas mask and patted her head like a cat. He switched her gas mask's respirator to a clean one and put away the old one in his back for later use. Soon the night settled in as the breezing winds gradually become stronger.