C.R.A.N.E (Strange Editing WiP)

Chapter Two: Sanctuary

Compared to the wilderness, the town felt like a whole other world. It was old and run down, but for Roukan and Aatu, this was their best choice. At this point they were comfortable with anything that was out of C.R.A.N. E's reach. The town was iconic for its oak smell from the trees that still fumed in every street. They would think that people would feel refreshed and a little calmer each time you walked in the streets, but the constant beggars and scavengers roaming each corner proved otherwise.

No matter what the condition however, they had called this town their home for nearly a year or so, and it had not changed since they had gotten there. The only noticeable difference that they could see were the people. Some arrived and stayed, and some left and were never seen again.

Although the many souls settled here, it lacked any form of life. Most were hesitant to talk with one another, and interactions would only limit to a weak smile during the best days, but you could really tell that every single one of them had a story to tell. They had come from all ends of the world, each with different beliefs, opinions, and insights on life, but the common ground they all stood on was that everyone had unreasonably suffered in one way or another while trying to defend themselves from C.R.A.N.E.

The guard on duty at the end of the tunnel peeked over at us, trying to identify the unclear figures approaching his way. His arms were crossed, and one of his eyebrows raised. After figuring out who they were, and Roukan lifted the rabbit to show him their ticket back in there, he gave a blunt greeting, reached his key and opened the lock of the metal gate.

As they all entered, they progressed through the streets, glancing at the citizens they walked passed. Many seemed sickly, with their bones pressing against their skin, which had turned an ashy grey overtime. This was always distressing for both Roukan and Aatu, but Roukan especially. Mostly children with no families were the victims of this poverty, and Roukan couldn't help but see them as his own kids. He understood the ache of not having parents of your own, so he sympathized deeply with them. Or maybe it was his fatherly instincts kicking in? Either way, he strongly believed that it was not fair that they had to suffer the most out of everyone. The town should make them a priority, and not people like himself, who were fine. He knew that the town only cared for people like him because they believed that they were more important as they were able to provide food and protection. But if the sick die off, then who would they be feeding and protecting? He hated this system. He hated this way of living. Aatu on the other hand, was more upset at the site of the elderly. He was concerned for his own parents' welfare and safety. He hoped that they were safe and okay, and not in a similar hell as the townsfolk here.

"So, what's the next step for you, kiddo?" Aatu replied, breaking the tension.

"Is it really necessary to call me that? We're the same age."

"C'mon! I was just teasing you," he chuckled, softly giving a pat on Roukan's back. His smile gradually faded, noticing Roukan's grim expression.

"You haven't been quite your usual self in the past few days. Is everything okay?"

"Hm?" Roukan was a little taken by surprise by his sudden concern. Roukan thought that he was generally pretty good at hiding how he truly felt, but Aatu had learned to read his subtle cues over the years. His "sixth sense", he called it. Aatu was pretty expressive about he felt, so for Roukan, it was easy to tell when something was bothering him. "Yeah, I've just got things on my mind at the moment. You know me, always thinking about the worst. I'll be okay."

"Things like what on your mind?"

"Nothing for you to worry about, don't worry."

"Are you sure?"