RONI
I called Art about my decision and he immediately booked me a seat for the chopper that the school is going to use. There are 20 graduating physics major student, Art, the two police officers and me. I was hesitant when I was packing my things but I already made up my mind.
I grabbed my large bag pack, the new one I just recently bought for the trip, and gathered the things that I need. I only packed 3 sets of clothes and put the silver rounds and the gun at the bottom of my bag. I put the very important things inside a zip lock to keep them untouched.
Lastly, I put my bow and arrows inside the duffel bag. Art said to pack lightly but these are the necessary things I must bring just in case things get worse. I don't want to lose any of the people in the trip. I don't want to see them cry anymore.
"Are you sure about this?" Jelly asked when she reached my unit. I asked her to get me some of the toxins inside the lab including more silver rounds. She looked so worried and she was really against the decision I made.
"Do you really want to go back to that place?" Jelly asked, to make sure I can manage.
"Do I have a choice?" I answered her question with another question. I continued packing and Jelly seems to be following every move I make.
"Are you sure you can trust him?" Jelly whispered, afraid that someone might hear us. But there are only two of us inside this apartment. Weird.
"Who?" I asked, puzzled. Jelly shot me a look like she's surprise who she's talking about.
"Dr. Evans." She answered. I shook my head. I can't trust him either so I'm doing my best for avoid risking everyone's lives. Once we set at the foot of the mountain, it is already considered as the danger zone.
"I want to go with you to ensure your safety." Jelly muttered. I shrugged and waved my hand at her.
"No, you stay here. I want you to watch Antigen's every move. Okay?"
I want to keep her watch at Antigen so we'll know exactly what they're planning to do. Plus I don't want to bring her there, I can't let her die. I don't want to lose another friend.
"Okay, but Beth is joining the field trip."
She mentioned her younger sister's name and my eyes automatically widened. I knew her sister, I've attended as a guest speaker and a replacement for the meantime when their teacher got sick. I was her professor for two months back then when Beth was still a freshman.
"Why did you let her join?" I asked, now mad from Jelly's sudden reveal.
"She thinks I am crazy, she doesn't believe me." Jelly reasoned out. She reached for my hand and squeezed it tightly.
"No matter what happens, please ensure my sister returns safely." It is evident on her voice, Jelly sounds so desperate. I swallowed hard. I don't think I can handle that responsibility.
Jelly unzipped her sling bag and fetched the white envelope inside. She stares at me and then handed me the envelope. I got a feeling what's inside so I shook my head. I can't accept this. I pushed back the envelope but Jelly looked at me with pleading eyes.
"Please accept this Veronica. Buy all the things you needed." She muttered. "Please Veronica. Accept this sum of money I saved."
I shook my head still but Jelly is so stubborn. She won't leave me alone in my apartment unless I accept the money. She was running late for her work so I accepted the money. But I promised to pay her back once I returned safely together with her younger sister, Beth.
I packed some snacks, some packed foods that doesn't have a strong smell so the werewolves won't notice us, which I highly doubt. They'll know when we're coming, my gut tells me they do and that they all I await for my return.
I also made sure I didn't bring any sanitizer or perfume with me. I wore the newly washed jeans and shirt and I didn't put any fabric conditioner to avoid getting tracked by the keen smell of the wolves. I tucked my oversized white shirt on my plaid black jeans. I wore a sneaker so to avoid stumbling in heels. Who would wear a set of high shoes during the hike? Tsk.
Art send me the details of the departure time, we'll be using the private chopper that one of the sponsors lent the school for this very own day. I arrived fifteen minutes before the call time, I pulled over and grabbed my things: my bag pack and a duffel bag. Everyone turned to me when they all saw me, I'm guessing they are the graduating students. I put my sunglasses down and waved at Beth who is now smiling from ear to ear. She immediately ran towards me and hugged me tightly.
"Oh, I miss you Roni. How have you been?" She asked, cheerfully. I gently pat her back and smiled back. I pulled out of the hug and pinched her right cheek.
"I miss you too. I've been well, thank you. And you?" I asked back.
"I'm stressed out with the upcoming finals but other than that, I'm good." Beth answered. She noticed my duffel bag and she offered to help me carry it. I nodded at her, she's such a sweet girl.
Together we walked near the runway of the airport and walked towards the group of students, Beth's classmates. I out my sunglasses on my bag and decided to tie my slightly damped hair so once the chopper lands down, I won't have trouble getting me hair messy. I tied my blonde hair into a high ponytail.
Art was busy talking someone to his phone but when he saw me coming, he put the phone down and turned to me. He kissed my cheek, a normal gesture I still feel awkward when he is this close. All I think are negative things so I 'm trying to shrug those away.
"I'm glad you came." Art muttered. I smiled a little at him.
"I don't change my mind that easily." I explained. He smiled at me before he turned at his students who are now staring at me, probably confused as to who I am or what I am doing.
"Everyone, I would like you to meet my friend and a renowned zoologist from one of the most well-known company, Dr. Heartfillia." Art introduced me to them. They all greeted me but some of them started whispering. They might know me from what they saw at the news. I cleared my throat.
"I was a zoologist but I am currently not working on that specific field so you can all call me Veronica." I explained. I gently tapped Art's shoulder. "When we reached our destinations, I hope you all will obey your professor. He knew the place, alright?" I asked. They all answered yes in unison.
The chopper arrived at exactly ten o'clock and the two police officers are already inside, aboard. They aren't wearing their usual uniform, I figured it is Art's instruction so to avoid confusion from the students.
William extended his hand to help me up and I gladly took it. We all take our seats and Beth sat next to me. On my left is Art while the two detectives are in front of me.
"This is my first time traveling outside of the city. I'm nervous." Beth whispered. I held her hand and showed her an assuring smile. We're on our way to hell, but the thought of being with Jack again helps me stay sane.
"Your hand is cold, are you okay?" Beth asked, worried about my situation. I wave my hand at her. Art heard her so he also touched my hand, to make sure.
"Are you okay?" Art asked. I nodded my head.
"I'm fine. Motion sickness, that's all." I lied. Beth reached for her bag pack opened one of the pockets. She handed me an orange-flavored candy.
"That'll help." She whispered. I muttered my thanks before eating the candy she gave. I put the candy on my mouth and wore my earphones to listen to some music. My ears are ringing from the altitude as the chopper goes higher.
We safely landed thirty minutes later and all of the students are in awe of the breathtaking view. We landed on the shore and memories came flashing immediately on my head. I stood straight and drank from my bottled water. I also opened my meds and take one of the capsules to calm my nerves.
Some of the students vomited on the spot so I looked away, or else I'll feel nauseous too. Beth clings to my arm as she surveyed the nature in front of us. She's in awe too.
"All right everyone." Art called our attention. "Grabbed your things, we aren't camping here. We'll walk at least one thousand meters from here to reach our camp, so let's go." He ordered.
Gladly I didn't pack too much or else it'll be harder to walk just like that blonde student in ponytail, she was having trouble lifting her baggage. I stifled a laugh. This isn't some sort of vacation, I'm sure Art instructed them to only bring the essential necessities.
Beth helped me carry the duffel bag, she only brought a bag pack, Jelly must've instructed her to pack lightly. Art is on the front, leading the way while the two police officers are behind us, tailing me or protecting me? I wonder what Art told them.
"We're here!" Art exclaimed. I looked far ahead, in front of him lies the hanging bridge.
"Oh, wow. It's such a breathtaking view!" One of the students exclaimed and she immediately screamed. Her voice echoed and all the students were thrilled. They all did the same.
I made my way pass them and walked towards Art to ask him why we're here and not on the other way, the huge cave where our team used top camp.
"What's this Art? Why are we here?" I immediately asked. Art looked around and bend closer to me.
"I'm just showing them the legendary bridge." Art answered. I looked on the other side and images of werewolves chasing us made me trembled in fear. I shook my head. Fear is slowly consuming me.
"Art this isn't a place for field trip. Do you understand? Let's get out of here." I suggested. I panicked. Art held me by the arm.
"Roni, calm down." He warned. "No, Art. I am not going to make that same mistake." I glared back.
"Everyone, stop!" I shouted. They all turned to me. I took a deep breath. "Let's get out of here." I ordered but they all just looked at me.
Then suddenly grabbed my arm again and the same stinging feeling overwhelmed my body. He injected me with that same sedative he gave me on the hospital. I gaped but there's nothing I can do. I am slowly losing my strength.
"I'm sorry everyone, as you all heard. Dr. Heartfillia is currently having her session on a psychiatrist." I heard Art muttered before I passed out. Damn, him. He betrayed me.
BETH
Professor Evans let one of the police, William carried Dr. Veronica. Everyone ignored her but I know better. Jelly told me everything. Leo carried the doctor's bag.
"Do you think she's telling the truth?" Leo asked beside me.
"I believed in her." I softly muttered as I stare at the sleeping Dr. Veronica. "Whatever it is, we must be careful. She's revisiting her nightmare."