Crackling of fire wood being split into pieces under intense heat. Slow burning flames just giving off the right amount of heat to warm someone up. This feeling of being watched surrounding them making hairs stick up on end. Such a feeling they never thought in their wildest dreams they would ever experience. To be in unknown terrain not knowing just who or what maybe lurking out in the shadows for them. A terrifying feeling that has not brought either of them sleep for the past two nights. Two long nights filled with nothing but silence. Filled with nothing but the events of the past few days replaying over and over again in their minds with only each other giving the other comfort.
Just like how they are right now. Sitting silently watching the burning flames of the small makeshift fire near the riverbank. A small fire providing them with the much needed heat they need on this cold summer night. On this night filled with constant sounds coming from the treelines keeping them on edge. On a night where their minds have constantly wandered back to the events that have led them to this point with one event remaining fresh on Dinah's mind as her eyes remain glued down to her hands at a worn out picture while Oliver holds her close to his chest from behind. A picture that speaks a thousand words. Speaks of a time of great happiness for a small family of four. Speaks volumes of how the two children in the photo would forever remain cherished by their parents from the way they are being held so closely with proud smiles being directed their way. A small family that will never be whole ever again. Will never be able to laugh or have another memorable moment. No now nothing but sadness awaits them. Nothing but pain and anger awaits them with questions demanding to be answered. Such questions she hoped one day,she would be able to answer for his family. It was the least she could do after what she had done. After what they had done to him.
Turning her gaze away from the photograph in her hands with her eyes starting to burn up with unshed tears as she looks to her right unable to contain them any longer a lone tear escapes Dinah's eyes. A tear that trickles down her cheek as her eyes remain locked on a sight that she knew deep down will forever haunt her dreams. A sight that if anyone were to come across would leave them confused and wanting answers. This small man-made structure made of nothing but stones. This pile of stones in a rectangular shape with nothing but a lone piece of tree bark sticking out the center carved in the shape of a cross. The final resting place of the very man that was just looking to find a way off this island just like they are. A sight that makes Dinah's throat run dry as even more tears start to trickle down her cheeks before the gentle squeeze of her midsection makes her release a breath and glance over her shoulder towards Oliver seeing nothing but a concerned look directed her way. Nothing but understanding in his eyes. This look that makes her gently reach down and lay her hands down on top of his own and give him a watery smile causing his lips to flicker upwards for a split moment before his eyes shift to look at the makeshift grave.
They will make it through this. Somehow and some way they will find a way to make it through this. It has always been this way. So long as they are together nothing can stand in their way but this? Perhaps this will be the ultimate test for them. Never before have they been challenged like this. Never before have they encountered anything this life defying. To watch a man die before their very eyes. A real life man and not some character in an action movie. To actually watch the life leave his eyes as his body went rigged. Nothing could have ever prepared either of them for that. Not any action movie. Not any sort of martial arts training. Not even any of the stories they had overheard Mr Lance tell his wife when he thought nobody else was within earshot.
But none of this matters. Not anymore. This was reality and reality is no matter how they spin it they are responsible for killing an innocent man. They and they alone are responsible for killing this man. Even if they could claim it to be self defense for anyone that would find out.
" It wasn't our fault."
Feeling her gaze immediately on him turning his hands over to gently grasp her own blinking away the stinging sensation he can feel in his eyes as he looks back forward finding Dinah's looking straight at him forcing a smile across his face gently Oliver squeezes her hands as he locks eyes with her.
" We did what we had to do. If we didn't he would have killed us. You know he would have."
But did he truly believe that? Right now he wouldn't be able to answer that question. He would like to think that but something deep down inside of him right now makes him feel sick to his stomach. The same feeling that has stayed with him ever since he helped carry this unknown archer's body back to the riverbank. So much uncertainty that does not go unnoticed from the way Dinah's watery eyes stay looking at his face despite Oliver breaking off eye contact to look in the far distance with this faraway look. With this uncertain look as though he is mentally battling himself. A look she has seen all too often. Especially when things start to get serious in his life. Mental battles of what his brain and what his heart believes is right. Such an internal battle she knew exactly what he was debating about right now. Does he truly believe the words he had just spoken to her? The answer was quite simple especially from his look alone. A look telling her all she needs to know. A look describing despite feeling it was the right thing to do, in the end he still feels guilty for what he had done,and she couldn't blame him for it either. She too has those same feelings lurking deep inside. Has those guilty thoughts running through her mind while trying to figure out someway to justify their actions.
" You're right."
Snapping out of his daze looking back down towards her watery eyes as he feels her left hand leaving his own before it reappears on his cheek closing his eyes to hide the tears that want to trickle out suddenly Oliver's breath hitches when he feels Dinah gently rubbing away a tear that escapes his eye.
" We did what we had to do to survive,but that doesn't change what we've done. We killed an innocent man yesterday."
Snapping his eyes wide open before he has a chance to voice his opinion instantly the retort dies on the tip of his tongue when Oliver feels Dinah's index finger coming down to press against his lips as she looks up towards him with a watery smile. As tears start to trickle down her cheeks that go ignored as she stares deep into his eyes.
" It's true whether we like it or not. We don't know what this man had been through or even how long he has been here before we met him. For all we know he could have been here for years,and finally the situation broke his mind beyond repair making him do things he normally wouldn't have done. What I do know is we owe it to this man's family to let them know just what has happened to him out here. We owe it to him to make sure our story is told."
The raw determination in her eyes. The passion she speaks with. The very things that always give him the push he always needs to achieve his goals. The passing grades in high school. The courage to follow his dreams despite what his parents wanted him to become. The very confidence he can start to feel now as he returns the favor by gently rubbing away the tears that start to trickle down her cheeks. A motion that just makes even more tears free fall down Dinah's cheeks before she buries her face into his chest causing his arms to wrap around her tightly.
" We will. We will."
A glaring light seeping its way through her closed eyelids. The sound of birds chirping back and forth to each other from a distance away. The sound of running water going down stream. Sounds that echo through her ears causing her to groan and burrow herself deeper into her pillow until seconds later realization kicks in causing Dinah's eyes to snap wide open only to shut immediately and raise her right hand up shielding her eyes from the bright light shining down brightly upon her. A light that takes her a few seconds to adjust to as she reopens her eyes and looks around finding nothing out of the ordinary. The same river going downstream. The same silent treeline with only the signs of life coming from high above in the trees in the form of a couple of birds observing them from the safety of a tree branch. What could be considered a peaceful sight in any other part of the world but not here. Not on this unknown island. Such an island that has yet to be discovered by the rest of the world. A lone fact itself which has started to make her worry. If this island hasn't been discovered,would it ever be?
This island which appeared days ago to be an island vacant of life but has since proven this is not the case. No,they weren't alone on this island. Far from it. Wild life lurking amongst the shadows just waiting to reveal themselves to their prey. Rapid weather conditions yet to be inflicted upon them. And what could be most disturbing of them all,what other beings could be wandering around this island looking for a way home,just like they are. She could only hope,they are wrong about this. Could only hope this mysterious archer was the only other lost soul out here on this island. On this personal hell out in the middle of nowhere.
And speaking of mysterious archers,wiggling out of Oliver's embrace,and coming to a stand stretching out the kinks she feels in her shoulders looking back towards the makeshift grave with nothing but a determined look in her eyes despite the uneasy feeling she starts to feel building up in her chest silently making her way over slowly Dinah kneels down in front of the grave and bows her head down in silent respect for this fallen man. For this lost soul taken away from this world to never rise up again. To never share a memorable moment with his loved ones again.
I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for the eternal pain,I've caused you and your family. If I could go back,and find a way to change what happened,I would but I can't,and for that I'm sorry. I can't change what happened,but I can promise you this. You will not be forgotten. When Oliver and I find a way off this island,I promise to send someone back for you.
A silent promise heard by only one. The very man now resting beneath the weight of this makeshift grave. No matter what. No matter what she has to do,she will not fail him. She will keep her promise to him. Will make sure his family learns the truth about what had happened to him out here. They may hate her for what she has done. Might even come to despise and curse her name every single night for the rest of their lives,but if that is the price she must pay so be it. His story will be known. His family will have the chance to pay their final respects to him before he is lowered into the ground. This she swears. So much so that with a look of confidence rising up to her feet silently making her way back over towards Oliver's sleeping form looking down finding nothing but a troubled look across his face reaching out just as her hand is about to make contact with his shoulder suddenly Dinah's hand comes to an halt when the slightest of movement coming from his sleeping form makes her frown upon sight. This noticeable wince from the way his body turns in her direction only to instantly recoil as a silent hiss escapes his lips the moment he even puts the slightest bit of pressure on it,and she knew exactly why.
His injured ankle. His badly severely injured ankle thanks to the very man,they had buried just yesterday. An ankle,she can't help but look down at now with a deepening frown. There was no questioning this now changed things,making the situation they are in even worse. The extent of how bad his injury is would remain unknown for the time being. What she did know was there is no way,he will be able to travel in his current condition. He may have tried to hide it from her yesterday,but she had seen it. Had seen the way he labored when he put even the slightest amount of weight on his ankle. The way his eyes spoke of nothing but pain despite the smile,he was forcing across his face for her personal wellbeing. No,he wouldn't be able to travel without being in any sort of pain. A restriction which could prove to be costly if there is anyone else or much less anything dangerous lurking out there past the treelines,and this left only one option. An option,she knew he would disagree with. Knew he would fight tooth and nail against her on,but it's the only way. She knew this and deep down he would know this as well.
" Ollie?"
Gently shaking his shoulder causing his eyes to flutter open as she watches his eyes wander around before resting on her forcing a smile across her face gently Dinah squeezes Oliver's shoulder as she locks eyes with him.
" I need to go."
Being met with nothing but a confused look causing a stern look to come across her face not daring to break off eye contact for even a single second after a couple of seconds suddenly as she sees his eyes widen in realization before a flash of anger enters them cutting him off right away reaching up Dinah gently takes Oliver's face into her hands.
" There is no other way. I'm the only one healthy enough to travel."
Does she hear herself right now? How can she really be suggesting something like this. Especially after everything that has happened to them since they set sail on that goddamn boat,and now she was suggesting she go off alone in unknown territory not knowing who or what could be out there within the shadows just waiting for them.
" I can't let…."
" Yes you can. You need to let me do this. If there was another way,I wouldn't even be suggesting this. Tell me,and be honest if our roles were reversed,wouldn't you be trying to convince me the same thing right now? I know you hate this,and I'm not faring any better,but I need to do this. This might be our only shot to get out of here."
He hated this. Really,really hated this. He knew deep down,she was right. Too right,but that doesn't mean he has to like this. The mere thought of her out there alone being stalked from the shadows just makes him want to argue against this even more,but from the look in her eyes right now,she wasn't going to let this go. No matter what,she was going to do this whether he liked it or not,and he was in no position to argue thanks to the condition his ankle is in.
Seeing his eyes losing the fire within them like a dying flame retracting her hands moving past him to kneel down next to their supplies plucking the cellphone out of their survival kit along with her katana from off from the ground,pocketing the cellphone into the back pocket of her jeans with one last glance at Oliver with a reassuring smile slowly Dinah makes her way towards the tree line.
" Dinah?"
Coming to a stop glancing over her shoulder as she watches Oliver slowly come to sit upright,Dinah gives him a questionable look. Surely he isn't thinking about accompanying her? No,he's smarter than that. He knows better than anyone the limits of his injured ankle,and if he tries to argue right now…."
" Please be careful."
Feeling her lips twitching upward nodding her head slightly turning her head back forward taking a deep breathe Dinah emerges into the treeline and disappears out of sight causing Oliver to collapse back down onto the grass the moment,she leaves his sight,and without further delay rears back to slam his right fist into the grass.
Please stay safe, Pretty Bird.
Fallen branches crunching underneath every step she takes. Lungs feeling as though they are on fire. Sweat dripping down her long dirty blonde hair into her eyes forcing her dirt covered hands to reach up and rub the sweat away. A forest that looks endless,and that is the problem. How long she has been out here,she wasn't sure anymore. Perhaps only a couple of hours? Maybe even longer? She couldn't remember. What she could remember is the countless amount of trees,she has passed as she adventures through foreign terrain. None in which were different than the other making it nearly impossible for anyone to find their way back.
Except for her. No,she made sure she would find her way back. A rather genius plan to carve out a small x into a tree just big enough to catch her eye every couple of minutes. A small trail of breadcrumbs which would lead her back to camp once she is done out here. She could only hope that will come quickly,and perhaps the key to their salvation resides safely in the back pocket of her jeans. How his cellphone had survived everything they've been through,she wasn't sure,and frankly didn't care how. It was a true blessing in disguise. This small cellular device,this beautiful device could help lead them back home. Lead them back to Starling City. Lead them back to her parents. Lead them back to their nice boring lives. Though she doubted after everything they've been through,their lives would never be declared boring ever again.
She just needed to get to high ground. Just needed to keep a cool head about everything,and stay focused on the task at hand. They have only one shot at this. This island certainly made sure of that,and the evidence is right there for show all around her right now. These endless forests. These countless amounts of trees blocking any signals from getting out to the real world,but trees that can't stop a signal from getting out if she gets to higher ground. If she gets to those mountains,she had seen when they had first come to this island. The only problem was getting to said mountains. These mountains,she can see far off in the distance if she were to climb to the top of any nearby tree. These mountains in which are silently mocking her,and almost daring her to come forth to them,and she will answer this call. She will find her way onto these mountains one way or another,no matter the cost,no matter how long it takes her.
Taking a moment to catch her breath leaning back against a nearby tree letting her eyes close for a few brief moments slowly sliding down the tree trunk until she is sitting on the ground as she feels the burning sensation in her lungs drastically increasing with each small breathe she takes just as she reaches up to rub some sweat dripping down from her forehead suddenly Dinah's eyes snap widen open when the faintest of noises catches her attention. A noise coming from the distance just behind her. A sound causing all the fatigue she had been feeling to leave her almost immediately as she slowly comes to stand up while clutching the handle of her kitana tightly within her right hand. What sounds like someone's voice but it just couldn't be,and yet,this point was already proven to be false in part thanks to the unexpected emerald archer ambushing them just yesterday afternoon.
Despite this though,Dinah can't help the small amount of hope,she can feel building up inside of her. This hope that perhaps this nightmare of a vacation will soon come to an end. A hope that soon she and Oliver will be sailing back across the sea to Starling City never to go out to sea ever again. This she will damn well make sure of,if they ever get off this island. She would just need to remain on guard for the time being despite how much she wants to just rush through these woods to the source,but that doesn't stop her from investigating. Doesn't stop her legs from moving as silently Dinah moves through the forest following the faint voice,she can hear in the distance while making sure to avoid stepping on anything that might give away her location. A voice the closer she gets making Dinah's heart thumps loudly in her chest in anticipation.
But nothing could prepare her for the sight that awaits her the moment she comes to a stop on a steep hill and looks down into the distance. The sight of two lone men towering over another. Two men dressed up in full military gear. Bullet proof vests,camouflage cargo pants,automatic weapons strapped over their shoulders. Such a sight on any other day would have had her yelling at the top of her lungs to get their attention but not today. Not with what she sees down below. These two military dressed men towering over another man. A poorly dressed man wearing nothing but these dirt stained ripped clothing. From her spot on top of the hill,she couldn't tell if it was a prisoner's uniform or not,but that doesn't matter. Not with what she watches occur down below. This pale and dirt covered man struggling to stay on his feet with a shovel in his hands being driven hard into the ground next to an freshly dug hole with only the shovel keeping him upright and falling inside while these military dressed men taunt him. While they shove and push him forward closer towards the hole while demanding he continue.
A gruesome sight. A sickening sight making Dinah's eyes widen in nothing but anger before instantly they turn into nothing but horror as a loud bang echoes through the air forcing her hands to come up and cover her mouth to suppress the scream that escapes her lips. As this lone man is sent into the hole face first when one of the men dressed in military gear retrieves a handgun from his belt and unloads a lone round into the back of the man's head while the other guard just smiles and laughs before suddenly he stops and turns his sights upward causing Dinah to quickly duck behind a nearby tree just barely in time to avoid being spotted as her heart throbs loudly in her eardrums. As the sound of angry birds thrashing their wings violently in the air is heard echoing through the area.
But no voices. No shouts coming from down below. No rushing footsteps heading in her direction. Nothing but the sound of this defining silence causing her legs to slowly give out on her as she slides down the tree while not daring to make even the slightest of sounds. How could those men do that to another? To murder another in cold blood,and just laugh about it? The thought alone makes her absolutely sick to her stomach. Makes her want to hurl but she will not no matter how much she wants to. A silence which drags on for what seems like minutes before slowly Dinah moves to take a peak around the tree and back down towards where she had spotted them to find no one in sight.