The old man stood motionless, his gaunt face carved by time and suffering. His sharp eyes scanned their faces one by one, as if trying to read the thoughts hidden behind their tense expressions.
Old Man:
"You've come to a place where no one should tread… What are you seeking in this dying world?"
Ricky felt the tension rise. He knew this man was no ordinary drifter—his worn-out appearance belied a dangerous air, as though he carried more than just age on his back.
Kieran:
"We're just looking for a way out of this region. Nothing more."
The old man chuckled softly, his laughter sounding like shards of glass scraping against each other.
Old Man:
"A way out? There is no way out of this world, boy. There's only survival… or fading into dust."
Sophie gripped her folding knife tighter, while Ricky remained on guard with his metal rod. Kieran, however, stayed calm, though his eyes never left the old man.
Kieran:
"So, who are you?"
The old man regarded Kieran for a moment, as if deciding whether to answer or not. After a brief pause, he finally spoke.
Old Man:
"They call me the Keeper… I guard the remnants of the past, the last one who still knows the secrets of the world before it fell apart."
Ricky exchanged a glance with Sophie, sensing both tension and curiosity growing between them. If this man truly knew about the world before the apocalypse, he could hold valuable information. But his cryptic words felt like riddles, hiding truths behind metaphors.
Sophie:
"If you know so much, can you tell us what really happened? Why did the world end up like this?"
The Keeper took a deep breath, as though the weight of his knowledge burdened him. He lowered his gaze momentarily before meeting their eyes with a steely look.
Keeper:
"Greed. Foolishness. That's why. They tried to control nature with technology… But nature cannot be controlled. The technology they used broke the balance, drying up the oceans and cracking the earth. And eventually, they emerged the remnants."
The word 'remnants' escaped his lips with a mix of bitterness and sorrow.
Ricky:
"So, remnants are man-made?"
The Keeper gave a slow nod.
Keeper:
"Man-made… but they evolved. Now, they are their own beings. They don't care about humans or this world. They exist only to survive and spread."
A heavy silence fell over the group. The Keeper's explanation added to the growing sense of dread, solidifying the idea that their world would never return to what it once was.
Suddenly, a distant rumble echoed through the night. The Keeper turned quickly, his expression becoming tense.
Keeper:
"We must leave. They're coming."
Sophie:
"Who? What do you mean"
Keeper (interrupting):
"Remnants. They've found us. If you want to live, follow me."
Without waiting for an answer, the Keeper turned and began walking quickly toward a narrow gap between two large rocks. Ricky and Sophie exchanged glances before following Kieran, who had already started moving. They knew this wasn't the time for questions or hesitation.
***
They ran through the darkness, following the Keeper, who seemed to know exactly where to go. Ricky's heart pounded, not just from exertion but from fear tightening its grip on him. Behind them, the rumbling grew louder, accompanied by an eerie wind-like hiss, as though something massive was moving toward them.
Finally, they reached a small cave hidden behind a high cliff. The Keeper gestured for them to enter and quickly sealed the entrance with a large rock.
Keeper:
"Quiet. Don't move. Don't make a sound."
They sat in silence, holding their breath. The rumbling outside grew closer, now accompanied by heavy, dragging footsteps. Ricky glanced at Kieran, seeking reassurance,but Kieran merely shook his head slightly, as if to say, there's nothing we can do but wait.
The footsteps halted right outside the cave.
Sophie (whispering very softly):
"Do they know we're here?"
The Keeper placed a finger to his lips, signaling her to stay silent. Outside, a low humming sound echoed, as though the remnants were scanning for something. Ricky felt cold sweat trickle down his forehead. If they were discovered, there would be no escape.
After several agonizing moments, the footsteps began to recede. They all exhaled quietly, though the fear still lingered in the air.
Keeper:
"We're safe. For now."
Ricky:
"How long do we have to live like this?"
The Keeper didn't answer. He only stared into the darkness outside the cave, as though something far worse lay waiting beyond.