Confronting the Abyss

I came face to face with death. The scorpion's eyes were jet black, but I could see myself reflected from them. I was frozen in fear. I was in shock. I thought I felt my heart stop beating. Then, I saw its tail coming towards me. I closed my eyes to welcome the end. Nothing happened. I opened my eyes again and slowly lifted my head. Its tail stopped just a few inches from me. I could see the venom dripping from the tip. I stared at the scorpion's eyes once again. What was that I saw? Confusion? Fear? Why did it feel like it was asking for help? The monster let out a soft snarl, as if it was talking to me. I slowly reached out my hand. The scorpion cautiously moved its head closer. Then the cannons were fired right at its face. The impact was so strong; the monster took a few steps back. I snapped out of the trance and looked around me. The soldiers were fighting hard to kill it. Yet, there I was sitting there, sympathizing with the beast. The scorpion swung its tails again. I pulled my leg out with all my might. I broke free but I couldn't move. I saw its tail headed towards my direction again. There was no running away from it. It really was the end.

I felt strong arms lift me up and carry me to safety. I lifted my head to look at my savior. It was the commander. I was saved. Then, he collapsed and curled up in pain. And, I saw it. I saw the hole in his leg. He was stung. I saw a medic and called for help. He immediately approached us as well as the other soldiers nearby. One of them lifted the commander and carried him on his back. I saw Dan run towards his father. The commander said something to him that I couldn't hear, and then he lost consciousness. I stood there as the guilt was weighing down on me. It was obviously my fault. I risked a glance at Dan. He was staring at me - half concerned, half furious. Ris came to my side and helped me move to a safer distance. Dan turned away and called a few officers. He must've thought of a plan to finish the monster off. I watched as the attack team cut off the scorpion's remaining limbs then throws grenades under the monster's body. The bombs went off simultaneously, and the monster collapsed. They used special nets to stop its tails from moving then cut them off too. Tears were falling from my eyes. I was overcome with sorrow and sympathy. It was the same feeling I had for the mantis we killed years ago. The scorpion is more than ten times bigger and so is the guilt. Numerous arrows were shot at the scorpion's eyes, arrows filled with the centipede's poison from last week. The scorpion wriggled in pain, then it stopped moving. We defeated it. I was supposed to be happy. It was our victory after all. But I couldn't stop the tears from falling.

I looked at the other injured soldiers around me who were shouting in celebration. I should be feeling sorry for their state and sharing the happiness. They are my comrades. I felt nothing but bitterness. I was beginning to despise our way of life. I was starting to question whether we've been doing the right thing. I was losing heart. How cowardly. It suddenly started raining. I stared at the scorpion's corpse. The rain got stronger. Dan gave his orders, and we were to go back to headquarters for an emergency meeting. Recon and research were scheduled to start the next day. I sat there unmoving. I looked up and closed my eyes, feeling the rain running down my face. At that moment, I made up my mind. Like how the rain washed the dirt off my face, I let it wash away my inhibitions. I opened my eyes more determined than ever. The truth about these portals. I shall find it.