Go Down Kicking (Legion of the Black)

Andy and Jinxx sat side by side, away from the rest of the gathered rejects. Beneath the full white sun, upon one of the trio of logs arranged around the cold ashes of a fire they surveyed the camp. All over the cracked red sand their wild ones were cramped together, sleeping, standing or sitting right up against each-other beneath flimsy linen roofs. Jinxx shook his head slowly as he observed the crammed figures and pushed away the black hair which proceeded to fall over his eyes.
"We need more room, Andy." He turned to look into the strikingly blue eyes of his companion.
"I know." he replied with a sigh. He'd been hoping to prolong their stay here. The camp was situated beneath a large, rocky overhang which provided shelter from the scorching desert sun, as well as from anyone who wanted to harm the rebels they were harbouring. The struggle against F.EA.R overpowered the lives of everyone on this camp; they had bonded together and created an army of outcasts who no longer had to feel so out cast. Together they defied F.E.A.R. These people lived together, fought together and some even died together. The emotion Andy felt towards the wild ones was strong and he never wanted to hurt them any more than F.E.A.R already was. He was worried that marching to another location would aggravate fresh wounds from the latest collision between the wild ones and F.E.A.R.
As if Jinxx could read Andy's mind he opened his mouth to offer words of consolation and encouragement,
"I know you're worried because the last fight wasn't all that long ago but we can't let everyone keep living like this, in these conditions. I'm sure we could start getting diseases spreading pretty soon."
Andy tilted back his head and held the image of the crisp blue sky, like a fresh slate, in his mind as he closed his eyes.
"I'll go out with Ashley later and scout for another possible campsite."
He ran a hand through his black hair and the corners of his full lips curved upwards as the sun heated his finely chiseled face.
"You'll be able to manage everything while we're gone, right?"
Jinxx chuckled softly and stretched his legs out in-front of him,
"Of course we will."
Andy opened his eyes and faced Jinxx. For a moment they shared a blue eyed gaze, before Andy nodded briskly and strode away into the mass of rebels.
Getting slowly to his feet, Jinxx brushed away the red sand clinging to his skinny black jeans. Of course he only wanted the best for everyone too and had no intentions of causing extra damage, but he was looking forward to the long march which would be approaching. It got to him, always being in the same place. Jinxx could never shake the feeling that those hunting them were creeping closer in the dark. He'd feel much safer when everyone was on the move once more.
Jinxx walked forward, away from the remnants of the fire and into the main body of the camp, where he picked his way through the rebels. Pressed right up against the compacted dust of the cliff he found Andy in discussion with Ashley; they were nodding and pointing out over the horizon. Jake sat with his back leaning against the hot cliff and his eyes closed. Next to him, CC was tapping out a tune on the baked ground. With a smile, Jinxx settled opposite them and nudged Jake with his foot.
"I'm fine." Jake grunted and slouched further down the wall. Jinxx rolled his eyes and turned to CC, who grinned humorously.
"I think we should riot everyone and have a party in their absence." CC inclined his head over towards Ashley and Andy.
"Hell no!" Ashley spun on his heel and interrupted, "There's no way you guys are throwing any kind of party without me here!"
Andy cocked one eyebrow and shook his head,
"No-one will be throwing anything, alright?" He pulled his lip ring between his teeth and once more ran a hand through his hair before continuing, "I know it's hard to cope like this but we can do it. Already we have accomplished so much and had a huge impact. We can't afford to forget what kind of position we're in right now... and yet you think parties are a good idea?"
CC stopped his drumming and rested his hands in his lap.
"Relax, not like there's any booze anywhere."
Andy narrowed his eyes and let out a noise of exasperation. CC got to his feet and placed his hands on Andy's leather clad shoulders.
"it's alright man, we would never have done anything. I still like to hold on to the idea of reckless nights but I'm not so stupid. We have a huge responsibility here and none of us disregards that."
As Andy relaxed CC hugged him and looking over at Ashley, he said "You two be safe out there."
Then he pulled away and slid down next to Jake again, who had been warily eyeing the exchange but now was content to scratch into the sand with his short nails.
"Shall we go then Andy?" Ashley's voice rang out as he began to walk away.
"Yeah." Andy nodded and before following Ashley he raised a gloved hand in parting to his three accomplices on the desert floor.
"Good luck!" Jake called out at their retreating, black figures.
"So dude, what's up with you?" Jinxx questioned Jake, who sighed and rubbed his eyes.
"This is just affecting me. I've been able to put it away so far, but man we are in a grave situation here. I'm always so... anxious. But, I'm really not trying to whinge here. I know we're all in the same situation and I'm thankful for you guys."
"I understand." Jinxx replied sympathetically, "Even after all we've done it is so hard to come to terms with this type of situation. Life or death is not exactly something you just end up finding normal."
CC shuffled closer to Jake and playfully elbowed him,
"We'll kick F.E.A.R's ass yet. Don't you worry."
Jake laughed and pulled himself into standing position.
"Let us go and get water for everyone, we're no use against F.E.A.R if we're all parched!"
So the three men, dressed mainly in their own tattoos, deemed unfeeling and evil by prejudiced society, spent the remainder of their afternoon keeping the tortured alive. With smiles and uplifting words they wiped the soot from the faces of the young and gave water to the dry lips of the wild ones. With all the pressure weighing on the shoulders of the whole camp, they still managed to find things to laugh about. The spirit of determination was so alive in even the depressed, the oppressed. The will to make a change and see a better world kept them going and inspired them to see the beauty in things which seem ugly, the way no-one had ever done for them. They found strength in their weakness and in the darkness they lit a flame. Because they all wanted to see tomorrow.

Notes