(Preston's POV)

I do it for them, because as long as I do what they say, my friends can be free. I can do it for them. I overheard some of the people talking earlier. They said that I've been trapped here for twelve years now. It's hard to believe that I've been trapped here for that long. I try to make the best of it, ya know? I mean, I'm not dead, so that's always a plus. A couple of the scientist have even replied to a joke that I made up. But I miss Rob, and everyone else. But I don't think I can stay here fo much longer without losing my mind. There's a terrible feeling in my chest that I think is called loneliness. But a few days ago, I think I pushed too much, or hesitated too long. Because now I think someone else will have to pay for my mistake.

(Flashback)

     "Ok, subject 305, we'll need you to step into the airlock room to run a few more tests on your oxygen levels. It seems that you haven't been improving at all", a staticky voice echos around me. I quickly glance at the speaker and back to the door in front of me. "Are kidding me? I almost died last time! Isn't it obvious by now that I just need more air than you? I am literally made of fire", I argue back, knowing that thy can hear me. This place has always been trying to push my limits. If it takes me a month to heal from a water born injury, they expect it to heal in half the time for my next 'test'. It won't. Apparently I use five times as much oxygen as a human does. It's kinda scary how easy it is for me to suffocate. Oh, my leg is incased in obsidian for too long, and now it's about to fall off. Not to mention how painful it is whenever my flames die out.

"Enough of your games! Get into the airlock, now", the voice repeats. "What about just one break? I stil have the stone on my arms from a few days ago....", I mumble, fingering the rough surface beneath my sleeve. I hear a deep sigh come from the speakers, before the voice continues with, "Clearly, your motivation to cooperate has faded. Consider your next combat test a punishment". The door beside me opens, and people in stone-plated suits come in. "Wait! What do you mean by that!?", I yell back, but I don't get an answer. Hands grab onto my arms, and I wince at their stinging touch. Of course the suits have to be ice cold.

(Flashback over)

     I've thought over their words, and I have a sinking feeling in my chest. A combat test, a punishment, my defiance. It's all gonna be my fault than they drag one of my only friends back to this place. How long will it take for someone to get caught? They haven't had me do anything for the last few days. I can only dread the moment when they do come for me. I can't hurt any of my friends. We need to think of some way to get out of here. When was the last time I thought of escaping? These people created me, but they've controlled me for too long. I have to think of something before it's too late.

* * * * * * *

I'm sleeping when the door to my holding cell is suddenly throw open. I lurch up and fall off of the lumpy bed, half of my skin hearting up into lava. "Get up", one of the suited people bark at me. I scramble to my feet, not warming to cause anymore trouble, well, not until I can get to whoever may have been dragged here. I'm half dragged out of my cell and into the hall. I try to count our turns, just in case. I've seen people going down the hall to the right of my cell when they talk about going home. It could end up just like my attempted escape with Rob. I can actually help this time around.

     The people eventually lead me to a room coated with obsidian. Sure, that's normal, but what surprises me is how thick the door actually is when they open it. It's like half the length of my arm! Three of the lab assistants work to get her to pull it open. I step inside without being told. I've gotten used to things around here. The door is pushed shut as I look around. A small pit of lava is in one corner, and another door is across from me. The walls are made out of a mix of different types of rock, more obsidian included. One-way Glass is far up on near the ceiling. I couldn't even touch it if I jumped. I wonder why they're so high?

     My attention is snagged away when the door on the other side is opened. I immediately can hear something being thrown against walls, people yelling, and and animalistic growling. Something finally barrels through the partially open door, several tranquilizing darts sticking out of its body. I can only get a glimpse of it's brown fur before I have to jump out of the way with part of my skin heating up to lava. I don't want to burn him. The creature digs it's claws into the floor, trying not skid past me. He hits the side of the room with a loud thud and a confused expression.

     ".......Wait, Preston?", he asks me, his eyes focused on the glowing parts of my arms. "Yeah..... hey, Jerome", I awkwardly smile.