I PEEKED out of the door from the old hotel room, looking out to the distance of the road. I took a swift step back when I heard the groans and moans of the Strachers. Hunter neighed in alaram from his hiding spot. I closed my eyes, focusing my energy on him. Easy, boy. Quiet and you'll be alright. I felt him ease slightly as my message struck him. I crept out of the door, towards my target - the car. If I could just get to it in time! We'd be safe for a small time! The car had food and water in it. We NEEDED it. Badly. But this place was Stracher heaven. I saw a shadow zoom by in the corner of my eye. The Strachers never let up. Sweat beamed down my forhead as I slowly reached for the handle of the car door. The door opened with an all too loud squeak. I sucked in a breath. It caught a Stracher's attention. Its head jerked up, the glossy eyes locked onto mine. Crap. I quickly closed my eyes, knowing if it made eye contact with me for more than a few seconds, it could turn me. I opened my eyes and bolted, forgetting about the car. We'd get another chance eventually. Hopefully. The Stracher zoomed after me, its speed surprised me and I let out a gasp.
I raced towards my horse who was waiting for me, spooked as he knew the Stracher was after me. Hunter ran towards me, his nostrils flaring, and his eyes white with fear. Madelyn! His voice was full of panic. It sent a painful shock down my heart. I'm fine, Hunter! Go! Hurry! Run! I didn't know why I bothered to say it - I knew he wouldn't leave me. He let out a panicked and hurt huff as he sped up. I am not leaving you! Never! He galloped towards me, but the Stracher grabbed my shirt and jerked me back, pounding me against the concrete. I let out a gasp as my back hit the hard stone. Pain flowed over me, but I shook it off, kicking and punching at the grotesque face that had me pinned down. All with my eyes closed. Impressive, right? Hunter sprang forward, his two front hooves caved down on top of the zombie. The Stracher let out an angry cry, his attention turned off me. While it was distracted, I quickly jumped up and I ran over to an old shop. I looked around for a weapon while Hunter kept the monster busy.
Something glinted in my eye. A huge shard of broken glass. I picked it up, then heaved myself at the back of the Stracher's head, driving the shard down into the back of its head. Blood gushed down the gnash. It knelt down, gurgling out shrieks for backup. I slit his throat before his calls could reach more zombies. Or so I thought. I used the rest of my strength to tear his head off.
Then I backed away, leaving the glass stuck in his decapitated head. Hunter rushed over to me, nuzzling me and making sure I was okay. I nodded, then hopped on his back. We rode away just before more Strachers came loping up. They let out bloodcurdling roars, but we rode off, not giving them a chance. They quickly gave up chasing us, then they turned to their "dead" friend. They leaned down, digging their hands into his stomach.
They were eating him. I gagged, tears flowing down my cheeks into Hunter's mane as we sped away. This is my life. Our life.
