They're all pathetic.
The large group of men, of soldiers, stand with their shoulders hunched and their hands trembling as they ready their guns, loading them with a unsteadiness that is noticeable to all. There's a couple in the corner, crying, holding their head in their hands. They're begging to be sent home. 'I don't want to fight' They say. 'I don't want to die' they plead. There are others who just stand and stare, as if a switch has been turned off and now they're just statues waiting to be switched on again.
A young solider by the name of Killua Zoldyck takes all this in, scoffing to himself as he loads his own gun with ease and skill, cocking it, getting it ready. Killua thinks everyone in here is pathetic. He's never seen so many grown men cry. Though he has seen worse. At least some are getting ready to fight and not crying like bitches in the corner. This has to be Killua's 10th time out in the field, or should he say, ' the angel of death'. The area they use to weed out the weak soldiers and to lessen the population. Weed out the weak, there's more for the strong to eat. As Killua stares at all the soldiers here today, he's not sure any of them will survive. He hasn't spotted anyone with promise yet but then again he's always surprised during these things.
A lot changes when your life is in danger.
Killua stares down at his baby, his 30/30 rifle. He spent a good deal of his money on it and he loves it. It reminds him of those cow boy movies he would watch as a kid. Killua strokes the barrel a moment, thinking about all the head shots he's about to get. Of course Killua has his semi automatic attached to his back if things get hairy but he never uses it. He loves his rifle too much.
Killua looks up from his gun, staring at the large metal doors in front of him, the only thing separating the dead from the living. Soon they'll mingle. Killua glances over at the 'soldiers', rolling his eyes when he sees one puke. Everyone is so pale faced and serious. Killua supposes he can't blame them. They must know that most of them aren't going to make it out of this alive. This isn't a walk in the park. For Killua it is, but for these sorry excuses for Soldiers it is not.
"Hi! My name is Gon!" Killua blinks when he hears this hyper voice behind him. He looks back to see a soldier who looks like he could be about his age, hopping on foot to foot, smiling at a soldier who looks half alive. The solider who's name is apparently Gon is smiling brightly, holding a shot gun. Killua has never seen a face so bright. "I just became a soldier! What's your name? Are you excited?" The soldier he's talking to looks at Gon like he's grown another head. "Are you crazy or something? No i'm not excited! This isn't some fucking field trip."
"Someone is grumpy today." Gon's smile doesn't fall in the slightest. Killua has trouble stiffing his chuckle. Gon did not just say that with a face like that. The soldier is speechless but Gon seems to be done with him because he moves on to the next soldier who is crying. "Hi my name is Gon! Why are you sad?" Killua watches with his eyebrow raised as Gon works his way through the soldiers, talking to each one of them. The soldiers are looking at Gon like he's crazy. Maybe he is.
When no one seems to be talking to him, Gon pouts only for those amber eyes to lock with Killua's. Killua feels himself flinch and he doesn't know why, he feels like he just got caught doing something. Or maybe it's because Gon's face gets so bright and his smile so wide that Killua doesn't know how to respond to that.
"Hi!" Gon shouts from across the room, running over to Killua, his book bag bouncing behind him as he weaves his way through the soldiers that look dead compared to Gon. "My name is-"
"Gon. I know. I've heard you say your name like hundred times already." Killua looks down at his rifle like he's disinterested.
"Oh." Gon's smile doesn't fall. "Is that a 30/30?! Wow that's an awesome model!" Gon gushes over his rifle, Killua feeling his chest well up with a bit of pride.
"Yeah it is." Killua grins, looking at Gon, showing off his rifle. It's not every day he gets to talk to someone about guns or brag about his baby. Killua's chest keeps welling up as Gon stares at his gun with his amber eyes sparkling.
"She's a beaut! Can I touch-" Gon reaches out to touch the rifle only for Killua to smack his hand away. "Ouch!" Gon pulls his hand away, pouting at Killua who is glaring at him.
"No touching. Not my baby." Killua huffs. "You can just look."
"I bet that rifle was expensive! I saw a model like that and I wanted it but it was too much for me." Gon smiles again, seeming to completely forget about the hit as he sits down rather close to Killua for his liking.
"It wasn't that bad." Killua waves Gon off. "At least for me it wasn't."
"Wow you have so many metals!" Gon points to Killua's uniform, Killua glancing down at his own metals as if having to see for himself. "Are you a general?"
"No stupid. I'm a captain. See?" Killua points at his badge that's stitched on his uniform. Gon stares at it a moment before he beams.
"That's amazing! You're a captain? For real? And you look like you're my age! You're amazing!" Gon is bouncing in his seat, those amber eyes bright.
"Yeah...well you know..." Killua feels his cheeks tint at how Gon is looking at him. Of course Killua has been praised before but this guy is too smiley. "You don't have to embarrass me. It's not that big of a dig." Killua huffs, pushing Gon's beaming face away from him.
"Of course it is!" Gon chirps, chuckling from Killua moving him away. "I have to say I'm jealous of you! Already a captain at my age! I still have a long way to go." Gon smiles sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.
"You want to be in command?" Killua raises his eyebrow when Gon nods his head.
"Yeah! I want to become a general just like my dad!"
"Oh really? So that's why you're here today?" Killua smirks, trying to get a profile on this guy. Gon's smile falls slightly and it gets Killua's smirk to falter.
"That's one of the reasons." Gon kicks his feet for a moment. Instead of pressing it like Killua wants, he turns his attention on Gon's shot gun.
"Let me see your gun."
"Hm? Oh sure." Gon hands him the shot gun, that smile coming back. Killua tests it out, looking and touching the gun. "This shot gun was my dad's first gun."
"That's why it's so old." Killua grunts as he hands it back to Gon. "It's a good model though and it's been well taken care of." Killua looks over Gon's equipment. "...Is that the only gun you have?"
"Yup!" Gon smiles, Killua can only stare at him.
"A gun like that has a slow loading time. You know the infected move fast right? It's not like those old horror movies when they're barely walking."
"I know. I'll be fine with this. I also have a knife."
"You do not want to fight them close range." Killua doesn't know why he's telling him this. He's not suppose to be giving anyone tips. This area is meant to weed out the weak and stupid after all.
"Don't worry about me Killua. I have a plan." Gon smiles, those amber eyes getting softer.
"Who said I was worried about you idiot!" Killua huffs, feeling his face heat up when Gon chuckles. "I was just sharing my expertise. You're just some weird guy who decided to talk with me about guns. I mean, who smiles like you when they're about to face the undead? You look like we're all waiting to go into Six Flags or something."
"I'm just happy I guess. I've been waiting for this my whole life. I'm ready to fight the dead. I want to help everyone." Gon smiles before he chuckles. "And I think it will be fun getting to shoot the zombies. It'll be like a video game."
"Think like that and you'll die quick." Killua shakes his head. "This is no video game Gon. You will not get an extra life if you lose yours. Remember that."
Gon is quiet for a moment before he smiles at Killua. "You know what? I didn't get your name! I was having so much fun talking to you that I forgot to ask!"
"The name's Killua." Killua waits for Gon to stay something.
"It's nice to meet you! I can already tell we're going to be great friends!" Gon beams.
"Great friends? We've literally known each other for like five minutes." Killua raises his eyebrow, ignoring this strange excited flutter in his heart.
"That's all the time I need to tell that you're an amazing person and that I want to be your friend." Gon smiles so brightly, Killua gets lost in those amber orbs that are so...so...alive. Unlike most of the eyes he's seen around here. Gon is vibrating life.
"You're so weird." Killua shakes his head, staring forward, his expression disinterested. "You need to get your head in the game. This isn't the time to make friends. This is war." Killua's voice gets low, speaking the same words his brother said all those years ago when this all started. "The only friend you need, is the gun you're holding."
"I don't think that's true. My gun can't make me laugh or speak or smile like you can. I think any time is a good time to make friends." Gon's smile doesn't fall for nothing. Those amber eyes are so strange in such a dark world.
"It's a dog eat dog world out there. It's every man for himself. You can't afford to be friends with anyone, because you don't know who's going to die. Just look after yourself Gon. Don't try to be a hero when those doors open. I'm not. I'm going to get myself in and out. I suggest you do the same." Again, Killua is giving Gon tips. It's not that he cares about the man. Gon is different. It would be shame to lose a soldier like him so quickly. He seems to have big dreams too.
"But-" Gon starts with a frown only to be cut off by an announcement.
"The doors to the 'angel of death' will be opening in 10 seconds. Please be prepared to fight. Your goal is to get to the other side safely. All bitten or scratched will be terminated. The countdown starts now."
"That's our cue." Killua stands up, getting his rifle ready as he stares at the metal doors. He can hear the other soldiers scrambling, more of them are sobbing now. "Good luck out there Gon." Killua doesn't know why but he felt like he had to say that. He doesn't look back at Gon and when the metal doors open, he's the first one through them. He never looks back.
Killua's lips go In a tight line when he sees there's already a few of the rotting dead standing in his path. They turn towards him, sniffling the air with the lack of noses they have. Killua cocks his rifle before he fires, hitting one in the forehead, the Zombie falls with a thud. The other one turns its head towards the sound but Killua is quick to shoot the other one in the head before he keeps running.
"Shit." Killua can hear the gurgling and growling of the zombies. There's a lot of them coming and they're not going to hit him. No. He's too far ahead. The soldiers who took forever to run will be hit the hardest. That's not his problem.
Killua's mind is blank as it always is when he's in the zone but there's something bugging him as he gets closer to his target. He shoots a zombie that tried to jump on him in the head as he keeps moving. He never stops.
Once he's made it all the way across, Killua can't help to grin. He's made it all the way across and he's only had to kill 6 zombies. The grin falls when he doesn't hear any sounds behind him. Killua finds himself slowing down his run, that uneasiness making him stop. He turns around for the first time in one of these missions and can't help his frown when he doesn't see anyone behind him.
Did all his soldiers get caught up in the rampage of zombies? Where's Gon? Killua bites his lip. He told Gon to be fast, he gave him tips, he should have been right behind him. Killua grips his rifle, looking back at the metal doors he should have already went through.
His job is just to get through the angel of death and to examine the ones that survive. There have been times when no one has survived. It happens. Killua should just go through the doors and wait to see if anyone else makes it.
He turns to do just that only to stop when those bright amber eyes flash through his mind. What the hell is he thinking? What is he doing? Killua's eyes widen when he feels himself turn on his heel. Why is he stuck here? He can't go back. You never go back on one of these missions. Never. What is he even getting all worked up about? It's just a soldier. A guy named Gon who's smile is too bright and seems too happy about everything. Killua comes to his senses and just walks through the metal doors. He sits down on one of the beds waiting for the wounded soldiers and he just waits.
He's done this before so why is he feeling so restless. He keeps glancing at the door, checking his watch, kicking his feet. He knows he doesn't give too shits about the other soldiers but Gon was interesting.
Just when Killua thinks that he should just rule everyone dead the metal doors open. Killua whips his head over, his mouth opening in shock. "Gon!" He breathes out when he sees the other male come through those doors. He's holding about five men. Did he carry all of them?
"Killua! You made it too." Gon beams as he walks over to the beds and slowly starts to unload all the men that he saved. Killua watches him in awe. "I could only carry this many. A lot of the soldiers were wiped out when this large group of the dead attacked." Gon's smile falters.
"You did good...you saved five. You shouldn't have even bothered. You could have died trying to carry them. I told you to worry about yourself." Killua scolds walking over to look at the five soldiers Gon saved. He narrows his eyes when he sees that one of them has been bitten on the arm. "And you do know that if any of them are bitten, I'll have to kill them."
"I know. I thought it would be better to die here than to be ripped a part out there." Gon's expression gets serious. "Two of them have been bitten. The other three I'm not sure."
"What about you?" Killua swallows, turning his eyes on Gon. He makes sure his expression is blank, his eyes probing but there's that uneasiness again.
"I haven't been bitten. You can check me if you want though."
"I'm going to have to. It's the rules." Killua takes out his pistol and shoots the soldier who was bitten on the arm. The man was barely conscious. It was a quick death. He can tell who else got bitten right away, a soldier who's eyes are wide and scared, holding his hand that is bleeding. He opens his mouth to beg but Killua is quicker. He shoots him quick and then he's dead. No more pain. The last three he'll have to strip search. One of them is passed out, another has a broken leg, and another one looks like he just shut off.
Killua is a bit surprised when Gon starts to help him get the soldiers undressed. He didn't even have to ask. Gon is already on it, getting the unconscious guy undressed before moving onto the others who need the help. Killua looks down at the three bare men, looking for any cuts, any bites. There is nothing. Gon saved three men.
"They're clean. Gon, take off your uniform." Killua keeps his expression blank as he turns his attention on Gon. The young soldier doesn't' show any fear or concern about getting naked in front of the captain. He quickly takes off his uniform, it taking awhile for him to unbutton his buttons and getting his pants off. He keeps his boxers on which is fine. There shouldn't be anything there. Killua stares at Gon's face before his eyes look over his body.
Gon is in very good shape is the first thought that goes through Killua's mind. The young soldier has broad shoulders, a toned chest and chiseled abs. Gon has worked hard on his body that is for sure. Killua's eyes slide down lower, taking in the dip of his waist and the slight curve of his hip. His thighs are muscular and strong. Killua feels a bit warm looking at the other soldier. He's never seen someone so tan. Is it natural? Or is it from being out in the sun for too long-
"Do you see something?" Gon blinks as he looks down at himself only to look back up at Killua. The captain flushes, tensing slightly when he realizes he was just staring at Gon's body. He completely forgot why he was staring, he was just staring, taking it all in.
"Uh no. Turn around." Killua coughs into his hand, getting himself composed. Gon smiles and turns around. Damn his back is rippled but what has got him feeling kind of hot under his uniform is that ass. It looks so smooth and soft under Gon's boxers and Killua finds he has the strange urge to touch it. "A-Alright you're good. You can get dressed now."
"Yes! I beat the first test!" Gon cheers, jumping up and down, Killua finds that his eyes follow his junk through his boxers that is just bouncing. Killua looks up quickly and rubs his head.
"Don't just start hoping around! Get dressed." Killua orders.
"Got it captain." Gon salutes, giving a little wink and a chuckle. Killua's disturbed at his thoughts of Gon being cute. Killua turns his back to Gon as he gets dressed, hearing the doors on the other side open. Killua gets into a stance, arms behind his back, his face stone.
"Captain Killua, how did you make out this time?" A man walks in with his scarred face. Killua knows he's not in the chain of command but this guy takes all the information to his brother.
"Four soldiers have survived. One has a broken leg, the other seems broken but should be able to be aroused." Killua speaks motor toned watching as this man writes some things down.
"We'll get some men in here to get them and take them to the privates' area." The man looks over at the two soldiers who are in the beds. "How many rounds did you fire?" He speaks to the one with the broken leg.
"T-Ten."
"And you?"
The other soldier doesn't respond.
"I saw him fire once." Gon speaks up for him, Killua doesn't turn around to look at him but his ears picked up on his voice quick.
"How many rounds did you fire?"
"30. All my ammo." Gon says with this bright smile like that's something good. Killua's eyes widen, his expression changing.
That's bad. That's really bad. The less ammunition used the better. They're limited in this world and for his first test to use all of his ammo isn't going to look good for him. He can already see this other man's face scrunching up.
"It was bad out there sir." Killua cuts him off before he can say anything to Gon. He knew what he was about to say. He was going to kick him out of the military. He was going to make him leave.
"Bad enough to use that many bullets? How many did you use captain?" the man looks at Killua. The zoldcyk's face doesn't change.
"20 rounds." Killua lies. The man's eyes widen and he looks stunned.
"IT must have been hell out there for you to use that many captain!...alright. I'll let this slide. But next time, if it gets too bad, run like hell if you can. Of course we don't want to lose you captain. But the private can be sacrificed."
Killua nods his head. There's a twisting in his stomach though. They talk about Gon like he isn't right here. Gon doesn't say anything though.
"I'll get the others to get these rookies in. Good work captain." The man salutes him. Killua returns the gesture, watching him leave. Killua turns on Gon, glaring daggers, getting Gon to tense.
"30 round? Are you serious? What the hell were you doing out there?" Killua marches over, grabbing Gon by the ear and pulling. "Didn't they teach you anything before you came out here?"
"Ouch! Yeah I know we're not suppose to use a lot of bullets but people were dying! The zombies were ripping them a part and I couldn't just let that happen-"
"You let it happen. You can't save everyone. You could have gotten yourself kicked out just now! You were just talking about being a general weren't you?"
"Yeah but Killua you also used a lot of bullets." Gon points out.
"Idiot I didn't use all those bullets. I lied to cover your ass up." Killua growls, crossing his arms. "I only used six."
"Really?! That's amazing." Gon's eyes light up as he moves so he's in front of Killua. "You lied for me." Killua's chest feels tight when Gon smiles, those amber eyes soften. "Thank you Killua."
"Don't expect me to do it again." Killua grumbles. "Take care of yourself Gon. Worrying about others will just get you killed." Killua pushes pass Gon, walking towards the doors. "You wait with the others. They will get you cleaned up and explain what the next steps are-"
"Will I see you again?" Gon's voice sounds different. A bit quieter.
Killua stops walking. He licks his lips. They shouldn't see each other again. They might if they have a mission together or something but he's not sure if they will- Yet Killua finds himself nodding his head. Before he walks through those doors, his heart beating faster as as he can just picture Gon's face right now.
Bright and those lips ever smiling.
Third idea! So you guys let me know which story you want me to continue. I'll be looking at how many reviews and fav, and followers each story gets. If two stories are very close together, like a tie, I might end up writing two of these stories. It depends on how much love I get for a story. Thank you for your support! I'm going to be working on posting a chapter for Guard dog. While i'm doing that, i'll be watching the reviews for these three stories. You can also PM your choice in the story you want if you want to tell me that way
Till next time!