No matter how caught off guard Jade was it didn't take her long to react to the threat. Quickly, she brought up her gun, aiming over the shoulder of the one person she never thought she would see again. She couldn't get a good shot.
"Get down!" she shouted. Her view was quickly cleared and she took down the shambling undead in one shot. She looked to the girl getting to her feet and couldn't help but let down her guard somewhat. Sun kissed skin and warm brown eyes. No sign of death or decay. She was alive and she was standing right in front of her.
"Jade," Tori addressed her, voice strained and tears in her eyes. Jade's own eyes became overrun with tears. Tori flung herself into Jade's arms and she held her close.
"You're alive," Jade muttered into her shoulder, squeezing her a bit tighter before letting her go. They held on to each other's arms, afraid to let go.
"I knew you would still be alive. I never doubted it," Tori responded. Her voice was slightly deeper, mature, and her appearance changed too. She had grown up in the time apart. She was still Tori, but there was something about her ragged clothes and forced smile that made Jade worry for her. Tori appraised Jade with pride when she took in the uniform, gear, and strong figure. She always figured Jade to be someone with authority and power.
"What are you doing here?" Jade asked, dropping her hands and arming herself once more, on the defense again.
"I came back here when my family…well, when I was on my own. I fell in with a group of people trying to make it to The Fortress. I'm the last one from that group as of yesterday," Tori explained. Jade's sympathetic expression lasted seconds before she nodded to the propped door.
"I'm here with my team. Stick with us and we'll get you to The Fortress. It's were we were deployed from," Jade told her, making sure she stayed close when she walked away.
"You…wow. You never fail to impress, West," she joked lightly.
"Of course not," Jade replied, smiling. Tori missed her smile. She missed everything about Jade. She missed her best friend and now she had her back. She made it. Their exchanged smiles dropped from their faces when a panicked scream reached them.
"Shit," Jade stated, grabbing Tori by the arm and taking off in the direction of the noise. They raced around the corner of an aisle just in time to see Ryder grab a zombie by the neck, wrenching its teeth off his arm and then squeezing until bones shattered in his grip. He dropped it and it fell to the floor, jaws still working but body no longer getting signals from the brain. With a sneer Ryder shot it in the head.
"Fucking bastard blindsided me," he explained when Jade moved to check on him. Before either could start worrying, Tori walked over.
"Don't worry. The virus starts out dormant. You'll be fine," she informed Ryder who looked at her with a mix of confusion and interest. Jade admonished him with a scowl, pulling out a roll of gauze to bandage his arm. She made sure to tighten it harder than necessary so that he was returning her glare instead of checking out Tori.
"Who is she?" he asked. Jade opened her mouth to answer when Tori cut in.
"Victoria Vega. I'm a close friend of Jade's," she introduced herself.
"She's your friend?" Ryder repeated, smirking at Jade who rolled her eyes.
"Long story short, we knew each other since we were kids. She moved away, the outbreak happened, and I haven't seen her until now," she clarified.
"Ryder Daniels at your service," he said, turning to Tori.
"Show off your muscles later. We have to find Robbie, Cat, and Beck," Jade told him pointedly, glaring at Tori when she laughed behind her hand at Jade's obvious protectiveness when it came to her.
"Right. Protocol and all that. You found a survivor. Lucky you," he said, winking at Tori before leading the way. Jade's fists tightened, only loosening when Tori's hand brushed hers.
"So how do you know about the virus? We were told you're infected as soon as you're bitten and will turn in a matter of days," he asked Tori.
"I'm guessing that's a scare tactic to keep you guys on your toes and eliminate anyone from coming back. I've witnessed too many get bitten. There was no immediate effect. They do leave an awful scar though," she answered.
"Sweet," Ryder approved, liking the idea of battle scars.
"Don't encourage him," Jade warned. Running footsteps on the hard floor alerted them to the rest of their team running toward them.
"Time to go," Robbie warned, skidding to a halt near them. A fourth person followed behind them.
"Andre!" Tori exclaimed, happy to see him. She hugged him.
"Hey, chica. Told you I would find you," he greeted.
"You scared me! I thought…" she mumbled, unable to continue.
"Nah, I'm alright. I got away unharmed just like I said I would," he reassured her.
"Uh, guys?" Cat whined, hopping from one foot to the other.
"It's great you found each other again but we have to get going, and fast. A pack of them found us," Beck informed them.
"Let's go," Jade agreed. They rushed from the store and into a building next to it, cutting through and out into a back alley. They climbed the rusty fire escape to the roof where they allowed themselves to catch their breath. Only then did they take the time to trade introductions.
"So I have you to thank for keeping Tori out of trouble?" Jade asked Andre, smiling when Tori tried to explain herself.
"Face it, Vega. You always get in trouble. You're a regular damsel in distress," she teased playfully, to the shock and awe of her team. They never saw Jade so loose and relaxed. Tori shoved her just as playfully.
"Oh, shut up, you," she scolded. Jade chuckled. It was so easy being with Tori. They were used to each other so it was natural falling back into their respective roles. Not even the potential end of the world could make them lose sight of what their friendship meant to them.
"Should we forge on or radio in and get these two back?" Beck questioned.
"We shouldn't risk their lives staying out here. Let's head back," Jade advised, already moving to leave.
"Of course you would vote in favor of keeping your little friend safe over having a bit more fun while we can," Ryder complained.
"Who was the one getting chewed on a moment ago? I don't regard that as fun," Jade snapped back at him. He rolled his eyes.
"Fine. But if I really wanted to I could keep going. It isn't that bad. And if your friend is right and nothing'll happen then I don't have anything to worry about," he reasoned.
"Except for attracting them like sharks. All they need is a sniff of fresh blood and they'll hunt us down," Robbie pointed out.
"Then bring 'em on," Ryder accepted, loading his gun.
"You're impressing no one. Come on, before shark bait over here gets us killed," Jade taunted, smirking devilishly when Ryder scoffed his annoyance. They retraced their route cautiously, keeping a look out for any large groups of zombies. They traveled down the middle of the street where it was open and they could see everything around them. Nothing could get them by surprise but it also meant they had nowhere to hide. They moved quickly with Andre and Tori in the middle since they lacked weapons.
"How the hell did you guys survive so long without a blunt weapon at the very least?" Beck inquired. Andre shrugged.
"We did, but we kept losing them when we had to make a quick get away," he replied.
"You're getting a gun as soon as possible," Jade said, looking at Tori.
"I don't know how to use a gun," she protested.
"Then I'll just have to teach you," Jade responded with a shrug. Tori groaned but complied, knowing she would feel safer with a more effective weapon. Even if it was an intimidating one. She never even held a gun before and her dad had been a cop. It was later in the day when they got back. The guards at the gate scanned them, stopping both Tori and Ryder when the scanner beeped.
"Hold it," the man stated, pushing them back.
"Sir, I don't mean to tell you how to do your job and I very much don't want to be kicked out when I just got here, but there are some things you should know about the virus. If you would just let me in I can explain," Tori said in her best amiable tone. Jade knew it as the same one that got the youngest Vega anything from anyone. The guard wasn't an exception. He radioed to the commander who allowed them passage straight to the building that housed the infirmary. The head doctor had a nurse properly patch up Ryder and took Tori aside. Robbie, Cat, Andre, and Beck were asked to wait outside so they decided to show Andre around and get him settled while they waited. Jade refused to leave Tori's side. Once they were in the privacy of a room Tori began to explain what she had witnessed. She was asked if she knew why or how but she didn't. She only knew from previous experience.
"I'll have to look into this," the doctor concluded, preoccupied. He left them to find their own way out.
"I'll take you back to the barracks. I want to talk to you without interruption," Jade said, taking her by the wrist and dragging her off as soon as they were outside. Tori let herself be dragged along without a fuss. It felt so normal, comforting even. Like things never changed and they weren't fighting for their lives. Jade directed Tori to her bed and she took a seat. Jade shed some of her gear and sat next to her at the end of the bed.
"You're hiding something," Jade stated, astute gaze ever searching. Tori smiled.
"It's just like you to catch that. I never could keep anything from you," she admitted.
"So spill. What aren't you telling me," Jade pressed. Tori glanced at her before standing. Jade watched her with curiosity and confusion in equal measure. Especially when Tori worked off her pants. She stepped out of them and rested her foot on the bed next to Jade, showing off a strange mark along the top and outside of her thigh.
"Is that…?" Jade questioned, reaching out to trace the bite.
"Yeah," Tori confirmed.
"That's really how you knew, wasn't it?" Jade asked next. Tori hesitated but nodded, dropping her leg to get back into her pants. She pulled them up while she watched Jade's face for a reaction. She looked thoughtful.
"You said it infects the body in a dormant state," she began.
"Yes," Tori affirmed.
"So, when does it become active?" Jade continued. Tori sat down next to her.
"I found this medical journal a while back. It came in handy when I was bitten, kinda curbing the panic that was setting in. It had notes from someone who was observing the virus. According to him it stays dormant until awakened by a food source," she explained. Jade didn't like where it was going but she listened without interruption.
"The food source being dead flesh," Tori finished.
"So…" Jade said, waiting for more.
"It awakens when the infected person dies. The chemicals it produces when it activates jump starts the brain and reanimates the body with only one goal," Tori elucidated.
"To feed," Jade answered.
"The virus works its way through the body, devouring the dead tissues. When it's supplied with more it feeds on that instead, preserving the body from decay by providing it with the chemicals it gives off. It even heals any damage. But it's a constant battle, which is why they're always hungry," Tori finished. Jade remained quiet, all manner of plans being set in motion to keep Tori safe. It was hard enough having to accept her death, but now, if Tori died she was sure to come back as a monster. A warm, soft hand on her own clasped ones stopped her from messing with the ring. She glanced down to see Tori's hand over hers. Her fingers traced the twisted silver helix before threading their fingers together.
"I can't lose you again, Tori. Definitely not like that. I don't know what I would do if you were one of those things," she admitted. Tori leaned into her, providing silent comfort with her presence.
"Don't think about that. I'm here now. We found each other. I won't ever leave your side," Tori vowed.
"Promise?" Jade prompted, meeting her eyes.
"I promise," Tori replied with a nod. Jade's smile was soft, relieved. They remained sitting there in silence, happily enjoying the company they provided each other. The calm silence was broken when Andre entered, knocking on the door to announce his presence. Tori looked up with a different kind of smile, one she reserved for being polite. Jade was the only one she smiled at in that special way. She would never admit to liking it.
"Hey, Andre. What's up?" Tori greeted him, releasing Jade's hand to stand. Jade got up too.
"Hey. Um, Jade, could I talk to you?" he responded to Tori before turning to Jade.
"Sure," she agreed, ready to listen. Andre looked a little frazzled and it concerned her.
"I figured you were the best choice to go to with this. Cat doesn't seem all there sometimes and Robbie seems like the type to freak out and blab to anyone. No offense," he explained. Jade waited as patiently as possible for him to go on. Tori could see her tolerance wane and brushed her hand. The result was almost instantaneous. Jade's small frown smoothed away.
"Anyway, I wanted to ask you how your relationship with Ryder and Beck is," he finally concluded.
"What?" Jade questioned, not at all expecting that.
"Well, I have this weird feeling about those two. I saw them talking to each other, whispering. I trust my gut, and right now it says something wonky is going on. I didn't get a good vibe from Ryder from the start but Beck seems chill enough. Yet, when they're together it changes things. They're planning something. I just know it," he said with certainty.
"You're making them sound like some kind of mad scientists. Believe me, neither of them is that smart. But really, what could they be planning? The best they could do is sneak out after curfew," Jade jested, unconcerned.
"You know, maybe we should just keep it in mind? I didn't get a good feeling from Ryder either," Tori spoke up, knowing her opinion mattered to Jade.
"You're right. I never really trusted Ryder. Beck is reluctant to let anyone be the leader so I find it hard to believe that he would follow something that blockhead thought up, but who knows? I'll just have to keep an eye on them then," Jade abided. Andre smiled and thanked her. Tori beamed at her. She was happy to ease Andre's suspicion but now a bit of her own snuck through her. If what Andre said was true then a portion of her team was up to something. She didn't like the sound of that. If they didn't come clean sometime soon then she would confront them. She couldn't let anything threaten the wellbeing of the people she cared for.