The birds chirped and the wildflowers bloomed gaily alongside the path that two backpackers followed. A brook gurgled happily in the distance. It would have been a picture perfect morning, if not for the fact that the world had gained new, fearsome predators almost overnight that were quickly staking out their place at the top of the food chain.
The two backpack-clad people were used to being hunted, but never before had they come across a hunter whose prey rose to join the hunter after it was sated. The creatures were almost unstoppable, as they appeared to feel no pain and their blood seemed already clotted, so it was impossible to bleed them out. Quickly, the two had discovered that their best bet was to try and destroy the brain.
Kagome, the taller, raven haired backpacker held a wooden longbow in her hands, a quiver of arrows strapped to her right thigh in easy reach. She marched steadily along the path, a determined look in her blue eyes as she kept them trained on the foliage around them.
Shippou, who barely rose to Kagome's mid-thigh, had a kitchen knife wrapped in a bit of cloth to protect his skin and clothes from the blade tucked into a sash that wrapped around his waist. His nose and ears periodically twitched as he tried to use his superior senses to stay a step ahead of the new threat. "Mum," he began, quietly. "Where are we going, exactly?"
"We're going to try and find a place to hold up for a while, hopefully long enough to sort out what's happening and see whether the government is out there helping or if we're truly on our own."
"Ah," They walked about fifty yards further before the kit spoke again. "The trees seem to be thinning a bit, Mum. Maybe there are some houses ahead!"
"Alright, but keep an eye out for the deadheads and don't expect anything." Kagome smiled grimly. Thin trees meant better aim, but it also meant that they would be more likely to be spotted. A potential town in this strange new world was also a mixed blessing.
Oooooooooooo
When the two renegades reached the town, they were greeted with firearms. "Wait, don't shoot!" Kagome cried. "We're not dead!"
A weathered, stern-faced woman with wiry salt-and-pepper hair waved and the guns' aims were diverted slightly, but still readied for fire if need be. The woman stalked up to the two like a cat analyzing her prey. "Drop the bow, Dearie"
Her voice was hardly comforting, even with the grandmotherly nickname she had given the archer.
Kagome would rather not relinquish her most useful weapon to the townspeople, and she said so.
"It's only protocol, Dearie. We have to make sure that you won't be a danger to our people and we need to check you and the child for bites." The lady gave her a stern grimace.
"Fine." Kagome said shortly, gently placing her longbow on the grass beside her. When the salt-and-pepper woman moved to grab it, Kagome shifted so that she cut off her reach. "I may be convinced to place my weapon on the ground as a sign of peace, but I'm not stupid enough to allow you to take it from me in such dangerous times." She nodded at the townspeople who still had their firearms trained in her general direction. "Especially when you people don't seem so keen on returning the favor."
The woman nodded tersely. "Understandable, but if you make a move towards your weapon we will not hesitate to open fire.
"Right. My name is Kagome, what's yours?" She tried to start a conversation, holding out her hand in a standard American greeting.
"Samantha Graymoor," the woman pursed her lips and did not move to take the small Asian woman's hand.
Kagome let her hand drop. "So... How do I get off gunpoint?"
"Strip."
"What? I-" Apple, cherry, tomato, fire engine; Kagome's face went through all the shades.
"Do it. We can't let you and the little one in with any bite marks, Dearie." Graymoor grimaced.
Kagome and Shippou embarrassedly pulled off their layers until they stood in just their underclothing. "See, no bites."
"Good." Graymoor gestured to the gunmen and they lowered their weapons. "You can put your clothes back on. The boys don't need that much of a show, Dearie." Her grin was wide and fierce as she saw the blood rush back to the younger woman's face.
Ooooooooooo
Hey guys, an update! Aren't you happy? Know what makes me want to update, and makes me happy? REVIEWS! Even if it's just a 'Good Job' or 'Daaaang Girrrrl, please update!' it makes me feel like writing more. Sooo... if you want an update, review!
Do you guys like Graymoor? She's one tough cookie, but she's very loyal to those she deems worthy of it. I rather like the idea of a female leader that is overwhelmingly intimidating and has a cool head. Isn't she adorable!?
(And yes, Kagome and Shippou do sound a little British with their speech patterns ^^. I just didn't want to try to add cheesy Japanese words and I prefer 'love' and 'Mum' over 'honey' and 'Mom')
-Kohlii