This was it. The moment we'd all been waiting for. The moment I worked hard for to accomplish. None of this felt realistic, or believable. Sometimes, it all but felt like an indistinct figment of my imagination. Had I dreamt this all up? Was this really happening? Would this destructive and horrifyingly dream-like world finally be restored?
It was an impossibility to judge. Who knew what the future held for us, for the rare special infected, or those who were sick. Was this disease completely reversible? Or had it all been a misleading coincidence?
I supposed we were due to find that out today as we awaited our flight. After I returned back to my anxious party, they were all but filled in with the details of what I'd seen earlier. Their expressions revealed signs of disgust, mixed in with dishonesty and distress, but I could detect a sliver of hope in their morbid expressions, an emotion that was reflected back upon me – that maybe this really was happening, that we'd finally received the affirmative from Tokarski. There was truly nothing to stop us this time. We could continue this fight for freedom and justice, and inevitably, the good of mankind.
Hours after a satisfying dinner, I received confirmation from Tokarski to allow everyone a glance at the weapons and the outfits before we ventured out. Surprisingly, and to my detriment, all the supplies had been transferred to another compartment of the institution. Either Tokarski had accepted my emotional plea in regards to the Special Infected Torture Chamber, or, he simply did not want the other 'incompetent and/ or disgraceful' survivors to know about the room, as he'd once called them. (And yes, he did specifically say that aloud!) Of course, my hardened, stony glare only caused an amused expression from Tokarski. I could never win with him.
Nevertheless, I was able to locate the section of the institution with the help of Angus and Dora, who, after several consistent and annoying pleas; they had dutifully disregarded their scientific work and ordered us to follow them. Once in our destination, they'd hastily left, mumbling and hissing unintelligible words of 'disruption' and 'work ethic', having then complained about their inaccurate and unfair employment wages for the 'work' they performed. I scolded them for their disrespect toward their leading Commander, to which I received several eye-brow raises and looks of idiocy from my compatriots.
Ignoring the rapid escape of the two doctors as well as the concerned expressions garnered from those around me, I led them through the sealed door in order to access the supplies and materials beyond them. Surprised gasps and audible whispers of excitement erupted around me as all of them followed their own direction toward their destined item of interest. Honestly, it was as if they were ten children having just entered an amusement park. Francis, Ellis and Coach, as well as our newbies, Daniel and Matthew, marvelled at the military uniforms, bestowing looks of respect and enthusiasm as they all found their accurate sizes and began to try them on. Nick merely scowled, his expression revealing disgust as he snorted, and hugged his white suit closer to his body. He turned to leave the rampant men and instead, ventured toward the weapons, joining in with Bill's awed and worshipful expression.
Louis admired the medical supplies before him, gradually picking up each pain pill container and reading the inscription, before laying it back along the table surface, only to grasp onto another in order to repeat the same process. It was amusing to watch, and I stifled a giggle as he turned to look at me. I turned away at the precise moment and caught Rochelle and Maia testing the pipe bombs and Molotov cocktails in one corner of the room. Their targets were shielded by a wall, as well as 20ft of extra floor space. Their joyous expressions were infectious and I stumbled over toward them, desiring to try one out for myself.
The night passed easily, and very much eventfully as each survivor picked out their own military uniform, each of us finding accurate sizes to match our bodies accordingly. As we attached our gas masks and communication systems, it dawned on me that only four of the twenty uniforms had a microphone chip inserted into the outfit. Although each of them had effective hearing devices, only four were definitely able to communicate orders to the other twenty. It was a concern, albeit small, but Bill managed to convince us this was only for the best.
"Can you imagine eleven of us shouting and swearing to each other through those mics? We'd just about drive each other crazy." He'd said, barking into the silence of the room. He shifted his beret tightly onto his head. "Best to split into teams, I say. Two mics to each team. No indistinct orders and no shouting. There'll be a hell of a lot more control. That's an effective strategy, god damn it!"
And damn it, it was. I don't know why I didn't think of it before, which is why I was always so thankful for Bill and his patriarchal and patriotic role in our party. Henceforth, we gathered our desired weapons, attached medical supplies and explosives to the holsters and pockets of our uniforms as well as grabbing a mighty handful of magazines for the journey ahead. I explained to the team about Tokarski's syringes to use for the rare infected, but honestly, I felt it violated his rights in having to knock him out. I couldn't agree with his orders. Some agreed with me, nodding their heads accordingly, others I noticed were hesitant, and I didn't doubt that they'd want him to be sedated.
Tokarski, fortunately for me, entered the room shortly after, and promised to transfer our materials to a closer destination before our flight, in return for us leaving this room. We did so obediently, and settled down in our tents, each anxiously awaiting the arrival of the next day. As excited and determined as I was, I couldn't help but feel a churning in my stomach… as if something wasn't quite right.
The eleven of us crowded into the administration office of the institution, which was the first room we'd ever entered on our first journey here. The stark, white walls felt claustrophobic, but being comfortably situated in our awesome uniforms eased my awkwardness. Hell, just by glancing at ourselves in the bathroom mirrors, we could easily admit, we looked fucking fantastic.
"This makes my butt look amazing!" Rochelle commented from next to me, turning herself around constantly just so she could take a peek at herself. I caught Francis looking too, for which I playfully slapped his arm. He smirked, having been caught, and promised mine looked a hell of a lot better. Damn right, it did.
"Mine too." Ellis flaunted his uniform and suggestively walked towards Nick, running a finger down the length of his arm teasingly. Nick flinched and shoved Ellis off him, rendering our group in a fit of laughter.
"Back off hick! Just because you thought you looked sexy in overalls, doesn't mean you are in that!" Ellis flushed from Nick's comment, but thankfully, didn't take it to heart. I knew Nick wasn't always the nicest person.
Ellis retreated back next to Rochelle and Maia, sending the both of them a sideways glance. "I still think I look purty darn sexy." Rochelle eyed Maia with a smirk as they both erupted into giggles. I didn't miss Maia's flushed cheeks, however.
Our group broke off into strategic planning for the journey ahead. It was decided that we needed two equal teams that complemented each party. Of course, with our unequal group of eleven, one team would outweigh the other in numbers, but by addressing elements of strength, stamina and weapon-handling, Bill was sure we'd effectively split the parties to ensure no fallouts or downfalls. As much as that would work, I addressed to the main party that familiarity within the group was also a strength. Knowing I had Francis with me, safe and unharmed, quenched the turmoil of anxious thoughts and distractions that I would experience if he were on the other team. Likewise with abilities, not to sound offensive, but how good were our newcomers in fight? I'd seen Ellis' team and knew a little of how they operated, but with such cloudy information, it could easily lead to our detriment.
I finally decided to keep Daniel, Matthew and Maia in the same team, but partnered with Ellis' group. That way, the three newcomers welcomed familiarity of having their old team together, but could collaborate with Ellis' team too. I figured they knew each other better than the four of us. After all, we'd only arrived short of a week ago, and hadn't gotten to know them very well.
"Tha' don' seem right, Zo. There are seven of us, an' four of y'all. Tha' ain't equal." Of course, even I realised that. But I couldn't bring myself to separate one of them from the opposite team. It would work out better if we stayed this way.
"We'll be fine." I peered over at my comrades gearing for battle, and smiled. We've always been able to take care of each other. There was no concern with that. "Just take care of yourselves."
Bill sidestepped away from our circle and came up from behind me, grabbing my arm to lead me away. We walked to the opposite side of the large room, knowing full well they couldn't hear us. He hushed me when I tried to speak. "I know in this circumstance that we'll be fine, Zoey." God, he could read me like a book. "But we could use an extra person with us," He had to hush me again by giving me a hard and stern stare. "Yes, I know it has the potential of threatening group civility, but we are going to need someone else with us. We need more safety, and precaution." His stare softened as he glanced at me with a frown on his face and grabbed a hold of my hand. "I can't let anything happen to you. You know that."
I sighed, trying to look anywhere but his eyes, because I knew he was right. I didn't want to admit that to him though. "Yeah, okay."
He flinched back, slightly surprised, and then gathered his determined expression again. He raised his hand and placed it on my shoulder, tightening his hold. "I'm proud of ya, kid. For everything you've done. You make a damn good leader." And with that, he patted my shoulder and idly walked back to the circle. I couldn't help but smile as I rejoined them.
"Well, it's decided! I'm officially a'par'of yer team, Zo! How awsum is that?" He giddily strode over towards me with his arms open, offering me a tight hug as thanks.
I was slightly hesitant to return it, only because I hadn't decided on this. "Ellis? What are you talking about?" I was sure he could hear the uncertainty in my voice, but it didn't bother him at all.
"Yeah, boy? Why ain't chu stickin' with us, for?" Coach stood from his perch and walked over to us slowly, his large frame thudding along the linoleum. It looks like Ellis hadn't alerted his team to this call.
Ellis gave Coach a sideways glance and motioned his hand out towards the man. "Now relax, Coach. Ev'rythin' will be fine!" He then turned to meet my confused gaze, but he only smiled back excitedly. "Okay, so, y'know how ya said tuh stay in familiar teams an' all? I realised I'm purty close wit chu guys an' y'all know me well enough tuh be apart of your team. An' hell, ya guys need the numbers too, y'know? It works out gewd fer ev'ryone if we stick tuhgether!"
"Okay, I got that. But you should probably talk this through with your team, El. I'd hate to feel like I'm separating you guys." I voiced the truth, truly concerned that Coach, Rochelle, and hell, even Nick wouldn't want Ellis to be split from them. I wouldn't wish that for Bill, Francis or Louis. This was a tough call to decide.
Luckily Tokarski showed up then, interrupting any issues we were currently voicing and confronting. They would have to wait for the boat ride to Riverside… Riverside… I couldn't believe I was going back. Back to my hometown, again. That was what scared me the most.
"You're late." Francis spoke from next to me, and I was shocked he'd voiced that toward the Commander. I elbowed him roughly, trying to evade his attention from the military leader. He met my eyes grudgingly as he took in my appalled expression.
Tokarski sneered at Francis, opening the main door that led outside. "You're simply early." Without another word, Tokarski walked out, followed by his henchmen Ivanov and a nervous-looking Eric. I realised I could hear the helicopter's rotors beyond the doors, and simultaneously, feelings of anticipation and dread filled me. Under all this leadership pressure, I just wanted to run away.
But Bill caught my eyes, his expression never faltering as he studied me earnestly, almost encouraging me to follow after them. I gulped, hands twitching for pistols along the side of my waist, and nodded my thanks to him. "Let's go everyone." I lead the way first through the double doors, granting us entry into the outlands of the institution, and into the startling vision of the blinding sunlight. My thoughts returned to the Infected Torture Chamber (as I liked to call it) and the churning in my abdomen only increased as feelings of trepidation uneasily swirled within me.
I tried to hide my apprehension and blindly trekked toward Tokarski and his soldiers. They stood tall, and imposing, but I couldn't let further feelings of intimidation surprise me. Tokarski noticed my presence and gave me all his attention. "The second helicopter will be here in a moment. I hope you have discussed the conditions of your team arrangements." He eyed me speculatively.
I nodded and turned to catch someone's gaze from next to me. But as I turned around, I saw everyone was much further away. No one had followed me, not even Francis. That unnerved me, quite a bit. I turned back around and bit my lip. "Yeah. We got that under control." My voice shook slightly, but I hoped he didn't pick up on it.
His expression hardened and he frowned down at me, his dark eyes were like smouldering shards of stone. "That doesn't sound convincing. What's wrong? Are you having second thoughts?" his voice sounded the same as always – cocky and calculating.
"No." I said a little too quickly. "Everything is fine. As soon as the chopper is here I'd like to get going as soon as possible." I took in a deep breath and stood tall, folding my arms over my chest, shielding the negative energy I had gathered from him. This was going to be a long moment. Without intellect, I turned around and motioned for everyone to shift closer. They provided me with strength and resolve, and I desperately needed their guidance next to me right now.
Tokarski led me forward, separating me from my group a second time. I didn't know why he did this for. Whether he believed I had more potential, or just wanted to speak with me privately, I had no clue. I guessed it was the latter, the former sounded… well, down-right wrong. "I wish you luck on your journey." He spoke with authority, but I could detect his underlying desire to have us all return safely. "Return this infected man safely." Okay, well, I guess the infected man was more important. "After all, we need him, don't we?" He raised an eyebrow, and I nodded blatantly at his question. "You have grown into a determined soldier. I can see it in you. You will do well, Zoey." He smiled. The talking Hulk actually smiled. It vanished almost as soon as he'd done it, but I knew I saw it. I couldn't help but smile back.
"Don't worry about any of us. We'll be back in a few days, tops."
The boathouse from Riverside peaked from the immense stretch of the water below us. Despite the abyss that flowed for miles around us, I could detect the lighting from the boathouse we'd evacuated from almost a week ago. And unsurprisingly, nothing had changed. The closer we approached the more bodies we noticed. Those floating on the tips of the water, others strewn and thrown about violently as if they were rag dolls.
And the blood. With only about a kilometre to go, the blood spurted along the walls of the house, and the field beyond was incomprehensible. It's funny how blood goes unnoticed while travelling. Almost peculiar. It almost made me sick.
I hastily looked away from the dock and instead focused on those around me. Everyone applied their helmets around themselves protectively, and I clasped onto my AK-47 with a strong hold. This was our time to shine again. We'd each taken several medical supplies, as well as explosives to ensure we travelled through Riverside with a powerful force. We looked unbeatable!
"Guys, do you mind if we check the communication wiring?" I asked, fidgeting with my microphone. I was certain everyone had heard me, as they all reached up toward their left ear to balance out the static from my voice.
"All's good, Zoey!" Louis perked from opposite me. Everyone nodded silently, somewhat excited. I could sense the anticipation of every one of our members. It was contagious, and I felt myself tingle with excitement at what awaited us. It was almost as if I couldn't wait to go out and slaughter some zombies.
"Y'all ready for this?" I heard Coach's voice over the speakers in my helmet, and nodded enthusiastically as we ventured closer to our destination.
"I'm sorta nervous." Maia spoke from her mic, and I turned my gaze towards her, as did the other nine people in the boat who exchanged nervous glances. "Don't get me wrong! This is going to be awesome! I just can't help but feel a little anxious about it all." She was unconsciously tapping her boot against the floor of the boat, something people did as a habit. Personally, I found it kind of annoying.
"You'll be fine, kid." Bill spoke from the fourth and final-working mic. "We'll all be fine. As long as you stick together and work in an effective team, we'll be good to go in a few days." Hearing Bill's voice comforted me. I glanced his way and smiled, trying to draw strength from his steely expression. If he could do it, after experiencing the horror of war, and the decades of smoking cigarettes, especially considering he wasn't getting any younger, then I could easily do it too. I was young and fit, sturdy and impenetrable. I can do this with ease.
Amanda, John's wife, came out from the front of the boat then, and did a double take at our appearances. Clearly we looked completely and utterly amazing in these military uniforms, as it was her second time that her bright blue eyes shined as she took in our party. She was a nice woman, and her sense of humour sadly reminded me of my mother. Amanda's dark red locks bounced as she stepped up to join us. Her voice was soft as she spoke. "John thinks you'll be ashore in a few minutes. But he says he wants to talk about something before you leave."
Bill stepped up in his honorary role and smiled at her warmly. "Thank you Amanda. We're thankful for everything you and John have sacrificed for us." Amanda was slightly shaken by Bill's comment, but she warmed up to him instantly and went to shake his hand. They exchanged a few more words before she ventured back inside with John.
"Looks like this is it, kids. We'll be back out fighting for our lives, as well as a special someone's before you know it." Bill still stood, idly watching the abyss of the sea disappear behind us, his arms placed dutifully on his hips, back tall, chin forward. He looked like a fucking military beast. I wish I could look like that…
John approached from the head of the boat and signalled for Bill's attention. Realising it was a serious matter, I jumped up and followed Bill as I took my place by his side, his second in command. I was going to do a damn good job at showing Bill my oath and authority to him. After all, I believed he earned it respectfully.
John scratched his stubble as he placed one arm on his hip and tried to avoid our contact by looking at the boathouse – only feet from the dock. "Look, uh, I don't know how long you guys are going to be out here for… but Amanda and I can't simply wait here idly all alone. I'm sorry."
Bill held up his hand vertically, signalling for John's silence. "That's perfectly fine. We don't expect you to do such a thing. We shouldn't be more than a few days, a week at most. I expect the radio inside the boathouse to work finely enough. We can contact you through the radio a second time."
John relaxed slightly, his posture loosening as he finally returned our glances. "I know it's a hassle, but there's nothing much else we can do. We'll wait for the signal; I promise you, you'll have nothing to worry about." John clamped his hand in Bill's, signalling some sort of agreement.
I hoped Bill wouldn't scold me for asking a question, but I had to know the inevitable. "How long will it take for you to reach us?" I asked it honestly, and in return, I wanted an honest answer. The last time we'd been evacuated it seemed like fifteen minutes of hell had flown by before he showed up. And it was perfectly good timing too.
John rubbed his stubble again, thoughts clearly elsewhere but here. "To be honest, I'm not sure exactly. If I had a speedboat, I could easily say less than ten minutes. But with this baby," He gestured toward his ship and thumped his hand down on the steel railing, "it takes her a while to manoeuvre through the water, because of her weight and engine." He took a deep breath, counting the minutes in his head. "Fifteen minutes tops. I promise you we'll be here within that time frame. There's no other way around it. I'm sorry."
Bill and I exchanged a look of silent agreement. "Thank you for your hospitality. I'm sorry we can't offer you anything in return for all this." John smiled slightly at Bill's words and shook both our hands. He wished us luck on our journey as we all spilled out of the boat and equipped our guns.
I felt the cool and smooth texture of the AK-47 in my hands, wielding absolute power and control. Courage instantly filled me as we ventured out passed the boathouse, along the way we once came, through the woods of the campsite. Our group was immense in numbers and strength, and nothing could stop us. Common infected bellowed one instant and screeched in silence the next. Smokers and Hunters were easily eradicated, as we voiced everything we heard, alerting everyone once we heard the growl of a Hunter nearby.
We reached the wide expanse of the field, and instantly the sound of deeply voiced moans filled the air. The atmosphere went cold around us, as we realised she was still alive. The Witch was still here – alive – right now. This wasn't good. I hoped she was still inside the shed by the entrance of the national park and we wouldn't have to face her. I couldn't have any lives lost during this search.
"She's alive." I whispered into the mic, alerting the comrades around me, but mostly in reference to my group of four. "Guys, she's still fucking here."
Francis cocked his combat shotgun violently. "That brat is still fucking here? Still crying? I'll give her something to cry about, god damn it!" Despite the fact that he had no mic, I could easily hear him underneath his helmet. He thudded towards the shed and blindly opened the door in a rage. I screamed after him, trying to pull his massive form away from her.
But there was no scream. No shout of defiance. No impenetrable anger.
She wasn't there.
"Guys." It was Maia's voice. I rapidly turned to gaze at her, and followed her glance toward the northern end of the field. I was met with a sobbing figure in the darkness, her body dragging up and down, stifled by cries of desperation and lonesomeness. And best of yet, she was right outside the entrance that we needed to pass.
"Damn, son of a bitch!" Nick shouted before he kicked at a rock along the grass.
"Well how are we supposed to pass now?" Matthew shouted from underneath his helmet.
"I can't believe she actually moved." Louis spoke up next.
"I'm sure we'll find another way. There's always another way." Rochelle quirked, shifting her assault rifle over her shoulder.
"Cut out the yapping! I can still hear everyone without mics." Bill grumbled, slightly limping closer towards the Witch. "We don't even need no god damn mics cause I can hear all your pointless squabbling anyway." He was pissed off, but I knew it was only at our current situation. He didn't mean to act this way towards everyone.
Our group shifted upward and followed Bill, standing closer behind him, all quiet and waiting for his response on the plan of action. He thought for a while, even taking a cigarette from one of his holsters to light it. He drew in a breath and turned to face us expectantly. "We'll set her on fire. Someone's just gonna have to run their lungs out."
"Are you seriously thinking of startling her? Don't you realise someone could end up killed?" Maia spoke harshly, and almost dropped her weapon in mild disbelief. Anger radiated from her but Bill didn't flinch in the slightest.
He watched her, their eyesight never leaving the other. "Do you have any other ideas, Maia?" He spoke sincerely, but to those who knew him well enough, he was definitely challenging her. No one argued with Bill's orders, even if they were stupid, or sacrificial. There was never a negative response.
"I'm a'right with Bill's idea. Heck, I'll even do it maself!" Ellis clutched his military rifle and secured it around his back. He grabbed at a Molotov by his holster belt and a lighter from his chest pad before lighting the Molotov alight.
Shock replaced the neutral expression I once wore. "Ellis! What the hell do you think you're doing?" I shouted at him, and tried to grab at the Molotov in his hand in order to extinguish the flames. There was no way in hell I was going to let anyone risk their life! We'd just have to find another way!
"Don' worry none, Zo! I gotcha covered." And with that said, he sprinted towards the Witch and hurled the Molotov directly at her. "Take that, you son uv'a bitch!" Ellis laughed outright and before any of us made sense of the situation, he was sprinting for the southern entrance of the national park, the way we'd just come.
By God, he was fast. "Damn it Ellis!" I ignored the heightened screams of the Witch, and bounded after her, pushing my legs faster as I tried to keep up with her stride, knowing all too well that she'd direct me right to him. My breath came out in rapid gasps, and I have to admit, not fighting for our lives had taken its toll on my physical endurance. I'd have to keep that in mind next time I'm ever holed up in an evac station.
Forcing my legs faster, I unloaded as many bullets as I could into the back of her scorching skin. She was blistering harshly, and her screams became more wild and frenzied. It was that moment that she realised she was going to die. And that's when she turned on me.
My breath caught against my chest as I watched her quivering form turn back towards me. She'd stopped running; the pain in her legs seemed to sharpen the ache of her muscles. Watching her legs as thin as sticks tremble as she rounded the spot at a 180° angle unnerved the living shit out of me. Honestly, it was the scariest thing I'd ever seen. And that's why, as I stood there motionlessly, I couldn't find the strength within myself to shift my legs an inch. I couldn't force myself to look away from her piercing, blood-shot gaze.
She padded closer on her tiny feet, knowing her meal was awaiting her razor sharp claws. She knew she was going to get something out of me, before she died mercilessly on the grass below her. I just had to move… just a muscle, or a nerve. Just something to get me out of here! But those eyes…
A piercingly shrill gunshot exploded around the campsite as the bullet connected with the forehead of the Witch. Dark blood oozed from the wound and tricked down the line of her nose, passed the groove of her lips and landed on the grass underneath her shuddering form. She hissed her jagged teeth at me, and lunged for a final bite. I didn't see as she fell motionless to the floor as strong arms snaked around my waist and pulled me away from her penetrating gaze.
I puffed harshly against those arms, and found myself quivering in his arms, unable to tear myself away from her sickly pale form. "Nice shot." I breathed.
"Zoey? Is everything okay? Hurry up… and come back safely." I heard Bill's voice penetrate the speakers in my uniform. But I didn't respond to him, instead, a light laugh tugged on my thoughts.
He chuckled from behind me, his chest pounding against my back. His hands moved along the circumference of my waist, along the length of my back, before they were removed completely from my skin. "C'mon now, Zo. Let's git goin' back." He placed his arm around the back of my neck and gently guided me back towards the large group. Before he reached the throng, however, he spoke again. "I gotta admit, you were purty fast tuh keep up like that. But thanks a bunch fer comin' after me." He lightly nudged my shoulder, and I smiled my thanks in return for his perfect gunshot. His arm left my back as we neared closer.
"Glad to see you kids are okay." Bill lightly trumped over to us and landed a hand on each of our shoulders. "But we gotta get going. We've had to fight against a large horde without you both. We need to get a move on." He directed a look towards me, and I nodded in response. We didn't have long to find my rare infected friend.
We headed off then, and split off from our teams. My group took the left of the northern entrance, backtracking through the streets in the neighbourhood. Coach's group was going to take the right, plundering through the main streets of Riverside to meet us back near the church. We bid each other farewell, with respectful prayers of luck and safety for the other.
"Feels kinda weird without Coach, Ro and Nick." Ellis lightly commented, as we grabbed at extra magazines from the abandoned house, before venturing back out along the road.
"Sorry Ellis. I really didn't want to separate you from them." As we talked, I aimed my AK-47 and shot through several heads and chests of the infected littering the street. It was easy to get lost while doing this, and shockingly, it was somewhat relaxing.
Ellis lifted his sight from his scope, and threw his rifle over his shoulder. I watched him do it, and hell; it looked so professional and badass! I had watched Rochelle do it earlier and it only ignited a desire for me to do it. Hell, I wasn't going to let this opportunity pass me by. I promised myself I'd do it at least a few times before we left for evac again. "Naw, I ain't complainin' none. I like bein' wit chu guys. It's all sorta diff'rnt but loads'a fun at the same time! This sorta reminds me of tha time when Keith and I found this alligator down near the waterin' hole and –"
Francis moaned in annoyance. "Ellis. Shut it." He moved ahead, opening the entrance to the safe room and plunged himself along the floor, sinking into a comfortable position despite the hard wall behind him.
I gave Ellis an apologetic smile before joining Francis and Bill on the floor. Louis and Ellis joined us afterward. Everyone was slightly puffed from the events of the day, and it was easy for some of us to find sleep at a time like this.
Francis moved his arm around me pulled me closer to his large frame. I found immediate warmth and took comfort in being held in his arms like this. Being separated during sleep times at the evac station had been torturous for me without having Francis by my side. I was glad that now, he was all mine.
Only a few thoughts continued to flutter through my mind as sleep came and went. Soon enough, all four men were snoring soundly as I was kept awake amidst it all. But even my thoughts exhausted me as I thought about the rare infected man. It'd been at least a week since I'd seen him and I worried about his whereabouts, hoping and pleading that he'd still be situated somewhere here in Riverside. If he wasn't, we were doomed, and my plan would all be for nothing.
The nervous churning in my stomach died down once I realised we'd achieved a successful day without losing or seriously injuring a life. I hoped it would stay that way for the remainder of our time here, and that we could safely transport my infected friend to his shelter.
But, we'd have to find him first. And I knew just where I wanted to look.
A/N: I have to admit, I love writing in Ellis' dialect. It's so fun!
I also must admit, it's freaking hard having to write about eleven characters all at once. I'd rather have a smaller group with all of them talking instead of a large group, and finding little snippets for someone to say something. I feel like I'm not making sense right now :/ but owell!
I recently played L4D2 with my friend The Shining Freak and I watched him do the final map of the Passing. It was hella fun to watch him play as one minute he'd have been taken away by a Jockey, someone else was being charged, and another was avoiding Spitter acid, and darn I couldn't stop laughing. But once I joined, we kicked zombie butt and hauled ass to Jimmy Gibbs!
On a finishing note; Nick ftw!