Title: Searching For Friends
Rating: M, for Mature
Disclaimer: I own nothing you recognize.
Summary: Everyone is gone…

-Nowhere Fast-

Rhoda led him outside into the streets and out of the ruined building, her sash waving gently behind her. The sky was absent of most sunlight, covered by the ominous gray-colored clouds that overtook it. Randy looked around, seeing a city that had been torn apart—buildings were on fire, the streets had been uplifted as if an earthquake had ruptured, people dressed only in rags were scrounging around for food—they're faces charred with dirt and grime. He noticed the dagger strapped to the back buckle of Rhoda's belt, the shiny metal glinting occasionally with her movement.

"What's the knife for…?" he asked curiously, trailing close behind her, making sure not to fall behind.

"Protection," she answered simply, continuing on her path.

"Protection from what?"

Rhoda paused suddenly, holding out her hand as a signal for him to do the same. Her hazel eyes performed a search of the area from left to right—wide with alertness. Something in her gut told her that they were being watched. "Stay alert," she advised him, beginning to move again. "We're probably not alone out here…"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Randy asked, now walking slightly backwards in order to watch his own back. Whatever she meant by that, he didn't like it one bit.

"Right now do as I say," she replied. "Ask questions later…"

It probably wouldn't be a good idea to argue with her, especially since she carried that dagger around, he thought, proceeding in following the redhead down to an alleyway just a bit further from where she had initially stopped. At any rate, Rhoda was his only guide in this new place… wherever he was at—it didn't matter. It was best not to say anything and just do as she told him.

"We're heading towards my hideout," she informed him as they moved through the alleyway. "There you can get you some food and clothing… you must be starving."

Randy could feel his stomach begin to growl slightly after she mentioned the word food. He hadn't thought about it since he'd woken up, his mind too occupied in confusion to think about it. He couldn't remember the last meal he'd had. "Thank you," he said appreciatively.

Rhoda nodded, pressing onward. Just as they were about to reach the end of the alley she halted again. "Stop," she whispered cautiously. Randy did as he was told, stopping immediately behind her, keeping an eye out on the territory. They both grew attentive at the faint sound of footsteps.

Rhoda quickly drew her weapon, holding it out in front of herself. "This could be trouble," she notified her companion. "Whatever happens, let me handle it—okay? Trust me on this one…"

The Legend Killer nodded quickly, still on guard. Both of them faced back to back, circling around each other, keeping a close eye on everything around them. The tension was growing thick, an overwhelming fear coming over Randy. Whatever was about to happen wasn't going to be pretty, he concluded, swallowing hard and breathing heavily.

Rhoda nudged him lightly, now aware of three shadowy figures advancing towards them from the end of the alleyway. Randy briskly turned in her direction, still staying closely behind.

The shaded forms kept making their advance and it was only until they were about three or four yards away that the redhead recognized their identities. She hurriedly dropped her weapon and held up her hands making a surrender. "Trust me," she whispered softly to him. "We're going nowhere fast…"

Final Notes: Ok, you won't find out what happend between Rhoda and Randy inside the building when she bgean reaching for her dagger until the next chapter. Sorry about that, change of plans. Alot more questions will be answered in the next chapter as well. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying it! :)

And of course, thanks to all of those who reviewed the last chapter. Kori, you're the best, always giving me feedback. I truly appreciate that. :)