A young girl trudges through the woods, grumbling and complaining as a branch hits her face, making her hiss in pain. The dirt from it stings as it enters her eyes. Her filth stained skin looks even worse as her own blood trickles down her face from the scratch that's just been created. She can't imagine what she must look like.
The thirteen-year old lazily wipes
a bead of sweat from her brow with one hand, careful not to touch her bleeding scratch. The other hand holds an old rusty knife; It's color matches her hand now, a gray-red as it's caked with dried, crusted zombie blood. She found it not too long ago and has yet to put it away. She'd rather not use what's left of her bullets unless necessary, which is exactly why her pistol is strapped nice and snug on her hip.
Pushing those thoughts away she continues on, until she hears a groan-a human one-from behind her. She turns and looks at the older boy she's been traveling with these past three days. His face is scrunched up in pain. His hand is gripping the wound on his shoulder, while the blood soaked bandages do little to hide what's underneath.
"It's getting worse," He groans, but the girl ignores him.
"Shut up. You'll be fine," She spats, since she knows showing sympathy will only make it worse, because of what he'll say.
"So you keep saying," He mutters, and the girl refuses to meet his gaze. She can't look him in the eyes, or else she'll start to doubt the words that just came out of her mouth.
"It's only a day's walk 'till we get to the base. Less than that if we can run."
It was a stupid thing to say. Even the thought of her friend running is laughable. With the fever that keeps coming and going, he can barely shuffle along, barely keep at a pace to stay out of the clutches of the undead. Running would be impossible.
"I'll be gone within a day," The boy says, but the girl continues walking.
"You know it. You know I'm right."
"Come on. You're wasting time," She responds, trying to stop the nagging in her head that repeats over and over again.
"You can't save me-"
"I said, 'shut up', Wes!" The girl screams, twirling on her heel to face him. Her brows knit together in a glare as blinks away tears and tries to regain her composure. "You're-you're going to be fine."
"It's infected," Wes deadpans, but the girl doesn't say a word. Instead she turns back towards the way of the bad and starts walking again.
"Runner Forty-three," He calls.
She stays silent.
"Runner Forty-three."
Nothing.
Wes sighs, and the girl pauses mid step when she hears her name leave his lips in a broken plea. Runner Forty-three, closing her eyes, shakily lets out a breath as she turns to face him. She knows what he's silently asking-begging-her to do. Why he would ask such a thing from her is a mystery. It kills her to even think about it.
"I can't," She nearly sobs, but after a year of seeing death after death she's learned how to keep her voice somewhat steady.
Wes looks at her pleadingly, his eyes shining, but not with happiness. His voice is a desperate sound as the wound begins to bleed again, blood soaking through the crappy bandages and running down his arm. "Please."
A sob escapes from her mouth before she has time to stop it, and for the first time since this God-forsaken mission started she's glad her coms went out. "I don't want to."
He says her name again, which makes her heart clench, even more so as he keeps talking. "I'm dying."
"But-"
"There is no buts," He interrupts, his voice cold, but not stern. He's trying to sound that way, but he can't find it in him-not this time. "You have to. I'm just slowing you down. It's best if we just do this now and-"
"It's not fair!" She screams, finally losing her temper. Runner Forty-three curses as she feels the wet trail of salty tears run down her face. "Don't you remember our promise? The one we made when all this started?"
That promise seems like a dull dream now. Like a fairytale. Something for children, and she's not a child anymore. Well, she isn't considered one, not in this day and age.
"You said... you said that'd we'd grow up, and after some hero saves the world from whatever hell this is we'd get married... and have seven kids, and a dog," A laugh escapes her lips as bile rises in her throat, "named George."
Wesley laughs at this too. Laughs at the little joke they made up together-the silly fantasy that kept them going... kept them running. The little fantasy that kept them both alive...
Until now.
"I know," He breathes, giving her a sad apologetic smile.
"Do I... do we really have to do this?" She asks. "Are you sure we can't-"
He says her name in a warning tone, but his voice... he seems so tired. He sounds so much older than he really is, and it hurts. It hurts that they're so young and have to make this decision. It hurts almost too much to describe.
The girl pulls out her pistol, heart hammering in her chest. It resembles the sound of a beating drum, but it's not calming. It pounds in her ears, and rattles against her skull. Tears blur her vision but she's quick to blink them away. Her hand shakes as she aims for his head. Quick and easy. That's what she tells herself, although she knows this will be neither of the two.
"I don't wanna do this," She states, as if it's not the most obvious thing ever.
"I know," Wes replies, his eyes starting to tear up as well. "That's why I'm so thankful for you doing it."
She hates him. She hates him for making her do this. She chokes down a sob.
"I love you, Wes."
Wesley gives her a loving smile as he looks into her eyes.
"I love you too, C-"
BANG!
•
My eyes snap open, but I don't move from my place.
I'm not covered in sweat. I'm not breathing heavily. I'm nowhere near close to tears. Looking at me you'd have no idea what I just dreamt.
It's getting better.
Not the nightmares, but my skill at hiding the fact that I had them.
I grunt as I push myself up into a sitting position, my muscles aching and sore from yesterday's run. I stretch out a bit before rubbing the sleep out of my eyes; They sting slightly as I wish to close them again and return to the slumber I was in a few moments ago. I would call it peaceful but that would be a lie, seeing the dream my brain decided to oh-so-kindly give me.
I push myself to my feet, reminding myself of the run I have this morning in attempts to keep my nightmares out of my consciousness and out of my mind. Getting dressed is mechanical-routine. The same thing I've been doing. It's one of the things that's stayed the same all this time. I always get ready the same way. Clothes, hair, teeth, shoes. It's normal; It's one of the few things I do that still is like my old life.
I leave my tent quickly. The sun's just now rising, and I blink as my eyes are still getting used to the light. It won't take long to eat breakfast and get ready for my run. Normal I'd skip out on eating canned peaches mixed with the pale concoction they call porridge, but a child's life is at stake, so I'm going to take as much energy as I can get.
My steps are slow and lazy, since my legs are still waking up. With the sun just now making it's appearance very few people are awake, except for those morning people that I'm nearly positive are not human. But they pay no attention to me, and I do the same to them.
As I'm finally starting to come to my senses, I take a seat at an empty table near the outside kitchen. I send out a silent prayer that today's mission will go well, and that I'll be able to find out who shot down my helo so I can go... back to Mullins.
None of these places are my home. I tell myself. Home died the second Wes did.
The second my voice did.
•
"Raise the gates!" I adjust my headset as I hear the murmur of some nearby people and the blaring noise signing the opening of the gates. "Runner Five, ready... gates are open, covering fire, and... go."
My feet start hitting the ground repeatedly, creating a steady rhythm. A hand grips the hand on my backpack for a brief second out of habit before returning to my rhythm.
"We've had that report confirmed, Runner Five," Sam speaks, his voice falling in with the steady tap, tap, tap of my steps. "There's a kid wandering in No Man's land. You're headed right for it. Sometimes happens that way, you know? Zom attacks, parent fights it off, gets bit, kills the zom, then abandons the kid and runs as far away as possible so they won't eat it when they turn."
A shiver runs up my spine and I hear Sam shudder through the headset. "Kid zoms are the worst though, aren't they? Sometimes in these scenarios the kid's been bitten too. Watch yourself," he warns, "but in this case, we think not.
"We've been monitoring for a few hours and kids usually turn faster than adults. Faster metabolism-everything works faster. I saw a kid once went zom in under five minutes, parents watching." He pauses for a moment, and I cringe at the thought of the parents and how painful that must've been to watch.
"So, hey, Runner Five," Sam says a beat later, sounding eager to change the subject, "you've already made quite the name for yourself 'round here, especially after luring those zoms from here to New Canton.
"We didn't expect to get a new runner so soon. Well, I knew someone would be coming in on the supply copter from the military base up north, but all they told me was that all we'd be getting was some more med kits, extra shelter, someone who knew how to put them up," He explains, his voice dragging slightly. "Guess you were supposed to chopper in, show us how to build the shelters, chopper out, right?"
Ugh... not exactly.
"Guess your guys don't want to send another chopper for you soon," He laughs lightly, and I give a questioning look that he can't see. Why would that be humorous to him?
Maybe he might be happy I'm staying?... He'd probably be the only one, besides Milo and Willis.
"With what happened to the first one, eh? Bummer..." His voice trails off for a moment. "We're still nowhere nearer figuring out what happened there. Didn't come from New Canton; Didn't come from us, obviously."
I roll my eyes at his laughter. Obviously.
"Uh, didn't come from the city. No one there except for the undead anyway and the day they start to use rocket launchers we'll all be in trouble. Seems like it might've come from the wilderness... kinda where you're headed today." He seems a bit hesitant in saying that last part, and I push the uneasiness that's beginning to settle in my stomach away. There's no time for such thoughts.
Apparently Sam thinks the same thing because he's quick to start up conversations. "Anyway, you're doing great. Yeah, nice, steady pace. All clear on the scanner ahead. Just keep going."
I keep going as normal, smiling slightly when I hear an upbeat tune play through my headset. One of the things I like about music is the fact it can make this feel like one of those runs normal people would do before the apocalypse to be healthy, but it didn't distract you enough to end up with you getting bitten. At least, it's never happened to anyone I know, not that I know that many people personally but...
I shrug it off as I slow down to pick up a sports bra that catches my eye. It's looks to be in good condition, and with the amount of female runners in Abel this could be something of use. And like Sam said, I'm making a name for myself, which means people aren't going to leave me alone for a while (at least until the new wears off) so I might as well keep this for the heck of it.
I hear a loud cry in the distance, which makes me snap my gaze into the direction it's coming from. The loud wails coming from what I think is a child in the far off distance surprises me beyond belief.
With the kid screaming like that it's a wonder it hasn't got a swarm following after it.
"Alright, you're getting close to the kid now," Sam mutters, "I know the Major's always saying we haven't got enough space back at the base and every person has to pull their own weight and taking newcomers is how New Canton got into the situation they're in now but still... I'm glad everyone's on board with not letting children die from exposure. Basic ground rules of human society, you know?
"Hey, c-can you see that? There's some movement on the scanner. You should be able to see the kid any second now. I think they're heading towards you."
The little speck I saw from a distance is becoming more distinct, and the wailing has definitely become louder. I notice this more now since Sam is no longer talking. But also with the persistent cries I hear a hum come through my headset. It sounds somewhat loud, but muffled a bit.
I tap the little mic part of the headset, thinking it might be it causing the odd hum...
Wait, that's not coming from my headset.
The realization hits me a second before Sam starts talking again.
"What's that?" He groans in what sounds like annoyance. "Someone else incoming. Looks like they're coming in from behind you, heading for the kid too." His voice is beginning to take on more of a panicked note. "If you don't hurry they'll get there before you do. Run!"
My steady pace turns erratic as my feet pound into the ground. I grit my teeth as I hear the hum of what I now recognize as a motorbike's engine.
That is so unfair.
If I keep myself running like this I'll probably tire out quickly since I'm outright sprinting to get to the kid, who I can see looks like a two or three-year-old girl. I can only sprint at full speed for about two minutes if I remember correctly from my last speed test at Mullins.
So as long as Mr. Motorbike doesn't speed up I'm in the clear.
The closer I get to the girl, the louder her screams become. If she gets any louder I will be deaf by the end of this mission.
"Go back where you came from!" The man yells from behind me. His voice is hard and demanding. "Give the kid to me."
"Okay, okay," Sam pipes up, making me feel a bit better at hearing his voice. "I don't know what that guy wants and he's practically on top of you but you're still ahead." He takes in a shaky breath, which almost match my ragged ones. "Just-just put on a burst of speed now and you'll find that kid and then you'll grab it and-and... w-well-well just keep running. I'll think of something."
If this were any other time I would have smiled at Sam's rambles or the fact that he keeps calling the toddler 'it'. But I'm already sprinting, my short legs carrying me as well as I can.
But still with a gulp of air and whatever adrenaline is pumping through my veins I push myself just to go a little bit faster.
I don't speed up by much, but it's just enough to grab the crying girl, who sputters a bit as I encase her in my arms, only to go right back to screaming; This time it's in my ear.
How is this child's throat not raw?
"Put down the child now. Leave her for me."
"Uh, yeah, keep running," Sam instructs, to which I can't help but agree with that choice.
Zombies aren't the only thing to be worried about out here. There are all kinds of wackos and lunatics out here, even more so now since it's the apocalypse.
The man rides up beside me on his bike, racing in front of me before coming to a stop, bringing myself to a stand still as well. My breathing is labored as I hug the crying toddler closer to me.
"Put that child down!" He demands, then he looks at the kid in my arms. "Molly. Molly, it's okay. Daddy's here. Don't worry, Molly. I'm gonna take you home." His gaze hardens as it snaps to me face. "Give her to me."
I wait for Sam's instructions, because truthfully I still don't trust the guy. People will say all kinds of things to get what they want.
But this is a lot of trouble to go through just to get a kid...
"Yeah," Sam's wavering voice drifts through my headset. "A-actually-"
"My name's Ed. That's my daughter, Molly," His eyes drift down to the girl in my arms for a brief second before they move back to me. "I know you're just trying to help out. If you could pass her to me we can go home. Come on, Molly. That's a good girl."
Molly reaches her hands out to Ed, her tears long gone as he pulls a stuffed bunny from his pocket.
"See? I got Mr. Rabbit here for you. Here's Mr. Rabbit." Ed hands the bunny to the girl who happily takes it.
"Whatever heartwarming scenes are going on over there, guys..." Sam's voice cuts in, and I turn the volume up for Ed to hear. "There are-there are five zoms heading for you. You'd better get going."
Ed holds out his arms once more and gives me an expectant look. "Just pass her to me and I'll put her on my bike and..." His voice trails off for a split second as he tries to start up the bike. "Damnit... Out of fuel."
He quickly stands and just nearly rips the kid from my arms. "Okay. Just pass Molly to me and run."
I'm still reluctant to comply, but since the kid seems to like him I let it be. Besides, it'll give my arms a break. I'm used to carrying supplies in my backpack, but in my arms... it was throwing off my balance.
"I've seen you guys before," Ed states, looking at the number on my shirt. "Abel Township, huh? Yeah, Becka always said we should join up with you guys." He pauses for a moment and looks back at the bike. "I don't want to abandon it and I know a fuel dunk near here... If I get some, will you help carry it back? You can take some for yourself. I guess like everyone else you guys are interested in finding fuel."
"Another three zoms on your tail," Sam interrupts. "Keep up the pace."
Ed sighs. "I guess you're wondering how Molly here-you're a strong girl, aye, Molly," He praises with a panting voice, "strong and brave girl... I guess you're wondering how she ended out up here all by herself... I can only guess myself.
"Me and Becka, we've been holding out in a farm house about eight miles out from here. We've... we've been okay, you know..." He continues to explain how he went to a different farmhouse to hunt some pigeons. "Never stayed out overnight, but last week, damn, I got stupid-made too much noise. Didn't keep moving. Before I knew it, the farm house was surround by forty zoms. Had to take 'em all out with a head shot, but then more came, and more, and more.
"I was away five nights, six days before I took the last one down and left. Becka must've thought I was already dead, because when I got back she was gone. There was a note she left, explaining she was walking to... to Abel. And on the way I guess..." His face contorts into pain, and my chest tightens in sympathy. "I guess if she ran as far away from Molly as she could before she died... I guess that's the last thing she could do for her daughter."
There's a short, painful silence after that.
"Okay, fuel dunk's just over that bridge. We'll pick up a few and head back to the bike." I nod as he explains. "You know, the last time I was down there I saw some guys set up camp near here. New guys. Haven't seen 'em before-wore some kind of blue uniform. Just over there."
I look over in the direction he's pointing in and blanch as he laughs, completely unaware of my thoughts.
"Look at that. They've left their rocket launcher."
•
Ed keeps talking after we've gotten what we need and are getting back to the bike, but his voice sounds like it's under water to me, as if the tsunami of thoughts rushing through my head is drowning him out almost completely.
It takes Sam's voice to pull me back into reality.
"Woah," He says cheerily, "hey, I've got you on the cameras. You guys found fuel." I can hear the smile in his voice. "You're just getting more and more popular around here, Five... What the hell are you carrying there?"
"Guess those guys must've left that launcher. Weirdest thing. Those are valuable, especially now." Ed takes the launcher from my hands and passes a happy Molly into my arms. "Just run with her while I fuel up the bike. Just in case... Come back in a few."
I give a curt nod before taking off, my mind still whiling about the launcher.
New guys, huh? This has to have something to do with Project Greenshoot, but still no one's briefed me on it. How will I get any closer to figuring this out if-
A loud moan cuts off my thoughts, followed by hungry growls. I crane my head over my shoulder to see two zombies-fast ones by the look of it-following after me.
I mouth a curse before adjusting Molly in my arms and start running faster, but with her added weight in my arms is making it harder to keep my balance.
"Aye, aye! Get away from that runner." I hear the sound of something hard hitting rotten flesh. Two strong hits are all it takes to get the groans of the undead stop.
I slow down to a stop as Ed rides beside me on his bike, grabbing Molly who squeaks in delight. He explains that the bike is working perfectly fine, and subtly explains how he's not sure he wants to go back to the old farmhouse.
"I guess you could use a decent mechanic over at Abel Township, yeah?"
Before I can even think about myself Sam cuts in. "That guy just took down two zoms on his motorbike. Tell 'em we'll take him in."
I nod to Ed, who smiles broadly. "Okay. I've got the launcher strapped on the back of the bike, and the extra fuel cans. I have Molly riding up front with me, but I don't think there's room for well..." He chuckles sheepishly and I sigh through my nose, knowing the words that are about to leave his mouth. "I guess you're gonna have to run."
A/N: okay super long chapter... sorry guys. Anyway, hope you liked it!