"How're we doing, Sam?" Sarah pants as we rush to the footbridge. She tugs on her cuffed wrist and Van Ark looks at her a bit fearfully.
I'm still trying to understand how he looks exactly like he did in my dream. It doesn't make sense, but I can't think on that now, although I doubt I'll find a logical or realistic reason when I think about it later either.
"Uh, well, I can't see the footbridge on our cams but the horde hasn't reached the hill yet. If you keep going you can make it in time," Sam sighs heavily. "You better make it in time."
"Ask Van Ark what he was doing at that house anyway," Maxine says. "Ask him."
Sarah nods. "Dr. Meyers wants to ask you-"
"Dr. Meyers? You're with Maxine Meyers?" He asks. His eyes grow wide as he slows down his steps, making Eight's lips pull up in a sneer. He sighs with relief. "Oh, thank God. Thank God! You're not with one of those other groups; Not Pandora Hayes or Atthe Militia. Oh, thank God. I'm so-I can't tell you how relieved I am. Can you tell her that?"
"Wait, he's not in Pandora Hayes? But he was in their helicopter!"
"I-I heard that," He stammers. "Those earpieces are terribly loud, you know. Bad for your hearing. No, I'm not with Pandora Hayes. They lifted up from the University in the beginning, of course, but then they tried to keep me captive."
His steps slow even more as he runs a hand through his salt and pepper hair and chuckles. "Tried... more like succeeded. Three years I've been working for them to make a vaccine. They're still working on that at Jeffro Tower Complex-you know, that old science park about fifteen K from here.
"They had us all working there, keeping us safe but I wanted to... well, you know I had to see if Matilda might still be alive and living here, so I escaped and came back. I thought if she wasn't here then there'd at least be a note to let me know where she's going... But there was no note.
"The zombies surrounded my estate, so I thought I'd wait until they wondered off so I could try to get away." He shakes his head. "Well, at least there are a lot of fruit trees here."
I blink and look ahead, my mind thinking on how much time we have to get on that footbridge and across it. The exit isn't even a half a minute away, but still we've nearly come to a stop to listen to Van Ark's story. Why is he going so slow?
"Oh, Maxine, I'm so glad to hear you're alive," He continues. "Do you know if-"
"That's a great story, Professor," Sarah interrupts, her voice clearly showing how unimpressed she is. "But we've got too keep moving or we won't make it across the bridge before they come back."
We pick up speed and get to the beginning of the bridge in maybe five seconds, but our feet screech to a stop as we see the mass of undead bodies already starting to make their way across the footbridge. Some of them stumble and fall off the footbridge and I'd laugh if there weren't other remaining zombies stumbling towards us.
"I think you're too late," Sam groans, and I can't help from rolling my eyes.
Way to point out the obvious!
"We can see that," Sarah snips, pushing Van Ark back so she and I can get off the bridge and steadily start moving towards the house.
"Maybe you three can hide inside the house or-"
"There's another way out actually," The professor pipes in. "If they're all coming from that direction they might not have got to it yet. A gate at the fence at the far side of the grounds."
"Sounds good to me. Lead the way, Professor," Sarah says with a nod, both of us following his lead as the zombies snarl, growl, and groan behind us. The noises coming from their mouths making my heart race and adrenaline kick in.
My footsteps pound into the ground as I stay beside Sarah who is being led by Van Ark. My eyes study his face and I can't help but feel the odd sensation in my chest when I think about his story. It just... doesn't sound right, although the reasoning of my doubt might just be because of my own mind. Those dreams left quite an impression even though I know there's no possible way it could be real or have an significant meaning to the real world.
"Come on," Van Ark urges, and I'm surprised by just how fast he can get as he picks up the pace. "It's just a few hundred meters this way."
He grins and continues talking, but my attention is pulled away from him when I hear music coming from... somewhere? It lasts only a second but I know I hear.
"This is quite fun," He continues. "A bracing run through the grounds and into the woods, handcuffed to a beautiful woman, news that my friend, Maxine Meyers, is still alive."
There it is again. That music... where have a heard it from? I know I've heard from somewhere I just can't remember.
"Could do without the undead on our heels, of course, but nonetheless, very bracing."
We start into the woods, following the fence and again I hear the music notes, lasting only a second which gives me no time to think on where I've heard it from.
"His story just doesn't add up," Dr. Meyers mumbles. "Eight, can you make me loud enough that Van Ark can hear?"
Sarah nods. "Sure thing." She turns up the volume on her headset as I hear the music notes once more.
How is no one else noticing? I listen for them again, but I hear only silence, so I keep my ears open and ready to ask about them if I hear them again, because each time the sound entered my ears-even if only for a second-an unsettling feeling would twist and turn in my gut.
"Pro. Van Ark, Paula told me you ordered people at the University to burn their notes because you were involved with Patient Zero. You wanted to cover something up, didn't you? What we're you trying to hide, Van Ark?"
The professor's eyes go wide at the accusation. "What are you talking about? Paula told you-but how did you..." His voice trails off and he sighs as he steps over a large branch. "Oh, it's true. It's all true. There's no sense in denying it.
"I did try to cover up the fact that Patient Zero was part of our trial, but can't you see? I was ashamed. I was afraid. We caused the downfall of civilization; I panicked." His eyes are full of regret as he turns to both me and Sarah. "I... I know it was wrong. I'm sorry. Just another item in my list of wrong-doings, but we can put it right, or at least try to.
"Maxine, I think Matilda is gone, but you and I can help with the research at Jeffro Conplex. You'd have a warm welcome there, I know you would."
"Didn't you just say a few minutes ago that Jeffro kept you captive for three years?" Sarah asks with a raised brow as I myself wonder the same thing.
"They're not bad people-just very focused on their research and very anxious it shouldn't fall into the wrong hands," He reasons with a grimace, "like some Netrophil organization or anything like it that might enhance the zombie apocalypse instead of combat it."
I blink in surprise. Netrophil is a real thing? I'd heard about the organization but I thought it was just a myth. I barely understand much about them but from the rumors and whispers they're dangerous and all around horrible.
"And the people who destroyed Simpson's Corner Shop?" Runner Eight asks, and Van Ark simply shrugs.
"I don't know anything about that. There might be some other group invoked but it's a mystery to me." He pauses his words as we continue through the woods, running alongside the wood fences. "I know I did wrong but we can decide to do right now. Look, the door's just along there."
He's right. It only takes a few moments to get to the door. It doesn't even resemble a gate, really, and the door itself is quite small, as if it's not really meant to be seen or noticed. The metal door has even been painted the same shade of brown to match the wood.
Van Ark grabs a leaver that's attached the door and pushes down, and there's a loud click-clack sound that signals it's been unlocked.
"There we go," He says pulling it open. "That should do it. Come on, quickly squeeze through after me."
He starts to go through the gate, but once he's got about half his body through there's a loud growl that comes from the other side, along with the sound of flesh being ripped and Van Ark screaming.
He pulls back out immediately, still screaming as the zombie gnaws into his arm. Blood is dripping onto the ground as the Professor scrambles to get the undead off of him. I take a step forward and ready to grab my axe but then I hear a click and Sarah screaming, "Duck!"
I hit the floor a second later, and a second after that the gun sounds off and the zombie drops to the ground about a foot away from me.
"Got it," Sarah says a bit breathlessly from the sudden shock. "One damn zom waiting just by the door. How do those things always seem to know where-"
"I'm bitten. Here," Van Ark points to the bite mark on his bloodied arm.. His voice is hollow and there's tears shining in his eyes. "Made a blasted mess of my arm too; Hurts like anything."
There's a loud, long moan followed by several groans from behind us, and Sarah grimaces. "Jeez, those zoms are right behind us. Come on!"
She practically drags Van Ark out of the door-gun out this time in case of any surprises-and I follow along after her. Van Ark has trouble following, but I assume that's from having to step over the many trees limbs and roots and rocks and other sorts of thing.
He starts coughing, and my gut clenches as he nearly doubled over as his coughs becomes more ragged. He tries to hold them in but it provides no relief.
We reach the clearing in about three minutes, and even without the added obstacles Pro. Van Ark still has trouble keeping up a good pace. This irritates Sarah greatly.
"Come on," She says, tugging on the handcuffs. "We've got to keep moving. Come on."
Van Ark grunts as she tugs against the handcuffs again. "I can't. I'm going to-" He pauses to cough and I sigh through my nose in pity. "You know I don't have long. It takes some people-it takes some people more quickly than others. I've always wondered why. Listen-you have to listen to me."
She gazes back at him with a blank face. "I'm listening."
"There's an old railway station to the west of here with a water tower," He hacks. "You can climb up it, rest on the top until your people come with reinforcements to get you. Can they do that?"
"We can do that," Sam mutters quietly. "Tell him."
"Yep," Sarah nods.
"I'll show you where it is, but then you'll have to un-cuff me. Can't be cuffed to a zombie and you know I'll turn before long." He turns to cough into his un-cuffed arm. "I'll lead them away from you but listen. I didn't mean for any of it to go this way. You have to believe me. It was stupid of me to try to cover it up, but they're working on a vaccine at the Jeffro Conplex.
"If Maxine can get there, tell them what she knows... it just might save humanity." He looks at the both of us pleadingly. "Tell her to do it for me."
"Tell him I've heard," Dr. Meyers mutters. "Tell him I'll go."
"She will," Eight says with a nod.
Van Ark swallows as he tries to keep down another cough. Then he looks ahead at the hill we're approaching. "Let's just push to the top of this ridge, shall we? I can show you where to go from there."
•
"There, you see it?" He asks, pointing to the water tower a few hundred yards away. We've come to a stop but we can't stay this way for long. The zombies are about seven minutes away and they'll be on us before we know.
I anxiously bounce my leg as Sarah un-cuffs herself from Van Ark. "There. You're free now."
"I'll circle around and head back into the woods and make some noise to get them to chase me. That should keep them away from you, at least to give you time to get there."
I frown knowing this will be the last time I see him alive. He coughs into his bloodied sleeve and Sarah takes a small step back.
"I... thank you," She says.
"One more thing," He coughs. "I don't know-I don't want to get anyone's hopes up, but Maxine... Tell her just before I left the Jeffro Complex I thought I-" He hacks out a cough and takes a couple steps away from us while my fingers twitch in thought of grabbing my axe if he turns suddenly.
"They kept us all so far away from each other I can't be sure but I-I thought I saw Paula-her Paula-alive."
Maxine gasps softly. "Paula."
"Good luck. Remember, go to Jeffro," He begs, and I nod before Sarah grabs my arm and effectively my attention.
"Come on, Five. It's just one last push for that water tower. We won't let his death be for nothing, aye?"
I nod and start up a good pace with Eight at my side. With each sound of our feet hitting the ground I'm reminded that there's one less pair of footsteps that's with us now than a few moments ago.
What if I had gone through that door first? What if Sarah had?
I should've gone through first. I should've got bit. If it was me then Sarah would've been able to bring Pro. Van Ark back and maybe got some more information out of them.
The thoughts echo into my head and pound against my skull, but even as I think these thoughts, I'm slightly glad it was him instead of me. I'm glad to still be alive.
It's human nature, I'm told, but still I feel bad for feeling happy that someone else is dead instead of me. I never felt that way about Wes though. I never felt glad that he died and I didn't.
I would've done anything to switch places with him.
"Up we go, Five," Sarah says patting the water tower's ladder before ascending up it. "Be quick. Van Ark may be leading those zoms away but a few might break off and come after us."
I nod, quickly following her up the ladder. Each step I swallow down the twinge of fear that rises in my thrust. One slip and down I go... What a horrible way to go.
Reaching the top I sit down with my hands gripping the dirty railing so hard my knuckles turn white. I know I'll have sore fingers tomorrow but heights have never really been a thing of mine-not if there's a chance of me falling and eventually splattering all over the ground.
Funny though, how I can ride a rollercoaster no problem if I know I'm all strapped in. It's more or less when I know I'm safe-or somewhat safe. The only thing I have to 'safe' here is this railing.
"There, you've done it," Sam says with a voice full of relief. "I can see you on top of the water tower. There's a few zoms starting to gather at the base but we'll be along within... forty minutes to pick them off and being you home. You rest for now, yeah?"
'Sure thing, Sam,' I tap, immediately bringing that hand back to the railing.
"Yes, I think I can still see Van Ark from here, and that pack he's leading away from us."
"A brave man. Braver than I'd expected," Maxine comments, to which Sam mumbles an agreement.
'And we'll go to Jeffro... for him,' I say, barely listening as Sam tells Maxine my words. His form disappears into the trees, and I pray that he has been washed by the blood of Christ.
"Yeah, for him."
"And Paula," Sam adds.
"And maybe for Paula."
•
Reaching Abel the first thing I see is Caleb and the children, who all grin when they see me rushing through the gates. After getting checked cleared, Milo and Willis begged me to tell them about just what my mission was about.
"They sent other runners to go kill zombies for you. Were you trapped? Were you surrounded?" Willis asks. My brows raise in surprise. I've never heard someone say so much in one breath.
"Something must've gone terrible wrong, right?" Milo guesses, and I shrug.
'No mission is ever perfect.'
"What happened? Did you kill a lot of zombies? Did you take one's head off?" He asks as his brother waits with wide eyes for me to answer.
'I did kill quite a few. Didn't get a head off of any though.'
The two boy's duck down their heads in disappointment, but it only lasts for a half second as Milo's head pops back up to look at me with gleaming eyes.
"Hey, do you want to read the new story I wrote. Mrs. Tami said it was really good."
"Too bad if doesn't help you pass history," Willis mutters, in which he receives a scowl in return.
"It's not like you're doing any better," He snaps back.
I look at Caleb, who's simply watching with a twinge of a smile on his face. 'Children are just so interesting, aren't they?' He signs, making me roll me eyes in response.
'What are you two talking about?' I ask, although they're too busy arguing with each other to pay attention to what I'm signing.
"They're failing history," Penelope simply states, and the two boys glare at her.
"You're in first grade. What do you know?" Willis spits.
'I was pretty good in history. If you want I could quiz you on the days I have off since pretty much everyone who wants to learn sign language has been taught it,' I volunteer, and the two look at me with surprise.
"Seriously?" Milo asks, and I nod.
'But you'll still have to study when I'm not quizzing you. If you do well... I'll get something for you two specifically when I go on my next entertainment supply run.'
Whenever that is.
"Seriously?" Willis gapes, and once again I nod.
"What about me?" Penelope asks.
"And me?" Asks Caleb, who smiles when I purse my lips.
'I'll get you two whatever you want if you leave me and Sam alone,' I bargain. I may like him, yes, but that doesn't mean I want these two scheming or even hinting at me and him together.
Both Penelope and Caleb hum at that, as if they are considering my offer, but then the redhead scoffs and waves a hand at that. "Nah, not worth it."
"Nope!" Penelope agrees with a giggle.
I sigh in frustration but don't argue, thinking it'd be best to just change the subject. 'So what've you been up to?' I ask Caleb, who merrily raises up a shoulder in a half shrug.
"Oh, you know, same old stuff as I do everyday: Helping out in the hospital, taking medicine, being told not to do anything too strenuous but doing it anyway... that sort of thing."
I narrow my eyes at him at that last statement. While I may not know what his health issues are-because he's stubborn and for some odd reason won't tell me-I still worry he might himself by trying to be a rebel.
'You're an idiot,' I deadpan.
"But I'm your idiot, you wish I was," He jokes.
'I thought I wished Sam was.'
"Do you wish that?" Penelope questions, but I don't get the chance to answer.
"I would ask 'do you wish what' but uh, I have to go back to work in a few minutes and I really need to speak to Runner Five before I forget," Sam says, and Caleb sends me one of those smirks that makes me want to slap the hell out of him.
'Okay,' I sign before walking with him a few feet away, and I tip my head in question as I wait for him to speak.
"Okay, so-"
He stops when I hold my hand up. 'Before you speak, please tell me I'm not having to run to Jeffro tomorrow.'
Sam scoffs and shakes his head. "God, no. It'll be a while before we head out there," He says, and my shoulders relax a bit, "but you do have a run tomorrow."
I raise a brow and my face shows just how unamused I am at hearing that. If it's not to Jeffro Complex (which I am a bit grateful for since I don't know if I could run twelve in a half miles tomorrow) then it must be a supply mission. Sam chuckles sheepishly and rubs the back of his neck.
"Yeah, sorry. I know you're pretty tired from these constant runs, but hey, it may not be all that bad because it still has something to do with our search for a vaccine."
I perk up at that.
"You're going back to Hurtston to look at the equipment a bit more," He sighs, frowning slightly. "Dr. Meyers is trying to get me to let her go with you and Eight but I really don't like that idea."
'I can see why. The doctor is important; She's not easily replaceable like I would be.'
Something flashes across his eyes at that, but he doesn't say anything although it looks like he wants to. After a minute or so of somewhat awkward silence I find my patience beginning to wane. I'm still tired, hungry, and stinky so standing around isn't something I want to do right now.
'Is that all?' I ask, knowing my expression makes this questions sound much more harsh than I mean it to be. 'Because I really need to-'
"No, it's not all," Sam interrupts. His face shows his hesitation and nervousness. "I uh, I know it wasn't any of my business but before your run I asked Caleb if everything was alright because of this morning and from what I've seen you're not much of a morning person, or a touchy person and he told me that you were having a nightmare."
'Yes, I've had them before. Everyone does. You know this.'
"Yes, but I didn't think they were bad enough for you to shake and jerk and mouth words in your sleep." He looks down to avoid my eyes. "I was thinking i-if you want you could sleep on the cot in the coms shack. Maybe being fairly alone would help you sleep better."
I blink in confusion. 'Fairly alone?'
"Well, I'd have to be in there," He shrugs. "Mostly because if Janine found out I let someone in the coms shack alone she'd chew me a new one. Also because if those nightmares get too extreme I could wake you up."
'Where will you sleep?' I ask, and instantly a faint blush appears on his face.
"Oh, yeah, right. Probably should've told you that first. I'll sleep in my chair. It's pretty comfortable actually. I just have to hope I don't fall out of it," He laughs. "But it's only if you think it'll help."
'Because you don't like your runners having nightmares?' I guess with a small smile.
"I don't like you having nightmares," He corrects. "Anyway, I've got to get back to the shack. Got another Halloween run."
He walks off and gives me a small wave while I stand there stunned, until Caleb, Milo, Penelope, and Willis poke up beside me.
"What was that about?" Caleb asks while wiggling his eyebrows.
'Shut up. I just want some food right now, not your teasing.'
A/N: Hey guys. Once again, thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy it. I just want to let you know I'm going to be home for about two weeks because I'll be on vacation. I hope when I get back I'll see some new votes and comments, and I will write as soon as I get back! Thank you and have a blessed day!