Monster
Another chapter! You know, now I have more free time, I write at least one chapter a day, so expect more updates. I do have some things on, so there may be little day-long delays, but please be patient!
Oh, and I'm writing this latest chapter while I'm going to Thorpe Park. I can't wait to go on the Saw ride! :D
(Okay, these sentences here are written after Thorpe Park. I have to say, the Saw ride wasn't as interesting as I thought, but I managed to go on The Swarm twice, Stealth, Nemesis Inferno, Rush, Detonator and blah... I'm sure you don't care.)
But seriously, I'm writing as quick as I can.
I'd love some reviews... Please?
Review Corner-
Nope. None for once. I'm alone... D:
I still don't own Left 4 Dead 2. If I did, you wouldn't be reading this fanfiction. And the chapter name - Don't Panic - is a song by Coldplay. I don't even know what the song sounds like, I just thought it would suit the chapter. Oops.
Another long AN, sorry. XC
Eight
Staggering back to Coach, I couldn't find the right words to describe what I'd just witnessed. The older man caught me gently, and pulled me close, watching Ellis with wary brown eyes. Nick, who was still standing behind us, stepped awkwardly forwards with his broken leg. His face was dark with hatred, and I knew what
"Shoot him."
"What?" Coach couldn't believe what he's heard Nick say; he'd obviously thought of something else. Nick stared at him, impassive.
"I said shoot him," he repeated bluntly. I shook my head, wriggling from Coach's grasp and stepping in front of Ellis.
"No." I brought my arms up like outstretched wings, using them to shield the youngest group member. Nick's gaze went dark. He lifted his rifle, and aimed it at me. I heard Coach's breath catch in his throat.
"Nick-" I began, trying to keep my voice level. To my disgust, it came out squeaky and trembling, like a scared little girl's. But that's really what I was.
"Move, sweetheart, or I'll shoot you both, I swear to whatever god is listening to us in this godforsaken world," Nick snarled. I could tell he was telling the truth, but still I didn't move. Nick held his gun still for a few more heartbeats, then lowered it, defeated.
"I guess there are no gods left to swear to, Nick," I whispered. The conman in question didn't reply. He turned his head away, and Coach rushed forwards to gather me in his arms.
"Don't ever do anythin' that stupid again, girl, or else," he threatened, but there were glimmers of relief in his liquid-brown eyes, and I could tell he was only glad I was still alive. But there was still bad blood between our group members, and I couldn't give the answer Coach wanted - needed - to hear.
"I can't promise as long as there's distrust among Ellis and Nick," I replied sadly, and I knew Coach agreed; from his silence. I moved towards Ellis, who was still crouched over Nema's corpse.
"Sweetie?" I called anxiously. He turned to me slowly, clearly expecting more hostility and insults. I shook my head imperceptibly, knowing I had to act like he'd done good and bad at the same time - like I would with a small child who had done something bad by accident.
"R-Ro?" Ellis stuttered.
"Well done, Ellis," I cooed, squatting beside the young mechanic and ruffling his hair. "You are so clever!" Ellis almost gave a cat-like purr, and rubbed his head into my palm. "But you were also naughty," I rebuked, and Ellis' head drooped. "You shouldn't do that, sweetie. You shouldn't eat people, dead or alive." I stroked his hair, and picked up his cap from the floor. I placed it back on his head. He looked up at me like a loyal puppy; all big eyes, a wondrous expression and the utmost respect for their 'owners' - who was, in this case, me. I knew he wasn't evil; he was misunderstood and innocent. But somehow, the idea of this 'new' Ellis, with his sudden moments of savagery and child-like oblivion of his own horrific crimes, scared me.
It scared me a lot.
-Monster-Monster-Monster-Monster-
"We should keep going." The deep rumble of Coach's voice broke the tense silence. Nick nodded silently, turning to follow. His expression was still thunderous. I shot him an apologetic look, but he brushed past me, uncaring. I bit my lip, and glanced at Ellis.
"Where will we go? Ellis can't help us, can he?" I asked. Ellis looked at me.
"Ah can," he mumbled, although his speech was slurred and his eyes seemed out of focus. "Ah jes' - Ah jes' need a minute t'recover..."
"You've had plenty of time," Nick snapped. "Get up now or we'll leave you behind!" Ellis looked startled, but he obediently did as Nick said and stood. As soon as he was up, he swayed, and Coach darted to catch him as he fell. He was just in time. Ellis' knees buckled, and he fell sideways into Coach's outstretched arms. Nick tutted and rolled his eyes, as if he would have preferred for Ellis not to be caught. Coach sent him an angry look - he would deal with him later. Nick just flipped him off like a petulant teenager, before turning and walking away down the dirt track.
"Where are you going?" I asked, catching his wrist. He stopped.
"I'm following the road. I'm sure I'll get somewhere. Now get off." I released his wrist, knowing it was futile to try and hang on. After all, his gun was still off safety and fully loaded. He'd already expressed that he wouldn't hesitate to shoot me, and if Nick was gone, Coach couldn't handle himself and two other injured. Instead, I swapped tactics to persuasion and begging; if needed I would use another tactic that worked on most men. I knew it wouldn't on Ellis or Coach, but Nick... I had to try.
"Nick, please stay," I pleaded.
"Why? I don't have to listen to you," Nick retorted, but he paused.
"Please. We need you. I need you." I went for the cliché approach, using hopeful eyes and a soft tone. Nick looked down at me, and I made sure I was leaning forwards far enough. Creepily enough, he seemed to like what he saw. I sat back, and a flash of what looked like disappointment darted through his eyes. I raised an eyebrow.
"Okay," he sighed, looking away, rubbing the back of his head. All to hide the fact that he was going red. "I'll stay. But on one condition," he added. I nodded, ready for whatever it could be.
"Yes?"
"We kill the kid."
