A/N: Hello everyone! Here's the latest chapter. I'm going to make this one longer than the others to make up for the long time of updates. Oh yeah and thank you for the reviews and the Story Alerts and Favorites you guise! This just pushes me to continue the story and I thank you for the motivation. So, without further ado, here's the latest chappie!

I snapped awake once I heard Maggie's voice. Maggie sat across from me with a mocking grin on her face. She nodded beside me. I gently looked at my side where Lourdes was. Her head was resting on my shoulder and she was fast asleep.

"We're close. Wake her up, will you?" Maggie said, looking at Lourdes

Looking at Lourdes right now, I felt my body lighten. It was probably because of her expression while she was sleeping. It seemed like all of her worries and fears disappeared. Her lips tugged in a small smile and her breathing was soft. I didn't really want to wake her up but I knew I had to. I hesitantly shake her gently awake. "Lourdes, wakey wakey." I said in a whisper

Her eyes fluttered awake and she looked up at me. I didn't know if I was imagining it but I think I saw her eyes sparkle. She sat straight up quickly, her cheeks turning into a beautiful pink. I smiled at her reaction "Sorry I had to wake you."

Lourdes smiled "No, it's alright."

The vehicle gave its lost purr then it stopped. The driver got off and soon so did we. We pulled up in front of a convenience store and the other vehicle parked right behind us. I ran my fingers up my back to see if the gun is still behind me. I gave a sigh of relief as I found it there still strapped tightly. Mr. Greene appeared in front of us. He scanned the group and then he gave his commands. He divided 12 of us into two groups. One was going in the convenience store to stack some food while the other group goes to the grocery store just two buildings away from the convenience store. Lourdes and I were placed to the first group which was assigned in the convenience store. Mr. Greene sent us out and we all carefully went inside the convenience store. Once we opened the door, only darkness welcomed us. One of them fiddled the light open and once it did we all had our guns pointing in various directions hoping for the worst. Thankfully, there was no sign of Skitters anywhere. The others scrambled inside and took whatever they can get. I looked behind me where Lourdes was standing "Stay close, okay?"

She nodded. The others threw the supplies frantically on the wheelbarrow. Once the wheelbarrow was full, we all went to the vehicle. They quickly loaded the truck with the contents of the wheel barrow then soon enough, they were back inside. Then, I heard heavy thumps. I quickly looked for the source of the sound and it came not far from us. The loud thumps grew louder and we heard the scrambling of the people inside the store abruptly come to a stop. There weren't just thumps anymore; sharp hissing sounds also filled my ears. Then the sources came into view. Meters away from us were a pair of Skitters and what seemed to be three Mechs behind them. I took hold of Lourdes wrist and dropped down. Hopefully, the vehicle was able to cover us. The others were still inside the store and they were all staring at the Mechs' light as if startled.

"Get down!" I hissed towards them "Down!"

They all fell to the ground with their guns securely on their hands. The Mechs and the Skitters came to a stop in front of the grocery store where the other group was. The Skitters must have seen them because their hissing grew louder and the Mechs had their guns towards the building. Lourdes gasped behind me and I made sure to hold her wrist tighter. One of the Mechs took fire of the store. There was a loud boom and then several more as the Mechs continued to shoot. We had to do something. They're going to die in there! I turned my attention to Lourdes who stared at the building with wide eyes. I took a few breaths before I spoke "Stay here, okay? I want you to stay here."

Lourdes stared at me with her frightened eyes. I felt my stomach twist. She shook her head "I'm coming with you."

"No, you can't!" I said too loudly "We're going to get Maggie, Mr. Greene and the others. I promise I'll be back with them."

Lourdes pressed her lips together "Don't get hurt, alright? Please"

I tried to smile "I'll be careful."

Lourdes nodded. I shifted my attention to the group inside the convenience store. I motioned them to come closer and so they did. "We're going to pass through the back. We need to look for the rest, alright?"

The others gave hushed sounds of affirmation. We all carefully stood up and went towards the alley leading to the back of the convenience store. We made our way to the grocery store taking short glances behind us. Once we reached the back of the grocery store, I turned the knob of the back door but it just wouldn't budge. I tried several times but it was locked. I looked around for another entrance and that's when I found a huge window as tall as me. I let the others slid inside first but when there were only two of us left, there was another hiss coming from behind us. A Skitter was making its way towards us. I motioned for the man beside me to get inside and so he did. I shoot the Skitter several times but all it did was made it stutter a few steps backwards. Then, I remembered Pope. I shot its leg and it screeched in pain. I shot it repeatedly on its legs until it slowed. I took that as a chance to get step inside. There was another loud boom and the ground shook violently for a few seconds causing me to stumble back. I landed on the ground and hit my back against the marble floor. I felt the sharp jolt of pain on my back but it was bearable. I stood up and looked around the huge grocery store. There were gun shots coming from one of the aisles. I ran towards it and I found the others shooting at the entrance where the Skitters are. There were suddenly more of them. I felt a hand on my shoulder that made me jump. I turned around and I found Maggie behind me. She was panting and her leg was bleeding uncontrollably. She fell into my arms and I caught her before she could fall to the ground. Her breathing was fast and she was losing too much blood. I ripped a part of my shirt and tied it around the wound. She looked so pale and frail but she was still conscious

"We have to get out of here." A deep voice said behind me

It was Mr. Greene. I nodded and looked at Maggie. I was about to carry her when she protested "No, I can walk."

I just nodded and slid her arm around me. Mr. Greene commanded the others to hurry to the back and I followed behind them. Maggie can still walk fast so we weren't falling behind. We all stepped outside the building and ran our way back to the vehicle. But the Skitters and Mechs were already hot on our trail. Once we reached the vehicle, I led Maggie to the back of the truck where she sat. Then, it hit me

"Lourdes?" I called out "Lourdes!"

There was no answer. I frantically looked around the dimly lit street while calling out for Lourdes. I couldn't find her anywhere. The panic inside me grew worse. The Mechs were shooting at us and the Skitters weren't far behind. That's when I saw a guy come to view, he came from the alley and he was cradling Lourdes. I felt panic run through me. I jogged towards the guy and he quickly passed Lourdes to me. She wasn't moving but I can still hear her slow, shallow breaths. This was my fault. I shouldn't have left her. Then, a deep voice shouted from behind me "Hal, we have to go!"

I hurriedly went inside the vehicle. The Mechs were still shooting at us but we were already on the move away from them. The vehicle was fast enough so we got away from them. The other vehicle was trailing behind us and I sighed in relief. I still cradled the unconscious Lourdes in my arms and it just made my panic grow worse. I felt so helpless looking at Lourdes as she is right now.

…

I stuttered awake, gently opening my eyes. But once I did, I saw a bright gleaming light in front of me that made me close my eyes shut again. This time I tried to open it more carefully as I adjusted to my surroundings. I was able to open my eyes open now and I quickly sat up then looked around the room I was in. I was inside Matt and Hal's room. I felt a throbbing pain in my head, I hiss in pain

Suddenly, there was the sound of footsteps. The door opened and Hal slid inside. He stopped in his tracks when he saw me, his mouth agape. Then, I remembered that night. I couldn't remember much just that I was hiding behind the truck and I decided to follow Hal and the others. Hal smiled at me "You're awake."

"How long was I- out?" I asked still feeling the slight throb in my head

"Three days and half" Hal sat on the foot of the bed, his arms crossed

"Oh." was all I can say

Hal was quiet for a bit but then he spoke "I'm sorry"

I frowned "Sorry for what?"

"For leaving you there" He bit his lip "I shouldn't have left you there alone. Now, you're hurt because of me when I was the one who said I'll protect you-"

"Hal, this isn't your fault." I smiled at him "You only thought what's best for me. For all, this is my fault. I was the one who followed behind you and the others."

Hal raised a brow "You followed after us?"

I pursed my lips "I just couldn't help it, I was-"

Hal shook his head "No, it's okay. You were just worried."

I grinned at his understanding but he was still quiet. He was still guilty. How can I tell him this isn't his fault? "Hal"

He looked at me, his eyes showed all signs of his guilt and I felt my stomach lurch at the sight of him. I sighed "Come closer."

He blinked a few times before he did. He sat close to me that I can already touch him. Of course, I didn't. It would seem stupid and I would just likely embarrass myself. But then, I felt his hand crawl on top of mine and I stared at it, startled. I didn't pull back just because of the warmth he was giving off. He looked up at me and I smiled "Listen, Hal. I want you to know this is not your fault. I was just reckless and I hurt myself. At least I'm still alive, right? I don't want you feeling guilty. It doesn't look well on you."

He chuckled and I felt my body lighten. This was better

"Are you feeling anything? Are you hurt somewhere or-?" Hal asked

I shook my head "Apart from the slight throb in my head, I'm fine."

Hal sighed "You were shot, Lourdes."

I blinked at him "What?"

Hal moved his hand and placed it on my shoulder. Then, his fingers graced through my arm and I felt a sting that made me fidget. Hal quickly pulled his hand away "Sorry"

"No, it's okay." I frowned "I was shot, huh?"

"Yeah when Fisher found you, he said your arm was bleeding but he quickly wrapped you up." Hal explained

"Wait, Fisher?" The name was unfamiliar to me

"Ash Fisher, he's one of Greene's men. He was the one who found you."

"Remind me to thank him later." I grinned. If it wasn't for him, I might just be gone. It was only practical for me to thank him.

Then, there was a knock on the door. The door swung open and a tall man about my age came into view. He had messy dirty blonde hair that came down below his ears. His eyes a stunning emerald and he was smiling down at me. I couldn't help but smile back. But, his smile disappeared when he saw Hal "Oh, I'm sorry. I'll just come back later-"

Hal stood up "No, I was just going. I haven't had lunch yet and I am starving."

The man smiled "Oh okay then."

Hal looked back at me with a smile "I guess you can thank him now."

I raised a brow "That's Ash?"

He nodded "Yeah, I'll be back later. "

I nodded. Hal waved goodbye to me and he headed outside. Ash stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He looked too young to be one of Mr. Greene's men. He smiled "How are you?"

"I'm great, thanks." I smiled back and pointed at the seat near the bed "You can sit."

He sat down on the chair, his smile still there. I've seen him at times, he would be talking with his comrades or he would be at the watch tower. But, we never talked except for now. "How's your uh- wound?"

I looked at where Hal had touched me earlier. I didn't even know I was shot until Hal told me so I haven't felt anything. "Better actually."

He nodded then his eyes widened "Oh right. I'm sorry, I still haven't introduced myself. I'm Ashton Fisher. But, you can call me Ash."

"I'm Lourdes." I introduced myself "Thank you, Ash. You know, for helping me."

Ash shrugged "Don't mention it. I just couldn't leave you there alone, could I?"

"I guess not." I bit my lip and then I may have asked the most embarrassing question ever "How old are you? I mean, it's just that Hal told me you are one of Mr. Greene's men but you look too young so-"

Ash chuckled "No, it's okay. I get it a lot. I'm nineteen and I only joined Greene's men because I had an experience with guns. They needed all the help they can get and so I joined."

"Oh" I sighed "Sorry I had to ask a question like that."

Ash grinned "It's fine. Sometimes, curiosity just gets the better of us."

I nodded "Pretty much."

We were quiet for a little while until Ash spoke "So, Hal is he your um- boyfriend?"

I felt myself flush at the suggestion "Oh no! He's just a friend. A close friend"

Ash bit his lip then he shook his head gently "Sorry that was stupid."

I giggled at his reaction "It's okay. You know, sometimes curiosity gets the better of us."

Ash looked at me then he laughed. He seemed so genuinely happy that I couldn't help but laugh back. He bit his lip to stop himself but he still had a smirk up his face. We stayed there for a little then he stood up "I have to go. I'm supposed to take watch."

I nodded "Okay, I'll see you later."

He opened the door but just as he slipped outside he made sure to say one more thing "You get well now, Lourdes."

"Alright" I rolled my eyes and gave a wave goodbye

A/N: You've reached the end of this chapter. Yes, Ashton Fisher does belong to me. Hope you liked this chapter. Don't forget those reviews! Make sure to tell me what you think about the story so far. Well, stay tuned for the next one!