IV - Blood in the Water
Insects chirped as curtains swayed softly.
Vonda stared at the ceiling while lying in bed, hearing footsteps above her. She then got out of bed and walked out of the room.
George looked outside an attic window. He then looked back at Gus, who was handcuffed to a wooden beam. Gus was lying on the floor, snoring.
"I don't know, man," said Richard in a low voice. "I'm just saying. What is good having these weapons if we ain't gonna use 'em?"
"I don't wanna put these kids in danger," said David.
"Man, these kids are already in danger. They're gonna be slaughtered along with us."
"What do you think we should do?"
"I say we get this asshole to clear a path for us. Piranhas got us surrounded, ain't that right? Can't be more than a few people blocking a road at a time."
"You do that- and you won't be able to set foot inside Albany," said George.
"To hell with Albany."
"We're not going to abandon Bobby's family," said David.
"Hey man, you really think they're still alive? I mean it, if the Piranhas have control of Albany, then what are the chances they're still livin' in there?"
"It doesn't matter, we have to take a chance."
"Why, David? Why gamble with our lives? Don't we got a more important mission?"
"That's exactly what I'm thinking about. There's no way Bobby's going to leave this place without checking out Albany. We lose him, we lose Lori. We lose Lori, we lose her family and friends. That's almost everybody."
"Most of 'em can't even fight. I'm sorry to say this, but perhaps it's for the best. If they leave, they leave. I ain't gonna risk my life and I sure as hell won't risk my wife's life for what I know is a trap."
"You don't know that for sure."
"Why do you want to find out?"
"The Piranhas at the toll booth didn't want to kill us. The girl Gus spoke to on the walkie-talkie- she didn't seem put off by the fact that we killed her people. They only attacked us because they saw George's car. I think they're more reasonable than they seem."
"I don't know," said George. "I mean, I agree with you on the last part. A lot of them can be spoken to. But Sherry...? She's not an easy woman to trust. She's unpredictable."
"Why are we going through with this then?" asked Richard.
"I know what family's worth. If one of your people has family in Albany, then he needs to reunite with them. No matter how small the chances. This world we live in... he may never have that chance again."
Richard sighed. David nodded.
"But that doesn't mean we shouldn't have a plan."
Richard raised his head.
"Richard could be right. Maybe this is a trap. We should be prepared for that."
As the men talked, Gus remained on the floor with his back facing them, his face covered in bandages, and his eyes wide open. He let out another false snore.
Insects continued to chirp as Vonda walked along the carpet floors barefoot. She scratched her head as she slowly walked along the hallway. She then heard footsteps coming down from the stairs. A flashlight shined on her face.
"You alright?" asked David.
"I heard noises coming from upstairs. Just wanted to see what you guys were talking about."
"Did you hear anything we said?"
"Not really. Just muffled voices."
"You should go to sleep. We got a long day tomorrow."
"Okay. I just want to talk to George for a little."
"Alright. Go on outside. Don't want to wake people."
Vonda nodded.
Vonda and George stepped outside into the backyard where the insects sounded louder.
"What's up?" asked George.
"You guys were talking about my mother, weren't you?"
"So you heard us."
"No. It's just... why wouldn't you? You made a point about how much of a dangerous person she is. I'm sure you guys were talking about how to approach her without endangering the group."
"Yeah. We're already endangering the group by meeting up with her. But we don't really have much of a choice."
"What's the plan?"
"You have a van full of guns, right? And apparently your RV is bulletproof too. These two vehicles are going to be important if a shootout breaks out. We'll need the van to fend off the Piranhas and we'll need the RV for cover. But this is only for when things go wrong. So don't worry too much about it, alright?"
"I hope it doesn't come to that. Because that'd mean you have to kill my mother before I can find out why she left me and my dad."
George nodded.
"I promise to find out for you," said George.
Vonda smiled and nodded. She then scratched her head and awkwardly walked away.
George stood alone in the darkness, contemplating the plan.
The sunlight shone through the RV. The clouds drifted along the calm sky.
"Think we can make it before the sun sets?" asked David.
Gus stared at the road ahead. Yet he didn't notice the trees, mailboxes, and fences that passed the vehicles.
"Hey, I'm talking to you."
"Huh? Oh. Yeah, yeah, of course," said Gus. "Road's more clear here."
Missy held on to Richard's Colt Python as he remained asleep in the back passenger seat next to her.
"It was mad consistent," said D. "But I just wasn't the best at it. Nah, basketball's where it's at."
"It's the opposite for me," said Francisco. "I could either be the best player you ever saw since Babe Ruth... or I'd choke on the spot where I'm needed the most. I wasn't as consistent as I wanted to be."
"Yeah, I get what you mean. At least you had highlights. Ain't no way no one remembers any shit I did."
"Right. And then there's Lynn."
Lynn looked up at Francisco and D.
"Home runs every single game. Fastest runner you ever saw in Royal Woods. Pitching skills like you couldn't believe. My god... there has never been a year where she hasn't won a trophy for her team. And that's not to mention the records on records that she broke. Talk about being amazing and consistent. And not just baseball. Basketball too."
"Really, now?"
"Oh yeah."
"Shit, and I thought I was the athletic one 'round here. Yo, Lynn, is this guy just gassin' you up or you the real deal?"
"How 'bout you 1v1 me on the court and you find out?" smiled Lynn.
"Shit, a challenge? I'll take you on."
"Oh, big mistake," said Francisco.
"You sure about that?" said Wavehead. "My boy here is good. And I mean real good."
"Yeah, and I'm going against what, a girl who's two years younger than me? And shorter than me?" chuckled D.
"Go on," said Lynn. "Keep 'em coming."
"Excuse me," said Lisa. "I'm going to refill Clyde's IV bag."
"Oh, my bad."
Lynn moved away from the sofa while Lisa grabbed the hanger that kept Clyde's IV bag above his body. As she refilled it, she noticed Clyde's eyes were open. His eyes were looking at her.
"Huh?" gasped Lisa.
Clyde then blinked.
"Guys!" exclaimed Lisa. "I believe Clyde has regained consciousness!"
The RV came to a stop.
Lynn immediately turned around and rushed over to Clyde. Liam gasped and stood up. Francisco and D followed Lynn, as well as the other group members inside the RV. Clyde blinked his eyes again before groaning.
Lisa shined a flashlight at Clyde's eyes, causing him to recoil.
"Hey, what are you doing?" asked Lynn.
"Just running some quick tests. I need to confirm that he's awake."
"W-Where... what happened?" groaned Clyde. "Everything's... so blurry..."
"Well, he sounds awake," chuckled Francisco.
Tears formed in Lynn's eyes. Liam laughed. Zach wiped his eyes. Rusty was shocked.
"I can't believe it," said Lynn, her voice sounding relieved. "Oh my god, Clyde. I thought you were never going to wake up."
"Lynn? Is that you?"
"Yes, it is. You can't...?"
"My apologies," said Lisa, grabbing Clyde's glasses. "Here you go."
Clyde put on his glasses as he blinked rapidly. He looked around and saw almost everyone huddled around him.
"I'm... in the RV?" asked Clyde.
"Yeah, you are," said Liam. "I ain't gon' lie. I really thought you were a goner."
Lynn hugged Clyde. Clyde groaned before Lynn released Clyde.
"Oh, sorry!" gasped Lynn.
"It's alright," said Clyde. "Liam, what do you mean? How long was I out?"
"Eleven days," said Lisa.
"Eleven days?" gasped Clyde. "What! Why, what happened?"
"You... you don't remember?" asked Lynn.
Clyde tried lifting himself up from the sofa before realizing something was missing. He tried to move his left leg, yet could only feel his upper leg muscles moving. His eyes grew wide.
"My... my leg," said Clyde in a panic. "I-I can't feel my leg."
"Hey, it's okay," said Francisco. "Just stay there."
Clyde lifted the blanket covering his body and gasped. He looked at his left knee, which appeared as a stump with a bandage wrapped around it.
"Oh my god..." he whispered.
"Clyde, just relax," said Lisa.
"I... Lynn... you..."
A tear fell from Lynn's eyes.
"I'm sorry," she whispered.
"N-No... if I'm here... then that means... Lynn... you saved my life."
Lynn wiped the tears off her eyes. She shrugged.
"Credit goes to Lisa," she sniffled. "She's the one who came up with the idea."
"Don't sell yourself short," said Lisa. "You had the strength to go through with it, Lynn. We both saved your life, Clyde."
"Thank you, guys."
The door to the RV opened. Lincoln looked at the group frantically. The group members then made way for him as he walked up to Clyde.
"Clyde! Buddy!" gasped Lincoln.
"Wait, Lincoln," said Lisa.
Clyde groaned as Lincoln hugged him. Lincoln gasped and quickly released him.
"Oh, sorry!" Lincoln gasped.
"Second time today," said Clyde. "But it's alright. I'm just glad you guys are happy to see me again."
"Thank goodness," said Lori. "We all missed you."
"Thanks, Lori."
"My man, Clydesdale! How are you feeling?" cheered Bobby.
"I feel awesome. Thanks, Bobby."
"Dude," said Ronnie Anne. "You're stronger than you look."
Clyde laughed softly.
"I'm so happy you're back with us, Clyde," said Tabby.
"I'm happy to be back," said Clyde, before looking at the two strangers in the RV. "Who are the new guys?"
The stranger with the Yankees cap, the beard, and lacerated face turned around. The stranger with the buzz cut cleared his throat.
"I'm George Cane. FBI. I'm helping your group get to Albany."
The stranger with the cap was ready to speak before Missy interjected.
"You don't need to worry about him," said Missy. "This guy's just an asshole who shot at us and now we're having him take us to his leader."
"Who happens to be my mom," said Vonda.
"Who's trying to kill George," added Luna.
"I have so much to catch up on, don't I?" awkwardly chuckled Clyde.
David looked at his watch.
"Well, this seems like a good time to stop," said David.
"Lunch break?" asked Missy.
David nodded. Clyde smiled as he smacked his lips.
"Man, I could go for some water right now," said Clyde.
"Here you go," said Francisco, handing his canteen to him.
Clyde lifted his back off the sofa and took a sip as the group members began to walk out of the RV. He sighed in relief and looked around.
"I'd like to join the group," said Clyde. "Or do I have to eat here?"
"No, come!" said Lynn. "I'll help you up."
"No need," said Lisa, holding two crutches. "I crafted these for you. The crutches should support you and compensate for your missing lower left calf."
"Thanks, Lisa," said Clyde as he grabbed his crutches.
"I'll still help you up," said Lynn.
Lynn helped him stand up and get a hold of his crutches. Clyde wiggled his armpit around the crutches as he adjusted himself for comfort. He saw Lynn and Francisco holding their arms out, ready to catch him if he falls. He then saw Lincoln standing a few feet in front of him, his arms out as well.
"Take your time, buddy," said Lincoln.
"Don't you remember about the time I tried rock climbing with my dads?" chuckled Clyde.
Clyde then moved his crutches forward before taking a step forward with his right foot. He moved with ease around the RV and even had no trouble stepping out of it.
Lincoln smiled and followed him. He, along with Lynn, Francisco, and the others in the RV stepped outside, watching Clyde walk around as if the crutches were something he used his whole life.
Carol's face lit up and she started clapping before the rest of the group joined her. Gus himself lightly clapped along as well, though he didn't seem all that happy.
"You really had us worried," said Luan. "And now you're walking around like nothing happened."
"You know what they say," said Clyde. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
"I don't know," said Dana. "I'm still feeling a little weak."
"Dana!" gasped Clyde. "Glad to see you're okay!"
"Same here. Lisa did a good job patching us up."
"Yeah, I owe her my life."
"It really is no problem," said Lisa.
"I assume Lola is okay too?"
The group members all got quiet. Clyde looked around, confused by everyone's reaction. He then looked at Lisa, who was looking down.
"No," said Lisa. "Unfortunately, she's deceased."
"Oh. I'm... I'm very sorry."
"Don't be. It's over now. We're moving on."
"Yeah," said Lincoln. "We're happy you're alive. That's what matters now."
Clyde nodded. He then looked over at Lana, who wiped her eyes. She glanced at him before looking away, not wanting to be seen crying. He couldn't help but feel guilty.
Gus smacked his lips as he dug his spoon into the can, scraping up whatever spinach was left inside. He then placed the spoon in his mouth and swallowed the scraps.
"They don't feed you or something?" asked Missy.
"I just like spinach," said Gus. "Got some more?"
Missy shook her head.
"That's fine. We're thinking about setting up multiple farms in the Adirondacks. One of 'em's gonna be a spinach farm."
David hovered over Gus, staring him down.
"Anyways, we don't attack civilians. We ask 'em about the whereabouts of Agent Cunt over here and if they don't know then we let 'em on their way."
David sighed.
"I'm serious. We don't try to provoke people. Never know... you could end up messing with the wrong group. That's rule number one in this new world. Don't pick fights you can't win."
"Funny coming from you," said George. "Your people messed with this group. Now your friends are dead. And your leader waged war with the FBI. And more of your friends are dead."
"Yeah, and how'd that go? We won didn't we? You're the last one alive, Agent Cunt. And you're about to hand yourself over. As far as we know, we won that fight. Picking a fight with this group... yeah I admit it, we bit off more than we can chew. But y'all will be leaving soon, so it's alright."
"Funny thing is... one of your buddies told me rule number one in this new world was 'hunt or be hunted.' So which one is it?"
"Shit, they were probably talkin' 'bout you. A real killer over here."
"So, everyone in Albany are just fine then?" asked David.
"Everyone who ain't get gobbled up by the dead, yeah. Shit's empty though, so good luck finding anyone."
David walked away. Richard approached him.
"I don't trust a word he says," said Richard.
"Yeah. No way the Piranhas just leave people alone."
"So why are we still going to Utica?"
"We don't really have a choice."
"We do."
David shook his head.
"Look. We made a backup plan. It's not a guarantee you and Missy will make it out alive, but you two have the biggest chances. If anything goes wrong, then I need you to lead these people to Houlton."
"I don't like this plan," sighed Richard.
"I'm risking the lives of our group members. It's only right I risk my life first."
"You know if I were the leader, I wouldn't go through with this plan, right?"
"I know. If I die... it's because I was wrong. And your choice would've been the right choice."
"Shit, we still need you though. Sandy... still needs you."
"Don't get me wrong, I don't plan on dying today."
Richard nodded. He and David walked back to Missy, Gus, and George.
Meanwhile, Lincoln and his friends sat in a circle, tossing bottle caps into a can.
"I don't understand how you're really good at this," said Ronnie Anne in a frustrated tone.
"Horseshoes," said Liam. "You toss enough horseshoes 'round a pole, there ain't nothin' you can't toss right."
"Are you any good at basketball?" asked Lynn.
"Not really. But that's 'cause I'm vertically challenged."
"So, what I'm hearing are excuses."
Some of the children laughed. Liam chuckled.
"I hope D don't go easy on you," said Liam.
Francisco walked towards Lynn and Clyde, holding a baseball.
"Hey, Lynn. Can I borrow him for a minute?" asked Francisco.
Lynn looked up at him. The children all stared at him awkwardly.
"I don't think..." said Tabby before being interrupted by Lynn.
"It's up to Clyde," said Lynn.
Clyde nodded. He grabbed his crutches and stood up. He then followed Francisco as the children looked nervous.
"Hey, dude. How are you feeling?" asked Francisco.
"I'm feeling alright," said Clyde. "What about you?"
"Good. I feel good."
Francisco grabbed his cap and removed it.
"Clyde… I just wanted to apologize about what I did to you two weeks ago."
"No need to. I forgive you."
"Really? You do? Why?"
"I see how you're in good terms with Lynn. She hated your guts after we… fought. Now, it looks like you and her made up somewhat."
"I told her why we fought. I admitted to her that I like her. She quickly shut me down."
Clyde raised his eyebrows.
"Ah, you thought I was going to say that I told her you liked her as well? No, that's your job. As far as she knows, I was a lovesick aggressor. Which I really was."
"You weren't the only one, Francisco. I'll tell Lynn soon. I hope it doesn't create some sort of love triangle between us though."
"Don't worry. All I wish is to be Lynn's friend again. And your friend as well."
"You already are, Francisco. No hard feelings about anything we did in the past."
Clyde and Francisco shook hands.
"Well then, to commemorate our friendship, I want you to have this," said Francisco, giving Clyde a baseball.
Clyde looked at the baseball.
"I personally signed it."
"Thank you, Francisco. I'll put it in my fanny pack."
Francisco nodded before giving Clyde a short hug, patting his back in the process. Clyde was surprised, though he did smile.
Two women leaned against their blue car. One was smoking her blunt while the other was tapping her foot nervously.
"Hey, Joan, stop it," said the smoker. "Can't let 'em know you're about to piss your pants."
"Sorry."
The two women then saw an RV approaching in the distance, followed by a blue van, a black van, and a gray car.
Bruna pulled the walkie-talkie closer to her face.
"Hey, Gus. Bruna here. That you?"
"Yeah. That you by the blue car?"
"Yeah. Follow us."
Bruna and Joan walked back to their car. Bruna rolled down the window and continued to smoke. She then drove the car along the road.
Vonda tapped her foot nervously as the RV continued to move.
Birds flew over the calm sky.
A medium-sized drawbridge went over the manmade river. There were a few cars left in the bridge, but they were pushed to the sides. By one of the entrances to the bridge, the road was empty with only litter lurking around. On the sidewalks, there were overgrown oak trees that stood tall, yet did not get in the way of any driver. There were also stone barricades, On the other entrance, there were many small buildings and many cars. The roads were blocked off by roadblocks, which surprisingly kept the roamers away, almost as if they understood what the orange and white wooden boards meant. There were about six small or medium-sized cars, a blue pickup truck, and seven motorcycles. Majority of the vehicles were some shade of blue, although some sported red or black colors. There were many men and women with piranha tattoos in the back of their necks. They stood beside their vehicles with submachine guns and pistols in their hands.
On the back of the pickup truck stood a tall redheaded woman, with long and curly hair, sporting a blue leather vest. Underneath the blue vest was a white t-shirt that barely reached her waist. She wore tight blue jeans with black boots. She had gold round earrings and a purple choker on her neck. She wore black leather gloves and held a UMP45 submachine gun in her hands. She looked into the distance with her binoculars and smiled. She pulled a walkie-talkie close to her face.
"That you, Bruna?" asked the woman.
"Yeah."
"Your car will cross, but not the others. Not yet."
"Understood."
The RV drove through the empty road, following Bruna's car. Then, it parked alongside the bridge as Bruna's car turned and crossed the bridge.
Vonda looked out the window. She glared at the tall redheaded woman, having no doubt in her mind that person was her mother.
"Sherry wants all of you step out," said Bruna.
David scoffed as he looked over at Gus, who rubbed his wrists.
"If she wanted to kill you, she would already have," said Gus.
"No," said George. "She wouldn't risk killing me that fast."
"Hey, she's leaving herself exposed. A sniper could take her down from a mile away. So trust her. And trust me."
David rolled his eyes and handed Gus his pistol back. Gus smiled and placed his pistol in his back pocket. He then handcuffed George, with his hands facing forward.
"When you escape..." whispered David, placing something in George's pocket, "...head to Houlton, Maine. It's a town bordering Canada. I left a map in your pocket."
"All right," whispered George. "Thank you."
David nodded. He released the mag from his M9 pistol and made sure all the bullets were in there.
Richard opened up the cylinder for his Python revolver and checked to see if none of the chambers were empty.
Missy switched the safety off in her AR-15 rifle.
Lori placed the strap of her AK-47 rifle over her shoulder and sighed deeply.
Bobby kept his P08 Luger pistol in his pocket and instead held a knife out. He looked over at Lori and gave a slight nod.
Tad walked up to D and handed him his pistol.
D looked back and nodded.
Becky looked over at the two of them before holstering her own pistol.
Dana took a deep breath as she stared her pistol.
Sergei left his gun in the car as he stepped out.
Lincoln made sure the three bulletproof vests they had were on the side of Vanzilla that was exposed to the Piranhas.
Lynn hopped out of Vanzilla from the other side with her red recurve bow.
Vonda walked out of the RV, holding her bow, and stared down Sherry as the group members were all now standing in front of the vehicles.
"Oh my god, that's a lot of guns…" whispered Lori as she nervously walked side by side with the others.
Gus chuckled as he held George's arm.
"We got him!" exclaimed Gus.
"Holy hell, what the fuck happened to your face?" exclaimed Sherry.
"Agent Cunt happened! He crashed my car! But the two pretty blondes patched me up!"
"Ah, yes. Bruna told me about Agent Cunt. I happen to like that name. How's that, Agent Cunt? Do you like that name?"
"Just get this over with!" exclaimed George.
Sherry smiled. Vonda looked disgusted as the group members all stood nervously next to each other.
"Who's the leader of this group?" asked Sherry.
"That would be me."
Sherry hopped down from the pickup truck. She whistled as she walked towards. Gus motioned David to walk forward before he followed him with George in his arms. Eventually, both Sherry and David stood face-to-face.
"I appreciate what you're doing..." said Sherry before awaiting a response.
"David."
"Pleasure to meet you, David. I'm Sherry. Agent Cane here has been a massive pain in the ass. You've done me a great favor bringing him here."
"Your group will leave my group alone, right?"
"As long as you and each of your group members have a blue pass, you should be able to travel in and out of this state freely. I'll bring it over in a minute, but first... I need to know. How many of my people have you killed?"
"Three or four, I would say," said David.
"Why?"
"It's like your guy said. They attacked us. They killed some of my people. But as soon as we got everything cleared up... well, I decided to make the logical choice. I chose to ignore my feelings and come here."
Sherry let out a nervous laugh, though it sounded forced.
"Oh, that's good! I was worried maybe you were coming over to kill us! It's great to talk to a reasonable person. Now give me a moment. I gotta count all your group members."
David nodded. He looked at the group on the other side of the bridge. He then felt uncomfortable. If Sherry thought they were going to kill her, then why was she exposed out in the open? He couldn't shake that thought off his head.
Vonda looked nervous as Sherry scanned the group members. Their eyes eventually met, but Sherry quickly moved on to the next person. However, her expression did change. Then, suddenly, Sherry glanced back at Vonda before looking back at David. Vonda sighed.
"Thirty-two! Wow! You got quite the crowd," said Sherry. "We're going to go back and get the passes. Just sit still."
Sherry turned around and grabbed George's arm, smiling as she looked forward. Gus walked with her across the bridge.
"I have to know what you were thinking when you escaped from that cage," said Sherry. "You really thought you were going to kill me? Heh, now I'm curious what it feels like to have your asshole ripped apart by roamers. You're going to find out for me, George."
George remained silent as he made it to the other side of the bridge.
"John! Andrew! Take this asshole into your truck."
John and Andrew both wore leather gloves and an indigo bandana. They approached George and grabbed his arm.
Gus then whispered into Sherry's ears. Sherry nodded along before glancing at the group.
"What the hell is he saying to her?" asked Richard.
"I don't know," said Missy.
Gus moved away from Sherry as she looked at the group. She then smiled.
"Just one more thing, David!" she exclaimed. "Your black van! Hand it over!"
George raised his eyebrows.
David looked back at the van, appearing confused. Richard and Missy appeared confused as well.
"Why?" asked David.
"Our fight with the FBI has bled us dry! And George here... he's a hard bitch to hunt down! Gus here says that van has weapons!"
Thoughts were racing across David's mind.
"We need those weapons!" exclaimed David. "We can't be safe without them!"
"You have no idea how lucky you are! Normally, the punishment for killing my people is death! But I'm willing to forgive that! So how about it, David? What are you going to choose?"
Richard gulped. He began to move his hand closer to his revolver.
"We didn't have to come here!" said David. "We could've killed your guy and left George on his own! We could've just left! But we didn't, and now we're being punished for that?"
"They're just weapons! You'll find more!"
"Why is David doing this?" whispered Missy. "Can't he just give up the van?"
"No, it's too important," whispered Richard.
"Why?"
Richard kept quiet as he awaited David's response.
David's eyes then widened. He looked at Gus, who smirked at him. David figured it out.
"Alright," said David. "I'll go back and drive it over to you!"
"No need!" said Sherry. "I'll have Gus bring it over! Go on, Gus."
Sherry walked over to George as Gus passed her.
George looked at Sherry. He tried to approach her, but was dragged back by John and Andrew.
"Wait, I have something to say to you," grunted George.
Sherry motioned John and Andrew to loosen their grip. George then pulled his arms away from them. He walked up to Sherry.
"That's enough," said Sherry.
George stopped in his track. He drew a quick breath.
"We have your daughter," said George.
"What?"
"WE HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER!"
George turned around and hopped over the bridge. The Piranhas raised their guns and looked as George dived into the water. Then, they began to fire at the canal river.
"Wait!" gasped Sherry. "Don't kill him!"
Bubbles filled the air around George as bullets slowly moved past him in the water. He removed his handcuffs with a key hidden in his front pocket. His vest then caused him to float into the surface.
Sherry looked over at David, who was now running back to his group.
"TAKE COVER!" shouted David.
Richard and Missy took cover behind Chunk's van, as well as Chunk, Luna, and Sam. Lori and Bobby ducked behind the concrete barriers, as well as Becky, Dana, Tad, D, and Wavehead. Clyde appeared confused as the Piranhas began to aim their guns at them. Lynn then grabbed him and pulled him down to the ground as they took cover behind a concrete rail guard. Francisco joined them and the rest of the group ran for cover behind the vehicles.
Gunshots went off as David leaped down, crawling behind one of the concrete barriers. Gus ducked behind one of the cars and grabbed his submachine gun.
"Wait, stop firing!" shouted Sherry.
The Piranhas each began to take cover as Sherry leaned against her pickup truck. She grabbed her submachine gun. She then looked down at the canal and saw a floating bulletproof vest with the FBI logo. But no George.
"Go find George and capture him alive!"
David looked up and began to fire his pistol at the group of cars on the other side of the bridge. Lori, Richard, and Missy followed.
Sergei and Carol ran over to their car and hopped inside.
"Wait," said Carol. "Call Vonda over!"
"Why?"
"Just do it!"
Sergei opened up the door. He called out for Vonda, who was hiding behind a concrete barrier.
"Vonda! Get in here!"
Vonda nodded as she ran over to Chaz's car.
Sherry looked up and saw the redheaded girl run to the back of the gray car. She then flinched as a bullet struck the front windshield of her truck.
David sighed as he lowered himself and reloaded his pistol.
Missy shot her AR-15 a couple times. One of the Piranhas shouted as a chunk of flesh flew off their ear. They grabbed onto their bleeding ear and crouched under their car.
"We're getting fucked!" shouted one of the Piranhas.
"What do we do?" shouted Bruna.
Sergei pressed his foot on the accelerator and drove away from the gunfight.
"One of 'em's getting away!" gasped Joan.
"Do not fire at that car!" yelled Sherry before pointing at a couple Piranhas. "You three! Go after them! Do not shoot at the car! Leave the redhead girl alive!"
The three Piranhas nodded as they hopped onto their motorcycles.
"Now... fire!"
The Piranhas all came out of cover and began to unleash a rain of bullets onto the vehicles. Lori ducked and covered her ears as bullets flew above her. David flinched as the sounds of ricocheting bullets popped around his ears. Lily cried as Leni held onto her tightly.
Clyde looked at his crutches on the ground. There was no way he was going to run his way out of this situation.
Gus ran back to the Piranhas as they continued their relentless firing. He kept his head low, being careful not to get accidentally shot by his friends.
The engines on the motorcycles roared as they now began to chase Sergei's car from the other side of the river.
Becky looked as the motorcycles were moving away. She aimed her Glock 17 pistol carefully at one of the riders and took a deep breath. Despite the grunts and cries she heard around her, she remained composed and kept her hands steady. She then pulled the trigger multiple times.
The middle rider grunted then shouted as blood splattered the rider behind her. She fell to the ground, skidding along the road with her motorcycle before sliding off into the river. Her body splashed against the canal and soon enough, a red puddle began to seep into the water from the holes in her chest and arm.
Becky's eyes widened before she ducked at the sound of a bullet striking the barrier next to her.
Missy looked at Lori and Bobby, who were trapped behind the cover of the concrete barriers.
Richard opened the driver's door to Chunk's van.
"Let's get in!" exclaimed Richard.
"Wait, we have to get the kids outta here!" said Missy. "David, cover fire!"
David shot his pistol as well as Dana and Lori. D and Bobby joined, though their aim were very inaccurate. Missy then ran over to Vanzilla.
"Wait! Missy!" shouted Richard.
Missy quickly ducked as the bullets struck the RV. All the bullets that were fired on her missed.
"We have to get out of here!" shouted Wavehead.
"No shit," said D.
"You guys go!" shouted Becky. "I'll cover you!"
"I'll help you!" said D. "Go, guys!"
Wavehead, Dana, and Tad ran over to the RV.
Chunk then stepped inside of the driver's seat while Luna and Sam jumped into the back seats. Richard turned towards them.
"Get in!" said Luna.
Richard shouted in frustrated.
"Just go! Go!" he exclaimed.
Richard ran over to Vanzilla as his group members continued to shoot at the Piranhas. Chunk closed the door and slammed the gas pedal.
Becky and D ran over to the RV before stopping as Chunk drove past them, almost running them over.
The sound of gunfire stopped before resuming again. Now it was the Piranhas laying fire on them.
Becky and D opened the door to the RV.
Suddenly, D was shot in the leg, causing him to stumble into the ground, smacking his ribs against the edge of the RV floor.
"Fuck!" he groaned.
"Oh my god!" gasped Becky.
Becky and Tad pulled him inside as bullets continued to hit the RV. Dana then closed the door.
D groaned in pain as he clutched his jeans, pressing against the gunshot wound in his leg.
"Stay with me, Derrick!" panted Becky before she turned around. "Who's driving this damn thing?"
"You remembered my name…" wheezed D as he scrunched his face in anguish.
Becky scoffed as Tad jogged ahead.
"I could drive this thing!" panted Tad.
"No, don't!" said Dana. "This RV is bulletproof! We're fine here! Just wait for the others! We can't leave them behind!"
Tad gulped and nodded. D continued to groan in pain.
Missy continued to move the kids into Vanzilla before gunfire struck the van. The kids shouted as they lowered themselves. Bullet holes formed on the right side of Vanzilla, but it was unable to penetrate the vests that were attached to the side of the van.
"You fucking assholes!" shouted Sherry as she fired her submachine gun at the group. "You really thought you were gonna get away with huh!"
David looked at Vanzilla. The gunfire was now all focused on it as he could hear screaming and crying. He took a deep breath and turned around and raised his pistol. Despite the fact that the Piranhas were still firing their weapons, he took a chance.
A Piranha approached Sherry.
"Ma'am, we don't have enough ammo to keep this going for longer!"
"It's alright, we'll-!"
A hole appeared under the Piranha's right eye before his body slammed into the pavement.
Sherry gasped as Andrew pulled her down out of instinct. She then looked at Andrew and nodded. Andrew walked away while John remained.
Sergei continued to drive the gray car along the river as he searched for an exit. However, there was nothing but trees.
"Suka blyat! There's no exit!" yelled Sergei.
"It's okay, just keep driving!" said Carol. "They're not gonna shoot us!"
"How do you know?" asked Vonda.
"Because your mother told them not to! Look!"
Sergei and Vonda both looked to the right. They saw the cyclists following them with their guns out, but they weren't firing them. Instead, they were accelerating their bikes.
Sergei looked ahead. He saw another bridge.
"They going to try to cut us off," he said. "Not on my watch."
Sergei grabbed the M4 Carbine rifle on the side of his seat and offered it to Carol.
"Here!" said Sergei. "Shoot them!"
"What?" gasped Carol. "I-I don't know how to shoot that thing!"
"I do!" exclaimed Vonda. "Give it!"
Sergei looked at the rearview mirror and saw the eagerness in Vonda's eyes. He shook his head. He braked the car as the motorcycles began to cross the bridge.
"Duck! And don't get back up until I tell you to!" exclaimed Sergei.
Carol and Vonda lowered themselves as Sergei stepped out of the car. Using the door as cover, he aimed the M4 rifle at the approaching riders and burst-fired a few bullets at them. Blood splattered out of one of the Piranha's stomach, causing him to fall out of his motorcycle. Blood squirted out of the other Piranha's back as a hole was left in his chest, causing him to drop down like a rag doll. His body rolled over and his motorcycle rode into the canal, creating a large splash.
Sergei turned around and noticed Chunk's van approaching in the distance. He went back into the car and placed his rifle to the side.
"You can come up, girls."
Carol and Vonda raised their heads, seeing one of the Piranhas screaming as blood leaked out of his stomach and the other on the ground, motionless. Horror filled their eyes as Sergei moved the car, driving past the Piranhas.
Lincoln looked at Lynn and Clyde, who were still behind the barriers. Missy then grabbed him.
"Wait, we have to get them!" urged Lincoln.
"We have to get your other sisters out of here right now!" panted Missy.
"But-"
"Now! Before they pop a tire or kill one of your sisters!"
Lincoln nodded. He stepped into the full van, where his friends were also at.
"The hell we doin'?" shouted Richard. "We were supposed to take the van!"
"We are taking the van!"
"The other van!"
"Just get inside and drive us outta here!"
Missy then stepped inside, tripping over the legs of the children. Richard groaned as he took the driver's seat.
The Piranhas continued to fire at the group, bullets shattering some of the windows in Vanzilla.
"Drive, Richard, drive!" she exclaimed.
Richard slammed the gas pedal, Lincoln closed the door, Missy crawled to the front passenger seat.
As Missy took her seat, a bullet crashed into the passenger window, striking her.
Lori watched as she saw Missy get shot in front of her eyes. She held her rifle tightly and shuddered as she watched Vanzilla drive away.
"Oh god!" gasped Richard. "Missy!"
Blood sipped onto Missy's right shoulder as she groaned softly. Richard drove the van past David, now moving away from the gunfight.
The only group members left outside were David, Lori, Bobby, Lynn, Francisco, and Clyde.
"Lori! Get everyone into the RV! I'll cover you!" exclaimed David. "Lori! Can you hear me? Lori!"
Lori was frozen in place. Lynn, Francisco, and Clyde stayed low to the ground while bullets flew in all places. Bobby continued firing his pistol. David continued to call for Lori, but she seemed unresponsive. Her eyes stared at the blood stains in the pavement.
Two Piranhas walked on a walkway along the canal. They searched for George before seeing bubbles.
George came out of the water, inhaling deeply as water ran down his soaked head and body. He wiped his eyes and then saw the two Piranhas aiming their guns at him.
"Shit..." muttered George as he raised his hands.
"You're a really good swimmer," said one of the Piranhas. "Could've been one of us."
"Now come out," said the other Piranha. "Don't make us come get you."
"Alright," panted George.
He placed his hand in the water and began to swim away from the Piranhas.
"For fuck's sake," muttered one of the Piranhas.
He placed his submachine gun on the walkway and took out his knife. He then jumped into the canal, making a big splash.
"Come on, guys, really?" panted George.
The swimmer surfaced, holding out his knife as he swam towards George.
George sighed. He pulled out his pistol from his leg strap and shot the Piranha on the walkway.
"Shit!" yelled the swimmer.
George fired a bullet at him, hitting him in the neck. The swimmer coughed out blood and flailed as he struggled to keep himself floating. The blood stained the water around him as he sunk down the canal.
George sighed. He swam towards the walkway on the opposite side of the canal. He looked back at the Piranha on the other walkway and noticed the blood from his chest spilling into the canal. He then saw roamers approaching from the buildings on the other side. He jogged away.
"Lori!" shouted David.
"Lori, David's calling you!" said Lynn.
Lynn shook Lori's shoulder, causing her to cry out softly. She tossed her rifle to the side and covered her ears and closed her eyes.
"Oh my god..." whispered Lynn.
"Just go!" exclaimed Bobby. "I got her!"
Lynn nodded. She then turned towards Francisco.
"We grab Clyde and get in the RV, okay?" said Lynn.
Francisco nodded. Clyde then saw roamers coming out from the other side of the RV. He patted Lynn.
"Crap!" said Lynn. "Roamers!"
Bobby fired his pistol at the roamers. They fell down, but there were more coming.
"I'm out!" gasped Bobby.
David looked at the ammo he had left. He could either provide cover fire or use them on the roamers. Before he aimed at the roamers, he noticed Francisco grabbing his bat.
"I'll keep them off you," said Francisco. "Ready?"
Lynn nodded.
"David! On the count of three!"
David nodded.
"Three, two, one!"
David raised his head and fired his pistol at the Piranhas, prompting them to duck. Francisco ran over to the roamers by the back door and smacked one of them with his bat. Lynn lifted Clyde and ran over to the RV. Bobby struggled to get Lori to stand up.
David then ducked as a bullet cracked a piece of the barrier where he was crouched behind.
Two bullets then flew across the air and hit Francisco in the leg and waist. He fell next to the killed roamer and yelled over the sound of the gunfire.
Lynn continued to run to the RV. Upon arriving, she stumbled to the ground with Clyde. Dana shut the door.
"Wait, Francisco!" gasped Lynn.
As Lynn prepared to get out of the RV, Dana and Wavehead stood in the way.
"Out of my way! He's out there!"
"It's too dangerous!" said Wavehead.
Lynn grabbed her bow from her back and approached Wavehead. He gulped but did not budge. Lynn then ran to the other back door, slamming it open.
"Lynn!" shouted Clyde.
Lynn let out a scream as she swung her bow, killing a roamer.
"Shoot him!" ordered Sherry.
"But, ma'am, he's just a kid," quivered John.
"Don't make me ask again."
John nodded. He took out his pistol and shot near Francisco. The bullets led Lynn to a halt as she quickly took cover behind the RV.
Lori remained where she was, frightened.
"Hand me the rifle!" exclaimed David.
Bobby grabbed the AK-47 rifle and slid it across the pavement.
David stretched over and grabbed the rifle from the ground.
John carefully aimed his pistol at Francisco.
Lynn took down another roamer. She ran out into the open, towards Francisco, who was dragging himself to the back of the RV, leaving a trail of blood. She gasped and reached out for him.
Francisco reached out for Lynn before his cap flew off and his scalp ripped open. Pieces of his brain splattered on Lynn's hand, causing chills through her spine.
In the blink of an eye, Lori snapped back into reality and gasped as blood seeped out of Francisco's head.
"No!" yelled Bobby.
Lori immediately stood up and ran towards Lynn. She tackled her to the ground as bullets flew past where Lynn stood, now striking the roamers coming out of the trees, though not killing them. She then dragged Lynn behind the RV.
"Ma'am!" shouted Andrew. "We have to leave! The roamers are here and we're out of bullets!"
"Got it," said Sherry. "Everyone! Pull back!"
David and Bobby continued to keep their heads low as they heard the engines start. Then, they heard the cars move away from the bridge. David let out a sigh of relief. However, one look at Francisco's body caused him to get all choked up.
Lynn panted as she rubbed her palm against the pavement. However, it only further stained her hand. She rubbed harder, burning her skin.
"Lynn, get inside," said Lori, grabbing Lynn.
Lynn pushed Lori's hands away. She then stormed into the RV. Lori followed her, shutting the door as the roamers tried to get in.
David and Bobby stood up and saw that the coast was clear. Then, they saw roamers coming from the back of the RV and decided to head for the front door.
Becky turned around as she saw David and Bobby enter the RV. David tossed the AK-47 rifle to the floor while Bobby approached Lori.
"Are you okay?" asked Bobby.
"Is she okay?" growled Lynn. "What about Francisco! He's still out there!"
"He's gone," said David, starting the engine. "We gotta go now!"
"We can't just leave him out there!"
"We have to! Roamers are coming and we got no time to grab him!"
Lynn shook her head and ran to the back of the RV. She hopped onto the booth table and opened up the curtains.
As David drove the RV, the roamers approached Francisco's body and knelt down.
"No!" cried out Lynn. "Leave him alone! You assholes!"
The roamers dug their nails into Francisco's body, tearing apart his clothes and flesh. Tears rolled down Lynn's face.
"Stop! Please... please stop! Don't..."
Lynn choked up. She placed her hand against the window, seeing Francisco's body getting smaller and smaller.
Clyde looked at Lynn and closed his eyes. He removed his glasses and started crying into his arms.
Tears rolled down Lori's face. She wanted to apologize, but her voice was too weak to say anything.
The roamers stood up, blood marking their exposed teeth. Francisco's blood-stained cap remained in the pavement as the roamers stumbled past his motionless arm.
It was now quiet again.
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End Credit Song
Anchor - Nova Amor
"Our luck never seems to run out, huh?" asked Andrew, driving the blue pickup truck.
"First, the Barracudas, then George, then this group... fuck me," groaned Sherry. "Just how deep in shit could we go? We're going to hunt these people down, kill them one by one, or better yet, all at once. The sooner these people get off my ass, the better."
"What about the redheaded girl?"
"No," sighed Sherry. "We'll leave my daughter alone. That other archer she was with too. I'm bettin' your brother's cock that girl with the ponytail is her stepsister or some shit."
"Do we search for the group?"
"No need. I know where they're going, courtesy of Gus. We're going to wait there and hit 'em with everything we got."
"Understood."
Sherry looked ahead, seeing all the cars in front of her.
"Only thing I have a question about..." said Sherry, "...why isn't Vonda with her father?"
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So the Piranhas made their entrance! They are run by the big bad Sherry Crowley, who, in case you didn't notice, will be the second major antagonist that the group will face. On their struggle to escape to New York, they have to face many more obstacles! What are these obstacles, and what the butternut is Sherry talking about? What plan? Find out in the next chapter in 2-3 weeks! Don't forget to follow this story if you enjoyed! Until the next time!