Hello everyone.. I know it's been a long time and I don't blame you if some of you wonderful readers have moved on from this story. I took a very long leave of absence. First it was writer's block and then it was just.. well.. life. I started college and I've just been trying to get through it. As well as spend time with my girlfriend. I can PROMISE you I am not finished with this story. In fact, the whole time I didn't have my hands on a keyboard writing it I was thinking about all the things I can do with it! Everyday I told myself I would continue this story and I FINALLY am! Thank you for your constant support and OVER 100 FOLLOWERS WHAT!? YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!
This chapter is a lot of talking but that's to further explain EXACTLY where they are on their journey. Hope you enjoy it! Next chapter will be FULL of action.
Without further ado. Here is chapter 18 of AT :)
ANSWERS TO YOUR REVIEWS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE!
Chapter 18: Stay Frosty
Murphy's P.O.V (1:08pm):
Two days, two tanks of gas, and one tired Murphy later.. We're finally here. Standing in front of a welcome sign, or at least, what used to be a sign to our next destination: Columbus, Ohio. Or as the sign states: "umbus Oh" … Yeah that sign has definitely seen better days.. Behind the sign was the forest that Clarke mentioned and drew on her map. There weren't many leaves on the trees but the trees themselves were HUGE. But it was kiiinnddaa missing one major aspect of her drawing..
"Where's all the snow you guys were talking about?" Jasper asked with his arms spread out in confusion. Lincoln turned his attention from a conversation with Bellamy and Kane to the tall, skinny, rehabilitating, stoner/ex-alcoholic.
"Don't you worry, you'll see lots of snow soon.. don't underestimate that." After he said that Jasper looked like he was about to pass out or shit himself.. or both.. Bellamy spoke up now loud enough for us all to hear.
"Which is why we should get a move on.. and quickly. Raven, do you know if the car can make it up that hill into the forest?" He nodded his head over to a slight hill in the distance. There weren't as many trees and it almost looked like there was some sort of path cleared. I didn't think much of it.
"I'll make it work." she said after analyzing the path. "I'm not leaving Crow all alone."
"Crow?" I asked, with a raised eyebrow and smirk. She rolled her eyes at that and playfully shoved me away.
"Yes. I named the Charger. She's my new favorite gal." I chuckled at that. "What? You tryna fight?" She asked jokingly.
"Oh, you think you can take me, Reyes?" I asked.
"Oh totally." She answered almost a little too fast. Then she smirked, making my heart leap out of my chest. Like guys it felt like it literally blasted through my damn shirt. I have never felt this way.. ever. Is it love? Better not be.
Clarke's voice yanked me from my thoughts,
"Alright, we should all probably get moving. Are you guys ready?" She asked as her eyes made it over the whole group.
"The buggy's battery has about 45% battery left before it needs a recharge." Monty said, we all waited for him to say if that was good or bad.. y'know.. hopefully in English and not in nerd. I like Monty. I really do, I would never lie about liking someone.. trust me. But I just wish he would elaborate more is all. He seemed to notice the 9 pairs of eyes staring at him. "Yes, we're ready to go. We can make a good distance before sunset."
"Jeez, why didn't you just say that?" Octavia asked. Lincoln spoke now, in a tone that didn't sound too much like the voice of a strong, brave, grounder-man.
"Before we go into the forest I must warn you all.. if you wish to turn back.. now is the time. What lies in the last days of this journey might be extremely dangerous. And only the strongest will survive."
"Jeez Lincoln.. great motivational speech." I commented quietly.
We all glanced around at each other. Trying to read each other's thoughts. My hand found its way into Ravens and we shared a smile. I might not be the best shower of affection. And God knows I'm no mind reader. But we gave each other a look that said 'we're gonna be okay. As long as we stick together'. I know.. gross romance stuff I get it but I really lov- like this girl okay? Wait.. oh no.. do I love her? Son of a bitch. Bellamy snapped me out of my thoughts.
"If anyone wants to turn back.. no one here will look down on you or think of you any different. It's completely understandable. You can even take the buggy back with you." I saw Monty open his mouth, probably about to object to the idea, but he quickly closed it probably realizing it makes sense.
"Alright then." Kane stated after several minutes with a smile, almost looking proud. Of what? I have no clue. "Let's get going." Kane stated before heading towards the buggy. Clarke spoke now,
"Before we go any further I think it would be a good idea for us to get all of the winter clothes sorted out."
We spent the next 15 minutes or so standing at the back of the Charger taking turns looking through all the jackets, pants, and long sleeve shirts in the trunk of the car. Some of the members of our group, like Clarke and Monty, still didn't feel right about taking these clothes that we found in the parking garage but the way I see it is.. I mean.. they're kinda dead and we're.. kinda not. So might as well put these winter clothes to use right? If that makes me a monster then sue me. I put on a pair of black cargo pants, traded my ripped and slightly bloody t-shirt for a grey long sleeve, and slipped on a black and blue winter jacket. I kept my old boots on but traded my absolutely drenched socks with comfortable long socks.
"Here you go Murphy, this would fit you perfectly." Monty stated, holding up the BRIGHTEST pink puffer jacket in existence. There were many laughs and giggles from the group. Especially when I replied with,
"You're just jealous because you know I'd pull that thing off waaay better than you." Hearing all the people around me.. my friends.. laughing gave me a feeling of.. what's the word? Joy? Contentment? I don't care what it's called. All I know is I like it and I think I might just want to joke around and make these guys laugh for the rest of my life.
Ew.. what is happening to me?
Raven's P.O.V (1:30 pm)
Outta all these clothes there isn't a single red winter jacket? That's my color man! How am I gonna continue being a complete badass without my signature color!?
"Almost done Raven? Everyone's ready to go slowpoke." Murphy asked, walking up to me. His hands were behind his back and he wasn't doing a very good job of hiding his smirk.
"You know, Murphy, you should never rush a lady. She might rip your head off and-" Before I could finish my sentence Murphy pulled out the most beautiful dark red winter jacket from behind his back. I know, I know it's just a jacket but I'm not kidding this one was gorgeous. Silver snap fastener buttons and zipper. And black fur around the hood of it. I took a long look at it but peeled my eyes away from it to meet his. They were full of pride and accomplishment.
"So I did good?" He asked.
"What's the catch?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Just a kiss." He answered with a playful smile. That amazing smile that I'm so glad he's not hiding anymore.
"I think that can be arranged." I said walking closer to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and gave him the kiss he asked for. It turned into our lips, and occasionally our teeth, crashing together. John Murphy is the best kisser I have ever had. And I can say that without shame. I could feel myself slowly starting to grind against him but I knew it was time to reluctantly pull away. We had stuff to do. A LOT of stuff. Hopefully, he can be the stuff I can do soon but for now, it was time to get going.
"Wow." He said quietly. I gently took the jacket from his hands while he was dazed.
"Thanks for the jacket, Murphy." That was all I said before giving him a soft kiss on the cheek and heading over to the car. I couldn't wait to teach him how to drive it. Damn.. I really must like him if I'm gonna share my new pride and joy with him. I really think this is love. And it's gross. But honestly.. not as scary as I thought.
"Listen up!" Kane shouted. We all turned our attention, once more, to the tall grounder next to him. Our grounder guide, if you will. Our chiseled chaperone. Kane and Bellamy were holding up the map of our route that Clarke drew. Lincoln spoke.
"Our next ride is through the tundras. It is usually where those making this journey will turn back because of the low temperatures and icy conditions. In about a day we will come across what is known as the 'crater'. It is a big hole in the ground that we cannot fall into or get too close to. If we do, we will bring with us a sickness Trikru call 'green flu'. Where you will vomit blood and slowly die."
"Radiation." Clarke stated.
"You know of it?" He asked.
"Dude. We basically lived in it." Murphy stated. "We're from space. One leak in a window and we were all sick for like a month.. Was pretty awesome not having to go to school."
"Probably leftover from the nuke that made that crater." Monty added.
"Will the car and buggy be able to move across the snow and ice?" Octavia asked. I decided to answer,
"That my dear is a good question. The buggy will have NO problem whatsoever making it across any terrain. The things an absolute beast. And we put those Jeep tires on the Charger so I'd be surprised if we get stuck or slide. Just gotta make sure not to zoom too much."
"Think you can do that?" Murphy asked.
"It'll be hard but.. I think I'll live." I said pouting a little. I just wanna go zoom zoom!
"With that said." Bellamy spoke as he gave his side of the map to Kane to fold. "We should get going. Clarke, what time is it?"
Clarke pulled up the sleeve of her new black and gold winter jacket to check the time on her dad's old watch. "1:45. We have plenty of daylight." Was her answer.
"Can we get going already? I'd like to make it to Calgary before another nuke happens." Octavia stated. We all agreed that would be a good idea..
"Speaking of which.. h-how long until we get there, Lincoln?" Jasper asked while adjusting the goggles on his head.
"I am not certain. As I said, this is the furthest I have gone."
"I wish we found a map or something in the Wasteland.. That woulda been preettty nice" After I said that Murphy and Bellamy seemed to have shared the same revelation as their faces lit up.
"THE PHONE!" They exclaimed and Murphy ran over to the car to get it.
"Guys.." Monty said as Murphy made his way back. "To view a map on a phone you probably need internet.. WiFi.. I don't think it'll wo-"
"Shhhh" Was all Murphy said as he swiped up to unlock the phone. We all gathered around Murphy to look at the screen of the phone. He tapped on the 'Maps' icon and opened it. Sure enough, it stated 'No Internet Connection' at the top of the screen but it still opened and let him use the map. Murphy stuck his tongue out at Monty who just rolled his eyes in return.
"This device.. how do you craft such a thing?" Lincoln asked, still in awe at the phone.
"I don't know about any of that but.. how the hell do I find us? Is there like a 'you're here' arrow or something?" Murphy asked as he moved his finger around the screen.
"Internet.. probably would have helped with that.." Monty said, walking away in content.
"Here. We probably don't need to know exactly where we are anyway." Clarke stated as she gently took the phone from Murphy. "Kane, can I see my map please?" Kane nodded and opened the map she drew, placing it on the ground for her to see. "My map may not be exact but if I can see at least one area that we've been I can-" she stopped talking and the two fingers she had on the phone stopped moving as she found it.. 'Columbus Ohio'.
"Nice job Clarke!" Jasper and I stated and Bellamy patted her back with a smile. She smiled at us and turned to Lincoln. "Where's the Crater, Lincoln?" He reluctantly brought his index finger up to the phone and started moving up on the map. He stopped on a huge bay area that had the words 'Chicago' over it.
"Here. The crater is here. By the body of water."
"Which means we're only about 2 days away from it I'd say." Bellamy said.
"And that's not counting the fact we don't gotta follow any roads or rules or any of that bullshit," I said. I could tell we were all getting pretty excited but no one wanted to admit it as to not jinx the whole thing and completely fuck us over.
We all got into the vehicles. I was in the driver's seat of the Charger, now that I was awake enough to drive and Monty was the driver of the buggy. I didn't think it was the best idea since I don't think the kids had a break for a few days but he's also the only one I trust being behind the wheel driving along a tundra of ice. He was also going to be leading me since Lincoln would be with him in the buggy, along with Warin, Jasper, and Octavia, of course. Bellamy, Clarke, Kane, and Murphy were riding with me in the Charger. Not a bad group.. although I hope Kane doesn't make it awkward. I really haven't talked to him a lot on this trip. I turned to Murphy, who was in the passenger seat. He was staring at the phone screen with a little smile on his face as his fingers were zooming in to the map.
"What ya looking at Murphy?" I asked. Without looking at me he simply stated,
"Calgary." I leaned over to see the screen and sure enough, he found it. The 'City of Dreams'. A medium-sized city just after the border we were behind. Possibly our new home. Looking at it from the perspective of the map it really didn't look that far... As if it were just a jog away... And it wouldn't have been that far of a drive.. If we didn't run into...
Them
Again...
Next chapter will be FULL of action!
Reviews:
sonorarain:This is amazing! Please please update, I'm dying for the rest of the story. Keep up the good work
Answer:THANK YOU! I really hope you stayed with me through this really long break of mine :)
drarrytaang:ahhh pkease update asap. I LOVE THIS STORY
Answer:HERES THE UPDATE! This story loves YOU!
bugheadandbellarke:this is an amazing story! I love the characters and who they are becoming in the story. I love how you made the characters and who they are in the story the same as in show. (some stories it just seems they wrote a story and stole the names of the 100 characters) I'm just curios if the story is over or if you're still going.
Answer:Thank you! I'm so happy to hear that because that's exactly what I was trying to do :) I AM STILL WRITING AND I HOPE YOU'RE STILL READING! Also love your name I just started watching Riverdale again haha :)
GinnyWeasley09:Ok no spoilers for anyone who hasn't seen it but I'm so mad about the latest episode. I can't believe they would do that. I just think that was a really bad choice, and bad writing in that part of the episode. On a happier note, loved this chapter! I thought it was funny that Octavia was talking to Clarke about Bellamy but she didn't really understand . And Raven and Murphy were so cute. I also liked hearing from Kane about floating people, that was a good conversation to have since it hasn't been addressed much.
Answer:Thank you for not putting spoilers! I'm agree with you 100% Ginny! That character DESERVED BETTER! Anyways thank you for your constant support you really helped me keep writing with all your kind words and interest in the story. I really hope you're still around despite my long break :) I'm trying to make Kane a sort of father figure in this story I think it suits him!
MaryCrack13:Update soon pls
Answer:HERE YA GO!
Abwizbsu: Yay
Answer: :D!