"COLD REALITY IS THE BITTER VEIL WHICH DIVIDES OUR LIVES FROM OUR DYING DREAMS! MOMENTS IN FLIGHT, LIGHT AS THE WIND'S CARESS! MEMORIES WITHER INTO FORGETFULNESS! LIFE FLOWS AWAY BEFORE MY EYES! WAITING FOR LIGHT, ANOTHER DAY DIES!"
-Desultory, Cold Bitterness
Given the decimation of Amy's hometown, she and Shadow were forced to move on to the next population. They set up a barricade on the south side. Most of the city has already turned. Amy led the way, more familiar with the territory. She took out two zombies by the exit, making use of her semi-auto to dispatch them with ease. Seizing the opportunity, she shot a third in both legs, wrapping her arms in a frontal suplex motion. The rotten flesh and fragile bone caused the zombie's head to explode under the pressure. The impact combined with blood loss stopped its heart in an instant.
"Rose, where did you learn to fight like that!?"
"I'll tell you later. more are on the way."
Amy headed deeper into the city, making quick work of their foes in the shopping center. Her lack of experience meant it took some time to reload, but that would improve with practice.
"Rose, look out!"
Amy veered her head, snapping back to view her would-be assailant. Shadow teleported, slicing its throat with the sole of his boot. He set the fiend aflame to ensure a swift death.
"That was close."
"Thanks, Shadow. I knew you'd come in handy."
"GUN taught me a number of various self-defense systems. Countries like Israel and Japan developed their own unique styles. Yours is fluid, but slow. Speed and agility are necessary to evade attacks: especially ambushes."
"Maybe you could train me. I always figured I could only go so far on my own."
"I suppose since we're in this predicament, it would only be fair."
"It doesn't seem like there are any survivors here. Let's keep moving. We'll set up camp come nightfall."
"Understood."
Though time ticked on, the duo were no closer to finding signs of life. Amy polished her melee skills as well, leaping to eye level and pulling down a zombie in a DDT throw. Her ammo conservation allowed them to reach the other side of town. The infection had claimed not one, but multiple districts. Realizing too late the region was a lost cause, they returned to the tornado. Traveling west, it took hours to find traces of a small native community. It was a small settlement comprised of later tribes - predominantly the Vishoko. Amy hoped announcing their presence would put the frightened travelers at ease.
"Hello, everyone. My name's Amy. This is Shadow. We're on a rescue mission to take survivors to safety. We've been trying to find people all day."
The tribe remained silent. A middle-aged man with long, dark hair stepped through the crowd. Based on his stern demeanor, Shadow assumed he was the chief.
"I am Velzwa Igloria. As I assume you're aware, dark times have descended upon the people of this planet. While we, the people of Vishoko, would graciously accept a sigh of relief, we cannot trust strangers without just cause. Many have turned to crime in the midst of so much chaos. If you are who you say, we must insist you follow our customs."
While Shadow appeared annoyed, cooperation was key. Though time was of the essence, the emergence of the Vishoko meant the infection hadn't spread as far as they thought.
"We understand," Amy assured, "Please, name your conditions."
"We humbly ask you relinquish your weapons and join us for a night of feasting. Even before this omen appeared, we didn't get many visitors. We must determine whether you are to be trusted."
"Of course."
The duo handed their equipment over, including Amy's sword. The tense atmosphere began to lighten. Velzwa guided him to the chief's tent where they could talk in private. Amy had to walk a fine line between honesty and secrecy. For most, the task alone would've been insurmountable. If they knew she was responsible, things would quickly spiral out of control.
"From where do you hail, young ones?"
"Georgia. Shadow's a military operative stationed here in Oklahoma."
"If he is with the military, why are you together? You seem awfully young for a soldier."
"I'm not. The outbreak occurred near my home. It was the result of a lab leak."
This peaked Velzwa's suspicion. How could she know something the public had yet to be made aware of.
"You know who's responsible, don't you?"
"It was my brother, Miles. He was experimenting with the molecular structures of various diseases to see if he could find a cure."
"So you say this was completely accidental?"
"Yes. He was the first victim. The particles carried through the air. That's how this all started. Our associate Ivo is working on a cure as we speak."
"You can't mean Ivo Robotnik! He's destroyed various cities across the globe. Why would he change sides now?"
"There was always more to Ivo than we knew. Deep down, he's a kind-hearted man who only wanted the best for society, but his methods of force endangered many. It was never his intention to hurt anyone. The safe place we mentioned before is actually his lab in the atlantic. He's got plenty of food there and places to rest."
"While we appreciate the gesture, we cannot accept. Ivo's done too much damage for us to forgive him so easily, whether he meant well or not. I apologize for wasting your time."
"Don't apologize. We understand your reservations. I figured most would reject the offer."
"We can at least repay you in food and rest. Your weapons will be returned tomorrow before you leave. Until then, make yourselves at home."
"Thank you. You're truly a kind soul."
