Subject: A Texan City 1,132 views

[Aldrid]

Aldrid paced about, looking at the bags and nodded. "Then im going to get a vehicle. I was lucky with that Ambulance." He muttered to himself. "Alright, I cant afford to waste time, I'm getting a vehicle" he threw on his jacket, checking his weapons and climbed out the window, avoiding the broken parts. His ankle still hurt a bit but he didnt care. It wasnt enough to slow him down. Aldrid slid down the drain pipe and took off, "They" were chasing. Aldrid bobbed and weaved through the streets, finding the ambulance had only crashed into a clothing store, hitting mostly glass. He jumped into it and slammed the door shut. He turned the ignition, to see it start then fail "fuck, dont stall on me now!" Aldrid punched the dashboard in frustration and started it again. The engine roared to life and he laughed in relief. He reversed, then gunned it back down the streets, parking a block away from the apartment. He climbed out, and ran into the building, making his way to the top. Aldrid had to fight some of "Them" on the way up, but he made it to a decent level, and ran for the edge, jumping through windows and onto the roofs of lower buildings. He carefully made his way back, and came in through the window from the roof, climbing down the fire escape, and leaping back into the window.

[Admin]

Vailla had Theodore ready and she was holding the two large bags in one hand. Theodore was standing in front of Vasilla with his back pack on, his stuffed animal Rover was peeking its head out of the bag. He gave Aldrid the goofiest grin like he was ready for his next adventure. Vasilla gave him a look like she would be very pissed the next time he ran off again without giving her warning. She had removed the barricade on the door and it was open.
"Like last time, I will lead the way, and take care of anything that might happen. You two on the other hand, will stay out of trouble and not get hurt. And listen to everything I say okay?" She had tension in her voice, both of their lives were in her capable hands. But if they didn't listen things could go very horribly wrong. She moved out into the hallway and gave the all clear heading for the stairwell. Theo looked to Aldrid waiting to follow him. "I'm ready Sir Aldrid." he said grinning again.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid strode over to Theo, and scooped him up in his arms. He quickly told where the ambulance was, and that it was closed and locked, ready at any moment. Aldrid followed her down the hall, Ready to fight or run. He held Theo closely, his arms acting as the protective vice that would protect him from the world. His senses were sharp, and he couldnt help but feel the guilty pang in his chest, to leave Vasilla behind. This would be something he couldnt change though, she would remain, and he would take the boy.

[Admin]

Vasilla kicked open the door to the stair well and the first thing she did was drop each bag down the center to the bottom eight floors down. If she was going to have to fight she would need her claws. The first bag thudded on the bottom and echoed loudly up the stairway. She dropped the second bag just to the left of it. She began her decent down the stairs. Every thing seemed to be clear. She had made sure that there weren't any ways to get in, and it had succeeded. She was only on the Sixth floor platform and waited listening to everything.
The held on to Aldrid. "Sir Aldrid, you don't have to carry me. I'm a man, and I can walk." He wiggled his legs. "See, I have two legs, and they work." Even Theo could tell that Aldrid carrying him was going to make him tire, and he was already hurt.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid just smiled at the boy, " And a man must learn to swallow his pride. Its a hard lesson to learn, I even have trouble with it. But remember, young theo, if we have to run, you'll be safer if I carry you." Aldrid peered over the edge where the dim sillhouet of the bags can be seen and turned to Vasilla, "So, my lady, how are Theo and I to proceed?" He raised an eyebrow, indulging in the amusement of the boys imagination.
Aldrid shifted his weight a bit, his ankle stinging and his arm still throbbed though he showed no signs of pain.

[Admin]

"Come." She said furthering her way down the stairs. She was now on the level three platform. Again there were no signs of anything, no sounds except the footsteps above her. She looked up to them and was a little impatient with their speed. She couldn't help but sigh out of frustration. She gripped the railing on the platform and lowered her head. She took a deep breath, relieved she didn't smell their scents as strongly down here. Her throat had been burning for hours. She knew she would have to wait until they left, and hope she didn't loose control before then.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid carefully made his way down the stairs, moving as silent as a cat. the only sound from him was his steady breathing, and the rhythmic beating of his heart. He kept a bit of distance from Vasilla, hoping it helped her maintain control. He knew she had to feed, and soon. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he made sure his Ka-bar was ready for easy use, being that holding Theo he would haveto fight one handed if it came down to it.
"be ready, Theo. once we open that door, you'll see "Them" so keep your eyes closed, and think of a song that makes you happy, alright?" He gently kissed the boys forehead, a protective gesture. This boy had become family, and Aldrid would defend him till death claimed him.

[Admin]

"Okay" Theo replied closing his eyes tightly.
Vasilla looked to him carrying the bags. "Now listen, I am going to take the bags directly to the ambulance, and come back and clear the area as much as I can. I want you to wait 30 seconds before you open that door okay?" She turned away and faced the door. She breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly. She wasn't preparing herself for what she was about to face. She was preparing herself for if one, or both of them did not make it. She picked up the two bags. She opened the door and slipped out it shutting and locking behind her. She ran through the hordes of zombies she would soon have to dispose of. She opened the back doors to the ambulance and threw the bags into the back.
She turned knowing that time was of the essence. She let her animal instincts take over as she counted the seconds she had left before they would be making they're attempt. She was slashing through Zombies like butter, their blood and guts flinging ever which way. She was making her way back towards the door trying to exterminate the Zombies closest to the door and the ambulance. She let out a noise that rose from deep inside of her. It was so primal and full of emotion that is caught every zombies attention. She roared as she eviscerated the hordes. The seconds were counting down 5, 4, 3... There were still too many. She was soaked in the enemies blood and it enthralled her. She continued for those last seconds and made her way back to the door they would be exiting from. She would have to carry them one last time.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid finished his count to thirty, waited an extra five seconds, then threw the door open. He charged out into the street, bobbing and weaving through the zombies, ducking under them in what looked like a lithe, graceful dance. He flinched slightly from the pain, but it didnt slow him down. He saw the carnage of Vasilla up a head. If he got in her range, there would be a chance she killed him or Theo, but it was the only clear path. Aldrid continued his dance, his feet sliding, shuffling, and pivoting. Aldrid soon made it to Vasilla, but staying just out of her reach, incase her blood lust took over. He continued his path towards the ambulance, and eventually had made it. Aldrid realized then, he couldnt open the door, or "They" would get him the moment he stopped. Instead he made his way around to the front, and climbed up on the hood. He continued up onto the truck of the ambulance, and jumped across, latching onto a second story window. With a heavy heave, he pulled himself in, still holding the boy, his muscles burning.
He sat there panting a moment. he wasnt completely safe, but at least he was safe enough, and close to escaping. Aldrid only hoped vasilla could keep the path cleared long enough for him to get into the vehicle, and make his way to the woods... to home, and back in the arms of the woman he loved. His heart twitched at this, and he was filled with a new determination. "wait for me, Genevieve, I'm coming home" He whispered to the gloom.

[Admin]

Vasilla was a blur around the vehicle, disposing of the zombies. Her rage drove her faster and deadlier. She knew she would either have to leave immediately, or kill herself. Whatever be the case, she would be okay with it as long as they made it home. Home. She dropped the zombies body that she had just split in half. This calming memory would give her only a minute or two. "Aldrid, make haste. She said opening the driver door for him to get in. "It is now or never." She roared again catching the zombies attention and began leading them away. As she led the remaining numbers to their deaths she gave her goodbye. She curtsied and blew them a kiss. "The winter." She yelled hoping she had conveyed the right message. She would protect them in the winter if they returned. She hadn't told him that she had stashed away a Shovel, Hammer, a box of 1000 Nails, an Ax, and 8 Days worth of water inside the Ambulance the other night. She could only hope that they would see it under the bags.
She disappeared around the corner. Gone.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid didnt hesitate. He lept from the window, landing on the ambulance and tucked into an awkward roll, holding Theo. he landed on the pavement with a bit of a stagger and winced as his ankle opened up again. He jumped into the driver seat, slamming the door closed and setting theo in the passenger seat. "Buckle up" he said simply, turning the keys. He grabbed the microphone, and fipped it on to the speaker. and yelled into it. "Early snowfall!" he answered to her call, and gunned it, hoping the boy had listened to him, but he had no time to slow down.
Aldrid made his way through the streets, running over many of them, avoiding solid walls of flesh. "Keep your eyes closed, Theo. do not open them until I tell you we're safe." with that he accelerated, heading for the city limits. He was glad that the Ambulance had a near full tank of gas. It was enough to at least make it most of the way there. If it came down to it, he and Theo could walk. It would take a few days, but they will find home.

[Admin]

Theo buckled his seat belt without hesitation. He closed his eyes and laid against the seat. He was awfully tired, and having to keep his eyes shut was making it much worse. "Where are we going?" Theo asked curiously. "Where did Lady Gwaeth go? Is she okay? Is she going to meet us there?" he had so many questions that he wanted answers for, these were just at the top of his thought. Instead of shutting his eyes, he opted to just not look up and outside the wind shield. He looked to Aldrid. His new friend.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid's eyes tracked the goings on of the road, concentrating on driving, which he had hardly done. Well no, that was a lie, he remembered stealing cars when he was younger, he just didnt know how to maneuver an ambulance too well. "She's going to be okay, we wont be seeing her until winter. She has some important... political business to attend to so we're going to our beautiful home out in the woods. There you will meet Percival and Genevieve. Do not be afraid of Percival, secretly, he's a gentle soul, though he'd never admit it. one of those male pride things." turns a corner sharply. "and Genevieve is the woman I love. She will be thrilled to meet you, or so I think. You're a charming lad, it wont take long to make friends with them." He spared a glance over at the boy and smiled.

[Admin]

He nodded and took a moment to gather his next set of questions. "Why did my parents never come home?" was all he could bear to ask. He wasn't going to cry, he just felt that if he asked it simply he wouldn't get a complicated answer.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid thought for a moment, mulling over the question. How could he answer him? his voice answered before he could think. "because, Little Theo, they were protecting you." he said softly. "they left because they loved you, and were only doing what they thought was best for you." Aldrid hoped he had given a sufficiant answer. there could be any number of reasons, but in the end, this seemed to be the safest. They left the boy with a shelter, enough food to survive to the point where Vasilla found him... If they died, then they did so to protect this boy, and he refused to believe anything else.
"So, Theo. Tell me about your friend there." he indicated to the stuffed animal, attempting to move the topic away from such dark thoughts, hoping the boy wouldnt be overcome with fear, grief or panic. Aldrid's heart had gone out to the boy, he knew what it was like, being so young, and on your own. But at least Theo had him now.

[Admin]

Theo was easily distracted by Aldrid's question. "Oh!" he said pulling Rover from his bag. "This is my faithful ol dog Rover. He comes with me wherever I go. He's a good boy most of the time." Theo said stating it as if it was the obvious. "He loves meeting new people. But Rover hates those monsters outside. Those monsters are mean and ugly looking. They smell terrible. All they do is walk around outside and hurt people. They are bad monsters. You should be careful. I've seen 'em hurtin those people bad outside. Then those people turn into those monsters too. I made sure not to get near 'em. Though there was a time when I thought for sure I was gonna be monster food. But I am fast Sir Aldrid. My Mommy always told me I would be a runner. You woulda liked my Mommy, She sure is pretty." He seemed to be rambling on like any kid his age would. He had so much to tell Sir Aldrid, but he figured he would stop and let Sir Aldrid ask him a question if he had any.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid listened patiently, smiling at the boy's rambling. "you dont have to call me sir Adrid, just Aldrid is fine. And whaat did your mother look like? she sounds like she loves you lots" he was careful to speak in the present tense, not wanting the boy to lose faith that his mother might of survived. Who knows, maybe she did. "rover huh? does he protect you? and that was very smart of you avoiding "Them." they truly are monsters, but dont worry, Where we're going there is only one thing to be afraid of, but he is a guardian, not a monster." Aldrid saw the city limits, and sighed with relief. "infact, we should be home within a day or two." Aldrid's grin widened, a twinkle in his eye. He couldnt help but kiss the ring softly on his finger, and drove on.

[Admin]

"My Momma looks just like me, She has red hair and freckles, so does my dad too. They gave 'em to me course." He fidgeted in the seat. "I wish Rover could protect me, but he's just a stuffed animal... I more protect him." he said puffing out his chest like a hero. "Me and Dad would go on Adventures and we would take on Quests that Lady Gwenevier would give us. She was pretty too. She was so tall and beautiful Like all the Elves. Hey Aldrid, you hungry?" he asked because his stomach was beginning to rumble as well. He figured he could eat the food that Lady Gwaeth had stuffed into his back pack when Aldrid had left them in the room alone. He remembered Lady Gwaeth telling him to think of Sir Aldrid as his new father, and to love him with all his heart. That he should look forward to meeting his new Mommy as well. That she was even prettier than his own Mommy. That he should also not be sad the he would be leaving because he would see her again.
He thought for a moment than corrected what he had said before. "Are you hungry Dad?" he was afraid to look at him, fearing rejection.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid was suprised at the sudden change in title. dad? was that what he was? Aldrid slowed the vehicle once outside the city limits. "Yes, son, I'm hungry. Shall we have a bit of a break then?" Aldrid smiled awkwardly. seventeen, and a father to a ten year old boy. It was kind of amusing, but he hid this behind a gentle, affectionate smile. I guess he is my son now. Aldrid thought.
He grabbed a bag from the back, and grabbed a can of corn. not the best meal, but it would have to do. "sorry for it being cold, but its what we have for now." Aldrid stabbed the ka-bar into the top, and opened the can, glad he had thought to clean the blade before they left. Aftr all, it was a multi tool. He couldnt use the ka-bar so freely he thought.
Aldrid handed the can to Theo. "eat until you're no longer hungry, but dont fill up okay?" Aldrid was ravished, but he didnt let it show. They had to limit their food for now until they figured out a hunting pattern or divided it and rashioned it.

[Admin]

"You can't eat just corn..." He said reaching done and unzipping his bulging back pack. Cans fell out and onto the floor around the bag. He picked up a can of Spaghetti O's with meatballs and put it in his own lap. He reached back down and grabbed a bigger can that was filled with meat that had already been cooked. "Manwhich for you." he said handing him the entire can. "And you don't have to stab these, they have this pully thingy." He said pulling on the built in can opener on his can. "Oh," he said after opening his can. "Lady Gwaeth has a thing for pretty silverware, she stuffed three sets into my bag. Here's a fork so you don't cut your fingers." He said feeling so smart.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid chuckled at the boy's ingenuity. Sometimes things are way too over thought. "Smart boy!" he said, taking the can and opening it, accepting the fork graciously and began to eat. Aldrid was looking out the windshield, watching the trees, surveying the surrounding country side. He cracked the window a bit letting in the fresh breeze, the smell of the trees wafting in. He took a deep breath and let it out contently.
Aldrid looked over at Theo, the fondness for the boy deffinantly pulled at his heart. Aldrid reached over and ruffled his hair playfully, careful not to make him bite himself when he ate. Aldrid truly did feel like this boy's father, but feeling suddenly very old. He was responsible for this boy's fate, and he decided he would do anything to protect him.

[Admin]

Theo giggled as he filled his mouth with spaghetti o's. "So is Momma pretty? What's she like?" he asked curious about his new family.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh theo, She's the most amazing woman in the world. Her name is Genevieve and she has the most beautiful eyes. One eye is a different color from the other, and its so amazing. Her skin is soft, and she's a kind soul. Very determined, very strong willed. Theo, you would love her the moment you set eyes on her, she has this very strange air about her... " Aldrid continues to ramble on about the small things, her laugh her smile. He blushed suddenly at a recollection and sighed, suddenly changing the subject. "once you're done eating, keep the cans, we can still use them." Aldrid unbuckled. "stay in the vehicle, okay? I'm just going to answers nature's call. see that tree?" Aldrid points to a tree that is in clear view. "thats where I'll be." He stepped out of the ambulance, putting the keys in his pocket then closed the door and locked it. Aldrid walked over to the tree, and stepped off the road abit, still in view, and begun to relieve himself.

[marikoharuno]

She headed along the outskirts of the town, not wanting to draw attention to herself. The girls cloathes was covered in dust and grime, Dried mud caked her body from spending many nights in ditches, water caulverts and other hiden places, to avoid detection. Barely any of her parts sported their original colour.
Mariko is weak from walking without any food or water, the last of her cantine being drained a night ago. She continues to stagger down the road, when she noticed the ambulance, hoping that there might be a rare chance of finding something to eat or drink. She leaned heavily on her bo staff, using it as a cutch as she aprotched, watching carefully for signs of movement, failing to notice the boy inside or the man by the tree.

[Admin]

Theo hadn't been able to pee in a while, he wish he could though... He watched the woods around his dad hoping nothing would catch him off guard. That's when he noticed one of the monsters "Dad!" he screamed fearing that his new father would be next.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid had just finished when he heard the muffled screams of Theo from the ambulance. He drew his crowbar from his EMT jacket, and spun around ready to face any of "Them" that might be around. but all he saw was a pathetic looking girl shambling along, leaning on her stick. Aldrid frowned slightly, and walked over carefully. He called out to the stranger infront of him, hoping to avoid a fight. He didnt want Theo to see him have to kill another survivor. "Excuse me, but I'd ask you kindly to step away from the vehicle, or there could be trouble." He stated in a low, calm voice, but one that held authority and power. Her staff gave her a longer range, but she was weak, And Aldrid was moreso dangeous, for he had the ka-bar and machete. "I dont want any trouble, but I wont hesitate to kill you should you fail to comply."

[marikoharuno]

she looks up from the ground shocked at first caught off guard by the man stumbles back away from it holding up her staff weakly toward him exmaining him closely throwing nearly all of her left over strength just standing up right. coughing slightly as she started to talk in a weak voice" who are you are your not one of them far as i can tell or you'd have killed me already...look i dont want to fight i'm just looking for some water thats all"

[Admin]

Theo was screaming his head off in the Ambulance. He was pressed against the wind shield starring in horror. "Please don't hurt my DADDY!" He banged on the windshield hoping to draw the monsters attention.

[Aldrid]

Aldrid saw that the girl was harmless. She was still young, younger than him. He relaxed abit, showing that he wasnt going to hurt her. He looked at Theo and smiled softly, putting a hand out to show he was okay. Turning back to the girl he said simply. "Got a name?" he strode over to the vehicle and unlocked the door. Pulling it open he hugged Theo tightly "shh its okay, shes one of us, not them its okay Theo." Aldrid smoothed the boy's hair. " No more crying, okay? She wont hut us." Aldrid reached past Theo and grabbed a bottle of water and the half empty can of corn. "just stay in your seat okay? I think rover needs you right now." Aldrid closed the door, gently so as not to startle him and turned to give the food and water to her, the crowbar on the drivers seat. "here, have this. Sit for a moment, and let me hear what you have to say." He said simply, offering the food and water.

[marikoharuno]

she breathed a sigh of relief setting her staff back down on the ground leaning back against it looking at him curiously at first nods slightly " its mariko...mariko shirayuki nice to meet you" glances over to the boy smiling abit waves'hmm nice kid you got there sorry if i scared you guys i didnt think to run into anyone else out here" looks back at the man smiling holds out her hand for a friendly hand shake even though she knew he might not take it