sunflwrrw

[sunflwrrw]

Eternity - Chapter Two

CHAPTER ONE HERE

Patricia-or what used to be Patricia, is frozen in her spot, staring right through you. Bones shaking through your body as you try to think of what to do.

One foot then the other carefully steps backwards, afraid to remove eye contact from the creature, not knowing what it's going to do next. It stands itself up, breathing deeply, growling at you. Before you know it, this inhumane shrill noise comes out and starts charging right after you.

You turn and speed out of the room, trying to shut the door behind you, not looking back to see if it worked as you ran down the hallway.

"Shit, shit, shit, shit!" You pant, hearing the door in the distance break open and the creature comes towards your direction. You turn around the corner, bumping harshly into a solid figure, earning a scream from you, not realizing it's Mel.

She gives you a questionable look, "What are you-what the fu-" and you feel your body slam onto the floor. Immediately realizing it's Patricia trying to bite at you, you hold her up away from you as much as you can as she's thrashing her body around, breaking free. Her snarling teeth inches away from your face when-

SMACK!

The weight off of your body. You rapidly raise to your feet, trying to catch your breath. You glance over to see Mel holding a wooden cane in her hand. Good save there, lady. Looking down across from you was Patricia's body lying there still.

"I've had dreams of beaten the hell outta her, but not how I imagined," Mel puffs out. Just then, Patricia's head perks up, looking over at both of you, letting out a loud shriek. Creepily standing herself up, Mel doesn't think twice and smacks her again. Then again, a few more times on the ground.

"What the hell..." Mel trials off, not knowing how to process what just happened.

You hear footsteps across the building, from the entry of A Hall pops out Stephanie, her hand to her knees panting.

"Hey," she pauses, "I think somethin's wrong with Brenda, she started twitchin' and not looking so good."

Another yell in the distance and a body goes flinging at Stephanie, tackling her down to the ground.

You start running over to her, but Mel stops you, "We gotta go!"

"We can't just leave her!" You try to shake her from your arm but she didn't budge, "We stay, and we'll probably end up like them. I got my keys, let's go now!"

She drags you out to the front entrance and then you both made it over to her little white Civic. You get in the passenger seat, immediately locking it, and Mel is scrambling at her keys.

A movement catches your attention from the side. When you look up, you see Patricia stumbling out of the door, head moving around till it stops at Mel's car.

"Mel..." you say shakingly. She looks up, seeing what you're looking at.

Mel shakes her head, "That lady doesn't give up, huh?" she mutters to herself.

She starts the car, backs up, and starts driving in the opposite direction of the creature running towards us.

You hear your phone ringing in your pocket. You try to take it out of your pocket, almost dropping it a few times, but did flip open, putting it on speaker, "Joel! Is that you?"

You hear him panting on the other side of the line, "Baby, yes. Are you OK?"

"I-I don't know what ha-happened. Patricia, Stephanie, and other pe-people...Joel I don't know-"

You hear gunshots on his end, your eyes widen, "Where are you at? Is Sarah OK?"

You look through your window on the side to see people running out of their homes, with those creatures pouncing on them, houses on fire, people running on the street. Mel's trying to swerve around them on the road, turning right suddenly, startling you.

"I had to get Tommy. Dumbass got himself locked up again trying to get those fuckers. Sarah's at home. I'm gettin' you and goin' straight to her," he explains, then hearing Tommy cursing at him in the background. Sounds like they're getting in his truck.

You shake your head, "I'm with Mel driving. We're fine, go get Sarah."

"Well meet us over there and we'll all drive together!" He yells. His voice drowns out when you see what's in front of you.

You're currently going through the main part of town, crisis all around you. Hundreds of bodies all around, many dead with those creatures hovering over them, many fighting for their lives. Mel turns to the direction of the highway, but brakes immediately pressed when you see a semi tipped over, blocking you from going that direction.

"FUCK!" Mel yells, slamming her hands on the steering wheel. She yells to the phone, "We're stuck! Gonna take too long goin' around the city."

You hear Joel and Tommy murmuring in the background, then Tommy pitches in, "What 'bout goin' North to 29 over to Burnet? Give us time to get Sarah and smaller population, away from the big city enough?"

Mel turns around, looking over at you nodding her head. You look down at the phone, "Kay, yeah, Burnet, got it."

Tears forming again in your eyes, holding the phone up to you, "Joel.."

"No," he stops you.

"Joel-" your voice cracking, trying to get the words out, but he cuts you off, "Dammit, you're gonna be fine. We'll be fine. You just stay safe, don't stop till you make it there, then hide. We'll be there before you know it."

You nod your head, not realizing that he couldn't see you, but you croak out, "Okay."

There was a pause for a moment. All of you processing everything in that moment. They're not here with you. Joel, Sarah, Tommy...your family. You have Mel, but you've never felt more alone.

"I love you, Joel," you blurt out, afraid you might never be able to say it to him if you didn't say it in that moment.

You almost hear a smile in his voice, "I love you. We'll be OK-" then his voice is gone. You look down at your phone, alert popping up "CALL FAILED" and now there's no signal.

"Son of a bitch!" You yell, throwing the phone on the floor of the car. No use now anyway...

Mel drives up north like instructed. Trying to wind through the cars and people around us, turning whichever way we can with a clear path. Now onto the highway, going north. Just an hour out, then you'll be safe. You'll find Joel and take shelter till all this blows over.

"Oh no," Mel whispers. There's a line of military vehicles blocking the highway up ahead.

"Shit, what the hell are we supposed to do," you yell in a panic. No, we need to get there. We need to get to them.

Mel looks around, not slowing down, lining the car up in the gap between a barricade and one of the vehicles.

"Mel," you call out, but she doesn't answer.

"Mel, what are you doin'?" You ask. She's not going to-oh my god. "We are gonna get killed! Are you insane?!"

She glances over at you and back on the road, "Right past it is an exit off the road onto 29, we take that and go west. There's enough room."

You scoff, "That's if they don't shoot us down first."

"They're not going to shoot us down! Do you have a better idea?" The gap gets closer and closer. You see people coming out of the vehicles armed, aiming in your direction.

"Mel-" she cuts you off, "DUCK!"

Your head goes down, arms wrapping around your neck. You feel the car speeding through the gap, sides of her car scraping from each side, but successfully making it through, feeling the car turning slightly. You look up to see her plan worked.

"Jesus Christ! You are insane!" you gasp for air, leaning back in the seat. A few seconds of peace then before you knew it, everything happened so quickly. A loud sound burst through your ears as something hits the corner of the back of the car, making it flip over, and over, and over. A scream tries to escape your lips, but your head hit back so suddenly on the back of the seat, your vision goes dark.

"Here's to being 21! You are not a baby anymore!" Mel laughs, holding her shot glass in the air, Stephanie and you hold up your drinks as well, then chug them back. Feeling the burn at the back of your throat slowing going down.

You weren't planning on doing anything for your birthday. You haven't celebrated your birthday for years. But when Mel found out your plan was to sit at home in your pajamas, order Chinese takeout and watch the X-Files, she was not going to let it go till you agreed for her to take you out. She invited Steph to come along as well. You were never the type to make friends easily, but you always gotten along with them well.

You hear loud laughter and shouts from across the bar. Looking over to see a small group of guys, all dirtied up, must've just got off work or something. The one guy whose voice boomed over the other was staggering over to the other side of the pool table, trying to steadily aim the pool cue at one of the balls, but missed terribly.

"What a shitty aim, Tommy. You can't be that plastered already," the other guy with another pool cue said, resulting in the guy 'Tommy' to flip him off. They both were handsome, but the one next to Tommy caught your eye. He looked slightly older, dark curls, scruff on face that is neatly trimmed. He must've felt a stare because his eyes shift over to meet yours. Your eyes widen slightly, quickly looking away, focusing on the conversation between the two in front of you. But why are you getting the feeling of that stare not going away from you?

Instead of looking back, you told Mel and Steph you're going to get more drinks, getting their drink requests as well. You walk over to the bartender, ordering what you need to order. As you wait, you see someone sitting beside you at the corner of your eye. You glance over to see the man you were staring at earlier.

"Another one for you?" the bartender asks the man as he's making the other drinks.

"One more round otherwise he'll be on the floor unconscious if he has more than that," the man responds. You feel a heat stirring in your stomach. You don't know if it's the drinks you've had already that's making the feeling so intense or the low southern drawl the man next you let out. You try to focus on the drinks that are being made in front of you, almost afraid to look over at that handsome face.

You hear his voice again, "What are you gettin'?"

You're on alert now, trying not to make it noticeable. He's talking to you. Ok, do not make a fool out of yourself for the love of god...

Your head motions over to the drink closest to you, "Lemon Sour."

"Ah, typical," you hear him say. You look over at him, now intrigued.

"What's that supposed to mean?" You question, a hint of playfulness in your voice.

He shrugs, "It's not a bad first drink. I mean, your taste will get better over time, but not a bad choice."

"Is it that obvious?" You ask. He chuckles, "Like I said, not a bad thing."

You shift your body, more facing his direction, "Alright Mr. Expert, what's your usual then?"

"Whiskey," he answers easily.

You huff at him, "Whiskey? Nothing else?"

"Nope, not even ice. Can't ruin a beauty like that," he said which made you cringe, "That's pretty boring, not gonna lie."

"Don't knock it 'till you try it, darlin'," He smirks.

You shake your head, "No thanks, will stick to my fruity drinks thank you very much."

"Joel!" You hear from behind you. You look over to see that Tommy guy now by the other guys they came along with, "Good catch there, brother."

You feel your face getting hot, immediately turning back around, hoping no one can see. You can just blame it on the alcohol.

"Jesus," Joel murmurs, "Don't mind him. He's a jackass 'specially when he got a few in him."

"Brother, huh?" You ask, finally able to look at him again after feeling the warmth going away from your cheeks a little bit.

"Yeah, he's a pain in my ass, but he's family," he says.

You both make small talk, him asking what you do for work, him doing the same. He mentions his daughter, eight-years-old he said. His eyes lit up when you asked what his daughter was like, not thinking you would've cared, especially at your age. He could tell that you're more mature though, can tell that you've gone through more in your life than you should've, even with you not saying anything about it. The conversation seemed so easy, like neither one of you were hesitant, felt natural.

The bartender finishes making the drinks and you grab them one by one carefully, "Well, uh, I better get back to the girls over there before they come dragging me back themselves."

He nods his head, "Of course, don' wanna intrude on the celebration."

You smile at him, "It's nice to meet you, Joel."

He smiles back slightly, "Pleasure to meet you too, miss."

Your grin never left your face as you make it back to the table Mel and Steph were at, both of them looking at you with smirks on their faces. Mel speaks up first, "Who was lover boy over there?"

You set the drinks down rolling your eyes, "Oh quit it. Just some guy."

"Just some guy, girl, he's hot as hell. Did you give him your number?" Stephanie wiggles her brows.

You shake your head, bringing the cup to your lips, "No, are you kiddin'? He wouldn't go for someone like me. He's got a kid and everything."

"A hot dad too? You scored!" Stephanie laughs out loud; you both follow as well. Almost done with your drink, your head feels slightly fuzzy, feeling the drinks settling in.

"Look," Mel grabs a pen from her purse, tossing it over to you, "Grab a napkin and write down your number. What's the worst that can happen?"

Staring down at the pen in front of you, then looking over at the men again. They were all chatting amongst themselves. When Tommy saw you, he nudges Joel and whispers in his ear, which made Joel smack him on the arm, but did look over at you, face softens.

Oh, fuck it. You scribble your name down with your number. Mel gets up to pay for the tab after insisting you better not take out your wallet but motions you to go over to him.

Thank God for the drinks in you otherwise you probably wouldn't be able to do what you're doing now, walking over to Joel and the others. They quickly notice you coming closer, them not making it subtle whatsoever.

"Ah the pretty lady trying to steal my brother's heart," Tommy cackles, Joel shoving him over coming towards you.

"I swear," Joel starts then his demeanor changes, "How was your Lemon Drop?"

You answer, "Yummy and fruity."

"Still think I can convince you whiskey the way to go, sweetheart," he teases.

You fumble with the napkin in your hand, then decide 'better now than never' and push the napkin in his hand, "I'll take you up on that."

He looks down, opening the napkin to see your handwriting, your name with a small heart at the end with your number below. His grin expands more on his face.

"You won't regret it."

Vision is still dark, just your body lying there. Not sure how long. Ringing in your ears that never stops. Intensifies with every heartbeat. You feel hand grabbing you, dragging you out of the cage you're in. A groan escapes your lips.

"Are you ok? Tell me you're still with me. C'mon wake up!" You hear Mel faintly in the background. Pain shoots through your back, stiff as a board. Your eyes flutter open, meeting the panicked gaze of Mel staring down at you.

Mel sighs, "Thank God. Lover boy woulda had my head for that."

You're on a patch of grass. Turning slowly to the side to see Mel's Civic flipped over, the back end blown up. Looks like the car flipped over the exit ramp with whatever those people hit at us. You slowly get yourself up, with Mel assisting of course.

"We might be able to find a car off the exit here, but we gotta get up. Can you move your legs?" she asks, and you nod your head, wiggling at your toes.

When getting up, you shake of the patches of dirt off of your scrubs, ignoring the throbbing pain shooting up your spine.

"HANDS UP!" Someone orders. You both look at each other, freezing in your spots. You turn your head to see a man, covered head to toe in armor with a sniper in his hands aimed at you.

"I said hands up!" He yells again, now three more of his guys meeting up with him, guns aimed as well.

"Fuck," you mutter, holding your hands up, Mel doing the same. They walk up to you, aim never dropping down.

"Any of you attacked?" He yells again. Mel shakes her head no; you do the same. They're probably wondering if those freaks got you. Just the throbbing in your back, but they don't need to know that.

The four split, two and two, one of the couples grabs ahold of you and you scream out, throwing out profanities as they examine your body. You see the other two doing the same to Mel. You never felt so exposed in your life as they're lifting up your shirt, feeling all around for any wounds. The guys who got you yell 'all clear' and same for the other guys.

One calls over their walkie, "Got two civilians. No injuries. Both female," a few moments of silence, "Uh huh," then more silence.

You look up at one of the guys that has a hold on your wrist, "Please," you start, "My f- my husband and daughter, they're meeting us in Burnet. W-We can't get ahold of them. If there's a w-way to reach them-"

"Shut the fuck up!" he snaps at you.

The guy on the walkie is still talking, then you hear, "Yes. Okay. Will do."

His gun is back up, aiming at us again, "Put them in the back."

Your eyes widen, "No please! I got to get to Burnet! You can't just take us-"

A sharp pain hurls in your stomach, noticing the same asshole that yelled at me just punched me in the stomach, causing me to hurl over, then he picks me up over my shoulder. You start thrashing around in his arms.

"Let go of me you piece of shit! You're not taking us you motherfuckers!"

From your view upside down behind the man's shoulders, you see Mel resisting to the other two trying to grab her, then one of them butts the end of his gun to the back of her head which knocks her out cold, making you scream out for her.

"Don't fucking touch her!" You wail. Them ignoring your cries out, they haul you to the back of one of their military trucks, throwing both of you one by one in the back and slamming the doors shut, leaving you both in the dark. You manage to go over to Mel, feeling her chest moving up and down slowly. Good, she's still alive.

The tears you've been holding back have escaped, pouring down your cheeks as you bring Mel up to your lap.

You're stuck. Joel is going to think you are dead. Sarah, poor Sarah. Your girl. Your light. The reason you are here is because of them. They are going to think you're dead and there's nothing you can do about it.

[sunflwrrw]

Eternity - Chapter One

September 26, 2003

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! The brightness from the sunlight peeking through the bedroom shades as you open your eyes, rubbing at them to get rid of the blur. The cream-colored comforter covering your barely clothed body. Checking the alarm clock next to you, reading 7:00AM.

After turning off the alarm, your eyes travel over to the weight next to you. Dark curls peeking out from the blanket. Your fingers trail little shapes along the exposed part of his back. A low groan escaped from his mouth, then body starts to shift, rolling over to meet his brown eyes with yours.

"Mornin' baby," Joel mumbles, wrapping his arm around you and pulling you close to his chest. His leg trapping you, earning a squeal from your mouth.

"Well, good mornin' to you, birthday boy," I whisper, leaning your head against his, resting your hand around the back of his neck.

"Shh, don't remind me," he trails his lips from your cheek to the side of your chin, then trailing down to your neck.

A giggle escapes your lips, "I can't forget. Sarah's been buggin' about it for a week now."

He just responds with 'hmm', his lips slowing going down, now to your collarbone, sending a shiver down your spine.

"She's gonna be knockin' any minute now," you studder out, trying to ignore his hands now traveling up the side of your body to your breast, covered with the thin tank top you had on.

Another 'hmm' escapes his lips, his mouth meeting his hand, "And you're wearin' too many clothes."

His fingers grasp the material, slowly pulling it up, just right below my chest when,

KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Quit making out and get up!" Sarah voice yells out from the other side of the door, which makes his hand stop.

You smirk at him, "Told ya."

"Uh huh," he replied. You throw the covers off of you, attempting to get up, when a pair of arms stop you from doing so.

"Joel," you sing out, looking over at him.

"Another minute," he says, "I got something for ya."

You roll your eyes, "That's not the point of your birthday is to get somebody else somethin' ya know?"

He ignores you, leaning to the side of the dresser to retrieve whatever it was out, when rolling back to you, he's hiding it behind his back.

"Now don't be mad," he starts, which makes you furrow your brows.

He then pulls out the mystery item, which makes your heart drop.

A ring. A simple band with a small diamond in the center. Nothing that screams out. Simple but elegant. There's no way...

"Oh my god, Joel..." you gasp, not exactly sure what to say.

You notice his hands trembling slightly as he's holding it, "I know it ain't much. Ya know that fence I fixed up for Ms. Betty down the road? Got a lil from that to get this for you, even Sarah helped pickin', ya know I don't have the greatest eye for this stuff. Said it was perfect. And we can always get a better one-"

"It is perfect," you interrupt, "But Joel, this is too much, you really didn't have to."

"I love ya, darlin'. You mean everything to Sarah and I. You stepped it when ya could've run off. Nobody would've stuck around like that. I was gonna plan everything out, but with work bein' so busy, I didn't want to wait," his eyes focusing on the ring, too nervous to look at you.

Your hand reaches out to under his chin, forcing it up to look now at you, "You know I'm sayin' yes."

A smile plastered on his lips, then grabbing your left hand, slowly putting the ring on. Huh, perfect size?

"Yeah, um, Sarah helped with the sizin'," he said, scratching his neck.

Ah, so that's why you thought your ring from Mama went missing for a day or so, then magically made it back to the jewelry box like it never left.

"It's beautiful," you hold out my hand, posing it, looking at the stone from every angle, "Truly beautiful."

The smile never fades from your lips as you get dressed for the day, dark blue scrub top with matching bottoms. You work as a nursing assistant for Valley Way Living, an old folks home just the opposite side of town. It pays decent, but it's getting credits in for schooling, just taking a break due to the cost of it so have been working more here.

Money has been an issue as of late. Housing became higher, same for food, gas, everything. But you two make it work. You met Joel just shy of four years ago, during the night out with the ladies for your 21st. Then next thing you know, a handsome man approaches you while getting another drink at the bar, with his brother Tommy cheering him on in the background.

One thing led to another and here you are. It took a little for Joel to open up, but as soon as he finally decided to introduce you to Sarah, and the immediate bond you two had, it was game over. The age difference was an insecurity of his too. Eleven years and some change would definitely give wrong intentions to others, but not to you. You never treated him differently or made an issue. Just jokes here and there, calling him 'old man' and whatnot when his back cracks or watching old westerns on the television. He just grew love for you more and more, which you reciprocated.

By the time you made it down the stairs, you hear bickering in the kitchen. You go in to see Sarah by the open cabinet and Joel rushing over to the stove where there's scrambled eggs.

"Dad's not letting me cook-" she stops herself as she focuses down on your hand, noticing the sparkly object on your finger.

She looks over at Joel with annoyance, "Ah man, you gave it to her already?!"

He shrugs, "She said yes, so.."

You laugh, "You know your father, tries to hide being a romantic, but is a big softy," you go over to him, pinching his cheek then hip-butting him over so you can take care of the eggs.

"Hey-" he starts but you interrupt, "Nah ah, your birthday, go get you some coffee if you're so antsy."

He listens, walking over to the coffee pot and pour himself some. Sarah must've started that pot earlier when she came down. Sarah takes out some orange juice and pours some in a glass, handing it to Joel before he sits down, "Vitamin C."

He mutters, "Both pain in my ass," as he goes to sit down at the dining table.

Breakfast was officially done, eggs and bacon. We were gonna have pancakes, but no mix was found and Joel 'doesn't like pancakes anyway'. All of you sitting at the table in peaceful silence.

"How old are you again?" Sarah asks, scraping the fork down on her plate.

"Thirty-six," he answers.

She looks at you then over at him, "Gonna have to wear diapers soon." Which earns a giggle from you, trying to hide it with a cough.

"Who says I don't already?" He smirks over at her.

He spits out something from his mouth, then holding it up to her, "Shell."

"Calcium," she replies back with ease, then grinning at him with egg visible in her mouth. Definitely gets that from him.

The sound of a truck pulling up in the driveway, knowing exactly who it is, Tommy.

"Did either of you leave any for Uncle Tommy?" He asks. Both you and Sarah looked at each other then back down at your plates, Sarah mumbles, "Well, there would've been."

Then on cue, the door opens, Tommy walking on in, patting Joel on the back, "You're still alive, you old fucker."

"Aw, he loves ya," you coo at Joel next to you.

He points his fork at you, "He's dependent on me. Not the same."

"I think it's the same," Sarah shrugs, you nodding in agreement, Tommy calling out, "It's definitely the same. Wait, I thought we was havin' pancakes."

Both you and Sarah look up at each other, holding back a smiling, then focusing back on your food.

Joel glares over at us, "We'll pick you somethin' up on the road. Concrete guys gonna be there?"

"Yeah, they said maybe," Tommy replies. Both of them bickering about work as you finish your cup of orange juice, grabbing your now empty plate from the table, gesturing to Sarah if she done, but she's still working on picking out the shells from her eggs, Looking over to see Joel working on his last few bites, you get up with your dirty dishes and walk over to the sink, then you hear:

"We could work a double," he states. Your eyes meet his and he quickly looks down at his food to take another bite, almost knowing what you're gonna say, but Sarah beats you to it.

"Literally? Today?"

He sighs, "I know. I'd be done by nine. By nine, right?" he looks back up at Tommy, waiting for him to agree. Tommy looks back, then looks at you, seeing you glaring back.

His eyes widen, "Jesus, yeah." He looks down at your hand, noticing the ring as well, "Ah, shit, he got you locked down now. Congrats kid."

"I'm literally 25. You're not much older than me there, buddy," I smack his arm, then finishing washing the cup before putting it on the drying rack.

Joel looks over at Sarah, "I'll bring back a cake. I promise."

The radio playing in the background, faint words from the news station, but was able to make out, 'continued disturbances in Jakarta, but are advising U.S. citizens...'

"Jakarta, where's that?" You ask, wiping off the water from your hands.

"Middle East, maybe," Joel guessing, drinking his coffee.

Tommy says, "Doesn't ring a bell. It's definitely a country. Or maybe part of Asia?"

"Jakarta isn't a country," Sarah perks up, "Being a apart of Asia isn't mutually exclusive with being a country, and in fact, it's the capital of Indonesia."

You smile over at her. Smart kid.

"Shit. Hope for us yet," Tommy chirps, giving his cheesy grin.

Joel looking at the time, letting Sarah know she's got seven minutes to eat. He gets up, walking to you, giving a kiss on your cheek, and before he goes to the sink, you grab his plate, "Got it. Besides," you lean in to whisper in his ear, "Your t-shirt's inside out."

He looks down at himself, then on his shoulder where you can see the sewn parts poking out. He looks up, giving you the stink eye, then kisses you again on the lips, earning a groan from both Sarah and Tommy. He then runs back up the stairs.

Tommy looks over at you, mouth full of leftover chicken wings, "He's losin' it."

Joel and Tommy are out the door already. When you just head to the front, you call out for Sarah, as she's still upstairs. She comes running down with something in her hand, "You got the money?"

Noticing what it was immediately, Joel's watch. Sarah has been wanting it to be fixed for him for so long and discussed it with you as a birthday present since you both knew he won't spend the money on himself. You grab your wallet from your purse, scraping out the hidden bills from the side pocket and handed it over to her.

"Is that all you need, kid?" you ask.

She nods her head, "Yes! Thank you." Then you both hear a loud honk from outside.

"Those men are impatient as hell," you chuckle, which Sarah nods her head. Sarah puts the money and watch in her backpack and you both leave the house.

As you walk to Tommy's truck, you hear from beside you, "Hey, neighbors!"

It was Mr. Adler, feeding Nana in her wheelchair in front of their home. They've always been polite, they mean well. Sarah goes over from time to time, but with her growing up to her teen stage, she's been spending more time with her friends from school and homework has been a lot with the new year starting. You try to go over when you can. You and Mrs. Adler exchange recipes and cook together occasionally. Just been hard with work and all to stop by lately.

He looks over at Sarah, "Connie was askin' after you, since you haven't been over in a while."

You hear Joel whisper, "Make 'em happy," to Sarah. Which Sarah responds, "I can come by after school, but just for, like, a little bit?"

"She'll take whatcha got. Y'all can bake, whatever," Mr. Adler says with a smile, then he glances over at the plate on the small table by them, a plateful of biscuits.

"Speakin' of," he holds up the plate, "We got a lotta extra here. Y'all want some biscuits?"

Sarah had a thought, then grinned, "Dad, you love biscuits," looking over at him. He looks up from whatever he was doing in the bed of the truck, seeing the biscuits in the neighbor's hands and over at Sarah, with that mischievous smile on her face still.

"Uh, I do. But I'm on Atkins," he reply. The neighbor gave a confused look, still holding them up. A thought went through his head, "But you know, somebody can bring them with her to work. I'm sure a bunch of folks there can enjoy them."

Of course he would push it over to you. You'll get him back for it later. You instead look over at Mr. Adler with a smile, "Yes, I'll take them with. Thank you."

You go over to him, grabbing the plate. You look over at Nana sitting in her wheelchair, staring off into the distance with a crumb popping out of her mouth.

Sarah is already in the truck, Joel on the opposite side of where you were at with the back door open. You go over to him glaring slightly without the neighbors noticing, gritting through your teeth, "You owe me big time, Miller."

"Oh, just you wait, sweetheart," he smacks your bottom as you get into the truck, following by 'gross' coming from Sarah.

As you all get settled in, buckling your seat belt, Tommy grunts out with a dangling cigarette in his mouth, "Can't tell you how exciting it was listenin' to that fuckin' conversation."

Joel looks over to see the lit cigarette, "Put that out."

Tommy takes one last drag, not removing eye contact from him, and flings it out the window, "Happy birthday to you."

Austin is so beautiful. You moved out here for school in UT. Only a half hour away from home. Yearly tuition is spendy, but worth it. Plus, when mama and daddy died right before you graduated, they left what they could to you, hoping to go after your career as a nurse like you planned. You needed a change, something away from the small-town life into the big city.

They first drop Sarah off, then you next. Your work is close-by to where their job site is at, otherwise you would've gotten a ride from Mel, your co-worker. She's a caregiver and probably the closest friend here since you've been here. She's a few years older, almost thirty. Reminds you of a sister you never had.

"I love you. Happy birthday," You lean over the front to give Joel a peck on the lips. You try to pull away, but he grabbed the back of your head and deepen the kiss.

"God you two, not in my truck now," Tommy calling out. You both break apart from each other eventually, looking Joel in the eyes.

"Mrs. Miller," he says proudly. You grin back, "Soon-to-be."

You lean back in the back seat, patting Tommy on the shoulder, thanking him for the ride, and exit the truck with the tray of biscuits in hand.

Reading the sign 'Valley Way Living', you enter the side doors where the clock-in station is located. As you punch in your numbers, you hear:

"Ah, my favorite lady!" I hear Mel coming around the corner, "Was wondering when lover boy was gonna free you from his grasp."

You feel your cheeks flush, "Stalker," you joke.

"Can't be one if your dry humpin' out in the front of the building," she nudges at your arm.

You twiddle with the ring hidden behind your back and she gives you a puzzled look, "Ok, what are you hiding from me?"

You're face grew a huge smile as you hold out your hand, follow by her shrieking, "That son-of-a-bitch did it! Aww babe!" She gives you a big hug, which you return right away.

"Come on, gotta show off that beauty! My girl is getting married!" She shouts, dragging you by the arm out of the clock-in room.

We end up in the break room and I set down the biscuits on the counter, "Neighbors made some if y'all want any."

Mel passes on it; already brought her homemade chili she made from the night prior. A few co-workers that stumble on in grabbed on here and there as you put your stuff in your locker.

"Shit, grump-ass is heading over here," Mel mumbles under her breath and in walks in the head nurse, Patricia. She's in her late 50s, she's a witch, but she knows her job. You gotta learn the hard way.

She looks up at you with her eyes piercing through her lenses of her glasses, "Good, you're here. Room A11 and B8 need their bandages rewrapped and we'll be doing an assessment on new admit in B13, Sharon Tully."

You nod your head, grabbing your pen from your purse, then before you leave, you see Patricia grabbing a biscuit from the plate, "I'll meet you over there. Haven't ate anything this morning."

---------------------------

What a day today. You were supposed to leave at seven o'clock, but you were told there were a few staff members, including the RN that was supposed to take over for Patricia, that no-called no-showed, so they were needing some extra help on the floor, more than likely staying till midnight. You were able to let Joel know that Mel was just going to take you home after. You were going to turn down the shift, but he wouldn't let you, saying in his words, "We'll celebrate as soon as you get home in the bedroom. Good enough for me." Dirty ol' man, even though you love every bit of it.

You were outside on a bench by the front doors, the sun already set for the night, trying to enjoy somewhat of a break. Looking down at your watch, showing 11:36PM. Not much longer to go, then you can be home with my family. Looking over at your hand, seeing the ring lightly glistening, thanks to the outdoor light above you. Out of nowhere, you faintly hear sirens, then passing by on the road in front of the building is a firetruck, multiple police cars as well as an ambulance. Even a SWAT truck too. What could be going on this late at night?

"Earlier saw jets flying above us," you hear a voice from beside you. You look over to see Mel, holding a cigarette in her hand.

"Don't let grouch catch you with that out here. 'Supposed to go to the smoke shack around back," you remind her.

"Eh, let her gripe. Haven't seen her in a while anyway. She was supposed to go give the new lady a laxative, claimed she hasn't shit in 'months'," she chuckles.

You lean back in the bench, "That lady's a talker. I was in there to give her meds at supper and she was trying to explain to me some soap opera, had the whole story plot for the ten years that's been on air. Patricia can deal with her."

Mel comes over, sits down next to you in silence. Enjoying the peace and quiet for just a moment.

"I better be a bridesmaid, right?" Mel asks.

You look over at her, smile grew of the thought. You're going to be married to the love of your life. You never thought this would happen for a long time. And Sarah? She's your whole world. Never thought you would have that family connection again since mama and daddy died, but you slowly piecing together that heart of yours one bit at a time.

"Bridesmaid? Maid-of-honor more like it," you respond, leaning your head on her shoulder. Mel has been amazing. Starting this job when moving here, you felt lost. She took you in and you two have been inseparable since.

You continue, "Joel and I talked about this way back. You would be maid-of-honor, Tommy best man, of course, and Sarah will walk me down, throwin’ petals."

"Got it all figured out, huh?" Mel laughs. The topic came up from time to time between you and Joel, but life got busy

You two continue to sit there, chatting away. Since everyone is in bed, there's nothing you have to worry about till next shift comes in. The front doors slam open, your other co-worker Stephanie comes out, "Y'all better see this."

NATIONAL ALERT

PRIMARY ENTRY POINT SYSTEM ISSUED AN

EMERGENCY ACTION NOTIFICATION

You three stare at the TV screen in the library, where channel nine would've been showing the end-of-the-night news credits, but instead showing this.

"What the hell is happenin'?" Mel asked. You shook your head in confusion. Is that why those emergency vehicles were passing earlier?

You hear blurred sounds in the background, one of them saying 'WW3', another saying 'alien invasion'. Whatever the extreme is, one thing crosses your mind.

Joel and Sarah.

You quickly run to grab your flip phone from your purse in the break room, dialing his number. After several rings, the automatic voicemail starts.

Why isn't he answering? C'mon Joel.

After a few more tries, no answer still, you yell out in frustration, tempting to throw it against the wall. Mel must've heard you and runs into the room, "No answer?"

Your hand covers your mouth, trying to hold back the tears forming in your eyes. Mel comes over and wraps her arms around you in a hug, "They're just fine. Joel is probably at home with Sarah, maybe calling Tommy. Those Miller men are stubborn as they can be, them and Sarah will be just fine."

You nod your head slowly, trying to convince yourself as well, "What's protocol?"

Mel shrugs, "Hell if I know. Where the hell is Patricia?"

You decide to have Mel and Stephanie go find the others and to check on the patients, one goes down A Hall, the other C. You stick with B, hopefully finding the head nurse in the meantime.

After checking on most of the patients, all still sleeping in their beds, you go towards the room B13, Mrs. Tully's room where Mel said Patricia was at last.

When you get closer, you hear a heavy bump against the wall, realizing it was coming from the exact room you were going to. You're in front of the door, not hearing another sound, and there's an unsettling feeling in your chest. Something doesn't seem right. You open the door slowly, showing the darkened room, with little visibly thanks to the alert notice on the television and the small lamp in the corner. One thing you did notice is the bed was empty, sheets halfway off onto the floor, pillows down with it.

"Mrs. Tully?" You call out, taking a step into the room. The light in the bathroom next to the door was on. You open the door to see no one in there. Where the hell would they've gone?

You hear another 'bump', then almost a slurping sound coming from the other side of the room. You tiptoe towards the other side of the room, the uneasy feeling growing more and more. Then you see a pair of feet on the floor.

"Mrs. Tully!" You call out, quicken your step, but stopping immediately once you see the sight in front of you.

A trail of blood coming from under the bed now, Mrs. Tully laying on the floor with her chest ripped open, and Patricia leaning over to the side of her neck. She then lifts her head up, her blank eyes meeting yours through her glasses and string-like vines pouring from her mouth.

What the actual fuck is that?

=================

A/N: Hello! Another story here. Don't know how long I'm going to make this one, but had this idea and could not pass up on it. Please show it some love and if you have not already read my other story "Salvaged Love", please tap the link below and it'll take you to Chapter One.

SALVAGED SOULS

[sunflwrrw]

Salvaged Souls - four

A/N: Hello again! Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who's been reading and showing this story some love. I am still trying to follow how the series is, but I will be going off of it a little bit here and there. But please keep on reading, I appreciate all of you thank you for sticking around! I am also writing another Joel fic of course, hopefully that'll release soon. Any suggestions or feedback is always appreciated. Enjoy! :)

PREVIOUS PART

CHAPTER FOUR

By the time we got out of Silver Lake, the sun was almost about to set. Rather than being out in the open forest here exposed, Joel remembered on the way over, there was a cabin. Looked to be vacant for some time, no one in sight as far as we can see, but hey, it's a roof over our heads for the night. My body is very thankful of it. The pain in my side has subside, but the ache in my cheekbone has been increasing more throughout the past several hours.

The cabin had two bedrooms, both had twin sized beds in them. In one of the closest, I managed to find some extra throw blankets that were in decent condition, giving Ellie one, then walking up to Joel to hand him another. He doesn't even look at me, before going around me to sit on the couch.

"I'll take the first watch, 'should get some rest while you can," Joel states, putting down his rifle next to where he's sitting at.

This man has not even acknowledged me once. During the walk here, Ellie and I made small talk, trying to get our thoughts away from what the reality of what happened. And Joel was ahead of us a couple of feet, looking ahead, not joining in. Ellie says he just like that and to not let it get to me, which I'm not. Honestly, it's refreshing to talk with her. Feels like the normal banters Anna and I would have back and forth, just with a slightly more of an age difference. I miss it, I miss her.

I toss the blanket onto the other side of the couch where he's at and start to go down the hallway to one of the rooms, hearing Ellie say 'goodnight' to Joel then footsteps following behind. By the time I entered the doorway of the bedroom, I hear,

"Hey, Lou?" I hear her say, which made me freeze in my tracks. Lou. I haven't heard anyone call me that in a while. I feel tears filling in my eyes, slightly stinging the right side, but blinking them away before they fall. I look over at her, "Yeah?"

She smiles faintly, "Thank you. For everything."

I nod my head, wishing her goodnight, and closed the door behind me. That's when the tears start to come back, not able to stop them falling. My body slides down the door, hand over my mouth, hoping to block out the cries coming from my mouth.

This is the first time in a while I've been able to process everything. All that has gone on this past several months, well, these pass several years. Even with the outbreak, mom was gone, but I still had dad and Anna, living in QZ in Denver, but after losing Dad, then Anna, it was like I was frozen in time. For those years I was alone, scavenging for food on my own, just waiting for something to happen to me. Didn't even bother going back to Denver, didn't want to be reminded of what I lost. Then meeting David, letting him manipulate me like that, tricking me to be a part of whatever that freakish religious cult that was, using me, beating me, forcing me to lie to everyone, eating...I can't. I can't hold this in anymore. So, I let it out, not moving an inch away from the door.

I don't know how long I've been down here for. The tears stopped a while ago, now I'm just here. Not even thinking about bed, sleep is the last thing I want. I'm already haunted by these thoughts when I'm awake, I'm not going to be dreaming them either.

Eventually, I get up, opening the door slightly, barely able to see anything. Wait, my flashlight should be in my backpack. I grabbed my bag from the bed, digging through it till a hard object. Found it. With the flashlight aiming down the hall, I sneakily pass through, trying not to make a sound disturbing anyone. I peek around the wall to see Joel laying on the couch, eyes closed. Without his brows furrowed, shoulders tensed up, those eyes shooting daggers, just looks calm. Something he is definitely not from the short time knowing him.

I make my way over to the kitchen. The moonlight beaming through the torn curtains above the rusted sink. A couple of cabinet doors were either completely off or hanging on by a nail from what it appears. Countertops dirty from over the years, but no dishes or anything laid out. Didn't seem like whoever had this place didn't live here, but you can tell people have gone through here a few times to look for goods.

"What are you doing?" I hear a low voice snap, making me jump. Looking up from the drawer I was going through, I see Joel aiming that damn rifle at me once again.

I roll my eyes, "You scared the shit out of me. Don't need to keep aiming that thing at me."

He looks at me cautiously, but did lower the rifle, "What 'you doin' up?" I walk over to the window, where there was a small table with two chairs on either side. I pull out one of the chairs and sit down.

"Not tired," I reply. The curtain was missing, so I look out to see the trees stretching out for miles ahead. With the dim light from the sky, it truly looks beautiful out there. The moment started fading, however, when I feel a pair of eyes burning in the back of my head, I turn around to see Joel in the same spot, still staring away.

"What?" I ask, getting fed up, "I know you don't like me here and I apologize for that. If it wasn't for the kid, I would've been dead a long time ago with no hesitation, right? I really don't need to be here; I can fend for myself."

Is that true? I mean, probably. Maybe for a while until I just give up. Just one raid or attack more than I could handle, and I can just say fuck it, let nature take its course.

He stood there silently, with a look I couldn't figure out, which is almost pissing me off more. Why can't he say something? Anything?

"Whatever," I whisper. I cross my arms, laying my head down on the table, just staring out the window, away from him. I hear footstep getting quieter, then a light 'creak' from out in the living room. He must've laid back down. The sooner we can get to this place, wherever they're going, the better. Eventually my eyelids getting heavier and heavier, and before I could fight it, sleep overtakes me.

"Lou! Don't you dare!" Anna yells, ducking behind the car, suppress her giggles. It was a hot, summer day with a slight breeze in the air. My hair not matted and brown, but wavy and blonde, with the wind blowing through all the little strands. I creep slowly towards her direction, water gun in hand.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I sing jokingly, seeing a pair of feet poking out from one side of dad's car. I turn around the corner, seeing her already aiming her water gun at me, then cold splatters hit my chest, which earned a squeal from me.

She got up quickly and started running off, before I get the chance to process, "You can't get me!" She yells out, running around through the back of the house.

"You brat, get back here!" I yell back, running after her.

I ran to the backyard, looking around to see her, then finally finding her, standing straight, facing away from me.

"I got you!" About to shoot, but my movement falter when I realize what caught Anna's attention.

Our house was up on the hill, looking over our city. But instead, there's smoke trails, fires spreading from building to building.

"What the heck-" I start, but I hear the back sliding glass door slam open.

Dad runs out towards us, "We gotta go. Now!"

My body is still, not moving an inch, just staring at the chaos ahead. I feel a hand grasp my shoulder to turn me around.

"Come on, kid. Move! I said MOVE!" He boomed.

My head shoots up, pain immediate at the back of my neck, stiff from the previous position I was in. I look around frantically, seeing the old kitchen around me, the view outside now starting to become bright out with the sun rising in the background.

I feel something heavy hanging on me, realizing it was a blanket draped around my shoulders. I don't remember bringing this out with me. But focusing on me makes me realize this wasn't the blanket I picked out for myself last night, it was the one I put on the couch for Joel.

My fingers rub the fabric together, feeling the roughness in between my fingertips. I shouldn't be thinking much of it. It's not like he meant it in any way, just how a human thinks I suppose when seeing someone sleeping. He probably wasn't using it anyway. Whatever this gesture was, just confused me even more.

"You're up," I hear from afar. Looking over, seeing Joel with a box in his hands, "Found some food out back in a shed. Looks like canned beans, vegetables, and crackers too."

I hear groaning from the other room, then walks in a sleepy Ellie with hair scattered everywhere, rubbing her eyes. Joel's eyes light up, grabbing a can of what it looks like to be 'Chef Boyardee'.

"Look what I found, baby girl," he holds out one of the cans to her, which her eyes glance over at and shrug, mumbling out 'cool'. She then trudges over to the chair opposite of me and sits down. She's definitely not a morning person.

Joel grabs one of his bags, shoving the food into it, "We should leave soon before it gets too late in the morning."

"Where are we going anyway?" I ask. They haven't said much about where it is we're going. Tried asking along the way here yesterday and all Joel grunted out was 'west'. Very helpful.

"Salt Lake City," he responds, focusing on packing.

I start pulling off the blanket from around me, "What's in Salt Lake City?"

No response from either of them. I look over at Ellie, which she's looking over at Joel. Looking over at Joel, and he's focusing on his bag. What is it they're not telling me?

Thinking back in Silver Lake, in that room. Where David was going to kill her, and she revealed her mark on her arm, her old bite wound. Neither one of them has said anything about that. I've been hesitant on bringing it up, but knowing my luck I'm not going to get many answers from that as well.

"Kid, why don't you grab your pack, make sure you have everything. You should do the same," he says, avoiding my previous question.

I huff, but decide to pick my battles, not wanting to poke the bear anymore. Both of us get up and do as we were told. I go into the room I claimed for the night, grabbing my backpack, then realizing I left my flashlight out in the kitchen where he was at. In the meantime, I see the gun I had left in here on the dresser. Putting the gun in my waistband, double checking my surroundings, and walk back into the kitchen. Joel wasn't anywhere in sight, just the now-empty box on the counter where the food was in. Next to it was my flashlight.

After putting the flashlight in my bag, Joel comes back into the kitchen, "Ready?"

"Why are we going to Salt Lake City?" I ask again. He looks at me, furrowing those damn brows again, but surprising he answered, "To St. Mary's Hospital."

Why does that sound familiar, then a thought comes up, a conversation I heard from a long time ago coming from when we stayed in Denver QZ years ago, before Dad...My eyes widen.

"Fireflies...you're a firefly?" I say, instinctively taking a step back.

He shakes his head no, "Just a job."

"What job? You working with those monsters?" I spat.

He takes a step forward, "That's none of your fucking business. And you don't have many options so I would suggest deal with it."

Before him turning to leave, I blurt out without thinking, "I've seen the bite."

He stops dead in his track, eyes finding mine with the looks to kill.

"Is that what this is about? Them wanting her? I heard rumors about them looking into a cure, they think she's the answer?" I ask, slowly putting together the puzzle, "She's just a kid, you should know you can't trust those people-" I get interrupted by Joel grabbing me and shoving me up against the fridge, pain ripping through my back, going back into my previously injured side.

His face gets too close for comfort to mine, "You don't know shit, you got it? You don't get a say. You are just cargo. Nothing else. You got a problem? The door is right there. You said you can fend for yourself, there you go. Otherwise, shut the fuck up and keep your thoughts to yourself. Are we clear?"

Our eyes never leave each other's, waiting for the other to strike. This guy is going to be a pain in my ass. Now that I know we're going to a firefly base, I'm almost reconsidering everything. They're the reason one of the people I care for most in life is not here anymore. Why would I want help from them? I try to work out in my head on what to do, but those dark eyes piercing into mine had my brain swirling, taking in his features; the grays sneakily peeking through his dark curls, wrinkles formed on his forehead, then glanced over to a scar on his right temple. Looks like an old gunshot wound or graze possibly.

Would you quit it??! Do not give this asshole the time of day. This is not the time to be googly eyed over him.

"I said, are we clear?" I feel his hands tightening around my upper arms, trying to hold in a wince, not wanting him to see.

I grit my teeth, "Crystal."

The tightness went away by him letting go, moving away from me and leaving the room, probably trying to find Ellie. I stay in the same spot, the feeling of his hands seems to be scarred into my arms, making my stomach flip.

Why am I reacting like this? I must have some serious issues or something. I should feel terrified of him. But even with him pretty much threatening me since I joined them, I never got that feeling like I did with David or James. Not even close. It's like he's putting up a front, some wall that he never puts down, not for anyone except Ellie.

"Let's go!" I hear Joel yell, followed by Ellie's groaning in the distance. I grab my bag and left the living room to see her at the door, Joel out of site.

She glances over at me, "Why is he all pissy again?"

[sunflwrrw]

to all the haters i dedicate thee

[sunflwrrw]

Other Fic Ideas?

Hello! I wanted to thank everyone who's been reading my new series (and first one on here) Salvaged Souls (TLOU series). I'm so happy I'm getting back into writing again, something that I lost inspiration for a long time ago I'm now getting back little by little. I do want to work on other stories in between this series, whether it's another series or even one-shots too. Anyone who is interested please let me know what you would like to read or any suggestions, I'll appreciate whatever honestly.

Here are some movies/series I want to base some of these off of:

Harry Potter

Star Wars

HOTD/GoT

Labyrinth

Stranger Things

Supernatural

Just a few, but I'm open to a lot more options too, please let me know your thoughts. Thank you and have an amazing day!

[sunflwrrw]

Salvaged Souls - three

warnings: mentions of past SA, thoughts of suicide (brought up occasionally throughout series), some gory descriptions here and there nothing too gruesome

PREVIOUS CHAPTER HERE

CHAPTER THREE

"Oh shit, are you even breathing? Come on, lady. Wake up! They'll be back any minute! Dude, this is not happening right now."

I hear the girl's voice in the back of my mind, but why am I not getting up? Just open your eyes. Do something, anything. Concentrate, you got this.

I feel the dull pain on my side where David hit me. I don't believe anything is broken, but there's going to be some bruising, that's for sure.

My eyelids start open, noticing my right eye doesn't want to open all the way, then the real pain kicks in, realizing that's where he hit me. Jesus, it hurts.

"Oh thank god, hey, I know you're in pain, but I'm going to need you to wake up quicker cause I've just been threatened to be tomorrow night's dinner--"

The sound of the door slams open, follow by multiple footsteps going across me. Moving my head over slightly, was able to see David and James going towards the cage to open it.

"NO! NO! NO!" The girl yells.

Louisa, get up, NOW! Move anything! Arms, legs, fucking toes, something!!

"What happened to her?" I hear James ask.

"Get off of me! Get off!" I hear her yell then a male groaning, sounding like David.

Trying to stop myself from groaning out loud, I push myself back slightly, trying not to get their attention. I have one shot to do this, what can I do?

The men fling the girl on the table, holding her down. She yells out but they respond back, 'shut up!'. David grabs the hatchet on another table. Get up, come on.

Hearing her pleading for her life as I scooch myself to the closest wall behind me, still laying down. Fuck, I can't get up. Then they stopped their movements all of the sudden, as she yells,

"I'm infected!"

She can't be, is she? She doesn't and has not shown any signs of her turning.

"And now so are you," she whispers. I glance over to what she was referring to, which was a bite mark on David's hand. That must've been why he yelled earlier. "Roll up my sleeve. Look at it. Look at it!"

David then slams the hatchet beside her head, which made me jump, careful not to make another sound. He then rolls up her sleeve, and there it was; however, it looked like it was not recent, like it has healed? There's no way, that's impossible...

"What did you say? Everything happens for a reason, right?" she smirks at him.

"David," James muttered, but he shook his head, "No. No, she would've turned by now. This isn't real." Which James respond back, "It looks pretty fuckin' real to me."

Before I could react, the girl grabs the hatchet beside her and gets James in the neck. She rolls off the table and runs out. I see David pull out his gun and starts shooting, but missing thankfully, then grabs the hatchet from James' neck and chased her out of the room.

Get up, Louisa! Now!

One at a time, I manage to sit up, back against the wall, follow by bending my legs and eventually standing up. The pain in my side is more intense and my face is not feeling better, that's for sure.

Looking over by the butcher table, James is still bleeding out, seeing a trail of blood going down his body and pooling on the floor. His eyes open and lifeless.

"Piece of shit," I spat.

Creeping down the hallway carefully, I look around the corner into the kitchen to see David's back going through the kitchen door.

"There's no way out, Ellie," I hear him yell on the other side of the door. Ellie is her name. Then the smell of smoke goes through my nose. Shit. That's not good. "The doors are locked. And I have the keys."

Oh cool, stuck in a building on fire, with no way out except to get the key from a cannibalistic perv.

I get to the kitchen doors, peaking through the window part to see David looking around on the other side of the room. Perfect, go. Opening the doors, I duck down to go through, looking to my right to see that there is definitely a fire and it is getting bigger every step.

He calls out her name again and again. The fire is spreading from the curtains onto the ceiling almost immediately as I carefully go around the tables, trailing behind David with some distance, trying not to make a sound.

"I know you're not infected. No one infected fights this hard to stay alive. So how did you do it? What's the secret? Or are you just that fucking special? No one likes being humiliated, Ellie. You don't know how good I am! You don't know what I could've given you! If you had just let me!"

The fire is now spread towards the middle of the ceiling. I try to pick up my pace, but my foot accidentally caught onto one of the chair, scooting it, the legs scratching on the floor.

I see David's head turn towards my direction, but I duck down under the table, hoping he didn't see me. Silence follows.

"None of us are dying today," I hear footsteps, now sound like it's coming towards my direction. Shit, shit, shit. "You see, I've changed my mind. I've decided you do need a father. So I'm going to keep you and I'm going to teach you. Just like my darling Louisa."

I see his feet coming closer to where I was at, but behind him I see Ellie, looked over at me for a moment, then back at him. No, don't do it, kid. Not yet.

But it was too late, she ran towards him and he swings his body around, hatchet included, almost getting her but missed. He ended up throwing it by accident, sliding over beside where I'm at. She stabs him with a knife in the lower abdomen. He then grabs her and slams her down on the floor.

"Fuck!" he yells, touching the wound with his hand, hunching over. He stumbles over to Ellie, kicking her on the side, turning her on her back and he straddles on top her, facing away so he can't see me.

My eyes peered over at the hatchet on the floor. Grab it, now.

Ellie's screaming as I quietly reach over and grabbed the hatchet. I hear David laugh, "I thought you already knew. The fighting is the part I like the most."

I'm not the one who's dead, you are.

"Don't be afraid. There's no fear in love," he coos at her, mockingly. Without hesitation, my body is already up, heading straight towards him, swinging the hatchet onto his shoulder, then kicking him off of her. He yells out and falls on the ground. I end up over him, looking him straight in the eyes. His eyes widen.

"Lou-" Before he could finish, I swing down. First hit.

Flashbacks of him slapping me.

Second hit.

James pulling my hair as he held me down.

Third hit.

The laughter between the men as they rip of articles of clothes from me.

Four hit.

The dead bodies hanging in the shed, finding out what I've been eating as well as everyone else had for the entire winter.

Fifth hit.

Every name they taunted me with, every threat they threw at me as they've treated me like an animal, waiting to be slaughtered.

Sixth. Seventh. Eighth. I couldn't stop. All emotions taking over. All has been released from me that I've been too much of a coward to face. I could've ran, I could've died on my own terms, I could've stopped them from bringing her here. A scream finally takes over me and my whole body starts shaking, stopping what I was doing, just staring down at his mutilated face, or what used to be his face. Just frozen.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, and before I could swing the weapon, I hear her voice.

"It's me!"

I look up at her, seeing her staring down with widened eyes.

"We gotta go. It's ok, let's go," she says. Looking up finally, to see the ceiling almost taken over by the fire, smoke surrounding us. Now realizing that it's starting to get really hard to breathe.

Ellie holds out her hand, and I accept. Before leaving, I grab the handgun David had in his pocket and put it into mine. We manage to find one of the side doors out of the building, going a few feet from it before my body collapses onto the snow beneath me, hands and knees down, trying to catch my breath.

I then hear her scream, I look up to see a man grab her from behind trying to turn her around.

"Hey!" I yell, getting up, starting to go toward them. The man ignores me and holds the girl by her shoulders, trying to make eye contact with her, "It's me. Hey, look."

When she sees him, Ellie's body starts to ease up, which stops me in my tracks. Is that her friend? That man they were talking about?

"It's ok. It's me," he says, and she brings him in for a hug. "It's ok, baby girl. I got you."

After a minute, she pulls away, then looks back at me. I couldn't move, not knowing what my next step it. He follows her eyes then meets mine, finally able to see his face.

He looks older, maybe in his 50's. Dark hair with hints of grey from aging, followed by salt and pepper like scruff on his face. If he was ill before, the medicine must've helped enough. He looks good-HEALTHY. Not like "good" good, like, "he's not looking like he's dead" good.... yeah, that's what I meant.

His calm look immediately turned cold and he grabbed his rifle off of his back, aiming at me. Oh hell no, not on my watch. I grabbed the handgun from my back and aimed it right back. Two can play this game, buddy.

"Wait!" Ellie yells, "Don't hurt her!"

Not breaking eye contact, I keep the gun aimed at him. I just found a way to get away from a monster and now this guy is gonna try to kill me. Maybe death is just my fate after all.

His finger hovers over the trigger, not making a move quite yet, "Who are ya?"

"I'm not telling you shit," I spat at him. His finger flinches but Ellie yells out again, "She helped me, Joel. She's part of the reason I'm still here. Please put down the gun."

Joel, huh? Well Joel looks like his one second from blowing my brains out and doesn't seem to be changing his idea anytime soon.

"She's with them, isn't she?" He yells back at her, eyes never leaving mine, waiting for me to make the next move.

Ellie shakes her head, "It's not like that, Joel. Please."

He still keeps the gun aiming at me, "Is there more of them?"

I shake my head 'no', "Not anyone that would be threatening. Besides the men looking for you earlier."

"Don't need to worry about them," he responds. He must've got them. Good, they all deserve it.

He then lowers his rifle, then his attention is focused on the girl. Once he lowered it all the way, I start doing the same, then putting it back behind me. He takes off his coat and wraps it around her, "You're ok now, baby girl."

She's not even focused, just staring off. That poor girl. After all that's she gone through. At least she's back where she belongs, with him.

He looks back up at me, "If what she says 's true, thanks."

I nod my head, not saying anything else. Everything is hitting me at once. David is dead. There are still families here, children. What are they going to do? Are they going to starve? Leave here? Whatever it is, I'm not sticking around to do so.

The man puts his arm around Ellie, and guides her towards out of town, away from this horrid place. But Ellie won't move.

"What are you-"

"She should come with us," she says. With this grump who was about to kill me a minute ago? Uh no thanks. Already dealt with one asshole, I'm sure his company is not going to be much better.

I shake my head, "El-"

"The answer is no," he states. I nod my head, "I'll be fine, kid. You two need to leave before anyone else sees you."

"No, please. We're going to some people that are helping us, and they can help you too. Joel, we can't just leave her here," she says, looking up at him.

"We don't need extra baggage," he snaps.

I roll my eyes, "Yeah, not interested. Rather be by myself, better company."

I start walking towards the RV, hearing them bicker behind me. When making it towards the door, I hear footsteps coming towards me. I turn around to see Ellie running up.

"Kid, you need to leave," I order.

"Nope, not without you," She says back. I pinch the bridge of my nose. A headache slowly forming from the swelling on the side of my face.

I open the RV door, "Look, I appreciate the offer, but I'll be fine. Plus, even if you want me to come, your friend doesn't seem too thrilled. You guys have somewhere to be. Just go."

I try to close the door behind me, but her hand stops it from fully shutting.

"Joel can be a pain in the ass, but he's old and grumpy, you can't let that get to you. Plus, if a swarm of infected find you, you're screwed. More bodies, the better. Come on, please? It's the least we can do," she pleads.

I look behind her. In the distance, Joel is just standing there, not moving an inch, hand hovering the rifle still. I'm not actually considering this, am I? I mean, she's not wrong. Just myself alone can't defeat a group of those things. This handgun probably doesn't have many bullets left. What else am I supposed to do?

Looking back down at her, I sigh, "Fine. I'll make it quick. Need to grab some things before we go."

She breathes out, smile on her face. First time I've seen that in a while. An actual genuine smile.

I go on inside the RV, gathering a few supplies, mostly first aid supplies I found along the way during our scavenges from the past, along with a few other necessities. I go to the bathroom, finally looking at myself in the mirror, not recognizing the person in front of it.

My blonde hair looking brown and more matted up. The swelling in my right eye and cheekbone are noticeable, and starting to turn a plum-like color. Dried blood splattered all over from my face, hair and... well everywhere. I grab the rag on the counter, put some water on it and carefully try to clean off my face, with the image of David's face popping into mind. All the gashes, chunks of his face cut from him.

Before gathering the last bit of my stuff to put in my bag, I find my photo. Our photo. Opening it, seeing old me, happy me, arms draped over Anna and our mom next to her. Dad's on the other side of me. Back to where life was so simple.

"It's time to go," I say, giving a kiss to the photo, and putting it back in the pocket of the bag. Throwing the strap over my shoulder, I get out of the RV, not seeing Ellie there anymore, now back beside Joel in the distance.

Alright, let's do this.

=================

NEXT CHAPTER

A/N: Joel's now in the story!! I've been writing these at night so if something doesn't look right while reading, please let me know. But already writing chapter four so will probably release Sunday/Monday. Will see how it goes. Thank you for reading

[sunflwrrw]

Salvaged Souls - two

A/N: Hello! Here's chapter two of Salvaged Souls. If you have not read chapter one yet, I'll put a link below this note here so you can check it out. For new readers: this is based on TV series version of The Last of Us, continuing from season one episode eight. Enjoy and thank you for taking your time to read.

PREVIOUS CHAPTER HERE

warning: cussing, mentions of SA, David being a nasty creep of course.

=================

CHAPTER TWO

The sky slowly starting to dim by the time we made it back to our encampment. I pry open the entry door to the steakhouse for David and James to bring the dead deer. By the time the doors close behind me, my hands rub together to try to feel some sort of warmth. At least inside the building was a bit warmer than outside, thanks to the stove being on in the kitchen preparing whatever meal the group is having that night. My stomach grumbles by the smell but knowing the truth of our recent meals has made the hunger feeling so away suddenly.

They both simultaneously dropped the animal to the ground and David's mouth grew into a big smile to present to everyone, "Big one."

No one responded. Not a single person. Just stared at him with blankness on their face. David and James exchanged looks with each other uncomfortably and James ends up breaking the stare by starting to take off his coat. That's when David looks over at me with his hand out for me to take.

Just play nice. That's all you need to do.

I smiled and accepted his hand. He gently pulls me towards him and ends up wrapping his arm around my back, keeping me by his side. I'm holding in all I've got to not change my expression nor pull away from him. Just for a little bit, go along with his performance.

"If you've heard a rumor, yes, we found the girl who was with the man who took Alec from us. When the sun rises, I'll lead a group out to pick up her trail," he explains. My eyes widen and look up at him. He is going after her. Whoever was injured cannot be well by now. There's no way they're able to get away by tomorrow.

Without changing his face, I feel a pinch at my side where his hand is out. Not too hard, but enough to get my attention. A warning not to overstep I assume. My eyes drop down again, looking at my feet.

He continues, "Won't be hard to find in the snow. We'll follow it to wherever they're hiding, and we'll bring that man to justice."

"You should kill him," a girl's voice said. The same girl that cried her eyes out earlier in the day after finding out her father has died. I do feel bad, I really do. The emptiness she feels right now is something that will never go away. She's too young to lose a parental figure. And her mom looks so exhausted next to her. Even as bad as I feel though, we are all out here to survive. Same is that other girl and that man that killed him. This is a cruel world where everything has gone to shit. Everyone fends for themselves at this point. Many, many, many lives have been lost. But if only they knew what happened to Alec afterwards. That is the worst of it all, and it was done by a man who everyone has been praising, worshiping, thankful for.

David unwraps his arm from me then starts to walk towards the girl, taking off his gloves in the process. Once he gets in front of her, he pauses for a moment, then out of nowhere raises his hand with the gloves in it and smacks her across her face, resulting in her going to the ground. Oh my god. What did he just do?

The mom immediately stands up and at this point, mostly everyone was at the edge of their seats. The mom was going to say something, but David's hand goes up to her to stop her. She hesitates then sits back down. He doesn't react that way very often, let alone to a child. But these people won't say a damn thing to him. What is stopping these people, there are a lot of them to retaliate and to go against him. Yet there are a small group that support him through it all, however the way I saw James looking at David earlier with uncertainty definitely makes me question it.

David then kneels down to the girl on the ground, offering her his hand now, which she takes, and helps her up to her chair.

He softly speaks, "I know you think you don't have a father anymore. But the truth is, Hannah, you will always have a father. And you will show him respect when he's speaking."

He's not implying he's taking over as a father to this girl, is he? He is literally out of his mind. He pulls the chair out in front of him. Then ends up taking off his jacket then puts it over the chair and sit down. He looks back and his eyes meet mine. I didn't even realize I was still standing at the entryway still. I look over at the closest table with an empty seat. Perfect, across the room as far away as possible from him.

As I pull the chair out and take a seat, the mom of the girl quickly gets up and leave, then comes back with two plates of food. She then walks in my direction, sets down one of the plates in front of me as well as some utensils, then goes over to the table where David is and gave him his plate and utensils. Looking back down at my food, seeing the big chunks of meat in there, the urge to hurl is starting up in my stomach, but I try to hold it in as much as possible. As she goes to sit down, I see David holding his hands together and stares over at me, motions down at his hands. I gulp.

Time for prayer.

-----------------------------------------

Vomit comes up past my throat, escaping my mouth, onto the soft pile of snow beneath me. Trying to be discreet on the side of the building, hoping no one can see me as I'm trying to get whatever I can out from my body. Disgusting. Just absolutely disgusting. I still hear the sounds of people scraping their plates, trying to get every last drop, not knowing what it is they're feasting on. I feel myself losing strength even more over time. Thank God they got that deer because I need to actually consume some sort of food before they become suspicious or find me laying somewhere unconscious due to malnutrition and have them do who-knows-what to me at that point.

Then I hear my name being called in the distance. Shit it's him. My feet piles the extra snow around over the evidence on the ground as quickly as I can move them before I go towards his voice up front. As I go around the corner towards the front of the building, I see David looking around, then his shoulders relax as they see me running up to him.

"I was beginning to think you ran off on me," he said, almost in a jokingly tone, but knowing there was some underlying meaning behind it.

"Nope. Thought I dropped one of my gloves outside but ended up finding it in my pocket anyway." He gives me a questionable look, but his eyebrows only furrowed for a moment then he smiled, "It's getting late. Why don't I walk you back home, hun?"

For a small town they took over, they were limited to housing for everyone. However the home David took over, there was a RV on the side of the house. Looked like something from the 80s. Very worn down, definitely had some rodents in it over the years, but it had a bed and it was away from him. He offered to share his home with me once I was able to gain some of his trust, not wanting me to sleep on rat shit or breathe in the odd ammonia-like smell in the air, but I convinced him I would be OK in there. I would rather lay in rat shit then be in the same house as him any day. Just the idea of me sleeping under the same roof as him gave me the ick.

The RV is still in the far distance, so might as well start a conversation along the way, "So about tomorrow-"

He interrupts, "What of it?"

Keep going, need all the information I can get.

"Well, I didn't know if you needed extra help. I don't mind-"

He interrupts again, "I got the help I need. You need to stay behind and help early in the morning out in the shed. We're low on firewood and needing more bodies to chop since I'm taking a few extra men with me. We don't know what they are capable of."

"Y-You're not going to hurt them.... are you?" I hesitantly ask, not wanting to accept the fate of those people.

"The girl, no. But as far as the man who killed Alec, well, justice needs to be served. You can understand that, right?" I feel his stare, but I continue to look ahead, focusing on the RV inching closer and closer.

I nod my head. Not wanting to push any further.

When we got to the door of the RV, he says goodnight, plants a kiss on my forehead and waits for me to go inside. Just leave so I can rub whatever he left behind on my face. Before I was able to shut the door, I see his hand grasped it open still. I look at him as he stares at me. Finally, he speaks.

"You know, maybe when I bring her back, you can show her it's alright here. How you've accepted the Lord's light, my leadership, and maybe she'll be able to live a good life here. What do you think?"

I slowly nod my head at him, then wished him goodnight. He shut the door for me on the other side. When I finally heard that 'click', I immediately walk over to the bed on the other side, while rubbing at my forehead, still feeling his lips on my skin. By the time I plop on the bed, emotions hit me like a train and the tears won't stop coming down my face.

The same questions flood my brain: Why am I here? What did I do to deserve this? Why didn't I just die with the rest of my family, with Anna? I should've ended it all once she was gone. But I wouldn't have wanted this life for her. To imagine her being in this situation, to have to go through the mental and physical exhaustion of surviving. I don't even know if she would've made it this far.

Eventually my thoughts drift away as my tears exhausts me enough to go to sleep. But even my dreams are just as horrific as real life.

-----------------------------

It was later in the day, past supper time, seeing people leaving the steakhouse as I walk back to the RV. Had an early start this morning on gathering firewood, just about sunrise. I kept tossing and turning the night before, not able to sleep, just thinking about them two. I don't know why I can't let it go? This is how the world is anymore. People die. Naturally or intentionally. But I saw the way James was looking at that girl, how David was as well. James had looks to kill, which I believe he will if he had her to himself. But David, I'm afraid keeping her alive and here with him would almost be worse than that.

The group had left even before I started this morning, not sure exactly when they left. But as I was chopping wood up, I kept looking at the entryway of Silver Lake, waiting for them to arrive back, but nothing as of yet. At least with David not around, it was easier to skip dinner without people noticing or even caring for that matter.

I open the door to the RV, finally taking a break. Made my way over to the dinette, taking off my worn out gloves, wincing in the process, feeling a few slivers prickling at my skin.

"Shit," I mutter, noticing a rather large splinter in my palm of my left hand. I knew there was something scratching there. Now where did my tweezers go.

I proceed to go to the bathroom, opening up the cabinet next to the mirror, finding and old nail set I found scrounging through here the first day moving in here.

Grasping the tweezer, I delicately pinch at the base of the splinter, feeling pressure when grasping it. Ok, slowly now. And...aha! Got it.

A knock comes sudden at the door, startling me, making me drop the tweezers onto the floor. Thank God I got that out beforehand. That would've hurt.

Walking over to the door, I peered through the window beside it, seeing David there. He's back, is she here too?

I open the door, "David, made it back safe, I see?"

"Yes, we found her. She's locked up right now, not really cooperating with me," he responds.

Whew. She's alive then. I'm assuming she's in the cage I was in.

"What about her friend?" I ask.

"Marco, Timothy and Josiah stayed behind looking for him. Shouldn't take too long to find him," he answered. "Hopefully she'll open up to us a bit more. I'm sure it'll take time, but that's why I want you with me when we bring her supper."

"Why? It's not like she trusts me. She doesn't trust anyone," I ask.

He takes one step up the stairs and before I'm able to take a step back, he grabs my wrist, preventing me from going anywhere.

"Because I asked you to. Besides, she seemed to trust you out in the woods with me rather than somebody else. I'm trying to ask nicely here, hun," he says slowly, but cold. I then agreed to go with him.

I follow his footsteps into the steakhouse, grabbing the tray of food and a filled cup that was ready for him to give to her. Passing through the kitchen, down a small hallway and stopped in front of another door. I recognize the path vaguely from the last time. Through the window, I see the girl, looking down at something with fear in her eyes.

"Follow behind," David orders. He opens the door, and I see her immediately backing up to the other side of the cage, not breaking eye contact from whatever she was looking at. As we walked in, I glance over in the direction she was looking at on the ground and by the time I see what she sees, my stomach drops.

An ear. A fucking human ear. Way to traumatize this girl even more, David.

He doesn't seem to notice her distraction at first as he kneels down in front of her to push the plate under the gap of the cage. When he looks at her, he then glances back at what she's focused on. Now putting two and two together. Could've covered your evidence a bit more there, buddy.

David looks back at her and sighs, "For what it's worth, this is just deer meat. I swear."

"You're gonna chop me up into little pieces," she mutters.

He responds, "I'd rather not. Please just tell me your name."

She looks up and meets my eyes for a moment, then back down at him, but no answer came out of her mouth.

I see David clasps his hands together, "If you wanna judge me--"

"Judge you? You're eating people, you sick fuck!" She yells. This is really starting to feel like deja vu right now.

She kicks the tray towards him harshly, hitting the butcher's table beside him, which he stood up quickly from that. Out of instinct, I step back, afraid of his response. But surprisingly enough, he remains calm.

"Yes. There are only a few of us that know," he glances back at me, "Some finding out a harsher way than others," he looks back, "But I would've told you. Sooner or later. I guess sooner."

"You're an animal," she spat at him.

"Well, yes, we all are. That's sorta the point," he responds in a calm manner, too calm. "It was a last resort. You think it doesn't shame me? But what was I supposed to do? Let them starve?" I don't know, but eating human flesh is a wild choice to even think of. I think if people knew the truth they would rather be starving at that point. "These people who put their lives in my hands, who expect me to keep them safe, who love me?" Gross.

"Yeah, maybe," she answers back.

"You don't believe that," he shoots back, "I don't think your friend would either. Didn't he take another man's life to save yours?"

Immediately her eyes flame up in anger, "He was defending himself."

"He was defending you, but you knew that. You see a lot. So do I. And you know what I see looking at you?" He asked, but answers for her, "Me. You remind me of me. You're a natural leader, you're smart, loyal. Violent."

I glare over at him. She's not like you, you sadistic fuck. She is just a kid that grew up too fast. A kid that didn't have a choice but to do what she had to do to survive.

"You don't know anything about me," the girl glares at him.

"But I do," he says, "If I let you out of that cage right now, put that knife of yours in your hand, you'd stick me in a second. You have a violent heart," he starts walking towards her. I start to follow, trying to stop but I see his hand flicker up, motioning me to stop. There are all these knifes and sharp objects on the wall. I can easily just grab one and BAM! Louisa, get a freaking grip.

He slowly inches closer to the cage, "And I should know. I've always had a violent heart and struggled with it for a long time. But then the world ended and I was shown the truth."

"Right, by God," she mumbles, loud enough to hear.

He shakes his head, "No. By Cordyceps. What do they do? Is it evil? No. It's fruitful. It multiples. It feeds and protects its children and it secures its future with violence, if it must. It loves."

Ok, this guy has totally lost it. So much for easing her into it, getting to feel comfortable.

"Why are you telling me all of this?" She asks.

"The way the others can't. They need God. They need heaven. The need, well, a father," he looks back at me again, "Louisa here was just like you, not needing any of that. She was hard as a rock so it unfortunately took her some time, but she accepted it. She realized the truth. She follows. She obeys. Just like you will. I'm a shepherd surrounded by sheep, wanting an equal. And she is my equal. Just like you will be."

The girl asks, "What about my friend?"

Her friend. I wonder if they had found him yet. If they ended up killing him or dragging him back here as we speak.

He smiles, "Like I said, loyal. I can tell the others to stop looking for him. They'll spare him." Liar.

"Really? They'll just let him go?" the girl asks. Don't believe him, kid. I try to silently motion her to look at me, hopefully reading whatever he's saying is bullshit. But I can see how much that man mean to her, even if she's blocking out a major warning sign now.

He nods, "If he leaves us in peace, they will just let him go. They do what I tell them to do. They follow me. They'll follow us. Lord knows I could use the help. I mean look what has happened." I see him almost up against the cage against where she is. Please don't fall for it.

His hand reaches up, grasping the metal of the cage, "Think of what we can do together, as strong as we are. We can make this place perfect. We'd grow, spread out. We'd do whatever we need for our people. Imagine the life we could give them."

Her hand slowly goes up, touching the metal by his hand. Her eyes shift between their hands then back up at him. Then I see her eyes back on me, almost waiting for my response.

I see him shift, then his hand going on top of hers, "Imagine the life we could build."

Rage builds up in me. Sick, twisted, motherfucker. I need to get her out of here. And his face bashed in. Whichever comes first. Flashbacks of David and his men surrounding the cage, one by one, coming in, having their way, something that I've tried to block out ever since. Every hit, cut, tear comes into mind all at once. He is not going to do that to her. Not on my watch.

Before I could stop myself, I shake my head 'no' at her, hoping she catches on. Her eyes don't leave mine for a moment, then she looks up at him. Seeing her other hand slowly coming up and eventually laying it on top of his. Before I expect it, I hear a snap and his scream. His fingers are bent upwards as she gripping his hand as hard as she could. David bends down slightly and I see her trying to grab the keys from his beltloop, but he stops her by grabbing her and slamming her against cage.

Instincts kick in and I run over to him, locking my arm around his neck, pulling him backwards from her. She drops to the ground as David trying to get out of my grasp. His body moves around as well as his arms, attempting to grab me in some way. He stumbles back against the door, feeling my body slamming up against it, not once, but multiple times. Instant pain shoots through my back as I feel my arms get weaker and eventually lost my hold on him, landing on the floor.

Before I could get myself up, his body hovers over me, anger plastered all over his face, "You stupid bitch," he snarls. I feel his fist going into my side and I hunch over, a scream past my lips. He lifts my body up by shirt then whispers, "You're dead." Before I knew it, a hard fist connects with my face and everything goes black.

=================

NEXT PART

[sunflwrrw]

Salvaged Souls - one

A/N: Hello everyone! This has been an idea of mine for a while now, I just haven't been motivated to write it. But here it is, I hope you enjoy. This is based off the TV Show version of The Last of Us, Episode 8 and beyond. I try to follow the story (plus my own twists to it).

=================

CHAPTER ONE

"Revelation 21: And I saw a new heaven and a new Earth. For the first heaven and the first Earth were passed away. And I heard a great voice out of heaven say, 'Behold..."

I hear his steps start to come closer, but my eyes are focused on the tips of my covered toes on the floor, avoiding the creepily stare burning on the top of my head.

"-the tabernacle of God is with men. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

Sniffles are heard from across the room and immediately David's focus was away for now, as his concerns are for the young girl not being able to hold in her tears. Another life lost. Overheard from a few people about him being killed, either by infected or raiders. There wasn't much information about what happened, they have been keeping it hushed. I hear others comfort her in the distance and his footsteps are now getting quieter and further away.

Finally having enough courage to look up knowing the coast is clear to see David standing across the table from her, him taking off his glasses and sighs,

"I've read this passage too many times," then seeing him going over to the young girl side, kneeling down to her, "Do you remember what comes next?"

The girl shakes her head 'no', then he continues, "And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes, that there will be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither will there be any more pain for the former things are passed away. Do you know what that means?"

Then she nods her head yes. The way his hand rests on her shoulder might seem comforting to everyone else, but a chill went down my spine, knowing very well what he was capable of.

"When can we bury him?" she asks. Poor girl, if only she knew.

David quickly composes himself after finding James' eyes then back to the girl, "The ground is too cold to dig. We'll bury your father in the spring."

The feeling of burning acid starts to come up my throat, but I'm able to keep it down. If there was something I was able to do, to expose him, to give that girl a chance to bury her father properly, especially after the way he went. But after my outburst last time, I learn to keep still, not say a word. The bruises on my ribs are finally not aching anymore. His eyes find mine at last, sending me a stare I knew better than to retaliate against.

'Just keep to yourself, you can survive this' my mind thinks. But for how much longer? Being a part of this group for roughly a year now. At first was not bad. David took me in, praising his thoughts on God and our true purpose during these dark times. I never grew up in a religious setting myself, but I was willing to adapt. They gave me a roof over my head, food on the table, a sense of somewhat normality. Thought, maybe I do have a purpose, can start new. But after a while, there was an uneasy feeling in my stomach, like all of this was too good to be true.

Sure, I knew David had some sort of attraction towards me, was at first harmless. I was willing to go along with it because what else could I lose at this point? I didn't have anyone else. Maybe it was desperation but during these times, really what else was I supposed to do? But I started becoming skeptical a few months back when he became more secretive with his buddies, people slowly disappearing one by one, how even if there were no animals in sight, but still had meat with dinner every night.

When I started to catch on and refused to eat, David immediately got suspicious and rather angry in fact. The first night he showed his true colors...

"Let go of me!" I yell as they threw me in a cage. Looking around my surroundings to see the cage is located in the kitchen at the steakhouse. On the right side outside of the cage appeared to be a butcher's table, with reddish brown stains scattered over it, immediately realizing what it is and my head became dizzy.

Coming through the doors is David, a scowl on his face. His legs start walking towards me and my instinct is to back away from him, but my back was up against the wall behind me.

"I try to be nice," he snaps, "I gave you a home, I introduce you to the light, our savior, our family.."

His face is up against the cage, "This wasn't what I wanted, you know? I'm not a monster. I do this for our people, our family-"

"You're eating people you sick fuck-" I started but his hand smacked the cage which caused me to jump.

"Language!" he yells. He then tilts his head to the side, eyes following my body from my feet back up to my face, "You are lucky I like you so much."

My body went cold. What am I going to do? Fuck, fuck, fuck...

"I-I won't say a word, I pr-promise. You can let me go, I'll fend for myself out there. You don't h-have to worry about me coming back," I trembled.

He chuckles, "I know you won't say anything, sweetheart. But as far as letting you go well," he clicks his tongue, "You need me. Just like I need you. The lord has sent you to me, to be my guide. But you need to see that for yourself before I let you go."

I slowly was able to earn his trust, anything I can do to get out from there. Even if I had to earn it by hiding his truth, hiding how awful of a person he is. Even if he and his crew used me for their own satisfaction from time to time. The memories will haunt forever in my brain, don't know if any of this is worth it anymore. Why do I keep going? Why when I don't have anyone left. Maybe I should've went out with a bang and him killing me right there and then.

The crowd starts to wither away from the building, people going up to David, shaking his hand, thanking him for his comfort, thanking him for his guidance, thanking him for things he does not deserve. But there he is with a sympathetic smile, giving them all what they need, the reassurance. Then I see James going up to him, murmuring to themselves, hopefully distracted enough to go past them, but his voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Louisa."

I turned around to see them both staring. A soft smile plastering my face as I walked towards them, ignoring the pit feeling in my stomach when around him. I feel his arm going around my back once I'm next to him.

"We're goin' huntin'. Follow James to gather what we need," he states. I nod my head without saying a word and follow behind James.

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The feeling of the snow crunch beneath me as we're walking around in the forest, careful to not make any sound to scare off whatever lead us out here. Apparently, James was told there was a deer spotted out here, but just like the other times, no trace of life out here as of yet. I go out hunting when there's nobody else able to help out, especially short notice like this. One of the perks on getting on David's side is he helped me with my shooting. I would say I'm pretty decent at it, good to prepare myself if that time comes...or even if I ever have a gun on me without him knowing. My patience is thinning the more I'm starting to lose feeling in my toes. The worn winter coat and beanie I have was able to keep in some heat, but definitely not as much as I would like. My gloves were very worn with small holes in a couple of spots. Doesn't help we've been out here for who knows how long.

Then a loud gunshot fires from the distance. David and James turned to each other in curiosity and headed towards the direction of the noise, myself following shortly behind them. We eventually finding what we've been searching for, but with blood seeping out of its body staining the snow red.

"You think we can just take it?" James asks. Both of them looking around at empty parts of the forest to see anyone coming through the trees but no luck. My eyes were distracted by the lifeless eyes of the deer staring back at me.

"Yeah. Quickly. Whoever shot is probably nearby," David responds. David nods his head for me to go to him, holding out his gun, assuming for me to take while they're planning on grabbing the deer. Before my hand reaches the gun, a voice shouts, "Don't!"

The voice was a female. Maybe younger. Couldn't tell with my back towards the sound.

"Drop your rifles! Now!" the voice shouts. David looked over at me and nodded his head, same goes from James. We all slowly put down our rifles.

"Turn and face me, slow," the voice speaks again. My body steadily turns around to see the person the voice belongs to.

The person was a girl, young teen age probably. Her rifle up and aimed between the three of us, inching closer at us.

"Any sudden moves, I put one right between your eyes. Ditto for buddy boy and blondie too"

She's got some spunk; I give her that. I smiled slightly, hopefully not enough for them to notice. She reminds of me of Anna..

I look over at David to see wheels turning in his head. What are you thinking there?

"You're quite a hunter. We didn't even hear you coming," he says but she doesn't respond to his comment.

She aims back at David, "Turn around and walk away!"

"Okay, all I ask is ten seconds of your time," he starts. My eyes pierced right through him, what are you really thinking?

"I won't say it twice!" she snarls back. Good for her. Don't fall for it, kid.

"Please," he continues, "My name is David. These are my friends, James," he motions to him then over at me, "And Louisa. We're from a larger group...other women there...children...and we're all very, very hungry."

Please leave while you can, kid. I don't have a good feeling about this.

Her face shows she's hesitant but continues to keep her guard up, "I'm from a large group too. Also hungry."

She's lying. No doubt about that. Even a smaller group wouldn't send a child out here to gather food. What is she hiding? I could tell they weren't believing it either.

"Well even so," David speaks, "Ya can't drag this back on your own," he motions to the deer.

The girl's body shifts, but aim is still on us without question, "We're not asking for charity. We can trade you for some of the deer. We have boot, or-"

"Medicine?" She asks urgently. The concern in her eyes is visible, but she appears to be well, so somebody is sick or hurt that is with her.

"Like for infections?" Yep was right.

I look over at David and his eyes perk up, "We do. Back in our village. You are welcome to follow us back there."

"I'm not following you anywhere. One of them can get it," she snaps. Smart. Don't fall for it. "When they come back, you get half the deer. Anyone else shows up, I put one-"

David interrupts, "Put one right between our eyes."

He looks back and forth between James and I then finally settle his eyes on me, "Go talk to Howard. He's got a case with some penicillin. Bring two bottles and a syringe."

Her eyes found mine and I couldn't help but look away. This is where I should step up, tell them to let it go, let her go, find something else. Anywhere away from here to get their attention off of her. Why can't I say it? Such a fucking coward...

"Not her," she starts then motioning to James, "Buddy boy over there. He's just standing there with his mouth open."

James starts speaking up, but David looks right at him, "It's fine, James. You go. She can stay with me. Nothing going on, right?" He looks over at me with that look I know better than to question and I nodded my head. James looks at him warily and then gives in, leaving us. I don't blame her. If I were in her situation, alone out here, I wouldn't trust them either. Not like she trusts me, maybe because I'm a female maybe there is some sort of comfort perhaps.

One it was just us, the girl's aim went back to us both, "Take ten steps back." Which we did, trying not to trip over the deer.

David speaks up, "Is that your dad's gun?" She ignores his question, bending down to one of our rifles on the ground and grabbing the ammo from it, "He's the one that's sick? That's why you're out here alone?"

I try to get his attention, but he ignores me, "Well look, uh, it's a four-mile round trip back to our settlement. It's gonna be a while before James gets back. I have some oil and matches in my pack. We could," he motions over behind him, "take shelter, start a fire. What do you think?"

I don't know if he's planning anything, but the idea of getting warmed up and getting some feeling back in my body does sound nice. The girl looks over at me and maybe my visible shivering convinced her that was a good idea. She motions to the deer, "Bring him with us."

We eventually found a spot to start a fire, in an abandon home with half of the roof gone, settle in until James comes back. I rest my hand near the fire, rubbing my hands together to heat up hopefully quicker than what it's doing now. My body is right up against David's, even when scooting slightly away from him subtly, he managed to get even closer. Looking up to see the girl still aiming her rifle at us, waiting for the attack, but it never does. She still doesn't let down though. Good for you, kid.

"You know, you really shouldn't be out here all on your own," David speaks up, focusing on his hands. He's still thinking he can change her mind about him and putting her gun down, but I don't see that happening anytime soon, nice try.

She responds, "From where I'm sitting, you shouldn't be out here on your own."

Her response made me chuckle slightly, which earned a glare from him, but I don't even look his way, just focusing on the fire ahead of me. I'll probably get punished for that later, but I couldn't help it.

Silence lingers for a while, then of course he speaks up again, "So what's your name?"

Silence continues. He doesn't think she's going to give him any information about herself, does he? He should get the hint but he goes on, "It's hard to trust strangers, I know. But honestly, we mean no harm. Louisa here," he wraps his arm around me, "Took her in with open arms. She's doing just fine as you can see."

'Just fine' my ass. That's not what my bruises all over my body say. The damage that him and his men did to me. All what I had to deal with, what they put me through, and I have to sit here with a smile on my face, fearing what comes next or what happens if I overstep. I hope she can see the disgust on my face that shows maybe I'm not 'just fine'.

"And who knows, there's room for you in our group, if you want of course," he says. The look he's giving her; That possession look. I know that look very well. Come on, just yell out something, anything for her to just shoot him then I'll be free. That's until James comes and sends a search party to kill and who knows what else with us. It's useless.

Of course, she denies his offer with a smart remark, still not letting that guard down of hers. I try to tune out his convincing, cringing at his attempts to persuade her and failing, just focusing on the fire ahead of me, feeling the warmth in my fingers again. Now it's easier to move them around a bit. I hear him talking about him being a preacher, explaining his thoughts of the aftermath of the world ending and him finding God, the same story he tells all the newcomers. Then there was something that caught my ear during his rambling.

"I sent four of our people to a nearby town to scavenge what they could and only three of 'em came back. The one that didn't was a father, had a daughter just like you. And her dad was taken from her."

Flashback of the young girl crying earlier during his sermon popped into mind. Why is he bringing this up though?

"Turns out, he was murdered by this crazy man. And get this, that crazy man was traveling with a little girl."

It was her and her dad that killed the father? I see the girl's posture change slightly, but gun was never lowered. David's face plastered a smile, a frightening one I know too well. The one that is up to no good.

"You see? Everything happens for a reason. James, lower the gun." That's when I noticed James coming out of hiding, his gun aiming at the girl's head. Oh shit.

"James-" I started but he yelled 'shut up' at me which made me lower my head, still seated next to David. He doesn't move an inch from where he's sitting.

"Easy, my dear. And no, she didn't kill anybody. Lower the gun," he calmly ordered, which James did listen.

He then asked if he brought the medicine and then ordered him to give it to her. He's letting her go? Or is this another one of his tricks? James was hesitant, but did throw bag towards the girl's direction. She then tells him to back away.

David talks to the girl again, "I know you're not with a group. You won't survive for long out there. I can protect you." Do not listen to him! Take the medication and go as far away as you can!

She grabbed the bag and walked backwards with the gun aimed at us till she is out of vision. She escaped, thank God.

James scoffs, "So you're just gonna let her get away?" David doesn't reply, just goes over to the fire to put it out. James' eyes dart over at me and stride over in my direction, then out of nowhere his hand raises and a burning sensation lingers on my face. The fucker slapped me. I hold my cheek out of shock and fear.

"You're lucky that's all you get for attempting to question me. Try it again and see what happens," he's now up close in my face, trying to intimidate me. I gulp, trying to avoid his eye contact. Just leave me be please. I am actually thankful for David to distract him enough by needing help moving the deer.

I hope that girl and her father get as far away from here as they can. If only I was able to do the same...

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**Yay chapter one is done! Hopefully the more I write, the easier it'll get. I tried proof reading it as much as I could so I apologize if some things don't look right. May edit along the way we'll see how it goes...There will be more to come. Have a lovely day <3

NEXT CHAPTER

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HOPEFULLY GRANDPA JOEL IS COMING (on me)

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dark Halloween

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Happy Autumn🍂

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spooky season *⁠･🎃ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠🍁･⁠｡ﾟ

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BEETLEJUICE (1988) dir. Tim Burton

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SCREAM (1996) dir. Wes Craven

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