Chapter 20 – Hard Choices

Laraaq just looked out the window and watched as a power suit about four meters tall was doing a light jog next to our bus as they towed a large moving van. The front of the van was shredded from an attack by the honey badger. According to Jennifer, the honey badger went after it when they had turned it on remotely. Luckily, it only shredded part of the motor, allowing them to easily put the moving van in neutral and drag it along like it didn’t weigh several tons.

“How much can that thing pull?” Laraaq asked Jennifer.

She sat next to him. Jennifer and her parents wanted to beat the crap out of Sharon after meeting her and Simon for two seconds. After some choice words, Jennifer decided to sit next to Laraaq the rest of the trip back.

“From the tests, I’d say about 40 to 50 tons.” Jennifer replied.

Laraaq whistled. “Damn! That’s impressive. When can I get one?”

Jennifer laughed. “Nice try. You’d have to convince my parents and that’s after they can re-establish their workshop and lab.”

Laraaq had dreams of kicking monster butt with a power suit of his own. “I’m sure my buddy Shadowalker will be able to provide the right space, but he’ll probably require a suit for the trouble. Just saying.”

“Yea, I’m sure you’re just saying. Well, I’m sure my parents will be willing if the lab is big enough.” Jennifer replied.

“What will you need for your efforts?” Laraaq asked.

“Well, it depends. I can help with city planning. If I did that, I would need a drafting-desk and a big enough room for maps. If I help with the healing, we will need a clinic or hospital, which my parents and I can help design and build.” Jennifer explained.

“Yea my buddy is going to be thrilled I found you guys.” Laraaq chimed in.

Carl spoke up. “Hey guys. We are coming up on our next rescue location. Time to get locked and loaded.”

Laraaq nodded to the man as he checked his 9MM sidearm. He left his rifle and shotgun with his truck. Carol promised she would keep an eye on everything, and Laraaq wanted to hone his spell casting.

Jennifer carried a rifle and a desert eagle as back up. Laraaq really liked her and her family’s attitude. They were super easy to get along with, were willing to pitch in wherever, and as a bonus followed his instructions without any fuss.

The town they pulled into reminded Laraaq of a ghost town. They were in the desert so that combined with the lack of people might’ve had something to do with it.

“What do we know about the situation we are walking into?” Laraaq asked.

Carl gave the rundown. “Mom said it’s a family of four. Two barely adult kids, one 16-year-old, and the mother. The boyfriend turned into a zombie and the two adult kids had to put him down.”

Jerome picked up the CB radio. “This is Rescue Ranger squad. Anyone there? Over.”

Static then a girl’s voice could be heard. “Yea... this is Lisa... we are here...” Lisa was interrupted by another woman’s voice. “Wh-what are you doing... you ungrateful child... hiccup.”

The other woman’s voice was slurred, and she was clearly intoxicated.

“I’m talking to the rescue team Natalie.” Lisa’s voice could be heard over the radio.

“I’m... your... your mother. Hiccup! You’re lucky I let you stay... after you two killed my boyfriend.” Natalie’s drunk voice slurred her speech.

The chatter over the radio stopped.

“Sounds like she’s drunk.” Mario commented.

“My parents used to get that way. People do dumb stuff when drinking.” Jerome chimed in.”

“Agreed. We should be extra cautious until we get eyes on the situation ourselves.” Carl instructed.

Laraaq nodded and turned to his squad including Jennifer. “Mario, you take point. Jerome, cover his back. Jennifer, you’re with me. We may need healing if this goes bad. Carl, you take up the rear. Let’s move out.”

“Roger that.” Jerome replied.

“You got it boss.” Mario said in affirmation.

Jennifer nodded and checked her rifle. Carl did the same.

As they exited the bus. They signaled Jennifer’s parents to remain and keep lookout just in case they required cover should they need to retreat. The power suit gave a thumbs up in acknowledgement and the squad moved in closer to their destination.

The run-down house was the only thing on the street for 500 meters. It wasn’t hard to find. Though other houses were along the road. The one with the radio tower was probably the best bet as their destination.

Crouching low the squad moved together like they had done this countless times. Laraaq admired his team’s efficiency and knew most of that was their previous military training. Carl also had a hand in their coordination, the man was an invaluable asset.

‘So glad I didn’t kill him. Between him and his mother, they have both been incredibly helpful.’ Laraaq thought as the approached the back door.

They saw two zombies mewling about. Two quick shots from Jerome and Mario and both zombies were no more.

Mario checked the door. Jerome was on the opposite side of the doorway and gave his squad mate a nod. Finding the door locked, Mario kicked it open and moved to the side, he had zero interest in spooking those inside and accidentally getting shot.

Jerome did a quick scan of the room inside. Seeing no one Jerome and Mario took point and rushed into the house. Once in a better position they signaled an all clear and Laraaq and Jennifer entered with Carl watching everyone’s flank.

Mario spotted movement. “What is all... hiccup... that racket! I swear I will beat you ungrateful kids again if you don’t shut up!” A belligerent and clearly intoxicated woman stumbled into the room. She looked to be in her late forties, early fifties.

“Ma’am we are here to rescue you and your kids.” Jerome said softly.

The woman swung the vodka bottle in her hand at Jerome’s head. “Intruders! You won’t get my alcohol! It’s all mine!”

Mario used the butt of his shotgun to hit the woman in the back of the head.

THUD

CRASH

She dropped like a sack of potatoes. The bottle shattered as she fell.

“Sorry. I don’t think I hit her too hard, but I had to do something. Drunk people do dumb stuff.” Mario commented.

“You did the right thing.” Laraaq agreed.

Just then a girl who looked to be in her mid-twenties walked in. The girl sported clear bruises on her face and arms. She immediately jumped back not expecting to see a room full of armed people. “AHHH!”

The squad patiently gave the girl a few seconds when they noticed she wasn’t armed. She caught her breath after a moment. “Oh... man, you gave me an awful fright. You must be the people here to rescue us. I thought Natalie passed out again and broke another bottle.”

The woman looked down at her unconscious mother. “She, okay? Oh, I’m sorry I’m Laura by the way.”

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Jennifer was kneeling next to Laura’s mom using a skill that let her medically scan a person and her system would relay what was wrong. “She isn’t dead.”

Jennifer sighed and continued. “But your mom isn’t doing good. She has severe alcohol poisoning. Her liver is in really bad shape, and she only has one functioning kidney. I’m not sure I can heal her. I don’t exactly have a spell that purifies the body. I have a skill that lets me ensure a wound is clean but it’s not the same thing as purifying the body to this extent.”

One man who looked to be in his late teens, early twenties, walked into the room. “Hey sis, did mom pass out again?” The guy stopped dead in his tracks when he saw all the people. He too was sporting bruises over his face and body.

Seeming to take the scene all in stride, the guy spoke up. “I’m Bud. Nice shotgun.”

“Thanks man. I’m Mario. That is Jerome, Laraaq, Jennifer our resident healer, and the one in the back is Carl.” Mario replied.

Everyone nodded except Laraaq. He was pissed off and had half a mind to leave this woman. Laura’s words brought Laraaq out of his musings.

“You’re a healer?! Can you look at my younger brother?”

“Sure, show me the way.” Jennifer said as she stood up and followed Laura into the other room.

Carl, ever the professional, dished out orders. “I’ll stay here and keep an eye on this one. I’m going to bind her and turn her to her side. That way she can’t hurt herself or choke on her own vomit. Mario and Jerome, why don’t you two finish checking out the perimeter.”

“You got it!” Mario and Jerome said as they checked the rest of the house.

“Go ahead and check on the kid. I know you want to. Bud will help me, won’t you?” Carl commented.

“Sure, I can help. I have to carry her to her room all the time if she passes out somewhere in the house.” Bud explained as he leaned down to help Carl.

Laraaq nodded before heading in the same direction as Laura and Jennifer. When the ladies entered the bedroom, Laraaq heard Jennifer gasp. “What happened to him?!”

Laraaq saw what shocked Jennifer a moment later. The older teenager was black and blue all over. He had a busted lip, and half his face was swollen so badly that there was no way the boy could open his eyes.

“My mom’s boyfriend turned into a zombie. We don’t know how. He just left to go score some meth from the bikers down the way. When he came back, he was different. He attacked my younger brother Jimmy.”

Jennifer finished her medical scan. “So, that’s how he ended up with multiple fractures, contusions, cracked ribs, swelling, two black eyes, a busted lip, and I lost count on the number of bruises.”

“No. He only caused the one black eye, and my guess is the cracked ribs. My mom did most of that after we killed her boyfriend.” Laura replied.

“What?!” Laraaq blurted out before Jennifer could.

“My mom did what she always does. She started drinking. She blamed my brother Jimmy for her boyfriend’s death. She beat him. Bud and I had to break down the bedroom door. We got most of our bruises from her blind rage at, and I quote, ‘killing the only person she ever truly loved’.”

Laraaq was pissed but held it in as best he could.

Jennifer went to work healing Jimmy.

“Is my brother going to make it?” Laura asked.

“He... will live. I cannot heal all of this at once, but I healed the most severe issues.”Jennifer exhaustedly replied.

Laura looked relieved. “Oh, thank God! I’ve tried to look after my brothers, but it hasn’t been easy.”

“Why didn’t you take them and leave?” Laraaq asked.

“I almost did. Bud and I considered leaving with Jimmy once Natalie passed out. But then we heard from you guys and decided it would be safer staying put.” Laura explained.

“That was probably the right call.” Jennifer stated.

“I agree.” Laraaq affirmed.

Jennifer then turned to Laraaq. “I’m not healing that evil woman. Even if I could heal her fully.”

“I’m onboard with that too. I have half a mind to throw her to the zombies myself.” Laraaq stated.

Mario and Jerome came into the bedroom at that time. “Ay, dios mío! What happened to the poor boy?!” Mario exclaimed.

“My mother happened.” Laura replied.

“Permission to shoot the woman sir?” Jerome asked.

“Permission denied... for now. It’s going to take Jennifer some time to heal Jimmy here to a point where we can move him. Go brief Carl on the situation.” Laraaq ordered.

A few moments later Laraaq heard Carl exclaim, “She did what?!”

It took Jennifer over 5 hours to heal Jimmy to a point where he could be moved. She would use up all her mana to heal and then would have to wait for her mana to recharge before she repeated the process several more times.

Carl and Laraaq took the time to brief Jennifer’s parents on the situation. No one was in the mood to talk to Sharon and Simon, so they were left in the dark on the bus.

Mario and Bud carefully carried out Jimmy. The boy hadn’t woken up yet but Jennifer said that was to be expected and advised he would most likely wake up on the return trip.

Everyone minus Natalie was outside the house discussing the next steps. They had a dilemma and Laraaq wanted Laura and Bud’s input. “As you both know, Jennifer refuses to help your mom and I respect and back up her decision. The consensus of my team is to leave her here to her fate rather than just kill her outright. I know it’s not an easy thing leaving family that is toxic, but we wanted to make the decision yours.”

Bud didn’t hesitate. “Leave her. Laura has been more our mom for years.”

Laura hugged her brother. “Leave her.”

“Alright. Do you have what you need?” Laraaq asked.

Laura and Bud both nodded.

“Good. You two go wait on the bus. Jerome and Mario keep them company. Carl and Jennifer with me.” Laraaq ordered.

They entered the house. Natalie had woken up and was propped up on a couch sleeping. Jennifer slapped her awake, hard.

SLAP!

She turned to Laraaq and Carl who just looked back at her. “What?! We had to wake her up.”

“We aren’t complaining.” Laraaq replied.

Natalie spoke up as she came to. “Owe! Why does my head hurt so much? Wait, why am I bound? Who are you people?! Don’t hurt me!”

“It appears she’s sobered up some.” Jennifer observed.

“You may not remember us, but we came here to rescue you and your children.” Laraaq began to explain.

“Where are those ungrateful little shits? How could they let you do this to me?”Natalie asked.

“As I was saying, that was the original plan. That is until we learned you are an alcoholic and beat your own kids.” Laraaq continued.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. My kids are prone to telling lies to get sympathy. They tell me stuff all the time, but there is no way any of it can be true. I’m a great mom. They are just ungrateful.” Natalie said in rebuttal.

“You beat your own son to near death. Heck he would’ve died had we not arrived! You are a selfish person to wrapped up in yourself to realize you are a parent and have to care about more than just your own hurts and traumas!” Jennifer exclaimed.

“You know nothing about being a parent!” Natalie snapped back.

“I know enough to not beat my kids and put them through emotional head games because I’m too selfish to think about anyone but myself!” Jennifer retorted before turning to Laraaq and Carl. “I say we kill her!”

Carl raised his hands. “Now hold on. We talked about this.”

“Carl, take Jennifer outside for some fresh air. I’ll join you in a moment.”

“Fine!” Jennifer said as she walked out of the house, Carl in tow.

“That woman is crazy!” Natalie commented once they left the room.

“Ha! You’re one to talk lady. I happen to agree with her, but I’m not the one who was wronged by your actions, your children were. They are leaving with us. I’m going to remove your restraints.” Laraaq stated as he summoned a Weak Flame Arrow.

Natalie’s eyes widened and she froze stiff.

“Try anything and this goes right in your eye.” Laraaq said as he leaned over and cut her bindings.

After her bindings were cut Laraaq backed up but kept his Weak Flame Arrow pointed in her direction. “You have a fighting chance at life now if you’re willing to take it.”

“Yea right! A fighting chance without my children. What kind of chance is that?” Natalie retorted.

“You aren’t showing any real concern for your children. I bet you just want them to look after you. It’s clear you care more about numbing your pain than living for more than just yourself. Don’t bother trying to find us, not that you would try.” Laraaq said the last part as he backed away from the woman, never taking his eyes off her until he left the room. He didn’t deactivate his spell until he left the house.

“You kill her?” Jennifer asked.

Laraaq chuckled. “I like your thinking, Jennifer. I didn’t kill her, but I came this close.” Laraaq raised his index and forefinger showing hardly any space between the two digits.

After the intruders left her neighborhood, Natalie grabbed a bottle and a skillet. She made her way to her boyfriend’s favorite hangout. His biker friends, who were also his dealers had all survived the apocalypse.

They were all hanging out at their compound. Everyone armed and laughing as they were drinking and making a ruckus. One rather large and buff man stepped out onto the porch. He had a shaved head, wore a sleeveless leather jacket but no shirt, so he could show off his muscles. He had guns and knives strapped to his sides. Everyone knew him as Titus, the leader of the Vipers.

“Is that Natalie? What are you doing here Natalie? Where’s your beaux?”

“He’s dead Titus. My kids killed him after he turned into a zombie.”

“Damn! He must’ve been turned after he left our place the other night. Sorry to hear that, he was a good customer. Why are you here? You looking to score?” Titus asked.

“No, I came to ask for your help.” Natalie replied.

“We don’t run a charity! You know that!” Dom, Titus’ right-hand man stated.

“I know that. This group of better-than-thou jerks came in and took my kids from me.” Natalie said clearly upset.

“Damn! That ain’t right taking a mother’s kids from them. My mom was a good woman, dad bailed, but mom always bailed me out of jail. Not right for that to happen.” Titus commented.

“I agree boss but what’s that got to do with us?” Dom asked.

Natalie hadn’t been as unconscious for as long as that group thought she was. She learned long ago to play like you’re out and you can learn all sorts of things. Like one of them telling her son they were headed east towards some town they were going to build a community at. She knew exactly where they were heading.

“I looked out my windows when they left. They were towing a large moving truck and were meeting up with some others with resources at some town. I got to figure it would be a great score.” Natalie knew how to appeal to men’s selfish nature.

“That sounds promising boss.” Dom chimed in.

“Sounds like a bonus. Maybe some new slaves. This place has been getting a bit stale anyway. The only problem is we are waiting to meet up with some of our boys up north. We can head out after they get here. I’m sure they’ll want to join in the fun and mayhem too!” Titus explained.

“Looks like we are going to get to enjoy some mayhem boys!” Dom called back to the others.

Hooting and hollering was heard as were several gunshots into the air.

“Yay!”

BANG

“Oh yea!”

BANG

“Let’s show those good for nothings what happens when you cross the Vipers!”

BANG

The loud noises attracted more zombies. Several could be seen shambling over in their direction.

“Oh goodie, more for the slaughter! Let’s earn some more levels lads!” Titus cheered as he drew his weapons.