June 22, 2075

3 Hours Later

Nebraska City, Nebraska

0000 CDT

Luke Miller's Point of View

Fighting zombies should be scarier than this! Oh, Rachel’s waking up on the girl’s bench. We’re the farthest ones from the exit, but Ruby and Billy have somehow fallen asleep with their fingers in each other’s mouths, snoring over each other. Teresa’s resting in a normal position but has joined in on the snoring competition. Duy appears to be struggling in his sleep again, and Drew is barely noticeable.

“Yawn! What’s wrong, Luke?” Rachel whispers in concern as she stretches her arms.

“It’s ummm, Veronica gave me something a few weeks ago. Said I should give it to Sonya, as a, uh gift. I don’t know how, though.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet. It’s ‘bout time ya’ll made it official,” Rachel smiles.

“It’s not like that, we’re just close friends.”

“Your blushin’ red face says otherwise, but whateeeever you say, Luke. What’s the gift?” Rachel teases.

“A pendant. It wasn’t my idea; Veronica gave it to me as a surprise.”

I hope she likes this. It’s in the shape of a small heart, and silver jewels cover the exterior, but the real gift is on the inside.

“Her favorite color is silver, believe it or not,” I say as I open the pendant. “It’s a cool photo of us, see?”

It must have been her first attempt at a smile.

“Veronica said she took the photo for memories,” I say. “Anyone can die at any moment, so it’s important to spend time with your loved ones while you still can.”

“Luke, O-M-G. That is very sweet. You should give it to her and tell her how you feel, but don’t be all awkward ‘bout it, though. Just say what you have to say in a clear voice and speak with confidence. She won’t reject you because ya’ll are like already in a relat-- uh, I mean close friends. Crushes happen to most people, dude, so don’t be embarrassed,” she says with a playful grin. “Nobody chooses who they’re attracted to, it just happens, k? Besides, you’re a pretty handsome guy and easy to like, so I think you should follow your heart and do what you think is best.”

You’re right! I got this!

“Thank you, Empress Rachel. Your wisdom is infinite.”

“Your compliment is much ‘preciated, subordinate Luke. Maybe one day, this empress shall be as smart as the mischievous Teresa,” she says as she whips her messy hair behind her head.

I can’t…

“HAHAHAHAHA!” We laugh.

We’re too loud. Oh shit! She looks so serious now.

“Ahem. My spectacular wisdom ain’t free. My compensation shall be the unhealthy food you may find in Winner. I expect to be the first person you’ll deliver it to. Not Sonya, not Billy, and especially not Teresa. The mischievous Teresa has gotten me addicted to junk food. All I crave now is candy, root beer, and bubblegum, no matter how stale! I have made it a personal goal to taste as many flavors of bubblegum as I can, even if it kills me. For I shall die with no regrets and a smile on my face! Remember this, my subordinate; The best junk food is to die for. Nothin’ will stop this empress from achievin’ her goals!” she cackles in a manic tone.

“I think we’ve played too many board games with Teresa, and Ruby’s craziness has rubbed off on us,” I say.

“Your pessimism is noted, mere mortal. Fun, like root beer and candy, is in rare quantity. So we must have fun whenever we get the chance! Anyway, you shouldn’t keep a lady waitin’. Go talk to Sonya, and don’t forget to put the pendant on her. She’ll love it! But don’t mention that it was Doctor Shinka’s idea because it’ll make you look like a lame momma’s boy, and most girls do not like that. I’m goin’ to go back to sle-…zzz.”

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You’re the best, Empress Rachel.

*

Sit behind Sonya, but don’t make it awkward.

“Hey, Sonya,” I say.

You made it awkward! That’s why she didn’t react and is continuing to stare at the moon.

“I heard you and Rachel laughing back there. What was so funny?” She asks in her usual calm, but serious tone.

You’ve misunderstood, Sonya. Besides, you don’t know?

“Empre- I mean, Rachel has begun a quest for candy, root beer, and bubblegum.”

Awkward silence again.

“I think she’s been playing too many board games with Teresa, and Ruby’s craziness has rubbed off on her,” Sonya replies, unperturbed.

“Yeah, I know! That’s what I said too. Crazy, right?”

What? A faint smile from her? I think it’s time to give her the… wait. Did her hand just reel away from where my right hand was a second ago? Uh oh. Why is she glaring at me?

“What’s wrong?” I ask.

“Sigh. Absolutely nothing,” she pouts as she stares at the ground and crosses her arms across her chest.

What did I do this time?

“I have a surprise for you,” I say.

“W-What is it, Luke? You know I don’t really like surprises,” she says as her eyes briefly light up in interest.

“I know but close your eyes for a minute.”

“Sigh. You know I don’t like closing my eyes. It makes me feel uneasy,” she says sternly but with a hint of a smirk on her lips.

“Relax. You’ll love this.”

“Sigh. Oh my god,” she softly mutters.

Here I go.

“Wait!!! Is it chocolate?!” She shrieks.

“No, it’s not chocolate.”

“Ok… I’m allergic to chocolate,” she calmly reveals. “It gives me… diarrhea.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“No, I’m just kidding, Luke. That was my attempt at humor. The others say I lack a sense of comedy. How…how did I do?” She asks in a soft tone.

“It was funny. A little gross, but funny.”

“I’m just happy to know that I can make you the one who smiles for once,” she grins as she twirls her hair.

“Here. May I see your hand?”

“You may, my subordinate,” she says with a malicious smirk.

“Wait a second.”

“Another attempt at humor. How was that one?” She laughs.

“A+ Sonya.”

“Ok, I’m done. Stop making me wait.”

She’s like a completely different person. Happier. Here, Sonya. I hope you like it.

“You can open your eyes now.,” I say.

Damn it! This is scarier than the time I got a bit! Does she like it? Hate it? Come on, give me something, anything!

“I like it,” she says in her signature tone as she holds it to her heart.

“Great, I’m glad you like it. I thought I should give you a gift or a cool memory of us, so, uh, yeah.”

What else did Rachel say? Umm, why are you staring at me so hard, Sonya?

“Luke, aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Yeah, that’s right, you extraterrestrial conqueror jerks! I’m goin’ to collect all of these rare wrappers of bubblegum, and you can’t stop m…zzz,” Rachel mumbles in her fake sleep.

Right. Thanks, Rachel.

“Let me put it on for you if you don’t mind, Sonya.”

“Thank you, Luke,” she says as she turns her back to me.

Oh. I can see your Black Scorpion tattoos. Ah, what does it matter? You are and will always be my best friend.

“It’s on,” I say.

Our shoulders are touching now? Huh. I wonder what you’re thinking about. The moon is so mysterious, but the damn Zodiacs and Azrael are visible tonight!

“Can’t even look at the moon sometimes, because of those bastards,” I say.

“Then we’ll just look at the stars. Did I ever tell you about the time I saw a shooting star?” She asks as she places her head on my shoulder.

“No, but what did you wish for?”

“Hmm. Freedom and happiness. I have one and the other is a lot closer than you realize,” she answers in a faint tone.

Another Zodiac passing by.

“Have you seen a shooting star before, Luke? What did you wish for?”

“I did see one, but I think I made the shooting star deity angry when I wished for too many things, which is probably why they haven’t granted my wish yet.”

“Sounds like something you’d do,” she says with a chuckle. “My biggest fear is the dark. Not nighttime, but the feeling of emptiness if that makes sense. I lack um, empathy is the word. I’ve done a lot of shitty, fucked up things that you and the others would hate me for. My dream is to liberate the friends I’ve left behind and to kill the King of Scorpius. No wait, it’s not a dream, because I’ll make it a reality. But enough about me. What’s your biggest fear, Luke?”

“Centipedes and millipedes. They have too many legs. It creeps me out.”

“Luke, promise me that you’ll never change who you are,” Sonya states chuckling.

“What? Of course. I promise.”

“Hmm. Spectacular,” she says with a warm smile. “Now ten minutes of silence, Luke. I need rest,” she demands as she cuddles closer.

“You’re so bossy, Sonya.”

Time is moving slowly again, huh?

“Luke, you know I could hear you and Rachel the whole time, right?” She suddenly reveals.

Agh! My heart!

“Ha, t-this is another attempt at humor, right? Right??”

“Hmmmm. Perhaps,” she teases in a nonchalant tone.

“Please tell me you’re kidding.”

“Heh. Maybe I am. Maybe I’m not. You’ll never know.” She laughs.

“I can tell Teresa is rubbing off on you now.”

“Oh, you mean the mischievous Teresa?” She mischievously chuckles.

“So you did hear us!”

“Noooo. We both know that Teresa is smarter than all of us combined.”

“Oh. My. God. Will you two just fornicate already and go to bed? I. Am. Tired!” Ruby yells into her pillow.