8 Years Later

Present Day

June 24, 2075

1012 CDT

Central Winner, South Dakota

Ruby Redheart's Point of View

The Chaser is going to lunge at me at any second and kill me just like Zachary! This sucks! Death is so sca-

A gunshot?

What, it’s dead?! Somebody shot it, but how? Its head is so small. Wait, that figure in the distance, between the top of the new rope and the broken glass. I gotta squint my eyes, shit, maybe I do need glasses. It’s Rachel? Oh my god. She must have sniped it!

“Ruby, you ok?” Sonya asks in worry as she quickly rushes over.

I’m not ok at all! Zachary’s death could have easily been me.

“Za-Zachary. H-he just-”

“Watch your six!” Billy alerts from my nine.

What? Another Chaser is heading for us.

“Watch out!” Sonya says as she pushes me out of the way.

She’s so strong! She stopped the Chaser’s deadly midair lunge with her swords!

“Bastardo (Bastard)!” Sonya exclaims in anger as she prepares to use her free arm.

A fast impale to the head from Sonya exterminated it with ease.

“Get your shit together now, Ruby!” Sonya orders as she retracts and holsters her swords as the dead Chaser flies over our heads.

“I-I…” I say.

“Sonya, help!” Billy and Michelle call out in unison.

Gasp! Two Chasers near the bridge, one running towards Billy on my three, and one running towards Michelle on my nine.

“They’re movin’ too fast, Lieutenant! I can’t get a good shot, and Howard is still searchin’ for a way insiiiide!” Rachel cries out in distress.

“You gotta be kidding,” Sonya exasperates in disbelief as she pulls out her pistol. “Rachel, don’t shoot!”

What? How is she going to save both of them? Why would she tell Rachel that?! Damn it! This is all my fault! My friends are in unnecessary trouble because of me! Everyone is right about me!

Sonya shot the Chaser near Billy, but missed its head!

“Hey! Come get me, you ugly fuck!” Sonya taunts the monster.

The Chaser you shot was the one chasing Billy, and now it’s coming towards us! The mutated are still zombies, only stronger which means their bites are guaranteed death! The last Chaser was focused entirely on me, so you were able to repel a big portion of its strength, but this one’s attention is fixed on you, so what are you gonna do?! Your nickname isn’t literal, Sonya!

“Ruby, I need you to listen to other people for once,” Sonya calmly orders. “I haven’t fought a Chaser in a long time, and I’m not sure if I can overpower it, but now isn’t the best time to test it. Ruby, if you panic, then I’ll get decapitated, and then, you’ll probably die next,” Sonya explains as she aims her pistol at the threat. “You think I’m a heartless bitch now? Scoff, just wait and see what zombie me will be like,” she chuckles as she straightens her posture. “That is if you don’t die, of course,” she finishes with a smirk.

What’s wrong with you?! You never smile!

“This is obviously my attempt at humor, in case you haven’t noticed. Don’t get used to it. Sigh,” she weirdly explains.

“Sonya?!” I say.

“This is my last bullet, by the way,” she answers.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

WHAT?! Shit! The Chaser! It’s almost here! It’s getting closer and closer! STOP! L-listen to her, she’s right. Everyone is right. It’s time to stop living in a fantasy world. Ruby Redheart needs to come back to Earth. Sonya, I’m sorry, I trust you.

A gunshot from Sonya.

“Not today,” Sonya says with a smirk, as the Chaser’s corpse flies over us.

You’re a hero…

“No!!!” Michelle screams in horror.

“Sonya, I got this!” I shout.

Huh? What am I doing? My body is running directly towards Michelle and straight towards the Chaser!

“Hey, you ugly fuck!” I call out to the creature.

The Chaser tackled Michelle to the ground, and Michelle is doing all she can to kick it off of her!

I shot it. That got the fucker’s attention.

“Ruby!” Sonya and Rachel call out in worry.

“You all seem to have forgotten the most important thing about me. (Blackout is armed and ready!) Never doubt Ruby Redheart. Eat this, you dismembered fire hydrant!” I say as I throw one of my explosives at the Chaser, followed by me shooting it.

*

Ow, my neck! Ya need to catch me better next time, Billy.

“Uh,” Billy hesitates.

“Sonya, I am so, sooooooo, sorry! I’m such an idiot!” I say.

“I-I know. It’s pretty obvious,” stupid Sonya rudely agrees as we all check on Michelle.

“Now wait a minute,” I say.

“Those Chasers attacked us because everyone started arguin’, so quit it,” Billy pleads in concern.

Sigh, you’re right.

“Yes, please. Don’t argue. I-I don’t like it,” Rachel nervously chimes in from above.

“Hey, at least we’re all ok,” I say.

“We’re not all ok. I got bit,” Michelle whispers.

Bullshit!

“What do you mean, you got bit, Michelle?” I ask.

“I mean I got bit! The Chaser got me which means I’ll die in less than twelve hours,” Michelle accepts in sadness as she slowly gets up. “I’m the worst squad leader ever.”

This is all my fault! I’m such a stupid fuckup! Michelle and Rachel’s tears aren’t helping with this situation at all!

“Sonya, I-I have to ask. Why’d you save Billy instead of me?” Michelle asks as she wipes off her tears.

“Saving both of you was impossible,” Sonya nonchalantly answers. “I would’ve been killed if two Chasers attacked me simultaneously, not to mention, I had to protect this one from herself,” she rudely points at me. “It was my last bullet, but even if I had spare, I still would’ve saved Billy. I like you, Michelle, because of your leadership and bravery. You’re a much better person than I am, and I don’t know why you and others think I’m some kind of superheroine. I’m just a fighter who’s trying to protect my friends, and you don’t fit into that category. I just met you and don’t really know you, and I’m aware of how that makes me a selfish person. If the situation was different and none of my friends were in danger, then I would have done everything in my power to rescue you, but there’s no guarantee that I could have saved you. I’m only human, and I can only do so much. If I had the power to solve all of mankind’s problems and bring world peace, then I would do it in a heartbeat. I’m sorry you got bit. I don’t know if there’s an afterlife, but I hope you find peace with the rest of your squad,” She calmly explains.

Stop being an ass, Sonya!

“Wow,” Michelle chuckles in disbelief. “You really are as merciless as the others say, but I would have done the exact same thing in your situation,” she reveals in a somber tone.

You’re both crazy!

“I guess I’m a selfish person too,” Michelle ponders as she rubs her fatal wound. “I don’t think you’re a bad person at all, Lieutenant Grey. I think you’re one of the lucky people who’ll get to witness life after The Age of Zombies. Sigh. I don’t know when or how it’ll happen but fantasizing about it made me happy. It gave me hope, something this world could use more of, and you’re a badass symbol of hope. The fact that you’re a woman makes it that much better,” she says with a prideful smile. “Meeting and fighting alongside you is the happiest moment in my life, Lieutenant Sonya Grey.”

Sonya pulled out one of her swords and pointed it at Michell’s neck!

“As the protocol states, you’re ordered to continue fighting until you become a liability,” Sonya threatens Michelle as she points a sword at her neck again! “Will you obey, or will I have to end your misery before you panic and endanger everyone?”

Gotta get in between them!

“Calm your tits, Sonya!” I say.

“Ruby, even you know the protocol,” Sonya states with a glare.

“Fuck the protocol! You can’t just murder her!” I say.

“It would be a mercy kill. You’d rather have her suffer?” She asks with a raised, ugly eyebrow.

“You… Ah!” I say.

Why is she so right?

“Ruby, it’s ok,” Michelle reassures. “This is partially my fault as well, so don’t feel guilty. The Royals are to blame so, please move, Ruby,” Michelle quietly pleads.

“F-Fine,” I say.

Fuck! I can’t watch!

“Captain Michelle Fox of Squad Hades, as per protocol you’re ordered to serve until the illness prevents you from carrying out your responsibilities. But as a friend of mine once said, Fuck the protocol. I’ll end your suffering right now if you wish. I promise you won’t feel a thing,” Sonya heartlessly vows.

This sucks. How can something so inhumane be so merciful?

“Wait! I’ve decided to keep fighting!” Michelle surprisingly rethinks. “A certain heroine has recently inspired me to continue the mission! I have a mission to fulfill and people to honor! As the Captain of Squad Hades, I refuse to go out like this!” She shouts confidently. “I already got bit, so what are they gonna do, bite me again?” She chuckles as she nods her head.

Michelle…

“Michelle, your bite! What does it feel like? I just want to know,” I say.

“Physically, it burns like hell,” Michelle reveals as she scratches it. “It wasn’t even a deep wound, but a bite is a bite. Mentally, I feel a combination of sadness and peace. I’m sad that I’ll never get to see Olympia and my parents again,” she says as she looks over the edge of the bridge. “But if there’s a life after death, then I’ll be able to annoy my older brother again,” she happily discloses. “You’re pretty creative, so I’m sure you can figure out the peaceful part.”

“I-I get it. I don’t want to get it, but I understand. Thank you for sharing,” I say.

“Are you sure about this, Michelle?” Sonya presses.

Yes, she’s sure!

“I’m sure, and something tells me that my final task will be worth it in the end,” Michelle answers with a hopeful yet somber look in her eyes.