Ash leaned back against the wall completely exhausted. His T-shirt was drenched with sweat and his breath came out in heavy puffs. There were 11 others in a similar situation to his siting around in the highly secure metal warehouse. Ash raised his head as he looked at the ceiling and once again regretted coming out on a mission where Rhys was involved. He should have known that all tasks handed out to him where high-risk ones. He looked across the room at the man he was cursing in his head and found those dark orbs locked on his figure. Even when worn out the man looked exceptional. When everyone else looked like half dead dogs he had the aura of a gold medal athlete who just randomly finished his warmups.
'How hard must you train to reach that level?' Ash wondered. He had a rough idea. Even when Rhys was helping him train, he was training his own body along with him and after they finished, he would be still at the training ground for several more hours. Ash ignored the blazing eyes fixed on him and closed his eyes to regain his breathing and strength. Even after training for so long, Ash could barely keep up with the rest of the men and women in this group. He was still the weakest. This made him wonder if he was actually wasting his time trying so hard. Yet he couldn't deny that he was doing much better than the beginning. Even with his closed eyes, Ash could feel several gazes of dissatisfaction directed at him. They had barely escaped after all.
The mission they got this time was to gather gasoline and petroleum. It was not just for the vehicles but also for the running of the electricity generators used at the base. This meant that the haul needed to be large on their return. At first, they had gone around searching through the safer gas stations with fewer traffic. Yet all the roads were a mess since the apocalypse. There were more cars out there than the roads could contain. Not to mention that the panicked people didn't care about traffic rules and made a greater mess of the limited road space there was. This led to them always having to stop the car several meters away from the gas station and having to make the rest of the way on foot. After firing down zombies, once they reach at the warehouse there were usually hardly any drops left. Escaping people were after all not fools especially when their survival was on the line. If they got a change to get this far then they would know to gather as much as possible. If their cars didn't need that much, then the rest could be used to light fires.
The same was the situation for several other stops they made which tired out the patience of the group. After stopping at around 6-7 places, facing all the risk of infection and death, they had only obtained four barrels of petroleum in return. This would not even last the camp three weeks. Their enthusiasm was dwindling and all they now wanted was to return back to the camp and reunite with family and friends before they met some kind of misfortune. But they knew that they couldn't just go back empty handed. If they did, they would just be sent out on another similar mission as soon as they get back.
Rhys was in charge of this mission and everyone had high expectations in completing this successfully. Ash sighed. He had vowed that he would be useful on this trip. That he would awe Rhys so bad that he would have no choice but to take Emma under his wing. But so far he hadn't been of much use. The whole mission involved running, shooting, scavenging, driving and repeating the entire process again. He was already glad that his legs hadn't failed on him and that his shots had gotten more accurate. It has already been 4 days since they left the camp. Each disappointing location drove them further from the camp. His thoughts drifted to Emma, Zuri and Kyle.
Ash had made sure to let Dr Hansen know that he won't be working for them anymore. He had to try very hard to shake of the persistent Doctor who insisted that he had been doing a wonderful job and that it would be a hustle to find someone else. In the end he had to be very firm and disappoint him. Ash had also lead Nate out of the camp discreetly under the pretence that one of the potatoes were showing signs of mutation and that he wasn't sure if the food sources were getting contaminated. Nate who was hungry to get recognition followed him without any doubt. He was an insignificant junior scientist under the soil and agriculture division. His work was mostly sloppy and his seniors in the same field usually ignored him. The only noteworthy thing about him was that Dr Hansen took an interest in him for some unknown reason. This had inflated his ego and he paraded around as if he was someone important. He made good use of Dr Hansen's interest in him and would skip work and go gambling in broad daylight a lot of times. After weeks of observing them in the lab, Ash knew that he was the best target to bait out so that Kyle could make use of him. He had delivered him directly to Kyle who was already waiting for them with an ambush. Soon after he left for the mission, so he was not aware what became of the poor scientist. 'I am sure that Kyle won't go too overboard.'
Ash suddenly felt the heat of the glares on his skin intensify. He sighed in sadness. Making sure that his breath was calm and even, he stood up from his position on the ground and opened his back bag to take out a first aid kit. He went to the most severely injured person and focused on treating the man. But soon his face fell. As Expected, his power was not working again. He could feel the virus in the man's veins but as soon as he started probing at it, his power vanished without a trace.
Rhys had told the terrified bitten and scratched men that the scientists had provided him with an antibiotic pill. Which even though couldn't guarantee 60% effectiveness, that it could prevent the spread of the virus. Of course, there was no such pill. It was just a harmless vitamin tablet disguised as the miracle cure so as to hide Ash's insolvent in resolving the problem.
But even with the pill veiling his powers it would be completely useless if Ash couldn't provide the output. Rhys must have realised that something was wrong. So, he quickly pulled Ash to the side and interrogated him. "What is the matter?"
"T-That it seems like my power is not working anymore." Ash stuttered out honestly. He saw Rhys's expression turn livid and he knew that if they were not surrounded by people, he would have cursed at him.
"Why?" Rhys finally gritted his teeth and asked. Thinking that Ash had the solution, he had actually handed out the pills instead of killing or throwing out those men. Now those hopeful people will turn one after another. Or he would be the villain by shooting at people he had given hope to. Moreover, this stupid boy had actually dared to come on such a dangerous mission without the protection of his power to guarantee his safety. There was no response from Ash as he had his head down in guilt. "So useless" Rhys glared at him with wrath. "Bandage them up. Once they turn it is your duty to kill them." He snorted and turned away fuming.
Ash stood there for a moment as the words 'so useless' kept ringing in his ears. Unconsciously his eyes started to sting. He made his way back to the injured man lost in thought. It was due to his incompetence that Emma's father had died back then. Now he was going to be responsible for the deaths of 4 more people. 'No, I have to find a way.' Ash thought with determination. If not for his own conscience, then for the sake of Emma. Ash took hold of the man's arm and started furiously inputting his power ignoring the drain to his body. As he pushed past the barrier that blocked him with sheer determination, he felt a dull burning pain in his chest which kept intensifying the longer he kept using his skill. Ash ground his teeth and bore with it in silence. It was either 'he pull through this ignoring the pain or let the people die again and live with the unbearable guilt. It took some time but as the seconds ticked by the contaminated blood was seen seeping out from the wound on the man's shoulder. Ash gave out a sigh of relief as he swallowed down the salty red liquid that rose up from his chest. The man was already staring at him weird for holding onto his hand for so long.
Ash desperately wanted to rest. Just close his eyes and escape to dreamland but he didn't have the luxury to stop there. Once he was done with that man he moved on to the next and the next until all of them had a cleansing done to them by him. By the time he finished with the fourth. His eyes were starting to dim, and a small streak of blood escaped from the corner of his lips. His head was spinning, and a spell of drowsiness attacked him. His heart was pounding so fast and hard that Ash feared it would explode. His breath came in shallow gasps as he quickly wiped away the blood with the edge of his sleeve before anyone could notice. There were still people with injuries left. Although they didn't require him using his power, they still needed to be treated. Rhys had introduced him as a medical assistant to the team after all. And he used his limited knowledge obtained from Biyu Chen to disinfect and wrap the wounds. So, he quickly started bandaging up the wound under the wrathful gazes of his patients.
It was Ash's suggested to come here and thus now they blamed him for their misfortune. He had wanted to be helpful and had said that they would be able to obtain the petroleum needed and even more if they searched for bulk terminal storages rather than jumping from one station to another. Which was the source of distribution towards the different gas stations. Since most roads were blocked and gas stations that where left in their immediate vicinity that still needed to be checked were where most of the cars had blocked the roads during escape. This meant that it was a highly zombie infested area. Even if they made it that far without dying, there was no guarantee that the situation would be any different from what they saw in the previous gas stations.
At that time everyone had thought it was smart. They had even pulled out a large detailed map and figured out the location of the storage. What they miscalculated was that within the high walls of the petroleum storage and supply field there were around 500 employees turned zombies roaming around. As soon as they located the warehouse used to store the tanks for the supply trucks from a distance, they spotted the first movement of the zombies attracted by the noise. They had assumed that there weren't that many since before the apocalypse the government had repeatedly warned people to stay at home but there were still some industries that needed to function regardless of the crisis. They wanted to drive the car all the way to the warehouse, but they were soon surrounded. They had no choice but to abandon the cars for now and deal with the zombies outside while the numbers were still few and make their way to the safety of the warehouse. The path was a struggles and people bumped into things, fell, got bitten, scratched and dragged away. But in the end, all the rest managed to relatively unharmed reach the destination and lock the doors behind them.
Ash finished wrapping a bandage around the person the was attending to and then moved onto the final person who needed treatment. He was a black man who was toweringly tall and had an intimidating look on his face. His aura not only frightened Ash but also the rest of them away as they kept a safe distance from the man. Who knows or maybe it was the man staying away from the crowd? Ash mustered up his courage and approached him before kneeling down before him. "Your arm." Ash instructed in a soft tone. He was surprised that his voice didn't quiver. Without a word the man stretched out his arm as his gaze fell upon Ash. Although he was scary, Ash felt that the man did not have any prejudice and irritation in his eyes when he looked at him unlike the rest of them. This made him relax a little and Ash even dared to give him a faint smile before he took out a disinfectant to tab at the wound.
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"Are you feeling unwell?" The man asked as he watched the pale lifeless face in-front of him. He had also noticed before that the boy was getting more and more weak with each passing minute. Not to mention the trace of blood at the end of his sleeve.
"No. I am quite well. Just a bit tired." Ash replied with a nervous chuckle. Although the man gave him a dubious look, he didn't pursue the matter anymore.
"You, why did you decide to join us?" The man instead asked in his deep voice that sounded like the rumbling of a mountain.
Ash briefly glanced at him before resuming what he was doing and lightly stated, "Because I have someone back at the camp that needs to be protected."
"How does you risking your life protect someone?" The man asked curiously. For someone who was antisocial, he certainly had a lot to ask.
"If I show my worth, then Rhys will take full responsibility in guaranteeing her safety." Ash smirked as he put away the disinfectant and took out the bandage.
"Rhys will...?" The man cocked his head to the side and glanced at the man sitting in a far corner deep in conversation with the one next to him. As if feeling his gaze, Rhys looked in their direction and the man could detect a burning sense of hostility directed at them. He hardly knew the guy so there was no reason for him to hate him so the only person to whom the dislike was directed could be the boy who was treating him attentively. But he still felt like he had to double check if his assumption was true. "You-"
"Ash. That's my name." Ash interrupted him with a smile.
"Ash. Can I ask if there is some kind of enmity between you guys?" The man asked finding Ash's interruption very amusing.
"Erm.... Well we are not that close to call ourselves friends." Ash thought for a moment and then responded. "We do have occasional conflicts. But I wouldn't say we are enemies??" He asked himself as if he wasn't sure of his answer. "Why do you ask?"
"...no offence but it's just that bringing someone with your skills and physical state to such a dangerous mission seems more like pushing you to your death than anything else."
"Oh!" Ash stated as he fell into thought. Suddenly he recalled what Rhys had said before they started their trip 'this mission is going to be high risk. Anyone who lags behind will be left behind to their fate. No backup will come to you so either keep up or be zombie fodder.' His eyes had drifted towards Ash as if he was saying this specially to warn him. "Well I have to try my best so that he believes that I am indispensable. Only then will I have reached my goal."
"Even if you end up dying in the process?" The guy asked with a raised eyebrow.
Ash was silent for a long time. He only kept wrapping the bandage making the man wonder if he had heard his question. Finally, Ash opened his mouth and responded, "If I die in a way where the sacrifice is worth everyone's lives then I guess it is okay. In that way Rhys won't have a way to back out of his promise." Ash finished wrapping the bandage and tied a strong knot to keep it in place. "All done. I forgot to ask your name..." Ash said as he stood up and brushed off the dust from his pants.
"Former Fleet Admiral, Viktor Penel." It was the highest ranked officer in the Royal Navy of Great Britain.
Ash nodded a bit surprised at the information, "I will make sure to remember it." He was about to turn around and leave when the voice rang again from behind him.
"Ash, you better be careful. No one is the same as they were before the apocalypse. Anyone can stab you in the back if it ensures their survival. And no one will help you if you find yourself in a predicament. There is no longer a law to protect you. You are easy prey." This was said in a very low voice so that only Ash would hear it. Although the words were chilling, Ash knew that they were said out of concern. But Ash also understood that the man's concern will only go as far as a warning and reminder. If something actually happened, he would also prioritise his safety over helping Ash. "Do not trust others easily. That includes your friend Rhys, and myself. You are not viewed amiably here."
Ash stood still for a moment before slowly nodding at his words and then went back to his quite little corner to think and rest his exhausted body and psyche. He didn't feel like joining the others' conversation as Viktor's words kept ringing in his ears. Who knows how long they would be stuck in here. His physical condition was worrying. The dull ache in his chest was still lingering and his body felt like it was hit by a truck. He needs to recuperate fast before they start taking action again. Just as he thought that far another dizzy spell hit him and he lost his vision as he fell unconscious. Last thing he thought was, 'Ah I was wondering why I haven't fainted yet. I hope nothing happens when I am out cold.'
Three days passed in a flash before the zombies outside showed any signs of dispersing from outside their warehouse. It must have been because the people made sure to avoid any source of noise and the fresh blood from that day had all dried up.
"Is he dead?" Someone voice sounded faintly.
"Couldn't be. He is still breathing." Someone else answered.
"It's time for us to move. What are we supposed to do with him." The first person asked a bit irritated. "I don't want to carry him."
"No one asked you to stupid. If he doesn't wake up, we leave him behind." The other one said firmly.
"Should we maybe consult with Rhys? After all it was him who brought him on this mission?" The first man asked doubtfully.
"He is busy as it is. Hasn't he gone to find the tanker trucks to fill up the petroleum in the warehouse." The second man stated. There was a moment of silence as both thought of what to do. "Should we just..." his voice drifted off at the end.
"Both of you move aside." A deep voice vibrated through the air. Scaring the both of them out of their skin.
"Viktor." One of them addressed him respectfully with a trace of fear in his voice.
There was no response. He just ignored them and kneeled down before the unconscious boy and sprinkled some water over his face. Ash scrunched up hie eyebrows but other than that there wasn't much of a reaction. Following that a few slaps fell on either side of Ash's face which brought stinging pain.
"Uhh..." Ash groaned painfully as his eyes fluttered open with great difficulty. He coughed a few times and then slowly sat up from his lying position. "Viktor?" He asked in confusion. His brain felt like mush and he was completely disoriented. His body ached for some reason and his joints protested as he tried to get up to his feet.
"Get up kid. We will be leaving soon. There is no time for you to be napping." Viktor stated in a unfriendly tone. But Ash had actually been vaguely aware of the conversation that had taken place around him, so he knew Viktor meant well. He gave him a sweet smile and stood up ignoring all his screaming muscles. He can pass out once they get on the car.
After waiting a while Rhys and two others returned with two large oil transport trucks. The sound once again started gathering the zombies. They drove the trucks right into the large warehouse and closed the doors again. Rhys jumped down from the truck and cursed loudly. He was getting sick of this swarm. Once he calmed down, he checked up on the injured four and made sure that they were fine before sparing Ash a quick glance. Having confirmed that all the injured and out of commission personnel were now in a functional state, he nodded his head and called for a meeting. They have already spent so many days on the road. It was about time that they made their way back. Their food supply was already running low and they could no longer afford to waste any more days. Even with the current supplies that they had; they would have to make a quick stop somewhere to fill their bellies.
"Someone quickly fill up the two tanks." Rhys instructed as he moved towards the centre of the warehouse and had everyone gather around him. "As we were outside, we did a quick survey of the camp. There are actually more zombies than we initially imagined, close to 1,000 of them. This means escape will be highly difficult. I cannot guarantee everyone's survival. Problem also lies in the fact the fact that we are sounded by highly flammable fluids, so we have to be extra careful while using our guns. No explosives allowed. That is unless you want to die as well. It's a shame but if we could clear up the whole place then we would not have to worry about fuel shortages in the future. But it is the truth that we are low on ammo at the moment. What we have will only suffice us for the trip back so we have to be smart rather than foolishly brave in this situation." He paused for a moment and looked at the group of headstrong people around him and sighed.
"The plan will be as follows. I and Parker will drive out the trucks with. We will lead as many of the zombies we can out the gate and into the open. We will have higher chances of survival as bait since the trucks would provide naturally better protection compared to the cars. The rest of you will take this chance to get on the card and follow behind. Like I said before. There are too many zombies for us to handle. So do not get surrounded. If you do then you are dead. Those who make it out the gate will not come back to safe you. So be careful." He looked each at them in the eyes and asked, "Any objections?"
No one said anything. "Alright then. We will proceed with how we planned. Once Parker and I are out the gate we shake of the zombies and wait for you at the Hilton hotel. Come find us there. If all that is clear, then go and prepare."
Soon everyone dispersed to pack up and gather their belongings. Ash hesitated for a moment before approaching Rhys. "Erm Rhys..."
Rhys looked over at him. His eyes were cold and emotionless. "You... are you feeling alright?"
"?Yes? I am good." Ash responded, slightly shocked at Rhys's outburst.
"Then why do you look like that?" He asked with narrowed eyes.
'Like that?' Ash then realised that his eyes were a bit bloodshot and his face was still as pale as a ghost. Not to mention who his face would crunch up due to the occasional bolt pf pain shooting through his body. "I- I am just a bit exhausted that's all."
"You were passed out for the past three days and you are still exhausted?" Rhys didn't believe a word that He said.
"Can we maybe move on from the state of my health." Rhys remained silent so Ash continued after a pause. "Do you think I have proven my worth?"
Rhys's face disoriented into an unsightly expression. He was angry for some reason. "You pass out for three days without any warning right after you cure someone. Tell me if we are attacked in the meantime what would become of you? Would you call that useful or a burden?" Rhys was really angry. He was aware that Ash had pushed himself quite far because of his provocations. 'He was weak and tired yet instead of minding his own health he had come over to confirm if he had won the bet. Yes, he had already won it. A long time ago.' His value could not be measured by normal standards. But Rhys had been on edge and in a terrible mood for days now. Being a leader of a team was mentally exhausting. Having to guarantee everyone's safety was pressuring him until he had been finding it hard to fall asleep. His irritable mood along with the insomnia made his rationality crumble. And he took it out on Ash who was the biggest source of his headache. Maybe it was also his ego which prevented him from admitting defeat.
Ash blinked at him for several minutes. He felt like he wanted to cry but he knew that he shouldn't show any signs of weakness before this man or he would call him pathetic next. "Once you lead the zombies out you can set them on fire." Ash stated with a blank face and walked away. No longer interested in conversing with this irritating man.
Rhys watched the retreating figure with slightly widened eyes. "Yes. I could do that. That would mean that they could lead out more zombies than he initially thought. The risk was higher, but it would give the rest of them a higher chance of survival." His lips curved into a faint smile as he quickly turned around to find Parker to discuss their path of action to be taken.