John’s figure vanished in a blur as he rushed to hide behind a crate. As John peered from behind the crate, his eyes honed in on the group of survivors from the hospital. His gaze roamed across their terror-filled expressions and their trembling bodies. He had already spotted Laura’s friends, their faces etched in terror and their bodies shivering from fear.
Despite the initial confusion, John could surmise that the ones apprehending the hospital residents were, in fact, working for the Luminars. The clothes they donned resembled human military uniforms, but John wasn’t going to take any chances.
A blur streaked behind the crates and slithered towards the residents. Using his Quiet Steps and all his Skills as a Rogue, John had no problem sneaking unnoticed, but he couldn’t get too close. He hid behind a truck just a few metres from the captives and the soldiers. Far enough to stay unnoticed, but close enough to eavesdrop.
"Where are we taking this batch?" One of the soldiers asked.
"These go to the university."
John’s brows shoot up.
Of course, Theodore had already allied himself with these guys, John thought. But at least he knew where they were going, he could intercept them. Once again, he vanished into a blur and returned to his group.
"Get in the trucks, they’re going to the university and we’re going to intercept them. Let’s go."
Everyone followed and they started the trucks.
The trip was a short one, and soon, they stopped halfway at an intersection. It was the perfect spot for an ambush. Tall, abandoned buildings everywhere and they would have to go through this intersection to arrive at the university.
"Dalia and Maria, you guys go up the upper floors of these buildings and aim for the drivers when they pass. The rest of us will wait down here."
"What about the Luminars?" Octavia asked.
"If they show up, we’ll take care of them. But it’s unlikely, these soldiers are using human weapons, so they’re probably doing this as a favour to the Luminars."
"Why would the Luminars need help from humans?"
"The same reason we need materials, the stronger their minions are, the better it is for them," John replied.
"So, they’re helping each other get stronger?"
"Exactly. They will arrive here, soon. Get into position."
They nodded and followed his instructions.
Soon, the trucks appeared. The first one was a big one, and the residents inside were tightly packed together. Their terrified faces could be seen through the windows and their eyes were wide open.
A lightning-fast projectile shot through the air and hit the truck, sending the driver crashing into a nearby lamppost.
The second truck crashed and rolled over the street.
"Let’s go!"
John led the charge and jumped onto the truck.
"Stay back," John warned and pulled out his Venomlash. He pressed the blade against the man’s neck and his eyes grew wide.
"Don’t move, or I’ll kill you."
"W-wait, please don’t hurt me," the man stammered, his body trembling.
John could feel the man’s fear and desperation. He could sense his heart pounding and his ragged breaths.
"Please, let us go," he begged with watery eyes and quivering lips.
John hesitated, but then his gaze fell on the cowering residents.
"Where are you taking them?"
"T-to the university, we’re just delivering them," the man stammered, his fear palpable in his hunched posture.
"What for?"
"I don’t know. I’m just following orders," the man cried, his eyes darting around wildly.
"Please, let me go, I won’t tell anyone," the man said, his hands trembling as he lifted them in surrender.
"You’re going to let them go, now."
"B-but we’ll get killed," the man exclaimed, his expression horrified.
"We’ll kill you if you don’t," John growled, his gaze intense and his voice menacing.
The man swallowed hard and resigned himself.
John turned back and gestured for his companions to free the captives.
"Shouldn’t we kill them?" August asked, his eyes reflecting the same innocence they always did.
Octavia’s brows furrowed, "what are you saying, August? There’s no need to kill them."
August shrugged, "they’re the ones taking the survivors, aren’t they? If we don’t kill them, won’t they just report us to the Luminars?"
"You don’t get it, August. They’re humans, not monsters," Julia reasoned, her tone exasperated.
"So?"
"So, we don’t needlessly kill them."
"But they’re the enemy."
"Not anymore, August. We’ve just freed their captives, they’re not a threat to us now," Dalia explained, her tone gentle and her expression calm.
August sighed, "I don’t get it, but whatever."
Octavia worried about August. Ever since the apocalypse started, he had stopped being her cute little brother and something dark seemed to be brewing within him.
"Hey, John," Octavia called.
"Yes?"
"Do you think there’s something wrong with August?"
"What do you mean?"
Octavia bit her lower lip, her expression thoughtful and her eyes concerned.
"It’s nothing. I’m probably overthinking it."
"Well, if you’re worried, we can keep an eye on him," John offered, his tone soft and his gaze gentle.
"Thanks," Octavia replied, her lips curling into a smile and her eyes crinkling.
"John," Laura called and John turned to face her.
"Can we take my friends back to our base?"
John nodded. They had enough space and he needed to grow their community. Who knew what challenges would arise in the future.
Whilst the group discussed arrangements for their new comrades, August had sneaked away. He snuck up the truck and grabbed the driver’s head.
"Who’s your leader, old man?"
"Leader? Y-you’re part of the group who attacked us, aren’t you? I’m not telling you anything."
"Fine, die then," August’s grip tightened.
The man’s eyes bulged and he gasped for air.
"Tell me or die, old man," August’s eyes darkened, and his voice grew cold.
The man’s face contorted and he grimaced.
"I...I’ll tell you," he croaked.
"I knew it, you’re all talk," August scoffed and his grip tightened.
The man gasped for air and his face turned red.
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"Please, stop!" a voice yelled and August looked back.
It was the second driver, he was bleeding from the head and his expression was panicked.
"Don’t kill him, I’ll tell you," he pleaded.
"Yeah, I don’t believe you anymore," August deadpanned and snapped his fingers. As soon as his fingers cracked, both men’s heads exploded like watermelons...