The Mission

by Alima_O

Summary:

Abbie isn’t known as the best soldier. Circle gets assigned with him on an ‘easy mission’. It turns out to be their toughest yet.

Chapter 1

It’s no secret that Abbie is a useless soldier.

 

He fails to meet the daily quota, he always needs assistance in simple missions, and almost everyone can’t stand having him accompany them when they work.

 

So when Circle got paired with him, she wasn’t exactly happy about it.

 

“You’ve got to be kidding me right now, Grace.” She looked at the paper, then back up at Sargent Grace, who was definitely not kidding. “You’re pairing me up with Walking Dead?”

 

“That’s ’Sargent’ Grace.” She corrected while glaring back at her from her office chair. “And no, I’m not ‘kidding you’.”

 

“It seems no matter what, Abigail can’t seem to become successful. I assumed if I put him with you, perhaps you could teach him something.”

 

Circle leaned against the wall and scoffed, “I already tried teaching him. It ended with his flesh in my teeth.”

 

“Three years ago.” Grace mentioned. “You’re a fighter, a pyromaniac…”

 

“Don’t kill me with compliments.”

 

“…but above all else, you’re still a teacher. So teach. The mission assigned should be simple enough for you to guide him through.”

 

Circle looked down at the sheet. No, the mission wasn’t difficult by any means. She could probably have it done in less than an hour by herself.

 

But with Abbie?

 

Circle sighed, “This sucks.”

 

•

 

Abbie was in the barracks talking to Lana. He had just gotten out of combat training, which was being held by Bloomie.

 

The woman clearly had it out for him. She targeted him the hardest due to his lack of skill (and possibly because she’s hated him since she was a science teacher).

 

But now that he’s back inside, he can finally relax.

 

“Walking Dead!” Zip’s voice called out from the entrance of the room.

 

“What?” Abbie, Claire, and Lana responded.

 

Zip snickered. She never specified which ‘walking dead’ she was talking about just to hear them all reply. “The first Walking Dead!” She pointed at Abbie, “Pyromaniac wants to see you!”

 

‘Oh, great.’ Abbie thought before standing up.

 

The Pyromaniac wanting to see him is like high school all over again.

 

“Careful, she seems pretty angry.” Zip gave him a warning in a joking manner.

 

Abbie was worried. What could she possibly want with him? The two haven’t said much to each other after he was reanimated. Everyone knew he would keep his distance from that woman.

 

Once he left the barracks, the noise stopped.

 

He couldn’t hear the distinct chatter from his friends, or the TV they had on. It was just him and the long corridor ahead of him.

 

Coincidentally, this is the same corridor she chased him down three short years ago.

 

Abbie’s heart began beating faster. He knows she can’t harm him now because Grace said so, but Circle doesn’t really honor the rules.

 

In fact, she scared the hell out of him a couple of months ago. Sure, it was a prank, but it got him to cry pretty bad.

 

Abbie made it down the corridor and found the woman he was looking for. She was at the garage door that led to the vehicles, waiting for Abbie’s arrival.

 

“There you are.” Circle unfolded her arms and observed Abbie’s small figure. “Did you get taller?”

 

“I don’t know—”

 

“I don’t really care.” Circle replied while pressing a button to open the garage door.

 

The garage is massive. It held around 50+ vehicles so that was no surprise.

 

Circle dug into her pocket, pulling out a pair of keys. Abbie knew what type of vehicle she drove, and he absolutely hated it.

 

What sane person drives a motorcycle? Those things look like legalized death traps.

 

“Can you drive?” Circle asked while going to find her bike.

 

Abbie followed behind her, “Yes ma’am. N-Not well, but I c-can…”

 

Circle rose a brow and looked down at Abbie. “Ma’am?” She chuckled, “You’re seriously still calling me ‘ma’am?”

 

“You can drop that, kid. I’m not your math teacher anymore. All you little rats like to call me Pyromaniac anyway. I like that name better.”

 

Abbie slowly nodded. He knew she was crazy, but prison must’ve really messed her head up. She even sounds more deranged than what he remembers.

 

“There she is.” Circle pointed at the motorcycle joyously. It was her pride and joy (even if she stole it). “Isn’t it beautiful?”

 

Abbie looked at the bike, then at Circle, “It’s…something…”

 

Circle stepped up and whipped her leg around the bike. She sat down and looked at Abbie, who was still standing a couple feet away from her.

 

“What are you waiting on? Get on the back.” She pointed behind herself with her humongous thumb-claw. “Or do I need to put on a side car for you?”

 

“God, no.” Abbie quickly hopped on behind her.

 

The last thing he would want is for anyone in the school to see him leave off in a side car. His little reputation would be completely destroyed by that embarassing image.

 

Especially since Oliver would be the one to spot him. Grace stations Oliver on a watchtower about a mile away from the school since he’s an amazing sniper.

 

He has a direct radio to her office in case of any approaching threat. If he spots Abbie riding off in a side car, he’d be receiving way worse bullying than back in the day.

 

Circle turned the motorcycle on and revved the engine, scaring the hell out of Abbie. The roar of the engine hurt his ears and deafened them for a moment.

 

“You better hold on tight!” She warned over the engine, “If you fall off, I won’t be liable! I can’t go back to jail…”

 

With that, the second garage door that led outside opened and she sped off onto the road.

 

Abbie wanted to hide his face. He didn’t know which was more embarrassing, riding bitch, or being put in a side car. He was holding onto Circle’s waist tightly as the wind blew against them.

 

He couldn’t see her face, but the woman had her tongue sticking out like a dog hanging its head out the window of a moving car. And since she was a careless driver, she was already disobeying the speed limit.

 

Maybe she’ll go fast enough to where Oliver won’t get the chance to see them?

 

That’s when he took notice of a faint glint of something in the distance reflecting off of the sun.

 

A sniper scope.

 

He could already hear Oliver laughing his ass off.

 

If that wasn’t an indication that this was gonna be a long day, Abbie didn’t know what was. ‘Just kill me now…’ he buried his head into Circle’s lower back.

Chapter 2

Night time had fell upon the military school, meaning it was time to shut the massive doors keeping the students (and faculty) safe.

 

Circle and Abbie started their mission at 6:40 PM, so they were expected to be back sometime around 8:00.

 

Lana sat on Abbie's bed, messing around with some of his things. The boy likes to draw, so he had a book that he kept in his pillow case since Zip would come by and mess it up otherwise.

 

Claire walked by, noticing Lana mindlessly flipping through the pages of the drawing book.

 

"You miss him already?" She asked while climbing into her bunk.

 

Lana looked over at her and smiled a bit. Her eyes returned back to the book, "Yeah. I'm just...worried."

 

"Aw, don't be. He has the crazy lady with him, he'll be fine."

 

"Well...that's why I'm worried." She admitted while sitting up. "It's no secret what she did to us, Claire. She killed him and me."

 

"What if she hurts him again?"

 

Claire paused for a moment. Her suspicion was reasonable, but those events did occur a while ago. Honestly, Claire hates thinking about that day just as much as Lana and Abbie do.

 

"She can't. Or she'll have hell to pay with Sergeant Grace." Claire mentioned. She took her goggles off of her head and set them down on the white sheet. "And I don't think she wants to mess with her."

 

"Yeah, you're right." Lana replied after a brief moment. Maybe Grace was threatening enough to where Circle would leave Abbie alone.

 

Then again, the woman spent 3 years in jail. She isn't sane.

 

All Lana can do as of now is pray.

 

•

 

"Listen." Circle pushed the kickstand of her bike out and got off of it. "Our school lost a lot of weapons a couple of months back. According to Grace, these people are the ones who stole them."

 

"I don't want you to go in there thinking you won't have to use that gun I gave you. I can assure you, you will have to kill somebody. Whether you like it or not."

 

She talks about it so easily. Killing is easier said than done. Abigail isn't someone who can just rush in and take somebody's life because higher authority demanded it. His weapon was purely for show (and intimidation).

 

"Once we get control over our weapons, I'll signal the grumpy woman to send a team to pick it up. Got that?" She waited for a response from Abbie, who was still trying to process everything she just said.

 

Her thick accent, plus how fast she talks makes it difficult to understand her sometimes. Hell, that's probably why he never got anything right in her class.

 

"Y-Yes...?" He nodded awkwardly.

 

"Good." Circle moved in silently, "This shouldn't take long."

 

Abbie stepped silently behind her. If she wanted to, she could send this facility up in flames, but she runs the risk of damaging their weapons. She also wants to show off in front of her new apprentice.

 

From where they hid, they could hear a couple of voices holding a conversation.

 

"Are you ready to lock up for tonight?"

 

"Yeah, I just locked the weapons in the truck. I'll get Abel to ship them off first thing tomorrow morning."

 

"Aw, what? Me?!"

 

"Yes, you! We gotta make you useful for something, don't we?"

 

It sounds like the usual banter that goes on at the military school. Two of the voices were surely male, but this 'Abel' sounded feminine.

 

Circle scanned her surroundings, looking for a place to proceed without being detected. That's when she spotted an underpass. If she shrunk a little, she could definitely fit underneath.

 

She slowly began to decrease in size. Her regular 9'7 turning into 7'5. She still towered over Abbie, so it didn't mean much difference to him. However, her clothes don't shrink with her so they turned incredibly baggy.

 

Hopefully her pants didn't fall, that'd be embarrassing.

 

"Come on." She waved her claw forward.

 

She quickly moved to the underpass, easily making it without rising suspicion. Now it was Abbie's turn.

 

He took one step, immediately breaking a stick under his boot. His heart skipped a beat as he heard the previous conversation stop abruptly.

 

They definitely heard the noise.

 

Abbie was like a deer stuck in headlights. His body shut down on him completely. It didn't give him an option to jump out of the way so he wouldn't be detected—it just shut down.

 

If it weren't for Circle pulling him under the underpass, he would've been seen by the flashlight that brightened the area a couple of seconds later.

 

"What the hell are you doing?" She whispered to him, but he still seemed out of it. "Are you trying to get us caught?"

 

"N-No, ma'am—"

 

"Then you better start acting like it." She pushed him back a bit with one of her clawed digits.

 

Well, not even ten minutes into the actual mission and he's already screwed up once. Circle knew he wasn't a good soldier, but standing still after making a compromising noise? The kid is hopeless.

 

"Let's keep moving. We can't stay in one place for too long." She said before beginning to crawl through the underpass.

 

It'll be a blessing if they can go through this entire mission without being detected once. Abbie is definitely a liability, but she's stuck with him.

 

At the end of the underpass, Circle got up and put her back to the base wall. If they stick close to it, nobody will see them. She quickly grew back to her original height and made small adjustments to her clothes.

 

They moved across the wall, unbeknownst to the soldiers talking right above them.

 

Circle stopped once she reached the end of the wall. She looked around the corner, seeing two other soldiers playing cards on top of a crate.

 

For a group that steals from others, they're super unaware. That works for her.

 

"This is the part where some people are going to die." Circle nudged Abbie with her shoulder. "Those two playing cards. They're in the way of the truck that has our weapons. We need them gone."

 

"H-How?" Abbie asked.

 

Circle smirked, "I have a couple of ideas."

 

•

 

"So, do you think you'll get that promotion?" The first soldier asked the second while placing down a card. "Or do you think they'll give it to someone else?"

 

The second soldier exhaled smoke from his mouth before flicking the cigarette away. "As if they'll give it to anyone else. I don't mean to brag or anything, but I've been here the longest and I work the hardest."

 

"Who says 'I don't mean to brag', then proceeds to brag?" The first soldier's hands went to his hips.

 

"Come on man, I didn't mean it like that—"

 

A rustle in the bushes caught their attention. The first soldier turned back to the noise, since his back was facing the forest. "What's that?" He questioned.

 

"Probably just a deer. They come around a lot." The second soldier replied while pulling another cigarette out of the pack. "Come on, make your move."

 

"Oh, okay..." the first soldier turned back to the second and reached for a card.

 

That's when the rustling noise intensified.

 

"You sure it's just a deer?" The first soldier stood up and went to approach the bushes. "I don't think they act like that."

 

"You're so paranoid. You know that?" The second soldier snickered. "Come on man, we're in a forest. There's gonna be wild animals—hmph—?!"

 

"Maybe it was a deer..." The first soldier turned back, but was greeted with nobody.

 

The only thing left was the lantern they were using as a light to see the cards. "Eh...where'd you go dude?"

 

He looked around, but didn't see him. "Are you pranking me again? I'll tell colonel, I swear I will!"

 

Circle charged forward, ramming into the smaller male with her large frame. His body left the ground and crashed back into it a few feet away.

 

The pain set in. Being hit by something Circle's size without any preparation is like a Mack truck smashing into a Mini Cooper.

 

"W-What the hell..." the soldier tried getting to his feet, but it was no use. All he could do was sit up and put his back against the truck.

 

Circle looked at the truck, then back down at the soldier. The way he is sitting reminded her of something.

 

Back against the wall.

 

Desperate look in his eyes.

 

That's what it was. This reminds her of the time she killed Abbie.

 

Honestly, she kinda missed the way things used to be. No, she loves the way her life is now, but everything used to be so simple. But what she really misses is being able to taste someone's blood.

 

And when she gets the opportunity to, she goes wild.

 

With a sinister smile on her face, she used her flamethrower as if it was her old circle tool. The heavy weapon struck the soldier's head and body several times.

 

Blood and brain matter came flying out within a couple of seconds. Circle had put on way more muscle in the past 3 years, so what this soldier is feeling is 5 times worse than Abbie's death.

 

Circle giggled like a child through it all. Maybe she was getting too carried away, but who was gonna tell her that? Not Abbie.

 

Once it was said and done, the soldier's body was hers to do whatever she wanted with. She picked him up by his head and bit down maliciously.

 

Flesh ripped and even bone came falling out.

 

"Ah~" Circle licked splotches of red off of her cheeks. This was her first time eating someone after 3 years of imprisonment. She wanted to savor the moment longer, but they still had work to do. "That was nice."

 

"Abbie?" She looked around, but didn't see him anywhere. "Eh, must've went too far."

 

"Y-You think?" Abbie asked through his sniffles.

 

Circle turned around and saw him sitting on the ground. He was curled up into a ball, leaving his head to rest on his knees. "Are you seriously crying right now?"

 

"You just ate somebody." He wiped his eyes. "You just ate him in front of me.”

 

“We don’t have time for this right now, Walking Dead.” Circle pulled him off of his ass and onto his feet. “You can bury your head into your pillow and cry about it later. But right now, we need to get these weapons back to the school.”

 

“I guess it’s no surprise you haven’t changed.” Abbie insulted under his breath before moving to the back of the truck.

 

If what that previous soldier said was true, all of their weapons would be back here.

 

“How are we gonna get it open—?” Abbie asked, but Circle easily ripped the lock off and opened the back. “—never mind.”

 

“There they are.” She smiled. “Looks like we can call in the calvary.” Circle went into her pocket and grabbed her radio.

 

Suddenly, a flurry of bullets came their way, destroying the radio in the process. Circle cursed and grabbed Abbie, leaping out of the way of further fire.

 

“I saw ‘em! They’re by the truck!”

 

“Dammit…!” Circle’s flamethrower flicked on, a small flame appearing at the end of it. “Come on, we gotta go!” She dragged Abbie to his feet and ran into the forest.

 

One of her steps covered five of Abbie’s, so she was basically leaving him in the dust.

 

Gunshots rang behind them. The trees around them took the damage. Abbie felt his heart jump out of his throat every time a bullet zipped by him. He was sure one of them would get lucky and hit him in the back of the head.

 

Unfortunately for him, he was right.

 

A stinging pain ran through his calf, forcing him to stop running. He yelped and hit the ground hard, scraping the side of his head against a log.

 

He could tell he had been shot, but he didn’t want to accept it. Either they would close in and finish the job, or they would leave him to bleed out on his own.

 

Circle was probably back at her motorcycle already. That left him to lie in the forest and die.

 

Time seemed to slow down. He could see various people still firing their guns. What was the point? He was already hit. That’s when he realized they weren’t shooting at him.

 

A blaze of flames rose up in front of him, obscuring the enemy’s vision.

 

Time went back to normal when he felt someone pick him up effortlessly. “What are you doing, kid?!” Circle expelled more fumes from her flamethrower as cover.

 

“M-My leg…” Abbie winced.

 

Circle sighed. She knew he was insinuating that he got hit. Just her luck.

 

“We have to get you back to the school. Let’s go!”

 

She pulled Abbie up and onto her back, where he clung on for dear life. If he let go, there was no guarantee she would be going back for him.

 

After another minute of running, Circle made it to a clearing in the forest where her bike was parked. Circle allowed Abbie to get down before sitting down on the bike.

 

The engine roared to life and Circle turned the bike around before speeding off. While driving, she let go of the handle and grabbed her back up radio. She started carrying two just for a scenario like this.

 

She tried to speak into the radio, but the thing wouldn’t turn on. She turned the gadget around and discovered it didn’t have any batteries.

 

“Piece of junk!” She grumbled before putting it in her pocket.

 

“There they are!”

 

“Don’t let them get away!”

 

A mix of voices yelled from behind them.

 

“They’re coming after us!” Abbie cried out, making Circle force her bike to go faster.

 

Even in a dire situation, the woman found a way to keep smiling. Maybe it’s because of her daredevil lifestyle, or just because of the simple fact that she was having fun. “Don’t worry, we’re gonna beat ‘em!”

 

Abbie wasn’t too confident in her words. They had an entire platoon behind them. It would take everything the ex-math teacher had to get them out of this situation alive.

 

Circle sped through the trees, hoping to lose them that way. If she kept this zigzag motion up, perhaps they wouldn’t be able to get a clear shot on them or her bike.

 

That’s what she thought.

 

“Clear a path! Rocket!”

 

‘Rocket?’ Abbie’s eyes widened. Sure, he didn’t know a lot about military weapons or guns, but he sure as hell knew what a rocket was.

 

And so did Circle.

 

“Locked on!”

 

“Fire!”

 

“We’re gonna have to jump!” Circle yelled back to Abbie, who shook his head in protest.

 

“We’re gonna die!” He cried out.

 

“Would you rather blow up or possibly survive by jumping?!”

 

She took his silence as an answer. They heard the rocket launch, so they only had about a second to make this happen. Abbie hugged Circle’s waist and hid his face in her fleece scarf.

 

Circle pushed herself up onto the seat of the motorcycle. It took everything she had to balance on the leather seat. As the rocket made impact with her motorcycle, Circle jumped into the air, leaving the bike just as it exploded into fiery pieces.

 

The explosion burst the forest into small flames. It wasn’t nothing too serious, so the opposing platoon would let nature take its course instead of getting involved.

 

“Nice aiming.” The sergeant of their platoon praised the one who fired the rocket. “Label those two as K.I.A. If that rocket didn’t blow them to bits, I don’t know what will.”

 

The platoon retreated back to their base, leaving what used to be Circle’s bike in a fiery heap of scrap.

Chapter 3

Abbie’s ears were ringing. He couldn’t hear, or even smell for that matter.

 

‘Where am I?’

 

He exhaled, feeling the air gradually escape his body and go back into the outside world.

 

“Abbie—!”

 

He heard someone calling his name. At first he thought it was Lana, since this type of thing usually happened at Bloomie’s combat training, but—

 

He was shocked to see Circle towering over him with a worried expression.

 

“Oh, shit…! Oh, shit…!” She repeated.

 

The worry set in; not because she was actually worried about the boy’s wellbeing, but because if he was dead, she would be going back to jail.

 

She couldn’t exactly return to the school without Abbie and say ‘he died during the mission’. She’d look suspicious.

 

“Come on, boy. Don’t be dead.” She knelt down next to his body, trying to find any wounds he sustained during the explosion.

 

Once he began to cough and show signs of life, a sigh of relief came out of the woman’s mouth. “Thank God.” She swept the dirt and other stuff that came up from the ground off of him.

 

“W-Where are we…?” Abbie’s legs were shaking and his vision was still blurry.

 

“Still in the forest.” Circle answered, looking around the surrounding greenery. “And the bastards destroyed my bike.”

 

That was the least of Abbie’s worries. In fact, he wasn’t even worried about the bike at all!

 

“We’re stranded out here…” he looked around the forest. That’s when the gravity of the situation started to set in.

 

He’s lost in a forest.

 

With his murderer.

 

“Pretty much.” Circle replied, pulling her scarf off of her body.

 

Her tattoos were visible. Abbie went wide-eyed, seeing the marks tatted on her shoulders and upper-arm.

 

‘Woah…’

 

He continued staring, failing to notice when she caught him looking.

 

“See something you like?” She snickered, finding his shocked expression comical.

 

Abbie’s face went red with embarrassment. He waved his arms around frantically, “No, no, no! I’m sorry, it’s just that I’ve never seen your tattoos!”

 

Circle watched the boy make (or try) to make an excuse for himself. After a moment, she started laughing. “I’m messing with you, Walking Dead. Trust me, you’re not my type.”

 

‘Why are we having this conversation…?’
Abbie pondered. They’re literally lost in a forest! How could she be so calm?

 

“Besides, you like that other girl I killed. Lana, right?”

 

Abbie went wide eyed. “How’d you know that?!”

 

“I was your teacher.” Circle answered, “I had to see you awkwardly try to talk to her every day. It was painful for me to watch.”

 

Abbie deflated, “I-It was hard to talk to her. I didn’t know if she liked me or not back then.”

 

“And you do now?” Circle tilted her head curiously.

 

“N-No…”

 

“…”

 

“…?” Abbie looked at the now silent woman.

 

She stared back at him with a little :| face.

 

“What?!”

 

“Three years later and you’re still the same kid.”

 

•

 

It was now around 11 PM. Circle and Abbie were way past curfew, and the time expectancy for their return was well overdue.

 

A couple of the students were worried. This included, Engel, Lana, Ruby, Bubble, Kevin, and Claire.

 

“It’s just a little setback in schedule.” Grace assured them, standing in the middle of the barracks. “They’ll return as soon as they can.”

 

This was an announcement reported by Sergeant Grace herself. Nobody would’ve cared had it been Sapper (Mr. Demi), or Miss Emily, but Grace?

 

This was serious.

 

“All other information is classified, so please save questions.” Grace concluded, heading for the door of the room.

 

The students were left with one another and their thoughts.

 

“Do you think they’re okay out there?” Petunia asked Lizzy, who shrugged unknowingly.

 

“I dunno. I’d say no if it was just Walking Dead the First, but the pyromaniac is with him.” Lizzy said.

 

“She’s totally gonna eat him, isn’t she?”

 

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she did…again…”

 

There was definitely some speculation in the air. The murmur in the room gradually got louder, until those worried about the boy heard of what was being said.

 

Fear were now in their hearts.

 

Surely Circle wouldn’t kill Abbie after being instructed not to, right? It’s no secret that the woman is somewhat rebellious at times, but there’s no way she’d go THAT far.

 

Lana sat on the edge of her bunk bed, trying to process what was just said by Grace.

 

Circle and Abbie are missing. The two were last seen leaving the school by Oliver, who noticed Abbie riding behind Circle on her bike.

 

(He did in fact laugh and told Zip and Edward.)

 

“Hey, Lana.” Ruby climbed up to her bunk, taking a seat next to her. “You alright?”

 

Lana sighed and looked at Ruby, her eyes beginning to become glossy a little. “I’m fine. J-Just a little worried.”

 

“Hey, it’s okay.” Ruby scooted closer to her friend, “Nothing bad is gonna happen to him; he’s fine.”

 

“But how do we know that, though?” Lana proposed an unanswerable question.

 

Ruby didn’t know if Abbie was alright. Nobody, except Circle and Abbie himself, knew if he was alright. Everyone back at the school were just as clueless as the other.

 

Ruby admitted it, “Well, we don’t. I won’t lie to you, Lana. His wellbeing is a mystery, but it won’t do you any good worrying.”

 

“Please stay calm, alright?”

 

Lana nodded, wiping her eyes before tears even had a chance to come out. She shouldn’t cry when she doesn’t even know the full situation.

 

“I-I’ll try.” Lana exhaled.

 

•

 

Circle’s flamethrower spat out a small flame, burning through the fire wood that she had collected.

 

“That should do.” She said, her clawed hand going to her hip. “Should keep us warm tonight at least.”

 

Abbie sat on the forest floor, his eyes on the fire. “Won’t it alert those guys we ran from?”

 

“Not likely. Nobody would patrol this far out.” Circle replied while pulling herself up onto a thick tree branch with her one arm. “Well, WE wouldn’t.”

 

Abbie stared into nothing before asking a sudden question to his ex-teacher. “Miss Circle, what are we gonna do?”

 

Circle looked down at him, her hand going to her head confusedly. “What do you mean?”

 

“Like, what are we gonna do about this? We don’t know where we are, our only radio is dead, and we won’t have anything to eat.” He listed off just a few of the problems they were facing out here.

 

“Well, that is true.” Circle replied with a sigh. “You may not believe me, but I am terribly sorry for getting you in this situation.”

 

Abbie, shocked, whipped his head over to the tree branch Circle was sitting on. “How’d you get me in this situation? If anything, this is Sergeant Grace’s fault.”

 

“I forgot to put batteries in my radio. Had I did so, we would’ve been saved by now. I was ill-prepared.”

 

‘Wow, this is partially her fault.’

 

Abbie looked down as the warmth from the fire finally started to dance on his skin. It felt good, especially with how cold it was.

 

“Realistically, we won’t be able to contact the school for quite some time.” Circle said once she noticed he had stopped talking after her apology. “We’re going to have to find batteries that fit my radio.”

 

“What about the truck that’s carrying off our weapons?” Abbie looked at Circle, who looked back at him.

 

“Come again?”

 

“Remember what one of the soldiers said earlier? How they’re going to ship off our weapons tomorrow morning?”

 

Circle’s eyes went wide a little. ‘How did he of all people remember that…? Even I had forgotten about that little information.’

 

”Maybe if we intercept them, we can use their radio and contact the school!”

 

Circle couldn’t help but let a small smile slip through her tough, but careless exterior. “Didn’t think you could remember something like that.”

 

Abbie smiled graciously as the woman gave him a…compliment?

 

“Perhaps we could intercept their truck.” Circle thought it over. Every scenario ran through her head. “They wouldn’t give it up without fight, though.”

 

“And I won’t be able to burn them or it’ll damage the truck.” She thought more.

 

Abbie just kind of sat there and let her do her thing. He didn’t think she was big on thinking, and that her actions were just on impulse, but he was wrong.

 

Despite their situation, he’s somewhat enjoying his time with her. He’d rather much be home right now, though.

 

“Just try to get some sleep tonight, alright?” Circle moved down the branch, resting her head on the large tree. “We’ve got a long day ahead of us tomorrow.”

 

“Yes ma’am.” Abbie replied, moving his body toward the trunk of the same tree.

 

Circle almost laughed at how he continued to call her ‘ma’am’ even after she told him not to. It’s like whenever he sees her, his brain is wired that she’s still his math teacher.

 

And so, the two drifted off into a somewhat nice rest.

 

Having no idea they were being stalked.

Chapter 4

Abbie moaned in his sleep (not like that), feeling the need to wake up.

 

No matter how hard he tried to force himself to get some more time of sleep, his body dragged him out of his drowsy state.

 

“What…?” His eyes fluttered, the blurriness making it too difficult to make out his surroundings.

 

The fire was reduced to nothing but burning embers of what used to be. They crackled, but no flame would be coming from something already burnt out.

 

Abbie, confused, sat up against the stump of the tree his back was on, his hand inching toward his shotgun. No, he didn’t plan to shoot it, but it did make him feel way safer.

 

“M-Miss Circle?” Abbie called out to her, but there was no response. She must still be sleeping. ‘No…I can’t wake her up for nothing.’ What would he have said? That he woke her because of paranoia?

 

Sweat dropped down the side of Abbie’s head. Not even he was sure what he was scared of. But when his body forces him to wake up, it confirms something is out there. He just didn’t know what.

 

Just as he was about to disregard this feeling, a low snarling sound came from deep in the forest. Abbie heard it, making his eyes widen to the size of baseballs.

 

‘What was that…? Was it a bear? No, bears don’t live around here. Maybe the guys from before—? That wouldn’t make sense, Miss Circle said they don’t patrol around here.’

 

A bunch of questions ran through Abbie’s head. What the hell is out there?

 

Now he had a reason to wake the sleeping giant. Nothing non-threatening growls like that, no, this is something huge. Abbie knows that, which is why his 5’4-5’5 stature won’t be enough!

 

“Ma’am…?” He could out a bit louder.

 

He didn’t want to draw any attention to himself by yelling Miss Circle’s name. That’s like asking to be killed. He has to approach this calmly…

 

…which would’ve been the plan if he didn’t hear rapid, heavy footsteps pounding the ground. They were coming his way, and fast!

 

Abbie, thinking fast, let out a quiet yelp before rolling over into some bushes.

 

Just as he did so, a large creature bigger than Miss Circle broke free into the clearing. It hissed, its head surveying the area.

 

Abbie’s jaw was left hanging. What the hell is that thing?!

 

It was big, like 10-foot-tall type of big! It’s slender, bony figure didn’t help with making it look friendly either. Big black claws, razor sharp teeth. Abbie didn’t know exactly what he was looking at—he didn’t want to know.

 

It exhaled deeply, searching around the area. Its neck was long and Abbie could even see the bone protruding from the thin skin. Abbie, with tears in his eyes, slowly moved deeper into the bush to stay hidden.

 

He didn’t even want to think about what would happen if this thing spotted him.

 

It seemed more curious than anything at the moment. That didn’t mean Abbie would confront it, most definitely not. Those claws and those teeth look ready to shred anything that entered its mouth.

 

With a grisly snarl, it moved over to the tree that Miss Circle was resting on.

 

Its eyes glanced upward, probably hearing the woman’s quiet snores.

 

Abbie gasped. It was going to hurt her! He couldn’t just let that happen…he had to do something! “Miss…” he uttered quietly. He was scared.

 

It inched closer to Circle’s body, now balancing itself on the tree. Its claws dug into the bark, stabilizing itself. A low growl escaped its mouth as it leaned toward Miss Circle’s relaxed figure.

 

As she slept, the monster sniffed along her hair and down her back. Abbie could only watch in horror as the monster’s mouth slowly started to open with disturbing cracking noises.

 

The jaw extended way past normality. Saliva fell from the top set of sharp teeth within its mouth. Was it going to consume Miss Circle whole…? Abbie couldn’t let that happen, no matter how scared he was!

 

“Miss Circle!”

 

He yelled into the air. The monster lost attention to its sleeping prey and turned to the bushes. Abbie’s eyes widened and his heart almost stopped.

 

He could’ve sworn he died in that moment out of pure fear.

 

The creature bellowed, leaping towards the bushes. Abbie scrambled back, but there was no way he’d be able to dodge. It was way too big for someone as small as him to get out of the way.

 

Time slowed down and Abbie’s life began flashing before his eyes. There’s no way this is happening again! The first time was bad, but something tells him this is gonna hurt way worse—!

 

The solider shut his eyes tightly, expecting the worse. But instead of feeling his flesh being ripped to shreds, he heard something crash into the ground. His eyes popped open to survey the scene.

 

“Miss Circle!”

 

The woman dropped down from the tree and onto the large beast, keeping it pinned momentarily. “What the hell is this thing?” Circle asked with an interested smirk on her face. Abbie wondered how she could be smiling at a time like this, but the woman is mentally insane.

 

“I don’t know!” Abbie replied, moving out of his hiding spot. “It’s huge!”

 

Circle went to reply, but the monster thrashed about in the pyromaniac’s hold. So much so that it was able to escape her grasp. “Ah, shit.” Circle cursed as it got free.

 

This monster is known as FEN. Circle would’ve knew that if she actually read through the full debriefing of the mission. In fact, the forest itself is called FEN Forest. But since this was supposed to be an ‘easy mission’, she didn’t bother.

 

Another reason why they’re stuck now.

 

Abbie positioned himself behind Circle, who was ready to fight. “Do you think you can beat that thing…?”

 

Circle shrugged unknowingly, but her sharp smile remained. “I dunno. We’ll see!” She charged in quickly, trying to tackle the skinny (but taller) Fen.

 

Fen’s black claws slashed at the air before Circle, forcing her to back up. If she was a moment later, she could’ve said goodbye to one of her eyes.

 

Abbie held his shotgun tightly. His hands shook, but he had to stay confident. He had to believe in Miss Circle to win.

 

The two tall women clashed again. Fen’s claws were wrapped around Circle’s flamethrower and neck, while Circle’s claw pushed against Fen’s face. “Now, what in the hell are you?” She asked Fen directly, but got nothing in response.

 

“Quiet?” She sighed, planting her feet. She wouldn’t allow Fen to knock her down.

 

Fen only growled. It was clear that either she couldn’t speak, or she wasn’t in a talking mood. “Woah!” Exclaimed Miss Circle as Fen pulled her forward, something Miss Circle wasn’t expecting.

 

Fen clearly struggled, but she lifted Circle off of her feet and above her head.

 

“Dammit!” Circle spat, her flamethrower flickering to life.

 

A wave of fire spat onto Fen’s head, lighting her ablaze. Fen bellowed and roared in pain as the fire singed the already thin skin. Fen threw Circle aside, screeching into the night sky.

 

“Yeah, that’s right.” Circle wore a sadistic smirk, standing back up to stare at the ball of flame that was Fen. “Burn.” She aimed her flamethrower at Fen again, but stopped.

 

Fen stood at the ready, the fire no longer bothersome. “Oh…” Circle‘s smirk changed into a shocked one. “…that’s not what was supposed to happen.”

 

Fen had a crazed look across her face. She smiled back at Circle, who had completely shedded her grin.

 

“D-Did it just adapt to your fire…?” Abbie asked.

 

Circle nodded, “I…think so.”

 

Abbie looked at Circle, then back at Fen. “W-What are we gonna do…?!”

 

Circle couldn’t get an answer out before Fen was right on top of her. She rolled out of the way of the first swing, but was hit by the next. A slice directly to her arm! Damn, that’s gonna be bad for her tattoos. Blood started to leak out of the open wounds immediately, but Circle didn’t back down.

 

With a grunt, she swung the heavy flamethrower connected to her arm. The blunt object flew by quickly, but not quick enough to strike Fen, who was now smiling wider.

 

As the flamethrower passed by her head, Fen pounced. She tackled Circle to the ground, getting another slash on her stomach. This one cut deeper, making the crazy lady wince in pain.

 

Fen went in for another attack, but Circle caught her claw. She lunged forward, head butting Fen fiercely. Circle recoiled from the hit, feeling a bit fuzzy. It did just enough to make Fen retreat a little.

 

“That last one…” Circle mumbled to herself, pressing against the open wound Fen made to her abdomen. “…I let her cut too deep.” She spat.

 

What she noticed is that what came out of her mouth wasn’t saliva.

 

It was blood.

 

This was new. An enemy has never made her bleed. Well, none of her enemies were 10 foot monsters either. She was used to being the biggest on the battlefield. Nobody could compete with her; not even close.

 

Then there’s Fen.

 

Circle’s never seen a being like Fen. Yeah, there’s Alice, who is a literal demon, but Circle isn’t intimidated by her; not anymore. “Not as easy as I initially thought.” She mumbled, feeling the sensation of blood forming in her mouth once again.

 

Fen knew Circle was hurt. That’s why that big, scary smile stayed plastered on her face. She had her right where she wanted her.

 

Circle grumbled beneath her breath, waiting for Fen’s next move. “Come on. You already hurt me, right?! Or are you too scared to finish what you started?”

 

Abbie stared on in disbelief. Miss Circle, the scariest woman he’s ever laid eyes on, is wounded? Not many can do that to her. Abbie didn’t think anyone could do it to her, except Alice! “Miss Circle…” he mumbled.

 

Circle didn’t hear him. She was too focused on Fen to hear anything but what move the monster was going to make next. Fen crouched down, getting onto all fours. Like a large cat, she jumped up, her claws extended out.

 

Circle saw it coming and threw her arm forward. The flamethrower found its mark. It crashed against the side of Fen’s head, making her fall. Seizing this opportunity, Circle stomped down onto the beast’s back. Fen groaned, showing signs of being injured.

 

That’s exactly what Circle was waiting for! She dropped her weight onto Fen, trying to keep her down. If Fen got back up, it would’ve been bad for her and Abbie.

 

She was on top of Fen, trying to subdue her. Knocking her out would be enough since it gives them time to escape.

 

“Stop fucking—moving!” Circle wrapped her arm around Fen’s throat, squeezing with every inch of power she had.

 

Fen, still smiling, dug her claws into Circle’s sides, making blood splatter. Circle didn’t relent. If she didn’t do this, Fen would never back down. “Die, dammit!” She screamed, now yelling out in pain.

 

Fen’s face slowly began to turn purple. She was losing oxygen! All Circle had to do was keep this up and they’re home free! Circle continued squeezing, not letting an ounce of strength be wasted. “Come on…! Come on…!” Circle groaned.

 

But before Fen passed out completely, she made one more move.

 

Circle gasped, feeling the painful sensation of something in her midsection. She looked down, her breath wavering. “Y-You…” she coughed, a trail of blood coming down her chin.

 

Abbie, noticing the situation, quickly ran over to her. If he didn’t do something now, she’d die! “Miss Circle!” He huffed, raising his gun upward. That’s when the fear set in.

 

He’s never shot a gun before.

 

Miss Circle dropped down to the side, but Fen didn’t rise back up. She had used all of her energy in that last move. Abbie got to his teacher’s side, watching her lie in a pool of blood.

 

“Are you alright…?” He asked, examining the wound.

 

It was bad. Abbie didn’t want to say that to her, but it was. There was a huge gash in the middle of her stomach. Fen got her good.

 

“M-Ma’am…?” Abbie inched closer.

 

Circle sighed and slowly sat up, her face scrunching in pain. “Fuck…” she groaned.

 

“She’s out cold.” She said while looking over at Fen, a sigh of relief coming straight after. “Thank goodness. Damn, I wish Emily was here.” The medic would’ve had her fixed up in no time.

 

“Looks like I’ve bit off more than I could chew, huh?” She spared a smile at Abbie, who didn’t know how to feel.

 

“How are you even talking right now…?” Asked Abbie, “Let alone making jokes? You’ve been hurt!”

 

Circle waved him off, trying to find proper footing. “I’m fine.” She ignored the obvious sings that she wasn’t fine. “I coulda used some help, y’know?”

 

Abbie looked down, ashamed. “S-Sorry…”

 

“If you’re too afraid to make a simple shot, what are you even doing here? We need soldiers—not wusses.” Circle stared at Abbie begrudgingly. “Our lives are on the line every time we do a mission…if you don’t shoot, you die.”

 

“Or is it that you want to die?”

 

Abbie stared in disbelief. She’s been injured, but wants to give him a lesson? Abbie stuttered, not sure what to say. He felt mad, but also sad. “Y-You think I want to be a soldier?”

 

“No, I don’t. It’s your life now, though. You have no choice but to accept it.” Circle mumbled.

 

“And that’s the problem.” Abbie raised his voice, “Miss Grace forced me into this life! I never wanted to be here, let alone be at a military school! What kind of principal does that to their students? What kind of teacher kills their students?!”

 

Circle stared at Abbie, surprised. Is he really yelling…at her?

 

“I try and try and try, but it’s never enough for any of you! You, Thavel, or Bloomie! The only reason you’ve adjusted to this shit is because you’re downright mental! You went to jail and came out a fucking loonie! And earlier? When you thought that rocket killed me and you were worried? It was because you’re scared to go back to jail, not because you care!”

 

“That’s why you stopped Bloomie from killing me that day. The day when Alice took the detonator? You didn’t care…you’re only looking out for yourself. That’s the only reason you’ve been trying to keep me alive. If you came back without me, everyone’s gonna assume you killed me.”

 

“But why would they think that? Because you’ve done it before! And you’re sitting here acting like that never happened! You need me. You need me alive. The moment I die is the moment they take you back to jail, where you belong.”

 

After his rant, Circle stared at him quietly. Not even she knew what to say. Abbie huffed, wiping sweat off of his forehead. He’s never been that mad before. What’s worse is that every word he said was true.

 

She hates jail. She doesn’t want to go back. She’s finally free, why would she want to go back? Keeping Abbie alive means she stayed a free woman. She never cared…she only cared about her freedom.

 

But yet, she wasn’t upset with what he said.

 

She chuckled. “How about you use that anger to fire the gun next time, eh?”

 

Abbie stared in shock.

 

“Whenever you’re too scared to shoot…imagine the face of someone you hate the most. It’d be me, right? The next time you get a chance to shoot—don’t think about who’s really there.”

 

“Think about me.”

 

Abbie, still pissed, sighed. “Why do you find the need to turn everything into a lesson…?”

 

Miss Circle rose to her feet, blood spilling from her stomach wound as she did. “Because I’m a teacher. It’s what I do.”

 

“Now, come on. We’ve gotta get away from that.” She pointed back at the unconscious Fen with her flamethrower arm. “There’s no point on killing it when we’re in her forest.”

 

Abbie was surprised by that. So even Miss Circle respects the laws of nature?

 

You learn something new every day.

 

The two of them clearly aren’t on the best of terms, but they only have each other out here.

 

Abbie hates that. He couldn’t have ever beaten Fen alone.

 

Miss Circle hates it as well. If Abbie hadn’t woken her up, she would’ve been good as dead.

 

They both know that as of now, they’re all they got.

Chapter 5

The two must’ve walked a mile from where they were originally.

 

Fighting Fen took a lot out of Circle, but she was still pushing ahead with some wounds. The most mentionable one being the huge gash in her abdomen.

 

Abbie has absolutely no medical knowledge, so it became a problem whenever she said something like, “I’m feeling a little loopy.” Or, “Jeez, I’m about to pass out.” They had no time to waste!

 

The sky was becoming brighter by the minute, which could only mean that the sun was rising. It also means that the payload carrying their weapons were going to be taken soon—they had to intercept that truck at all costs!

 

•

[Several Hours Earlier]

 

“A search party?” Zip whined to Miss Thavel, who didn’t want to hear it. “Why am I on search party duty?”

 

Miss Thavel tossed a grenade into the air, catching it when it fell. “Ask Sergeant Grace, Zip. Not me.”

 

Zip went to complain a bit more, but got the message to leave the wendigo alone when she pulled the pin out of the grenade, a mischievous smile coming to her face. Miss Thavel loves to prank her students, but Zip had no time to be one of her victims.

 

She stormed out of the room with a little extra speed just in case Thavel chased after her. She grumbled down the hallway, catching the attention of Edward, who was covered in kerosene.

 

“Aw, dude.” Zip pinched her nose, fanning the area, “You smell like a—“

 

“—world war 1 workshop?” Edward answered for her, a dull expression on his face. “I know. You can thank Miss Sasha for this. Whenever Mister Demi comes to the garage, she turns into a blushing statue.”

 

“Tough, man.” Zip snickered.

 

Edward stared back at her, annoyed. “It beats being on search party duty. You must not be busy.”

 

Zip shook her head, sheepishly adjusting her Uzi type A or Zuzi, that was strapped to her waist. “No. They wanted me to try and locate the crazy lady’s last location ping, but the radios were dead before she even left here.”

 

Edward rose a brow curiously. “Did they forget to put batteries in…again…?”

 

Zip shrugged, not knowing herself. It was pretty weird though. “I dunno. But now they’ve got me doing field work. I have to go out with some of the others and look for Walking Dead the first and Pyromaniac.”

 

“Heh, sucks for you.” Edward ended up getting the last laugh in this exchange. “Anyway, I’m gonna go take a shower. This shit smells terrible.”

 

Zip, wanting to tease him, asked, “Can I join?”

 

Edward’s entire face turned into a blush of light blue. Zip started laughing, wheezing as well. “I’m kidding! It’s funny!” She held her stomach and hunched over.

 

“Stop doing that…I hate when you joke around like that.” Edward tried to walk off, but Zip had another good one in mind.

 

She put herself in front of him, a smile on her face. “Who said I was kidding?”

 

Edward turned blue again, giving her another reason to laugh.

 

Well it seems that Zip is the one who actually won this exchange.

 

•

“Jeez, how long have they been gone?” Asked Petunia, carving a heart into the wooden frame of her bunk bed. “Two days now?”

 

Lizzy nodded, reading over the paper that was given to them by Bloomie. Sergeant Grace put her in charge of the Search Party operation. Finding Circle and Abbie was now top priority.

 

“Something like that.” Lizzy got to the bottom of the paper, setting it down.

 

Petunia finished the heart, now carving an L into the heart on one side.

 

“I hate search parties. If it weren’t for the crazy lady’s terrible planning, they wouldn’t have been lost out there in the first place.”

 

“Yeah, that’s true.” Petunia hummed, blowing away the dust from the wood. “But at least I’ll be out there with you, so it won’t be super boring.”

 

Lizzy smiled at Petunia’s words, but then frowned as she remembered something. “Yeah, but with Dead Shot as our instructor? We’re probably not gonna be able to even talk.”

 

Petunia sighed. Miss Bloomie definitely wouldn’t allow any type of messing around. She takes orders very seriously. The students can recall how strict she was 3 years ago. It didn’t compare to how she is now, but it was still bad.

 

“Nineteen years old and I’m still not living life.” Lizzy fell back on her bed.

 

Her head met the soft pillow cushion, making her sink into it. “Cause we’re stuck in military school.”

 

Petunia finished her carving. It was a heart with the letters L + P now engraved in it. She slid her knife back into the sheath on her belt and pulled herself up to Lizzy’s bunk. “It isn’t all that bad. I mean, without this school, we probably wouldn’t be alive right now. We both know that most places aren’t even inhabitable.”

 

Lizzy crossed her arms. She knew Petunia was right, but she wouldn’t say that ‘cause she hated being wrong. “Well…we don’t know that for sure…”

 

Petunia gave the girl a suspicious look. “You’re so ignorant. You know that?” She asked with a laugh. Lizzy shook her head yes, laughing too.

 

Petunia scooted up on the bed, finding herself lying next to Lizzy. Her eyes became fixated on the ceiling, her mind filled with random thoughts.

 

“I’d rather be here with you than out there dead.” The rabbit girl uttered.

 

Lizzy looked over to her, seeing that her eyes were on her now. “Really?” The girl’s face brightened happily.

 

Petunia, blushing a tad, nodded with an ‘mhm’. “No doubt about it, Liz.”

 

Lizzy, not sure what exactly to make of this, asked, “Are we about to have a moment…?”

 

“I think the moment’s already started.” Petunia’s voice came off as a whisper.

 

The two stared at each other for another split second. What filled the room was nothing but silence. That’s when Petunia slowly began to lean toward Lizzy, who did the same.

 

Before anything could happen, the barracks doors opened.

 

Petunia quickly sat up, her face flushed in red; Lizzy was the same.

 

“What are you two doing?” Engel stared at them from the other side of the room, confused.

 

Lizzy grabbed the paper that she was reading through before, rising up with it in her hand. “Uh—we were reading through the mission list…! To see who was coming with us!”

 

“Oh.” Engel replied. He pointed a hand outside of the barracks room, “Sergeant Grace is calling for all of us, so…come on.”

 

Lizzy and Petunia slid off of the bed, “Got it.” They managed to say in unison.

 

•

[Present Time]

“That’s gonna leave a bad scar.” Abbie spoke up for a reason that not even he knew.

 

He was referring to the wound in her stomach. The bleeding slowed, but it hasn’t stopped. He’s honestly surprised that she hasn’t passed out yet.

 

Circle snorted at Abbie’s random spurt of confidence. “It’s gonna be a badass scar.”

 

Abbie cracked a smile at how carefree she was. Obviously she isn’t exactly the same Miss Circle from before. She actually looks happier now than she did 3 years ago.

 

“I’m bleeding out like a pig, though.” Circle looked down at the wound, noticing her claw was stained in her own blood. “…but I don’t feel like dying today.”

 

“I hope not. I would like to get home in one piece.” Abbie mumbled.

 

He didn’t want to be left alone in this forest. It’s easier to live with an almost 10 foot woman by your side.

 

“You see the school as home?” Circle looked back at him. Her glare was curious.

 

Abbie stared down at the ground, not sure what to say. “Well…” he paused, “…it’s where I live. It’s where all of my friends are, so…it’s home.”

 

Circle snickered, using her flamethrower to cover her mouth in a schoolgirl kind of way. “Oh! You’re saying that because of Lannnaaa~!”

 

Abbie blushed, “Am not!”

 

“Is too!” Circle shot back, “Come on, kid. Didn’t I tell you? I was your teacher! You love that girl!”

 

Abbie went quiet. He wasn’t gonna deny it when it was true. But he also didn’t want Miss Circle to win! The woman’s always had been one upping Abbie ever since their path’s crossed. One thing she wasn’t going to beat a young boy in was talking about relationships.

 

“Oh, yeah?” Abbie crossed his arms, a little grin coming to his face.

 

“And what about Mister Compass?”

 

Circle was clearly stunned by his question. She didn’t try to show it, but Abbie saw that it had got to her. “As if I didn’t notice that 3 years ago. He’d always come to your classroom after the bell rang. Is it that you wanted some alone time?”

 

The table’s had turned. Now it was Circle that had a noticeable blush growing on her face. “Shut up, you don’t know anything!” Circle exclaimed.

 

“Except the fact that you and Mister Compass are in love.”

 

“Quit it!”

 

Abbie laughed at her expense. He’s finally gotten one over her. Despite the good time, Abbie couldn’t help but think about what went down earlier with Circle and Fen.

 

A monster like that is still alive in the forest. Who knows how long it’ll be unconscious for. Circle put all of her strength into that choke. For all he knows, she could still be in that same exact spot.

 

“Do you think that monster is back up?”

 

The question flew through the air. Circle kept her eyes ahead.

 

“Hmm, I dunno. I had to use all of my strength to put it to sleep.” She answered.

 

“Maybe it’s already gone. We shouldn’t be worrying about that right now, kid. The only thing we’re worried about is finding that truck, right?”

 

Abbie nodded. Why would he even bring up Fen? She’s not the main concern right now. Taking over that payload is the main objective. Once they do that, they can use its radio to call back to the military school.

 

It’s a foolproof plan. It has to work.

 

It just has to.

 

•

“You went out and got yourself hurt again.” The woman stared at the large being’s wounds. “Such a clumsy girl.”

 

The woman blew smoke out of her mouth, making sure not to blow it in Fen’s direction. “Skin burnt, neck bruised…who did this to you…?”

 

When that question was asked, Fen became aggressive. She growled and hissed, thrashing about.

 

“Calm down.” She demanded. Her voice was soothing and calm, but Fen listened without much protest. “I hate having to clean your wounds, Fen. Would it kill you to stop hunting everything you see?”

 

Fen whimpered, her head lowering.

 

“I’m not surprised to see that you still need me. Isn’t that right?” The woman leaned in closer to Fen, looking up at her with a little smirk plastered on her face. “Fen needs Xister. Doesn’t she?”

 

Fen didn’t take any time to shake her head. Her answer satisfied Xister, who stood up to go get bandages. She removed the cigarette from her mouth and dropped it down into an ashtray. “Just a big, dumb brute. I just can’t help but love you though.”

 

Fen sat there emotionless. She just kept her eyes on Xister, who moved around gracefully to find the first aid kit. For someone who abuses drugs and drinks, Xister is pretty.

 

Upon first glance, you’d never be able to tell that she smoked, or even drank a drop of alcohol. “Would you like to get payback?” Xister returned to Fen’s side with the kit in her hands.

 

Fen’s only response was a subtle movement of her head.

 

“All you have to do is let me know who did this to you. If you do that, their blood will run through your teeth. Just this one time since you were attacked in your own forest.”

 

Fen was overjoyed to hear this news. Obviously she couldn’t verbally show it, but the big, toothy smile on her face was just enough. Xister giggled at Fen’s face, bringing her hand up to the monster’s cheek.

 

“I’ll let you lead the way, love~”

 

•

 

Miss Bloomie stood at the front gate of the school. Her eyes were on her watch, waiting for her students to arrive. ‘It’s 6:25.’ She thought, tapping her finger against her sleeve impatiently. ‘They should know to get here before 6:30.’

 

Before she could go inside and start ranting to them about how important it is to be on time, the front gate creaked open. Emerging from behind the gate wall were Zip, Petunia, Lizzy, Engel, Bubble, Ruby, Skell, Kevin, Claire, and Riley.

 

Miss Bloomie’s frown changed into a neutral expression. Perhaps she judged them too harshly. “It is 6:25 a.m. as of now. This mission will not end until 6:25 p.m.” those words got a negative reaction out of most of the search party.

 

“Quiet.”

 

The silence struck immediately.

 

“This gives us 12 hours to find our comrades. I will not tolerate any playing around during this mission. This is serious. If I catch you doing something stupid—“ she lifted her AK-47 arm up, “—let’s just say it’ll be the last stupid thing you do.”

 

“Does everyone understand?”

 

“Yes, ma’am.”

 

Bloomie turned around, her back facing the students. “Follow.”

 

Engel rubbed his eyes. He woke up not even an hour ago, now they’re on the search and rescue mission. He wants nothing more than to find Abbie, but doing it this early just can’t be healthy.

 

“Is she serious…?” Claire whispered to Engel, who looked over at her.

 

“I want to find Abbie more than the next guy, but why would we start this early? Wouldn’t it be better if we were fully waken up—?”

 

A bullet rang throughout the air. Smoke rose up from the barrel of Bloomie’s gun. She fired a single bullet directly at Claire, who jumped as it zipped by her head.

 

Everyone stopped and stared, not sure of what to make of the situation.

 

“And that’s how fast it takes for you to be dead because you weren’t paying attention.” Bloomie turned back around, continuing to walk. “Shut up and walk.”

 

Claire hesitated for a moment, but began walking as well (but at the back of the line). She didn’t want to be here this early. Besides, she’s a pilot. They’d get way more use out of her if she was in a plane! Not on the ground!

 

Arguing with Bloomie didn’t even cross her mind. That’d go down as the dumbest idea she’d ever had. Well, the dumbest idea she’s had ever was running through a door with an ‘exit’ sign on it made with lined paper. Even she knows she didn’t think that one through.

 

“Just 12 hours to go.” She smiled sarcastically, making sure Bloomie didn’t hear her this time.

Chapter 6

The sun slowly began to rise once again. However, coming with it was snow falling from the ground relentlessly.

 

“You should hurry before we lose our trail.”

 

Fen kept her eyes on the ground, her nose sniffing through the dirt and grass that began turning white with icy snow.

 

Xister walked patiently behind the beast, a little smile on her face. It was amusing seeing Fen track down someone. She’s only seen her do it once before.

 

“!” Fen lifted her head up, spotting something.

 

Xister watched as she ran over to whatever discovery she made, internally inquiring if they had already found who they’re looking for. Once she saw drops of blood leading deeper into the forest, it became evident that they found a way to their target.

 

“Looks like you hurt them pretty bad.” Said Xister, digging into her pocket for another pill. “Lead the way.”

 

Fen kept her eyes on the trail. Oh, she would have her revenge. There’s nothing she wanted more than to taste the warm sensation of that woman’s blood in her mouth.

 

•

 

Zip quietly yawned. She didn’t want to alert Dead Shot (Miss Bloomie), who would chew her out like she did Claire. There’s no way would she get a bullet fired at her! That last one only missed Claire by a small margin!

 

Speaking of, since that little incident, Claire hadn’t said a single word. She stuck to the back of the line so Miss Bloomie wouldn’t hear any slick comments that came out of her mouth.

 

‘This sucks.’ Zip’s hands slid into her pockets.

 

Patrolling the perimeters of their base for two people that are well beyond those perimeters is a waste of time. But Sergeant Grace ordered them to search only two miles out so they don’t waste any fuel.

 

If they don’t find something or someone, then vehicles will come into the picture.

 

Zip hoped so. If she had to be out here looking for people, why not drive around a little? The only downside is that for them to use the vehicles, they have to search around for 12 hours. Grace really wanted to leave no stone unturned.

 

Skell and Kevin’s eyes were on everything. Thick and thin tree branches that stretched away from the large wood. The trees stood lusciously in the wind, creating a beautiful image.

 

And since the sun had just made its ascension into the air, the sky revealed colors such as light blue and orange.

 

Kevin went to compliment the beautiful mix of colors, but stopped once he remembered what would happen. The two boys just shared an appreciative look instead.

 

The silence was loud. Miss Bloomie didn’t event try to communicate with them, which only made it more awkward. Her eyes stayed on the slightly icy forest ahead, nothing being able to break her concentration.

 

•

 

“How’s your leg?” Circle asked out of the blue.

 

The two were going back to the base they failed to infiltrate the first time. Circle, knowing Abbie was shot in the leg, questioned his wellbeing.

 

“Still very much shot.” Abbie replied.

 

He’s been using his shotgun as a makeshift walking stick. He turned it around so he didn’t jam the barrel into the ground, that’d be bad if he ever did have to shoot it.

 

“Does it hurt?” Circle asked another question.

 

Abbie sighed truthfully, “Only when I put too much pressure on it. I probably won’t be able to run at all.”

 

Circle hummed, thinking for a solution. She has a wound in her midsection, sure, but she feels just fine! Abbie isn’t even half of her size (and if he dies, she’s finished), so she needs to make sure he’s safe.

 

“Just don’t push yourself too much.” She said.

 

“Trust me, I don’t plan on it.” Abbie replied.

 

The duo kept walking. The base they were forced to flee from had to just be upon them now; Circle knew it. And it wasn’t because of some 6th sense, or a gut feeling.

 

It’s because she saw the old parts of her motorcycle lying in a heap. “Aw…” she approached, seeing one of the handles of the bike being buried in the snow. She picked it up and stared longingly, “…Jessica…”

 

“Who the hell is Jessica…?” Abbie mumbled.

 

“The bike.” Circle answered his question, her eyes never leaving the handle. “I’ll get ‘em back for what they did, girl. I promise.”

 

She set the handle down carefully, allowing the snow to take it.

 

“Let’s move. Somebody’s gonna pay. For my motorcycle, for shooting you, and for making this mission last longer than it should’ve.”

 

Abbie liked the sound of that.

•

“Do you really think they’ll find them?”

 

Demi (Sapper) asked. “You can be honest with me, Ma’am. They left without a trace.”

 

“They’d be near the spot where I assigned them to go.” Grace replied hard heartedly. “Have you forgotten who I assigned this mission to? Nothing will stop her.”

 

“I get that, but why send a search party right outside of our school perimeter if that’s the case—?”

 

“—be quiet.” Grace demanded, “Not only does this keep the students productive, but it also gives your wife more time to prepare weapons with Edward.”

 

“M-M-My wife…?” Demi’s heart began beating quicker and quicker.

 

“Yes, your wife.” Grace repeated purposely. “Bloomie knows they won’t be finding Circle or Abigail outside of our school grounds. This is just a way to help the younger ones become accustomed to search parties.”

 

“I’d like to not do this often, though.” Grace declined into her seat, a cigar playing within her fingers. “Circle was sent to retrieve a bunch of stolen weapons and send them back to us.”

 

“As of now, if we engage, our firepower won’t be able to match up. Be patient.”

 

“I see…” Sapper seemed incredulous, but he knew that Grace was always 2 steps ahead. “…apologies, Sergeant.”

 

She leaned back in her seat, bringing the cigar to her mouth. No matter how many times he apologizes, or what he apologizes for—she’ll never forgive him for breaking her favorite mug!

 

“Now, you have duties to attend to. You’re dismissed.”

 

•

 

“There it is.”

 

The sight brought a smile to Circle’s face. They were back at the base!

 

“And they’re going to be shipping off today, right?”

 

Abbie nodded his head assuringly, “Yeah. I’m sure of it.”

 

The two waited patiently. Going inside the base again would be stupid—the two of them would never be able to take on an entire platoon of soldiers (especially when they’re injured).

 

That’s when the distinct sound of a diesel engine roaring to life got their attention.

 

This has to be it.

 

“There…!” Circle pointed.

 

The base wall opened, allowing the truck to pass by.

 

Circle moved over to the main road, if they missed this one opportunity, they could say goodbye to ever seeing their home again. She took one last look of encouragement at Abbie, who had a mixture of nervousness and confidence about his face.

 

“Come on, Abbie. We have to do this.”

 

Time slowed down for the soldier. He has to get home, but that didn’t stop him from being afraid. His heart thumped heavily in his chest and his fingers fidgeted.

 

“We’re about to miss our window, kid.”

 

His legs were frozen. This was crazy! No way would he willingly jump onto a moving—!

 

“H-Hey!”

 

Circle lifted the boy off of his feet and rushed towards the diesel’s trailer.

 

“P-Put me down, psycho!”

 

Circle only laughed crazily in response. After taking two big steps, she leapt into the air, releasing Abbie into the air. He screamed, instinctively tucking and rolling when he hit the hard surface of the trailer.

 

Behind him landed Circle with a heavy thump. Somehow they went unnoticed by the truck drivers.

 

“Look, you’re alive!” Circle walked forward, the wind blowing through her thick hair.

 

Abbie uncurled and exhaled heavily. He looked at Miss Circle with confusion, frustration, and other emotions. “You threw me onto the truck, jackass!” Was all he could muster in the moment.

 

Circle disregarded his feelings and moved to the front of the diesel, standing on its roof. “I can’t wait to crack some skulls.”

 

The diesel pulled off onto the main road; it was time to act.

Chapter 7

Lana stepped inside of Grace’s office. Her entire demeanor was seeping of anger.

 

Sergeant Grace noticed the overzealous girl and immediately questioned her, “Is there a reason you’ve walked in here uncalled for?”

 

Lana stopped just before hitting Grace’s desk. “How could you keep me in the dark about the search party?!” She lifted her head up, blowing a fuse at her sergeant.

 

The absolute gall! Grace stayed unfazed by Lana, who demanded answers. “I want to find Abbie more than anyone else in this school, but you didn’t put my name on that list—! Why—?!”

 

Grace stared at Lana sternly, giving the girl some time to realize what she was doing. That moment of realization never came as she opened her mouth to disrespect the woman again.

 

“I’ve been worried for I don’t even know how long, and you didn’t even think about putting my name on that list—?!”

 

“—shut up.”

 

Grace’s words were calm, but serious.

 

Lana was overtaken by a feeling of obedience. Her mouth shut as Grace rose from her chair, towering over Lana’s smaller figure.

 

“You come into my office and question me over a trivial matter? Only ten people were allowed to go on this mission. I chose the ones with the best scores in search and rescue.”

 

“Out of twelve, you got a score of five.”

 

Lana gasped silently, flinching at the score. How could she? She wasn’t allowed in the search party because of her own incompetence…? She didn’t pay attention, she didn’t try when she was supposed to.

 

And now she can’t help.

 

“If you really wanted to help, you would’ve paid attention in class. You mean to tell me that’s my fault?”

 

She dug deeper. Lana was stiff as a board, her eyes on the floor beneath her. It was difficult for her to even muster up the courage to reply.

 

“We don’t have time to coddle you, Lana. I want my soldiers found and returned to me. Your personal vendettas are the absolute least of my worries as of late.” Grace lifted her arm up to point to her office door, “Leave my office.”

 

Lana did as she was told.

 

She couldn’t even say anything about that. How could she even try to defend herself? All those times she’s asked when she’ll apply what they teach in the real world…

 

What kind of friend was she?

 

The silence in the hallway she walked down was haunting.

 

•

 

The truck driver blew the horn of the large vehicle. It was out of boredom since this drive would definitely take more than a day. Transporting goods isn’t exactly a one day job.

 

“Damn, shut that thing up.” The agitated woman in the passenger seat, Abel, covered her ears. “It’s bad enough that I have to be here, I don’t need that noise too!” (for those who remember the one line she had in chapter 2)

 

“Aw, why are you hating?” The man asked with a smile, looking over at her.

 

She sat with crossed arms, clearly trying to be anywhere but there. “Maybe if you were good at being a soldier, you wouldn’t be stuck as delivery.”

 

“You say that, but you’re the one driving.” Abel quickly fired back.

 

He laughed in response, swerving the truck a little. “They told me to come with you! Nobody trusts you to be alone, dude.”

 

Abel mumbled a little ‘whatever’ and dropped the argument. She just couldn’t win, could she?

 

“By the way, did you hear all of that thumping noise earlier?”

 

“Oh, that? It was probably just the trees hitting the trailer. You know this diesel exceeds the size limit. Don’t worry, I was on edge when I did my first transportation mission too.”

 

As if that calmed her heart. Not only did she not like being away from base, but she also hates loud objects. Diesels being one of those objects!

 

“I hate this.” She sat back in her seat, facing away from the driver.

 

He faced away from the road to tap her on the shoulder. “Look alive, Abel. We’re gonna be on the road for the next two days!”

 

“Great…” mumbled Abel.

 

“Hmph. You’d be a better delivery girl without the attitude. Seriously, all we’re doing is transporting—“

 

The windshield shattered into millions of pieces as the large figure threw herself into it.

 

The diesel swerved and skidded, nearly flying off of the road.

 

“What the hell—!” The driver yelled, attempting to keep the diesel steady.

 

The large figure knocked Abel’s seat loose, so she fell backwards in it before she could make an attempt to see what was going on.

 

“You mind doing me a favor?” Asked Circle as she got to her feet.

 

She took up most of the cab, making it literally impossible for the driver to grab the gun that was hidden underneath his seat.

 

“Pull over!”

 

Circle reached for the steering wheel, turning it toward the dirt field next to the road. She did so with a laugh that should land her in an asylum.

 

Abel still didn’t know what the hell was going on. She was on the ground facing the ceiling of the cab, only being able to hear what was about to transpire.

 

She didn’t like it, not one bit!

 

The diesel moved off of the road and into the dirt field, showing no sign of stopping.

 

With a little bit of free room, the driver slid his hand under his seat and grabbed onto his pistol. He pulled it out and aimed it at Circle, who didn’t falter at the sight of the weapon.

 

“Go ahead, shoot it. I believe my partner here will find the hole in your logic.”

 

“Partner?”

 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the barrel of a shotgun pointed directly at his head.

 

Abbie stared at him with a bead of sweat rolling down the side of his head.

 

“Tch…what do you want…?”

 

“Stop the truck.” Circle said, “I’m willin’ to do this peacefully. Don’t be stupid, now.”

 

The driver considered it briefly. His eyes trailed from Circle to Abbie, who still had the barrel of his shotgun in his face. Just staring at the boy, he knew he wasn’t a killer.

 

It was all in the eyes. Abbie’s eyes didn’t say ‘killer’ in them. Not like Circle’s did.

 

With a chuckle, the driver lifted his foot off the pedal and stepped down onto the brakes. The diesel slowed before stopping.

 

“Alright, I’m listenin’. Just get the shotgun out of my face, eh?”

 

Abbie nodded, taking a few steps back.

 

Circle reached across the driver’s body and opened the door for him. “Get out.”

 

“Why?”

 

“We’re taking the truck. Everything in the trailer is ours, if you leave something, it’s ours. Understand?”

 

“So you’re gonna keep my partner too?”

 

“Hm?” Circle rose a brow.

 

A gun clicked behind her head.

 

Abel unfastened her seat belt, which sent her tumbling to the back of the cab where a pistol was plastered on the wall.

 

She grabbed it and now it’s pressed against the back of Circle’s head.

 

Abbie quickly put his sights back on the driver.

 

Abel and Abbie shared a look.

 

“Looks like we’ve got a little standoff here.” Said Abel, who was more than ready to shoot Circle.

 

“You shoot mine…I shoot yours.” Abbie threatened, trying his best to sound intimidating.

 

“Don’t believe ‘em, Abel. The boy’s no killer.” The man spat harshly. “You could put a bullet in the back of that woman’s head and he wouldn’t do a damn thing.”

 

“Oh, really?” Able would definitely be taking advantage of that.

 

“Yeah, really. Don’t let his face trick you. I seen it in his eyes, he’s nothin’ but a coward!”

 

Now the boy had to put on his best act. If he didn’t, Miss Circle could kiss her life goodbye. Not knowing what to do, Abbie pushed the driver’s head into the dashboard, making him release a groan of pain.

 

If there was one thing Abbie passed at 3 years ago, it was theater.

 

“Come on, you want to kill her?” Abbie’s finger went to the trigger of his gun, “Go ahead. But with that gun? She has a chance of living. Now look at my gun.”

 

His shotgun was definitely more threatening than the little pistol Abel carried.

 

“If you think you’ll be able to piece his head back together after I blast it off, go ahead and try.”

 

Now it was Abel who was unsure. She grumbled in defiance, knowing that he had flipped it on her. “Alright, look…” she removed the gun from Circle’s head.

 

“Let’s just put the guns down.” She suggested, “She lives and he lives.”

 

“Fine with me.” Said Abbie.

 

The pistol dropped, the shotgun following.

 

This standoff went by smoothly. Sure, taking the truck has been prolonged, but at least Abbie didn’t have to use his gun. That’s the one thing he doesn’t want to do.

 

“His gun, Abbie!”

 

It was a sudden yell from Circle that brought Abbie’s attention down to the driver’s hand.

 

He picked his gun back up!

 

Before Abel could do the same, Circle threw her elbow back, hitting Abel directly in the face. She stumbled back, falling out of the diesel.

 

Abbie moved to the side, getting out of the way just in time. The gun fired, drawing a ringing noise to his ears. Circle charged, tackling him into the door.

 

The door couldn’t support their weight (mostly Circle’s), so they went flying out of the diesel. The man lost his gun in the process, so now he was at the mercy of the woman that landed on top of him.

 

“Ah, w-wait a sec!”

 

“You were gonna shoot the kid.” Circle lifted her flamethrower above her own head, “I told you there was a peaceful way to do this, but you didn’t listen to me.”

 

“Now we’re gonna do it my way.”

 

Whenever she saw someone as defenseless as he was…she just can’t help herself. The light in their eyes desperately clinging onto whatever sympathy Circle had inside of her, trying to plea their case.

 

She was gonna enjoy this.

 

Circle brought the flamethrower down onto his head. There was something about her using the weapon as her old circle tool that made Abbie sick.

 

The blows landed and landed one after another.

 

She had started ripping him to shreds before she realized that Abbie was watching. She whipped her head around, knowing that she messed up.

 

“Aw, kid…” she spat out a piece of bloody flesh that was already well chewed. “…sorry, I blacked out for a sec—“

 

“—you still see me, don’t you?”

 

Circle stopped, a bit of guilt showing on her face.

 

“Abbie…”

 

“!” Abbie grunted, falling over as Abel tackled him to the ground, a pocket knife tightly wrapped in her hand.

 

She brought it down into the flesh of his shoulder, making Abbie scream.

 

“Kid!”

 

Circle made it over to him in record time, throwing Abel off of him and into the trailer. Before she could stand, the woman’s foot was on her back.

 

“F-Fuck you.” Cursed Abel.

 

Circle didn’t spare Abel any parting words. She quietly bashed her head in.

 

It was over.

 

Circle wiped her mouth with her sleeve, cleaning off the blood and bits of flesh that rested on it. “You alright, kid?” She knelt down next to Abbie, who was still down.

 

“S-She stabbed me—!” He groaned out, holding his shoulder that still gushed with blood.

 

Circle examined the wound, not really sure what to do. “Calm down, calm down…”

 

“N-No!” Abbie sat up, putting his back against the truck. “I’ve only been out here for a day and I’ve been shot in my leg and now stabbed in my shoulder!”

 

“What else will I have to do for you to see that I can’t be a soldier?!” He breathed rapidly, hyperventilating even.

 

“Abbie…”

 

“I can’t shoot my gun, let alone kill someone! You told me to think about you, but I don’t want to kill you either…! I’m useless out here!”

 

“And now…we’re gonna die!”

 

Tears made their way down his eyes. He was tired, hungry, and thirsty. He hadn’t eaten anything in a while, nor did he drink.

 

Circle looked down at him, her eyes soft. “Come on, kid…you have to give yourself more credit.” She made her way to the back of the trailer, unlatching the metal door. “If you weren’t here, we wouldn’t have been able to get our weapons back—” she pulled the door open, stopping instantly.

 

“This is wrong…”

 

Abbie heard what she said. “What’s wrong?” The kid asked, ready to be filled with disappointment once again.

 

“This truck wasn’t carrying our weapons.”

 

“It was carrying food!”

Chapter 8

“Food?” Abbie pushed himself up against the trailer, using it to hoist his exhausted body to the back of it.

 

Once he saw the abundant amount of food that was in the back of the trailing, his mouth began watering.

 

He’s never been happier to see such basic food items in his life.

 

Things such as plain sandwiches looked like a meal to die for.

 

“Holy…” he muttered, pulling himself into the truck, Circle behind him.

 

“Looks like this wasn’t for nothing, after all.” She stated, bending down to pick up a container of pasta. “I wonder who they were shipping this to.”

 

She looked back at Abbie, who was clearly not worried about whoever this food was for. He held a sandwich with one hand, the other digging into a small box that was labeled ‘water’.

 

“Woah, slow down.” She laughed.

 

Abbie tried to reply, but it was muffled because of how fast he was stuffing his face.

 

“And don’t talk with your mouth full, that’s gross.”

 

“You’re one to talk.”

 

•

 

“12 hour search, is she crazy?” Asked Riley sheepishly.

 

It had only been 2 hours and half of the group were getting tired. They were practically walking in circles, leaving no stone unturned (literally).

 

Petunia leaned onto Lizzy, her eyes slowly opening and closing. Lizzy was sleepy herself, so it was becoming difficult to support the girl’s weight.

 

“We need a break…” Kevin sighed.

 

The word ‘break’ wasn’t really in Bloomie’s dictionary. Well, unless she was breaking somebody’s bones, but that’s a different story altogether.

 

She took one look at her team, disappointment seeping into her veins. “Hm.” Was the only sound that came from her before she turned around completely, facing all of them.

 

Her gun faced them, “You’re tired? Perhaps this’ll wake you.”

 

The bullets rained down on the search party, making all of them yell and run for cover. Bloomie shifted her gaze, focusing on one kid at a time (purposely shooting at Claire longer). She did all of this while humming a tune.

 

The bullets blew through the trees, forcing some of the teens out of their hiding spots. Old bark cracked and crunched, rocks chipped, and the dirt flew into the air.

 

Robby yelped as a bullet hit his hat, knocking it off of his head.

 

A bullet ricocheted off of a rock and flew toward Skell. If it weren’t for Kevin accidentally falling onto him, he would’ve been hit for sure.

 

“We’re up, we’re up!” Cried Engel as the bullets flew by his head.

 

Bloomie didn’t stop her onslaught of bullets. “What was that? I can’t hear you over the gunfire.” She tried to keep a straight face, but her own joke had caused her to crack a little smile.

 

•

 

“Aw, damn.” Circle shut the door of the truck and moved back to the trailer where Abbie was.

 

“Bad news, kid. Their radio’s completely busted. It takes different batteries than mine too, so I can’t just put them in my radio.”

 

Abbie wiped his mouth with his black sleeve, his moment of food-filled bliss being cut short by the thought of not returning home. “I guess we can’t take too many wins today.”

 

Circle chuckled while getting inside the trailer, sitting down laxly.

 

“I’m definitely taking a couple days off after this.” She stated with a little smile, her eyes trailing to the hungry Abigail.

 

“Hey, Abbie?”

 

Abbie stopped mid-bite to glance up at Circle, who looked somewhat proud.

 

“Yes, ma’am?”

 

“You’re a tough kid. You know that, right?”

 

Abbie didn’t know why her compliment made him feel fuzzy inside, but it did. He’s never really been complimented before by anyone, so to have it come from the same woman who murdered him is crazy.

 

“When we started this mission, I thought of you as nothing more than a cry baby…and even though you’ve shed a couple of tears, you’ve been shot and stabbed and still find a way to keep going.”

 

“You got guts. I see that you’re better off having them.”

 

“Thanks, Miss Circle. We still have to make it home, though. You can compliment me when I’m in the comfort of my own bed.”

 

Just thinking about his bed made Abbie smile. The soft mattress, the warm sheets, the vent that’s right above his bed so he gets most of the cool air. What a dream.

 

“Heh, trust me, I wanna get home too.” Circle stared out the open trailer door and into the sky. “I’m kinda missin’ it…”

 

Abbie rose a skeptical brow, a little smirk playing on his lips.

 

“Are you missing home, or are you missing ‘someone’?”

 

Circle’s face slowly started to change. A pale white quickly turned into a rose red. She was blushing! “Doesn’t matter.”

 

“Is it Mister Compass—?”

 

“It doesn’t matter!”

 

Abbie laughed at Circle’s flustered features. It’s not often where she’s the one being pressed about her love life. Especially since Mister Compass isn’t exactly stationed at the military school.

 

A silence began to grow between them before Abbie had thought of another way to tease the pyromaniac.

 

“Circle and Compass sitting in a tree…!”

 

“I will kill you.”

 

•

 

“They went this way?” Asked Xister, watching Fen sniff out the ground like a bloodhound.

 

Fen was sure of it. Her long, bony tail wagged like an eager puppy ready to play as she kept onto their scent. The snow had gotten thicker, so relying on Circle’s bloody trail wouldn’t be enough anymore.

 

Their scent; it’s strong. A smell of fear and doubt mixing with one of carelessness and confidence. It was almost intoxicating, or like a drug. Fen can’t get enough.

 

She must sink her teeth into their flesh.

 

Xister wouldn’t be cannibalizing anybody, but she did support Fen getting her sweet revenge. She’d rather be at home drinking or smoking, or maybe even doing some type of drug.

 

However, she is high all the time, so the very prospect of tracking down two individuals in a special forces type of way was amusing to her. She just can’t wait to meet them.

 

•

 

“My wife is out there somewhere and you haven’t done much to find them.”

 

Grace sat across the desk with an unreadable expression. This is the third person to waltz into her office about this matter. Oh, how tired she was getting.

 

“I’m preparing a search party. Despite their good marks in class, they haven’t done much field work. That’s why I have Bloomie taking them—”

 

“Do you know if they’re dead or not?”

 

Grace went quiet. With a heavy sigh, she replied, “Their wellbeing is a mystery.”

 

“And here you are running tests and training on a tight schedule?” The man leaned forward, his arms crossing. “I don’t know what type of nonsense you’re running here, Grace, but cut the shit.”

 

“Everyone in this building should be in on this mission. Including the woman sitting behind her desk barking out orders.”

 

“We have limited weapons.” Grace excused his disrespect, making a feeble attempt to keep this conversation professional. “Sasha is already being overworked as is and Edward can only do so much alone. You’re telling me that I should overwork the only engineers we have?”

 

“Find. My. Wife.”

 

Grace stared at him blankly. Her hand shifted on her desk, moving over to a little radio that sat next to her. It beeped, the light on it turning green.

 

“Bloomie.”

 

“Yes, ma’am?”

 

“Call off the training exercise. Circle and Abbie’s whereabouts are our top priority.”

 

“But Sasha is still…”

 

“…I have someone here who clearly doesn’t care.”

 

“…Understood.”

 

The radio cut off.

 

“Is that what you wanted to hear, Compass?”

 

Mister Compass stood up, his body language relaxing. “Indeed it is.”

 

“Seeing as you believe people deserve any kind of break as of late, I’ll be including myself in this mission. You can leave any complaints you have inside your own head.”

 

Compass and Grace.

 

Grace and Compass.

 

How the two never got along.

Chapter 9

The exercise being called off was like a huge sigh of relief.

 

Bloomie no longer had the right to shoot at them, or be disrespectful towards them.

 

Sergeant Grace also made it clear that she would be joining in on this mission due to ‘unexpected circumstances’.

 

But it wasn’t just her joining the 10-man squad. Grades and scores were thrown out of the window. It was time for the entire military school to be hands on.

 

They’re getting their friends back.

 

•

 

The wooden stick hit the board, directing everyone’s attention to the situation at hand. Sergeant Grace stood before her team, that blank look remaining prominent on her face.

 

“Everyone, pay attention. I will not be repeating myself. Is that clear?”

 

The students sat attentively in front of Sergeant Grace. Some of them played on nervous expressions, especially since Grace is a pretty imposing figure. Just as she had always been.

 

“I sent Circle and Abigail to retrieve weapons stolen from us two months ago. As far as my knowledge goes, I believe that they were attempting auction off our weapons for resources.”

 

Grace slid the stick down on the board, bringing attention to another topic.

 

“Getting into contact with them is useless.
Circle’s carelessness shined through and she forgot to prepare her radio. The only way we find them is if we go out there and look.”

 

She pointed at the brunette sitting up front, surprising her. “Claire, you will be piloting a Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter. Surely you know how to fly both plane and helicopter, right?”

 

Claire nodded, “Yes, ma’am.”

 

It was Grace herself that started tutoring Claire to fly. Her first time in the air was hell in the sky, she tallied up 13 times the girl threw up. Sergeant Grace didn’t even know that was possible in the span of two minutes.

 

Oliver, being an impatient jerk, raised his hand. “Do I have to take part in this? I don’t even like Circle or Abbie enough.”

 

“Everyone in this school is involved, Oliver.” Said Grace sternly.

 

Oliver slouched back in his seat, letting out a little groan of dissatisfaction. His head angled at the ceiling, staring at the buzzing lights.

 

“In fact, you’re playing a huge part in this operation.”

 

That got Oliver’s attention. His eyes somewhat brightened as he focused back on Grace. “Really?” A little smile came to his lips.

 

“Claire isn’t the only one doing reconnaissance. You’ll be stationed with her in the air. Our finest sniper would surely be able to see better from above.”

 

Oliver’s prideful smile slowly dulled when he realized he’d have to be in a helicopter with Claire, but as long as he’d get to play hero, how bad could it be?

 

Claire was absolutely hating the prospect. No way in hell did she want to spend anymore time with Oliver than necessary. Her hand quickly shot into the air, honestly surprising nobody.

 

“I-Isn’t there another way?”

 

“No.” Grace said simply, “There’s no time for you to hold grudges against one another. I don’t care who you hate. Being comfortable isn’t the goal. Does everybody understand that?”

 

Defeated, Claire’s hand fell back to her side. She could hear the quiet snicker of Oliver coming from behind her. Maybe she’d crash her helicopter on purpose just so he’d die.

 

“I understand.” She huffed.

 

•

 

“We should keep moving.” Said Circle.

 

The snow began to make itself a problem. It was getting colder by the minute, and even Circle started to feel chilly.

 

“Staying in one spot is a good way to get killed. Besides, somebody’s expecting a truckload of food. When they don’t get it, they’re gonna come looking.”

 

Abbie heeded the warning and pushed himself onto his feet. Now with a full stomach, he felt ten times better. “That is true…where are we gonna go?”

 

Circle slid out of the trailer and moved toward the front of the truck. “If my directions are as good as I think they are, we should start headin’ that way.” She pointed back at the road. “It’s snowin’ bad and we’ll probably be covered up if we don’t get movin’.”

 

“Aren’t the roads gonna be slick?” Asked Abbie as he stepped down onto the fluffy white snow, making it crunch. “We’d slide right off.”

 

Circle let out a dangerous laugh as she stepped up into the driver’s seat of the diesel, shrinking her body down to fit better. Her clothes bagged over her body, making her look like a little kid.

 

“Why’d you shrink to my height…?” Asked Abbie, staring at the woman across from him.

 

Circle’s attire looked like she stole it from her mother’s drawer. Her pants were hanging low, but thankfully nothing was showing due to her shirt and scarf also being oversized. Her protective goggles dropped down from her head to dangle on her neck.

 

It was now Abbie and a Abbie-sized Circle.

 

Circle started the vehicle up, honking the horn playfully. “This damn cab is too small for me to stay big! But being short, like you, gives me an advantage!”

 

Abbie sucked his teeth at the insult, facing away from her. “So are you really 9’7 then, or did you do that to look more intimidating?”

 

“That’s my actual height. If teaching didn’t work out, I would’ve totally been a basketball player.” Circle snorted, her foot slamming down on the gas pedal.

 

The diesel’s engine roared to life, its wheels sliding forward, trying to get some traction on the slick ice. “Keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle for this ride.”

 

Abbie gulped.

 

The diesel pushed forward, managing to get itself back onto the snow-covered asphalt. The woman didn’t let up off of the gas at all! She was driving this thing like a damn motorcycle!

 

Abbie wrapped his arms over his head and curled his legs up. ‘She’s gonna get us killed!’ He thought, looking out of the window. He saw nothing but snow falling down quickly.

 

“Don’t worry, kid! We both know I’m an excellent driver!”

 

He doubted that, but she did maneuver that motorcycle pretty well…until it exploded. All he could do now is say his prayers.

 

“S-So, where are we heading?” The boy asked to get his mind off of how fast she was driving.

 

Circle turned her head his way, but kept her eyes on the road. “We’re gonna try and find a spot that isn’t too cold and wet! I also didn’t want to sit in a trailer all day!”

 

The diesel suddenly swerved, making Abbie slide to the passenger door. He yelped, thinking that it was over and he was about to fall, but it didn’t happen. His reaction did get a hearty laugh from Circle though.

 

“I told you keep your arms and legs inside the ride!”

 

•

 

“Thavel.” Grace stepped inside the woman’s classroom, a pill in one hand and a glass of water in the water. “It’s time for your sedative.”

 

“Ah, Grace…” Thavel set down a grenade she was casually tossing up in the air, sitting up in her chair. “…you couldn’t stuff it in a piece of meat like last time?”

 

“You’re not a dog, Thavel.” Grace sat the cup down, “The sedatives have been proving to be useful. You went two months without using them and you’re still docile.”

 

“However, I can tell that you’re changing. Your eyes are becoming dilated. It happens right before you become aggressive again.”

 

Thavel scoffed, putting a hand to her chest in a playful hurt way. “You make my heart ache, ma’am.”

 

Grace held her hand out, gesturing towards the pill. She was serious. Thavel knew she was. “Take the pill, Thavel.”

 

“…hear me out for a moment before you shove another sedative down my throat. About this mission…”

 

“…do you know what we’re up against?”

 

Grace tilted her head in a confused manner. “Explain.”

 

“I read over the details of Circle’s original mission. The forest you had them go to was familiar to me. FEN’s forest, correct? Do you have the slightest clue what’s out there?”

 

“I assume you do.”

 

“Of course I do. The name ‘FEN’ isn’t the forest’s name. It’s the name of the creature that lives there. FEN is a being that’s been around way before us, and perhaps after we’re gone as well.”

 

Grace stared intuitively as Thavel spoke. Ever since she’s taken her sedatives, she’s never talked this way. The gravity of her words were heavy.

 

“I don’t mean to be a downer, but if Circle and Walking Dead went into that forest, they’re good as dead.”

 

“…we still have to try to retrieve them.” Grace said.

 

A little grin came to Thavel’s face. “Then keep me off of that pill for a couple of more days. If I take it, my head will be in the clouds. Without it, my true form can come out and we have a better chance at taking FEN down.”

 

“What makes you think that your wendigo state will be more of use than your bombs?”

 

“You can’t beat a creature like FEN with simple bombs, Grace.” Thavel said, “You may hate how I act when I’m not taking my medicine, but you need me like that.”

 

“Just give me the clearance…”

 

Grace wasn’t sure what to do. The woman made a convincing argument. But it’s been a while since she’s turned into that. Is it controllable now?

 

With a gasp, Grace looked forward, thinking about something. Another ‘somebody’ that could stand up to FEN. She’d hate to rely on her for help, especially after what she’s done, but…

 

“The Black Swan.”

 

“Eh?! Why would we ask her for help?” Thavel stood up. “In case you’ve forgotten, she gouged your eye out!”

 

“If what you say is true, then we need all hands on deck. I will allow you to skip this month’s dose, but only because the stakes are high.”

 

Thavel’s frown was quickly replaced by a satisfied smile. “Pleasure doing business with ya…”

 

“I need to talk to Oliver.” Grace turned around, leaving a happy Thavel behind in her room.

 

•

Chapter 10

The diesel roared down the road, smoke funneling out of the smoke stack. Inside was Abbie and Circle.

 

The woman drove with no regard for her own life, showing as she turned the large truck which caused it to slide on the road. Abbie leaned with the truck, his heart speeding up.

 

“You’re gonna get us killed…” He mumbled, but Circle heard the anxiousness build up in his shaky voice.

 

“Calm down, Walking Dead. I got this.” She straightened the diesel (surprisingly) and kept it driving straight on the slick road.

 

‘Walking Dead’. He absolutely despises that name. Ever since Zip saw him again, she came up with it. In fact, he remembers it vividly.

 

Upon waking up and seeing everyone else again, he was met with jokes instead of a welcome back party. Zip and Edward ruthlessly shamed him, while Oliver called him the old names they did 3 short years ago.

 

Still the laughing stock of the school. Always the butt of the joke. Even the teachers call him ‘Walking Dead’.

 

“And don’t call me that.” He murmured lightly.

 

•

 

“Signs of life.”

 

His eyes fluttered open, being immediately blinded by the bright light shining down onto him. He was lying down, his skin exposed to the cold air in the room.

 

“…?”

 

Confusion. Where was he? Is this the afterlife? Is he finally free?

 

His vision settled. His eyes were staring directly into a light.

 

“Abbie?”

 

That voice was familiar.

 

“Can you hear me, Abigail?”

 

That must be…

 

…Abbie’s eyes rolled to the left slowly. There he saw the brown-skinned goat-lady staring back at him. Her black, curly hair. Dressed in a white cloth with a brownish bag strapped around her body.

 

“Abigail? Can you hear me?”

 

Miss Emily. That’s why she sounds and looks so familiar. It’s her. It’s his old history teacher. “Emily…” was all that his scratchy voice could manage.

 

She smiled upon hearing him speak. “Mhm, good. It’s me, Abbie. It took several months to piece you back together. But now that I’ve succeeded, would you like to say hello to everyone else?”

 

•

 

Just when he thought he didn’t have to worry about the woman next to him anymore. His former history teacher brought him back to life.

 

•

 

“Pfft, you think Alice is gonna help you guys?” Oliver leaned back on his bed, causally disrespecting his sergeant with no care in the world. “After taking the detonator, and scratching your eye out?”

 

Grace stood appropriately before him. She knew that if she’d gain access to Alice, Oliver is the key.

 

“This is beyond my personal opinion, Oliver. I was hoping you’d understand that before this conversation. Alice is cunning, powerful, elusive—”

 

“—don’t forget sexy.” Oliver said with a little snap of his fingers.

 

Grace decided to ignore that and continue, “With someone like that assisting us, this mission will be over quickly.”

 

Oliver pondered for a second. It actually seemed as if he was interested, “I don’t think she’d be too big on a search and rescue mission. Especially not for Walking Dead the first.”

 

“What if we made it worth her while?” Asked Grace.

 

Oliver hummed in response. He was intrigued, but it was hard to say if Alice would feel the same way. She doesn’t care about anyone in the school, only Oliver. The only exceptions would be Zip and Edward, but their special treatment is just not being killed.

 

“Do you know how many bodies you’re gonna have to give her?”

 

“What if the bodies are guaranteed?”

 

With a sigh, Oliver stood up, his bed creaking slightly. “Since you’re asking so nicely, I’ll talk to her. No promises though.”

 

Grace would say ‘thank you’ to the little narcissist, but she didn’t want to inflate his already humongous ego. And he’d never let her live it down either, so it’s better to not say anything. Which is exactly what she did while taking her leave.

 

If Alice agrees, they may have just resolved this whole conflict.

 

•

 

“Looks like it’s getting pretty late.” Circle slowed the diesel down, now driving at an acceptable speed.

 

Her eyes were on the dash that read the time. The blue light blinked 7:39 P.M., the moon rising higher and higher into the sky.

 

“Should we stop for tonight? It’s super dark and the snow might throw us off the road.” Abbie voiced his very reasonable concerns.

 

He should’ve known Circle wasn’t gonna agree with that.

 

The woman scowled at the thought, “Why would we stop? We gotta keep the engine hot! There’s a good chance of it stalling the next time we try to start it up.”

 

“But we’re gonna burn gas…we’re gonna be stranded in the middle of nowhere with snow coming down on us.”

 

“Which could also happen if the diesel stalls.” Circle argued her point.

 

“But if the diesel stalls, we could still get it to work! If it runs out of gas, there is no fixing it!”

 

“This diesel stays on!”

 

“Turn it off!”

 

“No!”

 

“Turn! It! Off!”

 

“NO!”

 

The argument was cut short by a flurry of gunfire hitting the side of the diesel.

 

Abbie yelped and fell back out of his seat. Circle ducked her head down, another round of bullets piercing her seat. “Holy—!”

 

Several vehicles emerged from the darkness, prompting Circle to slam on the breaks. There was no way the diesel could push through all of those armored trucks. Hell, it’d probably be busted after crashing into just one.

 

Lights shined into the diesel’s cab, illuminating both of their faces.

 

“Step out of the vehicle with your hands in the air!” Demanded a very deep and intimidating voice.

 

“Dammit…” cursed Circle, her hand slowly making its way into the air. At the same time, she gradually started to grow back to her regular size. “…how the hell did they find us?”

 

Abbie asked, “Are these the guys that took our weapons?”

 

“Yeah.” Circle confirmed while opening the driver’s door.

 

In an attempt to determine exactly what they were dealing with, she poked her head out first. At least fifteen trucks must have been present, and many more personnel were there to assist them.

 

Abbie followed suit, but he was apprehensive. His body was hit by the scorching sensation of their stares. He was uneasy. He was sick! It wasn't made any better by the obvious red dots that stuck to his body.

 

“Stay calm, Abbie.” Circle noticed his body tensing up.

 

One of the armored trucks opened, a man that looked to be in his early 40s stepping out. He had a menacing build, one that would strike fear in the hearts of his enemies.

 

“You managed to steal one of our trucks, but didn’t take into account that there might be a tracking device on it?”

 

His gaze shifted from Abbie to Circle as he took progressively closer steps until he was standing in front of the diesel. From his pocket came a small device. On it was a little green dot that flashed every few seconds.

 

“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Now what should I do with you two thieves?”

 

“You stole our guns, asshole. If anything, you’re the thief.” Circle spat.

 

Abbie stayed silent, but he obviously agreed with his teacher.

 

He could only laugh in response. He looked as if he was about to say something else, but he launched off of his feet and wrapped his arm around Abbie’s throat.

 

“!” Abbie gasped, feeling his head be locked in place. The man pulled him off of the diesel and in front of Circle.

 

It happened so fast that she didn’t even notice.

 

Circle’s eyes widened. “Let him go!” She snarled, but stopped at the clicking sounds of guns being directed towards her. The red dots spread across her body, finding a place to shoot if she dared to move.

 

“Hold your fire.” Their leader held up his free arm, the other keeping Abbie trapped. “I’m sure she’s smart enough to know what will happen if she tries to attack.”

 

“Right?” His grip around Abbie’s neck tightened, making the boy cry out in pain.

 

“Dammit. Take your truck back, alright? Just give me the kid.”

 

“Oh, no. You see, that isn’t how this is gonna work. You don’t steal from me and get away with it. Right, boys?”

 

“Right!” Exclaimed his platoon.

 

“Which is why I’m gonna take this one. Maybe take ‘em under my wing. Maybe kill ‘em. I don’t know yet. What do you think?”

 

Circle didn’t know what to do. If she made any sudden movement, she could count herself as good as dead. But if she didn’t…

 

“…fuck it!” She quickly pulled her goggles down and switched her flamethrower on.

 

Before anything could potentially happen, a loud roar made everyone stop. The platoon quickly aimed elsewhere, their dots leaving Circle’s body.

 

Silence. Not even their lieutenant was talking anymore. His was alert, the gun that sat at his hip now drawn.

 

“What was that?” Asked one of the frightened soldiers.

 

Another replied, “No idea.” While scanning the area.

 

Abbie and Circle knew that sound all too well. In fact, the both of them knew that was a cue to get the hell out of dodge.

 

“Kid!”

 

Abbie moved quickly, raising his foot and using all of his strength to stomp down on the lieutenant's. He groaned in pain, letting go of the young soldier, allowing him to run off in Circle’s direction.

 

He reached her and without thinking, hugged her side. She wrapped her arm around him and moved back to the truck.

 

Meanwhile, the platoon stayed alert, hearing a multitude of sounds around them. Things such as snow crunching to the wind blowing by them caused them to jump.

 

“If you see anything other than each other, fire.” Said their Lieutenant.

 

So when Fen, the same beast that had been hunting the unlikely duo charged out of the trees and into the street, sinking her teeth into one of the soldiers, all of the others began to shoot.

 

A blaze of bullets came in her direction, but she quickly leapt out of the way.

 

Screaming and shooting were the only sounds that Abbie and Circle could hear.

 

“Come on, we gotta get outta here.” Circle started up the truck, its headlights shining on the chaos. Fen was nothing short of evil.

 

Just as Circle put her hand on the gear shift, a knock came at the driver’s side window.

 

“Excuse me, but I don’t think this truck will start.”

 

Xister lifted up a bunch of wires, showing them off to Circle and Abbie.

 

“Maybe you should get it looked at in the shop?”

 

She was right. Despite the clear evidence of Xister tampering with the truck, Circle pressed her foot down onto the gas pedal just to see if they would get lucky.

 

Xister watched with a ‘really?’ face, knowing she had just told them that driving off wouldn’t be effective. “Come on, you knew that wasn’t gonna work.”

 

“Was worth a shot…” Circle sighed.

 

“Anyway!” Xister clasped her fingers together, “It’s nice to meet you two! My name is Xister! Fen’s told me just how much she wants to kill you!”

 

Both of them found perplexed frowns on their faces. How could she talk about that so casually? Who says ‘nice to meet you’ and ‘kill you’ in the same sentence?

 

“But she’ll do that when she’s evened the playing field.”

 

Xister gestured over to Fen, who was still wreaking havoc on the aforementioned platoon. They couldn’t do anything against her. She was too fast for them to hit and too weak to physically stop her.

 

The lieutenant unclipped his radio that sat on his belt and turned it on.

 

“All units at base, we are requesting immediate backup! Code Red, I repeat, Code Red!”

 

The radio buzzed for a moment before somebody on the other end replied.

 

“Location found, sending immediate support.”

 

Knowing help was on the way, the lieutenant unleashed a round of bullets at Fen. It didn’t work, but it was better than watching his soldiers get killed before his eyes. Backing down is something he and his soldiers would never do.

 

Kill or be killed is what they went by.

 

Now all he had to do was stay alive until they arrived.

 

•

 

The helicopter blades whirred slowly, picking up speed by the second. Claire sat in the cockpit, Oliver in the back with his sniper.

 

“Don’t mess up anything up there.” Oliver said while examining his gun proudly.

 

Claire scoffed and slowly shifted the helicopter into the air. “Don’t test me. I’ll blow us both up.”

 

As the two of them got into the air, the others got into two separate trucks. Grace thought it would be beneficial to split the younger ones into teams of two. They’d cover more ground that way.

 

The adults were also split up.

 

Miss Sasha, Mister Demi, and Miss Emily were with the first group. Miss Grace, Miss Bloomie, and Mister Compass were with the second group.

 

Miss Thavel was connected to a trailer at the back of the second group’s truck. She knew as well as Grace that she wouldn’t be in the right state of mind after giving up on the sedative.

 

And with Alice’s allegiance at question, her wild side might be one of the best chances they have to beat Fen if encountered.

 

They hit the main road, their truck lights shining their way ahead.

 

Lana sat in between Engel and Skell, her head angled at the roof. This has to go right. She will see Abbie again. She’ll save him!

 

She’s sure of it.

Chapter 11

Fen continued laying waste to the remaining soldiers of the platoon.

 

Blood stained the snow. Bullets flew, but missed their target. Even if they did hit, what could they have really done?

 

Fen’s a monster.

 

“Looks like she’s about done.” Xister commented on her girlfriend’s work, patiently blowing smoke out of her mouth. “Just a few more soldiers and…”

 

Just as Fen’s warm up session seemed about finished, the sound of incoming helicopters drew her attention into the air.

 

Her tail swayed viciously, a twisted smile coming to her face. Blood dripped from her lips, falling onto her large claws.

 

“Or not…” mumbled Xister, “Make short work of them, Fen! You do want to kill these two tonight, right?”

 

Fen don’t forget why she was here. It would just be a nuisance to try and take down Circle and Abbie with all of the other guns being aimed at them. She wants Circle and Abbie.

 

Nobody else.

 

•

 

“Sergeant Grace, this is Claire.”

 

Claire’s voice came over the radio. Grace grabbed her radio and held it up to her face.

 

“What is it, Claire?”

 

“We’re flying over the forest right now. We went to the spot you highlighted, but Oliver doesn’t see anything.”

 

“Stay put. Try to find a good landing spot, we’ll rendezvous when the ground team arrives. Understood?”

 

“Yes, ma’am.” Replied Claire, the radio cutting off.

 

Grace continued driving, picking up speed since Claire had already arrived. And if Fen is there, she can’t leave the young pilot and Oliver alone.

 

•••

 

Fen tore through the back up that was called by their Lieutenant. Against Fen, they didn’t stand a chance. The screaming that was cut short by the splatting of blood made Abbie’s heart beat faster and faster.

 

Xister sat on the hood of the diesel wearing a proud smile on her face. She was her girlfriend’s biggest cheerleader. Fen being a non-verbal, horrifying beast didn’t deter her like Fen thought it would.

 

The beast ripped into one soldier, using his corpse as a flail, smacking another with it.

 

Guts and blood. It was everywhere.

 

The headlights of the diesel shined down onto the massacre. Abbie could see it all. It made him sick. It wouldn’t be long before the smell would kick in.

 

“She took the damn pedal sensory.” Circle frowned, knowing that there’d be no way to move the diesel at all. “We can’t leave, Abbie.”

 

“So what do we do?!” The young soldier was, lack of the better word, terrified.

 

This isn’t the first time he’s stared death in the face. But the last time he did, he didn’t survive. And here he is doing it all over again. He thought that Circle would be the biggest problem during this mission.

 

Turns out, there’s always a bigger fish.

 

“We’re gonna have to get through them.” Circle said, pointing at Fen, who was just about done with the rest of the platoon’s reinforcements.

 

“It’s our only shot at survival.” Circle turned Abbie’s head towards her. “Do you understand me, kid? We have to win. If we don’t win now, we’re both dead.”

 

The woman who he assumed was the biggest thing on earth…is telling him to go out and pick a fight with something bigger than her? “I—I can’t, Miss Circle! I’m not made for this! I’m not a soldier, I can’t do it!”

 

A hand came across his face. It was Circle’s. It left a scarlet print on his cheek. The woman had slapped him. Her face hardened, giving Abbie a serious glare.

 

“You listen to me, and you listen good.” She grabbed him by his turtleneck and pulled him closer. “Ever since we’ve gotten lost out here, I’ve watched you rise to the occasion time after time. Every single conflict that you should’ve died in? You lived. Didn’t you?”

 

“You got stabbed in your shoulder and walked it off when you saw food. You got shot in your leg and walked miles afterwards! And you mean to tell me you aren’t a soldier? Then what the hell are you, Abbie?!”

 

“Because to me, you look like a goddamn soldier!”

 

Abbie was at a loss for words. He did get shot in the leg and continued walking. He got stabbed and completely forgot about it. He jumped off of a motorcycle that was about to explode! He even called out the woman that murdered him three years prior!

 

“I’m a soldier…” Abbie’s eyes were wide and filled with utter shock. The words that came out of his mouth were quiet at first, but Circle egged him on.

 

“I’m sorry, what was that?” She leaned in closer, “I couldn’t hear you.”

 

“I’m…I’m a soldier!”

 

“That’s what I thought. Even without shooting your gun, Abbie. I’m proud to call you a soldier.”

 

With that, Circle kicked open the truck door and got out. Abbie opened his door and did the same, not forgetting to bring his shotgun with him . He’s been afraid of what would happen if he shot it this entire time.

 

But he never considered what would happen if he didn’t.

 

“Oh?” Xister hopped off of the diesel’s hood and turned to face the two. “Are you two finally done hanging around inside that hunk of metal? We’ve been waiting on you.”

 

Abbie and Circle shared one last look at one another. They looked ready.

 

Fen saw the two standing at the ready and roared. It was scary, but Abbie didn’t let the fear show. That would only worsen things. A soldier doesn’t show how scared he is. A soldier rushes into battle knowing that it could be their last.

 

“Abbie! Don’t worry. I’ll handle that one.” Circle smirked, her sharp teeth showing. “I owe it a little rematch anyway.”

 

Abbie’s eyes focused onto Xister. That was his target. She stood unbothered, even putting a cigarette in her mouth to show her lack of concern. It was blatant disrespect that Abbie was sick of taking.

 

Edward, Zip, Oliver…even the teachers.

 

None of them showed Abbie any respect like they did for the rest of the students.

 

For the first time in his life, Abbie wanted to punch somebody. When he looked at Xister, all he could see were the people who’ve wronged him.

 

“So, you want me to fight the kid?” Xister pointed a finger at Abbie. She shrugged slightly, indicating she had no problem going toe-to-toe against Abigail.

 

On Xister’s belt was a concealed weapon. It was most likely a pistol due to the size and shape, but a gun is a gun. It made Abbie anxious. “Looks like I’m gonna have a little fun tonight.” Xister pulled the weapon out of its holster, flashing it at Abbie.

 

Abbie instinctively stepped back, making Xister laugh. “Don’t worry, kid. I’m not gonna shoot you just yet. I’ve got some bones to break first.” She dropped the gun to the ground and threw her cigarette aside.

 

Fen and Circle stood off in a way that resembled Abbie and Xister.

 

Both of them waited for the other to make a move first. Fear of making the wrong move kept them at bay.

 

But Circle knew that Fen would attack first. She didn’t even need to try. Especially after the following words left her mouth.

 

“I shoulda killed you in that forest.”

 

It acted as a trigger. Fen couldn’t stand that Circle had gotten the better of her. That was the whole point of tracking her down, to feel the woman’s blood drip down her throat. And if Xister somehow doesn’t finish Abbie off, she’ll pop his entire body like a balloon.

 

Circle's flamethrower flared to life as Fen got closer to her. A wave of flames erupted upon Fen's body as she pointed the weapon at her. “Can’t handle the heat?” Asked Circle.

 

Fen grumbled and snarled at that. There she went, making fun of her again! With an angered roar, Fen pushed through the heat and grabbed onto Circle’s flamethrower.

 

Circle pulled her arm back, which dragged a defiant Fen toward her. She leaned her body to the left, punching Fen square in the face. Fen let go of the flamethrower and stumbled back.

 

Xister rushed Abbie quickly, paying no mind to the fight happening behind her. She lifted her leg up, trying to kick Abbie in the face. With a little yelp, Abbie ducked underneath the attack.

 

Xister turned her body and tried another head kick, but this one was also evaded. “You can’t run forever, boy.” Xister said while raising her foot off the ground one last time. As she brought it up to Abbie, he caught it and replied—

 

“I don’t plan on it!”

 

Summoning all of his strength, Abbie lunged forward and successfully landed a clean punch on Xister. The woman fell back, hitting the ground with a thud.

 

“Was that supposed to hurt?” She grinned, standing back up.

 

The only reason she fell was because Abbie maintained control of her leg. He wasn’t the strongest person ever, but he didn’t think he was that weak either! But he knew this wasn’t going to be easy.

 

Xister continued attacking, but harder than last time. Abbie could barely avoid the attacks as they came. It was only a matter of time before one landed!

 

“Oof!” Abbie felt a foot hit his stomach. It took him off of his feet and onto the ground. He’d definitely be feeling that later on, but the adrenaline in his body refused to let him feel it now.

 

He was slow to get up, which got a laugh out of Xister. “Come on! I only hit you once!” She found it absolutely hysterical.

 

Abbie hated it when people laughed at him. Xister was no exception. He refused to be the laughing stock. Not anymore.

 

So when Fen crashing into the stationary diesel served as the perfect distraction, he struck. The woman’s head was turned, so there was no way she could see this coming.

 

Abbie rushed forward, bringing his arm back, and swung his right arm at Xister, hitting her face with a right hook. His body did what it wanted to do. It seemed as though he had lost control! He swung one again and made contact. Then again right after!

 

Xister’s confusion grew. It didn’t hurt just a moment ago, so why does it now? He couldn’t have changed in the span of twenty seconds! It’s not possible!

 

Abbie threw his arm at her one more time. He meant to hit her with his fist, but his arm brushed by and it was his elbow that made contact with Xister’s face instead.

 

Xister dropped to the ground, a crunching noise following. It even made Abbie recoil.

 

She spat, seeing blood land on the asphalt. That was it. “I wanted to play nice.” She stood back up, wiping her nose free of the blood that leaked down it. “I really did. But considering the fact that you really just pissed me off, I won’t be giving you that luxury.”

 

Those intimidating words made Abbie’s blood run cold. He can’t be afraid at a time like this. Circle is counting on him. And deep down, he knows Lana is too. He has to make it home.

 

Xister lunged at Abbie with a crazed smile on her face. Abbie scrambled back, but didn’t close enough distance in time. She latched onto him like a leech, forcing him to the ground.

 

•••

 

The two vehicles stopped in the forest, everyone quickly getting out.

 

“So this is Fen’s forest.” Kevin marveled at the scenery. It was so scary, but so fascinating at the same time. “I’ve heard that twenty new species exist in this forest alone.”

 

Zip threw her shoulder into him while passing by, “Nerd.” She snickered.

 

Kevin rubbed his shoulder, silently cursing at Zip as she walked up to Miss Bloomie.

 

“And you’re sure this is the forest you sent her to?” Mister Compass asked Grace.

 

Grace replied, “Do you take me for a fool, Compass? I know where I sent my soldiers. I will not let your selfishness ruin this mission.”

 

Mister Compass couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “MY selfishness?” Grace tried to leave the topic alone by walking away, but Compass caught up to her. “In case you’ve forgotten, Circle is out there somewhere without enough food or water to last a week. Excuse me for worrying.”

 

“And what about the boy she’s with? Abigail? I haven’t heard you bring up his name.” Grace crossed her arms judgtngly. Compass deadpanned, realizing where she was coming from. “All I’ve heard from you was ‘my wife’ this and ‘circle’ that. She is one of my best soldiers. If you want to be worried about someone, it’s Abbie.”

 

“Are you even worried about Abbie?” Compass asked.

 

“Of course I am. But someone with a one-track mind wouldn’t understand that, now would he?” Grace left it at that. Arguing with Compass gives her a headache every single time.

 

“Damn, it’s cold.” Lizzy shivered. Whenever she exhaled, she could see her breath leave her mouth, which only supported her point.

 

Petunia was shivering as well, but not as bad as Lizzy. “I would’ve given you some of my fur, but that’s kinda impossible, so…”

 

“It’s fine.” Lizzy tucked her arms under her scarf. “I just hope I don’t have to shoot anybody. It’s too cold…”

 

A whistle blew. It was Miss Bloomie. Once everyone was silent, she began. “You’ll search the forest with the teams you rode here with. Is that clear?”

 

“Yes, ma’am!” They chanted back.

 

“Good! Now break off into your groups.”

 

The students did what they were told. A few of them were nervous about the tale of Fen’s forest. A being like that existing could only mean bad news for them if they ran into it.

 

Good thing they have a Thavel.

Chapter 12

“Weapons up.” Grace told her squad. They did as they were told, their respective weapons raising, ready to be used. Sergeant Grace didn’t want to have to shoot anybody today, but she wasn’t against doing it if it meant bringing Abbie and Circle back. “Be prepared for anything.”

 

Grace’s squad moved through the forest, the only light supplied to them being their lasers landing on the forest’s greenery from time to time. It was dark. Like, unnaturally dark. But that’s just how Fen’s Forest is.

 

“Kev.” Skell whispered to him, keeping his eyes straight though. “You said you read about this forest, right?”

 

Kevin nodded his head slightly, “Yeah. Just a little. I didn’t want to rush into random territory blindly—” “—yeah, I didn’t ask all of that.” Skell cut him off before he could go on one of his nerdy rants.

 

“What did you read about Fen? Is it real?”

 

“The book said there’s been only two sightings.” Kevin replied, quickly aiming his gun at the sound of a twig snapping underneath the weight of something. “Each person didn’t live to tell the tale.”

 

“Wait, so how did they know there were two sightings if they didn’t live—?”

 

“Can you two shut up?” Zip interrupted their conversation, pulling Kevin by the collar. “We’re on our first real mission and you’re ruining it!”

 

She got ahead of them both, muttering something about how the two of them were idiots.

 

Skell and Kevin shared a look before lifting their middle fingers to the dragon-girl behind her back.

 

•••

 

The AK that sat comfortably on Miss Bloomie’s arm was ready to fire at any given moment. In fact, she wanted to shoot it. She was hoping something was out here that would force her to unleash a load of bullets into it.

 

That’s how most of her missions went anyway. It always ended with somebody getting their face blown off.

 

She continued through the thick grass. The tips of it were like little razors prodding at her body, trying to find some sensitive pieces of flesh to prick. This held true by the several amounts of ‘ouches’ she heard from her squad behind her.

 

Lana didn’t mind. The grass didn’t bother her. Nothing could bother her anymore. She was too focused to even think about little pieces of grass sliding against her flesh.

 

The snow crunched underneath Bloomie’s foot. Every step she took, more snow crunched. Looks like stealth wouldn’t be on their side for this search party.

 

In a normal search party, you’d have several people calling out the missing person’s name, especially if they’re sure they’ve found the area they were last at. However, you can’t exactly do that in Fen’s forest. Any sounds, intentional or not, is a good way to get her attention.

 

And when she wants you, there’s no escaping.

 

Bloomie’s radio buzzed to life. “Bloomie. Are you in position?”

 

Bloomie carefully took her radio out to send a message back. “Yes, ma’am.” she took a quick glance back at her squad, who were all behind her and ready to go. “We’re prepared for—” a bullet flew through the air quickly, hitting Bloomie’s radio.

 

It took her by surprise, but she also correctly calculated where the shot came from and aimed her gun that way. Despite the darkness, Bloomie began firing. Through the gaps of the trees, she saw several figures begin to move rapidly.

 

“Hey!” She yelled, rushing over to the dark figures.

 

“Miss Bloomie!” Lizzy chased after her, which prompted for the rest of the squad to follow. It was still cold, but Lizzy would rather shoot than be shot. She took aim and prepared herself for anything.

 

“The darkness won’t help you.” Bloomie reached down, pulling up a camouflaged soldier by his collar. She looked him up and down, considering something. “Yeah, you’ll do.”

 

“W-What—?!” The soldier yelped as Bloomie wrapped her arm around his neck, pointing her gun to his head.

 

“All of you will come out now or I will blow this one’s head off!” She yelled into the darkness. There was no hint of hesitation in her tone. She was ready to kill if needed.

 

“The choice is yours if he lives or dies! You will either stay hidden, which I will only assume is the go ahead to shooting him! However, if you come out, I am willing to talk!”

 

“Your choice.”

 

•••

 

Abbie was thrown against the already damaged hood of the truck. Glass shards from the broken windshield bounced up at the impact, landing back down onto his body.

 

He didn’t know what to do. Fighting isn’t at all his style. That’s what he’s been trying to tell Circle ever since they got lost, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer. She believes he’s a soldier, and he does too.

 

But what good is a soldier if they can’t fight?

 

Xister began humming a little, alerting Abbie, who was still face down on the truck’s hood. “Don’t be dead yet. I’m not finished.” She reached her hand out for him, mere inches away from the back of his head.

 

She pulled him off of the hood of the truck, her hand around his neck. “Where’s the fun in just killing you? I gotta make you suffer.”

 

He’s done enough of that.

 

Finding enough strength in his body, Abbie threw his head back into Xister’s face. She quickly released him and brought her hand up to her nose.

 

Definitely broken.

 

“Oh, you damn brat!” She winced as the stinging pain settled in.

 

Fen grabbed Circle with one hand, the other being used to slash the woman across the face. With how much adrenaline that was pumping through her body, there was no way she could feel it. In return, she cocked her fist back and punched Fen across hers.

 

The bigger monster’s grip faltered, giving Circle enough time to knock her to the ground. In their struggle, Circle’s hand found itself on Fen’s neck. The army woman smirked—

 

“Ah, where have I seen this before?” She asked Fen, her grip tightening. “Oh, yes. Right before I put you to sleep in your damn forest!” She applied more pressure, cutting off Fen’s air circulation.

 

Last time, it took everything she had to knock Fen out. She exerted all of her strength, every last ounce. But this time—she wouldn’t let go until the beast had been slain. It’s the only way to end this.

 

Fen coughed and choked. She raised her claws and tried to desperately attack Circle, but she shut it down with her flamethrower—bashing the woman’s claws with the heavy metal weapon.

 

'Kill her. Kill her.’ Was the only thing on Circle’s mind. She had to die. It was the only way.

 

She could feel Fen becoming weaker and weaker. It was only a matter of time before Fen would be asphyxiated. That was the reward Circle wanted.

 

And when Fen’s body finally went limp after a couple of minutes of struggling, she knew she finally got what she wanted. The Fire Lady got up to her feet and fixated on Xister and Abbie.

 

“Don’t worry kid, I’m coming!” Circle stepped over Fen’s body and started to run over to the two.

 

Abbie pushed Xister away from him and looked over to Circle, his heart dropping.

 

“Miss Circle, look out! Behind you!”

 

Circle had only just heard what he said when a large, black claw pierced her chest. Her body fell forward, only stopping when Fen caught her. The monster let out a deep, bloodcurdling laugh. She wasn’t mindless—she knew what she had just done.

 

A pool of blood began to form underneath Circle. It was her blood. Her breathing slowed and her vision blurred. She tried to speak, but it came out as a small croak.

 

She’s dying.

 

•••

 

“Okay! Okay!” A masculine voice said from within the woods. “Men! Stand down!”

 

The red dots on Bloomie’s chest and head vanished.

 

“Who’re you folk?” Asked the man, stepping within Bloomie’s view.

 

He was pretty tall, taller than her. He had a scruffy beard that definitely hadn’t been taken care of in months, and thick eyebrows. He wore a military uniform that was black and dark green.

 

“We’re here on a mission. You’d better get to telling me what’s your deal.” Bloomie demanded, the barrel of her gun threatening the life of the man standing before her.

 

“We’re here on official hunting business. A threat to our natural world lives in this forest—it is our job to capture it.” He explained, his hands moving up into the air, showing Bloomie that he wasn’t a threat. It didn’t deter the woman from keeping her gun pointed at him though.

 

“Its name is Fen. We’ve done our research and now we’re taking the fight to that monster. We’re willing to do anything to kill it.”

 

Bloomie stared back, her eyes narrowed.

 

“Is he telling the truth…?” Petunia was torn.

 

The man sounded trustworthy. His hands were in the air, so he couldn’t have been reaching for another weapon, unless he had some secret third hand, which would make him a freak of nature (but three hands in a world with a ten foot monster roaming around doesn’t sound too out of the ordinary).

 

“You can lower the gun now—!” A bullet fired his way, grazing his cheek. Bloomie had pulled the trigger anyway! Her team observed rather confusedly.

 

The tip of her gun was left smoking. “I’m not the type to forget a face.” Her voice was deep and chilling. It was also a shock to her how she wasn’t being pelted by bullets after clearly presenting that she won’t be cooperating. “You were there the day our weapons were stolen. You didn’t notice me, but I noticed you. I saw you loading our guns into the back of a payload.”

 

“So when it comes to working alongside you? I hope my following words gets the point across.”

 

“Fire.”

 

The underlings did as they were told. Their guns jerked back, their fingers tightly wrapped around the triggers of their weapons. Their bullets smashed into the trees, some managing to penetrate the opponent’s flesh.

 

It was music to Bloomie’s ears. The sound of those small capsule-like bullets leaving the gun and traveling through the air at such a speed that made it invisible to the naked eye. Only to make itself known with the piercing noise that is made when it rips through skin and muscle; even bone.

 

It was a full on gunfight. Whoever loses will surely lose their life as well. Bloomie and her team were outnumbered, but definitely not outclassed. As bullets came her way, Petunia yelped and ducked behind a conveniently implanted boulder.

 

Bullets drilled into the thick stone, but it stood no match against it. It was far too think and too big for standard bullets to break.

 

Bloomie let off a couple of shots while retrieving her backup radio (perhaps Circle could learn something from her), setting it to the correct channel. “Come in, ma’am. Can you hear me?” A loud frequency followed, but it didn’t last long.

 

Grace’s voice came from the radio, “Is everything alright, Bloomie?”

 

Bloomie peeked her head out from behind the tree, a wave of gunfire immediately coming for her. She abandoned the tree and slipped into the shadows. “We’ve come into contact with the perpetrators that took our weapons. There’s at least twenty of them here as of now.”

 

“Do you believe your team can handle it?”

 

Bloomie scoffed, surprised that Grace even asked a question as simpleminded as that. “Is that an insult? Asking me such a question is criminal, ma’am.”

 

While the shootout continued, Bloomie worked her way around the opposing team, unbeknownst to them. It wasn’t until she harshly took hold of one of the soldiers keeping their distance in the back, that the rest of them figured out her ploy.

 

And now all eyes were on her, which was a mistake on their part.

 

Bloomie’s team advanced, taking down a couple of soldiers that had their heads turned to their instructor instead of them. How foolish!

 

“Die! Die! Die! Die!” Exclaimed Riley, incredibly happy.

 

•••

 

“There it is.” Grace mumbled to herself, pulling a branch back. She stared ahead at the base set up in the middle of the forest. It was such an odd place for a military base; smack dab in the middle of Fen Forest isn’t exactly the most ideal spot.

 

Kevin and Zip moved up with her, their attention captivated by the base. It looked nothing like their base (well, their base is an old school), and it did blend in with its surrounds pretty well.

 

“How do you manage this in a place with a monster roaming around…?” Asked Kevin, still processing the sight before him.

 

Grace spoke, “The forest is larger than what you think. It’s split off into various regions—four in total. The North, the South, the East, and the West. We are currently in the East region.”

 

Skell shuffled up behind the other soldiers, finally taking a gander at the base for himself. “Woah.” He awed, “Let’s get out there and go all Gung Ho on these sons of—”

 

“—patience. Their numbers still outweigh ours.” Grace slowly crept forward, her eyes scanning for security cameras and motion detectors. Just as Kevin passed by her, she grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him back toward her. He let out a bemused huff.

 

“A moment, if you will. Take notice of that blinking red dot.”

 

Kevin’s eyes traveled down to the ground. He waited attentively, his eyes widening when a red dot flashed just where he was about to plant his foot. “I didn’t even see it because it was blinking.”

 

Grace worked around the motion detector and kept moving forward.

 

“Or maybe ‘cause you’re just that stupid.” Hissed Zip as she marched past him, purposefully knocking the glasses-wearing boy off balance.

 

Skell sighed, “Seriously, what is her deal?”

 

Grace had never seen a base that looked so plain, but so intricate as well. On paper, the layout was pretty simple, but just taking one look at this thing, she knew there was more behind it.

 

“Circle or Abigail must’ve set off a silent trigger that signaled the alarm when they came through here.” She analyzed, her eyes scanning the base. “They came this way, but where did they go afterwards…?”

 

There were hundreds of questions running rampant in the woman’s head. It honestly began to hurt just thinking about it. But before she could voice another concern, the sound of a gun clicking made her exhale in surprise.

 

“And who might you be?”

 

Grace’s team’s guns rose into the air, aiming at the foe.

 

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” The man wheezed out a snicker. “Unless you want to look like swiss cheese at your funerals.”

 

Red and green dots appeared all over them. They were coming from above—-in the trees.

 

“I thought we were done running into each other.” The man sighed, the smoke from his pipe burning, creating an organic scent in the air. “After we took your weapons, that should’ve been the end of it.”

 

“But I see that you keep coming back for more.”

 

Claire didn’t know what to do. This guy could shoot Sergeant Grace whenever he felt like it, which only made her finger itch to shoot. She wanted to ensure that the idea didn’t even cross his mind.

 

Should she shoot? No, that’d get them all killed. But if he shot her…surely they’d be killed alongside her. It only makes sense. Unless they’d be used as prisoners, or possible bait for the rest of the military school.

 

“We want our weapons back.” Said Grace, “And our soldiers.”

 

The man raised an inquisitive brow at that last part. “Your soldiers?” Not even he was sure what Grace was rambling about. “Wait, you mean that big lady and the little boy she was with?” Once it clicked, he began laughing his head off.

 

Grace stood, confused. The rest of her team were just as perplexed as she was.

 

“Oh, that’s funny. I remember them. They came here to take back the weapons we stole. Heh, they ran off when we figured them out, but they didn’t get far.”

 

“Blew the damn motorcycle up. Saw it go up into hundreds of fiery pieces.”

 

Silence followed after that. Grace wanted to refuse, but she wasn’t there. She didn’t know. What this man said could’ve been the truth.

 

“Liar.” She hissed, not wanting to hear it.

 

“Oh, but I’m not! Scorched the two good and well. That monster that roams around this forest probably enjoyed the barbecue.”

 

He lowered his gun, his smile remaining. It was a smile of pure evil. A smile of a man who did whatever he wanted, and how he wanted to do it. “But that’s the circle of life, right? So you can’t blame me, can ya’?”

 

He then turned his attention to the younger ones. “You see that, children? A woman who has no idea what she’s doing in the front seat. Barking out orders with nobody to question her authority.” He moved forward, placing the tip of the gun onto Grace’s head.

 

She went to react, but quickly stopped herself. If she moves, even the slightest inch, the children would most likely be shot dead…she can’t jeopardize their wellbeing like she did 3 years ago.

 

“Ah, so you’re accepting your fate?” Asked the man, taking notice to Grace’s lax figure. “That’s good. At least you leave this world tonight with no fear. And I get to go into tomorrow filled with joy knowing I’m the one who killed you.”

 

“Boys! Kill the children.”

 

The order was ruthless and heartless. There wasn’t an ounce of sympathy in his body. His team hesitated, but they were given an order. They must do it.

 

”W-Wait a sec…!” Claire backed away, only bumping into another soldier.

 

They were surrounded.

 

“…! Let go of me, you son of a…!” Oliver tried pulling himself away from the hold of two soldiers.

 

Tired of his resisting, one of them let go and punched him in the gut. It was effective, making the sniper fall to his knees, gagging.

 

“Oliver!” Zip tried to break away from the soldier’s grip, but she couldn’t. Her friend stayed on the ground, his arms wrapped around his body.

 

“What are you waiting on? Kill them, now!”

 

Oliver looked up, staring into the barrel of a loaded gun. The very gun that was set to end his life. Even in the literal face of death, all he could do was smile. It was a smile of expectance. He knew something; something that they didn’t.

 

“What the hell are you so smug about?” Asked an opposing female soldier on his left. “Come on, take him down.”

 

“Right.” Her comrade’s finger wrapped around trigger.

 

Oliver stared, that smile never leaving.

 

“You’re screwed and you don’t even realize it yet.” He started, successfully postponing his execution. The gunman confusedly stared at Oliver, cursing underneath his breath.

 

“What the hell are you on about, kid?”

 

“I’m telling you this to give you a fair chance on saving your already doomed life. Drop the gun and run. Run as far as you can go. Run as fast as you can go.”

 

“If you don’t start now, you’ll die.”

 

The female soldier slapped Oliver across his face. “Shut it! That’s enough from you!” Her eyes returned to the shaken gunman. “He’s trying to stall you! Hurry up and shoot him!”

 

His words were so sinister. His eyes. The gunman looked him in the eyes the entire time. He didn’t see any fear, any anguish. He wasn’t scared, even though he had a gun pointed at him.

 

Should he heed the warning? No, he can’t. Not in front of his comrades. They’d never let him it live down. “Who am I kidding?” He lifted the gun back up to Oliver’s forehead. “You talk a big game, kid. But as far as I can see, you’re the only one about to die—”

 

The gun was torn from his hands, two of his fingers going with it.

 

He froze. Blood gushed out of the open wounds, catching the rest of them by surprise. As he began screaming, Oliver’s smile only got wider.

 

It even looked like he was blushing a bit.

 

“W-Who did that-?!”

 

Another soldier was so in shock that the gun he carried felt like a bag of bricks. It fell out of his hands, landing on the forest floor.

 

Grace stared, intrigued.

 

From the darkness of the forest, a tendril shot out, wrapping around the gunman, pulling him into the shadows with an ear piercing scream. It stopped in a heartbeat, being followed by a splat and a crunch.

 

What was thrown back was his head. It was halfway eaten.

 

His body was nowhere to be seen.

 

“Oh, I love your dramatic entrances.” Oliver’s cheeks deepened with a red blush. He was the same color as a tomato almost.

 

“All gunmen, aim!”

 

Their commander had given his orders. The red and green dots shifted to the darkness.

 

“Nobody touches Oliver.” Said the menacing voice from within the forest. Their voice carried, echoing through the night. “I must punish everyone. All of you.”

 

Footsteps broke fallen sticks and dead branches, creeping closer with every step. It took a moment, but the footsteps ceased and they now had a clear sight on their target.

 

She was pretty short, and looked super plain. Like a regular woman.

 

Tan skin, messy brown hair with an ahoge atop her head.

 

And even a little yellow danger sign pendant hanging from her neck.

 

“I can only assume that he’s in this situation because of you, Awl. Perhaps I should take your other eye?”

 

Grace remained silent. Standing before them was the ‘Black Swan’. A fitting nickname for someone like her. Majestic and beautiful, but evil and narcissistic as well. “You came…”

 

Alice’s expression hardened, “…to end the ones who hurt my Oliver.”

Notes:

Alice finally in the story to bring together the obvious big finale coming soon😮.

Chapter 13

Abbie couldn’t breathe. Circle was down, blood pooling underneath her. Was it over? He didn’t know, his legs were still. He felt trapped in place with nowhere to run to.

 

 

No one to ask for help.

 

 

It was just him. Never did he think in his short life that it would end like this…again.

 

 

“Heh, you really killed her?” Xister got to one knee, observing Circle’s lifeless body. “Good job. You deserve a reward, don’t you think?”

 

 

Their eyes fell upon Abbie, who was frozen in fear.

 

 

She pointed, almost as if she was an executioner commanding his impending doom. “You can tear that one to shreds. Make sure he’s alive to feel all of it, m’kay?”

 

 

Fen was happy with that. Xister went back to looking at Circle, admiring the sight.

 

 

The larger beast moved forward, rushing Abbie at speeds he’d never seen before. He couldn’t dodge this one. She was a huge blur breaking through the wind.

 

 

Her body smashed into his, sending him flying back into the already crushed hood of the diesel. It dented more—parts that were necessary to the vehicle falling out.

 

 

Abbie was slow to move. His entire body was sore. With a little groan, he tried to sit up, a sharp pain running through his chest.

 

 

He dropped back down, only rising up after Fen picked up his small, frail body.

 

 

She was going to enjoy this.

 

 

•••

 

 

Bloomie let off more shots, only stopping when her gun ran out of ammo. She cursed silently, forgetting to account for how many bullets she had left.

 

 

“How careless of me.” She grumbled, using her free hand to pull out the magazine.

 

 

Just as she threw it to the ground, an enemy flipped the barrel of his gun towards her. It was at her head. She stared, keeping the same emotionless expression among her face.

 

 

“S-Stop.” The soldier trembled, “If you move in any way, I-I will shoot!”

 

 

Bloomie didn’t believe that. Honestly, he looked too weak to even be a soldier, let alone going on missions. With a sigh, Bloomie began. “No you won’t.”

 

 

“I will!” He argued. He had something to prove, but not the guts to prove it.

 

 

Bloomie pointed a claw at the weapon, tapping her finger against it ever so slightly. “With the safety on?” It was the oldest trick in the book. It was also the most effective, because as soon as the soldier’s head dropped to look at his weapon, she lunged for an attack.

 

 

A bullet soared through the soldier’s head, knocking him off of his feet. It even left Bloomie surprised.

 

 

“Deception, Bloomie?” Mister Compass sheathed his revolver, going up to the woman. “I thought you were above those tactics.”

 

 

“Not when everyone’s life is on the line.” She stated, getting a chuckle from her friend’s husband.

 

 

“Since when did you care about everyone’s lives?” Compass asked, presenting a face of confusion. “The merciless Miss Bloomie…cares about people?”

 

 

“No.” Bloomie responded, her voice monotone. “I care about completing the mission. And that soldier was the last of them, so I say that we’ve made some progress.”

 

 

Just then, Mister Compass’s radio came to life. There was nothing but static at first, but Grace’s voice made itself present. “Compass, come in.”

 

 

Compass pulled the radio out of his pocket and turned it on, “What?”

 

 

“Circle and Abigail aren’t in the forest.”

 

 

Compass’s heart dropped. “What do you mean she’s not in the forest?! The whole reason we came here is because we assumed she was in the forest!”

 

 

“Calm down…rendezvous back at our entry point. There’s somebody here that can help.”

 

 

“They better help…or I swear to Christ—!” Compass fumed. He was so mad that he couldn’t come up with a proper threat.

 

 

Bloomie watched, almost cringing at his anger. “Getting mad isn’t going to help.”

 

 

“Shut your mouth, Bloomie.” He pointed his claw at her insultingly, her eyes widening just a tad at his harshness. “You wouldn’t understand how I feel because no one has ever loved you. Don’t speak on things you know nothing of.”

 

 

“Your words are so hurtful.” She exaggerated in a nonchalant manner, even rolling her eyes.

 

 

It only infuriated the man, but they had somewhere to be. His lover was the only thing on his mind, not another quarrel with Bloomie, who definitely wouldn’t back down in the argument.

 

 

•••

 

 

Thavel snarled lowly, her cage rattling as she shook it. Grace smacked her fist against the top of the cage, making the woman settle down. “Easy.” She mumbled.

 

 

Compass tapped his foot impatiently, his arms crossed and his expression serious.

 

 

“So, where’s this mystery person? Or was that some shit you were feeding me earlier?”

 

 

Grace only stared back in response. Just then, the rest of her team emerged from the tree line and into the clearing. With them was Alice, walking alongside Oliver per usual.

 

 

Compass’s jaw almost dropped at the sight of the woman. “Y-You?!”

 

 

“Problem?” She hummed, smiling.

 

 

“We’re seriously taking advice from her of all people? Seriously? HER?!” He insinuated, gesturing towards Alice, who stood with an amused smirk. “We’re better off going at this alone, Grace. She’s nothing but a manipulator!”

 

 

“I don’t appreciate the way you talk about me, Compass.” Alice’s eyes narrowed, the smile still playing on her lips.

 

 

Grace held a hand up to the two of them, stopping any further interaction. “We still have a job to do. Alice—” she turned to the tan girl, “—you said that you’d relay the information you have once we regrouped with Compass and Bloomie. Now that we have, it’s time you hold up your end of the deal.”

 

 

Alice sighed, reluctantly stepping forward. “I suppose I owe you something, Awl. Even though your reckless tactics endangered Oliver. Consider yourself in my debt for this, understood?”

 

 

“Get on with it.” Compass sighed.

 

 

“Circle and Abbie were in this forest for one night.” She began, choosing to ignore Compass. “Then they encountered Fen, the beast of this forest. The cigar lighter and Fen engaged in combat, where the former prevailed—“

 

 

“—is ‘cigar lighter’ referring to Circle…?” Zip whispered to Oliver, confused.

 

 

“Yes.” He answered.

 

 

“—the two found a vehicle that took them out of the forest and down a snowy trail, but Fen and Xister were close behind.”

 

 

“Xister?” Bloomie rose a brow.

 

 

“Fen’s companion.” Grace looked to be deep in thought. “They must’ve followed them.”

 

 

“For vengeance.” Alice nodded, “If you want to save your friends, you better act fast, Awl. The big one is down and the coward is outnumbered.”

 

 

“The coward…?” Lana pieced it together, thinking about it again and again. “…you’re talking about Abbie?”

 

 

“And the other one…” Said Kevin, “The ‘Big One’ is down. She’s talking about Miss Circle.”

 

 

“She’s down?” Compass stepped forward, stopping just before he invaded Alice’s personal space. The last thing he wanted to do was give her a reason to attack him. “What does that mean? What do you mean she’s down?!”

 

 

“If you go now, you can probably make it.” Alice pondered, “If you want her to see tomorrow, that is.”

 

 

Compass was on the verge of panicking. Alice isn’t the type to lie if she isn’t benefitting from it. She has no reason to lie now, so she must be telling the truth. “W-Where are they exactly? Like, exact coordinates!”

 

 

“I can always just tell you where to navigate, butttt~” she grinned, “—it’ll cost you.”

 

 

“Dammit.” Compass didn’t care. Of course he wouldn’t get out of this without making some kind of deal with this demon. “Fine, whatever you want, alright? Just get us there!”

 

 

“Just remember that you agreed, m’kay? So if I ask for your brain later, you’re inclined to give it to me.”

 

 

Not that she would, but his shocked reaction afterward was pretty funny. She was the only one who had no problem with how tonight turned out. Actually, everyone could die and she’d be contempt if Oliver was safe.

 

 

The two were basically living as one tethered being. The day he decided to become her lover, she made a ‘deal’ with him.

 

 

If he dies, she dies and vice versa.

 

 

But she’d be damned if she ever allowed that to happen.

 

 

“Claire, Oliver, load back up on the helicopter. Everyone else, back to the trucks.” Grace barked out an order quickly. Everyone followed it immediately. There was no more time to waste!

 

 

Lana opened the door to the vehicle she came in, allowing everyone else to enter in before her as she has the seat beside the door. All she could think about was him. After all of the overthinking, all of the panic attacks she’s almost had, all of it will  finally have some meaning after she gets to see him again.

 

 

‘We’re coming, Abbie. I promise.’

 

 

•••

 

 

“It’s been fun, little boy.” Xister pulled Abbie up by his jet-black hair, admiring the scene.

 

 

His nose bloodied and his eyes fresh with tears. He had several scratches and bruises strewn out on random parts of his body (wherever Fen felt like attacking). The boy’s arm had a long gash running down it, blood spilling down onto the pavement from the aforementioned wound.

 

 

“You put up more of a fight than I initially thought you would. You really had me going for a sec.” Xister dragged his barely conscious carcass toward Circle, dropping him down next to her. Her eyes went to Fen, a smile on both of their faces. They were definitely satisfied.

 

 

“How shall we kill them, Fen? Fire?” The smoker threw out a suggestion, one that Fen was more than on board with. “I’m sure that diesel still has fuel left over. Perhaps we can siphon it quickly and burn their bodies.”

 

 

Xister stepped over Abbie, who couldn’t do anything but watch as the woman walked over to the diesel, ready to commit the heinous deed. Just above him was Fen. She looked down at him, nothing but pure malice and joy written on her face.

 

 

“M…Ma’am…?” His voice weakly cried out, his eyes dulling. It was only a matter of time before he passed out.

 

 

But in the final moments of his short life, the last person he was calling out to wasn’t his mother, father, or anyone related to him.

 

 

But it was Miss Circle.

 

 

“Don’t worry, kid. You’ll be seeing a lot of her in the great hereafter.” Xister promised.

 

 

Abbie tried to call out to her again, having no idea that the woman lied next to him. Her head was tilted to the left and her eyes seemed to be fixed. If that wasn’t a sign of her already being gone, Fen didn’t know what was.

 

 

Her breathing slowed immensely as well. Yes, she didn’t have much time at all.

 

 

Xister returned to Abbie’s side, a canister in one hand and a lighter in the other. Of course the woman would have a lighter on her person, she’s always smoking.

 

 

“If you’re worried about your charred corpse being on the side of the road, don’t be. Fen is a one-monster clean up crew. She’ll leave no trace of you ever existing.”

 

 

‘ I did everything I could.’

 

 

Abbie lied against the cold snow, the blood leaking out of his body turning the white snow red. ‘I tried…I really did…’ just like the first time he died, his entire life began flashing before his eyes. ‘I tried to be a soldier, I tried to be what you wanted me to be…but I couldn’t.’

 

 

The warm liquid splattered against his body. She made sure that he was drenched in the gas. It smelled absolutely putrid, like something you’d find in a gas station bathroom or something of the sorts.

 

 

‘And now I’m gonna die…again. I don’t recall there being any heaven or hell…just darkness. All things considered, that’s a good thing…’

 

 

‘…I know she deserves it and so much worse, but…I don’t want Miss Circle to go to hell. She should be able to rest, like me.’

 

 

Xister threw the canister aside. It clattered against the ground, the rest of the gas that wasn’t used pouring out unattended.

 

 

“Kudos for the fight, though. Breaking my nose is definitely something I never saw coming from you.” This would be the final compliment Abbie received from Xister. The next words out of her mouth weren’t so kind—“Now do me a favor, you little rat. Burn in hell.” The lighter flicked on.

 

 

But the ringing sound of a sniper bullet stopped her.

 

 

Xister yelped, dropping the lighter to the ground beside her. The bullet tore through the woman’s arm, a puddle of blood following the bullet.

 

 

Fen quickly leapt in front of Xister as another bullet rang out. It struck Fen, dealing less damage than had it struck her companion again.

 

 

Following the sniper bullets was the faint sound of an approaching helicopter.

 

 

Their eyes went to the dark sky, barely making out the vague red and blue blinking light of the aircraft. Another shot came from it, but Fen did the wise thing and leapt out of the way with Xister.

 

 

The bullet impacted into the ground, just missing the two.

 

 

Blinding lights flashed, impairing the vision of the two. Vehicles skidded to a stop on either side of them, their high beams keeping Fen and Xister at bay.

 

 

One of the vehicle doors opened, and coming out of the driver’s seat was Grace. She stood with a pistol in hand, holding it up at Fen and Xister. She stared the huge being down. It was bigger than her, and bigger than Circle.

 

 

“You must be Fen.” She murmured, “We finally meet.”

 

 

“That thing is huge.” Riley stared in awe at the monster, almost cracking a smile at how cool she looked.

 

 

Ruby gently nudged the girl to keep her focused on the task at hand. “Pay attention.”

 

 

Compass got out of his vehicle hastily. His eyes fell upon Fen and Xister, but that wasn’t his main concern. He then noticed exactly who he was looking for on the side of the road, underneath her a pool of crimson red.

 

 

He felt his heart drop. “Circle…” his voice was comparable to a whimper at the moment. Bloomie noticed her too, visibly shaken for a quick second before reverting back to her casual resting face.

 

 

Compass knelt down next to her, his hands shaking. “C-Circle…?” He didn’t know what to say, or what to do. He saw her chest rise slowly, then fall a few seconds later.

 

 

She’s still breathing.

 

 

“Where the hell are the medics, don’t you see she’s hurt?!”

 

 

With little to no choice, Engel rushed to Compass’s side, Bubble behind him. Once they laid their eyes on the damage, they knew little to nothing could be done.

 

 

It would take some sort of miracle to save her.

 

 

“Mr. Compass…she…” Engel didn’t know how to say it. He didn’t even want to say it. “…her wounds are too severe…”

 

 

Compass took Engel by his collar, pulling him close. His eyes flashed blue in rage—“FIX HER!” He demanded, his voice booming.

 

 

Engel flinched, Bubble doing the same.

 

 

“I—I don’t think I…” Engel saw the tears building in the corner of Compass’s eyes and silenced himself. ‘What am I saying? Why am I telling him that I can’t do it…? I haven’t even tried…I have to try.’

 

 

“Bubble…you work on Abbie, I’ll see what I can do for Miss Circle.”

 

 

Bubble nodded, conforming to the idea.

 

 

Bubble laid Abbie on his back, “Hey, Abigail. Remember me?” She asked, seeing if he could speak or even see, for that matter. “It’s Bubble, okay?”

 

 

“Bubble…” he repeated weakly.

 

 

“I suggest you leave now.” Grace said. “We have you surrounded and we don’t want this to get violent. We’ll take our soldiers, and you get to keep your lives.”

 

 

“Is that a threat?” Asked Xister.

 

 

Grace’s eyes narrowed, “No. It’s a promise.”

 

 

“Now go home.”

 

 

This certainly left Fen and Xister at a dilemma. Had they left, all of the work they put into tracking down Circle and Abbie would’ve been wasted. But if they stayed…

 

 

…Fen’s cleared out a battalion before. And besides, this military school has less soldiers than the one from before. Their bodies were still littered in the streets, and Fen wouldn’t mind adding to them.

 

 

“Go home?” Xister tilted her head, a smile rising. “But we’ve come all this way.”

 

 

“But since you’re here, why don’t you join the show!”

 

 

Fen leapt up at a blinding speed. If Grace hadn’t ducked her head, Fen’s large claw would’ve swiped it right off. She began shooting, which became the signal for everyone else to lay lead into the large beast.

 

 

Xister got out of the way, not wanting her other arm to be rendered useless until healing. “She’ll just adapt to the gunfire, you fools! You don’t think this is the first time she’s been shot at, right?”

 

 

Her words were holding true. Fen didn’t seem all that affected by the military school’s retaliation efforts.

 

 

Fen slammed her large hand down onto Grace’s vehicle, bellowing out a roar as she did. As it echoed through the air, another roar called back in a challenging manner.

 

 

“Thavel!” Grace continued shooting at Fen, but she also worked her way towards the back of her military truck that now has a flattened roof. “I’ve put my faith into you, Thavel. Show me I wasn’t wrong in doing so.”

 

 

She unlocked the cage and it slowly screeched open. Once the wendigo realized she was free, she pulled herself out of the cage and stood, her bones cracking.

 

 

Antlers rose from her head and her claws somehow looked sharper than before.

 

 

Fen spotted the wendigo and let out a roar at her, challenging.

 

 

Thavel turned back to Fen, doing the same in return.

 

 

“Hold your fire!” Yelled Grace, making everyone stop. “It’s too risky! We can’t harm Thavel!”

 

 

With the two beasts going in to battle in close combat, the children run the risk of accidentally shooting Thavel as she’s fighting.

 

 

She’s smaller than Circle, but her wendigo form grants her more strength and speed than she has when she’s normal. Grace is hoping that’s enough to push her over the edge to beat Fen.

 

 

If not, then they’re in trouble.

 

 

Oliver watched the battle in the air through his sniper scope. He had a clean shot on Fen, but decided against taking it. It probably wouldn’t have done much to assist Thavel anyway. “Win this so I can go home, old woman.” He watched on.

 

 

Claire kept them steady in the air, but her eyes were also transfixed on the battle.

 

 

Fen towered over Thavel. It wasn’t even close. However, if Thavel used her smaller size to become more of a nuisance, she just might pull this victory off.

 

 

“Come on, Abbie.” Bubble held out the boy’s arm, spotting the big gash on it. “Oh.” She cringed at the sight. “You poor thing. You must’ve done everything in your power to keep her safe.”

 

 

According to Alice, it was Miss Circle who went down first. Bubble could only assume that when she was incapacitated, Abbie continued to fight even when he didn’t want to, to keep his teacher safe for as long as he could.

 

 

“Engel…please tell me you see anything good…” Bubble stared at him, the hope in her eyes dwindling.

 

 

Engel half-heard what she said. He was honestly too focused on trying to help Circle that everything else was drowned out. “I’m trying…” he muttered.

 

 

“B-Bubble.” Abbie groaned, trying to find the energy to say something.

 

 

Bubble heard and inched closer to him, “Yes? What is it, Abbie?”

 

 

“I’m okay. But, please…

 

 

…save her.”

Notes:

Holy snap the gang’s all here.

 

Anyway, I think it’s super obvious now that FPE as a whole is a dying community. I hate to see it go, especially because it’s such an interesting concept, but I understand why Katie doesn’t want to work on it anymore.

 

As for my Fics, I’m definitely finishing this one, and then I’ll try to finish the Beyond The Grave fic as well before I stop making stories about FPE and stick to one shots from time to time.

 

ANYWAYS, excuse my yap session. Have a good morning/afternoon/evening/night.

 

— AlimaO

Chapter 14

“Calm down.” Said Miss Emily. She held a tight grip on the boy’s hand, gently rubbing her thumb across the top of it. “You’re safe, Abigail.”

 

 

Abbie’s breathing pattern was all out of wack. Who could blame him? The boy had just woken up from what felt like an eternity of pain.

 

 

Tears were coming down hard. The old history teacher didn’t blame him, she knows how terrified he must be right now. “Abigail…” she cooed, trying to calm the boy down.

 

 

Abbie pushed himself away. When he saw her, it made him remember.

 

 

Although they were brief, images of those three came in his head.

 

 

The language teacher’s black claws.

 

 

The science teacher’s box cutter.

 

 

And the math teacher’s infamous circle tool that sealed his fate numerous times.

 

 

His heart rate increased. Emily frowned, knowing that she probably wouldn’t be able to help much. “He’s having a panic attack.” She relayed to someone that Abbie couldn’t see. Even she was blurred in his vision.

 

 

‘No, no, no…’ Abbie’s small body curled up on the bed. His back hit the wall, cornering himself. ‘…no, no…no…’

 

 

“L—Leave me alone!” He screamed like a kid having a really bad day.

 

 

“The kid’s insane.”

 

 

“No, Aiko. He’s just delirious. Being brought back does that to you.”

 

 

“Pfft, I knew that.”

 

 

Just as it seemed that the stem-headed teen was going to be a lost cause, a sweet scent entered his nose. He could feel it forcing his body to numb. “Leave me…!” He coughed, “…leave me…” his voice dropped below a whisper, turning into something inaudible.

 

 

His body slumped over.

 

 

“…well, that went well.”

 

 

“This is serious.” Sasha crossed her arms, giving the man beside her a nasty look.

 

 

Compass threw his hands up in defense, pointing at Abbie. “He’s unstable. How come Claire and Lana didn’t act like that?”

 

 

Sasha went to defend him, but her eyes suddenly widened. She gasped, “Lana!”

 

 

“…what?” Asked Compass.

 

 

Sasha then quickly headed for the exit of the room, not explaining where she was going. Compass stood in confusion, wondering what he could’ve said to make her act as such.

 

 

•••

 

 

Thavel screeched before biting down into Fen’s flesh. It caused the larger being to roar in pain. Fen shook her arm, trying to get Thavel off, but it wasn’t working.

 

 

She snarled and hissed, the pain almost becoming unbearable.

 

 

Thavel only bit down harder. Any attempt that was made to get her off only made her teeth sink in deeper.

 

 

Fen used her other arm, grabbing Thavel by her head.

 

 

“That’s not good.” Grace winced.

 

 

Turns out, the woman was correct. Fen pulled as hard as she could, successfully tearing Thavel away from herself. It costed her, though.

 

 

A huge chunk of flesh off of her arm came with Thavel. It was stuck in the woman’s teeth, which she paid no mind to. She chewed and swallowed, only angering Fen.

 

 

She bared her teeth and threw Thavel away into the snow. Fen turned to Grace and the military students, roaring a warning at them. It seemed as if she was saying, “If you try to stop me, you’ll die.”

 

 

Afterward, she took off after Thavel.

 

 

Grace knew she had to stop whatever it was Fen had planned. Thavel is a valuable asset to the school…and also a very good friend of hers. Losing her isn’t an option.

 

 

Just then, it began snowing. If there was something that they didn’t need, it was snow. It would make that much harder to see, especially long distances.

 

 

“I let Thavel loose and ended up casting us to the sidelines.” Grace cursed at herself, “How could I be so foolish?”

 

 

“It was a good idea.” Bloomie said, finding a spot next to the sergeant. “But we don’t have the time to worry about the past, sergeant. I’m sure you of all people know that.”

 

 

Grace looked down at Bloomie, before nodding. “Yes, you’re right. Not when I’m leading the charge.” Her eyes shifted to the military students that were waiting for an order.

 

 

“Everyone, with me.” She beckoned for them to follow along. “She couldn’t have gotten far. As her boots pressed down into the snow, she saw something that would lead them right to Fen.

 

 

“She bleeds.” Bloomie hummed.

 

 

Grace shined a light on the red trail, “It’s the only path we’ve got. And the snow is coming down fast. Engel, Bubble!”

 

 

The two medics reacted to their names being called, “Yes, ma’am?” They asked in unison.

 

 

“Get Abbie and Circle onto the helicopter, quickly!”

 

 

‘ Get…Miss Circle…?’ Bubble stared down at the woman. Not only is she 9 feet, but she also has a toned body. Even trying to get her on a stretcher would be difficult. “Uh, okay!”

 

 

“Move…” Compass slipped his arms underneath the woman’s legs and neck, picking her up bridal style. “…I got her.”

 

 

Even being able to hold her again made Compass all fuzzy inside. He frowned, noting how she looked aggravated. Not aggravated in a way that made her mad, but uncomfortable. And if he didn’t know any better, he could’ve sworn he heard a whimper come from her as well.

 

 

“We’re almost done. I promise.”

 

 

“S-Sergeant!” Lana exclaimed. Her grip on her gun tightened as she gulped nervously. She looked at Grace with an unsure glance. “I-Is it alright if I tag along with Engel and Bubble?” She tried to set an assertive tone, but it crumpled underneath her trembling posture.

 

 

It was a selfish desire in a dire situation.

 

 

And that is why the sergeant denied the request. But not in the harsh way that Lana expected her to.

 

 

“You will be able to see him.” She said, her voice smooth. “Once all of this is over. When we stop Fen, and get Thavel back. You have my word.”

 

 

It was a brief, but effective talking-to. Of course Grace knew why Lana wanted to go with Engel and Bubble. She could even admire how much Lana cared about Abbie, but right now isn’t the time for it.

 

 

Claire positioned the helicopter above Compass and the others, “Make them some room!” She called back to Oliver and Alice.

 

 

Alice stood up and took a couple of steps back, Oliver doing the same. “This is getting interesting.” The demon grinned .

 

 

Oliver watched as well, but it wasn’t the thrill of seeing Miss Circle’s struggling body being pulled up to the helicopter that kept his eyes on her. No, it wasn’t genuine concern.

 

 

But that doesn’t matter, does it? Alice is everything he needs, everything he cares about! So why does he feel so bad for the teacher?

 

 

And even worse for Abbie?

 

 

•••

 

 

“Bring him back.” Sasha said, confidence in her tone.

 

 

The switch activated and Abbie’s body jerked up with life.

 

 

“Abbie…” Lana’s eyes widened. Just seeing his body move with newly gained life made her happy.

 

 

“No, stop!” Abbie cried out. “Stop bringing me here!”

 

 

Lana’s happiness sapped away. Replacing it was concern.

 

 

But that was the entire reason Sasha brought her here. Only she could calm him down, the teacher knew that. ‘Oh, Abbie.” Lana’s eyes softened at the sight of him panicking.

 

 

She stepped forward, going noticed by the others.

 

 

“Ah, I see.” Circle watched on.

 

 

Before Lana knew it, she was on the bed with Abbie, inching closer slowly to not startle him.

 

 

He had his head buried in his arms. All she could hear was his desperate cries and sniffles. “P-Please don’t bring me here…! I don’t want to be here unless-“

 

 

“Abbie?”

 

 

Abbie stopped. It took a second, but his head eventually lifted. His eyes were red and puffy. His entire body trembled. “Lana…?”

 

 

He said her name. “You…” He couldn’t process it. He choked on the words. He thought he’d never see her again. Not after…

 

 

His eyes slowly trailed behind Lana.

 

 

To her.

 

 

The panic set in again. He yelped, falling backwards out of the bed and onto the floor. Necessary equipment toppled over because of this, smashing onto the floor.

 

 

A flatline beep was heard, but Abbie was clearly still screaming. Just from seeing his murderer again, loads of adrenaline began pumping through his fragile body. He wouldn’t mind dying again just so he wouldn’t be anywhere near her.

 

 

But his body refused to let him do so.

 

 

“Ugh, I shoulda known.” Circle facepalmed. “I’ll be outside.” She promptly left the room, leaving her clearly traumatized victim inside.

 

 

Lana rolled the bed out of the way, presenting a cowering Abigail. He was balled up in a corner, tears in his eyes. She felt horrible. “Come on.” The girl knelt down, her sock-puppet covered hands gently massaging Abbie’s shoulders. “It’s okay.”

 

 

“She won’t hurt you anymore.”

 

 

Abbie’s shaking slowed gradually. It wasn’t enough to fully calm his nerves, but it helped.

 

 

Lana pulled him towards herself, her arms wrapping around his body. She was hugging him. “She won’t hurt us anymore.”

 

 

Through his quaking fear, Abbie stammered out a confused breath.

 

 

“Us?”

 

 

“Hm?”

 

 

“Y-You said she won’t h-hurt…’us’.”

 

 

Lana sighed.

 

 

“She h-hurt you?”

 

 

By the time Circle and Compass dealt with Lana, Abbie was dead. Of course he hadn’t had the slightest clue of what happened to her. His new suspicion was confirmed by Lana’s head nod.

 

 

“But it’s okay. You’re here again. And so am I.”

 

 

Abbie shook his head, disagreeing. “She’ll do it again!”

 

 

“She can’t.” Emily piped up. “It’s apart of her deal.”

 

 

“What deal?” The boy inquired.

 

 

•••

 

 

Abbie’s eyes opened. He couldn’t see much, or hear much. Vignette built in the corners of his eyes, only leaving a bit of space for him to recognize objects.

 

 

But even then, he still had no idea what he was looking at.

 

 

“Abbie?” Bubble hovered over the smaller teen’s body.

 

 

She noticed the slight movement of his eyes, but he didn’t say anything. He was far too exhausted to form a sentence, let alone make it audible.

 

 

Bubble assisted him in sitting up correctly, letting out a little grunt when she realized he weighed more than he looked. “You need to drink something.” The girl opened up a pouch that was strapped around her waist, pulling out a water bottle.

 

 

Beside them, Engel and Compass attempted to do the same with Circle. Her breathing was slow and labored, which wasn’t a good sign.

 

 

“You’re the medic.” Said Compass, “Do something.”

 

 

“It’s harder than it looks.” Engel muttered under his breath.

 

 

Trying to keep an almost 10’ woman alive with limited resources was very difficult. Made even more of a challenge inside of a moving helicopter.

 

 

The pounding noises in her head didn’t stop. It only increased, getting worse and worse. Is this what the final moments of her life were supposed to be like?

 

 

Dying of old age is what she wanted preferably, but if she did meet her end before her time was up, she always thought it would be a bit more dramatic.

 

 

The woman would’ve wanted to go down in a blaze of glory, taking an uncountable amount of enemies with her. Now she feels stupid for ever thinking that.

 

 

Barely holding on to her life in a helicopter that’s being flown by a student she actively pursued before was demeaning.

 

 

And now a search party. A search party for her! She’s supposed to be the biggest, the strongest!

 

 

But as she lied there, her eyes meeting Compass’s as Engel worked his hardest to assist her.

 

 

She felt weak.

 

 

She felt like…

 

 

an embarrassment. She felt like a total embarrassment.

 

 

•••

 

 

Thavel gathered herself, her hooves digging into the icy snow. She snarled, staring off into the distance.

 

 

Approaching was Fen.

 

 

Thavel slowly backed away, not wanting to rush in blindly yet again (even though that was definitely in her nature).

 

 

She took one more step back, stopping when her hooves slipped away from the frosted floor and off into the air. The wendigo stumbled, catching herself.

 

 

“?!” Behind her was a ledge that led to a big drop. And with the heavy snow, it was impossible to see the bottom.

 

 

It became abundantly clear. Fen wanted to throw her off of this ledge. Thavel knew she couldn’t let that happen, no way. She rose up as high as she could, making herself look bigger.

 

 

Fen rose onto her hind legs, doing the same.

 

 

It’ll be a while before any help arrives.

 

 

That leaves her and Fen.

 

 

•••

 

 

Abbie’s shotgun lied on the ground beside the diesel.

 

 

 

“What an interesting toy.”

 

 

The woman picked the gun up, smirking as she did.

 

 

With Thavel and Fen battling it out before all of them, she had become nothing more than an afterthought. A few of them could’ve sworn they remembered there being two, but seeing Fen take Thavel away must’ve completely dragged it out of their minds.

 

 

“This’ll be fun.” A cigarette burned, smoke rising.

 

 

And with one of the vehicles they thoughtlessly casted aside, Xister could get to them in no time at all.

 

 

•••

Chapter 15

 

“You wanted to see me, Ms. Grace?”

 

 

The door slid open and the small boy emerged from the other side, cautiously stepping inside the room.

 

 

Waiting to greet him was his former principal, Ms. Grace. He couldn’t wrap his finger around it, but something seemed different about her.

 

 

About everything, really. The school was more—fortified. It’s as if it was a military building of some sorts.

 

 

“Please, take a seat.” Ms. Grace invited him to the free chair that was across her desk. “This’ll only take a minute. It all depends on how you react.”

 

 

‘That’s worrisome…’ thought Abbie as he approached the chair, his heartbeat getting ever so quicker.

 

 

He sat down, and Ms. Grace began going through vanilla files, catching his attention. “As you know, you were murdered by Ms. Circle.”

 

 

Abbie held back the urge to break down at the mention of her name. He hated her, but he was also terrified of her. She gave him more than enough reasons to be so.

 

 

“Yes, ma’am…” was all he muttered in response.

 

 

“The good thing is that she will never lay a finger on you again.” That lifted a huge weight off of Abbie’s shoulders.

 

 

But the next words brought him back to the heart-shattering reality.

 

 

“But it has been three years since you were last alive.”

 

 

“?” Abbie’s eyes widened. He heard her perfectly clear. He almost thought she was joking, but it’s Ms. Grace. Even so, he waited for her to just say she was kidding, or messing around.

 

 

But it never came.

 

 

‘She’s serious…’ Abbie looked at her and only saw a stone gaze. ‘…it’s been.’

 

 

His breathing sped up. His hand went to his chest, trying to clutch at his own body for air.

 

 

All his principal did was stare.

 

 

“Three…years…? W-What about my family—?!”

 

 

Looking back on it, he wished he never asked about his family. It would’ve spared him of the truth he was desperately seeking. He could see a slight falter in Ms. Grace’s appearance. That should’ve given him all the answers he needed, but it didn’t.

 

 

He wanted to know.

 

 

“I apologize, Abigail.”

 

 

And right then and there, it felt like his heart had been pierced by a thousand needles. All aimed with elite precision, none missing their mark.

 

 

“Your family is gone.”

 

 

•••

 

 

Fen was on top of Thavel, trying to bite down on the wendigo’s neck. Thavel was curled up onto her back, using her legs to kick the bigger animal off of her.

 

 

She may have thick skin, but it would be butter compared to Fen’s maw.

 

 

Thavel made it to her feet, feeling exhausted. She knew that she could beat Fen, she just knew she could. But the way things were going now—it would take a miracle.

 

 

She was set on fire, shot at, bitten, even choked. And she still stands.

 

 

“Why…?” Thavel’s low and scratchy voiced asked out in anger, baring her teeth at the larger predator. “Why won’t you die?!”

 

 

Fen’s wicked smile stayed true. She completely understood what Thavel was saying, she enjoyed hearing the question. She circled Thavel, who kept her body square to Fen.

 

 

She couldn’t leave any openings. Any wrong move and she’d be killed.

 

 

“Because…”

 

 

Thavel almost choked on the cold air.

 

 

It spoke.

 

 

“I am the devil.”

 

 

Thavel backed away, but Fen closed the distance quicker. She’s never heard something like Fen speak, or even attempt to speak. And her choice of words weren’t exactly comforting.

 

 

Fen’s claws pulled Thavel by her fur, reeling the wendigo closer. This whole thing was a terrible idea. Thavel had a chance—she could’ve won! But now she knows why Grace wanted to assess their other options. She didn’t believe in Thavel.

 

 

She doubted the woman could win. And as Fen slammed Thavel into the snow below, she finally realized why.

 

 

Fen started dragging Thavel through the snow. It was far from difficult, she was 2 feet taller, and definitely stronger than Thavel. The game was over. The hope that  Fen could be beaten had been diminished.

 

 

There wasn’t a bomb in Thavel’s arsenal that could’ve beaten Fen.

 

 

There’s not a claw on her hand that could’ve slit Fen’s throat.

 

 

Fen’s smile grew, the satisfaction rising. She stood on the edge of a cliff, staring down. She couldn’t see the bottom. It was a shame she wouldn’t be able to see Thavel hit the bottom, but it was still worth it in the end.

 

 

And with no fight left, Thavel was going to allow it.

 

 

‘Those sedatives, those pills, the tablets…’ Thavel had a blank look on her face.

 

 

‘…all of that so this wouldn’t happen.’

 

 

Thavel slid forward, no longer feeling the cold, wet sensation of snow beneath her.

 

 

It was sharp and cold. The heavy air blew past her quickly, not giving her the charity of a nice end.

 

 

The snow slipped past her, and now all she could see was darkness.

 

 

Fen got further and further away. Along with the cliff’s edge.

 

 

Fen, the demon that couldn’t be beaten, watched. Her eyes were piercing Thavel’s.

 

 

The contact broke when Thavel vanished into the darkness. Fen rose up onto her legs—her roar echoing into the air. She had won.

 

 

•••

 

 

“Soldiers?” Abbie couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Y-You want me to be a soldier?”

 

 

“I don’t expect you to understand right away.” Grace said, expecting Abbie to freak out again. “But things have changed. The world is changing, and we have to change as well. That is why we recovered you.”

 

 

“J-Just so I can d-die again?”

 

 

“So you can prove that you deserve to be here. I don’t blame you for being skeptical. Nor do I blame you for not wanting to be back here with us.” Grace cut into Abbie’s words while fiddling with a cigar.

 

 

“But everyone has received a fair chance to decide their path. If you want to be a soldier, we’ll open our doors to you. But if you don’t, then…we can’t harbor outsiders.”

 

 

Abbie may not be the brightest, but even he knew what that meant. “You’re gonna make me leave?”

 

 

“Abigail, we’d have no choice. You either leave—or die. Nothing painful. Either an injection or bullet.”

 

 

That wasn’t promising at all. Abbie was terrified. Becoming a soldier was like signing his life away. But dying? He just got his life back. And being dead wasn’t a fun experience.

 

 

Granted, a bullet to the head would be way faster than the torture Circle put him through.

 

 

“So? What’ll it be?”

 

 

Abbie’s hands trembled. It wasn’t the same fear he had like in his last moments, but the nervousness of saying the wrong thing. For the sake of his survival, he knew what it had to be. He would hate it…but it was right.

 

 

“I’ll be a soldier.”

Chapter 16

“Well, well…

 

 

…look who’s back.”

 

 

The trio circled their new comrade, a hostile presence about them. It had been 3 years since they’ve seen the boy—alive, anyway. They can recall all the good times they had when things were normal.

 

 

When you could go outside and breathe fresh air, when school was filled with useless things to push you into college instead of into a battlefield.

 

 

“How long has it been? Three years?” Zip tilted her head, examining Abbie’s figure. “You don’t look any different.”

 

“Cause he died, dude.”

 

 

”Oh. Right. I forgot about that.”

 

Abbie stood in the middle of them, not knowing what to say. He’s never liked them, he probably never will, but now that he’s back. He has to deal with them all over again. The ones that made his life miserable.

 

 

Oliver, Zip, and Edward.

 

 

“Lana and Claire got restored a few weeks ago. And now you? Pfft, that old woman must be really desperate if you got restored.” Edward said, that old venom that used to lace his words returning.

 

 

“W-Well, she said that…” Abbie began, but the three were already talking over him.

 

 

“What do we call him now?” Zip turned to Oliver and Edward. “I mean, we’ve got some pretty cool nicknames now—I wouldn’t want the little lad to be left out.”

 

 

Oliver pondered for a moment. It was one of those things where he already knew what he wanted to say, but decided to pretend to think about it for some type of dramatic effect.

 

 

“How about, Walking Dead?”

 

 

And so began Abbie’s soldier life.

 

 

•••

 

 

“How much longer until we’re back at base?” Engel asked, heading up to Claire.

 

 

Claire replied, “Maybe ten minutes. I can’t go faster than this without putting everyone in danger.” The brunette exhaled, trying to release some stress. Ever since this whole fiasco started, she hasn’t been able to get rid of a sickening feeling brewing in her stomach.

 

 

She doesn’t know why it stayed, or why it came in the first place. But she hates it. She’s been on edge for far too long now.

 

 

“We’re going back to that school?” This was new information to Alice. She was under the impression that they would continue to pursue Fen. She needs to see how that plays out. “And what’ll become of your comrades?”

 

 

“I-I’m sure they can manage.” Claire’s hands tightened.

 

 

That wouldn’t do it for her. Not at all. She came to see something interesting take place, not to be cooped up with a bunch of lower life forms! Her face darkened. Someone’s blood will spill, and she doesn’t care who’s!

 

 

“You, Circle’s lover.” She pointed at Mr. Compass. “You do recall what I told you, right?”

 

 

“What?” Compass arched a brow, confused. “About that deal? If you haven’t noticed, my wife is dying—save that shit for later—!” A black tendril shot out of the demon and wrapped around Compass’ body. He yelped, feeling the tendrils squeeze.

 

 

“Yes, about the deal. I’m using it now.” Alice pointed at Claire, who was aware of what was going on, but couldn’t really do anything to stop it. “Force that one out of that seat and take us back to where Fen is.”

 

 

“Y-You’re crazy!” Compass tried to break free of her grip, but it felt impossible. “We have to help her first!”

 

 

“Her?” Alice stared down at Circle. The woman did indeed look terrible. With all that she’s been through, Alice couldn’t blame her for looking the way she did. But that doesn’t mean anything right now. She came for a show, and she will get one. “Maybe I didn’t make myself clear before. So I’ll be doing so now.”

 

 

The tendrils retraced, making Compass slip up as they returned to Alice. With the same arm, Alice’s hand turned into a black claw. She raised her arm over Circle, ready to strike. The latter saw the demon, but couldn’t get her body to respond.

 

 

“You’re crazy…” Compass said what they all knew.

 

 

Alice smiled, “Your call.”

 

 

Compass clenched his fists, wanting to punch himself in the face for not seeing this coming. In the heat of the moment, he made a deal with a damn demon. They always make their victims suffer, no matter what. This was just her searching for entertainment.

 

 

“I…I can’t put her through this…”

 

 

“So unwise.” Alice sighed, almost expecting a different answer from the man.

 

 

Just as her claw swung downward, Compass yelled out, stopping her. “Okay! Okay—dammit—! Claire, turn this thing around!”

 

 

“Are you crazy—?!”

 

 

“Just do it!”

 

 

Claire picked up on how his voice cracked. He’s going through a lot, he doesn’t need her questioning him. As crazy as this whole thing was, she could somewhat sympathize for him. Even if he doesn’t deserve it.

 

 

He was a cannibalistic teacher, after all.

 

 

The helicopter slowed as it readied to turn around. Not only was Claire now disobeying a direct order from her sergeant, but she is also putting two of her comrade’s lives at risk. But what other choice does she really have?

 

 

“Uh, you sure we should be going back?” Oliver crept his way towards Alice, making sure to move slowly. “I mean, I have no problem with going back! It’s whatever you want to do, y’know? But…”

 

 

“What?” Alice glared confusedly.

 

 

Oliver shrugged, throwing on a smug grin. “Ah, nothing! You’re right, it’ll be fun!”

 

 

Alice’s face contorted back to the amused smile it was beforehand. Having her boyfriend’s support made this all the easier. Even if everyone knew Oliver would take her side anyway.

 

 

“We’re so dead.” Bubble murmured, her hand placed firmly on Abbie’s shoulder.

 

 

Without the equipment back at the base, there’s no way they could properly tend to them. Alice knows that, but it’s not like she cared. If she cared at all about the big one and the bite-sized treat, she would’ve taken them to the base herself.

 

 

“Yes, yes.” Alice sat down, allowing the cold wind to brush by her legs. “Something tells me that things have gotten way more interesting.”

 

 

•••

 

 

The blizzard rained down harshly. It was too difficult to see a couple feet ahead. The only thing that filled their vision was pure white. The icy snow falling from the sky, and the white chunky snow that their feet crunched above.

 

 

“Damn, it’s cold.” Lizzy shivered, her arms shaking. It was also noticeably effecting the steadiness of her weapon.

 

 

The rest of the students were also finding it difficult to aim straight. The only ones who didn’t say a word about how bothersome the cold was were Bloomie and Grace. They stayed ahead of everyone else.

 

 

“We’ll never find that bastard under these conditions.” Bloomie checked their surroundings, not being able to see anything. “Where do you think she took Thav?”

 

 

“No idea.” Replied Grace, “All I know is that it’s about time we killed the damn thing.”

 

 

Bloomie was behind that idea. Especially if that thing hurt her best friend. It was ironic she thought of Thavel as her best friend, especially through all the hardships they went through when they first met. Even when they went to prison.

 

 

It somehow made Bloomie appreciate the woman more. She saw her transform from a well-spoken language teacher, to an airhead that rarely said anything that made sense. She’d even ramble on in different languages—all to herself. It was pretty funny, but she’d never admit that.

 

 

Kevin’s glasses flashed a bright blue, a small beep coming from it as well. He stopped, turning his gun behind himself. “Something’s here!” He called out to the others as silently as possible.

 

 

His warned breath didn’t fall on deaf ears. The others were quickly to react.

 

 

Guns were aimed in every direction. Even the ones who could barely hold onto their weapons anymore held their firearms up.

 

 

Kevin’s glasses act as a radar. It was an idea he presented to Demi and Grace. Not only would nobody ever suspect his glasses being one of their biggest sources of recon, but it was so forgettable that an enemy wouldn’t even be thinking about it.

 

 

“Coordinates?” Grace stood ready.

 

 

Kevin tapped on his glasses, cursing silently. “The snow’s messing with the signal. I can’t get an exact read.”

 

 

“But we know something’s here.” Bloomie stated. “And that’s good enough for me.” She rose her AK into the air, firing off a round. “If you’re out there, present yourself now! If you fail to do so, we will shoot you on sight!”

 

 

“That’s your only warning.”

 

 

If this somehow wasn’t Fen, then she should at least give them a chance to continue living. Because if they came at Bloomie’s group, she would blow several holes through them without hesitation.

 

 

Haste footsteps came from nearby. They were footsteps that you would hear from something trying to be stealthy. Something that’s stalking. But they were heavy footsteps as well, so it wasn’t anything small.

 

 

Bloomie and Grace knew right then and there that it was her. What else would be out here?

 

 

The footsteps circled around them. It kept them all on edge. Was she surveying each and every one of them? If it weren’t for the thick blizzard, maybe they could’ve seen her—but it’s dark as well, so their best chance is to stay close together.

 

 

Cubbie asked, “It stopped—?” That’s when  Fen broke through the darkness and snowfall, her razor-like teeth bared. She targeted Cubbie, who was the smallest member of the group by far. The cat let out a hiss, crying out into the sky as the beast bit down onto his leg.

 

 

Cubbie flew off of his feet, his body hanging upside down, his leg halfway in Fen’s mouth. The others turned their weapons at her, firing.

 

 

She managed to maneuver through the barrage of bullets, only catching a few that barely did anything to her in the first place.

 

 

In his struggle, Cubbie tried to force open Fen’s maw to free himself, but it was clamped shut. He could feel his leg being crushed each time her jaw snapped back shut. “G-Get off…!” His eyes were blurry with tears. His teeth gritted together, holding back pained noises.

 

 

Cubbie swiftly sat up, his arm being just long enough to pull his pocket knife out of the sheath. He lifted it above his head and slammed it down into Fen’s face. It pierced right beneath her right eye.

 

 

Fen groaned, her jaw loosening. Before he was fully free, Fen bit down once again, whipping her head one way to throw Cubbie away. She then clawed at her face, the knife that he stabbed into her flying out.

 

 

She lifted her head, roaring at the group. With reckless abandon, Fen rushed in again. This time, Lana was her target. The tall girl saw the initial attack coming and rolled underneath the 10 foot monster, aiming her gun at her stomach.

 

 

Before she could shoot, Fen reached her claw beneath herself, swiping at Lana, slashing her across her face. Afterward, she picked her up, Lana’s gun falling in the snow.

 

 

“I guess we’re doing this now.” Grace said, catching Bloomie’s attention. “Stay on top of her, I’ll try to bring her to the ground!”

 

 

“Understood.” Bloomie nodded, charging at Fen.

 

 

Grace went in as well, her target being Fen’s legs and massive claws. Without any stability, she wouldn’t be able to hoist her body around. That’ll make her an easy target.

 

 

“Riley! With me!” Grace beckoned for the student’s assistance.

 

 

Riley, as crazy as she was, quickly joined her. Grace knew that the girl wasn’t sane, which made her an exceptional candidate. Anyone else wouldn’t have thrown their life into imminent danger like Riley.

 

 

The girl, armed with a MP5 and several knives assorted through several compartments on her body, began firing away at Fen’s large claws.

 

 

Fen would’ve ended her there, but a pain came from her back. It was sharp and burning. Bloomie used her claw to tear into the thick skin on her back. It wasn’t easy, especially with how Fen shook and wriggled, trying to get the woman off of her.

 

 

Riley’s gun clicked, signaling that the weapon was out of ammo. She went to reload, but realized she didn’t have anymore mags on her. “Guess we have to resort to other options.” She lifted her shirt up slightly, revealing that she was wearing a belt of knives that ran across her stomach. Probably not the safest of places, but the girl knew more about those blades than anyone else.

 

 

She chose two of the larger ones. The distance between her and Fen dwindled.

 

 

“Nerd! Give me a guesstimate!” Zip shouted over to Kevin, “How much ammo are we gonna have to dump into this thing to take it down?!”

 

 

“Uhh—!” Kevin ran numbers through his head between his shots at Fen. “—way more than what we’re packing right now!”

 

 

Zip cursed underneath her breath, “Dammit. I guess we’re all fucked.” Her wings spread open, the cold, frigid air being blown around as they flapped. Zip left the ground, using her wings to fly around Fen, shooting her from several angles, making sure to not hit her comrades. “Emo! Help me out here!”

 

 

“We talked about this.” Skell grumbled, “Stop calling me ‘Emo’!” He took off, his wings expanding. The two of them would support the rest from above. They also acted as distractions.

 

 

If they could just overwhelm Fen, even for one second, they could do it. They could bring Fen down, they could hurt her.

 

 

Blood began spraying from Fen’s body. Riley made sure of that. With every new stab, a new wound opened. The bullets began to sting, Bloomie’s claw felt like a hot knife in her spine. Grace’s gun that constantly hit her legs reminded her of fire ants crawling up her body.

 

 

It made her mad. Nothing could make her more enraged than one’s smaller than her finding a way to win. She wanted to be the one to crush them—destroy them. They were insects compared to her. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

 

Fen’s head tilted upward, anger boiling over. When her jaws opened, a loud bellow came out. It was louder than all of the previous ones. This one could be heard for miles.

 

 

Riley went for one more stab, intending to bleed her again. Fen decided that dealing with her first would be best. As the girl jabbed her arm forward, Fen swiped her claw at her, sending her flying back into Robby.

 

 

The head on collision was enough to concuss her. It happened almost instantly, she passed out. The damage she did would soon heal, and it’d be as if she never attacked Fen at all.

 

 

Fen’s next targets were the ones who tried to keep their distance. The soldiers on the ground were proving to be very bothersome as well. Feeling their pellet-like bullets make contact with her skin sent an indescribable rage down her body.

 

 

Apart from Cubbie, who was already on the ground, a stream of crimson pooling underneath his mostly shattered leg.

 

 

Ruby moved back, pulling Lizzy and Petunia with her. They narrowly dodged Fen’s claw swing. She had swung so fast that Ruby didn’t even want to think about what would happen if she hit one of them.

 

 

Fen didn’t let up. She lunged forward, snapping her jaw at the three, trying to catch one of them in her mouth.

 

 

“Focus on me!” In an attempt to keep the younger ones safe, Bloomie guided herself to Fen’s upper back, reaching her arm around to her face, punching the monster in her eye.

 

 

Fen shrieked, shaking her neck to throw Bloomie off. The woman tried to find some stability, but it was nearly impossible. She lost her footing, sliding down the side of Fen’s body. Fen caught her, snatching the soldier up with her large, sharp nails.

 

 

Bloomie grunted, struggling in her grasp. Grace went to help, but Fen knew better. Using her tail, she smacked the sergeant across the face, knocking her over. Fen lifted Bloomie over her head, slamming her into the snow below.

 

 

Bloomie sat up despite the pain coursing through her body. She believed the attack was over, but she was wrong. Fen pulled her up again, slamming her down once more. Her entire body quaked. It felt as if her bones were going to jump right out of her.

 

 

“Hey!” Zip yelled from above, swooping down closer. It was dangerous, but she had to do something. She was followed by Skell, who landed on the top of Fen’s head.

 

 

Zip tried to free her teacher as her body made contact with the ground again. Fen still hadn’t noticed the little dragon. “Let go of my teacher, you—!” she tried to pry Bloomie free, but Fen was 10 times her strength.

 

 

How she wished Edward or Miss Sasha would roll up in a huge tank and blow this thing away. But no, they had to manage the school. Everyone couldn’t be out at once, that’d leave them open.

 

 

So no tanks to blow this thing up.

 

 

“Get back!” Bloomie yelled, using the AK-47 attached to her arm to push Zip away. Zip fell back, stumbling out of the way of Fen’s fist that came down where she was standing. The girl gasped. She wouldn’t have noticed that by herself.

 

 

Skell went for her eyes, trying to permanently blind her. He scratched away at her face, not being able to accurately see where her eyes were. The blizzard was coming down too hard, and their surroundings were way too dark.

 

 

“No, Skell! Get off of there!” Grace demanded from behind Fen, catching her tail as it came back.

 

 

“What?” Skell called back to her. In an instant, his body rotated quickly. “?!” The snow pressed up against his back, Fen’s body on top of him. She flipped herself over, successfully crushing the little bat.

 

 

He wanted to scream. He wanted to make any type of sound that could highlight the pain he was feeling, but he couldn’t. Skell gasped for breath, but his lungs only expelled air. His consciousness slipped; he was fading.

 

 

Grace cursed, running to save the boy. Before she could get close, Fen kicked her away. Grace grunted, her body sliding through the rough and slippery turf.

 

 

“W-We gotta move!” Robby announced to the remaining members.

 

 

Zip, Lizzy, Petunia, Lana, and Kevin understood. There’s no way they could take Fen down, not now.

 

 

Fen whipped her head towards them, a smile creeping up her features. Zip didn’t want to back down from any challenge. She enjoyed hunting down things bigger than herself. Fen was no exception. As afraid as she was, she wanted to win!

 

 

She lifted Zuzi up with one arm, aiming it at Fen.

 

 

“Zip, are you crazy? We have to fall back!” Kevin put a hand on her shoulder, trying to pull her along, but she shrugged him off.

 

 

She spat, “Maybe you guys, but not me. She’s taken down the Crazy Lady, Bloomie, and I’m sure even Sergeant Grace knows she can’t beat her.” Her chest felt tight, and her mind was racing with millions of thoughts. “I may not have a chance either, but I’ll be damned if I back down now!”

 

 

“We came all this way for a reason.” Her wings carried her forward, “I’m not running away!” She flew quickly, closing the gap between her and Fen.

 

 

It was unwise. Everyone knew that, including Zip. But what type of soldier runs away? What type of soldier leaves their comrades in the snow to die? As much as she wanted to run away, she refused! It went against everything she’s trained for!

 

 

Fen licked her lips, her body aching with anticipation. She didn’t understand why this bite-sized meal was rushing her, but tearing her apart and eating her flesh wouldn’t be all too bad.

 

 

Grace forced herself to stand. She’s the sergeant for christ’s sake, she should be the one charging in to deal with Fen, but it wasn’t. It was one of her most loyal soldiers instead.

 

 

Stupid, little Zip.

 

 

As she flew, her left wing was blasted off.

 

 

She winced and cried out, losing all momentum. She crashed at Fen’s feet, her remaining wing folding back.

 

 

Everyone knew she was practically signing her death wish, but it wasn’t Fen that hit her. It wasn’t even a blunt strike that hit her. She was shot.

 

 

“Oh, my. Who would ever pull the trigger on a child trying to prove themself…?” The shotgun, Abbie’s shotgun, was in her hand. “…especially when she was going to give it her all.”

 

 

Xister smiled.

 

 

“What a monster.”

 

 

Zip wasn’t moving. The others were scared stiff. Had they even moved a muscle, they could be the next one shot.

 

 

“You did a pretty good job here.” Xister complimented the brute before her, rubbing her hand across Fen’s bruised claws, soothing them. Her eyes looked out into the field. Many of the ones that opposed them earlier were down. “You even took out one of the higher ups.” She was talking about Bloomie, whose head laid on a rock that was barely visible.

 

 

Fen smashed her head against that rock, explaining the red that painted it.

 

 

“But she’s still up.” Xister pointed the shotgun at Grace, who pulled her gun in return. “How come you haven’t killed that one? And a few of the ones down are still breathing. Like him.” The gun aimed at Cubbie, “And him.” Then at Skell.

 

 

“No matter. You can fix it later.” Xister shook her head. “We’ve got to kill that one. Do you understand?”

 

 

Xister shook her head. Grace was the main target now. The other soldiers wouldn’t interfere, they were too frightened. That was a good thing for Grace. It ensured their safety for now.

 

 

They wouldn’t be trying anything stupid or heroic like their dragon friend.

 

 

“Come on, let’s make this quick. It’s just her, it won’t be too much of a problem.”

 

 

The sound of a helicopter became present. It didn’t sound that far off at all. Actually, it sounded like it was coming right for them. Everyone’s eyes went to the sky. Grace couldn’t believe it. She gave a direct order—one that should’ve been followed.

 

 

Fen and Xister, as well as everyone else, expected some kind of heroic entrance. But that was the exact opposite of what was going on.

 

 

The helicopter was spinning out of control, swaying and fighting the wind as it approached. Xister rose a brow. “That’s the helicopter from before.”

 

 

The aircraft began to descend, but not in a landing form. No, it was about to crash.

 

 

“Move!”

 

 

Right onto Fen and Xister.

 

 

The latter moved out of the way quickly, avoiding it completely, but the same couldn’t be said about Fen. She moved as well, but due to her size, the blades cut her arm, flesh being torn. She hissed, jerking her arm back, examining the damage.

 

 

It was disgusting, but she would be able to manage.

 

 

The helicopter swayed as if it was trying to stay up, or maybe trying to correct itself, but it couldn’t. It circled around the area for a moment before finally smashing into the ground, sliding a bit because of the icy snow.

 

 

It took a while, but a familiar bunch emerged from the aircraft, thankfully unscathed.

 

 

“Ah, Fen and Xister.” Alice gave greetings to the two. “You two are stirring up a lot of trouble tonight. You know that, right?”

 

 

“And who’re you supposed to be?” Xister put a hand on her hip, the other holding the shotgun close. “Some more of their soldiers?”

 

 

Alice chuckled, “Believe me, I’m not with them. And I will definitely not fight for them.”

 

 

The next one out of the helicopter was Compass. His blue eyes locked onto Fen and Xister. He scowled. As much as he disliked Alice for bringing them back here, he also wanted to end Xister and Fen personally.

 

 

“Thank God, we’re alive.” Engel pulled himself out along with Bubble. “Abbie and Miss Circle should be fine inside. As long as we don’t let them get to her, they’ll be safe.”

 

 

“Good to know.” Bubble nodded. Then she surveyed the snowy plain. Her friend’s bodies were everywhere.

 

 

Cubbie’s leg was broken, Skell was unconscious, but he was still struggling to breathe, Zip’s wing was blown off. Even Bloomie, one of the strongest among them, had her head split open.

 

 

And there was no sign of Thavel anywhere.

 

 

“What happened here…?” Oliver asked himself. The sight was amusing, but horrifying as well. They didn’t hesitate to harm everyone else, they wouldn’t hesitate to harm him as well.

 

 

But with Alice protecting him? Would he have to even worry about that being a possibility? He opted not to think about it.

 

 

“More chickens to fill the coop.” Xister cocked Abbie’s shotgun. “Don’t you ever learn? You can’t beat us. Hell, you probably can’t even beat me. We outclass you, military training or not.”

 

 

“She outclasses us.” Grace points to Fen, “But you? You’re nothing but a coward. You hide behind her, deciding when to jump in. You fought against Abigail, a soldier up until now, I thought was hopeless. He gave you those bruises, didn’t he?”

 

 

Xister’s face hardened. “That brat? Only because I was toying with him. If I wanted to kill him, he’d be dead right now.”

 

 

“But he isn’t. And if he can give you those injuries, what do you think we’ll do to you?” Grace fired back, ready for whatever was to come next.

 

 

Xister only laughed in return. “I can’t believe how foolish you all are.” She put her hand on Fen, patting the taller one. “You really believe she’d let you? No.”

 

 

Oliver gasped silently. The two of them are alike. She depends on Fen just as much as he depends on Alice. Like two sides of the same coin. But unlike Xister, he isn’t the type to run away when he’s in a bind.

 

 

He’d rather shoot his way out.

 

 

Inside of the helicopter, Abbie and Circle both laid still. Circle’s breathing was slow, but steady.

 

 

And Abbie was forcing his body up. He couldn’t stop now. Not when they’re so close to going home. If they win tonight, it’s over. All they have to do is go through two obstacles.

 

 

Two huge obstacles.

 

 

But that’s been his entire life. Obstacle after obstacle. He failed to overcome the last one three years ago, but as long as there is strength in his body, and a heartbeat in his chest, then he will clear this obstacle.

 

 

With a groan, he pushed his body off of the bed and onto his feet. “It…hurts…” his voice was hoarse. However, that was the least of his problems. “…but not as bad as before…”

 

 

He stumbled forward, bumping into the bed beside his. A sharp pain ran through his knee as he hit Circle’s bed. He winced, backing away. That’s when he saw the woman lying there, breathing quietly.

 

 

He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. The woman that tortured him before was just like him. Defenseless, beaten, and battered. She probably didn’t have any energy to hoist herself around either.

 

 

“I have to be the one to do this.” Abbie said to himself. “She told me I’m a solider, even though I’ve never shot my gun.”

 

 

“I have to stop being scared.” He got closer and closer to the snowy scene outside of the hunk of metal. “I have to load my gun and shoot it…”

 

 

“…it’s the only way now.”

Chapter 17

“I think you’re in over your head, old lady.” Said Xister. “I think we’ve been plenty kind up until now. We were gonna give you people quick deaths, ones that wouldn’t have you picking shrapnel out of your guts, but you just had to make things difficult.”

 

 

“Now I’m thinkin’ you don’t deserve that kind of mercy.”

 

 

Grace kept her composure. It was easy to threaten someone when you have a ten foot beast next to you. How would she isolate Xister from Fen?

 

 

“I’m thinkin’ that it’s about time we really make you suffer. So, here’s my idea.” Xister started, pacing back and forth. “We take you—only you—and we let the rest of your little ‘soldiers’ go. We torture you, ehhh, for a couple of weeks. Then boom, you die, and everyone else lives happily ever after.”

 

 

“Or, we subdue you, then you watch as we kill everyone here, and then we finally kill you.” Xister stopped, finding herself planted in front of Fen. “What do ya’ say?” She asked, a little smile on her lips.

 

 

“Alice.” Grace ignored Xister’s offer, getting the demon’s attention.

 

 

Alice formed beside the woman, “Yes?” She asked, her hands behind her back. She leaned forward, likely ready to hear exactly what she wanted to.

 

 

With a beat of hesitation, Grace started—“You can do whatever you want.” She hissed out reluctantly, “Whatever you want, or need, I’ll…I’ll get it for you…”

 

 

“…just help us…”

 

 

Alice’s expression darkened. She offered a hand out to Grace, her smile widening unnaturally.

 

 

“Care to make it…official…?”

 

 

Xister cocked the shotgun, quickly angling it at Grace and Alice. “Stop them.” She ordered Fen.

 

 

Fen charged. Grace’s hand met Alice’s, the two of them shaking on it to make Grace’s words an official deal.

 

 

“Oh, I’m gonna enjoy this.”

 

 

As Fen closed in, a tendril shot out of Alice’s back, stopping Fen in her tracks. The large beast smashed into the tendril, groaning and snarling, trying to rip the black tentacle away.

 

 

“Alice!” Exclaimed Oliver.

 

 

“Calm down, calm down.” Alice chuckled.

 

 

The tendril spread across Fen’s chest, trapping her within the thick, black substance. Her skinny body lifted off of the snowy plain and into the air.

 

 

“You will leave us alone now.” Alice commanded, adopting a serious tone.

 

 

Once Fen was at a considerable altitude, Alice slammed her back down into the ground below. “Or you’ll die cold, and alone.” Alice repeatedly slammed Fen down into the ground, a crater forming through the thick layer of ice and sleet beneath them.

 

 

Xister leapt to the side, taking aim at Alice. She didn’t have a chance to pull the trigger before Grace was on top of her. The older woman drew her pistol, pressing it against Xister’s temple.

 

 

“Go ahead.” Her voice sent a shiver down Xister’s spine. “It’ll cost you.”

 

 

Xister sighed, “You’d sell your soul to a demon? You realize you’ve given yourself years of bad luck, right?” Xister fixed her hat that beared a cross design in the center. “She can ask for your limbs, your children, hell, even the lives of your soldiers.”

 

 

“She isn’t fighting because she cares about you—or anyone else—she just wants your soul.”

 

 

Alice continued to pummel Fen, hearing every word Xister spat out. They were true, she couldn’t deny it, but how could she turn down having someone else to play with? Besides, it’s not every day she can let loose.

 

 

Fen struggled in the grasp of the tight tendril. It was so tight around her chest, she could feel her insides squeezing just to conform to the size of it. But that all ended with an angered howl from Fen.

 

 

She found enough energy within herself to bite down onto Alice’s tendril, making the girl wince. Fen shook her head violently, making black fluid gush out. Fen tore the tendril off, spitting it out like it was a tasteless piece of meat.

 

 

Alice’s tendril retracted, coming back to the brunette. With black fluids still coming out of it, Alice grunted, forcing the end of it to regenerate. A new look was on her face.

 

 

One of mild annoyance, mixed in with a little bit of surprise.

 

 

But it didn’t last long. It shifted into a wide, razor-sharp grin. Her pupils shrank down, turning into small, spec-sized, black dots. Her teeth were perfectly aligned, all of them looking like knives stuck inside of her jaw.

 

 

In a flash, Alice vanished. No, she was just moving too fast.

 

 

She reappeared in front of Fen, thrusting her claw forward.

 

 

“!” Fen caught the smaller demon’s arm, pulling her off balance. The cold air was sharp, feeling as if it was stabbing her skin.

 

 

Fen threw her a couple of feet away. Alice hit the ground, rolling backwards, her legs stopping her from going any further. Her smile remained.

 

 

“So, you’re just gonna keep the gun to my head while they fight?” Asked Xister, slightly tilting her head to view Grace’s unamused frown. “Very entertaining.”

 

 

“This isn’t for your pleasure.” Grace reminded the woman, pressing the tip of her pistol against Xister’s head harder.

 

 

“I can tell. That’s why I’ll have to make some of my own.” Xister sighed.

 

 

Grace rose a brow, “What—?”

 

 

A blunt object jabbed into her stomach, instinctively forcing her to release Xister. She wasn’t finished yet, though, Grace fired the pistol, the shot echoing across the plain.

 

 

The bullet flew, soaring right above Xister’s head, ripping through her hat, straight through the cross. She ducked down, unaware that the bullet had hit.

 

 

Grace went to shoot again, her finger literally about to pull the trigger back.

 

 

Before she knew it, she was staring down the barrel of a shotgun. Her heart dropped. “Dammit.” She muttered underneath her breath.

 

 

Xister exhaled, a smile on her face. She seemed impressed. “Damn, you’re cool. You know that?” Grace didn’t know what the woman was talking about. “Even though I hit you with the stock of the gun, you were still able to get a shot off!”

 

 

“Only a veteran would be able to—”

 

 

The snow crunched underneath fast-paced footsteps. Ones that were coming at Xister.

 

 

“AH!” The smaller figure bellowed, tackling Xister to the floor.

 

 

Xister dropped the shotgun, her arms being pinned into the snow. “What the—?!” She struggled, “—get off!”

 

 

Grace gathered herself, ignoring the sharp pain in her chest. Her eyes squinted, her vision poor in the harsh conditions of the night and snow.

 

 

But the black-haired teen on top of Xister was very familiar.

 

 

“Abigail!” She exclaimed.

 

 

Abbie had Xister by the throat, squeezing as hard as he could. Xister groaned, feeling the necessity to breathe grow stronger and stronger. She choked, her arms trying to lift Abbie off of her.

 

 

“GET…OFF…!” Bellowed Xister, pushing the smaller teen off of her stomach, her lungs filling with cold air.

 

 

Abbie face planted in the snow, his hands sinking into the soft ice. Xister sat up, her eyes scanning the area for the shotgun. “You son of a—!” A boot connected with her cheek. Grace stood above her, lifting her foot up again.

 

 

She brought it back down into Xister, a crunch following. “F-Fen—!” Grace stomped again.

 

 

Xister’s desperate calls were cut short by Grace’s blatant fury. Xister curled up into a ball, her arms protecting her face from anymore punishment.

 

 

Fen swiped at Alice, but the smaller fighter dodged and countered with a slash across Fen’s face. Her blood dripped from Alice’s black claws, satisfying the demon.

 

 

As Fen tried to attack again, Alice phased away. She reappeared a safe distance away from Fen. She lifted her claw up to her lips, the one that beared Fen’s blood.

 

 

She licked them clean, salvaging the taste of Fen’s blood. To her surprise, it tasted sweet. Definitely something she wanted more of.

 

 

“Your blood.” She mumbled, “…such a delicacy.” Black spikes protruded from her back, “Your flesh must taste even richer.”

 

 

The wound across Fen’s face began to heal, leaving no trace of a scar.

 

 

Xister scrambled, trying to get away from Grace, her body dragging sluggishly against the snow floor. She couldn’t feel her arms. Her clothes were stained in the wetness of the sleet melting into it.

 

 

Standing above her was Grace. She had a determined look in her eyes. “You stalked my soldiers, injured my troops…” she raised her pistol up.

 

 

“…it’s about time you paid.”

 

 

Grace didn’t shoot, however. She didn’t get a chance. “Wait.” Said Abigail, approaching her, the shotgun in his hand.

 

 

Grace almost couldn’t believe it.

 

 

“After everything she’s done? It should be me…not you.” His previous timid, scared whimper of a voice was gone. This wasn’t the same Abbie that left the base a few days ago.

 

 

Grace knew that. Whatever Fen and Xister did, it changed him.

 

 

Grace lowered her weapon, slowly backing away. “A-Alright…” she whispered.

 

 

“You?” Xister wheezed out a laugh when she saw Abbie. “Come on—you’re kidding—put the gun down, kid.”

 

 

Abbie aimed the already-loaded gun at Xister, his hand tightening at its grip. ‘They deserve this.’ He told himself, trying to convince himself that this was the right way. ‘She has to die, she deserves to die.’

 

 

Xister waited, her façade of confidence growing every second he didn’t pull the trigger. “Come on. ‘It should be you’, right? Or were you just trying to hype yourself up into doing something we both know you just ain’t capable of?”

 

 

“You’re not a killer, boy. You’ve got your sergeant fooled, but I can see it in your eyes. Behind the anger, behind the pain, you’re still just a scared little boy.”

 

 

“Abbie…” Grace took one step forward.

 

 

Xister slowly sat up, her hand reaching for the shotgun ever-so-slightly. “A scared little boy that, no matter how hard he convinces himself, he’ll be nothing but a useless, little soldier.”

 

 

Abbie froze, giving Xister just enough time to reach for the shotgun, prying it out of Abbie’s hands. She pulled it back, flipping it to aim it at Abbie.

 

 

“No…!” Abbie ducked his head, knowing it wouldn’t be enough to get out of the way of the shotgun’s blast.

 

 

Xister pulled her finger back, and…

 

 

“GAH!!”

 

 

Abbie’s eyes slowly opened. He was fine! He hadn’t felt the hot bullet blow a hole through his skin.

 

 

“…nngh…” Xister’s arm fell.

 

 

Blood came from the fresh bullet hole. She groaned, “Y-You…”

 

 

Grace brought her pistol to her own lips, blowing away the smoke. Her eyes met Abbie’s. “If you intend on doing the right thing…I suggest you do it now.”

 

 

Abbie shifted his gaze to Xister. No, it was on the gun in Xister’s hand.

 

 

“That belongs to me.” He said, walking over to her, standing right above her. Xister tried to lift her arms to push his hand away, but she was too weak.

 

 

She coughed, holding back the urge to puke. “Okay, okay…” she snickered, “…m-maybe I was a little too harsh with ya’ earlier…it was all good fun, y’know?”

 

 

She continued talking, but Abbie couldn’t hear it. In his mind, she was already dead.

 

 

“I mean, what’s your plan here?” She spoke to Grace, “To groom him into being a murderer? Is that what you want? Why strip away the little innocence he has left? What kind of—?”

 

 

BANG

 

 

The sudden shot was enough to make even the likes of Grace jump. One second, Xister was reprimanding the woman’s actions, and the next…

 

 

…her entire head was busted open. Whatever fluid and matter inside flowing out like the juice of a watermelon when cut into.

 

 

Xister’s body stiffened.

 

 

Abbie held the shotgun tightly. It trembled in his hands. He didn’t enjoy that. He didn’t even want to have to do that. He didn’t think he’d ever have to do something as heinous as that. But with his life on the line—with his friend’s lives on the line.

 

 

What other choice did he have?

 

 

“Woah…” Bubble spoke, in awe.

 

 

“Abbie…” Engel didn’t know what to think.

 

 

Claire’s hands went over her mouth, a squeal coming out.

 

 

And next to them all was Oliver. Abbie’s bully, his tormentor. The one who makes his life a living hell every day.

 

 

“Holy shit.”

 

 

Abigail finally pulled the trigger. He finally did what Circle was telling him to do. He killed someone with his own free will.

Chapter 18

“Abigail.” Grace was surprised, to say the least.

 

 

Never did she think that Abigail, someone who fails at every physical, and written exam, could ever find it in his heart to end someone’s life.

 

 

But what he did to Xister proved her wrong. The girl’s head was practically gone. Her hat didn’t even exist anymore, only being black pieces of material scattered about in the brain matter and blood sinking into the snow.

 

 

Abbie glared down at his work. There was a sense of pride building within him. But that wasn’t the only thing. Disgust was a feeling defining itself in his core.

 

 

His gun, his shotgun, did that to somebody. How could he? He felt sick, but what else was he supposed to do? He couldn’t let Grace shoot her, it wouldn’t have been right, not after what Xister and Fen did to him and Circle.

 

 

The woman is on the verge of death inside of a crashed helicopter because of them. There’s no doubt that this was what she deserved. And it’s what Fen deserves too.

 

 

But with this kill, came a sense of relief. He hated the fact that he had to shoot her. He had to build enough courage just to pull the trigger, it relieved him.

 

 

It was proof that he would never turn into a stone-cold killer.

 

 

And for that, he was thankful.

 

 

“We can’t…” he exhaled heavily, his eyes falling onto a stunned Grace. “…we can’t let them hurt anyone else.”

 

 

In the snowy plain was his comrades. All of them battled, all of them lost. Abigail took that into account, knowing just how dangerous Fen is.

 

 

Fen bellowed, snapping at Alice. Her teeth clattered—Alice just knew that she didn’t want to get caught in there—it’d probably be enough to rip her arm clean off.

 

 

Two tendrils struck Fen simultaneously, one tearing into her shoulder, and the other into her stomach. Fen roared, trying to pull the one that’s embedded into her shoulder out.

 

 

Alice slithered forward, stabbing through Fen’s body with two more sharp tendrils.

 

 

Fen coughed, a nauseous sensation lumping in her throat. She snarled, feeling her consciousness slipping. Her eyes scanned the area for Xister. Surely the woman wouldn’t have left her alone to deal with Alice, right?

 

 

But when she spotted Xister’s lifeless corpse on the snow floor, for the first time ever, her heart dropped.

 

 

Two more tendrils shot out at Fen, going through her body like butter. Alice laughed, not aware of the rage building inside. “I think this is game over for you, Fen. It’s nothing personal, really.” One last tendril came from Alice’s back. “But when I’m given a deal, I just can’t help myself.”

 

 

The tendril shot out, traveling quickly. Fen’s head was its target. Her tendrils were definitely strong enough to split her skull in half; she could do it with ease.

 

 

Just as the tendril reached arm’s distance, Fen raised her head up, catching the tendril with her claw. “Huh?” Alice attempted to retract her tendril, but Fen had a tight grip on it.

 

 

The two locked eyes. Alice could’ve sworn she saw tears coming out of Fen’s. It wasn’t difficult to piece together what she was upset about. Alice smirked, not showing the monster any pity. “What? Are you crying? Your little girlfriend’s dead, so what?”

 

 

With each word, Fen’s anger grew.

 

 

“Maybe if she knew her place, she’d still be alive. And to be killed by Abbie?” Alice laughed, sighing. “What a joke. Don’t fret, though. You’ll be joining her soon.”

 

 

“Sh…” Fen’s maw snapped, somewhat catching the demon before her by surprise.

 

 

“What’s that?” Asked Alice, slowly stepping toward the beast. Are you trying to say something? Spit it out.”

 

 

“…shut…!”

 

 

“Or do I need to go get Xister to translate for you? Oh, wait, you can’t, can you?”

 

 

“SHUT UP!!” Exploding in fury was Fen, her voice a perfect mix of lethally terrifying, and woefully delicate.

 

 

Her body tensed up, her paper-thin, but tough skin thickening. She started to grow in size, the sound of bones crunching and cracking filling Alice’s ears. She had pissed Fen off, royally.

 

 

“Alice!” Oliver called out to his girlfriend, but she didn’t respond.

 

 

Her eyes were fixed on Fen, only on Fen.

 

 

Grace’s Hope started to waver. Before her time as Paper School’s principal, she commanded her own soldiers, a battalion matched by no one. How badly she wished they were here, that they could show their faces.

 

 

Because if this keeps up any further…

 

 

She didn’t even want to think about it.

Chapter 19

“There she is!” Alice exclaimed, her hands turning into pitch black tendrils, launching out at Fen. “That’s the Fen that I know! That’s the Fen that strikes fear in the heart of anyone who hears her tale!”

 

 

The tendrils traveled quickly, piercing Fen’s thick skin. The monster was foaming at the mouth, a crazed look in her eyes. Her movements were erratic and had no clear destination.

 

 

“Shut up, shut up, shut up!” She yelled over and over again, slashing her claws at the tendrils Alice sent her way.

 

 

Alice pulled her tendrils away, readying another attack.

 

 

This entire situation has already escalated way beyond a point where Grace could control it. With her partner dead, Fen has absolutely nobody to calm her down. She’ll stay persistent with rage.

 

 

“Alice, you have to get out of there!” A worried Oliver voiced his concern. Bullets wouldn’t be able to do Fen in, especially not like this. And he loves Alice too much to watch the girl fight to her certain death.

 

 

Fen ran on all fours, her arms flying out forward rather far. She closed the distance between herself and Alice in mere seconds. The demon almost didn’t see it coming.

 

 

“!” Alice rolled out of the way, dodging Fen by a couple of inches.

 

 

Fen slid through the snow, unearthly sounds escaping her jaws. She lifted herself off of the ground, whipping her head around, facing Alice.

 

 

There was a much more serious look in the demon’s eyes. ‘If she managed to get me just then.’ Alice stood upright, her fingers growing into black claws. “Looks like somebody could use some therapy.” She mocked Fen, still managing to find this situation humorous. “Can’t go five seconds alone, now can you?”

 

 

Fen didn’t want to hear it. She was already pissed off as is. Alice must have a death wish. If she does, Fen would be more than happy to help her out.

 

 

Another flurry of uncoordinated attacks came from Fen. She swung her claws, bit at the air, trying to catch the smaller demon in her mouth. She wanted Alice’s death to be slow and bloody.

 

 

Alice stepped back, avoiding Fen’s series of attacks. It took Fen a lucky strike across Alice’s cheek to knock her back. The demon grunted, falling back onto the snow. She tried to stand, but Fen stopped her, slamming her foot down onto the demon’s leg.

 

 

She hissed out, cursing, feeling her bones crack and break beneath Fen’s leg.

 

 

Fen lifted her foot, and sure enough, Alice’s left leg was broken right beneath the knee.

 

 

“Alice!” Cried out Oliver, his eyes glistening.

 

 

He was panicked. He’s never seen his girlfriend backed into a corner. She was too powerful to lose, not to anyone.

 

 

Right?

 

 

The girl winced, pulling herself back. In one successful blow, Fen’s made Alice five times slower than normal.

 

 

Black tendrils shot out of Alice’s back as her leg began to heal. It wasn’t as fast as usual, but efficient.

 

 

“I see that you’re upset.” Grumbled Alice, her skin darkening to a pitch-black tone. Her skin tone matched the night sky, blending the two together. “But you really shouldn’t have done that.”

 

 

Alice rushed forward off of her newly-healed foot, charging Fen.

 

 

Her entire form seemed to change. She rushed head-first, her wicked smile shifting as her head split downwards, a mouth with razor sharp teeth on either side flew open wildly.

 

 

She growled, snapping her teeth down onto Fen’s arm. Fen howled, feeling Alice’s teeth sink into her skin.

 

 

The taller being slammed her arm into the ground, sending Alice with it.

 

 

Alice didn’t let up. Her teeth stayed firm in Fen’s flesh, the stinging pain running up Fen’s entire limb. It created the perfect distraction, the perfect opening.

 

 

“We gotta move!”

 

 

It was Oliver who yelled it. His sniper scope glinted as he aimed it at the head of Fen, her skull in his sights. If he could just shoot her enough…

 

 

“We can’t stop that thing!” Bubble argued back, “Not with our guns!”

 

 

Oliver didn’t listen. If he took this shot, the most he would be doing is just pissing Fen off. And God knows where that would lead. But he couldn’t just sit there and watch as Alice fought alone.

 

 

He’s her boyfriend, he’s supposed to help her.

 

 

Finally, Fen ripped Alice off of her arm. The cold air stung against the white-hot pain surging up her limb. It hurt so bad. Alice tried to clamp down again, but Fen threw her aside. As she did so, her eyes fell upon Oliver.

 

 

Staring right down his scope.

 

 

His finger curled around the trigger.

 

 

The shot never came. The bullet didn’t smash into the side of Fen’s head—it never left the gun. Not because Oliver had any second doubts about trying to end Fen right there, but because Fen’s claw found itself impaled through Oliver’s abdomen.

 

 

Oliver’s hands dropped to his side.

 

 

His sniper dropped to the snowy plain.

 

 

Cowering right beside him was Engel and Bubble. Across the way, watching from behind a rock that stuck out of the ground just enough to act as cover was Lizzy, Petunia, Lana, and Kevin.

 

 

“It…it got Oliver…!” Kevin gasped, his skin tone ghastly white.

 

 

Lizzy covered her mouth in shock, the same going for Petunia next to her.

 

 

Lana stared. With every passing second, it became abundantly apparent how this would end. With Xister dead, Fen would stop at nothing to murder everyone here. She would kill every single thing breathing around her.

 

 

Lana caught a flicker of movement in the corner of her eye. It was Abbie. He was as still as a statue, eyes down, hands trembling. Beneath him was the dead body of Xister—head busted open from the Mossberg shot.

 

 

She could tell just how much he regretted it.

 

 

A scream, inhumane, echoed like a wisp through air. It was Alice. It was the most vulnerable, heartbroken, enraged scream.

 

 

Because now she and Fen were on the same level; an eye for an eye.

 

 

What came next was out of all of their hands.

 

 

Alice, dark as the night, bellowed, her form shifting rapidly as her anger brewed. She charged Fen quickly, tendrils, claws, assortments of teeth shifting, cracking. She didn’t know what to become, she didn’t care enough to settle on a form.

 

 

Oliver fell backwards, being caught by Engel.

 

 

Fen turned around, slashing Alice. Black blood hit the snow. Alice didn’t retreat. She tackled Fen, taking the beast to the ground. Fen kicked and clawed, trying to force Alice off of her, but nothing seemed to work.

 

 

“Abbie!”

 

 

Lana slid on the snow, no, on the blood beneath her boots. “Abbie, please…” her hand landed on his shoulder. “…are you okay?” It was her touch that broke him from that trance.

 

 

“Lana…” Abbie was tearing up.

 

 

“…I killed someone, Lana.”

 

 

Lana’s features softened. Seeing him like this—broken—just for wanting to live, made her want to cry too. “Abbie. It’s okay. You shouldn’t be…you can’t blame yourself for this. She was going to kill you.”

 

 

Abbie’s body jerked forward as Lana pulled him close. “And if she killed you, then we might’ve never gotten you back again.” Her arms were already tightly wrapped around Abbie’s body.

 

 

He didn’t reciprocate the hug at first. It was so sudden and out of nowhere, he didn’t expect it.

 

 

“I’d rather it be her than you.”

 

 

Her voice cracked.

 

 

That’s when Abbie hugged her back.

 

 

“I’m a murderer, Lana.”

 

 

“You’re a survivor, Abbie.”

 

 

A survivor. That pretty much sums up everything Abbie’s been through in the past couple of days. He’s survived monsters hunting him down, military battalions firing rockets at them, he’s survived a truck battle—what else did he have to do to get a happy ending?

 

 

If he’s survived that, what couldn’t he survive?

 

 

His body trembled, “I’m a survivor…”

 

 

Alice and Fen, connected through a mangled mesh of limbs, crashed down into the snow. Abbie pulled his head up, watching the fight. Alice had Fen bleeding.

 

 

They can’t let their best chance of surviving this fight alone. Lana was the one to break the hug, backing away from the fight, heart pounding heavily. “What are we gonna do…? If Alice doesn’t win…”

 

 

“We have to overwhelm her.” Abbie answered, the air cold on his breath.

 

 

“We tried that already. She beat us, and bad.” Lana mentioned, hopelessness in her tone.

 

 

That is true. They were overwhelmed before. Fen didn’t show them any mercy. If you weren’t Xister, then you weren’t an ally. And with Xister gone, Fen had 0 allies.

 

 

A light groan came from the darkness. It was Zip.

 

 

“ Ffffucckk .” She whined, what used to be her wing now dripping with blood, staining the back of her outfit. “What hit me…?”

 

 

“Zip!”

 

 

Zip turned her head. The sight greeting her was Lana, and a very worn out Abigail.

 

 

“Damn…” she eyed Abigail sheepishly, staggering, trying to push herself up to her feet. “…the hell happened to you?”

 

 

“We can talk about that later. We need all the help we can get.” Abbie spoke, clear and assertive. It was a tone of voice that Zip has never heard from him before.

 

 

It made her want to listen.

 

 

“Help…? Dude, we were the help. We got fucking—”

 

 

“That doesn’t matter.” Abbie hissed, feeling his body rattle with pain. The fact he was still able to move, or talk, was a miracle in itself. “We have to…stop Fen.”

 

 

Zip stared. ‘What the hell happened to him?’ Was her initial thought. This isn’t the same boy she used to bully. No, this was Abbie evolved. She can recall the days where she’d trip him in the hallways and send him home with a bruise on his arm, or some stinging sensation from where she pinched him that day.

 

 

And now he’s about to lead her into battle.

 

 

“Tell me what to do then.”

Notes:

Imagine taking a 2 month break, couldn’t be me.

Chapter 20

Notes:

wow, it’s been a year since I’ve made the first chapter. thank you everyone for sticking with me for this long!

you all definitely deserve the ending of this book, and I will provide.

“Jesus, you really are useless.” Hissed Oliver as he kicked the downed soldier in the gut, making him roll onto his back in pain, dirt on his face. “Get up. The trial just started.”

3 months into being a soldier, and Abbie showed little to no progress. Unlike Zip, who adjusted to this life easily, or Edward, who became a mechanical mastermind, Abbie was still like he had always been.

Scared, weak, useless.

The horn blew in the distance back at the school—the trial was over. Unlike his teammates, Abbie only managed one point yet again.

Arriving back to the school was hell. It’s as if everyone was judging him silently—not bothering to say to his face what they all already knew.

Abbie is a useless soldier.

“Claire, 6 points.”

Right. Miss Bloomie would always read off their results.

“Engel, 9 points.”

“Zip, 16 points.”

Then she went quiet for just a brief moment. And it was in that silent moment that everyone knew what she was looking at—

“Abigail, 1 point.”

Abbie already stood at the back of the huddle, too afraid to even dare be in the middle.

A little sigh came from the woman as she crumpled the paper, “You never cease to amaze us, Walking Dead.”

“Walking Dead the 1st.” Oliver corrected silently.

Abbie lowered his head. Lana gave the shorter teen a pat on the shoulder. She wasn’t the best soldier either, but she was way better than him. Everyone was better than him.

They were soldiers, warriors—and he was just dead weight that everyone hated taking on missions.

“Alright, let’s see…” said Thavel, squinting her eyes to read off the list for the upcoming mission. “…Petunia, Kevin, Skell, and Abigail.”

The three stood close to one another, already talking strategy.

And then there was Abbie standing off to the side, watching. He’d never be one of them. Next to them, he stands out only because of how bad of a soldier he is.

Walking Dead isn’t a good soldier. Not one bit.

 

•••

 

“We’re gonna need more than just us.” Abbie explained to Zip and Lana, eyes veering off to his fallen comrades in the snow.

Skell was flattened on the ground, unconscious, barely breathing.

Cubbie’s leg was broken, shredded by Fen’s serrated teeth, blood pooling beneath the wound and onto the icy floor beneath him. He had already passed out due to the blood loss.

Neither of them were useful. Not anymore.

Riley groaned, coming to from her head on collision with Robby. She was awake, barely. Robby, who came to before her, extended a hand to her. “Get up, Riley, you have to get up!”

Riley felt like she was in a pool, head submerged deep underwater. Robby’s plea was muffled and incoherent—what he was yelling into her ears was unintelligible.

“Get up, please get up!”

‘What the hell is he saying?’

“Riley!”

Out of nowhere, she was pulled up, onto her feet. That feeling of being stuck was no longer. The cold air hit harder than before, her breath frosted in front of her.

“Are you alright?” It wasn’t Robby asking anymore, it was Abbie.

Riley’s hand slid up the back of her head, the pounding sensation of a headache coming on. “Damn…yeah, I’m fine…just give me a second.”

Abbie shook his head, “I’m sorry, but we don’t have a second. We need all the time we’re gonna get.” Riley wasn’t expecting a response like that. Not from him.

“Uh, okay.” She dropped her hand, the pain never fully subsiding. “What are we gonna do?”

“We can’t beat Fen…” Abbie said the deridingly obvious. “…not when she’s like this. She’s way too powerful to be killed.”

“Yeah, no need to remind us.”

“But maybe we don’t have to kill her.” Abbie exhaled, his words bringing nothing but confusion to the others.

Zip cursed, “Like hell we don’t. This thing put a hole in Circle—it’s little lackey shot my wing off! We’re putting this thing in the dirt—!”

“—we don’t even have enough gun power to put a scratch on her!” Abbie argued, voice rising higher over Zip’s, “Say we do kill her. Yeah, after how many of us die? What, you’d rather sit here and let everyone die because of your pride?”

There were no further arguments from Zip. 

“At first, she wanted revenge…” Abbie recalled. It was Fen who tracked their scent for days just because Circle had gotten the better of her in a fight. “…but then I…I killed her partner. Now she’s fighting because she’s heartbroken.”

“Yeah, let’s sit down and give it some therapy, that’ll help.” Spat Riley.

Abbie’s heart beat faster and faster, the weight of his plan just now coming down onto him. It wasn’t what he wanted to do, but Fen won’t stop until they’re all dead if he doesn’t.

She just wants revenge. And that’ll be it. Everyone else will be okay.

Besides, Fen is only attacking the others because of their direct association with Abigail and Circle. If they’re allies, then she wants to see their bloodshed as well.

Abbie really did wish there was another way. A way for everyone to go home happy—but he was just so tired. He was hurt, he was tired, and he just wanted this to be over with.

“I need you guys to get everyone to a safe distance.” Abbie locked eyes with Lana. She looked suspicious, but was too caught up in the moment to say anything about it.

With a quick nod of her head, she broke away from the group with Zip, Robby, and Riley. Across the way was Engel, Claire, and Bubble. Oliver laid on the ground next to them, an unsightly amount of blood coming from the wound given to him by Fen.

He was alive. It may have been barely, but he was.

Fen’s teeth ripped flesh from Alice’s black tendrils as they came her way. The battle was at a standstill at first, but now? It was more than evident on who was gaining the upper hand.

Alice hissed, retracting a tendril as it split off, black blood spewing out like ink. Her movements were slower, more predictable. She shifted, trying to attack Fen from the side.

But Fen knew the wider. She caught Alice’s claw in her bigger hand—teeth jagged as her lips curved into a malicious smile. Alice couldn’t dodge this. Fen roared, sending her free fist slashing across Alice’s chest.

It burned hot, blood immediately staining the snow below as it dripped. Alice tiredly jerked her body in defense, various parts of her skin turning into smaller mouths as a last ditch effort to deal any possible damage.

It was all in vain. Fen kicked the exhausted demon off of her, and Alice didn’t come back in for another attack. It was a sight that nobody wanted to see. Their ace in the hole—the reckoning—the one who took Sergeant Grace’s eye—the one who struck fear in the hearts of anyone that’s ever laid eyes on her—has been bested.

Fen’s head whipped around the area. Nobody could oppose her anymore, nobody good. Nobody in the snowy field could ever dream of killing her. She is death. The living embodiment.

“Hey!”

Came a scream, one directed towards Fen to get her attention. With a low growl, Fen turned her head to the source of the noise.

Standing alone in the field was Abigail. Bruised, bloodied, but standing.

Still alive.

Fen was going to fix that.

Abbie’s fingers quaked, but he balled them. They didn’t shake from the cold, no, he had gotten used to that by now. It was from the immeasurable amount of fear that consumed his entire being. This was it. This was the unavoidable climax.

“Leave them alone!”

His voice carried out throughout the plain. Everyone still conscious heard it.

Lana heard it.

“And just take me!”

 

•••

 

“You seriously can’t pull your own weight.” Zip grumbled, sitting down on a stool that was next to Abbie’s chair. She looked over his shoulder, eyes reading off his paper. He didn’t try to hide it, she already saw it. “Bloomie tried to kill you last week, that’s how useless you are.”

“When are you going to do anything worth value? You useless excuse of a soldier.”

 

•••

 

Abbie held back the tears begging to come down. It was so cold that they would probably freeze to his cheeks anyway. 

“Please just let them go! They had nothing to do with your partner’s death! I was the one who shot her! I killed her! Me!”

Fen’s eyes narrowed, anger boiling over.

“So don’t hurt them! Just take me, and they’ll never bother you again!”

An eye for an eye, as they say.

Fen, a being with no code of honor, was willing to take that deal. It meant that she could go home satisfied. The killer of Xister wouldn’t be given a pleasant end. Not by a long shot. She’d rip his intestines out, followed by his kidneys, and spleen—in an order that’d keep him alive long enough to feel every single thing.

And when she’s had enough fun, she’ll devour him.

The type of ending the murderer of Xister deserves. The type of ending Xister would give to anybody who could manage to kill her. 

Another brutal ending.

For the sake of everyone else.

He can’t run anyway this time.

“Are you crazy?!” Exclaimed Zip, lifting her gun up, taking aim at Fen. Abbie’s lips quivered, his head whipping to her.

“Don’t be an idiot!” Abbie’s voice cracked right before she could pull the trigger. “T-This is how it h-has to be. She won’t come after you anymore if she gets what she wants.”

Engel couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Neither could Claire, or Bubble. They spent so much time trying to find Abbie—so much time put into bringing him home safe. Who knew it’d be the very same person to throw their life away for them?

What’s worse is that Abbie doesn’t want to die. Not like this. He knows how bad this is going to be. He’s only doing it so nobody else goes through the same fate. It has to be this way. For the sake of everyone else, he has to die.

“Just fucking kill me already.” Abbie whimpered, trying to brace himself for what was about to come.

He’s been through this before.

He’ll be okay.

Everything around him was silent. He couldn’t hear the desperate cries coming Lana, begging him not to go through with this plan. There was the more silent cries of Bubble, eyes widening as Fen charged him.

Ruby couldn’t even look. Petunia covered Lizzy’s eyes, and Petunia did the same.

Even Zip, one of the best soldiers in the school, wore a look of sorrow. Normally, she couldn’t have cared less if Abbie died. She definitely didn’t care 3 years ago. Now was different. For some reason, her chest hurt. Her eyes were burning—why?

•••

Abbie stood up, dirt clinging to his uniform as he coughed. Behind him, Zip gave him a not-so-kind shove, one that sent him stumbling into the stump of a tree.

“Way to get us both caught, dumbass.”

The two of them were paired in a stealth drill. Do anything in your means to not get caught by Bloomie. Knowing Abigail, it was long before he and Zip were caught—being the first pair eliminated.

“Do that shit in a real scenario, and I’ll put a bullet in your head.” Zip was always this way to him. Even before they became soldiers, she was unkind. For whatever reason, she hated Abbie with a burning passion.

Abbie sat down on the stump, head hanging low. He’d definitely have to worry about Bloomie pursuing him later in the day for failing the drill. Zip could get away with a slap on the wrist, but him? Circle is going to have to save him again.

“If you can’t do this, then why did you even become a soldier? Like, seriously. You’re so terrible at this, I’m surprise Circle hasn’t killed you yet.”

“Zip?”

“What?”

Abbie blinked, trying his best not to cry. That’d be embarrassing, especially in front of a girl.

“Why do you hate me so much?”

Zip went to respond, but couldn’t find an answer. “Because you’re—you—uhm…” she crossed her arms, “—because I do!”

•••

“You’re crazy, dude.” Zip’s hand trembled. After a second, Zip lowered her gun. “Why are you doing this…?”

There was no time to answer.

Fen was coming to take him.

And he was going to let her.