The Two Survivors - Chpt 4-2 [English - US]
The Two Survivors [English - US]
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The Two Survivors is a fan comic and book series, created by Antony Bindilatti and in suggestion and in partnership with Priscilla2Warrior, also known as Priscilla McGee. The series brings together different stories from the characters from famous series such as Claymore (trademark of Norihiro Yagi and Madhouse Studio) and The Walking Dead (Robert Kirkman and Telltales Games by The Walking Dead: Michonne), all focusing on some journeys, some action. and some fun with your favorite characters (and some less).
The story focuses on two young girls: Priscilla and Paige. Priscilla is a newly formed Organization warrior after taking her place as Number 2, and Paige is one of the survivors after a zombie apocalypse devastated Georgia and turned victims into Walkers.
And when the two survivors meet, a long, tireless journey begins and they will have to fight to survive.
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Chapter 4 part 2
It's been a minute and a half since Celine took Paige in a very poor state of health. Priscilla and Alice watched the Predators return to camp on their ATVs with their lieutenant. The boys' mother stared at that place while the warrior turned her gaze from almost defeat to see her ward sick and Richard killed in his attempt to escape, but still undefeated while there was any chance of being able to change this story.
Standing, she proceeds toward the shovel that belonged to Paige. Taking it, the warrior goes to the boys' mother.
“Alice, we must go.” called her.
Hearing that, the woman was a little worried to see the warrior determined to continue with her part of the slave labor.
“But what about Paige?”
“I know. Paige needs our help. But right now, we need to ensure our survival. If the guards catch us, we'll be in serious trouble. And maybe your children could be compromised if we don't do something.”
Alice sighed at that, but agreed with Priscilla. “You're right, Priscilla. I am glad that you are with me to face this difficult time.”
The two women proceed to work after that scene they had to face. Alice was almost dragged by one of the guards into something extremely unpleasant and cruel, but she was saved by Priscilla, she had to witness the death of three people, like her husband, Sullivan and Richard, and now she will have to continue her part in order to survive. in this inhospitable world.
And when they walked ahead to the other region of the field, the warrior felt that the mysterious figure who watched them before entering the Predators' territory was out there, among the trees and local vegetation. She looked around her, but she didn't find anything that could be the same observer as before. Knowing it wasn't important at the moment, she resumed her course. The human figure was the gray-haired man with blue eyes, the same one who watched Richard and the other survivors after they left the restaurant. In his hands, he carried an M1 Garand rifle of thirty out six caliber. By the time Paige and Priscilla met, this rifle was a little outdated compared to more modern weapons like the M16, AK-47, FN FAL, Uzi, Galil, Ingram, P90, Skorpion, MP5 and others. But on the other hand, in the hands of skilled marksman, the M1 has devastating firepower and a superior range compared to pistols and submachine guns.
////
As the two women returned to work, Mark and Andrew dug five more holes to lay landmines. They were not aware of what was happening at the work camp where Priscilla, Paige, their mother and Richard were. But they heard the sound of Celine's gun firing echoing through the trees. The two boys looked at that place, thinking what could have happened.
One of the prisoners approached the eldest son. It was the dark-skinned man who had been at the Jungle Predators' camp for a while.
“Did you hear that? A gunshot sound?” Andrew asked the prisoner.
“I think I heard it, even though it's low from where we are,” he replied.
“Hopefully Priscilla, Paige and mom are doing well there.” said Mark worried for them.
“I believe they are fine. Do not worry. After this shift, we can meet with them.”
“I also hope so.” replied Alice's youngest son.
Just before returning to duty, the prisoner noticed one of the guards patrolling the area. That wasn't a good sign to spend too much time talking.
“We better get back to work. The guards are hanging around here and they are not friendly with idle prisoners. Excuse me.” The prisoner said goodbye to Alice's children.
Seeing him return to duty, the two boys opted to return to their duties. They carried another wave of anti-tank mines to be installed on the ground. Andrew looked for a moment to where his mother and the two survivors were. Again, he joins his brother.
////
Priscilla and Alice carried out their tasks given by the Jungle Predators. They erected two rows of barbed-wire posts around the southeastern flank of the camp. Alice felt her body slowly ache from the physical exertion of squatting down and getting up to dig the holes for the posts. Thankfully Priscilla was around in order not only to overwhelm her colleague while her children were with the other survivors and Paige was back at camp in order to regain her strength due to the cold and weakness developed after the rain and cold wind.
When inserting the next pole, Priscilla looked to where the camp was, thinking about her protégé. The warrior's gaze emitted a certain concern for her condition. But she knew that her attention could not be strayed. In an instant, one of the soldiers supervising the prisoners walked past the two women. He didn't even turn his gaze to them to make sure they were doing their part. Alice sighed in relief to see him walk by without reacting or pausing for a second to monitor them.
“That was a close one.” thought Alice, watching him go.
At this moment, the boys' mother sat down to rest. Priscilla heard her and went to her, then sat next to her.
“At least I can rest my legs. I don't know if I can hold out any longer.” she said, massaging her ankles to soothe them.
“That's true, Alice. We must do whatever it takes to survive the deadly tasks of the Predators.” replied the Organization warrior.
“I just hope that Mark and Andrew are okay and that nothing bad has happened to them. I dread just thinking about it.”
“The important thing is to hope they are okay. Even if we can't do much for them, positive thinking often helps them to avoid worse things happening to them.”
“You're right.” said Alice about Priscilla's last line.
Just before continuing the conversation, the warrior heard the sound of footsteps coming towards them. She asked Alice to get up. The same soldier who passed them returned. This time he went to them.
“The boss has ordered you to return to camp,” said the guard. He returned to patrol without saying goodbye to them.
The two women had a certain fear that the reason they were called was because they had defied Marlon's authority by the Organization warrior to save Paige and Alice.
////
In the center of the camp, the two women advanced to where the Predator boss stood. Besides him, there were his guards, Celine and one of the men that was stopped by the Organization warrior. His hand was bandaged.
Seeing the two prisoners, Marlon gestured for them to come closer. That done, two of their guards made her go to her knees on the ground. They kept their guns trained on them.
“I was informed that you had a falling out with my men.” said Marlon in a serious tone to the two prisoners. He pointed at the shooter with a bandaged hand. "He informs me that you dislocated your hand while you interfered with the treatment of the prisoner tending to another who was down." Then he pointed at the other shooter in which he was terrified by Priscilla's golden eyes. “And this one informed me that his eyes changed color and shape.”
Marlon approached Priscilla with the P38 pistol being removed from its holster.
“You should know that we have power over this camp and your lives. We may very well punish you for defying us.”
“You must understand this. I would not let my friends suffer while you take advantage of them or these people who have been doing your dirty work.” she replied with a look of a person willing to face him.
With that said, Marlon launched a blow with the grip of his pistol in Priscilla's face. Priscilla's face turned to the left after receiving it. Alice widened her eyes in astonishment. When he turned his gaze to Marlon, the Claymore's lower lip showed a small cut, a dark stain in the region of the blow and a drop of blood oozed from the cut site.
“Don't say that sort of thing to me or my men. I could point the barrel of my pistol at your head and pull the trigger right now. But you still have the potential to ensure our survival.”
Priscilla knit her brows as she glared at him. Alice made an effort to remain calm and avoid talking too much so as not to make the situation worse. Marlon walked away for a moment as he holstered his gun.
“They were lucky to have escaped punishment. Therefore, they will have one more chance to continue working.”
“But what about Paige? Where is she?" asked the young warrior.
“Are you talking about the other one?” asked Marlon. He pointed to the hut where they were staying. “Celine left her at the cabin with the others.”
The two prisoners looked to where the young Paige was. However, something made the two widen their eyes when they heard the leader of the Jungle Predators speak again.
“She wouldn't have much of a chance to continue her service in the state she is in. Not even a chance to live.”
Alice and Priscilla were almost devastated to hear that. Paige's cold was close to developing into some kind of serious respiratory illness, like bronchitis or pneumonia. If she isn't treated or gets medical help, Paige won't last long.
Priscilla turned her almost furious gaze to their boss.
“Heal Paige now!”
Saying that and in a loud voice, Celine and the guards raised their weapons to the Claymore. Marlon was not interested in complying with her request.
“I already said that we are short of medicine, and the little we have is for treating some minor injuries and illnesses. We don't have that kind of medicine to treat her cold.”
“Ah you…” shouted Priscilla in her thoughts. It was clear that she wanted to sacrifice her code and the Organization rule to kill this man in front of her. But, given the situation she found herself in, she couldn't do anything but lower her fury and surrender to them.
Marlon smiled when he saw her lower her head. “Very good. Now, return to your quarters and rest for the next round of tasks we have for you.”
Alice and Priscilla were picked up by Marlon's men with guns and escorted to the cabin. Their boss watched the two walking away as they walked towards it.
////
Inside the structure, Raj, Mark and Andrew were tending to young Paige. The girl was coughing and her dark circles were still visible. The former clinician did everything to keep her awake and alive, however, without the necessary medication to treat her, she would not have long to live. The other prisoners watched, with some offering Paige some water and food to keep her alive.
Hearing the sound of footsteps and the door opening, they spot Priscilla and Alice being pushed by the Predator soldiers. After that they closed the door. Alice ran to hug her children.
“Mother!” Andrew said.
“Mom!” said Mark.
“Mark! Andrew!” said Alice, hugging her children.
Priscilla ran towards Paige. Her eyes were almost drenched with tears.
“Raj, how is she?”
“Unfortunately I can't say much. I've done my best to keep her health stable, but I'm afraid she won't survive long. Without the medicine, her cold will become something serious that I cannot save her from.”
“That Marlon and his men… how can they do such a thing? She is a young woman with a bright future.” said Alice almost sadly.
“Unfortunately these people don't care about anyone.” said the 24-year-old Caucasian prisoner.
“They only catch people who wander on their land and have walls, fences and minefields built.” completed the 36-year-old dark-skinned prisoner.
Priscilla looked at the other prisoners who were talking about the Predators to her and Raj while looking at Paige. Meanwhile, Mark looked at his mother.
“Hey mom, what happened out there?” asked Mark.
“Where is Richard?” Andrew asked.
“Richard tried to escape, but he didn't have much luck,” said Alice with a worried look.
“He was shot by the Predator woman.” added Priscilla.
“The Predators don't forgive prisoners who try to escape their work or their eyes. There was one of the prisoners who tried to do the same thing as his friend.” said the 36-year-old dark-skinned prisoner.
“Richard wasn't quite our friend. He came with us after his restaurant was surrounded by zombies. His cook sacrificed himself so we could escape.” Alice answered about Richard.
“I'm sorry about that.”
Just before they continued, they heard the sound of Paige's coughing. Priscilla and the others looked at her.
“Paige.” called Priscilla.
“Priscilla. I'm glad to see you. I… I wanted to apologize…” she said in between coughs. “… for yelling at you and… saying those things about you… leaving us.”
“It's alright. I should apologize for not being able to help you sooner. My code didn't allow me to protect you from other humans. But… it took me a while to realize that I'm not in my world anymore and that certain rules could perhaps be relaxed or violated.” said Priscilla as tears flowed from her eyes.
“Would you… do anything for… me and… them?”
“Yes Paige. I would do anything or sacrifice anything for your well-being and theirs.”
“Priscilla…”
The coughs get worse and more frequent. Priscilla hugged the young girl. Warrior Number 2 cried as she held the other in her arms. Mark, Andrew and Alice joined the young warrior and Paige.
“Paige, stay with us. You need to hold on a little longer. And once we leave here, we can continue our search.”
“Priscilla, I… I'm getting tired… and… a little… cold…”
“Paige, don't give up on us.”
The group was gathered in that hut. Her commotion drew the other prisoners to gather and share that moment with the two survivors.
////
After a while, Priscilla looked out the window at the landscape closed by the trees and local vegetation. Paige was still alive, though weak and coughing at times. Alice and her children treated her with some water, some plants and food they received from the Predators, even if it was a little meat and rice. Raj monitored Paige's heart rate and breathing.
The young warrior looked on, wondering if there was anything she could do to help her friend and ward. However, it seemed that none of the ideas that came to her mind would serve to help her. And, remembering Marlon's words about Paige, her hand gripped the window so hard it cracked around her fingers. Until the two prisoners who were with them approach her.
“Hey. Excuse me.” called the 36-year-old dark-skinned man.
Hearing the boy's voice, Priscilla turned her gaze to them. She was a little nervous and quiet, but concerned for the health of her ward and friend. Her fingers remained on that corner of the window, keeping her grip on him.
“We heard that you managed to save those boys' mother from being taken by the Silva Predators. I had no idea how you prevented something terrible from happening to her.” said the white-skinned 24-year-old.
Priscilla was a little quiet. Even if she did that to save Alice from something terrible, be it death or her body being violated and then killed, it wouldn't be enough to stop her concern for Paige.
The two prisoners were a little surprised by the warrior's lack of response. The dark-skinned opted for the main subject about her and the medicine to treat her.
“A while ago, we heard that the Jungle Predators have been looting some abandoned towns in search of supplies, weapons and even medicine. We can use them to treat your friend.”
Her silence was broken by hearing that. Her eyes widened, her fingers released from that part of the window to focus her attention on the two boys.
“Where are they keeping their medications?” she asked, almost distressed.
“In a hut like this one, but on the left side of the courtyard, near the west entrance to the camp.” replied the dark prisoner.
“But no one has access to that place. It is guarded at all times by the guards in the towers and among the patrols.” added the Caucasian prisoner.
“Only their boss can conceive permission to get some of the medicine from there. Anyone other than him will be barred from passing by the guards.”
“But there must be a way to get in there. To hell with Marlon and his men.” said young Priscilla with a challenging look.
“You could try, but I don't think they would easily give up the drugs to our cause.”
“I can do this. They think I can't do physical harm just because of my Organization warrior code of not killing humans, but they don't know what I'm capable of in the face of that.”
The two prisoners looked at the young warrior, then at them about the comment made by Priscilla about being able to break into that place and get the necessary medicines for Paige. It was risky to break in with the guards on patrol and the searchlights on.
And yet, something caught the attention of the three. Young Mark was approaching them. He spotted Priscilla talking to them, which for a young person of her age might raise her curiosity a bit.
“Sorry, but… what are you talking about?” he asked.
Priscilla knew it was dangerous to put the young boy in the middle of the conversation if it was to say her reason. She approached Mark, kneeling down to speak to him.
“Mark, what happened? I'm in a private conversation. Shouldn't you be with your mother and brother?”
“I heard something about medication and that you intend to get some to treat Paige. I can help you.”
Hearing that, one of the prisoners became worried. A young boy risking himself to help them would increase the risks of the mission failing.
“Oh no. You better not get involved in this, boy.” said the Caucasian boy.
“But I can help you. Paige has been helping us since the day we met.” replied Mark seriously.
Priscilla knew that Mark can sneak through some spaces and run farther than others, even though Priscilla is a Claymore and can go beyond the physical limitations of a human being. However, she was afraid to risk his life for Paige. She sighed at adopting this plan.
“Boy, please…” said the dark-skinned man to Mark, until he was interrupted by the young Claymore.
“He is going with us.” replied Priscilla decidedly. Her answer startled them both.
“But, are you sure about that?”
“I have. I can outwit the guards and get their lights out of order. Mark can sneak through the undergrowth and the dark of night.”
“It's risky.” said the dark-haired boy to Priscilla.
“I know. But I would risk anything for you and Paige.”
The dark-skinned prisoner sighed. However, he agreed with the idea. “Very well. We will go with you to show you the way.”
Priscilla smiled at them after putting into practice the plan to invade the medical supply hut. “Thanks guys. I'm glad they put their skills and strengths to use to help Paige.”
“No problem, girl.” said the Caucasian prisoner.
“Uh, please call me Priscilla.” said the young warrior in response to the word "girl".
“Oh, sorry Priscilla. By the way, I'm Bernard.” introduced the Caucasian prisoner.
“And I am Daniel Ramirez.” introduced the dark prisoner.
“Pleasure Daniel. Bernard. And this is Mark.” introduced Priscilla to young Mark for the two of them.
“Hey.”
“What's up Mark?” greeted Daniel.
“Mark.” Bernard said.
The small group has come together to organize the plan to get what they need. And for that, it was best not to involve the others in this mission if it was to keep Paige safe and out of the dangers that might come her way.
////
Hours passed after that small meeting to draw up a plan to invade and break into the hut they use to store medical supplies, Priscilla, Bernard, Daniel and Mark left the place where they were to go to the respective target place and obtain what was necessary to treat Paige. With the night around them, they could rely on the local vegetation at certain strategic points in order to move without being seen. However, they saw that some guards carried flashlights and were accompanied by others, armed with rifles and submachine guns. In addition to them, some towers had searchlights, which would be a serious problem if the survivors were caught and handed over to the Predator boss to be severely punished.
The young Claymore watched the patrols through the undergrowth. Even though there were few bushes and tall grass, she could hide and rely on the darkness. Seeing one of them moving away from the position she and the boys were in, they were able to continue forward. In cases where they found stationary guards but with their backs to them, it was possible to drag them and knock them out without calling the attention of other patrols, or use elements such as stones to throw them in order to attract them as needed. sound of them falling.
Priscilla, Bernard, Daniel and Mark continued to the right, passing two patrols that were walking unnoticed by their presence. But when they came across the first parked patrol, they had to stop. It was made up of two guards armed with AK-47s.
“A patrol. It will get us into trouble if they spot us.” thought Priscilla when she saw them.
The guards were looking straight ahead at where the group was. Fortunately for the young warrior, one of the advantages she could count on in sneaking past was her incredible agility and superhuman abilities, in addition to not wearing her metal boots. Because they were made of metal sections and pieces, they made a lot of noise when walking and the pieces bent.
“We have to go through to get to the hut. We have no chance of meeting them head on.” said Daniel in a low tone to the rest of the group.
Priscilla looked at the boy who said that, and then turned her attention to them. When looking around her, the warrior saw some stones on the ground. She picked one up and went to aim it in an open corner to get their attention.
“What will you do?” asked Bernard in a low voice.
“Get their attention.” answered the young girl. With that said, she hurled the first stone to the right side.
The sound drew the attention of the two guards, raising their rifles to the spot of the falling boulder.
“What was that?” asked the second guard.
“I have no idea. Better investigate.” answered the first.
“Could be some rodent walking around here.”
“I know. But it's good to investigate.”
“OK. I'll go with you.”
The patrol proceeded towards the source of the sound. Seeing them moving away from the place, raised the spirits of the two boys next to Priscilla and Mark.
“Good job Priscilla.”
“Thanks guys. We need to go. We have no idea if they will come back.”
Without saying anything else, the group proceeds towards the hut through the corner where the guards were. The vegetation helped the survivors to pass without being seen by the patrols that walked around.
However, they were again prevented from proceeding. Another patrol parked. This time one of the guards was using a flashlight. Priscilla spotted a tree on the left corner. With a rock picked up back there, she hurls it towards her. The guards heard the sound of that thrown object hitting the trunk and then falling.
“Over there!” pointed the guard with the flashlight.
The escort accompanied the other towards the tree. This gave the group an opportunity to continue. The guards were not aware that they were being called through ruses created by the survivors.
////
Passing through the first patrols, the group arrives in a corner covered by vegetation and the darkness of the night. They spotted the cabin near the western entrance to the camp. It was identical in structure and external appearance with that of the other on which they rested. But it was surrounded by barbed wire, a wooden gate, two towers with searchlights and two men with guns.
“It's there. The hut they use to store the medical supplies looted from cities.” Bernard pointed out.
“Getting there is going to be difficult. The turrets and guards will not make the passage so easily.” Daniel said.
“Ah, but they will let us through,” said Priscilla walking forward.
“How, Priscilla? Rocks can draw guards out of the gate, but not the turrets.” said Daniel concerning the towers.
“The guards on top can't hear anything coming from the ground very well.”
“But I can knock them out and give Mark a chance to run towards the cabin,” said Priscilla.
“It's too risky.” Bernard said.
“I know. But I am willing to take that risk.”
Just before stepping forward, Mark took the young warrior's hand. She turned to see him.
“You'll be alright. Will you, Priscilla?” asked the youngest boy.
“Don't worry, Mark. I'll be fine. We are doing this for Paige.” she replied smiling. She placed her right hand on Mark's head, caressing it as the young warrior comforted him in the face of the situation.
“We'd better act soon. If we stay any longer, they might catch us.”
Priscilla turned her gaze to the two men who were with her and Mark. She nodded her head forward, agreeing with them. Turning her attention to the towers, she proceeds through the darkness coming from the trees and the lack of light coming from searchlights and lanterns.
Mark, Bernard and Daniel watched Priscilla's prowess as she climbed one of the tower's legs without using the ladder and avoiding being caught by the guards. On one occasion, she waited for one of the armed men to pass in order to continue. And when she noticed that he was already far away, Priscilla was able to proceed.
At the top of the tower, the young warrior was sneaking. She noted that there were three men on watch and one operating the searchlight. If she was to face them all without triggering the alarms or drawing too much attention to them, she would need another way to blind them.
Looking around her, Priscilla found a power box with a lever. It was a bit close to her position and from the looks of it it looked a bit old and worn.
“Perfect.” thought the Number 2 from the Organization.
Priscilla crept around the edges of the tower floor to get to the power box. She kept her gaze on the guards, where they kept looking at the horizon and sometimes at the searchlight operator. And when she reached her target, the warrior went to analyze what she could use to slide that device.
“If I were to pull the switch to turn off the searchlight, the guards could turn it back on, which wouldn't help much.” analyzed Priscilla as she looked at the lever.
Then she saw a power cable turning on the searchlight. It was powered by the power box. It might come in handy if she was going to break it to keep the guards in the dark. But she thought better of following the cable that ran from the power box to some sort of generator. Lightly picking up the cable from the box, she followed him, descending from the watchtower to look for the generator.
On the ground, Bernard, Daniel and Mark saw Priscilla coming down from the tower, but the searchlights were still on. This caused a certain strangeness in Bernard.
“Why is she coming down? Wasn't she supposed to turn off the searchlight?” he asked.
“I think she has something else in mind to help us.” replied Daniel.
“Well, let's hope she doesn't let us down.”
“Don't worry, Bernard. From what I know of her, Priscilla would not let us down.” replied Mark, smiling then to give a little hope.
“And even more Paige.” completed Daniel.
Bernard agreed with both. "You're right. Let's wait a little longer.”
The three saw the warrior running along the right side of the other tower. The guards were still unaware of their and the young warrior's presence.
////
Priscilla arrived at the end of the power cable: a diesel-powered fixed medium-sized generator. There was a guard guarding him, watching who or what might get to the generator. He luckily didn't notice Priscilla's presence.
Even knowing that killing humans was forbidden, she stepped aside to approach him. The guard didn't see her coming, he suddenly felt a hand grabbing her mouth and an arm grabbing her neck. He tried to fight back or break free of her, but to no avail. The warrior knocked him down by suffocation, leaving him unconscious on the ground.
After taking down the guard, the warrior approached the generator. With the cable connected to the towers in hand, Priscilla pulled it hard, turning off the searchlights, then breaking it.
////
Marlon's men who were in the towers were surprised to see the lighting devices going out of nowhere.
“What happened?!” asked one of them.
“Why did the searchlight go out?!”
“Ah, crap!” exclaimed one of the guards.
Bernard, Daniel and Mark smiled seeing the lights of the towers turned off. This gave them a chance to advance. And speaking of chance, they spot young Priscilla on the other side of the barbed wire wall. She called the group to proceed.
“Very good. Now we can go!” Daniel said.
With the path clear and the lights coming from the towers off, the three were able to proceed to the cabin. United with Priscilla, the group is about to reach its goal. They had young Paige and the others on their minds, in case they needed any medication they could take from the cabin without arousing suspicion from Marlon and his men.
“Hang in there, Paige. We are about to get help.” thought Priscilla as she ran to the medical hut.
////
Inside that place, several glass cabinets and freezers kept countless medicines, vaccine vials and serum bags for any medical treatment. All were kept under regulated temperature. And in the middle of the narrow room, a girl with blond hair appears, dressed in a white lab coat, a sky blue shirt, a black skirt and a pair of white sneakers with black stripes. She was 21 years old, with a pair of glasses and green eyes. In her hands was a clipboard containing a pencil and an inventory report on the medicines the Predators brought back from their forays into camp.
When picking up the pencil to take notes, she hears the sound of someone knocking on the door. It was strange to hear that touch-touch, because she didn't expect any kind of visit outside of Marlon's men or Celine. However, she left her clipboard and pencil on her desk to answer the door.
Approaching the handle, she opened the door and in front of her was little Mark. Priscilla and the others leaning against the wall, a little closer to the boy.
“Hello.” greeted the nurse.
“Hey.” greeted Mark with red cheeks. She was beautiful, as he thought when he saw her.
“Is everything alright with you? Need something?” she asked gently.
Mark was slowly composing himself, answering her question. “I… I need medicine.”
The young woman was quiet for a second. She placed her right hand on the boy's cheek, asking him gently. “Is there anyone with you who is sick?”
“I have a friend who needs help. She is not well.”
The young woman was quiet for a second. Noticing that Mark was alone, she looked around to make sure there weren't any Predator gunmen nearby.
“Are you alone or is there someone else with you?”
In response, the others appeared.
“He is not alone.” Bernard replied.
The nurse was a little startled to see the small group reuniting with the boy. But since Priscilla was close by, that was a relief.
“Hey. My name is Priscilla.” greeted the blonde haired warrior. Then she introduced the others. “This is Bernard, Daniel and Mark.”
“A pleasure to meet. My name is Christine.” introduced the nurse.
“Nice to meet you, Christine.”
“We need medicine, serum and medical supplies,” asked Bernard.
“A girl who was with her is sick. Bad food, rain and forced labor left her overworked. And with low immunity, she got sick.” completed Daniel.
“One of our own who was a doctor is doing what he can to keep her alive, but he needs medicine to treat her.”
“The Predators prefer to leave her to her own fate, and she's not doing well.” added Priscilla. “Please help us.”
The nurse was serious about the situation. Imagining that the group managed to get through the walls, towers and guards unnoticed, just to get to her, she opted to help them.
“Come with me.” called her.
Priscilla and the others entered the hut. In their vision they had several shelves, cabinets and freezers to store the medicines that they could not use because of Marlon and the Predators.
“So much medicine.” Daniel thought.
“It would help a lot of people if we could take them all.” thought Bernard looking at those vials.
Christine opened doors to freezers and cupboards. She picked up several packs of medicine to treat her cold, flu, and cough. Some were of the swallowable pill type. Others were in vials for inhalation and injection via syringe.
Then, she took a bag and inserted the medicines, materials such as rubber tubing, needles, tape, inhalation mask and other items for the group to take back to the hut where they slept and save Paige.
“You're going to need these materials. Your doctor will instruct you on how to apply the needles and the application of medicine to treat your friend.” Christine said as she put the items away.
Priscilla looked at the two boys and then at the nurse. “Aren't you going with us to help us?”
The blonde stopped for a second after hearing the warrior's question. “I can't. I'm here to take care of the meds that Marlon and the others bring back from their patrols. He wouldn't let me do that.”
“What wouldn't he let you? Get out of here or help us?” asked Daniel seriously.
“Both. If he catches me helping you, I could be in trouble. And if he gets caught outside this place or running far away…” she said, interrupting for a moment, looking to the side.
The group couldn't understand her last line until it was cut. Suddenly, Priscilla noticed a tear running from her right eye.
“… he would kill me, just like one of my friends who tried to escape.”
Hearing that, came the brief memory of Richard being shot in the head by Celine's rifle. Priscilla and the others knew of this cruel punishment for those intending to flee the camp and be detained by them.
“We already know that. One of our own tried the same thing.”
Christine looked at Priscilla with a slight surprise hearing that. After that, she looked forward.
“Then you know how I feel about living the rest of my life tied to their cause.” said the nurse, sighing at having helped them. “But I'll help them with what I can, even if I have to do it in secret.”
Bernard received the bag with the medicines and medical supplies from the blonde nurse. He and the others thanked her for the gesture of help she could offer them. Just before they left, Christine approached Mark, placing her hand on his head, kissing the boy's forehead afterwards. He blushed, but kissed her on the cheek in return.
“Thank you Christine.” thanked Mark.
“You're welcome, Mark.” the nurse smiled.
////
On the way out, the group spotted several vehicles proceeding to where the generator was that Priscilla cut the electric current with the towers. Christine was startled to see the frantic movement.
“Apparently the Predators got bitten by you cutting the power to the searchlights.” Daniel said.
“Ha! At least they will have to spend more time dealing with their power generator than dealing with us.” replied Bernard with a bitter look.
“Guys, let's focus on what's important right now. Paige needs us more than ever.” replied Priscilla, making the two remember the reason that led them to go to the medicine hut.
“You're right, Priscilla. If we wait too long, they will patrol from here and in greater numbers.” agreed the young man of the group.
“So let's go!” said Daniel, ending their conversation. The group continued as far as they entered through the barbed wire wall. Christine looked at them moving into the distance on the horizon.
“Good luck, guys.” she thought, looking at Priscilla and the others running.
The warrior, the boy and the two boys ran as quickly to the hut where the others were to deliver the medicines acquired to save Paige.
////
Meanwhile in the hut where Paige, Alice, Andrew and Raj slept, the doctor continued to give the young survivor some water. In the state she was in, she could only insert it bit by bit through a wooden bowl. Her eyes were closed and dark circles were clearly visible on her lower lids.
Alice was awake to help the doctor in the cabin. She was worried about the girl who protected her and her children, and about Mark who left with Priscilla and the others. Then they heard the sound of approaching footsteps. The group returned, without a scratch and to top it off, they got Paige's medicine. The boys' mother hugged young Mark, but scolded him for leaving without telling her and worrying her and Andrew. Bernard and Daniel handed over the bag of items Raj needed to continue Paige's treatment.
“I never imagined you guys would get the drugs they get from the looting.” Raj was saying preparing the IV. “The Predators would never let anyone access their stock and treat the sick who needed it. But I'm glad they did."
“Priscilla and Mark helped us a lot to get the medicine and items.” replied Daniel.
“We were lucky that it was night and the guys weren't expecting our creativity and Priscilla's potential.” Bernard replied.
The doctor inserted the access needle into Paige's vein, connecting it to the bag for the medicine to take effect in the girl's body. He then placed the mask over her mouth and nose for the medication via nasal spray.
Priscilla approached Raj. She was worried about her colleague's condition.
“Doctor,” said Priscilla. “Paige will be fine, won't she?”
Raj picked up the stethoscope to listen to the young survivor's breathing. He was alternating from one chest area to another.
“The medication will take effect gradually. But she needs to pull herself together with good food and rest. Since we have what the Predators give us, it will have to be enough even if she is low in nutrients.”
Priscilla gripped Paige's right hand tightly. The warrior's eyes filled with tears. The others gathered around them, praying and wishing for Paige's recovery.
“Paige, if you're listening, know that we're not giving up on you. And you won't give up on us. When… all this is over, let's get together to discover new things, different worlds and different people. People willing to help us in times of great difficulty.”
The young warrior held her hand tightly. Tears streamed down her face, touching her intertwined fingers. In an instant, she hears a voice calling her name. It was weak but you could hear it.
“Pris… ci… la.”
When Number 2 heard it, her eyes widened. Paige was alive. Slowly recovering and gathering his strength. The medication flowed through the survivor's veins, helping her to cope with the cold she had contracted.
“Paige.” called Priscilla. The others heard her and were thrilled.
“Priscilla. For-forgive me for yelling at you.”
“Sure, Paige. I forgive you.” replied Priscilla as she approached her friend's head, kissing her forehead.
Alice and her children hugged each other in happiness, while Bernard and Daniel shook hands. Raj smiled that everything ended well, being able to help them and receive medical supplies through a secret support within the Jungle Predators.
The prisoners' celebration was short-lived as the guards walked past the hut, pulling the triggers of their guns pointed in the air. The sound of gunshots startled them.
“Hey you! Get back to fucking sleep!” shouted one of the guards.
“The boss wouldn't mind if you stayed up all night. He'd give you another hour of service, if you're up for it. So go back to bed!” completed the other guard.
Alice kept her children safe under her arms. Bernard, Daniel, Raj and Priscilla managed to hide the drugs and surgical materials with the intention of not exposing Nurse Christine and her help. However, the young Organization warrior looked disdainfully at Marlon's guards through a small hole in the hut's wall. They kept their weapons in their hands, turning to head back to base.
“Those bastards!” Bernard exclaimed in his mind as he saw them returning to the camp yard.
“If I took one of their guns, I would definitely put a hole right between their eyes.” Daniel thought.
Priscilla's attention returned to young Paige. Raj continued to follow up on her physical recovery. Paige was coughing but recovering as she got the medication into her vein and into her mask.
“What now, doctor? Paige is better now, isn't she?"
“Paige is recovering, but she needs to rest. Everything takes time.”
“Time is what we have little. While she gathers her strength, we need to come up with a plan to escape this place.”
“But how, Priscilla? If the guards patrol day and night and the defenses are considerable, how are we going to get out of here?” Bernard asked.
“I don't know. But somehow we need to get out of here.”
“There were some people who tried to escape. But they ended up in the firing squad.” Daniel said.
“Yes. And we don't know where to start.”
Priscilla looked around her. Alice and her children, the two boys and the doctor kept their attention on the swordswoman. She sighed, heading to the wall, laying her back against it to sleep.
////
The next day, the prisoners found themselves sleeping on the floor of the hut. The IV bottle and IV line on Paige were removed a while later. Then the guards burst in and grab the group, putting hoods over their faces and forcing them to walk. As they were taken into the courtyard, the guards lowered them to the ground, removing their hoods to let them see who was in front of them. Marlon, Celine and the elite men faced the group, with the leader of the Predators heading towards Priscilla.
“I am impressed that you managed to survive the terrible trials of this forest and time while carrying out your duty,” said Marlon with a sinister expression. “And even more so the girl who was close to dying. I'm surprised that some miracle happened to keep fighting.”
Paige tried her best to stay awake, even though she was exhausted. The group faced the man who had imprisoned them in this hell to do the dirty work of laying the mines and raising the barbed wire walls. They saw the evildoer pacing up and down, talking of his great plans for them.
“Since you have performed a favor for us, I will give you a short rest period. But I want you to be ready for one more job I'm going to give you.”
“More work? Ah, please give us a break.” said Alice in her thoughts.
Priscilla remained quiet in front of Marlon's speech. She turned her gaze to Paige, worried about her state of being able to perform one more task. By diverting her attention, Celine approached with her Beretta M9 on the warrior's head.
“Look up to the boss if you want to keep living!” shouted the Predator's trusted officer.
The mother and the boys were amazed by Celine's reaction to Priscilla. The warrior in turn showed no emotion for her life being put on the line. She turned her attention to the Predator shooter with a glare filled with fury.
Marlon approached his officer, placing his hand on her shoulder.
“Well done Celine. I'm still here.” With that said, the one in charge of enforcing order in the camp returned to her post. Marlon looked at Priscilla once more.
“I hope you're willing to throw your life away for your friend. In the state she's in, she's dead weight. And here, in this place, that kind of weight has to be dropped for progress to continue.”
“Say what you want. Either to terrify my friends or me. But I won't give up on Paige.” replied the Number 2 of the Organization.
“Spare me your bravado.” he replied, placing his right hand on her chin. Priscilla could bite her or hit her with her hand to distance her, but this would be understood as an affront and could lead to a worse fate for her or others. Marlon, in turn, distanced himself from her and proceeded towards Priscilla's sword.
“See for yourself. A warrior without her sword. I wonder where your courage to protect your friends went. You had the opportunity to defend them when my men surrounded you, but you threw it away.” he said while holding Priscilla's signature weapon, but still stuck in the ground.
Priscilla and the others kept their attention on him. They remained silent before his speech. The Predator chief turned away from the sword, heading toward the group.
“This indicates that I have authority over this place and you will have to do whatever I say if you want to survive.”
The guards approached the group, their weapons loaded. Marlon ordered them to take the prisoners back to the cabin.
////
Eight minutes passed after the group returned to the hut. Raj, Priscilla and Alice tended to Paige while the young shooter received her bowl of rice with some vegetable soup. Mark and Andrew sorted out the medications the doctor ordered to treat Paige. Sometimes they take turns with Daniel and Bernard in this task while the two older boys keep an eye out the window on the movement of the Jungle Predators around the camp.
Paige ate a portion of the vegetables and rice with her meal. She looked up to Priscilla and others during her recovery.
“So how are you feeling now?” asked the swordswoman.
The shooter coughed a little. “A little better now, but I'm still a little hoarse.”
“At least that's a sign you weren't totally disabled, on the verge of dying.”
“Yeah. And soon you will be in good shape to continue our journey.” Alice said, emitting her confidence in Paige's speedy recovery.
“Yes. But I'm afraid the Predators will let us out when this is all over.”
“We know that, Paige. So we need a way to get out of here.” said Priscilla.
Raj monitored Paige's heart rate and breathing. He had no signs of stagnant secretions in his lungs or any irregularity that might trigger pneumonia or bronchitis.
“Well Paige, the good news is that your cold did not develop into severe breathing problems. But rest is necessary to restore your health.”
“I am glad to hear that. Thanks Raj. Thank you guys.” replied Paige smiling.
The assembled group responded gladly for having helped her. Before they can continue the treatment, the door opens again with two armed guards. Priscilla and the others hid the bag and medicine in time.
“The rest time is over. Time to work.” called the guard with the Skorpion.
Priscilla and the others get up while Paige remains on the floor with Raj and Alice treating her to the soup.
“That includes you too!” exclaimed the man with the AK-47.
“Paige needs rest.” Alice said.
“And I'm a doctor. I have to keep up with her physical recovery.” replied the Indian doctor.
“Even if you are a doctor, Marlon's order is sovereign.”
“The boss has ordered anyone, physically able or not, to be back in the yard and do the work.”
Bernard and Daniel had to lift Paige. Priscilla looked at her friend being forced back to work. Just before she could say or do anything, one of the guards called out to her.
“Don't even try to use your magic to intimidate us, witch! Now, move!”
The warrior knew that using her Yoki to intimidate them had worked before when she saved Alice from a cruel outcome, but on the second try it could be negated. Without further ado, she and the others accompanied the guards to the labor camp.
////
Again, Paige was doing the Predators' dirty work installing World War II German Teller mines, barbed wire tying posts, and rotten wood stakes. She made holes with the help of Priscilla and Alice. The three women were in the southwest corner of the camp while the boys and Raj were in the east. Paige was coughing slowly, but she wasn't so bad that she couldn't work or stand.
With one more hole open, Priscilla deposited another Teller mine. The three continued on to another Predator-marked region. Along the way, Paige stopped to cough. Alice and Priscilla stepped back to attend her.
“Paige!” called Alice.
“Priscilla. Alice.”
The two surveyed the site in order to stop to rest out of reach of the patrolling guards.
“Paige, you don't have to force yourself,” said Priscilla.
“I know. But you shouldn't help me while they keep an eye on us.”
“Raj said rest is important in the state you're in. Predators shouldn't impose any order above another. Even that of a doctor they should respect.” said Alice worriedly.
“Yes, but in case you haven't noticed, these men don't care about us. That's why we need to get out of here.” replied Priscilla seriously.
The two agreed with the warrior. Before continuing the conversation, they heard the footsteps of the approaching guards. In order not to be repressed, they returned to work, walking at a brisk pace. Turning to see, the guards walked by without much concern or anything that might draw their attention.
However, Priscilla felt that the man with the M1 Garand was keeping an eye on them, keeping the weapon raised in a distant region. He was still hidden among the vegetation of the forest, waiting for the right moment to shoot. But what would he be aiming his rifle at? On them? Or on Marlon's guards?
Priscilla looked to where he would be, being called by the boys' mother and Paige.
“Priscilla?”
“Priscilla. Is everything alright?"
Regaining her attention on the two, she replied that she was fine.
“You stopped for a second. Suddenly you turned into a statue.” said Paige.
“I am fine. That's all.”
Alice and Paige were left with a vague response from the warrior. But they complied and continued to dig holes and lay mines.
////
On the other side, Mark and Andrew were helping Daniel and Bernard with yet another wave of mines. They were in a very high part of the land around the camp. They could see the place and huts of the chief, the prisoners, the barracks and Christine.
The two boys looked to where their mother, Paige and Priscilla would be, wondering what was going on. At that time, Daniel calls them.
“Mark! Andrew!”
Hearing the call, the two brothers return to work. They deliver another batch of Teller mines to the guys who dug the most holes ahead. Raj rubbed his sweat-soaked forehead after installing more wooden posts. With some explosive devices installed, they cover it with dirt, leaves and sticks. Completed, they proceed to the next region.
As Bernard was behind the boys, he assisted in pulling a cart full of explosives and other mines designed to incapacitate soldiers and light vehicles. However, as he takes the next step forward, he steps on a piece of rock and earth that collapses under his weight, causing him to fall into the gorge. In the act, he grabbed the cart, pulling it to throw all the contents along with him. Raj, Mark, Andrew and Daniel tried to help him, but it was too late. Bernard fell unconscious, hitting his head against a mine set below the canyon. What they could hear afterwards was the sound of the explosion echoing from where they were.
////
Halfway through, Priscilla, Paige and Alice heard the sound of the explosion. The boys' mother was concerned for her children's safety. If Mark or Andrew, or both of them, were hit by mines, she would surely fall into a deep depression over their loss.
“Andrew! Mark!” she screamed in fright. She instinctively wanted to run to their aid, but was stopped by the two.
“Alice, wait!” Paige called, grabbing Alice by the arm.
“They are my kids!”
“We don't know what just happened. It could have been a small glitch or something else.” said Priscilla holding Alice.
“Yes. And we're hoping that Mark and Andrew didn't get into an accident at work.” completed Paige.
Alice was distressed. She hoped that neither of them had been injured by the anti-tank mines. But she agreed with them and pulled herself together to continue her work. The guards who were patrolling rushed to answer their boss's call. This eased the three women to rest.
“The guards ran to see what happened. That is already a good sign.” Alice said.
“Now that they're gone, we need to formulate an escape plan.”
“Any idea how we're going to get out of here?” asked Paige.
“Sure. We can escape at night where guards cannot catch us unless they are equipped with flashlights, searchlights and vehicles. It's a little safer than running away during the day.” said Priscilla.
“Yes. But we can run the risk of crossing the minefield without the necessary equipment to detect mines.” said Alice, pointing out the explosives they had installed themselves.
“I don't have metal detecting skills, but I can see in the dark and assist where mines have been laid to avoid them.”
“That is good. Now we need to inform the others to organize the time and items we need to take for our escape.”
The three women discussed the escape plan and how they will put it into practice to get out of that place. What they didn't expect is that the Predators' nurse was nearby, wearing a civilian set of clothes and not a nursing one. Upon hearing about Priscilla, Paige and Alice's escape plan, an idea crossed her mind to help them once more.
////
In the place where the boys were, the four were staring at where Bernard was. Smoke rose from the site of the mine explosion. Marlon's guards arrived to find out the cause and declare the prisoner dead. Some men arrived with mine detection equipment to get in without triggering the others by accident. When the smoke cleared, there was a boy's body covered in blood and shrapnel. His head was practically destroyed.
The group of prisoners looked at that scene until they were called by the guards. They were pulled by the collars of their T-shirts.
“What are you doing?! You have a job to do, so turn your attention to it!” called the guard equipped with a FAMAS rifle. The other guards tapped the butts of their weapons to get the three of them back to work.
Mark, in his boyish curiosity, asked anxiously. “What will happen to Bernard?”
“He won't be with you anymore, boy. He is dead. Just like you if you don't return to your job.” replied the guard.
Andrew put his hand on his younger brother's shoulder and asked him to continue the work without worrying about anything else. That said, they proceed onwards with shovels and hoes in hand and a cart of mines and rotten wood spikes to install. Mark turned his gaze to the group of soldiers taking Bernard's body to a place where bodies are disposed of. He will possibly end up keeping company with the body of Richard and others who tried to escape or who died in similar accidents.
“Mark, look straight ahead. We cannot turn attention to those who have gone.” called Raj.
The boy continued a little distressed after yet another traumatic experience. Andrew comforted his younger brother despite being troubled by it. Although Bernard arrived after Daniel and the Raj, he was often depicted as a brother to comfort the other prisoners that were brought in by the Predators during the looting. Daniel remembered the time that Bernard intervened to rescue a girl from being raped by the Predators, but he was affected by several tortures.
“Bernard, as much as your departure pains us, know that you are free from this cruel world, filled with zombies, beasts and these bandits.”
The four survivors returned to the work camp to install new mines and pieces of wood at the behest of Marlon and the other Predators.
////
Hours passed, Alice, Priscilla and Paige were back at the prisoners' hut. The young shooter was partially healed as she fed on more rice and some meat, even though it looked a little raw. Priscilla and Alice have already fed with the rations provided by them. Suddenly, they hear the door open, with her children, Raj and Daniel being pushed inside. The boys' mother ran to hug them. She was relieved to see them alive and well. Priscilla approached Daniel, realizing that his colleague was not with him.
“Daniel, what happened? Where is Bernard?”
“He… he died.” replied the dark-skinned man.
“Bernard fell on top of a mine. There was nothing more to be done for him.” completed the Indian doctor.
Priscilla and the others were devastated by Bernard's death. The warrior looked out the window where the explosion had taken place. Her eyes were partially drenched with tears.
“Each day that passes is another day lost for those bastards,” said Daniel bitterly.
“We need to find a way out of here. At the rate we're at, we'll either die from Predator artifacts, starvation, or time.” said Raj, sitting on the floor, rubbing his eyes with his fingers.
“We can get out of here, guys.” said Paige.
“How? Patrols prowl day and night. Not to mention the mines and the walls we put up.” replied Daniel bitterly.
“Alice, Priscilla and I thought of a way to get out of here. We can run away from here at nightfall and take advantage of the fact that they will no longer have sunlight to illuminate the land and use the darkness to our advantage.”
“Yes. They can count on their searchlights, flashlights and ATVs, but we can go further than them.” completed Alice.
The Organization's Number 2 stood with her back to the group. She stared out the window, remembering Richard's death and Paige getting sick. Her right hand clenched tightly.
“It's risky.” Raj said.
“It's true. But we can get away from here, tonight.” she replied decisively.
Having said that, Raj and Daniel were surprised.
Priscilla turned her face and body towards them. “We can escape the Predators while it's night. They think they can control us, make us build walls of barbed wire, rotten wooden stakes and lay mines to deter anyone who might invade their camp or leave.”
Raj, Daniel, Alice and their children got to their feet, encouraged by Priscilla's words.
“I may have given up at first when the Predators captured us. I avoided using my sword against them to protect us. But this time. This time… I won't run away!” she replied with determination and courage.
Paige smiled to see her friend in that state of pure moral encouragement.
“It doesn't matter who might be. Zombies, Jungle Predators or whoever, no one will deprive us of our freedom and our fighting spirit. We are going to get out of this place, or die in the attempt! Are you with me?!”
The group replied that they are on Priscilla's side. It has been decided that they will make their great escape tonight. However, they need supplies, weapons, ammo and anything they can get their hands on while abroad.
-x-
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