ROTWOTA: Book 1 - The Beginning of Extinction

Regret and Remorse

Several hours passed as Cody and the other survivors drove as faraway from the barn as they could.

It was a good idea to leave before it was too late, as a truck full of anthropomorphic animals arrived at where their tracker had led them too. The leader of the squad, a male wolf, stepped out and opened up the barn to be the first to see what had resulted in their experiment of a human spy.

Upon the boy regaining consciousness, the wolf looked at him sternly. "You said you would find humans for us, where did they go?" Asked the wolf. When Louis realized what his current predicament was, he was terrified beyond belief. "They must've found out that I was working for you all." He said nervously.

"And how did that happen my dear boy?" Asked the wolf. Wanting to get out of this, but not knowing how to respond properly, he simply confessed what had actually happened. "I tried to kidnap Emma but they caught me. I tried to threaten them into giving up but it didn't quite work out." Explained Louis.

"Well then, I guess we'll need to make you a little smarter. Even take away who you are." Said the wolf as a sinister smile formed on his face. "No! No! Please! I'll find more humans I promise!" Cried Louis. The wolf then pulled out a dart gun and shot Louis in the shoulder which caused him to collapse to the ground. "Sorry kid nothing personal. Dylan, get him in the truck." Instructed the wolf.

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"Do you think we're far away enough guys?" Asked Oliver. "We should be, but we need to find a place to settle." Said Ivan.

In the back of the jeep, Cody couldn't really say much. He was too busy thinking about what he said to Louis. He did indeed have a choice, but he could have done something different that could have saved his life. At least he and the other survivors were safe for the time being.

Suddenly, the jeep slowed down to a stop. "What's wrong?" Asked Cody. "God dammit! Why did I grab a jeep and not refill it when I knew it only had half a tank?" Shouted William. "You didn't tell us about this!?" Said Jenny. "No! I thought this wouldn't happen for a while!" Said William.

"Well, it looks like we'll have to travel on foot for now." Said Ivan. Soon enough, all of them were carrying their supplies and making their way through the forest.

Meanwhile, Louis woke up inside the truck while tied up. Knowing that they were taking him to get turned, he looked around the truck to see if there was anything to untie the ropes around his hands. He spotted 2 wires that held the door of the back of the truck up. This was his one hope.

Louis then tried to move over to one of the wires without attracting attention from his captors and began sawing the rope on his hands off. Once he had his hands usable, he untied the rope holding his feet together. Using the time he had, he reached his hand over the door and felt a button and pushed it, which cause the truck door to open.

Now that he had a way out, he dove off the vehicle and fell onto the dirt road. Louis then proceeded to run as far as he could. He thought he was home free, but he felt a dart shot in his back before passing out.

Once he regained consciousness, he felt that he was once again tied up. Not only that, but he was inside of what looked like a giant sleeping bag. The worst part was seeing that the wires that was sharp enough to saw through had been inserted in pool toys, so he couldn't use those to cut the ropes.

Now that Louis realized he had no chance of getting out of there, he felt utterly helpless. He thought back to when Cody wanted to try and help him by trying to get him to quit the bargain he had found himself within and joining them in running away. He could feel not only regret for all he had done, but also remorse for those he had harmed and for those he betrayed.

Another expression appeared on his face, but it was no longer a cold, sinister one. It was more like one of a sadder, wiser, and soon-to-be-no-longer human boy.

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As Cody and his newfound friends walked along, they suddenly heard a noise. "What was that?" Asked Emma. "Im not sure, but it sounds like a horn of some sorts." Said William.

Just then, they heard a deep voice that seemed to belong to a human. "Hello! Is anyone there? If you come in peace, your more than happy to join us!" Shouted the voice. With hopes that they could help them, Cody and Oliver rushed out of the bushes only to find train tracks lying infront of them.

However, they looked to their left to find a non-faceless diesel locomotive with a number 4 on its side pulling some empty vans, who looked surprised to see them.

Non-faceless locomotives weren't either common or rare on railways. Nearly everyone in Greenville knew of an island west of the United Kingdom where dozens of steam, diesel and electric engines thrived on what was known as the NorthWestern Railway.

"Are they dangerous?" Asked Emma. "Come on out guys! It's safe! They're not here to hurt us!" Said Cody. The other humans hesitantly moved out of their spot to see the diesel on the tracks. Two men in suits then proceeded to step out of his cab. "Are you kids ok?" Asked one of them.

"Yeah, I think we're all fine for the most part, "Said William. "but who are you?"

"I'm Seth, and he's Carter, and our diesel's name is Eric." Said the other man. "We were trying to find shelter for the night, but you would all be happy to join us if you'd like it. Just get into one of the vans or I guess two of you could join us in my cab." Said Eric. "Well, um thank you Eric." Said Ivan.

Soon enough, Eric and his crew set off with Cody and Emma in his cab and everyone else was in the front van of what was left of the train.