Hallowed Creatures

4

"How long has she been gone?"
Axel stood at the window, looking outside.
"A few hours at least." He replied. "I have a bad feeling."
He locked eyes with Merlot. They both knew Jaclyn's absence could mean anything. Merlot started walking to the living room.
"We've got to go look. Now." She started picking up her gun.
"You're right." Axel said as he grabbed his butcher knife and walked over to the window. "She should have been back. How many bullets do you have?"
Merlot placed her gun on the table and checked.
"A whole round. Damn it Jacki."

_

Outside, it was quiet. The leaves rustled in the wind and the only sound for miles was the pattering of Axel's boots. Merlot walked behind him, holding her gun, ready, just in case.
A noise shattered the silence, like glass breaking.
Together, they ran into a side alley.
"Look." Merlot whispered, her breath hitching.
The dead were walking in their direction. Except they weren't dead. It was a man and a woman, coated in blood, scratches, and bruises.
Axel held up a hand for Merlot to wait as he drew out his knife. Then he sprang into action holding up the knife at the approaching pair.
"Who are you?"
The woman startled, raising her hands. The man stopped and simply stared. Slowly, he also raised his hands, as if it was the last thing he wanted to do.
"Drop your weapons!" Axel shouted.
Once again, the woman jumped, but laid down a rifle. The man followed suit.
"We mean no harm. Just need a place to stay."
The man was in desperation and Merlot could see that. She stepped out and stood beside Axel.
"What are your names?" She asked.
The woman smiled dimly, realizing there wasn't just a man. "I'm Riley and this is my husband-."
"Darren. Do you have a place or not?"
Darren said all this as he glared into Axel's eyes.
He saw the look of hurt and shock in both of their eyes. They were bleeding and in pain. Axel lowered his knife, making a decision.
Merlot watched. One simple mistake could have cost them their life, but she knew Axel and trusted him.
"We do. There's a church."
He pointed back in the direction of their place.
Darren and Riley looked at each other and began to cry. It shocked Merlot. Darren turned to Axel and held out his hand. "Please. Take us there. Riley is bleeding."
Axel nodded and the group began walking back.
Merlot stopped.
"You go. I have to find Jaclyn."
Axel turned, stopping dead in his tracks.
"Lo. I am not-."
She held up her hand.
"I'll be back soon, she's probably just stuck somewhere." Merlot said as she slung her bag around her shoulder and started walking back into the trees.
Axel watched her go. He knew she didn't believe Jaclyn was just stuck, but he knew she was going to find her. Riley watched her go and limped her way down the path with her husband by her side.