Halo | 18+

chapter four

- ALLY STONE -

"So, the guys that took me. They're your friends?" I asked.

Ollie had opened the main door to the citadel from the roof and walked straight through.

The guys who took me were watching with scowls. "Something like that." He responded. "They're... followers of the guy who runs Arkna. I helped him out a bit a couple years ago and now he does the same for me."

"But-" I stopped walking, "So-"

"I'll explain it all to you later I swear. We're almost there."

It was weird. Walking alongside Ollie.

I was so convinced he was dead. That everyone was dead.

He explained Arkna, what happened when I went down, why they had to leave.

It was all making sense, kind of.

There was one question burned into my brain that I needed to ask. It was falling off my tongue but I was so anxious about the answer.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

Ollie looked at me, "To the hideout. You'll be much safer in there than out here, trust me."

I hummed, "And... where is it? Do we have to walk far? I've been in the same shoes for two months."

He chuckled under his breath, "Still the same Ally-pants then."

Something about that nickname made me feel sick.

"It's not far and no, we walk for another five minutes. Trust me okay? I know how much you hate to walk."

I kept my queries to myself. I'll probably find out more if I'm quiet anyway.

The tension settled between us. I suddenly felt very weary that my best friend who I thought died five years ago, was now casually walking alongside me.

I slowed my steps, only just, so I was dragging behind him.

Triple-checking I still had everything on me and didn't lose anything, I relaxed a tad.

"So uh, what happened to Gwen and the others?"

I couldn't help myself.

I don't have to say his name, I can just say "others", I'm sure he'll get the hint.

"Gwen uh-" Ollie stammered, "She got- bit."

I stopped, "B-bit? By what?"

Now this was new information.

Did he know the same things I knew? About whatever was out there.

Ollie's smirk dropped, "Come on Al, you know about the walkers right?"

So that's what they're called.

"N-no I know, just wanted to know if you knew, as well." I lied through my teeth, hoping he didn't realise I know a lot more than he thought.

+ + +

We finally reached this supposed base that Ollie lived at.

It was a rundown, boarded up house with overgrown grass.

"This... is this it?" I questioned.

Ollie smirked, "Yes, this is it. Have you always been judgy?"

I nodded, "Always. I just never judged you because you were so sensitive." I smirked back.