The Mutation Wave

Chapter 37: Yuxia's Folly

"Are you sure that's the place?"

"Are you doubting the chief hunter? I'll have you know that I got my ranger badge-"

"Alright, alright. I didn't say that. I'm just surprised someone lived here, that's all."

Brett kept the map and looked at the dilapidated bunker-like structure ahead. Alright, maybe she does have a point. This certainly doesn't look like a place someone can live in. Then again, can the Red Clover really be considered a normal person? He scurried over to his companion sauntering up to the front door and grabbed her hand.

"Be careful, Masako. We don't know what's in there."

Masako tapped her head with a finger. "I do. It's a human. C'mon, I can take care of myself."

"What if there's a booby trap?" Brett frowned. "You've only just recovered from your injury; I'm not letting you get hurt again."

Masako ignored him and knocked loudly on the door.

"Yuxia! This is Masako and Brett. May we come in?"

.

.

.

"Yuxia, I know you're in there. We're not harbouring any ill intentions; I just want to talk."

Masako raised her hand to knock again, but felt something grab her wrist. She turned around angrily. "Look, Brett. If you don't wanna- Oh."

"You... you're alive..."

Masako stared wide eyed at the suit of armour holding onto her while Brett stood by it awkwardly. "Yuxia?" she breathed. "But if you're here, then who is it I'm sensing inside-"

"Henrik, it's alright," The Red Clover called out. "These are friends of mine."

~ ~ ~

Yuxia glanced over at Henrik, who had almost immediately become best friends with Brett. She smiled slightly as she watched them craft arrows with the materials she had just scavenged.

"You know, I realised I haven't seen you completely out of that armour before," Masako broke the silence. "Casual wear is a good look on you."

"I'm glad to see you alive and well, Masako," Yuxia said curtly. "But if you're here to convince me to return, save your breath. I'm happy to remain here."

"Truly? How about your kid over there? Is this really a place for a child to grow up in?"

"Firstly, that's obviously not my kid. He's just a very much younger roommate. And secondly, what's wrong with this place? A harsh environment strengthens the body and spirit. He'll need it to survive this world."

"You sound like a parent already." Masako chuckled, but her expression sobered up quickly. "It's not your fault, Yuxia. Nobody is blaming you for what happened. Please come home. We're family, aren't we?"

"I don't think you quite understand the meaning of that word." Yuxia looked away. "My family is dead. And it's probably better this way; I'm a menace to those around me."

Masako pursed her lips, looking away as well. The atmosphere was so heavy that even Brett and Henrik looked over, noticing the abrupt silence.

"Firdaus is alive and very much healthy; Victor scouted that out recently," Masako muttered. "He'll be coming for all of us. It's only a matter of time before he comes for you too. We need to stick together."

Yuxia tensed a little as her eyes darted to Henrik, who walked over to the two ladies. "It's alright. Miss Yuxia can beat him!" he piped innocently. "And if she needs help, I'm here for her. I have been training with her too!"