Halo | 18+

chapter thirty one

- AURELIA JONES -

"So that's it? We're headed for North Dakota to find some guy Sam? How do we even know this person's real and Hugo isn't just pranking us?" Rez said frustratedly, running his hands through his hair.

"I believe him, I don't know why but I do. He's been nothing but helpful the past few months and we heard it ourselves, there isn't enough supplies. He wouldn't lie about that, not when there's too much at stake here."

Jace nodded, "I agree with Lia. Besides, we have proof that Doctor Jacks is behind half of what goes in at the capitol, we just don't know what it is."

"And how do we find that?" Ollie questioned. "We go find Sam."

And off we went. In search of some place we aren't even sure exists.

A gunshot ran out over the hill and I jumped, squeezing my eyes shut as I realised what Hugo had said.

Jace kissed my forehead, "Let's keep moving. North Dakota's a while away."

My feet are blistering, I'm sweating, and everything hurts. We've been walking for hours and hours. We've come up empty handed, with barely enough water to last us a day.

"North Dakota's on the border." Ollie blurted out, "What?"

"North Dakota is on the border, crossing into Canada." Rez stopped walking, so did Jace and I.

"Wait- you're right. Why would Hugo send us near the border?"

Being in Minnesota helps with how far away we need to travel. Realistically, we should make it to North Dakota in two days. Three, if we're desperate.

We've already been walking for a few hours, but the place Hugo's talking about is right on the border. I remember hearing it about it when the virus first broke.

It was a safe zone for this travelling in and out of Canada, eventually it got raided, but it's been re-set up.

"We've come too far to turn back now." Rez said, "I'm tired. And if we get thrown out of this place too- I don't know what I'm gonna do."

I agreed with Rez. I'm tired of running.

"Guys. If we do this- there is no turning back. These people will be on our asses worse than at the Capitol."

I bit my lip anxiously.

We had made it to a rundown town, with half-standing buildings and overgrown trees.

"I'll go with Lia to those shops, you guys check those. I doubt there'll be anything but- just in case. Meet back in five." Jace ordered.

The boys set off left and we set off right. He linked his hand through mine and we walked toward the building.

My hand itched to grab my knife, just in case.

"You doing okay?" He asked me. I nodded, "I'm doing good. A little- scared and confused. But I'm good. How are you?" I repeated.

"I'm good too. I'm just checking in. I know you've got questions about Ariel, I wish I could answer them." He said honestly. I shrugged, "It's okay. I'm sure she's fine, wherever she is. I'm just staying positive as best I can."

Jace pulled me out of view of the others, kissing me softly, "I think you're doing great. You're so strong, Lia. You know that?" His voice is gentle, serenading me.

I leaned against his chest and sighed, "I'm so sick of running, Jace. I'm so tired. I'm sick, and hungry and sore. I just wanna wake up and this all be a sick joke."