Rise of The Unseen

Getting to Know Each Other

Marta, Lucas, and Benny tread cautiously across the bridge, their steps echoing in the desolate atmosphere. Despite the weight of their circumstances, Benny's and Lucas's conversation provided a much-needed distraction from the constant danger that surrounded them.

"So, you were living in the city when it all started?" Benny asked, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and camaraderie. He adjusted the strap of his backpack, his brown eyes glancing toward Lucas.

Lucas nodded, his expression momentarily distant as he recalled those early days. "Yeah, I was studying at a high school here," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia. "When everything went to hell, I had to leave everything behind and figure out how to survive on my own." He finished, deciding that he wouldn't share his experience with his best friend just yet.

Benny's brows furrowed, a sense of empathy evident in his gaze. "It must've been tough, especially being alone."

His gaze faltered, but still, Lucas offered a small, wistful smile. "It was. But I learned quickly that survival meant adapting, and I've picked up a few useful skills along the way."

Benny's lips quirked into a half-smile. "Like having an empty backpack and begging to strangers?"

Lucas chuckled softly, his hand subconsciously moving to get his hair out of his face. "Yeah, just like that. What about you? Big bad Benny and his knife and his guard dog." He finished changing his gaze towards Marta, who was slightly ahead of them. Benny laughed, as he was starting to enjoy the boy's company more.

No, but seriously, how did you end up meeting Marta?"

Benny glanced at Marta briefly, a warmth in his gaze. "She is my best friend, and I like to think that fate brought us together. She isn't even from this city! She's from the other side of the bridge. She saved me by putting a bullet through a hollow's head. She's tough, no doubt about that."

Lucas grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I can tell. I wouldn't want to mess with her."

Benny chuckled, his gaze shifting back to the bridge ahead. "Yeah, you're right about that."

As their conversation flowed, Benny's and Lucas's initial cautiousness began to fade, replaced by a growing feeling that both couldn't quite describe. The exchange of stories and experiences served as a reminder that they weren't alone in this world and that there were others who had faced similar trials and tribulations even before everything went to shit.

But as their footsteps continued, Marta's patience started to wear thin. She couldn't deny the importance of their connection and that she was happy that Benny had made a new friend, but her instincts told her that their safety relied on staying vigilant. The sound of their voices, despite being a comfort, also served as a distraction that could potentially put them in danger.

"Hey!" Marta's voice cut through their conversation, her tone sharp and commanding. "Enough talking. We need to focus."

Benny and Lucas exchanged a quick glance, their conversation transitioning into a shared awareness of their surroundings. They nodded in unison, their expressions determined.

And then, from the shadows beneath the bridge, emerged a group of hollows. The eerie moans of the creatures shattered the silence, sending a shiver down their spines. The shared danger bonded them together in an instant, pushing them into action.

Lucas's eyes went wide, not knowing what to do until Benny pushed him behind him. Marta swung her baseball bat with practiced expertise, the thuds of impact echoing through the air. Benny came forward to finish the hollows off with his knife.

As the last of the hollows fell, the trio stood amidst the aftermath, chests heaving and hearts pounding. The encounter served as a stark reminder of the constant threat they faced and the need to remain vigilant.