Forgetting the Apocalypse

40. Trainees

In the beginning, it was annoying. More than annoying. We were nearly halfway through the night and we hadn't even traveled more than five miles. I walked faster when my leg was busted up. That was going to be the thing I said. Instead, I realized that someone ought to slap me upside the head.

This was the fifth time we had to slow down. The young kid, Boaz was breathing really hard and looked much paler than when we first saw him.

"Easy there bruv, just sit down. Put your head between your knees," Riva knelt down on a knee and was rubbing Boaz's back, "Just like that. In and out."

I had pulled his sister to the side to ask her for the truth and that's when she told us about his condition. He kept trying to slience his coughing and looked seconds from passing out.

"Be honest, was he bitten?" I asked.

She shook her head, almost in tears.

"No, he hasn't been bitten. He's got a bad heart. He can't have its rate go to high or he could... Look, we're so grateful you helped us back there. We would have died on that roof. But we can't keep up and we don't want to put you in any danger. You should go."

The last bit was barely audible. She pulled her arm free of my hand and knelt by her brother. His breathing was evening out but still shaky. He was a fighter for sure.

The four of us looked at each other. Sunrise was in three hours and we haven't seen anything close to being good enough to stay the day but before I could tell them that we weren't just going to leave them here, the dogs gave warning.

In an instant, we circled around the two, creating a barrier. I tried focusing on the sounds. Trying to determine the direction they were coming from. Closing my eyes, I focused on every little sound out there. Sorting out which ones were judt regular nature sounds such as birds and insects and which were the dead stumbling around.

No more than a couple of sticks breaking, some leaves being crunched and rocks being moved about. None too loud indicating that their speed wasn't all that great. However, it sounded very close by and that could easily change once we were spotted.

"Ok kids, listen up.." Fredi cocked his shotgun, "Next rule, Never fire until you know exactly where they are. Listen carefully to your surroundings."

The two of them make the effort to listen around them. Boaz' breathing wasn't back to normal but he managed to get enough deeper breaths to nearly quiet down.

Deciding to help them further, I knelt down and whispered, "Don't forget to pay attention to animals. Not just the wild ones but our dogs too."

That was all I was going to say. They had to learn for themselves and it should be enough. Otherwise, they'd truly never make it out here even if they had us constantly holding their hand. One look at them four should be enough to give them a hint as to which direction they're coming from.

All four dogs began a low growl as they got closer. No doubt from following our scents. With a silent command, they ceased their noise.

For a brief moment, it went completely silent.

Keeping an arrow ready to take aim, I waited. I didn't have to wait long. The silence broke when the first one came within sight. Quickly drawing my bow, I shot the arrow cleanly into its head, his rotting body dropping to the ground with a thud.

I didn't let my guard down though. I knew there were still a few more out here.

"Is that all of them?" Kailee asked.

Riva and her brother hushed her as quietly as they could but she had already been heard. More snarls erupted and the movement quickened.

I drew my bow again and fired another arrow onto one of the coming zombie. Four more had followed the first one that I killed. Thankfully for us they were just as slow as the first. It wasn't any trouble for us. But one they were all officially dead I noticed how eerily quiet Kailee and Boaz were.

Their faces were more pale than Boaz's was moments ago.

When we were getting up for the night, getting ready for our first meal I thought of ways for Kailee and her brother to get used to their new life. Again.

While I was more than happy and grateful for her assistance with shooting the asshole that was seconds from biting Riva, I know that that was a lucky shot. They need more than just reading their environment, studying the animals and remaining quiet. They said that they never actually had to deal with them.

That has to change. They've seen them up close twice now but they need to pop their cherry soto speak before it gets them killed. So that's what we need to do. I'm just not sure how in a safe manner.

"Kailee, come with me." I tell her.

The four men tensed a bit but didn't utter a word. Boaz looked like he wanted to follow his sister but Riva had that handled with asking him what kind of weapon he felt most comfortable with.

We kept walking further from the group until I finally saw signs of animal tracks. Kneeling down, I called to her. "Come here, what kind of animal do you think left these prints?" I let her get close so she can see it clearly. "Look around you, what kind of environment are we in."

"Well I know it's not a predator. No claws or anything like that.." She looked at it further until she gave up and looked at me instead, "Why am I out here with you? I thought you hunted alone."

I nodded my head. Smart.

"You're right, it's not from a predator. These tracks belong to an elk and they look fresh so we should be able to catch up to one of them. The reason I brought you with me is because despite you constantly talking last night as we walked, you're very light footed. It may have been more luck than skill but you still know how to shoot," I gestured to the way she was holding the gun. It was a very simple thing that many beginners forget. When not planning to shoot, keep your finger off the trigger. Also, she kept it aimed down instead.

"We do scavenge places for canned food and such but sooner or later those are gonna run out. And it's not like anybody is going to be making them again anytime soon which is why it's important to know how to catch your own food. You look like a very fast learner, so I'm going to teach you. Not only as a thanks for what you did for Riva but also to help you too."

For the next half hour we spent looking for the elk, I could see out of the corner of my eye I can see Kailee mimic what I do in a certain way. She wasn't complaining as she was before. I could see the effort she was putting in. Once we found them, I signaled to her that I would do it. As I got into position, I gestured to my eye and around us. Telling her to keep an eye out. Resuming my crouching, I tapped Jack's shoulders and let him take off.

Dragging the elk back was much easier with Kailee's help. She was a little squimish when it came to bleeding the animal and gutting it but at least she didn't throw up or pass out. Just a little pale.

Breakfast was uneventful. While the boys helped Boaz with their own weapons, I discussed more hunting techniques with Kailee. She took it all in and I could tell she was making plenty of mental notes. Based on the questions she would ask, I could also tell that she was taking it very seriously.

I was right, she was going to be a fast learner.