Mankind

Chapter Seven

Part Two:

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Cassie's heart pounded as she darted through the abandoned streets of Chillicothe, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She hadn't been to Chillicothe for a while and couldn't really remember what it looked like before the outbreak, but the city is now reduced to a ghost town by the relentless march of the infected. But she had come here for one reason and one reason only: to scavenge for supplies before continuing her journey to Steelton.

As she rounded a corner, a low growl echoed through the air, sending a shiver down her spine. Before she could react, a horde of infected burst from the shadows, their bloodshot eyes fixed hungrily on her. Panic surged through Cassie as she stumbled backward, her hands fumbling for her weapon. But before she could draw it, a figure leaped forward, killing the infected with swift, precise strikes from a blade.

"Get down!" The voice yelled out, and Cassie obeyed without hesitation, dropping to the ground as a flurry of blows rained down on the creatures surrounding her.

When the chaos finally subsided, Cassie dared to lift her head, her eyes meeting those of her savior. It was Selena, the leader of a small community tucked in a walled strip mall.

"Are you okay?" Selena asked, extending a hand to help Cassie to her feet.

Cassie nodded, her heart still racing from the adrenaline rush of the encounter. "Thanks to you," she replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "I'm Cassie."

Selena offered a reassuring smile before turning her attention to the task at hand. "I'm Selena, now we need to get out of here before more of them show up. They always do. Follow me."

With Selena leading the way, Cassie fell into step beside her, her mind buzzing with questions. She had heard of Selena's community—a haven amidst the chaos of the infected—but she had never expected to find herself in need of its protection.

As they made their way through the deserted streets, Cassie couldn't help but marvel at the resilience of Selena. Cassie knew of her, but had never met her. She only heard Selena's voice over the radio when her mother had been communicating with survivors. When they finally reached the safety of Selena's community, Cassie breathed a sigh of relief, her muscles relaxing as the weight of the world lifted from her shoulders. She had found an unexpected ally in Selena, and for that, she was grateful.

After a restful night, Cassie made her way onto the roof of the strip mall, where Selena sat staring up at the gray clouds hanging in the sky. The air is cooler today, a sign that rain is coming.

"Hey," Cassie says, kicking rocks on the roof.

"Cassie, come sit." Selena smiles, patting the chair next to her. She notices Selena is dressed a bit different than the day before. When they were in the midst of fighting off the infected, Selena was suited up like she was going into battle; Full face gas mask, leather trench coat, machete, bandana tied around her long braids. Now she looks more comfortable, and what little sun peeking through the clouds shines against her dark skin.

"Thanks...for saving my ass."

"We look after our own here." Selena says with her smooth English accent.
Cassie nodded, appreciating the sentiment. "I owe you one."

"Just glad I could help. So, what's your plan now?"

Cassie sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I still need to get to Steelton. I'm hoping to find some supplies here first, though. Then I'll figure out the rest."

Selena leaned back in her chair, considering. "Steelton's a dangerous place, Cassie. You sure you want to go there alone?"

Cassie hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "I don't have much of a choice. My mom might be there."