Wilted.

Log day 11; Long ass journey

The journey has been long. Quiet. And tense.
We only had two false alarms and me and Sam had to shoot only two Wilters. Phoenix and Alex haven't spoken a word since the fire. And I've had Vincent's neck on a leash. Literally. He can't talk, or do anything, without my permission or Sam's supervision. We have been taking turns for night shifts. Me one night, Sam the next. I sent my to Raven to go fetch my dad. If the bird does come back, he couldn't find him. Hopefully they're both okay.

"Azrael?"
Sam looked at me, and gestured to a large facility that seemed to be boarded up. There was smoke coming out of one of the windows, and a man stepped outside of the door. He's scrawny, dark skinned, and has dreads, with vibrant blue eyes. He made his way to us with a shot gun in hand.
"State your purpose."
Sam shifts, reaching for his gun on his back to hold in front of his chest.
"We are just passing through..."
I cut myself off and look toward my group, Alex looks tired, Phoenix looks tired, Nana looks tired, Charlotte looks hungry. And I don't give a damn of what Vincent is feeling. I turn my head to Sam and place my hand in front of him.
"We were wondering if we could have some shelter and some food?"
The man cocks his head to the side, lowering his own gun. "Where do you come from?"

"Clarksville Arkansas. Our last camp was somewhere in Oklahoma."
I try to sound calm, and friendly. Ish.
Sam looked at me with an uncertain expression. He's confused. Nothing I can't tell him later.

The man leans into a walkie talkie on his chest, describing us, and the situation. Within a few minutes, a woman walks out. Long blond hair, tied in a ponytail, and green eyes. She is wearing a tight, camouflage, long sleeve shirt, and forest green shorts. With hiking boots. "What's your name sweet thing?"
She has a southern accent.
"The names Azrael. This here to my left is Sam, the two on my right is Phoenix and Alex, and the adults are Sandy and Charolette."
The woman smiled, her gaze falling on Vincent.
"And who is this?"
I don't know why, my tone caught edge. "He's a prisoner."

The blonde woman nodded in understanding. "I'm Lisa, this here is Devon." She gestured to the man beside her, the man who spoke to us before.
Lisa held a hand out toward me, before wrapping her arm around my shoulder.
Before I knew it, we were all in the building. It looks like it used to be some kind of factory. There's boxes. Machines. Hell, there's even a few cars, and trucks. I looked around curiously, my dark eye scanning the area. I spot a few people who either look injured, wounded, or downright tired and angry.
We get approached by an old guy, a hair cut that looked like Mohawks on the side of his head. He was balding from the looks of it. He had a green eye, and an eyepatch. A trimmed beard and a peg leg. First thought that went through my mind 'Pirate'.
"Lisa! Who are these shitty-looking people! And where's half this one's face!"
He put a condescending finger on my chest and looked at me with suspicion. Who does he think he is. I tense, and Lisa must've taken notice, because she grabbed the man's hand and lifted it away. "Commander, This is Azrael. And these is his group. They will be staying for the night for food and sleep."  The man's face turned red with fury. "Staying?! Were they followed by the lanky ones!? They could lead us all to death!"
He yelled. Lisa bent his hand in a way that made his bones crack. Possibly dislocating it. The man let out a painful yelp and yanked his hand away from her. "Fine! Keep 'yer... creepy lookin friend. And his group." I looked at Lisa expectantly, ignoring the man and the last of his words. She smiled at me, "Don't worry about him sweetheart. He used to be a commander in the army." She began to walk to another side of the building. A bonfire was lit, and there more people. Eating stuff from cans. "We don't got much right now, but hopefully it can feed you lot."
Devon stated, gesturing for us to sit with the group. We all did. Staying together of course, we were given cans of ravioli. Better than nothing. The night continued quietly. Awkwardly. Everyone went to sleep in the sleeping quarters, and I stayed awake on the roof looking at the stars. Now that the power was out in the city, the stars were shining brighter than before. I closed my eyes and relaxed into the comfort. "So. Not gonna sleep, eh kid?" His annoying voice. Rang in my ears like a drum. "Didn't I tell you, that you're not aloud to talk unless spoken to? Rat."
Vincent shifted closer to me. A grin on his face. "Well I couldn't help but notice you seem thoughtful, on this beautiful night. Also I do have a... uh... a suggestion."
I turned my gaze on him. My hands clenched into fists. "And what would that be?"
"Why don't we stay a while? If your dad is alive, he should find us in... three days?"
I rolled my eyes, and crossed my arms.
"Yea right. These people have enough to worry about."
"But you need to keep the others safe too. I'm sure Lisa and Devon will be understanding." I must admit. What he's saying is... considerable. "I'll sleep on it. For now. You. Stay quiet."
He nodded in agreement, and laid down on the flat roof, his eyes closing. The chain attached to my hip went still as he fell asleep. Thank goodness.
I'll ask Lisa tomorrow. And I'll talk to the others before her.
Tomorrow is gonna be a lot.