Thriving In Chaos: Hope

Dos

PCTTO: annewipf  at DeviantArt

"Everyone, do not mind the time stamps. If I put time stamps, we would make little progress in the story in every chapter."

CURRENT active characters in the STORY: BINI members, namely,

Mikhaela Janna Lim
Nicolette Vergara
Gweneth Apuli
Sheena Mae Catacutan

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Mikha's POV:

It has been what? Four years since this tragedy happened. I was only 18 years old back then. Now that time had flown just from running around due to the Zekes, I realized I already lived 22 years in this harsh world.

Gwen and Sheena called these Monsters' ZEKES'. A few months ago, they came across an experimental lab and read reports that the scientists called them ZEKES. This outbreak started with a biochemical experiment by the US government to turn their soldiers into 'WEAPONS.' It had gotten out of control, and this hell resulted from their mistake.

I heaved a deep sigh and held on to my weapon tightly. I felt a weight over my shoulder as Colet rested her arm while we walked. She looked at me with one of her brows raised. "You seem preoccupied, my friend." she worriedly said. "I'm afraid I might have to leave your ass if you keep letting your mind wander around if we get attacked again," she added jokingly. I shook my head and rolled my eyes at her. She laughed lightly, and I felt a sense of relief wash over me. 

I glanced at the other two, who were also talking and laughing with each other from time to time. I smiled again, knowing that the four of us still got to have a little break from everything around us even though, sooner or later, we still needed to face the undead again.

A few hours have passed since we last took a break from traveling. It was already noon time, and the sun was blaring above us. If we weren't going to die at the hands of the Zekes, we would die from the natural elements in this world. With limited food, water, shelter, and other supplies needed for survival, we knew we needed to scavenge for more supplies later on.

"Ah, perfect! Everyone, I discovered a box of what I would assume is food inside," Sheena exclaimed excitedly. We stopped by a nearby gas station. We were in a small town called Einsburg, surrounded by lush greenery and forests. Gwen and Colet went to Shee while I stayed by the door to stand guard. Something about this place reminds me of peace and, at the same time, danger. I knew the dense forest surrounding us gave us a minimal vision of the Zekes around since it covered them. We would only know they were around if they had already made their way into the streets in plain sight.

 I huffed a breath and scanned my sight around. I'm looking for possible escape routes if a group of Zekes wanders here. 

"Hey, Mikhs. It would be best if you ate this. We haven't eaten anything since last night, and I know you're hungry." I glanced at Sheena, who handed me two protein bars and a water bottle. "Thank you. Can't believe there's food left here." I said while chuckling softly. 

I began eating the food she gave me, and Shee stood by the door with me, looking out into the distance while eating her portion. I gave her a side glance, and she looked beautiful from my perspective despite her messy hair. 

"How did you and Gwen meet?" I started the conversation while munching on my food. I still kept my guard up in case anything happened.

Sheena chuckled softly and sighed. "I lost my parents to those creatures, so I was traveling alone. She found me hiding in one of the metal boxes at a school. I was by myself until she came. We met, like, ten months ago, I would say. We've met other survivors along the way, but we lost them every time to the Zekes." She sighed deeply and played with her fingers. "Gwen and I were the only ones who would survive, and we felt guilty afterward for failing to protect the others. You two are the most recent ones we came across with. We don't want to lose anyone else, so we need to stay as close to each other as possible. If we get separated once those Zekes attack us, we're as good as dead." She said, looking at me straight in the eye. I could sense Sheena's fear mixed with worriedness in her tone.