Lifeless Gain Life [APOCALYPSE]

3. don't let the biters bite

     Stirring to life, it's evident that I am laying upon stone. The air is thick and has the scent of a sewer. I scrunch my nose, disgusted. Slowly, I move the palms of my hands beneath me, reaching to lift myself up, but a pain strikes my shoulder. The bullet wound. It's... bandaged, but the feeling is still indescribable.

     "And she lives," a voice mutters from across the room. It's full of sarcasm. My head shoots in their direction, and I'm greeted by an unfamiliar face. That's when my attention falls on bars that look awfully a lot like those in a cell. Across from me, behind bars as well, is another. 

     His face is long, and kind of has an elfish look, but his dark hair is choppy and just below his ears. He's got this weird smile on his face, as if he's gone mad.

     I glance around, yanking at the bars to see if they happened to be loose. I should be able to get out of here.

     "Tried it," he says, which makes me grow frustrated.

     I rise, banging on the stone wall. Hopefully some of it has given in. Who knows how long this place has been around.

     "Tried it."

     Then, I go back towards the bars, reaching my hand through for the keys, which are just in sight. My fingers seem to graze the wall right near it, but my reach isn't enough. It's as if their placement of them is just to mock those who attempt.

     "Tried it."

     "Can you just shut up!" I snap, facing the boy, whom still carries the same mischievous grin.

     "I'm Ezra."

     "And I'm going to get out of here."

     "Tried it," he says, and I shoot him one last deadly glare. He raises his hands up in self-defense, "I'm done, I'm done." They took everything! My gun, my dagger, my supplies! Even my dang hat! I feel anger rising inside of me, but somehow keep it hidden.

     "A brit, huh?" he asks, an eyebrow arched. I frown, sliding down against the stone wall and onto the cold floor. I keep my mouth shut, thinking of any other possibilities to escape. "What? I guess you guys don't talk much in Britain?" I stiffen.

     "First of all, I'm Australian. Second of all, I can't think when your mouth is running!" I say a bit too loudly, and he just laughs. My anger fades. "How long have you been here?"

     "Lost track. Y'know you aren't the first one in that cell," he explains. "There was this guy before you, but they killed him. Then, there was a girl, but she's dead now too. You see, I call that the Cursed Cell, since everyone in there always ends up dead," he tells me, an innocent look on his face.

     "Reassuring."

     The one artificial light is out, but the sunlight carries in through two high-up windows, so the area is quite dim. Particles dance around, but I don't get distracted.

     "Tell me about this place." I demand, looking at him intently.

     "Why would I help you?" he crosses his arms, suddenly looking unamused. What a child!

     I frown, holding back the urge to roll my eyes. "Because if I can find a way out, you'll be able to too," I explain, trying my best to sound convincing. My mother used to tell me that I have a way with words, but maybe it's just because I'm a good liar. I'm not saying lying is good, but it sure is a useful skill.

     "Fine." He shrugs, "What do you want to know?"

     "Everything." I sit on my knees, facing him. "Tell me about the people, the exits and entrances. Who can fight, who can't. How often they come down here. Tell me where we are. Who's the leader, and how can I talk to them?"