PARADOX ↦ ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

41

Acxa kept her eyes open through the trip, dark sunglasses over them as she watched the road ahead, but her eyes droning as she stayed silent. They were heading towards the dead territory of the Galra camps. Territory they destroyed.

These teams had their weapons, and they could fight better than most people, but no one really knows if they will make it back, or what really lies ahead and waiting.

Lotor turned his attention to her by checking from the corner of his eye. He let out a frustrated sigh, finally breaking the stone cold silence resting between them.

"Something's on your mind." He stated, the rolled-down car window sending the chilly breeze into the truck.

"When isn't there something?" The young woman snapped back, her tone slightly annoyed, but mentally praying he wouldn't speak of anything much.

Lotor could tell what she was doing of course. She was trying to avoid it, but he didn't hesitate to bring up the subject now. They haven't spoken about it in days. After she made him promise that they would drop it. Lately it had been on his mind, especially with the fact they were to head on this mission, one that could potentially be a suicide mission.

"Listen... about-"

"No." Acxa interrupted while her gaze stayed on the passenger window, looking at the bare trees as they passed by.

"It's just you and me right now. The other two are in back with Hunk. They can't hear us and you know that you can talk to me." He promised her, glancing over before returning his eyes back to the road. "It's me Acxa."

She was silent for a moment, and she didn't speak. she didn't want to. The fact she had put a gun to her head, and almost died. The fact she had been so fed up with this new world, so tired of all the actions and choices she made, that she had decided death was the better option.

She hated those talks of her 'not being alone' or that people understood what she was going through. It didn't matter that people could sympathize with her. It didn't make her feel better with herself, rather it simply made her pity the people around her.

She was tired of hearing excuses. She was tired of going onward when she didn't see a successful outcome in the end.

Walkers have taken over the world at this point. There has been no country trying to contact through radio or planes flying through the sky. No one was left for support. You either killed yourself or something else did. Acxa wanted to have the choice to end her fight. With these fights, she didn't. With the mission now, she was just putting her life at risk. She didn't mind it.

Lotor let the silence linger during the ride there. He understood the touchy subjects she has aldi out before him and he did nothing but care about her own wellbeing.

With his eyes on the road, he reached over with one hand, gently taking her hand in his and holding it tightly, giving it a tight squeeze. Not letting go.

Axca didn't flinch like she did from normal human contact. It was Lotor, and she trusted him. She was comfortable with him. He was all she had left. Him, Ezor, and Narti. At least they would be going together. She was with them on this mission till the end of the line. If she were to die, at least now it was still on her terms.

Things in the following truck were surprisingly silent, Lance still on the road as he . He had been told to stick close to Lotor's truck. He was the man who knew the way after all. It had been hours since they left the camp, and it would be a few more until they arrived .

Lance just had to keep focused. The ride there was the easy part. Now he just needed to know the task ahead would face them with countless troubles. And most likely deaths.

He watched the three people in the back of Lotor's truck, Hunk, Ezor, and Narti. Yet he noticed things.

Hunk had stayed next to Narti for the whole ride. Ever since the galra camp really. It was like they were always helping each other. The idea in his head didn't leave. If things were to turn out alright, he wouldn't be surprised if they became a couple. Their chemistry worked. He was such a respectful guy, and Narti was someone who did nothing but want respect for her work and morals.

After they lost contact from everyone, Hunk faced the fact he probably would never see Shay again. The possibility was too low. Hell, they weren't really sure what state they were currently in. How could they travel the world?

Hunk faced the fact that he lost Shay, and moving on was what will keep people alive. With Narti, he could smile. He just had to hope hers would stay long enough.

Lance felt the hand on his shoulder, looking to see Shiro.

"You okay? You seem like your eyes are having trouble focusing. Lost in thought?" The older male asked.

"Yeah... I'm fine though." Lance said, sitting up to correct his comfort. The last thing he needed now was this seat to give him a bad back. "It was just thoughts. Of the battle and stuff. And then what's waiting for us."

"What's waiting for us is an empty camp with a few walkers still hanging around. We just need to get there to scout the area. Then we head back to Altea." Shiro told him. Lance didn't need to overthink this. It was just a simple task.

Lance nodded, turning his attention back to following Lotor.

Shiro was silent for a moment before a smirk finally rested itself on his lips. "So... you and Keith?"

Lance felt his face shift colors. He then laughed nervously.

"... shut up."

They had left galra in the night, protected by darkness. As soon as the scout reported the team had left, Galra forces made their way to Altea.

The camp would be caught off guard once again. And despite the galra being low on soldiers, they were prepared to hit Altea with what had hit them just weeks before.

Walkers were to be used as a weapon once again, herds led by horses with meals upon their backs. It was nothing but bait.

And they would be burnt out.