My Sparks of Universes (fr + en)

Post-Apocalypse (pt. 2)

Florent: Thomas, I would like you to come with me and my group. You would be more safe with us than here. What do you think?

Thomas seemed hesitant. I couldn't blame him. Even I had a hard time trusting other survivors with all the stories I had heard from some of them, but I was not going to leave a child on his own when I could save him. So I waited for the boy to decide, praying for the horde of infected to be slow enough for him to decide.

After a short moment, Thomas looked up at me and exclaimed:

Thomas: I'll come with you! But... c-could we go to my house? M-My big brother is still there...

I hesitated to respond. Like I said, I heard stories of agressions and some of them involved kids as bait, but, knowing myself, I just had to help him no matter what was going to happen to me. With that in mind, I shortly nodded to him and held out my hand to help him up.

Florent: Then let's go before they find us in here.

Thomas: *takes my hand and get up, clutching the bandages in his other hand* O-Ok..

I took once again my com to signal to my crew that I was moving. After that, we exited the drugstore from the back of it, looking out the door to make sure no infected were roaming there before exiting. I let Thomas guide me to his house, not once letting go of his hand since he seemed to be more reassured holding mine.

While we were quietly hurrying to his house, I couldn't help but wonder why wasn't his brother with him. It was odd, even for a weird family, to leave the younger do the raids all by himself. At least, that's what I thought. Unless something happened to the rest of his family, making him the only one able to go search the things they needed. That would be a bit more logical and I did have proof of it. The bandages that he was still carrying in his hand was obviously for his brother he talked about. I was so lost in my thoughts and finally shook my head to stop, knowing very well that it was unsafe to be in this state in the middle of an infested city.

We finally arrived to a small house, look of the start of the 20th century with Greek ornaments, with a white front and grey sides. It was a beautiful house, too beautiful and well preserved for our new rotting world. I quickly focused my attention back to Thomas, who was tugging my hand slightly.

Thomas: I-I can't really tell you my reason... b-but whatever happens, c-could you not shoot, please?

I frowned, but agreed to it even if I still was confused. I also felt a bit of panic rush through me, thinking I might have been trapped. Even so, I still followed him toward the entrance, staying true to what I first truly thought. He let go of my hand to grab the handle and open the door, hurrying inside while hugging the bandages. I went in after him, closing the door behind me after checking no infected had seen us. After that, I went where I thought I heard Thomas run to. I walked into a small living room to find him and who I assumed was his brother, who had his back facing me. I quickly observed that his skin was quite pale, making it as if he just seen a ghost or, in our situation, an infected. Before I could say anything, Thomas looked at me and opened his mouth.

Thomas: Florent, this is my brother, Celestin. Celi, this is Florent. He proposed we join his group a-and I thought it would be better for us...

Thomas seemed hesitant to continue and, since I couldn't see Celestin's face, I was slightly confused. The boy seemed to have no reaction whatsoever if it was the thing that was troubling Thomas. However, I suddenly understood why he had warned me before entering, for when Celestin turned around to face me, I couldn't help myself but flinch. Not only his skin was pale, but his eyes were as white as the infected. I knew he had been bitten just by those two fact, but he somehow didn't seems to be a threat which made it easier for me to relax. His hands then moved forward and he started making signs.

Celestin: *He didn't force you to into this, did he?*

I chuckled softly, seeing the situation taking another way.

Florent: *No he didn't. I really proposed it.*

He made a shocked face, probably because I answered in signs.

Celestin: *Great! Because I would of been a bit embarrassed even though I know how irresistible his puppy eyes are.*

Thomas: W-Well, you don't leave me any choices sometimes!

Celestin rolled his eyes and I laughed a bit. This was way different that I though my first talk with a newly bitten would go.

Celestin: *Anyway, are you sure your group will accept? Cuz I could be considered as a zombie like this...*

I frowned.

Florent: *You haven't been bitten?*

Celestin: *I... I did, but it's been almost a month and I figured I was somewhat immune? Well... to a certain point at least.*

Florent: *A month? Wow... well I guess you really are immune. None of the people I knew that turned lasted as long... Anyway, don't worry about my crew, I talk it out and it'll be then for you to integrate the group. For both of you actually.*

I ment it. I was going to do anything to save that kid and, if it ment to take a half turned boy with us, then I would. Besides, I was already feeling that Celestin would have no problem integrating the group. The problem now was to convince them to trust my judgment...

To be continued...