The Fallout

Chapter 1

Border's P.O.V.

Tick, tick, tap. Tick, tick, tap. I groaned, that stupid mutant woodpecker needs to shut-up. Sitting up, I looked around.

"Tip-Tip!" I squeaked. About four seconds later a bobbed-tail fox wiggled its way out from under a pile of rubble. He jotted up and kicked by leg. "Morning."

Standing, I look around. The barren landscape was bleak, and speckled with old structures. Sighing, I stepped out from my makeshift shelter and started walking, staff in hand.

"Tip-tip... scan the barrier." I said. A leap and bound later, my faithful fox was off to complete his task.

An eerie winds rattles my very soul. It's become so quiet. So lonely. Even the slightest bit of bird chatter wouldn't be so bad.

Hell, I'd settle for those annoying mutant-looking woodpeckers.

Anything but this cold silence.  I pushed a few strands of my choppy black hair back away from my eyes. I tried to distract myself.

Looking North, I saw the remains of the Empire State building.

Let me fill you in, in the year of 2045 the world ended as we know--scratch that, knew it. There were tornadoes, earthquakes, typhoons, every kind of natural disaster. Then after the world thought it was all over, an outbreak spread worldwide. The Bubonic Plague. It destroyed large settlements and important structures. After that, the surviving people either joined four clans, became cannibals or just went rouge.

I'm not sure how it all happened. I was only 10 when this mess started. My parents taught me to survive before being lost to the cannibals. I was left alone, and have remained that way since. With the exception of Tip-Tip, of course.

Sob story much? Yeah.

Anyways, I grew up with Tip-Tip. In a way we've both helped each other in this mess. I couldn't ask for a greater blessing.

The year is now 2052.

My name is Border Atlas.

I am a rogue.

And I am determined to survive.

My blue eyes spot a small, white object. I squint to try and distinguish the creature. The little fluffy puff-ball at the rump of the animal gives it away. A rabbit. My mouth instantly starts to water. I slowly advance towards it, reaching into my boot for my spare knife.

I keep my gaze focused on it. It's not very big, but it's better than what I've been eating.

The small creature twists its ears towards me. I freeze. The rabbit starts to scamper away, only to be hit by a dart.

I'd know those deadly weapons anywhere. The cannibals. I look around and spot several, watching as the rabbit suffers a painful death. One of their gazes shifts towards me.

Shit.

I scowl and ready my staff. If they want a fight, they'll get one.

The one who spotted me grunts to his companions. I hear them growl as they bare their teeth at me, exposing two sharp rows of teeth.

Fear rises in my chest as quite a few others step out of hiding with their weapon of choice. Most cannibals use their brute force, but some are carrying knives, daggers, swords, and even guns.

Their leader, a tall, built male steps forward. A ferocious snarl erupts from his throat. My fear is replaced with shock. I can’t move at all. Although my pose may be fierce, I’m trembling inside.

I'm hopelessly out numbered. This is not good.

The cannibal approaches me. I summon all my courage and take a swing at him. He falls back, furious.

Almost instantly recovering, he charges towards me, calling the others into the battle as well.

I'm screwed.