The World is No More

Chapter Two

    I opened my eyes and sat up. I looked up and saw a man wearing a dark outfit and a helmet with a face mask. "Don't you know not to be out at night?" He asked with a hard voice. "Y-yeah...I had to e-escape. G-got swarmed...N-not enough s-supplies..." I stuttered. This guy was freaking scary. Tall...Menacing...But...Familiar?

    He nodded and gave me his hand. I grabbed it and I noticed he was wearing leather gloves. He helped me up. I grabbed my shotgun and strapped it back to my back. I grabbed my knife. "Thank you..." I whispered, sheathing my knife. He gave me a nod.

    After a few moments, Mr. Mysterious broke the silence. "The name's Jackson," He said the hardness was slightly more gentle, "What's yours?" "I'm Zoey." I said. Jackson acted a bit shocked. Almost like he found me familiar. I almost wanted to ask if I knew him. He cleared his throat. "Alright. Now, be quiet. We don't want any more Seekers coming." He said sternly. I nodded and followed him.

~

    Jackson was so familiar... I know him...I couldn't be quiet anymore. "Do I know you? You seem fam-" "I said be quiet." He snapped quietly. "S-Sorry!" I squeaked. He stopped and looked at me. I knew he was glaring at me behind that mask. A flash of worry washed my face and I darted my eyes to the ground. Jackson sighed when I looked up. He shook his head slightly and turned back around. We continued to walk.

~

    It was the break of day light. We came up to a camp that was located in a large clearing. We walked in. "Ey, Jack!" A guy yelled. Jackson took off his helmet-mask- thingy. He looked at the guy. "Hey, Steve." Jackson said.

    With one look at his face, I know exactly who he was. "Jackson! Y-You're alive!" I exclaimed. Tears were starting to sting my eyes. His head shot at me. "Zoey..." Jackson whispered. Shock flashed his face. A tear rolled down my cheek. Jackson quickly pulled me into a tight hug, which I happily returned.

     "I-I thought you were dead..." Jackson mumbled. "You can't get rid of me that easily." I chuckled softly. We pulled away, while Jackson shook his head, smiling wide. I wiped my eyes, giving him a wide smile back. "Come on, we need some sleep," Jackson said, "I'll show you the Sleeping Quarters."

    I nodded and quickly followed him. The Sleeping Quarters is a big building located in the middle of the camp. We walked up to it and my eyes widened at the size of the building. Jackson walked to the door and opened it for me. "Wow, what a gentleman." I giggled, sticking my tongue at him. "Oh, hush." Jackson chuckled, following me. He soon got in front of me.

    Inside this large building was a lot of rooms. From what I could tell by the rooms whose doors were opened, it was decent sized. There was a bed, dresser, nightstand, and what looked like a bathroom. I longed for a shower.

    "Is there a bathroom in each room?" I asked. "Yep! Fully equipped with a sink and shower, too." Jackson answered. Sweet. I smiled at the idea of a nice, hot shower. Shortly, we arrived to a door labeled 203. Jackson opened the door, and there was two keys in a box nailed on the inside of the door. He grabbed one. "One key goes with me and the other is yours to keep." He explained. I nodded, my eyes locked with the shower.

    "Zoe?" Jackson asked, "You alright?" I snapped out of my gaze. "Y-yeah...Sorry..." I trailed off. Jackson chuckled, well let's get some sleep. I'm in room 204 if you need anything." I nodded. With one final hug, he left and I closed the door.

    I sighed and sat my bag on the floor by my dresser. I put my shotgun next to the night stand by my bed. I unstrapped my knife from my waist and sat in down on the nightstand. I made a beeline to the bathroom and took a much needed shower.