Multi-Fiction

Z Nation (S5)

"Estes, what do you want? I'm busy."
"Oh don't give me that, Maria. Alvin Murphy, he trusts you, right?"
"I think so, why?"
"I want you to find the talkers, and call me as soon as you do. It's time we finally make sure that Altura is safe."
"Consider it done, I will no longer live in fear, brother."
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Maria's POV
I sighed as I neared the place we'd only heard about, Limbo. From what I knew, my old friend Murphy was keeping talkers there with help from his old group. I say old friend, but I'd only known him for his short stay in Altura, we had quickly clicked and became close, mainly because everyone else though he was the devil, but it interested me. He was bright red, supposedly dead, but a talker that didn't need feeding, I loved it. I took advantage of the situation, almost finding happiness in the apocalypse, until he ran away and Estes showed me just how dangerous talkers were. He showed me first hand that they were just zombies, but even more ruthless and enchanting; luring you in with false tears and then eating away at your flesh. That's why I agreed to this, why I had to do it, for Altura. My brother sent me on this mission because he knew I could do it. Yeah, we we only shared the same father, but we always acted like we were full siblings, and I didn't intend to let him down.

I spotted the building that was supposedly Limbo, and slammed my fist on the door, no reply. "Hello, Murphy?!" I called, knocking again. Still, silence. I knocked harder, the metal rattling, echoing off of the walls. Just as I was about to shout again, the door opened, revealing one very devilish Murphy. He was grinning and peering around at me. "Maria, is that you?" He asked, almost in shock. I nodded. "Yeah, it's me. Look, I just really needed to see you, and I was told I could find you in this area. Please, can I come in?" I partially lied, putting on a defeated look. After a quick glance behind him, he opened the door wider, and pulled me inside.

"Is it just you four here?" I asked, looking over at the trio by the bar that consisted of Doc, Addy, and 10k. Murphy shrugged, looking away. "Must get pretty lonely, anyway, is there somewhere we can talk in private?"
"Yeah, follow me. Care for a drink first though, you look thirsty." He lead me over to the bar, where I smiled at the three, who just nodded back. "Here, whatever's going on, I promise this will help take it away." I took the glass of alcohol, and downed it, before letting out a sigh and following him to another room.

"So, what happened?" Murphy asked, sitting on an old bed, which I sat opposite on, cross legged. "Well, I was on one of my usual walks around the compound, when Estes came over. He told me that he wanted me to join his fighting force, stating that 'I've seen you with a gun, and you must join' I didn't want to, I would fight, but only if I had no other choice. Like with zombies, but he didn't like my reply.." Murphy reached out, putting his hand on mine as I continued, "he threatened me, said if I didn't join then he'd toss me to the Zs, leaving me for dead with no supplies. I had no other choice, so I ran away. When I heard about Limbo and the Lucifer looking owner, I knew it had to be you, so I came here, and now here I am." I felt a tear doll down my cheek, this story wasn't all fake. When Estes was first plotting to take over Altura, he'd told me if I didn't work with him, he'd leave me to die, his own blood. I didn't want to because it would mean betraying my friends, but I agreed, now I knew he was right. The world was dangerous.

"I'm so sorry, Ria. How about I throw a party tonight, you can come with me, I promise if you stick with me then no one will make you feel like you don't belong. I'll make sure of it." He gave me a determined look, I knew he meant every word. Murphy may come off as a jackass, but underneath that shield, was a soft, caring man, who knew who he loved, and would sacrifice everything for them. "How are we going to party if there's only five us?" I questioned, wiping my eyes. Murphy smirked, and just tapped his nose. "I'm going to get you some proper clothes, stay right here." He walked out, and I sat still, having nothing to do anyway. Then he reappeared with a black skirt and top set, and a partially sheer red dress. "Put these on then join us in the bar."