Something Wild

Part V: Chapter Eighteen

Annnddd another oneeee

Chapter Eighteen: Madison's POV

            "Marvel," I call as I stand up from the ground, brushing the dirt off my clothes. My shoulder aches where I hit it on the cement; I know full well that I'm going to get a massive bruise there. But that's the least of my worries. Marvel is pawing hastily at the ground, looking back worriedly at me. "Let's go, girl." She whimpers but follows as I run back to the house we came from. We weave through the spaces between houses, jumping over the rotting fences, dodging through over grown foliage. It doesn't take long to get back to the house and barricade the door behind us.

            Marvel whimpers again as she paces by the door. She taps Val's jacket with her nose and turns back to me.

            "I know, I miss her, too," I say kneeling down in front of Marvel. She walks over to me and licks my face. I run my hand soothingly over her head and down her back; repeating the motion as I speak. "But we need to find her, do you think you can track her? Oh, God, look at me, I'm talking to a dog. Do you even understand me, Marvel?"

            She woofs softly.

            "I guess we'll find out," I shrug standing back up and start to pack all of our stuff back up. There isn't much time until night falls, and I don't want to lose their trail. It's probably the best bet to head back the way we came the other day, where Val and I had first seen Samuel and his men. I don't want to know how they found us out here, but I can only hope that they're back that way. If anything, maybe Marvel can pick up on something to lead us.

            Upstairs, I gather up the clothes and food that's scattered around the bedroom we had taken up residence in. I stuff everything into my nearly empty backpack and trot back down the stairs to find Marvel laying on the floor. She has her head resting on Val's jacket on the floor, her eyes turned down sadly at the corners. I drop my backpack on the floor and take a seat next to Marvel. My hand absentmindedly running over her fur as we both stare at the empty space where Val should be occupying. Marvel let's out a sigh and turns her head to me.

            "We'll find her," I say quietly pressing a kiss to her forehead. "We'll get her back, I promise." I force myself to stand and sling my backpack over my shoulders. I take Val's jacket and wrap it around my waist before turning back to Marvel. "Think you can follow her scent, Marv?"

            She lets out a bark and I let her smell the jacket one more time before we're off.

            Outside, a rather large hoard of Rotters is approaching. Which is just the cherry on top of an already shitty day. Marvel's pawing at the ground. In other circumstances where I wouldn't have noticed this, I would be grateful. But, right now, seeing the obvious death parade stumbling chaotically toward us, it's more of a nuisance than a help. I debate using my pistol; the Rotters already know I'm here, what's the worst that could happen?

            The image of a Goliath tossing me through a window flashes through my mind.

            On second thought, no pistol. No unnecessary noise. I take out my machete and start running in the direction I remember the truck disappearing in. Marvel takes the lead, presumably following Val's scent, but I honestly have no way to tell. So, I follow. As we run, I swing my blade at the approaching Rotters the best I can. I don't have the time or patience to care if the kill is good or not. All I can think about is Valerie, her safety, and—God—her pain.

            Each Rotter I take down brings no relief in the rage that is boiling up inside me. Samuel took my father. Probably my mother. And now he has Valerie. He has taken everything from me. And I want to watch him burn.