Corrupted: The Pain We Feel (Book 1)

Chapter 11: Wanderer

All 3 of us walk down a deserted street, we've finally made it to the city. Well, what's left of it. Since most places are either ruins or ghost towns by now but compared to other cities, it's in fairly good shape. The fall breeze gently caresses my face as I pass by the many leaves that paint the ground in beautiful colors, I've always loved the fall. The beauty of it is breathtaking. I sigh in relief as I close my eyes to enjoy this peaceful moment before snapping my eyes open when I hear an extra footstep.

"Wait." I say suddenly, putting my arm out in front of Tristen and Zoey, stopping them in their tracks.

"What-"

"Shhh." I cut Zoey off, putting my finger to my mouth as a signal to be quiet.

I reach behind me and grab the machete that's strapped to my backpack, hearing the smooth sound of it sliding out of it's sheath. It's black and silver design shines in the sunlight, giving me a sense of calmness knowing that I have a weapon out and ready to go.

I close my eyes, listening carefully to my environment. No birds singing, no bugs buzzing or chirping, nothing. As if the wildlife knew that something was wrong before we did. That's when I hear it, a footstep. On instinct, I swing my machete towards the intruder, my eyes still closed as I hear a slice, followed by the thump of a body hitting the ground.

I open my eyes, seeing my sword right next to Tristen's neck and the body of a dead Wanderer bathing in it's own blood. I put my machete down, knowing that the threat is gone before crouching down and checking the body for any useful supplies.

"Woah." Zoey says, dumbfounded by how I knew that the Wanderer was there.

"How did you know that was there?" Tristen asks with wide eyes, just as shocked as Zoey.

"I'm always paying attention to my surroundings, I heard a footstep that wasn't mine, yours, or Zoey's, and I immediately knew that it was a Wanderer. 3 teenagers alone in the middle of the street? Perfect opportunity for a Wanderer to jump out. Make no mistake, just because Wanderers are commonly found in forests, does not mean that you won't find them elsewhere." I say as I find some bullets for my pistol on the dead body and put them in my backpack.

"You nearly chopped my head off!" Tristen exclaims, throwing his hands in the air.

"I did not, I knew exactly where you were. The blade wouldn't have even nicked you, trust me." I reply passively as I get up, tossing him a case of bullets I found on the body for his semi-auto shotgun. I knew exactly how far away he was from me, my blade came close to his neck cause the Wanderer was close to him. The blade wouldn't have even touched him. I'm not that stupid.

"Split up and look around. Anything that could be useful, take it. No one lives around here anyway, and the Corrupted sure don't need it. Meet back here in 30 minutes, and keep your machete out. We don't want to keep using our guns or we'll run out of bullets. Capiche?" I order, turning to them and looking them in the eye to make sure they understand before I walk off.

"Yup." they say in synchronization before walking away to stores and buildings on the street.

(I know it's short but it needs to be here to set the stage for the next chapter!)