Amidst the smoke

Chapter 3

Riley felt like she was floating, black spots dotted her vision. She didn't know how long she had been running, or how far she was from Robert, she would just have to hope it was far enough. Riley found a house that had part of the garden fence missing, she climbed walked through the back garden and went into the garden shed. Riley didn't want to risk meeting anything inside the house. She unclipped Bear, threw off her backpack and collapsed in the corner of the shed. Riley shivered as her heart raced and sweat made her skin shiny, Bear looked at her worriedly.

"You're pale." Bear said quietly, "Like when I had flu last year." Riley nodded and managed a weak smile. She turned slightly away from Bear, hiding her still bleeding wound.

"Have some food Bear, it's in my bag." Bear grinned and eagerly rummaged through the bag, pulling out a tin of sweet peas and a can opener. Riley's vision had blurred completely but she still smiled as she watched Bear expertly open the can, careful not to cut himself on the sharp metal.

"You have the first half." Bear handed the tin to Riley who quickly set it on the ground, it felt so heavy.

"No. Bear I'm going to sleep, you can eat all of it, I don't need it." Bear took the can and poured some raw peas into his mouth.

"What if something comes and you're still asleep?" Riley's eyes were half closed and her breathing was shallow.

"Wake me up."

'What if you don't wake up?' Riley imagined Bear sitting in the shed unprotected. Her blood might already be attracting monsters, what would a rotting body do?

"Or use the gun." She hastily pointed at different parts of the gun, "Tuck this into your shoulder, push this in, pull this back, point where you want the bullet to hit and pull the trigger. You've seen me reload it so you should know that." Bear nodded, he carefully ran a finger along the inside of the can, licking up whatever watery substance the peas were kept in. Riley smiled and her eyes crossed, she quickly shut them so Bear wouldn't see.

"I love you, Little Bear." 

Bear's Point Of View

"Are you sure Chief will be okay with this?" Bear stiffened and held the gun closer.

"Yes, she put up a fight, she'll be useful." Bear quietly shuffled closer to Riley, who's breathing was barely noticeable, and pointed the gun at the door. He looked at the gun, which button was he meant to click first?!

"I don't know if this is a good idea. He's the one who decides who does and doesn't get let in."

"Dude, just trust me. It was my idea so if it backfires, I'll get the blame. Besides he can't decide to keep her or not if she's dead. That's why I need you." The voices were right outside the shed, "I'll owe you big time." There was a few seconds of silence, then came an exasperated sigh.

"Fine, but on one condition. Next time Chief sends you out, you get me some CD's. I don't care if we're 'street guys' now, I want more music."

"Deal." The door creaked open, Bear was shaking as he held the gun up higher. Two boys walked in. One was tall, with a buzz cut hairstyle and dark chocolate skin. The other was also tall, but shorter than his friend. He had wavy dark brown hair and his skin was slightly tan. Both boys looked older than Riley. Bear let out a terrified squeak as he caught sight of a large black bow across the boy's chest as well as a quiver of glinting arrows on his back. The taller boy caught sight of Bear, or more specifically the gun, first. He yelped and jumped behind his friend who rolled his eyes before turning towards Bear.

"Hey bud, you okay?" The boy's voice sounded nice, kind. Bear's lip quivered and he tightened his grip on the gun, "We're not going to hurt you. We just want to help you, and the girl." Bear frowned.