10k's girl ➳ Z-Nation

Chapter Twenty-Seven

10k's Pov

I froze as I began to wake up. My eyes shot open and I sighed in relief that she was alive. I pulled her close to me, burying my face in her hair, which startled her awake. "T-Ten? What are you-"   "Shh.. I just.. I just want to hold you for a moment.. Is that ok?.." 

"Of course.. Bad dream?"  Her voice was soft and laced with concern. I nodded and held her firmly against me.

Her arms encased me to hug me back. I soaked every second of it up because I knew we would have to leave soon.

As if on cue, we heard banging. "Puppies and Kittens! We gotta go!" Y/n sat up and groaned in pain. I got out of bed and picked her up, taking her with me to the living room. She pouted her lip out and crossed her arms as I set her down. "I can walk on my own dummy. I'm not helpless."

I smirked, getting close to her face. I could be confident because I knew exactly what would happen. "Then I guess you won't mind me carrying your bag too?  She tried to grab it before me, but I pulled it out of her reach. I zipped it and slung it over my shoulder, sticking my tongue out in the process. I grabbed her machete and opened the door. The Z rushed in and I tripped it, Y/n's machete latched into it's skull.

"Lets go 10." I scanned the hall. Her eyes darted to the door as a Z ran past. She walked out, I took control this time. At the main entrance, Warren stood beside everyone else. Y/n walked ahead next to her.

"Still got that radio? I might be able to rig the wiring again to contact Si- Citizen Z." Warren handed it to her as we began walking. I rubbed my temples because all of it hurt my brain. Doc looked at me and Cassandra nodded to him as they slowed their pace to match mine. I sighed at them and Doc slapped my shoulder. "Don't be sad Kid-"

"We think you should tell Y/n." I shrugged. "I'll do it."  Both of them stopped in shock.  Cassandra waved her hand in front of me.  "Is this the real 10k?"  Doc shrugged.  "Maybe something happened between them last night?" 

"10, we need to scout ahead!"; I looked up and saw Y/n smiling at me." I walked over to her.

"Citizen Z said there was another storm coming in a few hours. Warren wants us to go scout ahead and look for another non-infested place."

I nodded, taking the lead. "Let's go."

After a few minutes of walking in silence, I remembered the pack of Z's and stopped.  Y/n turned back to me.  "What's wrong?" 

I sighed.  "Listen to me.. I know this will sound crazy but.. I've already experienced this day twice now.. Both times I couldn't.. You.." 

She looked up to me with worried eyes.  "Is that why you hugged me this morning?"  I nodded ashamed. "I couldn't save you. I'm just glad I have another chance.. We shouldn't be on this path. There are Z's beyond the forest."

She looked where I pointed with curiosity.  "What happens when we get to the Z's?"

"They overpower us. I somehow always manage to fall off the cliff and you catch me.  The z's cause the ledge to be heavy and it collapses."

She looked back at me.  "And then?"  I couldn't look at her, my eyes cast down to the dirt on my boots. "You.."

Rustling in the bushes put me in full alert. I pushed her behind me.  A Z stumbled out and I mercied it before it got to close.

More rustling behind us.  "We have to go 10k! This place is dangerous." 

Scanning around, the only way to escape was the route from the dream.  Damn it! 

We ran for it, weapons in hand.  She gasped at the predicted Z's being there.  "If we run along the edge we can make it!"  I slashed at the Z's. "Stay away from the Z's! I have to protect you!" 

Adrenaline pumped through me as I continued to fight. There were still to many. Even though we were cutting them down left and right, they still managed to push us to the edge.

Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck!

Familiar cracking caught me off guard. Was it already to late?"  "Y/n! Aim for an opening and book it back to the others!"  I shoved the Z she was fighting.  "You'll be right behind me right?"

I didn't answer that, the ledge began cracking more.  "Go!"  I pushed her forward right as it collapsed.  To my relief, she didn't fall with me this time.

I closed my eyes, thankful it was over.

I embraced the cool breeze on my skin as I plummeted 4 stories. Suddenly my back hit the ground and I blacked out..