Keeping up with the group of three men hadn't been that difficult after all. They seemed to engage in more loud conversation than even Penguin and Shachi did on a regular basis. Of course, considering they'd just recruited a new and strange survivor they knew nothing about warranted a bit of conversation. Thankfully it just made it all the easier to track them.
They didn't even have to worry about any nearby zombies either. While there wasn't an abundant amount of undead roaming this city to begin with, any that the survivors alerted they took care of pretty quickly. All Law and his group had to do was lay low and wait for them to be taken care of. The biggest problem was just keeping out of sight and quiet enough not to alert the others that they were there.
And, of course, once they actually left the city and started walking through the forest, this became much harder of a task. The leaves underfoot crunched with each step, and they had to significantly increase the distance between their two groups just to ensure they weren't heard.
"How far away can this camp be?" Shachi whispered amongst them, glancing down at his feet as his weight snapped a stray branch. "We've been walking for like 20 minutes."
Law only shrugged, torn between watching the ground to avoid the driest and therefore crunchiest-looking pile of leaves as they walked, and keeping a steady gaze on the group they were following. "It can't be too much farther. Look, it's getting dark already."
He pointed up to the sky, which was still visible through the canopy of leaves overhead. Indeed, the sky was beginning to darken into that blue-gray hue of the promise of night. The air was a bit chillier than before too, though it hadn't become apparent until Law said something about the change.
Penguin's stomach growled loudly, reminding them all that they were starving, though the constant reminder wasn't really necessary. It was one of the most prominent thoughts and fears in their minds.
The worry having dulled any conversation they would have had, they trudged on carefully, zigzagging their way from tree to tree in an effort to stay out of sight of the group up ahead.
It was another 15 or 20 minutes before the group up ahead took a sharp left in their path, walking out of Law's sight. Noticing the sudden change in behavior from their targets, Law frowned and held up a hand in warning, prompting them to hide behind the nearest tree. He waited a few seconds, making sure they hadn't been discovered inadvertently, before signaling they continue.
As the companions approached where they had turned, Law spotted a bit of bright color in the muted earth tones of the forest, he frowned, crouching down to delicately finger the bright orange ribbon tied at the base of a tree. It was thick and unmistakable.
"What is it?" Shachi asked, not quite sure of its significance. Law stood and turned towards where the group had started heading. He waved them to follow.
"It's a directional marker, so they know how to return to their camp if I were to guess."
So saying, they continued down the path the three men had presumable gone. They weren't within sight, and after several minutes of walking without knowing where they had gone, Law stopped with a frown.
"Looks like we've lost them." He admitted, running a frustrated hand through his hair. Great, this past hour might well turn out to be a waste. Still, they had to be nearby somewhere.
"Well, we can always leave while we still can." Shachi shrugged, still the dissenter in this situation. He wasn't feeling too comfortable following these people into potential danger, regardless of Law's curiosity or plan of action.
The three stood there in the middle of the forest, stomachs growling continuously with each passing minute they didn't eat. What had started as a dull ache that morning had grown to a pounding, all-consuming pain that never seemed to ebb. They all felt much more tired than before, the lack of calories slowing down their bodies in an unconscious way to reserve strength.
"Wait, you hear that?" Penguin held up a hand, and they all listened intently to the background, prompted by his mention.
It took several seconds, but somewhere in the distance, the sound of crackling wood, and the laughter of several people floated on the wind, barely picked up by their ears at how faint it was. It was the sounds of an encampment nearby, somewhere within hearing distance, and the joyful laughter was more than reassuring. At least, somewhat.
Naturally, the three friends followed closer to where they heard the sounds, and it grew in volume as they walked.
And then the sweetest smell they ever remembered sensing wafted past their noses-the aroma of cooking meat, fresh and hot and seemingly waiting for them to come and devour it. It teased them, almost able to taste it in the air. Their minds, so preoccupied with their starvation, instantly kickstarted with purpose and determination, and a newfound hope filled their bellies.
"Jesus, that smells amazing…" Shachi admitted breathlessly, sniffing several times just to be sure it wasn't a trick of the mind, any previous hesitation momentarily forgotten in the face of possible food.
Salivating at the thought of a hearty meal, Law guided them closer to the noise, and they crested a small hill, stopping at the top to look out across the small valley below.
At one point, this place had probably been a campground, seeing as the dirt road dissected directly through the walled camp. The area was flattened out and relatively smooth for a forested area, perfect for a camp. An assortment of camper trailers and other mobile living spaces were lined neatly in a large circle, parked front end to back end so they acted as a defense as well as the boundaries for the camp itself. The campers blocked most of the view, but of what they could see from their higher vantage point, there in the center was a large fire pit, blazing with life as the fire roared and cracked, sending sparks up into the air. Dozens of people milled about, talking and laughing, and sharing a meal that was being cooked over the fire by a muscular man. Everything seemed rather normal, as if it were a group of friends and family enjoying a campout and barbecue.
The barbed wire and makeshift barricades in the gaps between campers told another story. So did the rifle-wielding guards standing on the roof of several campers, walking leisurely back and forth atop them as they surveyed the darkness beyond. Thanks to the shadows of the forest, Law and his men had stayed out of sight when they emerged from the trees, but it would still be difficult to get close without being seen.
"This is…" Penguin started, eyes flitting back and forth between the people below as he struggled for an appropriate word. The atmosphere was not what they'd been expecting. Slowly, he finally shook his head. "This is crazy…"
Law stared at the people, trying to gauge what kind of place this was by observing alone. They all acted normally, well, as normal as normal could be nowadays. Nothing fishy was going on, just a group of people enjoying a meal. He even spotted what he thought to be the new recruit with Zack, being handed a plate of meat from the spit. He didn't appear roughed up or injured in any way. Maybe, just maybe…
"You think they're actually…real?" Shachi asked, not having to explain what he'd meant. Law shrugged, staring in awe at the camp.
"One way to find out." He muttered, finally glancing their way to discern their thoughts. Neither of them felt any sort of suspicion from the people down below. And even when Law knew he should feel all sorts of apprehension at the thought of waltzing right up to the gate of an unknown camp, the grumbling and growling stomach was taking over much of his thought processes.
"What do you think?" Law finally asked, watching as Penguin and Shachi shared a long look, before Shachi finally nodded silently. He was willing to bet their reasoning before they even voiced it and, predictably, Penguin turned to their leader and shrugged with a grin.
"Hey, we're all starving and they have food. That's about as much as I care for right now."
Well, that was good enough for him too. Smiling a little, Law nodded, and they rose from their place on the hill. receding back into the forest behind them to circle around to the other side. Apprehension be damned. After all, they were slowly running out of time to really have anything to lose anyways.
Just as he instructed, Law and the others walked slowly up to the encampment, unarmed with their guns and sword at their backs, watching the guards up top cautiously just in case. This was a huge risk, walking right up to the gates, but there really was no other way around it. If things went south, they could always hightail it out of there, though the chance of getting shot was extremely high.
All in all, Law didn't like it. But his hunger told him not to care.
The front of the barricade was comprised of a chainlink fence and door that was welded onto the sides of the adjacent campers, reinforced with sheets of scrap metal and wooden boards on the interior side. The whole fence looked like it had originally belonged in a city alleyway, and it probably had, considering the closest town was only about half an hour or so away from here. Most of this stuff had no doubt come from the same place.
Predictably, the front was too well defended to break in, or even try to fight through if they were that stupid, so there was no choice but to do this the diplomatic way. Law's least favorite.
"Stop right there!" A male voice called from the camper. They obeyed, holding up their hands to indicate they were not carrying weapons. "How'd you find this place?"
The man they faced was difficult to make out in the darkness, but they could see a distinct bushy beard, and a large frame, most noticeable was the beer belly and bald head.
The three glanced amongst themselves, wondering exactly what to tell this guard, weighing the truth versus figuring out a lie on the spot. Finally, after a few seconds of tense silence, Law stepped forward once, establishing himself as the leader.
"There was a group of men that had been in town. They recruited another survivor, offering food and shelter, so we decided to follow." He explained, implying that they were looking for the same, in case that hadn't been obvious enough. In the growing darkness, it was difficult to make out the face of the man Law was talking to, but he kept silent, aiming his gun in their general direction without appearing to be threatening.
"Are there any others?" He questioned, still on edge. By now, his raised voice had alerted the rest of the encampment that there was someone at the gate, and Law could see a few heads peeking through some of the barricade, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was unfolding.
"No, only us three." Law indicated Shachi and Penguin to include them as well. "We have no food, and've been traveling in hopes of finding some place like this to stay." He half-lied. One never knew. The fact that they'd been basically nomadic for a long time might make them uneasy if he told the full truth.
"Look, even if you are telling the truth," the man started, sighing exasperatedly, "we don't have the food to spare three more strangers. Move along and find somewhere else." He finished, pointing back out into the woods.
"Please, we're starving!" Shachi begged, stepping forward past Law, even as the leader frowned. His desperation was fueling his pleas, but Law's pride as a man made it difficult for him to really resort to that.
Before he could blink, a loud gunshot rang out, and Shachi stopped in place, everyone jumping in expectation to feel the pain of a wound, but nothing hurt. Dirt flung up from the ground a foot or so away from him where the bullet had travelled, and they looked back up to the guard with caution.
"The next one won't be a warning!"
"Is there even anywhere else to go around here?" Penguin continued. "There's forest for miles in all directions!"
"It's not my problem where you go, but you can't stay here!" The guard refused to give, finally raising his gun in an obvious attempt at intimidation to make good on his promise. "It's best you get the hell out of here!"
All three men stood silent, staring up at the guard expectantly. "I won't ask again!" He hollered, reloading the gun with the bolt action so they could see.
There was a commotion inside the encampment, out of their sight, but was easily distinguishable by the muttering people and a lone woman's voice calling for people to move out of the way. Even the guard turned to watch whatever was going on inside the camp, and a moment later, the chain link fence rustled, the door jangling as the lock on the other side was opened, and it swung open to reveal a middle-aged woman black-haired woman.
"Now, I've told you before, everyone has equal chance of being welcomed here, no matter our resources or lack thereof. And put that gun away. No need to waste those bullets." She chastised gently, eyeing the guard with disapproval, before turning a warm and gentle gaze onto Law and his friends. "I'm sorry about Marve, he can be a bit of a stickler, but his heart's in the right place."
Above them, the bearded guard scoffed, but said nothing more on the matter. Ignoring him, the woman continued on. "What're all your names?"
"I'm Penguin."
"Shachi."
"Law." They all answered in turn, eyeing the curious woman with interest.
She was thin, and fairly small for a woman her age, shorter than all three of them. But the fire in her eyes left no doubt that she was still a woman of power. Her short black hair hung loosely around her face, framing the dark blue eyes and the multitude of freckles that dotted her cheeks. Her smile was infectious, as Shachi and Penguin couldn't help but return the gesture in a mixture of relief and curiosity. Law, not so much.
"My name is Margaret. I'm the appointed leader of our little group." She introduced herself as, extending her hand courteously. With a bit more hesitation in doing so, Law took it, shaking it in just as firm a grip as her, all the while watching her like a hawk for anything suspicious. If she noticed, she didn't say anything and just kept up that warm smile.
"I imagine you're all rather famished, hmm? Why don't you come inside and fill your stomachs?" She spread her palms to either side, indicating the ring of campers behind her. "We'll spare you what we can. All I ask is that you do us no harm. I say this only so you have fair warning, you'll be asked to disarm all of your weapons once inside."
Of course. Law hadn't really expected otherwise, but having it said aloud like that really struck it home. The hunger was temporarily pushed to the side to make room for that usual calculating mind of his, and he was actively weighing all the pros and cons of doing so.
Pro: they don't starve to death.
Con: they get killed anyways by the residents.
"I understand you must be suspicious of everything and everyone," she continued with a small chuckle, though not in an unkind way, "but those are my conditions. I wouldn't say they're unfair, if you ask me. I need some kind of consolation that my people will be safe."
"No," Law replied, sighing deeply. "they aren't unfair. Doesn't mean I necessarily like them."
She smiled knowingly. "Well, I suppose I'd be more worried if you were too eager to comply." And with that, she turned and walked back to the gate. "Please follow me. Marve will help you with your weapons."
Sharing another glance with the others, Law lead them after Margaret and into the encampment.
"Oh my god, this is amazing." Penguin said through a mouthful of meat, wiping the edge of his mouth with his dirty sleeve. "The best thing I've ever tasted."
"Ditto." Shachi said, taking a massive bite out of his own meal with gusto. In the face of being saved from starvation, it seemed all good manners went out the window, the loud noise of chewing and eating causing quite a ruckus. Law eyed them in exasperation, having more restraint, though not much, in eating his own meal. It was delicious indeed, and if they hadn't been surrounded by dozens of other strangers, he probably would've devolved to such actions as well.
The plethora of people milled about the camp, some brave enough to sit near the new arrivals, most too afraid or suspicious to do more than glance in their direction and turn to the nearest neighbor to whisper. Either way, almost every set of eyes was trained on them, even the new recruit the other two men had brought in. It didn't bother Law much, but every time one of the tougher-looking men got too close with a glare, Law would tense until they passed. It didn't hurt to be too cautious.
"You weren't kidding about being starving, now were you?" Margaret laughed, watching the three with interest from her seat a few feet away. She didn't appear concerned about the behavior of her people, though that little fact didn't ease his worries. This place could still turn out to be their death, after all.
"We haven't eaten in days." Shachi admitted through his food, mostly ignoring the small woman. "Felt like my stomach was going to tear itself apart."
"Days, huh?" She scratched her neck in thought. "Where'd you three come from anyways?"
Penguin and Shachi were too busy eating to reply, and they left that answer to their leader. Law, having already finished his share of dinner, set his plate aside and lounged back in the plastic lawn chair. Maybe it was the full stomach that had him feeling so satisfied, but he felt he could at least talk to the woman cordially. That being said, it didn't mean she was entitled to all of the answers she sought.
"Nowhere in particular." He answered vaguely. "We've gradually gone northwest."
"Well, a hell of a time you must'a had, then." Margaret mused quietly, turning her head to stare into the fire between them. Her reply made him frown, and he tilted his head curiously.
"Why say that?"
The woman shrugged, digging in her pocket for a pack of cigarettes and a lighter, flicking it open with a sigh. "The southern and eastern coasts seemed to have been hit the hardest, if you believe the stories." She struck the lighter several times before the end caught, and then gestured around the camp with the lit cigarette. "People talk. They share little tidbits of information."
"Stories?" He prodded, hoping to hear more. If she had any ore information than he had, he'd be eager to know.
"Well, as can be expected, most of us are from around here, residents of the nearest town and all. Others," she glanced back to the people in the camp, eyes slowly examining each face as if to be sure they were all still alright, "well, they're like you. Travelers who just happen to find their way here, and they have some pretty interesting things to say when they start talking."
"Such as?" It was like pulling teeth from Margaret, he thought, and she smiled slyly. She knew it too, but just chose to be a hard-ass, it seemed.
"Depends on what you choose to believe." She gave a shrug, then inhaled her cigarette again. "Some say those zombies are faster, more dangerous in the south. Or that they just don't seem to die as easy as the northern corpses. Most common I hear is that there's just more of 'em in the southern states for some reason."
Law narrowed his eyes, mulling over what she'd said. He was a little disappointed, but he couldn't really blame her for not having any useful or pertinent information. It had been too eager of him to expect specifics or scientific data.
"You're a tough sell, aren't you?" She grinned slowly, studying his face with intrigue. Her blue eyes danced with the firelight, giving her a wistful look full of life. Law said nothing, and eventually she chuckled to herself. "I know it ain't much, but we learn a thing or two when you make it this far. You know, little things that save your skin."
"Why was the city so empty?" Penguin blurted out between chews of his meat. His curiosity had been eating at him ever since arriving in the place. Margaret turned her attention to Law's friend and smiled again.
"We cleared the town out little by little, so supply runs would be much safer. And, if we ever got the fortifications and manpower, we could hopefully work to retake the place, build it back up maybe."
"What about the bodies?" Was Shachi's question.
She gestured somewhere in the dark. "We burned them. Stinks like hell, but it gets rid of the rot. Better than just leaving the piles in the streets."
"Hmm." Law hummed to himself. It was more of indifference than anything. Just another fact to file away for later.
The little group was silent for a few moments after that, staring into the fire or finishing their meal, listening to nothing but the background murmurs of quiet discussion from the other group members.
Law snuck glances over at Margaret every once in awhile, trying to gauge just who she was. She didn't look like any sort of military or armed forces member, there was an innocence and hope that couldn't be explained, and based on the actions and words of those around her, she commanded full authority. Just who was she?
"Don't know what to make of me?" She asked with a chuckle and another drag on her cigarette. "I used to be a second-grade teacher, mostly in the slum district with the less fortunate kids." It was as if she'd read his mind, turning her attention back onto him. Law resisted the urge to look surprised. "But, I know what you might think. How does someone like me get here? In charge of people's lives?"
"It's a fair question." He supplied, tilting his head to regard her, then gestured for her to continue. "Enlighten me."
She sighed wistfully. "Well, you go from herding whiney, tantrum-ridden brats to finding yourself stuck in a group of four or five people who don't know how to cooperate, surrounded by mobs of zombies knocking on the doors of the school…you figure out pretty quick just how much you're capable of, especially when no one else is willing to pick up the slack." She explained squarely.
"They say some people are born to lead, and others have leadership thrust upon them, well, you could say it was a mixture of both, I guess." Her eyes took on a faraway look, and she returned her gaze to the fire, saying nothing more.
Again, they lapsed into a silence that lasted much longer this time, giving them all time to dwell on their thoughts and come to terms with the situation. In Law's case, he was still trying to figure out if this place was for real, or if they'd need to work out an escape plan here soon. Some of the crowd of people had disappeared, assumably gone to bed. The moon was high in the sky now, the crescent shape giving little in terms of light to see by.
He looked to Shachi and Penguin, wondering what they thought of this place. Shachi had been hesitant from the start, too cautious to believe something this good could be true. Penguin was much more trusting, having hope that things would work out. He desperately wanted it to, Law knew. And a part of himself did too.
If we're gonna survive all of this, mankind I mean, then I've gotta believe in something.
Lexi's words from long ago made him think. At some point, he'd have to trust someone or something he didn't want to, maybe now was the time. Maybe he should have a little faith for once. Maybe…
To be more like Lexi…
"I wish circumstances were better than they are," Margaret started, sighing deeply with regret, as if she weren't happy with what she were about to say, "but these aren't ideal times and all.
"We don't have the resources to hold onto every straggler we get wandering in here. So if you were planning to stay…" She paused, looking between the three in anticipation of an answer.
Law honestly didn't have one, and he too looked over at his friends, curious as to what they thought. The problem was, they were looking to him for direction. Great.
"Honestly, we don't know if we will stay." Law finally responded, giving her a blank look. "How can I be sure this place isn't some sort of death trap?"
"I can tell you have to be 100% sure about everything if you are going to make a decision, but me telling you that you can trust me isn't going to make you trust me, is it?" She asked grimly, but that knowing grin played at the edges of her lips.
Smart woman, Law thought. Slowly, he shook his head.
"Fair enough." She surmised, standing from her seat, flicking the butt of the cigarette into the flames of the fire. "We'll let you sleep here for the night, that is, if you don't feel like you'll be stabbed in the back in your sleep."
After a second of silence, Law nodded that it was fine. He could set up a watch between the three of them anyways, so they'd be fine.
"In the morning, we can decide how useful your skills would be to the group, and depending on that, if you can stay." She finished, grinning once again. "Sound good?"
Penguin and Shachi nodded with shrugs, content with that arrangement. A night's sleep would do them all good anyways, as the day had been a long one, filled with hiking through the woods.
"Great!" Margaret proclaimed, straightening her black hair and sticking a thumb behind her shoulder. "I'll show you to your beds for the night."
ns 15.158.61.50da2
