Aftermath

The plan was to head North and lay low for as long as possible - Shiloh's true mission still unknown. Vermont seemed like their best bet, mostly rural with a low population. For months they hid out in a small cabin, watching as the beginning of the end unfolded before them. Within weeks over half of the U.S. population dropped, soon there were more of the undead than the living. Despite their best efforts, closing trade routes and airports, the infection quickly spread overseas. It was difficult to feel guilty over such an apocalyptic disaster. The truth needed to be revealed and this event was bound to happen eventually.

Umbrella had placed a giant target on Shiloh, advertising a reward out for her capture. Umbrella was willing to offer millions to anyone who could capture her alive. In this new world, money was absolutely meaningless. But for many who had hopes of the infection dying off quickly, they were willing to risk it all for the big reward.

Because of this Shiloh knew she would have to stay low, disguising herself as best as she could. Bleaching her once black locks blonde, and never venturing out for too long without a hooded cloak, so far it seemed to be working. Deep down she knew, as the reward for her increased, the threat would be greater.

It was a seemingly normal, gloomy day, unusually warm, stragglers of the undead roaming the wooded area around them. For the longest time they seemed to avoid the cabin, more focused on heading into town. They didn't seem to want her already infected flesh. Even with this advantage she still worried about her new friends, eventually either the undead would be lured to them or the threat of her capture would kill them even sooner. Shiloh was still young and absolutely terrified of the task put before her, but she wanted answers and needed to ensure the safety of Chris and Jill.

With the two still sound asleep, she quickly drafted a note explaining it was time for her to leave, and she needed to do this alone. She pleaded for them to stay safe and avoid larger cities. Before signing off, she mentioned she would come looking for them again within a few months. Placing the parchment on the nightstand, she gathered her belongings, deciding it was safer to travel on foot for now.

Her first task at hand would be to travel to Enfield, Maine. A small town where her mother would take her occasionally as a child. She vaguely remembered her mother mentioning that it had been Shiloh's fathers summer home. It was a long shot- but she hoped to find more information there.

It was a long journey to get there , a four day walk not considering breaks and sleep. With only a map to follow it would be quite the stretch. Her plan was to stay low, the undead avoiding her, and her avoiding the living. After a few hours in, her body ached and she knew it was time to rest, even if it would set her back a few more hours. Setting up camp in a heavily wooded area off of the highway, she set snare traps around the area, hoping it would either injure or keep anyone away. She quickly fell asleep, dreaming of a world before the disaster. She was so young, with so many hopes and dreams. Dreams that would never be fulfilled now. As the sun began to rise, a large snapping sound quickly woke her from her slumber. Gun in hand her eyes scanned the area, footsteps slowly approaching. Shiloh was terrified but willing to sacrifice another life to ensure her safety.

A figure soon approached, dark clothing making it difficult to see whether they were human or not. Weapon locked on them, Shiloh decided to give them a warning, "Who are you? What do you want?"

"W-Wait, wait, wait! Don't shoot!-"

"Answer the fucking question, who are you ?"

"My names Peter - I don't want to hurt you, search me I don't even have a gun! I saw the smoke, I haven't seen another human being in a few weeks... I just wanted to see if you needed help."

"I don't need any help- empty your pockets, and your bag"

"Oh come on, I'm just trying to be nice, what are you going to do, rob me?"

"I don't need anything from you ... I just need to be careful..."

"Hey I get it, it's hard to trust anyone or anything..."

Willingly he emptied his pockets onto the ground, dropping his bloodstained baseball bat, a few spare coins, a pocket knife, and a pack of gum. Next he emptied his bag revealing expected supplies; food, a sleeping bag, a few more knives, and a small black box.

The box caught her attention, intrigued she figured she might as well ask, "What's up with the box?"

"J-Just some pictures... Hey, you never told me your name."

My name... She couldn't give him her real name, as much as she actually wanted to. It was too risky, if he knew about the reward things would end badly. After a few moments of silence she finally answered, "You can call my Shy-"

"Oh so does that mean you're a shy girl."

Glaring at him she rolled her eyes, simply shaking her head.

"So uh, Shy, where are you heading?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Well I have a car, I'm just saying I've got nothing better to do-"

"North - I'm heading North, to Maine."

"Well hey, I don't mind bringing you, but there is a catch-"

Here we go, "What's the catch?"

"Well I'm low on gas, there's a gas station a few miles up the road but it's swarming with those things, if you used that gun of yours it would give me a chance to fill up."

"That sounds fair..."

Shiloh was still reluctant on trusting him, but she needed the ride. She would never be able to make the walk alone. She packed up camp, letting Peter guide her out of the woods. It was best to have him lead the way and stay back a little, Incase this turned out to be a trap it would be easier for her to get away. Once out of the woods, his black bmw had been parked on the edge of the highway.

"Get in, it should only be a 30 minute drive to the gas station."

She loaded her belongings into the back seat, gun still glued to her hand.

Peter started the car, eyes gazing over towards her every few minutes.

"Where'd you get the gun from?"

"Why does it matter?"

"I'm just saying - you look a little young to have one of those ..."

"Don't worry about it, when you earn my trust you'll get one of your own, until then, leave my gun alone -"

"Fair enough..."

"You drive like a maniac..."

"It's the end of the world, you keep your gun and let me drive how I wanna drive."

The car was soon filled by silence, the only noise being the faint static coming from the radio. Shiloh couldn't help but glance over every once in a while, he was a handsome guy, chocolate brown eyes, tan skin with prominent jaw bones, maybe a year or two older than herself. She wanted so badly to be able to trust someone, trust him enough to tell him her worst fears. But for now, her identity would remain a mystery.