Catch up

The small group walked into the elevator and went to Johnathan's room after reaching his floor. Inside, everyone sat down on the floor.

They gathered up in a small circle and started talking.

"So, what happened after we left?"

Mark stared at Johnathan before sighing. "We didn't know you guys were here."

The three put their heads down in shame. They had nothing to contact them with. So the three couldn't even tell them they were alive.

"You know, we were pretty worried. You guys are so young, but you've only been wandering around with barely any rest.

"Ash came to us the night you guys left. He was worried sick, and he thought you guys died."

Johnathan and the two took their eyes away from Mark and looked at Ash who was beside Danny.

"We're sorry Ash. We didn't wanna have you worry. Or you guys. It's just we couldn't contact you." Ivan said.

Mark shook his head and spoke. "Nah, you guys don't have to worry. We understand. Phones don't work right now and there's really no way to contact anyone. We're just glad you guys are safe."

"Anyway, Ash then moved in with us. The next morning, we did nothing. We had enough food with yours and mine combined to last us a while. We ate, talked, and slept. At night, however, we heard trucks stop at the store. When someone knocked, I looked out my bedroom window and saw the military. Having no reason to ignore them, I went downstairs and opens the door.

"They told us they were helping survivors. We, of course, took up the offer. I went upstairs and told everyone to get ready cause we were leaving. And now we're here. What about you guys?"

Ivan took a second to calm down before explaining what happened. The sight of his father hanging and his family dead scarred him.

"I- We got to my house shortly after we left your store. Arriving there, I-I-I'd rather not talk about that. Anyway, after that, we got picked up by those military guys. Getting in the car, we patiently waited to arrive.

"Once we got here, we caught up with some people we used to know. We then got our rooms, found Danny's family, rested and then we joined the army as you can see from our clothes."

"Why join the army?" Sophia asked.

Johnathan took a second to come up with a reason. "It's so we won't have to do hard labor jobs. The soldiers told us that if we joined the army, we'd get benefits. One of them is not having to do jobs like cleaning and things like that. Plus, we get trained. Learning how to fight, especially now, is beneficial."

Sophia nodded at his points. It was always good to know how to fight. That and not have to clean. But she still didn't understand why they'd put themselves in danger like that. Learning how to fight was nice, but she'd rather clean and do hard labor jobs than have to go outside and kill zombies.

"Hmm, maybe I should join too." Mark wondered aloud.

Hearing that, Sophia unconsciously grabbed the back of his shirt. "S-sorry."

"Never mind. That's too dangerous."

Watching this happen, Johnathan couldn't be happier that he didn't take in Sophia and her sister. 'I can't imagine having someone keep me from doing what I want.'

"Are you guys going to leave me again?"

Ash finally spoke up. He looked at Johnathan and the other two when asking the question. The small boy didn't want them to leave. The day they didn't come back was one of his worst. He couldn't stop crying.

"Of course not. We'll be staying here for a good minute. If we ever leave, you'll come with us no matter what." Danny said.

"Why were you guys up so early?" Mark asked.

"Training. We had morning training with the army today. We have one later at six too." Johnathan quickly explained.

After a bit more small talk, everyone had breakfast. They walked to the elevator and pressed the button that led to the lobby.

After a few stops, they got to their destination. Arriving at the lobby, the three followed Mark and the other down a hallway. Mark opened the door, letting the boys see what was inside.

'A whole buffet.'

The cafeteria was huge. There were multiple choices to pick from, and the boys couldn't help but be excited. They had only been eating canned goods.

Running forwards, they grabbed a plate each and chose what they wanted to eat.

"How can they have all this?" Danny asked, taking a bite of some of his food.

"Now that I realize it. This building has electricity. I thought they closed everything down, but it is a military base. They probably have some generator helping them with this."

Johnathan was right. The building had a generator that they didn't shut down. Because of this, the elevators were working, and the food could either be warmed or cooled.

"They don't have Wi-Fi though. I checked earlier." Mark said.

"It's whatever. I'm just glad we'll be able to eat warm food." Danny said.

Once everyone finished eating, they got up and prepared to leave. They all had things they wanted to do. Danny wanted to sleep. Ivan wanted to work on his lighting. And Johnathan wanted to work on his core and make a new ability with his time power.

The three said goodbye and started walking away. Mark and the others didn't follow, so they assume they were going to stay in the lobby.

Not getting far, Johnathan felt a pull on his shirt. "C-can I come with you?"

Johnathan turned around and with a smile, he spoke. "Of course Ash."

With that, the now four stepped into the elevator and made their way to their apartments.

When Johnathan and Ash reached their room, they sat down and talked a little while longer before Johnathan told Ash that he had to work on something.

Ash, being as understanding as he was, nodded.

Thanking him, Johnathan then closed his eyes, preparing to work on his core and create a new power.