chapter 15

Chapter 15: Departure

The next morning, Elise's team rose early, around 5:30 am. After a quick bath and breakfast, they packed their bags and headed downstairs by 6:30 am. Once outside, they loaded their bags into the car and settled in.

Derick, Elise's father, walked over to deliver breakfast to James. "Hey, James!" Derick called out.

James looked up, surprised. "Uncle, what are you doing here?"

"Your auntie made breakfast for you," Derick explained, patting James on the shoulder. "She asked me to deliver it."

"Thanks, Uncle," James said sincerely. "Please tell Auntie I really appreciate it."

Derick smiled. "Will do, James. And remember, if you encounter any trouble ahead, don't hesitate to inform us. Your superpower abilities are impressive, but you still need to prioritize your safety."

James nodded. "Got it, Uncle."

As Derick returned to his car, a soldier's voice came over the loudspeaker, announcing their impending departure. Some people complained about the meager food rations, but their grievances were ignored. The convoy began to move, and the cars fell into line, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As the convoy stopped at a supermarket in City Z, a slender soldier announced, "Attention, please! We'll be stopping for an hour to gather supplies. Please return back in an hour's time."

Elise, Madison, and Marcus had already discussed their plan while still in the car. "Alright, let's get the essentials," Madison said, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "We need to avoid suspicion, so it's best we gather our own supplies."

"I'll grab the non-perishables," Marcus suggested, his deep voice calm and reassuring.

"I'll get the medical supplies," Elise added, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Madison nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at Elise. "I'll get the water and food. You two focus on your tasks."

As they entered the supermarket, the eerie silence was a stark contrast to the chaos they had faced on the roads. The shelves, once stacked with goods, now lay bare, a testament to the desperation that had gripped the world.

After gathering their supplies, Madison and Elise headed back to the car, their arms laden with bags. Marcus lagged behind, making a call.

As they walked, a group of survivors, who had refused to gather their own supplies, emerged from the shadows. Their eyes gleamed with malice, and their intentions were clear.

A chubby, dark-haired man sneered, "Hey, little beauties! What do you have for us?" His lust-filled gaze roamed over Elise, making Madison's eyes narrow.

Madison instinctively shielded Elise, her body positioning itself between Elise and the would-be thieves. Her voice was low and deadly. "What do you want?"

The redheaded accomplice snarled, "We want your supplies, and we want you and that little rabbit hiding behind you."

Madison's eyes flashed with anger, and she sprang into action. "Stay safe, Elise!" she warned, as she took down the would-be thieves with her speed ability and combat skills.

Although Elise was more than capable of protecting herself, she felt a surge of warmth and gratitude towards Madison. It was a feeling she had grown accustomed to over the years, and one that she cherished deeply. She watched, her heart pounding in her chest, as Madison protected her with a ferocity that left her breathless.

As the altercation ended, Madison returned to Elise's side, concern etched on her face. "Baby, are you scared?" she asked, her voice soft and gentle.

Elise's voice trembled as she replied, "I'm fine, Maddie." She felt a lump form in her throat as she looked up at Madison, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

Madison's eyes searched Elise's face, and she smiled, relief washing over her features. "I've got you, baby," she whispered, pulling Elise into a tight hug. "I'll always protect you."

As they hugged, Elise felt a sense of safety and security wash over her. She knew that no matter what dangers lay ahead, Madison would always be there to shield her.

As they walked back to their car, Madison held Elise's hands, her grip warm and reassuring. Elise felt a sense of comfort and security with her sister by her side.

Once they returned to their car, Marcus, who had been waiting for them, nodded in approval. "Good, you're back. Let's get moving. We need to find a safe place to camp for the night."

The convoy, consisting of military personnel and survivors, began to move, and they followed, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger. After a few hours of driving, they spotted a small clearing surrounded by trees.

"This looks like a good spot," a military officer said, nodding. "Let's set up camp."

As they began to set up their tents, Elise's keen senses picked up on a strange noise. She turned to Madison, her eyes locked on something in the distance.

"Zombie," Elise whispered, her voice barely audible.

Madison's eyes narrowed, and she drew her knife. "Level 1," she muttered. "I've got this."

The zombie, its eyes cloudy and its skin gray, stumbled towards them. Madison took it down with ease, her knife slicing through its neck with a swift motion.

As they finished setting up camp, the military medical team began to treat the injured survivors. Elise and Madison assisted, using their skills to help stabilize the wounded.

Marcus and the other military personnel stood guard, their eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger.

As the sun began to set, they finished treating the injured. Elise stood up, her eyes tired but her face set in a determined expression.

"Thanks for your help, Elise," one of the military officers said, nodding in appreciation.

Elise smiled, her eyes softening. "You're welcome. We're just glad we could help."

As they settled in for the night, Madison wrapped her arms around Elise, holding her close. "You did great today, Elise," she whispered. "I'm proud of you."

Elise smiled, feeling a sense of warmth and security with her sister by her side. "Thanks, Maddie," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't have done it without you."