Forgetting the Apocalypse

30. Nearly There

Crossing over into Washington we all felt sort of happy and relaxed to certain degree. I know it was dangerous thing for us to feel but from Colorado to Washington it was a big achievement for us, especially now. Not to long ago we celebrated our one year anniversary of the apocalypse before some major shit hit the fan for us.

Now we are a little if not more than halfway to Alaska.

Although no one spoke of it, it was pretty obvious at least to me that the initial agreement in that weapons shop called Al's where we first went to after the cabin was out the window. That about going our separate ways once we reach Alaska. A hundred percent guaranteed we'd stay together once we've found a suitable place. Maybe not in the same house but neighbors for sure.

Again, I'm probably just thinking it all on my own.

"I think it's a safe bet to travel alongside the coast. There's this little, I don't know I guess it's a curve in from the ocean. From there we can cross into Canada." It wasn't a question or statement but more of an observation. We all silently agreed so none of us really had to reply to Riva.

For a few hours it smells, well it smells wet. Almost like it would right after a storm. Traveling up further we start to see some large puddles of water everywhere and debris. Just like when that flood hit. Only this has got to be much bigger since we smelled it hours before we saw the water and being how we're going towards the coast it makes sense that it was given that it was the ocean and not a river.

Thankfully we weren't here when it struck. Although we did have to be careful with any currents we might run into with most of the crossings were still waist deep.

I don't know how Roone's ribs didn't break being slammed into the wall so many times. I shudder just thinking about when I was in the water. Trying to get the image and memory out of my head I think about what to do once we get to our destination's end.

Would two of us share a place and the other two share their own? Or would we actually share one whole house together? I start blushing and shake my head at that thought as one particular person came to mind. It's an insane thought.

But so much as I tried to shake my thoughts again, my blush didn't go unnoticed.

"So why the pink cheeks Huntress?" I roll my eyes at his nickname for me. It's silly enough when Fredi calls me Tigress. I don't answer him though because I have no idea what to say. I know that if I indulge him it'll be worst.

"The reason wouldn't happen to be because of a certain relative of mine would it? Tall, dark brown hair, not much of a sense of humor."

Oh God could he be any louder?! I couldn't stop the stiffness that were set in my shoulders when he said that. My eyes darted to find where Roone was. Thankfully he was at the front of the group this time so unless his hearing suddenly got much stronger I don't think he could hear us. Then again Riva wasn't exactly whispering.

"So are you gonna talk to him or what? Cause he's just as stubborn as you and probably thinks you don't feel the same way. Even though I've caught him looking at you numerous times." With that he pushes his glasses on up higher on his face and walks ahead of me without looking back. I'm just left standing there like an idiot. I'm not sure how to even respond to that.

At the moment I don't have to or can't because of the bodies ahead of us.

Just below the ridge we're on, are a group of crawlers. Ten of them to be exact. All other roads were terribly flooded. The only "clear" way through was this stretch of road. They seemed to be taking advantage of the flood. Once some of the water receded in some areas a lot of sea animals remained stranded on land. That's what the crawlers were feeding on now. One near stripped to the bone whale however that doesn't mean they won't drop the sushi and give chase to us.

Yet we can't cross safely with the crawlers. So far we only see ten. We don't know if there's more of them. Last thing we need to do is stir up a pack of them like we did on that highway.

Crouching back down, we discuss our options.

"Ok we know how lethal those things can be. We can try and back track see if we can get through the waters. Or we can try to find a way to sneak past them. Most likely failing since their sense of smell is impeccable." Fredi whispers.

"Well are we sure that there's only ten of them? There are no zombies around so we won't be able to lead them into them again. Plus we have to make sure to keep our buddies safe."

Calmly, petting Saphira's head, "Riva's right. If there's more there's no way we can stop them without running the risk of drawing attention to us and our dogs aren't exactly trained for them. Mara?"

"Hell with it. I don't want I risk going into the water again. Besides, I might have an idea. We have extra alcohol that we picked up. Let's see how these pricks deal with fire."

Looking at one another making sure we're all on the same page.

"Alright, once we start pouring they'll be onto us fast and we know just how fast these fuckers are so two of us will do the pouring," I pull out all four bottles of alcohol. Two were actually for us for drinking, the other two were vodka bottles which we used in case of medical needs. "Riva, you and I will pour out the liquor. Roone, you light 'em and help Fredi make sure our pups don't get too antsy and take them across."

Handing over our leashes to Fredi, Riva and I wait for them to start eating again. I wait for them to start moving across with the pups as quietly as they can. Once they're halfway over, Roone pauses and waits for our signal to throw the lighter. Quickly unscrewing the lids, we began pouring.

As soon as the liquor hit them they snarled, extremely pissed that they were disrupted from their meal. It didn't take long for them to figure out where the disturbance was coming from.

"Now Roone!" I shouted.

We drop the bottles the moment Roone tossed the lighter.

I think we would have had less chance of drawing attention if we simply just used our guns or even if a damn plane crashed in this very spot. The gut wrenching shrieks that left their mouth was so loud we had to cover our ears. It caused our dogs whine and pull at their leash.

"We need to move!" I hissed at Riva.

Their attention was no longer on us but their burning flesh but the noise was too loud. It was actually starting to hurt our ears. No longer concerned with them seeing us, I just grabbed the back of Riva's collar and started running. Fredi and Roone get the message and take off as well.

We keep running long past the ridge. Past the treeline until we reach a place that's dry.

Hey guys, I don't know if it's my computer or if it's the app but I'm sorry if there's delays on chapters being uploaded or if they're just not being uploaded at all. This chapter was supposed to be posted yesterday but for some reason it wasn't. I also noticed that for some reason chapter two had been taken down.

I really don't know what's going on. Hopefully I can fix it soon. In the mean time I hope you guys are like the story so far. Let me know what you think, if you guys have any questions for me and also feel free to let me know if some chapters happen to be missing so I can make sure they get back up there.

Hope you guys are all safe and happy. ; )