Silver Lining - The Host fanfiction

Chapter 96 The Cavemen

While I breathe, I hope.

-Cicero

Emma

Three weeks have passed since my phone call to Rain. Three weeks of no significant event. Burns and I are slowly adjusting to the mundane days. I try to pass the time by making decorations on the walls of people's sleeping space for anyone who requests it. It was Blake's idea really. I still owed him a painting and once I had finished it, he showed it to everyone who would see.

It made me feel awkward at first, but now it gives me something to do, aside from the usual chores.

There is no paint for me to use, but soothe works just as well.

"We should get you some real paint on the next raid."

I turn around at the sound of Blake's voice and grin. "I'm not sure paint ranks high in the list of necessities."

He shrugs. "One bucket won't make much of a difference in a van full of spoils."

I wipe my hands on a cloth and turn away from the mural I've been working on in the game room. "So what's everyone up to today?"

"Nate wants to explore one of the older tunnels," Blake answers, "they assembled a group to clean the boards and debris. This one seems to run deeper underground. They want to see if there's another exit, one we can use in case of emergency."

I nod in understanding. "So who is going?"

"Will and Kelsey. Philip. Burns and you and me. I came to get you actually."

I stare at him. Work together with Will? The past three weeks haven't exactly brought us closer together. We avoid each other as much as possible.

Blake smirks amused. "No burying Will in any tunnel, squirky. We still have use for him."

I snort and follow Blake towards mentioned tunnel. The others are already there. Will is glaring daggers at Burns while Burns is trying to avoid looking at anyone in particular.

Kelsey is nervously looking back and forth between the two and Philip looks like he has a headache already.

I sigh. This is going to be just wonderful.

Burns smiles when he sees me. "Did you finish your painting?" he asks as I move to stand next to him.

I shake my head and answer his smile. "Not yet, but I'm getting there."

"I'm sure it will be beautiful."

Will rolls his eyes. "Get moving already. I want to have this over with." He picks up crowbar and a flashlight.

Kelsey casts me an apologetic smile and hands me a large empty crate. "To move the debris," she explains.

I nod and follow her and Will. The others follow with more tools. I'm not sure what is expected of me, but I guess I'll find out.

Philip holds a second flashlight and he and Will use them to inspect the tunnel. "Looks solid," Philip comments.

Will nods carefully and taps the crowbar against one of the walls. When nothing happens, he looks over his shoulder at the rest of us. "Stay behind us. We'll test each square foot at a time and if a part is blocked we'll try to remove the debris. Any indication something might collapse, get the hell away."

We slowly proceed down the tunnel. Philip and Will test every piece of wall and ground before moving on. It doesn't even take long before we stumble on the first blockade. Part of the tunnel is boarded shut, preventing us from moving any further.