Gone

Chapter 10-Mina

A human. Another human. I think, my mind unresponsive. In the bramble bush is something I have only dreamed of finding for years. Another human.
He groans, and rolls onto his back.

"Water. I need water" he croaks.

I rush to a nearby stream and cup my hands around the cold, clear water. I hold the soothing liquid to his mouth, willing him to sip. Once he has drunk his fill, I can't help but stare.
He has dark hair, grey and black streaks against a steel gray. It reminds me of the coat of a wolf I glimpsed once. It gives him a wild look, and he looks like he belongs in these isolated woods. When he opens his eyes though, I draw in a sharp intake of breath. He has light amber eyes, almost the color of honey. My father's eyes.
My father had always been known in our small town for his beautiful, unique eyes. He had been a handyman, always helping out around the neighborhood. He was kind and gentle, even though his massive size made him an intimidating sight. I loved him, and he had been my role model throughout my life. He was an amazing person. His favorite pastime was spinning wonderous tales to Emmett and I. And here, sitting in front of me, was a boy, no, a man, with his eyes.

"Are you going to help me or are we going to sit here all day? Nighttime is getting closer." He broke the awkward silence with a light tone, but his last words were anything but.

"Sorry." I mumble, shuffling around to his other side. "Can you walk?"

"No, I kinda ran into a bunch of BloodWarriors and one decided my leg looked mighty juicy." On that note, he pulled up his ravaged pants sleeve, revealing a nasty looking bite wound, oozing pus.

"BloodWarriors?! Around here? That's impossible! They live to the south!" I scoff in disbelief.

"That's what I thought." He winces.

BloodWarriors are a band of Raiders, who travel among the countryside searching for survivors who would make a nice snack or recruit. They drink blood, and what they can't devour, they smear over themselves, giving them a scarlet coat. The only people they do spare are woman, and they suffer a worse fate in the heart of a savage band of men with no sense of humanity.

"Can we get to a shelter? It's getting late." He continues.

He was right. The sun was setting, pink and orange streaks lighting up the darkening sky. I hoist him onto my back, astonished at his lack of weight. He seemed as if he hadn't seen a good meal in a while. I jog off in the direction of cave.

"So, I guess this is in reverse, huh? I am the damsel in distress. Now I know how those princesses feel, being carted off to some faraway land by a random stranger. Humiliating it is."

I snort, retorting " I don't think you should be dissing your rescuer. I could drop you right now, and get home a lot faster. And if you think it is humiliating, watch who you invite to dinner next time."

My shyness disappeared when his cockiness showed. We are awkward, unsure of each other at first, but he fixes that with his confidence. Being so close to him though, touching him, makes my heart beat a little more rapidly.
We reach the mouth of the cave, and I set him inside before putting the screen in place, making sure it is secure this time. I pull him inside and lay him on my cot.

"By the way, I am Ross. Of whom do I have the utmost pleasure of meeting?" He inquires.

"Mina." I reply curtly.

"Sissy? Is that you?" I hear Emmett call.

"Yes, it's me Bug. Come on out, I have a surprise for you.