Consequence

Chapter Twenty One

Note: I apologize it's been a while since my last chapter, but we're back at it now. Hope you enjoy this latest chapter. I was a little unsure of it. Also, I have two chapters in mind that are next to come but I wanna let you guys decide which you want first...do we want to check in with Ellie and Dina first or our boy Joel?? Let me know!

Ada's heart drummed in her chest as she watched the girls run for it. She prays they make it somewhere safe before she's pulled back to reality by Tommy's booming voice.

"There's too many of em'! He yells over the chaos; they keep coming in force, screeching and screaming at them as they charge. Hands twisted into claws, lash out at them. They've run out of ammo, and they're left with only the melee of blunt objects found in a scramble to survive. Tommy swings the plank of wood in his hands, stomping savagely at the skulls of those that fall upon impact. All the while Ada flails with a blunt axe; long beyond repair. She doubts it's strong enough to cut through wood let alone bone, but she fights back regardless as it's all she has left.

The horde grows both in size and aggression; until eventually there's just too many of them to put down. Ada is tired and her arms burn from overexertion; she flinches as a hand grabs her upper arm and pulls her harshly to the side. It takes a moment to register that it's Tommy.

"You go! I'll hold 'em off as long as I can to buy you some time!" He pants; his exhaustion beginning to take over. But Ada is quick to snatch her arm away from his grasp. "Not a chance in hell I'm leaving you here alone!" She doesn't miss the flash of panic in his eyes as he lashes out against a clicker stumbling towards them. The sound is overwhelming, the squeals and heartwrenching shrieks, enough to make the ears bleed as the horde never ceases. They're running out of time and energy. They need to move soon and as their eyes meet, they know there's only one option they have left if there's any chance of them surviving.

Run...

Without a second of hesitation, they bolt, holding onto one another's hand like it's a lifeline as they take off. The horde is quick to follow, the runners picking up their pace and charging up behind them. The clickers follow suit as they are spurred on by the sound of stomping footsteps. The two run as far as they can. Their legs burn and the adrenaline floods their blood, every muscle cries for them to stop but they resist, pushing through the pain. Blood runs cold when the ground shakes and they hear an all too familiar roar echo no more than a few metres behind them. A bloater. A cloud of spores is hurled towards them; landing far too close for comfort. It hits a few runners in its path but the monster pays no mind to injuring his own. His only goal is to destroy those who disturbed his slumber. It chargers as the sidewalk crumbles underfoot; arms reaching out to claim his prey but Tommy is quick to pull Ada towards him as the bloater falters past, missing his target. They make their way around the exterior of the QZ walls; Ada's eyes catching sight of a guard tower high up by the top of the wall. With a tip of her head, Tommy's with her in a second as they veer their course towards their safe haven. They find a second wind to push through, urging their tired feet to pick up their pace. Finally reaching the ladder leading to the walkway; the younger Miller gives his sister-in-law a boost up onto the broken ladder before she reaches down to help him up beside her. Tommy wastes no time in kicking away what remains of the ladder then turns to join Ada. They both make their way across the walkway and into what remains of the guard tower.

It's cramped, no bigger than a small shack. Pieced together from an old shipping container turner on its side. The tin roof is rusted and dented, and bullet holes pierce the thin walls. No doubt a result of the uprising overpowering the Fedra guards once posted here. Long ago looted and abandoned. Any electricity that once powered the lights and radio had clearly burned out over at least a decade ago. The two peer out of the small window below at the horde gathered underneath them. Evidently confused as to how their prey managed to escape them. But neither care. They are safe and that's all that matters. They both take a seat on the floor; taking the time to rest and reaccess their situation.