11:47 AM (1 hour ago)
Riot woke up in a panic, gasping for air. Daylight burned his eyes. He was lying on the dirt shore beside the same lake he barely survived the night before. His first thought hit him like a punch Ice. He scrambled to his feet, looking around desperately for nothing but a few vultures circling overhead. Riot started walking along the dirt shore, holding his head.
"Damn… my head hurts," he muttered. "I need water. Feels like I haven't had any in days. This sucks." A voice called from above."Hey, fella.You lost?" Riot looked up. A man stood on a rock, glasses cracked, hair wild, clothes filthy like he hadn't bathed in months. Something about him felt wrong. Riot forced a smile. "No, I'm not lost. My people are over there. I'm heading to them." I don't trust this guy, Riot thought. The man climbed down closer. "Nonsense. A child like you shouldn't be wandering alone."Riot repeated, firmer, "My people are over there. I'm leaving."He turned to walk away CLICK.Riot froze.The man pointed a gun at him. "You stay right where you are… or I'll make you fish food." Riot slowly turned back. "Mister… why are you doing this?""It's called survival," the man said coldly. "Something you're too young to understand." Riot said "What do you want with me?" The man smirked. "Same thing the vultures want… to eat." Riot's stomach dropped. "Sir, join a village. There are other ways." The man said "For a kid, you ask too many questions."
He fired a shot at Riot's feet. Dirt exploded."Start walking. "Riot flinched and obeyed, heart pounding.
Ice Wakes Up in a Strange HutIce woke up in a small hut near the ocean shore. The room was warm, comfortable, too comfortable. He tried to sit up, but pain shot through his body, forcing him back down.Where am I? Damn it, Riot… I hope you made it to shore. I have to find him.The door opened. Several men entered islander descent, tattooed, armed, and serious. One stepped forward with a calm smile. "Good to see you lived."Ice narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?""I am Manaia," the man said. "And this is our leader, Tupu."Ice tried to stand to greet the leader, but pain forced him back. Tupu raised a hand."No need. Focus on healing. I only have a few questions."Ice nodded."Where are you from," Tupu asked, "and why are you here?" Ice took a breath. "Originally from New Sodom. But now I'm a commander of the New World Militia. My mission is to find survivors in this city."Tupu's expression sharpened. "Why look for survivors?"Ice met his eyes. "To recruit.""Recruit for what purpose?"Ice didn't blink. "For war."Tupu studied him for a long moment.
Then he asked quietly:"Are you… one of the ones they call The Heroes?"