Check my other Fanfics
The 100: New Life
Breathing techniques in Naruto
----------------------------------------
I want to thank my Patrons for their support to me.
Currently only 1 tier
Brave man - All Advanced Chapters of my Fanfic, The available ones for now are.
TWD: Zombie System
The 100: New Life
Join Now!
patreon.com/xavien1
------------------------------------
Abigail's engine sputtered and coughed like an old smoker before Strand finally killed it. The silence that followed was heavier than the humid air.
"We're not going any farther like this," Strand said, wiping sweat from his brow. "Fuel's low, and something's wrong with the cooling system. If we push it, we'll be dead in the water."
"We've got enough food to last," Madison said, looking toward the small island in the distance. "What we don't have is gas. That's a priority."
Daniel adjusted the strap of his rifle. "An island this close to the mainland? There will be fuel. The question is—how many people are still here to fight us for it?"
"That's why we go in fast," I said, scanning the shoreline. "Hit the pumps, grab what we can, and get out before anyone knows we're here."
Travis frowned. "And if there are people here who need help?"
"Then they'll still need help after we're gone," Strand cut in sharply. "This isn't a rescue mission, it's survival."
Madison shot him a glare. "Survival doesn't mean we stop being human."
"Tell that to the people who'll slit your throat for half a gallon," Daniel said calmly.
I looked at all of them. "Enough. We all know the rules now—headshots for the dead, caution with the living. We work together, keep our eyes open, and no one strays from the group. We get the gas and we leave. Agreed?"
There was a moment of silence. Then, one by one, they nodded.
"Fine," Madison said. "But I'm not turning my back on someone who needs help."
Strand smirked faintly. "Just make sure that someone isn't holding a knife."
Daniel's gaze flicked between the two of them. "Let's move. Sun's only going to make it hotter."
Strand crouched beside the Abigail's engine, tapping the side of the housing like it might confess its problems if he was gentle enough. "Cooling system's shot. If we don't fix it, we're not going anywhere—gas or no gas."
Travis stepped forward immediately. "I can handle it. I've worked on engines before."
"Good," Strand said, straightening up. "Then you stay here and make it work. The rest of us will handle the fuel."
That's when Nick, Chris, and Ray came up from below deck, all three wearing that we've-already-decided look.
"We're coming with you," Nick said.
Chris crossed his arms. "Yeah, we can help carry stuff."
Ray glanced at me, then back at Madison. "I'm not staying here doing nothing."
Madison's eyes went wide. "Absolutely not. You're staying on the boat, all of you."
Nick rolled his eyes. "Mom, I'm not a kid anymore."
Chris jumped in. "If we're going to survive out here, we need to start pulling our weight."
Ray kept quiet, but his jaw was set in that stubborn way I'd seen before.
"Pulling your weight doesn't mean walking into danger," Madison snapped. "You have no idea what's on that island."
"We've all seen the undead," Nick argued. "We know what to do."
"That's exactly why you're staying," Madison shot back. "Because seeing them is different from having them come for you. You're not ready for that."
I stepped in before it turned into a shouting match. "They've been learning. I've shown them how to defend themselves."
"That doesn't make them invincible," Madison said sharply, looking straight at me. "And I'm not losing another child."
Nick exhaled hard and turned away, muttering under his breath. Chris kicked at the deck. Ray just met my eyes, silently asking me to change her mind.
Strand finally spoke, his tone dry. "If the kids go, they slow us down. If they stay, they sulk. Either way, it's a headache."
Daniel, who'd been listening from the side, just shrugged. "Best keep the headaches where it's safe."
In the end, Madison's word stood. The kids stayed. But I could see in their faces—they weren't going to forget being told no.
I knelt in front of Ray, meeting his stubborn stare. "Listen, son. I know you want to come with me."
He opened his mouth to argue, but I held up a hand. "Your job is more important. I need you to protect your sister and your mother. Can you do that for me?"
Ray hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Yeah… but you better come back."
"I will," I promised, ruffling his hair.
He leaned closer and muttered, "Stay safe, Dad."
I smiled. "Always."
As I stood, I caught the three boys—Nick, Chris, and Ray—watching us like they were itching for adventure. Why do they all want to be heroes so badly? At least Angel, Ofelia, and Alicia had more sense than these three.
Daniel nodded without argument. Madison, though, crossed her arms. "Alex, you shouldn't go alone."
"I'm not," I said, tilting my head toward Strand. "He's coming with me. Two people can move faster and draw less attention."
She shook her head. "We don't even know what's on that island."
"That's why you're staying," I said, keeping my tone calm. "If something happens to us, you'll still be here to protect them. I can handle myself."
Madison's eyes narrowed, but I could see her weighing my words. "Fine. But you'd better come back in one piece."
"Wouldn't dream of doing otherwise."
I turned to Angel and Leah, taking a moment before we left. "Angel, listen to your mother. Ray's in charge if anything happens. I'll be back before you know it."
Angel hugged me tight, and Leah gave me that don't-do-anything-stupid look. I strapped my weapon to my side—a curved katana I'd found back in Hawaii, its black-lacquered scabbard still scuffed from years of neglect. I'd cleaned and sharpened the steel until it gleamed like silver under moonlight. The edge was so fine it could shave paper in the air, and I'd already learned the hard way that it made short work of the dead.
I gave the grip one last check before joining Strand at the small boat.
"Ready?" Strand asked with that casual grin of his.
"Let's get it done," I said.
The outboard motor sputtered to life, and the small craft cut across the water toward the island. Whatever waited for us there, I had a feeling it wasn't just gas cans.
--------------------------------------
What do you think about this Chapter ??
🌟 Want to support the story even more?
You can join my Patreon for special perks and to help keep the story alive:
👉 patreon.com/xavien1
Reach 100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
📚 A little note: I'm still pursuing my college degree, so I may not be able to upload every single day. I'll do my best to keep the story going as consistently as possible, and I deeply appreciate your patience and understanding.