Distant footsteps entered into my ears along with human sounds. It looks like a group was coming along my way.
I climbed down the stairs and found myself... in a floor full of clothes. Hmm... it seems that I am in a 'supermarket.' The upper floor must be under construction before... 'shit' happened in this world.
A chuckle escaped my mouth as I compared this world's similarity to my world. It's safe to say except 'food,' everything is almost same.
There were a lot of clothes around me. Without wasting any time, I changed my clothes. A simple t-shirt and trouser would suffice for the time being.
The footsteps were a lot more vivid now. It's all thanks to my super hearing. If I put my mind into it, I can even hear the infrasound. What? Why are you confused? Oh, I understand now. You are confused as for how I am so 'advanced,' right? Shouldn't I be a 'primitive' creature? The one from medieval age, right?
Sorry to disappoint you. Our species are as advanced as you. We have mobile phones and social media as well... so, I don't think you should 'undermine' me.
Suddenly, a group of six humans came into my view. Four men and two women.
Two of them were holding guns, and both were men.
Judging by their looks, they are here for supplies. Hah, Allafe's memories talked about something called... 'zombies,' I guess. If I am correct, this word, 'zombie' spawned from humans' fantasy. I don't even know why humans thought about this. Must be due to the unemployment among the youth.
They stopped moving as soon as they saw me. The man, who was leading them, gave me a weird look. He said, "Hello, Miss. You must be here for supplies."
Supplies?
Well, let's just go with it. My stomach is full for the moment, and I am bored. I gave him an innocent smile and said, "Yes! Thank God, you were humans! I thought zombies were heading towards me," I lowered my head, "I thought that I was going to die."
The man nodded sympathetically. He said, "I understand. It's so difficult to live in this world. The zombies... they have destroyed everything," he looked towards his group, "I am here for supplies as well. My name is Bernard. These are my colleagues. Before the apocalypse, we worked for a tech company."
I smiled, "My name is Valeria. It's good to see a fellow human after a long time."
"You came here to collect supplies, yet you have no one is with you," said a woman. She was looking at me with full of suspicion. Ah, my appearance must be baffling for her. What can I even do? My beauty is a curse for me. Her ugly face could never accept my beautiful one.
I lowered my gaze and replied, "I... my teammates... they abandoned me," my voice was full of sadness as if I could cry at any moment now, "I-I h-have... no a-ability. Thinking... of m-me as a-a... useless 'burden,' they just left me here. I was... g-going to collect w-w-whatever... I-I c-could collect w-with a-a b-b-bag... but I couldn't... find any. So, I-I... j-just changed my c-clothes. At l-least... I d-didn't want to w-wear dirty c-clothes... before I-I d-die." Tears leaked from my eyes as I desperately tried to stop it.
Bernard walked towards me and handed his handkerchief. I took it and wiped away my tears.
He rubbed my shoulders and said, "Please, don't cry. This apocalypse is bringing out all the hidden darkness in our hearts. Humanity must fight against it, yet many of our people are succumbing to it."
I sneered internally at his words. What the fuck is he saying? Is he a priest or something? Brother, please give me sympathy! As for the knowledge, just shove it in your ass!
I nodded, "Yes, we must... f-fight it."
Bernard smiled at my words. Ah, he likes obedient people. The ones, who would agree with his words. He said, "You know what? Come with us."
Bingo! That's like it!
"Bernard! You can't invite strangers into our group!" chastised the 'ugly' woman. For a moment, I thought of sucking out her life from her body. She is so annoying! How much I crave to wrap my hand around her neck and squash that tiny life!
Bernard shook his head and said, "Lisa, I know you are vigilant but look at her. No offense, but Valeria can't even kill a mosquito. She looks so weak... and I am sure she won't be able to survive if she is left alone on her own. We should try to help her. Remember, we are humans... not just some senseless monster who preys on our kind." His words were full of resolve. He had a very serious look on his face.
Bravo! What a dialogue! Bernard, you should be an actor. Or, at least a politician. Even I was mesmerized by your words. Humans are so much fun! Ah, then again... I am half-human as well. But still... I am not a human, am I? Half-vampire still means a 'vampire,' isn't it?
Lisa gave me a glare and didn't say anything. Anyone can tell that she was against this decision.
I asked, "Will that be alright? I mean, I-I d-don't want to... impose myself on your group."
Bernard just waved me off and replied, "It's fine. We, humans should stick together."
I immediately grabbed his hands and gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you! Thank you so very much! Bernard, I am sure you won't regret your decision!" I don't regret, and neither will you... nor your group. I will make sure of it.
Bernard blushed and nodded his head awkwardly.
'Ugly' Lisa's snort entered my ears. She was looking at us with full of sarcasm in her eyes.
"Can we go now? Besides, this floor has nothing... except, clothes," Lisa gave me a smirk, "I don't need them... but you can take a few if you want, Valeria. Perhaps in your dictionary, 'supplies' means 'clothes,' right?" Her words were full of mocking.
The ginger haired woman beside Lisa elbowed her stomach. She hissed, "Lisa, don't say unnecessary words. Bernard is our leader, and if he had decided that Ms. Valeria would come with us, then we will agree."
"Fine," sneered Lisa.
I slowly removed my hands and stood behind Bernard, whose ego boosted seeing a dead drop gorgeous woman trying to hide behind him for protection.
Bernard gave me a reassuring smile. He said, "Valeria, follow me and don't get separated. I won't let anyone hurt you," he patted his chest, "I am an ice-user. It's safe to say that I am the strongest out of all of us." He had a proud look on his face.
I giggled at his words, making him pat my head.
'Strongest?'
A word that means very less to me. If Bernard thinks he is the strongest, then who am I to stop? Let him believe that he is the strongest.
Delusion is a very slow, but lethal poison.