Finally back on the road again, the new team made our way towards the outskirts of Atlanta. Michelle, Sakura, and I were in the hummer, while Joe and the recruits were on the tour bus we found earlier. We had Crystal and Blaze clear the highway as we went.
The group left in the grocery store was sad that we were going, and some people even wanted to come with us. But when I offered for them to follow along the first time and they refused, that was it for them. I told them to keep the doors closed and be careful of whoever comes to the door because not everyone is as generous as we were. I even left them a few guns and ammo but told them not to shoot recklessly because the noise would draw more zombies towards them.
Halfway down the highway, we ran into a small horde of zombies, and from what we could tell, they looked too well organized. We got out of our vehicles about two hundred yards away, and I put them away into the space pendant. I had Crystal, Blaze, and Sam create a wall with all the available cars on the highway.
"Bro, I have a bad feeling about this. I think someone is controlling the zombies, or they are getting too smart too fast."
"I know how you feel. By looking, I think it's about five hundred plus zombies, and there is a concentration of evolved zombies in the middle."
"Dwayne, why don't we go another way because it's way too many zombies, and they are acting too weird."
"Joe, what do you think; can the recruits take them with the battle beasts and us included?"
"Bro, the numbers are a little high, but it is possible if we take care of all the evolved zombies and find the one that's controlling them first."
"Battle Squad One (the name Joe gave them), are you ready for battle?"
"Boss, to tell you the truth, we are scared, but we know that if we don't fight, we won't get stronger, so we are ready to go to war with you."
"Great answer its always good to know when to retreat and when to move forward. Lucky for you, we can move forward and make you stronger."
I waved my hands and summoned all my battle beasts.
"Sam, have one of your monkeys pair up with each team member and the same for you Draka with your snakes."
"Yes, Master"
"Wow, the Boss is the best. How can he have many beasts, and where does he keep them?" says the sound element user named Bob.
"Bob, you don't need to worry about that; when it's the right time, the Boss will let us know. We might even get battle beasts too," says Sarah
"Sarah is right; if you can earn enough merits and our trust, then I will waste no effort into making you stronger. But enough talk, it's time for battle, and I only have one instruction for you. Stay alive."
"Yes, Boss," says everyone.
"Joe I'll leave them in your care because you are my general."
"Bro, I got you."
"Ashley and the light corn snake, you guys stay at the back to provide support to the other teams. You can still kill when you see the chance, but your main priority is to heal everyone. I'll also leave one of the wind monkeys to stay and protect you."
"Everyone else pairs up with a snake and monkey. You will be a squad of three, so watch each other backs. If someone dies, the others will be held accountable for it. You are a team, so look out and protect each other."
"Monkeys and snakes use your telepath skill to communicate with your team when you see it necessary. You guys are stronger than them so expect you to look out for them. But if it comes down to sacrificing your life for theirs, there is no need."
"That same is for you guys. It's ok to help out but don't die doing it."
"You heard Joe; don't go out there and kill yourself."
"Michelle, have Snow and her parents look above the horde and try to locate the zombie that's controlling the horde. Tell her to be careful because we don't know how they will react."
"Sam, Crystal, and Draka focus on the evolved zombies. Try to take care of the slashers first because they will cause the most damage to the team. Sam, I want you to focus on the bashers and kill as many as you can. Be aware of your surroundings; when you are out there, make sure there are no friendly fires."
"Bro, they are moving the cars out the way. Someone or something is controlling the zombies."
"We have to find it as soon as possible because once we kill it, the other zombies will be easy pickings for battle squad one. Sakura, stay close to Michelle but let her handle her battles, and you keep the slashers away from her."
"Yes, Master"
"Ok, everyone, get ready and stay safe. The battle will be dangerous but also an opportunity to become stronger. Don't let the numbers fool you because we humans are stronger than the zombies and the beasts."
"Yes, Boss"
"Yes, Master"
"Once they pass the next light pole all range fighters can begin to attack. Also, pay close attention to your mana usage. Step back and recuperate if you feel like you are running low."
"Joe let's see who can get the most kills?"
"Ok bro you're on."
Crystal and Blaze have a stare-off along with Draka and Sam.
'It looks like our words have cause a small competition between our battle beasts. But this is good too, rivalry is always a good whetstone to get stronger faster.'