The doctor rushed over and gave Nova a serious time consuming examination, before confirming that she was most definitely immune, and highly unlikely to get infected thanks to her strong immune system and white blood cells that fought off the virus.
"Finally, I can't stretch my legs!" Nova in relief as she cracked most of her body once up and ready to go, but she turned her attention directly at Kaine. "You know he isn't infected, right? 'Cause he is an actual demon, not the walking dead kind" talking to Bailey mainly as she called the shots, but it was unclear if he was to be trusted, even if he is a demon.
"Fine, but you're responsible for anything he does while in my base, new recruit" Bailey accepted to free him only if Nova kept a close eye on the possible troublemaker. Kaine was freed from his chains and stretched almost immediately, hearing bone cracking cracks come from his body.
"Great, I'm stuck babysitting a literal butt sniffer" Nova jokingly complained as Kaine hid away his demonic features than made him himself. He walked up and playfully punched her right arm not completely liking the jokes she's coming up with.
"I ain't no butt sniffer, and we had a deal remember? If you turned out to be immune, you said I could marry your sister" Kaine reminded her of the stupid deal she made with him, but what other choice did she have to ensure that she'll live to kill another day.
"Oh yeah... I did owe you one, but if I find out you broke her heart. Let's just say you'll become one of them" she pointed at a nearby walked missing its left arms and leg from it used to be human before ambushed and torn apart by demon walkers. Kaine nervously laughed as he began to lightly sweat not wanting to risk it.
"Y-yeah.. I rather keep my limbs and mental stability than become a mindless zombie" agreeing to her terms they exited from the arena ready to finally be apart of the team. Once exiting out of nowhere River tackle hugged Kaine, as Nova softly chuckled at them while continuing to walk through and get more familiar with the Red Dragon's base.
Days went by and Nova had proven herself useful to the team, other than donating her blood to be examined and used to make an useable quick antidote, to slow down the transformation until a proper cure is made to actually stop it permanently. Successful patrols and collecting useful information, weapons and supplies for the group and lucky innocent civilians who's goals were to live peacefully and reproduce for the sake of society. Usefulness when it comes to dealing with people who have been secretly infected, and execute them or chain them up before they infect anymore people. Lastly to never boil when under pressure like the previous captain did before losing concentration, and therefore humiliated himself after being infected.
Nova was called up to Bailey's home within the base for a private chat and another mission. The house had four floors, the top being the attic and bottom being the attic. She walked through having orders to not knock and went inside.
"Bailey.. I'm here like you asked" she called out stopping in the hallway after shutting the front door waiting for the boss to reply.
"About damn time! Come on up, we have some important stuff that needs to be discussed" Bailey emerged at the stop of the stairs not looking as serious as Nova thought, but it's better than the other members yelling at her for following simple instructions from their boss to do far more intense tasks.
The office appeared to look like a professor would own as everything seemed to be made out of mostly wood, lots of bookshelves that filled the entire room, a huge window behind the chair where Bailey would sit and a second floor with even more bookshelves, a nerd paradise for sure.
"Take a seat, friend. I have an important job for you" Bailey said in a calm tone sitting down in her office chair, as Nova too a seat that sat on the other side of the desk.
"Uh, if this is a job for me then why are we taking about it here? Surely the others must know what we're doing" Nova questioned unsure if being secretive was the best way to go for this mission. Bailey sighed leaning against the back of the chair unsure of how to say it.
"Look, I don't like keeping secrets from the team more than you do, but this is important and only you are qualified to do it. The others will fuck it up if I told them, as it recommends full concentration, heart and skill. Which is where you come in as I'm too busy to do it" explain in the best way possible on why she would be best for the job, making it a solo mission.
"A solo mission? Sounds fun and far more interesting than what these losers play to pass time. So what is it you want me to do?" Wanting to know what is it Nova was pulled in and ready to go no matter what the risk is. Bailey smirked upon hearing this as most of her members would chicken out on such a task.
"Several things actually. Look for survivors, supplies and keep away from anyone called Colton. He's causing nothing, but trouble sending any possible survivor in danger therefore leading them to become infected" giving valuable information, but the given name she mentioned caused Nova to remember the one that almost got her killed.
"Wait.. Colton? Like the mysterious man that points you in the direction kind of Colton?" She replied sitting up straight from her chair as Bailey slowly nodded knowing exactly who she was on about.
"You seem to know him. A clear lead that he was the one that caused you to get bit. Therefore the more reason for you to go out there, and help any survivor that were to cross paths with him before they too unfortunately become infected" Bailey knew she had the right decision on having the new recruit go into the city, and bring back unbitten survivors without any bad consequences. The instructions were simple and Nova was read to get into action, killing walkers and possibly saving lives if she luckily comes across any.
"You can count on me, ma'am" Nova said accepting the task in hand and stood up mid sentence, giving the leader exactly what she likes to hear.
Once in the city Nova couldn't help, but shiver at an unsettling feeling of nervousness, nerves on edge knowing that there's still unfinished business she needs to attend to. Even with the Colton guy walking around tricking survivors straight to their own demise.
"I wonder if there actually any survivors left in the city. I never really saw anyone during my patrol" Nova thought walking through with her trusty baseball bat rested over her right shoulder, ready to fight any walker who dares to try and bite into her like they once did thanks to a certain stranger she couldn't help, but trust. "Not many walkers out this fine afternoon, I wonder what's keeping them?" talking to herself Nova head towards near some abandoned, decaying apartments she hasn't seen before, standing on the street as mold began to take over more than half of the city.
In the distance a shotgun could be heard firing continuously catching Nova's attention, as she glanced to her left knowing where the echoing shots were coming from. A gut feeling came alone causing her to instantly act up and rushed in the direction, knowing that it's her job to save any survivors she comes across without bumping into Colton. Peaking around the edge of the wall she hid behind Nova was able to spot two short blue haired survivors, clearly brothers fighting off a pretty nasty hurd of demon walkers. The smaller one was carrying the shotgun, wearing a torn white shirt, blue jeans and red and white sneakers, and the taller one had a baseball bat with drilled in nails bent from all the things he hit while wearing a untouched black hoodie, torn dark blue jeans and red and white sneakers matching his little brother.
"This isn't good, bro. We're completely surrounded" the older one called out as apparently it wasn't clear enough that they were about to become walker chow, as the little dude was out of bullets cowering behind his brother as the walkers began making their way closer to their next meal, baking the two humans up against a cold brick wall. "I love you, Keith, bro.." saying what he thought were his last words shielding the younger one from being devoured first by these mindless puppets.
"HEY WATER FOR BRAINS!" Nova called out causing all the demon walkers to stop in their tracks and turned to face her as she stood in the middle of the road, not afraid to put herself on the line just to save some random strangers. "Why don't you pick on someone far more tastier than those rubber bands!" she added getting the walkers to head in her direction allowing the other two to escape as they rushed off into a nearby abandoned, and unstable structure that could collapse at any given moment. "Let's get this party started, shall we?" she said to the walkers only before getting herself dirty before seeing to the survivors incase one of them turns out to be infected.
"That was a close one, but who was that chick?" the big brother questioned in confusion scratching the back of his head unsure of what to do incase the girl that saved them gets infected, but really they knew nothing about her as of yet. Keith being the younger one shrugged his shoulder as he sat on a old wooden box regaining his stamina for more fighting against their dead enemies.
"How am I supposed to know? She clearly wanted to help us, and yet here we running away while she's stuck fighting those things!" standing up Keith felt bad for leaving the girl that just saved them to fight alone causing his big brother to glance at the door they had blocked with an old broom, thinking if going back out there was even a smart idea.
"We barely fought them ourselves, Keith. How are we going to make a difference with a shotgun that's out of bullets and a nearly broken baseball bat?" he replied not wanting to risk anymore losses than they already had thanks to whoever cause this hellish apocalypse. Keith was really upset about this, but he was right there is nothing they could possible do to save her in return. "I'm sorry, man, but it's true we can't go out there unprepared, and she seemed to know what she was doing" he added walking over placing both hands on the teen's shoulders knowing that even if they can't help, the girl was far more prepared than either of them combined.
"Sure, whatever you say Michael" Keith said in a grumpy tone as he sat back down not liking the idea of sitting around being useless when there's stuff to be done.
However, a calm distinctive knock could be heard on the door they barricaded unsure if it was a trap or just the girl that saved their lives from a painful demise. Keith curiously stepped forward as his brother lifting up his arm stopping the teen from potentially doing anything that could get them killed.
"You don't have to open up, but I wanted to know if you two are alright and clear of any bites" Nova said in a calm and persuasive manner, not wanting to frighten them even though she needs to bring them back before Colton gets to them first. "I am actually here to escort any survivors to safety. It's my job to save valuable people like yourselves, so please don't think of me as a threat, I only want what's best for you" her words were more than enough to persuade them as big brother removed the broom and slightly opened the door a little, seeing the girl that saved them was covered in walker blood that also dripped from her baseball bat.
"You haven't been bitten, have you?" Michael asked as Nova glanced down at her body and began to see for any wounds, but none caught her eye as she glanced back up at him and shrugged her shoulders.
"Not as I know of. What is yours and that boy's name? I would like to let my leader know I've found unbitten survivors" pulling out a walkie-talking, while her positivity causing him to open the door mysteriously trusting the girl despite not even know anything about her, but she seemed to have caught his attention.
"I'm Michael and he's my little brother Keith, but why did you help us? Most people would leave us to die" he asked wanting to know her motivation or if she being forced to help against her own will, but her chuckle was enough to embarrass him.
"I'm not like most people, I have a heart and care for those in need. And you wanna know a secret? I'm immune and can't be infected because I already got bit previously, and therefore I am needed to create an antidote and cure to eradicate this virus" telling them her little secret she revealed her scarred up bite on her left shoulder proving that she is in fact immune. They were left shocked by this and knowing that someday humanity will be restored, but it would take some time as almost all life has been infected by this monstrous virus.
"So you're actually going to help us?" Keith said coming towards her trusting the stranger without a problem. Nova gave him a trusting smile before turning her baby ready to notify Bailey of what she had found.
"I found two survivors with no bites. Do you want me to bring them back to base?" Nova called in on Bailey's secret walkie-talkie station alerting of her recent finding and waited a few seconds for a response.
"Sure, bring them back and stay away from Colton, I refuse to have anymore survivors infected" Bailey called through giving her the big go, as she turned back to the brothers securely putting her walkie-talkie away, and out of reach.
"Who the heck is Colton?" Michael asked not liking the fact that they had to stay away from a certain name neither knew anything about, but Nova didn't plan on leaving them without any explanation.
"He's dangerous and has been know to lead several survivors in what they think is a chance to escape, but really it leads them directly to danger, therefore getting them infected leaving no chances for humanity to develop" answering his question she couldn't stop seeing Colton's face, the one jerk that got her into trouble, even if he led her straight in the direction she needed to go, but she couldn't help thinking that it also led to something far more important, a way to change things for the greater good or the complete opposite. "Let's get going before more walkers decide to appear" she instructed in a calm manner being the safety they can stick with until they get back to the Red Dragon's base, Michael thought it through until Keith headed out and followed her forcing him to hurry up after them.
"Now stop right there mrs. I believe you're heading off on the wrong direction" Colton emerged from a nearby alleyway blocking their path towards the safest part of the forest, forcing Nova to stand in front of the two unprotected survivors recognising his face immediately, as he too recognised hers as well. "Oh?.. It's you. Despite the circumstances, I guess you've found your sister and her boyfriend?" he asked being all kind while the feeling of confusion filled his mind on how the heck she isn't infected. Nova wasn't falling for it and remained silent knowing he'll try and mess with her mind like Bailey warned about if he doesn't get his way.
"... You are a bad person, Colton. And I refuse to let anymore innocent lives be put in danger because of you. I would've died, but luckily I am immune to this stupid virus, so your plan that day to get rid of me failed miraculously" her response was enough to put Colton on edge revealing his identity to the two survivors who stayed on guard allowing Nova to take care of the situation, before anything can be done.
"Me? Bad? Come on lady. I had no intentions of harming anyone" Colton calmly replied nervously sweating when finally knowing that one of the mortals appeared to be immune to this disastrous virus. His hand reached behind underneath his jacket grabbing a hold onto something. "This isn't good.. I need to kill them before a cure can be made!" He thought before pulling out a pistol aiming it directly at Nova not wanting such a threat to interfere with his plan. While coal black horns and tail began to grow from his body revealing the demonic part of his body, similar to Kaine, but even more sinister.
"What are you doing you demonic freak?! Put the gun down before you get someone killed" Michael stepped forward protecting the one that saved both himself, and his little brother from a group of flesh craving demon walkers.
Colton smirked sinisterly seeing the human putting his life on the line for a woman he barely knew, let alone the possible last hope they have left to save the mortal and other races that used to live amongst them.
"You stand no chance against the Black Dragons gang, their leader is no push over and would kill if they found out a you person like yourself existed" Colton stated aiming mainly for Nova, but Michael was in the way making it impossible for him to get rid of the girl.
"Who is this Black Dragon leader? Are they rival enemies with the Red Dragons?" Nova asked gently pushing Michael aside not afraid of some lousy pistol thanks to a certain Fallen Angel.
"Who doesn't know them. The Black Dragons are the most dangerous gang around, only saving those who are profitable to the group. And you humans aren't worth anything" Colton explained not without making any of them feeling useless or a piece of trash destined to be disposed of, not really offending them, but angering Keith. "However, you have The Red Dragons logo on your shirt... You're working with Bailey Hitchcock aren't you?" The realisation hit him once realising that she was with the enemy, but if Bailey was the enemy then why is she helping the innocent?
"So? What are you going to do? Kill us? That isn't going to help you or your stupid leader with anything. Death isn't always the answer to your problems" Nova said not caring if he planned shooting them or not, but Colton let out an agitated exhale putting his pistol away understanding her point.
"The next time we meet it isn't going to be so peaceful. The Black Dragons shall come out on top! Even if it means killing every single one of those Red Dragon losers" Colton warned them for the next time either of the three meet the demon in such odd circumstances, a war will happen between the two groups one way or another if either sides decide to strike first, and gain the power to create a society in their own image. Colton then ran off leaving the three to continue on with their adventure through the forest taking time and precaution as the boys remained close to their protector.
Upon wondering towards the entrance of The Red Dragons' base both Michael and Keith were left in awe at the size and high security of this place. Bravo spotted the newcomers along with one of their members unsure if one of them were unfortunately bitten, but once reaching the base's gates Nova glanced up at Bravo.
"I brought back unbitten survivors on the boss' orders, I've already checked and none of them are infected. So could you kindly open the doors before I decide to radio in for Alfa to help me" Nova patiently notified the gate protector of her finds, other than threatening to bring out his superior other than Bailey herself. Bravo rolled his eyes as he went over to the lever, and pulled it back allowing them to enter inside before locking it behind them refusing to let unauthorised personnel inside.
"Nova?!" River called out tackling her big sister into a big embrace causing them to fall to the group slightly winding Nova as she took more of the impact, hugging the over excited angel in her arms. "I'm so glad you're back. I thought those things were going to take you away from me again" relieved that she was alright and completely unharmed as Kaine walked up keeping his demon horns and tail hidden from the naked eye, but for Nova she already knew what he was and didn't seem to care as long as River remained unharmed and happy in his care.
"You're squishing me" Nova replied as River quickly got off allowing her sister to get up and dust herself down, until turning to face the new faces, but one of them caught her attention the young brother of Michael reminded River of someone. "They are the survivors bailey wanted me to find. Michael and his little brother Keith, they're human like some of the people here" introducing the newcomers to her last possible family member, but who knows the others too could still be alive.
"An angel surviving in this apocalypse, it's practically impossible. Your species are usually the first thing that's grabbed by those things, other than the fatties" Keith said which caused Michael to smack the back of the boy's head wanting him to watch his words when around these people, as anything could happen including losing their heads if it was possible.
"Sorry about that, he didn't mean it a rude way or anything. We just haven't seen anyone alive until now ever since the apocalypse started" Michael stepped in apologising for his brothers suppose rude comment, but neither River or Nova took it as an offence.
"No need, we're all family here. I just hope you guys find a way to fit in like the others, and if anything happens just come and get me. I'll try my best to deal with it" Nova replied having no beef with any of them as River just walked off with Kaine leaving the grown ups to talk, not wanting to be apart of some boring conversation. How will these new faces manage to fit in with the others? Or will they prove to be a let down like the other past members who soon led themselves down a dark path to certain doom?