Kazumi woke to a wave of pain that crashed through her body like a storm. Her leg, where a blade had sliced deep, had finally stopped bleeding, but the ache that lingered was relentless, more intense than it had been before. As she lay in the dim light filtering through the cave entrance, memories of the previous day flooded her mind—the chaos and brutality still felt all too close.
The violence she laid waste, etched deep in her mind like a brand. Her eyes wandered to the girl—no older than sixteen, lying on the ground with the same vacant eyes, lifeless and still. The only difference now was the blood, almost dried up, starkly contrasted against the dirt and debris surrounding her. It was a reminder of the fragility of life, a weight that pressed down on Kazumi's chest. A weight she now understands more than ever.
For a moment, she allowed herself to wallow in the sorrow and rage that bubbled just beneath the surface. But she quickly pushed it away. The world would not wait for her to mourn, and neither would her survival depend on it. Ignoring the pain that flared with each movement, Kazumi forced herself to sit up, her breath hitching as her leg protested.
She glanced around the small space, a reminder of what had transpired yesterday. Kazumi grabbed her backpack and scrambled for her supplies looking for something to aid her injured leg.
With a deep breath, she uncapped a bottle of alcohol and poured it over her wound, a sharp, piercing pain jolting through her. She gritted her teeth, determined to push through the agony. Carefully, she began to wrap her leg in gauze, each layer a small battle against the pain, trying to minimize her movements in the cramped space. Sweat poured heavily down her back as she persevered, knowing it wasn't over yet. With a sharp inhale, she gathered her supplies and grabbed her extra magazines, checking to make sure it was loaded. This is her lifeline, and she needs to ensure it is ready for use at a moment's notice. She also checks her gun to make sure that it is ready and won't jam if used again.
Kazumi secured the backpack on her shoulders, feeling the familiar weight settle against her back. As she stepped outside, the air hit her like a wave, heavy with the scent of smoke and decay. The world was eerily quiet, a stillness that made her skin crawl.
She took a moment to gather her thoughts, focusing on the horizon where the sun broke through the clouds, a beacon of hope amidst the desolation. She again looked back at the cave where she had fought to survive. Her hands clasped together in prayer, praying that the poor girl would find peace in the afterlife.
With a deep breath, she started to move, each step declaring her will to survive. She would not let the memories of yesterday trap her in despair, and her mind raced with thoughts of where to go next. She needed shelter, supplies—anything that could give her an edge.
She trudged through the dense forest, searching for a way out. She couldn't stay here for long; the smell of death would inevitably attract another monster she couldn't anticipate. Every step felt like a betrayal to her body, but she refused to let it slow her down. If only there were a way to numb the pain, she thought, then she could run as fast as possible. But there wasn't. The only painkiller she had left had been used for the girl, and even she hadn't made it.
Kazumi pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the crunch of leaves underfoot and the rustle of branches above. Survival was all that mattered now. Each labored breath reminded her of the stakes, and she pressed on, driven by an instinct deeper than fear.