The team cautiously moved through the cave's corridor, their flashlights illuminating every corner. Yet, despite the persistent rustling sound, they found nothing.
"Probably just a small animal," Cong said, though his tone lacked confidence.
"Don't underestimate it," Pan replied firmly. "We move out once the rain subsides. Prepare everything."
November 8, 2058 – Nightfall
Night had fallen as the Aegis Squad emerged from the cave where they had sheltered from the rain. Despite the biting cold, they moved swiftly along a narrow path toward the next village. Major Pan Colman led the way, his eyes scanning their surroundings, while the others followed with weapons at the ready.
"Cong, what's up ahead?" Pan asked softly.
Cong Woodman, peering through his night-vision binoculars, replied, "No movement so far, Major. But… I don't like this. It's too quiet."
Rico Iglesias scoffed. "I'd rather fight than wander through a place like this. At least I'd know where the enemy is."
"Don't get too eager, Rico. We don't know what's out there," Sergeant Dail Reiner said, adjusting his medical pack.
Pan suddenly stopped and signaled the team to remain still. A faint sound of hesitant footsteps came from the right.
"Stay alert," Pan ordered, raising his hand. "Something's there."
The Encounter with Elis
From behind the bushes, a small figure stumbled toward them. A little girl with tangled hair and tattered clothes stood there. Her face was marked with minor cuts, and she looked terrified.
"Help…" she whispered faintly.
Ignoring Pan's warning, Dail stepped forward. "Hey, hey, it's okay. We're here to help."
The girl collapsed to the ground, too weak to stand. Dail gently picked her up, carefully checking her condition. "She's dehydrated and starving. We need to give her something now."
Rico handed over a bottle of water and a piece of bread from his pack. "Think she's from the village we passed earlier?"
"Most likely," Pan replied. "But we don't know how she survived that."
After a few sips of water, the girl began to calm down. She looked at each of them before speaking softly. "Name… Elis."
"Elis," Dail repeated with a gentle smile. "Alright, Elis. Do you remember what happened in your village?"
Elis nodded slowly. "They came… not human. Dad said we had to run. But I lost them."
The team exchanged uneasy glances. Elis's words confirmed what they had witnessed earlier.
A Difficult Decision
"Major," Cong said seriously, "we can't take this child to the base. The journey's too dangerous."
"Do you want to leave her here?" Pan shot back sharply.
Cong fell silent, offering no response. Dail spoke up instead. "She might be the only witness who knows what happened. Besides, we can't abandon a child in a place like this."
Rico sighed. "Fine, but she follows our rules. If not, she could endanger us all."
Pan stared at his team for a moment before finally saying, "We're taking her. But ensure her safety. Dail, she's your responsibility."
Dail nodded. "She'll be safe with me, Major."
A New Trail
After hours of walking, the team came across a fork in the road covered in fresh footprints. Pan knelt to examine them closely. "These are recent. They're heading north."
"Zombies?" Rico asked.
Pan shook his head. "No. These tracks are too orderly. Maybe another group of survivors."
Cong scanned the road with his binoculars. "There's a building ahead. Might be their shelter."
"Alright," Pan said, standing up. "Let's check it out. But stay vigilant."
As they approached the building, the tension grew. Elis clung tightly to Dail, her face filled with unease. "I feel like something's watching us…" she whispered.
Suddenly, rustling came from the bushes on their left. Cong immediately aimed his weapon at the noise. "There's something there!" he called out.
Everyone raised their weapons. Pan motioned for silence. Small footsteps grew louder, and then a large bird burst from the bushes, flapping noisily.
Cong lowered his rifle with a sigh of relief. "Just a bird…" he muttered. But before he could finish, a loud crash came from inside the building, throwing the team back into high alert.
...