by Shepp, Roman
Walking through the forest, they kept their eyes peeled for any sign of wildlife. Occasionally, they came upon a predator hunting for a snack, but the group was well-equipped to handle them. They had a strict watch schedule, and even Tara was able to hold her own. She was being given lessons by Jane and Rosa on how to handle a bow and arrow and other weapons so that she would have the skills to survive if anything bad happened to the group. Tony was certain nothing bad was going to happen. They had proven to themselves that they were strong together, and even when they had been separated it turned out they had been working toward the same goals.
It took them weeks to walk back to the city. They were careful when they walked along the roads, knowing that people were likely more dangerous and desperate now than they were before. They passed the burning building, and the hot air balloon that still was there. Tony wondered if this is where Quentin had received those burns. The group spoke of the future and about the things they missed from the old world. For the most part their spirits were lighter, and they often walked hand in hand. Tony with Jane, Phil with Rosa, and Tara was always by Saeed's side.
Tony's burgeoning relationship with Jane was unprecedented territory for the both of them. Tony never had had a proper relationship before, and Jane never had been with anyone like Tony. With the rest of the world in chaos it was good to have something sturdy to lean upon, though, and Tony took great strength from the feelings in his heart.
The closer they drew to the city, the more trepidation he felt, though. They walked more slowly as they came within the city limits, aware of what could be lurking in the shadowed recesses of the buildings. They regaled Rosa and Phil with tales of what they had faced when moving through the city, although now it seemed unnaturally quiet. The city seemed devoid of life, and Tony wondered what could have happened in their time away. So much had happened to them, anything could have happened in the city.
They walked through the suburbs without incident. It almost was too quiet for Tony's liking, although he didn't want to seem too agitated. However, his grip never loosened on his baseball bat, forever ready to lead the charge into battle.
In his spare moments he thought about the heroes he so loved and hoped he was living up to them. The city needed healing. It wasn't just a matter of stopping criminals, but of showing people the way to work together, to unite and fight the common problems rather than each other. Yet, it was so quiet. He did not give voice to his fear, although he was concerned that the city had been ravaged by war. What if the riots had become so intense that the city had torn itself apart and there was nobody left to save?
Then they came to the edge of the inner city and saw that a huge barrier had been erected using cars and furniture and all manner of things.
“Stop!” a voice called out. A head peered over the barrier, pointing a gun at Tony. “What do you want?”
“Who are you?” Tony asked. “What's going on here? We left the city a while back. It was in chaos. People were fighting. Have the riots stopped?”
“For the most part. Although we're still trying to maintain control. You're not going to find a big war here, though, if that's what you want.”
“No, no, we don't want that at all. We just want to help. Will you let us in?”
There were a few moments delay before the barrier moved and an entrance was revealed. Tony was greeted by a big man.
“I'm Captain Joe Reynolds, and any help is appreciated,” he said.
Tony introduced himself and the rest of the group, then the barrier closed behind them. It seemed as though work already had begun to heal the city. Tony wasn't the only hero out there, but he always would try to do the right thing, no matter what.
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