I slid past the people strapped to the ground, heading over to the guy's dormitory that was the building next door. I could see that there were some guys outside, and they looked like they were standing guard.
"Are you the one that rescued the girls?" One of the guys asked me as I stopped about ten feet away, still carrying Sofia.
She was cuddled into my chest, and both of the guys were looking at her. I guessed that we must have looked weird because it seemed like it was starting to get colder out.
"Yeah, and I am here to direct you all to the same place, but I am also here to give you a warning. I don't have time to talk to you all, so it will be your job to explain this. There is no fighting or anything aggressive, and the first person that tries to act self-important will be tossed out of the city. The world has changed overnight, but I won't have anyone make it harder than it already is, understand?" I asked, and both men nodded.
"Yeah, no problem! We will make sure that everyone knows. Do you guys have food and water?" One of the men asked, and I shook my head.
"No, but I am working on it. If you guys have water and food, bring it all with you for now. Head up the way the girls went to the massive tree on the southeast side. I should be able to beat you guys there, but if not, just wait outside and stay close to the trees for warmth," I explained, and both of the guys nodded and turned to run inside the building.
"Well, that went well. Do you think that the next thing on your list will go just as fast, Papi? Not that I mind being in your warm arms," Sofia asked and then buried her face in my chest, rubbing against my bare skin through my ripped shirt.
"No, I mean, I don't really know. We will have to see what these guys do," I said as I walked over to where the men were strapped down to the ground.
I asked the grass to let them free, and soon all the men were standing up. Most of them started stretching, and I really couldn't blame them.
I sort of felt back for leaving them strapped down like this, but they had earned it. Now it was time to see if I could see what the story was with these guys.
"So, where are you leading me?" I asked as the man I had talked to before walked over to me.
"It's only about five blocks away. There is a Community Center there that our boss has taken over to help people! If she knows that you are trying to help people, she will want to work with you! My name is Blane, and we were sent out to get the girls and guys from the dorms, but they just yelled at us the first few times. The boss told us that we were to throw them on our shoulders and bring them back kicking and screaming if that's what it took to save them!" Blane explained, and I lifted an eyebrow.
"She? The boss you are talking about is a woman? Not that I doubt she is fit for the job, but this one sounds pretty wild and rough around the edges," I said, and Blane nodded emphatically.
"Oh yeah! Marley is suited to be a boss! She beat up all the guys that tried to take over the place this morning, and everyone respects her!" Blane said, and the group of men cheered.
"This Marley sounds like one hot tamale! I am getting excited just thinking about meeting her!" Sofia exclaimed from my arms.
I was curious what type of person this Marly was, but from its sounds, she must be a tough one. She would be like the biker if she could take down anyone who challenged her and get the men to move like this.
There was one girl I knew of named Marley, but she would have been in the dorm with the other girls. She was a friend of the girls I knew, but she always wanted to fight me.
Thinking past the angry shrimp I knew, I started to get images of a rough look chic in a biker jacket with fur and a bikini under it. Torn jeans and combat boots would be a must with the get-up, and she probably had henchmen, but I was getting ahead of myself.
"Well, lead the way, but let's make some good time. I have more than I have to do back at the Great Tree," I said, and the men nodded, starting to walk south.
The trip took about twenty minutes, but I ended up having to break into the house on the way.
There was no one in it, but Orhpus told me there was something I should check out. Once inside the house, I found some strawberries that look far past the expiration, but nothing else would scan.
That find was better than I could have hoped for, leaving me feeling much better. That had been a worry that had been screaming in my head since this morning.
"This is the place. I will go let Marley know you are here," Blane said, and I nodded my head as we walked into the foyer of the building.
I nodded, and Blane ran off while the rest of the men spread out to join some of the small fire. The place was filled with people, and just like in the hospital, they were all shivering.
I released more heat and then walked over to a plant tree, placing my hand on it. I connected with it, but I got an immense feeling of loneliness because it was potted.
"Don't worry, friend. I will connect you to the rest," I said quietly, and the tree filled with hope as it started to grow, breaking the pot it was contained inside.
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