A New Hope

A New Hope
184

Alice

After her response I was now convinced this was the real Zandra. I wonder how she survived? Why didn’t she return to the Mallrats? What happened to her and Lex’s baby?

These were questions I am sure KC may ask her once we reach the shipwreck. It’s not everyday someone comes back from the dead.

I had heard so much about her from Lexie boy, I felt like I knew her. I wonder if we will ever see him again? I then remember the time we went to that dance, and I wore her bower and got rejected by Lex. Now that was sometime ago! I wonder if he is still as sexy as I remember. Such a slime ball, but he really did become a good friend.

After taking a trip down memory lane in my head I reply to the lovely Zandra, “Thank you Zandra. It is a absolute pleasure to get to meet you. Lexie boy told me a lot about you! The shipwreck sounds perfect by the way.”

185

KC

following Zandra and listen as she told us about the shipwreck. " When you said, this the safest place at the moment, then i believe you. I have no clue where else to hide at the moment." i answer her honestly. After a few minutes Alice starts to talk and i look at her in disbelieve." Can we please talk about this when we are safe?" i look at her. As much as i like her, she has a very bad timing from time to time.

186

Zandra

“Did he share the story how he left his pregnant wife in a building that was on fire? Such a hero” I said bitterly but took a breath to calm myself and walked the rest of the way in silence.

Finally the moment came and I can see the ship wreck into eye sight I smiled slightly “Here we go” I tell them before walking to the ship wreck “Just walk carefully ok” I say as we reach our destination and I slowly make my way onto the wreck.

187

Alice

The mention of Lex’s name really didn’t go down well with Zandra, I was shocked at how bitter she was. I am sure if she knew the truth, and also knew the Mallrats all thought Amber had died too she would maybe understand more and be willing to forgive. I thought it was best to just not reply, maybe it’s something we can revisit another time.

We had all been walking now for sometime. My pace was becoming more and more slow. Thankfully the others were not moving much faster. I think KC’s power and determination is starting to finally struggle too.

Zandra speaks again for the first time since I ruffled her feathers, she announces that we have reached the shipwreck.

I breathe a sigh of relief, smile and say “fantastic, thank you Zandra.”

We continue to walk over to the shipwreck. Looks pretty alright from here. It looks a mess but that’s expected. I probably look just as bad. I just hope and pray this can become our base for awhile and the Techno’s stay clear.

Zandra advises us to step carefully so I do just that as I step on to the wreck.

188

KC

I let the women talk and look at the shipwreck. At the moment i don’t care how it looks, i all want is something i can sleep to without being afraid of something.
I watch Zandra dn Alice enter the shipwreck and take one last look in every direction arround before i follow them. " Ok," i answer zandra as she teels us to be careful. " Any good spot here to have a look arround without being seen?" i ask her

@Zandra

189

I looked over my shoulder at the two for a moment before turning around to face them “I have never been inside here before, I have seen it in passing and never noticed anyone by it. You guys can have a rest if you like, I don’t mind looking around and working out what exits we have should we need them in a hurry, I doubt we will find much of use here really as it loooks as though its been abandoned for a long time”

One thing I was definetely going to do was find out how to get out of here with much obstruction, it was a little uncomfortable being inside somewhere after I had spent so much time out in the woods and it almost felt like a different type of cage.

@Jack
@Catha

190

KC

I listen to Zandra and look arround from time to time. She offers to check out on everything while we could get some rest. Only god knows how badly i would love to get some sleep, but i have learned not push my luck to much. I turn to Alice " Would you like to lay down for a bit, i will help Zandra checking out of it. "
Then i turn to Zandra. " Hopefully you don’t mind. But i guess two are faster then one, especially when we don’t know who much time we will have here. "

@Jack
@Zandra

191

Alice

I listened intently to Zandra, she really is lovely. Just the way she is you can tell she has a big heart. And I just know that if we ever see Lex again she will learn to forgive. I don’t know the woman but I am normally a very good judge of character.

KC speaks after Zandra offering me the chance to sleep. Before I can reply to KC he turns and speaks to Zandra. Give me a chance to speak boy.

This is just the perfect time for that hug before I agree to rest, and they go off to scout the area.

Not knowing it’s coming I squeeze KC from behind, and starting kissing him all over his cheeks. He starts to squirm.

“You little star you … I will take up your offer to sleep.”

I then let him go and now it’s Zandra’s turn. She certainly wasn’t expecting it. I gently throw my arms around her and hold her and smile.

I speak softly into her ear, “I am so grateful you are helping us. It is unbelievable to meet you … considering the whole dead thing.” Oh Alice, you were doing so well. I continue, “Sorry lovely … I maybe a unit with a gob, but I am a big cuddly unicorn really. Thank you again Zandra.”

2 Likes
192

LEX

Privacy. I have to laugh at the word. What private about being on an island with no walls? The only privacy anyone is getting is if they sneak off away from everyone else. And all it would take is someone walking along to hear something. The island is big, but it can’t be that big.

Zak walks away, of course that’s all I’m thinking about? What else is there to do work on my tan?

”I got to go take a leak.” I say standing up. It’s like a game now. Gel is, back at the mall she followed me along like a lost puppy and now, how vile can I be and still sleep with her? It’s not much, but it’s a living.

Still thinking about privacy or lack of it I stumble into a cave near the beach. I’m doing my pants. Like a dog marking his territory I write my name in the sand on the bottom of the cave. On the last mark to form an X the stream hitting the ground sounds different. I pull myself together and go off to where the sound changed.

Half buried in the sand I find bottles. Old really old. I dig one out and shake it. Filled with a liquid. Probably saltwater from the tide, I take the cork off and bring the bottle to my lips. You aren’t supposed to drink saltwater, but if we’re gonna die here anyways why not take the chance.

It pays off. Defiantly alcoholic and old enough that it’s gotten stronger. It burns going down but I don’t care about that. I dig out the rest of the bottles 5 in all. Looking around something shiny catches my eye and I pull it up from the rocks. ”A crown for the king of We’re stuffed Island!” I remark placing it on my head.

I take most of the bottles and burry them deeper into the cave my own little secret. And take a large pull from the open one before exiting the cave.

I walk back to the fire. ”I found booze!!” I announce.

2 Likes
193

Zan

As Alice hugged me I patted her awkwardly on the arm, I wasn’t a hugger and I wasn’t used to any real with anyone really except Debian which was a whole different situtation “I don’t even know your name and you’re acting like you know all about me. Anything you’ve heard is about a different person, I’m not that girl anymore” I tell her with a small shrugg.
I wasn’t purposly being awkward but I didn’t think I would ever actually have a conversation with a Mallrat again and finding KC brought back old memories I would rather forget “You would be better taking a rest in one of the rooms rather then this section as we are likely to be moving around it a fair bit” I tell Alice before turning to KC.

“Alright KC let go” I said with a small smile and headed out of the ‘room’ I was in into an area that once could of been the sleeping area though there was no mattresses or fluffy pillows like back at the Mall, there were sheets of random material that had various holes in and looked like the dirt layer was thicker then the actual material. I scrunched my nose up, it was gross, give me the woods over this anyday.

@Jack
@Catha

1 Like
194

Zak

The word Booze caught my attention straight away and I grinned turning back towards the fire and Lex “Booze? Now Lex that is the best contributation you could of ever brought. Who needs food when you can just get drunk” I grinned rubbing my hands together excitidly

“Just the one bottle Lex?” I raise my eye brow suspicially, if I was Lex would I hell bring it all here to share though I only really knew him through reputation so maybe I was wrong, maybe he was happy with sharing his full stash.

@Lex

195

LEX

That was my thought. Place is as good as paradise now that we have booze.” I take another swig from the bottle and hold it out to Zak to share. ”Aren’t afraid of cooties are ya? Only the one bottle, but who says there isn’t more. If I were a pirate I wouldn’t hide all my pillages in one spot.” He says nothing about my crown but I straighten it on top of my head making an unspoken point.

196

Zak

I take the bottle without hesistation “Alcohol is worth the risk of… Er… Cooties” I said taking a swig with a smirk “Wow that has some burn, I don’t think half of your tribe will be able to handle it” I said and took another drink before passing it back to Lex.

I shake my head and let out a laugh as a I look at the crown he is trying to bring attention to “And what exactly are you king of Lex? The sand and sea?” I joked “Not got a little crown for your queen over there” I grinned looking at Gel for a moment before turning back to Lex “Better make sure it sparkles” I winked

@Lex

197

Alice

In my embrace with Zandra she patted my back. This was my indication she loved hugs as much as KC. :face_with_hand_over_mouth: From her rather abrupt response I am looking forward to winding her up with my hugs.

I was rather surprised by her words. That big heart I was told about now seems to be a wilting black heart with bursts of the old. She didn’t have to be helping us so maybe that old big heart is fighting to come back.

When Zandra said “I don’t even know your name”, I could of kicked myself. Because I knew so much about her, I forgot she didn’t actually have a clue who I was. I guess it’s time I introduced myself, and as this was not the Zandra I was told about I thought well I do not want to be who I really am …

Zandra told me about not using the space we were standing in, and to find somewhere else to rest.

KC and Zandra then moved away. Before finding somewhere to rest I followed them, they were not expecting me to appear in the entrance to this other area. I wanted to tell Zandra my ‘name’.

"Guys do take care, and for your information Zandra, I am called ‘Ashes’.

She wasn’t to know it wasn’t my real name, I just couldn’t help myself. I just was disappointed she wasn’t the Zandra my Lexie boy had told me about.

It probably was rather inappropriate of me to choose such name, but the friend I was looking forward to having was looking rather unlikely …

I turn away from Zandra and KC. I roam around the shipwreck, and hit the jackpot when I find a small space with a crispy sheet. I pick up the sheet and hang it over my arm. Beneath this sheet was another sheet and a circular cushion.

I fold the sheet I am holding in halve and then lay it down on the deck. I grab the cushion and place it at one end of the sheet I had laid. I then grab the other sheet, and am delighted to see a rum bottle. My eyes popped out at my discovery. I could see that it contained what looked like rum. A big grin spread across my face.

I tossed the 2nd sheet over the other sheet, and then bent down to pick up the bottle. I unscrew the cap, and sniffed. To my delight the content was rum. The smell just excited me, and I became rather tingly.

I took the bottle up to my lips and took a big sip down the hatch. I moved over to my sheet, and placed the rum down next to me. I threw the other sheet over me and then happily took another gulp of the rum.

Right it’s time to call it a day I think. But first I raise the bottle with a smile up to the sky and say “Cheers to my family the Mallrats wherever you are, and to you dear Ned.” I take one final sip.

The bottle of rum is then placed down by my side, I screw the cap back on. I lay myself back and place my head on the cushion. As soon as my head hit the cushion, I was gone.

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198

Lex

I can’t help but laugh at the face Zak pulls when he takes a swig of the rum. ”More for us then.” I snatch the bottle back and take a seat back on the beach. Only now noticing Gel has gone down beach on her own leaving just us guys.

”I’m king of this whole dump.” I take another swig not slowing down anytime. That’s who Amber did it at the mall. Walked in acting all high and mighty, somehow it stuck. So it was worth the try.

I scoot in closer to Zak so no one has to over hear. ”between you and me. I’m keeping my options for a queen, ya know? Might be some half naked locals running round. But I’m sure I could find a pearl necklace for her.” I smirk.

199

Zak

I cant help but let out a dirty laugh “Oh I’m sure you will be able produce one” I shake my head grinning “Though you’re not going to be finding any half naked locals around here, we haven’t seen or heard a single person since we’ve arrived, though I wouldn’t mind exploring for some semi-naked chicks” I said leaning forward and grabbing the bottle not holding back on the large drink I take.

I was liking Lex more and more, he actually seemed like the kinda guy I would hang out with back in the City “But would you pick half naked locals or a friendly city girl?” I smirked “I already know you and May had a thing”

@Lex

200

Lex

”You’re not half bad mate.” I say passing over the bottle. ”You know those tribes in the city how cut off they were and how they react. I wouldn’t put it past whoever lives here seeing two men like you and I getting off a boat. They probably gone underground.” It’s a good story I’d almost believe it myself. ”You can’t believe we are all alone out here.”

I can’t help but laugh apparently Zak has heard rumors about me. Or what rumors would be if they were the truth. ”Why not both? Friendly city girl when I need something easy. A ferrel girl when I need more of a challenge. Besides the world isn’t gonna repopulate itself.” I shrug. ”What do you wanna know about me and May? Cause she’s not an easy one. You might have better luck with a local.”

201

Jack

Our walk through the thick bush was slow and steady. Not many words were spoken, it all felt rather awkward.

We hadn’t gotten that far, and clumsy me tripped on a bloody stick. I went flying forward and went skidding down on to my front. My head bonked into a rock. It was a hard enough hit to knock me out.

Brady with her little pig tails lands in the world known as NZ with her dog called Zoot Zoot. They follow the yellow brick road toward the City to meet the Guardian. And en route they meet a scarecrow that needs his brain called Jack, a tin woman called Ebony who is missing her heart, and a cowardly lion called Trudy who wants courage.

@Ash @Trudy

1 Like
202

Zak

I smirked “Oh May? Yeah been there and done that… You know she came and asked for a pregnancy test not so long ago and I almost choked I tell you! But thankfully it was for some other bird who thought she was pregnant. Hopefully, some poor bloke isn’t out there dealing with leaving the city and having a pregnant lass, I can’t think of anything worse” I say and shiver at the thought of someone telling me they are knocked up with my crotch goblin.

I take another drink, the burn is still there but its a lot more subtle now, god this stuff tastes awful but it gives me that warm tingling feeling that I enjoy so much “I doubt we will be meeting any more city girls though I am ready when you are to hunt the local girls” I say and pass back the bottle to my drinking buddy.

@Lex

2 Likes
203

KC

I walk behind Zandra as we enter some kind of “bedroom”. I look arround and do hard not to show how disgusting all this looks, even after years on the street or as worker in the mines…
I can see that Zandra was also doing hard, being between als the dust and mess. I glance arround the room and spot another door, i walk over and carefully place my hand on it, give it little push. The door opens slowly and as it was half open, i was about to vomit. I pull the door back and close it. I turn my head back at Zandra, trying to speak and hold down all the food." Seems like someone has hated cleaning the bathroom as much as we did, you know: years ago in the mall."

@Zandra