Chapter 10 - Up and In

Emilee and her companions had encountered a number of problems. Their first obstacle was reaching the end of the riverbank, leaving them with the options of crossing the river or finding their way to street level. Secondly, hunger and thirst started to take their toll, urging them to seek sustenance. Lastly, the approaching darkness heightened their concerns about the unknown dangers that night might bring.

"Well, I guess we can't continue walking along the river," remarked Trev, acknowledging the dead-end.

"You're right. Let's find a place to rest for the night," Elena suggested practically.

"I can help you up the wall if you want," Trev offered, turning his attention to Elena.

Elena smirked, handing her metal pole to Trev, effortlessly leaped onto the wall, and scaled it in no time.

"Or not." remarked Trev, as he tossed the pole up to Elena, so she could defend them while they scaled the wall too.

"Would you like a lift up the wall," Trev asked Emilee, noticing her hesitation at the height of the wall.

While Emilee was physically fit, she lacked upper body strength. Doubt crept into her mind, making her uncertain about her ability to scale the wall.

"Yes, please," Emilee replied softly, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability.

Trev formed a platform with his hands, offering it to Emilee as a foothold. She cautiously placed one foot on his hands and pushed off, boosting herself upward. With determination, she reached the top but struggled to pull herself up. Sensing her difficulty, Trev gently pushed her butt from below, hoping to lend assistance. Emilee was startled by the intimate contact, causing her to squeal and lose her grip. She fell, which caused Trev to instinctively try to catch her. Somehow she landed on Trev's shoulders, facing backwards, her crotch directly in his face. This caused Trev to breathe out suddenly, blowing heavily on her private parts. Emilee flushed red, even though her tactical pants provided some semblance of cover, the sensation of Trev's breath still penetrated. Trev promptly kneeled down allowing Emilee to dismount his shoulders, which she did without hesitation.

"So sorry!" she squealed, awkwardly crossing her legs.

Trev chuckled to himself softly, trying to lighten the mood.

"It's okay. Let's give it another try, and this time, I won't push from behind."

Emilee took a moment to collect herself, regaining her composure before making a second attempt at scaling the wall.

~~~~

Trev was taken aback by the awkwardness of Emilee's reaction when he pushed her from behind. Her fall had caused him to get a face full of crotch. He wasn't sure if he enjoyed it, but it was an experience he couldn't help but fantasise about happening again.

As Trev completed his ascent, he found himself in a suburban park, barely the size of a basketball court, surrounded by houses. The quiet atmosphere suggested an absence of creatures, but distant roars and screams served as a reminder of the dangers lurking nearby. Urged by caution, they silently proceeded along a road adjacent to the park, aiming to evade any potential threats as a group.

The first house they encountered on the street had an alcove at its front entrance, and as they approached, Emilee gasped. In the doorway lay the lifeless body of an elderly woman, bearing numerous small stab wounds. Had goblins been responsible for her demise?

"Poor woman, she stood no chance," Emilee sighed, her voice filled with empathy.

"What should we do?" Trev inquired, seeking guidance from Emilee.

Before Emilee could respond, the sound of a small helicopter reverberated in the air, growing louder with each passing moment. Suddenly, a large drone emerged over the rooftop and descended down on top of them, causing Trev to have to step back and allow it through. The drone appeared to be constructed of the same metal as the colossal object they had encountered earlier. As it hovered over the deceased woman it beeped suddenly, dropping a silver urn into a ring located underneath it. Next, an arm extended from the drone, scanning the body with a laser-like device similar to that of a barcode scanner. After the scanning process, a suction sound accompanied by an intense bright light emanated from the arm. Trev had to avert his gaze, as the luminosity resembled staring directly at the sun. After about ten seconds, the light ceased, followed by the sound of metal meeting concrete.

As Trev turned his attention back to the scene, he witnessed the drone ascending, leaving no trace of the body except for the small silver urn resting on the pavement. Could this machine be a mobile cremation robot? Trev picked up the urn, which was warm and heavier than expected, and noticed a name and date inscribed on its side.

"Did that..." Emilee began, her voice trailing off.

"Yes," Trev replied, confirming her unspoken question.

Suddenly, the front door clicked open as Elena wasted no time taking advantage of the absence of the deceased woman. The key had been left in the door, allowing her easy access. Initially conflicted by moral considerations, Trev surveyed his surroundings briefly before following Elena inside, with Emilee close behind. Trev placed the urn on the table in the living room, he reasoned that if the woman's family ever came looking for her, this would serve as a beacon.

Elena had already made her way to the kitchen and rummaged through the remnants of the exploded fridge. She extracted a bottle of water and swiftly consumed its contents. Handing a bottle to Trev and Emilee, she retrieved a second one for herself, drinking with equal urgency. She then delved into the food, not wasting any time.

"What? I haven't eaten since breakfast," replied Elena when Trev gave her a sidelong glance.

"No, nothing. Not judging," replied Trev, grabbing an apple to eat for himself, not wanting to provoke her.

"It was a fancy breakfast though," commented Emilee, also taking an apple and biting into it.

"Smooth. I only noticed you watching me shortly before the bank," Elena responded, impressed.

"Thank you," winked Emilee.

This exchange marked their first discussion since their previous confrontation. Trev had anticipated potential tension when the topic eventually arose, but he sensed that as long as Emilee refrained from attempting to apprehend Elena, the incident would gradually fade into oblivion.

Suddenly, a cat meowed and ran into the room, startling them all. The young greyish-blue cat approached Emilee, rubbing against her leg.

"Hello, kitty. Are you hungry?" Emilee inquired, her voice warm and compassionate.

The cat approached the cupboard, lightly scratching its surface. Emilee opened the door, retrieved a bowl and filled it with cat food. The feline eagerly raced towards the bowl and dug in, driven by hunger. Emilee crouched down and gently stroked the cat, taking note of its collar, reading the name inscribed.

"His name is Mr. Bluebell," Emilee exclaimed, instantly falling in love with the feline.