Armageddon

Three: Knowledge Comes From The Future

Kimberly looked at Mira, unable to speak. She was processing every word she said. It wasn't something she wanted to hear, but knowing what's happening around her right now, she's starting to believe everything.

"Could you...could you please elaborate further?" she asked, slumping on the ground beside her. Mira let out a sigh and closed her eyes. As much as possible, she doesn't want to remember what happened or even talk about it. This includes the deaths of her friend, her comrades, and possibly even her own.

"I know this sounds like a fantasy to you, but I really did travel back to the beginning of the apocalypse," Mira said.

"I woke up earlier, realizing the time had gone backward," Mira said, chuckling. "That's why I told you to trust me because I know it's happening," she added. Kimberly looked into her eyes with pity. What Mira has gone through in the future, she doesn't know any of it.

"The people you see—they are not the people they used to be," Mira began. "On this day, a virus escapes from a laboratory. That is what we believe happened—creating a craze, savages, and cannibals we call lurkers," she added.

"They ate human flesh and evolved in a fast manner," Mira said, recalling all the lurkers she had encountered. She nearly died numerous times, but thankfully, God spared her.

"They carry the virus in their saliva, and once you bite someone, you will become infected," Mira explained. She remembered the first human to lurker transition she witnessed. It was her comrade when they were out scouting for a place.

"It wasn't a terrorist?" Kimberly asked. Mira shook her head.

"It's more than that, Kimmy. Check the news on the phone. The signal is still working," she said. "Don't forget to put on earphones," she added and handed her bag. Mira doesn't want to alarm the lurkers with a loud phone sound because they are at a disadvantage. Kimberly nodded her head and took out her phone and earphones.

Kimberly scrolled through social media, and various languages popped up, reporting what's happening in their country right now. Kimberly selected a specific video from the PLLT news outlet. A TV report immediately came into view. Kimberly handed the earphone to Mira, and they both watched.

Good Morning, I'm Steve Martin.

Due to the current mass hysteria, the previously reported rioting has now spread to other significant cities, prompting the president to declare a state of emergency.

The military and police are trying to mobilize the rioters due to the violence they exhibit. It is believed that terrorists caused it because last month they caught the leader of the terrorist group in hiding.

According to reports coming in, some parts of the cities were sealed off to avoid casualties and injuries. The president advises everyone to stay at home and be safe.

Help is on the way. Do not panic, and stay at home. Barricade the doors and wait for further announcements from the representatives.

Kimberly glanced at Mira and scrolled, clicking on a live video clip. Footage shows an older woman suddenly biting off the skin on a teenager's neck. Horrified screams filled the footage when she suddenly attacked the one holding the phone.

"Oh my god!" Kimberly muttered.

"Now, is that terrorism?" Mira asked. Kimberly shook her head. She began trembling in fear as she processed the information.

"Are we going to die?" she mumbled and hugged her knees. Mira placed her arms around her shoulders and smiled.

"I won't let that happen, Kimmy. I'll protect you from now on," she said. Kimberly stared at her. She was glad Mira was by her side, comforting her.

"Where did you learn how to use a sword?" Kimberly asked. Mira was about to answer, but there's a sudden bang on the door. It startled both of them. Mira immediately stood up and positioned herself in front of Kimberly.

"What's that?" Kimberly asked.

"Go upstairs, Kimmy," Mira said, gripping the sword tightly. The barricade won't last long.

"How about you!?" Kimmy whispered and yelled.

"Go! I'll follow behind you," she answered. Kimberly ran upstairs, and Mira pushed the tables as the banging continued.

"F*cking armoured type," she mumbled. It wasn't in her calculations. How far has the lurkers' evolution been? It's been hours, but the armoured type has already appeared. Just how much change will there be in the future?

The banging and growling stopped. Mira breathed deeply before slowly releasing her grip on the table. She quickly runs upstairs.

Kimberly sat on the bed anxiously. She wanted to know what was happening outside, but she was scared to death. The door creaked open, revealing Mira, who was sweating profusely.

"Mir!" she said, hugging her.

"We need to get out of here first thing tomorrow," Mira said, and she put the map she found on the bed. She spread it more widely and sat down.

"We're taking the Zolis route until we arrive in Frenling City," Mira said while encircling the map with a pen. With his fighters, Frenling was able to fend off the lurkers. It's an excellent place to stay before going to the main camp, where she will meet her comrade.

"Why Zolis? It's forest and trees out there. Can't we take the main road?" Kimberly asked. Mira disagreed with shaking her head.

"Too dangerous, Kimmy," she said. "Establishments were built next to the main road. Hoards of lurkers are lying in wait for survivors to come," she added. It's better to take the Zolis route, because it was also the one she took. She's familiar with the landscapes, and it will be easy to travel.

"Okay," Kimberly said while nodding her head. If Mira really went back to the future, then it's best to trust and follow her.

"It's still early, but sleep after you eat this," Mira said, and she put a biscuit and bottled water in front of her. "I'll search for food in the fridge and stay guarding the house," she added. She smiled and left the room.

Mira could still see the fires in the buildings and the usual lurkers walking on the road mindlessly. She gently closed the window and pulled the curtain to dim the house. Mira checked the door before leaving the kitchen to find food. They need every food available to bring while they travel.