Beware the Scavengers [Tobi/Sophia]

Tobi rested his back against a tree as he tried to get the map under the light of the moon between tree tops above. It didn't take long for him to find a nice spot and began reading. When Red finally spoke just as he was trying to figure out which side of the school they left, he looked up and caught rubbing her knee. Normally he wouldn't think of it and thought it was due to the long walk, but this girl was starting to grow on him. So he realized that one would be rubbing their feet not their knee.

But she quickly set her foot on the ground and seemed to act like nothing was wrong. He wasn't entirely fooled, but he decided that she must not want her to worry about it. Fair enough, he will let her keep her privacy. He just hopes she isn't foolish enough to try to keep on going way past the breaking point. He isn't gonna go out of his way to make sure he is a hundred percent comfortable all the time after all, but he will stop to let her rest if the situation is as peaceful as it is now and she asked for it.

When she mentioned that she is sure they went South based on the night sky, proving once again that she is invaluable ally, Tobi quickly went back to the map. He gave a short frown as he realized what this meant before turning into a smile of relief. “Bad news, we are going back the way we came. Good news, it is back toward the border of Mississippi and Arkansas. Meaning we are actually heading in the direction we want to. Hopeful news, Michael will most likely think we would head in the other direction since we had drove past empty land except for a building here and there the entire way.”

He then wrapped up the map as he motioned for the two of them to keep heading onward. “Best news, your memory is right. There is a barn where we can hold up in and hopefully they have a truck we can take for our own,” he suggested as he noted that she was rubbing her knee again and appeared to be testing it out. “I am gonna assume you had that for a while. I ain't a doctor, so you are probably the best judge on how bad that is especially since you have been on your own for a while. So, I will leave it up to you to decide if you had enough or not,” he plainly stated as he began walking only looking behind to see if is keeping up. “Oh and tell me if you want to rest, no matter how hurt you look, if you don't speak then I will just assume that you can keep going.”

In the end, while he is starting to think of Red as an actual companion than someone to watch his back or to use as a distraction or even a shield if the time came. But he is not gonna go out of his way to babysit anyone. It isn't that he hate kids or even teenagers, he just isn't the sort who would know what to do in that kind of situation. In any case, assuming the girl insists they continue, they will walk on.

The trip wasn't entirely peaceful, they actually did encounter a Killer who was fortunately laying down trapped underneath a fallen tree and they spotted in time to not get grabbed. Tobi initially paused to stare at the thing, who appeared to have been an actual farm hand based on the clothing but was too rotted to figure out anything else about it, before he stepped on the arm and took out his hunting knife. Whether Red suggested they keep going or not, Tobi plunged his knife into the skull anyway. He paused a bit before turning toward the girl.

“Since you gave me that map as a sign of trust, here is a tidbit to show I trust you. The Scavenger who died? It was because I pushed him to the ground and a Killer like this got him. He had me at gunpoint so I panicked. But I knew he wasn't gonna actually shoot me, was just frighten of a misfire,” Tobi explained as he started moving toward the forest edge. “Looking back now, Michael would probably just hurt me for causing the accident. My desertion just ensured a slow death. I hope you understand after meeting them, and I promise not to do that to you.”

The bald man paused once again, looking back to make sure his new ally was still following him. “But I won't make promises to stick with any other groups. I might be a bit of a coward but it kept me alive so far. All in all, get ready to bolt with me. I’ll try to make sure you keep up,” Tobi promised as he turned forward and could actually see a building in the distance. Things were actually looking up, and if Red decided to stay by him despite glimpsing into his true nature, he may actually have someone he would genuinely risk his life for.

While he stayed silent as he listened to Red’s tale, he was actually a little surprised to find he actually cared enough to pay attention. When the two first met, he didn't want to hear what was going on with her, just that if she could help him or not. But now, he is genuinely interested in getting to know her even if he won't push her for details. Amazing how a few hours spent relying on the other to get away from a dangerous group they both pissed off could do for you.

After telling a piece of his own recent and seeing that she didn't blame him for running off scared like he usually did, he gave his own warm smile to her. “Yeah, everything worked out in the end. If I hadn't picked you up, you probably would have told them where I was going to lessen the punishment,” Tobi teased in a way that made it clear that he held nothing against her. “Again, if you need to rest, just tell me. I won't force you to run if it will make your injury worse, but I won't hold your hand. This is a partnership, so that makes us equals,” Tobi stated, slightly amused by how genuine he was being.

As they found the barn and other buildings needed to run it, he saw the truck just as his companion pointed out. When her stomach began to growl, reminding Tobi that he hadn't had much to eat either, he immediately reached into his pack and got out a couple of energy bars for the both of them. “In case they have nothing inside, Red,” Tobi said while empathizing the name she gave as his way of showing that he noticed how she had been giving her own nickname. Honestly, there were a few other details he noticed that she gave out, but was only planning to talk about them when they were one hundred percent safe.

After moving through the giant hole in the fence, he noticed the Killer way far up ahead and took out his hunting knife ready to plunge it in should the thing or any others spot them. Fortunately, they weren't going towards it yet, but he kept the knife out just in case and followed Red’s lead as they moved silently toward the barn. As they reached the barn without any incident, he began to peek inside when he saw the girl reached for her ankle. His eyes open wide when she took out a gun, but he immediately relaxed when she took out an object that she began to fix to the front of the handgun.

“That a silencer? Got another one I can borrow?” Tobi asked as he pulled out his Glock to show why he asked. In all honesty, he wasn't even the least bit surprised she was packing and had even assumed she was the entire time. He was only caught off guard, because he was scared of the potential noise being made after the stealth progress they were making.

A second after he asked his question, he looked back at the glock and took his time to examine it real quick while making sure he didn't point it at himself or Red. It just occurred to him that while he can aim well and knew basic maintenance and safety from his time from the gun store group, he never bothered to find out anything else about his weapon of choice like how silencers would work with it. “Actually, would a silencer fit? I never thought about that before. I just kept this around for emergencies or when too much noise was made already,” Tobi explained in a whisper as he went to peek into the barn.

Only to be immediately greeted by a Killer that was right by the door that was in the process of standing up. Without hesitation, he forced the door open and went to stab it only for the Killer to grabbed his hand and tried to lunge at the bald man. Luckily for Tobi, he had the advantage as the Killer was in a more awkward position for gaining the struggle. He proceeded to stomp down on the chest of the Killer while he lightly dropped his gun to the ground so he could use a free hand to grab his knife and cut the monster’s hand off to prevent any scratching. At the same time, he stepped on the other arm just like he did with the Killer in the woods so that he won't get grabbed while he tried to kill it.

Whether Red provided assistance or not, he made a quick motion to the inside of the barn while he wrestled with the Killer. If there was one former farm hand, maybe it was one but he didn't have time to check right now, there might be another. If the girl did help him finish the Killer off before checking, he would appreciate the save. But he was confident he could take it out, he just didn't want to be blindsided by any more of them.

Tobi sighed in relief as Red slid her switchblade into the Killer’s skull. They should also be grateful that it was rotted enough that was possible. As he got up and inspected his wrist, which was let go as the creature died, and was relieved that there wasn't any scratches on it. He then went to grabbed his gun he dropped and saw his companion swiftly take down another Killer that was trapped in a tractor.

He was actually now curious what happened here. Did Killers get to them or did they die of an accident. He didn't exactly have time to check for bites or scratches as he moved into the barn just as Red closed the door. He began moving around inspecting any exit points in case things go south just like he always does. To his annoyance, this place didn't seem to have been fortified at all. This place must have felled early in the apocalypse. That or they assumed that since this was a wide open area they just need to have someone on watch or even relied on the fences the duo had to get through to enter here.

After a minute of contemplating, he realized that Red was calling for him to sit next to her. He quickly did so as the young teen said she needed to rest. “I wouldn't mind one as well and it is as good a time as any to have a meal,” Tobi said as he took out his energy bar from earlier and unzipped his own pack to remove two water bottles. He gave one to Red and motioned to have them bump the two bottles together as a form of cheers before they opened them. As he munched down his energy bar, quickly realizing that he was absolutely starving, he turned toward the tractor’d Killer before looking back at Red.

“Got any theories what happened here? Think the Killers or as you called moretos got them or did they bring about their own end?” Tobi asked as he butchered the simple Spanish word. Ironically, he had an idea of what it meant, he was just wasn't good at saying foreign words. After her response, he looked at his wrist which was actually bruised. For something so rotted and weak looking, most likely because it had been stuck in the barn with nothing to eat for who knows how long, it sure had a lot of strength in its grip.

“Speaking of becoming Killers because of their own actions, got a story about how you found out that you will turn no matter how you die? With the exception of destroying the brain of course,” Tobi added as he thought back to when he first encountered such an event. It really took him by surprise and he nearly swore off groups until he nearly died being on his own anyway. “If you don't or you don't want to talk about what happened in your past, it’s fine. You already told a lot about what happened today. …I can share own story if you want. Just to pass the time until you are ready to check the truck. Unless you want to visit the main house or something.”

“I get it, I would cry too if it happened to me. We wouldn't be human if we don't mourn the ones we cared about and lost. No better than the Killers or…” Tobi paused as he tried to remember someone that would fit the description. Honestly the Scavengers, they aren't a cruel bunch. They are motivated by robbing others to keep themselves going, but they treated each other as family and they actually rarely take everything people have. Granted it isn't because of compassion, it is just so the victims can survive long enough to be victimized again. Nah, you would have to do something like what Red did for them to leave you with nothing to the point you might as well give them a pistol to…

“Or Diego. I am not perfect and the Scavengers are predators. But I think Diego definitely qualifies as being something as bad as the walking dead,” Tobi said as he flinched at the memories. “Sorry, didn't mean to make it about me. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about what happened. Your past is your past, and you have every right to share it or deny anyone access to it. I have no reason nor any desire to personally retell it.”

Tobi then leaned back as he reached into his pack and pulled out a bag of small candy this time. He offered the chocolate filled candy shells to Red as he sat moved closer to her. He didn't feel comfortable enough to give her a pat or anything like that, but he wanted to reassure that he will be there if things go wrong. He looked around the room again reassuring himself on the exit and entrances before he continued.

“Funny enough, the first time I saw someone turn who wasn't bitten was because of Diego. I was with him and this couple whose names I forgot a long time ago. We were actually separating from other people who refused to move on. Anyway, we were heading into a grocery store to get more food when one the girlfriend got snuck up on. She was far gone by the time we took out the Killer. Turned just as Diego finished her. The boyfriend didn't take it well. Turned the gun into his mouth and…” Tobi trailed off as he remembered the way the guy cried over someone he cared so deeply.

“Diego grabbed him and tried pulling the gun out. He wasn't fast enough, and all he did was… well the guy didn't end up blowing his brains out. But he wasn't gonna make it either. Diego then punched me for freezing up and asking when I am gonna start caring about anyone but myself. In hindsight, I think he was mad that we lost two pairs of capable hands instead of who they were. But still, he had a point. I barely did anything to stop the guy whose name I can't even remember. ...I usually tell people what was I supposed to do, the guy already had a gun in his mouth and Diego was closer. But really? I was just scared of the guy turning the gun on me. He clearly lost it,” Tobi paused as he checked to see how Red reacted. Based on how she reacted so far to all the sins he committed in the past, he doubt she will judge him too harshly. But even so, he is scared to see her looking in disapproval or worse turn away. Either way he continued.

“Obviously guy turned quickly and nearly got Diego. I froze again, this time because surprise was mixed in. Diego shouted for me to help and I scramble for a gun. I was more trigger happy in those days,” Tobi explained given that he has yet to use his Glock the entire time he has been with Red. “He managed to push the Killer away and I blasted at it three times before steadying myself enough to go for the head. Diego and I were too shocked at the man turning for him to call me out on freezing again. He wasn't bit, so how did he still turned,” Tobi said before pausing once again. This time he was focusing on the moment that came next. The moment that made him wonder what the actual truth was and whether that was the moment Diego snapped. Or if the bastard was always as twisted as he was the second time they met up.

“Diego checked him over as I made sure the girl didn't miraculously come back. He found a slight scratch and we just agreed that he was infected a while back and none of us noticed. To this day I still don't know if it was a Killer that scratched him or if he just bumped against something in the store. In any case, that led to the actual moment where I saw someone turn who wasn't bit nor scratched. We came upon this homeless guy who was starving to death. Diego went over to him and checked him over to make sure he didn't have any injuries. I stopped to check if we could afford to give the guy something. Then I looked back and…” Tobi paused once again, this time to keep himself calmed. He had done a lot of terrible things and came close to repeating what Diego did. But even the former paled in comparison and the latter was to a dead Killer that nearly took him out.

“Diego… was stabbing the man. Repeatedly. Just bringing the knife down over and over until the homeless guy choked on his own blood. Not even the Scavengers did that kind of stuff to Killers. He then took a step back and waited. I couldn't make sense of it at the time, but I saw that homeless guy turn right then and there. Diego then stomped the legs until they gave out. He took out a revolver, removed the bullets except for one, and placed it in my hand. He then said the rules have changed and it is time I removed myself from the equation. He then took my half of the supplies as I stared at the Killer that was trying to crawl toward me. I didn't get it at the time since it happened so fast. But in hindsight? If Diego wasn't the monster he was when I saw him again before. He definitely became that monster when he learned we are already infected…”

Tobi stared at the ceiling as he recalled thinking Diego left him that revolver to defend himself without wasting ammo. Hard to believe there was a time when he thought he was the worst that humanity had to offer. Sometimes he wished he was. He hasn't met anyone as bad as Diego but something tells him that man was just the tip of the iceberg. “Sorry, just wanted to get that off my chest. I rarely think about it these days, and I saw way worse since then. But you just don't forget that something like that. I even refused to join up with anyone since then until I had too many close calls to risk going solo,” Tobi explained once again as he noted that same attitude is how he ended up with both the Scavengers and Red. At least he has having a better experience with the young one than the others...

Tobi noted the fear in her voice as she said that Diego reminded her of someone and instinctively patted her head to let her know that everything is okay. “Good news is, Diego’s dead. I saw him get shot in the face. Even if he somehow survived that, his base is all the way back in California by the coast. As long as we avoid that, we won't have to worry about him or his followers,” he reassured as he listened to nothing but small animals of various kind moving around outside the barn. Things are actually peaceful right now, something he hadn't felt at night for a long while now.

As Red reassured that he isn't all that bad, he gave her a warm smile while she yawned. “Thanks, I really needed that. You ain't half bad yourself, kiddo. You’re great in fact. I’m actually glad that I gave you that ride,” he complimented as he felt a tinge of guilt over how the girl actually seemed to be doing most of the hard work in keeping them alive. Sure he was there to provide backup and Red clearly like him as a traveling partner. But he just mostly saw himself as following her lead and having her make all of the decisions. It is something he did with most groups anyway, but this time he wants to do more than just be a follower. He wants the two of them to be equals, he supposed.

When she scooted closer and leaned against him due to being tired, he simply nodded. He thought about wrapping his arm around her to keep her close and safe. But decided even though they became remarkably close after a short time, they aren't that close yet. Still, he hoped she got the message as he let her lean against him without protest. “I told you a couple times now. If you want to rest, tell me and we will stop to let you rest. Plus we don't know if the truck is still running or if the keys are nearby. So it would be pretty annoying if we end up having to go back to the barn to rest up anyway.”

Tobi looked upward as he adjusted himself a bit so he could have a nice position to sleep in without bugging Red too much. “Besides, I’m tired too. Wouldn't hurt to take a nap and use daytime to help us search for the keys better anyway. So goodnight Red, and thanks for everything,” Tobi uncharacteristically said before closing his own eyes. For once, he didn't sleep hoping his companion didn't abandon him nor in fear of them.


Tobi woke up slightly as he actually heard birds chirping in the distance. The itchiness of the hay on the ground bugged him, but it was better than nothing. Finally he was greeted with the sight of Red either still sleeping or is just plain leaning for support now. If it weren't for the smell of the Killers who were left in here for who knows how long and had been left in their spot the entire night, he would have thought that the apocalypse was just a nightmare.

With a sigh, he rubbed the teen’s head gently to see if she was still asleep or not. If she wasn't awake or didn't wake immediately, he would simply wait for her not wanting to disrupt what little peace she actually retained. Once she did wake up, or proved that she actually was awake the entire time, Tobi motioned for to stand up. “Ready to get out of this state?”

Tobi got up and stretched his arms a bit since he was not used to sleeping like that. Not that he regretted it, it was after all the most peaceful sleep he gotten in a long time, just not used to it. He opened the barn door slowly and took a peek outside. To his relief, no Killers were waiting for him this time. Just one near the local house that was limping around aimlessly and another that appeared to be resting on the porch.

“Huh, ever wonder why some wander around and others are just content to stay in one spot?” Tobi asked as he motioned to the two Killers in question. If he remembered correctly, the one limping around was actually by the fence last night and the one on the porch appeared to not move at all. In fact, the bald man would have thought the Killer was long dead if it hadn't appeared to shift its head now and then.

In any case, they appeared to far enough away from the truck that they could risk heading toward it. Not wanting to take chances, Tobi had Red lead the way while he followed her movements. Tobi isn't a slouch in the stealth department, he wouldn't be capable of following the girl if he was, but his companion is just on another level. Probably because he is more accustomed to running away unhindered while she is experienced in getting away unseen and unheard. As before, this proved to be the right move as they managed to reach the truck unscathed and with the wandering Killer having rounded to the back of the house.

Tobi gave the porch Killer the bird in silent celebration, which responded by weakly grasping at them but refused to get up, as he went around the truck tapping each window to make sure that nothing was inside. Satisfied, he carefully opened the driver’s front door. He paused a bit before leaning inside to search for the keys. If Red asked why the short pause, Tobi wouldn't hesitate to respond. “Last time I looked inside a vehicle checking for keys, I got jumped by a herd of Killers. Simply put, I was thinking of turning around to make sure that didn't happen again. But then I remembered I had you, so that wasn't necessary.”

After a bit of searching, with him even climbing into the back seat which is something he would never do normally but he felt more confident with Red covering him, Tobi came back out with a frown. The keys weren't inside after all and they would have to check the area. “I am gonna check the Killer on the porch. Make sure the wanderer doesn't get me,” Tobi requested as he slowly approached his target. With his trusty hunting knife in hand, he raised it up just as the Killer on the porch raised itself in kind. Not wanting a repeat of last time, Tobi sidestep from the right and went around the corpse this time. Before it could even have time to turn around, he stabbed right in the back of the skull.

With a sharp tug, he forced his knife out and the Killer dropped like a sack of potatoes. Tobi flinched at the sound and looked around. He definitely heard the limped one coming back but decided to ignore it. Trusting that Red would warn him if it got too close, he began to fish the pockets for the keys. After several seconds of searching, and the wandering Killer sounding ever so closer, he raised his hand in triumph with the truck keys in hand. He then motioned his teen ally to move as he dashed toward the truck.

Not wanting to waste time, Tobi ignored the final Killer, as far as they know, he inserted the key and started the truck. To his relief, it turned on the first time and he placed it into drive. The duo were finally home free and were out on the road in no time. Remembering what the map said, he took off the interstate the second the road diverged and began to drive into the next town. Finally, the danger was passed and they could start a new life without any worry of the Scavengers.

Keeping his eyes on the road, he reached out for a high five from Red. He hadn't felt so free in so long, that he didn't realize that he made the motion. Whether Red returned or not, Tobi would quickly realized his hand was up and would sheepishly put it back to the wheel. “Sorry, I am not normally this excitable. Guess I am just happy to be heading someplace away from here. Mississippi is nice, but I have been here way too long. Plus I am more of a California guy,” Tobi said as his face darkened at his home state. “Not… that I will be returning home again. Too many bad memories there now…”