Zack and I kept putting distance between us and the CRD sufferers. They were very slow, but we couldn't risk our ankles getting bit. It would be horrendous if Zack became infected as well.

"My shoulder is so sore." I sighed.

"I'm sure it is. But you'll get medical help soon, then you'll feel better."

"I hope so." I frowned, "Do the others even know where we are?"

"Yeah, I told them we're at the clearing," Zack replied with a nod.

"They'd better get here soon, I'm still cold and I need to get treated soon... well, if it's the first strain, that is."

"Let's not worry until we have to."

"But if it is the new strain... you know, we have to prepare for that."

I was hoping against all odds that it was the first strain, then there'd be nothing to worry about. It would be awful for Zack if he had to see me become a zombie; it was bad enough for me when Justin almost turned again all those years ago. I couldn't even imagine having to watch a loved one turn into a mindless zombie.

"If it is, then I'll be there for you. I refuse to give up and leave you."

"Thanks, but if my body decays, just kill me. I saw what happened to those zombies the last time... they stayed alive for a few hours, but were in agony. I don't want that." I shook my head.

"I promise, if it comes to it, I'll make sure you're put out of your misery."

"Thank you."

The reinforcements arrived and got the zombies packed into a van, like prisoners.

"I can't believe you were bitten." Kyle shook his head.

"I know, it's awful," I replied and sighed.

"Well, I'm sure you'll be fine." He smiled.

"I don't know, most of the zombies around now are ones infected with the new strain."

Most of the old ones had been cured; they only came now from other countries.

"Then Caitlin will find the cure, don't worry yourself," Kyle said and patted my back.

"That's pretty difficult."

"Kyle we have to go!" Jerry exclaimed.

"I'll see you back at the base then."

"Bye, see you," I replied.

Kyle left with the others and I got into the Jeep with Zack. He started driving and the car wasn't much warmer than outside. The car would warm up soon, then I'd be more comfortable.

If I was infected with the new strain and Caitlin found a cure, the last place I'd want to be was at the military base. I didn't want to go through what Justin went through, being left in those horrible cells for hours on end.

"I'm not going back to the base." I shook my head.

"What are you talking about?" Zack frowned.

"It's pretty bad for zombies there. If I'm infected with the second strain, I don't want to be left in a rotting cell," I said and shook my head. "Plus, they're far more strict, last time Justin and the others weren't allowed out of that prison for ages."

"Where would you go instead?"

"Take me to Justin's rehabilitation centre, it's much nicer."

Even though we'd broken up, we were still reasonably friendly and sometimes met up to discuss the Dragoul series.

"But they don't keep the new zombies there." He shook his head.

"I'm sure Justin would make an exception for me. Please take me there."

"Alright."

It would be much better at Justin's centre, he'd definitely be less strict if I got cured. That was, if I was even infected with the second strain.