Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Mama?”

Shuri gasped, awakening from her brief nap. She was inside the driver seat of the RV. It’s been almost two weeks since Shuri rested. Shuri sighs and looks over to her five year old daughter, Xeelja. The little girl was wearing a simple big white t-shirt and silk bonnet. She looks like the exact copy of Shuri with warm brown eyes. She was sleeping on the RV’s bed but was awakened because of the eerie silence. She came over to check her mama to see her okay.

“Mama, are you okay?” Xeelja asked Shuri worriedly, clutching a stuffed cat doll in her arms.

Shuri smiles tiredly at her daughter. “I’m fine, baby. Mama was just resting.” She assures her daughter.

“Do you need to rest more?”

“No, no, there’s no need, I need to drive to the next town.” Shuri said to Xeelja.

Xeelja tightly holds her doll nervously. “Are…are there going to be monsters there?”

Shuri nodded her head and gently caressed her daughter’s face. “Yes, sithandwa sam, there could be monsters there.”
The monsters that they were referring to are the undead that somehow rose from the grave and started walking. As well as eating the living.

It all started five years ago. An unknown outbreak swept across the globe at an alarming rate. The recently deceased suddenly began reanimating, and proceeded to devour innocent people. And if one living person was bitten, they turned into one the undead called Walkers. Medical facilities tried to find a cure and governments tried to subdue the undead, but they all crumbled and broken by the horde of the undead.

This eventually resulted in a worldwide societal collapse where the undead are now the dominant species.
Cities, towns, and communities that were once filled with lively streets, are now empty and full of the undead. Few who survive this grim post-apocalyptic reality try to build their own refugee camps or shelters, but due to lack of supplies and ammunition, people tend to turn on each other. Resulting in many raids from other surviving settlements.
The world has changed humanity’s perspective. Walkers are not only things they should fear. And Shuri knows it.
People will kill to get the things they need to survive. Even if it means stealing from others.

Shuri barely escaped the city with her three month old daughter in her arms. They were fortunate to find refuge in a farm with some handful of survivors. There are less walkers there and it has electrical fences that are powered by solar energy. It was a safe haven for her and her daughter. Shuri earned her place by caring for the sick and injured since she’s a doctor and once worked in a major hospital as well as a genius in mechanics. Everything was peaceful and the people knew and trusted each other.

That is, until a massive horde came and swept to their safe haven, tearing it down. Shuri, her daughter, and some survivors escaped but some were not lucky as they were devoured by the Walkers. Shuri and her daughter were able to escape the horde, thanks to an old man named Robert Stanford.

Robert rescued them and brought them to his RV, where he drove them out of the now destroyed farm. Robert was one of the survivors living with them in the farm. He takes good care of the children by telling them stories of his youth, making them smile or laugh. Now, separated from the others, Shuri, Xeelja, and Robert had to survive this unforgiving world. Since Robert was old, he stayed in the RV with Xeelja while Shuri went out and gathered some little supplies that she could find. They were fortunate to find an abandoned medical facility and gathered as much medical supplies, and tools that were left behind.

With these items, Shuri was able to upgrade Robert’s RV to be solar powered, and replace the wheels with stronger fibers, preventing from getting any flats. They would continue their journey to survive and scavenge any food and medicines they could find.

It was difficult, surviving the horde and raiders, but they managed. They survive the whole way.

Yet, fate always has other plans.

When Xeelja turned four years old, Robert wasn’t feeling well. His hands would shake, he often felt drowsy or dizzy, and sometimes he almost lost focus. Shuri had to check on him to see what’s wrong, thinking that he might be tired but…no, it wasn’t. Instead, Robert was having heart failures. And without proper medical equipment, he will die.

Shuri was desperate in finding the medical equipment she needed to save Robert, for he was like a family to her and her daughter. And if she doesn’t save him, he will turn into a Walker. She witnessed it beforehand when one of her patients back in the farm died from blood cancer and was reanimated into a Walker. Shuri almost got bitten but she was saved by one of the survivors. She learned that even though the patient wasn’t bitten, they can still turn into Walker when they die. And the only way to kill it was to shoot them on the head, where the brain is. Something they learned during the years of surviving.

Shuri tries to find a way to save him, giving him possible treatments, but the old man assures her that he will be alright. Even if she can’t save him, at least she gave it her all. But he did make her promise him to give him mercy, so he won’t turn into a Walker. Shuri didn’t want to, she really didn’t want to, but she had no choice.

Months later, Robert passed away and Shuri had to make sure he didn’t reanimate into a Walker. She gives him a proper burial in the forest with a marked grave. She and her daughter were heartbroken to lose a family/friend, but it didn’t stop them from surviving. They went from one place to another, avoiding any horde of walkers or any raiders. Shuri hated this but she had to stay strong, for her daughter’s sake.

“I’m scared, Mama.” Xeelja sniffles, afraid of encountering those monsters again. “I don’t want to see those monsters.”

Shuri picks up her daughter and holds her close. “I know, baby. I know…I don’t want to see them, but we have to pull through to survive.”

Xeelja sniffles but nods her head. “O-Okay, Mama…”

Xeelja fears the Walkers. Ever since she could remember, those things have always attacked the living. She and her mama witness a poor rabbit being torn apart by those monsters. When the RV broke down once, both mother and daughter locked the door, and hid in the bathroom, staying quiet as a massive horde of walkers passed through their RV during a lightning storm. They stayed quiet, hugging each other, and praying for the horrible horde to leave. It was a nightmare for them. They barely slept on that night. Xeelja had nightmares and couldn’t sleep without her Mama or her stuffed cat doll, Kitty.

“Come on, time for this little panther to go to bed.” Shuri said to her daughter kindly.

“But I don’t wanna sleep, Mama.” Xeelja said as Shuri tucks her on the RV’s bed. “I get bad dreams.”

Shuri shushes her gently, caressing her daughter’s head gently. “Shh…shh…it’s okay, baby. Mama is going to stay by your side, no matter what. Okay?”

“Pinky Promise?” Xeelja raises her pinky at her mother.

Shuri smiles softly and hooked her pinky onto her daughter’s. “Pinky Promise.” Shuri tucks her daughter to bed. “Now, it’s time for this little panther to sleep.”

Xeelja yawns and cuddles Kitty. “Love you, Mama.”

Shuri smiles and kisses Xeelja’s forehead. “I love you too, Xeelja.”

As Xeelja slept, Shuri went back to the wheel and drove off to a town that might have some supplies left. Hopefully, a place for her and her daughter to rest, or maybe to call home.

Home…a strange word in Shuri's mouth.

She hasn’t been home since she broke up with her…previous lover and Xeelja’s birth father.

Before the outbreak, Shuri was in love with man name Ch'ah Toh Almehen. They knew each other since Elementary School and went to the same university with high honors. They were in love and planned to elope. Wanting to start a life together. But then…things started to change from better to worse.

Ch’ah began acting strange. He rarely contacts her or visits their favorite coffee shop every Friday. He often cancels plans from text and sometimes not showing up. She was worried and tried to contact but he didn’t answer, always leaving through voice mail. He’s been ignoring her texts and calls for days, to the brink of ghosting her. She tried to go to his office, but was informed that he left to New York for a business meeting and won’t be back until three months. Shuri wonders what was going on and why was Ch’ah avoiding her? Why the secrecy?

Those questions kept playing in Shuri’s thoughts for weeks until she began feeling sick.

For the past week, Shuri felt nauseous every day, getting morning sickness, fatigue, frequent urination, sometimes getting backaches, feeling breathless whenever she walks, and having weird food-cravings.

Shuri doesn’t know why she has these, but she notices that she missed her periods. It didn’t take her long to learn about the symptoms she had. When she had herself tested, she found that she was pregnant with her lover’s child.

Shuri felt a whirlwind of emotions of shock, worry, and happiness. She and Ch’ah were planning to start a family after they elope. Yet it seems that it came sooner than expected. Shuri will tell Ch’ah about her pregnancy when he gets back from the business meeting. Hoping that he would help her.

But things never go as planned.

When Shuri was in her 3 weeks pregnancy and was on leave from her work, she saw in the news on TV that her lover, Ch’ah, was in the city of New York with a woman named Dorma, announcing their engagement on live broadcast.
Shuri was mortified at the shocking truth. Ch’ah, the love of her life, the father of their unborn child, was engaged to another.

All this time of him ignoring her, ignoring her calls, ghosting her, was all because he was busy getting ready to marry Dorma.

She wanted to deny the truth, thinking that it was all a dream, but…the news broadcast was live, announcing their marriage to the world.

Shuri couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The man she loved, the man that she gave her heart and love to, the man that promised to marry her and always be by her side, was now gone. He stopped loving her and found someone else to give his love to.

Shuri felt betrayed, angered, yet broken at the same time. She wanted to storm there, yell at him and tell him about the baby but…if she does, the people will think of her as a homebreaker and would tarnish her family’s reputation. And what if he didn’t want the baby, what if he saw the baby as a nuisance and their relationship they had was nothing to him.
This made Shuri afraid to face him, afraid that he would be angry. Fear drew into her mind as she cannot tell her family about the baby, for she felt they would disown her for having a child in wedlock.

Shuri was heartbroken and scared of the consequences. She was lost and confused, unsure what to do in this situation. She was worried about the baby coming into this world. All she wanted was for her baby to grow up in a safe and loving environment. If word gets out that Ch’ah has an illegitimate child, people would make rumors about this scandal. It would ruin her daughter’s life.

So, Shuri made a heartbreaking decision: she was going to raise her baby in secret. She cut all ties to Ch’ah and her family, and raised her baby in Atlanta as a single mother. Hoping to give her daughter a better chance in life.
But things never went as planned when the outbreak happened.

It was hard to raise her daughter during a terrible situation. She still had nightmares when she and her baby girl escaped through the city, avoiding traffic, and escaping the bombing of the city. It was the most terrifying and heart stopping to experience, especially if you are a single mother with a child to protect.

Shuri wanted to call Ch’ah and her family, to know if they were okay but the cellphone reception was down, and she could not contact them. To hear their voices one last time, to tell them about Xeelja.

It was a naïve dream and she knows it is useless for they could be dead or turn into Walkers, or gone into hiding. Who knows? Right now, Shuri’s main task is to keep moving forward, survive, and protect her little girl.
Getting the RV started, Shuri drives it to their next destination.

It was tiring but she had to pull through. The town they arrived in was desolated, empty. Not a single living nor Walker was seen in the streets. Shuri thought it was safe, but she couldn't let her guard down. She has to find some supplies to get a move on. Stopping the RV at the entrance of town, Shuri let out a deep sigh and went over to her daughter, who was sitting on the chair, playing with Kitty on the table. Xeelja was now wearing a simple purple t-shirt, brown shorts, and small boots. And her hair was tied into space buns. Preventing her hair from being grabbed by a Walker.

“Xeelja, sithandwa, listen to me.” Shuri said to her daughter gently, holding her hand with hers. “Mama needs to go outside to gather some supplies. While I’m gone, stay here and keep the door and windows closed and covered. And no matter what, do not open the door in any means necessary until you hear our secret code. Do you remember that?”

Xeelja nodded her head, and said their secret code. “Mama and Xeelja Forever.”

Shuri smiles at Xeelja and kisses her forehead gently. “I’ll be back, I promise. Just stay here and…”

“Stay quiet. I know, Mama. Please come back.” Xeelja pleaded.

“I will.” Shuri promised.

Shuri prepared herself by covering her arms with leathered armbands, to prevent getting bitten. She packed two revolvers, a bowie knife, and a Winchester Model 70 rifle. Shuri left the RV, making sure it was locked, before venturing to the town. She carefully makes her way through empty streets, keeping an eye for any signs of walkers or humans. Once she was in the clear, she made her way to a small store nearby that looked empty but she could see some supplies still intact. She carefully enters the store, not a single Walker in sight, and picks up a fallen basket from the ground, and gathers any supplies that were still intact.

She was fortunate to find some granola bars, water bottles, juice boxes, bandages, canned goods, a small bag of rice, two boxes of macaroni and cheese, some aspirins (Thank Bast), chips, candies, and a flashlight.

Shuri was relieved to find some supplies. Now, she needs to get back to RV and…

Suddenly, a gunshot was heard outside from the store, followed by a scream of a woman. Shuri quickly hides behind a counter as she could hear Walkers close by. Shuri felt her heart racing. She had to get back to her daughter in the RV. She can’t risk getting in the crossfire. But as she left the store, she heard yells and screams.

“Run! Beta! Run!”

“Abu!” Yelled a girl, followed by gunfire.

Shuri stops on her tracks and looks at the direction of the source. She could feel something amiss and knew that she had to help, even if it means risking her life. Shuri followed the source, avoiding passing Walkers by hiding behind vehicles. Upon further investigation, she saw a family trying to escape some Walkers that heard them. She saw a girl about fifteen or sixteen, helping who appears to be her brother, up on his feet with the help of their mother while the father was trying to shoot the incoming walkers. Shuri looks closer and realizes that they were trying to gather some supplies too but it appears that the car was down and they were trying to escape the Walkers.

Some people would just leave them to die, but Shuri is not like those people. She has little humanity left in herself. She raises her rifle at the Walker that was going to bite the father when he ran out of ammo, and fires a single bullet to the head. This startled the family before Shuri fired another bullet on an incoming Walker that was coming too close to them.

“Over here!” Shuri called out to the family, saving them again by shooting another Walker.

The family of four saw her and quickly rushed to Shuri, who gave them cover fire. As the walkers advance, Shuri leads the family out of the town and to the RV. Shuri fires another bullet at the incoming walker. They reached the RV and Shuri started knocking rapidly.

“Mama and Xeelja Forever!” She said the code.

About a few seconds later, the door opens, showing Xeelja's scared face, and shocking the family.

“Go! Go! Go! Inside, now!” Shuri ordered the family, not giving them time to react to her daughter.

Obeying her command, the family quickly entered the RV. Shuri gets in and closes and locks the door before she goes to the driver seat with Xeelja in tow. She quickly starts the engine while her daughter sits on the passenger seat and drives off town as some Walkers attempt to follow them. They were fortunate to escape in tack, and no one was bitten.

Shuri sighs, feeling the adrenaline leave her body. She was lucky to escape before more Walkers showed up. Shuri drives father away from town before stopping the RV to preserve energy.

“Thank you, for saving us.” Said the father.

Shuri looked behind her at the family, who were resting on the seats. Completely exhausted and relieved to get away from the Walkers. Yet, Shuri felt as if she couldn't let her guard down. Until she knows their reason.

Shuri clears her throat and responds. “Don’t mention it…Are you…all okay?”

“We’re fine, in a way.” The father said with a sigh. “We were just trying to get through town when our car broke down and made a loud sound that brought those demons to us.”

“More like cannibalistic ghouls!” The mother said.

“Ammi, calm down.” The man said to his mother, trying to calm her down.

“Calm down?! One of those things almost ate your sister’s face off!”

“Muneeba, don’t shout, we’re guests.” The man said to his wife gently before turning towards Shuri with an apologetic look. “I am so sorry for being rude, I am Yusuf Khan, this is my wife Muneeba.” The woman known as Muneeba greeted Shuri while apologizing for her outburst. “Our children, Aamir and Kamala.”

Aamir, who has a beard, greeted Shuri kindly along with Kamala.

Shuri looks at them, observing if they should be trusted, but seeing that they are just like her, she decides to trust them, for now.

“My name…is Shuri.” She introduces herself before gesturing to her daughter to come close to her, which she did, hiding behind her mother’s legs. “And this is my daughter, Xeelja.”

Xeelja waved at them shyly. “H-Hello…” She softly greets them.

Instantly, both Kamala and her mother melted at the sight of Shuri’s daughter. Who could blame them? It has been years since they saw a child that was alive.

“So, where are you all heading?” Shuri asked the family.

“Ah, yes, well…we were heading to Florida.” Yusuf answered to Shuri.

Shuri cocked her head and raised a brow. “Florida? Why are you going to Florida?”

“Yes, well, we heard that there is a safe haven there.” Yusuf explained to Shuri. “It doesn’t snow there and there could be boats.”

“Boats?” Xeelja asked curiously.

“From what we heard, boats were the only way to get there.” Kamala said to Shuri.

“And how do you know this?” Shuri asked the family, feeling skeptical at the news.

“Oh, well, back in our community, my friend, Bruno. He’s kinda like a tech-wiz, and found a hidden message in the radio frequency.” Kamala explains to Shuri. “This broadcast explains the location of where to go, and how to find it.”

“And you believe this?” Shuri questions the family. “For all you know, it could be a trap, a lie.”

“We know the risk but…” Yusuf sighs and holds his wife’s hand tightly. “I just want to keep my family alive. Our old community was raided by bandits and was then overrun by those monsters. We barely escaped the onslaught, we just hoped and prayed that this sanctuary was real, and that we can live in safety.”

Shuri looks at the Khan family carefully. The look on Yusuf’s face reminded of herself when she was trying to protect and raise Xeelja in this cruel world. The farm was their safe haven before it was overrun by Walkers. They survive on the road, never stopping nor settling in any areas. For it was infested by Walkers. Yet, this safe haven could be real and may be worth checking out. But if it was a lie, then their hopes and dreams would be crushed. However, it wouldn’t hurt to check, right?

“Florida is a long way.” Shuri answers them. “Walking all the way there will be a problem.”

“We know, and we hope you can just drop us off at the nearest gas station where we can find a car or maybe…”

Shuri cuts off Yusuf’s sentence. “No, it’s not right, there could be walkers there. And I do need to restock some supplies on my way.”

The Khan family were relieved to hear. Knowing that they will survive this.

“But you must follow some rules while you’re traveling with me, understand?” Shuri said to the family.

“Yes, yes, of course!” Aamir agreed, along with his family.

“First rule: Don’t cause any trouble while I drive. Second: Don’t use all our supplies, for we need to ration them. Third: Don’t try to do anything irrational when I go out and collect supplies. Fourth, all ammunition should not go to waste. Every bullet counts. And lastly, never, ever, try to make too much noise. It will attract more of those Walkers. Are we clear?”

The Khan family agreed to Shuri’s rule. For they wish to live until they reach Florida. Shuri nodded her head before she told them to get comfortable so she could start driving. They did so and sat down on the dining seats while Kamala and her mother sat on the window bench. Xeelja sat on the passenger seat, looking over their new ‘guests’ with curious eyes, earning kind smiles from the family.

Sighing, Shuri started the vehicle and drove away to Florida.

She just hoped that this sanctuary was real. She needs it for her daughter and the Khan family.

Chapter Text

The drive towards Florida was silent. 

The Khan family hasn’t spoken on the drive. Clearly they didn’t want to be rude guests since Shuri saved them from a terrible fate. It’s not that Shuri didn’t appreciate the silence, but it would be nice to have a proper conversation for once. 

“So…where did you live?” Asked Kamala, breaking the silence. “You know, before the undead came.” 

Thank Bast, Shuri thought, finally having someone to speak to. 

Shuri rarely talks about her life, but it feels nice to have a decent conversation. 

“I used to live in Atlanta with my daughter.” Shuri answered Kamala’s question. 

“Oh, really?” Kamala smiles at Shuri. 

The woman nodded her head, not taking her eyes off the road. “Yes, I was a doctor in Grady Memorial Hospital, head surgeon.” 

Kamala was amazed by this. “Wow! That’s a cool job.” Kamala commented with a smile. 

“What about you? Where did you and your family live before…this?” Shuri asked the Khan Family.

“We used to live in Jersey City, we were having a family reunion until we were forced to leave when those things…Walkers you called them…came and…and…started eating everyone and…and…” Kamala responded, holding herself as she recalled that horrible day as tears threatened to fall from her eyes. 

Muneeba comforts her daughter, holding her close and rubbing her arm. “Shh…it’s okay, Beta. It’s okay…”

“How did you handle getting through the city?” Shuri asked the family, still not taking her eyes off the road.  

The family looked at each other with sad yet guilty looks, as if they did something wrong. 

“We just...drove.” Muneeba answered sadly with solemn eyes. “We passed so many people that needed help. And...we just...passed them, over some. Just...just...” 

Shuri stops her, knowing that it hurts Muneeba to remember that day. “It's okay. It's fine, you don't have to say any more.” 

Muneeba sighs and shakes her head. “All I wanted was to go home, but even then I can't take away the things we-the things our children-went through. Don't you want to go back to the moment before you knew about all of this?” 

Yes, Shuri thoughts came to the time where people live happily without worrying about the undead getting them or supplies running low. She remembers the time she had when she spent with her family, her love, and her work. But now…now everything has changed. People had to survive. Fighting. Killing. It was madness. Something Shuri learned over the years with her daughter. 

“The good times like spending time with your family, parties, worrying about your children’s future.” Shuri smiles towards her daughter, who has fallen asleep on the passenger seat. 

The Khan family laughed lightly. 

“Yes, those moments we wish we could have back.” Muneeba agreed, hugging her smiling daughter. “I wish for Kamala to have a good life, having to deal with school, homework, making friends, meeting boys,” She joked the last part, which earned a light laugh from her daughter, yet was then replaced with sadness. “…But not this. Not always surviving, scavenging, witnessing the horrors of this dangerous new world...” 

Shuri had to agree with Muneeba. “Yeah…but things happen for a reason, and we just have to pull through.” Muneeba will remember that. Knowing that they have to  survive this. 

“Where was your old community before the attack?” Shuri asked, still on the wheel. 

“Our old community was in a diner out of Jersey.” Yusuf answered Shuri. “They build fences and a garden there. It was a safe place until raiders came. Killed half our people and lured those…Walkers?” Shuri nodded her head as Yusuf continued. “We managed to escape with one of the working vehicles but we didn’t know where to go but drove until we could find a place to finally call home.” 

“…Did you have friends in your old community?” Shuri asked them. 

“Yeah…” Kamala whispers, tears threatening to fall from her eyes as her mother comforts her. “My friends, Bruno and Naks, their families, some of our neighbors…we were there in that diner as a whole community…a family.” 

“You mentioned your friend, Bruno, was the one who found the hidden message on the radio? About the safe sanctuary in Florida?” 

“Uh-huh…at first, no one believed it and thought it was nothing, and it was too risky to even try, but we should’ve taken it…” Kamala responded sadly. “I…I just hope that they made it there.” 

Shuri’s eyes softened by her words. She too wishes to see her family again. And maybe…her lover, Ch’ah. She wishes to see them and let them see Xeelja. That was a wish that she desired and longing to have. Yet…with every passing town or city, there was always the undead. And Shuri was beginning to lose hope. 

“Do you have a family?” Asked Aamir, looking at Shuri with concerned eyes. “Were they with you in Atlanta?” 

Shuri shook her head. “No…we were…not on speaking terms.” She said almost awkwardly. 

“Oh…” 

“It’s not that I’m mad at them, it's just…before this…my mother is a bit…overbearing. She often disagrees with me and my career. Telling me to get married to the bachelors she assigned for me to meet, but…I was in love with someone else…”

“…Is it…Xeelja’s dad?” Kamala asked Shuri. 

Shuri nodded her head. “Yes…I was in love with Xeelja’s father. He and I were friends in Elementary School and then fell in love when we both went to university together. We planned to elope and start a life together but…but…”

“…Did something happen?” Kamala asked worriedly. 

Shuri clenches the steering wheel tightly. She has a brief flashback of the day when Ch’ah announced his marriage with Dorma in the news. It still hurts her till this day that her heart that she gave to Ch’ah was broken by him. Yet, it also saddens her that Ch’ah never got to meet his daughter.  

“It’s…complicated.” Shuri responded with a sigh. “What happened between me and Xeelja’s father…ended…even before the outbreak”

There was silence in the room again. The atmosphere that was once filled with happiness was now replaced with awkwardness and unease. 

“I’m sorry…” Kamala apologizes to Shuri. 

“No, Kamala, it’s alright.” Shuri said with a sigh. “Back then, things were complicated, especially relationships. We often wanted to forget the past but now…now things are different.” Shuri looks at the empty road ahead. “And I regretted not telling them about Xeelja.” 

Shuri has always regretted not telling her love and family about Xeelja. If it wasn’t for fear clouding her judgment, Xeelja would have met her father and family. They would have lived or survived together, instead of just her and Xeelja alone in this cruel world. 

“At least you got each other.” Kamala said kindly towards Shuri. 

Shuri glances at her sleeping daughter briefly with a small smile before turning back to the road.

“Yeah…” She agrees quietly before she continues driving to Florida.

They drove for hours, stopping at nearby gas stations or general stores. Collecting canned goods, some dairy products that aren’t spoiled yet, batteries, drinks, and a few hygiene supplies. They were also fortunate to find an ammunition store that hasn’t been raided yet, allowing Shuri to collect bullets and some guns. Shuri gathers the weapons while Kamala gathers the supplies for the RV. 

“Okay, we should get going now.” Shuri said, carrying boxes of ammunition. Kamala has a trolley she found in the corner and placed all the supplies in some boxes to carry back to the RV. 

“Okay, this is enough canned goods for all of us to last for months.” Shuri said, putting the items on the cabinets.

“Yeah, lucky that we have enough supplies.” Kamala said happily. Helping Shuri to store the goods in the fridge or cabinet. 

“Well, since we have enough food, I can cook us something for dinner.” Kamala’s mother said. 

Kamala smiles at her. “Oh, that would be awesome! I missed your cooking, Ammi.” 

“You don’t have to cook, Mrs. Khan.” Shuri said, placing the last refreshment in the fridge. 

“But I insist, it is the least we can do after saving our lives.” Muneeba assured Shuri. “And besides, wouldn’t it be nice for your daughter to eat something warm rather than just canned or cold food.” 

Shuri looks over to her daughter, helping Aamir organize the canned goods. It would be nice for her daughter to enjoy a cooked meal then just some canned goods or instant cooked food. Plus, Xeelja needs the nutrients and vitamins in her body. 

“All right, but let’s move out somewhere safer.” Shuri said to the family. 

They agreed before they finished storing their items. Shuri gets to the driver seat and turns on the engine. Driving the vehicle to a safer area. The RV was parked at the corner of a big rock, hidden in view. Muneeba began cooking with the ingredients that Kamala and Shuri collected. While she cooks, little Xeelja watches her curiously. She was fascinated at the sight of some, besides her mother, cooking their meal. Muneeba saw Xeelja’s curious face and began telling how she cooked the food for her family before the outbreak. Xeelja listens fondly at her words, giggling when Muneeba boops her nose. 

It was nice to have this happy atmosphere. 

They soon enjoyed a delicious and warm meal together, talking about their old life before the outbreak, occasionally laughing or snorting at each story they told. Shuri felt happy to hear such warm stories from the Khan Family, telling her that when Kamala was young, she always loved to dress up as superheroes in the TV she used to watch, much to the embarrassment of the young girl. Shuri finds it cute, she wishes that her daughter would experience that way too instead of surviving this nightmare of a world. 

“Hey, Shuri? Can I ask you something?” Kamala asked. 

Shuri, who was giving her daughter a glass of water, looks at Kamala curiously. “What is it?” 

“What’s Xeelja’s name mean?” Kamala asked, totally out of topic. 

“Why the sudden question?” Shuri asked her. 

“Just curious.” Kamala said, smiling at Xeelja, who returned the smile. “It’s sounds very pretty.”

Shuri smiles and hugs her giggling daughter. “Her name is very pretty. For it means ‘Sea Breeze’ in Mayan.” 

“Mayan?” Asked Aamir. 

Shuri nodded her head, hugging Xeelja. “Her father is of Mayan descent. Even though our relationship was broken, I still remember the good times we had together. And one in particular was on a boat ride on a beautiful sea, feeling a breeze in my face. That is why I name her Xeelja, and I believe that it was best for my daughter to have part of her father’s culture within her.” She explains warmly. 

The Khan Family smiles at the mother-daughter duo. It was nice to have this moment. 

“You know, this reminds me how Kamala got her name.” Yusuf said with a smile. 

This caught Xeelja’s interest. “Really?”

“Yes, when we had Aamir, Muneeba and I tried to have a second child for years. We'd almost lost all hope. Until she came. Our little perfect Beta.” Yusuf explains his story of Kamala’s name.

“What does her name mean?” Xeelja asked Yusuf curiously, snuggling close to her mother. 

“Well, in Arabic, kamal means "Perfect." But in Urdu, it's more like...” 

“Like what?” Xeelja asked further, earning a chuckle from her mother. 

 “Like “Wonder" or better yet "Marvel.”" Yusuf smiles at her daughter, who returns it as well. “Her name means marvel.”

“And it was a marvelous name indeed.” Muneeba said, hugging her daughter. 

“Oh, Ammi…Abbu…” Kamala was touched by their words, happy that they are here for her and her brother. 

Shuri smiles at the family. Finding them together brings bittersweet memories of her family. She remembers teasing her brother that he always freezes at the sight of his lover like an antelope in headlights. Getting into trouble with her cousin and getting scolded by their parents. She remembers how she fell in love…before she lost them all. 

“Mama? Are you okay?” 

Xeelja’s voice snaps Shuri out from her trance before looking at her daughter. “Yes?” 

“You’re crying, Mama. Why are you crying?” Xeelja asked her mother. 

Shuri was so busy reminiscing about her past that she didn’t notice that tears were falling from her eyes. The Khan Family noticed this and became concerned. Shuri wipes her tears away, sniffling a bit. 

“S-Sorry, just remembering some bittersweet memories of my family before the outbreak.” 

“We know the feeling.” Yusuf said with a sad look. 

“Yeah…it’s getting late though, we should clean up and get ready for bed. We have a long way before we reach Florida.” Shuri said to her guests. 

The Khan Family agreed and helped with the cleaning. Shuri asks if Kamala can help Xeelja wash up, which she happily agrees to. While Kamala helps Xeelja brush her teeth, Shuri and Muneeba wash the dishes while Yusuf and Aamir prepare the beds. They have a folding sleeping mat for Yusuf and Muneeba to sleep on, and place it on the floor next to the bunkbeds where Kamala and Aamir sleep. Shuri and her daughter will sleep on the window bench since it has soft cushions for them. 

“I still can’t thank you enough for saving us.” Muneeba said to Shuri kindly, helping her dry the plates. “We could have been dead if it weren’t for you.” 

Shuri looks at Muneeba with a curious and confused look. “It’s no big deal, really. I’m just glad I was able to rescue you all.” 

“But it is.” Muneeba said to Shuri with a smile. “Many would have left us to die and steal our supplies, but you…you chose to do the opposite. And save us, welcome us to your home and give what you could offer.” She then turns to the bathroom’s door to see Kamala teaching Xeelja a song on how to brush her teeth, both girls giggling playfully at each other. 

Shuri couldn’t help but feel a swell of accomplishment at her words, feeling happy to hear such kind words from a stranger that she saved. 

“For what it's worth, your family would be very proud of you.”  Muneeba said to Shuri kindly. 

Shuri smiles at Muneeba, “Thank you, Mrs. Khan.”

“Please, no formality, just call me Muneeba.” 

“Thank you…Muneeba.” Shuri thanked again before hugging Muneeba, who returned the embrace. 

After washing up, everyone was ready for bed. Shuri asked the family if they needed anything but they were fine, as they were finally sleeping more comfortably than the car. While they all slept peacefully, Shuri was cuddling with her daughter at the window bench, talking quietly to one another. 

“You were born during a beautiful spring.” Shuri whispers that tale of her daughter’s birth. “A cute and healthy baby in my arms, so small, so precious…”

Xeelja cuddles close to her mother. “Was I really small, Mama?” 

Shuri lightly chuckles and hugs her daughter close. “Yes, a small cute little baby bean, that I loved and cherished forever.” 

Xeelja giggles, hugging her mother back, feeling the weight of the stress being lifted after hugging her baby girl. The mother and daughter love to share this moment with one another. Happy to be together and finding new friends. 

“…Mama?”

“Yes, baby?” 

Shuri looks at her daughter fondly before she notices her daughter’s expression. It was almost unreadable as her daughter looked at her with wide-eyed innocence. 

“What’s wrong?”

“…Why don’t you talk about Baba?” She suddenly asked, catching Shuri off-guard.

“What?” 

“Why don’t you talk about Baba?” Xeelja asked her mom again. “It’s the first time you mention him.” 

Shuri was taken aback by her daughter’s words. She didn’t expect Xeelja to ask about her father. But it’s to be expected as Xeelja is getting older and she would start to ask questions about herself. 

“Well…the truth is, baby…it hurts remembering your Baba.” Shuri confessed. 

“Why? Did he do something bad?”

Shuri shook her head and caressed her daughter’s head. “No, sweetie, no. We both love each other. We wanted to get married and start a family but…we…well…we had to separate because he was…engaged.”

Xeelja made a confused look. “En…Eng-age?” 

“Engage. He…he was…he was going to marry someone else that is not me.” Shuri explains sadly. 

Xeelja was so confused. Why would her Baba marry someone else?

“But why? You said you loved each other.” 

Shuri sighs and shakes her head. “We did, but…back then, we began drifting apart. He…your Baba…he stopped loving me…he found someone else to love…”

“Stopped loving you?”

“Yes, his love for me was gone…and he chose someone else to love. And…we had to go our separate ways.”

“O-Oh…” Xeelja said sadly, looking down on her arms. 

She felt saddened by the thought that her Baba couldn’t be with them. It must have been hard for her mama to be separated even before the outbreak. She guessed that things are complicated. 

“Sorry, Mama.” Xeelja apologizes sadly, clutching Kitty in her arms. “I…I just…just want to know…”

Shuri holds her daughter close, gently shushing her. “Shh…shh…shh…it’s okay, it’s okay, sthandwasam. You just wanted to know your Baba, that’s all.” 

Xeeljas sniffles a bit, feeling guilty for hurting her Mama even though she didn’t mean to.

Shuri continues to speak, wanting to reassure her daughter. “Xeelja, I understand that you want to know your Baba and I don’t blame you. I wanted us to all be together as one big family.”

Shuri hugs her daughter tightly in her embrace. 

“And I really wanted your Baba to be part of your life. It would be wonderful to see all of us together.” 

“Really?”

“Really. And I know that he will love you till the end.” Shuri assures her daughter warmly. 

“Even with your family?” Xeelja asked, referring to her grandmother and uncles. 

Shuri smiles softly and kisses Xeelja’s forehead. “Yes, they would adore and spoil you.” She whispers to Xeelja’s ear. “Like how Eden did.”

Eden was a friend of hers back in Atlanta. He was her neighbor in the apartment complex that she and her daughter used to live in. He was the kindest neighbor she could ask for and was Xeelja’s former babysitter. Eden was the one who helped her and her daughter escape the city and find the farm. He kept them safe the best way he could until he was separated during the massive Walker Horde, and thought he perished. She misses him dearly and honors him by telling stories about Eden to Xeelja all the time before going to bed. 

Xeelja smiles, cuddling close to her mother while Shuri kisses her head. “Now, it’s time for you to go to sleep.” 

Xeelja giggles, and snuggles close to her mother. “Goodnight, Mama. I love you.”

Shuri hugs her tightly, “I love you too, my baby.”

They both sleep in each other’s embrace, both dreaming of a life that they wish to have.

“Are we almost there in Florida?” Kamala asked curiously.

It has been two weeks since Shuri brough the Khan family in. It was strange to have them on board, but it felt nice to have friendly faces. Yusuf or Aamir would take over Shuri’s driving, so she can take a break. Muneeba would handle the cleaning and the cooking. And Kamala would keep Xeelja company, so the little girl won’t get bored. 

With them, surviving seems to be no longer lonely.

“Just a few more miles before we reach Florida.” Shuri announced, driving through the road. “Hopefully, we find any clues about the sanctuary.” 

Kamala smiles at this. “I hope we can find our friends there.” 

“And maybe start a new life.” Aamir said with a hopeful look in his eyes. 

“Maybe…” Shuri said in agreement. 

As they continue to drive to Florida, Shuri finds themselves on an area that has a big building. That building was huge with two smaller buildings. On top of the big one, it has a symbol of a skull with eight tentacles.

Shuri recognizes that logo and knows what company that this building belongs to. 

“HYDRA Corp.” Shuri mutters as she looks at the building. 

Kamala and her family looked at the window as well and saw the symbol. 

“Isn’t that a pharmaceutical & medical company?” Aamir asked, remembering that logo when he was searching for a job. 

Shuri nodded her head. “Yes…it was one of the top ten big companies. Guess this is one of their buildings.” 

“Wonder what they were making there?” Kamala wonders out loud. 

“Before the outbreak, I heard from one of your aunties that this company makes shady dealings.” Kamala’s mother said to the group. 

“Wh-what kind of shady deals?” Kamala asked in a scared tone. 

“Human trafficking, drug smuggling, illegal dealings, and in one case, they killed someone.” Muneeba said, scaring both Kamala and Xeelja.

“That can’t be true…right?” Aamir asked worriedly. 

“My brother believed they were doing shady business as well.” Shuri said, eyeing the building. “Some investigators try to find any evidence of their shady business, but they could not find any evidence.” 

“Probably they were paid to be silent.” Muneeba said with a scoff.

“Could be.” Shuri said before taking out her binoculars. She investigates the building. There were some Walkers roaming about in the front of the building, but somewhere in the far corner was what appears to be a medical center.  

There were no Walkers there, allowing Shuri to restock the medicine cabinets. Putting a plan in mind, Shuri will venture off to retrieve the medicine. Instead of using guns, she had to use the silent approach by using a rifle. She told the Khan Family about her plan and instructed them to stay in the RV with her daughter until she gets back. At first, they didn’t want her to go, saying that it was too dangerous, but she needs to restock more medicines. Kamala offers to help, but her mother refuses, however, Shuri needs an extra hand on this, and Kamala needs to experience scavenging during this harsh time. 

They are hesitant, but agree to let Shuri do her job and allow Kamala to help, but she has to stay close to Shuri while they stay here and watch Shuri’s daughter. 

Before they leave, Shuri brings a rifle just in case things go south. Shuri and Kamala left the RV and carefully made their way through the area, avoiding any Walkers that came by, before making her way to the medical center. Fortunately, there were no walkers inside, allowing Kamala and Shuri to have the opportunity to collect what they needed. 

They sneaked into the clinic, carefully opening the door without making a sound, while scanning on what was inside. There were no signs of Walkers, which was good, before they entered and closed the door. Making sure they have any uninvited undead to come in. They quickly search through the cabinets for any medicines or food. Almost all of the cabinets were cleaned out, only things that remained were children medicines, some Gauzes, and a disinfectant spray. They decided to gather them and place the items in the bag. 

“Come on, let’s go further.” Shuri said softly. 

Kamala nodded and followed Shuri up the stairs of the medical center. It wasn’t much nor big, though there were research rooms. They scan each rooms’ windows to see if there were any Walkers, and so far, there was none. Shuri guides Kamala into another room that has scattered papers and a medical room that has medicine cabinets. Sadly, the cabinets are locked and they needed a key. It could be back in the room on the desk. Kamala went to go and get it while Shuri listed out the medicines they needed. 

As Kamala searches for the key from the desk’s drawers, she sees a folder that has red-bold printed words of ‘Classified’ on it. Curious, Kamala picks it up and examines it, wondering what it was all about until she spots the keys in the drawer that was under the folder. Smiling, she picked up the keys and was about to go to the medical room…

“Don’t move.” Came a male’s voice.

Kamala froze from her spot. Fear came over her as she could tell he sounded threatening. Cold sweat fell from her face as she could hear the man’s gun loading. 

“Get up, slowly.” The man ordered. 

Kamala obeyed, fearing for her life, slowly gets up and turns to the doorway to see two men, one Caucasian man and an African/American man. Both armed and looked ready to attack. Kamala, lifted her arms up in surrender, scared to her wits end. 

“P-Please…” Kamala stutters out, “D…Don’t hurt me…I…I just needed a key to get to the medicines…”  

The African/American man saw the situation and quickly stopped his companion from pointing the gun at her. “Hey, stop, Bucky, she’s just a kid.” 

The man known as Bucky slowly lowered his gun, “Sam, it could be a trap.” 

“Bucky, she’s all alone, and she doesn’t look like she could hurt anyone.” 

“Please…I don’t have anything…I just need to find medicine for my family…” Kamala begged, hoping that they would let her go.

“Hey, hey, easy, we’re not gonna hurt you.” The man named Sam calms Kamala down. “We’re just looking for something.”  

“Sam, we don’t know if she’s lying.” Bucky said to his partner. 

“I-I’m not…I swear. Me and my aunt are just getting supplies.” Kamala blurted out, slightly embarrassed calling Shuri her aunt, but she was scared out of her mind. 

“Bucky, lower your gun, you’re scaring the poor girl.” Sam said to his friend in a serious tone. 

Bucky grumbles but lowers his gun a bit whilst Sam tries to assure the poor girl that they are not a threat. “Okay, kid, we’re all friends here. We don’t want any trouble or cause too much noise to attract those Walkers. So, why don’t we help each other out, what do you say?” 

“…” Kamala was too scared to respond to him, still looking at Bucky with a scared expression. 

Before anyone could respond, Bucky swiftly moved his rifle in the direction of the other doorway and there stood Shuri, pointing her rifle at Bucky. 

“Don’t you dare fucking shoot.” Shuri warns the man.

“You first.” Bucky challenged, glaring at her. 

“Bucky, no!” Sam tries to stop his friend from taking the shot. “That could be Kamala’s aunt!”

“You damn right I am.” Shuri said, playing along to be Kamala’s aunt, hoping to protect her from these men. “You stay the fuck away from my niece.” 

“Ma’am, we don’t want to cause any trouble with you or your niece.” Sam said, trying to assure Shuri that they won’t cause trouble. 

“I’ll be the judge of that.” Shuri said threateningly before looking at Kamala. “Kamala, sweetie, come here.” 

Obediently, Kamala goes to Shuri, but not before she picks up the bag and key, and stands behind her. Shuri continues pointing her rifle at them. “Now, who are you and what do you want?” 

“Take it easy, we don’t want any trouble.” Sam tries to assure Shuri that they mean no trouble. “We’re just looking for some papers and we’ll be out of your hairs.”

“How can I take your word?” Shuri demanded, not lowering her gun at them.

Just before they could speak, someone came in, forcing Shuri to point her rifle in the direction, only to stop midway to see a familiar face that nearly dropped her weapon. 

“E…Eden?” Shuri whispers out the name of her long-lost friend.

There stood a man with short dreadlocks that are pushed back with a yellow headband bandana, dark brown skin, and an extended goatee beard. He stared at her with the same shock look expression that she was showing. 

“Shu…Shuri? Is that you?”

“Eden…” Shuri whispers out, looking at her friend with sorrow filled eyes. 

Shuri thought he was killed during the attack on the farm. She didn’t have time to find him,  for she was worried for her daughter. It broke her heart to believe that he perished in the attack. But he actually survived, standing there, unharmed and well. 

“Eden…you…you’re alive? Shuri asked, still in shock to see her friend alive. 

Eden gave Shuri a gentle smile. “I am, Shuri. I am.” 

Kamala, Bucky, and Sam looked at them with a mix of surprise and confusion. They weren’t aware that they knew each other. Kamala clears her throat to break the ice.

“Do you two…know each other?” Kamala asked hesitantly. 

The two friends looked at their companions, almost forgetting that they were not alone. It was then Eden started to explain the situation. 

“We were neighbors back at Atlanta before the outbreak, we then escaped to the countryside and found sanctuary in a farm. But then a Horde of Walkers came and…well, I thought…I thought you were killed…”

“I didn’t, I was able to escape with Xeelja.”  Shuri said towards Eden. “How did you survive?”

“I was able to get on my truck and drive away from there. Fortunately, I found a cabin in the woods and took shelter there. It was even packed with canned goods that could last me for months. I then tried to find another safe community. Until I met Sam and Bucky, trying to get away from the Walkers.” 

Eden gestures to his companions. Sam and Bucky greeted them with some apologies with them returning the gesture. 

“So…what are you all doing here?” Shuri asked Eden, trying to process everything.

“My truck broke down and we’re trying to gather as much supplies or a new engine to get the hell out of here.” Eden said to Shuri. “I scouted the building and so far, no Walkers are here but there are some outside.” 

“Then we have to make this quick.” Bucky said, putting his riddle away. “We have to gather as much supplies and make a run for it.”

“Sounds good.” Sam agrees before turning to Shuri, “You in?”

“Do I have a choice?” Shuri questions out, putting her rifle away. 

“Let’s move!” Bucky said before they go to do their task. 

Kamala gave Shuri the keys for the locks on the cabinets, allowing them to gather all the medicines and supplies they needed. Shuri, Kamala, and Eden collected the supplies, Sam and Bucky were searching for something in the office that was scattered amongst the papers. 

“Okay, that’s about it.” Shuri said, closing the bag. “We should get going.” 

“Yeah, sounds good.” Eden said in agreement, helping her with the bag. 

Sam faces Bucky, who looks frustrated and annoyed. “Bucky, we need to go, it’s not here.” 

“Dammit, those sons of bitches must have taken it and fled.” Bucky said in frustration, tossing a paper away. “You guys got the supplies.”

“Yeah, we’re ready to head out.” Eden said, slinging his bag over his shoulder. 

“Um…guys?” Kamala questions the group with a nervous expression. 

They turned to the teen to see her standing close to the window, holding the curtain in hand, as she pointed outside. Her expression shows her fear and worries.

“We might have a problem.” Kamala said in a nervous tone.

The adults went to the window and peeked through the curtains. And to their horror, there was a pack of Walkers outside of the building, roaming around, growling and grunting. They quickly back away and hide while Shuri holds a frightened Kamala close to her.

“Shit…they must’ve wandered through the road.” Sam mutters in frustration.

“We can’t fight our way or make a run for it, there’s too many of them.” Eden said, looking at a worried Shuri with a concerned expression. 

“Unless we make a distraction.” Shuri suddenly suggested, “The Walkers are attracted to loud sounds.” Shuri walks over to the window and pulls the curtain a bit that faces the other building. “If we somehow create a loud sound on that other side, the Walkers would go there, giving us enough time to make a run for it to the RV.” 

“Sounds good, but what are we going to use to lure them out?” Sam asked, looking through the window.

Just then, an idea came into Bucky’s mind. He rummages through his pack to retrieve five flash grenades. 

“You three go, leave the distraction to me.” Bucky said to them in an assuring tone. 

“Bucky, what are you planning?” Sam dared to ask his friend. 

Bucky smirks. “Trust me, you’re gonna hate it.” 

After Bucky instructs them to go down and await his go signal, the group hid behind the counter of the ground floor, watching Walkers pass through the window of their exit. Shuri makes sure to comfort Kamala, trying to make her calm and prevent her from being scared. 

“Do you know what Bucky's plan is?” Shuri whispers to Eden. 

“I don’t know, but I have a bad feeling about it.” 

Later, they heard a window breaking, followed by something crashing off the building. It came from the other side, and the Walkers hurriedly went over to the source, followed by explosion of the flash grenades from a distance, that they had to quickly cover their ears when more came, causing the Walkers to go closer or be disoriented. 

Bucky then comes down and quickly gestures to the group to follow. “Come on! This is our chance!” 

Not wanting to question his tactics, the group quickly made a run for it, passing some Walkers that they had to shoot in order to make a path. Shuri, who was leading the group, shows them where the RV was parked. They were fortunate that there were no Walkers by as they quickly ran towards the vehicle. 

There, they could see Aamir at the opened door of the RV, waving his arm frantically to signal them to hurry up. Shuri told them to hurry as they quickly got in while Aamir closed the door. Shuri was soon hugged by her daughter while Muneeba hugged Kamala, happy that she was safe. Shuri gives the bag to Yusuf and tells them and the three men to strap on. They do as they were told and Shuri starts the engine before she drives the RV out of the area, and back to the road.

Shuri felt her heart racing as they avoided being attacked by Walkers. But her mind was elsewhere. The three men that suddenly came with them during their escape. They were currently sitting on the table while the Khan sat on the window bench. Xeelja was hiding on the front seat next to Shuri, afraid of meeting the newcomers. 

Shuri drove for a while until they reached a safe area, with no walkers, allowing Shuri to park the vehicle. Sighing in relief, she turned to the group and saw Eden, Sam, and Bucky resting on the seats. While the Khan Family were at the window bench. 

“Is everyone alright?” She asked them in concern.

Everyone responded with yes and nods, relieved that they got out of there. However, it was short lived when the Kamala’s family was looking at the three men with nervous expressions. Shuri and Kamala forgot to mention to them that these men were friendly.

“It’s okay, they’re not bandits.” Shuri assures them before doing the introductions to sooth the tension, “Everyone, this is my good old friend, Eden, and his companions, Sam and Bucky.” Shuri introduced. “And this is the Khan Family. Yusuf, his wife Muneeba, and their children Aamir and you already know, Kamala.” 

They greeted them nervously while the three men did their best not to be hostile. For they knew that they weren’t comfortable with strangers with guns. Just then, Xeelja peeks behind the corner, looking at the three men. They spotted her and were surprised to see a child alive in this apocalyptic world. Eden, on the other hand, was happy to see Xeelja.

“Baby Bean! It’s good to see you alright!” Eden said happily. 

Xeelja tilts her head at him curiously. Wondering if he was talking about her. 

Shuri sees this and smiles as she makes her way to her daughter, and guides her to Eden. Xeelja hides behind her mother’s legs as they come face to face to Eden. The man got on his knees and smiled at Xeelja warmly.

“Sthandwa, this is Eden. He’s a friend of mine that saved us when you were just a baby.”  

Xeelja blinked and looked at the smiling Eden curiously. She remembers her Mama telling her stories about Eden. The one that saved them from the monsters when she was just a baby.

"From the stories?” Xeeljas asked quietly. 

Shuri gently smiled at her daughter and nodded. “Yes, baby, from the stories.” She gave her a gentle nudge. “Go on. Say hi.”

Xeelja smiles sheepishly and waves at Eden shyly. “H-hello…”

Eden smiles at her gently. “Hello, Xeelja, it’s good to see you again. You’re all grown up, no longer the chubby bean that I always watched over you when your ngunytju was at work.”

“Ngu-huh?” Xeelja asked curiously. 

“Ngunytju, it means mother in Pitjantjatjara.” Eden explained to her with a smile.

Xeelja’s eyes widened with curiosity. “Is that your language?”

“Yup!” Eden said with a smile, which Xeelja returned shyly. 

Their conversations seem to work on breaking the awkward silence. Allowing the Khan family to warm up to the strangers. They rested for a while, and Muneeba prepared a good meal for the men, which they enjoyed instead of eating canned foods. There were no Walkers, thank goodness, allowing the group to relax and have a simple conversation with one another. Bucky and Sam learned that Shuri is not really Kamala’s aunt. She panicked and accidentally blurted it out, but Shuri didn’t mind. They then learned that Bucky and Sam were once part of a Special Forces Unit and how they used to go on missions together with their team. Which made everyone fascinated by their stories. 

“So…where are you guys heading?” Kamala asked the three men, helping Shuri and Muneeba with the dishes. “Or is it classified like top secret?”

Sam and Bucky chuckles at her antiques, it was good to have some laughs, it has been a long time since these men saw kids. After all, the world is filled with undead and bringing a child to this world seems to be slim. They hit it off well with both Kamala and Xeelja, both girls were fascinated by their tales of adventure. 

“No, actually, we’re heading to Florida.” Sam answered her question. 

This caught Shuri’s attention, “You’re heading to Florida as well?”

“Yeah, we’re heading there because there’s a safe community that is far from Walkers.” Eden was the one to answer with joy in his eyes.

The Kang Family gasped at his words. They always prayed for a miracle of a safe haven in Florida, and it is true and real!

“The community in Florida is real?” Shuri asked in shock.

“Real and safe,” Sam assures her, “Eden’s truck was broken down when gathering some supplies.”  

“How…how do you know it’s real?” Shuri asked, still feeling doubtful. 

“We found a hidden broadcast when Bucky was fixing the radio.” Sam answers to Shuri. “As it turns out, the community in Florida and it's in the middle of the ocean, and we need boats to get there.”

“In the ocean?” Xeelja asked curiously. 

“Yes, in the ocean, far from Walkers.” Eden explains to the group with a hint of excitement. “It will give us a new life instead of surviving here in the open. 

“Oh, thank goodness.” Muneeba said in relief. 

“But if the community is in the ocean…how are we gonna get a boat?” Aamir asked, worried about how to get there without a boat. 

“Don’t worry about that,” Bucky assured. “I have a boat hidden in my storage unit in Florida, we can use it to get to the location.”

Everyone was happy to hear the news, excited that the sanctuary is real. However, Shuri was doubtful since it was hard to believe that the community in Florida is real. She was wary and scared about this community. Many thought of it being a lie or just make belief, for she has been searching for years to find a safe community for her daughter and her. Trusting people in this new world can be difficult. Shuri was fortunate to trust the Kang Family, for they have no evil in their hearts. She trusted Eden with all her heart as he was her friend before and after the outbreak. He was fortunate to be alive thanks to Bucky and Sam. Showing that they were still sane even from this apocalyptic world.  

“Mama?” Xeelja spoke out, holding her mother’s hand, snapping Shuri out from her trance. “Are you okay?”

“I…” Shuri couldn’t find in her voice to speak the right words, still doubting that this community was real. “I don’t know…”

Eden saw this and came over to her. “Shuri?”

“I’m worried that this community could be a trap. To lure us and steal our supplies…I can’t…I can’t risk it…” Shuri said. 

She was afraid of losing her daughter and the people she befriended. She can’t risk it with false hope. She wants to believe, oh she really wants to believe, but it’s likely to be a trap set by liars and killers. She just can’t…she just can’t…

“Shuri…” Eden’s voice snaps her out from her trance, feeling him holding her hand gently. “I know you have doubts but this will give us a chance for a new life for Xeelja and everyone.”

“I…”

“I get it, you’re scared, so am I. But we need this, Shuri, we need a safe place to live.” Eden said to her calmly. 

“…I’m just worried that it could be fake…a lie…”

“If it was fake, then we’ll as soon as we can after checking it out, and find a new place to live, for all of us.” Eden assures her.

Shuri felt relaxed by his words. Ever since she could remember, Eden was always there for her. Even when she first moved to Atlanta, he was there to help her, showing kindness and support. He was also the one that saved Shuri and her daughter escaped through the attack on the city.  

He always helps her…maybe it was time to return the favor. 

Shuri took a deep breath and sighs heavily, trying to ease her anxiety. She then looks up to Eden and holds his hand tightly and gently, assuring him that she was with him. 

“Okay…let’s go to Florida.” Shuri confirms her decision. 

Everyone was happy to hear this. They will finally go to their destination. They decided to prepare the long journey ahead by restocking the materials they’ve brought from the building, making sure that it was enough for the long journey. 

“Hey, Bucky?” Kamala asked, coming over to the man checking his gun. “I was going through the bag to get the supplies and I found this in it. So…I thought maybe this is what you were looking for back at the office?” 

Kamala hands over the folder with the word “Classified” written on it. Bucky’s eyes widen in shock as he takes the folder from Kamala’s hand, staring at it as if it was some sort of Holy Grail. He looked at Kamala with wide eyes and asked the young girl how she found this.

“Where did you get this?” Bucky asked in shock.

“One of the drawers, it was covering the key, and I accidentally dropped it in the bags when you…scared me.” Kamala explained, making sure that her mom doesn’t know that Bucky pointed a gun at her. “What is it anyways?” 

Bucky holds the folder with a serious look, “This file will shed light on what really happened and what caused the outbreak.” 

This catches everyone off guard. They always wondered what caused the outbreak, thinking it was an unknown airborne virus, or some sort of rabies, or a fungus, but now. It was actually made by man. HYDRA Corp no less. 

“HYDRA Corp caused the outbreak?” Shuri asked in pure shock at his words. 

“Me and Bucky were assigned by our superiors to investigate HYDRA Corp. Our intel suspects that they were making a bio-weapon for terrorists.” Sam said to them in a dead serious tone. 

“Really?” Yusuf asked the soldier in pure shock.

“Yeah, when hell broke loose, Sam and I were able to save some scientists from one of HYDRA Corp facilities, taking them to a safe point until we overheard them arguing one night, saying that the outbreak shouldn’t have happened.” Bucky explains with anger in his tone, still remembering those snot-nosed scientists hiding secrets from them.

“Ha! I knew those people from HYDRA Corp were up to no good!” Muneeba said with a stern nod. “They always bring problems to the people they cheat upon.” 

“But why did they do it?” Kamala asked in concern, looking at Bucky and Sam with sad eyes. “Why caused this? Why destroy our world…ruin our lives?”

Kamala was in a brink of tears as she recalled her friends and family, and how they were lost by those Walkers. Muneeba comforts her daughter, hugging Kamala and shushing her gently. She too was sad of the loss of their family members and friends from the outbreak. 

“Did you at least get them to tell you about the virus?” Shuri asked the two soldiers.

“We confronted them about it and interrogated them for a while.” Bucky explains, glaring at the file in his hands. “They were tough nuts to crack, they only told us that the virus was still in its trial run, it wasn’t complete yet.”

This caused everyone in the RV to become worried, having a bad feeling about this.

“Did they tell you more about this virus?” Shuri asked, wanting to find out more about this virus.

“No, before we could get further answers, we were attacked by Walkers. Me and Sam fought them off, but those brainiacs just ran off, leaving us for dead.” Bucky told them with a glare.

Both Kamala and Xeelja gasped in shock at this information, now getting scared by this. Their mothers comforted them, easing them to relax.

“We were lucky we escaped to higher ground but the scientists weren’t so lucky.” Sam was the one who explained. 

“What do you mean?” Shuri asked, holding her daughter close. 

“When they tried to escape by the truck, they ended up being overrun by a horde of the undead.” Bucky answered, looking at the folder. “Me and Bucky were fortunate to escape, Eden found us somewhere on the highway and gave us a ride out of there.”

“There were a lot of Walkers there.” Bucky added, shaking his head. “If it weren’t for Eden, we’d be Walker Chow.”

Shuri smiles at Eden, “He’s always there when we need him.” She said, earning a smile from Eden. Then Shuri turns back to Bucky. “If you don’t mind, I would like to look at the file, I was once a doctor in Atlanta before the outbreak.” 

“Be my guest.” Bucky hands her the file, allowing Shuri to open it to reveal some papers and a thumb drive taped to the side. Shuri takes the thumb drive and hands it to Bucky, who observes it with Sam, as she reads the files in the folder. Her expression was serious and cold as she read through the papers. 

“Shuri? What does it say?” Eden asked.

“It says here…this is called the Wildfire Virus.” Shuri explains to the group, searching through the work. 

“What was its purpose?” Sam asked with narrowed eyes. 

“Originally, it was a bioengineered virus that was supposed to be used as a cure for Dementia and Alzheimer's, but they genetically engineered it to be used as a bio-weapon to peacefully defeat enemy combatants by temporarily shutting down their nervous system.” 

“So instead of making a cure, they changed to a bio-weapon that could shut down the enemy's nervous system?” Bucky asked, earning a nod from Shuri. “Tsk, typical.”

“If it was used to shut down the nervous system…then why did it bring the dead back to life?” Eden suddenly questions, wondering what were the side effects of this virus. 

“Something did happen, it turns out, the virus suddenly mutated, resulting in the reanimation of the undead.” Shuri explains, seeing the picture of the virus.

“But how did the virus get out?” Aamir asked in confusion.

Shuri thinks for a while as she remembers hearing the news of the explosion of one of the facilities of HYDRA Corp in a distant area. 

“I remember there was news about an explosion on one of the HYDRA Corp’s facilities,” Shuri explains to the group. 

“I remember that!” Muneeba said with wide eyes. “Before the outbreak, the news talked about a HYDRA Corp facility suddenly exploded, due to faulty wiring.” 

Sam understood their words, “Maybe that facility was storing the Wildfire Virus, and that explosion must have been caused by an accident that has yet to rule out whether it was intentional or not.” 

“Doesn’t matter, they tried to cover it up and didn’t warn the public about it on time.” Bucky said with a sigh. “Things are in Hell because of them.” 

“Is there a cure for this?” Kamala asked, looking at the file. 

“I don’t think so.” Shuri said, staring at the file, “Not everything is written here, but the thumb drive may have the information we need.” 

“Too bad we don’t have a laptop.” Kamala said out loud, “Then maybe we could find what was on the thumb drive.” 

“Maybe in the next town we’ll find an electronic store.” Sam suggested, looking at the window to see that it was getting late. “We should rest up, we have a long journey ahead of us.” 

Everyone agreed and prepared their sleeping areas. Bucky and Sam will be sleeping on the driver and the front seats while Eden will use his sleeping bag. They will have to keep watch, just in case any bandits or Walkers would come nearby, and will alert the others. 

Shuri tucks her daughter to bed, stroking her hair gently as she was lulled to sleep. Xeelja was really tired today. She spends time with Eden, getting to know him more and bonding with each other. Shuri was happy that her daughter was getting to know Eden, after all, he was Xeelja’s Godfather.

He was the only one who was there for her when Shuri was at her lowest. She feared that if something happens to her, no one would take care of her precious daughter. Shuri was forever grateful for Eden, for all he had done for her and Xeelja. 

“Well, she’s out for a while.” Eden said with a smile.

Shuri smiles back at him. “Well, she did spend a great time with you, Eden.”

Eden chuckles and looks at the sleeping Xeelja with mirth in his eyes. “Yeah, she asked me a lot of questions, especially about the ocean.” His eyes soften when Xeelja softly mumbles in her sleep. “She wanted to see it up close.”

“It’s her dream to see the ocean up close.” Shuri said with a smile on her face. “She only saw it in the picture books, but…she instantly fell in love with it just like…” Shuri suddenly trailed off as a memory that she so desperately wanted to forget was flooding back to her mind.

No one, besides Eden, knows who Xeelja’s birth father is. Before the outbreak, Eden was able to figure out when Shuri acted strange after they watched the news about the business tycoons. 

One in particular was known as Namor Almehen, the CEO of Almehen Industry. It is one of the top companies that has advanced products and gives scholarships to students in need. 

Namor was the one that Shuri loved the first time and she was the only one that knows his true name, Ch'ah Toh. He used the name Namor for the public while his real name can only be use for the people that he could trust and care for. And Shuri was the one that knows his true name. For they loved each other. Yet, their love did not last as they soon grew apart when Shuri discovered that he was engaged with Dorma. It was a heartbreaking truth and it hurt Shuri so badly that she wanted to forget Namor. 

But she couldn’t, she still loved him even after he broke her heart, she doesn’t want to forget him. More importantly, she often blames herself for not telling him about Xeelja. She regretted not telling Namor about her daughter’s existence, for she was afraid and hurt to tell him the truth. Now, he could be either dead or become a Walker without knowing he and Shuri had a child together.

“Shuri? Hey, you okay?” Eden suddenly asked, noticing tears falling from Shuri’s eyes. 

Shuri didn’t notice that she was crying this whole time when she was thinking about Namor. Shuri wipes her tears away, trying her best not to break down.

“Y-yes…sorry if you have to see that.” Shuri apologizes, sniffling a bit.

“It’s okay, you’ve been through much, all of us did.” Eden said in assurance.

“It’s not that it’s just…” Shuri sighs softly as she caresses her sleeping daughter’s face. “I just thought if the world wasn’t in chaos…Xeelja would meet her Baba but…I feel like I failed her as a mother.”

“Hey, you didn’t fail her.” Eden continues assuring her, holding Shuri’s hand gently. “You did what was best for her, surviving together, and keeping her safe. After all, none of us knew about this virus until now.”

Shuri smiles at Eden. She was forever grateful to him, for he was a true friend. “Thank you, Eden.”

Eden smiles back, “You’re welcome. Now, get some sleep, I’ll take the first watch.”

Shuri nodded and snuggled up to her sleeping daughter, who mindlessly hugged her mother with her small chubby arms. She slowly falls asleep while Eden stays and keeps watch for any signs of trouble that would come.

They have a long road ahead of them, but they will survive this. They will survive together. 

Chapter Text

Shuri sighs as she lies on her lover’s chest, smiling tiredly after a whole night of lovemaking in her apartment. She and Namor were having a pleasant time together before they went back to their regular routine. Shuri working in the hospital and Namor going back to his company. They lived both different lives. And kept their relationship a secret since the media wants to have some juicy gossip. They were planning to elope, somewhere secret and maybe invite some of their friends and family.

“So…what time are you heading back to your office?” Shuri asked her lover in a quiet tone.

Namor sighs, gently stroking her head. “In a few hours, I have to go over some files and hire new staff members for the overseas business. It will take a lot of my time.”

Shuri nodded in understanding, knowing very well how important Namor’s company is to some local communities. “Don’t overwork yourself, sthandwa sami.” Shuri said quietly and tenderly.

Namor kissed her forehead. “I know, In puksi'ik, I know. But it’s my responsibility as the CEO of the company.”

“But you don’t have to do it alone, Namora and Attuma would gladly help you with your burden.” Shuri said, referring to Namor’s cousins.

They are hardworking and loyal to Namor. They knew about his and Shuri secret love life. And they didn't butt in because they will never hear the end of it if Namor mentions their secret lovers. Which made them shut up.

Namor chuckles lightly at his beloved. “Shuri, you know fully well I do not just dump all my work to them. I’m not that tyrannical.”

Shuri laughs softly. “Sometimes I wonder if you’re a businessman or a family man.”

Namor chuckles in amusement. “Why not a husband?”

This caught Shuri almost off guard by his words, lifting her head as she looked at him with wide eyes. “What?”

Namor smiles at her and holds her hand gently. “I want to be a husband, Shuri. You’re husband.”

Shuri wanted to cry in pure joy, happy to hear him say that. “Really?”

Namor smiles at her. “Really.”

“But…what about the…”

“Namora and Attuma can handle the media, while we go somewhere solitude, where we can have some alone time and who knows, maybe plan our secret wedding.” Namor said with a smile. “What do you say?”

Shuri smiles at him, eyes brimming with tears, sniggling close to her love. 

“I like that.” She whispers softly to him. “Hopefully, we can pull it through.”

“We can, after I get all major deals and matters dealt with, we can start on our own chapter.” Namor said softly. “A new beginning for the both of us.”

Shuri looked at him and smiled, agreeing to his words. “

They shared a heart-warming kiss as they spent another round of love making.

“So, do you have any plans, Shuri?” Her friend, Riri Williams, asked.

The two were shopping with the man while chatting about their daily lives. Riri was talking about her girlfriend she met by accident during her morning jog. They bumped into each other after Riri’s Yorkshire Terrier, Yapper, accidentally came to a woman after he ran off from Riri. Of course, Riri apologized profusely to the woman, who accepted her apology, and began hanging out sometimes, and soon they began hanging out frequently. And the one who Riri is dating is none other than Namor’s cousin, Namora. But kept it a secret from her family until Namor and Attuman found out, much to their amusement.

Shuri smiles at her friend kindly. “Well, Cha’ah and I are gonna have dinner tonight at my place, what about you?”

“Not much, I was planning on going to the bar with  my girl, but she’s busy tonight, she has many papers to check. So, I’m going with Okoye.” Riri said with a grin.

Okoye is a friend of Shuri and is working at the law department. She’s always busy, every day, juggling her work and being a single mom to his three year old son, Themba. Her fiancé, W'Kabi, cheated on her before their son was even born and they broke up. Okoye didn’t have time to think of romance as she was busy with her work and son, until it all changed after she met a man named Attuma. They met at a café after Okoye’s son played with him when they were in line. It was embarrassing but thanks to Themba, both Okoye and Attuma hit it off, since Attuma became a father figure for Themba and the toddler like the giant man.

“You have to ask if Okoye is free first, she has a lot of work to do and needs to find a babysitter for Themba.” Shuri reminded her.

“I’m sure Okoye’s man would love to babysit Themba.” Riri said with a grin.

Shuri giggles before her cellphone started ringing. Shuri stops and looks at her phone to see who was calling. She smiles when she sees the name ‘Sthandwa’, indicating it was Namor calling her. As Riri left to buy some coffees, Shuri answered her phone with a smile.

“Hi, Sthandwa sami, how are you today?” Shuri asked Namor through the phone.

-I’m doing fine, In puksi'ik, but about tonight…I can’t make it.- Namor said, voice filled with guilt.

This caught Shuri off guard. “What do you mean?”

-A sudden meeting came today from one of our overseas business partners, and I won’t be able to meet up with our plans for tonight. Is it alright to make a rain check? I promise to make it up to you.-

Shuri smiles softly. Even though she felt disappointed, she understood Namor’s line of work. “It’s okay, Ch’ah, I understand. Although, why the last minute meeting?”

-They were supposed to come here till next week, but it was urgent and needed to speak with me as soon as possible.- Namor explained with a sigh of frustration. “I swear, these business tycoons are nothing more than parasites.-

Shuri chuckles lightly. “Stay strong, Ch’ah. After all, you are the CEO of Almehen Industry.”

Namor chuckles through the phone. -Thank you, Shuri, I’ll make sure to make it up to you by giving you a very… pleasurable night.-

Shuri blushed with his words, knowing very well what he was planning. “Oh, you!” She laughs, which he joins in. “Well then, good luck on your meeting.”

-I will, Shuri. Love you.-

Shuri smiles at this. “I love you too.”

After ending the call, Riri came with their coffees. “Was it your loverboy?”

Shuri smiles, “Yeah, he has to rain check because there was a last minute meeting from a big shot company.”

Riri sighs. “Man, business people got it tough, dealing with those things.”

“Yeah, but on a bright side, I’m free tonight.” Shuri said with a smile.

Riri grins and quickly gets her phone. “Good! Now, all we need to do is drag Okoye in and possibly get Ayo and Aneka in for a girl’s night!”

Shuri chuckled but agreed, knowing that she will have a fun time with her girls tonight.

“Ch’ah? Are you okay?” Shuri suddenly asked her lover.

They were in her apartment, lounging on the couch, watching a movie. They were enjoying the little time they have before they head back to work. Namor has been working overtime. Since the arrival of the company’s overseas business partner, Atlantis Inc. Namor’s been working overtime, helping with the business trades and incomes. It was a nightmare for Namor as he never imagined that their business partners were so stressful.

Namor sighed and shook his head. “To be honest with you, Shuri. I am not.” Namor confessed. “The Atlantis Inc have many documents that have yet to be approved to the board, and some equipment that went missing on the shipments.”

“Hey…take it easy, you have to rest.”

“Shuri, I’m fine, don’t worry.” Namor assures her.

“I am worried, Ch’ah, you’ve been acting…strange since that meeting.” Shuri said in a worried tone.

“Wh…What do you mean?”

“Well…you’re being distant towards me.” Shuri confessed worriedly.

It’s been weeks since Atlantis Inc came, and Namor rarely contacts her or visits. He even canceled at the last minute on their date night. And often being late for their usual get together. And this worried Shuri a lot. Thinking that he might be overstressing himself.

Namor holds her hand in assurance. “I’m sorry, Shuri. Everything is just…overwhelming…”

Shuri holds Namor’s hand gently. “Ch’ah, you’ve been stressing yourself every day, barely sleeping and…and always never around.” She said softly, lying on Namor’s chest.

Namor’s eyes softened and kissed her forehead, “Forgive me, in puksi'ik, I guess I haven’t been myself lately after that.” He sighs and holds her close. “But Atlantis Inc is a partnered company, and my Yuum was friends with the head years before he died. He would want me to help them in this crisis.”

Shuri snuggles close to him. “I know you would, but please…take care of yourself first.”

Namor smiles softly, hugging her closely, “I promise.” He assures her quietly before a mischievous smile comes to his face before he picks up bridal style, causing Shuri to shriek in surprise.

“Ch-Ch’ah?! What are you doing?” Shuri laughed as Namor carried her to the bedroom.

He gave her sly grin. “What else? Taking care of myself, but first, let me take care of you.”

Shuri giggles at this before the two have a passionate and heated kiss, as they enter the bedroom for a night of passion.

“Ch’ah, it’s me, it’s been weeks and you haven’t answered my calls or text. Please…just pick up, it’s urgent, and I need to tell you in person. Call me back, please. It will be quick…bye”

Shuri left another message to Namor as she let out a sigh of frustration. She turns to the mirror, looking at her attire she’s wearing. A black sports bra and white shorts, revealing a small bump on Shuri’s stomach.

Shuri was three weeks pregnant.

For the past week, Shuri felt nauseous every day, getting morning sickness, fatigue, frequent urination, sometimes getting backaches, feeling breathless whenever she walks, and having weird food-cravings. Shuri doesn’t know why she has these until she realizes that she missed her period.

She had theorized, but she wasn’t sure if it was true, yet all evidence leads to one conclusion.

She was pregnant.

So, to make sure, Shuri bought  a pregnancy test if her theory is right. And the result was shocking. She was indeed pregnant. Carrying Namor’s child. Shuri felt a whirlwind of emotions of shock, worry, and happiness. She and Namor were planning to start a family after they elope. Yet it seems that it came sooner than expected.

Shuri tried to call him multiple times, but no answer. To find out more, she went to the office to return his coat that he forgot when he was staying at her place. She told the front desk that she was an acquaintance of a friend of his and was returning the coat that belongs to Namor that he left from the party which the front desk believed since Namor went to a party of a friend. Then  Shuri asked her where he was since her ‘acquittance’ was trying to call him sometime. The woman, oblivious to what's going on, informed Shuri kind heartedly that Namor was at a business meeting in New York and won’t be back for three months.

Shuri was confused. Namor always informs her whenever he goes to a business meeting in cities or out of the country. However, she just brushed it off, thinking that it was a last minute meeting again. She will tell him about her pregnancy when he gets back, so they can plan and prepare themselves for their baby.

Shuri was going to relax on the couch to watch TV when the news appeared from the screen. The female reporter was broadcasting live in New York City as a crowd gathered on a stage that was behind a building.

-I’m here live in New York City, as the CEO of Almehen Industry has a made major and shocking announcement for all of us!-

“Announcement?” Shuri muttered as she watched anxiously.

-Namor Almehen has announced his engagement  towards none other than the daughter of Atlantis Inc, Dorma!-

When the reporter said that, Shuri’s mind went completely blank. The words of the reporter blurred as she saw on the TV of Namor standing on stage with a woman with red hair and a woman with blue eyes, smiling at him while Namor was having his speech. Shuri didn’t pay attention, her mind was completely blank as she heard the news.

This was the reason why Namor was ignoring her, not getting her calls or texting her back…he broke up with her and now is getting married to another.

Her heart shattered at the thought of him marrying someone else instead of her. The promise he made for her. The promise of marrying her and starting a family…was a lie.  

She wanted to deny the truth, thinking that it was all a dream, but it’s real, their marriage is real and they just announced it to the world. Shuri couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The man she loved, the man that she gave her heart and love to, the man that promised to marry her, always be by her side, and the father of their unborn child…was now gone.

He stopped loving her and found someone else to give his love to.

Shuri’s phone fell to the ground, tears fell uncontrollably from her eyes, as she broke down. She curled onto her couch, crying her heart out of the betrayal and heartbreak at the horrible truth. 

The love she had for Namor…was now gone.

“Do you really have to move?” Asked Riri, watching as Shuri was packing her things in her suitcase.

Shuri made a decision to move out of Chicago to Atlanta. She wanted to have a fresh start.

Ever since the news broadcast of Namor and Dorma’s engagement, everyone believed that those two companies could help change the world. Namor's company is well known for advanced medicines and tech, as well as providing scholarships and jobs for people in need, and Atlantis Inc provides medical supplies and equipment, as well as researching rare undersea plants that provide new medical uses.  

Shuri knows she can’t confront Namor, otherwise the people will think of her as some homewrecker or mistress. Shuri didn’t dare to do it as it would tarnish her family’s reputation. She didn’t tell them about Namor nor her life because she was estranged with her family for almost years. She thought that they might disown her for being a disgrace by bringing a child into wedlock. She didn’t tell them nor Namor that she was pregnant. Shuri was afraid that they might hate her and the baby and force her to abort the baby. Shuri would never dare to abort. Even though she was months away, she wouldn’t fare abort her flesh and blood.  

Even though she was  heartbroken and scared of the consequences, it won’t stop her from giving her baby the life it deserved. She wants any rumors about this scandal between her and Namor, for it would ruin her baby’s life. So, Shuri made a heartbreaking decision by raising her baby in secret. She would cut all contact with Namor and her family, and raise her baby in Atlanta as a single mother. She was fortunate to get a job transfer approved by her superior, Bruce Banner, as he informed her that he has a friend named Dr. Betty Ross would gladly have her since they need extra workers. He knows about Shuri’s pregnancy and told Betty in advance that Shuri needs maternity leave after the baby is born. Betty didn’t mind as she was going to temporarily assign Shuri to work at the clinic before she could work as a head surgeon again.    

This opportunity would give her baby a better chance in life.

“Riri, I need this…we need this.” Shuri said, caressing her baby bump gently.

Riri learned about Shuri and her boyfriend's fallout. She and Okoye were very supportive, to ease Shuri’s stress. Although they tried to reason her not to move, they knew she needed a new fresh start. So, reluctantly, they agree with Shuri’s moving decision.

Riri sighs before helping Shuri carry her luggage outside. “I get it, girl. But…you know, me and Okoye can help you.”

“I appreciate it, Riri, I do…but…everything is a painful reminder of Ch’ah.”

Riri sighs again sadly, knowing her plan failed, yet she is still supportive. “Just…take it easy there. Okay? Call us if you need help. We’ll be there.”

Shuri gave her an assuring smile. “I will.”

Soon, Okoye came in, gently knocking on the door. “Everything is all set. Are you ready to go?” She asked Shuri in a gentle tone.

Shuri nodded, carefully getting up from her bed, heading out to the door with Riri carrying her luggage. Shuri stopped and turned back to her apartment one last time. This room has all the happy memories of her and Namor together, and now…now it was a reminder of Namor’s lies and betrayal.

“Shuri?” Okoye called out to her gently. “Are you okay?”

Shuri nodded before going out with them, ready to leave her past and move on to her future.

The journey to Atlanta was long and tiring when pregnant, Shuri knows it. Yet, she endured it for the sake of her child. Her things were brought to her apartment, which is a nice building that, enough space for her and her baby. The movers helped bring her things upstairs as the landlord explained to her about the payment schedules and the neighbors. Shuri appreciated this and thanked him before going to her apartment room, which is on the eighth floor. She was struggling to carry her luggage and bag to her apartment, due to her being pregnant. While she struggles, someone came to help her.

“Need a hand?”

Shuri turns around to see a man with short dreadlocks that are pushed back with a yellow headband bandana, dark brown skin, and an extended goatee beard. He gave her a kind smile and offered her a hand.

Shuri, even though was suspicious and hesitant, slowly accepted his offer, needing help due to her pregnancy.

“Thank you.” Shuri said gratefully, handing him her luggage.

He smiled and nodded, helping her to her apartment. Her apartment number is 805. The man helped as Shuri unlocked her door. Shuri looked at the man and gave a small smile.

“Thank you for your help um…”

The man smiled and offered a hand. “Eden, Eden Fesi.”

Shuri smiles and accepts his hand, giving a small shake. “My name is Shuri Stevens.”

Stevens isn’t her last name. It belongs to her cousin, Erik Stevens, which is legal name. She uses it in order to prevent suspicion since everyone knows about the Udaku Family.

“Nice to meet you, Shuri.” Eden said kindly. “I live next door, Room 806.”

“Huh, guess you’re one of my neighbors.” Shuri said kindly, bringing her things inside. 

Eden chuckles lightly. “That’s right, it’s nice to meet new people here.”

Shuri smiles gently. “I bet.”

“Anyways, I hope you enjoy your stay.” He said kindly. “You should meet with the rest of our neighbors, they’ll like you.”

“…I will…thank you.” Shuri thanked him before entering her room, closing the door behind her.

For the next few months, Shuri lived in her new home in Atlanta, working hard in the clinic and getting back on track with her life. Her neighbors in the apartment are very nice, often greeting or chatting with her. A nice elderly couple gave her some advice about how to raise a child, which she was very grateful for. But the one who always helped her was Eden. She always meets him unexpectedly or coincidentally. He’s very nice, helping her with some things in her house, even helping her with the groceries. He even helped her drive her to hospital for her prenatal check-up.

He didn’t question her backstory, giving her some space and not pushing her to tell him. Shuri knew, and appreciated his kind gesture. She doesn’t want to reveal much of her past. And wasn’t ready to accept a relationship. Her heart still aches of the pain that Namor did.

“So…when will you be expecting?” Eden asked, helping Shuri with dishes.

They had some Chinese take-outs because Shuri was craving for some dumplings. Eden helped her set up the table and the two enjoyed the food. It was nice to have a friend around. It helps Shuri to forget the pain of her past.

“They said I’ll be expecting within two weeks.” Shuri said, gently rubbing her big baby bump that grew over the months she stayed here. “She’s very energetic.”

Eden looks at her playfully. “She? How’d ya know it’s a girl?”

“Call it a mother’s intuition.” Shuri jokes, earning a chuckle from Eden. “So, how’s the construction of the nursery going?”

“Doing great, Coulson and I are almost done with the room, we’re gonna add the crib.” Eden said with a smile. “Daisy is gonna add the baby monitor and cameras here too.

Phillip J. "Phil" Coulson is a FBI agent, he works on dangerous jobs, but all in all, he’s a good guy. And a good friend of Eden. Daisy Louise Johnson is another neighbor. She's a programmer that makes games and helps with online security and tutor people in programming. She became good friends with Shuri when they were doing some grocery shopping. The two women became close when they mentioned programming and computers.

“And once that’s done, let’s throw a little party to celebrate for a job well done.” Eden joked as he came out from the kitchen. “How’s a pizza party sounds nice, what do you say, Shuri?” He asked with a smile.

There was no reply from her.

Confused, Eden went to the living room to see Shuri standing near the sofa, looking at the TV with a blank expression. Eden follows her gaze to see the famous billionaire Namor Almehen with his fiancé, Dorma, announcing their wedding on a cruise ship. Shuri caresses her belly gently, looking at the screen with moist eyes, as if she was going to cry. Seeing her distress look, Eden went over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Shuri? You okay?” Eden asked in concern.

This snapped Shuri from her daze, turning to him with a surprised look. “H-huh?”

“I ask if you’re okay…you spaced out for a while.” Eden said, voice filled with worry.

Shuri understood and quickly responded with a nod. “I’m fine…it’s just being pregnant I get all emotional and stuff.” She said, giving a weak laugh.

That was a lie. The wound in Shuri’s heart has reopened at the sight of her ex-lover with his soon to be wife. It hurt Shuri very much. She tried to forget the past, but it came back to haunt her. But she can't tell Eden now. Not yet at least.

“Alright…but if you need anything, just ask.” Eden said, hoping to help her.

“Thanks, Eden. I will…So, what do you want to tell me?” She suddenly changed the topic.

Eden was still worried, but didn’t push forward, knowing it would cause distress for her and the baby. “I said we should have a pizza party with Coulson and Daisy? As a sign of appreciation.”

Shuri smiles at him. “Yeah, that would be nice, we should also invite the Anderson couples. Mrs. Anderson helped a lot as my doula.”

Eden smiled and nodded. “Sure, they would be glad to join in the party.”

Shuri nodded as Eden walked back to the kitchen before she turned back to the TV. She saw Dorma clinging to Namor, smiling affectionately at him while Namor…was staring at a distance, with an empty expression. Shuri didn’t know why but it looks like Namor doesn’t want to be there. However, Shuri can’t dwell into that. Turning off the TV, Shuri went to the kitchen to finish up the chores, so Eden went back to his apartment room and Shuri went to bed.

“Push, Shuri! Push!” A female doctor loudly encouraged her patient.

Shuri was in a hospital room, giving birth to her child. Eden was there with the doctor and two nurses. He was helping Shuri ease her pain by holding her hand, encouraging her to push. Shuri, on the other hand, was in extreme pain as lets out a hoarse scream. She knew that this would be difficult. Mrs. Anderson told her that the birthing process can be painful and risky, but the thought of her baby being born pushes all those negative thoughts away.

“Just one more push, Shuri!” The doctor encouraged me.

Shuri lets out a loud scream, clutching Eden’s hand tightly, as she pushes all her might. Soon, a loud cry from a baby was heard.

“It’s a girl!” The doctor announced.

Shuri weakly blinks, her vision blurry, looking at the nurses and doctor cleaning her baby, their backs facing them. She wanted to call out to her baby, but she was too tired, the only thing she got was Eden patting her back gently.

“Here she is, your little girl.” The doctor said, congratulating Shuri as she handed the pink bundle to Shuri’s awaiting arms.

Shuri weakly looks at the baby in her arms. Tears brimming down her eyes at the sight of her baby nested closely in her embrace. Shuri looks at her daughter. She looks exactly like Shuri when she was a baby, a mini version of her. Shuri laughs softly, sniffling a bit, before she gently nuzzles her baby’s face. Her little cries silently die down by her mother’s embrace before slowly falling asleep.

“Good job, Shuri.” Eden congratulated Shuri softly, looking at the little baby in Shuri’s arms. “Do you have a name for her?”

Shuri looked at her sleeping baby with a soft smile across her face. She already decided on a name for her baby girl.

“Xeelja…her name is Xeelja.” Shuri said in a whisper.

“Xeelja…that’s an interesting name.” Eden complimented kindly.

Shuri smiled and nodded. “Yes, it means ‘Sea Breeze’ in Mayan. A perfect name for my perfect girl.” She said softly, nuzzling her daughter’s face.

Eden smiles and pats Shuri’s shoulder. “It is a perfect name.” He said, smiling towards baby Xeelja. “Welcome to the world, Xeelja.”

Xeelja responded with a yawn, opening her eyes slowly, revealing beautiful brown eyes. Shuri's heart soared at her baby girl as she cuddled her with kisses.

“Hello Sthandwa sami.”

“Hey! I brought wine!” Daisy chimed as she entered the Shuri’s apartment with a bottle of wine.

It’s been three months since Xeelja’s birth, and she is a healthy chunky baby. And so far, things have been really good lately for Shuri. She was able to work as a head surgeon in Grady Memorial Hospital Grady while her daughter was being babysit by Gwen Stacy, a preteen that lives on the seventh floor of the apartment with her dad, Police Captain George Stacy. Gwen took this job since she needed money for a new computer, and she’s happy to babysit while her dad’s at work, since she made a good friendship with baby Xeelja. She also watches another kid named Ace Peterson, the three year old boy, while his  father, Mike Peterson was working at the mechanic shop. Shuri became close friends with them and invited them for a dinner party, which they happily agreed to join.

“Oh, that looks good, Daisy.” Eden complimented as Daisy handed the wine to Shuri.

“Hope you don’t mind letting me bring my friends over,” Daisy said with a shy smile. “We just finished a major project and decided to have dinner here.”

Her friends are Leopold Fitz and Jemma Simmons, two co-workers and good friends of Daisy. They’re a nice couple that worked in the same company as Daisy, but they work on developing ways to help people with special needs or disabilities.

“Oh, we don’t mind, the more the merrier, we made a lot of food today.” Shuri said as she gestured to come in. “Make yourself at home!”

Fitz and Simmons smiled kindly at her. “Thank you so much, Ms. Stevens.” Fitz said kindly.

“You can call me Shuri.” Shuri said kindly.

“Thank you very much, Shuri!” Simmons thanked her with a smile.

They entered the house and socialized with the other guests. Gwen was in the living room, sitting on the sofa while she played with Xeelja and Ace, keeping them entertained while the adults talked. Coulson was talking with a coworker of his, Melinda May, who was invited to the dinner party. The TV was on and was showing a live broadcast of the football game.

Shuri was happy to have good friends. They were nice to her and her daughter. She was relieved to have people to rely on if she wasn’t here. Shuri was able to show her friends, Okoye, Riri, Ayo, and Aneka her newborn baby girl. They were delighted to see her up close and send many gifts to her. Themba wanted to meet baby Xeelja, and Okoye promised to visit so they could play when she has time.

“Is the lasagna ready? I’m starving.” Gwen asked, playing a stuffed bunny around Xeelja, who giggled uncountably.

“Almost, the lasagna and the chicken are almost ready.” Shuri said with a smile.

As Shuri enters the kitchen, the game on the TV switches to the news, revealing a male anchorman, looking alerted as he spoke through the TV.

-Breaking news! On the outskirts of Philadelphia, a building that belong to the HYDRA Corp has suddenly caught on fire.-

Everyone turned to the news with surprised expressions on their faces as they listened to the news.

“Oh, my…” Simmons said in a worried tone.

Shuri came in with a tray of mini sandwiches as appetizers but stopped when she saw the news. Surprised to see one of her family’s rivals on the screen.

“Is that a HYDRA Corp facility?” Shuri questions, setting down the tray on the coffee table, allowing everyone to grab one.

“Yeah, looks like it.” Said George.

-The cause of the fire remains anonymous, but authorities believe that there was faulty wiring that caused a spark on the fuse box, causing the electrical fires.-

The TV screen then shows the live footage of  a burning building with firefighters putting it out and the policemen are in the scene, getting people to evacuate. Paramedics were in the scene, helping many injured workers into the ambulances, taking them to the hospital.

-415 people were in the building, most have major injuries while 50 employees are in critical condition and are being rushed to the nearest hospital to be treated.-

“Oh my…those poor people.” Mrs. Anderson with sympathy.

“Are they gonna be okay?” Gwen asked in concern.

“If they make it to the hospital and have proper treatment, they’ll survive. Hopefully.” Shuri said in a worried tone.

“None of it would’ve happened if those higher up in the HYDRA Corp weren’t so stuck up and neglecting to check their building.” Peterson said, giving his son a mini sandwich. “They only care about money and not the people. One of my sister’s kids got an allergic reaction with one of their products, and they ignored it, saying that it was her fault for not knowing her daughter had an allergic reaction. How was she supposed to know if her kid was allergic to it? But the HYDRA Corp later said it doesn’t cause allergies for kids of all ages.”

“Hmm, I agree with you, Mike.” Daisy said in agreement. “My dad used to work there but he quit because they kept leaching him out of his life since he was the one doing overtime, and didn’t give him any bonuses for the ideas he did.”

“Well, it’s a good thing he quit.” Said Eden, taking a bite on his sandwich. “Did your dad get a new job?”

“Yeah, he works as a vet now. He felt more comfortable working as the vet than as a scientist for the HYDRA Corp.” Daisy said to them.

“Good to hear your father’s doing well.” Shuri said kindly.

Daisy smiled. “Yeah, he was able to quit thanks to Coulson. Thanks to him, my dad has no connection with HYDRA Corp anymore.”

Coulson chuckles. “Well, we have been friends since High School.”

“And a good friend you are.” Eden commented, earning a chuckle from Coulson.

Soon, the food was ready and everyone ate a delicious meal while chattering happily.

However, their lives were about to change their world when a strange epidemic came.

Shuri was packing everything she had in bags in a panic. She was gathering supplies and items she needed to go on the road, and out of the city. The reason, the whole city was in chaos. It all started by an unknown outbreak that ravaged through Philadelphia, followed by New Jersey, Savannah, Athens, Roswell, and now…Atlanta.

-As the unknown affliction continues to spread unchecked, the estimated death toll continues to skyrocket. WABE urges you to stay indoors, and avoid any contact with individuals you suspect may have been exposed.-

The radio was warning everyone about the outbreak, warning everyone about the danger. This…this plague was turning people to undead monsters, and starting eating anyone that is alive! Shuri and the others saw this on TV, and knew that the situation was dire. They all agree to leave the city instead of staying. They can’t risk staying here, they won’t last a day here.

-In the event of a full...- There were loud gunshots and screams from the background from the radio. -Uh, my producer is telling me we have to get off the air. WABE wishes you and your loved ones...- There was static but Shuri could hear the faint words that the reporter left before it shuts down. -God bless you all…-

Shuri packed the last of the bag with foods inside that could last months, and baby food too. Shuri can’t risk anything left behind. Her baby was strapped on her portable baby car seat, holding her stuffed black cat doll in her chubby hands, cooing obliviously as she wasn’t aware of the danger that was happening. Shuri tried to call Okoye, Riri, Ayo, and Aneka, hoping that they escaped their homes. But was left to voicemail, so she left a voice message and text. So, they would know that she and Xeelja are alright.

Suddenly, there is a loud knock on Shuri’s door, causing the woman to be tense and alarmed at the sound, fearing it could be an infected person. However, she relaxed when she heard a familiar voice.

“Shuri?! It’s me!”

“Eden!” Shuri quickly runs to the door and opens it.

Eden stood there with a backpack, looking alarmed. “We have to go, the city is in chaos! The military can’t hold off this outbreak.”

“I know, I packed everything we need for the journey.” Shuri said. “Where are the others?”

“Daisy brought Gwen to the parking lot,” Eden explained, picking the bags that Shuri has with ease. “Peterson is there with his son and the Andersons. We have to leave as soon as we can.”

“Right!” Shuri said, picking up her bag and her daughter.

Soon, Coulson came in with a gun in hand. His expression was serious and somewhat agitated, as if there was danger coming here. He stayed behind to help others to escape, and did some double checking for any sign of danger. He was relieved to see them okay, but he knew there wasn’t much time for small talk.

“You two ready?” He asked, coming in to help Shuri with the last of her bags.

They nodded. “Yeah, we’re good.” Shuri said, feeling scared.

They quickly left the room, heading towards the stairs that lead to the floor of the parking lot. They have to hurry and leave before they reach the floor where cars are parked. They saw the others there, packing their things in their vehicles. Daisy helped Gwen with her things to put it in her van with the Andersons. Peterson has his truck ready with supplies and items they need to survive the road.

Daisy saw them and was relieved. “Oh, thank god, you guys made it!”

“Yeah, we have to hit the road now!” Eden said, opening the trunk of Shuri’s car, placing all the bags inside while Shuri brings her daughter in the backseat. “Where’s George?”

“He’s on his way.” Daisy replied, helping Mr. and Mrs. Anderson inside her van while Gwen helped put their things in. “Everyone in the station is in panic! They’re evacuating everyone there and out of the city.”

“What about Fitz and Simmons?” Shuri asked, strapping her baby in the car. “Did they leave?”

“They got picked up by May. They were able to get out of their home and are waiting for us.” Coulson answered, helping Peterson load the last box in his truck. “She sent me the coordinates of the rendezvous spot.”

“That’s good to hear.” Eden said before tossing the key of his truck to him. “Take my truck, it has other supplies in there.”

Coulson nodded and went to Eden's truck to drive out of here. As everyone was getting to leave, Gwen spotted someone from a distance and in the shadows. She squinted her eyes and slowly approached it.

“Hello? Is anyone there?” She called out slowly.

Everyone turned towards the direction where Gwen was calling out. Coulson took out his gun, and pointed in the direction. They heard approaching footsteps coming their way. Everyone became tense, unsure who was there. Gwen squinted her eyes and even though it was dark she recognized the person coming.

“Trish? Is that you?” Gwen asked loudly. She was referring to her friend at school that lives in the same apartment as her.

However, upon entering the light, Trish wasn’t all alive. Instead, she looked undead. Her clothes were covered in blood along with her mouth, which was releasing growls and grunts instead of words. Her eyes were lifeless and her hair was a mess. Her skin looks sickly pale and her right arm has a bite mark that is still bleeding. Gwen’s eyes widened in horror at the sight of her friend being turned into a monster.

“T-Trish?” Gwen choked at her friend. “Wha…what happened to you?”

Instead of responding, Trish instead made a strange roar and dragged her legs towards Gwen with her arms raised.

“Gwen, stay back!” Daisy quickly grabs Gwen and brings her to her van with the Andersons.

Coulson fires his gun at Trish’s chest, but the undead girl doesn't fall, instead she continues forward, growling and grunting as she doesn’t feel pain whenever Coulson shoots at her.

“No, stop!” Gwen pleaded, but to no avail.

Before Trish could advance further, a police car came rushing and struck at Trish, sending her flying and crashing to a wall. Everyone was startled before Gwen’s father came out of the window.

“Gwen!”

“Dad!” Gwen cried inside the van.

“Captain George, what the hell just happened?!” Eden yelled in shock.

“I’ll explain after we get the hell out of here!” George told everyone. “Follow me! I know a shortcut out of the city!”

“Lead the way!” Coulson said, getting in Eden’s truck, and starting the engine.

Everyone quickly got in their vehicles. Daisy closed the van’s door and got into the driver’s seat while Mrs. Anderson comforted a distressed Gwen. George’s police car leads everyone out of the building, leaving an undead Trish to crawl after them, leaving a trail of blood.

The group zooms through the city, passing many speeding cars, preventing themselves from getting hit. Shuri was in the back seat, comforting her distressed baby as the car was too fast. There were many people on the streets, running and screaming for their lives, escaping from the approaching undead. Their hearts were beating in fear as they all did their best to follow George’s car. They had to dodge quickly when a flaming truck came out of nowhere and hit a nearby car, which exploded. It almost felt like forever to get out of the city, as so many vehicles were in their way. But thanks to George, they managed to escape the city and into the highway.

They’re going to meet up with May and the others on the forest mountain road. There, they reach their destination to see May with Fitz and Simmons. They used May’s SUV to get out of their home to the road, escaping the onslaught of undead monsters.

The group united and got out of their vehicles to hug them in relief, crying as they witnessed such horrid events in the city. Gwen was still traumatized on what had happened, staring out with wide and horrified eyes of what happened to her friend. George tried to comfort her the best way he could, but the girl was so frightened to witness her friend become…a monster and almost tried to eat them…what has the world become!?

“Dad…Trish…Trish…she…she-she…” Gwen choked as she cried in her father's arms.

“Shh…shh…it’s okay, Gwen. I know…I know, and I’m sorry…I’m so sorry.” George said sadly with a hint of guilt as tears slowly came from his eyes. He knew Trish well. He was saddened that he had to run her over even if she turned into a ghoul but she was still family to him.

“Daisy, did your family manage to leave Decatur?” Fitz asked Daisy worriedly.

Daisy shook her head. “No, they’re not there, they were invited to a this party of an acquaintance of my dad's.”

“Do you know where? We can pick them up on the way.” Coulson said to Daisy.

“The party is on a cruise ship somewhere near North America and…and…I can’t get a signal.” Daisy cried, clutching her head with her hands as she sobbed uncontrollably. “They’re in the open sea and…and I don’t know if they’re alright.”

“Hey, hey, calm down, we’ll find a way to call them.” Coulson assures Daisy.

“How long has the signal been down?” Peterson asked, holding his scared son in his arms, comforting him.

“It’s been hours, and not even a single bar can be reached.” Said Fitz, looking distressed. “We’ve been trying to contact our families, but nothing. We need a satellite phone.”

“We can get into a hardware store if we drive by.” Suggested May, “However, we have to be careful. Those things are wandering everywhere.”

“Everywhere?” Shuri asked in shock, holding her baby.

“Yes, whatever this outbreak is, it spread all across the states of America, or possibly the whole world.” May said in a worried tone.

“We need to move and find a safe place to rest, far from cities or any towns.” Eden suggested staying close to Shuri. “We have to move to remote areas that aren’t close to the city.”

“My…my family has a cabin in a forest somewhere.” Daisy suggested. “We often go there for family trips. It’s off road and secluded. We can be safe there for the time being.”

“Good call, we can rest up for a time being and stock up some rations before we can move out again.” Coulson said to them. “We don’t know if more of those creatures would show up if we stay there too long.”

“We should move to higher ground,” Eden suggested, “The mountains could be a safe place, it may be hard to get there, but maybe there could be less of those… things .”

Everyone agrees to the plan before Military helicopters loom overhead, startling the group. They watch from the side of the mountain, wondering if they were going to help with evacuation. However, the aircraft deployed napalm charges over skyscrapers in the streets of Atlanta, bombing the city in order to kill off the undead monsters. They all watched with horrified expression of the sight before them, as they couldn’t believe what they had witnessed. George held Gwen close as she was petrified at the sight before her. Peterson holds his son, shielding him from the sight before them. The others were in distress and horrified that they weren’t able to speak. Coulson holds his head in shock, eyes widened as the city was being bombed while May looks away, hiding her pain. The rest were on the verge of tears as their home was being destroyed. Xeelja was crying from the explosion, being comforted by Shuri as she tried to soothe her, but she was too shocked by what had happened. Eden holds them close, giving each other comfort, as they helplessly watch the city being bombed.

“By Bast’s name, please save us all.” Shuri whispers, holding her daughter close.

“Mama?”

Shuri awoke from her memory lane by her daughter’s voice. She was sitting on the bench window while Sam drove the RV. She smiles at her daughter and caresses her face.

“Yes, baby?”

Xeelja holds up a picture in her hands. “Eden showed me a picture of some people before the monsters came.” She said, showing her the picture.

The picture shows Shuri’s apartment room, holding a baby Xeelja in her arms, surrounded by the friends she made during her stay in Atlanta. They were smiling brightly and were happy. This picture was taken before the outbreak, where Shuri hosted her dinner party. Eden suggested taking a picture to commemorate the happy time they had. It was the last time they were all together in these happy moments before the outbreak.

Shuri smiles and brings her daughter close to her arms. “Xeelja, these people are your family.”

Xeelja tilted her head. “My family?”

“Yes, Sthandwa Sami, there’s you, Eden, me.” Shuri points at the picture of her, baby Xeelja, and Eden before pointing at the rest of the group. “This Daisy, Coulson, May, Fitz, Simmons, Peterson, his son, Ace. George and his daughter, Gwen. And Mr. and Mrs. Andersons. They were kind, strong, brave, and we protected each other as a family.”

“Wow…” Xeelja admired them, caressing the picture with her hand.

Eden, Sam, and the Khan family smiled at the little girl’s reaction. Even Bucky, who was sitting in the front seat, smiled while checking his gun.

“What happened to them?” Xeelja suddenly asked, wondering what happened to the group of people.

Shuri and Eden’s eyes are saddened by her question. This part was painful to remember. They worked together to survive and found the farm that was a safe haven for them until the Horde of Walkers came and separated them. They don’t know if anyone survived that onslaught.

“We got separated when the horde came.” Shuri said to her daughter gently. “We don’t know if anyone survived that day.”

“Eden did, and that means the others could survive too. Right?” Xeelja said as she looked at her mother innocently.

Shuri smiles and holds her close. “Maybe…but that’s just wishful thinking.”

“Hey, we only could hope that they did.” Eden said, trying to lighten up the mood.

“And maybe they heard the message to Florida?” Kamala added, “They could be there or maybe they’re on their way.”

“Who knows, all we know is that we have each other.” Shuri said, hugging her daughter. “And no matter what, we must stay together.”

“I’m with you there, Shuri.” Bucky said in agreement, eyeing on the road. “All lives matter.”

“Amen to that.” Sam said in agreement as he continued driving. “And we will continue living and finding a safe place to call home.”

Everyone agrees with that as they continue on with their journey to Florida, praying that the safe sanctuary is there. And hopefully, this community would accept them.