Chapter 4

Saranie was next to Litalsse as they ran through the streets. More like alleyways, but she didn't care. They were leaving the city and had yet to come across any more zombies. It had only been a few minutes, but all the people that fled must have attracted them. Also Saranie was disappointed because she would have wanted to see if they had mana flowing through them. While she could sense far away, she wasn't sure if it was being masked or if they really had no mana within their bodies. Getting up and close with them was her only way.

The worst part was that the clothing Odaria had chosen to wear today was terrible for survival. Though it would help due to the cold.

'Why did she have to wear a skirt today…'

Their group consisted of six teachers and thirteen students. Either they lost some as they ran or the others had already fled by then. The freckled girl with glasses was the only one left following Saranie from Odaria's class. With the headache, it made it difficult to remember her name.

'Wazzette.' That was her name.

The rest were a part of the other classes and teachers around. At least she thought. Though she did recognize two that were in Litalsse's class.

"Once we make it out this part, we will search homes nearby for supplies." Winter was close by, so Byelka had the right idea.

Even though the group was close to her, there was a scream close by. It wasn't a scream of someone getting attacked, but an undead. It must have heard them and since it made noise, others were bound to be getting closer.

"Run!" One of the other teachers yelled.

Not staying quiet was the dumbest idea, but he had the right idea for them. Saranie sent a wink towards Litalsse before slowly falling back. She was going to stay back and check out what kind of threat she was dealing with. Saranie grabbed Litalsse's hand, casting a quick tracking spell using mana, to find her later. She wasn't happy that she was going to stay back, but let Saranie go. She was thankful for not making a scene out of that.

Her mark would only last a few minutes. Mana wasn't as potent as lifeforce, so she had a limited time. As soon as she was out of sight, she bit her lip, using the blood to cast a barrier around herself.

She could hear the zombies getting closer. Their screams made that part easy enough.

Three of them popped out around the corner. Her breath hung in the air as it was freezing. Mana darts flew towards all three, aiming for different parts of their bodies. The one on the left was hit in the leg and stumbled back. The middle had her chest hit and took it without too much difficulty. And the one on the right was hit in the head. His head had a sizable dent as Saranie put a bit of mana in each dart.

She ran towards them as they each did the same when they could. With her barrier, her hands would be just like any blunt weapon. As soon as she made contact, her diagnostic spell triggered. No mana. If mana sense failed, the diagnostic wouldn't. It would be able to see if there were any mana pathways.

It did frustrate her that she was still the only one who could use magic. Other than Odaria of course. Still it gave her a huge advantage right now, so she took it. Quickly taking out the zombies with ease. Though she hadn't fought in a few months and she could see how much training she was going to need in the future. It also was Odaria's body and her headache was getting worse. With their flank protected, she fled the scene and followed the mark she put on Litalsse. She dispelled the barrier to get rid of any blood on her. At least if she couldn't sneak back in, they wouldn't know about magic.

---

"Ms. Odaria, you're alive!"

Their group had stopped and the mark had vanished, but Saranie found them from their last position. She was maybe ten minutes behind them and now there with the rest. A little dirty, but ultimately bloody free. She had used some more of her lifeforce before coming into the group to cast a calming effect on her mind. Her mind was really affected by the headaches and even if she couldn't remember how to cast the spell or even if she knew it, she hoped that it would work with whatever had happened to her lifeforce.

Thankfully it did.

Litalsse had come over to hug her asking if she was hurt.

"I'm alright. I just got lost." While it was quiet, she knew the others could hear her.

"It's good you made it back safely." Byelka commented towards Saranie, before addressing the group. "We lost the school. I'm going to be honest with you, this is going down hill and fast. If you want to leave, I won't stop you, but if we stay together and you can keep a level head, we can survive this. I know you all have family out there and we do not have the time or preparation to go after all of them. So this is it, you all will need to make a decision. Stay with us and you might have a chance, or leave now to find your family and take the same chances with them."

One of the teachers mentioned something about his wife before leaving right then. In all of the confusion he must have forgotten. A few more of the kids left as well. Including Saranie, five teachers and now seven students. Byelka was disappointed they left, but she continued.

"I'm sure you all know, but I've been in the military. While I know nothing about our enemy we face, you should know that I can't take them all. You will need to learn how to fight. You must be prepared as this is your life. I will train you all, but right now we need the basics."

She looked around the room, then back at our group.

"I checked this room over before we got here, but as you can see there are no amenities. Winter is near, so we need warm clothing. Food and water are also important. From this point we are going out there with anything we can find here, to get supplies and find a suitable shelter for the night. We won't make it out of the city by night."

Byelka walked over to one of the walls before bringing back some metal bars. Saranie wouldn't say they were swords or pipes, but more like sharp poles. A little rectangular, but thin enough for one to mistake it as a rapier from far away.

"Before we go, do any know how to fight?"

"I only know strategies from books." Haradex had raised his hand.

Saranie and Litalsse raised their hands. Neither said anything. One of the boys raised his hand too, but other than that, no one else.

"I found a bundle of these, so everyone take one. Doesn't matter if you can fight or not. Having at least something in your hands can save your life. It is better to run, but if we work together we can stay safe." Byelka took over as leader and led everyone outside. "We know they are attracted to sound, so stay as quiet as you can."

---

Their group walked quietly outside, staying in a uniform line. Saranie and Litalsse chose to stay in the back while Byelka and Haradex stayed in the front. The other teacher and the kid, stayed in the middle with the other kids.

Saranie wanted to speak to Litalsse, to ask how she was doing, but now wasn't the time. In their haste, she didn't ask before.

Thankfully she was still in control of Odaria's body and now was able to think better.

As they quietly moved through the buildings, they found different things that were best for them. Bags, food, clothing and blankets, bottles and even better weapons. By the time they settled down for the night, everyone had at least a weapon and were able to ration off food for the night.

"We need two people on watch. Haradex and I will take the first watch, anyone want to take the next?" It was dark outside and windy. Byelka was the de facto leader and took charge. She was making the right moves to keep them alive, but morale had dropped when they stayed with the group. No one wanted to admit they left their family behind because it was safer in this group.

"Litalsse and I can take the next one." Saranie raised her voice and hand to the group. She was still quiet, but 'raising her voice' as in talking in a normal tone.

"Tomorrow we will work on getting three watch rotation's going, but this will do for tonight. Take your time and rest everyone. It has been a tough day. Ms. Odaria, can I speak to you alone?"

"Of course."

---

The building they were in was a small book shop. The main reason they came here was for the paper, to get if they needed for a fire to keep warm. It also served as a low risk place to lie down and rest in. The shop didn't offer food or water. It had a small single bathroom that they could use to get water from, but mainly people would overlook it. Without Odaria's knowledge and memories, Saranie would have been like those people. Byelka was a smart woman. She knew what she was doing.

"How are you holding on?" Byelka asked Saranie. They were in the corner whispering now away from the others.

"I'm alright." It's been a while and her calming effect on her mind was still in effect, but the headache was increasing in intensity. If she didn't sleep soon, it might be too much. "How are you dealing with all of this?"

"It's strange. I've been in terrible situations before, but never like this. I only thought it was in the movies." She paused and Saranie was waiting for her to say what she wanted to say. "I know we never talked much about Odaria and now isn't the best time either, but I wanted to know more about you. I see how to walk and move with that piece of metal. You have some training I can tell, but I did see you clutching your head in the gym. Is there something I should know about?" She sounded worried more than accusing. It wasn't like Saranie took it that way either, but if she saw someone like her in the past, she would be wary of them. 'New world…'

"It's tough to explain, but I get really bad headaches randomly."

"Alright, I just wanted to make sure."

Byelka patted her on the shoulder and walked off. Saranie moved back towards Litalsse.

"What did she want?" Litalsse asked Saranie.

"My headaches…" Saranie leaned in much closer. "They're getting worse. I need to sleep now. I don't know if Odaria will come back, so stay safe. Head and limbs are weak points."

Litalsse's eyes widened before lying down. She mouthed to Saranie. "Thank you Saranie."

She gave a nod, before going to her spot next to Litalsse and lying down. The girl, Wazzette was right next to her sitting up, holding her legs close to her chest.

"Do you want to talk?" Her glasses were fogging up as she whimpered. A nod came from the girl.

"My parents… Ms. Odaria, do you think they're alive?" Saranie really had no idea how to respond to Wazzette, but tried her best. If this girl broke down, the others might follow. She had to give it her best. So she went with the truth.

"I don't know Wazzette. They might not… but they could have found their own group and are now hiding out for the night. Ms. Byelka has the right idea about getting out of the city, so maybe others realized that too. Your parents might be one of them. But if you can keep going and learn to survive, you will find out for yourself." Saranie leaned in to hug the teenage girl as she cried in her arms.

---

As Saranie blinked, she looked around to see the group moving outside. They were keeping quiet, currently under an overpass. A small bed of water flowed to their left.

"We'll be stopping her for now." Byelka got the attention of their group. She talked normally, as any higher could alert zombies around them. "We will resume our march out in an hour."

Saranie looked at the watch, keeping an eye on the time.

Litalsse looked over at Saranie, clearly understanding that Odaria wasn't around. She walked over to Saranie and spoke quietly in her ear.

"Odaria wanted to thank you for everything." Saranie smiled at that. "What do you last remember?" Now that was something Saranie didn't expect.

"I fell asleep with Wazzette in the book store." At the mention of her, Saranie looked over to see the girl with glasses eating and listening to the others around the small fire they had made. "Did something happen?"

"She was right. It's been three days since then. We made it out of the city since then." Litalsse's information helped explain why they all had different clothing, some with blood, and all looked to be more calm. Though with a head count she saw they were missing two people.

"We're missing-"

"Yes. Mr. Nervak died in an attack and Frenzen was bit. At first everything seemed fine. I saw movies where those bits turned into zombies, but Byelka said that if they killed the boy now and found out that wasn't true, then… Anyway he did turn into a zombie…"

'So the other two fighters are dead.' Those names and from the people missing, were the other two who had said they could fight. Ten people left. Before she could ask more, she switched.

---

Saranie was currently rifling through a cupboard. Even though it was sudden, after all this time, she has gotten used to the switches. Understanding that she was searching for anything of importance, she did her job.

Hearing footsteps behind her, she quickly spun around seeing her weapon off to the side and grabbed it.

"Ms. Odaria, the others are gathering." Wazzette was currently in front of her.

Her red hair flowed out of her cotton hat with a similar color. A red scarf around her neck and many layers of clothing on her torso. She could see her legs had a similar look, but not as many layers as it would make it difficult to walk.

Saranie could feel she was in a similar situation as the girl in front of her. Nodding, she followed the girl out of the home she was in. It was lightly snowing outside. A billboard in the distance stood tall and proud. Untouched by the weather and destruction around her.

Two buildings were currently burnt down. Some houses had broken down doors and windows.

She could even see a truck that was in one of the houses that burnt down.

Going towards the group, Saranie noticed a few of them were shaking. Based on the fresh blood on them, a fight had happened. With a wave from Byelka, all ten of them headed further into town.

---

Dark. It was nighttime or dark enough that it was close. Wind blew against the building Saranie was in. She could see across the room a pot that had a fire going in it. Sitting up on her elbows, she could see Litalsse talking to a few students.

Saranie made her way over to them.

"… a beach. To sit on the sand and watch the waves push and pull under the sun." Litalsse finished and then the next kid started.

"If I could be anywhere right now, I would like to be with my big brother. My parents too… He just always has these fun stories to tell… Anywhere with him."

At the mention of parents, the rest of the group lost their vigor. Even the boy talking stopped after that. Saranie kind of guessed what they were talking about and went over to them.

"There's a lot of places I would like to be. Back at home with my family, to see my brothers and sisters again. I do wish I could go back to the garden there. To smell the flowers and help them take care of the vegetables… But I'm here. Even if I can't go back to my home, one so far away, I'm here with all of you here. New friends and family." Even though tears had formed at her eyes, the smile on her face was as bright as the fire in front of them.

She was alone in her wishes. The others didn't speak and she felt awkward about it, but Litalsse came over to her putting an arm around her.

"You miss them." Saranie could tell Litalsse meant that as a statement.

"I do. I'll protect you both as best as I can."

Looking around, two other kids were over, one of them Wazzette, talking to Haradex and Byelka.

Saranie just turned back towards the fire. Letting that small amount of heat wash over her.

---

Saranie fell to the ground. Already her heart was beating fast, something was wrong. Looking around she was laying in a thin layer of snow. The sun was peeking through some of the dark clouds. She quickly got to her feet and arms at the ready.

A fight had broken out, not by zombies, but by other survivors. Men and women attacking and beating the children. Those adults were mercilessly beating the kids. On the ground kicking them. Litalsse was there too, as she wasn't able to defend herself.

Byelka and Haradex were currently surrounded and being attacked. They were doing great and could be pushing out of their entrapment any moment. Saranie on the other hand had two women in front of her, one with a knife and the other with Saranie's weapon.

She quickly took swings towards the woman with the knife as she was closer. One to her face and the other towards her left arm. The woman was delayed in her actions, because she was just so fast. Disarming the woman of her knife, she grabbed it and moved towards the one who had her weapon.

The snow was slippery, she could feel it. The best part was that it would work to her advantage. She crouched down and in that moment, the woman had taken a wide overhead swing towards Saranie. Sure it would hit her still, but then she fell to her back and kicked the woman's legs out from under her. With enough force, the woman's knee cracked and she fell screaming. It attracted attention and should help Byelka take advantage of this fight.

With the woman on the ground screaming, Saranie rolled to her left before getting up. The one, originally with the knife, had tried to step on her. Now that she had the knife, she swiped at her leg, but the woman clearly didn't feel it.

Standing up, she ran and tackled the woman to the ground. A hit to her left side and a stab in her throat. It was a technique she was used to, so it worked perfectly for this situation.

While she bled out, others were already on their way. Saranie moved to grab her longer metal weapon, quickly smacking the woman on the ground in the head with it. She stopped screaming and Saranie started her fight with the next individuals. All within a matter of seconds, those two women were now dying.

Two men and a woman approached. Saranie had the longer weapon in her right hand and the knife in her left. Her breathing was erratic, due to Odaria and the fight itself. To even out this fight, she sent three mana darts towards their chests. None of them expected it and were soon knocked on the ground. Slippery environments are tough. Although before Saranie could get close, one of them managed to make it back to his knees and defend himself. With limited weapons and time, Saranie focused on him.

Blocking with his forearms against the metal rapier thing, he was able to take two hits before his comrades got up. One fled while the other tried to take Saranie down. The woman tried to punch her, but she received a stab to the wrist in response. The woman had no idea how to fight with her hands. She was just swinging wildly.

One of the students on the ground earlier had run over and jumped on the man and started beating his head. Saranie took advantage of this to pounce the man, stabbing the dagger in his chest, before ripping it out and kicking the woman behind her. The woman fell to the ground and started to surrender.

So she moved back over to the man and stabbed him in the head killing him. The boy had fallen on his back, with the man on top of him. As Saranie looked around, Byelka and Haradex had managed to fight off the others. Although she noticed a lack of kills and just people wounded.

Saranie pocketed the knife and she let the metal bar fall to the ground. Pulling the boy out from under the man, she found him covered in the man's blood. The boy didn't seem to mind.

"What's your name?" Even if Odaria knew his name, she didn't. With his help, he deserved praise for his effort.

"Crendor… Are you alright Ms. Odaria?"

"Don't worry Crendor, I'm fine." She couldn't be sure if Odaria took any hits before, but she could do it as soon as she checked over Litalsse. "Let's go check on the others."

A headache was starting to form, so she moved quickly. As she kneeled down to inspect Litalsse, she could see the disgust and frown sent her way by Byelka. Looking over her friend, she found bruises, but no cuts. She cast a diagnostic spell to make sure everything was alright and then casted a healing spell.

It was doing no one any favors keeping this magic to themselves. Even if they hated her, she could take Litalsse with her and protect her alone. Even if she was selfish in that desire, she wouldn't take chances with Odaria's life. Afterall they were a part of each other.

"Are you alright?" As the pain receded, Saranie spoke to Litalsse.

"Thank- You used it didn't you."

Saranie just nodded and noticed there were a few stares sent her way. The others were currently trying to recover. She went over to the others, one by one, and checked them over and casted healing spells. Only one girl had taken the worst of the hits and died early into the fight. That was just a guess as no one was talking to her. Other than the ones she helped before they were freaked out by what she could do.

As she checked the last one, down to nine people, others started to speak up.

"Ms. Odaria, is that magic?" All of them variations of that. Until one of the boys thought of the worse.

"Zombies and now magic. Are you doing this to us? Did you make these zombies?" Ungrateful boy for being saved.

"Ms. Odaria protected us. That magic healed me and you. Why would she help us if she created the zombies? How does one even create zombies?" Wazzette was helping her out. A good girl.

Saranie noticed that both Byelka and Haradex were just looking at her. Neither saying anything. Byelka had a tough, calm, exterior now. No longer showing emotions that might give her thoughts away. Haradex looked perplexed by the whole thing, not really grasping the reality in front of him. His mouth was still open and she couldn't see his breath. Clearly holding it in.

As Saranie stood up to say something, she switched.

---

Saranie found herself sitting up on a windowsill. Left foot on the ground and the other close to her chest. Her right side hurt and it had a bandage over it. Investigating more, she found blood. Quickly using her mana, that had fully regenerated, she healed the wound. A soft green glow reflected in the window.

'Odaria should have healed herself. She knows how to do it.'

Looking around Byelka was standing on the other side. Saranie saw her pacing back and forth, in and out of sight using the room next to her.

Even though it was a forced switch, it was still strange to find herself at night time again. Sitting around a fire, to a battle for their group's safety, and now back to the quiet of a cozy little home.

Haradex and Litalsse were sleeping, along with the students around the pot containing the fire. Well it was embers now, but it still provided some heat and warmth. With all of their bodies, the room was livable. It did suck to lose another like that…

---

As the next switch occurred, most were still sleeping, but a few were just waking up. Litalsse was awake and heading towards where the bathroom was that she noticed from last night. That left Saranie alone for now.

"Ms. Odaria? I'm on your side." Wazzette came over and gave Saranie a hug. When she pulled back, Saranie saw that the girl had a question she wanted to ask.

"Do you have a question?"

"Like uhm… How did you use magic? Can others use it?" Saranie narrowed her eyes. Honestly she did expect this after showing it to the group, but she didn't get the time to think it through.

"I know how to use magic, but I don't know how to teach it." Odaria's body had the ability to use magic. Their souls are providing the power. Each one can use spells independently of each other. With mana sense, no one has the mana pathways in their body. She has no idea how to create them or even if that is possible. It's a mystery how Odaria has it in the first place, but Saranie didn't need to know that to answer this question. She can teach magic to Odaria, but no one else can use it. The fact that she can't talk to Odaria makes it all the more difficult.

She then asked if she could cast a fireball.

'Where have I heard that one before…'

---

Next she found herself walking along a road. Turning around to get an idea of what's going on she could see the city far behind her. The suburbs they were in now we're still dense, but they kept to the edges. Just like now.

Looking at the group around her, most students had gathered around her. Well she was in the middle of the group and made a small delay in her steps catching the other's attention, but quickly looked around a moment later. Saranie too.

Looking towards Byelka, she noticed fresh blood on her weapon. A fight must have happened already. Must have been quick if Odaria didn't freak out and force the switch.

They made their way into some tire shop. There were a few shops around and this one would be a safe place to set up camp and branch out for supplies.

---

A headache. A forced switch. Trouble.

A zombie or whatever is in a gas station or grocery store. Litalsse, Wazzette and Crendor are there getting supplies with her. She could see them around her with their weapons out.

Feeling around her body, she found the knife that got from that previous fight. Actually she noticed how it was in the same spot as before. Odaria must have thought leaving it in the same place would be better for Saranie. It was a little uncomfortable. She would try to place it in a better spot for easier access.

Cutting into her hand, she drew out her lifeforce and casted a barrier on the others. The cast time increased with each of the others. She didn't need to stand still or speak any words, so that helped. No one was moving, until they saw the rainbow magical energy formed around them. So whatever threat there might be, she would have prepared them all.

She mouthed, "Shield" and "Barrier" to them. She hoped they would understand. One zombie appeared to be crawling on the ground as it turned the corner. No one moved again, so Saranie took over sprinting to smash its head in.

Saranie made quick work of it, but they all could hear the loud screech from outside, just before her hit connected. The sight was of a massive wave of zombies moving just far enough away, they would have time to run.

"Grab what you can and let's go." She commanded those around her and moved to grab whatever Odaria had already found. Only Wazzette was moving, she saw, so she spoke up to the others. "Move now!"

Even if she spoke louder, the zombies were too loud already. She moved the knife into her left pocket and used her left hand to cast a healing spell using mana to close the wound. Lifeforce always takes longer to regenerate.

---

Odaria got close to Litalsse as they ran, she needed to know a few things.

"How's everything you 'two'?" They made their way past dumpsters blocking their path. She made sure to emphasize that last word to indicate Odaria.

"I'm alright, but 'she' is feeling alone. Most seem to accept magic, but still doubts."

"What about Byelka?"

"She talked to 'her', but I don't know what about. Other than that, she hasn't made her opinion public."

A crowd of zombies was nearby, so they cut through different stores.

"Try to find out what about. I need to know if she is going to be a threat."

A few zombies blocked their path. Even if Saranie could fight them off, quickly, the others all joined in. A four versus four battle. They were probably feeling confident after seeing how effective the barrier was.

"Don't get used to it. Fight like every hit is your last. If they touch you, you lose." If she could turn this into a makeshift training for them, she would take the chance. So she kept an eye out for the other zombies coming their way. "Use this experience to better yourselves. I'll keep them off you."

The battle lasted a minute. Saranie could see that the others learned more today than any other. It was strange to see a new generation fighting in front of her.

A part of her hated the fact that they had to fight in the first place. A part of that was from Odaria. She was a woman who lived in a peaceful world. At least compared to Saranie's, it was peaceful. Then Saranie fought in a war that she wanted no part of. Eventually she felt different, but once she learned the truth…

Then of course, she was watching them fight for their lives in a world that was no longer peaceful. Zombies that spread farther and faster than any necromancer in such a short time. Survival won out on any feelings she might have had.

While Byelka had training, similar or better than hers, she knew how dangerous things could get. Saranie respected her and for her leadership as well. She could even understand the fact that magic was unknown and its connection to the zombies. After all Odaria was just a normal teacher until Saranie showed up.

"Look!" Wazzette shouted watching the other group fighting off a group of zombies.

"They're going to die." Crendor stated as if it was a fact.

"Behind us!" Litalsse called out.

In the building in front of their group, the other students led by Byelka and Haradex were fighting off a swarm of zombies. Behind them another swarm was already on its way towards their group.

Saranie did the only thing she could. Stabbed her hand letting the blood flow out again.

"Everyone jump!" She shouted towards the roof. Then turned towards the three next to her. "Cover me!"

Saranie could hear Byelka shouting towards the others. Those two made eye contact and Byelka made her decision and then again commanded those around her.

"We can't fight them off. Everyone jumped. I'll hold them back."

Even though Byelka commanded those around her, no one followed them. They displayed their animosity towards her order. Denying that idea. Saranie could hear Byelka asking them if it was better to stay where they were or take the chance to jump. Eventually the first one to jump was Haradex. Saranie casted a slow fall on him.

While she could have used mana for this, she expected them all to jump at once. Byelka had control over them the time so she guessed they would follow her without questions,

'Guess not enough time to build up that trust.'

"Oh man, oh man. I really… Thank you Odaria." Haradex thanked Saranie profusely before Litalsse called out to him.

"Get over here we need your help! Protect Odaria while she helps them down."

The rest soon followed after that, even allowing Byelka to jump down too. The others shared their positive sentiments about Saranie. Even their leader gave her a nod before rallying the troops to leave this place and flee into the woods a few kilometers away.

---

Saranie's head started hurting worse again. She held her head with one hand as the other was leaning against a tree.

"Saranie are you…" Litalsse was helping her stay up and whispered a question into her ear. A question that she already knows the answer to.

Saranie just waved her off and nodded.

A scream got the eyes off of her and on to who screamed. The boy was looking at Byelka. Once Saranie focused, past the blood and layers of clothing, a hole was dripping her blood on her shoulder.

Saranie pushed past those standing around Byelka and approached her.

"Let me see it." Byelka narrowed her eyes before letting Saranie push forward with the examination.

They found a spot out of the way, a clearing in the forest. They were around a bunch of rocks that could be used for cover against the wind. Although it was still light out and the watch said that it was nearing noon. They could get away with spending some time as there was no way anything could sneak up on them.

"Thank you for the save. What you did got us out of that pinch."

"It's fine. Quiet now."

Using mana she cast a diagnostic spell. Using a lot of lifeforce in a single day made mana the better option since they weren't in a fight.

She found that there was an infection, but nothing more than that. The problem was, she wasn't trained for this. If she trained to be a healer, rather than the sword, she might know how to get rid of the infection.

"It's bad, isn't it."

"You definitely have this virus." She recognized it from when she used the diagnostic spell on those zombies in her first encounter. "I'm no healer, but I can try something. You have a high chance of dying if I fail."

"I understand. So I only have about five hours then. Can I think about it, Odaria?"

"Five… I understand. I'll be off to the side if you want to think about it."

Byelka must be referring to when that student was infected. Even if they thought they had a chance, it was cruel to test it out. Nothing anyone could do, but accept it so they knew the consequences.

Haradex was waiting for Saranie.

"How… Is she going to live?" He asked it optimistically, but his eyes already knew.

"She's infected." Saranie kept her voice calm.

"But… Is there anything you can do? You're some witch right? There has to be something you can do?"

Odaria's memories did help out a little here. She knew that Haradex interacted with Byelka the most. Just small conversations here and there. Ever since this whole thing started, he has been by her side this whole time and Saranie saw them speaking regularly. Circumstance has brought them together closer. Why he was so invested in Byelka though, she didn't know.

Perhaps he assumes his husband is dead and now wants to form a connection, possibly romantic, with Byelka. Maybe she was just someone he knew in the past. Or she was the mostly likely person that could protect him out of that school. She didn't know and Odaria's memories couldn't help her there.

---

Saranie switched, a normal one. Although not too normal as the others were running through the forest in front of her. A hand pulled her along. Wazzette…

Catching a glimpse over her shoulder a mass of zombies were heading their way. She could tell from the barrier on Wazzette and herself, that it hadn't been too long as it was still functional.

In a sense she was currently safe as long as no one in their group slowed down. So Saranie could understand what was going on.

Thinking about her lifeforce's change, she recognized that not only was it more efficient, but also had less side effects. Even if the time on her watch said that it had only been forty-five minutes or so, using up that much lifeforce didn't feel that detrimental to her.

Possibly it has to do with two souls in the same body.

---

Headache. Forced switch.

The first thing she noticed was the loud, attention grabbing, taunts coming from Byelka.

"Come here! Come on and get me. I'm sure it's tasty."

As the hill Byelka was going down hill, Saranie could see a cliff in that direction. Saranie looked at the group she was around and found everyone was either freaking out or crying in some way. Haradex just happened to be turned around, looking at the ground.

Instead of just staring like the others, she looked around the area to make sure they were safe. In her scan, nothing stood out. It looked like Byelka was guiding them all towards the cliff successfully.

Looking down, she was holding the bag that Byelka was carrying before.

As she neared the edge, she grabbed out her knife and yelled towards their group.

"Let this be a lesson to all of you. Be careful in this new world. Take everything I taught you and stay safe." Byelka was in tears and took the knife in her hands and stabbed it in her own chest on her heart. She fell backwards screaming in pain, letting the zombies follow her.

---

Saranie had to guide the group away from there fast before their cries attracted the zombies. She knew running would make it worse, so they moved quietly into the forest.

Once they found a place to take cover, Saranie went over to Litalsse who was about to break down.

"She… she…" Everyone else soon followed in some way. Letting their feelings out at the loss of their leader and what has happened to them in the past few days.

Letting those feelings calm down, she called out to them.

"When a war breaks out, everyone chooses their sides. People fight and make sacrifices. It happens in all wars, anytime there is a fight." Anger was being shouted her way, apparently they didn't have enough time to cool down, but she continued. "When you choose a side, those sacrifices are made for that side. To keep what they believe in and protect it at all costs." Saranie paused for a moment. "Sometimes you become that sacrifice. To do what needs to be done to protect the shared dream. But people don't work that way, not really. What people care most about is what they deem is worth it in life. Family is the most common choice. Who cares about the country and kingdom, when your family is in danger. Byelka sacrificed herself for all of you. I don't know why, but she thought all of you were worth protecting. Family."

As everyone took in her words, she told everyone to take a break and eat. She would keep watch for now.

---

Without a leader to protect them, Saranie needed to fill that position. She knew that Odaria might be able to help when she wasn't around due to her memories, but she might not have the stomach to make the hard choices.

Their group was dwindling and she needed to make hard decisions to keep them all alive. Even if she wanted to take Litalsse and leave, she couldn't. Odaria and Litalsse cared for the students, so that would ruin any moral they would have left. Also Saranie was partial to Wazzette and Crendor. Afterall she couldn't be bothered right now to learn the other's names as she was keeping herself secret.

When people referred to her, they still called her Ms. Odaria. Neither of the two who knew about her told them. So she was going to keep that a secret until the others told the group.

"Litalsse, I'm going to need your help. I don't know where we are and we need to at least focus on our surroundings. Once we do, we can look for locations that can satisfy our basic needs."

"Okay, I understand."

"If you can, find a pen. I need to be able to talk to Odaria from here on out. Tell her to write on her arms." Litalsse nodded and then Saranie addressed the group. "This is it everyone. We need to find a safe place for the winter and stock up on supplies. That is our goal. To make it out of winter and find a place where we can form our base."

'It's going to be tough.'