(Season 3) Chapter 1 (Bounded)

Chapter 1: Bounded

Blake Rhodes

Unknown, 2029

About 7 years after outbreak

Miami Coast

Season 3

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"I think you should leave," the person holding the gun threatened, their dark brown hair covering their eyes. Their hands were shaking, they didn't want to have to hurt me but I could tell they would if I somehow acquired the strength to try something.

"I can't do that."

"And why not?" They took a step closer and fixed their index finger on the trigger, squeezing the pistol tighter.

"I need to find my daughter. My wife took her, she wanted to give her a better life. The island, we thought we'd be safe there, but nothing ever works out."

"We'll bring him back with us. We'll let him go in the morning," a second voice loomed from behind.

"What?-"

"Put the gun down." They kept their focus on the taller man, their face plastered with anger and confusion as they brought the handgun back down to their hip. The man reached out his hand towards me and helped me to my feet, "What's your name?" he smiled.

"Blake Rhodes."

"I'm sorry for that, it's been a while since we've seen someone new on the beach. I'm Maverick Hundall, and they're my friend, Arwen. We'll get you some food and some clean clothes. You'll spend the night but then you'll leave in the morning."

---

"Nice set up you got here," I complimented as I carefully grabbed my can of beans from next to the open fire.

"Shut up," Arwen quickly responded.

"No, I was being sincere. It's impressive, considering it's only the two of you out here. Well, three, technically."

"His name's Andie," Maverick introduced.

"He's yours?"

"Yeah, his mom died a few months ago."

"I'm sorry."

"We don't need your sympathy."

"Arwen-"

"Why is he here?"

"He's here because he needs to find his family and we don't kill people we don't have to kill, that's your rule, Arwen. He's not hurting us, we can spare the food."

"That's not the point, Mav."

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Arwen Swanter

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"Andie just fell asleep. I convinced Blake to sleep on the dock. I'll take both shifts tonight, you get some sleep."

"I kinda forgot other people were out here, Maverick."

"You haven't left the beach since, well you know, I think there's a lot of people still out there."

"Do you see people when you go on runs?"

"Sometimes, most people in the city aren't very nice though."

"I wish I could leave."

"This place has everything we need, you don't need to leave, it's okay."