The woman tilted her head slightly, observing Traveler as he gave another indifferent shrug. She could only imagine what it must have felt like to be in his shoes—caught between a group of menacing outlaws and the desperate need to find his son. Her heart ached for him, seeing the tension in his posture, knowing that every fiber of him longed to be on the move, searching for Waylen. He’d walked away from those barbarians to protect his boy, to give him a future. She could respect that, even admire it. But his stillness, his quiet acceptance of his circumstances, spoke volumes. He was torn, trapped in a mess of his own making, but still fighting for his son. That kind of resilience was rare.

“You’re a bigger person than I am,” she said, the words slipping out before she could stop them. If the roles had been reversed, she would have already been clawing at the walls, desperate to escape. But Traveler was different. His restraint, his calm, struck her as both tragic and admirable. “I’d be losing my mind right about now,” she added with a rueful smile, her eyes softening with sympathy. She meant it, too. She’d help him find his son, of course. Her team would help him. They’d get him back. She had no doubt about that.

When she brought up his son, there was a noticeable shift in Traveler’s demeanor. He seemed almost... relieved, in a way, that someone had asked. There was a light in his eyes, a warmth that hadn’t been there before, and she couldn’t help but smile at how quickly his face softened at the mere mention of Waylen. She could sense how much he loved that boy. It was like a fire burning inside him, one that could light up the world if given the chance.

“Waylen,” she echoed gently. The name felt like a soft melody, a precious thing, something meant to be cherished. “That’s a beautiful name,” she added quietly, her words sincere. It was clear just how deeply Traveler cared for him. The way he spoke about Waylen—there was no hesitation, no guardedness. She couldn’t help but think about the boy’s mother, though the thought quickly passed. Like so many others, she’d probably been lost to the blast.

The thoughts of his son stirred something in her, but her mind was also racing ahead. She wasn’t sure if Traveler knew exactly where Waylen was or if he even had a clear idea of what had happened since they’d been separated. It didn’t seem like the time to press him for more details, though. She had to remind herself that he was here now, alive, and that’s what mattered. There were more immediate dangers, like the men who’d likely be hunting Traveler down. The rogue group.

A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth when Traveler addressed her with that playful superior remark. She leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms and cocking an eyebrow. “Superior, huh?” she repeated with a soft laugh. She didn’t feel superior in the slightest. Hell, the nickname Monkey still stuck with her after all these years. Was she really in charge? Was she someone’s superior now? It still felt a bit surreal, but she liked the idea of it. And she liked the teasing. It made her feel like she wasn’t just the leader of a team, but someone who could also hold her own.

“Remember that when you’re plotting my death,” she teased back, her voice light but with a playful edge. She wasn’t afraid of him, not yet at least. She had a feeling he wasn’t here to hurt her, not really. But she also didn’t doubt that he was capable of it if he felt cornered enough.

As the conversation shifted back to the more grim realities they faced, her smile faded, replaced by a sober expression. The men he’d escaped from, the ones who would skin her alive if given the chance—she wasn’t sure if he was trying to scare her or just stating the brutal truth. It didn’t flinch her. She’d seen worse. She’d been through worse. These men, these unstable, violent creatures? They didn’t scare her. She wasn’t naïve enough to think she was invincible, but if it came down to it, she could handle herself. And if it meant protecting her team, she’d take the risk. Let them skin her alive if that’s what it came to. She’d rather that than see them hurt.

“Let’s hope they get a good look at my skin,” she said, her voice laced with dark humor. “Maybe they’ll appreciate how hard I try to keep it clear.” She didn’t flinch. There was a biting edge to her words, but she knew she wasn’t fooling anyone. The reality was that death wasn’t the worst of what those men would do. It was the things they’d do to keep you alive. She didn’t want to think about it, but she’d seen it. The kind of torture that made you beg for death.

Traveler’s voice dropped as he revealed something else—another group. His son had been taken by another faction. That revelation hit her like a punch to the gut. “What?” The word slipped out before she could catch it, a sharp edge of concern in her tone. Another group? She hadn’t known about that. They hadn’t even encountered any sign of other groups in the area, at least not yet. This was new, unsettling.

“You should’ve mentioned that earlier, Traveler,” she said, her voice soft but with an edge of reprimand. She could feel the weight of the situation now. Not just bandits to worry about, but another group of unstable people, just a few miles away. It changed things. It made everything a little more dangerous, a little more complicated. They couldn’t afford another fight.

She sighed, rubbing her forehead as she tried to process what he’d just revealed. But there was nothing more to be done right now. “We’ll deal with that later,” she muttered, her face softening. “For now, just rest. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.” She gave him a sympathetic look, her expression softening even further. “I’ll make sure the others know. Thanks for telling me. We’ll figure it out.” Her smile was small, but genuine, though the weight of everything hung heavy in the air between them.

Traveler laughed softly at her remark of losing her mind if she was in his shoes. Traveler did contain his composure - a man with a purpose and was very purposeful with what he was comitting to, but she wasn't entirely wrong about his urges. If Traveler was desperate, which he was, and maybe not enough, he would have escaped the second he saw where he was when he was in that cell. But perhaps his ambition was faltered by reasoning and accountability - perhaps helping these people would make him feel less guilty about the things he let happen for the sake of protecting a child that had no gaurantee of a life in this world. It made Traveler think for a brief moment, but he knew his own heart and he knew that Waylen was a large part of it. "Trust me, you don't know the half of it," Traveler said with a small chuckle, one that was slightly forced as his tone was uncertain but truthful.

Traveler smiled softly when Monkey had echoed his son's name back to him. He nodded. He felt fond of the fact that someone would finally inquire him about his son, but there was still a pit in his stomach that made him feel as though he could be doing more. By now he could be right behind the opposing group's trail - so close to finding him that he was barely out of reach at that point. But Traveler knew that was just a fantasy in his mind that he would continue to daydream about to ease this sense of guilt and longing for his son. Had Traveler done anything - most things - different, he would not be here. He was constantly reminding himself that there would always be a bigger purpose - one that was meant for everyone, and there was a reason why he was here. This was not some bump in the road, but rather a smoothing of it. He knew this would eventually lead him to Waylen, even if he was already gone. That was the closure that Traveler yearned for all these days, sometimes even when he was with him. This was no life for a boy, but Traveler wanted to still give him a life that was fulfilled with whatever he could provide.

Traveler didn't say much else about Waylen. It felt too heavy on his heart, and his mind would be resurrected from the graves of his boy when Monkey made another jabbing joke, causing Traveler to chuckle slightly. He shrugged sarcastically, a small frow on his lips before they slightly upturned into a gentle smile. "Superior.... maybe that's too nice," Traveler teased. "Oh I will," Traveler responded fast, witty and sarcastic. He meant no truth with the statement - there was no reason to kill them. They were helping them in their own cautious way, and Traveler could admit that was quite forgiving in a world like this considering he could be anyone.

When Monkey had made a slight joking statement about what Traveler had informed her, he realized that she did not fear death. She had most likely seen things that were considerably traumatic and heartbreaking, just as he had. In a way, that was comforting, but the circumstances were different. Monkey was on the other side of it all - the 'good' side. Traveler was on the side that inflicted such things, even if he wasn't the one personally committing it. His stomach turned at the thought.

Traveler looked away, slightly ashamed. She was taken aback when he mentioned the other group. He shook his head, unsure if he shouldn't had said anything. They would find out eventually anyways, but he knew deep down that he should've told her father and her the second he could. He swallowed slightly, not saying much else. There was regret in his eyes, but he knew that she would not punish him for this. She didn't seem like the type. There wasn't necessarily a tension in the air, but it grew heavy as the moment went on. Traveler simply nodded at her words. He wanted to apologize, say he was sorry, but it would be too late for that now. "I've only seen them once," Traveler finally said, deciding telling her what he knew wasn't a bad idea. "There wasn't many - maybe seven or eight. They did seem a bit well off though, but I'd assume because there isn't a lot of them," Traveler added. He didn't say anything else.

Traveler had sighed softly. "I'll see you tomorrow, Monkey." With that, he had dismissed her and made his way back into the room provided to him. He had glanced at her one last time, sighing gently and looking at for a moment. He finally looked away, closing the door and shutting it softly before he would take a seat on the bed, leaning back and looking blankly at the ceiling.

Tomorrow would be a long day.

(You can for sure time skip if you please :D)

Tess tilted her head slightly, watching Traveler closely as his thoughts visibly churned behind his eyes. She wondered what was going on in his mind, trying to piece together the puzzle of a man who had walked away from a life he clearly despised to protect his son. She could imagine how she’d react, but only to an extent. What did it truly feel like to love a child with that kind of devotion? To be willing to endure anything, sacrifice anything, to ensure their safety? It was a kind of love she could never fully grasp—at least not yet.

If something had happened to one of her siblings, she couldn’t even begin to imagine the lengths she’d go to. The very thought sent a chill down her spine. She would tear the world apart to keep them safe. The community they lived in had allowed her family to shield their children from the worst of it—safe behind the walls they had built, growing up with the same childhood she had known. Friends, school, church, holidays, birthdays. Simple things, but enough to make them feel loved and grounded. They’d be raised strong, taught to protect the land, to farm, to govern themselves. There would be no desperation in their learning, no scrambling to survive. It would simply be their way of life.

She couldn’t help but think of her own childhood. It had been good—loving parents, a comfortable home, and a network of friends. She smiled to herself at the memory of her first boyfriend, just before the blast, when everything had still felt like it was in its rightful place. They were so young, so innocent, and yet all of them were gone now. It made her heart ache. She briefly touched the small scar on her chin, the one she’d gotten before the world had shifted, the one left by the family dog. There had been a time when those were the only scars she’d known. The thought seemed almost laughable now. Since the blast, gunshot wounds, rope burns, even stab wounds had become far too familiar. She couldn’t have imagined her life turning into this.

But somehow, she’d survived, along with her family. Others hadn’t been as lucky. Whole families wiped out without a trace, entire bloodlines erased. She thought of her best friend, the girl who had wanted to be a veterinarian. She’d only been twelve when the blast took her. Tess had wanted to be a nurse back then. This life—the one she was living now—was a far cry from that dream.

Her thoughts were broken by Traveler’s words about the other group, and she refocused. “I wouldn’t worry too much, Traveler,” she murmured, offering him a reassuring smile. “We’ve got some time before we need to deal with another group. If there’s only eight or so of them, we won’t have any problems.” She nodded, more to herself than him. It was a possibility, but nothing she was going to lose sleep over. As long as they stayed clear of their territory and didn’t have any direct encounters, the other group would remain a secondary concern.

Traveler bid her goodbye, and Tess gave him a small smile, raising her hand in a casual wave. “Goodnight, Traveler,” she said softly. “Rest well.” She turned to head toward her room, her mind already turning toward the work that lay ahead the next day.

The morning came early. Tess was already up, preparing for the day ahead. She laid out the map on her bed, careful not to damage it. She pulled out a fresh, clear version to mark where her team had been, narrowing down the areas they needed to focus on. She rolled them up and packed them away in her bag, along with blankets, food, and a medical kit. Her gun belt was secured around her waist, her Glock holstered, and she double-checked Traveler’s weapon, making sure they had enough ammunition for the day. Better safe than sorry.

Once everything was packed and ready, Tess made her way to the gates, where her team was already assembling. She’d chosen a small group to accompany her—Eli, Forest, and Mossy would scout the land, while Tess, Rue, and a lively woman named Nara would head out with Traveler. She figured it was time to introduce him to the others. If he was going to be part of their efforts, it made sense they’d all need to work together at some point.

Eli was the first to approach, and Tess clapped him on the back with a grin. “Don’t suppose you’re ready to fetch our guest, huh?” she asked, her voice light. He shot her a playful glare, but Tess wasn’t bothered.

“Only for you, my queen,” Eli replied sarcastically, flashing her a toothy grin that made her chuckle. She glanced at Rue for a moment, gesturing toward him. “Take Rue. Just in case Traveler decides to make a run for it, Rue can sit on him,” she chirped, the teasing note in her voice evident. Rue gave her a look that could only be described as pure annoyance, but Tess didn’t mind. It left her with time to brief the rest of the team on the plan for the day.

As Eli and Rue made their way to Traveler’s room, Tess turned to focus on the others. She went over their objectives again, making sure everyone was clear. The day ahead would require them to stay alert, but Tess wasn’t worried. They’d managed worse.

Eli knocked on Traveler’s door, and before waiting for an answer, he pushed it open, stepping inside. “I take it you’re ready to go?” he asked, his tone casual, though his eyes flickered with that sharpness that never seemed to leave him.

Eli gave the man a short nod, pivoting sharply on his heel to lead him out toward the gates without once letting him out of sight. His shoulders tensed just a bit—subtle, but it was there—and it screamed unease. This guy? Not supposed to be anywhere near here. Teresa was the one stepping out, trailing behind a stranger with a bunch of people Eli didn’t exactly trust to hold their own. It didn’t sit right, handing this man—Traveler, was it?—weapons like some casual gift. Maybe Tess would keep those close, only handing them over when absolutely necessary. Because trust? That was a luxury they didn’t have. Last thing they needed was a surprise beating from some random brute with a grudge.

His thoughts were cut short when the man spoke up, the question hanging in the air. Why bother helping? Stranger or not, this wasn’t their usual scene—taking in anyone who wandered through, giving them a chance to settle. Sure, a bigger population meant a stronger little civilization. Everyone had their use, but this guy was locked down tighter than he deserved, with talk of a child tangled in it somewhere. Maybe that was the reason. Monkey had a soft spot for kids, always did. He could remember the way she fretted over her younger siblings, and he sure as hell wasn’t about to get in her way if she wanted to protect them. A breath slipped out; Eli shrugged, voice low as they rounded a corner. “I’m just doing what I’m told. Don’t think it’s about you so much as the kid involved.”

It had to be that. Keeping the child safe, out of the chaos, away from the strangers and the danger. This place was supposed to be a haven, somewhere to raise a kid right—with care, with love. But Eli wasn’t convinced that was the whole story. Tess looked at the man like she knew him—like there was more buried beneath the surface. Usually, this guy would be out the door or pressed into work by now. She was clinging to the idea that maybe he had intel on the raiders’ whereabouts, some scrap of value. But no—Eli had a feeling it went deeper than even Tess realized. He sighed again, shrugging. “She just won’t take no for an answer,” he muttered, rolling his eyes just a touch.

—

They moved on until the battered gates of their land creaked into view, where Monkey and the others stood waiting, quiet and watchful. Just like Eli thought, she had the man’s weapons tucked close, a smile soft but clearly forced on her lips. She looked uncomfortable—maybe more than a little—but ready to do what had to be done. The map was clutched in her hands, finger darting out to mark something important for the team heading out. She tucked it away with a slight nod, head tilted just so.

“Sleep well?” she asked, hopeful but cautious.

It was less a question and more a shield, a way to keep him calm, safe. Maybe if he felt a little less on edge, he’d open up. Whatever “it all” was. Tess wasn’t sold on him—not yet. Couldn’t shake the suspicion that he might lead them straight into a trap. But the group? They’d handle it if he tried anything. At least, that was the plan.

(Bit short, just trying to get back into a roll!)

Traveler remained quiet, processing what the other man stated. Eli seemed to have priorities, which was understandable. Living in a place - this sanctuary - that had more needs than anywhere else seemed like a lot to carry and he seemed like his reputation was high. Traveler could feel a sort of tension, almost as though Traveler was unwanted. But he knew that Eli felt more personal about it, and it wasn't the entire community that would fuel some sort of hate against Traveler. Sure, his motive was to look for his son, but helping a community that was welcoming wasn't wrong either. Traveler sighed softly, hearing Eli say something under his breath, but didn't dare to question it.

Traveler saw the team at the gates. It was unfamiliar people, and as he looked around the gated community, he saw a boasting civlization that gave hope to the world and humanity itself. Traveler felt as though keeping your hopes high would be the only thing to keep pushing on through such a grueling world. He could understand that feeling, but nonetheless, he remained quiet. People tended to the small gardens that lined to the east of them, while others talked and children played. Traveler smiled slightly at the thought. Maybe once he found Waylen, he could bring him here. All of that constant moving and teaching his son ways to protect himself wouldn't be required anymore. Traveler would still of course push his son to be aware and still continue some sort of training of defense, but otherwise, Traveler wouldn't mind settling down here if he got the chance.

But first, this mission.

Traveler felt eyes burn into him. The others. "I'm Traveler," he introduced himself, looking at the others he did not know yet. Not to say he knew Eli or even Monkey, but he felt surface level with them, even if the tensions were high enough that they would in fact kill him in an instant if he had tried anything. "I'm the reason you're in this... situation," he said sarcastically, an uncomfortable chuckle emitting from his throat before he turned his gaze to Monkey.

He smiled slightly. The question was comforting in a way. He knew she probably didn't care for him, at least not in a way that she would protect him, but the idea of a normal conversation was allowing him to feel at ease. "I slept fine, you?" He replied, shifting his weight slightly on his feet.

(Sorry that this is so short. You may time jump to when they're out or I can add to this if you'd prefer :D)

Everyone appeared to be prepared, though tense. Anxious. Traveler understood, as he himself felt the same way. He imagine coming across his former group and watching them rip everyone else to shreds and saving him for last as he would be labeled as a traitor of sorts. The ideas bloomed gruesomely in his mind, though he managed to shake them when Monkey began introducing the group to him.

Traveler offered a hand to each, knowing that they most likely wouldn't take it but tried regardless. He gave a small nod of sorts towards those who didn't and decided not to read too much into it, as he understood their fears. To an extent. What they had here at this sanctuary - a safe haven - was far more risky to lose than what he had. There was a much larger picture here - a thriving civilization years into the end of the world. It was beautiful to say the least, but Traveler remained focused.

After Monkey finished explaining the plan, Traveler followed close behind. He observed the others with them - Rue and Nara, as he recalled. They seemed nice enough, though Traveler knew all of them could easily put him down if it came to it. Traveler, although he had thought about it - had no intention of crossing them. There was no reason to. They found him, sanctioned him, gave him food and shelter, and now are somewhat helping him find his son. That was enough for him. Besides, even if he had, he knew that the community would come looking for him. The people alongside him were clearly respected considering their position. He assumed Monkey's father wouldn't just randomly select a group to go out and do something like this, regardless of experience they may have.

Traveler looked around him. What appeared to be a small village was now an abandoned wasteland. Families could have lived here. Dogs and cats, horses and cows, people's pride a joys... just gone. It seemed well picked over, and as Traveler observed, he followed Monkey and Eli close behind. He felt his stomach churn, spotting the eerie pharmacy. Only moments before Monkey said to stay close, but Traveler remained a distance. Whatever was behind those doors could be a pile of dead bodies, or something along the lines of what he saw happen to the older man just a few days ago.

It seemed like the world was changing yet again. Traveler had heard that while in his group there were more sightings of individuals who were suffering fates that weren't just murders. Bleeding from orfaces, going from semi-healthy to the most weakened, fragile version of yourself. Traveler was no scientist, but it could easily be radiation. Or perhaps, with this climate change, something new sprouting and finally jumping to humans. Whatever it was, Traveler just prayed nobody around him contracted such a horrible fate from something you can't prevent in a world like this. Mother nature was reclaiming what was hers, and there was no stopping it.

Traveler had taken another few steps, observing the door. He huffed slightly, his gaze turning to Monkey and then Eli before he started to walk again. "That man I saw before you guys found me..." he trailed off for a moment, thinking. "I wonder if people are catching something nowadays," he proposed calmly, already accepting the fact that anyone of them - including himself - could be a victim of it if he was right.

Traveler departed, the silence almost defeaning among the group. His tired eyes glanced at all of them before he looked to Monkey who was right next to him as she spoke.

"It's fine. Definitely had worse," he laughed slightly. "It was a smart trap," he commented. He looked away for a moment, his hands holding onto the straps of his pack. He looked down at his feet, noticing the two in sync. Their boots made the slightest of noise on the roads, and their voices even quieter.

"I need you to understand something." Traveler lowered his voice just enough that Monkey could hear, and maybe even Eli if he was close enough, but it wouldn't change anything. "If there is any sign that my son is out here, I need to see it through. No matter what. My job as a father is to protect his son and I've failed..." he paused for a moment, looking forward and then back at her. "I'm grateful that it was you who found me and not someone else. I really am. But my son is more important to me. If we... I find him, I'll help you. All I ask is that if something happens to me, you find him and you take him with you. Give him a life he deserves," Traveler spoke sincerely and with clarity. His eyes gleamed with hope yet a certain sadness. Perhaps longing or doubt for his son. A little boy in this world was not something most would expect, let alone himself.

And for that, he was sorry.