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No Cure For The Poisoned World A Little Party
Tuck barely notices the time as he plays inside a Party Shop. Full of costumes and novelties, he goofs around the aisles as a firefighter. Pretending to drive a firetruck, put out pretend-fires and save store mannequins. Later swapping for a werewolf costume, then a stormtrooper.The fun dies when his name is called."Tuck?" Eris's voice comes from his backpack. He rushes to it and digs out the radio."I'm here." Tuck responds."Tuck, where are you? The party's in an hour." Eris grumbles with annoyance. "Did you get the thing I asked you?"Tuck winces, remembering why he was sent into town. "I… I forgot." He hesitates to admit, and Eris goes off in his native language. "Eris, please, I can't understand you when you sound like a telenovela." Tuck responds."Tucker Enrique Demetrius Mayflower! Get back here right now.""It's not Mayflower" Tuck tries to correct."Ay""Tuck, do as he says." Came Vincent's calm voice."Roger that, Doc" Tuck says and starts to pack up. He returned home in t
No Cure For The Poisoned World Gray
"Doc? Doc, wake up!" Tuck's voice cuts through the silence, but Vincent remains still, lost in sleep. Tuck hesitates, then reaches over and pinches Vincent’s shoulder with a sharp twist."AH!" Vincent jerks awake, disoriented. "What—what is it? What happened? What time is it?" His voice is groggy, laced with confusion."It's after 4. You missed your alarm." Tuck replies through a tired yawn. "I did my chores already… Now I’m going to take a nap." He turns away, flopping onto his own bed with the exhaustion of someone who’s been up far too long.Vincent pushes himself up, stretching his stiff limbs. A sudden wave of anxiety grips him. "Tuck?""I know. I gave her a meal…" Tuck mumbles, half-asleep. "There’s a plate for you too."Vincent’s eyes soften when he sees the dish on the dresser—his favorite foods. Tuck knew him well...He eats quickly, his mind still foggy as he tidies up the room, collecting the empty beer cans that cluttered the space from last night. The remnants of the party
No Cure For The Poisoned World Rue
"Drink this…" Vincent returns with a glass of water and her favorite fruit. To her surprise, he brought an extra blanket. "This one's heated." He explains as he covers her legs with it. Pleasant warmth soaks her skin when he does. "There won't be any tests today… Just rest. I'll be nearby if you need anything-""Vinny." Eris's voice stops him. "You won't believe this.""What's the matter, Eris?""I just got word… She's alive. Isla is alive, and she's with Soo.""That's great news." Vincent smiles, glancing toward Cole."What about my nurse? Is Rue alive?" Cole wondered.Vincent hesitated, but asked anyway. "Are there others? Any news about Rue?"A long silence passes before Eris answers. Cole held her breath, expecting to hear the worst news."Isla was the only one rescued… but… I can tell you that there isn't a nurse by that name, among the ambush victims… She made it out… We just don't know where she is."Cole stayed silent, feeling uneasy when he answered."Thank you, Eris." Vincent
No Cure For The Poisoned World Quarantine
"Uh" Eris turns away, holding a hand over his mask. "Uh that's disgusting."Inside the storage container, lay an unconscious 'Henry'. Some fallen cases behind him, while a puddle of puke stains the floor. Vincent stood in shock. Glancing down at his outfit, which is soaked with it."He's… Uh… He's down!" Vincent announces to the others. "Get some… towels or something.""Uh, that's disgusting." Natalie says when she enters. "Towels and a stretcher. Now" She orders the group. "Please tell me you're both unharmed.""We're fine." Went Vincent."Not a scratch." Eris confirms."Good… Now, where do you want him?" She asks next. "I can't bring him in the house, but maybe… I can isolate him.""We can't take care of him." Eris answers. "Isla's N7B is unique to each of her patients. It won't save Henry.""Henry had four roommates." Natalie reveals, which silences Eris. "I don't know how he got sick, and… there's more, but I can't tell you right now… We'll speak later." Natalie says and turns for
No Cure For The Poisoned World Nightmare
With a final, careful twist of the flathead screwdriver, Vincent secured the new lock on their bedroom door. He took a step back, surveying the room with a meticulous eye, mentally ticking off each item on his list. The bathroom and hall closet were stocked with extra supplies, each weapon in the room discreetly hidden and loaded. Everything was in its place, a small measure of control in a world that often felt anything but secure. He locked the door behind him, the sound of the click somehow both reassuring and heavy.As he turned to leave, a sudden vibration from his wrist caught his attention. He glanced down at his tech wristlet, his heart sinking when he saw the spike in Cole’s BPM. Without a second thought, Vincent bolted upstairs, his heart pounding in his chest.He slipped on protective gear with practiced speed and pushed open the door to Cole’s bedroom. "Cole?" His voice was steady, but the urgency was unmistakable. His eyes swept over the room, taking in the disarray—furnit
No Cure For The Poisoned World Sandbox
"My little girl…" A gruff voice draws Cole's gaze away from the sandbox; full of sand and toys. Her innocent gray eyes find a tall man, dressed in a business suit. The top of his head was bald, and he has round ears, a pair of thick dark eyebrows, and dark eyelashes surrounding his gentle brown eyes. A large nose, and dark lips that spread into a bright smile; above his pointy chin."DAD!" Cole dashes toward him, leaving the crowded school playground."Baby". He coos, holding out his arms as she runs into them."Oh god, people are staring". A tall teenage girl nears with a nervous look. Clutching the straps of her backpack."Rosey!" Cole's infant voice echoes as she peeks over her dad's shoulder. After he picks her up for a hug."Ro-sa-lie baby…" Their dad tries to correct.Rosalie shifted uncomfortably, nervous under the stares. Every kid and parent was looking their way. "Let's go. Please. Dad?" Rosalie whispers, her similar gentle brown eyes shift down. She decides to pretend to be
No Cure For The Poisoned World Summer
Over the days, the weather got warmer. Vincent and Eris were hard at work, while Tuck spent afternoons skating within the halls. Often, he left to enjoy the sunny day. However, he always returned to see Cole.Vincent secretly worried Tuck was having too much play time with the patient. As he was much more athletic than Cole...Then one morning, he walked in to find the pair practicing the Warrior Pose and other less challenging exercises. Cole had a smile and hardly had to stop to catch her breath. Unlike the first week, when she could barely get across the room without panting. Today she wore a candy-blue two-piece yoga outfit. Her toffee-brown locks are spun in a pair of buns. While a dimpled smile stretches on her pink lips. Today marked the 103rd day, and Cole's was healing well.To Tuck's surprise, Cole lowers herself into a full split."How are you doing that?" Tuck stares from where he posed; on his yoga mat. Then he stood straight and watched as Vincent entered the room. "Come
No Cure For The Poisoned World Born in a storm
A moonless night fell over the Floridian home. Cole delighted in viewing starry constellations, so much that she was unaware of the grieving veterans. Some self-quarantine, while others wander the night. Heaviness in their hearts, there seemed to be no end to the pain.Worn with guilt and sorrow, Natalie hides within the cherry painted walls of her office. Where her bereaved state is first discovered by Eris. He desired to comfort her, however, all Natalie desired was a drink, and Eris provided it.Many hours into the night, Eris and Vincent pronounced the death of another patient. A veteran who was the husband of Sadie Santana, their group's only science engineer."How did he get sick?" Natalie questions in private, glancing at both doctors. Grief and exhaustion wears in her tone as she leans back in her chair. A drink in her hand did nothing for the severity of stress that weighed on her soul. In vain, she made every effort to prevent more infection. An outbreak was consuming everyth
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No Cure For The Poisoned World She's gone?
"Uh..." A long, dramatic groan fills the car as Vincent focuses intently on the road. He reaches for his water bottle, only to discover it’s empty. With a resigned sigh, he mutters, “Tuck, I thought you had your own bottle.” Tuck, slumped in his seat, replies with a strained voice, “Well, I ran out.” He shifts uncomfortably, his grimace deepening. “Oh...” His voice trails off into another groan. “Can we please pull over?” Vincent glances at the road sign, noting that Atlanta is just seven miles ahead. “We’re almost there. It’s just a bit further.” “I can’t make it that long,” Tuck pleads, his face contorted in pain. “Please, pull over.” Vincent’s gaze shifts to Tuck, who is clutching his stomach and visibly struggling. As the sun dips towards the horizon, Vincent realizes that driving any further could be dangerous, especially with the encroaching darkness. He weighs the urgency of Tuck’s condition against the need to continue driving. Finally, he clicks on the radio. “Doc t
No Cure For The Poisoned World A long way to go
Cole is lost in thought, zoning out as the van rolls along. The steady hum of the engine and the monotony of the scenery outside can be hypnotic. When the van finally comes to a stop, it's a small jolt that snaps her back to the present. She stretches and looks around, wondering where they are now. She watches as trucks fill a motel lot. Soldiers wander masking up before checking every room. Cole felt nervous, remembering the nightmare she had, discovering that the driver was not her real driver. It all seemed so real, until she woke up. Eventually, the team camped for the night. Most slept in their cars, while others stayed awake. Cole guessed they were keeping watch. The soldiers seemed to enjoy the cool night as they strolled in groups of twos, walking the stretch of the lot. Her driver, Doug, disappeared somewhere. Cole was suspicious, but she guessed he didn't want to sleep in the van. The night passes while Cole fails to sleep. Tossing and turning in the back of the van.
No Cure For The Poisoned World Horus11
(6 hours after departure)Cole wakes in the backseat of the van, and immediately starts mentally obsessing on the driver. Percieving a partial reflection of his face in the rearview mirror.He wore a mask like everyone else, and remained silent while behind the wheel.Uncertainty shimmers in her gray eyes as she eyes his snow white hair."It was a dream," Cole finally realizes as the fog of drowsiness lifts from her head. She dreamt it all, the kidnapper, the blood, the gunshots...Cole couldn't remember the last time she had a 'good' dream.She took a couple deep breaths and sat up straighter. Hearing Tuck's voice call over the radio. "Hey Cole, there's a button on the left side of your helmet" He informs.Cole feels with her fingers until she finds it, then presses it. When she does, the helmet loosens and she was able to remove it. "Thank you, Tuck" Cole breathes in relief as she frees her head. Just in time when her watch beeps.She smiled as she remembered Eris set it to remind he
No Cure For The Poisoned World A Home I Used To Know
(April 10, 2054) Year of OutbreakCurled up in front of a tv, little Cole eats her breakfast. A cartoon about a tiger cub plays. Until Cole's father interrupts and turns it off. "Come on, Coco, I have to take you to school." He says, grabbing his keys and coat when a shout comes from upstairs. Followed by the loud footfalls of someone coming downstairs."Dad!" Rosalie shouts, she's wearing her school uniform with her dark hair tied up. Holding her smartphone as she rushes to turn on the tv. "Did you see the news?""No." He answers while helping little Cole with her shoes. "Rose we can see it later. We have to go.""N-No, Dad look." She urges, switching the channel.The news report shows Rosalie's gym teacher passed away from Malum 2. "Sixteen students have recently been hospitalized. The High School will be closed. It's recommended that students and their households quarantine until further notice." The news report concludes."I guess we're staying home…" Dad sighs, taking off Cole's
No Cure For The Poisoned World Out Of Reach
Two days pass on the road to West Virginia. Vincent follows the guiding Humvee in front him as he grips the steering wheel. With Tuck sound asleep in the passenger seat. He fell asleep to the loud hum of the truck's engine. A collection of steel cases are strapped in the truck bed. The sky above is darkened by clouds that seem to roll endlessly. They flicker with lightning and echo with soft rumbles. Eventually, the rain starts to pour. Gentle drops sprinkle all over, becoming larger and larger. Until a heavy pour soaks the road. Beating loudly on the windows and body of the truck. The collection of raindrops sound like microwaved popcorn. Windshield wipers swipe left and right. Allowing glimpses of the road. Vincent squints his eyes as he looks ahead."More rain?" Tuck sits up straight with a yawn. The rumble of thunder was enough to stir him from sleep."Ugh, I have to pee." Tuck groans as he ties his hair into a ponytail."We have a few miles before the next stop. With any luck, th
No Cure For The Poisoned World The Poisoned World
Cole rose from her bed. The sun had not yet risen. The bedroom is pitch black and silent. Apart from the soft tweets of birds that echo as the dawn approaches. Cole sits up anxiously and stares at nothing while twirling the end of her braid with her finger. Lost in her own thoughts, she didn’t hear when the bedroom door was opened.Only when the lights flick on, Cole snaps her gaze toward the entrance.There stood a figure suited in black, holding a bag in his left hand. “Hey Cole.” Tuck hesitates but nears her bed anyway.Cole watches as he set the bag down and unpacked its contents. He spreads each item on the white bed sheet. She stares at the strange outfits and mask. One outfit was black thermal with a hood to it. While the second was some kind of astronaut suit?“You’re going to have to change into this… Doctor’s orders.” Tuck explains. “This thermal one might be a little loose. I modified it to unzip in the back and the pant legs too. I have plenty of socks for you and gloves. T
No Cure For The Poisoned World Mercy
"Cole. I need you to listen." Vincent tries to speak, but Cole was already on the verge of tears."You can't know that. I'm not going. Vin, I'm not going." Cole dodges his reach when he gets too close."Cole, I need you to put this on." Vincent sighs, growing impatient as he holds onto a suit meant for the patient."No. I don't need that cause I'm not going.""Cole, if we stay here you won't survive." Vincent finally says. "The people that attacked us took supplies. Some of them are damaged… We can't care for you properly if we don't have what we need."Cole fell silent while she processed it all. "I can’t go" She shakes her head, stepping back again when he stepped forward.“I won’t go”. Cole shivers out, emotions swirling in her dark gray eyes. “I won’t go” she repeats in a firmer tone."Cole." Vincent gave a warning tone. A tense look on his face as he stares at his patient. He steps forward, while Cole takes a step backward. Losing her balance when the back of her leg bumps the bed
No Cure For The Poisoned World The Call
After years of isolation, Cole got used to sleeping alone. Now there was someone snuggling her like a mama cat.It felt good.Safe…Vincent continued this every night, until the power was restored.The next few days felt like a month. Salvaging parts, fixing the power, doors repaired, broken windows boarded, and damaged walls patched. Cole was resting, Tuck was ordered to go scouting with a separate team. All while Vincent and Eris were summoned to the training room. They faced a restless 'Natalie' who was determined to train them harder. Both Eris and Vincent were back in training with Lieutenant Natalie Yuki. She went over close combat, weapon assembly, all types of potential escape routes and vulnerable points within the house. Plus, how to store explosives to keep from blowing the whole house up."I think I remember why… I chose to go to med-school…" Eris pants, laying on the training room floor. Right next to Vincent, who got tossed out of the ring as well by Natalie's best soldie
No Cure For The Poisoned World Sleepyhead
"I…" Cole blinked nervously, looking down at her hands in shame. Even though Vincent showed no sign of anger. "I think I overslept."Vincent was quiet and had an air of calm surrounding him. His seated form shadowed hers. Vincent was wearing a pair of dark blue trousers and the protective mask covering his face. Seeing he was shirtless and with wild hair of his own. Cole guessed he rolled out of bed and slipped on a mask. It wasn't proper protection, but Vincent did not seem to care."Vin, if you get sick, I'll never forgive myself". Cole spoke, peeking up at him. "You should go put s-something else on".Vincent took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he extended his other arm. Reaching, he cups her chin in his hand and brings her gaze to his again. "There are worse things to die from…" He says, chewing on his lip as a thought crossed his mind. Cole read the look in his green eyes as they traveled to the bruises on the side of her face. Pain surfaced in them, darkening the light i
