Night-Mare

Chapter 2

Steven found himself in a small makeshift camp on the beach, surrounded by serious looking faces. Compared to these people, Zoe and Roman didn't look so bad.

"Look at you," said Quinn with a smile. She was an elderly woman, and surprisingly muscular. Despite her age, she looked like she could take anyone in a fight and would probably win.

"A nice young person. Been a while since we had one of those," she chuckled and looked back at the trio that had brought him here. Leo was the only one who returned the smile.

Roman and Zoe looked like they would still skewer him, no questions asked.

"What's your name, kid?" Quinn asked.

"S-Steven."

"Well S-Steven, welcome to the Survivor's Band. Tell me, what are you good for? Cooking? Cleaning?"

While Steven didn't have much memory, he knew he had no skills in those areas. He didn't know these people. But they were holding weapons and he'd rather be on their side. "I don't know. Whatever you need me to do, I'll figure out how to do it."

Quinn laughed heartily and turned to Roman, "Oh, I like this one." She turned back to Steven. "Well", she said, "we can always use more fighters."

"Actually, I'd rather not fight," Steven stammered. "I'm a pacifist." That much he did remember.

Quinn smile faded for a second, and then return with a hint of smugness. She leaned and closed to Steven. "Let me tell you a story: There was once a guy who found himself in a strange place around strange people. He told them, 'I'm a pacifist!' The next day, he died." She sat back and smiled at her morbid fairytale.

Steven swallowed. "Okay, okay. I'll fight but I'll only kill animals, and only for food."

Quinn leaned forward again. "Let me tell you another story: There was-"

Steven held up his hands. Okay, okay! I get it, but I'll only fight if necessary."

Quinn laughed. "You think I made it here this long by killing recklessly? It'll be necessary."

~CL1