A World Against Us

Morning light crept over the ruined fences and broken streets. The siblings sat in silence for a while, the faint sound of the city waking in the distance.

Stacy rubbed her arms, still chilled from the night, and stood up.

Stacy: Alright… first thing’s first. We need fuel. Without it, we’re sitting ducks.

Dean leaned against the SUV, his face calmer than the night before but still shadowed.

Dean: And we need to find a way to charge the phones.

Bryan scoffed, kicking a loose stone across the ground.

Bryan: (frustrated) With what money? A hundred seventy-five bucks isn’t gonna take us far. Fuel, food, charging… it’ll be gone before the week’s out.

Stacy’s eyes narrowed.

Stacy: That’s why we use it smart. Fuel first, then food, then charging. If we manage carefully, we’ll last long enough to figure something out.

Dean looked between his siblings, his hands clenched into fists.

Dean: (quiet but firm) We’ll survive. Mikey taught us how. We just… need to hold on.

Bryan looked away, chewing his lip. Stacy sighed and placed a hand on the SUV’s hood.

Stacy: Okay… let’s move.

The siblings climbed into the SUV, the old engine groaning to life. The road ahead was

uncertain, every turn holding danger. With only $175 and each other, they drove slowly into the heart of the city, where survival would demand more than money; it would demand strength, sacrifice, and trust.

Dean leaned his head against the window, eyes heavy but mind sharper than before.

Dean (thinking): I can’t always make my siblings worry about me. I have to get myself together.

Stacy’s hands tightened on the wheel. She kept glancing at the empty roads, wondering which direction would keep them safest. But in her hesitation, she made a wrong turn… then another.

Before long, the SUV rolled into a broken-down neighborhood. The houses were tagged with spray paint; the streets scattered with bottles and rusted metal.

Bryan: (frowning) This place doesn’t look good.

Dean: (low voice) Yeah… feels off.

As if summoned by their words, shadows appeared from the alleyways. A group of men stepped out, their faces rough, their clothes ragged but intimidating. One of them, tall with a scar across his cheek, raised a pistol.

Gunman: (yelling) Stop the car!

Stacy slammed the brakes, heart pounding. The SUV skidded slightly before halting. The gang circled them like wolves.

Gunman: Out of the car. Now.

Dean and Bryan clenched their fists, ready to resist. Stacy raised her hand quickly, her voice steady but sharp.

Stacy: (firm) Don’t. Stay calm. Don’t do anything stupid. I’ll handle this.

They hesitated but listened, opening the doors. Bryan stepped out with his jaw tight, his body screaming for a fight. Dean’s eyes darted between the pistol and the men, his chest tight with unease.

Stacy stepped forward, placing herself in front of her brothers.

Stacy (thinking): I have to get us out of this… somehow.

The scar-faced man smirked, keeping his pistol trained on them.

But then another member, shorter with a pocketknife, locked his gaze on Stacy. He licked his lips, circling her slowly.

Knife guy: (mocking tone) Pretty one, aren’t you?

He pressed the cold blade against her neck. Stacy froze, forcing herself not to flinch as his hand brushed her shoulder. His breath was hot against her skin as he leaned in, inhaling her scent.

Knife guy: (whispering) Mmm… you smell real nice.

Dean and Bryan’s fists tightened, their bodies moving forward without thought.

Dean: (angry) Get your hands off her.

Bryan: (furious) I swear…

Knife guy pressed the blade harder against Stacy’s neck, grinning.

Knife guy: One more step and I’ll cut her open.

But Dean and Bryan didn’t stop. Their rage pushed them closer.

Stacy’s heart pounded. She could feel the blade, feel her brothers’ anger ready to explode. She shut her eyes for a second, then shouted.

Stacy: Stop! Both of you!

Her voice cracked but carried weight. Dean and Bryan froze mid-step, their fists still clenched, teeth grinding.

Stacy turned her head slightly, her eyes locking onto theirs.

Stacy: (soft but firm) Everything will be okay. Trust me.

Dean’s jaw trembled. Bryan’s chest rose and fell like a storm. But slowly, reluctantly, they

stepped back, though their fists never loosened.

Stacy exhaled slowly, still feeling the blade at her neck, her mind racing for a way out.

(This was their second of many challenges in the city… and failure meant death.)

Dean and Bryan both stood frozen, fists clenched but their minds spinning.

Dean (thinking): Dammit… I can’t do anything… not without risking Stacy’s life.

Bryan (thinking): Why do I feel so useless right now? I should be protecting her… but one wrong move and…

The man with the gun stepped forward, eyes sharp, and marched straight to the SUV. He

yanked the doors open, rummaging inside, but after a few moments he slammed them shut again, frustrated.

Gunman: (angry) Nothing! They’ve got nothing!

Another member leaned against a broken wall with a cruel smirk.

Man 3: (shrugging) Then let’s just take the girl and get out of here.

Dean and Bryan’s blood ran cold.

Knife guy: (grinning) I like that plan.

Gunman: (nodding) Yeah.

He turned, aiming his pistol directly at Dean and Bryan.

Gunman: (cold) You two move an inch, and I’ll paint the ground red.

Knife guy grabbed Stacy’s arm tighter, the blade still close to her neck.

Knife guy: (mocking) Move, sweetheart… unless you want me to tell him to put a bullet in your brothers.

Stacy’s body stiffened. Her heart screamed to fight, to do something, but the cold metal and the thought of losing Dean or Bryan forced her legs to move. Slowly, painfully, she stepped forward, helpless.

Stacy (thinking): No… not again. I can’t lose them too.

Dean and Bryan’s fists shook. Both wanted to run forward, to tear these men apart, but their bodies felt locked by chains of fear and rage.

Dean (thinking): Useless… I’m useless.

As the two gang members began pulling Stacy away, a figure appeared from the shadows.

A woman.

She walked with slow, deliberate steps, her presence sharp and suffocating. A scar ran down her left eye and strapped to her body were two pistols at her waist and a rifle across her back.

Her voice cut through the night, cold and commanding.

Woman: (stern) Leave the kids alone… or you’ll regret it.

The three gang members froze. Their confidence shattered the moment their eyes locked on her face.

Knife guy: (stammering) W-wait… it’s her.

Gunman’s eyes widened with recognition, then narrowed in frustration. He cursed under his breath.

Gunman: (gritted teeth) Tch… damn it.

For the first time, fear flickered across their faces.

Man 3 whispered, panicked: (low voice) We can’t deal with her… not her.

The woman’s hand hovered near her pistol, her stare sharp and merciless.

Woman: (cold smile) I won’t ask twice.

Gunman growled, his pride wounded, but he lifted his hand and motioned to his men.

Gunman: (furious) Drop the girl. We’re leaving. Back to base… now.

Knife guy’s grip loosened immediately. Stacy stumbled back toward her brothers, her body trembling.

Dean quickly caught her, holding her by the shoulder.

Dean (thinking): Whoever this woman is… she just saved us.

Bryan, still breathing heavily, kept his eyes on her.

Bryan (thinking): But… why does she give off such dangerous vibes?

The gang backed away quickly, disappearing into the alleys like rats scattering. Silence returned to the street, but the air was heavy with tension as the mysterious woman turned her gaze toward the siblings.

The three gang members vanished into the shadows, leaving only the echo of their footsteps behind.

Dean and Bryan rushed to Stacy, both talking at once.

Dean: (worried) Are you okay? Did he hurt you?

Bryan: (furious) I swear if that knife cut you, I’ll…

Stacy raised her hand gently, her voice steady but still trembling.

Stacy: I’m fine… I’m fine.

She turned toward the strange woman who had stepped in like a force of nature. Bowing her head deeply, she spoke with sincerity.

Stacy: Thank you… for saving us.

Dean and Bryan lowered their heads as well, their voices following hers.

Dean and Bryan: Thank you.

The woman’s eyes softened just slightly, though her expression remained firm.

Woman: You’re welcome. But next time… be careful. This city doesn’t forgive mistakes.

With that, she turned, continuing her slow, purposeful walk into the darkness.

But Stacy’s voice cut through the silence.

Stacy: Wait… what’s your name?

The woman stopped. For a moment, she didn’t look back. Then, in a calm voice, she

answered.

Woman: Elana.

She began walking again, but this time it was Dean’s voice that stopped her.

Dean: (hesitant) Elana… do you know where we can find a gas station?

Elana paused mid-step. She exhaled softly, then turned her head just enough to look at them.

Elana: Head east three blocks, turn right at the old church ruins, then two more blocks. You’ll find one there.

The siblings exchanged confused looks, their faces blank.

Elana: (raising an eyebrow) …You don’t understand, do you?

Stacy hesitated. Bryan opened his mouth, clearly ready to lie, but before the words left him, Stacy stepped in firmly.

Stacy: No… we’re not from the city.

Dean shot her a sharp glance, Bryan sighed in frustration, but Stacy kept her head high.

Elana studied them for a moment, her scar catching the faint glow of a broken streetlight.

Elana: …I see.

There was a short silence before Stacy spoke again, her voice cautious yet steady.

Stacy: If it’s not too much trouble…, could you take us there?

Dean and Bryan immediately protested.

Dean: (serious) Stacy, no. We don’t know her.

Bryan: (angry whisper) She could be worse than those guys.

But Stacy didn’t back down, her eyes locked on Elana.

Stacy: If we don’t get help, we’ll end up in the same situation again. I’d rather trust her than risk running blind.

Elana tilted her head slightly, as though weighing her options. For a moment, silence

stretched heavily in the air.

Finally, she let out a quiet breath.

Elana: …Fine. I’ll take you there.

She adjusted the strap of her rifle, her tone calm but sharp.

Elana: But stay close. Gangs don’t roam alone around here, and I don’t feel like saving you twice.

Stacy nodded gratefully, while Dean and Bryan exchanged uneasy glances.

Dean (thinking): I don’t trust her… but she saved us. For now… I’ll watch carefully.

Bryan (thinking): She’s dangerous… I can feel it.

Elana and Stacy sat up front in the SUV, while Bryan and Dean settled in the back. Stacy turned the key, the engine coughed alive, and Elana’s calm voice guided her out of the narrow streets.

Elana: Don’t drive around here again. These blocks are crawling with crime. If I wasn’t there earlier, things wouldn’t have ended the way they did.

Stacy nodded, gripping the wheel tighter.

Stacy: (thinking) She’s right… we were lucky this time.

Dean and Bryan leaned back, but their eyes never left Elana.

Dean (thinking): She’s too calm, too collected… What’s her real angle?

Bryan (thinking): No one does something for free. No one.

As they drove, the broken scenery slowly shifted until neon lights flickered in the distance. Soon, the gas station came into view, standing under a buzzing lamp.

Stacy: Elana… how much would it cost to fill the tank for a day?

Elana glanced at her with a small smile.

Elana: There’s no such thing as “a day’s worth.” It all depends on how much you drive.

She paused before asking bluntly.

Elana: How much do you have?

Stacy’s hands tightened on the wheel.

Stacy: …Not much.

They pulled up to the pump. A tired-looking worker approached, wiping his hands on his

overalls. Without hesitation, Elana stepped out, pulling her wallet.

Elana: Fill it up. Full tank.

The worker raised an eyebrow.

Worker: That’ll be $120.

Stacy’s eyes widened.

Stacy: Wait… that’s too much. We can’t spend all we have just on fuel.

Bryan leaned forward, voice sharp.

Bryan: (snapping) What, you trying to suck us dry here, Elana?

Elana turned back, smiling faintly as if his words amused her.

Elana: Relax. I said I’d handle it.

She reached for the money, but Stacy stepped out quickly.

Stacy: No, please. We can’t accept this. You’ve already done so much for us.

Elana looked at her, her expression softening.

Elana: Don’t worry about it. I insist.

Her voice carried a weight that made Stacy’s protest die in her throat. Elana handed the bills to the worker without a second thought.

When the pump clicked to a stop, Stacy lowered her head.

Stacy: Thank you… really. Is there anything we can do to repay you?

Elana shook her head, her tone strangely distant.

Elana: No. Don’t pay me back. Just… see it as me doing something good for once in my life.

Dean and Bryan exchanged looks from the back seat, their thoughts heavy.

Dean (thinking): No one’s this generous… There’s a catch. I know there is.

Bryan (thinking): She’s hiding something. I can feel it.

But neither of them voiced it. Stacy instead smiled faintly, bowing her head again.

Stacy: Thank you… once more.

Elana slung her rifle back over her shoulder, stepping away from the SUV.

Elana: Be safe out there.

She turned, walking off. But Stacy leaned out of the window, her voice carrying urgency.

Stacy: Elana! At least… let us drop you home.

Elana froze mid-step.

Elana: That won’t be necessary.

Stacy’s eyes narrowed with determination.

Stacy: Please. You’ve helped us enough tonight, let us at least do this much for you.

There was a long silence. Finally, Elana turned her head slightly, the faintest sigh escaping her lips.

Elana: …Fine. If it makes you feel better.

She walked back toward the SUV, opening the door and sliding into the passenger seat once again.

Bryan muttered under his breath, arms crossed.

Bryan: (whispering) Great… now she’s coming with us.

Dean leaned back, still watching Elana closely.

Dean (thinking): This woman… I need to know who she really is.

The SUV rolled back onto the road, carrying all four of them deeper into the uncertain city.

As the SUV rolled through the dimly lit streets, Stacy tried to ease the heavy silence that lingered in the car.

Stacy: So… Elana, what are the cities like?

Elana leaned back, her gaze on the passing street pole.

Elana: Not like they used to be. Back then, you could walk freely, laugh with neighbors, live without fear. Now… every block belongs to someone. Gangs, thieves, desperate people. It’s survival of the cruelest.

Her tone was steady, but behind her words was a weight the siblings could all feel.

Dean suddenly leaned forward, his voice breaking the moment.

Dean: Why were those gang members… afraid of you?

The SUV grew quietly instantly. Even the engine’s rumble felt distant. Stacy whipped her head around, eyes wide.

Stacy: Dean! Don’t! You don’t have to answer him, Elana. (angrily) Dean, what were you thinking asking that?!

Dean looked down, his fists tight.

Dean: (thinking) I just… needed to know.

Elana’s voice cut through, calm but sharp.

Elana: It’s fine. I don’t mind.

Her eyes stayed on the road ahead as she spoke.

Elana: Remember the guy with the gun? We used to be in the same gang. Until I killed our

leader. That’s all I’ll say.

Silence pressed on the SUV like a heavy weight. None of the siblings knew how to respond.

Stacy quickly forced a change in subject, her voice softer now.

Stacy: Elana… do you maybe know where we could rent a room for the day?

Elana turned her head slightly, her scar catching the glow of a streetlamp.

Elana: Why don’t you live with your parents?

The air froze. Dean looked down, Bryan’s jaw tightened, and Stacy’s lips trembled before she spoke.

Stacy: …No.

Her voice cracked with the weight of the truth. Elana studied their faces for a moment, then nodded slowly.

Elana: …I see.

She didn’t ask more. Instead, her tone softened in a way none of them expected.

Elana: You can crash at my apartment.

The siblings exchanged surprised looks, unsure whether to feel relieved or more cautious. But today, at least, they had a roof over their heads.

The SUV carried them through the restless city, their journey far from over.

To Be Continued…

Episodes

Download

Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Download

Bonus

New users downloading the APP can read 10 episodes for free

Receive
NovelToon
Step Into A Different WORLD!
Download NovelToon APP on App Store and Google Play