Chapter Three: June 5th-8th

I felt a weight lift from my body and my mind. I didn't understand what happen to me. But looking around notching I was still near the truck. But when I turned my head around the entire truck was all taken care of. Blinking at this what happen I thought. Slowly I stood on my feet. Groaning a bit deeply gasping feeling my bladder filled with whatever dragon's bring out of their bodies of course. I had no idea what the time was. Slowly going inside the house. The heat was gone. The dogs still had water thankfully. I'm happy Lyra filled so many buckets for them. Looking towards the fridge. Opening it up I find it's still a bit cold. But there is no more ice. I am sure I could find some at the gas station still. Opening the cooler that was in front of the fridge placing all the meat I got not to long ago, filling the entire cooler. Closing it. Lifting it up, I slowly turned around. A noise behind me had me turn my head a bit to see Lyra staring at me.

Having so much anger on my face. I felt it's time to yell at her. I was about to but she spoke softly with great retreat in her voice. " I'm very sorry Russell, i'm so sorry. But I didn't want you to hurt yourself. I may have not known you long..But I care about you. I don't want to see you hurt. But there is a feeling in my heart.. That I hurt you just for what I did to you. But" She gave a sigh. " It's June 5th." My eyes go wide closing again growling softly so much anger filled my heart so much hate. But I spoke loudly yelling.

" MOM!! Dad!!." I rushed around the house looking to see if their back. But again I didn't see them then what I feared happen. They're gone and I don't have a choice but going on alone. Walking back to Lyra who's ears pinned to the back of her head. My eyes stared at her with so much anger. Noticing tears falling down her cheeks. My heart went soft sighing softly looking away. " I understand what you had to do Lyra. I'm sorry that you had to do such a thing." Turning my eyes back to her. A half smile forming along my mouth. " I forgive you Lyra. I feel ten times better and I'm not hungry thankfully so. I think it's time for me to use this day to check the rest of the town. Please keep an eye on my Dogs Lyra. I will be back when I can. I promise you." Wrapping my tail around Lyra gently and giving her a tight hug. " Again thank you."

Moved away from her looking towards the path below. I didn't know what to think really of what I should do. But it's something that needs to be done. I looked over to Lyra and smiled. " I will be back Lyra. I need to check the rest of the town."

" Wait Russell." Turning to look at her and smiled. " Ruby went missing. She went into the town. That was five days ago. I haven't seen her since. Can you please go check if she is alright?" Blinking a moment this is bad if she went to town. She is an old dog. She is very close to the end of her life. But maybe I could find her. Knowing that Dog she picked on a fight that she couldn't win. She has always been far too brave. "Alright Lyra I will be in town for a few day's. I need to make sure I get everything. I might even find some more gas cans laying about. I want to thank you for what you did for me."

Turning to her seeing the smile on the mare's face. It's odd for me to be kind to someone who could have ruined everything. But she did an amazing job for me. Looking to the truck. I knew I would be alone. But it's really a doubt in my mind if I ever return here. Closing my eyes taking a deep breath grabbing the empty wagon with my tail. Looking back to Lyra. " Come with me and close the door. No need to bring those two along. They got enough food and water. I will come back for them." Lyra smiles nodding turns to the door opening it calling them.

"We will be leaving you two, so be good." Lyra softly said to them and I could swear I saw them nod. But I had to make some rules first.

"Lyra I don't want those bags of yours anywhere near me. So please leave them here" Lyra stared at me with a great amount of displeasure in her eyes.

"I can't leave these bags behind Malla I need them."

I didn't trust Lyra with these bags. After what she did to me with that instrument that she used on me to put me asleep. i could have been gone by now and on the road. But I can't because of what she did. But I had to learn to trust her. But I'm still going to leave her behind.

0000

It was a pretty long walk. The sun was still high in the sky. But it slowly started to go down. But after the walk we made it to the IGA but I found something odd about it. The door's were unlocked heading inside the store. Looking towards Lyra.

" Lyra are you sure there is no one else in this town but me?" I asked but she just gave me a Shrug.

" It's hard to tell Russell. There could be other's but i doubt it would be that simple. If there maybe they're still inside." Giving a nod opening the door's heading inside. Looking around nothing was taken but baby formula dippers and other baby things. Then the horror came to me.

" OH my God Lyra could there be children that this happen to without their parents?!" Turning to Lyra I noticed her ears are Pinned back but then she looked at the toothpaste.

" Look Russell all the Colgate toothpaste is gone." Blinking a moment looking at the shelves seeing that so much of it is gone. But I wasn't here for that. Walking to the ice cooler hoping it still worked and thankfully it was still running on its own backup generator. I grabbed many bags of ice. Placed them inside the cooler I brought with me that had all my meat in it. Then placed a few more bag's on the wagon. But when I looked around I saw that bean's, Brussels sprouts, peppers, and asparagus were still here. All the fish tuna and such were gone. Hmm a large cat must have been here.

"Lyra you know something about this.. Every time I ask you that subject, you give me some strange looks." Lyra beside me sighed looking towards the way out of the store then back to me.

" I can't tell you Russell yes I know what is going on. But you have to trust me. I'm doing this for your own protection." She calmly stated. Craning my neck to stare at her. My calm dragon eyes looking right at her. She looked back at me with her gentle eye's. I didn't wish to press more. But she knew what happen. Looking away from her.

" Go ahead and eat the veggies in the cooler area Lyra. They won't last long anyway. i got more places I need to raid. But Lyra? I trust you. But sooner or later you will have to tell me what is going on. There is more to this then you're telling me. It's easy to tell how your eyes dart back and forth when you're thinking of what to tell me." With those words. I knew I got her by surprise. But I waited outside the IGA. Looking over to the side. I saw the bone's of what seems to be a dog. Walking to them I didn't see a collar or anything. Bowing my head to the dog bone's. "If that's you Ruby rest in peace. For an old dog like you. I raised you from a puppy to now. You will be missed. But I can't cry right now. I will cry when I see my journey through. Then I will mourn for the world."

"Russell, You should cry." Turning a bit to glance to Lyra with a smile on my face shaking my head. We kept walking along the empty road. I went to the first hotel and noticed all the parked car's. Grabbing the trunk using my claws to pry it open. Longmire day. A convention of a Cop show based around Buffalo. It's impressive or good for me this happen for when this did. All these car's. But all I am searching for now is more gas. So prying open the lid that lead to the gas container. Putting the tube in and started to drain the gas from it.

While I did this of course Lyra looked through the room's of the hotel. From what she found it wasn't much clothing a few books that she gave to me. One of the books is war and peace by Leo Tolstoy. I'm a dragon now maybe I could spend the rest of my day's after I get to Michigan reading and learning of the world. The other book it was a Sherlock Holmes's story. The last book surprised me a bit. It's a Star Trek book. X-men and Star trek? Huh this is odd. Placing them in the wagon. Looking to Lyra staring at her.

" Now Lyra, are you ready to work hard? Consider it a punishment for not telling me what is really going on here." I said with a smirk pulling the wagon behind me. But I suddenly stopped seeing a pack of dog's. They looked to be wild and feral growling and drooling at me and Lyra. Lyra stood right behind me. Instincts again took me over. What's going on..I feel...that I need to protect my friend. I need to protect....Protect. My instincts fully took over. Having no idea what's going on.. My brain went blank.

My mind went back to normal a little while later. I could smell blood? Looking around seeing a pack of dog's one dog lay sprawled on the ground. Lyra was hiding under one of the car's. She came out. But all I could do was stare at the other dogs. The one below me was sliced open. I noticed the blood draining from his wound's. I didn't wish to hurt him. But looking I could see his heart gently beating. No one could save him. But I didn't have tears drain from my eyes. Death is normal in a world like this. You have to do what you have to. To survive. Calmly I lifted the dog even though it caused him pain. Laying him on one of the bed's of the hotel. Petting his head gently. I softly sing the best I could.

" Shh little one rest don't allow this world to beat you. Rest those little eyes. Rest yourself my little friend. You no longer have to hurt. You no longer have to feel any pain. For heaven's light is taking you away. On a magic that shall never beat you little one." Stroking my foot along the head of the dog. As I sang. I watched him slowly bleed out on the bed. He was dead. Calmly using my claws to close his eyes. I felt bad for what I did but again. I was protecting Lyra. The dog's now gave me a wide berth. Looking to Lyra who was still under the car.

" Lyra are you okay?" I simply asked. Watching her She came out shaking nodding looking at the hotel it had holes in some of the walls. Some blood as well all over the walls as well the some of the car's got badly smashed gas leaking out of them. Looking to my wagon thankfully it was fine. But I had to control these instincts of mine that caused me to fall apart and then attack anything in sight. But there is no more to get here. Looking towards the highway I noticed Dash inn. Oddly maybe it might be best to see what I can find in there for Lyra. Because I doubt she would eat that food in IGA. Calmly walking dragging the wagon with my tail.

" Russell I....you..." She looked scared and shaking a bit." You need to control your nature. I know this is new to you..But you can't just attack everything in sight. It's not going to be good for you to do so in case you make new friends." I didn't look back to her I just kept my mind on the task at hand..or is it claw? I'm very unsure here since.. Everything is so new to me now. But when we got to Dash inn I saw a few car's. So I didn't need any more gas since I didn't have any more Gas cans. But there was that tractor shop we bypassed awhile ago. So it might be best to do so. " Russell please stop. we need to talk." Stopping a moment turning my head to look at Lyra. "You need to remember when it comes to your instincts you need to calm your mind and then allow yourself to keep from blacking out." She stated in a pretty harsh way to. She is right. I can feel it in the core of my soul. If I still had a soul of course. With this body, i am very unsure.

We made it to Dash in. Grabbing the door's and calmly pulling them off. I felt I was getting stronger. Maybe I am having growth spurts? I laughed softly to myself. I wonder how big I will get. When we got inside there was no food going bad yet. But it smelled extremely clean in here. i doubt there would have been any water. But I would lead us to a old fishing hole that my father and I have fished in. I went to the freezer and it was still cold oddly enough. Grabbing a box of lettuce setting in front of Lyra.

" There you are miss Lyra eat your fill. But don't eat to much we will be wandering around the rest of the town. I need to make sure that we check everywhere. To again make sure we don't leave anyone behind. It's not going to be that simple though."

I sad while removing meat from the boxes calmly eating some. It tasted awful but I placed two boxes of it on the wagon. Since I wanted to make sure I had enough food to get me where I needed to go. Looking down to Lyra who was loving her meal. But it looked like she had enough. But I took two boxes heading out to bosmen's trail not far from us. I wanted to see if anyone would be in there. It's a place I love to eat at their soups their meat. But I doubt I would find anything good in here. Looking at it.. we will leave this one alone. But I had paper with me. So writing what I could. I placed it on the door. ' To anyone that reads this. Don't worry you aren't alone. I know that is a lot to take in. But You have to understand what happen to us is a second chance. At least in my mind. But maybe it would be easier for me since I am a dragon. Well a guy that turned into a female dragon. But we will move on from that. Anyway I'm going to be heading to Michigan to find my family. If I don't I will start up a hub there or at least try so we can get our world or at least part of the state's moving again. signed.. Ru...I mean Malla the dragon.' Putting the pen I had back on the wagon. Leaving the place I love to eat for so long behind.

0000

It was getting pretty late. So for Lyra I broke into one of the room's at the motel eight. Allowing her to rest. There was oddly food still here. But it's how we are. She lay on the bed and I just was outside looking at the star's. Amazing how you can see the star's without light's ruining anything. I could see the moon the star's. It's just amazing. Maybe this should have happen sooner. I thought to myself chuckling at least we no longer have to worry about that silly election next year. It's not something i was looking forward to. Looking back into the room. I heard Lyra snoring. It was pretty soft. I overworked her today maybe that was a good or a bad thing. But how it works Is how it works. When time's like this work it's what we need to do. I grabbed some paper and thought I would write one of my poems. I had a book beside me and placed the paper on it.

I started to write. 'Maybe what happen to us is God telling us.. That we failed. Maybe its something else. We will never know. Maybe down the line we will. I doubt we will like what is told to us if we do. It's how most of the things happen that happen. I wish I could tell those that i love what happen. I wish I could see them again. What would the world be like if no one returned. Only a select few. Would that be something that fate had planned for us at the start. I'm not sure I feel that maybe someday we'll know. Here I am breaking into building's leaving some damage behind that would make Megatron blush. Ah I miss those words. Die auto bots. Die. Maybe someday I will get to use the greetings. But someday I will need to move on and see life for how it is. So with these words. I leave my old life behind. To those who read this. Have a good life. I will be on my way to Michigan if anyone else reads this.'

Slowly leaning back using tape to make sure someone could see this placing it on a window at the hotel maybe. I will leave these all over town and a note to my family. It's the least I can do before everything comes down in a hell. It's how most things in my mind work. Its how I am coping with this. Slowly standing on my feet or again claws. Looking towards the broken doors I ruined in the moonlight. While Lyra was sleeping I wrote another poem. Lifting the MCD's door I wrote another.

' Greetings to another. i feel this is the best way for me to cope with what is going on. But here. It's June 5th. may 23rd I woke up as this. maybe again it's my fate to be like this. I hope it's not just my fate. Maybe others will come to pass that this is needed. Now I can't just be to welcoming of this because it's going to be hard to do that. Some might have issues with this. Some have a little issue of how they see themselves. Some want beauty so if they don't have the beauty they want. They feel that their falling and fallen within. Take this from me. I am no expert. But maybe someone will be. I'm just a simple minded dragon. But i was also a simple minded human. I didn't let the problems of the world bother what I thought. Maybe I should change that. Eh I am not sure.' Again taping the words to a window so anyone could see.The rest of the night I did this to the places I broke into.

0000

June 6th

Lyra asked me to keep a journal. Huh i am finding this strange even to me. I never thought of doing this. But well June 6th... Ugh I hate doing this. Why must I write what happen it's... Okay here today mostly what happen was we went through the town. It was full of well dog's Deer pronghorn.

I dropped the journal Lyra catching it in her magic. It was early afternoon. But right in front of us was a church I attended my brother was a children's pastor there. Calmly I walked to the door's. i didn't want to destroy a church door's. But I had to see if anyone was in here. But all I could do was kneel closing my eyes and prayed softly. I felt my heart melt. But i didn't wish to start crying. Crying will be when I get there. Slowly standing back on my feet. I had no idea how I did the kneeling on four legs. It hurt though.

" Russel you need." Turned to looking at Lyra. She shut her mouth. I didn't have anger in my eyes it got to the point well.. I couldn't stand her asking me to release my feeling's. She left it alone. But kept my new journal beside me. There was one last place for me to check. Dj's I will be leaving tomorrow no matter what.

" One more place Lyra and then I will be on my way." Looking down to her. She looked a bit sad. But I smiled putting my tail under her chin. " We will meet again like you said. Then maybe you can tell me what really is going on. But maybe it's best to wait. Who knows what could happen if I learned to soon." We spent the rest of the night walking to DJ's but it's odd it was already broken into. My hopes were up maybe someone else is here. But when I went inside. It was pure dark.

0000

DJ's

Lyra turned on her horn. So she could give us light. But i could see without but this also helped me in the long run. Looking around calmly seeing a lot of the food is gone. Droppings all over the place. This wasn't anyone it was a pack of animals. We got closer to the meat section of the store and we heard eating and fighting. The horn glowing she turned slightly to look. We saw an all out battle between bear's, wolves, and mountain cat's. Without human's around their getting brave. But why would bear's be down here? Did something happen up in the mountains? We needed to leave. The wolves were getting their asses kicked. Slowly we backed up but my tail knocked over the shelf we were behind. It startled the fighter's. As they stared at me and Lyra.

" Lyra when I say run.." The cat's ignored the bear's now. The wolves ran. The cats slowly started to come towards the two of us. I felt my instincts wanting to take over.. I said no..You can't not when Lyra is here..Relax relax. I took a few deep breaths. It hurt fighting them. I felt so much pain filling my body trying to fight it. But thanks to me fighting them. I didn't see the one coming up behind Lyra. But I wasn't to late. " RUN!!" Smacking the cat with my tail to get it away from Lyra as she ran outside the Dj's. I just stood there getting on my hind legs. Spreading my crest hissing dripping a strange fluid from my mouth. I didn't know what it was doing but I wish it would stop. I didn't want to kill anything else. But protecting Lyra is what I had to do. She is my only friend right now. Closing my mouth I didn't wish to back away. Letting out a loud angry roar. it echoed But again no one would hear it but Lyra.

Slowly I backed up with one of the cat clawing my side but lucky for me I had very thick scales. Backing up even slowly. i didn't want to hurt anyone else. Again my instincts were getting the better of me. I could smell blood raw meat. All those that made me want to lose my mind. The drool came out of my mouth again with a hiss. When it landed on the floor it burned it away. But again trying to fight it was very hard. One of the cat's aimed for my chest I felt claws breaking through the scales cutting into me. Blood flowed freely. But I didn't care Again I roared standing fully up on my back legs. The bear's left me alone. I didn't even see the wolves.

This time I didn't black out grabbing one of the shelves I smashed it down on one of the cat's and gave them no ability to get to me without jumping through the other isles. Quickly I backed up trying to get out. But they would follow me no matter what. So I needed to do something. One last time. Right when I got near the door to the outside. I roared deeper than ever before. It made an echo through Buffalo but no one would ever hear it. But it didn't work this time. One of the cat's charged at me from the side and the other from the front. With my tail i smacked into the one at the side Making it slide back into a wall racks of books falling on it. With the other a swipe of my claw's made it back up. Lifting my claw in anger breathing deeply growling feeling my heart beating my vision turning red and back to normal. But golden magic held my claw.

" Russell stop it!!. " I growled deeply in anger with so much hate in my eyes but she had her strange music device in her magic. She calmly played a haunting tune that calmed me. It calmed my anger. The music calmed the beast around us. But it mostly meant for me. She slowly backed out of the store. She told me later that I was under the control of her music again. But she did it to save me from killing a creature that was very hungry.

Maybe I have been too hard on her.

0000

June 7th

It was four in the morning. The star's still shining in the sky. Lyra lay by my side. Since she wanted to make sure i was alright after that fight. " I'm heading out when the sun comes up Lyra. I left a note on the counter. Telling my mother were i have gone." Looking down to Lyra who nodded. She fell asleep and I waited for the time to go by.

It was seven in the morning the sun was high in the sky. I finally placed Luna and Toby in the car. I got into the driver's seat. I made a change that I could drive with how I am now. Bending the seat a bit and using my tail to get on the gas and the break's. Turning the car on and looking to Lyra.

" Thank you for your help Lyra. I'm sorry for everything I caused you." She smiled I saw her through the mirror. She just waved. Softly speaking.

" I will see you again when you get to Michigan. Take care." I nodded and rolled the window up slowly leaving the road heading down to Buffalo. I didn't even look back. My journey has started. Heading down the road to head to Sheridan. I needed to check home depot. Driving alone, it was empty. No one else on the road. I knew there would be no music on the radio. Sighing a bit it was my first time driving a car like this. But I feel I need to concentrate to get home. But this way i was sitting was very odd and felt like I was going to have a bad back when I finally get there.

After thirty minutes of a good drive, I made it to Sheridan. All I came here for was the home Depot. I wanted to find some more gas cans. I went to the Walmart, turning the car off and getting out while making sure to set some water down for the dogs so they can drink. When I went inside I noticed that a lot of the Walmart has been looted well the food anyway. I was mostly searching for that. But looking around I found a few more gas cans. Placing two on my tail i feel that is enough. I might find more along the way. I never cared to go to the K-mart but home depot is where I wished to go. While walking past the jewellery display and case, I suddenly stopped turned around looked at all the rings

I was...drooling? Some strange hunger took over me. Did I want to eat these? Something has been making me very greedy lately. But eating jewels that's odd even for me. Going over to the case smashing it open lifting up some ring's eating the gem's dropping the metal oh they tasted so good. I ate...and ate.. and ate. Till half the case was empty. What was left was boxes full of more. So Picking up three of the boxes. Went to the car outside opened the passenger side door placing the three boxes on the floor of the car. Looking to Toby and Luna. They lay there relaxing looking at me. Giving them both a gentle smile. Getting Toby to Michigan and going to my grandparents home will be great for him. Same for Luna. A wonderful road that Jones's road is. Looking up to see Perkins and a sign for Burger king. Hmm Maybe I should let the dog's go to the bathroom.

Getting in the driver's seat again going to Burger king and turning the car off and letting the two dog's out so they could sniff around and go to the bathroom. Looking around sniffing the air. The air clean peaceful the mountain's so peaceful. It never rained her that much. if it did I would have stayed here and tried fixing up this land. But I highly doubt with how weak the soil is. That it would have worked. But as I watched the Dog's it got very calm and I heard the birds and the creature's around. It just felt amazing. But I had to get them back in.

" Luna. Toby. Come on." They looked at me, running back to me and getting into the car. I was about to close the door. But I turned to look at Burger King. Closing the door on Luna’s tail. She whined in pain. I quickly opened it back up, petting her. Than I made sure to watch as I closed the door. Closed my eyes feeling that It was going to be hard to do this. I felt such pain in my heart. Seeing that so many people have gone missing. I needed to read something but.. I can't I need to keep moving. Time to head to Home depot and get what i can from there. I was going to gather more rope and see if I could find anymore gas can's. I need to make sure I get there. Looking towards Burger king again. Maybe eating the meat would be a good thing. Walking to the locked door grabbing it in my large claw feet hand's Whatever they are now. Pulling it off and tossing it away letting the glass smash. I no longer care now. i doubt there is anyone left I could pay money to. It's going to be harder to do this.

Walking into the burger king. Looking around sighing. I remember the old times I went to a burger king. I looked at all the table's. Swearing to myself I could hear the voice's of the humans sitting here having their stories speaking learning. It's how life is we live we die. But we find ways to bring hope to us. Remembering a character I played in a game and role played. Jabari Blood bane. ' Remember follow the path of all you seek. Follow the halls listen to the whispers of the past.’ Sometimes a chair is what is left of the story of the book that is given to the idea and the song's sang. Maybe someday I will hear those songs again. Closing my eyes, My heart beat in my chest. Opening them walking to the kitchen opening the freezer going inside to open the boxes of meat eating what i can. Feeling hunger in my body slowly leave me. But I didn't get hungry all the time. I felt like maybe I was going to grow more if I kept eating.

Maybe eating to much was a bad idea. But after almost an hour I ate all the meat, eggs and whatever else they had here. Even those gross hot dog's. It was time for me to get back to my journey. Heading outside getting into the driver's seat again. Tossing some of the meat to the dogs so they could eat. Now time to go to the home depot. The drive was short since it wasn't that far away. lowering the window about half way so the dog's could get air. Turning the car off and then walking inside. But of course the doors were locked this was getting on my nerves really. Grabbing the door's again smashing them down. Being a large dragon what's to stop me from taking over the world!!! Blinking to myself shaking my head. Damn that was stupid even in my own head.

Going through each part of the store. I remember this is for homes. I didn't think i would find anything here that could be useful. But then I remember, maybe i could find a ham radio. But not at home depot. Need to hunt for one but now it's time to go to Gillette and that will take awhile. I have to go through Buffalo again. I began to head back out to the truck. Maybe I should fill up a bit. But I will do that in Gillette. Going inside and seeing that I have like most of the gas still left. So I am fine for now. Turning the car on, it was ten in the morning. So now time to get back on my journey.

0000

On the way back to Buffalo to get through to get to well yeah. I found that the creature's were ten time's braver than normal. I kept seeing bears and many other creature's walking along the road's. I have a feeling what ever happen here the creature's of the world are starting to learn in a way that they can take and eat whatever they can to live. But of course, even if this happen the other way like back in the left behind book series it would be normal to know this. But the travel went like clockwork again. Looking around seeing that many dog's have found their way out of their houses again. It's not going to be easy to go through here again if i have to. But It's how some things would be if I didn't. But yes again. How would I know I never would know it's just that.

But I went slow so I wouldn't hit any creature. But I watched as most of the creature's went into the open stores...well thanks to me. The only place I noticed that the only store that wasn't raided was the tractor supply shop. So i did what I felt I should. I parked there and got out. heading inside, after breaking the doors down, and looking around for more gas cans. I found an more but I didn't want to get to many of them. I wanted one large one just in case I found some folks along the way and they needed some. But when I got there. It wouldn't be the best way. But I did need to do this. So Before I leave here I am going to fill this one up fill the car and then fill it again.

So i went to the hotel again getting one of the biggest gas cans. I got and went through each car to fill it up. It was use for those giant farm tractors. So it was going to take a lot of room till I found someone that deserved it. I filled it up then there were five car's left I could fill it up with again. But I went to the truck open the gas container and slow filled it up. There was half left when I did this and then went to go fill up again stealing so much fuel from other folks. Maybe back in the day I would feel guilty doing this. But how can i when the time's have happen. It's like oh geez it's hopeful. But I grabbed a rope and tied the big one to the tarp of the trailer. I wanted to make sure it stayed and i didn't want to put it into the car and douse the dogs with gas. Getting back into the car but I looked to the dog's that looked hungry. I ate all the food and I looked to the subway and the taco johns. Getting out of the car slowly going into the subway breaking the small weak door. It was hard for me to get into this door. Since it's a very small door. But I went to the freezer grabbing all the meat.

Taking the cases of the meat and i tossed it all over the ground for the packs of dog's even for the other creature's. it was rotting I didn't want it to go to waste. But I kept one of them for myself turkey. A good amount of turkey. It made it so I wouldn't have to be hungry anymore. But maybe I'm over eating. Looking back at the town sighing. Getting back into the car setting the container of meat in the middle of the seat's. Turning on the car and slowly driving away looking back at Buffalo one last time.

00000

Driving to Gillette necessary, so I can get to south Dakota. But I was going to stop a bit and look at the map to see the best way to go to get to Kalamazoo. But I quickly had to stop watching cow's walk the road. Looking down seeing that some of the fence's have been left open. But a large herd of cow's slowly walk from one side to another. This is strange to see but of course without the farmers around it's sadly going to be very normal. With how this state is, there is more ranches then towns half the time. It took the better part of thirty minutes to wait for them. I turned off the car so I didn't waste the gas waiting for this. When the herd finally got to the other side. I turned the key and drove. But I had to be careful there are more farms on the way.

Since the wild life is getting braver than normal. It's going to be harder to get there without smashing into something. I at least want to be careful and not rush there. Who knows? I might meet folks that need help. If i do, hopefully i can. The path through the road is covered in shit now. It's not going to be pleasant to clean the car if I can. That's going to be harder. But It's going to take an hour to get to Gillette. So I am going to try to hear if anyone is on the radio stations. It's gotten to the point I am not sure what is going to happen.

Using one of my claw's. I tried to find what I could find for music. But all there was is static. The world is empty then without music. It's never going to be the same again till the music returns. But who knows. I looked around for a CD with my claw while I kept a look at the road. Maybe I could take one from Sam's club. Hmm well I am going to be board to death if I have to just do it this without music.

Slowly i started singing to myself. " I follow the path of those that come before. I never wish to know the ending of my future the ending of my song. It's what shall always be the time that I shall be there. I'm on my way to Michigan to see my family. I'm on my way to my home. My land of my family. I wish they will be there. So i will never be alone in this land I live in. I need to be near someone so I don't feel the loneliness in my heart."

Tear's slowly started draining from my eye's. I am very alone. I noticed that. I wish Lyra had come with me. But I am sure she has a true reason why she didn't I hope to see her again one day. That is all i wish. Wiping the tears from my eyes I calmly closed my eyes sighing deeply.

It's going to be a long trek I'm unsure what to think what to do. Closing my eyes a bit but then opening remember to keep an eye on the road. I was thirty minutes to were I need to be. I am going to need a bit of a rest after this. Maybe find more gas cans. Maybe more jewels...Hmm mm jewels...I mean what? Hmm I think my tail needs a rest from all the pushing down the gas. Maybe it's not going to be that hard to see that coming. But who knows really. I'm sure I will see it. But how do I know? Hmm I wonder what I should name the hub. Maybe I will be alone the rest of my life? I don't really want that either. It's going to be hard to understand what I want now. After seeing all this.

I came to stop looking over at all the cow's and horses now going across the street. Blinking at this. What the hell is going on? Are they unsure what to do now? Turning the car off so I don't use of the gas. Watching the endless herds of horses and Cows across the road. It's like their going from place to place. I am not sure what is going on right now. But it's impressive nonetheless. Wishing I brought a camera, I even forgot my phone. Sighing again, I ain't going back for it. I need to get to Michigan. Hitting the horn in the hopes getting them to move faster. Maybe I will learn what is going on. But right now I don't care what is going on. I need to understand that this is pure crap. All the endless streaming of creature's and maybe I will learn more what is going on. I'm going to not understand this at all.

But while I was watching I noticed no plans either. Did the people in the sky to vanish? How is it going to be when they return? Closing my eyes a moment opening them to see the herds are gone. Turning the key starting the truck back up.

0000

Stopping on the outskirts of the town, Letting Luna and Toby out so they could go to the bathroom and sniff around. Opening the trunk pulling out their two food dishes with some water giving them both water and food. Doing all this was getting hard though. Being on all fours and just being able to use my front claws to hold things. It hurts but I have to do what I must. Going to the driver's side turning the car on to see how much gas I have. It seems I have a half a tank. I doubt it's wise to fill it now. Placing the half empty dishes back into the car letting the dogs back in. But I closed all the door's and felt like I should work my new leg's a bit. But before I do turning the car back off closing all doors. The sun high in the sky. It felt warm as well as very inviting. Just wanted to lay on the road. So warm...So...No...NO.. I can't allow these new instincts to beat me. But...so...warm...Quickly I slapped myself twice when my body tried to get me to sleep on the warm tarmac.

Quickly getting back into the car quickly before my instincts took over again. Closing the door relaxing inside. Turning my head it's very easy now with the neck i have. The two dog's slept soundly. Everything still looked amazing I didn't even have the back of the seat anymore I just had the seat itself. It was eleven in the afternoon when I got into Gillette fully. Parking at the gas station looking around after I got out of the car and turning it off. Looking at the dog's they seemed very well fed. Maybe I should wait a bit. Letting Luna and Toby out from the car. Letting them wander a bit these dogs look fine. But Toby did stay near me while Luna went to go to the other dogs. But they didn't attack her. She just did her business. I'm happy I got the idea to bring her ball. Opening the glove compartment pulling out the ball and closing it. Tossing it for Luna so she could run around a bit.

Toby lay beside me while I lay down fully as well on. Using my claw to toss the ball. This place felt so peaceful the time just went by slowly. Tossing the ball for the good of thirty minutes. After playing with them. Put the two dog's back into the car. But I felt it might be best to look around. But right when it hit Noon. I heard a voice. Getting in the car starting it and pulling the window down. I heard it getting closer to it. The voice got louder when I got to city hall. I could hear it loud and clear. “Attention any survivors! Please gather at the Gillette Courthouse at 3 pm! We need to work together and figure out a plan of action. I repeat: all survivors please gather at the Gillette Courthouse at 3 pm! This message will repeat every six hours.” Turning off the car getting out hearing the voice again. I started sobbing.

I'm not alone...I doubt they will want to come with me to Michigan but I'm not alone. The pain that filled me these last few week's finally came boiling out. I felt I was the last creature on earth that used to be a human. Maybe I was too quick to give up when my own family didn't return when i was hoping they did. I wanted to meet this one. But they didn't seem to be here right now. Well the dog's and I could use a break. Opened the door for the two dog's. They stayed near me as I lay in the sun after I closed the door. But I noticed a shine that I didn't see before standing up a bit. Looking over to it. I saw some odd crystal's. Looking closer when I got closer. They looked like dog's that looked compressed in crystals. Seeing some of the crystals on buildings with dog in them looking to see more of them as well. Then looking to the hole. But I had an odd hunger. Grabbing one of the crystals. Looking in it. It looked like jerky. Took a bight with a big smile on my face I comprehended that it tasted amazing. So i went to town eating the crystals and then after I lay there with a large stomach near my dog's and fell asleep in the hot sun.

00000

June 8th

Opening my eyes are saw Aquamarine hooves. Lifting my head up in a rush staring right into the eyes of Lyra. She smiled softly with a giggle." Hi." At first I didn't know what to say...

" What the hell are you Batman?!" Lyra blinked looking at me with a confused look.

" Who?" Growing angry I stood up on my feet feeling a great anger fill me. But her calm gentle eye's calmed me down. Sighing sitting on my ass looking down at her with an upset look. I thought I got rid of her. Well i do think of her as my friend. But I'm not sure. Looking to her again wanting so much to scream at her.

" You said you wanted to stay behind." Lyra smiled up at me. I felt she was going to tell me why she didn't stay behind. But who knows.

" I saw...a bear walking down the road. So um back before you left I hide in the trailer under the tarp. Don't worry i didn't ruin anything. There was a pony sized spot were the Battery charger was." My eyes pop open wide. The charger.. She...removed the charger.. Anger filled me I never knew why anger would fill me so much. Feeling my heart beat slowly. Trying to keep myself from losing it with her. Looking up to the cooler that has the MRE's she could eat. Reaching for it off the roof and setting it down giving her it.

" I'm unhappy with you Lyra. But I still have the other batteries at least and the gas Cans." Lifting up the tarp after removing some of the ropes everything was still there all the gas the batteries. Taking the tarp placing it back on tying it down. " But you may stay with me till the end of the journey." She cheered then I turned to her." But you do what I say..You work hard. You don't get away with this. If i say jump..You jump. if I say shut up you shut up got it?" Lyra sighed nodding. " Good."

I lay back down and Lyra opened the car to feed the dog's and gave them water. " Malla did I hear right..There is another one alive?"

" Yes Lyra.. There is.. We will stay here for two weeks. You will be getting an MRE every other day. There is enough water but only one to two sips.. The water is for the dog's. If i can we will find more water and food. So eat that one and that's all your having today. Oh and there is grass around here eat that."

I could tell that Lyra had something on her mind even when i didn't look at her. She hasn't spoke in the last minute." Malla we need to check..mmf.." I covered her mouth with my tail. Craning my head looking at her.

" Are you trying to tell me what I should do Lyra?" Lyra shook her head. She seemed to want to help. Feeling that I might be to hard on her. Removing my tail from her mouth allowing her to speak. " Now go on Lyra."

" Um." She shifted her hooves along the ground. " Ponies need more water then that...Malla." She lifted her head looking at me with those gentle motherly eye's. Giving me that smile. Feeling my heart melt. Just.. I can't argue with her when she does this.

" Fine...Lyra... You may have more water just don't over do it." Lifting myself up onto my feet going to more of those crystals. Taking a large chunk of it back. Looking at it Lyra trotted to look at what it was blinking. Then she gave a disgusted look.

" You aren't going to eat that are you?" Lyra softly asked. A dark smile formed on my face looking at her and chuckled.

" Oh come on Lyra don't you want to try some crystal dog?" Take a bite licking it trying to make Lyra sick. She gave me a very strange look. Sitting on her haunches and looked at me with a stern look.

"Don't play with your food young dragon.." Blinking whoa... she can be a bitch when she wants to be. Sighing I began eating the crystal. Lyra then smirked putting the dog dishes back in the car. " Now we will wait. I will sleep in the." She looked at the truck " Car right?" Before i went to get some rest. I grabbed Lyra's saddle bags from her before she could stop me and I placed them inside a case and I locked it.

"Malla!! I need those!!" Lyra grew angry she tried to use her magic to get them back but I stared at her.

"I will give them back to you when I trust you.. I don't trust you right now." Lyra sighed laying down away from me as I lay on the tarmac and slowly fell asleep.