#alfred update

[theamericanhero-blog]

Operation Find Mattie:

Sliding his phone into his pocket, Alfred removed the small map of Copenhagen from his bag. Getting a general idea of the route he had to take, he shoved the map into his pocked. As much as he didn't want to go outside, he decided finding and protecting his brother was far more important. Bag slung over his shoulder, he climbed out of the window and into the small garden outside. Remembering, or vaguely remembering where he was and which route he had to take, Alfred slunk (well, I say slunk. But that implies something of cat-like finesse, which he of course lacked with his large figure). Taking the back roads, and going through gardens, Alfred was relieved to find he did not come across too many Infected. Any he did come across were taken out easily with a single head-shot.

Double-checking the map, Alfred was relieved to find he was heading in the correct direction. Getting close now, the blond thought, sighing with relief. Just hope Gilbert wasn't infected, and if he was, didn't infect Mattie. That's the last thing he needed, to shoot his own brother.

[theamericanhero-blog]

Alfred update:

How long had it been now? A week, two? A whole month? Body aching, eyes trying not to close, Alfred continued his battle with sleep. For the last while, he had been relying on caffeine to keep himself going, although that also came with the energy crash once the effects wore off. Stretching his arms, he got up and continued forward. He was the hero after all, and heroes never gave up. But sleep continued to tempt, to tease. Maybe a five minute power nap would be a good idea. It would sustain him for at least a little while. Climbing through the open window of his current residence, a small apartment that had been abandoned by a young couple in favour of the refugee camp, Alfred found himself feeling less safe than ever. The apartment had been barricaded, leaving only that window as an entrance and exit, and being by himself left him completely without support. Shutting the window behind him, Alfred peered out for a moment, watching for any signs of the Infected. Dropping his bag of supplies to the ground, Alfred slumped against the wall, pulling his phone out of his pocket. He could always text his brother, to find out if he was okay. But there was still the niggling fear that maybe he had been turned. Maybe he was one of those monsters outside.

Dropping to the floor, he tilted his head back, finally allowing his eyes to close. It would not be a restful sleep, but it was better than functioning on cold coffee and chocolate bars.

A little later, Alfred awoke. Looking around the apartment, he tried to remember exactly where he was. The small nap had taken him away from this world, but waking up had brought him crashing back to this nightmare world. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, Alfred checked the time. It had become something of a habit, time being something that remained consistent.

[theamericanhero-blog]

@chainedalice

Everything packed into his bag; Alfred sighed and glanced around the apartment one more time. It was probably time to move, because at any time the Infected could make their way here. Alfred lifted the window and climbed out onto the balcony. Glancing over the side, he swore as he watched a couple of Infected feast on an unfortunate soul. It was clearly too late for the person, so he leapt across to the neighbouring balcony, gripping the ledge tightly before, with a grunt, pulling himself up. He was thankful that he had, in recent times, taken up exercise. Using the fire escape, he got down to the ground, looking around in case the noise had drawn some unwanted attention.

Staying away from the main roads, Alfred continued on his way, completely without any sort of map. Trying to remember his way around Copenhagen, and avoiding Infected, Alfred ultimately found himself at the park. This was both a good thing and a bad thing. On one hand, there was plenty of cover. But it was also out in the open. For the time being, Alfred decided getting off the ground was probably best, and he started climbing one of the trees.

[theamericanhero-blog]

Alfred update:

There was no way he could sleep the entire night, thoughts of the Infected outside the door filling his mind every time he closed his eyes. And there was the constant worry that his brother had not survived the first waves. Rubbing his lower back, now aching from sleeping at such an odd angle, Alfred begrudgingly got to his feet. Aches and pains weren’t altogether unfamiliar. Dropping the blanket to the floor, Alfred headed into the kitchen in the pursuit of food. Or at least some decent coffee. Searching through various cupboards, he found some. Unsurprisingly, he had never heard of this particular brand before. “Better than nothing”, he said, responded only by the dead silence of the apartment. Leaving the kettle to boil, Alfred went to peer out the window and down at the street. It was deserted, the empty streets of Copenhagen an eerie sight to see.

Running a hand through his hair, he turned his attention back to making coffee. Well, this is probably what home looks like now, he thought, remembering what Mathias had said the other day. It had hit America. And pretty soon it would take the entire world. Maybe, just maybe there were enough survivors to find a cure. Well, that positive thought boosted his spirits for a moment until he remembered that most of the population would be hit. And then on top of that the countless dead. Grasping the steaming mug in his hands, Alfred returned to his post near the window, observing nothing.

The warmth from the drink spread through his entire body as he took the first sip, causing him to shudder slightly when he realised exactly how cold it was. Well, at least there was some electricity. But he wasn’t sure exactly how the Infected functioned. Were they magnetised to heat? If so, turning on the heating wasn’t worth it. Standing silently as he drank his coffee, Alfred found his gaze turning towards the walkie-talkie, now on the floor. Perhaps…. No. They were probably busy trying to survive.

Setting the mug down in the sink, Alfred began to search the house for any supplies he could find. A torch and a couple of batteries would surely be helpful. And some more food supplies. Everything was stuffed into a larger bag than the one he had. It looked like whoever it was that lived here had been some sort of traveller. Strapping a sleeping bag on, Alfred gave a relieved sigh. Well, all he needed was a tent, and he would be all packed for a camping trip.

Setting the bag down by the window, he headed towards the bathroom, stripping his clothes and dropping them on the floor as he did. A shower was calling to him. He didn’t particularly care if it was cold, because anything was better than nothing. Stepping into the shower, Alfred bit back a surprised gasp at how cold it was. Well, that was hardly surprising. Quickly as he could, Alfred cleaned himself, trying to decide what was tactically best for him to do next. Moving sounded like a good option, not wanting to be stuck in this little apartment for the rest of his life.

Turning off the water, Alfred stepped out of the shower and snagged a towel, wrapping it securely around his waist. Picking up his glasses, he returned them to their rightful place, sighing with relief when the world came back into focus. Catching sight of himself in the mirror, Alfred stopped and turned for a better view. His eyes had dark circles from a lack of sleep, and he had obtained a few scratches and bruises from quick escapes. All in all, he was in better shape than some. 

[theamericanhero-blog]

Alfred update:

Alfred sighed, looking out the window one last time before pulling the blinds down. He had barricaded himself in one of the apartments now deserted. One window, leading out onto a small ledge, was his emergency escape route. But the silence was giving him some comfort that he would be alright. 

Settling near the window, covered by a blanket, Alfred sighed and thought of all the people out there. Those who were turned, and those who had survived. Had Matthew been one of them? Or Arthur? Or Francis? Who knew. With a small sigh, he picked up the small walkie talkie, and just spoke into it. He knew it was probably to no-one, but it gave him some comfort to think someone, somewhere was listening. "Goodnight guys. I hope we all get to meet up. And that everyone is alright". 

With that, he pulled the blanket more securely around himself and began the most difficult task of falling asleep.

[theamericanhero-blog]

Alfred update:

There was nothing worse than trudging the streets of Copenhagen worrying that every single person was going to kill you. His backpack beginning to weigh heavily on his shoulder, the American realised he needed to find somewhere safe to stay, and soon. It had been a while since he had slept, at least a couple of days, and that was beginning to affect his mood. Stepping into a small alleyway, he took a moment to just drop his bag to the ground, sitting down with his back against the wall. It was safe here, at least for the moment, so Alfred took this time to actually eat something.

[theamericanhero-blog]

Alfred update:

Grabbing as much as he could from the aisles of the now deserted supermarket, stuffing it all into his bag, Alfred sighed. This was how it was going to be from now on. Stealing to live. Once the bag was full to the point the seams were practically bursting, he zipped it closed and made his way to the exit, wearily looking about before he headed outside.